03/31/11

* Libya confirms resignation of FM, now in Britain The Libyan government has conceded that Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa has resigned but says the regime still enjoys the support of his people. Prophetic Prospective

* Gates: Libyans will remove Gaddafi, not the US Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi will likely be removed from power over time by his own people, as a result of political and economic measures. Prophetic Prospective

* Netanyahu is 3rd on YouTube World View Series A Wednesday interview with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu appears on the YouTube World View series, based on questions from viewers around the world. Prophetic Prospective

* China white paper highlights US military 'competition' China says the United States is increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which is becoming more "volatile". Prophetic Prospective

* India census: population goes up to 1.21bn India's population has grown by 181 million people over the past decade to 1.21bn, according to the 2011 census.

* Young Israelis moving much farther to the right politically Young Israelis are moving much further to the right politically, according to a survey to be released Thursday.

* Radioactivity 10,000 times standard at Japan plant Officials with the company that operates Japan's tsunami-stricken nuclear plant say radioactive contamination in groundwater underneath a reactor has been measured at 10,000 times the government health standard.

* Colombia Won't Recognize PA as a Country Colombia has not joined the parade of Latin American nations that have recognized the Palestinian Authority as a sovereign country over the past year.

* Assad establishes panel to look into abolishing Syria's emergency laws State-run television says the Syrian president has ordered that a legal committee be set up to study the possibility of abolishing the country's hated emergency laws. Prophetic Prospective

* G20 considers wider role for China's yuan G20 leaders have moved towards agreeing that China's currency should have a wider role in global finance. Prophetic Prospective

03/30/11

* Libya confirms resignation of FM, now in Britain The Libyan government has conceded that Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa has resigned but says the regime still enjoys the support of his people.
Prophetic Prospective

* Gates: Libyans will remove Gaddafi, not the US Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi will likely be removed from power over time by his own people, as a result of political and economic measures.
Prophetic Prospective

* Netanyahu is 3rd on YouTube World View Series A Wednesday interview with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu appears on the YouTube World View series, based on questions from viewers around the world.
Prophetic Prospective

* China white paper highlights US military 'competition' China says the United States is increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which is becoming more "volatile".
Prophetic Prospective

* India census: population goes up to 1.21bn India's population has grown by 181 million people over the past decade to 1.21bn, according to the 2011 census.

* Young Israelis moving much farther to the right politically Young Israelis are moving much further to the right politically, according to a survey to be released Thursday.

* Radioactivity 10,000 times standard at Japan plant Officials with the company that operates Japan's tsunami-stricken nuclear plant say radioactive contamination in groundwater underneath a reactor has been measured at 10,000 times the government health standard.

* Colombia Won't Recognize PA as a Country Colombia has not joined the parade of Latin American nations that have recognized the Palestinian Authority as a sovereign country over the past year.

* Assad establishes panel to look into abolishing Syria's emergency laws State-run television says the Syrian president has ordered that a legal committee be set up to study the possibility of abolishing the country's hated emergency laws.
Prophetic Prospective

* G20 considers wider role for China's yuan G20 leaders have moved towards agreeing that China's currency should have a wider role in global finance.
Prophetic Prospective

03/29/11

* Iran Film: Iran Plans to Conquer Israel, World A feature-length documentary film, produced by a top adviser to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, claims that the cataclysmic events that will usher in an era of Muslim world domination are about to begin.

* Syria government resigns in effort to appease protesters Syria's Cabinet resigned Tuesday to help quell a wave of popular fury that erupted more than a week ago.

* Gaddafi troops force rebels back Pro-government forces have intensified attacks on Libyan rebels, forcing them to abandon the key town of Bin Jawad.

* 'If Palestinians declare state, Israel weighing annexation' Jerusalem is weighing the annexation of the major settlement blocs if Palestinians seek unilateral recognition of statehood.

* Blair removes website maps that did not label Israel Quartet envoy Tony Blair's offices quickly removed from their websites Monday a Mideast map that did not label Israel.

* Netanyahu: The Things That Must Follow Present MidEast Turmoil Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu addressed the Jewish National Fund Conference on Tuesday.

* Libya air strikes go on until Gaddafi climbdown - US Allied strikes on Libya will continue until its leader, Muammar Gaddafi, meets UN terms, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has told world leaders.

* Japan finds plutonium in soil at stricken nuclear plant Plutonium found in soil at the Fukushima nuclear complex heightened alarm on Tuesday over Japan's battle to contain the world's worst atomic crisis in 25 years.

* Jordan teetering on civil war, local analysts say Jordan's social cohesion is quickly unraveling, local experts warn, following violent demonstrations in the kingdom.

* Netanyahu to Abbas: You can't have peace with both Israel and Hamas Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Monday that reconciliation between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas could spell the end of the peace process.

* Jordan battles to regain 'priceless' Christian relics A group of 70 or so "books", each with between five and 15 lead leaves bound by lead rings, was apparently discovered in a remote arid valley in northern Jordan somewhere between 2005 and 2007.

03/28/11

* Islamic Jihad: Israel renewing aggression Terrorist group's spokesman accuses Israel of renewing strikes on Gaza in order to undermine agreements between Palestinian factions.

* Libya raids hit Gaddafi hometown Coalition air raids have hit Muammar Gaddafi's birthplace of Sirte, a key target for westward-advancing rebels.

* Radiation leak found outside Japan nuclear reactor Highly radioactive water has been found for the first time outside one of the reactor buildings at Japan's quake-hit Fukushima nuclear plant, officials say.

* Energized Muslim Brotherhood in Libya eyes a prize Dr. Abdulmonem Hresha knows first hand how Moammar Gadhafi's regime works.

