19 June, 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Israel Claims Freedom Flotilla Aims At Confrontation With the Army
IMEMC – Monday June 20, 2011 – 01:15, Head of the Israeli Navy, Eliezer Marom, voiced on Sunday a strict warning targeting the organizers of the Freedom Flotilla, dubbed in his speech as the “Hate Flotilla” that will be heading to the besieged Gaza Strip later this month to deliver humanitarian supplies. Flotilla organizers affirmed the peaceful nature of the flotilla and their determination to proceed to Gaza. (Freedom Flotilla 2 Press Released Attached To This Article)
Barak: “U.S Will Veto Attempts To Declare State”
IMEMC – Sunday June 19, 2011 – 12:50, Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, stated that he believes that United States will use its Veto power at the Security Council in order to prevent an international recognition of an independent Palestinian State this coming September.
Israel approves expansion of 2,000 settler homes
6/19/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel’s Jerusalem municipality approved the expansion of 2,000 homes in the settlement district of Ramat Shlomo in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday, allowing each Israeli home to add an additional room, a council press statement said. The announcement of new settlement activity came as Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak told France…. Related: PA condemns Barak statements on settlements
Protest organizer jailed by Israeli court for year
6/19/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Ofer Israeli military court sentenced popular protest coordinator Naji At-Tamimi to one year of imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 shekels ($2,914), his colleagues said. Naji and Basem At-Tamimi were taken by Israeli forces from their homes in April and held without charge. Naji was charged with inciting and participating….
Israeli undercover agents boast of killing Palestinians on TV
6/19/2011 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Undercover Israeli intelligence officers appeared on national television Saturday to talk about assassinating Palestinians in a program broadcast on Israel’s Channel 10. Oren Beaton presented a photo album of Palestinians he killed during his time as a commander of an undercover Israeli unit operating in the northern West Bank….
Beit Ummar farmers barred from lands
6/19/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Beit Ummar residents said Saturday that a protest demanding access to lands was quashed, and harassment from the Israeli military has continued throughout the week, as construction of a fence around part of the town was completed. The town, adjacent to the illegal Israeli-only settlement of Karmi Zur, stages weekly protests…. Related: Beit Ommar in “defiance of instruction”
Nablus village months without water
6/19/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — With both the Palestinian Authority and Israel’s Civil Administration abdicating responsibility, local officials say parts of a Nablus-area village have been without water for months. While drought is common in the mid-summer, many of the residents of Salem village have been purchasing high-priced water from local companies, or carrying….
Israeli forces shoot, injure man near Qalqiliya
6/19/2011 – QALQILIYA (Ma’an) — Israeli forces shot and injured a young man near a military base east of Qalqiliya on Sunday afternoon, accusing the man of running at soldiers with a knife. Eyewitnesses said the man was shot and detained by soldiers. An Israeli military spokeswoman said the man, identified by Palestinian officials as 22….
Israeli forces enter Tulkarem
6/19/2011 – TULKAREM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces entered the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem Sunday and searched students at the Kadoorie Technical University. At least four jeeps were stationed at the entrance to the university and Israeli officers inspected students’ ID cards around the campus, witnesses said. A Ma’an cameraman was among….
Report: Soldier indicted for running over Palestinian
6/19/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an)— Two Israeli officers were indicted Sunday on charges of ordering a soldier to run over a Palestinian and vandalizing Palestinian vehicles, the Israeli news site Ynet reported. The first case is reported to have taken place in 2008, as Israeli forces broke up a gathering of Palestinians who had….
Report: 4 settler teens detained for arson, vandalism
6/19/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — The lawyer of four young settlers is blaming the education of the teenagers for their alleged acts of vandalism and arson targeting Palestinians, the daily news site Ynet reported on Sunday. The four, three said to be minors and a fourth only 20-years-old, were detained on suspicion they….
PA condemns Barak statements on settlements
6/19/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority has condemned a statement by Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, regarding Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank. In an interview conducted with France 24 TV network, Barak said “there is no real way to announce an end to construction. There’s half a million people living…. Related: Israel approves expansion of 2,000 settler homes
Hamas: Rafah opening will not clear Israel of responsibility
6/19/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The opening of the Rafah crossing should “improve relations with our brothers in Egypt,” Hamas politburo Osama Hamdan told Ma’an on Thursday. Speaking with Ma’an radio, the official said that regardless of the improvements made to life in the coastal enclave via the Rafah terminal, “we do….
Abbas, Mash’al meeting postponed
6/19/2011 – RAMALLAH (AFP) — Talks between President Mahmoud Abbas, who heads Fatah, and Hamas chief Khalid Mash’al on a new Palestinian cabinet have been postponed, a Fatah official said Sunday. The two senior political figures were due to meet in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss the make-up of an interim government of independents called for…. Related: Hamas: Mash’al, Zahhar feud ‘behind us’ and Barghouthi urges speedy conciliation
Jenin man dies in work accident in Israel
6/19/2011 – JENIN (Ma’an) — A Palestinian construction worker died Sunday in the Israeli city of Herziliya, near Tel Aviv, after a wall collapsed on him, locals said. Firas Muhammad Khadir Bisharat, 34, was at work refurbishing a school gym in the city when the accident occurred. He died at the scene and a Red Star….
Fatah officials visit Armenia in UN bid for statehood
6/19/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — A Fatah delegation arrived in Armenia on Sunday to strengthen support for the recognition a Palestinian state. Nabil Shaath, coordinator for international relations, led members of Fatah’s Central Committee in meetings with a number of Armenian officials and leaders of political parties. The visit is part of preparations to….
Hamas: Mash’al, Zahhar feud ‘behind us’
6/19/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A spat between Hamas officials in Gaza and Damascus “is behind our backs,” Hamas politburo Osama Hamdan told Ma’an on Thursday. Speaking with Ma’an Radio, the official commented on a slew of comments that went back and forth from Hamas leader in exile Khalid Mash’al…. Related: Abbas, Mash’al meeting postponed and Barghouthi urges speedy conciliation
Barghouthi urges speedy conciliation
6/19/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative Mustafa Barghuthi met Sunday with leaders of Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip, saying the effort came in a bid to promote unity. Announced after Hamas officials in Gaza made clear that a proposed meeting between rival faction leaders Mahmoud Abbas and Khalid…. Related: Abbas, Mash’al meeting postponed
UNRWA showcases shorts for World Refugee Day
6/19/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A series of short films screened in sequence will patch together the experiences of Palestinian refugees in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza in an event marking World Refugee Day hosted by UNRWA.”We invited young Palestinian refugees to show their talents, and to tell us about their world….
Hebron teenager hangs himself
6/19/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — A teenager died in hospital Sunday after he hanged himself in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, police said. Diyaa Ibrahim Basal, 17, hanged himself at home with an electric cable. He was taken to hospital in critical condition where he died of his injuries. Police said the teenager’….
Israel launches major home front drill
6/19/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel on Sunday launched a major five-day home front exercise intended to prepare its population and emergency services to respond to massive missile attacks, the Israeli military said. Named “Turning Point 5,” the exercise involves testing nationwide siren systems and the cellular network, distributing emergency kits, improving coordination and practicing evacuation and shelter….
