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Today in Palestine! ~ Headlines ~ |
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Settlers/ Land, Property, Resource Theft & Destruction/Ethnic Cleansing
Sheikh Jarrah: Daoudi family faces first court appearance to fight eviction
Today in Jerusalem, the Daoudi family appeared at their first court
hearing to defend themselves against forced eviction. The Daoudis live
in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Palestinian East Jerusalem where
Israeli settlers are seeking to illegally evict and displace Palestinian
residents from their homes. According to the UN, of the approximately
2,800 Palestinian residents in Sheikh Jarrah, more than 60 have lost
their homes and 500 are at risk of forced eviction.
http://palsolidarity.org/2010/12/16066/
Israel builds new settlement neighborhood in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, December 16, (Pal Telegraph) - Israeli occupation authorities
have started building new settlement neighborhood in Jabl Al-Zaytoon in
Jerusalem. The radio of Israel reported that the new settlement
neighborhood will include 24 housing units and it will be specified for
the students of the Jewish institute pointing out that the local
committee for building and organizing approved the building project one
year ago. The project is carried out by a company belonging a
right-wing association pays for settlement projects in Jerusalem called
Elad.
http://www.paltelegraph.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7728
Despite court ruling, IDF took Arab land for train line
Former
Civil
Administration head, Brig. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, signed an order
expropriating 50 dunams from a West Bank village for the rail line
connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, just two days before stepping down
from his post on November 3. According to the document, Mordechai was
convinced the expropriation was done for public good and that the user
of the land would be in a position to compensate the property owners.
http://www.israeli-occupation.org/2010-12-17/despite-court-ruling-idf-took-arab-land-for-train-line/
Hebron court vandalized 'without any justification'
HEBRON
(Ma’an)
– The Palestinian lawyers’ union condemned on Thursday what it called
an attack by Israeli troops against the Dura courthouse in Hebron
"without any justification." The court’s doors and windows were damaged
during arrest raids in the village overnigh
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=342662
Uninvited Israeli Settlers Enter Beit Ommar Mosque
At 4am on the morning of Wednesday, December 16th 2010, a contingent of
Israeli soldiers accompanied a group of settlers into the town of Beit
Ommar. They woke up the guardian of the Old Mosque and demanded that he
open the building for them. On entering the Old Mosque the settlers
began taking photographs of the interior. The guardian was told that
the settlers wish to partition the mosque and use their half for prayers
three times a week, claiming that the building holds special religious
significance for them.
http://palestinesolidarityproject.org/2010/12/17/uninvited-israeli-settlers-enter-beit-ommar-mosque/
Court asked to ensure Palestinian farmers’ water access
Law
suit
filed after Civil Administration declares land as archeological area;
lawyer says settlers have access to disputed spring. Farmers from
Deir Nizam, 23 km. northwest of Ramallah, petitioned the High Court of
Justice on Thursday to order the civil administration to allow them
access to the Ein al-Kis spring to irrigate their fields.
http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=199822
Israel's Jerusalem Master Plan 2020, Stephen Lendman
A November 10 Qatar News Agency article headlined, "Israel Plans to
Rebuild Old Jerusalem - Palestinian Official," stated: Attorney Ahmed
Al-Ruwaidi, "responsible for the Jerusalem unit in the Palestinian
Authority (PA), said Israel plan(s) to build new settlement homes in old
Jerusalem where the ancient walls of the city will be overshadowed by
modern bridges, synagogues and gardens spreading from the Arab
neighborhoods of Sheikh Jarrah to Wdi Al Joze and Suwaneh."
http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16490
Activism/Solidarity/Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions
One Critically injured, Many Treated for Tear Gas Inhalation During West Bank Anti Wall Protests
Ramallah
–
PNN – a civilian was critically injured, Many protesters were treated
for the effects of tear gas inhalation on Friday when Israeli troops
attacked anti wall protests organized in a number of West Bank
villages. This Friday protests were organized in the villages of
Bil’in, Nil’in, and al Nabi Saleh in central West Bank in addition to
al-Ma’ssara village in southern West Bank. International and Israeli
supporters joined the villagers at all four locations. The protests took
place shortly after the midday prayers have ended.
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9278&Itemid=56
Dozens tear-gassed in Bil’in as they walk toward lands owned by people of the village, Hamde Abu Rahme
Today dozens of people were injured as a result of inhaling the tear gas
due to the clashes that took place in the village of Bil'in. Many people
from Bil'in village joined this march along with the peace activists
and foreigners who came to give solidarity to Bil'in people, especially
after the decision of the Israeli Defence Force to suppress the weekly
march against the wall and the settlements.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/dozens-asphyxiated-
in-bilin-as-they-walk-toward-lands-owned-by-people-of-the-village.html
S. African politicians 'beaten up by IDF'
Parliament
members
say 'shoved' by soldiers during anti-Israel protest in village near
Bethlehem last week. 'They fired tear gas and stun grenades at us,'
one of them claims. Army: Forces used means required to end violent
riot.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4000648,00.html
State
Department hails ‘civil society activists’ around the world but refuses
to say anything for imprisoned Abdallah Abu Rahmah, Philip Weiss
Yesterday, 15 December 2010, the issue of Abu Rahmah was followed up by the AP. Crowley answered that the case is ‘watched closely’
by US representatives in Israel. Far from releasing a statement on
Abdallah Abu Rahmah, Crowley confirmed the silent position on
Palestinian non-violence that the United States has maintained in recent
months. Video links of the relevant State Department briefings can be
found here (10.12.2010, minute 13:08), here (13.12.2010, minute 17:08), here (14.12.2010, minute 21:33) and here (15.12.2010, minute 22:20).
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/state-department-hails-civil-society-activists-
around-the-world-but-refuses-to-say-anything-for-imprisoned-abdallah-abu-rahmah.html
US State Department Silent on Bil’in’s Abdallah Abu Rahmah, Joseph Dana
US State Department spokesman continues to avoid giving a clear US
position on the case of imprisoned non-violent leader Abdallah Abu
Rahmah. Asked three times on different occasions by Associated Press
reporters, spokesman PJ Crowley failed to show clear US support of
Abdallah Abu Rahmah.
http://josephdana.com/2010/12/
us-state-department-silent-on-bil%e2%80%99in%e2%80%99s-abdallah-abu-rahmah/
Write a letter and condemn them their decision to ignore Abu Rahma here
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Freedom for Ibrahim, Hassan and Zaydoon: An interview with leaders of the Ni’lin Popular Committee Against the Separation Wall
On December 3, 2010, three leaders of the Ni’lin Popular Committee Against the Separation Wall
were released from Israeli military prison: Ibrahim Amireh, coordinator
of the Popular Committee; Hassan Mousa, spokesperson; and Zaydoon
Srour. Israel wrongfully imprisoned them for 11 months in apparent
retaliation for their role as leaders of the nonviolent movement. During
their imprisonment, Saeed Amireh, Ibrahim’s 19 year-old son, stepped
forward as a powerful leader of the efforts to free his father. ISM interviewed the four activists on December 15.
