04/30/11

* Libya: Gaddafi offers talks with Nato Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi has called for a ceasefire and talks with Nato to stop the coalition's air strikes against his country.

* Pro-Palestinians hack into Israel Beiteinu website Picture of Palestinian flag with Egyptian pyramids in background posted on party's site by hackers who call Lieberman a "criminal."

* Massacre in Syria: Dozens killed Syrian forces fire at thousands of villagers protesting in Deraa, scores hurt, activists say; official news agency says four soldiers killed in attack on checkpoint in restive city.

* Egypt warns Israel: Don't interfere with opening of Gaza border crossing Rafah's opening would be a violation of an agreement reached in 2005 between the U.S., Israel, Egypt, and the EU; Israel official tells the Wall Street Journal developments in Egypt could affect Israel's national security.

* Israeli official: We are troubled by developments in Egypt Official tells 'WSJ' Rafah opening "can affect Israel's security at strategic level"; Egyptian official to Israel: Don't meddle in our internal affairs.

* Barak to UN chief: Hamas must recognize Israel Defense Minister Ehud Barak tells UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that the world should only support a joint Palestinian government if it accepts the Quartet's conditions.

* Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood set up new party The formerly banned Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's best-organised movement, announced on Saturday that it has formed a non-theocratic party that will contest up to half of parliament's seats in September elections.

* How Israel Should Deal with PA's Intention to Declare a State How should Israel deal with the Palestinian Authority's intention to declare, with United Nations General Assembly support, a state in all of Judea, Samaria and Gaza this coming September?

* Royal wedding watched by 24.5 million on terrestrial TV More than 24m viewers in the UK watched the royal wedding on the BBC and ITV, industry body Barb estimates.

* 'Mubarak could face death penalty for fire on protesters' Egyptian justice minister: Only former interior minister's testimony that Mubarak gave order to fire could secure conviction, 'Al-Ahram' reports.

04/29/11

* Israel: No talks with Fatah-Hamas government The forum of seven senior ministers decided Thursday it would not hold peace talks with a joint Fatah-Hamas government.

* Egypt Draws Closer to Hamas, Iran Egypt has drifted farther from Israel following the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, with protesters calling to end the peace treaty with Israel.

* UN atomic watchdog may clamp down on Syria UN inspectors may say in an upcoming report that a Syrian desert site bombed to rubble in 2007 was probably a covert nuclear reactor.

* Haniyeh calls on Fatah to renounce recognition of Israel Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Friday called on Fatah to renounce their recognition of Israel.

* Iran cleric warns Ahmadinejad not to overestimate his power A senior Iranian cleric on Friday warned President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad not to overestimate his power.

* Bloody Syrian crackdown embarrasses Turkish allies Turkish officials engaged in last-minute shuttle diplomacy with their restive neighbor Syria.

* Palestinian diplomats await EU backing for unity government Palestinian diplomats have said the EU is likely to back a new deal between rival political factions Fatah and Hamas despite Israel's opposition.

* China rethinks one child policy The population growth rate declined sharply and is aging quickly, prompting warnings of a looming demographic crunch and raising new concerns about the government's unwillingness to abandon its one-child policy.

* Pro-Gaddafi forces clash with Tunisian military Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi fought a gun battle with Tunisian troops in a frontier town on Friday as Libya's conflict spilled over its borders.

* Balcony kisses seal royal wedding Prince William and Kate Middleton have kissed twice on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding service in Westminster Abbey.

04/28/11

* Iran's president and supreme leader in rift over minister's reinstatement MPs call for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to be impeached after his refusal to back Khamenei's judgment

* West Fails to Condemn Syria Largely due to the efforts of Russia, China and Lebanon, the U.N. Security Council has failed to agree on opposition to Syria’s violence against protestors.

* US: 61% Support Defending Israel A poll shows that 61percent of Americans support defending Israel if it is attacked – more than those who support defending all but three other countries.

* Embattled Arab Leaders Decide It’s Better to Fight Than Quit Arab leaders facing public revolt have increasingly concluded that it is better to shoot to kill, or at least to arrest and imprison, than to abdicate and flee.

* Obama’s Pentagon and CIA Picks Show Shift in How US Fights Obama’s decision to send an intelligence chief to the Pentagon and a four-star general to the Central Intelligence Agency is the latest evidence of a significant shift over the past decade in how the United States fights its battles.

* Palestinian unity deal could be barrier to statehood President Peres calls burgeoning Fatah-Hamas reconciliation agreement a 'fatal mistake,' saying he expected a future Palestinian vote to result in Hamas' rule of the West Bank.

* Syria secretly tried to build nuclear reactor IAEA secretary general unequivocally confirms suggestions made in previous watchdog reports that the structure hit allegedly by Israel in 2007 could have been a reactor under construction.

* Two Kurdish officers killed by Iraqi soldiers in disputed oil capital The Iraq Army and Kurdish forces engaged in a violent clash in the northern city of Kirkuk on April 25.

* "We prefer Hamas over Israel" Top Fatah official Tawfiq Tirawi says Palestinian people prefer unity over peace deal with Israel.

* Egypt sending team to Gaza to help implement Palestinian deal Egyptian security source says team will help 'settle and organize the internal security situation there,' after Hamas and Fatah reach historic agreement.

04/27/11

* Fatah and Hamas agree to historic Palestinian reconciliation deal Rival groups will form interim government and then move toward setting a date for a general election, four years after their government collapsed when Hamas overran the Gaza Strip.

