In a series of tweets posted Friday night, Saudi professor of economics Mohammed Fahad al-Qahtani gave an account on how he started his activism and was inspired to found the Saudi Civil and Political RIghts Association.

Storified by Ahmed Al Omran · Sat, Dec 22 2012 22:11:52

Alarabiya

سأكتب بعض التغريدات الآن حول تجربتي مع النظام السعودي في قضايا الوطن وحقوق الشعب، وسأواصل النقاط يوم غداً إن شاء الله. #حسم #محاكمة_حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:21:33

بدأت القضية حين ذهابي في بعثة دراسية للولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، وقد سمح وجودي هناك للاطلاع على مصادر ووثائق مهمة حول تاريخ #السعودية #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:23:53

فمكثت الساعات تلو الساعات في مكتبة الجامعة أطلع على تلك المراجع المهمة، بل وأطلب غير المتوافر من المكتبات الجامعية الأخرى. #حسم #محاكمة_حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:26:03

أصبحت أطلب من مكتبة الجامعة شراء ما ينشر حديثاً من كتب عن #السعودية هذا بالإضافة إلى قراءة الصحف الأمريكية اليومية المهمة. #حسم #محاكمة_حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:29:39

فور وصولي للولايات المتحدة الأمريكية في صيف ١٩٩١م بعد حرب الخليج مباشرة كانت الصحف اليومية تزخر بأخبار وتحليلات عميقة عن #السعودية #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:31:44

بل إن الكثير من الأخبار كانت مخجلة للغاية حول استشراء الفساد وتردي أحوال المواطنين واستئثار فئة قليلة بالأموال والسلطة والنفوذ. #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:33:46

أثارت تلك المعلومات لدي تساؤلات كثيرة حول واقع بلادنا، لماذا نحن في هذا الواقع المتردي على الرغم من وجود مقومات النجاح الهائلة!! #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:35:59

قرأت في التنمية الاقتصادية وأسباب التخلف علني أجد إجابة شافية، فوجدتها تناقش ترفا فكريا لا ينطبق على واقع بلادنا المغاير. #حسم #محاكمة_حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:39:01

كان عقد التسعينات حافلا بأحداث عظام لم يكن موقف بلادنا فيها يعكس المصالح الوطنية العليا، تلى ذلك انهيار أسعار النفط وشبه إفلاس الحكومة. #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:42:49

وقعت أحداث سبتمبر المؤسفة في عام ٢٠٠١م، وأخذ الأمريكيون يبحثون عن تفسير لأسبابها، أدركت فئة منهم أن السبب يعود إلى نقص الديموقراطية. #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:49:13

بدأت وسائل الإعلام تجري مقابلات مع كبار المسئولين السعوديين الذين يتحدثون عن مشروع الإصلاح السياسي والمشاركة الشعبية وسماع صوت الشعب. #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:54:20

واستبشرت كثيراً بتلك المجالس المفتوحة التي كان يعقدها الملك عبدالله (عندما كان وليا للعهد) مع أبناء الشعب الذين كانوا يتحدثون بكل صراحة #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 11:56:47

قررت العودة إلى #السعودية في صيف ٢٠٠٢م وفور علم أحد زملائي الأمريكيين بقراري اتصل علي يعرض علي وظيفة وشراكة في مشروع استثماري علني أبقى #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 12:00:28

قال زميلي محاولا ثنيي عن العودة ستحصل على دخل أكثر من دخلك هناك، فلعلك تعدل عن رأيك، فأعتذرت منه وقلت له القضية أكبر من أية دخل مادي. #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 12:03:38

وجدت أن الغالبية العظمى من الطلاب تعتمد على التلقين، ولا تريد بذل الجهد للتعلم، فأصبت بخيبة أمل كبيرة، وقلت لعل الله يصلح الأحوال #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 12:10:09

