14 October 2011 , 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Bilin Weekly Protest Expresses Support To Striking Detainees
IMEMC – Saturday October 15, 2011 – 02:50, Dozens of Palestinians, international and Israeli piece activists, held their weekly nonviolent protest against the Annexation Wall and Settlements, in Bilin village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, and marched in solidarity with the Palestinian detainees holding their ongoing hunger strike in Israeli prisons.
Troops Suppress Kafr Qaddoum March In Solidarity With Striking Detainees
IMEMC – Friday October 14, 2011 – 17:27, The Israeli military attacked participants at the weekly protest in Kafr Qaddoum village, near the northern West Bank city of Qalqilia. The march was organized by Fateh movement to protest the Israeli closure of the main street of the village .
Israeli Settlers Invade Neighborhoods in I’rtas Village
IMEMC – Friday October 14, 2011 – 13:27, Hundreds of Israeli settlers invaded Sha’ab Salman and al-Nahleh neighborhoods in the village of I’rtas just south of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, to establish a base, the Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) reported on Friday.
Names Of The Prisoners Who Are To Be Freed In First Phase Of The Swap Are Released
IMEMC – Friday October 14, 2011 – 12:02, Abu Mojahed, spokesperson of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, stated that implementation of the first phase of the prisoner-swap deal will be next Tuesday, the Palestinian news agency, Ma’an reported.
PCHR Weekly Report: 1 Palestinian Dead, 3 Wounded, 17 Adults & 7 Children Abducted By Israeli Troops
IMEMC – Friday October 14, 2011 – 11:30, In its Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 6th — 12th October 2011, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights reported that a Palestinian civilian died of wounds he had sustained in the Gaza Strip in 2003.
Ankara To Host 40 Freed Palestinian Detainees
IMEMC – Friday October 14, 2011 – 10:50, The Hurriyet Daily News in Turkey has reported that Ankara will host forty Palestinian detainees who are to be freed under the prisoner-swap deal between Israel and Hamas. Israel rejected the idea of exiling them to Egypt, Lebanon or Syria.
Protest To Be Held In Nazareth In Support Of Striking Detainees
IMEMC – Friday October 14, 2011 – 07:09, Thousands will gather for a popular protest in Nazareth to express solidarity with the Palestinian political prisoners held in dozens of Israeli prisons and detention centres across the country. The demonstration will take place on Friday at 5 PM, at the Al ‘Ein Square in the city.
PCHR: Blockade Must Be Lifted After Swap Deal Is Concluded
IMEMC – Thursday October 13, 2011 – 22:19, The Palestinian Center for Human Right (PCHR) confirmed Thursday morning that once the prisoners swap deal is concluded, the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip must be removed, adding that the collective punishment Gazans are undergoing must be ended as well.
Israel’s new settler build cuts off Bethlehem and Jerusalem
10/14/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel has formally submitted plans for a new settlement neighborhood of 2,610 homes in annexed East Jerusalem, Peace Now said on Friday. East Jerusalem’s first new district in 14 years, Givat HaMatos, lies within Bethlehem’s original municipal borders and will cut off the West Bank city from East Jerusalem….
Israeli forces ‘block olive harvest in Nablus’
10/14/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli forces blocked villagers in Nablus from harvesting olives on lands near Israeli settlements on Friday, locals told Ma’an. Israeli troops told harvesters in Qaryut and Azmut villages that security coordination had expired and blocked them from picking olives, a Ma’an correspondent said. International activists accompanying farmers….
Rights group: Teenage detainee’s health at risk
10/14/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) —The Israeli prison service is responsible for the life of a teenage prisoner detained in Hebron last week, a detainees’ center said Thursday. Majed Jaradat, 17, is being held at Etzion prison in Israel, the center said in a statement. He was last detained when he was 13, and was….
Detained in the 70s – What Nael Barghouthi missed
10/14/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — When Israel arrested Nael Barghouthi, CDs, Windows and Walkmans had not been invented yet. There was no World Wide Web, and a 23-year-old Steve Jobs had recently given his first TV interview. There was no such thing as DNA fingerprinting. Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year presidency had yet to….
Rabin memorial trashed in prisoner deal protest
10/14/2011 – TEL AVIV (Reuters) — A monument commemorating Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was defaced early on Friday, in an apparent protest against the upcoming release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a captured Israeli soldier. White paint was spilled over the monument, and the words “price tag” and “free Yigal Amir,” Rabin’s convicted assassin….
Hamas: Barghouti part of prisoner exchange until ‘last minute’
10/14/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian officials on Thursday jousted over the terms of a prisoner exchange deal agreed between Hamas and Israel. Israel is set to free more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for the release of Israeli solider Gilad Shalit who is captivity in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. But many prominent figures in Israeli jail….
Report: Turkey will host all exiled Palestinian prisoners
10/14/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Turkey will take in the 40 Palestinian prisoners set for exile abroad as part of an exchange deal between Hamas and Israel, Turkish media reported on Friday. Israel refused to deport the prisoners — part of the first round of 450 set be released this week — to Egypt, Lebanon or Syria, according….
Bethlehem holds mass for Egyptian Christians
10/14/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Reuters) — Dozens of Palestinian Christians attended a mass in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Thursday in honor of the 25 people killed in Egypt in clashes between Christian protesters and military police. In the worst violence since Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February, armored vehicles sped into a crowd on Sunday during….
Arab League: ICC should probe detainees’ status
10/14/2011 – CAIRO (Reuters) — The Arab League on Thursday called on the United Nations General Assembly to request a probe into the legal status of Palestinians in Israeli prisons. The UN General Assembly is expected to pass the request to the Hague International Criminal Court. Palestinian Authority Minister of Prisoner Affairs Issa Qaraqe told a news conference….
Haniyeh: Gaza paid ‘dear price’ to free prisoners
10/14/2011 – GAZA CITY (Reuters) — Days ahead of a prisoner swap deal with Israel, the prime minister of the Palestinian government in Gaza said the people there paid a “dear price” to free detainees. Ismail Haniyeh said Friday that “Our people today will harvest the fruit of one destination of Jihad and steadfastness.”Gaza has paid a….
