6/30/15

* UN report author: Israel, Palestinian groups are equal under the law The American jurist, Mary McGowan Davis, headed the two-person fact-finding mission that authored a 500- page report on last summer's war between Gaza and Hamas.

* Iranians arrive in Vienna to seal the deal; interim agreement extended 7 days P5+1 group of world powers and Iran agree to formally extend the terms of the interim agreement by seven days to buy time for a comprehensive deal.

* Greece debt crisis: Athens seeks new last-minute deal The Greek government has requested a new bailout deal from the eurozone, just hours before its bailout expires and it must repay €1.6bn (£1.1bn) to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

* Rivlin: Ramadan has become month of worldwide terror President meets with Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni where they both condemned the latest violence.

* PA Ignores ISIS Threat to Rid Jerusalem of Christians PLO govt. calls for 'Palestinian unity,' failing to note ISIS called for genocide against Christian Arabs in capital city during Ramadan.

* Worldwide Jewry nowhere near pre-WWII numbers, says foremost Jewish demographer Contrary to reports that the Jewish population is approaching, and may even have passed, pre-Holocaust numbers, it actually falls more than two million short, says Prof. Sergio DellaPergola. Maybe try again in 35 years.

* Turkish Government Plays Down Talk of Syria Invasion Gov't spokesperson denies Turkey's 'security measures' and high-profile military meetings as presaging invasion of Syria.

* Greece would challenge forced euro exit The Greek government is considering suing the EU if it tries to push Greece out of the eurozone after Sunday's (5 July) referendum on the creditors' plan for reforms.

* Israeli cartoon warns - 'Iran is like ISIS, just much bigger' "Imagine Islamic State building atomic bombs," the cartoon says. "Well, maybe it's not that hard to imagine."

* Syria is dying, the funeral will be declared in due time Assad, he will be remembered in history textbooks as the leader who lost Syria, Amos Gilad, Ya'alon's strategic adviser says at intelligence conference.

6/29/15

* Kerry says 'too soon' to tell if Iran deal sealed Russian FM Lavrov on his way to Vienna to meet with American counterpart, while Iranian FM returns from Tehran after consultation with leadership.

* Israel acknowledges it is helping Syrian rebel fighters Defense minister says Jerusalem assists insurgents in exchange for promise Druze will be kept out of harm's way.

* 'Christian Tidal Wave About to Crash on BDS' Christian Zionist NPO announces push for resolutions against the anti-Israel boycott movement in 34 states to 'defeat anti-Semitism.'

* ISIS in Jerusalem Flyers made their appearance in the North Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina on Thursday last week, signed by the "ISIS in Palestine" organization, with threats against Arab Christians of the area.

* Report: US intel community concerned about last resort chemical attack by Syria's Assad According to WSJ report, US intel agencies believe possibility could materialize if Damascus regime feels it has no options left to defend key strongholds from Islamist insurgents, opposition forces.

* Gay rights activist optimistic about marriage equality in Israel The United States Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing marriage equality in the United States could pass in the Knesset in Israel, Oded Frid, director-general of the Israeli National LGBT Task Force, said Monday.

* Greece debt talks: EU chief feels 'betrayed' The European Commission chief, Jean-Claude Juncker, has said he feels "betrayed" by the "egotism" shown by Greece in failed debt talks.

* Ramadan So Far: 12 Days of Terror Muslims commit or attempt at least eight serious attacks, including two murders - and the month isn't halfway over.

* Kids Wield AK-47s in Palestinian Authority Summer Camp 150 children trained paramilitary style in youth camp sponsored by Fatah.

* Christian events in Jerusalem only if city's rabbis approve As thousands of Christians attended a conference at the Payis Arena last month, haredi ultra-Orthodox officials expressed their anger at the Municipality and the management of the Payis Arena for allowing a Christian organization to hold a conference at the venue last month.

6/27/15

* US Supreme Court rules gay marriage is legal nationwide The US Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex marriage is a legal right across the United States.

* Kerry Arrives in Vienna as Deadline for Nuclear Deal Approaches Secretary of State John Kerry to meet Iranian counterpart in Vienna amid reports that nuclear talks remain stalled.

* Dozens killed on day of terror in Tunisia, Kuwait and France Gunmen, bombers strike on three continents; Cameron laments 'poisonous radicalism'; Netanyahu urges world struggle against 'dark forces of Islamic extremism'.

* The Iran deal: A look at what it does and problems remaining With deadline approaching, and negotiators back at the table, significant obstacles to a nuclear agreement remain.

* How IDF Intelligence failed to predict 'Hamastan' in Gaza following Israeli pullot A year before the evacuation, the Southern Command warned of 'Hamastan in Gaza,' but Army Intelligence was quick to dismiss it, while the Shin Bet estimated Hamas was interested in calm; those who did try to alert of the dangers of leaving Gaza were pushed aside, while the rest toed the line.

* Vatican signs treaty recognizing State of Palestine Angry Israel says 'hasty step damages the prospects for advancing a peace agreement'.

* Jewish worldwide population in 2015 is nearly 16 million Seventy years after Holocaust, global Jewish population close to returning to what it was before.

* Greece debt: Crisis meeting over bailout referendum Greece's creditors are holding a crisis meeting with the Greek finance minister after Athens called a referendum on the terms for a fresh bailout.

* NATO to triple size of reaction force NATO announced late Wednesday it will triple the capacity of its Response Force to 40,000 troops.

* At Magdala by the Kinneret, discoveries that resonate with Jews and Christians The most significant find to date is an altar stone believed to be a model of the Jerusalem Temple - created by a contemporary artist who saw it first-hand.

6/26/15

* Supreme Court says Same-Sex marriage is a Constitutional right In a crushing defeat for traditionalists, the U.S. Supreme Court has mandated same-sex marriage as a constitutional right from sea to shining sea.

