24 May, 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Israeli TV: “Netanyahu Crushed Abbas During His Congress Speech”
IMEMC – Wednesday May 25, 2011 – 02:10, Israeli TV, Channel 2, quoted several Israeli political analysts stating that, during his congress speech on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, crushed Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, and managed to convince the Congress that peace talks are arbitrary.
Netanyahu Calls On The Palestinian Leadership to Shun Hamas
IMEMC – Wednesday May 25, 2011 – 01:40, During his speech at the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called on the Palestinian Authority (P.A.) of Mahmoud Abbas to shun the Hamas movement, and to void the unity deal with it if the P.A. wants to advance in the peace process.
Hamas Leaders At Odds Over Negotiations
IMEMC – Wednesday May 25, 2011 – 00:49, After the Hamas political bureau chief, Khaled Mashal, said that the movement would give Israel a chance to prove its seriousness in peace talks, Hamas political leader, Mahmoud Zahhar, denounced the statements of Mashal.
Israel Cancels Controversial Visit To Josephs Tomb
IMEMC – Tuesday May 24, 2011 – 14:22, Israeli officials have cancelled the proposed incursion of the Israeli military into Josephs Tomb to escort Israeli settlers and MK’s into the area due to threat of counter protests among Palestinians, PNN reports.
“Move Over AIPAC” Interrupts Netanyahu Speech To AIPAC
IMEMC – Tuesday May 24, 2011 – 12:23, The group “Move over AIPAC” has interrupted Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s talk to the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), reports Haaretz. Netanyahu was speaking to AIPAC, a powerful Israeli lobby in Washington, as part of his trip to the US.
Call For Further Marches On “Naksa” Day
IMEMC – Tuesday May 24, 2011 – 11:34, The International Solidarity Committee, the international activist organisation for Palestine, has called for solidarity marches around the world with upcoming “Naksa” events in the Middle East.
Fayyad Suffers Heart Attack In USA
IMEMC – Tuesday May 24, 2011 – 10:53, Sources report that Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has suffered heart problems whilst visiting the US.
Center: Detainee needs urgent treatment
5/24/2011 – TUBAS (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Detainees Center in Tubas appealed Tuesday for a prisoner in Israel’s Megido prion who they say is in need of medical attention. Ahmad Daraghmeh has been in prison for seven years serving a life sentence. He told the center he was tortured during a recent questioning and….
Shalit supporters block cash truck from Gaza
5/24/2011 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — An armored truck carrying cash to Gaza returned to Israel without delivering its payload after activists sat in the road and prevented the truck from proceeding Tuesday, Israeli media reported. Activists demanding the release of captive soldier Gilad Shalit positioned themselves on the only road leading to the Gaza Strip crossing….
Cairo: Some names for new government selected
5/25/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Several names have been agreed on for the new technocrat government being compiled by Fatah and Hamas officials in Cairo, a party member told Ma’an on Tuesday. From Gaza City, Fatah national relations official Diab Al-Loh assured that progress was being made in the now nearly three-week long….
Jerusalem court to look into home demolitions in Silwan
5/24/2011 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) – Israel’s central court in Jerusalem was scheduled to look into home demolitions in Al-Bustan neighborhood in East Jerusalem’s Silwan area Tuesday. A court hearing for the case was scheduled earlier and was postponed until Tuesday. Member of the local committee to defend Silwan and Al-Bustan neighborhood Abdul-Karim….
Report: Visit to Joseph’s Tomb cancelled
5/24/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — Israel’s security apparatus has instructed to cancel a visit of 15 members of parliament to Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, scheduled for Tuesday morning, Israeli media reported. Security sources told the Ynet news site that the visit was canceled dye to security reasons, following information received….
Russia announces unequivocal support for unity deal
5/25/2011 – MOSCOW (Ma’an) — Russia supports Palestinian unity efforts as a step toward regional stability, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavarov told Palestinian factional representatives in Moscow on Monday evening. The statement came at a meeting with seven faction leaders, many of whom recently refused to appoint members to a new technocrat government saying they were being….
Single Gaza crossing operates for imports
5/24/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israel will allow 280-290 truckloads of goods and humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Israeli officials informed the liaison officers on the border. Imports will include 11 loads of cement for the Gaza Strip’s Water Authority, 11 loads of cement and iron bars and 60….
Protester disrupts Netanyahu address in US Congress
5/24/2011 – WASHINGTON (Ma’an) — A protester disrupted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he addressed a joint session of the US Congress on Tuesday in Washington, US television showed…. Related: Jewish protester disrupts Netanyahu during Congressional address
Israel PM says Palestinians ‘refused to end’ conflict
5/24/2011 – WASHINGTON (AFP) — Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday again vowed not to withdraw to the “indefensible” 1967 border and blamed Palestinians for the failure to resolve the decades-old conflict in a speech before a powerful Israel lobbying group late Monday.” This conflict has raged for nearly a century because the Palestinians refuse to end….
Man found hanged in Gaza village
5/24/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Palestinian police found the body of a man hanged in the Al-Mughraqa village Monday night, officials said. Responding to a tip, police retrieved the body of Hani Jamal Abu Atawi, 20, a police report said. The report said an investigation had been opened into the circumstances of the death….
Israeli couple killed in West Bank accident
5/24/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — An Israeli couple died in a crash between a private vehicle and a truck on Route 60 in the illegal Gush Etzion settlement bloc area, Israeli media reported. Another woman is being treated for “fatal wounds” in Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem, the Israeli news site Ynet reported….
Erekat: Netanyahu is not a man of peace
5/25/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — PLO leader Saeb Erekat denounced Tuesday the Israeli leader’s speech at the US Congress in Washington. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “is not man of peace,” Erekat said after the premier’s remarks in the US capital.”He offered nothing new and he mixed up history and geography.” The….
Netanyahu: Tear up deal with Hamas
5/24/2011 – WASHINGTON (AFP) — Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu told the US Congress Tuesday he would uproot settlements in a “generous” peace deal with Palestinians, but ruled out international demands to return to the 1967 borders or share Jerusalem. In his speech to a rare joint session of the US legislature, the Israeli leader broke no substantial….
Police arrest activist who disrupted Bibi speech
5/24/2011 – WASHINGTON (Ma’an) — Police have arrested an American peace activist at a hospital in the US capital after she interrupted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to Congress on Tuesday, activists said. Rae Abileah, 28, stood up and shouted, “Stop Israeli war crimes” at the start of Netanyahu’s address to the…. Related: Jewish protester disrupts Netanyahu during Congressional address
Netanyahu to Fayyad: Get well soon
5/24/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — A spokesman said Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a get-well card written in Arabic to his counterpart Salam Fayyad, who suffered chest pains in the US….
Israel and Palestine 1967 Lines: Explanation and Analysis (Who Do We Believe?)
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Last week brought a continuance of severe drought conditions to Texas and the Middle East. The drought in Texas is caused by too much heat combined with too little rain. The drought in the Middle East is caused by too…
EU slaps sanctions on Syrian president
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Al Jazeera – The European Union has imposed sanctions on Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s president, raising pressure on his government to end violence against protesters, EU diplomats said. (Please visit the site to view this media) EU foreign ministers agreed on…
More than half of Gaza youth rely on foreign aid
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Haaretz – Mathilde De Riedmatten, Deputy Head of the The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said on Monday that she was concerned about the living conditions in Gaza, stressing that more than half of the population under 18…
Egyptian court imposes 1st death sentence in killing of protesters during popular uprising
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Washington Post- Egypt’s news agency says a court has passed the first death sentence against a defendant charged with killing protesters during the uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak. The death sentence was imposed on an Egyptian police officer, Mohammed…
Promise of Arab Uprisings Is Threatened by Divisions
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Anthony Shadid, David R. KirkPatrick, New York Times- The revolutions and revolts in the Arab world, playing out over just a few months across two continents, have proved so inspirational to so many because they offer a new sense of…
Israeli theater group cancels play in Antalya over protest fear
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Hurriyet Daily News – A leading Israeli theater company was forced to cancel a scheduled performance in Antalya on Sunday due to Turkish protesters’ plans to disrupt the play, an Israeli official has said. (Please visit the site to view…
Palestinian unity arose from ruins of peace talks
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Ma’an – A Palestinian unity deal, slammed by Barack Obama as an “enormous obstacle to peace,” emerged after Hamas and Fatah agreed on the shared goal of a state on the 1967 lines and the failure of talks with Israel….
