7/30/16

* 'NATO HAS NO CHANCE' Russia's secret super submarine fleet could be unstoppable in World War III scenario, expert warns Putin's band of nuclear powered death machines have already reportedly breached UK waters. 

* The DNC Leak : 'Russian hack' or CIA limited hangout?  On July 25, as the Democratic Party's convention got underway in Philadelphia, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton found herself struggling to unite the party behind her nomination as the party's presidential nominee, after the shock release of 20,000 emails through WikiLeaks, which exposed top party officials as campaigning to discredit her rival Bernie Sanders. 

* Russian arms for Hizballah cross Israel's red line  President Vladimir Putin turns aside all Israel's complaints about Russian arms supplies to Iran's Lebanese proxy, Hizballah, whenever he talks to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu - roughly every week-to-ten days. 

* Pope declares 'the world is at war' but denies Islam has any role  Pope Francis declared that 'the world is at war' following the slitting of the throat of an 86-year-old priest by two Islamic State-linked jihadists, right in the middle of a mass in France. 

* Has the IDF hit the Basij forces commander General Naghdi?  Iranian, Syrian and Hizballah sources are intimating that the 'Syrian officer' injured on July 26 in Quneitra by Israel's double Nimrod' missile shot was none other than Revolutionary Guards Gen. Muhammad Resa Naghdi, head of the paramilitary Organization for the Mobilization of the Oppressed, also known as the Basij, which falls under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). 

* Hamas exploiting current calm to prepare for next war  In the next conflict in Gaza, Hamas will aim to pound IDF staging areas and communities near the Strip. 

* South African NGO brings together Palestinian factions for unity talks  This is the second intra-Palestinian dialogue to be organized by the NGO in the country this year. 

* Another pre-army yeshiva rabbi attacks LGBT persons  On the heels of Rabbi Yigal Levinstein's 'perverts' speech, another Bnei David preparatory rabbi is found telling his students that 'gay intercourse is an abomination'; gay Orthodox group responds by saying 'some of us forgot that gay people have feelings, too.' 

* How Hebrew Almost Became the Official Language of America  Had history turned out slightly different, Americans today might be speaking Hebrew rather than English. 

* Hollande: ISIS has declared war on us  President of France arrives to the scene of Normandy attack where terrorists beheaded priest, acknowledges state of war with ISIS.

7/28/16

* Syrian-Russian Provocations Could Spark Golan Clash  For four days since July 25, the Syrian army has been continuously firing artillery batteries - moved close to Israel's defense lines on the Golan border - in a manner that comes dangerously close to provoking an Israeli response. 

* Is Russia a better friend than the U.S. to Israel?  Israeli jets attacked Russian-protected Syria this week. Would U.S. have allowed the same? 

* "Striking Israel will bring destruction upon Hamas"  The Prime Minister to citizens of the Gaza belt: "the rules of the game have changed'. 

* China and Russia to hold joint drills in South China Sea  China says it is to hold joint military exercises with Russia in the South China Sea, amid heightened tensions over the disputed waters. 

* 'The physical violence has got to stop'  Attorney Yisrael Caspi will not stand silent after members of the Waqf assaulted two archaeologists on the Temple Mount yesterday. 

* 'IDF special forces, US Marines train for combating ISIS in Negev drill'  IDF forces relayed their experience in combating regional terrorism threats to the US forces, according to Israel's Channel 2. 

* Interactive attraction opens at Western Wall Tunnels  The exhibit includes over 250,000 scanned images and 600 scenes of animation used to prepare the intricate videos of the movements of Jews around the globe. 

* Syria conflict: 'Exit corridors' to open for Aleppo, says Russia  Corridors are to open to allow unarmed rebels and civilians to leave besieged areas of the Syrian city of Aleppo, Russia - Syria's key ally - has said. 

* Turkey coup attempt: More than 130 media outlets shut  The Turkish authorities have announced the closure of 131 media organisations, as a crackdown continues following the failed coup on 15 July. 

* Pope declares 'the world is at war' but denies Islam has any role  Pope Francis declared that 'the world is at war' following the slitting of the throat of an 86-year-old priest by two Islamic State-linked jihadists, right in the middle of a mass in France. 

7/27/16

* How Hebrew Almost Became the Official Language of America  Had history turned out slightly different, Americans today might be speaking Hebrew rather than English. This is not as far fetched as it seems, as the original settlers to America (besides the Indians) were deeply connected to the Bible. 

* When It Comes To Islam, Western Leaders Are Liars Or Idiots  When it comes to the connection between Islam and violence against non-Muslims, one fact must be embraced: the majority of those in positions of leadership and authority in the West are either liars or fools, or both. 

* 'If Israel leaves West Bank, PA, Jordan will collapse'  Ex-Defense Minister Ya'alon also accuses Israel's leadership of engaging in "petty politics" and being interested purely in its own political survival. 

* Entire region concerned about 'day after' Iran deal expires  Asked by military reporters to comment on the status of the nuclear issue, Netanyahu said that the Iranian program has not vanished, and 'is far from vanishing.'

* Israel's new F-35 'Adir' takes to the skies  On its maiden flight at US manufacturer Lockheed-Martin, Israel's first F-35 Lightning II "Adir" (Hebrew for "Great One") passed all tests, and is due to be delivered in December. 

* Protesters torch Israeli flag outside Democratic National Convention  Demonstrators burn leaflets and American flag during protest outside the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. 

* Pope's trip to Poland overshadowed by killing of French priest  Francis is expected to visit Auschwitz during his first visit to Poland. 

* Syria: Deadly IS blast rocks Kurdish city of Qamishli  Forty-four people have been killed in a massive bombing in the Kurdish-controlled city of Qamishli in north-east Syria, Syrian state TV reports. 

* Turkey coup attempt: Nearly 9,000 soldiers joined plot - army  Turkey says 8,651 members, or 1.5%, of the nation's armed forces took part in the failed coup on 15 July. 

* French MP: France is at war and must learn from Israel  French parliamentarian calls on government to learn from Israel's anti-terror operations. 'We're not prepared to confront terror threat.'

7/26/16

* Democrats never mentioned ISIS, jihad, or terrorism on Day One of DNC  Politifact is not really a fact-checking site; it's just another propaganda arm of the far-Left. So if even they are saying this, the problem is acute and clear. 

