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Egypt reels from 'judicial coup' - live updates Egypt reels from 'judicial coup' - live updates
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12.06pm: Egypt: Saad El-Katatny, the speaker of the People's Assembly, says parliament has not yet been notified of its dissolution in line with yesterday's decision from the Supreme Constitutional Court's decision, Ahram Online reports.
This may simply be a bureaucratic delay, or it may be significant ...
11.41am: Syria: Violence from both sides in Syria is increasing, according to the head of the UN's monitoring mission Robert Mood.
He expressed alarm about the fate of civilians trapped in the violence and said the work of the monitors was being hampered.
In a statement he said:
Violence, over the past 10 days, has been intensifying, again willingly by the both parties, with losses on both sides and significant risks to our observers. The Syrian population, civilians, are suffering and in some locations, civilians have been trapped by ongoing operations.
The Mission established itself as the factual voice on the ground, to ensure that the pain and the suffering of the Syrian people is recognised and addressed. But the escalating violence is now limiting our ability to observe, verify, report as well as assist in local dialogue and stability projects.
The six-point Plan does not belong to Kofi Annan, it does not belong to Unsmis. It belongs to the Syrian parties that have accepted it and the international community that has endorsed it. There is no other plan on the table yet it is not being implemented.
There appears to be a lack of willingness to seek a peaceful transition. Instead there is a push towards advancing military positions.
This is not a static mission. The review by the security council on the mission and its mandate will commence in the coming days and weeks. It is important that the parties give this mission a chance and the international community gives this mission a role that best serves the aspirations and welfare of the Syrian people.
Last night there was a call for Mood to address the security council next week:
Germany's UN ambassador Peter Wittig has asked the UNSC to schedule briefing by chief UN monitor in Syria, Gen. Mood. Probably Tuesday
— columlynch (@columlynch) June 14, 2012
11.37am: Bahrain: The political stalemate in Bahrain is generating tensions far beyond the tiny island kingdom, increasing the danger of Sunni-Shia sectarianism spreading more widely through the Gulf, according to a new report from Chatham House, the foreign policy thinktank.
"In the absence of any serious process of political reform, the situation in Bahrain is increasingly fragmented and violence is gradually escalating – raising the spectre of civil conflict that could draw other regional actors into a strategic financial and military hub," the report's author, Jane Kinninmont writes.
Apart from the possible repercussions of this elsewhere in the Gulf, it also places Britain and the US in a difficult position:
The repression in Bahrain, a western ally, complicates and hinders efforts of the US and UK to sketch out a new policy towards a Middle East where demands for democracy have become increasingly vocal.
Both governments face increasing criticism from both the Bahraini opposition, who see them as complicit in the crackdown, and from parts of the Bahraini establishment, where there have been allegations that the US plotted with Iran to organise the protests.
The UK alliance with the Al Khalifa also draws criticism at home, as indicated by the furore over the 2012 Formula One. Allies of the Al Khalifa want the Bahraini monarchy to be sustainable and accepted. They should help to persuade the ruling family that one of the biggest risks it faces is its own reluctance to reform.
11.18am: Tunisia: Religious rivals are due to hold demonstrations in the kasbah of Tunis today. The Ennahda party, which leads the government, and the Reform Party (a Salafist movement) both say they have been given permission for protests, Tunisia Live reports.11.18am: Tunisia: Religious rivals are due to hold demonstrations in the kasbah of Tunis today. The Ennahda party, which leads the government, and the Reform Party (a Salafist movement) both say they have been given permission for protests, Tunisia Live reports.
Meanwhile, the interior ministry insists that it has not authorised any marches for today.Meanwhile, the interior ministry insists that it has not authorised any marches for today.
The key to this apparent discrepancy may lie in the word "marches", Tunisia Live suggests: if the protesters hold static demonstrations without marching they may not be breaking the law.The key to this apparent discrepancy may lie in the word "marches", Tunisia Live suggests: if the protesters hold static demonstrations without marching they may not be breaking the law.