* At least 63 dead in day marred by international terror From the beach of Tunisia to Kuwait's places of prayer and France's industry, terrorism hits home just one week into Ramadan; PM Cameron: 'We all face this threat.'

* Syria crisis: Islamic State 'kills 120 civilians' in Kobane Islamic State (IS) militants have killed more than 120 civilians since launching a fresh attack on the Syrian border town of Kobane, activists say.

* IS-linked group said to issue leaflets threatening Christians in Jerusalem Flyers featuring terrorist group's black banner warn of "vengeance," TV report says.

* Bloodbath in Tunisia: At least 37 reported dead in terror attack at resort hotel According to initial reports, many of those killed are foreigners.

* Jewish worldwide population in 2015 is nearly 16 million Seventy years after Holocaust, global Jewish population close to returning to what it was before. After Israel with 6.1 million, US has second largest Jewish population at 5.7 million.

* Vatican signs treaty recognizing State of Palestine Angry Israel says 'hasty step damages the prospects for advancing a peace agreement'.

* Erdogan: No One Can Link Turkey to Terror Organizations Turkish President dismisses as "propaganda" accusations that ISIS fighters had been allowed to cross from Turkey into Syria.

* Massive Rally in Times Square to Demand 'Stop Iran Now' Thousands expected at protest during Congress review of Iran deal featuring former Congressmen, ex-CIA Director and more.

* Gaza-bound flotilla sets sail from Crete, with MK Ghattas on board Gaza-bound flotilla sets sail from Crete, with MK Ghattas on board.

6/25/15

* Drone from Gaza penetrates into Israeli territory, crashing near border fence The drone crashed on its own before the IDF had reason to engage it, landing on the Israeli side of the border.

* Support for a two-state solution dropping - poll Only 51% of Israelis and Palestinians favor two states for two people, survey shows.

* Iran nuclear talks: Obama warned over concessions Former senior advisers to US President Barack Obama have expressed concern at the emerging deal between world powers and Iran over its nuclear programme.

* Syria crisis: IS makes deadly return to Kobane Islamic State fighters have attacked the Syrian city of Kobane, months after being driven out in a symbolic battle that made international headlines.

* Hamas launches official English-language web site Hamas has also apparently sought to broaden its outreach to a wider audience. In a subsequent tweet, it touted the new site's interactive features.

* Confederate Flags Banned - Nazi Products Still Available Major retailers still selling Nazi products, swastika-emblazoned gear despite crackdown on racism-associated Confederate flags.

* 'Jerusalem is the Heart of the Jewish People' American Friends of Ateret Cohanim founder Bernie Hoenig calls for support in foundation's quest to 'preserve Jerusalem' and Jewish history.

* Islamic State Making Gains Across Syria ISIS terrorists have re-entered battleground town Kobane on Thursday and also overrun two southern districts in provincial capital Hasakeh.

* Greece rejects "exceptionally generous" counterproposals by creditors Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and international creditors have failed to reach a common ground on tax and reform proposals, which adds more doubts over the country's chances of averting an imminent debt default.

* Persecuted Russian transsexual and gay friend flee to Syria to join ISIS Dubbed by Moscow media as the "battle trannies," the two appear to be unaware that ISIS combatants regularly execute individuals accused of homosexuality.

6/24/15

* Cause for Concern: Israel's Rigorous Compliance With International Law  "Our overall findings are that during Operation Protective Edge last summer -Israel not only met a reasonable international standard of observance of the laws of armed conflict, but in many cases significantly exceeded that standard."

* Europe's Jews decry "beast" of anti-Semitism overtaking continent European Jewry is all in the same boat, and that boat is slowly but surely sinking. That, at least, was the impression from a roundtable conversation Tuesday at the Jerusalem Press Club with leaders from 25 of the continent's Jewish communities.

* Iran nuclear talks: Khamenei rejects key US demands Iran's supreme leader has hardened his stance on the nuclear negotiations with world powers, with the deadline for a comprehensive agreement only days away.

* Russian Islamists 'Pledge Allegiance' to Islamic State Islamists from four regions of Russia's Caucasus publish voice recording declaring 'allegiance' to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

* Israeli Islamist Cleric Says Israel May 'End' Within 6 Months Radical Islamist sheikh distanced from Jerusalem to avoid Ramadan incitement, says 'occupation may end first.'

* Israel cancels Gazans' entry permits for Ramadan following rocket attack A number of rockets have been fired in the past month by Islamic State-linked terror cells in Gaza opposed to Hamas rule.

* ISIS offers sex slaves to winners of Koran memorization contest The news of the contest spread across social media on Wednesday. The contests are slated to be held in various ISIS-run mosques in Syria.

* Poll finds massive drop in Israelis' approval of Obama Less than half of Israelis think US president doing a good job, compared to 71% last year; 80% disapprove of his Iran policy.

* West reportedly offering nuclear help to Iran With deadline looming, the Associated Press reports that the US and its negotiating partners are offering Tehran high tech nuke help in exchange for shuttering military program aspects.

* Pentagon rewrites "Law of War" declaring "belligerent" journalists as legitimate targets The Pentagon has released a book of instructions on the "law of war," detailing acceptable ways of killing the enemy. The manual also states that journalists can be labeled 'unprivileged belligerents,' an obscure term that replaced 'enemy combatant.'

6/23/15

* US announces new tank and artillery deployment in Europe The US is to deploy heavy weapons - including tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery - in a number of European nations, amid Nato concerns over Russia's role in Ukraine.

* Report: American soldiers, Iranian militias share base in Iraq Some members of the US administration fear that sharing the base is endangering the lives of American soldiers.

* Study Warns US Nuclear Strategy is on Course for Disaster CSIS report calls for new policy in coming years or US will lose deterrence and over 11 states will go nuclear in mass proliferation.

