Twentieth International Conference of the Russian Association of distributors of printed media (ARPP) will be held in April this year in Eilat. Israeli Foreign Ministry will facilitate its implementation. January 26 Israel’s ambassador in Moscow Dorit Golender met with representatives of the Russian Association of distributors of printed media (ARPP), discussing with them the question of the twentieth International Conference of this organization in Eilat. According to the plans of ARPP, the event will be held from 9 to 16 April in the tourist capital of the south of Israel. Ambassador Golender expressed its willingness to assist in bringing together on a conference with the Association of Russian journalists in Israel and in the organization of professional meetings with Israeli publishers and distributors of the press in order to familiarize with the work of specialized companies. During the meeting they also discussed an invitation to a conference of Israeli officials, who in his speeches would reveal to the participants of the forum of the interaction of media and power structures, to talk about Israeli society, the concerns of his problems, their solutions, examples of actively developing cooperation between Israel and Russia. (Izrus.co.il)

Ministry of Tourism has published the latest and most adjusted data record in terms of tourism of the year. In 2010, Israel had 3,227,503 foreign visitors, an increase compared to 2009 was 23%. The number of Russian tourists visiting Israel in 2010, has exceeded 550 thousand people, which is 37% more than in 2009 and 55% more data in 2008. In December 2010, entry tourist flow from Russia to Israel again took second place behind the USA (47.727 people). Israel was visited by 42,375 Russians, 21% more than in 2009. Indicators of tourist flow from Russia in 2010 accounted for 15% of all incoming Israeli tourist flow. Ministry of Tourism reports that in 2010 more than six million users visited the site office Goisrael.com. Most active users are from the U.S. – more than 1 million visits, followed by Russia – 398 thousand visitors, third place Germany – 317 thousand users. “In 2010 we achieved significant results, which showed that stable positive dynamics of the country’s tourist traffic. In 2011, the Israel Ministry of Tourism plans to continue its work on the development of the tourism industry. Including an increase in hotel room stock, maintain and develop the infrastructure of holy places, improve the quality of services, marketing and advertising campaign, “- said Neta Peleg-Briskin, Director of the Israel Ministry of Tourism in Russia and CIS. A month ago, Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov met with Russian journalists, and, referring to the impending abolition of visas to Ukraine, said that in the past year Israel was visited by a record number of tourists from this country – about 90 thousand. “On February 9 I will accompany the first plane out of Israel, which landed in Kiev, and its passengers will no longer need a visa. I hope that after the Ukraine will be followed by other CIS countries, after all, thus we will not only increase the number of tourists, but also acquire new friends in the world “- said Misezhnikov. (Izrus.co.il)

On Sunday, January 30, in ceremonies marking the International Day of the Holocaust in Kaliningrad, the opening ceremony of the memorial to Jewish victims of Nazism. Seven-marble monument, which is already installed on the Baltic Sea, was created by well-known Israeli sculptor Frank Meisler, Who himself survived the Holocaust. The monument is located on the site of the mass murder of Jews in East Prussia at the end of the war – near the village of Amber (Palmniken). On the night of January 31 February 1, 1945 on the beach were killed, slaughtered butts, drowned, and executed three thousand Jews who survived the “death march”. Frightened by the Red Army offensive, the Nazis decided to overtake the Stutthof concentration camp prisoners near Kaliningrad in another place. Of the five thousand people came to Palmniken slightly more than half, and they were all killed there. Funds for the monument were collected by Jewish communities around the world. It is made from drawings Meisler in Spain and transported to the Kaliningrad sea. Its installation takes the Spanish experts, and representatives of the Jewish community of Kaliningrad. (Izrus.co.il)

