The Arab league has given Syria an ultimatum: either stop a violent crackdown on anti-government protesters, or face suspension from the body in four days.

The regional bloc is also considering imposing economic and political sanctions, as well as withdrawing ambassadors from Damascus.

Meanwhile, crowds armed with sticks have attacked the Saudi embassy in Damascus and the French and Turkish consulates in Latakia following the announcement.

Al Jazeera's Jane Arraf reports from Cairo, the Egyptian capital.