Syrian Leader's Speech Fails To Appease Critics -- Wall Street Journal
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad wavered between concession and defiance in his first public address in over two months, failing to win over domestic and foreign critics and sparking further protests across the country.
The president acknowledged, for the first time since protests against the Assad regime began three months ago, that some demonstrators had legitimate demands. But he continued to blame recent unrest on "saboteurs" and a foreign plot.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Syria president vows reform, critics shout 'Liar!'. Syria's Assad blames unrest on saboteurs, pledges reforms. Assad infuriates Syria demonstrators with saboteur claims. Syria: President Bashar al-Assad keeps to hard line.
Divided on premier, Palestinians cancel meeting.
Yemen says army beating militants in southern city.
Gates: Iran supplying arms to Iraqi Shiite groups.
With ‘big gun’, Iraqi soldiers see hope.
Iran plans three additional satellite launches.
Soldiers and militants clash in Yemen, leaving 21 dead.
ASIA
Japan defers tax hike plan as PM sets conditions to quit.
Obama to announce Afghan plans Wednesday.
Singapore asks China to clarify claims on S.China Sea.
Pakistan says it drives militants into Afghanistan.
Myanmar fighting flares after peace talks fail.
Analysis-Thai army takes sides as divisive election nears.
Fighting kills 29 in northwest Pakistan.
South Korea shooting mishap highlights heightened tensions with North.
AFRICA
NATO admits Libya air strike led to civilian deaths. Gates: Obama is within law in Libyan operation.
US legal deadline for Libya expires.
Michelle Obama arrives in South Africa with family.
Tunisian court sentences Ben Ali, wife to 35 years. Trial of Tunisia's Ben Ali on corruption charges opens. Tunisia begins trial against former President. Tunisia's Ben Ali he says was tricked into leaving.
Abyei agreement hits 11th-hour snag. North Sudan military massing in Kadugli.
Egypt's former president Mubarak has cancer: lawyer.
South Sudan to open embassies in 21 countries after gaining independence.
EUROPE
Dmitry Medvedev rules out presidential run against Vladimir Putin.
Thousands of Spaniards call for economic reform in new protest. Tens of thousands protest against cuts in Madrid.
EU gives Greece ultimatum: austerity for loans. Eurozone delays Greece loan decision until austerity measures are brought in. Athens protests: Syntagma Square on frontline of European austerity protests.Europe wrangles over Greece.
EU tweaks rescue fund to help struggling states.
AMERICAS
Guatemala: Ex-armed forces chief Lopez Fuentes arrested.
River falls short of Nebraska nuke plant shutdown.
Hundreds of Brazilian military police raid slum in Rio de Janeiro.
Colombia car bomb wounds 17,'calamity' averted.
After surgery, Chavez faces troubles in Venezuela.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Former comrade-in-arms warns that Al-Qaeda’s new leader bears grudge against U.S., Egypt.
Senate bill bans U.S. soil Guantánamo jail forever.
U.S. plays down Al-Qaeda threat under new boss.
U.S. missile strike kills 11 militants in Pakistan.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Airbus racks up orders, glitches at Paris Air Show.
Internet body throws open domain names.
OECD's Gurria sees no global double-dip slump.
Just two weeks before QE2 ends, Russia becomes third major country to announce it will dump U.S. Treasury holdings.
China's Huawei storms into tablet PC sector.
Boeing expects customers to look at Airbus neo.
Marilyn Monroe "subway" dress sells for $4.6 million.