IPS correspondents bring you independent perspectives on what is happening in Iran, Iraq and across the Middle East.

MIDEAST: Israelis Targeting Grassroots Activists
By Mel Frykberg
EAST JERUSALEM (IPS) – Israeli authorities are increasingly targeting and intimidating non-violent Palestinian grassroots activists involved in anti-occupation activities who are drawing increased support from the international community.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49016

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Q&A: “Women Will Benefit From Secularism”
Cam McGrath interviews Egyptian feminist author NAWAL EL-SAADAWI
CAIRO (IPS) – Controversy stalks dissident writer Nawal El-Saadawi, whose views on women and religion have put her at odds with Egyptian conservatives.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48971

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MIDEAST: ‘It’s the Occupation, Stupid’
Analysis by Jerrold Kessel and Pierre Klochendler
JERUSALEM (IPS) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself embattled on several fronts as he tries – hitherto unsuccessfully – to ward off the enormous international pressure on Israel unleashed by the Goldstone report for its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza earlier this year.
ipsnews.c.topica.com/maanv3ZabT0AEcfslhDb/

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MIDEAST: Is Jerusalem Burning?
Analysis by Jerrold Kessel and Pierre Klochendler
JERUSALEM (IPS) – Déjà vu on one of the world’s most volatile religious sites, a site deeply revered by both Muslims and Jews. On Sunday, Israeli police helicopters circle over the Al-Aqsa mosque and the adjacent Golden Dome of the Rock from where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven and where, for Jews, two Biblical temples once stood. On the contested ‘Temple Mount’ (for Jews), ‘Haram el-Sharif’ or ‘Noble Sanctuary’ (for Muslims), clashes soon erupt – dozens are lightly injured on both sides; the Israeli police arrest 21 Palestinians, among them the former Palestinian Authority minister in charge of Jerusalem, Hatim Abdel Qader. The Mount is closed to worshippers and tourists alike.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49009

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DON'T MISS IPS EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE OF THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION.

U.S. President Barack Obama has inherited wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a tanking economy, and global crises like climate change. IPS reports on the implications of the new administration not just for U.S. citizens, but for the world.
www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/us_elections2008/index.asp

For more IPS reporting on the Middle East – www.ipsnews.net/middle.asp

Iraq: Beyond the Green Zone – www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/iraq/

Iran: The Parthian Shot – www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/iran/

Holy Land/Unholy War – www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/israel_palestina/

Afghan Divide – www.ipsnews.net/afghanistan/

Bush?s Legacy – www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/warII/

IPS coverage of terrorism – www.ipsnews.net/new_focus/terrorism/

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