* MKs to Discuss Anti-Jewish Racism on the Temple Mount "There is basic, racist discrimination on the Temple Mount."

* No UN mandate to attack Gaddafi forces: Russia Russia said on Monday attacks on forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi amounted to intervention in a civil war and were not backed by the UN resolution authorising no-fly zones.

* Earthquake Report Designed to Scare; Is It Working? The State Comptroller’s report on Israel’s earthquake preparedness this month paints a dismal picture, expecting a 7.5 quake to kill 16,000 people and leave 377,000 homeless.

* Former MK Rabbi Chanan Porat: Zionism Is About Redemption Rabbi Chanan Porat told attendees at the Religious Zionist Education Institution's Leadership Conference that "Zionism is about redemption."

* Syria forces open fire on protesters in Daraa Witness says hundreds of demonstrators chanted against emergency laws in the southern city; Syria's VP says Assad will announce important decisions that will 'please the people' in the next two days.

* China voices worry about Nato civilian casualties in Libya China's vice-foreign minister Fu Ying has voiced concern that Nato's anti-Gaddafi operation will cause "even more civilian casualties" in Libya.

03/26/11

* Barak: Iron Dome missile defense system to be deployed next week Israel is deploying its newly developed Iron Dome missile defense system for the first time.

* Strategist: Obama handling of Libya polarizes NATO, pushes Turkey into anti-U.S. camp The U.S. Obama Administration’s lack of leadership in helping to resolve the Libyan civil war has, among other things, widened the rift between the U.S. and European members.

* Libya rebels recapture key town Libyan rebels backed by extensive allied air raids have seized control of the frontline oil town of Ajdabiya from Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's forces.

* Japan nuclear plant: Radioactivity rises in sea nearby Levels of radioactive iodine in the sea near the tsunami-stricken Fukushima nuclear plant are 1,250 times higher than the safety limit.

* Syria turmoil: Fresh protests erupt Fresh protests have flared in Syria at the end of a week that has seen dozens of demonstrators killed.

* Libyan rebel commander admits his fighters have al-Qaeda links Abdel-Hakim al-Hasidi, the Libyan rebel leader, has said jihadists who fought against allied troops in Iraq are on the front lines of the battle against Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

* Protester killed and 120 wounded in Jordan protests One protester was killed and 120 were wounded, including 58 police, when Jordanian security intervened to end clashes between two rival rallies at an Amman square.

* 2 Arrested in Jenin for Deadly Jerusalem Bus-Stop Bomb Israeli security forces may be closing in on the terrorists who bombed a crowded bus stop area Wednesday afternoon in Jerusalem.

* Southern Command: 'There is anarchy in Gaza and Hamas' Head of Southern Command Tal Russo said on Saturday that "there is anarchy in Gaza and Hamas."

* Security and Defense: When deterrence erodes In March 2009, two months after Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip ended, Maj.- Gen. Tal Russo, head of the IDF Operations Directorate, claimed that Israel had defeated Palestinian terrorism.

03/25/11

* Politicians Warn Against PA State The upcoming UN General Assembly session in September, where many countries are poised to recognize a Palestinian state, does not bode well for Israel.

* Yemen tense as capital Sanaa sees huge rival rallies Tens of thousands of people are attending rival mass rallies in Yemen's capital Sanaa, a week after some 50 people were shot dead at a protest.

* Sarkozy warns Arab rulers about Libya precedent French President Nicolas Sarkozy has warned all Arab rulers that they risk Libya-type intervention if they cross a certain line of violence against their own people.

* Nato to enforce no-fly zone on Libya Nato has agreed to enforce the no-fly zone over Libya, while the role of a new 'political committee' to include Arab countries is to be determined in the following days.

* Islamist Group Is Rising Force in a New Egypt In post-revolutionary Egypt, where hope and confusion collide in the daily struggle to build a new nation, religion has emerged as a powerful political force.

* Japan investigation into nuclear plant radiation leak An investigation is under way in Japan to establish the source of a radiation leak at the quake-hit nuclear plant, which left two workers in hospital.

* Protests Continue Unabated in Syria President Bashar al-Assad's proffered concessions on Thursday did little to assuage Syrians.

* Muslims Burn Churches in Ethiopia An attack by militant Muslims which has thus far destroyed at least a dozen churches may signal an expansion in anti-Christian violence in Ethiopia.

* Fayyad updates U.S. on plan for Palestinian statehood in 2011 Israel should end the occupation of the West Bank by September, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad told visiting United States Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on Friday.

* PM: Israel will respond with 'utmost strength' to terror Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Friday said that Israel is "prepared to respond with the utmost strength in order to put a stop to terror," Israel Radio reported.

03/24/11

* Netanyahu in Moscow Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is in Moscow today (Thursday) on a one-day official visit.

* Gaddafi presses key rebel cities Fighting between rebels and forces loyal to Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi has been continuing in key cities after a fifth consecutive night of air strikes by international forces.

* Gates arrives in Israel to discuss Iran, peace talks US Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in Israel on Thursday in the wake of a deadly bombing that could complicate his planned efforts.

* Israel tells Facebook: Remove Intifada page A month after the launch of a Facebook group calling for a third Intifada, Minister of Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Yuli Edelstein sent a letter to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg Wednesday.

* Unreported Soros Event Aims to Remake Entire Global Economy Two years ago, George Soros said he wanted to reorganize the entire global economic system.

* New Problems at Japanese Plant Subdue Optimism The Japanese electricians who bravely strung wires this week to all six reactor buildings at a stricken nuclear power plant succeeded despite waves of heat and blasts of radioactive steam.

* IAF Confirms Hits on Hamas Targets Security alerts are high on both the southern front and in Jerusalem.

* Nato states continue to squabble on Libya command A third attempt by Nato to agree who should be in charge of air strikes on Libya has ended inconclusively.

* 'More than 100 killed in Syrian anti-government rallies' More than 100 protesters have been killed by police gunfire in Deraa, the Syrian city where a recent wave of anti-government protests have taken place.

* Jerusalem bomb: Benjamin Netanyahu in security pledge Israel's prime minister has pledged to act "vigorously and responsibly" to restore security after a bomb exploded at a bus stop in central Jerusalem.

03/23/11

* Bomb explodes in central Jerusalem; 31 wounded A bomb exploded Wednesday at a crowded bus stop outside the International Convention Center in Jerusalem.

* Libya crisis: Allies join fight for city of Misrata International forces have launched new air strikes near Libya's rebel-held western city of Misrata, witnesses say.

* Tokyo water 'unfit for babies' due to high radiation Tokyo's tap water is unfit for babies to drink after radiation from Japan's quake-hit nuclear plant affected the capital's water supply.

* Abbas to Russia: Pressure Israel to halt Gaza escalation Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas asked Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to put pressure on Israel to end the "escalation" of strikes in the Gaza Strip.

* CITYsights: King David's palace discovered? Archaeological dig in Silwan reveals many exciting new finds including part of King David's original palace.

* Egypt Air removes Israel from map Egypt Air, the largest airline in Egypt, has removed Israel from the map – literally.

* Hamas Unhappy with British, German Positions on Flareup Hamas propaganda blamed Israel for causing civilian casualties in Gaza.

* Syrians call for revolution; UN: Probe protestors' death Protests spread in southern Syria Tuesday as hundreds of people marched to demand reforms in a previously peaceful village.

* 'Mideast is world's riskiest region for water security' Study says growing shortages heighten political risk, may raise oil prices; "water isn’t going to be sole cause for civil unrest," analyst says.

* Kucinich: Libya action 'impeachable' President Barack Obama should be impeached for approving air strikes against Libya, Rep. Dennis Kucinich said in an interview Monday.

03/22/11

* American Warplane Crashes in Libya as Ground Fighting Continues Ground fighting raged in Libya on Tuesday and an American fighter jet crashed overnight in the first known setback for the international coalition attacking forces loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddaf.

* Will Israel pick up tab for assault on Libya? Israel, wisely, has largely kept quiet about the international military intervention in Libya.

* Obama's third war: Risking civilian lives for the New World Order On CNN’s “Reliable Sources” show on Sunday, host Howard Kurtz asked: “One major question about the assault on Libya, what happened to the media’s skepticism?”

* During Gates's Visit, Russian Defense Minister Calls for Immediate Cease-Fire In a stinging rebuke of U.S. policy in Libya, the Russian defense minister accused the U.S.-led coalition of killing Libyan civilians through errant air strikes.

* Libya: Museveni, Mugabe and Zuma condemn air strikes The leaders of several African countries, including Uganda, South Africa and Zimbabwe, have condemned the air strikes on Libya.

* Iran's IRGC attacks anti-Assad protesters in Syria Iran's elite military units have been deployed to attack protesters of the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

* French PM: Palestinian state must be created in 2011 The Israeli-Palestinian peace process should not be forgotten even while there is unrest taking place in Arab countries.

* Turkey group plans new Gaza flotilla with at least 15 ships Israel will launch a public campaign on Tuesday against a plan by the Turkish organization IHH and several left-wing European groups to send a flotilla to the Gaza Strip.

* Italy presses for Nato command of Libya war Wary of immigrants fleeing Libya and potential retaliation from Gaddafi, Italy is calling on its allies to bring the airstrikes.

* Judge orders use of Islamic law in Tampa lawsuit over mosque leadership The question of what law applies in any Florida courtroom usually comes down to two choices: federal or state.

03/21/11

* Gaddafi not targeted by strikes Coalition forces carrying out operations against Libyan government forces say Colonel Gaddafi himself is not a target, despite a strike on his compound.

* IDF to track foreign anti-Israel groups New section in Military Intelligence Directorate to collect data, passively probe groups aiming to delegitimize Israel

* Fresh clashes in Syria as thousands protest Assad regime Syrian army deploys troops in site of protests in effort to calm anti-government demonstrations.

* EU refuseniks justify staying out of Libya action Germany and Malta over the weekend gave fresh reasons for staying out of the EU-US-Arab attack on Colonel Gaddafi.

* Japan nuclear crisis will be overcome, says IAEA The situation at Japan's quake-damaged nuclear plant remains very serious, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog said.

* Medvedev rejects Putin "crusade" remark over Libya Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev has said Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's description of the UN resolution on Libya is "unacceptable".

* No doubt Egyptian army will honor peace with Israel Egyptian political player Tarek Heggy states that "Israel is not the cause of our problems"; says leader like Yitzhak Rabin needed in ME conflict.

* Palin at Kotel tunnel: Israel too apologetic Despite informal, private visit, likely US presidential candidate and husband to have dinner with Netanyahu.

* Arab League chief: We respect UN resolution on Libya military action Amr Moussa reiterates support for international enforcement of no-fly zone over Libya despite earlier comments suggesting concern by actions taken by Western powers.

* Egypt proved to Palestinians that revolution has a point In their attempts to suppress youth demonstrations in Gaza and Ramallah, the two rival Palestinian ruling parties appear to be remarkably in tune

3/19/11

* French military jets over Libya French military jets are preventing forces loyal to Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi from attacking the rebel-held city of Benghazi, French President Nicolas Sarkozy says.