10.56am: Egypt: The prominent writer, Alaa al-Aswany, author of the Yacoubian Building, has urged voters to boycott this weekend's presidential runoff.10.56am: Egypt: The prominent writer, Alaa al-Aswany, author of the Yacoubian Building, has urged voters to boycott this weekend's presidential runoff.
Writing in the Huffington Post, he says:Writing in the Huffington Post, he says:
If the Muslim Brotherhood took their national responsibility seriously, they would call for the elections to be annulled and rerun after [Ahmed] Shafiq was disqualified and put on trial. Unfortunately the Brotherhood is repeating all its mistakes - as soon as the prospect of winning power looms, they lose sight of all other considerations, however important.If the Muslim Brotherhood took their national responsibility seriously, they would call for the elections to be annulled and rerun after [Ahmed] Shafiq was disqualified and put on trial. Unfortunately the Brotherhood is repeating all its mistakes - as soon as the prospect of winning power looms, they lose sight of all other considerations, however important.
The second round is illegitimate and will be rigged, just as the first round was rigged, in order to ensure that Shafiq takes the presidency. If Egyptians object to the fraud after Shafiq takes office they will be violently suppressed ...The second round is illegitimate and will be rigged, just as the first round was rigged, in order to ensure that Shafiq takes the presidency. If Egyptians object to the fraud after Shafiq takes office they will be violently suppressed ...
Dear reader, if you do go to vote in the second round then you will be giving Shafiq the presidency of Egypt. The second round cannot be valid until the law excluding former politicians is applied to Shafiq, until he goes on trial for corruption, until instances of electoral fraud are investigated and until Article 28 is repealed.Dear reader, if you do go to vote in the second round then you will be giving Shafiq the presidency of Egypt. The second round cannot be valid until the law excluding former politicians is applied to Shafiq, until he goes on trial for corruption, until instances of electoral fraud are investigated and until Article 28 is repealed.
Unless these legitimate demands are met I will not be taking part in the second round of the farce. On election day I will go and spoil my ballot paper. If many people spoil their ballot papers, it will send a powerful message that the elections are not valid.Unless these legitimate demands are met I will not be taking part in the second round of the farce. On election day I will go and spoil my ballot paper. If many people spoil their ballot papers, it will send a powerful message that the elections are not valid.
10.35am: Egypt: Activists from the April 6 movement, which helped galvanise Egyptians against Hosni Mubarak, plan to stage a demonstration in Tahrir Square later today in protest against the court's verdicts.10.35am: Egypt: Activists from the April 6 movement, which helped galvanise Egyptians against Hosni Mubarak, plan to stage a demonstration in Tahrir Square later today in protest against the court's verdicts.
It called for the rally to start at 5 pm local time (4pm BST)."We will save our revolution. We will save Egypt from military rule," the group said in a statement sent out this morning.It called for the rally to start at 5 pm local time (4pm BST)."We will save our revolution. We will save Egypt from military rule," the group said in a statement sent out this morning.
Tahrir Square is quiet for now.Tahrir Square is quiet for now.
Al-Jazeera's Rawya Rageh reports that Revolutionary Socialists will also take part in the demonstration.Al-Jazeera's Rawya Rageh reports that Revolutionary Socialists will also take part in the demonstration.
10.19am: Egypt: Yesterday's ruling by the Supreme Constitutional Court has wrong-footed the Muslim Brotherhood at a critical moment, and it is far from clear what the movement's strategy will be during the next few days.10.19am: Egypt: Yesterday's ruling by the Supreme Constitutional Court has wrong-footed the Muslim Brotherhood at a critical moment, and it is far from clear what the movement's strategy will be during the next few days.
Last night, the Brotherhood and its political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party, held an emergency meeting where they decided – on a majority vote – that their candidate, Mohamed Morsi, would stay in the presidential contest, Ahram Online reports.Last night, the Brotherhood and its political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party, held an emergency meeting where they decided – on a majority vote – that their candidate, Mohamed Morsi, would stay in the presidential contest, Ahram Online reports.