وقعت خلافات مع إدارة المعهد حول قضايا معينة، أضطررت على اثرها للقاء وكيل وزارة الخارجية (الأمير خالد بن سعود بن خالد) #حسم #محاكمة_حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 12:13:16

خالد بن سعود ليس لديه من المؤهلات لذلك المنصب سوى كونه ابن شقيقة وزير الخارجية (الأمير سعود الفيصل) فتحدثت معه، وكان يتكلم بتعالٍ واضح. #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 12:16:47

كرر علي عبارة "أنت موظف ويجب عليك طاعة مديرك"!! قلتُ له كرامتي فوق كل إعتبار، ولا تعتقد بأنني سأتنازل عن كرامتي لأجل وظيفة مهما علت. #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 12:20:01

قلت له إن كنت مفصولاً فأرجوك أن تعطيني قرار فصلي حتى أتخلص من هذا الرق، وإذا لم أكن فسوف أبعث بالاستقالة للوزير ولن أسكت عن بقية حقوقي. #حسم

— Mohammad Al-Qahtani · Fri, Dec 21 2012 12:22:51

Storified by Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Jun 15 2012 06:31:06

Saudi deputy info minister @AALHAZZAA says they don't want to gag us, despite all the signs showing the opposite http://www.alsharq.net.sa/2012/06/14/344174 · AR

— Ahmed Al Omran · Thu, Jun 14 2012 03:49:26

@ahmed عزيزي جمعية الإعلام الإلكتروني جاءت بناء لرغبة عدد من النشطاء في هذا المجال وهم من تقدم بالطلب للوزارة وأعد اللآئحة فأين التكميم ؟

— عبدالرحمن الهزاع · Fri, Jun 15 2012 05:29:17

@AALHAZZAA they don't represent everyone, but you are going to force it down everyone's throat.

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Jun 15 2012 05:32:28

@ahmed هذه جمعية مستقلة مثلها مثل هيئة الصحفيين وجمعية الناشرين والوزارة لا تتدخل في عملها وعليك أن تقرأ اللآئحة

— عبدالرحمن الهزاع · Fri, Jun 15 2012 05:59:35

@AALHAZZAA SJA is a bad example to follow. SJA board is controlled by editors approved by your ministry.

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Jun 15 2012 06:00:58

@ahmed انصحك بأن تقرأ لوائح كل جمعية أو هيئة قبل حكمك

— عبدالرحمن الهزاع · Fri, Jun 15 2012 06:10:16

@AALHAZZAA simple question: if this is an independent body as you claim, why are you going to meet them to discuss their bylaws and HQ?

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Jun 15 2012 06:22:36

Thousands of Syrians took to the streets demanding an end to President Bashar al-Assad's rule, as his forces opened fire killing at least 12 people, activists said. Warning: graphic footage.

Storified by Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 27 2012 13:00:39

#Syria says suicide bomber kills 10 in #Damascus http://news.yahoo.com/syria-says-suicide-bomber-kills-10-damascus-141746304.html

— Bassem Mroue · Fri, Apr 27 2012 11:53:37

UPDATE 1-Full advance team of 30 monitors in Syria by Monday-Annan spokesman

Fri Apr 27, 2012 4:27am EDT (Adds quotes, background) GENEVA, April 27 (Reuters) - Fifteen more ceasefire monitors of a total advance tea...

Cool Nordic head faces uphill task as Syria U.N. monitor

OSLO (Reuters) - Robert Mood, the tall, square-jawed and fair-haired Norwegian general heading the Syria ceasefire observer mission, appe...

Rebel rivalry and suspicions threaten Syria revolt

ANTAKYA, Turkey | Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:04am EDT ANTAKYA, Turkey (Reuters) - Rebel fighter Mustafa and his trio of burly men look out of pl...

