ISIS Culturally Cleansing the Middle East: UNESCO Director

Islamic State has been systematic in its destruction of ancient archaeological sites, temples and artifacts. And though efforts are being made to protect priceless cultural property in Syria and Iraq, the destruction of human life presents an even greater problem. Can organizations such as UNESCO do enough to protect mankind's joint heritage and will it be obliged it to choose between human life and preservation of culture? Oksana is joined by Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, to discuss these issues.

Iran Nuclear Deal Fuels Anger, Jitters in Mideast

THE BELLINGHAM HERALD: JERUSALEM — Israel's prime minister harshly condemned the international community's nuclear deal with Iran on Sunday while Saudi Arabia remained conspicuously quiet, reflecting the jitters felt throughout the Middle East over Iran's acceptance on the global stage.

Elsewhere, many welcomed the agreement as an important first step toward curbing Iran's suspect nuclear program.

Israel and Western-allied Gulf countries led by Saudi Arabia have formed an unlikely alliance in their opposition to Sunday's deal, joined together by shared concerns about a nuclear-armed Iran and the Tehran's growing regional influence.

While most Gulf countries remained silent in the first hours after the deal was reached in Geneva, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wasted little time in criticizing it, calling it a "historic mistake" and saying he was not bound by the agreement.

Speaking to his Cabinet, Netanyahu said the world had become a "more dangerous place" as a result of the deal. He reiterated a long-standing threat to use military action against Iran if needed, declaring that Israel "has the right and the duty to defend itself by itself." » | Josef Federman | Associated Press | Sunday, November 24, 2014