5 February, 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Bil’in protest in solidarity with Egypt attacked by Israeli troops
IMEMC – Saturday February 05, 2011 – 12:18, Several hundred Palestinians, along with international and Israeli supporters, gathered in the village of Bil’in on Friday for their weekly non-violent protest. This week’s protest called for national unity, and in solidarity with the Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings. Israeli troops attacked the march with tear gas and concussion grenades.
Workers hurt by gunfire in north Gaza
2/5/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli forces shot and injured three Palestinians in the Gaza Strip while they were collecting stones, medics said. Gaza medical official Adham Abu Salmeya said a 22-year-old man was hit by a gunshot to the pelvic cavity, and another 19-year-old was hit in his right foot as they….
Army shuts down Hebron rally
2/5/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli forces on Saturday fired tear gas and detained a protester at a peaceful rally in the southern West Bank, witnesses said. The demonstration in Beit Ummar was held to commemorate Yousef Ikhliel, a local teenager who died on January 29, hours after he was shot in the head by settlers….
Jerusalem Fatah officials arrested
2/5/2011 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces on Friday detained two Fatah officials in their Jerusalem homes, party officials said. The detentions of Fatah’s Jerusalem secretary Omar Ash-Shalabi and party activist Ma’moun Al-Abbasi demonstrated Israel’s policy of targeting Fatah leaders in the city, Revolutionary Council member Dmitri Delyani said. Israeli….
Anti-wall protests take on Egyptian theme
2/5/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces suppressed on Friday the weekly demonstration in Al-Ma’sara village south of Bethlehem. Demonstrators held Palestinian and Egyptian flags in solidarity with the Egyptian people. The demonstration was filled with banners supporting Egypt. Protesters also held pictures of a Palestinian who was killed in the village. Similar scenes….
PA rejects Israeli ‘incentives’
2/5/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) – The Palestinians rejected a package of economic incentives Israel and the Quartet’s envoy Tony Blair offered Friday. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is playing games and haggling, chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat said in a statement commenting on the offer.”What Netanyahu should do, if he wants to build….
Disabled man found restrained in Bethlehem home
2/5/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Police on Friday found a mentally disabled man tied in chains in an abandoned house near Bethlehem. The 39-year-old was found in a bed bound in 5-meter chains, which were padlocked to the door of the building, a police report said. Police reported that the man had been unable….
Worker dies after fall from building
2/5/2011 – JERICHO (Ma’an) — A worker died on Saturday after falling from a building in the West Bank city of Jericho, medics said. Locals identified the man as Majed Ahmad Shaker Barahmah, 50, and said he complained of chest pains before falling. He was transferred to the local government hospital where he died. Barahmah was….
Saboteurs attack Egypt gas pipeline to Jordan
2/5/2011 – EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma’an) — An Egyptian-Israeli gas pipeline targeted by an explosion early Saturday in the Sinai supplied Jordan with gas, according to Egyptian officials who said the line was connected to others used by Israel. The Israeli-Egyptian gas company, East Mediterranean Gas, said attackers blew up a measuring station at the Jordanian sub-line…. Related: Jordan using diesel to generate power
Palestinian journalists meet ESPN reporter
2/5/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — At the invitation of the US consulate, Palestinian sports journalists met renowned American sports reporter Chad Ford in Ramallah on Thursday. Ford spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing sports journalists in the US, and said the goal of his visit was to build bridges between the US and Palestinian sports….
New VP: Egypt will maintain Israel peace treaty
2/5/2011 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — Egypt will remain a strong ally of Israel and uphold their peace agreement in the aftermath of an unprecedented uprising calling for the ouster of the regime in Cairo, Egypt’s new vice president says.”Yes we will have a peace agreement,” Vice President Omar Suleiman said in an interview….
Palestinian officials still silent about Egypt unrest
2/5/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — For 12 days anti-government protests in Egypt have gripped the world, but Palestinian officials have been slow to comment. Officials from the Palestinian Authority and the Gaza government have refrained from making statements, perhaps because they both have close relations with Egypt. However, the rival administrations have adopted different stances in….
Protesters rally in Ramallah in solidarity with Egyptians
2/5/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Protesters rallied in Ramallah on Saturday in solidarity with the Egyptian people’s uprising against their government. Residents, students and civil society representatives raised Egyptian flags and posters calling on the Egyptian president to resign. Protesters held banners including “From Ramallah to Tahrir Square, the people want change,” and “Down….
Hamas says not involved in pipeline blast
2/5/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Hamas on Saturday insisted it had no involvement in the explosion of an Egyptian-Israeli pipeline in the Sinai earlier that day. Egyptian security sources said foreign saboteurs were suspected of attacking the pipeline, which supplied gas to Jordan. In a statement, Hamas said claims that it was involved in the….
Quartet: Return to negotiations imperative
2/5/2011 – MUNICH, Germany (AFP) — Turmoil in Egypt makes it all the more imperative that Israelis and Palestinians return to negotiations, the Middle East diplomatic Quartet said on Saturday after a meeting in Germany.” I don’t have to tell you that the events that we have witnessed in the region mean it is hugely important….
Jenin municipality on strike
2/5/2011 – JENIN (Ma’an) — The Jenin municipality has announced it will go on strike Friday afternoon until its demands are met. The workers said in a statement that the Jenin governor and others are responsible for delays caused by the strike….
Fire destroys Israel’s first Ikea store
2/5/2011 – NETANYA, Israel (AFP) — The first Ikea home furnishings outlet ever to open in Israel went up in flames overnight Friday in Netanya city, north of Tel Aviv, its management said Saturday.” An investigation is underway into the reasons behind the fire,” Ron Hadassi, chairman of Ikea in Israel, told public radio as firefighters struggled to….
Egypt minister sorry for ‘harsh treatment’
2/5/2011 – WASHINGTON (AFP) — Egypt’s Finance Minister Samir Radwan apologized Friday for any instance of journalists or Egyptian protestors that have subject to “harsh treatment” at the hands of government forces, in an interview with CNN….
Defiant Mubarak remains amid mounting calls to go
2/5/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egypt’s defiant strongman Hosni Mubarak showed no sign of quitting Saturday, the 12th straight day of Cairo protests demanding he end his 30-year grip on power, as international calls grew for him to go. Mubarak defied a huge rally on the Muslim day of prayer Friday on Cairo’s….