http://palsolidarity.org/2010/12/16068/
Sheikh Jarrah to light community Christmas tree
JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- National and religious institutions in Jerusalem
invited guests to join Sheikh Jarrah families in lighting its Christmas
tree Monday at 4 p.m. Organizers said the event would be a chance to
"voice your rejection and opposition to Israel’s ethnic cleansing policy
in Jerusalem," and support the "lawful struggle" of many residents to
remain in their homes.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=342680
Anti-Jewish abuse from Ahava staff
Oi! Zionists in the UK are on the ropes again. First, a picket is mounted against the Ahava store
by Palestine solidarity activists protesting the sale of products made
from Palestine resources, then the Zionist Federation (ZFUK) mounts a
counter picket, then the neo-nazis of the EDL come to support zionism
(as they do and always did), then ZFUK activist, Jonathan Hoffman gets
photographed openly fraternising with an EDL activist, then he has to
issue a grovelling apology
for libelling the photographer, also called Hoffman, who snapped the
rather compromising situation. And now.... And now what? And now an
assistant at the Ahava store has called a Jewish Palestine solidarity
activists a Christ-killer. See this short clip from Tony Greenstein's blog.
http://jewssansfrontieres.blogspot.com/2010/12/anti-jewish-abuse-from-ahava-staff.html
#BDS: LDFP Press Release: Ethical Principles for Boycotting Israel
Lib Dem Friends of Palestine, a voice for human rights in Palestine,
have joined the growing call to the British public and companies to
boycott Israeli goods on sale in Britain.
We are deeply concerned at the continuing failure of UK and USA
governments to take any measures against Israel. LDFP call on the
coalition government and EU to implement economic sanctions against
Israel.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/12/bds-ldfp-press-release-ethical.html
U.S. Boat to Gaza announces: Application Process Now Open
Hurry -- Registration for the "Audacity of Hope" will close after 30 DAYS.
http://endtheoccupationblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/us-boat-to-gaza-announces-application.html
Mondo Awards: Call for entries
Although it often seems like changing the status quo is a never ending
slog of two steps forward and one step back it behooves us on occasion
to stop and see the mileage we've made, to appreciate our movement, the
people who've inspired us, the great courageous and brave actions taken
by people in the region both Palestinians and Israelis, those in the
diaspora and our supporters from all walks of life.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/mondo-awards-call-for-entries.html
Resisting an ideology of inequality: Jody McIntyre interviewed
Over
the past month, journalist and activist Jody McIntyre has joined a
growing number of students, workers, activists and others in the UK
protesting a government decision to cut public sector funding,
especially to education. Jody, who spent months alongside Palestinians
in the West Bank and Gaza Strip protesting the Israeli occupation, is
now back in London attending and reporting on various student-led
actions. The Electronic Intifada's Matthew Cassel spoke with Jody at his
south London home.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11681.shtml
Anti
USPCN Stands Against Political Repression
The
United
States Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) strongly condemns and
denounces the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s political repression
of 19 anti-war, Palestine solidarity and Palestinian activists. The
USPCN calls for the immediate suspension of the federal government’s
grand jury prosecution of these activists, and an end to the FBI’s
harassment of our communities.
http://palestineconference.org/wp/2010/12/16/uspcn-stands-against-political-repression/
Anti-BDS Campaigners Liken Movement to Nazi Germany Policies, Alex Kane
If you can’t beat ‘em, smear ‘em. As the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement
continues full-steam ahead in its efforts to force Israel to comply with
international law, pro-Israel hawks are increasingly attempting to link
the movement to anti-Semitism and Nazi Germany-era policies. The
latest person to do so is Jeffrey Goldberg of the Atlantic, who has been described as “one of the most influential Jewish journalists working in mainstream media.”
http://alexbkane.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/
anti-bds-campaign-likens-movement-to-nazi-germany-policies/
Say
it
ain’t so: Zakaria, Huffington and Tom Friedman go to bat for center
that is desecrating Muslim cemetery in Jerusalem, Philip Weiss
This one stopped me, made me wonder if I need to have my eyes adjusted. This is an invitation to a benefit next spring
for Canadian friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust
Studies. On the cover of the invite you will see Arianna Huffington,
Thomas Friedman of the NY Times, Fareed Zakaria of CNN fame, and Aayan
Hirsi Ali. They'll all be speaking at the May 31 event at a Toronto
synagogue. Hold on. This is the same Simon Wiesenthal Center that is
building a "Museum of Tolerance" in Jerusalem on a 12th Century Muslim
cemetery.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/say-it-aint-so-zakaria-huffington-and-tom-friedman
-go-to-bat-for-center-that-is-desecrating-muslim-cemetery-in-jerusalem.html
National Hillel sends many young Jews into exile. Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb on Talmud and BDS.
Hillel, the world’s largest Jewish campus organization-with staff,
funding and physical space on some 500 mostly US campuses - says it
wants to create a “welcoming environment for Jewish students on campus
by fostering students’ ability to incorporate Jewish tradition into
their lives.” Translation? Only Jews who pass an ideological litmus test
on Israel are welcome. Others can stop at the door.
http://www.muzzlewatch.com/2010/12/16/
national-hillel-sends-many-young-jews-into-exile-rabbi-lynn-gottlieb-on-talmud-and-bds/
Avi Shlaim in Israel
I
am not surprised at this: neither about Avi Shlaim visit to Saudi Arabia
(at the invitation of Bin Laden's friend, Prince Turki Al-Faysal)
nor at the invitation by Saudi government itself. Avi Shlaim represents
a case of a moderate Zionist--if there is such a thing because there is
nothing moderate about a project that uprooted an entire population and
that imposes its political will by force and occupation and
explusion--whose judgment on regimes in the region is not
based on their human rights record but on their closeness to Israel.
Witness his love affair with the king and his fawning biography of him.
Avi Shlaim served in the Israeli terrorist army and he explains away
this fact to Arab students at Oxford by telling them dismissively: oh, I
only served in the border police. I told Arab students at Oxford two
years ago: but the border police was the one that shot at thousands of
Palestinian civilians from 1948 to 1960s merely because they wanted to
go and check on their homes and property. Now Avi Shlaim is in love
with the House of Saud: and notice that he only cares about their views
of the usurping Zionist entity: ""I
was surprised by the absence of talk of violence and condemnation
against Israel. I have not heard anyone deny Israel's right to exist…and
the Saudis wish that this issue could be resolved," Shlaim said."
