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 growing diplomatic, economic and military ties to global antagonists China, Iran and Russia. With the support of this new "axis of evil," Mr. Lukashenko -- Europe's last remaining dictator -- has initiated a Cold War campaign against the West and the United States.   Over the past year, Mr. Lukashenko has made a determined effort to strengthen his contacts with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, an avowed anti-Semite and self-proclaimed enemy of the West. Since 1993, Iran has been a key recipient of Belarusian military and technology exports, receiving Soviet-made T-72 tanks and artillery, II-76 transport planes and conventional weapons from Minsk. ...

Russian arms sales to the Middle East
Monsters & Critics 2006/2/17
Last week in Moscow, Mikhail Dmitriyev, head of the Russian Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation, proudly noted that orders for military hardware had reached a Cold War level of $23 billion; rising from approximately $16 billion only a few years ago. “The portfolio of [military] orders is growing all the time,” Dmitriyev said.   A growing concern for both the West and Israel, however, is Russia’s evolving arms sales relationship with rogue governments located in places like Tehran and Damascus. ...

Madaen Al Nour Real Estate Investment and Development sign an agreement to invest in the Abdali Project
AME Info 2006/2/17
...The Abdali area, which was once the centre of the Armed Forces and Security Department, is being given a new lease on life through the huge redevelopment process. It will soon be home to residential and commercial buildings, shopping areas, entertainment and health facilities as well as the American University of Jordan and all will be equipped with the best communications and IT technologies. ...Mr. Ahmad Armoush said: "This agreement with Abdali Investment and Development is the direct result of the efforts made to realize His Majesty King Abdullah II vision to enhance Jordan's economy and improve the life of its citizens" ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

An Ally Among the Wolves
FrontPageMag 2006/2/16
...If the Bush administration could appoint a leader of Jordan, Abdullah would be it.  As a force for stability in his country, the Jordanian leader ensures that Amman remains an ally of the United States, friendly to Israel, and strong enough to prevent Islamists from seizing power.  King Abdullah has also displayed an unmistakable interest in helping lead his nation to long-term reform.  The interests of Washington and Amman coincide on all of the important issues.  As long as the king continues to enhance genuine reform – and America is seen as a driving force behind those reforms – the future of Jordan will be bright.  Given the domestic and regional issues that face King Abdullah, he is an ally that the United States is lucky to have.

Lebanese PM condemns flow of arms from Syria
Reuters 2006/2/16
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said on Thursday that arms had been shipped into his country from Syria, and denounced the traffic as "unacceptable".   The United Nations on Tuesday asked Lebanon to explain reports that truckloads of arms and missiles, destined for the Lebanese guerrilla group Hizbollah, had been brought over the Syrian border. ...
? 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

Mufti Calls Europe to Issue Law Preventing Religions Damage
Syrian Arab News Agency 2006/2/16
...In a meeting with directors of the Political Affairs and the Middle East Directorate in the Austrian foreign ministry, Sheikh Ahmed Badriddin Hassuon urged “to adopt the policy of dialogue and understanding among religions, the respect of peoples’ beliefs instead of opening the door of clashing.” asserting at the same time rejection of damaging Muslims holy issues under the pretext of freedom of expression. ...
The Mufti wants to Muzzle you!

Rice says U.N. must push Syria on Hariri inquiry
Reuters 2006/2/16
...Rice told lawmakers she did not think Syria had cooperated with the U.N. investigation into Last February's murder of Rafik al-Hariri and something must be done about this.   "We will need, I really do believe, to go back to the Security Council at some time in the not-too-distant future to get a report on what is happening with Syrian cooperation," Rice told the House of Representatives International Relations Committee. ...
? 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
The uprooting process continues.

Al Sadir Starts Several-Day Visit to Jordan
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/16
Shiite Leader Muqtada Al Sadir Arrived in Amman on a several-day visit during which he will meet with His Majesty King Abdullah II ...The Shiite leader's visit to Jordan comes in the frame of enhancing the strong brethren relations between Jordan and Iraq in all domains for the interests of both countries.in Amman on a several-day visit during which he will meet with His Majesty King Abdullah II ...The Shiite leader's visit to Jordan comes in the frame of enhancing the strong brethren relations between Jordan and Iraq in all domains for the interests of both countries.

President of Ireland Addresses Parliament
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/15
...President McAleese noted, in a speech in front of members of the Jordanian parliament, that this small, dynamic Kingdom, led so ably by His Majesty King Abdullah II has many friends and admirers around the world. ...''We are enthusiastic supporters of His Majesty King Abdullah's initiative on Information Technology in the Emerging Markets- more popularly known as ITEM. We have developed out own Bilateral Agreement in the Telecommunications Sector. I am proud that in this ''sector of the future'', we have already seen cooperation translated into partnerships, as investments, alliances and joint ventures have developed between our high tech companies.'' ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Jordan to Welcome Hamas
Arutz Sheva 2006/2/15
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has officially invited the current leaders of the Islamist Hamas terrorist group to the Jordanian capital, Amman. The visit will mark the first acknowledged presence of Hamas in Jordan since 1999, when the group's offices were shut down and its representatives expelled. The change in policy is seen as the result of Hamas's landslide victory in Palestinian Authority elections in January. ...