Hamas ‘not involved’ in Dahlan dismissal
6/19/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Hamas was not involved in Fatah’s decision to oust former Gaza strongman Muhammad Dahlan from its ranks, Hamas politburo member Osama Hamdan told Ma’an on Thursday. Hamdan told Ma’an Radio that the Dahlan affair was an “internal Fatah issue.” Hamas can’t place conditions….
Tunisia’s Ben Ali slams ‘victors’ justice’ trial
6/19/2011 – DUBAI, UAE (AFP) — Ousted Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, whose trial in absentia begins on Monday, has denied all charges against him and dismissed them as a “victors’ justice”, a source close to him told AFP. Ben Ali who fled on January 14 to Saudi Arabia where he is not allowed to….
Turkey extends aid across Syrian border
6/19/2011 – ANKARA (AFP) — Turkey has begun extending aid across its border with Syria to help people who have fled unrest in the country , the emergency situations agency said Sunday.” Distribution of humanitarian aid has begun to meet the urgent food needs of Syrian citizens waiting on the Syrian side of our border,” a statement posted on….
Egypt PM hints at election delay as nation debates
6/19/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egypt’s premier has said delaying a September parliamentary election would give parties more time to prepare, as the nation debates its political future with early polls seen likely to benefit Islamists.” Postponing the election would give the chance for a larger number of new political parties to develop,” said Prime Minister….
Syrian army ‘cuts off supplyline to refugees’
6/19/2011 – GUVECCI, Turkey (AFP) — The Syrian army has cut off a border village supplying people fleeing to Turkey, closing its only bakery and setting fire to surrounding forests, residents who managed to escape said Sunday. Speaking near the Turkish-Syrian border, witnesses said Bdama was now largely deserted and that the security forces had set up checkpoints….
Lebanon MP urges weapons ban in Tripoli
6/19/2011 – BEIRUT (AFP) — A leading opposition figure on Sunday urged Lebanon’s new government to ban weapons from the northern city of Tripoli, after weekend clashes over an anti-Syria rally left seven dead. MP Fuad Siniora, a leading figure of the US and Saudi-backed opposition and a former prime minister, also warned that “unrest is….
Syrian dissidents form ‘national council’
6/19/2011 – TURKISH-SYRIAN BORDER (AFP) — Syrian opposition activists have set up a “National Council” to struggle against the Damascus regime, a group of dissidents, including their spokesman Jamil Saib, announced Sunday.” We announce the creation of a National Council to lead the Syrian revolution, comprising all communities and representatives of national political forces inside and outside Syria….
Syria’s president ‘to address nation’
AlJazeera 19 Jun 2011 – State news agency says Bashar al-Assad to make third speech since protests began, as army seeks to stop refugee exodus.
Army kills ‘al-Qaeda fighters’ in Yemen
AlJazeera 19 Jun 2011 – Fighters killed as troops battle to retake southern city of Zinjibar, as protests against president continue in capital.
Fighters ‘killed by Sudanese army’ in Darfur
AlJazeera 19 Jun 2011 – Dozens of fighters reported dead in west, as monitoring group says satellite images show north’s army massing in south.
Greek PM warns against ‘catastrophic’ default
AlJazeera 19 Jun 2011 – Papandreou calls for national unity as protests continue outside parliament against proposed budget cuts.
NATO admits civilian deaths in Libya raid
AlJazeera 19 Jun 2011 – Military alliance blames “weapons systems failure” for errant air strike on Tripoli.
Palestinian unity meeting postponed
AlJazeera 19 Jun 2011 – Hamas and Fatah disagree on nomination for Palestinian prime minister, prompting row between the two governing forces.
Iranian opposition group urges protection
AlJazeera 19 Jun 2011 – Political wing of Mujahideen-e-Khalq calls for base in Iraq to be protected at rally attended by prominent US figures.
Missing Iraq cash ‘as high as $18bn’
AlJazeera 19 Jun 2011 – Iraq’s parliament speaker tells Al Jazeera unaccounted reconstruction money is three times the reported $6.6bn.
International Solidarity Movement
Beit Ommar in ‘defiance of instruction’
6/19/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 18 June 2011, International Solidarity Movement – On June 18 2011 the weekly Beit Ommar demonstration proceeded towards a fence which encircles the nearby settlement of Karmei Tzur and separates the village from some of its land. A number of protesters reached the fence and planted a Palestinian flag. Local women walked home across the land…. Related: Beit Ummar farmers barred from lands
Obama made no peace offers to Palestinians
19 Jun 2011 – Palestine, (Pal Telegraph) – Saeb Erekat, member of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee and chief negotiator, said Sunday that the US has not made any offers to date to President Mahmoud Abbas to resume negotiations.
Israeli army erects checkpoints in Tulkarem, Hebron
19 Jun 2011 – West Bank, (Pal telegraph)-Israeli occupation forces erected Sunday military checkpoints in Hebron and at the entrance of Palestine Polytechnic university in the city of Tulkarem and conducted searching operations to the citizens who were passing to their destinations.
Israel bans Palestinian female prisoner from seeing her family
19 Jun 2011 – Palestine, (Pal Telegraph)-According to the Palestinian Prisoners Committee (Hosam), Israeli authorities banned a Palestinian female prisoner, Wafa Samir Al-Bas,27, from seeing her relatives or calling them.
2 foreign supporters arrested by Israel in Beit Ummer
19 Jun 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli forces detained yesterday evening two international supporters who were trying to enter the town of Beit Ummer in order to participate residents in the weekly rally against the Apartheid Wall.
Syrian troops burn down a bakery, as Turkey starts providing bread to refugees
The National 19 Jun 2011 – Activists say Syrian military has set up checkpoints and arrested dozens of people over the past two days in an attempt to staunch the flow of residents into Turkey as Syria’s three-month-old pro-democracy uprising rages on.
Ahmadinejad launches own attack on ‘occult’ in Iran
The National 19 Jun 2011 – In a bid to divert attention from allegations that some of his allies, including his chief of staff, are involved in black magic and exorcism, the Iranian president is clamping down on divination, exorcism and ‘devil worship’.
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood faces internal pressures as it sets out its stall
The National 19 Jun 2011 – Brotherhood moderates, many from a younger generation, are resisting control from hard-line leaders, while a budding democracy in Egypt as the country prepares for elections is pushing the Brotherhood to present a more liberal face.
Continuing disagreement over interim PM delays new Palestinian government
The National 19 Jun 2011 – Rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah were due to meet tomorrow to publicly announce the formation of the new government for the Palestinian territories, but that has been postponed after Hamas rejected Fatah’s Salam Fayyad as the new government’s prime minister.
Opposition in Syria prepares ‘Salvation’ manifesto
The National 19 Jun 2011 – Activists address lack of unity and a coherent agenda by forming coalition of intellectuals, veteran dissidents and young protesters to forge vision of a viable alternative to Assad.
With Yemen on brink of lawlessness, factions jockey for power
The National 19 Jun 2011 – As president, Ali Abdullah Saleh remains sidelined in Saudi Arabia, Yemen’s ruling party and its main opposition group cook up a two-sided power-sharing pact as youth groups rumble.
