12/31/08

* Gaza war goes on despite EU diplomacy Israel on Wednesday morning (31 January) rejected an EU ceasefire proposal as fighting continued in Gaza, with international pressure building around the New Year war.

* Cabinet rejects French proposal to hold 48-hour cease fire The Security Cabinet on Wednesday rejected a French proposal for a 48-hour suspension of the IDF offensive against Hamas to allow Paris the opportunity to mediate a cease-fire.

* Czech Republic faces challenges with EU presidency On Thursday, the Czechs take over the European Union's six-month rotating presidency from EU heavyweight France.

* 'Massacre result of Fatah-Hamas row' Saudi Arabia's foreign minister criticized the divisions among the Palestinians at the opening of an emergency Arab League meeting Wednesday.

* Israel mission shows Super Sarko leadership will not end with EU presidency Nicolas Sarkozy ends his hyperactive stint as President of Europe at midnight but he made clear today that he aims to stay on as the continent’s de facto leader.

* Turkish PM in Syria stresses 'dangerous situation' in Gaza Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday on the first stop of a regional tour focusing on Israel's deadly onslaught on Gaza.

* While Israel fights in Gaza, Egypt and Saudi Arabia take on Iran Israel's campaign in Gaza is serving to expose the strategic fault lines in the Arab and Muslim world.

* Vulnerable Israeli homefront rethinks withdrawals As Arab rockets reach ever deeper into Israel, they may be weakening what for years has been a cornerstone of Mideast peace efforts.

* Record stock market falls in 2008 Global markets saw record falls in 2008 as the financial turmoil and economic slowdown ended the stock market boom.

* Police arrest Shiite cult leader in Iraq Police on Wednesday announced the arrest of a leading figure in a messianic Shiite cult that has battled with Iraqi and U.S. forces.

12/30/08

* Gaza air campaign 'a first stage' Israel's air assault on Gaza is "the first in several stages" of operations aimed at ending militant rocket fire.

* Christmas massacres 'killed 400' More than 400 people have been killed by Ugandan rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo in attacks since Christmas day.

* Hamas calls 'reservists' to foil attack Hamas's armed wing, Izaddin Kassam, on Monday announced that it was recruiting an additional 1,000 militiamen ahead of a possible IDF ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

* EU foreign ministers to meet over Gaza violence EU foreign ministers are to meet in Paris on Tuesday (30 December) evening to discuss the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip.

* Russian presidential term extended to 6 years Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday signed a law extending the presidential term.

* Azeri ban on foreign broadcasts Azerbaijan has decided to ban from 1 January foreign radio broadcasts on the country's national frequencies.

* Mixed Christians Reactions to Operation Cast Lead There have been quick reactions from international and local Christian organizations to the ongoing Israeli counter-terrorist Operation Cast Lead in Gaza.

* Iran sets up court to try Israelis over Gaza Iran has set up a court to try Israelis for their air attacks on Gaza and is ready to try in absentia any people who Tehran says have committed "crimes."

* Incoming European Union President: Israel is Right The Czech Republic, which takes over the European Union's rotating presidency this week, takes Israel’s side in the conflict with Hamas.

* Ten years on, eurozone takes on 16th member Ten years after the original 11 countries in western Europe set up a common currency, the monetary union is due to enlarge to Slovakia.

12/29/08

* Israel strikes key Hamas offices Israeli air raids have pounded the Gaza Strip for a third day, hitting key sites linked to militant group Hamas.

* Barak: This is 'all out war' on Hamas Defense Minister and Labor chairman Ehud Barak on Monday said that Israel would expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip until all the goals were achieved.

* Israeli aircraft continue raids on Gaza The attacks brought the death toll in Gaza to more than 300, according to Palestinian medical officials.

* Crude Oil Rises After Israeli Attacks on Gaza Roil Middle East Crude oil rose as much as 12% after Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip raised concerns that supply from the Middle East may be disrupted.

