Epstein Secrets

retary general, Ban Ki-moon, issued a last-minute invitation for Iran to attend, then rescinded it after strong objections from America; from Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival; and from the Syrian opposition. The United States has said that Iran could not participate without publicly accepting a 201

week, Hamas released seven Fatah activists from prison in an effort, leaders said, to create a better atmosphere for reconciliation. Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh also announced that his government would allow Fatah members to return to Gaza. "Such steps are good and welcomed, but we have an agreement that we

if not always agreeable, companions. Egypt's Mubarak, Jordan's King Hussein, Tunisia's Ben Ali, Yemen's Ali Saleh, Morocco's King Hassan II, Saudi Arabia's kings Fand and Abdullah. The PLO's Yasir Arafat rounded out the group photo. America's arrangements with the acquiescents (and their sons, relati

Hamas supporters concede have cost the group support. "We became like a police state," said Ahmed Yousef, a former adviser to Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh. "They became scared of any rally or demonstration." Hamas, eager to preserve its rule, has also become wary of provoking a new Israeli offensive

Egypt has designated Hamas a terrorist group and is keeping Gaza isolated. Syria, embroiled in a civil war with outside backing, has accused Saudi Arabia and Qatar of seeking to undermine the country. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are supporting different factions of the Syrian opposition. The Arab Gulf sta

it will result in increasing Iran's financial support. The latter was confirmed by Ahmed Youssef, a former political adviser to Palestinian leader Ismail Haniyeh, who said that Hamas is keen to develop its relationship with Iran because the two are strategic partners and have agreed to show understanding for