Surf Arab States

Arab States Weekly Review 5th – 11th March 2011

Fighting between supporters of Muammar Qaddafi and rebel troops continued in Libya. The colonel’s forces appear to have regained control of Zawiya, a city near Tripoli. Ras Lanuf, an oil port held by the rebels, came under heavy aerial bombardment.

Debate outside Libya about imposing a no-fly zone intensified. The USA said the UN must endorse the idea, whilst Russia seems determined to oppose.

At least 13 people died in Cairo, Egypt, in a sectarian row whereby Coptic Christians protested against the burning of a church on the outskirts of Cairo.