* Netanyahu: Israel Can Lead the Battle against Cyber-Terror Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu explains how Israeli chutzpah has spurred innovation in cyber-defense.

* 'ISIS enforces Ramadan fast by crucifying two children' It is one of the few places on earth where nothing but a line on a map separates the third world from the first. 

* Report: Syrian Islamists led by Nusra Front unite near Israel's border New Islamist alliance excludes all groups that have not been crystal clear about their opposition to ISIS, expert says.

* Islamic State conflict: Kurds 'capture Syrian town north of Raqqa' Kurdish fighters in northern Syria say they have captured a key town from Islamic State, just 50km (30 miles) from the group's headquarters at Raqqa.

* Greek debt crisis: Eurozone leaders hopeful of deal Eurozone leaders have broadly welcomed new proposals for Greek reforms amid hopes a deal can be struck within days to stop Greece defaulting on its debt.

* Huge solar storm hits Earth: power grid and GPS could be disrupted, but auroras might be seen The Earth is being battered by a huge solar storm, which could disrupt the power grid and GPS as well as letting people see beautiful auroras.

* Top US General Slams UN Report on Gaza as 'Inaccurate' Retired air force general notes UN fails to account for Hamas's 'gross violations' of international law during Protective Edge.

6/22/15

* Iraq tops 'most dangerous' place in world list Iraq is the most dangerous place in the world for civilians to live, according to new figures from the UK based monitoring group Action on Armed Violence (AOAV). Syria, Gaza, Nigeria and Pakistan round out the top five.

* Netanyahu Warns Jewish World: The Threat is Growing Iran deal gets 'worse every day' and nuclear armed Iran greatest threat to Jewish people, Netanyahu warns in speech.

* NATO plans 40,000-strong rapid response force in E. Europe NATO's rapid response Spearhead Force in Europe might reach 40,000 troops, a tenfold growth from the initial 4,000-strong force deployed last year, the military alliance's chief said. Most of these troops will be stationed near Russian borders.

* Iran's Parliament Approves Imposing Conditions on Nuclear Talks Iran's parliament overwhelmingly approves bill that bar UN inspectors from military sites, undermining talks with the West.

* Urthecast video cameras to circle globe Canadian group Urthecast plans to put a 16-satellite constellation in orbit to image the Earth.

* UNHRC: Israelis and Palestinians may have committed "war crimes" in 2014 Gaza war UNHRC commision of inquiry chair says IDF should have changed the way it conducted the war after understanding the level of civilian casualties that were occurring.

* Top rebel leader accuses Jews of masterminding Ukrainian revolution Ukraine's Jews are responsible for the Euromaidan revolution that ousted their country's pro-Russian president last year, a senior rebel leader told an audience at a Russian university last week.

* Film Responds to UN Report With Facts, Song Film to the tune of John Lennon's 'Imagine' blasts the 'self-righteous hypocrisy' of the global community vis-a-vis Israel.

* Hamas rejects war crimes accusations in UN report Islamist organization welcomes UN Human Rights Council report's conclusions that Israel committed war crimes, but denies its own blame.

* Chanting "Death to America," Iran MPs vote to bar military inspectors Overwhelming decision in parliament to keep suspect sites closed to nuke probes has yet to be approved by higher Guardian Council.

6/19/15

* US: Iran's sponsorship of global terror is "undiminished" Annual report, released as nuclear deal deadline looms, highlights Revolutionary Guards as primary terror mechanism; hails Abbas for reducing incitement.

* Children raped, castrated, thrown into fires in South Sudan: UN 18-month civil war characterized by ethnic massacres, mass child abductions into service of warring militias.

* Saudis Sign Nuclear Agreement With Russia As prince visits Moscow, six deals signed between two sides including 'peaceful' nuclear technology, in signs of schism with US over Iran.

* Police heighten security in Jerusalem ahead of Ramadan Thousands of worshipers to ascend Temple Mount.

* Putin reaffirms support for Syria's Assad, hopes for Iran deal soon Putin defends Moscow's backing of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, says driven by concerns that any overthrow would plunge country into even deeper disarray.

* 'If conflict not resolved, ISIS will make Palestinian cause its own' Ahead of Fabius visit to region, French diplomat calls stalled peace process "deadly."

* Israeli Druse mobilize for their Syrian brothers, fearing the worst Syria is home to some 700,000 members of the sect, mainly in Jebl Druse (the Druse Mountain) area in the southwest.

* Greek debt: Fears grow over Greek banks' health Fears are growing over the health of Greek banks after indications that savers have withdrawn billions of euros in the past week.

* China Bans Ramadan In latest move against Muslim minority, Chinese authorities ban Ramadan in Xinjiang region 'to protect students' wellbeing.'

* Ramadan celebrations begin in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank To welcome the coming of Ramadan - Muslims all over the Holy Land are celebrating with traditional prayers, food, and gifts.

6/18/15

* Kerry raises eyebrows with remarks on Iran's past military work Talks resume with deadline less than two weeks away; Jerusalem wants extension.

* That Imaginary War Room We have all had fantasies - have we not? - of being President or Chief of Staff, and being present, somewhere in the Pentagon, in a War Room that, we like to think, directs that campaign of self-defense against the hydra-headed Jihad.

* Muslims mark beginning of Ramadan This year's summer timing means long, hot days of dawn-to-dusk fasting in month-long festival.

* Diplomats: Iran and West Disagree on All Main Elements Diplomats say Iran and six powers are in disagreement on up to 10 crucial elements of the nuclear deal and may need to extend talks again.

* Jordan Fears Imminent ISIS Invasion Jordan is preparing for invasions by Islamic terror groups by arming Bedouins in Syria and Iraq to prevent incursions, reports say.