Editor’s note: This map shows the number of people fleeing the violence in Syria. The Assad regime is a... http://fb.me/1P2V9G17z

— U.S. Embassy Syria · Fri, Apr 27 2012 08:32:29

Seriously, the best overview I've seen so far on Syrian refugees. http://www.humanrights.gov/2012/04/27/numbers-and-locations-of-people-fleeing-the-violence-in-syria-map/

— DavidKenner · Fri, Apr 27 2012 08:38:58

Yimg

Beautiful demo from Binnish, #Edlib earlier today http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2Aod5Xbw7-M

— The 47th · Fri, Apr 27 2012 07:17:30

Qadam, Damascus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqNIdU5jst8 Kafarshams, Daraa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE4H_x68DoY Khan Shaykhon, Idlib http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB2m2Mo-ZvM #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 27 2012 07:15:49

Video said to show anti-regime protesters in Halfaya, Hama, earlier today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX4Htb9kYrk #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 27 2012 07:08:06

Video said to show anti-regime rally in Tafas, Daraa, earlier today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se1cJ9dhvVk #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 27 2012 06:41:34

Video said to shows a protest rally Friday morning in Houla, Homs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erLFmJhdEbw #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 27 2012 06:30:49

Video shows protesters chanting for freedom and FSA, reportedly in Hama today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1WgWW3k0ww #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 27 2012 06:28:59

Up to 70 people were killed in an attack on a house in Hama yesterday, activists said, accusing the government of the attack. State media said the house was used as a bomb factory by "armed terrorist groups" and that it blew up killing 16 people.

Storified by Ahmed Al Omran · Thu, Apr 26 2012 14:33:52

Massive Hama explosion 'kills 70'

Up to 70 people have been killed in an attack on a house in Hama, according to Syrian activists. They said several houses in the Masha at...

Activist in Hama: Security forces told UN observers it was "too dangerous" for them to access site of explosion. And turned them away #Syria

— Kelly McEvers · Thu, Apr 26 2012 05:27:15

Hear "Rose of the Desert" (Vogue) article writer on Asma al Assad: http://n.pr/JIcnbY Shirks responsibility, says kids in photos were fake

— Kelly McEvers · Thu, Apr 26 2012 06:39:46

Brown Lloyd James was paid $25K to set up James Nachtwey's photo session with Asma al-Assad http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/vogue-profile-on-assads-wife-disappears/2012/04/25/gIQAgMWthT_story.html

— Blake Hounshell · Wed, Apr 25 2012 20:44:17

French-led push for tougher stand on Syria http://gu.com/p/376pc/tf

— Ian Black · Thu, Apr 26 2012 11:46:35

RT @Reuters: Exclusive: U.N. plans aid for one million Syrians struggling amid conflict http://reut.rs/Ke6IaZ

— Anthony De Rosa · Thu, Apr 26 2012 12:35:02

Assad vs. LinkedIn is the new Iran-Iraq war. http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2012/04/syria-burns-assad-supporters-attack-linkedin/51612/

— DavidKenner · Thu, Apr 26 2012 12:42:30

New Syrian group to unveil interim govt, compete with SNC to represent opposition. Sigh. http://reut.rs/IqqTkL

— Marc Lynch · Thu, Apr 26 2012 08:47:58

The Storyful team reports on the doubts surrounding dramatic 'Buried Alive' video from #Syria: http://bit.ly/I7FeD0

— mark little · Thu, Apr 26 2012 07:58:24

Syria blames rebels for massive Hama blast. If only there was some sort of intntl monitoring mission to investigate. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2113138,00.html

— DavidKenner · Thu, Apr 26 2012 06:34:40

Syrian Electronic Army Leader: Cyber-War to Continue Against Those "Distorting the Truth About Syria" http://huff.to/IgWagp by @faisaljabbas

— Ahmed Al Omran · Thu, Apr 26 2012 05:43:39

LCC reports 35 people dead across #Syria today https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=442748769085598&set=a.221856221174855.74557.217848338242310&type=1