* Normandy church attack 'symbolic', attempt to 'cultivate war between West & Islam'  The murder of a priest in a church in the Normandy region of northern France is very symbolic and is part of terrorists' psychological warfare aimed at demonstrating nowhere is safe and creating a gap between Christians and Muslims, experts say. 

* Russia's Lavrov shrugs off Democratic email hack claims  Ahead of Kerry meeting, foreign minister dismisses allegations Moscow was behind party's embarrassing breach. 

* France church attack: Priest killed by two 'IS soldiers'  An 84-year-old priest was killed and four other people taken hostage by two armed men who stormed his church in a suburb of Rouen in northern France. 

* The DNC emails were not hacked by Russian GRU  On July 25, as the Democratic Party's convention got underway in Philadelphia, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton found herself struggling to unite the party behind her nomination as the party's presidential nominee, after the shock release of 20,000 emails through WikiLeaks, which exposed top party officials as campaigning to discredit her rival Bernie Sanders. 

* Hollande: ISIS has declared war on us  President of France arrives to the scene of Normandy attack where terrorists beheaded priest, acknowledges state of war with ISIS. 

* Palestinian flag waved at Democratic National Convention  Activists using the title "Progressive for Palestine" raise Palestinian flag in audience during platform vote at DNC. 

* Iran general: Our missile program deters US military strike  'Roaring of our missiles' keeps DC and its 'proxy mercenaries' from attacking the Islamic republic, says Iranian commande. 

* Erdogan threatens EU: Pay up, or take the migrants  Turkish President Erdogan threatened to open his border with Europe to migrants, if the EU doesn't hold up its end of the bargain. 

* Palestinians seeking to sue Britain over 1917 Balfour Declaration  Palestinian Authority urges Arab League to help prepare legal file against UK government over nearly 100-year-old letter.

7/25/16

* Died: Tim LaHaye, Author Who 'Left Behind' a Long Legacy  Tim LaHaye, the best-selling author best known for the Left Behind series, "graduated to heaven" early this morning after suffering a stroke at age 90. 

* Russian arms for Hizballah cross Israel's red line  President Vladimir Putin turns aside all Israel's complaints about Russian arms supplies to Iran's Lebanese proxy, Hizballah, whenever he talks to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu - roughly every week-to-ten days.

* Putin's Sinister Role in the Failed Turkish Coup  Analysis: Pulling Erdogan from Western Orbit is a Russian Objective. 

* Syrian mortar shell strikes Golan, Israeli jets hit back  Mortar shell believed to be spillover from Syrian civil war, but IDF says it holds Assad regime responsible for any such incident. 

* Terror wave catches German authorities in denial  Two Syrian refugees committed acts of terror in different Bavarian towns Sunday, July 24, the third and fourth violent attacks in Germany in less than a week. 

* French PM: France will never deny Jewish historical ties to Jerusalem  Manuel Valls made the statement in a letter penned to Shmuel Rabinovitch, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Sites of Israel. 

* John Kerry compares 'threat of refrigerators' to ISIS  Says war on green-house gas 'equally important' to war on ISIS, will save lives. 

* Iran destroys 100,000 satellite dishes in crackdown  Illegal devices harm society's morality and culture, according to head of militia group, but 70% of population breaks law. 

* Cutting-Edge New IDF Tank is "A Gamechanger"  The Israeli Defense Force's (IDF) Battalion 82 recently decided to drop its decades-old Merkava MK 2 tanks and launched into a new world of military technology by adopting the cutting edge Merkava MK 4 tanks in their place, reported The Jerusalem Post. 

* EU wonders how to win back people's trust  EU institutions and member states should stop bashing each other in public and EU capitals should take back some powers from Brussels, Slovakia has said after initial talks on how to react to Brexit.

7/23/16

* UNESCO Temple Mount Vote is the Cause of Global Terror, Says Sanhedrin  In response to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) pending vote to deny any Jewish connection to the Temple Mount, the Nascent Sanhedrin issued a declaration this week denouncing the international body's plans, and strongly emphasized that the current wave of global terror is a direct result of UNESCO's very unholy actions. 

* The Iran nuclear deal: One year on  Tehran feels emboldened and is now better positioned to pursue its aggressive aims in the Middle East, including stepping up its presence in Syria and intensifying its ballistic missile activities. 

* Kabul explosion: Islamic State 'admits attack on Hazara protest'  So-called Islamic State has said it was behind an attack on a protest march in the Afghan capital, Kabul, that killed 80 people and wounded 230. 

* Munich gunman 'obsessed with mass shootings'  The 18-year-old gunman who killed nine people in Munich was obsessed with mass shootings but had no known links to the Islamic State group, German police say. 

* Drone over N. Israel: Iranian with stolen US apps  The UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that flew on July 17 over northern Israel was a 'Yasir' drone made in Iran that was launched from a Hizballah base in Syria's Qalamoun Mountains, some 60km from central Golan. 

* Erdogan vows Turkish military shake-up as emergency rule takes hold  Erdogan accuses Fethullah Gulen, a charismatic US-based cleric, of masterminding the plot against him, which crumbled early on Saturday. 

* ISIS supporters celebrate Munich killings on social media  "Thank God, may God bring prosperity to our Islamic State men," read one tweet. 

* EU and US take different lines on Turkey crackdown  The EU has warned Turkey that its post-coup crackdown is 'unacceptable', but the US has described the actions, which include mass-scale detentions, as a 'reasonable' response. 

* Turkish 'failed coup' fallout: US Nuclear Bombers Under Siege At Incirlik Airbase  Erdogan's staged 'failed coup attempt' has created an ongoing saga currently culminating with a siege on NATO's Incirlik airbase in Southern Turkey, which hosts US nuclear bombers and which has been alleged to play a key role in the staged 'coup'. 

* Al Qaeda Calls for Attacks at Rio Olympics  Al Qaeda is using social media to call on its followers to execute lone-wolf attacks on athletes at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil next month. 

7/22/16

* Pokemon Go - super spy & potential terror tool  Masses of people wandering around all kinds of improbable places chasing animated cartoon figures on their cell phones are not zombies; they are players in the fast spreading craze of 'Pokemon Go,' the augmented reality game which has attracted millions of users since its release at the beginning of July. 

