The Middle East In The News

Letting The Fox Guard The Hen house
Jon Christian Ryter 2006/2/28
...If a new "civilian security" entity—one with, say, malevolent intent towards this nation—assumed control over the civilian security eyes on the piers, the written manifests and the actual cargo holds of the ships, and the scheduling of when longshoremen unload the cargoes that arrive in our ports will be determined by that new management. Since the longshoremen's unions that control the offloading of cargoes from the ships in these ports is racked with mob influence, a new port boss with malevolent design might find a willing conspirator in the unions if they believed the only cargo the longshoremen were turning a blind eye to was counterfeit Disney movies, Gucci bags, or the latest teen fad. ...As he threatened to veto any attempt by Congress to kill the port deal, President George W. Bush was shocked to discover that a majority of the American people—67% at last count—logically opposed turning control of any of our ports over to an Arab nation, or for that matter, any foreign power—even one that our government viewed as a close ally in the War on Terrorism. The reason is obvious to most Americans even if it eludes the president. The Islamic entity that is waging war against the United States are not the secular heads of the Arab nations who are politically aligned with America and are more interested in money than theology. Rather, our enemies within those nations are Islamic radicals who are protected by extremist Wahabbi clerics whom the leaders of those Arab nations fear—and fund. ...Bush just doesn't get it—whether we are talking about sealing our porous northern and southern borders from the infiltration of terrorists into the United States from Mexico or Canada or talking about eliminating foreign entities—not just the United Arab Emirates—from controlling our ports. China—America's most dangerous enemy—controls the movement of contraband in 12 of our ports. The United States government knows that China is using Long Beach as a listening post to intercept the transmission of data from defense contractors in California. What are they listening to in New York, Baltimore (the Washington, DC metro area), abd Norfolk? How many illegal automatic weapons are coming into the 36 ports under the control of foreign entities?   Let's face it, America will not be secure until Americans secure all of our borders and all of our ports of entry. We can't let our political enemies, under the guise of political correctness, assume the role of keeper of the keys to the gateway of America. To do so is stupid. Since September 11, 2001, this nation can no longer afford to be Forrest Gump. Stupid is as stupid does leads down only one path—the path of destruction.
contributed by Bob Anderson

Of Mosques, Oil Fields and Ports
Stratfor.com 2006/2/28
Last week was dominated by three apparently discrete events. The al-Askariyah mosque -- a significant Shiite shrine in As Samarra, Iraq -- was bombed, triggering intensifying violence between Shiite and Sunni groups. A group linked to al Qaeda claimed responsibility for attacking a major oil facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. And a furor broke out in the United States over the proposed purchase, by a government-owned United Arab Emirates (UAE) firm, of a British company that operates a number of important American ports. Apart from the fact that all of these incidents involve Muslims, the stories don't appear to be linked. They are. ...
contributed by Bob Anderson

Exclusive: Dubai ports firm enforces Israel boycott
The Jerusalem Post 2006/2/28
The parent company of a Dubai-based firm at the center of a political storm in the US over the purchase of American ports participates in the Arab boycott against Israel, The Jerusalem Post has learned. ...

Minister of Awqaf Meets Greek Ambassador
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/28
...For his part, the Greek ambassador hailed the depth of bilateral ties, stressing that Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, is a model example for co-existence.

King Holds Talks with Sultan of Brunei
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/28
...King Abdullah II held discussions on Wednesday with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei focused on means of enhancing relations between the two countries, particularly in the economic fields, in addition to the latest development in the Middle East. ...The Monarch briefed Sultan...affirming that the coming period is very important for its future and all parties must work to resume the peace process ...King Abdullah highlighted the campaign he leads to show the essence of Islam that calls for peace and rejects violence. For his part, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah praised the King's sapience, hailing his efforts to show the true image about Islam in the various international meetings. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Civil War in Iraq?
DanielPipes.org 2006/2/28
 ...Fixing Iraq is neither the coalition's responsibility nor its burden. The damage done by Saddam will take many years to repair. Americans, Britons, and others cannot be tasked with resolving Sunni-Shiite differences, an abiding Iraqi problem that only Iraqis themselves can address. ...Civil war in Iraq, in short, would be a humanitarian tragedy but not a strategic one.
contributed by Bob Anderson

Saddam's WMDs and Russia
FrontPageMag.com 2006/2/28
contributed by Bob Anderson

King heads for Brunei
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/28
...King Abdullah is expected to hold talks with Singaporean President S. R. Nathan and Prime Minster Lee Hsein Loong, and other Singaporean senior officials on means of boosting bilateral relations, particularly economic and trade ties. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Jordan to Celebrate the Arabization of the Arab Army Command
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/28
...In 1956, His Majesty the late King Hussein relieved British General Glob Pasha from his post as army commander and appointed a Jordanian officer to lead the army. The decision of the late King to Arabize the army was a sovereign one and a step on the right track for the independence of Jordan. ...The army received all attention and care of His Majesty King Abdullah II, who equipped the army with all advanced weapons until it became a model for sacrifice and giving. ...
? Daniel 11:38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces ...

