Archive for Mid-East News

| June 24, 2013
No comments

Lebanon edges toward war as armed sectarian battles enter 2nd day

 

Ethnic groups in Lebanon are up in arms because of the Syrian civil war. Ethnic violence erupts in Tripoli and in Bekaa Valley.

Sunni Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir says attacks on Lebanese army meant to protest Hezbollah’s active support for Syrian president Assad.

By Daniel Siryoti and David Baron

Lebanese soldiers fought Sunni Islamist gunmen in the southern city of Sidon for a second day on Monday. The ongoing violence is fueled by sectarian rifts over the civil war in neighboring Syria.

Fighters from a Sunni militia loyal to Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir, Sunday – Photo: Reuters

The army said 12 soldiers had been killed in clashes which broke out on Sunday after security forces detained a follower of the hardline Sunni Muslim cleric Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir.

Continue Reading »
Category: Mid-East News | Tags: ,
| June 24, 2013
No comments

Bulgaria reveals to the EU new evidence on Hezbollah terrorist link

Israel’s PM message to the EU: “If Hezbollah isn’t a terrorist organization, I don’t know what is a terrorist organization. I mean, they’re butchering people left and right across the world and now in the cities of Syria.”

By Cnaan Liphshiz

 

 

BRUSSELS (JTA) — Bulgaria claims it has previously undisclosed evidence that further implicates Hezbollah in a deadly terrorist attack last year on Bulgarian soil, JTA has learned.

A Bulgarian representative to the European Union said Wednesday that investigators have discovered that a Hezbollah operative was the owner of a printer used to produce fake documents that facilitated the July 19 bombing of a bus filled with Israeli tourists in Burgas.

Continue Reading »
Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , , ,
| June 22, 2013
No comments

Gaza’s Christians Concerned as Hamas Bans Co-Ed Schools

Another strict Islamic sharia law was passed banning co-ed schools in Gaza leaves Christians worrisome that their schools are in danger of closure.

By Elad Benari, Canada

 

A new law passed by the Hamas government in Gaza banning co-ed schools has left many Christians fearful that their schools are in danger of closure, according to the Beirut-based Al-Akhbar daily.

The new law, which mandates gender segregation in all schools, also bans men from teaching at girls’ schools. The law will likely force Christian educational institutions to close their doors to Muslim and Christian students alike, reported the newspaper.

Samer Badra, financial director of the Patriarchate Schools in Gaza, told Al-Akhbar, “Implementing the new education law will force Gaza’s Christian institutions to build new facilities and hire new employees to comply with the articles. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , , ,
| June 21, 2013
No comments

US Congressmen respond to EU’s failure to blacklist Hezbollah

 

US Congressman from NY says inaction is emboldening terror organization.

By MICHAEL WILNER, JERUSALEM POST CORRESPONDENT

 

 

 

WASHINGTON — After developments on Wednesday set back efforts to convince the European Union to list Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, members of Congress are expressing their disappointment and calling for a renewed push against reluctant EU member states.

Hezbollah head Nasrallah speaks at Beirut protest

Hezbollah head Nasrallah speaks at Beirut protest – Photo: REUTERS

Great Britain had been leading the initiative, but Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic continue to harbor reservations, Reuters reported, fearful that the listing would result in terrorist reprisals in Europe and further upheaval in the Middle East.

Continue Reading »
Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , , ,
| June 20, 2013
No comments

Turkmenistan Accepts 1st Ever Israeli Ambassador

Mazel Tov!! The Central Asian secular Muslim state of Turkmenistan, which is Iran’s neighbor, has accepted the credentials of their 1st ever Israeli ambassador.

By Rina Tavi

 

The Central Asian state of Turkmenistan, which shares a 1,000 kilometer border with Iran, has accepted the credentials of the first ever Israeli ambassador to the country, state media said Wednesday.

Turkmenistan flag

Turkmenistan flag

President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov received the ambassadorial credentials of senior Israeli diplomat Shemi Tzur, the government newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan said, according to the AFP news agency.

