Gaddafi vows to crush protesters

Libyan leader speaks to supporters in the capital's Green Square, saying he will arm people against protesters. Last Modified: 25 Feb 2011 18:00 GMT Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, has appeared in Tripoli's Green Square, to address a crowd of his supporters in the capital. "We can defeat any aggression if necessary and arm the people," Gaddafi said, in footage that was aired on Libyan state television on Friday. "I am in the middle of the people.. we will fight … we will defeat them if they want … we will defeat any foreign aggression. LIVE BLOG "Dance … sing and get ready … this is the spirit … this is much better than the lies of the Arab propaganda," he said. The speech, which also referred to Libya's war of independence with Italy, appeared to be aimed at rallying what remains of his support base, with specific reference to the country's youth. His last speech, on Thursday evening had been made by phone, leading to speculation about his physical condition. The footage aired on Friday, however, showed the leader standing above the square, waving his fist as he spoke. Tarik Yousef, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute in Washington, told Al Jazeera that most of the individuals on Green Square are genuine Gaddafi supporters. "Most of these people have known nothing else but Gaddafi. They don’t know any other leader. And many of them stand to lose when Gaddafi falls," Yousef said. "I am not completely surprised that they still think that he is the right man for Libya. What is striking is that [Gaddafi] did not talk about all the liberated cities in his country. "This was a speech intended show his defiance and to rally against what he calls foreign interference. But even his children have admitted that the east of the country is no longer under the regime's control." Anti-Gaddafi protesters shot Gaddafi's speech came on a day when tens of thousands of Libyans in the capital and elsewhere in the country took to the streets calling for an end to his rule. As demonstrations began in Tripoli following the midday prayer, security forces loyal to Gaddafi reportedly began firing on them. There was heavy gun fire in various Tripoli districts including Fashloum, Ashour, Jumhouria and Souq Al, sources told Al Jazeera. "The security forces fired indiscriminately on the demonstrators," said a resident of one of the capital's eastern suburbs. "There were deaths in the streets of Sug al-Jomaa," the resident said. The death toll since the violence began remains unclear, though on Thursday Francois Zimeray, France's top human rights official, said it could be as high as 2,000 people killed. Dissent reaches mosques Violence flared up even before the Friday sermons were over, according to a source in Tripoli. "People are rushing out of mosques even before Friday prayers are finished because the state-written sermons were not acceptable, and made them even more angry," the source said. Libyan state television aired one such sermon on Friday, in an apparent warning to protesters. "As the Prophet said, if you dislike your ruler or his behaviour, you should not raise your sword against him, but be patient, for those who disobey the rulers will die as infidels," the speaker told his congregation in Tripoli. During Friday prayers a cleric in the town of Mselata, 80km to the east of Tripoli, called for the people to fight back. Immediately after the prayers, more than 2,000 people, some of them armed with rifles taken from the security forces, headed towards Tripol to demand the fall of Gaddafi, Al Jazeera's Nazanine Moshiri reported. The group made it as far as the city of Tajoura, where it was stopped by a group loyal to Gaddafi. They were checked by foreign, French-speaking mercenaries and gunfire was exchanged. There were an unknown number of casualties, Moshiri reported, based on information from witnesses who had reached on the Libyan-Tunisian border. There have been frequent reports of foreign mercenaries working for Gaddafi against the protesters, but their nationality remains uncertain. The government of Chad has moved to counter allegations that Chadian mercenaries were being recruited to go to Libya. "International media inundates the public opinion with information alleging some Chadian would be mercenaries currently acting in Libya," Moussa Mahamat Dago, the Chad foreign ministry’s general secretary, said on Friday. "We want to formally and categorically deny all those allegations that are dangerous and could pose a material and physical danger to the many Chadians living in Libya for years and always in a peaceful way." Special forces People in