Palestinian PM suffers heart attack in US
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Al Jazeera – Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has suffered a heart attack while visiting the US and is recovering at a Texas hospital, a spokesman has been quoted by the Associated Press as saying. Fayyad, 59, was in Austin…
Hamas’ Gaza strongman quoted as challenging top leader over backing of peace talks
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Washington Post – Gaza’s Hamas strongman on Tuesday was quoted as challenging the Islamic militant movement’s top leader because of his tacit backing of Palestinian negotiations with Israel. The comments by Mahmoud Zahar were carried by the Lebanese newspaper al-Akhbar…
Netanyahu Speaks to Congress
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Daniel Levy: Same Netanyahu, Different Israel Daniel Levy, Foreign Affairs – Israeli has undergone profound demographic changes since Benjamin Netanyahu first addressed U.S. Congress 15 years ago. The Obama administration must understand and adjust for these shifts as it formulates…
World Press Photo exhibit shuts after Lebanon objects to Israeli’s work
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Washington Post – A World Press Photo exhibit in Beirut is shutting down early after Lebanese authorities ordered the removal of an Israeli photographer’s prize-winning work, an organizer of the exhibit said Friday. Erik de Kruijf, a World Press project…
Award-winning American journalist brings his Mideast play to a tough crowd in Israel
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Washington Post- Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist Lawrence Wright stood before an Israeli theater audience with a modest goal: To hold up a mirror to Israelis and show them why he’s concerned about the future of their region. (Please visit the…
Netanyahu’s hateful denunciation of peace with the Palestinians and Arab World
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – It is so insulting to hear an extremist like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pretend that the freedoms that Arabs are seeking in the Arab World somehow compare to the alleged freedoms that Arabs receive in Israel. It was so…
In the Golan Heights, Anxious Eyes Look East
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Majdal Sham, New York Times – Until the Internet came to this Druze village in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights in late 1990s, residents used to go to an area known as the shouting hill and use megaphones to communicate with…
It’s not about you, stupid.
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Natalia Simanovsky – Earlier this week, the New York Times published an op-ed written by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. In the article, Abbas makes the case for why the 192 UN member states should recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming…
SYRIA: Activists raise death toll to 76 in three days of violence
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Los Angeles Times- Politically charged funeral marches were held in Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, as activists upped the death toll for the latest round of political unrest in the country to 76, most of them gunned down by ruler Bashar…
BBC is ‘confusing cause and effect’ in its Israeli coverage
Palestine Note 24 May 2011 – Tim Llewellyn, Guardian – British broadcasters’ coverage of the Arab awakening over recent months has been brave and honest. These are difficult and dangerous stories. But the BBC — and in this article I am going to concentrate on the…
Bashir says Abyei belongs to the north
AlJazeera 24 May 2011 – Sudan president says his forces will not withdraw from disputed region, escalating fears of fresh north-south conflict.
Saudi Arabia pressed to free woman driver
AlJazeera 24 May 2011 – Rights groups say detention of Manal al-Sherif for defying driving ban opens kingdom to condemnation and mockery.
Dozens die in renewed Yemeni clashes
AlJazeera 24 May 2011 – At least 38 people killed as fighting continues in the capital between government loyalists and tribal forces.
Syria site was ‘very likely’ atomic reactor
AlJazeera 24 May 2011 – Leaked UN nuclear watchdog report says site bombed by Israel in 2007 was “very likely” to have been a nuclear reactor.
Israel PM takes ‘firm stand’ on peace talks
AlJazeera 24 May 2011 – Binyamin Netanyahu tells US congress that Israel will compromise for peace but will not return to 1967 borders.
Syria death toll ‘surpasses 1,000’
AlJazeera 24 May 2011 – Rights groups say they have documented names of civilians allegedly killed by security forces since protests erupted.
Deaths in Baghdad car bomb attack
AlJazeera 24 May 2011 – At least four killed in Iraq attack, which comes two days after a series of explosions that claimed 16 lives.
Mubarak to be tried for deaths of protesters
AlJazeera 24 May 2011 – Egypt’s public prosecutor refers former president and two sons to stand trial in a criminal court.
Blast during Ahmadinejad refinery visit
AlJazeera 24 May 2011 – Two killed, according to state media, in suspected gas explosion during visit to oil refinery by Iranian president.
PNN Publish the EU Council Conclusions on Middle East Peace Process
PNN – Brussels — PNN — On Monday May 23, the Council of the European Union signed on its “Council conclusions on Middle East Peace Process.” The Conclusions are as follows:1. The fundamental changes…
Hammad Explains to PNN the PA Position on Going to the UN
PNN – Fadi Yakob – PNN/Exclusive – Nimir Hammad, political advisor for the Palestinian president, affirmed that the Palestinian authority had no intention to go to the United Nations Security Council for recognition of…
Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad Admitted to Hospital
PNN – Ramallah – PNN – The Palestinian government press office announced today that Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad was admitted a hospital in the US for an angioplasty operation. According to the…
Israel’s New F-35 Fighter Jet May Be Delayed
PNN – Washington D.C.-PNN-The future of the Israel’s air power technology is in question. The F-35 jet, which has stealth capabilities and is said to be the future of air power and which was…
Sheik Arrested in Lebanon on Charges of Spying for Israel
PNN – Beirut – PNN – The Lebanese military arrested a Shi’ite sheik in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, accusing him of spying for Israel, reported Reuters. The sheik, who led a group called the…
UNRWA: 300 kites Fly in the Skies of Al Walajeh
PNN – By UNRWA Public Information Office – Over the weekend UNRWA’s psycho-social community project culminated in an epic kite flying event held in the village of Al Walajeh located between Jerusalem and the…
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International Solidarity Movement
Apartheid expanding in Hebron
5/24/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement – During Sunday 22nd May several streets were closed in the H1 area of Hebron for illegal settlers to walk through the city followed by approximately 50 soldiers. Meanwhile the shops in the Palestinian area were closed and Palestinians were prohibited from walking through the streets and entering through checkpoint 56. Hebron is….
Jewish protester disrupts Netanyahu during Congressional address
5/24/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Move Over AIPAC – During the Joint Session of Congress while Prime Minister Netanyahu was speaking, Rae Abileah stood up from the gallery and shouted “Stop Israeli War Crimes.”From the peace group CODEPINK, Rae is a 28 yr. old Jewish American of Israeli descent. She has traveled to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza and…. Related: Move Over AIPAC: Protester arrested in hospital following brutal attack by AIPAC members and Police arrest activist who disrupted Bibi speech
CCR files lawsuit seeking US knowledge of and role in Flotilla raid
5/24/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Center for Constitutional Rights – Center for Constitutional Rights Launches Case Seeking U. S. Knowledge of and Role in Deadly Israeli Attack on Humanitarian Flotilla to Gaza – U. S. Victim’s Father Hopes Documents May Shed Light on Son’s Killing – May 24, 2011, Washington, D. C. – The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) today…. Related: Center for Constitutional Rights
CPT: Israeli intelligence, backed by military, threatens villagers in At-Tuwani
5/24/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Christian Peacemaker Teams — At-Tuwani – At Tuwani, South Hebron Hills, West Bank – On Monday May 23, Israeli intelligence entered At-Tuwani, escorted by about fifteen soldiers. In the operation the Israeli military invaded a local leader’s house, demanded that villagers stop their nonviolent resistance and threatened violent retaliation if the Palestinians persist asserting their…. Related: Christian Peacemaker Teams – Palestine Projects
Press conference on Emergency Relief Coordinator’s recent visit to Israel, Occupied Palestinian Territory
Relief Web 24 May 2011 – Source: UN Department of Public Information , UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (the) , Israel , occupied Palestinian territory , Sudan (the) , Syrian Arab Republic (the) Watch the Webcast An easing of the Gaza blockade…
64th World Health Assembly Closes After Passing Multiple Resolutions
Relief Web 24 May 2011 – Source: World Health Organization Country: Chad , Democratic Republic of the Congo (the) , Nigeria , occupied Palestinian territory 24 May 2011‚îÇGENEVA — The 64th World Health Assembly, with more than 2700 delegates, including Health Ministers and senior health officials from 192 World…
Monthly Field Report on Israeli Violations of Human Rights in the Gaza Strip, Reporting Period 1-30 April 2011
Relief Web 24 May 2011 – Source: Al Mezan Center for Human Rights Country: occupied Palestinian territory The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) continued to commit violations of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL) against the population of the Gaza Strip in April…
Palestinians: Israel ‘No Partner’
24 May 2011 – Palestine, (Pal Telegraph) – A former Palestinian peace negotiator has told Al Jazeera that Binyamin Netanyahu’s government is “no partner for peace”, after the Israeli prime minister rejected US president Barack Obama’s call for a Middle Eastern settlement based on the 1967 borders.
Palestinian infant close to death as Israel denies him medication
24 May 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph)- Palestinian medical sources announced that Israeli authorities banned an infant in Gaza Strip to transfer to a hospital inside Israeli entity for medical treatment since the suffocated siege imposed by israel for more than five years continued to affect the lives of hundreds of patients in the coastal region.
Israeli forces open fire on eastern Gaza Strip
24 May 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli occupation forces on Tuesday opened massive fired at the eastern borders of Gaza Strip.
