22 May, 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Israeli settlers dump sewage in Palestinian town
IMEMC – Sunday May 22, 2011 – 19:07, Sewage and wastewater from the Israeli settlement of Ariel, the largest settlement in the West Bank, has polluted the Palestinian village of Bruqin, which sits adjacent to the settlement.
Suspected spy shot by masked men near Nablus
IMEMC – Sunday May 22, 2011 – 18:51, A man who had previously been imprisoned for working as a spy for Israeli occupation forces was shot and killed on Saturday in Beit Dajan village near Nablus, in the northern West Bank.
Detained Hamas Leader Calls For Suspending Talks With Fateh
IMEMC – Sunday May 22, 2011 – 09:08, Rafat Nassif, a detained political leader of the Hamas movement, called for suspending all talks and coordination with the Fateh movement for what he called “the ongoing political arrests and interrogation” of Hamas members, conducted by members of the security forces of Fateh movement in the West Bank.
Eight Palestinians, Including Four Children, Wounded In Hebron
IMEMC – Sunday May 22, 2011 – 08:53, Palestinian medical sources reported, Saturday evening, that eight Palestinians, including four children, were treated by the effects of teargas inhalation during clashes with Israeli soldiers and settlers in the Old City of Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank.
Palestinian Youth Killed By Army Fire In Central Gaza
IMEMC – Sunday May 22, 2011 – 08:42, Palestinian medical sources reported Saturday at night that a Palestinian youth was killed by Israel army fire, east of Al Boreij refugee camp, in central Gaza.
Peace Now: Israel approves new West Bank settler homes
5/22/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has approved construction of 294 new homes in the West Bank settlement of Beitar Ilit, anti-settlement NGO Peace Now reported on Sunday. Peace Now made its announcement as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington, preparing to address the US Congress and the powerful pro-Israel lobby, the American…. Related: UK minister ‘deeply disappointed’ in settlements call
Salfit women say stoned by settler youth
5/22/2011 – SALFIT (Ma’an) — Town officials from Salfit reported Sunday that a group of women returning home were assaulted by a group of 15 settlers harassing Palestinians near the Kfar Tappuah settlement. The women, from the village of Iskaka, were on the main road between Za’atara and Yasuf,head of the local women….
Jerusalem police close alleged Hamas office
5/22/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Jerusalem police said on Sunday that they had closed an East Jerusalem community center, adding that detentions would likely be made because the organization had violated a closure order. Police spokeswoman Luba Simmari said detectives closed the premises of the Heritage Committee in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Wadi Joz, which she accused….
UK minister ‘deeply disappointed’ in settlements call
5/22/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — UK foreign office minister for the Middle EastAlistair Burt called on Israel Friday to “cease unhelpful and destabilising activity” of settlement construction, in the wake of a decision to build 1,500 new Jewish-only homes in occupied East Jerusalem.” I am deeply disappointed with Israel’s announcement on 19 May to…. Related: Peace Now: Israel approves new West Bank settler homes
Thousands refused passports in Gaza
5/22/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Demonstrators gathered in Gaza City on Saturday to protest the Palestinian Authority’s refusal to grant passports to 30,000 Gaza residents. Tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have have been unable to get passports issued by the Fatah-led PA, residents say, because of factional tensions, despite the recent….
Obama restates ’67 stance after ‘misrepresentation’
5/22/2011 – WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President Barack Obama on Sunday forcefully defended his call for an Israeli-Palestinian peace based on their pre-1967 frontiers, suggesting Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu had misrepresented him. Speaking in Washington to a generally welcoming crowd of Israel’s hardline supporters, Obama said delays in moving toward a two-state solution would undermine….
Jordan’s monarch warns of new Palestinian intifada
5/22/2011 – WASHINGTON (AFP) – The prolonged stalemate in the Middle East peace process will lead to another war between Israel and the Palestinians, Jordan’s King Abdullah II warned in an interview broadcast Sunday.” I just have a feeling that we’re going to be living with the status quo for 2011. . . Whenever we accept….
Hamas: Obama will not force Israel recognition
5/22/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Hams spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri slammed Sunday US President Barack Obama’s speech to the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee, saying a call to the party to recognize Israel would go unanswered. In Washington, Obama addressed the powerful Jewish lobby group and elaborated on statements made Thursday in his “Arab….
West Bank contractors to help Gaza reconstruction
5/22/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Some 100 businessmen from the West Bank will visit Gaza on Tuesday to push forward plans to reconstruct the coastal enclave. Contractors’ union chief Osama Ikheil said the plans included building bomb shelters in schools and homes to protect children and families from Israel’s frequent raids on….
Single Gaza crossing to open for limited goods
5/22/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israel will allow 290-300 truckloads of goods and humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip on Sunday, Israeli officials informed Palestinian liaison officers. Palestinian official Raed Fattouh said the southernmost crossing between Israel and Gaza, Kerem Shalom, would open for the import of goods including 10 loads of cement for….
Sha’ath: We will stick to UN statehood plan
5/22/2011 – RAMALLAH (AFP) — The campaign to win UN endorsement for a Palestinian state will continue despite US opposition, senior Fatah official Nabil Sha’ath said late Saturday.” Now that [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu has proved that he rejects the peace process, there is no doubt that we shall continue with the strategic objective of….
Report: Netanyahu says will work with Obama for talks
5/22/2011 – TEL AVIV (Ma’an) — In a response to US President Barack Obama’s speech to the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to work for renewed peace talks, Israel’s daily newspaper Haaretz reported.”I would like to express my appreciation of President Obama’s speech before….
Netanyahu downplays rift with Obama
5/22/2011 – WASHINGTON (AFP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tried to play down a row with US President Barack Obama, saying the rift between the leaders had been exaggerated.” The disagreement has been blown way out of proportion,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying by his spokesman, a day after the Israeli leader slammed Obama’s….
Family issues appeal for missing Jerusalem teen
5/22/2011 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — A 15-year-old Jerusalem girl was reported missing by her family on Sunday, her family said, prompting them to appeal to the public to help locate their daughter. Miral Salem Abdallah, from the Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina, was last seen leaving her aunt’s home on Wednesday, in the….
Ramallah: 4 bakeries closed for use of carcinogens
5/22/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Recommendations from Ramallah’s committee on health and safety secured the governor’s approval for a decree closing four bakeries using additives believed to cause cancer. Governor Leila Ghannam told reporters Sunday that the bread additives were discovered during an inspection campaign she had ordered the week earlier to….
Report: Mubarak depressed, needs therapy
5/22/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egypt’s ousted leader Hosni Mubarak, who is under arrest in a hospital room, is depressed and needs treatment by a psychologist, Cairo’s official MENA news agency reported on Saturday. The 83-year-old former president has been in hospital since April after he reportedly suffered a heart attack during interrogation….
Bibi Tries To Give Obama His Marching Orders
Palestine Note 22 May 2011 – When writing about President Obama’s speech on Thursday, I got one thing very wrong. I wrote : “Bibi will not have anything here to fight with Obama about tomorrow.” Well, that was wrong; but not as much as you might think….
Syrian protesters defy crackdown
AlJazeera 22 May 2011 – Thousands turn up for funerals of pro-democracy demonstrators and chant slogans seeking President Assad’s removal.
