The Middle East In The News

Jordan to scrap jail for press
News24.com 2006/5/31
..."This policy has been clearly expressed by the king (Abdullah II) on a number of occasions," he said.   "The government will do so through a clear clause to this effect in the new press and publication law that it will present to the parliament," said the spokesman. ...

The Sanhedrin Reestablished (Part II)
The Jewish Press 2006/5/31
...The new Sanhedrin has at least the authority of a regular bet din, if not more. Among the many topics the Sanhedrin intends to address are: the bridging of the divisions between various communities of Jewish exiles who have returned to Israel; ...The Sanhedrin will also establish a forum of architects and engineers to begin plans for rebuilding the Temple. ...

Syria's silent purge
Guardian Unlimited 2006/5/31
Almost a year after Syria completed a humiliating military withdrawal from Lebanon amid predictions of imminent regime change in Damascus, President Bashar Assad is clawing back lost ground. Dozens of dissidents have been arrested in recent weeks. ...
? 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

Making the World Safe for Anti-Semitism
Scoop 2006/5/31
..."has the United States been willing to set aside its own security in order to advance the interests of another state?" At this point, one can't help but remark that what AIPAC stands for -- the American Israel Public Affairs Committee –- has come back to haunt them.   Its either unthinking or brazen use of the letters "PAC" suggests it's a political action committee -- exactly what AIPAC don't want to be seen as, lest it fall under the purview of its bete noire, the Foreign Agents Registration Act.  FARA requires that an entity funded by or acting on behalf of a foreign government register and divulge just what they're up to. In other words, no more operating behind the scenes. ...

Midas crowns four years of success
AMEInfo 2006/5/31
...The firm's fourth anniversary doesn't only serve to commemorate four years of success, but it also allows the firm to finally crown the fruits of its labors, and enjoy the fact that its showroom today has a reputation for being one of the largest and most resourceful in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; and the region at large. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

US allies in ME press for Israel-PA talks
International Relations And Security Network 2006/5/31
Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are mobilizing for a diplomatic offensive designed to revive peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), Middle East Online reports. ...It is understood that Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the Arab League are building pressure on Hamas to accept a landmark league proposal, formulated in 2002, that would see an Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank rewarded with the full normalization of relations with Arab states.

Largest U.S. oil investor in Syria to quit
United Press International 2006/5/31
The largest U.S. company investing in the oil and gas sector in Syria will soon quit after selling its shares, fearing further U.S. sanctions against Damascus. ..."At any moment President Bush can increase sanctions on Syria to cover investments as a further move following the Syria Accountability Act which he ratified in 2004," ...
? 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

Lebanese Parliament comes out swinging with statement rejecting Syrian warrants
The Daily Star 2006/5/31
Lebanon's Parliament rejected Syrian arrest warrants and subpoenas issued against two of its MPs, saying they "violate the Constitution and Lebanon's dignity." During a weekly question and answer session Speaker Nabih Berri told MPs and ministers that he had submitted two versions of the proposal - "both different in form; but that in the end meet the required result, which is rejecting the warrants and subpoenas." ...
? 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

Negotiations, not unilateral moves, only way to make Mideast peace — King
The Jordan Times 2006/5/30
WYOMING (Petra) — King Abdullah on Monday met with US Vice President Dick Cheney in Jackson Hole for talks on bilateral relations and the latest developments in the Middle East. ...The King said the US plays an important role in supporting efforts to revive the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.   “Negotiations, and not unilateral moves, is the only way to achieve a just peace in the region,” the King told Cheney. ...

Muslim scholars to draft model Islamic constitution
The Jordan Times 2006/5/30
...Syafii Anwar, executive director of International Centre for Islam and Pluralism in Indonesia, argued that Muslim countries should adopt a secular approach to state affairs but insisted that a contextual interpretation of the Koran should be the basis for writing an Islamic constitution.   According to Anwar, extremism emanates from the literal interpretation of scripture, regardless of the reality of the modern world and the context of original the text. ...

Jordan editors sentenced to jail over cartoons
Mail & Guardian Online 2006/5/30
...Jihad Momani, former editor of the weekly Shihane tabloid, and Hisham al-Khalidi, editor-in-chief of the tabloid Al-Mehwar, "were each sentenced to two months in prison" ...King Abdullah II said insulting the Prophet was "an unjustifiable crime ... that could not be justified on the pretext of freedom of expression".