Shalit captors to keep quiet after prisoners exchanged
10/14/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — One of the groups that helped capture Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit said Friday his location and circumstances of capture would not be revealed even after next week’s exchange of prisoners. Popular Resistance Committees spokesman Abu Mujahed said the circumstances of Shalit’s capture would be kept secret….
Finland to host Mideast nuclear weapons conference
10/14/2011 – UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — The United Nations on Friday named Finland to host a sensitive conference next year on making the Middle East free of nuclear arms and weapons of mass destruction. A Finnish government envoy will also take charge of international efforts to convince arch-rivals Iran and Israel to attend the meeting. Preparations are going….
In photos: Rally for Palestinian prisoners in Lebanon
10/14/2011 – Reuters / Sharif Karim – Lebanese and Palestinians carry banners and Palestinian flags as they take part in a protest calling for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, near the International Committee of Red Cross offices in Beirut, October 14, 2011. Israel and Hamas agreed Tuesday to swap more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for an….
EU ‘regrets’ Israeli mosque demolition
10/14/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — EU representatives said on Thursday they “regret” Israel’s demolition of a mosque in northern West Bank village Khirbet Yarza, a statement said. On Tuesday, Head of Al-Malha village council Aref Daraghma told Ma’an that Israeli bulldozers and civil administration officials demolished the mosque, which is less than….
Obama demands answers from Iran over envoy plot
10/14/2011 – WASHINGTON (AFP) —US President Barack Obama demanded answers from the pinnacle of Iran’s government over an alleged plot to kill the Saudi envoy to Washington and said the facts of the plan were not in dispute. [!] But he also declined to say whether US officials believed that the alleged scheme was endorsed at….
UN rights boss warns of possible civil war in Syria
10/14/2011 – GENEVA (Reuters) — The United Nations top human rights official called on Friday for international action to protect Syria’s civilians, saying its “ruthless repression” of anti-government protesters could drive the country into full-blown civil war. The death toll in the pro-democracy demonstrations that began in March against President Bashar Assad now exceeds 3,000, including….
Iran denies direct contact with US over alleged plot
10/14/2011 – TEHRAN (AFP) — Iran denied any direct contact with its arch-foe, the United States, over the alleged plot to kill the Saudi ambassador in Washington, a day after Washington unveiled existence of such contacts, media reported on Friday. The Iranian mission to the United Nations denied “direct contact” between Iranian and American officials adding: “No such….
Egyptians blame military of protesters death
AlJazeera 14 Oct 2011 – Military council rejects Hazem el-Beblawi’s resignation after he had quit in protest over clashes that left 26 dead.
Obama steps up pressure on Iran over ‘plot’, Obama steps up pressure on Iran over ‘plot’
AlJazeera 14 Oct 2011 – Al-Aqsa TV station’s website publishes list of prisoners slated to be freed in exchange for Israel soldier Gilad Shalit.
Twin explosions kill many in Iraq’s Sadr City
AlJazeera 14 Oct 2011 – US president says Tehran knew of alleged Saudi envoy murder plot and that US will explore all options over its response.
Settlers Enter Palestinian Land in Khallet al-Nahleh and Artas
PNN – WafaOn Friday, Israeli settlers broke into Khallet al-Nahleh and Artas, two villages south of Bethlehem in an alleged attempt to expand the nearby settlement of Efrat. Awad Abu Swei, a spokesman for…
Israeli Soldiers Attack Youth from Jerusalem at al-Walajeh Entrance
PNN – PNNOn Thursday night, a Palestinian youth from Jerusalem named Ahmed Ibrahim Kanter was severely beaten at the entrance to the village of al-Walajeh, northwest of Bethlehem. A secure local source said that…
PNN Obtains Names of 450 Palestinian Prisoners to be Freed
PNN – PNNOn Thursday, the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Information Center released the list of 450 Palestinian prisoners to be released in the first phase of the recently signed Gilad Shalit deal. The list was confirmed…
PNN Obtains Names of Over 350 Palestinian Prisoners to be Freed
PNN – PNNOn Thursday, the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Information Center released a partial and unofficial list of Palestinian prisoners to be released as part of the recently signed Gilad Shalit deal. The final number of…
PNN Obtains Names of 41 Jerusalem Prisoners to be Released
PNN – PNNThe Palestine News Network (PNN) obtained a list of 41 Palestinian prisoners from Jerusalem who are due to be relased as part of the recently agreed deal between Hamas and Israel, among…
Settlers Attack School, Forcing Students to Study at Checkpoint
PNN – WafaOn Tuesday, after a settlers attack on Qurtuba Girls’ School in Hebron, students were forced to continue their studies at the nearby Israeli checkpoint. This is the third day the students have…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Closure of Gaza Must Be Lifted as Shalit’s Pretext Diminished
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Thursday, 13 October 2011
Military Court in Gaza Issues Three New Death Sentences
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Thursday, 13 October 2011
International Solidarity Movement
Military court rejects motion to release Bassem Tamimi
10/14/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 12 October 2011, Popular Struggle Coordination Committee – A judge at the Ofer Military Court ruled yesterday that Palestinian protest organizer, Bassem Tamimi, will remain in prison indefinitely, until the end of his trial. The judge denied a motion filed by Tamimi’s defense lawyer, adv. Labib Habib, to revisit a prior decision to hold….
Occupy Wall Street not Palestine!
10/14/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 13 October 2011, Palestinian BDS National Committee – Occupy Wall Street not Palestine! We are part of the world’s 99% yearning for freedom, justice and equal rights! “If a people one day wills to live fate must answer its call. And the night must fade and the chain must break” – Abou-Al-kacem El-Chebbi (Tunisia) – The…. Related: Palestinian BDS National Committee
VIDEO – Palestinian hunger strike continues despite Israeli prisoner swap
10/14/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – The Real News Network – Thousands are demanding better treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and the release of prominent activists…. Related: Video: The Real News Network
The lonely olive tree of Bil’in
10/14/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – Near theconcrete wallwhich separatesBil’infrom ModiinIllitcolony, occupied byultra-Orthodox Jews, there isanolive tree. It is impossible to knowhow it survived the constructionof the walland how it continuesto resist to thelack ofa few caresthatthespecie demands – a lack caused by theIsraeli barbed wire fencethat prevents the accessof the residents to the point….
