08/31/11

* Israel Deploying Warships in Red Sea - Iran Following Suit The IDF on Monday deployed two warships in the Red Sea near the border with Egypt.

* Ten years after 9/11, anti-Semitic conspiracies 'still going strong' As the 10-year anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attack on the twin towers approaches, anti-Semitic conspiracy theories are "alive and well".

* 'Iran deploys submarine, warship to the Red Sea' Iran is planning to send its 15th fleet, comprised of a submarine and a warship, to the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

* Rebels say 50,000 have died in Libyan civil war Libya's interim leader gave forces loyal to deposed ruler Muammar Gaddafi a four-day deadline.

* Libyan rebels set steps to elections within 18 months Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) has set out steps leading to democratic elections monitored by the United Nations within 18 months.

* Libya's interim leaders reject UN military personnel Libya's interim leadership has rejected the idea of deploying any kind of international military force.

* Jordan Continues Attempt to Persuade PA to Abandon UN Bid Jordan is continuing its efforts to convince the Palestinian Authority leadership to abandon its attempt to secure membership as a new country.

* Libya's Rebels Raise Algerian Tensions Libya's rebels are demanding Algeria return Muammar Qaddafi's wife and three of his children for trial after they fled.

* UN Extends Lebanon Peacekeeping Mission by One Year The UN Security Council extended UNIFIL’s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon for another year.

* IDF chief warns terror groups: Don't test us IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Benny Gantz on Tuesday warned the Gaza Strip-based militant groups of Israel's severe response should terror attacks and rocket fire on the south continue.

08/30/11

* IDF training Israeli settlers ahead of 'mass disorder' expected in September The IDF has conducted detailed work to determine a “red line” for each settlement in the West Bank.

* Most American Muslims satisfied with Obama A majority of US Muslims are content with the nation's direction in contrast to many Americans and few Muslims who believe there is support for Islamic extremism.

* Egyptian forces raid Jihad cells in Sinai Large Egyptian army forces are fighting Jihad operatives in the Sinai Peninsula.

* Libya rebel leaders give ultimatum to Gaddafi fighters Libya's interim leaders have given pro-Gaddafi forces until Saturday to surrender or face military force.

* 'Gaza militants have Libyan arms' Palestinians in Gaza have acquired anti-aircraft and anti-tank rockets from Libya.

* New Palestinian strategy document will make it difficult for U.S. to oppose UN vote Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is probably aware that when it comes to a media event, like a speech at the UN General Assembly, President Shimon Peres doesn’t have to be asked twice to sacrifice himself for the nation.

* Blair's Sister-in-Law Incites Muslims to 'Liberate' Jerusalem Laura Booth, sister-in-law of Quartet envoy Tony Blair, has called on "Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt liberate Al-Quds [Jerusalem]."

* Iran invites Libya rebel chief to Tehran Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akabr Salehi has invited the head of the Libyan rebels' National Transitional Council (NTC) to visit Tehran.

* Chair dedicated to Palestinian UN bid set for world tour Thirty-five Palestinian artists from the West Bank have created a chair in support of the Palestinian state recognition bid at the UN this September.

* Bringing Texas Longhorns Home - to Israel One of the biggest problems Israeli farmers in the north and south of the country face are constant thefts by Arabs and Bedouin.

08/29/11

* Syrian forces surround town after soldiers defect Residents in town near Homs say tanks, armored vehicles begin firing with machine guns in operation to counter dissent within military.

* Gaddafi still threat for Libya and world - NTC's Jalil Col Muammar Gaddafi still poses a danger for Libya and the world, the head of the Libyan rebels has said.

* Abbas: We won't recognize Israel as Jewish state Palestinian leader defiant ahead of UN statehood bid, urges international community to back off.

* Iran Plans to Include Egypt in Terror Axis Iran announced it will renew relations with the new Egyptian regime by sending an ambassador to Cairo in several months.

* Libya threatens to become terrorist arms depot Post-Gaddafi chaos exposes arsenals of small arms and chemicals to raids by smugglers and militants.

* Turkey: Up to 160 Kurd rebels killed in n. Iraq strikes Turkish air, artillery strikes come after at least 40 Turkish security personnel killed in PKK attacks in southern Turkey.

* Polish finance minister says Europe at risk of collapse Polish finance minister Jacek Rostowski has said the EU could collapse if leading countries such as Germany mishandle the financial crisis.

* Iran denies Revolutionary Guard helping Syria suppress protests European Union claims Revolutionary Guard provided Syrian President Bashar Assad with technical help, equipment and other support.

* Israel could not stop nuclear Iran with one strike Senior defense official tells foreign reporters Islamic Republic differs from Iraq, Syria where one strike can derail nuclear program; claims US stands better chance to force Tehran to halt atomic quest

* Coming to a theater near you... Jerusalem in 3D IMAX extravaganza with bird's eye views of the capital city to be screened for next 5-10 years on 35 screens around world.

08/27/11

* Gaddafi escapes to Algeria? A convoy of six armored vehicles has crossed the Libyan border to Algeria on Saturday night.

