05/31/11

* 'Syrian residents fight back gov't troops for first time' Syrian residents on Monday fought back for the first time against government troops in a two-month-old uprising against the rule of President Bashar Assad.

* Palestinians prepare for 'Naksa' marches on borders Following the example of this month's Nakba Day marches, Palestinians and their supporters are preparing to launch another multipronged assault on Israel's borders this week.

* Ya'alon: Military strike may be needed to stop Iran nukes Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya'alon called on the world to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, by all means necessary.

* Iran cleric: Killing Israeli children OK A senior Iranian cleric, who is known as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's spiritual mentor, urged followers to continue suicide attacks against Israelis, including children.

* Jerusalem's Reunification: Back in Time to 1967 This Tuesday night and Wednesday will be a special day for lovers of Jerusalem, which celebrates the 44th anniversary of its Six Day War reunification.

* Rising food prices increase squeeze on poor - Oxfam Rising food prices are tightening the squeeze on populations already struggling to buy adequate food, demanding radical reform of the global food system.

* Egypt's Christians Fear Violence as Changes Embolden Islamists The headline screamed from a venerable liberal newspaper: Coptic Christians had abducted a young Muslim and tattooed her with a cross. "Copts kidnap Raghada!"

* Begin Breaks Likud Ranks on INR Radio; Rejects PA State Minister without portfolio Benny Begin (Likud), in an Israel National News Radio interview on Monday, rejected the creation of an Arab state west of the Jordan River.

* Israel prepping to block next Gaza flotilla On the anniversary of its deadly takeover of the aid flotilla to Gaza, in which nine Turkish activists died in a confrontation with navy commandos, Israel is preparing to block the next flotilla as well.

* Fisk: Obama, US have lost all credibility in the Mideast US President Barack Obama has brought the United States to an all time low in the eyes of the Arab world.

05/30/11

* Memorial Day comes as troops fight in Afghanistan US troops fighting in Afghanistan paused Monday to remember the fallen in Memorial Day services, as a war nearly a decade old trudges on.

* Turkey FM: We can't stop upcoming aid flotilla to Gaza Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu says democratic governments have no right to stop people from challenging an illegal blockade.

* Bibi: UN Statehood for PA is Like Declaring the World is Flat If the United Nations in September declares the Palestinian Authority to be a state, it might as well decide the world is flat.

* Muslim Brotherhood sides with Egypt's military against opposition movement The Muslim Brotherhood has left the pro-democracy opposition movement.

* Hamas Moving HQ from Syria to Egypt, Warns Netanyahu Hamas is moving its headquarters from Damascus to Egypt, and the terror group is strengthening itself in the Sinai, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said.

* Jerusalem Day in 80 Cities Around the Country Jerusalem Reunification Day, the day marking Israel’s return to the Temple Mount and more during the Six Day War in 1967, is increasingly being celebrated not only in Jerusalem.

* Netanyahu warns Egypt losing control of growing terror groups in Sinai PM says Hamas and international terror groups are strengthening presence in Egypt and that the country's military government is having trouble 'realizing its sovereignty' in Sinai.

* Over 400 al Qaeda terrorists now in Sinai Egyptian security official tells Al-Hayyat that Palestinian, Beduin, foreign citizens seeking to carry out attacks, have already attacked.

* Germany to phase out nuclear energy by 2022 The German government announced it will shut down all of its nuclear power plants by 2022, calling the move "definite".

* Secret doc: Syria to end nuclear secrecy Syria says will cooperate with UN probe into its nuclear reactor, which IDF bombed in 2007, in order to avoid being referred to UN Security Council.

05/28/11

* MK Kara: Syrian opposition asked for Israel's help Deputy Minister for Galilee and Negev Development Ayoub Kara (Likud) on Saturday said that members of the Syrian opposition had turned to him to ask for Israel's help.

* Egypt eases blockade at Gaza's Rafah border Egypt has relaxed restrictions at its border with the Gaza Strip, allowing many Palestinians to cross freely for the first time in four years.

* Arab League chief backs Palestinian UN statehood bid The head of the Arab League said on Saturday the Palestinians should seek UN recognition for their statehood in September.

* NATO stages rare daytime air strike on Tripoli NATO carried out a rare daytime air strike on Tripoli on Saturday after a fifth straight night of attacks.

* UN chief urges member states to discourage new Gaza flotilla UN chief Ban Ki-moon called on governments on Friday to discourage pro-Palestinian activists from sending a new aid flotilla to Gaza.

* Gaza's Rafah Crossing opens The Rafah Crossing opened on a permanent basis Saturday, with some 150 Palestinians from Gaza entering Egypt.

* Afghanistan: Suicide blast kills top police commander The police commander for northern Afghanistan has been killed in a suicide bomb attack on Takhar province governor's office.

* Gene Simmons tells Obama to kiss off on 1967 KISS frontman Gene Simmons, who was born in Israel as Chaim Witz, had strong words for US President Barack Obama's proposed Middle East peace plan in a recent CNBC interview.

* Adolf Hitler 'honorary citizen' row grips Austria Several towns in Austria have been checking their archives this week to see if Adolf Hitler is still an honorary citizen of their communities.

* Arab League chief backs UN route for Palestinian state The head of the Arab League said on Saturday the Palestinians should seek UN recognition for their statehood in September.

05/27/11

* Abbas: We want to co-exist with Israel Palestinians are not seeking to isolate Israel on the international stage, but will pursue their unilateral drive for UN recognition of statehood unless peace talks resume.