* EU expresses 'grave concern' at Israeli attacks on Gaza The European Union has expressed its "grave concern" at Israel's continuing attacks on the Gaza Strip, calling the airstrikes "unacceptable" and urging both sides to halt military actions.

* Abbas Blames Hamas for Gaza Raids PA President Mahmoud Abbas blamed the rival Hamas terrorist organization for causing Israel's military operations in Gaza by not extending a six-month truce with Israel.

* Iranians register volunteers to fight Israel Group of hardline clerics signs up volunteers to fight in Gaza Strip in response to IDF airstrikes that have killed at least 300 Palestinians.

* Report: Hamas ready to sign Gaza truce Senegal's Foreign Ministry says Hamas leader proposed ceasefire agreement that would involve Israel ending its attacks, blockade of Strip

* Egypt: Hizbullah declared war on us In a press conference held on Monday afternoon in Ankara with his Turkish counterpart, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit responded to criticism by Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Sunday, saying that "They have practically declared war on Egypt via several satellite stations. The Egyptian people reject and opposes this declaration."

* Jerusalem: No international pressure to end op Israel is feeling "no real pressure" from the world to end the operation in the Gaza Strip, and the amount of time the international community will sit relatively quietly on the sidelines depends on how things develop.

12/27/08

Hamas: Over 170 killed as Israel strikes police compounds Just days after the cabinet gave the military final approval to counter ongoing Palestinian rocket fire against communities in the western Negev, the IDF launched a massive operation.

* Scores die in Israeli air strikes Israeli F-16 bombers have launched a series of air strikes against key targets in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 155 people.

* Pakistan moves some troops from western border Pakistan has begun moving some troops away from its western border with Afghanistan, where the United States has pressed it to combat Taliban militants.

* Israel wants to teach Hamas a lesson, but not to reconquer Gaza It took less than a week for Israel's decision makers to change their minds entirely.

* China deploys anti-pirate warships A new era of naval history has been launched with China sending warships outside its territorial waters for the first time in centuries.

* Hamas urges military wing to fire long-range rockets The Hamas movement called on its military wing Saturday to fire long-range rockets at Israeli communities in response to the IDF’s assault on Gaza.

* A hard look at Hamas' capabilities Approximately 15,000 armed Palestinians. That's the size of the military force the Israel Defense Forces will face if a major operation in the Gaza Strip goes forward.

* IDF: Weekend strike in Gaza 'only the beginning' Military's first assault on Hamas infrastructure in Strip ends as next step in op awaits chief of staff's orders.

* Iran preps humanitarian aid ship to Gaza Strip An Iranian freighter carrying tons of humanitarian equipment destined for the Gaza Strip will set sail from the Islamic Republic on Saturday.

* Arab world slams Israel for Gaza op The Arab world reacted in shock to the attacks on the Gaza Strip on Saturday with scattered protests around the region and Egypt summoning the Israeli ambassador to express its condemnation of the air strikes.

12/26/08

* Russia to supply missiles to Syria Russia plans to supply air-defense missile systems valued at $250 million to seven countries including Syria, Libya and Venezuela.

* China begins anti-piracy mission Three Chinese naval ships have set sail for waters off Somalia to protect Chinese vessels from pirate attacks.

* Hamas: Our leaders do not fear death Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip said Thursday that they were not worried about the possibility that Israel might assassinate the movement's top leaders.

* Pakistan moves troops toward Indian border Pakistan began moving thousands of troops away from the Afghan border toward India on Friday amid tensions following the Mumbai attacks.

* Iran to send aid ship to Gaza Iran's Red Crescent is sending a shipment of aid to the Gaza Strip in the face of a blockade of the Hamas-ruled territory by Islamic republic's archfoe Israel.

* Israel moves closer to Gaza invasion Israel moved closer to invading Gaza, saying Thursday it had wrapped up preparations for a broad offensive.

* UN steps up Lebanon border patrols after rockets found UN peacekeepers and Lebanese troops have stepped up patrols along the border with Israel after rockets were discovered aimed at the Jewish state and ready to fire.

* Ahmadinejad says Jesus would be on his side Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a Christmas message on a British television station that Jesus would be on his side.

