Yemeni protestors, scholars denounce state clerics' fatwa [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Female #1
The UN secretary-general's envoy to Yemen, Jamal bin Omar, left the Yemeni capital Sanaa for New York to brief the UN Security Council tomorrow on the overall situation in Yemen.

Presenter, Male #1
The UN envoy warned of the implications of the continuing crisis in the country, calling on all parties to take responsibility.

Presenter, Female #1
In this context, protests continued in a number of Yemeni cities demanding the immediate resignation and trial of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Presenter, Male #1
The protestors condemned the fatwa issued by clerics loyal to the regime that bans any protest against Saleh.

Reporter, Male #2
Yemen remains in a deadlock while various military, political, and security powers are rising and face many possible outcomes. Tens of thousands of protestors flocked to the streets of Sanaa vowing to try President Ali Abdullah Saleh, whom they describe as a murderer, in addition to his children and his brother's children. They demanded that the military members who support the revolution protect them, rejecting any political settlement that does not entail the downfall of the regime. At the same time, the protestors condemned the fatwa issued by those referred to as the president's clerics, which bans any protest against the regime and gives the regime the authority to kill Yemenis. The same slogans were raised in other protests led by a group of scholars in Ibb Province in central Yemen. Meanwhile, thousands of people protested in the city of al-Hodeidah near the coast of the Red Sea, expressing their rejection to any political settlement based on an initiative. They reaffirmed that the prosecution of Saleh, his children, and nephews is the only option for settlement. Other cities such as at-Tali'a and al-Baida also witnessed protests demanding the immediate downfall of the regime and denounced what was referred to as the attempt by Saleh and his regime's symbols to drag the country into a civil war. In this context, the UN secretary-general's envoy to Yemen, Jamal Omar left the Yemeni capital without reaching a solution. He warned that the Yemenis' patience has a limit and will run out if the crisis is prolonged. He indicated that the responsibility falls on all Yemeni leaders and that they should exert concerted efforts to put the country on a path to a peaceful transition, reform, and recovery. The UN envoy pledged to refer the developments of the Yemeni issue to the Security Council. Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning that the US, Britain, and France are preparing a draft resolution that will soon be proposed at the Security Council, calling on Yemen to commit to the power-transition plan brokered by the Gulf countries. It is widely known that the youth of the Yemeni revolution reject the initiative proposed by the Gulf mediators, and that President Ali Abdullah Saleh failed to sign the initiative three times. This has created fear of heightened chaos, increased security breaches, and a worsening paralysis of various industrial sectors in the country. Eight months after the revolution began, protestors have not withdrawn their demand to end President Saleh's 33-year-long regime and try its symbols.

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Syrian security forces launch massive operations in Duma, Deir al-Zour [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Male #1
After noon prayers today in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, a funeral procession was held for Sariyah, the son of the Republic's Grand Mufti, Badreddin Hassoun. Syrian authorities said that Sariyah was killed Sunday afternoon by "armed terrorists." Dr. Mohammad Omar, a history professor at Aleppo University, was also killed in the attack. In another development, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that since midnight, security forces have been carrying out massive security operations in the city of Duma in the countryside of Damascus, and in the town of Deir al-Zour. Several people were injured in the operations, which include raids and heavy gunfire.

Reporter, Male #2
Syria is witnessing nighttime protests amid the sound of chants in support of the formation of the opposition's national council. Protestors in various regions of the country have reiterated their demands for the downfall of the regime and its president. From the region of Jabal al-Zawiyah in Idlib to the Biyada neighborhood in Homs. In the Khalidiya neighborhood, women took part in the protests. Meanwhile, the crackdown on the opposition and protest movement continues across various regions, amid new military defections.

Guest, Male #3 (Amer al-Sadeq, Syrian Revolution Coordination Union Representative)
Security forces are still being deployed to the city of al-Rastan. There have been reports of more military defections in the area of Duma in the countryside of Damascus. Security operations are also being carried out in Idlib. Warplanes are hovering over the eastern countryside of Idlib.

Reporter, Male #2
The Syrian opposition said that militias loyal to President Assad's regime continue to open fire and terrorize the residents of Homs. In a limited area, several protestors raised slogans demanding a response to the authority's violence, which has so far claimed the lives of nearly 2,700 people, with more than 12,000 being detained, as confirmed by the international human rights organizations. The Syrian government continues to report that armed assailants are targeting members of the armed and police forces as well as regime supporters. The government accused the gunmen of assassinating a university professor in Aleppo and the son of Syria's Grand Mufti, whom the opposition accused of being biased toward the regime. The Mufti said that what is happening in Syria is a conspiracy that Arabs are apart of in order to undermine Syria's position.

Guest, Male #4 (Badr al-Din Hassun, Syria's Grand Mufti)
They don't want Sariyah and his martyred comrades. They want Syria to kneel before the Zionists and America. Shame on you, I swear to the Lord of Kaaba. Even if only one person remains in Syria, he will not waver on the right of Palestine.

