2-28-15

* China's Space Weapons Threaten U.S. Satellites China is developing significant space warfare capabilities that threaten U.S. strategic satellite systems, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command told Congress on Thursday.

* Islamic State murders 15 Christian hostages, beheads woman; 35 Christian villages now entirely uninhabited The Islamic State (ISIS) has killed 15 of the Christians it took hostage in northeastern Syria earlier this week.

* UN condemns Islamic State's 'barbaric terrorist acts' in Iraq The United Nations Security Council on Friday condemned what it described as the latest "barbaric terrorist acts" in Iraq by Islamic State militants, including the destruction of priceless religious and cultural artifacts.

* Iranian military chief threatens to 'wipe Tel Aviv off the map' A senior Iranian official on Thursday threatened to "wipe Tel Aviv and Haifa off the map" in the event of an Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic's nuclear installations.

* Russia opposition politician Boris Nemtsov shot dead A leading Russian opposition politician, former Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov, has been shot dead in Moscow, Russian officials say.

* Iran cleric vows to 'raise flag of Islam on White House' to avenge Israeli attack A senior Iranian cleric with close ties to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed on Friday that "we will raise the flag of Islam over the White House" in response to the killing of Hezbollah and Revolutionary Guards operatives on the Golan Heights last month.

* Report: Saudis Ready to Help Israel Attack Iran European officials say that Saudi Arabia is just as concerned as Israel over the details of the nuclear agreement the Obama Administration is currently negotiating with Iran, and is even prepared to facilitate an Israeli airstrike on Iran's nuclear facilities, should it come to that.

* Ukraine crisis: Top Chinese diplomat backs Putin, says West should 'abandon zero-sum mentality' China has voiced its support for Russia's handling of the Ukraine crisis, with prominent diplomat Qu Xing calling on the West to "abandon its zero-sum mentality".

* With closed borders, Gazans unable to make Muslim pilgrimage With the war-battered Gaza Strip's borders closed, thousands of people have been shut out of a Muslim pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia because they cannot leave the sealed territory.

* Jordan, Israel to Link Dead Sea with Red Sea Jordan and Israel signed a deal on Thursday to build a pipeline to link the Red Sea with the shrinking Dead Sea and combat regional water shortages, according to AFP.

2/27/15

* Iranian military chief threatens to 'wipe Tel Aviv off the map' General Mustafa Yazdi, the assistant chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, warned that "Iran will flatten Tel Aviv and Haifa if Israel perpetrates an attack on our country."

* Ukraine crisis: 'Military threat from east to remain' despite truce Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has said a "military threat from the east" will remain even if a ceasefire holds between government troops and pro-Russian rebels in the east.

* ISIS: Pro-Palestinians in Europe Actually Sleeper ISIS Cells New ISIS text calls on Muslims who are active in pro-Palestinian groups in the EU to rise up, conquer Rome by 2020.

* Iran nuclear deal, ISIS threat stimulating Sunni powers to unite - even with Israel Arab leaders and officials have been meeting frequently in past weeks, likely discussing the threat of Islamic State and the Iranian threat.

* US and British army parade 300 yards from Russia border American armoured vehicles and British soldiers parade through Estonian border city of Narva, as tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate.

* Jordan, Israel to Link Dead Sea with Red Sea Deal signed in Amman to pump Red Sea into Dead Sea as part of efforts to boost Israel's water supply.

* Video shows Iraq jihadis destroying 3,000 year old "idols" Archaeology professor calls Islamic State campaign to destroy "heretical" relics in Mosul a catastrophe.

* America and Israel: A love story Op-ed: While Israeli public has been misled into thinking that we are in a crisis with US public, annual Gallop poll points to record high support for Israel.

* Islamic State: Iraq minorities 'threatened with eradication' Islamic State militants are trying to eradicate Iraqi minority groups from large parts of the country, human rights organisations have warned.

* ISIS' Largest, Richest $2Billion Terror-Based Enterprise: Financial Sophistication Rivaling Wall Street ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant ) is the world's largest, richest terrorist organizations, ever. It's a self-sustaining enterprise that runs mainly on extortion and crime networks, hostages, oil, donations....

2-26-15

* Islamic State: Fears grow for abducted Syrian Christians There are fears that more members of an Assyrian Christian community in north-eastern Syria were abducted by Islamic State militants than at first thought.

* 'Senior ISIS commanders killed in air strikes in Iraq, fate of leader Baghdadi unknown' A number of prominent Islamic State operatives were killed Thursday in intensive air-strikes by the US-led coaltion against the terrorist group in the Iraqi town of al-Qaim near the Syrian border, Al Arabiya reported.

* Rumsfeld: Obama Making a 'Big Mistake' in Treatment of Netanyahu Former US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said that he is "shocked" at the way the White House has been treating Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

* Russia promises manned flight to the Moon Russia has said it will continue using the International Space Station together with Nasa for nine more years, while announcing plans to begin manned flights to the Moon by 2030.

* Iran attacks replica US ship in military drill Iran's armed forces launched a speedboat attack on a giant model of a US aircraft carrier on Wednesday as the Revolutionary Guard staged military exercises in the Gulf.

* Cyprus praises Russia, lets in warships The Cypriot president has, on a visit to Moscow, showcased his country's economic dependence on Russia and the emergence of an increasing threat to EU and US unity on sanctions.

* China outpaces America in sub numbers - US admiral The Chinese Navy now has more diesel and nuclear attack submarines than America does, a US Navy admiral told lawmakers.

* Netanyahu: World has 'given up' in Iran nuke talks In his sharpest criticism yet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said world powers "have given up" on stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons in ongoing negotiations.

* Steinitz: Maybe Kerry Doesn't Know What We Know Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz (Likud) was quick to fire back on Wednesday night, after Secretary of State John Kerry questioned Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's judgment when it comes to Iran's nuclear program.

* Black hole 12bn times more massive than sun is discovered A monster black hole powering "the brightest lighthouse in the distant universe" has been discovered that is 12bn times more massive than the sun, scientists have revealed.