* Munich shooting: Police hunt 'attackers'  Police in the German city of Munich say the perpetrators of a shooting attack are still on the run, and they advise people to avoid public places. 

* Turkey coup attempt: Detentions 'tip of the iceberg'  Turkey's deputy prime minister has described as "the tip of the iceberg" the infiltration of state institutions by the group the government blames for last Friday's failed coup. 

* Jihadis call on 'lone wolf' terrorists to attack Israeli athletes at Rio Olympics  Al-Qaida-influenced terrorists have issued directives to "lone wolf" attackers to carry out attacks against the Israeli Olympic delegation at the upcoming Rio Olympics, The Foreign Desk reported Thursday. 

* Erdogan vows Turkish military shake-up as emergency rule takes hold  Erdogan accuses Fethullah Gulen, a charismatic US-based cleric, of masterminding the plot against him, which crumbled early on Saturday. 

* Israel, Palestinian Authority in African diplomatic battle  Following Guinea, 'Post' learns Chad next to renew ties with Jerusalem. 

* IDF adapting training to Hezbollah battle doctrine  New military "combat lab" has dissected tactics used by the Lebanese Shi'ite group. 

* Brexit causes dramatic drop in UK economy, data suggests  Britain's decision to leave the EU has led to a "dramatic deterioration" in economic activity, not seen since the aftermath of the financial crisis. 

* Giant 'megathrust' fault is discovered in the Earth's crust under the most densely populated part of the globe that could wipe out 'tens of millions' in an earthquake  A giant fault in the earth's crust covers by millions of tonnes of sediment in one of the world's most densely populated areas could kill tens of millions of people, scientists have claimed. 

* British lawmaker accuses Israel of causing rise in jihadism  Tonge: The treatment of the Palestinians by Israel is a major cause of the rise of extreme Islamism and Daesh.

7/21/16

* Europe waking up, now turning to Israeli technology for ways to stop lone-wolf jihadis  Last week's truck rampage in France and Monday's axe attack aboard a train in Germany finally have raised enough concerns in Europe about jihadist lone wolf attacks that now counter-terrorism intelligence specialists are looking to Israel to learn about technologies that might preempt such attacks. 

* Iran left with no choice but to confront the US, official warns  "Injurious measures against the nuclear agreement have reached such a point that there is no way left for Iran but to counteract," Ali Larijani says. 

* Assad accuses Erdogan of exploiting coup  Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accused Turkish President Erdogan: He used the coup d'etat to implement his own agenda. 

* Israel takes on Facebook in battle against incitement  Israeli Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan is promoting new legislation that would order Facebook to remove posts Israel found as inciting to violence. 

* Watch: Hamas trains child soldiers in ISIS-like camps  Gazan summer camp, held at Hamas training bases, provide indoctrination, military training to Palestinian teenagers. 

* Turkey coup attempt: State of emergency announced  Turkey's president has declared a state of emergency for three months following Friday night's failed army coup. 

* Why the U.S. Should Move Nukes Out of Turkey  A week ago, the question of whether the U.S. should continue to station nuclear missiles in Turkey was of interest only to a passel of national-security geeks and nonproliferation advocates. 

* Jihadists call to attack Israeli Olympic team  Report: Al-Qaida-influenced terrorists take to social media, calling for "knife attack against Americans/Israelis" ahead of the Rio games. 

* Egypt's Sisi wants to 'break deadlock' in peace process  Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says his country is serious in its efforts to restart Israel-PA peace talks. 

* 25,000 attend Jerusalem pride parade under heavy security  30 arrested on suspicion of trying to disrupt event, 2 of them in possession of knives; much of downtown closed off.

7/20/16

* Erdogan locks US airmen, nuclear arms in Incirlik  Some 1,500 US airmen and their families have been locked in the southern Turkish air base of Incirlik together with a stock if tactical nuclear bombs since President Reccep Erdogan crushed an attempted coup on Saturday, July 16. 

* 'The US cannot do a damn thing' against us, Iran's foreign minister scoffs  As secret 'add-on accord' leaks, Zarif says Tehran got what it wanted from nuclear deal ‚Äî an America impotent to intervene in its affairs. 

* Europol: 2015 record year for terror attacks in Europe  New report finds 1,077 people arrested last year for terrorist-related activity in EU countries, with 211 attempted or completed attacks. 

* Turkey coup attempt: Charges laid against 99 generals and admirals  Turkey has formally charged 99 generals and admirals in connection with the weekend's thwarted coup attempt, just under a third of the country's 356 top military officers. 

* German train attacker urged Muslims to kill apostates in pre-attack video  Islamic State claimed responsibility earlier in the day for the attack by the axe-wielding Afghan refugee, according to its online Amaq news agency. 

* Pokemon faces renewed Saudi fatwa for being 'un-Islamic'  The Council argues that the mutations of the creatures in the popular game, who are given specific powers, amounts to blasphemy by promoting the theory of natural evolution. 

* Syria conflict: Boy beheaded by rebels 'was not fighter'  A Palestinian boy who was filmed being beheaded by Syrian rebels on Tuesday was not a fighter, a pro-government Palestinian militia has said. 

* US, anti-ISIS coalition allies regroup after jihadist attacks  Following string of deadly terrorist attacks by Islamic State group around the world, US, allies open 2-day meeting to discuss next steps. 

* Hamas turns Gaza terror tunnels into summer tourist attraction  Organized tours take place during weapons exhibition marking second anniversary of 2014 war with Israel. 

* Ravaged by terror, France extends state of emergency  Hollande says call to boost reserve forces paves way for 'National Guard,' as state scrambles to reassure public after 3rd major attack.

7/19/16

* Drone over N. Israel: Iranian with stolen US apps  The UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that flew on July 17 over northern Israel was a 'Yasir' drone made in Iran that was launched from a Hizballah base in Syria's Qalamoun Mountains, some 60km from central Golan.  

* Sanhedrin: UNESCO Temple Mount Vote Will Pave the Way for More Terrorism  Following the failed Turkish coup, U.S. military operations out of Turkey's giant Incirlik Air Base - critical in the ongoing campaign against ISIS - came to a halt Saturday afternoon as the Turkish military closed the airspace around the base and suspended all US-led operations, mostly targeting the Islamic State. 

