8/31/06

Iran defiant on nuclear deadline Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said Tehran will not yield to international pressure to stop its sensitive nuclear work.

Israeli troops begin Gaza pullout Israeli soldiers have begun withdrawing from the outskirts of Gaza City.

Saniora says prisoner swap with Israel being considered Lebanon's Prime Minister Fuad Saniora said Thursday that a prisoner swap with Israel was being considered by his government but "nothing has materialized."

Sudan under pressure on UN force The United States and Britain plan to push for a UN vote on sending peacekeeping troops to Darfur despite opposition from Sudan.

'Arab propaganda outdoes Nazis' "The Arab press has outdone Hitler's propaganda."

Commander Optimistic About Iraqi Forces The top U.S. commander in Iraq expressed optimism Wednesday that Iraqi forces are making enough progress to provide their own security within 18 months.

Another Anti-Israel Media Hoax Revealed The round-the-world reports that Israel had bombed two Lebanese ambulances last month were apparently totally faked.

Global jihad group debuts in Gaza A new Palestinian terror group aligned with the ideology of al-Qaeda has been formed in the Gaza Strip.

US moots Cyprus plan to avert EU-Turkey clash The US is engaged in diplomatic efforts to avert a major crisis in Turkey's EU accession talks over the Cyprus issue.

Annan calls for regional cooperation UN Secretary General Kofi Annan arrived in Syria on Thursday to press its government to join international efforts to stop the flow of arms to Hizbullah.

8/30/06

Diskin: Sinai has become terror hub The Sinai Peninsula has become a "Garden of Eden" for terrorists smuggling arms into the Gaza Strip.

Olmert firm on Lebanon blockade Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has rebuffed calls for a swift end to Israel's seven-week blockade of Lebanon.

Lebanese PM Saniora snubs Olmert's call for talks Lebanon will not have direct contact with Israel.

Dozens killed in new Iraq attacks At least 50 people have died in a wave of attacks in Iraq.

Chavez visits Syria, pledges solidarity against US Thousands of Syrians lined the streets of their capital Wednesday waving banners welcoming Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Hitler and Stalin were possessed by the Devil, says Vatican exorcist Adolf Hitler and Russian leader Stalin were possessed by the Devil.

Militants warn of Turkey 'hell' A Kurdish militant group today warned tourists to stay away from Turkey which it vowed to turn into "hell".

China Ups '05 GDP Growth to 10.2 Percent China's booming economy grew even faster last year than originally thought.

Six brains to find EU solution to immigration 'tragedy' Brussels is setting up a six-strong top-level working group to help come up with a "European model" on illegal immigration.

Syrian group threatens to kidnap troops A previously unknown group threatened Wednesday to abduct Israeli soldiers to swap them for Syrian prisoners in Israel.

8/29/06

Diskin: Weapons smuggling into Gaza has skyrocketed Shin Bet head Yuval Diskin reiterated on Tuesday at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Palestinian terrorist organizations were studying the Lebanese-Israeli war to learn how to play on Israel's weaker points.

Annan views Lebanon devastation UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has seen first-hand the destruction wrought in southern Lebanon during the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Iraqi army and militia agree to truce Iraqi authorities have agreed to a truce with a Shia militia.

Pope prepares to embrace theory of intelligent design Philosophers, scientists and other intellectuals close to Pope Benedict will gather at his summer palace outside Rome this week for intensive discussions that could herald a fundamental shift in the Vatican's view of evolution.

Prince Hassan: Arab leaders stole billions from their people Jordanian Prince Hassan Bin Talal levels scathing criticism at Arab leaders during speech delivered in Kyoto conference.

Treasury Official: Iran 'Central Bank of Terror' Iran, a primary source of funding for militant group Hezbollah, is a "central banker of terror."

Brussels moots financing Euronews in Arabic In a bid to improve ties with the Muslim world, the European Commission is considering granting up to €5 million a year to news channel Euronews to broadcast in Arabic.

Deadly Dealings: Missiles From China to Hezbollah The Israeli war against Hezbollah (round one) brought with it the realization at the highest levels that dangerous weapons were floating around in dangerous hands.

EU needs constitution with Christian reference, Merkel says German chancellor Angela Merkel has suggested Europe needs a constitution that makes reference to Christianity and God.

