BBC

28 February 2011 Last updated at 15:43 ET

The USS Enterprise (right) is currently in the Red Sea

The US defence department says it is repositioning forces in the Libya region as the West weighs potential intervention against Muammar Gaddafi.
The Pentagon said it was moving forces to “provide for that flexibility once decisions are made”.

The US already has a significant presence close to Libya, with several bases in southern Italy.

Continue reading Libya unrest: US repositioning forces in region →

BBC

22 February 2011 Last updated at 13:23 ET

Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi has refused to stand down amid widespread anti-government protests which he said had tarnished the image of the country.

In his first major speech since unrest began last week, Col Gaddafi said the whole world looked up to Libya and that protests were “serving the devil”.

Reading from the country’s constitution, he said enemies of Libya would be executed.

Rights groups say nearly 300 have been killed in the violence so far.

Continue reading Defiant Gaddafi refuses to quit amid Libya protests →

By the CNN Wire Staff

February 16, 2011 12:25 p.m. EST

Are there protests where you are? Share your photos and video with CNN iReport, but please make safety your first priority.

(CNN) — Unrest has spread across the Middle East and North Africa. Here’s a look at what has happened — and what is happening — in various countries:

Wednesday developments:

BAHRAIN

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said those involved in the deaths of two people during recent protests have been taken into custody. Also Wednesday, thousands of people gathered for a peaceful funeral procession for a Bahraini man killed when clashes erupted during another protester’s funeral procession, the president of a human rights group said. The king of the small Gulf nation addressed his country on national television Tuesday, promising changes in the law after the deaths.

Protesters initially demanded reform and the introduction of a constitutional monarchy. But some are now calling for the removal of the royal family.

Continue reading Unrest in the Middle East and North Africa — country by country →