The paper said that Tzur presented Berdymukhamedov with a greeting from President Shimon Peres who expressed interest in establishing a full dialogue with the overwhelmingly Muslim but strongly secular desert nation. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , ,
| June 20, 2013
No comments

The makings of the world’s preferred refugees

Unlike other refugees, be they Syrian, Libyan, or Sudanese, the Palestinians have their own funding, their own set of rules & qualifications, and even their own int’l agency to perpetuate the largest fraud and parasitic organization on the planet, the UNRWA.

By Amb. RON PROSOR 
 

 

For millions of refugees, World Refugee Day is a day like any other. From Mali to South Sudan and from Myanmar to Haiti, countless men, women and children will once again awaken today to an uncertain future.
Palestinian girl at UNRWA school [illustrative]

Palestinian girl at UNRWA school – Photo: Ali Hashisho/Reuters

They are aided in their perilous journey by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which works with governments to advocate and seek asylum for all refugees.
Continue Reading »
Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , ,
| June 20, 2013
No comments

UK fails to get unanimous EU backing for Hezbollah blacklisting

Britain’s push to place Hezbollah’s armed wing on EU terror list waning; diplomats say UK’s proposal gained support due to Hezbollah involvement in Syria, but Italy, Czech Rep. & Austria among nations preventing required unanimous decision.

By REUTERS
 

 

BRUSSELS – A British drive to put Hezbollah’s armed wing on the EU’s terror list again ran into resistance on Wednesday from governments concerned it would fuel instability in the Middle East, diplomats said.

A bus is blown up during a controlled explosion by investigators probing Bulgaria terror attack

A bus is blown up during a controlled explosion by investigators probing Bulgaria terror attack – Photo: Reuters

Britain’s request was discussed for a second time by a special European Union group following an inconclusive meeting on June 4, but British diplomats failed to win over a number of skeptical governments.

Continue Reading »
Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , , ,
| June 20, 2013
No comments

Young Palestinians launch initiative to counter impotent PA leadership

 

Frustrated with the-same-old leadership, Ramallah based youth group NEWpal hosts gathering to discuss how young Palestinians can influence independent future state.  

By The Media Line

 

Young Palestinians who are fed up with the existing leaders’ attempts to establish an independent Palestinian state launched their own initiative designed to give the young people a voice in determining the Palestinian future.

Photo: AP

Several Palestinian entrepreneurs launched NEWpal, a youth group based in Ramallah, which got started this week by hosting a full day “Future Palestine” conference.

The event, funded privately by Palestinian companies, drew some 150 participants who chose from five workshops: Diplomacy; Economy and Development; Environment; Education; Scientific Research and Innovation; and Communications. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags:
| June 19, 2013
No comments

PLO warns US against exerting pressure on Arabs to resume talks unconditionally

 

West Bank leadership calls on US secretary of state Kerry to exert pressure on Israel to “fulfill its obligations” instead of suggesting that the PA drop their demands of pre-conditions just to negotiate.

Erekat deflecting criticism: Israeli gov’t strategy based on “destroying the 2-state solution.”

By KHALED ABU TOAMEH
 

 

The Fatah leadership on Wednesday warned the US Administration against exerting pressure on the Palestinian Authority to resume peace talks with Israel unconditionally.

PA President Abbas and Chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat [file].

PA President Abbas and Chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat – Photo: REUTERS/Tarek Mostafa

The warning came as US Secretary of State John Kerry prepares to return to the region next week to resume his efforts to revive the stalled peace talks between the PA and Israel.PA

Continue Reading »
Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , , ,
| June 17, 2013
No comments

Egypt places Sinai on High Alert as Al Qaeda digs in

Egyptian security chiefs have placed Sinai on alert following Al Qaeda terrorist activity in the peninsula.

By Chana Ya’ar

 

 

The Egyptian government has declared a high alert in the Sinai Peninsula following a high level of Al Qaeda terrorist activity in the region.

Dahab View from dive shop - Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Dahab View from dive shop – Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

 

The terrorists have set up a military base in central Sinai, Egyptian security officials told the Bethlehem-based Ma’an news agency on Monday.

Curfews have been imposed on the Sinai cities of El-Arish, Sheikh Zuweid and Rafiah, which straddles the border with Hamas terrorist-ruled Gaza.

