Showing posts with label top stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label top stories. Show all posts

Monday, October 1, 2012

Top Stories October 1, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  As race stands, Obama within reach of second term - Looks like everyone is watching the US elections.

Lebanon Daily Star:  couldn't access this morning

Haaretz (Israel):  Romney: Obama's lack of resolve on Middle East, Israel and Iran puts U.S. security at risk - Yep, more election coverage.

Turkish Daily News:  PM Erdogan vows to be 'in nation's service' until 2023 - 2023 is the 100th anniversary of the Turkish republic.  Erdogan wants to change how the presidency works too.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Top Stories September 24, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Prince Miteb: National Day instills spirit of hard work - A celebration of Saudi Arabia and King Abdul Aziz.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Internal opposition seeks Syria transition - The Free Syrian Army claims to control much of Syria, and wants to take Damascus.  The National Coordination Body for Democratic Change in Syria met in Damascus to encourage a peaceful takeover, and are somewhat at odds with the rebels doing the actual fighting.  They worry about the influence of Turkey and the Gulf states.

Haaretz (Israel):  Israel working to avert collapse of ailing Palestinian economy - Israel is worried about the economy in the West Bank.  Hmm, I wonder why the economy could be so bad? [This is another article that requires registration.]

Turkish Daily News:  Deal for Cyprus not possible: Archbishop - The Greek Archbishop says that the Turks and Greeks on Cyprus want different things.  He says the Greeks want a unitary state, but the Turks want more power.  I don't see an end to this any time soon.  I've met Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and both of them told me how horrible the other side was.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Top Stories September 17, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Turkish defense ties explored - There is not much in this article, except for a meeting between Prince Salman and the Turkish president's senior adviser.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Pope sends farewell message of unity - The pope spent 3 days in Lebanon and held a mass for 350,000 people.

Haaretz (Israel):  The intricate web of relationships that is Iran's leadership - This is another one that requires registration.

Turkish Daily News:  Armenia hosts drill as tension continues - They are in the middle of 5 days of war games.  Armenia and Azerbaijan are having problems because an Azerbaijani soldier who killed an Armenian was extradited then pardoned.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Top Stories September 10, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Time to make 'real investment' in health - An international conference on non-communicable diseases started on Sunday.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Car bomb kills 27, wounds 64 in Aleppo - The bloodshed in Syria continues.  Total deaths so far are estimated at over 27,000.

Haaretz (Israel):  Israel to compensate Palestinian family whose sons were killed in Gaza war - The sons were killed during a truce in Operation Cast Lead.

Turkish Daily News:  PM calls on judiciary to nix BDP immunity - This is a continuation of the BDP meeting (intentionally or not) with the outlawed PKK.  The BDP currently has parliamentary immunity, which Erdogan wants removed.  The BDP has threatened to leave parliament if that happens.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Top Stories September 4, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Tough warning to Assad over chemical arms - The US and Europe are saying they will take action if Assad uses chemical or nerve agents.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Nasrallah: Cabinet's fall would rock stability - Nasrallah is the leader of Hezbollah.  He says Lebanon must keep the Cabinet, to avoid worse problems.  And that Hezbollah can defend Lebanon against Israel.

Haaretz (Israel):  Former CIA chief tells Haaretz: Decision on Iran strike can wait - Iran won't have nuclear capability until 2013 or 2014.  This article require login.

Turkish Daily News:  Terrorism abusing freedom: Top judge - The head of the Supreme Court of Appeals said that terrorists are taking advantage of freedoms.  He also condemned the media for influencing judicial cases.


Note: Monday was a holiday in America.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Top Stories August 27, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Daraya massacre an 'atrocity on a new scale' - Over 300 bodies of civilians were found killed.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Assad's forces accused of massacre near Syrian capital - This is also about Daraya.  Everyone in the Middle East is watching.  What about you, America?

Haaretz (Israel):  Netanyahu to Lebanon: Israel will strike in case of Hezbollah provocation - As if things aren't tense enough in the Middle East, Israel and Hezbollah are having problems.  An Israeli strike would include Lebanon's infrastructure, not just Hezbollah targets.

Turkish Daily News:  Tensions fuel debate over Syrian refugees - About 80,000 Syrians have fled to Turkey, and the number is rising.  A CHP (Republican People's Party) delegation was denied entry into a refugee camp by the government.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Top Stories August 20, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Nation marks Eid with religious fervor - Eid Mubarak everyone!

Lebanon Daily  Star:  Assir and supporters demonstrate against Hezbollah, Syria - Sheikh Ahmad Assir and his supporters are protesting kidnappings and Hezbollah's weapons.