Popular Arab League chief could emerge as Egypt leader
2/5/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Charismatic Arab League chief Amr Mussa could emerge as a leading figure in his native Egypt, as masses demanding President Hosni Mubarak’s ouster seek a new commander of the Arab world’s most populous country. Mussa, whose second term as head of the 22-member league ends in two months….
Egypt protesters honor ‘martyrs’ on Tahrir Square
2/5/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egyptians from all walks of life filled central Cairo’s Tahrir Square on the Muslim day of rest on Friday, praying and chanting after two days of bloody battles with regime militants. Young and old, rich and poor, a vast swathe of society demanding veteran President Hosni Mubarak’s ouster came….
Regime seeks ‘honorable exit’ for Mubarak
2/5/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — After 11 days of anti-government protests marked by deadly unrest, the regime appears to be trying to find an “honorable exit” for Egypt’s 30-year President Hosni Mubarak. The 82-year-old Mubarak has promised he will not stand for re-election in September polls, but anti-regime protesters have kept up demands for….
Embattled Mubarak meets members of new cabinet
2/5/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Embattled Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak held talks with members of his new cabinet on Saturday, the official MENA news agency reported, as protests demanding his resignation entered their 12th day. It was the president’s first meeting with the ministers after he sacked the previous government last week in a bid to….
Clinton urges accountability across Mideast
2/5/2011 – MUNICH, Germany (AFP) — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Saturday for progress toward open and accountable governments across the Middle East as the way to long-term stability, despite short-term risks. Referring to mass protests in Egypt, Tunisia and other Arab countries, Clinton told a security conference in Germany that the “challenge is to help….
Clinton says risks with Mideast transition
2/5/2011 – MUNICH, Germany (AFP) — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton conceded Saturday there are risks with the transition to democracy in the Middle East that include chaos, a return to authoritarianism and the advent of extremism….
Clinton: Mideast battered by ‘perfect storm’
2/5/2011 – MUNICH, Germany (AFP) — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Saturday that the Middle East is being battered by a “perfect storm” of trends including youth unemployment and depleting water and oil resources….
Egypt delays stock exchange reopening
2/5/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egypt’s stock exchange will not reopen on Monday as planned and a date to resume trading has yet to be decided, its chief said on Saturday as anti-government protests slow economic life. Khaled Serri, head of the exchange, was quoted by the MENA state-run news agency as saying the bourse would….
Clinton praises ‘restraint’ in Egypt demos
2/5/2011 – MUNICH, Germany (AFP) — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised on Saturday the “restraint” shown by the Egyptian authorities in largely peaceful demonstrations a day earlier….
Jordan using diesel to generate power
2/5/2011 – AMMAN (Ma’an) — Jordan’s national electricity company is using diesel to generate power after the country’s gas supply from Egypt was cut off by an explosion on Saturday, Jordanian media said. A blast at a terminal in the northern Sinai disrupted pipelines supplying Jordan with gas. Power company director Ghalib…. Related: Saboteurs attack Egypt gas pipeline to Jordan
Egypt ruling party executive committee resigns
2/5/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) – The top executive committee of Egypt’s ruling National Democratic Party, which includes strongman Hosni Mubarak’s son Gamal, resigned en masse on Saturday, state television reported.” The members of the executive committee resigned from their posts. It was decided to name Hossam Badrawi secretary general of the party,” the regime….
Mubarak meets cabinet as uprising rolls on
2/5/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak huddled with his new government on Saturday, as the executive committee of his ruling party quit en masse, on day 12 of mass protests against his regime. With big crowds swelling anew in Tahrir Square, epicenter of a stubborn campaign to get Mubarak to stand down immediately, the veteran….
Egypt remains at an impasse
AlJazeera 5 Feb 2011 – Crowds occupy Cairo demanding president’s resignation, while Muslim Brotherhood says it will join talks with government.
Egypt pipeline blast affects Jordan
AlJazeera 5 Feb 2011 – Investigation into explosion at a North Sinai pipeline that has crippled gas supplies to Jordan.
Clinton warns of ‘perfect storm’
AlJazeera 5 Feb 2011 – US secretary of state says rulers in Middle East must enforce political and social reforms or face backlash.
In Solidarity with Egypt, Fifty Gather in Bethlehem’s Nativity Square
PNN – Bethlehem – PNN – As Egypt entered its twelfth day of unprecedented protests against President Hosni Mubarak, Palestinians gathered in solidarity in Bethlehem’s Nativity Square, chanting “March, march, Arab peoples, for change.”…
A Villa in the Jungle?
PNN – Uri Avnery – We are in the middle of a geological event. An earthquake of epoch-making dimensions is changing the landscape of our region. Mountains turn into valleys, islands emerge from the…
EU’s Ashton: We Must Remain Focused on Making Progress in Peace
PNN – Munich – PNN – Catherine Ashton, European Union High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy reiterated on Saturday the importance of making progress in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. Ashton’s statement came just…
Fifteen Wounded in Friday East Jerusalem Clashes
PNN – Jerusalem – Maysa Abu Ghazala – PNN – Violent clashes erupted on Friday after midday prayers in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Ras al-Amoud between local Palestinian youths and Israeli forces. Fifteen…
Egypt Denies News of Assassination Attempt on VP Suleiman; Blast in Northern Sinai
PNN – Cairo – PNN – According to American news outlet Fox News, Mubarak-appointed Vice President Omar Suleiman survived an attack on his motorcade on Saturday, January 29 that killed two of his bodyguards….
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (27 Jan. – 02 Feb. 2011)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Quartet refuses to endorse unilateral state; PA upset
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – Erekat hopes for “historic decisions in light of the danger facing the region because of Israeli occupation and policies.”
‘Mubarak’s contribution to peace won’t be forgotten’
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – Peres warns against the possibility that Muslim Brotherhood would take power in Egypt without addressing the country’s problems.
Bush visit to Geneva canceled after protest threat
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – Former US president was scheduled to speak to Jewish charity, United Israel Appeal; cancellation coincides with request for criminal investigation.