Israel Navy commander: ‘Hate flotilla’ to Gaza must be stopped
Ha’aretz – Adm. Eliezer Marom says only purpose of Gaza flotilla is to clash with IDF soldiers, create media provocation, and delegitimize Israel.
Peres: Time is running out on a Palestinian-Israeli peace deal
Ha’aretz – President tells CNN need for peace agreement is ‘very urgent’, says Palestinians’ UN bid for statehood will not change situation on the ground.
Report: Israel offers prisoner exchange for Ilan Grapel
Ha’aretz – Jerusalem authorities offer to release three Egyptians in Israeli prisons in return for Ilan Grapel, who is accused of spying on Israel’s behalf, according to an Egyptian news website.
Mira Sucharov / The dilemma of a Diaspora Jew at an Israeli peace rally
Ha’aretz – Something about my long and tortured love affair with Israel tells me that there must be some quasi-citizenship category that describes Diaspora Jews, a category that suggests a tangled and complex web of legitimate discourse when it comes to Israel.
Israeli doctors declare general strike in heightened push to improve employment conditions
Ha’aretz – Labor court holding late-night session in effort to avert nationwide closures.
Former Mossad chief asked to return diplomatic passport
Ha’aretz – Channel 2 reports that Meir Dagan was asked to forgo passport after he publicly criticized Netanyahu and Barak for their stance on Iran.
Argentina court rules title of ‘rabbi’ cannot appear on ballot list
Ha’aretz – Jewish candidates in local elections barred from using title on official forms.
Israeli dairy producers ask state to help end mass cotaage cheese boycott
Ha’aretz – Tnuva, Strauss and Tara break their silence, call for regulator’s intervention.
Donniel Hartman: Jonathan Pollard: The Duties of Compassion
Ha’aretz – Calling for compassion doesn’t undermine the balance required by dual loyalties
Barcelona gay leaders say humiliated at Israeli airport
Ha’aretz – Foreign Ministry slams airport security personnel for ‘abusing’ the pair of leaders, who were officially invited to participate in Tel Aviv’s gay pride parade.
Israel to urge Obama to grant Pollard leave for father’s funeral
Ha’aretz – Netanyahu informs Likud ministers of decision to submit official request; some 70 MKs signed petition last week in support of Pollard family’s own request to let convicted spy see his ailing father.
IDF holds drill simulating mass missile attacks across Israel
Ha’aretz – Home Front Command launches fifth major drill to prepare civilians in case of attack; sirens to sound across country on Wednesday, when citizens will be requested to retreat to nearby shelters.
Pollard’s family asks Obama to let him attend father’s funeral
Ha’aretz – U.S. administration refused family request last week to let the convicted spy visit his dying father in hospital.
Netanya helps business owners who suffered from gas explosion
Ha’aretz – Despite calling Thursday’s explosion a ‘private matter’, senior city council members meet business owners to discuss potential assistance; friends of killed teenage girls gather 600 signatures on petition demanding Netanya takes responsibility.
Israeli couples wed at mass civil ceremony in Cyprus
Ha’aretz – Some 170 couples – mostly Russian-speaking Israelis – exchange wedding vows at what was slated to set a world record for the most couples marrying in a civil ceremony.
Cabinet votes to curtail Barak’s power to veto West Bank settlement construction
Ha’aretz – Decision moves control of the World Zionist Organization’s Settlement Division from the Agriculture Ministry to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Gates warns U.S. Congress not to cut off Libya funds
Ha’aretz – Departing Pentagon chief predicts positive outcome of NATO-led campaign in Libya; says Gadhafi will not voluntarily step down but that military or his family will eventually ‘make that decision for him.’
Egypt PM: Delaying parliamentary elections would help restore post-Mubarak order
Ha’aretz – While liberals favor delay, Egypt’s ruling military council and Muslim Brotherhood want September election date kept.
Hamas-Fatah meeting canceled, in major setback to Palestinian unity
Ha’aretz – Officials from Hamas and Fatah acknowledge that there are still disagreements over who the prime minister will be for the new unity government.
Greens campaign to enforce proper use of bus lanes
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Campaign aims “to fight police’s refusal to enforce” rules in these lanes so taking public buses becomes less of a burden, helps improve environment.
New enforcement unit goes after ‘traffic thugs’ in Dimona
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Force comprised of police, municipal inspectors with new powers issues 94 tickets to drivers parking on sidewalk, committing dangerous road offenses.
Channel 10 decides to relocate news operation to capital
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Company’s CEO expresses concern that move will be financial drain; employees to be given discount on apartments; studios to get 90% tax break.
Raid on gas company, arrests after deadly Netanya explosion
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Inspectors seize documents, computers as part of investigation into apartment complex blast that claimed four lives.
‘Turkey to send Assad ‘warning’ on reforms’
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Ankara will call on Syrian President Assad to enact reforms, stop violent crackdown on protests, call Assad to remove brother from army post, Al-Arabiya reports.
Peres: Iran world’s worst case of moral corruption today
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – President rebukes Ahmadinejad at opening of World Jewish Congress gathering; says Iranian president’s inclusion in UN events a disgrace.
Can Bashar Assad survive the storm?
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – The Syrian president knows his time is limited; in fact, he has until Muammar Gaddafi falls.
Let Pollard honor his father
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Jonathan Pollard, who has served the longest prison term in American history for spying for an ally, can now add to his litany of sufferings.
World Refugee Day: For a better future
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – The government should present a sound policy for dealing with the thousands of African refugees and asylum-seekers in the country.
Wanted: Consumer journalism
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – The Israeli media must rise to the challenge of fighting the consumer war — even if it means starting some new initiatives
Jewish Ideas Daily: Jesus for Jews
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – While the historical Jesus is everelusive, the figure of Jesus has become more accessible for Jews.
Pro-Pollard activists shut down White House switchboard
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Facebook campaign floods Washington with calls for agent’s release to attend father’s funeral; hundreds protest outside US Embassy in TA.
Shaping tomorrow means knowing about our past
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – How can we, as citizens of the world, talk about where we should be going without knowing how we got to where we are today?
The Region: The Middle East fantasy world
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Spinning the Palestinian economy to claim the opposite of reality is one example of the West’s biggest problem.
‘Meir Dagan required to return diplomatic passport’
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Channel 2 reports former Mossad chief forced to turn in diplomatic passport; Prime Minister’s Office says move is standard procedure, but Kadima MK Hasson slams Netanyahu for waging “campaign of revenge.”
Report: Israel seeks prisoner exchange for Ilan Grapel
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – ‘Al-Akhbar’ says Israel looking to release three Egyptian nationals in exchange for Grapel; ‘Al-Masry Al-Youm’ posts video of Grapel.
Syrian forces try to stem exodus of refugees to Turkey
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Rights activists accuse pro-government forces of attacking people helping refugees as they try to escape from widening military assault.
Despite IHH pullout, Israel on high alert for flotilla
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Mavi Marmara has backed out but IDF still prepping on all fronts; “We have not yet breathed a sigh of relief,” says diplomat.
Tunisia’s ousted leader says his trial is a sham
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali set to be tried in absentia; denies all charges and says trial is attempt to distract attention country’s instability.
