4/30/15

* Iran and Assad Vow to 'Intensify War Against Terror' In ironic comment given Iran being leading state sponsor of terror, Syrian defense minister in Tehran speaks of joint civil war efforts.

* Air Force Watching Falling Russian Satellite "Progress" supply craft with toxic fuel to reenter in 10 days (Updated) .

* The Terror Strategist: Secret Files Reveal the Structure of Islamic State An Iraqi officer planned Islamic State's takeover in Syria and SPIEGEL has been given exclusive access to his papers. They portray an organization that, while seemingly driven by religious fanaticism, is actually coldly calculating.

* China-Russia Navies to hold first Mediterranean joint drills he navies of China and Russia plan to hold joint drills in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time in mid-May, China's Defense Ministry announced Thursday, in the latest expansion of the growing informal partnership between the two militaries.

* Jihadists at the border: Operatives loyal to ISIS seen near the Golan Heights Israel is tracking the events beyond the border, but IDF refuses to respond to foreign reports it has reinforced its presence in the area.

* "We will not obey": Christian leaders threaten civil disobedience if Supreme Court legalizes gay marriage "We will not obey." ... That's the blunt warning a group of prominent religious leaders is sending to the Supreme Court of the United States as they consider same-sex marriage.

* White House dismisses talk of Texas takeover; Guard to "monitor" U.S. troops The White House tried to reassure Americans and the governor of Texas Wednesday that a planned special ....

* Report: Kerry Told Iran He Wishes "U.S. Had a Leader like Iran's Supreme Leader" Comment made during nuke talks, according to senior Iranian official

* Arab-Israel War ends: New strategic framework forged in reaction to Jihad, Iran, White House It is probable that history will mark early 2015 as the end of the Arab-Israeli war, a conflict which has lasted since 1948, when the modern State of Israel was proclaimed.

* What Really Happened to Hitler's Body? Moscow to reveal the full details of Hitler's suicide - and what came after - from Stalin's secret files in May.

4/29/15

* IDF training to retake Gaza in possible future round with Hamas Eight months after conflict, Islamic group again digging terror tunnels, developing Iran-funded advanced missiles and drones.

* Iran Tells Syria to Attack Israel on the Golan Heights Syrian defense minister in rare Iran visit told to open war front against Israel together with Hezbollah, as Iran seeks greater hegemony.

* Mortar Rounds on Golan Heights Were Fired by ISIS 'Spillover' from Syria fired by ISIS group, after it conquers closest post to Israeli border yet just 1.5 miles away.

* Exclusive: Deal Reached for Expansion in Judea and Samaria Arutz Sheva has learned that settlement figure Ze'ev Haver has come to a quiet understanding with Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon.

* Iraq is Losing the 'Psychological War' to ISIS Iraqi government furious as rumors inflate ISIS achievements, and 110,000 people flee only dozens of terrorists in key province.

* Islamic State in Rome and Milan: 'We are on your streets, we are locating targets' 'We were with Allah's Messenger in an expedition that there came a people to Allah's Apostle from the direction of the west. 

* Saudi Arabia's king announces new heirs to throne Saudi Arabia's new king has announced a major cabinet reshuffle that puts in place a new generation to succeed him.

* Overstretched Hezbollah May Be Resorting to Child Soldiers Death of teenage recruit in rebel assault this week may illustrate Hezbollah manpower shortage, as terror group stretched thin by Iran.

* Apple Solidifies Israel as Top Research Hub Israeli center already second largest outside of California campus, but new move sees Apple expand its offices, add 100s of Israeli workers.

* Nigeria rescues almost 300 female Boko Haram captives, none Chibok girls The Nigerian army announced on Tuesday that they had rescued over 200 girls and 93 women from Boko Haram camps in the Sambisa Forest. 

4/28/15

* Analysis: Regional war more likely as Arab armies go on attack Expert to "Post": The Saudis are justifiably alarmed by the prospects of a neighboring country falling under the influence of a resurgent militant Islamist power.

* Call for 'new world order' so emerging markets can shine At a summit in Jakarta, Africa and Asia pledge to work together to stamp out the domination of certain economies.

* Why Iran Spends $35 Billion a Year to Prop Up Assad Officials and experts reveal why Syria is so crucial that Iran spends mass fortunes despite sanctions and deploys thousands of troops.

* Persecution of Christians in China at record high Scholars estimate that by the year 2030, Christians in China will exceed the number of Christians in the United States, thus making China the largest Christian nation in the world.

* Illustrated Holocaust memoir 'Maus' removed from Moscow bookstore over swastika cover One person was told that by a bookstore clerk that the book would be unavailable until after Victory Day on May 9, celebrating the Soviet victory of Germany in World War II.

* Monitor: ISIS has murdered over 2,000 off the battlefield in Syria The killings of mostly Syrians included deaths by beheading, stoning or gunshots in non-combat situations

* Nepal on 'war footing' as quarter of population hit by quake Nepal is "on a war footing" as it tries to help survivors following Saturday's earthquake, its prime minister says.

* PA employee arrested for claiming Arafat was "not a martyr" Abu Dis resident held for endorsing a Facebook comment written by his niece, who faces expulsion from university.

* Saudi Arabia thwarts ISIS attack on US embassy Wave of arrests, including 93 suspects with Islamic State ties, occured in recent plans, foiling plot of strike American embassy in Riyadh.

* US Navy called in after Iran fires at cargo ship in Persian Gulf Pentagon says Iranians board Marshall Islands-flagged Maersk Tigris; Iran says ship is owned by US, held over financial dispute.

4/27/15

* For Israel and Hezbollah, a high-stakes balancing act  On the periphery of the Syrian civil war, the two foes angle for advantages, risking all-out conflict.