January 25 in Brussels was a solemn forum dedicated to the 66th anniversary of the liberation of concentration camps at Auschwitz and the memory of Nazi victims. It was attended by several hundred European parliamentarians and public figures in Europe. The forum was organized Viatcheslav (Moshe) Kantor jointly with the Minister of Information and the Diaspora Yuli Edelstein (“Likud”). Among the guests were, in particular, the head of the EU diplomatic corps Catherine Ashton, Commissioner Antonio Tajani, Kristalina Georgieva and John Dalli, Russia’s permanent representative to the EU Vladimir Chizhov. It was attended by staff and memorial center “Yad Vashem”, as well as former chief rabbi of Israel, Israel Meir Lau, in the past – a prisoner of the camp “Buchenwald”. Chapter EJC, who is also head of the Fund’s “World Holocaust Forum,” said at the opening event in Europe, with the growth of anti-Semitism there, and growing popularity of falsification of history and Holocaust deniers. “The role of the Red Army in the liberation of Auschwitz is underestimated in Europe and the world. Revision history and comparison of Stalinism and Nazism, which increasingly is catching on in Europe today is unacceptable. Let’s look closely at who and what started the Second World War and who completed it. A completed her Red Army. nothing to discuss more, you can only be thankful to these people, these soldiers, “- he said. Kantor also said that boycotts Israel, as a new form of anti-Semitism is inadmissible for Europe. He noted that Europe should be banned in the legal procedure calls for imposing sanctions and an end to investment in the Israeli economy. In parallel with the meeting of the forum in the European Parliament building passed another event – the discussion of a proposal “to condemn the expulsion of the Israeli authorities in Jerusalem Palestinian parliamentarians from Hamas.” But because of the collected Cantor forum it was only 15 and a discussion was halted. (“Courier”)

The U.S. president made a traditional appeal to Congress, which became a prelude to his election campaign next year. In his speech, Obama spoke about the prospects of the U.S. economy, the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, gays, democracy, as well as threats from Iran and North Korea. About Israel and the peace process in the Middle East for 62 minutes not a word was said. After the speech the White House was forced to explain that, despite the lack of mention, the desire to move the peace process president – is inviolable. Nevertheless, the fact that Obama has completely ignored the speech of Israel – is essential. Obama spoke mostly about the successes, and its Middle East policy has failed, and he seems about to take a timeout. For Netanyahu, it would be just a gift, but in the absence of the United States will be engaged in the peace process, Europeans and Russia, and Israel is not profitable. (“Courier”)

The Palestinian Authority decided to postpone the filing of the draft UN resolution condemning Israeli military operation “Cast Lead” in the Gaza Strip in exchange for guarantees of peace talks. This is confirmed by another document, released on Wednesday, January 26, the Qatari television station “Al Jazeera”. In October 2009 the head of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas has refused to support the Palestinians Goldstone report, in which Israel and Hamas have been accused of committing war crimes. This report could serve as an occasion for the international war crimes tribunals. But at the last moment tried to persuade Washington to abandon the PA vote on the report of the Goldstone, said “Al-Jazeera.” U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell and Davie Hale met in 2009 with the head of the Palestinian negotiating team Saeb Erekat, to convey its position filed by subject. Moreover, the Palestinians were encouraged to refrain from any direct or indirect initiatives in international legal fora, which can disrupt the process of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Then Abbas aides acquitted of the Palestinian Authority, citing the need for additional time to provide the necessary international support for the report of the Goldstone, and noting that the delayed decision does not mean a complete rejection of it. (“Courier”)

Guardian newspaper recently published the Arab-Israeli secret data indicate that the British intelligence services helped strenuously the Palestinian Authority to develop a plan of repression and relaxation of the Hamas in Gaza. Analysts edition reported that “the bulk of the British plan so far carried out on the West Bank, Palestinian security forces.” Documents confirm the “Work Plan for the PA security forces” and “close coordination with the intelligence service of Israel. New information scandal, this time linked to the Qatari television station” Al-Jazeera. “Largest in the Arab world news channel, has no relation to the site” Wikileaks, “asserts that at his disposal is approximately 1700 materials related to the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. This transcript of meetings and diplomatic correspondence from 1999 to 2010 god.Napomnim, the main sensation of materials, some of which have already been published on the site” Al Jazeera “, was the willingness PNA leaders to a far more serious assignments as voiced in their speeches. For example, Palestinian negotiators have agreed to exchange 6.8% of Judea and Samaria to 5.5% of Israeli territory. At the same time the Palestinian side refused to give land to which are the city of Maale Adumim and Ariel, Efrat settlements of Givat Ze’ev and. As an alternative, proposed to keep Maale Adumim under Palestinian sovereignty and the protection of international observers. But Tzipi Livni, The then foreign minister, did not agree. “Security corridor” that runs through the territory of Israel and ensuring the territorial integrity “Palestinian State” was to remain under Israeli jurisdiction, while its area – not taken into account when calculating the amount of the exchanged territories. (Mignews.com)