Matisyahu gives packed concert near Auschwitz
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Born-again Orthodox Jewish rapper headlined “Life Festival” in town just outside of site of notorious Nazi death camp.
Facebook group urges Shakira to cancel Israel visit
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – “Shakira: say NO to apartheid and YES to Freedom for Palestine,” calls upon singer to cancel upcoming Jerusalem visit as UNICEF ambassador.
US congressman introduces bill to cut off Lebanon aid
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Rep. Howard Berman forms an unlikely alliance with three Lebanese-American colleagues in bid to stop US funding to Hezbollah government.
Erekat: US hasn’t made Palestinians offer to resume talks
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Palestinian official says US envoy told Abbas that Washington still trying to find a formula that would pave the way for the resumption of negotiations.
Steinitz may remove import barriers for dairy products
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Netanyahu tells cabinet to find solutions; Knesset C’tee calls for regulation, investigation of dairy price hike.
In blow to Palestinian unity, Abbas-Mashaal talks nixed
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Fatah, Hamas leaders were scheduled to announce establishment of new Palestinian unity gov’t, but Cairo summit postponed indefinitely.
It’s summer, and I have lamb on the mind
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – You’re in for a real treat with lamb! When cooked properly, it is a soft and delicious meat.
‘Iranian spies falsified travel documents for IHH flotilla’
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – 3 Iranian spies reportedly on house arrest after they forged passports in Istanbul; spies have had contact with al-Qaida, German ‘Bild’ reports.
ICRC president heads to Syria for aid talks
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Jakob Kellenberger will meet with Syrian PM, foreign minister to demand greater access to civilians, including those hurt, detained in crackdowns.
Obama impersonator cut off at Republican conference
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Watch: Reggie Brown pokes fun at US president’s biracial heritage, gay congressman Barney Frank, other presidential candidates.
The Numbers Crunch: Quakes and protests on YouTube
Jeruslalem Post 19 Jun 2011 – Also, this week’s most tweeted stories around the world, Palin sweeps US blogs, and Jpost readers have their say on Jerusalem.
MIDEAST: Medical Crisis Worsening in Gaza
IPS “During the first years of the siege, we could still manage, but nowadays we have no alternatives,” says Dr. Hassan Khalaf, Deputy Health Minister in Gaza. “It is a major crisis: many health services have stopped, and I’m afraid this will spiral out of control, because Gaza doesn’t have the…
Bashar: Nice Try
Uruknet June 19, 2011 – …Bashar might be eloquent and intelligent, but he was right when he said that the Syrian people are too intelligent to be fooled by a conspirator. The only conspirator in Syria is Bashar and his fascist regime. The Syrian people’s clock did not start ticking on February of 2011, but back at the hour…
NATO operation in Libya is collective punishment – former U.S. Congresswoman
Uruknet June 19, 2011 – As NATO attacks continue in Libya, ex US Congresswoman and former presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney went to the country on a non-governmental fact-finding mission to see what exactly is going on in the war-torn country. Cynthia McKinney believes the bombardments of Libyan cities and other measures taken by NATO, causing civilian casualties, represent the…
Gaza Residents Shut Down UNRWA Offices in Protest of Delays in Rebuilding Homes
Uruknet June 19, 2011 – Families residing in the southern Gaza Strip whose homes were destroyed have begun protesting the delay in rebuilding their homes. Families point an accusatory finger at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which promised to rebuild their homes. On Saturday 18 June, families closed the UNRWA headquarters in the southern Gaza Strip…
CCR Refutes Administration Claim of Authority to Continue Attacks on Lybia Without Congressional Authority
Uruknet June 19, 2011 – The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) is deeply dismayed at the Obama Administration’s claim that it can continue military attacks on Libya without Congressional approval as constitutionally required and in violation of the War Powers Resolution. CCR has litigated numerous war powers cases, including the first suit under the War Powers Resolution, Crockett v….
U.S.-Saudi rivalry intensifies
Uruknet June 19, 2011 – …The pivot has come after years of growing unhappiness with the U.S. approach to the region. Riyadh was alarmed when George W. Bush’s administration allowed a Shiite-dominated government to take control in Iraq after an invasion it opposed. Saudi King Abdullah was outraged when President Obama urged Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to surrender power…
IOA serves demolition notifications to citizens in Jordan Valley
Uruknet June 19, 2011 – The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) delivered demolition notices to Palestinian citizens in northern Jordan Valley on Sunday, locals said. They told the PIC reporter that the IOA warned four families in Hadidiya area that they should tear down their tents and tin houses within a period of one month and a half and leave…
Israeli undercover agents boast of killing Palestinians on TV
Uruknet June 19, 2011 – – Undercover Israeli intelligence officers appeared on national television Saturday to talk about assassinating Palestinians in a program broadcast on Israel’s Channel 10. Oren Beaton presented a photo album of Palestinians he killed during his time as a commander of an undercover Israeli unit operating in the northern West Bank city of Nablus. Beaton…
Interview: Alice Walker on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla and the struggle for justice
Uruknet June 19, 2011 – Celebrated American author and poet Alice Walker will later this month be among 38 people aboard the Audacity of Hope, the ship sponsored by US Boat to Gaza as part of an international effort to break Israel’s maritime siege of Gaza. In a conversation with Ali Abunimah, Walker speaks about her thoughts on the…
Syria: They came at dawn, and killed in cold blood
Uruknet June 19, 2011 – The houses looked abandoned, windows and doors locked, a broken shutter clattering in the wind. Then, one by one, they began to appear from their hiding places, mainly women and children, a few elderly people. The residents of this village had learned to their cost that being caught unawares in this violent conflict could…
Toddlers among five dead in Nato raid’ on Tripoli
Uruknet June 19, 2011 – Libyan officials showed reporters five bodies, two of them of toddlers, that they said died in a “barbaric” Nato air raid Sunday, hours after international organisations urged a political process to end the conflict. Government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim accused the Western alliance of “deliberately targeting civilians,” insisting there were no military targets anywhere near…
Medical Crisis Worsening in Gaza
Uruknet June 19, 2011 – “During the first years of the siege, we could still manage, but nowadays we have no alternatives,” says Dr. Hassan Khalaf, Deputy Health Minister in Gaza. “It is a major crisis: many health services have stopped, and I’m afraid this will spiral out of control, because Gaza doesn’t have the essential medicines and supplies…
The Eagle of Palestine
Uruknet June 18, 2011 – It was his face that drew my attention. It was his powerful eyes, the look of pride in them. As I went through the local newspaper, scanning the daily reports, some of which reach the outside world, but the majority remaining in occupied Palestine, I came across his picture. It reminded me of the…
Teenage boy targeted as part of Israeli campaign against local family
Uruknet June 18, 2011 – A 14-year old boy was abducted by Israeli undercover forces from Bir Ayyub this morning. Ahmed Siyam was taken by an undercover unit from outside his uncle’s shop in Bir Ayyub and transferred to Salah al-Din police station. Police claimed that the boy “constitutes a danger to society.” Siyam was targeted for arrest by…
US Zionist Hypocricy And The Punishment Of A Young Palestinian Cartoonist
Uruknet June 18, 2011 – Today, I received a letter containing bad news from Majed Badra, a young Palestinian cartoonist. He was very excited to be coming to the USA to learn about political cartooning and the culture of the USA. This program includes stops in New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, Portland, Oregon and finally St. Petersburg,…
Libya: Connect the Dots-You Get a Giant Dollar Sign