* Law Experts: Israel Doesn't Commit War Crimes Two of the world's leading experts on the laws of armed conflict have, in the wake of last year's Gaza war, conducted a thorough survey of the Israel Defense Force's targeting policies and concluded that the Israeli army does not as a matter of policy commit war crimes.

* Nepal earthquake: International aid effort increased The international aid effort for Nepal is gathering pace, with Saturday's huge earthquake now known to have killed at least 3,900 people and injured 7,000.

* Iran Revolutionary Guard chief: Saudi Arabia following in footsteps of Israel Mohammad Ali Jafari lashes out at Saudis for continued military campaign against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.

* Islamic State declares caliphate in Yemen, vows to "cut throats of Houthis" Iraq and Syria, Libya, Yemen, Nigeria, the Philippines - but nothing to be concerned about: Obama and John Kerry and David Cameron and every other Western leader assures us that it has nothing to do with Islam.

* Islamic State child preachers: "You are the people of the Quran - we shall smash the heads of the infidels" What will these children be like when (if) they grow up? Not to worry. Doubtless John Kerry is already on his way to Mosul to explain to them how they're getting the Qur'an, the Book of Peace, all wrong.

* Al-Shabaab mulling switching allegiance from al-Qaeda to Islamic State Thinking about backing the strong horse. "Why is it a surprise to hear that Shabaab may join the Islamic State? All Muslims have to unite against their enemy," said a Shabaab commander.

* Security issue and Ukraine top EU's agenda this WEEK The European Commission will this week (28 April) unveil a "security agenda" for the EU including how to tackle terrorism, organised crime, and cyber crime.

* LGBT activists rush onto stage to disrupt March for Marriage rally A leader of the Coalition of African-American Pastors (CAAP) who spoke at the March for Marriage in Russellville, Arkansas Saturday was interrupted in her address when LGBT activists with protest signs and rainbow flags ran up on the stage with her, attempting to disrupt the event.

* If you believe they'll put a Torah on the moon French-Israeli entrepreneur Haim Aouizerate is seeking to send a fully functional, albeit tiny, Torah scroll to the moon.

4/25/15

* Nepal earthquake: Hundreds die, many feared trapped Nearly 1,000 are known to have died in a powerful earthquake in Nepal, with many more feared trapped under rubble, officials say.

* Memories of presidents: Israel's first ever Independence Day President Reuven Rivlin and predecessor Shimon Peres recall the hope, joy and fear that accompanied the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948.

* Pentagon: Iran moves ships, reducing tensions near Yemen Nine ships feared to carry arms to Yemen steers northeast.

* Iraqi army battles Islamic State near Fallujah Militants parade officer, 3 soldiers allegedly captured in the fighting in a pickup truck.

* Israel reportedly hits Hezbollah, Assad targets in Syria Al-Arabiya: IAF jets struck missile depots on Wednesday, Syrian army military bases near Lebanon border on Saturday.

* Mysterious X-37B Military Space Plane to Fly Again Next Month The United States Air Force's X-37B space plane will launch on its fourth mystery mission next month.

* EU to target migrant smugglers EU leaders on Thursday (23 April) declared war on migrant smugglers and promised to triple the monthly budget of the EU's sea surveillance mission, Triton.

* Israel says it won't tolerate 'a dribble of rockets' Hamas must keep the peace in Gaza or be held responsible, officials warn, after Thursday's rocket attack on southern Israel.

* Russia: Islamic State is Our Greatest Enemy Russian FM Lavrov says Russian citizen ISIS terrorists are returning and 'can get up to dirty tricks at home.'

* Netanyahu on Remembrance Day: There is no future for the Jewish people without Israel "As the threats from our enemies to destroy our homeland grow, our determination to defend our homeland grows."

4/24/15

* Ongoing tensions over Temple Mount stoked by Jordanian-funded carpet Renovation renews concerns among archeologists, religious groups of Muslim indifference and destruction of Jewish antiquities at contested holy site.

* Uplifting end to the 2015 March of the Living Participants experience what Jewish sovereignty means - that redemption of sorts is forthcoming.

* Mideast arms sales surging to record $18b in 2015, with Saudis in lead As Western nations boost supplies to their allies in the region, analysts warn of destabilizing effects; US is biggest exporter, Israel is 7th.

* Most Americans unhappy with US handling of Iran, terror Fox News survey finds 51% believe Obama administration "too soft" on Tehran; over 60% say US fight against Islamic extremism going badly.

* Arab Citizens Mourn 'Catastrophe' on Independence Day As Israel celebrates 67, thousands of Arab citizens take to Galilee to protest the existence of their state on Independence Day.

* Al-Qaida suspects may have been targeting Vatican, Italian prosecutor says Police conduct raids across Italy targeting 18 people suspected of links with al-Qaida.

* Afghanistan's 'Jihad' Museum 'For the Sake of Peace' Herat museum glorifies the 'martyrs' of the Soviet-Afghanistan war; organizers claim 'jihad' focus is to encourage peace.

* EU to target migrant smugglers EU leaders on Thursday (23 April) declared war on migrant smugglers and promised to triple the monthly budget of the EU's sea surveillance mission, Triton.

* Words speak louder than guns "In war, avoid what is strong and strike at what is weak", Sun Tzu said.

* Former Commander: Next War With Hamas By End of 2015 Hamas's neglect of common Palestinians is riling up popular support for another war, says former IDF Southern Command chief.

4/23/15

* Memories of presidents: Israel's first ever Independence Day President Reuven Rivlin and predecessor Shimon Peres recall the hope, joy and fear that accompanied the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948.

* US concerned Iranian ships may carry arms to Yemen Defense Secretary declines to say whether US might attempt to board Iranian cargo ships, if needed.

