Protestors reject Yemen's new government, viewing it as 'partnership with killers' [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Male # 1
Tens of thousands of Yemenis protested in the capital Sanaa to express their rejection of the new government formed by Mohammed Basindwa. Demonstrators chanted against the government that was formed between the parliamentary opposition and President Saleh's party, confirming their refusal to form a partnership with killers. The demonstrators also confirmed their intention to continue the protests until attaining all the revolution's goals.

Reporter, Male # 2
Thousands of rebellious youths, who have filled the squares for ten months, marched today against the newly-formed government that resulted from the Riyadh agreement. They demanded a continued escalation until achieving the goals for which they revolted.

Guest, Male # 3
We demand the prosecution of the killer. We will not be satisfied with the initiative and we will not be satisfied with guarantees. We accept the prosecution of the killer. We will not compromise on our blood, the blood of our sons, the blood of our daughters, and the blood of our children.

Reporter, Male # 2
The revolutionaries are still in shock. They are in shock over the Joint Meeting Parties' silence and acceptance of this government, seeing that two-thirds of its members represent the reason they rose up and demanded change. They believe their legitimate demands will be stolen from them, especially since independent portfolios will be assigned to the same people, namely the defense and foreign affairs. And as armed government forces were killing them the Foreign Ministry was justifying their bloodshed, according to many demonstrators.

Guest, Male # 4
We tell the entire world we reject a government that includes the killers, those who participated in the killing of the martyrs, the martyrs of the revolution.

Reporter, Male # 2
The sponsor of the Riyadh agreement, Jamal Bin Omar, returned once again to Sanaa. The revolutionaries view his visit as an attempt to appease them and survey the outcome of his actions that come at the expense of the martyrs. They also believe a new conspiracy looms on the horizon.

Guest, Female # 1
We will not accept any of the regime's remnants or any criminals in the national salvation government.

Guest, Male # 5
We demand the punishment of the killer, and the prosecution of the murderers. We demand a new Yemen, a new constitution. We want a constitution that rules the ruler, not a ruler that rules the constitution.

Reporter, Male # 2
Two forces emerged during the change revolution; the first is the loyalists and the second is the opposition. And in the Old City of Sanaa, a third force made an appearance. It is calling for everyone to leave; few understand it but now, in light of the Riyadh agreement, many are seriously considering this third option.

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Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood slams army for 'marginalizing' parliament [Press TV, Iran]

Egypt's biggest political party, the Muslim Brotherhood has lashed out at the country's military rulers for what it calls efforts to marginalize parliament over the writing of a new constitution. This comes after the junta said it had the final say over those appointed to draft the new constitution next year. The Muslim Brotherhood, which emerged as the biggest winner in the first stage of the parliamentary elections, wants the assembly to oversee the drafting process. The party says it plans to pull out of a contact group with army leaders who have been in power since the toppling of Hosni Mubarak in February. Meanwhile Egyptians keep pouring onto the streets for days now calling on the junta to hand over power to a civilian government.

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Thousands of Bahrainis march to Pearl Square to protest al-Khalifa family rule [Press TV, Iran]

In Bahrain, demonstrators have takent to streets near the capital Manama to protest against the ruling al-Khalifa family. They shouted slogans against Saudi Arabia and their country's rulers. They came out in thousands, marching in several towns and villages around the capital. They have vowed to continue their march to the landmark Pearl Square in Manama. The protestors have been taking to the streets since the beginning of this year, calling for the downfall of the regime. Dozens of demonstrators have been killed since the beginning of the revolution in mid-February.

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Pakistanis urge government to review ties with US and allies [Press TV, Iran]

Thousands of people have again taken to the streets of the Pakistani capital Islamabad to protest US military operations. Mass protests continued on Thursday condemning a US raid that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers two weeks ago. The protestors expressed solidarity with Pakistan's army and urged the government to review their country's ties with the US and its NATO allies. They also vowed to make every sacrifice needed for the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan. Tensions flared between Pakistan and the US after the November 26 strike on the country's northwestern border with Afghanistan. In response to that, Pakistan blocked the supply routes to the US-led forces in Afghanistan and demanded Washington to vacate an air base used by American forces.