Uruknet June 18, 2011 – That the corporate media cannot see what is going on here, or refuses to see, tells us how far we have not come since the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. Still, we can hear the other shoe dropping if we listen carefully enough. For example, the website Politico ran a little item the other day…
Syrian forces storm refugee site
Uruknet June 18, 2011 – Syrian troops backed by tanks and firing heavy machine guns swept into a village near the Turkish border Saturday, cutting food supplies for nearly 2,000 refugees who have so far refused to leave their country. Many of those men, women and children will have no choice but to flee across the frontier if troops…
Freedom Flotilla II – Stay Human will sail to Gaza
Uruknet June 18, 2011 – Freedom Flotilla II – Stay Human is a rainbow coalition of human rights defenders. It does not only concern Muslims, but everyone, be they Muslim, Christian, Jew, Hindu, secular or whatever. This is world citizenry united. Our destination is Gaza. Our means are non-violent. Our goal is to lift the illegal siege, completely and…
NATO is terrorizing Libyan civilians
Uruknet June 18, 2011 – It is already quite apparent that NATO’s goal in bombing Tripoli has been regime change, and not the protection of civilians. There is absolutely no reason why NATO should side with a rebellious faction and attempt to overthrow the current Libyan regime. But that’s what NATO has been doing under the guise of what…
Our illegal war in Libya
Uruknet June 18, 2011 – Can we briefly note the spaghetti of debate on how exactly Obama should have prosecuted his cruise-missile revolution in Libya? It’s left to Dennis Kucinich to point out that the war is undemocratic and illegal, accompanied by “realists” like the consigliore of MoveOverAIPAC, Steven Walt, who likewise point out that a war is a…
The top 10 reasons why the opening of Rafah Crossing just doesn’t cut it
Uruknet June 18, 2011 -. In no particular order of importance, we thought we’d list some of the reasons why the opening of Rafah, while significant and helpful, doesn’t meet all of Gaza’s needs for access and why, as some voices in Israel have recently suggested, it can’t serve as Gaza’s only access point. Despite four unanticipated days of…
Israel launches war games to prepare for rocket attacks
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Israel launched a major weeklong defense exercise Sunday, aimed at testing the country’s various responses to rocket attacks from Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Iran.
Libya claims NATO strike killed 9 civilians
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Libyan officials said Sunday a NATO strike had hit a civilian house in the capital Tripoli, killing nine residents.
Palestinian unity Cabinet delayed as talks called off
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 A planned announcement Tuesday of a new Palestinian unity government has been delayed after the Fatah and Hamas movements failed to agree on a prime minister, officials from Fatah said Sunday.
Syria awaits Assad speech as army pursues crackdown
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Syrian President Bashar Assad will give a speech Monday about current circumstances, the state news agency said Sunday.
Future seeks arms-free Tripoli
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 The parliamentary Future bloc of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri has called for Tripoli to be declared an arms-free city.
Imam says Saudi women know Islamic values
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Sheikh Maher Hammoud, the Imam of Sidon’s the Al-Quds Mosque, said Sunday that Saudi women understood their rights and the true values of Islam better than the most brilliant religious scholars.
New evidence emerges in Irish UNIFIL deaths
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Fresh evidence emerged over the weekend in the ongoing investigations concerning the deaths of three Irish U.N. peacekeepers killed in south Lebanon in 1989.
Anti-sectarian protesters gather outside Constitutional Council
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Dozens of protesters gathered over the weekend calling for the toppling of the sectarian regime and announcing the next large-scale march, scheduled for 26 June.
Charbel vows crackdown on security tamperers
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said Sunday that Lebanon’s security was a red line, vowing to crackdown on perpetrators seeking to tamper with the country’s stability with an iron fist.
Siniora blasts Aoun as delusional over remarks
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Future Movement parliamentary bloc leader Fouad Siniora blasted Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun Sunday.
Mikati’s Cabinet choices disappoint foreign powers
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Significant diplomatic movements in the past week are evidence of the work of situation rooms in foreign capitals, which are working to keep apace of changes in Lebanon, especially the formation of a long-awaited government.
Arslan: Comments against Mikati were made in moment of anger
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Lebanese Democratic Party leader Talal Arslan expressed regret Sunday for lashing out at Prime Minister Najib Mikati in what he described as a moment of anger.
Maronite patriarch asks that new Cabinet be given a chance
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai voiced support Sunday for the new Cabinet formed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in sharp contrast with the attitudes of March 14 Christian leaders.
Red Cross volunteering: Youths who choose an alternative nightclub
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Joe Houry will never forget the first time he helped save a baby’s life.
Even one refugee without hope is one too many
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Samira was one of thousands who fled across the border in a single day.
Killer of Lebanese businesswoman given 23 years
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 An American man has been sentenced to 23-years in jail over the weekend for the 2009 murder of Lebanese businesswoman, Sara Bejjani.
Former AUB trustee says the university is full of corruption
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 A former member of the American University of Beirut’s Board of Trustees has submitted a report to the current board detailing what he calls irregularities at AUB and the AUB Medical Center.
Moroccan king’s supporters attack democracy activists
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Pro-government protesters in Morocco attacked democracy activists Sunday protesting constitutional reforms recently unveiled by the king.
Darfur rebels claim attack by Sudanese army
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Rebels in Sudan’s western Darfur region accused the government of attacking them with military vehicles, warplanes and troops on horses Sunday.
Inexperience costing Libyan rebels in advance on Tripoli
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 The fighting in farmland west of the port city of Misrata is exposing the weakness and inexperience of rebels who are trying to advance on the Libyan capital Tripoli.
Islamic group seeks place in a democratic Egypt
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 The night breeze blew foul wafts from a nearby canal black with garbage and pollution.
Egypt’s prime minister prefers delay of parliamentary vote
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Egypt’s prime minister has added his weight to calls for a delay of September’s parliamentary elections to allow more time for nascent political parties to organize in the aftermath of President Hosni Mubarak’s ouster.
Ex-editors in Bahrain reject charges of unethical coverage
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Lawyers for three former top editors of Bahrain’s main opposition newspaper Sunday challenged allegations of unethical coverage by their clients during mass anti-government protests in the kingdom.
Likely players in post-Saleh Yemeni politics
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 With Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh hospitalized in Saudi Arabia and his future as leader in doubt, other actors are jockeying for power.
Clashes between army and militants in Yemen kill 21
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 At least 12 militants and nine soldiers were killed in three clashes Sunday in southern Yemen, where Islamists and separatists have launched several attacks during the country’s bloody political crisis.
Ben Ali says Tunisia trial aims to cover up new rulers’ failures
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Tunisia’s ousted leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali said his trial in absentia, which starts Monday, is an attempt by the country’s new rulers to distract attention from their failure to restore stability.
