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The way in which Islam is portrayed in western media is not its true form. Extremists have soiled the foundation of the world’s second largest religion. A lot of people have an innate prejudice towards anyone who looks remotely Muslim or even just dark and suspicious.

• Two rivals claim victory in Israeli elections. (Obama worried about right wing government)

JERUSALEM – Israel’s new coalition government — whether led by hard-line Benjamin Netanyahu or his moderate rival Tzipi Livni — is likely to take a tough line on two burning issues: Hamas and Iran.

As the two began courting potential coalition partners Wednesday, two scenarios took shape: a narrow alliance of hawks who would stall peacemaking with the Palestinians, or a broad power-sharing government that would give Israel a more moderate face and greater international support.

With only a few thousand votes by soldiers still to be counted, Livni’s Kadima Party had one more seat in parliament than Netanyahu’s Likud. But Netanyahu’s natural allies on the right have a clear majority of 65 in the 120-seat parliament, giving him the edge in forming a coalition.

President Shimon Peres will consult all 12 parties in the new parliament next week before choosing either Netanyahu or Livni to try to form a government — a process likely to take weeks if not months.

• House and Senate reach compromise deal on the stimulus bill. Expect final passage this week.

WASHINGTON — Moving with lightning speed, the Democratic-controlled Congress and White House agreed Wednesday on a compromise $790 billion economic stimulus bill designed to create millions of jobs in a nation reeling from recession. President Barack Obama could sign the measure within days.

“More than one-third of this bill is dedicated to providing tax relief for middle-class families, cutting taxes for 95 percent of American workers,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid at a Capitol news conference where he was joined by moderates from both parties whose support is essential for the legislation’s final passage.

• No more off shore drilling.

WASHINGTON — Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has rejected a Bush administration plan to open vast waters off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts to oil and gas drilling, promising “a new way forward” in offshore energy development including new wind projects.

Salazar at a news conference Tuesday criticized “the midnight timetable” for new oil and gas development on the country’s Outer Continental Shelf proposed by the Bush administration four days before President Barack Obama took office Jan. 20.

• Big change in press conference diction between this president and the last. Obama speaks at a 10th grade reading level, Bush at 7th.

• Finally, the homeless woman from Obama’s town hall gets a house.

It took more than 1200 lives, but it finally came. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declared a unilateral ceasefire late Saturday night, and is now working to try and stifle the “resupply of Hamas through smuggling from Egypt,” the New York Times reports.

Even though we all know Israel officially crossed the line a long time ago, attacking the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza cements their status as being absolutely out of their minds.

Eighteen days and no end in sight. On Sunday Israeli troops pushed further into Gaza, as Israeli officials said they were closing in on accomplishing their objective of breaking Hamas, the New York Times reports.

A couple of days ago a ceasefire was announced so aid could be given to the scores of injured civilians in Gaza. The UN came in to give aid, but announced today that they would pull out workers after some were killed by Israel airstrikes and tank fire.

If one was to judge by the calendar alone, the 21st century started eight years ago this week. Although, when people refer to the 21st century in conversation, often they aren’t talking about the specific time period between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2099, but the attitude, philosophy, and technological savvy that is becoming [...]

Israeli troops and tanks began their descent on Gaza Saturday night, officially launching a predicted ground assault against Hamas militants, the New York Times reports.

Israel’s attacks on Gaza strengthened Friday after bombs killed a top Hamas commander, African Free Press reports. The attacks, now entering their seventh day, have resulted in the deaths of at least 420 and more than 2000 injuries. The UN has said that nearly 25 per cent of the dead are civilians.

Israel will continue to pummel Gaza with rockets after a 48-hour cease fire proposal was rejected by the security cabinet Wednesday, the New York Times reports.

Israel is reportedly considering a cease fire that would see their attacks on the Gaza strip stop for 48 hours so wounded civilians desperate for humanitarian aid would be able to receive it, according to the New York Times.

As Israeli jets hammer Hamas targets and Hamas militants launch rockets to Israel, Palestinian officials have confirmed more than 277 deaths and hundreds of injuries, CNN reports.

Archaeologists have dug up what they believe to be the 12,000-year-old skeleton of a “witch doctor,” according to the Associated Press.

The world is indeed watching today.
Despite the United States recent economic woes, there is no doubt amongst serious observers that the country is still, by far the most powerful nation in the world. The United States military budget – which, I think it is fair to say, gets quite a bit of use – is [...]

There should have been more Palestine/Israel humor and less rampant sex. That would have been a great movie. We have enough movies about sex without it getting this weird.