The “no-fly” zone in Libya set a precedent for possible action in Syria, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but instead, the Arab League has targeted Israel. The Arab group, which includes the Palestinian Authority as a full member, has called on the United Nations to send airplanes from foreign countries to keep Israel for retaliating for […]
The latest media-barnstorm by Wikileaks founder Julian Assange reveals the private concerns and assessments of Israel’s intelligence services, the Guardian reports. The documents on Israel and the Middle East come as Assange agreed to be interviewed by the Hebrew-language Yedidot Acharonot this week to defend his organization from charges of anti-Semitism. According to the cables, […]
Bahrain is targeting two types of travelers its government has apparently singled out for “special processing” at the country’s sole international airport. Those who appear to be journalists and travelers of Lebanese origin are being stopped by immigration officers, according to a report published by the online Asia Times. “The Kingdom of Bahrain’s new greeting […]
250 Wounded in Yemen Clashes Dozens were wounded Sunday when police used live rounds, tear gas and batons in a bid to break-up demonstrations against President Ali Abdullah Saleh in San’a and Taiz. About 10 people were hit by live fire, but most were suffering asphyxiation from tear gas, a doctor treating the wounded said. […]
Turkey informed a UN Security Council panel it seized a cache of weapons Iran was exporting in violations of a UN arms embargo, Reuters reported on Thursday. The report to the council’s Iran sanctions committee, said a March 21 inspection turned up the weapons, which were listed as “auto spare parts” on the plane’s cargo […]
The largely Sunni-Arab nation of Kuwait is suing a Shiite newspaper over its use of the term “invasion” to describe the deployment of Saudi forces in Bahrain to assist in quelling protests there, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday. “So far we have not received official notification, though we heard that we have been referred […]
After the successful revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, it may be Syria’s turn. On Tuesday, activists opposed to the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad conducted “Day of Rage” protests, demanding free elections and a change of government. In response, Syrian security troops opened fire in some areas, and beat them with clubs and sticks. Protests […]
Foreign ministers from the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council pledged $20 billion in financial aid in Bahrain and Oman on Thursday, the Associated Press reports. Growing protests in Bahrain and Oman have shaken the other members of the GCC, raising concerns the political earthquake rocking the Middle East will affect key OPEC members. Global oil prices […]
The March 11 “Day of Rage” demonstrations called for by political opponents of the Saudi monarchy did not materialize as anticipated. Turnout for the protests was sparse in the face of warnings from Saudi officials that laws prohibiting public demonstrations would be strictly enforced. On the day of the protest, the government ordered a massive […]
Defense Minister Ehud Barak met with members of the IDF’s General Staff Forum Thursday, and gave them a security briefing for the first time since the appointment of the new chief of staff, Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz. In the open part of the meeting, Barak said: “I have full confidence in the ability of Lt.-Gen. Gantz […]
