Libyan regime accuses NATO of war profiteering as opposition places bounty on Gaddafi's head [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Male #1
Chair of the Libyan National Transitional Council Mustafa Abdul Jalil announced that whoever hands over Gaddafi, alive or dead, will be pardoned for all crimes they have committed if they are in Gaddafi's inner circle. He added that a monetary reward donated by an anonymous Benghazi entrepreneur valued at two million Libyan dinars, the equivalent of 1.7 million dollars, will be granted to whoever captures Gaddafi.

Guest, Female #1 (Shimaa Khalil, BBC Correspondent in Benghazi)
We asked Mr. Mustafa Abdul Jalil if Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi asked to leave the country safely, would the National Transitional Council allow his exit after he relinquishes power? Meaning if Gaddafi announced he would step down, would he be able to leave the country safely? But he said that Gaddafi has not made such a request yet.

Presenter, Male #1
The Libyan opposition accused Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi's supporters of bombing areas in central Tripoli, especially the surrounding areas of Bab al-Aziziya and the areas near a hotel accommodating foreign journalists. Colonel al-Gaddafi vowed to fight NATO until victory or martyrdom.

Reporter, Male #2
"Fight until victory or martyrdom" is the latest promise that Gaddafi made to his supporters through an audio speech broadcast on local radio. He described his exit from his fortified residence in Bab al-Aziziya as a "tactical move."

Guest, Male #3 (Muammar al-Gaddafi)
Your mission is the same: to purge your areas, to purge the districts of the city of Tripoli. To the youth of Tajoura, Souq al-Jumaa, it is a possibility that the rats are nesting there with the help of some sick people, such as al-Ghiryani, who was present in that area.

Reporter, Male #2
The armed Libyan opposition forces carry the same slogan. They control most parts of the country with air coverage provided by NATO, which vowed to continue its operations until its mission is fulfilled. Despite the opposition forces' successes in the past several days, Gaddafi still has loyalists ready to fight the Transitional Council forces for months if not years, according to the spokesman for the Gaddafi regime, Moussa Ibrahim.

Guest, Male #4 (Moussa Ibrahim, Gaddafi Regime Spokesman)
They want to destroy Libya, the services of Libya, the oil of Libya, the electricity of Libya, the bridges of Libya, the roads of Libya, the buildings of Libya, the schools of Libya and the hospitals of Libya, so that these companies can come in and reconstruct these facilities with billions. And of course they will get their commission or shares in it. But I want to say, Libya is not a cake. Libya is a hellfire.

Reporter, Male #2
While battles continued in some parts of Tripoli, celebrations took place in other parts. These journalists and foreign visitors, including some who wish to spread peace in Libya, were detained at Hotel Rixos in Tripoli. Gaddafi's loyalist forces forbid them to leave. Ahmed Diyab, BBC.

Presenter, Male #1
British Foreign Minister William Hague said that his country will continue playing its role in NATO's military operations in addition to the humanitarian and diplomatic aid in Libya.

Guest, Male #5 (William Hague, British Foreign Minister)
Yesterday, I talked about what we can do to help them with police work about removing landmines. The Department for International Development appropriated 20 million pounds for emergency aid. There is much work to do, but first security and stability on the ground must be achieved.

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Captive journalists freed from Tripoli's Rixos Hotel [Oman TV, Oman]

In Libya, all foreign journalists today left the Rixos Hotel in Tripoli after being prevented from leaving it for days by armed men loyal to Muammar Gaddafi. The journalists said that representatives of the international committee, the Red Cross, came to the hotel and arranged for them to leave and provided transport away from the hotel. Photos taken yesterday show journalists in protective vests and helmets, gathered in the hallways and rooms of the hotel. The media went to some lengths to ensure they could be identified including hanging a banner on the second floor with "TV" written on it.

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Syrian protestors demand the formation of transitional council [Future TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Female #1
Syrian forces stormed the city of Mayadin in Deir az-Zour and killed seven civilians amid reports of raids in the neighborhoods of al-Bayada in Homs. Supporters of the opposition organized massive demonstrations during which participants chanted slogans calling for freedom, the downfall of the regime, and the formation of a transitional national council to run the country in the post-President Bashar al-Assad phase.

