by  Pamela Engel – Business insider

The prime suspect in the German Christmas market attack
was from a north African country that has become a breeding
ground for extremism and is one of the top exporters of
jihadists. Tunisia was once thought to be an Arab Spring success story — it
was called
the “sole democratic success” of the uprisings that swept the
Middle East starting in 2010.

But the country has been struggling with an extremism
problem that was exacerbated with the arrival of the terrorist
group ISIS, which has attracted thousands of Tunisian recruits. A

2015 study by The Soufan Group, a strategic security firm,
found that Tunisia supplied more foreign fighters to
ISIS than any other country, between 6,000 and 7,000 as of
October of that year.

One Tunisian ISIS supporter drove a truck through a
Christmas market in Berlin earlier this week, killing 12 people
and injuring dozens more, according to authorities. Tunisia
native Anis Amri, who was killed in a Friday shootout with
police, was German authorities’ prime suspect in the
attack. Officials had been investigating Amri, but after
surveilling him for months, they couldn’t find any evidence of a
specific plot.

By Nazeer Rida

Beirut – The Lebanese Cabinet approved on Saturday the Ministerial
Statement for the new government to be presented to the parliament to
gain the vote of confidence the upcoming week. Minister Michel Pharaon as well as ministers of the Lebanese Forces
objected to the paragraph pertaining to the right of Lebanese citizens
to form a resistance, considering that resistance was the sole right of
the State. After lengthy deliberations, the Cabinet approved the ministerial statement.

In this context, parliament Speaker Nabih Berri set the confidence vote sessions for next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Lebanese government approved the statement during the session
that was convened on Saturday in Baabda presidential palace and chaired
by President Michel Aoun. President Aoun underscored the importance of the work of the government to be productive and fast.

He added: “after gaining confidence, we will be working on issuing a
new electoral law and preparing necessary measures to hold the elections
on due date.” For his part, Prime Minister Saad Hariri hoped that the new
government would gain confidence between Christmas and New Year so it
would “focus on issuing a new electoral law and taking care of daily
life issues.”

To view the link for the horoscope of 2018 – 2019 please click here 

Summary for Horoscope signs during 2017-2018 (Zodiac sign)  (for detail summary please click read more). Please scroll all way down as we have compiled the horoscope signs for the year of 2017-2018 from multiple sources – Your horoscope sign will be listed through the article

Aries Horoscope 2017

2017 for the Aries will be a period of fun and adventure. This might be a good time to start a new business. Do not forget to go for vacations with your loved ones in 2017. Health can be excellent if you are regular in your exercise workouts. Love life will be blissful for the Rams provided you do not make promises that you cannot keep. 

Taurus Horoscope 2017

The 2017 horoscope prediction for the Taurus star sign forecasts a harmonious and peaceful year for the bulls. Spiritually you will be inclined towards finding your inner peace. And do not let your fears spoil your well being. Love affairs have chances of becoming permanent. Married couples can plan for a baby. A healthy diet is a must if do not wish to fall sick. 

Gemini Horoscope 2017

2017 is a year of major changes for the Gemini sun sign. Do not let your hyperactivity spoil your happiness this year. Be it career or finance, think long term before planning anything drastic. Your psychic abilities too might improve in 2017 which help you understand your life better. The sun sign 2017 forecasts suggest that this might be the year when you find your right partner. 

Cancer Horoscope 2017

2017 is a year of difficult choices for the Cancerians. Be prepared for change in many aspects of your life. Do not go about splurging money on expensive stuff that you don’t need. Your partner might need your help in overcoming their fears. Health and relationships for the Crabs will need a lot of hard work in order to be stable. 

Leo Horoscope 2017

The 2017 horoscope prediction for the Leo sun sign predicts a fabulous year. You will be blessed with good luck and happiness. Don’t keep waiting for the right moment in your job or relationships. Just enjoy the journey and learn as you go along. You never know, you might even win that lucky lottery that you have been buying for so many years! 

Virgo Horoscope 2017

2017 for Virgo will need to be dealt with in a diplomatic way. Some old decisions might create problems if you don’t handle them the right way. This is the right time to let go of relationships that haven’t been working out. And do not let stress get the better of you. 

Libra Horoscope 2017

The 2017 Libra horoscope predictions forecast that this will be your year of discovery and innovations. Let your creative side come to the forefront. Express your ideas to other so that they can understand your dreams better. You will be a leading example for everyone around you. And do not forget to spend quality time with your family and loved ones. 

Scorpio Horoscope 2017

2017 year horoscope predictions for Scorpio astrology sign foretell that this year you are in a hurry to put your past behind. You will take the initiative to make your goals and targets work out for you. Love affairs will be many but only few will be serious. Eat healthily if you wish to be physically and emotionally fit. 