Secretary-General deeply concerned at efforts to advance planning for new Israeli settlements in occupied East Jerusalem; reiterates such activity ‘must cease’
Relief Web 14 Oct 2011 – Source: UN Secretary-General Country: occupied Palestinian territory SG/SM/13879 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at continued efforts to advance planning for new Israeli settlements in occupied East…
IFJ accuses Hamas of political interference after takeover of Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate office in Gaza
Relief Web 14 Oct 2011 – Source: International Federation of Journalists , International Freedom of Expression Exchange Country: occupied Palestinian territory (IFJ/IFEX) – 12 October 2011 – The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today accused the Hamas administration in Gaza of attempting to destabilize the leadership of…
Syria revolt brings hope for families of missing Lebanese
Relief Web 13 Oct 2011 – Source: Agence France-Presse Country: Syrian Arab Republic (the) , Lebanon , occupied Palestinian territory By Natacha Yazbeck (AFP) BEIRUT ‚Äî The seven-month-old revolt in neighbouring Syria has given hope to Lebanese families trying to find what happened to thousands of loved…
UAE Red Crescent visited Palestinian camps in Lebanon
Relief Web 13 Oct 2011 – Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: Lebanon , occupied Palestinian territory 13 October 2011 Beirut A delegation from the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Society (UAERC) visited Palestinian camps in Lebanon accompanied by…
Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine: Report of the Secretary-General (A/66/367—S/2011/585)
Relief Web 13 Oct 2011 – Source: UN General Assembly , UN Security Council Country: occupied Palestinian territory , Egypt , Israel General Assembly Sixty-sixth session Agenda items 36 and 37 The situation in the Middle East Question of Palestine Security Council Sixty-sixth year Summary The present report is…
Local EU Statement: Demolition of a Palestinian mosque in Khirbet Yarza situated in Area C in the Northern West Bank
Relief Web 13 Oct 2011 – Source: European Union Country: occupied Palestinian territory , Israel The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah regret the recent demolition of a mosque in the village of Khirbet Yarza situated in Area C in the Northern West Bank. This is the…
Israeli forces close entrances of Beit Ummer
14 Oct 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli occupation forcesclosed on Friday evening all entrances of Beit Ummer town, north of Hebron governorate.
Settlers attack Irraq Burin farmers
14 Oct 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli settlers attacked on Friday Palestinian farmers who were trying to harvest their olive trees in the village of Irraq Burin, southwest of Nablus.
Turkey aided effort to free Israeli soldier but relations still frosty
The National 13 Oct 2011 – Analysts warn that it was too early to tell whether Turkey’s involvement in freeing an Israeli soldier will lead to improved ties with Israel.
Hamas and Israel realize cooperation is mutually beneficial
The National 13 Oct 2011 – Israel and Hamas recognise that their ceasefire and commercial cooperation are mutually beneficial in buying time and bolstering flagging support at home, analysts say.
Kuwait unions oppose proposal to punish strikers
The National 13 Oct 2011 – A panel charged with ending growing labour unrest in Kuwait is considering a law that would punish striking civil servants.
Thousands stage pro-Assad rally in Syria
The National 12 Oct 2011 – State media claim one million attended, but opposition figures dismiss the rally as carefully stage-managed.
German intel chief: Shalit return will be a proud moment for my country
Ha’aretz – Ernst Uhrlau hails operation ‘a huge success;’ German intelligence officials warn however that situation is still fragile.
Suspect in vandalism of Rabin memorial: Shalit family traded Israel for their son
Ha’aretz – Speaking to Haaretz just hours before vandalizing Tel Aviv memorial for the slain PM, Shvuel Schijveschuurder protested the release of his family’s murderers for the abducted IDF soldier.
Report: Saudi officials warned of Iran plot to attack Israel embassy in Argentina
Ha’aretz – Saudi officials advised Argentina four months ago of alleged Iran-backed plot to kill Saudi ambassador to Washington, possibly attack Israel, Argentine source say.
Finland to chair international conference on nuclear-free Mideast
Ha’aretz – Conference to be held in 2012, with the aim of a achieving a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
PA cuts ties with pro-Palestinian U.S. lobby over criticism of UN statehood bid
Ha’aretz – Palestinian leadership reportedly cut ties with American Task Force on Palestine after lobby officials voiced concern that a move for statehood recognition would lead to violence in the West Bank.
Come Sukkot, many Israelis build a home away from home
Ha’aretz – Prefab sukkot and decorations made in China may be all the rage, but some still prefer building and decorating the temporary abodes themselves, whether the walls be made of wood or bedsheets.
From Facebook to the Second Lebanon War – what happened while Shalit was imprisoned?
Ha’aretz – Haaretz takes a look at some of the events that occurred in Israel and around the world in the five years Gilad Shalit was held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
Thousands of Islamic protesters try to storm Tunisian Prime Minister’s office
Ha’aretz – In largest protest by Islamists in capital, protesters demand imposition of Islamic law in country, considered the birthplace of ‘Arab Spring.’
Clashes in Syria uprising leave at least 14 dead
Ha’aretz – Residents warn of a severe humanitarian crisis in several neighborhoods in Homs.
Iran denies U.S. claim that countries had contact over assassination plot
Ha’aretz – U.S. State Department said Thursday there has been ‘direct contact’ with Tehran after foiling an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Saudi Ambassador in Washington.
German mediator explains intelligence agency’s role in Shalit deal
Ha’aretz – Speaking to reporters, top German intelligences officials laud prisoner exchange deal, warning, however, that the situation was still fragile.
Israeli man vandalizes Rabin memorial in protest of Shalit deal
Ha’aretz – WATCH: Shvuel Schijveschuurder,who lost his parents and three of his siblings in ‘Sbarro’ terror attack, vandalizes memorial after discovering two of Palestinians responsible for the attack to be released as part of deal.
Dankner selling Super-Sol for NIS 2.4b
Ha’aretz – The first serious financial reaction to the social protest?
BoI: Pyramids endanger everyone’s economic stability
Ha’aretz – BoI: Controlling owners exploit minority shareholders by sucking out the cash from the companies within the pyramid, which destabilizes the financial situation of the firms in a fashion that endangers the entire Israeli financial system.
