Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Major developments in the Middle-East

A deal has finally been reached in Doha.

The BBC reports that the Western-backed government and the pro-Syrian opposition arrived at the deal after days of talks in Qatar. Under the deal, the opposition - led by the Hezbollah political and militant group - will have the power of veto in a new cabinet of national unity. It also paves the way for parliament to elect a new president. The post has been empty since November.

Correspondents say the agreement is a major triumph for Hezbollah, whose key demands have been met.

At the same time, Israel and Syria are holding peace talks in Turkey. According to Press TV Israel promised to return the Golan Heights to Syria.

Lastly, al-Manar reports that Israel is planning a major military operation in Gaza. According to this version, Israel would launch a major attack on Gaza if the current negotiations with Hamas (via Egypt) fail.