Yemen’s crisis puts Saudi Arabia in powerbroker’s bind
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Fearing both civil war and political reform as results of the Yemen crisis, Saudi Arabia is struggling with its role as regional kingmaker.
Somali prime minister resigns, reversing pledge
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Somalia’s prime minister said Sunday that he would resign, reversing a pledge he made last week that he would not step down after Somalis took to the streets in support of the Somali-American politician.
Iran’s foreign minister faces grilling session in Parliament
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi faced a grilling session in a committee of Parliament Sunday over what lawmakers say is the increasing encroachment of the president’s controversial chief of staff in matters of foreign affairs.
Siniora lashes out at Mikati
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Head of Future Movement parliamentary bloc Fouad Siniora criticized many aspects of Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s Cabinet Sunday, accusing him of destroying late Rafik Hariri’s legacy in Lebanon.
Fatah calls off Cairo unity meeting with Hamas
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 A planned announcement Tuesday of a new Palestinian unity government has been delayed after the Fatah and Hamas movements failed to agree on a prime minister, Fatah officials said Sunday.
Egypt PM: vote delay would help post-Mubarak order
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf said he backed delaying a parliamentary election due in September which the well-organized Islamists are widely expected to dominate.
Clashes between army, militants in Yemen kill 21
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 At least 12 militants and nine soldiers were killed in three clashes on Sunday in southern Yemen, where Islamists and separatists have launched several attacks during the country’s bloody political crisis.
Bahrain: Ex-editors reject allegations in court
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Lawyers for three former top editors of Bahrain’s main opposition newspaper Sunday challenged allegations of unethical coverage by their clients during mass anti-government protests in the Gulf kingdom.
Pro-Syrian govt protest thanks Russia, China
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Around 100 people gathered in front of the Russian Embassy in Beirut Sunday in support of the Syrian government, thanking Russia and China
Interior minister will not allow ISF to become politicized
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Newly appointed Interior Minister Marwan Charbel vowed to keep Lebanon’s security forces neutral in the face of political conflicts, in reference to last month’s minor scuffle between the former telecoms minister and security services.
Rai: give new Cabinet a chance
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai called on political factions in Lebanon Sunday to allow the new Cabinet to do its job freely, as Lebanon is in need of partnership and love.
NYC hotel housekeeping head gets prison for killing Lebanese woman
Daily Star 19 Jun 2011 She grew up amid the Lebanese Civil War and was orphaned at 9. A nursing director who came to admire businesswomen, Andree “Sara” Bejjani moved to New York to foster her new career in her 40s,…
‘Natural gas reliance poses security risk’
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Dozens of former top defense establishment officials warned Sunday against the government’s intention to base Israel’s future energy market solely on the offshore gas … ….
Spy ring ‘shocks’ Hezbollah
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Following reports suggesting Hezbollah has arrested several of its own members on suspicion of syping for Israel, the Kuwaiti daily “Al-Rai al-Aam” reported Sunday that … ….
Peres: Need to strike peace with PA ‘urgent’
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – President Shimon Peres said Sunday that there was an “urgent” need to reignite the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and an even more urgent need to finalize a peace deal … ….
Protestors: Obama cruel to Pollard
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – “Yes you can, Obama, free Pollard!” — demanded dozens of activists protesting outside the Unites States embassy in Tel Aviv on Sunday. The demonstrators called to allow … ….
Syrian dissidents set up ‘national council’
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Syrian opposition activists have created a “National Council” to lead the battle to oust Assad’s regime, their spokesman Jamil Saib announced on Sunday. “We announce … ….
Ex-Mossad chief stripped of diplomatic passport
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Payback? Former Mossad Chief Meir Dagan was ordered to surrender his diplomatic passport without delay, Channel 2 reported Sunday. It is customary for high-ranking … ….
Navy chief: Flotilla will enable Hamas armament
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Commander of the Israel Navy Admiral Eliezer Marom urged all the elements involved in the nearing Gaza-bound sail to reconsider their participation. “I call on all … ….
Libyan rebels have enough to convict Gaddafi of war crimes
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – London’s Observer reports material gathered by Tripoli insurgents could get….
Northern blaze: Reserve in for lengthy recovery
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Officials say rehabilitation of Golan Heights park will take years; fire….
Top Qalansuwa officials arrested
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Arab township’s mayor, several high ranking officials suspected of bribery,….
Palestinian reconciliation summit postponed
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Meeting between Palestinian factions’ leaders pushed back as parties still at….
4 girls arrested for ‘Price tag’ violence
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Police say three minors, one 20-year old from Jerusalem area responsible for….
Ministers: Let Pollard out of jail
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Limor Livnat, Daniel Hershkowitz decry ‘disproportionate punishment’ for….
Soldier prevents terror attack
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Border Guard soldier shoots at Palestinian man who rushes on IDF outpost bearing….
‘Major ordered Palestinian run over’
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Two IDF officers indicted Sunday, one allegedly ordered soldier to hit….
Netanya victims complain of neglect
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Residents of building destroyed by blast say no one to turn to in municipality,….
Nationwide drill gets underway
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – Turning Point 5 to begin Sunday, drilling missile attacks, mass evacuation,….
Friedman: Bring UN partition plan back
YNet News, 19 Jun 2011 – NYT columnist promotes UN resolution 181 from 1947, but updates borders used to….
Palestinian Information Center
Gov’t committee: Miles of smiles to enter Gaza today
PIC – The humanitarian aid convoy Miles of Smiles III is to enter the Gaza Strip afternoon Sunday, the government committee to break the siege and to receive delegations announced today.
Palestinian workers appeal for end to persecution
PIC – Palestinian workers from the West Bank appealed to human rights groups to pressure Israeli police into ending their persecution.
IOF to train Israelis in largest missile drill yet
PIC – The Israeli occupation force (IOF) began a five-day drill on Sunday morning that will include all rescue forces as well as the educational institutions, ministries and some 80 local authorities.
Israeli investigators assault minor in bid to elicit confession
PIC – Israeli investigators in Etzion severely assaulted a 16-year-old Palestinian boy from Hussam near Bethlehem in order to elicit a confession, the Palestinian Prisoner Society has reported.
IOA serves demolition notifications to citizens in Jordan Valley
PIC – The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) delivered demolition notices to Palestinian citizens in northern Jordan Valley on Sunday, local said.
Hamas denies new European proposal in Shalit deal
PIC – Hamas has denied receiving any new proposal in a Shalit deal by European officials.
Qassam fighters mark eight days since hunger strike
PIC – Islam Hamed and Atef al-Salihi have marked day eight in a hunger strike designed to protest their transfer to criminal prison facilities and inhumane prison conditions.
Resheq: Fatah asked for postponement of Tuesday meeting
PIC – Political bureau member of Hamas Ezzet Al-Resheq has said that Fatah faction had asked for postponing the meeting in Cairo next Tuesday which was supposed to be attended by Fatah and Hamas leaders.
IOF soldiers fire at youth, arrest him
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) shot a Palestinian man at the eastern entrance to Qalqilia city and arrested him after he sustained injuries, local sources said.
Haneyya: More talks needed before forming unity government
PIC – Ismail Haneyya announced Sunday that Tuesday’s meeting between high-profile figures from Hamas and Fatah has been postponed. He considered it a sign of “a serious debate” in reconciliation talks.