Changing money at the airport to cost more
Ha’aretz – Israel Airports Authority cancels clause that limits the fees airport banks can charge for changing money.
The true barriers to integrating Haredim into the workforce
Ha’aretz – There has been change, as the government wants and had believed. The question is whether we are doing enough to enable a breakthrough in Haredi workforce participation.
Finland to host int’l meeting on ME nuclear-free zone
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – US fears conference, which is set for 2012, could be used as forum to bash Israel; Hague: Mideast free of WMD an “achievable goal.”
69% of Israelis support Schalit deal, survey reveals
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – According to Channel 10 poll, most Israelis support deal, despite fact that 62% believe releasing Palestinian prisoners will worsen security.
2,000 march in Cairo unity rally, anger at army
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – “Muslims and Christians, hand-in-hand,” activists yell out, expressing anger at Egypt’s military rulers over clashes that killed 25.
‘Israel to free 550 Fatah members in Schalit deal’
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Egyptian diplomat says Cairo persuaded Israel that second batch of prisoners to be released in two months time be from Abbas’s Fatah faction, AFP reports.
New east J’lem neighborhood plan spurs outrage on Left
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Givat Hamatos plan for 2,610 apartments passes major hurdle in approval process; Left-wing activists, politicians: Ruinous for peace talks.
‘Malki calls timing of Schalit deal suspicious’
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – PA Foreign Minister accuses Hamas of intentionally stealing limelight from Palestinian statehood bid; Abbas welcomes prisoner exchange.
Cost of ‘Arab Spring’ more than $55 billion
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Syria, Libya hit hardest by Arab protest movements, followed by Egypt, Tunisia; Saudi Arabia, Kuwait avoid unrest through handouts.
Rivlin: Knesset should play minimal role in Schalit deal
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Knesset Speaker says no need for vote on prisoner exchange; “we’re not releasing terrorists; we’re releasing Gilad Schalit,” he says.
‘Hamas refuses to abandon policy of IDF kidnappings’
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Palestinian sources tell ‘Al Hayat’ Israel asked Hamas to reject policy of kidnapping as part of Schalit deal.
Labor condemns Rabin memorial vandalism as ‘hatred’
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Rabin Center denounces defacing of monument; National Union Ben-Ari calls action “gentle”; suspect lost family in 2001 Sbarro terror attack.
A lucky curtain maker
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – With a little bit of chutzpa — and lots of luck — Donald Gough managed to build a successful business from bottom up shortly after he made aliya.
A View from Israel: A dangerous precedent
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Separatists movements exist all around the world, including a large number in European countries. Palestinian statehood will help their causes.
Think Again: Sometimes a little fear is a good thing
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – On Succot, we take the emotional high experienced at the end of Yom Kippur, incorporate feeling of closeness into every day life, by living in the succa.
Jokes my grandfather told me
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Position of Conservative Rabbis on Israel is shifting toward anti-Zionism.
Sanctity and sacrifice: Binding Isaac on the Zionist altar
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – It is never good to die for one’s country, but after 2,000 years of exile, it is good to have a country worth dying for.
UN rights boss warns of possible civil war in Syria
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – United Nations’s Pillay calls for international action to protect Syrian civilians, says gov’t repression of protesters could lead to civil war.
Another Tack: Yesteryear’s peculiar predictions
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Israelis will give their lives to hold onto Jerusalem, just as the British would for London, the Russians for Moscow and the Americans for Washington.
‘Egypt intercepts Libyan surface-to-air missiles in Sinai’
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Weapons smuggling has boosted the black market in Sinai; Egyptian source says Palestinian in Gaza struck a deal with Libyan rebels.
Succot: Age and beauty
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – ‘Ye shall keep the feast of the Lord seven days; on the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the eighth day shall be a solemn rest’ (Leviticus).
Sbarro terror victims petition High Court
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Almagor Victims of Terror plan demonstration in support of petition; one of the terrorists to be released was involved in Sbarro bombing.
Sbarro terror victims petition High Court on Schalit deal
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Almagor Victims of Terror plan demonstration in support of petition; one of the terrorists to be released was involved in Sbarro bombing.
Yes, sex slavery exists here
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Rabbi Lauer, founder of Atzum, encourages staff to work hard, hope they will save at least one person from life of destitution, rape, poverty.
Art comes to Jerusalem open market
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Artists, entrepreneurial chefs, foodies and philanthropic organizations come together with J’lem mayor to revamp classic market.
Behind the scenes: How the Schalit deal came about
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Hamas forwarded a letter to Israel outlining prisoner-swap deal, this marked a turning point in negotiations.
German program uses Shoah funds to play down Holocaust
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – School program is vehemently anti-Israel, NGO Monitor says; main focus was devoted to alleging Israeli violations and immorality.
Hospitals return to normal after court ‘tie-up’ order
Jerusalem Post 14 Oct 2011 – Negotiations with medical residents will continue, government says; Health Ministry: Residents are “loyal and vital partners.”
Liam Fox resignation: Adam Werritty money trail was final straw
The Guardian 14 Oct 2011 – Jetset lifestyle revealed in detail of donations to self-styled adviser’s company forced defence secretary’s hand By Thursday evening, even friends of Liam Fox feared he would have to resign after months of disclosures about his undeclared…
Letters: The bomb that killed our precious daughter
The Guardian 14 Oct 2011 – Contrary to your report ( Palestinian families wait to hear prisoners’ fate , 14 October), Ahlam Tamimi did not drive the Sbarro restaurant suicide bomber to his target. She personally transported a bomb weighing 10kg from a West…
Light railway draws Jerusalem’s disparate population
The Guardian 14 Oct 2011 – Train carriages contain microcosm of city’s residents, rarely seen in such close proximity Last week — finally – I took a ride on Jerusalem’s light railway. It’s been open, albeit on a less-than-100% service, for more…
This Middle East power struggle could kill off the Arab spring | David Hearst
The Guardian 14 Oct 2011 – The Iran ‘terror plot’ drama involves four players who have much to lose from Arab self-determination. Let’s hope they fail The drama of the Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington features four players…
Libya: Mutassim Gaddafi reported arrested – Thursday 13 October 2011
The Guardian 13 Oct 2011 – – Mutassim reported arrested as Sirte on the brink of falling – NTC Benghazi officials cannot confirm Mutassim’s capture – Syrian ambassador to Britain summoned – Read the latest summary 8.22am: Welcome to Middle East Live….
