The New York Times reports that the Kurds in Iraq have approved a constitution (two weeks ago) that lays claim to the disputed and oil-rich Al-Ta'mim province (home to Kirkuk). This basically stomps right through quiet negotiations that had apparently started recently between Kurdish and Iraqi lawmakers, organized by the United Nations and United States.
As Joe Biden wraps up his Middle East tour, Palestinian officials say they're unwilling to move forward with proximity talks unless Israel cancels its new construction in East Jerusalem; and the Israeli Defense Forces have sealed off the West Bank for 48 hours, reportedly for security concerns. Several people were injured and arrested in fighting at the Al-Aqsa mosque this morning.
As Joe Biden lands in Israel, the Israeli government -- obviously keen to demonstrate that it's serious about restarting peace talks -- announced Monday that it will violate its West Bank settlement freeze and build 112 new homes in Beitar Illit, a settlement west of Bethlehem.
A handful of insurgent attacks around the country killed two dozen people, but Iraqi security forces seemed generally confident; the vehicle ban in Baghdad, scheduled to last all day, was lifted before noon. Anecdotal reports suggest a strong turnout across the country.
- anonomys commented on Muslim countries are, in fact, helping Haiti
- Gregg Carlstrom commented on Downplaying human rights to buy "cooperation"
- i commented on Downplaying human rights to buy "cooperation"
- a commented on Downplaying human rights to buy "cooperation"
- Michael Krauss commented on Transcript: Biden's speech at Tel Aviv University
Bloggers
- Abu Muqawama
- All Things Counterterrorism
- Arab Media & Society
- Attackerman
- Baghdad Bureau
- Baghdad Observer
- Black Iris of Jordan
- Blogging the Casbah
- Boursa Exchange
- Checkpoint Jerusalem
- Foreign Policy Watch
- George Packer
- Inside Iraq
- Jihadica
- Institute for War & Peace Reporting
- Marc Lynch
- Middle East Strategy
- Musings on Iraq
- Newshoggers
- Nukes and Spooks
- Registan
- Syria News Wire
- Talking Points Memo
- Tehran Bureau
- The Arabist
- The Middle East Blog
- Waq al-Waq