Mubarak could face death penalty in trial over protester killings
The National 24 May 2011 – Former Egyptian president and his sons Alaa and Gamal to be tried on charges including ‘pre-meditated killing’, after crackdown that led to the deaths of more than 800 demonstrators.
Street battles in Sana’a between Saleh loyalists and tribal guards
The National 24 May 2011 – Nine killed as machine guns and mortar fire rock Yemen’s capital while opposition warns attacks could spark a civil war.
Saleh forces shell tribal chief’s home as opposition warns of civil war
The National 24 May 2011 – Nine killed and dozens wounded in clashes in Yemen capital after the collapse on Sunday of a transition deal mediated by Gulf leaders that President Saleh was to have signed.
Netanyahu says Israel ready for ‘far-reaching compromises’ for peace
The National 24 May 2011 – Israeli PM tells joint session of the US congress that orders must be negotiated and ‘Israel will not return to the indefensible boundaries of 1967’.
Explosion at Iran oil refinery kills four during Ahmadinejad visit
The National 24 May 2011 – Iranian president is unhurt in accidental blast as he opens upgraded facility aimed at helping country achieve self-sufficiency in petrol.
War crimes court’s president urges Arab states to sign up
The National 24 May 2011 – As post-revolutionary Egypt and Tunisia look to sign up to International Criminal Court, other Arab countries express doubts over alleged ‘double standard’ over Israel and Palestinian Authority.
International Criminal Court pushes for Arab members to join
The National 23 May 2011 – Revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia have led both countries to take steps towards ratifying the Rome Statute, the court’s founding treaty.
U.S.: Hamas can’t be peace partner until it recognizes Israel
Ha’aretz – Senior White House security aide reiterates Hamas must cease use of terrorism in order to be credible partner for peace; says Netanyahu speech to Congress ‘reaffirmed strength of U.S.-Israeli relationship.’
Akiva Eldar / Netanyahu has declared himself ready to challenge Obama
Ha’aretz – The PM’s peace plan, if that is the right phrase for the collection of unrealistic terms he presented to Congress , leads straight to the burial of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Yossi Verter / Netanyahu will return to Israel a victor after address to U.S. Congress
Ha’aretz – It seems Netanyahu was keen to prepare an alibi ahead of September. If a Palestinian state is declared and clashes erupt, he will say: I am not to blame. I put forth a framework.
Gideon Levy / Netanyahu’s speech to Congress speech shows America will buy anything
Ha’aretz – The man who explicitly said he would do his level best to destroy the Oslo Accords suddenly says he’s in favor of peace with the Palestinians.
Erekat: Netanyahu’s speech was incitement against Arabs
Ha’aretz – Chief Palestinian negotiator says peace process cannot have a chance unless Netanyahu agrees that the Palestinian state should be established along the 1967 borders
UN report: Site reportedly bombed by Israel in 2007 was a nuclear reactor
Ha’aretz – Confidential report reveals IAEA investigators as estimating that the Dair Alzour reactor was designed to produce plutonium for possible use in nuclear weapons.
Bedouin refugees complain to UN about discrimination in West Bank
Ha’aretz – Over 40,000 Bedouins live in UN refugee camps in the Israeli-controlled West Bank and claim that they are subjected to harassment by Israeli settlers.
Israeli Ofer Brothers deny allegation they sold ship to Iran
Ha’aretz – The Ofer Brothers company, owned by Israel’s richest family, was slapped with U.S. sanctions put on those who do trade with the Islamic nation.
Shalit activists block vehicle transferring aid funds to Gaza
Ha’aretz – Activists for captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit convince driver of aid vehicle to drive back to Jerusalem; Shalit family ask U.S. Congress to stop fund transfers to Gaza until Shalit is released.
One dead, more than 20 injured as Jerualem-bound bus collides with truck
Ha’aretz – Egged bus 405 collides with a truck near Ben Shemen interchange on Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway; cause of crash still unclear.
Syria rights group: 1,100 civilians killed since start of uprising
Ha’aretz – Syrian human rights organization Sawasiah says it has names of the 1,100 people who were reportedly killed by Syrian troops and security forces during pro-democracy demonstrations.
Mubarak to be tried in criminal court over killing of Egypt protesters
Ha’aretz – Egyptian military rulers announce criminal trail for ousted leader Hosni Mubarak, defying speculation that former president would be spared public humiliation by country’s new rulers.
Ahmadinejad: U.S. plotting to sow divisions among Arab states and save Israel
Ha’aretz – Iran president says U.S. supports dictatorial regimes and blames Washington for bloodshed across Mideast.
Maariv shareholders approve takeover by Nochi Dankner’s business empire
Ha’aretz – Former reporter abstains with concerns over paper’s independence
Ministers: Save Dead Sea by dredging the salt, and make ICL pay the bill
Ha’aretz – Treasury urges cheaper solution of demolishing and rebuilding the hotels
The NIS 60 billion question
Ha’aretz – Does Israel face a property bubble ?†-la U.S.?
Netanyahu speech to U.S. Congress: Preaching to the choir
Ha’aretz – The prime minister’s speech left him in the best position: the coalition is unified behind him, most of the public support his position in the polls, and his freedom of action is preserved. What more can a politician ask for?
Palestinians: Netanyahu speech to U.S. Congress is obstacle to peace
Ha’aretz – Spokesman for Palestinian President Abbas said that the things stated in Prime minister Netanyahu’s speech ‘will not lead to peace.’
Heckler yells ‘stop Israeli war crimes’ during Netanyahu’s speech to Congress
Ha’aretz – Jewish-American activist identified as Rae Abileah, a 28-year-old of Israeli descent and member of the group CODEPINK.
Netanyahu to Congress: Ready to make painful compromises, but Jerusalem will not be divided
Ha’aretz – The prime minister was welcomed to the U.S. Congress by a long standing ovation, after which he praised the U.S. for their strong ties and shared values with Israel.
Reserve soldiers to IDF chief: We are forced to fund our own reserve duty
Ha’aretz – Soldiers also complain to Gantz and to President Peres of shortage in weaponry; Peres: it is unacceptable that officers lose their jobs because of reserve duty.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on state visit to Washington
Ha’aretz – After meeting Obama and speaking before the AIPAC conference, Israeli premier will address Congress on Tuesday night.
Israel cancels MKs visit to Joseph’s Tomb due to Palestinian threats
Ha’aretz – Eretz Yisrael lobby requested the visit by MKs following last month’s killing of the nephew of Minister Limor Livnat by Palestinian security forces at the West Bank site.
Lebanon arrests Shiite sheikh suspected of spying for Israel
Ha’aretz – Sheikh known to be critical of Hezbollah and its backers Syria and Iran; arrest marks first high-profile detention in recent months.
Left-wing hecklers interrupt Netanyahu’s speech to AIPAC
Ha’aretz – Activists interrupt the prime minister’s address to the pro-Israel advocacy group and criticize his policies toward the Palestinians.
Netanyahu to AIPAC: Israel cannot return to ‘indefensible’ 1967 lines
Ha’aretz – PM says ‘Israel is America’s indispensable ally,’ recounts historical relationship with United States.
Jewish organizations help search for missing Jews
Jeruslalem Post 25 May 2011 – Relief workers search for missing members of Joplin, Missouri’s Jewish community in aftermath of devastating tornado.
Maccabi leaders get ready for Vienna games
Jeruslalem Post 25 May 2011 – 3,000 participants expected to attend.
Fayyad released from hospital; expected to recover
Jeruslalem Post 25 May 2011 – PA prime minister discharged from Texas medical center after reported heart attack; undergoes procedure to open clogged artery.
White House: PM reaffirmed strength of US-Israel ties
Jeruslalem Post 25 May 2011 – Following Netanyahu’s speech to US Congress, Obama aide says peace process contingent on Israel receiving credible answer from Palestinians about the role Hamas will play in new government.
Bill limits employment of traders in pedophiliac material
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Law panel passes bill aiming to add additional convicts to sex offenders employment law.
Wiesenthal: Cancel Sweden handball game over Israel hatred
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Slated protest against Israel’s participation in event prompted center to warn about dangers of inciting hatred against the Jewish state.
Jerusalem light rail to strike before it starts?
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Recently unionized drivers declare labor dispute with management company.
Capital to expand municipal borders
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – City expected to incorporate Kibbutz Ramat Rahel.
Leaving Congress charmed
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Netanyahu’s 45-minute speech was interrupted more than two dozen times by applause, the vast majority of them standing ovations.
PM: Some settlements will end up beyond Israel border
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Netanyahu tells Congress Hamas isn’t a partner for peace, its charter calls for killing Jews; says he’s ready to make “painful compromises.”
Left wing plans rally supporting Palestinian statehood
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Peace Now: “PM shut the door on Obama and Abbas”; Gush Shalom says PM’s speech shows extremist position wrapped in rhetoric, cliches.
Analysis: Preaching, eloquently, to the choir
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – The prime minister told the US Congress everything he thinks Obama should be telling America and the world.
