29 July , 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Settlers Attack Internationals With An Iron Bar
IMEMC – Friday July 29, 2011 – 12:12, Three settlers from the illegal West Bank settlement of Havat Maon harassed three Palestinian shepherds and attacked two internationals observers near Mesheha hill. The masked settlers threw stones at the internationals as well as hitting one of them with an iron bar on the head.
Israel Holding Secret Talks with Palestinian Authority in Attempt to Avoid September UN Vote
IMEMC – Friday July 29, 2011 – 10:44, Israeli President Shimon Peres has been holding secret talks with the top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat in Ramallah. The talks are an attempt to restart peace talks and stop a Palestinian bid for statehood at the UN in September.
Gaza Hospitals Face Major Fuel Shortage
IMEMC – Friday July 29, 2011 – 10:14, Serious fuel shortages in Gaza are about to lead to a “humanitarian catastrophe” according to the director of public medical supplies. Already major hospitals have begun shutting down operating rooms as a result of the shortages according to Ma’an News Agency.
Witnesses: Settlers set fire to olive trees in Burin
7/29/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli settlers on Friday torched olive trees in Burin village, south of Nablus, and fired live ammunition at firefighters’ trucks trying to reach the blaze, Palestinian Authority officials said. PA settlement affairs official Ghassan Doughlas said the fire continued to rage as firefighters were unable to reach the area. Witnesses….
Peace group: Settlers attack international observers
7/29/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli settlers from the illegal outpost of Havat Maon, south of Hebron, attacked two international observers on Wednesday, hitting one on the head with an iron bar, the Christian Peacemaker Teams said.” At approximately 9:15 AM on July 27, 2011, masked settlers from the Havat Maon outpost armed with stones….
Israeli army shuts down West Bank protests
7/29/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Israeli forces on Friday fired tear gas and sound grenades to shut down weekly anti-wall protests in villages across the West Bank. Activists said three women were injured and three foreign nationals were detained in Nabi Saleh. A journalist for Al-Hayat Al-Jadida was attacked and briefly detained at the protest. Meanwhile….
Israeli forces detain Hamas lawmaker
7/29/2011 – TUBAS (Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained Hamas lawmaker Khaled Abu Tos on Friday in a dawn raid in the village of Tamoun near Tubas, witnesses said. Israeli forces detained Abu Tos, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, and former mayor Mustapha Abu Erra, 56, after entering the village early Friday morning, locals told….
PA spokesman denies reports of negotiations with Israel
7/29/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) —Palestinian Authority presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh on Friday denied Israeli media reports that Saeb Erekat and Shimon Peres had been meeting in an attempt to relaunch peace talks. Abu Rudeineh described the reports as “totally not correct” adding that “we are committed to the Palestinian and Arab positions that say….
‘US, Israeli mercenaries’ blow up Iran-Turkey gas line
7/29/2011 – TEHRAN (AFP) — A bombing of a pipeline carrying gas from Iran to Turkey early Friday was carried out by “mercenaries” in the pay of Israel and the United States, and forced a cut in supply, Iranian officials said.” The export of gas to Turkey has been temporarily halted after an explosion struck the pipeline” in….
UNRWA condemns attack as children smash world record
7/29/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees on Thursday strongly condemned an attack on a summer games facility in north-west Gaza.” The attackers damaged a large billboard, burnt a UN flag and torched part of the stage. None of the UN security personnel at the venue were harmed,” UNRWA spokesman Chris….
Israel releases two Hamas affiliates from Nablus
7/29/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities released two jailed Hamas affiliates from Nablus on Thursday.” The Israeli army has released Mustafa Ash-Shunnar, who works as lecturer at An-Najah University, and Yaser Bedrasawi, an activist in the field of refugee issues from Balata refugee camp east of the West Bank city of Nablus,” a Ma’….
At-Tirawi ‘ready to testify for any Palestinian prisoner’
7/29/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Fatah central committee member Tawfik At-Tirawi said Friday that he was ready to help any Palestinians detained by Israel, after testifying for a detainee in an Israeli military court. At-Tirawi testified in the case of Jamal Al-Hajj, charged with involvement in attacks against Israel. Al-Hajj was a security officer in the….
1 man killed and 11 injured as families clash in Al-Azza camp
7/29/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — One man was killed and 11 injured in a family brawl on Friday in the Al-Azza refugee camp in northern Bethlehem. Ashraf Abu Tarboush, 36, died in a clash between the Al-Azza and Abu Tarboush families inside the camp. He was treated at Beit Jala hospital but doctors were unable to…. Related: PA forces deploy to Al-Azza camp after killing
PA forces deploy to Al-Azza camp after killing
7/29/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian Authority security forces deployed to the Al-Azza refugee camp in northern Bethlehem on Friday evening following a killing in the camp at dawn, residents said. Ashraf Abu Tarboush, 36, died in a clash between the Al-Azza and Abu Tarboush families inside the camp. Eleven others were injured as the families…. Related: 1 man killed and 11 injured as families clash in Al-Azza camp
US voices commitment to Israel in defense talks
7/29/2011 – WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States on Thursday reiterated its support for a strong military in Israel as Defense Minister Ehud Barak held talks with top leaders in Washington. Barak met separately with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and newly installed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. Both meetings were closed to the press, with officials offering general….
PA ambassador meets with Russian deputy foreign minister
7/29/2011 – MOSCOW (Ma’an) — Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Faed Mustafa held a meeting with Russian deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov on Thursday in Moscow. Faed updated Bogdanov on the latest diplomatic efforts by the Palestinian leadership as part of their campaign for UN recognition in September, the ambassador said in a statement. He also briefed….
Donor aid boosts West Bank infrastructure
7/29/2011 – RAMALLAH (IRIN) — West Bank infrastructure projects have increased as a result of the Palestinian Authority’s state-building efforts and increased donor funding, although significant barriers to implementation remain, report officials from Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad’s office, PA ministries and donors. Infrastructure, intertwined with economic development, is seen as the backbone….
Palestinian political bodies meet in Ramallah
7/29/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian National Council and the Palestinian Legislative Council met Thursday in Ramallah to discuss national reconciliation, elections and the reactivation of political bodies. It is the first meeting of its kind between the two political bodies and a participant told Ma’an that the talks went on for over….
