Looking for His glorious appearing! Titus 2:13

White House Welcomes Sisi Election, Presses Egypt Over Rights
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsReuters
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

The United States said on Wednesday it looked forward to working with former army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as Egypt's president but expressed concerns about the "restrictive political environment" in which he was elected.

Sisi won 97 percent in the presidential election last week, the election commission said on Tuesday, confirming interim results that had given him a landslide victory.

A White House statement reiterated U.S. concerns about limits on freedom of peaceful assembly and expression and pressed the government to ensure such rights were given to all Egyptians.

The United States was pleased that international observers were allowed to participate, it said.

"As Egypt looks toward parliamentary elections later this year, we urge the government to consider the recommendations of the observer groups on ways to improve the administration of future elections," it said.

"We urge the President-elect and the government to adopt the reforms that are needed to govern with accountability and transparency, ensure justice for every individual, and demonstrate a commitment to the protection of the universal rights of all Egyptians."

The election took place against the background of a crackdown against supporters of Mohamed Mursi, Egypt's first freely elected president who was deposed by the army last July, that has seen his Muslim Brotherhood outlawed, hundreds killed and thousands arrested.

The United States, which has counted on Egypt as a close Middle East ally for decades, suspended some aid to the country after Mursi's overthrow.

President Barack Obama, who is traveling in Poland as part of a four-day European trip, planned to speak to Sisi in the coming days.

West Prods Iran to Speed Up Cooperation With IAEA Inquiry
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsReuters
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Ukraine Government Claims Heavy Rebel Losses As Fighting Rages on
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsReuters
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Government forces pressed on with an offensive in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, claiming they had inflicted heavy losses on separatist fighters, though this was denied by the rebels.

A spokesman for Kiev's "anti-terrorist operation" said more than 300 rebel fighters had been killed and about 500 wounded in fierce fighting in the past 24 hours in and around the city of Slaviansk, a strategically located separatist stronghold.

U.S.: There are No Hamas Members in Unity Government
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

State Department rejects Israel’s disappointment over its intent to cooperate with the Hamas-Fatah government.

The United States on Tuesday rejected Israel’s expressions of disappointment over its statements that Washington was planning to cooperate with the new Palestinian Authority (PA) unity government.

Deputy State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said, in fact, that the new government does not include any members of the Hamas terrorist group.

"It is not a government backed by Hamas. There are no members of Hamas in the government," Harf told reporters.

She added that the new unity government is a transitional one that is made up of individuals who are not politically associated with any party.

"Hamas is a designated terror organization in the U.S. and we will not provide it with any assistance. We don't have any contacts with Hamas," declared Harf, who added that Washington would judge the government by its actions.

The comments follow a series of angry Israeli reactions to State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki’s statement on Monday that Washington would “work with this government.”

An Israeli official had said following Psaki’s declaration that Israel was "deeply disappointed" by the United States’ readiness to work with the new PA government.

Communications Minister Gilad Erdan called the United States “naive” following Psaki’s comments and Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz accused Washington of hypocrisy.

Capping the reactions was Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who said on Tuesday he is "deeply troubled" by the United States' decision to maintain relations with the new Hamas-Fatah unity government.

"I'm deeply troubled by the announcement that the United States will work with the Palestinian government backed by Hamas," Netanyahu told AP.

"All those who genuinely seek peace must reject President Abbas' embrace of Hamas, and most especially, I think the United States must make it absolutely clear to the Palestinian president that his pact with Hamas, a terrorist organization that seeks Israel's liquidation, is simply unacceptable," he added.

The European Union on Tuesday joined those backing the new government, saying it will work with the new unity government, on condition it sticks to the principle of peace with Israel based on a two-state solution.

U.S. Lawmakers Call on Obama to Suspend Aid to PA
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Obama called to suspend financial aid to the PA in the wake of the formation of the Hamas-Fatah government.

Lawmakers in the United States on Monday called on the Obama administration to suspend financial aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the wake of the formation of the new unity government between Hamas and Fatah.

The calls came as the State Department stated that the U.S. would work with the new unity government.

According to The Hill, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) said that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas “argues that the new government is composed of ministers without political affiliation, but this new government appears dependent upon Hamas and Hamas continues to support terrorism in its quest to destroy the state of Israel.”

Cantor added, “The burden lies with this new unity government to demonstrate in words and actions that it is truly independent of Hamas, that it rejects terrorism, and that it is committed to a peaceful two-state solution, including recognizing Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.”

Cantor also noted that recent conflict in the region and reports of corruption within the Palestinian Authority “raise serious doubts both about the willingness of the Palestinian Authority to forge peace with Israel and about its ability to govern in a transparent and responsive manner.”

"The laws of the United States prohibit assistance to terrorist organizations,” he pointed out, according to The Hill.

“The administration, in consultation with Congress, should initiate an immediate review of this new government,” he continued. “Until such time that it is determined that assistance to this so-called technocratic government is consistent with our own interests, principles, and laws it is incumbent on the administration to suspend U.S. assistance.”

In a separate statement quoted by The Hill, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Nita Lowey (N.Y.), said she was “deeply disappointed” in the new PA unity government.

