Topic: Israel

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Hugo Chavez: Global reactions to the Venezuelan leader's death

While he was alive, Hugo Chávez – the longest ruling democratically elected leader in Latin America – inspired people who loved him as often as he inflamed those who didn’t. That polarization seemed to follow him in death.
Banksy: 7 stories from 'The Man Behind the Wall'

Here are 7 Banksy stories from the recent biography "Banksy: The Man Behind the Wall."
How much do you know about Israel? Take the quiz

Israel, which stands out as a flashpoint even in a region made up of flashpoints, is the source of endless debate. How much do you know about it?
6 reasons why President Obama will defeat the NRA and win universal background checks

Something is going to happen this session in the US Congress that hasn’t happened in more than a decade: The National Rifle Association (NRA) is going to lose on a top priority issue. Here are six reasons why President Obama will win a victory on universal background checks.
Israeli elections: The 5 candidates steering the debate

Israeli elections will be held Jan. 22.

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As Iran's elections near, Ahmadinejad refuses to leave office quietly (+video)

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad cannot run again, but instead of easing his way out of office, he is stirring up controversy and clashing with other politicians.
Chuck Hagel: Filibuster in store for Obama nominee?

Chuck Hagel filibuster: Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said opposition to the former Republican senator leading the Pentagon was growing.
The Monitor's View: Need for textbook examples of peace in Israeli-Palestinian conflict

A major, US-funded analysis of textbooks used in Israeli and Palestinian schools finds few examples of each side demonizing the other. Rather, inaccurate maps and lack of information show a need to educate the next generation toward reconciliation.
New hurdle for nuclear talks: Iran's presidential politics (+video)

Iran's foreign minister said he was 'optimistic' about looming nuclear talks. But political sparring ahead of June presidential elections could stymie any dealmaking now.
Terrorism & Security Israel implies it was behind last week's airstrike in Syria, but little else is clear

As fresh details emerge about the suspected Israeli airstrike in Syria last week, key facts – like what the strike targeted – remain muddled.
After his rough Senate hearing, Chuck Hagel gets a boost from backers

His confirmation hearing performance was universally described as 'lackluster' at best – and far worse by many accounts. But Defense Secretary-nominee Chuck Hagel got some support Sunday, including another Republican backer in the Senate.
Iran says US offer of direct talks a 'step forward, but...'

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi responded positively to the US offer, but blamed previous negotiation failures on the US.
Israel on airstrikes in Syria: When we say something, we mean it

Israel's defense minister indicated that his country was behind the airstrike on Syria last week, noting that Israel has issued warnings against moving weapons into Lebanon.
Ed Koch: a collection of favorite New York minutes with the mayor

Ed Koch, a three-term mayor of New York, died Friday. His trademark 'How'm I doin'?' – as much a challenge as a question – was as brash as the city he led for 11 years. Here's our remembrance of some defining Koch moments.
Turkey suicide bombing: This time, US calls it a terrorist attack right away (+video)

A Turkish security guard was killed in the attack Friday. The State Department is still sensitive to charges that it was slow to call the attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya, a terrorist attack.
Decoder Wire Why Chuck Hagel is likely to squeak through as Defense secretary (+video)

Chuck Hagel probably has enough Senate votes to be confirmed as Defense secretary, despite a poor showing at his confirmation hearing. But if the GOP opts to filibuster his nomination, conventional wisdom gets upended.
'The Gatekeepers' is an eye-opening look at Israel's past – and possibly its future

'The Gatekeepers' focuses on six of the surviving former heads of Shin Bet, the Israeli domestic counterterrorism agency, and their memories of dark days.
Terrorism & Security Syria's regime and rebels each try to use Israeli airstrike to their advantage

The Assad regime says the attack underscores the need for unity. The opposition has contrasted the regime's lack of response with its relentless attacks on its own people.
Ed Koch, ex-mayor and icon of NYC chutzpah, dies (+video)

Ed Koch, described as bald and bombastic, rescued New York City from near-financial ruin during his three terms as mayor of the city. Ed Koch died at 88.
McCain pounds Chuck Hagel in Senate confirmation hearing

At the confirmation hearing for Chuck Hagel as Defense secretary, Sen. John McCain took a particularly robust line of questioning, asking him about his views on the surge in Iraq.
Why Argentina is reaching out to Iran

Argentina announced it would work with Iran to resolve a deadly 1994 anti-Semitic attack in Buenos Aires. Trade considerations underlie the deal.
Why Iran's nuclear enrichment upgrade may be a 'game changer' (+video)

If Iran succeeds in installing next-generation enrichment centrifuges at Natanz, as it reportedly has told the UN's atomic agency it is doing, it could shorten Iran's breakout time to a nuclear weapon.
UN report: Israel's 'creeping annexation' of territory is illegal

The new UN Human Rights Council report, though not legally binding, declared that Israeli expansion into Palestinian-claimed territory is a violation of the Geneva Conventions.
Video: Sen. John McCain and Chuck Hagel tangle over Iraq

Sen. John McCain had a feisty exchange with Chuck Hagel about the Iraq troop surge at Senate confirmation hearings for President Obama's pick for secretary of defense.
Nuke fast track? Iran plans to up uranium-enrichment capacity

In a letter to the UN's nuclear watchdog, Tehran announced it was planning to replace its centrifuges, which experts worry could significantly speed up development of a nuclear weapon.
Syria's allies warn of retaliation for Israeli airstrikes, but threats likely hollow (+video)

Syria and Iran threatened to retaliate against Israel for its strikes on Syrian territory while Hezbollah deemed the attacks 'barbaric aggression,' but escalation is in no one's interests.
Opinion: The fall and rise of Chuck Hagel: a good sign for US-Israel relations

Chuck Hagel, President Obama's controversial nominee for secretary of Defense, faces his Senate confirmation hearing today. His rise after a wave of objections is a welcome sign that 'daylight' between US and Israeli policies may be becoming more politically acceptable in Washington.
Israel sends message with dawn attack in Syria

In an early morning air raid Israel targeted weapons being transfered from Syrian President Assad's military to Hezbollah. Official secrecy shrouded the event, which reportedly killed two in Jamraya (located between Damascus and Lebanon's border).
Jerusalem soccer fans reject new Muslim players

Fans of Jerusalem soccer team Beitar say two recently signed Chechen players who are Muslim have no place there. But outside the professional world, soccer is being used to bridge the divide.
Israeli strike indicates Syria, Hezbollah may have crossed its 'red line' (+video)

Israeli jets reportedly struck an arms convoy carrying anti-aircraft missiles from Syria to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is building up its arsenal for a possible war with Israel.