* Ahmadinejad: No place for Israel in region The creation of a universally-recognized Palestinian state would be just a first step towards wiping out Israel.

* Egypt convinced Israel not to assassinate Hamas leader in Gaza Egypt convinced Israel to cancel a plan to assassinate Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh following the terrorist attacks near Eilat last week.

* Libyan capital Tripoli faces water, power crisis Living conditions in Tripoli are becoming increasingly desperate, with most of Libya's capital without water, electricity or proper sanitation.

* 'US, Israel fear terrorists will obtain Syrian weapons' The United States and Israel voiced serious concern that terrorist groups would use the faltering regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad to seize government stockpiled nonconventional weapons.

* 'Not a grain of Palestinian sand should be conceded' Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday spoke out against concessions to Israel.

* East Timor could serve as model for UN mission in Libya Unarmed UN-hatted police supported by African Union and Arab League soldiers as well as Nato air-lift and sea-lift capabilities is emerging as the preferred model for a post-Gaddafi peacekeeping mission.

* 'Arab League to increase pressure on Syria' Arab governments will step up pressure on Syria's President Bashar Assad at the Arab League on Saturday.

* Arab World: Is Bashar next? The apparently imminent eclipse of the Gaddafi regime in Libya has re-ignited hope among some Western commentators.

* Rabbis go Hollywood for High Holy Days Comedy writer Janet Leahy was working on an episode of The Simpsons a couple of years ago, when her rabbi asked her for three jokes to punch up his Rosh Hashanah sermon.

08/26/11

* Mass anti-Israel protests held in Cairo, Tehran Two of the largest cities in the Middle East are hosting mass anti-Israel rallies Friday.

* Nato joins attack on Gaddafi bastion The aircraft took off from RAF Marham in Norfolk on a long-range strike mission on Thursday night.

* Abuja attack: Car bomb hits Nigeria UN building At least 18 people have been killed in an apparent suicide car bombing at the United Nations headquarters in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

* Leftists' Million Man Demos to Follow Egyptians' Inside Israel, leftists are planning a million man protest against the government.

* Ahmadinejad: Palestinian statehood only 'first step' The creation of a universally-recognized Palestinian state would be just a first step towards wiping out Israel.

* Egyptian Parliamentarians Want Eilat In the wake of recent reports of a joint Israeli-Jordanian plan to link the Red Sea on the Israeli side and the Dead Sea on the Jordanian Side, parliamentarians in Egypt are agitating for the nation's caretaker.

* Jews, the Temple Mount, and 'Missing' Police Protocol For years, activists have claimed that police are discriminating against Jews on the Temple Mount.

* China expanding its nuclear stockpile China is expanding its nuclear forces with a new multiwarhead mobile missile and keeps its strategic stockpiles in deep underground bunkers.

* Astronomers discover planet made of diamond The new planet is far denser than any other known so far and consists largely of carbon.

* This Week in History: The 1929 Hebron Massacre In mid-August 1929, tensions between Jews and Arabs in British Mandate Palestine were growing.

08/25/11

* Libya rebels battle to purge Tripoli of Gadhafi loyalists Rebel forces began to purge Tripoli's streets of diehard gunmen still loyal to fugitive Muammar Gadhafi on Thursday in the final phase of the battle for the Libyan capital.

* Libyan rebels say Gaddafi and sons surrounded A group of rebels besieging a cluster of apartment buildings near the Bab al-Aziziyah compound of Muammar Gaddafi said on Thursday that they believed the man who led Libya for four decades was hiding in the buildings with some of his sons.

* China military 'closing key gaps', says Pentagon China is on course to build a modern military by 2020, a move that could threaten stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

* Ahmadinejad: Iran is determined to eradicate Israel Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Iran was determined to eradicate Israel.

* Cheney Says He Urged Bush to Bomb Syria in ’07 Former Vice President Dick Cheney says in a new memoir that he urged President George W. Bush to bomb a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor site in June 2007.

* Jordanian Hamas Terrorist Planned Kidnap, Embassy Attack A Jordanian member of Hamas has been charged with plotting terrorist attacks on Israeli targets.

* NKorea supplied nuclear software to Iran North Korea has intensified its cooperation with Iran this year and supplied it with a computer program that could help the Islamic Republic build nuclear weapons.

* After Arab Revolts, Reigns of Uncertainty The idealism of the revolts in Egypt and Tunisia, where the power of the street revealed the frailty of authority, revived an Arab world anticipating change.

* France calls Libya victory summit, warns Syria French President Nicolas Sarkozy has called a high-level meeting on Libya's post-Gaddafi future and promised support - but no military action - for opposition forces in Syria.

* Tehran to sue Russia over breached S-300 contract Iranian ambassador to Russia Mahmoud Reza Sajjadi announced on Thursday that Iran has filed a lawsuit against Moscow at the International Court of Justice for failing to deliver the S-300 air defense system to Iran.

08/24/11

* Rebels pushing to secure Tripoli Libyan rebels and forces loyal to Col Muammar Gaddafi have fought running battles in Tripoli, a day after the fugitive leader's compound was overrun.

