Category: Blogs

Morsi Pardons Political Prisoners, Human Rights Groups Call for More to be Done

By Nancy Messieh

Marking his first 100 days in office, President Mohamed Morsi issued a decree pardoning protesters convicted and imprisoned during the January 25th uprising that led to the ouster of Hosni Mubarak. The decree was met with mixed reactions, with many describing it as a step in the right direction, but lacking certain guarantees.

Turkish president says “worst case” unfolding in Syria

By Hamdi Istanbullu, Reuters

From Hamdi Istanbullu, Reuters:  Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Monday the "worst-case scenarios" were now playing out in Syria and Turkey would do everything necessary to protect itself, as its army fired back for a sixth day after a shell from Syria flew over the border.

Ministers try to limit impact of defense cuts on NATO

By Adrian Croft, Reuters

From Adrian Croft, Reuters:  NATO ministers wrestled on Tuesday with how to prevent austerity-driven defense cuts in many member countries from undermining the power of the 63-year-old Western alliance.

NATO Secretary General stresses closer defence cooperation amid tighter budgets

By NATO

From NATO:  NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen stressed the importance of closer cooperation on defence at the start of today’s Allied defence ministerial meeting.

Top News: Morsy Issues General Amnesty for Revolution-Related Crimes, Egypt Remembers Maspero Clashes on Tuesday

By Egypt Source

On Monday President Mohamed Morsy issued a mass pardon for all those accused or found guilty of crimes pertaining to the events of the 25 January revolution — with some exceptions. The decision to issue general amnesty was based on the recommendation of Morsy’s military trial review committee.

Rasmussen: NATO has plans to defend Turkey if need be

By Reuters

From Reuters:  The head of NATO said on Tuesday that the 28-member military alliance had plans in place to defend Turkey against attack from Syria if necessary, but that he hoped the two countries would find a way to stop tensions escalating.

Norway increasing its 2013 defense budget, including 30% boost for cyber security

By Ministry of Defense of Norway

Turkey deploy tanks and missile defense assets to border as clashes with Syria continue

By Selcan Hacaoglu, Bloomsberg

From Selcan Hacaoglu, Bloomsberg:  Turkey deployed additional tanks and missile defense systems to the Syrian border following five days of artillery exchanges with President Bashar al-Assad’s armed forces.