Five unemployed protestors set themselves alight in Morocco [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Male #1
Today in Morocco, five youths in Rabat took part in a collective suicide attempt by setting themselves on fire in emulation of Tunisian youth al-Bouazizi to protest unemployment and a lack of jobs. This occurred during a demonstration in the streets of the Moroccan capital expressing anger for the high unemployment rate among youths.

Presenter, Female #1
The attempted suicide took place as the head of the government, Abdelilah Benkirane, submitted his government's program to parliament vowing to reduce unemployment.

Reporter, Male #2
Justice and development are what the Moroccan street demands from the new government. As wide-scale calls for change sweep the region, Morocco is no exception. For months, the Moroccan youth have been leading mobilizations calling for real reform in the country. However, their fears overwhelm their aspirations.

Guest, Male #3
The government just wants to maintain the status quo, it does not want real change. Because there is no willpower, if there was, our people would not have stayed here. These young people received a higher education, and then they end up on the streets with nothing to do!

Reporter, Male #2
The new government led by the Islamist Justice and Development Party begins its reign in a tense atmosphere. On Wednesday, five unemployed youths set themselves ablaze after they went on a hunger strike for two weeks in front of the Ministry of Education. There, they demanded work opportunities, but received no response. The incident further enflamed the street. Parliament attempted to appease the public by making a number of promises, most important of which are economic growth and more jobs. The opposition doubts the feasibility of implementing these promises.

Guest, Male #4 (Salah ad-Din Mizwar, Head of the National Rally of Independents)
We expected the government to come up with an official program and make a pledge in front of the citizens and the public to be committed to the listed goals, specific implementation methods, and appropriate methodology. This is what we and all the citizens are waiting for.

Reporter, Male #2
So the political impasse continues in Morocco and there is uncertainty surrounding the proposed solutions. Although the mobilizations have not escalated, a large portion of the Moroccan public is still not hopeful about the proposed political resolution.

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Nineteen killed as Syrians demonstrate for the 'detainees of the revolution' [Future TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Female #1
This Friday was filled with massive demonstrations across the various regions of Syria demanding the downfall of the regime, amid international condemnation of the massacres committed by al-Assad's brigades.

Presenter, Male #1
In conjunction, the Syrian regime received a new show of support. The advisor to Iran's Khamenei, Ali-Akbar Velayati, said that al-Assad will soon declare victory. In addition, the head of the Iranian Quds Brigades, Major-General Qassem Soleimani, warned that his country has control one way or another over Iraq and southern Lebanon, and that Tehran is capable of organizing any movement to help form Islamist governments in order to fight "arrogant" powers.

Presenter, Female #1, back on screen
It's the Friday of the "revolution's prisoners" in Syria.

Reporter, Male #2
From under the rubble of destruction caused by the shelling of Syrian President Basher al-Assad's brigades, the opposition mobilized today on a Friday dubbed "the detainees of the revolution: your freedom is our responsibility," in protest of the detention of more than 100,000 people since the spark of the revolution. Despite the tight security siege, Hama, along with its cities and towns, witnessed massive demonstrations that flooded city streets and squares, demanding the downfall of the regime and the execution of Bashar al-Assad. In the countryside of Damascus, thousands of residents took to the streets demanding the release of prisoners held in al-Assad's jails and vowing to continue their mobilization until the downfall of the regime and al-Assad's departure. In Idlib, various cities and towns broke out in massive demonstrations despite the massacres being committed against activists by al-Assad's brigades. The protestors chanted slogans demanding the downfall of the regime and al-Assad's ouster. Al-Assad's brigades fired live ammunition at demonstrators across various regions in a bid to terrorize residents. However, this didn't prevent the residents of Homs from staging massive demonstrations at more than 40 gathering points to demand the downfall of the regime. The presence of the shabeha and regime forces in the city of Aleppo failed to prevent the residents from staging demonstrations calling for the punishment of al-Assad's regime over its inhumane practices against the Syrian people. Al-Assad's brigades stepped up their presence across various regions in an attempt to quell the demonstrations, especially in Baniyas, where they surrounded the city's mosques to prevent worshippers from staging protest rallies. Activists posted videos online showing one demonstration in the city of Amuda in Hasaka Province and another in Kifar Nubil after the Friday prayer. The demonstrators burnt pictures of the countries that support the Syrian regime, chanted for freedom, and demanded the downfall of Assad's regime.

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France suspends Afghan mission after deadly attack on troops [Oman TV, Oman]

France is suspending military operations in Afghanistan and may accelerate its planned troop withdrawal if the security situation does not improve, President Nicolas Sarkozy said today after the killing of four more French soldiers. Sarkozy, addressing French diplomats after an Afghan security soldier said four soldiers had been killed and 17 wounded by an Afghan soldier in Taghab Valley of the eastern Kapisa Province, confirmed that the dead were French. The shootings were the latest of several incidents in which Western soldiers have been killed by members of the Afghan security forces.