Reporter, Male #1
Since early this morning, the northeastern Syrian province of Deir az-Zour has been witnessing a broad security campaign by Syrian security forces. In al-Mayadin, a number of victims were killed and wounded amid heavy tank fire. At the same time, Syrian security forces backed by tanks stormed the village of Bourahmah in Deir az-Zour, where a mass demonstration challenging the armed security presence in the streets broke out. And while security buses and vehicles were reported heading to the eastern town of Mataiya in Houran, most regions in Homs, especially the neighborhoods of al-Khalidiya, al-Bayada, al-Zir Street, al-Mreija, and Bab as-Sibaa are enduring raids and arrest campaigns, combined with heavy gunfire and explosions. These on-the-ground developments come on the last day of the UN humanitarian delegation's mission. Today, the delegation visited the central city of Hama and the neighboring cities of al-Rastan and Talbisa to look into the humanitarian situation there. The tour comes hours after the killing of a number of people by the Syrian security forces' gunfire in the countryside of Hama, amid raid campaigns and a wave of wide-scale arrests. Eyewitnesses said Syrian security forces opened heavy fire at protestors in the town of al-Rastan in the countryside of Homs. According to the same witnesses, a number of people were killed and wounded but could not be tended to due to the heavy gunfire. On the other hand, activists say Syrian forces backed by armored trucks raided a tribal region near the border with Iraq, killing one person and arresting dozens. The city of Idlib witnessed a general strike as all commercial stores closed in protest of the Syrian security's use of live bullets against protestors. In addition, the neighborhoods of the city witnessed a children's protest demanding that Assad leave. Under these circumstances, the opposition's pages on social networking sites released a video showing soldiers standing on tanks and firing directly at residential neighborhoods and homes. The websites did not specify the date the video was filmed or its location. Another video showed anti-regime detainees being humiliated and hit by Syrian security forces. To complete the series of nightly marches launched by the opposition after Taraweeh prayers since the beginning of Ramadan, supporters of the opposition organized a massive demonstration last night. Participants chanted slogans calling for freedom and the downfall of the regime. The protestors also carried banners demanding the formation of a transitional national council to run the country in the post-President Bashar al-Assad phase. Other banners congratulated the Libyan people for overthrowing Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi's regime, in the hope of a similar fate for Assad.

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Israel breaks Gaza truce with assassination of Islamic Jihad leader [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Female # 1
Thousands of Palestinians held a funeral procession for al-Quds Brigade leader Ismael al-Asmar, who was killed by Israel last night in an air raid. The raid is the Israeli occupation army's first violation of the three-day truce with Palestinian factions. Al-Quds Brigade responded by firing six mortar shells towards Kissufim, east of Gaza, saying it is its first response to the assassination. More details in this report by our correspondent Wael el-Dahdouh.

Reporter, Male # 1
Funeral processions don't stop despite the truce. It is as if Israel wants a retaliation that would allow a calculated reshuffling of the cards on the ground. Israel is aware the factions do not want to escalate the situation but the assassination of an effective military wing's leader will not pass by without any retaliation.

Guest, Male # 2 (Abu Ahmed, al-Quds Brigades spokesman)
It seems the Zionist enemy does not like calm in the Gaza Strip. They killed a prominent al-Quds Brigade leader and there was another assassination attempt in Deir el-Balah that targeted a gathering of al-Quds Brigade. Our reaction is clear; we will respond to this aggression as we see fit. This is our right and the Palestinians are in complete agreement on the necessity to respond to any Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Reporter, Male # 1
The deposed government moved swiftly to contain its position with the mediators, in fear of the ceasefire's collapse and in response to the Israeli army's threat of additional liquidation operations. The army wants to carry out these operations in a manner that does not affect the overall truce, as announced before the assassination.

Guest, Male # 2 (Taher al-Nunu, Hamas spokesman)
We confirm our rejection of the killings amid a ceasefire that the Israeli occupation is trying to impose. The Palestinian government had many calls with the mediators to confirm that we reject this equation. At the same time, to confirm our commitment to sparing the Palestinian people from aggression.

Reporter, Male # 1
It is a policy that Israel seems to be using to impose a new equation. One that is accepted by the Palestinians but, at the same time, does not anger the parties responsible for Israel's resorting to relative calm, notably Egypt.

Guest, Male # 3 (Mukaymer Abu Saade, Political analyst)
It seems international and regional circumstances do not allow any military operation against the Gaza Strip at the moment. On the other hand, Hamas, which is the actual authority in the Gaza Strip, does not want a security escalation or tension with Israel.

