Syria's sleeping giant issues "volcano" warning for Aleppo [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Male # 1
Syrian opposition websites reported on a demonstration in the Seif al-Dawla area and the Masharika neighborhood in central Aleppo. In addition, protests demanding an end to the regime continued in a number of Syrian cities. Large nightly demonstrations were announced in Idlib, Homs, Deir el-Zour, and Hama, during which demonstrators rejected holding a dialogue with the regime. Today, activists called for a demonstration named the "Aleppo Volcano." Tomorrow's protest has been called the "Friday of Departure." Activists called for the largest possible participation of Syria's citizens to demand the end of President al-Assad's regime.

Reporter, Male # 2
All bets have been placed on Aleppo. This is what these protestors and others say as they continue to take to the streets night and day, demanding the removal of the regime. In Idlib Province, where the army has started a military campaign, residents are protesting and rejecting a dialogue. The same is occurring in Homs, Deir el-Zour, Hama, and other areas. "The downfall of the regime" is not a mere slogan that is being repeated until accomplished. Analysts say a long list of preliminary work needs to achieved, including dismantling the regime's the social and economic base, which explains why they are betting on the city of Aleppo, as they are saying. Today, their focus is the city they have called the "Aleppo Volcano." The city is considered the economic capital of the country and historically has been known for its merchants and production sector, in addition to its strong agricultural sector. In it lived the man some consider to be the greatest Arab poet: Abu Tayeb al-Mutanabbi. And under Saif al-Dawlat al-Hamadani, the city flourished. Also, in Aleppo the people are demonstrating with the protection of the palace of justice, confirming the sanctity of Syrian blood, of which much has been shed, as activists say in the country's cities and countryside. A Reuters news agency report indicated that the Syrian economy will be crucial in the course and process of events in Syria. As the protest movement continues for the fourth month, and as it grows and expands across Syrian cities, the country's economy is in decline and Syria's imports and exports with neighboring countries have been affected. In addition, the tourism sector was killed, which implies the possibility of detaching the link between the regime and a class of merchants and manufacturers, many of whom are Aleppines. The Reuters report and other media reports attribute analysts from Syria and aboard saying the country's economy is similar to the army: it cannot bear the impact of a crisis if it continues for over six months. For this reason, Syrian activists believe the strong transfer of protests to Aleppo and its sister Damascus will deepen what they refer to as the regime's crisis.
There is no surprise, then, for those people to call for what they are dubbing the "Friday of Departure" one day after what they referred to as the "Aleppo Volcano." They insist on the necessity for large cities to demonstrate against the regime and to be at the forefront of the scene and set the tone. However, the Syrian government responds to them by saying the issue has no relation to reforms, as they are ongoing with decrees and promises, rather than freedom or constitutional amendments for which a committee was formed. The government says the issue is related to gunmen that want to corrupt and destroy the country. The regime's supporters say they are centered around the country's border regions. The price of this issue for the country, its stability and future, as regime supporters say, is much higher than any economic implications that will soon dissolve as its causes are dissolved.

--

AU condemns French arms drop to Libyan opposition [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Female # 1
France has defended its move to send weapons to the Libyan opposition, saying it did not break the UN arms embargo because weapons were needed to defend civilians under threat. African Union Commission Chief Jean Ping said the decision puts the region at risk. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen confirmed that NATO will not arm the Libyan opposition.

Reporter, Female # 2
The French Ministry of Defense has confirmed that it parachuted ammunition to the Libyan opposition forces in the Nafusa Mountains, west of Tripoli, in early June. The decision was reportedly taken after a meeting between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and chief of staff of the Libyan opposition, General Abdel Fatah Younis. France's decision, which was taken without its NATO allies, has generated criticism from the African Union Commission and reservations from other NATO members.

Guest, Male # 1 (Jean Ping, African Union Commission Chief)
Africa's concern is that ammunition delivered to one side and the weapons distributed by al-Gaddafi in the desert will end up in the hands of terrorists and arms traffickers, and this is the reality. What worries us is not who is giving what, but simply that weapons are being distributed by all parties and to all parties. We already have proof that these weapons are in the hands of al-Qaeda. These weapons will contribute to the destabilization of African states.

Reporter, Female # 2
A group of Libyan Amazigh fighters achieved tangible gains in the past few days in their advance towards Tripoli, especially after having seized a Gaddafi forces' munitions bunker, south of Zintan in the Nafusa Mountains, after NATO raided the bunker. The French government says it saw in the fighters' movement and success in western regions an opportunity to encourage the opposition in Tripoli to take action against al-Gaddafi. This comes as US President Barack Obama is facing wide-ranging criticism from Congress that is demanding the president receive its authorization before continuing US participation in military operations in Libya. American President Barack Obama denied that NATO forces violated the UN mandate that authorized military operations. He confirmed that his administration decided to participate in a limited military operation.

Guest, Male # 2 (US President Barack Obama)
I think that such consultation is entirely appropriate. But do I think that our actions in any way violate the War Powers Resolution? The answer is no.

