10/31/13

* Syrian air base destroyed in missile attack from sea A Syrian air defense base near the port city of Latakia was completely destroyed on Thursday morning in a missile attack from the sea.

* Syria chemical weapons equipment destroyed, says OPCW Syria's declared equipment for producing, mixing and filling chemical weapons has been destroyed, the international watchdog says.

* Hezbollah Preparing for 'Battle for Damascus' Hezbollah is enlisting 15,000 fighters for what it is calling the "battle for Damascus."

* Putin tops Forbes most powerful people list Russian President Vladimir Putin has been named the world's most powerful person by Forbes magazine.

* Moscow Conducts Large-Scale Nuclear Attack Drill Russian strategic forces carried out a large-scale surprise military drill on Wednesday, launching four nuclear missiles.

* 'Palestinian State' Would Leave Israel 'Indefensible' As negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority continue amid international calls for a 23rd Arab state in the Judea and Samaria (West Bank) region - which would leave Israel with the territory it held prior to the 1967 Six-Day War - familiar calls from within Israel are being heard.

* Syrian Regime Using North Korean Pilots The Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad has recruited at least 15 North Korean pilots to man its attack helicopters.

* Egypt: Police Storm University to Confront Protesters Egyptian police entered the Al-Azhar University in Cairo on Wednesday to confront Islamist protesters.

* Assad: Western Backing of Rebels Must Stop Foreign support for Syrian rebels must stop for peace to take place in the war-battered country.

* Earth-sized 'lava world' discovered A doomed "lava world" with a similar mass and density to that of Earth has been discovered orbiting a star 400 light-years away.

10/30/13

* Renminbi rising: China's 'de-Americanized world' taking shape? China's leadership will soon usher in bold reforms to support a domestic consumption-driven economic model.

* Christian Support for 'Palestinian Cause' Ascendant An interview with an American Christian commentator published by Israeli media this week reveals just how far the Evangelical Church has moved into the "Palestinian camp".

* Germany's Merkel sends intelligence delegation to US A German delegation of intelligence officials is in Washington for talks at the White House.

* Most Israelis reject Jordan Valley withdrawal by IDF Sixty-three percent of Israelis oppose Israel withdrawing from the Jordan Valley.

* Thousands in Ramallah celebrate arrival of Palestinian prisoners Thousands of Palestinians gathered in Ramallah in the early hours of Wednesday morning to greet 21 prisoners released from Israeli custody.

* IDF in midst of network revolution The IDF is in midst of a technological revolution that will convert it into a network-centered military.

* Priceless Naples treasure of San Gennaro goes on show One of the world's most valuable collections of jewels, dedicated to the patron saint of Naples, has gone on show in an unprecedented exhibition.

* Going nuclear: Russia to construct first $10bn facility in energy-hungry Jordan Russia's State Nuclear Energy Corporation Rosatom has won a contract to build and operate Jordan's first nuclear power plant.

* Israel to UNHRC: "Israel's Unfair Treatment Must Come to an End" Israel defended itself against constant discrimination by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva .

* 'The Jewish Cardinal' opens 17th UK film festival After the German invasion of France in May 1940, countless Jewish children were hidden in safe houses.

10/29/13

* 'Iran two weeks away from weapons-grade uranium' Iran could produce enough weapons-grade uranium to build an atomic weapon within two weeks.

* Peres: Israel Has Secret Weapons Israel's air force is globally recognized as one of the best.

* Hamas' plan for next war: Frequent attacks on Tel Aviv area The Shalit prisoner exchange deal and last year's war against Israel led to a spike in the popularity of Hamas.

* Chinese Trojan Horse targeted defense corporations A Chinese Trojan horse email campaign targeting some 140 senior Israeli defense corporation employees was thwarted recently.

* 'Syria had 1,230 missiles ready to be loaded with chemical weapons' UN inspectors revealed on Monday that the Bashar Assad regime admitted to possessing 1,230 missiles ready to be loaded with chemical weapons.

* Turkey to open first sea tunnel to ever link two continents Turkey will on Tuesday unveil the world's first sea tunnel connecting two continents.

* Study: neuroscientists develop equation for predicting future disasters A team of neuroscientists has published a paper claiming it has developed a mathematical calculation that could potentially predict the tipping point of any massive event.

* 'Puppy Bombs' Rescued from Egyptian Violence Two puppies from Egypt were rescued just moments before they were to be used by the Muslim Brotherhood in their protests as "puppy bombs" dipped in gasoline and set on fire.

* Military graveyard defaced with anti-prisoner release messages Signs purporting to be from the Israeli government were placed on dozens of military graves at the Mount Hertzl cemetery.

* US to 'review' spying activities amid European outrage US President Barack Obama is calling for a review of his intelligence services.

10/28/13

* Will Jewish incursions at Temple Mount provoke a new intifada? Temple Mount in Old Jerusalem, a place of profound significance for Christians, Jews and Muslims alike, is undoubtedly the most explosive piece of religious real estate in the world.

* Iranian officials remove anti-American posters in Tehran Posters questioning US honesty in nuclear talks put up illegally, says Tehran city official.

* Report: Putin seeking to resume Russia-Egypt military ties amid US vacuum Following weakening of Egypt-US ties, Sunday Times reports Moscow may be eying Egypt's Mediterranean ports for naval use.

* Car bombs kill scores in Baghdad, in sign of crisis in Iraq Nearly two years after the U.S. troop withdrawal, Iraq is in the midst of a deepening security crisis as an al-Qaeda affiliate wages a relentless campaign of attacks, sending the death toll soaring to its highest level since 2008.

