Military council approves political isolation law as deadly Cairo clashes enter a third day [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Male #1
In one of the most prominent developments in Egypt, the Supreme Military Council issued a decree banning those who "corrupted political life" from participating in politics.
In this context, revolutionary parties in Egypt demanded to sack the Prime Minister Essam Sharaf's government and form a government of national salvation amid continuous protests and violent confrontations between protestors and security forces in Tahrir Square, which have killed 33 people. On the other hand, revolutionary parties called for a million-man march tomorrow under the slogan "million-people march for national salvation." Meanwhile, Egypt's public prosecutor released 64 people who were arrested during clashes. As mentioned earlier, Egyptian medical sources said 33 people were killed in the clashes in Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo and several other provinces, which began last Friday between protestors and security forces. For his part, the assistant commander of the central military zone, Major-General Saeed Abbas, reiterated in a press conference the Military Council's commitment to the political roadmap leading to a power transfer and an elected civil government.

Reporter, Male #2
Tahrir Square in Cairo is living a new day of chaos. Confrontations were renewed between protestors and the army and police forces for a third consecutive day. The square appeared to be a restive war zone, and its effects extended to surrounding buildings. The protestors blamed the interior ministry after a number of casualties occurred. The protestors' demands seemed to be clearer this time.

Guest, Male #3 (Islam Lutfi, Member of the Youth of the Revolution Coalition)
We demand the immediate resignation of Essam Sharaf's government, and the swift and fair trials of anyone who has Egyptian blood on their hands, or incited the bloodshed. We demand Interior Minister Mansour el-Essawy, the director of the general security, and the director of the national security be held legally accountable, as well as anyone who is directly or indirectly involved in causing the bloodshed of Egyptians.

Reporter, Male #2
Resentment for the Military Council appeared to be the common factor that angered the protestors.

Guest, Male #4 (Mahmoud Afifi, Spokesman for April Movement)
The youth of the revolution alone are facing the security forces, confronting tear-gas, rubber bullets, and live bullets. Therefore, we hold the Military Council responsible for the revolutionary martyrs' death and the situation which has intensified immensely.

Reporter, Male #2
In turn, the Military Council held a brief press conference, affirming its commitment to the transfer of power to an elected civilian administration.

Guest, Male #5 (Major-General Saeed Abbas, Assistant Commander of the Central Military Zone)
The next step is to fully implement the political roadmap laid out by the Supreme Council for the Armed Forces with all of its details, and the results should be announced by an appropriate institution, be it an elected parliament, Shura Council, or a committee to oversee the constitutional process.

Reporter, Male #2
So even if the protestors and the Military Council restore their trust, it appears that the situation in Egypt still faces many possibilities.

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Bahrain admits to using 'excessive force' against protestors [Press TV, Iran]

And now to Bahrain, where authorities have concede the use of 'excessive force' against anti-regime protestors this after international rights groups and activists lashed out at Manama for an iron fisted response to protests. The government also admitted in a statement that detainees have been mistreated. This statement comes two days ahead of a report by an inquiry panel commissioned by King Hamad to probe misconduct during the crackdown between February and March.

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Thousands of Saudis protest government killing of teenage boy [Press TV, Iran]

Now to Saudi Arabia, where thousands of protestors have taken to the streets condemning the government's killing of a teenage boy. Saudis in the oil-rich Eastern Province are mourning the death of 19-year-old Nasser al-Mheishi. He was killed on Sunday night by Saudi regime forces while walking along with a group of friends in the town of Qatif. Security forces have injured and arrested dozens of people in the past few days. Tensions have been high after Riyadh decided to escalate its troop presence.

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Hezbollah captures CIA spy in Lebanon [Press TV, Iran]

The US Central Intelligence Agency has faced a debacle in Lebanon. Hezbollah has burst several US spy rings arresting a number of American spies. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised address back in June that his movement had identified and captured at least two CIA spies who had infiltrated its ranks. In recent months, CIA officials have been secretly trying to protect their remaining spies in Lebanon before Hezbollah could find them. Tel Aviv has also not fared any better in the espionage matters. Dozens of Israeli spies were arrested by Hezbollah back in June.