Iran's leader calls for TV debate with Bush Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called on U.S. President George W. Bush to participate in a "direct television debate with us."

8/28/06

UN chief on Lebanon truce mission UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, for talks aimed at shoring up the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israel, PA consider int'l force at Karni Israel and the Palestinian Authority are deliberating over an international observers force that may be stationed at the Gaza Strip's Karni Crossing.

Lebanese army boosting forces along Syrian border Lebanese newspaper reports that five units have started deploying along border with Syria.

Would Turkish troops in Lebanon be neutral? With relative quiet prevailing in Lebanon, the question now is which countries will send peacekeepers to enforce order in the country.

Annan to visit Iran amid dispute UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is to visit Iran next Saturday.

Iran test-fires sub-to-surface missile A A day after Ahmadinejad inaugurated a heavy-water plant that could be used to produce plutonium, Iran test-fired a sub-to-surface missile in the Persian Gulf.

Amnesty warns of potential catastrophe in Darfur The build up of Sudanese troops in the war-torn western Darfur region could lead to a human rights catastrophe unless UN peacekeeping troops are sent to the region soon.

'Gaza caught in anarchy and thuggery' "When you walk in the streets of Gaza City, you cannot but close your eyes because of what you see there: unimaginable chaos, careless policemen, and young men carrying guns.

Car bomb targets Iraq interior ministry A bomber in a car has blown himself up outside Iraq's interior ministry in Baghdad.

Nasrallah: I would not have kidnapped troops had I known the outcome Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a TV interview Sunday that he would not have ordered the capture of two Israeli soldiers had he known it would lead to such a response.

8/25/06

Eiland: Iran leadership poses threat Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, if he ever became the supreme decision maker in his country, would "sacrifice half of Iran for the sake of eliminating Israel."

France boosts Lebanon peace force President Jacques Chirac has pledged an additional 1,600 French troops to the UN peacekeeping force in south Lebanon.

Israel gives up on disarming Hizbullah Israel has essentially given up hope of Hizbullah being disarmed, and instead is now concentrating on ensuring that an arms embargo called for in UN Security Council resolution 1701 be implemented.

Iran set for a showdown at UN Iran appears to be heading for a showdown at the UN Security Council next week over its nuclear program.

Israel feels US will not attack Iran There is growing consensus within the defense establishment that the United States will not attack Iran.

Pluto vote 'hijacked' in revolt A fierce backlash has begun against the decision by astronomers to strip Pluto of its status as a planet.

Most Israelis want Olmert to quit A majority of Israelis think that Ehud Olmert, the prime minister, should resign.

Annan to press EU nations over Lebanon peacekeeping force UN Secretary General Kofi Annan was today trying to persuade European nations to contribute troops to the United Nation�s expanded peacekeeping force for Lebanon.

Pro-Nasrallah song popular in W. Bank They were struggling in a boy band, working the West Bank wedding circuit and dreaming of stardom.

Islam poses a threat to the West, say 53pc in poll The alleged plot to blow up transatlantic airliners and last year's terrorist attacks on London have made more people fear Islam as a religion.

8/24/06

Israel may 'go it alone' against Iran Israel is carefully watching the world's reaction to Iran's continued refusal to suspend uranium enrichment.

Syria warns over UN peacekeepers Syria has reportedly threatened to close its border with Lebanon if UN peacekeepers are deployed along it.

US: Iran's response falls short The US has said that Iran's offer to hold negotiations over its nuclear program but not halt uranium enrichment falls short of UN demands.

EU's Lebanon action gathers pace Finland's foreign minister, whose country holds the EU presidency, says he would like to see fresh UN troops deployed in Lebanon within a week.

UN to set up HQ center in Cyprus for Lebanon peacekeeping force The United Nations will set up an administration centre in Nicosia for the transfer of peacekeeping troops to Lebanon.

Mother recalls Iraqi gas attack he third day of Saddam Hussein's genocide trial has seen a Kurdish woman testify about the death of one of her children in a poison gas attack.

Russia Overtakes Saudi Arabia as World's Leading Oil Producer - OPEC Statistics recently published by the oil cartel OPEC show that Russia is currently extracting more oil than Saudi Arabia.