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Iran displays downed US drone [Press TV, Iran]

The lead story, Iran's military has for the first time released images of a top secret US spy drone. The unmanned aircraft was brought down almost intact several days ago by Iranian air defense electronic wafer units. After the initial ambiguities and denials by the Pentagon, Washington finally decided to come clean on the loss of one of its most advanced and secret unmanned aircraft over Iran. The RQ-170 sentinel, built by Lockheed Martin Cooperation has been designed for top secret spying missions. Its radar-absorbent skin has been designed to make it literally invisible to even the most sophisticated radars in operation today. They spy drone was used to eavesdrop on Osama bin Laden's hideout in Pakistan before the much publicized US raid on his compound.

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US-Israeli cooperation on Iran 'very closely coordinated' [IBA, Israel]

The United States and Israel are cooperating fully in efforts to counter the Iranian nuclear weapons program. That's the word from US ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, who attempted to diffuse comments made last week by the head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey. General Dempsey said that he did not know whether Israel would give the United States advance warning if it decided to take military action against Iran. Shapiro discounted those comments saying it was close cooperation between the two allies.

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Lieberman to Putin: Russian support for PA bid was counterproductive to peace [IBA, Israel]

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin that Moscow's support for the UN bid for Palestinian membership was counterproductive to the peace process. Lieberman was also critical of Russia selling state-of-the-art weapons to Syria. He explained to Putin that it could have negative consequences. Recently supplied the regime of Bashar al-Assad with supersonic anti missiles.

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Sarkozy explains snipe on Netanyahu [IBA, Israel]

The reason for the recent diplomatic tiff between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and French President Nicolas Sarkozy is apparently related to Israel's refusal to include France in the release of abducted soldier Gilad Shalit. The diplomatic incident involves Sarkozy being overheard telling US President Barack Obama that Netanyahu is a liar. Last night, Sarkozy explained his candid remarks to Jewish leaders in Paris, saying his anger was caused by events surrounding the deal to secure Shalit's release.

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Israeli defense minister makes case to Knesset for defense budget [IBA, Israel]

The running battle over the defense budget intensified today as Minister of Defense Ehud Barak told the Knesset finance committee that he will not allow a situation where the military is inadequately prepared because treasury officials have not given their approval. Speaking to a Knesset Finance Ministry session convened in Tel Aviv Barak to discuss the defense budget, Barak insisted that every shekel given to the army is accounted for and that all expenses are transparent.

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Israeli air strike kills two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Male #1
The deposed Palestinian government in Gaza called on the UN to immediately intervene and end the latest Israeli escalation on the Gaza Strip. This news comes after the assassination of Palestinian activists in a new Israeli raid on central Gaza. Palestinian resistance factions vowed to respond to what they described as "Israeli crimes against the Gaza Strip."

Reporter, Male #2
A civilian car was targeted in front of a public park in a busy area on Omar al-Mukhtar Street in central Gaza. Onboard was Essam al-Batsh, a leader in Fatah's Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, and his nephew Subhi al-Batsh, an activist affiliated with the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. The two activists were immediately martyred following the shelling of their car. The Israeli army immediately confirmed the raid, which was carried out by a drone. The army spokesman said the raid targeted a cell that was plotting to carry out an operation along the Israeli-Egyptian border. The spokesman added that the main target was Subhi al-Batsh. The Israeli army is accusing al-Batsh of being behind an operation launched inside Israel years ago.

Guest, Male #3 (Abu Saif, Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades' Spokesman)
God willing, the Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades will respond by striking deep into the Zionist entity. Prior to this Zionist crime, there was no escalation on the Palestinian front, especially in the Gaza Strip.

Reporter, Male #2
The raid came one day after another activist was targeted in eastern Gaza. An activist from the Jerusalem Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad, was martyred in that incident. This new Israeli escalation breached the weeks-long ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Guest, Male #4 (Taher al-Nuno, Spokesman for the deposed government in Gaza)
The situation requires our brothers in Egypt and the UN to take serious and immediate action to end all forms of aggression against our people. We will not accept any new formulas dictated by the occupation.

