11/29/08

* Troops search Mumbai siege hotel Commandos said they had killed three militants inside the Taj Mahal Palace in an assault on the huge building.

* Foreign Ministry confirms deaths of eight Israelis in Mumbai An unspecified number of Israelis in Mumbai remain unaccounted for.

* Sarkozy calls for 'inclusive' G8 The G8 has become "obsolete" as emerging economies change the global economic order.

* Vilna'i: Large Gaza op approaching Following a mortar shell attack by Palestinian terrorists on an IDF base that left eight soldiers wounded, Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilna'i said on Saturday that a large-scale operation in the Gaza Strip was approaching.

* Ahmadinejad blames West for spreading economic crisis to world Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad blamed the West for the global financial crisis on Saturday.

* Russia test-fires ballistic missile from submarine The Russian navy said Friday that a new-generation Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile was test-fired from a submerged submarine and hit its target - the second consecutive successful test of the troubled weapon.

* Two Palestinians, two settlers injured in clashes in Hebron "Settlers and Palestinians hurled stones at each other in the West Bank city of Hebron on Saturday".

* Oh, Mumbai! What happened in Mumbai was by any standard unprecedented and the shock at the sheer audacity of the attacks on India's commercial capital continues to resonate.

* Iraq's top Shiite cleric has concerns over US pact Iraq's top Shiite cleric has expressed concern about the country's security pact with the United States.

* Russia to complete Iran nuclear plant in 2009 -Tass Russia will complete Iran's first nuclear power plant in 2009.

11/28/08

* Battles rage for Mumbai hostages Fresh explosions and gunfire have been heard at Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace hotel, one of several sites targeted in attacks that have killed at least 130.

* At least five Chabad House hostages have been killed Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said there is "no room for great optimism" about the fate of Israeli hostages inside a Jewish center in Mumbai.

* Iraqi parliament backs US pullout The Iraqi parliament has voted to accept a deal on the future presence of US troops in the country.

* Iran, Lebanon sign 5-year security pact Iran and Lebanon have signed a security agreement, according to which Iran will supply the Lebanese army with weapons and equipment over the next five years.

* Olmert refuses to take leave of absence Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Thursday he did not plan on submitting to an appeal made by Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni.

* Terrorism has truly become war, and we need to rethink how we fight it The terror attack in Mumbai should serve as a sign to decision-makers and strategic analysts in recognizing that the accepted approach to terrorism has become anachronistic and mistaken.

* Al-Qaida No. 2 to US: Overcome meltdown with Islam Al-Qaida's No. 2 leader appeared in a new video posted Friday calling on Americans to embrace Islam to overcome the financial meltdown.

* Pope Benedict may visit Holy Land next year Pope Benedict XVI may visit the Holy Land next year.

* Medvedev in Cuba to improve ties Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is in Cuba for the final stop in a tour of Latin America intended to strengthen Russian influence in the region.

* Arab League FMs urge Abbas to stay in office The Arab League foreign ministers on Thursday called on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, whose term expires on January 9, to stay in office until the dispute between Fatah and Hamas is resolved.

11/26/08

* Iran: More than 5,000 centrifuges are now up and running Iran now has more than 5,000 centrifuges operating at its uranium enrichment plant.

* Iraqi parliament delays vote on US pact Intense dealmaking among Iraq's political factions on Wednesday delayed by one day a parliamentary vote on a security pact that would allow American forces to stay in the country through 2011 under tight Iraqi supervision.

* Olmert, in Washington: Israel-PA peace still possible this year Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has asked U.S. President George W. Bush to convince Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to accept Olmert's suggestion to establish a Palestinian state and sign a peace deal with Israel by the end of the year.

* High-Seas Pirates Increasingly Working With Jihadis They are hardly the bejeweled, Jolly Roger flying buccaneers we've come to associate with of the Golden Age of Piracy (1692-1725).

* Arab foreign ministers meet on Palestinian rift Arab foreign ministers met in Cairo Wednesday to work out how to deal with Hamas after the militant group rejected reconciliation talks aimed at ending the division between the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

* Europe announces 200bn-euro plan The European Commission has unveiled an economic recovery plan worth 200bn euros (£170bn) which it hopes will save millions of European jobs.