2/25/15

* IDF Trains to Repel Alien Invasion The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) put a somewhat humorous spin on a very serious training exercise this week, asking members of the Air Force cyber unit "Ofek" to disrupt and sabotage fictitious invading alien spacecraft.

* Saudis "would let Israeli jets use their air space to attack Iran" Kingdom merely wants "some sign of progress" on Palestinian issue, according to unnamed senior European source in TV report.

* Forced from Damascus, Hamas establishing itself in Turkey Islamist group sets up 'West Bank and Jerusalem Headquarters' in Istanbul, taking advantage of deteriorating ties between Ankara and Jerusalem, using it as base for recruitment.

* How Iran's military chiefs operate in Iraq Iraqi Shi'ites have grown to trust powerful Iranian-backed militias, with dozens of paramilitary groups uniting under secretive branch of Iraqi government that takes lead role in many of Iraq's security operations.

* Islamic State in Syria abducts at least 150 Christians Islamic State militants have abducted at least 150 people from Assyrian Christian villages in northeastern Syria they had raided, Christian Syrian activists said on Tuesda.

* Amnesty calls on UN powers to lose veto on genocide votes Amnesty International has urged the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to give up their power of veto in cases where atrocities are being committed.

* "Mein Kampf": A historical tool, or Hitler's voice from beyond the grave? Old copies of the offending tome are kept in a secure "poison cabinet," a literary danger zone in the dark recesses of the vast Bavarian State Library. A team of experts vets every request to see one, keeping the toxic text away from the prying eyes of the idly curious or those who might seek to exalt it.

* Saudi Arabia court gives death penalty to man who renounced his Muslim faith Death sentence for apostasy marks a new test case for Saudi Arabia's human rights record as its most powerful rising prince visits Downing Street.

* Iranian army chief: Zionists, West created Islamic State Chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces US, Israel and Britain created and supported Islamic State.

* US national security advisor Rice says Netanyahu address 'destructive' Rice says that politics had not been injected into the US-Israel relationship until Netanyahu's Congress invitation.

2/24/15

* Russia offers Iran new missiles despite sanctions Antey-2500 air defense package is an upgraded version of the S-300 system, the sale of which was blocked.

* Hamas warns it could 'surprise' Israel more than last Gaza war 'The resistance will startle the enemy [with] more than the surprises it had during the last war,' said Hamas's senior representative, Salah Bardaweel.

* Jordan furious over Pentagon leak on secret anti-terror traning camp The Pentagon let slip that one of its training camps to help fight Islamic State terrorists is in Jordan - information the pro-U.S. kingdom had specifically requested be kept private, and the latest gaffe in a series of sensitive leaks coming out of the Department of Defense.

* 'Iran Sends Arms of Ruthless Terror All Over the World' Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon denounces 'awful deal' being formulated with Iran - a 'messianic regime' bent on destroying Israel.

* Defense minister rips into deal with 'apocalyptic' Iran Moshe Ya'alon says nuclear agreement taking shape in Geneva is a danger to the West and to the citizens of Israel.

* Watch: Iran 'Destroys' Israel in Nuclear-Themed Domino Show A domino show held in Iran ended with a missile destroying a domino structure of an Israeli flag.

* The Baltic Air Mission Arutz Sheva takes you on a visual tour of the Sialuai Air Base, which belongs to the Lithuanian Air Force.

* Ukraine conflict: Russia's Vladimir Putin says war 'unlikely' Russian President Vladimir Putin has said war with neighbouring Ukraine is "unlikely", in an interview for Russian television.

* From Internet to Obamanet Critics of President Obama's 'net neutrality' plan call it ObamaCare for the Internet.

2/23/15

* Poll: Israelis Don't Trust Obama on Iran Nukes A pre-election poll in Israel reveals that an overwhelming majority side with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in not trusting the Obama Administration to prevent Iran from going nuclear, though very few voters consider that the most important electoral concern.

* Egyptian president wants joint Arab force to fight Islamist terror El-Sissi indicates united front against Islamic State may be possible as Jordan, UAE offer to dispatch military forces to aid Cairo.

* Iran is Deployed, 'Planning War' Along Israel's Northern Border Nukes or no nukes, Iran has built an active front from Israel's northwestern sea border all the way to the Golan Heights, warns expert.

* Iran Press: Obama Desperate for Nuclear Deal How are the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran playing out in the Iranian press? Well, the U.S. is being portrayed as desperate.

* Israel demands UN condemn Iran's Holocaust-themed cartoon contest Ron Prosor wrote a letter over the weekend to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and global delegates urging them to publicly censure the contest, which is scheduled to take place this coming April.

* Iran Responds to Liberman: We'll Destroy Tel Aviv in 10 Minutes After FM calls to block Iranian bomb with strike, Khamenei representative says Iranian rockets can hit Israel in 6 minutes.

* Italy and Vatican on guard after ISIL threat The Italian government is on high alert after threats from the Islamic State called Italy "the nation signed with the blood of the cross." 

* Russia ups ante in missile sale to Iran, reports say Moscow dropped sale of S-300 missiles following US, Israel pressure, but now reportedly offering Tehran more advanced weaponry.

* They Called Him Rabbi Abraham Lincoln We all know how much Abraham Lincoln did for African-Americans, but until now very little was known of the special place Honest Abe held in his heart for the Jews. 

* Why didn't the recent Turkish incursion into Syria draw ISIS fire? Former Pentagon official to 'Post': I think the big point is that it suggests Turkey has lost control of Islamic State; When you play with fire, you get burned.

2/21/15

* Israel to US: Emerging nuclear deal allows Iran to dominate Middle East Strategic Affairs Minister Steinitz outlined Netanyahu government's position on Iran in interview with The Washington Post.

* Unwelcome Mat: White House Tries To Counter Netanyahu Visit In what is becoming an increasingly nasty grudge match, the White House is mulling ways to undercut Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming trip to Washington and blunt his message that a potential nuclear deal with Iran is bad for Israel and the world.

