Tuesday, February 09, 2010

02/09/10

* FM: Turkey can't keep slamming Israel Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Tuesday leveled criticism at Turkey for what he called "weekly" condemnations of Israel.

* 'What's the Alternative?' MK Orlev: Jordan is Palestine Asked to present his alternative to the "two-state" Israel-Palestine option, MK Zevulun Orlev (Jewish Home) says, "The Arabs of the Palestinian Authority already have a state – Jordan."

* Hamas sees 'no prospects' for Mideast peace The leader of Hamas said Monday he sees "no prospects" for a Mideast peace settlement, a stand that could reduce Russia's chances of holding a Middle East peace conference that includes the Palestinian militant group.

* Yemen's al-Qaeda calls for jihad against Jews, Christians The Yemen-based wing of al-Qaeda called on Muslims in the Arabian Peninsula to wage jihad, or holy war, against Christians and Jews in the region.

* Deficit concerns continue ahead of EU summit Just days before EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss measures to increase the region's competitiveness, market concerns over public finances continue to rattle national governments and hog the media limelight.

* Why Iran unrest is not revolution re-run As the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution approaches this week, with the promise of mass protests from Iran's growing opposition movement, it's tempting to compare the upheaval with unrest that ultimately toppled the shah of Iran.

* Abbas under 'intense' pressure from EU to return to talks Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is under "intense" pressure by the international community to return to negotiations.

* Iran 'starts enriching nuclear fuel to 20%' at Natanz Iran has started the process of enriching uranium to 20% in defiance of the West.

* Barroso team set for parliament approval after lengthy delay The new European Commission team is set to win a confidence vote in parliament on Tuesday (9 February) after a three month delay and a prolonged period of infighting between the EU's two main institutions.

* Russia in stand-by mode over US missile plans in Romania Moscow is "concerned" and expects "proper explanations" on US plans to deploy anti-ballistic missile defence systems in Romania.