— Ahmed Al Omran · Thu, Apr 26 2012 13:59:36

Watch this small group of protesters chanting then running to escape gunfire in Hama today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gc8YpTqmmE #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Thu, Apr 26 2012 07:01:57

GRAPHIC: Body of a child reportedly found under the rubble in Masha'a, Hama, yesterday http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEHn4xjWbaU #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Thu, Apr 26 2012 08:01:50

Graphic & bloody: wounded man in a field hospital, reportedly shot by a sniper in Homs today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yO_XQZX2kI #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Thu, Apr 26 2012 12:28:09

Upsetting: 3-year-old Baraa Adas was reportedly shot dead in Douma yesterday http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkLXdAT88xY #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Thu, Apr 26 2012 12:57:07

Rebels killed three regime officers in separate attacks Tuesday around Damascus, state media said, while activists reported that at least 38 people were killed across the country when government forces opened fire at protesters today.

Storified by Ahmed Al Omran · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:56:27

Syrian rebels target security officials in capital #Syria http://news.yahoo.com/syrian-rebels-target-security-officials-capital-105439236.html

— Bassem Mroue · Tue, Apr 24 2012 09:19:50

Syrian Army Presses Attack Amid UN Cease-Fire Monitoring

Syrian security forces attacked anti-government neighborhoods with sniper fire and heavy machine guns as unarmed United Nations monitors ...

UPDATE 1-U.N. aims to feed 500,000 Syrians soon

Tue Apr 24, 2012 6:57am EDT * WFP aims to feed 250,000 in April * It wants to feed 500,000 "in coming weeks" * U.N.

Send more observers to save Syria ceasefire, UN urged http://gu.com/p/3754q/tf

— Ian Black · Tue, Apr 24 2012 11:10:04

#Assad intensifies cyberwar against Qatar - http://FT.com http://on.ft.com/IaaJQI

— Omar · Tue, Apr 24 2012 10:49:47

More Facebook phishing attacks target Syrian activists. @headhntr and I report on what to watch out for: https://eff.org/deeplinks/2012/04/new-wave-facebook-phishing-attacks-targets-syrian-activists #Syria

— Eva · Tue, Apr 24 2012 10:37:46

Syria's Assad finished, Tunisian leader says

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Bashar al-Assad's international allies must realize the Syrian president is "finished" and persuade him to step down t...

Kiofi Annan to UNSC: "It is difficult to assess the level of violence but...the level of vilence has decreased..since 12 April..."

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:31:14

Annan says while level of violence in Syria has decrased since Ap 12 the decrease "does not cover the spiek in violence rptd yesterday

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:32:31

Kofi Annan: Syria gov "cannot cease action in one area to resume it in another."

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:35:09

"...killig a significant number of people."

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:34:22

Kofi Annan: "It should be understood that the only promises that count are the promises that are kept."

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:36:18

Kofi Annan: "I am particularly alarmed by reports that gov troops entered Hama yes. after observers departed, firing auto weaps and..."

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:33:38

KAnnan:"The peace we are trying to build could never be perfect...but if we succeed,...prospects are far better than any promised thru war."

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:42:04

KAnnan: "We hv also seen events change-at least temporarily-in Homs, where violence has dropped.." bec of "presence of..small # of monitors"

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:46:03

KAnnan: "events in Hama yest. r a reminder of the risks that Syrians face if our effort to create a sustained cess. of viol does not succeed

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:43:58

KAnnan: Action on Kofi's six point plan have been "partial," there continue to be reports of "significant abuses" of detainees

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:48:06

KAnnan: I've been informed by Syr authorities that 68 int journos have got visas. "There does appear to be some inc in..oper of for. journos

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:49:38

KAnnan:"Since 12 April, demonstrations hv increased...Security..ight, and there hv been unconfirmed rprts of the use of live fire by troops

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:51:41

KAnnan: I will approach Syr "at an appropriate time" and request the President appoint an "empowered interlocutor" for political talks w opp

— columlynch · Tue, Apr 24 2012 13:52:59

At least 80 people were killed, activists said, after forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad opened fire at protesters across the country. The city of Hama in particular came under heavy shelling: 50 people were reported killed there.