“[A]s long as Hamas rejects the Quartet principles and the existence of the state of Israel, United States funding for this unity government is in jeopardy,” she said.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), who heads the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, released a statement of her own in which she called for the U.S. to withhold funding from any Hamas-backed government.

“Whether it’s a government comprised of Hamas technocrats or an interim government that includes more active members of Hamas, the Administration must not fall for this latest scheme by [Abbas] and Hamas,” she said.

“The Palestinian leaders know that a unity government would trigger U.S. law to cut off funding, so now they are trying to find loopholes in order to say that they are still abiding by the conditions our law’s mandate. This contortionist act, akin to an embarrassingly evil Cirque du Soleil trick without any of the charm,  is disingenuous at best, but this is the type of scheme you would expect from Abu Mazen and his cronies as they continue to try to undermine the peace process and fail to live up to past agreements with Israel,” she added.

“The PA deciding to partner with a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization once again reaffirms that Abu Mazen is not a true partner for peace and the U.S. must respond by withholding assistance to any Hamas backed unity government. The Administration must not fall for Abu Mazen’s latest ploy and instead enforce U.S. law and cut off funding.”

The new PA unity government was sworn in on Monday in Ramallah, the first such unity government for seven years.

The government is part of a the reconciliation deal recently signed by Hamas and Fatah, which aims to bring an end to a bloody seven-year feud between the sides.

The Israeli Cabinet decided after the swearing in not to engage politically with the new government, as part of the policy not to negotiate with terrorists.

In an official statement, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said “Abbas said 'yes' to terror, not peace It is the direct continuation of Abbas's policy to refuse peace, while Israel has made courageous and painful steps for the political process and remains committed to peace.”

Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon said earlier that support for the new unity government means support for terrorism.

"The replacement of ministers in the Palestinian government is just a pretty wrapping for the terrorist attacks that were conducted and will be conducted under their protection," declared Danon.

"Now, all aid given to the Palestinians by the United States and other countries directly aids terror attacks against the state of Israel," he warned.

U.N. Chief Welcomes Hamas - Fatah Government
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed on Tuesday the formation of the new Palestinian “unity government” which includes the Hamas terrorist group.

In a statement, Ban expressed hope that new opportunities for progress towards a two-State solution with Israel will emerge soon, saying the UN had received assurances that the Hamas-Fatah deal would be implemented on the basis of previous commitments such as the recognition of Israel and non-violence.

“The United Nations has long underscored the need for progress towards Palestinian unity in line with existing resolutions, within the framework of the Palestinian Authority and the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization,” said a statement issued by the Secretary-General’s spokesperson.

“The Secretary-General takes note of the renewed assurances yesterday by President Abbas that the Government will continue to abide by those commitments of recognition of Israel, non-violence and adherence to previous agreements,” added the statement.

“The Secretary-General also notes that the Palestine Liberation Organization will remain responsible for holding peace negotiations with the State of Israel, a commitment President Abbas has reaffirmed, and hopes that new opportunities for progress toward a two-State solution will emerge soon.”

The statement added that the UN stands ready to lend its full support to the new government in its effort to reunite Judea, Samaria and Gaza, in line with the unity deal, under one legitimate Palestinian Authority, including by addressing the serious political, security, humanitarian and economic challenges in Gaza, and holding long overdue elections.

The UN statement joins ones by the European Union and the United States, both of which said they were open to working with the new unity government despite the inclusion of Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said he is "deeply troubled" by the United States' decision.

"All those who genuinely seek peace must reject President Abbas' embrace of Hamas, and most especially, I think the United States must make it absolutely clear to the Palestinian president that his pact with Hamas, a terrorist organization that seeks Israel's liquidation, is simply unacceptable," he told AP.

American lawmakers on Monday called on the Obama administration to respond to the new unity government by suspending aid to the Palestinian Authority.

The PA Peaceful? Tapuah Terrorist a Fatah Member
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

The Palestinian Arab terrorist responsible for shooting at IDF soldiers at the Tapuah junction in Samaria is also a Fatah member, Ma'an reveals Tuesday - confirming suspicions that the unity pact between Fatah and Hamas will lead to a dramatic upswing in terror attacks against Israelis. 

Alaa Mohammed Awad Odeh, 31, shot at IDF soldiers late Monday night at the Tapuah junction near Ariel, in the second terror attack at the site in one week. IDF soldiers and Border Police immediately shot and killed Odeh; one soldier was lightly wounded and treated at the scene by army medics. 

On Tuesday, Odeh's family rejected Israel's reports that he was armed and dangerous, and told Ma'an that his family home in the nearby Arab occupied settlement of Awarta was raided after the attack. 

Monday night’s attack comes just three days after security forces apprehended an Arab terrorist wearing a bomb belt at the same location.

The terrorist raised suspicions by wearing a coatin the hot summer weather. After security forces called on him to take off his coat and be checked, the man refused and proceeded to lay on the floor.

When he finally removed his coat, he was found to be wearing a belt of explosives. A bomb disposal squad was called to the area to dismantle the explosives.

Both attacks follow the last stages of the establishment of Hamas and Fatah's "unity" government, which was sworn in on Monday morning.

While the European Union and the US have both insisted that the government - which they claim will be controlled by Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas - is committed to peace, Monday's attack demonstrates that a Fatah membership does not preclude a proclivity to terror attacks. 