* Syria conflict: Rebels 'filmed beheading boy' in Aleppo  Videos have emerged online that appear to show Syrian rebels taunting and then beheading a boy they say is a captured Palestinian pro-government fighter. 

* Turkey coup: Purge widens to education sector  More than 15,000 education staff in Turkey have been suspended after last week's failed coup, as a purge of state officials widens still further. 

* Children given military training in Hamas summer camps  Tens of thousands of Palestinian children flock to summer camps where they're given military training alongside regular summer activities. 

* At GOP convention, Jewish delegates cite Israel and style in backing Trump  "The Obama administration has allowed daylight to appear between the two allies." 

* Over 200 new immigrants from North America arrive in Israel  This summer, Nefesh B'Nefesh plans to bring 2,000 olim to Israel, and Sunday's flight is the first of two charters set to help reach that goal. 

* Iran to have a quick path to nuclear bomb in 10 years  Secret document reveals sanctions set to be eased in little over decade will leave Tehran capable of producing a nuclear bomb in just six months; US official insists limit on amount of enriched uranium Iran will be allowed to store to remain at 300 kilograms for full 15 years. 

* On Lebanon war anniversary, PM vows 'iron fist' response to attacks  Netanyahu calls Hamas, Hezbollah 'forward bases of Iran'; Rivlin praises ordinary soldiers who overcame failures in preparedness. 

* ISIS releases video of alleged Bavaria train attacker calling on Muslims to kill 'infidels'  Police discovered a hand-painted Islamic State flag in the room of the Afghan teen who attacked passengers on a train in Germany. 

7/18/16

* The Iran nuclear deal: One year on  Tehran feels emboldened and is now better positioned to pursue its aggressive aims in the Middle East, including stepping up its presence in Syria and intensifying its ballistic missile activities. 

* Turkish 'failed coup' fallout: US Nuclear Bombers Under Siege At Incirlik Airbase  Following the failed Turkish coup, U.S. military operations out of Turkey's giant Incirlik Air Base - critical in the ongoing campaign against ISIS - came to a halt Saturday afternoon as the Turkish military closed the airspace around the base and suspended all US-led operations, mostly targeting the Islamic State. 

* France falls silent in aftermath of terror  France to hold a moment of silence at midday, as details of the Nice terror attack emerge. Sarkozy: 'We are at war. It will be us or them.' 

* 'Yes' to death penalty will mean 'No' to EU membership, EU warns Turkey  Reinstating the death penalty in Turkey would end EU accession talks, a German government spokesman has stated. 

* Over 16,000 purged in Turkey as West warns Ankara over crackdown  Some 7,500 people have been arrested and another 9,000 fired after failed putch; US and EU urge Ankara to respect rule of law. 

* Arab MK claims Israel 'murdered' Yasser Arafat  Many Palestinians continue to believe that Arafat was poisoned by Israel because he was an obstacle to peace. Israel has denied any involvement. 

* Iraqi marshlands named as Unesco world heritage site  Area made up of four archaeological sites and three wetland marshes in southern Iraq was once ravaged by Saddam Hussein. 

* Middle East Migration: Muslims Out, Jews In  According to the UN Population Division, there are today 244 million immigrants or people living in a country other than their own, 60 million of whom are refugees. 

* Temple Mount Flooded With (Virtual) Israeli Flags [PHOTOS]  After Haim Brosh was arrested last week for posting on Facebook a photoshopped image of himself on the Temple Mount proudly waving an Israeli flag, supporters throughout Israel have flooded the social media channel with doctored photos of their own. 

* How will Turkey's failed coup affect ISIL, NATO and the refugee crisis?  Few would doubt Turkey's strategic importance: straddling Europe and Asia it is a key player in Middle East stability at a time of unprecedented volatility.

7/16/16

* Turkey purge after coup attempt  Turkish government begins crackdown on those suspected of involvement in the attempted coup. 

* Attack on Nice: Five held by French police  Five people believed to be linked to the man who killed 84 people in Nice are in police custody, the Paris prosecutor's office says. 

* Theresa May shakes up government with new-look cabinet  Prime Minister Theresa May has unveiled a nearly completely new look cabinet, in a major departure from predecessor David Cameron's top team. 

* Israel to EU: Voting to recognize Temple Mount as solely Muslim site akin to ignoring Jesus  'There is no Christianity without Judaism and there is no Jesus without a Jewish Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.' 

* ISIS claims responsibility for Nice attack  Islamic State claimed responsibility on Saturday for the deadly attack in the Riviera city of Nice on Thursday that killed at least 84 people. 

* Erdogan says Turkey coup attempt over, launches purge of armed forces  More than 160 people were killed in violence that erupted late on Friday after a faction of the armed forces attempted to seize power using tanks and attack helicopter. 

* Analysis: Why the Turkey coup failed and what's likely to come next  The failed coup is not likely to change Turkey-Israel relations, but Jerusalem would not have shed a tear had Erdogan been ousted. 

* Does Erdogan want his own Islamic state?  Parliament Speaker Ismail Kahraman unexpectedly sparked controversy in Turkey when on April 25 he declared that Turkey's new constitution should forgo mention of 'secularism' and instead be a 'religious constitution' referencing God. 

* Can Judeo-Christian civilization co-exist with Islam? The showdown has begun  The most difficult political and cultural debate since the decision of the Western alliance to destroy fascism in 1939 or the American decision to help resurrect Europe in 1945 has begun. 

* In Pictures: Attempted Turkish military coup  Ninety people were killed, including many civilians after a faction of the armed forces tried to seize power using tanks and attack helicopters.

7/14/16

* Obama Admin Letting China, Russia Gain Missile Edge  Study calls for space-based missile defense. 

* Saudi Arabia's new jihadists: Poorly trained but hard to stop  The coordination but poor training appear to be a sign of ISIS's operational model, recruiting would-be jihadists online and managing plots remotely with minimal involvement in training. 

* Theresa May shakes-up government with new-look cabinet  Prime Minister Theresa May has unveiled a nearly completely new look cabinet, in a major departure from predecessor David Cameron's top team. 

* Turkey, Ukraine plan secret jihad to reclaim Crimea from Russia  Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko by the end of June 2016 had embarked on a further escalation of their confrontation with Russia through the sponsorship of jihadism on the Crimean Peninsula. 

