String of bombings leaves scores dead in Iraq [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Female #1
This morning, Baghdadis woke up to the sound of powerful explosions that claimed the lives of 25 people and injured dozens of others. Fifteen of the victims were killed in two booby- trapped car explosions in al-Kadhimiya neighborhood northwest of Baghdad. In addition, ten people were killed and 37 others were wounded in two bomb attacks in the Sadr City district in the northeast part of the Iraqi capital. Our correspondent Shafiq Abed Jabar reports.

Reporter, Male #1
A series of explosions has once again rocked Baghdad; a scene that repeats itself almost daily. Hundreds of Iraqis were killed or injured in today's explosions, which were carried out using booby-trapped cars and motorcycles, and roadside bombs. The most powerful explosions took place in Sadr City and targeted a group of day laborers searching for work and a dignified life. The dark scene in Sadr was not much different from that in Kadhimiya, which witnessed a daring twin car bomb attacks.

Guest, Male #2
The explosions targeted police officers and day laborers who are dying of hunger. Who's responsible? Is it the government? Where is religion, where is Islam?

Reporter, Male #1
A new wave of violence has inflicted pain on the victims, their relatives, and the Iraqi people. The explosions have not leveled off since the US troop withdrawal form Iraq. Meanwhile, Iraqi officials are preoccupied with their own political problems, as the country continues to slip deeper into a political and security vacuum.

Guest, Male #3
The rulers of Iraq must be aware of what's happening to the country. They are pushing the country into uncertainty. We demand they hold a conference today.

Guest, Male #4 (Thaer al-Rasafi, Writer and Journalist)
The conflicts, rivalries, and crises ensuing among the dominating political blocs are directly and negatively reflecting on the deteriorating security situation in the country.

Reporter, Male #1
A new chapter of violence has begun, signaling various messages to Iraqi politicians, with one common message warning them of the repercussions that their political differences are having on the country. Shafiq Abed Jabar, Dubai TV, Baghdad.

Presenter, Female #1
As the political crisis continues to linger in Iraq, the Kurds have announced they will not be part of it, as confirmed by President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani. Barzani said the Kurds will not be dragged into a sectarian conflict. He renewed calls to host a national conference aimed at resolving the crisis, which escalated after the issuance of an arrest warrant against Iraqi Vice-President Tariq al-Hashemi. He added that the location of the conference will be left for the political blocs to decide, and that the Kurds don't have any problem with it. Barzani also warned that failure to implement the agreed-upon federation system in Iraq will lead to "a catastrophe." In New York City, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his concern about the tense political situation in Iraq. In a statement, the top UN official urged all Iraqi sides to solve their differences through dialogue and compromise. Ban Ki-moon also expressed the UN delegation's willingness to help Iraq by holding consultations with the country's leadership.

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Bahraini forces use massive amounts of tear gas to disperse protestors [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female # 1
Bahraini authorities continue to arrest citizens in a number of the country's regions under the pretext of having participated in peaceful popular protests. On the island of Sitra, Bahraini regime forces backed by the Saudi occupation raided the citizens' homes and arrested several youths. These forces surrounded a number of areas on the island with military vehicles, then attacked homes and arrested youths. The island of Sitra also witnessed confrontations between Bahraini forces and protestors after a march for martyr Hashim Saeed was attacked. In Nuwaidrat, Bahraini regimes forces raided a number of homes and arrested several people under the pretext that they had participated in popular protests. This comes as videos of daily protests in Bahrain revealed the regime forces' use of an unprecedented amount of tear gas that has claimed the lives of 20 people so far, including women and children. Observers believe the Bahraini regime is relying on tear gas, produced in the US specifically for Bahrain, to put an end to the protest movement that is nearing its one-year mark.

Reporter, Male # 1
The Bahraini scene these days is shown in these images revealing the violence of the authorities against its citizens. Dozens of police, security forces, and mercenaries stand armed with dozens of tear gas canisters to face a peaceful popular gathering demanding reforms. Moments later, the scene is reversed. Security forces start by firing tear gas at the heads of those on the street who have become easy targets. The toxic grenades do not differentiate between young and old, men and women. Bahraini security forces use toxic gas grenades on a large scale. The regime no longer only uses them on the streets, but fires them in homes as well. Since February 2011, many Bahrainis have been martyred after inhaling these gases, used daily against the popular mobilization. Five-day-old infant Sajida Faisal is a witness to the measures taken by the authorities against the Bahraini people. The oppressive regime in Bahrain also inundates residential neighborhoods, its residents, and homes with these gases. It is aided by natural elements, such as wind and humidity. Such conditions render the gas more effective and impactful. The Bahraini regime buys its tear gas from the United States, and alongside American and British expertise, it aims to quell the popular mobilization. The grenades contain CS gas that leads to skin and eye irritation and can lead to lung cancer. Medical studies proved that among the serious symptoms of inhaling this gas is memory loss, unconsciousness, and complete paralysis. Inhaling this gas also leads to genetic mutations, which causes fetal malformations and is transferred across generations, leading observers to say that the Manama authorities not only want to punish the current generation but subsequent ones as well. Meanwhile, the world merely acknowledges that using these gases against civilians is inhumane but takes no action.