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Syrian troops attack Turkish buses [Future TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Male #1
In the latest developments of the Syrian revolution, the death toll has risen to 18. The Syrian Local Coordination Committees said that 14 people were killed in Homs, three in Hama's countryside, and one in Riqa by the gunfire of Assad's brigades. In conjunction, the Syrian opposition organized demonstrations on a Tuesday dubbed the "day of freedom for Yaman al-Qaderi," who has been detained by the regime since November 3. Meanwhile, the Turkish foreign ministry announced that two of its citizens were wounded in an attack on a bus carrying Turkish visitors in Syria.

Reporter, Male #2
The bloody scene has become part of daily life across Syrian cities and towns, which have been witnessing anti-regime demonstrations for over eight months. The Local Coordination Committees announced that various neighborhoods in the city of Homs are witnessing random raids and acts of violence by security forces. The Committees added that several people were killed in Homs and several others were killed in the town of Karnaz near Hama. They further said that military operations are being carried out in the areas of Idlib, Daraa, Hasaka, Hama, and other regions. Demonstrations erupted across various Syrian cities and towns demanding the downfall of the regime and the departure of President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian opposition organized demonstrations on a Tuesday dubbed the "day of freedom for Yaman al-Qaderi," who has been detained by the regime since November 3. The strained relationship between Syria and Turkey has taken a turn for the worse following a security breach that dominated the unfolding events in Syria. Turkish media sources reported that Syrian troops opened fire at a Turkish bus carrying Turkish visitors near a checkpoint along the Syrian border in the north, inflicting causalities among the passengers. The passengers said that eight Syrian troops intercepted the convoy and ordered them off the bus near a checkpoint before indiscriminately opening fire at them.

Guest, Male #3
They were hiding. They were soldiers and not civilians. One of the troops told me "come over, come over." He wanted me to get closer but I refused. He pointed his gun at me and ordered me to raise my hands. I yelled for everyone to run away, and we all ran away. Then they started firing at our backs. God saved us.

Reporter, Male #2
Opposition websites released footage of the damaged busses near the Bab al-Hawa border crossing, adding that the incident triggered a Turkish security alert at the border.

Presenter, Female #1
Saudi Arabia stressed the importance of providing protection to Syrian civilians and ending all acts of killing and violence. Following its weekly session presided by Crown Prince Nayef Ben Abdel Aziz, the Saudi council of ministers called on the Syrian government to fully implement its pledges towards the Arab action plan to resolve the crisis in Syria. The council also hailed the efforts by the Arab League regarding the situation in Syria.

Presenter, Male #1
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Syrian President Bashar Assad's days in power are numbered. Meanwhile, the Russian foreign minister accused the West of adopting a quote "provocative behavior" in the Syrian crisis.

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Saudi Arabia seeks to find a tribal solution for crisis in Yemen [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female #1
Massive protests erupted in the streets of the Yemeni capital Sanaa, condemning the air and artillery shelling of the city of Arhab by forces loyal to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Thousands of protestors took to the streets of Ibb in central Yemen to protest the massacres committed by Saleh's regime against the residents of Taizz and Arhab. The protestors renewed their rejection of the Gulf Cooperation Council's initiative and demanded that no immunity be granted to the killers, whom the initiative is trying to protect. The protestors marched through city streets following a speech rally, in which a statement was read condemning the murder and attacks of women during demonstrations in Taizz and Sanaa. In northern Sanaa, tribesmen opposing Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh announced they stormed a pro-Saleh military base and seized weapons. Tribal commander Hamid Assem, who clashed with republican forces led by Saleh's son, said seven tribal fighters and several troops were killed in the attack. Saudi Arabia is seeking to end the Yemeni revolution through a tribal solution between al-Ahmar and Saleh's tribes, removed from the political scene and without achieving the people's demands for reforms. This news comes after the UN Security Council postponed its session on Yemen to allow Riyadh to push ahead in that direction.

