placemark
The U.S. Navy has replaced two ships it sent off the coast of Lebanon last week amid political deadlock there to send a signal to Syria, officials said on Tuesday. The cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the destroyer USS Ross replaced the destroyer USS Cole and a refueling ship over the past day, U.S. Navy officials said.
Another refueling ship remained in place, meaning the United States continued to have three warships in the area, said the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity. The ships are not visible from the Lebanese coast but their presence is intended as a signal to Syria and other countries in the Middle East of U.S. commitment to the region, U.S. officials have said.
Excerpted
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N04509233.htm
Former USF professor al-Arian subpoenaed again in Va.
March 4, 2008
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - A former University of South Florida professor is being subpoenaed for a third time in a case investigating Muslim charities and businesses.
That's according to his lawyer, Jonathan Turley, who wrote about the development on his blog. Turley says the subpoena puts Sami al-Arian at risk for another contempt of court sanction that threatens to extend his jail time yet again.
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http://www.mysuncoast.com/Global/story.asp?S=7961089&nav=menu577_2_1
Some Israeli forces enter south Gaza
Tue Mar 4, 2008
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip - About 25 Israeli armored vehicles rumbled into southern Gaza and clashed with militants after nightfall Tuesday. A 1-month-old baby was killed in the crossfire, a medical official said.
The Israeli tanks fired shells and attack helicopters fired missiles during the clashes, Palestinian witnesses said. The baby girl was killed by a ricocheting bullet, Palestinian Health Ministry official Moaiya Hassanain said. Eight militants and three civilians were wounded, none of then seriously, he said.
Israeli defense officials said it was a "pinpoint" operation aimed at Gaza militants. It came just a day after Israel ended a destructive and bloody ground operation in northern Gaza against Palestinian rocket squads. The armored column entered Gaza through the Kissufim crossing, which was the main crossing point for Israeli settlers in Gaza before Israel's 2005 pullout, witnesses said.
The soldiers arrested two Islamic Jihad militants and were pulling out two hours after the incursion, witnesses said. The Israeli military confirmed that the operation was over.
Excerpted
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080304/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians