04/02/13

* Israel braces for massive cyber-offensive Hackers around the world are plotting to strike Israel's online presence in a coordinated cyber-attack later this week.

* Ya'alon on Syria: When it damages our interests - we'll respond Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon announced Tuesday that Israel has no intention to interfere in the ongoing Syrian civil war.

* China mobilizing troops, jets near Korea China has placed military forces on heightened alert in the northeastern part of the country.

* Syrian rebels said close to chemical weapons cache Syrian opposition forces on Monday night reportedly captured the northern city of Al-Safira.

* North Korea 'crisis gone too far' says UN's Ban Ki-moon UN chief Ban Ki-moon has said the North Korea "crisis has gone too far" after Pyongyang announced plans to restart its main Yongbyon nuclear complex.

* Egypt becoming a nightmare for Muslim Brothers For the Muslim Brotherhood, the long awaited dream come true is turning into a nightmare.

* UN General Assembly to vote on global arms treaty The vote comes a week after Iran, North Korea and Syria blocked the treaty's adoption by consensus.

* Lebanese Daily Renews Age-Old Jewish Blood Libel The Lebanese daily Al-Sharq published an article last week that claimed that Jews eat matzah made with the blood of non-Jews during the holiday of Passover.

* Bailout paper gives Cyprus four years to balance budget Cyprus has four years to implement austerity plans and to balance its budget, according to a leaked copy of bailout terms proposed by international lenders.

* Iranian tourists in Egypt showcase warming ties More than 50 Iranian tourists arrived by boat to the ancient city of Luxor on Monday as part of a rare visit that showcases how much ties between the two countries have warmed.