* IAF strikes underground rocket launchers in Gaza following rocket attacks on Israel Israel strikes in response to 2 rockets fired from Gaza Strip.

* Syria Kurdish fighters seize border post from Islamists Kurdish fighters in north-east Syria have taken control of a border crossing with Iraq from Islamist rebel groups.

* Discrimination Against Jews Continues at the Temple Mount Israeli Police continue to prevent Jews from visiting Judaism's holiest site. Witness: we were humiliated because we were Jews.

* Iran metes out 80 lashes to Christians for communion wine drinking Christian group urges Iran to reconsider punishment, not infringe on civil rights.

* Netanyahu: Israel doesn't fear solitude on Iran, but we're not alone PM says many in int'l community share Israel's views on Iran; Iranian deputy FM travels to Vienna to meet IAEA chief Amano.

* 'Breakout time': Report details how Iran could achieve undetectable nuclear capability A leading U.S. think tank has assessed that Iran was ready to assemble its first nuclear weapon.

10/26/13

* Israel issues warning on report on Iran bomb A new report that says Iran may need as little as a month to produce enough uranium for a nuclear bomb.

* ISIS estimates Iran could build a nuclear bomb within a month Iran could produce enough weapons-grade uranium to build a nuclear bomb within a month.

* Adelson: US should drop atomic bomb on Iran Sheldon Adelson, noted businessman and owner of the newspaper Israel Hayom, suggested that the US should use nuclear weapons on Iran.

* The elites' guide to 'rogue states' It's definitely not good news nowadays for any country to be classified a 'Rogue State' by the US-led hegemonic Western Powers.

* Sisi to Egyptian Islamists: Surrender or die A suicide bombing this week at Egyptian military intelligence headquarters in the city of Ismailia has been claimed by Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, a Salafi jihadi group.

* Top German spy chiefs to go to Washington for talks Germany is to send its top intelligence chiefs to Washington to "push forward" an investigation into allegations the US spied on its leader Angela Merkel.

* Putin: Radical Islamist groups used to stir up 'foreign-managed conflicts' The Russian President has said the country's Muslim leaders together with state authorities must counter the modern tendency of bringing politics into religion and making it radical.

* Thousands Make Their Way to Hevron Many thousands of Jews from Israel and around the world have been making their way to the city of Hevron since Friday morning.

* Hizbullah's war experience in Syria seen increasing its military threat to Israel Israel's military has detected a redeployment of the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah amid heightened fears of war.

* Ancient Ritual Bath near Temple Mount to be Back in Use MK Aliza Lavie (Yesh Atid), announced to the Knesset today (Thursday) that during a discussion of the ritual baths in Israel, it was decided that an ancient mikve near the Temple Mount would be restored.

10/25/13

* Iran could build nuclear bomb within one month As of today, Iran could produce sufficient quantity of uranium for a nuclear bomb.

* Livni: Israel, Saudis speaking same language on Iran Saudi Arabia and Israel are united in their opposition to Iran.

* Turkey joins Saudis in showing displeasure over US policy on Syria There is an international failure in dealing with the Syrian crisis.

* New Program Encourages Jews to Visit Temple Mount A new initiative going under the name Jewish Freedom on the Temple Mount" is encouraging Jews to visit Judaism's holiest site in far greater numbers.

* Elite Hezbollah fighters are spearheading battle in Syria, IDF commander warns Elite Hezbollah fighters are leading the Syrian government's battle against rebels in the country's most violent regions.

* On the border with Syria, the land of war Beyond the IDF's Bustar outpost on the Golan Heights lies a land of war.

* EU says distrust of US on spying may harm terror fight EU leaders meeting in Brussels said distrust of the US over spying could harm the fight against terrorism.

* Iran Announces 34 New Nuke Sites Iran plans to build many new nuclear plants with atomic reactors along its coastlines.

* Ashton Meets Abbas, Urges Reconciliation with Hamas European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Thursday called for the end of divisions between the Palestinian Authority-based Fatah and Hamas factions.

* The EU-Ukraine tango on gay rights From 27 to 29 November, Vilnius will host the summit of the Eastern partnership, where Ukraine plans to sign an association agreement with the European Union.

10/24/13

* Israel Wary of American Promises on Iran Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walked away from Wednesday's meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Rome seemingly still unconvinced that Washington knows what it's doing.

* Sanctions have Iran in biggest crisis since Iraq war, ex-Mossad head says The Iranian regime, faced with economic hardship and growing internal ethnic divisions, has entered one of its most difficult periods since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

* White House working to stop Congress from siding with Netanyahu on Iran The Obama administration is reportedly worried that Netanyahu's warnings on Iran will be translated into action by the legislative branch.

* US could accept Israeli strike on Iran soon, says former IDF intel chief In a probing interview with the New Republic published on Wednesday, former IDF intelligence chief Amos Yadlin made his assessment clear: the coming year would be the year of decision for Israel on Iran.

* Ya'alon: Civil war between Hezbollah and Global Jihad has erupted in Lebanon Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said Thursday that a "civil war" has erupted in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Global Jihad elements.

* Spying row: Merkel urges US to restore trust at EU summit On arrival at an EU summit in Brussels Mrs Merkel said "we need trust between allies and partners, and such trust needs to be restored".

* Prince Charles, Born to Be King but Aiming Higher On Sept. 12, at one of Scotland's loveliest stately homes, the Prince of Wales and his 22 guests, more than a few of them stonkingly wealthy, have just finished dinner.