Iraq prime minister hails Saddam trial The media office of the Iraqi prime minister has issued a statement saying the trial of Saddam Hussein is a "fundamental step towards achieving justice".

Online guide: Killing 'infidels' Islamic website offers tips on killing foreigners in Saudi Arabia.

US 'lacks Iran arms intelligence' The US lacks reliable intelligence on Iran's weapons capability.

8/23/06

Olmert pressed to investigate war Israel's attorney general has presented Ehud Olmert with a list of options for investigating the conduct of the recent war in Lebanon.

Exclusive: Israel buys 2 German subs In the face of Iran's race to obtain nuclear power, Israel signed a contract with Germany last month to buy two Dolphin-class submarines that will provide superior second-strike nuclear capabilities.

Talks urged on Iran nuclear issue China and Russia have said negotiations are the only way of easing tension over Iran's nuclear programme.

EU ministers to meet Annan at emergency talks on Lebanon EU foreign ministers will hold emergency talks on Lebanon on Friday (25 August) with UN secretary general Kofi Annan.

Israel accused over 'war crimes' Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing war crimes by deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure in Lebanon.

World powers study Iran's reply Six world powers are studying Iran's offer of more talks to resolve a nuclear dispute.

Iran now the key power in Iraq, says UK think-tank A series of strategic errors by the Bush Administration in its War on Terror has left Iran holding virtually all the cards in the power play of the Middle East.

Russia still seeks Iran solution Russia has said it will continue to probe avenues for diplomatic cooperation with Iran over its nuclear program but France said that uranium enrichment must be suspended before talks resume.

China denies Hezbollah arms export Sun Bigan, China's special envoy to the Middle East, was asked to respond to media reports which alleged Hezbollah used weapons from Iran.

UK police to investigate Muslim scholar's call for martyrdom A controversial Islamic scholar told an audience in Manchester this week that it was it was right to fight Israel and that "martyrdom" in Israel was just.

8/22/06

Iran hands over nuclear response Iran's top nuclear negotiator has delivered his country's response to a package of incentives offered by the U.N. Security Council's five permanent members plus Germany in exchange for halting its uranium enrichment program.

Israeli troops open fire in Lebanon The Israeli army says it has shot three Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon.

Assad tries to mend Arab fences Embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad moved Monday to ease tensions with Arab leaders whom he had mocked as incompetent in confronting Israel.

EU boosts Congo force amid battle Some 400 extra European Union troops are being flown into the Democratic Republic of Congo capital, Kinshasa, in an attempt to quell raging gun battles.

Apocalypse now? The words you are reading might be your last.

Italy offers to lead U.N. force in Lebanon Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi has told U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan his country is willing to lead a U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon.

Eitan: Ready shelters for Iran attack Pensioners Minister Rafi Eitan called for the readying of bomb shelters and reinforced rooms countrywide.

Saddam trial hears of gas attack The first prosecution witness has appeared at the latest trial of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and six others on war crimes charges.

Iran's Navy Attacks and Boards Romanian Rig in Gulf Iran attacked and seized control of a Romanian oil rig working in its Persian Gulf waters this morning.

Lebanon may attempt to break blockade A Hizbullah Cabinet minister on Tuesday said the government may attempt to break the Israeli naval and air blockade of Lebanon.

8/21/06

Tehran official: Many weapons waiting for Hizbullah Hizbullah, Iran, and Syria are working feverishly to rearm Hizbullah ahead of the next round.

Olmert: Syria most aggressive member of the axis of evil Syria is the "single most aggressive member of the axis of evil."

Dichter: Golan Heights for peace Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter said Monday that "In exchange for peace with Syria, Israel can leave the Golan Heights."

Iran launches tactical missiles Iran's army has fired tactical surface-to-surface Saega (Thunderbolt) missiles during its war games on Sunday.

Khamenei: No letup on Iran nuclear program Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Monday that Tehran will continue to pursue nuclear technology.

EU to meet on Lebanon force EU member states are to meet on Wednesday in Brussels to discuss participation in the international peacekeeping force in Lebanon.

Hundreds of reservists protest war With public pressure mounting for the establishment of an independent committee of inquiry to look into the management of the war.