* Iranians join Bush shoe protest Dozens of Iranians in the country's capital Tehran have held their own shoe-throwing rally in protest at US President George W Bush.

* Maliki faces accusations and rumors With provincial elections scheduled for the end of January, Iraq appears to be plagued by political troubles.

12/24/08

* Bethlehem fills up with Christmas pilgrims Thousands of Christian pilgrims gathered in Bethlehem's Manger Square on Wednesday to celebrate Christmas under the protection of security forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

* Israel Jittery as Iran Boasts New Defensive Missiles Israel has expressed alarm that Iran may have acquired advanced S-300 surface-to-air missiles which would make any Israeli or American attack on Iran and its alleged nuclear facilities that much harder.

* Russia to raise nuclear missile output fourfold Russia has thrown down a new gauntlet to Barack Obama with an announcement that it will sharply increase production of strategic nuclear missiles.

* Hamas: Israel forcing us to fire rockets With Kassam rockets raining down on cities in the western Negev, including Ashkelon, the Hamas military wing lashed out at Israel late Wednesday.

* Beijing Considers Upgrades to Navy China's top military spokesman said it is seriously considering adding a first aircraft carrier to its navy fleet.

* Russia, China warn of dire economic straits in 2009 Russia and China issued stark warnings on Wednesday about the impact of the crisis on their recently booming economies in 2009.

* EU's new online library reopens The European Union's huge digital library Europeana, which crashed last month just hours after its launch, is back online.

* World woes due to rejection of God: Ahmadinejad The world's troubles are rooted in a rejection of God and if Jesus Christ lived today he would stand up against bullying powers, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will tell Britons on Christmas Day.

* Assad: I hope Obama will pursue Middle East peace 'sincerely' Syrian President Basher Assad on Wednesday expressed his hopes that the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama would bring about a change to U.S. policy on the Middle East.

* Hamas pushes for Sharia punishments The Hamas parliament in the Gaza Strip voted in favor of a law allowing courts to mete out sentences in the spirit of Islam.

12/23/08

* Syria, Israel Keep Pressing for Peace Just a few hours after Syrian President Bashar Assad declared that direct peace negotiations with Israel were imminent.

* Abbas to Mubarak: PA won't agree to Israel invading Gaza Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday.

* Pope attacks blurring of gender Pope Benedict XVI has said that saving humanity from homosexual or transsexual behaviour is just as important as saving the rainforest from destruction.

* PM: We must advance direct Syria talks As the Syrian track took center stage on Monday, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke in favor of advancing direct peace talks with Damascus.

* Iraqi MPs back foreign troop deal Iraqi MPs have authorised the government to sign agreements allowing British and other non-US troops to stay on in the country after 2008.

* Settlers latch on to tourism as key to holding West Bank From Givat Ahiyah, 857 meters above sea level, one can see thousands of olive trees in the Shilo Valley below.

* Hamas 'might renew' truce in Gaza Hamas would consider renewing the expired Gaza truce if Israel respected its initial conditions.

* Tourist discovers trove of 1,300-year-old coins in Jerusalem's City of David A British tourist working in an archaeological dig in Jerusalem on Sunday unearthed a treasure of 264 gold coins from 1,300 ago.

* Sudan 'has 6,000 child soldiers' There are as many as 6,000 child soldiers, some as young as 11 years old, in the war-torn region of Darfur.

* Pope 'to visit Holy Land in May' Pope Benedict XVI is to make his first visit to the Holy Land in May.

12/22/08

* Situation in South is unacceptable Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that Israel would not continue to tolerate rocket attacks from Gaza.

* Why are Russia and the U.S. Arming the Lebanese Army? In an unusual one-two move the Russians then the Americans announced they would deliver new weaponry to the Lebanese army.

* Russia: We'll sell Iran defensive arms Russia's state arms export agency it is supplying Iran with defensive weapons, including surface-to-air missiles.

* Somalia facing hidden genocide The UN envoy to Somalia, Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, has said there is a "hidden genocide" taking place in the country.