* Power hopes rise at Japan plant Workers are close to restoring power to cooling systems at a quake-hit Japanese nuclear power plant, officials say.

* Israel strikes Gaza after massive mortar barrage on south Hamas claims responsibility for 10 of the more than 50 mortars fired on southern Israel earlier in day; Gaza medics say five Hamas officers and boy injured in Israeli air strike.

* World leaders meet to discuss coordinated military action in Libya Clinton, Cameron, Sarkozy meet Arab leaders, EU officials to discuss preparing rapid UN-mandated action; sources say strikes could start straight after the meeting.

* Libya: Gaddafi forces attacking rebel-held Benghazi Pro-Gaddafi forces have attacked the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi and their tanks have entered the city, a BBC journalist witnessed

* Tensions high as Egyptians vote in first post-Mubarak referendum Polls open on Saturday for the some 40 millions Egyptians who are eligible to vote on a bulk of constitutional amendments.

* Radical Islam on the move in U.S. but multicultural elites say it's no one's business Radical Islam threatens American democracy. It is slowly subverting America from within and without.

* Ahmadinejad: God has chosen my successor Iranian president tells council heads in Tehran, 'Future has already been determined. God knows who will come after me'.

* EU unlikely to call on Bahrain regime to step down An escalation in the government crack-down on pro-democracy protesters in Bahrain and the incursion of 1000 Saudi troops on the island, has spooked European capitals, which had not expected the tiny but geostrategically important state to be destabilised in the wake of the ongoing regional uprisings.

* Netanyahu: Only fear of possible strike could stop Iran's nuclear progress In wide-ranging CNN interview, Prime Minister says Palestinian unity government with Hamas would kill off Mideast peace chances.

03/18/11

* Libya to halt military action The Libyan government has announced an immediate ceasefire in its offensive against rebels who have seized large areas of the country.

* Japan raises nuclear alert level Japan has raised the alert level at its quake-damaged nuclear plant from four to five on a seven-point international scale of atomic incidents.

* Purim Begins Saturday Night; Sunday Night in Jerusalem The very festive holiday of Purim will begin on Saturday night – not, as in most years, directly after the Fast of Esther, which was commemorated on Thursday.

* UN clears France and UK to strike Gaddafi The UN Security Council has given France and the UK a broad mandate for military strikes against Colonel Gaddafi despite German warnings of "great risks" and a "protracted conflict."

* Democracy and political Islam can’t coexist President of US Islamic Forum for Democracy tells 'Post' American Islamic groups refuse to engage on "separation of mosque and state."

* Saudi king warns against unrest while boosting benefits Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has warned that threats to the nation's security and stability will not be tolerated.

* Egypt's New Rulers Friendly with Assad Egypt's temporary military rulers sent a delegation to Syria on Thursday to meet with President Bashar al-Assad.

* Hamas breaks up pro-reconciliation rally in Gaza Protesters lock themselves in UN school compound, say they will not leave until Fatah and Hamas meet with them and pledge to end their bitter rivalry.

* Muslim World: Revolution! (for Muslim Arabs only) As minorities in the region seek equality, the true test will be whether the new religious and political systems recognize all peoples.

* Victoria served as first test of Iranian infrastructure Weapons aboard 'Victoria' were supposed to be unloaded at the Egyptian port of Alexandria and transferred into the Gaza Strip.

03/17/11

* Gadhafi could return to terrorism and violent extremism In a sharp change of tone, US has begun to advocate for no-fly zone in Libya.

* Gaddafi forces bomb rebel-held Benghazi Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi have launched their first bombing raids on the main rebel-held city of Benghazi.

* Japan steps up cooling operation Japan says it is stepping up efforts to cool overheating fuel at the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

* Bahrain unrest: UN rights chief criticizes crackdown The UN human rights chief has condemned the "shocking" use of force by security forces against protesters in Bahrain.

* US backing for world currency stuns markets US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner shocked global markets by revealing that Washington is "quite open" to Chinese proposals for the gradual development of a global reserve currency run by the International Monetary Fund.

* Shi'ites, supplied by Iran, control most of Bahrain, 'shooting back' at Saudi forces The Shi'ite opposition has taken over most of Bahrain.

* Scientists Build Tool to Spot Ancient Earthquakes Scientists at Tel Aviv University have created a new tool to help understand the patterns of ancient earthquakes.

* Diplomats: Iran weapons material seized UN sources say Singapore, South Korea intercepted nuclear, weapon materials bound for Tehran

* EU predicts certain plants will fail nuclear 'stress tests' EU energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger has suggested a number of Europe's nuclear energy plants are likely to fail upcoming safety 'stress tests', announced this week and scheduled for later this year.

* Peres: Victoria shows Syria providing Hamas arms President calls on people of Lebanon to free themselves of Hezbollah and Iranian influence and "return to be free people in the new world."

03/16/11

* PM: 'We have to confront the axis of terror' Netanyahu says seized arms ship "Victoria" justifies naval blockade on Gaza; cargo includes shells made in Israel, sold to Iran in 1970s.

* IAEA Chief Heads to Japan to Assess Nuclear Crisis The head of the IAEA says he will travel to Japan to gather firsthand information about the crisis at an earthquake-damaged nuclear power plant.

* Rebels battle to hold city under Gadhafi siege Libyan rebels battled to hold a strategic eastern city against a punishing offensive by forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi on Wednesday, voicing anger and frustration at the West for not coming to their aid.

* UN's Ban calls for immediate ceasefire in Libya Ban Ki-moon "gravely concerned" over signs of forthcoming gov't assault on Benghazi; US, UK, France urge UNSC to approve Libyan no-fly zone.

