Middle East

At least 88 people die in detention from beatings, burns, electric shocks and other abuse. This morning, troops move into Hama looking for anti-government activists. Protests break out in the country’s main cities for the end of Ramadan.

According to Israel, the recognition of the UN seat "is a more serious threat than Hamas”. Threats and pressure: taxes paid late and threats of cuts in aid to the Palestinians and the UN; Peres banned from going to New York. The Palestinians have succeeded in gaining recognition from at least 120 countries.

An early draft of Libya’s new constitution is inspired by Islamic law. The NTC rejects the idea of foreign peacekeepers voiced by the United Nations. The presence of Jihadis among the rebels is raising disquieting questions.

In a message addressed to Muslims for the end of Ramadan, the Catholic patriarch says, “it is not too late” for Assad to interact with the young people of the opposition. He criticises Arab government for being deaf to “the pain and aspirations of their peoples” and the United States and Europe for trying to impose their will.

An Italian businesswoman says heavily armed boys as young as nine are walking around the capital with the rebels. A police force is now needed to re-establish security in the streets and prevent revenge attacks between loyalists and rebels. Gaddafi flees with his older sons to the Fezzan, sends wife and daughter to Algeria.

A decree published last night for the return of thousands of properties seized in '36, just hours before an Iftar of the Prime Minister with representatives of religious minorities. The beneficiaries are Greek-orthodox Christians, Armenians, Jews. Roman Catholics do not fall within the recognized minorities. The Prime Minister’s hopes: end to era of discrimination.

New law to provide freedom of information, details for foreign journalists and permits to create new media still unclear. Possible fines of up to 21 thousand U.S. dollars for "defamation". Russia and Iran among those critical of Damascus.

United Nations says problem is on the rise as children born to parents without citizenship. The High Commissioner for Refugees invites nations to subscribe to the two Conventions (1954 and 1961) that recognize a series of safeguards. Only 38 have signed the treaty that grants legal protections. The major problems in Asia and Africa.

A convoy of six vehicles crossed the border between Libya and Algeria, perhaps carrying Rais and children. Humanitarian emergency in the capital, water, food and electricity are becoming scarce. In a hospital 200 corpses found rotting. Ban Ki-moon appeals to the international community.

French intelligence sources believe he is hiding in a bunker in his birthplace. In a video message, he calls on people to “purify” Tripoli. Oil companies are lining up to help the rebels and help themselves to the best contracts.

Whoever delivers the Libyan leader is guaranteed amnesty. The NTC has also offered the Colonel safe exit from the country, if he surrenders. The capture or killing of Gaddafi is urgent for release of frozen Libyan government funds: at least 168 billion dollars. The U.S. to ask the UN to release 1.5 million dollars "for humanitarian needs." But South Africa and the African Union cautious. Four Italian journalists kidnapped yesterday in Tripoli. Cautious optimism, but also some fear.

The Syrian president reaffirms the existence of a "foreign conspiracy" in the country and receives the support of Muslim religious leaders. The attempts to develop an opposition "national council" in Istanbul has collapsed over suspicions concerning the Muslim Brotherhood. Islamists, nationalists and liberals among opposition. And there are also the young unemployed, who do not identify with any of them.