* Pakistan militants 'world threat' Militant groups in Pakistan are "the greatest danger to peace and security in the entire world", India's foreign minister has said.

* Young people watch less TV The older you get, the more you watch, report says

* Rare Coin from Hasmonean Rebellion Found in Temple Mount Rubble A 14-year-old volunteer found a precious silver half-shekel coin used to pay taxes in ancient Temple times.

* Assad won't talk to Olmert gov't Syria has reportedly postponed a proposal to renew Turkey-brokered indirect talks with Israel.

* Russia approves presidency bill A bill to extend the presidential term from four to six years has been backed by Russia's upper house of parliament after regional assemblies endorsed it.

* Repairs begin on undersea cable A French ship has begun repairing two undersea cables in the Mediterranean that were severed on Friday, disrupting internet and phone communications.

12/20/08

* India may attack Pakistan Indian military has prepared operations against targets in Pakistan and awaits the signal to go forward.

* Cautious Tension in Gaza After Shaky Truce Ends Cautious tension prevailed in and around the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Friday as the fragile six-month truce between Israel and Hamas, which controls the Palestinian area, expired.

* Rice: Violence will hurt Palestinians US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Friday called on Hamas in Gaza not to attack Israel, and warned that acts of violence would not help the Palestinian cause.

* Rare first century half shekel coin found in Temple Mount dirt A rare half shekel coin, first minted in 66 or 67 C.E., was discovered by 14 year-old Omri Ya'ari as volunteers sifted through mounds of dirt from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

* Olmert: Peace with Syria is feasible Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who announced suddenly that he will go to Turkey for talks on Monday, said Thursday evening that "a peace treaty between Israel and Syria is feasible.

* Iran sends ship against pirates Iran has sent a warship to the Gulf of Aden to protect its merchant shipping from attacks by Somali pirates.

* Bush claims 'progress' in ME peace talks US President George W. Bush, poised to finish his presidency without the Middle East peace deal he once said was in reach, declared Friday that Israelis and Palestinians have made great strides toward settling decades of conflict.

* Is the internet going down? Interoute, the internet networks company, reports that three of the four internet sub-cables that run from Asia to North America have been damaged.

* Iraqi shoe thrower wins hearts in Iran The Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at President George W. Bush has won some hearts in neighboring Iran.

* Chanukah 2008 Chanukah ("dedication" in Hebrew) is celebrated this year from sunset Sunday, December 21st, until sunset Monday, December 29th.

12/19/08

* Netanyahu: 'Iran - greatest historical challenge' Opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu warned Thursday that "a terribly dangerous threshold will be crossed" if Iran obtains nuclear weapons.

* Hamas declares Israel truce over The Islamist militant group Hamas says it has ended its six-month ceasefire with Israel in the Gaza Strip.

* Bush hosts Abbas in farewell visit US President George W. Bush and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas are assessing the stalled US-backed negotiations with Israel.

* 'Important development in Syria talks' Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's upcoming visit to Turkey is the result of a breakthrough which took place in recent days in the unofficial Turkish-mediated Israel- Syria talks.

* 'Russian arms sales could help Iran obliterate Israel' A senior Defense Ministry envoy has urged Russia not to sell Iran advanced anti-aircraft missiles.

* WARNING: Do not contribute! Eckstein: Christian supporters are ready to fill philanthropic void In light of the global economic crisis and the far-reaching consequences of the Madoff investment scam, it is time for Jews to accept the support of the Christian community.

* CNN Meteorologist: Manmade Global Warming Theory 'Arrogant' Unprecedented snow in Las Vegas has some scratching their heads – how can there be global warming with this unusual cold and snowy weather?

* World Bank: Russia may need help if oil falls more Russia would come under crippling financial pressure and may need to raise money externally if oil languishes at an average of $30 a barrel over the next two years.

* UK to advise citizens not to buy land in settlements The British government is advising its citizens not to purchase property in West Bank settlements.

* Is China's Revolution in Danger? Thirty years ago this week, the history of the world changed gear when Deng Xiao Ping launched the economic reforms that began the extraordinary growth of modern China.

