09/30/13

* Syrian FM: Syria formally confirms mission to restore 'Israeli-occupied' Golan Heights Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem tells UN General Assembly that Israel is "handicapping" the possibility of a "weapons of mass destruction free" zone in the Middle East.

* Netanyahu's mission: Setting parameters for Obama's Iran diplomacy It's too late to stop the US president engaging with Rouhani; what the PM will attempt is to ensure that Iran cannot access anything more than 'peaceful nuclear energy'.

* Syrian FM to UN: 'Terrorists from 83 countries fighting in Syria' The Syrian government is fighting against 'terrorist groups from 83 countries' as part of its 'constitutional right' to protect the country's people, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem told the UN General Assembly in New York.

* Russia Issues Grave iPhone Warning: 'Users Give Up All Rights' A new report written by Ambassador Andrei Krutskikh from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Oleg Ostapenko that is circulating in the Kremlin today warns that use of the new Apple iPhone 5 constitutes a 'grave threat' to all Russian citizens in that merely by its use, 'all users have given up their rights to the United States Government.'



* Journalist: Saudis, Gulf States 'Shocked' By Obama-Rouhani Chat Saudi Arabian officials have sharply criticized President Obama for conducting phone conversation with Iranian President Rouhani.

* US shutdown looms amid political stalemate over budget A US government shutdown looms as Democrat and Republican lawmakers remain unable to strike a deal on a new plan to continue funding its operation.

* French were 'hours' from military strikes on Syria before phone call from Obama Fighter jets were preparing for scheduled take off when President Hollande took 'stunning' call from US telling him to hold fire

* Iran Guards chief: Rohani should have spurned Obama call In first official criticism of Rohani, head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards says president should have 'refused to speak' to Obama until US put forward 'concrete action' such as 'lifting all sanctions against Iran, releasing frozen assets'

* Popes Set For Sainthoods As Vatican Bends Rules Pope Francis to waive requirement that two 'confirmed' miracles must be performed as he announces a joint canonisation next year.

* Right-leaning Likud members aim to block any agreement Netanyahu makes with PA Danon leads voice of dissenters from within PM's party; says 'We can't let there be industrial quiet.'

09/28/13

* Israel reserves right to act if deal with Iran fails, says Likud MK The upcoming period is fateful for the Iranian nuclear program.

* US, Russian Experts: 9 Months to Destroy Syrian Weapons Experts from the United States and Russia estimate that it may take only nine months to destroy Syria's entire chemical weapons arsenal.

* Jihad without borders This week was a particularly violent one, with terror rearing its ugly head throughout the world.

* Iran nuclear: Rivals rally as Rouhani returns from UN Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been met by hardline protesters chanting "Death to America".

* Obama, Rouhani have first direct contact between US, Iranian leaders since 1979 US President Barack Obama called Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Friday.

* Palestinians clash with security forces on anniversary of second intifada Marking thirteen years to the second Palestinian uprising (intifada), Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli security forces in the West Bank.

* Study: 15% of young Brits don't trust Jews A new British study on discrimination has found that 15% of young British adults don't trust Jews.

* Obama to Rohani: May God be with you "Have a nice day" - this is how Iranian President Hassan Rohani concluded his phone conversation with US President Barack Obama.

* Mideast quartet seeks Israeli, Palestinian action by 2014 The quartet of Middle East peacemakers is calling on the Israelis and Palestinians to demonstrate their seriousness in reaching a settlement in the next year.

* Iran unveils new long-distance attack drone Iran's Revolutionary Guard has unveiled an attack drone.

09/27/13

* Historic Kerry-Zarif meeting signifies 'change in tone' in US-Iran relations Iran and the United States held their highest-level substantive talks in a generation.

* Israel celebrates gift of God's Word From Eilat in the south to Kiryat Shemona in the north, Israelis on Thursday marked Simchat Torah.

* Violence, Arrests in Eastern Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria Three Arab rioters were arrested for throwing rocks Friday, following disorders at the Damascus Gate.

* Hamas, Islamic Jihad call for a third intifada On the eve of PA President Mahmoud Abbas's speech at the UN General Assembly, a number of Palestinian groups called for launching a third intifada against Israel.

* Iran announces mass production of Shahed 129 drone Iran has announced on Friday that it will start mass producing a new unmanned drone with missile and bombing capabilities.

* Golden Dawn threatens to destabilise Greek government Greece's neo-fascist Golden Dawn threatens to spark snap elections by pulling all 18 of its members from the 300-seat parliament.

* UK to host Nato annual summit next year The UK is to host the annual summit of Nato members next year.

* Senator Says Politics Have Reached Civil War Levels As the clock ticks down toward a possible government shutdown, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, isn't holding back.

* Abbas at UN: End 'settler terrorism' and seize 'last chance' of peace Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday called prospects for peace "dispiriting and bleak.""

09/26/13

* World powers set to test Iran on nuclear issue Foreign ministers from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany will meet with Iran's top diplomat.

* Islamic Syrian rebel groups breakaway from Western-backed opposition fighters A group of powerful rebel units have rejected the authority of the Western-backed Syrian opposition leadership abroad.

* Russia, China Hold Large-Scale War Games Pentagon intelligence agencies are closely watching Russian and Chinese war games now taking place in Europe and Asia involving tens of thousands of troops.

* Rouhani calls on Israel to sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty 'without delay' Iranian President Hassan Rouhani denounced the proliferation, use and stockpiling of nuclear weapons.

* Government dream of a cashless society already a reality It almost sounds like the opening to a bad joke.

* Hezbollah's role in the Syrian Civil War In the photograph the two robed men stand shoulder-to-shoulder, one tall and erect, the other more heavyset.

* Iranian press accuses CNN of 'fabricating' Rouhani Holocaust remarks Iranian news agency Fars on Wednesday accused CNN of "fabricating" comments made by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani about the Holocaust.

* Assad: Syria has more sophisticated weapons in its stockpile than chemical weapons "We now possess deterrent weapons that are more important and more sophisticated than chemical weapons."

* Somalia President: Al-Shabab Could Attack the United States The Somali-based terrorist organization al-Shabab, which claimed credit for the devastating attack in Nairobi this week, is an international organization that could attack anywhere.

* Kerry: Israel, Palestinians agree to intensify peace talks with increased US role Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to intensify their peace talks and to increase the US role.

09/25/13

* Skeptical Netanyahu knows he's 'spoiling the party' on Iran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ministers aren't alone in their skepticism of Tehran's newly friendly face.

* Iran parades missiles with range of up to 2,000 km Iran's military paraded 30 medium-range missiles with a range of up to 2,000 kilometers.

* Islamic Terror Groups Are Targeting Christians All Over The World Over the past couple of days, we have witnessed some absolutely horrific examples of Islamic terror groups specifically targeting Christians.

* Islamist rebels in Syria reject National Coalition A joint statement says: "All groups formed abroad without having returned to the country do not represent us."

* Jews Banned from Temple Mount after One Hour Dozens of Jews who hoped to ascend to the Temple Mount for the holiday of Hoshana Raba.

* US Congress skeptical over Obama-Rouhani overtures After balking at President Barack Obama's plan to attack Syria, the US Congress is also stirring in opposition to his latest foreign policy goal.

* Chag Sameach! Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Starts Tonight The eight day festival that consists of Sukkot and Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah will come to an end Thursday night.

* MK Feiglin: Catastrophe is On the Way MK Moshe Feiglin, a maverick Likud MK who has positioned himself for years as an alternative to Binyamin Netanyahu in Likud's top seat.

* Tony Blair warns: don't let Assad off the hook on chemical weapons Action should be taken against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad if Syria does not give up its chemical weapons.

* Iranian press lauds Obama's UNGA speech, dismisses Israel as 'isolated,' 'warmonger' Iranian media on Wednesday lauded US President Barack Obama for a speech in which he attested to "past mistakes" made by Washington.

09/24/13

* US 'Concerned' Over Al Shabaab Recruiters The Somali militant group with ties to al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the three-day stand-off in Nairobi.

* Obama urges diplomatic push on Iran nuclear program US President Barack Obama has said recent moves by Iran should offer the basis for a "meaningful agreement" on its nuclear program.

* Benjamin Netanyahu warns of Iran 'honey' trap The Israeli prime minister will warn that Mr Rouhani's conciliatory tone conceals the same hostile intent voiced explicitly by the combative Mr Ahmadinejad.

* Obama at UN: 'End Occupation of West Bank' United States President Barack Obama lauded Israeli and Palestinian Authority leaders in a speech Tuesday at the United Nation.

* Repeat Performance: Jews Banned from the Temple Mount Hundreds of Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount this morning (Tuesday) were turned back upon their arrival.

* UN chemical weapons inspectors 'to return to Syria' Russia's government says UN chemical weapons inspectors are expected to return to Syria on Wednesday.

* EU sets stage for Iran-US breakthrough Warm words from top EU diplomats in New York have set the stage for a potential breakthrough in the decades-long confrontation between Iran and the US.

* Tens of thousands cram Jerusalem for Sukkot march The annual Jerusalem March took place on Tuesday afternoon.

* UN chief urges leaders to stop fueling Syria war Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged world leaders on Tuesday to stop fueling the bloodshed in Syria with weapons.

* Coalition chair: Netanyahu to lose power if he evacuates settlements Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu received a stern warning from the head of his coalition Yariv Levin.

09/23/13

* Tens of thousands attend priestly blessing in Jerusalem Both chief rabbis also in attendance at semiannual festival event.

* Obama's UN agenda: Iran, Syria, Israel The president needs to be wary so that diplomatic opportunities don't morph into stalling tactics.