* Experts call for global network to prevent asteroid disasters Between 500 and 1,000 massive asteroids cross the Earth's path regularly and any one of them could cause a global catastrophe.

* Oil rises as Russia threatens cut Oil prices have risen after Russia said it might join producers' cartel Opec in cutting output, and following a fall in the US dollar.

* Sarkozy forever? EU uneasy on leadership bid: Paul Taylor Not content with a temporary role as first consul, Nicolas Sarkozy wants to be emperor of Europe.

* 'Libyan aid boat en route to Gaza Strip' A Palestinian lawmaker in Gaza says a boat loaded with humanitarian aid has left Libya and will attempt to reach Gaza despite an Israeli naval blockade.

11/25/08

* Khamenei for Lebanese unity vs. Israel Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday called on the disparate Lebanese ethnic groups to unite against their common enemy - Israel.

* US Told Olmert Not to Attack Iran or Invade Gaza The Bush administration warned outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert not to stage an attack on Iran or stage an all-out assault on Hamas in Gaza.

* Russian Warships Dock in Venezuela Russian warships have sailed into port in Venezuela for a series of joint military exercises that mark Russia's first deployment in the Caribbean since the Cold War.

* Russian Analyst Predicts Decline and Breakup of USA A leading Russian political analyst has said the economic turmoil in the United States has confirmed his long-held view that the country is heading for collapse, and will divide into separate parts.

* Jordan seals nuclear deal with China Jordan signed a civilian nuclear cooperation deal with China on Monday, as part of its efforts to develop its nuclear energy capabilities.

* Abbas aide: Palestinian elections will be in April whether Hamas agrees or not Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas plans to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in April despite opposition from Hamas.

* Wikipedia's Arabic version skews ME Last June, I wrote about accusations that pro-Israel organizations were somehow trying to manipulate the on-line encyclopedia's entries to make Israel "look good"; the truth, it seemed to me, was that much of the information on Wikipedia regarding Israel is skewed.

* Brussels to recognise 'European aspirations' of post-Soviet states The European Commission is to propose pulling the EU's six post-Soviet neighbours closer to the West by recognising their "European aspirations".

* Hizbullah pays Palestinians to attack Fearing a harsh military response if it attacks Israel directly, Hizbullah has paid Palestinian terrorist cells to avenge the assassination of the group's military commander.

* Russia's Medvedev's Tough Guy Act Appearances can be deceiving. Six months ago, when Dmitry Medvedev was inaugurated as Russia’s new president, many hoped there would be a thaw in U.S.-Russia relation.

11/24/08

* Abbas made Palestinian state head The Palestinian Authority's central council has voted to appoint Mahmoud Abbas as Palestinian state president.

* Hebron evacuation will be met with force greater than Amona A prominent settler leader said activists would resist attempts to evacuate Hebron's House of Contention with force much greater than ever used in the past.

* Barak: Hezbollah has 42,000 missiles Defense Minister Ehud Barak cautioned that Hezbollah had greatly improved its capabilities since the Second Lebanon War.

* Peace deal delayed due to political situation in Israel Bush, Olmert to meet in Washington Monday to discuss Iranian nuclear program.

* Iran "unhurt" by oil price fall Iran's President Ahmadinejad has said his country will not be damaged by falling oil prices.

* Iraq's Rocky Future The Status of Forces Agreement is a significant move toward the restoration of Iraq's sovereignty, but many hurdles remain.

* Syria confers highest medal on Kuntar Syrian President Bashar Assad has awarded murderer Samir Kuntar the country's highest medal for spending nearly three decades in an Israeli jail.

* Bethlehem: 900 PA troops for Christmas About 900 Palestinian Authority troops will be sent to Bethlehem to maintain order during Christmas celebrations.

* Most Consider The Web Most Reliable Source of News A Zogby Poll, commissioned by IFC, found 37.6% of those asked consider the Internets the most reliable source of news. 20.3% consider national TV news most reliable and 16% say radio is the most reliable source.