Yes, Avi Shlaim. I am sure that the sample of Saudis that you are
permitted to meet is quite representative of the Saudi population. Oh,
yeah. And this is somebody who teaches Middle East studies. [end]
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/avi-shlaim-in-israel.html
Israeli flag in Dubai
"After
a
month of uncertainty, Israel's national swim team arrived early
yesterday morning in Dubai ahead of the World Short Course
Championships, which open today. The Israeli delegation went through
hell and high water to get to Dubai. Officials of the emirate refused to
issue the Israelis visas until the last minute, and only allowed them
in without stamping their passports and making them undergo stringent
security checks. "It seems they feared we would bring in something
special, but everything went quietly," said Noam Zvi, chairman
of the Israeli Swimming Federation."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/israeli-flag-in-dubai.html
Refugees/Siege/Rights Violations/Restriction of Movement
Industrial Fuel – Needs Vs. Supply – Nov 14 – Dec 11
http://www.gazagateway.org/2010/12/industrial-fuel-%e2%80%93-
needs-vs-supply-%e2%80%93-nov-14-%e2%80%93-dec-11/
UAE calls for lifting of Gaza blockade
The
UAE
called on the international community to "compel" Israel to lift its
blockade of the Gaza Strip yesterday. The UAE's Permanent
Representative to the United Nations, Ahmed Abdul Rahman al Jarman,
addressed the UN General Assembly and pledged further support to those
trapped inside the region. "The Humanitarian conditions in the occupied
Palestinian Territories, especially in the Gaza Strip, continue to
deteriorate because of the siege imposed on the Strip by the Israeli
occupying forces for the last three years," the state news agency WAM
quoted him as saying.
http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/uae-calls-for-lifting-of-gaza-blockade
A Bethlehem Christmas wish
More than 2,000 years ago, a miracle happened in Bethlehem and the
prophet of peace, love and forgiveness was born. Now Bethlehem, as well
as every other Palestinian city, town and refugee camp, still lives
under occupation and oppression.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11679.shtml
Silwan children’s football league opens today to great success
Today
marks
the opening of the children’s football league in Silwan. The opening
match, held between the Wadi Hilweh and el-Bustan teams, showcased the
talents of young players from the two neighborhoods of Silwan most
targeted by the Israeli settlement enterprise. The league opened under
the banner of “Silwan Remains”, drawing teams from throughout Silwan and
surrounding villages to participate. Madaa Center currently organizes
training sessions for the Wadi Hilweh team, its players aged from 14-16
years. The opening match ended with a final score of 7 – 2 el-Bustan –
Wadi Hilweh. Murad Abu Shafi, a member of the
el-Bustan Popular Committee commented that “activities such as the
football league play a crucial role in helping Silwan’s youth to seek
alternatives to the huge social and economic problems here, and simply
enjoy their childhood.” Nihad Siyam, coach of the Wadi Hilweh team
stated that “whether we win or lose is inconsequential – the real goals
of the league, and all its players, are to embrace Palestinian culture
and identity here in Silwan – to celebrate it. We hope that through a
strong sports program, we can see our children laugh and play, despite
the threats posed by the settlements, the soldiers and the
Municipality.”
http://silwanic.net/?p=9233
Racism and Discrimination
Jerusalem’s Pisgat Ze’ev: Arabs Raus!
The Jerusalem settlement of Pisgat Ze’ev, named for rightist Revisionist leader Zeev Jabotinsky,
knows how to handle Arabs. Just take it from Moshe Ben Zikri, recently
elected “community adminstrator” (in Chicago he’d be called the ward
boss or council leader) for the neighborhood. His most critical task: fighting the Arab menace,
the campaign to take control of the community from its rightful Jewish
residents. How will he do this? By levying a hefty $30,000 fine on any
resident who sells an apartment to an unapproved tenant. Who approves?
The Jewish residents, of course.
http://www.richardsilverstein.com/tikun_olam/2010/12/16/jerusalems-pisgat-zeev-arabs-raus/
Violence/Aggression
Live ammunition in Baten el-Hawa, roadblocks in Wadi Hilweh
Clashes
were
reignited today in Silwan as Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition in
Baten el-Hawa neighborhood in the heart of Silwan village.
Palestinian youths threw molotov cocktails at the army in response. No
injuries have been reported. Israeli forces erected two roadblocks in
Wadi Hilweh district at the entrance to the neighborhood, enforcing
strict control and inspection of both inward- and outward-bound
Palestinian vehicles and pedestrians attempting to pass.
http://silwanic.net/?p=9225
Troops amassing in Silwan as Friday prayers draw to a close
Israeli
troops
closed off the main street of Wadi Hilweh in Silwan today immediately
after the Friday prayers. A state of tension has gripped the
village, with an extremely high number of Israeli troops and police
stationed throughout the region, in addition to a markedly higher number
of settler guard vehicles at the various settlement projects. A large
number of residents assembled in the el-Bustan protest tent for the
weekly public Friday prayer. Israeli authorities have issued repeated
threats to demolish and/or remove the tent. During his sermon, Imam
Najeh Bakirat emphasized the importance to resist the normalization of
relations with Israel and called for a boycott of all Israeli products –
not only those produced in settlements. Witnesses also confirm that
Israeli Intelligence has been sighted today installing more surveillance
cameras throughout Silwan. All Israeli settlements in the village
maintain a network of surveillance cameras on the premises to monitor
Palestinians in the surrounding streets. Surveillance is so extensive as
to invade the privacy of neighboring homes, with some cameras able to
film through windows and inside houses. Residents have submitted several
complaints, but have received no response. Israeli police have in fact
used material recorded on private settler surveillance cameras during
interrogation of Palestinian child detainees, in attempts to extract
confessions or informations on other “suspects”. Surveillance material
has also been used to incriminate residents who have been present at or
in the proximity of street clashes in Silwan.
http://silwanic.net/?p=9221
Clashes erupt in Silwan
JERUSALEM
(Ma'an)
-- Young residents of East Jerusalem fathered near a protest tent in
the Al-Bustan neighborhood of Silwan on Friday and said they were
harassed and assaulted by a patrolling force of Israeli border guards,
sparking clashes. One young man said he and friends gathered in
the area as a show of solidarity following the afternoon prayer, noting
the neighborhood was tense on account of several pedestrian checkpoints
police had erected at the entrances to Al-Bustan.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=342966
Detainees (held by Israelis and the PA)
Petition - Act Now to Free The Children of Palestine!
Please take a moment to read and sign the online petition at: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41467.html
This
petition demands that President Barak Obama direct Israel to release
all Palestinian children detained in its prisons and detention centers
immediately, and to end all forms of systematic and institutionalized
abuse that it practices against the children of Palestine. Please ask
your friends and contacts to do the same.
http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41467.html
11 year old arrested by Israeli troops, clashes in Bir Ayyub
Israeli
troops
arrested a Palestinian child in the Bir Ayyub district of Silwan
last night, 16 December, as the youth was returning from a school trip.