Even before the unity pact, Israel released its annual "Palestinian Incitement Index" earlier this year showing that incitement against Israel and the Jewish people is continuing on official media channels including - inter alia - by bodies that are very close to the PA Chairman and in educational and religious networks.

Such incitement ranges from the glorification of Nazism and the lionization of Adolf Hitler, to programs on official PA television featuring heavily-stereotyped Jews as villains (and encouraging violence against them), and various TV and radio shows which literally wipe the Jewish state off the map.

Obama Brings to Poland Cautious Security Pledges for E. Europe
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsDebkafile
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

President Barack Obama arrived in Warsaw Tuesday at the start of a four-day European trip to demonstrate US commitment to E. European security after Russia's intervention in Ukraine. He unveiled a $1bn initiative to send more US military to Europe on a temporary basis. Speaking to US and Polish airmen in front of an F-16 fighter jet at Warsaw’s Chopin airport, Obama said the US commitment to Poland was “sacrosanct.”

Obama Admits Taliban Prisoner Swap Could Harm America
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsDebkafile
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Facing bipartisan criticism at home, President Barack Obama admitted Tuesday that the five high-profile Taliban prisoners swapped for Sgt Bowe Bergdahl could rejoin jihad against America. “That’s been true of all prisoners released from Guantanamo,” he said.  A Middle East official said the released Taliban leaders were moving around in Qatar unhindered and unmonitored and preparing to return to the battlefield. Senator Dianne Feinstein said: ““I certainly want to know more about whether this man (Bergadhi) is a deserter or not.” A deputy national security adviser had called her office Monday, she said, to apologize for the administration’s failure to notify her as the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee before Saturday’s swap.

New Palestinian FM Threatens Israel
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsDebkafile
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Riyadh al Maliki, the Palestinian unity government’s foreign minister, threatened Wednesday that Israel’s accusations against his Hams-backed government would bounce back like a boomerang. He said some of the ministers serving in Israel’s “extremist” government were “terrorists," and named Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Trade Minister Naftali Bennett and Housing Minister Uri Ariel.

Netanyahu Deeply Troubled By U.S. Cooperation With PA Government
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told The Associated Press (AP) Tuesday he is "deeply troubled" by the United States' decision to maintain relations with the new Hamas-Fatah unity government.

"I'm deeply troubled by the announcement that the United States will work with the Palestinian government backed by Hamas," Netanyahu told AP, saying the group has murdered "countless innocent civilians."

The comments came after State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Monday that Washington believes Abbas has "formed an interim technocratic government... that does not include members affiliated with Hamas."

"With what we know now, we will work with this government," Psaki said.

"All those who genuinely seek peace must reject President Abbas' embrace of Hamas, and most especially, I think the United States must make it absolutely clear to the Palestinian president that his pact with Hamas, a terrorist organization that seeks Israel's liquidation, is simply unacceptable," Netanyahu said Tuesday.

An Israeli official had said following Psaki’s declaration that Israel was "deeply disappointed" by the United States’ readiness to work with the new PA government.

"We are deeply disappointed by the comments of the (U.S.) State Department regarding working with the Palestinian unity government," a government official said.

"This Palestinian government is a government backed by Hamas, which is a terror organization committed to Israel's destruction," the official, who declined to be named, pointed out.

Communications Minister Gilad Erdan went even further, calling the United States “naive” following Psaki’s comments.

“Unfortunately, the American naiveté is breaking all records. Cooperating with Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization in the U.S. and which murders women and children is unacceptable,” he said.

“America’s repeated surrendering to the dictates of the Palestinians seriously harms the chances of ever resuming negotiations with the Palestinians, and Israel will take unilateral steps to protect its citizens from the terrorist government established by [PA Chairman Mahmoud] Abbas,” declared Erdan.

Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz accused Washington of hypocrisy on Tuesday, telling Army Radio, "You cannot present it as a Hamas government internally, then present it publicly as a government of technocrats If these (ministers) are people who identify with Hamas, Hamas identifies with them and appointed them, then they are representatives of Hamas. This is a Hamas government, and Hamas is a terror organization."

NATO Commander Accuses Russia of Destabilizing Eastern Ukraine
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsReuters
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Let the Headlines Speak
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsFrom the Internet
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Unusual seismic activity continues near Noatak
Strong earthquake activity continues near Noatak, with a strong aftershock recorded last week that has become the third powerful temblor in what is now a series of strong quakes and potent aftershocks in just the last two months. Natasha Ruppert, a seismologist with the Alaska Earthquake Center in Fairbanks, said Thursday’s 4.6 magnitude aftershock struck just before 10:30 p.m. about 18 miles northeast of Noatak.  

Quake shakes people awake in southeast Alaska
The U. S. Geological Survey reports a magnitude 5.7 quake occurred just before 4 a.m. and was centered about 94 miles west-northwest of Juneau. It was 45 miles west-southwest of Haines.

Temple Mount faithful lay claim to lost ark
If you ask the Temple Mount faithful, the answer is fairly straightforward: The ark is intact and well, securely protected within the Temple Mount itself.

