Middle East

Gaddafi death energizes protests in Syria and Yemen

As the Syrian army tries to quell protests in Homs with shelling (above), it seems regime opponents in Syria and Yemen have taken renewed strength from the death of Gaddafi in Libya.

Syrian President Bashar Assad’s security forces opened fire on protesters, killing at least 24 people nationwide, according to activists. It did not stop the crowds from chanting, “Your turn is coming, Bashar.”

Yemenis delivered a similar message to President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who survived an assassination attempt in June. “Gadhafi is gone, and you’re next, oh butcher,” they chanted.

And while many of us have issues with the BBC, their Arabic Service must be doing something right. This demonstration in the Syrian city of Idlib features a sign thanking Al Jazeera and the BBC.

(Hat tip: EA WorldView)