The Middle East In The News

Payback, Mideast style
Miami Herald.com 2006/6/30
No one should be surprised at Israel's aggressive assault into Gaza this week, and it's about more than just trying to rescue a kidnapped soldier.
This is good old-fashioned payback Middle Eastern style. For more than a month, Palestinian terrorists have been raining rockets into southern Israel communities. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had to teach them a lesson -- or confront an enraged public. He insists this will be a limited engagement.
And what about the Palestinians who started this eye-for-an-eye brouhaha? Senior Hamas official Nizar Rayan immediately went on the radio urging people to arm themselves and fight to the death. Have there ever been more supercilious performers on the global stage than the inept Hamas and Fatah leaders who are dive-bombing Palestinians into utter perdition?
They are eternally whining they're victims, never perpetrators; incessantly begging for money; regurgitating tired excuses to camouflage their incompetence; obsessed with creating an extremist Islamic society; masters of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. ...

The Peace Process is a Bigger Danger Than Hamas
Arutz Sheva 2006/6/30
The biggest threat Israel faces today is the "peace process", with its insistence on the Saudi Peace Plan. It is aided and abetted by Israel's "We Are Tired" camp and its "Let's Make a Deal" camp.   With this in mind, I took the position during the Palestinian elections that a Hamas victory would be good for Israel because it would stop the "peace process". And so it has. ...

Israel Threatens to Hit Damascus
Zaman Online 2006/6/30
Israel holds Khaled Mashal, the leader of Hamas' Syrian branch, responsible for the abduction of two Israeli soldiers and wants Syria to expel Palestinian leaders from the country.   Israel threatened to kill Hamas militants based in Damascus. ...

Mubarak Demands Syria Expel Mashaal
Arutz Sheva 2006/6/30
Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has demanded from Syrian President Bashar Assad the expulsion of Hamas head Khaled Mashaal unless Hamas frees kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.   The demand comes in the context of a deal that Mubarak is attempting to broker in which Israel would free prisoners whose terms expire within the year in exchange for the release of Shalit. ...

Palestinian Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh says Israel must halt Gaza operation before Israeli soldier taken hostage can be freed
DEBKAfile 2006/6/30
Addressing the public in a Gaza mosque Friday for the first time since going to ground, Haniyeh vowed not to be pressured by raids or the detention or killing of its leaders. Hamas would not give way to force, he said and “No concessions would be made.” ...

Egypt warns Israel not to take peace treaty for granted
The Daily Star 2006/6/30
An Israeli "war on all fronts" drew a rare warning from Egypt on Thursday that the military escalation jeopardizes a peace treaty with Israel as the Arab League held an emergency session to discuss the crisis. The threat of a regional conflagration rose Wednesday after Israeli warplanes overflew a palace of Syrian President Bashar Assad, whose country is host to several Palestinian militant groups. A defiant Syria on Thursday vowed to defend itself against Israeli attacks. ...

Will the Palestinians ever learn?
Renew America 2006/6/30
...The Palestinians elected Hamas to run the new state, and have been battling increased poverty and the loss of international money that has been given to them the West, and cannot even collect government paychecks, as most banks refuse to honor them anymore.   They have shown that their ability to make decisions is strictly limited to their religious ideology, and in keeping with Islamic militant thinking, continue to push for the removal of Israel from the region. How should the world respond to this mentality? When we continue to see such an aversion to actual peace between Israel and the Palestinians due to the actions of the Palestinians, it becomes hard to feel sorry for them anymore. ...