Top leadership resigns from Egypt’s ruling party
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – Mubarak’s son, Gamal among those who step down from National Democratic Party; young party members set to replace them.
Mubarak reportedly resigns as head of ruling NDP party
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – Al Arabiya retracts report of resignation; embattled leader would remain president of Egypt; top Nat’l Democratic Party leadership step down, including its sec.-gen. and Mubarak’s son Gamal.
Gas firm blames Sinai pipeline blast on leak, not sabotage
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – Landau: Flow of gas to Israel won’t be disrupted; El-Arish blast causes shut off of natural gas flow to Israel and Jordan.
100s demonstrate in Ramallah in support of Egyptians
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – PA had banned protests against Mubarak, demonstrators show support, demand regime change in Cairo, condemn “repressive” gov’t measures.
After Galant debacle, Benny Gantz set to be named IDF chief
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – Appointment will be brought before Turkel Committee cabinet approval; defense minister says he’s the right candidate to “stabilize” IDF.
Mubarak resigns as head of ruling NDP party
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – Embattled leader remains president of Egypt; top Nat’l Democratic Party leadership step down, including its sec.-gen. and Mubarak’s son Gamal.
Egypt’s foreign minister to Iran: Mind your own business
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – Aboul Gheit: Khamenei should stop “distracting Iranian people, hiding behind what’s happening in Egypt,” waiting for Iran’s “critical moment.”
Head of Egyptian gas co. says explosion caused by leak
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – Blast in El-Arish that caused shut off of natural gas flow to Israel and Jordan was originally called terror attack.
Egypt’s Mubarak holds meeting with economy team
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – As thousands remain camped out in Tahrir Square, Egyptian president attempts to deal with $3.1 billion loss to economy caused by crisis.
‘Terror attack on Egypt-Israel gas pipeline in El-Arish’
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – Egyptian state tv reports masked men set off detonation at gas terminal near pipeline in Sinai causing massive flames; gas supply to Israel cut.
Obama calls for political transition in Egypt
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – US president calls on Mubarak to listen to the people, consult with advisers about changing current way of gov’t.
Suleiman: Egypt will maintain peace with Israel
Jeruslalem Post 5 Feb 2011 – In interview on ABC network, Egyptian VP says country will not violate agreement; says outcome of protests will not resemble Tunisia.
International Solidarity Movement
Daily life in Gaza
2/5/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 4 February – After spending six weeks waiting in Cairo I entered Gaza two weeks ago. I never would have guessed that Egypt would explode so soon after I left. Congratulations to the people of Egypt. The trip from Cairo to the border at Rafah was uneventful; we weren’t stopped at a single military….
Peres: Mubarak’s contribution to peace will never be forgotten
Ha’aretz – During his three decades in power, Mubarak has consistently enforced peace treaty between Egypt and Israel and has mediated between Israel and the Palestinians.
PA: Mideast Quartet failed to take strong stance against settlement building
Ha’aretz – The Quartet, which is made of the U.S., EU, UN and Russia, met to discuss the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the impact of unrest in Egypt.
Hamas commander said back in Gaza after Egypt jailbreak
Ha’aretz – Hamas Commander Ayman Nofal, and five other Palestinian militants, had been held at Abu Zaabal prison in Cairo until it was raided in anti-government protests.
Mideast Quartet: Israel-PA peace talks must advance quickly due to Egypt unrest
Ha’aretz – Middle East negotiators say further delay in resumption of negotiations is detrimental to the prospects for regional peace and security.
Palestinian Authority rejects new Israeli proposals on economy and security
Ha’aretz – Erekat: Proposal is just ‘tricks and procrastination’ of Netanyahu; Israeli move seen as effort to stem criticism over settlement policy.
Clinton: U.S. wants orderly but expeditious transition in Egypt
Ha’aretz – Middle East faces a ‘perfect storm’ of unrest, regional leaders must quickly enact real democratic reforms or risk even greater instability, Clinton says.
Egypt holds gas supply to Israel and Jordan after pipeline explosion
Ha’aretz – Security source in Sinai says ‘foreign elements’ targeted the pipe that supplies Jordan; Egypt supplies Israel with over 40 percent of its natural gas.
Report: Maj. Gen. Benny Ganz favored candidate to become next IDF chief of staff
Ha’aretz – Major General Yoav Galant was meant to assume the position of IDF chief this month, however, he was disqualified for the position on Tuesday due to allegations against him regarding the seizure of public land near his home.
Galant seeks for IDF chief position despite getting ousted by Netanyahu, Barak
Ha’aretz – Former IDF chief-designate believes he still has a chance to assume the position since decision by Netanyahu, Barak to cancel his appointment has yet to come into effect.
Exclusive: Video on the Deportation of Palestinians in Egypt
5 Feb 2011 – Cairo, (Pal Telegraph) – The Palestine Telegraph (PT) obtained a very exclusive video, which is the first of its kind, covering the inhumane treatment that Palestinians encounter in Egypt. The short film shows the Mubarak regime’s policy for those seeking to cross the Rafah Border into the Gaza Strip.
Three workers wounded by Israeli gunfire in Gaza
5 Feb 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph) -Two Palestinians were shot Saturday morning by Israeli gunfire stationed at the east of Gaza city, according to local sources. Witnesses said that Israeli soldiers targeted the two Palestinians while they were collecting gravels from the destroyed houses.
Gazans feed hungry Egyptian army
5 Feb 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph) – Palestinians in Gaza strip have been seensending food to the Egyptian army deployed along Gaza Strip borders who are prevented access to food for ten days .
Global intifada weekly report
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – 6 reporters and 36 Palestinians were injured in the demonstration in Jerusalem Friday. In Bil’in and Wad Rahhal and other localities, Palestinian demonstrators and international supporters voiced strong support for the people’s revolution in Egypt and vowed to attend planned demonstrations Saturday which are happening in hundreds of cities around the world..
Not in Egypt, Not Anywhere Why Leftists Should Not Support a “Peaceful Transfer” of Power
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – Reading Irishman Daniel Crawford’s tender, honest admission that abjection is once again the lot of the Irish after eight hundred years of training in the art, I can’t help but feel that we’re all Irish now, after eight hundred years and more of brainwashing ourselves to believe that leaders are necessary. Sodomizers come and sodomizers…
Mubarak’s new tactic, a war of attrition.