* IAF conducts Independence Day flyover Israel Air Force celebrates Israel's 67th anniversary with special aerial show crossing all of Israel.

* New carpets at Dome of Rock spark religious row, rekindle Holy Ark mystery Archaeologists fume as new rugs laid at Jerusalem shrine, covering geometric patterns that some claim point to sacred Temple artifact hidden beneath.

* In cartoons, Arab press expresses anger, fear over Iran nuke deal Political images reflect dismay at US Mideast policy, its rapprochement with Tehran.

* Russia won't supply S-300 missile to Iran soon, minister says Local media cites Moscow's deputy FM as saying gesture alone of removing weapons sales ban was important.

* Report: Shin Bet Threatens Temple Mount Rights Activists ISA agents threaten Return to the Mount activists to cancel an independence rally to the Temple Mount scheduled for Thursday night.

* World Bible Contest: Eyal Yitzhak Matas crowned winner Matas, 15, from Rehovot, was declared winner of traditional competition on Bible book, after head to head battle with Israeli contestant.

* 8,345,000 people living in Israel Ahead of country's 67 anniversary, Central Bureau of Statistics figures reveal Israel's population increased by some 162,000 people since last Independence Day; number of people who made aliyah in past year stands at 32,000.

* Syrian opposition group to Israel: Next year we celebrate Independence Day in Damascus The Syrian people are looking forward to establish relations with Israel, says Free Syria Movement.

4/22/15

* Israel shifts from mourning to elation as Independence Day festivities get underway The official theme of this year's Independence Day ceremony at Mount Herzl is "Israeli Trailblazers."

* Yemen conflict: Saudi-led coalition resumes air strikes Saudi-led coalition jets have bombed Houthi rebels in Yemen's third city of Taiz, hours after announcing the end of a military campaign against them.

* Russia: Islamic State is Our Greatest Enemy Russian FM Lavrov says Russian citizen ISIS terrorists are returning and 'can get up to dirty tricks at home.'

* Warships to Yemen provide US with options, Pentagon says Obama administration claims move is to protect "free flow of commerce" through the Gulf of Aden, Mandeb Strait.

* Israel Remembers Its Fallen, Celebrates Their Victory As we do every year, Israelis on Wednesday made the incredible transition from deep mourning to bounding joy as we first marked the Memorial Day for our fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism before moving immediately into Independence Day.

* Israel's wars as told through the headlines The fight for Israel's existence, as told by the pages of 'The Jerusalem Post.'

* Netanyahu: Our enemies need to know that they won't break us State ceremony takes place at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl in commemoration of Israel's fallen soldiers.

* As Israel Mourns, Palestinians Celebrate Terror Even as Israel on Wednesday mourned the 23,320 killed defending this nation or as victims of terrorism.

* Spike in IDF Volunteers in 2014 Marked rise in volunteers from abroad since 2011; 25% are Americans.

* In the Jerusalem Hills, where Israel's independence was won in blood Stirring and creative monuments to the soldiers of the Harel Brigade range from striking sculptures to wonderful parks and unique cemeteries.

4/21/15

* Netanyahu on Remembrance Day: There is no future for the Jewish people without Israel "As the threats from our enemies to destroy our homeland grow, our determination to defend our homeland grows."

* U.S. carrier moving off coast of Yemen to block Iranian arms shipments U.S. Navy officials say the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt is steaming toward the waters off Yemen and will join other American ships prepared to intercept any Iranian vessels carrying weapons to the Houthi rebels fighting in Yemen. 

* US, Ukraine Start Military Training, Defying Russian Fury Troops from the United States and Ukraine kicked off joint training exercises Monday intended to help bolster Ukraine's defenses against incursions from Russian-backed separatists in the east.

* On the eve of Independence Day, Israeli population stands at 8,345,000 67 years ago, the population of Israel stood at approximately 806,000 residents.

* Russia Wants to 'Redesign' the Middle East Russia thinks American policy in the Middle East has been irresponsible, but is pursuing a strategy where Iranian power would dominate.

* Islamic State Leader Al-Baghdadi Critically Wounded in Airstrike Sources reveal Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has not been in control of ISIS since a strike in western Iraq found its mark on the 'caliph.'

* Country bows its head to honor 23,320 fallen 116 soldiers, civilians lost their lives in past year; Knesset event to recount stories of lone soldiers.

* Netanyahu and Rivlin refuse to meet with Jimmy Carter Israeli leaders won't sit down with former US president during upcoming visit; official cites his 'anti-Israel' stance

* ISIS Secret Service: Slain top strategist's blueprints reveal covert Syria takeover op While ISIS appears to be run by religious fanaticism, it instead has been functioning more like a secret intelligence service, calculating every operation and drafting plans of a covert Syrian takeover for years, files seen by Der Spiegel have revealed.

* Houthis carry out suicide operations on Saudi border, Saudis to target pro-rebel tribes Coalition forces have begun a new phase that will involve airstrikes against Yemeni tribes harboring and abetting the Iran backed militia's leadership and fighters.

4/20/15

* Iran leader derides "silly" US threats, but urges his military to be 'prepared' Khamenei tells army to be on alert after American warning of possible strike on nuclear facilities, calls US and Israel gravest threat to the world.

* Could Israeli F-35s turn the tables on Iranian S-300 missiles? Purchase of the costly jets has provoked years of controversy. But with Russia now to deliver its air-defense system to Iran, the IAF's chief acquisition officer stands firmly behind much-maligned aircraft.

* Facing political deadlock, Netanyahu gets more time to build coalition While agreements with religious parties seem close to being signed, Likud is finding it harder to settle matters with Bennett and Lieberman. .

* Ex-Hussein Intel Officer Planned ISIS's Rise to Power Report based on newly revealed documents shows how former chief officer under Iraq's dictator made 'blueprint' for ISIS's Syria conquest.