King Congratulates a Number of World Leaders
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/29
...King Abdullah II sent cables to a number of world leaders congratulating them 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, Syria sign eight cooperation agreements
MENAfn 2006/6/29
Jordan and Syria signed eight cooperation agreements at the conclusion of the Jordanian-Syrian Higher Joint Committee meetings in Damascus on Wednesday. ..."We are meeting in Damascus as one team with the goal of serving our common interests and developing economic and trade ties," Bakhit said in his opening remarks, adding that the meeting "embodies the deep relations between our brotherly countries."
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Israel Detains Hamas Officials; Jets Buzz Syria Leader's Home
Los Angeles Times 2006/6/29
GAZA CITY — Israel's military intensified its push for the release of an Israeli soldier today, detaining at least two dozen Palestinian lawmakers and Cabinet members with the ruling Hamas movement.   Military officials also confirmed that four Israeli warplanes circled early Wednesday over a palace of Syrian President Bashar Assad near the coastal city of Latakia. Assad, who reportedly was at home, is seen as a key source of support for Hamas hard-liners believed to be behind the soldier's kidnapping. ...

Syria backs Hamas despite renewed Israeli threat
The Washington Post 2006/6/29
Syria will stick by Hamas although it expects Israel to increase pressure on Damascus to abandon support for the Palestinian group, Syrian officials and a member of the movement's exiled leadership said on Thursday. ...

Gaza militants shelve civil war to fight Israel
Reuters 2006/6/29
After months of shooting each other, Palestinian militants have put aside bitter differences that pushed Gaza toward civil war to square off against Israeli forces moving across the border.   Armed with assault rifles and anti-tank rockets, masked gunmen from the governing Hamas group and factions allied to the rival Fatah movement of President Mahmoud Abbas are patrolling the streets side-by-side and coordinating tactics.   "When the blood of Fatah fighters mixes with those of Hamas to water our land, that is the meaning of unity," said Abu Qusai, a spokesman for Fatah's al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.

Parliament Stresses Support to Efforts of the King to Restore Palestinians' Rights
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/29
The Parliament affirmed its full support to efforts exerted by His Majesty King Abdullah II to support rights and steadfastness of the Palestinian people. ...It also highlighted efforts exerted by His Majesty King Abdullah II at the regional, Arab, Islamic, and International levels to support the Palestinian right, establish an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, and achieve a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace, noting to assistance provided through the Jordanian charity campaigns to the Palestinians.
? Daniel 11:23 And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.

Arabs Back Syria After Israeli Flyover
WRAL.com 2006/6/29
The flyover by Israeli warplanes that buzzed President Bashar Assad's summer home may have embarrassed Syria, but it also rallied Arab support around Damascus.   Even Lebanon's anti-Syrian prime minister, Fuad Saniora, put aside his differences with Assad to send expressions of sympathy to Syria, which has been largely isolated since the Feb. 14, 2005, assassination of Lebanon's former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.   Jordan, which has a peace treaty with Israel, and Qatar, which has also differed with Syria over the peace process, did the same. ...

BELIZE AND THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC TIES
Lovefm.com 2006/6/29
...A release from the Government Press Office says the establishment of diplomatic relations with Jordan is yet another step towards attaining the government’s goal of broadening Belize’s diplomatic reach and identifying potential markets with non traditional trading partners.
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Israeli Aircraft Hit Palestinian Ministry
Forbes.com 2006/6/29
Israeli aircraft struck the Palestinian Interior Ministry early Friday, setting it on fire. No one was hurt.   The Israeli military confirmed its planes hit the office of Interior Minister Said Siyam, which it called "a meeting place to plan and direct terror activity." ...

Israel accuses Syria over capture
BBC 2006/6/28
Israel has accused the Syrian-based leadership of Hamas of being behind the abduction of Israeli soldier Cpl Gilad Shalit.   The Hamas leader in exile is Khaled Meshaal, a hardliner within the militant group, who survived an Israeli assassination attempt on his life back in 1997. ...

Papandreou in Israel for SI peace initiative
Athens News Agency 2006/6/28
Socialist International President George Papandreou, the leader of Greece's main opposition PASOK party, arrived in Israel on Tuesday for talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials over an intended SI-brokered peace initiative, even as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalated to new heights ...

