Israel launches Palestinians-only buses

Two Palestinians-only bus lines were launched by Israel at the beginning of the week (photo AFP)

Two Palestinians-only bus lines have been launched by Israel in the occupied West Bank, a move described as racist by an Israeli rights group.

The Transport Ministry said it was an improvement in service.

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Saudi men get text alert when ‘dependants’ leave

Saudi Arabia has long been criticised regarding its women rights. In the Muslim country women cannot travel without the consent of their male ‘guardians’ and are now monitored by an electronic system at airports.

If a woman crosses the border a new system will automatically send a text message to the men in order to inform them that the woman is leaving or entering the country, even if the man is travelling with her.

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Controversial new treason law in Russia

A few days after promising to review treason law, Russian president Vladimir Putin (photo, from dailymail.co.uk) has signed it. The law which expands the definition of treason went into effect on Wednesday.

According to critics this new law may be used to stifle dissent.

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Thousands protest for women’s rights in Tunisia

On Monday evening, the end of the daytime fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan marked the start of a protest in the Tunisian capital, Tunis.

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Saudi women to compete in Games

Two Saudi women will compete in the London 2012 Games, said the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Sarah Attar (photo, from bbc.co.uk) will compete in the 800m and Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrakhani in the judo competition above 78kg.

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Afghan woman strangled after giving birth to third daughter

A woman in Afghanistan has been arrested for allegedly strangling her 22-year old daughter-in-law two days ago in the village of Mahfalay, inKunduz province (map, from bbcimg.co.uk), for giving birth to a third daughter.

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US military to investigate ‘abuse’ video

A video appears to show four US soldiers in Afghanistan urinating on three apparently lifeless men on the ground (photo, from bbcimg.co.uk). The soldiers seem to be aware that they are being filmed.

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Syria : Arab League observers concerned by snipers

The Arab League mission arrived in Syria five days ago, where the 60 observers (photo, from lefigaro.fr) are to verify the implementation of a peace plan which requires the end of all violence, the withdrawal of troops from the streets and the release of political prisoners.

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Israel : clashes over gender segregation in Beit Shemesh

Clashes took place on Sunday and Monday between ultra-Orthodox Jews and police in the Israeli town of Beit Shemesh (photo from bbcimg.co.uk), near Jerusalem, leaving a police officer slightly hurt and a number of Orthodox Jews detained, according to reports.

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Three women receive Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo

The 2011 Nobel Peace Prize has been presented during a ceremony in the Norwegian capital Oslo to three women who have fought against dictatorship, injustice and sexual violence in Liberia and Yemen.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the president of Liberia, Leymah Gbowee, the Liberian peace activist, and Tawakkol Karman, the Yemeni pro-democracy campaigner collected their diplomas and medals at Oslo’s city hall on Saturday (photo, from bbcimg.co.uk).

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