* Dead or Alive: Muammar Qaddafi, USD 1.7 Million Libya's rebel leadership offered a "dead or alive" bounty for fugitive strongman Muammar Qaddafi.

* Egyptians Planning 'Million Man' Anti-Israel March Egyptian daily al-Youm al-Saba'a reported Wednesday that Egyptian protest organizers are calling for "a million-man protest" outside Israel's embassy in Cairo on Friday.

* Libya's deadliest weapons not yet corralled No one can be sure who controls the Libyan government's weapons stockpiles, a stew of deadly chemicals, raw nuclear material and some 30,000 shoulder-fired rockets.

* From hiding, Gadhafi tells Libyans to free Tripoli A defiant Moammar Gadhafi vowed Wednesday to fight on "until victory or martyrdom."

* 'Material to make nuclear dirty bomb remains in Libya' A research center near Tripoli stocks uranium and other material that could be used to make a nuclear "dirty bomb".

* Kim Jong-il in talks with Russia's Dmitry Medvedev North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il has held rare talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Pyongyang's nuclear program and economic co-operation.

* Virginia earthquake felt in Washington and New York A magnitude-5.8 earthquake has rattled the east coast of the United States.

* Former US finance chief says euro is 'breaking down' Alan Greenspan, the former chairman of the US federal reserve, has said the eurozone is breaking apart due to variations between economies in the north and south of Europe.

* IAF strikes Gaza after barrage of rockets slams South In what appeared to be part of an IDF response to renewed rocket fire into Southern Israel, the IAF on Wednesday evening bombed an Islamic Jihad rocket cell in Gaza City.

08/23/11

* Islamist Cleric: Meet an Israeli? Kill Him A senior cleric in the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood has declared that ordinary Egyptians are obligated to kill 'Zionists' whom they encounter.

* "Qaddafi is gone... it's now your turn, Bashar" Gunmen loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad killed at least 10 during demonstrations.

* Turkey Claims Right to Retaliate against Kurds in Iraq Turkey announced that its air force and artillery barrages have killed some 90 to 100 members of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party.

* Al-Qaeda group behind attack US intelligence reports show that a new al-Qaeda linked group may have perpetrated the terror attacks that killed eight Israelis near Eilat.

* Arab states join more than 30 countries in recognizing Libya's rebels More than 30 countries now recognize the rebel National Transitional Council (NTC) as the legitimate representative of Libya.

* Rebels overrun Gaddafi compound Libyan rebels have taken control of Col Muammar Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound in Tripoli.

* EU oil companies get set to return to Libya EU oil firms are preparing to return to Libya amid good will generated by Nato support.

* Death Toll Passes 600 From Raid in South Sudan The death toll from a cattle raid in an eastern region of weeks-old South Sudan rose significantly.

* Iran Shows Off New Anti-Ship Missile Tehran has put on display a new domestically-made cruise missile.

08/22/11

* Libya conflict: Fighting rages near Gaddafi compound Libyan rebels are battling troops loyal to Col Muammar Gaddafi for control of Tripoli, after they launched an assault on the capital from several directions.

* Israel and Hamas agree Gaza truce, officials say Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group which governs the Gaza Strip, say they have agreed to a ceasefire after five days of violence.

* Just as Iran threatens us, so too it threatens US Netanyahu emphasizes Gaza-Iran connection to US Congressmen delegation.

* Nato and EU prepare for imminent end to Libya conflict Nato and EU leaders have urged Libyan rebels not to take revenge against Gaddafi loyalists after opposition forces swept into Tripoli over the weekend.

* Iran moves centrifuges to underground site Islamic Republic transfers some of its uranium enrichment machines to subterranean facility offering better protection from possible airstrikes

* Gaddafi collapse will embolden Arab rebels Rebels' success in Libya will shake the confidence of rulers who believe their military-backed governments are immune to popular discontent.

* A Million Israelis Under Fire Noam Bedein of Sderot took a trip to Ashdod and felt right at home,unfortunately.

* Hamas officials go underground in fear of Israeli attack Hamas PM Haniyeh, senior official Zahar operating with restricted movement within Gaza, according to Arab media.

* Assad: Obama Is The One Who Should Resign Syrian President Bashar Assad calls in interview on Syrian state television on President Barack Obama to resign for supporting Israel.

* Libya's leader Gadhafi defiant to end In this Feb. 5, 2001 file photo, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi listens to questions during a news conference in Tripoli, Libya.

08/20/11

* Egypt and Israel Ease Away From Sinai Crisis Diplomats scrambled to avert a crisis in relations between Egypt and Israel on Saturday, and the Israeli government issued a rare statement of regret.

* Hamas Ends 'Ceasefire' with Israel Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, called off a ceasefire with Israel late Friday.

* South Sudan attacks 'leave 500 dead' At least 500 people have been killed in ethnic clashes in the eastern state of Jonglei.

* Egypt: Verbal apology from Israel for policemen deaths not enough Egypt's Foreign Ministry said Saturday that a verbal apology from Israel for the deaths of Egyptian policemen near its border was not enough.

