Israel launches Palestinians-only buses

Two Palestinians-only bus lines were launched by Israel at the beginning of the week (photo AFP)

Two Palestinians-only bus lines have been launched by Israel in the occupied West Bank, a move described as racist by an Israeli rights group.

The Transport Ministry said it was an improvement in service.

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Saudi men get text alert when ‘dependants’ leave

Saudi Arabia has long been criticised regarding its women rights. In the Muslim country women cannot travel without the consent of their male ‘guardians’ and are now monitored by an electronic system at airports.

If a woman crosses the border a new system will automatically send a text message to the men in order to inform them that the woman is leaving or entering the country, even if the man is travelling with her.

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Blair and Bush should face justice over Iraq war, says Desmond Tutu

Tony Blair and George Bush (photo) were branded war criminal by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who called for both men to be taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, for their role in the Iraq war.

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Saudi women to compete in Games

Two Saudi women will compete in the London 2012 Games, said the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Sarah Attar (photo, from bbc.co.uk) will compete in the 800m and Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrakhani in the judo competition above 78kg.

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Fatah and Hamas reach agreement on unity government

On Monday Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority (PA), and Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal have agreed on the formation of a unity government between the Fatah and the Hamas, which will prepare for upcoming elections in the West Bank and Gaza (photo, from bbcimg.co.uk).

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Afghan woman strangled after giving birth to third daughter

A woman in Afghanistan has been arrested for allegedly strangling her 22-year old daughter-in-law two days ago in the village of Mahfalay, inKunduz province (map, from bbcimg.co.uk), for giving birth to a third daughter.

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EU report wants legislation against Israeli settlements

In a confidential report sent to Brussels this week, some EU diplomats urge the European Commission to consider drafting a legislation in order to ensure that financial transactions by EU members do not support Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem.(map from bbcimg.co.uk)

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US military to investigate ‘abuse’ video

A video appears to show four US soldiers in Afghanistan urinating on three apparently lifeless men on the ground (photo, from bbcimg.co.uk). The soldiers seem to be aware that they are being filmed.

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Syria : Arab League observers concerned by snipers

The Arab League mission arrived in Syria five days ago, where the 60 observers (photo, from lefigaro.fr) are to verify the implementation of a peace plan which requires the end of all violence, the withdrawal of troops from the streets and the release of political prisoners.

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Israel : clashes over gender segregation in Beit Shemesh

Clashes took place on Sunday and Monday between ultra-Orthodox Jews and police in the Israeli town of Beit Shemesh (photo from bbcimg.co.uk), near Jerusalem, leaving a police officer slightly hurt and a number of Orthodox Jews detained, according to reports.

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