* German Jewish leader to Protestants: Condemn Martin Luther's anti-Semitic teachings Germany's Josef Schuster urged Protestants to confront and condemn anti-Jewish teachings of Martin Luther, who began the Protestant Reformation.

* Kurdistan: A Summary How strange it is that the American government continues to regard as a desideratum the survival of the state of Iraq. Why? Modern Iraq, it needs to be repeated, was concocted out of the three Ottoman vilayets of Mosul, Baghdad, and Basra.

* Americans' confidence in religion hits a new low Americans have less confidence in organized religion today than ever measured before - a sign that the church could be "losing its footing as a pillar of moral leadership in the nation's culture," a new Gallup survey finds.

* Southern Baptists: We won't obey gay marriage decision Officials with the Southern Baptist Convention today issued a statement saying they will reject any ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that affirms same-sex marriage..

* Netanyahu orders investigation into "outrageous arson attack" on church by Sea of Galilee "Idol worshippers will have their heads cut off," spray-painted on nearby wall; Police question and release 16 yeshiva students in area, launch joint investigation with Shin Bet.

6/17/15

* US questions Iraq's commitment to fighting Islamic State The US has questioned Iraq's commitment to fighting Islamic State and lamented the lack of Iraqi recruits available for training.

* Nato condemns Putin's nuclear 'sabre-rattling' Nato has condemned Russia's move to strengthen its nuclear arsenal, saying it amounted to "nuclear sabre-rattling" and was "unjustified" and "dangerous".

* Sirens Sound in Golan Emergency sirens go off in several communities in northern Golan Heights. Mortar shells may have hit near border, inside Syria, says IDF.

* Eisenkot: Groups with ties to ISIS are growing in Gaza The chief of staff added that terrorists connected to Islamic State are growing stronger in Sinai and act in cooperation with terrorist organizations in Gaza.

* To 'Hurt' Israeli Economy, PA May Boycott Al-Aqsa Mosque Top Palestinian Authority officials are calling for PA Arabs to boycott the Al-Aqsa Mosque - to avoid helping the Israeli economy.

* Israel says prepared for possible Syrian refugee throngs on Golan Israel's top military officer told parliament on Tuesday that preparations were under way to respond to any massing of refugees on the Golan.

* Greek central bank warns of 'painful' euro and EU exit Greece's central bank has warned for the first time that the country could be on a "painful course" to default and exit from both the eurozone and the EU.

* Juncker says Greece is 'misleading' voters over debt Jean-Claude Juncker has accused the Greek government of misleading voters as Alexis Tsipras said its creditors were trying to "humiliate" the country.

* Palestinian unity government resigns amid West Bank-Gaza rift Abbas tasks Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah with forming a new government, adviser says; Hamas rejects any unilateral dissolution.

* Persecutors of Jews Queue Up to Say Sorry! Amidst rising anti-Semitism, there appears to be a somewhat surprising parallel move towards repentance by some European nations for the many shameful actions taken against Jews over the centuries.

6/16/15

* Unprecedented: Gov't to allow Muslims from West Bank, Gaza to observe Ramadan on Temple Mount As part of policy to improve Palestinians' quality of life, hundreds permitted to visit families in territories, overseas, and attend Friday prayers at Al-Aksa Mosque.

* Putin: Russia to boost nuclear arsenal with 40 missiles President Vladimir Putin has said Russia will put more than 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles into service this year. .

* IDF Declares 'Closed Military Zone' in Golan along Syrian Border Area in north-eastern Golan shut off as IDF says it is following Syrian fighting; security services say move meant to prevent interference.

* US Congress Resolution to Target Rampant Palestinian Incitement Resolution to the House details PA anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incitement in violation of 'Oslo II,' and demands actions to counter it.

* Nazi Propaganda Continues to Influence Germany: Study Survey finds 5% of Germans 'extremely' anti-Semitic, doubles with Germans who lived through the Nazi regime.

* MKs call each other 'terrorist' and 'fascist' during Temple Mount parley MK Zohar: Stopping discussion of discrimination against Jewish worshipers is giving Arab MKs what they want; Yehuda Glick: Arab MKs acting like hostile Arabs on Mount who try to scare Jews away.

* US’s Orthodox Union supports freedom of prayer for Jews on Temple Mount "We urge all parties involved to abide by the law and by current regulations at the Temple Mount to reduce tensions at this volatile holy site," says Peace Now.

* IDF to Establish New Cyber Command Chief of Staff announces that IDF will form a cyber command to combat new challenges in online warfare.

* Turkey Accuses Kurds of 'Ethnic Cleansing' in Syria Deputy PM Bulent Arinc turns tables on fight against ISIS, claims it's Kurds who are 'ethnic cleansing' to create autonomous state.

* France's Le Pen announces new far-right bloc in EU parliament Far-right parties from France, Italy and the Netherlands claimed on Monday that they will create a new anti-EU group in the European Parliament. If it is formed, it will be the second Eurosceptic grouping in the parliament.

6/15/15

* US, China strike deal, set to hold joint military drills The US and China have signed a rare agreement to strengthen ties and develop a more productive military relationship.

* Prophetic Dreams in Service to the New Antisemitism Antisemitism can no longer be regarded as just another topic among many, a matter of personal preference, as it were. Nor is it really my shtick, but what is going on simply can’t be brushed aside.

* Analysis: Iran's war on Christians casts doubt on nuclear agreement The list of question marks regarding the Iranian regime's empty guarantees of human rights progress continues to balloon.

* US to Put Heavy Weaponry in Eastern Europe in 'Policy Shift' As Putin pounces on Obama's limp foreign policy, US ups the ante with proposal for massive deployment in former Soviet-dependent states.

* Watch: Israel gets 'animated' about Gaza war coverage Foreign Ministry takes a stab at the international media's coverage of the Palestinian enclave in a satirical, animated video

* Sexual frustration pushing young Muslims in UK to join ISIS, new film suggests Director Deeyah Khan's film, Exposure: Jihad, features interviews with young Muslims who have been drawn in by jihadi groups such as ISIS.