* Once beyond hope, Africa's Sahel region is now targeted by terror The vast swath of nine countries bordering the southern reaches of the Sahara desert are marked by poverty, drought and chronic instability.

* Islamic State's new hashtag: #We_Are_Coming_O_Rome The learned Post informs us that "exactly what 'Rome' means to the Islamic State is unclear. "

* Ukraine crisis: House of Lords criticises EU and Britain for 'sleepwalking into crisis' as Moscow and Nato remain on diplomatic collision course The fraught relationship between Russia and the West, which was supposed to improve following an agreement over Ukraine, has descended instead into renewed acrimony after a series of tense military and diplomatic confrontations.

* Arab governments express concern over Iran deal, potential for Mideast nuclear arms race Sunni states express concern to Washington over nuclear deal with Iran, say should Shiite-dominated Iran be allowed to keep nuclear-producing technologies, Mid-East nations will set out on arms race.

* New US Secretary of Defense silent on date of Mosul offensive, says US will take supporting role Carter on the offensive: It will be Iraqi-led and US-supported. And it's important that it be launched at a time when it can succeed,"

* Ukraine crisis: Moscow rally against 'coup' one year on A rally has taken place in Moscow to condemn the "coup" in neighbouring Ukraine, a year after the downfall of its pro-Russian president.

* Egyptian paper accuses Hamas of plotting Cairo coup State-run al-Ahram claims terror group conspiring with Muslim Brotherhood to topple government within 3-5 years.

* Putin: No external pressure on Russia will go unchallenged Russia will always find an adequate response to any pressure coming from the outside, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a gala-show ahead of the upcoming Defender of the Fatherland Day, which honors those who served in the armed forces.

2/20/15

* Snow falls in Golan, Jerusalem, and even in Negev desert Highways 1 and 443 to Jerusalem remain closed due to the snow that fell overnight. Israel rail was operating trains between Jerusalem's Malha station and Beit Shemesh.

* ISIS approaches Europe, reportedly planning attacks in Turkey and Bulgaria Some senior ISIS commanders, are thought to already be in Turkey, hiding in safe houses.

* US: Mission to retake Mosul to begin in April, May More than 20,000 Iraqi and Kurdish troops to move in on Islamic State forces holding major city .

* Ukraine: UK and EU 'badly misread' Russia The UK and the EU have been accused of a "catastrophic misreading" of the mood in the Kremlin in the run-up to the crisis in Ukraine.

* Ex-Obama aide says US should pass law mandating military action if Iran violates nuclear deal Speaking in Tel Aviv, Dennis Ross says the White House and Congress could work together to agree in advance what the price of violations will be.

* Netanyahu throws cold water on IAEA report claiming Iran restraining its nuclear program UN watchdog says Iran has refrained from expanding tests of more efficient models of a machine used to refine uranium under a nuclear agreement with six world powers.

* 'US, EU to test Israel's sincerity on Palestine after elections' The honeymoon period for any new Israeli government will be short, and neither the EU nor the US will have much patience for promises, diplomats say.

* Europe could switch stance on Syria due to ISIS threat The EU currently imposes sanctions on officials, businessmen, institutions and trade, and bans the import of Syrian oil or petroleum products.

* Somali capital Mogadishu hit by double explosions at hotel Some 20 people, including senior officials, have been killed in an attack on a hotel in the Somali capital, witnesses have told the BBC.

* Greece caves in, Germany plays hardball The Greek government on Thursday (19 February) submitted a request to extend the current bailout programme by six months, but Germany rejected the demand on the eve of a meeting of eurozone finance ministers (Eurogroup).

2/19/15

* Is the PA Trying to Renew Temple Mount Terror? Top PA religious leaders claim Al-Aqsa Mosque 'threatened' by Israel, renewing calls that led to terror wave in October and November.

* ISIS finds foothold in chaotic Libya: A gateway to Europe Islamic State 'planning to use Libya as gateway to Europe', reports says as Libya urges UN to allow it to fight radical group, currently feeding of local chaos to reach 400 km from Italy.

* Iran, US to hold talks in Geneva to narrow nuclear gaps After White House says Israel distorting perception of nuclear talks, admits Israel not fully updated in developments, new round of high level talks set.

* ISIS approaches Europe, reportedly planning attacks in Turkey and Bulgaria Some senior ISIS commanders, are thought to already be in Turkey, hiding in safe houses.

* Meeting in Saudi Arabia Anti-ISIS Allies Seek Strong Iraqi Army 26 nations meet in Riyadh to discuss strategy to uproot ISIS from Iraq; Syria crisis 'on back burner' says source.

* 'Institutional anti-Semitism' exists in the US, expert says As the US talks with the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Republic, it fails to bring up the issue of the 'genocidal agenda of anti-Semitism' that both bodies have expressed, Asher Small says.

* WATCH: IDF drill prepares for Hezbollah threat in stormy Golan Heights "The goal is to prepare for a transition from one front to another, and from routine to emergency," a senior source in the 7th Armored Brigade says.

* 1,500 'Circle the Temple Gates' in Driving Rain On the first day of every month, Jews joyfully circle the Temple Mount - and on Adar the occasion is even merrier, despite the rain.

* 'ISIS sets sights on Libya as gateway to eventual invasion of Europe' According to the Telegraph, ISIS jihadists plan to 'flood Libya with militiamen from Syria and Iraq, who will then sail across the Mediterranean posing as migrants on people-trafficking vessels.'

* EU warns Russia as Ukraine ceasefire breaks down The EU foreign service said on Wednesday (18 February) it is 'ready to take appropriate action' if Russia continues to violate the latest Minsk ceasefire.

2/18/15

* Is the PA Trying to Renew Temple Mount Terror? Top PA religious leaders claim Al-Aqsa Mosque 'threatened' by Israel, renewing calls that led to terror wave in October and November.

* US acknowledges withholding information from Israel on Iran talks State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki says "not everything you're hearing from the Israeli government is an accurate depiction of the talks."