* Nairobi attack: Kenya forces storm Westgate centre Kenyan security forces have launched an assault on the Westgate shopping complex in the capital Nairobi in an attempt to break the three-day siege.

* Egypt court bans all Muslim Brotherhood activities Court orders seizure of the Brotherhoods's funds.

* Russia's Putin warns of Islamic militant spillover from Syria into ex-Soviet bloc Assad's strongest backer, Putin warns ex-Soviet allies, some with Muslim majorities that Syria violence could reach them; Russian officials express fears of Russian-born Islamic militants returning home.

* Arab MK: Prevent Jews from 'Contaminating' Temple Mount MK Ahmed Tibi compares Jews to Crusaders and calls to keep them off the Temple Mount. 'Al Aqsa for Muslims only.'

* Tiny US town inadvertently becomes site of neo-Nazi community After neo-Nazi moves to tiny North Dakota town, buys land, bus load of neo-Nazis makes way to location to 'plant the seeds of National Socialism in North Dakota.' 

* Netanyahu: Jews can move into Hebron building near where IDF soldier killed PM's decision comes hours after fatal W. Bank attack.

* Analysis: Hamas has found itself isolated and alone Egypt has turned against it, the PA is happy to pour fuel on the flames, and Israel has shown understanding for Egypt's security needs.

* Germany's Angela Merkel faces tough coalition talks Chancellor Angela Merkel's triumphant conservative party is considering who to team up with to form a new German coalition after their election victory.

09/21/13

* A sneak peek at the IDF units who would be key in future Iran strike Nestled deep in the maze of an Israel Air Force base, secretive units form an essential component in any Israeli air strike in enemy territory with air defenses.

* Netanyahu: Iran continues to deceive while centrifuges spin The world must not be deceived by the moderate statements made by Iranian President Hasan Rouhani.

* Terrorist attack in Kenya mall leaves at least 22 dead A terrorist attack in Kenya left at least 22 people dead Saturday.

* Syria submits chemical weapons inventory, meeting Russia, US deadline Syria has disclosed all the information on its chemical weapons that was expected by an agreed Saturday deadline.

* Islamic Movement leaders warn of 'Israeli plan to destroy al-Aksa Mosque' Tens of thousands of Israeli-Arabs attended the "Al-Aksa is in Danger" rally in Umm al-Fahm on Friday.

* Germany election: Rival parties in last push for votes Germany's rival parties are in their final day of campaigning ahead of Sunday's parliamentary elections.

* Tunisian minister: Young girls return pregnant after 'sexual Jihad' excursion to Syria Girls "fooled" into traveling to Syria to offer intercourse, to create an army strong enough to overthrow President Bashar Assad.

* Gates to the city Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, a brilliant military strategist as well as a cunning politician and eloquent poet.

* US plane in 1961 'nuclear bomb near-miss' A four-megaton nuclear bomb was one switch away from exploding over the US in 1961.

* Iraqi Kurds vote for regional assembly Voters in Iraq's Kurdish north cast ballots Saturday in local parliamentary elections.

09/20/13

* Netanyahu: Don't be Fooled by Rouhani Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reacted Thursday to Iranian President Hasan Rouhani's latest interview.

* Israeli nuclear chief warns of Iranian 'deception' The head of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission accused Iran on Wednesday of "deception and concealment."

* Syria 'submits chemical weapons data' to Hague watchdog Syria has begun sending details of its chemical weapons as part of a US-Russia brokered deal to make them safe.

* Under Egyptian siege, Hamas could try to strike at Israel Hamas has seen better days, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

* TIMMERMAN: The real questions about Benghazi Secrets about how the tragedy happened still remain hidden.

* Assad Smugling Weapons Through Tunnels to Hizbullah A Saudi newspaper has claimed Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad is using tunnels to smuggle chemical weapons to Hizbullah.

* Nigeria's 'Boko Haram': Abuja sees security forces targeted A cell of suspected Islamist militants has opened fire on security forces in Nigeria's capital Abuja.

* "Rejoice...Be Wholly Happy", Says the Bible on Sukkot - Tonight Wednesday evening at sundown is the start of the seven-day holiday of Sukkot (Tabernacles).

* UN shoots down Arab push to condemn Israeli nuclear policy The United Nations nuclear watchdog on Friday narrowly voted down an Arab League resolution.

* Rabin Didn't Want to Shake Arafat's Hand, Reveals Associate Former Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin did not believe at first that the Oslo Accords would lead to peace.

09/19/13

* Iran's Rouhani dismisses nuclear weapons fears Iran's new President Hassan Rouhani has said that his country will never build nuclear weapons.

* Israeli nuclear chief warns of Iranian 'deception' The head of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission accused Iran on Wednesday of "deception and concealment."

* Assad: Syrian chemical weapons disposal will take a year, cost $1 billion Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Wednesday it would cost about $1 billion to get rid of Syria's chemical weapons.

* US military document: Rebels had sarin gas for attack in Syria A leaked US military document reveals that an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group possessed and produced sarin gas.

* German elections: Little change for EU An Italian cartoon published in Espresso magazine earlier this summer depicts a little girl on a beach telling her father that she needs to pee.

* China: 'UN Report on Syria Not Impartial' China has suggested a United Nations report stating the Syrian army was behind a sarin gas attack against civilians was neither professional or impartial.

* UK and France going own way on military co-operation Britain is forging ahead on military co-operation with France, while warning about EU "interference" on defence.

* Facism and Israel For the last two years the Israeli High Court of Justice has tried to decide whether or not the grassroots right-wing group Im Tirtzu is a fascist organization.

* 'Israel brought instability to the region,' says Iranian president Israel is a nation that "does injustice to the people of the Middle East".

* Obama tells Rouhani: US willing to allow Iran to show nuclear program is for peaceful purposes US President Barack Obama has told Iran's President Hassan Rouhani in an exchange of letters that the United States is ready to resolve its nuclear dispute.

09/18/13

* The rabbi, the lost ark and the future of Temple Mount Rabbi Chaim Richman shows me into a darkened room, strokes his beard and pulls out his smartphone.

* Syria Hands Russia 'Proof' of Rebel Chemical Weapons Use A Russian official has claimed to have received evidence of the use of chemical weapons by Syrian rebels.

* 5,000 Christians Set to Arrive in Jerusalem Over 5,000 Christian pilgrims from around 100 nations will take part in the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem's (ICEJ) annual Feast of Tabernacles this week.

* "Rejoice...Be Wholly Happy", Says the Bible on Sukkot - Tonight Wednesday evening at sundown is the start of the holiday of Sukkot (Tabernacles).

* Egypt's Sisi pushed to run for president as media bolsters his image Gen. Abdel Fattah Sisi is emerging as a likely front runner in the Egyptian presidential elections planned for next year.

* Abbas to meet with Obama next week President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas will meet with U.S. President Barack Obama on September 23.

* In the footsteps of ancient Israelite kings The call went out among the hill tribes: Go back to Gilgal to hold another coronation ceremony for the new king.

* Historic Pro-Judea and Samaria Conference at EU A historic conference in support of the Jewish settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria took place Tuesday inside one of the bastions of opposition to the Jewish presence in the region.

* Jerusalem police arrest Islamic Movement leaders for disturbing the peace Two leaders of the Northern branch of the Islamic Movement were arrested by police on Wednesday.

09/17/13

* Netanyahu to meet Obama, urge more pressure on Iran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to meet with US President Barack Obama in Washington DC later this month.

* UN report cites 'convincing' evidence sarin used in Syria UN inspectors said Monday there is "clear and convincing evidence" that chemical weapons were used on a relatively large scale.

* Yes, we can: Obama waives anti-terrorism provisions to arm Syrian rebels The Obama administration waived provisions of a federal law which ban the supply of weapons and money to terrorists.

* EU offers to help destroy Syria weapons EU countries have offered to help destroy Syria's chemical weapons as part of a Russia-US deal.

* Nearly half of Syrian rebels are hardcore Islamists, study says Almost half of Syrian rebel fighters are jihadists or hardline Islamists.

* Palestinian leadership backs Assad It is by now no secret that well over 100,000 people have died in the Syrian civil war.

* Muslims impose tribute on Egypt's Christians According to one priest from the area, all Copts in the village, "without exception," are being forced to pay tribute.

* PA President Abbas: Israel won't be present between us and Jordan The future border between a Palestinian state and Jordan will extend from the Dead Sea through the Jordan Valley.

* 2012 settler population grew almost three times as fast as national rate The growth rate of the settler population in 2012 was five percent.

* Al Qaeda Chief Urges Lone Attacks to Bleed US Dry Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden's replacement as the Head of Al Qaeda, has called for more attacks similar to the bombing of the Boston Marathon.

09/16/13

* Obama may meet Rouhani at UN this month Two presidents have exchanged letters; Oman said to be brokering contacts between Washington and Tehran.

* Syria crisis shows Israel cannot rely on Obama Israel's largest daily newspaper Yediot Aharonot has a photo of US President Barack Obama published with the comment "From threats to words."

* Syria crisis: UN report confirms sarin gas 'war crime' The UN has confirmed "unequivocally and objectively" that chemical weapons have been used in Syria.

* Regev calls for separate prayer days for Jews, Muslims on Temple Mount At Knesset Interior C'tee meeting, Tibi says attempt to change current situation will be seen as "a declaration of war."

* Report: Syria is transferring chemical weapons to Hezbollah to avoid international inspection Opposition: Some chemical arms smuggled onto Russian warships.

