Monday, August 17, 2015

8/17/15

Bangkok bomb: Deadly blast rocks Thailand capital A bomb has exploded close to a shrine in the centre of Thailand's capital, Bangkok, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 80.

Nuke deal, Syria on agenda as Iranian and Russian FMs meet Lavrov, Zarif say deal provides new opportunities for both countries; Lavrov: Nuclear agreement to go into effect in weeks.

Fatah: Hamas-Israel agreement would lead to separate Palestinian state in Gaza "Hamas wants to win Israeli recognition at the cost of the Palestinian national project," says Fatah spokesman.

Khamenei: Deal or No Deal, Iran Will 'Shut' US Out In hostile speech, Iranian Supreme Leader dismisses talk of normalizing relations with US after nuclear deal implemented.

IDF troops prepare for possible incursion into Syria Military assessments foresee possible infiltration of terrorists with heavy weapons, rebel takeover of Druze village; IDF posts video documenting elimination of four Druze who laid explosives on border fence last April.

Egypt's al-Sisi imposes strict anti-terrorism laws Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has approved stringent new counter-terrorism laws to fight a growing jihadist insurgency.

Watch: Thousands at the Kotel for First Night of Selichot Sights and sounds: Worshipers flock to Western Wall for first night of penitential prayers leading up to High Holy Days.

Ben Carson: Yes, Obama Is Anti-Semitic "Anything is anti-Semitic that is against the survival of a state that is surrounded by enemies," says Republican candidate.

Self-defense, King David-style? In a classroom at Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium, Yehoshua Sofer, an intense bearded man in his 50s who used to be a rapper, trains a group of adherents in what he says is a biblical martial art.

US to pull Patriot anti-air missiles from Turkey The US has followed in Germany's footsteps, announcing that it will not be renewing its Patriot defense system in Turkey once it expires in October.