http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: New TV) en-us Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:50:00 -0700 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/gaza-marathon-canceled-over-hamas-ban-on-women-runners?start=0 The United Nations Relief & Works Agency in Palestine has scrapped plans for a marathon due to be run in the Gaza Strip after ruling faction Hamas declared women were not allowed to participate. Proceeds from the annual race would have been allocated to fund programs for children's recreation, and the event itself was intended to help shed light on the dire conditions in the Strip. However, Gaza's government declared that having women runners take part would violate the norms and culture of Palestinian society. This caused the UNRWA to cancel the marathon altogether, saying the United Nations is committed to upholding the values of equality. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:50:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/gaza-marathon-canceled-over-hamas-ban-on-women-runners UNRWA, Hamas, Dress code, Gaza, Marathon, Palestinians, Palestine, United Nations, Mosaic: World News from the Middle East, New TV The United Nations Relief & Works Agency in Palestine has scrapped plans for a marathon due to be run in the Gaza Strip after ruling faction Hamas declared women were not allowed to participate. Proceeds from the annual race would have been allocated to fund programs for children's recreation, and the event itself was intended to help shed light on the dire conditions in the Strip. However, Gaza's government declared that having women runners take part would violate the norms and culture of Palestinian society. This caused the UNRWA to cancel the marathon altogether, saying the United Nations is committed to upholding the values of equality. http://news.linktv.org/videos/un-blames-assad-regime-for-most-syria-massacres?start=0 UN investigators examining 20 alleged massacres in Syria say regime forces carried out six of the eight confirmed atrocities. Meanwhile, al-Nusra Front is ‪imposing harsh, Taliban-style regulations‬ in areas under its control, mostly in Deir Ez-Zour and its surroundings.&nbsp; New TV reports on these developments. <br /> Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:19:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/un-blames-assad-regime-for-most-syria-massacres Syrian Civil War, Al-Nusra Front, Military of Syria, Sharia, Free Syrian Army, Deir az-Zour, Syria, Saudi Arabia, International Criminal Court, UN Security Council UN investigators examining 20 alleged massacres in Syria say regime forces carried out six of the eight confirmed atrocities. Meanwhile, al-Nusra Front is ‪imposing harsh, Taliban-style regulations‬ in areas under its control, mostly in Deir Ez-Zour and its surroundings. New TV reports on these developments. http://news.linktv.org/videos/russia-criticizes-outcome-of-friends-of-syria-meeting?start=0 The International diplomatic group of countries known as 'Friends of Syria' met in Rome to discuss the situation in the country. However, Russia criticized the decisions that emerged from this meeting, and found that it is encouraging extremists to seize power by force. Defected Brigadier General Manaf Tlass hopes that a Russian-American agreement would bring an end to the crisis. New TV reports. Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:14:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/russia-criticizes-outcome-of-friends-of-syria-meeting Friends of Syria Group, Syrian Civil War, Free Syrian Army, Russia-Syria relations, Manaf Tlass, Syrian National Council, Syrian Arab News Agency, Al-Nusra Front, Syria, Politics of Syria The International diplomatic group of countries known as 'Friends of Syria' met in Rome to discuss the situation in the country. However, Russia criticized the decisions that emerged from this meeting, and found that it is encouraging extremists to seize power by force. Defected Brigadier General Manaf Tlass hopes that a Russian-American agreement would bring an end to the crisis. New TV reports. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mixed-messages-reveal-divisions-within-free-syrian-army?start=0 The Free Syrian Army has disowned an earlier statement in which it had apparently vowed to attack Hezbollah in Lebanon. The original threat of force was made over accusations that Iranian-backed Hezbollah is working alongside government forces in Syria - a claim that has yet to be independently confirmed. What seems more clear is that the Free Syrian Army's contradictory declarations reveal its continuing failure to act as a unified fighting force. New TV reports. Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:02:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mixed-messages-reveal-divisions-within-free-syrian-army Hezbollah, Free Syrian Army, Syrian Civil War, Syrian army, Syria, Lebanon, Syrian Revolution General Commission, Syrian Arab News Agency, Russia-Syria relations, Lebanon–Syria relations The Free Syrian Army has disowned an earlier statement in which it had apparently vowed to attack Hezbollah in Lebanon. The original threat of force was made over accusations that Iranian-backed Hezbollah is working alongside government forces in Syria - a claim that has yet to be independently confirmed. What seems more clear is that the Free Syrian Army's contradictory declarations reveal its continuing failure to act as a unified fighting force. New TV reports. http://news.linktv.org/videos/a-nation-divided-protests-marking-anniversary-of-egypts-revolution-turn-violent?start=0 Various Egyptian forces gathered in Tahrir Square and other Egyptian squares to express their dissatisfaction with the Islamist domination of political power.&nbsp; The people have the same demands and the same slogan since January 25th, 2011: Bread, Freedom, and Social Justice.&nbsp; New TV's Mona Ashmawi reports. Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:44:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/a-nation-divided-protests-marking-anniversary-of-egypts-revolution-turn-violent Tahrir Square, Egyptian Revolution, Al-Ahly, Hamdeen Sabahi, Ultras Ahlawy, Islamism, Wafd Party, Egypt, Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt, Salafi Various Egyptian forces gathered in Tahrir Square and other Egyptian squares to express their dissatisfaction with the Islamist domination of political power.  The people have the same demands and the same slogan since January 25th, 2011: Bread, Freedom, and Social Justice.  New TV's Mona Ashmawi reports. http://news.linktv.org/videos/opposition-boycotts-election-in-jordan?start=0 Jordanian parliamentary elections witness a low turn out after opposition forces held protests calling for a boycott. New TV reports on the political situation in the country, amid accusations of electoral fraud. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:43:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/opposition-boycotts-election-in-jordan Electoral fraud, Parliament of Jordan, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests, Politics of Jordan, Muslim Brotherhood, Jordan, King Abdullah, Election, New TV, Mosaic: World News from the Middle East Jordanian parliamentary elections witness a low turn out after opposition forces held protests calling for a boycott. New TV reports on the political situation in the country, amid accusations of electoral fraud. http://news.linktv.org/videos/hq-of-pro-regime-forces-in-hama-targeted-by-suicide-bombing?start=0 The headquarters of pro-regime forces in Hama was attacked, when a suicide bomber detonated a booby-trapped car. New TV reports on the bloody day in Syria, where a number of towns and cities also witnessed clashes. Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:15:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/hq-of-pro-regime-forces-in-hama-targeted-by-suicide-bombing Syrian Civil War, Syria, Daraa, Syrian army, Free Syrian Army, Damascus, Booby trap, Suicide attack, Hama, Politics of Syria The headquarters of pro-regime forces in Hama was attacked, when a suicide bomber detonated a booby-trapped car. New TV reports on the bloody day in Syria, where a number of towns and cities also witnessed clashes. http://news.linktv.org/videos/aleppo-university-bombing-leaves-more-than-80-dead?start=0 A bombing at Aleppo University has claimed the lives of more than 80 people. Both the regime and opposition fighters are holding each other accountable, as the cause of the bombing is not yet known. New TV reports on the developments. Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:50:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/aleppo-university-bombing-leaves-more-than-80-dead University of Aleppo, Syrian Civil War, Politics of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Aleppo, Faisal Mekdad, Syrian TV, Syrian Arab News Agency, Media of Syria, Syria A bombing at Aleppo University has claimed the lives of more than 80 people.  Both the regime and opposition fighters are holding each other accountable for the bombing, as the cause of the bombing is not yet known.  New TV reports on the developments. http://news.linktv.org/videos/cairo-government-supporters-clash-with-opposition?start=0 Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi's supporters stormed the opposition's sit-in in front of the Presidential palace today, resulting in violent clashes. As Lebanon's New TV reports, this comes shortly after Vice President Mahmoud Mekki assured that the referendum will be held on the scheduled date. Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:27:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/cairo-government-supporters-clash-with-opposition Egypt, Mohamed Morsi, Cairo, President of Egypt, Muslim Brotherhood, Egyptian Revolution, New TV, Lebanon, Mosaic: World News from the Middle East, Middle East Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi's supporters stormed the opposition's sit-in in front of the Presidential palace today, resulting in violent clashes. As Lebanon's New TV reports, this comes shortly after Vice President Mahmoud Mekki assured that the referendum will be held on the scheduled date. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112812?start=34 <p>Twin car bombings kill scores in Damascus as rebels down a warplane in Aleppo, the Obama administration seeks to codify its kill list with a drone rule book, many Afghan regions remain at the mercy of warlords, and more.</p> Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112812 United Nations, Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinians, Jaramana, Drone, Foreign relations of Saudi Arabia, Takhar Province, Human rights in Jordan, National Center for Human Rights (Jordan), Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt Presenter, Male #1 Dozens of people were killed and dozens of others were wounded in a series of terrorist attacks that rocked the area of Jaramana in the countryside of Damascus and Daraa's suburb of Busra al-Sham. Meanwhile, warplanes launched air strikes across various regions in Aleppo, Idlib, and Homs. Reporter, Female #1 Three booby-trapped car explosions rocked Syria. Two of the blasts were launched in the mostly Christian and Druze city of Jaramana, southeast of Damascus, killing or injuring dozens of people, and causing substantial property damage to nearby shops and residential buildings. According to the official SANA news agency, terrorists detonated this morning two booby-trapped cars with a large quantity of explosives in the city of Jaramana's main square. Guest, Male #2 When your time is up, it's over. But we remain steadfast, and Jaramana remains steadfast. Jaramana and all of Syria are in good spirits. Guest, Male #3 No matter what they do, our nation will keep living, and our people will prevail. Reporter, Female #1 The third explosion targeted the city of Busra al-Sham in the countryside of Daraa, inflicting casualties. In another development, the Syrian Observatory said that opposition fighters shot down a warplane, most likely a MiG or a Sukhoi, in the area of Daret Ezza in the countryside of Aleppo. The report was also confirmed by an Agence France-Presse journalist who was near the scene of the plane crash. The Observatory said that the plane was directly hit by a surface-to-air missile. The "Ahrar Daret Ezza" brigades, a group that's affiliated with the Free Syrian Army, claimed responsibility for shooting down the plane. Guest, Male #4 Today, we repelled a MiG warplane belonging to the regime and al-Assad forces. We were able to shoot it down with God's help. Reporter, Female #1 The Observatory said that warplanes carried out air strikes on the city of Daraya in the countryside of Damascus, and the fields adjacent to the Kafr Susa neighborhood in western Damascus. In addition, the air strikes targeted several areas in the provinces of Idlib and Homs. Meanwhile, the Anadolu news agency said that earlier this week a group of NATO experts arrived to Turkey to visit the sites where Patriot anti-missile batteries are expected to be deployed along the Syrian border, as requested by the Turkish government. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112712?start=35 <p>Egyptians take to the streets again to protect revolution from "new Mubarak," rights group condemns Syria's continued use of cluster bombs, new study reveals majority of disappeared persons in Kashmir are innocent, and more.</p> Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112712 Palestinians, Israel, International Criminal Court, Mohamed Morsi, Syrian Civil War, Kashmir, Al-Qaeda, Yasser Arafat, Palestinian territories, Tzipi Livni Presenter, Female #1 The Egyptian attorney general filed a complaint with the court in which he called for a criminal trial for the Egyptian president. Egyptians head to the square once again, under the slogan, "The revolution has people to protect it." They chanted calling for the downfall of the regime. Reporter, Female #2 Thousands flooded Tahrir Square. They were not intimidated, despite the police tear gassing them. Lawyers and journalists took off from the headquarters of their syndicates, under the slogan, "The revolution has people to protect it." There was participation from the opposition, which is represented in civil society, political parties, and non-Islamist political movements that shaped the National Rescue Front. Reporter, Female #2 Large white signs with red writing were hung around the square. They said: "Down, Down with the rule of the Guide," "The Muslim Brotherhood stole the revolution," "Down with the constitutional declaration," and "The president is forcing the people into civil disobedience." Egyptians again repeated chants against President Mohamed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, but the chant, "The people want the downfall of the regime," once again dominated the situation. Reporter, Female #2 Morsi had met with members of the Supreme Judiciary in an attempt to diffuse the crisis. After the meeting, Egyptian presidential spokesman Yasser Ali asserted that there were no amendments to the constitutional declaration that was issued by Morsi. The people then returned to the square to have a say, and to reject Morsi's decision, in which he protected himself from judicial supervision. He also protected the Constituent Assembly to draft the constitution and the Shura Council, which are both dominated by Islamists. Guest, Male #1 It is not his right to issue a constitutional declaration. He must know and understand that. All of the legal scholars in the country have said that it is not his right, it is not his right! Guest, Female #3 These were not Mohamed Morsi's decisions. These were the Guide's decisions. The Guide gives him orders, and he follows them. The Guide is ruling the country. Reporter, Female #2 Clashes took place earlier, between party factions and the police at Simon Bolivar Square, which is located near Tahrir Square and the American Embassy's headquarters. However, older activists sought to keep them away from that square, and to convince them to maintain the peacefulness of the protests. In addition, Morsi's opponents have organized demonstrations in several governorates that coincide with the demonstrations in Tahrir. This comes at a time when the Muslim Brotherhood suddenly decided to cancel a demonstration it had called for in front of Cairo University, asserting that this decision was made to prevent bloodshed. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112612?start=33 <p>Russia slams support for Syrian opposition as power of jihadist groups grows, standoff between Baghdad and Kurdistan Region intensifies, top polluter hosts "critical" climate change summit, and more.</p> Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112612 Likud, Knesset, Doha, Qatar, Protest, Ministry of Defense (Israel), Syrian Civil War, Iraqi Kurdistan, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Mohamed Morsi Presenter, Female #1 The Russian prime minister said France's support for the opposition Syrian National Coalition is completely unacceptable, while the Washington Post indicates that the gunfire of the civil war will slowly spread across Syria's borders to Israel, Turkey, and Iran. Reporter, Female #2 Before traveling to France and meeting with French President Francois Hollande, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev indicated that it is up to the Syrian people to decide the fate of President Bashar al-Assad and his regime, adding that it is preferable for the opposition forces to gain power through legal means, and not weapons delivered by other nations. Guest, Male #1 (Dmitry Medvedev, Russian Prime Minister) France's support for the opposition Syrian Coalition is completely unacceptable under international law. No country, no nation, no government should take action aimed at the violent change of a political regime in any other country. Reporter, Female #2 In a separate development, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan confirmed that his country will not hesitate to take necessary measures to protect its security. He stressed that the deployment of Patriot air defense missiles on the Turkish territories must not be misinterpreted. Reporter, Female #2 American newspaper The Washington Post indicated that the gunfire of the civil war will slowly spread across the Syrian borders to Israel, Turkey, Iran, and other neighboring countries as the power of al-Qaeda affiliated extremist jihadist groups is growing in the region. Reporter, Female #2 As for Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zouabi, he said the confrontation in Syria has reached its most complicated, difficult and violent stage. He accused the opposition Syrian National Coalition of establishing a strategic alliance with the al-Qaeda organization. Reporter, Female #2 On the ground, along the northern border, opposition fighters captured a strategic dam on the Euphrates River that connects the countryside of Aleppo to al-Raqqah in northern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Reporter, Female #2 That same source said the fighters of the rebelling brigades took control of the Tishreen Dam and nearby buildings in the countryside of Aleppo. The dam supplies several areas with electricity. Close to this region in the countryside of Idlib, heavy clashes continue. The Syrian army is trying to storm the city of Maarat al-Numaan from its southern entrance after carrying out failed attempts in the past few days. Meanwhile, heavy shelling is also ongoing in the countryside of Damascus in the area of al-Basateen, located between Kafr Susa and the city of Daraya. They are accompanied by violent and ongoing clashes in the region. Reporter, Female #2 In another development, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights revealed to the al-Hayyat newspaper that the health of the head of foreign affairs at the opposition National Coordination Body for Democratic Change, Dr. Abdul Aziz al-Kheir, has deteriorated. The opposition leader is being detained in the Air Force Intelligence base at the Mezzeh Airport in Damascus. This comes over two months after his disappearance that had led a number of families to complain in al-Qardaha, the birthplace of al-Assad. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112112?start=36 <p>Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire as the occupation maintains its siege on Gaza, Amnesty International slams Bahraini regime for shelving reform and unleashing repression, dozens of Egyptians injured as Mohamed Mahmoud Street clashes continue, and more.</p> Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112112 Gaza–Israel conflict, Israel, Palestinians, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Gaza, West Bank, Jerusalem, Avi Pazner, Human rights in Bahrain, Tahrir Square Presenter, Male #1 A bomb blast aboard a bus in Tel Aviv injured dozens of Israelis, as the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip continues. Reporter, Female #1 After her rockets succeeded in reaching Tel Aviv and other Israeli colonies, the Palestinian resistance entered the heart of Tel Aviv to flip the balance once again. In the first such operation since 2006, the Palestinian resistance carried out an operation near the Israeli ministry of war, targeting an Israeli bus on King David Street and injuring at least 15 people. Three are in a severe condition. According to the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad, al-Quds Brigades, it was not a martyrdom operation. Reporter, Female #1 On the basis of preliminary information, Israeli sources suggested that a woman might have placed an explosive device inside the bus before exiting. The public broadcasting station reported a passenger saying he saw a man throwing a bag or a package inside the bus before fleeing. Meanwhile, it was reported a suspect was detained near the stock market building in Tel Aviv with the enemy's police indicating it received a notice from the security agency early this week warning of a possible bombing. As a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the explosion as a terrorist attack, the Hamas movement blessed the operation. Guest, Male #2 (Sami Abu Zuhri, Hamas Spokesman) The Hamas movement blesses this martyrdom operation in Tel al-Rabi, and confirms that it is a natural response to the targeting and killing of the Dalu family and the other Palestinian children, women, and civilians. Guest, Male #3 God willing, there will be 10 more operations. Reporter, Female #1 The Gazan street, besieged by air and land, expressed its joy over this operation by offering sweets and firing celebratory shots in the air. However, the aerial bombardment of the Strip overshadowed this atmosphere of joy. At least 15 Palestinians were martyred, including children and women, in the ongoing Israeli strikes on the Strip. Reporter, Female #1 The enemy launched a strike on Burj Na'emeh in the center of the city, known as the media complex, which includes the Agence-France Presse office, killing one child and another person. According to a spokesman for the occupation army, Hamas has an important military intelligence operations room in the center that was targeted. Reporter, Female #1 Israeli warplanes also shelled the Abu Khadra government complex with at least five missiles, completely destroying it and cutting off power for many areas in the city. The Al Jazeera office, located near the complex, was significantly damaged due to the heavy shelling. This, as the enemy's army called on journalists in Gaza to stay away from terrorists and Hamas' infrastructures. The Palestinian response did not stop with the bus bombing in Tel Aviv as the resistance launched 92 rockets toward Israel. According to a spokeswoman for the occupation's army, 42 fell in Israel, and the Iron Dome repelled 20 rockets. Presenter, Male #1 Egypt's Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr announced in a joint press conference with his American counterpart a ceasefire in Gaza will start at 9 pm Cairo time. He indicated that Egypt exerted great efforts and made many contacts with all concerned parties in Palestine and Israel. Reporter, Female #2 Eight days after the Israeli aggression on Gaza began, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was announced from Cairo. It will start at 9 pm Cairo time. The announcement was made during a joint press conference by Egypt's Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr and his American counterpart Hillary Clinton. The Egyptian foreign minister announced that Egypt exerted great efforts, and made many contacts with all concerned parties in Palestine and Israel, and the US. Reporter, Female #2 The efforts led to an agreement to end the gunfire, to restore the calm, and stop the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza. During this marathon day of meetings, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Cairo to continue talks on stopping the Israeli aggression on Gaza. Following his meeting with Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, he said many more issues need to be resolved before a truce can be reached between Israel and armed groups in Gaza. The UN secretary-general also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, saying the time has come for diplomacy and to end the violence, during a press conference with President Abbas. Presenter, Female #2 For his part, the Palestinian president confirmed he is in contact with all factions in Gaza and the West Bank, and Cairo to contain the situation and reach a truce. Also from Cairo, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed with the Egyptian president the outcome of her talks with the disputing parties. Clinton also met with the Palestinian president amid popular anger outside the headquarters of the Palestinian presidency. Presenter, Female #2 Palestinian youth protested against Clinton's visit to Ramallah to condemn the United States for standing on the side of Israel. Protestors held photos of Palestinian children martyred in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, as other youth tried to advance towards President Abbas' office. However, a large number of Palestinian police officers prevented them from getting close to the headquarters. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112012?start=732 <p>Britain recognizes Syria's opposition council as armed groups commit atrocities in Aleppo, Israel escalates its aggression against Gaza as ceasefire looms, clashes in Mohamed Mahmoud Street highlight lack of justice in post-revolution Egypt, and more.</p> Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112012 Gaza–Israel conflict, Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Gaza City, Syrian Civil War, Iraqi people, Ceasefire, Israel Defense Forces, Ankara, Iraq Presenter, Female #1 Armed groups in Syria committed a massacre against a family in Aleppo, as the British foreign minister announced his country's recognition of the Syrian opposition coalition, offering it one million pounds in support. Reporter, Male #1 Nine people of the same family were killed in south Aleppo City by an opposition terrorist group, according the official Syrian news agency SANA. The agency said the terrorist group committed a massacre against the families of Abdel Rahman al-Jlaylati and his brother Abdel Majid by firing at their 10-member families in the neighborhood of Marjeh. Reporter, Male #1 The official Syrian TV channel reported that government forces continued to raid the hideouts of terrorists in many Syrian regions, capturing a number of them in Basateen Daraya in the countryside of Damascus, and in different parts of Latakia Province, Idlib, Deir az-Zour, and in a number of neighborhoods in Aleppo and its countryside. On the other hand, a number of opposition gunmen announced the formation of a general intelligence service for the Syrian revolution to protect it in its confrontation with the Baath Party's intelligence apparatus. Guest, Male #2 (Spokesman for the Syrian Revolution's Intelligence Service) To provide logistical aid, and information to the brigades of the Free Army, and an operations room. To reveal the plans of the enemy, and to go after the regime's figures, and its remnants. Reporter, Male #1 On the political front, British Foreign Secretary William Hague announced to parliament that Britain decided to recognize the new Syrian coalition as the sole representative of the Syrian people. Hague said this decision was taken after the coalition's leaders offered assurances during their last visit to London. He clarified that he asked the leaders to assign a representative to Britain. Guest, Male #3 (William Hague, British Foreign Secretary) On the basis of assurances I received and consultations with European partners, Her Majesty's government has decided to recognize the national coalition of Syrian revolutionary and opposition forces as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people. We will provide one million pounds of communications support, which could include satellite phones. At this stage, we will not provide the opposition with weapons. Reporter, Male #1 Hague justified his country's support for the coalition by saying extremist groups will have no place in Syria's current crisis. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111912?start=669 <p>Israeli strikes kill Palestinian children and civilians as resistance factions unite, armed Islamist groups in Aleppo reject Syrian National Coalition, Kuwait arrests four Twitter users over insulting comments, and more.</p> Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111912 Gaza–Israel conflict, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Gaza City, Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, Palestinians, Gaza, Al-Quds Brigades, Ramallah Presenter, Female #1 Three people were killed after an explosive device was detonated on a bus in a northwestern suburb of Damascus. Gunmen are refusing to recognize the National Coalition, while the latter's president announces its official headquarters will be in Cairo. Reporter, Female #1 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization confirmed that it will view any request by Turkey to deploy Patriot anti-missile batteries along its border with Syria as urgent. Meanwhile, the European Union's foreign ministers are looking into the possibility of removing the weapons ban on Syria, as suggested by Paris, to open the door to supporting the opposition Syrian National Coalition. Reporter, Female #1 As Aleppo is witnessing a real fuel crisis, Islamist groups in Aleppo, including Jabhat al-Nusra and al-Tawheed Brigade, announced their rejection to any foreign plan that comes from coalitions and committees and is imposed on Syria. This, according to a video posted online on Monday. Guest, Male #1 We, the fighting groups operating in the city of Aleppo and its suburbs, completely reject the conspiratory project that was named the National Coalition. We agreed on establishing a just Islamic state in Syria. Guest, Male #2 Make the Quran your constitution, and you will succeed! By God, it will happen. Reporter, Female #2 Mouaz al-Khatib, the head of the opposition Syrian National Coalition, said Egypt was chosen to host the coalition's main headquarters after meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Amr in Cairo. From Qatar, Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti confirmed his country recognized the opposition council in Damascus as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. However, he said the recognition does not directly imply the country will arm the opposition. The opposition National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change in Syria criticized Paris' recognition of the opposition National Coalition as the legitimate and sole representative of Syrians. Guest, Male #3 What is being proposed in regard to the legitimacy of representation is a return to the understanding of revolutionary legitimacy that was the essential beginning of most dictatorships. Reporter, Female #2 On the ground, opposition fighters are now controlling almost all of Base 46 in the countryside of Aleppo, which is affiliated to the regime forces and was stormed on Friday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The latter indicated warplanes are shelling the headquarters from regime army sites. Reporter, Female #2 Along the Turkish-Syrian border, armed clashes took place between opposition fighters and Kurdish fighters in the city of Ras al-Ain that was seized by the opposition nearly 10 days ago. In a statement, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said nine fighters were injured in the clashes, including four from the Kurdish Democratic Union Party-affiliated Units for the Protection of the Kurdish People. In another statement, the observatory confirmed the killing of the leader of Ras al-Ain's local Kurdish Council, Abed Khalil, by two opposition snipers. Reporter, Female #2 In the countryside of Damascus, opposition gunmen assassinated General Abdullah al-Deraawi, the police chief of al-Nabeek Town, and four police officers as the official Syrian TV channel said armed security forces clashed with terrorists in the countryside of Damascus. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111612?start=582 <p>Israel pounds Gaza as Arabs rally in solidarity with Palestinian people, Jordan caught between demands for king's ouster and pleas for reform, European leaders meet to finalize plan for military intervention in Mali, and more.</p> Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111612 Gaza–Israel conflict, Gaza, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Palestinians, Hamas, Israel Defense Forces, Mahmoud Abbas, Friday prayers, Jerusalem Presenter, Male #1 Thousands of Jordanians called for the downfall of the regime. The United States views their mobilization as a thirst for change. Reporter, Female #1 On the third day of protests in the kingdom, thousands of protestors took to the street to condemn the fuel price hikes, repeating unprecedented chants calling for the ouster of King Abdullah II. In the capital Amman, peaceful protests were held after Friday prayers near al-Hassan Mosque. Protestors held signs that read, "Price manipulation is playing with fire," and "Freedom is from God, down, down with Abdullah," and "No reforms or amendments, we're telling you in plain Arabic: Leave!" Reporter, Female #1 Protestors tried to reach the presidential palace, but police forces prevented them and used tear gas to disperse the protestors. Coinciding with protests in the capital, periodic protests took place in several governorates in the south, such as Tafilah, Ma'an, al-Karak, in addition to Irbid, and Jarash in the north. The demand to topple to regime is considered unprecedented in the Jordanian kingdom since previous protests demanded King Abdullah II to expedite the democratic reforms he had promised. For long, damaging the image of the king or publically demanding his ouster was rare, because it is illegal and may lead to imprisonment on charges of "insulting the monarchy". Reporter, Female #1 On Thursday, the Muslim Brotherhood had called on the king to cancel the decision to raise the prices and to postpone the upcoming parliamentary elections that are scheduled for January 22. The elections are being boycotted by the opposition, especially the Islamist movement. Reporter, Female #1 On the other hand, the US State Department viewed the protests witnessed in Jordan over the past few days condemning the fuel price hikes, which were followed by sporadic acts of violence, as expressing a thirst for change as seen in other Arab countries during the Arab Spring. State department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said the Jordanian people have economic and political fears and aspirations. Saudi Arabia called on its citizens to avoid areas witnessing demonstrations and protests, especially al-Dakhliya Square in the center of the capital. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111412?start=887 <p>Israel assassinates Palestinian resistance leader in Gaza, anti-Abdullah protests erupt across Jordan over gas prices, series of deadly bombings rock Iraq ahead of the holy month of Muharram, and more.</p> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111412 Gaza–Israel conflict, Gaza, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Ahmed al-Jaabari, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests, Gasoline and diesel usage and pricing, Hamas, Israel Defense Forces Presenter, Female #1 In Jordan, protests were held in different parts of the country to condemn the increase in the price of oil products, and clashes erupted between protestors and security forces in different areas. Reporter, Female #2 On Tuesday night, thousands of Jordanians protested in different parts of the kingdom to condemn the government's disproportionate hike in the price of some oil products, which varied between 10 and 53 percent. Reporter, Female #2 After announcing the price hike, the capital Amman and Irbid, al-Ramtha, al-Mafraq, al-Karak, and Ma'an, witnessed demonstrations in which thousands participated to protest the decision. Some of them closed off roads with burning tires and others attacked security centers. Protestors called for the downfall of the government and the resignation of Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, as they carried signs that read "Revolution of the hungry," and "In whose interest are the price hikes?" Guest, Male #1 I really hope that they retreat from this decision, and return things to the way they were. That would be better for us. You see what the situation is like, and we are worried about what's coming. Guest, Male #2 I suggest that I close my shop for six months because of these rent prices. I do not even make money to cover my rent. What's next? It means the state does not care about us, and the government does not care. The people are hungry, and no one cares. Am I right, or what? Reporter, Female #2 Jordanian sources clarified that major security reinforcements were taken in the area of Gamal Abdel-Nasser Square, or what is known as al-Dakhliya Square, where the sit-in is taking place. Jordanian Darak forces, or riot police, prevented protestors from reaching the prime minister's house and confronted them with tear gas. The Jordanian Public Security Directorate announced that four members of the police were injured by the protestors' gunfire in the governorate of Irbid. A court and a gas station were burned, and clashes also took place in al-Karak Governorate between civilians and Jordanian police. The scope of the demonstrations extended to other governorates. A local source at al-Karak Governorate said protestors burned the court building in the city, and others tried to storm the consumers' institution inside the building. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111312?start=199 <p>Mauritanian parliament convenes amid presidential power vacuum, Taliban resumes peace talks with US as attacks on NATO troops surge in Afghanistan, a look back at Yasser Arafat's legacy as investigation into his death continues, and more.</p> Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111312 Syrian Civil War, Taliban, United States, Palestinians, Israel, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Ra's al-'Ayn, Arab League Presenter, Female #1 Qatari Prime Minister Hamad Bin Jassim al-Thani confirmed that the opposition Syrian National Coalition is the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, and the main interlocutor with the Arab League. Russian Prime Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Riyadh tomorrow as clashes and shelling continue in several parts of Syria. Reporter, Female #2 During an Arab foreign ministers' meeting, the Arab League recognized the Syrian National Coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian opposition. Following the meeting, the league issued a statement calling on all opposition factions to join the National Coalition so it can be inclusive of the entire spectrum of the Syrian people, without any exceptions. It also urged regional and international organizations to recognize it the way the Arab League has. Guest, Male #1 (Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatari Prime Minister) We call on the remaining opposition factions to join this national coalition, so that it's inclusive of the entire spectrum of the Syrian people, without any exception or discrimination. We urge regional and international organizations to recognize it as the legitimate representative of the aspirations of the Syrian people. We will work with the National Coalition and the opposition, considering the coalition to be the legitimate and sole representative-- no, just representative, I apologize-- and the main interlocutor with the Arab League. The league is also calling for granting political and financial support to this entity. Guest, Male #2 (Nabil al-Arabi, Secretary-General of the Arab League) The blind cycle of violence is still leading to thousands of victims. It is pushing this important and brotherly Arab nation, which is a founder of the Arab League, toward chaos and disintegration due to the intransigence of the regime that announced a war against those asking for change and reform. Reporter, Female #2 The coalition's president, Ahmad Moad al-Khatib, asked that opposition fighters be supplied with specialized weapons. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that his country will support the coalition following a meeting with its leaders. He said the Syrian opposition has taken a very important step. The statement comes on the eve of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's meeting in Riyadh with his counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss the struggle in Syria. Reporter, Female #2 On the ground, an explosion took place in the city of al-Raqqah that targeted the convoy of the governor of the city. The governor and his companions were seriously injured. The official SANA news agency reported an explosive device was detonated by a terrorist group near the Church of Our Lady of Annunciation in al-Raqqah, injuring a woman. The southern districts of Damascus witnessed clashes between groups of opposition fighters and regime forces that are shelling a number of areas in the district, and particularly the al-Tadamon neighborhood, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory reported military reinforcement was sent by regime forces to the outskirts of the city of Ras al-Ain, in al-Hasaka Province. Opposition fighters took over the city last Friday, and it is reportedly being shelled. Reporter, Female #2 Several other parts in the countryside of Damascus and Idlib Province have also come under artillery shelling as clashes took place in several neighborhoods of Deir az-Zour between regime forces and opposition fighters. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111212?start=778 <p>West Africa bloc commits to military intervention in Mali, Kuwaiti opposition holds massive rally against electoral changes, Israel threatens to escalate attacks on Gaza after series of air strikes, and more.</p> Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111212 Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Syria, Syrian Civil War, Israel-Syria relations, Golan Heights, Palestinians, Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah, Lebanon Presenter, Female #1 According to plan, the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces came to light. Who is the president, who are its members, and what roles are the Syrian National Council and the Muslim Brotherhood playing? Answers in this special report by Rachel Karam. Reporter, Female #2 In a long Qatari, Turkish, Saudi, and American week, the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces was formed in Doha, after a painful process and manipulations, marked by financial threats and political pressure. The coalition was established and Muslim cleric Sheikh Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib, the imam of the Umayyad mosque in Damascus, became its president. Syrian businessman Mustafa al-Sabagh, who is residing in Saudi Arabia, was inaugurated as its secretary-general. Reporter, Female #2 The co-sponsors of the initiative, Riad Seif, and opposition figure Suhair al-Atassi were merely appointed as vice presidents. The position of the third vice president will remain vacant until the fate of the National Kurdish Council is decided. Reporter, Female #2 As the coalition is now established, the national council elected two days ago conceded its central position with opposition and joined the new coalition. Council members consensually approved the formation of the transitional government, provided it is transferred to Syria, and the number of its members is increased from 8 to 10 in order to preserve their interests. Council members also received a greater share than granted by the coalition by increasing the number of their seats from 20 to 22, out of 60. These seats are expected to be occupied by members of the executive office and by some members of the general assembly, which are both mostly dominated by Islamists. The revolutionary mobilization, the High Command of the Syrian Revolution, and civil councils will receive 15 seats, while the military will receive 15 seats as well, and particularly the Farouk Brigade in Homs and the Ahrar al-Sham Brigade, which are considered the most influential among all brigades and factions. Reporter, Female #2 For its part, the democratic forum, the coalition led by opposition figure Michel Kilo, will be incorporated into the coalition in absentia. In addition, other seats are being set aside for members of the coordination committee, if they decide to join the coalition that committed in one of its articles not to engage any dialogue or hold any talks with the Syrian regime. Reporter, Female #2 The coalition will also support the joint leadership of military revolutionary councils that will be unified in terms of support, financing, and planning. And to go back to the face of the coalition, who is Ahmed al-Khatib? He is a prominent Syrian Islamist who became an opposition activist and sought refuge in Cairo after repeated arrests by the Syrian security agency in 2011 and 2012, over his support for the popular mobilization. Al-Khatib, who was a former imam at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, sought to remind the Syrian opposition that their war is against President al-Assad, and not against the members of the Alawite minority, who are even more oppressed, because they were used by the state and placed on the front lines. Reporter, Female #2 The manner in which al-Khatib ascended to the head of the coalition, by appointment, and without any competition, is an initial indicator of the so-called new democracy of an opposition that started its speech by rejecting dialogue and talks with the regime, bringing the crisis back to square one. Rachel Karam, New TV. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110912?start=232 <p>Kuwait's opposition renews calls for election boycott as candidate registration closes, US-approved Syrian opposition group forms governing body, Saudi-backed Bahraini forces kill teenage protester in Diraz, and more.</p> Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110912 Palestinians, Israel, Syrian National Council, Gaza, Syrian Civil War, Israel Defense Forces, Israeli-occupied territories, Politics of Israel, Damascus, Government of Kuwait Presenter, Female #1 In Syria, clashes continue, and in Qatar, the general secretariat of the Syrian National Council postponed electing a new president for the council. Reporter, Female #2 Four people, including a woman, were killed in a car bomb explosion in front of al-Muadamiya's city hall in Damascus' countryside, according to reports by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Syrian air force continued shelling cities and villages in Damascus' countryside, also according to the Observatory, that said violent clashes erupted between Syrian regime forces and opposition fighters in the area of al-Basateen, located between the town of Daraya and the Kafr Susa district west of the capital. Reporter, Female #2 In the province of Deir az-Zour, the observatory reported the killing of 19 people in artillery shelling on the city of Qouriya. It indicated the city of al-Bukamal in the same province was shelled by regime forces using war planes. The Observatory added that at least 20 members of the Syrian regime forces were killed in clashes with opposition fighters near a border crossing with Turkey. Guest, Male #1 The Abdullah Bin Salam battalion and the Issa Bin Mariam battalion affiliated with the beloved Mustafa brigade, and the Ansar al-Sunna battalion that is affiliated to al-Islam Brigade, and special forces in the countryside of Damascus, have captured the Frees military post. Reporter, Female #2 A leader in the Free Syrian Army announced that the Free army is reorganizing its ranks to gain the trust of the international community. He added that his leadership has started to settle inside Syria. This comes as several protests took place in various areas under the banner, "Time to march on Damascus," in condemnation of the Syrian president. At the sixth Syrian humanitarian forum in Geneva, the UN High Commission on Human Rights announced that the number of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries exceeds 408 thousand. Guest, Male #2 (Panos Moumtzis, UNHCR Regional Coordinator) In the last 24 hours alone, almost 11 thousand Syrians sought refuge in neighboring countries, nine thousand in Turkey, 1,000 in Jordan, and 1,000 in Lebanon. Reporter, Female #2 On a different front, the Syrian opposition announced during its ongoing meetings in Doha that it accepted a proposal to establish a transitional government headed by opposition member Riyad Saif, according to the Anadolu news agency. The initiative, headed by Riyad Saif, stipulates creating a unified leadership, dubbed the Syrian National Initiative, from which a government in exile will be formed. The general secretariat elected an 11-member executive office that will eventually elect a new president for the National Assembly. Reporter, Female #2 Al-Assad, in a sequel to his TV interview with Russia Today, launched a stinging attack against Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He accused the PM of believing he's the new Ottoman Sultan who can take control of the area, as was the case during the Ottoman Empire. Al-Assad said Erdogan's government is supporting the Syrian opposition that demands the overthrow of al-Assad. He indicated that Erdogan thinks that if the Muslim Brotherhood was to come to power in the region, and especially in Syria, he would be able to guarantee his political future. Guest, Male #3 (Bashar al-Assad, Syrian President) I think for the president to stay or leave is a popular issue that can only be done through the ballot boxes. We do not have a civil war. It is about terrorism, and the support coming from abroad to terrorists, to destabilize Syria. Reporter, Female #2 The Syrian president expects the war in his country to be prolonged if the initiatives to arm and provide logistic assistance to terrorists continues, denying that his forces may have committed war crimes. http://news.linktv.org/videos/bashar-al-assad-defends-syria-as-last-stronghold-of-secularism-in-region?start=0 New TV reports that in an interview with TV channel Russia Today, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad warned that the cost of a foreign invasion of Syria will be greater than the entire world can handle, and "strongly rejects" the idea of leaving Syria. Meanwhile, the opposition Syrian National Council elected a new leadership consisting of 40 members, with Islamists constituting a third of them. Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:22:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/bashar-al-assad-defends-syria-as-last-stronghold-of-secularism-in-region Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Civil War, Syrian National Council, Abdel Basset Sayda, Lakhdar Brahimi, Riad Seif, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia), Arab League, Burhan Ghalioun, Syria Presenter, Male #1 With the backing of the international community, an extensive meeting was held by the Syrian opposition in Doha to unify its fronts. The Syrian National Council elected 40 new members. Al-Arabi said the only way to end the conflict in Syria is through a political solution, and al-Assad declared that he will live and die in Syria. Reporter, Female #1 The opposition Syrian National Council elected a new leadership consisting of 40 members, with Islamists constituting a third of the members, including five from the Muslim Brotherhood. The secretariat members will choose 11 members for the executive office, which then elects the president. The process was postponed until Friday, so an additional four members can be chosen for the general secretariat that would represent women and the minorities. Outgoing president Abdel Basset Sayda remained a member in the new general secretariat. However, prominent opponents such as Burhan Ghalioun, George Sabra and Riad Seif left, so they cannot preside over the council on principle. Guest, Male #2 (Abdel Basset Sayda, Outgoing President of the SNC) We will look into the different issues, including forming an authority, commission, or government. The name is not important, but it is the work that is essential and aims to administer the liberated areas and address the current tasks. Guest, Male #3 (Burhan Ghalioun, Leader in the Syrian National Council) Unifying the opposition is not a concession that can be offered for a price for this state or the friends of Syria. Unifying the opposition is a duty for all spectrums of the Syrian opposition, and we are continuing until the opposition is unified despite the reactions and the demands of other countries. Reporter, Female #1 During a closed meeting, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim al-Thani called on the Syrian opposition to unify its fronts. The Secretary-General of the Arab League Nabil al-Arabi announced that the regime in Syria will not last long. Guest, Male #4 (Nabil al-Arabi, Secretary-General of the Arab League) The military solution will not end the problem. So we must look for a political solution that is able to achieve the desired outcome. The political solution comes through Lakhdar Brahimi, the joint envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League. He is seeking to establish the means to reaching a political solution. He still has not settled on a specific way. Consultations with influential parties are important, and he is talking with all sides then at the right time he will make a decision. Reporter, Female #1 On the other hand, the spokesman for the Syrian Foreign Ministry Jihad Maqdesi responded to al-Arabi by saying, it is not surprising for al-Arabi to repeat his anti-Syria statements, in which he fantasizes about changing the political system of a founder of the Arab League, an organization al-Arabi works for as an employee for its member states. In an unrelated matter, following the Russian and Armenian planes, another Armenian plane was heading to Syria in less than a month; it was loaded with humanitarian aid but was forced to land by Turkey on Thursday morning at Erzurum airport in the northeastern part of the country to be searched. After a thorough inspection, sources noted that Turkish authorities did not find weapons on the plane, and did not find anything except for 15 tons of food supplies and humanitarian aid. Politically, in an interview with TV channel Russia Today, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad warned that if it were to happen, the cost of a foreign invasion of Syria will be greater than what the entire world can handle. He compared its impact to a domino effect that will involve the world from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Guest, Male #5 (Bashar al-Assad, Syrian President) I strongly reject the idea of leaving Syria, or going to any other country. I'm not a puppet, and I was not made by the West to go to the West or to any other country. I am Syrian. I was made in Syria and I will live and die in Syria. Reporter, Female #1 Internationally, Russia announced that the situation in Syria is worrisome. The official spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexander Lukashevich, said the number of those in need of humanitarian aid in Syria will increase to 4 million people at the end of the year. He confirmed that his country will continue its efforts on all levels to stop the violence in the country. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110812?start=34 <p>Bashar al-Assad defends Syria as the last stronghold of secularism in the region, world groups organize global day of action in support of Myanmar's Rohingyas, bombings kill several people in Iraq, and more.</p> Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110812 Syrian Civil War, US-Israel relations, Benjamin Netanyahu, Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Syria, Israel, United States, US presidential election, 2012, Rohingya Presenter, Male #1 With the backing of the international community, an extensive meeting was held by the Syrian opposition in Doha to unify its fronts. The Syrian National Council elected 40 new members. Al-Arabi said the only way to end the conflict in Syria is through a political solution, and al-Assad declared that he will live and die in Syria. Reporter, Female #1 The opposition Syrian National Council elected a new leadership consisting of 40 members, with Islamists constituting a third of the members, including five from the Muslim Brotherhood. The secretariat members will choose 11 members for the executive office, which then elects the president. Reporter, Female #1 The process was postponed until Friday, so an additional four members can be chosen for the general secretariat that would represent women and minorities. Outgoing president Abdel Basset Sayda remained a member in the new general secretariat. However, prominent opponents such as Burhan Ghalioun, George Sabra and Riad Seif left, so they cannot preside over the council on principle. Guest, Male #2 (Abdel Basset Sayda, Outgoing SNC President) We will look into the different issues, including forming an authority, commission, or government. The name is not important, but it is the work that is essential, and aims to administer the liberated areas and address the current tasks. Guest, Male #3 (Burhan Ghalioun, Leader in the Syrian National Council) Unifying the opposition is not a concession that can be offered for a price for this state or the friends of Syria. Unifying the opposition is a duty for all spectrums of the Syrian opposition, and we are continuing until the opposition is unified, despite the reactions and the demands of other countries. Reporter, Female #1 During a closed meeting, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim al-Thani called on the Syrian opposition to unite its fronts. The Secretary-General of the Arab League Nabil al-Arabi announced that the regime in Syria will not last long. Guest, Male #4 (Nabil al-Arabi, Secretary-General of the Arab League) The military solution will not end the problem. So we must look for a political solution that is able to achieve the desired outcome. The political solution comes through Lakhdar Brahimi, the joint envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League. He is seeking to establish the means to reaching a political solution. He still has not settled on a specific way. Consultations with influential parties are important, and he is talking with all sides; then at the right time, he will make a decision. Reporter, Female #1 On the other hand, the spokesman for the Syrian Foreign Ministry Jihad Maqdesi responded to al-Arabi by saying it is not surprising for al-Arabi to repeat his anti-Syria statements, in which he fantasizes about changing the political system of a founder of the Arab League, an organization al-Arabi works for as an employee for its member states. Reporter, Female #1 In an unrelated matter, following the Russian and Armenian planes, another Armenian plane was heading to Syria in less than a month; it was loaded with humanitarian aid but was forced to land by Turkey on Thursday morning at Erzurum Airport in the northeastern part of the country to be searched. After a thorough inspection, sources noted that Turkish authorities did not find weapons on the plane, and did not find anything except for 15 tons of food supplies and humanitarian aid. Reporter, Female #1 Politically, in an interview with TV channel Russia Today, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad warned that if it were to happen, the cost of a foreign invasion of Syria will be greater than what the entire world can handle. He compared its impact to a domino effect that will involve the world from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Guest, Male #5 (Bashar al-Assad, Syrian President) I strongly reject the idea of leaving Syria, or going to any other country. I'm not a puppet, and I was not made by the West to go to the West, or to any other country. I am Syrian. I was made in Syria, and I will live and die in Syria. Reporter, Female #1 Internationally, Russia announced that the situation in Syria is worrisome. The official spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexander Lukashevich, said the number of those in need of humanitarian aid in Syria will increase to four million people at the end of the year. He confirmed that his country will continue its efforts on all levels to stop the violence in the country. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110712?start=1410 <p>World breathes sigh of relief over Romney's loss, Bahraini regime strips 31 dissenters of their citizenship, Israel's annexation wall hindering Palestinian economic development a decade later, and more.</p> Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110712 Israel, Syrian Civil War, Syria, United States, US presidential election, 2012, Barack Obama, Palestinians, Shia Islam, Politics of Iran, Human rights Presenter, Female #1 Iraq has canceled a deal to buy aircraft. Reporter, Female #2 It seems the deal Iraq struck with the United States, which included buying 36 advanced F-16 fighter jets, with the first batch arriving in March, may not be completed. The Iraqi parliamentary Security and Defense Committee called for canceling the deal to purchase American planes if the US refuses to replace the Israeli-made recording devices they contain. Reporter, Female #2 The devices were detected by officers in the Iraqi air force. The committee confirmed that it will interrogate those responsible for the deal to find out why the aircrafts contain an Israeli information recording device. It also formed a technical committee to determine the amount of harm caused by this device, in addition to finding a strong technical mechanism that would allow removing the recording device without damaging the structure and work of the aircraft, while providing them with other anti-spyware devices. Reporter, Female #2 However, member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Member of Parliament Asma al-Mousawi, assured that it is not possible to cancel the deal for the sake of responding to personal demands. She ruled out canceling the deal unless legally prescribed. Reporter, Female #2 However, she clarified that discovering the recording device among the components of the American aircraft is a good thing, and that it benefits the Iraqi air force since it discovered the matter during a mere inspection of the capabilities of the aircraft. This comes as pilots in the countries of the region that have been importing these same aircrafts for years, and specifically Saudi Arabia, have failed to discover the device. But these countries, and in their forefront Saudi Arabia that owns Israeli-made radars, will not be deterred by such devices inside its planes. Reporter, Female #2 In 2010, Saudi Arabia signed a 60 billion dollar weapons contract with the United States, and since such deals require the approval of Israel, the latter approved it on condition it receives its own share. Israel told Saudi Arabia to buy its radars, radars that are obviously not as advanced as Israel's, but the same can be said for the entire deal. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110612?start=33 <p>Russia and Qatar compete over ownership of Syrian people's voice, Britain's Cameron slammed for acting as weapons dealer to Arab despots, Kuwaiti emir vows tough measures against "illegal" protestors, and more.</p> Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110612 Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Politics of Israel, Palestinians, United Nations, Syrian Civil War, Mahmoud Abbas, Gaza, Bashar al-Assad, David Cameron Presenter, Female #1 From Jordan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that those demanding the resignation of President Assad of Syria don't care about the lives of Syrians. Reporter, Female #2 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with former Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab, in Amman, to look for ways to stop the violence in Syria. Hijab refused an invitation to visit Moscow in light of what he called Russia's current immoral stance. The meeting was announced by Lavrov during a joint press conference with his Jordanian counterpart, Nasser Jouda. He confirmed that the opposition's work must include all opposition groups so they can be convinced to operate in accordance with the Geneva Convention. Guest, Male #1 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) We are in favor of returning international observers to Syria, and increasing their numbers so that they can see with their own eyes how the ceasefire can be implemented, and who will do it. The next step, certainly, would be negotiations. I will tell you once again that ending the violence could be a goal for everyone, but for some, changing Bashar al-Assad's regime is more essential. So they are going to be in agreement, and will want to continue the bloodbath until they end Bashar al-Assad's rule. Reporter, Female #2 The Syrian crisis also appeared in Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani's speech before the Shura Council during the council's new legislative session. Guest, Male #2 (Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar) The Syrian people's plight has lasted for a long time, my brothers, even though the entire world supports their legitimate demands. In this context, we hold the Security Council responsible for the people's ongoing suffering. And we not only hold the Arab League responsible, but view it as holding an even greater responsibility. Reporter, Female #2 For his side, the president of the Syrian National Council, Abdel Baset Sayda, said in the opening of the council's general assembly session in Doha, where a new council president will be elected, that the international community is doing nothing to stop the suffering of the Syrians. Sayda stated that targeting the council will prolong the crisis, which could encourage extremist factions. He stressed the need to establish the council as the most important pillar of the opposition. Guest, Male #3 (Abdel Baset Sayda, Head of Syrian National Council) I believe that the international community in general is falling short in regard to what has happened and what is happening in Syria. These international efforts didn't live up to the scale of the requirements. We feel there is a desire to rationalize this shortcoming by accusing the Syrians of being unable to unite their ranks. Guest, Female #3 Terrorists assassinated Dr. Muhammad Osama al-Lahham. Reporter, Female #2 On the other hand, terrorists assassinated the brother of the People's Assembly speaker in Damascus. According to the SANA news agency, terrorists fired at Dr. Muhammad Osama al-Lahham in the Thuraya area of al-Meidan in Damascus as he was heading to work, which led to his killing. This, as the Turkish Anadalu news agency reported that seven prominent officers left the Syrian army and sought refuge in Turkey. On the ground, a car bomb exploded in the Sayyida Zeinab area south of Damascus before noon on Tuesday without causing any victims. The explosion occurred following reports of intensified attacks by opposition fighting groups in the capital. According to Syrian security sources, regime forces were able to repel them. Reporter, Female #2 The town of Hauli, in Homs Province, witnessed an air raid followed by mortar shelling that caused the killing of seven people, including a woman. The Observatory also reported the killing of at least 12 members of the regime's forces and the injury of over 20 in an attack with explosive canisters, shells, and gunfire in Idlib Province, northwest Syria. It targeted a truck, a bus, an SUV, and an armored personnel carrier. In the evening, SANA reported a terrorist explosion in al-Wuroud neighborhood in the countryside of Damascus, saying a number of people were killed and injured. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110512?start=807 <p>Myanmar's Suu Kyi under fire for ignoring violence against the Rohingyas as thousands lack medical care, two foreign workers killed by bombings in Bahrain's capital, Arabs disillusioned with Obama express indifference to the US presidential election, and more.</p> Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110512 Muammar Gaddafi , Israel, Rohingya, Civilian casualties, Myanmar, Iran, Aung San Suu Kyi, Iranian rial, Bahrain Uprising, Barack Obama Presenter, Female #1 Mass explosions and suicide attacks were reported in Syria. In Doha, the opposition's second day of meetings offset the failures of the first day. Reporter, Female #2 It was a bloody day in Syria, during which losses on both sides, the regime and the opposition, were recorded. But it was the innocent civilians that bore the biggest loss, and specifically those that were in the crowded Arous al-Jabal Square, in the Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus. Over 11 people were killed and dozens were injured in an explosion that official news outlets attributed to an explosive canister placed on site by terrorists. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the explosion was the result of a car bomb. Reporter, Female #2 In a major escalation of the campaign carried out by regime forces, Syrian planes and artillery shelled opposition strongholds south of Damascus causing the killing of at least 10 fighters. The neighborhoods of al-Hajar al-Aswad and al-Tadamon, in the surroundings of al-Yarmouk camp, south of Damascus, witnessed violent clashes that caused a large exodus of residents. In contrast, a suicide attack with a car bomb resulted in the killing of at least 50 people who were Syrian security members, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Reporter, Female #2 In a number of Aleppo's neighborhoods, clashes continued as the anti-regime Tarek Bin Ziyad Brigade confronted war planes in al-Athareb area, according to a video posted on opposition websites. On the diplomatic front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi in Cairo. Lavrov endorsed Morsi's initiative to resume the meetings of the four Middle Eastern powers to attempt to solve the Syrian crisis after Saudi Arabia missed the group's last two meetings. Guest, Male #1 (Sergei Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia) The five members at the Security Council are committed to pushing the Syrian government and opposition fighters to accept a ceasefire and initiate peaceful negotiations. Reporter, Female #2 After meeting with the international envoy Lakhdar Brahimi and the chairman of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi, Lavorov said the Russian side is trying to convince the fighting Syrian sides to stop the violence and to return to the negotiating table to agree on a transitional government. However, the tripartite meeting didn't end with fruitful results. Reporter, Female #2 From Cairo to al-Doha, the opposition's meetings were productive on the second day. Opposition parties agreed to include new coalitions to the council or commission, that will be declared on Thursday with the attendance of world figures and leaders, to which Doha has started sending invitations for. According to statements by the meetings' attendees, 13 new coalitions joined the initiative, and the council will include nearly 33 percent of the revolutionary movement. In Damascus, and from within the conference for humanitarian aid agencies, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Meqdad denounced all these meetings. http://news.linktv.org/videos/un-syrian-rebels-summary-executions-a-war-crime?start=0 The United Nations Human Rights Council has announced that the execution of soldiers from the Syrian army by the armed opposition is likely a war crime, and assured that if the video recording of the execution is real, then it will amount to evidence of war crimes if a trial is held. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Nujeen Dirik, the leader of a Kurdish armed unit that is affiliated with the Syrian branch of the PKK in Turkey, was killed in the northern city of Aleppo. Fri, 02 Nov 2012 16:37:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/un-syrian-rebels-summary-executions-a-war-crime Syrian Civil War, Idlib Governorate, United Nations Human Rights Council, Free Syrian Army, Summary execution, War Crime, Syrian army, Syria, Human rights, Hillary Clinton Presenter, Male #1 The United Nations Human Rights Council regrets the execution of soldiers from the Syrian army by the armed opposition, and considers it a war crime. And a Canadian website reveals that the plot to destroy Syria was prepared by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel in 2007. Reporter, Female #1 The video of the armed opposition's execution of 8 soldiers from the Syrian army, who were captured in Idlib Province, did not pass unnoticed. It pushed the international community and international organizations to condemn it, as the UNHRC expressed its regret over the execution of soldiers from the Syrian army by the armed opposition, considering it as a likely war crime. The spokesman for the UNHRC, Robert Colville, clarified that the Council will examine the pictures carefully. He called on everyone to respect international human rights legislation, and assured that if the video recording is real, then it will amount to evidence of war crimes if a trial is held. Reporter, Female #1 The Syrian National Council prompted opposition fighters to hold accountable all those who violate human rights. On the other hand, Amnesty International sees that the shocking video portrays a possible war crime that is currently ongoing, and shows a complete disregard of international human rights laws by the armed groups. Reporter, Female #1 In a related development, 24-year-old Nujeen Dirik, the leader of a Kurdish armed unit that is affiliated with the Democratic Unity Party, which is the Syrian branch of the PKK in Turkey, was killed in the northern city of Aleppo, after a week of being detained by opposition fighters. Reporter, Female #1 On the other hand, tension once again dominates the Syrian-Turkish border after both sides exchanged a number of shells. Sounds of machine gun clashes and several explosions were heard. This was in the wake of a bloody day in which dozens were killed, most of them civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Violent clashes continued between the Syrian army and the armed opposition in different parts of the country. Official Syrian TV mentioned that special forces killed a number of terrorists in Atarib, and targeted another armed group along the Aleppo-Damascus road. This came at a time when al-Ghouta al-Sharqiya in the countryside of Damascus witnessed shelling by warplanes, along with Talbiset Homs, where planes were seen bombing the area. Reporter, Female #1 Far from the events on the ground, the Syrian National Council, which includes most of the opposition factions, rejected the creation of any alternatives to itself, after America hinted at this. The council denounced statements by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in which she hinted at creating a more comprehensive framework for the opposition. They stated that any discussion of bypassing the National Council, or forming alternative frameworks, is an attempt to harm the Syrian revolution and plant seeds of discord and disagreement. Reporter, Female #1 It's the first time the National Council has released such a report. In a detailed financial report that was published, the opposition Syrian National Council announced that the total number of donations it received over the year has reached USD 40 million. Half of that amount came from Libya, and the other half came from Qatar and the Emirates. The funds were deposited into two accounts, one in Qatar for the Qatari contribution, and the other in Turkey for both the Libyan and Emirati contributions. Reporter, Female #1 This comes at a time when the Canadian Global Research website revealed that a plan to destroy Syria had been prepared by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel in 2007. In a report that quoted Israeli research centers, as well as the "Clean Break" report from joint Israeli-American research, it clarified that the plan was put in place to ensure the security of Israel. Israel would attain security by targeting Syria, the lively and independent state. Reporter, Female #1 The website stated that the two reports published in 2007 and 2008 by the Counterterrorism Center, which is affiliated with the American military, revealed the presence of international networks of terrorist organizations affiliated with al-Qaeda. Their mission was to send fighters to Iraq and Syria. They added that Libya was relied upon as a focal point to train al-Qaeda members and arm them, to be sent on missions according to NATO's agendas. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110212?start=171 <p>Mauritanian president remains in Paris as opposition calls for end to military rule, UN condemns Syrian rebels' summary execution of regime soldiers, Arab-American voters lean toward Obama in US elections, and more.</p> Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110212 Israel, US presidential election, 2012, Republican Party (United States), Democratic Party (United States), Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Syrian Civil War, Arab American, Israeli American, Mahmoud Abbas, Egyptian Revolution Presenter, Male #1 The United Nations Human Rights Council regrets the execution of soldiers from the Syrian army by the armed opposition, and considers it a war crime. And a Canadian website reveals that the plot to destroy Syria was prepared by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel in 2007. Reporter, Female #1 The video of the armed opposition's execution of eight soldiers from the Syrian army, who were captured in Idlib Province, did not pass unnoticed. It pushed the international community and international organizations to condemn it, as the UNHRC expressed its regret over the execution of soldiers from the Syrian army by the armed opposition, considering it as a likely war crime. The spokesman for the UNHRC, Robert Colville, clarified that the Council will examine the pictures carefully. He called on everyone to respect international human rights legislation, and assured that if the video recording is real, then it will amount to evidence of war crimes if a trial is held. Reporter, Female #1 The Syrian National Council prompted opposition fighters to hold accountable all those who violate human rights. On the other hand, Amnesty International sees that the shocking video portrays a possible war crime that is currently ongoing, and shows a complete disregard of international human rights laws by the armed groups. Reporter, Female #1 In a related development, 24-year-old Nujeen Dirik, the leader of a Kurdish armed unit that is affiliated with the Democratic Unity Party, which is the Syrian branch of the PKK in Turkey, was killed in the northern city of Aleppo, after a week of being detained by opposition fighters. Reporter, Female #1 On the other hand, tension once again dominates the Syrian-Turkish border after both sides exchanged a number of shells. Sounds of machine gun clashes and several explosions were heard. This was in the wake of a bloody day in which dozens were killed, most of them civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Violent clashes continued between the Syrian army and the armed opposition in different parts of the country. Official Syrian TV mentioned that special forces killed a number of terrorists in Atarib, and targeted another armed group along the Aleppo-Damascus road. This came at a time when al-Ghouta al-Sharqiya in the countryside of Damascus witnessed shelling by warplanes, along with Talbiset Homs, where planes were seen bombing the area. Reporter, Female #1 Far from the events on the ground, the Syrian National Council, which includes most of the opposition factions, rejected the creation of any alternatives to itself, after America hinted at this. The council denounced statements by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in which she hinted at creating a more comprehensive framework for the opposition. They stated that any discussion of bypassing the National Council, or forming alternative frameworks, is an attempt to harm the Syrian revolution and plant seeds of discord and disagreement. Reporter, Female #1 It's the first time the National Council has released such a report. In a detailed financial report that was published, the opposition Syrian National Council announced that the total number of donations it received over the year has reached USD 40 million. Half of that amount came from Libya, and the other half came from Qatar and the Emirates. The funds were deposited into two accounts, one in Qatar for the Qatari contribution, and the other in Turkey for both the Libyan and Emirati contributions. Reporter, Female #1 This comes at a time when the Canadian Global Research website revealed that a plan to destroy Syria had been prepared by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel in 2007. In a report that quoted Israeli research centers, as well as the "Clean Break" report from joint Israeli-American research, it clarified that the plan was put in place to ensure the security of Israel. Israel would attain security by targeting Syria, the lively and independent state. Reporter, Female #1 The website stated that the two reports published in 2007 and 2008 by the Counterterrorism Center, which is affiliated with the American military, revealed the presence of international networks of terrorist organizations affiliated with al-Qaeda. Their mission was to send fighters to Iraq and Syria. They added that Libya was relied upon as a focal point to train al-Qaeda members and arm them, to be sent on missions according to NATO's agendas. http://news.linktv.org/videos/un-envoy-looks-to-china-for-help-in-ending-syrian-crisis?start=0 New TV reports that as part of his tour in search for a solution to the Syrian crisis, UN Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi expressed hope that China can play an active role in ending the violence in Syria. This comes following his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minster Yang Jiechi, who said that a political solution is the only way to emerge out of the Syrian crisis, stressing that the Syrian people can determine their own country's future. Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:37:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/un-envoy-looks-to-china-for-help-in-ending-syrian-crisis Lakhdar Brahimi, Syrian Civil War, Yang Jiechi, Beijing, Syria, Syrian people, Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, Maarat al-Numan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Iran), Syrian National Council Presenter, Female #1 The Chinese foreign minister believes that Brahami's visit to China will help resolve the Syrian crisis. Meanwhile, the Iranian foreign minister said that any negative change in Syria will have a negative impact on all the countries of the region. Reporter, Female #2 As part of his tour in search for a solution to the Syrian crisis, the UN mediator to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, expressed hope that China can play an active role in ending the violence in Syria. This comes following his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minster Yang Jiechi, who said that a political solution is the only way to emerge out of the Syrian crisis stressing that the Syrian people can determine their own country's future. Jiechi added that Syria's sovereignty, stability and the unity of its territory must be respected and protected by all. During his meeting with Syrian Oil Minister Sa'id Hindi in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi stressed the importance of resolving the Syrian crisis politically. He added that any negative change in Syria will have a negative impact on the entire region, and especially on neighboring countries. After meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the international community to assume its role in resolving the Syrian crisis. For her part, Merkel said the current situation in Syria is a true burden on Ankara. According to The Cable of the US Foreign Policy Magazine, leaders of the various Syrian opposition groups will meet next week in Qatar to form a new leadership body in lieu of the Syrian National Council, which many view as 'ineffective' due to internal disputes among its ranks. In another development, the Syrian official TV channel aired statements of one of the officers who deserted his post at the Ministry of Interior but later rejoined the ranks of the regime. Guest, Male #1 (First Lieutenant Hussein Khalifa, Former Syrian Defector) All the Turkish support comes through the Istanbul Council. The Erdogan's government issued instructions to facilitate the process for all Syrians. You can travel without a passport. They wouldn't even ask you for your personal identification card. Reporter, Female #2 The Syrian TV also aired footage of the damage caused to the Armenian-Orthodox Saint Kevork Church and the Bethlehem School in al-Maydan neighborhood in the city of Aleppo. On the ground, a blast rocked the Sayyida Zainab neighborhood in the suburb of Damascus, injuring 13 people. The incident took place when a bomb planted in a trash bin exploded targeting passers-by on a busy street. In another development, warplanes launched airstrikes on various Syrian regions. In the countryside of Damascus, the warplanes conducted air raids targeting fields in the town of Thaqba and Duma in the eastern Ghouta region. In addition, shells fell on the town of Harasta and farms adjacent to the town of Rankus, which is a stronghold of the armed opposition in the countryside of Damascus. In Idlib Province, the city of Maarat al-Numan remains the target of warplanes. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-103112?start=583 <p>UN calls for end to violence and discrimination against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, controversial electoral law divides Kuwait as registration process begins, Salafists clash with security forces in Tunisia, and more.</p> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-103112 Iran, Nuclear program of Iran, Benjamin Netanyahu, Sanctions against Iran, Paris, François Hollande, President of France, Israel, Prime Minister of Israel, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Female #1 The Chinese foreign minister believes that Brahami's visit to China will help resolve the Syrian crisis. Meanwhile, the Iranian foreign minister said that any negative change in Syria will have a negative impact on all the countries of the region. Reporter, Female #2 As part of his tour in search for a solution to the Syrian crisis, the UN mediator to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, expressed hope that China can play an active role in ending the violence in Syria. Reporter, Female #2 This comes following his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minster Yang Jiechi, who said that a political solution is the only way to emerge out of the Syrian crisis, stressing that the Syrian people can determine their own country's future. Jiechi added that Syria's sovereignty, stability and the unity of its territory must be respected and protected by all. Reporter, Female #2 During his meeting with Syrian Oil Minister Said Hindi in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi stressed the importance of resolving the Syrian crisis politically. He added that any negative change in Syria will have a negative impact on the entire region, and especially on neighboring countries. Reporter, Female #2 After meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the international community to assume its role in resolving the Syrian crisis. For her part, Merkel said the current situation in Syria is a true burden on Ankara. Reporter, Female #2 According to The Cable of the US Foreign Policy Magazine, leaders of the various Syrian opposition groups will meet next week in Qatar to form a new leadership body in lieu of the Syrian National Council, which many view as "ineffective" due to internal disputes among its ranks. In another development, the Syria's official TV channel aired statements of one of the officers who deserted his post at the Ministry of Interior, but later rejoined the ranks of the regime. Guest, Male #1 (First Lieutenant Hussein Khalifa, Former Syrian Defector) All the Turkish support comes through the Istanbul Council. Erdogan's government issued instructions to facilitate the process for all Syrians. You can travel without a passport. They wouldn't even ask you for your personal identification card. Reporter, Female #2 The Syrian TV channel also aired footage of the damage caused to the Armenian-Orthodox Saint Kevork Church and the Bethlehem School in al-Maydan neighborhood in the city of Aleppo. On the ground, a blast rocked the Sayyida Zeinab neighborhood in the suburb of Damascus, injuring 13 people. The incident took place when a bomb planted in a trash bin exploded targeting passersby on a busy street. Reporter, Female #2 In another development, warplanes launched air strikes on various Syrian regions. In the countryside of Damascus, the warplanes conducted air raids targeting fields in the town of Thaqba and Duma in the eastern Ghouta region. In addition, shells fell on the town of Harasta and farms adjacent to the town of Rankus, which is a stronghold of the armed opposition in the countryside of Damascus. In Idlib Province, the city of Maarat al-Numaan remains the target of warplanes. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102912?start=32 <p>Car bombings rock Damascus as failed Syrian ceasefire ends, Yemeni prisoners' family members mobilize to demand their release, Bahraini opposition stages anti-regime rallies, and more.</p> Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102912 Israel Defense Forces, United Nations, Israel, Gaza, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Tehran, Eid al-Adha, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinians, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Female #1 From Russia, the United Nations and Arab League envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, confirmed his determination to work on decreasing the level of violence in Syria, as Moscow is calling for dialogue between the two conflicting sides. Reporter, Female #2 After military events in Syria proved the failure of what was called a ceasefire, or a supposed truce during Eid al-Adha, the United Nations and Arab League envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, flew to Moscow to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an attempt to revive a truce that died in its infancy. During a joint press conference, the two sides expressed deep regret that the truce didn't succeed. Brahimi said this failure won't discourage his determination to continue his efforts for peace, indicating that the United Nations doesn't have immediate plans to send peacekeeping forces to Syria. Guest, Male #2 (Lakhdar Brahimi, United Nations and Arab Envoy to Syria) What we need in Syria is what we need in other countries in the region, real change, not cosmetic change; true reforms and not cosmetic ones. We must work so that this change comes from Syrians. We will strive to continue working in cooperation with all sides to decrease the level of violence in order to end it. Guest, Male #3 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) We must pressure the government and the opposition to send balanced signals to the two sides. We must not take sides, which allows the violence to continue, but we must convince them to stop shooting and move toward a political dialogue. I thank Brahimi for the efforts he's making in order to find a solution. Reporter, Female #2 Lavrov was disappointed that the Geneva Communique was not fulfilled at the Security Council. Presenter, Female #1 In Damascus, a car bomb was detonated in Jaramana as warplanes raided Harasta. Reporter, Male #4 On the fourth day of Eid and after accusations of breaking the truce by both the regime and the opposition with military operations, Jaramana, one of the Syrian capital's suburbs, woke up to the scene of a booby-trapped car bombing that lead to the death of more than 11 people, including women and children. In addition, a large number of people were injured and property damage was reported. The Syrian television channel's breaking news reported a terrorist booby-trapped car bombing in al-Rawda Street next to a bakery in Jaramana. Reporter, Male #4 On the other hand, updates on opposition websites reported that sounds of air strikes were heard in several neighborhoods in Damascus. They were carried out by warplanes on the countryside of the capital as well. Information indicated that sounds of the air strikes were heard for nearly two hours in several neighborhoods of the capital, shaking the windows of homes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that warplanes targeted armed men in the city of Harasta and the gardens next to it with eight raids within an hour and a half. Reports were also issued saying that clashes took place in the neighborhoods of Aleppo, Idlib, Homs and Deir az-Zour. Reporter, Male #4 In another development, Turkish media said a Syrian shell fell on the village of Besaslan in the southern province of Hatay, which pushed Turkish forces to respond. Politically, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed his great disappointment that the Syrian rivals failed to commit to the Eid al-Adha holiday truce. Reporter, Male #1 In the South Korean capital Seoul, Ban Ki-moon stated, "I feel deep disappointment because the sides failed to respect the call to halt the fighting." http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102612?start=371 <p>Sectarian violence claims 112 lives in Myanmar, terrorist attack and government killings "violate" Syria's ceasefire as mass protests erupt, suicide bombing targets Afghan mosque during Eid prayers, and more.</p> Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102612 Eid al-Adha, Israel, Ismail Haniyeh, Eid prayer, Politics of Israel, Yisrael Beiteinu, Likud, Benjamin Netanyahu, Avigdor Lieberman, United Nations Presenter, Male #1 The Eid al-Adha ceasefire in Syria collapsed before it began. There were clashes and demonstrations in several areas, and the Syrian president made an appearance to pray in one of the capital's mosques. Reporter, Female #2 Syria, its opposition, and its loyalists failed the first test of the military ceasefire that did not last more than several hours. With that, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's predictions were correct, as he had expressed his lack of confidence in the ceasefire. The two sides of the conflict traded accusations for violating the Adha ceasefire. Reporter, Female #2 As the general leadership of the military and the armed forces issued a statement accusing armed groups of attacking some military sites, and reported the number of targeted areas every hour and second, Local Coordination Committees documented more than 100 violations by the regime, and reported a number of casualties and injuries, among them children, in a number of areas. Guest, Male #1 (Syria TV Presenter) According to the statement issued by the general leadership of the military and the armed forces, our courageous armed forces are dealing with these violations by responding to the sources of the gunfire, combating terrorist armed groups, and tracking down their remnants. Reporter, Female #2 On the morning of Eid, Syria woke up to mass violations, especially in Deir az-Zour, Daraa, Homs, the countryside of Damascus, and on the outskirts of Wadi al-Daif camp in the governorate of Idlib. The chairman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdelrahman, noted the presence of al-Nusra Front elements among the opposition fighters. The group had previously announced that it would not abide by the ceasefire. On the other hand, SANA news agency announced a terrorist bombing was carried out with a booby trapped car in the neighborhood of al-Zohour in the southern part of the capital, and reported a number of casualties and injuries. Reporter, Female #2 In a remarkable appearance, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was seen on the official Syrian TV channel performing Eid prayers at the al-Afram mosque in Damascus. He was surrounded by a number of officials, most notably Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem. Al-Assad seemed comfortable and was smiling as he was speaking to those sitting next to him after shaking hands with the worshipers. Meanwhile, Sheikh Walid Abdul-Haq called for national unity and asked Syrians to stop attacking each other during the Eid Khutba, or speech. Reporter, Female #2 Anti-regime Syrians used the fragile ceasefire to take to the streets after Eid prayers. They held demonstrations calling for the downfall of the regime, especially in Daraa, Aleppo and its countryside, and the neighborhoods al-Hajar al-Aswad, al-Qaboun, and Jobar in Damascus, and several villages and towns in the countryside of Damascus, Idlib, the countryside of Hama, Deir az-Zour, and al-Raqqah. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102512?start=36 <p>Syrian regime declares conditional truce as Islamist group rejects holiday ceasefire, Israel calls Sudan a terrorist state after Khartoum holds Tel Aviv responsible for air strike, both US presidential candidates pledge to continue drone assassinations, and more.</p> Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102512 Israel, Catherine Ashton, African Union, Salam Fayyad, Hamas, Eid al-Adha, Ceasefire, Air strike, Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority, Palestinians Presenter, Female #1 Hours before the start of Eid al-Adha, Syria agreed to stop its military operations. However, the opposition conditioned the truce on the release of its prisoners by Friday, while what is known as Ansar al-Islam, or the Partisans of Islam, rejected the truce. Reporter, Female #2 Syria's announcement of its final and official stance on the truce proposed by Brahimi was delayed. But the regime's response is a gift to the Syrian people during the holiday. The announcement was made a few hours before the start of Eid al-Adha by the general leadership of the Syrian army, but it reserved what it called the right to respond to attacks by armed groups. Military operations will stop on the Syrian territory from Friday until Monday. Reporter, Female #2 On the other hand, the Free Syrian Army confirmed its commitment to the truce, but conditioned it on the release of its prisoners on Friday. Meanwhile, Ansar al-Islam gunmen doubted the regime's army will abide by the truce, and considered themselves unconcerned with the ceasefire. UN Human Rights Council investigators have indicated war crimes and crimes against humanity are occurring in Syria. The head of the investigators' commission, Brazilian Paulo Pinheiro, announced that it sent the Syrian president a letter asking for permission to enter Syria. Reporter, Female #2 Meanwhile, before the truce goes into effect, the situation on the ground in Syria has not eased since military battles continue between the two sides of the struggle, and have also intensified. Agence France-Presse reported that opposition fighters took control of Aleppo's strategic Ashrafiye neighborhood that holds a Kurdish majority. At the same time, clashes were ongoing between regime forces and opposition groups vying to control al-Sirian, a Christian-majority neighborhood located south of al-Ashrafiye. Reporter, Female #2 The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the cities of Daraya, Harasta, and Douma in the countryside of Damascus were shelled, and clashes erupted on the outskirts of al-Tadamon and al-Qaddam, south of the capital, and in Maarat al-Numaan in Idlib, and in al-Rastan in Homs. The opposition Observatory also reported finding the body of the pastor of St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church, Fadi al-Haddad, who was slaughtered in the city of Qatana in the countryside of Damascus. He had been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen a few days ago. Reporter, Female #2 On the other hand, the official Syrian TV channel said the death toll of the massacre committed by what is called Liwa al-Islam, or Islam Brigade, in Douma, has risen to 25. The channel said the victims were slaughtered on Ali ibn Abu Talib Street. It also broadcast videos of a car explosion carried out by terrorists in a crowded street at the Tadamon entrance in Damascus, indicating that the preliminary toll of the explosion is four killed, and 11 injured civilians. This comes as Syrian Prime Minister Dr. Wael al-Halqi is visiting Homs Province to look into the situation of its residents under the direction of President al-Assad. Guest, Male #1 (Dr. Wael al-Halqi, Syrian Prime Minister) Homs is calling on its residents to return, because life here is completely normal. The government will also start, and it has started, to prepare a database of afflicted people in Homs and other provinces. The government will provide financial compensation equal to half the estimated value presented by the governors and sub-committees. Reporter, Female #2 On the international front, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the United States is coordinating and providing logistic support to supply weapons to the Syrian opposition. At the same time, the Iranian Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, accused Washington and Zionism of creating crises in the region with the aid of their agents here to distract their people of the imminent dangers they face. He said some are seeking revenge against Syria because for three decades, it stood in the face of Zionists, and defended the resistance factions in Palestine and Lebanon. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102412?start=993 <p>Israel pounds the Gaza Strip after Qatari leader's visit, Lebanon's March 14 Coalition obstructs president's national dialogue initiative, US assassination drone kills three in Pakistan's North Waziristan, and more.</p> Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102412 Israel, Syrian Civil War, Iron Dome, Palestinians, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Syria, Iraq, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza blockade Presenter, Male #1 The Syrian Foreign Ministry announced in a statement that the final decision on a ceasefire during Eid al-Adha is still being looked into by the general leadership of the army and the armed forces, adding that the final stance will be issued on Thursday. On the other hand, al-Nusra Front announced its rejection to the ceasefire that was proposed by Brahimi. The movement that claimed responsibility for several bloody suicide bombings in Syria said in a statement that there will be no ceasefire between it and the Syrian regime, and that only the sword exists between them. Reporter, Female #1 The Syrian regime agreed to a ceasefire during Eid al-Adha that will begin on Friday and last four days, as announced by UN Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi from Cairo. After holding a meeting with the Secretary General of the Arab League Nabil al-Arabi, Brahimi told journalists that the leadership of the Syrian armed opposition informed him of their acceptance of his call for a ceasefire. Guest, Male #2 (Lakhdar Brahimi, UN Envoy to Syria) If this humble initiative succeeds, we hope to be able to use it as a foundation to discuss a stronger and longer ceasefire. Reporter, Female #1 On the ground, two days before Eid al-Adha, new battles were witnessed in Aleppo and Damascus. The official Syrian TV said that 13 people were slaughtered in Dawar al-Shuhadaa in Douma in the countryside of Damascus. Guest, Female #2 It is worth mentioning that the area in which the massacre occurred is being controlled by terrorists of the so-called Liwa al-Islam. Reporter, Female #1 Videos were posted on websites showing the shelling of Maarat al-Numaan in Idlib, noting that there were several casualties. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported in a statement that the neighborhood of al-Qatarji in eastern Aleppo was shelled by warplanes, adding that warplanes were also seen hovering above the al-Mayser neighborhood and neighborhoods in eastern Aleppo. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102312?start=1072 Libya struggles to rein in militias a year after Gaddafi's fall, Qatari emir breaks siege on Gaza in "historic" visit, US presidential candidates spar over who can inflict greatest suffering on Iranians, and more.<br /> Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:12:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102312 Syria, Syrian Civil War, US presidential election debates, 2012, Nuclear program of Iran, Israel, Iran, Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, United States, US presidential election debates Presenter, Female #1 A Syrian anti-aircraft missile fell on a health center in the border city of Reyhanli in Hatay Province, without any injuries reported. The battles are still continuing in several Syrian areas. Reporter, Female #2 After a visit that lasted nearly a week, Lakhdar Brahimi left Syria. He left a positive atmosphere behind him, according to an announcement by Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad, who was bidding farewell to Brahimi. Al-Miqdad expressed his hope to reach a speedy solution regarding the ceasefire during Eid al-Adha, and stressed the importance of reaching a solution on the ceasefire. Reporter, Female #2 Al-Miqdad saw that Brahimi's visit to Syria was very successful, and that working with him is bountiful. And within the framework of the expected calm, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued a decree that gave a general pardon for crimes committed before the 23rd of this month. Meanwhile, Damascus accused France of obstructing efforts to stop the violence in Syria by supporting violence and terrorism. Reporter, Female #2 A statement by the Syrian Foreign Ministry called on the international community, especially the Security Council, to seriously work with the French body that is preventing a halt to the violence and terrorism in Syria. This comes at a time when the United Nations, through its envoy Brahimi, is laboriously seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis with a halt to the violence and terrorism. Reporter, Female #2 On the other hand, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian announced that a national dialogue, which would include all parties involved in the Syrian crisis, may begin soon in Tehran, or in another country in the region. He also noted that groups from the opposition refused to participate, adding that Tehran is still trying to persuade them. Reporter, Female #2 On the ground, the decisive battle in Maarat al-Numaan continues between the regime's army and the Free Army, which is trying to control the city. And in Aleppo, Syrian planes waged air raids on a neighborhood that is being controlled by armed groups. As for the capital Damascus, regime forces continued their raids on a number of neighborhoods, and clashed with members of the Free Army. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102212?start=225 <p>Thousands of Kuwaitis protest changes to electoral system, Lebanese army struggles to control Tripoli as gunmen roam streets, hundreds of Libyan families flee Bani Walid, and more.</p> Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102212 Syria, Islamophobia, Muslim, 2011 Kuwait protests, Tripoli, Lebanon, Bab al-Tabbaneh–Jabal Mohsen clashes, Bani Walid, Al-Qaeda, Rohingya, Freedom of speech Presenter, Female #1 In Lebanon's city of Tripoli, the army imposed cautious calm after clashes, and a violent night of gunfire and grenade explosions. Politically, there is a call for civil disobedience to take place on the front door of Prime Minister Najib Mikati's home. My colleague Nawal Berri reports from the north. Reporter, Female #2 The street of city of Tripoli is still reacting to the assassination of Brigadier General Wissam al-Hassan. While tension was confined in the past few days to the appearance of gunmen on the streets of the city, it has reached the neighborhoods of Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh that are ready to erupt at any moment. During the violent nightly clashes, heavy and mid-range weapons were used as snipers spread on building rooftops. Clashes were limited by the morning to sporadic sniper fire. Guest, Male #1 (Fighter) Look, the cars have bullet holes, and people also fired at the bridge. This is why we are here; we are only responding. We still haven't dealt with them. If they continue to act like this, they will experience something they never have before. They will regret it. No one will leave Jabal Mohsen if they continue. We won't allow a single worker, woman, or man to leave if they continue to shoot at the bridge. Reporter, Female #2 Four people were killed, and nearly 30 others were injured, some in critical condition. That is the outcome of the Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh battles. The injured were spread across the city's hospitals. Guest, Male #2 (Izam Asoum, Islamic Hospital Head) We have 14 cases so far, including one killed and 13 injured. Four of the injured are in the hospital, and one of them is in critical condition. The rest were treated in the emergency room and released. Reporter, Female #2 The Lebanese army has been working since the morning to cut off the Malouleh roundabout, the origin of the indiscriminate sniping. The army also entered a number of neighborhoods, and detained some snipers and wanted individuals. And in an attempt to rein in on the street, the army took control of Abdel Hamid Karami Square, and placed checkpoints on all its entrances, checking IDs and searching cars. The condemnation of the assassination was not limited to the security situation in Tripoli, as some civil society members responded to the call of Minister Mouin Merhebi to set up tents in front of Prime Minister Najib Mikati's home to demand his resignation. Guest, Male #3 (MP Mouin Merhebi) From this day forward, we are telling all the citizens not to pay their bills to the Lebanese government, be it electricity, or water, and especially phone bills. From now on, we will not consider paying any bill owed to the government. Guest, Male #4 (MP Khaled Zahraman) I don't want to speak about the steps the March 14 coalition will take before it does, so today I will talk as a Lebanese citizen. As a Lebanese citizen, I think we should mobilize and use all peaceful means to topple this government. Reporter, Female #2 On the other hand, Minister of Youth Faisal Karami received a call from Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn, during which he confirmed that the level of insurgency in Beirut and Tripoli is unacceptable, and will be dealt with tomorrow through patriotic and national means. Guest, Male #5 (Faisal Karami, Minister of Youth and Sports) The Lebanese army must take action, and take firm, strong, and wise action. The latest information I received is that the army has started to be seriously deployed to halt the tension between the areas of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen. Reporter, Female #2 Amid the vicious cycle of sporadic clashes in Tripoli, the Lebanese army remains the strong link in the city. Two days after angry gunmen besieged the city, the Lebanese army was deployed to Abdel Hamid Karami Square and took control of all its entrances. And with that, the multi-level phase of retaking control has started gradually in the city. From the Abdel Hamid Karami Square in Tripoli, Nawal Berri, New TV. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101712?start=923 <p>NATO's immunity at stake over bombing of civilians in Libya, Bahraini man dies after regime forces fire toxic tear gas into his home, Palestinians shut down Israeli-only road in the West Bank, and more.</p> Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101712 Israel, Palestinians, Jerusalem, Israel Defense Forces, Khaled K. El-Hamedi, Bahrain Uprising, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Levy Report, Egypt–Israel relations, Israeli-occupied territories Presenter, Male #1 A mortar shell fired from Syria landed in southeast Turkey, causing no injuries, as reported by the MTV TV channel quoting the local authorities. The channel added the shell fell on a bank of the Asi River in Turkey's Hatay Province. Meanwhile, confrontations remain fierce, especially in Maarat al-Numaan, as a delegation from the Vatican gets ready to visit Syria next week. Reporter, Female #1 Yet again, opposition gunmen downed a Syrian armed forces' helicopter. This time, it was near the city of Maarat al-Numaan in Idlib Province, in northwestern Syria, with the conflict reaching its peak in the village of Busaybeh. Meanwhile, the Anadolu news agency quoted the Free Syrian Army's political adviser, Bassam al-Dada, saying one of the two pilots captured by the opposition fighters after downing their fighter jet resembles Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Reporter, Female #1 For its part, official Syrian TV reported that a unit of the armed forces eliminated an armed terrorist group in the western countryside of Ma'ar Lohtat. As for Aleppo, the town of Sha'ab was shelled while clashes continued in al-Ramouseh, and near the Kowriss Military Airport in the countryside of Aleppo. In a related development, the acting president of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, Murat Karayilan, speaking to the Swiss daily Le Temps, warned Turkey from the headquarters of the party in Iraq of violent revenge on its territories if it attacks Syrian-Kurds. Reporter, Female #1 On a different note, France, through its Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, accused the Syrian regime of using cluster bombs following his meeting with representatives of civil revolutionarily councils administering areas controlled by gunmen in northern Syria. Similar accusations were made by non-governmental organizations. These charges were categorically denied by the army's general leadership, and Syrian armed forces. As for the Syrian opposition members, after their meeting, they stressed on the need to protect these liberated border areas from air raids carried out by the Syrian regime. Guest, Male #2 (Othman Bilawi, Head of Revolutionary Council in Maarat al-Numaan) A long time ago, over a year ago when we were expecting the regime to shell the cities, we asked for a no-fly zone. Sadly, the Russian position is clear, and the Chinese position is also clear as they stand against the Syrian people. We asked, and we are still asking for a no-fly zone, but as we say, it's out of my hands. Reporter, Female #1 The American newspaper Washington Post revealed the European governments, most notably the French and British governments, that were and remain the biggest supporters of the armed groups in Syria, are now feeling great concern over the possibility of catastrophic repercussions in their countries over this support. This was made evident through the British and French authorities' arrest of extremist Islamists attempting to join the fighters in Syria. Reporter, Female #1 Also on the political front, Pope Benedict XVI decided to send a high-profile delegation on a mission to offer their views on a solution that can only be political, according to a Vatican spokesman. The spokesman indicated the delegation will bring aid collected by the bishops to the victims of the conflict. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101612?start=1119 <p>France continues push for military intervention in Mali, Iran slams new EU sanctions as illegal, unwise and inhuman, former Bosnian Serb leader denies accusations at war crimes tribunal, and more.</p> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101612 Sanctions against Iran, European Union, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Mali, Moshe Dayan, Radovan Karadžić, Investigation into the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, Refugees of the Syrian civil war Presenter, Female #1 The Arab League welcomed the recommendation of the joint envoy to the Syrian crisis, Lakhdar Brahimi, for initiating a truce between Syrian regime forces and the armed opposition in light of the ongoing clashes in several parts of Syria. Reporter, Female #2 The Arab League's Deputy Secretary-General, Ambassador Ahmad Bin Hilly, welcomed the recommendation of the joint envoy to the Syrian crisis, Lakhdar Brahimi, for initiating a truce between Syrian regime forces and the armed opposition to stop the violence that has been ongoing for 20 months. The deputy secretary-general added that the League's Secretary-General Nabil al-Arabi will meet with Brahimi in Cairo on Wednesday. They will discuss the outcome of his tour to the region, and the negotiations he held with international parties and the recommendations presented to solve the Syrian crisis. Reporter, Female #2 Brahimi had held talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr, during which they discussed the developments of the Syrian crisis and Brahimi's mission. Egypt said it asked Syria to clarify the circumstances around the killings of three Egyptians, including a leader of an opposition combat group. According to Damascus, they died in battles in Aleppo and Damascus. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry confirmed it sent an urgent memorandum to Damascus demanding clarifications about the killings. Reporter, Female #2 The Syrian Air Force launched its most violent raids on the surroundings of Maarat al-Numaan since opposition gunmen took control of the city last week. Clashes took place near military centers close to the city. The most notable clashes occurred in Wadi al-Daif, the largest camp for regime forces in the area, which gunmen had lately attempted to storm. The Hamidiya camp, south of the city, was shelled by locally-manufactured rockets. Violence reached several parts of Syria. In Aleppo, clashed took place in the two neighborhoods of al-Hamdaniya and al-Maydan. In Homs, regime forces are trying to storm the Khalidiya district and a number of nearby districts that are controlled by the armed opposition, especially in the center of the city. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101612?start=1242 <p>France continues push for military intervention in Mali, Iran slams new EU sanctions as illegal, unwise and inhuman, former Bosnian Serb leader denies accusations at war crimes tribunal, and more.</p> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101612 Sanctions against Iran, European Union, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Mali, Moshe Dayan, Radovan Karadžić, Investigation into the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, Refugees of the Syrian civil war Presenter, Female #1 Electronic cards were distributed to displaced Syrians in Turkish camps, and despite their displacement, Syrian refugees are trying to adapt to their new reality. Reporter, Female #3 Despite their displacement, the conditions of Syria's refugees behind the Syrian-Turkish border is much better than those who were unable to cross the border. In the Turkish camps that are spread along the border, the displaced live in premade houses, as aid agencies are working on providing them with food and clothes. Finally, the World Food Programme and the Turkish Red Cross have set up a plan to distribute electronic cards to thousands of refugees. The cards come with a specific monthly allowance so refugees can buy necessary food items from large retailers in the border areas. Guest, Male #1 (Daly Belgasmi, World Food Program Regional Director) The World Food Program and the Turkish Red Cross developed this card. It's a type of credit card that allows Syrian refugees to make purchases at large retail stores full of fresh produce. Reporter, Female #2 Syrian families haven't been satisfied with the modest aid they receive that includes bread and food. They decided to bring some of their traditions to the Kilis camp. Winter is near, and the crisis is long, so women decided to take advantage of their down time here to prepare their pantry. The equipment available in the houses motivated women to cook food, so that their fragmented family can be reunited at their modest dining table. While international agencies and organizations are trying to provide the displaced Syrians their basic needs, their increasing numbers in neighboring countries threatens a nearing humanitarian crisis. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101512?start=563 <p>Philippines and Muslim separatists sign preliminary peace pact, NATO air strike kills three children in southern Afghanistan, "Yalla Vote" mobilizes Arab-American community to vote in presidential election, and more.</p> Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101512 Benjamin Netanyahu, Syria, Barack Obama, Taliban, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Hot Bird, Eutelsat, Helmand Province, Arab American Institute, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Female #1 In Syria, the battles are continuing as new sanctions were imposed by the European Union. Damascus denies using cluster bombs in the conflict, and assures that it does not own these types of bombs. And on a tour to the region, UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi is delivering Iranian proposals to solve the Syrian crisis. Reporter, Female #2 UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi denies he suggested sending a peacekeeping force to Syria. Ibrahimi's statement was issued from Baghdad, which he traveled to with Iranian proposals, and where he met with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Al-Maliki called on Brahimi to take action quickly to preserve Syria's unity and the security of the region, as he warned the UN-Arab League envoy of Syria's crisis, considering it a danger to its people, neighbors, and world peace. Reporter, Female #2 Brahimi had met with a number of Iranian officials and received Iranian proposals, which according to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian includes a transition phase in Syria under the supervision of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that would lead to presidential and parliamentary elections. The proposals also includes ending the violence, implementing a cease-fire, and an end to sending weapons and endorsing armed groups, and conducting a national dialogue between the opposition and the government. Guest, Male #1 (Lakhdar Brahimi, UN-Arab League Envoy) There are some ideas in your proposals which can help by adding to that forwarded by other nations who are also important with regards to the Syrian situation. Reporter, Female #2 French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius announced that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov informed France that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will never leave and will remain until further notice, noting that Russia's stance in favor of al-Assad is becoming increasingly stubborn. Fabius' words came after a European Union meeting imposing additional sanctions on Syrian figures and companies. In Doha, the opposition General Secretariat of the Syrian National Council held meetings presided by Abdelbaset Sieda to discuss the situation on the ground and the political situation in Syria, in addition to relief efforts for refugees. Reporter, Female #2 At the Turkish border, the new confrontation was with planes. Ankara said that its military fighter jets forced an Armenian plane to land in the eastern part of the country to search it before heading to the Syrian city of Aleppo. The Armenian Yerevan was quick to deny the stance by announcing that the Armenian cargo plane was transporting humanitarian aid to Syria, and had asked permission to use Turkish airspace beforehand, and that it was agreed that it would land in a Turkish airport. Reporter, Female #2 On the ground, Syrian opposition websites posted scenes of a massacre that it said occurred in Daraya in the countryside of Damascus by the Syrian regime. In Aleppo, eight soldiers from the regime's army were killed in an attack by a booby-trapped car that opponents had set up at a Syrian army checkpoint at the entrance of the city. In Idlib, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that clashes are continuing for the third consecutive day near the largest military base in the region, the Wadi Daif base in Maarat al-Numaan. Reporter, Female #2 On the other hand, Syrian TV said that Bashar al-Assad issued a decree to form a committee to repair the Great Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo, which is the oldest historical Islamic landmark in Syria, and was burned due to clashes in the mosque. Syrian TV showed images from inside the mosque and said that opposition fighters had wreaked havoc to its contents, as opposition websites denied that the Free Army had lost control of the mosque. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101212?start=846 <p>Anti-Morsi slogans lead to clashes between Islamists and liberals in Tahrir Square, African Union forces expand control outside of Mogadishu, Saudi Arabia ranks as world's second-worst country for women, and more.</p> Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101212 Taliban, Israel, Islamism, Afghanistan, Tahrir Square, Women's rights in Saudi Arabia, Ghazni Province, Jalalabad Airport, Bahrain Uprising, Nobel Peace Prize Presenter, Male #1 Tensions are escalating between Ankara and Damascus. This news comes after Turkish fighter jets confronted a Syrian military helicopter that shelled the border town of Azmarin. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed reports that a Syrian plane grounded by Turkey was carrying weapons. Reporter, Female #1 The tense Turkish-Syrian relationship has escalated to a new level. Relations between Ankara and Damascus took a turn for the worst after Turkish authorities intercepted and seized weapons aboard a Syrian passenger plane from Moscow that was en route to Damascus. Reporter, Female #1 Two Turkish fighter jets that had taken off from Diyarbakir fended off a Syrian helicopter approaching the Syrian-Turkish border. A Turkish official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Turkey immediately sent two fighter jets to its border with Syria after a Syrian military helicopter bombed the border town of Azmarin. The town and adjacent cities have been witnessing fierce battles between fighters of the Free Syrian Army and regime forces. Reporter, Female #1 In the latest news on the Syrian plane grounded by Turkish authorities, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that the plane was not carrying any weapons on board. This news comes amid an exchange of blame, after Damascus accused Ankara of lying. In what was attributed to a Russian arms exporting source, the Russian Kommersant newspaper reported that the plane was not carrying weapons. The source added that the plane was carrying 12 boxes of Russian radar parts for Syria's anti-missile defense system. Reporter, Female #1 Politically, the Syrian crisis was the focus of discussion between the Saudi King, Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz, and the international envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi. The talks, which were held in the city of Jeddah, centered on ways to stop all acts of violence and bloodshed, terrorization of civilians, and violations of human rights. Reporter, Female #1 On a Friday dubbed, "The Free People of the Coast Making Victory," Syrian opposition forces intensified their attacks on regime forces' strategic hubs in the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo in the north. Nearly 14 Syrian soldiers and six opposition fighters were killed in an attack on an army checkpoint in the village of Khirba near Ma'araba in the southern province of Daraa, as confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Reporter, Female #1 Meanwhile, fierce battles are raging around the city of Maarat al-Numaan in Idlib, which fell under the control of opposition fighters a few days ago. Opposition fighters are seeking to expand their control over the entire area, and over supply routes to the city of Aleppo. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101112?start=35 <p>Syria accuses Turkey of "air piracy" after interception of Damascus-bound passenger plane, Paris police find bomb-making equipment in basement of "terror cell," Hezbollah claims responsibility for drone that entered Israeli airspace, and more.</p> Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101112 Israel, Politics of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Shura Council, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Syria-Turkey relations, Bani Walid, Paris, Hassan Nasrallah Presenter, Female #1 The Syrian, Turkish, and Russian conflict is at its peak, as a result of the Syrian Airbus 320 crisis, while the situation on the ground in Syria rages on. Reporter, Female #2 This is a new indication of the rising tension between the two neighboring countries, after a Syrian plane was forced to land in Ankara by Turkish authorities on Wednesday, under the pretext that it was carrying suspicious cargo. Damascus escalated its tone, as the Syrian Foreign Ministry accused Turkish authorities of being hostile towards them, and of blatantly violating laws and treaties. It also accused them of mistreating the plane's crew, and endangering the safety of the plane and its passengers. Reporter, Female #2 It also saw the Turkish act as an addition to Ankara's past conduct, which includes training and harboring armed groups and facilitating their infiltration, as well as shelling Syrian land. After the Syrian Airbus 320 landed at dawn on Thursday in Damascus Airport, the Syrian government asserted that the plane did not carry arms or even illegal cargo. It also demanded that Turkish authorities return the remaining contents of the plane intact and in full. Guest, Male #1 (Mahmoud Ibrahim Said, Minister of Transport) What happened yesterday is a Turkish air piracy operation. They asked the pilot to sign a pledge stating that what happened was not a landing by force, but a landing due to a technical failure, or an emergency landing. Reporter, Female #2 On the other hand, Russia punished Turkey for its act. Russian President Vladimir Putin postponed his visit to Ankara, which was scheduled for October 15th to December 3rd, without giving any reason. Moscow also called for Turkish authorities to clarify the justification of acts like this one, which was also an act against 17 Russian citizens. It seems that worry has quickly seeped into Ankara, which warned its airlines from entering Syrian airspace to avoid being subjected to possible retaliatory measures. Reporter, Female #2 The Turkish prime minister quickly rejected Russian and Syrian accusations aimed at his country, noting that the Syrian plane was carrying Russian-made ammunition belonging to the Syrian Defense Ministry. Meanwhile, it was reported that the Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador. Reporter, Female #2 The Anadolu News Agency announced that after security officials conducted a thorough inspection of the Syrian passenger plane, and confiscated some materials that were suspected to be rocket parts, the plane was allowed to depart the airport with its passengers. The confiscated supplies were held for examination. This aerial incident was viewed favorably by Free Syrian Army fighters. Reporter, Female #2 On the ground, violent clashes between regime forces and opposition fighters continued, in order to seize control of the supply route to Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Syrian opposition seized nearly five kilometers of the freeway that ties Damascus and Aleppo, near the strategic city of Maarat al-Numaan. The Local Coordination Committee said that bloody clashes took place in Homs and Idlib. For their part, official Syrian TV said that the area of al-Midan in Aleppo remains safe, and free of armed terrorist groups. Reporter, Female #2 SANA noted that a unit from the regime's forces executed special operations in the areas of Dwar Kadi Askar, Mashfa al-Oyoun, al-Maslakh in Aleppo. They resulted in the deaths of a number of terrorists, and the destruction of ammunition caches. In Homs, a unit of the armed forces clashed with a terrorist group in the neighborhood of Bab Houd. This resulted in the death of the terrorist Mohamed Bakar, one of the most dangerous leaders of the armed groups in al-Qusayr, in the countryside of Homs. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101012?start=1000 <p>Thousands march to demand justice for massacre of Copts in Cairo, Israel gears up for early elections amid Palestinian fears of renewed violence, Pakistani girl shot in head by Taliban remains in critical condition, and more.</p> Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101012 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Gaza, NATO, Benjamin Netanyahu, Afghanistan War, Israel Defense Forces, Afghanistan, Palestinians, United Nations Presenter, Male #1 Battles have once again returned to Maarat al-Numaan, after rebels announced having taken control of it. In Aleppo, the regime announced that it has taken control of most parts of the city. Reporter, Male #1 Once again Maarat al-Numaan returns to the forefront of events in Syria. It's a strategic city through which all government reinforcements pass on their way to Aleppo. The Syrian regime's army moved to reinforce its positions near the city, which is in Idlib's countryside, and has been under rebel control for the past 24 hours. The Syrian Observatory announced that regime forces have withdrawn from all checkpoints inside Maarat al-Numan after battles that lasted 48 hours. Reporter, Male #1 The revolutionaries confirmed that they have taken control of three military checkpoints near the Wadi al-Daif Camp in the area. They were also able to take control of the cultural center. In Maarat al-Numaan, the opposition Sham Network reported violent clashes between the Free Army and the regime forces in the towns of Darkoush, al-Yaqobiyah, and al-Shughur in Jisr al-Shughur, in the countryside of Idlib. In the capital, the opposition relayed information regarding clashes with the Free Army in the neighborhoods of al-Qadam, al-Assali, Nahr Aisha, and al-Tadamon, south of Damascus. Reporter, Male #2 From official information, Syrian TV announced that the regime's forces conducted a number of operations in the neighborhoods of Aleppo, and were able to kill those who they described as terrorists and mercenaries. The station added that regime forces targeted 4 buses that transported armed men in the neighborhood of Shaar. It noted that cars affiliated with the armed men were carrying Dushka machine guns and anti-aircraft missiles. It also announced full control of the neighborhood of al-Khalidiya in Homs. Reporter, Male #2 On the media front, the Syrian al-Ikhbariya channel eulogized photographer Mohammad al-Ashram, who worked in its office in Deir az-Zour. SANA reported that al-Ashram was killed by terrorists' gunfire in the city. The internal scene was not calmer than the border, especially the border with Turkey, which is still witnessing tension and shelling exchanged between both sides. Nahr al-Assi remains the only safe path between both borders, where Syrians transport the injured to Turkey. Meanwhile, Istanbul is active and mobilizing on the political front. Guest, Male #3 (Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Prime Minister) Turkey did not push the Syrian crisis. It came as a result of al-Assad's regime's mistakes, and its persistence in not fulfilling the Syrian people's democratic demands. Not listening to our recommendations led to developments in Syria reaching this negative stage. Reporter, Male #2 As for the Chief of Staff of the Turkish army, he warned Syria of a harsher response if Turkish border areas continue to be shelled. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100812?start=834 <p>Omar al-Bashir "committed" to security agreement as Sudan reopens border with South, Israel strikes Gaza in response to Hamas's retaliation for deadly attack, Imran Khan's anti-drone march stopped at Waziristan border, and more.</p> Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100812 Gaza, Palestinians, Israel, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Missile defense, Israeli Air Force, Iran, Omar al-Bashir, Israeli–Palestinian conflict Presenter, Female #1 Clashes in several parts of Syria, renewed Syrian shelling on the Turkish side, and Turkey's response. Reporter, Female #2 Several parts of Syria are witnessing shelling and clashes between regime forces and the Free Army. In Aleppo, clashes didn't stop in the neighborhoods of Hanano and al-Sakhur, east of the city, and several other neighborhoods to its north. It was the same situation in several parts of Homs, where neighborhoods were exposed to air raids. The Farouk Brigade in Homs announced the arrest of First Lieutenant Husam al-Assad, cousin of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, during clashes with regime forces. In a related development, Ali Khuzam, a colonel in the Syrian Republican Guard who is considered to be Colonel Maher al-Assad's right-hand man, has died. He died as a result of wounds sustained days ago during clashes between regime forces and armed opposition members. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the colonel was the one who supervised the storming of the Baba Amr neighborhood in Homs, and led several military operations in several cities in the Damascus countryside. Reporter, Female #2 In a different development, Turkish-Syrian political and ground skirmishes haven't ended. A shell from the Syrian side fell on the Turkish border town of Akcakale, the second incident of its kind in 5 days. The Turkish military fired an artillery shell into Syria as a direct response. The Turkish political response was given by President Abdullah Gul, who confirmed that the government in this stage remains in constant contact with the Chief of General Staff for consultation. Guest, Male #1 (Abdullah Gul, Turkish President) Turkey will take all the necessary steps with regard to Syria. What is happening in Syria is the worst possible scenario in the country. It's affecting Turkey directly, while the Syrian population suffers from the grief of this scenario. Reporter, Female #2 Damascus viewed the statements by Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, regarding a handover of the presidency of a transitional government in Syria to Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa, as a reflection of their political and diplomatic floundering and confusion. Syrian TV reported that the Minister of Information, Omran al-Zoubi, stated that Turkey isn't the Ottoman Empire, and the Turkish Foreign Ministry doesn't assign rulers in Damascus, Mecca, Cairo, or Jerusalem. Reporter, Female #2 The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, warned of the dangerous situation on the Turkish-Syrian border with regard to an escalation of the conflict on the border, and the consequences of the crisis on Lebanon as two grave matters. Ban, during the opening of the first World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, expressed his deep concern over the ongoing flow of weapons to the Syrian government, as well as to opposition forces. Reporter, Female #2 On a different front, Reuters showed some segments on the strongholds of the Free Army on the fringes of the capital, Damascus, and others of gunmen belonging to the Free Army in the neighborhood of al-Tadamon in the capital, during their assault on a military installation belonging to the regime. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100512?start=416 <p>Thousands of Jordanians take part in Friday protests despite king's dissolution of parliament, Israeli forces clash with worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, Syrian rebels down military plane on outskirts of Damascus, and more.