Netanyahu and others envision “Israeli-Arab alliance”
Certain of Israel’s Sunni Arab neighbors are experiencing a warming toward Israel as some are beginning to talk about a “new alliance” and a “new narrative” in the Middle East.
Month: December 2019
Likud challenger seeking to depose Netanyahu could mean a boost for Israeli conservatives
Likud member Gideon Sa’ar is challenging embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israel’s conservative leadership primary on December 26 in what analysts say could mean a turn of the tide for the party.
Huge leap in number of protestors killed in Iran last month
The US has confirmed the highest estimate yet for the number of protestors killed in Iranian demonstrations that began November 15, agreeing with Reuters’ estimate that 1,500 people were killed.
Pew Research Center study find American children most likely to live in single-parent homes
A new Pew Research Center study found that, of 130 countries, the US had the highest rate of children living in single-parent homes, beating out other developed nations like the UK, France, Germany, and Canada.
Nigerian pastor kidnapped, yet no ransom demanded as officials continue to investigate
A pastor was kidnapped in Nigeria in Adamawa state last week, with no reason given by captors for the abduction, and no ransom demanded.
Wave of evangelical church closures in Russia belies Putin’s pledge to help Christians
At least 3 evangelical churches have been closed in Russia over the last 6 months, in spite of President Vladimir Putin’s pledge at a recent conference to “do everything” to protect Christians in the Middle East.
Rebels reopen half of closed Baptist churches in Burma
51 Baptist churches were allowed to reopen in Burma, where 100 were shut down in 2018 by armed ethnic Wa rebels.
Christians in Indonesia suffer wave of Islamic harassment
Indonesia has seen 40 anti-Christian attacks in the first 5 months of 2019, a two-thirds jump from last year, and a quadrupling of the rate from 10 years ago.
Second circuit of Iran’s Arak reactor to be completed Monday
The second circuit of Iran’s Arak heavy-water reactor is slated to go online on Monday, bringing it another stage closer to being fully operational, the country’s semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Facing backlash, Israel says it’ll allow Christian Gazans to go to Jerusalem
Israel will grant permits to Christian Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to visit Jerusalem and the West Bank during Christmas ‘in accordance with security assessments,’ the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, a Defense Ministry body responsible for liaising with the Palestinians, said on Sunday.
U.K. lawmakers OK Boris Johnson’s Brexit bill, pave way to leave EU
British lawmakers approved in principle Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit bill, clearing the way for the U.K. to leave the European Union next month.
Satellite photos show work on North Korean site linked to long-range missiles
North Korea has expanded a factory linked to the production of long-range nuclear missiles, according to a new analysis of satellite photos provided to NBC News that bolsters a growing expectation the country soon will resume testing a capability that threatens the United States.
Cyprus, Greece, Israel to sign pipeline deal on Jan. 2
The leaders of Cyprus, Greece and Israel plan to sign an agreement early in the new year for the building of the eastern Mediterranean natural gas pipeline, the Greek prime minister’s office announced Sunday.
Trump signs $1.4 trillion spending package, averting shutdown
President Trump on Friday signed two spending packages totaling $1.4 trillion, averting a government shutdown at midnight.
Trump says trade deal with China to be signed ‘very shortly’
President Donald Trump on Saturday said the United States and China would ‘very shortly’ sign their so-called Phase One trade pact.
Trump Signs Budget Bill Advancing Religious Freedom Worldwide, Add $400B to Deficit
Friday night, President Donald Trump signed a bill a $1.4 trillion spending package that funds the military and domestic programs, building portions of the border wall and government agencies, including a government commission that monitors religious freedom worldwide.
FISA Court Orders Review of Warrant Applications From FBI Lawyer Facing Criminal Investigation
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court ordered the FBI to review warrant applications handled by Kevin Clinesmith—a former FBI lawyer referred for criminal investigation for allegedly removing a key line from an email when applying for a warrant to spy on a Donald Trump 2016 campaign aide.
Thousands protest against new Hezbollah-backed PM in Lebanon
Thousands of protesters demonstrated in central Beirut and elsewhere in Lebanon on Sunday against the country’s new prime minister, saying he should abandon the post because he is a member of the ruling elite.
Christian families in India deprived of drinking water, afraid to celebrate Christmas in hometown
A Christian community in Karnataka state, India was prevented from building a church on December 4 and later deprived of drinking water when they went to police, with members now fearing to celebrate Christmas in their town.
Israel airstrikes target Iran-linked military base in Syria, state media reports
Israel conducted an airstrike into Syria on Sunday night as air defenses in the country opened fire on missiles that had entered, state media reported.