The cry for 'bread and roses' continues across the Middle East [Future TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Male #1
Today, Lebanon and the world celebrated International Women's Day. So why is March 8 Women's Day? And what does it signify? Maha Hotayt reports.

Reporter, Female #1
On March 8, 1908, thousands of women textile workers protested on the streets of New York under the slogan "bread and roses." They carried dry bread and roses, demanding shorter work hours, voting rights, and an end to child labor. This demonstration marked the start of the women's movement in the United States, especially after middle-class women joined the wave of demand for equality and justice. They adopted slogans demanding political rights, and particularly voting rights. On May 8, 1909, National Women's Day was celebrated for the first time in commemoration of the protests in New York. In 1977, May 8 was declared International Women's Day. Journalist and poet Joumana Haddad says Women's Day belongs to every woman who was told by someone that she "cannot," and she proved them wrong.

Guest, Female #2 (Joumana Haddad, Journalist and Poet)
For a lot of people, International Women's Day is linked to the illusion of celebrating a woman for being a woman. I view this as positive discrimination that I am against. International Women's Day is a reminder of all the women, and even men, who fought for a better world for women, a more equal world, and those who are still struggling today. So it is a day to commend those people. It is the day of the woman who believes in her power, and takes action. It is a cry to rise up and do something against the continued assault on women's dignity, and even their most basic human rights, by our patriarchal society. I believe it is disgrace for Lebanon that its parliament still hasn't adopted a law that protects women from domestic violence. It makes me feel ashamed to be Lebanese.

Reporter, Female #1
Many say it's strange that women are demanding their rights in Lebanon since they have received most of them, an argument that falters when faced with a United Nations report indicating that the largest number of crimes of honor worldwide takes place in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq and Palestine, pointing out that 66 murders were recorded between 1999 and 2007 in Lebanon, this being the most extreme type of violence against women.

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International Women's Day dedicated to Palestinian female prisoners [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Female #1
Today, women celebrate their international day, which was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly. In observance, women's organizations and unions are exerting efforts to implement international treaties calling for the protection of women's rights. They want the occasion to serve as a day for empowerment, and not just be a celebratory day. Amani al-Nuri reports.

Reporter, Female #1
In the beginning of March of every year, the world celebrates International Women's Day under the auspices of the United Nations, which dedicated March 8 to women in honor of their role in nation-building and their effective participation in the development process. This day serves as an annual reminder of women's rights and the injustices they face. It's also a day to express support for all women around the world, living in war or in peace. Women's struggle is as old as history, with many of the international and regional treaties continuing to call for the protection of women through the enactment of laws, strategies, plans, and programs. The contribution and involvement of women is the most important factor in the empowerment of society and the resolution of the most serious social, economic, and political problems.

Presenter, Male #1
March 8 comes as Palestinian women continue to be victimized by Israeli abuses, and especially by the policy of detention. The number of Palestinian female prisoners, which has exceeded 15,000 over the years of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has recently dropped. However, the amount of suffering they are enduring inside prison continues to rise. Hana al-Shalabi, who entered her 23rd day of hunger strike to protest her arbitrary administrative detention, is a living proof of the ongoing Palestinian women's battle for freedom. Our correspondent Mohamed al-Sayyed reports from Ramallah.

Reporter, Male #2
The struggle of Palestinian women against the Israeli occupation takes many forms. They sometimes bear arms to protect their lives, and at other times they work in their farmland to make ends meet. But regardless, Palestinian women continue to pay a heavy price on a daily basis, as they are martyred, injured, and imprisoned, and mothers are bereaved. Meanwhile, Palestinian prisoner Hana al-Shalabi decided to continue her struggle on a path of resilience and defiance.

Guest, Female #2
Sister Hana al-Shalabi believes in the justice of her plight. This is why she is fighting her arbitrary detention, a type of punishment that has turned into an art form against the Palestinian people, including women, men, and children behind bars.