* Feiglin to question legal authority, legitimacy of Temple Mount Waqf Groups lobby for Jewish prayer rights at Temple Mount during Succot after lack of access during Rosh Hashana.

* Former European leaders call on EU to enforce ban on Israeli settlements EJC chief decries letter as danger to peace process, which "hands one side a political victory."

* Abortion Clinics Closing at Record Rate Update: The Huffington Post assessed the "dramatic toll" that recent pro-life laws have taken on abortion clinics, with Arizona leading the way.

* Local residents had appealed for help after being harassed and "taxed" by Islamist fighters. The Egyptian army stormed the town of Dalga in central Egypt, 190 miles south of the capital Cairo, which has been controlled by Islamist radicals for more than two months.

* Putin to visit Iran for first time in six years Russian president meets with his Iranian counterpart, asserts Tehran's right to atomic energy program.

09/14/13

* Israel marks solemn, silent Day of Atonement Israelis prepared for the holiest day of the Jewish calendar on Friday when the entire country grinds almost to a halt for Yom Kippur, Judaism's day of atonement.

* US and Russia agree Syria chemical weapons deal in Geneva Syria's chemical weapons must be destroyed or removed by mid-2014, under an agreement between the US and Russia.

* Security forces on high alert as Israelis mark Yom Kippur Expecting many thousands of Jewish worshipers to gather at the Western Wall in Jerusalem at the start of Yom Kippur Friday evening, police have preemptively undertaken numerous security measures.

* Poll: 73% of Israelis fast on Yom Kippur Survey conducted by BINA organization shows most Israelis abstain from eating on Day of Atonement.

* No, Syria's Assad is not 'the new Hitler' Every time the war party wants to attack another country its leader is always compared to the Nazi dictator.

* Middle Israel: The last war It started at 2 p.m. As if echoing the thunders that once paralyzed their forebears at Mount Sinai's foothills.

* Diplomacy: The Oslo reversal In the last 20 years, the Oslo Accords have turned from a dream into a nightmare.

* Barroso: Crisis inspired EU-wide debate European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said his State of the Union address laid out a pro-European narrative.

* Al-Qaeda chief calls for attacks inside US Al-Qaeda's leader on Friday marked the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks by calling on Muslims to strike inside the United States.

* Voyager probe 'leaves Solar System' The Voyager-1 spacecraft has become the first manmade object to leave the Solar System.

09/13/13

* Voyager probe 'leaves Solar System' The Voyager-1 spacecraft has become the first manmade object to leave the Solar System.

* Israel marks solemn, silent Day of Atonement Israelis prepared for the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

* Poll: 73% of Israelis fast on Yom Kippur Survey conducted by BINA organization shows most Israelis abstain from eating on Day of Atonement.

* Breaking from Syria talks, Kerry to visit Israel US Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Israel this weekend to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

* Al-Qaeda chief calls for attacks inside US Al-Qaeda's leader on Friday marked the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks by calling on Muslims to strike inside the United States.

* Middle Israel: The last war It started at 2 p.m. As if echoing the thunders that once paralyzed their forebears at Mount Sinai's foothills.

* Diplomacy: The Oslo reversal In the last 20 years, the Oslo Accords have turned from a dream into a nightmare for their main architect.

* Security forces on high alert as Israelis mark Yom Kippur Expecting many thousands of Jewish worshipers to gather at the Western Wall in Jerusalem at the start of Yom Kippur Friday evening, police have preemptively undertaken numerous security measures.

* Syria chemical weapons proposal is Putin's masterstroke White House spokesman Jay Carney on Wednesday asserted that Russian prestige was now "on the line" regarding Syria.

09/12/13

* PA campaigns against Jews at Temple Mount The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday stepped up its rhetorical attacks on Israel concerning the Temple Mount.

* Iran's nuclear strategy will be sailing full steam ahead, with Russia as facilitator The Islamic Republic observed how Syria, with Russia's assistance, has wiggled out from what was to be limited US strikes.

* Al-Qaeda Vows to Slaughter Christians After US 'Liberates' Syria While U.S. leaders continue pushing for war against the Syrian government, "Al-Qaeda-linked rebels", reports AP, "launched an assault".

* A Plea for Caution From Russia Recent events surrounding Syria have prompted me to speak directly to the American people.

* Assad: US military threat did not cause Syria's decision to cede chemical arms Syria's decision to cede control of its chemical weapons was the result of a Russian proposal, not the threat of US military intervention.

* Reviving an Ancient Tradition in Judaism's Holiest Place The Jewish festival of Sukkot will soon be getting underway, just a few days after Yom Kippur.

* US and Iran laying framework for first direct talks in over 30 years US President Barack Obama has exchanged letters with his new Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani in recent weeks.

* Pope Francis assures atheists: You don't have to believe in God to go to heaven In comments likely to enhance his progressive reputation, Pope Francis has written a long, open letter to the founder of La Repubblica newspaper.