* Russia joins Western chorus for Gaddafi to go Russia believes Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi should quit and could help broker his departure, a senior Russian official said.

* Iraqi Shiite Militias Again Pose a Threat as U.S. Forces Leave On a United States outpost in southern Iraq, rocket attacks by Shiite militants have grown so fierce that Americans there had to hunker down in a concrete bunker.

* G8 leaders omit mention of 1967 borders in Middle East statement Group of Eight leaders had to soften a statement urging Israel and the Palestinians to return to negotiations because Canada objected to a specific mention of 1967 borders.

* Protests erupt across Syria as world pressure grows Syrian protesters defied a nationwide crackdown by security forces on Friday.

* Settlements worth $18.8 billion A new study by the Macro Center for Political Economics has revealed that West Bank settlements are currently worth $18.8 billion.

* Egyptians demand deeper and faster reforms Thousands of Egyptians packed Cairo's Tahrir Square Friday in what organizers called a "second revolution" to push for faster reforms.

* Canada takes pro-Israel line at G8 summit Group of Eight leaders had to soften a statement urging Israel and the Palestinians to return to negotiations.

* Israeli leftists urge Europe to recognize Palestine More than 20 Israeli leftists, including public figures, academicians and authors, recently signed a letter urging European leaders to recognize Palestinian statehood.

* Iran: Building nuclear bomb would be 'strategic mistake' Iran's nuclear envoy said on Friday it would be a "strategic mistake" to build atom bombs.

05/26/11

* Jerusalem Day Celebrations are On! The question of how and where Jerusalem will celebrate Jerusalem Day has been settled – with a compromise.

* G8 summit: Arab uprisings dominate Deauville agenda World leaders are in the French resort of Deauville for a summit of the G8 bloc of wealthy nations.

* The Unbridgeable Obama-Netanyahu Gap Analyst and former Israeli Ambassador Yoram Ettinger says Obama’s pro-Muslim advisors keep him unbridgeably away from understanding Netanyahu.

* Settlers: We won't live in Palestinian state Jewish settlers living beyond the 1967 lines expressed concern Wednesday after hearing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say Israel "will be required to give up parts of the ancestral Jewish homeland".

* Egypt to open Rafah crossing Egypt's official news agency says the Rafah border crossing with Gaza will be permanently opened for Palestinians on Saturday.

* Al Qaeda Putting House of Saud in Crosshairs Ayman Al Zawahiri, long-time right hand man and probable successor of Osama Bin Laden, has called on Saudis to join the "spring revolutions" that have rocked the Arab world.

* Jerusalem to shine during third annual light festival For a week in June, the Old City's dark alleyways will be transformed with art installations bursting with light and 3D movies.

* Shaath: Unity deal will allow us to 'liberate Palestine' Nabil Shaath became on Thursday the highest ranking Fatah official to visit the Gaza Strip.

* Gaddafi forces bombard Libyan city of Misrata Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi bombarded the rebel-held city of Misrata with mortars on Thursday.

* Mideast Quartet envoy Tony Blair: Obama anxious about Israel's fate Middle East envoy Tony Blair says United States President Barack Obama launched his peace initiative because he's concerned about what might happen to Israel if Palestinians unilaterally declare statehood.

05/25/11

* US: Hezbollah has more missiles than most states Hezbollah is armed with more missiles and rockets than most states.

* PA Charges Netanyahu 'Declared War on Peace Process' The Palestinian Authority slammed the door on renewed negotiations with Israel Wednesday.

* Video Series: Israeli High-Tech Makes the United States Stronger Israel hi-tech is in every U.S. fighter jet and helps America fight its war on terror.

* Obama: The UN can't give the Palestinians a state U.S. president says during London press conference that he is confident two-state solution is possible, if Palestinians and Israelis agree on a 'just peace.'

* Israel preparing itself for Twitter war over Palestinian state Come September, in just three months, the State of Israel is likely to find itself facing a diplomatic onslaught of a totally new kind.

* Diplomats: Syria's nuclear technology violated IAEA rules Western states are expected to push for Syria to be referred to the UN Security Council.

* Daunting Task for NATO in Libya as Strikes Intensify Just after midnight on Sunday, an allied Mirage 2000 fighter jet prowling the Libyan coastline attacked a Libyan missile patrol boat.

* Russia Wants a Finger on Europe's Nuclear Shield On Friday, before an audience of military officers from around the world, Russia's top generals made a startling admission of weakness.

* Ashton goes against US and Israel on Hamas EU foreign relations chief Catherine Ashton has indicated the bloc is willing to work with the new Palestinian unity government.

* EU reaches uneasy compromise over nuclear 'stress tests' The European Union has reached a broad agreement on the criteria for 'stress testing' the region's 143 nuclear power plants.

05/24/11

* Netanyahu to Congress: Ready to make painful compromises, but Jerusalem will not be divided Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened his speech at the United States Congress on Tuesday by reiterating Israel's strong ties with the U.S.

* Palestinians: Netanyahu speech to U.S. Congress is obstacle to peace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vision for ending conflict with Palestinians put "more obstacles" in front of the Middle East peace process.

* Video: Survival Map of Israel An animated video prepared by senior IDF generals for the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCPA) graphically describes Israel’s territorial needs for self-survival.

