March 22nd, 2012 by Oman Views

Explosion near Syrian security building in Aleppo

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — An explosion ripped through a residential neighborhood in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Sunday and the state news agency said it was a “terrorist bombing.”

Reports by SANA said two were killed and 30 wounded in what appeared to be the second attack in two days on cities where President Bashar Assad’s regime enjoys strong support. Three suicide bombings in the capital Damascus on Saturday killed 27 people. The government blamed those on the opposition, which it claims is made up of “terrorist” groups carrying out a foreign conspiracy.

No one claimed responsibility for any of the attacks.

Mohammed Saeed, an Aleppo resident, said a car bomb exploded near the Political Security Directorate in the city’s central neighborhood of Suleimaniyeh. He said the neighborhood has a large Christian population. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on an activist network in Syria, also said it was a car bomb. It said it had reports of dead and injured, but gave no numbers.

Saeed said the explosion went off around 1 p.m. and security forces started shooting in the air and cordoned off the area to prevent people from approaching. At that time of day, the area is usually crowded with people, especially on a Sunday, the first day of Syria’s workweek, he added.

“It was a strong explosion. It shook parts of the city,” Saeed said, citing nearby residents. “White smoke was billowing from the area.”

Some opposition leaders accused the regime of orchestrating the attacks to tarnish the anti-government movement behind the year-old uprising against Assad.

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March 12th, 2012 by Oman Views

US officials: Syrian regime holding under fire

WASHINGTON (AP) – Senior U.S. intelligence officials say Syrian leader Bashar Assad commands a formidable army that is unlikely to turn on him and an inner circle that is staying loyal.

While officials won’t comment on a timeline to the regime’s possible collapse, their sober assessment suggests continuing bloodshed lasting several months, if not longer. They spoke on condition of anonymity to describe recent analysis.

The U.N. says more than 7,500 people have been killed in the yearlong crackdown. New satellite imagery shows the Syrian army even shelled mosques and schools.

The officials say a worsening economy, with food prices doubling and jobs disappearing, could ultimately drive the regime from power.

By KIMBERLY DOZIER | Associated Press

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March 9th, 2012 by Oman Views

Iran says it seeks to strengthen Lebanese army

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Iran’s defense minister says it is Tehran’s strategic policy to strengthen the Lebanese army.

The comments by Gen. Ahmad Vahidi to his visiting Lebanese counterpart, Fayez Ghosn, were posted on the Iranian defense ministry’s website Sunday.

Iran is a key supporter of the Lebanese group Hezbollah. Tehran denies arming the Shiite militant movement, but is believed to funnel it weapons and millions of dollars in funding.

Ghosn is a member of Marada, a Christian party allied with Hezbollah. Both groups are close to Syria’s embattled President Bashar Assad, who is traditionally a major power-broker in Lebanon but faces an uprising against his rule.

Tehran may be trying to strengthen its independent ties in Lebanon if Assad falls.

Associated Press

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