King Patronizes ASEZA Ceremony
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/15
King Abdullah II patronized on Thursday the ceremony of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) on the 5th anniversary of its establishment. ...ASEZA President Nader Dhabi delivered a speech ...'' Aqaba Saraya project, which forms a city of Arab historical model, includes several 5- star hotels, housing units as well as other facilities,'' said Dhabi, noting that the project is expected to provide 9,000 job opportunities. On the other hand, Dhabi said that the number of tourists who visited Aqaba increased by 21% compared to 2004. '' ASEZA will conduct intensive promotion campaigns to increase investments to reach $ 6 billion by 2010,'' ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

King Holds Talks With Solana
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/15
...King Abdullah said, during talks with High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Secretary General of the Council of the European Union Javier Solana, that the caricatures insulting Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) can not be justified under any excuse. King Abdullah also called on all European governments and the EU to put an end to such actions that provoked the feelings of all Muslims. His Majesty hailed the efforts of Solana to control the crisis of the cartoons, noting that Jordan supports such efforts aiming to enhance understanding and mutual respect amongst followers of the different nations. ...
It was very predictable that the King would have his say in this when the news of this matter broke of this yesterday.  Can you see where this is going?

Secret Saddam WMD Tapes Subject of ABC Nightline Special
Cybercast News Service 2006/2/15
Secret audiotapes of Saddam Hussein discussing ways to attack America with weapons of mass destruction will be the subject of an ABC "Nightline" program Wednesday night, a former federal prosecutor told Cybercast News Service.   The tapes are being called the "smoking gun" of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq. ...

Intelligence Summit to Air 'Saddam's WMD Tapes'
Cybercast News Service 2006/2/15
Reportedly armed with 12 hours of Saddam Hussein's audio recordings, the organizers of an upcoming "Intelligence Summit" are describing the tapes as the "smoking gun evidence" that the Iraqi dictator possessed weapons of mass destruction in the period leading up to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.   The U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, which according to the New York Sun has already authenticated the Saddam tapes, has reopened its investigation into the possible existence and location of the Iraqi weapons of mass destruction (WMD). ...

King meets German Foreign Minister
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/15
King Abdullah II has said the future of the Middle East peace process largely depends on the turnout of the upcoming Israel elections later this month and on the expected policy program of the coming Israeli government. ..."Spearheading from Amman Message, Jordan has adopted plans designed to clarify the true image of Islam and its principles of moderation and to build bridges of understanding between various nations and cultures with the aim of reaching a common and solid ground that could promote concepts and values shared by adherents of the heavenly religions," King Abdullah said....

Netanyahu: We Must Contain Hamas 'Cancer'
The Lekarev Report 2006/2/14
...Likud Chairman Benyamin Netanyahu said that the Likud "will build an iron wall around Hamas" and that the stated "hope" on the part of some that Hamas will moderate their stand after winning the election are completely unfounded.   Slamming what he characterized as the "soft policies of Kadima," Netanyahu warned "this cancer (Hamas) has to be contained and reduced, not expanded. Otherwise, the entire country will be in danger." ...
contributed by Bob Anderson

Analysis: America's foes circle wagons
United Press International 2006/2/14
America's enemies are circling their wagons, readying for what they perceive to be inevitable: a showdown with the United States.    Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted by the New York Times as having told a large crowd of demonstrators: "I ask our dear people to prepare themselves for a great struggle. Fasten your seat belts and pull up your sleeves."   Fearing a potential attack, Ahmadinejad, now more than ever, will push ahead with his country's desire to acquire nuclear weapons, feeling it would deter potential attacks against the Islamic republic. Last month Ahmadinejad flew to Damascus to confer with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Their discussions, no doubt, focused on mutual fears -- the likelihood of U.S. attacks. ...If one interprets the tealeaves, coffee grinds or tarot cards correctly -- or simply reads some of the posters carried by a group of Muslim demonstrators at a recent London protest -- with messages such as "Be prepared for the real Holocaust," and "Europe, you will pay. Your 9/11 is on its way," relations with the Muslim world are not likely to get better any time soon. Not as long as both sides continue to circle their wagons and talk across each other, rather than with one another.

King Receives Irish President
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/14
...King Abdullah II held discussions on Tuesday with President of Ireland Mary McAleese on the bilateral relations in the various fields and means of enhancing them for the interests of both peoples, particularly in the economic, educational, cultural, and information technology domains. ...The President praised Jordan's continued efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, and His Majesty's role to clarify the true image of Islam, based on centrism, tolerance and building bridges of dialogue and understanding among all religions and cultures. ...

Iraqi General: WMD Went to Syria - Interview with Ali Ibrahim Al-Tikriti
Global Polititian 2006/2/14
Ali Ibrahim al-Tikriti was a southern regional commander for Saddam Hussein’s Fedayeen militia in the late 1980s and a personal friend of the dictator. Units under his command dealt with chemical and biological weapons. He was known as the “Butcher of Basra” due to his campaigns and defected shortly before the Gulf War in 1991. ...I know Saddam's weapons are in Syria due to certain military deals that were made going as far back as the late 1980's that dealt with the event that either capitols were threatened with being overrun by an enemy nation. Not to mention I have discussed this in-depth with various contacts of mine who have confirmed what I already knew. At this point Saddam knew that the United States were eventually going to come for his weapons and the United States wasn't going to just let this go like they did in the original Gulf War. He knew that he had lied for this many years and wanted to maintain legitimacy with the pan Arab nationalists. He also has wanted since he took power to embarrass the West and this was the perfect opportunity to do so. After Saddam denied he had such weapons why would he use them or leave them readily available to be found? That would only legitimize President Bush, who he has a personal grduge against. What we are witnessing now is many who opposed the war to begin with are rallying around Saddam saying we overthrew a soverign leader based on a lie about WMD. This is exactly what Saddam wanted and predicted. ...
? 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.N. rule to bar religious offense sought
United Press International 2006/2/14
...EU foreign policy and security commissioner Javier Solana said after a meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Tuesday the EU and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) "are considering certain ideas to safeguard and protect religious values in general, but the time is not appropriate to disclose the details." ...
The time is not right? ...Hmmm.  Here comes global religion control, and there goes freedom of speech and probably so much more, and take note of who's instigating it.

Calls to oust Lahoud mark Hariri memorial
United Press International 2006/2/14
Lebanon marked the first anniversary of the slaying of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri with fiery speeches calling for ousting pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud. ..."Remove the remnant of your security system and symbol of tutorship in Baabda... The people of Lebanon will not barter over the blood of Rafik Hariri," Saad said.   Druze overlord Waleed Jumblat resorted to even harsher rhetoric, telling Lahoud "the terrorist Bashar (Assad) brought you but the proud Lebanese people will uproot you."   "There will be no real independence and sovereignty as long as the symbol of treachery and collaboration with the Syrian regime is staying in Baabda," Jumblat added. ...
? 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

Syria switches to euro amid confrontation with US
Reuters 2006/2/13
Syria has switched all of the state's foreign currency transactions to euros from dollars amid a political confrontation with the United States, the head of state-owned Commercial Bank of Syria said on Monday. ...

King Hails Relations with Japan
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/13
...King Abdullah II hailed the distinguished relations between Jordan and Japan, calling to increase joint efforts to enhance these relations in the different domains, especially in the economic and investment fields. ...the Japanese official hailed the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah II in supporting peace in the region and pushing Political and economic development forward.
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand
? Daniel 8:25 ...but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries

JPA Chairman commends King's stance in defending Islam
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/12
...Momani commended the King's stance rejecting the detention of journalists on grounds of crimes committed by publications, indicating this stance represents His Majesty's appreciation to the journalist's work. "King Abdullah always directs the consecutive governments to ban journalist's detention as he calls on the journalists to committed to professionalism and honor of code," ...
? Daniel 8:25 ...but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries

Evangelical center coming to J'lem
JPost.com 2005/2/12
The Jerusalem Municipality has authorized the temporary establishment of an Evangelical Christian center for worship on the Mount of Olives for the benefit of those visiting the Holy Land, according to the city and the organizer. ...

King of Jordan as Fashionista?
The New York Times 2006/2/12
King Abdullah II of Jordan, seeking to attract outside business to his country, has his eye on the American apparel sector. ...Mr. Zane said. "As I listened to the king, it became clear to me, and probably everyone else, that a viable industry is quite beneficial to a country like Jordan because of foreign exchange. The king said that one of the ways to ensure peace and prosperity in that troubled area is through economic development." ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Record breaking advertising expenditure reaches $168 million in 2005
AME Info 2006/2/12
President of the International Advertising Association - Jordan Chapter (IAA Jordan) Sharif Abukhadra announced during a press meeting held at the IAA Jordan headquarters that the year 2005 registered a record high in advertising expenditure of $162 million in 2005, up from $121 million in 2004, registering a 34% growth. ...Following the highly commended First Annual Advertising and Communications Conference 'Outside the Box', held in February 2005 under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Abukhadra confirmed that IAA Jordan will again hold the industry focused conference, in May this year. 'We are looking to attract the same caliber of international speakers and industry experts, again aiming to share international industry standards, latest best practices and successful activities that can be adopted for the benefit of the numerous communicators in our industry.'  ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Chief Islamic Justice Meets Japanese Muslims Delegation
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/12
...Hilayel reiterated Jordan's keenness to support Japanese Muslims ...Hilayel added ''We are proud in Jordan that the descent of our leadership goes back to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) who was keen to follow modernity and tolerance...'' Chief Islamic justice stressed the importance of Amman Message which came to embody the keenness of our Hashemite leadership to preserve our values. ...

NKorea warns Seoul of 'nuclear war' over US-led WMD drill
Forbes.com 2006/2/12
North Korea warned South Korea against sparking a 'nuclear war' by joining a US-led international drill aimed at intercepting weapons of mass destruction, state media reported.   Rodong Sinmun, the official communist party mouthpiece said late yesterday Seoul's participation in the drill would be 'conspiring with the US in its moves for a war of aggression.' ...

Bakhit Receives Ukrainian Tourism Minister
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/12
...Likhovyi, for his part, convoyed the Ukrainian President's best wishes to His Majesty King Abdullah II, pointing that his visit Jordan and meetings with the Jordanian officials aim at enhancing the tourism exchange between Jordan and Ukraine.
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Saraya Aqaba: Platinum Sponsor of ASEZ Inward Mission
AME Info 2006/2/12
..Saraya Aqaba's sponsorship for this celebration reflects the company's mission to support developments that will make Aqaba a center for tourism and investment, as well as contributing to the growing prosperity of the Jordanian economy by following the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II. ...
? Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand

Jaafari named Iraq’s new PM
Aljazeera 2006/2/12
...Ibrahim Al Jaafari, a leader in the Dawa party, won 64 votes in a caucus of Shia legislators, winning over Vice President Adil Abdul-Mahdi with one vote, paving the way for the United Iraqi Alliance to start talks with the country’s Sunni and Kurdish leaders, secularists and others so as to form a broad-based government. ...

Jordan Takes a Step Towards Recognizing Hamas
Arutz Sheva 2006/2/12
Jordan has taken a bold step towards renewing ties with Hamas, permitting Hamas politburo leaders to return to the Hashemite Kingdom. ...in return for their voluntarily forfeiting citizenship and associated rights.

Assad reshuffles Syrian government
United Press International 2006/2/11
Syrian President Bashar Assad Saturday reshuffled his government that includes 12 ministries and appointed Farouk Sharaa as his new vice president. ...Sharaa, 63, fills the post of former Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam, who recently defected and accused the Damascus regime of suppressing freedoms and involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in a massive explosion in Beirut in February last year. ...

Has Bashar Assad lost his grip on reality?
The Hamilton Spectator 2006/2/11
...The decaying yet doggedly durable regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad has been wobbling between two contrary methods of survival.   One is to proffer the hand of friendship -- to Turkey, to the West, to the European Union, even to the Americans and even to the government's foes at home. ...The other, quite opposite, approach is to wave a furiously defiant Baathist fist at most of the rest of the world; flaunt Syria's friendship with Iran and its belligerent new president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ..."He may have begun to believe his own rhetoric," says a seasoned diplomat. ...In any event, there is scant sign of Assad pondering either a dignified exit or the risk of allowing the Baath party to share power. In fact, there is no sign that he has any plan at all.

Impressive event
Reformatorisch Dagblad 2006/2/10
...a rabbi spoke up, insisting that one more thing must be said. He remarked that our small group gathered in that room were representatives of the three „religions of our Father Abraham.” As a Jew he was worried about the king’s safety and the safety of his family. „You are a courageous man”, he told the Muslim leader. „We need you to be with us for a long time.” He asked all of us to keep praying for King Abdullah.   And then the Jewish leader did something that moved many of us to tears. „As a fellow child of Abraham”, he said to the king, „I want to give you a blessing on behalf of all of Abraham’s spiritual children.” He then intoned the words of the Aaronic benediction: „The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon you and give you peace.”   Here was a descendent of Isaac giving a blessing to a descendent of Ishmael. ...

Israel Insists on Need for Defensible Borders
Cybercast News Service 2006/2/10
..."One of the problems still [to be] addressed by the next Israeli government is the line of defense," said Dr. Dore Gold, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.N.   "Defensible borders are one of the most integral parts of Ariel Sharon's legacy," said Gold, a former senior advisor to Sharon. ...The concept of defensible borders first arose after the 1967 war, when Israel gained control of the West Bank (and Jordan Valley) from Jordan; the Golan Heights from Syria and the Gaza Strip and Sinai Desert from Egypt.   U.N. Security Council Resolution 242, which has been placed at the center of peace-making efforts between Israel and the Palestinians, promises every state the right to "live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force."   It also said that Israel would withdraw its armed forces "from territories" occupied in the conflict.

King Returns Home
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/9
...His Majesty affirmed that his determination to promote the right understanding of Islam and fighting terrorism stem from the march of the Hashemites and method of His Majesty the late King Hussein in rejecting violence and adopting dialogue. The King explained in his two speeches, the initiative of the Amman Message, which was launched more than a year ago to reaffirm concept of moderate Islam and isolate extremism. His Majesty affirmed on all these occasions that moderation, tolerance and respect should not be restricted to Muslims only, but should include moderates in all places. ...

Christian group relocates to West Bank in protest
WorldNetDaily 2006/2/9
..."We are moving to the heartland of the people of Israel to where the God in Whom also Christians believe promised this land to one people, namely His own, as an everlasting possession," said van der Hoeven.   Officially stating what had long been assumed by many here, Olmert yesterday said Israel will unilaterally withdraw from the West Bank and take other moves aimed at changing the borders of the Jewish state. ...

King Congratulates President of Iran
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/9
...King Abdullah II on Thursday sent a cable to President Mahmoud Ahmadi Najad of Iran 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 Governor of the Bahamas
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/9
...King Abdullah II on Thursday sent a cable to Governor General Paul L. Adderley of the Bahamas 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.

Less than spontaneous combustion
Scripps Howard News Service 2006/2/9
...how, in an impoverished, isolated place like Gaza, do demonstrators come up with a seemingly unlimited supply of Danish and Norwegian flags _ how do they even know what they look like _ to burn and trample on? ...In Gaza, and probably elsewhere in the Muslim world, canny merchants try to anticipate demand for something to desecrate. Said Reuters, "When Gaza shopkeeper Ahmed Abu Dayva first heard about the Danish cartoons of Muhammad, he quickly ordered 100 Danish and Norwegian flags." ...Which only underscores that these demonstrations are hardly spontaneous and barely about blasphemy. ...

It's official: Israel to withdraw from West Bank
WorldNetDaily.com 2006/2/8
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has announced Israel will unilaterally withdraw from most of the West Bank and make other moves aimed at changing the Jewish state's borders.   In taking the widely anticipated actions, Olmert explained his policy by claiming Palestinians may soon outnumber Jews and threaten Israel's Jewish character unless a separation is imposed. ...

King meets Israeli Foreign Minister
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/7
...King Abdullah II on Tuesday underscored the importance of resumption of peace process between the Palestinians and Israelis as its the only way to end conflict and violence in the region. ...

King Meets With Cheney and Ramsfield
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/7
...King Abdullah II on Tuesday discussed with US Vice-President Dick Cheney the regional situations in addition to the bilateral ties and ways of enhancing them in all domains. King Abdullah reiterated the importance of continuing the support of the US administration to the peace process with a view to develop it and reach the just and comprehensive peace based on the two states solution. ...

Syria seen as instigator
The Washington Times 2006/2/7
Lebanon's dominant coalition accused Syria yesterday of deliberately fomenting violent protests over cartoons about the Islamic prophet Muhammad ..."Syria is a country where protests don't just occur spontaneously, certainly not of this sort, not without the knowledge and support of the government," ...

JORDAN: U.S. RIGHTS GROUP DECRIES TORTURE RECORD
adnkronosinternational 2006/2/7
Despite the praise Jordan's government has received for its reform agenda, King Abdullah II needs to eradicate "continuing and serious" rights abuses in Jordan, the US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) group said on Tuesday. ..."King Abdullah's reform agenda has won many accolades, but has not tackled continued serious abuses such as torture," said Joe Stork, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa division at HRW. "King Abdullah should order an independent investigation into Jordan's torture problem without delay," Stork said.   "Political reforms won't mean much unless citizens can engage in peaceful political activity without fear of arrest and torture, "
 

Bush's Denunciation of Syria May Portend Regime Change
The New York Sun 2006/2/6
President Bush's denunciation of Syria on the heels of anti-Western violence there - sparked by the publication in the West of political cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad - could be the first step toward regime change in Damascus, Syrian opposition leaders said yesterday. ...

IRAN: CONCERN ABOUT POSSIBLE COUP IN SYRIA
adnkronosinternational 2006/2/6
The Iranian Republican Guard has reportedly been put on alert to forestall a coup in ally Syria by military figures loyal to former vice president Abdul Halim Khaddam, currently in exile in France. In a reportage from Damascus, the Iranian website Saztab - close to the Republican Guard (Pasdaran) - announced the Pasdaran are examining the backgrounds of many army and airforce officers considered close to the former vice president. ...

Oil Rises as Iran Says It Will Pursue Nuclear Program, Defy UN
Bloomberg.com 2006/2/6
Crude oil rose for a second day after Iran, the world's fourth-largest producer, said it will defy the United Nations and pursue research that critics say may lead to development of a nuclear bomb.   Iran said Feb. 4 it would resume uranium enrichment, a process that can be used to develop a nuclear weapon, just after the country was referred to the UN Security Council. ...

Two editors in court in Jordan over Prophet cartoons
Middle East Times 2006/2/6
...Two Jordanian tabloid editors appeared in court on Sunday after their newspapers were the only Arab-based publications to print controversial cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed. ...Jordan's King Abdullah II, a descendant of the Prophet, said that insulting Mohammed was "a crime that cannot be justified under the pretext of freedom of expression".  His words were seen by security forces as a signal to take action against the newspapers. ...
It seems to me if one wanted to try to keep their head in the dark days to come, one might learn a lesson from the life of Saint Thomas More, 'A Man For All Seasons'.  By the way, it is currently playing on 'On Demand' via Comcast Cable in some coverage areas.

Syria presses for more attacks
YNetNews 2006/2/5
Four suicide bombings thwarted in last two weeks; security officials say Syria orders terror groups to boost rate of attacks ahead of upcoming general elections in bid to influence results ...

SYRIAN OPPOSITION LEADERS MEET IN U.S.
Middle East Newsline 2006/2/5
The Syrian opposition has convened to draft strategy to end the regime of President Bashar Assad.   Syrian opposition leaders met in Washington to discuss the elimination of the Assad regime and its replacement by democratic government. The leaders, who convened on Jan. 30-31, were said to have received media and organizational support from the Bush administration. ...
? 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 Nuclear Policy Fiasco after Its Hamas Contretemps
DEBKAfile 2006/2/4..."The resolution recognized “that a solution to the Iranian issue would contribute to global nonproliferation efforts and… the objective of a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, including their means of delivery.”    This linkage between Iran’s violations of its commitments under international treaty and the Israeli case has long been demanded by the Arab states and opposed by Washington. Its acceptance now opens the way for the integration of the same linkage in the Security Council debate on Iran. It provides a pretext for a whole new set of maneuvers and dilatory tactics by Tehran." ...
NOW LOOK FOR THE FORTHCOMING DEAL: Iranian sanctions equals Israel's surrendering its nuclear capability.
article and comments contributed by Bob Anderson

Chief of Islamic Justice Meets Judges of Spiritual Courts in Jordan and Jerusalem
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/4
...Chief of the Appeal Court in Jerusalem Abdul Atheem Salhab, for his part, expressed the appreciation of the people in Jerusalem for His Majesty the King over his keenness to keep the courts and the Awqaf in Jerusalem under the Hashemite patronage.

King Condoles Egyptian President
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/4
King Abdullah II sent a cable on Friday to Egyptian President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak condoling him over the victims of the ferry which sank in the Red Sea today. In his cable, the King expressed, 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 condoles King Abdullah Ben Abdul Aziz over drowning of Saudi citizens
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/4
...King Abdullah II on Saturday sent a cable to King Abdullah Ben Abdul Aziz King of Saudi Arabia condoling him over the Saudi victims who drowned when an Egyptian ferry caught fire and sank in the Red Sea. The King expressed 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.

Cartoons: Jordan editor arrested
News24.com 2006/2/4
A Jordanian tabloid editor was arrested on Saturday after his newspaper published controversial cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed.   Jihad Momani, editor-in-chief of the weekly gossip newspaper Shihane, was fired on Friday after his newspaper printed three of the cartoons. ...On Friday, Jordan's King Abdullah II said: "insulting the prophet Mohammed is a crime that cannot be justified under the pretext of freedom of expression."
OK, now where does one draw the line in the rest of the world, and does that apply to Jesus and Yahweh as well?  It should prove very interesting to see how this plays out, ie in the context of "our Judeo-Christian-Islamic heritage" and unification of the three great religions (see story below).

Jordan's king urges moderates to unite
The Washington Times 2006/2/3
King Abdullah II of Jordan quoted from the Bible and the Koran in a brief speech to a lunchtime crowd of 2,000 mostly evangelical Christians yesterday, invoking "our Judeo-Christian-Islamic heritage" and urging moderates of the three great religions to unite.
    "At this point in history, our service to God, our countries and our peoples demands that we confront extremism in its myriad forms," he told listeners at the annual National Prayer Breakfast luncheon at the Washington Hilton.
    "To overcome this common foe, we must explore the values that unite us, rather than exaggerating the misunderstandings that divide us."
    The king got an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd, and Sen. Bill Nelson, Florida Democrat, called Abdullah "a great example of unity for us." Praying in the name of Jesus Christ, a name otherwise hardly mentioned by anyone else at the event sponsored by evangelical Christians, Mr. Nelson asked God for "a double portion" of the spirit of the late Jordanian King Hussein to rest upon Abdullah, his son.
    The king reciprocated with a speech that included six verses from the New Testament, eight from the Koran, two from the Old Testament and remarks from Martin Luther King. ...

The Jordanian factor
DEBKA-Net-Weekly 2006/2/3
Jordan’s King Abdullah was the first player on the scene.  When Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) arrived in Amman Tuesday, the king opened a discussion on joint action to isolate Hamas (while offsetting Iran’s scheme) and also to prevent Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood, known as the Muslim Jordanian Action Front, from getting together with the victor of the Palestinian election. ...The Jordanian Action Front is sufficiently well-connected and influential on the West Bank to represent Hamas. Abu Mazen has no wish to boost Hamas’ strength on the West Bank, while the king is deeply reluctant to see Hamas and Iranian influence seeping across the West Bank border into his realm. Therefore, the Hashemite king willingly acted at Washington’s behest to seek a pact with the Palestinian leader in three areas: 1. He persuaded Abu Mazen to back away from his earlier stated intention of entrusting Hamas to lead the next Palestinian government. DEBKA-Net-Weekly’s Amman sources disclose that the king said to him: “What’s the hurry? Don’t let Hamas make you run scared. Your policy should be to shrink the Hamas lead, to reduce it to a parliamentary majority instead of a majority for government.” ...

Jordan king condemns Prophet Muhammad caricatures as protests continue
Al Bawaba 2006/2/3
King Abdullah II of Jordan condemned the cartoons in comments published Friday by Petra. ' Equally, whilst we respect and revere freedom of speech, we condemn needless desecration and injury of Islamic sensibilities, such as the recent cartoons misrepresenting and vilifying my ancestor the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him),'' The King made these comments during a speech delivered on Thursday to 3,000 world and US figures. The King added that extremists, of any religion, who teach intolerance and violence, mutilate Scripture to advance their cause. ''We behold with horror and disgust the recent targeting of Christian churches in Iraq, breaking with a 1400 year tradition of Christian-Muslim friendship and mutual acceptance amongst the Arabs of the Levant,'' the Jordanian monarch said. ''Extremism is a political movement, under religious cover. Its adherents want nothing more than to pit us against each other, denying all that we have in common,'' said the King.

House Reopens Issue of Iraq's WMD
The New York Sun 2006/2/3
WASHINGTON - Nearly a year and a half after a final report from American weapons inspectors concluded they could not uncover evidence of stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has reopened the question, launching an inquiry and asking the director of national intelligence to re-examine the issue. ...
? 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

Who Is Really Oppressing the Palestinians?
FrontPageMag.com 2006/2/3
...Who is responsible for the plight of the Palestinians? From the data presented above, the answer is obvious. From the 19th century onward, Arab leaders, both local and external, have betrayed the Palestinian Arabs, forced them into poverty, cheated, intimidated, and oppressed them, condemned them to serfdom and stolen the land out from under them. Every opportunity for statehood was squandered by leaders who chose war and terrorism over peace and cooperation (see Addendum). Arafat’s totalitarian kleptocracy, his “democracy of the gun”, was most assuredly the very worst, most heinous, of all betrayals. ...

Can Israel Take Out the Mullahs' Nukes?
FrontPageMag.com 2006/2/2
...Ordnance capable of penetrating deep into the earth would be required to destroy hidden facilities, like the kind the U.S. used to bomb the caves at Tora Bora in Afghanistan. In September 2004, it was reported that the United States was about to sell Israel 500 of these one-ton “bunker busters” that can penetrate 30 feet of earth or concrete. “This is not the sort of ordnance needed for the Palestinian front. Bunker busters could serve Israel against Iran, or possibly Syria,” an unnamed Israeli official told Reuters.   It is doubtful that Iran has the ability to respond directly to an Israeli attack. Tehran would probably activate Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon with batteries of short-range missiles and rockets, which could severely disrupt life in northern Israel. Iran could also get Palestinian militia fighters to carry out terror attacks in Israel. From Israel’s point of view, though, neither of these threats would be existential. An Iranian bomb, however, would be.
contributed by Bob Anderson

The Nuclear Dots
FrontPageMag.com 2006/2/2
...ElBaradei, who was awarded the Nobel Peace prize last year for slow-rolling the showdown with Iran, was at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 27, hobnobbing with movers and shakers. There he announced that the United States should offer to supply Iran with nuclear reactors.   Now there’s a novel idea. The IAEA amasses a mountain of information that shows Iran has systematically violated its nuclear safeguards agreement for nineteen years – which clearly demonstrates that Iran cannot be trusted with nuclear technology - and the IAEA Secretary General thinks Iran should be rewarded with the latest nuclear technology.   The IAEA secretary general may be the last man alive in a position of responsibility who still fails to connect the nuclear dots in Iran. Pity. ...
contributed by Bob Anderson

Abdullah Addresses Luncheon
Christianity Today 2006/2/2
...King Abdullah II also spoke at greater length during the National Prayer Luncheon. He said that Christians, Jews, and Muslims betray the victims of terrorism if they succumb to intolerance and ill will. "In every generation, people of faith are tested," he said. "In our generation, the greatest challenge comes from violent extremists who seek to divide and conquer. Extremism is a political movement under religious cover. Its adherents want nothing more than to pit us against each other, denying all that we have in common. We must therefore heed the words of the New Testament: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" [Romans 12:21]. ...
? Daniel 7:8, Rev. 13:5…And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things…

Regent Receives Hungarian Speaker of Parliament
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/2
...Szili hailed the march of democracy in Jordan, praising His Majesty's role in region to prevail peace and security. ...

Kingdom's relations with Hamas will depend on agenda of future Palestinian gov't — Bakhit
Jordan Times 2006/2/2
...“We will thoroughly analyse the Palestinian government's programme, to see how harmonious it is with Jordan's higher interests and future cooperation will be dictated accordingly,” Bakhit said at the Lower House of Parliament yesterday.   “We hope Hamas will be able to form a Palestinian government capable of meeting the Palestinian people's ambitions and that will succeed in living up to the great responsibility it shoulders,” ...

King Starts Work Visit To USA
Jordan News Agency 2006/2/2
...King Abdullah will deliver a speech in Washington before U.S. and International academic and political figures on the Jordanian vision and efforts to enhance the interfaith dialogue according to Amman Message which seeks to glorify the joint values among all religions that reject terrorism and extremism. His Majesty's speech will also cover issues of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. ...

Syrian president holds onto power
BBC News 2006/2/2
..."The situation in Syria is starting to resemble the situation of Saddam Hussein in Iraq before the US invasion - very isolated," said Mr Qabalan.   "Syria doesn't have many friends any more, except Iran, and Iran is not a friend that so many people like to have," ...
? 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

Politics & Policies: Why Hamas can fail
United Press International 2006/2/2
...few tears would be shed if the Hamas experience were to fail. And pushing them toward failure should not be difficult. Israel can, and most likely will play hardball, demanding recognition by Hamas and a statement that the group is moving away from terrorism.   This is where Hamas cannot afford a single slip-up. At the first sign of violence emanating from Hamas, the Israeli response will be devastating for the group. ...

The brains at the helm of Hamas
Philly.com 2006/2/2
Khaled Mashaal is seen as mastermind of a group steeped in violence and challenged to be political. ..."We shall never recognize the legitimacy of a Zionist state created on our soil," Mashaal wrote. "But if you are willing to accept the principle of a long-term truce, we are prepared to negotiate the terms."   A long-term truce while continuing the struggle is the sort of relationship Israel has with neighboring Syria and Lebanon. But it also sounds to many Israelis like a stalling tactic while Hamas rebuilds the capacity of its armed wing. ...

Stepped-up threats of U.S. aggression against Syria
Socialism And Liberation 2006/2/2
...Washington’s methods of aggression should no longer be a mystery to anyone. First, the decision is made to target a particular country. Then the "evidence" is collected—or fabricated—to justify the attack. The Iraq invasion is the most glaring example in recent times, where the supposed threat of Iraq’s non-existent "weapons of mass destruction" was used to justify the destruction and takeover of the country.   The same method is now being applied to Syria with the same objective—the overthrow of the government and the end to Syria’s existence as an independent and sovereign state. ...
? 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

SADDAM HUSSEIN'S GENERAL REVEALS WHERE THE WMD WENT...
WMCA 2006/2/1
...Listen to the MP3 PodCAST now by clicking here... (This link will be hot after 4pm EST, and stay live for one week. You can also download the MP3 file and put it on your IPod.) ...
? 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

About those missing WMDs ...
Jewish World Review 2006/2/1
...Sada's is only the most recent of a series of accounts by people in a position to speak with authority who say (some of) Saddam's chemical and biological weapons wound up in Syria. ...Those who have bet their political futures that Saddam had no WMD may be starting to sweat.
contributed by Bob Anderson

Riyadh, Amman call on Hamas to moderate stance
The Daily Star 2006/2/1
...Abdullah said all Palestinian factions must "understand the requirements of this period, deal with it logically, and prove to the whole world that there is a Palestinian partner able to go forward to achieve peace." ...

Syria's weapons of mass destruction
WorldNetDaily 2006/2/1
...every reason the United States had to invade Iraq and overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein now applies to Syria. If we don't take action against Syria soon, we will have to apologize to Saddam Hussein. ...If Syria is in position of biological and chemical weapons obtained from Saddam Hussein, how long will it be before Assad puts some of those weapons in the hands of the Islamic terrorists who seek to use them against us? ...

Viewpoint: Interfaith dialogue in Israel-Palestine
Middle East Times 2006/2/1
...Clearly these interfaith groups face many limitations and obstacles, including lack of funding, little government support and the continuing conflict. In addition, Israeli and Palestinian policymakers are not usually involved with, or even updated on, these initiatives. Sometimes, long-term planning is also missing.   Despite the above shortcomings, interfaith dialogue does have the potential to play an important and necessary role in helping people and politicians realize that they cannot resolve the conflict in the Holy Land without genuine input and consideration from its religious communities.   Most importantly, interfaith dialogues provide an all too rare opportunity for Christians, Jews and Muslims to work together as fellow human beings in the joint pursuit of conquering their mutual ignorance and learning to live together in peace.

JORDAN: KING ABDULLAH ON U.S. MISSION
adnkronosinternational 2006/2/1
...he will meet President George W. Bush, vice president Dick Cheney, secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and other senior figures in the Bush administration. Topping the agenda will be developments in the Middle East ...

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