Headlines for 01-09-08

Bush warns Iran of consequences of any new naval crisis "The national security adviser was making it abundantly clear that all options are on the table to protect our assets," Bush said, with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at his side. You have to wonder about the timing of this incident with Bush being in the region to shore up support for Israel's coveted attack on Iran.


Iran, IAEA close new chapter in nuclear talks: report Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog have wrapped up the latest chapter in ongoing talks aimed at resolving ambiguities over the contested Iranian nuclear programme, the ISNA news agency reported Wednesday.


US blacklists Iranian commander, Syrian-based TV station "Iran and Syria are fueling violence and destruction in Iraq. Iran trains, funds, and provides weapons to violent Shia extremist groups, while Syria provides safe-haven to Sunni insurgents and financiers," said Stuart Levey, the Treasury's under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. Is this guy joking? The majority of the foreign fighters in Iraq are from SAUDI ARABIA, as has been reported by major agencies a few times now.


Saudi defends Iran links ahead of Bush visit Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday it was determined to maintain good relations with Iran despite U.S. President George W. Bush's efforts to rally Gulf Arab allies to contain the Islamic Republic.


'A Heartbeat Away' From War ** We are expected to believe that five minuscule speedboats "menaced" the USS Hopper, a destroyer armed with missiles; the cruiser USS Port Royal; and the USS Ingraham, a frigate. That's rather like five gnats "menacing" a trio of elephants. My sentiments exactly (per yesterday's news batch).


Israel steps up warnings to Bush on Iran Some here have said the NIE has put Israel on the defensive, making it feel isolated in its assessment of the threat. That could prompt Israel to act unilaterally against Iran, analysts say, a move that would certainly be resisted by Washington. Still, Mr. Bush has indicated that Iran is a key issue as he visits the region.


Bush slams Iran at start of Mideast, Gulf tour Three days after Iranian speedboats threatened a U.S. Navy convoy in the Strait of Hormuz, Bush joined Israeli leaders in issuing a stern warning to the Middle East nation. " Iran was a threat, Iran is a threat and Iran will be a threat if the international community does not come together and prevent that nation from the development of the know-how to build a nuclear weapon," .......The president's Iran stance buoyed Israeli leaders



Struggling in the U.S., some Iraqi refugees now want to go back To make the transition, many depend on locals like Gabi Jahshan, a Lansing grocer and a Palestinian refugee who's been in the US for over 30 years. Now, he steps in to help new arrivals find their lost luggage or look for jobs.


Palestinians blamed for bombing that injured Irish peacekeepers Initial investigations by officers from the UN indicated that the blast was caused by a remote controlled roadside bomb.


Israeli officer pleads guilty to espionage charges An Israeli army psychiatrist was convicted on Wednesday of trying to sell military secrets to Iran, Russia and Islamist group Hamas, a court official said.


Israel planned 1991 strike on NKorea-Syria ship: report Israel had planned to destroy the vessel and missiles, which with a range of 500 kilometers (300 miles) would put the Jewish state at risk.


Syrian FM says Damascus ready for negotiations "We are by no means seeking a military solution against Israel. We are ready for negotiations with Israel, to realize the peace," Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said in an interview with al-Arabiya television ahead of US President George W. Bush's visit to the region this week.


Bush expedites Saudi smart bomb deal Israel has expressed concern over inclusion in the deal of Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMS), commonly referred to as "smart bombs." Nevertheless, it has not actively fought the sale.