Eyewitnesses report that 11 year old Khadr Jamjoum received blows to the
head as he was seized by Israeli soldiers. Troops fired gas and sound
bombs at the bus returning students to their homes after a school
excursion, also firing gas grenades indiscriminately in the street and
at shops, resulting in minor clashes between residents and Israeli
troops and settler guards. Eyewitnesses also state that soldiers fired
live ammunition during the clashes.
http://silwanic.net/?p=9210
4 national security officers detained near Hebron
HEBRON
(Ma’an)
-- Israeli forces detained on Thursday four Palestinian security
officers at the entrance of Hebron. Eyewitnesses told Ma’an that the
forces in Yatta village took the Palestinian officers to the Civil
Administration headquarters even though they showed the soldiers their
security IDs. The four officers were identified as Imad Bahees, Imad
Hammad, Khalil Kabaja, and Mahmud Abu Qabita. An Israeli military
spokeswoman did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=342765
13 Palestinians arrested in the West Bank amid pursuit of activists
WEST BANK, (PIC)-- Israeli troops rounded up thirteen Palestinians for
questioning Thursday morning in the West Bank amid a wide-ranging
campaign to pursue alleged wanted activists in the region. Two
Palestinians were arrested near the central West Bank city of Ramallah
and taken in for interrogation, Israeli Radio reported. Their identities
and the organizations were not identified. Nine others were rounded up
during an arrest spree n the city of Al-Khalil, Palestinian security
sources said.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/en/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcOd
War/Occupation Crimes
Universal Jurisdiction at Risk of Sabotage, War Criminals
Alessandra Bajec - PNN - Last 1st December, the British government
announced new proposals in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility
Bill which include legal changes restricting citizens' right to seek the
arrest of officials for alleged war crime. The move will allow a
political interference with the issuing of arrest warrants, and will
thus weaken the existing universal jurisdiction law with the result of
ending all threat of prosecution for Israeli officials visiting the UK.
The current legislation fully complies with the Geneva Convention, and
Britain has a duty to seek out and prosecute those responsible for war
crimes
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9281&Itemid=63
Shin Bet to compensate PFLP member for torturing him
Jamal al-Hindi to receive an undisclosed amount of money for a partial
disability that he says was caused by torture at the hands of Shin Bet
agents 15 years ago.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/shin-bet-to-compensate-pflp-member-for-torturing-him-1.331075
Book exposes Israeli occupation as seen by troops (AFP)
AFP - Some stories are told with shame; others are just matter-of-fact
accounts, but the dozens of soldier testimonies in a book to be released
this month lays bare the grim day-to-day reality of Israel's occupation
of the Palestinian territories.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101216/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestiniansconflictmilitaryabusebook
PA Repression
France 'concerned' at Palestinian jailed for blasphemy blog (AFP)
AFP - France said Thursday it was "concerned" about the arrest of a
young Palestinian blogger jailed for posting "blasphemous" remarks
online.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101216/wl_mideast_afp/
palestiniansinternetfacebookreligionislamfrance
Political Developments
Bolivia recognizes Palestinian state
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- Bolivia announced Friday its recognition of a fully
sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Israel. President
Evo Morales made the announcement in Brazil at a conference with
regional leaders, Bolivia's Foreign Affairs Ministry said. “Bolivia
recognizes the Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, like Brazil and
Argentina,” Morales was quoted as saying.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=342977
Israel condemns Norway's upgrade of Palestinian standing in Oslo to 'diplomatic delegation'
Foreign Ministry official warns that Palestinians won't want to renew
peace talks with Israel if they start attaining political goals without
negotiations.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-
condemns-norway-s-upgrade-of-palestinian-standing-in-oslo-to-diplomatic-delegation-1.330976
Palestinians disappointed in US House vote
BETHLEHEM
(Ma'an)
-- PLO officials expressed disappointment Thursday over a resolution
passed a day earlier by the US House condemning unilateral attempts to
gain recognition of a Palestinian state. "The Palestinian right to
freedom and self-determination is not contingent on the approval of the
state of Israel," the PLO mission to the United States said in a
statement.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=342834
PLO official questions US stance on peace process
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A member of the PLO negotiating team with Israel
said Thursday that while the Palestinians backed a strong US role in the
peace process, the Obama administration could be doing more. Mohammad
Shtayyeh criticized Wednesday's US House vote opposing the unilateral
recognition of a Palestinian state and questioned why the Americans did
not take a harder line against unilateral Israeli measures.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=342836
'Talks between Abbas and Mitchell were difficult'
Palestinian sources said that talks between US envoy to the Middle East
George Mitchell and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas were
"difficult," according to London-based newspaper al-Hayat. The sources
said that during the talks held in Ramallah and Cairo over the last two
days Abbas spoke "harshly" telling Mitchell, "Unfortunately the talks
failed, but fortunately were are not the reason behind this failure."
http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=199665
No Israel talks 'in any format,' Palestinians insist (AFP)
AFP - The Palestinians on Thursday said they would not hold any form of
talks with Israel, in any format, without a complete halt to settlement
activity.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101216/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestinianspeaceus
With Mideast peace talks adrift, the US searches for Plan B (The Christian Science Monitor)
The Christian Science Monitor - Soon after the US announced last week it
would abandon an 18-month demand for an Israeli settlement freeze to
advance peace talks with the Palestinians, state department spokesperson
PJ Crowley insisted that the US would not start over with a blank slate.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20101216/wl_csm/350281
PA suspects Fatah former Gaza strongman trying to form armed militia
PA security forces question Fatah activists about their ties to Mohammed
Dahlan and whether they received instructions or funds from him in connection to the purchase of weapons.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/
pa-suspects-fatah-former-gaza-strongman-trying-to-form-armed-militia-1.331029
Palestinians want control of more West Bank parts (AP)
AP
-
Children's chairs pulled out of a pile of rubble are all that's left of
a schoolhouse that served 17 children of Palestinian herders in this
encampment on a wind-swept West Bank plateau.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101217/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_palestinians_land_battle
Hamas leader says time is on our side (AFP)
AFP
- The Palestinians have time in their fight for a state, and Hamas is
committed to observing a truce with Israel as it builds a nation, senior
Hamas leader Mahmud Zahar told AFP.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101217/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestiniansconflicthamaszahar
Other News
PA settlement observer says gov't confiscated car [Pathetic attempt by the PA to cut cost in the wrong places]
NABLUS
(Ma'an)
-- Palestinian official in charge of the settlement file in the
northern West Bank Ghassan Daghlas said Friday that a government
decision would see his official vehicle confiscated. Daghlas, who
monitors and reports on settler violence, settlement expansions and
related tensions, said the decision followed a cabinet decision pushed
through by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in an effort to cut government
costs.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=342901
What is happening in the UAE? Expulsion of Shi`ites and Palestians continues
I
have been receiving many letters about this situation and I am here
posting one. By the way, Nabih Birri did indeed visit UAE and met with
the ruler and he then returned "very satisfied" and the issue died in
the Lebanese press and I am told that the families of the expelled were
pressured to keep quiet by the political forces of the Birri movement.