* PA Carries out Ahmadinejad's Threat and Wipes Israel Off Map The Palestinian Authority has carried out Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's threat to "wipe Israel off the map" and literally has done so by displaying maps of "Palestine" covering all of Israel at the same time its leaders talk about "two states for two people."

* Tehran squirms as crackdown by ally Syria creates global uproar Iranian officials and state-run media for as long as they could have turned a blind eye to the weeks-long unrest in Syria.

* Syria sanctions could include suspension of EU aid programs Syria is facing suspension of EU aid worth €130 million and a freeze on €1.3 billion in European investment funds.

* Explosion hits Egypt gas pipeline carrying gas to Israel Egyptian security source blames blast on armed gang; second attack in the past month on terminal located 50 kilometers from Israel border.

* Syria unrest could destabilize Lebanon Tension between Alawites and Sunnis may spill over to Lebanon, where Syrian remains the most influential external player.

* PM asks Foreign Ministry, Navy to stop new flotilla Netanyahu meets with Security Cabinet, tells Foreign Ministry to continue efforts to stop IHH ships headed for Gaza.

* Syrian Soldiers Deploy in Damascus Suburb Syrian President Bashar Assad's soldiers entered Douma to prevent a march on the capital.

* Christian Group Seeks to Convert, Move to Yesha Hundreds of American Christian converts to Judaism could, if a plan works out, move to Israel, serve in the IDF, and take up residence in Samaria.

* US Plans Security Shuffle US President Barack Obama plans to shuffle his his nation's defense and intelligence bosses.

04/26/11

* Collective courage fuels protests across Arab world Mohamed Bouazizi couldn't have known when he struck that match he would spark the "Arab spring," but it's tough to imagine he'd be disappointed.

* Turkey: Israel shouldn't repeat its Gaza flotilla mistake Israel mustn't attempt to stop a planned aid flotilla bound for the blockaded Gaza Strip, Turkey's Foreign Minister told in an interview on Monday.

* WikiLeaks: Guantánamo Bay terrorists radicalised in London to attack Western targets At least 35 terrorists incarcerated at Guantánamo Bay were sent to fight against the West after being indoctrinated by extremist preachers in Britain.

* Syria unrest: UK, France and Italy press for sanctions European countries have called for "strong measures" to halt repression in Syria, as its government steps up a campaign against peaceful protests.

* Obama Silent as Syrian Death Toll at 400; Tanks Shoot Civilians Human rights activists estimate that Syrian President Bashar Assad’s force have killed more than 400 protesters as tanks roar through city streets while U.S. President Barack Obama remains relatively silent.

* Prosecution Against Jewish Ownership of Land The State Prosecution has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court that leaders of the Jewish Judea/Samaria settlement enterprise fear will cause the loss of many hundreds of acres of Jewish land.

* More than half of Egyptians want to cancel peace treaty with Israel More than half of all Egyptians would like to see the 1979 peace treaty with Israel annulled.

* Berlusconi and Sarkozy to seek tightening of EU border controls The leaders of France and Italy are meeting in Rome today (26 April) to discuss measures to tighten EU border controls.

* Chernobyl anniversary: Medvedev seeks nuclear rules Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has called for new international rules covering safety at nuclear plants.

* 'China's economy will outstrip America's in 5 years' Some westerners have faced the possibility with trepidation, and now the International Monetary Fund has given the fears a date: The Chinese economy will surpass the U.S. economy within five years, it predicts.

04/25/11

* Age of America nears end China’s economy will surpass the US in 2016

* Jerusalem's time tunnels Horizontal excavations throughout the Old City of Jerusalem and Silwan are producing important archaeological discoveries

* Nato strike hits Gaddafi compound A Nato air strike has badly damaged buildings in Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi's compound in Tripoli.

* Iran says it's discovered 2nd cyber attack Official says new virus, "Stars," is being investigated; virus' target isn't revealed.

* US Seeks to Raise Heat on Syria The US is readying sanctions against senior officials in Syria who are overseeing a violent crackdown.

* Chinese Christians held at Easter service: church Up to 30 members of a Chinese evangelical church were arrested on Sunday for trying to hold an Easter service in defiance of the officially atheist government.

* Abbas: Obama led me on Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas lashes out at US president over his handling of peace process with Israel, attitude to Egypt's Mubarak.

* Taliban tunnels at least 480 out of Afghan prison Militants flee main prison in south Afghanistan after digging tunnel for months

* Syrian forces storm Damascus suburb Syrian writers slam bloody crackdown as witnesses say Assad's forces shooting at unarmed civilians

* Mullen: Iraq must decide over US troop stay request Iraq's government must decide within weeks whether it wants any US troops to remain beyond the end of 2011.

04/23/11

* West Bank conference: Intifada possible in Sept In the absence of a diplomatic breakthrough, a Palestinian uprising may break out in September, a popular leader in the West Bank predicted Saturday

* Jerusalem: Masses mark Easter Saturday Thousands of devout Christians attend annual Church of Holy Sepulchre ritual symbolizing Jesus' resurrection.

* Rights group: EU must end 'faustian pact' with Syria With the death count in Syria jumping up drastically, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said the EU should impose sanctions on the al-Assad regime or risk missing a historic opportunity to shape events in the Middle East.