* Putin hopes for better ties with US under Obama Russia's leaders they hope the US will scrap its missile defense system in Europe and negotiate a nuclear arms control deal once President-elect Barack Obama takes office.

11/22/08

* Security increase in tense Hebron Israel has increased security in the West Bank city of Hebron ahead of a Jewish pilgrimage there.

* Abbas calls on Obama to implement Arab peace plan Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is asking US President-elect Barack Obama to implement an Arab peace plan as soon as he enters office.

* US forecasts: Iran will have makings of 3 A-bombs by end of 2009 The most up-to-date intelligence predictions of US nuclear experts is that by the end of 2009, Iran will have stocked enough weapons-grade fuel to build three nuclear bombs.

* 'Hizbullah conducting drills in south' Hizbullah has begun a series of military exercises on Saturday morning in the area south of the Litani River, in southern Lebanon.

* World economic situation 'grim,' says China's Hu Chinese President Hu Jintao Friday warned the outlook for the world economy was not looking good.

* Syria: We won't allow another IAEA visit A senior Syrian official on Friday all but ruled out new visits by UN inspectors probing allegations that his country had a covert program that could be used to make nuclear weapons.

* Iraqi parliament to vote on US pact Wednesday Iraq's parliament will vote Wednesday on the proposed Iraq-U.S. security agreement that would allow American troops to stay in Iraq for three more years.

* Europe a 'hobbled giant' by 2025, US intelligence report predicts By 2025, the European Union will be a "hobbled giant" crippled by internal bickering and a eurosceptic citizenry.

* Somali pirates vow to defend boat Pirates in control of a Saudi oil tanker anchored off the Somali town of Haradheere have said that they will fight against any military attempt to free the vessel.

* Abbas Launches Unusual Peace Campaign Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has launched an unusual kind of peace campaign, by targeting the Israeli public with paid advertisements in major Hebrew-language newspapers to promote the Arab peace initiative.

11/21/08

* Peres warns evacuation of settlers may lead to civil war President Shimon Peres told members of the British Parliament Wednesday that Israel would have difficulty dismantling West Bank settlements without causing a civil war in Israel.

* Tens of Thousands Stream to Hevron as Peace House Showdown Looms Tens of thousands of Jewish believers are expected to stream into Hevron, the City of the Patriarchs, for Shabbat Chayei Sarah.

* Iraqis protest against troop deal Thousands of people have protested in Baghdad against a proposed deal to allow US troops to remain in Iraq once their UN mandate expires.

* IDF bracing for more Hebron violence Security forces were bracing for more violence in Hebron Friday as thousands of Jews were expected to descend on the West Bank city for Shabbat.

* US global dominance 'set to wane' US economic, military and political dominance is likely to decline over the next two decades.

* Olmert heads to Washington for farewell meeting with outgoing Bush Under the cloud of an increasing Iranian nuclear threat and escalating violence in Gaza, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert heads to Washington Saturday.

* Hezbollah's foundation is built on youth On a Bekaa Valley playing field gilded by late-afternoon sun, hundreds of young men wearing Boy Scout-like uniforms and kerchiefs stand rigidly at attention as a military band plays, its marchers bearing aloft the distinctive yellow banner of Hezbollah.

* U.S.: IAEA report strengthens fears Syria engaged in covert nuke program The United States said on Friday the first independent monitoring report on an alleged Syrian nuclear site had hardened suspicions that Syria was building a covert reactor.

* Ashkenazi: Our Goal is to Defeat Global Terror IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi spoke at a NATO conference in Brussels on Thursday morning on the subject of terrorism.

* A state within a state has arisen in the territories A new custom has come to the country: High Court rulings are one thing, reality is another.

11/20/08

* Iran reported to have enough fuel for nuclear weapon Iran has now produced roughly enough nuclear material to make, with added purification, a single atom bomb.

* Abdullah holds secret summit with Olmert, Barak Jordan's King Abdullah summoned Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak to his palace in Amman.

* Recession fears hit stock markets European and Asian markets have fallen sharply on fears that the world economy will enter a protracted downturn.