Moroccan police beat up protesters
AlJazeera 22 May 2011 – Protesters calling for more rights and economic benefits dispersed by police in Rabat and Casablanca.
Ancelotti leaves Chelsea
AlJazeera 22 May 2011 – Italian loses job after last-day defeat to Everton in a move that was a long time coming from former champions.
Pakistani naval base under attack
AlJazeera 22 May 2011 – At least four killed as special forces continue to battle armed men who attacked naval aviation facility in Karachi.
Yemen transition deal collapses
AlJazeera 22 May 2011 – Gulf nations suspend mediation efforts after Saleh fails to sign exit pact and warns of civil war.
Death sentence for Egyptian policeman
AlJazeera 22 May 2011 – Officer convicted of shooting dead 20 protesters during upheaval that led to Mubarak’s fall.
Obama: US support for Israel ‘ironclad’
AlJazeera 22 May 2011 – US president rejects Palestinian moves to seek statehood through United Nations in speech to American pro-Israel lobby.
Bahrain court upholds death sentences
AlJazeera 22 May 2011 – Special court upholds death sentences for two men convicted of killing policemen during anti-government demonstrations.
Protests in Yemen as diplomats wait on Saleh
AlJazeera 22 May 2011 – Saleh supporters surround embassy hosting Gulf and western ambassadors, with Yemeni president still to sign exit deal.
Wave of bombings strike across Iraq
AlJazeera 22 May 2011 – More than a dozen blasts across mostly Shia areas in Baghdad target government and police, leaving at least 16 dead.
International Solidarity Movement
On June 5th support the Palestinian refugees’ right to return
5/22/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement – The right to return is a core goal of the Palestinian liberation struggle. Since 1947-1948, when over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes – and more than 700,000 were ethnically cleansed from their country altogether ‚Äì they and their descendants have organized to demand the rectification of this historic injustice….
Fire at field near Kiryat Arba, Hebron
5/22/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement – On Thursday May 19 a part of the field of Abd al Kareim al Jabari in Western Hebron, where International Solidarity Movement activists have been present for the past ten days, was set on fire. Settler children started to throw stones at the ISM activists as soon as they arrived at the….
With love and respect from the bottom of my heart to my Italian Family
5/22/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Rawa’ Ahmed – Since the day I heard about the Italian convoy that is coming to Gaza I was longing to meet Vitorrio’s friends, and dreaming of the day they would arrive in Gaza. The 12th of May was the arrival day. It was a long day because some friends and I had to….
Alternative Information Center
New Cultural Hall Opens in Hebron Area Settlement of Kiryat Arba
Alternative Information Center – A Cultural Hall in the Hebron area settlement of Kiryat Arba will be officially opened in early June. Noam Arnon, spokesperson of the Jewish settlement in Hebron, notes that the hall will open with a conference…
Palestine Red Crescent Society Appeal No. MAAPS001 – Annual Report 2010
Relief Web 22 May 2011 – Source: IFRC Country: Egypt , Lebanon , occupied Palestinian territory , Syrian Arab Republic (the) 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010 In brief Programme outcome: Support the Palestine Red Crescent Society (Palestine RCS) response to the needs of the most vulnerable in…
The Gaza Cheat Sheet: Real Data on the Gaza Closure
Relief Web 22 May 2011 – Source: Gisha Country: occupied Palestinian territory Economic situation There is no shortage of food in Gaza, but severe poverty has increased over years of closure and travel restrictions. More than 70% of the population currently receives humanitarian aid
Jewish Settlers break into mosque in Hebron
22 May 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Dozens of Jewish settlers attacked yesterday the mosque of Khalid Bin Al-Walid in the south part of Hebron in the occupied West Bank.
Aid Flotilla organizers seek protection, Israel might attack
22 May 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph) – The European campaign to end the siege on Gaza Strip (ECESG) appealed the international community to provide protection for the upcoming Freedom Flotilla 2, which is expected to sail in late June to Gaza Strip.
Palestinian shot dead by Israel in Gaza Strip
22 May 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph)-A Palestinian citizen was shot dead yesterday as Israeli forces opened fire at him in Al-Buriage refugee camp in central Gaza Strip.
Israeli soldiers hurt Palestinians in Hebron
22 May 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli soldiers attacked yesterday Palestinian citizens in the south West Bank city of Hebron injuring a number of Palestinians.
Saudi police arrest two in clampdown on protest against ban on women drivers
The National 22 May 2011 – Manal al Sharif, an organiser of the planned protest on June 17 against the driving ban, and her brother were both arrested yesterday, according to a human rights advocate in Jeddah.
Tax evaders in Oman face loss of government contracts
The National 22 May 2011 – Up to a quarter of corporate tax revenues, around Dh490m, go unpaid, according to estimates, with the Omani government considering revoking the business licence of offending companies.
New ballistic missile system for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards
The National 22 May 2011 – Range of missile undisclosed but Iran says it was designed to be less easily detected than older models.
Obama tells Israel lobby group ‚ÄòWe can’t afford to wait another decade’
The National 22 May 2011 – US president insists to audience at Aipac conference in Washington that dispute over his Palestinian borders proposal is ‘not based on substance’.
Obama’s ‘1967 borders’ call brings back deep fears in Israel
The National 22 May 2011 – Idea of ceding parts of West Bank stirs up memories of the days preceding the 1967 war, when the build-up of surrounding Arab armies brought fears among Israelis that their country could be wiped off the map.
GCC set to withdraw Yemen peace deal after Saleh again refuses to sign
The National 21 May 2011 – Pro-Saleh activists at one point trap six ambassadors in UAE embassy as Yemeni president lays down new conditions before he will sign deal to secure his departure from power.
Britain ends Iraq military mission
The National 21 May 2011 – More than eight years after contributing the second-largest contingent of troops to the US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein, Britain concludes its final training mission in Iraq.
Obama’s AIPAC speech welcomed across Israel’s political spectrum
Ha’aretz – Members of Netanyahu’s ruling Likud Party MKs say U.S. President’s remarks prompted by PM’s forceful stand, while Palestinian leadership express mixed reactions.
El Al flight prepares for emergency landing at Ben Gurion
Ha’aretz – Sixty ambulances and 20 fire trucks arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport ahead of an emergency landing of El Al flight 027 carrying 259 passengers.
Akiva Eldar / Obama, the first U.S. president to tell AIPAC the truth
Ha’aretz – Obama did not go to the AIPAC conference to iron out differences between him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He went there to settle misunderstandings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Hamas: Obama will fail in forcing us to recognize Israel
Ha’aretz – Gaza-rulers say Obama’s AIPAC speech shows U.S. government ‘supports the occupation at expense of the freedom of Palestinians.’
Natasha Mozgovaya / Obama at AIPAC – conciliatory but unapologetic
Ha’aretz – The president reaffirmed U.S.-Israel ties, rejected the mantle of Mideast peace revolutionary, stood his ground on the key issues, and invited Netanyahu’s response.
Obama to AIPAC: 1967 borders reflect long-standing U.S. policy
Ha’aretz – U.S. president clarifies his Mideast vision for Israel, Palestine borders not identical to June 4, 1967 lines.