International Conference on the Amman Message Begins at Hashemite University
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/30
The Hashemite Universality will organize an international conference entitled: "The Amman Message in the Eyes of others" in implementation of His Majesty King Abdullah's directives. ...the conference will touch on important ideas and mechanisms to implement the Amman Message through hosting scholars and intellectuals, who share His Majesty King Abdullah's his vision on Islam.   The president said in a press conference in Amman on Tuesday, that the conference will discuss means of spreading the message to become an international document and reference.

Jordan's King Abdullah invites Olmert for talks
Al Bawaba 2006/5/30
..."King Abdullah II has invited Mr Olmert to visit Jordan and the Israeli prime minister will come in around two weeks," the official told AFP. "The meeting will center on means of reactivating the negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis."   Meanwhile, during a brief visit to the United States, the King met with U.S. President George W. Bush in Washington on Monday evening to discuss bilateral ties as well as latest developments in the Middle East. ...

Syria opposition to discuss 'action plan' for regime change
YaLibnan 2006/5/30
The National Salvation Front, an exiled Syrian opposition group created two months ago said it will meet in London next week to discuss an "action plan" for regime change in Syria. ...
? 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

Jordan king visits Bush, Cheney in U.S.
CNN.com 2006/5/29
...The king met with Bush for a private dinner Monday during a brief visit to the United States. In addition to the Mideast peace process, the possibility of additional U.S. aid for Jordan came up during their conversation, the embassy said.   Abdullah "thanked the president for considering additional assistance to Jordan this year, at a time when Jordan's economy is facing many challenges associated with high oil prices," the statement said.   Earlier Monday, Abdullah met with Vice President Dick Cheney in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The king has been on a private visit to the United States since Friday.

Jordan-US trade increases by 17.7 per cent to $1.9 billion in 2005 — AmCham-Jordan
The Jordan Times 2006/5/29
...Noting that the US was the Kingdom’s top export market in 2005, the Jordan-United States Trade Report for 2005 showed that “trade with the world increased from $6.5 billion in 2000 to $14.8 billion in 2005.”   “The trade liberalisation in the Kingdom, facilitated by the GATT/WTO’s commitments and obligations, and bilateral or multilateral agreements, brought about not only a considerable growth in exports and imports, but also a diversification of trade towards merchandise either not traded or minimally traded prior to the liberalisation,”...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Hamas leader Zahar rejects Abbas referendum plan
Reuters 2006/5/29
Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar on Monday rejected as a waste of time and money the referendum resident Mahmoud Abbas has said he will call unless Hamas changes its policy toward Israel.    Zahar is a senior Hamas leader, and his remarks were the Islamic militant group's clearest rejection yet of a referendum, underlining the widening rift between Abbas's Fatah faction and Hamas...

King, Cheney open talks
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/29
Wyoming ...King Abdullah II met on Monday with US Vice President Deck Cheney in Jackson Hall city where they discussed the bilateral relations and the latest developments in the Middle East. ...Cheney, for his part praised King Abdullah's efforts to bring security and peace in the Middle East, noting to the importance of Jordan's role in enhancing peace opportunity in the region. ...

Syria, Iran directed rocket barrage against Israel
WorldNetDaily 2006/5/29
The rocket attacks that targeted the Jewish state yesterday, prompting cross border clashes and Israeli Air Force retaliation, were carried out by "agents" working on behalf of Syria and Iran, Lebanon's Druze leader Walid Jumblatt said in an interview. ...
? 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

Israel's New Leader Is Seeking to Bond
U.S. News & World Report 2006/5/29
..."The idea is to get American support for the 'consolidation plan,' then international, then domestic," the official noted.   Eventually, Olmert also hopes to follow Sharon's lead in bypassing negotiations with the Palestinians and withdrawing unilaterally, but Bush expects him first to try diplomacy with moderate Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. While the Israeli leader is willing to comply, he doesn't hide his pessimism, saying that as long as Hamas effectively rules the Palestinian Authority, Abbas is "a partner, but he is not an independent leader." ...
Looks like we are on track for another 'selling the idea' process.