* Police Tighten Restrictions on Jews at Temple Mount Police have tightened restrictions on Jewish access to the Temple Mount in recent days.

* Ancient Ritual Bath near Temple Mount to be Back in Use Ministry of Religious Affairs Chairman, Elhanan Glatt, revealed during the meeting that clear instructions had been given to the female bath attendants.

* Erdan: Israel not prepared for earthquakes A scenario formulated by an inter-ministerial committee regarding an earthquake in Israel estimated that 28,600 buildings will be destroyed or suffer heavy damage.

10/23/13

* Israeli Minister: Our Capital Cannot Be Divided Israel's cabinet has thrown its weight behind a bill requiring a large Knesset majority to approve a new division of Jerusalem.

* Israeli Arab MK Backs Call for War on Jews Outspoken and divisive Israeli Arab Knesset Member Ibrahaim Sarsur on Tuesday publicly backed a recent speech by Gaza-based Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.

* Al-Qaeda Trying to Get Qaddafi's Arsenal Al-Qaeda terrorists are trying to get their hands on a weapons arsenal that was left behind by former Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi.

* IAF jets destroy weapons shipment from Syria to Hezbollah Israeli warplanes on Tuesday destroyed a shipment of missiles that were to be delivered to Hezbollah.

* On eve of Kerry meeting, PM reaches out to Hebron Jews On the eve of talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a letter of support.

* Abbas says he's ready to meet with Netanyahu Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas declared he's prepared to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for direct peace talks.

* Saudi Arabia severs diplomatic ties with US over response to conflict in Syria Upset at President Barack Obama's policies on Iran and Syria, members of Saudi Arabia's ruling family are threatening a rift with the United States.

* Defense Min. Vows to Prevent Hezbollah from Obtaining Heavy Arms Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon has reiterated Israel's determination to prevent the transfer of advanced weaponry to terrorists during the Syrian civil war.

* ADL Names Top 10 Anti-Israel Groups in the U.S. The anti-Zionist Neturei Karta hareidi sect was named on Monday one of the top 10 most influential and active anti-Israel groups in the United States.

* EU to relaunch membership talks with Turkey The stalled EU membership talks with Turkey are set for relaunch.

10/22/13

* Peres Tours Air Force Base: 'Enemies Should Think Twice' "Israel's air force is the best in the world," President Shimon Peres told soldiers on a tour of the Palmahim air force base on Tuesday.

* Iran gives Russia copy of US ScanEagle drone as proof of mass production Iran has given Russia a copy of a US spy drone as proof that its elite forces have reverse-engineered and mass produced the American unmanned aerial vehicle.

* Saudi spy chief says Riyadh to 'shift away from US' over Syria, Iran Saudi Arabia's intelligence chief has said the kingdom will make a "major shift" in relations with the United States in protest at its perceived inaction over the Syria war.

* Fifth earthquake shakes northern Israel in one week A 3.3-magnitude earthquake rattled the Sea of Galilee region in northern Israel on Tuesday morning.

* Israeli Minister: Our Capital Cannot Be Divided Israel's cabinet has thrown its weight behind a bill requiring a large Knesset majority to approve a new division of Jerusalem, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is opposed to the motion.

* Ashton calls for military-grade drones in EU airspace A security strategy paper by EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton says EU countries should use military-grade drones for border surveillance.

* EU leaders should change tone when talking to rest of the world Had the European Union instead of the United States fallen into partial government shutdown, the world would not have hesitated to use this as an opportunity to berate Europe.

* US National Security Agency 'spied on French diplomats' NSA internal memos obtained by Le Monde detailed the use of a sophisticated surveillance program, known as Genie.

* Exoplanet tally soars above 1,000 The number of observed exoplanets - worlds circling distant stars - has passed 1,000.

* Low turn-out in Israeli mayoral, council elections Israel recorded low voter turn-out Tuesday in local elections for mayors and city councils across 191 municipalities around the country. 

10/21/13

* Signs of rift between Israel and US over Iran American officials hint at possible easing of sanctions as Netanyahu urges more pressure.

* 'If I divide thee O Jerusalem, I'll need 80 MKs' The Ministerial Committee for Legislation approves bill stating that the government cannot conduct negotiations with a foreign entity about the division of Jerusalem or its partial relinquishment without receiving approval of 80 Knesset members.

* Abbas Talks Peace While Hamas Calls for War Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas insists that current US-driven peace talks with Israel have not reached an impasse, as claimed by many media outlets, while at the same time the Hamas terror organization with which Abbas seeks reconciliation is calling for war against the Jews.

* IDF calls Gazans, slams Hamas Pre-recorded message in Arabic tells residents terror group spending money on tunnels instead of providing for people.

* Netanyahu: Iran, not Assad, is in power in Syria US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew says talk of lifting Western economic sanctions against Iran is "premature."

* 'Major Israeli earthquake could cause thousands of deaths' Tiberias' leading engineer says National Outline Plan for fortifying buildings is not financially realistic.

* New Jersey has its first gay weddings Gay couples in New Jersey have been exchanging vows on the day the US state became the 14th in the nation to recognise same-sex marriages.

* Let's play God: The scientific experiments that might save the world (or destroy it...) Fake volcanoes, giant space mirrors, oceans of iron filings ... One of these ideas might save our planet from the worst effects of global warming - or destroy it. Memphis Barker reports on the rise of geoengineering - and the rift it has opened in the scientific community.

