Syria mends US, Arab ties as ally Iran in turmoil
(AP)
AP - Syria's leader sent a July 4 message full of praise to President Barack Obama on Friday and invited him to visit Syria — the latest signs Damascus is hedging its bets in Mideast politics, warming up to its rival the United States at a time when its longtime ally Iran is in turmoil.
Obama believes pope will share view on Middle East: report
(AFP)
AFP - US President Barack Obama said in an interview published Friday he thought Pope Benedict XVI would "share my approach" on policy in the Middle East.
German foreign minister lines up Mideast tour
(AFP)
AFP - Germany's foreign minister will tour the Middle East next week seeking to lend momentum to US President Barack Obama's drive to jumpstart the dormant peace process, a spokesman said Friday.
U.S. sets new Israel meeting, presses Arabs to help
(Reuters)
Reuters - U.S. President Barack Obama's envoy will hold a second meeting in a week with Israel's defense minister, an Israeli official said on Friday, announcing talks on Monday likely to focus again on a dispute over settlements.
U.S. sounds out Arabs on Israel gestures: diplomats
(Reuters)
Reuters - The United States and its Western allies are sounding out Arab governments to see if they might ease sanctions on Israel if it stopped building Jewish settlements on Palestinian territory, diplomats said on Friday.
Israel's Barak to meet U.S. envoy Mitchell next week
(Reuters)
Reuters - Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak will fly to London on Sunday for a meeting with U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell, an Israeli official said on Friday.
Bahrain officials make unprecedented Israel visit
(AFP)
AFP - An official Bahrain delegation travelled to Israel on an unprecedented trip to recover a group of nationals held by the Jewish state, the state news agency reported on Friday.
Barak and US Mideast envoy to try to heal rift: official
(AFP)
AFP - Defense Minister Ehud Barak will meet US Middle East envoy George Mitchell next week for talks aimed at healing a rift over Jewish settlements in the West Bank, a top official said on Friday.
Gaza aid boat passengers still in Israeli custody
(AP)
AP - Most members of a group of foreign peace activists seized at sea by the Israeli navy remained in custody Friday, three days after their failed attempt to run Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, relatives and supporters said.
Israel offering compensation for UN Gaza damage
(AFP)
AFP - Israel has offered compensation for damage to United Nations facilities hit by its offensive in the Gaza Strip, the head of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency said Friday.