Reporter, Male #2
It's a new escalation that targets activists from several Palestinian factions, prompting them to study the challenges of adopting a response mechanism, especially in light of their commitment to the truce, which Israel seems to ignore. So it's Israel and its policy towards the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinians; a policy that doesn't change and that is based on escalation and provocation on the ground in a bid to achieve certain political and military goals. Tamer al-Midhal, al-Jazeera, Gaza, Palestine.

Presenter, Male #1
Jerusalem Municipality orders the complete closure of al-Magharba Gate Bridge leading to the squares of Aqsa Mosque under the pretext that the wooden bridge is about to collapse. According to the order, the bridge will be only open to a limited number of occupation forces to use in case of emergencies.

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Settlers set fire to mosque and cars in Salfit near Jerusalem [Palestine TV, Ramallah]

Presenter, Male #1
This morning in Salfit, settlers burned the entrance of Bruqin Mosque and several cars belonging to citizens. A number of settlers attacked the village at dawn and set fire to the entrance of the mosque after they failed to open its door.

Reporter, Male #2
The criminal in this case is calling himself a hero. Here in the village of Bruqin in the Salfit governorate, settlers extended their reach to a house of worship, which would have been completely burned had it not been for God's protection and the civilians' vigilance.

Guest, Male #3 (Essam Abu Bakr, Citizen of Salfit)
The incitement against this mosque began months ago because it is an unlicensed mosque. There was an official attempt to demolish it by the Israeli military institution. Now, the settlers came arrogantly, revealing their names and publicizing the fact that they were behind this awful crime. We condemn this act; we will rebuild this mosque and continue building our mosques. This mosque will be renovated soon. The president sends his regards to this town that is resisting and struggling.

Reporter, Male #2
Not very far from here, another crime was committed. Ali Sabra was not able to extinguish the fire as it burned his bulldozer. It was set on fire under the cover of the darkness a few hours after midnight.

Guest, Male #4
I usually leave the house at six in the morning and return at nine. I return when my kids are already sleeping. I work to save a little bit of money to be able to live. The rest I have through loans. I pay 5,000 shekels on the eighth of every month. I don't really know where to get the money. There is no power or strength but in God, the Great. That's all I can say. For us God sufficeth and he is the best disposer of affairs.

Reporter, Male #2
Near one of the houses in the same area, another car was burned, completing the chapter of crimes committed by settlers surrounding the town from all directions.

Guest, Male #6 (Muatasim Samara, Citizen)
We have no security here in this particular neighborhood. Why? Because its main entrance is also used by the settlements of Ariel, Bruqin, Ali Zohab, and Badwed. They come in and out through this entrance as they please. No one can stop them and no one can even say anything to them.

Reporter, Male #2
Salfit remains a platform for the aggression of the settlers, which is manifested though vandalism, confiscation, arson, and harassment against the citizens and their properties. This scene is repeated in the other governorates, and houses of worship have become a target for Jewish extremists. Hamad Ishtayi, Palestine TV.

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Syria blast hits oil pipeline near Homs [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Female #1
The General Commission of the Syrian Revolution said the death toll caused by the gunfire of government forces rose to 14 in Homs, Idlib, and Aleppo. It added that most victims died by the gunfire of snipers and the indiscriminate shelling of neighborhoods in Homs. On the other hand, Syria's official news agency SANA said what it referred to as "a group of armed terrorists" targeted a crude oil transportation line in Tal al-Shur, northwest of Homs' refinery. However, the General Commission denied the claim and said security forces blew up the pipeline near their checkpoint then brought pro-regime media reporters to lay the blame on armed groups.

Reporter, Male #1
Fire is rising from an oil pipeline in Homs after it was blown up on Thursday.

Guest, Male #2
It is difficult to believe that residents of Baba Amr are blowing up a pipeline to inhale polluted air and spew fire in this neighborhood. Something is being planned in the city of Homs.