* PM: US Must Fight Islamic Fanatics, From ISIS and Iran Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed to US Senator David Perdue the need to fight Islamic fanaticism - whatever its source.

* Rev. Graham: Obama 'Ignoring These Are Islamic Extremists' 'Bent on Destroying the West' - 'He's Given a Pass to Islam'President Barack Obama will not acknowledge the truth of Islamic terrorism, its religious grounding in the Quran, and that it is bent on 'destroying the West,' but instead Obama, whose 'entire life' was shaped by Islam, cannot accept the evil in front of him and apparently is trying to 'protect Islam,' said reverend Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

* Ukraine troops retreat from key town of Debaltseve The Ukrainian president says his forces are making an "organised" withdrawal from the embattled town of Debaltseve.

* Iran's Khamenei threatens West with cut in gas exports if hit with sanctions "The enemy is using the lever of sanctions to the hilt and their goal is to stop our people's progress," Khamenei said in a public speech in Tehran carried by the official IRNA news agency.

* 'ISIS sets sights on Libya as gateway to eventual invasion of Europe' According to the Telegraph, ISIS jihadists plan to 'flood Libya with militiamen from Syria and Iraq, who will then sail across the Mediterranean posing as migrants on people-trafficking vessels.'

* Obama Tries to Split Religion From Terrorism at Summit In this March 30, 2014, file photo, Islamic State group militants hold up their flag as they patrol in a commandeered Iraqi military vehicle in Fallujah, 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Baghdad, Iraq.

* Meet the 'Foreign Legion' of the Anti-ISIS Christian Militia Who are the US and British military men fighting in the ranks of Dwekh Nawsha in Iraq - and why are they there?

* EU warns Russia as Ukraine ceasefire breaks down The EU foreign service said on Wednesday (18 February) it is 'ready to take appropriate action' if Russia continues to violate the latest Minsk ceasefire.

2/17/15

* Getting Paid to Kill Jews It is by now no secret that the Palestinian Authority uses large portions of the international financial aid it receives to provide salaries and other payouts to terrorists who kill Jews.

* Lithuanian fascists march beneath swastikas near execution site of 10,000 Jews "This march is particularly offensive because it is taking place where locals and Nazis murdered more than 10,000 Jews in one day."

* Isis beheading of Coptic Christians on Libyan beach brings Islamists to the doorstep of Europe Former Libyan PM previously warned that they would reach Mediterranean.

* Islamic State militants 'burn to death 45 in Iraq' Jihadist militants from Islamic State (IS) have burned to death 45 people in the western Iraqi town of al-Baghdadi, the local police chief says.

* Rev. Graham: "Imagine the Outcry if 21 Muslims Had Been Beheaded by Christians?"¦ The Storm is Coming' The Islamic State beheaded 21 Egyptian Christians over the weekend, propping the severed heads on the victims' backs, a barbaric slaughter that led Reverend Franklin Graham to ask, "Can you imagine the outcry if 21 Muslims had been beheaded by Christians?"

* International Coalition to Meet in Saudi Arabia over ISIS Military chiefs from across the globe to gather in Riyadh for strategic meeting, after ISIS seeps into Libya.

* Hezbollah chief admits his group's presence in Iraq for first time "We may not have spoken about Iraq before, but we have a limited presence because of the sensitive phase that Iraq is going through."

* Ukraine crisis: Battle rages for Debaltseve despite truce Fierce fighting is reported inside the key Ukrainian town of Debaltseve despite a ceasefire agreed last week.

* 'There is No Future for Jews in Western Europe' Jewish Agency chairman Natan Sharansky urges gov't to invest more money in Aliyah, ahead of expected 15,000 new immigrants in 2015.

* Hamas and Iran said to be renewing ties Al-Hayat reports Mashal met with Quds Force commander Soleimani a few days after Protective Edge; meeting was followed by Hamas delegation arriving in Tehran for official visit.

2/16/15

* Defense Minister Ya'alon: Iran has 'apocalyptic messianic ambition' The defense minister says that the world powers' only options now are to make no deal or a bad deal.

* Egypt bombs IS in Libya after beheadings video Egypt says it has bombed Islamic State targets in Libya, hours after the militants released video of apparent beheadings of 21 Egyptian Christians.

* ISIS video purports to show beheading of 21 Egyptians in Libya New video by terror group shows mass beachside execution of 21 Egyptian Christians, English-speaking jihadi warns West the group 'will conquer Rome.'

* Iran: New Radar Can Monitor Israeli Takeoffs Iran 'will be able to monitor the start of a flight or firing of a missile as soon as it starts from enemy bases.'

* Israel prepares for 'mass immigration from Europe' Cabinet approves NIS 180m. aliya plan.

* Blair: 'You could lock Israeli-PA negotiators in room for eternity and peace would not come' Blair called on Hamas to clarify if they are Palestinian nationalist movement or broader Islamic one with regional designs .

* Let West Gaza be Palestine The money is there, the space is there and all it needs now is the traveling diplomacy John Kerry, Tony Blair, and the goodwill of the Egyptians, the Arabs and the Israelis.

* Ukraine crisis: Debaltseve clashes undermine ceasefire Fighting is continuing in eastern Ukraine more than a day after a ceasefire was supposed to take effect.

* Iraq preparing to retake Mosul from Islamic State - PM Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says its armed forces are preparing for an offensive to retake the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State (IS).

* Hamas and Fatah Sliding Towards Open War in Gaza Countless tit-for-tat car bombings capped by assassination attempt on Fatah official. Is 'unity' turning to war? Could ISIS stand to gain?

2-14-15

* Russian Nuclear Missile Forces Conduct Large-Scale Exercises Across Country Russia's nuclear missile force staged large-scale exercises across the vast country Thursday consisting of drills to combat sabotage and chemical weapons attacks.

* Hezbollah making gains against anti-Assad Islamists in south Syria, Nasrallah deputy says Hezbollah's second in command said over the weekend that the Lebanese Shi'ite movement is in the midst of a military offensive in southern Syria against Sunni Islamist forces that "will yield tremendous results."