* Rouhani threatens to renew nuclear program  Iranian president says his country can restore elements of its nuclear program if world powers don't live up to their end of the bargain. 

* Arafat's nephew makes his move to succeed Abbas  Nasser al-Qudwa first rose to the upper echelons of the Palestinian leadership when he served as PLO ambassador to United Nations in the 1990s and early 2000s. 

* New British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has 'infectious' enthusiasm for Israel  Former Israeli envoy to London says new British Foreign Secretary is "outspoken friend." 

* Why the IDF's New Chief Rabbi is Under Attack  The announcement regarding the appointment of Eyal Karim as the new chief rabbi of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was meant simply to introduce this person to the public at large, but in Israel nothing is as simple as it seems. 

* Why has NATO chosen Russia as its enemy instead of ISIS?  According to statements made at last weekend's summit in Warsaw, NATO regards Russia as a bigger threat than ISIS. 

* South China Sea Decision Causes Beijing Defiance  China vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty over the South China Sea and said it had the right to set up an air defense zone, after rejecting an international tribunal's ruling denying its claims to the energy-rich waters.

7/13/16

* IDF bulldozers with tanks enter Golan DMZ  Israeli military bulldozers backed by tanks have crossed into the demilitarized zone dividing the Israeli and Syrian Golan borders. 

* Iran says it could restart nuclear program if needed  President Hassan Rouhani assures Iranians of consequences if world powers violate atomic agreement. 

* Turkey PM Yildirim hints at mending ties with Syria  Turkey has said it wants to re-establish good relations with Syria - in an apparent reversal of its policy towards its war-stricken neighbour. 

* Theresa May vows to be 'one nation' prime minister  The UK's new prime minister Theresa May has vowed to lead a "one nation" government that works for all not just the "privileged few". 

* After diplomatic blitz, 'offensive' UNESCO vote postponed  A vote to deny the Temple Mount's Jewish significance was delayed, after Israeli diplomats outflanked the resolution's instigators. 

* Facebook closes Hamas leader's account  Facebook has said recently that there is no place for encouraging violence on its website and is committed to taking action against inciters. 

* 'Judea and Samaria More Volatile Than Ever Before,' New Shin Bet Chief Warns  Nadav Argaman, the new director of the Shin Bet, described the situation in Judea and Samaria as 'more volatile than ever' on Tuesday when he gave his first report on Palestinian threats before the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. 

* State Department denies intentionally funding anti-Bibi campaign  US State Department acknowledges giving money to activist group but claims had no idea group would then turn to partisan politics. 

* Juno probe returns first in-orbit Jupiter photo  The American space agency's new Juno mission to Jupiter has returned its first imagery since going into orbit around the gas giant last week. 

* Who Do Bigots Blame for Police Shootings in America? Israel, of Course!  In response to the tragic deaths of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling at the hands of police officers in Minnesota and Louisiana, the New York University chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) posted the following on its Facebook page:

7/12/16

* Israel warns UN: Hezbollah has 120,000 missiles aimed at us  Danon reveals new intelligence about Hezbollah to UN Security Council. 

* Analysis: Assessing the covert war between the IDF and Hezbollah  Hezbollah rebuilt southern Beirut and Lebanon and restocked its weapons depots, while the IDF began training and arming itself for the next potential phase of hostilities. 

* Russian anti-ISIS war from Syria to Caucasus  In a supreme effort to prevent ISIS suicide units from reaching Russia from Syria, Sergei Shoigu, Russia's. 

* Ex-Saudi intel chief: Iran is using Hamas to destabilize region  "We in Hamas reject these baseless and false defamations. One who observes these issues closely knows that Hamas is a Palestinian resistance movement against the Zionist occupation." 

* Israel to UNESCO: "We're not ISIS, don't sever our ties to the Temple Mount"  UNESCO resolution attacks Israeli practices in the Old City, including its actions on the Temple Mount. 

* 'Israel Instructing US Police to Murder Blacks'  Israel is responsible for the killings of African-Americans by the US police, according to pro-Palestinian groups. 

* Hitler house: Austria moves to stop Neo-Nazi 'cult site'  Austria's government is to seize the house where Adolf Hitler was born in 1889 to prevent it becoming a site of pilgrimage for neo-Nazis. 

* European media's 'sigh of relief' over May premiership  Several European media outlets say that with Theresa May's arrival in Downing Street, British politics may finally be about to enter a calmer period after the turmoil triggered by last month's Brexit referendum. 

* Tribunal Rejects China's Expansive South China Sea Claims  An international tribunal rejected China's extensive claims in the South China Sea in a landmark ruling Tuesday that also found the country had aggravated the seething regional dispute and violated the Philippines' maritime rights by building up artificial islands that destroyed coral reefs and by disrupting fishing and oil exploration. 

* Shin Bet chief: Hamas working 'nonstop' to destabilize West Bank  In 2016, security forces stop 11 suicide bombings, 10 kidnappings and over 60 attempted shootings, most planned by Hamas; ISIS challenging Hamas in Gaza.

7/11/16

* Iran Threatens to Destroy Israel With '100,000 Missiles'  Iran last week reiterated that it is putting the pieces in place for its own version of the 'final solution; to the problem of Israel and Jewish sovereignty. 

* PM-in-waiting Theresa May promises 'a better Britain'  Theresa May promised to build a "better Britain" and to make the UK's EU exit a "success" after she was announced as the new Tory leader and soon-to-be PM. 

* Egypt said offering to host direct Netanyahu-Abbas talks  As Cairo FM makes rare visit to Israel, Palestinian officials say Sissi's proposed tripartite summit will seek to deescalate regional tensions. 

* Female terrorists play a far bigger role in Isis than previously thought, research reveals  Although men are more likely to be members of Isis, women exert greater influence due to forming more effective links with other terrorists, the research found. 

* UNESCO panel to vote on controversial Jerusalem resolution  Palestinian-Jordanian draft document calls for return to 'historic status quo' on Temple Mount, challenges Jewish ties to holy site. 

* 'Israel is operating in the Sinai - with Egypt's blessing'  Former Egyptian and Israeli officials confirm claims by senior IDF official that Egypt, Israel closer than ever, working to crush ISIS. 