* Muslim Brotherhood calls for Sharia law, 'punishments' in Egypt The Muslim Brotherhood has gone public with its stance on Islamic rule in Egypt.

* Libya: US confirms first Predator strike The US military has confirmed the first strike by an unmanned Predator drone aircraft in Libya.

* 'Merkel to advise Abbas against unilateral state push' PA president scheduled to meet German chancellor next month; 'Der Spiegel' reports she will tell him not to seek UN statehood resolution.

* Report: Turkey shows support for Palestinian efforts to seek UN recognition Turkey's Ambassador to the UN reportedly says the Palestinian Authority has proved they deserve to attain internationally recognized statehood, while the Turkish president says an Israeli-Palestinian deal is essential for peace in the region.

* Quake research mission to 'ring of fire' An expedition is getting under way in the South Pacific to investigate one of the most seismically-active fault lines in the world.

* Hundreds show solidarity with Darfur in Tel Aviv rally Demonstrators in Levinsky park call for a "no-fly zone for Darfur," say they want to raise awareness for Darfur situation in Sudan.

* 'Mubarak detention extended over Israel gas deal' Prosecutors to question former Egyptian president on natural gas deal they allege amounts to "hurting country's interests," 'NY Times' reports.

04/2211

* Pilgrims fill Jerusalem for Good Friday Christian pilgrims filled the cobblestone alleyways of old Jerusalem to mark Good Friday, commemorating Jesus' crucifixion in the city two millennia ago.

* The future infantry soldier: lethal, fast and... victorious As IDF implements improvements mandated by the 2nd Lebanon War, amid changing battlefield, the race is on to perfect new weapons systems.

* Revolutionary Guard chief: Iran can hit ships as far away as Indian Ocean The commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard says his forces are expanding their capabilities to retaliate against possible enemy attacks from outside the Gulf.

* Death toll in Syria protests climbs to at least 25 Witnesses report 40,000 demonstrators take to the streets in Damascus suburb, chanting "The people want the downfall of the regime."

* Libya: US to deploy armed drones - Robert Gates Armed US Predator drones are to carry out missions over Libya, Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said.

* Growing U.S.-Saudi crisis seen affecting oil prices as king's health declines Saudi King Abdullah, who prematurely ended his convalescence during the Middle East crisis, remains far from functional.

* UN urges bold steps to relaunch Mideast peace talks The United Nations called on Thursday for "bold and decisive steps" to relaunch the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

* Good Friday crucifixions in Philippines A handful of people are traditionally nailed to crosses while hundreds more have their backs whipped until they bleed in Asia's major Catholic outpost.

* State-sponsored program keeps vultures well fed A network of 20 feeding centers in the Negev and the Arava, run by a devoted team of park rangers and scientists, helps maintain the vulture population in the region.

* Peres: Israel should write its own peace plan President Shimon Peres responded on Friday to the report of a peace plan that US President Barack Obama plans to present.

04/21/11

* Holiday Joy and Prayers in Jerusalem Many thousands of Jews are gathered at the Western Wall plaza this morning.

* Jewish, Not Arab, Roots in Judea and Samaria U.S. Pres. Barack Obama’s demand that Israel not settle Jews in the Biblical areas of Judea and Samaria ignores thoroughly-documented Jewish roots in the Land of Israel.

* Clinton urges immediate dialogue on Middle East US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday urged Israel and the Palestinians to resume dialogue immediately even as unrest roils the region.

* Turkey: Israel-Palestinian peace will decide fate of Arab uprisings Turkish President Abdullah Gul said in a New York Times editorial Thursday, that the fate of the Arab world uprisings will be determined by whether there is peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

* Red Cross: No Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza "There is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza." So states categorically Mathilde Redmatn, the deputy director of the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip.

* Invitation to Israeli Leader Puts Obama on the Spot A Republican invitation for Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to address Congress next month is highlighting the tensions between President Obama and Mr. Netanyahu.

* China Mobile surpasses 600m subscribers China Mobile, the world's largest mobile operator, has surpassed 600 million subscribers after increasing its number of customers in rural areas.

* Apple profits nearly double as iPhone sales soar Latest profits for computer giant Apple have beaten forecasts, helped by higher-than-expected iPhone sales.

* Fatah may partake in upcoming Gaza flotilla, Palestinian official says Senior Fatah officials will be allowed to take part in a planned aid flotilla to the Gaza Strip.

* Indyk: UN likely to vote in favor of Palestinian state Former US envoy says change is necessary to prevent unilateral declaration, supports PM as capable of implementing two-state solution.

04/20/11

* Libya: France and Italy to send officers to aid rebels French officials said fewer than 10 would be sent, while Italy's defence minister announced that 10 would go.

* Iranian general: Attacking us is suicidal Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces Brigadier-General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said Wednesday that a military offensive against the Islamic Republic would be "suicidal."

* Thousands protest in Syria, brushing off reforms Thousands of students held demonstrations Wednesday against Syria's authoritarian regime.

* Abbas: There will be no new uprising Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday that he is opposed to another armed uprising against Israel, even if faltering peace efforts fail altogether.

* Syrians prepare for record-breaking rally Thousands of students held demonstrations Wednesday against Syria's authoritarian regime.

* Could Putin and Medvedev face off in an open Russian election? As the political differences between Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev widen into a visible public rift, and each continues to insist on the wish to run for president in polls next year, some Russians are mulling a prospect that sounded like a fantasy just a few weeks ago.

