The Egyptian government drafted a new document outlining steps to achieving upcoming Palestinian elections, drawing criticisms from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. His reservations stem from the lack of clarity in the document that the Ramallah-based Fatah administration remains the officially recognized government of the Palestinians, not the Gaza-based Hamas organization that took control in […]
After the Obama Administration reiterated its boycott of the anti-racism Durban conference regardless of revisions to the preliminary conference document that formerly singled-out Israel, government officials held conference calls with Jewish Americans to appease concerns that the State Department would send representation to next week’s event. The calls appeared to relieve concerns, however the Republican Jewish […]
Israelis vacationing this week on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt faced an unexpected addendum to their trip- a Hezbollah cell intent on murdering tourists in the resort towns of Dahab, Taba, and Nuweiba using a variety of techniques, including car bombs. Egyptian officials apprehended cell members after obtaining a tip from the Israeli Mossad Intelligence Agency. Under questioning, […]
The State Department released last night a new official position on the anti-racism Durban II conference that previously singled-out Israel leading to boycotts from numerous countries including the United States, Israel, and Canada. The new position states that multiple improvements in the draft outcome document for the conference occurred, including removal of references to one […]
Egyptian authorities have arrested a group of 49 people accused of plotting attacks on it’s soil. The suspects are alleged to be part of the Lebanese Shiite resistance movement Hizballah. The group’s alleged leader, Sami Shihab, was confirmed as a being a Hizballah operative by Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah in a speech last friday. “Brother […]
A recent interview with Hamas leader Khalid Meshal denotes a potentially change in posture by the terror group. While the organization continues to imprison abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, launches rockets into southern Israel, and plans additional terror strikes, perhaps Western pressure and legitimacy vis-a-vis President Obama’s approach could force Hamas to moderate its stance. […]
Every interaction with Israelis this week began and ended identically, with a smile and a warm exchange of “Chag sameach,” happy holiday. Israelis, secular and religious, heralded the opportunity to vacation to the southern resort-town of Eilat, spend a few nights with the family in a cabin in the Galilee, or at least picnic with […]
The holiday spirit engulfed negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, with both sides expressing eagerness for peace. A telephone call between new Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and PA President Mahmoud Abbas was described as ‘warm.’ Even Netanyahu, regarded as a hawkish right-winger whose commitment to a two-state solution remains questionable, informed Abbas that he would […]
President Obama signed a document permitting Palestine Liberation Organization offices in Washington, D.C. to remain in the nations capital. Legislation from 1987 forbids an official PLO bureau in D.C., however since 1994, presidents routinely legally waive the restriction.
Palestinian officials confirmed that the reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas will resume April 26. The dialogue will focus on three core issues dividing the two groups- elections, the government, and the PLO and security. The discussions, to be held in Cairo, mark the third round of talks toward a unity government. According to some […]
… in today’s elections in Algeria. The current President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, is hoping to garner more votes than he did in the last election (84.99%). Some Algerians are concerned that getting elected for a third term would situate Bouteflika as the next “President for life” in the tradition of Hosni Mubarak, Bashar al Asad, Zine […]
… at least with respect to US-Turkish relations. Never fear, this article does include the obligatory interview with a rug merchant in the bazaar.
Hamas representatives interrupted a speech by MK Silvan Shalom at the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in Ethiopia. The Hamas members attended the event under the guise of representatives for the Palestinians. Upon hearing about the presence of Hamas members, the Israeli delegation considered leaving the event, but decided to stay and deliver the speech. The United States […]
What do animal-rights related donkey races, Obama holding a White House Passover Seder, and learning Hebrew in Cairo have in common? Absolutely nothing aside from the fact that it’s Passover and therefore a slow news day. That said, PA President Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian Intelligence Chief, and potentially the next President, Omar Suleyman to discuss Palestinian […]
Linda Hearst comments on the emergent trend among Western journalists of predicting Dubai’s imminent demise. Her response? Any city that can emerge from essentially nothing to become what Dubai is today is not going anywhere, financial crisis or no.