* Iranian plane departs Turkey after forced landing Aircraft continues on to Syria; authorities forced landing on suspicious cargo; Ankara says "nothing illegal" found on plane.

* Jihadi Cosmo To Give Beauty Tips, Bombing Advice Single Islamic Girl Seeking Harem Good Looks and Slick Bombing Techniques.

* Former UK air chief wary of Libya air strikes Lord Stirrup, a former British air chief, has warned that the UK and France need a clear objective on what to do with Colonel Gaddafi before launching air strikes on Libya.

* Israel’s shadow war against Iran The seizure of the 'Victoria' cargo ship is just another chapter in the larger covert war that Israel is waging against Iran.

* Anger over Japan nuclear exodus The governor of the region at the centre of Japan's nuclear crisis has criticised official handling of the evacuation of the area around the stricken Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

* Abbas: I won't seek re-election in next Palestinian polls Palestinian president says he is willing to travel to Gaza to promote reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas and form a united government.

03/15/2011

* Japan quake: Radiation rises at Fukushima nuclear plant Radiation from Japan's quake-stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant has reached harmful levels, the government says.

* IDF Navy Seizes Ship Filled With Arms on way from Syria to Egypt The IDF announced that the Victoria, a German owned, French operated and Liberian flagged vessel, was apprehended 200 miles off the Israeli coast by the IDF Navy.

* Bahrain king declares state of emergency after protests The king of Bahrain has declared a three-month state of emergency, following weeks of pro-democracy protests in the kingdom.

* Palestinians protest for Hamas-Fatah unity Thousands of people are demonstrating across the Palestinian territories, calling for political unity between their rival governments.

* Netanyahu: Arms on seized ship came from Iran via Syria Israel Navy seized ship which IDF said contained tons of concealed weapons destined for "use of terror organization operating in Gaza Strip."

* Israel Defense Ministry looking to boost ties with South Korea Ministry in talks with Seoul about Iron Dome; Rafael, S. Korean companies considering establishment of joint ventures.

* Japan Searches for Survivors; Food, Water Supplies Low There is not much left on the shelves in northern Japan, four days after an earthquake and horrific tsunami.

* G8 worried over Gulf troops entering Bahrain: Italy Group of Eight powers are greatly concerned about the sending of Gulf country armed forces into Bahrain.

* S. Korea leader warns of possible surprise attack President Lee Myung-Bak said South Korea must be ready for a surprise North Korean attack, as well as deadly natural and nuclear disasters.

* Lieberman: Palestinian statehood declaration a 'red line' FM says West should resolve Kashmir conflict before trying here; Hamas more powerful than Fatah, waiting to seize power from it in W. Bank.

03/14/11

* Meltdown alert at Japan reactor Technicians are battling to stabilise a third reactor at a quake-stricken Japanese nuclear plant, which has been rocked by a second blast in three days.

* Jerusalem will never be divided, says Barkat "There is not one good example of a split city that works," the capital's mayor says.

* Saudis send troops to Bahrain; Shi'ites call it war Soldiers part of Gulf Cooperation Council sent to protect Sunni ruling family after weeks of Shi'ite majority protests.

* Arab decision boosts prospect of EU military action in Libya The Arab League has given the green light for Western powers to impose a no-fly zone in Libya, prompting France to step up its campaign for military action.

* Japan earthquake poses questions about EU nuclear safety Nuclear experts from EU member states will gather in Brussels this week to discuss the damage caused to Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant.

* Itamar Massacre Fails to Change Obama’s Anti-Settlement Policy The Netanyahu government’s decision to build 500 new homes in Judea and Samaria as a response to Arab terror does not move the United States, which still insists that "settlements are illegitimate."

* Netanyahu: Palestinian public must hear Abbas condemn Itamar attack Prime Minister cites 'great importance' to Palestinian president's declaration on Israel Radio that murder of family was despicable, immoral and inhuman, but says such expression of condemnation cannot be heard by Israelis alone.

* UAE, Saudis, Egypt, Algeria Top ME arms buyers Middle East accounted for 1/6 of the world’s arms imports while having just 1/15th of the world’s population in 2010, study finds.

* Europeans say they are tolerant, but oppose immigration Europeans like to think of themselves as being liberal and tolerant, but at the same time oppose immigration, particularly from countries outside the EU.

* Pro-Qaddafi Forces Press Rebels East and West of Tripoli Military forces loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi cranked up military and psychological pressure against rebels on two fronts on Monday.

03/12/11

* Huge blast at Japan nuclear power plant A powerful explosion has hit a nuclear power station in north-eastern Japan which was badly damaged in Friday's devastating earthquake and tsunami.

* Japan Pushes to Rescue Survivors as Quake Toll Rises Japan on Saturday mobilized a nationwide rescue effort to pluck survivors from collapsed buildings.

* Arab Terrorists Murder Family in Samaria; 3 Children Flee Alive Arab terrorists executed their own ”price tag” policy for the elimination and relaxation of security checkpoints and murdered five people.

* Netanyahu: Incitement led to murder of children Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accusing the Palestinians of creating an atmosphere of incitement that led to the brutal killing of five family members in a West Bank community.

* Arab League to officially request UN impose no-fly zone on Libya Two diplomats say the Arab League has agreed to ask the UN Security Council to impose a no-fly zone over Libya.

* EU fear of north African migrants 'overblown' Concerned about the "massive migration movements" from Libya, EU leaders on Friday (11 March) called for extra staff and money.

* Japan plagued by aftershocks -- 27 of them magnitude 6 or greater Since Friday's 8.9 quake, Japan has experienced more than 154 aftershocks of magnitude 5 or greater, and 27 of magnitude 6 or greater.