* Rebels: Libyan army shells western mountain towns Moammar Gadhafi's troops clashed with opposition forces Wednesday in this besieged coastal city and shelled a mountain town.

* A divided EU Parliament tightens measures to centralise economic decisions MEPs have toughened up the provisions in a package of six laws that centralise economic decision-making in the EU.

* Gold price hits record at $1,500 an ounce The gold price has risen above $1,500 an ounce for the first time after concerns about global economic recovery lifted the metal's appeal as a haven.

* Abbas seeks 'advice' from France on declaring Palestinian statehood Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas will travel to Paris on Thursday seeking support for the expected declaration of statehood this September.

04/19/11

* Obama holds Passover Seder US president continues tradition dating back to his time as presidential candidate, holds traditional Passover feast in White House.

* PM: Recognition of Jewish state is 'core of the conflict' Jerusalem will not budge on its demand that Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish State.

* PA launches campaign for EU recognition of statehood The Palestinian Authority has launched a diplomatic campaign aimed at persuading the largest number of EU countries to recognize a Palestinian state on the 1967 lines before September.

* Passover Laws and Customs Passover (Pesach) will take place this year between sunset on Monday, 18 April, and sunset on Monday, 25 April.

* Egyptians Court U.S. Foes Iran and Egypt's new government signaled Monday they were moving quickly to thaw decades of frosty relations.

* Europol: Arab spring poses terrorist threat to EU Arab revolutions and the economic crisis could increase the risk of terrorist attacks in the EU by Islamist, far-left and far-right groups.

* Nato admits 'limitations' in protecting Libyan civilians A month after the start of allied airstrikes on the Libyan regime, Nato is starting to voice frustration at the limitations of its current mandate when it comes to protecting civilians from Gaddafi attacks.

* Syrian Cabinet moves to lift emergency law while clashes rage Syria's Cabinet approved a "draft decree" to abolish the country's notorious state of emergency law as another day of clashes erupted in the simmering country's heartland.

* Quartet may formally recognize Palestinian state if peace talks not renewed American and European diplomats warned that if peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians are not renewed, the Quartet of Mideast peace makers may formally recognize a Palestinian state.

* Matza: A modern history of unleavened bread Today they are as accessible as the local grocery. You can find them traditional, whole-wheat and local, dipped in chocolate and made with honey, large and small.

04/18/11

* Happy 3,323rd Birthday to People of Israel It was none other than Pharaoh whose mention of the “People of Israel” is the first such Biblical reference, 3323 years ago, using calculations based on information in the Torah.

* Ahmadinejad: "The era of Zionism has passed away" Speaking at celebrations for Iran's Army Day, Ahmadinejad denounces Israel and capitalism, accuses US of fomenting Arab unrest.

* Senior Syria officer assassinated over unwillingness to open fire at protesters Syrian opposition websites say assassination is part of a new Assad regime policy aiming to get rid of military officials who show sympathy toward anti-government unrest.

* The New Cold War There has long been bad blood between Iran and Saudi Arabia, but popular protests across the Middle East now threaten to turn the rivalry into a tense and dangerous regional divide.

* Israel Warned Not to Enable PA State Now Arab-affairs expert Prof. Mordechai Kedar of Bar Ilan University says Israel would be "clearly suicidal" in enabling a Palestinian state, in light of the revolutionary fever sweeping the Arab world.

* FBI Counter-Terror Official: Al Qaeda 'Thrives' After Dictators Fall
Al Qaeda Releases New Web Video, Official Says Al Qaeda in Yemen More Dangerous Than Osama Bin Laden's 'Core' Group

* Robots record high radiation levels at Japan reactors Remote-controlled robots are being used at the quake-hit Fukushima nuclear plant to measure radiation levels.

* BRICS Make Move to Shove Dollar Aside China and four other leading high-growth economies have taken landmark steps toward lowering the importance of the dollar in international financial transactions — part of a seminal shift in the move towards a multicurrency reserve and trading system.

* Passover Laws and Customs Passover will take place this year between sunset on Monday, April 18, and sunset on Monday, April 25.

* Thousands mark Palm Sunday in Jerusalem Christians from around globe celebrate Palm Sunday in Jerusalem, marking day Jesus Christ arrived in city two millennia ago.

04/16/11

* Security and Defense: Preparing for war on all fronts The IDF’s multi-year plan, unveiled to the press this week, was for the most part a continuation of the last plan.

* Syria to Lift Emergency Law, Leader Says Syria's president said Saturday he expects state of emergency laws that have been in effect for nearly 50 years to be lifted by next week at the latest.

* Iran Leaders Backpedal Over Movie Predicting Destruction of Israel An Iranian film unmasking Iran’s true objectives — annihilation of Israel — has President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad backpedaling over the backlash associated with it.

* Ayalon: There's no other solution than to topple Hamas Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon on Saturday said that "Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization whose aim is to destroy Israel," adding that the Gaza-based group's regime should be toppled.

* Arab World: The kingdom’s fearless radicals The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was expected by some observers to be the first Arab Middle Eastern state to experience sweeping changes.

* 'Officer in N. Command warns Hezbollah commanders' According to a report in the London-based Al-Hayyat Arabic-language newspaper Saturday, a senior officer in the IDF's Northern Command sent a warning to 150 Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon against firing rockets into Israel.

