'Innocence of Muslims' protests spread further in Middle East

Protests and outrage are now spreading to Lebanon and Iran, and continue in Yemen and Egypt, over the film "Innocence of Muslims", released on YouTube, which insults the Prophet Mohammed.

Digital Journal has reported widely on the various protests arising from the "Innocence of Muslims" film, which insults the Prophet Mohammed.

After the deaths of U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and 3 other members of staff in Benghazi, Libya, and attacks on the U.S. embassy in Cairo and Yemen, the outrage continues to spread... read more and watch video.

Egypt lifts 5-year blockade of Gaza

In a landmark move, Egypt is allowing Palestinians free entry into its territory, ending part of a long-term blockade on Gaza.

The blockade was imposed by Egypt, with the help of Israel, in June 2007 to take a tougher line on Palestinian travelers, due to fears of Hamas insurgents.

Now that Egypt has an Islamist president in power, the country has eased the visa restrictions on Palestinians traveling from Gaza, thus ending its long term assistance in Israel's siege of the area... read more.

Video: 60% of Egyptians suffering from PTSD

In the wake of the successful elections recently in Egypt, surveys have shown that 60% of Egyptians are suffering from PTSD, caused by the stress of both protests and multiple elections.

In spite of the long-anticipated announcement of the presidential elections last weekend, Egyptians are planning to be out in the streets protesting yet again this Friday, to demand the power handover from the current military government to their newly-elected leader... read more and watch video.

'The World Tomorrow' Ep 4. Rajab & El-Fattah: Arab Spring (video)

This week's episode of the controversial talk show discusses the Arab Spring. Assange interviews Nabeel Rajab, human rights leader from Bahrain and Alaa Abd El-Fattah, political activist from Egypt.

Julian Assange interviews both activists who are involved in the Arab Spring to find out the latest status of the movement.

Nabeel Rajab is the president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights and is the foremost critic of the Al-Khalifa regime in the country, which continues its brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters. With over 140,000 followers on Twitter, he is one of the most well-known online activists in the Arab world.

The second person interviewed is Alaa Abd El-Fattah from Egypt.  El-Fattah is a long-time Egyptian blogger, programmer and political activist... read full article and view video.

Egypt has now denied licenses to 8 U.S.-based non-profit groups to operate in the country. They state they are violating the country's sovereignty.

An Egyptian minister said on Monday that this will include a center headed by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter which monitors elections, the Carter Center for Human Rights. Also included is Seeds of Peace, a Christian group The Coptic Orphans and others. The minister spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to brief the media... read full article.

Egypt cuts natural gas supply to Israel

While insisting the move is not political, Egypt has cut the country's natural gas supply to Israel on Sunday. Egypt cited violations of contractual obligations.

On Sunday, Egypt's Natural Gas Holding Company announced the termination of its contract with Israel. Company head, Mohamed Shoeb has stated that Israel has not paid for its gas in 4 months. Shoeb stated: "This has nothing to do with anything outside of the commercial relations."

Israel purchases 40% of its natural gas supply from Egypt.

This move by Egypt also comes in the wake of cross-border attacks at gas pipelines following last year’s uprising... read full article.

Both sides unite in protest in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt

Tens of thousands of Egyptians packed Tahrir Square yesterday - islamists and liberals joined forces in protest against the ruling military government. 

The whole spectrum of Egyptian political protesters were collaborating in a protest for real democracy, as the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) is reluctant to give up power. 

 The crowds in Tahrir Square, Cairo are accusing the SCAF of manipulating the upcoming president elections so that they can retain power. 

Despite the fact that parliamentary elections have taken place, Egypt has seen little democratic change... read full article and watch video.

10,000 Egyptians rally in Cairo — ‘No leftovers from Mubarak!’

Thousands of Egyptians once against took over Tahrir Square yesterday in support of a law to put a 10-year ban on Mubarak supporting officials in office.

Coming just over a month before the Egyptian presidential poll, over 10,000 Egyptians filled Tahrir Square in central Cairo. The rally is being called "Protecting the Revolution" and is the first demonstration to happen in months.

The Islamist-dominated protest is largely aimed against Omar Suleiman. Suleiman was the former intelligence chief in President Mubarak's government and he has recently said that he intends to run for the Presidential seat.

AP quoted a protester saying: “If Omar Suleiman became president, it would turn to a pool of blood, and people would stay in the square for 10 years.” ... read full article and view video.