eastern parts of the country, a region believed to be largely free from Gaddafi's control, held protests in support for the demonstrations in the capital. "Friday prayer in Benghazi have seen thousands and thousands on the streets. All the banners are for the benefit of the capital, [they are saying] 'We're with you, Tripoli.'" Al Jazeera’s Laurence Lee reported. In the town of Derna, protesters held banners with the messages such as "We are one Tribe called Libya, our only capital is Tripoli, we want freedom of speech". Al Jazeera's correspondent in Libya reported on Friday that army commanders in the east who had renounced Gaddafi's leadership had told her that military commanders in the country's west were beginning to turn against him. They warned, however, that the Khamis Brigade, an army special forces brigade that is loyal to the Gaddafi family and is equipped with sophisticated weaponry, is currently still fighting anti-government forces. The correspondent, who cannot be named for security reasons, said that despite the gains, people are anxious about what Gaddafi might do next, and the fact that his loyalists were still at large. "People do say that they have broken the fear factor, that they have made huge territorial gains,” she said. "[Yet] there's no real celebration or euphoria that the job has been done." Pro-democracy protesters attacked On Friday morning, our correspondents reported that the town of Zuwarah was, according to witnesses, abandoned by security forces and completely in the hands of anti-Gaddafi protesters. Checkpoints in the country's west on roads leading to the Tunisian border, however, were still being controlled by Gaddafi loyalists. In the east, similar checkpoints were manned by anti-Gaddafi forces, who had set up a "humanitarian aid corridor" as well as a communications corridor to the Egyptian border, our correspondent reported. Follow more of Al Jazeera's special coverage here Thousands massed in Az Zawiyah's Martyr's Square after the attack, calling on Gaddafi to leave office, and on Friday morning, explosions were heard in the city. Witnesses say pro-Gaddafi forces were blowing up arms caches, in order to prevent anti-government forces from acquiring those weapons. Clashes were also reported in the city of Misurata, located 200km east of Tripoli, where witnesses said a pro-Gaddafi army brigade attacked the city's airport with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. They told Al Jazeera that pro-democracy protesters had managed to fight off that attack. "Revolutionaries have driven out the security forces," they said, adding that "heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft guns" had been used against them. Mohamed Senussi, a resident of Misurata, said calm had returned to the city after the "fierce battle" near the airport. "The people's spirits here are high, they are celebrating and chanting 'God is Greatest'," he told the Reuters news agency by telephone. Another witness warned, however, that protesters in Misurata felt "isolated" as they were surrounded by nearby towns still in Gaddafi's control. Government loses oil terminals Protesters and air force personnel who have renounced Gaddafi's leadership also overwhelmed a nearby military base where Gaddafi loyalists were taking refuge, according to a medical official at the base. They disabled air force fighter jets at the base so that they could not be used against protesters. Soldiers helped anti-Gaddafi protesters take the oil terminal in the town of Berga, according to Reuters. The oil refinery in Ras Lanuf has also halted its operations and most staff has left, according to a source in the company. Support for Gaddafi within the country's elite continues to decline. On Friday, Abdel Rahman Al Abar, Libya's Chief Prosecutor, became one of the latest top officials to resign in protest over the bloodshed. "What happened and is happening are massacres and bloodshed never witnessed by the Libyan people. The logic of power and violence is being imposed instead of seeking democratic, free, and mutual dialogue," he said. His comments came as UN's highest human-rights body held a special session on Friday to discuss what it's chief had earlier described as possible "crimes against humanity" by the Gaddafi government. Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, urged world leaders to "step in vigorously" to end the violent crackdown. The United Nations Security Council was to hold a meeting on the situation in Libya later in the day, with sanctions the possible imposition of a no-fly zone over the country under Chapter VII of the UN charter on the table. Source: Al Jazeera and agencies