* Libya conflict: Gaddafi 'cluster bombing Misrata' Pro-government forces in Libya have been accused by a human rights campaign group of using cluster bombs, which are banned by more than 100 countries.

* Europe urges restraint amid Syrian unrest Official Syrian news Agency SANA reported Saturday afternoon that a police officer was beaten to death with sticks and stones during a Friday protest in the city of Homs.

* Eyeing nuclear sites, Iran tests new anti-aircraft missile Iran on Saturday tested a new anti-aircraft missile system dubbed the Sayyad-2 and the country's defense officials said the system will be deployed throughout the country in the near future.

* Obama likens Pessah liberation to changes in Mideast US President Barack Obama sent his "warmest wishes to all those celebrating the sacred festival of Passover" Friday night.

04/15/11

* Security and Defense: Preparing for war on all fronts The IDF's multi-year plan, unveiled to the press this week, was for the most part a continuation of the last plan.

* Hamas Blames Israel for ISM Activist's Murder in Gaza Islamic organizations and terror groups in Gaza rushed to distance themselves from the murder-kidnapping of Italian ISM activist Vottorio Arrigoni.

* Al-Qaida leader calls on Muslim nations to fight Western coalition in Libya Al-Qaida's deputy leader called on Muslim nations to fight the United States and NATO if their forces enter the country in a video released on Thursday.

* Libya: Obama, Cameron and Sarkozy vow Gaddafi must go The leaders of the US, the UK and France have said in a joint letter that there can be no peace in Libya while Muammar Gaddafi stays in power.

* PM to set out ‘firm principles’ in May speech to Congress Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu acknowledged for the first time on Thursday that he will deliver a speech to a joint session of the US Congress at the end of May.

* BRICS demand global monetary shake-up, greater influence The BRICS group of emerging-market powers kept up the pressure on Thursday for a revamped global monetary system.

* Ten Years Under Rocket Fire On April 16, 2001, Gaza terrorists fired the first rocket at southern Israel, aiming for the town of Sderot.

* Syria: Clashes at mass Damascus protest Tens of thousands of protesters trying to march on the centre of the Syrian capital, Damascus, have been met by security forces firing tear gas.

* Iraq uncovers 'Saddam Hussein-era' grave of 800 bodies Iraqi officials have found a mass grave containing the bodies of more than 800 people thought to have been executed during Saddam Hussein's rule.

* Rehn on eurozone rescue: 'Mission Accomplished' EU economy chief Olli Rehn has declared the eurozone rescue mission accomplished.

04/14/11

* Temple Mount Activism in Honor of Passover As the holiday of Passover (Pesach) nears, interest focuses on the Temple Mount, where the Torah mandates that at least one Paschal sacrifice for the entire nation.

* PA seeks US support for statehood While Palestinian Authority is taking major steps to prepare for its impending declaration of an independent state, bitterness is evident among West Bank leaders at the US' reluctance to take a strong stance on the issue.

* Libya: Nato appeals for more planes Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has told a foreign ministers' summit the alliance needs "a few more" aircraft for its mission in Libya.

* Netanyahu: I'll address Iran, 'secure peace' in US speech US House speaker says he'll extend formal invitation for PM to address a joint meeting of US Congress once Congress approves resolution.

* Palestinian PM: Brussels meeting is 'birth certificate' for statehood The Palestinian Authority has welcomed endorsement of a UN report on institution building as a "birth certificate" for statehood.

* New Facebook Intifada Pages Abound MEMRI reports that even though the official Facebook page for yet another Palestinian terrorist intifada has been removed, new ones continue to be launched.

* The Ins and Outs of the Holy Hebrew Language Interest is growing in the 4th Annual Conference for Devotees of the Holy Tongue, a term for pre-modern Hebrew, to be held in Jerusalem this coming Wednesday.

* Surprise: Most of Israel's Pre 1967 Private Land Held by Arabs Arabs possess most of the private land in Israel, despite their composing only 20% of the population.

* Russian-American Christians seek new life in Samaria A group of American Christians, mostly of Russian origin are interesting in converting to Judaism and establishing collective kibbutz-style communities in Samaria.

* Assad forms new cabinet after protests Syrian President Bashar Assad formed a new government on Thursday.

04/13/11

* Ahmadinejad: Israel, US plotting Iranian-Arabian conflict In public speech, Iranian president says he envisions new Middle East without presence of Israel, US and their allies. 

* Libya: Gaddafi must step down, says 'contact group' The newly formed international "contact group" on Libya has called for Muammar Gaddafi to stand down as leader. 

* Emerging economies face watershed moment at summit The leaders of the world's largest emerging economies gather this week in southern China for what could be a watershed moment in their quest for a bigger say in the global financial architecture. 

* PA Wants $5 Billion to Launch State The Palestinian Authority is asking Western officials for $5 billion dollars to launch a state with.

* Foreign ministers wary of EU military role in Libya Foreign ministers have sketched out the basic outlines of an EU 'military-humanitarian' mission to Libya.

* PA: US must present peace plan before we declare state Abbas spokesman says plan to revive peace talks must be implemented with "an effective US role and strong policy against settlements."

* Barak: 'IDF is strong enough to conquer Gaza' In a Facebook interview with Channel 2, Barak says there is no need to attack Gaza, but Israel is prepared for the possibility. 

* The Six GCC Members Want A Diplomatic, Military Confederation The six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are discussing setting up a Gulf confederation.