Reporter, Male #2
In Idlib, the Syrian authorities confirmed they have seized what they referred to as a large cache of weapons, including bombs and launchers that were being smuggled near the Turkish border. Wael al-Hajar, BBC.

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Bahraini court sentences 36 additional protestors to prison [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
Bahraini Public Military Prosecutor Yusuf Rashid Flaifal said a special court issued verdicts to imprison 36 detained protestors in three separate cases linked to the protests the country is witnessing. The court sentenced 14 people to life on charges of unlawful assembly, intention to riot and commit acts of terror to disturb public order, in addition to compromising the country's safety and exposing it to danger. Flaifal added that the court sentenced 21 others to 15 years in prison on charges of unlawful assembly, inciting hatred against the regime, and spreading terror among the masses. The court sentenced another protestor to 18 years in prison on the same charges. In addition, the court administration in Manama summoned more than 15 students from Bahrain University to appear in criminal court on charges linked to the protests sweeping the country. Several of the students were previously expelled by the university, and some were detained for various periods of time. The authorities mentioned that these students face charges of unlawful assembly, inciting hatred against the regime, and damaging private property at Bahrain University. Meanwhile, Bahrain's February 14 Revolution Coalition announced an event called "Manama Flood" that will take place on Tuesday and Thursday to protest the arbitrary verdicts that undermine the dignity of defendants. The coalition called for organizing the ninth "self-determination" march this coming Friday. Meanwhile, protests continued in a number of Bahraini regions demanding the release of detainees and denouncing the arbitrary trials.

Reporter, Male #2
Bahrainis are increasingly insistent on having their demands met through peaceful protests, as a large number of activists participate in the protests. Bahrain's February 14 Coalition announced an event called "Manama Flood." The coalition added in its statement that the first event will be held on Tuesday, October 4 in the financial and commercial district to protest the arbitrary verdicts that undermine the dignity of defendants. In addition, the coalition and residents of the Nuwaidrat region called on the Bahraini people to take part en masse in the ninth "Friday of Self-Determination" march which will be held in Nuwaidrat on Friday, October 7. The statement warned the authorities not to continue the attack on the protestors' dignity, stressing that it will cause the situation to explode. On the ground, al-Alam obtained images from Bahraini state TV taken when the wave of protests began. The video proves the peacefulness of the doctors and medical crew of Salmaniya Hospital during Health Minister Nazar al-Baharna's visit to the hospital. Peaceful protests continue in a number of Bahraini regions including Sharikan, Sitra, Sufala, al-Akar, and Tubli. The protests were subject to a crackdown by Saudi-backed security forces. Al-Alam also obtained images showing a security force's vehicle running over a young man and dragging him around the Salmabad region as a woman screams at the incident.

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Libyan revolutionaries launch fresh assault on Sirte as post-Gaddafi Cabinet takes shape [Press TV, Iran]

Libya's National Transitional Council says Islam will be the main source of legislation in the new Libya. NTC Head Mustafa Abdul Jalil said the majority of Libyans are moderate Muslims and rejects the existence of any extremists in the interim government. Meanwhile, the NTC has named the new cabinet after weeks of political wrangling. The executive board will still be lead by Jalil and Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril. The pair has promised not to take part in any future governments in Libya. Jalil and Jabril say they will leave power after the liberation of the cities of Sirte and Bani Walid, which are still in the hands of fighters loyal to ousted ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

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Egyptians oppose gas exports to Israel [Press TV, Iran]

An new opinion poll shows that most people in Egypt oppose gas exports to Israel. Seventy-three percent of those polls say the gas deal with Israel must be scrapped. Only 15 percent of the respondents are in favor of maintaining the contract. The deal was signed during the ruled of ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Under the deal, Israel receives Egyptian gas at privileged prices. The gas pipeline to Israel has been attacked many times since the downfall of Mubarak.

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Hamas political chief meets with top Iranian officials [Press TV, Iran]

Iran's president says addressing the issue of Palestine is the key to solving many global issues. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said nations are rising to rightfully demand justice and freedom. However, he warned those nations to guard their revolutions and not allow hegemonic powers to replace the dictators with their public regimes. The Iranian president made these remarks with the visiting Hamas Political Chief Khaled Mashaal. The Hamas official said Palestinians will continue their resistance despite mounting pressure from Washington and Tel Aviv.

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Israel welcomes Quartet plan, Palestinians demand settlement freeze [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Male #1
In the city of Galilee, north of the occupied territories, settlers have burned down a mosque in an incident that is not the first of its kind. The settlers attacked the mosque, set it ablaze, and wrote "price tag and revenge" on its walls. The fire engulfed the entire mosque and its contents. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack as an act that stands against Israel's values. As predicted, the Israeli government welcomed the Quartet's plan for the resumption of peace talks without preconditions, urging the Palestinians to follow suit. In response, the Palestinian leadership immediately rejected the call, reiterating their demand for a complete halt of settlement construction prior to resuming any talks, which Israel has rejected. This may dim any chance of implementing the Quartet's initiative on the ground. Sheruk Asa'd reports from occupied Jerusalem.

