Iran Mulling Creation of 100-million-Strong Muslim Basij Army

BY FARS— “We will form the 100-million-strong Basij force of the Muslim world to materialize the promise of the late Imam Khomeini about the freedom of the noble Quds,” Naqdi said. He underlined that Basij will bravely and steadfastly continue its struggle and fight for the freedom of Quds from the occupation of the Zionist…

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PA rebuffs US, Israeli opposition to unity deal

BY KHALED ABU TOAMEH, JPOST– The Fatah-Hamas reconciliation effort is an entirely Palestinian affair and no one has the right to intervene in it, a Palestinian Authority official in Ramallah said on Saturday. The official, who was responding to reports about Israeli and American opposition to efforts to achieve reconciliation between the two rival parties,…

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Egypt: 'At least 12 dead in Tahrir Square protests'

BY REUTERS– Police backed by the army used batons and teargas on Sunday to charge protesters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square demanding Egypt’s ruling generals swiftly hand power to civilians, in some of the worst violence since the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak. Medical sources said as many as 11 died in Sunday’s violence. With little more…

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B'tayavon: Moroccan chicken with dates

*Tu Bishvat is a Jewish minor holiday, usually falling around January. I always liked when this holiday came around because my classmates brought dried fruits and nuts to class. Finally a holiday with a healthy theme! I always gained a couple pounds during Hannukah when you’re supposed to eat donuts. Consider this recipe kosher for…

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How the Obama Administration Helps Kill the Chances for Arab, Turkish, and Iranian Democracy

BY BARRY RUBIN, PAJAMAS MEDIA— In a speech, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asks: “Why does America promote democracy one way in some countries and another way in others?” Here’s how the question should be rephrased: Why does America subvert the chances for democracy one way in some countries and another way in others? Here’s…

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Poverty rate lowest since 2003, report finds

BY JPOST STAFF— Israel has reached its lowest poverty levels since 2003, according to  the 2010 Israeli Poverty Report released on Thursday, but still faces significant problems in wealth disparity and impoverished  children. According to the report, 20 percent of Israeli families – some 1.7  million people – live in poverty. Among them are 873,000…

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