12/29/06

Report: Saddam to be executed Saturday One of Saddam Hussein's lawyers estimated on Friday afternoon that he would be executed on Saturday.

Hajj pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat Hundreds of thousands of Muslims have prayed on the desert mountain where the Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon.

Iran seeks to use the haj for political gain As the eyes of Muslims worldwide are directed toward Mecca - where ceremonies of the haj are held prior to Id al-Adha - Saudi authorities are busy working to maintain the safety of the worshipers.

Anti-Ethiopian protest in Mogadishu Mogadishu on Friday witnessed a noisy demonstration against Ethiopian troops who have helped Somalia's weak government.

'Israel is open to any murmur of peace' In a gesture to Syria, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Thursday said that he was open to "any murmur of peace" from Israel's enemies.

Arab Editor: Arming Abbas and Hamas is a Step Toward Civil War Muslim and Western efforts to equip Fatah and Hamas militias "will be used to kill and slaughter Palestinians by Palestinians," a Bethlehem-based journalist wrote.

Israel's population grew 1.8 percent in 2006, to 7.1 million As the clock chimes out 2006, Israel's population stands at 7.1 million, of which 76 percent is Jewish and 20 percent Arab.

In Face of Kassams, Battered Town Councils Prepare to Evacuate Following the recent escalation of Kassam rockets in western Negev communities including Sderot, residents and their regional councils are now making plans to evacuate if the situation gets worse.

German EU presidency lumbered with massive to-do list When large countries take over the six-month presidency of the European Union they generate a huge level of expectation.

Russian Lawmakers Warn Against Saddam Hussein`s Execution Russian senior lawmakers condemned the death sentence passed on Saddam Hussein warning that the execution may cause civil war in Iraq.

12/28/06

Israel lets Egypt ship arms to Fatah In response to continued violence between the Hamas and Fatah factions in the Palestinian Authority, Israel approved on Wednesday night the transfer of 2,000 automatic rifles

Somali troops 'enter Mogadishu' Government troops in Somalia have entered areas of Mogadishu, hours after Islamist forces abandoned the capital city.

Vatican slams Saddam's death penalty A top Vatican official condemned the death sentence against Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Internet access recovers in Asia after earthquakes Asia's Internet and telecommunication infrastructure showed signs of recovery today, following service disruptions.

Hajj begins amid growing Muslim sectarian tension Nearly 3 million Muslims from around the world, chanting "I am here, Lord" and raising their hands to heaven, marched through a desert valley outside Mecca on Thursday.

Saddam's execution poses dilemma An appeals court's final confirmation of ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's death sentence is fueling debate in Iraq on how the former dictator's last days will unfold.

China's Hu calls for powerful navy Chinese president and commander-in-chief Hu Jintao urged the building of a powerful navy that is prepared "at any time" for military struggle.

Euro notes cash in to overtake dollar The US dollar bill's standing as the world's favorite form of cash is being usurped by the five-year-old euro.

Sudan Raises Doubts on U.N. Peace Effort Sudan raised new questions Wednesday about its commitment to a U.N. peace effort in the violence-wracked Darfur region.

Russia and Cyprus overshadow Finnish EU presidency The Finnish EU presidency is winding down to an unspectacular end this weekend.

12/27/06

IDF receives order to attack rocket launchers New instructions in accordance with PM's decision permit army forces to strike Qassam cells within certain limitations pertaining to intelligence information, cells' proximity to Palestinian population centers

Despite war, 2006 aliyah on the rise A plane carrying 220 olim from North America and UK will arrive Wednesday bringing the total amount of Jews who made aliyah in 2006 to 21,000, the Jewish Agency said Wednesday.

Saddam to hang within 30 days Saddam Hussein is to be executed within the next 30 days after his appeal against a death sentence for crimes against humanity was rejected yesterday by the highest appeals court in Iraq.

Taiwan Quake Disrupts Asia Telecommunications Much of Asia faces days of slow Internet connections and cut phone lines Chunghwa Telecom said an undersea cable damaged, interrupting communications with Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong.

Abbas proposes 'backdoor' peace talks with Israel Plan includes participation of Quartet members in final status negotiations; claims PM promised to consider plan at last weekend's meeting.

Iran to reconsider ties with IAEA Iran's parliament has voted to urge the government to "revise" ties with the UN nuclear agency in a move designed to reduce the country's co-operation with the international atomic authority.

West Bank housing OKd Israel approves new homes for settlers, drawing protests. Near Gaza, two teens are hurt in a rocket strike.

Arab states urge foreign forces to leave Somalia Arab League members called on Wednesday for a ceasefire in member state Somalia and the withdrawal of all foreign forces.

Joshua's Altar Leads to Deepening National Consciousness A reminder of the historic significance of the Jewish People's first day in the Holy Land was provided by a trip for Russian-speaking Israelis to Joshua's Altar on Mt. Ebal outside Shechem.

'Hamas must play role in peace process' Peres tells gathering in Spain that group is an important force in process.

12/26/06

King Abdullah: Israel not as strong as we thought Jordan's King Abdullah said during an interview with Tokyo-based newspaper The Daily Yomiuri that "The (Lebanon) war last summer showed that Israel is not as strong as we had previously thought".

Islamic Courts abandon strongholds Council of Islamic Courts fighters have retreated from the main frontline after a week of artillery and mortar duels and attacks by Somalian transitional government and Ethiopian soldiers, witnesses say.

'Palestinians' call on Israelis to evacuate Negev Residents of Kiryat Gat and Ashdod recently received leaflets distributed by right-wing activists asking them "to evacuate to the settlement of Eilat."

Iran may declare major enrichment feat Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki reportedly told members of the Iranian parliament on Tuesday that Iran would soon announce that it had managed to enrich uranium using 3,000 centrifuges.

Iran: Christian states ruined Christmas The UN Security Council decision to place sanctions on Iran has "ruined Christmas," according to Iranian state media.

Exclusive: Bethlehem fears terror Reports that Israel is considering allowing a group of gunmen who were deported in 2002 after hiding inside the Church of the Nativity to return home have left some Christian residents here seriously concerned for their safety.

Haniyeh, Abbas to meet in Jordan Jordan will host talks between Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas and President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah after a surge in factional violence.

Death sentence for Saddam upheld An Iraqi appeals court has upheld the death sentence against ousted President Saddam Hussein, Iraq's national security adviser has said.

Foreign Ministry: Syria is serious about renewing peace talks A senior Foreign Ministry official on Tuesday backed the view of Military Intelligence that Syria is serious about renewing peace negotiations with Israel.

1.5 mn arrive in Saudi for the Hajj More than 1.5 million Muslims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca which begins Thursday, Saudi authorities said.

12/22/06

Syria building 'death trap' villages A high-ranking officer in Northern Command has told The Jerusalem Post that villages recently built by Syria along the border are planned to be used as "death traps" for IDF troops.

Gaza's residents rally for peace Hundreds of Palestinians have rallied outside parliament in Gaza City, urging rival factions to stop violence and restart unity government talks.

'Only military action can stop Iran' In a dramatic conclusion concerning the future of the state of Israel, the latest edition of the Middle East Strategic Balance, calls for military action to stop Iran's nuclear program.

Europe's 'biggest dinosaur' found Fossils found in Spain belong to what was probably Europe's biggest ever dinosaur, according to scientists.

Jordanian king: Progress on peace critical in 2007 King Abdallah II of Jordan said Friday during a three day visit to Japan that 2007 would be a "very crucial" year for the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis.

Flu 'could wipe out 62 million' A global flu pandemic could kill 62 million people, experts have warned.

Hamas and Fatah clash in Gaza Clashes in Gaza City between Hamas men and unknown fighters have cast doubt on a recent truce between rival Palestinian groups.

Russia's Putin arrives in Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin is making his first trip to Ukraine since the appointment of the pro-Russian Prime Minister, Viktor Yanukovych.

Thousands flee as war escalates in Somalia Ethiopian attack helicopters and tanks headed for battle Friday.

Chinese Christians in riot trial Eight Chinese Christians are going on trial in the eastern city of Hangzhou charged with instigating violence and interfering with the law.

12/21/06

Somalis 'at war' with Ethiopia The leader of the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), which controls much of southern Somalia, says they are in a state of war with Ethiopia.

IDF: Hizbullah almost at full strength Predicting that it is "just a matter of time" before Hizbullah attacks Israel, a high-ranking officer from the Northern Command revealed to The Jerusalem Post Wednesday that the Lebanese guerrilla group had nearly returned to full strength.

Shiites Seek Cease-Fire From Cleric Delegates representing Shiite groups forming the largest bloc in Iraq's parliament gathered Thursday.

Syria may close Lebanese border If the international community establishes an international court to try suspects for political assassinations in Lebanon, then Syria may close its border with Lebanon.

Ahmadinejad suffers election blow Final results announced by the interior ministry on Thursday show that the Iranian president's opponents have won last Friday's elections for local councils.

Turkmenistan's 'iron ruler' dies Turkmenistan's authoritarian president Saparmurat Niyazov, who ruled the Central Asian country for 21 years, has died aged 66, state TV has reported.

Report: Olmert, Siniora met in secret The Palestinian "Maan" news agency is citing a source who claims the Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.

Abbas hopes to meet PM by year's end Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday said he hopes to hold a long-awaited summit with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Ministers to Olmert: End restraint policy Is ceasefire about to be officially over? More and more ministers have called on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to consider ending the restraint policy.

Russia Successfully Tests SS-18 Satan Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Russia successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile Thursday.

12/20/06

Al-Qaeda calls for Palestine jihad The occupied Palestinian territories will be liberated through jihad, not elections, according to a senior al-Qaeda leader.

New U.S. defense chief visits Baghdad New U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived Wednesday in Baghdad on an unannounced visit to meet with military leaders and other officials.

Blair labels Iran as main foe British Prime Minister Tony Blair wrapped up a Middle East tour Wednesday with a stark speech.

Ahmadinejad: What would Jesus do today? Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sent a greeting to the world's Christians for the coming New Year.

Iran acts over Israeli nukes Iran has called for the UN Security Council to compel Israel to give up its nuclear weapons.

Olmert: Syrian peace overtures not genuine Prime Minister Ehud Olmert renewed his opposition to peace talks with Syria

Heavy fighting erupts in Somalia Heavy fighting has broken out close to the base of the weak Somali interim government in Baidoa.

Ahmadinejad: Iran now nuclear power Iran is now a "nuclear power," its President, Mahmoud Ahamdinejad, delcared Wednesday.

Syria in Bush's Crosshairs The Bush Administration has been quietly nurturing individuals and parties opposed to the Syrian government.

Terror leader: Arms race developing Recent US shipments of weapons to bolster activists from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah organization have prompted an arms race with rival Hamas.

12/19/06

Schools shut amid Gaza 'anarchy' Schools have been closed in Gaza amid what officials say is a state of anarchy caused by fighting between Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.

Olmert and Abdullah hold surprise meeting in Amman Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made a surprise visit to Jordan Tuesday for talks with King Abdullah II on ways to revive the Middle East peace process.

Bush delays moving US embassy to Jerusalem United States President George W. Bush has delayed for another six months moving the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

US defence chief warns over Iraq New US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has warned that failure in Iraq would be a "calamity" that would haunt the United States for many years.

Report: US to boost Persian Gulf force The United States is planning a major naval build up in and around the Persian Gulf as a warning to Iran, CBS News reported late Monday.

Iraq attacks reach record levels Attacks on US and Iraqi troops and civilians reached their highest level since Iraqi sovereignty was restored in June 2004, a Pentagon report has said.

Bibi: World must prevent another Shoah Opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu convened more than 50 ambassadors and diplomats on Tuesday.

Israeli housing to expand in Golan Israel is to speed up development on land it occupies in the Golan Heights.

Russia Concerned Over Middle East Turmoil, Pledges Support, Putin Assures Syria's al-Assad Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced concern at the turmoil in the Middle East and stressed Moscow's desire for a diplomatic role in the region.

Aliyah 2006: 25 percent increase in British immigrants Lower immigration figures for 2006 attributed to war in Lebanon, massive jump in aliyah from Britain.

12/18/06

Palestinian factions 'agree deal' Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah say they have reached a deal to end violence in the Gaza Strip.

Blair pledges support for Abbas British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Monday praised Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' call for new Palestinian elections.

EU to Israel: Stop violating int'l law The European Council called on Monday for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to meet in the near future.

Iran reformist regains influence Iran's moderate former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has won election to Iran's powerful clerical body, the Assembly of Experts.

PM: Israel hesitant on Syria due to US Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made it clear to the cabinet on Sunday that one reason Israel is not embracing recent overtures for negotiations from Syria is American opposition.

Report: Saudi study finds Iranian Shiite 'state' in Iraq According to Washington Times, report commissioned by Saudi government says Iran established Shiite 'state within a state' in Iraq.

Nuclear Pact Will Make India Client State Of US, Says Opposition The Indian parliament saw a spirited debate on the India-US civilian nuclear deal Monday.

Iran to replace dollar with euro The Iranian central bank is to convert the state's foreign dollar assets into euros and use the euro for foreign transactions.

Report: Rise in European 'Islamophobia' Muslims across Europe are confronting a rise in "Islamophobia" ranging from violent attacks to discrimination in the job and housing markets.

US church splits over sexuality Two church congregations in the US have voted to break away from the Episcopal Church because of its decision three years ago to consecrate a gay bishop.

12/15/06

32 wounded during Hamas-Fatah clashes in Ramallah Thirty-two people were wounded on Friday as Hamas and Fatah-allied gunmen exchanged fire in Gaza City and Ramallah.

Iranians go to the polls Iran is to hold elections for its municipal councils as well as the Assembly of Experts.