Several thousand Palestinians of Gaza have taken part in a protest against the head of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday, January 26. The demonstrators carried effigies of Abbas, wrapped in an Israeli flag and posters with portraits of his dashed and chanted “Go home, traitor!” The protest was called the publication of the Qatari television station “Al Jazeera” Documents, telling about the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. According to released data, Abbas was ready to make serious concessions on Jerusalem and the status of Palestinian refugees. Hamas leaders in Gaza, accused the head of the PA “in the sale of the rights of the Palestinian people”. (Mignews.com)

PLO issued a statement in which he stressed that the Palestinians give up their demands Israeli withdrawal from East Jerusalem and the return of Arab refugees and their families in Israel. In a statement, which was published in response to the leak of documents, “Al Jazeera” in the beginning of the week, also states that these principles are considered “red line” that can not be crossed under any circumstances, as determined Yasser Arafat, mahmoud Abbas and the PLO leadership. “PLO is the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people inside and outside Palestine, and the only body that can lead the Palestinian people to end the occupation,” – said in a statement. (Mignews.com)

Palestinian militants from Gaza on Tuesday evening, January 25, fired two rockets into Israeli territory, “Qassam”. One of them exploded in open areas in the western Negev, the area between the District Council between the regional councils Sdot Negev and Eshkol. The second seems to have fallen in the Gaza Strip. As a result of fire no one was hurt. Destructions. It is worth noting that in recent months attacks on Israeli territory much more frequent, daily to the Western Negev falls from one to several rockets and mortar shells. (Mignews.com)

In the acute shortage of doctors in the hospital afulskoy “A-Emek,” Jezreel Valley Regional Council asked the Jewish Agency, “Jewish Agency” with a special “order”: find overseas doctors Jewish willing to immigrate to Israel and to send them exactly in the area, reported Wallanews. According Wallanews, the order was executed, and in recent weeks, “Jewish Agency” has brought to Israel 14 doctors from the CIS. Doctors have already started to study Hebrew at the ulpan kibbutz Merhavia. The head of District Council Batsar Eyal told reporters that the shortage of doctors at a local hospital simply “outrageous,” and his staff along with representatives of the hospitals’ A-Emek, “specifically to recruit doctors went to CIS countries. The head of the Zionist-health project Gregory Brodsky reported that the CIS has remained convinced of the Zionists, some of whom are doctors. However, there is no guarantee doctors came, the Zionists of successful employment. Deputy Director of Hospital ‘A-Emek, “Dr. David Almog, In a conversation with a reporter Wallanews stressed that the validation of diplomas and licensing will take a long time, and each candidate will be a doctor at the hospital tested individually. “Maybe some of them are not suitable for training on age,” – said Dr. Almog. Just two weeks ago at a meeting of the Knesset Committee on Immigration and Absorption discussed the difficulties faced by doctors at an Israeli immigrant licenses. Committee Chairman Danny Danon said that “to date related to immigrant physicians was humiliating and insulting.” Other presentations also heard complaints that “attitude toward immigrants Division of Licensing of health professions and its leader, Dr. Amir Shanon humiliating, insulting and disgraceful.” (“Courier”)