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Free Syrian Army urges Arabs to seek UN help [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Male #1
Chairman of the Syrian opposition's National Council Burhan Ghalioun told the BBC that when the delegation of Arab observers finishes their mission, which was unhelpful, the issue should be brought to the United Nations. At the same time, the Free Syrian Army requested that the Arab League recall their observers and announce that their mission has failed. Chairman of the Arab Ministerial Committee on Syria, Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassem Al Thani denoted that the United Nations may offer help to the Arab League's delegation of observers based on the mistakes that they made due to lack of experience. On the other hand, the commission assigned to draft the new constitution in Syria abolished the presidential referendum system and replaced it with multi-party elections.

Reporter, Male #2
This woman is telling the delegation of Arab observers in a Syrian village about how her 14-year-old son was killed right in front of her eyes by the Syrian security forces who stormed the village when there wasn't even a protest.

Guest, Female #1
You're responsible for our children, my sons. Do your job right!

Guest, Male #3
God willing, we will do you justice, God willing.

Reporter, Male #2
This is one of the hundreds of stories that the members of the delegation have heard in Syria. The documentation process of the Arab League's delegation appears to be long and difficult as its members record these stories.

Reporter, Male #2
The delegation of observers headed to Damascus to inspect the city and its surrounding areas on Thursday. Activists said Syrian security forces shut down all entrances leading to Damascus from Daraa. This morning, the Soloman area in Daraa witnessed several defections in the military center as well as armed clashes between the defectors and the regime's army. Meanwhile, Syrian state TV announced that 552 detainees were released, saying "their hands were not stained with blood." This was the second group of detainees that the authorities have released since the Arab observer delegation began its mission. Syrian state TV said the observer delegation visited several prisons and detention centers and learned the details of the acts of vandalism, killing, and harassment carried out by what Damascus refers to as "armed terrorist groups." This comes as the chairman of the Syrian opposition's National Council, Burhan Ghalioun, asserted that the Arab League's observers should review their mission or leave Syria. Ghalioun hopes that the United Nations will take over the issue of Syria instead of the Arab League, but asserted that it is unnecessary to resort to military intervention as NATO did in Libya.

Guest, Male #3 (Burhan Ghalioun, Chairman of the Syrian National Council)
We will proceed with requesting that the international community take broad international action to put an end to the daily massacres occurring in Syrian cities.

Reporter, Male #2
The security forces and the Syrian army stormed al-Ghariba village in Deir az-Zour Province and indiscriminately opened fire, killing a number of people and wounding dozens of others. Other citizens were killed in the provinces of Homs, Daraa, Idlib, and Quneitra. Meanwhile, peaceful protests continued night and day demanding the downfall of the regime and the resignation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Hayyan Aqoub, BBC.

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Prosecutors seek death penalty for Egypt's Hosni Mubarak [Press TV, Iran]

Egypt's chief prosecutor has demanded the death sentence for the country's ousted leader. This for Hosni Mubarak's complicity of killing protestors during the Feb revolution. Mustafa Suleiman said Mubarak failed to stop the murders during the 18-day revolution despite being aware of them. During the third day of the trial the chief prosecutor also stated that Mubarak's security chief, Habib al-Adly, authorized the use of live ammunition on a direct order from the former president himself. Adly could also face the death penalty if convicted. Six other police commanders are facing trial for the same charges.

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Saudi princess slams human rights violations in the Kingdom [Press TV, Iran]

The Saudi princess meanwhile has criticized what she calls serious violations of human rights in Saudi Arabia. This, as anti-regime protest continue in parts of the kingdom in defiance of the heavy-handed crackdown. Princess Basma Bint Saud Bin Abdul Aziz is currently living in London. She has told British media that she would not remain silent about what is happening in her country. She also slammed what she called the lack of fairness and the distribution of wealth and power between the royal family and ordinary people.

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Israeli troops demolish more homes in West Bank [Press TV, Iran]

Israeli troops have demolished several Palestinian homes near Jericho in the occupied West Bank. Israeli officials claim the four destroyed villas had been build with out a permit and endangered the nearby archeological site. Israel demolished another four houses in the area in mid-November. International rights groups have lashed out at Tel Aviv for razing Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem al-Quds. The groups say the demolitions displaced more than 1,000 people in 2011 alone.

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Israel to build separation wall along Lebanese border [New TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Male #1
Israeli occupation forces are considering building a separation wall between Lebanon and occupied Palestine.

Reporter, Male #2
Military sources in the Israeli occupation forces revealed their intention to build a separation wall in the area between al-Metulla settlement and the town of Kfar Kila. The project has been discussed in the past few days. An official in the Northern Command of the occupation army explained that the plan is aimed at preventing friction in this sensitive border region. He added that the wall, which will be built within the next several weeks, will be erected along one kilometer of the border and will be five meters high. It will be equipped with all the necessary alarm and surveillance systems. New TV toured the border.

Guest, Male #3
Before the 1970s, the whole border was open. We didn't feel the presence of the Israelis here. There was no one. The situation was almost normal.

