Army blocks access to major squares
Central metro stations also closed to prevent demonstrators from assembling
China oil giant buys into strife-hit Egypt for $3.1 bln
Chinese state-owned Sinopec will buy a one-third share in the Egyptian oil and natural gas business of US firm Apache Corp.
Obama ready to go it alone on Syria
Washington is ready to go it alone to strike Syria despite the British parliament's rejection of military action and the lack of a UN mandate.
British parliament rejects military action in Syria
The government was defeated by just 13 votes in the House of Commons in its bid for a "strong humanitarian response" to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the…
AFP Infographic: The Syrian crisis
Foreign forces and bases in the Middle East and selected Syrian military equipment
Israel deploys Iron Dome defence system: Netanyahu
"We are not involved in the war in Syria. But I repeat: if anyone tries to harm Israeli citizens, Tsahal (the Israeli army) will respond with force," Netanyahu said
Assad vows to defend Syria amid military buildup
The military build-up continued in the Mediterranean as Western powers appeared poised to launch strikes against Assad's regime
US sends fifth destroyer to eastern Mediterranean
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told the BBC that US forces were in place and "ready to go" if Obama gives the order
Police arrest senior Islamist Al-Beltagy
Al-Beltagy is the latest Brotherhood leader detained in a wide-ranging crackdown on the Islamist movement.