* Kerry: Obama wasted time on settlement freeze Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator John Kerry (D), slammed Wednesday President Barack Obama's efforts to advance the Mideast peace process.

* Palestinians hail international 'birth certificate' of statehood Donor countries meeting in Brussels recognized on Wednesday that the "Palestinian Authority (PA) is above the threshold of a functioning state".

04/12/11

* Israel to Turkey: Help us thwart upcoming Gaza flotilla Israel contacted Turkey concerning a Gaza aid flotilla planned for May of this year. Prophetic Prospective

* Libya: Nato must do more, say France and UK Nato must do more to destroy heavy weaponry used by Muammar Gaddafi's forces in Libya, the French and British foreign ministers have said. Prophetic Prospective

* Japan: Nuclear crisis raised to Chernobyl level Japanese authorities have raised the severity rating of their nuclear crisis to the highest level, seven.

* Space exploration remains priority for Russia, Medvedev Space exploration remains a priority for Russia, President Dmitry Medvedev has said, as the country marks the 50th anniversary of the first human space flight by cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.

* Syria: 'Dozens injured' in Baniyas as arrests continue Dozens of people have been injured in clashes with security forces in the Syrian port of Baniyas, where 13 people were killed on Sunday, residents say.

* Are these the nails used to crucify Jesus? Journalist Simcha Jacobovici believes that the nails discovered in a Jerusalem cave are revolutionary in their implications regarding the birth of Christianity.

* UN report: Palestinian Authority is paving the way to statehood Marked progress in six areas of Palestinian governance has paved the way for a functioning state. Prophetic Prospective

* Anti-Jewish cartoons emerge after Goldstone retraction Judge Richard Goldstone's now-notorious Washington Post mea culpa, retracting several findings of his United Nations-sponsored inquiry into Operation Cast Lead, has ignited new flames of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories in the Arab world.

* Settler council: Netanyahu's West Bank pullout plan radiates panic The Yesha Council of Settlers reacted angrily Tuesday to a Haaretz report detailing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan for a West Bank withdrawal. Prophetic Prospective

* Iran says 'Americans and Zionists' behind Syrian protests Iran considers the anti-government demonstrations taking place across Syria which have seen at least 300 protesters killed part of a plot by the West to undermine a "resistance".

04/11/11

* Netanyahu: Iran recently accelerated nuclear program PM tells EU envoys to Israel that Tehran has taken advantage of reduced pressure from West in order to speed its nuclear program.

* Ivory Coast's Gbagbo's captured After a week of heavy fighting, forces backing Ivory Coast's internationally recognized leader on Monday arrested strongman Laurent Gbagbo who had refused to leave the presidency despite losing elections more than four months earlier.

* Libya: African Union puts truce plan to Benghazi rebels Members of an African Union delegation are offering a peace proposal to rebel leaders in the city of Benghazi to end Libya's eight-week conflict.

* Student protest in Syrian capital turns violent A rare demonstration by hundreds of Syrian university students turned violent when security forces beat up and arrested several protesters.

* Palestinian official: Israel, Gaza militants agreed to a cease-fire Although neither Israel nor the Palestinians confirmed the cease-fire, a significantly smaller number of rockets were fired from Gaza on Sunday and Palestinians reported no Israeli air strikes.

* Japan: Powerful earthquake hits north-east A powerful earthquake has hit north-east Japan, exactly one month after the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

* Beijing police halt unapproved church service Beijing police on Sunday detained dozens of worshippers from an unapproved Christian church who were trying to hold services in a public space after they were evicted from their usual place of worship.

* Arab League wants Gaza no-fly zone Amr Mussa to ask UN that same sanction imposed on Libya be implemented against Israel.

* Israel presents: Iron Dome in action Defense Ministry releases video showing missile defense system intercepting incoming rocket.

* EU should forge ahead with electronic ID, says Estonian minister Estonians reckon that if the internet had a hometown, it would be located somewhere within the borders of their electronically advanced Baltic state.

04/09/11

* Hamas has requested a cease fire, Israel officials say A security source says Israel is ready to escalate air strikes on Gaza. Prophetic Prospective

* Two die after Egypt military disperses protesters, medics say Two men died from bullet wounds in central Cairo after the army tried to disperse protesters overnight. Prophetic Prospective

* Peres to Ban: UN can't remain neutral on Gaza situation President Shimon Peres held a meeting with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Friday. Prophetic Prospective

* Gates: U.S. troops could stay in Iraq for years Defense Secretary Robert Gates said U.S. troops could remain in Iraq for years to come. Prophetic Prospective

* Iraqi cleric threatens action if US forces remain A powerful anti-American Shiite cleric threatened Saturday to reactivate his feared militia.

* Shelling in East Libya Forces Rebel Retreat Pro-government forces in Libya have shelled rebel fighters near Ajdabiya, challenging the rebels' hold on the city. Prophetic Prospective

* Syrian Protests Are Said to Be Largest and Bloodiest to Date Dozens of communities across Syria erupted in protest on Friday in what activists said were by far the largest and bloodiest demonstrations against the iron rule of President Bashar al-Assad. Prophetic Prospective

* Iron Dome does it again; Gaza rocket intercepted The Iron Dome anti-rocket system intercepted yet another incoming missile Saturday.