US arrests Saudi 'bomb plotter'

20 year old Saudi student accused of seeking to make bomb, possibly to target home of former US president Bush.

Middle East Online

According to the FBI, he wrote himself an email entitled 'NICE TARGETS' WASHINGTON - A Saudi man has been arrested for allegedly buying chemicals and equipment to make a bomb, possibly targeting the Dallas home of former president George W. Bush, officials said Thursday. Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, 20, a Saudi national who came to Texas on a student visa in 2008, was arrested late Wednesday and faces charges of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, the Department of Justice said. According to the FBI, Aldawsari wrote himself an email entitled "NICE TARGETS," and then listed two types of targets: hydroelectric dams and nuclear power plants. In another email titled "Tyrant's House," he listed the address of Bush's Dallas, Texas home. The authorities' affidavit also alleges that Aldawsari researched using dolls to hide explosives and concealing them in a backpack to target a nightclub. Prosecutors said Aldawsari came specifically for terror attacks and posted extremist messages on a blog, vowing jihad. "You who created mankind... grant me martyrdom for Your sake and make jihad easy for me only in Your path," he wrote. In another, he said: "one operation in the land of the infidels is equal to ten operations against occupying forces in the land of the Muslims." Earlier this month, a chemical supplier reported his suspicions about Aldawsari to the FBI, after the man tried to buy large amounts of phenol, which can be used to make explosives. He had tried to have the chemical sent to a freight company, which refused it. Searches of his apartment uncovered chemicals, beakers and flasks, wiring and a Hazmat suit, among other items, the FBI said. He was allegedly planning on renting several cars using different identifications, putting bombs in them and fleeing. Aldawsari, who faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a 250,000-dollar fine, is expected to make his first court appearance in Texas on Friday.

Return our sphinx or else, Turkey tells Germany

Turkey calls on Germany to hand back priceless artefact thought to date from around 1400 BC.

Middle East Online

Dug up from the ancient city of Hattusha BERLIN - Turkey's culture minister on Thursday demanded Germany return an ancient sphinx uncovered from a German archeological dig nearly a century ago or it would revoke permits for other excavations. Ertugrul Gunay told the Tagesspiegel daily in an interview that German authorities had until the start of the digging season in June to hand back the priceless artefact, thought to date from around 1400 BC. The sphinx, dug up from the ancient city of Hattusha, the capital of the Hittite empire, in the early part of the 20th century, was taken to Germany for restoration but now sits in a Berlin museum, much to Turkey's annoyance. "If there is no commitment (to return the sphinx) by the beginning of the digging season, I am firmly determined to cancel the excavation licence for Hattusha," said the minister. Gunay also threatened several other German archaeological digs around the country, saying the permits could go to Turkish scientists. "Turkey has new universities, new archaeological institutes as well as keen and successful archaeologists. If we do not see the hoped-for cooperation in this area, we would not hesitate to transfer the digs to our own universities." Germany is also embroiled in a row with Egypt, which has demanded the return of the 3,400-year-old bust of fabled beauty Nefertiti which currently has pride of place in the Neues (New) Museum in Berlin. Cairo began to demand the restitution of the Pharaonic-era statue back in the 1930s, but successive German governments have insisted the piece was bought legally and that there are documents to prove it. The foreign ministry in Berlin said that experts from Germany and Turkey would hold talks in the first half of the year to determine the future of the sphinx.

Bahrain protesters show no sign of retreat

Bahraini uprising enters its 11th day as pro-democracy protestors insist regime must meet pre-conditions for talks.