Here is the letter (I cite with permission but the sender wishes to
remain anonymous): "I decided to contact you as I am sure you are one
of the very few courageous people who are willing to speak. As you
already know,the UAE deported hundred of lebanese shiite families last
year in a very oppressive and inhumane way. Many people thought that it
was all over after Nabih Berri traveled to abudhabi and met with Khalifa
bin Zayed. [continued]
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/what-is-happening-in-uae-expulsion-of.html
Why Israel's years are numbered
Prominent Hebrew University demographer Sergio DellaPergola recently told
the Jerusalem Post that Jews already constitute just under 50% of the
population in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip combined. In
effect, a Jewish minority rules over a majority population that includes
1.4 million Palestinian (second-class) citizens of Israel, 2.5
million Palestinians under occupation in the West Bank and another 1.5
million under siege in the open-air prison known as the Gaza Strip. All
credible projections show that Palestinians will be the decisive
majority within a few years.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/why-israels-years-are-numbered.html
Trade bloc eyes agreement with Syria, Palestinians (AFP)
AFP - The South American trade bloc Mercosur on Thursday opened talks
with Syria and the Palestinian Authority on free trade agreements, an
Argentine official, Luis Kreckler, told reporters.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101216/wl_mideast_afp/latamsyriapalestiniantrade
'Holy Land' does not include Bethlehem - It's official!
The
Israel
Government Tourist Office (IGTO) has begun promoting a series of
pilgrimages to the Holy Land, with itineraries that do not include
Bethlehem, Hebron or Jericho. Instead, parts of illegally annexed East
Jerusalem do feature, including the controversial 'King David's City'
controlled by the Elad settlers. The pilgrimages, which have been
advertised in the Church press, are listed on a new website: www.WalkWhereJesusWalked.com,
The
website features some pictures of Bethlehem - but the itineraries do
not include any time there. (There is advice on how to get there
independently.) Concern about the tours, and the advertising for them,
has been expressed by Pax Christi, the Amos Trust, and Sabeel UK, as
well as the Interfaith Group for Morally Responsible Investment (IMRI)
which includes the two Jewish organisations Jews for Justice for
Palestinians and Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD).
The IGTO initiative follows the Vatican Synod on the Middle East in
which Pope Benedict XVI pleaded for recognition of the 'Living Stones'
within Israel/Palestine, the dwindling population of Palestinian
Christians. This was echoed by Catholic Archbishop Kelly of Liverpool,
the English and Welsh Bishops' representative at the Synod and also
Franciscan Father Pizzaballa, Custodian of Holy Places.
http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=17332
150 activists protest 'seduction center' in Tel Aviv for promoting sexual violence
He wrote in detail about how the woman had refused to take off her
clothes, but how he eventually had sex with her anyway. "I want to
thank the Center for the Art of Seduction, which gave me the tools to do
what I did yesterday," Russo wrote in the posting. Someone identified
on the forum only as "Izmir," and who is also believed to be
the founder of the center - Yigal Stark - posted a response of his own,
stating: "Fun to read!
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/
150-activists-protest-seduction-center-in-tel-aviv-for-promoting-sexual-violence-1.331039
Analysis/Op-ed
Hizbullah and Hamas
I
saw the US government ignore the PLO for much of the 1980s. Now, the US
government provides funding for the PLO. I saw footage this week:
first of the Hamas rally in Gaza and today of the `Ashurah commemoration
in the southern suburbs of Beirut. I know that it is a Zionist policy
for the US to ignore the presence of Hamas and Hizbullah but the footage
leaves a clear impression regarding the mass base of both movements.
[end]
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/hizbullah-and-hamas.html
Jordan is not Palestine - Lamis Andoni
George Mitchell, the US special envoy to the Middle East, has recently
expressed his frustration at the lack of progress in the stalled "peace
process". But it may be time for Mitchell to move aside, as Geert
Wilders, the leader of the Netherlands' third-largest party, seems to
have found a 'creative solution' to the conflict: Jordan should be
renamed Palestine and become a homeland for the Palestinians.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=342707
Movement for Palestinian State gains International Momentum, to Dismay of US Congress, Juan Cole
Palestinian authorities on Thursday protested the resolution
passed by the US congress on Wednesday condemning movement toward a
unilateral declaration by Palestinians of a Palestinian state. The
congressional resolution was actually fairly weak, showing the tensions
between the US and the far rightwing government of Binyamin Netanyahu,
since it did call for the establishment of a democratic Palestinian
state, something Netanyahu privately opposes. Still, as usual, the US
Congress is an outlier in world affairs on the Palestine issue,
typically adopting stances that are often to the right of Israel’s own
more liberal parties. Even Israeli military personnel have complained bitterly about having been dragooned into being a harsh occupying force in the West Bank.
And, of course, the US Congress is increasingly irrelevant, since it is
implicitly abetting Israeli footdragging and continued illegal
colonization of the West Bank.
http://www.juancole.com/2010/12/
movement-for-palestinian-state-gains-international-momentum-to-dismay-of-us-congress.html
House vote against Palestinian statehood actually showed that Israel lobby is losing its grip, Josh Ruebner
Yesterday the House of Representatives passed a resolution, H.Res.1765,
“condemning unilateral measures to declare or recognize a Palestinian
state.” At first glance, this vote appears to be yet another in a long
string of resolutions shoring up unconditional Congressional support for
Israeli occupation and apartheid. In reality, however, it demonstrates
more a weakening—rather than a strengthening—of support for Israel on
Capitol Hill at present.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/house-vote-
against-palestinian-statehood-actually-showed-that-israel-lobby-is-losing-its-grip.html
Congress is fueling terrorism by denying Palestinans authority and empowerment, Maggie Sager
Palestinians are no closer to achieving statehood, and instead are being
called upon by congress to continue to engage “without precondition”
(read: while simultaneously letting Israel confiscate Palestinian land
in violation of international law). Why on earth should they? Simply
because Congress is under the impression that peace
can only be achieved through direct negotiations, despite the utter lack
of progress toward a lasting solution, and continuous steps in the
opposite direction.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/
by-denying-palestinans-authority-and-empowerment-congress-fuels-terrorism.html
Israel Never Really Wanted Peace
Netanyahu
and
his cabinet are representative of Israeli society today. Public opinion
polls point to increasing extremism, bordering on racism, in Jews'
opinion of Arabs, as well as to alienation and a distrust of the other
side's goals and intentions.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/israel-never-really-wanted-peace-1.330881
The Farce of a Secular and Democratic Jewish State, Gideon Levy
Convinced and trying to convince others that the Jews are a chosen
people, to which entry and even contact with those deemed inferior is
forbidden, they live in their narrow pale of settlement, most of them
boorish and ignorant of what happens outside.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/the-farce-of-a-secular-and-democratic-jewish-state-1.330877
Miami
Jewish Federation smear-video says that Jimmy Carter and Walt and Mearsheimer want Israel ‘wiped off the map’, Philip Weiss
The
Jewish Federation of Greater Miami is having a big event on the
delegitimation of Israel this weekend. What larks, huh! Debbie
Wasserman-Shultz the Democratic congresswoman will be there, but also
many rightwingers and Republicans, like Daniel Pipes, Natan Sharansky.