* The Peta principal The coffin lay open in the middle of Times Square. Inside, naked and very much alive, Ingrid Newkirk, co-founder and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

* Al-Qaeda vows to hurt Obama's US A statement purporting to be from the second-in-command of Islamic militant network al-Qaeda has called on Muslims to harm "criminal" America.

* Peres: Iran wants Mideast religious bloc "The Iranian leadership's grand design is to convert the Middle East into one religious bloc."

* Analysis: American Jews Vote their Religion: Liberalism Based on their vote, American Jews either don't care about Israel or are fooling themselves.

* Putin vows to prevent 'collapse' Russia's government will do "everything" it can to prevent another financial collapse in the country.

* Iran blocks access to over five million websites Iran has blocked access to more than five million Internet sites, whose content is mostly perceived as immoral and anti-social.

* King Herod's VIP Room for Theatergoers Discovered Hebrew University's Archaeological Institute announced on Wednesday additional discoveries in Herod's grave, located 9 miles south of Jerusalem.

11/19/08

* Former IDF Chief of Staff: 'Land for Peace Brought Wars' Moshe Ya'alon, a former IDF Chief of Staff who this week joined the Likud party, declared Wednesday morning that the "land for peace" policy he once backed has proven that giving up Jewish land to Arabs brings war.

* 'Israeli Air Force is ready to deal with Iran' "We are ready to do whatever is demanded of us" in order to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

* Tensions high in Hebron; Settlers gird for battle Heading for a clash? Settlers are girding for battle over a disputed Hebron home slated to be evacuated in the next few hours in line with a High Court of Justice ruling.

* Israel 'occupies' no Arab territories In urgent matters of national survival and geopolitics, words matter. The still generally unchallenged language referring provocatively to an Israeli "Occupation" always overlooks the pertinent and incontestable history of the West Bank.

* Settler rabbi: The State of Israel is an enemy of the people "The state of Israel has become the enemy of the people and the land of Israel," settler rabbi Shalom Dov Wolpe said.

* PA to reach out to Israelis with ads endorsing Arab peace plan The Palestinians are reaching out to the Israeli public to drum up support for a land-for-peace plan backed by the Arab world.

* Beijing propaganda chief hatches plan to combat age of internet news China's propaganda officials are experimenting with a revolutionary new policy to manage their message in the age of the internet: reporting the news as it happens.

* Germany-Egypt sub sale worries Israel Israel is increasingly concerned that Germany might sell Dolphin-class submarines to Egypt.

* International concern grows over piracy Days after pirates seized a Saudi-owned supertanker carrying more than $100 million worth of crude oil, the Indian Navy said on Wednesday that one of its warships had fought a four-to-five-hour battle.

* France wants post-EU presidency financial summit France has unveiled plans for a post-French EU presidency financial summit.

11/18/08

* Iran opens fourth navy base in Gulf The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced the opening of its fourth navy base on the shores of the Persian Gulf, opposite the United States Navy Base in Bahrain.

* Seized tanker anchors off Somalia A huge Saudi oil tanker hijacked in the Indian Ocean on Saturday is believed to have anchored off the coast of Somalia.

* Palestinian PM: Settlement building will destroy peace process Palestinian Prime Minister and Finance Minister Salam Fayyad called on the international community to up the pressure on Israel to suspend all construction in the settlements.

* Global gloom depresses oil price Oil prices have drifted below $55 a barrel amid worries over falling demand and slowing global growth.

* Mass Emergency Meeting in Hevron The large Jewish community of Hevron – close to 800 people, including some 90 families – is awaiting the invasion of a large police/army force for the purpose of emptying Peace House of its Jews.

* 'Assad ready for peace, if he gets what he wants' "(Syrian) President Assad is willing to reach a peace agreement, if Israel and the United States give him what he wants."

* Poll: Across the Board, Americans Support Israel According to poll data released on Sunday, fully 66 percent of American voters - Democrats, Republicans and others - believe that the United States should support Israel over the Palestinian Authority.

* Syria dismisses uranium traces report A Syrian official disputed on Tuesday that the UN nuclear agency's discovery of uranium traces at a bombed site was an indication that Syria was building a nuclear reactor.