TURKEY: In Border Province, Syrian Refugees Live in Limbo
IPS Four months ago, the international media were replete with reports of Syrian civilians fleeing Bashar al-Assad’s regime into southern Turkey. Today, media both in and outside of Turkey appear to have forgotten the plight of these refugees.
Detention Abuses Staining the New Libya (Full Report )
Uruknet October 14, 2011 – Since late August, armed militia have arrested and detained as many as 2,500 people in Tripoli and al-Zawiya. During late August and September, Amnesty researchers visited 11 detention facilities in and around Tripoli and in al-Zawiyah, and interviewed approximately 300 prisoners. None of those seen by Amnesty had been shown any kind of arrest…
Israeli government blamed for surge in racist attacks
Uruknet October 14, 2011 – Palestinian community leaders have blamed a refusal by the Israeli government to condemn increased incitement to racial hatred for a recent surge in extremist violence by settlers and other Zionists. “The problem here is the way the Israeli government is dealing with all the brutal acts of the settlers in the West Bank and…
Libya-black-immigrants: Mainstream media’s coverage disturbing
Uruknet October 14, 2011 – Rights abuses perpetrated against black Libyans and immigrants – The mainstream media’s conspicuous silence about the racially motivated human rights abuses perpetrated against black Libyans and immigrants, by the NATO-backed Transitional National Council (TNC) forces in Libya, is disturbing. Similarly, the high civilian casualties of the current intense fighting in the city of Sirte…
Video: Libya: Badr – Green Uprising – Resistance 14-10-2011, Zero Hour has begun
Uruknet
Protecting Syria’s Revolt from Military Intervention
Uruknet October 14, 2011 – …The Syrian Revolution General Commission, which now boasts nearly 120 local committees, also called for a peaceful revolution void of sectarianism and without the aid of foreign military intervention, in order to build a democratic, social, and equal Syria…In sum, the Syrian opposition in its majority have until now understood the need to protect…
* News & Politics * Culture & Society * Economy * Opinion * Series & Features * Interviews & Portraits * Blogs Follow Al-Akhbar on Twitter Like Al-Akhbar on Facebook Subscribe to our RSS Feed Protecting Syria’s Revolt from Military Intervention
Uruknet October 14, 2011 – …The Syrian Revolution General Commission, which now boasts nearly 120 local committees, also called for a peaceful revolution void of sectarianism and without the aid of foreign military intervention, in order to build a democratic, social, and equal Syria…In sum, the Syrian opposition in its majority have until now understood the need to protect…
Capitalism and Poverty
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – The US Census Bureau recently reported what most Americans already knew. Poverty is deepening. The gap between rich and poor is growing. Slippage soon into the ranks of the poor now confronts tens of millions of Americans who long thought of themselves as securely “middle class.” The reality is worse than the Census Bureau…
PNN Obtains Names of 450 Palestinian Prisoners to be Freed
Uruknet October 14, 2011 – On Thursday, the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Information Center released the list of 450 Palestinian prisoners to be released in the first phase of the recently signed Gilad Shalit deal. The list was confirmed by the Israeli Prisons Administration, with the final number of Palestinian prisoners to be released standing at 1,027. The prisoner exchange is…
Disappointing alert
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – I’m really saddened by some aspects of the MediaLens alert I’ve just seen posted. The alert states: “This is the standard media version of events, repeated endlessly, for example, by the BBC and ITV. We are to understand that the Syrian government is responsible for a vicious repression of peaceful protestors” The first point…
Jewish Extremists Destroy Tombstones in Historical Cemetery in Jerusalem
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – Al -Aqsa Institute for Waqf and Heritage revealed Thursday that a number of Jewish extremists set fire to a large tree and destroyed about fifteen graves in Ma’man Allah’ historical cemetery in East Jerusalem, according to a press release by the institue. It said that during its delegation’s inspection tour to the cemetery, they…
Hebron school demonstrates for third day: “Without teachers there is no school”
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – For the third morning children and teachers from Qordoba Scool gathered on the H1 side of Checkpoint 56 at 7.30am. The children, with the support of their teachers and the Director of Education in Hebron, Nisreen Amro, peacefully protested against heightened “security measures” that were introduced by the Israeli Army on Tuesday 11th October…
Occupy Wall Street not Palestine!
Uruknet October 14, 2011 – The Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee (BNC), the largest Palestinian civil society coalition struggling for Palestinian rights, is proud to stand in solidarity with the movements struggling for a new world based on democracy, human rights and economic justice. From New York to Athens, from Madrid to Santiago, from Bahrain to Rome,…
Syria News – October 13, 2011 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – The Governorate of Idlib has witnessed a fierce military campaign that involved the death a dozen of martyrs from the village of Binnish alone, along with dozens of forced disappearances and arrests. Most of the villages and towns in the Idlib Governorate reported gunfire and a complete shutdown of telephone, satellite, and Internet communicatons….