Storified by Ahmed Al Omran · Mon, Apr 23 2012 14:02:35

Fears of extremism taking hold in Syria as violence continues

Western diplomats say they have tracked a steady trickle of jihadists flowing into Syria from Iraq, and Jordan's government last week det...

Assad's regime killed with impunity for over a year; today, it kills under the cover of Kofi Annan & #UN observers. #Syria

— Rime Allaf · Mon, Apr 23 2012 13:14:08

Despite the President's speech this morning, the massacre in #Syria continues & there's no will to stop it

— John McCain · Mon, Apr 23 2012 09:05:17

My stmt on the situation in #Syria & the President's announcement this morning: http://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=e00eba98-c760-f982-c677-dd426a1d192b

— John McCain · Mon, Apr 23 2012 09:46:23

The #UN doesn't need observers to know what's happening in #Syria. They're just giving Assad some delay hoping that the revolution fails.

— Ugariti Homsi · Mon, Apr 23 2012 12:48:56

In Syria, Lebanon’s Most Wanted Sunni Terrorist Blows Himself Up http://ti.me/ILG2Pa via @TIMEWorld

— deborah amos · Mon, Apr 23 2012 12:40:58

Syria violence continues despite pledges to end it - UN http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/04/23/uk-syria-un-idUKBRE83M0VF20120423 via @reuters

— michaeldweiss · Mon, Apr 23 2012 07:58:02

Syria hotspot enjoys lull with UN monitors present

Syria hotspot enjoys lull with UN monitors present BEIRUT (AP) - The deployment of U.N. truce monitors brought a lull in shelling of the ...

EU imposes new sanctions on Syrian regime

EU imposes new sanctions on Syrian regime LUXEMBOURG (AP) - The European Union on Monday banned the sale of luxury goods and products to ...

Amazonaws

LCCsy. 80 killed on Monday in #Syria via Alarabiya

— Maisa Akbik · Mon, Apr 23 2012 12:54:26

40 people died today. (Not 80, because in Syria, counting starts after the first 40 deaths.)

— BSyria · Mon, Apr 23 2012 13:01:19

Video reportedly shows shelling on Arbaeen, Hama, earlier today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfC6Wl5fyw8 #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Mon, Apr 23 2012 09:24:03

GRAPHIC: Child Mohammad Abdul-Qader al-Sharif was reportedly killed in Dael, Daraa, today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdvALowgL6o #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Mon, Apr 23 2012 09:25:51

Man lying on the ground after getting shot by an Assad sniper in Homs #Syria http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hat_MM4voHI

— farooos · Mon, Apr 23 2012 08:01:40

Video shows scores of bodies, reportedly killed during the attack on Masha'a, Hama, today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CdGXWXTSxk #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Mon, Apr 23 2012 07:56:11

Activists said at least 32 people were killed by government security forces across Syria today as a team of UN monitors began their mission in the capital Damascus.

Storified by Ahmed Al Omran · Wed, Apr 18 2012 13:34:08

In Syria, Peace Plan 'Is Unraveling' : NPR

The U.N.-brokered plan to stop the killing in Syria "is unraveling," as guest host Lynn Neary said earlier on Morning Edition . Lynn spok...

Russia Said to Halt Syrian Arms Supplies After U.S. Pressure

Russia halted deliveries of light arms toSyria to avoid exacerbating a conflict between government forces and opposition groups, said a p...

Accord Near on Full Deployment of Cease-Fire Monitors in Syria

BEIRUT, Lebanon - Representatives of the United Nations and Syrian government moved toward signing an agreement Wednesday that would allo...

Syria Says Willing to Provide UN Observers With its Helicopters

Syria is willing to allow United Nations observers to use its helicopters when necessary to evacuate wounded people, foreign minister Wal...