* Petition to 10 Jordanian Embassies: Jordan is Palestine National Union Knesset Member Aryeh Eldad’s petition that “Jordan is Palestine” was presented to 10 Jordanian embassies throughout the world.

* Palestinian Statehood Vote Looms Over U.S.-Israel Rift Though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly clashed with President Barack Obama on Friday and held firm in his stance Monday night, the Israeli leader still needs American help on a looming test.

* Rapture: Harold Camping issues new apocalypse date The evangelical broadcaster who left followers crestfallen by his failed prediction that last Saturday would be Judgement Day says he miscalculated.

* Egypt: Hosni Mubarak and sons to be tried over deaths Egypt's ousted President Hosni Mubarak and his two sons are to be tried over the deaths of anti-government protesters, judicial officials say.

* Robots develop language to 'talk' to each other Robots are developing their own language to help them navigate and improve their intellectual ability.

* Key Internet summit to discuss online rules The world's most powerful Internet and media barons gathered in Paris on Tuesday in a show of strength to leaders at the G8 summit, amid rows over online copyright, regulation and human rights.

* NATO Bombs Libyan Capital in Heaviest Strikes Yet In the heaviest attack yet on the capital since the start of the two-month-old NATO bombing campaign, alliance aircraft struck at least 15 targets in central Tripoli early Tuesday.

05/23/11

* Does Obama Think Jerusalem is Outside Israel? The United States State Department is standing behind the wording of an official statement that implied that Jerusalem – including its western parts - is not a part of Israel.

* Syria adopts two-faced strategy with social media Instead of blocking the Internet, embattled regime fights cold war-style battles with activists.

* Maritime Lawfare Victory: Lloyd’s Won’t Insure Gaza Flotilla Leading insurance market Lloyd’s of London has stated it will not insure boats headed toward Gaza in another flotilla designed to assist the Hamas government there.

* Hamas: Russia pledges to back Palestinian bid for state recognition A top Hamas official said that Russia has pledged its support if the Palestinians seek recognition as a United Nations member-state.

* Hamas Sees Obama's '67 Borders and Raises Him: '48 Borders US President Barack Obama "hallows" the June 4, 1967 borders in two speeches this past week, and Hamas is already asking for negotiations based on the May 13, 1948 borders.

* Canada Rejects Obama "1967" Intervention Canada refuses to join the US in calling for Israel to return to 1949 Armistice borders.

* Gunbattle in Yemen as transition deal collapses Yemeni loyalist forces fought a gunbattle on Monday with opponents of entrenched President Ali Abdullah Saleh one day after he backed out of an accord for him to step down.

* A "misrepresented" Obama tries to set the record straight But even the US president’s improved formulations will still leave many Israelis feeling uneasy.

* EU backs Obama's call for '67 borders Swedish minister slams Israeli claim borders are "indefensible", says peace only possible defense

* European Union Puts Sanctions on Syrian Leader Five days after the United States imposed sanctions on Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, the European Union followed suit.

05/21/11

* What Should Prime Minister Netanyahu Say to the US Congress? Dear Friends, Senators and Congressmen, Representatives of the American people.

* Mideast Quartet supports Obama's vision for peace The Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators, the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations, on Friday voiced strong support for US President Barack Obama's vision of Israeli-Palestinian peace.

* Apocalypse not now: The Rapture fails to materialise Christian doomsday prophet Harold Camping had predicted the world would end at 6pm on Saturday.

* 'Obama knows Israel won't retreat to '67 lines' American officials tell Washington Post US president opted to shift negotiations' starting point.

* Netanyahu rejects any Israeli return to the 1967 lines US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu acknowledged the differences that divide them.

* Palestinians kill suspected Israeli collaborator in W. Bank Masked Palestinians shot dead a West Bank man suspected of spying for Israel on Saturday.

* Israel PM defiant over Obama border proposals After tense talks at the White House, a defiant Mr Netanyahu said Israel was prepared to compromise but there could be no peace "based on illusions".

* New method 'confirms dark energy' Dark energy makes up some 74% of the Universe and its existence would explain why the Universe appears to be expanding at an accelerating rate.

* Turkey warns Israel over new Gaza flotilla Turkey on Saturday warned Israel against another act of bloodshed in international waters.

* China Is Now Top Gold Bug Chinese investors are snapping up gold bars and coins, buying more than ever before in the first quarter of 2011.

05/20/11

* Middle East: Obama and Netanyahu hold Washington talks Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived for talks at the White House with US President Barack Obama amid sharp differences on the way forward for the Middle East peace process.

* Obama and Netanyahu, Distrustful Allies, Meet As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel heads to the White House on Friday for the seventh meeting since President Obama took office, the two men are facing a turning point in a relationship that has never been warm.

* Religion – the overlooked motive behind Syria’s uprising Throughout the Syrian uprising of the last two months, the dominant media narrative has followed the now-familiar arc of a freedom-seeking populace mustering the courage to finally confront an autocratic, anti-democratic regime.

* What rankled Netanyahu in the Obama speech In 2004, US President George Bush, in exchange for then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip, wrote a letter saying in any future agreement between Israel and the Palestinians it would be “unrealistic" to expect a full Israeli withdrawal to the 1949 Armistice lines.

* NATO airstrikes cap week of rising pressure on Libya NATO aircraft struck eight Libyan warships overnight Thursday, just hours after President Obama capped a week of increasing international pressure with a vow that Libyan leader Col. Muammar Qaddafi would fall from power.