No Saddam plea at genocide trial Former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has refused to enter a plea on the opening day of his trial on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Calls Intensify for Government's Resignation Lebanese war reserve soldier veterans, newspaper columnists on right and left, MKs, new Russian immigrants and more - are calling for the government to resign in the wake of the recent Lebanese War.

Plans announced for Somali peacekeeping force East African defense chiefs expect to have the vanguard of a peacekeeping force for Somalia ready by the end of next month.

8/18/06

Israel alarm at UN force members Israel says it would be "difficult if not inconceivable" to accept nations which do not recognise its right to exist as part of a UN force in Lebanon.

Olmert, Peres: Yesha Withdrawal - Not For Now PM Olmert told Kadima party colleagues this week he realizes that his unilateral withdrawal plan is irrelevant for now.

Iran to launch major military maneuvers Iran will launch a series of large-scale military maneuvers across the country and has not made plans for an end to the ongoing war games.

Troops pledged for Lebanon force A number of countries meeting at the UN have offered troops for the expanded peace force for Lebanon.

W. Bank Jewish population tops 260,000 The number of Israelis living in the West Bank increased by three percent in the first six months of the year.

Al-Hariri: Syria worse than Israel The leader of Lebanon's largest parliamentary bloc has said the Syrian president's attack on Lebanese politicians is worse than the destruction wreaked by Israel.

Al-Aqsa: We learned missiles subdue Israel Abu Nasser, commander of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade in Nablus, encouraged by war results. 'Our brothers demonstrated what we have felt in recent years: Israel falling apart.

Opium hits record in Afghanistan Officials: Cultivation hits new levels despite anti-narcotics money.

Israel to Moscow: Hezbollah used Russian-made missiles against IDF Israel has complained to Russia that Russian-made anti-tank missiles have reached Hezbollah guerrillas who used them against Israel Defense Forces troops in south Lebanon.

Iraq: 3 die as 'worst month' figures revealed July violence the deadliest since March 2003.

8/17/06

Lebanese troops begin to deploy south of Litani River Lebanese troops, backed by tanks and armored vehicles, have begun deploying south of the Litani River in line with a UN cease-fire plan to end fighting between Israel and Hizbullah.

Israel wants Turkey to impose blockade on Iranian arms Israel wants the Turkish military to impose an air and ground embargo to prevent Iran using Turkish territory to send arms to resupply Hezbollah.

Europe faces 'very real threat' UK Home Secretary John Reid has said Europe faces a "persistent and very real" threat from terrorism, after a meeting with EU counterparts in London.

IDF continues to withdraw from Lebanon Senior IDF officers said that Israel would uphold the cease-fire and begin to gradually withdraw its forces ahead of the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south.

Iranian leader: Hizbullah resistance a victory for Islam In message to Hizbullah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says 'you have ridiculed myth that Zionist army is invincible'

"Star Wars" agency helps Israel on rocket threat The Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency has begun working with Israel to help find ways to counter enemy rockets, a much shorter-range threat than the "Star Wars" mission to block ballistic missiles for which is it known.

Poll: 70 Percent of Israelis Oppose Cease-Fire Israel's defense minister has created a military committee to investigate how the war in Lebanon was conducted.

MKs: Convergence will ruin Olmert The convergence plan that served as a cornerstone of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's rise to office may lead to his downfall.

For Majority of Arabs, Hezbollah Won Around the Arab world, Hezbollah was widely seen as the victor in the 34-day war with Israel, because of the tougher-than-expected resistance it put up under Israel's relentless bombardment and heavy ground assaults.

Lebanese general arrested for drinking tea with IDF A Lebanese general was ordered arrested Wednesday for appearing in a videotape drinking tea with IDF soldiers who had occupied his south Lebanon barracks during their incursion of the country.

8/15/06

Assad: American plan for a new Mideast has collapsed America's plan for a "new Middle East" has collapsed after Hizbullah's successes in fighting against Israel, Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Tuesday in Damascus.

IDF Begins Withdrawal from Lebanon; Hizbullah Refuses to Disarm Paratrooper brigade reservists began returning to Israel this morning. Hizbullah fired rockets at them, but missed; Israel did not respond.