Middle East Online

By Ali Khalil - MANAMA

'We want a government elected by the people' Bahrain protesters showed no sign of retreat Thursday as an anti-government uprising entered its 11th day and opposition groups said the state had not yet met their pre-conditions for dialogue. In a sign they had no intention of leaving Manama's Pearl Square, demonstrators overnight renamed it "Martyrs' Roundabout," hoisting Bahrain's red-and-white flag bearing the new name to honour the seven victims of deadly police raids on the protests. "Whoever thinks they can liquidate our cause by suggesting dialogue is under illusion," read a large banner hanging between two palm trees at the tent city in Pearl Square. Thousands of mainly Shiite protesters have daily poured into Pearl Square since February 14, many demanding the end of the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty, which has ruled Bahrain, a majority Shiite country, for over 200 years. Official opposition groups have stopped short of voicing the same demands, calling instead for major reforms including the election of a prime minister and the creation of a "real" constitutional monarchy. In a statement Wednesday, the opposition coalition said a call for dialogue by Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa lacked "foundations." Dialogue should be "built on clear foundations," the statement read, adding: "None of these foundations were mentioned in the crown prince's invitation to dialogue." The opposition has demanded the resignation of the government headed by King Hamad's uncle, Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman, as a pre-requisite for dialogue. Bahrain's opposition includes the Islamic National Accord Association (INAA), the kingdom's largest Shiite group, and six other Shiite, liberal, leftist and Arab nationalist groups. The INAA controls 18 seats in the 40-members parliament. The bloc has quit parliament in protest at the killing of the demonstrators. In a bid to reach out to protesters, King Hamad this week ordered the release of several Shiite prisoners under royal pardon. A number of those released, who had been under trial for terrorism and plotting to overthrow the regime, appeared at Pearl Square late Wednesday, a correspondent said. Some of the released activists have claimed they were tortured in prison. "They only dealt with us through electric shocks, beating and insults," one of the pardoned activists, Sheikh Mohammed Habib al-Muqdad, told the local Al-Wasat daily. One of those pardoned, leader of the Haq movement Hassan Mashaima, was detained in Lebanon while travelling to Manama from Britain, a judicial official in Beirut said Thursday. Mashaima was arrested Tuesday at Beirut airport based on an arrest warrant issued by Interpol, the official said, adding that Lebanese authorities were seeking legal documents proving he had been pardoned. Initial reports said 25 activists under trial had been pardoned -- 23 of whom had been in detention and were freed -- but a government statement late Wednesday put the number of released prisoners at 308. The statement also said authorities would launch a probe into the torture allegations. "The government of Bahrain takes allegations of mistreatment extremely seriously and is committed to thoroughly investigate all and any claims made," it read. And while the majority of protesters continue to demand the toppling of the regime, echoing successful calls in Egypt and Tunisia, some are saying they do not necessarily want to see their king toppled. "We do not demand the fall of the king. We want a government elected by the people," said Qassem Zainedine, 26, a sports instructor who is camping at Pearl Square. Leading Shiite clerics have called for more demonstrations on Friday to mourn the victims, urging protesters again to march en masse to Pearl Square. After a deadly police raid a week ago, security forces have been commanded not to use force with demonstrators. Bahrain is a key ally of regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia and the United States, which bases its Fifth Fleet in the kingdom.

Google, IPI to launch digital media grants for Africa

24 February 2011 - 17H59

Internet search giant Google has awarded $2.7 million (1.96 million euros) to media watchdog IPI as part of a new project to support digital news in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, IPI said Thursday.

AFP - Internet search giant Google has awarded $2.7 million (1.96 million euros) to media watchdog IPI as part of a new project to support digital news in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, IPI said Thursday.

The money will sponsor the IPI News Innovation Contest, which will give out grants to non-profit and for-profit organisations "working on digital, including mobile, open-source technology created by journalists and/or for journalists and distributed in the public interest," the International Press Institute announced on its website.

"The role of digital innovation in news has been amply demonstrated by recent events in Tunisia, Egypt and more recently Bahrain," the Vienna-based IPI noted.

Grants will be awarded for three kinds of ventures, namely training, development of economic models for news outlets and platforms to ensure reliable news sources.

"A free press empowers people, and a thriving, independent, innovative news industry is vital to any country?s development," providing "a mirror to the societies it is meant to serve," IPI's acting director Alison McKenzie noted.

"In the era of the Internet it?s important that innovation in journalism continues to flourish and we're keen to help encourage that," Google's external relations director for Europe, Africa and the Middle East added.

