Studies show that US coverage is Israeli-centric. The main bureaus for CNN, Associated Press, Time, etc. are located in Israel and often staffed by Israelis. The son of the NY Times bureau chief is in the Israeli army;"pundit" Jeffrey Goldberg served in the IDF; Wolf Blitzer worked for AIPAC. Because the U.S. gives Israel over $8 million/day - more than to any other nation - we feel it is essential that we be fully informed on this region. Below are news reports to augment mainstream coverage.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Israel blocks Palestinian men under 45 years of age from Al-Aqsa Mosque

Ma'an- Israeli police said Friday that they will block the entry of men under 45 to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, Israeli media reported.

Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post said the police restrictions came after intelligence on "plans to disrupt the peace at the site."

Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam, and lies in a compound, the Haram Ash-Sharif, that abuts the site where Jews believe the ancient Jewish Temple stood.

Israeli authorities regularly restrict the entry of men under 45 on occasions such as Israeli holidays, while Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza must request special permission to pray at the holy site.

Special communal prayers are held on Fridays in Islam, which is regarded as a day of rest and worship.