EU backs strict expansion rules European Union leaders have agreed that aspiring members must meet its tight entry criteria but said there should be no new obstacles to future expansion.

Siniora seeks Moscow's help Fouad Siniora, the Lebanese prime minister, has arrived in Russia to meet Vladimir Putin.

Assad: Europe has a Holocaust complex "Europe has a Holocaust complex, we don't because we didn't do it," Syrian President Bashar Assad was quoted as saying on Friday by the Italian newspaper.

Ban Ki-moon sworn in as UN chief South Korea's Ban Ki-moon has been sworn in as the next UN secretary general at a ceremony in New York.

Somali militants target Ethiopian troops Islamists in Somalia today distributed sermons calling for holy war amid fears the country is descending into a new cycle of violence.

Iran destabilises Mideast - EU The European Union accused Iran on Friday of destabilising the Middle East with its nuclear program and threats towards Israel.

Praying for New Chanukah Miracles Jews begin the eight-day Chanukah festival Friday night.

Rice hints Baker report to be snubbed US secretary of state tells Washington Post that US will not 'trade away' Lebanon to Syria nor allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

12/14/06

Lebanon pins hopes on Arab solution to crisis Lebanon was pinning its hopes Thursday on an Arab solution aimed at ending two weeks of Hezbollah-led street protests against the government.

New Forecast: Severe Space Storm Headed to Earth Space weather forecasters revised their predictions for storminess after a major flare erupted on the Sun overnight threatening damage to communication systems.

Haniya back in Gaza as unrest grows Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya of Hamas cut short a foreign trip to return to Gaza Thursday.

High Court: International law does not forbid targeted killings The High Court of Justice ruled Thursday that the Israel Defense Forces policy of targeted killings of militants does not categorically violate international law.

Make Oil clinches lucrative deal to build refinery in Iraqi Kurdistan Lebanon's Make Oil Company is expected to start building a $3 billion oil refinery in Iraqi Kurdistan within one month.

EU leaders ponder the future On Monday, foreign ministers surprisingly agreed on how to punish Turkey for refusing to open its ports and airports to traffic from Cyprus.

EU tells Israel to clarify Olmert's remarks on nuclear weapons The European Union on Wednesday called on Israel to clarify remarks made by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert earlier this week.

Iranian elections 'immensely important' Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is "very ill," and thus elections being held in Iran on Friday to choose a new "Assembly of Experts" are immensely important.

Study in Africa: Circumcision may prevent AIDS Two recent studies that were conducted in Africa revealed that circumcision cuts the chance of catching the HIV virus in half.

EU Parliament charter asks Muslims to reject extremism A new initiative that challenges Muslim communities living in the West on their attitudes to integration in the face of fundamentalism and extremism in their communities was launched at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

12/13/06

Saudis Say They Might Back Sunnis if U.S. Leaves Iraq Saudi Arabia has told the Bush administration that it might provide financial backing to Iraqi Sunnis in any war against Iraq's Shiites.

'PM's comments may prove harmful' Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's apparent inclusion of Israel in the nuclear club and confirmation that the country has nuclear weapons could prove disastrous.

Iran: Israel 'will end like USSR' Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has told a conference in Tehran questioning the Holocaust that Israel's days are numbered.

Annan urges Middle East peace push Kofi Annan, the outgoing UN chief, has pleaded for "a new and urgent push for peace" between Israelis and Palestinians.

PM to pope: Tell Christians to protest Holocaust conference Prime Minister Ehud Olmert asked Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday afternoon to call on Christians in his next homily to protest the Holocaust denial conference.

Turkey criticises EU 'injustice' The Turkish prime minister has accused the EU of acting unfairly towards Turkey by deciding to slow down its membership talks.

Haniyeh: Sudan to give PA gov't $10m Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said Wednesday that the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir had pledged $10 million to the Palestinian government and people.

Somalia: Ethiopia to React Harshly If Attacked Ethiopian information minister Zemhon Tikelli has accused the Union of Islamic Courts trying to create agitations in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.

Olmert willing to meet Abbas 'anywhere, anytime' Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arrived in Rome Wednesday morning for a day of meetings with top Italian officials.

Bush delays fresh Iraq strategy President George W Bush will delay his announcement of possible changes to US policy in Iraq until after the new year, the White House has confirmed.

12/12/06

Israeli PM in nuclear arms hint Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert appears to have come close to admitting that his country has nuclear weapons.

Germany's Merkel condemns Iranian Holocaust conference German Chancellor Angela Merkel strongly condemned an Iranian-hosted conference debating whether the Holocaust occurred.