Romanian firms seek comeback, eye defence and energy projects
Jordan Times 2006/2/28
Seeking a strong Romanian comeback to the Kingdom and the region, Romanian Economy and Commerce Minister Ioan Codrut Seres told The Jordan Times in an interview that Romanian companies are mainly interested in defence and energy projects in Jordan. ...The minister said he was in Amman partly to put in motion a memorandum of understanding between the army-run King Abdullah Development and Design Bureau (KADDB) highlighting at the same time Romania's Romarm, a state-owned company with a 75-year experience in military production that applies free market rules. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

King Congratulates President of Dominican
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/27
King Abdullah II sent a cable on Monday to President Leonel Fernandez Reyna of the Dominican Republic congratulating him in his name ...
? John 5:43 "I am come in my Father's name (HASHEM), and ye receive me not: if another shall come "in his own name" (HASHEMITE), him ye will receive.

Jordan's king calls for resolving Lebanese-Syrian dispute through dialogue
People's Daily Online 2006/2/27
...Jordanian King Abdullah II stressed on Sunday that the dispute between Syria and Lebanon should be resolved through dialogue.   King Abdullah II made the remarks in his meeting with Nabih Berri, Lebanese parliamentary Speaker, urging Lebanon and Syria to put their general interest first, restore their traditional friendship and do their utmost to avoid worsening situation in the region. ...

King stresses APU role to institutionalize for democracy
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/27
...King Abdullah II on Monday stressed the vital role of the Arab Parliamentary Union APU to institutionalize for democracy and participation in political life and to support development in the Arab countries. ...

''Syrian and Iranian Interests Converge in Lebanon''
PINR 2006/2/27
...Iran and Syria continue to share common interests in Iraq where they have cooperated due to their mutual antipathy toward the United States. It is in Lebanon that their interests most directly converge ...

Top Zarqawi Aide Nabbed, Iraq TV Says
Fox News 2006/2/27
...Iraqiya TV identified the captive as Abu al-Farouq, a Syrian. It said he was captured with five other alleged Al Qaeda operatives in the Sunni insurgent stronghold of Ramadi, 70 miles west of Baghdad. The raid was carried out by the ministry's counterinsurgency Wolf Brigade. ...

King Congratulates President of Uganda
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/27
...King Abdullah II sent a cable on Monday to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the Republic of Uganda congratulating him in his name ...
? John 5:43 "I am come in my Father's name (HASHEM), and ye receive me not: if another shall come "in his own name" (HASHEMITE), him ye will receive.

King receives Amr Mussa, Kharafi, Diop
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/27
...The king stressed that Jordan opens its doors for Kuwaiti investments to benefit from facilities and attractive investment environment Jordan enjoys to execute ventures in various sectors. Kuwaiti investments in Jordan reached more than 3 billion in various sectors benefiting from investment legislation and exemption. ...

ANALYSIS-Iraq shrine crisis plays into Zarqawi's hands
Reuters 2006/2/27
Iraqi leaders are now saying exactly what their deadliest enemy, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, may want to hear -- Iraq faces a real threat of civil war. The destruction of a Shi'ite shrine on Wednesday plunged postwar Iraq into its deepest crisis, setting off a furious wave of sectarian violence that claimed more than 200 lives. ...

Iraqis fight back from the brink
The Australian 2006/2/27
Influential figures close to the US administration have long been emphasising the dire consequences of an all-out conflict.   Andrew Krepinevich, a Pentagon adviser who heads the Centre for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, a military think tank, warns that if civil war breaks out, "the outcome may be that we help the rise of another Saddam Hussein who is ruthless enough to deal with the problem".   Larry Wilkerson, who was former secretary of state Colin Powell's chief of staff, shares Mr Krepinevich's view that a new Saddam could emerge.   "If a civil war were to break out, we would be faced with a difficult choice," he says. ...

Islamic Preacher Speaking at Temple Mount Calls For Worldwide Islamic Rule
Arutz Sheva 2006/2/26
Sheikh Ismail Nawahda, preaching to Moslem masses on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on Friday, has brought it out into the open: the call to restore the Moslem Khalifate, or, "Genuine Islamic Rule."   A plan for the "Return of the Khalifate" was published secretly in 2002 by a group called "The Guiding Helper Foundation." The group explained that it wished to "give direction to the educated Muslim populace in its increasing interest in the establishment of Islam as a practical system of rule."   This past Friday, Feb. 24, however, the plan went public. Sheikh Nawahda called publicly for the renewal of the Islamic Khalifate, which would "unite all the Moslems in the world against the infidels." ...The Khalifate system features a leader, known as a Khalif, who heads worldwide Islam. Assisted by a ten-man council, his decisions are totally binding on all Moslems. ...Nawahda called upon the Arabs of the Palestinian Authority to rise above their personal and party interests, and said that Moslems must return to Islam and join forces in the struggle against the West. He praised the worldwide protests against the anti-Muhammed cartoons, and encouraged the Moslem public to continue such activities. He implied that those who insulted Muhammed are liable for death. The Sheikh designated the Moslem masses as a strong point that can be utilized in the fight against the West.
I would hope you shouldn't need me to tell you what would happen if our US port security was in the hands of Muslims whose greater duty is to Islam and its cause.  Hello?!!

Israel Rejects Hamas Conditions for Long-term Truce
Turkish Weekly 2006/2/26
Israel has rejected the conditions of the Islamic militant group Hamas for a long-term cease-fire. A Hamas leader ruled out recognition of Israel or peace with the Jewish state. ..."One has to be stupid to even seriously consider, if he is making a conciliatory statement," said Dan Schueftan. "What he is saying is that, after Israel is destroyed, namely after the right of return is instituted, and so on, then he will consider to have a long-term truce with Israel. I mean it is a ridiculous statement." ...

Leader of UN Hariri probe formally requests interviews with Assad and a-Shar’a
DEBKAfile Exclusive 2006/2/26
In Damascus Thursday, Feb. 23, Serge Brammertz, the Belgian leading the UN investigation presented foreign minister Walid Mualem with a request to interview president Bashar Assad and vice present Farouk a-Shar’a on their involvement in the assassination of Lebanese politician Rafiq Hariri a year ago. ...US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice paid a surprise visit to Beirut on Thursday too to show support for the UN team leader’s mission.   She also met secretly with the Maronite Christian Cardinal Boutros Nasrallah Sfeir and persuaded him to throw his weight behind the Saudi-Egyptian blueprint for removing pro-Syrian Emil Lahoud from the Lebanese presidency without riots or a formal impeachment by parliament. King Abdullah and President Hosni Mubarak believe they can push him to resign by relentless pan-Arab pressure.
? Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots

For Arab nations, ominous signs
International Herald Tribune 2006/2/26
... the prospect of a full-blown civil war driven by sectarian divisions, holds even more ominous signs for the Middle East. Nine countries in the region have sizable populations of Shiites living side- by-side with Sunnis, and there is concern in many of them that a split in Iraq could lead to divided allegiances and, perhaps, conflict at home.   "The spillover of this is of concern for everybody in the region," said Ali Shoukri, a retired Jordanian general who for 23 years served as an adviser to King Hussein. "When you take Western Iraq, Anbar Province borders Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia; the southern part of Iraq borders Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran. If there is a conflict, a surge in violence, it becomes contagious in the region." ...

Alliance Of Civilisations' Meeting To Draft Plan To End Cartoon Row
Bernama.com 2006/2/26
..."The UN is working out a mechanism in this direction," he said, adding that dragging religions into controversies was detrimental to world peace.   UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he would seek a joint international decision on the issue at the UN and was expecting the EU to come out with a decision on respecting Muslim sentiments.   "I will submit this statement before the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council. I cannot commit anything since it is the member countries who decide on the issue," he said, replying to questions on whether the UN would issue a resolution against blasphemy in the context of the cartoon controversy. ...Together with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa and Turkey's Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, these leaders make up the UN Alliance of Civilisations (AOC) High-Level Group. ...

Iran, Jordan call for expansion of tourism cooperation
Islamic Republic News Agency 2006/2/26
...Vice President and Head of Iran's Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization Rahim Mashaei conferred here Sunday with Jordanian King Abdullah II on expansion of mutual cooperation in tourism sector. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

King Receives Assistant of Iranian President
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/26
 ...the Iranian official hailed the efforts exerted by Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, to achieve solidarity among Islamic countries and serve the issues of Islamic world. ...

Rice makes surprise visit to Beirut
The Jerusalem Post 2006/2/25
..."I'm quite certain that this period is going to produce a more democratic Lebanon that is fully in compliance with (U.N. Security Council) resolution 1559 in all of its aspects, and one that is determined that there should not be foreign influences nor influences of violence," she said. ...

Rice's visit confirms U.S. support for Lahoud to go
Daily Star 2006/2/25
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to Beirut on Thursday confirmed the existence of American and international support for the removal of President Emile Lahoud.   This support, which grew through discussions with officials in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, was the main result of her visit.   According to information leaked to the media during Rice's Beirut visit, the secretary is determined to support Lahoud's ousting, based on her consultations with America's international allies. ...

