Middle East Online, By Assaad Abboud
Saudi government is now monitoring women electronically by informing their male guardians about their cross-border movements. More at the link
More news from the Middle East
*Gaza ceasefire holds but mistrust runs deep
*Many Israelis denounce cease-fire accord: say job is unfinished
*Another soft coup: Morsi grants himself far-reaching powers
* Rebels capture key base in Syria East
Egypt protesters torch Muslim Brotherhood offices
BBC, November 23
Protesters in Egypt have set fire to Muslim Brotherhood offices in several cities, according to state TV.
They were demonstrating against President Mohammed Mursi’s decision to grant himself sweeping new powers.
His decree states, among other things, that the president’s decisions cannot be revoked by any authority – including the judiciary.
Rival rallies have been held across the country by supporters and opponents of Mr Mursi.
More at the link
UN ‘very concerned’ amid anger over new powers for Egypt’s ruler Morsi
NBC, November 23
The United Nations expressed serious concerns Friday about human rights and stability in Egypt, after new Islamist President Mohammed Morsi awarded himself sweeping new powers.
Major protests were expected in Cairo on Friday afternoon after Morsi decreed himself above the judiciary and exempted the Islamist-dominated constituent assembly writing Egypt’s new constitution from judicial review.
Other changes give Morsi power to take security measures to protect his position, which rights groups say are like new emergency laws.
The changes, announced late Thursday, prompted outrage among secularists and liberals.
More at the link
Israel’s Iron Dome shield against Gaza rockets cost up to $30 million
NBC (via Reuters), November 23
JERUSALEM – Israel’s Iron Dome interceptions of rockets fired from Gaza during eight days of Gaza fighting cost $25 million to $30 million, the government said on Thursday, arguing the U.S.-backed system was well worth the money.
“Were Iron Dome traded on the (Tel Aviv) stock exchange or Nasdaq, it would have multiplied its share value several times over,” Civil Defense Minister Avi Dichter told Israel Radio in an interview where he outlined the system’s outlay.
Using radar-guided interceptor missiles, Israel’s five truck-towed Iron Dome batteries shot down 421 of some 1,500 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip between November 14 and Wednesday’s Egyptian-brokered truce, the military said.
More at the link
With Syria’s eastern oilfields in rebel hands, a brisk business in pirated crude grows
McClatchy, By David Enders, November 23
SHAHEL, Syria — Syrian rebels have captured two of the three major oilfields in the country’s southeastern Deir al Zour province and are extracting oil that they say is helping to support their rebellion.
“We are at the beginning of winter, and people need oil to run the bakeries and to heat their homes. The weather is very cold here,” said a rebel leader here who, for security reasons, identifies himself by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohamed.
The capture of the fields is another blow to the Syrian government’s attempt to offset inflation and shortages of various goods in the areas it still controls. It also has set off a booming oil trade in this impoverished area. Dozens of trucks wait in line 24 hours a day to fill up at rebel-held wells, which produce a light crude that can be burned without refining, though the result is dense smoke. Some farmers insist the unrefined crude can be used to power farm equipment, though it seems primarily to be used for heat.
More at the link
Egypt President Mursi defends new powers amid protests
BBC, November 23
President Mohammed Mursi has appeared before supporters in Cairo to defend a new decree that grants him sweeping powers.
He told them he was leading Egypt on a path to “freedom and democracy” and was the guardian of stability.
He was speaking as thousands of opponents gathered in Cairo’s Tahrir Square and offices of the president’s party were attacked in several cities.
The decree says presidential decisions cannot be revoked by any authority.
‘Mursi is Mubarak’
Speaking at a rally at the presidential palace in Cairo, Mr Mursi said he was working to secure a strong and stable nation, for which there was a “great future”.
He said: “I am for all Egyptians. I will not be biased against any son of Egypt.”
Continue reading the main story
22 November declaration
All investigations into the killing of protesters or the use of violence against them will be re-conducted; trials of those accused will be re-held
All constitutional declarations, laws and decrees made since Mr Mursi assumed power cannot be appealed or cancelled by any individual, or political or governmental body
The public prosecutor will be appointed by the president for a fixed term of four years, and must be aged at least 40
The constituent assembly’s timeline for drafting the new constitution has been extended by two months
No judicial authority can dissolve the constituent assembly or the upper house of parliament (Shura Council)
The president is authorised to take any measures he sees fit in order to preserve the revolution, to preserve national unity or to safeguard national security
Mr Mursi said he was the guardian of political, economic and social stability and wanted to see a “genuine opposition, a strong opposition”.
“I am the guarantor of that and I will protect for my brothers in the opposition all their rights so they can exercise their role.”
Mr Mursi also vowed to defend the independence of the executive, judiciary and legislature and not issue decrees to settle scores.
But across the capital in Tahrir Square, thousands of the president’s opponents heeded calls to demonstrate against the decree.
Chants of “Mursi is Mubarak… revolution everywhere” rang out.
More at the link