This week's political update was written by LionPAC Political Affairs Director Jacob Shapiro (GS/JTS '10). Each week, a different member of the political affairs committee will be contributing the update:

1. Peres in Turkey

Israeli President Shimon Peres became the first Israeli President to speak to the parliament of a Muslim country when he addressed the 550 seat Turkish Parliament yesterday. In his speech, Peres expressed hope that the upcoming Annapolis Peace Conference would yield results. "Israel is determined to end this conflict and peace is in the interest of Israel," said Peres. "A democratic Israel and an independent, prosperous and democratic Palestinian state will help end terrorism."

2. Iran Watch

Mohsen Yahyavi, an Iranian Minister became the highest ranking government official to admit that the Iranian regime believes in the death penalty for the crime of homosexuality. The comments occurred during a private meeting with members of the British Parliament this week.

Iran also handed over blueprints illustrating how to make nuclear weapons over to the IAEA this week possibly as a result of increased pressure from the world community on the potential hardening of sanctions.

3. Palestinian Infighting

Seven people were killed this week in Gaza when a Fatah rally commemorating the three-year anniversary of Yassir Arafat's death erupted into a street fight. The rally marked the largest gathering of Fatah since Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip and was dispersed when Hamas gunmen appeared and opened fire.