* PA to Pay Terrorists in Israeli Prisons Salaries The Palestinian Authority passed a law last month granting all PA residents and Israeli Arabs imprisoned by Israel for terror crimes a monthly salary.

* US takes EU line on final borders in Israel US President Barack Obama has said future Israeli-Palestinian borders should be based on lines established before the 1967 war.

* IMF head: Europe to make 'common choice' soon Germany's finance minister says Europe will decide soon on a common candidate as its choice to lead the IMF.

* Vatican protocol favours Van Rompuy, snubs Barroso The Vatican snubbed EU commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso at a ceremony for the late Pope John Paul II earlier this month in favour of EU Council head Herman Van Rompuy.

* EU institutions to create new cyber defence unit EU institutions are setting up a joint team of internet security experts some three months after the European Commission was hacked in a bid to get sensitive data on external relations and monetary issues.

05/19/11

* Obama's vision for Mideast peace: Israel, Palestine based on 1967 borders with land swaps U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday that the U.S. endorses the Palestinians' demand for their future state to be based on the borders that existed before the 1967 Middle East war.

* Right wing MKs: Obama is the new Arafat Knesset members on the Right expressed outrage on Thursday night at US President Barack Obama's call for the creation of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines.

* Osama Bin Laden: Al-Qaeda releases posthumous message A recording purported to have been made by Osama Bin Laden shortly before he died has been released by al-Qaeda.

* Bin Laden successor: U.S.-trained colonel plotted long-term strategy in Iran Around May 15, jihadist circles reported that Saif al-Adel (Sword of Justice) had been appointed caretaker leader of Al Qaida.

* China 'will not match' US military power - general China has no intention to match US military power, a top Chinese general has said.

* Abbas calls emergency meeting over Obama address Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday called an emergency meeting of the PA leadership to discuss US President Barack Obama's speech on peace in the Middle East.

* New economies challenge EU claim to IMF throne Brazil, China, Russia and Turkey have indicated they want their people to run for the top job at the International Monetary Fund.

* Obama says Gaddafi's departure from Libya inevitable President Barack Obama said on Thursday it was inevitable Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi would have to leave power and only then could a democratic transition in the North African state proceed.

* In Arab world, disappointment Obama didn’t go further Barack Obama on Thursday invoked the killing of Osama bin Laden as a chance to recast relations with the Arab world.

* Netanyahu: 1967 borders can't be defended Israel's prime minister has rejected a key aspect of President Barack Obama's policy speech, saying that a return to his country's 1967 borders would spell disaster for the Jewish state.

05/18/11

* Hamas MP: Jews Ingathered for Us to Annihilate Them Yunis al Astal, a member of the Palestinian Authority parliament, spelled out his organization's vision for the genocidal annihilation of the Jewish people.

* The Hot-Money Cowboys of Baghdad "My friend, Iraq is a rich, virgin country!" one of its richest men, Namir al-Akabi, told me with a startling enthusiasm.

* NATO rethinking strategy as Gadhafi survives, oil prices soar NATO is seeking options on how to end its no-fly zone mission over Libya.

* Netanyahu: Abbas is Distorting History Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu criticized Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday.

* Obama calls Israeli and Palestinian peace talks 'vital' US President Barack Obama has said it is "more vital than ever" for Israelis and Palestinians to restart negotiations on a peace deal.

* Knesset commemorates 66th anniversary of Nazi defeat The Knesset commemorated the 66th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in a special Knesset Plenum sitting on Wednesday.

* Russia's Medvedev promises election decision 'soon' Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has promised journalists he will reveal whether or not he will stand for re-election in 2012 "soon".

* Syria Christians fear for religious freedom Syria's minority Christians are watching the protests sweeping their country with trepidation, fearing their religious freedom could be threatened.

* Turkey takes permissive stance on new Gaza flotilla Turkey has warned pro-Palestinian Turkish activists of the risks of trying to break an Israeli naval blockade of Gaza.

* EU 'not marginal' on world stage, Ashton says EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Tuesday (17 May) said the bloc's response to events unfolding in the southern neighbourhood is not at all "a marginal activity".

05/17/11

* Fatah Official: We Agree with Hamas A Fatah official says that Hamas and Fatah agree on everything.

* British queen makes historic peace trip to Ireland Undeterred by real or fake bombs, Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday began the first visit by a British monarch to the Republic of Ireland.

* Israeli Leader Sees Rising Arab Threat Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a stark assessment of how he sees changes in the Arab world threatening his country.

* Abbas urges UN: Recognize Palestinian state, pave way for legal action against Israel United Nations member states should support the move to declare Palestinian independence in September of this year.

* 'Die Welt': Iran building rocket bases in Venezuela The Iranian government is moving forward with the construction of rocket launch bases in Venezuela.

* PA: Israel not interested in peace Nabil Abu Rudeina, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, commented on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech Monday and said it "proved once again that Israel is not interested in peace."

* King Abdullah of Jordan Lauds Fatah-Hamas Reconciliation King Abdullah of Jordan, preceding Binyamin Netanyahu to Washington, meets today with U.S. President Barack Obama after having met yesterday at the State Department, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

* Abbas and Netanyahu Agree: War of 1948 Has not Ended Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas agree at least on one point: The “conflict” between Arabs and the Jewish state was not settled in the 1948 War for Independence.

* Glenn Beck announces J'lem rally Conservative US media figure Glenn Beck will hold a rally to "restore courage" in Jerusalem this August, he announced on his radio show Monday.

