<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Syria</title>
<link>http://www.bi-me.com</link>
<description>Middle Eastern Business News and Data</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian army attacks Homs killing 260, say activists]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56495</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The government denied involvement in the violence, blaming &quot;armed gunmen&quot;, as television stations showed images of bodies on the ground and buildings destroyed.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab League suspends Syrian mission]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56408</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syrian security forces fought in the suburbs of Damascus to clear areas that have fallen under rebel control, a day after the Arab League suspended its mission.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia to recognise Syrian National Council]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56395</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. Saudi Arabia will recognise the opposition Syrian National Council as the &quot;official representative&quot; of the Syrian people, Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai reported. 

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<title><![CDATA[Geopolitical analysis: Considering a US-Iranian deal]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56320</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. There are many blocks in the way of such a deal, from ideology to distrust to domestic politics. But given the knot that is being tied in the region, rumors that negotiations are being floated come as no surprise.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria to start managed float of currency next week, says central bank governor ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56249</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The move will allow the pound to devalue after demand for foreign currency drove a surge in black-market rates. &quot;We will allow the rate to be determined by the market and intervene when necessary,&quot; Adib Mayaleh said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN chief calls on Syria&#039;s President to stop killing his own people ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56162</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The path of repression is a dead end,&quot; Ban said in a keynote address at a conference in Beirut on democracy in the Arab world, as Damascus announced a general amnesty for crimes committed during the unrest.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab League warns of possible civil war in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56126</link>
<description><![CDATA[EGYPT. Arab League head Nabil Elaraby said on Friday he feared a possible civil war in Syria that could have consequences for neighboring countries.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[France demands probe into killing of TV reporter in Syria ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56108</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Paris demanded an investigation after French television reporter Gilles Jacquier was killed in Syria, the first Western journalist to die since protests erupted.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Second Arab monitor may quit Syria over violence]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56107</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. An Arab observer delegation in Syria is running into further difficulties, with two members either quitting or threatening to do so within 24 hours.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Damascus suicide bomb leaves 25 dead ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56003</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The violence comes as additional Arab League monitors are arriving in Syria to help monitor President Bashar al-Assad&#039;s pledge to end a crackdown on protests. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab League falters in Syria as options to halt deadly crackdown dwindle]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55977</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Arab League has raised questions about its commitment to halting Syria&#039;s deadly crackdown on protesters by putting a Sudanese general with close ties to an indicted war criminal in charge of a monitoring mission intended to hold the regime accountable. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Sarkozy demands Syria&#039;s Assad step down for overseeing &#039;disgusting&#039; massacres as activists say observer mission &#039;unprofessional&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55957</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Arab League chief defends the mission, saying it had secured the release of political prisoners and the withdrawal of tanks from cities.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Symantec discovers new malware with potential to exploit interest around Arab Spring]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55914</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. New malware found targeting individuals specifically in the Middle East through an app could open the door to more malicious attacks.

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<title><![CDATA[Arab League monitors arrive in Syrian protest hub]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55886</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Observers travel to Homs as part of a mission to track promises by the government to withdraw its tanks and troops from cities and release political protesters.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian security buildings hit by bombers]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55878</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA.  &quot;The fact that they occurred the day after the Arab League monitoring mission began arriving in Damascus... is certain to be viewed with suspicion.&quot; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf states issue warnings to Syria and Iran]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55862</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. Gulf Arab states urged Syria&#039;s government to immediately halt its &quot;killing machine&quot;, and called on arch rival Iran to stop interfering in their internal affairs.