12/18/08

* Gaza groups will not renew truce Palestinian militant groups in Gaza say they are not expecting a six-month ceasefire with Israel which expires on Friday to be renewed.

* Unclear Motives Behind Iraq Arrests in Green Zone In a sign of dissent or power struggle in the heavily-fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, scores of officials from the Interior Ministry have been arrested this week.

* Abbas: Elections in Ramallah—and in Gaza Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas announced this week that the PA will hold elections in the near future.

* Syria Offers Israel Peace for Return of Land Syria has stated that it is ready for direct talks and for a full peace with Israel if Israel returns Syrian land it captured during the Six-day War in 1967.

* Britain steps up fight against West Bank settlements The British government is stepping up measures against settlements in the West Bank in an effort to stop their further expansion.

* Olmert: Peace treaty between Israel and Syria is feasible Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Thursday evening said "a peace treaty between Israel and Syria is feasible" and would result in "significant advantages" for Israel.

* Chinese ships will fight pirates China has announced it is to send naval ships to fight rampant piracy in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia.

* Bethlehem mayor: Pope to visit in May The mayor of Bethlehem said Wednesday that Pope Benedict XVI will pay a visit to the Holy Land in May.

* Truce Ends Friday, Islamic Jihad Fires Qassams Four Qassam rockets were fired from Gaza into southern Israel on Tuesday morning by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

* Russian treason bill could target Kremlin critics Under Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, people who fraternized with foreigners or criticized the Kremlin were "enemies of the people" and sent to the gulag.

12/17/08

* Assad wants Syrian access to Kinneret shore Damascus has drafted a document defining the boundaries of the Golan Heights.

* Somali Pirates Seize Four Ships on Day UN Passes Plan Somali pirates seized four ships in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia yesterday.

* UN adopts measure backing Annapolis The UN Security Council adopted a resolution Tuesday backing the bilateral Israeli-Palestinian peace process launched at Annapolis last year.

* Missile and Mortar Attacks on Israel Pass 10,000 Mark Gaza terrorists escalated attacks on the western Negev Tuesday, pushing to 10,046 the number of mortar and rocket attacks the past eight years.

* Rice: Arabs want to meet on Iran nukes Arab nations concerned about Iran's nuclear program want to meet regularly with the six international powers trying to ensure that it remains peaceful.

* Opec agrees record oil output cut The oil producers' cartel Opec has agreed to make a record cut in output, slashing 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from its current supply.

* Russia to supply Lebanon with 10 MiG-29 fighter jets Serdyukov told the Rio Novosti agency that Moscow had received a weapons procurement list from the Lebanese armed forces which would be considered in the near future.

* Obama named 'Person of the Year' Time magazine has given its annual Person of the Year award to US President-elect Barack Obama.

* Iraqi official says he's quitting over shoe-tosser Iraq's parliament speaker announced his resignation Wednesday after a parliamentary session descended into chaos as lawmakers argued about whether to free a journalist who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush.

12/16/08

* Sarkozy pleads for Europe of nations Outgoing EU president Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday (16 December) pleaded for a Europe built on strong states as opposed to a federal Europe.

* 'Iran influence over Hamas is growing' Iran's influence over Hamas has increased in recent months and Teheran is playing a key role in the terror group's decision-making process.

* Quartet: US-led Mideast talks 'irreversible' The Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators said on Monday there was no turning back from US-led talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.

* Lieberman: No to Land for Peace The Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel Our Home) party opened its election campaign Sunday night in the Golan.

* Abbas won't run for another term Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas plans to hold the elections for the president's office and the Palestinian Legislative Council in April 2009.

* European Parliament approves opening of defence market The EU moved one step closer to a single market in the area of defence on Tuesday (16 December).

* Remains of Second Temple Era Jewish Town Revealed Archaeological evidence of a Jewish town located on the edge of the Samaria desert during the Second Temple Period (516 BCE to 70 CE) will be made public later this month.