* Syria protests: 'Deaths in anti-Assad demonstrations' Syrian security forces have fired on anti-government protesters after Friday prayers, killing at least 40 people across the country.

* Libya conflict: Rebels claim Zawiya and Zlitan Libyan rebels fighting to overthrow Col Muammar Gaddafi are claiming to have captured two strategic coastal cities as they close in on Tripoli.

* Arab League to hold meeting on Gaza The Arab League announced Saturday that it has called an emergency session over the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip, to be held on noon Sunday.

* EU oil sanctions on Syria are 'a done deal' EU countries have agreed to impose an oil embargo on Syria in the hope of accelerating the fall of President Bashar Assad by cutting off his money.

* Turkey strikes Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq Turkish warplanes and artillery pounded Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq for a second night, hours after the rebels mounted attacks on security forces in southeastern Turkey.

* Arab Riots in Jerusalem, Police Respond Dozens of Arab men from Jerusalem managed to break down a police barrier early on Friday afternoon.

08/19/11

* Israel Air Force bombs targets in Gaza following deadly terror attack The Israel Air Force bombed targets in the Gaza Strip on Friday, a day after coordinated terror attacks killed eight Israelis.

* Stock markets fall again on debt and growth fears Share across Europe have suffered a second day of sharp falls on continued fears about a slowdown in the global economy.

* Who is the Palestinian group blamed for the attacks? Israel has blamed a Palestinian faction, the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), of launching attacks along its border with Egypt that killed seven Israelis on Thursday.

* Gaza Terror Group Praises Eilat Attacks A small al-Qaida-linked terror group in Gaza hailed Friday a deadly series of attacks in southern Israel near Egypt that killed eight and warned more attacks would come.

* US and EU make concerted call for Syrian leader to go The White House and the EU have told Syrian President Bashar Assad he should give up power.

* Biblical Story of Moses Adapted into Facebook Game The Biblical life of Moses now is part of a Facebook game, which may cause shudders to traditionalists, but might help educate the uninformed and bring people closer to religion.

* Putin Calls U.S. 'Parasite' as Russia Gorges on Its Debt For Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, the U.S. is a “parasite” because its rising debt weighs on the global economy.

* Aliens may destroy humanity to protect other civilisations, say scientists It may not rank as the most compelling reason to curb greenhouse gases, but reducing our emissions might just save humanity from a pre-emptive alien attack.

* Turkish jets hit Kurdish rebels again in northern Iraq Turkish warplanes have hit rebel Kurdish bases in northern Iraq for the second night.

* This Week in History: Gaza Disengagement begins On the morning of August 15, 2005, tens of thousands of soldiers descended on the Gaza Strip – without their weapons.

08/18/11

* Syria unrest: World leaders call for Assad to step down The leaders of the US, UK, France, Germany and the EU have all called for Syria's President Assad to step down over his suppression of protesters.

* Netanyahu promises Israeli response to Eilat attacks Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke to Eilat Mayor Meir Yitzhak-Halevy on Thursday following three separate terror attacks in the area.

* Hamas: We didn't carry out southern Israel attacks, but we praise them The Islamist Hamas movement on Thursday welcomed a series of deadly attacks in southern Israel earlier in the day, but declined to take responsibility for them.

* Researchers: World Population to Reach 7 Billion This Year The world population will reach seven billion later this year, with increases in the number of people in Africa off-setting birth rate drops elsewhere.

* Glenn Beck rally could spark violence, warn Arab MKs Glenn Beck's Restoring Courage rally at the Southern Wall excavations site next Wednesday could spark a conflagration of violence in Jerusalem.

* Hebrew University ranks 57th in world The Hebrew University in Jerusalem has been ranked the 57th best university in the world.

* Van Rompuy tipped to chair new 'economic government' Twice-yearly meetings of the leaders of the 17 single currency states are to become the "cornerstone" of the new economic government of the eurozone.

* Turkey launches air assault on Kurds in Iraq amid uptick in violence The Turkish military launched an air assault on Kurdish separatists in northern Iraq overnight Wednesday.

* Share markets plummet as fear returns European and US shares have seen more large falls, as the uncertainty that has caused recent turmoil returns.

* Pope Benedict XVI in Madrid for World Youth Day events Pope Benedict XVI is in the Spanish capital, Madrid, for four days of events expected to be attended by hundreds of thousands of people.

08/17/11

* US Names Gaza's Dughmush Clan as Global Terrorists The U.S. State Department announced Tuesday it has added the Gaza-based Dughmush clan, head of the Army of Islam, to its list of global terrorists.

* Wave of Ramadan suicide strikes kill 100 throughout Iraq After months of preparation, Al Qaida has launched an offensive in Iraq.

* Merkel and Sarkozy plan 'true economic government' Under pressure to restore confidence in the eurozone, the leaders of France and Germany on Tuesday (16 August) outlined plans for further economic integration.

* Mideast Quartet alarmed by Israel settlement plans The UN's Middle East Quartet on Tuesday expressed grave concern over Israel's recent approval of thousands of housing units in east Jerusalem and Ariel.