Analysis: Applause heard in White House, around world
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Netanyahu could only dream of such a reception in Israel; Congress’ ovation was heard by Obama, the Palestinians, the world at large.
Deadly day for drivers as 4 die in two separate collisions
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – One dead as Egged bus slams into parked semi-trailer near Lod; Head-on crash in Gush Etzion claims three lives.
MKs unconvinced by PM’s speech to Congress
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – PM’s opponents on Left and Right urged him to stay in Washington, continue to receive nearly unanimous affirmation from US politicians.
PA on Congress speech: PM’s policies won’t bring peace
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Ramallah rejects PM’s call to cancel unity with Hamas; Erekat: Netanyahu is not a man of peace, didn’t say anything new.
Hosni Mubarak charged with murder in criminal court
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Former Egyptian president and his sons will stand trial for killing of protesters and could face the death penalty.
Syrian site bombed by Israel was ‘very likely’ a reactor
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Confidential IAEA report supports Israel’s assertion that Syria was building a reactor at Dair Alzour; Israel bombed site in 2007.
Israel company sanctioned by US for ties to Iran
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Hillary Clinton penalizes seven companies, including Israel’s Ofer Brothers Group, under Iran Sanctions Act of 1996.
Schalit supporters block cash from reaching Gaza
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Activists surround armored ‘Brinks’ truck, chant: “Money won’t pass until Gilad is returned”; delivery eventually turns around, returns to Israel.
Policeman arrested on suspicion of selling bullets
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Suspect says 80 bullets he allegedly stole were not used for profit, tells court he asked police to take him to hospital after suffering heart condition.
7 New Kingdom tombs to be opened to public in Egypt
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Newly opened tombs, excavated by Dutch team, include King Tutankhamen’s treasurer, general, and butler.
CITYsights: An entrance fit for a sultan
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – The Damascus Gate, one of the most impressive entryways to the Old City, has been around at least since Roman times.
State won’t investigate Land Day Lieberman Photo burning
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Deputy State Prosecutor Nitzan says burning of photo not direct incitement to violence, praise for a violent or terrorist act.
Syrian forces beat protesters in Hama
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Amateur video out of Syria, which could not be independently verified by Reuters, shows a beaten demonstrator with blood streaming from his head.
Paul Simon confirms July show in Israel
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – American folk-music legend Paul Simon is coming back to Israel for first time since ’83 show to promote new album “So Beautiful or So What.”
Lethal blast at Iran refinery as Ahmadinejad visits
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Two dead, at least 12 injured at Abadan refinery; president unhurt, makes scheduled televised address; blast blamed on technical problems.
Moussa: Israel ‘not serious’ about peace negotiations
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Egyptian president hopeful Amr Moussa tells CNN Israel should adopt Arab Peace Initiative, seize opportunity of changing Arab world.
Lebanon arrests sheikh suspected of spying for Israel
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Sheikh, known to be critical of Hezbollah, arrested in Tyre, claims responsibility for firing rockets on Israel 2 years ago, says security source.
1 killled, 32 hurt as Egged bus slams into parked truck
Jeruslalem Post 24 May 2011 – Crash occurs near Ben Shemen junction; among injured, two in serious condition, five in moderate condition; Route 1 to J’lem closed to traffic.
Binyamin Netanyahu’s congressional love-in
The Guardian 24 May 2011 – By tempering his tone and lavishing praise on America, Binyamin Netanyahu enjoyed his love-in with US politicians It didn’t take long during Binyamin Netanyahu’s speech to the joint session of Congress for the jokes to start : “…
Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu tells US: Palestinians blocking peace deal
The Guardian 24 May 2011 – Mahmoud Abbas must be prepared to accept Jewish state alongside Palestinian state, Israeli PM says in hardline speech Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has spurned American pressure to make a significant gesture towards peace to…
Obama, Netanyahu and the 1967 border | Petra Marquardt-Bigman
The Guardian 24 May 2011 – Obama’s switch to a ‘land now, peace later’ approach is potentially appealing to both Netanyahu and Palestinians The furious reaction that ensued last week after President Barack Obama first articulated his vision of a future Israeli-Palestinian…
Netanyahu: ‘Israel cannot return to the indefensible 1967 lines’ – video
The Guardian 24 May 2011 – Israeli prime minister rebukes Obama’s peace plan, telling the American Israel Public Affairs Committee that any two-state solution will not return Israel to its 1967 borders
Libya, Syria and Middle East unrest – live updates
The Guardian 24 May 2011 – ‚Ä¢ Mubarak to stand trial in Egypt, says prosecutor ‚Ä¢ Nato launches its fiercest attack yet on Gaddafi’s forces ‚Ä¢ Apache helicopters to be used to break Libya deadlock ‚Ä¢ Syrian opposition battles rising frustration and…
Welcome Hamas’s conciliation with Fatah | Musa Abumarzuq
The Guardian 24 May 2011 – Without Hamas, there is no legitimate Palestinian representation. Obama mustn’t short change us The birth of the Cairo reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas was slow and painful. But Palestinians welcomed its arrival. The tragic division…
Israel’s 1967 borders indefensible, Netanyahu tells Aipac
The Guardian 24 May 2011 – Israeli PM’s speech to influential US pro-Israel lobby group restates his opposition to Barack Obama over border issues Binyamin Netanyahu has repeated his assertion that there can be no return to Israel’s “indefensible” 1967 borders. The…
Letters: Palestine on the BBC
The Guardian 24 May 2011 – We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the BBC’s censorship of the word “Palestine” from a song played on The Hip Hop M1X with Charlie Sloth on BBC Radio 1Xtra. The edit was made three minutes…
Netanyahu Conditions Denounced as “War” by Palestinians
IPS Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out what he called his vision for peace with the Palestinians Tuesday, but laid out a set of conditions the Palestinians immediately called “a declaration of war”.
Gunbattle in Yemen as Saleh Remains Defiant
IPS Yemeni forces loyal to entrenched president Ali Abdullah Saleh have faced off with opponents in a gunbattle that left six people dead, medical sources said.
MIDEAST: ‚ÄòOpen’ Borders Do Not Open Economy
IPS Despite the Egyptian revolution, which ousted Israeli ally and former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, and despite Israel’s claim to have eased the blockade on Gaza following last year’s bloody clashes on the ill-fated Mavi Marmara flotilla, the coastal territory’s economy remains crippled thanks to both countries.