Annan chides US in final speech Kofi Annan has made his final speech as UN secretary general, calling on the US not to lose sight of its core principles in its fight on terror.

Sixty killed in Baghdad suicide truck bombing A suicide bomber targeting laborers killed 60 people Tuesday in Baghdad and wounded 220 others.

Gaza rivals lurch toward civil war as children are killed in school run 'hit' Rival factions of the Palestinian movement seemed set for a bloody confrontation last night after the drive-by shooting of three Palestinian children.

Arab League hopes for Beirut deal The Arab League is trying to broker an agreement between the pro-Syrian and pro-Western camps in Lebanon to try to form a government of national unity.

Iran conference attendee: Holocaust an enormous lie Iran staged a conference on Monday to debate the Holocaust and question whether Nazi Germany used gas chambers.

Ethiopia deadline to quit Somalia Somalia's powerful Islamist group has given Ethiopian troops a week to leave the country or face a "major attack".

Cyprus veto still looms over EU-Turkey talks Turkey's EU accession talks remain highly fragile despite Monday's foreign ministers' decision to continue the bulk of chapters in Ankara's negotiating book.

Why are Jews at the 'Holocaust denial' conference? Why are Jews attending a conference on the Holocaust in Tehran at which star guests include deniers of the genocide?

12/11/06

Lebanon considers Arab League plan Mustafa Osman Ismail, a Sudanese Arab League envoy, is due to hold talks with Lebanese leaders based on a proposal to resolve Lebanon's political crisis.

Iran Holocaust conference opens A two-day conference which says it will examine whether the Holocaust actually happened has opened in Iran.

Mourners storm Gaza parliament Mourners firing automatic weapons have stormed into the compound of parliament during a funeral procession.

Haniyeh: This generation will liberate Palestine Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh Sunday.

Iraqi leader criticises US report Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has criticised some of the main findings of a high-level US report calling for a change of strategy in Iraq.

Jimmy Carter Fires Back at Longtime Aide Over Book Former President Jimmy Carter faced new criticism Friday over his controversial book on Palestinian lands.

Gulf summit opens with warning of regional explosion Saudi King Abdullah opened the annual summit of Gulf leaders with a warning that the Arab world was on the brink of exploding.

Israel Agrees to Reopen Mt. Zion Talks with Vatican PM Olmert will meet in the Vatican this week with Pope Benedict.

GCC members ponder nuclear project Gulf Arab states have announced that they are considering a shared nuclear program for peaceful purposes.

EU argues over Turkey's penalty EU foreign ministers are locked in argument over how to penalize Turkey for barring Cypriot ships and planes from its ports and airports.

12/08/06

Haniyeh vows to never recognize Israel Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh vowed on Friday that his Hamas-led government would never recognize Israel and would continue to fight for the liberation of Jerusalem.

Initiative: Middle East peace conference without Israel Insight magazine reports recent American government proposal to hold peace conference without Israeli presence.

Hezbollah calls for more protests The leader of the Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah, said that the opposition will not back down in its mass protests to bring down the Western-backed government.

Bush, Blair want to 'unlock peace door' "Extremists do not want a Palestinian state," said US President George W. Bush during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Thursday.

Bush says U.S. 'will prevail' in Iraq President Bush, standing alongside chief Iraq war ally Tony Blair of Britain, asserted Thursday that the coalition forces "will prevail" in Iraq.

UN appeals for Palestinian funds The United Nations has launched an appeal to raise $450m in humanitarian relief funds for the Palestinian territories next year.

Annan to press world on 'horror' of Sudan Outgoing U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan will ask Friday how the international community can allow the "horror" in Sudan's Darfur region to continue.

Islamist warning for Somali force The Islamists who control much of southern Somalia have warned they will fight any peacekeepers sent there, after the UN approved a peace force.

Saudis Reportedly Funding Iraqi Sunnis Private Saudi citizens are giving millions of dollars to Sunni insurgents in Iraq.

Turkish surprise move confuses EU diplomacy Turkey's last-ditch offer to open one port and one airport to Cypriot traffic appears only to have complicated EU efforts to find a common stance on the fate of Ankara's membership talks.

12/07/06

Olmert rejects Syria talks Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, has said he has no intention of opening peace talks with Syria.

Iraq to dominate Bush-Blair talks US President George W Bush is due to meet Tony Blair at the White House for talks expected to focus on the findings of a major review of US policy in Iraq.

Baker Report Demands Israel Give Away Golan Heights Only a number of days after the UN passed a resolution calling Israel's sovereignty over Jerusalem illegal, former US Secretary of State James Baker says Israel must leave the Golan Heights.

