In news from the Middle East, the Arab League has suspended Syria after President Bashar al-Assad reneged on an offer to stop the violent crackdown on protesters and open a dialogue with the opposition. Over the past seven months, Syrian forces have killed more than 3,500 people — although some estimates are much higher. Syria condemned the Arab League’s decision describing it as an “extremely dangerous step,” but Syrian exiles living in Jordan welcomed the move.

Azar Ghazi: “The Syrian people have waited for this move from the Arab League for a long time. This is the start of the path for victory. We in exile are confident that the Syrian people will win in its peaceful revolution against Bashar and all his aides.”