mily: ‘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;”>
Uruknet
mily: ‘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;”>[uruknet.info] U.S. sanctions 7 firms, two Israeli-owned, for violating Iran sanctions
Uruknet May 24, 2011 – A day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a hero’s welcome from more than 10,000 supporters of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), members of the pro-Israel lobby hit Capitol Hill today to urge lawmakers to support tougher sanctions against Iran, among other measures. And so it came as no great surprise…
[uruknet.info] Obama Genuflects to AIPAC
Uruknet May 24, 2011 – Edward Said once called AIPAC “the most powerful and feared lobby in Washington.” For years, it’s “drawn on a well-organized, well-connected, highly visible, successful, and wealthy Jewish population,” subverting potential opposition. As a result, fear and respect “for AIPAC (exists) all over the country, but especially in Washington, where in a matter of hours,…
[uruknet.info] Izbat al-Tabib village resists land confiscation, demolition orders
Uruknet May 24, 2011 – One may not expect to see construction in a village where approximately 80 percent of the homes are currently pending demolition. But in Izbat al-Tabib, a small village less than ten kilometers away from the green line, Israel’s internationally-recognized armistice line with the occupied West Bank, and the wall-confined city of Qalqilya, that is…
[uruknet.info] Violence escalates in Sana’a as Saleh loyalists battle with Yemen’s largest tribe
Uruknet May 24, 2011 – Violence escalated in the streets of Sana’a yesterday as hundreds of forces loyal to the Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh clashed with members of Yemen’s largest and most influential tribe. Witnesses said about 18 people were killed and 75 wounded in a flurry of machine-gun fire and grenade explosions outside the home of Sheikh…
[uruknet.info] Military Resistance 9E 17: “No One Cares”
Uruknet May 23, 2011 – I am still arriving in many ways to the belly of the beast. Thinking of what is ahead of us.The work of taking on Gen. Campbell. The work of altering power at the heart of power. It all seems overwhelming, but all great social transformations have started offthis way. With individuals wrenching themselves out…
[uruknet.info] Israeli Officials Approve Settler Invasion into Nablus on Tuesday
Uruknet May 23, 2011 – Israeli Knesset (Parliament) Members and and illegal settlers have received approval from Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barack to invade an area near Nablus known as ‘Joseph’s Tomb’ on Tuesday, accompanied by a garrison of Israeli troops. According to the Palestine News Network, the invasion is scheduled for 11 am Tuesday. This marks the first…
[uruknet.info] Right to education under attack in Beit Ommar
Uruknet May 23, 2011 – In a concerning recurrence of last year, Israeli soldiers are intimidating students from Beit Ommar against participating in nonviolent demonstrations and political activities by threatening mass arrest. According to the Palestine Solidarity Project’s website , on 21 May, Israeli Occupation Forces told university students living near the illegal settlement, Karmei Tsur that they would all…
[uruknet.info] The Patriot Act and bipartisanship
Uruknet May 23, 2011 – …Several days ago I noted that Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell had agreed to a four-year extension of the most controversial provisions of the Patriot Act — a bill Democrats everywhere once claimed to revile — without a single reform (despite the long and documented history of its abuse and despite Obama’s previously claimed…
[uruknet.info] A Long Depression for Black NeighborhoodsThe Crisis in America’s Ghettos
Uruknet May 23, 2011 – In case you didn’t know it, what’s called a “recession” in White America is called a “depression” in Black America. During much of last year white unemployment held steady at around 8.8 percent. Down the block, though, it was about 12 per cent for Latinos and in Afro neighborhoods across town it averaged 16…
[uruknet.info] Protester who exposed lies at the heart of Syria’s regime
Uruknet Monday, 23 May 2011 – In most countries it would have been inconsequential. But for Ahmad Biasi, a young man from a small town in north-west Syria, the simple act of filming himself in his home town captivated the Syrian protest movement, made him a symbol of the nationwide insurrection – and may have put his life in…
[uruknet.info] Alleged Obama – Netanyahu Rift
Uruknet May 23, 2011 – After Obama’s May 18 speech called for establishing a Palestinian state within 1967 borders, world headlines suggested a rift with Netanyahu, misinterpreting what he meant. More on that below. On May 17, in fact, New York Times writers Mark Landler and Helene Cooper headlined, “As Uprisings Transform Mideast, Obama Aims to Reshape the Peace…
[uruknet.info] Iraq snapshot – May 23, 2011
Uruknet May 23, 2011. Chaos and violence continue, the US military announces deaths, the British military officially leaves Iraq, David Miliband weighs in on the Iraq War, a meet-up in Erbil offers little for Nouri to spin, and more…Yesterday 2 US soldiers were killed while serving in Iraq. AP notes all the US military shares is that the two…
[uruknet.info] Islamist Iraq
Uruknet May 23, 2011 -… All this talk from Islamists about the US fearing nothing more than the spread of Islam is a pure fabrication by the American government and media themselves. For when you put religion before nationalism, in a country with more religious diversity than anywhere else on earth, civil war would be the natural outcome, the…
[uruknet.info] Israeli right mocks Obama’s rapid submission to Netanyahu
Uruknet May 23, 2011 – Jewish settler leaders were moved to express their satisfaction with Barack Obama’s Middle East speech at the AIPAC annual conference, going as far as inviting the US president to join the leadership of their association. Benny Katzover, longtime leader of the West Bank settlement movement, said that the speech didn’t just represent a victory…
[uruknet.info] Protecting Us from Our Freedoms: Congress Set to Renew Patriot Act Spy Provisions
Uruknet May 23, 2011 – As night follows day, you can count on Congress to serve as loyal servants and willing accomplices of our out-of-control National Security State. Last week, in another shameless demonstration of congressional “bipartisanship,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) forged a filthy backroom…
[uruknet.info] Father of Turkish-American flotilla victim to sue Israel in US court
Uruknet May 23, 2011 -The father of a Turkish-American man killed last year in an Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla will file a compensation case against the Israeli government Tuesday in the United States, his lawyer has said. “We will open a compensation case against Israel and we’ll declare this at a press conference tomorrow [Tuesday] in…
[uruknet.info] Blogging the Third Intifada (2) Feeling the Gazan love
Uruknet May 23, 2011 – No one can make you feel more at home than a Palestinian. I spent my first night in Gaza watching the ‘Vik2Gaza’ convoy being utterly overwhelmed, by the uninhibited and warm welcome that is typical of Gazans. Between the hugs, gifts, performances, and eulogies to Vittorio, there was no way any of us was…
Heaviest NATO strike yet on Gadhafi compound
Daily Star 24 May 2011 NATO warplanes hammered Moammar Gadhafi’s compound with their heaviest airstrikes yet Tuesday after the U.S. said the Libyan leader would inevitably be forced out.
Netanyahu says Israel prepared to give up some land for peace
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Israel is prepared to make painful compromises for peace with the Palestinians, including the handover of land they seek for a state, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the U.S. Congress Tuesday.
Yemen on the brink
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Fighters from Yemen’s most powerful tribes fired on government buildings and soldiers retaliated with intense shelling Tuesday as the uprising against President Ali Abdullah Saleh threatened to become an armed revolt after street protests and Arab…
Geagea: LF is only party keeping up with region
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said Tuesday the LF party is the only party that is keeping up with the developments in the region.
Hard labor sentences for PSP member’s murder
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Judge Berkan Saad charged five individuals involved, or accused of involvement in, the killing of a Progressive Socialist Party member in 2009 with various sentences, a judicial report said Tuesday.
U.S. delivers maintenance tent to Lebanese Army
Daily Star 24 May 2011 The U.S. delivered infrastructure to build a maintenance tent to the Lebanese Army, a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut said Tuesday.
Concern over border safety from Wadi Khaled figures
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Prominent local religious and political figures in the town of Wadi Khaled implored officials Tuesday to ensure the protection of the Lebanese-Syrian border.
Sheikh suspected of spying for Israel arrested near Tyre
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Lebanese authorities have arrested a Shiite sheikh in southern Lebanon on suspicion of spying for Israel, a security source told The Daily Star Tuesday.
Parliament again scheduled to discuss civil personal status
Daily Star 24 May 2011 A draft law on civil personal status is once again scheduled to be discussed during meetings of parliamentary committees Thursday.
Christian meeting to discuss presidency
Daily Star 24 May 2011 The second gathering of Christian political leaders under the sponsorship of Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai will focus on the need to boost the president’s prerogatives, as well as follow up on issues from the first meeting,…
Activists hold rally in support of Syrian protests
Daily Star 24 May 2011 A week after the administration of the Bristol Hotel refused to host a gathering in solidarity with protesters in Syria, Lebanese activists were able to hold their meeting at another venue, where they called on regional…
Leaders call for national unity on Liberation Day
Daily Star 24 May 2011 President Michel Sleiman called on the Lebanese to stand united and protect their country in the face of the enemy, his press office said Tuesday.
Egypt’s Ayman Nour to found Lebanon branch of Al-Ghad
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Egyptian opposition figure Ayman Nour is in the process of founding a Lebanese branch of his Al-Ghad Party, he has revealed exclusively to The Daily Star.
Mikati-Aoun war of words adds to Cabinet woes
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Efforts to form a new Lebanese government plunged into further disarray after a war of words flared Tuesday between Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati and Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun, suggesting deepening divisions between the two…
Lebanon must take care of its water resources: expert
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Water experts from across the Arab world gathered in Beirut Tuesday for a three-day intergovernmental meeting set to discuss legal frameworks monitoring water redistribution and management.
Palestinian workers to get indemnity benefits: NSSF
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Palestinian refugees working in Lebanon are now eligible to receive indemnity benefits, the National Social Security Fund has announced.
Interior Ministry approves plan to build new prison
Daily Star 24 May 2011 The Interior Ministry has awarded a Lebanese company a contract to build a new prison facility in the northern town of Deir Ammar with construction expected to start immediately, the ministry said in a statement Tuesday.
ACS to celebrate its 100th graduating class
Daily Star 24 May 2011 When the 70 seniors of Beirut’s American Community School don their caps and gowns next week, they will have extra cause to be excited.
Salma Bsat: Sidon’s last practicing midwife
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Salma Bsat still remembers the acceleration of her heart as she helped a mother deliver her baby for the first time nearly 50 years ago.
Garden Show offers all things green
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Outdoor space is an all-too-rare commodity in Beirut, but at the 8th annual Garden Show and Spring Festival, opening Tuesday, all things green are receiving a platform to shine, right in the heart of the capital.
Thousands flee violence in Sudan’s Abyei: U.N.
Daily Star 24 May 2011 More than 15,000 people have fled Sudan’s Abyei region to the South after the Northern army seized the disputed area and parts of the main town were burned and looted, U.N. officials said Tuesday.
Syrian rights group says death toll exceeds 1,000
Daily Star 24 May 2011 The death toll from Syria’s crackdown on a nine-week uprising has exceeded 1,000, a prominent human rights group said Tuesday, as the country’s opposition called for fresh protests and clearer goals.
Mubarak indicted over protester deaths
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Hosni Mubarak was ordered Tuesday to stand trial for the killing of protesters and could face the death penalty, scotching speculation the former leader may be spared public humiliation by Egypt’s military rulers.
Gaza strongman challenges Hamas’ exiled leadership
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Gaza’s Hamas strongman on Tuesday was quoted as challenging the Islamic militant movement’s top leader because of his tacit backing of Palestinian negotiations with Israel.