* Gigantic replica of Noah's ark opens in Kentucky  A 510-foot-long, $100 million dollar exhibit claiming to replicate the dimensions of Noah's ark opened in Kentucky on Thursday. 

* Israeli families sue Facebook over Palestinian incitement  Israeli legal advocacy organization Shurat Hadin is leading an effort against the social media giant, claiming its failure to act against terrorist group Hamas makes it liable for Hamas actions. 

* 'Helping shape world order': New military roadmap seeks greater German defense role  Germany is set to assume a greater defense role in NATO and the EU in a report set to be released by the country's Defense Ministry on Wednesday, which adds that Germany has 'a responsibility to help shape the world order.'

* Watch: Next British PM's pro-Israel speech at Bnei Akiva  Watch Theresa May, who will be appointed UK Prime Minister in the coming days, give pro-Israel speech at Bnei Akiva event last year.

7/9/16

* Tony Blair says world is better as a result of Iraq War  Tony Blair says the world would be "in a worse position" had he not taken the decision to invade Iraq. 

* Ukraine's faultline: Baltics looks for support to U.S. where campaigns are ignoring foreign policy  The artillery rumbles like a rolling late spring storm. 

* Dallas shootings: Police touched by outpouring of support  For many people in Dallas this week, the police are heroes. 

* Iran seeking illegal nuke, missile technology: German intelligence  Tehran believed to have made at least nine 'clandestine' attempts to acquire materiel that could be used for nuclear arms development. 

* Iranian commander: 100,000 missiles ready to 'annihilate' Israel  Revolutionary Guards deputy chief says Lebanon-based rockets will 'strike at the heart of the Zionist regime'. 

* Message to Arab states: 'Netanyahu supports 2 states, but hampered by right-wing'  "There is a historic opportunity to push for a strategic rapprochement with Arab countries who oppose Iran and have common interests with Israel," according to the Netanyahu source. 

* Will Gaza Get a Port?  Israel back proposal to build port on an island; Palestinians more hesitant. 

* NATO boosts support for countries battling Islamic extremism  Organization's allies in Mideast, North Africa to launch new naval mission in Mediterranean, use surveillance planes. 

* Juno probe enters into orbit around Jupiter  The US space agency has successfully put a new probe in orbit around Jupiter. 

* Ken Ham: Ark Encounter Is Christian Message to the World; 7,000 Attend Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  The Ark Encounter, the life-sized Noah's Ark theme-park attraction, held its official ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday in Grant County, Kentucky, ahead of its grand opening on Thursday, July 7th, gathering a crowd of 7,000 to witness the historic event.

7/8/16

* Iranians & Walid suicide units on Golan border  A flurry of false Hizballah claims amid rising military tension this week was designed to cover up a direct Israeli hit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards HQ in South Syria, DEBKAfile military and intelligence sources disclose. 

* In Africa, Lion King Bibi begins to outroar the Palestinians  Offering high-tech and security know-how in return for diplomatic support, Netanyahu was welcomed like a superpower chief. 

* Iraq shrine attack: IS kills dozens in Balad  Suicide bombers and gunmen have killed at least 35 people in an attack by so-called Islamic State (IS) at a Shia shrine in the Iraqi town of Balad. 

* Noah's Ark, splitting of Red Sea appear in newfound mosaic at ancient synagogue  Huqoq excavations in Galilee reveal more parts of 'most extensive series of biblical stories' from 5th century, archaeologist says. 

* Fatah TV cartoon teaches children: Jews do the work on earth for the satans  In honor of Ramadan, Fatah TV broadcast a cartoon series for young children that presents Jews as the representatives of several satans, fighting battles for these satans, and doing their work on earth. 

* PA media teaches kids:'Jews do Satan's work on earth'  Fatah TV cartoon 'educates' children on how Jews are agents of 'Satan', who do evil and try to kill Mohammed. 

* Watch: Israeli Navy wraps up major sea-warfare simulation  Advanced, long-range sea-to-sea missiles featured during two-week exercise simulating attacks on Israeli waters. 

* Baghdad bombing death toll rises to 281  Iraqi officials have again raised the figure for the number of people killed in Sunday's suicide bombing in Baghdad. 

* Report: Kenya foiled assassination attempt on Netanyahu during his visit  Anonymous source tells Kuwaiti newspaper that on Tuesday the Kenyan authorities informed the PM's security guards that the convoy must change its route. 

* Knesset to consider law cracking down on internet incitement  Justice Minister Shaked and Public Security Minister Erdan seek to codify legislation allowing removal of threatening content from social media sites within hours; Authors say it won't infringe on freedom of speech. 

* Opinion: Is America heading toward a clash of civilizations?  The San Bernardino and Orlando massacres are not isolated incidents; they are the beginning of a new, bloody era in America. 

* Tony Blair says world is better as a result of Iraq War  Tony Blair says the world would be "in a worse position" had he not taken the decision to invade Iraq. 

* 'Virgin. Beautiful.': The Yazidi Girls Sold in the Islamic State's Online Sex Market  The advertisement on the Telegram app is as chilling as it is incongruous: A girl for sale is 'Virgin. Beautiful. 12 years old'. Her price has reached $12,500 and she will be sold soon. 

* Turkey: Victim of Its Own Enthusiasm for Jihad  The government big guns in Ankara just shrugged it off when on June 5, 2015, only two days before general elections in the country, homegrown jihadist militants for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syia (ISIS, or ISIL or IS) detonated bombs, killing four people and injuring over 100, at a pro-Kurdish political rally. 

* Russian Provocations Challenge NATO on Eve of Summit  Member states to cement plan for more troops in Eastern Europe, but experts warn it may fall short of deterring Putin.

7/7/16

* PA media teaches kids:'Jews do Satan's work on earth'  Fatah TV cartoon 'educates' children on how Jews are agents of 'Satan', who do evil and try to kill Mohammed. 

* Watch: Israeli Navy wraps up major sea-warfare simulation  Advanced, long-range sea-to-sea missiles featured during two-week exercise simulating attacks on Israeli waters. 

* Baghdad bombing death toll rises to 281  Iraqi officials have again raised the figure for the number of people killed in Sunday's suicide bombing in Baghdad. 