* Iranian cleric: Obama wants nuclear deal in order to become 'the hero of America' Amad Khatami claims if nuclear deal does not pass, Obama will fall into crisis.

* Saudi Arabia executes 100th prisoner in 6 months Saudi Arabia has beheaded a Syrian drug trafficker, rocketing the number of this year's executions in the Kingdom to 100. This figure is already more than the 87 sentenced and put to death in the country during the whole of last year.

* Greece talks collapse, as clock ticks to default Greek bailouts talks collapsed on Sunday evening (14 June) over what the EU Commission said was "a significant gap" between the Greek government and its creditors.

* Orthodox Union Endorses Campaign for Jewish Temple Mount Rights One of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in North America throws its weight behind Temple Institute campaign.

6/13/15

* Israel Laments, Palestinians Celebrate US Ruling on Jerusalem The US Supreme Court ruling on Monday that Americans born in Jerusalem could no longer list their country of birth as 'Israel' in US passports had the Jewish state fuming, while the Palestinian Authority celebrated the decision as a justification of its narrative regarding the holy city.

* Isis's dirty bomb: Jihadists have seized 'enough radioactive material to build their first WMD' The Isis militant group has seized enough radioactive material from government facilities to suggest it has the capacity to build a large and devastating 'dirty' bomb, according to Australian intelligence reports.

* Obama 'to send 500 more troops to Iraq' US President Barack Obama is reportedly preparing to approve the deployment of more US troops to Iraq to train up local forces fighting Islamic State.

* Putin & Erdogan discuss energy projects in Azerbaijan closed-door talks The leaders of Russia and Turkey have held talks behind closed doors in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. 

* The Border Between The U.S. And Mexico Is More Than Just A Line On The Map It is one of the few places on earth where nothing but a line on a map separates the third world from the first. 

* Pride paints White City rainbow and illuminates its transgender community While transgender and transsexual people still seemed to be a minority at the parade, the event's focus on that community was markedly celebrated.

* Turkey: Erdogan Ends Unusual Media Silence, Lashes Out at West Turkish president ends unusually-long period of silence after election defeat, calls for unity government.

* Did Netanyahu Order IDF to Strike Iran? A heated debate at the recent Jerusalem Post Annual Conference in New York highlighted that back in 2010, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apparently ordered Israel's defense establishment to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, or to prepare to do so.

* Focus at G7 turns to global jihadist threat Iraqi PM scheduled to discuss US-led campaign against Islamic State; Russia's Putin excluded from gathering over Moscow’s polices on Ukraine.

* A decade after Israel left, Gaza remains familiar yet different On the ruins of Netzarim, the Palestinians built a theme park with a giant ferris wheel, while public buildings in Neve Dekalim are now a branch of al-Aqsa University. 

6/12/15

* A decade after Israel left, Gaza remains familiar yet different On the ruins of Netzarim, the Palestinians built a theme park with a giant ferris wheel, while public buildings in Neve Dekalim are now a branch of al-Aqsa University. 

* Senior Israeli Official Met Syrian Opposition Leaders Despite official stance of neutrality, report reveals high-ranking official met secular rebel forces to talk about common enemies.

* Moscow says Iran talks 'virtually stalled,' Washington declines to confirm Latest round of discussions in Vienna on Friday made no significant progress, source from one of the missions was quoted as saying.

* North Korea Flouts UN Sanctions by Arming Angola Diplomats reveal Communist nuclear regime is breaching UN sanctions by sending military parts, presidential guard trainers to Angola.

* Obama's latest wooing of Jews not working, poll suggests The narrative of Obama's ill intent has appeared to help shape perceptions among Jewish-Americans.

* Rushed Iran Deal May Not Include Full Transparency With a self-imposed deadline of June 30 rapidly approaching, the pressure to close a nuclear deal with Iran may result in compromises on key issues. 

* Gay Pride revelers take to the streets in Tel Aviv Nation's largest LGBT rights event brings center of 'gay-friendliest city in the world' to raucous, festive standstill.

* ISIS Graffiti Found in Be'er Sheva Playground Tag in Hebrew and Arabic threatens attack on Israel, hours after rocket strike attempt from Gaza by ISIS affiliate.

* PA official: Netanyahu implements Nazi strategy to blame PA for stagnation in negotiations Political adviser to Abbas compares Netanyahu to Nazi Goebbel, says PM implementing propaganda, spreading lies.

* Abbas Inaugurates 'Palestinian Embassy' in Serbia PA chairman inaugurates a Palestinian embassy in Belgrade, in the presence of the Serbian President.

6/11/15

* Did Netanyahu Order IDF to Strike Iran? A heated debate at the recent Jerusalem Post Annual Conference in New York highlighted that back in 2010, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apparently ordered Israel's defense establishment to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, or to prepare to do so.

* Iran nuclear talks: Israel denies bugging venues Israel has denied it bugged talks on Iran's nuclear programme, after a security company said a computer virus hacked the venues of the negotiations.

* US, Israel Air Forces Sign Strategic Agreement Israel and the U.S. have signed an important strategic air force agreement, the Israel Air Force revealed Monday.

* ISIS Forces 'Israeli Spy' to Dig His Own Grave in Sinai Sinai ISIS cell uploads new video of alleged Mossad spy being made to dig his grave in the sand before being shot point-blank.

* Iran: General Urges Recruits to Fight in Syria as Assad Stumbles Revolutionary Guards officer calls on Basij militia recruits to help save Syrian regime; warns if not 'we'll have to fight ISIS in Tehran.'

* UN report suggests Iran's satellite tech advancing ballistic missile program The technology platform is based on a variant of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile, considered one of two Iranian missiles that may potentially be able to deliver a nuclear payload.