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<title><![CDATA[Syria agrees to Arab League monitoring plan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55820</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. &quot;It doesn&#039;t necessarily mean that if and when they do allow the observers in that they will give them the full, unrestricted access that they demand.&quot; 
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<title><![CDATA[US bans UAE company for supplying Internet filter to Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55774</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The devices, made by Blue Coat Systems can be used to block pro-democracy websites and identify activists as part of Syria&#039;s crackdown against dissidents.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: Assessing foreign intervention in Syria ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55759</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Our current assessment is that the government and opposition forces have reached a stalemate in which the government cannot quell the unrest and the opposition cannot bring down the regime without outside intervention. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN human rights chief reiterates calls for Syria to be refered to International Criminal Court as death toll tops 5,000]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55724</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Speaking to reporters after the Council briefing, Navi Pillay said the &quot;widespread and systematic nature&quot; of killings, detentions and acts of torture constituted crimes against humanity. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN rights chief says Syria could plunge into civil war as more soldiers defect]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55691</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. &quot;I point to what the commission of inquiry has factually established - that communities are under siege, Navi Pillay told reporters.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East tensions, US jobs data push oil higher]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55597</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Royal Dutch Shell said it was ceasing operations in Syria because of ongoing unrest and in line with EU sanctions on Damascus.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN strongly condemns abuses by Syrian authorities]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55596</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. In light of the manifest failure of the Syrian authorities to protect their citizens, the international community needs to take urgent and effective measures.

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<title><![CDATA[Syrian crisis reaching stage of civil war, says UN human rights chief ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55582</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The death toll from the nine-month crackdown by the country&#039;s security forces against protesters has passed at least 4,000, Navi Pillay said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian forces have committed crimes against humanity, says UN rights panel]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55515</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syria&#039;s military and security forces have committed crimes against humanity during their crackdown on protesters, a United Nations-appointed probe said today.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The Doha Debates votes for Assad to go]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55509</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR The motion: &quot;This House believes that President Assad must resign,&quot; passed by 91% to 9%. 

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<title><![CDATA[Arab League agrees sweeping sanctions on Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55493</link>
<description><![CDATA[EGYPT. The 22-member Arab League agreed to ban Syrian officials from visiting any Arab country, to freeze government assets, suspend flights and halt any transactions with the Syrian government and central bank.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Doha Debates asks whether President Assad should remain in power ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55484</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. Young Arabs are to give their verdict on Syria&#039;s president Bashar Al Assad in a public debate  and vote on whether he should stay in office or resign.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arabs prepare sanctions to punish Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55477</link>
<description><![CDATA[EGYPT. Were the 22-nation bloc to impose serious economic sanctions, the impact would be crippling for a country already a facing a raft of punitive measures from the EU and the US.

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<title><![CDATA[UN rights panel voices alarm at reported torture of children in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55475</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. A United Nations panel voiced deep concern about massive human rights violations in Syria, including the reported torture of children, as the Government&#039;s violent crackdown against protesters continues. 

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<title><![CDATA[Geopolitical analysis: Syria, Iran and the balance of power in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55405</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The withdrawal of US troops from Iraq brings the potential for a massive shift in the balance of power in the region, with Iran moving from a fairly marginal power to potentially a dominant power. 

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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: Turkey and the Free Syrian Army ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55340</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Director of Analysis Reva Bhalla discusses the risks Turkey will likely consider in deciding how far it wants to go in supporting the Syrian opposition. 

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<title><![CDATA[Jordan&#039;s King Abdullah calls for Assad&#039;s resignation]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55285</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. King Abdullah said in an interview with the BBC that he would step down if he were in Assad&#039;s position and create a way for Syrians to start &quot;a new phase of political life.&quot;