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – As well as playing a game of musical chairs with the leaders of the ruling NDP party. (Somewhat ironically the NDP in Canada refers to the New Democratic Party rather than the National Democratic Party as in Egypt. The NDP in Canada is a leftish opposition party.) Although it was earlier reported that Mubarak too…
Al Arabiya retracts report on Mubarak’s resigning party post
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – Al Arabiya retracted a report that Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak resigned as head of ruling party. Earlier it was reported that Mubarak stepped down as head of the ruling party. Egypt’s state TV also reported that the top leadership body of Egypt’s ruling party, including the president’s son
EGYPT: Opposition leaders negotiating transition
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – Leaders of opposition groups demanding the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak said they failed to agree among themselves on a transition plan before meeting with Vice President Omar Suleiman on Saturday. Diaa Rashwan, an expert at the al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies and one of the “wise men” invited to meet with Suleiman,…
ElBaradei Wants to Negotiate with the Army
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – …ElBaradei is now calling for new leadership in Egypt and he says he is prepared to negotiate with the military. “The longer things continue with Mubarak, the clearer it becomes: The country is falling apart, politically and economically,” he told SPIEGEL. “I would prefer to speak to the army leadership soon,” the opposition politician said,…
Fateh disrupts Egyptian solidarity protest
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – Nearly a thousand protesters took to the streets of downtown Ramallah today, shouting support for the Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions. “Tunisians are Palestinians, Egyptians are Palestinians,” the crowd chanted in Arabic, massing around Al Manara square… The Palestinian People’s Party, a formerly Communist and repressed organization, solemnly held signs decrying political stagnation and Palestinian autocracy….
Egypt Officials Seek to Ease Mubarak Out
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – President Hosni Mubarak appeared increasingly isolated on Saturday, with protests entering their 12th day and the Obama administration and some members of the Egyptian military and civilian elite pursuing plans to nudge him from power. The country’s newly named vice president, Omar Suleiman, and other top military leaders were discussing steps to limit Mr. Mubarak’s…
IDF Chief of Staff told US Israel has no military option in Iran (UPDATED)
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – Did the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iran play a major role in leading to the current IDF generals’ wars? Yedioth Ahronoth’s veteran diplomatic pundit Shimon Shiffer claims that one of the reasons for the all-too-public rift between Israel’s Defense Minister Ehud Barak and the IDF’s departing Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi was a…
Bil’in protest in solidarity with Egypt attacked by Israeli troops
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – Several hundred Palestinians, along with international and Israeli supporters, gathered in the village of Bil’in on Friday for their weekly non-violent protest. This week’s protest called for national unity, and in solidarity with the Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings. Israeli troops attacked the march with tear gas and concussion grenades. After mid-day prayers Friday, the villagers…
End Game in Egypt
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – On February 3, New York Times writers Helene Cooper and Mark Landler headlined, “White House, Egypt Discuss Plan for Mubarak’s Exit,” saying: His administration is “discussing with Egyptian officials a proposal for (Mubarak) to resign immediately and turn over power to a transitional government headed by Vice President Omar Suleiman with the support of the…
Egypt pipeline blast affects Jordan
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – An explosion at a pipeline in Egypt that supplies gas to Jordan and Israel has been blamed on a gas leak, according to the country’s natural gas company. Earlier reports suggested that sabotage had been behind the blast on Saturday. Magdy Toufik, the head of Egypt’s natural gas company, said in a statement that the…
Mubarak Resigns From Egypt’s Ruling Party
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – State TV reports that President Hosni Mubarak has resigned from Egypt’s ruling party. His son, Gamal Mubarak, and the National Democratic Party’s secretary-general, Safwat el-Sharif, have also resigned… However, Mubarak still continues as the nation’s president. It was also reported that another member of the National Democratic Party, Dr. Hossam Badrawy, who is generally well-accepted…
Palestinian negotiator backtracks on CIA charge
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – The PLO’s chief negotiator has backed down from allegations an Al-Jazeera journalist worked for the CIA and stole a cache of secret documents on behalf of the Qatar-based TV network. Saeb Erekat claimed in January that Clayton Swisher, a US citizen and Al-Jazeera International journalist, was a current member of the CIA who had worked…
Oppose US-backed “transition” in Egypt
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – The mass movement of Egyptian working people against the Mubarak dictatorship must oppose and reject the initiative by the American government to replace Mubarak with a military-dominated “transition” government. This maneuver is aimed at safeguarding the interests of imperialism and the Egyptian ruling elite, and aborting the Egyptian Revolution. President Obama took the occasion of…
Egypt protesters hold their ground
Uruknet February 5, 2011 – Demonstrators are still standing their ground in Cairo hours after hundreds of thousands of people gathered to call for Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, to quit. The protests entered their twelfth day on Saturday, a day after the city’s Tahrir Square, the focal point of protests in Egypt, saw demonstrators observe a “Day of Departure”….
Al-Jazeera Says Cairo Office Destroyed
Uruknet February 4, 2011 – Al-Jazeera said Friday its Cairo office was stormed by “gangs of thugs” and burned, the most aggressive attack against the Arab news channel during a period of escalating violence against journalists in the region. The channel also said the government arrested its bureau chief and a reporter. The arson is one of the most targeted…
ElBaradei Appears an Unconvincing Alternative
Uruknet February 4, 2011 – …According to Aymen Sallah, 27-year-old government employee from Cairo and demonstrator of no particular political orientation, ElBaradei is “no more representative of the Egyptian people than the Mubarak regime. “I’m demonstrating today so I can choose who will run my country,” Sallah told IPS. “And that person must be someone from the people; who has…
Leadership of Egypt’s ruling party resigns
The National 6 Feb 2011 – Egypt’s ruling party leadership resigns but Hosni Mubarak remains as head of state to the chagrin of protesters who refuse to end their anti-government protest
In their own words: A report on the situation facing Palestinian children detained in occupied East Jerusalem
Relief Web 4 Feb 2011 – Source: Defence for Children International/Palestine Section
Egyptians Pay Heavily for Uprising
IPS The massive economic toll of Egypt’s popular uprising appears to be motivating the government to take extraordinary and often brutal measures to put an end to massive demonstrations calling for President Hosni Mubarak to step down.