Annan joins with Islamic, Arab and other leaders to urge restraint over offensive cartoons
UN News Centre 2006/2/25
Reacting to the furor spawned by the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed widely considered to be offensive, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in Doha, Qatar, today joined his voice with key Arab and Muslim leaders to urge restraint and to pledge action to foster tolerance.   Mr. Annan, along with the leaders of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the League of Arab States as well as the foreign ministers of Qatar, Spain and Turkey, warned that the present climate “threatens to sow deep discord between communities, societies and countries.”  ...He anticipated that the Alliance would be putting forward “concrete suggestions as to how we can educate, as to how we can bring people together and as to how groups develop mutual respect and avoid any attempts to humiliate each other.”   The Secretary-General also noted that all people have the power to effect change. “Obviously, we need to hear the other voices. We need to hear the other voice and the mainstream voice of Islam and the Christians will have to speak out. We all need to speak up and reach out to each other.”

UAE terminal takeover extends to 21 ports
United Press International 2006/2/24
A United Arab Emirates government-owned company is poised to take over port terminal operations in 21 American ports, far more than the six widely reported. ..."The concern is that the UAE may be our friend now ... but who's to say that couldn't change, or they couldn't be infiltrated. Iran was our big buddy," said Muldoon.   In a January report, the Council on Foreign Relations pointed out the vulnerability of the shipping security system to terrorist exploitation. ...Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. customs agency requires shippers to follow supply chain security practices. Provided there are no apparent deviations from those practices or intelligence warnings, the shipment is judged low risk and is therefore unlikely to be inspected. ...CFR suggests a terrorist event is likely to be a one-time operation on a trusted carrier "precisely because they can count on these shipments entering the U.S. with negligible or no inspection."    "All a terrorist organization needs to do is find a single weak link within a 'trusted' shipper's complex supply chain, such as a poorly paid truck driver taking a container from a remote factory to a port. They can then gain access to the container in one of the half-dozen ways well known to experienced smugglers," CFR wrote.
George Santayana once wrote in his book The Life Of Reason, Vol. 1, 1905, ..."those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it".  Hello?!!

King launches programme to support scientific research
MENAfn 2006/2/24
During a visit to King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD), the King, who donated the necessary funds for the project, said the programme should target teaching staff at universities and higher education students who carry out research aimed at developing products to advance the Kingdom's industrial sector.   The King called on the KAFD to cooperate in these efforts with universities and the army-run King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau, which mainly develops military vehicles and equipment for the region's market. ...

Olmert prepares aggressive action to eradicate terror
DEBKA-Net-Weekly 2006/2/24  (see page 8)
...military sources report that King Abdullah is leaning hard on Olmert, as on Ariel Sharon before him, to permit the 3,000-strong Jordanian-Palestinian security contingent, known as the Bader Force, to take up position on the West Bank under the command of Jordanian officers. The Jordanian government contends that, as the defense barrier’s construction progresses and a Hamas government assumes office, West Bank Palestinians will need to be subjected to the control of a professional military force with a finite command hierarchy, which is answerable to an Arab government boasting strong ties with the West.

Jordanian king urges speed up of Middle East peace process
People's Daily Online 2006/2/24
Jordanian King Abdullah II has urged all Palestinian parties and blocs to cooperate closely in working out a solution for the peace and stability of the region. ...He also pledged his country's continued support for the Palestinian people to overcome the difficulties they are now facing. He further called on the international community to continue its efforts to push forward the Middle East peace process. ...Radi praised the role Jordan has played in promoting the unity of Arab states, in bringing security and stability to Iraq, and in the just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue. ...

Meshal: Hamas Will Meet With Anyone But Israel
Arutz Sheva 2006/2/24
Speaking during an A-Shams Radio interview, Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshal stated that the new Hamas government will be moderate, and as such, officials will be willing to speak to anyone in the world except for Israel. ...

King Receives Moroccan Parliament Speaker
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/23
...King Abdullah II praised the Moroccan parties' experiment, affirming that Jordan is looking forward to have Jordanian parties with strong political and economic programs to deal with the various challenges and to take the interest of Jordan and its people into their consideration. ...Radi praised the efforts exerted by His Majesty to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East and to present the true image about Islam. He also hailed the King's endeavors for supporting the Arab solidarity, finding a just and comprehensive solution for the Palestinian issue, and for prevailing security and stability in Iraq.
? Daniel 7:8 …And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things…
? Daniel 11:21 ...but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries

The prize of regional integration
Al-Ahram 2006/2/23
...working in conjunction, the Arab League and ESCWA could mobilise Arab integrationists and recruit new generations of supporters of "Arab regionalism." Arab regionalism is the safe way out from the suicidal fragmentation to which some Arab elites are leading their country, and the fertile middle ground between the fanaticism that is rifting our societies along class and sectarian divides and globalisation that is destroying the still fragile structures of societies that are striving to stand on their own feet. ...
Sounds to me like a United States of Arabia kinda thing. Hmmm, ...now who might successfully head up such an endeavor?  Let me guess...  (see 2 colored Jordan Times articles, 2/20 & 2/23, below for a hint)

Rice on surprise trip to back Lebanon against Syria
Reuters 2006/2/23
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a brief visit to Lebanon under tight security on Thursday to show support for a government working to shake loose the influence of its former political master Syria. ...

'The limitations of the current counterinsurgency campaign' in Iraq
Jordan Times 2006/2/23
...on Monday, Iraq's third and latest US viceroy Zalmay Khalilzad, a neoconservative intellectual who campaigned for the war against Saddam Hussein, called for an end to ethno-sectarianism. He said that communal polarisation is “feeding the insurgency and creating a context for terrorism”. He criticised the Shiite-led government under Ibrahim Jaafari for being unrepresentative of the country's political forces. He stated: “The various communities of Iraq need to come together in a national compact.” ...Khalilzad was backed up by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who paid an urgent visit to Baghdad in order to urge Iraqi leaders to form a “broad government of national unity” free of domination by a single group and bringing together all elements of Iraqi society. ...The only chance the US has to turn round this situation is for Khalilzad to impose an effective “national unity government” on SCIRI and the Kurds, bringing in Sadr and the Sunnis. ...

Isn't is interesting that it sounds from reading this article that it echoes exactly what King Abdullah of Jordan's desire was in the Jordan Times article of 2/20 below?  Now why and how could that be?  Sounds to me like the King is posturing for a position of advancement, as it appears to sound like he's the answer to fix the problem.  Hmmm

Arab democracy is exposing the blind spot of US policy
Guardian Unlimited 2006/2/23
..."Israel," said Aluf Benn in the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz, "could always do business with Arab dictators, a barrier protecting it from the rage of the 'Arab street'. That was the basis of the peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, Yasser Arafat and his heirs and the rules vis-a-vis Syria and Lebanon. But those days are over. Henceforth Israel will have to factor into its foreign policy something it has always ignored - Arab public opinion."     Thus, the more democracy spreads, the more militancy in Palestine will find like-minded support in the whole region. Hamas began life as the Gaza chapter of the region-wide Muslim Brotherhood movement. Nowadays Arab democracy will mean the ascendancy of Islamism and its rejectionism almost everywhere. ...

Jordan furious at comments by senior Israeli officer
Al Bawaba 2006/2/22
...Before Livni's apology, acting Jordanian Ambassador to Tel Aviv, Omar Al-Nazif slammed Naveh's "irresponsible declarations." Al-Nazif conveyed to Petra he expects the Israeli government to take disciplinary action against the officer. The ambassador added that a lack of action on the part of the Israeli government is to negatively impact on Israeli-Jordanian ties.

Jordan: Muslims must work with West to promote true Islam
Daily Star 2006/2/22
Jordan's King Abdullah II appealed Tuesday for cooperation between the Muslim world and the international community to promote the true image of Islam as a religion which rejects extremism and terrorism. "True Islam is a religion of moderation and forgiveness," the king told visiting British Home Secretary Charles Clarke, Jordan's state-run Petra news agency reported. ...The minister of religious affairs, Abdel-Fattah Saleh informed Clarke of plans to send Muslim clerics to Britain to spread the "Amman Message." "Islam respects all human beings, regardless of their beliefs and religions, and it respects as well people's opinions as long as they do not undermine the freedom and beliefs of others," Petra quoted Saleh as saying. ...

4 Arab countries approve Arab League amendment
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/22
Four Arab countries have submitted their approval on Arab League Charter endorsed in Alger Summit, under which Arab parliament will be established and special measures shall be taken in case any Arab country is being attacked. Jordan and Yemen were first to submit their documents of approval ...

King receives invitation from Sudanese President to Arab Summit
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/22
...King Abdullah noted the importance of the participation of all Arab leaders and their effective contribution to reach resolutions boosting the Arab joint action and meeting the aspiration of the Arab people . For his part Ismail expressed appreciations and thanks for His Majesty's efforts seeking to consolidate the Arab solidarity in encountering various challenges. Ismail has outlined the King on the situation in Iraq, referring that the Arab League preparing for a meeting that will group all Iraq prominent leaders in June to enhance Iraq unity and security. ...

