Syrian opposition forces fought the fiercest battle with government loyalist troops yet on Monday, in the tony El Mezze district of Damascus. Damascus, the capital, has not seen huge demonstrations. This violence is the severest form of opposition that the capital has witnessed. The Free Syrian Army, made up largely…

At least 10 killed as car bombings and roadside blasts hit several cities. from (author unknown) via http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/03/201232055548528660.html

Moscow seeks daily two-hour humanitarian ceasefire, backing Red Cross demands for delivering aid amid raging conflict. from (author unknown) via http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/03/201232041855953883.html

Mining firms decry move as parliament passes 30 per cent tax on iron ore and coal mine profits. from (author unknown) via http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/03/2012320412548636.html

Vigil held for four killed in Toulouse, as police probe links between shooting spree and soldiers’ killings last week. from (author unknown) via http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2012/03/201232041626420910.html

Barack Obama look-alike contest held in Colombia: ITN: from Juan via http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/juancole/ymbn/~3/QQjhigMIMtU/barack-obama-look-alike-contest-in-colombia.html

Government says it has implemented serious reforms since November, but opposition says major issues unresolved. from (author unknown) via http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/03/2012319183634828574.html

The funeral is due to take place in Cairo of the Pope Shenouda, leader of the Coptic Church, who died on Saturday aged 88. from (author unknown) via http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-middle-east-17437325

US army man accused of slaughtering 16 civilians has sketchy memory of the night of the massacre, says his lawyer. from (author unknown) via http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2012/03/201232015646808650.html

Hundreds of thousands rally on “day to support oppressed Iraqis,” UN report finds Israeli settlers stealing Palestinian water springs, Saudi protests in solidarity with Abha students spread to Riyadh, and more. from (author unknown) via http://www.linktv.org/video/7451