* Americans will 'lose their life and existence' in fight against Iran, says Iranian official Iranian Admiral: "The Americans have realized today that if they embark on war they will sustain defeat, given the Islamic Revolution's capabilities."

* Turkey: Erdogan Ends Unusual Media Silence, Lashes Out at West Turkish president ends unusually-long period of silence after election defeat, calls for unity government.

* Hezbollah battling IS on Syria-Lebanon border, Nasrallah says Terror group head says dozens of IS fighters, several Hezbollah men left dead in clashes, vows to see fight through.

* Nearly 600 "martyrs" of ISIS massacre exhumed from mass grave in Iraq The remains of almost 600 Iraqi soldiers believed to have been massacred last June by Islamic State militants have been exhumed at the Speicher military base in Iraqi Tikrit, the country's minister announced.

6/10/15

* Obama 'to send 500 more troops to Iraq' US President Barack Obama is reportedly preparing to approve the deployment of more US troops to Iraq to train up local forces fighting Islamic State.

* Isis's dirty bomb: Jihadists have seized 'enough radioactive material to build their first WMD' The Isis militant group has seized enough radioactive material from government facilities to suggest it has the capacity to build a large and devastating "dirty" bomb, according to Australian intelligence reports.

* Dempsey: I Couldn't Imagine a World Without US-Israel Alliance In final visit to Israel as US Army chief, Martin Dempsey hails crucial alliance. Yaalon warns: 30 terror groups operating in Syria alone.

* Paedophile priests: Pope Francis set up tribunal Pope Francis has approved the creation of a tribunal to hear cases of bishops accused of covering up child abuse by paedophile priests.

* Is the US Empowering Hezbollah in Lebanon to Appease Iran? Letter from US State Dept. reveals US government cutting off funding to anti-Hezbollah, moderate Shia activists.

* World Elite meet ot Plot the Future The Bilderberg Group has long been the subject of speculation. But what do we really know about the secretive international meetings between top politicians and bosses?

* 'Israel used virus to spy on hotels which hosted Iran nuclear talks' Wall Street Journal quotes cybersecurity experts who detected viral spyware which many believe was used by Israel.

* Suicide bomber in Egypt detonates outside tourist site No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in which four Egyptians were wounded.

* Insider Book to Reveal Roots of Obama's Israel Antipathy Former Amb. to the US Michael Oren to reveal in detail how deep Washington's hatred for Israel goes - and some of the incidents are bizarre.

* Worse Than Hamas? ISIS in Gaza Earlier this month Hamas "police" stormed the Gaza home of Yunis Hunnar, believed to be a member of a Salafi group linked to ISIS.

6/9/15

* Worse Than Hamas? ISIS in Gaza Earlier this month Hamas "police" stormed the Gaza home of Yunis Hunnar, believed to be a member of a Salafi group linked to ISIS.

* Inside Mosul: What's life like under Islamic State? Exclusive footage reveals how Islamic State wields power over people's everyday lives in Iraq's second city, Mosul, a year after it was captured.

* Iraqi Government HQ Lethally Assaulted by Terrorists Terrorists launch attack during council meeting, leaving civilians and police dead; attack exactly one year after ISIS launched offensive.

* In secret visit, CIA chief said to brief Netanyahu on Iran John Brennan discussed emerging nuclear deal with Israeli officials in high-stakes powwow last week, report says; US Chief of Staff Dempsey also in Israel.

* Israel Laments, Palestinians Celebrate US Ruling on Jerusalem The US Supreme Court ruling on Monday that Americans born in Jerusalem could no longer list their country of birth as “Israel” in US passports had the Jewish state fuming, while the Palestinian Authority celebrated the decision as a justification of its narrative regarding the holy city.

* Diplomats: EU has Israel sanctions ready, and Uncle Sam may not be able to help Western diplomatic sources say that EU may levy sanctions against Israel unless an initiative is presented to break the stagnation in the peace process.

* George W. Bush was wrong to impose democracy on Iraq, Rumsfeld says Former defense secretary breaks with ex-boss in interview with The Times of London.

* Defense minister: Palestinian state unlikely "in my lifetime" Ya'alon warns against the dangers of change in the West Bank, where a Hamas takeover would threaten neighboring Jordan.

* Watch: After Expose', Al-Aqsa Sheikh Redoubles Anti-Semitism PMW expose led to condemnation; in response sheikh defends blood libel as being 'advice' to 'save Jews from hell.'

* Palestinian children parade with toy machine guns At West Bank kindergarten graduation ceremony, preschoolers perform to song promising enemies will be turned into "body parts".

6/8/15

* US Supreme Court Backs Obama on 'Jerusalem Passport' Ground-breaking ruling on case, as Supreme Court sides with Obama and Bush in refusing to list Jerusalem as part of Israel.

* Focus at G7 turns to global jihadist threat Iraqi PM scheduled to discuss US-led campaign against Islamic State; Russia's Putin excluded from gathering over Moscow's polices on Ukraine

* Turkey elections: Erdogan says no party can rule alone Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the inconclusive election result means no party can govern alone.

* Reports of US plans to put missiles in Europe don't build trust - Kremlin Reports of US plans to deploy missiles in Europe hardly promote the balance of interests on the continent and mutual trust, President Vladimir Putin's press spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

* Report: Israel Plans to Evacuate 1 Million Lebanese Israel last week wrapped up nation-wide preparations for a future multi-front war that on the surface appeared to focus on how to protect the local population from the increasing capabilities of Israel's foes.

* G7 summit: Merkel says time is running out for Greece deal German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that time is running out for a deal to keep Greece in the eurozone.

* (American) Pharaoh Pays Out Big Bucks to Egyptian Jew American Pharaoh, a race horse owned by Egyptian-born Ahmed Zayat, became the first thoroughbred to capture the coveted Triple Crown in nearly four decades. 