</p> Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100512 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Nuclear program of Iran, Syria-Turkey relations, Palestinians, Benjamin Netanyahu, Politics of Turkey, Sanctions against Iran, Damascus, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Presenter, Female #1 The Syrian opposition downed a plane in the Damascus countryside. And Syrian government sources announced that they repelled an attack by armed gunmen who came from Turkey, which once again has warned against the shelling of its territory. Reporter, Male #1 The "Syrian Friday" this week witnessed developments on several fronts. Protests returned to several areas with the slogan, "We Want Weapons, Not Declarations." The Damascus countryside witnessed the downing of a Syrian military plane in east al-Ghouta, and the capture of the plane's two pilots, according to statements by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory indicated that fighters from the revolutionary brigades downed a plane that had been taking part in raids on areas of east al-Ghouta. The opposition also announced the arrest of a high-level officer in al-Ghouta. The Douma Martyrs' Brigade announced its control over an air base in east al-Ghouta as well. A video posted online by the opposition showed the arrest of a regime agent at the base. Reporter, Male #1 On the Homs front, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated that the city was exposed to the worst shelling in months, especially in the district of al-Khalidiya, which was shelled by artillery and war planes. At the border with Turkey, Turkish shelling against Syrian sites has stopped, while Turkish military forces continue to strengthen. Reporter, Male #1 From the Syrian side, a government source announced that the Syrian regime's army repelled an attack by the Free Army near the towns of Ain al-Arab and Ain Issa, in northern Syria, after gunmen entered the country from Turkey. Syrian TV broadcast images of members of the regime's army in Aleppo City, saying that they were able to destroy a number of vehicles equipped with machine guns, and kill a number of terrorists, and that the army was able to cleanse areas of the Damascus countryside of these elements. Reporter, Male #1 A report broadcast from the city of Qudsaya, after the military wrested control of it, showed torture sites set up in the basements of buildings. They displayed these images, saying they belonged to a Wahabi group that was killing people. Reporter, Male #1 Politically, at a press conference he held in Istanbul, Syrian National Council President Abdel Baset Sayda invited all organizations to carry out a practical campaign to protect what the revolution has accomplished. He stressed that the regime wants to destroy the country, and must be brought to justice. Reporter, Male #1 Also from Istanbul, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a new warning to Syria of the consequences of another shelling in Turkish territory. He confirmed that if this incident is repeated, Damascus will pay an exorbitant price. Before a gathering of supporters from his party, the Justice and Development Party, Erdogan warned Damascus not to venture out and test Turkey's patience. He reaffirmed that his country does not wish to wage war on Syria, but at the same time, will not hesitate to retaliate against an action that threatens its national security. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100412?start=991 <p>Turkish demonstrators clash with police after parliament vote to strike Syria, Libyan protestors storm National Congress over lack of representation, Somali government blames al-Shabab for "systematic" killing of journalists, and more.</p> Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100412 Politics of Israel, Taliban, Afghanistan, Syrian Civil War, Tzipi Livni, Coalition government, Jordan, Child, Israel Defense Forces, Ehud Barak Presenter, Male #1 NATO in Afghanistan is walking in the steps of the Israelis in southern Lebanon. Reporter, Male #2 NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen confessed that the strategic resistance adopted by the Taliban has succeeded in bringing down the morale of occupation forces in Afghanistan. He suggested withdrawing from there before the scheduled date, which is at the end of 2014. Reporter, Male #2 Rassmussen's statements are very similar to those of the enemy's Prime Minister Ehud Barak, before the Israeli army withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000. At that time, he announced that Israel was in the process of beginning a tactical withdrawal from southern Lebanon. It was soon revealed that the withdrawals were comprehensive withdrawals, following blows from the Lebanese resistance. Rassmussen admitted that the deaths this year of over 50 NATO soldiers, at the hands of Taliban fighters who infiltrated Afghan security forces, harmed the relationship between international forces and Afghan security and army forces, which NATO is working to train and prepare for the post-withdrawal stage. However, like the Israeli Barak, he insisted that the accelerated withdrawal from Afghanistan must not be seen as a race to exit the country. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100412?start=1076 <p>Turkish demonstrators clash with police after parliament vote to strike Syria, Libyan protestors storm National Congress over lack of representation, Somali government blames al-Shabab for "systematic" killing of journalists, and more.</p> Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100412 Politics of Israel, Taliban, Afghanistan, Syrian Civil War, Tzipi Livni, Coalition government, Jordan, Child, Israel Defense Forces, Ehud Barak Presenter, Male #1 In Iraq, four people were killed and 11 were wounded in a car bombing that targeted the convoy of one of the private security companies along al-Amirat Street in the area of al-Mansur in western Baghdad, according to a source at the Interior Ministry. A medical source at al-Yarmouk Hospital confirmed receiving four bodies and treating 41 people who were wounded in the explosion. Private security companies in Iraq assume the protection of businessmen and employees in some foreign companies, in coordination with the Interior Ministry. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100212?start=478 <p>Jewish extremists storm Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque, Somalia's al-Shabab claims responsibility for blasts in "liberated" Kismayo, Iranian rial falls to all-time low as Western sanctions take hold, and more.</p> Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100212 Politics of Israel, Taliban, Afghanistan, Mahmoud Abbas, Israel Defense Forces, Israel, Muslim, United States, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Kismayo Presenter, Male #1 Clashes continue in Syria between regime forces and the armed opposition, as al-Asaad denies he was besieged in Aleppo. Reporter, Male #2 The pace of violence is escalating in Syria. Today's clashes raged in several areas of the country. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that at least 11 people were killed in shelling and attacks, especially in the countryside of Damascus. Meanwhile, violent clashes continued in Aleppo between regime forces and opposition fighters. Syrian television said that Syrian security forces destroyed what it called "terrorist dens," and confiscated weapons and ammunition. Reporter, Male #2 Government media outlets mentioned the deaths of the rebels, among them a Tunisian. On the other hand, opposition websites said that civilian casualties fell in the city of Salqin in northeastern Syria, which was subjected to the regime's tanks and artillery shelling. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that violent clashes took place between regime forces and Free Army fighters in the cities of al-Qadam and Assali in the capital. The clashes were accompanied by violent shelling, which caused injuries and damaged some homes. Reporter, Male #2 As for Aleppo, the violence was as it usually is. Clashes between regime forces and opposition fighters took place in the outskirts of the neighborhoods of Arkoub and Suleiman al-Halabi. Meanwhile, the neighborhoods of Sheikh Khodr, Sakhour, and Sheikh Faris, have been shelled by Syrian regime forces. The Observatory confirmed that a number of people were injured in violent shelling conducted by regime forces on the neighborhood of Masaken Hanano. Reporter, Male #2 Politically, in the opening of its regular session, the Syrian People's Assembly speaker waged an attack on Saudi Arabia regarding the Syrian crisis. Guest, Male #3 This comes in the context of the Saudi kingdom's ongoing blatant aggression, as well as its affiliation with the West, which targets Syria and its people through its claim of being the custodian of the two notable sanctuaries. This is consistent with their desperate attempts to undermine Syria and its stability, by supporting, funding, and giving arms to the armed terrorist groups. Reporter, Male #2 As for Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi, he confirmed his government's persistence in continuing to get rid of the terrorists, who are trying to strike the country economically after they were defeated militarily. Reporter, Male #2 The Leader of the Free Syrian Army, Colonel Riad al-Asaad, denied reports that regime forces besieged him in Aleppo. He also denied traveling with a number of Free Army officers to Israel, but did not give his whereabouts. He described those who came up with the allegations as "real agents" of the Israeli enemy. Reporter, Male #2 As a response to the possibility of Damascus using chemical weapons, and Tehran's reaction to such an approach, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said the following. Guest, Male #4 Iran is the anchor of security. If this theory were to come true, everything would end. If any country, including Iran, used weapons of mass destruction, it would end the legitimacy of this government. Reporter, Male #2 Salehi's words came during his participation in a discussion circle organized by the American Council on Foreign Relations. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092112?start=804 <p>Blasphemy anger spreads to Asia as Pakistan protests turn deadly, Egypt's Copts and Muslims come together to denounce anti-Islam film, over 300 officers charged in Turkey's "sledgehammer" coup plot, and more.</p> Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092112 Islam, Muhammad, Nuclear program of Iran, 2012 US diplomatic missions attacks, Kashmir, Israel, Muslim, Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Civil War, Innocence of Muslims Presenter, Male #1 Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi denied that President Bashar al-Assad gave a special interview to an Egyptian newspaper. Meanwhile, shelling and clashes continue in several areas in Syria. And Friday's demonstrations were titled, "The Messenger's Beloved in Syria Are Being Slaughtered." Reporter, Female #1 The city of Aleppo and its countryside witnessed clashes between regime forces and opposition fighters in the surroundings of the Hanano military barracks in the neighborhood of al-Arkoub, as well as in the surroundings of the Ming Military Airport, as many neighborhoods in the city were subjected to shelling. Regime forces also shelled Douma in the countryside of Damascus, and the city of al-Raqqah, in the al-Raqqah Governorate, in addition to the city of al-Rastan in Homs. And in the governorate of al-Hasakah, a gunman assassinated Mohammed Wali, who was a member of the General Secretariat of the Kurdish Council, by opening fire on him in front of the Local Council, which is part of the National Kurdish Council. Reporter, Female #1 Officials announced that the appropriate authorities raided a residential apartment in the neighborhood of Project 7 in Latakia, and confiscated 30 kilograms of C4. The opposition National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change announced that it lost contact with two of its members. They are Dr. Abdul Aziz al-Khayer, head of its foreign relations office, and Eyas Ayash, a member of its executive committee, in addition to Maher Tahan, who was accompanying them. This happened when they were returning from Damascus International Airport, after a delegation from the committee visited China. Reporter, Female #1 And under the banner, "The Messenger's Beloved in Syria Are Being Slaughtered," anti-regime demonstrations came out in several areas across the country. Reporter, Female #1 Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi denied that President Bashar al-Assad had given an interview to any Egyptian newspaper. He noted that al-Assad received an Egyptian delegation of journalists, and that a personal chat took place between them, but it was not considered a press meeting. Reporter, Female #1 On the other hand, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle met with defected Syrian Prime Minister Riad Hijab in the capital Berlin, and asserted that his country will address the Syrian crisis at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in New York. He stressed the importance of agreeing on common ground for all parties, in order to reach a political solution to the crisis. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092012?start=864 <p>Pakistan calls in army to guard embassies as thousands clash with police, Israeli air strike kills two Hamas security officers in Gaza, UN human rights rapporteur arrives in Morocco to investigate torture claims, and more.</p> Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092012 Israel Defense Forces, Israel, Rafah, Hamas, Kabul, Anti-Americanism, Air strike, Afghanistan, Palestinians, Innocence of Muslims Presenter, Male #1 In Syria, a helicopter crashed in Douma, and the Syrian Observatory accused the regime of committing a massacre in ar-Raqqah. Also, a group called "Friends of the Syrian People" is looking into tightening sanctions on Damascus, while Russia is supporting the Syrians. Reporter, Female #1 News of a regime helicopter crash in Douma, in the Damascus countryside, sparked many questions and commotion between the two conflicting sides. The Syrian Observatory confirmed that opposition fighters were the ones who downed it, after firing upon it. The SANA agency attributed the crash to a collision with the tail of a civilian plane carrying 200 passengers, which landed safely in Damascus Airport. Reporter, Female #1 In the most recent development, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights accused the regime of committing a new massacre in the province of ar-Raqqah. Over 100 people were killed or injured during a raid by regime jets on a petrol station in Ain Issa. This incident came with an announcement by the Syrian National Council that the southern areas of the capital are disaster spots, specifically the neighborhood of al-Hajar al-Aswad, and the Palestinian refugee camp, al-Yarmouk. Reporter, Female #1 According to the opposition council, both have witnessed violent air raids that targeted civilian dwellings. Meanwhile, Homs was exposed to violent clashes by Syrian regime forces. For its part, state TV indicated that a military unit captured 100 gunmen in Damascus, in the al-Talae garden, which is in the Palestine Refugee Camp, and near the Waseem Mosque, which is in the Yarmouk Camp. Reporter, Female #1 The SANA agency reported that military units carried out an attack on the city of Aleppo and its countryside, in the process destroying 15 cars equipped with machine guns in Mahawer al-Bab, Ikhtarin, and Azaz. They indicated that a unit in the regime army captured more than 100 Afghan gunmen, who had barricaded themselves near the al-Fida al-Arabi school, in Bustan al-Qasr, in Aleppo. Reporter, Female #1 Internationally, in a move to tighten the noose on Assad's regime by renewing financial sanctions and an asset freeze, Holland hosted a meeting of representatives of the group known as "Friends of the Syrian People," which includes 60 countries and the Arab League. Reporter, Female #1 In his opening speech at the meeting of the working group on sanctions, the Dutch prime minister said that President Assad's regime and allies are attempting to circumvent sanctions. For that reason, the group must work with private and public partners in order to exchange information. He indicated that the question is not whether Assad will depart, but when he will depart. Reporter, Female #1 Within the framework of Russian support to Syria's regime and citizens, 38 tons of food supplies were sent as humanitarian aid by Moscow, aboard a Russian cargo plane that landed in Damascus Airport. Guest, Male #3 The Russian government decided to direct humanitarian aid to the Syrian Arab Republic. This aid is to assist the people of Syria. Reporter, Male #2 In a related development, and in preparation for an approaching war on Iran, occupation forces in the Syrian-occupied Golan performed surprisingly extensive maneuvers simulating a real war in the region, which would begin with Iran. This is according to the Israeli intelligence site, DEBKA. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091912?start=470 In Damascus, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad welcomed Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, while military and diplomatic battles continue in the search for an end to the crisis, reports New TV. Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091912 Israel, Depictions of Muhammad, Syria, Palestinian National Authority, Syrian Civil War, Charlie Hebdo, Arab League, Pakistan, Islam, Islamophobia Presenter, Female #1 In Damascus, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad welcomed Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, while military and diplomatic battles continue in the search for an end to the crisis. Reporter, Male #1 With an Iranian initiative to solve the Syrian crisis, Iran's foreign minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, arrived in Damascus, where he met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. They discussed the results of the contact group meeting, which Iran attended along with Turkey and Egypt, as well as Tehran's recommendation to send observers from these countries to Syria. Salehi met with his counterpart, Walid al-Moallem, stating at his arrival that the Iranian initiative to solve the Syrian crisis aims to launch peace negotiations and start the reform process. Guest, Male #2 Syria is facing a problem, and we hope that this problem will be managed at the earliest opportunity. The solution lies solely within Syria and within its kin, along with the participation and coordination of all government and international institutions. It had been decided that Saudi Arabia would participate in this meeting, but for some reason, it was unable to participate. We wish to see its participation in future meetings. Reporter, Male #1 For his part, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi, said that the League had asked the United Nations for authorization to send observers to Syria. In a press conference held in Cairo, he clarified that the United Nations responded by saying that it takes four months to prepare for a new observer deployment, while the League established a program to be executed over the course of four days. Guest, Male #3 The Arab League is ineffective, and the international community has failed. This is the reality. According to its charter, the Arab League is not even authorized to use any force, except to defend a country against an attack by another country. It has to be country against country, otherwise, it doesn't have the authority, and it must hold talks with other countries regarding the matter. There were some recommendations to deploy peacekeeping forces. Reporter, Male #1 On the ground, opposition activists reported fierce battles between government forces and the armed opposition in parts of the capital. Reports mentioned that the Syrian army is inching toward the area of al-Hajar al-Aswad, in southern Damascus. In the meantime, violent clashes continue in the city of Aleppo in northern Syria, where the armed opposition is carrying out repeated attacks on sites where regime forces are located, according to a military source. Reporter, Male #1 Syrian State TV, SANA, reported military sources saying that the Syrian army carried out a quality operation that killed a number of terrorists and injured dozens of them. They confiscated their weapons near the Vocational Training Institute in the Maysaloon district, as well as in a number of other districts in Aleppo. Reporter, Male #1 In response, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that 23 people were killed in different parts of Syria. A correspondent for Agence France-Presse in Aleppo said that according to a military source, gunmen carried out an attack on Tuesday evening in the Maysaloon area, targeting Syrian army sites. The same source said that the air force intelligence center and artillery battalion in the Zahra'a area came under attack by gunmen, who failed to come close, pointing to their almost daily attempts to take control of it.