Jews and Arabs trade blame after riots divide town

Jews and Arabs trade blame after riots divide town : Jewish and Arab residents of this mixed city traded blame Sunday after being rocked by four nights of rioting and sectarian violence, some of the worst seen here in decades. Usually at this time of year Acre - also known as Akko, on the coast north of Haifa - would be in the throes of final preparations for its annual Jewish-Arab alternative theater festival, an event, scheduled to start Wednesday, that has helped turn this ancient port city into a national symbol of coexistence. Instead, the police were blocking the main entrances to the city, checking all incoming vehicles for potential troublemakers, and it was doubtful whether the festival would take place. A tense calm prevailed by day, but residents from both sides remained apprehensive about what might happen after... [read full story]