Reporter, Male #2
Prisoner al-Shalabi, despite the suffering she is enduring behind bars, is fighting this battle for freedom alone inside Israeli jails. She is defying the occupation's racist policies, laws and injustice, in a steadfast battle described as "a legendary struggle."

Guest, Female #3
All human rights' supporters are standing behind Hana al-Shalabi in the fight for justice, as part of the struggle that was ignited by Khadar Adnan with the aim of abolishing administrative detention. Hana al-Shalabi is sacrificing her body and spirit for her plight and the right to freedom.

Reporter, Male #2
Despite her deteriorating health, 30-year-old al-Shalabi decided to continue her open-ended hunger strike until her demands are met. This prompted prisoner and human rights organizations to issue an appeal urging the world to intervene and solve her case. Palestinian women have set a model for women across the world in the fight against occupation and powerful entities, and these women have not hesitated to pay the price. However, they refuse to surrender in the face of injustice, and are using hunger strikes as a weapon, which is no longer limited to men, as a weapon that may help end the injustice but at the same time threatens the life of its bearer.

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Israeli forces attack Palestinian women challenging occupation policies [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Female #1
Several Palestinian women asphyxiated after the Israeli occupation forces fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse a peaceful women's demonstration, near al-Qalandia checkpoint, north of the occupied city of Jerusalem.

Presenter, Male #1
Hundreds of Palestinian women organized a demonstration commemorating International Women's Day, during which they chanted slogans demanding an end to Israeli occupation, and settlement construction. They also called for an end to the administrative detention policy used against Palestinians.

Presenter, Female #1
The women protesters also expressed their support for female prisoner Hana al-Shalabi, who has been on an open-ended hunger strike for over three weeks in protest of her administrative detention.

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Afghan women still struggling for their right to education [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Male #1
In Afghanistan, women suffer from many problems. Most notably, women are denied an education in many provinces due to the deteriorating security condition and tribal norms.

Presenter, Female #1
Our reporter Walli-Allah Shahine observed the situation of women in southern Afghanistan's province of Kandahar.

Reporter, Male #2
Nearly 800 girls study at this institute, which is funded by the Canadian government. In the city of Kandahar, girls risk their lives to secure their future in an attempt to change the reality of women living in southern Afghanistan, a reality created by the security situation and the social norms that are prevalent in the area.

Guest, Male #3
In this part of Afghanistan, women suffer a lot. For example, a girl here must convince her family to allow her to receive an education. The government is trying to do something; girl's schools are available in the city, but they are in need of eligible employees to improve the situation of women.

Reporter, Male #2
Girls who are able to go to schools, institutes, and universities consider themselves lucky. It is a rarity for women to have the opportunity to study and gain knowledge despite the many girls' public schools in various Afghan cities. In contrast, schools are scarce in the villages and countryside.

Guest, Female #2
The biggest problem women face in the southern part of Afghanistan is that they are deprived from receiving an education. Whenever any girl tries to seek an education, she finds many obstacles in her way. They are attacked with burning acid and they are harmed on the road. And their families are also harassed, forcing girls to stay at home.

Reporter, Male #2
It is dangerous for women to join the job market in Kandahar. Some were killed and others were threatened. Nevertheless, some women still challenge the reality, and get a job to break the daily routine imposed by the reality of living in southern Afghanistan.

Guest, Female #3
The situation has become more complicated and more dangerous. Nobody feels safe. Every one is thinking, "Will I make it home, or will I be killed on the way? And which group might target me?" We no longer only fear the Taliban and the foreign troops.

Reporter, Male #2
When it comes to rights and responsibilities, equality between men and women is a subject that concerns many around the world. But in Afghanistan, everyone agrees that men and women are equal in the misery they share on a daily basis. Walli-Allah Shahine, al-Jazeera, Kandahar.

