Deadly suicide bombing rocks Syria's Damascus [New TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Female # 1
An explosion rocks the Syrian capital Damascus, killing and injuring many in the neighborhood of al-Midan.

Reporter, Female # 2
Once again, the security of Damascus and its residents is breached, Syria bleeds and dozens die. The target this time is the heart of the capital's neighborhood of al-Midan. The explosion shook the area and terrorized the residents. The attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated his explosives at a traffic light near Hassan al-Hakeem Basic Education School, as confirmed by Syrian authorities. Twenty-five people were killed and 46 others were injured. In addition, a number of cars were destroyed and burned. The explosion targeted a security branch in the neighborhood, in the vicinity of a police station located near al-Hasan Mosque. The Associated Press news agency reported a Syrian official saying the explosion targeted a police bus. An ambulance quickly rushed to the scene, as did the security forces and army. As for the citizens who gathered near the site of the explosion, they condemned the terrorist operation and chanted in favor of the regime. Grief and anger were evident on the faces of the residents at the scene of the attack.

Guest, Male # 1
We are united here! Any demonstration that takes place, like these right now, is empowering the terrorists. Protestors are helping the terrorists. They are with the terrorists.

Guest, Male # 2
Many civilians died. People were going to the mosque, to pray, people were going to pray. Those going to the mosque to worship their God came out in pieces. Isn't that shameful? This is the freedom they want? What freedom?

Guest, Male # 3
Two were over there on their bicycles. They went to get bread when the explosion happened. We haven't seen them since. I seek forgiveness from God.

Guest, Female # 3
People going to get bread; people going to get breakfast for their children; people getting ready for prayer. They killed these people. They killed young people. They killed women. Isn't that shameful? Fear God!

Reporter, Female # 2
A delegation of monitors from the Arab League inspected the site of the explosion as Syrian Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim al-Sha'ar confirmed the explosion targeted security forces, police, and civilians.

Guest, Male # 4 (Mohammed Ibrahim al-Sha'ar, Syrian Interior Minister)
He detonated his explosives in this area with the goal of killing as many people as possible. Preliminary investigations, rather, the initial death toll reached 11 martyrs, most of them civilians and police, in addition to the remains of 15 passers-by who remain unidentified, and 63 injured.

Reporter, Female # 2
Syrian authorities have still not accused any party of being responsible for the explosion; however, the Muslim Brotherhood said the attack was fabricated and that the regime, its agencies, and shabeha benefit from the attack. The Brotherhood added the regime is the only party that possesses the material and capability to carry it out. It accused the Syrian regime of using al-Qaeda, terrorists, and al-mondasseen, or infiltrators, to gain the support of the world, saying the series of killings will continue in Syria. The Brotherhood demanded an Arab and international investigation. For his part, the commander of the Free Syrian Army, Colonel Riad al-Asaad, denied involvement in the attack. He confirmed the Syrian regime orchestrated it. It is worth mentioning that al-Asaad said two days before the explosion that his forces are planning to escalate their operations this week against vital interests of the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

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Kashmir shuts down to protest power shortage and police violence [Press TV, Iran]

Kashmir has observed a shutdown over the killing of a young student during a protest over the government's new roling blackout schedule. Indian-controlled Kashmir has come to a halt as the region's economic alliance has called for a shut down, in protest to government's new electricity schedule and the killing of a 18-year-old student in Kashmir's Bonyar village. The student was killed when a group of Indian security forces opened fire on people protesting over the government's new load shedding schedule according to which the power supply remains interrupted for nearly 16 hours a day. The people all around the region seem unhappy over the power department's decision of load shedding. They say this makes life tougher during winter months.

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Saudi protestors demand release of thousands of political prisoners [Press TV, Iran]

Anti-government protestors in Saudi Arabia have taken to the streets once again in the oil-rich Eastern Province. The demonstrators held placards showing pictures of those behind bars. They also shouted slogans against the government and called for the release of thousands of prisoners from jails across the country. They also called for solidarity with the people of Bahrain. Activists say there are over 30,000 political prisoners in the Arab Kingdom. The protestors have been taking to the streets almost every day after Saudi forces killed five demonstrators in November.

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Saudi-backed crackdown continues in Bahrain [Press TV, Iran]

Meanwhile in Bahrain, Saudi-backed regime forces have attacked protestors calling for the downfall of the regime outside the capital Manama. The protestors were attacked in several towns and villages around Manama, including the town of Aker. Anti-regime rallies have been held across the kingdom. The protestors are calling for the downfall of the monarchy. This during a popular revolution which has been underway since February of last year. A month later, Saudi Arabia decided to send thousands of troops to crush the protests.