Cholera In Sudan, Ebola Threat In Sierra Leone, MERS Invades Algeria
The Ministry of Health of South Sudan declared a cholera outbreak in Juba on May 15, 2014 after four cases were laboratory confirmed following tests conducted by the African Medical Research Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya. The first case identified with onset of illness was on April 23.  

UK science panel backs three-parent IVF babies
The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said Tuesday that after examining a large amount of data, it has concluded that nothing suggests at the moment that the techniques used were “unsafe” and added it could be “potentially useful for a specific and defined group of patients.”  

How to erase a memory –- and restore it: Researchers reactivate memories in rats
The study, published in the June 1 advanced online issue of the journal Nature, is the first to show the ability to selectively remove a memory and predictably reactivate it by stimulating nerves in the brain at frequencies that are known to weaken and strengthen the connections between nerve cells, called synapses.  

Researchers confirm 60-year-old prediction of atomic behavior
Researchers at Washington State University have used a super-cold cloud of atoms that behaves like a single atom to see a phenomenon predicted 60 years ago and witnessed only once since. The phenomenon takes place in the seemingly otherworldly realm of quantum physics and opens a new experimental path to potentially powerful quantum computing.  

What-s-going-on-with-the-sun-Scientists-puzzled-by-oddities-in-sunspot-cycle
The sun has been acting strangely of late, prompting some solar physicists to suggest that once current sunspot activity peaked, which appeared to happen last fall, it could tank and remain that way for several decades.  

Book warns people to 'be prepared'
...Courson of Bedford, Ind., and formerly of Danville, expands on that warning in his first book, “The Terminal Generation.” Its basic message is: The world as we know it is about to change forever; be prepared. ...“We’re the generation that needs to be prepared to meet Jesus Christ,” he said in a telephone interview from his home. Jesus Christ is coming soon — suddenly and silently — to “rapture” his church...  

Earthquake swarm detected at Yellowstone National Park
Seismographs have picked up a swarm of earthquakes in the northwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park, including dozens early Tuesday.  

Alaska volcano erupts with new intensity, prompting 'red' alert
An Alaska volcano that has been spewing ash and lava for years began erupting with new intensity this week, pushing a plume of smoke and ash as high as 24,000 feet (7,315 meters) and prompting scientists to issue their highest volcanic alert in five years... ...the intense action at the Pavlof Volcano, located in an uninhabited region nearly 600 miles (966 km) southwest of Anchorage, has so far not disrupted any regional air traffic...  

Will global pressure sway Sudan to free 'apostate' mom?
Daniel Wani of New Hampshire says Islamic court ruling condemning his wife, who says she is Christian, to lashes and death is 'not legal.'  

Half of Americans can’t afford their house
As the housing market slowly recovers, a majority of homeowners and renters are finding it hard to meet rising rents and mortgage payments... Over half of Americans (52%) have had to make at least one major sacrifice in order to cover their rent or mortgage...These sacrifices include getting a second job, deferring saving for retirement, cutting back on health care, running up credit card debt...  

Exclusive: Sharyl Attkisson on Journalism’s Very Dangerous Trend
Sharyl Attkisson, an award-winning investigative reporter who resigned from CBS News earlier this year, says the news media are heading down a dangerous path with attempts to “censor or block stories” that don’t align with their preferred agenda.  

PM ‘deeply troubled’ by US acceptance of PA leaders
Netanyahu says Washington must take stand against Hamas, tells French PM Europe should not recognize new government.  

Obama condemns Russian 'aggression' in Ukraine
US President Barack Obama has condemned Russian "aggression" in Ukraine. Speaking in Warsaw to mark 25 years since the fall of communism in Poland, he hailed Polish democracy as a beacon for neighbouring Ukraine. "How can we allow the dark tactics of the 20th Century to define the 21st?" he said.  

Jordan pans limited Muslim access to Temple Mount
Entrance to the Temple Mount was restricted after police received alerts of plans by Palestinians to sow unrest in the compound, according to the radio report.  

Nigerian villagers 'killed in Boko Haram church attack'
Suspected Boko Haram militants have killed dozens of villagers in fresh attacks in Borno state in north-eastern Nigeria, the BBC has learnt. In one attack, gunmen disguised as soldiers fired on a crowd in a church compound, local MP Peter Biye said. He said he had warned the army that the area was at risk after troops stationed nearby were withdrawn three months ago.  

Marine watchdog: VA deaths actually 'in thousands'
Evidence of dozens of U.S. veterans dying as they waited months for appointments and treatment are just the tip of the iceberg – and the real number of deaths could be in the thousands – according to a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who closely follows the issue.  

US seeks fresh China solar tariffs
The US has proposed higher and more extensive tariffs on Chinese solar panels. The Department of Commerce said it plans to impose duties of between 18.56% to 35.21%. That is much higher than the tariffs announced in 2012. The duties will be levied on solar panels and the cells used to make them. Previously they covered just the cells.  

Uncertainty on date of EU-Ukraine treaty signature
Ukraine has asked to sign a landmark EU treaty this weekend, but EU countries expect to do it at the end of the month. The “deep and comprehensive free trade agreement” - a 5kg box of technical documents - is at the heart of the Ukraine crisis. Its signature means Ukraine can have free trade with Russia but is legally bound to stay out of its Eurasian Union.  