Obama met with applause at AIPAC, but with a boo or two too
Ha’aretz – U.S. Jews seemed satisfied with the U.S. president’s AIPAC address, which they thought was a much better and clearer speech than his major Mideast address on Thursday.
Israeli director Joseph Cedar wins best screenplay award at Cannes
Ha’aretz – Cedar called to return to Cannes to receive his prize for ‘Footnote,’ a dramedy about father-son competing researchers of Kaballah.
New program in Israeli schools has students ‘adopting’ graves from 1948 war
Ha’aretz – Pilot program set to begin next year, intends to enhance young peoples’ awareness of Israel’s history, strengthen sense of belonging and willingness to contribute to society and the state.
Doctors vow to continue pay struggle ‘for as long as it takes’ to meet demands
Ha’aretz – Doctors step up protest efforts, turning out en masse for north Tel Aviv demonstration as all but one public hospital strike.
Tens of thousands visit Mt. Meron as Israelis celebrate Lag Ba’omer
Ha’aretz – Many believe Lag Ba’omer to be the anniversary of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai’s death, buried on Mt. Meron; fire services on high alert as people turn out en masse to bonfires marking the holiday.
Obama: U.S. could initiate more strikes against al-Qaida leaders in Pakistan
Ha’aretz – U.S. President says that while Washington is respectful of Pakistan’s sovereignty it would act as it did in the killing of Osama bin Laden.
Iran military ‘successfully tests’ new ballistic missile system
Ha’aretz – Iran Defense Minister: New surface-to-surface missiles testimony to Iran’s ‘self sufficiency’ in weapons production, reports Iran state television channel Al Alam.
Iran arrests 30 people suspected of spying for the U.S.
Ha’aretz – Washington has had no diplomatic presence in Iran since the 1979 revolution; arrests come two days after Obama made a speech reiterating that the U.S. views Tehran as a sponsor of terrorism.
IMF approves €26b Portugal loan as Spain protests austerity
Ha’aretz – The IMF said in a statement that total financing to Portugal in 2011 will include about ‚Ǩ12.6 billion from the IMF and another ‚Ǩ25.2 billion from the European Union.
Treasury: End dairy price control
Ha’aretz – While some basic dairy products are limited in number, they still make up 30% of the public’s dairy consumption, since they are 100% to 150% cheaper than products whose prices are set by the market.
Braverman: Israel should embrace its Arabs, Haredim
Ha’aretz – Minister of Minority Affairs says Israel has the most unequal society amongst western nations.
Netanyahu: I am determined to work with Obama to renew peace talks
Ha’aretz – PM expresses appreciation for Obama’s AIPAC speech, says he’s a partner to Obama’s wish to promote peace.
Protesters rally outside AIPAC conference ahead of Obama speech
Ha’aretz – Leftist activists call for Palestinian right of return, say U.S. must reduce the pro-Israel lobby’s influence.
Obama: Unilateral recognition of Palestine is worthless without peace talks
Ha’aretz – U.S. President, speaking with the BBC, says Hamas and Fatah need to decide where they stand on peace talks with Israel for negotiations to have a chance to resume.
Erekat: Netanyahu must accept Obama peace guidelines for talks to resume
Ha’aretz – Chief negotiator Palestinians share the same principles laid out by U.S. President, including 1967 borders as basis for future Palestinian state.
Former U.S. peace broker: Netanyahu and Obama are on different planets
Ha’aretz – Speaking to U.S. media, Aaron David Miller says U.S. President likely sees Netanyahu as a kind of ‘politician-slash-conman.’
Top Israel theater company cancels Turkey show
Ha’aretz – The move comes after Israeli embassy in Turkey advises Cameri Theater to cancel performances at international theater festival.
Top Netanyahu aide: 1967 borders leave too many Israelis outside of Israel
Ha’aretz – National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror says Obama’s Mideast speech would have generated less controversy had he been clearer on the possibility of land swaps.
Hamas, Fatah officials meet in Moscow to bolster reconciliation
Ha’aretz – The Russian initiative to bring Hamas and Fatah officials together is set to focus on solidifying ties between the recently reconciled factions, find common ground for negotiations with Israel, reports Russian news agency ITAR-TASS.
Netanyahu: Claims of disagreement with Obama are ‘blown out of proportion’
Ha’aretz – Following a public dispute regarding 1967 borders and ahead of Obama address to AIPAC, Netanyahu denies any crisis with U.S. President, saying differences of opinion are ‘among friends.’
High alert at Ben Gurion as plane plans emergency landing
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – El Al plane carrying 279 passengers on board takes off en route to New York but forced to make emergency landing after technical fault found in left wheel; dozens of MDA rescue teams at scene.
College test ‚Äòswitcheroo’ brings fine for woman
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court sentences Olga Torobsky to three months probation for having cheated on a university English proficiency test.
Terrorists freed in prisoner swaps may be classed parolees
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Move, which is backed by ministers, would ease the way back to prison for repeat offenders.
60 east J’lem Jewish homes to be dedicated
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Five MKs, Barkat, Sephardi Chief Rabbi all slated to attend ceremony at Ma’aleh Hazeitim in Ras al-Amud.
Poll shows American Jews still staunchly back Israel
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – 94% say that if Israel “no longer existed tomorrow,” it would be a “tragedy,” new CAMERA survey says; 74% voted Obama.
Obama stays true to his convictions
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – History does not support the assumption that the Palestinians would peacefully coexist with Israel, respect the borders, and cease firing explosive rockets and missiles into Israeli territory. Has Obama learned nothing?
Israel approves 294 new West Bank homes
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – New homes to be built in Beitar Illitl; while on visit to Ma’aleh Adumim, Danny Ayalon calls for more construction in E-1 area.
Obama speech signals dangerous new reality for Israel
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – The World Jewish Congress’ Dan Diker tells 20 Questions his reactions on Obama’s address to the state department; speech hails new era for diplomatic relations between US and Israel.
Hamas: No point in relying on US as an honest broker
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Ismail Radwan calls US president’s speech to AIPAC a “disaster”; Sami Abu Zuhri: Obama’s comments show Washington will “support the occupation at the expense of the freedom of the Palestinian people.”
A ‚Äòmisrepresented’ Obama tries to set the record straight
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Analysis: But even the US president’s improved formulations will still leave many Israelis uneasy.
Left says Netanyahu should apologize to Obama
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – After AIPAC speech, MKs praise Obama for clarifying aspects of Mideast speech; blame PM for portraying Thursday speech in negative light.
Joseph Cedar wins best screenplay award at Cannes
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Israeli director receives praise for movie ‘Footnote’; film actor Shlomo Bar Aba sends congratulations, says script is “extraordinary.”
TA protesters to Obama: Israel won’t commit suicide
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Right-wing activists demonstrate holding banner “Israel won’t commit suicide” referring to proposal for negotiations based on 1967 lines.
PM vows to work with Obama to renew peace talks
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Netanyahu: “I am partner to US president’s wish to promote peace”, determined to work to find new ways to reignite peace negotiations.”
‘PA may abandon state plans at UN if settlements halted’
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – PLO official says Authority might not ask UN to recognize Palestinian state if Israel agrees to stop building for 3 months, accepts 1967 lines.