* Egypt's army chief rides wave of popularity towards presidency Growing numbers of Egyptians applaud General Abdel Fatah el-Sisi's hardline approach to Muslim Brotherhood.

* Hareidi Mayoral Candidate Promises to Keep Jews Off Temple Mount Hareidi J'lem mayoral candidate Haim Epstein appeals to Arabs by promising to prevent Jews from praying on Judaism's holiest site.

10/19/13

* Egypt 'looking to Russia' for arms after US aid freeze Egypt is looking to Russia to supply it with arms now that the US has frozen much of its military aid.

* Source reveals details of Iranian offer at nuclear talks Iran has reportedly proposed a new offer on its nuclear program.

* Record cruelty: Syrian rebels target fetuses A car bomb explosion on Saturday ushered 16 Syrian soldiers into the ranks of the more than 120,000 killed in civil war.

* Iran FM: Israel seeks to undermine nuclear talks Iran's foreign minister on Friday accused Israel of trying to undermine what he described as progress in Tehran's nuclear talks.

* Hamas PM calls for intifada, praises terror attacks Gaza Strip's Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh gave a speech marking two years to the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal.

* Tunnel discovery serves as a reminder of Gaza's terror industry This week's revelation of a massive Hamas attack tunnel stretching from southern Gaza to Israel's Eshkol region is a reminder that the terrorism industry in Gaza is pushing ahead.

* Gaza Islamists Show Off Weapons An Islamist terror group has held a march in Gaza and uploaded a propaganda video that documents the parade and includes interviews with commanders.

* Turkey's Act of Betrayal Shocks Israel While Israel and some of its Arab neighbors are growing closer, relations between the Jewish state and its traditional Turkish allies appear to have grown increasingly hostile.

* U.S. debt jumps a record $328 billion - tops $17 trillion for first time U.S. debt jumped a record $328 billion on Thursday.

* Merkel Urges Israeli 'Restraint' in Judea and Samaria German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Israel Friday to show "restraint" in the building of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.

10/18/13

* Why Israel Can't Trust UN for Protection The Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCPA) has produced and published a historical/topographic video.

* Thousands of Morsi supporters march across Egypt Thousands of supporters of Egypt's deposed President Mohamed Morsi protested in Cairo.

* Pentagon to sell bunker busters, cruise missiles to Gulf monarchies in $11bn deal The Pentagon plans to sell $10.8 billion worth of advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

* Syrian Observatory: Syrian conflict death toll rises to 115,000 A report released by the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights at the beginning of October tallied the overall death toll.

* Saudis turn to Russia to launch its satellites Saudi Arabia has contracted Russia to launch satellites of the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom.

* Protect Christians and Jews, says major Catholic-Jewish conference A major conference between the Catholic Church and leading Jewish representatives in Madrid called Thursday for both communities to support efforts at ending anti-Christian persecution.

* Israel mulls destroying missiles transferred from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon Israel has information on the location of long-range missiles transferred from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

* Merkel urges Netanyahu to restrain settlement construction German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to slow down settlement construction.

* Saudi Arabia turns down UN Security Council seat The Saudi foreign ministry said the UN needs to be reformed first.

* As U.S. averts default, Japan and China brace for next dollar drama Deal or no deal, the U.S. Congress' dance with default impressed policymakers and investors in China and Japan.

10/17/13

* US says nuclear talks more substantive than ever; Israel mum High-stakes nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers adjourned on an upbeat note.

* Campaign Tells Jews: Visit the Temple Mount! A new campaign is calling on Jews to visit the Temple Mount.

* Turkey's unprecedented act of betrayal against Israel In April 2012, Iran announced that it had uncovered a spy ring numbering 15 operatives working at the behest of Israel.

* Erdogan's Turkey: Less nationalism, more Islam Two dramatic announcements by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent shivers down the spines of many of the country's secularists in September.

* Amid talks on Iran's nuclear program, major IAF exercise enters second week A major IAF exercise continued this week in Israeli skies.

* Netanyahu: Border must remain in Jordan Valley - like Rabin said The government must stand up for its principles and ensure a strong IDF, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said.

* PM headed to Rome for meetings with pope, John Kerry Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet Pope Francis and US Secretary of State John Kerry in Italy next week.

* Commission backs Albania-EU membership talks The European Commission has said Albania should be given the green light to open EU membership talks.

* Experts Warn of Al Qaeda Biological Weapons Threat British experts are warning of another, potentially more lethal threat.

* US avoids default as Congress passes deal to end shutdown US President Barack Obama has signed legislation passed by Congress Wednesday to temporarily lift the debt ceiling and end the government shutdown.

10/16/13

* Economic disaster looms at stroke of midnight With economic disaster looming at the stroke of midnight Thursday morning, America was left standing on the precipice.

* ISRAEL WARNS IRAN TALKS MUST NOT BE 'ANOTHER MUNICH' Israel kept up its alarmist rhetoric on talks between world powers and Iran Wednesday.

* China's Mideast clout growing amid Turkey missile deal China's likely sale of sophisticated missiles to Turkey over the objections of its NATO allies might have angered Washington and other capitals.

* Bush to Jewish leaders: I don't trust Iran to change intentions toward Israel President George W. Bush told a Jewish gathering that he did not trust the Iranian regime to change its intentions toward Israel.

* Egyptian FM: Cairo-Washington relations in turmoil Relations between the United States and Egypt are now in turmoil and the entire Middle East could suffer.

* Netanyahu: Rabin pursued peace, but did not close his eyes to dangers facing Israel Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of the murder of former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin that Israel today is obligated to carry on Rabin's mission.

