Syrian students chanting for revolution marched outside the capital and other areas Thursday after class in a new tactic that brought a swift response from security services, who beat up or detained many of the young protesters. Children as young as 10 have been taking to the streets since the new school year started Sunday, according to witnesses and online videos posted by activists.
Meanwhile, Syrian activists fleeing persecution are flocking to Libya, where they face no visa requirements and can find work easily because of the exodus of foreign laborers during the uprising against Moammar Khadafy.
With fresh bullet wounds, emotional trauma and little cash, the Syrians trade experiences with one another largely without fear of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s security apparatus. They also are consulting with Libyan activists on the merits of armed rebellion, with many now convinced that taking up weapons is their only hope for toppling Assad.
YEMEN: 15 killed as regime loyalists, foes clash.
Renewed violence in the Yemeni capital of Sana killed at least 15 people as forces loyal to the regime and its opponents shelled each other’s strategic positions from hills surrounding the city. The shelling terrified residents and emptied out city streets, already pockmarked by street battles between rival forces in different corners of the capital.
ALGERIA: Libyan council gains recognition.
Algeria recognized the National Transitional Council as the legitimate government of Libya. The Foreign Ministry statement declares the government’s willingness to “work closely with the new Libyan authorities.” A close ally of former Libyan leader Moammar Khadafy, Algeria withheld its recognition long after the rest of the Arab world and the West backed the rebels in their struggle. Khadafy’s wife and daughter and two of his sons took refuge in Algeria after rebels stormed the capital.
BAHRAIN: Government warns dissidents ahead of elections.
Bahrain is stepping up pressure on anti-government activists ahead of elections this week, warning they could face jail for posting Web messages urging protests or other acts of dissent. The Interior Ministry statement was part of wider security measures taking shape before the highly charged parliamentary elections Saturday.
Denver Post wire services