Pak, Jordan agree on initiating negotiations on FTA
Online News Pak Tribune 2006/6/28
Pakistan and Jordan agreed on Wednesday to initiate negotiations for signing of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at enhancing the level of bilateral trade. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Queen Rania Attends JEI Executive Board Meeting
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/27
...Queen Rania Al-Abdullah attended the Jordan Education Initiative (JEI) Executive Board meeting, Tuesday, where board members made a series of recommendations to strengthen the three-year-old initiative. ...The board discussed the successful achievements of JEI thus far, including 100 connected discovery schools, the creation of five different e-curricula and strides in teacher training. Her Majesty stressed that the "process of innovation and education never ends," and the board made several recommendations to step up teacher training, improve the technology infrastructure, and invest in capacity building and e-curricula. ...Recently the JEI model has been adopted in Palestine, Rajasthan and Egypt. In her address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, earlier this year, Queen Rania said that Jordan looks forward to learning their "ideas for adaptations and improvements" and "importing [their] innovations…so that it is a truly global educational initiative".

Hamas reaches deal with Abbas
ABCNews Online 2006/6/27
Hamas reached a political agreement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday under the pressure of an international embargo to push it to recognise Israel and soften its line.   But the governing Islamist group - whose charter calls for the destruction of the Jewish state - rejected any suggestion the deal could imply it now accepts Israel's existence. ...
Hmmm ...someone speaks with forked tongue.

Hamas and Fatah Agree on Document Recognizing Israel
Bloomberg.com 2006/6/27
The Hamas and Fatah movements, which share control of the Palestinian Authority, today agreed to end a dispute over how to deal with Israel by backing a document that implicitly recognizes the Jewish state's right to exist. ...

Nobel winners urged to promote science in the South
SciDev.Net 2006/6/27
King Abdullah II of Jordan has urged Nobel Prize winners to act as mentors to researchers in the developing world and to set up a commission for sustainable scientific development. ...Abdullah called on the gathered laureates to adopt "pre-emptive problem-solving" initiatives, such as setting up a network to link research institutes in the developing world.   "Through the network, laureates would mentor high-quality work in critical fields — medicine, science, the environment, and more," he said. "This initiative would help [produce] tomorrow's great scientists and advance research specifically needed by the developing world." ...
? Daniel 7:8, Revelation 13:5 …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

Crossfire War - Middle East Theatre - Israel Blockades Gaza - Masses Armor
News Blaze 2006/6/27
...These militant raids are being used by Damascus-Tehran to be timed with their new military-axis cooperation just officially announced by Syria-Iran, which they have been planning for more than a year. I have always suspected they wanted Israel to attack first so they and Islamic media can portray Israel as the aggressor. Damascus-Tehran will then play the role of leading the Islamic world's military response in the name of supporting Palestinian people. They know war with Israel will be extremely popular all over the Islamic world from Morocco to Indonesia, another unifying crisis they can use like Iraq-Afghanistan. ...

RJ Strategy Focuses on Making Amman a Hub for Air Transport
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/27
Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Jordanian Samir Majali said that the RJ's strategy for the coming stage will focus on making Amman a hub for air transport. ...Majali said that the RJ received an invitation from One World Alliance to join this alliance, noting that the RJ was the only Arab airline to receive such an invitation. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

US ambassador to Israel: Soldier's captured problem is in Damascus
Al-Manar TV 2006/6/27
The US ambassador to Israel on Tuesday said that the problem behind the Israeli hostage crisis lay in Damascus, the home of Hamas's exiled political supreme Khaled Meshaal.   Ambassador Richard Jones told reporters in Tel Aviv when asked about US reaction to the capturing of an Israeli soldier by Palestinian Resistance on Sunday "The problem is in Damascus and that's where I think we should focus the world's attention." ...
? 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

Abbas to Haniyeh: Israel may assassinate you
yNetNews.com 2006/6/27
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday during his meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh that Israel will attempt to assassinate Haniyeh, as well as Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar and Interior Minister Said Siam, if the crisis around the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is not resolved soon ...

Abbas meets Haniyeh; U.S. calls for soldier's immediate release
Haaretz 2006/6/27
The United States on Monday demanded Palestinian militants release an Israel Defense Forces soldier kidnapped the day before and urged Israel and the Palestinians to exercise restraint.   Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas met with Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh to discuss the release of 19-year-old Corporal Gilad Shalit. The meeting ended without result. ...

Khalifa and Abdullah review ways to boost ties
Gulf News 2006/6/27
...Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Abdullah II of Jordan on Monday reviewed ways of boosting bilateral ties in the interests of the two brotherly peoples. ...Shaikh Khalifa appreciated the role being played by King Abdullah in advancing Arab causes and affirmed the UAE's full support for Arab moves aiming at enforcing Arab solidarity. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

The Region: A review that speaks volumes
The Jerusalem Post 2006/6/27
In a shocking anti-Israel diatribe, the New York Times correspondent in Jerusalem has revealed both his profound personal bias and basic acceptance of Hamas's political claims.   These revelations came in a review by Steven Erlanger in the International Herald Tribune of June 23 (reprinted from the Times) of Hamas. Politics, Charity and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad by Matthew Levitt, currently a deputy assistant secretary of the US Treasury department.   Erlanger spends little time covering the actual contents of the book, but instead launches an attack on the book's premises, sources and on Israeli policy. ...

Livni: Abbas must act to free soldier
Haaretz 2006/6/27
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni called U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday following the Palestinian attack against an IDF position near Kerem Shalom and asked for her help in pressuring Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to take action to release the abducted soldier.   "This is Abu Mazen's test. We expect him to act for the soldier's release and we expect him to stay in the Gaza Strip and handle the crisis," Livni told her American counterpart, referring to Abbas. ...

Jerusalem Muslim cleric 'relieved' of duties
International Middle East Media Center 2006/6/27
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday issued a surprise presidential decree relieving the Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Ekrema Sabri, of his duties, saying that he had reached the pension age.  The Muslim leader had been an outspoken critic of Israeli development on sacred Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. ...Well informed Palestinian sources in occupied Jerusalem said that Abbas' surprise decision followed a sermon given by Sabri on Friday in the Aqsa Mosque in which he criticized Palestinian parties that contribute to besieging the Palestinian government and people. ...

Gaza Strip is locked down by land and sea, on PM Olmert’s order
DEBKAfile 2006/6/26
Entry and exit of the Gaza Strip are now barred, he said in a tough speech in Jerusalem Monday, June 26.   Olmert vowed Israel’s response would reach every terrorist, every terrorist group where they are, however far away and wherever they hide. No office-holder who bears responsibility will enjoy immunity. DEBKAfile's sources interpret this as a threat to the Damascus-based radical Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal. ...

Judah: Jordan Uses its Contacts to Restore Peace Talks
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/26
...Jordan at all levels under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II is making contact with the concerned parties and employing all relations forward to restore peace talks based on the road map and direct negotiations. ...

Abbas orders Israeli soldier found
International Herald Tribune 2006/6/26
The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, ordered his security services on Monday to find a kidnapped Israeli soldier in the Gaza Strip as the Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert, warned of a "comprehensive and ongoing military action" in Gaza by the Israeli military, which continued to mass troops and armor on the border with the territory. ...

It's the end of the world they're trying for
azcentral.com 2006-6-26
For thousands of years, prophets have predicted the end of the world. Today, various religious groups, using the latest technology, are trying to hasten it.   Their end game is to speed the promised arrival of a messiah.   For some Christians this means laying the groundwork for Armageddon. With that goal in mind, mega-church pastors recently met in Inglewood, Calif., to polish strategies for using global communications and aircraft to transport missionaries to fulfill the Great Commission -- to make every person on Earth aware of Jesus' message. Doing so, they believe, will bring about the end, perhaps within two decades. ...Ahmadinejad, who is defiantly pursuing a nuclear option, has suggested that the elimination of Israel would herald the return of a ninth-century Muslim cleric known as the Mahdi, the 12th Imam. He hopes to welcome that messiah to Tehran within two years.   Conversely, some Jewish groups in Jerusalem hope to clear the path for their own messiah by rebuilding a temple on a site now occupied by one of Islam's holiest shrines. ...

Jordan's king speaks with Abbas, warns against uptick in violence
Israel Insider 2006/6/26
Jordan's King Abdullah II spoke on the phone with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday and warned him against escalating violence between the Palestinians and Israel ...Abdullah reportedly told Abbas he would contact all the involved parties in order to "avoid further deterioration" in the situation. ...
? Zechariah 12:3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

King, Sheikh Khalifa Hold Talks
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/26
...King Abdullah II and UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan held talks on Monday on bilateral ties and means to strengthen them, especially in the economic fields. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

ANALYSIS-Gaza attacks put Olmert in bind on West Bank plan
Reuters 2006/6/26
A deadly Palestinian raid from Gaza into Israel and repeated rocket attacks could jeopardise Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's plans to reshape the West Bank by abandoning some occupied territory.   Less than a year after Israel withdrew thousands of Jewish settlers and soldiers from the Gaza Strip, attacks have surged even though many Israelis thought a quiet border would be the reward for pulling out after 38 years of occupation. ...Israeli leaders have ordered the army to prepare a "harsh response" to the attack ...
? Zechariah 12:3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

‘Arrests of Syrian dissidents reflect US complacency’
The Daily Times 2006/6/26
...“The regime is scared. It is scared of internal things. This has increased repression,” London-based Bayanouni said.   “The Syrian regime lives in a state of fear and terror ... It doesn’t know what will come out of the Hariri report,” he said, adding officials believed international condemnation over the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik al-Hariri could lead to further internal dissent. ...
? 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

King Congratulates President of Mozambique
...King Abdullah II on Sunday sent a cable to President Armando Emilio Guebuza of the Republic of Mozambique 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 Congratulates President of Croatia
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/25
...King Abdullah II on Sunday sent a cable to President Stjepan Mesic of the Republic of Croatia 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 Congratulates President of Madagascar
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/25
...King Abdullah II on Sunday sent a cable to President Marc Ravalomanana of the Republic of Madagascar 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 Congratulates President of Djibouti
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/25
...King Abdullah II on Sunday sent a cable to President Ismail Omar Guelleh of the Republic of Djibouti 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 Congratulates Emir of Qatar
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/25
...King Abdullah II sent a cable on Sunday to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani 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 Congratulates President of Slovenia
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/25
...King Abdullah II on Sunday sent a cable to President Janez Drnovsek of the Republic of Slovenia 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.

Jordanian diplomacy poses tangible success following prolong impasse in peace process
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/25
An Egyptian report said the Jordanian diplomacy has recorded a tangible success after a prolong standstill in peace process in the Middle East, King Abdullah II exerted utmost efforts in making the 2nd conference of Nobel Laureates successful to attract their roles to achieve peace between Palestinians and Israelis. ...King Abdullah warned that any military escalation would eventually maim the peace process between the two parties, this warning springs from Jordan's vision based on a deep reading to the history of Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the report indicated. ...
? Zechariah 12:3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

King Calls on International Community to Shoulder its Responsibilities
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/25
...King Abdullah II called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and to work on easing the tension between the Palestinian and Israeli sides in the wake of the repercussions of the situation near the border with the Gaza Strip.   During a meeting with Ambassadors of the European Union and the G-8, His Majesty warned of the seriousness of the escalation of the situation and its negative impact on the security and stability of the region.   The King stressed the need for intensifying international efforts to bring this phase of views between the Palestinians and Israelis, and exerting efforts to resume the peace process in accordance with the road map. ...
? Zechariah 12:3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

Abbas to Hamas: You’re responsible
JTA 2006/6/25
Mahmoud Abbas placed responsibility for the return of a kidnapped Israeli soldier on the ruling Hamas party. ...
? Zechariah 12:3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

Batelco announces its agreement to acquire the fastest growing mobile operator in Jordan - Umniah
AMEInfo 2006/6/25
...Batelco's consolidated accounts, at Group level, are expected to show 14% revenue growth in 2006 and 10% growth in EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes and Amortization). Mobile subscribers are expected to grow by 120% and reach over 1.2m by the end of 2006.    'The acquisition of Umniah will provide significant profitable growth for Batelco in the expanding Jordanian market and boost the Company's strategic long term plans,' ..."Batelco's agreement to acquire 96% of Umniah testifies that we have been key players in the mobile telecommunication industry in Jordan and have great potential on a regional level. We, at Umniah, are proud of this new investment in Jordan's economy, which illustrates the valuable trust accorded to the investment atmosphere in Jordan." Mr. Michael Dagher said. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Israel hit by militant sneak attack
International Herald Tribune 2006/6/25
Palestinian militants, including gunmen from the governing Hamas party, infiltrated Israel from the Gaza Strip through a tunnel early Sunday, lobbing grenades and bombs at military vehicles in an assault in which two Israeli soldiers were killed and one was seized, the military said.   The predawn attack on a military outpost near the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel, Gaza and Egypt was the first attack by Gaza militants inside Israel since Israel withdrew from Gaza last summer. Militants said it was meant to avenge Israel's recent killings of militant leaders and civilians, and that three of their fighters were killed in the ensuing gun battle with soldiers. ...
? Zechariah 12:3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

King Warns Against Escalation between the Palestinians and the Israelis
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/25
...King Abdullah II warned on Sunday against escalation between the Palestinians and Israelis, calling them to exercise maximum restraint and arbitrate the language of reason and logic. ...His Majesty said He will follow up the situation's repercussions with all parties, and will exert every possible effort to avoid further deterioration. ...

Meetings of the Joint Jordanian- Syrian Higher Committee Start
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/25
...''Under directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II and Syrian President Bashar al Assad, we believe in promoting trade, economic, and investment relations between the two countries,'' Ukleh said.   He also expressed hope that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries would increase. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Arab Conference on Training and Developing Resources to Start in Amman
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/25
...More than 150 Arab Scholars, specialists and experts are expected to take part in the event, which will also explore the future vision of training in the Arab world as well as developing cooperation between Arab training bodies.

Romanian Deputy Foreign Minster hails King's wisdom
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/24
Deputy Minister of Romanian Foreign Affairs Theodore Baconshi on Saturday said that the meeting in Petra between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert reflects King Abdullah II's ability and political wisdom. ...Baconshi highlighted the importance of Jordanian diplomacy and its remarkable role in the peace process at the regional level.
Contributed by Mike Smario
? Revelation 13:3 ...and all the world wondered after the beast.

Jordan: A Beautiful Bastion of Peace
The Epoch Times 2006/6/24
...Exactly in the middle of the Middle East, Jordan is an anomaly in this region of the world. ...Officially called the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, it is a connecting dot on the world's map. Promoting itself as a peacemaker in an area of the world with a bloody reputation, Jordan is determined to carry on its traditions of peace ..."Our country, our region, and the world, are all affected by the prospects for peace," he said. "One critical step is to ensure zero tolerance towards those who promote extremism."   What King Abdullah and most Jordanians know is that their country's economic future requires peace. Tourism is one of Jordan's leading industries. At a standstill since 9/11, the tourist trade had rebounded in dramatic fashion in the past three years with revenues expected to hit $1.4 billion in 2005. More than 60 percent of those who visit Jordan are from the neighboring Gulf States, with the majority from Saudi Arabia. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

King Abdullah II criticizes Muslim extremists
The Jerusalem Post 2006/6/24
...His advisor read an announcement in the king's name, saying that comprehensive solutions to the problems and challenges facing the Islamic world must be found quickly.   The announcement criticized extremists who "harm the people and the culture," and called upon Muslims to follow moderate Islam and listen to the teachings of recognized religious leaders. ...
? 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.

Hashemite King Calls for End to Terrorism
Arutz Sheva 2006/6/24
...“We must move quickly to uproot terrorism, stop accusations in the name of religion and harness all efforts to find comprehensive solutions to the problems and challenges facing the Islamic world,” he said.
Sounds to me like the king wants and is moving quickly towards at least regional and perhaps global control.

King's Address to the Opening of the Annual Islamic Fiqh Academy Conference (part1)
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/24
...King Abdullah II said that abolishing the cause for disunity amongst the adherents to the same faith and the same nation, is the first step towards protecting and uniting it.   The King added, in a speech that was delivered on Saturday in the opening of the Annual Islamic Fiqh Academy Conference by HRH Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammed, King's personal envoy and special advisor on behalf of His Majesty King Abdullah II, that the session is convened in a crucial stage of our nation's history, an era that challenges and threatens its existence, identity and civilization. ''This places on the nation's ulama and fuqaha an additional and tremendous responsibility'' King Abdullah said. ...
part 2  ...We are all called upon to exert every effort to lay down comprehensive solutions to all problems and challenges facing our Islamic nation.   Again, I welcome you and ask God almighty, to grant us all success to serve our faith and our nation.   He is the best Lord and the best Aid.   "And say (unto them) Act! Allah will behold your actions, and (so will) his messenger and the believers." ...
In order to abolish the cause of disunity among adherents to the same faith, whatever that faith is, means there must be compromise. ...And who is 'HIS MESSENGER' anyway?  Well, by the sound of the king's speeches, one might believe the king is portraying himself as 'Allah's messenger'.  Hmmm.

Wary of U.S., Syria and Iran Strengthen Ties
The New York Times 2006/6/24
Syria has managed to inflate its power in the region by playing a subtle double game and setting itself up as a possible go-between.   On one hand, it is offering Iran the chance to develop a strong and unified crescent of influence extending from Syria to the Palestinian territories, now led by Hamas, a Syrian and Iranian ally. On the other, Syria, which has a secular-oriented government but is made up of different religious sects and ethnic groups, has held itself out as an important player in the Sunni effort to limit the spread of Shiite influence. That has helped it with Arab countries and has attracted investment from the around the gulf, diplomats and political analysts in Syria said.   "Syria will work to use its role as a pivotal point to get the most from both the Arabs and Iranians," ...

Abbas calls for U.S. pressure against Israeli escalations
People's Daily Online 2006/6/24
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called here Friday on the United States to exert its pressure against Israeli escalations.   Abbas made the call while holding a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu-Rdeineh told the press. ...

Olmert apologises for botched airstrikes after meeting with Abbas
The Jamaica Observer 2006/6/23
"It is against our policy, and I am very, very sorry," he said after a breakfast meeting with Abbas in the ancient Jordanian town of Petra, sponsored by Jordan's King Abdullah II, but he said later Israel would continue striking at militants.

King Abdullah II warns of Palestinian civil war
Bahrain News Agency 2006/6/23
Jordanian Monarch, King Abdullah II, asserted that a clash between Palestinians is the worst thing imaginable, warning that such a thing would disastrously backfire on the entire region. ...He added that the real challenge is to make people, not only in Jordan but worldwide, reject terrorism and not to tolerate it.

'Interfaith dialog aims to foster global peace'
The Jakarta Post.com 2006/6/23
Pope Benedict XVI has sent Mgr. Khaled Akasheh, head officer for Islam on the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, to attend the two-day second International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS), which officially opened Tuesday in Jakarta. He shared his views on interfaith dialog with The Jakarta Post's Ridwan Max Sijabat.   Question: What does interfaith dialog mean to the Catholic Church?   In the context of religious plurality, dialog means all positive and constructive interreligious relations with individuals and communities of other faiths which are directed at mutual understanding and enrichment.   It aims at encouraging mutual understanding between believers and reciprocal enrichment, the establishment of fraternal relations, in order to build together a common house in the world. ...I am particularly pleased to inform you on the firm engagement of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in interreligious dialog in general and in dialog with Muslims in particular. The Pope has given an assurance the Church wants to continue to build bridges of friendship with followers of all religions. The Pope has expressed his joy to Muslims at seeing the progress made by dialog at regional and global levels.   ...Besides, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialog has special commissions for religious relations with Jews and Muslims, set up the Islamic-Catholic Liaison Committee and held regular colloquia with Muslims in the Middle East to encourage them to come closer. ...Fundamentalism is a negative phenomenon ...
? 2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

MobileCom celebrates major milestone - now serving one million subscribers across Jordan
AME Info 2006/6/23
GSM operator MobileCom announced during a press conference held at the company's headquarters that it had reached its 'one million customer milestone'. ...'MobileCom's many achievements are an excellent reflection of the Kingdom's prosperous telecommunications sector as well as a true translation of King Abdullah II's vision to transform Jordan into a regional and international IT and communications hub,' ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Why Iraq WMD Finds Were Kept Secret
StrategyPage.com 2006/6/23
...If the United States were to have announced WMD finds right away, it could have told terrorists  (including those from al-Qaeda) where to look to locate chemical weapons. This would have placed troops at risk – for a marginal gain in public relations. ...The other problem is that immediate disclosure could have exposed informants. Protecting informants who provide the location of caches is vital. ...

Time to break the deadlock, King tells Abbas, Olmert
Bahrain News Agency 2006/6/22
...King Abdullah said that peace negotiations needed to resume and move forward on the basis of the Road Map, which, he stressed, has outlined the only realistic plan to achieve an agreement that would result in the establishment of a viable, independent Palestinian state living side-by-side with a secure Israel.
We can see who appears to be calling the shots in the middle east, ...the 'man of peace'.

Jordan turns its sights on Muslim Brotherhood
Financial Times 2006/6/22
Jordan has opened a new domestic battlefront with the main Islamic organisation in the country, to add to the many woes that besiege the kingdom, including turmoil in Iraq, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. ...King Abdullah II this week urged the Islamists to abide by Jordan’s policy of zero tolerance of terrorism and accused them of operating in a “grey area for decades”. ...

Pushed together, Olmert and Abbas politely discuss the Mideast
International Herald Tribune 2006/6/22
President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel held informal and inconclusive talks over breakfast here Thursday, the first meeting between the two since Olmert became prime minister.   They embraced and promised to accelerate preparations for a substantive summit meeting in the next few weeks, both men said afterward. ...Wiesel said the two men, after being pressed at the breakfast table by Abdullah and himself, agreed to accelerate serious planning ...

King Congratulates Duke of Luxemburg
Jordan News Agency 2006/6/22
...King Abdullah II on Thursday sent a cable to Duke Henry of Luxemburg 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.

2-state solution only way for lasting peace, King reiterates
The Jordan Times 2006/6/22
King Abdullah on Wednesday said lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis will only be achieved through a peacefully negotiated final settlement based on international law.   “Lasting peace will only come with a peacefully negotiated final settlement, based on international legality — two states: A viable, sovereign Palestine, alongside a secure Israel,” the King said at the opening of the second Conference of Nobel Laureates in Petra ...
WRONG!!!  Here's the only solution: 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. 17 And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; 18 Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel.

A responsibility to make peace - By King Abdullah
The Jordan Times 2006/6/22
...Today, as a leader, I understand that the future generations of whom my father so often spoke have arrived; more than half of the population in our region is aged under 30. It will not do for us to tell them that peace is a gift we can give to future generations. It is a promise that we must fulfil for them today, or risk condemning them to a future of violence, fear and isolation.   It is time for nations and world-renowned figures alike to stand behind the commitment to peace, as a group of Nobel laureates and other leaders are doing this week at the Petra II conference. Real peace agreements are not just written on paper, but also inscribed on hearts. For that to occur we must help people on both sides believe that making a difficult peace is far less costly than continuing a destructive conflict.
? Daniel 7:8, Revelation 13:5 …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

Peace among nations depends on trust — King
The Jordan Times 2006/6/22