* Steinitz: Incitement against Israel is part of general Palestinian culture Palestinian incitement is ruining the chances of ending the conflict.

* Livni and Erekat Weighing Land Transfer Proposal A state official has told Israel's Maariv newspaper of a land transfer proposal being discussed in talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

* Fearful of anti-Semitism, 22% of European Jews hide identity Almost a quarter of respondents in a major survey of Jews from nine European countries said they avoid visiting places and wearing symbols that identify them as Jews.

* Netanyahu: I need a partner to make peace Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday with good wishes for Id al-Adha.

10/15/13

* CBS: In Israel, largest number of Muslims reside in J'lem One of five Muslims in Israel resides in Jerusalem, data published Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics for Eid al-Adha determined.

* Eid Al-Adha 2013: Muslims Observe The Feast Of Sacrifice Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is observed on Oct. 15, 2013, in the United States.

* On the eve of Iran talks, Mideast allies bewildered by US policy While Obama reaches out to Tehran, he turns on Egypt, which has been fighting Islamist terror.

* Netanyahu makes a case for a preemptive strike Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered a thinly veiled defense of a possible Israeli preemptive strike on Iran.

* Muslim Cleric: Israel Trying to Destroy Al-Aqsa A senior Muslim cleric denounced on Monday the incident in which Jews prayed and sang Israel's national anthem "Hatikva" on the Temple Mount.

* Israeli Minister: We'll Have to Uproot Thousands of Jews During a speech in Washington last week, Israeli Finance Minister Yair Lapid said Israel must come to terms with the fact that it will have to uproot thousands of Jews from their homes.

* Israel urges world powers to stand firm on Iran as Geneva talks start Six world powers and Iran started their first negotiations in six months on Tuesday.

* Plan B: Central banks getting ready for financial Armageddon If the US debt-ceiling debate goes past the eleventh hour, and the default of the world's largest economy becomes a reality, leading central banks around the world are gearing up to minimize losses and keep the world economy functioning.

* Nato war games come at tricky time in EU-Russia relations Nato is to hold large-scale war games on Russia's border a couple of weeks before the EU.

* Knesset invites thousands of MPs from around the world to Jerusalem Thousands of MPs from around the world - even Iran - could descend on Jerusalem.

10/14/13

* PM: No accord without Palestinians recognizing Jewish Israel At opening of Knesset's winter session, Netanyahu vows again to thwart Iran if necessary, says Palestinians must abandon demand for 'right of return'.

* Iran, world powers set to resume nuclear talks in Geneva U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says window for diplomacy with Iran is "cracking open" ~ Kerry: In any engagement with Iran, we are mindful of Israel's security needs.

* World should 'de-Americanise', says China following default fears US default fears prompts China's state-run media call for the world to "de-Americanise" as Christine Lagarde warns of "massive disruption the world over".

* Netanyahu: Easing off sanctions against Iran now would be a 'historic mistake' During Knesset speech, PM says the Iranian economy is on the verge of collapse as a result of sanctions; stresses Palestinians recognition of Israel's right to exist as Jewish state is imperative to peace process.

* Mufti of Jerusalem calls for preachers throughout the world to speak about Al-Aksa Mosque Popular Arab daily runs article stating recently deceased Rabbi Ovadia Yosef is going to hell.

* 13 detained on Temple Mount for Jewish prayer, singing Hatikva Three of the men laid on the ground in protest of restrictions.

* Morsi defiant after Egypt's crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood Deposed leader's family says he won't negotiate with authorities; he is due to face trial on Nov. 4 on charges of inciting violence.

* 'Diamond rain' falls on Saturn and Jupiter Diamonds big enough to be worn by Hollywood film stars could be raining down on Saturn and Jupiter, US scientists have calculated.

* Radiation experts confirm polonium on Arafat clothing Swiss radiation experts have confirmed they found traces of polonium on clothing used by Yasser Arafat which "support the possibility" the veteran Palestinian leader was poisoned.

* Muslim pilgrims throng Mount Arafat for hajj climax Hundreds of thousands descend on holy site in Saudi Arabia to listen to top cleric's annual sermon.

10/12/13

* The dedication of the Third Temple The upcoming month of Mar Heshvan is the only month of the Hebrew calendar that does not feature even a minor observance.

* Al-Qaeda leader urges rival Syria groups to unite The leader of al-Qaeda has urged jihadis in Syria to unite.

* Amid his warnings on Iran nuclear program, Netanyahu says he's less isolated than Churchill, Herzl Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu continues to warn the world on the dangers of a nuclear Iran.

* PM tells Europe: If Iran sanctions are eased, they will collapse If the international community lifts sanctions on Iran without ensuring the guaranteed end to uranium enrichment, Europe and the rest of the world will face hundreds of nuclear weapons.

* Hamas calls for meeting with Fatah to counter Israel's 'schemes' on Jerusalem Hamas on Wednesday called on for an "urgent national meeting" with the Palestinian Authority and Fatah.

* Cyclone Phailin: Mass evacuations in eastern India As many as 500,000 people in India have been evacuated as a massive cyclone sweeps through the Bay of Bengal towards the east coast.

* Mediterranean 'a cemetery' - Maltese PM Muscat Malta's prime minister has said European waters close to Africa are turning into a cemetery, after another boat laden with migrants capsized.

* Nazareth's dwindling Christian populace torn between moving out, fighting back "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" wondered Nathaneal, a disciple of Jesus, in the Gospel of John.

* Enlargement in the spotlight this WEEK The European Commission will this week unveil its annual report on the state of further enlargement of the EU.