Credit card payment system in Israel is experiencing a boom. In 2010 recorded a sharp increase in the number of plastic “money” in the population. Thus, according to the Statistical Office of Israel, in the presence of a 5.62 million cards. Of these, 2.24 million local and 1.1 million international and 1.45 million “gold”, 353 000 platinum and 485 000 business cards. The total number of cards in comparison with 2009 increased by 20%. Financial sector experts say that these figures describe the overall market growth, as well as the refusal of Israeli consumer payment systems from traditional cash and checks in favor of plastic cards. (Mignews.com)

Knesset committee discusses legislation to lower the age requirement for voters from 18 to 17 years. The discussion made by the Ministry of Education. He spoke out against lowering the voting age. He said: “Voting for the MK is a difficult decision, requiring knowledge of the political system and values. We believe that it can be taken only after graduation.” At the same time, representatives of students and pupils objected to the representative of the Ministry of Education, citing numerous examples of youth participation in political life. (“Courier”)

According to data calls made during a meeting of the Commission on aliya and absorption in the last year 4.126 immigrants found a new home in parts of the periphery, compared with only 2.867 in 2009. More than 20% of new immigrants arriving in Israel last year, decided to settle in areas of the periphery – in the Negev and Galilee. Thus it became known members of the Knesset on Aliyah, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs in the meeting, convened within the framework of the Day in the Negev and the Galilee. Chairman of the Board member Danny Danon (Likud) said that many immigrants are interested in these areas, but they are hampered by a lack of jobs, education, and most importantly – affordable housing. Danone said that it will promote the adoption of the Government’s program to allocate in the Negev and the Galilee under the removal of housing for new immigrants, supply mobile homes kibbutzim of “First Home in the Homeland,” and the provision of benefits for those wishing to purchase housing in these areas. Minister for Development of the Negev and Galilee Silvan Shalom said that the Ministry has set a goal to bring 300 000 new residents to the Negev and as much again in Galilee. According to him, officials of the Ministry of travel in the U.S. and personally escorted repatriated families. Over the past year 4.126 immigrants have settled in the periphery: in the Galilee and 2.589 1.537 in the settlements in the Negev. Shalom added that opening a medical school in Safed and an industrial park not far from it have provided thousands of new jobs. At the moment the Ministry is promoting additional projects worth a total of 7 billion shekels, including transfer to the south base of the IDF. Danone Chairman of the Commission called for help in opening high-tech enterprises to immigrants with an academic background, and thus prevent their transfer to the Gush Dan. By definition, the Ministry of “Galileo” is a territory of Yokneama to Metula, including the Golan Heights, and Yarden Emek Emek ha-Maayanot before Rosh Hanikra. “Negev” – the territory of the line of Sderot – Kiryat Gat to Eilat. The Director-General of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption Dmitry Apartsev stressed that the Ministry sees the major problem in the population of the Negev and Galilee new immigrants. He added that about 56.6% settled in these areas are returnees to the formation of technicians, engineers and architects. Project leader of the Jewish Agency, “First Home in the Homeland” Elena Kovalskaya talked about the immigrant absorption in the settlements in the Negev: Tsaalim, Sufa, Magen, Urim, and Sade Mashabey Revivim. In 2008, these settlements was 116 returnees in 2009 – 120, and for 2010 is 137. In the settlement Gollan, Galil Elyon-, Emek ha-Yarden, Emek Izrael, Zevulun and Megiddo in 2007 came to 226 returnees in 2008, 362, 308 and 2009 in 2010 306. 80% of them – people of the CIS countries and the rest – from English-speaking countries. Kovalskaya stressed that the continued existence of the program depends on the solution of the Jewish Agency, also drew attention to the enormous shortage of housing units in the kibbutzim. Deputy Leah Shemtov (NID) has called for promoting the hiring immigrant scientists distinguished companies. Deputy Marina Solodkin (Kadima) also presented the idea to allocate land and water rates for demobilized soldiers from Ethiopia, many of whom are interested in creating agricultural settlements. According to her, “until this day, this project does not deserve due attention in the Ministry of Agriculture, with the exception of the Minister Simchon.” Michele Kaplan-Green of the organization “Nefesh be-nefesh,” dealing with the repatriation of Jews from North America and Britain, urged the ministry to get in touch with potential immigrants already in the country of origin, to develop a variety of jobs, but also to unearth the reconciliation program of study in ulpan with work. She also reported that the draft GO NORTH, whereby the five years 1,000 new immigrants settled in the north of Israel, is developing successfully, and the last two years of its participants were 500 immigrants (of which 319 – to 2010) living in the moment Maalot, Nahariya and Safed. Adam Gentman arrived from London. He now lives in Karmiel. He said: “I discovered this city during the tour in the area, and immediately fell in love with a beautiful view. Reminiscent of Tuscany.” Daniel Even-Tzur, Project Manager “Eseg Zion”, said that 91 families have already expressed a desire to move to a settlement Carmit, pending its establishment, to the west of the settlements in the Negev Meytar. “Eseg Zion” is a movement of immigrants, past service in the IDF, most of whom have an academic education. The movement supports a lone soldier and organizes them to settle in communities across the country. According to Even-Tzur, today the movement is accompanied by 180 families of returnees living in the Negev and Galilee. If the project succeeds in Karma, “Eseg Zion” is ready to initiate similar programs in the cities of Karmiel and Harish. Deputy Mayor of Dimona Eli Bronstein said that over the last period of the city came to 100 students who intend to settle there for a long time, and even build their own houses in the city. City Hall has allocated for that purpose by land, but Israel Land management suspended the construction process. Bronstein called on the government to take corresponding decision on this issue and as soon as possible to expedite the project. Immediately after the meeting Chairman of the Danone appealed to the Minister of Construction and Housing Policy Ariel Atiasu with a request to increase the number of public housing provided by the immigrants in the Negev and Galilee. He also asked that the program was approved during the month. In addition Danone contacted with the new Minister of Industry, Trade and Employment, Shalom Simhon and asked him to draw up a program to develop high-tech enterprise technology in the Negev and the Galilee, in order to prevent “brain drain” in the Gush Dan. (“Courier”)