Reporter, Male # 1
In this case, the Palestinians have to expect Israel is resorting, once again, to neither peace nor war, which means the series of depletion of the Palestinian resistance will continue. It is, then, the same old Israeli policy. However, Israel is no longer the only influential player in the region, and is no longer capable of doing what it pleases, when it pleases. Wael el-Dahdouh, al-Jazeera, Gaza, Palestine.

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Israel denies agreeing to ceasefire with Hamas [IBA, Israel]

We open with continued uneasy situation in the south, which is on high alert following fresh warnings of possible terror attacks form Sinai. The IDF has bolstered its forces in the area. This morning, the Home Front Command instructed residents of the region to stay within 15 seconds of a secure bomb shelter. This came as two mortar shells from Gaza exploded in open areas in the Eshkol region. No injuries were reported, but light damage was caused. This morning the Israeli Air Force targeted and hit two terrorist squads in separate locations in the Gaza Strip who were preparing to launch rockets into southern Israel.

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Eilat attack probe findings presented to Egypt [IBA, Israel]

The IDF did everything it could to prevent Egyptian troops from getting injured during the hot pursuit after the terrorist who carried out the attack near Eilat last Thursday. This, according to an inquiry conducted by both the IDF and the Egyptian army. The IDF probe reveals that at least three of the terrorists were Egyptian citizens. General Staff Planning branch head, Amir Eshel, who traveled to Cairo earlier this week to present the Egyptians with the findings of the initial probe, also brought photographic evidence of the IDF's claims, which shows that contrary to Egyptian media reports, IDF helicopters explicitly avoided hitting Egyptian military vehicles and troops stationed at the border.

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Israeli doctors' strike ends after five months with 'historic deal' [IBA, Israel]

In other news, after 157 days the doctors' strike may have reached an end. Eight days of mediation and two days of marathon talks have lead to an initial agreement between the Israeli Medical Association and the Finance Ministry. The settlement is costing 2,600,000,000 shekels with the majority of the budget going to doctors' salaries. The deal will be spread out over a nine year period with physicians receiving additional three percent every year.

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Yemenis push for victory before Eid ul-Fitr while Saleh plans military assault [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female #1
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh ordered the recruitment of 50,000 troops to purge all supporters of the revolution in Yemen. Saleh called on his son Ahmad and the rest of his family to speed up the mobilization of armed and air forces as well as the deployment of tanks and missiles against supporters of the revolution. Meanwhile, the popular protests continued across Yemeni cities and provinces, demanding the downfall of the regime.

Reporter, Male #1
This is a popular festival in Yemen celebrating the victory of the revolutionaries in Libya and the downfall of the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime. It's also a festival to reiterate the demands of the Yemeni revolution. Under these slogans, thousands of Yemenis have poured into the streets of the capital Sanaa, the province of Taizz, and the city of Dhamar, praising the Libyan revolutionaries. They also called on all revolutionary and political blocs to mobilize efforts to topple the remaining elements of President Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime before the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Meanwhile, Yemenis in the capital Sana'a held celebrations after several members of the armed forces decided to join the revolution and pledge support for it.

Guest, Male #2
We, as members of the Republican Guards, have decided to join the people. With our blood and soul, we will support and protect this struggling and free nation.

Reporter, Male #1
The youth movement in Taizz announced the launch of a series of revolutionary actions aimed at toppling the province, as part of a new round of escalations. Meanwhile, hundreds of protestors continued to stage sit-in rallies for the third consecutive day near the Taizz provincial building. In a new national initiative, the youths of the revolution brokered a ceasefire in Jawf Province. This news comes after an agreement was signed by the groups in Jawf. The deal calls for the appointment of a new governor as well as for the release of prisoners from the Houthi group and the Reform Party. A revolutionary team prepared a document of oath and reconciliation signed with blood drawn from representatives of all sects and groups staging sit-ins in Sanaa's Change Square. Among the groups signing the document were the Houthis and the reform party. Meanwhile, from his residential headquarters in Riyadh, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh called for the deployment of 50,000 troops to purge all supporters of the revolution. Knowledgeable sources affiliated with the Yemeni opposition in Egypt said Saleh instructed his son Ahmad and the rest of his family to deploy troops, tanks, and missiles in order to launch what he referred to as "the final battle," which will include storming freedom and change squares. He also called for the deployment of air forces to shell supporters of the revolution. In a notable development, Yemeni Prime Minister Ali Mohammad Mujawar has returned to Yemen from Riyadh after recuperating from injuries he sustained in the assassination attempt against Saleh in June. Yemen will likely continue to live on the brink of crises, especially amid the double-standard policies adopted by the US and its allies in the region, which continue to support the Yemeni regime against the popular uprising.