Arabs Say Report Shows Bush's Failure Many Arabs on Thursday interpreted an American advisory panel's bleak assessment of President Bush's Iraq policies as proof of Washington's failure in the Middle East.

Key to Iraq: Solving Israeli-Arab conflict The bipartisan Iraq Study Group on Wednesday called for direct talks between Israel and Syria.

EU constitution talks likely to sideline Brussels EU member states are likely to deal with reviving the EU constitution alone.

Islamic Courts snubs UN resolution The Union of Islamic Courts executive council in Somalia has rejected a UN resolution that authorises a regional force to support the interim Somali government.

Carter Book Criticized A longtime aide to Jimmy Carter has resigned from the Carter Center think tank, calling the former president's new book on Israel and the Arabs one-sided and filled with errors.

Iraqi Politicians Play Down U.S. Report Iraqi citizens said Thursday that a U.S. advisory's group recommendation that Washington move toward military disengagement offered little hope of an improvement in their lives anytime soon.

Member of the Sanhedrin arrested, released Rabbi Ariel is a member of the seven-man leadership council of the recently-formed "Sanhedrin" in Jerusalem.

12/06/06

Iraq report 'is no magic formula' A report on US policy in Iraq says there is no "magic formula" to solve the crisis, the White House has said.

Lebanon army chief urges compromise Anti-government demonstrators have buried a Shia man killed in street clashes in southern Beirut.

Iran to complete nuclear R&D by March Iran will complete its nuclear research and development work by March.

Peretz: Gates remark bears examining Israel must examine the meaning of the statement made by US Defense Secretary-designate Robert Gates the previous night on the Iranian threat.

Iran to rule: Was there a Holocaust? Iran will host an international conference next week on the Holocaust, with the central question being whether or not it actually took place.

Row erupts over Israeli textbooks Israel's education minister has said school textbooks should show Israel's pre-1967 borders.

PM Olmert backs Tamir proposal to add Green Line to textbooks Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday he has spoken with Education Minister Yuli Tamir regarding her proposal to include the pre-1967 boundary.

Finland ratifies EU constitution Finland ratified the EU constitution on Tuesday adding one more country to the list of member states.

Palestinian pastors join Evangelical umbrella organization A group of Palestinian pastors who live in the Palestinian Authority have joined a Canadian-based Evangelical alliance.

Pope Expresses Admiration for Muslims Pope Benedict XVI expressed his admiration for Muslims and Islam on Wednesday, and called for freedom of religion and faith that rejects all forms of violence.

12/05/06

Iraq Calls for Regional Conference Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Tuesday that Iraq will call for a regional conference on ending the rampant violence in his country.

'US won't order preemptive Iran strike' Predicting Iran will obtain nuclear weapons by the end of the decade, the defense establishment's new and updated assessment for 2007 does not foresee the United States undertaking a preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear installations.

Shia leader stresses Iraq's role One of Iraq's most powerful Shia leaders has said he is opposed to any foreign move to solve Iraq's problems that bypasses the Baghdad government.

Our World: Olmert's Saudi friends The world has gone mad. As Lebanon teeters on the brink of Iranian and Syrian instigated collapse.

Beirut funeral stokes tension Lebanon's Hezbollah-led opposition is holding a funeral in Beirut for a protester killed in a shooting that has heightened political and sectarian tension.

Rice to return to shore up cease-fire US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will return to the region soon for additional talks with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

US diplomat calls for Iran action A senior US diplomat has hit out at Iran and called on members of the UN Security Council to agree on economic sanctions against Tehran.

Cyprus issue hits Turkey-EU talks The European Union presidency has backed a proposal to partially suspend EU membership talks with Turkey.

US plans permanent base on Moon US space agency Nasa has said it plans to start work on a permanently-occupied base on the Moon after astronauts begin flying back there in 2020.

Somalia slips ever closer to war Somalia's government on Tuesday ruled out peace talks with the country's powerful Islamic movement.

12/04/06

Bush to hold further talks on Iraq George Bush, the US president, is to hold talks with one of Iraq's most influential Shia politicians on ways to reduce the violence in Iraq.

Syria smuggling missiles to Hizbullah Long-range missiles, as well as truckloads of advanced anti-tank missiles originating in Iran and Syria, have been smuggled to Hizbullah in Lebanon.

Netanyahu: Gaza turning into second Lebanon After short period of silence, opposition chairman criticizes ceasefire with Palestinians.

Analysis: 2007 - The Year of War 2007 will be the year of war, both in Lebanon and in the Gaza Strip, and possibly even against Syria.

Annan: Iraq worse than under Saddam Kofi Annan, the UN secretary-general, has said Iraq is in the grips of a civil war and many people are worse off now than under Saddam Hussein.