PhD Ahmed Mustafa Calls from Cairo to separate politics from life sciences and give a chance for Israeli scientists in the Arab scientific community. Egyptian doctor is in Israel, where he worked with a group engaged in the research of Parkinson’s disease. “If the Arab world saw another side of Israel, his books, films and, most importantly, science, opinion about this country could change dramatically,” – said Dr. Mustafa. When Mustafa in 2008, told his family that he intends to take part in medical research in Israel, his family expressed fears for his sanity. However, a graduate of Cairo University, who has a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Louisiana, then definitely needed to accept the invitation of the University of Jerusalem School of Medicine and Research Center Hospital “Hadassah Ein Kerem,” dealing with the University “Al-Quds,” the study of Parkinson’s disease. “To my colleagues in Egypt and Arabic-speaking countries, such an event would have been unthinkable. Dissuaded me everything.’s Voice in defense of my decision filed Palestinian professor, who said that I should certainly use the chance and visit this unique country, which I actually did. Now I urge my colleagues to follow my example. I’m friends with the Israelis. regularly visit their guest. Israel a great nation. It is home to smart, intelligent, bright people. I like it here “- shares his impressions of a 33-year-old Mustafa. Now Mustafa is involved in the research laboratory of Professor of Physiology at the Department of Hagaya Bergman Hebrew University of Neurology and Laboratory of Nanotechnology, “Al-Quds.” His direction – developing computer models that demonstrate how Parkinson’s disease affects the ability of the patient’s attention and assessment of the situation – is also used to better understand schizophrenia. (Mignews.com)

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan published today in the pages of Newsweek U.S. open letter to the EU, which can only be described as an ultimatum, or less dramatically – the last Turkish warning. The text begins with a statement of Erdogan mismatch of global changes in the distribution of economic power in the world and the political structures of the past century. In his view, is that Group of Seven has become a big twenty, should result in expansion of the club managers the world community – the Security Council in favor of the rising superpower, Brazil, India and, of course, Turkey. Humiliating and torn to pieces in the 18-20 centuries, Turkey presents itself as the savior of the day “sick of Europe.” “Turkey is no longer going to beg for more and more hostile to the European Union permission to join the club” – warns the Turkish leader.