Muslims face extra checks in new travel crackdown The UK Government is discussing with airport operators plans to introduce a screening system that allows security staff to focus on those passengers who pose the greatest risk.

Fatah, Hamas discuss unity gov't Fatah and Hamas are close to reaching an agreement on forming a national unity government, Palestinian Authority officials in Ramallah revealed on Monday.

Assad: We'll liberate Golan Heights Syrian president tells Egyptian newspaper 'in Lebanon Israel destroyed everything, but it was unable to achieve its true military objectives on the ground.'

Israel humbled by arms from Iran Abandoned Hizbollah positions in Lebanon yesterday revealed conclusive evidence that Syria - and almost certainly Iran - provided the anti-tank missiles that have blunted the power of Israel's once invincible armor.

Eurozone growth highest in six years The eurozone registered its strongest growth in six years, according to official statistics released by the EU statistical office.

Jewish Agency: 4,000 Olim arrived during war Despite the war, over 4,000 new immigrants from all over the world will have arrived in Israel from the beginning of July until the end of August.

Iran: Victory celebrations, threats to Israel Thousands of citizens take to streets chanting, 'Lebanon won, Israel destroyed'; dozens of ambulances hold procession in show of empathy with casualties of war.

Iraqi, US forces wall up notorious Baghdad area US and Iraqi forces have sealed off a notoriously violent district of southern Baghdad with massive concrete walls as part of a broader push to quell sectarian violence.

8/14/06

Mideast Cease-fire Begins A United Nations Cease-fire has allowed thousands to return to their homes in Israel and Lebanon.

United Kingdom Terror Level is Downgraded The Terror Level in the United Kingdom has been downgraded from Critical to Severe as more suspects are brought in for questioning.

Lebanese Army Plans to Deploy South of the Litani River While there is still uncertainty about a United Nations force in Lebanon, the Lebanese Army prepares to advance South of the Litani River.

Israeli Neighbors Smell Blood Arabs around the Middle East are Celebrating the Israeli acceptance of the Cease-fire in Lebanon.

Iran's Foreign Minister in Egypt Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has met with the Iranian Foreign Minister to help bring stability to war-torn Lebanon.

Iranian President Hammers the United States in a New Blog Iranian President Ahmadinejad has used his new blog to recount his poor childhood and to take potshots at the United States and Israel.

Hizbullah "Victory" Boosts Namesake More than 50 newborn babies in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank have been named after Hizbullah leader Nazrallah.

Europe is vulnerable to Radical Islam In light of the jetliner plot in London, Europe is becoming a major hub for terroristic activities in the West

EU will help strengthen Lebanon Force EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana says that he expects a quick deployment of European troops to Lebanon.

Jerusalem expects cease-fire to fail Israel will abide by the cease-fire but expects that Hizbullah will not honor it.

8/11/06

IDF given green light to reach Litani River Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz ordered the IDF on Friday to send ground forces into Lebanon and up to the Litani river.

A plan 'to commit unimaginable mass murder' ALARMING intelligence that an attack was imminent was the trigger for police raids which captured 24 terrorist suspects.

Lebanon: Cease-fire draft 'unacceptable' A new obstacle arose over the latest UN draft proposal to stop the fighting between Israel and Hizbullah on Thursday night.

UN steps up push for Lebanon deal Senior diplomats are meeting at the UN in New York amid signs that a deal on a resolution to end the violence in Lebanon and Israel is close.

Polls: Drop in support for Olmert Israel's government is losing domestic support for its conduct of the conflict against Hizbullah guerrillas in Lebanon.

Bush: US at war with Islamic fascists US president George Bush has said the alleged plot to blow up transatlantic flights is a "stark reminder" the US is "at war with Islamic fascists".

Israeli Objections to Ceasefire Proposal Former Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom of the Likud has stinging criticism of the ceasefire plan being formulated in the United Nations.

Hizbullah declares victory In latest video aired on Al-Manar TV terror group says it 'defeated the invincible army'.

Europe on alert after foiled UK terror attacks Member states across Europe were on high alert after it emerged that the UK authorities had rounded up several people suspected of being within days of blowing up a series of transatlantic planes with liquid explosives.