Report: Blast in Egypt church near Gaza border
YNet News – Eye witnesses say they saw smoke, several armed men around empty church in….
Quartet prioritize Egypt’s impact on Mideast talks
YNet News – Further delays in peace talks between Israel, Palestinians would be detrimental….
Egypt: Suleiman, army discuss ways to limit Mubarak’s authority
YNet News – New York Times reports Egyptian vice president, army officials discussing steps….
Egyptian official says blast caused by gas leak
YNet News – (Video) Israel Radio says Egypt-Israel pipeline not damaged, but gas supply….
Facebook fails to ignite protests in Syria
YNet News – Organizer of ‘day of anger’ against ‘corruption and tyranny’ says threatened by….
Egypt: Group of activists freed
YNet News – Amnesty International says several dozen activists who were detained by the Egyptian military for almost two days have been released. The rights group on Saturday …….
Madhat Yusuf’s relatives consider petitioning against Gantz
YNet News – Family members of Druze soldier Madhat Yusuf, who was killed at Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus in September 2000, told Ynet on Saturday they were considering filing a petition …….
Peres praises Mubarak for his contribution to peace
YNet News – “Mubarak’s contribution to peace will never be forgotten,” President Shimon Peres said Saturday. The president made the comments during a European Friends of Israel …….
Egypt: Gamal Mubarak quits ruling party
YNet News – A line of ruling party leaders including President Hosni Mubarak’s son Gamal, resigned on Saturday from Egypt’s National Democratic Party, Al-Arabiya television network …….
Gantz set to be named 20th IDF chief
YNet News – Defense Minister Ehud Barak officially announced Saturday that he will recommend appointing Major- General Benny Gantz as Israel’s 20th chief of staff. The appointment …….
Palestinian Information Center
The Thuggish Arab Regimes
PIC 5 Feb 2011 – Seeking desperately to cling to power, the Egyptian regime of Husni Mubarak reportedly deployed thousands of paid thugs in an effort to assault thousands of demonstrators demanding his ouster.
Hamas denies involvement in Egyptian upheaval
PIC 5 Feb 2011 – Senior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil called on Egyptian news outlets to hold their hands and tongues back from the Palestinians and pay heed to the Egyptians.
Leading Egyptian journalist says Egypt protests have shaken regime forever
PIC 5 Feb 2011 – Senior Egyptian writer Mohamed Hassanein Heikal said the Egyptian revolution restored the spirit of Egyptian nationality and shook the pillars of President Mubarak’s regime.
Resistance factions refuse elections in absence of reconciliation
PIC 5 Feb 2011 – Palestinian resistance factions in the Gaza Strip have declared rejection of de facto president Mahmoud Abbas’s call for elections while division was still ruling in the Palestinian arena.
Palestinians trapped in Egypt: Ambassador has done little to rescue us
PIC 5 Feb 2011 – While countries across the globe scramble to evacuate their citizens from volatile protests in Egypt, little has been done to aid Palestinian commuters trapped at the Cairo International Airport.
IOA accelerates settlement activity in WB
PIC 5 Feb 2011 – The IOA has been accelerating lately the construction spree in various settlements planted in the West Bank, popular committees against the settlement activity reported on Saturday.
3 workmen in Gaza wounded by Israeli gunfire
PIC 5 Feb 2011 – Three Palestinian workmen on Tuesday morning sustained different injuries east and north of Gaza when they were shot by Israeli troops as they were collecting gravel from bombed areas.
Hamas: Corruption and security coordination make the PA fear popular uprising
PIC 5 Feb 2011 – Hamas said that corruption and ties with the Israeli occupation state are the reasons for the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority’s fears of any popular revolt against its regime in the West Bank.
PA officer in prison after helping Palestinian wanted by Israel
PIC 5 Feb 2011 – A Palestinian Authority military court in Ramallah city sentenced a member of the national security to three years in jail on a charge of providing assistance for a resistance fighter.
Explosion in Sinai closes pipeline supplying Israel
PIC 5 Feb 2011 – A massive explosion on Saturday closed a pipeline running through the Egyptian Sinai peninsula supplying natural gas to Israel.
Leadership of Egypt’s ruling party resigns; opposition groups resist meeting with vice president
LA Times 5 Feb 2011 – The top leadership of the National Democratic Party resigns, including Hosni Mubarak’s son Gamal. An Obama administration official says major opposition groups fear losing leverage if they attend talks before Hosni Mubarak steps down. The top leadership of Egypt’s governing National Democratic Party, which has long been synonymous with corruption and rigged elections, resigned Saturday as the regime struggled to convince the country it was instituting change while still holding onto power.
Mideast protests cause a shift in U.S. policy
LA Times 5 Feb 2011 – The Obama administration initially backed away from a strong push for reforms in the Middle East, but with Egypt’s uprising now in its second week, activists credit it for changing tack and backing pro-democracy protesters. Although President Obama has sided firmly with pro-democracy protesters in Egypt, his administration spent its first two years easing the U.S. push for human rights reforms in that country.
Palestinians feel solidarity, and unease, with uprising in Egypt
LA Times 5 Feb 2011 – Palestinians identify with an uprising that also puts their leadership – which has benefited from Egypt’s largess – in an uncomfortable position. Demonstrations sympathizing with Egyptians have been suppressed in the West Bank and Gaza. It’s been a first for many Palestinians.
Egypt’s military treads carefully in Cairo
LA Times 5 Feb 2011 – As rumors circulate that the army is going to take down barricades protecting Tahrir Square, a crowd faces off with a general in the gentlest of confrontations. The rumors had buzzed all morning. The Egyptian army was taking down the barricades that sealed off the main boulevard into Tahrir Square from violent supporters of President Hosni Mubarak.
Egypt uprising brings tourism to a standstill
LA Times 5 Feb 2011 – Despite one estimate that the country has lost $1 billion in tourism revenue because of the rebellion, some Egyptians whose livelihoods depend on the tourist trade are sympathetic to the protesters’ cause. The tourist camels are idle. The trinket shops are empty. The gates of the pyramid complex are locked up tight.