“Our European friends should understand that the Turkish-European relations approach the turning point. We are no longer a country that is willing to wait at the door as a European competitor obedient,” says Erdogan, and presents his vision of further state of affairs in Europe and Turkey. ” Calling the state of the labor market and social security in Europe “coma” their economy “stagnant”, and society – “geriatric” Erdogan assigns the role of savior of Turkey decaying West. According to him, for his own salvation, Europe needs to “economic and demographic dynamism “Turkey. He relied on projections OECD, according to which by 2050 Turkey will become the second largest economy in Europe.” Turkey has the power, which desperately needs the EU, “Erdogan says. But not only in the economy work.” Turkey is becoming global and Regional political player, using soft power (soft power). We are conducting an active policy from the Balkans to the Middle East and Caucasus. It’s not romantic, “neo-ottomanstvo”: this is realpolitik, based on a new vision of global order. “As the achievements of his” realpolitik “, the Turkish prime minister leads his involvement in the Afghan, Iraqi and Balkan affairs, and even the question of Iran’s nuclear program (! .) Erdogan assured the Europeans that, joining the EU, Turkey will promote European economic and political interests and achieve a “regional security and social harmony”. “Many say that Turkey has no real alternative to Europe. Maybe so, but the converse is true: Europe has no real alternative to Turkey, “sums up his reflections Turkish prime minister.” So what’s the deal? – He asks a fair question. – Why are small and weak economies to have been adopted in the European Union, and for refusing entry into the Union a big and strong Turkey are always a cause? “And he himself gives the answer:” Sometimes I think maybe the power in Turkey – only obstacle on its way to the European Union? “But this is only part of the answer. Neither France nor Germany – the leading forces the European Union – are not going to pass the keys to the new hegemon, the more so if he – almost 80,000,000th land of the rising of Islam. (ZMAN.com)