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Eleven-year-old boy dies in Bahraini crackdown [Press TV, Iran]

The crackdown on anti-regime protestors continues in the Persian Gulf Arab state of Bahrain. An 11-year-old boy has been killed after inhaling toxic tear gas that was fired by Bahraini forces. In the meantime, anti-regime protests rage on despite a Saudi-backed crackdown in Bahrain. Regime forces attacked protestors in several villages across the tiny Persian Gulf kingdom. Large numbers of Bahraini protestors have been arrested and tortured in prison since the uprising began in mid-February. The harsh crackdown has also left scores of people dead since the uprising began in mid-February.

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Yemenis stage new rallies to demand Saleh's prosecution [Press TV, Iran]

In Yemen, anti-regime protestors have taken to the streets across the country after Friday prayers. The protestors are demanding the prosecution of embattled ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh. Protestors took to the streets in the capital Sanaa and several other cities. Protestors want Saleh and all those who carried out his orders to be prosecuted. They blame him for the killing of hundreds of demonstrators since the revolution began last year. In November, the embattled ruler signed the Persian Gulf-backed power-transfer deal. That deal granted him total immunity from prosecution.

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Rival protesters clash in Jordan [New TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Female #1
In Jordan, a Friday protest broke out demanding reform and social justice. Our correspondent Ma'an Abu Dalu in Amman reports.

Reporter, Male #1
The youth movement activists and political parties in Jordan raised the ceiling of their demands. They demanded real reform in a march that began after today's noon prayers in front of al-Husseini Mosque in central Jordan.

Guest, Female #2 (Samiya al-Qadah, Lawyer)
The constitution says everyone has rights and duties, but in this country we fulfill our duties but don't even have the most basic rights. Therefore, we came here for our rights that the government considers charity or favors to the people.

Guest, Male #2 (Mohamed Zariqat, Member of the Youth Coalition for Change)
The Jordanian people deserve democracy, a say in government, and the chance to fulfill their duties as citizens.

Reporter, Male #1
Clashes and stone-throwing erupted between the two marches, forcing security forces to intervene in an attempt to break up the clashes. Security forces besieged and stopped the reformists' march, demanding that they disperse to prevent aggravating the situation.

Guest, Female #3 (Asma'a Mohamed, Activist)
The message is clear: we, the citizens, have rights. We have duties as well. It is a basic right to have rights; it is not charity or favors from certain parties or groups. We should have rights in our own country.

Reporter, Male #1
In its rally, the Muslim Brotherhood raised the slogan "Friday of Rights, Not Charities" and gave speeches confirming they will not participate in any upcoming elections unless real reform is conducted. The Jordanians escalated the youth movements demanding reform. The use of violence at some of these events indicates that these movements and groups are tired of the promises for reform without any implementation. Ma'an Abu Dalu, New TV, Amman.

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Saudis stage fresh protests to demand freedom and equality [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female #1
Two peaceful demonstrations broke out in Qatif and Safawi in Saudi Arabia to express loyalty for martyr Essam and to continue the mobilization until all demands for freedom are achieved. The demonstrators expressed solidarity with the family of martyr Essam Abu Abdullah who was killed last Thursday by the gunfire of Saudi regime forces during a peaceful demonstration demanding reform and democracy. The demonstrators called for the ouster of the governor of the Eastern Province, Hamad Bin Fahd. A memorial service will be held tonight for martyr Essam in the city of al-Awamiyah.

Reporter, Male #1
In response to a call by the youth blocs in Saudi Arabia, peaceful demonstrations broke out demanding reform, freedom, and democracy. In al-Awamiyah in the Eastern Province, masses of demonstrators called for change and freedom, under the same slogans from when protests were first sparked in the Kingdom. In solidarity with the family of martyr Essam Abu Abdullah, who was killed at the hands of the Saudi regime's forces, the demonstrators chanted slogans calling for the pursuit and punishment of his killers. The demonstrators also expressed solidarity with the Bahraini people, who are thirsty for freedom. They raised the Bahraini flag and chanted slogans denouncing the Manama regime's policies and the Saudi military intervention in the country. In Safwa in the Eastern Province, a peaceful demonstration broke out demanding an end to the oppression of the people in the eastern region. The demonstrators expressed rage over the crackdown practices carried out by Saudi security forces, who are murdering innocent people. They also demanded the release of the forgotten prisoners, as more than 200 political prisoners remain behind the regime's bars. The youth blocs also called for a massive demonstration in the Qatif region to express the people's rage, reject the regime's policies, and demand change.

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US military leaders hold talks in Israel about Iran threat [IBA, Israel]

We open with a lightning 24 hour visit to Israel by the Chairman of the Joint US Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey. The top military leader was greeted at an official ceremony at IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv this morning and later held talks with Minister of Defense Ehud Barack and IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz. Topping the agenda were discussions on the nuclear threat posed by Iran and international efforts to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Dempsey went on to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who just returned from his own visit in the Netherlands and President Simon Peres here in Jerusalem.

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IDF arrests two Hamas legislators [IBA, Israel]

Well these developments came as Hamas leaders, again, called on Abbas to end the recent exploratory talks with Israel in the wake of the arrest of two Hamas legislators by the IDF. Bethlehem resident Khaled Tafesh was detained, as was senior Hamas operative and speaker of the Palestinian Parliament Aziz Dwaik, who was taken into custody at a checkpoint near Ramallah on suspicion of involvement with terror groups. Hamas accused Israel of attempting to undermine reconciliation efforts between the Palestinian factions after four years of bitter rivalry. The Palestinian Parliament announced Dwaik's arrest and has appealed to Egypt to intervene in securing his release.

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UN: siege on Gaza is collective punishment [Palestine TV, Ramallah]

Presenter, Male # 1
The United Nations' annual report on the humanitarian situation and human rights in the West Bank and Gaza Strip was presented to the Security Council. It describes the siege on the Gaza Strip as collective punishment. The report indicated the number of casualties caused by the assaults of the occupation in the West Bank and Strip rose by more than 30 percent compared to 2010.

Reporter, Male # 2
In its annual report on the humanitarian situation and human rights in the West Bank and Gaza Strip that was presented to the Security Council, the United Nations considered the siege imposed on Gaza to be collective punishment. The report painted a bleak image of the difficult living conditions, failing health and education services, in addition to the expulsion of citizens from their homes and lands. The report also pointed to a 30 percent increase in the number of civilian casualties in the Strip and West Bank compared to 2010. This has affected the day-to-day lives of many citizens. The report confirms that Israel's continued siege on Gaza is collective punishment led by the occupation state and affects all aspects of the citizen's livelihoods, especially since means of making a living are restricted by the siege, and access to areas with viable agriculture and fishing prospects are constrained. In addition, there are restrictions on the movement of goods and people.

Presenter, Male # 1
Sources at the European Union said the EU is considering blacklisting extremist Israeli settlers, barring them from entering EU countries. The EU urged member states to share information on extremist settlers in order to deny tme visas to EU member states. This comes following a wave of attacks launched by settlers on mosques and citizen property and land in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem.

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AU troops battle al-Shabab in outer Mogadishu as UN issues grim report on famine [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Female #1
Three Somali soldiers and government employees were killed in an attack launched by al-Shabab Movement on a convoy carrying journalists to a location that recently witnessed battles in the northern suburb of Mogadishu. Thousands of residents of the Somali capital fled the city after battles erupted between the African Union troops and al-Shabab fighters. A spokesman for the African Union troops said they aimed to take control of strategic locations on the outskirts of the city to help protect its residential neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the United Nations said seven million people in Somalia are suffering from food shortages resulting from the drought and famine in the southern areas of the country. At the same time, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said it is preparing an independent program to secure long-term aid to Somali refugees.

Reporter, Male #1
This child seems too weak to even cry. These are images of southern Somalia six months after a state of emergency was declared due to the drought that struck the region.

Guest, Female #2
My child is suffering from malnutrition. You can tell from his appearance. The reason for that is the famine.

Reporter, Male #1
For its part, the United Nations is trying to draw the international community's attention to this catastrophe that threatens the lives of over seven million people.

Guest, Male #2 (Russell Geekie, Spokesman for OCHA in Somalia)
It's been six months now since a famine was officially declared and southern Somalia is still in urgent need of supplies. We have three million people inside the Somali border and four million others outside the border. All of them need assistance.

Reporter, Male #1
According to the United Nations, the official definition of a famine is when hunger is the cause of death for two adults or four children out of every ten thousands people every day, or when a third of the residents of an area suffer from food shortages, which is the current situation in southern Somalia. The United Nations says the efforts exerted in the past six months helped relatively improve the situation. Three out of the six areas where a famine was declared have been downgraded from famine zones after aid valued at millions of English pounds was urgently delivered. However, this does not mean the crisis has ended, as the situation remains dire in the other three areas that are in imminent need of help. In this context, UN reports indicate that the ongoing armed conflicts in Somalia are hampering the process of providing food and medical aid, as relief crews are unable to deliver all the aid to the hunger-stricken people. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization said it is currently preparing an independent program to support Somalis in face of this long-term famine.