* Poll: Most Israelis oppose leaving West Bank for Arab world's recognition Two-thirds of Palestinians support a plan that offers Israel full recognition from the Arab world in return for withdrawing from occupied territory.

* Turkey - EU talks entering critical year, report says Both Turkey and the EU should work to boost the pace of accession negotiations.

* Russia in talks with Iran over sale of anti-aircraft missiles, despite Israeli objections Earlier this year, Russia said it would not move forward with the transaction.

12/15/08

* Brown: Settlements an obstacle to peace British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Monday that Israeli settlements are one of the largest remaining obstacles to a Mideast peace deal.

* Israel denies entry to UN rights investigator UN Special Rapporteur on human rights observance in West Bank, Gaza sent back to Geneva after landing.

* We have to win war against Islam Dutch Parliamentarian Geert Wilders screened his controversial film Fitna in Jerusalem, calling on Europe to restrict immigration "from backward Islamic countries"

* Assad to Carter: No peace without Golan Former US President Jimmy Carter predicted an improvement in US-Syrian relations under US President-elect Barack Obama.

* Settler growth rate three times that of national average Study conducted by Ariel University Center finds Jewish population in West Bank more than doubled in last 12 years due to natural growth and positive migration balance.

* Selling Judea and Samaria through Stories “The stories of the Bible ... took place in Judea and Samaria."

* Russian warships bound for Cuba in new show of strength A group of Russian warships will from December 19-23 visit the Communist island of Cuba.

* Messianic Jews detained at Ben-Gurion A director of the US Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations and his wife were detained Sunday amid allegations he is involved in illegal Christian missionary activity.

* Iraq rally for Bush shoe attacker Thousands of Iraqis have demanded the release of a local TV reporter who threw his shoes at US President George W Bush at a Baghdad news conference.

* Marzel, Rabbi Wolpo to run for Knesset Extreme rightists form new party, Our Land of Israel, which seeks to tackle "existential threat faced by country"

12/13/08

* Ahmadinejad: Zionist regime will be erased Mass rallies held throughout Iran in protest of 'crimes against Gaza's residents', protestors burn Israeli, American flags. President: Israel knows its end is near.

* 'Syria must cooperate within three months or be punished' The chief US delegate to the International Atomic Energy Agency warned Syria on Saturday that it had until March to begin showing signs of cooperation over its nuclear plan or the country would face punishment.

* UN chief: Israel, Palestinians setting stage for peace UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says Israeli, Palestinian negotiators 'are setting the stage for peace'.

* Blair explains Catholicism move Tony Blair has been explaining his decision to delay converting to Roman Catholicism until after he had resigned as prime minister.

* Gates asks Mideast to help fight terror US Defense Secretary Robert Gates urged Middle East nations Saturday to help fight the spread of violent extremism by funding and training Afghan security forces and reaching out more aggressively to the fledgling government in Iraq.

* China, Japan and South Korea focus on economy at summit The leaders of China, Japan and South Korea held their nations' first three-way summit Saturday, in a meeting intended to overcome political animosities that instead focused on a joint Asian response to the global economic crisis.

* Africa: Another anti-terrorism front Thousands of miles from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, another side of America's fight against terrorism is unfolding in this remote corner of West Africa.

* No Place to Hide from Global Recession The news that China's exports fell for the first time in seven years, sliding by 2.2 percent in November, is the clearest sign that there are no places left to hide from what is becoming a global recession.

* View from Dubai: Time to Rediscover Islam's Original Message This is perhaps the only spectacle of its kind on the planet; the sea of humanity constantly surging, swirling and revolving around a square majestic structure.

* Summit boosts EU security and defence The European Union's security and defence policy and a deal dating back to 1999 in which the EU would be able to deploy 60,000 troops within 60 days won a renewed political endorsement on Friday(12 December) by EU leaders, who failed however to establish any deadlines or specific financial commitments.

12/12/08

* Terrorists gush over CNN coverage CNN's extensive coverage this week of the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca is a defeat for evangelical Christians and proves it is only a question of time before Islam will be "shining all over the world."