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<title><![CDATA[Syria suspended from Arab League for violence to protesters]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55246</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Suspension comes less than two weeks after President Bashar al-Assad&#039;s government agreed to a plan to end the clashes. Arab League invites Syrian opposition leaders for talks in Cairo within the next three days.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab League suspends Syria, calls for sanctions ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55244</link>
<description><![CDATA[EGYPT. The Arab League on Saturday suspended Syria until President Bashar al-Assad implements an Arab deal to end violence against protesters]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN condemns latest killings of civilian protesters in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55064</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Media reports indicate about 40 people have been killed over the past day in Homs and Hama in central Syria, taking the overall death toll since widespread public protests began seven months ago to well over 3,000.
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<title><![CDATA[Assad says Western action in Syria would cause &#039;earthquake&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55059</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. 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 -- do you want to see another Afghanistan?&quot; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US pulls envoy from Syria for security reasons]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54973</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. US envoy to Syria Robert Ford, an open critic of President Bashar al-Assad&#039;s crackdown on political dissent, has left Syria indefinitely for security reasons, an embassy official said. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[More than 100 rights groups urge Arab League action on Syria  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54846</link>
<description><![CDATA[EGYPT. A coalition of 121 Arab and international rights groups on Sunday urged the Arab League to take action on Syria to prevent it from sliding into civil war.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian opposition warns of violence unless world acts]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54735</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Burhan Ghalioun, president of the Syrian National Council, expressed bitter disappointment that China and Russia vetoed a draft UN resolution.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US reworks ban on telecoms sales to Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54719</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. US firms are barred from selling the Syrian government telecoms equipment or technology, &quot;including satellite or terrestrial network connectivity.&quot;
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian forces kill six as US &#039;readies for Assad fall&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54527</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The New York Times said the United States was increasingly convinced that Assad&#039;s regime would fall and was preparing for a possibly violent aftermath.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Assad agrees on reform steps, says Arab League]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54379</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Arab League Secretary-General Nabil el-Arabi said Syrian President Bashar al- Assad has agreed on a series of measures to apply political reforms in Syria.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab League &#039;rejects foreign interference in Syria&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54372</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Nabil al-Arabi reportedly made the remarks during talks in Damascus with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, after his arrival on a delayed visit bearing a plan.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Russia disapproves of EU oil embargo on Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54269</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. &quot;We have always said that unilateral sanctions will do no good. This destroys a partnership approach to any crisis&quot;, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[EU bans imports of Syrian oil]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54252</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL.  European Union governments agreed to ban imports of Syrian oil in a move to strengthen economic pressure on President Bashar al-Assad and his government,]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Insurers seek to define Arab Spring damage as claims may top US$500 million]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54246</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. As the Arab Spring gained momentum this year, the initial protests in Cairo&#039;s Tahrir Square constituted civil commotion, in the parlance of the global insurance industry. 

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<title><![CDATA[Syrian forces &#039;kill seven&#039; on Eid al-Fitr]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54211</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syrian forces killed seven people on the first day of the Eid al-Fitr feast, a day after the EU moved to ban oil imports from Syria over its brutal crackdown on dissent.

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<title><![CDATA[Syrians must tighten belts as sanctions bite, says top banker]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54158</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The main hit has been to the tourism industry where revenues have fallen by 90%, and the ordinary citizen will suffer. Transport, imports, industry ... all will be increasingly affected, and this will create unemployment and poverty, &quot; said Adib Mayaleh, the governor of Syria&#039;s Central Bank.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria&#039;s Assad rejects call to leave as thousands take to the streets]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54102</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. &quot;We don&#039;t permit any country in the world, near or far, to interfere,&quot; Assad said in an interview on state TV. &quot;Any military action against Syria will have many more implications than they can bear.&quot; 

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<title><![CDATA[Geopolitical analysis: Re-examining the Arab Spring ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54060</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. It is now more than six months since the beginning of the Arab Spring, and it is important to take stock of what has happened and what has not happened. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US urges energy sanctions on Syria, as tanks enter Latakia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54007</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. &quot;President Assad has lost the legitimacy to lead and it is clear that Syria would be better off without him,&quot;  US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US, Europe say UN action against Assad getting closer]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53975</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Western nations stepped up demands for UN measures after the Syrian leader ignored repeated calls for an end to the bloodshed in his country.

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<title><![CDATA[Saudi king recalls ambassador from Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53913</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. King Abdullah said  the kingdom does not accept the situation and urged Syria&#039;s leaders to &quot;stop the killing machine and the bloodshed... before it is too late.&quot;
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Majid Al Futtaim begins construction work on first mixed-use development in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53898</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The project, which is being developed in the Yaafour district, west of Damascus, will be built through multiple phases with an estimated cost exceeding US$1 billion. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria vows &#039;free elections&#039; as pressure grows]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53891</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA.  Syria vowed on Saturday to hold &quot;free and transparent&quot; elections by the end of 2011 as Arab states in the Gulf joined a chorus of Western pressure.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf Arab states urge end to Syrian bloodshed]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53887</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The GCC on Saturday turned up the heat on Damascus, joining a growing chorus of pressure, by calling for an &quot;immediate end to violence... and bloodshed.&quot;
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria: Security Council condemns rights abuses and use of force against civilians]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53890</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Council voiced its profound regret at the deaths of hundreds of the people during mass protests in Syria and urged the authorities in Damascus to fully respect human rights.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria violence escalates as UN struggles for agreement on condemning Assad]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53853</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Russia has led opponents that include China, Brazil, South Africa and India in blocking the adoption of a resolution that was first circulated in May. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran&#039;s dream for a Middle East gas pipeline]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53760</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Nothing gets oilmen more excited than the idea of building pipelines from exotic, hard to reach places to seaports where the product of their endeavors can be shipped to lucrative foreign markets.