* Fatah-aligned group calls for attacks on Israel The al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades called on followers to launch attacks against Israel.

* Unearthed treasure confirms Jewish history in Jerusalem Recent excavations near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem unearthed a literal treasure trove once again confirming an ancient Jewish presence in the city.

09/11/13

* Fatah Declares War over Temple Mount: 'Green Light' on Terror Fatah's armed branch, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade, has declared war.

* Russia to supply S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Iran Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the transfer of S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Iran.

* 9/11 anniversary being marked with somber tributes Sept. 11 victims' loved ones marked the 12th anniversary of the attacks Wednesday at ground zero.

* Iran's Rouhani: Time running out to resolve nuclear disagreements The international community is running out of time to resolve disagreements with Tehran over the advancement of its nuclear program.

* Hackers call for 9/11 cyberattacks against Israel, US International computer hacking groups called on Muslim hackers to attack US and Israeli websites.

* 'Digital Ground Army' will help IDF battalion commanders win next war Battalion commanders in the infantry are expected to play decisive roles in future wars.

* Fatah-aligned Aksa Martyrs Brigades call for terror attacks against Israel A leaflet distributed on Tuesday by the Fatah-affiliated Al- Aksa Martyrs Brigades called for launching "fedayeen [guerilla] operations" against Israel.

* Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood to Coptic Christians: Convert to Islam, or pay 'jizya' tax The Muslim Brotherhood and its supporters have began forcing the roughly 15,000 Christian Copts of Dalga village in Egypt to pay a jizya tax.

* Barroso's last 'State of the Union' hits sombre note European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso on Wednesday (11 September) gave a subdued assessment of the European Union.

* Explosion Shakes Benghazi on the Anniversary of 9/11 A car bomb exploded early Wednesday morning in Benghazi on the one year anniversary of the U.S. Consulate attack.

09/10/13

* Intl experts have strong proof images of chemical victims fabricated Footage and photos of the alleged chemical attack in Syria, which the US cites as the reason for a planned military intervention, had been fabricated in advance.

* Syria conflict: France to float tough UN resolution France will put a resolution to the UN Security Council to place Syria's chemical weapons under international control.

* Syrian prime minister agrees to Russian proposal on chemical weapons Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halki said on Tuesday his country supported a Russian proposal for Damascus to give up chemical weapons.

* Israel unconvinced by Russian plan for Syrian chemical arms Details of a deal to put Syria's chemical weapons under international control are highly murky.

* Obama wants UN to hear Russia's plan for Syrian chemical weapons The Associated Press is reporting that United States President Barack Obama has agreed to discuss with the UN a Russian proposal.

* Despite Regional Unrest, Israeli Tourism Resilient As tensions north of the Israeli border mount, the country's tourism industry is proving surprisingly resilient.

* Israel, The 11th Happiest Country in the World The State of Israel ranked 11th out of 156 countries in the second annual World Happiness Report.

* US General: Islamic Extremism Getting Stronger The "Middle East" is no longer just Israel and the countries surrounding it, said retired U.S. General John Abizaid.

* Iran won't cede 'one iota' on nuclear program, Rouhani says Iranian President Hasan Rouhani said Tuesday that his country "will not give up one iota" of its nuclear program.

* High Holy Day Jews find wide embrace in US You can search an interactive map to find synagogues that have last-minute seats at services.

09/09/13

* Report Says Syria Has 1,000 Tons of Chemical Weapons A report Monday said that Syria had plenty of chemical weapons, and is likely to use them if attacked by the U.S. or Western countries.

* Give up weapons, Russia urges Syria Russia has asked Syria to put its chemical weapons stockpiles under international control and then have them destroyed, in an attempt to avoid US military strikes.

* Assad Hints at Another 9/11 If Attacked By U.S. In an interview with CBS this morning, Syrian strongman Bashar Assad warned that the U.S. should "expect every action" and hinted at another 9/11-type attack on America.

* Some see biblical visions of doom in Syria trouble Some are pointing to Old Testament passages that predict the destruction of Damascus and a civil war in Egypt.

* Ancient Golden Treasure Found at Foot of Temple Mount "Ophel Treasure" apparently includes oldest Torah ornament ever found: medallion with Menorah, Torah and Shofar etchings

* Defense minister ridicules notion of democracy in Mideast In remarkable address, Moshe Ya'alon decries attempts to establish Palestinian state, says flatly that Assad used nerve gas, warns Syria not to cross Israel's red lines.

* What would an Iranian-Israeli nuclear exchange be like? Syrian state media releases list of potential targets for retaliatory strikes in the event of US intervention.

* Hackers publish 165,000 Israelis' information The attacks bear the marks of pro-Syrian hackers from Spain, Canada and Brazil - Hackers leave message deep inside website's code, threatening a massive cyber attack on September 11.

