Date
Type

Timely American Wisdom
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
by Rami G. Khouri - August 15, 2008 - 3:15pm

Few observers expect the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli negotiations between the governments of Mahmoud Abbas and Ehud Olmert to achieve any significant breakthrough during the remaining months of President George W. Bush’s term. One reason for the low expectations from the negotiations spawned by the Annapolis meeting in the United States last November is the low-key mediating role of the United States itself.

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Rocket From Gaza Hits Southern Israel: Police
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
August 15, 2008 - 3:13pm

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip landed in southern Israel on Friday but caused no injuries or damage, police said. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the rocket struck near Sderot, a town often targeted by militants. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Rocket attacks have become rare since an Egyptian-brokered truce took effect in June. Earlier this week, Israel closed its border crossings with the Hamas-controlled territory, saying it did so in response to a similar attack.


Lawyers To Us Witness Against Olmert - Stay Home
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
August 15, 2008 - 3:12pm

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (AP) - Lawyers for Morris Talansky have recommended that he refuse to come back to Israel to testify in a corruption case against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, according to a letter released Thursday. The American businessman already gave direct testimony and then was questioned at length by Olmert’s attorneys. Talansky told the court he gave Olmert envelopes stuffed with tens of thousands of dollars before he became prime minister.

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Israel 'worry' At Settler Attacks
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Bbc News
August 15, 2008 - 3:10pm

Israeli security officials are reported to have raised concerns about an increase in violence by Jewish settlers in the West Bank. The Israeli Haaretz newspaper said officials had found an increase in incidents of settlers causing harm to Palestinians and to Israeli soldiers. There were 429 incidents in the first half of 2008, against 551 in 2007. There are frequent reports of settlers harassing Palestinians, with two attacks recently captured on video. These have been widely broadcast and have brought the issue to greater prominence.

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Behind The Scenes: Blindfolded For Trip To Gaza Rocket Factory
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Cnn
by Paula Hancocks - (Commentary) August 15, 2008 - 3:09pm

(CNN) -- It starts with a phone call at 8:30 p.m. as we are sitting down to dinner in Gaza City. The PRC tells us to be at a certain place in half an hour; they are training. No further details. After a phone call to our Jerusalem bureau chief to weigh up the risks, we all decide it is rare enough an opportunity not to be missed.We grab our equipment and jump into the armored car.

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CNN correspondent Paula Hancock visits the training facilities and rocket factories of The Popular Resistance Committees in Gaza (1). Israeli security officials are reportedly disturbed by the increase in violence by Jewish settlers in the West Bank (2). A rocket fired from Gaza lands in southern Israel but causes no injuries or damage (4). Protest against the separation barrier in the West Bank town of Naalin continues (10). Jordan restores relations with Hamas following a series of meetings in Amman (11).

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