Morsi (pictured) himself said there is no alternative to "the revolution at the ballot boxes". Mubarak's regime is constantly trying to reinvent itself, he said. "We'll go as far as we can, and if the former regime tries to rise, the revolution will be more severe this time."Morsi (pictured) himself said there is no alternative to "the revolution at the ballot boxes". Mubarak's regime is constantly trying to reinvent itself, he said. "We'll go as far as we can, and if the former regime tries to rise, the revolution will be more severe this time."
Al-Jazeera correspondent Jamal El Shayyal, reporting from Egypt, describes this as "a huge gamble" on the part of the Brotherhood.Al-Jazeera correspondent Jamal El Shayyal, reporting from Egypt, describes this as "a huge gamble" on the part of the Brotherhood.
They are putting their hopes in the Egyptian people, and this is seen as a last ditch attempt to call on the people's support.They are putting their hopes in the Egyptian people, and this is seen as a last ditch attempt to call on the people's support.
It is also a warning for [Ahmed] Shafiq and his people, saying if they try and meddle with the elections, they will only have themselves to blame.It is also a warning for [Ahmed] Shafiq and his people, saying if they try and meddle with the elections, they will only have themselves to blame.
A couple of tweets from the Brotherhood last night questioned the court's power to dissolve parliament but at present it is not clear whether this represents the Brotherhood's considered view:A couple of tweets from the Brotherhood last night questioned the court's power to dissolve parliament but at present it is not clear whether this represents the Brotherhood's considered view:
@LaurenBohnSupreme Court doesn't have the power to dissolve the parliament, it only decides on constitutionality of the laws@LaurenBohnSupreme Court doesn't have the power to dissolve the parliament, it only decides on constitutionality of the laws
— Ikhwanweb (@Ikhwanweb) June 14, 2012— Ikhwanweb (@Ikhwanweb) June 14, 2012
@LaurenBohn @elbaradei parliament is staying@LaurenBohn @elbaradei parliament is staying
— Ikhwanweb (@Ikhwanweb) June 14, 2012— Ikhwanweb (@Ikhwanweb) June 14, 2012
Given the Brotherhood's need to show its commitment to constitutional politics, it has little alternative but to accept yesterday's court ruling.Given the Brotherhood's need to show its commitment to constitutional politics, it has little alternative but to accept yesterday's court ruling.
Morsi was clearly unhappy about the ruling but said: "I respect the decision of the Supreme Constitutional Court in that I respect the institutions of the state and the principle of separation of powers."Morsi was clearly unhappy about the ruling but said: "I respect the decision of the Supreme Constitutional Court in that I respect the institutions of the state and the principle of separation of powers."
Meanwhile, there is speculation of a backroom deal with the military council which would give the prime minister's to the Brotherhood assuming, as many now expect, that Shafiq wins the presidential run-off.Meanwhile, there is speculation of a backroom deal with the military council which would give the prime minister's to the Brotherhood assuming, as many now expect, that Shafiq wins the presidential run-off.
Ahram Online quotes an unnamed Brotherhood source as saying:Ahram Online quotes an unnamed Brotherhood source as saying:
Deep down, nobody is expecting Mursi to win ... We don't want to get into a confrontation, but we want to make sure that Shafiq won't be running the state in the absence of revolutionary forces – this is why we want a strong presence in the next government.Deep down, nobody is expecting Mursi to win ... We don't want to get into a confrontation, but we want to make sure that Shafiq won't be running the state in the absence of revolutionary forces – this is why we want a strong presence in the next government.
9.35am: Syria: Russia has confirmed that it has sent repaired helicopters to Syria, but has restated that it has sent no new helicopters to the Assad regime.9.35am: Syria: Russia has confirmed that it has sent repaired helicopters to Syria, but has restated that it has sent no new helicopters to the Assad regime.