* Exoplanet near Gliese 581 star 'could host life' A red dwarf star 20 light-years away is again providing hints that it hosts the first definitively habitable planet outside our Solar System.

05/16/11

* Netanyahu: Israel willing to cede "parts of our homeland" for true peace Prime Minister tells Knesset that a Palestinian government including Hamas is no partner for peace.

* Egypt police fire at rally outside Israel Embassy Protestors set fire to Israeli flag, call for Israeli ambassador's expulsion. At least 185 arrested

* Netanyahu Adds Settlement Blocs to Peace Conditions Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu laid down five conditions for a peace treaty with the Palestinian Authority Arabs.

* US blames Syria for violence; UN condemns Israel White House stresses Israel has right to defend itself, while UN rep claims IDF used disproportionate force

* Syrian Border Violence May Hold Message for Israel For 37 years the border between Israel and Syria, still technically at war, has proven as quiet as any of the Arab-Israeli frontiers silenced by peace agreements.

* Iran president takes over oil ministry temporarily Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he has temporarily assumed the duties of the oil ministry, as the oil cartel OPEC prepares for a biannual meeting in Vienna.

* Palestinian nakba protests turn deadly. Israel sees Iran's fingerprints. Eight people were reportedly killed in separate incidents along Israel's borders with both Syria and Lebanon during the Palestinians' annual nakba protest against Israel.

* Americans Fear Terror will Survive Bin Laden Americans may be happy their soldiers killed Osama Bin Laden but a new poll shows they think that his elimination will have “no impact” on worldwide terrorism.

* Hamas and Fatah begin talks on new Palestinian unity government The discussions center on the make-up of an interim government unifying the Fatah-run West Bank with the Gaza Strip controlled by Hamas, and on preparations for a general election within a year.

* Member states responsible for EU single voice abroad The EU's ability to speak with one voice on foreign policy is ultimately dependent on member states, with the European External Action Service to act as a "facilitator".

05/14/11

* Israel's neighboring Arab states prepare to mark Nakba Day Israeli security forces prepared to be on high alert Sunday while the Palestinians commemorate Nakba Day.

* Police brace for Nakba Day as tensions soar over death Tensions soared in east Jerusalem this weekend following the shooting death of a Palestinian youth during disturbances.

* Arab Affairs: Tehran to the rescue Evidence is beginning to emerge of an active Iranian role in aiding the Syrian crackdown on protests.

* UN: Iran, North Korea trading missile technology North Korea and Iran appear to have been regularly exchanging ballistic missile technology in violation of UN sanctions.

* Abbas: Palestinians will never neglect "right of return" The Palestinian Authority leadership would never neglect the “right of return” for Palestinians to their original homes inside Israel.

* 'Obama's ME speech won't focus on Israeli-PA talks' US President Barack Obama's speech on the Middle East, scheduled for May 19, will not focus on Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.

* Gaddafi hiding in Tripoli caverns A recent report suggests that the embattled Libyan leader is hiding in underground caves in Tripoli.

* Turkey's Erdogan slams Facebook Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at Facebook Thursday, dubbing it an "ugly technology".

* Iran warns West it will allow transit of drugs to Europe if criticism continues A senior Iranian official has threatened to allow the transit of illegal drugs through its territory to Europe.

* Netanyahu: Sorry to See Mitchell Go, PA Torpedoed Peace The Palestinian Authority's refusal to negotiate with Israel is what led to the failure to reach a final status agreement.

05/13/11

* Thousands march on Israeli consulate in Alexandria In the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, Egypt's second largest city, thousands marched to the Israeli consulate after dawn prayers.

* 'Son of Hamas' Denounced as a Phony Walid Shoebat, a former Muslim terrorist who now supports Israel, has accused former Shin Bet agent Mosab Hasan Yousef, author of "Son of Hamas," of duping his Western audience.

* Israel's Security Forces Deploy For Nakba Events Public Security Minister Yitzhack Aharonovitch said Thursday some Muslim's would be denied access to the Temple Mount on Friday.

* Russia Stonewalling UN Syria Report Russia is working to suppress a United Nations report that says Iran has been breaking a UN arms embargo by shipping weapons to Syria.

* Pakistan bombings: Taliban admits Shabqadar attacks Twin bomb attacks on a paramilitary force academy in north-west Pakistan have killed 80 people, police say.

* Christians seek U.S. intervention as violence increases in post-Mubarak Egypt Egypt's Christian minority has asked for international protection amid renewed Islamic attacks.

* Egypt: Muslim Brotherhood Leader to Run for President A senior Muslim Brotherhood leader has announced plans to run for president of Egypt.

* Thousands rally for Egypt unity after church attacks housands of people rallied in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday calling for national unity.

* U.S. Congress members to Turkey's Erdogan: Stop Gaza flotilla Members of the U.S. Congress issued a letter to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday in which they urge Turkey's premier to stop the departure of another flotilla to the Gaza Strip.

* Members states reluctant to let Brussels get a look in on border controls EU interior ministers meeting in Brussels to discuss the contentious issue of making it easier to re-institute national border controls have given the cold shoulder to the idea of the European Commission having ultimate control over border decisions.

05/12/11

* Fatah Gets to the Root of the Matter It turns out that the Fatah movement realizes that the international treaty signed at San Remo in 1920 grants internationally-accepted Jewish national rights in the Holy Land.

