A News Update

From 8 am to the early afternoon I am constantly reading coverage of the Middle East - this is basically my job description as copy editor of the Middle East Reporter. Compared to my understanding of current events in the Mid East region my first two years of college, I feel like a Mid East expert.

During the four weeks I have been at the Middle East reporter I have read stories on every major Middle Eastern country and then some. Undoubtedly it is great to be able to talk intelligently on numerous Mid Eastern subjects, but its even better to realize that I love doing it! In other words, I know that I am going to love the field I am choosing as my career path.

I have not yet taken time to compare the news I read everyday to news sources in America, but it would be interesting to see which stories they do and do not choose to cover.

So just to share a couple things going on in the Middle East (ME):

The United States has offered to host a ME peace conference in Maryland, with the specific aim of pushing forward the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Only recently did the US release the invitation list, as some hesitancy to invite certain ME countries existed - Syria being one of the main ones. Last week Syria declined the invitation saying it would only attend if the issue of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights was on the agenda - Israel said it would not consider putting it on the agenda.

Regarding the conference, Egypt issued a statement a few days ago suggesting a postponement. There have been issues between the Palestinian authorities and Israeli authorities over a timetable and agenda should be a precursor to the conference, or the result of it. There have been promises on both sides to begin drafting resolutions, and promises of follow-up meetings after the conference to settle any unresolved issues. After these statements by Palestinian and Israeli authorities, and a brief visit from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Egypt says it has renewed confidence in the conference.

Turkey made headlines the past week, after asking its Parliament for permission to possibly send troops into northern Iraq to crush Kurdish rebels. The Kurdish separatist PKK party has a support base in northern Iraq, where the majority of Iraq's Kurdish population resides. Turkey has had problems with the PKK rebels, who have committed numerous attacks in the country. America and Iraq, however, have argued against such a move by Turkey saying it could destabilize a a relatively calm region, allied to America. Iraq and America are jointly calling for Turkey to settle the problem diplomatically, and Turkey has responded that permission from Parliament does not necessarily mean an immediate attack but an option if they deem it necessary. Turkey's Parliament officially approved the request. Syria bolstered Turkey's legislation saying the country had a right to defend themselves against a terrorist group.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, after ignoring warnings that he may in danger of assassination, visited Iran to hold meeting with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The two leaders met to discuss Iran's nuclear program, and Iran's consequential row with the West. Since his visit, Putin has publicly stated that any military action by the West on Iran would be unacceptable to Russia. Talks over the Bushehr complex, where Iran is building a nuclear reactor, was also on the agenda. Russia, who is going to supply the fuel for the reactor, says Iran has been defaulting on payments whereas Iran claims that is not the case; rather, Russia is fearing a backlash by the West and is stalling the plans. Regardless, Iran requested Russia's help with the creation of two more reactors. In response, President Bush said a nuclear Iran could spark World War III. The UN and the US imposed two rounds of sanctions on Iran thus far. Further sanctions by the EU are being discussed but will probably held off until current reports are released by the IAEA.

Adding to the already low expectations of the US-sponsored ME peace conference, Israel announced that it was going to confiscate more Palestinian land to build roads, saying it would improve the quality of life for Palestinians. The move has led many to question the intentions of Israel amid peace talks.

In a shocking and rare occurrence, Hizbullah agreed to a prisoner and body swap with Israel. Hizbullah released one Israeli soldier and a body of a civilian for some of their comrades. Hizbullah boasted that the move proved their strength after the three month war with Israel last summer.

A German general visited Algeria today to discuss strengthening Algerian forces in order to combat terrorism. Nothing else really interesting in that respect.

Lebanon, however, is a different story. Besides the ever confusing presidential election (or lack thereof) and the prevailing discord between politicians, Lebanon has begun talks to potentially allow America to build a military air base in the country. The stated reason by Lebanon is to enhance security after the three month battle with Fatah-Islam militants in north Lebanon that left over 150 Lebanese soldiers dead. Opposition members, those allied to Syria and who believe Lebanon's Prime Minister Fuad Sinoira's government is illegitimate, however, believe the rival majority party is encouraging the base to counter Syria and gain backing from the West.

Although the Lebanese presidential election is what I read on the most, it is the hardest to discuss. Everyday we cover stories on what leaders have publicly said - and everyday it gets more confusing. The second attempt for parliament to elect a president is slated for Oct 23, but there are doubts anything will come of it.

The majority party is sticking to its claim that if the parliament cannot achieve a two-thirds quorum for the election, then it is legitimate for them to elect a president with a simple majority quorum. The opposition, however, argues the move would be unconstitutional and they will not recognize the majority's government. If that is the case, there have been threats by the opposition to elect their own government, thereby splitting the country into two. Furthermore, Hizbullah stated it had a list of "options" it would take if needs be and they would employ them at the opportune moment - although they did not say what those options were.

The Maronite Christian Patriarch, Nasrallah Butros Sfeir, is heading a committee to push Christian opposition and majority leaders to agree on consensus candidates. However, the meetings have not yielded any results, as both parties disagree on the other's candidates. Another initiative was introduced, suggesting that four neutral candidates be put forth and members of parliament vote for them by ballot. No one has yet claimed to support or reject it.

Ummm...I'm really racking my brain for more news. Its so hard to keep all the stories straight sometimes. That's all the news I can remember for now, but I will keep you updated on any other interesting stories.