Expert: Iran Poised To Be 'Mother of All World Threats' One Middle East expert shouts a dire warning: "As soon as a cease fire occurs, the 'Hezbollah Blitzkrieg' will crumble the 'Lebanese Republic of Weimar' and install its own 'Khumeinist Republic' on the Eastern shores of the Mediterranean.

Abbas under pressure to dissolve PA Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is under growing pressure to dismantle the PA.

8/10/06

'Airlines terror plot' disrupted A plot to blow up planes in flight from the UK to the US and commit "mass murder on an unimaginable scale" has been disrupted.

US pressure prompts delay of offensive The IDF General Staff postponed the expansion of ground operations in south Lebanon late Wednesday night.

Nasrallah: We'll turn Lebanon into graveyard for IDF Hizbullah leader says Israeli attacks had not weakened organization's capabilities.

Arab demands split French-US consensus Arab objections over the details of a deal to end the fighting between Israel and Hizbullah have eroded a rare diplomatic consensus between France and the United States.

243 N. American Immigrants Arrive in Israel Thursday The first chartered plane of a record-setting week of Western Aliyah arrived in Israel Thursday.

Annan warning over Gaza situation The war in Lebanon and northern Israel should not distract attention from events in Gaza.

'New Mideast' May See Stronger Extremists The "new Middle East" being born out of the warfare in Lebanon may be one where Islamic extremists are even stronger.

Islamists seize key Somali town The Islamic militia has seized control of a strategic township near the Ethiopian border from Somalia's transitional government.

Young drive 'radical media shift' The "networked generation" is driving a radical shift in media consumption.

Ahmadinejad: Bush will 'not have good ending' Iranian leader says in US television interview Americans have 'imperial ambitions, don't want to live in peace with other nations'.

8/9/06

Israel approves deeper offensive The Israeli cabinet has approved an army plan to push deeper into Lebanon, to try to take control of areas used by Hezbollah to launch rockets on Israel.

France, US at odds on UN resolution changes French President Jacques Chirac appealed to the United States on Wednesday to speed up its response to Arab nations' demands for changes to a UN resolution on ending the Middle East crisis.

Hezbollah's Civilian Strategy On July 30th the Israeli Air Force launched an air raid on several houses in Kafar Qana in south Lebanon.

Palestinian poll reveals marked support of Hizbullah A public opinion poll published on Tuesday showed that support for Hamas and Hizbullah among the Palestinians has increased.

Iran's supreme leader urges Muslims to 'defend' Hezbollah Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has renewed calls on Muslims to rally to the defence of the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah in its war against Israel.

Massive Western Aliyah This Week, Despite Month of War Despite the two-front war, the thousands of missiles, and the evacuation of northern communities, more than 800 North American and British Jews are moving to Israel this week.

Iran Hints at Aug. 22 Doomsday for Israel Noted Middle Eastern scholar Bernard Lewis warns that Iran is preparing for an apocalyptic "end of time" � and that it could come as soon as August 22.

Gillerman: Crisis is about terror, not territory Arab League delegation accuses UN Security Council of standing by idly while weeks of fighting between Israel, Hizbullah sow 'seeds of hatred and extremism' in Middle East.

40,000 soldiers await word to enter southern Lebanon Tens of thousands of IDF troops amassed along the northern border Wednesday evening in preparation for Israel's largest and deepest ground incursion into southern Lebanon.

War With Iran 'Inevitable,' Former Israeli Defense Chief Says War between Iran and Israel is "inevitable."

8/8/06

UNSC delays action on cease-fire The UN Security Council delayed action Monday on a UN resolution aimed at ending the Israeli-Hizbullah conflict.

South Lebanese warned of strikes Israel has warned residents of southern Lebanon that it will escalate operations there as it continues its campaign against Hezbollah militants.

PM mulls Lebanon deployment plan Prime Minister Ehud Olmert termed the Lebanese decision to move its army southward an "interesting" one that needs to be considered carefully.

Analysis: Hizbullah still strong Operation Change of Direction was launched last month with the declared goal of weakening Hizbullah.

Natan Sharansky: Israel's Very Survival at Stake Former Soviet refusenik and Israeli Cabinet Minister Natan Sharansky believes that Israel's war against Hezbollah is a "test case" for the free world in the war against terror.

In Wake of War, Anti-Semitic Incidents Increase Worldwide The Jewish Agency says that reports it has received in recent days indicate a "dramatic increase" in the amount and severity of anti-Semitic incidents around the world.

US says Iran may use Lebanon war to hurt Iraq The U.S. ambassador to Iraq accused Iran on Tuesday of having forces in Iraq.

Political uncertainty in Ukraine persists The political crisis in Ukraine has been resolved, but uncertainty persists.

Hezbollah Leader a Star in Syria Excerpts from a speech by Hizbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah blast from the speakers of Tareq Otabashi's music shop in the Syrian capital.

Bird flu spreads in Indonesia Bird flu has spread to Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua.

8/7/06

Saniora: We are still in shock In his opening remarks to Arab League foreign ministers in Beirut, Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora appealed to fellow Arab states to help a nation "stunned" by a devastating Israeli onslaught.

Olmert, Peretz meet on expanding IDF offensive in Lebanon Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met top defense officials Monday to discuss broadening air and ground attacks in Lebanon.

US reinforces troops in Baghdad US forces have taken up positions in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

U.S., France run into opposition from Lebanon and Arabs on UN resolution The United States and France delayed action on a UN resolution aimed at ending nearly a month of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Olmert tells Europe to stop preaching to Israel Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told European leaders to stop preaching to him about civilian war casualties.

Israeli Arabs flee south to Bethlehem Rashid Khoury and his friends from an Arab village in northern Israel lounged around a spacious hotel lobby in the town of Jesus' birth.

Record mirror for Euro telescope European astronomers are planning to build an optical telescope that is four times bigger than any in existence.

Arab discontent spreading as Lebanon fighting continues Nearly four weeks of fighting between Hizbullah and Israel, on top of price increases, stalled democratic reforms, and bloodshed in Iraq, are making for a summer of discontent across the Middle East.

Iran to ignore nuclear resolution Iran has vowed to pursue its nuclear programme, in its first official response to last week's UN resolution urging it to curb nuclear activities.

Yeshiva-Army Partnership A new study initiative is taking hold of many yeshivot in Jerusalem and elsewhere.

8/4/06

Israel smashes bridges, Hezbollah rockets fly Israeli aircraft for the first time in the three-week conflict blasted major roadways north of Beirut on Friday.

Ukraine EU future in doubt as pro-Russia leader takes over Ukraine president Viktor Yushchenko has nominated his pro-Russian arch-rival Viktor Yanukovych as prime minister.

Head of U.S. command: Iraq civil war possible Under tough questioning from U.S. senators, the head of U.S. Central Command acknowledged Thursday that Iraq could descend into civil war.

UN to endorse Israel-Lebanon talks Efforts are under way at the United Nations to set up a mechanism that would facilitate "direct or indirect" Israeli-Lebanese discussions.

Israeli army set for Lebanon push The Israeli army has been told to prepare for a possible advance in what could be its deepest incursion into Lebanon for more than 20 years.

Tens of thousands gather in Baghdad for pro-Hizbullah rally Tens of thousands of Shi'ite youths covered in white shrouds gathered Friday in Iraq's capital for a pro-Hizbullah rally.

'Scrap peace deal with Israel' Judges in Egypt called upon the government to dissolve its peace agreement with Israel.

Nasrallah threatens to strike Tel Aviv Hizbullah's leader, for the first time since fighting began 22 days ago, offered Thursday to stop rocket attacks on northern Israel in return for an end to airstrikes throughout Lebanon.

Olmert: I hope Germany sends peacekeepers to South Lebanon Prime Minister Ehud Olmert would welcome the participation of German soldiers in a stabilization force in South Lebanon.

Lebanon: Israel Wages War of Starvation Israel is waging a "war of starvation" on Lebanon's civilians in an effort to force the government to agree to Israel's demands.

8/3/06

Iraq civil war warning for Blair Civil war is a more likely outcome in Iraq than democracy.

Iranian president: Israel's destruction solution to Mideast crisis Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday the solution to the Middle East crisis was to destroy Israel.

Evidence Mounts that Kana "Massacre" Was a Fake The world awoke Sunday to the news that an Israeli airstrike killed 57 Lebanese civilians.