Russia's foreign ministry tweeted:Russia's foreign ministry tweeted:
Russia has not resumed the provision of combat helicopters to Syria. Military cooperation with #Syria is limited to defence equipmentRussia has not resumed the provision of combat helicopters to Syria. Military cooperation with #Syria is limited to defence equipment
— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) June 15, 2012— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) June 15, 2012
Regarding helicopters, Russia has been involved in routine maintenance of equipment exported to #Syria many years agoRegarding helicopters, Russia has been involved in routine maintenance of equipment exported to #Syria many years ago
— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) June 15, 2012— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) June 15, 2012
Meanwhile, Syria's permanent representative to the UN Bashar Jaafari, has accused Saudi Arabia and Qatar of funding and supplying an illegal armed rebellion in Syria.Meanwhile, Syria's permanent representative to the UN Bashar Jaafari, has accused Saudi Arabia and Qatar of funding and supplying an illegal armed rebellion in Syria.
In a video by the UN blog Inner City Press Jaafari also described reports about his daughter as "unethical and immoral" after it emerged that the US broadcaster Barbara Walters secured Sheherazad Jaafari a place at Columbia University and work experience with Piers Morgan's CNN programme.In a video by the UN blog Inner City Press Jaafari also described reports about his daughter as "unethical and immoral" after it emerged that the US broadcaster Barbara Walters secured Sheherazad Jaafari a place at Columbia University and work experience with Piers Morgan's CNN programme.
9.22am: Egypt: The court's rulings do not necessarily amount to a restoration of the ancien regime, according to Middle East analyst Juan Cole. He also sees some validity in the judges decision that the election of a third of MPs was unconstitutional because of the tactics of the Muslim Brotherhood.9.22am: Egypt: The court's rulings do not necessarily amount to a restoration of the ancien regime, according to Middle East analyst Juan Cole. He also sees some validity in the judges decision that the election of a third of MPs was unconstitutional because of the tactics of the Muslim Brotherhood.
The electoral law had set aside a third of seats for independents, in an effort to avoid dominance of that body by well-organized remnants of the regime of deposed president Hosni Mubarak and by the even better-organized Muslim Brotherhood.The electoral law had set aside a third of seats for independents, in an effort to avoid dominance of that body by well-organized remnants of the regime of deposed president Hosni Mubarak and by the even better-organized Muslim Brotherhood.
In fact, many "independents" who ran and won had the backing of the parties, especially the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party and the Salafi Nur Party.In fact, many "independents" who ran and won had the backing of the parties, especially the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party and the Salafi Nur Party.
The court found that the parties had subverted the intent of the law, and in so doing had invalidated the entire elected parliament. It ordered that parliament be dissolved and new elections held.The court found that the parties had subverted the intent of the law, and in so doing had invalidated the entire elected parliament. It ordered that parliament be dissolved and new elections held.
About 46% of seats in the parliament were held by the Muslim Brotherhood party, and another 24% were captured by the hard line fundamentalist Salafis. This outcome may well have been a fluke. Voters appear to have been trying to ensure that the Mubarak regime did not reestablish itself, so they put the fundamentalists in the parliament. But when the parliament predictably began making noises about banning alcohol and swimming suits, the public reaction was negative. While the fundamentalists will do well in any free and fair election, it is not clear that they can repeat their dominance of parliament so handily.About 46% of seats in the parliament were held by the Muslim Brotherhood party, and another 24% were captured by the hard line fundamentalist Salafis. This outcome may well have been a fluke. Voters appear to have been trying to ensure that the Mubarak regime did not reestablish itself, so they put the fundamentalists in the parliament. But when the parliament predictably began making noises about banning alcohol and swimming suits, the public reaction was negative. While the fundamentalists will do well in any free and fair election, it is not clear that they can repeat their dominance of parliament so handily.
There is certainly a case to be made that the Muslim Brotherhood behaved badly. Its leaders knew what they were doing when they ran candidates as "independents." Once it got a working majority in parliament, the Brotherhood gave every evidence of seeking to make itself the one party in a new one-party state.There is certainly a case to be made that the Muslim Brotherhood behaved badly. Its leaders knew what they were doing when they ran candidates as "independents." Once it got a working majority in parliament, the Brotherhood gave every evidence of seeking to make itself the one party in a new one-party state.
9.10am: Syria: Government forces have used sexual violence to torture men, women, and children during the current conflict, witnesses and victims told Human Rights Watch.9.10am: Syria: Government forces have used sexual violence to torture men, women, and children during the current conflict, witnesses and victims told Human Rights Watch.