Gas pipeline explodes in north Sinai
LA Times 5 Feb 2011 – The attack, believed to be an act of terrorism or sabotage, disrupts gas flow and signals that Egypt’s unrest could create problems for energy suppliers. An Egyptian pipeline providing gas to Jordan was attacked and set ablaze Saturday near the northern Sinai town of El Arish, media reports said, disrupting gas flow and sending a stern warning to Israel and the world about the volatility of the political upheaval in Egypt.
Stability of Egypt Hinges on a Divided Military
New York Times 5 Feb 2011 – American officials say Egypt’s military holds the key to the governing of Egypt and the country’s future.
News Analysis: In Turkey’s Example, Some See a Map for Egypt
New York Times 5 Feb 2011 – In politics and economics, Turkey illustrates success in the region.
Fateh disrupts Egyptian solidarity protest
Palestine Monitor – Nearly a thousand protesters took to the streets of downtown Ramallah today, shouting support for the Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions. “Tunisians are Palestinians, Egyptians are Palestinians,” the crowd chanted in Arabic, massing around Al Manara square. A youth climbed one of Al Manara’s iconic marble lion…
‘My friend, Mahmoud Maher, a doctor, was killed at Tahrir Square’
Mondoweiss – At 1:15 am Cairo time on Saturday morning I spoke to my friend Ghassen. His friend was killed at Tahrir Square during the 24 hours of horrific violence we all saw on Feb 1 st and 2 nd . To the best of my knowledge, this is…
O hear Tahrir break into song!!
Mondoweiss – Protesters in Tahrir Square break into song We are all one hand, and we have one demand: Leave! leave! Down down Husni Mubarak! Down down Husni Mubarak! The people want to overthrow the regime! The people want to overthrow the regime! He should leave! We’re not…
Moor: Television fails to capture the wider experience of Tahrir
Mondoweiss – I just wanted to write a quick note about media coverage of what’s been going on here in Cairo. I haven’t had much access to outside media over the past eleven days, but I managed to watch a few hours of BBC and CNN coverage last…
They’re dancing in Palestine, too
Mondoweiss – Pro-Egypt demonstration in Ramallah. One arrested, reportedly.
‘NYT’ pulls back the curtain (For U.S., Egypt is about Israel)
Mondoweiss – In an extraordinary report which appeared today both on the Internet and in the print edition of The New York Times , writers Helene Cooper and Mark Landler make plain the huge importance of Israel and the Israel lobby in all American government decisions regarding the ongoing…
A Call for Solidarity With The Egyptian People
Palestine Monitor – Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi calls for Palestinian solidarity to respect the will of the Egyptian people and their demands for democracy Ramallah, February 5: Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, today called for Palestinian solidarity with the Egyptian people and their democratic demands…
Ashkenazi’s IDF Gravy Train
Tikun Olam – There are new developments in the case of IDF chief of staff, Gabi Askhenzai, who I revealed yesterday was under criminal investigation for his role in the hoax Galant memo. Today, the chief government investigator in the case revealed (well, he didn’t exactly “reveal” this since…
Nabi Saleh in Tear Gas and Rain Picture Credit: Joseph Dana
Popular Struggle Coordination Committee – Weekly protest against the separation wall and the occupation held in solidarity with the people of Egypt. Dozens suffer tear gas inhalation just like those on the streets of Egypt.
Nabi Saleh Marches with the People of Egypt
Popular Struggle Coordination Committee – Despite pounding rain and aggressive repression tactics employed by the army, the village of Nabi Saleh marched Friday in solidarity with the people of Egypt. The demonstration was also in honor of 14 year Nabi Saleh resident Islam Tamimi, who was arrested in a night raid…
Bil’in Marches Against the Occupation in Solidarity with the People of Egypt
Popular Struggle Coordination Committee – Weekly protest against the separation wall and the occupation held in solidarity with the people of Egypt. Dozens suffer tear gas inhalation just like those on the streets of Egypt.
Bil’in Marches in Solidarity with the People of Egypt
Joseph Dana 5 Feb 2011 – Dozens of Palestinian, International and Israeli activists march under the banner of solidarity with the Egyptian people. The demonstration was attacked quickly with the same American made tear gas which has been used for the past ten days against the protests in Egypt. The weekly march…
Liberalism in the Service of Nationalism: Israeli Opinions on Egypt
Joseph Dana 5 Feb 2011 – In a region saturated by journalists vying for the best story and often missing the most powerful ones, new media platforms have opened a space for the stories that fall through the cracks of mainstream media. These platforms allow bold journalists to get to the heart…
Brotherhood ‘to join Egypt talks’
BBC 5 Feb 2011 – Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood joins other opposition groups in talks with officials following weeks of protest against President Mubarak’s rule.
Mid-East facing ‘perfect storm’
BBC 5 Feb 2011 – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the Middle East is facing a “perfect storm” of unrest and governments must embrace democratic change.
Clinton: ‘Risks of transition to democracy’
BBC 5 Feb 2011 – US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton said there are risks with the transition to democracy.
Egypt a Wake Up Call for US Empire
Antiwar.com 5 Feb 2011 – Kevin Zeese wants to hold Obama to his words
Egypt: Let the Looting Begin!
Antiwar.com 5 Feb 2011 – Kevin Carson isn’t optimistic about Egypt
Critical Connections: Egypt, the US, and Israel
Antiwar.com 5 Feb 2011 – Alison Weir with the Israeli connection
Obama Pressed to Pressurise Egypt’s Military
Antiwar.com 5 Feb 2011 – On the eve of massive planned protests dubbed “Day of Departure” in Egypt, continuing attacks by pro-government conspirators on anti-government protestors and roundups of human rights activists and foreign journalists are contributing to pressures on the administration of President Barack Obama to take a tougher line,…
End Game in Egypt
Sabbah report 5 Feb 2011 – Independent new leaders face enormous challenges, including destructive reprisals for defying Western diktats. As a result, most accede, accepting neoliberal harshness over public needs, no matter their popular mandate or desire.
Out with the collaborators: in with honest unity
Sabbah report 5 Feb 2011 – Stuart Littlewood views the deceitfulness, double-talk, vacuousness and lack of transparency that pervade the statements and actions of the United States, Israel, the UK and their quisling outfit in the occupied Palestinian territories, Fatah.