Some 30 jihadists from Gaza entered the region via the tunnels, officials said, and it is believed they may join demonstrations against the Muslim Brotherhood planned for June 30. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , ,
| June 17, 2013
No comments

Sarah Palin on aiding Syrian Rebels: ‘Let Allah Sort it Out’

Former U.S. vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin criticizes President Barack Obama for his inept handing of the Syrian civil war.

By Rina Tzvi

 

Former United States vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin criticized President Barack Obama for his handing of the Syrian conflict, Al Arabiya news reported.

Syrian soldiers

Syrian soldiers – AFP file

“We’re talking now more new interventions,” said the Republican former governor of Alaska. “Until we have a commander in chief who knows what he’s doing… I say let Allah sort it out.”

Her comments come as Obama is set to meet the Russian president for tough talks on Syria.

British Prime Minister David Cameron held a press conference with Vladamir Putin on Sunday, highlighting the differences between the West and Russia. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , ,
| June 17, 2013
2 comments

Who Profited by Planting Polonium on Arafat’s Belongings & Blaming Israel?

 

Even though evidence of radioactively poisoning Arafat appears impossible, accusing Israel made headlines & documentaries.

In making this claim, so far only one stands above all others to profit professionally and financially.

By Judy Hantman

 

Have you ever wondered what happened to the forensic results of Arafat’s remains, exhumed in November, 2012? Undoubtedly, we are witnessing another cover up of the facts in order to vilify Israel.

Yasser Arafat's mausoleum, where tarpaulin obscured the entrance during his exhumation. - Photo Screenshot

Yasser Arafat’s mausoleum, where tarpaulin obscured the entrance during his exhumation. – Photo Screenshot

The reinvestigation into Arafat’s death started with Clayton Swisher, former special agent with the U.S. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , ,
| June 16, 2013
No comments

Iran proposes front against Israel & sending 4000 troops to Syria for Assad

 

Report comes a just day after Egyptian president Morsi calls for Hezbollah to leave Syria immediately, & 2 days after UN Human Rights Council condemns all use of foreign fighters in Syrian civil war.

By

 

Iran has reportedly decided to send 4,000 troops from its Revolutionary Guard to Syria to aid President Bashar Assad’s forces, The Independent reported on Sunday.

IDF Golan Heights tanks

IDF tanks amassing on the Golan Heights amid heightened tensions with Syria. – Photo: Gil Cohen–Magen

 

The Independent added that Islamic Republic had even proposed opening a “Syrian” front against Israel in the Golan Heights in order to ensure Assad’s reign continues. Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , , , ,
| June 16, 2013
No comments

Joint USAF & IAF plans on ’18 Chemical Targets’ in Syria

TIME reports: Israeli & U.S. Air Forces may target Assad’s arsenals of unconventional weapons in joint operation.

By Arutz Sheva

 

Israeli and U.S. military officials are coordinating how to target and destroy Syrian president Bashar Assad’s arsenal of unconventional weapons under assorted scenarios, Israeli military and intelligence officials told TIME Magazine.

One scenario would be the sudden removal of Assad from the scene, the magazine said. “That would prompt the allies to launch operations on the estimated 18 depots and other sites where WMDs are stored,” Israei military and intelligence officials said.

“Search and destroy operations would also be launched if the weapons appeared to be about to fall into the hands of the rebels, which include Islamist extremists aligned with al-Qaeda.” Continue Reading »

Category: Mid-East News | Tags: , , ,
| June 15, 2013
No comments

Nablus father ‘scared to death’ after Palestinian police arrest son

 

The victim, Sa’di al-Sakhel, suffered a massive coronary after Abbas’ security agents arrested his son Musab.

By KHALED ABU TOAMEH
 

 

A 62-year-old Palestinian man from Nablus died of a heart attack on Saturday shortly after Palestinian Authority security forces arrested his son.
PA policeman.

PA policeman. – Photo: REUTERS

The man, Sa’di al-Sakhel, suffered a massive heart attack after security agents belonging to the Preventive Security Force arrested his son, Musab.

The son was released immediately after the father was pronounced dead at the Al-Arabi Hospital in Nablus.

A PA security source said that Musab was suspected of membership in Hamas.

Continue Reading »
Category: Mid-East News | Tags:
« Older Entries   Recent Entries »