PA may abandon statehood drive if ’67 lines accepted
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Palestinians wait to see how Washington, Europe, Russia respond to Netanyahu’s recent US statements.
Jordanian king: No hope for progress in peace talks
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Abdullah in ABC interview says reality on ground is sign of pessimism; Mitchell: Obama’s comments on 1967 lines not a major policy shift.
Bahrain in drive to bring back Formula One
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Race could signal return to normalcy, but Bahraini rights activists aim to block it after violent crackdown on reform-seeking protesters.
Number of tourists visiting Egypt slumps 46% in 1st quarter
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – The unrest that began on Jan. 25 prompted embassies to issue travel warnings and many tour groups canceled trips, throwing an industry that is a major source of foreign currency into crisis.
Saudi woman arrested for challenging driving ban
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Manal Alsharif posts YouTube video of herself driving; “When the police stopped her they told her she violated the ‘norms,'” female activist says.
EU’s Ashton arrives in east Libya, offers rebels support
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – In Benghazi, European foreign policy chief explains “the breadth of [EU] support” for rebels seeking to dislodge Muammar Gaddafi.
Yemen’s Saleh due to finally sign deal to step down
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Under heavy diplomatic pressure, embattled leader is set to become third Arab head of state to step down amid popular protests.
ElBaradei: Egypt is ‘disintegrating’ as tourism drops
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – “People don’t feel secure, they’re buying guns,” former IAEA chief says; Egypt suffering from lack of tourism, no investment, inflation.
NATO strikes near Gaddafi’s Tripoli compound
Jeruslalem Post 22 May 2011 – Angry crowd attacks journalists; Tripoli says rebels are criminals, al- Qaida militants; NATO says Gaddafi weakened by bombing campaign.
American scholar to lecture on lack of Jewish vision
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 – Washington DC scholar-in-residence discusses the decline of Jewish leadership ahead of Great Synagogue lecture.
Obama’s sour notes in Israel are music to Europeans
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 – Analysis: US president’s rhetoric hit the right notes on the other side of the Atlantic, offering hope for progress in the peace process.
Jewish Americans ponder support for Obama
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 – Some Jewish leaders express alienation, renounce support for US president, while others say speech did not change much.
Letters: Obama’s empty rhetoric on Israel
The Guardian 22 May 2011 – Obama’s speech was disappointing ( Obama tells Arab dictators: change or go , 20 May); he is prepared to support a radical approach across the region but not in Israel-Palestine. Instead we have the 1967 borders “with mutually…
Barack Obama wins ovation for speech to US-Israeli lobbying group
The Guardian 22 May 2011 – Applause as president sets out his plan for Middle East peace ‚Äì but insists talks must be based on Israel’s 1967 borders Barack Obama won repeated rounds of applause and a standing ovation on Sunday at…
Palestinians plan fresh protests to mark war anniversary
The Guardian 22 May 2011 – Committee behind last weekend’s protests says they were ‘just the beginning’, and calls for further marches on 5 June Palestinian refugees are planning a fresh round of marches on Israel next month, amid signs that grassroots…
Eyewitness: Jumping Jews
The Guardian 22 May 2011 – Photographs from the Guardian Eyewitness series
EGYPT: Secularists Unite to Take On Islamists
IPS Liberal and secular Egyptians at the core of mass protests that toppled the regime of Hosni Mubarak are scrambling to form a unified political front ahead of critical parliamentary elections in which they will face the better-organised Islamists.
Netanyahu Rejects Obama Proposal on Pre-1967 Borders
IPS U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an extended meeting Friday amid controversy over Obama’s call for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians based on the borders that existed before Israel’s victory in the 1967 war which saw it occupy the West Bank, Gaza Strip and…
U.S.: Congress Pushes for Vote on Libya Intervention
IPS As the War Powers Act, which purportedly authorised U.S. President Barack Obama to wage war in Libya for 60 days without Congressional approval, expires Friday, experts here continue to question the strategic focus of the NATO-led operation, with pressure mounting from Capitol Hill on the Obama administration to lay out…
Few Surprises in Obama’s Mideast Speech
IPS In a much-anticipated speech on the Middle East and North Africa on Thursday, U.S. President Barack Obama broadly outlined an ambitious set of U.S.-guided initiatives intended to reinforce economic and political prosperity, democratic reforms and, most emphatically, self-determination for the millions of protestors throughout the region who have taken to…
[uruknet.info] In rebel Benghazi, slayings target Gadhafi agents
Uruknet May 22, 2011 – The body found on the outskirts of Benghazi fit a pattern: legs and arms bound, a single gunshot to the forehead, a victim who was once a member of Moammar Gadhafi’s feared internal security apparatus. A string of assassinations in recent weeks of the embattled strongman’s former interrogators is raising fears of a death…
[uruknet.info] Reflections on Nakba Day 2011, from the Palestinian diaspora
Uruknet May 22, 2011 -… For once the rite of return, traditionally a haunting, artistic subconscious of the Palestinian psyche became contemporary and concrete. The goal was clearly not to physically ‘return’ (yet), as none of the protesters were carrying their belongings, but to keep the ritual of return alive. The protests accomplished just that, bringing the paintings of…
[uruknet.info] Gulf Arab states suspend Yemen power transition deal after Saleh refuses to sign
Uruknet May 22, 2011 – In yet another bizarre twist to a geopolitical game with international implications, Gulf Arab states suspended their Yemen power transition deal late Sunday evening after diplomats failed to persuade Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to sign a plan that would ease him out of power. “(The Gulf Cooperation Council) decided to suspend the initiative…
[uruknet.info] Obama’s speech to AIPAC affirms commitment to Israel and US policies that doom it
Uruknet May 22, 2011 – Following his speech on Thursday night, and his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, US President Barack Obama spoke to the 2011 Policy Conference of AIPAC, the influential Israel lobby today. Obama’s speech today contains a number of interesting elements of the United States’ and the president’s view: a hard-headed realism…
[uruknet.info] Blogging the Third Intifada (1) Breaking a Siege
Uruknet May 22, 2011 – His name was Vittorio Arrigoni. Just over one month ago, the life of a human rights activist living in Gaza City was taken. But, he left behind a legacy that was never confined to a single body or person. Even in his passing, Vittorio continued to bring solidarity to his Gazan friends.n One week…
[uruknet.info] Killings, Detentions and Torture in Egypt
Uruknet May 22, 2011 – On February 9, London Guardian writer Chris McGreal headlined, “Egypt’s army ‘involved in detentions and torture,’ ” saying: Military forces “secretly detained hundreds and possibly thousands of suspected government opponents since mass (anti-Mubarak) protests began, (and) at least some of these detainees have been tortured, according to testimony gathered by the Guardian.” Moreover, Human Rights…
[uruknet.info] Obama’s Flawed Approach to the Israel/Palestine Conflict
Uruknet May 22, 2011 – There is no world leader that is more skilled at speechmaking than Barack Obama, especially when it comes to inspiring rhetoric that resonates with deep and widely held human aspirations. And his speech on Middle East policy, symbolically delivered to a Washington audience gathered at the State Department, was no exception, and it contained…
[uruknet.info] Palestinians defy Obama in UN bid for statehood
Uruknet May 22, 2011 – In a televised speech on Thursday the US president cautioned that such “efforts to delegitimise Israel” would end in failure and that abandoning Washington-brokered peace talks to seek UN support would not create a Palestinian state. Nabil Shaath, a leading negotiator in the peace talks and a senior aide to the Palestinian Authority president,…