Southern Sudanese wait, worry about how to get home
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Southerners’ furniture and belongings are piled high in this slum in Sudan’s Northern capital, ready to catch the next truck home before the region breaks away to form a new nation in July.
Iraq oil police frustrated and under-equipped for fighting back
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Iraqi Police Major Fawzi Rasheed knows he is charged with a vital task in protecting his country’s vast oil industry, pipelines and tanker lanes.But he is a frustrated man.
Activists push for Saudi woman driver’s release
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Activists campaigned Tuesday for the release of a Saudi woman jailed for driving, while another woman reportedly flouted the ultra-conservative kingdom’s ban on women taking the wheel.
Iran refinery blast as Ahmadinejad visits
Daily Star 24 May 2011 A lethal explosion at an Iranian oil refinery during a visit by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Tuesday left the president unhurt but delivered an embarrassing blow to his drive to increase gasoline output and foil international sanctions.
4 killed by parked car bomb in Baghdad
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Iraqi officials say four people have been killed in the explosion of a bomb in a parked car in southwestern Baghdad.
Libya’s Ghanem may be on secret mission for Gadhafi
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Top Libyan oil official Shokri Ghanem has not defected, contrary to widespread reports, and is secretly working for Moammar Gadhafi to maintain ties with big oil companies, sources at western firms said.
Mikati not serious about forming Cabinet: Aoun
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Free Patriotic Movement leader says prime minister-designate launching a series of imaginary battles with him in the media.
New prison to be built in north’s Deir Ammar
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Construction expected to begin immediately after Interior Ministry awards Lebanese company contract to build new prison facility in northern town.
U.S. hits more foreign firms with Iran sanctions
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Obama administration to hit seven foreign companies, including the main state-owned Venezuelan oil firm and an Israeli shipping firm, with sanctions for doing business with Iran.
Politics reason behind paralysis: Rai
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Politics has left the country in a state of economic paralysis, Maronite Patriarch says, criticizing March 8 for their failure to form a Cabinet.
Mubarak, sons to be tried for killings, corruption
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Ousted Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak and his two sons were Tuesday referred to a criminal court on charges of ordering deadly fire against anti-government protesters and graft, state media reported.
Heavy clashes erupt in Yemen capital, 4 dead
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Yemeni loyalist forces fought street battles with guards from a powerful tribal federation whose leader has sided with protesters demanding an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s rule, witnesses said Tuesday.
Lebanon Cabinet needed soon: U.N.
Daily Star 24 May 2011 U.N. envoy Michael Williams described talks with Hezbollah official Ammar Moussawi as very good and stressed Lebanon needed to form a Cabinet as soon as possible.
Sleiman urges unity on Liberation day
Daily Star 24 May 2011 President congratulates the Lebanese and the Resistance on the anniversary of Israel’s defeat in south Lebanon.
U.S. invites Libya rebels to open Washington office
Daily Star 24 May 2011 Jeffrey Feltman says U.S. has asked National Transitional Council to base a representative in Washington because it is no longer talking to Gadhafi.
Syrian capital’s residents on edge
Daily Star 24 May 2011 It is beginning to sink in that this is not going to be over soon and that the country is undergoing major change, said one businessman. Nothing will be the same as before anymore.
Mubarak, sons to be referred to criminal court
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – Ousted Egyptian president, his two sons to be tried for ‘murder, attempted….
PA: Netanyahu’s policies fraudulent
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – Palestinian Authority officials slam Netanyahu’s AIPAC speech, say rhetoric….
Shalit activists stall Gaza-bound Brink’s truck
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – Dozens of protesters block path of armored vehicle carrying $13 millions in….
Peres: Reservists are backbone of Israel
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – President, chief of staff meet with IDF reservists, hear their complaints on….
Raed Salah speaks at TA University
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – Head of Islamic Movement’s northern branch speaks before Arab students, calls to….
Halabi family marks 6 years since son’s disappearance
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – IDF soldier Majdi Halabi went missing in 2005. Family: State not doing enough;….
Lebanon: Sheikh arrested on suspicion of spying for Israel
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – Beirut’s Military Intelligence detain Tyre-based Shiite religious leader for….
1 dead, 32 injured in Highway 1 crash
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – Truck, bus collide near Ben Shemen Interchange. Two of the wounded in serious….
Scotland: Glasgow districts boycott Israeli books
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – Several districts in southwest Scotland expands boycott on Israeli products, bar….
Court: Gay survivor’s partner entitled to benefits
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – For first time, court recognizes rights of Holocaust survivor’s life partner,….
Ahmadinejad escapes refinery explosion
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – Blast rocks Iran’s largest oil refinery just as Islamic Republic’s leader tours….
Hebron: Rightists evacuated from Beit Shapira
YNet News, 24 May 2011 – Around midnight, some 10 right-wing youths entrench in house sealed by court….
Palestinian Information Center
West Bank political prisoners embark on hunger strike demanding release
PIC – Eleven Palestinian political prisoners in the Juneid prison in Nablus have gone on hunger strike demanding their immediate release.
Prisoners in Israeli jails suffer strict sanctions amid hunger strike
PIC – The Israeli prison service has taken strict sanctions after Palestinian captives kicked off a wide-ranging hunger strike in six prisons, the Ahrar prisoner studies center reports.
Gaza gov’t exerting major efforts to improve Rafah border situation
PIC – The Palestinian government in Gaza has exerted major and continuing efforts to ease travel over the Rafah crossing on the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt, said Mohamed Ascol.
Aqsa foundation: New nearby settlement poses serious threat to Aqsa Mosque
PIC – Senior Israeli cabinet ministers and officials are set to celebrate this Wednesday the opening of a settlement complex planned to house 1,000 Jews in the Palestinian Ras al-Amud neighborhood.
Second Freedom Flotilla will include 600 activists from 40 countries
PIC – The sequel to the Gaza flotilla attacked by Israeli occupation forces in May 2010 will include 600 passengers from 40 countries, according to the latest figures given by Jordanian Lifeline committee.
Occupation threatens Palestinian farm structures
PIC – The Israeli occupation authorities have handed notices to six Palestinians in the southern West Bank district of al-Khalil giving them informing them that their farm structures will be demolished..
Occupation bulldozers change features of Bab al-Amoud
PIC – Israeli occupation bulldozers under protection of occupation police and soldiers started on Tuesday morning to uproot olive trees from a park close to Bab al-Amoud in occupied Jerusalem.
MK tries to hand in a “Jordan is Palestine petition” at the Jordanian embassy
PIC – The Israeli radio said that Knesset member Aryeh Eldad of the National Union went on Tuesday morning to the Jordanian embassy and tried to hand in a petition which states that Jordan is Palestine.
Qasem: Return of refugees is key to a Palestinian state
PIC – Dr. Abdel-Sattar Qasem, professor of political science at the Najah University in Nablus, expressed concern over the future of the Palestinian national reconciliation agreement..
Gaza: Netanyahu’s speech a falsification of history
PIC – The Palestinian government in Gaza said that the speech made by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Congress on Tuesday was a falsification of history..