International community welcomes Palestinian unity government
The European Union and the United Nations will work with the new Palestinian unity government, on condition it sticks to the principle of peace with Israel based on a two-state solution...joining in the ranks of the US and China. ..."We welcome ... the declaration by President Abbas that this new government is committed to the principle of the two state solution based on the 1967 borders...  

Tiananmen tense on rally anniversary
Chinese security personnel swamp Tiananmen Square on the 25th anniversary of the Beijing massacre, as memorials are held in Hong Kong.  

Iranian oil exports on course to blow past limits
Iranian oil exports are on course to run well above the levels the Obama administration said they would when the U.S. agreed to allow some crude shipments in exchange for limits on Iran's domestic nuclear program.  

U.S. official: 'Dangerous' Russian jet fly-by was 'straight out of a movie'
A Russian fighter jet buzzed dangerously close to a U.S. military plane in April, a U.S. official said Tuesday, describing the fly-by as "straight out of a movie." The Russian jet flew within 100 feet of the nose of a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance plane over the Sea of Okhotsk between Russia and Japan, a Defense Department official said.  

NASA Reveals Unprecedented Image of Deep Space
NASA revealed today one of the most colorful and comprehensive composite shots of deep space, a work that draws on nine year's worth of shots taken by the Hubble Telescope. According to researcher Rogier Windhorst, " It's the deepest panchromatic image of the sky ever made. It reaches the faintness of one firefly as seen from the distance of the moon."  

Kerry Defends U.S. Decision to Work With Palestinian Unity Government
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Secretary of State John Kerry defended Wednesday a US decision to work with the new Palestinian Authority "unity government", despite Israeli criticism, claiming that it does not include any Hamas ministers.

The United States, like Israel and the European Union, consider the Islamist group Hamas a terrorist organisation.

Speaking to reporters in Beirut, Kerry said Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas "made clear that this new technocratic government is committed to the principles of non violence, negotiations, recognizing the state of Israel, acceptance of the previous agreements and the Quartet principles."

"Based on what we know now about the composition of this technocratic government, which has no minister affiliated to Hamas and is committed to the principles that I describe, we will work with it as we need to, as appropriate."  

Kerry's statement echoed comments made by Deputy State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf on Friday.

"It is not a government backed by Hamas. There are no members of Hamas in the government," Harf told reporters.

She added that the new unity government is a transitional one that is made up of individuals who are not politically associated with any party.

"Hamas is a designated terror organization in the U.S. and we will not provide it with any assistance. We don't have any contacts with Hamas," declared Harf, who added that Washington would judge the government by its actions.

Kerry also said US preparedness to work with the Palestinian Authority does not mean recognition of a "Palestinian state".

"The US does not recognize a government with respect to Palestine because that would recognize a state and there is no state," he said.

A new PA cabinet was sworn in Monday, after a surprise reconciliation deal reached in April between Hamas and the PLO.  

The United States, the EU, the UN and Russia have all accepted to work with the cabinet.

Despite the alliance with Hamas, which does not recognize Israel and is pledged to its destruction, Abbas has said the government would abide by the principles of the Middle East Quartet, which envisage the establishment of "two states for two peoples".

The US' readiness to work with the new government has prompted fury from Israel, with Prime Minister Netanyahu branding it Tuesday as "simply unacceptable".

Other Israeli officials have also reacted sharply; communications Minister Gilad Erdan called the United States “naive” following Psaki’s comments and Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz accused Washington of hypocrisy.

While on an unscheduled visit to Beirut, Kerry said: "I want to make it very clear we are going to be watching it (the government) very closely, as we have said from day one, to absolutely ensure that it upholds each of those things it has talked about, that it doesn't cross the line."

July Deadline for Iran Nuclear Deal Appears in Jeopardy: Envoys
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsReuters
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

It is increasingly unlikely that six world powers and Iran will meet their July 20 deadline to negotiate a long-term deal for Iran to curb its nuclear program in return for an end to economic sanctions, diplomats and analysts say. theory, an extension to the high-stakes talks should not be a problem if all sides want it. But President Barack Obama would need to secure Congress' consent at a time of fraught relations between the administration and lawmakers.

Israel: U.S. Sanctioning Terrorism By Okaying Ties With Palestinian Unity Government
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

State Department says no plans to cut off aid despite some US lawmakers' comments to the contrary, says the US "will be judging this government by its actions."

Israeli officials charged that the United States had sanctioned terrorism after hearing late Monday night that Washington planned to establish ties with the newly sworn-in Fatah-Hamas unity government.

“If the US administration wants to advance peace, it should be calling on [Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud] Abbas to end his pact with Hamas and return to peace talks with Israel. Instead it is enabling Abbas to believe that it is acceptable to form a government with a terrorist organization,” Israeli officials said in a sharply worded statement to the media.

Israel’s Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer posted a message on his Facebook page which said that “with suits in the front office and terrorists in the back office, [the unity government] should not be business as usual.”

Irans Demand for Reactor Fuel Emerges As Sticking Point in Nuclear Talks
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

The Islamic Republic has said it should be able to produce fuel for its Bushehr nuclear power plant, a demand that may put July deadline for a deal in jeopardy.

Iran has said it should be able to produce fuel for its Bushehr nuclear power plant, a demand that world powers are unlikely to agree to and which may put a July deadline for a deal to end its nuclear standoff with the West in jeopardy.

