Friday, January 19, 2007

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people." (Ezekiel 37:27)

1. It’s official: Police to investigate Prime Minister Olmert - Globes

It is now official. State Prosecutor Eran Shendar has instructed the Israel Police to open a criminal investigation into Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s involvement in the tender for the sale of the controlling interest in Bank Leumi. The State Prosecutor’s Office economics division will closely follow the police investigation.

2. Israel denies 'secret deal' with Syria - London Times

Israel has denied reports that understandings have been reached with Syria after two years of secret peace talks.

3. Oil prices plunge after OPEC comments - MSNBC

Oil prices dropped below $52 a barrel to new 19- month lows Tuesday on a report that OPEC powerhouse Saudi Arabia said further production cuts aren’t necessary right now.

4. Iran, China Seek Military Equipment From Pentagon Surplus Auctions - Fox News

The U.S. military has sold forbidden equipment at least a half-dozen times to middlemen for countries — including Iran and China — who exploited security flaws in the Defense Department's surplus auctions. The sales include fighter jet parts and missile components.

5. Russia Sold Missiles to Iran - Moscow Times

Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said Tuesday that Moscow had sent air defense missiles to Iran, the first high-level confirmation that their delivery took place despite U.S. objections.

6. Iran shoots down U.S. spy drone amid growing military pressure - Xinhuanet

Iranian troops have shot down a U.S. pilotless spy plane recently, an Iranian lawmaker announced on Tuesday as the Islamic Republic was facing increasing military pressure from its arch rival -- the United States.

7. Rice Announces US-Israeli-Palestinian Summit to be Held in DC - Arutz Sheva

United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced Tuesday that she will bring Israeli and Palestinian leaders to Washington. American officials say the summit expected to take place in three or four weeks.

Rice said the meeting would be a prelude to the resumption of final settlement negotiations. She told a press conference in Luxor, Egypt that there are a number of issues, some old, some new, that will have to be resolved if there is to be a Palestinian state.