* Erdogan down but not out Most of Turkey's polling companies predicted a defeat for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and a resounding victory for the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) of Selahattin Demirtas.

* 'Germany saw dramatic increase in anti-Semitic, anti-Israel crimes in 2014' German Green Party MP calls for urgent action in light of "frightening explosion" of incidents.

* Obama Lambasted for Ruling Out Military Option on Iran With all the fuss over Obama's threats to stop backing Israel at the UN, another equally worrying comment slid under the radar.

6/6/15

* Saudi Arabia shoots down Scud missile fired by Yemeni rebels Gulf Arab alliance has been bombing Houthi militia, allied army units that control much of Yemen since March 26.

* What Is At Stake in the Turkish Elections Turkey's national parliamentary election on June 7th matters. The future direction of one of the Middle East's strongest, most economically successful, most populous countries is at stake.

* Australian FM: ISIS using chlorine as weapon "Use of chlorine by Islamic State has revealed more serious efforts in chemical weapons development," says Bishop.

* President Vladimir Putin tells West not to fear Russia Russia is not a threat to Nato, President Vladimir Putin says.

* Egyptian court axes ruling to list Hamas as terrorist group, sources say Appeals court allegedly cancels February ruling to include Palestinian Islamist organization, and not just its military wing, as a terrorist entity.

* Pope celebrates stadium Mass in Bosnia Pope Francis has celebrated Mass in front of tens of thousands of Catholics at a stadium in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

* Revealed, the war before the Six Day War Immediately before the resort to conflict, Israel's top generals and politicians clashed over how to address the Arab threat, with distrust and disdain bursting into the open, newly released papers show

* Documents from IDF archive shed new light on Six-Day War 48 years after the Six-Day War, documents released by the IDF paint a picture of the mounting tensions in the run-up to the war and the moments of triumph etched deeply in Israeli minds.

* G-7 Summit: Leaders Face 'Ambitious' Agenda, German Folklore Traditional German folklore will greet President Barack Obama and his counterparts from Canada, France, Italy, Japan and the U.K. when they arrive at Munich's airport to attend the G-7 summit this weekend.

* Video calls for jihad in Balkans on eve of pope's visit Dozen jihadists claiming to be from Albania, Bosnia and Kosovo say 'misbelievers' in the Balkan would face 'horrible days'; Pope Francis arrives in Bosnia, urges ethnic and religious harmony.

6/5/15

* Poll: Most Saudis Believe Iran a Greater Threat than Israel An opinion poll conducted by an Israeli college finds that Saudi Arabians are more concerned by Iran and ISIS than by Israel.

* Obama secretly backing Muslim Brotherhood President Obama and his administration continue to support the global Islamist militant group known the Muslim Brotherhood.

* US warns victims of 'Chinese' data hack Four million current and former US government employees are being told to take precautions after having personal information stolen by cyber hackers.

* "Millions of Israelis will be displaced in next war with Hezbollah," Nasrallah vows The Lebanese Shi’ite leader made the remarks just days after Israeli authorities conducted a series of drills simulating war.

* Hamas to Israel: ISIS-linked rebels trying to spark conflict between us Defense dilemma: How to deal with jihadists in the Gaza Strip who are trying to provoke both Israel and Hamas?

* Israel, Saudi Arabia admit secret diplomacy for first time Israel and Saudi Arabia have a common interest in seeing Iranian influence thwarted in the Middle East.

* Tsipras tells lenders not to humiliate Greece over debt Greece's prime minister has warned international creditors not to impose humiliating terms on his country as it seeks urgently needed bailout funds.

* Expose': Turkey Smuggled Jihadist Fighters into Syria After exposing arms transfers to Syrian jihadists, Turkish paper publishes evidence of Erdogan's Islamist gov't sending fighters as well.

* US may deploy missiles in Europe to counter Russia White House weighing various responses to Russia's alleged testing of long-range cruise missile prohibited by nuclear treaty.

* MP: Europe "Outdated", English-speaking world is the future. A Conservative member of parliament has spoken out against the leadership of his party and argued in clear terms for a stronger, trading Britain outside of the European Union.

6/4/15

* Pentagon: Iran continues to advance military technologies amidst nuclear talks Netanyahu echoes claims that Iran developing technologies and negotiating nuclear deal simultaneously.

* Ukraine's Poroshenko warns of 'full-scale' Russia invasion President Petro Poroshenko has told MPs the military must prepare to defend against a possible "full-scale invasion" from Russia, amid a surge of violence in eastern Ukraine.

* Syrian army defunct, rebels 100 yards from Israel border, senior officer says Hezbollah has lost 100 men in past two weeks, says officer; terms non-conventional threat from Iran as "in decline" in short term.

* DABIQ: ISIS could transport nuke from Nigeria into U.S. through Mexico The Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL), in the latest edition of its propaganda magazine, indicated that it could purchase a nuclear weapon in Pakistan, take it to Nigeria, and then smuggle it into the U.S. through Mexico by using existing trafficking networks in Latin America.

* ISIS-Affiliated Group: More Rocket Attacks on Israel Coming The Islamic State linked group that fired rockets at southern Israel on Wednesday says it will continue "attacking the Jews."

* Declassified documents reveal Israel feared Egyptian attack on Dimona nuclear reactor IDF archives releases documents to mark 48th anniversary of Six Day War.

* Sunni Tribes in Iraq Swear Loyalty to ISIS Influential tribal sheikhs announce allegiance to ISIS and express enmity to Shi'ite-run government, as sectarian tensions continue to boil.

* Blair to fight against anti-Semitism in Europe Former British PM and Mideast envoy for Quartet to chair European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation, which campaigns to halt discrimination against Jews, make Holocaust denial criminal offense.