Syria Crisis: Hillary Clinton Says Situation At A Turning Point

BRUSSELS, April 18 (Reuters) - Syria is at a turning point where the violence must stop or the United States will find ways to increase p...

#Clinton: either monitor mission will work or #Assad squander his last chance.It is a crucial point-- No elaboration of consequences

— ilhan tanir · Wed, Apr 18 2012 10:02:48

All too predictable: Assad trying to water down Annan plan, putting conditions on UN mission, locking UN in bargaining http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/18/us-syria-idUSBRE83E0KP20120418

— Emile Hokayem · Wed, Apr 18 2012 09:25:21

Syrian TV shows Assad & his wife visiting aid distribution center while reports emerge of anti-rebel attacks elsewhere http://reut.rs/JabjPD

— Ahmed Al Omran · Wed, Apr 18 2012 08:27:00

So I'm watching Bashar Assad & Asma Akhras joining assembly line, packing boxes for poor refugees affected by terrorist gangs. #Syria

— Rime Allaf · Wed, Apr 18 2012 11:56:29

So much wrong with this vid of Assads @ Homs aid center, starting with the too-excited volunteer in upper left @ :05 : http://tinyurl.com/6meafh6

— Elisha_MEI · Wed, Apr 18 2012 13:20:48

Any Given Friday How a battle over a Facebook page became a war for the soul of the Syrian revolution by @AmalHanano http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/04/18/any_given_friday

— abuhatem · Wed, Apr 18 2012 11:37:06

The U.S. Embassy in Damascus did not produced this video, but we fully support its effort... http://fb.me/1wbE5OPIA

— U.S. Embassy Syria · Wed, Apr 18 2012 06:53:48

Hat tip to the @nytimes. No one else is on this story. Kurds Remain on Sideline in Syria’s Uprising: http://nyti.ms/I4wnoz

— Elmira Bayrasli · Wed, Apr 18 2012 06:57:43

Amazonaws

Listen to the sounds of shelling on Homs, watch the smoke rising after each impact http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbJGbT8DG58 #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Wed, Apr 18 2012 10:22:56

Watch the impact as the rocket lands on its target, reportedly in Khaldiyeh, Homs, earlier today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_5UCk-f54M #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Wed, Apr 18 2012 08:06:49

Video reportedly shows the shelling of Khaldiyeh, Homs, earlier today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBilIGhdmbY #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Wed, Apr 18 2012 07:24:41

Security forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad continued to shell cities in Idlib and Homs, killing at least 66 people across the country, activists said.

Storified by Ahmed Al Omran · Tue, Apr 17 2012 12:38:20

Syria Attacks Persist as UN Starts to Monitor Truce

Syrian forces pounded a southern town, Al Jazeera television reported, as United Nations observers began their mission to monitor a cease...

Syrian Regime Bleeding Cash as Cease-fire is Threatened

A day after United Nations monitors arrived in Syria, Russia said on Tuesday that a fragile cease-fire was under threat from "external fo...

BBC team witnessed #Syria ceasefire collapse in Idlib. Jebal al-Zawiyah hit by helicopters, tanks, artillery. Casualties in field hospitals.

— Jon Williams · Tue, Apr 17 2012 05:40:25

U.N. must react firmly to any Syria violation: France http://reut.rs/HUtB3V via @reuters

— michaeldweiss · Tue, Apr 17 2012 07:19:53

Imp read: @washinstitute Gulf sec expert Michael Knights on whether Gulf states could intervene in Syria. I doubt it http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=3481

— Emile Hokayem · Tue, Apr 17 2012 11:41:47

RT @WashingtonPoint: Qatari PM after meeting w/Annan:"Syrian regime didnt adhere any of 6 points of the #Annan plan"

— Blake Hounshell · Tue, Apr 17 2012 11:38:15

UN wives launch petition to Asma al Assad -- "Stop Your Husband" - http://youtu.be/SzUViTShIAo

