New Saudi king opens door to reconciliation with Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood

Arab diplomatic sources said the Saudi leadership has renewed contact with the Hamas leadership. They said King Salman, who ascended to the throne on Jan. 23, was encouraging a reconciliation with the Palestinian Islamic movement.

“Salman has long worked with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood and does not want a permanent estrangement,” a source said.

Report: Obama focused on Iran diplomacy in tense meeting with Netanyahu

WASHINGTON — Little love was lost in the March 5 meeting between U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Western diplomatic sources.

The sources said Obama may travel to Iran in a bid for reconciliation and that his meeting with Netanyahu pointed to what many are describing as a poisoned atmosphere between the leaders.

“There’s a lot of hate in this relationship, and this is no exaggeration,” the diplomat said.

The sources said Obama, who quietly remains in contact with Teheran’s leadership, warned Netanyahu not to “do anything reckless” regarding military operations in the Middle East.

The sources said Obama sees Netanyahu as an ally of the opposition Republican Party while the prime minister sees the president as ready to abandon Israel, Middle East Newsline reported.

Full article: Report: Obama focused on Iran diplomacy in tense meeting with Netanyahu (World Tribune)