Portal ZMAN.com published an analytical article Barry Rubin – Director of the International Centre for Global Studies and editor of the journal Middle East Review of International Affairs poll conducted recently by the famous American Pew Research Institute in the Middle East, has shown an unequivocal trend towards increase in Muslim countries, Islamist ideology and militant extremist groups. The analysis of this phenomenon Institute Pew, however, is very vague and therefore requires further understanding of what is happening. For example, estimating the ratio of Arabs to Hamas and “Hizbullah”, analysts Pew Center wrote about “shifted the perception of the population of these groups, moreover, that” Al Qaeda “and Osama bin Laden are not popular here.” Is this true? In Jordan, for example, followers of the “Hezbollah” accounted for 55% of the respondents (against 43% who have a negative attitude to this group), and Hamas – 60% (vs. 34%). It’s impressive numbers, and they are even more impressive when you take into account the fact that Jordan – Sunni state, whose government is trying to counteract the growing ambitions of Iran and Syria. At the same time, “Hezbollah” is known to be an agent and a puppet of the Iranians and Syrians. Therefore can not but cause surprise and concern that the vast majority of people in this country admires and sympathizes with this grouping of opposition to the policy regime. It is a phenomenon that is difficult to explain in terms of religious affiliation and national interests of Jordanians. Sympathy for Hamas, more understandable, given that this group claims to be the liberator of the Palestinian people, and the Palestinians constitute a large proportion of the population of the Hashemite kingdom. Public opinion is formed by local media, not unlike the position of Hamas. Added to this is a cautious and even hostile to Fatah and the Palestinian Authority in Jordan. Nevertheless, attention is drawn to the fact that the level of local support to Hamas, whose leadership Jordanian regime expelled, unusually high. Why the Sunni Arabs of Jordan, whose government is one of the most moderate in the region support these groups? One reason for that lies on the surface, is that both organizations are in the forefront of struggle against Israel. But, apparently, not the least important is the fact that both movements are striking force of revolutionary Islam. And there is no contradiction. The Islamists are seen as ideological Arab masses, immaculate in moral terms, a desperate and relentless fighters, rather than supporters of nationalist movements. Muslims see them as liberators who are ready to sacrifice their lives for the triumph of Islam and the Muslim world to return to its former glory. By supporting these movements, the Arabs signaled that the bet on “jihad” and not for peace and prosperity. And finally, remember that both of these groups adhere to a very anti-Western and anti-American positions. Sympathizing with them, the Arabs thus clearly placed emphasis in their priorities. We now turn to the “Al-Qaeda.” The assertion that the attitude towards this group unambiguously negative, hardly corresponds to reality. In the same Jordan “Al Qaeda” favored by 34%. Keep in mind that “Al Qaeda” has carried out attacks not only in the U.S. and neighboring Jordan, Iraq, but also in the Hashemite kingdom. Nevertheless, in an Arab country, which is considered the most friendly to the West, third of the population is in favor of the organization. This is no way linked to the anti-Western sentiments. Can I count on modernization and stability in the country, a third of whose citizens sympathize with the terrorists who killed their own citizens? In Egypt, “Hezbollah” support “only” 30% of the respondents (66% opposed) and Hamas – 49% (versus – 48%). 20% of appeals to “Al Qaeda” (vs. – 72%). This is more optimistic statistics than in the case of Jordan, but it should be recalled that sympathy for “Hezbollah” and have “Muslim brothers” whose religious extremism is no less than “Hezbollah”. Simply “Muslim brothers” – Sunni insurgents and “Hezbollah” – the Shiites, which determines the division and rancor among them. The Egyptian government blames the “Hezbollah” to destabilize the country and undermining national interests. Hamas in Cairo also considered as a threat to security.

However, despite a tough stance against the regime in the two groups, despite censorship and actions of security forces, a fifth of the population of Egypt supported the most extremist terrorist organizations outside of their country, and one-third of sympathy for the radical Shiite structure which is strike force hostile Egyptians Iran. At the same time is not quite clear how much of the Egyptian population in favor of establishing an Islamic republic in Egypt, although it is the best testified to the mood of the “Egyptian street.” In Lebanon, the sympathies of the population is distributed on an ethnic and religious lines. 94% of the country’s Shiites support the “Hezbollah” (only 5% of the Shiites are negative for this group). Among Sunnis, the results are almost exactly the opposite: a “Hezbollah” – only 12% against – 84%. 87% of Christian population are opposed to the leading Shiite factions, and only 10% regard it favorably. These figures indicate that the “Hezbollah” does not receive the support of the population in the elections and be able to come to power only through a coup by Iran and Syria, as well as the assistance of local collaborators. What is the attitude to the Lebanese “Al Qaeda”? The answer speaks for itself: for – 3% – against 94%! What is the reason for the rejection of “jihad”? Christians and Sunnis do not want to create the country’s fundamentalist regime, while “Hezbollah” is well aware that “al Qaeda” hates the Shiites no less than the “infidels.” And finally, Turkey. Public opinion is diametrically to what happened in Jordan. Only 5% of sympathetic “Hezbollah”, while against this group take 74%. Only 9% support Hamas, given that 67% have a negative attitude to this structure. And only 4% in solidarity with the “Al Qaeda” against 74% of those who do not accept its slogans and practices. And all this despite the fact that the current Islamist regime led by Erdogan, has positioned itself as a leading proponent and Hamas, and “Hezbollah”. Revolutionary Islam, regardless of the motives (whether to fundamentalist sympathies trends in general, or the struggle between these factions and Israel) are not popular in Turkey. Hamas and “Hezbollah” is not more support than the “Al-Qaeda.” It turns out that the Turks, for the most part, set up a much more moderate than their government, while the Egyptians and the Jordanians are much more radical than the ruling regimes there. Notice the two time designated in the study: a confrontation between the Islamists and the proponents of modernization and attitudes towards punishment, perpetrated by Islamic law. In regard to the first point, it became clear that the vast majority of the population in the above countries such watershed does not exist. Only 20% of Jordanians, 31% of Egyptians, Lebanese, 53% and 52% of Turks agreed that such a conflict on ideological grounds at all present. The reason? It is unlikely that someone will take the risk to give an exhaustive answer to this question. I believe that the majority of Muslims in those countries where real democracy exists, and the government dealt cruelly with the opposition and prefer not to stand on anybody’s side in the confrontation. Not be ruled out that they really do not see any contradiction between Islamization and democracy, and believe that the fundamentalists will be able to implement the necessary reforms in the society better than the ruling regimes. It is not excluded and another: respondents believe that their political system in line with traditional Muslim views. Either way, those who believe that the conflict between modernization and Islamization is still there (remember, their number ranges from 20% in Jordan to 53% in Lebanon) was as follows: – in Jordan: 48% – the modernization, against – 38% – in Egypt: 9% – for Islamization, against – 27% – in Lebanon: 84% – the modernization, against – 15%, in Turkey: 74% – the modernization, against – 11%. More than just scare data for Jordan. From this study that nearly 40% of the population supports the establishment of an Islamist regime and this regime will not be present Hashemite korolevstvo.Chto In Lebanon, can hardly be surprising that the vast majority of Shiites are supporting “Hezbollah”. But apparently, this support is largely due to ethnicity, rather than a desire to transform Lebanon into another Islamic republic. The Sunnis, for their part, are well aware that if Lebanon and the Islamic revolution to happen, then it will be headed by the Shia, with all ensuing consequences.

