Middle East Spotlight 6-21-11

Tuesday, 21 June 2011 14:03 | Print

Obama Warns of New Disagreements
With Israel Over Peace Talks

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Libya & Syria
Stepping Stones To WW3

Opinion/Analysis

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Syria's President Gives Victory Speech

Blames Problems on "Saboteurs"

Syria's President Assad addressed his nation in a televised speech on Monday (6/20) in which he blamed "saboteurs" for the violent revolt. He explained that these "saboteurs" were hindering reform in Syria and vowed to hold new, parliamentary elections in August. He also indicated that his ruling political party, the Baath Party, would no longer hold a monopoly on power in the nation. It was his third speech to the nation since the start of political turmoil back in March.

The speech, which lasted more than an hour was an effort by the Syrian leader to quell additional disturbances. Assad did state that he would not implement changes as long as the chaos in the streets continued, but he vowed to withdraw the army from town it had recently occupied in northern Syria near the Turkish border. He urged refugees who fled to Turkey to return home. He pledged that his government would not seek "revenge" on the returning refugees. Even so, Assad's speech failed to halt worldwide criticism for his crackdown and it failed to stop the protests.

Shortly after his speech concluded, thousands of Syrians across the nation took to the streets to protest against the speech and against the Syrian regime. It appears that the Syrian people do not believe the President's promises are credible. For more on the speech, LINK HERE. For more on the follow up protests, LINK HERE. View of the situation from Israel, LINK HERE.

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Assad's Speech May Have Made

Things Worse in Syria

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Turkey Says Assad Speech:

"Not Enough"

Turkey's President Abdullah Gul responded on Monday to Syrian President Assad's speech stating that Assad's promise for reforms was "not enough" and stated that Assad should transform Syria into a multi-party system.

President Gul's latest response underscores Turkey's growing impatience with the Syrian situation. More details, LINK HERE.

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Turkey Warns Syria:

Implement Reforms in 1 Week Or Else

A senior aide to Turkey's President warns that foreign intervention in Syria will begin unless Syria's President introduces new reforms in the next week. More details, LINK HERE.

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Obama Consults With Turkey's Leaders

Over the Mushrooming Syrian Crisis

President Obama consulted on Monday (6/20) with Turkey's Prime Minister in the wake of new developments in Syria. More details, LINK HERE.

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Foreign Intervention in Syria
Could Lead To Regional War
And Collapse of Syria as a Nation

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Experts Say Assad is "Delusional"

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The Syrian Crackdown Continues:

Syrian Troops Cut-off Food, Escape Routes

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Syrian Refugee Crisis Mushrooms

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