US Military Chief heads to Israel as Iran Tension Grows

The top U.S. military commander is scheduled for talks in Israel this week, Israel said Sunday, at a time when the U.S. is concerned that Israel might be preparing to attack Iran over its nuclear program.

The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed the planned visit Thursday by Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. (more…)

U.S. Warns Israel on Strike against Iran

U.S. defense leaders are increasingly concerned that Israel is preparing to take military action against Iran, over U.S. objections, and have stepped up contingency planning to safeguard U.S. facilities in the region in case of a conflict. (more…)

Angry Iran buries slain scientist, vows revenge against U.S., Israel

Thousands of angry Iranians demonstrated against the United States and Israel during a burial procession Friday for Mostafa Ahmadi-Roshan, the nuclear chemist who was assassinated this week in broad daylight on a Tehran street. (more…)

Iran Arrests ‘US Spies,’ gives no Details

Iran’s intelligence minister says the country’s secret services have arrested several people on charges of spying for the United States and seeking to undermine the March 2 parliamentary elections. Heidar Moslehi was quoted by state TV as saying that the suspects were in touch with (more…)

Iran welcomes US rescue of its 13 sailors from pirates

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman has welcomed the U.S. Navy’s rescue of 13 Iranian fishermen held by pirates.

Ramin Mehmanparast was quoted by state TV’s Al-Alam Arabic channel as saying the rescue was a “humanitarian” gesture by the American warship and Iran welcomes that. (more…)

New Hampshire Restaurant: “No Politicians, No Exceptions”

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – New Hampshire is flooded this week with politicians, their campaign staffs and the media that’s following them.

It’s as if they’ve taken over the state until the Jan. 10 presidential primary.

But they’re no longer welcome in one restaurant.

Colby’s Breakfast & Lunch in Portsmouth is so sick of White House “wannabes” they’ve put up a sign out front that reads “No Politicians, No Exceptions.” (more…)

Analysis: Iran could close Hormuz — but not for long

Should Iran’s rulers ever make good their threats to block the Straits of Hormuz, they could almost certainly achieve their aim within hours, but they could emerge the primary losers.

Yemeni president no longer seeks U.S. trip

Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh will not travel to the U.S. for medical treatment and will instead remain in his country, a senior official from the ruling party said Wednesday.
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Michele Bachmann drops out of GOP presidential race

In the wake of a disappointing finish in Tuesday’s Iowa caucuses, Rep. Michele Bachmann announced Wednesday that she is suspending her campaign for president.

“Last night, the people of Iowa spoke with a very clear voice, and so I have decided to stand aside,” she said at a hastily-arranged news conference here. (more…)

Iran warns U.S. carrier not to return to Persian Gulf

Iran’s army chief on Tuesday warned a nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier not to return to the Persian ( or Arabian) Gulf, as Iran’s navy ended 10 days of tense war games in the Persian Gulf. (more…)