[uruknet.info] Peace Now: Israel approves new West Bank settler homes
Uruknet May 21, 2011 — Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has approved construction of 294 new homes in the West Bank settlement of Beitar Ilit, anti-settlement NGO Peace Now reported on Sunday. Peace Now made its announcement as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington, preparing to address the US Congress and the powerful pro-Israel lobby, the American Israel…
[uruknet.info] SALEH GUNMEN HOLD MANY ENVOYS HOSTAGE AT UAE EMBASSY IN SANA’A
Uruknet May 22, 2011 – Gunmen claiming to be loyal to President Ali Abdallah Saleh of Yemen laid siege Sunday afternoon to the embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Sana’a, trapping ambassadors of the United States, Britain and the European Union, and those from the six members states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Also trapped inside the UAE…
[uruknet.info] Obama’s Speech to Pro-Israel Lobby AIPAC on May 22, 2011
Uruknet May 22, 2011 – A strong and secure Israel is in the national security interest of United States not simply because we share strategic interests, although we do both seek a region where families and their children can live free from the threat of violence. It’s not simply because we face common dangers, although there can be no…
[uruknet.info] Military Resistance 9E 16 : “Unchecked Incompetence”
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – I was standing in Maroun al-Ras, Lebanon, on 15 May, in solidarity with thousands ofPalestinians, Lebanese and other pro-Palestinian protestors, and I saw Israelis use liveammunition against protesters throwing rocks over the barbed-wire fence at the border. Many young men were shot: 10 people died and 115 were wounded, the largest numberof casualties at…
[uruknet.info] Lebanon: Stop Detaining Syrian Refugees
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – Lebanon’s security forces should stop detaining Syrian refugees who cross the border into Lebanon to escape violence and persecution in their country, Human Rights Watch said today. Lebanese authorities should instead provide them with at least temporary asylum, and above all refrain from deporting them back to Syria, Human Rights Watch said. Human Rights…
[uruknet.info] Join the One State Initiative Share
Uruknet May 21, 2011- Many people of good faith yearn for a future that is a joint democratic pluralistic state that encompasses all of the historic land of Palestine (currently the political entities of the apartheid State of Israel and the post-1967 Israeli occupied Palestinian Territories). It is time to put our beliefs into practice by bringing together all…
[uruknet.info] Ethnic dry cleaning
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – …Changing it will require both change abroad and change at home. De-Zioning the Israeli state is not just about scouring legal discrimination out of the state structure, although that matters. It is about radical redistribution of resources, and it is exactly that distribution or future re-distribution of resources that forms the foundation of a…
[uruknet.info] Bibi at the White House: I am the Leader of a Much Smaller People’
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – …In arguing against the Palestinian Right of Return, Bibi adds another lie to his presentation when he claims that Jews were “expelled from Arab lands in roughly the same number” as Palestinian refugees from Israel. First most Arab Jews, except in a few cases, weren’t “expelled” though many left feeling some sense of discrimination…
[uruknet.info] PFLP denounces Obama speech as another attempt to deceive Palestinians into a futile “peace process”
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said on May 19, 2011, commenting on the speech of United States President Barack Obama, that the Obama speech lacked any form of meaningful change or objectivity in relation to US policy, and served as yet more attempted justification for the occupation and its crimes against…
[uruknet.info] The Spanish Tahrir It’s the real democracy, stupid [by Universidad N??mada]
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – “On 15thMay 2011, around 150,000 people took to the streets in 60 Spanish towns and cities to demand “Real Democracy Now”, marching under the slogan “We are not commodities in the hands of bankers and politicians”. The protest was organised through web-based social networks without the involvement of any major unions or political parties….
[uruknet.info] EGYPT: Secularists Unite to Take On Islamists
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – Liberal and secular Egyptians at the core of mass protests that toppled the regime of Hosni Mubarak are scrambling to form a unified political front ahead of critical parliamentary elections in which they will face the better-organised Islamists. “Time is short, and we are trying to unite the 12 million protesters who took to…
[uruknet.info] Video – Hama, May 20, 2011 : demonstrator beaten to death by Syrian security forces
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – Syrian security forces beat a man in the streets to death, then drag him away bleeding so that no one finds his body…
[uruknet.info] Netanyahu has nothing to worry about
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – …The fear that Obama has grown a spine is greatly exaggerated, though Netanyahu’s pretend “furious” reaction surely is designed to make Obama look and maybe feel tougher than he is. This doesn’t even address the underlying problem of the illegal settlements which make the two-state solution impossible. Obama’s criticism of the settlements was limited…
[uruknet.info] Mixed Reactions to Obama’s Middle East Speech
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – Perhaps one way to view Obama’s speech is saying you can please all the people some of the time, some of them all the time, but not all of them all the time. World reactions were indeed mixed, though policies, not posturing, are key. Obama’s, in fact, have no ambiguity, including imperial wars and…
[uruknet.info] Eni, UniCredit to meet Libyan rebels: sources
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – Italian oil and gas group Eni SpA and Italian bank UniCredit SpA will meet Libyan rebels to discuss a possible resumption of oil exports to Italy, two sources close to the operation told Reuters. Eni is the biggest foreign oil company in Libya, producing 270,000 boed (barrels of oil equivalent per day) in 2010….
[uruknet.info] Syria Comment
Uruknet May 21, 2011 – …Syria Comment is dedicated to supporting the regime narrative while debunking and discrediting opposition claims. When it focusses on the supposed leaders of the uprising it offers up Ammar AbdulHamid, an expat Syrian linked to neo-conservatives, or bad-tempered Islamists. The intention is to show that the protestors are sectarian savages manipulated by the West….
EU foreign policy chief visits Libyan rebel-held zone
Daily Star 22 May 2011 European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton pledged support for rebels in east Libya Sunday, making the most senior visit to the area by a foreign official since the revolt against Moammar Gadhafi began.
GCC suspends power transfer deal after Saleh refuses to sign
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Gulf Arab states suspended their Yemen power transition deal, a statement said Sunday, after diplomats failed to persuade Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to sign the plan that would ease him out of power.
Syrian protesters demand removal of Assad
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Thousands of Syrians attending the funerals of pro-democracy protesters called Sunday for the removal of President Bashar Assad, witnesses said, in the latest outburst against his rule.
Obama defends vision, raps Hezbollah
Daily Star 22 May 2011 U.S. President Barack Obama defended Sunday his endorsement of Israel’s 1967 boundaries as the basis for a future Palestine, adding that his views reflected long-standing American policy that needed to be stated clearly.
Three kidnapped Iraqis freed in Wadi Khaled
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Three kidnapped Iraqis were freed by the Lebanese Army in a raid in the northern town of Wadi Khaled, said a statement released by the army.
Palestinian found tortured, killed in Ain al-Hilweh
Daily Star 22 May 2011 A Palestinian man was found murdered, with signs of torture, in the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp over the weekend.
Egyptian worker falls victim to armed kidnapping
Daily Star 22 May 2011 An Egyptian worker was the victim of an armed kidnapping inside a butcher’s shop in Khaldeh, the National News Agency reported over the weekend.
Sidon fisherman swims to shore after boat troubles
Daily Star 22 May 2011 A fisherman survived being thrown overboard near the southern coastal city of Sidon Sunday.
Security forces reopen road blocked by citizens
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Lebanese security forces reopened over the weekend a road that had been blocked in the Bir Hassan neighborhood of Beirut by protesters demonstrating against a crackdown on illegal construction on public property.
Prisons in Lebanon operating at double capacity: report
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Lebanese prisons are operating at double their official capacity, prompting a string of grave human rights violations, according to a report obtained exclusively by The Daily Star.
Future blurry for Lebanese University students
Daily Star 22 May 2011 It was graduation season at Lebanese University but most of the graduates, proudly sporting their caps and gowns, were not confident that their education would lead to a good job in the country.
Hezbollah, south revive Resistance Day
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Residents in south Lebanon started celebrating Resistance and Liberation Day early this year, marking 11 years since Israel withdrew from the south in 2000 after more than two decades of occupation.
Egypt policeman to be executed for killing protesters
Daily Star 22 May 2011 An Egyptian criminal court sentenced a police officer to death Sunday for killing protesters, the first such ruling to be passed since pro-democracy demonstrators ousted Hosni Mubarak on Feb. 11.
Rebel-held eastern Libya sees Islamic revival
Daily Star 22 May 2011 An Islamic revival is taking hold in rebel-held eastern Libya after decades of tough curbs on worship by Moammar Gadhafi, but clerics say this will not be a new source of religious extremism as the West…
U.N. urges Sudan’s army to pull out of Abyei
Daily Star 22 May 2011 The United Nations Security Council called on the North Sudanese Army to withdraw from positions it has taken in the disputed region of Abyei, it said in a statement Sunday.
Turkish prime minister on quest for third term in office
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seeking a third straight term in office, is waging a vigorous election campaign pledging economic stability, major projects and commitment to Islam.
Demonstrators defy protest ban in Rabat, riot police give chase
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Moroccan riot police chased hundreds of demonstrators defying a ban on protests through the streets of the capital Rabat Sunday, suggesting a less tolerant approach to dissent in the North African monarchy.
Jordan’s king warns of new intifada as Israel approves settlements
Daily Star 22 May 2011 The prolonged stalemate in the Middle East peace process will lead to yet another war between Israel and the Palestinians, Jordan’s King Abdullah II warned in an interview broadcast Sunday.
Iran’s military gets new surface-to-surface missile system
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Iran’s military received Sunday a new ballistic missile system, which it said demonstrated the country’s self-sufficiency in mass producing weaponry.
Kuwaiti MPs seek to grill prime minister over alleged Iran bias
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Three opposition lawmakers Sunday demanded to question the Kuwaiti prime minister in Parliament for allegedly harming national security by favoring good ties with Shiite Iran over Gulf Arab states.
Bahrain upholds two death sentences in police killings
Daily Star 22 May 2011 A special appeals court in Bahrain upheld death sentences Sunday for two people convicted of killing policemen during anti-government demonstrations in March.
Saudi woman arrested for challenging driving ban
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Saudi authorities arrested a female activist Sunday who launched a campaign to challenge a ban on women driving in the conservative kingdom and posted a video on the Internet of her driving, activists said.
Wave of deadly explosions kills 16 across Iraq
Daily Star 22 May 2011 A rapid-fire series of explosions in and around Baghdad killed 16 people Sunday, including 10 people who died when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowd of police officers, officials said.
Obama seeks to soothe Israel on Mideast vision
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Obama sought to ease tensions with the close U.S. ally over Obama’s endorsement three days earlier of a longstanding Palestinian demand on the borders of their future state.
Lebanese Army unblock road near Fantasy World
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Lebanese security forces reopened Sunday a road that had been blocked in Bir Hassan by protesters demonstrating a crackdown on illegal construction on public property.
Libya preachers see big role for Islam after Gadhafi
Daily Star 22 May 2011 An Islamic revival is taking hold in rebel-held eastern Libya after decades of tough curbs on worship by Moammar Gadhafi, but Muslim preachers say this will not be a new source of religious extremism as the…
Armed Saleh loyalists encircle diplomatic mission
Daily Star 22 May 2011 A mob of armed loyalists of Ali Abdullah Saleh trapped the U.S., British, European and Gulf Arab ambassadors inside a diplomatic mission in the capital Sunday.
Mideast peace talks would face huge obstacles
Daily Star 22 May 2011 President Barack Obama wants Israelis and Palestinians to return to the bargaining table. It seems unlikely this will happen anytime soon, but even if it did, the sides would find a formidable array of obstacles to…
Detained journalist reunites with family in Canada
Daily Star 22 May 2011 Dorothy Parvaz, the Al-Jazeera journalist detained in Syria and later Iran, was reunited with her family in Canada Thursday, two days after her released.
Palin slams Obama, supports Israel
YNet News, 22 May 2011 – Former Alaska governor says US should defend Israel against enemies, adds her….
PA challenges Netanyahu to accept 1967 lines
YNet News, 22 May 2011 – Despite prime minister’s rejection of Obama’s peace negotiation terms,….
Police still deem TA incident ‘hit and run’
YNet News, 22 May 2011 – Investigators find it difficult to prove Arab truck driver who killed one….
Doctors demonstrate in Tel Aviv
YNet News, 22 May 2011 – Hundreds of doctors, interns, students light fire, threaten to intensify strike….
Iran’s military gets new missile system
YNet News, 22 May 2011 – (Video) New surface-to-surface ballistic missile Qiyam 1 successfully tested,….
Foreign Ministry: Abbas tougher than Arafat
YNet News, 22 May 2011 – Paper written by Lieberman advisor says Palestinian president subjugating PA’s….
Top Jewish Americans ponder support for Obama
YNet News, 22 May 2011 – Jewish leaders in US rethinking support for president’s 2012 re-election bid….
Netanyahu denies crisis with US
YNet News, 22 May 2011 – Prime minister’s team in Washington hopes to change President Barack Obama’s….
Saudi woman detained for defying driving ban
YNet News, 21 May 2011 – Manal al-Sherif posted video of herself behind wheel on Facebook, YouTube….
Shalit’s mother: Make swap now
YNet News, 21 May 2011 – Some 300 people, including released war prisoners, attend protest outside PM’s….
Syrian forces kill, wound civilians
YNet News, 21 May 2011 – At least five dead, dozens injured after forces shoot protestors coming out of….
Turkey warns Israel over new Gaza flotilla
YNet News, 21 May 2011 – Ahead of Gaza-bound flotilla’s June departure, Turkish foreign minister warns….
Palestinian Information Center
Hunger strikers form decision-making body
PIC – 21/05/2011 – 12:14 PM
Israel plans to seize 140,000 dunums of Dead Sea land
PIC – 21/05/2011 – 12:28 PM
IOF soldiers arrest 3 Palestinians
PIC – The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested three Palestinians in the West Bank at dawn Sunday after storming a number of districts, local sources reported.