Reporter, Male #1
However, the government was quick to accuse a group of armed terrorists of vandalizing the crude oil transportation line in the Tal al-Shur region, northwest of Homs' refinery. The pictures coming out of the city show the scale of killing and terror that prevails on its streets, where the killed and wounded lay and attempts to rescue them are made. Dissidents spoke of shelling with heavy weapons and machineguns as Syrian media said that armed groups committed the killings and abductions. Al-Huna in Homs Province witnessed a demonstration Wednesday night. Syrian opposition sources confirmed that security forces indiscriminately opened fire here, wounding protestors including women. The opposition reported al-Taybe village in the countryside of Dara'a was stormed into, motorcycles were burned and the homes of activists were raided. These images are believed to be of clashes between the Syrian army and defectors, who joined what is known as the "Free Syrian Army" in Saraqib of Idlib Province. The protests in Syria continued on Thursday amid calls for a general strike dubbed a "strike for dignity" and the opposition's affirmation it will continue the popular nature of the popular uprising in Syria.

Guest, Female #2 (Rima Faleihan, Syrian National Council)
We are now seeking to develop other peaceful methods and to announce a general strike and civil disobedience campaign, a "strike for dignity," which all of the revolutionary and political parties agreed on. It will start on Sunday. The peaceful Syrian revolution does not hold any armed components. The gunmen are the shabeha who are provoking sectarian fighting.

Reporter, Male #2
On Tuesday night, marches were held in a number of Syrian provinces and towns. Participants chanted against the regime of Bashar al-Assad and called for its downfall. This is in Homs. And this is Ma'arat al-Nuaman, south of Idlib. And this is in Giza in Dara'a Province. And another in Zamalka in Damascus' suburbs. Wael al-Hajjar, BBC.

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Dubai Film Festival opens with 'Mission Impossible' world premiere [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Female #1
The eighth Dubai International Film Festival continues in Dubai with world-famous stars and an assortment of international and Arab movies. The eight-day-long festival opened yesterday with actor and star Tom Cruise's film "Ghost Protocol." Cruise, who met with a crowd of fans at the festival, expressed his admiration for the city of Dubai. He said it is a beautiful cinematic city that is constantly growing and incredibly modern. Cruise added that Dubai was born from the desert in an amazing way and that it has broad, open spaces for filming. He said this from experience after shooting his new film in Dubai. Part of the film was shot in the 828-meter-high Burj Khalifa, which is considered the tallest building in the world.

Reporter, Male #1
Art and excellence is the language that Dubai has mastered. The pictures appear to be more beautiful and clear in the language of filmmakers. The Arabs' time has come. The red carpet was laid out at the opening of the Dubai International Film Festival, for big movie stars to cultivate their stardom and creativity in the continuous nine-day screening. The Arab and international films provide suspense and excitement. The spotlight is focused on the competition between Arab, Asian, and African films in addition to Emirati and Gulf films; the best film will be granted awards. The festival will showcase 171 films in eight days. The most prominent film is "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol," a joint Emirati-Indian-US-Czech production. Its major scenes were shot here in Dubai. World-famous actor Tom Cruise stars in the movie. He attended the opening ceremony with Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Shah Rukh Khan, and an Arab actor arriving from Egypt, Gamil Ratib, as well as veteran filmmakers from Arab, Gulf, and other foreign countries.

Guest, Male #3 (Tom Cruise, Actor)
Very beautiful city, and yesterday I went on a desert cruise and had an amazing experience. I looked at the city from a cinematic point of view and I found it to be inspiring for filmmaking. I was glad that I filmed here and met with wonderful people.

Reporter, Male #2
There will be 46 world premieres, 25 international premieres, and 78 Middle Eastern premieres. For the first time, there will be seven Gulf premieres. Short films, documentaries, and feature-length films are competing for 36 awards. The combined value of the awards exceeds 600,000 dollars. The final contenders were chosen from 1,700 films from 106 countries. The screening also includes a 900-minute film spanned over 15 episodes called "The Story of Film: An Odyssey." It narrates the history of cinema since its birth. The "Arabian Nights" screening sequence examined the relationship between the East and the West, with 21 films produced by Arabs living in Europe and the West, as well as European films on subjects pertaining to Arabs and Islam. A biopic of late Egyptian actress Hind Rustom, who played similar seductive roles as Marilyn Monroe, will conclude the screening. The eighth annual festival will be full of exciting films. When the curtain comes down, it will not mean the end of film screenings in Dubai.