Reporter, Male #2
For his part, official spokesman for UNIFIL Neeraj Singh confirmed media reports about the construction of the wall, indicating that UNIFIL is communicating with both sides to further improve security arrangements in the area.

Presenter, Male #1
The old neighborhoods of Sidon hide a tragic humanitarian situation that calls for compassion for the living.

Reporter, Male #4
Palestinian Husam Mohamed al-Atraq is battling a slow death in his humble home in the old neighborhoods of Sidon after illness robbed him of his two legs. He is now in imminent need of urgent surgery to save his life. His situation began to deteriorate approximately a year ago when gangrene spread to both of his legs. Not only does Husam's story summarize the suffering that the Palestinian people endure due to illness, but it also offers clear testimony to the fate of this patient and others like him. Husam was presented with two options, both equally stark: either dying quietly in a corner of his home, or roaming the streets knocking on the doors of officials and organizations, especially since hospitals have refused to treat him under the pretext that he needs special treatment unavailable in Lebanon.

Guest, Male #5 (Husam al-Atraq)
Both of my legs were infected. My legs are torn. Every time I go to a hospital, they discharge me. The hospitals won't take me in. I need to get treatment so I can go to work.

Guest, Female #1 (Hanan, Daughter of Husam al-Atraq)
My dad's problem is that worms come out of his legs and he needs someone to help him. All the hospitals refuse to take him in. That's it. He only asked for some help. He needs to be admitted to a hospital so he can be healed and work again.

Reporter, Male #3
How is your financial situation?

Guest, Female #1
Very bad.

Reporter, Male #3
Al-Atraq returns home, waiting for someone to extend a helping hand.

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EU agrees to ban Iranian oil imports [IBA, Israel]

International efforts to halt Iran's rogue nuclear program are intensifying as the European Union reached an agreement to ban the purchase of Iranian oil. At the same time, the United Kingdom joined the United States in warning the Islamic Republic to obstruct the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway, which Tehran threatened to do so if such sanctions were imposed. The European Union has reached a preliminary agreement to ban imports of Iranian crude oil with a final decision of when to implement the sanctions expected by months end. The United States enthusiastically supported the move.

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Right-wing activists expelled from West Bank [IBA, Israel]

Back here at home, the army and navy raided the homes of right-wing Jewish activists in the West Bank over night. Twelve individuals residing in the communities of Yitzhar Havat Gilad, Ramat Migron, Elon Moreh, and Maoz Esther were given restraining orders prohibiting them from entering Judea and Samaria. The ban will be in effect for a period of between three to nine months. The IDF said the orders were issued by the Shin Bet security service, which claimed to have information alleging that the settlers were involved in planning, transporting and carrying out violent acts against Palestinians and IDF forces.

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Somalia is one of the world's most dangerous places for journalists [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Female #1
Somalia is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.
In addition to the routine difficulties that journalists face in their daily work, such as arrests and threats by security forces, armed militias, and even African Union troops, the dangerous situation may even threaten their lives. According to the most recent report by the National Union of Somali Journalists, four reporters were killed and seven others were wounded this past year.

Reporter, Male #1
Every year, journalists are killed in Somalia. This funeral, attended by a large number of journalists, was held for their colleague Abdul Salam Hezz, who was killed by a gunman wearing a military uniform; he will live without being punished. Such a scene repeats itself every so often. Other journalists pay the price for it in a country filled with dangers of war and security issues.

Guest, Male #2 (Mohamed Ibrahim, Secretary-General of the National Union of Somali Journalists)
The violations against journalists become more and more dangerous every day. It is difficult to hold the relevant institutions responsible for the journalists' security and safety because the country is unstable.

Reporter, Male #1
Imprisonment, threats, and deliberate killings are part of Somali journalists' daily lives. Abdi Oud is a journalist and radio announcer at a local radio station. He has been through arduous days of imprisonment and threats. This happened to him simply because of a news report broadcast by the radio station he works for.

Guest, Male #3 (Abdi Mohamed Oud, Radio Announcer at Shabelle Radio Station)
I was detained in an underground prison cell. I was no longer able to distinguish between day and night. I was subjected to different kinds of assaults and threats. Sometimes, I was scared for my life.

Reporter, Male #1
Adding insult to injury for the journalists' situation in Somalia is the absence of laws to provide them with basic protection in the country. Because of this, the Somali government is in the process of enacting laws to protect the rights of journalists.

Guest, Male #3 (Abdul Qadir Mohamed Jahaween, Somali Minister of Information)
In the past year, violations were committed against the journalists, which is unfortunate. We condemned it. As the government, with cooperation from the national commissions, we are using all available means and capabilities to guarantee the safety of journalists.

Reporter, Male #1
Despite the enormous challenges facing journalists, they are not prevented from reporting the truth, no matter what the consequences. Amid the difficulties brought upon by wars and their complicated implications, the frequency of violations against journalists is increasing. They keep hoping for better working conditions until shocking events occur and eliminate all their optimism. Omar Mahmoud, al-Jazeera, Mogadishu.