Euro campaign asks for international protection for Freedom Flotilla 2
PIC – The European campaign to lift the siege on Gaza has called for world protection for the humanitarian aid fleet that is expected to set sail to the Strip by end of June.
IOF soldiers ransack village, fire teargas inside homes in Al-Khalil
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) fired teargas into citizens homes in the Old City of Al-Khalil on Saturday night and earlier wreaked havoc in a nearby village.
HRW calls on Israel to investigate killings during Nakba day protests
PIC – Israel should conduct prompt, thorough, and independent criminal investigations into the killings of protesters by military forces on May 15, 2011, Human Rights Watch said Friday.
Islamic Jihad calls for enhancing unity in response to Obama’s speech
PIC – Sheikh Nafeth Azzam , a leader of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Gaza, has called for completely abandoning counting on the USA for a solution to the Palestine problem ..
Qasem: Occupation wants reconciliation tailored to its liking
PIC – Dr. Abedl-Sattar Qasem said that the occupation wants a reconciliation tailored to its liking and which is based on resisting the resistance, but not a reconciliation that unites Palestinians.
Obama: The Palestinian state will not be based on 1967 borders
PIC – US President Barak Obama backed down on what he said on Thursday about establishing a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders after Zionist pressures.
Radwan: Obama’s speech is a setback for all those who counted on the US
PIC – Dr. Ismail Radwan criticised statements made by the US president Barak Obama and called on those Palestinians and Arabs who count on the US to reconsider their position.
Abbas to Discuss Obama’s Speech with Leadership and Arab Committee
WAFA
Activists Stage ‚ÄòDie-In’ Outside AIPAC Conference
WAFA
Arab League Calls on International Community to Support Palestinians’ Inalienable Rights
WAFA
Israeli Border Police Closes Entrance of Neighborhood in Jerusalem
WAFA
Extremist Settlers Inaugurate 50 Settlement Units in Jerusalem
WAFA
Israeli Authority Approves Building New Settlement Units
WAFA
Israeli Settlers Sabotage Palestinian House near Bethlehem
WAFA
Palestinian Held in Israel to be Treated as Prisoner of War
WAFA
PA Requests an Urgent Arab League Meeting
WAFA
Erekat says PLO Leadership to Meet by Mid-Week
WAFA
Newspapers Review: Dailies Focus on Events in Syria, US-Israeli Relations
WAFA
Times New Roman’; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; font-size: medium;”>Intifada Palestine
RICHARD FALK: Obama’s Flawed Approach to the Israel/Palestine Conflict
Intifada-Palestine: 22 May 2011 – Nakba demonstration in Golan Heights by Richard Falk There is no world leader that is more skilled at speechmaking than Barack Obama , especially when it comes to inspiring rhetoric that resonates with deep and widely held human aspirations. And his speech… more
NAKBA 2011: 50,000 Palestinians Crash Israeli Border [VIDEO]
Intifada-Palestine: 22 May 2011 – RIGHT OF RETURN Press TV speaks with Franklin Lamb,Veterans Today columnist and international lawyer participating in the NAKBA commemoration and witnessing the extraordinary scenes at the Lebanese border Click on the link below to listen in: Video: 50,000 Palestinians gate crash… more
Yemen peace deal falters
LA Times 22 May 2011 – President Ali Abdullah Saleh refuses to sign the accord for him to step down with immunity, and a regional council says it is ceasing efforts for a deal. Saleh backers besiege an embassy where envoys had gathered to witness the signing. Hundreds of armed supporters…
In Egypt, anger grows over Mubarak’s health reports
LA Times 21 May 2011 – The former president insists, with the help of state medical evaluations, that he has a heart condition too complex to be treated in prison. Activists say the medical reports in question can’t be trusted. It has been more than three months since former President Hosni…
Yemen opposition signs deal for Saleh’s departure
LA Times 21 May 2011 – But the president, after saying he would sign the accord, dismisses it as ‘a mere coup operation.’ He has twice sidestepped the plan, in which he would step down in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Yemen’s political opposition signed an internationally negotiated deal Saturday that…
Seeking to Disrupt Protesters, Syria Cracks Down on Social Media
New York Times 22 May 2011 – The government is sharply limiting the ability of dissidents to communicate and upload videos of protests, according to several activists in Syria.
Obama Challenges Israel to Make Hard Choices
New York Times 22 May 2011 – President Obama repeated his call for Palestinian statehood based on Israel’s pre-1967 borders adjusted for land swaps in a speech to the nation’s foremost pro-Israel lobbying group.
Yemeni Leader’s Allies Blockade Embassy as He Refuses Peace Deal
New York Times 22 May 2011 – President Ali Abdullah Saleh stalled at signing a deal calling for him to step down, as his supporters trapped the American and other ambassadors inside a diplomatic mission for hours.
In Egypt, Police Officer Is Sentenced to Death
New York Times 22 May 2011 – After a trial in absentia, the harshest sentence to date as Egypt’s new government seeks to punish wrongdoing by the previous one.
Baghdad Is Rocked by Blasts That Kill 20, Including 2 American Soldiers
New York Times 22 May 2011 – Twelve explosions shook Baghdad over the span of two hours on Sunday morning, according to an Iraqi security official.
Mideast Questions Likely to Surface in Obama’s Trip to Europe
New York Times 22 May 2011 – The president will visit Ireland and London before heading to a meeting of the Group of 8 world powers in Deauville, France.
Netanyahu snubs Obama over 1967 border remark
WSWS – Following a 90-minute White House meeting Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu categorically repudiated the call made by President Barack Obama for Israeli-Palestinian talks based loosely on pre-1967 borders.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
WSWS – The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Egyptian “left” parties seek alliance with bourgeoisie
WSWS – As the Egyptian revolution reaches a crucial turning point, a group of parties calling themselves “left” and even “socialist” have united to form an alliance with the bourgeoisie, which in turn backs the ruling military junta.
IPS on Netanyahu’s reponse to Obama’s speech
Jewish Voice for Peace –
Young, Proud Jews lead a flash mob inside site of AIPAC policy conference
Jewish Voice for Peace –
Young, Jewish, and Proud’s Hanna King interviewed on Al Jazeera
Jewish Voice for Peace –
An angry Obama warns the lobby that the ‚Äòworld is moving too fast’ (to preserve a Jewish state)
Mondoweiss – Today’s speech by Barack Obama to AIPAC was a historic speech, maybe the most remarkable speech he has ever given. For a masked and calculating man, it was incredibly sincere. For just below the politically-hogtied phrases and praises for the Israel lobby that controls his future,…
Obama the racist sectarian
Mondoweiss – I had dual reactions to Obama’s speech Thursday. On the one hand I was relieved that he spouted Israeli propaganda because it’s good for Palestinians and Arabs to be constantly reminded who is against them and the United States can only be described as an enemy…
Move Over AIPAC flashmob @ D.C. Union Station
Mondoweiss – I’m excited to hear news about the Move Over Aipac event in D.C. this weekend. Here’s a start!
Report: Israeli snipers picked off unarmed protesters at Lebanon-Israel border
Mondoweiss – A May 20 report from Human Rights Watch alleges that Israeli snipers may have picked off unarmed demonstrators at the Nakba protest last Sunday in the Lebanese village of Maroun al-Rass. 10 protesters were killed in Lebanon as tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees approached the…
Nakba Protest: Are these Israeli agent-provocateurs?