* Palestinian official: Stalled peace talks would make intifada hard to stop The Palestinian Authority would not be able to prevent another intifada in the face of stagnant peace talks with Israel.

* Abbas calls on Fatah to seek new presdiential candidate An agreement reached between Abbas’s Fatah faction and Hamas earlier this month calls for holding new presidential and parliamentary elections within a year after the establishment of a unity government.

* Syria protests: Thousands of students rally in Aleppo The dormitory protest is thought to be the city's biggest so far.

* NATO air strikes hit Gaddafi compound in Tripoli NATO air strikes hit Muammar Gaddafi's compound Thursday, hours after the Libyan leader was shown on television for the first time since another aerial attack killed his son nearly two weeks ago.

* Middle East peace: The wrong pact The world shared the American people's gratitude for the special forces who rid us of Osama bin Laden.

* U.S. attacks militants in Pakistan as pressure grows A U.S. drone aircraft fired missiles at militants in Pakistan on Thursday, killing eight of them.

* Russia, Pakistan pledge to combat terrorism Russia and Pakistan on Thursday pledged to boost economic ties and coordinate efforts to fight terror.

* John Demjanjuk guilty of Nazi death camp murders A German court has found John Demjanjuk guilty of helping to murder more than 28,000 Jews at a Nazi death camp in World War II.

* Wikileaks cables show race to carve up Arctic Secret US embassy cables released by Wikileaks show nations are racing to "carve up" Arctic resources - oil, gas and even rubies - as the ice retreats.

05/11/11

* Israel braces for 'Nakba Day' Israel's defense establishment is preparing for a possibly turbulent weekend.

* Syrian Tanks Shell Homes; Rebels Attack Soldiers Syrian tanks on Wednesday shelled residences in Homs, the country’s third largest city as Assad continues to defy Western warnings to halt the brutal suppression of a protest movement.

* From fruit to wafers: The history of Israeli exports Israeli export has grown hugely since the country's foundation in 1948.

* Hamas Admits 'Peace Accord' is a Prelude to War Hamas co-founder Mahmoud Zahar on Wednesday told the Maan news agency Hamas would never recognize Israel.

* Peres Threatens Judea and Samaria Expulsions? President Shimon Peres, the architect of the Oslo Accords, appeared to threaten a forcible expulsion of Jews who live in parts of Judea and Samaria.

* EU to open office in Libyan rebel stronghold EU foreign relations chief Catherine Ashton has said she will open a diplomatic mission in the stronghold of the Transitional National Council (TNC).

* Italians evacuate Rome over 'big one' fears Italians are fleeing Rome todayover fears a giant earthquake is coming following a seismologist's 1915 prediction that "the big one" will strike on May 11, 2011.

* Navy halts move to allow gay unions by chaplains Under pressure from more than five dozen House lawmakers, the Navy late Tuesday abruptly reversed its decision that would have allowed chaplains to perform same-sex unions.

* Obama to lay out new Middle East strategy as early as next week U.S. President Barack Obama could deliver a major policy speech as early as next week laying out his new Middle East strategy.

* Gov't to build Ethiopian village? The government is planning to establish a new Ethiopian-style village in the western Negev.

05/10/11

* Israel celebrates 63rd Independence Day The State of Israel kicked off its 63rd anniversary celebrations on Monday evening with the traditional torch lighting ceremony on Jerusalem's Mount Herzl.

* IAF, Navy carry out celebratory Independence Day shows The IAF and Navy held celebratory demonstrations in the air and the sea to celebrate 63 years since the State of Israel's establishment.

* Egyptians Plan March to Gaza and Additional Anti-Israel Action Israel celebrates Independence Day according to the Jewish Calendar but for the Arabs the anniversary is 15 May.

* Video: Eyewitness Accounts of 1947 UN Vote for Israel Israel worked to the last minute to win United Nations recognition in the historic vote on November 29, 1947.

* Mashaal gives Israel year to recognize Palestinian state Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal said that he gives the Israeli government a one-year deadline to recognize an independent Palestinian state.

* In key step, Iran nuclear plant goes online at low level Iran's Bushehr nuclear power station has begun operating at a low level in a crucial step towards bringing it online.

* Navy Authorizes Chaplains to Perform Same-Sex 'Marriages' in Naval Chapels Anticipating the elimination of the military ban on homosexuality, the Office of the Chief of Navy Chaplains has decided that same-sex couples in the Navy will be able to get married in Navy chapels.

* Microsoft confirms takeover of Skype The deal will see Microsoft pay $8.5bn (£5.2bn) for Skype, making it Microsoft's largest acquisition.

* Syrian army tanks 'moving towards Hama' Reports from Syria say columns of tanks have moved towards the central city of Hama, which has been the scene of anti-government protests in recent weeks.

* Arab League chief: Hamas not a terror group Arab League Secretary-General and one of Egypt's leading presidential candidates Amr Moussa does not believe Hamas is a terrorist organization.

05/09/11

* Israel honors fallen soldiers, terror victims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opens official State ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, "I know price you have paid, I am part of you."

* Israel celebrates 63rd Independence Day Nation's anniversary festivities kick off with traditional lighting of 12 beacons on Jerusalem's Mt. Herzl.