Lebanon’s last Arabic scribes struggle in IT age
7/29/2011 – BEIRUT (AFP) — Lebanon’s few remaining Arabic calligraphers, whose elegant script and interweaving words transport one to another era, are working to preserve an art form struggling to compete with new technology.” The computer is a wonderful tool but in no way can it replace an artist or produce masterpieces,” says Mahmoud Bayoun, one…. Related: In photos: Arabic scribes struggle to preserve art form
In photos: Arabic scribes struggle to preserve art form
7/29/2011 – MaanImages / AFPBEIRUT (AFP) — Lebanon’s few remaining Arabic calligraphers, whose elegant script and interweaving words transport one to another era, are working to preserve an art form struggling to compete with new technology. The art of Arabic scriptwriting was heavily influenced by Islam as, according to tradition, the Koran was verbally revealed to the…. Related: Lebanon’s last Arabic scribes struggle in IT age
4 killed, pipeline blown up ahead of Syria demos
7/29/2011 – DAMASCUS (AFP) — Saboteurs blew up an oil pipeline near the restive Syrian city of Homs on Friday while four people were killed ahead of a new wave of anti-regime rallies, a report and rights activists said. The blast rocked a farming area near Homs at dawn, leaving a crater 15 meters in diameter and oil…. Related: Syrian forces kill 4 at demos
Blast hits Iran-Turkey gas pipeline, cuts supplies
7/29/2011 – TEHRAN (AFP) — A blast early Friday hit a pipeline carrying natural gas from Iran to Turkey, forcing a cut in supply, an Iranian oil official said.” The export of gas to Turkey has been temporarily halted after an explosion struck the pipeline” in northwestern Iran, spokesman for National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) Majid Boujarzadeh told….
Egypt Islamists lead Cairo ‘unity’ rally
7/29/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Thousands of people packed Cairo’s Tahrir Square on Friday, with Islamist groups dominating a protest meant to show unity during a fragile transition from ousted president Hosni Mubarak’s regime. The rally was officially to start after the Muslim noon prayer but thousands had already made their way to the….
Blow for Libyan rebels as top commander killed
7/29/2011 – BENGHAZI, Libya (AFP) — General Abdel Fatah Younes, commander of forces fighting to oust Libyan leader Moamer Gadhafi, has been killed in mysterious circumstances, dealing military and political blows to the rebels. Younes was shot dead by an armed gang after he was summoned from the front by the rebel National Transitional Council “for questioning over….
Hariri UN tribunal confirms Hezbollah suspects’ names
7/29/2011 – THE HAGUE (AFP) — The pre-trial judge for the UN tribunal investigating the death of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri, Friday confirmed the name of four Hezbollah suspects indicted in the case.” The pre-trial judge Daniel Fransen ordered the lifting of confidentiality on the full names and aliases, biographical information, photographs and charges against the….
Egypt Islamists rally in show of strength
7/29/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Tens of thousands packed Cairo’s Tahrir Square on Friday as Islamists flexed their political muscle in perhaps Egypt’s largest protest since a revolt overthrew President Hosni Mubarak in February. Islamists from across the country flocked into the central square to defend what they called “Egypt’s Islamic identity….
Jordan protesters insist on ‘genuine’ reforms
7/29/2011 – AMMAN (AFP) — More than 3,000 Jordanian demonstrators, mostly opposition Islamists, took to the streets of central Amman on Friday, demanding “genuine” regime reforms and condemning attacks against the media.” The people want to reform the regime. Millions of dinars are stolen while people are starving,” chanted the protesters as they held a large national flag….
Syrian forces kill 4 at demos
7/29/2011 – DAMASCUS (AFP) — Security forces shot dead at least four civilians and wounded dozens more as thousands of Syrians gathered Friday to call for regime change and to chide world powers for inaction in the face of a brutal crackdown. Responding to a call under the slogan “Your silence is killing us,” the protesters emerged from…. Related: 4 killed, pipeline blown up ahead of Syria demos
Palestinian ‘ghosts’ keep the Israeli economy moving
Palestine Note 29 Jul 2011 – The National- “We built Israel,” says Abbas, a young migrant worker from Salem. A decade ago, he began travelling illegally from the northern West Bank to Tel Aviv to work in construction. “We have no jobs, so the only option…
Israel privatizing its national parks to sustain E. Jlem settlement project
Palestine Note 29 Jul 2011 – +972- While thousands of Israelis are protesting the price of goods and housing in Israel, reminding the Knesset it is there to serve the interests of its citizens, the Knesset is busy with something more urgent: protecting the settlement project….
Analysis: Donor aid boosts West Bank infrastructure despite impediments
Palestine Note 29 Jul 2011 – IRIN- West Bank infrastructure projects have increased as a result of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) state-building efforts and increased donor funding, although significant barriers to implementation remain, report officials from Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad’s office, PA ministries and donors….
Can water end the Arab-Israeli conflict?
Palestine Note 29 Jul 2011 – , The crisis of disappearing resources, and the possibilities for peace Arwa Abuwara, Al Jazeera – Around three weeks ago on a late Tuesday morning, Israeli soldiers armed with a truck and a digger entered the Palestinian village of Amniyr…
‘Deaths’ in Syria mass protests
AlJazeera 29 Jul 2011 – Rights group say government forces shot dead at least 20 civilians in attacks on protesters across the country.
Thousands protest in Yemen amidst tensions
AlJazeera 29 Jul 2011 – Tens of thousands gather for prayers and protests both for and against President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s three-decade rule.
Libya rebels to probe commander’s killing
AlJazeera 29 Jul 2011 – Mystery continues to surround the circumstances of the killing of General Abdel Fattah Younes.
Protesters reject Bahrain dialogue results
AlJazeera 29 Jul 2011 – Demonstrators from Gulf country’s Shia majority say monarchy-sponsored report does not meet expectations.
UN tribunal names suspects in Hariri killing
AlJazeera 29 Jul 2011 – Special Tribunal for Lebanon releases names, photos, and details of four men suspected of having killed former PM.
Cracks surface in Egypt’s ‘unity’ protest
AlJazeera 29 Jul 2011 – Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists take over ‘Friday of Unity’ march forcing secular parties to boycott protest movement.