* Chris Cuomo, CNN host, to Roy Moore: 'Our rights do not come from God' CNN host Chris Cuomo engaged in a somewhat fiery debate with Alabama Supreme CourtJustice Roy Moore over gay marriage, ultimately telling the top legal mind that God has little to do with making laws for humans and that rights come from a "compromise" of the collective.

* 84% of Americans see Islamic State as 'critical threat' - poll The Islamic State militant group (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) poses the most serious threat to the United States in the next decade, according to 84 percent of Americans quizzed by Gallup.

* Islamic State: Key Iraqi town near US training base falls to jihadists Islamic State (IS) has captured an Iraqi town about 8km (5 miles) from an air base housing hundreds of US troops, the Pentagon says.

* Ukraine crisis: Fighting rages as ceasefire nears Fierce fighting is continuing in eastern Ukraine, hours before a ceasefire is due to come into force at midnight (22:00 GMT).

* Pope Francis appoints 20 new cardinals The Pope has appointed 20 new cardinals, boosting the number of men from developing countries in the group that will elect his successor.

* Paraded in cages 'to be burned alive' like Jordanian pilot: ISIS releases video claiming to show 17 Kurdish fighters in humiliating procession through Iraqi city Heads bowed in terror the orange-clad Kurdish fighters are paraded through streets filled with jeering militants in the latest horrifying video release from Islamic State.

* Political stakes high for Iran's president in nuclear talks DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Throughout the long negotiations over the fate of Iran's nuclear program, President Hassan Rouhani has withstood scathing criticism from hard-liners at home by sticking to his case that a deal with his country's longtime enemies will bring peace and prosperity.

* Steinitz Hints Israel Could Strike Iran as Nuclear Talks Drag On Intelligence Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz warned Thursday that Israel could act unilaterally against Iran over its nuclear drive, saying Tehran has failed to make concessions in talks with world powers.

2/13/15

* IDF says 'matter of time' before ISIS in Sinai targets towns near Egypt border Israel Radio on Friday quoted a senior officer serving in the IDF Engineering Corps as saying that the military spent the past year preparing for anticipated hostile actions from armed Islamists.

* Analysis: Hezbollah fighters, Iranian operatives flowing into southern Syria The Syrian civil war has allowed Hezbollah to extend its reach from its home base in southern Lebanon, into southern Syria.

* IDF security assessment: The Palestinian Authority can collapse at any moment Army has increased operations in West Bank for the seizure of ammunition.

* Ukraine crisis: Fierce fighting after Minsk peace deal Intense fighting has been reported in eastern Ukraine, a day after a peace deal was reached in Minsk.

* Libya: Islamic State of Tripoli murders 21 "humiliated followers of the Coptic church" #Christianlivesmatter In North Carolina, a psychopath murdered three Muslims over a parking space, and we are admonished that #Muslimlivesmatter, and there are new calls for restricting speech that examines how Islamic jihadists use the texts and teachings of Islam to justify violence and supremacism.

* South African Jews to protest against visiting Palestinian terrorist Student groups call for Jews to be deregistered at Durban University of Technology .

* Nigeria's Boko Haram militants attack Chad for first time Nigerian Boko Haram militants have carried out an attack on Chad overnight, the first such assault on Chadian soil, officials say.

* Poll: Americans Don't Want Congress to Boycott Bibi Poll finds that Americans don't like Boehner's invitation to Netanyahu, but think congressmen should attend the speech nonetheless.

* France: Egypt first foreign buyer of Rafale fighters Cairo purchases 24 multi-role jets as part of $6 billion defense deal .

* EU warns of more sanctions if Russia flouts ceasefire EU leaders gave a "cautious" welcome to the Ukraine ceasefire deal on Thursday (12 February) but warned of further sanctions if it isn't implemented.

2-12-15

* Ukraine crisis: Leaders agree peace roadmap An agreement aimed at ending the fighting in Ukraine has been reached, following marathon talks in Belarus.

* New Al Qaeda Video Shows Steady Advance along Israeli Border The Nusra Front, Al Qaeda's official branch in Syria, has released a new propaganda video documenting its steady gains in southern Syria, along the border with Israel.

* Obama says special forces could target IS leaders United States - President Barack Obama said he would not hesitate to send US special forces to kill top Islamic State extremists, as he called on Congress Wednesday to authorize operations that stop short of a full-scale invasion.

* Steinitz Hints Israel Could Strike Iran as Nuclear Talks Drag On Intelligence Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz warned Thursday that Israel could act unilaterally against Iran over its nuclear drive, saying Tehran has failed to make concessions in talks with world powers.

* Yemen army base seized by Al-Qaeda linked fighters Al-Qaeda linked fighters have seized an army base in southern Yemen, militants and officials say.

* Mahmoud Abbas in Belgium to rally support for Palestinian statehood bid Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently visiting Brussels, met with the Minister-President of the Flemish Government, Geert Bourgeois, on Thursday.

* Why is Erdogan asking Cuba to let him build a mosque in Havana? ISTANBUL - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has proposed to Cuba the construction of a mosque on the Caribbean island during a visit to Havana, pushing ahead with a plan apparently inspired by his belief that Muslims discovered the Americas.

* Greece bailout talks: No agreement in Brussels Greek and eurozone officials have failed to reach an agreement over Greece's debt crisis, though both sides said there was still hope for a deal.

* 'Half of names of Gaza journalist casualties are terror operatives, or members of Hamas media' Almost half of the names that appear on a Palestinian list of journalists killed during last summer's conflict with Israel actually belong to Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives and members of Hamas media outlets, who had various levels of involvement in Gazan terror organizations, a new report by an Israeli security and intelligence center has said.

* ISIS Claims to Have Caught an Israeli Arab Mossad Spy Islamic State (ISIS) made an as yet unverified announcement on Thursday claiming to have captured an Israeli Arab from Jerusalem who was recruited by the Mossad.