* Watch: Hamas Rallies with Impunity on the Temple Mount Despite all the tough-talking, footage illustrates how Islamists still free to incite, glorify terror on Judaism's holiest site.

* After second incident of ISIS murdering Christians in Libya, foreign minister 'appalled' Libyan Foreign Minister Muhammad Dayri says he is "appalled" by the barbaric killing of Christians by Islamic State, and urges the international community to help Libya further.

* Israel gets a resounding slap in the face from Putin Russia's recent sale of the S-300 air defense system severely hinders Israel's ability to strike the Islamic Republic.

* War on Terror Update Voters See Growing Rift Between America and Islamic World.

* IN HISTORIC MEETING WITH RABBIS, POPE FRANCIS DECRIES RISING ANTI-SEMITISM IN EUROPE Current "anti-Semitic trends in Europe" are a cause for worry, said Pope Francis Monday morning, as are accompanying "acts of hatred and violence."

* NATO 'Tornado' military drills in Estonia to use laser training system The US Army has joined Estonian soldiers in NATO 'Tornado' drills just before the largest training in Estonia's history, the Siil war games. A laser training system will be used for simulating actual battle.

4/18/15

* Senior Iranian officials call ISIS 'American proteges,' warn of imminent Saudi demise Addressing worshipers in Tehran, Iranian leaders decried Saudi Arabia's "blood bath" in Yemen and warned the US of deceitful behavior in negotiations over the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

* Russia Threatens NATO Over Missile Shield Russia's top general warned European countries planning to host installations for a U.S.-led missile-defense shield that Russian forces would be forced to target them.

* Thousands of Iraqis flee as Islamic State makes gains in Sunni heartland Thousands of families fleeing Iraq's western city of Ramadi choked checkpoints leading to Baghdad on Friday, after an Islamic State advance spread panic and left security forces clinging to control.

* NATO Simulating War Against Russia During Drills - Russian General Staff During its military drills, NATO is increasingly often simulating the war with a conditional enemy understood as Russia instead of practicing anti-terror activities, Russian General Staff head Valery Gerasimov said Thursday.

* Tunisian official: 12,000 militants blocked from joining jihadist groups abroad According to Tunisian authorities, the small North African state has been the origin-point of 2,000-3,000 foreign fighters who have joined the ranks of jihadist groups.

* Behind the lines: Islamic State comes to Damascus Amid a series of setbacks for the regime, the Yarmuk events mark a new phase in the Syrian war.

* Iran accuses US of creating Islamic State, Boko Haram Top general claims Washington sets up terror groups to harm Islam, bolster Israel; allegation comes as Obama weighs Tehran's demand for full sanctions relief.

* UK: Posters tell Muslims not to vote, 'Democracy is a system whereby man violates the right of Allah' 'Islam is the only real workable solution for the UK.' And the only one they're going to get, unless they cut out the denial, willful ignorance and appeasement.

* Iran unveils self-developed knockoff of S-300 missiles Tehran's version of Russian advanced anti-aircraft weaponry shown at military parade.

* Isis in Afghanistan: Group claims responsibility for Jalalabad suicide bombing that killed 33 A motorcyclist laded with explosives rode into government and military employees queuing at a bank to collect their wages.

4/17/15

* 'Arab hackers believed to have breached Israeli military networks' The affair shows how the Middle East continues to be a hotbed for cyber espionage.

* Obama invites Mideast leaders to discuss Iran As Sunni Gulf nations fear that Shiite Iran will develop atomic weapons after sanctions are removed, Obama invites leaders to White House and Camp David.

* 'US-Saudi aggression in Yemen will fail just like Israel did in Lebanon,' Nasrallah says The Hezbollah leader's fiery address came just hours after Yemen's former president Ali Abdullah Saleh said he would not leave the country.

* Dempsey: We Can Still Strike Iran Despite S-300 Sale Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says Washington knows all about the system Russia is selling to Iran.

* 'Lebanon prepares to receive massive shipments of French weapons' The agreement calls for France to provide Lebanon with warplanes and cruisers. Lebanon is also due to receive armored vehicles, seven helicopters, and light aircraft.

* Arab world: Egypt's dangerous stalemate Despite his all-out effort to defeat Islamic terrorism and insurgency, President Sisi has yet to achieve the results needed to prevent the country slipping back into anarchy and chaos.

* Memorial Day: Israel to Mourn 23,320 Fallen 116 people were killed at war or in terror attacks since April 2014, the Defense Ministry announces.

* The Holocaust Averted: a Bittersweet Scenario What if the Nazis had failed with Czechoslovakia? Expert says American Jews and Israel would not have been the same.

* Senior Hamas official calls to abduct Israelis "Our men, our women, our children all envision kidnapping your soldiers and settlers, wherever they are."

* The undying 'last' dictatorships of Europe My name is Ales Bialiatski. If it had not been for the relentless mobilisation of the international community, the European Union in particular, I would be writing these words behind the bars of the Bobruisk high-security penal colony in south-eastern Belarus.

4/16/15

* 'F-35 designed to deal with threats like S-300,' Lockheed Martin official in Israel says The F-35 fighter jet is designed to counter advanced threats just like the one posed by the Russian-made S-300 surface to air missile system, a senior Lockheed Martin executive who is visiting Israel said on Wednesday.

* Putin: S-300 delivery to Iran will not threaten Israel Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Iran's willingness and flexibility in trying to find a solution with the West over its nuclear program had spurred his decision to lift a 2010 ban to deliver an S-300 missile defense system to Tehran, adding that the advanced Russian unit would not pose a threat to Israel.

* Islamic State steps up assault on Iraqi city of Ramadi Islamic State (IS) has stepped up its assault on the western Iraqi city of Ramadi, launching a series of suicide bomb attacks, officials say.