* Report: Kenya foiled assassination attempt on Netanyahu during his visit  Anonymous source tells Kuwaiti newspaper that on Tuesday the Kenyan authorities informed the PM's security guards that the convoy must change its route. 

* Knesset to consider law cracking down on internet incitement  Justice Minister Shaked and Public Security Minister Erdan seek to codify legislation allowing removal of threatening content from social media sites within hours; Authors say it won't infringe on freedom of speech. 

* Opinion: Is America heading toward a clash of civilizations?  The San Bernardino and Orlando massacres are not isolated incidents; they are the beginning of a new, bloody era in America. 

* Tony Blair says world is better as a result of Iraq War  Tony Blair says the world would be "in a worse position" had he not taken the decision to invade Iraq. 

* 'Virgin. Beautiful.': The Yazidi Girls Sold in the Islamic State's Online Sex Market  The advertisement on the Telegram app is as chilling as it is incongruous: A girl for sale is 'Virgin. Beautiful. 12 years old'. Her price has reached $12,500 and she will be sold soon. 

* Turkey: Victim of Its Own Enthusiasm for Jihad  The government big guns in Ankara just shrugged it off when on June 5, 2015, only two days before general elections in the country, homegrown jihadist militants for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syia (ISIS, or ISIL or IS) detonated bombs, killing four people and injuring over 100, at a pro-Kurdish political rally. 

* Russian Provocations Challenge NATO on Eve of Summit  Member states to cement plan for more troops in Eastern Europe, but experts warn it may fall short of deterring Putin.

7/6/16

* The End of Judeo-Christian Civilization Is Fast Approaching  It was a beautiful summer evening, with an occasional gentle breeze preventing it from becoming stifling. 

* Hugh Fitzgerald: Was the Medina Attack an 'Assault on Islam Itself'?  After every attack by Muslim terrorists, Muslims, and many non-Muslim apologists for Islam, insist that 'these attacks cannot possibly have anything to do with Islam.' 

* Ramadan Ends With a Bang as Islamic State Suicide Bomber Explodes Syrian Bakery, Killing 30  An Islamic State suicide bomber blew himself up outside a bakery in the Kurdish northern Syrian province of Hassakeh as Ramadan was ending late Tuesday, killing as many as 30 people and injuring dozens more. 

* Russia revamps air force array in Syria & Mid East  Moscow has decided to send additional advanced aircraft, including K-52 helicopter gunships, to Syria 'in order to strengthen the Russian military grouping that takes part in anti-terrorist operations" - Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuriy Ivanovich Borisov announced this week. 

* Iranian leader blasts US, Israel for Islamist terrorist attacks  Khamenei says 'arrogant' West is trying to deflect attention from plight of Palestinians. 

* Noah's ark of biblical proportions ready to open in Kentucky  The wooden structure, built based on dimensions in the Bible, exhibits displays of Noah's family along with rows of cages containing animal replicas, including dinosaurs; it is also a source of great controversy over its funding. 

* Israel, US successfully test integration of missile defense systems  Test checks real-time communication between Israeli and American systems, simulating an attack in which thousands of rockets and missiles from Iran and Lebanon are fired at Israel; 6 missile defense systems tested, including Arrow 2 and 3, David's Sling, Aegis Ships, THAAD, and Patriot missiles. 

* US Accuses Israel of "Systematically Seizing" Palestinian Land  The U.S. State Department issued a strongly worded statement expressing 'deep concern' over Israel's recent approval of hundreds of new housing units in the disputed territories. 

* Asia tourism spikes, drops sharply in Russia, increases modestly from US  Nearly 80% of tourists visit Jerusalem, 70% go to Tel Aviv, 50% visit Dead Sea. 

* 5 revelations from Chilcot's damning report into the Iraq war  The long-awaited findings of Sir John Chilcot's inquiry into the invasion of Iraq by Britain in 2003 were finally published on Wednesday. 

7/5/16

* 'Price to pay for US': Beijing ready to confront Washington if it intervenes in S.China Sea dispute  Beijing must prepare to make the US 'pay a cost it can't stand' if it intervenes in the South China Sea dispute by force, a state newspaper editorial has warned, days before a court at The Hague rules on the territorial row between China and the Philippines. 

* Netanyahu meets with seven African leaders to enhance cooperation Seven African heads of state met with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday at a counterterrorism conference held in Uganda; Netanyahu expressed his desire to enhance not only security relations, but agricultural, economic relations as well. 

* Medina bombing: Saudi clerics denounce Prophet's Mosque attack  Saudi Arabia's highest religious body has denounced the three suicide attacks in the kingdom on Monday, including one near Islam's second holiest site. 

* Screeching "Allahu akbar" on Temple Mount declared illegal  A Jerusalem Magistrate's Court judge ruled that Shouting "Allahu akbar" - Arabic for "God is greater" at non-Muslims on the Temple Mount constitutes a disturbance of the peace. 

* Police to reopen Temple Mount to non-Muslim visitors following post-Ramadan festival  "Immediately after the 3 days of Id El Fiter conclude, security assessments will be made and scheduled visits will resume on the Temple Mount," says police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. 

* Turkey Permits First Muslim Call to Prayer from Within Hagia Sophia in 85 Years  The first Muslim call to prayer in the post-Ataturk era from within the Hagia Sophia occurred last week on July 1. 

* Juno probe enters into orbit around Jupiter  The US space agency has successfully put a new probe in orbit around Jupiter. 

* Paris attacks: Call to overhaul French intelligence services  French intelligence services should be overhauled following last year's terror attacks in Paris, a parliamentary commission of inquiry has recommended. 

* Shouldn't We First Help The Christian Victims Of Mideast Genocide?  If we want to accept refugees in flight from Arab and Muslim war zones, why not start with the most persecuted victims? 

* The Cyber Threat: Obama's Green Policies Threaten America's Energy Security  Securing electric grids from cyber attack a lower priority than wind and solar power.

7/4/16

* The History of the 4th of July  On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. 

* 100,000 Missiles Aimed at Israel, Says Iran During Day of Violent Anti-Israel Riots  Hezbollah has 100,000 missiles prepared to attack Israel, said General Hossein Salami, the deputy commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, on Friday. 