Honey, you made your bed, now you have to lie in it. The poster for the
event is below the jump. Meantime, here's a video that the Jewish
Federation is featuring that is all about scary delegitimation. I'm not
sure what that means, delegitimation. For myself
it's about basic human rights. Honor those rights and you won't have any
problem.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/miami-jewish-federation-smear-
video-says-that-jimmy-carter-and-walt-and-mearsheimer-want-israel-wiped-off-the-map.html
At Brooklyn College, the dialogue problem. Philip Weiss
Pro-Israel
students
at Brooklyn College don't understand why the pro-Palestinian students
don't want dialogue. Zach Wales explained this to me a long time ago,
after Columbia U (recovering from the witchhunt that it licensed during
the Columbia Unbecoming period) committed itself to dialogue at the
behest of alum/Patriots owner Robert Kraft. The problem,
said Wales, is that the Palestinian students described horrific
conditions on the West Bank outstripping the Jim Crow south, and the
Jewish students nodded and said they felt awful about that and then the
two groups walked away and nothing changed; and Wales said that the
dialogue became an opportunity for atonement on the pro-Israel Jewish
students' part, and the pro-Palestinian student felt used. Because
actually the dialogue was structurally imbalanced; it was not individual
but political at heart, and one side had the power; and the other side
was being asked to give up its power, which lies in protesting inhumane
conditions... From the New York Jewish Week, reported by Doug Chandler; note that the Palestinian students are against individual dialogue.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/at-brooklyn-college-the-dialogue-problem.html
At
6
am, reeling from all-night debaucheries of neoconservatism and
Islamophobia and cursed dice, the ‘Washington Post’ doubles down, Philip
Weis
This
is funny. Now the Post has hired Jordan Sekulow as a blogger, a
rightwing fundamentalist who was at the rally against the Islamic Center
in Lower Manhattan. Matt Duss reports.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/at-6-am-reeling-from-all-night-
debaucheries-of-neoconservatism-and-islamophobia-the-washington-post-doubles-down.html
Insisting on Their Humanity: 'The Plight of the Palestinians', Ramzy Baroud
When
a
copy of William A. Cook's latest book, The Plight of the Palestinians
arrived in my mailbox, I initially felt a little worried. The volume,
featuring the work of over 30 accomplished writers, is the most
articulate treatise on the collective victimization of Palestinians to
date. From Cook's own introduction, 'The Untold Story of the Zionist
Intent to Turn Palestine into a Jewish State' to Francis Boyle's
summation of ‘Israel’s Crimes against the Palestinians', it takes the
reader through an exhaustive journey, charting the course of Palestinian
history prior to and since al-Nakba, the Catastrophe of 1947-48.
http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16489
Israel, Obama and the Bomb, CONN HALLINAN
This past July, a nuclear-armed nation, in violation of an international
treaty, clandestinely agreed to supply uranium to a known proliferator
of nuclear weapons. China and North Korea? No, the United States and
Israel. In a July 8 article entitled “Report: Secret Document Affirms
U.S. Israeli Nuclear Partnership,” the Israeli daily Haaretz revealed
that the Obama Administration will begin transferring nuclear fuel to
Israel in order to build up Tel Aviv’s nuclear stockpile.
http://www.counterpunch.org/hallinan12152010.html
Obama's War on WikiLeaks -- and Us
One should be fierce in denouncing this violation of our principles and laws whatever/whomever the object of the abuses.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-brenner/obamas-war-on-wikileaks-a_b_797612.html
Who Is the FBI Really Trying to Entrap?, Glen Ford
The
FBI
has not been engaged in "uncovering and preventing terrorist attacks,"
as Eric Holder claims, but rather, it has spent tens of millions of
dollars and many thousands of man-hours concocting, financing, and
providing training and equipment for crimes purely of its
own invention.
http://www.blackagendareport.com/?q=content/who-fbi-really-trying-entrap
Lebanon
Lebanon: Israeli tags on 'spy gear'
Photos
released
by Lebanese army show Israeli tag, Hebrew writing on alleged Israeli
espionage installation discovered in mountains near Beirut. Local media
report Lebanese Foreign Ministry planning to file complaint with UN
against Israel.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4000499,00.html
Report: Lebanon suspects citizens aided Israel in planting espionage cameras
Lebanon
president prepares complaint to submit to UN over the cameras; Lebanon
radio attributes explosion Wednesday to IAF covering up espionage.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/
report-lebanon-suspects-citizens-aided-israel-in-planting-espionage-cameras-1.331161
UN Hariri court to 'disappear with wind': Nasrallah (AFP)
AFP - Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Thursday predicted a UN court
on the murder of Rafiq Hariri would "disappear with the wind" as vast
crowds gathered to mark the Shiite holy day of Ashura in Lebanon.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101216/wl_mideast_afp/
lebanonreligionshiiteashurahezbollahuntribunal
IDF holds drill in preparation for Lebanon confrontation
IDF
finishes
intensive training event in preparation for possible war with Lebanon.
'I don't belittle situation in Gaza Strip, but Lebanon is a different
story,' 401st Brigade Commander Enav Shalev says.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4000460,00.html
Lebanese Army versus dumb Mossad
Lebanese Army (clearly at the behest of Hizbullah was was implied in
Nasrallah speech yesterday) moved to locate and disable various
espionage devices planted by Israeli agents in Lebanese mountainous
areas. The device is camouflaged to look like a rock. How dumb are
those Mossad? I mean, really. They can take lessons from Ba`thist
mukhabarat agents (of the 1960s, I mean). What do you call an
intelligence service that is now regularly beaten by Lebanese
police--Lebanese police for potato's sake. (As-Safir) [end]
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/lebanese-army-versus-dumb-mossad.html
Iraq
8 wounded, 2 female would-be suicide bombers captured in Iraq
BAGHDAD,
Dec.