* Israel marks Holocaust Remembrance Day The State of Israel marks its annual Holocast Remembrance Day on Thursday with ceremonies commemorating the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis during World War II.

* Netanyahu says West is 'comatose, delusional' in face of today's Nazis: Iran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday compared Iran's violent and expansionist aspirations in the Middle East to the Nazi campaign to conquer Europe during World War II.

* Turkish 'documentary' says Jews have been 'mastermind' for 3,500 years Mastermind, a new anti-Semitic "documentary" film, is being repeatedly broadcast in Turkey and presents Jewish "domination of the world" as going back 3,500 years, since the days of Moses.

* More than 220,000 Killed in Syria Conflict, Monitor Says The conflict in Syria has left more than 220,000 dead since it began four years ago with an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, a key monitoring group said Thursday.

* Ukraine's State News Agency Hopes for New World War According to Ukraine's state news agency Ukrinform, the US House of Representatives vote on sending lethal aid to Ukraine means that the United States is ready to begin, what the agency is calling, a "fourth World War:"

* Putin wants neither Russian Empire nor army of clones: Q&A highlights Russia sees no enemies among other countries and advises no one to treat it as such. It wants to be America's equal partner and refuses to be Uncle Sam's vassal.

* Hackers have 'begun targeting nuclear power plants,' cyber warfare expert warns Computer hackers have begun targeting electric and nuclear power plants around the world, as well as other critical infrastructure sites in increasingly audacious attacks, a senior Israeli cyber security expert warned on Thursday.

4/15/15

* Seventy years after the Holocaust, European Union says never again "There are Jewish communities in Europe that again feel insecure and we have been sadly reminded that violent anti-Semitism, intolerance and fanaticism remain a threat," EU says.

* Global financial risks have risen, says IMF The risks to global financial stability have risen, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said. .

* Islamic State camp a few miles from Texas Combine this with Obama's open borders policy, and America faces a bright and secure future of hope and change.

* Expert: Time to Recalibrate Relations with Russia Israel cannot continue being "over-supportive" of the Russians in the wake of the S-300 deal, says Azriel Bermant.

* Almost half of Germans want to put Nazi past behind them Seventy years after the end of World War Two, some 42 percent of Germans want to draw a line under the Nazi past.

* Violent anti-Semitism surged 40 percent in 2014, study finds "Many streets in our European cities have become hunting grounds for Jews, and some Jews are now forced to avoid community institutions and synagogues as a result."

* Israel becoming an increasingly more partisan issue in US, poll finds A new poll conducted by Bloomberg news finds that a partisan shift may represent a watershed moment for American and Israeli relations.

* Hamas accelerates its tunnel-building, using heavy machinery Bulldozers hard at work in new upsurge; terror group also manufacturing short-range rockets, which proved murderously effective last summer.

* EU OFFICIAL ESTIMATES OVER 6,000 JIHADIS LEFT EUROPE TO FIGHT IN SYRIA "At the European level, we estimate that 5,000 [to] 6,000 individuals have left for Syria," European Union Justice Commissioner Vera Jouriva told Le Figaro in a Monday interview, as transcribed by AFP. She went on to say this was a very conservative estimate, because keeping tabs on foreign Muslim fighters in the Syrian theater is extremely difficult. .

* RAF jets and Royal Navy warship scrambled to shadow Russian ships and aircraft SCOTS-based RAF Typhoons and a warship have been scrambled as Russian bombers and navy vessels passed close to the UK.

4/14/15

* In balance of power, Russian missiles not game changers The S-300 air-defense system to be sold by Russia to Iran is a complex but solvable problem for the IAF.

* Netanyahu to Putin: Israel disappointed over Russia's S-300 sale to Iran PM tells Russian leader that the move would only serve to increase Iran's aggression and put the security of the Middle East at risk.

* Iraq 'retakes over quarter of Islamic State territory' Islamic State (IS) has lost more than a quarter of its territory in Iraq since the US-led coalition air campaign began in August, a Pentagon spokesman says.

* Islamic State conflict: Iraq PM to seek weapons on US visit Iraq's prime minister is to seek a greater US contribution to fighting Islamic State (IS) in talks with Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday.

* Netanyahu: Iran is emboldened by deal, will increase terror activity Hours after Russia agrees to supply Tehran with advanced air defense system, PM says regime is 'grasping the Middle East with arms of terror and blood'.

* Nigeria abductions: Vows to remember Chibok girls Protesters around the world have vowed to remember the girls abducted by the Nigerian militant Islamist group Boko Haram one year ago.

* Ya'alon: Iran will Funnel S-300 Missiles to Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza Ya'alon warns that the current deal is widening Iran's grasp in the Middle East, any deal must include an anti-terror clause.

* Child Soldiers: Hamas Unveils its Youngest 'Terror Tot' Hamas's Interior Ministry celebrates its model 5-year-old - an armed child soldier, and in doing so shows how little separates it from ISIS.

* Afghan president admits he's losing troops to Islamic State The worldwide appeal of the concept of the caliphate is demonstrated once again. "Afghan president admits he's losing troops to ISIS," Associated Press, March 21, 2015:

* Ukraine conflict: Soldiers killed despite truce talks There has been a surge in violence between government troops and pro-Russian rebels in east Ukraine, despite diplomatic efforts to enforce a truce.

4/13/15

* Islamic State abducts almost 120 schoolchildren in Mosul Now they will be either freed outright, ransomed, enslaved or killed. That's Islamic law: here is a salient passage on this issue from a Shafi'i manual of Islamic law.

* Military option will only set Iran's nuclear program back a year or two, top US official says Top US negotiator with Iran, Wendy Sherman, says US wants to ensure that it will take Iran at least ten years to get the materials necessary to create one nuclear bomb.