* Apologize to Turkey? Netanyahu Tells Clinton, 'No Thanks' Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has turned down U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s requests and will not apologize to Turkey.

* PA Teaches 5-Year-Olds to Die for Allah A Palestinian Authority kindergarten showed off what its young students had learned over the past year by having the five-year-olds act out scenes of terror and death for their families.

* Gaza-Bound Ship Secretly Left Greece, Say Activists A ship intended to try to break Israeli sovereignty over waters at Hamas-controlled Gaza has secretly left Greece.

* Iran's hard-liners seek payback in next election Iran's internal power struggles are shifting into election mode with hard-line political forces banding together to groom candidates for next year's parliamentary elections.

* 'Mossad plotted to harm Egyptian fertility' Israeli citizen Ofir Harrari, recently accused by Egypt of spying for Israel, was allegedly involved in a complicated scheme intended to harm Egyptian reproduction abilities.

* Turkey calls anew for end to Syria operations Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu made a fresh call on Wednesday for Syria to halt military operations in a crackdown on widespread demonstrations.

08/16/11

* 'US Withdrawal from Iraq to Help Iran Pulverize Israel' A total American pullout from Iraq will provide a "land bridge" for a Shi'ite Muslim Crescent – headed by Iran and Hizbullah – to "pulverize" Israel.

* Russian Stealth Fighter Plane to Star in Moscow Air Show When the United States was bogged down in Vietnam the Soviet Union used the interval to catch up strategically with the United States.

* Al Qaeda Leader Urges Muslims to Avenge Bin Laden The new head of the international Al Qaeda terrorist organization is urging Muslims around the world to avenge the assassination of the group's founder, Osama bin Laden.

* Libya conflict: Gaddafi forces 'launched Scud missile' Military forces loyal to Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi have fired a Scud missile for the first time in the country's six-month conflict.

* Syria using Iranian snipers as violent crackdown continues Iranian snipers are being used in Syria to put down the growing tide of demonstrations against president Bashar al-Assad.

* A primer on Palestinian statehood Sept. 20, when the annual session of the U.N. General Assembly opens, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to ask U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to present a Palestinian request for statehood.

* Mideast Quartet 'greatly concerned' by Ariel housing plans The so-called Middle East Quartet of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations on Tuesday said they were alarmed by Israel's latest announcements about new settlement plans.

* 'Hamas refusing to hand over el-Arish terror suspects' The Hamas government in the Gaza Strip has refused several Egyptian requests to hand over Palestinian terrorists alleged to have participated in a recent attack on a police station in the Sinai city of El-Arish.

* Tehran says Russian plan could revive nuclear talks Iran welcomed on Tuesday a Russian attempt to revive talks with six world powers that are concerned about the its uranium enrichment program.

* PLO official accuses Syria of crimes against humanity The assault by Syrian security forces on a Palestinian refugee camp in the coastal city of Latakia amounts to a crime against humanity.

08/15/11

* Egypt Launches "Operation Eagle" in Sinai Egyptian troops and policemen battled with gunmen in the Sinai peninsula Monday.

* Analysis: Iran sees ally Syria surrounded by US, Arab 'wolves' Beset by civil unrest at home and lambasted by the West and his Arab neighbors for his violent crackdown on dissent, Syria's President Bashar al-Assad can count on one firm ally: Iran.

* Syria unrest: Assault on Latakia port intensifies Syrian forces are continuing their crackdown on protesters in the port city of Latakia for a third day, reportedly using tanks and gunboats.

* Visit by China's Chief of Staff Warms Up Ties with Israel China’s Chief of Staff, General Chen Bingde, flew into Israel Sunday for a rare visit that will include observing the IDF's Urban Warfare Training Center.

* IDF Drones Over Kurdistan? An unfonfirmed report by Iran's Press-TV claims the IDF recently stepped up its operations in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region.

* Wave of Attacks in Iraq Leaves at Least 68 Dead Insurgents across Iraq launched their most significant and wide-ranging attacks in months on Monday, killing 68 people and wounding over 300.

* Hezbollah TV presents: Ramadan special The month of Ramadan can be likened to the Arab world's television sweepstakes.

* Google to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5bn A joint statement said the boards of both companies had unanimously approved the deal, which should be completed by the end of this year, or early in 2012.

* Gadhafi forces try to block Libyan rebel advance Moammar Gadhafi's forces pushed rebels back from the center of the strategic city of Zawiya on Monday.

* PA: Ariel building shows Israel destroying peace process The Palestinian Authority on Monday condemned the Defense Ministry's authorization of 277 new homes in the West Bank settlement of Ariel.

08/13/11

* Zvi Bar'el / Syria uprising may lead to regional war Thousands of Egyptians have already signed a petition circulating on Facebook that calls for the expulsion of the Syrian ambassador from their country.

* Egyptian Army Starts Major Operation Against Al-Qaeda The Egyptian army deployed thousands of troops to the Sinai peninsula on Friday.

* Iran to bankroll military base in Syria Western intelligence agencies believe that Iran will provide funding for "a multi-million-dollar military base" in Syria.