It documented over 20 specific incidents of sexual assault, five of which involved more than one victim.It documented over 20 specific incidents of sexual assault, five of which involved more than one victim.
Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said:Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said:
Sexual violence in detention is one of many horrific weapons in the Syrian government's torture arsenal and Syrian security forces regularly use it to humiliate and degrade detainees with complete impunity. The assaults are not limited to detention facilities – government forces and pro-government shabiha militia members have also sexually assaulted women and girls during home raids and residential sweeps.Sexual violence in detention is one of many horrific weapons in the Syrian government's torture arsenal and Syrian security forces regularly use it to humiliate and degrade detainees with complete impunity. The assaults are not limited to detention facilities – government forces and pro-government shabiha militia members have also sexually assaulted women and girls during home raids and residential sweeps.
9.00am: Syria: The UN monitors are the keepers of truth on the conflict in Syria, the head of UN's monitoring mission, Robert Mood, has claimed in a new video.9.00am: Syria: The UN monitors are the keepers of truth on the conflict in Syria, the head of UN's monitoring mission, Robert Mood, has claimed in a new video.
He said the key to troubled mission was "building confidence and trust". Mood added:He said the key to troubled mission was "building confidence and trust". Mood added:
We are the owners of the factual picture from the ground. This factual voice from the ground with the Syrian people serves both the opposition and other elements in society.We are the owners of the factual picture from the ground. This factual voice from the ground with the Syrian people serves both the opposition and other elements in society.
I'm still convinced this can pull Syria back from the brink.I'm still convinced this can pull Syria back from the brink.
8.26am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. On the eve of the presidential election runoff the dust is yet to settle on Thursday's momentous court verdict.8.26am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. On the eve of the presidential election runoff the dust is yet to settle on Thursday's momentous court verdict.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
EgyptEgypt
• The highest court's decision to dissolve parliament and allow the army-backed candidate Ahmed Shafiq to stay in the presidential race has been denounced as a coup by opposition leaders. The decision by the supreme constitutional court – whose judges were appointed by Mubarak – brought into sharp focus the power struggle between the Muslim Brotherhood and the supreme council of the armed forces (Scaf), the military council that took up the reins of power after Mubarak's fall.• The highest court's decision to dissolve parliament and allow the army-backed candidate Ahmed Shafiq to stay in the presidential race has been denounced as a coup by opposition leaders. The decision by the supreme constitutional court – whose judges were appointed by Mubarak – brought into sharp focus the power struggle between the Muslim Brotherhood and the supreme council of the armed forces (Scaf), the military council that took up the reins of power after Mubarak's fall.
Mohamed ElBaradei, a former head of the United Nations nuclear agency, tweeted:Mohamed ElBaradei, a former head of the United Nations nuclear agency, tweeted:
Electing president in the absence of constitution and parliament is electing an "emperor" with more powers than deposed dictator. A travestyElecting president in the absence of constitution and parliament is electing an "emperor" with more powers than deposed dictator. A travesty
— Mohamed ElBaradei (@ElBaradei) June 14, 2012— Mohamed ElBaradei (@ElBaradei) June 14, 2012
• The court's rulings pile confusion upon chaos, writes Ian Black.• The court's rulings pile confusion upon chaos, writes Ian Black.
Just two days before the runoff round of an already polarised presidential election, an extraordinary twist has created profound new uncertainties. The most dramatic interpretation is that it spells a decisive victory for the forces of counter-revolution ...Just two days before the runoff round of an already polarised presidential election, an extraordinary twist has created profound new uncertainties. The most dramatic interpretation is that it spells a decisive victory for the forces of counter-revolution ...
Shafiq's battle against Mohamed Morsi, the candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice party, has been dubbed a "nightmare scenario" by Egyptian commentators who see it as a throwback to the bad old days when the military-backed presidency was ranged against the world's oldest Islamist movement, with little else in the way of independent political forces between them.Shafiq's battle against Mohamed Morsi, the candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice party, has been dubbed a "nightmare scenario" by Egyptian commentators who see it as a throwback to the bad old days when the military-backed presidency was ranged against the world's oldest Islamist movement, with little else in the way of independent political forces between them.