Delegates from Universal Federation for Peace Conclude Visit to Jordan
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/28
Chairman of Universal Federation for Peace Michael Jenkins praised Jordan's role, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, to achieve peace and security in the region.   Heading a 300-member delegation, who concluded a visit to Jordan on Sunday, Jenkins said the federation pays a special concern to the Middle East and to Jordan in particular as Jordan forms a model for co-existence and plays a vital role in the peace process.   "The Federation believes that the UN is unable to settle disputes and achieve peace, therefore, amendments should be made in its laws and its work," he said ...
? Revelation 13:3 ...and all the world wondered after the beast.

Japan, Jordan hold opening ceremony for Dead Sea Panoramic complex
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/28
Deputizing for His Majesty King Abdullah II, Minister of Tourism and Antiquates Munir Nassar opened on Sunday the JD 48 million project of the Dead Sea Panoramic complex and Dead Sea Parkway ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

New book documents King’s development projects
The Jordan Times 2006/5/28
“I Believe in my People” is the title of a new book by Al Rai reporter Ghaith Tarawneh on the vision and achievements of His Majesty King Abdullah, with a special emphasis on development initiatives. ...“I have done my best in this book to shed light on these initiatives so it can be a reference for politicians, economists, observers and all Jordanians and Arabs who seek to benefit from the King’s ideas,” ...In his first book, “Paths of Benevolence,” published in 2005, Tarawneh detailed his personal accounts of King Abdullah’s humanitarian activities to alleviate the suffering of the underprivileged. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand
? Revelation 13:3 ...and all the world wondered after the beast.

Israeli Jets Strike Lebanon After Cross-Border Attack
Bloomberg 2006/5/28
Israeli fighter jets bombed two targets in Lebanon, one of them just south of Beirut, after Lebanese militants fired Katyusha rockets that hit northern Israel and wounded a soldier, the Israeli army said. ...

Abdullah presses Bush on Palestinians
Jewish Telegraphic Agency 2006/5/27
...Abdullah met with Bush at the White House on Monday and “stressed the need for both Israelis and Palestinians to resume negotiations as soon as possible and reiterated the need to channel assistance to the Palestinian people, in order to avert a humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories,” ...

PM: Jews will never have other home
The Jerusalem Post 2006/5/26
..."Jerusalem is the religious, national and cultural center of the Jewish people since ancient days and for eternity," he said. "Jerusalem is the Jewish people's 'genetic code,' and continues to be an inspiration for all Jews in Israel and the Diaspora." ...

Abbas: Terrorists are "our heroes"
Gamla.org 2006/5/26
Israelis leaders anxiously look to Mahmoud Abbas as a potential peace partner, largely because of his moderate statements in English. However, his Arabic statements continue to show admiration for even the most depraved terrorists. Likewise, Abbas rejects terror for tactical reasons only -- not because it is immoral.   During a television interview this week, Abbas twice referred to those terrorists serving "tens of life sentences" in Israeli jails as "our heroes." The terrorists who are serving "tens of life sentences" are those arch terrorists who have personally killed tens of Israelis ...

Jordan wages propaganda war with TV confessions
Reuters 2006/5/26
...the videotaped broadcasts as a warning from Jordan's omnipresent security forces to supporters of both al Qaeda and Hamas not to meddle with the country's security.   "These televised confessions, whether by Hamas or al Qaeda, send a very powerful message that they are not beyond the reach of the Mukhabarat (intelligence services)," said Jordanian deputy Mahmoud al-Kharabsheh.   In one broadcast, state television beamed images to the country's 5.6 million inhabitants of black-uniformed masked agents from the elite "knights of righteousness" unit. ...

Beilin: Talk With Hamas If It Accepts Abbas´s Plan
Arutz Sheva 2006/5/26
Meretz leader and Knesset Member Yossi Beilin stated Thursday that Israel should talk with the Hamas party if it accepts the ultimatum by Palestinian Authority (PA) chairman Mahmoud Abbas. ...Knesset Member Tzvi Hendel (National Union) said that Abbas' proposal proves again that the Arab leaders are "smarter than the government of Israel." He added that if the plan is placed on a public referendum, Arabs "will vote from wall to wall for expelling Jews from their land" in order to establish a country of terror and murder.

Hamas-Damascus spokesman Mohammed Nazzal says his movement will not be blackmailed into bowing to Abbas’ program by a referendum ultimatum
DEBKAfile 2006/5/26
...On the face of it, the Abbas initiative looks like a step towards boxing Hamas in to a position that will release the flow of frozen international funds to the Palestinian Authority – or bring its fledgling government down. This tactic might have worked had it been put forward three months ago before the rivalry between Abbas’ Fatah loyalists and a new Hamas militia had come to blows exchanged by gunmen on the streets of the Gaza Strip.   But three weeks ago, Hamas launched its new militia with a pledge to wrest control of the Palestinian street from Abu Mazen and his cohorts - even if it came to an armed confrontation – which it already has.   Abu Mazen’s bid now to put his foot down and declare himself the boss comes too late. The Hamas in government can easily torpedo his referendum by deploying its militiamen with orders to fire on the polling booths.  ...

Address of His Majesty King Abdullah II on the 60th Anniversary of Jordan's Independence
Jordan Embassy U.S. 2006/5/25  (the complete text at linked page)
...Dear Brothers,
Since the day I was entrusted with my responsibilities, I have always felt and understood the suffering and concerns of every citizen - male and female - in this country. I know that the reasons for this suffering are difficult economic conditions, rising prices and other problems which we need to overcome as soon as possible. As you all see, we are working day and night, traveling from one country to the other in order to benefit from our relations with the world around us and employ these relations in the service of our country. I follow up personally on all matters, so that we can overcome these problems, and elevate the citizen's standard of living.
Praise be to God, we have achieved a lot throughout the past seven years, be it in the field of economic and social development, or in the field of political development and the enhancement of our democratic march. But honestly, there is still a long way to go. We should all work together, in the spirit of the one team that belongs to the homeland; the one team that is sure of itself and of a bright future, God willing. ...

Abbas stuns Hamas with '67 ultimatum
yNetNews 2006/5/25
In unwritten speech, PA chairman says ‘if within 10 days gov’t does not recognize plan for Palestinian state on '67 borders, I will hold referendum on issue;’ adds that 'we must stop dreaming and take what we can get now' ...
Looks like we're getting frantically close now.

Second Temple model to link history, archaeology
The Jerusalem Post 2006/5/25
On a crest of Jerusalem's Hill of Tranquility overlooking the Valley of the Cross, the Knesset, the Supreme Court, Hebrew University's Givat Ram campus and the National Library, a model of the Second Temple has been relocated adjacent to the Shrine of the Book on the campus of the Israel Museum, in a spot where history and archeology intersect. ...

Israel to allow transfer of weapons to Abbas force
Reuters 2006/5/25
Israel will allow weapons to be transferred to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's personal guards following threats on his life, a Defense Ministry spokeswoman said on Thursday. ...The weapons are meant to help "protect (Abbas), because his life is in danger," she said. "This is a limited and monitored amount. Israel will know exactly where and to whom it goes to." ...

Abbas’ Bold Gamble
Council On Foreign Relations 2006/5/25
...Abbas is desperate to head off further unilateral action by Israel, whose Prime Minister Ehud Olmert won qualified acceptance for a "consolidation" plan from President Bush this week. Many Arabs fear the Olmert plan will allow Israel to impose final national borders without consulting the Palestinians. ...

Palestinians Referendum Text
The Washington Post 2006/5/25
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has given Hamas 10 days to endorse a plan accepting the idea of a Palestinian state alongside Israel or he will submit the plan to a referendum. Here is the text of the 18-point plan, drafted by senior Palestinian militants imprisoned in Israel. ...

Jordan's Threat: Iran, Hamas & al-Qaeda
ThreatsWatch.org 2006/5/25
Jordanian Parliament Speaker Abdel Hadi Majali warned that Iran is a threat to Jordanian security, regardless of whether US military strikes take place or not. Citing Iranian involvement in Iraq and their support for Hamas, Majali said, “Iran is threatening Jordan’s security and it is targeting the stability of the country and not ousting its regime. Iran poses a real threat on Jordan. Jordan will be harmed whether Iran was the target of a military operation or not.” ...

Jordan to continue aid to Palestinians
The Jerusalem Post 2005/5/25
..."We will not, on any day, under any circumstances, fail to support and assist the Palestinians until they attain their rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian soil," Abdullah said in a speech marking the anniversary of independence from Britain. ...

King Addresses Nation on Independence Day
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/25
''When we say 'Jordan First', we mean that we should complete the building of a Jordan that is strong and invincible, able to provide support and asset the Arab brethren, whether in Palestine or Iraq or any other Arab country.'' His Majesty said. ''It does not mean deserting our duty towards our nation or its just causes''.   ''Jordan will remain, with God's grace, the Arab Muslim country that belongs to the Arab and Islamic nation, keen to shoulder its religious and national duty towards all Arab and Islamic causes.'' King Abdullah said.   ''Under no circumstances will we permit Jordan's relationships with any country to be at the expense of our relations with our Arab and Islamic nation.'' stressed King Abdullah. ...

Schneller: Jewish Hebron will connect to Israel
The Jerusalem Post 2006/5/25
Israel will enlarge Jewish settlement enclaves in the West Bank city of Hebron and include them within the country's final borders, said Otniel Schneller, a lawmaker who is helping to formulate Olmert's realignment plan. ...

Abbas threatens Palestinian referendum
United Press International 2006/5/25
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas stunned the Hamas government Thursday, threatening to call a referendum on borders with Israel in 40 days. ..."We must stop with the slogans and start dealing with reality. We must stop dreaming and accept what we can take now," Abbas said. ...

Abbas stuns Hamas with '67 ultimatum
yNetNews 2006/5/25
In unwritten speech, PA chairman says ‘if within 10 days gov’t does not recognize plan for Palestinian state on '67 borders, I will hold referendum on issue;’ adds that 'we must stop dreaming and take what we can get now' ...

Olmert, Cheered in D.C., Bows to U.S. Call for Talks
Forward.com 2006/5/25
...While Israeli officials highlighted Bush's praise of Olmert and his ideas, the continued American insistence on a negotiated settlement appears to have forced a shift in Jerusalem's approach. This week, in an apparent nod to Bush's wishes, Olmert repeatedly expressed his commitment to pursue serious negotiations with the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, before pursuing a unilateral pullback from the West Bank. ...

Rice warns Damascus to start 'listening' to UN resolution
The Daily Star 2006/5/25
...Rice urged Syria to "stop treating Lebanon like a client ... Treat it like a neighbor. Treat it like an independent and sovereign country and then we can move on to a more peaceful and prosperous future for the Lebanese people." ...
? 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

Cabinet takes stand against Syrian warrant for Jumblatt
The Daily Star 2006/5/25
Lebanon's Cabinet issued a statement in support of Walid Jumblatt on Wednesday  in response to an arrest warrant against the MP by a Syrian military court that was relayed to Beirut via Interpol.   The warrant demands that Jumblatt be brought before a Syrian military court to face  questioning on charges of having slandered and incited hatred against Damascus. ...
? 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

Iraqi Insurgent Gives Chilling Confession
The Washington Post 2006/5/24
An alleged agent of the group al-Qaeda in Iraq told a chilling story of hijacking, kidnapping and murder in the name of holy war Tuesday, a day after the Jordanian government announced his arrest in an operation carried out in Iraq. ...

Syria's regime writes its future in the sand
The Daily Star 2006/5/24
...The more Assad finds himself under duress, the more his regime is abandoning its traditional restraint. The scope and breadth of the arrests at a time of deep change in the Middle East show the regime is still gripped by a criminal mindset that will apply only the language of force. Syrians are not only disillusioned with the regime's vacuous rhetoric and approach to issues, they are risking their personal safety to protest this. ...
? 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

US slams Syria for jailing rights lawyer, dissidents
Jurist 2006/5/24
US Secretary of State spokesperson Sean McCormack on Tuesday blasted Syria for arresting human rights leaders [JURIST report] and called for Syria to release all political prisoners [press briefing transcript]. Syrian security police last week arrested human rights lawyer Anwar al-Bunni [AI backgrounder], prominent writer Michel Kilo [BBC report] and Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt [BBC profile] in what McCormack characterized as a crackdown on "Syrians who seek to defend their rights and to bring democratic change to their country." ...
? 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

Murad Highlights Jordan Economic Achievements
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/24
...King Abdullah II has been working on enhancing security, stability, democracy, justice, equality, and on developing legislations, education, training and technology use. ...He also valued King Abdullah's efforts to attract foreign investments, highlighting the importance of the King's meetings with representatives of world major companies in this regard.   '' The trade sector in the Kingdom values King Abdullah's efforts ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Badging Infidels in Iran
FrontPageMag.com 2006/5/24
The Iranian Majlis or Parliament has reportedly passed  (now disputed) a law requiring that, “Jews would have to sew a yellow strip of cloth on the front of their clothes, while Christians would wear red badges and Zoroastrians would be forced to wear blue cloth.”  ...The so-called “Khomeini revolution”, which deposed Mohammad Reza Shah, was in reality a mere return to oppressive Shi’ite theocratic rule, the predominant form of Persian/Iranian governance since 1502. ...
Contributed by Bob Anderson

High octane opportunities in Jordan
AME Info 2006/5/24
...Jordan is a making a serious bid to make rally sport history and become the first Middle Eastern country to have a round included on the FIA World Rally Championship. ...The rally kicks off in central Amman on May 25 at the ancient site of the Citadel, with a ceremonial start and spectacular views across the city, but the real fun begins the next day as the drivers test their mettle, below sea level, at the rally course beside the Dead Sea. ...

Syrian Newspaper Highlights Jordan's Celebrations on Independence Day
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/24
...Jordan, it said, have been witnessing over the past six years, important developments in the economic field with the signing of agreements with a number of Arab and foreign countries that paved the way for the opening of new markets and preserving monetary and financial policies, despite regional and world events that affected world economy.   The daily noted the role that was played by King Abdullah during the Arab Summit in Amman to bring Arab ranks closer.  ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

JORDAN URGES BUSH TO REJECT OLMERT PLAN
Middle East Newslione 2006/5/24
..."The bottom line from the Jordanians was: 'We have enough of a problem with Al Qaida and Hamas. This makes it worse?'" an official said.   The official said Olmert was directed by the administration to consult Jordan regarding any West Bank withdrawal. He said the State Department and White House would in the meantime seek to bolster the authority of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank.
Again we witness who intends to control this process.

Syria: Full text of Amnesty International 2005 report
YaLibnan 2006/5/24
...The report is very critical of Syria's record on restricting Freedom of expression ...also is critical of Syria's discrimination against Kurds and women and violence against women. ...
? 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

Bakhit Opens Expo Jordan 2006
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/24
...Minister of Trade and Industry Sharif Zu'bi said Jordan Expo 2006 reflects the advanced level of Jordan's industry, especially in the agricultural, military and industrial sectors.   Jordan's exports reached $ 2.5 billion last year and it is expected to increase by 15% this year,'' the Minister added. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Bush: Olmert's plan is an 'important step' to peace
Haaretz 2006/5/24
U.S. President George W. Bush on Tuesday hailed Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's plan for Middle East peace as "bold ideas" that could prove to be an "important step" leading to a two-state solution, should the process outlined in the internationally brokered road map to Middle East peace falter. ...
Sounds like Israel has come up with a 'we finally agree plan' or 'take it our way' plan.

Jordan ready to help with reconstruction of south Sudan — King
MENAFN 2006/5/23
His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday said Jordan is keen on the success of national reconciliation in Sudan and the participation of all political forces in efforts to preserve the unity of this Arab African country and build its future. ...

Le Monde Highlights Jordan's Rejection of Israeli Unilateral Steps
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/23
"King Abdullah affirmed in his message to the US president, Jordan's rejection of any Israeli unilateral steps with the Palestinians," the daily added.   Le Monde reported what the King said that any unilateral steps taken by Israel will have negative impacts for Palestinians and Arab and Islamic countries. ...

To the President of the United States
Arutz Sheva 2006/5/23
...Because of the friendship that we have with the While House, we feel that we can allow ourselves to approach you to request that you reject the "Convergence Plan" that has been presented to you by the Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert. The intent of this plan is the withdrawal of Israel from the heart of its own country; withdrawal from its inheritance and lands that, in essence, endanger the very existence of the State of Israel. ...
? Joel 3:2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

The Syrian Muslim Brotherhood
Global Polititian 2006/5/23
As Syrian President Bashar Assad grows more and more isolated, his regime's arch-nemesis - the Muslim Brotherhood (al-Ikhwan al-Muslimun) - is gearing for a comeback. Fortunately for the brotherhood, powerful politicians in Lebanon are ready to lend a helping hand against their former patron. ...
? 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

U.S. presses Olmert to talk to Abbas
Reuters 2006/5/23
..."We are interested in making sure that (Olmert) has serious talks with his Palestinian counterpart," Snow told reporters. Olmert has expressed a willingness to do so, but has deemed Abbas "powerless" to act while Hamas rules. ...

ALO Praises Jordan's Development March
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/22
Director General of the Arab Labor Organization (ALO) Dr. Ibrahim Quweider praised accomplishments that have been achieved by Jordan in the various fields.   "The great achievements that Jordan has achieved in the political, economic, social and cultural is a source of admiration of all," Quweider said in a statement ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand
? Revelation 13:3 ...and all the world wondered after the beast.

Syrian subversion by proxy
The Washington Times 2006/5/22
...This is hardly the first time that the Lebanese have found themselves under siege by Syrian-backed foreign fighters since the bulk of Syrian troops departed Lebanon last spring. In October, after a Lebanese Army topographer was shot to death in the Bekaa Valley, more than 1,000 Lebanese troops in armored personnel carriers with tank support were deployed around the nearby Lebanese headquarters of two Syrian-backed terrorist groups: Fatah Uprising and Ahmed Jibril's PFLP-GC. Syria, in short, is subverting Lebanon by proxy.
? 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

Jordanian engineer designs the "Hashemite Car"
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/22
A Jordanian engineer has designed a car with high safety and luxurious standards. The "Hashemite Car" as it was named by the designer will be highly equipped and highly prepared for maximum comfort. ...The project will be launched by FORD motor company and sponsored by the Mustangs Club of America ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

King Receives Chairman of Board of Trustees of NCHR
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/22
...King Abdullah II stressed that Jordan was keen to consolidate the concept of respect for human freedom and dignity, ensure the rule of the law and achieve justice and equality in society.   The King's remarks came during a meeting with the Chairman of Board of Trustees of the National Center for Human Rights (NCHR) Ahmad Obeidat as part of the King's follow up on the center's 2005 report. ...

Olmert: Abbas too weak to represent Palestinians
The Jerusalem Post 2006/5/22
..."He is powerless. He is helpless. He's unable to even stop the minimal terror activities amongst the Palestinians," he continued. "So how can he represent that government in the most crucial, complex and sensitive negotiations, about which there are so many divisions within the Palestinian community?"

Race is on to save folk culture in modernising Saudi
Reuters (India) 2006/5/21
Saudi histories only talk of Ibn Saud's letters to the British colonial authorities expressing his concern.   But his letters found in British archives tell a different story of jealousy over possible gains by rival Arab monarchies. "He was only worried about the Hashemite kings in Jordan and Iraq being able to take over Jerusalem," Rasheed said.

Abbas Says Talks with Israel Are Responsibility of PLO
Arutz Sheva 2006/5/21
PA Chief Mahmoud Abbas told Israeli Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni that negotiations with Israel are the “responsibility and jurisdiction” of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).   Abbas, who also uses the name he adopted as a PLO terrorist, Abu Mazen, said he would lead any negotiations with Israel, and not the Hamas, a rival terror organization. ...

King, Queen Return Home
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/21
...King Abdullah II and Queen Rania al Abdullah returned home on Sunday following a several- hour working visit to Kuwait. ...King Abdullah held talks with Kuwait Emir Sheikh Sabah al Ahmad al Sabah on means to promote bilateral ties, especially in the economic field, as well as the latest political developments in the region. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

King Holds Talks with Kuwaiti Emir
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/21
...The two leaders stressed, during their meeting on Sunday in Kuwait, keenness on promoting bilateral cooperation and coordination, especially in the economic fields. ...The Kuwaiti investments in Jordan exceeded $ 5 billion in banking, tourism, real estate and other fields.   Jordan's exports to Kuwait reached $ 70 million in 2005 ...

Abbas meets Israeli ministers
EuroNews 2006/5/21   (VIDEO link on page)
The stage is being set for a top level Palestinian-Israeli summit. The plans were revealed as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Israeli ministers at the World Economic Forum in Egypt. ...

Abbas loyalist survives attack
Daily Times 2006/5/21
A top Palestinian security chief and loyalist to President Mahmoud Abbas was wounded along with 10 others on Saturday in an apparent assassination attempt ...Security officials did not say whom they suspected to have been behind the assassination attempt. The Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry, however, said...“Preliminary information points to the fact that a bomb was dropped by one of Tareq abu Rajab’s companions,” ...

Russian orientalist, magazine commend King Abdullah wise leadership
Jordan News Agency 2006/5/20
The renowned Russian orientalist and head of Political and Strategic Studies Center, Vitaly Nawmekn said that the modern Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the inheritor of the great ancient civilizations has become a model for spiritual coexistence and cohes