Critics question secret oversight; official says
it avoids public blame
Reuters Dec 23, 07 4:02 PM CST
(Newser)
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Washington will secretly score Israeli and Palestinian adherence to the "road map" peace plan and hash out results with each side, Reuters reports. US diplomats plan to report to the White House on Israeli settlement growth and Palestinian vows to curb militants, two keys to the peace deal—but critics question the value of such secret oversight.
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Says Palestinian militants must first cease attacks, recognize Israel
BBC Dec 23, 07 12:19 PM CST
(Newser)
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Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today refused to consider a truce with Hamas until the militant Palestinian group recognizes Israel and halts attacks in Gaza, reports the BBC. Olmert told government officials that Israel is gaining ground in stopping rocket attacks, of which 1,000 have hit Israel since Hamas seized power in June. "This war will continue," he said.
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Government moves to break deadlock
BBC Dec 3, 07 4:15 AM CST
(Newser)
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The Lebanese government is attempting to clear a deadlock over who will run the nation by approving Lebanon's army chief as a presidential candidate. Gen. Michel Suleiman has provisional support from both the right-wing Christian ruling party and the Hezbollah-led opposition. His selection would require a constitutional amendment endorsed by the cabinet, because retiring public servants are required to wait two years before becoming president.
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Israeli uneasiness prompts withdrawal
of draft document
Reuters Nov 30, 07 5:25 PM CST
(Newser)
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Reacting to Israeli objections, the US State Department has withdrawn a draft of a UN resolution based on agreements reached at this week's Annapolis conference, Reuters reports. Israeli diplomats apparently were dismayed that the US did not consult them before putting the resolution to the Security Council yesterday, and involving the UN in the peace process may have made them uncomfortable.
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Arab leaders at conference unified by mounting extremist threats in Mideast
New York Times Nov 28, 07 3:19 AM CST
(Newser)
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Fear of Iran and Islamic extremism is the catalyst that's bringing together delegates at the Mideast peace conference in Annapolis, the New York Times reports. Sunni Arab leaders see their young people becoming radicalized and Iran's influence expanding, and fear the region could be transformed in new and dangerous ways. Iran has strongly condemned the peace talks.
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But there won't be any 'theatrical shows' of affection for Israel
BBC Nov 23, 07 11:23 AM CST
(Newser)
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Saudi Arabia will attend next Tuesday’s Arab-Israeli summit in Maryland, Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said today, but he won't be shaking hands with any Israelis, the BBC reports. Prince Saud said at a meeting of the Arab League that the Saudis were reluctant to go, but since the League reached a consensus in favor of attending, "the kingdom will walk along with its brothers in one line.”
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Now established in
54% of country and headed for Kabul
Guardian (UK) Nov 22, 07 4:49 AM CST
(Newser)
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The Taliban is rapidly regaining control of Afghanistan, according to a report released by the Senlis Council, an independent think tank. The insurgency has established a permanent presence in 54% of the country, including "important road arteries," and the Taliban's goal of reaching Kabul in 2008 seems "more viable than ever," the report concluded.
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Egyptian prez on board for next week's Annapolis summit
New York Times Nov 20, 07 6:33 PM CST
(Newser)
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Saying "Now is the right time for a comprehensive peace," Hosni Mubarak today endorsed next week's Middle East summit in Annapolis, the Times reports. The Egyptian president's backing boosted hopes that more Arab states will take part. “Obviously we would hope that Egypt’s position will be representative of a larger Arab position,” said an Israeli spokesman.
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Mideast envoy offers 'quick impact
project' ahead of Annapolis summit
Guardian (UK) Nov 19, 07 11:00 AM CST
(Newser)
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In his first major undertaking as the international community's Mideast envoy, Tony Blair will disclose plans today to provide tens of thousands of jobs for Palestinians, the Guardian reports. The multimillion-dollar projects come in the lead-up to the peace talks in Annapolis next week. "This is part of the Blair mandate to find 'quick impact projects,'" said a British official.
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Hamas is 'abusing our people,' says Abbas
Guardian (UK) Nov 16, 07 4:00 AM CST
(Newser)
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas yesterday called for the overthrow of the Hamas government in Gaza for "abusing" people. "We have to bring down this bunch, which took over Gaza with armed force," he said in his most inflammatory remarks since Hamas took over in June. Abbas' angry attack closely followed Hamas' violent suppression of a pro-Fatah rally earlier this week.
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Abizaid: Strategic situation won't allow withdrawal for decades
Associated Press Nov 1, 07 3:37 PM CDT
(Newser)
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It could be 50 years before US troops leave the Middle East, the former commander of US forces in the region said yesterday. The Associated Press reports that while John Abizaid acknowledges that US forces will eventually play an "indirect role" in conflicts such as Iraq, the military won't be able to completely withdraw for at least 25 years.
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Stigma prevents many women from seeking treatment for the disease
Associated Press Oct 24, 07 2:38 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Laura Bush today swept into a country where breast cancer is such a taboo that it is often not prevented, treated, or publicly admitted—a high-profile woman trumpeting a pink-ribbon message where 70% of cases aren't reported until late stages. Though excellent care exists, many ignore "that disease" for fears ranging from dealing with male doctors to no one wanting to marry a patient's daughter.
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Dude detained in row as photogs snap
super model gal pal
Associated Press Oct 21, 07 12:00 PM CDT
(Newser)
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A camera-shy Florida surfing champ with super model in tow was detained and released following a row with photographers in Israel, reports AP. Eight-time world champion Kelly Slater was spotted outside a hotel near Tel Aviv with model Bar Refaeli; when photogs started snapping, Slater pushed them, police said. A similar incident occurred earlier this year when Refaeli was spotted with former beau Leonardo DiCaprio, and the actor's bodyguards scuffled with paparazzi.
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