* IS supporters post cartoon depicting Obama beheading 'Mom! Dad! Jihadi John is going to slaughter me!' president says before he is killed in animated video.

* Arms spending up globally, except in US, W. Europe Russia's neighbors, like Iran's, boost defense budgets, while much of West's military allocations shrink with austerity .

* Russia lifts ban on S-300 missile system delivery to Iran Russia has lifted a ban on supplying Iran with a sophisticated air defence missile system, the Kremlin has said. .

* IDF could unify cyber defense and offense into single branch As the IDF becomes increasingly dependent on digital networks for its combat capabilities, the issue of cyber security has become paramount. .

* Iran suspends Saudi pilgrimage flights over 'assaults' Iran has suspended flights for pilgrims to Saudi Arabia after the alleged sexual assaults of two Iranian boys. .

* Germany Approves Fifth 'Special' Submarine for Israel Answer to Iran deal? Germany gives green light to new advanced sub that can hold nuclear weapons.

* Christians in peril Ð because of Western foreign policy Easter should be a time of celebration for Christians, but for those of the faith living in the Middle East, there hasn't been too much to celebrate in recent years.

* Once Again: Waqf Illegally Digging Up Temple Mount Jordanian Waqf digs up stone floor under mosque built on top of the sacred areas of the Holy Temples, says it's 'replacing carpets.' .

4-11-15

* Israel: Iran's latest demands prove nuke deal unworkable The demand by Iran's leaders for the immediate lifting of all sanctions on the day a deal on its nuclear program takes effect represents proof that the US-led powers are adopting an unworkable approach to thwarting Iran's push to the bomb, Israeli sources said Friday.

* 'Iran helping Hamas, Hezbollah build fleet of suicide drones' Iran is building an explosive fleet of so-called "suicide kamikaze drones" while also providing know-how on assembling these new weapons to its terrorist allies Hamas and Hezbollah, according to a new report commissioned by the US Army.

* Russian Fighter Jet Nearly Collides with U.S. Spy Jet Over Europe A Russia Su-27 jet fighter flew dangerously close and nearly collided with a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft this week in the latest aerial provocation by Moscow.

* Putin to meet with Palestinian leader Abbas Monday Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Moscow on Monday where the issue of Middle East peace talks will be raised, Russian authorities announced Thursday.

* Military sites not open for inspection under nuclear deal, senior Iranian army official says Iran's military sites will never be open for inspection under a comprehensive nuclear deal with world powers, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported a senior Iranian commander as saying.

* Poll: Most Americans don't believe Iran will comply with terms of deal A poll conducted by the NBC news network and published Thursday in the United States found that 68 percent of Americans do not believe Iran will comply with the terms of a nuclear deal signed with the international coalition.

* In Mideast, religious wars often a front for political rivalries Across the Middle East, fierce rivalry between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran is heightening sectarian tensions, even in conflicts that analysts say are primarily political.

* Qur'an read inside Hagia Sophia for the first time in 85 years It was once the grandest cathedral in the Christian world, surpassing anything in Rome or anywhere else - until the Muslim conquest of Constantinople on May 29, 1453.

* Iran deal could stumble on sensitive nuclear monitoring Beefing up international monitoring of Iran's nuclear work could become the biggest stumbling block to a final accord between Tehran and major powers, despite a preliminary deal reached last week.

* Russian Hackers Have Been in White House System for Months, Officials Say Russian hackers penetrated the White House non-public, non-classified computer system for several months last year, forcing the White House to shut down the system for several days, U.S. officials said.

4/10/15

* Iran deal could stumble on sensitive nuclear monitoring Iran and the powers agreed that United Nations inspectors would have "enhanced" access to remaining nuclear activity in Iran, where they already monitor key sites. .

* Iran Deal Raises Concerns About Middle East Nuclear Proliferation Israel considered nuclear demonstration during Yom Kippur War.

* Ukraine sets sights on joining NATO Ukraine, locked in conflict with Russian-backed separatists in its east, on Thursday drew up a new security doctrine denouncing Russia's "aggression" and setting its sights on joining the U.S.-led NATO military alliance.

* Ayatollah Khamenei Accuses WH of 'Lying,' Being 'Deceptive,' and Having 'Devilish' IntentionsPresident Obama has long known that the real decision maker in Iran is Ayatollah Khamenei, the so-called supreme leader.

* Islamic State stones man to death for being gay Islamic State have released more horrific pictures showing the apparent stoning to death of a man accused of being gay.

* Inside the Middle East: Palestinians in Syria lose respect for Hezbollah Once thought of as the "axis of resistance" against Israel, Hezbollah's intervention, coupled with ally's brutal siege on Yarmouk, has damaged movement's popularity among Palestinians from Syria. .

* PLO says no to military action in Syria's embattled Yarmouk Palestinians will not join Syrian troops in driving Islamic State militants from refugee camp, contradicting earlier comments by envoy. .

* US mimics Netanyahu's cartoon bomb to sell nuke deal In apparent jab at Israeli leader, White House revamps PM's famous diagram to point out merits of agreement with Iran

* Putin to meet with Palestinian leader Abbas Monday 'The two leaders will hold talks concerning key aspects of Russian-Palestinian relations and their future, with particular attention on the trade, economy and humanitarian sectors,' the Kremlin said in a statement.

* Poll: Most Americans don't believe Iran will comply with terms of deal NBC survey finds 68% of Americans believe Iran will not abide by nuclear agreement; 53% of respondents say deal is serious threat for the US. .

4/9/15

* Iran will sign nuclear deal only if all sanctions lifted, Rouhani says Earlier this week US said it would accept sanctions being 'phased out' and it would not budge from its position.