Military Resistance 9J9: News of the Year So Far
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – AMY GOODMAN: We’re standing here right around the corner from Wall Street. About a week ago, one of the largest mass arrests in U.S. history, 700 people arrested on the Bridge. They had left this square, Zuccotti Park, what they’ve renamed Liberty Plaza, which actually was the original name of this square. Now thousands…
In the chaos of Sirte, anti-Gaddafi fighters are killing each other
Uruknet October 14, 2011 – Death and injury arrive suddenly and randomly on the Libyan city of Sirte’s frontline. Sometimes, however, they come with a gruesome symmetry. On Friday, an rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fired by pro-Gaddafi forces, defending their last pocket of resistance in the city, caused some of the casualties. But it was a mortar fired by the…
Settlers Attack Qurtuba School Students Studying By Roadblock
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – A group of settlers again attacked students of Qurtuba School in Hebron on Thursday, October 13, the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reported. For the third day in row, students and their teachers faced problems reaching their school. Having decided to start studying on an Israeli road block near their school, they were attacked by…
Government and pro-Gaddafi forces fight in Tripoli
Uruknet October 14, 2011 – A gunbattle erupted Friday between hundreds of revolutionary forces and Moammar Gadhafi supporters in the capital for the first time in more than two months after a group tried to raise the green flag that symbolizes the ousted leader’s regime. The fighting began when a group of loyalists carrying the green flag appeared on…
High Court Allows Mumia to Breathe, But He is Still Condemned to Social Death
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – Mumia Abu Jamal’s days on Death Row may be nearing an end, with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that his sentence – but not conviction – is unconstitutional. Without a new trail, which is not on the horizon, Mumia faces life with no possibility of parole. Long time supporter Pam Africa does not consider…
Major Media Liars Report Fake NATO Victories
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – On October 9, BBC claimed National Transitional Council (NTC) forces “made significant gains in the battle for the city of Sirte. (NTC) commanders said they had captured the main hospital, the university and the Ouagadougou conference center.” Sirte is “close to falling.” After it’s taken, NTC officials “say they will declare national liberation, even…
The Irvine 11, the Police, and the Autonomy of the University
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – The recent conviction of ten University of California students of two misdemeanor counts of disrupting and conspiring to disrupt a speech given by Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren on 8 February 2010, points to the stifling of free speech and academic work and inquiry in the university. Three of the Irvine 11 are students at…
Cultural Imperialism or a Step Towards Statehood?
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – Last month, a Kentucky Fried Chicken opened in Ramallah as if to support the claim that the Palestinian economy is indeed statehood-ready. Around the same time as Mahmoud Abbas handed over the Palestinian application for statehood recognition to the UN Security Council, Palestine got its first major fast food franchise…But is the opening of…
Iraq snapshot – October 13, 2011
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – Chaos and violence continue, negotiations continue to keep US troops in Iraq, how many troops Gen Lloyd Austin wanted is “classified,” will Dennis Kucinich be the only Democratic member of Congress to seriously address the Iraq War, the US military announces another death, three US soldiers are wounded, Sadr City is bombed, and more…For…
Islamic hard-liners attack rival shrines in Libya
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – Islamic hard-liners have attacked about a half-dozen shrines in and around Tripoli belonging to Muslim sects whose practices they see as sacrilegious, raising religious tensions as Libya struggles to define its identity after Moammar Gadhafi’s ouster. The vandalism has drawn concern at the highest levels as Libya’s new rulers seek to reassure the international…
Punching A Hole In Bubbles Of Denial And Addiction: Late capitalism and its discontents of the American Autumn
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – The global designs of the neo-liberal agenda have met the living architecture of a larger order — a portion of which has taken the form of a still coalescing, yet potent, countervailing consciousness, a global-wide Liberty Plaza of the mind — an order that is not informed by corporate era public relations legerdemain, hyper-adrenaline…
Justice eludes activist, father of Palestinian child killed by IDF
Uruknet October 13, 2011 – In January 2007, Israeli soldiers shot and killed a 10-year-old Palestinian girl on her way home from school. Abir Aramin lived in Anata, a Palestinian village north of Jerusalem. The pathologist who performed the autopsy found that Abir was hit in the head by a rubber bullet. However, an Israeli police investigation found the…
U.S. insists contacts occurred with Iran despite Tehran’s denials
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 The United States held direct contacts with Iran over allegations that Tehran was behind an alleged plot to kill the Saudi ambassador on U.S. soil, the U.S. State Department said Friday, dismissing Iranian denials that the…
Clashes erupt in Tripoli as NTC forces continue fight for Sirte
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Gunfights broke out in the Libyan capital Tripoli Friday between supporters of deposed leader Moammar Gadhafi and forces of the National Transitional Council, raising fears of an insurgency against the country’s new rulers.
Al-Qaeda, Iran-backed groups key threats to Iraq: U.S. official
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Almost 10 weeks ahead of a full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq after an eight-year presence…
U.N. warns of full-blown civil war in Syria
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Thousands of Syrian protesters called on soldiers Friday to abandon President Bashar Assad’s rule and join a dissident army numbering in the small thousands…
Mkalles power plant on line 1 day ahead of schedule
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 The Mkalles power station resumed operations Friday, one day earlier than expected.
Vandals damage Lady of the Star Church in Jiyye
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 A church was vandalized in the town of Jiyye in Chouf, according to the National News Agency.
Ministry urges police to detain electricity thieves
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 The Energy and Water Ministry urged the police Friday to detain three people who have allegedly diverted electricity from the state network in north Lebanon, after the judiciary issued a warrant for their arrest.
Ministry seeks action against Akar palace owners
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 The Culture Ministry is seeking legal action against the owners of a 19th-century house that was partially demolished last weekend, despite lying within Beirut’s designated conservation area.
Minister urges better management of waste, use for energy production
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Environment Minister Nazim Khoury urged the government and municipalities to join efforts to find the best measures for waste management in the country, which currently has more than 680 waste dumps.
2 middle-aged men robbed, shot dead, dumped under bridges
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Two middle aged men were shot dead by unknown assailants in the early hours of Friday and preliminary investigations by the Internal Security Forces are working to find the link between the two cases.
Qibbeh residents in north stage anti-Assad rally
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Residents of the Qibbeh neighborhood of Tripoli marched following Friday prayers in support of the uprising in Syria against President Bashar Assad. In what has become a weekly event…
Gadhafi expected to be found guilty in Sadr case
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 The Judicial Council is expected to issue a guilty verdict and death sentence in absentia next month against ousted Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in the 33-year-old disappearance of Shiite cleric Imam Musa Sadr and two of…
Irish president discusses ties with Sleiman, Mikati
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 President Michel Sleiman discussed Friday with Irish President Mary McAleese the promotion of economic and commercial bilateral ties during an official visit by top Irish officials to Lebanon.
Tensions prevail in Baalbek in wake of botched kidnap plan
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Tensions remained high in Baalbek following a series of armed clashes, the most recent of which claimed the lives of a child and an adult Thursday.
Arab Spring finds way into classroom discussions
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 With the beginning of the first full academic year at local universities and schools since the eruption of the Arab Spring,…
Officials play down foreign travel warnings to Lebanon
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Senior officials moved Friday to play down warnings from several foreign missions in Lebanon, following renewed advice from the United States and Britain on the dangers their nationals face in the country.
