LA Times News

LA Times News

Likelihood of Israel launching ground invasion in Gaza grows

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

An Israeli official says it could happen within days if rocket attacks on Israel don't stop. Hamas militants fire rockets toward Jerusalem.

GAZA CITY — The bombardment seemed nearly constant: more than 250 airstrikes that blew out windows, peppered buildings with shrapnel and rattled nerves. But Gaza Strip residents said Israel's targets appeared chosen primarily to send a message.

Iran has increased nuclear enrichment capacity, IAEA report says

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 05:25 PM PST

The country could sharply step up production of enriched uranium to a purity that could be quickly improved to bomb grade, says the United Nations' watchdog agency.

WASHINGTON — Iran has finished installing centrifuges at a fortified underground facility and can sharply increase production of enriched uranium to a purity that can be quickly improved to weapons grade, the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency said Friday in a report likely to stir new concern in the West about Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

Protesters in Jordan denounce King Abdullah II

Posted: 17 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Demonstrators call for his ouster, a demand previously muted in the strategically located kingdom, which has mostly avoided the "Arab Spring" unrest.

AMMAN, Jordan — In a sign that the U.S.-backed kingdom of Jordan may yet be vulnerable to the "Arab Spring" upheaval, angry demonstrators Friday denounced King Abdullah II and his ruling circle as "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" and demanded swift reform or an end to the monarchy.