Relatives of political detainees stage sit-in
PIC – 19/06/2011 – 09:14 AM
Prisoner affairs ministry warns against prison internet hype
PIC – 19/06/2011 – 09:54 AM
Dozens injured in violent crackdown on protests in Iraq Borin
PIC – 19/06/2011 – 09:56 AM
Abbas and Mashal Meeting Delayed, Says Al-Ahmad
WAFA
Israeli Court Defers Decision on Administrative Detention Order of Palestinian Parliament Member
WAFA
Israeli Military Court Charges Officer of Running Over Retarded Palestinian‚Äè
WAFA
Erekat: US Has Not Made Offer to Abbas‚Äè
WAFA
ALECSO Denounces Israeli False Information on Jerusalem on UNESCO Website
WAFA
Malki: Going to UN in September a Necessity
WAFA
Israeli Soldiers Raid Tulkarem, Enter Khodori University
WAFA
29.5% of Palestinian Refugees Unemployed in 2010‚Äè
WAFA
Iran sanctions need work, some in Israel say
LA Times 18 Jun 2011 – After an embarrassing U.S. crackdown last month, many in Jerusalem are pushing the government to strengthen trade measures. Even as Israel rallies other nations to boycott Iran, its own commercial sanctions against the Islamic Republic are outdated, vague and poorly enforced, say lawmakers and legal…
Syria planning change to constitution, Baath Party official says
LA Times 19 Jun 2011 – The official contends the alteration will end the ruling party’s monopoly on power, but activists and analysts say changing one preposition will, in reality, make no difference. An impending proposal to amend Syria’s constitution would end the ruling Baath Party’s monopoly on political power while…
U.S.-Saudi rivalry intensifies
LA Times 18 Jun 2011 – The quest for greater influence includes a tug of war over Jordan, just one example of the contest between the longtime allies split over the democracy uprisings sweeping the region. Senior U.S. diplomats have been dropping by the royal palace in Amman almost every week…
NATO Admits Missile Hit a Civilian Home in Tripoli
New York Times 19 Jun 2011 – NATO said that an errant missile destroyed a civilian home in Tripoli and that it may have killed civilians.
U.S. Weighs War Crimes Charges for Syria
New York Times 19 Jun 2011 – The White House is trying to put further pressure on Syria’s leaders as security forces there continue to kill and wound protesters.
Soldiers and Militants Clash in Yemen, Leaving 21 Dead
New York Times 19 Jun 2011 – A communiqu?© circulated last week lashed out at security forces and named 12 military commanders wanted dead or alive.
Divided on Premier, Palestinians Cancel Meeting
New York Times 19 Jun 2011 – In a blow to Palestinian unity efforts, a meeting planned for this week to announce a new government has been called off for lack of agreement on a prime minister.
U.S. Flotilla to Obama: Protect Us From Israel
Mondoweiss – The United States flotilla group, US to Gaza, reacting to Israeli threats of violence, sent a letter to President Barack Obama informing him that: As U.S. citizens we expect our country and its leaders to help ensure the Flotilla’s safe passage to Gaza — as our…
Israel approves the expansion of 2,000 settlement homes in East Jerusalem; Barak: ‘there is no real way to announce an end to construction’
Mondoweiss – Israel approves expansion of 2,000 settler homes JERUSALEM (AFP) 19 June — Israel’s Jerusalem municipality approved the expansion of 2,000 homes in the settlement district of Ramat Shlomo in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday, allowing each Israeli home to add an additional room, a council press…
Report from a police holding cell
Mondoweiss – At 11 AM on Monday 6 June, a policeman knocked on my door and gave me an “invitation to report to the police for questioning” by 11:30!!! I was asked to meet with the investigator Shahar Weiss at the police station in the heart of Tel…
‘The truth is not easy to tell’: The story of Palestinian women in Israel
Mondoweiss – Fatma Kassem was required to delete the word Nakba from her Ph.D. research proposal by Professor Yigal Ronen, former dean of the Krietman School of Advanced Graduate Studies at Ben-Gurion University in Israel; he also sent it to the university’s legal advisor for an opinion. It…
Gaza Island
Intifada-Palestine: 19 Jun 2011 – more
Robert Gates, America’s Dagan, Prevented U.S. Attack on Iran
Tikun Olam – Robert Gates, preparing to step down from his job as secretary of defense, has spoken for the first time about his severe doubts about the U.S. wars in Iraq & Afghanistan . Gates is reputed to have also opposed U.S. support for the Libya intervention. What struck…
Revolutions and Feminism
Alternative Information Center – In this age of revolutions, uprisings and awakenings of social movements, we cannot ignore the prominent place that feminism occupies in the heart of events being unleashed in the world. For some, this statement may be…
Gaza Residents Shut Down UNRWA Offices in Protest of Delays in Rebuilding Homes
Alternative Information Center – Families residing in the southern Gaza Strip whose homes were destroyed have begun protesting the delay in rebuilding their homes. Families point an accusatory finger at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which promised…
Israel okays expansion of 2,000 settler homes
Relief Web 19 Jun 2011 – Source: Agence France-Presse Country: Israel , occupied Palestinian territory JERUSALEM ‚Äî Jerusalem’s municipal council on Sunday approved the expansion of 2,000 homes in the settlement district of Ramat Shlomo, allowing each home to add a room, the interior ministry said. “Jerusalem’s…
2 Arrested, Several Injured in Beit Ommar Demonstration
Palestine Solidarity Project 19 Jun 2011 – On Saturday, 18th June 2011, around 50 Palestinian, Israeli, and international demonstrators staged a protest at the Israeli Karmei Tsur settlement. The purpose of the demonstration was to highlight the confiscation and restriction of access to land owned by Palestinian farmers in the village of Beit…
Turkish aid for displaced Syrians
BBC 19 Jun 2011 – Turkey sends aid across the border to people displaced within Syria, as Syrian forces continue their crackdown in the north.
Palestinian unity talks ‘on hold’
BBC 19 Jun 2011 – Talks between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal on a new reconciliation government are postponed.
Fighting for rights
BBC 19 Jun 2011 – Egypt’s women fear being sidelined in new order
Gaza Freedom Flotilla 2 [Video]
Sabbah report 19 Jun 2011 – There have been thousands of words written about this next flotilla, thousands of people who are joining us as supporters, hundreds of thousands of dollars raised to buy and outfit the boats… and millions of dollars spent by Israel and its lackies to stop us.
The forthcoming Gaza flotilla: heroism vs violent intransigence?
Sabbah report 19 Jun 2011 – Richard Lightbown summarizes the situation ahead of the forthcoming Freedom Flotilla II – Stay Human in plain language bereft of the doublespeak that the Israeli government would like us to hear. No Nobel Peace Laureate will be able to disguise the guilt if more Israeli hoods…
Return of the One-State Solution?
Sabbah report 19 Jun 2011 – What does it mean to support a “sovereign” Palestine which is totally disarmed and geographically divided by a hostile Jewish state brimming with military might? The geopolitical condition that’s been created in ’67 is irreversible. Cannot be changed. You cannot unscramble that egg.