— andrewquinn · Tue, Apr 17 2012 11:20:17

Reforms of the Assad regime: room with a view. #Syria http://pic.twitter.com/42NZZdRZ · Rime Allaf

Latest death toll numbers from #Syria for today: at least 66 killed, most of them in Idlib. Source: LCC https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=434875889872886&set=a.221856221174855.74557.217848338242310&type=1

— Ahmed Al Omran · Tue, Apr 17 2012 11:39:44

Another video reportedly shows shelling of Homs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJNc90fZ684 Can you count the number of impacts in this 3 minutes clip? #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Tue, Apr 17 2012 07:52:16

More footage said to show shelling of Khaldiyeh, Homs, earlier today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuAU56YZhC4 #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Tue, Apr 17 2012 08:06:27

Video reportedly shows govt forces shelling of Khaldiyeh, Homs, earlier today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jcm5l9wRDDc #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Tue, Apr 17 2012 07:49:06

Video said to show Shabbiha (govt thugs) dancing on the roof of a building in Sabeel, Hama, earlier today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TnFbnSbgGU #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Tue, Apr 17 2012 11:33:41

Brother of Rakan Abu-Samra weeps over his body, shrouded in white, reportedly today in Khaldiyeh, Homs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bLfjxk2re4 #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Tue, Apr 17 2012 11:29:12

Government forces killed at least 50 people today, activists said, as UN monitors began to arrive to the country to watch a fragile ceasefire.

Storified by Ahmed Al Omran · Mon, Apr 16 2012 13:21:03

First U.N. Monitors Head To Syria As Truce Erodes : NPR

Syria's 4-day-old cease-fire appeared to be quickly eroding Sunday, with regime forces firing dozens of tank shells and mortar rounds at ...

Feature: Temptingly close to home, Syria rebels pick outlaw life

NORTHERN SYRIA | Mon Apr 16, 2012 12:10pm EDT NORTHERN SYRIA (Reuters) - Syrian rebels like Said and Ayman lurk in a shady pine grove jus...

U.N. rights investigators report violations since Syria truce

GENEVA, April 16 | Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:22am EDT GENEVA, April 16 (Reuters) - U.N. human rights investigators said on Monday that they had...

Fear and defiance amid Syria ceasefire

UN monitors have arrived in Syria to oversee a shaky ceasefire but the guns have not fallen silent and people are fearful, as the BBC's I...

Fierce clashes as observers begin work in Syria

Fierce clashes as observers begin work in Syria DAMASCUS - Syrian forces were locked in fierce gunfights with rebels in one city and shel...

BBC News - Today - Syria: 'Assad does not understand peace'

The first observers from the UN are starting work in Syria, where they are monitoring the fragile ceasefire. Journalists do not have free...

UN sent 1400 monitors to Kosovo for an entire year in a population of less than 2 million. But only 20 to a population of 20 million #Syria

— abuhatem · Sat, Apr 14 2012 13:16:26

250 inspectors r 2 be sent 2 #Syria, a country of 23 million ppl, in deep trauma, after 14 months of #Assad war crimes against them. #Fail

— Rana Kabbani · Mon, Apr 16 2012 08:30:59

@AmbassadorRice Should cessation of violence in Syria not hold it calls into qstion the "wisdom and the viability" of full mnitoring mission

— benmoran · Mon, Apr 16 2012 07:57:59

Syrian cartoonist Ali Ferzat implores Syrian soldiers not to obey Assad's orders. "Don't give yourselves to brutes..." http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=251619591602717&id=74184769474

— DavidKenner · Mon, Apr 16 2012 11:38:33

Jordanian Interior Ministry: 98,000 Syrian refugees have entered Jordan in the past 13 months.