* Modern Day Piracy Worries Security Experts Mention piracy in the 21st century and most people are likely to think in terms of computer, software or intellectual piracy.

* 'Thousands' desert Somalia forces More than 80% of Somalia's soldiers and police - about 15,000 members - have deserted, some taking weapons, uniforms and vehicles.

* 'Israel has reached the end of the road' Thousands of Iranians held a protest rally in Teheran Friday against the blockade of the Gaza Strip.

* Sarkozy comments spark Iran row Iran has summoned the French ambassador in Tehran over comments made by the French president about his Iranian counterpart, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

* Abbas, Bush to hold 'farewell' meeting Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will travel to Washington for a "farewell" meeting with President George W. Bush.

* Vatican denounces embryo research The Vatican has updated its opposition to embryonic stem-cell research, in-vitro fertilisation and human cloning in a sweeping new document.

* EU leaders close to deal on economic recovery plan EU leaders meeting in Brussels have broadly agreed on the proposed economy stimulus package for the 27-strong bloc.

* 'US spies on Israel to gain info on its atomic capabilities' The United States routinely attempts to gather information on Israel's assumed atomic arsenal and secret government deliberations.

* Most Palestinians believe Abbas' time is up A new poll shows most Palestinians believe their moderate president's term should end in a matter of weeks.

12/11/08

* 'Iran wants to devour the Arab world' Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak spoke out against Iran during a meeting with members of the Egyptian ruling party.

* Obama's atomic umbrella: U.S. nuclear strike if Iran nukes Israel U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's administration will offer Israel a "nuclear umbrella" against the threat of a nuclear attack by Iran.

* EU leaders gather for rift-packed summit Almost two years after adopting ambitious green goals, a year after signing the new Lisbon Treaty and some sixteen months after the first signs of the financial crisis, EU leaders are meeting in Brussels on Thursday.

* Al-Qaeda terror plot fears at EU summit A potential suicide bomber and 13 other terrorist suspects with links to al-Qaeda were arrested as EU leaders arrived for their summit in Brussels.

* Arab Muslim Clerics: 'Slaughter the Jews on the Land of Hevron!' The head of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan called on Palestinian Authority Arabs to formally start a third intifada by carrying out suicide bombing attacks to "slaughter the Jews" in Israel.

* Official: IDF prepared for Gaza op Eight days before the ceasefire agreement brokered with the militant groups in the Gaza Strip is scheduled to end, and amid non-stop rocket fire, a security source said that "the IDF will execute any operation the political echelon orders."

* 'Winning the war on radical Islam will be tough, but can be done' Lt. Col. John Nagl (Ret.) is trying to explain why "making war upon insurgents is messy and slow.

* A Marshall Plan for Africa Piracy in the Horn of Africa has recently grabbed the front pages of newspapers around the world after Somali pirates successfully hijacked several cargo ships.

* Ireland promises Lisbon ratification by end of 2009 Ireland has promised to ratify the EU's Lisbon Treaty by November next year in exchange for concessions from the other EU states on its key demands.

* Abbas: Israeli issues preventing deal Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that the only reason Israel and the Palestinians haven't reached a peace agreement is because of Jerusalem's internal problems.

12/10/08

* Netanyahu on course for Israeli election win -polls Benjamin Netanyahu could coast to victory in Israel's election two months from now.

* Turkish foreign policymaker: Iran poses threat to Turkey "I don't think that a military option against Iran will work," visiting Turkish politician, Murat Mercan, told Haaretz on Sunday.

* How to Sell Judea and Samaria The "Judea and Samaria: Every Jew's Story" campaign is picking up steam.

* Nobel Peace Prize winner urges Obama: Focus on Mideast peace Nobel Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari urged US President-elect Barack Obama on Wednesday to start his term by giving "high priority" to the Middle East conflict.

* World's hungry 'close to one billion' The food crisis has pushed the number of hungry people in the world to almost 1bn.

* Babylon: Google, emerging markets to boost sales Babylon Ltd., the Israeli translation software developer, said it will repeat sales growth of 45 percent next year.