* Barghouti: U.S. Veto on Statehood Bid Would Cause Mass Protests Arch-terrorist Marwan Barghouti warned on Thursday that a United States veto of an attempt by the Palestinian Authority to get United Nations recognition for a unilaterally-declared state will not only cause disturbances in the PA.

* New housing projects planned for east Jerusalem Interior Minister Eli Yishai authorized the construction of thousands of new housing units in Jerusalem.

* US military loses contact with hypersonic aircraft US military scientists lost contact with an unmanned hypersonic experimental aircraft on its second test flight.

* Electronic skin tattoo has medical, gaming, spy uses A hair-thin electronic patch that adheres to the skin like a temporary tattoo could transform medical sensing, computer gaming and even spy operations.

* How computers will soon get under our skin It may soon be possible to wear your computer or mobile phone under your sleeve.

* How much are Twitter and BlackBerry to blame for British riots? Days of rioting across England have sharpened criticism of social media tools like BlackBerry Messenger, Facebook, and Twitter, which are helping criminals organize looting gangs.

* Arab World: Power politics An opinion piece in the Saudi-sponsored regional newspaper Asharq al-Awsat this week was predictably fulsome in its praise for Riyadh’s decision to remove its ambassador from Syria.

08/11/11

* Palestinians plan for calm protests Palestinian leaders have drawn up a plan to keep their rallies in September peaceful.

* Netanyahu: 'Direct Talks Only Way to Peace with PA' Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told a delegation of 26 U.S. lawmakers Wednesday that direct talks are the only way to reach peace with the Palestinian Authority.

* Israel: We never agreed to discuss nukes Israel and Arab nations have tentatively accepted an invitation by the UN nuclear agency to discuss a Middle East free of atomic arms.

* US military to launch fastest-ever plane By the time you finish reading this sentence, the Falcon HTV-2, the fastest plane ever built, could have flown 18 miles.

* Germany to propose unelected 'stability council' for EU Germany has proposed the creation of a new EU 'overseer' that would crack the whip and impose sanctions on countries that do not adhere to rigid budget discipline and pro-business labour policies.

* China Flexes Naval Muscle China sent its first aircraft carrier to sea, a defining moment in its effort to become a top-tier naval power that seeks to challenge U.S. military supremacy in Asia.

* Jewish 'guardians' keep London streets safe The Shomrim ("guardians"), a volunteer-based Jewish organization, has been keeping London's Jewish neighborhoods safe in cooperation with the Scotland Yard for years.

08/10/11

* Ansar Al-Mujahadeen Terror Group Re-emerges in Gaza A terrorist group with ties to the Palestinian Authority's ruling Faction faction in Judea and Samaria has re-emerged in Gaza.

* Economic Uncertainty Leading to Global Unrest London is reeling from three nights of rioting that's poured hundreds of people into the streets, leaving several local neighborhoods in shambles.

* PA Official Calls for 'Friday Intifadas' During Ramadan Bassam Abu Sharif, a former advisor to Yasser Arafat and a member of the PLO, called Tuesday on all Arab Muslims and Christians in and around the world to turn Fridays during the month of Ramadan into days of intifada.

* Anti-normalization forces gaining strength in Jordan Israel is increasingly concerned about damage to Israeli- Jordanian relations.

* Syrian tanks storm more towns near Turkish border They say tanks and armoured vehicles entered Taftanaz, Sermin, and Binnish near the Turkish border on Wednesday.

* China's first aircraft carrier 'starts sea trials' The Chinese navy's first aircraft carrier has begun its sea trials, the state-run Xinhua news agency has said.

* Dollar Falls on Fed's Pledge to Maintain Key Interest Rate at a Record Low The dollar tumbled the most in at least 40 years against the Swiss franc.

* US Considers Call for Assad to Step Down The United States, once a firm supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is reportedly now considering a call for the Damascus strongman to end his reign.

* Waqf Attacks Jews on Temple Mount Members of the Muslim Waqf physically assaulted a group of Jews who ascended to the Temple Mount Tuesday, Tisha B'Av.

* Strike on Syria is technically feasible, former French general says A Nato strike to disable the Syrian army is technically feasible according to experts, such as former French air chief Jean Rannou.

08/09/11

* Tisha Be'av: A day of fasting and lament Tisha Be'av, one of Judaism's two full fast days along with Yom Kippur, is traditionally the date in the Jewish calendar on which the First and Second Temples were destroyed.

* Iran Backs Lebanon's Claims on Israel Gas Find Iran has bolstered the Lebanese and Hizbullah threat to go to war over their claims on huge gas fields discovered by Israel off the Haifa coast.

* Syria unrest: Turkey to demand end to Assad's crackdown Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he is running out of patience over "the savagery" of Syria's security forces towards protesters.

* Parliament recalled to tackle riots - David Cameron The government's emergency committee Cobra met on Tuesday after rioting spread across London, with violence flaring in other major cities.

* Arab states to head UN in September Two Arab states will head the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly in September.

* 66th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima It was a day in history that the world has never forgotten.