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Bahrain's opposition shuns election deadline [Press TV, Iran]

Bahrain's largest opposition group, al-Wefaq, has boycotted the country's upcoming parliamentary by-elections. Khalil al-Marzooq, a former al-Wefaq lawmaker, says the core issue is that the legislative authority does not exist anymore. He was explaining why the group would not contest the September 24 polls. August 24 is the deadline to register for by elections for the 18 parliamentary seats that al-Wefaq quit to object Manama's heavy-handed crackdown on anti-regime demonstrators. The government of Bahrain, which hosts the US Fifth Fleet has been clamping down on anti-regime protests which began in mid-February.

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Saudi woman campaigner arrested for driving [Press TV, Iran]

Saudi police have arrested a woman for defying a ban on female driving. Najla Hariri was arrested while driving in the western city of Jeddah. Hariri has been campaigning for the women's right to driving around the city several times. She is among a group of activists who launched an internet campaign in June urging Saudi women to defy the ban. Since then, women regularly got behind the wheels of cars.

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Confirmed cholera cases increasing in Mogadishu [Press TV, Iran]

In Somalia, the number of confirmed cases of cholera increases with the country's suffering from severe drought and famine. Aid agencies are calling fro urgent international response to help contain the disease. About 75 percent of all cases of highly infectious acute diarrhea are among children under the age of five. The World Health Organization says poor sanitation and shortage of safe water have multiplied the deaths. It says over 4,000 cholera cases have been reported in one Mogadishu hospital.

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Muslims in France scrutinized for holding Iftar in public place [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Female #1
For the first time in the history of the Muslim community in France, fasters in Paris enjoyed a communal Iftar at the Eiffel Tower park. Organizers say the dinner is aimed at creating an atmosphere of brotherhood, forgiveness, and communication between the Muslim community and people of other religions who joined them. Mohamed Moussa reports from Paris.

Reporter, Male #1
During the blessed month of Ramadan, the Muslim community in France seems to be traveling to its motherland by fasting and performing its religious duties. This year, for the first time in history, the Muslim community insisted on organizing a Ramadan gathering in the Parisian Eiffel Tower parks, challenging the difficult conditions surrounding it.

Guest, Male #2 (Abdullah al-Minawi, Anwar Moroccan French Association Chair)
Our goal is to create an atmosphere of communication and brotherhood between the Muslim community and people of other faiths living in France. As you can see, we are eating our Iftar quietly, without bothering anyone. The presence of the police is unjustified.

Reporter, Male #1
As usual, French authorities rushed to harass the fasters by maintaining a heavy security presence and threatening to arrest anyone who performed prayers in a public space. The fasters considered it part of a comprehensive harassment campaign against Muslims in France.

Guest, Female #2 (Fuziya Banyub, Journalist and Writer)
Unfortunately, for years there have been strong attacks from the French right-wing, the republican right-wing, and the extreme right-wing, implemented through laws and policies.

Reporter, Male #1
Everyone shared the same loaf of bread to break their fast and to affirm that Ramadan is a month to be close to God, and a month for rapprochement and coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Guest, Female #3 (Anna, non-Muslim French)
Usually, Iftar provides a chance to share and communicate without any political motives. This is wonderful, especially since the invitation is open to everyone and is not limited to relatives.

Guest, Male #4 (Yousif, French-Tunisian)
It's a new idea and it aims at exchanging views. Personally, I started Ramadan in Tunisia and will finish it here. Usually, my wife and I have our Iftar by ourselves so we came here to have a meal with everyone.

Reporter, Male #1
Despite the harassment the Muslim community in France is subjected to, it is trying to preserve its traditions and customs, especially during the holy month. Their thirst has been quenched and may God reward them. Ramadan is a month to worship and be charitable but here, it becomes an opportunity to further scrutinize Muslims because Islamophobia in France, or the prejudice against Muslims, does not fast. Mohamed Moussa, Dubai TV, Paris.