King Congratulates Sultan of Brunei
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/22
...King Abdullah II on Wednesday sent a cable to Sultan Haj Hassan Al Bolkiah congratulating him in his name ...
? John 5:43 "I am come in my Father's name (HASHEM), and ye receive me not: if another shall come "in his own name" (HASHEMITE), him ye will receive.

Jordan threatens to cut back ties with Israel
The Jerusalem Post 2006/2/22
Jordan threatened to cut back its official ties with Israel Wednesday night after OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Yair Naveh warned that King Abdullah II risked being toppled by an "Islamist axis" and could be the last king of Jordan. ...

PWC Logistics Supports ASEZA's 5th Anniversary Leading Middle East Solutions Provider
24-7 Press Release 2006/2/22
...Mr. Rabie added that PWC Logistics has identified Jordan as the strategic gateway for logistics in the Middle East and ASEZA is committed to facilitating trade and investing in the infrastructure required for the provision of PWC Logistics services within the Kingdom.   "Our sponsorship of this event comes as a token of our ongoing support for HM King Abdullah II's vision for investment and as an integral part of the Aqaba Zone Community. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate ASEZA for the achievements it has made over the past five years," he added. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Fawaz Alhokair Group announce expansion plans in Jordan
AME Info 2006/2/22
With the required support from the Government under the direction of His Majesty King Abdullah II and his vision for the economic development of Jordan, we will plan a full scale expansion, re-shaping the retail industry in the Kingdom", said Mr Fawaz. ...With an unrivalled development plan within strategic markets Fawaz Alhokair Group is not only expanding its fashion retail empire but is also actively investing in real estate, hypermarkets, food and entertainment as well as financial services and telecommunications.   Future investments in Jordan remain to be disclosed at a later stage as the Group looks to bring its "Ultimate Retail Recipe" to the Jordanian market.
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

King Abdullah condemns the explosions in Samerra
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/22
...The King expressed his strong condemnation to this criminal act, carried out by those who target sectarian sedition among Iraqis. His Majesty pointed out that such an act is to dissipate the efforts exerted to cement national unity and build the state. His Majesty renewed Jordan's supportive stand to the Iraqi people.

Israel fears harm to ties with Jordan due to comments by IDF commander
Haaretz 2006/2/22
Diplomatic officials in Amman were seeking on Wednesday evening Israeli clarifications to statements made by a senior Israel Defense Forces commander expressing doubt as to the future of Hashemite rule in Jordan.   GOC Central Command Yair Naveh said that at least 80 percent of Jordan's citizens are Palestinian and that, due to regional threats, King Abdullah is liable to be the last Hashemite monarch to lead the kingdom.   Senior defense establishment sources expressed fear that Naveh's comments might cause harm to Israeli-Jordanian relations. ...

Jordan demands Israeli general be disciplined
IC Publications 2006/2/22
Jordan called Wednesday for an Israeli general to be disciplined after he warned that King Abdullah II risked being toppled by an "Islamist axis", saying his remarks could have a "negative impact" on relations.   "We strongly condemn and reject this irresponsible remark made by the general and we expect the Israeli government to take the appropriate action against the high-ranking officer who made the remark, which indicates both a lack of discipline and lack of understanding," the charge d'affaires of the Jordanian embassy in Tel Aviv said in a statement to AFP.   "Such an unfriendly remark may, if not corrected, have a negative impact on Jordan-Israeli relations." ...

Judeh: King's day to day efforts yield fruit in releasing Jordanian hostage efforts
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/21
...King Abdullah II works around the clock to check on every citizen's concerns and issues within the Jordanian loyal family. It was the King's directives as well as the efforts of all government departments and our good brothers in Iraq that together helped to secure the release of the Jordanian driver Mahmmud Saidat ...

And the Oscar goes to - Jordan's King Abdullah
The Jerusalem Post 2006/2/21
As Hollywood gears up for this year's Academy Awards, they might wish to consider adding a new category to their repertoire: best autocrat in disguise. Were they to do so, few would be better qualified to take home this dubious honor than His Royal Highness King Abdullah II of Jordan.   With his elegant English and ever-so-dapper Western dress, the Jordanian monarch is virtually unmatched in his ability to portray himself as an irreplaceable bulwark against extremism in an otherwise troubled corner of the Middle East. Like a polished thespian he utters the sweet words Western audiences wish to hear, putting on a performance so persuasive and believable that it truly does merit an Oscar nomination. ...
? Daniel 7:8, Revelation 13:5 …And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things…

Majali Receives Lithuanian Official
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/21
...Majali noted the importance of developing relations between Jordan and Lithuanian, particularly in the Parliamentary domain in order to serve the two countries interests. He also said that Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, is keen on peace and calls for establishing it in the region. The Lithuanian official for his part, hailed Jordan's role under His Majesty leadership towards various international and regional issues. ...