* Obama and the Jewish Experience The interview President Obama gave to veteran Israeli journalist Ilana Dayan went very well. In her Hebrew introduction, Dayan said that being the first black president, Obama had "changed America forever.".

* Watch: Soldiers of IDF's Elite Unit 669 Finish Their Training First-person footage shows new recruits to elite search and rescue unit complete training on land, sea and air.

6/3/15

* Temple Mount preacher: Jews make Passover bread with children's blood Sheikh on Waqf payroll says Jews also worship Satan, plotted 9/11 attacks, were killed by Nazis because they kidnapped kids to make matzah.

* Islamic State fight may take "generation or more" - US envoy As key Iraqi province falls to Islamic State, Gen. John Allen says failure to defeat group would 'wreak havoc' on humanity.

* Iranian Soldiers Deployed to Protect Damascus as Rebels Advance Iranian, Iraqi fighters sent to guard against rebel attack on Syrian capital, amid concerns Assad regime is failing.

* New PA TV Channel Incites Israel's Arabs In a move doubtless calculated to foment a rebellion in Israel, new channel focuses PA incitement inside Israel.

* NASA postpones flying saucer parachute test High waves forced NASA to postpone until Thursday the first test of the largest parachute ever deployed, during a flying saucer launch that will try out new technologies for landing on Mars.

* Analysis: With Syria crumbling, Israel's security situation has never been better The deputy IDF chief's assertion that the Syrian civil war has improved Israel's security shows that the country we once knew no longer exists as a single, sovereign entity.

* Iranian news sites erupt in rumors that Kerry hurt in ISIS assassination attempt The Iranian media, which has been known to report "conspiracy theories" in the past, runs story refuting that Kerry was hurt in a cycling accident.

* Warnings over growing IS cyber-threat A growing band of hacktivists is helping Islamic State spread its message by attacking media organisations and websites, a security company suggests.

* Jerusalem Municipality Prefers Arab Building, Says Councilman Councilman sounds warning bell, revealing Jerusalem committee is discussing Arab building plans while blocking Jewish plans.

* Ukraine crisis: Heavy fighting rages near Donetsk, despite truce Fierce fighting is raging between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine, officials on both sides say.

6/2/15

* Israel: Obama Wants Iran Deal at Any Cost Senior Israeli diplomatic sources this week accused US President Barack Obama of being ready to sign a nuclear deal with Iran even if it endangers the Jewish state, despite Obama's own statements to the contrary.

* PM preempts Obama TV interview pitching Iran deal to Israeli public: We must rely on ourselves Netanyahu says deal paves way for many atom bombs and will fill Iran's coffers to fund more mischief.

* Palestinian TV calls Jews and Israelis 'evil, filth' Children's program refers to Zionists as 'barbaric monkeys;' puppet terms Tel Aviv 'occupied' Jaffa.

* Raw Anti-Semitism and Blood Libels at Al-Aqsa Mosque Sheikh's class approved by PA includes litany of anti-Semitic screed, from blood libels, accusations of devil worship, as well as paganism.

* Iraq coalition winning against IS, says US Iraq and its allies are pursuing "the winning strategy" to combat Islamic State in Iraq, US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.

* Jerusalem Home Front Command district simulates missile attack on capital "The ability of the enemy to include Jerusalem as a target has already happened; Now, we have to ask what we do if it happens again."

* Abbas: 'Jordan and Palestine are One People in Two States' Palestinian Authority leader makes statement likely to overjoy Israeli nationalists during meeting with Jordanian soccer head in Amman.

* ISIS's Latest Weapon: Damming the Euphrates ISIS closes off all gates of Ramadi dam, threatening humanitarian crisis against pro-regime forces and all others left in region.

* Obama Red-Faced: Iran Nuclear Stockpiles Grew 20% in 18 Months Despite US President's claims Tehran 'froze' its nuclear stockpiles, IAEA report shows Iran actually increased them significantly.

* 'Bully' Erdogan Makes Good on Threat to Punish Media Turkish President in fresh attack on free press, accuses paper of 'espionage' for revealing Turkish arms supplies to Syrian rebels.

6/1/15

* Iran Cartoons: Israel is Behind ISIS Iran recently hosted a competition in which participants were tasked with drawing political cartoons with a negative view of ISIS and other Sunni terror groups.

* Kindergarten students in east Jerusalem act out IDF murdering Palestinian Incident under investigation by the education ministry.

* Russian military jets and US destroyer clash in Black Sea 'posing danger to stability' Russia has scrambled military jets in response to an American navy destroyer which, it has been reported in Russian media, was acting "aggressively" in the Black Sea.

* ErdoÄŸan: 'Liberate Jerusalem' from the Jews Turkish President continues trend of drawing parallels to historic Muslim conquerers as elections spell losses for AK Party.

* Islamic State militants 'filmed torturing Syrian boy' A graphic mobile phone video obtained by the BBC appears to show militants from Islamic State (IS) torturing a 14-year-old Syrian boy.

* Russia unlikely to drop support of Assad regime Russia supports the Syrian regime, though Nikolay Kozhanov of the Carnegie Moscow Center says that "Russia does not trust Assad 100 percent."

* Ambassador Bolton Says Israel Must Strike Iran Soon Clock running out as Iran marches to nuclear arsenal with 'legitimization' of deal, which is part of Obama's 'wrong ideology.'

* Turks think Israel is their biggest threat, poll finds Respondents put danger level from the US just behind Israel, but ahead of Syria; 85% see IS as a terror group.

* Pope Francis and the 'Angel of Peace' Scandal A scandal recently erupted after media reports such as that by BBC's David Willey quoted Pope Francis as telling Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting on May 16: "You are an angel of peace."

* Ireland hopes same-sex vote will inspire others Ireland is hoping that other EU countries will be inspired by its landmark referendum in favour of enshrining same-sex marriage in the country's constitution.