The tripartite alliance between Israel, Greece and Cyprus could serve as a basis for a wider front.

Francis condemned "expressions of fundamentalism (and) terrorist acts committed by followers of some religions which profane the name of God and which use the holy name to justify their violence."

Many feel that their government is less competent in defending civilians, Jews and otherwise, than its neighbors, including France.

The social and political predicaments underpinning Europe’s Islamist challenge ominously resemble those that caused the decline of ancient Rome.

Poet Payam Feili seeks asylum in the Jewish state.

Rain expected to strengthen and spread north.

The government in Pretoria balances pro-Palestinian sympathies with a desire for better trade relations with Israel.