* Operation Solomon marks 20th anniversary (Video) Ynet offers glance at unique covert operation which shuttled thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel

* Israel at 63: Population of 7,746,000 Central Bureau of Statistics data indicate 75% of population are Jewish, 178,000 babies born in past year, 24,500 immigrants made aliyah

* Bulldogs Under the Rug? Signs of a Putin-Medvedev Rift For three years, the power-sharing tandem of Putin and Medvedev purred along like a sports car, until now.

* Despite Reconciliation: Mashaal Calls for Armed Struggle Senior Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal urged the United States and the European Union on Sunday to support the reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah.

* Europe Day celebrated amid growing criticism of ECB It may be Europe Day, but a new haiku from the bloc's president celebrating the occasion could not mask unease across the Union.

* Pakistan PM says bin Laden accusations absurd Pakistan's Prime Minister rejected allegations that the killing of Osama bin Laden by US troops showed Pakistani incompetence or complicity in hiding the al Qaeda leader.

* Medvedev promises better arms for Russian military President Dmitry Medvedev marked the anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany with a promise to arm Russian troops with the latest weapons.

* Syrian army surrounds Damascus suburb of Muadhamiya Heavy gunfire has been heard in a western suburb of the Syrian capital, Damascus, after the army cordoned off the area, human rights activists say.

05/07/11

* Palestinian youth: New movement, new borders Reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah may present the first victory of a nascent Palestinian youth movement.

* This just in from London-istan: Violent clashes outside U.S. Embassy after hundreds of UK Muslims stage mock funeral for 'murdered' Bin Laden Violent clashes broke out around the world today as thousands of supporters of Osama bin Laden took to the streets.

* Ya'alon: Hamas signed unity deal out of weakness Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe (Bogie) Ya'alon said on Saturday that Hamas signed the unity agreement with Fatah out of weakness.

* Syrian tanks and troops 'enter flashpoint Baniyas city' Troops and tanks are reported to have swept into the Syrian city of Baniyas, a centre of anti-government protests.

* Hamas Leader Nods to New Partners Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal said his movement will make decisions about how to wage its struggle with Israel.

* Yemen al-Qaeda head Anwar al-Awlaki 'targeted by drone' A US drone attack in Yemen targeted but failed to kill one of al-Qaeda's most influential figures, US reports say.

* Kadhafi forces shell Misrata fuel depots, drop mines Moamer Kadhafi's forces Saturday shelled fuel depots in Misrata and dropped mines using helicopters bearing the Red Cross emblem into the harbour.

* Brazil becomes largest nation yet to legalize civil unions Brazil’s Supreme Court voted 10-0 to recognize the unions, which will allow gay couples here to share in each other's inheritances, pensions, and health plans.

* Power Struggle in Iran Enters the Mosque The unprecedented power struggle between the two most powerful leaders in Iran deepened.

* New Weapon in Battle for Judea, Samaria – a Camera In recent years, grassroots activists in Judea and Samaria have grown increasingly aware of the power of pictures to show their side of the story.

05/06/11

* Independence Day Thoughts, Part II Israeli independence has two aspects. First, that we are able once again to fulfill the positive Torah commandment of living in and settling the Land.

* Al-Qaeda 'confirms Bin Laden's death' Al-Qaeda has confirmed the death of its leader, Osama Bin Laden, according to a statement attributed to the group and posted on jihadist internet forums.

* Syrian leader kept off EU sanctions list EU countries have agreed to impose a travel ban and asset freeze on 13 high-level Syrian regime members.

* Ahmadinejad allies charged with sorcery Close allies of Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, have been accused of using supernatural powers to further his policies.

* Katz: Palestinian state will be an Iranian foothold Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz spoke out on Friday against a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood.

* Egyptians denounce 'normalization' at embassy in Cairo Protesters descended on the Israeli embassy in Cairo on Friday, calling for a complete halt in Egyptian cooperation with Israel.

* Israel to honor its 22,867 fallen Monday A two-minute siren will sound across Israel on Monday morning in memory of 22,867 fallen soldiers and terror attack victims.

* EU to transfer funds to PA The EU announced a $124 million funds transfer to the Palestinian Authority as hundreds of Palestinians marched through the West Bank Friday.

* Jordan's Abdullah II Backs Fatah-Hamas Unity Deal Underscoring the chill in relations between Israel and Jordan since his ascension to the throne in 1999, King Abdullah II on Wednesday welcomed Cairo's Fatah-Hamas reconciliation.

* Internet chatter up on bin Laden revenge attacks Pipe bombs, a targeted car crash, a lone gunman: Western intelligence officials said Friday they are seeing increased Internet and phone chatter.

05/05/11

* Van Rompuy: Europeans too depressed to be innovative If Europe is to remain relevant as an innovative economy, people need to be more positive and entrepreneurial and not let themselves be depressed by the economic crisis.

* Netanyahu in Britain, Hears Threats to Recognize PA State Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu is paying an official, three-day visit to Britain and France – whose leaders are now said to be threatening to recognize a Palestinian state.

* Netanyahu, Obama to discuss Palestinian statehood The White House announced Thursday that US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet in Washington on May 20.

* Libya: Contact group creates fund for rebels The international contact group on Libya has agreed to create a temporary fund to assist rebel groups, during talks in Rome.

* Unrest Around the Arab World Endangers Turkey's Newfound Influence Turkey faces a growing challenge from the tumult sweeping the Arab world to its booming economic stake in the region.

* Netanyahu believes Sarkozy is committed to Israeli demands Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu left the office of French President Nicolas Sarkozy believing he had secured his commitment to not accept a Palestinian government that supports terror.

* Syria protests: Rights group warns of 'Deraa massacre' A Syrian human rights group has accused the government of carrying out "10 days of massacres" against protesters in the southern city of Deraa.

* Thoughts for Israel's Independence Day Given its many problems, why is Israel so happy? Why is it among the happiest, most thriving, most creative countries of the world?

* Independence Day Links and Videos Israel's 63rd Independence Day will be celebrated this year on Tuesday, May 10, 2011.

* PM: With bin Laden gone, Khamenei biggest peace threat Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei is a fanatic and the biggest threat to world peace now that Osama bin Laden has been killed.

05/04/11

* Mashaal: Palestinians' common enemy is Israel Palestinian factions sign unity accord in Cairo; Abbas says Israel used Fatah-Hamas division as an excuse to avoid peace.

* 'Fatah-Hamas unity a blow to peace, victory for terrorism' The signing of the Hamas Fatah unity deal in Cairo is a setback for peace and an advancement for terror, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told reporters in London.

* White House split over release of gruesome pictures of Bin Laden's mangled corpse The White House was today split on whether to release the gruesome pictures of Bin Laden's corpse.

* Yesha Leaders Write UN, 'Bible Records Israel as Jewish Land' A letter to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon from Yesha Leaders explains that the Bible, the Quran, and international agreements document Israel as being the Land of the Jewish People.

* Advisor to Abbas: Hamas Has No Need to Recognize Israel An aide to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, who is set to sign a unity pact with Hamas on Wednesday, says the terrorist organization does not have to recognize Israel.

* J'lem imam: Obama will soon hang An imam from the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem vowed to take revenge over "the western dogs" for killing Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan on Sunday.

* Syrian tanks deploy in town; hundreds detained Syrian tanks and armored vehicles deployed around the town of Rastan on Wednesday.

* Israeli Company Sees Future In Floating Solar Panels Israel's Solaris Synergy is one of the companies to see a future in floating solar panels.

* EU wins new powers at UN, transforming global body EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy will now be able to address the United Nations no differently from US President Barack Obama.

* 'Israel told US: Don't sell arms to certain Arab states' Israel said it was worried about Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia's "quantitative and qualitative military build-up" and by the potential risk this could pose to the IDF.

05/03/11

* Hamas and Fatah Sign for Unity Day after Hamas Mourns Bin Laden The Fatah-led Palestinian Authority signed a preliminary unity deal with Hamas and 11 other factions in Egypt on Tuesday.

* Netanyahu urges Abbas to cancel Fatah-Hamas unity deal Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to step away from a unity deal with the Islamist group Hamas.

* U.S. believes it can now destroy al-Qaida after killing bin Laden The United States will aim to destroy al-Qaida's central organization now that its leader Osama bin Laden has been killed.

* Pakistan admits Bin Laden intelligence failure Pakistan's main intelligence agency, the ISI, has said it is embarrassed by its failures on al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.

* Turkish Leader Says Qaddafi Must Step Down Immediately In his harshest comments to date on the situation in Libya, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, a regional power broker, told reporters here on Tuesday that Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi had chosen "blood, tears, oppression" and that he must "immediately step down."

* Stephen Harper's Conservatives win Canadian election Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative Party has won a majority of seats in a historic election.

* Netanyahu: Use Bible as Guide Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met Tuesday with contestants in the annual Bible Quiz.

* EU super-watchdog warns economic crisis 'far from over' The EU's economic super-watchdog has warned that "many risks" remain to the stability of the EU's financial system.

* Netanyahu suspends east J'lem construction plan The Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday decided to postpone plans to build housing units in Jewish neighborhoods beyond Jerusalem's Green Line.

* Barak: Assad nearing end of reign in Syria Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's use of force against his own people is precipitating his downfall.

05/02/11

* Osama Bin Laden, al-Qaeda leader, dead - Barack Obama Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed by US forces in Pakistan, President Barack Obama has said.

* EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Compound Where Osama Bin Laden Was Killed An exclusive look inside the Pakistani mansion where the world's most notorious terrorist, Osama bin Laden, was killed.

* Egypt's al-Zawahri likely to succeed bin Laden For years, Osama bin Laden's charisma kept al-Qaida's ranks filled with zealous recruits.

* Bin Laden leaves behind network linked by Internet Raid against al Qaida leader is vital psychological milestone, but the war will continue for years to come.

* Hamas Praises Bin Laden, Condemns US While most of the free world praises the United States for having rid it of arch-terrorist Osama Bin Laden, the Hamas organization condemned the act.

* One Root of Bin Laden's Terrorism: Hatred of Jews Hatred of Jews and claims that the US "attacked" Muslims by "helping Jews occupy Palestine" were one of the reasons for Bin Laden's anti-American terror.

* IDF chief: Army ready to protect Jewish people In Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony, Lt-Gen Benny Gantz says IDF has historic commitment to precede any threat to Jewish people wherever they are.

* Netanyahu: I doubt world has learned Holocaust lesson Benjamin Netanyahu launching Holocaust Remembrance Day, says world finds it easier to talk of lessons of the past rather than project them on present day

* EU cheers reported killing of Osama bin Laden A US-ordered strike which killed al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden has been met with "relief" and talk of a "safer world" by EU leaders.

* US, Israel, Baghdad deny report of IAF jets in Iraq Iranian report says Israeli jets massing at US air base in Iraq for strike on Iranian nuclear program; Pentagon calls the report "ridiculous."