* Saudis: If Dollars Won't Work, Bullets Will Saudi police officers opened fire on a protest march in one of its eastern provinces on Thursday, wounding three according to witnesses and a Saudi official.

* Gadhafi solidifies control over one-third of Libya Muammar Gadhafi's regime drove out pockets of rebel fighters who were keeping a tenuous hold around oil facilities.

* No repeat of Chernobyl disaster for Japan, experts say Pictures of mist above the plant suggest only small amounts of radiation expelled as part of measures to ensure its stability.

03/11/11

* Tsunami hits Japan after massive quake Japan's most powerful earthquake since records began has struck the north-east coast, triggering a massive tsunami.

* Japan earthquake triggers nuclear shutdown Japan's prime minister has declared a "nuclear emergency" after a number of reactors shut down after a massive earthquake hit the country.

* How Israel could revolutionize the global energy sector Libyan oil accounts for less than 2 percent of world oil production.

* Libya: EU leaders say Muammar Gaddafi must go Leaders of the EU's 27 member states have said Libya's Col Muammar Gaddafi must surrender power.

* Hamas planning to resume efforts against IDF in West Bank Hamas militants in the West Bank have resumed their efforts to kill Israeli soldiers or civilians and abduct their bodies.

* Expert: Libya Could Become the Next Somalia Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi is likely to defeat rebel troops pushing for his ouster.

* Obama Seeks a Course of Pragmatism in the Middle East In the Middle East crisis, as on other issues, there are two Barack Obamas: the transformative historical figure and the pragmatic American president.

* New Turkish satellite could publish uncensored images of Israel A new Turkish satellite has Israelis eyeing the end of a U.S.-backed blackout on high-resolution commercial photography of their turf from space.

* Congressman defends panel on U.S. Muslim community amid national uproar Controversial and emotional hearings started on Tuesday, at the opening of the House Homeland Security committee, titled "The Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community."

* Shalom predicts collapse of Iranian, Syrian regimes The protests in Syria and Iran, and intensified sanctions against the latter, will succeed in bringing down the regimes of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Syrian President Bashar Assad.

03/10/11

* Renovations Underway at the Holy Temple Mount The 35-acre compound Muslims know as Haram Al-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary, is the third holiest site in Islam.

* Ayalon: Upgrade of PA mission doesn't change reality Denmark's decision of only "virtual upgrade" to the status of the Palestinian delegation does not change realities on the ground, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said.

* Libya: France recognises rebels as government France has become the first country to recognise the Libyan rebel leadership, the National Libyan Council (NLC), as the country's legitimate government.

* Libya in shuttle diplomacy ahead of EU summit As fighting continues in Libya, envoys of both the Gaddafi regime and the newly-formed rebel leadership have travelled to Europe for last-minute diplomacy.

* Revolts Raise Fear of Migration in Europe Until a few weeks ago, the immigrant transfer center on this tiny Mediterranean island — a kind of Italian Ellis Island — was empty.

* Iran's Arming of Afghan Insurgents Hits Lethal Level British Foreign Minister William Hague has lashed out at Iran after extensive tests verified without a doubt that 122 mm rockets intercepted by the British Special Air Services in Southern Afghanistan were being shipped by Iran to the Taliban there.

* Assad eyes Gaddafi's place on UN Human Rights Council Geneva-based human rights group UN Watch reported Wednesday that Syria has announced it will compete for a seat in the council.

* Saudi protestors warned Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said Wednesday that dialogue - not protests - is the way to bring reform.

* Egypt presidential hopeful Moussa wants to keep peace with Israel Arab League Secretary General and potential Egyptian presidential candidate Amr Moussa implied that he would maintain peace ties with Israel if elected to office.

* U.K.: Mideast peace process is too vital to fail over regional turmoil Britain warned on Tuesday of a risk that the Middle East peace process could fall victim to the unrest sweeping the region if Israel and the Palestinians don't return quickly to stalled talks.

03/09/11

* Christians and Muslims in Fatal Clash Near Cairo Thirteen people died in overnight fighting between Christians and Muslims in the suburbs of Cairo.

* U.S. official: Iran moving to brink of nuclear weapons capability Iran is moving to a point where it will have the ability to produce nuclear weapons.

* Nato making 'necessary plans' for Libya Ahead of a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels on Thursday (10 March), Nato military planners are drafting a range of potential actions against the Gaddafi regime.

* 'No Palestine without Jordan Valley' Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said Tuesday, "There is no Palestinian state without the Jordan Valley."

* Hariri Accuses Hizbullah of Militarizing Shiite Community Lebanon's interim Prime Minister Saad Hariri accused Hizbullah of seeking to "militarize" the Shiite community.

* US split on if Islam is more violent than other religions Americans are deeply divided over whether Islam encourages more violence than other religions.

* Palestinians use social media to urge Hamas-Fatah unity Several groups that popped up recently on Facebook and other social media sites are trying to change the situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

* EU foreign affairs chief calls on world to shun Gaddafi The EU foreign affairs chief, Baroness Ashton, has told Euro MPs that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi should be "sent back into the cold".

* US: Syria 'can't be allowed' to block IAEA nuclear probe The United States warned Syria on Wednesday it "can't be allowed" to stonewall a UN watchdog investigation into a desert site.

* Why Is the Obama Administration Seeking UN Approval? In what was portrayed as an "exclusive interview" with CBS News, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that intervention in Libya was contingent on UN authorization.

03/08/11

* Israel seeks $20 billion in US military aid Defense Minister Barak said Israel might request an additional $20 billion in military assistance from the United States.