2/11/15

* 3 in 4 Israelis don't trust Obama to keep Iran from nukes The US president's favorability rating continues to decline, but for 90% of voters the Iranian threat is not the top election issue .

* Obama: Iran has "no aspiration to get a nuclear weapon" because "it would be contrary to their faith" It was reported back in September 2013 that "although talk of such a fatwa has been around for at least eight years, there's no evidence it was ever issued, according to the Middle East Media Research Institute, which flatly called the fatwa a hoax.

* "Narco-Terror" group Hezbollah operates across Latin America and US WASHINGTON - Experts at a National Defense University (NDU) conference warned that the Iranian-backed narcoterrorist group Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, has expanded across Latin American and into the United States.

* EU, Russian leaders meet in Minsk for high-stakes summit The future of Ukrainian statehood and the risk of escalation beyond Ukraine's borders hang in the balance as French, German, Russian, and Ukrainian leaders meet in Minsk on Wednesday (11 February).

* Cleric calls on West to put all options 'under the table' as Iran marks Islamic Revolution Rouhani says Iran looking for "win-win agreement" in nuclear talks, but adds that Iranian nation is not afraid of pressure or sanctions.

* Hezbollah, Syrian forces and Iranian officers approach Israeli border in fight against rebels The Syrian forces were attempting to gain control of the area from rebels such as the Nusra Front, al-Qaida's Syrian affiliate, who have made advances in southern Syrian in recent months.

* US only power still in talks with Iran on nukes - senator Washington left to hash out agreement with Tehran after 5 other nations back off negotiations, Bob Corker says .

* Israeli Minister: Hamas and ISIS Are the Same Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs, Yuval Steinitz, equated Gaza's Hamas rulers with the jihadist horde known as the Islamic State (formerly ISIS) during a panel discussion this week..

* If the Holocaust happened today, Obama would deny it President Barack Obama's attempt to dismiss the antisemitic terror attack on a kosher supermarket in Paris last month as a "random" shooting turns out to be more than a gaffe: it is administration policy.

* WEST: NORAD Head Says Russia Increasing Arctic Long Range Air Patrols While Russian military aircraft have stepped up their activity everywhere from the North Sea to the Baltic to the Black Sea in the last year they have also been spotted more frequently closer to the U.S. territory in the Arctic, the head of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) told USNI News on Tuesday.

2-10-15

* Russia Threatens Nukes in Crimea In December 2014 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Russia's Interfax news agency that because Crimea had been absorbed into Russia and was no longer part of Ukraine.

* US Islamic State hostage Kayla Mueller confirmed dead The US has confirmed the death of aid worker Kayla Mueller, the last American hostage known to be held by Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria.

* U.S. Embassy Met With Group Trying to Influence Israeli Elections Top officials at the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv met in late January with one of the main progressive groups working to tip the upcoming Israeli elections against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

* Raymond Ibrahim - Muslim Persecution of Christians: A 1,400 Year Saga The one glaring fact concerning the persecution of approximately 100 million Christians around the world today is that the overwhelming majority of it is being committed by Muslims of all races, nationalities, languages, and socio-political circumstances.

* Speechless on Iranian Nukes A bad deal on Iranian nukes would be so catastrophic to global security that presidential resistance to a related speech - by the leader of an allied democracy, who may be the greatest expert on the issue - should leave everyone speechless.

* Sinai terrorists linked with ISIS decapitate 10 alleged Israeli spies An Islamic-State-linked group beheaded 10 men accused of spying for Israel and Egypt in a gruesome video posted online, Egyptian media reported Tuesday.

* Ukraine conflict: Battles rage ahead of Minsk talks Fighting has surged in eastern Ukraine as government forces and pro-Russian rebels try to make gains ahead of expected peace talks on Wednesday.

* Russia's Putin in Cairo for meetings with Egypt's Al-Sisi Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Cairo on Monday for two days of meetings with his Egyptian counterpart, with both sides eager to strengthen ties and highlight their alliance.

* Did You Catch the 'Satanic' Religious Theme That Popped Up During the Grammys? If you were watching the Grammy Awards closely last night, you might have noticed a common theme pop up a few times during the show: the presence of horns.

* Jordan conducts 56 air raids against ISIS in 3 days: 'We will wipe them off the face of the Earth' Jordan's air force chief said on Sunday his country's jet fighters had conducted 56 bombing raids in three days against Islamic State militants in northeast Syria, targeting key bases and arms depots.

2/9/15

* Ukraine conflict: Vladimir Putin renews blame on West Ukraine's crisis has been caused by the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin says, as he considers Franco-German proposals to end fighting between the government and pro-Russia rebels.

* #OPISIS: Anonymous targets ISIS online propaganda The hacktivist group Anonymous says it has targeted dozens of websites and social media accounts used by the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) to recruit new members and disseminate propaganda.

* Germany: Muslims distribute Qurans to show Islam is peaceful This is a great idea, but…what if some Infidels read it?

* Putin visits Egypt in bid to expand influence, arms deals While Cairo-Washington ties remain frayed, Moscow looks to bolster its economic, military reach in the Arab world.

* Over 200,000 Killed in Syrian Civil War So Far Some 210,000 people have been killed in Syria since civil war broke out there in 2011, a report Sunday said.

* Abbas book tying Nazism to Zionism to be translated to Hebrew Abbas claims Hitler and Ben-Gurion were "good friends" in his 1984 work which has, to this day, received little exposure outside of the Arabic-speaking world.

* PM: Herzog's First Move - Giving Away Jerusalem Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said that the Labor Party/Zionist Camp would make negotiating away Jerusalem one of their first priorities .

* Jordan Says ISIS is '20% Defeated' In revenge for burning of pilot, Jordan strikes 56 air raids since last Thursday; Kerry says fifth of ISIS-held land taken back. .

* Quartet Calls for 'Speedy Resumption' of Israel-PA Peace Talks The Middle East Quartet urges Israel and PA to avoid actions that "undermine efforts" to resolve their longstanding conflict.