* EU border agency keen to send back more Tunisians EU border agency Frontex is trying to put in place "as soon as possible". Prophetic Prospective

* In Israel, the Shadow of a New Gaza War Israeli officials say it so often they've taken to apologizing for using the example, acknowledging it's become a clichÉ.

04/08/11

* WikiLeaks Revelations on Israel The latest media-barnstorm by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange reveals the private concerns and assessments of Israel's intelligence services.

* Diplomacy: The significance of September There is something about Septembers that has a tendency to get everyone all a-flutter.

* Nuclear fuel being reloaded at Iran power plant Nuclear fuel is once again being loaded into the reactor of Iran's Bushehr power plant.

* Ashton calls for a 'cessation of violence' in Gaza The European Union chief Caroline Ashton called on Friday for a complete "cessation of violence" between Gaza and Israel.

* Robert Gates: US Iraq troops 'could stay longer' US troops could if required by Iraq stay in the country beyond the agreed withdrawal date of 31 December, 2011, the US defence secretary has said.

* Saudi Arabia in crisis: Kingdom projects calm, raises military salaries Saudi Arabia has raised the salaries of military personnel as part of a drive to enhance defense against neighboring Iran.

* New TV documentary: How Europe got its first president How did the post of European president get to be created? And how did someone completely unknown to most Europeans end up in it?

* Settlers' poll: 78% of Likudniks oppose Palestinian State Three quarters of Likud members believe that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu should wait until the fate of uprisings in the Muslim world becomes clearer.

* Syrian city of Deraa hit by deadly clashes At least 19 protesters have been killed during anti-government rallies in the southern Syrian city of Deraa.

* Prospects fade for military overthrow of Gaddafi Libyan rebels said on Friday they repulsed a government assault on the besieged city of Misrata.

04/07/11

* Warning: Hamas plans to abduct Israelis Hamas is planning to kidnap Israeli citizens from within the state's territory.

* Japan: Quake prompts Fukushima evacuation Workers at the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant were evacuated after a fresh earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1.

* Iron Dome successfully intercepts Gaza rocket for first time The Iron Dome missile defense system on Thursday successfully intercepted for the first time a Grad rocket.

* 60% of Egyptians support peace with Israel Some 60% of Egyptians support the peace treaty with Israel.

* Bahrain, Syria and Yemen 'playing with fire'A Hungarian junior minister speaking in the name of EU foreign relations chief Catherine Ashton has said that Bahrain, Syria and Yemen should beware of Libya-type military intervention.

* Merkel: Unilateral recognition of Palestinian state may not push peace forward German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took advantage of their meeting on Thursday.

* EU: situation in Ivory Coast 'moving from bad to worse' The humanitarian situation in the Ivory Coast is "moving from bad to worse", the European Commission has said.

* Peres: Negev attack shows Gaza turned into terror state President Shimon Peres on Thursday responded to the terrorist attack on a bus in the Negev.

* IHH to send 'Marmara' back to Gaza in June IHH President Bulent Yildrim said on Thursday that his organization and the Mavi Marmara ship would participate in an upcoming flotilla to Gaza.

* Gulf states to maintain presence in Bahrain 'as long as is needed' The Gulf Cooperation Council plans to maintain its military force in Bahrain indefinitely.

04/06/11

* Sudan FM: Fatal hit on car 'absolutely an Israeli attack' Foreign Ministry declines to comment on accusation; Sudanese FM claims strike was meant to keep Sudan on US list of terrorism sponsors; Israel has been implicated in similar attacks in the past.

* President Peres Says Israel Willing To Cede Golan to Syria Never one to miss an opportunity to push his personal agenda irrespective of positions taken by Israel's government, President Shimon Peres on Tuesday to "change the situation in the Golan Heights."

* Ouattara forces attack Gbagbo bunker in Ivory Coast Forces loyal to Ivory Coast presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara launched a heavy attack on Wednesday on the bunker where Laurent Gbagbo was defying efforts to force him to cede power.

* Iran clerics denounce Saudi role in Bahrain A leading Iranian cleric on Wednesday urged protesters in the Gulf kingdom of Bahrain to "stand up and resist" a government crackdown.

* Policeman: Eastern Jerusalem is Not for Jews Day after day, Israelis are exposed to new harrowing stories about Arab-on-Jew brutality and police pro-Arab bias.

* EU: Approval of East Jerusalem settlement expansion is deeply disappointing European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton said on Wednesday that she was "deeply disappointed" by Israel's approval of new settlement building in East Jerusalem.

* EU in race to digitise economy The EU is trying to drag all of its member states into the digital age.

* CAMERA video fights back against BBC silence In a new video expose posted online late last week, the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (CAMERA) provides an extensive refutation of the reporting in a controversial 2010 BBC program on Jerusalem, as well as the BBC’s reporting ethics.

* U.S. committed to ending anti-Israel bias on UN council, envoy says The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on Wednesday defended America's membership on the controversial United Nations Human Rights Council.

* Focus on preventing explosions at Japan nuke plant fter notching a rare victory by stopping highly radioactive water from flowing into the Pacific on Wednesday, workers at Japan's flooded nuclear power complex turned to their next task: injecting nitrogen to prevent more hydrogen explosions.

04/05/11

* Muslim Student Attacks UN Rights Council for Anti-Israel Bias Muslim student Amran Hussain, speaking on behalf of the European Union of Jewish Students, recently spoke out for Israel a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

* 'Israel using int'l climate to abandon two-state solution' The PLO's Executive Committee on Tuesday accused Israel of exploiting the global climate to abandon the two-state solution.

