YEMEN: Ultimatum given to embattled president.
Fighting spilled across Yemen’s capital Thursday, and frightened residents fled or cowered in basements as a powerful militia alliance warned embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down or face civil war. At least 28 people were killed as the four-day death toll neared 110.
LIBYA: Khadafy may be ready to deal.
Libya’s government pushed a cease-fire plan Thursday and said for the first time it is prepared to speak with rebel adversaries, signaling that months of fighting and NATO bombardment may be closer to forcing some concessions. Even so, the government insists Moammar Khadafy would not relinquish power.
SYRIA: Protesters try to enlist army in uprising.
The Syrian opposition called on the army to join the uprising against President Bashar Assad’s regime, saying regime elements are targeting protesters and troops. The opposition said on Facebook that protests planned for today will honor the “Guardians of the Nation,” a reference to the army. The call appears to be an effort to break a stalemate after nearly 10 weeks of protests.
EGYPT: Brotherhood plans to boycott rally.
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood said it will boycott a rally today critical of the military rulers, accusing the organizers of seeking to divide the nation after the ouster of Hosni Mubarak. The rally’s organizers — an array of youth groups and reformists — are calling for a return to Cairo’s landmark Tahrir Square today for a protest billed as “the second revolution of anger,” to nudge Egypt’s new military rulers toward faster democratic reforms.
TUNISIA: Delay sought in national vote.
Tunisia’s electoral commission says it wants the first national election since the toppling of the country’s longtime strongman delayed for three months. The commission proposes holding the vote for a constituent assembly on Oct. 16 instead of in July to allow organizers more time.