* Iran sends mixed signals on US-Iraq pact Reaction in Iran to the approval by Baghdad of a controversial military pact with Washington has been mixed.

* Israeli tanks move into Gaza, level farmland Israeli tanks forged into the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, drawing mortar fire from Palestinian militants and intensifying violence that has chipped away at a tenuous cease-fire.

11/17/08

* Olmert calls for world to stop Iran nuclear bomb PM tells 'General Assembly' of Jewish leaders Islamic Republic 'has not terminated its pursuit of nuclear weapons; free world must do whatever it can to prevent nuclear Iran'

* Hezbollah, an Imminent Danger CIA Director Michael Hayden said last week that al-Qaida was still the largest threat to the United States.

* We'll go to war over Hebron house, warn settlers Right-wing activists say they have no intention of complying with High Court ruling they must evacuate disputed property.

* Iraqi ministers agree to extend U.S. military presence The Iraqi cabinet overwhelmingly approved the security agreement that sets the conditions for the continued U.S. presence.

* Summit shows times have changed The G20 summit in Washington was a striking event first of all for who was there.

* ElBaradei confirms uranium found at bombed Syrian site The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog said the agency needs more transparency from Syria and other nations.

* Poll: Most Americans want US to back Israel Most US citizens believe America should stand behind Israel, a poll found this week.

* Was the Aksa Mosque built over the remains of a Byzantine church? Archeological archives show a Byzantine mosaic floor underneath the Temple Mount's Aksa Mosque that was likely the remains of a church or a monastery.

* Turkey is Becoming More Active in Global Politics The last few years we have seen Turkey beginning to emerge from its shell and play a greater role in regional politics.

* Crisis likely to bolster far right in EU parliament Extreme right parties, from anti-immigrant and xenophobic populists to outright neo-fascists, are almost certain to increase their presence in the European Parliament after the 2009 elections.

11/15/08

* China holds the cards at summit It is not clear how much the leaders of developed and developing countries from around the world, gathered to discuss a fast-moving financial crisis with a soon-to-depart president of the United States, can hope to accomplish.

* Russia Backs Off on Europe Missile Threat President Dmitri A. Medvedev of Russia retreated Friday from his threat to deploy missiles on Europe’s borders.

* Global financial crisis increasing terror threat The Washington Post quoted intelligence officials as saying that the deepening global economic crisis could weaken fragile governments in the world's most dangerous areas.

* Iraqi cleric calls for peaceful mass protest against U.S. Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called for a massive prayer service and a peaceful demonstration in Baghdad next week against the U.S.-led presence in Iraq.

* Barkat's agenda Fiorello LaGuardia, the legendary New York City mayor between the Great Depression and World War II, seldom disappointed reporters for a quote.

* Iran pushes for further oil cut Iran is to urge the oil-exporters' group Opec to agree another cut in production to boost the price of oil.

* Iraq: Negotiators agree on US security pact draft U.S. and Iraqi negotiators have agreed on a draft of a security pact that would allow American troops to stay in Iraq for three more years.

* Abbas, Olmert to meet Monday A Palestinian official says the Palestinian president will meet with the outgoing Israeli prime minister on Monday and raise his concern about renewed Gaza fighting.

* UN General Assembly Concludes Interfaith Dialogue The U.N. General Assembly concluded a two-day conference on interfaith dialogue with a call for member states to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

* Pope says Catholics in politics must follow faith Pope Benedict XVI is encouraging Catholics who get involved in politics to stay true to their church's teaching.

11/14/08

* Gilad: We won't let Iran go nuclear Israel will not tolerate a nuclear Iran, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amos Gilad, the head of the Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau, has stressed.

* Eurozone officially in recession The eurozone has officially slipped into recession after EU figures showed that the economy shrank by 0.2% in the third quarter.

* EU calls on Israel to reopen border crossings to Gaza The European Union called on Israel Friday to reopen its border crossings with the Gaza Strip.

* G20 urged to reject protectionism Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged leaders of the G20 developed and emerging economies to resist calls for protectionism.