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Female student killed, 53 others injured in Saudi Arabian city of Abha [Press TV, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
In Saudi Arabia, reports say at least one female student of King Khalid University has been killed during a protest rally. The epileptic student died of a head injury on Wednesday. This, as another student suffered a miscarriage as she was attacked by security forces and religious police. At least 53 students were injured when security forces clashed with female students there to protest discrimination, mistreatment, and the lack of basic facilities. 29 university professors have resigned following the brutal attack on the female students. King Khalid University is located in the southwestern city of Abha. Students have been called on to hold a demonstration Saturday demanding the resignation of the president of the university.

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Saudi Arabian street vendor self-immolates after his arrest [Press TV, Iran]

A Saudi Arabian vegetable vendor has self-immolated in the northern city of Ar'ar as anti-regime protests culminate in the Persian Gulf kingdom. The incident occurred after Saudi authorities arrested the street vendor where he had plied his trade, Arab media reported on Thursday. The man was being taken to the police station when he set himself on fire during a short stop at a gas station. Media reports indicated that the man was saved before he had sustained major injuries.

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P5+1 announces readiness for talks with Iran [Press TV, Iran]

Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency has once again denied allegations that Tehran is pursuing nuclear weapons. Dr. Ali Asghar Soltanieh also described recent allegations of nuclear activity at a military site in the capital Tehran as "ridiculous." Dr. Soltanieh called on the UN Security Council to condemn recent threats of military action against Iran's nuclear facilities by Israel. He accused Tel Aviv of violating the UN charter.

The 120 member states of the Non-Aligned Movement, otherwise known as NAM, has once again voiced support for Iran's right to nuclear technology. The NAM statement stresses resolving Iran's nuclear issue through diplomacy and dialogue without any preconditions. NAM has also called on countries who claim to have evidence of possible militarization of Iran's nuclear program to present their findings.

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IAEA says Iran is not being open about its nuclear program [IBA, Israel]

In Vienna, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran is not being open about its nuclear program. This, as the UN's nuclear watchdog today resumed debate over suspected nuclear weapon sites in Iran. The agenda of the IAEA's weeklong quarterly meeting was again dominated by Iran's disputed nuclear program. Agency head Yukiya Amano told CNN that there is great concern over undeclared facilities in the Islamic republic.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany have agreed to a joint statement on the issue, with Russia notably participating in the isolation of Iran. European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton announced the P5+1's acceptance of Iran's written agreement to reopen serious negotiations with the West, which could begin as early as next month.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still holds out hope that a military strike will not be needed in order to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, arguing that Iran can be deterred from developing nukes when they realize they face a credible threat from the military option, which paradoxically could eliminate the need for a military option.

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Annan urges end to Syria violence but warns against use of force [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Female #1
The UN-Arab League Joint Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan called for an immediate end to the killing and violence in Syria, warning that miscalculations of the situation in Syria may have an impact on the region. During a press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr, Annan urged the Syrian opposition to cooperate with them to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

Reporter, Male #1
On Saturday, Kofi Annan will start his mission to end the violence in Syria and seek a political solution to the crisis. He called on all parties of the Syrian opposition to work on meeting the Syrian people's aspirations, and end the fighting and violence that has killed over 8,000 civilians since March, 2011.

Guest, Male #2 (Kofi Annan, UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy to Syria)
The situation in Syria is very dangerous for the people, and its repercussions will impact the entire region. The governments and nations of the world are deeply concerned over the escalating violence and lack of vision for a solution. The Syrian government must change its course in dealing with the matter.

Guest, Male #3 (Nabil al-Arabi, Arab League Secretary-General)
The Arab League reached a certain point that required it to appoint an envoy.

Reporter, Male #1
Perhaps the brief statement by the Arab League's secretary-general reassured Damascus and urged it to facilitate the mission of the joint envoy.

Guest, Male #3
And the best solution, as mentioned by Mr. Kofi Annan, is for there to be one effort for a solution.

Reporter, Male #1
UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos' statements after her visit to Baba Amr confirmed that the neighborhood is completely destroyed. She also said she heard gunfire in the neighborhood even though it seemed devoid of its residents. Amos' statements are the first from a UN official visiting Syria.

Guest, Female #2 (Valerie Amos, UN Humanitarian Chief)
I was devastated by what I saw in Baba Amr.