Mondoweiss – At msnbc , photographer Baz Ratner describes the scene: During events held by Palestinians to mark “Nakba” (Catastrophe) on Sunday May 15 to commemorate the expulsion or fleeing of some 700, 000 Palestinians from their homes in the war that led to the founding of Israel in…
To Israel: The Palestinians are Coming! The Palestinians are Coming!
Tikun Olam – Apologies to all you youngsters out there who don’t remember the hilarious comedy spoof of the 1970s starring Alan Arkin and an amazing cast, The Russians are Coming ! The Russian are Coming! The plot revolved around a Russian submarine which runs aground on the New England…
The Gaza Cheat Sheet – Real Data on the Gaza Closure
Gisha 22 May 2011 – Hunger or luxury restaurants? Siege or disengagement? Gisha’s ‘cheat sheet’ on the current situation in Gaza., [2011-05-22]
Obama seeks to calm Mid-East row
BBC 22 May 2011 – US President Barack Obama reiterates that borders of a Palestinian state should be based on 1967 lines, but stresses this depends on land swaps.
(en) Anarkismo.net, Peripherals Revolt: Spanish Square Occupation Movement Challenges Austerity and Worthless Elections by Paul – WSM
A-infos 22 May 2011 – Since the demonstrations called last Sunday, the central squares of cities all across Spain have been occupied by camps of protestors, furious at austerity and the uselessness of all the existing politicians and the pointlessness of this coming Sunday’s local elections. —— The movement consists mainly…
Articles
Palestine’s Hidden History of Nonviolence
Yousef Munayyer, Palestine Note5/20/2011
Last weekend, as tens of thousands of unarmed refugees marched toward Israel from all sides in a symbolic effort to reclaim their right of return, the world suddenly discovered the power of Palestinian nonviolence. Much like the “Freedom Flotilla,” when nine activists were killed during an act of nonviolent international disobedience almost a year ago, the deaths of unarmed protesters at the hands of Israeli soldiers drew the world’s attention to Palestine and the refugee issue.
The world shouldn’t have been so surprised. The truth is that there is a long, rich history of nonviolent Palestinian resistance dating back well before 1948, when the state of Israel was established atop a depopulated Palestine. It has just never captured the world’s attention the way violent acts have.
Indeed, by the issuance of the Balfour Declaration in 1917, well before the establishment of the state of Israel, and during a period when the Jewish population of historic Palestine had yet to reach 10 percent, the native Arabs of Palestine could already see that their hopes for self-determination — in a homeland where they constituted a vast majority — were being jeopardized by their soon-to-be colonial master.
Resistance to Zionism during this period was characterized by various efforts led by elite members of Arab society who raised awareness about the dangers Zionism posed. Just before the war, Palestine saw a huge spike in new newspapers, and writers and editors such as Ruhi al-Khalidi, Najib Nassar, and Isa al-Isa regularly zeroed in on the threat of Zionism to Palestinian life. Diplomatic efforts to lobby the mandatory government ensued while concurrently peasants occasionally clashed with the European newcomers, but violence was largely localized and communal and took place amid larger, more peaceful, and political efforts to resist Zionist aims. more.. e-mail
Israel’s Separation Wall – the death of Palestinian statehood
Kathleen Christison, Middle East Monitor (MEMO)5/5/2011
The Wall has decapitated the Palestinian polity by physically severing its head from its population base. Walls are the very embodiment, the essential symbol, of separateness and apartheid, and in Palestine, the Separation Wall gives a literal, concrete form to the Jewish exclusivism and separation represented by Israel’s governing political philosophy of Zionism. As such, the Separation Wall represents an end to any possibility of independent statehood for Palestinians in any part of their native land.
The Wall facilitates the achievement of Zionism’s primary objective-the establishment and maintenance of an exclusivist Jewish state in Palestine-by separating Palestinians from the Jewish population and aiding in the slow ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. This occurs by confiscating Palestinian land, restricting the free movement of Palestinians, preventing growth and expansion, and breaking up the territory available to them.
Although Israelis contend that the Wall was erected as a security barrier to prevent the entry of Palestinian suicide bombers into Israel, in fact the primary purpose of the structure is to assert a territorial claim. Human rights leaders have recognized this objective from the beginning. John Dugard, a highly knowledgeable United Nations human rights official, observed in 2003, when construction on the Wall was just beginning, that this construction was “a visible and clear act of territorial annexation under the guise of security.” The route of the Wall is obviously designed to incorporate the major Israeli settlement blocs into Israel; this is evident simply from looking at a map, which makes it clear that as the Wall winds in and out of the West Bank, it encompasses settlements, as well as land for their future expansion, even where they are situated deep inside the territory. The Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem has pointed out that in some locations the effort to include land for expansion in fact took priority over security considerations and often even compromised security…. more.. e-mail
Israel turned the Nakba into a 63-year process
Amira Hass, Ha’aretz5/18/2011
Israel crowns itself as the winner in the global competition of victimhood; yet it manufactures methods of oppression and dispossession.
How natural it is for Israeli spokesmen to assert that the Nakba Day marches from Syria and Lebanon were the product of incitement and foreign calculations. The state, which bases its existence on 2,000 years of longing for and belonging to this country, shows contempt toward palpable displays of belonging to and longing for the same country of those who we expelled 63 years ago – and of their descendants.
The memorial day for the Holocaust, and the memorial day for the Nakba, are behind us. So the time has come to write about them both. “Holocaust” and “Nakba” are mistaken definitions, because they do not distinguish between natural disasters and man-made catastrophes. But the definitions gained currency. So too did negative attitudes, such as the denial of the historical occurrence and its political implications. For example, that Jewish survivors became refugees in their own lands of birth, or that Palestinians in the diaspora and those who remained in the country share a close bond.
Another example would be the refusal to acknowledge the suffering endured by the other. Here it will be said “the Arabs started the war”, and there it will be said “the Jews caused the Nakba – the expulsion of the Palestinian people from its homeland, whereas the Palestinians bear no responsibility for the Holocaust – the genocide of the Jewish people.”
In a private, personal sense, the Holocaust did not become the “past;” for those who survived it, it continues until they die. Something of this ever-painful continuousness is dictating – to a greater or lesser degree – our own lives, as the offspring of the survivors. more.. e-mail
Join the One State Initiative Share
Palestine Chronicle: 22 May 2011 – Many people of good faith yearn for a future that is a joint democratic pluralistic state that encompasses all of the historic land of Palestine (currently the political entities of the apartheid State of Israel and the post-1967 Israeli occupied Palestinian Territories). It is time to put our beliefs into practice by bringing together all these people to effect the needed transformation socially and politically. We call on you to join us to formulate all the needed mechanisms for this transformation. We are seeking local and international legal experts to draft a constitution for our joint future state and we are seeking activists with other skills (media, lobbying, civil disobedience etc) to translate the vision into reality. In our joint future state, Palestinian Refugees will have the right to return to their homes and lands and to receive reparation for their suffering as supported by UNGA resolution 194. Return and…more
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The New Dark Age 