* UN nuclear chief says resolution over nuclear Iran is 'essential and urgent' IAEA's Amano committed to working constructively with Rouhani's gov't to "resolve outstanding issues by diplomatic means."

* Pope Francis Launches Anti-War Campaign As US President Obama campaigns for support for military intervention in Syria, Catholic leader rallies opposition.

09/07/13

* America's real Middle East priority: Iran While we've been distracted by a flurry of intelligence releases on Syria's chemical weapons strikes - and the ongoing saga over the United States' response - many have overlooked another intelligence report.

* Syria, Egypt turmoil nudges Israel and Palestinians toward peace Turmoil in Syria and Egypt is nudging Israelis and Palestinians toward peace.

* US officials: Iran plotting retaliation The US has intercepted an order from Iran to terrorists in Iraq to attack the US Embassy and other American interests in Baghdad.

* 'Syria, Iran, Hezbollah set up situation room' Iran, Syria and Hezbollah have set up a joint situation room in preparation for a potential US-led strike in Syria.

* Putin warns Russia could come to Syria's aid over US strike President Obama greeted his host Vladimir Putin with a handshake and a smile.

* Nasa's LADEE Moon probe lifts off The US space agency (Nasa) has launched its latest mission to the Moon.

* Egypt army attacks Sinai militants The Egyptian army has launched a major offensive against militants in Sinai.

* Pope Tweets Against Syria Strike, Writes Putin, Plans Saturday Vigil Pope Francis has written a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin urging world leaders to oppose a military intervention in Syria.

* US will ask EU to reconsider settlement ban US Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to ask the European Union on Saturday to reconsider a funding ban.

* Herod's mountain hideaway King Herod knew exactly where he wanted to spend eternity.

09/06/13

* Troubled waters: Naval forces line Syrian shores Mounting pressure for a Western strike on Syria has seen naval forces both friendly and hostile to Damascus build up off the embattled country's coastline.

* Netanyahu, in Rosh Hashanah clip, says Iran nuke ambitions 'must be stopped' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his annual holiday greeting to Israel and the Jewish world Wednesday.

* Obama: Most of G20 agrees Assad used chemical arms, but split over military action President Barack Obama said on Friday that most leaders of the G20 countries agree that Syrian President Bashar Assad is responsible for using poison gas against civilians.

* Iran's fury: Ready to unleash Hezbollah, kidnap Americans if U.S. strikes Syria They're weighing whether to order Hezbollah to launch rockets at Israel or target U.S. warships in the Mediterranean.

* Police storm Temple Mount after stones thrown For the second time in a week, police forces have broken into the Temple Mount complex in Jerusalem in wake of stone throwing by Muslim worshipers.

* Kerry portrait of Syria rebels at odds with intelligence reports US Secretary of State John Kerry's public assertions that moderate Syrian opposition groups are growing in influence appear to be at odds.

* Syria crisis: Russia and US no closer Russian President Vladimir Putin restated his opposition to any strike, saying it would destabilise the region.

* Morsi Backers Terrorize Christians in Egyptian Town While the United Nations worries about a local shooting in Florida, in Egypt, a group of Islamists who back their nation's ousted leader, fellow Islamist Mohammed Morsi, have taken over the town of Dalga.

* Egypt decides to dissolve Brotherhood NGO Egypt's army-backed government has decided to annul the Muslim Brotherhood's legal registration within days.

* IAEA is looking into Russian warning on Syria nuclear site The UN nuclear watchdog has received a request from Russia to assess the impact if a missile were to hit a small Syrian reactor.

09/05/13

* Netanyahu: Jewish people are strong because 'we are united' As the Jewish New Year approaches, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has released his annual Rosh Hashana greeting.

* Iran vows to support Syria 'to the end,' but rules out sending arms, troops to Damascus Iran will support Syria "to the end" in the face of a possible US-led military strike against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

* Syria crisis: Clash looms at St Petersburg G20 summit Deep divisions over the Syria crisis are set to be aired at the summit of the G20 group of nations in Russia.

* Russia Warns Of Nuclear Disaster If Syria Is Attacked A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman warned any military intervention in Syria would create a nuclear disaster.

* Areas of anxiety: 9 New Year challenges for the IDF In the run-up to Rosh Hashanah, Israel Radio was previewing an end-of-Jewish-year round-up program.

* Al Qaeda-Linked Rebels Attack Christian Village Syrian government troops battled al-Qaida-linked rebels over a regime-held Christian village in western Syria.

* US sure to 'suffer loss' if it acts in Syria, says Iran's Khamenei Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Thursday that the United States was sure to "suffer loss" if it took military action.

* Failed Hackers Issue New Threat An anonymous group of anti-Israel hackers has announced plans for a new cyber-assault.

* EU sides with Russia's Putin, urges against US 'military solution' in Syria Europe's top officials warned against a military response in Syria.