* Obama plans major address in Islamic capital: interview President-elect Barack Obama plans to give "a major address" in an Islamic capital soon after taking office as he seeks to mend America's image in the Muslim world.

* New radar can pinpoint rocket launchers With an eye to a future conflict with Hamas and Hizbullah, the IDF's Artillery Corps is preparing to integrate a new radar system that will help locate and destroy rocket launchers more quickly than ever before.

* Google Earth accused of aiding terrorists An Indian Court has been called to ban Google Earth amid suggestions the online satellite imaging was used to help plan the terror attacks that killed more than 170 people in Mumbai last month.

* Iraq plans EU-style Middle East union Iraq has unveiled plans for the creation of a regional economic and security union for the Middle East explicitly modelled on the European Union.

12/09/08

* And now for a world government I have never believed that there is a secret United Nations plot to take over the US. I have never seen black helicopters hovering in the sky above Montana.

* Cleric: Muslim anger will burn Israelis Should Israel continue to impose an economic and physical blockade on the Gaza Strip, the consequences would be dire.

* Hawks dominate Likud party vote Israel's right-of-centre Likud party has elected a list of candidates dominated by hardliners for next February's general election.

* Ex-officials: Obama can settle Iranian nuclear standoff A panel of former top international officials voiced hope Tuesday for a progress in settling the Iranian nuclear standoff after US President-elect Barack Obama takes office.

* EU pushes for cuts in global nuclear arsenal The 27-nation European Union - including two nuclear powers, France and the UK - is set to become a leading force behind global nuclear disarmament efforts.

* Iran rocket arsenal tripled in 2008 In a sign that Iran is taking military measures to ward off the threat of an attack on its nuclear facilities, the country has tripled the number of long-range rockets in its arsenal.

* Mumbai attackers used sophisticated technology The terrorists who struck this city in November stunned the authorities not only with their use of sophisticated weaponry but also with their comfort with modern technology.

* Israel, EU Upgrading Contacts In Brussels on Monday 27 European foreign ministers unanimously agreed to intensify European Union relations with Israel.

* Is Peshawar Becoming the Most Dangerous City in the World? Months ago it was rumored that fighters affiliated with the Pakistan Taliban Movement (TTP) might take control of Peshawar, the capital of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province.

* EU launches Kosovo police mission The European Union has launched its mission to strengthen the rule of law in Kosovo, after months of delay.

12/08/08

* Hajj pilgrims stone devil, celebrate feast The young Iranian threw stones at symbols of the devil Monday and had his beloved black locks shorn to symbolize rejection of temptation and a new, purified self.

* Iran rejects Obama's policy Iran has denied that President-elect Obama's policy of economic incentives and additional sanctions would persuade the Iranian government to change.

* Hamas cooperating with Muslim Brothers London-based al-Hayat quotes Cairo source as saying Palestinian organization, Egyptian opposition movement holding talks in bid to organize worldwide protests against Gaza blockade

* Blair Says Olmert, Abbas Reached Secret Agreement Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair said that outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and PA Chairman Abbas have reached a secret but unsigned agreement.

* EU presidency to boost ties with Israel The Czech government says it wants to boost the European Union's ties with Israel once it assumes the bloc's presidency in January.

* EU to begin Somali pirate patrols European Union warships and aircraft are due to launch anti-piracy patrols off the Somali coast.

* Sarkozy and UK PM in economy talks French President Nicolas Sarkozy is meeting Gordon Brown at Downing Street for talks on what more can be to stimulate the global economy.

* Iran tests new missile from warship Iran's military test-fired a new surface-to-surface missile from a warship as part of exercises along a strategic shipping route.

* Aliyah Fairs Encouraged by Economic Crisis The current global economic crisis has spurred interest in immigration to Israel, according to the Jewish Agency for Israel.

* Israel's push for Iran strike may hurt U.S. ties Zbigniew Brzezinski, former Carter adviser, said Israel will harm to its relations with the US if it insists on lobbying for an American military strike on Iran.