* Where's the Outrage Over Palestinians Dying in Syria? The jihadists hordes of the Islamic State (ISIS) have captured most of the Yarmouk refugee camp on the outskirts of Damascus, driving out thousands of Palestinian residents and brutally slaughtering many.

* US, Russian war games rekindle Cold War tensions Russia is so close that the F-16 fighter pilots can see it on the horizon as they swoop down over a training range in Estonia in the biggest ever show of U.S. air power in the Baltic countries.

* Yemen crisis: Kerry warns Iran over Houthi rebel 'support' US Secretary of State John Kerry has warned Iran over its alleged support for Houthi rebels in Yemen.

* Iran nuclear: No guarantee of final deal, Khamenei says Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has cautioned against seeing a preliminary agreement on his country's nuclear programme as the "guarantee" of a final deal with world powers.

* 'Iran helping Hamas, Hezbollah build fleet of suicide drones' The report was published by the US Army's Foreign Military Studies Office at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

* Erdogan: Egypt must free Morsi before it can restore ties with Turkey Turkish president's slams Sisi for treatment of political prisoners.

* Did a Leading Saudi Cleric Permit Men to Eat Their Wives? Disputed report claims Mufti of Saudi Arabia says husbands facing 'severe hunger' can eat their wives - who should gladly comply.

* Watch: Jews Receive Less Than Warm Welcome on Temple Mount Jewish worshippers looking to visit Temple Mount after Kotel prayers face Muslim pursuers and uncompromising police.

* 'Cyberjihad' Causes French TV to Broadcast Reruns Only Self-described ISIS terrorists bring TV5Monde down for hours, threaten families of soldiers on channel's Facebook.

4/8/15

* Visitors flock to see oil drilling underway in Golan Heights During the Passover holiday's intermediate days, around 2,000 people have come for tours of the Afek Oil and Gas drilling site.

* Iran will start using fastest centrifuges on day deal takes effect What could possibly go wrong? "Iran news report: Tehran will start using fastest centrifuges on day deal takes effect," Times of Israel, April 8, 2015 (thanks to Jerk Chicken):

* Where's the Outrage Over Palestinians Dying in Syria? The jihadists hordes of the Islamic State (ISIS) have captured most of the Yarmouk refugee camp on the outskirts of Damascus, driving out thousands of Palestinian residents and brutally slaughtering many.

* REPORT: IRAN SENDS NAVY VESSELS NEAR YEMEN AMID AIRSTRIKES Iran dispatched a naval destroyer and another vessel Wednesday to waters near Yemen as the United States quickened weapons supply to the Saudi-led coalition striking rebels there, underlining how foreign powers are deepening their involvement in the conflict.

* Watch: Historic Omer Barley Offering Held in Jerusalem Temple Institute holds reenactment of new barley offering on same day it was performed in Holy Temple thousands of years ago.

* This World Pregnant With Threats "...try to answer the most urgent question, the question which torments all those who have happened to read our accounts: How much of the concentration camp world is dead and will not return, like slavery and the dueling code?

* NASA promises 'definitive evidence' of alien life by 2025 We are on the cusp of discovering alien civilizations, NASA's top scientists have said. 

* Russian Hackers Have Been in White House System for Months, Officials Say Russian hackers penetrated the White House non-public, non-classified computer system for several months last year, forcing the White House to shut down the system for several days, U.S. officials said.

* Isis mass graves: Iraqi forensic teams recover remains of 1,700 military cadets slaughtered by militants near Tikrit Mass graves containing the bodies of 1,700 Iraqi military cadets who were slaughtered by Isis fighters last June are being opened by Iraqi forensic teams who have gained access to them since the capture of the nearby city of Tikrit.

* Arab, Muslim delegates to gather in Israel for nuke conference 100 representatives, some from states with no formal ties to Jerusalem, expected for summit on banning nuclear testing

4/7/15

* Iraqi teams exhume mass graves of soldiers in Tikrit Iraqi forensic teams are exhuming bodies from the suspected mass graves of soldiers killed by Islamic State (IS) militants while they controlled the city of Tikrit.

* Yemen conflict: Aden a 'ghost city' as death toll rises The battle for the Yemeni port of Aden has turned it into a "ghost city", the head of the ICRC has told the BBC.

* Together in Tehran, Erdogan and Rouhani call for end to bloodshed in Yemen Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani agreed to boost trade and signed a slew of deals at a meeting on Tuesday, but steered clear of directly addressing differences over conflict-ridden Yemen.

* Americans Help Raise Anti-ISIS Christian Militia in Iraq After fighting with rebels in Libya and embracing the revolt in Syria, Matthew VanDyke has rolled up in northern Iraq, but the celebrity American revolutionary-cum-filmmaker has traded his fatigues for a three-piece suit.

* Tehran to showcase '839' Holocaust cartoons in order to highlight Western hypocrisy Individuals from fifty countries are scheduled to participate in the Second International Holocaust Cartoon Contest to be held in Iran in early May, according to multiple Iranian media outlets.

* 'Iran and US irritating each other with conflicting statements on nuclear deal' Iran and the United States have irritated each other with conflicting statements made about the nuclear framework agreement reached last week in Switzerland, the lead US negotiator said on Tuesday.

* Watch: Israel threatened with 'electronic Holocaust' on April 7 The hacker group Anonymous said that they will attempt to hack a number of Israeli websites on Tuesday, with cyber attacks possibly beginning on Monday.

* Thousands of Christians from around globe celebrate Easter in Old City As thousands of Christians from around the world made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem's Old City on a sunny Easter Sunday afternoon, many expressed awe of being so close to history, as well as hope for a peaceful future.

* 'Arab League to submit timetable for an end to Israel's occupation' Egypt's foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, said on Monday that a special committee of Arab League ministers will publish a detailed timetable "for an end to Israel's occupation."