Israeli Army Attacks Dutch Music Orchestra with Tear Gas
PNN – Nablus – PNN – The Dutch street orchestra ‘Fanfare van de Eerste Liefdesnacht’ (the First Night of Love Brass Band) from Amsterdam was attacked with tear gas today by the Israeli army…
Ha’aretz: Peres Holds ‘Intensive’ Talks with Palestinian Leadership
PNN – Jerusalem – PNN – Shimon Peres, the Israeli President, held secret talks with the Palestinian leadership on Tuesday evening, Ha’aretz reported today. The attempt to restart negotiations marks a bid by Peres…
PCHR: Twenty Arrested in West Bank and Gaza since Thursday
PNN – Gaza – PNN/PCHR – 20 Palestinians, including two children, were arrested this week as part of the Israeli Army’s continuing occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, according to the weekly…
Palestine’s World Cup Dreams in Tatters After 3:2 Defeat Over Two Legs
PNN – Al Ram, Jerusalem – PNN – Palestine’s dreams of World Cup glory came to a heart-breaking end last night as Palestine were only able to produce a 2:2 draw against Thailand at…
Washington: Palestinian UN Plan ‘Not Productive’
PNN – PNN – Bethlehem – The PLO reiterated on Wednesday its determination to seek official recognition for a Palestinian state at the UN in September, despite US condemnation. Mark Toner, spokesman for the…
International Solidarity Movement
Military resorts to violence in Al Walajah peaceful demonstration
7/29/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 27 July 2011, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – A peaceful protest against the construction of the apartheid wall in the village of Al Walajah was brought to a violent end by the Israeli army this morning with five arrests. At 09:00 AM a group of Palestinians, Israelis and international activists walked through the village….
Palestinians prepare for massive uprising
7/29/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 29 July 2011, Inter Press Service,Mel Frykberg – BEIT UMMAR, Occupied West Bank -Leading members of the Palestinian Popular Committees in the West Bank plan massive civil unrest and disobedience against the Israeli occupation authorities come September when the Palestinians take their case for statehood to the UN.”We plan to take to the streets….
ECOSOC adopts texts on social and human rights questions and on coordination issues
Relief Web 29 Jul 2011 – Source: UN Economic and Social Council Country: Haiti , occupied Palestinian territory Holds Debate on Long-Term Aid to Haiti and Adopts Decision by Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti; Also Votes on and Adopts Texts on Non-Self Governing Territories and Occupied…
Gaza’s children defy raid on their UN camp to retake kite-flying record
Relief Web 29 Jul 2011 – Source: Emirates News Agency Country: occupied Palestinian territory WAM Gaza, 29th July 2011 (WAM) — Defying intimidation, children in Gaza stood their ground to wrestle the world record for kite flying back from China, hours after their United Nations-run summer…
Analysis: Donor aid boosts West Bank infrastructure despite impediments
Relief Web 29 Jul 2011 – Source: Integrated Regional Information Networks Country: occupied Palestinian territory RAMALLAH, 29 July 2011 (IRIN) – West Bank infrastructure projects have increased as a result of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) state-building efforts and increased donor funding, although significant barriers to implementation…
Four Hizbollah members named by UN in Hariri assassination
The National 28 Jul 2011 – The men, who remain at large, are wanted in connection with the 2005 truck bomb that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, with which Hizbollah has denied any link.
Turkey’s top four military chiefs quit ahead of key meeting
Ha’aretz – Head of the armed forces says he quit over jailed officers, in a move that reflects a deep rift between military and government; new ground forces commander appointed.
At least four killed in Syria as Assad’s forces fire tear gas, live ammunition
Ha’aretz – Thousands of demonstrators take to the streets across the country in protest of Bashar Assad’s regime.
UN tribunal names Hezbollah suspects in Hariri assassination
Ha’aretz – Information released in bid to speed up arrest of four Hezbollah members indicted last month for the 2005 killing of ex-Lebanon PM.
Women’s groups join popular protests in Israel
Ha’aretz – WIZO, Na’amat encourage parents to join demonstrations; students launch tent tied to helium balloons outside Tel Aviv’s Akirov towers, throw stink bombs in protest of housing shortage.
Knesset report warned of ‘social time bomb’ three years ago
Ha’aretz – A lack of consistent government policy is pushing up home prices, which could spark widening social gaps, resentment and emigration. Thus declared a report by the Knesset research center – back in 2008.
Carlo Strenger / Israelis demand dignity
Ha’aretz – The protest of the middle class, no longer willing to be milked and abused, may be a first step to cleaning up the mess of Israeli politics.
Jerusalem & Babylon / Neither Marx nor Moses
Ha’aretz – The Jewish war is over, secular capitalism won, and we all just want a decent standard of living.
Gideon Levy / A tale of tent cities
Ha’aretz – For some of the protesters around the country who are demanding affordable housing, it is most definitely not the best of times.
Two killed, 12 injured in clashes with gunmen in Egypt
Ha’aretz – About 150 people, reportedly Islamists, surround police station and destroy statue of former president Anwar Sadat.
Hamas leader: Palestinian UN bid a ‘scam’
Ha’aretz – ‘We are not going to recognize Israel. That is very simple. And we are not going to accept Israel as the owner of one square centimeter,’ says Mahmoud al-Zahar.
Barak: Israel needs a creative way of expressing regret to Turkey without apologizing
Ha’aretz – In a meeting in Washington with U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Defense Minister Ehud Barak discusses Turkey, Iran, Gaza and the housing crisis.
Two die in Taibeh drive-by shooting
Ha’aretz – Police say murder score settling between criminals.
Thousands attend funeral of slain kabbalah rabbi
Ha’aretz – Suspect in stabbing of Rabbi Elazar Abuhatzeira identified as Asher Dahan; Dahan admits to attacking Abuhatzeira at yeshiva in Be’er Sheva.
Striking doctors set up protest tent outside Netanyahu’s office
Ha’aretz – Israel Medical Association intends to present prime minister with a petition with tens of thousands of signatures calling on him to ‘save public medicine’.
Popular kabbalah rabbi Elazar Abuhatzeira stabbed to death in Be’er Sheva
Ha’aretz – The 70-year-old rabbi was the grandson of the Baba Sali; police arrest suspect.
Rights group says 20 protesters killed across Syria
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Fighting between military intelligence forces, residents; clashes in Deir al-Zor in oil-producing east; several injured as forces open fire on anti-Assad demonstrators in Deraa; saboteurs target oil pipeline in Homs.
Mama’s boy
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – The slow-paced Italian film ‘Salt of Life’ still has some spice.
Veterans: A determined couple
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – The Osimos overcame life’s challenges to pursue their dreams.
Two men killed in Taibe drive-by shooting
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Shooting victims sitting in vehicle when 2nd car drove past and bullets sprayed the car, police say; 18 murders in Sharon area since start of year.
Syrian forces kill 4 as protests erupt across country
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Several injured as forces open fire on anti-Assad demonstrators in Deraa; saboteurs target oil pipeline in Homs, state news agency reports; clashes between regime forces, residents in Deir al-Zor.
Turkey’s military chiefs quit ahead of key meeting
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Move reflects deep rift between military and government; dozens of generals in jail for alleged anti-government plots.
Women’s groups call on parents to join housing protest
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Groups including WIZO, Naamat say move is reaction to Finance, Industry Ministries’ proposed solution to childcare law.