Diplomats from the major powers negotiating with Tehran said Iranian negotiators expressed the demand at the latest talks in May - identifying one reason little progress was made towards a nuclear deal that could end Tehran's economic isolation.

Iran's ability to produce enriched uranium goes to the heart of a decade-old dispute over its nuclear program as the fuel can be used both to power reactors and - if further processed - to make the core of a nuclear warhead.

"They expect to get capacity to fuel Bushehr and that's unrealistic," one diplomat from the 'P5+1' countries in talks with Iran - the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - told Reuters.

"It gets you a very short breakout time," he said, referring to the time that would be needed to produce enough highly enriched uranium for one bomb.

Current UN Security Council resolutions demand Iran suspend all uranium enrichment, but it has refused to do so, saying its nuclear work is entirely peaceful. A new deal is likely to allow enrichment, but would aim to extend significantly the amount of time Iran would need to assemble bomb material if it chose to do so.

Iran's demand to make its own fuel for the 1,000-megawatt power plant may face resistance from Russia which built it and has a 10-year contract to supply the fuel, starting in 2011, something it wants to continue doing.

That might hurt Tehran's negotiating stance, which relies in part on Moscow's moderate approach toward Tehran compared to the West at the talks.

To reach a deal, the sides will also have to agree issues such as the future of other Iranian nuclear facilities and the speed and timeline of Western relief from economic sanctions.

One diplomat said that Iran had appeared to row back on its previous openness to resolve concerns over the heavy-water Arak reactor that the West fears could provide plutonium for bombs once it is operational.

At the May talks, Iranian officials appeared to suggest specific technical solutions that ran contrary to Western expectations, diplomats said. Iran has since publicly dismissed as "ridiculous" one solution that could allay western concerns.

A key issue that will determine Iran's enrichment capacity is the number of centrifuges, the machines spinning at supersonic speed to concentrate uranium's fissile element, which it can retain.

Iran now has about 19,000 centrifuges, with roughly half of them in operation. Western diplomats say only about half of the number of machines operating would be acceptable, although it would depend on other factors of any long-term deal, including the extent of oversight by the UN nuclear watchdog.

Such a number could be a small fraction of what might be needed to fuel Bushehr.

Talks resume in mid-June.

Iran and Russia Sign on to Build More Nuclear Plants At Bushehr
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Deal includes two desalination plants and is reportedly in exchange for oil; Russia built first and only reactor at Bushehr.

WASHINGTON -- Russia has agreed to build Iran two additional nuclear power plants, Iran's state-run Press TV announced on Wednesday.

Russia will construct the new facilities next to Iran's sole existing nuclear power plant in the city of Bushehr.

That plant was also built with Russian assistance, and was fueled for operation in 2011. The reactor was put under full Iranian control in 2013.

A spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organization said that months of negotiating with Russia's Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation resulted in the "preliminary agreement." Each plant will offer Iran 1,000 megawatts of power, which will wean the country off its reliance on oil. While Iran is rich in crude oil, the nation has poor refinement capabilities.

Islamic Republic officials claim their nuclear program is peaceful, though world powers suspect possible military dimensions to their work and intentions.

State Department officials could not be reached for comment on whether or not the deal violated international sanctions against Iran, to which Russia is a sponsor.

But on Friday, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that US sanctioning of Russia for its armed invasion of Ukraine would not affect unity amongst world powers on Iran and it's controversial nuclear program.

"Russia is not a part of this in supporting it because they're doing it as a favor to the United States," Psaki said. "They have publicly spoken about their concerns about Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon. And so we fully expect— and evidence of the last week shows you this— that they will remain an active partner at the negotiating table." Under duress from financial sanctions, Iran is expected to barter with Russia to pay for the new plants— possibly in crude itself.

Oil-for-goods sales between Iran and international parties have been condemned by the United States.

Iran Agrees to Interim Deal Completely Halting Nuclear Progress
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Iranian FM announces historic agreement has been reached; Obama deems deal "most significant and tangible progress" since he took office; Rouhani applauds agreement, but Zarif still insists on "inalienable right to enrich."

WASHINGTON -- Iran has agreed to terms of an initial bargain set by world powers in the hopes of pausing a standoff with the United States and Europe over its nuclear program.

"Diplomacy opened up a new path toward a world that is more secure," US President Barack Obama said in a late-night address from the White House, characterizing the deal as the "most significant and tangible progress" since the beginning of his presidency.

"For the first time in nearly a decade, we have halted the progress of the Iranian nuclear program," Obama said. "And key parts of the program will be rolled back."

Iran's decision on Sunday morning to comply with the deal — characterized in recent days by the Israeli government as "very, very bad" — was hailed in Geneva, Switzerland, as the "first step" toward a peaceful solution to the decade-old crisis.

"Because of this agreement, Iran cannot use negotiations as cover to advance its program," Obama said, adding that the deal "cuts off [Iran's] paths to a bomb."

Germany and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council — the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia and China — announced the interim agreement after the chief diplomat of each nation descended on Geneva, where talks were in their third round since October, in order to secure the deal.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon heralded the deal as "what could turn out to be the beginnings of a historic agreement."