* 'Hamas Is a Punishment For the Palestinians' The Hamas regime in Gaza has found itself cornered between Israel and a now-unfriendly Egypt.

10/11/13

* Israeli officials say Egypt peace treaty is paramount amid US decision to cut Cairo aid Israeli officials said on Thursday that for Jerusalem, preserving Israel's peace treaty with Egypt is paramount.

* Syrian Rebels Massacred Civilians, Says Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported Friday that groups of Syrian rebel forces executed at least 190 civilians.

* Yesha Head: 'Peace Talks Only Bring Terror' Israeli politicians have condemned the recent murder of YaYa (Shraya) Opher by Palestinian Authority Arabs in the Jordan Valley community of Brosh.

* 'Extremely alarming': Iraq executes 42 people in two days Iraq executed 42 people, including a woman, for mass killings and other "terrorism" offenses over the past week.

* Despite Rouhani's diplomacy, chants of 'Death to America' continue in Iran While Iranian President Hassan Rouhani tries to ease friction with the United States, chants of "death to America" on Friday may deepen doubts.

* In shadow of Iran tensions, IAF completes long-range mission drill Amid tensions with Iran, IAF squadrons carried out exercises this week to practice long-range missions.

* Egypt's message to Obama - Keep your aid A US decision to curtail military and economic aid to Egypt to promote democracy may ultimately backfire.

* Evangelicals and Israel: What US Jews don't want to know (but need to) What do evangelicals really think about the Jewish people?

* Canada: Mosque Mural 'Encourages Jihad' The municipality of Toronto is looking into complaints regarding a wall mural on the Al Tawakul mosque.

* Abbas considers appeal to UN over 'Temple Mount violations' Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is considering an appeal to the United Nations Security Council.

10/10/13

* Hamas calls for meeting with Fatah to counter Israel's 'schemes' on Jerusalem Hamas on Wednesday called on for an "urgent national meeting" with the Palestinian Authority and Fatah.

* Iranian dissidents say Tehran moving nuclear research site An exiled Iranian opposition group said on Thursday it had information about what it said was a center for nuclear weaponization research in Tehran.

* PM tells Europe: If Iran sanctions are eased, they will collapse If the international community lifts sanctions on Iran without ensuring the guaranteed end to uranium enrichment, Europe will face hundreds of nuclear weapons in the hands of a "murderous" regime.

* Obama Retreats To Secret Bunker As "Big Event" Draws Near President Barack Obama this past week cancelled his trip to Asia and has retreated with many of his top aides to the mysterious and newly built White House bunker.

* Israel: US Aid Cuts to Egypt Endanger Peace Treaty A report Thursday said that Israeli officials were concerned over the decision by the U.S. to cut military aid to Egypt.

* Erekat: Israel's publication of Jerusalem building tenders threatens peace process Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat slammed on Thursday Israel's decision to publish tenders.

* Majority of Israelis believe US projecting weakness on Syria, Iran Two thirds of Jewish Israelis believe that US president Barack Obama will fail to keep his promise to prevent Iran's development of nuclear weapons.

* US freezing hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Egypt The US has decided to alter its military aid to Egypt, the State Department said.

* Arab MK: Patriarchs were Muslim, not Jewish The Biblical patriarchs of the Jewish nation actually practiced Islam, MK Ibrahim Sarsour (Ra'am Ta'al) has claimed in a new statement.

* 'Arab Spring' to Cost $800 Billion The Arab Spring will cost Arab countries roughly $800 million.

10/09/13

* Can Iran's New Offer Be Trusted? Israel Doesn't Think So Media reports on Wednesday suggested that Iran was preparing to make a significant offer.

* Hamas leader: Muslim struggle needed to 'free Jerusalem' HHamas Political Bureau Chief Khaled Mashaal called for Arabs and Muslims worldwide to come up with a strategy.

* IDF strikes Syrian target in response to shelling The IDF fired a Tammuz missile Wednesday at a Syrian target across the northern border.

* US, Iran make major progress toward nuke deal, Israel TV claims Iran and the United States have secretly made significant progress toward an agreement.

* Knesset Speaker: Temple Mount Solution 'by Next Year' Knesset Speaker MK Yuli Edelstein stated Wednesday that the present state of affairs, in which MKs are prevented from visiting the Temple Mount, is a "very grave" matter.

* PLO official: Palestinians 'seriously considering' to declare failure of peace talks The Palestinians are seriously considering declaring the failure of the peace talks with Israel.

* US 'to suspend Egypt military aid' over crackdown The US government will suspend part of the $1.3bn in aid it gives to Egypt's military.

* Syria crisis: Chemical weapons watchdog OPCW urges truce The global chemical weapons watchdog has called for a ceasefire in Syria to enable it to destroy the stockpiles.

* MI5 Chief Warns British Public of Terror Threat Andrew Parker says there are thousands of Islamic extremists living in the UK who see the British public as a valid target for attack.

* Pope Francis: I'll come to Israel Pope Francis told Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein (Likud) he would visit Israel. 

10/08/13

* Attacks surge in Egypt, a day after deadly clashes A string of attacks killed nine members of Egypt's security and military forces and hit the country's main satellite communications station.

* Turkey's Erdogan says Syria's Assad is a terrorist, not a politician Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip says that he no longer considers Syrian President Bashar Assad a political leader.

* Get your fiscal house in order: China warns US as Asia expresses concern for $1.3tn of investments China, the biggest foreign creditor of the United States, has waded into the American budget crisis.