* Markets extend falls despite Obama reassurances In points terms, the Dow ended down 635 to 10,810, its biggest one-day decline since October 2008, and the sixth largest on record.

* Asian stocks tumble amid European woes China’s economy remains strong, according to fresh economic data out on Tuesday, even as Asian stocks tumbled in reaction to European and American troubles.

* Al-Sadr warns US forces to leave Iraq A powerful anti-American Shiite cleric called Tuesday on U.S. troops in Iraq to leave the country and go back to their families or risk more attacks.

* In a Jerusalem tunnel, a glimpse of an ancient war The excavation of an ancient drainage tunnel beneath Jerusalem has yielded a sword, oil lamps, pots and coins abandoned during a war here 2,000 years ago.

08/08/11

* UN calls rights situation in Iraq fragile A UN report released on Monday said the human rights situation in Iraq is still "fragile," citing issues including economic and political stagnation, continued violence and attacks on minorities.

* Cleric vows attacks if US troops stay in Iraq A powerful anti-American Shiite cleric in Iraq with thousands of loyal followers threatened that US forces who stay past the Dec 31 withdrawal deadline are fair game to attack.

* Dollar to Be Discarded by World The man who leads one of China’s top rating agencies says the greenback’s status as the world’s reserve currency is set to wane.

* Attack Adds to Signs of an Unstable Afghan Region The devastating attack on an American helicopter in eastern Afghanistan over the weekend has heightened attention on the harsh reality that even now large stretches of the country are perilous and heavily infiltrated by insurgents.

* Arab League bets on dialogue to end crisis in Syria Elaraby: League will use persuasion rather than "drastic measures" to bring end to violence

* Wikipedia: Prophecy fulfilled or info apocalypse? Wikimania annual conference in Haifa gives public opportunity to share experiences with free knowledge initiatives all over the world.

* Churches to Read Torah as Others Read Koran Countering a move by churches across USA that read from the Koran, other churches prepare to read Torah.

* Wall Street Has a Cold, Tel Aviv Has Pneumonia Tel Aviv and Saudi Arabia stock exchanges, the first to open after last week’s NY market plunge and cut in credit rating, sank by 6%.

* 2,000 Year Old Sword, Menorah Sketch Found Stone slab with five-branched menorah etching, Roman era sword discovered near Temple Mount.

* Nothing Stops Assad Saudi Arabia recalls its envoy, the Arab League tells him to stop violence, the UN talks, and his army shoots to kill.

08/06/11

* China scolds US over S&P credit downgrade China has scolded the US over its "addiction to debt" after rating agency Standard & Poor's downgraded the US' top-notch AAA rating to AA+.

* US special forces Afghan helicopter 'downed' by Taliban A US helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan has killed 31 US special forces and seven Afghan commandos, President Hamid Karzai's office says.

* Israeli Air Force chief cites new weapons: 'We will be able to overcome anything' The Israel Air Force has bolstered capabilities and assessed that it could overpower any enemy coalition in a regional war.

* World markets plunge amid worsening euro-crisis Stock markets plunged on Thursday (4 August) to levels last seen in 2008 at the height of the financial crisis.

* 'Lebanon to recognize Palestinian state in next few days' Lebanon is set to recognize a Palestinian state "in the next few days."

* Russia uses dirty tricks despite U.S. 'reset' In the past four years, Russia’s intelligence services have stepped up a campaign of intimidation and dirty tricks against U.S. officials.

* Texas Gov. Rick Perry to host major prayer event in Houston The GOP 2012 presidential nomination contest so far has centered almost exclusively on economic issues.

* Israel gears up for mass rally Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend mass rallies in Tel Aviv.

* Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood holds first-ever public internal vote Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood held a public internal election on Saturday for the first time in its history.

* White House: US must do better after debt deal Spokesman Jay Carney said the talks on raising the US debt ceiling in order to avoid a default had taken too long and been too divisive.

08/04/11

* US invites PA leaders to Washington in bid to avoid UN plan The US Administration has invited PA officials to Washington for talks on ways of avoiding the statehood bid.

* IAF Generals 'Loudly' Demanding Strike on Iran The commanders of the IDF, especially those in the Air Force, are making "increasingly loud" demands to strike Iran's nuclear program.

* Gaza Terrorists In Large Scale Training Terrorists are using the period of relative quiet on the Gaza-Israel border for large scale training exercises.

* Global stock markets slump on eurozone debt fears New York's Dow Jones index was trading more than 3% down, while Frankfurt's Dax and London's FTSE 100 indexes closed almost 3.5% lower.

* Syrian siege of Hama raises humanitarian concerns Gunmen in plainclothes are randomly shooting people in the streets of the besieged Syrian city of Hama.

* Knesset Approves 'Anti-Terror Law' The Knesset approved in the first reading Wednesday a government-sponsored law that would organize and reframe the legal means for fighting terrorist organizations.

* UN Condemns Syria as Violence Rages On The UN Security Council condemned on Wednesday the Syrian government for its deadly crackdown on anti-regime protesters.