Saudis working to curb Iran's influence Worried by Iran's deepening involvement in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia has been working quietly to curtail the Shi'ite nation's influence.

Erdogan Objects to US Military Presence in N. Iraq Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan objected to recommendations in a U.S. administration report referring to partial deployment of U.S. troops from central Iraq to the country's north.

Chavez: New 'defeat for the devil' Anti-American socialist Hugo Chavez said his claimed victory in the Venezuelan presidential election was "another defeat for the devil".

Report: Olmert to discuss peace bid with Saudis Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is set to meet soon with high-ranking Saudi officials and explore the possibility for negotiations between Israel and a group of moderate Arab countries over the future of the Middle East.

Palestinian PM Haniyeh meets Syrian President in Damascus Syrian President Bashar Assad held talks Monday with Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on developments in the Palestinian territories and efforts to form a national unity government.

12/02/2006

Ahmadinejad to Haniyeh: Israel close to disappearing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh held talks in Doha, Qatar on Friday.

Al-Qaeda threatens Jordan's King Abdullah Iraq's al-Qaeda publishes statement calling on supporters in Jordan to watch our for king, warns he will encounter the same fate as his great-grandfather, who was assassinated

International forum opens in Jordan on Arab reforms Foreign ministers from the G8 industrialized nations, Arab, European, and Muslim countries Friday opened a conference on the shores of the Dead Sea to promote reforms in the region

Lebanon protest enters second day Supporters of Lebanon's Hezbollah-led opposition are camping out in central Beirut on the second day of protests to demand the resignation of the country's Western-backed government.

Bush and top Iraqi Shia to meet US President George W Bush is to meet the most powerful Iraqi Shia politician in Washington on Monday, officials say.

Ahmadinejad wants US out of Iraq Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, has again called on the US to get out of Iraq.

Israel slammed at UN General Assembly The General Assembly approved six pro-Palestinian resolutions over US and Israeli objections, showing the world body's solidarity with Palestinian demands for an independent homeland.

Hamas-led government urged to quit The executive committee of the Fatah-dominated Palestine Liberation Organisation has called on the Hamas-led government to resign so a new government can be formed.

Pope leaves Turkey after momentous visit Pope Benedict XVI left Turkey Friday after a momentous visit in which he reached out to Muslims and Orthodox Christians while standing firm on key issues such as papal authority and Europe's Christian roots.

Mubarak: Lebanon protests could turn it into 'battlefield' Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said Saturday he feared continued street demonstrations, especially if they became sectarian, could turn Lebanon into a battlefield.

12-01-06

Huge Beirut rally demands change Tens of thousands of supporters of the Hezbollah movement and its pro-Syrian allies have gathered in Beirut to protest against Lebanon's government.

Annan urges wider anti-Aids battle Kofi Annan, the UN secretary-general, has called on people to hold their leaders accountable and to keep the momentum strong in the fight against Aids.

Ukraine pro-West ministers ousted Ukraine's parliament on Friday voted to dismiss the foreign and interior ministers, allies of pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko.

Olmert vs. Security Chiefs on Ceasefire Extension Prime Minister Ehud Olmert wants to extend the partial ceasefire with Gaza terrorist groups to Judea and Samaria. Security officials are warning against the move.

Al-Maliki Faces Revolt Within Government Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki faced a widening revolt within his divided government as two senior Sunni politicians joined prominent Shiite lawmakers and Cabinet members in criticizing his policies.

Pope hailed 'for praying towards Mecca' Pope Benedict wound up a fence-mending visit to Turkey on Friday amid praise from the local press for visiting Istanbul's Blue Mosque and praying towards Mecca "like Muslims".

Patience Key to Solving Mideast Problems Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice threw herself at two intractable Mideast problems - the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Iraq - during a brief trip to the region, and encountered the reality that the U.S. has few options other than patience.

Cyprus threatens to block EU deal on Turkey talks Cyprus has threatened to block an EU agreement on the fate of Turkey's membership talks if the union does not impose a new deadline on Ankara to normalise relations with Nicosia.

Shekel Becomes Safe Haven for Dollars Four years ago, a dollar cost five shekels and everyone hoarded greenbacks.

EU diplomat: Olmert refused European force to oversee ceasefire In meeting with EU diplomats, Olmert warns of terrorist attack which could endanger ceasefire, European sources commit to strengthening Palestinian presidential guard through fund transfer in cooperation with Israel.

11/30/06

Bush vows to 'complete Iraq job' US President George W Bush has pledged to keep American troops in Iraq until "the job is complete".

Lebanon opposition plans protest Hezbollah-led opposition groups have called for mass protests to begin on Friday in central Beirut with the aim of bringing down the current government.