Reporter, Male #1
The UN Security Council has adjourned its session on Yemen for a week, as demanded by Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. It's a new deadline issued under the pretext of quote "searching for a political solution to ensure a peaceful transfer of power." This delay comes amid international news reports, in what was attributed to a Western diplomatic source saying that western mediators are considering the possibility of brokering direct talks between the Yemeni president and his two rivals, General Ali Muhsen al-Ahmar and Sheikh Hamid al-Ahmar. The source added that the deal doesn't intend to override the Gulf Cooperation Council's plan. The deal aims to activate all guarantees stipulated by the initiative, including those that were not included in the UN Security Council's resolution. In what was leaked to media sources, it seems that Saudi Arabia is leading the mediation efforts. Riyadh is trying to broker a deal for smooth transition of power from President Saleh to a key figure in the al-Ahmar tribe, most likely Sheikh Hamid al-Ahmar. It's a tribal solution away from the political scene which could undermine the demands of the Yemeni revolution for freedom, democracy, and reforms. Observers believe that any partial solution in Yemen will not succeed, especially amid the escalating 'revolutionary resolve' and the protestors' commitment to achieving all their demands.

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Jordanian king visits Ramallah for first time in decade [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Male #1
The Jordanian monarch, King Abdullah II ended his visit to Ramallah, where he met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. During his visit, which was scheduled at the last minute, the Jordanian king discussed the latest political developments with the Palestinians, especially the issue of reconciliation. More details in our correspondent Iman Ariqat's report from Ramallah.

Reporter, Female #1
Jordanian King Abdullah II descended from his military helicopter in front of the Palestinian presidential headquarters in Ramallah. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the king's first visit since 2000 as "a great visit which will always be remembered." The Jordanian king wanted to discuss an array of issues during a phase described as sensitive. These issues included Jordan's full support for the Palestinian bid at the UN Security Council to receive full membership for a Palestinian state, the importance of achieving a united internal Palestinian front, and Jordan's rejection to the talks of an alternative homeland.

Guest, Male #2 (Nasser Judeh, Jordanian Foreign Minister)
To anyone who says we call for an alternative homeland, or earmark an alternative homeland, or any similar talks, we say that the Jordanian king's position is very clear: the independent Palestinian state can only be established in the Palestinian territories with East Jerusalem as its capital. This is Jordan's position. Anyone who says otherwise has no ground for it.

Guest, Male #3 (Abdul Rahim Muluh, PLO Executive Committee Member)
We were against this subject in the past, and we are against it now. We will not accept the idea that Palestine has an alternative. Palestine is the nation for Palestinians; Jordan is the nation for Jordanians.

Reporter, Female #1
The Jordanian monarch's visit brought forth many questions about the Jordan's proposals for the Palestinian leadership, especially since the visit takes place merely days before the anticipated meeting between the Palestinian president and Hamas' political bureau chief Khaled Meshal in Cairo.

Guest, Female #2 (Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Palestinian Legislative Council Member)
The purpose of the meeting is to affirm Jordan's continuous mediation on the highest level in order to face the current challenges, especially as countries in the region are going through political changes. In addition, it is a positive move connected to the Arab Spring.

Reporter, Female #1
Jordan's affirmation of its position supporting the two-state solution based on the June 4, 1967 borders came with the Palestinian assertion that it is ready to return to negotiations as soon as Israel stops all settlement activities and recognizes these borders as those of the independent Palestinian state. While some consider the Jordanian king's surprise visit as historical, others say its timing is imperative as it coincides with Palestinians' anticipation for the future of both their internal and external statuses. From Ramallah city, Iman Ariqat, BBC.

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Iran boycotts IAEA meeting [IBA, Israel]

Iran decided to boycott today's meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency amid growing tensions over the West and its nuclear intentions. Iranian envoy to the UN nuclear watchdog declared that the move was his country's first response to the IAEA' bombshell report exposing Iran's rogue nuclear program. The envoy also said Iran decided to stay away from the discussions due to Israel's participation.