Reporter, Female #1
As Israel announced its acceptance of the Quartet's proposal for resuming peace talks without preconditions, the Jerusalem municipality and the Israeli foreign ministry announced their intention of resuming the construction of settlements in Gilo and the West Bank territories, which were seized in 1967 before being annexed to the so called "Great Jerusalem." This prompted Palestinians to express suspicion about the Israeli positions.

Guest, Male #2 (Dr. Nabil Sha'th, Member of the Fatah Central Committee)
We will not resume negotiations until the Israeli side is committed to a complete settlement freeze, especially in Jerusalem, and to ending the siege on Gaza. They must agree to resume the talks based on the 1967 borders. Otherwise, we will not resume these useless talks, which are not being respected by the Israeli occupation.

Reporter, Female #1
For the Palestinians, accepting the Quartet's declaration is nothing more than an attempt by Israel to mislead the international community. The Palestinians say their problem with Israel has nothing to do with the launch of talks but rather with their content.

Guest, Male #3 (Bassam al-Salehi, Member of the PLO Executive Committee)
The problem has nothing to do with the launch of talks but rather with their content. They are focusing on formalities rather than the content. Therefore, this cycle has ended. We must look for a new mechanism to end the occupation.

Reporter, Female #1
Israel's intentions are clear, especially after expressing reservation over the three month timetable set by the Quartet to finalize talks over the border and security. Israel is saying it wants open-ended talks in a bid to waste another 20 years, during which it can complete its campaign on the ground. What is important to the Palestinians is not what Israel is saying publically but what it's practicing on the ground. Israel has one objective in mind, which is to continue the occupation and the construction of settlements. Sheruk Asa'ad, Dubai TV, Occupied Jerusalem.

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Tel Aviv tent cities dismantled [IBA, Israel]

Remnants of the tent protests were eradicated today as Tel Aviv municipal workers flanked by police evacuated the remaining tents at the original encampment on Rothschild Boulevard. It was a pretty emotional and tense scene today as authorities cleared what was once the epicenter of the tent protest movement. Three other Tel Aviv tent cities were cleared earlier this morning on Nordau and Ben-Gurion Boulevards and in Levinsky Park where two people were detained for causing disturbances. Today, the Tel Aviv district court rejected an urgent request by about 16 Rothschild protestors, most of them homeless, to delay the evacuation.

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Panetta warns Israel against growing isolation [IBA, Israel]

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta arrived in Israel this morning for a series of meetings related to major security issues as well as bilateral defense relations. On his way to Israel, Panetta warned that Israel is becoming increasingly isolated in the Middle East. The defense secretary encouraged Israel to make concessions by explaining that Jerusalem has a commitment from Washington to guarantee its security needs. Therefore, Israel should be willing to take risks for peace. This is Panetta's first Middle East trip since becoming Pentagon boss.

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Residents east of Baghdad suffer from government's total abandonment [Al-Forat TV, Iraq]

Presenter, Male #1
Our camera crew visited District 12, east of Baghdad, which is suffering from a severe shortage of public services, health centers, schools, and other facilities. The only road leading to the area has been closed down for seven years by authorities under a security pretext, which has caused hardships for local residents. Abdul Razzaq al-Rahim reports.

Reporter, Male #2
While everyone speaks of initiatives to revive the agriculture sector so that it can become a substantial source of income for the nation, the authorities have closed the roads and shut off the water supply to the farm lands in the eastern area of the capital Baghdad near Sadr city, known as District 12. The residents, mostly farmers, described the measure as a cruel six-year-long punishment that followed the 2005 security incidents in the area.

Guest, Male #3
There are no services, no roads, no fresh water, and no water for the farms; I mean there's no water at all. There's nothing. The area is totally closed down. None of the TV stations visit the area. We are being displaced. This area is part of the village of Sawaed. There is nothing more to say, just go see for yourselves. Many homes have been abandoned. Some residents are renting in the city.

Reporter, Male #2
Green trees were replaced by concrete barriers, and freshwater streams are now filled with sewer water. The roads to other inhabited villages were almost entirely abandoned due to the difficulty of travelling from this large open-air prison to the market to sell crops, to hospitals, or to government institutions. Even the schools are dozens of kilometers from the village. The children have to go to school on foot or on the backs of mules. Perhaps maintaining security and providing services to the people of this area was not as easy and cheap as building these concrete barriers to isolate the area from its surroundings. Meanwhile, the rest of the world is becoming more open, travel visas are becoming futile, and means of communication are increasing with the construction of more roads and other facilities. Not far from the city of Sadr lies this area, which has been isolated from the outside world due to past security breaches in the city. Its green lands have turned into undeveloped land, and its residents now form a small community of unemployed people who hope that one day life will return to this disaster-stricken area. From eastern Baghdad, Abdul Razzaq al-Rahim, al-Forat.