Some Egyptian officials are calling on Hamas to recognize Israel and disarm. In the same story, an Israeli official says he has learned through an Egyptian contact that Abu Mazen will not allow Hamas to form a government until they recognize Israel and disarm. If this is true we can expect an all-out civil war to break out in the Palestinian Territories shortly, as I have no expectation that Hamas leaders will renounce their founding principles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin wants aid to continue to the Palestinians, even if Hamas refuses to change its ways. Hamas is also working to get aid from Arab countries to make up the shortfall if other international aid is cut off.

The New York Times has this report on some new findings from the IAEA regarding Iran's nuclear program. The IAEA sees an administrative link between the nuclear research, ostensibly for peaceful purposes, and military work on explosives and missile technology. Apparently, the information is contained in a briefing paper distributed to the Quartet that has referred the case to the Security Council. This is just another indication that the West is coming to the realization that the Iranian nuclear threat is real, and unacceptable. Whether or not the West can come together in a unified front is, as indicated by the next item, still an open question.

Also in the Times, this op-ed piece from a pair of anti-nuclear proliferation activists who believe the Russian proposal to do Uranium enrichment for the Iranians is just a dodge that will not slow the Iranian effort to develop nuclear weapons.

David Ignatius says the U.S. and France are now cooperating more closely on their dealings with the Middle East. It makes sense to me, as the French must understand that the rising radicalization of the Middle East poses an even greater danger to them than to us.

The Danes have learned a lesson about that radicalization as they are being boycotted and threatened by various Muslim nations because a Danish newspaper ran insulting cartoon characterizations of the Prophet Mohammed. The newspaper, after holding out for some time, has finally issued an apology. It may not be enough. Read the article and then ask yourself how Christians would react to a similar cartoon of Jesus. Would governments of Christian nations boycott the Danes because of the actions of one newspaper? Would Christian groups issue death threats, or hold riotous demonstrations? I think not.