(en) Chile, Libertarian Students Front FEL statement on the current situation [machine translation] (ca)
A-infos 19 Jun 2011 – For several weeks the students are on the streets putting up a fight against a poor education system and unequal trade.At this point, it becomes necessary that collectively define a course of action in this struggle we have started.In this regard, from the FeL propose the…
Articles
Arab-Jewish dialogue – Is there a point?
Sam Bahour, Ma’an News Agency6/19/2011
The word ‘dialogue’ inherently bears a soft, constructive meaning that few people would quibble about.
Dialogue is surely better than arguing, unquestionably better than fighting, and absolutely necessary if we are to have any success whatsoever in connecting with others on common ground, be it our neighbor, children, partner, or mother.
Add two seemingly opposite (and loaded) adjectives, Arab-Jewish, to the word dialogue and suddenly it’s a whole new ball game. Now, this new concept comes with luggage of stereotypes, biases, and even a touch of racism at times. Allow me to explain.
For starters, let’s see why the addition of these two seemingly innocent words, Arab and Jewish, causes such an uproar when used together. The knee-jerk reaction is that these two words are diametrically opposed. In reality this could not be further from the truth, both ideologically or practically.
Arab, as per a dictionary definition is “a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa.” Jewish, as per the same dictionary, is defined as, “of or relating to Jews or their culture or religion.”
So Arab defines an ethnicity whereas Jewish is linked to the religion and/or culture of Judaism. Arabs are a multi-faith people, they are Muslim, Christian, and yes, there are even Jewish Arabs. However, when we use that loaded term “Arab-Jewish” we are really comparing apples and oranges. more.. e-mail
The PA’s historic mistake, and opportunity
Jeff Halper, Ma’an News Agency6/19/2011
No one knows the precise plans of the Palestinian Authority vis-a-vis September: Will Mahmoud Abbas declare a Palestinian state within recognized borders and ask that it be admitted as a full member of the UN — or not? Perhaps Abbas himself does not know.
Now political leaders often make decisions alone or in consultation with a small group of advisers. As in so many matters political, however, the Palestinian leadership finds itself in a unique situation. Its main allies are not governments, and certainly not the American government, whose support for some inexplicable reason has constituted the Palestinians’ default position for the past forty years.
Rather, the Palestinians’ most loyal and powerful ally is civil society. And yet, this most solid base of support remains unappreciated, underutilized and ignored.
The Power of Civil Society
Three circles of popular support radiate out into the wider world, able to mobilize millions of people to the Palestinian cause.
First, of course, is the Palestinian people itself. Displaced, scattered, oppressed, occupied, struggling for its national rights and very cultural identity, this “little grain of sand,” as it has been called, continues generation after generation to jam not only the vaunted Israeli military machine but that of its main supporter, the United States, who for decades has used Israel as its forward position in the Middle East. more.. e-mail
Writing our own stories
Susan Abulhawa, Al-Ahram Weekly6/16/2011
With US President Barack Obama serving as a mouthpiece for Israeli diplomacy, it is time for the Palestinians to tell their own stories.
Anger was my first reaction after listening to US president Barack Obama’s two recent speeches, one to the world and another to AIPAC, the powerful Israeli lobby in the US. I went around to my friends with questions like “who does he think he is, presuming to tell Palestinians how they may or may not achieve freedom,” or “what makes him think his vision for Palestinian dignity actually trumps the vision of Palestinians themselves,” or “how dare he talk to us like a parent chastising a small child,” or “when will we have a president who can and will tell the truth,” or “I think AIPAC wrote his speech for him.”
My friends are used to hearing impassioned political commentary from me. The ones close to me always advise me to let the anger dissipate before I write anything so that what I put into words is coming from a clear head. That’s where I am now — no anger, calm and clear-headed. And here is my reaction.
Who does Obama think he is, presuming to tell Palestinians how they may or may not achieve freedom? What makes Obama think his vision for the future of Palestine, indeed vision for the Arab world, trumps the vision of Palestinians or Arabs for themselves? How dare he talk to Palestinians like we’re his bad little children in need of (his) parental direction? And will the US ever have a president capable of speaking frankly and truthfully? Because he has just put Israeli propaganda in his own voice for the world.
After paying lip service to the Arab Spring, Obama outlined how he plans to help — read manipulate — the new governments, and then he launched into the “cornerstone” of his vision, which pertains to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, although he referred to it as “the conflict between Israelis and Arabs.”…. more.. e-mail
Medical Crisis Worsening in Gaza
In Gaza: 19 Jun 2011 – * of the limited medicines found in Gaza, many have come via the tunnels and most are too expensive for the 80% of Palestinians in Gaza dependent on food-aid to live. Other medicines are simply unavailable, particularly in hospitals. GAZA CITY, Jun 19, 2011 (IPS) — “During the first years of the siege, we could still manage, but nowadays we have no alternatives,” says Dr. Hassan Khalaf, Deputy Health Minister in Gaza. “It is a major crisis: many health services have stopped, and I’m afraid this will spiral out of control, because Gaza doesn’t have the essential medicines and supplies needed.” Cancer, kidney, heart and organ transplant patients, as well as patients needing routine surgeries, including eye and dental surgery, have been suffering for the last five years under the Israeli-led, internationally-backed siege of the Gaza Strip. Year by year, the warnings of Gaza’s health crisis grow more dire, with…more
On ‘Jewish State’ Politics, Nonsense
Palestine Chronicle: 18 Jun 2011 – By Uri Avnery I am fed up with all this nonsense about recognizing Israel as the ‘Jewish State’. It is based on a collection of hollow phrases and vague definitions, devoid of any real content. It serves many different purposes, almost all of them malign. Binyamin Netanyahu uses it as a trick to obstruct the establishment of the Palestinian state. This week he declared that the conflict just has no solution. Why? Because the Palestinians do not agree to recognize etc. etc. Four rightist Members of the Knesset have just submitted a bill empowering the government to refuse to register new NGOs and to dissolve existing ones if they “deny the Jewish character of the state”. This new bill is only one of a series designed to curtail the civil rights of Arab citizens, as well as those of leftists. If the late Dr. Samuel Johnson were living in present-day…more
Waging another Unconstitutional War
Palestine Chronicle: 18 Jun 2011 – By Ralph Nader The meticulous Harvard Law Review editors should be rolling over in their footnotes. The recidivist violations of constitutional and statutory requirements by their celebrated predecessor at that journal – Barack Obama has reached Orwellian dimensions in the war against Libya. You see, the widespread daily bombing of Libya, the strict naval blockade of Muammar Gadhafi-controlled Libya, the destruction of Gadhafi’s family compound and tent encampment in the desert—killing his son and three grandchildren—and the deployment of special forces inside Libya is not a “War.” It is in the Obama White House’s evasive nomenclature just a “time-limited, scope-limited military action” Can you find that phrase in the Constitution? If Obama used the word “War,” he would have a more difficult time explaining to Congress and the American people (three out of four oppose this war) why he did not (1) seek a declaration of war under Article I,…more
More material available from Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel – www.vtjp.org
To subscribe, please write to OccupationNews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OccupationNews/join
The New Dark Age 
Leave a comment