But the court's second ruling is far more volatile in its implications. The dissolution of the entire parliament – not just byelections for the third of MPs deemed to have been improperly elected – means that the Islamists who dominate it, from the Brotherhood and the hardline Salafi Nur party, will feel disenfranchised and cry foul.But the court's second ruling is far more volatile in its implications. The dissolution of the entire parliament – not just byelections for the third of MPs deemed to have been improperly elected – means that the Islamists who dominate it, from the Brotherhood and the hardline Salafi Nur party, will feel disenfranchised and cry foul.
• What was beginning to look like a coup in slow motion is no longer moving in slow motion, writes Egypt analyst Nathan Brown in Foreign Policy. • What was beginning to look like a coup in slow motion is no longer moving in slow motion, writes Egypt analyst Nathan Brown in Foreign Policy.
The dispersal of parliament, the sudden constitutional vacuum, the Shafiq surge, the reversion of state-owned media, the revival of a key element of the state of emergency by a decree from an unaccountable justice minister - all these things point in one direction ...The dispersal of parliament, the sudden constitutional vacuum, the Shafiq surge, the reversion of state-owned media, the revival of a key element of the state of emergency by a decree from an unaccountable justice minister - all these things point in one direction ...
Democracy - in the sense of majority rule with minority rights - is now losing badly.Democracy - in the sense of majority rule with minority rights - is now losing badly.
• A military coup has been in operation since February 2011, claims the high-profile activist Hossam El-Hamalawy in Jadaliyya. He calls on the revolutionary forces to organise, resolve their differences and fight back.• A military coup has been in operation since February 2011, claims the high-profile activist Hossam El-Hamalawy in Jadaliyya. He calls on the revolutionary forces to organise, resolve their differences and fight back.
This coming wave of repression will not finish off the revolution. Again, it will take several years for the dust to settle. The revolutionary camp lacks the essential tools to fight back, in other words, a national organization for the most advanced sections of the labour and youth movements, and a coherent united front that coordinates between the different revolutionary groups in the capital and the provinces. And in such tough times, when the counterrevolution is in full steam, the need for such an organization becomes more urgent.This coming wave of repression will not finish off the revolution. Again, it will take several years for the dust to settle. The revolutionary camp lacks the essential tools to fight back, in other words, a national organization for the most advanced sections of the labour and youth movements, and a coherent united front that coordinates between the different revolutionary groups in the capital and the provinces. And in such tough times, when the counterrevolution is in full steam, the need for such an organization becomes more urgent.
• The Muslim Brotherhood's presidential candidate, Mohamed Morsi, claims he will serve the revolution if he is elected in this weekend's runoff. Writing in the Guardian he says:• The Muslim Brotherhood's presidential candidate, Mohamed Morsi, claims he will serve the revolution if he is elected in this weekend's runoff. Writing in the Guardian he says:
Egypt's constitutional court has invalidated the recent parliamentary election but has allowed Hosni Mubarak's former PM, Ahmed Shafiq, to continue to stand for president . As the only other remaining candidate, I alone represent an unequivocal departure from the old regime that was toppled by the revolution of 2011.Egypt's constitutional court has invalidated the recent parliamentary election but has allowed Hosni Mubarak's former PM, Ahmed Shafiq, to continue to stand for president . As the only other remaining candidate, I alone represent an unequivocal departure from the old regime that was toppled by the revolution of 2011.
I was nominated and elected by constituents – parties, groups, and individuals – who marched the streets of Egypt calling for change. I was jailed by the old regime. I belong to the middle classes that were sold out by the old establishment. I hold political and social views that are shared by many in our society but were suppressed or criminalised by the old regime. I understand the ambitions, values and standards held by many mainstream Egyptians.I was nominated and elected by constituents – parties, groups, and individuals – who marched the streets of Egypt calling for change. I was jailed by the old regime. I belong to the middle classes that were sold out by the old establishment. I hold political and social views that are shared by many in our society but were suppressed or criminalised by the old regime. I understand the ambitions, values and standards held by many mainstream Egyptians.