* Five rockets slam into Ashkelon area Following the morning's Kassam rocket strikes on Sderot and the Sha'ar Hanegev region, the Ashkelon area also came under attack on Friday afternoon.

* Sarkozy puts pressure on Russia France's President Nicolas Sarkozy says he is concerned about Russia's threat to deploy missiles near Poland and wants a summit on European security.

* Looking for Freshwater Solutions in Israel With the Sea of Galilee, one of Israel's main freshwater resources, at its lowest level in four years, it is no secret that Israel is reeling from an ongoing drought.

* Russian MPs back presidency move Russian MPs have backed a bill to extend the presidential term from four to six years amid speculation it may herald Vladimir Putin's early return.

* 'Israel abused interfaith conference' The Islamic Republic has said that Israel tried to abuse a UN interfaith conference in order to achieve its political ambitions.

* Iraq's al-Sadr renews threats to attack US Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr on Friday renewed threats to resume attacks on U.S. forces.

11/13/08

* Saudi Interfaith Parley a Front for Global Law against Blasphemy The widely publicized Saudi-backed interfaith meeting held at the United Nations this week was a front to promote a global law against blasphemy.

* Rocket fired from Gaza Strip towards Ashkelon A "code red" warning was sounded in Ashkelon on Thursday evening, in order to warn residents that a rocket had been fired from the Gaza Strip towards the city.

* China startled by force of crisis Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao says the effect of the global financial crisis on China is "worse than expected", according to reports.

* Livni: Lebanon arms smuggling must end The continued weapons smuggling from Syria into Lebanon is a flagrant violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

* Global Threats, Coordinated Responses What happens when you put on the table all the major crises facing the world, identify how they are linked to each other, and attempt to start charting a path towards their resolution?

* Peres lauds Saudi King peace plan Israeli President Shimon Peres has praised the king of Saudi Arabia for his Middle East peace initiative.

* Analysis: Northern Sinai: A desert playground for smugglers, jihadis The 25 Egyptian police officers taken hostage by Beduins in northern Sinai on Tuesday have now been freed.

* Google Earth revives ancient Rome Google has added a new twist to its popular 3D map tool, Google Earth, offering millions of users the chance to visit a virtual ancient Rome.

* Russia considers opening Black Sea Fleet base in Abkhazia Russia is considering opening a base for its Black Sea Fleet in Abkhazia.

* Foreign troops 'drawn into Congo' Evidence is increasing that foreign forces are being drawn into the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

11/12/08

* Iran test-fires new missile, Israel within reach Iran said it test-fired a new generation of surface-to-surface missile on Wednesday.

* Barkat Envisions 10 Million Tourists, 150,000 New Jobs Secular high tech millionaire Nir Barkat, who defeated hareidi religious Meir Porush Tuesday night to become the ninth mayor of Jerusalem, envisions 10 million tourists and 150,000 new jobs within the decade.

* Russia rejects U.S. missile proposals The Kremlin on Wednesday rejected U.S. proposals aimed at easing concerns over a missile defense system in Europe.

* Hamas Claims Secret Relationship with Obama Aides Hamas is claiming close and ongoing ties with America's upcoming Obama Administration.

* Al-Qaida's Deafening Silence The election of Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States was greeted with elation around the world with crowds taking to the streets to express their joy from Washington, D.C. to Nairobi.

* Russia's Return Russia is back in the Middle East. Russia is now expected to reopen its two naval bases at Tartus and Latakia in Syria.

* Putin says backs longer presidency Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who some analysts say may want to return to the Kremlin, on Wednesday supported extending the presidential term of office.

* Saudi Arabia to Lead U.N. Faith Forum Saudi Arabia, the oil-rich Islamic kingdom that forbids the public practice of other religious faiths, will preside Wednesday over a two-day U.N. conference on religious tolerance.

* Abbas challenges Hamas to referendum Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas paid tribute to his predecessor Yasser Arafat at a Ramallah memorial rally.

* Sudan declares Darfur ceasefire Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir has announced an immediate ceasefire in the Darfur region of western Sudan.