Sagittarius Horoscope 2017

Sagittarius zodiac in 2017 will have the enthusiasm and will power to move ahead with a firm mind. Your social life will be amazing. Career and business projects will be challenging but profitable. Skin allergies will need to be taken care of. Sex and romance will be at all time high for the Archers in 2017. 

Capricorn Horoscope 2017

The 2017 astrology predictions for the Capricorn zodiac sign forecast year of peace and harmony. Though you have a reputation of being practical, in 2017 the sea goats will see an innovative side to their personality. Love and romance too will be an important part of your life. This is a good year to get married. 

Aquarius Horoscope 2017

Astrology 2017 for the Aquarius predicts a year of excellent and positive opportunities. Be it love or career you will flourish in anything you put your heart to. Work will be plentiful and so will the remuneration. The pregnancy horoscope 2017 forecasts birth of a child for the Water Bearers in 2017.

Pisces Horoscope 2017

The birthday horoscope 2017 predicts that the Pisces sun sign people will be able to look at life in a positive and calm manner. This cool demeanor will be the secret to their success in personal and professional life. The career prediction 2017 by date of birth warns you not to let your dreams and illusions stop you from achieving your goals. Fulfill all your projects with utmost sincerity and integrity.

by Doreen Abi Raad

BEIRUT, Lebanon – Amid the turmoil in the
Middle East and persecution of Christians in surrounding countries, the
Christmas spirit is evident in Lebanon: sparkling lights, decorated
trees and even mangers in public places.

“Wherever you go you can find Christmas decorations,” even in the
cities and the places where the residents are Muslim, Maronite Father
Joseph Soueid told Catholic News Service. “I feel that here in Lebanon, we have this grace, that really, Jesus
is the reason for the season,” said the priest, pastor of St. Takla
Parish, which serves 6,850 Maronite Catholic families.

With seating for just 280 people, the church overflows with the
faithful for each of its eight Masses on Sundays and has generated 24
vocations in the past eight years. Its outdoor manger near the entrance
to the church is just a few steps away from a busy street intersection Soueid noted that because most of the municipalities in Lebanon are a
mix of Christian and Muslim, the influence of Christianity gives the
Lebanese an opportunity to “make this season a season of joy.”

Muslims also have attended and continue to attend Christian schools
in Lebanon. So it follows that “when they grew up, they found themselves
familiar with our traditions and with the way we celebrate our great
celebrations, like Christmas, like Easter,” Soueid said.

Samantha Power US Ambassador to the UN

By Jeremy Berke

The UN Security Council on Friday passed a resolution demanding
that Israel halt building settlements on occupied Palestinian
territory, a move that was permitted by the US’s abstention.

The resolution, put forward by by New Zealand, Malaysia,
Venezuela, and Senegal, passed with 14 members of the council
voting in favor. The US abstained, refusing to use its power as a
sitting member of the Security Council to veto. In doing so, the
Obama administration defied pressure from US President-elect
Donald Trump, along with bipartisan members of Congress. The resolution says that Israeli settlements in Palestinian
territories have “no legal validity” and constitute a “flagrant
violation under international law.” The settlements are a
“major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State (sic)
solution,” and a, “just, lasting and comprehensive peace,”
the resolution says. 

Members of the council clapped and cheered as the vote passed. It
was the first time in 36 years the UN adopted a resolution on
Israeli settlements. Israel strongly condemned what it called a “shameful anti-Israel”
resolution and said it would not abide by its terms. In a
statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also
accused the US of being complicit in the UN effort.

“The Obama administration not only failed to protect Israel
against this gang-up at the UN, it colluded with it behind the
scenes,” the statement read. It said it looked forward to
“working with President-elect Trump and with all our friends in
Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike.”

by Josh Feldman There has been much discussion about a rise in hate crimes after Donald Trump‘s election victory. But some of the reported incidents are turning out to be hoaxes. A few weeks ago, a University of Michigan student told police that a man confronted her and demanded she remove her hijab lest he […]

by Rachel Stockman So you know that video that went viral that allegedly showed Delta kicking off a passenger for speaking Arabic? Well, apparently, Delta investigated the situation, and now says it’s not quite what it all seemed. In a statement obtained by LawNewz.com, the airline said that after collecting statements from “multiple passengers,” they have concluded […]

The United States denied Wednesday an Israeli claim that US-supplied armored vehicles seen being operated by Hezbollah in Syria had been given to the Islamist militia by Lebanon’s official army. Last month, footage emerged of Hezbollah fighters operating M113 armored personnel carriers in Syria, where the militia — blacklisted by Washington as a terrorist organization […]

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