16 (Xinhua) -- Eight people were wounded in separate bomb attacks
targeting Shiite pilgrims in and north of Baghdad on Thursday, while the
security forces in Iraq's eastern province of Diyala announced the
capture of two women believed to have been prepared for suicide bomb
attacks against Shiite pilgrims, the police said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-12/16/c_13652030.htm
Thursday: 14 Iraqis Killed, 17 Wounded
About two million Shi'ite pilgrims are in Karbala for the climax of
Ashuraa rituals. Heavy security, including the arrests of three female
bombers, has so far prevented any large-scale violence today, but
attackers targeting pilgrims in other parts of the country were more
successful. At least 14 Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded.
http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2010/12/16/thursday-14-iraqis-killed-17-wounded/
'Exodus' of Iraqi Christians after church attack (AFP)
AFP
- The UN refugee agency said Friday an "exodus" of thousands of Iraqi
Christians was taking place following a deadly church attack in Baghdad
carried out by Al-Qaeda militants at the end of October.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101217/wl_mideast_afp/iraqunrestchristianreligionunhcr
Hashemi: Iraq can normalize relations with Kuwait
Iraqi
Vice
President Tarek Al Hashemi believes that the International Security
Council decision to remove Iraq restrictions helps the country normalize
relations with neighboring countries especially Kuwait.
http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-57714-
Hashemi%3A-Iraq-can-normalize-relations-with-Kuwait.html
Bleak outlook for plans to help Sons of Iraq (AP)
AP - A broad plan to absorb Sunni Muslim militiamen who battled al-Qaida
in Iraq into national security forces or government jobs is at risk of
being derailed by lukewarm political support and limited funding,
officials say.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101216/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_sons_of_iraq
Blackwater seeks dismissal of Iraq shooting suit (AP)
AP
-
The security firm formerly known as Blackwater told a federal judge
Thursday that the U.S. government — and not the company — should be held
accountable for a 2007 shooting by its contractors that killed 17
Iraqis.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101217/ap_on_re_us/us_iraq_blackwater
Blackwater killings: 'US at fault'
Private security company, now known as Xe Services, says responsibilty for 2007 Iraq killings lies with US government.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/12/2010121710658402557.html
Ghosts of Abu Ghraib Haunt Local Sunnis
The
name has now been changed along with the management, but the spectre of
Iraq's notorious Abu Ghraib prison continues to haunt locals, many of
whom still call it the "House of Satan". Abu Ghraib, now called Baghdad
central prison, became infamous in 2004 when pictures and reports
emerged of horrific prisoner abuse carried out there by United States
military police and other American agencies charged with running the
facility.
http://iwpr.net/report-news/ghosts-abu-ghraib-haunt-local-sunnis
Wikileaks/U.S. and other world news
Assange speaks of his relief at being freed : Audio
http://audioboo.fm/boos/238877-assange-speaks-of-his-relief-at-being-freed
US military plan to destroy Wikileaks leaked
Counterintelligence agency hatched strategy to discredit leak site
http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/news/2259550/military-plan-destroy-wikileaks#commentsModule
Wikileaks did not commit a crime, House Judiciary chairman says
The chairman of the House judiciary committee defended Wikileaks on
Thursday, arguing that the controversial actions of the anti-secrecy
outlet are protected under free speech.
Speaking at a hearing to explore whether Wikileaks violated the
Espionage Act -- which the Obama administration claims its
editor-in-chief violated -- Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) said that "America
was founded on the belief that speech is sacrosanct" and dismissed calls
for censorship of media outlets publishing leaked documents.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/wikileaks-did-not-commit-crime-conyers/
No ‘substantive’ damage from Wikileaks, Biden admits
WASHINGTON — US Vice President Joe Biden says there has been no
"substantive" damage to US foreign policy from the WikiLeaks drama,
despite embarrassment caused by thousands of leaked diplomatic cables.
Biden commented on the fallout from the WikiLeaks campaign in an MSNBC
interview broadcast on Thursday and recorded a day earlier at the United
Nations, where he chaired a Security Council meeting on Iraq. "I don't
think there is any substantive damage, no," Biden said, when asked about
the WikiLeaks revelations.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/biden-no-substantive-damage-wikileaks/
Supporters liken Bradley Manning’s detention to torture
The soldier accused of leaking secret US documents to secrets outlet
WikiLeaks is being held in conditions that could amount to torture, his
supporters say. US Army Private Bradley Manning has been detained in
solitary confinement since May, when charges were brought against him
for "transferring classified data onto his personal computer and adding
unauthorized software to a classified computer system," and
"communicating, transmitting and delivering national defense information
to an unauthorized source."
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/supporters-bradley-manning-detention-torture/
WikiLeaks Cables: Pfizer Targeted Nigerian Attorney General to Undermine Suit Over Fatal Drug Tests
Diplomatic
cables released by WikiLeaks show the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer hired
investigators to find evidence of corruption against the Nigerian
attorney general to pressure him to drop a $6 billion lawsuit over
fraudulent drug tests on Nigerian children. Researchers did not obtain
signed consent forms, and medical personnel said Pfizer did not tell
parents their children were getting the experimental drug. Eleven
children died and others suffered disabling injuries including deafness,
muteness, paralysis, brain damage, loss of sight, slurred speech. We
speak to Washington Post reporter Joe Stephens, who helped break the
story in 2000; and Musikilu Mojeed, a Nigerian journalist who has worked
on this story for the Next newspaper in Lagos.
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/12/17/wikileaks_cables_pfizer_targeted_nigerian_attorney
Cable: Egypt scared of Iran threat
Leaked US diplomatic file says that Egyptian officials were worried about Iran sending money, smuggling weapons to Gaza.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/12/20101216173520532136.html
How Arab governments tried to silence WikiLeaks
An
appetite
for state secrets led to bans on western newspapers and hacked
news websites across the Middle East. WikiLeaks may be breaking new
ground to promote freedom of information by releasing leaked US
diplomatic cables, but Arab governments have been resorting to old
tricks to ensure that nothing too damaging reaches their subjects.
Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and Morocco have all tried to stem the flow of
Wiki-revelations, whether the subject is corruption, authoritarianism or
simply the embarrassment of having private exchanges with American
interlocutors enter the public domain.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/17/arab-governments-silenced-wikileaks
La Revolución will outlive Fidel Castro, says US cable from WikiLeaks
Fidel Castro almost died in 2006, according to US cables leaked by
WikiLeaks, but his passing would likely have little impact over the
direction of Cuba.
http://rss.csmonitor.com/%7Er/feeds/world/%7E3/gWCiPrcL2yA/
La-Revolucion-will-outlive-Fidel-Castro-says-US-cable-from-WikiLeaks
Wikileaks: Documents Confirm US Plans Against Venezuela
Not
only
has Washington been actively funding anti-Chavez groups in Venezuela,
but it also has engaged in serious efforts during the past few years to
convince governments worldwide to assume an adversarial position against
President Hugo Chavez.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article27077.htm
Peru: Leaked US Cables Reveal Two-Faced Politics by US
"It’s
not surprising for the United States to cooperate with military or
government officials in Peru about which it has information linking them
to serious crimes,"
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=53887
US Cables Portray a Different Side of Brazil's Lula da Silva
The leaked U.S. cables, which chronicle Lula's eight years in power,
show a leader all too willing to placate Washington and double-cross
fellow leftists throughout the region.
http://latindispatch.com/2010/12/15/wikileaks-cables-portray-a-different-side-of-brazils-lula/
NATO mistakenly killed 4 Afghan soldiers
Afghan official says NATO mistakenly killed 4 Afghan soldiers in airstrike in country's south.
http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/afghan-official-says-nato-778848.html
Nato Bombs Kill Afghan civilian, children hurt in strike
NATO
aircraft
killed an Afghan civilian and wounded two children, the coalition said
on Wednesday, the latest incident involving civilian casualties which
have strained ties between Kabul and Washington.