Womens groups call on parents to join housing protest
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Groups including WIZO, Naamat say move is reaction to Finance, Industry Ministries’ proposed solution to childcare law.
TA Housing Protest: Stink bombs thrown at Akirov Towers
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Around 20 students from TA University demonstrate outside apartment blocks against high cost of living; balloons released as part of protest.
PM expresses shock at murder of Rabbi Abuchatzeira
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Netanyahu praises work of “spiritual leader who helped so many Israelis”; tens of thousands mourn death of Baba Sali’s grandson.
Right-wing NGO may join housing protest if Hatikva sung
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – “My Israel” chairwoman says protest should be for all Israeli organizations, organizers should not stop demonstrators from singing national anthem.
Polish defense minister quits over damning crash report
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Report lists litany of errors by crew of military plane that crashed in Russia last year killing Poland’s president and 95 others.
Syrian security forces kill 2 people during Deraa protest
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Several also injured as forces open fire on anti-Assad demonstrators; saboteurs target oil pipeline in Homs, state news agency reports; clashes between regime forces, residents in Deir al-Zor.
‘State’s economic growth not improving people’s lives’
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Livni says young generation has lost belief in politicians and the system; slams PM for sticking to economic policies at cost of citizens.
Lebanon tribunal releases Hariri indictment details
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Names of 4 men wanted for the killing of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri released by UN-backed tribunal, all linked to Hezbollah.
Tens of thousands mourn murdered Rabbi Abuchatzeira
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Baba Sali’s grandson murdered by visitor to his yeshiva; suspect, Asher Dahan, remanded for 2 weeks, judge orders psychiatric evaluation.
Cleric signals Egyptian fears about Iran
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Al-Azhar head warns against Shi’ite proselytizing even as bilateral ties with Islamic Republic warm.
Eidelman settles down for Jerusalem Shabbat of hunger
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Doctors’ march culminates at PMO where protest tent erected; hunger-striking IMA chief waiting for Netanyahu to intervene in doctors dispute.
‘Saboteurs target oil pipeline in Syrian city of Homs’
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – State news agency reports attack on oil infrastructure in restive central city; clashes between regime forces, residents in Deir al-Zor.
Pride and transgender discrimination
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – The era in which transgendered people accepted their silencing and their marginalization is coming to an end.
Rabbi Elazar Abuchatzeira to be laid to rest in J’lem
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Baba Sali’s grandson murdered by visitor to his yeshiva; suspect, Rabbi Asher Dahan, remanded for 2 weeks, judge orders psychiatric evaluation.
Israel to grow medical cannabis to keep down prices
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Health Ministry to launch new unit to oversee production in 2012; imports would be tenfold more expensive.
Child in Tanzania undergoes first open-heart surgery
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Group of 20 doctors, nurses staffers from Save a Child’s Heart to perform corrective heart surgery on 10 children in the African country.
‘Anti-Semitism down in UK in first half of 2011’
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Community Security Trust report says anti-Semitism drops 13%; of 284 incidents, 41 were violent assaults, 35 vandalism.
Litterers to face 1-3 years imprisonment, doubled fines
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Starting on October 1, both regular and construction litterers will face a penalty of one-to-three years imprisonment.
Ethiopian olim develop high rate of Type 2 diabetes
Jerusalem Post 29 Jul 2011 – Immigrants are receiving inadequate medical care for the condition, according to a new study by Dr. Anat Jaffe.
Government alarm at citizens’ revolt as tent protests spread
The Guardian 29 Jul 2011 – Anger over rising prices is fuelling ‘Israeli Summer’ and generating widespread support for action Israel’s tent city protests over housing are growing by the day, and the mood of civil activism is spreading to other issues….
U.N. Rights Committee Breaks 43-Year Israeli Taboo on Gaza
IPS When the United Nations General Assembly created a three- member special committee to investigate Israeli human rights violations in occupied territories back in December 1968, the Jewish state reacted with obvious anger.
MOROCCO: Students Seek Training, Not Teaching
IPS Despite 12 years of reform, Morocco’s universities continue to fall short of expectations, with students complaining that the training they get does not meet the demands of the job market.
MIDEAST: Palestinians Prepare for Massive Uprising
IPS Leading members of the Palestinian Popular Committees in the West Bank plan massive civil unrest and disobedience against the Israeli occupation authorities come September when the Palestinians take their case for statehood to the UN.
Growing Evidence That Libyan Rebels Killed Their Military Chief
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – …If the most recent reports are accurate, it would signal serious divisions within the Libyan opposition that could cripple the rebels in their fight against Qaddafi. The AP explains that some of the leaders of the February 17 Martyr’s Brigade are members of an Islamist militant group that Younes and Qaddafi battled in the…
Fatah’s Central Committee: Dahlan was expelled for national security reasons
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – The Central Committee of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) confirmed that the decision to expel Muhammad Dahlan from the movement was taken because of the excesses which he committed. These violations are said to affect the Palestinian national security; including collusion with foreign entities, committing murders over many years, as well as unethical…
Syria News – July 29, 2011
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – … The number of martyrs for today increased to 22 and they are distributed as follows: 7 in Damascus Subrbs; 6 in Deir Ezzor and Boukamal; 3 in Daraa; 2 in Damascus; 1 in each Lattakia and Hama. …. Damascus Suburbs: Kiswa: two martyred children as a result of live ammunition firing which accompanied the storming…
Bahrain marchers not content with reform proposals
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets outside Bahrain’s capital to call for greater democratic freedoms despite government plans to introduce some political reforms. Friday’s march came a day after Bahrain’s king accepted a list of proposed reforms that include strengthening the power of parliament’s lower house, the country’s only elected body….