* U.S. intel: Libya may be hiding WMD stockpile at airbase in South The U.S. intelligence community has quietly warned of the prospect that Libyan ruler Moammar Gadhafi was maintaining a secret stockpile of nonconventional weapons.

* Ahmadinejad calls for new world order Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran and India need to help spread justice in the world.

* Rabbi Wolpo: Fire rubber bullets back at soldiers SOS Israel Chairman Rabbi Shalom Dov Wolpo called on West Bank settlers living in outposts and their supporters to use violence against soldiers and officers.

* Rally in Support of Hearings on US Muslim Radicalization Human rights activists of all stripes took to the streets on Sunday afternoon, March 6th in a rally supporting the upcoming proposed congressional hearings in which Rep. Peter King (R-NY) will discuss the increased radicalization of American Muslims and the potential for an implementation of Sharia law in the United States.

* Pakistan's Christians Mourn, and Fear for Their Future As they wailed and wept and prayed under the tin awning that shades the path into this clustered colony of small homes, the question on the minds the Pakistani Christians gathered in Gojra was expressed by a priest: "Who will protect us now?"

* Dams power Turkey's future, but drown its rich history The stunning mosaics, courtyards, and passageways of the 1,800-year-old Roman spa complex of Allianoi were so dear to archaeologist Ahmet Yaras that he named his daughter after the Ilya River that ran by them.

* Egypt to Barak: Voters to Back Anti-US and Anti-Israel Policies A prominent Egyptian told Defense Minister Ehud Barak that voters will favor candidates hostile to the US and Israel.

* US weighs military action against Libya; Russia objects President Barack Obama warned Libya's leaders that the United States and its NATO allies still are considering military options.

* Iran's Rafsanjani ousted as chair of state body Former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani lost his position Tuesday as head of an important state clerical body.

03/07/11

* Israel ranked among least popular states Global poll held for BBC finds just three countries ranked below Israel – Pakistan, North Korea, Iran

* America's secret plan to arm Libya's rebels Obama asks Saudis to airlift weapons into Benghazi

* US mulls arming rebels against Gadhafi, as NATO launches 24-hour air surveillance of Libya Obama says US, NATO still mulling military options, warns Gadhafi-loyalists will be held accountable if violence continues

* Saudi Arabia Bans Protests, Calling them "Un-Islamic" The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has its own way of heading off the protests overtaking much of the Middle East

* Egypt's New Foreign Minister Would Open Border with Gaza Egypt's caretaker prime minister, Issam Sharraf, announced Monday the appointment of Nabil al-Arabi as Foreign Minister. Arabi replaces Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who had headed the Foreign Ministry since 2004.

* Russia Cashes In on Jitters Over Supply of Middle East Oil Whatever the eventual outcome of the Arab world’s social upheaval, there is a clear economic winner so far: Vladimir V. Putin.

* Rare King James Bible found in Wiltshire village church A rare original King James Bible has been discovered on a shelf in a Wiltshire church.

* House panel to look at radicalization of US Muslims Muslims in the America aren’t cooperating enough with law enforcement to counter the radicalization of young followers by al-Qaeda-linked groups, said a House leader on terrorism issues.

* EU to freeze assets of top Libyan firms EU diplomats are close to finalizing a list of Libyan companies to be added to a recent asset freeze and travel ban on 26 members of the Gaddafi regime.

* PA working to remove Hamas from US, EU terror lists Shaath says he raised the issue with EU leaders, he wants European countries to recognize Palestinian unity gov't including Hamas.

03/05/11

* Obama: Israel shouldn't be afraid of changes in Mideast US President Barack Obama told Jewish donors in Miami on Friday that Israel and the United States should not be afraid of changes taking place in the Middle East.

* Libya: Rebels defy attacks, eye Gaddafi's hometown Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi waged a second offensive against the western town of Zawiyah on Saturday.

* Abbas calls for full Palestinian membership in the UN The time has come for Palestine to become a permanent member of the United Nations, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said.

* Saudi Arabia imposes ban on all protests All protests and marches are to be banned in Saudi Arabia, the interior ministry has announced on state TV.

* U.S. for first time cites Iran role as leading factor in Mideast unrest The administration of President Barack Obama has determined that Iran was fomenting unrest in such countries as Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

* Hamas 'Liberates' Money at Gunpoint Hamas forces stormed into banks in Gaza twice this week and demanded money at gunpoint.

* Soldiers Act Out Shooting Judea, Samaria Jews IDF reservists attended a training exercise that involved a scenario in which soldiers shot and killed a Jewish resident of Judea and Samaria.

* Ayalon: Mideast turmoil threatens PA Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon on Saturday called on the Palestinian leadership to compromise and launch negotiations for an interim peace agreement with Israel.

* Egypt-Israel economic ties have been restored Israelis worry that the fall of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak could erode the countries' landmark 1979 peace accord and other subsequent agreements.

* Egyptians torch HQ of reviled state security forces A state security building on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital was set alight on Saturday.

03/04/11

* Protests in Tripoli after prayers Libyan security forces have used tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters after Friday prayers in Col Gaddafi's stronghold of Tripoli.

* Al-Qaeda No. 2 calls for Islamic rule in Egypt Osama bin Laden's deputy is urging fellow Egyptians to establish Islamic rule after the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.

* China Strengthens Military Budget China announced plans to increase its defense budget by 12.7% this year, a pickup from last year's sharply lower growth.

* Samaria: Special IDF Deployment - Against Jews The IDF and Border Police are on special deployment near the Arab villages around Shechem.

* Iraqi forces use water cannon to disperse protests Iraqi security forces used water cannon and batons to disperse protesters in the southern oil hub of Basra on Friday.

