THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Iran is secretly aiding Syria's repression of anti-government protests by providing anti-riot gear and assistance in blocking protesters' use of internet, US officials have warned.
As part of an attempt its mission to spread its influence across the Middle East, Tehran is also examining ways of helping Shia populations in Bahrain and Yemen rising up against their rulers.
"We believe that Iran is materially assisting the Syrian government in its efforts to suppress their own people," an Obama administration official told the Wall Street Journal.
Assistance has included equipment and technical advice on blocking and monitoring communication between dissidents, and drew on the Iranian authorities' own experience of putting down an uprising that followed the June 2009 disputed election. » | Alex Spillius, Washington | Thursday, April 14, 2011
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Moroccan King Pardons Prisoners » | Associated Press | Thursday, April 14, 2011