Yemeni military official says more than 40 killed in fighting between army, tribes
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – Clashes between Yemeni soldiers and armed tribesmen in a mountainous region north of the capital killed at least 40 people on Thursday, a military official said. The fighting in the Arhab region is one example of the wider security collapse across Yemen since the outbreak of a massive uprising seeking to topple President Ali…
Gaza Hospitals Face Major Fuel Shortage
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – Serious fuel shortages in Gaza are about to lead to a “humanitarian catastrophe” according to the director of public medical supplies. Already major hospitals have begun shutting down operating rooms as a result of the shortages according to Ma’an News Agency. The Ministry of Health in Gaza claims that it has only received one…
Witnesses: Settlers set fire to olive trees in Burin
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – — Israeli settlers on Friday torched olive trees in Burin village, south of Nablus, and fired live ammunition at firefighters’ trucks trying to reach the blaze, Palestinian Authority officials said. PA settlement affairs official Ghassan Doughlas said the fire continued to rage as firefighters were unable to reach the area. Witnesses said clashes erupted…
Daily NATO War Crimes in Libya
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – Among them is waging war on truth, Western managed news calling lawless imperial wars liberating ones. No wonder John Pilger says journalism is the first casualty of war, adding: “Not only that: it has become a weapon of war, a virulent censorship (and deception) that goes unrecognised in the United States, Britain and other…
Palestinians Prepare for Massive Uprising
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – Leading members of the Palestinian Popular Committees in the West Bank plan massive civil unrest and disobedience against the Israeli occupation authorities come September when the Palestinians take their case for statehood to the UN. “We plan to take to the streets en masse,” Musa Abu Maria, a leading member of the Popular Committee…
Egypt’s Islamists take over Tahrir Square
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – It was dubbed the “Friday of Unity,” with numerous Egyptian groups from all political walks of life planning to come together in a show of togetherness. Instead, Friday’s protest in Cairo’s Tahrir Square quickly tumbled into a Salafist show of force. Hundreds of thousands of conservative Egyptians, mostly Salafists – those who adhere to…
Talking with Madmen, Playing for Time
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – ….Circumstances aside, there is another factor at play in the recent dearth of posting: the inherent difficulty of saying anything meaningful about a political world that has become almost totally hallucinatory. This is currently being exemplified by the debt-ceiling “crisis.” Every single element of the public presentation of this “crisis” is transparently, even brazenly…
Diaries: Live from Palestine Israel’s prison walls cannot keep us apart
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – It’s been six months since I was in Gaza and I miss everything about it. I miss the company of my large extended family, the delicious food we enjoyed from communal trays as we sat on the ground, the gorgeous sunsets on the beach and the peace of mind and serenity that only come…
US voices commitment to Israel in defense talks
Uruknet July 29, 2011 — The United States on Thursday reiterated its support for a strong military in Israel as Defense Minister Ehud Barak held talks with top leaders in Washington. Barak met separately with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and newly installed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. Both meetings were closed to the press, with officials offering general statements….
UK/US Recognised “Government” Murders Own General
Uruknet July 29, 2011 – Just two days after the UK joined the US and France in recognising the unelected Transitional National Council as the government of Libya, the TNC has murdered its top military commander and two of his aides. To put it mildly, this makes Obama, Sarkozy and Cameron look rather foolish. General Abdel Fatah Younis was…
Iran’s Image Plummets in Arab World, Poll Finds
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – Iranian leaders have tried to portray democracy movements in the Arab world as inspired by their 1979 Islamic revolution and predicted that Iran’s regional support would grow as pro- Western dictators fell. However, a new poll by the Arab American Institute shows approval of Iran’s role in the region plummeting since 2006. The results…
WikiLeaks cables detail US military designs on Haiti
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – WikiLeaks has released cables from the US embassies in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Nassau, Bahamas, detailing the US government’s interest in forming and maintaining a UN military force for the occupation of Haiti after the February 2004 removal of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Mindful of both Haiti’s history as a French colony and the United States’…
Unanswered questions in Norway terror attack
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – It is now almost a week since the fascist atrocity in Norway-the blowing up of government offices in central Oslo, killing eight people, and the cold-blooded murder of 68 young people on the nearby island of Ot??ya. This terrorist attack, the most deadly in post-war Norwegian history, has been consistently reported as the work…
Gaza: Dr. Khamis and his needles
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – I met Dr. Khamis El Essi in November 2008, after arriving in Gaza on Free Gaza’s 3rd voyage to Gaza on the Karama, the Dignity. The Wafa hospital and rehabilitation centre (for people with neurological and spinal ailments, including victims of Israeli attacks, stroke patients and others) is in eastern Gaza, roughly 1 km…
PCHR Condemns Repeated Attacks on UNRWA Summer Games Camps; UNRWA Summer Games Camp Partially Destroyed in West of Beit Lahia
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns attacks launched by unknown persons on UNRWA summer games camps, including the most recent attack this morning on a summer games camp erected on the beach of Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip. PCHR calls upon the office of the Attorney General to open serious investigations into…
Fast Times in Palestine – Book Review
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – The Palestinian cause is universal, covering all of humanity. Pam Olson’s personal journey through Palestine is a vibrant testimony to the strength and endurance of a people suffering under the confines of an occupying force. Creatively written, with short clear character descriptions, clear evocative language that highlights the full range of pathos and love,…
The Imperialist Partition of Libya
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – …The decision to recognize the rebel group as the official government cannot be justified upon real grounds, but only upon propaganda. How can NATO member-states that have waged war in the name of “democracy” and with the excuse of “protecting” civilians, recognize as the official representative of the Libyan people, a group that was…
Iraq snapshot – July 28, 2011
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – …As the day was starting in the US, Tikrit had already been slammed by bombings. Mohammed Tawfeeq (CNN) reports there were two bombings — a car bombing and then a suicide bomber and that 10 people died (besides bomber) and thirty were injured. Al Jazeera counts 12 dead as does Lara Jakes (AP). Jakes…
Syrian protesters ‘forcibly disappeared’ at rate of one every hour, say activists
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – A sweep by government forces has seized one person every hour during the five-month Syrian uprising and detained them in secret, leaving their families no way to locate them, says a human rights group. The group, Avaaz, claims 2,918 people have been “forcibly disappeared” since anti-government demonstrations began in Syria on 15 March. Most…
Qassem Suleimani: the Iranian general ‘secretly running’ Iraq
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – Iraq’s former state security minister, Sharwan al-Waeli is one who knows Suleimani well. A formal conversation between the Guardian and al-Waeli last year took on a very different tone as soon as Suleimani’s name was mentioned. The Shia legislator was a known ally of Iran, so much so that he was seen by secularists…
An un-American response to the Oslo attack
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – …The reaction to the heinous Oslo attack by Norway’s political class has been exactly the opposite: a steadfast refusal to succumb to hysteria and a security-?ºber-alles mentality. The day after the attack — one which, per capita, was as significant for Norway as 9/11 was for the U.S. — Oslo Mayor Fabian Stang, when…
Palestinians fear for ancient West Bank water source
Uruknet July 28, 2011 – Hewn from rock, the cavernous cisterns which dot the desert beyond Bethlehem have for centuries harvested winter rain to provide shepherds and their flocks with water through summer. Under a baking sun, an elderly Bedouin explains how cisterns he remembers from childhood, many of them restored to full working order in the last few…
Thirteen killed in Syria as thousands protest
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 On the eve of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, security forces shot dead up to 13 civilians and wounded dozens more as thousands of Syrians gathered for now-ritual Friday protests calling for regime change.