* Experts Fear Looted Libyan Arms May Find Way to Terrorists Babyloar Security analysts say the armed uprising in Libya poses a long-term security threat — that weapons looted from government stockpiles could circulate widely.

* Egypt's new PM vows to meet protesters' demands Egypt's prime minister-designate vowed Friday before thousands of demonstrators at a central Cairo square to do everything he could to meet their demands.

* Reports of dozens dead, wounded in Zawiyah, west of Tripoli Al Arabiya television reported at least 13 people were killed on Friday in violence in the Libyan city of Zawiyah, west of Tripoli.

* 'PM told Abbas Israel demands to hold 40% of W. Bank' Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas some five months ago that Israel demands that 40 percent of of the West Bank remain under its control for an extended period.

* EU commissioner goes off-message on Gaddafi Maltese EU commissioner John Dalli has made comments which appear to support Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi.

03/03/11

* Settlers block roads, train tracks on 'Day of Rage' Security forces were preparing for a "Day of Rage" planned by settlers to take place throughout the country on Thursday.

* Gaddafi bombs oil areas, faces crimes probe Muammar Gaddafi struck at rebel control of a key Libyan coastal road for a second day Thursday.

* Mideast Quartet due in Israel in bid to restart peace talks Mideast Quartet officials are due to arrive in Israel next week to meet with advisers of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

* Germany: Islamism behind attack on US forces A German security official said Arif Uka, the gunman who allegedly shot dead two US airmen in an attack on their bus at Frankfurt airport on Wednesday, cried "Allahu Akhbar" ("God is Greatest") before opening fire.

* Iran for first time warns Saudis not to crack down on Shi'ite population Iran, escalating its rhetoric against its Sunni neighbor, has warned Saudi Arabia of any crackdown on the kingdom's Shi'ite minority.

* Clinton warns of Iranian efforts to fill ME power vacuum US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Tuesday that Iran was aggressively trying to take advantage of the domestic upheavals across the Arab world.

* Iranian navy ships re-enter Egypt's Suez Canal Two Iranian navy ships have entered Egypt's Suez Canal and are expected to reach the Red Sea later in the day.

* Pope Benedict: Jewish people not guilty for Jesus death Pope Benedict has rejected the idea of collective Jewish guilt for Jesus Christ's death, in a new book to be published next week.

* Why the Dollar's Reign Is Near an End The single most astonishing fact about foreign exchange is not the high volume of transactions, as incredible as that growth has been.

* PA: 150 states to recognize Palestine by Sept. Some 150 countries will recognize a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders by September of this year.

03/02/11

* Libyans in battle over oil town Forces loyal to the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi are moving into rebel territory in the east, capturing an oil installation in the town of Brega.

* Gaddafi: Libya is ruled by its people; I cannot resign Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said on Wednesday the world did not understand the Libyan system that puts power in the hands of the people.

* Farrakhan: Jews are pushing the US into war Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan said Jews and Zionists are "trying to push the US into war" and are a cover for Satan.

* Tshuva: Gas will reach Israel's shores by 2013 Delek owner Yitzhak Tshuva promised Wednesday morning that natural gas will arrive as planned by 2013 from the Tamar offshore field.

* Israel military to get tough with 'violent core' among 300,000 West Bank Jews The Israeli military has escalated operations against Jewish dissidents in the West Bank in what could ignite tension in the area.

* Libya chaos: Opposition in disarray, Islamists keeping their powder dry The opposition has failed to unite its forces in the drive to topple Libyan Col. Moammar Gadhafi.

* Arabs in Yafo Yell 'Death to Settlers' at Nationalists' Rally Arabs in Yafo yelled "Death to Settlers" and wounded a policeman in the head with a rock during a march by nationalists in the coastal city.

* Egypt's Moussa says running for president; adopts harsher tone on Israel Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa announced on Tuesday that he was running for president of Egypt in elections scheduled for this year.

* EU calls emergency Libya summit for 11 March EU leaders plan to hold a special summit on the Libya crisis in Brussels on 11 March.

* Barroso to young Arabs: 'We are with you' EU commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso has urged Moammar Gaddafi to step down.

03/01/11

* Gaddafi deploys forces as world raises Libya pressure Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi dispatched forces to a western border area on Tuesday in defiance of Western military and economic pressure.

* US and EU states consider military option against Gaddafi Fighter jets, aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean, a no-fly zone over Libya and arming the rebels are all options being weighed up by the US and its EU allies.

* Deputy FM warns Islamist regimes could take over Arab world Democratic uprisings that have already unseated long-standing autocrats in Tunisia and Egypt and are threatening to topple Moammar Gadhafi in Libya may be taken over by Islamist groups.

* Iran Arrests and Jails Opposition Leaders Iran has arrested opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi and has taken them.

* With Russia's $650 billion rearmament plan, the bear sharpens its teeth The graying bear is getting a make-over. Russia's military is launching its biggest rearmament effort since Soviet times.

* EU considering special summit on Libya EU Council chief Herman Van Rompuy is holding talks with member states on a French idea to hold an extraordinary EU summit about Libya and north Africa.

* Iran Threatens Olympics Boycott over 'Zion' Logo Iran has threatened to boycott the 2012 Olympics in London over the logo for the event.

* Americans still favorable towards Israel Nearly 17% of Americans favor the Palestinians and 20% are impartial – supporting both sides equally or indifferently.

* Top rabbi demands dialogue before West Bank outposts are demolished A top rabbi in the Religious-Zionist movement urged the prime minister on Tuesday to open dialogue before dismantling West Bank settlements.

* Iran: We Have the Right to be in the Mediterranean Iran contends that its military vessels are legally entitled to sail in the Mediterranean Sea under international law.