{!hitembed ID=”hitembed_1″ width=”350″ height=”197″ align=”right” !}

To our Muslim readers, enjoy Eid today. For the rest, enjoy the beginning of the week!

International Politics

Overall

– A Ukrainian official stated MH17 crashed as a result of “massive explosive decompression,” caused by rocket fire

– Juan Cole: “Israel’s Gaza Campaign Endangers US Security: Why Obama & Kerry are Furious“; Meanwhile, U.S. officials warn Israel further criticism of officials like John Kerry will affect U.S.-Israel relations

Middle East

– Israel is using tips from beloved GOP consultant Frank Luntz to help its public relations during the siege in Gaza

– Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki goes on state television to ask for help against the Islamic State

– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Israelis should get ready for a long war and we will stop only when our mission is accomplished

– The leader of Hamas stated the occupation of not only Gaza but of Palestine would have to end

– A former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. said in an op-ed that Israel should crush Hamas

– Whatever may happen, it is indeed true that “Israel has lost”

– After what happened with MH17, Emirates Airline declares it will not fly over Iraq

– In Gaza, at least 10 people were killed by missiles from a F-16 while at a refugee camp

– Natasha Lennard: “Why Talk of Intifada? We Should Call It a Palestinian Uprising”

Africa

– Despite the first day of Eid today, Libya continues to face violent fighting and a UN official warned groups in the country who continue to fight will be prosecuted

– In Nigeria, three suicide bombers (all female) killed a number of people throughout the country