Reporter, Female # 2
Russia and China have criticized the NATO campaign since its start, saying it has gone beyond the remit of UN resolution 1973, which authorized international military action in Libya; in addition to the fact that the arms embargo imposed on Libya prohibits supplying weapons to any group in Libya. Nawal Assad, BBC.

--

Yemen's Saleh calls for implementing GCC deal he refuses to sign [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Male #1
As Sanaa was anxiously awaiting his media appearance, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh called, through diplomatic channels, for opening talks with the opposition in order to implement the Gulf initiative on the transfer of power in the country. Meanwhile, the acting president said he has been granted authority to sign a new initiative to resolve the Yemeni crisis, under the auspices of the UN. Our correspondent Abdul Rahman al-Shumari reports.

Reporter, Male #2
Amid the ambiguity surrounding the negotiations on the peaceful transfer of power to the acting president, Yemeni Foreign Minister Abubakr Al Qirbi said that Saleh has directed his government to deal with the Gulf initiative positively. Saleh called for opening talks with all political blocs in a bid to implement the initiative.

Guest, Male #3 (Khaled al-Ansi, legal activist)
This is a declaration that Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime is nearing its end. The regime, which previously rejected negotiating with these parties, now wants to negotiate. It seems that the remnants of the regime want to reach a consensus with the smaller blocs in a bid to improve their position in negotiations.

Reporter, Male #2
It's a positive move, which also comes amid ambiguity surrounding Saleh's health condition. Incoming reports from Riyadh are confirming that Saleh's health condition is preventing him from appearing before the press. Meanwhile, the acting president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi said that the Yemeni president sustained serious injuries during the assassination attempt, and it's unclear when he will return to the country.

Guest, Male #4 (Mohammed al-Amaisi, journalist and writer)
Incoming sources from Riyadh are confirming that the president is unable to appear before the media. Ahmad al-Sufi said that the president would appear within 48 hours. However, the 48 hours have passed and there is still no sign of him. Abdul Janadi confirmed that the president would appear within days. Again, days have passed and he has failed to appear. I believe the Yemeni officials don't have enough information, which is causing harm to the political life in Yemen. It's also causing depression and emotional distress among the Yemeni public.

Reporter, Male #2
Meanwhile, over 300 officers from the Republican Guards, the Central Security Agency, and the police force have joined the youth revolution. As the political dialogues for the peaceful transfer of power in Yemen loom, the deteriorating living conditions have started to surface, threatening the residents of a grave humanitarian crisis. Abdul Rahman al-Shumari, Dubai TV, Sanaa.

Presenter, Male #1
In southern Yemen, the Zinjibar battle front is still raging. Thirty troops have been killed in battles between the Yemeni army and armed al-Qaeda fighters. The clashes erupted after gunmen from the so-called "Shara's Supporters" group, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, seized control of Wahda Stadium near Zinjibar, which contains heavy weaponry used for military purposes. The Yemeni air force intervened to regain control of the stadium, which resulted in the deaths of 14 gunmen.

--

Bahrain's February 14th Coalition rejects royal initiative for dialogue [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
The Bahraini February 14th Coalition has described the royal initiative for dialogue as "an attempt to escape responsibility for the campaigns of killing, torture, and crackdowns practiced in the country." The statement added that the Khalifa ruling family is trying to blame the crisis on the country's economic and social situation while ignoring the fundamental political problem and the urgent need for reforms. The coalition further said that the regime is trying to mislead the public to distract them from their primary demands, which include the formation of a constitutional monarchy and a fully authorized parliamentarian system. The statement said that the dialogue initiative was born dead and is an attempt by the authorities to corner the opposition.

Reporter, Male #2
Despite Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa's call to form a fact-finding mission to look into the crackdowns by security forces against the popular protests launched last February, and despite his call for talks with the opposition, the Bahrain people are continuing their protests demanding real political reforms.

Guest, Male #3 (Abbas al-Aran, Member of the Bahrain Human Rights Council)
The call to form this committee by Bahrain's dictator is meant as a message to the outside world not the internal front. It's a speech influenced by foreign pressures. The Bahraini people no longer care for any speeches or empty promises made by the tribal dictator of Bahrain.

Reporter, Male #2
Meanwhile, a number of popular protests were staged in various regions of the country, including Diraz, Karzakan, Abu Saida, Buri, Sitra, and others. The protestors called for the release of political prisoners and the ouster of the prime minister.

Reporter, Male #2
The protestors also called on the authorities to address their demands and end the crackdowns on the peaceful protests.

Reporter, Male #2
The protestors condemned the Saudi occupation of Bahrain and called for the withdrawal of its forces from the country.

Reporter, Male #2
Despite the brutal crackdown on protestors, Bahraini women continue to play a part in the protest movement. They came out today to rally support for their country's plight and to demand the release of all prisoners.

Reporter, Male #2
The protestors rejected the authorities' call for opening a dialogue, affirming their support for their country's plight and vowing to make sacrifices for its sake.

