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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Name that plague – or maybe not

The Monitor's language columnist calls the 'repositioning' of swine flu a vivid reminder of the power of names.
Obama vs. bin Laden: A battle for Muslim hearts

Two recordings from the Al Qaeda chief and his deputy may signal that Obama's overtures, particularly his speech in Cairo Thursday, have put the organization on the defensive.
Obama visits Saudi Arabia, Cairo – why not Israel?

Many Israelis see the president's decision to bypass Jerusalem as part of a broader shift in US priorities in the region.
In Mideast, Obama faces tough crowd: Here's what they want to hear

The president stopped in Saudi Arabia, where 79 percent of residents view him favorably, on Wednesday. But in Cairo tomorrow, he'll address a skeptical audience of 1.4 billion Muslims.
Opinion: Obama versus Muslim conspiracy theories

His major speech in Cairo is directed at an audience that often blames difficulties on America and Israel. A bold move might help regain trust.
Ahead of Obama's Cairo speech, Arab leaders see window of opportunity for peace

King Abdullah II of Jordan, embraced by the West and his Arab allies, is emerging as a facilitator for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
China hosts world's oldest pottery; no faux fu cauldron here
Israeli proposal: Make Jordan the official Palestinian homeland

The controversial idea – though not new – could still undermine Netanyahu and erode Israel's relations with moderate Arab countries.
UN: Israeli buffer zone eats up 30 percent of Gaza's arable land

Looking to increase security, Israel dropped leaflets last week warning residents to stay at least 1,000 feet from the border or risk being shot.
Palestinian clashes cast gloom on reconciliation efforts

Hamas has vowed revenge on Fatah after a shootout between the two factions in the West Bank that left six dead.
Today's agenda: Missing Air France jet, GM bankruptcy, Israeli buffer zone
N. Korea's nuclear defiance may embolden Iran, Israelis worry

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates promised Saturday that the US will not 'stand idly by,' but the communist nation's example could be a case study in how to side-step diplomacy.
Palestinians wonder: Will Obama make good on his promises?

Though pleased with Obama's meeting with Palestinian President Abbas Thursday, they are waiting to see if the US president will break from decades of failed US policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Egyptian reform activists wary of Obama's visit to Cairo

Many see his decision to deliver a major speech in Egypt as a nod of tacit support for the regime's authoritarian rule.
Obama visit: Abbas brings Palestinian cause, but not support, to Washington

Not only are Fatah and Hamas deadlocked in a power struggle. Abbas’s own Fatah bloc has rejected his new government.
Israel rejects US call for settlement freeze

A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said "natural growth" would continue in existing settlements after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for a complete halt.
Memo to Israel (and Abbas): Obama firm on settlements

On the eve of the Palestinian president's Oval Office visit, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday that the administration meant zero growth, period.
Difference Maker People making a difference: Andi Arnovitz

This Israeli fabric artist stitches Jewish and Palestinian themes into 'Garments of Reconciliation.'
Opinion: Don't let Iran cross the nuclear threshold

In dealing with Tehran, none of Obama's options are pretty or risk-free.
Israeli cabinet to consider loyalty oath for citizens – including Arabs

On Sunday, Netanyahu's government votes on two bills designed to shore up support for Israel as a Jewish state.
Today's coverage agenda: Israel's Arabs, gay marriages, recession's end
If you're facing a crisis

A Christian Science perspective.
What can the US do about North Korea?

Washington’s response to the rogue nation’s nuclear test Monday is complicated by Pyongyang’s custody of two American journalists.
The Media Relations Department of Hizbollah Wishes You a Happy Birthday

Foreign correspondent Neil MacFarquhar serves up a memoir that is part-journalistic account, part-foreign-policy primer on the Middle East.
Obama demands that Israel stop settlements. How feasible is that?

The US and Israel agreed this week to establish a joint committee on how to implement a freeze outlined in the 2003 road map.