From: Middle East Update < To: <[email protected]> Subject: Middle East Update - March 28-April 12, 2011 Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:58:16 +0000 Importance Normal Middle East Update March 28-April 12, 2011 Syria Last Friday, Syria witnessed widespread demonstrations. Protests took place in Dara'a, Qamishli, Douma, Hasaka, Banias, Homs, Harasta, and Hama. The security forces reacted with brutal force. Estimates of fatalities range from 37 to 42, most of them in the city of Dara'a. The authorities claimed that protesters and security personnel were shot in equal number by unknown armed groups. The Syrian television showed footage of masked men directing their fire at the protesters. This official version has however not turned public opinion. On Monday, April 11th, the city of Banias came under military siege; many protesters and security personnel were, according to Syrian Government sources, killed. As protests spread to more cities, sectarian tensions are also beginning to surface in Syria. In Dara'a, a predominantly Sunni city, protesters have accused Iran and the Lebanese party Hizbullah of participating in the suppression of demonstrations. In Latakia, clashes have also erupted along sectarian lines. Lebanese and Iranian involvement, however, seems improbable; the rising tensions are likely an expression of resentment directed at the powerful ruling family, who belong to the Alawi sect, and a show of disapproval of the Syrian-Iranian alliance. Syrian protesters have advanced the following demands: 1. Repeal of the emergency law, instituted in 1963, which would necessitate the release of close to 2,000 political prisoners; 2. Constitutional amendments that provide for democratic life; 3. Authorization for political parties to operate freely; 4. Dissolution of both the government and the People's Council. 5. Call for early presidential and parliamentary elections; and 6. Abolition of Article 8 of the constitution, which stipulates tha