* Gantz: Future war could begin with missile on IDF General Staff headquarters A future war can begin with an attack by enemy missiles on IDF General Staff headquarters in Tel Aviv.

* Eye for an eye? Libyan militants seek vengeance for Al-Qaeda leader's capture Libyan jihadists have called for retaliation after the rendition of an Al-Qaeda leader in Tripoli.

* Gulf states to introduce medical testing on travellers to 'detect' gay people and stop them from entering the country A medical test being developed by Kuwait will be used to 'detect' homosexuals and prevent them from entering the country.

* Netanyahu: Mufti Demanded Nazis 'Wipe Out' 4,000 Children Prime Minister Binymain Netanyahu delivered a speech Sunday evening at Bar Ilan University's Begin-Sadat Center, in which he discussed the key security-diplomatic issues.

* Israeli Arabs join Syrian civil war Israeli security experts are growing concerned by the recent documented participation by Israeli Arabs in Syria's bloody civil war.

* 'British extremists use Syria as training ground before returning home' British Home Secretary Theresa May has warned that extremists "of a Jihadi mindset" are using the Syrian civil war.

* Egypt's Al-Sissi: Morsi's Ousting Prevented a Civil War Egypt's armed forces intervened to overthrow former President Mohammed Morsi to avoid a "civil war."

10/07/13

* Netanyahu blames Mideast conflict on refusal to recognize Jewish state In address at Bar-Ilan University, PM says lasting peace only possible if Palestinian leadership acknowledges Jewish sovereignty

* Pentagon Warns To Expect 'Radical' Change In US Government Soon A highly troubling 'urgent bulletin' issued earlier today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) states that it has received information from the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) warning to expect a 'radical change' in the government of the United States, possibly within the next fortnight, based on information they have received from 'highly placed' sources within the Pentagon.

* China tells US to avoid debt crisis for sake of global economy A senior Chinese official has warned that the "clock is ticking" to avoid a US default that could hurt China's interests and the global economy.

* Fatah praises terrorist shooter of 9 year-old After a nine-year-old girl was shot in the Israeli town of Psagot in the West Bank yesterday, the administrator of an official Fatah Facebook page praised the terrorist shooter. 

* Nuclear weapons, an Islamic Revolution The ayatollah regime, focused on maintaining and spreading Islamic rule, cannot give up its nuclear program which has become the cornerstone of its policies. Without nuclear capabilities, Iran loses international influence.

* As Putin's global popularity soars, Georgia's outgoing president warns of a new 'Soviet Union' Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has been notorious for his criticism of Vladimir Putin's Russia. 

* Officials: Target in Somalia was 'Foreign Fighter Commander' The U.S. raid in Somalia on Saturday reportedly targeted a Kenyan of Somali origin known by the name Ikrima, say officials.

* Are CNN's Iran Reports Biased, Inept, or Corrupt? Al-Jazeera bought access to US public opinion when it purchased Current TV from Al Gore, but it faces stiff competition from CNN when it comes to misleading viewers about the Middle East. 

* Analysis: Upsurge in West Bank violence is unmistakable warning Rise in Palestinian attacks shows W. Bank embers are smoldering.

* US commando raids: Kerry defends al-Liby capture US Secretary of State John Kerry has defended the capture of an alleged al-Qaeda leader, Anas al-Liby, calling him a "legal and appropriate target".

10/5/13

* Slamming US and Israel, Khamenei raps aspects of Rouhani's NY visit Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday that "some" aspects of President Hassan Rouhani's trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month were "not proper."

* Limitless ceiling? US debt doomsday approaches With the US debt ballooning to a new record of $16.7tln and the deadline to fix the 'debt ceiling' expiring on October 1, a default threat looms over the world's largest economy.

* Smiles in Iran: U.S. government shutdown, Obama overtures lower the heat on regime Iran's economy is enjoying short term benefits from the shutdown of the U.S. government.

* Obama: Iran a 'year or more' away from nuclear bomb The United States believes Iran is a year or a more away from being able to produce a nuclear weapon.

* Assad warns Turkey of 'heavy price' for backing Syrian rebels Syrian President Bashar Assad has told Turkey it will pay a heavy price for backing rebels fighting to oust him.

* A New Muslim Vision: Rebuilding Solomon's Temple Together The unique importance of the Temple Mount to Judaism and to Islam makes the location vulnerable to tensions and conflicts between Jews.

* Netanyahu: The Peace Talks Are Going Nowhere Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said, during his visit to the United States this past week, that the peace talks with the Palestinian Authority are going nowhere.

* Egypt: At Least 5 Dead in Cairo Clashes At least five people were killed in Cairo on Friday, as thousands of supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi took to the streets nationwide.

* Arab world searches for democratic future For too long, many nations, including my own, tolerated, even excused, oppression in the Middle East in the name of stability.

* Al-Qaeda in Syria strengthens hold along Iraqi, Turkish borders Al-Qaeda members fighting in Syria are tightening their hold on territory along the Turkish and Iraqis borders.

10/04/13

* Netanyahu says he would 'consider' meeting with Rouhani Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told NPR on Thursday that he would "consider" meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

* Poll: Two-thirds of Israeli Jews back unilateral Iran strike Should the need arise to attack Iran, an overwhelming majority of Israeli Jews would support a unilateral Israeli strike.

* Back from 'charm defensive,'' PM stays on message Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stayed on message, stressing the importance of sanctions as an obstacle to Iranian nuclear capability.