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday congratulated Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif and the six world powers involved in reaching an interim agreement after four long days of negotiations in Geneva.

"Iranian people's vote for #moderation & constructive engagement (plus) tireless efforts by negotiating teams are to open new horizons," he posted on Twitter, after re-Tweeting Zarif's announcement of the deal.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said in the early hours of Sunday morning that the historic deal "enlarges the breakout time" Iran would need to develop fissile material for a nuclear device.

"The purpose of this is very simple: to require Iran to prove the peaceful nature of its program," Kerry said, "and to ensure that it cannot build a nuclear weapon."

Kerry stated that the deal would make America's regional allies including Israel, safer, and the US president echoed that sentiment in his remarks from the State Dining Room of the White House.

"As we go forward, the resolve of the United States will remain firm, as will our commitments to our friends and allies –- particularly Israel and our Gulf partners, who have good reason to be skeptical about Iran’s intentions," Obama said.

Addressing Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's concerns with the basic effectiveness of an interim deal, a senior US administration official said on Saturday night in a phone call with journalists that "we weren't going to get to an end state from a standing start."

"The prime minister has raised concerns in the past about the growing stockpile of 20 percent uranium this would neutralize that stockpile," the official said. "We and the Israelis were concerned about the Arak reactor coming online; we believe this halts Arak in its tracks for the first time."

The 'first step' imposes a limit on Iran’s enrichment capabilities and dilutes existing stockpiles of uranium, effectively halting parts of the program that are most worrisome to the international community. The deal specifically addresses the enrichment of uranium to weapons-grade quality, spun in centrifuges to such a degree that the material has no practical civilian purpose.

Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif said at a Sunday morning press conference in Geneva that Iran will never stop enriching uranium. He told reporters that enrichment will continue and "will be a part of any agreement now and in the future," although halting it is a significant portion of the agreement. Although many restrictions will be implemented over the next six months, it will not completely cease.

He continuously insisted that is it Iran's "inalienable right" and urged other countries other countries to "recognize and respect those who decide by their own free will" to develop nuclear technology. He added that the international community should "refrain from imposing restrictions, when we are exercising our right."

When asked about Israel's potential reaction to the deal, Zarif avoided naming the country, but said that there is no reason to react negatively. "The deal is geared toward resolving a problem that has cast its shadow cast over entire world, and this region. I do not see any justification to be concerned about the resolution of a problem."

"We are trying to move forward with the international community," he added. "They must accept fact that threat of war is illegal. War is unnecessary, imprudent and illegal. If we can prevent that, it is an accomplishment. The force option is no longer on the table."

He later told Iranian Press TV that the west had finally "recognized" Iran's nuclear rights, and it would only be a matter of time until all sanctions were lifted, once they address some outstanding concerns.

Iran will grant "unprecedented transparency" to not just its nuclear plants, but also to its ​raw materials at uranium mines and mills, which have previously had no formal oversight, a senior administration official said on Saturday night.

International monitors will be granted unfettered access to Iran's largest nuclear facilities, including Fordow, a uranium enrichment plant burrowed deep inside a mountain in the holy city of Qom and kept clandestine until 2009.

In his statement on Sunday morning, Kerry recalled that the revelation of Fordow's existence reinforced international suspicion over Iran's nuclear intentions, and led to the existing sanctions regime.

Additionally in the deal, three-quarters of all centrifuges already installed at Fordow, and half of those at Natanz — another major facility — will be rendered inoperable within the coming months.

Iran will not be allowed to install new centrifuges, but will be required under the agreement to freeze all enrichment beyond 20 percent — a key step towards weaponization. The Iranian government will also be required to "dilute" all uranium already enriched above 5 percent into a form "not suitable for further enrichment," the White House said on Saturday night.

But Iran may continue enriching uranium to 3.5 percent, and is required to dismantle any existing enrichment infrastructure.

The heavy-water plutonium reactor in Arak — which provides the Islamic Republic with another path to a nuclear warhead — will not be commissioned, fueled or further expanded.

In exchange for these concessions from Tehran, world powers will provide the Islamic Republic with sanctions relief valued up to $7-10 billion, including $4.2 billion in direct foreign exchange. The sanctions adjustments are "limited and reversible," says the US government.

The official said that sanctions relief on Iran would amount to, "at most, $6-7 billion dollars," in return for "very important concessions."

That compares to over $100 billion lost in oil revenue alone over the last two years, the official noted, and an expected $30 billion more over the next six months, throughout the duration of the interim deal.

"The relief automatically expires at the end of six months," the official noted, adding that the relief offered will be tightly controlled and "doled out in increments."

The White House released a list of sanctions that would remain in place immediately after the announcement of the deal, which includes those against the Central Bank of Iran, Iran's oil sector and restricted access to the US financial system.

The agreement will be in effect for six months, during which time the P5+1 powers will attempt to forge a conclusive, final-status agreement that will end the nuclear impasse.

"Nothing will be agreed to unless everything is agreed to," Obama said.

The US government has said its goal is to "put time on the clock" in order to stave off military conflict between itself with its allies and the Iranian government.

US officials have characterized an alternative strategy popular on Capitol Hill — not to strike an interim deal with Iran, but rather to sanction its government even further — as equivalent to ordering a march to war.