— The 47th · Mon, Apr 16 2012 10:17:44

Why YouTube Has Become an Important Intelligence Source http://buswk.co/HMH4yB

— Ahmed Al Omran · Mon, Apr 16 2012 10:25:21

Excellent article by @LeShaque: http://www.ayyam.org/english/?p=340#.T4wrUH2ruk0.twitter #Syria

— BSyria · Mon, Apr 16 2012 08:29:42

Google

Watch as the cameraman runs to seek cover, reportedly during the shelling on Beyadha, Homs, today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8wORFtenhU #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Mon, Apr 16 2012 12:35:04

Video reportedly shows shelling on Qarabis, Homs, earlier today. Listen to rockets as they land on targets http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNkWnGOtoWQ #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Mon, Apr 16 2012 08:07:41

Video reportedly shows shelling on Khaldiyeh, Homs, earlier today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zrno34AiJhU #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Mon, Apr 16 2012 08:03:13

On the second day of a fragile cease-fire, forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad opened fire at protesters, killing at least 13 people across the country, activists said.

Storified by Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 13 2012 13:56:34

Cease-Fire in Syria Tested by Reports of Clashes

BEIRUT, Lebanon - A fragile cease-fire negotiated by the special envoy Kofi Annan prevailed in most of Syria on Thursday, the first vague...

UPDATE 2-Sarkozy says Assad insincere on ceasefire, wants aid corridors

Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:16am EDT PARIS, April 13 (Reuters) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Friday a ceasefire declaration by Syrian...

Russia sends conflicting signals on Syria ships

MOSCOW, April 13 | Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:23am EDT MOSCOW, April 13 (Reuters) - A Russian news agency reported on Friday that Moscow had deci...

News from @AP: Syria truce largely holds but 5 killed in protests. http://apne.ws/Iw6C3f%0A

— Andy Carvin · Fri, Apr 13 2012 08:16:08

Syrian rebels at Turkish border: 'The revolution is not over' http://gu.com/p/36pgq/tw via @guardian

— michaeldweiss · Fri, Apr 13 2012 09:15:23

Western diplo says negotiations on resolution authorizing UN monitors in Syria will likely go into weekend. Argh!

— benmoran · Fri, Apr 13 2012 11:54:12

From CNN's R. Roth: #Syria Amb. to UN tells reporters UN observer team still needs approval from govt. Says talks w Annan not yet finalized.

— Hala Gorani · Fri, Apr 13 2012 11:25:54

UPDATE 1-West pushes UN Syria vote, despite Russian criticism

Fri Apr 13, 2012 2:32pm EDT * West wants Friday vote; unclear if that is possible * Russia proposes its own U.N. council resolution on Sy...

SNC: No Confidence in Syrian Regime's Commitment to Annan's plan: http://www.syriancouncil.org/en/news/item/636-snc-no-confidence-in-syrian-regimes-commitment-to-annans-plan.html #SYRIANCOUNCIL retweet

— SNC · Fri, Apr 13 2012 11:51:43

Analysis: With echoes of Saddam, Syria's Assad may endure

LONDON (Reuters) - Having crushed a popular uprising, he rules by force over an Arab land shattered by conflict and sanctions, his people...

Nytimes

LCC is reporting violations of the ceasefire in 31 locations across the country, and at least 11 people killed so far. It is 4:37pm there.

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 13 2012 06:37:07

Cease-fire? What cease-fire? -- Video reportedly shows shelling on Qarabees, Homs, earlier today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhCPYbEehg8 #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 13 2012 07:49:22

Sounds of heavy gunfire and explosions in this video, reportedly recorded in Jouret al-Sheyah, Homs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AfeWjNx8j4 #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 13 2012 13:09:04

Video reportedly shows shelling on Homs today, sounds of intense gunfire http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo6qOxoS9T0 #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 13 2012 11:13:31

Another video reportedly shows the shelling on Qarabees, Homs, today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd9cjV0pr8M #SYRIA

— Ahmed Al Omran · Fri, Apr 13 2012 07:55:42