* Hezbollah preparing to defend Damascus, strike Israel if Syria situation worsens Hezbollah is preparing to defend Damascus from an invasion by the Syrian rebels.

09/04/13

* Mayor says Jerusalem can't be split Jerusalem's mayor said Tuesday that any partition of the city as part of a future peace agreement will not work.

* 15 arrested as Palestinians, police clash on Temple Mount Fifteen Palestinians were arrested Wednesday morning.

* Housing Minister: Temple Mount must be open to Jews at all times Jews must be able to pray on the Temple Mount whenever they want.

* El-Sissi's army goes to war in the Sinai Tuesday morning's bombing by Egyptian gunships of jihadi positions in the northeastern Sinai (town of Sheikh Zuweyid), which reportedly killed dozens, was only the latest.

* 5773 in Review: The most popular stories of the year IDF fires warning shot into Syria after shelling Long before the current furor over Syria.

* Group calls on 'all Muslim hackers' to attack Israel, US on anniversary of 9/11 An English-language video posted to YouTube on Monday calls on Muslim hackers.

* UN's Ban casts doubt on legality of US plans to punish Syria UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday that the use of force is only legal when it is in self-defense or with Security Council authorization.

* Hezbollah mobilizes for expected US attack on Syria The actors in the region are not sitting still in anticipation of a US-led attack against Syria.

* Pope Francis condemns chemical weapons use, calls for peace in Syria Pope Francis resolutely condemned the use of chemical weapons in a message to his nearly 3 million Twitter followers.

* Ya'alon: Israelis can relax over Rosh Hashana holiday, IDF not interfering in Syria Israelis can relax over the upcoming Rosh Hashana holiday because Israel is not planning to interfere in Syria.

09/03/13

* Israel shoots test missile over sea, raising alarms Russia raised a brief alarm in the Middle East Tuesday after apparently detecting a joint Israel and US missile launch test in the Mediterranean.

* 'You Can't be an Occupier in Your Own Home' Economy Minister Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi) reassured the public on Monday that in his opinion, the citizens of Israel will not come under any attack from Syria.

* Egyptian judges call for Muslim Brotherhood to be dissolved An Egyptian judicial panel has recommended the legal dissolution of Mohamed Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood.

* Hezbollah mobilises ahead of potential US Syria strike Lebanon's Shiite Hezbollah group, a close ally of the Syrian regime, is redeploying its forces ahead of possible US strikes on Damascus.

* Syria's Assad: 'The Middle East is a powder keg and the fire is approaching' Syrian President Bashar Assad scorned allegations that his forces were behind the chemical attack in Damascus.

* Putin to Send Delegation to Congress over Syria Crisis Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that a parliamentary delegation will be sent to the United States .

* USS Nimitz carrier moves into Red Sea The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and four other ships in its strike group moved into the Red Sea early on Monday.

* German elections to set EU agenda in coming months The German federal elections on 22 September are keenly awaited in Brussels.

* Syrian Kurdish leader on looming US attack and its consequences US and Western claims of a chemical weapons attack in the suburbs of Damascus on August 21st seem to many in the region to be suspicious.

* Israelis and Palestinians meet for fresh round of talks Israeli and Palestinian negotiators met Tuesday in the latest round of talks to hammer out a peace agreement.

09/02/13

* PM: No One Had Better Violate Our Rosh Hashana Peace Prime Minister Netanyahu urged Israelis to relax during the coming three day holiday, warning Israel's neighbors not to violate the calmness.

* US reroutes aircraft carrier for possible help with Syria USS Nimitz carrier group heading west towards Red Sea, possibly toward the Mediterranean in anticipation of strike.

* Hezbollah says it will hit Israel from within Syria Terror groups says it wants to avoid dragging Lebanon into clash that could be sparked by US strike against Damascus regime.

* Syria asks UN to stop US strike, 'prevent the absurd use of force' Syrian UN envoy says US should play its role as peace sponsor.

* Gloating Syria Hails 'Historic Retreat' by US Syrian officials say Obama showed 'hesitation' and is looking for a way to "get down from the tree he climbed."

* Syrian Media Releases List of Potential Targets in Israel Syrian state media releases list of potential targets for retaliatory strikes in the event of US intervention.

* 'We Can Only Rely on God and Our Troops' Former IDF Major General Uzi Dayan sees American uncertainty as a sign that Israel cannot rely on foreign powers to secure its future.

* Israel's population hits 8-million mark on Jewish New Year Since last year, the population has grown by 142,000 or by 1.8%.

* In US Congress, no party-line vote on force against Syria The White House will likely gain a majority of House Democrats with the help of minority leader Nancy Pelosi. House Republicans will likely try to amend the resolution to tailor its reach.

* Bennett: Stop the 'Peace Cult' Bayit Yehudi head says if we'd handed over Golan, Al Qaeda would be dipping its feet in the Sea of Galilee.