4/21/21

 * Netanyahu gives up on forming a government He said he would instead seek a direct election for prime minister, which he said would pass if Yamina supported it.

* Jerusalem a powder keg? Arab violence, Palestinian elections feeding tensions One video shows an Arab boy spitting on a passing haredi Jew. Another shows an Arab on a Jerusalem wall throwing a rock over the side.

* Putin warns of tough Russian action if West crosses 'red line' Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the West not to cross a "red line" with Russia, saying such a move would trigger an "asymmetrical, rapid and harsh" response.

* EU parliament leaders voice concern over Russia’s alleged involvement in Czech arms depot explosion Group leaders condemn ‘unacceptable act of hostility’ on sovereign EU territory.

* Vatican wishes Muslims, as ‘bearers of hope,’ ‘divine blessings’ during Ramadan All across the Islamic world, we see violent jihad and a range of human rights abuses committed in the name of Islamic law.

* China: ‘Collapse of the Soviet Union Was a Geopolitical Disaster for Russia’ China’s state-run Global Times on Monday offered support to Russia and its authoritarian ruler, Vladimir Putin, musing the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was a “geopolitical disaster” for which the West has never offered Moscow sufficient condolences.

* China, Russia vow to buckle up against ‘geopolitical turbulence belt’ Officials from China’s Communist Party and the United Russia party hold meeting and condemn interference and sanctions against them.

* Proxy Conflict Paradox: Why America and Russia are at War in Syria Syria has been backed by Russia since 2015, while the United States has provided logistical and military support to various groups fighting al-Assad’s regime since 2013.

* Israel Has Been Essential to Jordan’s Survival Despite its inherent fragility, the Hashemite Kingdom has proven to be more enduring than many observers have anticipated.

* Israeli Economist: Encouraging high birth rate hurts the economy Economist laments high birthrate, calls on government to cut subsidies for large families and the haredi sector.