Pressure from the Arab world continues to build on Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad since Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s strong statement and withdrawal of his ambassador on Sunday. Bahrain and Kuwait both announced its respective ambassadors to Syria had been called home “for consultations,” a traditional form of diplomatic protest. Through his state-run media, Al-Asad lashed back at his critics, suggesting that they were towing the American line rather than acting like brothers. The action by the three Gulf States was joined by Al-Azhar, the world’s oldest Sunni Muslim clerical organization, which condemned the violence in Syria, calling it a “tragedy” that has “exceeded all limits.” The organization’s leader said “there must be an end to this Arab-Islamic tragedy.” In Beirut, an estimated 800 protestors poured into Martyr’s Square to demonstrate against Al-Asad. The participants shouted anti-Asad slogans and expressed solidarity with the Syrian people. Al-Asad has replaced his defense minister with General Dawood Rajiha, the army Chief-of-Staff since 2009. The Arab news service Al Bawaba suggests that the appointment of Rajiha (pictured) might be a move by Al-Asad to rid himself of army officers that might turn against him and defect to the opposition. The official reason given for the dismissal of the defense minister is ill health.