King Receives Qatari First Deputy of Prime Minister
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/21
...the two sides affirmed the importance of enhancing relations between the two countries and developing the bilateral cooperation in the various fields. King Abdullah praised the distinguished level of relations that Jordan and Qatar are enjoying. ...Talks touched to the latest political developments in Iraq and Palestine and means of strengthening the joint Arab work.
? Daniel 11:21 ...but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries

'Jordan keen on Iraq unity'
Jordan Times 2006/2/20
...King Abdullah on Sunday reiterated that Jordan was keen on Iraq's unity, security and stability, stressing the importance of a representative government in the neighbouring country. ...“Jordan is keen on the unity of Iraq, a better future for its people and the return of its vital role in the region. This is in the interest of Jordan as well as Iraq,” the Monarch said. ...“It's our duty to protect Iraq's future,” the King said. ...Sadr...hailed the King's efforts to help the Iraqi people and the level of relations between the two countries. He said the role of the King and Jordan was “very important in helping Iraq and the Iraqis overcome the current situation.” ...

King and Queen Return Home
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/20
...Talks touched to the situation in Palestine after Hamas won the elections, the Israeli and the International stance, and also to the situation in Iraq and means of helping the Iraqi people surmount the hard conditions.

Syria condemns US for funding opposition
news.telegraph 2006/2/20
Syria has condemned America for funding opposition groups, just as Condoleezza Rice begins a Middle East tour to push efforts to spread democracy and counter Iran's aggressive nuclear policy. Syria has condemned America for funding opposition groups, just as Condoleezza Rice begins a Middle East tour to push efforts to spread democracy and counter Iran's aggressive nuclear policy.   The American authorities said last week that they had allocated £3 million to "democratic reformers in Syria". The money is part of £180 million in Washington funding to promote reforms in the Middle East and North Africa. ...

SYRIA-IRAN: 'WHITE HOUSE OFFENSIVE' PROMPTS URGENT MEETING
adnkronosinternational 2006/2/20
The Syrian and Iranian governments have convened a high-level meeting in Damascus on Wednesday to discuss what they say is the "White House's offensive" against their two countries. ...Another source of concern for the two is Washington's decision to hand over 5 million dollars of aid to Syrian opposition groups and plans by the US Congress to approve a 85 million dollar package to promote democracy in Iran.

Crisis between Hamas and Jordan as visit to kingdom cancelled
Al Bawaba 2006/2/20
...Jordan opposed that the political-bureau chief Khalid Mesha’al heading the delegation, because he holds Jordanian citizenship. Instead, Jordan preferred the delegation will be led by Mesha’al’s deputy, Mousa Abu Marzouq, who carries Palestinian documentation. ...

Political impasse threatens troop reduction hopes
ContraCostaTimes.com 2005/2/20
Iraqi political parties have run into major obstacles in talks on a new national unity government, officials said Sunday, raising the possibility of a major delay that would be a setback to U.S. hopes for a significant reduction in troop levels this year. ...

US ambassador calls for sectarianism-free Iraqi govt
Xinhua Online 2006/2/20
The U.S. ambassador to Iraq on Monday called for a new Iraqi government free from sectarianism, threatening to withhold investment if the government institutions were run by sectarians.   Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, made the comments hours before a high-level meeting between former Iraqi prime minister Iyad Allawi, who is a secular Shiite, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, and Iraq's top political Shiite leader Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim.   "The sectarian and ethnic conflict is the fundamental problem in Iraq," he said. ...

Annan Hails King's Efforts to Achieve Peace in the Region
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/19
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Sunday hailed His Majesty King Abdullah's efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. ...

Iraq's Jordanian Jihadis
The New York Times 2006/2/19
...Jordan is home to many jihadis, young men from much the same milieu that produced Zarqawi, and especially since the United States invaded Iraq nearly three years ago, Jordan has increasingly become a not-so-quiet place, a place where local Islamists cross easily into Iraq and back, a place where a jihadist underground can seem almost a normal part of a nation's life. And if such an underground can become normal in quiet Jordan, what is to keep it from becoming normal in any Muslim country? ...

Worldview | A radical cleric holds the key to keeping Iraq together
The Philadelphia Inquirer 2006/2/19
...the political kingmaker in Baghdad - the force behind the new prime minister-designate Ibrahim al-Jaafari - has turned out to be a radical anti-American cleric. The cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr ...
Perhaps the 'kingmaker' Muqtada al-Sadr will see the advantages of having help from King Abdullah II of Jordan in establishing stability in Iraq, and make moves to help make it happen.

Senate President Receives Sri Lankan Ambassador
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/19
...the Sri Lankan ambassador expressed appreciation over the important role of His Majesty King Abdullah II to restore peace and security in the region.