* Greece ready to pay debts, but flirting with Moscow Greece reassured its lenders on debt commitments over the Easter weekend, but is continuing to cast doubt on its long-term relationship with the EU ahead of a visit to Moscow by prime minister Alexis Tsipras.

4/6/15

* Tens of thousands crowd Western Wall for priestly blessing  Semi-annual event is a reminder of the Jewish pilgrimages from temple times.

* Iranian, US Versions of Nuclear Deal Contradict Each Other  Comparison of US and Farsi text shows differences on centrifuge development, Arak's future, etc.; Obama's 'false claims' revealed.

* Israel Braces for 'Electronic Holocaust'  For the past several years, on April 7, groups of extremist hackers have targeted Israeli government domains and companies.

* What Might a Middle East Nuclear Arms Race Look Like?  Nuclear brinkmanship in the Middle East would not necessarily resemble past nuclear rivalries around the world.

* Kenya bombs Somalia al-Shabab bases after Garissa attack  Kenyan fighter jets have bombed positions of militant Islamist group al-Shabab in neighboring Somalia, a military spokesman has told the BBC.

* WATCH: Bosnians in Vienna turn anti-Semitic, shout 'Kill, kill the Jews'  The visiting fans' pro-Palestinian protest in Vienna's central square quickly turned anti-Semitic.

* Iran military chief hails nuclear success  Iran's military chief has hailed the success of his country's negotiators in talks with world powers that secured a framework for a deal on its long-disputed nuclear program.

* Demand for Access to Synagogue on the Temple Mount  Temple Mount activists demand police follow the law and grant access to synagogue on Mahkama Building, located on Mount.

* Nightmare Scenario: How Would Israel Combat a Nuclear Iran?  Israel will look to the US for security guarantees in response to an Iranian nuke, but how would it defend against strengthened proxies?

* Verifying Iran Nuclear Deal Not Possible, Experts Say  Past Iranian cheating to be codified by future accord.

4/4/15

* Agents of the Enemy If any further evidence was needed to show that the nuclear talks with Iran were a tragic farce, choreographed and orchestrated by Iran, the startling revelations from a former top aide to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani ought to do the trick.

* A new chapter in the Sunni-Shi'ite war The Saudi-organized coalition for Yemen and the announcement of a regional Arab force show that the Sunni states have finally picked up the gauntlet thrown down by the Iranians.

* 'Kenya's cities will run with blood' Somali militants vowed on Saturday to wage a long war against Kenya and run its cities "red with blood" after the group's fighters killed nearly 150 people during an assault on a Kenyan university.

* 130,000 tourists expected in Israel for Passover, Easter Some 130,000 Jewish and Christian tourists are expected to visit Israel to celebrate Passover and Easter, the Tourism Ministry said this week.

* Iraq Tikrit: looting and lawlessness follow recapture Iraqi Shia militia, who helped recapture Tikrit from Islamic State (IS), are being pulled out of the city amid reports of violence and looting.

* Hezbollah praises US-Iran nuclear deal as 'victory' The Lebanese Shi'ite movement Hezbollah praised the framework agreement reached on Thursday between the Western powers and Iran as "a victory."

* 'ISIS takes 90 percent of Palestinian refugee camp in Syria' Islamic State has taken control of 90 percent of a Palestinian refugee camp on the Damascus outskirts where 18,000 civilians have suffered years of bombing, army siege and militia control, a monitoring group said on Saturday.

* Pope Francis decries persecution of Christians Pope Francis has condemned the "complicit silence" about the killing of Christians during a Good Friday service in Rome.

* Imam of Mecca's grand mosque calls for all-out war against Shi'ites and Christians The imam of the grand mosque in Mecca, the holiest place in Islam? How did Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais miss all the Qur'an's peaceful teachings that Barack Obama, John Kerry, and David Cameron find so easily?

* Experts: Iran Will be '3 Weeks from a Nuclear Weapon' Responding to the Iran nuclear deal sealed Thursday, one expert has revealed that the nuclear centrifuge research allowed by the deal likely will allow the Islamic regime to reach a point where it can make a dash for the nuclear bomb within three weeks.

4/3/15

* Netanyahu: Israel's Survival is 'Non-Negotiable' Any final agreement must include recognition of Israel by Iran, PM says; warns current deal threatens 'terrible war', nuclear arms race.

* Experts: Iran Will be '3 Weeks from a Nuclear Weapon' Experts tell science magazine deal will let Iran get advanced centrifuges, meaning it will be a short sprint from a nuclear bomb.

* Iranians on social media and in Tehran rejoice at news of nuclear deal Videos posted on social media showed cars driving through the streets of Tehran with honking horns and passengers clapping

* IN PICTURES: Jews in Israel and the world prepare for Passover Religious Jews burn 'chametz' and Chabad Houses around the world gear up ahead of the Passover Seder.

* Iran nuclear talks: Hardliners criticise nuclear deal Hardliners in Iran have criticised the preliminary agreement with world powers on their country's nuclear programme.

* Iran Accuses U.S. of Lying About New Nuke Agreement Says White House misleading Congress, American people with fact sheet.

* Shocking Passover Blood Moon Predictions by Israeli Rabbi A mystic rabbi living in southern Israel is urging all Jews to pray and repent as the third Blood Moon of a tetrad cycle approaches.

* Congressmen to Obama: Stand with Israel House resolution rejects UN meddling in Israeli-Palestinian talks.

* Hamas Official Calls to Overthrow Abbas Hamas encourages takeover of the PA, claims Israel sent reps to Gaza for ceasefire talks.

* Kenya massacre survivor says jihadists singled out Christians for killing Slaughter of 147 people was carefully planned, say witnesses; killers had scouted the campus.