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<title><![CDATA[Syrians convene in Turkey to discuss regime change ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53752</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL.  Some 200 youth activists who oppose Syria&#039;s regime opened a four-day meeting in Istanbul, hoping to improve coordination. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria to allow other parties alongside ruling Baath ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53722</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syria&#039;s government, under massive pressure to reform or quit, has adopted a draft law allowing for new political parties to operate alongside the ruling Baath party.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN advisers warn that crimes against humanity may have been committed in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53683</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNTIONAL. The UN special advisers on genocide prevention voiced alarm at persistent reports of widespread and systematic human rights violations perpetrated by security forces in Syria.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria presses crackdown, Assad told &#039;reform or quit&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53610</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syrian troops dug into the outskirts of an eastern border town as EU foreign ministers told President Bashar al-Assad to reform or step down.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian opposition forms council to counter Assad]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53585</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syria&#039;s fractured opposition elected a National Salvation Council to present a united challenge to President Bashar al-Assad&#039;s rule as he intensified a military campaign to crush an uprising against his rule.

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<title><![CDATA[Dubai&#039;s Majid Al Futtaim delays plan to sell bonds]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53392</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Majid Al Futtaim Holding, the Dubai-based owner of the City Center shopping malls, delayed plans to sell bonds until it can secure a better price. 

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<title><![CDATA[Economy may prove tipping point for Syrian regime]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53226</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Syria&#039;s flailing economy could prove the tipping point for the regime of Bashar al-Assad as he seeks to quell a pro-democracy revolt.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria&#039;s Assad blames unrest on saboteurs, pledges reforms]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53167</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Activists dismissed Assad&#039;s promises and  took to the streets of the capital&#039;s suburbs and in the coastal city of Latakia, after the speech.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Closing the Middle East jobs gap]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53112</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. High youth unemployment contributes to widespread unrest in the Middle East. What are the root causes of persistently high unemployment and how to improve job prospects in a region shaken by political change?]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian forces head for second northern protest town]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53075</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syrian troops pushed toward the northern town of Maarat al-Numaan on the Damascus-Aleppo highway.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Helicopters open fire to disperse Syrian protesters]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53022</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. First reported use of air power to disperse pro-democracy protests in Syria&#039;s increasingly bloody three-month-old uprising.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN chief voices alarm at escalation of violence in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52935</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Ban Ki-moon called for independent and transparent investigations into all the killings as the escalation of violence has reportedly claimed at least 70 lives over the past week alone. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrians protest at night as President Assad&#039;s amnesty offer is rejected]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52889</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The protests follow the killing of at least 23 demonstrators in the past three days during a crackdown by security forces.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East IPOs down 95%, raised US$21.7 million in first quarter 2011]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52769</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. According to Ernst &amp; Young&#039;s Middle East IPO Update, regional capital markets raised US$21.7 million in the first quarter of 2011, down 94.8% from the US$420.4 million raised in the first quarter of 2010. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[EU blacklists Syria&#039;s Assad]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52766</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Long reluctant to target the Syrian leader directly, the European Union&#039;s decision to slap an assets freeze and travel ban on Assad is the latest in a string of measures against his regime.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US slaps sanctions on Syrian president, top aides]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52703</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Targeting Assad personally with sanctions, which the US and EU have so far avoided, is a significant slap at Damascus and raises questions about whether Washington and the West may ultimately seek Assad&#039;s removal from power.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrians in north Lebanon demand fall of Assad regime]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52669</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Dozens of Syrians who fled violence in their home towns gathered in north Lebanon on Monday to demand the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad&#039;s regime.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Deadly gunfire at Syria-Lebanon border]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52648</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Gunfire from Syria raked a crowd at a border crossing in northern Lebanon, killing a woman and wounding five other people, a security official said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Sanctions update on Syria, Libya, Tunisia and Egypt]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52601</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The EU adopted  a Council Regulation on Syria that includes asset freezing measures on certain persons identified as being responsible for the violent repression of the civilian population and an arms embargo. 