Rice has peace talks in West Bank US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is trying to build on recent Middle East peace overtures by holding talks with Palestinian and Israeli leaders.

Ethiopia authorises military action Ethiopia's parliament has authorized military action in the event of an attack on the country by Somalia's Union of Islamic Courts.

Source: Iraq panel to advise gradual U.S. pullback Following an intense assessment of U.S. policies in the war in Iraq, the Iraq Study Group will recommend that a "gradual but meaningful" reduction of U.S. troops begin "relatively early in the New Year."

Abbas: Talks on unity gov't at dead end Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday that the efforts to establish a unity government in the Palestinian Authority have reached a deadlock.

Pope: 'Scandal' of Christian rifts Pope Benedict XVI called divisions among Christians a "scandal to the world" and recalled the faith's deep roots in Europe in a joint ceremony Thursday.

Dozens of children in mass graves, Saddam trial told Iraqi troops shot kneeling mothers and young children in the head and dumped them into mass graves by the score, a forensic expert told ousted dictator Saddam Hussein's genocide trial Thursday.

Spy death: Radiation at 12 sites; jets probed Traces of radiation have been found at a dozen sites in Britain and five jets were being investigated for possible contamination as authorities widened their investigation into the poisoning of a former Russian spy.

'Hundreds killed' in Sudan battle At least 300 people were killed in clashes between Sudan's army and former rebels in the south earlier this week, aid workers say.

11/29/06

Bush Meets Iraqi Leader in Jordan Today President Bush, under pressure to find a new blueprint for Iraq, meets Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Wednesday in a high-stakes summit.

Jordan urges Iraq to seek unity King Abdullah of Jordan has urged Iraqi religious and political leaders not to allow their country to disintegrate.

Israel, Arabs upbeat about ME peace after EU meeting Israeli, Arab and European Union foreign ministers were unanimously upbeat about Middle East peace prospects.

Rice to tell Abbas: Don't miss opportunity, impose order American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice plans to tell Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas at their meeting Thursday that he must increase his efforts to impose order in the Palestinian Authority.

NATO signals Afghan reinforcements NATO leaders meeting in the Latvian capital of Riga have agreed to "step up" operations in Afghanistan with a lifting of rules of engagement meaning more troops on the ground.

Turkey: Pope supports EU membership Turkey's prime minister said Tuesday that Pope Benedict XVI told him he wanted Turkey to join the European Union.

Commentary: Russia - A gangster state? Whatever the truth behind the bizarre murder by radiation poisoning of former Russian intelligence colonel, Alexander Litvinenko, he has managed in death to tarnish the image of his country and its leaders.

Iran to host Holocaust conference Iran, which disputes that Jews were slaughtered by the Nazis, is to hold a conference next month to allow historians to clarify "hidden angles" of the Holocaust.

Study Finds that a Single Impact Killed the Dinosaurs The dinosaurs, along with the majority of all other animal species on Earth, went extinct approximately 65 million years ago.

US military trains 'air force' of bomb-sniffing bees US military defense scientists have found a way to train the common honey bee to smell explosives used in bombs.

11/28/06

Abdullah says no to Palestinian refugees King Abdullah of Jordan said on Tuesday that he would not allow a massive influx of Palestinian refugees into his country as part of an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement.

Pope begins landmark Turkey visit Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in Turkey on his first trip to a mainly Muslim country since acceding to the papacy.

NATO eyes Afghan handover in 2008 NATO's military operation in Afghanistan will succeed, the alliance's chief said Tuesday.

Iran: US exit key to Iraq peace US troops must leave Iraq if security is to be restored, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said during talks with the Iraqi president.

Civil War in Iraq Near, Annan Says The Iraq Study Group began two days of intensive behind-closed-doors deliberations yesterday as the White House conceded that Iraq has moved into a dangerous new phase of warfare.

Ethiopian 'clash' with Islamists Ethiopian forces have exchanged fire with Islamists in a strategic town north of the capital, officials of the powerful Islamic movement have alleged.

AIDS to Be 3rd Leading Cause of Death Within the next 25 years, AIDS is set to join heart disease and stroke as the top three causes of death worldwide, according to a study published online Monday.

India carries out anti-missile test India on Monday carried out its first successful test interception of a ballistic missile, using a second missile to destroy the incoming rocket, the Defense Ministry said.

Olmert's Speech Angers Many, Even in Kadima The NFC Hebrew website reports on two Kadima Knesset Members who have scathing criticism for their party leader and Prime Minister.

Report: Hizbullah training Shiite militia in Iraq Senior US intelligence official tells New York Times Shiite organization has been training Shiite Mahdi Army in Iraq.