SyriaSyria
• A Russian-made helicopter attacked a hospital in near Aleppo, according to an eyewitness account by the Times. • A Russian-made helicopter attacked a hospital in near Aleppo, according to an eyewitness account by the Times.
As we witnessed for ourselves over three days this week, the regime's helicopters, artillery and tanks can still kill and terrify at will.As we witnessed for ourselves over three days this week, the regime's helicopters, artillery and tanks can still kill and terrify at will.
Any doubt that the hospital — the best-equipped of its kind in the rebel-held areas of northern Syria, complete with four incubators for newborn babies, 25 beds and a surgical ward — had been the helicopter's intended target was dispelled 24 hours after the first attack.Any doubt that the hospital — the best-equipped of its kind in the rebel-held areas of northern Syria, complete with four incubators for newborn babies, 25 beds and a surgical ward — had been the helicopter's intended target was dispelled 24 hours after the first attack.
• The US has acknowledged that Russian helicopters that Hillary Clinton claimed had been sent recently to the Syrian regime were, in fact, refurbished ones already owned by Damascus. State department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said: "Whether they are new or they are refurbished, the concern remains that they will be used for the exact same purpose that the current helicopters in Syria are being used, and that is to kill civilians."• The US has acknowledged that Russian helicopters that Hillary Clinton claimed had been sent recently to the Syrian regime were, in fact, refurbished ones already owned by Damascus. State department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said: "Whether they are new or they are refurbished, the concern remains that they will be used for the exact same purpose that the current helicopters in Syria are being used, and that is to kill civilians."
• UN monitors reported the town of al-Haffeh deserted after the Syrian government claimed it had been cleansed of terrorists, the LA Times reports.• UN monitors reported the town of al-Haffeh deserted after the Syrian government claimed it had been cleansed of terrorists, the LA Times reports.

The scene was darkly reminiscent of other former rebel enclaves that Syrian forces had managed to overrun after protracted shelling and clashes, from battered urban neighborhoods such as Homs' Bab Amro district to rubble-strewn hamlets such as Mazraat al Kabir, west of the city of Hama. Al-Haffeh has become the latest Syrian district transformed into a bleak and charred ghost.
The scene was darkly reminiscent of other former rebel enclaves that Syrian forces had managed to overrun after protracted shelling and clashes, from battered urban neighborhoods such as Homs' Bab Amro district to rubble-strewn hamlets such as Mazraat al Kabir, west of the city of Hama. Al-Haffeh has become the latest Syrian district transformed into a bleak and charred ghost.
BahrainBahrain
• One of the nine doctors whose conviction for taking part in last year's protest was quashed on Thursday, has highlighted the plight of Ali al-Akri, a senior orthopedic surgeon, who along with eight others medics was not freed. Writing in Comment is Free, Nada Dhaif says:• One of the nine doctors whose conviction for taking part in last year's protest was quashed on Thursday, has highlighted the plight of Ali al-Akri, a senior orthopedic surgeon, who along with eight others medics was not freed. Writing in Comment is Free, Nada Dhaif says:
Far from the terror cell leader he has been branded, he was a passionate man. Always vocal, always the first to express disgust at the neglect inflicted upon those at the Pearl roundabout – to remonstrate with the authorities over a lack of ambulances. A natural leader. Clearly they wanted to single him out, he the troublemaker.Far from the terror cell leader he has been branded, he was a passionate man. Always vocal, always the first to express disgust at the neglect inflicted upon those at the Pearl roundabout – to remonstrate with the authorities over a lack of ambulances. A natural leader. Clearly they wanted to single him out, he the troublemaker.
TunisiaTunisia
• The authorities have banned protests planned today by rival Islamist groups, in order to control some of the worst violence seen since last year's revolution, the BBC reports. The Ministry of Interior announced the ban in a statement.• The authorities have banned protests planned today by rival Islamist groups, in order to control some of the worst violence seen since last year's revolution, the BBC reports. The Ministry of Interior announced the ban in a statement.