11/11/08

* World recalls end of World War I Ceremonies have been held across the globe to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I.

* Abbas Praises Suicide Bombers; Foreign Media Downplay Remarks Palestinian Authority Chairman and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas, speaking in Ramallah in memory of his predecessor Yasser Arafat.

* Medvedev bid to extend presidency Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has sent to parliament a bill that extends the presidential term to six years from the current four, the Kremlin says.

* Iran test-fires new missile near Iraq: state media Iran has test-fired a new type of missile during war games near the Iraqi border.

* Jerusalem voters pick new mayor Voters in Jerusalem are choosing a new mayor after a hard-fought election campaign that has raised tensions between religious and moderate Jews.

* Russia to Sell Heavy Arms to Lebanon Following a meeting last week between leading Lebanese legislator Sa'ad Hariri and Russian leaders, Hariri was quoted by Russian media this weekend as saying Russia will sell heavy weaponry to Lebanon.

* EU resumes Russia talks, isolating Lithuania The European Union is set to return to the negotiating table with Russia in order to agree a new partnership treaty.

* 'Jews Around the Next President' The recent appointments of Jews by United States President–Elect Barack Hussein Obama to his new administration should not be reassuring to the Jewish community in America or in Israel.

* Abbas: In talks, Israel has proposed concessions regarding Jerusalem Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday that during peace talks over the past year, Israel had proposed concessions to him regarding Jerusalem.

* Holy Jerusalem: Filthy, Poor, Uneducated, Fundamentalist Jerusalem is the most socially deprived and least pleasant place to live in Israel according to an Israeli survey.

11/10/08

* Olmert at Rabin memorial: We must cede parts of Jerusalem Prime Minister Ehud Olmert used a Jerusalem memorial ceremony for former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin to reiterate that Israel must be willing to cede parts of the capital.

* US, EU and Arab officials meet on Iran Senior US and European officials met with Arab leaders who are worried about the international community negotiating an agreement with Iran that would give it more power in the Middle East.

* Moscow to host Mid-East meeting The Quartet of Middle East mediators plan to hold a conference in Moscow early next year to push forward the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

* Obama Sends Advisor Malley to Cozy Up to Egypt and Syria President-elect Barack Obama has dispatched his "senior foreign policy adviser", Robert Malley to Egypt and Syria to outline Obama's policy on the Middle East.

* PA Official Claims Temple Mount is Not Jewish Top PA officials continue to deny Israel's connection to Judaism's most sacred spot in the world - the Temple Mount.

* Quartet backs Mideast peace talks Israeli and Palestinian negotiating teams brief UN, US, and EU delegates on latest progress made in bilateral peace talks.

* UK's Brown: Now is the time to build global society Prime Minister Gordon Brown will say Britain, the United States and Europe are key to forging a new world order.

* For Russia's Putin, knockabout with Obama is just the ticket Still Russia's dominant politician, Vladimir Putin can only relish the prospect of a new bout of Russian-US rivalry with American leader-in-waiting Barack Obama.

* Blair urges Obama to make Mideast peace a priority Quartet envoy: Talks on peace deal require 'energy, commitment and dedication' of new US president

* Jerusalem's Looming Elections: A Tale of Two Cities On Nov. 11, Jerusalem residents will go to the polls to elect their next mayor and city council.

11/08/08

* Barak: All options open regarding Iran Israel is not ruling out any option when it comes to dealing with Iran's nuclear program.

* Europe unveils its vision for global financial reform EU leaders have agreed on a set of principles that should guide future talks on the reform of the global financial architecture.

* Iran irked by Obama's tough language Iran's parliament speaker slammed on Saturday comments made by President-elect Barack Obama in which he said that a nuclear-armed Iran was "unacceptable."

* Palestinians: IDF, Hamas exchange gunfire in Gaza Strip Israel Defense Forces soldiers exchanged fire with Palestinian gunmen on Saturday in the Gaza Strip.

* Sadr: 'Beware' of supporting Washington Influential Shiite clerics and lawmakers issued a variety of edicts in opposition to the long-term security arrangement with the United States.