"This deal appears to provide the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism with billions of dollars in exchange for cosmetic concessions that neither fully freeze nor significantly roll back its nuclear infrastructure," said Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill), who favors new sanctions against Iran and lobbied against the deal. "Furthermore, the deal ignores Iran's continued sponsorship of terrorism, its testing of long-range ballistic missiles and its abuse of human rights." Kerry canceled a trip to Israel earlier in the week in order to clear his schedule for the weekend, expecting his presence would be required in Geneva.

The secretary will fly on from the Swiss city to London to meet with UK Foreign Secretary William Hague on Iran, and other matters, including Syria and the Middle East peace process.

The international community has refused to accept Iran's production of fissile material since 2003, when George W. Bush called the Iranian government part of an "axis of evil" for its attempts to build weapons of mass destruction.

EU Says It will Work With Hamas - Fatah Government
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

The European Union (EU) said Tuesday it will work with the new Palestinian Authority unity government, which includes the Hamas terrorist group, on condition it sticks to the principle of peace with Israel based on a two-state solution.

"We welcome ... the declaration by President Abbas that this new government is committed to the principle of the two state solution based on the 1967 borders, to the recognition of Israel's legitimate right to exist," the EU said in a statement quoted by the Reuters news agency.

"The EU's engagement with the new Palestinian government will be based on its adherence to these policies and commitments," the statement added.

The European announcement follows that of the United States. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Monday that Washington believes Abbas has "formed an interim technocratic government... that does not include members affiliated with Hamas."

"With what we know now, we will work with this government," Psaki said.

The American declaration was received with disappointment among Israeli officials, and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he is "deeply troubled" by the United States' decision.

"All those who genuinely seek peace must reject President Abbas' embrace of Hamas, and most especially, I think the United States must make it absolutely clear to the Palestinian president that his pact with Hamas, a terrorist organization that seeks Israel's liquidation, is simply unacceptable," he told AP.

Communications Minister Gilad Erdan called the United States “naive” following Psaki’s comments.

“Unfortunately, the American naiveté is breaking all records. Cooperating with Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization in the U.S. and which murders women and children is unacceptable,” he said Monday.

Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz accused Washington of hypocrisy on Tuesday, telling Army Radio, "You cannot present it as a Hamas government internally, then present it publicly as a government of technocrats If these (ministers) are people who identify with Hamas, Hamas identifies with them and appointed them, then they are representatives of Hamas. This is a Hamas government, and Hamas is a terror organization."

Egypt Confirms Sisi Won 96.9% in Presidential Election
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

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Egyptian election commission says former army chief secures landslide victory in last week's vote.

Former army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi won 96.91 percent in Egypt's presidential vote last week, the election commission said on Tuesday, confirming interim results that had given him a landslide victory.

But turnout was only about 47 percent of the country's 54 million voters, it said. That was less than the 40 million votes, or 80 percent of the electorate, Sisi had called for.

Sisi gained wide support from Egyptians after toppling President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood last year, prompted by mass protests against his rule.

He now faces staggering challenges in a country where street demonstrations have helped to topple two leaders in three years.

The lower-than-expected turnout raises doubts about Sisi's ability to maintain popularity while attempting to fix a battered economy, ease poverty and prevent further political crises from paralyzing Egypt.

In his first speech since the election, Sisi promised Egyptians a brighter future. But he did not spell out how he would deliver that to the nation of 85 million. So far, Sisi has insisted that hard work would cure Egypt's ills.

"I look forward to your continued efforts and determination in the coming building phase. You did what you had to do and now it is time to work," he said on television shortly after the official election result was announced.

The general, who toppled Egypt's first freely elected president, also described the future as a blank page that must be filled with bread, freedom, human dignity and social justice.

Those same slogans were uttered in the 2011 popular uprising that ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak and raised hopes of a democracy free of influence from the military.

Assad Wins Third Term
Jun 4th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Syria's ongoing major civil war, which has pitted the country's population against each other, has apparently not affected the popularity of President Bashar al-Assad, apparently. Assad has been reelected as President of Syria in an overwhelming electoral victory, with nearly 90% of Syrian voters choosing him for another term.

Elections took place for Assad's third term took place Tuesday. Results were announced Wednesday by Syrian election officials, who said that Assad had gotten 88.7% of the vote. According to the officials, 73.4% of Syrians participated in the elections. Out of the 15.85 million eligible voters in Syria, Assad got 11.63 million votes, they said.

US Secretary of State John Kerry dismissed the announcement, calling the elections – and Assad - “a big zero.”'

"It's a coronation of Assad, it's a celebration of his ability to survive the violent storm and basically go on the offensive," Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, told CNN Tuesday.

The New York Times added that observers at the scene include representatives from Syria's allies, many of which are no more democratic than Syria itself - including Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

France’s Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, spoke about the elections in Syria and indicated that the whole ordeal is one big “tragic joke.” Fabius said that “Syrians, and only those who live in areas under the government’s control, have a choice to vote for either Bashar or Bashar.”

“The reality is exactly what we already knew before the elections began- Syria is a state at war. Above all, Bashar Assad was named by the United Nations Secretary General as one who commits crimes against humanity. A man like Assad cannot represent the future of his nation,” the Foreign Minister told the France 2 television channel.