* France in Talks on Surrender of Ivory Coast Strongman The French government said Tuesday that it was negotiating the surrender of Ivory Coast's strongman, Laurent Gbagbo.

* Van Rompuy: EU should take credit for Libya action EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy has said the Union should take credit for international action.

* Hamas said to deploy SAMs from Iran, China Israel's military has determined that the Hamas regime was deploying a range of surface-to-air missiles.

* ElBaradei: We'll fight back if Israel attacks Gaza Former International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei, who had previously announced his intetions to run for the presidency of Egypt, said Monday that "if Israel attacked Gaza we would declare war against the Zionist regime."

* Ahmadinejad: U.S. seeking to divide Jordan to form Palestinian state The United States is leading an effort to annex a part of Jordan to the West Bank, thus enlarging the future Palestinians state.

* Second Gaza flotilla seeks EU political cover The organisers of a second flotilla aiming to break Israel's siege on Gaza are seeking EU diplomatic protection.

* Shi'ite Muslim Uprisings Light Up a Fuse in Iraq Bahrain's Shi'ite Muslim uprising has sparked a new round of violence in Iraq.

* Analysis: The man behind the Hamas military industry In 2002, Hamas's domestically manufactured anti-tank missile known as "Yassin" was capable of penetrating 6 cm of armor.

04/04/11

* Muslim Brotherhood advocates Egyptian modesty police Call adds to concerns among liberals that the country is going Islamic after attacks on Muslim mystic tombs, Christians.

* The Obama doctrine: Making the Middle East safe for jihadists President Obama is presiding over the end of American dominance in the Middle East.

* Facebook Intifada Campaign Exploits Fallen Soldiers' Site The "Third Intifada" incitement campaign on Facebook now exploits the page for fallen soldiers, including a vow to “kill all Israelis” - despite Facebook’s official policy that forbids incitement to violence.

* Israel weapons exports top $7.3b in 2010 Exports expected to tie with 2009's all-time high, but officials caution that harder times are ahead.

* Saudis challenge Iran in Bahrain having lost faith in US leadership Saudi Arabia, which has deployed thousands of troops in neighboring Bahrain, has lost faith with US strategy in the Gulf.

* Israel to Become a Religious State in 19 Years Professor Arnon Sofer, chair of Geo-strategy at the University of Haifa, has published a report predicting a religious majority in Israel by 2030.

* France set to evacuate EU expats in Ivory Coast The French army has taken control of Abidjan airport and begun herding expats into protected areas in anticipation of a bloody battle for control of the Ivorian capital.

* Petraeus Says Quran Burning Endangers War Effort The Quran burning by a Florida church, which sparked three days of deadly rioting in Afghanistan, poses new dangers for the US-led war effort against the Taliban.

* US pastor says he will put Mohammed on trial next Despite clear evidence that his actions have led to multiple murders and widespread violence in the Middle East, controversial Florida pastor Terry Jones has vowed to step up his provocative campaign against Islam.

* Ahmadinejad: Arab world conflicts will lead to collapse of Zionist regime He added that the Arab states should be careful not to rely on the United States and its allies, "as their ultimate aim is to save" Israel.

04/02/11

* Hamas: Israel will suffer 'consequences' of IDF Gaza strike The Islamic militant group Hamas vowed vengeance against Israel in a statement Saturday, following a late-night airstrike. Prophetic Prospective

* 'Israel must prepare for Palestinian fury' Following the Friday night killing of three Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, several Palestinian factions on Saturday morning announced that they were backing out of the lull agreement reached with Israel. Prophetic Prospective

* Anger over Quran burning spreads in Afghanistan Anger over the burning of the Muslim holy book at a Florida church fueled a second day of deadly violence half a world away in Afghanistan. Prophetic Prospective

* Fighting rages in Ivory Coast with 800 dead in west Soldiers backing Alassane Ouattara met stiff resistance from incumbent Laurent Gbagbo's fighters.

* Religious Radicals' Turn to Democracy Alarms Egypt Abboud al-Zomor — the former intelligence officer who supplied the bullets that killed President Anwar el-Sadat and is Egypt's most notorious newly released prisoner. Prophetic Prospective

* Libya mission: US eases off, Gadhafi holds on Two weeks after a dark-of-night barrage of mostly U.S. missiles and bombs opened the international air assault on Libya's Moammar Gadhafi, the American combat role is ending. Prophetic Prospective

* Thousands of Druze rally for Assad On the backdrop of growing unrest in Syria, thousands of Druze from the northern Golan Heights on Saturday participated in a solidarity protest for President Bashar Assad.

* Radioactive water from Japan nuclear plant leaks in sea Radioactive water is leaking into the sea from a 20-centimetre (8-inch) crack in a containment pit at Japan's quake-hit Fukushima nuclear plant, its operator Tepco has said.

* Nato frets over civilian casualties in Libya The complexities of the Libyan war were driven home to Western powers on Thursday (31 March) as Nato warned rebels not to kill civilians while itself facing charges of killing civilians in an airstrike. Prophetic Prospective

* EU travel advice gives insight into Arab revolutions Yemen in considered the most at risk of violent upheaval according to travel advice from EU foreign ministries. Prophetic Prospective