Mystery surrounds killing of Libyan rebel army chief
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 Tens of thousands gathered in Benghazi Friday for the funeral of slain Libyan rebel military chief, Abdel Fattah Younes.
Iran shelling of Kurdish Iraq kills 10-year-old
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 A 10-year-old Iraqi Kurd has been killed in shelling by Tehran’s forces of Iranian Kurdish rebel bases in north Iraq, an official said Friday.
Maliki to downsize Cabinet, U.S. troop talks shelved
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is due to make a rare appearance before Iraq’s parliament Saturday to push a plan for downsizing a bloated government that critics accuse of inaction.
Jordanians take to streets demanding real reform
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 Over 3,000 Jordanian protesters, mostly opposition Islamists, took to the streets of Amman Friday, calling for genuine regime reforms and condemning attacks against the media.
Parties quit Egypt rally over Islamist ‘hijacking’
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 More than 30 political parties and movements withdrew from a rally Friday that was organized to send a united message to Egypt’s ruling army about reform, saying the event was hijacked by Islamist groups.
Show of the century: Egyptians gear up for Mubarak trail
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 Hosni Mubarak’s trial will be set in a huge Cairo convention center with stadium seating, heavy security and a metal defendants’ cage large enough to hold the man who ruled Egypt unchallenged for three decades…
Clashes continue to erupt in Yemendespite protesters’ calls for Friday of Patience rallies
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 Clashes between Yemeni opposition groups and the government forces erupted again in Yemen Friday, as increasingly frustrated protesters, camped in the capital Sanaa for months…
Turkish government, military rift deepens as top brass stand down
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 Turkey said Friday its top four military chiefs were all seeking retirement, in moves that appeared to reflect a deep rift between the secularist military and a government with roots in political Islam.
Tens of thousands protest Bahrain dialogue
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 Tens of thousands marched outside Bahrain’s capital Manama Friday to protest against the results of a National Dialogue they said had failed to bring real democratic reform in the Gulf island kingdom.
Younes killing takes sheen off Libyan rebel gains
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 The unexplained killing of Libya’s rebel military commander will further undermine outside confidence in an already fragmented opposition, with some suspecting an internal feud is to blame.
Kurdish leader Ocalan calls off peace talks
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 Jailed Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan has said he will end peace negotiations with the Turkish government and has demanded his release, the pro-Kurdish Firat news agency said Friday.
Dahlan flees to Jordan, blasts Abbas over raid
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 Former Fatah leader Mohammad Dahlan issued a scathing attack on rival Fatah President Mahmoud Abbas Friday after the Palestinian security forces raided his house in Ramallah and arrested his guards Thursday.
Israel dilutes apology to Turkey with caveat
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak floated a watered-down apology to Turkey Friday for the killing of nine of its citizens aboard a pro-Palestinian activist ship that tried to run the Gaza Strip blockade.
Lebanon’s last Arabic scribes struggle in IT age
Daily Star 29 Jul 2011 Lebanon’s few remaining Arabic calligraphers, whose elegant script and interweaving words transport one to another era, are working to preserve an art form struggling to compete with new technology.
Survey: Wilders anti-Islamic rhetoric fine
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – A majority of Dutch believe that Geert Wilders, the anti-immigration politician much admired by Norway’s mass murderer, does not need to tone down his inflammatory … ….
Egypt army fires at infiltrators, hits IDF jeep
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – Close call on southern border: The vehicle of an IDF regiment commander was damaged early Friday after Egyptian forces apparently fired at a group of infiltrators trying … ….
TV: Turkey’s military chiefs resign
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – The head of the Turkish armed forces General Isik Kosaner along with the heads of the ground, naval and air forces have resigned, broadcaster CNN Turk reported on Friday, … ….
Look at my butt! Airport guards embarrass Israel
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – Russian photographer Julia Burulyova says she received an irritating “souvenir” from her recent visit to Israel: Airport guards who confiscated her camera for an … ….
4 suspects in Hariri killing named
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – The UN-backed Lebanon tribunal released on Friday the names, photographs and details of four men wanted for the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik … ….
Slain Beersheba rabbi laid to rest
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – Tens of thousands of people on Friday attended the funeral of Rabbi Elazar Abuhatzeira, who was stabbed to death Thursday night by a man seeking marital advice at his … ….
Doctors camp outside PM’s Office
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – Some 100 doctors and residents completed their protest march to Jerusalem on Friday morning and set up a protest tent outside the Prime Minister’s Office. The … ….
Hundreds protest cost of living in Tel Aviv
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – Demonstrators protesting petrol prices block main road, hold signs reading,….
Blast targets oil pipeline in Syria
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – State television describes incident in western town of Talkalakh as ‘terrorist’….
Rabbi stabbed to death in Beersheba
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – Rabbi Elazar Abuhatzeira, 70, grandson of known kabbalist ‘Baba Sali’, attacked….
Likud activists want Steinitz fired
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – On backdrop of growing social protest, group of ruling party members trying to….
Barak: We must apologize for flotilla errors
YNet News, 29 Jul 2011 – Series of meetings with US administration officials reinforces defense….
Parents stage ‘stroller protest’
YNet News, 28 Jul 2011 – Middle class’ social protest widens as thousands of parents across Israel stage….
Palestinian Information Center
Military court in Nablus postpone trial, families of prisoners call for protest
PIC – The PA military court in Nablus decided on Thursday to postpone the trial of nine political prisoners, while families of political prisoners called for a sit-in on Saturday.
Two prominent Hamas figures released from occupation jails
PIC – Israeli occupation authorities released on Thursday evening two prominent Hamas figures; Mustafa al-Shinnar, lectrurer at Njah university in Nablus, and Yaser Dardasawi, a refugee’s rights activist.
Large protest march in al-Khalil to protest political detention
PIC – A large demonstration took place in al-Khalil on Thursday to protest political detention by the PA and to condemn threats made by PA security agencies to participants in weekly demonstrations.
IOF arrest lawmaker Khaled Abu Tous, Hamas leader Mustafa Abu Arra
PIC – IOF troops on Friday morning arrested two Hamas prominent leaders in the districts of Jenin and Toubas; Sheikh Khalid Abu Tous, lawmaker representing Toubas and Sheikh Mustafa Abu Arra.
PA Security detain a Palestinian youth
PIC – PA security detained on Wednesday 17-year-old Abdel-Aziz Mari’ after raiding his home in the village of Qarawat Bani Hassan.
PA security release Mahmoud Arouri
PIC – PA General Intelligence the Mukhabarat released political detainee Muhammad Naim al-Arouri on Friday morning after he went on a hunger strike over the past 23 days.