* Pew Report: European Jewry Shrinking Drastic decrease in European Jewish population since 1939, with steady declines even decades after the Holocaust.

2-7-15

* Islamic State fatwa points to Muhammad to justify burning pilot Once again, the Islamic State (IS) performs an atrocity that boggles the Western mind, and once again the Islamic State points to its namesake - Islam - to justify its depravity.

* Ukraine crisis: 'Last chance' for peace says Hollande A peace plan drawn up by France and Germany is "one of the last chances" to end the conflict in east Ukraine, French leader Francois Hollande says.

* Is the world really better off after U.S. retreated from superpower responsibilities? Take a look From Argentina to Yemen to Ukraine to Syria and Lebanon, entropy, the natural tendency of everything to disintegrate if there is no force to hold it together, is coming to dominate the international scene.

* Jordan says pilot's murder a 'turning point' in IS fight The burning alive of a Jordanian pilot by the Islamic State group is a "turning point" in the kingdom's fight against the jihadists, a minister said in remarks published Saturday.

* Yemen's Houthi Rebels Take Over the Government Yemen's Shiite Houthi rebel movement on Friday announced it is taking over the government and dissolving parliament.

* Iraq: Baghdad bomb blasts kill more than 30 At least 34 people have been killed in three bomb attacks in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, police say.

* US Boosts Pilot Rescue Team Against ISIS The US military has deployed aircraft and troops to northern Iraq to boost its ability to rescue downed coalition pilots, after a Jordanian airman was captured and killed by jihadists in Syria, a defense official said Thursday.

* NATO top commander in Europe says 'military option' possible in Ukraine NATO's commander in chief says the West should not rule out arming Ukraine.

* Obama quietly hands out names of Muslim leaders he met with privately The White House has finally divulged the names of American Muslim leaders who met with President Obama this week, including Imam Mohamed Magid, who has advised the administration on formulating responses to incidents that Islamists consider offensive.

* Iran warns West: Failure in nuclear talks would lead to pragmatist Rouhani's downfall Iran's foreign minister has warned the United States that failure to agree a nuclear deal would likely herald the political demise of pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani.

2/6/15

* ISIS Claims American Hostage Killed in Coalition Airstrike ISIS claims a female American hostage was killed in an airstrike in Syria. American officials: There's no proof.

* NATO involvement in Ukraine is "destructive" - Russian envoy to alliance NATO weapons deliveries to Ukraine are unacceptable and could lead to dangerous and unpredictable consequences, says Moscow’s NATO envoy.

* PHOTO GALLERY: Seething with anger, Jordanians rally around king after ISIS murder of pilot Crowds massed near the main Husseini mosque, then marched chanting "Death to Daesh."

* US has little faith in Hollande-Merkel trip to Russia US vice president Joe Biden has indicated he has little faith France and Germany will persuade Russia to halt its offensive in Ukraine.

* Iran: The "Americans are begging us for a deal" A top Iranian military leader claims that U.S. officials have been "begging us" to sign a nuclear deal during closed door negotiations with Tehran over its contested nuclear program, according to recent comments made to the Iranian state-controlled media.

* Report: EU building hundreds of illegal structures for Palestinians in Area C of West Bank Right-wing organization says EU trying to establish "facts on the ground;" EU says it is providing "humanitarian assistance."

* Yemen crisis: Houthi rebels 'announce takeover' Yemen's Shia Houthi rebel movement has announced it is taking over the government and dissolving parliament.

* Ukraine crisis: Hollande and Merkel set for Putin talks German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande are meeting Russia's Vladimir Putin to try to end escalating fighting in Ukraine.

* Al Azhar "freely" promotes slaughter of Christians and infidels Egypt's Al Azhar University - seen by many as Sunni Islam's most authoritative voice - continues to incite enmity for and violence against non-Muslim "infidels."

* N.Korea 'Staging Biochemical Warfare Drills' North Korea has boosted biochemical warfare drills as part of its regular winter exercises, intelligence agencies here believe.

2-5-15

* Netanyahu to Jordan's King Abdullah: World should unite against 'barbaric cruelty' of ISIS Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned Jordan's King Abdullah II on Thursday and extended his condolences to him and the Jordanian people following Islamic State's grisly murder of captive Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh.

* 30,000 troops, 6 rapid units: NATO increases military power in Eastern Europe The NATO Response Force in Europe might increase to 30,000 troops from the current 13,000.

* Ukraine crisis: Leaders in new diplomatic push for peace Diplomatic efforts are under way to end renewed fighting in eastern Ukraine.

* Islamic State selling, crucifying, burying children alive in Iraq Islamic State militants are selling abducted Iraqi children at markets as sex slaves, and killing other youth, including by crucifixion or burying them alive.

* Sources: Jordan avenges pilot's execution, strikes ISIS targets in Syria Jordanian fighter jets flew on Thursday over the hometown of a pilot killed by Islamic State terrorists after ending a mission against militants in Syria, a security official said.

* Gaza groups condemn Egypt's branding of Hamas as terror group Various armed groups in the Gaza Strip on Thursday condemned an Egyptian court's decision to ban Hamas's military wing, Izaddin Kassam.

* Rabbi removed from Temple Mount for challenging Muslim heckler A rabbi, who has been a long-time Temple Mount rights activist and visitor, was removed by police from the holy site Thursday morning for responding "Hashem, He is God," when a Muslim worshiper shouted "Allahu akbar" at him during his visit.

* Arms to Ukraine debate divides Western allies, experts Estonia has called on the West to arm Ukraine, but the question remains divisive both inside Europe and in the US.

* Reports: Damascus Suffers Major Rocket Attack Thursday Fighting continued and intensified in and around Damascus Thursday, as rebels pounded several neighborhoods of the city with rockets and missiles, Arab media reported.

* House Dems Bully Israelis to Cancel Netanyahu's Speech House Democrats, knowing their primary allegiance is to Barack Obama, met Wednesday with Israeli officials in an attempt to forestall Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled speech to Congress about a nuclear Iran.