* 'The Palestinians always run away at the decisive moment' Nine months. That's the amount of time the people running the American-sponsored talks between Israel and the Palestinians allotted for reaching a peace treaty.

* Clashes break out in Egypt, Brotherhood supporter killed Clashes erupted in several Egyptian cities on Friday.

* Hezbollah begins to withdraw some troops from Syria Lebanese Shi'ite militant group Hezbollah has reportedly begun to remove some of its troops embattled in Syria.

* 'Dayan pushed PM Meir to consider using nuclear weapons in 1973 war' On the second day of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israel's defense minister Moshe Dayan told prime minister Golda Meir to consider making preparations for the use of nuclear weapons.

* Saudi black op team behind Damascus chem weapons attack - diplomatic sources The August chemical weapons attack in the Syrian capital's suburbs was done by a Saudi Arabian black operations team.

* Internet freedom on decline worldwide as governments tighten grip Improved surveillance, takedown of opposition websites for "illegal content" and paid pro-government commentators are among the increasingly sophisticated tools used by authorities.

* US shutdown: Barack Obama cancels Asia trip US President Barack Obama has cancelled his trip to Asia because of the US government shutdown.

10/03/13

* Netanyahu says Iran headed by 'wild, aggressive cult' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued his public relations campaign against the Iranian government.

* Israel no longer certain Obama would ever use force against Iran, Likud MK indicates Israel is no longer certain that the Obama administration would employ military force even as a last resort.

* Arafat's death still unclear: Where are the test results? He was a symbol of the Palestinian people, co-founder of the PLO and Fatah, a self-confessed terrorist.

* Chemical weapons disarming in Syria underway An international team of chemical weapons experts has made "encouraging initial progress" as it works towards the elimination of Syria's poison gas arsenal.

* Jewish Bride Visits the Temple Mount On Wednesday, Rabbi Chaim Richman of the Temple Institute and others had the great privilege of meeting a bride (kallah in Hebrew) on her wedding day.

* Dozens of Hareidim Ascend Temple Mount In a noteworthy move, dozens of hareidim were granted access on Tuesday to the holiest site in Judaism, the Temple Mount.

* Health of oceans 'declining fast' The health of the world's oceans is deteriorating even faster than had previously been thought.

* Egypt's Brotherhood: Army leaders like Hitler Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood on Thursday sharply criticized the military for ousting the country's Islamist president.

* Top-level discussion glum on state of EU A clutch of academics, policy-makers and politicians gathered in Brussels on Wednesday.

* Egypt brings Gaza tunnels to a standstill Only a few workers remain, and they are either napping on cots or taking endless smoke breaks.

10/02/13

* 'Israel's sword has gone blunt,' says Iran's Rouhani Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Israel's military threat has little substance.

* Netanyahu at UNGA: Israel will stand alone if needed in preventing Iran nuclear weapons Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu took to the dais at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.

* Israel, Gulf states said discussing new alliance to stop Iran Israel has held a series of meetings with prominent figures from a number of Gulf states in recent weeks.

* Security industry is shaping EU legislation Greek conservative MEP Maritta Giannakou stood up and pledged her support for the EU defence and security industry.

* Defected Syrian general: Assad will never cede chemical arsenal Syrian President Bashar Assad will never cede his chemical arsenal, a defected Syrian general said.

* Putin supporters nominate Russian leader for Nobel over Syria plan Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for his extravagant animal adventures and standing up against the West, could be in the running for the Nobel Peace Prize.

* Iranian parliament endorses Rouhani's diplomatic outreach Iran's parliament, dominated by conservatives, strongly endorsed President Hassan Rouhani's diplomatic bid to break down mistrust at the United Nations.

* Pope Francis stirs debate yet again with interview with an atheist Italian journalist Pope Francis cranked up his charm offensive on the world outside the Vatican.

* Turkey Guilty of 'Mass Human Rights Violations' Amnesty International has released a report condemning "mass human rights violations" by Turkish authorities.

* Defense Minister: 'Iranian Threat Exists Every Day' Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon spoke to reporters about border incidents with Syria.

10/01/13

* Israel will stop Iran by itself if necessary, Netanyahu tells UN Israel will act on its own if necessary to stop Iran attaining nuclear weapons.

* Obama: Republicans want 'ransom' to end shutdown US President Barack Obama has vowed not to allow Republicans to undermine his signature healthcare legislation as a condition to restart the US government.

* Iranian FM: We have seen nothing but lies from Netanyahu Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif slammed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahyu's rejection of Tehran's overtures for diplomacy with the West.

* Greek PM Promises to Eradicate Neo-Nazi 'Shame' Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Monday pledged to eradicate the shame of neo-Nazism.

* Iran Unhappy with Obama's Words to Netanyahu Iran's Foreign Ministry expressed displeasure Tuesday with the statement by US President Barack Obama to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

* Pew survey: 6.8 million US Jews, but majority intermarry First the good news: There are a lot more Jews in America than you may have thought — an estimated 6.8 million.

* Pope Francis pledges to reform Vatican bureaucracy Pope Francis has held his first meeting with a special group of cardinals to consider ways to reform the Vatican.

* Former Israel ambassador to the UN calls it "The Citadel of Hypocrisy" Dan Gillerman, a former Israel ambassador to the United Nations refers to that institution as "The Citadel of Hypocrisy".

* Israeli trainees learn to enhance anti-terrorism awareness Trainees learn to use handguns to protect themselves in malls, schools or other public places.

* Russia pushes for WMD-free Middle East Russia is seeking an international conference on ridding the Middle East of all weapons of mass destruction.