IOF intensify presence in and around Jerusalem on the eve of Ramadan
PIC – IOF troops have increased their presence in and around the occupied city of Jerusalem and tightened measures on all roads leading from the West Bank to Jerusalem on the eve of Ramadan.
By Boat, Air and Bike UK Activists Pedal to Palestine
WAFA
Settlers Harass Palestinian Shepherds, Attack International Observers
WAFA
Abu Rudeineh: No Talks with Israel
WAFA
PCC Declares Full Support to Going to UN
WAFA
The Big Picture: War on Libya is War on Entire Africa
Intifada-Palestine: 29 Jul 2011 – In 2010 Gaddafi offered to invest $97 billion in Africa to free it from Western influence, on condition that African states rid themselves of corruption and nepotism. Gaddafi always dreamed of a Developed, United Africa and was about to make that… more
Libyan rebels’ military chief of staff slain
LA Times 28 Jul 2011 – Questions swirl about the death of Gen. Abdul Fatah Younis, who had defected in February but aroused suspicion of continuing loyalty to Kadafi. News reports say he was in rebel custody at the time of the attack. The chief of staff for rebel forces fighting…
Four top Turkish military figures apparently resign
LA Times 29 Jul 2011 – The departures appear to be in response to further attempts by charismatic Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan to boost civilian control of the military after the victory of his Islamic-rooted party. The rift between Turkey’s once-dominant military old guard and its rising Islamist political elite…
Israel rent protests underscore middle class frustration
LA Times 29 Jul 2011 – A Tel Aviv tent encampment may not be the start of a Tahrir Square-style revolt, but Israeli student protests over rising rents are presenting Israel’s government with its biggest domestic challenge. The burgeoning tent encampment along this city’s elegant Rothschild Boulevard may not be the…
Islamists Flood Square in Cairo in Show of Strength
New York Times 29 Jul 2011 – Tens of thousands of people poured into Cairo’s Tahrir Square in demand of a religious state, providing a visual reminder that religious conservatives remain a force.
Bomb Hits Syrian Pipeline as Protests Continue
New York Times 29 Jul 2011 – The Syrian government said on Friday that an oil pipeline had been hit by a bomb in what authorities called a terrorist attack, as the country’s uprising continued with the Friday protests.
On Religion: A War-Hardened Filmmaker Delves Into Islam
New York Times 29 Jul 2011 – For Greg Barker, the International Holy Koran Competition in Cairo became the subject of his documentary “Koran by Heart,” and shined a light another world.
Soldiers and Tribesmen Clash in Yemen
New York Times 29 Jul 2011 – The clashes in the Arhab region were part of a wider collapse in security across Yemen since the outbreak of an uprising six months ago that seeks to topple President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Daily Star: For human rights advocates, boycotting Israel is a no-brainer
Jewish Voice for Peace –
Maybe this will help on that debt ceiling crisis?
Mondoweiss – Congrats to Code Pink for the great light show last night…. Photo from Medea Benjamin.
‘Intelligence’ and Islamophobia – PowerPointed and neoconned
Mondoweiss – A barely legible 2009 FBI PowerPoint on “Islam” has come down the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) line at a very unfortunate time following the right-wing terrorist attacks in Norway. But it is very much part of that tragedy. The 62-slide PowerPoint presentation, which the FBI…
Silverstein says he’s been banned at Daily Kos
Mondoweiss – Richard Silverstein believes he’s been banned from posting at Daily Kos because of his non-Zionist politics. And it happened lately. Girding up its loins for the 2012 cycle?
Anti-boycott law scores own goal: int’l LGBT youth group takes its gen’l assembly out of Israel
Mondoweiss – The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Youth and Student Organization (IGLYO) have released a joint Statement with Israel Gay Youth (IGY) on the former’s decision to withdraw this year’s General Assembly (GA) from Israel. InJune, Palestinian Queer organizations had called on IGLYO Member Organizations (MO)…
What does secular mean? ‘J Street’ official says American Jews ‘ideally’ want the whole ‘land of Israel’
Mondoweiss – Last Sunday night I went to hear a J Street director speak in Cape Cod, in a community with many Jews, and I kept looking around the room for ones I knew from my childhood summers. Only one—and afterward I had a fight with my mother…
Settler MKs Welcome Russian Neo-Nazi Holocaust Deniers to Knesset, Yad VaShem
Tikun Olam – When an Israeli reader sent this story to me I couldn’t believe the headline summarized above. Further, in this day and age of Norwegian neo-Nazi, anti-jihadi attacks which wrap themselves in the Israeli flag, this story is simply mind-blowing. Russian neo-Nazis parade displaying Hitler salute before…
Truthout Publishes My Latest Piece on Possible Israeli Attack on Iran
Tikun Olam – I’ve distilled my reporting on Iran in the past month and added some new material in this new piece published today at Truthout : Senior Israeli, US Intelligence Figures Warn of Israeli Attack Against Iran . The heading above the title says it has 108,000 Facebook Likes….
Fatah’s Central Committee: Dahlan was expelled for national security reasons
Middle East Monitor 29 Jul 2011 – The Central Committee of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) confirmed that the decision to expel Muhammad Dahlan from the movement was taken because of the excesses which he committed. These violations are said to affect the Palestinian national security; including collusion with foreign entities, committing…
Jewish association launches tourism project promoting the West Bank as “part of Israel”
Middle East Monitor 29 Jul 2011 – Hebrew press sources have unveiled a tourism project that urges Israeli citizens to visit the occupied West Bank and learn about its history and landmarks as “part of the State of Israel”. According to the Thursday (28/7) edition of Haaretz newspaper, a new Israeli association…
Gaza government inaugurates agricultural projects
Middle East Monitor 29 Jul 2011 – EXCLUSIVE PICTURES Gaza’s Prime Minister, Ismail Haniya, has inaugurated a number of agricultural projects on land formerly occupied by Israeli settlers. The government is now taking advantage of the ample agricultural land reclaimed from the settlers to cultivate much needed crops while providing employment to dozens…
Israel establishes diplomatic ties with South Sudan
Middle East Monitor 29 Jul 2011 – Tel Aviv officially announced the establishment of diplomatic ties with the State of South Sudan, according to a joint agreement between the two parties. The Hebrew radio said on Thursday 28 July that during the coming period, bilateral talks between Israel and the Sudan will take…
Egypt Islamists lead Cairo rally
BBC 29 Jul 2011 – Tens of thousands pack Cairo’s Tahrir Square, after Islamists make their first call for nationwide demonstrations since President Mubarak’s ousting.
Mass protests held across Syria
BBC 29 Jul 2011 – Tens of thousands of Syrians turn out for Friday protests against the rule of President Assad, while a blast damages an oil pipeline in the west.