Reporter, Male #2
The protestors vowed to continue their protests until their demand for political reforms are met. Meanwhile, the opposition leaders called for staging what they referred to as "Self Determination" protest rallies on Thursday. Sheikh Sadek al-Jamri, a prominent leader with the February 14th Coalition, called on all Bahraini sects to take part in the protests. Al-Jamri said that Bahrain is being placed under siege by air, land, sea, and even on the internet. He called on the Saudi occupation to immediately leave the country, saying that the Bahraini king's call was rejected and that it is destined to fail. He further said that the king's call is nothing but an attempt to corner and hijack the revolution as well as ease international pressures mounting on Manama.

--

Lebanon requests evidence for indictments over Hariri death [Press TV, Iran]

Lebanon requests evidence supporting the recent indictment issued by a US-backed UN tribunal probing the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Premier Rafiq Hariri. The controversial Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which has been investigating Hariri's death for the past four years under the auspices of Washington, submitted a sealed indictment and arrest warrants to the Lebanese Justice Ministry earlier on Thursday. The pro-Western Future Television owned by the Future Movement of the victim's son Sa'ad Hariri said that the indictment named four members of the Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah. The ministry, however, has yet to make the contents public.

--

Islamic leader says new wave of awakening in Middle East is anti-US [Press TV, Iran]

The leader of Iran's Islamic revolution says that the essence of the Islamic awakening in the region is anti-US, anti-Israeli, and the Iranian nation will support any movement in this direction. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei warned the West against their policies, and said a new chapter has begun in the region by the revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, and other countries. They advised the people of these countries to be aware of plots by the US and Israel to mislead their movement. The leader also said the nature of the current events in Syria is different from that of other countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

--

"Comical Sally" interviews Dennis Kucinich [Syria-E, Syria]

This special interview with Congressman Dennis Kucinich explores the issue of Syria's foreign policy and how it is viewed by the West. Since the media has not portrayed the Syrian protests in a similar light as other protests in the region, Kucinish says it is important that any democratic aspirations of Syrians are met with a positive response in Syria and the ouside world must take note. He says, "If we truly believe in democracy, then we have to permit the Syrian people to chart a course, and that course has to be the right to be able to make foreign policies."

--

Iran continues nuclear testing in violation of UN resolutions [IBA, Israel]

Iran continues to thumb its nose at the international community, conducting secret tests of ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads in violations of UN resolutions. British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the hard line Islamic country also aims to radically increase its production of enriched uranium, a key step in the production of atomic bombs. Iran denied the British allegations. Hague's comments came as Revolutionary Guards conducted a military exercise this week involving air, land, and sea forces.

--

Palestinian officials slam US Senate resolution [IBA Israel]

Palestinian officials today slammed a US Senate resolution, which threatens to cut American aid if the Palestinian leadership continues to unilaterally seek recognition from the United Nations for an independent state in September. Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath called it a shameful decision and said such a move should not have come from a country that plays an important role in mediating between the Palestinians and Israel for peace. Resolution 185, sponsored by 87 senators and passed earlier this week, calls on US President Barack Obama to veto the UN vote in September.

--

Iraq accuses Kuwait of encroaching on oil fields [Al-Iraqiya, Iraq]

Presenter, Female #1
Iranian artillery shelling resumed at the border areas in Iraq's Kurdistan region. The National Union of Kurdistan has quoted a local source saying that the targeted areas were Barzi, Jalwan, and Burshina in Juman county. The source added that the frequent shelling of the region has reflected negatively on the residents and their grazing lands. Now that the former regime is long gone, many troubles facing Iraq come from its neighbors.

Presenter, Male #1
Among the most notable problems is the demarcation of borders and oil fields, as some of Iraq's neighbors, especially Kuwait, continues to encroach on Iraq's sources of wealth.

Reporter, Male #2
Every so often, especially in recent days, the problem of joint oil fields becomes the focus of debate among the residents of Basra. This comes as some of Iraq's neighbors continue to exploit and sometimes deplete joint oil fields, without consideration for pipelines extending across neighboring territories.

Guest, Male #3 (Farid al-Ayubi, head of oil and gas committee at the Basra Provincial Council)
It's known that when countries are sharing oil fields, there will be committees in charge of allocating oil to each nation based on the location of the oil fields or reservoirs.

Guest, Male # 4 (Dawoud Rabi'e, citizen)
Sadly, for dozens of years, some countries have encroached on these fields, especially the Burgan field that remains disputed between Iraq and Kuwait.

Reporter, Male #2
This is an old problem that dates back to the second Gulf war. However, the continued dispute hurts Iraq, particularly since oil constitutes the essence of its national economy.

Guest, Male #3
When the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border was demarcated, the Iraqi side's capabilities were very weak in terms of extracting oil and drilling. For this reason, the Kuwaiti side took advantage of Iraq's weakness and began drilling in a number of border areas.

Reporter, Male # 2
Following the political events Iraq experienced with neighboring countries, it has no choice but to sit at the dialogue table to solve all unresolved issues and past problems. According to some observers, exploiting joint oil fields will not end as long as Iraq is subjected to Article 7. This would allow it to demarcate the border and conclude the binding agreements between the two sides. Omar Abdel Rahman, Iraqiya TV, Basra.