Haaretz (Israel):  Israeli Police: Hundreds watched attempt to lynch Palestinians in Jerusalem, did not interfere - This is really disgusting.  And it was done by teenagers!  It reminds me of the Jim Crow South.  How dare these people be in our area.  They want our women.  They deserve it.  Those are not actual quotes, but an example of what some White Southerners used to say about Black Southerners.  And to hear something similar by Israelis about Palestinians is truly awful.  Here's an actual quote from a teenager who was there: "They shouldn't be here, it's our area. For what other reason would they come here if not to make passes at Jewish girls?"

Turkish Daily News:  BDP-PKK meeting adds to controversy - A meeting took place, but it's unclear whether it was intentional or just by chance.  Since the PKK is outlawed, the public prosecutor is looking into the matter.  The BDP is the Peace and Democracy Party.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Top Stories August 13, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Syria's UN human rights envoy defects in Geneva - Another government official leaves Assad.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Assad welcomes talks with opposition, says ambassador - As long as Assad is running the talks.

Haaretz (Israel):  Oil prices rise to nearly $94 amid concerns over Israel-Iran conflict - Netanyahu spoke again about the threat of a nuclear Iran.

Turkish Daily New:  PKK kidnaps Turkish lawmaker - A deputy of the CHP (Republican People's Party) was kidnapped.  It is suspected that members of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) are responsible.  The PKK is outlawed in Turkey.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Top Stories August 7, 2012 - a bit delayed

Sorry - distracted by  Olympics.

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia) - Iran backs Assad as Syrian forces choke off Aleppo - Assad was on TV with an official from Iran.

Lebanon  Daily Star - Assad vows to crush Syria rebellion - He keeps referring to the opposition as "terrorists."

Haaretz (Israel) - In the battle to restore order in Sinai, Hamas holds the key - Egypt is concerned after 16 soldiers were killed in Sinai.

Turkish Daily News - Having trouble connecting.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Top Stories July 30, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Syrian fighters seek heavy arms as Assad unleashes 'killing machine' - The Syrian opposition is fighting in Aleppo, but needs heavier weapons.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Rebels hold off Syrian forces in Aleppo - Assad declares victory in Damascus but rebels still hold parts of Aleppo.

Haaretz (Israel):  In Jerusalem speech, it was Romney's voice but Netanyahu's words - A Haaretz blogger's take on Romney's visit to Israel.  NOTE: Haaretz is now requiring free registration.

Turkish Daily News:  Assad will go; terror can not prevail: CHP - The Republican People's Party (CHP) thinks Assad will go, but doesn't want Turkey to become entangled in Syria.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Top Stories July 23, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Syrian rebels say fight for Aleppo has begun - The Kingdom may be funding the rebels, and is starting a campaign to raise more money.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Hezbollah may get chemical arms if Assad falls: Netanyahu- The Israelis are growing increasingly concerned about the conflict in Syria.

Haaretz (Israel):  Egypt begins allowing Palestinians free entry into country - Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem may now enter Egypt.  This ends a 5-year closure of Gaza.

Turkish Daily News:  Ankara mulls options to 'dead' Geneva deal - Turkey has been hoping for a transitional government in Syria, but Russia and China vetoed the UN resolution.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Top Stories July 16, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Fisherman killed as US ship fires on boat off Dubai - Four Indians were fishing on a small boat that approached a US Navy ship that was refueling.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Syrian army briefly enters east Lebanon, clashes with armed group - The soldiers entered Mashari al-Qaa then returned, after fighting with an unknown group.

Haaretz (Israel):  Clinton: U.S., Israel on the same page regarding Iran -  The US prefers diplomacy at this point.

Turkish Daily News:  CHP eyeing return to social democrat roots - The leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) will release a "Democracy and Freedom Manifesto."

Monday, July 9, 2012

Top Stories July 9, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  King receives director of CIA - The director of the American CIA is visiting King Abdullah.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Hezbollah uncovers Beirut-based spy network: report - It's a little fuzzy, but Hizbollah may have found CIA operatives in Beirut.

Haaretz (Israel):  Israel Navy demands NIS 3 billion for protection of gas rigs - This is to protect Israeli natural gas rigs in the Mediterranean.

Turkish Daily News:  6.0 quake hits near Rhodes, felt in Turkey - It happened around 5 pm.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Top Stories July 2, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Cabinet approves new mortgage laws - Mortgages can now be sold.