Gemayel advocates political decentralization
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Metn MP Sami Gemayel called Friday for developing Lebanon’s political system by expanding decentralization.
LF condemns ‘misleading media campaign’
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 The Lebanese Forces condemned Friday a misleading media campaign by the Free Patriotic Movement to implicate the LF…
Army foils arms smuggling attempt
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 The Lebanese Army raided Friday a truck transporting automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades on the Halba highway reportedly destined to be smuggled into Syria.
Greek foreign minister backs Palestinian state
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Greek Foreign Minister Stavros Lambrinidis expressed Friday Greece’s support for a Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel.
Syrian envoy demands proof in kidnap claims
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Syria’s ambassador to Lebanon is demanding hard evidence of his embassy’s involvement in recent kidnappings in Lebanon, which will be provided…
Jumblatt cements political strategy
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt Friday harshly criticized the bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Syria…
U.N. Security Council debates resolution on Yemen transition
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Key members of the U.N. Security Council are considering a resolution on Yemen that would call for an immediate cease-fire and transfer of power amid reports that the security situation in the Middle Eastern nation is…
U.S. covering up for ‘crimes of Bahraini regime’
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 The Foreign-based Bahraini Opposition, a Beirut-based group, accused the United States Friday of covering up for the crimes committed by the Bahraini regime.
U.N. move on Yemen without sanctions not enough
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 A proposed U.N. resolution on Yemen calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to resign that fails to threaten sanctions is unlikely to stem the tide of violence engulfing the country, analysts say.
Cairo protestdisplays unity, anger at army
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 At least 2,000 people rallied in Cairo Friday in a show of unity between Muslims and Christians and to express anger at the ruling military council after 25 people died when a protest by Coptic Christians…
Israel to build new East Jerusalem settlement
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Israel has formally submitted plans for a new settlement neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem, in what will be the sector’s first new district in 14 years, Peace Now said Friday.
Arab Spring offered window of opportunity for Shalit swap deal
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Israelis have waited more than five years for their leaders to bring home captured soldier Gilad Shalit, but in the end, it was an unexpected window of opportunity that eventually allowed a deal.
High-profile Palestinian prisoners prepare for their imminent release
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Israel has agreed to release 1,027 Palestinian prisoners to secure the freedom of its captive soldier, Gilad Shalit. Islamist group Hamas has published the names of those Palestinians set to be freed.
Shalit, 450 Palestinians to be released Tuesday
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Captured soldier Gilad Shalit is to return to Israel Tuesday at the same time as 450 Palestinian prisoners are freed if the terms of a swap deal are respected, a senior Israeli official said Friday.
HRW alleges Saudi arrests of peaceful activists
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Human Rights Watch accused Saudi Arabia of arbitrarily arresting peaceful activists in its Eastern province, home to a large Shiite Muslim minority, and of sparking recent clashes there with the detention of two elderly men.
Tensions breed pessimism about Tunisia polls
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 The posterchild of the Arab Spring, Tunisia is preparing for highly anticipated democratic elections, but a lack of enthusiasm among young voters and tensions between Islamist and secular partisans have many feeling pessimistic.
Tunisian Islamists clash with police ahead of elections
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 More than a thousand hard-line protesters clashed with Tunisian police Friday, a show of force for Islamist partisans ahead the country’s highly anticipated democratic elections.
Paris should aid French-Palestinian held by Israel: Abbas
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 France should help secure the release of a French-Palestinian held by Israel, just as it lobbied on behalf of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, the Palestinian Authority president said Friday.
New fighting breaks out in Libyan capital
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Gunbattle erupts between revolutionary forces and Gadhafi supporters in the heart of the Libyan capital for the first time since the longtime leader was ousted and forced into hiding.
Arab Foreign Ministers to hold meeting on Syria in Cairo
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Arab foreign ministers will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday in Cairo to discuss the situation in Syria, Al-Jazeera TV reports.
Tunisia police use teargas on Islamist protesters
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Tunisian police fire teargas to break up a protest by several thousand Islamists, some of whom were trying to force their way into the prime minister’s office in the center of the capital.
Seven months of upheaval in Syria
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Key dates in the seven-month-old protest movement against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime.
Schools association says pay rise will lead to tuition fee hike
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Association of Private Educational Institutions in Lebanon Friday rejects a newly-approved pay raise, saying the new measure could lead to a rise in tuition fees.
Charbel plays down embassies’ warnings over travel to Lebanon
Daily Star 14 Oct 2011 Lebanon’s interior minister plays down travel warning from several embassies who have recently advised their citizens to avoid parts of the country.
Arab rally: Redeem al-Aqsa with blood
YNet News, 14 Oct 2011 – Some 30,000 Arab Israelis took part Friday in a rally titled “Al-Aqsa Mosque in Danger,” vowing to “redeem” the holy Muslim site in Jerusalem “with blood.” The event … ….
Syria: 36 killed in Friday clashes; 3,000 since March
YNet News, 14 Oct 2011 – Twenty-five soldiers were among 36 people killed in clashes in Syria, a rights group said on Friday, as the army meets mounting armed resistance to a crackdown the UN … ….
Tel Aviv: ‘Price Tag’ in Rabin memorial
YNet News, 14 Oct 2011 – First reprisal following Shalit deal? The memorial for Yitzhak Rabin in Tel Aviv was vandalized Thursday night. The words “Price Tag” and “Free Yigal Amir” were … ….
Palestinian Information Center
Jewish settlers burn 300 olive trees near Salfit
PIC – 13/10/2011 – 06:04 PM
Mishaal to meet Abbas after release of prisoners
PIC – 13/10/2011 – 06:03 PM
Sources: 450 captives will be released on Tuesday
PIC – 13/10/2011 – 05:22 PM
IOA deports 17 foreign solidarity activists
PIC – 13/10/2011 – 10:20 AM
Aruri: Deal includes all prisoners demands, no more isolation
PIC – 13/10/2011 – 10:11 AM
Resheq: Exchange deal an historic accomplishment
PIC – 13/10/2011 – 10:01 AM
Haneyya reaches Emir of Qatar, Saudi FM on the phone
PIC – 13/10/2011 – 09:52 AM
Haneyya: Our joy will not be complete until all captives are released
PIC – The Palestinian Prime Minister in Gaza, Ismail Haneyya, said that feelings of joy over the release of captives will not be complete until all captives are released from Israeli occupation jails.