Reporter, Male #1
Arab foreign ministers are convening a meeting in Cairo on Saturday with the attendance of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The Russian representative at the United Nations, who was among the first to recognize the opposition in Libya, accused Libya of not only training the armed Syrian opposition, but of also sending fighters to Syria. Damascus is protected by Moscow and China, which vetoed two Security Council resolutions on Syria. To find a solution to the crisis in Syria, China sent a delegation to the country and suggested a 6-point proposal that addresses humanitarian concerns and proposes a dialogue. Damascus welcomed the proposal. So far, there still haven't been any international measures to halt the ongoing stream of such scenes. These are images of activists who appear to be injured. This is one of the many reasons pushing Syrian officials to defect and turn their backs on the regime.

Guest, Male #4 (Abdo Hussameldin, Defected Syrian Deputy Oil Minister)
I join the revolution of this dignified people who did not and will not kneel down despite the brutality of the regime.

Reporter, Male #1
International pressure is escalating, as is domestic pressure, while conflicting views dominate the debate on the Syrians' options. The outcome of Kofi Annan's visit to Syria may increase or reduce the possibility of adopting a military solution to solve the Syrian crisis. Hayyan Aqoub, BBC.

Presenter, Female #1
The Syrian Revolution's General Commission said security and army forces killed 11 people in a number of areas, mostly in Deir az-Zour and the countryside of Damascus. Opposition activists reported security forces launched a wide-scale campaign of raids and arrests in al-Qadam neighborhood of Damascus and set up checkpoints. Opposition activists in Homs said army forces shelled the Karm al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Homs with heavy artillery, and used tanks to attack Maarat al-Numaan in Idlib.

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Rights group condemns UAE over abuses against activists [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
The Arab Network for Human Rights Information condemned the attack on the Emirati dissident Juma al-Felasi by unidentified assailants in Dubai, and accused security forces of being behind the operation.

Reporter, Male #2
The condition of human rights in the United Arab Emirates remains controversial, and debates among many communities, organizations, and rights activists continue. Following the ongoing arrests and harassment of opposition figures, the Arab Network for Human Rights Information denounced the attack on Emirati dissident Juma al-Felasi. Two people hit his car while he was driving and beat him, and then dragged him to a police station, where he was also assaulted by police officers due to his criticism of the security and economic situation, as well as the crackdown on the opposition. In a similar incident, Emirati police arrested political activist Saleh al-Dhafiri, and raided his home on allegations he promoted ideas that cause strife and harm national unity and social peace, as stated by the authorities. These incidents led Emirati activists to send open letters to the country's rulers, likening the crackdown by the security institutions to events in the dictatorships of Tunisia, Yemen, Iraq, and Egypt.

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US troops arrive in southern Yemen to supervise fight against terrorists [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
Yemeni military sources said hundreds of American soldiers and military experts arrived to al-Anad Air Base near Abyan province in southern Yemen to supervise the fight against the so-called terrorists in Yemen. The sources reported the American soldiers and military experts will supervise and participate in recovering Zinjibar city and other areas controlled by armed groups that Yemeni authorities say are close to al-Qaeda. The US Air Force launched a number of attacks on Yemeni cities and villages. The revolutionary parties in Yemen accuse the US and Saudi Arabia of exploiting the al-Qaeda issue to justify their interference in Yemen's affairs.

Presenter, Male #1
Today, Yemen is witnessing a series of demonstrations and marches called for by the revolutionaries, with the aim of reaffirming that the revolution will continue until there is regime change. The "March of Glory" launched from the Yemeni capital Sana'a headed to the city of Taiz, vowing to continue the Yemeni revolution. Revolutionaries and political figures took part in the march, stressing their rejection of the Riyadh agreement, which aimed to abort the Yemeni revolution at its infancy in favor of Saudi and US plans and agendas. Participants pledged to achieve the goals of the revolution, clarifying their departure from Sana'a was the result of the restrictions and harassments that were imposed on them after the initiative was signed.