* Meshal says Obama has no choice but to talk to Hamas Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Meshal told Sky News on Saturday that he is willing to hold talks with President-elect Barak Obama.

* Rice denies Annapolis peace push failed US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Friday denied the Israeli-Palestinian peace process sponsored by US President George W. Bush was a failure.

* Saudi king musn't shake Peres' hand at interfaith meet, pan-Arab newspaper editor says The editor in chief of the pan-Arab London-based Al-Quds al-Arabi newspaper is calling on Saudi King Abdullah to refrain from shaking hands with President Shimon Peres.

* Team Obama Begins to Take Shape President-elect Barack Obama named his first appointment Thursday, Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff.

* Hamas boycotts Palestinian talks The Palestinian militant group Hamas says it will boycott reconciliation talks with its Fatah rivals in Cairo.

11/07/08

* Barak: Israel not ruling out any option in stopping Iran threat Israel is not ruling out any option when it comes to dealing with Iran's nuclear program.

* EU holds financial reform summit A summit of EU leaders has opened in Brussels aimed at reaching agreement on ways to reform the global financial system after the recent market shocks.

* Israel sets new rules on Lebanon targets In any future conflict with Hizbullah, Israel will likely cite the Shi'ite group's increasing influence within the Lebanese cabinet as a legitimate reason to target Lebanon's entire infrastructure.

* Sarkozy pledges France's support on Iran While the position of US President-elect Barack Obama on Iran's nuclear ambitions has raised a fair deal of questions, Israel received an encouraging push from French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

* Exploratory drilling for oil in Judean Desert passes final hurdle The Council of National Parks and Nature Reserves on Thursday approved exploratory drilling for oil in the Judean Desert Nature Reserve.

* Georgia's claims on war with Russia questioned Newly available accounts by independent military observers of the beginning of the war between Georgia and Russia this summer call into question the longstanding Georgian assertion.

* Arabs happy Obama won... and that Bush's man lost Arab and Muslim reaction to incoming US President Barack Obama's electoral victory around the globe has been largely optimistic.

* U.N. chief: Rebels 'poisonous' for Congo U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Friday rebels who are fighting government troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo pose "poisonous consequences" for the country amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.

* Hamas Changes its Tune, Ready to Meet with Obama The Hamas terrorist organization has changed its tune and has expressed a desire to talk with President-elect Barack Obama.

* France pushes for more EU engagement in Iraq France, currently chairing the six-month rotating European Union presidency, is pushing for the bloc to engage more and "without delay" in Iraq.

11/06/08

* Livni urges Obama not to talk to Iran 'at this time' US President-elect Barack Obama should not talk to Iran just yet, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said.

* Brussels seeks Russia talks amid missile threat The European Commission has put pressure on EU capitals to approve next week the resumption of talks on a new EU-Russia partnership treaty.

* Putin may return to Kremlin in '09 Russian President Dmitry Medvedev could resign from his post in 2009 to pave the way for Vladimir Putin to return to the Kremlin.

* Israeli Intelligence Warns of Settler Uprising Yuval Diskin, the head of Israel's domestic intelligence agency, the Shin Bet, warned the Israeli government during an emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday that a violent uprising by extremist right-wing Israeli settlers is possible.

* 'Peace pact unlikely by year's end' US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday all but conceded that an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal by a year-end deadline is no longer possible.

* Democracy Backfires on U.S. in Iraq "Be careful what you wish for, you may get it." U.S. officials involved in negotiating the Status of Forces Agreement, known as SOFA, with the Iraqi government might be forgiven if the old saying has been running through their heads a lot recently.

* Obama names Emanuel chief of staff President-elect Barack Obama barely had time to savor his victory before he began filling out his new administration.

* Obama and EU to reinvent global politics, pundit says The Obama administration will play a big role in "reinventing" the international system.

* Moscow invests $100m in Dead sea resort The city of Moscow will invest $100 million through a subsidiary to build a luxury resort hotel in Ein Bokek.

* Saudi king seeks sense of Obama policy on U.S. trip Wary about the direction of U.S. policy in the region, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah will have a chance to put out feelers to president-elect Barack Obama.