King Abdullah: Israel not as strong as we thought Jordan’s King Abdullah said during an interview with Tokyo-based newspaper The Daily Yomiuri that “The (Lebanon) war last summer showed that Israel is not as strong as we had previously thought”.

Islamic Courts abandon strongholds Council of Islamic Courts fighters have retreated from the main frontline after a week of artillery and mortar duels and attacks by Somalian transitional government and Ethiopian soldiers, witnesses say.

‘Palestinians’ call on Israelis to evacuate Negev Residents of Kiryat Gat and Ashdod recently received leaflets distributed by right-wing activists asking them “to evacuate to the settlement of Eilat.”

Iran may declare major enrichment feat Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki reportedly told members of the Iranian parliament on Tuesday that Iran would soon announce that it had managed to enrich uranium using 3,000 centrifuges.

Iran: Christian states ruined Christmas The UN Security Council decision to place sanctions on Iran has “ruined Christmas,” according to Iranian state media.

Exclusive: Bethlehem fears terror Reports that Israel is considering allowing a group of gunmen who were deported in 2002 after hiding inside the Church of the Nativity to return home have left some Christian residents here seriously concerned for their safety.

Haniyeh, Abbas to meet in Jordan Jordan will host talks between Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas and President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah after a surge in factional violence.

Death sentence for Saddam upheld An Iraqi appeals court has upheld the death sentence against ousted President Saddam Hussein, Iraq’s national security adviser has said.

Foreign Ministry: Syria is serious about renewing peace talks A senior Foreign Ministry official on Tuesday backed the view of Military Intelligence that Syria is serious about renewing peace negotiations with Israel.

1.5 mn arrive in Saudi for the Hajj More than 1.5 million Muslims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca which begins Thursday, Saudi authorities said.