WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The State Department has announced the withdrawal of its personnel from Yemen. It issued this statement on Sunday, March 22: Due to the deteriorating security situation in Yemen, the U.S. Government has temporarily relocated its remaining personnel out of Yemen. We have informed President Hadi of this step as part […]
U.S. withdraws personnel from Yemen Read More »
Middle East, USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — Netanyahu won Israel in last week’s elections, but did he lose America in the process? Panicking not long before polling stations opened, the prime minister made two statements to woo voters: warning that Israel’s Arab citizens would vote “in droves” for their own and, second, that there would be
In winning election Netanyahu lost U.S. support Read More »
Middle East, USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Gevalt! This is not meant to mourn the election results, but the month or more of haggling and babbling that will surround us until there is a new government. Several times a day we’ll be hearing commentators speculating about who gets what ministries. Just as often we’ll hear the self-appointed “ranking”
In Israel, U.S., leaders face their constraints Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USATEL AVIV (Press Release)–From computers, tablets, and smartphones to cars, homes, and public transportation, our world is more digitally connected every day. The technology required to support the exchange of massive quantities of data is critical. That’s why scientists and engineers are intent on developing faster computing units capable of supporting much larger amounts of
Will next generation of computing be optical? Read More »
Middle East, Science, Medicine, & EducationLAUSANNE, Switzerland (Press Release)–Following is an excerpt of the comments made by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday, March 21, on the status of the P5+1 nuclear negotiations with Iran: SECRETARY KERRY: … I also want to thank particularly the Swiss Government. I’d like to thank Didier Burkhalter for his personal generous welcome to
Kerry: As deadline approaches, gaps with Iran remain Read More »
International, Middle East, USABy Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — Presumably I’m not the only person who finds it difficult to dispose of theatre programmes (or ‘theater programs’ as it’s spelled in the US). In recent years, as my attendance at performances has increased I’ve become more ruthless in my attitude to these mementos. Thus, I have been able
Memory: She can smile at the old days Read More »
International, Middle EastJERUSALEM (Press Release)–The President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, will begin on Sunday (22 March, 2015) at the President’s Residence, a series of consultations with the parties elected to serve in the 20th Knesset. A letter was sent this evening to the parties, by the Director General of the Office of the President, Harel Tubi, inviting
Rivlin to begin coalition government talks March 22 Read More »
Middle EastBy Donald H. Harrison The death of the mother of Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, the onset of the Iranian New Year, and the approaching deadline for the conclusion of the P5+1 negotiations over Iran’s nucelar aspirations, have prompted President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, and the State Department to issue several expressions of
U.S. rhetoric warms toward Iran, chills toward Israel Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, USAEuropean diplomat denies Iran’s assertion that framework nuclear deal is close (JNS.org) A framework agreement on Iran’s nuclear program is unlikely to be reached in the next few days of the talks between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 powers, a senior European diplomat said, blaming Tehran for its refusal to compromise. “Contrary to what
Jewish news briefs: March 20, 2015 Read More »
International, Middle East, USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The New York Times is as far away from a realistic view of things Middle East as the Obama White House. It’s post election analysis was some element of bitter grapes, and dreaming about possibilities that do not exist. Its emphasis on deep wounds resulting from a bitter Israeli election campaign
Post- election opinions? Everyone seems to have one Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USAWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — Jewish groups on Thursday, March 19, welcomed Israel’s Prime Mininster Benjamin Netanyahu’s clarification that he still desires a two-state solution with the Palestinians, although he considers circumstances very difficult for achieving this outcome. Here are the comments from the Jewish groups: American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC): “Today, Israeli Prime
Jewish groups welcome Netanyahu support for 2 states Read More »
Middle East, USAWASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, March 19, delivered the following statement at a Committee hearing on the Iran nuclear negotiations: “Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for calling this very important and timely hearing. “Mr. Deputy Secretary, Mr. Under Secretary:
Engel to Obama: Do not ignore Congress on Iran Read More »
Middle East, USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — The president hasn’t yet consulted with the leaders of the political parties, but the country is already speculating about who will get what tik (Hebrew for “portfolio”). Because Netanyahu needs the smaller parties on the political right (Bennett’s pro-settler Habayit Hayehudi; Lieberman’s “Russian” Yisrael Beiteinu; Kahlon’s right-of-centre newcomer Kulanu; the
Coalition building: the scramble for ‘tiks’ Read More »
Middle EastWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The United States is deeply disturbed by reports that the Assad regime used chlorine as a weapon again, this time on March 16 in an attack on the town of Sarmin. We are looking very closely into this matter and considering next steps. While we cannot yet confirm details, if
U.S. denounces chlorine gas use in Syria Read More »
Middle East, USA