The most controversial look at survey data of Turkey. Apparently, though here the ruling Justice and Development Party is supported by much of the population, the majority of Turks do not want to turn their country into an Islamic fundamentalist state like Iran. In their view, Turkey is likely to be not completely abandon the gains of Ataturk, but combine them with Islamic traditions and regulations. And finally, the attitude towards traditional Islamic methods of punishment. And again – the data for Egypt and Jordan can not surprise and do not cause concern. In Egypt, 82% (!) Supported the stoning of persons guilty of adultery, 77% support pruning hands for theft and 84% – of the death penalty for Muslims who dared to go to another religion. In other words, the approach of the Egyptians are virtually no different from the approach of the fundamentalists in Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. In Jordan – a similar situation: 70% – of stoning in the case of adultery, 58% – amputation for thieves, 86% – for the death penalty “defectors.”

In Lebanon and Turkey, however, the numbers are different. In Lebanon, 23% – for the stoning), 13% – in the hands of humility, and 6% – for the death sentence “traitors to the faith.” In Turkey – for the same punishment, respectively, 16%, 13% and 5% of the population. In this politically, Turkey and Lebanon are facing growing attraction to the axis of Iran – Syria – Hamas – “Hezbollah,” which may have an impact on public sentiment in those States. Analysis of the study institute Pew, indicates a high probability of the Islamic revolution in Egypt and Jordan, whose population is largely shared values ​​and beliefs of the fundamentalists. Mass support for radical Islam in these countries does not leave the West no choice but to support all the forces ruling regimes, for all their flaws and vices. In Lebanon, there is a noticeable resistance to the involvement of this country in the Iranian-Syrian bloc. Turkey’s ruling Islamist party is not as popular as it seems and there are prerequisites for the victory of secular movements in the upcoming elections. It should be recalled that the regimes in Egypt, Jordan and other Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia, Iran did not oppose the increase because Iran is not Arab and Sunni Muslim country, and not just because of the radicalism of Tehran, but also because of fear of the Islamic revolution in their own home. In summary, the key highlight of the trends in the Arab world: strengthening of radical Islam. Religious fundamentalism in the Middle East on the march, but in the West continue to prefer to pretend that the threat does not exist. (ZMAN.com)