Muslim powers stage Mideast summit The Muslim world's biggest bloc held an emergency summit Thursday to muster support for a swift cease-fire.

Jerusalem Braces for Gay Pride Events "The gay pride parade in Jerusalem has been canceled, but that still leaves another 165 hours of gay activities in Israel."

Temple Mount closed for Tisha Be'av Citing intelligence alerts of possible violence, Jerusalem police announced Wednesday that the Temple Mount will be closed to non-Muslim visitors on Thursday.

Report: Bin Laden's son sent to operate against Israel Iran has freed a son of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden from house arrest.

Olmert apologizes for pullout remarks Ten right wing IDF reservists have announced that they will refuse to obey orders to enter Lebanon following comments made by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arguing that the war in Lebanon could create momentum for further West Bank pullouts.

Olmert: Send us 'real soldiers, not pensioners' The ground battle in Lebanon is widening, but on the eve of a new United Nations Security Council decision on the Israeli-Hizbullah conflict, its days may be numbered.

Israel bombs Beirut as diplomats' words aim to ease crisis Israel resumed its bombardment of southern Beirut Thursday.

8/2/06

Olmert says fighting will go on Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that there will be no ceasefire in Lebanon until an international force is deployed in the south of the country.

PM: IDF stays until int'l force in place Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Israel's three-week-old offensive in Lebanon will stop only once a robust international peacekeeping force is in place in southern Lebanon.

Iran defiant on nuclear deadline Iran has asserted its right to produce nuclear energy a day after the United Nations passed a resolution demanding it suspend uranium enrichment.

Rice wants UN action by week's end US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stepped up her drive for an end to the conflict in Lebanon Tuesday.

Iraq Shia in show of force Thousands of Shias charged with guarding neighbourhoods in Iraq have marched through Baghdad as violence continued to plague the city.

Nasrallah and the three Lebanons Many in the Arab world are blaming the Lebanese for being so disunited and for not rallying en masse behind Hezbollah and its secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah.

EU rebuffs US call to put Hezbollah on terror list The EU will not for the time being put the Islamist Hezbollah movement on its blacklist of terrorist organizations.

Palestinian anti-Rice feeling peaks Anti-American sentiment has been running high in the West Bank and Gaza Strip since the beginning of the Israel-Hizbullah war three weeks ago.

Settler reservists: Won't go to Lebanon if aim is to advance pullout PM Ehud Olmert on Wednesday predicted that the outcome of the IDF's fighting in Lebanon would create "new momentum" for Israel's plan to separate from the Palestinians by withdrawing from much of the West Bank.

EU waters down ceasefire call The European Union has called for an immediate end to hostilities in Lebanon.

8/1/06

Israel steps up ground offensive Heavy clashes have been taking place in southern Lebanon between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters.

Assad calls on army to raise readiness Syrian President Bashar Assad called on his army Monday to increase readiness to cope with "regional challenges."

EU ministers divided over ceasefire call EU foreign ministers are divided on whether to call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and islamist Hezbollah fighters ahead of crisis talks on the matter in Brussels.

One-Year Anniversary of Expulsion of 9,000 Jews Mourning, longing and hope: Though for many expellees remembering it is difficult, events are being held this week to commemorate one year to the forced expulsion of 9,000 Jews by Ariel Sharon.

Assad smuggling weapons to Hizbullah Three weeks into the war with Hizbullah, the IDF's intelligence picture is growing clearer.

Iraq bomb attacks kill 44 people A series of bomb attacks in Iraq have killed at least 44 people - many of them soldiers.

Despite War, IDF Distributing Demolition Orders to Outpost Though many assumed that the destruction of communities in Judea and Samaria had been postponed, if not canceled, due to the war, the IDF distributed demolition orders to one community.

Gazans also want multinational force The Palestinian Authority is trying to win Arab backing for the deployment of an international force along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Security Cabinet Approves Stepped-Up Ground Forces Operation The Security Cabinet after meeting for about four hours has given a green light to the IDF to sizably increase the IDF infantry force operating in southern Lebanon.

French FM: Iran a 'stabilizing force' Israeli officials were bewildered by French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy's comment Monday that Iran plays a stabilizing role in the region.