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Israeli medical residents return to work [IBA, Israel]

Back here at home, medical residents gradually returned to work today after last week's mass resignations. Heading high court orders, the young physicians have agreed to another round of negotiations with the treasury. The High Court appointed former Supreme Court justice Professor Yitzhak Zamir and President of the Israeli Association of Mediators Mordehai Mironi to help expedite the process.

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Al-Qaeda sympathizer accused of NYC bomb plots [IBA, Israel]

New York City officials have arrested a US citizen on charges of building a pipe bomb to use against US troops. Twenty-seven year old Jose Pimentel had been under close surveillance since May of 2009 for his apparent ties to the now-deceased al-Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. The New York City police commissioner said that the killing of al-Awlaki in a US drone attack spurred Pimentel's desire to harm US forces returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Israeli professor: Israeli textbooks cultivate apartheid and racism [Palestine TV, Ramallah]

Presenter, Male #1
Israeli researcher Nurit Elchanan asserted that Israeli textbooks cultivate apartheid and the Israeli education institution aims to prepare the Israeli youth to justify the Israeli army's crimes. Anas Bu'arku reports.

Reporter, Male #2
Israeli researcher and professor of language and education at Hebrew University, Professor Nurit Peled-Elchanan concluded that Israeli textbooks cultivate racist apartheid against Arabs and Palestinians and encourages treating them like a demographic problem. Hebrew newspaper Maariv said that Elchanan's conclusions can be found in her new book which will soon be published in English. In the book, she says, "The Israeli apartheid is not only a group of racist laws but an ideology towards Arabs and Palestinians." Elchanan worked on her book from 1996 to 2009. It is called Palestine in Israeli School Books: Ideology and Propaganda in Education. She believes that the purpose of the Israeli education institution is to prepare the Israeli youth to justify the Israeli army's crimes by simplifying complicated Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.

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Libya's Misurata opens war museum [Russia Today, Russia]

Presenter, Male #1
The city of Misurata, which became famous during the Libyan revolution as a stronghold for the revolutionaries against the late Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi's battalions, is hosting an exhibition of the variety of weapons seized during the fighting against Gaddafi's forces. One of the most prominent items exhibited is the golden fist that used to decorate Gaddafi's headquarters in the Bab al-Aziziya complex.

Reporter, Male #2
The city of Misurata became famous in the recent Libyan war as a stronghold for revolutionaries against the late Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi's battalions and is now a symbol of the revolution. The city suffered a suffocating siege by the battalions for five months. On Tripoli Street, an open-air museum showcases a collection of tanks, mortar shells, and Molotov cocktails seized during the fierce fighting against Gaddafi's forces.

Guest, Male #2
It's a very nice feeling. We came to Misurata to see it; all this destruction and war crimes. May God prevent this from ever happening again.

Reporter, Male #2
The items were collected from the battlefields where the Gaddafi battalions were defeated. The most prominent item is the giant statue of the golden fist holding an American warplane that used to decorate Gaddafi's headquarters in Bab al-Aziziya. It used to represent Gaddafi's hostility towards the West. This statue is now here, covered in revolutionary slogans and the colors of the new Libyan flag. The large metal eagle that also used to be in Gaddafi's home inside the Bab al-Aziziya compound is on display in the museum. The eagle has a four-meter wingspan and clutches a life-sized mannequin of Gaddafi in its claws.

Guest, Male #4
This hand used to be called the "hand to smash the tyrannical enemy." Now we say it's the hand of the resistant Misurata. Misurata is the iron fist that crushed the tyrant and his aides in this war.

Reporter, Male #2
Many families with young children toured all parts of the museum. But what concerns many is the spread of weapons in Libya and its negative impact on the democratic transition process and internal security challenges that may extend beyond the border. Ibrahim Hasnawi, Russia Today.