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<title><![CDATA[UN chief calls on Syria to allow humanitarian access after deadly violence ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52599</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Ban Ki-moon said the United Nations would continue to press Syria to allow an independent humanitarian team to be granted access to the cities and towns where security forces have clashed with protesters.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian regime likely to survive uprising, say analysts]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52566</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is likely to survive his country&#039;s uprising thanks to the army&#039;s loyalty and the world&#039;s muted response to the bloody crackdown on protests.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[EU names Syrian officials targeted by sanctions]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52551</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The measures, asset freezes and travel bans, are part of a package of sanctions, including an arms embargo which went into effect on Tuesday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Tanks storm Syrian flashpoint city Banias]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52493</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syrian troops backed by tanks swept early Saturday into Banias, a hub of anti-regime protests, as residents formed human chains in a bid to halt the military operation.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: Making sense of the Syrian crisis ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52487</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Troubles are no doubt rising in Syria, and the al Assad regime will face unprecedented difficulty in trying to manage affairs at home in the months ahead. That said, it so far has maintained the four pillars supporting its power. 

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<title><![CDATA[Syrian army begins Daraa withdrawal after &#039;restoring calm&#039;, says state TV ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52485</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The Syrian army began withdrawing from the southern city of Daraa, the scene of the most violent crackdown by military forces.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN Human Rights Council calls for investigation into alleged abuses in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52400</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The United Nations Human Rights Council voted for a mission to be sent to Syria to investigate alleged violations of international human rights law and crimes committed against civilians. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian protests escalate nationwide]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52388</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syrians took to the streets across the country today, defying warnings by the Interior Ministry not to hold demonstrations ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ruling Syrian Baath Party members quit]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52384</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. At least 228 members of Syria&#039;s ruling Baath Party have resigned in protest of President Bashar al-Assad&#039;s deadly crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ban Ki-moon speaks out against killings of protesters in Syria, calls for external inquiry]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52346</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. &quot;There should be an independent, transparent and effective investigation,&quot; Ban told reporters.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria sends in more troops as Daraa assault &#039;rages&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52343</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syria sent more troops to the southern town of Daraa on Tuesday where a deadly crackdown against pro-democracy protesters raged into a second day]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: The Syrian Paradox]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52319</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Syrian regime is obviously having a lot of trouble putting down unrest. Analyst Reva Bhalla examines the domestic and international pressures on the Syrian regime as protests and crackdowns intensify.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Clinton condemns &#039;ongoing violence&#039; by Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52267</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Damascus needed to launch a &quot;serious political process&quot; to end deadly unrest.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Eight protesters killed in Syrian city, says activist]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52219</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syrian forces shot dead eight protesters overnight in Homs in clashes after the death of a tribal leader in custody, a rights campaigner in the central city said.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[US secretly backed Syrian opposition]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52202</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The State Department has secretly funded Syrian opposition groups, according to diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria&#039;s Assad to chair new cabinet as protests spread]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52188</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is to address a new government tasked with launching reform as protests demanding greater freedoms snowballed. ]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Iran &#039;aiding&#039; Syria crackdown on protests, say US officials ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52156</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Iran is aiding Syria in its suppression of pro-democracy demonstrators by providing equipment to put down protests and monitor opposition groups.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Egyptian economic growth will slow &#039;significantly&#039; after revolt, says IMF]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52128</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Political unrest spreading across the Middle East and North Africa will hurt economies in the region this year, the IMF said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US highlights pre-uprising rights abuses in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52086</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The United States charged Friday that human rights abuses were &quot;especially serious&quot; last year in Bahrain, Libya and Syria, now hit by mass uprisings that it says raise hope for a brighter future.

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<title><![CDATA[Qatar Airways enters next phase of global expansion with launch of Aleppo operations]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52063</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. Milestone 100th destination Of Aleppo marks significant achievement in carrier&#039;s short history.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria minister asked to form new government]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51991</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad asked former Agriculture minister Adel Safar to form a new government, as communication networks fail &quot;due to an overload&quot;.]]></description>
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</channel>
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