Applications for the grants can be submitted until June 1, online at: www.ipinewscontest.org

Syrian blogger freed after six days: activist

A general view shows the Syrian capital Damascus in 2008. A Syrian blogger arrested six days ago was released on Thursday without charge, a human rights activist said.

AFP - A Syrian blogger arrested six days ago was released on Thursday without charge, a human rights activist said.

"Ahmad Hadifa was released today and no charges were brought against him," said Abdel Karim Rehaoui, president of the Syrian Human Rights League.

Hadifa, a 28-year-old journalism student who writes under the name Ahmad Aboul-Kheir, was arrested on February 19 in Damascus, rights groups said.

His blog, ahmadblogs.net, explained how to bypass blocks on access to websites, and carried articles about the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, and how revolution could sweep the region.

Rehaoui welcomed the blogger's release and called for "more positive steps" from the Syrian government, echoing a call by the United States.

Social networking websites and blogs have played a major role in launching and sustaining popular uprisings that brought down the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt.

Syrian Internet users said direct access to YouTube and Facebook, which had been blocked since 2007, was restored on February 9.

A law approved by the Syrian government in November punishes bloggers with heavy fines and jail sentences if they are convicted of defamation.

Syria ranked 173rd of 178 countries in a 2010 list of press freedom around the world by Reporters Without Borders, eight places lower than in 2009 because of its stepped up controls of the Internet.

All aboard for Soviet space capsule sale

24 February 2011 - 20H37

Sotheby's in New York will auction the spherical Vostok 3KA-2, a 1961 Soviet space capsule seen here on display at Sotheby's in New York, on 12 April to mark the 50th anniversary of the first manned space flight by Soviet pilot Yury Gagarin.

Sotheby's in New York will auction the spherical Vostok 3KA-2, a 1961 Soviet space capsule seen here on display at Sotheby's in New York, on 12 April to mark the 50th anniversary of the first manned space flight by Soviet pilot Yury Gagarin.

AFP - For sale: vehicle with extremely high mileage, serious damage, and a price tag in the millions. That's right -- a historic Soviet space ship.

Sotheby's in New York will auction the spherical Vostok 3KA-2 Space Capsule on 12 April, the 50th anniversary of the first manned space flight by Soviet pilot Yury Gagarin.

The pre-sale estimate is for $2 million to $10 million.

The battered craft has serious historical credentials as the model used for the final dummy run before Gagarin left on his mission.

"Not only are there no other examples outside of Russia of the world?s first spacecraft, this capsule was pivotal in space history as providing the green light for Gagarin?s spectacular achievement," Sotheby's vice chairman David Redden said.

"It's an extraordinary object that makes (the history) real and also

totally terrifying."

Ahead of the auction the craft can be viewed in the Manhattan lobby of Sotheby's.

Surprisingly small, considering its epic journey, the capsule resembles a very large boulder.

It was sent into space on March 25, 1961, carrying a life-sized human mannequin and a small dog named Zvezdochka, meaning "Little Star." The capsule completed one orbit, then reentered the atmosphere and landed safely under parachute.

A Russian scientist who witnessed the landing described the wreckage resembling "an enormous animal driven too hard, lying in a narrow snow-covered gully, the snow melting around the charred and still hot body of the unit."

But successful recovery of the mannequin and the shaken, but otherwise unharmed dog, meant Gagarin's flight could go ahead.

The bottom half is blackened from scorching while reentering the Earth's atmosphere. The top half of the outside shell, made of synthetic materials, is bronze-colored and bears a huge dent. Inside, the cramped space is littered with remains of old wires and the ejector seat.

"These were very primitive," Redden said. "There was a good shot that whoever went into space was not coming back."

Redden said wealthy individuals are expected to bid for the craft, now owned by an unidentified American. Ideally, the buyer would then loan this relic of the heroic era in space flight to a museum, he said.

"It's a big thing to take home."