Lebanon Daily Star:  S&P: High debt a factor in Lebanon downgrade - Standard and Poor downgraded Lebanon's outlook in May.  It went from Stable to Negative.

Haaretz (Israel):  Romney to visit Israel ahead of U.S. presidential vote, Netanyahu aide says -Romney will meet with the Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers

Turkish Daily News:  Turkish football guilty of match-fixing, court rules - A number of football people are going to jail over this.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Top Stories March 5, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Greater GCC integration to play key role in economic arena - Gulf economists met to discuss a better integration of GCC economies.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Homs siege drives 2,000 Syrians to Lebanon - The Red Cross still can't get into Homs to help people.

Haaretz (Israel):  Assad's father-in-law says he is 'horrified,' as violence in Syria escalates - More info on Syria.  And a British website has rumors about Asma Assad being a possible prisoner.

Turkish Daily News:  Turkish police secret files password '123456,' hackers reveal - Yet another government agency using the worst possible password.  RedHack is the group responsible.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Top Stories February 27, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  G20 meet focuses on dialogue - The UAE, Jordan, and Morocco also had representatives attending the conference.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Divisive issues cast pall over Cabinet session - Cabinet was suspended for about a month, but is now meeting again.  The main issues causing problems are civil service appointments and some extra spending (about $6 billion).

Haaretz (Israel):  Israeli intelligence reports warn of increased Palestinian violence - With the way things are going right now in the Middle East and the peace process, there could be more violence from Palestinians.  And if the Israelis react too harshly in Gaza, Egypt might get involved.

Turkish Daily News:  Main opposition CHP strives for new track - The Republican People's Party (CHP) held a convention and the opposition leader won.  There's a lot of infighting going on; it's a mess.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Top Stories February 20, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  International prize for renal research instituted - This happened at the Fifth Saudi International Conference on Nephrology and Transplantation.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Cabinet crisis solution expected this week, say ministers - The cabinet has been stalled since February 1st, but that may finally be changing.

Haaretz (Israel):  U.S. concerned that Barak is pushing for Israeli attack on Iran - A lot of American officials have been meeting with Israeli officials to prevent an attack at this time.

Turkish Daily News:  PM Erdogan: Nobody should pray for crisis - The government investigations of other parts of the government is really causing problems in Turkey.  [See last week's top stories.]

Monday, February 13, 2012

Top Stories February 13, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Saudi Arabia: How long will we watch Syrian massacres? - That's a quote from the Saudi foreign minister.  The Arab League is ready to do something.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Arabs seek U.N. intervention in Syria - Another article about Syria and a possible Arab-UN mission.

Haaretz (Israel):  Israeli officials: West Bank outpost relocation plan isn't feasible - Apparently if the outpost is relocated, it needs various planning approvals which may take a long time.

Turkish Daily News:  Probe exposed PKK spy ring: Deputy PM - An investigation in the government appears to have outed some spies who infiltrated the PKK, which is considered a terrorist organization.  Some of them may have committed crimes, in the process of infiltration.  This is turning into a big mess.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Top Stories February 6, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Abbas to head new unity Palestinian government - Fatah and Hamas met in Qatar and actually agreed to let Abbas be the unity leader.

Lebanon Daily Star:  U.S. closes embassy in Syria - The United States is now out of Syria, following the UN vote that was vetoed by Russia and China.

Haaretz (Israel):  Netanyahu: PA President must choose between peace with Israel and peace with Hamas - Netanyahu refers to Hamas as a "terrorist organization."  When did Fatah stop being one?  Apparently they are now a legitimate entity.  Why not Hamas?

Turkish Daily News:  Turkey summons Swiss envoy over investigation into minister - Turkey's EU minister denied there being an Armenian genocide, so the Swiss are investigating that incident.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Top Stories January 30, 2012

ArabNews (Saudi Arabia):  Oil may hit $150 on EU ban: Tehran - Iran is also posturing by putting a bill in parliament that would ban sales to the EU for years.

Lebanon Daily Star:  Mikati says Lebanon closer to launching electricity plan - Electricity is being rationed in Lebanon, and Iran is offering to sell them some for a cheaper price.

Haaretz (Israel):  Panetta: Iran is one year away from producing nuclear weapons - The United States says that Iran could have nuclear weapons in a year, but it would take several more for a delivery device.

Turkish Daily News:  Arab Spring breeze swaying Hamas too - Hamas has had its headquarters in Syria, but is looking to move elsewhere as the situation there deteriorates.  They may now be welcome in Turkey, as Turkey is still mad at Israel over the Gaza Flotilla.