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WAFA – Palestine News Agency
mily: ‘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;”>Palestinians Denounce Netanyahu’s Speech as Not Leading to Peace
WAFA
Israeli Authorities Plan to Seize 2000 Dunums of Salfit Land
WAFA
Jewish Protester Disrupts Netanyahu During Congressional Address
WAFA
Israeli Soldiers Hand Demolition Orders to Palestinians in Hebron
WAFA
UNRWA Holds ‚ÄòBetter Smile for All’ Festival in Hebron
WAFA
EUPOL COPPS undertakes Training of Trainers with SPF
WAFA
Ashkelon Prison Administration Imposes New Sanctions on Prisoners
WAFA
Newspapers Review: Abbas’ Meetings in Jordan, EU’s Statement on Front Pages
WAFA
Israeli Lawmakers Cancel Visit to Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus
WAFA
Protesters Confront Netanyahu Inside AIPAC Gala
WAFA
Fayyad Undergoes Catheterization at US Hospital
WAFA
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GUSH SHALOM: A fictional Palestine Never to Become Reality and a Collision Course with Palestinians and the Whole World
Intifada-Palestine: 24 May 2011 – Gush Shalom’s reaction to Netanyahu speech Heckler yells ‘stop Israeli war crimes’ during Netanyahu’s speech to Congress The speech of PM Netanyahu in the US Congress was composed of dozens of colorful gimmicks and empty cliches, talk of a peace which… more
ALISON WEIR : Tempers Flare Post CNI Press Briefing [MUST SEE VIDEO]
Intifada-Palestine: 24 May 2011 – “Israel Is Not Alone” member knocks phone out of my hand by Alison Weir / Intifada Palestine We had just completed a CNI press briefing at the National Press Club, when the next group scheduled to use the room, “Israel Is Not…more
America’s Coming Nakba
Intifada-Palestine: 24 May 2011 – William A. Cook Protesters outside an AIPAC conference ahead of a speech by U.S. President Barack Obama, May 22, 2011. Photo By Natasha Mozgovaya “From the moment we took on a role that included the permanent military domination of the world,… more
PAUL BALLES: Nakba, the Palestinian Catastrophe
Intifada-Palestine: 24 May 2011 – by Paul Balles One of my first students when I came to the Middle East was a young Palestinian boy. He had earned a scholarship to attend the university. Remarkably, this young man had grown up in a refugee camp. His… more
In speech to Congress, Israel’s Netanyahu offers few concessions
LA Times 24 May 2011 – The Israeli leader says he’s ready to make ‘painful compromises,’ but he sets requirements for peace talks that vary little from previous views. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a joint session of Congress he was prepared to make “painful compromises” for peace but he…
Battles between tribal and government forces continue in Yemen
LA Times 24 May 2011 – Antiaircraft fire and mortar shelling sound across part of Yemen’s capital as a second day of fighting pits President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s forces against opponents, including the head of his tribe. Heavy shelling and gunfire rocked the northern district of Yemen’s capital for a second…
Libyan parents hope for long-sought answers in HIV mystery
LA Times 24 May 2011 – More than 400 children were infected with the AIDS virus at a children’s hospital in the 1990s. Moammar Kadafi called it a deliberate act by foreign workers, but some now openly question his role. The families have become close, sharing confidences and grief as their…
British, French attack helicopters en route to Libya
LA Times 23 May 2011 – The helicopters will be more precise than fighter jets and may carry out attacks targeting Moammar Kadafi’s regime separate from NATO’s auspices. Their deployment represents an escalation by some Western governments. British and French attack helicopters are headed to Libya in an escalation of the…
Gas leak, not sabotage, caused blast at Iran oil refinery, state media say
LA Times 24 May 2011 – The blast at a new refinery unit killed up to four people and hurt up to 25. But it did not halt a speech by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who some suggested launched the facility too soon. A gas leak and not sabotage caused an…
Yemen security forces, tribal fighters clash in Sana
LA Times 23 May 2011 – The government battles a tribal leader a day after President Ali Abdullah Saleh refused to sign an exit agreement. Gun battles raged across the capital Monday between government forces and fighters from Yemen’s most powerful tribe, prompting fears of civil war after President Ali Abdullah…
Mubarak to Face Trial for Killing of Protesters
New York Times 24 May 2011 – The Egyptian authorities are moving to satisfy public demands for retribution against former President Hosni Mubarak and his family.
Daunting Task for NATO in Libya as Strikes Intensify
New York Times 24 May 2011 – From the start (political orders in Brussels) to the finish (striking targets in Tripoli), there is nothing simple about NATO’s nightly bombing campaign.
Fighting Intensifies in Yemen’s Capital
New York Times 24 May 2011 – Fighting intensified Tuesday in the heart of the capital, Sana, as hundreds of opposition tribesman and forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh exchanged gun and artillery fire.
To Friendly Crowd, Netanyahu Repeats Criteria for Peace
New York Times 24 May 2011 – In a speech to Congress, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set several significant limits on what Israel would accept in a deal with the Palestinians.
Watchdog Finds Evidence That Iran Worked on Nuclear Triggers
New York Times 24 May 2011 – The International Atomic Energy Agency said it has evidence that Tehran has conducted work on a technology that could be used for only one purpose: setting off a nuclear weapon.
Ahmadinejad Backs Out of Key Role at OPEC
New York Times 24 May 2011 – The change in plan by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran appeared to signify a retreat in his power struggle with the nation’s supreme leader.
Gates Sees Iran as Factor in Troop Withdrawal From Iraq
New York Times 24 May 2011 – The defense secretary, who will retire next month, said he was making his “last major policy speech in Washington.”
World Briefing | THE AMERICAS: Venezuela: Oil Company Sanctions
New York Times 24 May 2011 – The United States imposed sanctions on Venezuela’s national oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela, for its deliveries of two shipments of fuel valued at $50 million to Iran.
The Libyan war and American democracy
WSWS – President Obama is defying the War Powers Act restrictions on presidential war-making.
Gun battles erupt in Yemeni capital after Saleh refuses to step down
WSWS – At least 18 people were killed and many more wounded in gun battles that erupted Monday in the Yemeni capital after the dictator Ali Abdullah Saleh reneged on a deal to step down.
The Emperor’s clothes are still on, for now (while his heckler is roughed up, hospitalized)
Mondoweiss – Gliding down the aisle of the House of Representatives like a popular president about to deliver the State of the Union address, escorted by a phalanx of dozens of ebullient Members of Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entered a joint meeting of Congress today to…
We can only pray that Congress’s supine conduct before a rightwing foreign leader will have political consequences
Mondoweiss – In Israel they say that the occupation devoured Israeli politics so that everyone is beholden to the settlers, well the same thing is happening to American politics and today it was evident. I’m not the only one to feel shattered by Netanyahu’s bravura performance in Congress…
Code Pink’s nervy presence reminds us that consensus for segregation and Vietnam also seemed impregnable once
Mondoweiss – The Code Pink “Move Over Aipac” demonstrations in Washington were extraordinary. There are not yet thousands ready to come to DC to demonstrate against AIPAC and its fellows’ dominance of American Mideast policy, but there were a few hundred. Medea Benjamin and her crew molded us…
Harry Reid sides with Netanyahu over Obama
Mondoweiss – I just saw Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s speech to AIPAC last night. He took a rightwing foreign prime minister’s side against his own president: No one should set premature parameters about borders, about building or about anything else. That’s flipping the bird at the 1967…
Netanyahu claims there are 650,000 settlers– not just half a million
Mondoweiss – In his speech to Congress just now , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that 650,000 Israelis live east of the Green Line, in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. This is an inflation of the usual figure of settlers, 500,000, and maybe he knows? 650,000 would…
SOUTH HEBRON HILLS: CPT releases video of Palestinian testimonies about settler attack in Tuba
Christian Peacemaker Teams – Palestine – CORRECTION: The original CPTnet account of the incident erroneously indicated that two sheep had been killed by settlers. In fact, two of the sheep were so badly injured that the family had to slaughter them the next morning.
Omar Barghouti Speaking at SOAS
Palestine Monitor – Watch and listen to Omar Barghouti’s riveting speech at SOAS titled, “Past is Present: Settler Colonialism in Palestine.” – Videos / 2nd-col-1st-article , Non-violent resistance , Palestinian civil society
Week in Review in Silwan
Palestine Monitor – Jerusalem troops continue to harass the residents of Silwan, in an ongoing demonstration of the special relationship between Jerusalem authorities and settlers. – In Focus / 3rd-col-1st-article , Jerusalem , Youth , Settlements , Prisoners
80% of Israeli Jews view Arabs as a threat to the state
Middle East Monitor 24 May 2011 – A survey on Arab-Jewish relations conducted by Haifa University Professor Sammy Samouha in 2010, revealed a bleak picture; that both Arabs and Jews living in the territories occupied in 1948 felt increasingly threatened by each other. Among Jews, 62.7% feared that the high Arab birth…
Amnesty International hosts launch of More Bad News from Israel
Middle East Monitor 24 May 2011 – MEMO/PSC event opens debate despite attempts at censorship EXCLUSIVE PICTURES The concerted Zionist campaign to smear the Middle East Monitor (MEMO) and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) failed dismally last night as the two groups co-hosted one of their most successful public events to date. The…
Tel Aviv welcomes Obama retreat on 1967 borders for Palestinian state
Middle East Monitor 24 May 2011 – Israel’s political elite have welcomed US President Barack Obama’s retreat from his call for the establishment of a Palestinian state along the June 4th 1967 borders. In an address at the AIPAC conference, Obama clarified that permanent border for a Palestinian State won’t necessarily imply an…
Welcome Hamas’s conciliation with Fatah
Middle East Monitor 24 May 2011 – The birth of the Cairo reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas was slow and painful. But Palestinians welcomed its arrival. The tragic division which occurred in our national movement constituted a chapter we hope will never happen again. It never occurred to us that a time…
Making Room for a Palestinian narrative: A response to Mishy Harman
Joseph Dana 24 May 2011 – TEDx Ramallah was an event which highlighted the ability of an occupied people to maintain an active and vibrant culture. Authors, entrepreneurs, musicians, poets and filmmakers harnessed the power of new media in order to show the world that Palestine is not just a place of…
Mubarak to be tried over deaths
BBC 24 May 2011 – Egypt’s ousted President Hosni Mubarak and his two sons are to be tried over the killing of anti-government protesters, judicial officials say.
Palestinians reject Israel speech
BBC 24 May 2011 – Palestinian officials dismiss Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the US Congress, saying it will not bring peace.
IAEA: Syria site ‘likely nuclear’
BBC 24 May 2011 – A Syrian site bombed by Israeli jets in 2007 was “very likely” a nuclear reactor, says the UN’s atomic watchdog.