* Iraq suicide bomb attack: Deaths in Baghdad rise to 165  The number of people killed in Sunday's suicide bomb attack in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, has risen to 165, interior ministry officials say. 

* Tony Blair: UK should keep Brexit options open  Former prime minister Tony Blair has said "we should keep our options open" on the UK leaving the European Union.

* Iranian al-Quds Day resolution demands elimination of 'cancerous' Israel  Destroying Jewish state is Muslim world's 'top priority,' declares text; top military official says 100,000 missiles in Lebanon ready to hit Zionist regime. 

* Islamist militants kill 20 in Bangladesh before commandos end siege  Islamist militants killed 20 people, including at least nine Italians, seven Japanese and an American, inside an upmarket restaurant in Bangladesh's capital, before security forces stormed the building and ended a 12-hour standoff on Saturday. 

* Talking About the Elephant in the Brexit Room  Today, everyone is talking about the Brexit vote, but no one will talk about the elephant in the Brexit room. 

* Thousands at 'March for Europe' Brexit protest  Thousands of people have marched through London to protest against the referendum decision to leave the EU. 

* Iran's Rouhani accuses West of exploiting Sunni-Shi'ite rift, slams Israel  The global arrogance (the United States and its allies) wants to create discord among Muslims ... Unity is the only way to restore stability in the region," Rouhani said. 

* Was the Istanbul attack an act of retaliation for Turkey-Israel accord?  Israel deal with Turkey reinforces ISIS narrative that 'apostate' governments of Muslim majority countries are aligned with 'Jews, Crusaders and unbelievers.' 

* NYPD: Ready for War With ISIS Terrorists  In the air, over the water and on the street with hundreds of heavily-armed officers, the New York Police Department says it is ready for war if ISIS or any terror group attacks New York City. 

* MK Glick threatened with murder in inciting video  Video posted to YouTube threatens MK Glick with murder, says he has "no place in Palestine". 

* 1st time in 81yrs: Muslim call to prayer heard from inside Istanbul's Hagia Sophia  A muezzin has performed an Islamic call to prayer for the first time in 81 years in one of Istanbul's iconic monuments, Hagia Sophia, famous for its grandiose dome.

7/2/16

* The History of the 4th of July  On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. 

* Iranian al-Quds Day resolution demands elimination of 'cancerous' Israel  Destroying Jewish state is Muslim world's 'top priority,' declares text; top military official says 100,000 missiles in Lebanon ready to hit Zionist regime. 

* Islamist militants kill 20 in Bangladesh before commandos end siege  Islamist militants killed 20 people, including at least nine Italians, seven Japanese and an American, inside an upmarket restaurant in Bangladesh's capital, before security forces stormed the building and ended a 12-hour standoff on Saturday. 

* Talking About the Elephant in the Brexit Room  Today, everyone is talking about the Brexit vote, but no one will talk about the elephant in the Brexit room. 

* Thousands at 'March for Europe' Brexit protest  Thousands of people have marched through London to protest against the referendum decision to leave the EU. 

* Iran's Rouhani accuses West of exploiting Sunni-Shi'ite rift, slams Israel  The global arrogance (the United States and its allies) wants to create discord among Muslims ... Unity is the only way to restore stability in the region," Rouhani said. 

* Was the Istanbul attack an act of retaliation for Turkey-Israel accord?  Israel deal with Turkey reinforces ISIS narrative that 'apostate' governments of Muslim majority countries are aligned with 'Jews, Crusaders and unbelievers.' 

* NYPD: Ready for War With ISIS Terrorists  In the air, over the water and on the street with hundreds of heavily-armed officers, the New York Police Department says it is ready for war if ISIS or any terror group attacks New York City. 

* MK Glick threatened with murder in inciting video  Video posted to YouTube threatens MK Glick with murder, says he has "no place in Palestine". 

* 1st time in 81yrs: Muslim call to prayer heard from inside Istanbul's Hagia Sophia  A muezzin has performed an Islamic call to prayer for the first time in 81 years in one of Istanbul's iconic monuments, Hagia Sophia, famous for its grandiose dome.

7/1/16

* Rouhani laments: Syria war means hard to focus on harming Israel  Tens of thousands attend Iran's annual anti-Israel Quds Day. President laments ISIS, Syria making it harder to focus on destroying Israel. 

* Iranian al-Quds Day resolution demands elimination of 'cancerous' Israel  Destroying Jewish state is Muslim world's 'top priority,' declares text issued on day of anti-Israel protests; top military official says 100,000 missiles in Lebanon ready to hit Zionist regime.

* As terror strikes Israel, Quartet set to criticize 'settlements'  Long-awaited report by the Middle East Quartet will also criticize Palestinian incitement, UN envoy says. 

* British Jews denounce neo-Nazi 'Miss Hitler' pageant  'It is possibly the ugliest beauty contest ever held,' says Board of Deputies of British Jews. 

* Thanks in no small part to Russia, Hezbollah is now a full-fledged army  For now its focus is on the Syrian civil war, where it is sustaining heavy losses, but the Lebanese Shiite terror group has become a far more formidable player in the 10 years since the Second Lebanon War. 

* Quartet: Israel must urgently halt settlement expansion  Middle East diplomacy group's new report says Palestinian incitement also ‚'severely undermines hopes for peace'. 

* Istanbul airport attackers 'Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz'  The three men who carried out Tuesday's deadly attack on Istanbul's Ataturk airport were all from parts of the former USSR, Turkish sources say. 

* EU opens new phase in Turkey membership bid talks  The EU has opened a new chapter in Turkey's EU membership talks, covering budget contributions to the bloc. 

* 'Mein Kampf' profits to aid Holocaust survivors  Publisher announces all US proceeds of Adolf Hitler's manifesto will be donated to Holocaust survivors. 

* UN calls for peacekeepers to retake abandoned post in Syrian Golan  Security Council tells troops to reoccupy Camp Faouar, 2 years after forces relocated across border following abductions; Israel praises move. 

* Iraqi forces advance toward airbase near Mosul  Iraqi forces are closing in on an airfield they hope to use as a staging ground for an offensive against Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) in Mosul. 

* NATO activity on Russian borders 'doubled,' provoking Moscow's response - Russian Defense Ministry  NATO activity on Russia's doorstep has 'more than doubled' recently, forcing Russia to take retaliatory measures, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said.