King Receives Shiite Leader Muqtada Sadir
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/19
...King Abdullah II affirmed Jordan's keenness to ensure unity of Iraq, a better future for its people and enable it to overcome the current difficult situation and regain its vital role in the region. ...The King described the relationship between the Jordanian and Iraqi peoples as historical, noting that Jordan does not differentiate between Shiites, Sunnis or Kurds, and that it is keen to maintain contacts with all these segments for the interest of the Iraqi people. "It is our duty to protect the future of Iraq and we are always ready to place our capabilities at the disposal of the Iraqis to ensure the success of that," ...In a statement to Jordan Television after the meeting, Sadir said that his visit to Jordan comes to enhance relations between the two peoples, noting that His Majesty expressed Jordan's readiness to cooperate with the Iraqi people with a view to achieve stability in the region.
Take special note that the king's 'sectarianism-free' position on government in Iraq seems to be in line with the US/Cheyney plan for Iraq, and that Al Sadr now seems to be praising the king as well.

Dichter compares Hamas charter to Mein Kampf
yNetNews 2006/2/18
...Former Shin Bet chief and Kadima Knesset candidate Avi Dichter on Saturday compared Hamas' charter to Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf, warning of Israeli complacency towards the Islamic group. ..."...The charter is not only against Israel, but against the Jewish people. The clause ‘The Tree and the Rock’ states that should the last Jew hide on a tree or behind a rock, the tree or the rock should call the closest Muslim and say, ‘come, Muslim, kill the Jew.’ The charter is fundamentally anti-Jewish, exactly like Hitler’s Mein Kampf.” ...

Crossfire War: Abdullah Approves Hamas Operating from Amman over Damascus
CrossfireWar.com 2006/2/17
...I saw His Majesty speak at the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations. It was obvious he took very seriously the Palestinian situation which he actually stated, in all seriousness, was the main reason for instability in the Middle East. He was not putting on an act, a mere show of support, he actually believes that and is now very willing to respond accordingly by not only acknowledging the results of Hamas' electoral victory but also in permitting them to operate from his country in their attempt to defeat Israel.   I don't think His Majesty seeks the destruction of Israel but he probably has concluded the only way Palestinian people will receive better treatment is if Israel is seriously threatened and successfully attacked. That is why crossfirewar.com has stated repeatedly Israel will launch a pre-emptive strike as she did in June 1967 when they knew they were about to be attacked and simply attacked first. Tehran and other Islamic governments would not mind since they can then portray Israel as the aggressor. ...

Israeli Muslims sought Israeli court approval of claim to downtown (West) Jerusalem as an “Islamic sacred site”
DEBKAfile Exclusive 2006/2/17
...The al Aqsa Society, on behalf of Sheik Raad Salah’s northern Israeli Muslim section, this month petitioned the High Court in Jerusalem to stop the construction of the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Museum of Tolerance. It was denied. ...

Al Sadir Visits Sahaba (Prophet's Companions) Shrines and Mu'ta University
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/17
...Al Sadir hailed the wise policy of His Majesty King Abdullah II as well as efforts of the government in spreading Amman Message and in renovating religious shrines. ...Arabyyat stressed, during the meeting which was attended by deans of faculties, the importance of Iraq's unity and independence. He also pointed to King Abdullah's efforts in defending Islam and serving Islamic issues. ...

West Bank withdrawal 'within days'
WorldNetDaily 2006/2/17
JERUSALEM – Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has directed Israeli forces to evacuate within days a small Jewish enclave alongside the biblical city of Hebron in the West Bank and to use all force necessary during the evictions, security officials told WorldNetDaily.   The order follows Olmert's announcement this week his administration will seek to withdraw from most of the West Bank ...

New Islamist alliance alters Mideast dynamic
Globe & Mail 2006/2/17
Call it the new "axis of Islam," or, more accurately, the anti-American and anti-Israeli alliance. In the wake of strong performances by Islamist forces at the ballot box in recent months there's a new power rising in the Middle East.   At the Beirut headquarters of Hezbollah, the Shia militia that controls south Lebanon and regularly exchanges fire with the Israeli army, they don't have a name for the new grouping, but there's a definite feeling that the bloc is on the rise, strengthened by Iran's increased willingness to butt heads with the international community and the victory of the militant Hamas movement in the recent Palestinian legislative election. ...

Irish President Concludes Visit to Jordan
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/17
President of Ireland Mary McAleese left Amman on Friday concluding a several- day visit during which she held talks with His Majesty King Abdullah II on bilateral ties and means to promote them in all fields. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

European dictatorship
Monsters & Critics 2006/2/17
U.S. and European security experts have become increasingly alarmed by the actions of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko -- in particular, his growin