UN tribunal names Hariri suspects
BBC 29 Jul 2011 – A UN-backed tribunal releases the names of four suspects – all linked to Hezbollah – indicted in the assassination of Lebanese ex-PM Rafik Hariri.
Lower the Debt — End U.S. Military Aid to Israel: 10 Things You Can Do!
US Campaign to End the Occupation 29 Jul 2011 – July 28, 2011
Articles
The sham solidarity of Israel’s Zionist left
Budour Youssef Hassan, Electronic Intifada7/28/2011
On 15 July, thousands of Israelis marched in occupied East Jerusalem to show their support for a Palestinian “state” in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Portrayed by its Israeli organizers as a joint Palestinian-Israeli march and ornamented with the slogans of “shared struggle” and “solidarity,” the Palestinian participation in the event was however scarce — a fraction of those in attendance were Palestinians. This event came a few weeks after a similar march in Tel Aviv, and while the Jerusalem march garnered more publicity due to its location, both events expose the failures of the purported solidarity of the Israeli Zionist “left” with the Palestinians.
The term solidarity — much like co-existence — is so overused in the liberal Zionist discourse as to render it meaningless. The misconception of solidarity raises the question: what does solidarity mean and, more specifically, when can an act carried out by Israelis in the name of supporting Palestinians be considered an act of true solidarity?
Can every instance of Israelis flocking to the streets chanting “End the occupation” be blithely described as solidarity? Should every occasion of Israelis carrying Palestinian flags be ecstatically celebrated as a major boost for the Palestinian cause? Should Palestinians be simply grateful that, amid the increasing construction of settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the overwhelming surge of racism in Israeli society, there are still some Israeli voices willing to “recognize” a Palestinian state?
When persons in a position of privilege formulate and design a solution and impose it on a colonized and occupied people as the only viable solution and the “sole remaining constructive step,” as the 15 July call to action put it, this is not solidarity but rather another form of occupation. Solidarity means not telling people what you think their problem is, let alone telling them what you think the solution should be. Solidarity means not agreeing on everything or even agreeing on a fixed solution but fighting for a shared cause irrespective of the differences. more.. e-mail
In the Jordan Valley, existence is resistance
Jillian Kestler-DAmours, Al Jazeera7/29/2011
For Palestinians living amid increasing Israeli repression, simply staying put is a success in its own right.
The Israeli army destroyed water wells and confiscated water pumps in three separate Palestinian communities in the northern Jordan Valley on July 12. A few weeks earlier, Israeli military officers and police razed 29 homes in the Bedouin village of Hadidiya, leaving dozens of residents, including 11 children, without shelter in the scorching summer heat.
As this was happening, the Israeli government quietly announced its plan to double the size of illegal Israeli agricultural settlements in the Jordan Valley, which already use the vast majority of the area’s water resources and land.
More specifically, the plan would give Israeli settlers living in the Jordan Valley access to an additional 54,000 dunums of land to cultivate – bringing their total to approximately 110,000 dunums – and up to 51 cubic metres of water (51,000 litres) annually. One dunum is equivalent to 1,000 square metres.
Already, Israeli settlers in the Jordan Valley consume more water than in any other West Bank settlements, and approximately three times the daily household consumption of families living inside Israel itself. The dichotomy is even more severe when looking at some Palestinian communities in the Jordan Valley, where water consumption is less than 40 per cent of the minimum level recommended by the World Health Organisation.
“This policy aims to make an ethnic cleansing from the Jordan Valley of the Palestinian people and replace them with newcomers, Jewish people from all over the world. This is a state policy,” said Fathy Khdirat, a Palestinian resident of the Jordan Valley and Coordinator of the Jordan Valley Solidarity campaign. more.. e-mail
Palestinian Authority; Running on Empty
Sami Jamil Jadallah, Palestine Note7/25/2011
Perhaps it would do Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad good to pick up the phone, better yet to take the short walk to the office of the Israeli Military Governor for Judea and Samaria (the Boss), and ask for the $300 million needed by the Palestinian Authority. That $300 million should represent the first of many payments to come for services rendered to the Israeli Occupation since Oslo. Israel owes the PLO/PA some $ 50 billion for services rendered.
For over a year, we’ve been told of the PA’s work on its “state institutional building” in anticipation of the declaration of the independent Palestinian state and we hear the praise of such programs from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. However, the performance of the World Bank and IMF in this messed up world economy raises lots of valid questions about the roles, if not the competency, of these two institutions to solve the worlds’ problems.
Now in July 2011, we are told Fayyad and the PA are unable to pay its employees’ salaries and that the government does not even have enough money to keep running for the next month. So where is this great success the World Bank and IMF are talking about?
Perhaps someone from the World Bank and the IMF can explain to all of us, what kind of “state” Fayyad runs if it does not even have enough money to keep going for one more month and is living on the dole of international welfare. This also raises the question of whether the Palestinians really want to have a state that is totally dependent on international welfare. We know they accepted to rely on UNRWA for over 60 years.
Just what kind of state are the guys in Ramallah talking about? And just what kind of “institutional building” has been going on all this time? To date, we are still not aware of any efforts or plans underway to building governing institutions that are transparent and accountable to the people and can withstand public scrutiny. more.. e-mail
New moves to curb criticism of Israel in US and Canada
Electronic Intifada: 29 Jul 2011 – Kristin Szremski The Electronic Intifada A number of new initiatives to curtail freedom of speech by conflating opposition to Israeli crimes with anti-Semitism are underway in the United States and Canada.more
Palestinian Christians protest Anglican chief’s occupation blindspot
Electronic Intifada: 29 Jul 2011 – Sarah Irving The Electronic Intifada Comments by Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the Anglican and Episcopalian churches worldwide, have aroused anger among Palestinian Christians.more
September’s Hope?
Palestine Chronicle: 29 Jul 2011 – By Tamar Fleishman While attending a march of support of the establishment a Palestinian state, a reporter from the Canadian television interviewed me. He asked whether I thought the Palestinians should take a non-violent approach in order to achieve their goals. I replied that the Palestinians must be masters of their own fate and that I am not in a position to advise them on that. The question regarding non-violent resistance in relations to the upcoming “September”; “September” as a metaphor, reminded me of an event I had witnessed one evening at Bir-Zait checkpoint, an event that to me is a model and sign of true spirit. I bring forth the documentation of the events I had witnessed that evening, as a symbol of hope towards the upcoming September: One afternoon at Bir Zait checkpoint: “This isn’t a checkpoint, it’s an inspection post”- said the soldier that was trying to…more
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The New Dark Age 