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"Let it be free of any interference and free of regional conflicts"
February 16, 2009 8 min. read

“What we want of the national dialogue is neither to negotiate disarmament nor to negotiate the integration of Resistance into the army. What we want is the completion of the defense strategy, ” said Hizballah official Mahmoud Qamati. MP Mohammad Raad tried to clarify [but in fact did not] the problem saying that Hizballah is […]

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Coaltions Continue, Shalit, and Efrat Expansion
February 16, 2009 2 min. read

President Shimon Peres may urge Kadima and Likud to form a coaltiongovernment, he alluded to high school students in Be’er Sheva by stating his desire to ‘listen to the people.’ During the speech, he notd that upon receiving the official election results Wednesday nights, he would begin stressing coalition building for the next government. While […]

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Resembling the Wild West
February 16, 2009 1 min. read

People are brutalized and some killed. Why? Because of political affiliation.  Disappointingly that happens in today’s Lebanon. Hand Grenade Tossed at LF Center in Sin el–Fil Sfeir Criticizes Hariri Rally Violence that Left 1 Dead, 30 Injured Jumblat Calls for Restraint after Slaying of PSP Member And to end in the same tone. Berri came […]

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Livni in Oppostion, Durban II
February 15, 2009 2 min. read

Even though she received a plurality of votes in last week’s election, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni asserted to associates her desire to lead the opposition as opposed to joining Likud-led right wing coalition. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert urged Livni to oppose Benjamin Netanyahu claiming that a failed Likud-government would propel Kadima back into the PMO. […]

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Hamas Truce a Ruse?
February 14, 2009 2 min. read

While the press consistently publishes reports of Hamas agreeing to a truce deal with Israel that includes the release of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert denied any such deal, declaring “Israel is not currently engaging in any negotiations with Hamas, and certainly won’t achieve any kind of […]

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Hamas, Valentine's Day, and the Economy
February 13, 2009 1 min. read

Who knew that Hamas could help put smiles on happy couples’ faces this Valentine’s Day? Approximately 25,000 carnations left Gaza yesterday en route to Denmark, marking a major economic stimulus to flower growers who’s income sharply declined following Hamas’ takeover of the strip and the beginning of Israel’s restrictions on cross-border traffic. While Gaza exports […]

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Clinton visit and More
February 13, 2009 3 min. read

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will arrive in Israel March 3, one day after attending a Gaza rehabilitation conference in Cairo. During her visit, though, she may influence coalition building and the priorities of the next government. Hamas intends to include the exchange of captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit for 1000 Palestinian prisoners in a […]

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Bibi Stances Could Complicate U.S. Strategies
February 13, 2009 4 min. read

As President Barack Obama extends an open hand to Iran and Hamas in an effort to change the current Middle Eastern dynamic, Binyamin Netanyahu, Likud Chairman and potentially the next Israeli Prime Minister, may pose a hurdle towards some American strategies regarding the peace process and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction through […]

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Getting Ready for February 14
February 12, 2009 1 min. read

In this weekend Lebanon remembers two major events: the tragic death of Hariri, and those who were with him, and the Cedars Revolution.  It is a time for reflection as well as action. The Revolution entered a comatose state, but it is not yet dead. As preparations for the fourth commemoration of the assassination of […]

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Gaza, Syria, the Economy and CNN
February 12, 2009 2 min. read

While Israel asserts a victory in Operation Cast Lead, the state lost a number of intelligence agents in the conflict. Due to the use of intelligence to focus attacks and prevent civilian casualties, the loss of these individuals could result in increased death tolls in the event of another strike. Meanwhile, even though Israel failed […]

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Coaltion Building Nearly Finalized
February 12, 2009 2 min. read

Coalition building continues with Likud Chairman Binyamin Netanyahu offering Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who received a plurality of votes, significant cabinet positions such as defense alongside the foreign ministry. However, Livni still intends to attempt to form a coalition after receiving support from left-wing voters intent on preventing a Netanyahu victory. Meanwhile, Yisrael Beitenu chief […]

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Alaa al Aswany on Obama's Middle East outreach
February 11, 2009 1 min. read

The author of The Yacoubian Building writes in a Times op-ed that until the new President calls Israel to account for its incursion into Gaza, his words about listening to the Muslim world and initiating a dialogue will fall on deaf ears.

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