Topic: Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine

Syria: rebels fight Palestinian pro-Assad group (+video)

When the revolt against Assad's rule began in March 2011, the half-million-strong Palestinian community in Syria stayed on the sidelines. But as the civil war deepened, many Palestinians have taken sides.

Backchannels
From a distance, Syria 'feels' like Iraq in 2004

There's some hope for a faster end to the fighting – with British Prime Minister Cameron hinting at safe passage for Assad if he decides to quit the fight. But the outlook is grim.

Syrian conflict makes Palestinians into both refugees and combatants

When the uprising against the Assad regime began, Syria's half-million-strong Palestinian population was reluctant to join in. Now, some have fled, while others have joined in the fight.

Opinion: West must recognize peaceful Palestinian resistance movement

The West has been largely silent on Palestinian nonviolent resistance, which is unifying groups like Fatah and Hamas. Unless the West recognizes these peaceful initiatives, some Palestinians may question whether civil protest is any better than its violent alternative.

Backchannels
What does the Gilad Shalit deal really mean?

The Gilad Shalit exchange means a great deal for the released prisoners and their families. But in the larger picture, it won't bring much change.

Gilad Shalit deal: Which Palestinian prisoners will walk free?

Nearly 500 Palestinians are scheduled to be released by Israel Tuesday in an exchange for soldier Gilad Shalit. Here’s the status of seven well-known prisoners (See the whole list here):

Israelis petition Supreme Court to stop Gilad Shalit deal

With Gilad Shalit's scheduled release only a day away, Israelis who fear the consequences of releasing the prisoners are making a final push to derail the deal by petitioning the Supreme Court.

Qaddafi air strikes intensify, unnerving Libya rebels

As NATO and UN powers debate whether to impose a no-fly zone on Libya, rebels on the eastern front in Ras Lanuf are feeling the pressure from stepped-up air strikes.

Abbas agrees to fresh Israeli-Palestinian talks in Egypt, but has little support at home

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed today to meet again in two weeks. But Mr. Abbas has little support at home for the talks, even among allies.

Global News Blog
Hamas headband? Fatah keychain? Gaza Strip gift shop has it all.

Gaza Strip's Chairman Arafat Gift Shop sells souvenirs that span the Palestinian political spectrum, even if there are no visitors to buy them.

Terrorism & Security
Gilad Shalit deal: German mediator delivers Israel offer to Hamas

The German intelligence official reportedly mediating a prisoner exchange to bring home Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit had previous success with an Israel-Hezbollah swap in 2008.

Israel air strikes in Gaza: Will Hamas rocket truce hold?

Gaza militants vowed counterattacks for Israeli air strikes, one day after Hamas-brokered deal to stop rocket attacks.

US envoy's visit could ease Gaza blockade

Forced to rebuild using mud and animal-drawn carts, Gazans are increasingly frustrated with Hamas's hard-line policies.

Will all Palestinian factions honor Hamas's cease-fire?

Hamas may not be able to prevent other factions from attacking Israel, analysts say.

Rocket fire from Lebanon: a second front for Israel?

Hezbollah denies firing three rockets Thursday. Israeli officials blame Al Qaeda militants.

Israelis bolster new front line with Gaza

Ashkelon, an Israeli city 11 miles north of Gaza, has become a new target for Palestinian rocket fire.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about affirmative voting, bombings in Israel, judicial elections, and drilling in polar bear habitat.

World

Fertilizer, frustration fuel Gaza's rockets

A visit to a rocketmaker shows a reliance on very basic materials. The range of rockets fired at Israel has slowly been growing.