SYRIA: Assad warns intervention may create “another Afghanistan.”
President Bashar Assad warned that Western involvement in Syria could cause an “earthquake” and transform the country into “another Afghanistan.”
“Syria is the hub now in this region. It is the fault line, and if you play with the ground, you will cause an earthquake,” Assad said in an interview with Britain’s Sunday Telegraph newspaper. “Do you want to see another Afghanistan, or tens of Afghanistans?”
His comments came after protesters took to the streets Friday demanding a no-fly zone in the country to protect civilians from government crackdowns. At least 60 people were killed by security forces over the weekend, according to opposition activists.
Thousands of pro-government Syrians demonstrated Sunday in Al Suwayda province in support of the president, state television reported.
EGYPT: Mubarak trial adjourned until Dec. 28.
The trial of ousted leader Hosni Mubarak on charges of complicity in the killing of more than 800 protesters this year was adjourned Sunday until Dec. 28.
Mubarak’s trial began nearly three months ago, and Sunday’s lengthy adjournment was certain to frustrate leaders of the anti-Mubarak movement.
The adjournment was meant to allow time for another court to rule on a request by lawyers for the victims to remove the three-judge panel in Mubarak’s trial. That ruling is expected Thursday.
LIBYA: Official reports discovery of chemical weapons.
The interim prime minister has confirmed the presence of chemical weapons in Libya and says foreign inspectors would arrive this week to deal with the issue. Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril said Sunday that Libya has no interest in keeping such weapons. He did not provide any details.
YEMEN: Rebels attack capital’s airport.
For the first time since fighting broke out in the capital, Sana International Airport came under direct attack Sunday night in a possible move by opposition forces to escalate the conflict with the government.
A Yemeni official who would speak only on the condition of anonymity confirmed that shells hit the airport Sunday night but that there was “no damage done to any of the structures of the airport and no casualties.”
Sana’s airport is a strategic target for Yemen’s armed opposition because, in addition to commercial flights, it is used as the military airport and its landing strip is the only one in the capital.
Denver Post wire services