Canada imposes sanctions on Syria
BBC 24 May 2011 – Canada says it is imposing sanctions against members of the Syrian government in response to the country’s crackdown on protesters.
Articles
On the anniversary of the Nakba, demands for the right of return grow louder
Ali Badwan, Middle East Monitor (MEMO)5/18/2011
The right of return is back on the agenda and will haunt Israel; it is at the core of the Palestinian cause. The sixty-third anniversary of the Nakba witnessed a number of important events set up by Palestinian refugees in Arab countries surrounding Palestine, in the Diaspora, and inside the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, including Jerusalem. Even Israel – that part of Palestine occupied in 1948 – witnessed marches to a number of Palestinian towns and villages in the Galilee region which were destroyed and had their population displaced in what has been described as ethnic cleansing.
Palestinians commemorate the Nakba not only to mark the anniversary of the start of this tragic and ongoing process, but also to renew the national covenant, upholding their natural right to return to the land of Palestine, no matter how long it may take or how great the odds. There are now around 11 million Palestinians, 5.5 million of whom live in historic Palestine between the Mediterranean Sea and the River Jordan.
The refugees in what are called the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the West Bank and Gaza Strip occupied since 1967, now account for 44% of the total Palestinian population therein; the number of refugees registered with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) at the middle of 2010 was 4.8 million, just under half of the total Palestinian population spread around the world. Of these UNRWA-registered refugees, 60.4% are in camps in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, 16.3% are in the West Bank and 23.3% are in the Gaza Strip.
This year’s Nakba anniversary comes at a time when hope for a return has become a little closer thanks to the Arab Spring revolutions, especially in Egypt, and the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas. The split had cast a shadow on previous commemoration events, as did the decline of official and unofficial Arab efforts on the Palestinian issue. The sweeping political change across the region has given rise to optimism that the right to return, enshrined in international law, will remain a non-negotiable issue. more.. e-mail
What Obama could not possibly say
Pepe Escobar, Asia Times5/21/2011
Facts on the ground will decide whether the United States really “values the dignity of the street vendor in Tunisia more than the raw power of the dictator”.
So let’s start with a fact. For US President Barack Obama, Saudi Arabia is not in the Middle East. Maybe the House of Saud has relocated the deserts and the oil to Oceania without telling anyone. In his major speech on Thursday from where the opening quote comes, and where, according to the Reuters gospel, he would “lay out a new US strategy toward a skeptical Arab world”, the skeptical Arabs, and the whole world for that matter, never heard these fateful two words, “Saudi” and “Arabia”. Even India, Indonesia and Brazil were mentioned.
That goes a long way to explain how the US, once again according to the Reuters gospel, plans to “shape the outcome of popular uprisings”; by not even naming the Middle Eastern power behind the ongoing counter-revolution against the great 2011 Arab revolt.
Obama tried to shape what Clintonites define as “ambitious realism”. It was more like ambitious fiction. By insisting on America’s set of “principles” and not so subtly trying once again to monopolize the moral high ground – issuing dispensations on regime change from Muammar Gaddafi (already gone) to Syria’s Bashar al-Assad (reform or go), Obama tried to rewrite history by inscribing Washington at the heart of the Arab-wide push for democracy. It may fool Americans. It didn’t fool the Arab street. more.. e-mail
Each teen in Israel to adopt a tomb
Dimi Reider, +972 Magazine5/23/2011
Each teen in Israel to adopt a tomb
Not kidding. According to Haaretz, the Education Ministry has found a particularly macabre way of imbibing our young ones with respect for their heritage: Each junior high to high school students will adopt “a memorial or the tomb of a soldier fallen in the War of Independence.” They will be tasked with keeping the tombs clean, and will have to write a report about the dead person or persons buried under or commemorated by their pet cenotaph as part of their matriculation exam.
I’m sorry, I have every respect for families who lost their loved ones to the conflict, but it’s extremely difficult to write about this initiative with a straight face. One can only imagine the dialogs: “Mom, can I have a dog?” “No, sonny’ it’s too alive. Here’s a tomb.”
On a more sombre note, this is seriously perverse. Personally, I don’t believe in the afterlife and think tombs and memorials exist primarily for the benefit of the living relatives and loved ones of the deceased; if all of these have overcome their grief, or, in likelier case when fallen of the War of 1948 are concerned, passed away, then let the fallen soldier lie. Upkeep is important, sure, but if the state wishes to preserve its memorials, let it cough up some cash and hire cleaners and restorationists. Using school students for this task is unpaid child labor. Much more worryingly, manipulating them to develop feelings of bereavement toward people they’re unrelated to and never knew amounts, frankly, to abuse. It’s as if the Education Ministry decided that it’s unfair some families haven’t lost loved ones in Israel’s many wars, and generously decided to provide each family still unscathed with a corpse to mourn and a loss to cope with. — See also: Haaretz: New program in Israeli schools has students ‘adopting’ graves from War of Independence more.. e-mail
The perks of traveling while Palestinian
Electronic Intifada: 24 May 2011 – Mohammed-Naji AlKhodari The Electronic Intifada As I stood in the line waiting to check in at the Bradley International Airport in the US state of Connecticut, I wondered how overweight my luggage would be. I did not expect the questions that would come next.more
Izbat al-Tabib village resists land confiscation, demolition orders
Electronic Intifada: 24 May 2011 – Charlotte Silver The Electronic Intifada One may not expect to see construction in a village where approximately 80 percent of the homes are currently pending demolition. But in Izbat al-Tabib, a small village in the occupied West Bank, that is just what one will find.more
Lebanese civil war explodes on screen in “Incendies”
Electronic Intifada: 24 May 2011 – Maureen Clare Murphy The Electronic Intifada The Academy Award-nominated Incendies, by Quebecois filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, unforgettably portrays the Lebanese civil war as an operatic Greek tragedy.more
Omar Barghouti Speaking at SOAS
Palestine Monitor: 24 May 2011 – Watch and listen to Omar Barghouti’s riveting speech at SOAS titled, “Past is Present: Settler Colonialism in Palestine.” – Videos / 2nd-col-1st-article , Non-violent resistance , Palestinian civil societymore
Week in Review in Silwan
Palestine Monitor: 24 May 2011 – Jerusalem troops continue to harass the residents of Silwan, in an ongoing demonstration of the special relationship between Jerusalem authorities and settlers. – In Focus / 3rd-col-1st-article , Jerusalem , Youth , Settlements , Prisonersmore
Obama’s Hypocrisy: Insulting Our Intelligence
Palestine Chronicle: 24 May 2011 – By Joe Catron Barack Obama wants it both ways. Like every United States president since Bill Clinton, who partially brokered the now-defunct Oslo Accords in 1993, he aspires to act as a trusted intermediary in the 63-year old conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, while simultaneously pandering to America’s massive pro-Israel lobby. These clashing goals have spurred him to propose an array of conflicting claims and positions that, aside from being fundamentally incompatible, are often simply painful to observe. Over the course of four short days in mid-May, he managed, in three separate addresses – at the US State Department, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House briefing room, and at the annual policy conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the powerful flagship of the Israel lobby — to offer blatant discrepancies, of policy or omission, on nearly every aspect of the conflict. This jarring discord…more
Netanyahu and the One-state Solution
Palestine Chronicle: 24 May 2011 – By Neve Gordon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address US legislators on Tuesday. He will, no doubt, tell members of Congress that he supports a two-state solution, but his support will be predicated on four negative principles: no to Israel’s full withdrawal to the 1967 borders; no to the division of Jerusalem; no to the right of return for Palestinian refugees; and no to a Palestinian military presence in the new state. The problem with Netanyahu’s approach is not so much that it is informed by a rejectionist worldview. The problem is not even Netanyahu’s distorted conception of Palestine’s future sovereignty, which Meron Benvenisti aptly described as “scattered, lacking any cohesive physical infrastructure, with no direct connection to the outside world, and limited to the height of its residential buildings and the depth of its graves. The airspace and the water resources will remain under Israeli control…” Rather, the real…more
Netanyahu and the One-state Solution
Dissident Voice: 24 May 2011 – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address US legislators on Tuesday. He will, no doubt, tell members of Congress that he supports a two-state solution, but his support will be predicated on four negative principles: no to Israel’s full withdrawal to the 1967 borders; no to the division of Jerusalem; no to the right of return for Palestinian refugees; and no to a Palestinian military presence in the new state. The problem with Netanyahu’s approach is not so much that it is informed by a rejectionist worldview. The problem is not even Netanyahu’s distorted conception of Palestine’s future sovereignty, which Meron Benvenisti aptly described as “scattered, lacking any cohesive physical infrastructure, with no direct connection to the outside world, and limited to the height of its residential buildings and the depth of its graves. The airspace and the water resources will remain under Israeli control…” Rather, the real problem is that…more
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The New Dark Age 
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