The spirit of Egypt’s Tahrir Square
Sabbah report 5 Feb 2011 – They long for democracy; so they should and their high spirits on the prospect of achieving it are justified. We see in Tahrir Square an inspirational spirit of cooperation in a people’s desire for freedom. One is shamed to reflect that Britain is a primary colluder…
(en) Poland, Revolution for Egypt – Speech at Demo at Egyptian Embassy in Warsaw made by members of ZSP-IWA*
A-infos 5 Feb 2011 – The human urge for freedom and dignity burns intensely in Egypt. We support this urge for change, for greater freedom and a chance to shape ones own life. Only we ask the question: what next? —- Will the Egyptian people exchange one authoritarian, unaccountable leader for…
Articles
Egypt, the US and the Israel Lobby
Alison Weir, CounterPunch2/4/2011
Critical Connections
Minimally explored in all the coverage of the momentous Egyptian uprising taking place over the last 10 days are the Israeli connections.
A central and critical reality is that it is US tax money that has propped up Hosni Mubarak’s despotic regime over the past 30 years, and that this money has flowed, from the beginning, largely on behalf of Israel.
Israel is generally a significant factor in events in the Middle East, and to understand ongoing happenings it is important to understand the historic and current Israeli connections.
The violent creation, perpetuation, and expansion of a state based on ethnic expulsion of the majority inhabitants has been central to Middle East dynamics ever since Israel was created by European and American Zionists in 1948 as a self-identified “Jewish State.”
Israeli leaders and outside observers realized from the very beginning that the only way to maintain such a violently imposed, ethnically based nation-state was through military dominance of the region. For Israel to achieve this military dominance required two things:
(1) The creation of a military more powerful than all the others in the region combined. Israel has achieved this through a uniquely massive influx of US tax dollars and technology, occasionally purloined but largely procured through the machinations of its lobby. (Among other things, Israel has several hundred nuclear weapons, a fact almost never mentioned by American media or the American government.) more.. e-mail
A Surge of People Power in the Middle East
M. Shahid Alam, Antiwar.com2/2/2011
From his weekly perch at CNN, Fareed Zakaria speculated recently whether George Bush could take credit for the events that were unfolding in Tunisia, whether this was the late fruit of the neoconservative project to bring “democracy” to the Middle East.
It is quite extraordinary watching Zakaria – a Muslim born and raised in India, and the scion of a leading political family – mimic with such facility the language of America’s ruling classes, and show scarce a trace of empathy for the world’s oppressed, despite his propinquity to them by reason of history and geography. He does have a bias for India, but here too he only shows a concern for India’s strategic interests, not the interests of its subjugated classes, minorities, and ethnicities. This I offer only as an aside about how easy it is for members of the upper classes in countries like India, Pakistan, or Egypt to slip into an American skin whenever that dissimulation offers greater personal advantages.
As a cover for deepening U.S. control over the Middle East – here is the latest civilizing mission for you – the neoconservatives in the Bush administration argued that the Islamic world produces “terrorists” because it lives under autocracies. To solve the “terrorist” problem, therefore, the U.S. would have to bring democracy to the Middle East. This demagoguery only revealed the bankruptcy of America’s political class. It is a shame that the president of the United States and his neoconservative puppet-masters peddled such absurdities without being greeted by squeals of laughter – and shouted down as hypocritical, as farcical.
Which country has been the leading ally and sponsor these past decades of nearly all the despotisms in the Middle East – those of royal pedigree and others seeking to become royalties? more.. e-mail
Why the Israelis prefer Omar Suleiman
Yasser Za’atra, Middle East Monitor (MEMO)2/3/2011
Since it was first mooted about eight years ago that the son of Hosni Mubarak was being groomed to take his place as president of Egypt, the Director of the country’s General Intelligence Services, Omar Suleiman has faced fierce competition for the top job. Meanwhile, the neo-con Zionist lobby has come to dominate the US Congress with the result that US foreign policy is more captive to Israeli interests than ever before.
When Mustafa Alfiqi, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Egyptian parliament, and one of the pillars of politics in the Mubarak era, said that Egypt’s president could do little without the “consent of the United States and no objection from Israel”, he was being entirely accurate. That requirement looks to be disappearing in the wake of the dignity revolution in Tunisia, where foreign approval is no longer a necessity, and the ongoing demonstrations in Egypt. The situation is so serious for Israel that it is calling on all of its allies, including the United States, to “protect” Mubarak’s regime.
It seems clear that Washington, at the request of the Zionist state, actually requested President Mubarak to appoint Omar Suleiman as his first ever Vice President with two aims: one, to put to rest claims that Mubarak is seeking to create a dynasty ruling Egypt by appointing his son as his successor; and two, in an attempt to calm the anger on the streets and have a smooth transition of power. To-date, this has not been successful. There is no doubt that Mubarak’s departure from the scene sooner rather than later would help to calm matters and allow Suleiman to introduce meaningful reforms prior to a free and fair election.