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-229796-afghan-civilian-killed-children-hurt-in-strike.html
Speaking from clouded cuckoo land, Obama says: US: Afghan war 'on track'
Obama
on
Thursday said progress was sufficient to permit a "responsible
reduction" of US forces to begin in July, though the scope and size of
the likely drawdown appear limited.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/12/20101216112057220291.html
CIA report undermines Obama's upbeat assessment of Afghan war
The downbeat estimates by America's intelligence agencies, including the
CIA and the Defense Intelligence Agency, directly contradicts the claim
last week by the US Defense Secretary Robert Gates that the army
offensive against the Taliban in south Afghanistan is making significant
gains.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/
cia-report-undermines-obamas-upbeat-assessment-of-afghan-war-2161643.html
Poll: 60 percent of Americans say the war in Afghanistan has not been worth fighting
Public dissatisfaction with the war, now the nation's longest, has
spiked by 7 points just since July. Given its costs vs. its benefits,
only 34 percent in the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll say the
war's been worth fighting, down by 9 points to a new low, by a sizable
margin.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/abc-news-
washington-post-poll-exclusive-afghanistan-war/story?id=12404367
Officials: CIA gave waterboarders $5M legal shield
The
CIA
agreed to cover at least $5 million in legal fees for two contractors
who were the architects of the agency's interrogation program and
personally conducted dozens of waterboarding sessions on terror
detainees, former U.S. officials said. The secret agreement means
taxpayers are paying to defend the men in a federal investigation over
an interrogation tactic the U.S. now says is torture. The deal is even
more generous than the protections the agency typically provides its own
officers, giving the two men access to more money to finance their
defense.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/officials-cia-gave-waterboarders-5m-legal-shield/
U.S. Illegal Experiments Went Far Beyond Guatemala
The
illegal experiments conducted on human beings by a U.S. medical team in
the 1940s went far beyond Guatemala, according to local news reports.
http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2010/december/14/centralamerica10121402.htm
Republican senator calls cops on 9/11 responders
A
group of nine 9/11 first responders who arrived in Washington, DC, to
pressure Congress into passing a health care bill were met with an
unwelcome surprise: A police escort, courtesy of Republican Sen. Susan
Collins of Maine. Collins called Capitol Police when she heard the
activists were planning to arrive on the Hill and stay in senators'
offices until they had the 60 votes needed to overcome a GOP filibuster
of the health care bill for 9/11 responders, the New York Daily News
reports.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/republican-senator-calls-cops-911-responders/
War opponents arrested at White House
Dozens of activists, including the man who leaked the Pentagon Papers on
the Vietnam War, were arrested Thursday at the White House as they
protested the Afghanistan conflict and defended WikiLeaks. As President
Barack Obama unveiled a war review strategy inside, more than 100 war
opponents -- many of them veterans -- marched through snow [...]
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/war-opponents-arrested-white-house/
Pulitzer-winner, ex-CIA analyst, FBI whistleblower among those arrested outside White House
As President Barack Obama was unveiling a new report on progress of the
war in Afghanistan, a lineup of high-profile dissenters joined in an act
of civil disobedience that ended with about 135 demonstrators being
arrested outside the White House Thursday afternoon.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/135-antiwar-protesters-arrested-white-house/
shame on every civil rights organization that has not spoken out against such a plan
Can
you imagine the uproar if a hearing was planned on the "radicalization"
of the Jewish community or the African-American community? Seeds of
ideologies of hate are now planted in both parties in the US. "The
Republican who will head the House committee that oversees domestic
security is planning to open a Congressional inquiry into what he calls
“the radicalization” of the Muslim community when his party takes over
the House next year."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/shame-on-every-civil-rights.html
US is officially worried about the Muslim population in UK: can you imagine if they were studying the Jewish community?
Can
you imagine the loud accusation of anti-Semitism if the US embassy in
London was preparing a study of the fertility rate and size of the
Jewish population in the UK? "Summary. Per reftel, this cable provides
information on the demographics of the Muslim community in the UK. The
last official UK census was in 2001 and much of what is provided below
is a combination of census figures and subsequent estimates and surveys.
Post notes that the information is incomplete and in many cases several
years old. This is, however, the most current and accurate information
available. Among the findings are that the UK Muslim population has
jumped in seven years from 1.6 million to 2 million. At that rate of
increase, HMG estimates that the Muslim population of the UK at the next
census in 2011 will be over 2.2 million." [end]
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/us-is-officially-worried-about-muslim.html
Police brutality in London
Reem sent me this: "You have to see this!
This is an interview with the British protester, Jody McIntyre, who was
pulled out of his wheelchair and dragged by the police on day
X3. Look how the BBC tries blatantly to pushe the 'violent protester'
line by, for example suggesting if he was rolling towards the police
-perhaps in a hostile manner- to try and find an explaination of why it
was HIS fault that he was dragged out of his chair! A true example of
blaming the victim of the violence, as he so eloquently put it. Jody is
really good politically too. Pro-palestine!" [end]
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/police-brutality-in-london.html
While Human Rights Watch is busy calling on Arabs to serve hot meals to Israeli invaders in their midst
"He's
a writer, he's a journalist, he's a blogger. Ali does not belong to any
political party. He just writes his opinion." Jenan Al Oraibi's dark
eyes flash beneath her black hijab. She is speaking of her husband
Ali Abdulemam, known as the Bahraini Blogger.
We are talking in the home of her friends in a village close to Manama,
the capital city of this Gulf island kingdom, which projects itself as
an Arab state that is open to investment, progressive about change and
moving confidently toward democracy. "Ali has a free pen. That is
exactly his crime. He has a free pen," she says bluntly. Ali Abdulemam
is 32 years old. He worked as an IT specialist for the Bahraini airline
Gulf Air. In his spare time he blogged. But he was sacked from the
airline after he was arrested in September and accused of being part of a
terror organisation. He was charged with spreading false information
and linked to a group of Bahraini oppositionists who had been arrested
in August." [end]
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/while-human-rights-watch-is-busy.html
Citizen `Ala' Mubarak
"The
intra-family
politics of a Gamal succession bid are unclear. Elder son
Alaa', well-known to have extensive business interests (many of which
are privately criticized as corrupt and exploitative) keeps a low public
profile and has never shown any inclination to wade into the political
arena. (A rare sighting of Alaa' on national TV took place during the
final game of the Africa Cup championship in late February,
when he was photographed in the stadium's VIP section with Gamal,
cheering on Egypt to its 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.)"
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/citizen-ala-mubarak.html |
| For further information contact Shadi Fadda |
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