* Barroso raises alarm about severity of euro crisis European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has indicated that bond market developments on Italy and Spain threaten the very survival of the euro.

* With Syria in tailspin, Lebanon said under control of Iran, Hizbullah The Lebanese government, amid the decline of its Syrian mentor, has lost control over much of the country.

* How Communist China deploys its massive population as a strategic asset But today a correction is clearly needed to this formula.

08/03/11

* China Joins Russia in Blasting U.S. Borrowing After Debt Ceiling Agreement China, the largest foreign investor in U.S. government securities, joined Russia in criticizing American policy makers for failing to ensure borrowing is reined in after a stopgap deal to raise the nation's debt limit.

* Europe on Brink of 'Major Financial Collapse': Guggenheim CIO Europe is a "train wreck" and on the "brink of a major financial crisis."

* The Lie of the Arab 'Calm' "Calm" is a favorite word of mainstream media to describe "quiet" from Arab terror.

* Barroso: EU moving too slow on debt crisis European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso has urged EU countries to speed up ratification of the bloc's new-model bailout mechanism.

* State actor seen behind "enormous" wave of cyber attacks Security experts have discovered the biggest series of cyber attacks to date.

* Reverse coup: Turkey's Erdogan re-creates General Staff in his own image Turkey's Islamist government has launched a program to reshape the military that has been strictly secular.

* NATO officials: Chances of victory over Gadhafi thwarted by assassination of rebel leader NATO's confidence in Libya's rebel movement has plummeted in wake of the assassination of its military commander by his own men.

* Expert: Another Arab State is a Hoax Dr. Yosef Mazor, who recently finished writing his book entitled "Zionism, Post-Zionism and the Arab Problem," believes that Israel is not responsible for the existence of any Arab problems.

* Arabs Less Supportive of Iran After a few years of supporting Iran for its defiant stance towards Washington, Arabs today have a different position and are less supportive of Tehran.

* Regional Dead Sea preservation policy may not tackle area's larger issues After many delays, the National Planning and Building Council finally approved a policy for the Dead Sea region.

08/02/11

* Palestinian Authority police taking to the air The idea of turning to the police to hear the news, catch some of the latest tunes and vent some frustration to a talk show host seems a bit odd.

* Putin says U.S. is "parasite" on global economy Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin accused the United States Monday of living beyond its means "like a parasite" on the global economy.

* Iran issues tough warning to Turkey on Syria Iran, stressing its strategic interests, has warned Turkey to end intervention in Syria.

* Netanyahu Concedes to Obama – if Abbas Drops UN Ploy The Netanyahu government has confirmed it will accept renewed talks with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

* Syria forces in Hama push as crackdown continues Syrian forces are pushing towards the centre of the city of Hama as they continue an offensive in which scores of people have died.

* 'Extremist right-wing activists' banned from West Bank In a joint police and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) operation, 12 right-wing activists residing in Yitzhar received administrative restraining orders.

* Der Spiegel: Mossad Admits It Killed Nuke Scientist Israel's Mossad intelligence agency admitted it eliminated a nuclear scientist in Iran last week.

* Arab 'Arson Intifada' Threatens Judea and Samaria Palestinian Authority terrorists are reverting to the first Intifada tactic of burning down Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.

* Lebanese Bomb Blast Aimed at Nasrallah Last Friday's bomb blast in Lebanon was aimed at Hizbullah leader Hassam Nasrallah.

* Rights activists, protesters slam violent raid of Tahrir Square Human rights organizations condemned Tuesday the army's raid on the open sit-in in Tahrir Square on Monday, which left dozens injured and 111 detained.

08/01/11

* Arab Regimes Fear Ramadan will Be Month of Violence Authorities in Syria fear the nightly prayers during Ramadan will transform every day into Friday.

* EU to toughen sanctions after Syria bloodbath The EU is likely to toughen sanctions against the Syrian regime after some 100 people were reportedly killed in the city of Hama when government tanks stormed in.

* Iraq dusts off F-16s order Even as ground insurgency grows, Baghdad aims to buy 36 aircraft to protect its skies.

* China blames Muslim extremists for attack in Xinjiang China said that Islamic militants had mounted an attack that left 11 people dead in the restive western region of Xinjiang, which announced a crackdown on "illegal" religious activities at the start of the Muslim fasting month.

* Facebook: No Problem With Holocaust Denial Pages Holocaust denial "fan pages" abound on Facebook - and that's OK with the social networking site's administrators

* Mullen focuses on Afghanistan-Pakistan border havens The top US military officer has said the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan is still the world's most dangerous area, calling it the epicentre of terrorism.

* Iraq More Dangerous, Iran Suspect Iraq has grown more dangerous over the past year as Shiite violence soars, US official reveals.

* Palestinians set date for mass demonstrations Palestinian officials say they plan to begin mass marches against Israel's occupation of the West Bank on September 20, the eve of a largely symbolic UN vote expected to recognize their independence.

* Egypt troops clash with activists in Tahrir Square Egyptian troops clashed Monday with a small group of protesters camping out in Cairo's Tahrir Square to press demands for faster change and justice for demonstrators killed in the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak.