Internecine Feuds

(Newser) - In the 15 years since the Oslo accords, the Palestinian Authority under Fatah has tamped down anti-Semitic rhetoric. But in Hamas-controlled Gaza, incitement to violence against Jews has been amped up in everything from sermons to television cartoons. The New York Times investigates how virulent hatred of Jews—not just Israelis—compounds the difficulties of the peace process. More »

(Newser) - Joe Lieberman is several months into his job as John McCain’s wingman, but, writing in Time , Michael Scherer sees shades of 2004 turncoat Zell Miller in the Connecticut independent's anti-Democrat tone. Scherer hears a “Republican general election argument” in Lieberman's claim the Dems are ruled “by a small group … that is protectionist, isolationist and basically … very, very hyperpartisan.” More »

(Newser) - In a second attempt to mend fences, rival Palestinian groups Fatah and Hamas agreed to resume direct talks today to resolve disputes and revive their failed coalition. A Hamas official called the deal “a new beginning and the start of a new stage,” but just hours after signing the Yemeni-sponsored Sanaa Declaration, the factions returned to feuding, Reuters reports. More »

(Newser) - The three surviving original members of the Beach Boys have smoothed out a years-long legal disagreement, Reuters reports. Mike Love and the record company part-owned by Brian Wilson had sued founding member Al Jardine over his unauthorized use of the Beach Boys name for tours. With good vibrations now flowing again, a reunion could be on the cards. More »

(Newser) - Heath Ledger's estate has sparked a family squabble, with his uncles claiming the late actor's father is unfit to handle his his assets and make sure his daughter Matilda is cared for. The uncles say Kim Ledger bungled their grandfather's estate so badly that he had to be removed as executor, People reports. "It plunged into enormous debt," says Mike Ledger. More »

(Newser) - Sean "Diddy" Combs has vehemently denied claims that he, the Notorious BIG, and other rap figures were involved in an attack on Tupac Shakur in 1994. Shakur was shot outside a New York recording studio, triggering the East Coast-West Coast rap wars in which Shakur and others were murdered. In an interview with MTV, Combs insisted that the Los Angeles Times story was "beyond ridiculous." More »

(Newser) - Jim McGreevey has backed up his aide's claim that the two were involved in three-way sex with his estranged wife, contradicting her earlier denial. "This happened, this happened in the past, and now we need to move on with our lives," the former New Jersey governor told the AP. The McGreeveys' bitter divorce case is before the courts, and the aide is expected to be called as a witness. More »

(Newser) - Tupac Shakur was right: Associates of Sean "Diddy" Combs and the Notorious BIG were behind the beating and shooting of Shakur in New York in 1994. New info uncovered and interviews conducted by the LA Times show Combs' buddies set up the ambush, which kicked off the countrywide feud that eventually led to Shakur's death. More »

(Newser) - Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica dissolved the government today, saying it had become paralyzed over disagreements on how to deal with Kosovo and EU membership. He proposed new elections for May. "We are lacking government unity,” said Kostunica, charging that his pro-Western coalition partners aren't being adamant enough about rejecting Kosovo's recent independence. More »