2/4/15

* Jordan's king vows 'relentless' war against ISIS after pilot burned alive Amman vows to step up role with international coalition fighting ISIS a day after video released of Jordanian pilot being executed by terror group.

* Fatah Facebook Page Threatens Rocket Attacks Against Israel Post glorifies masked terrorists with rocket launchers; another post legitimizes terrorism as a means of 'resistance.'

* Edelstein: The Truth of Our Rights to Israel is Biblical Edelstein awarded prize for 'fight for truth' in New York, named among 100 people most influencing the lives of Jews worldwide.

* Netanyahu: Iran 'Trying to Open Front' from Golan Heights Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon meet with northern commanders - and say IDF will fight terrorism threats.

* Muslim clerics demand 'crucifixion' of ISIS terrorists who burned Jordanian pilot to death Saudi cleric Salman al-Odah wrote on his Twitter account: "Burning is an abominable crime rejected by Islamic law regardless of its causes."

* Hamas fast rebuilding guerrilla-terrorist forces in Gaza Terrorism and Intelligence Center: Hamas looking to recover and broaden military infrastructure; Israel will encounter these capabilities in the next round.

* Waqf's New Weapon: Screaming Girls Young girls leap in front of Jewish worshipers, screaming 'allahu akbar,' 'the Jews are dogs.' Video shows Waqf man's lewd gestures. .

* How Cairo is taking the fight to Sinai militants Sisi's Egypt cracking down on Islamist group and seems to be achieving results; Israeli sources say cooperation over Sinai greater than under previous president.

* Poll: Most Israelis Interested in Studying Bible A new survey shows that a majority of Israeli Jews, while identifying as "secular" or "traditional" are nevertheless interested in gaining a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Bible.

* POLLS: WEST ILL-AT-EASE WITH MUSLIMS LIVING IN ITS MIDST Website Citizen Warrior gathers polls from the U.S. and Europe to paint a portrait of growing unease about Islam in the Western world, presented as evidence that "the Great Awakening has begun." .

2/3/15

* Islamic State reported to burn Jordanian pilot alive After gruesome video released, Jordanian state TV confirms Lt. Moaz al-Kasasbeh killed on January 3, Amman vows revenge

* Ukraine crisis: Renewed fighting 'catastrophic' says UN Up to 16 civilians have been killed and dozens more injured in the space of 24 hours in fighting in eastern Ukraine, as the UN warns that the fresh surge in violence is proving "catastrophic".

* Most Secular, Traditional Jewish Israelis Want to Study Torah Poll reveals that a majority of Israeli Jews who do not define themselves as 'observant' want to learn more about their roots.

* Russia Plans Joint Military Drills with N.Korea Russia has announced plans for joint military drills with North Korea this year, VOA reported on Saturday.

* Abbas orders probe into Palestinian cartoon of Prophet Mohammad Palestinian paper publishes clarification for cartoon of Prophet Mohammed reaching into a heart-shaped pouch to sow seeds of love around the world.

* Ancient tablets reveal daily life of exiled Jews in Babylon 2,500 years ago "It was like hitting the jackpot," says Filip Vukosavovic, an expert in ancient Babylonia, Sumeria and Assyria after reading the tablets.

* Iran admits to helping arm groups opposed to 'Zionist, ISIS terror' Revolutionary Guards Brig. Gen. Amir-Ali Hajizadeh told Press TV that Iran has been exporting missile technology.

* Watch: Gaza Youths Encouraged to Attack Israelis at Hamas Camp In footage from a youth camp organized by Hamas, cadets demonstrate military skills and simulate the kidnapping of a soldier.

* Obama & Merkel to Discuss Arming Ukraine in Washington Next Week For months, the United States has been supplying non-lethal aid to Ukrainian forces. 

* Report: ISIS stones gay man to death after throwing him off high-rise building The alleged incident took place in the northern Syrian province of Raqqa.

2/1/15

* More and More Jews Visiting Temple Mount The number of Jewish visitors to Jerusalem's Temple Mount saw a significant boost over the past year, despite ongoing efforts to discourage non-Muslims from ascending the holy plateau and a firm ban on all Jewish and Christian prayer.

* Hamas ready to cooperate with Iran 'to destroy Israeli occupation' Remarks by leader of Palestinian Islamist group come amid reports that Hamas and Iran have agreed to restore their relations.

* How Deeply is Obama Involved in Israeli Elections? Israel began this week abuzz with debate over whether or not the Obama Administration is trying to interfere in Israel's upcoming elections, and if so, how deeply the White House is involved in seeking 'regime change.'

* Ukraine rebel leader Zakharchenko 'wants 100,000 men' Pro-Russian separatist leader Alexander Zakharchenko says rebels aim to boost their forces to 100,000, as fighting with Ukraine's military intensifies.

* Jordan to send ambassador back to Israel after tensions eased Amman says it's sending envoy back after improvement in numbers of Muslim worshipers being allowed on the Temple Mount to pray at al-Aqsa.

* Europe's Jews ponder: Is it time to flee again? Eighty years ago, Jael Botsch-Fitterling's parents decided something was very wrong in Germany, the nation they called home. 

* Iran's Hebdo Revenge: Another Holocaust Cartoon Contest Iran plans to get its revenge for the Charlie Hebdo caricatures of Mohammed - by sponsoring a Holocaust cartoon contest.

* Neo-Nazis Plan Rally in London Jewish Neighborhood Anti-Semitic rally expected to draw counter-protest; comes as British Jews face growing wave of anti-Semitism.

* Saudi Kremlinology: what does King Salman's reshuffle mean for the future? One week into his reign, Saudi Arabia's new king announced a major government shakeup, catching insiders by surprise and consolidating his hold on the throne.

* Intercepted Russian bomber was carrying a nuclear missile over the Channel A RUSSIAN bomber intercepted over the Channel last week was carrying a nuclear missile designed to destroy Trident submarines, it emerged last night.