Omar Suleiman has courted and coveted this leading role for years, and has served US and Israeli interests well in the process; he is well-known in Israel and is regarded as a “friend” by politicians on the Israeli right and left…. more.. e-mail
Visit Palestine
Electronic Intifada: 5 Feb 2011 – An advertisement from the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism which ran in National Geographic’s Traveller magazine has resulted in more than sixty complaints being lodged with the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and is now under investigation.more
Fateh disrupts Egyptian solidarity protest
Palestine Monitor: 5 Feb 2011 – Nearly a thousand protesters took to the streets of downtown Ramallah today, shouting support for the Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions. “Tunisians are Palestinians, Egyptians are Palestinians,” the crowd chanted in Arabic, massing around Al Manara square. A youth climbed one of Al Manara’s iconic marble lion statues, holding a flag of the United States of America. After fumbling for a lighter, the kufeyah-wrapped boy swung the red, white and blue fabric dripping with fuel. Flames instantly engulfed it. A youth burned an American flag in the middle of al Manara square in ramallah. Two older men traded off leading the crowds in chants against beleaguered Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and recently deposed Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. “The people want disunity to fail,” “Long live the revolution” and “Unify, unify our country” were some of the many slogans chanted, broadcast by megaphone, or written on posters. The Palestinian…more
A Call for Solidarity With The Egyptian People
Palestine Monitor: 5 Feb 2011 – Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi calls for Palestinian solidarity to respect the will of the Egyptian people and their demands for democracy Ramallah, February 5: Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, today called for Palestinian solidarity with the Egyptian people and their democratic demands in order to maintain Egypt’s role and strengthen its position in the region and the world. Dr. Barghouthi said Egypt’s contribution to the Palestinian struggle for independence and equality is unmatched in the history of the Palestinian national movement, and the Palestinian people will not forget the Egyptian people’s solidarity and great sacrifices. The political advancements demanded and enacted today in the Arab world will pave the way towards democratic progress, establish social, human and economic rights, and combine with true political and social democracy to promote these in the Arab world, which is today facing many difficult and diverse challenges, Dr. Barghouthi said….more
The People’s Will: Stop Accommodating Tyranny
Palestine Chronicle: 5 Feb 2011 – By Ron Forthofer Recent revolutionary events in Tunisia and Egypt reflect people’s strong desire for an end to repression, injustice and inequity. In effect, people are saying we are as mad as hell and we are not going to take it anymore. The Tunisians’ courageous ousting of their autocratic leader has inspired others suffering under oppressive regimes in the Arab world and maybe beyond. While it is still too early to say what the outcome in Egypt will be, Egyptians have discovered their power and their voice. Despite this daring uprising of the Egyptian people, President Obama still indicates support for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Obama and previous U.S. leaders clearly haven’t learned from the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and former President John F. Kennedy. On April 4, 1967 Dr. King spoke about U.S. aggression in Vietnam and other places: “It is with such activity in mind…more
The Awakening of Egypt
Palestine Chronicle: 5 Feb 2011 – By Mohamed El Mokhtar What we are witnessing is no less than History in the making: a revolution is now underway on the shores of the Nile. Yes, a revolution and a real one. Under the majestic shadows of the Pyramids, the wind of freedom is, at last, blasting. A mesmerizing popular uprising is occurring live before our eyes. Its venue is a memorable land. It is the place of the Holy Mount; the birthplace of Moses; the glorious home of Joseph; the Crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. It’s the cradle of many civilizations; the source of many cultures and traditions; the receptacle of many beliefs and religions; the country of many peoples. It is the graveyard of the Pharos; the burial place of countless Emirs and Queens. It’s undoubtedly, and by far, the most important Arab country; the only one spanning the Middle East and the African continent;…more
Al Jazeera: Egypt’s 24-Hour Revolution
Palestine Chronicle: 5 Feb 2011 – By James Gundun – Washington, D.C. Somewhere Gil Scott-Heron must be reveling in the scene at Tahrir Square. African-Americans may not be pouring into U.S. streets looking for a brighter day, but millions of Egyptian spirits have brought Scott-Heron’s prophetic words to life. “You will not be able to stay home, brother,” he predicted 41 years ago… “You will not be able to plug in, turn on, and cop out… The revolution will be brought to you without commercial interruption… NBC will not be able to predict the winner at 8:32 PM… The revolution will put you in the driver’s seat… The revolution will be no re-run… The revolution will be live.” However, even Scott-Heron’s vision may not have seen Al Jazeera coming when he titled his classic poem, “The Revolution Will Not be Televised.” For those watching Al Jazeera’s 24-hour live feed of Tahrir Square, Egypt’s revolution is televised….more
A Villa in the Jungle?
Dissident Voice: 5 Feb 2011 – We are in the middle of a geological event. An earthquake of epoch-making dimensions is changing the landscape of our region. Mountains turn into valleys, islands emerge from the sea, volcanoes cover the land with lava. People are afraid of change. When it happens, they tend to deny, ignore, pretend that nothing really important is happening. Israelis are no exception. While in neighboring Egypt earth-shattering events were taking place, Israel was absorbed with a scandal in the army high command. The Minister of Defense abhors the incumbent Chief of Staff and makes no secret of it. The presumptive new chief was exposed as a liar and his appointment canceled. These were the headlines. But what is happening now in Egypt will change our lives. As usual, nobody foresaw it. The much-feted Mossad was taken by surprise, as was the CIA and all the other celebrated services of this kind. Yet…more
The Egyptian Tinderbox
Dissident Voice: 5 Feb 2011 – What for a poor man is a crust, for a rich man is a securitized asset class. – Futures trader Ann Berg, quoted in the UK Guardian Underlying the sudden, volatile uprising in Egypt and Tunisia is a growing global crisis sparked by soaring food prices and unemployment. The Associated Press reports that roughly 40 percent of Egyptians struggle along at the World Bank-set poverty level of under $2 per day. Analysts estimate that food price inflation in Egypt is currently at an unsustainable 17 percent yearly. In poorer countries, as much as 60 to 80 percent of people’s incomes go for food, compared to just 10 to 20 percent in industrial countries. An increase of a dollar or so in the cost of a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread for Americans can mean starvation for people in Egypt and other poor countries. Follow the Money The cause…more
End Game in Egypt
Dissident Voice: 5 Feb 2011 – On February 3, New York Times writers, Helene Cooper and Mark Landler, headlined, “White House, Egypt Discuss Plan for Mubarak’s Exit,” saying: His administration is “discussing with Egyptian officials a proposal for (Mubarak) to resign immediately and turn over power to a transitional government headed by Vice President Omar Suleiman with the support of the Egyptian military,” including Lt. Gen. Sami Enan, armed forces chief, and Field Marshall Mohamed Tantawi, defense minister. The alleged plan includes constitutional reform, a transitional government with opposition groups like the Muslim brotherhood, and “free and fair elections in September.” Testifying during a February 3 Senate hearing, senior CIA official, Stephanie O’Sullivan, said earlier tracking of Cairo instability showed conditions were “untenable,” but “we didn’t know what the triggering mechanism would be.” On February 4, Times writer, David Kirkpatrick, headlined, “Egyptian Government Figures Join Protesters,” saying: During Friday protests, “(c)racks in the Egyptian establishment’s support…more
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The New Dark Age 
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