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Yemen's Houthis form political party [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
Masses of Yemenis staged demonstrations in various regions and squares across Yemeni provinces on the first Friday of the New Year under the slogan, "Freedom for the Detainees." In the capital Sanaa, hundreds of thousands of protestors gathered on Siteen Street chanting slogans demanding the release of political prisoners and kidnapped youths of the revolution. The protestors demanded that the kidnapers of revolutionary youths be held accountable. They also announced their rejection of the law issued by the Basindwa government to grant immunity to the president. In addition, the protestors vowed to continue the revolution until all their objectives are achieved, most notably the downfall of the regime and its elements and the establishment of a civil state that respects all citizens. A massive demonstration broke out in Saada Province, condemning foreign intervention in the country's affairs. Along with Houthis, delegations from Taiz joined the demonstration. The demonstrators described the immunity law as "conspiracy" and urged members of the People's Assembly to reject the law, which they say will allow President Saleh and his regime to commit more crimes. They also called on all revolutionaries to continue their popular mobilization. A group of Yemeni scholars and politicians announced the formation of a new political party dubbed "al-Ummah" or "the Nation." The announcement came during an inauguration ceremony in the capital Sanaa and attended by several political and social leaders. Head of the preparatory committee Mohamed Muftah said that the Ummah Party is a political entity with a Yemeni foundation and Islamic identity.

Reporter, Male #2
It's a new step that will likely help reorganize the Yemeni political scene. This news comes after the announcement of the formation of al-Ummah Party in the capital Sanaa. The party's leadership described al-Ummah as a "national entity" with a Yemeni foundation and Islamic identity, which will not be under the control of a specific sect, faction, or tribe. The party seeks to unite the nation and reform its affairs.

Guest, Male #3
A large number of scholars, intellectuals, Sheikhs, activists both men and women, youths, as well as political, social, and academic leaders have formed a new political party called "al-Ummah Party."

Reporter, Male #2
Knowledgeable sources of Yemeni affairs said the party may serve as a representation for the Houthi Movement, signaling a shift in the political mission of the movement. The Houthi Movement was the first group to hold the banner of opposition against President Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime. With this, the movement was able to break the cycle of political and military exclusion that the regime has imposed on it for decades. The Ummah Party, which was welcomed by the squares' revolutionaries and the Joint Meeting Parties, aims to build a stronger civil Yemeni state that is free of foreign dependence and domination, and that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Guest, Male #4 (Mohammed Muftah, Scholar)
It's a national project aimed at preserving independence of our national resolution and building a stronger Yemeni state.

Reporter, Male #2
Others believe that ridding the country of foreign intervention, which is one of the newly formed party's main goals, will have an impact on the political process that has been influenced by the US and regional powers. This foreign intervention, which has agitated the Yemeni public, is aimed at cornering the demands of the youths of the revolution and change squares.

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Sudan's Turabi predicts revolt against President Bashir [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Male #1
The fate of Sudanese activist Mohamed Hassan Aalim remains unknown ever since he publicly criticized presidential assistant Nafi Ali Nafi and the Sudanese government's policies several days ago at Khartoum University. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch said the Sudanese government arrested 250 people, including students and activists, in the last three months of 2011. Sudan's intelligence chief accused prominent opposition figure Hassan al-Turabi of plotting a military coup due to Turabi's statements predicting that a revolution would erupt against President Omar Hassan al-Bashir's regime.

Reporter, Male #2
Dozens of students at Khartoum University chanted for freedom and change several days ago. These images show how the Sudanese government dealt with these chants. The Khartoum government, which faces problems in every aspect, does not seem able to stand for voices calling for a revolution like the ones in many countries during the Arab Spring. In addition, when this call comes from a man like Hassan al-Turabi, a veteran political opponent, the issue becomes immediate. Accusations are directed at al-Turabi of plotting a military coup against the ruling regime. Turabi's prediction is not new. But this time, its significance lies in his observation of signals that an Arab Spring-style revolution has indeed become possible. Many people have become restless due to the difficult conditions in Sudan.

Guest, Male #3 (Mohamed Hassan Aalim, Political Activist)
I have always hoped that these people, who come here speaking of foreign agendas, would sit down and talk to the people. I hoped they would listen to what these people have to say. These people are struggling to make a living!

Reporter, Male #2
This unprecedented criticism from activist Mohamed Hassan Aalim on the Sudanese government's policies and the presidential assistant Nafi Ali Nafi several days ago at Khartoum University reflects the discontent of the Sudanese people. Moreover, it shows that some have begun to break down the barrier of fear preventing them from expressing their opinions about the country's government. The political deadlock and security tension in the provinces of Darfur, Blue Nile, Kordofan, and even in the eastern parts of the country, reinforce the prediction of al-Turabi and other observers about Sudanese affairs. It is true that Sudan may not escape a fate similar to that of its neighboring countries in the north and east. Furthermore, many believe that the causes for a revolution in Sudan may be even more significant than those in other countries. Anwar al-Ansi, BBC.

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Former Turkish Armed Forces chief arrested over alleged plot to topple government [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Female #1
A Turkish court in Istanbul issued an arrest warrant against former Chief of Staff Ilker Basbug as part of an investigation into the alleged attempts to topple the government. The arrest of the former chief of staff is considered unprecedented in Turkey as the army previously enjoyed significant power in the country.

Reporter, Male #1
One of the Turkish army's figureheads is now behind bars. Seven hours of interrogation ended with an arrest warrant issued by the criminal court in Istanbul against former Turkish Chief of Staff General Ilker Basbug. He is charged with attempts to overthrow the Turkish government led by the Justice and Development Party. According to the prosecution, Basbug is accused of funding websites aimed at disseminating misleading information about the government, and of being linked to terrorist groups in the framework of what is locally known as Arganakun. Arganakun is an underground organization allegedly comprised of former senior military officers, lawyers, journalists, and businessmen who are all affiliated with the secular movement.

Guest, Male #2 (Ilkay Sezer, Basbug's Lawyer)
Where is my client's signature validating what they say? The Former Chief of Staff Basbug should be tried like others, instead of being arrested.

Reporter, Male #1
The arrest of the former chief of staff in Turkey turned into a case of public opinion. This is the first time that a man in such a senior position in the army has been arrested. Some consider the case to be an indication that the time has come for everyone in the country be equal before the law.

Guest, Male #3 (Adam Yaouz, Political Analyst)
Today in Turkey, there is a strong political authority. The Basbug case now indicates that no one can be above the rule of law anymore. The rule of law now applies to everyone, even a man in such a high position as Basbug, who was brought to the judicial court to be tried.

Reporter, Male #1
Some people even speak of the shadow that this case will cast on the relationship between the army and the government in Turkey. The Turkish military doctrine says the army protects the country from aggression from both the outside and inside, indicating there are still people contemplating overthrowing the regime by force. However, other people believe that this theory will create conflict with the judiciary. Many Turks consider the judiciary to be very important. Some people see a clear message from this case: that the era of military tutelage in the country has ended and there is no longer a class beyond judiciary questioning. Perhaps these changes would not have happened if not for the political and economic transformations that Turkey has witnessed in the past decade.

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Iran plans more military exercises in Strait of Hormuz [IBA, Israel]

We open with heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf as senior Iranian officials today declared their intention to launch another round of military measures in and around the Strait of Hormuz in the coming weeks. An estimated fourth of the world's oil supply passes through the strategic waterway. Earlier this week, Iran threatened to close the passage if sanctions were imposed by the West on Tehran's export of oil, unsettling an already nervous world market. The announcement comes as US President Barack Obama unveiled a strategy to develop a leaner US military that will focus on countering China's rising power as well as potential challenges from Iran.

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US, Israel plan joint missile exercise [IBA, Israel]

In the shadow of intensified activity in the Gulf, the IDF has announced it is gearing up for a major joint missile defense exercise with US troops. Codenamed Operation Austere Action Challenge 12, the drill aims to improve defense systems and cooperation between the two militaries. Senior officials from both armies have confirmed that slated exercise will be the largest joint drill ever conducted by the two nations and will involve thousands of soldiers. The exercise is expected to be launched within the next several weeks.

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Palestinians mark the 47th anniversary of Fatah establishment [Palestine TV, Ramallah]

Presenter, Male #1
Speakers at the massive celebration marking the 47th anniversary of the start of the revolution in Nablus confirmed their commitment to the national principles and their support of the president in his diplomatic battle aimed at realizing our people's wish for liberation and independence. During the celebration, speakers called on all parties to achieve national unity and start on-the-ground implementation of the national reconciliation agreement.

Reporter, Female #1
This is today's Nablus. Martyrs' Square in the center of the city is packed with thousands of the governorate's residents, leaders and organizations. They came today to renew their pledge and vow to protect the Palestinian dream and continue the struggle. They also expressed support for the Palestinian leadership which affirmed that its top priority in the upcoming phase is to continue working on the comprehensive political movement to expose the occupation's practices and isolate it internationally.

Guest, Male #3
More than ever before, all the countries of the world must force this oppressive occupier, which is the last occupation in the world, to leave our land. Otherwise, we have many options to defend this land and its people.

Reporter, Female #1
On the 47th anniversary of the establishment of the Palestinian national liberation movement Fatah, participants stressed the importance of recovering national unity, solving disputes, and reorganizing the internal front to continue the struggle until the Palestinian dream is realized.

Guest, Male #4 (Jabrin al-Bakri, Nablus)
We tell this nation's people, organizations and political parties that, yes, we will move forward with the reconciliation. It is not permissible for anyone to disrupt this path.

Reporter, Female #1
Fatah, which celebrates its establishment today both in the diaspora and at home, was and remains the pioneer of the national cause. Throughout its journey, it preserved Palestinian principles and never gave up on fighting for the legitimate national rights of its people.

Guest, Male #5 (Bassam al-Salihi, secretary-general of the People's Party)
The document of the declaration of independence adopted two issues. First the national issue: the struggle for the Palestinian people and their rights; second, the democratic, social and political struggle.

Reporter, Female #1
A number of national artistic performances were presented during the celebration. They recounted the journey of the movement and its ongoing struggle in the face of the occupation. Early January 1965 marked the launch of the Palestinian national liberation movement Fatah and the beginning of its contemporary revolution. Today, just as when it started, it vows to continue on the path of sacrifice, loyalty and struggle until a Palestinian state is established with the noble city of Jerusalem as its capital. Rema al-Amla, Palestine TV, Nablus.