Radwan: Deported captives will return Gaza at a later date
PIC – Hamas senior official Ismail Radwan said on Friday that Palestinian captives who will be deported upon their release from Israeli occupation jails will be able to return to Gaza at a later stage.
PCHR: Closure of Gaza Must Be Lifted as Shalit’s Pretext Diminished
PIC – The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), in Gaza, welcomed the prisoner swap deal between the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF..
Prisoner exchange to take place on Tuesday
PIC – An Israeli official from the office of Benyamin Netanyahu said on Friday that 450 Palestinian captives will be released next Tuesday and Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit will be released at the same time.
Captors of Shalit have been warned of increased drone activity
PIC – Israeli occupation drone activity have noticeably increased over the Gaza Strip since Thursday evening prompting concern that Israelis might have other intentions.
Human rights centre: health of hunger strikers deteriorating
PIC – The centre for prisoners’ studies called on Imams to give support to the Palestinian captives in occupation jails, who have been on hunger strike for the 18th day running, during Friday sermon.
Pro-Palestinian activists in Manchester hold sit-in to support captives
PIC – The Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB) is holding a sit in, on Friday outside the BBC offices in the city of Manchester, to support Palestinian hunger-strikers in Israeli occupation jails.
Haaretz: Plans to build 2600 residential units in settlements in Jerusalem
PIC – Haaretz newspaper on Friday uncovered plans to build more than 2600 new residential units in the “Givat Hamatos” settlement, to the south of Jerusalem, on lands arrogated by the ILA.
Resheq: we have defined the criteria for the second phase of the exchange
PIC – Member of Hamas’s political bureau, Ezzat al-Resheq, revealed that the second phase of the prisoner-exchange deal will be implemented after two months and according to the criteria agreed.
UN Committee Expresses Grave Concern at Situation of Palestinian Prisoners
WAFA
EU Missions Regret Demolition of Mosque
WAFA
Copts and Muslims, Shared History
Intifada-Palestine: 14 Oct 2011 – By: Jamal Kanj * The events in Egypt last October 9 were saddening. While it is difficult to understand the loss of 26 human lives, mostly protesting Copts, the immediate response taken by political and religious leaders was a hopeful sign…. more
Unanswered Questions over the Alleged Iranian Assassination Plot
Intifada-Palestine: 14 Oct 2011 – The alleged plot to kill the Saudi ambassador to the US does not fit with what is known about the supposed perpetrators It appears unlikely that Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would approve such a brazen plot. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images… more
U.S. Playing the Saudi Envoy Game
Intifada-Palestine: 14 Oct 2011 – Dr. Ismail Salami In a ‘united against Iran campaign,’ the US government has accused Tehran of orchestrating an assassination plot against the Saudi envoy in Washington, a move which is to be seen as part of a US stratagem to carry… more
Israel plan for new Jerusalem-area housing development is revived
LA Times 14 Oct 2011 – The project, to be called Givat Hamatos, would expand the footprint of Jewish housing development into new areas, nearly cutting off Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem from the West Bank. Israel is moving forward with another large housing project on territory it seized during the…
U.S. considers sanctions on Iran’s central bank
LA Times 13 Oct 2011 – Such a move, in response to the alleged assassination plot on a Saudi envoy, could severely damage Iran’s economy. Some Iranian officials have said they would consider it an act of war. The Obama administration said it was “actively” considering sanctioning Iran’s central bank in…
U.S. and Iran Playing Out Old Story With Accusations
New York Times 14 Oct 2011 – A purported Iranian scheme to kill the Saudi ambassador to the United States, if true, would be only the latest episode in a covert struggle between the two countries.
Diplomatic Memo: Wild Days Behind Him, Saudi Envoy, Jubeir, Keeps Low Profile
New York Times 14 Oct 2011 – Before a plot was supposedly hatched to assassinate him, Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, tried to stay out of the spotlight, having once been a man about town.
The Saturday Profile: Aboul-Ela Maadi, Egypt’s Center Party Leader, Faces New Competition
New York Times 14 Oct 2011 – Aboul-Ela Maadi formed the Center Party in 1996 when he broke with the Muslim Brotherhood, but his ideals are now common among Islamist parties in Egypt and elsewhere.
Egypt Arrests Groups Smuggling Weapons from Libya
New York Times 14 Oct 2011 – Egyptian officials said five small groups smuggled antiaircraft missiles and other heavier weapons into Sinai, raising new concerns in Israel about arms reaching Hamas in Gaza.
Reports Say Shalit Could Return Home Tuesday
New York Times 14 Oct 2011 – An Israeli soldier held captive by militants in Gaza for five years is likely to return home as early as Tuesday, news agencies and Israeli media reported on Friday.
Washington and Iran: the reckless policy of provocation
WSWS – With the fabricated allegations of an Iranian “terror plot,” US imperialism is seeking to advance its global interests by means of provocations and threats of military aggression.
US steps up sanctions and threats against Iran over alleged terror plot
WSWS – The White House announced new sanctions against Iran, while Vice President Biden warned that “nothing has been taken off the table” in the US response to an alleged plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington.
Egyptian junta defends massacre, launches fresh attacks on strikers
WSWS – Dozens of eyewitness reports and video footage on YouTube prove that the junta deliberately unleashed a brutal massacre, using live ammunition and armoured vehicles to kill and crush peaceful protesters.
Mondoweiss: Irvine 11 conviction reveals double standard and bias
Jewish Voice for Peace –
Fat lady sings ‚Äî Israel announces new E J’lem neighborhod called Givat Hamatos
Mondoweiss – Big news. Netanyahu claims yet another spoil from his political victory over Obama: Israel has approved another new settlement in occupied East Jerusalem, a new neighborhood of 2600 homes. “Disastrous new plan to build new settlement in southeast Jerusalem is potential killer of peace agreement ,” Ori…
‘Commentary’ smear of Occupy Wall St. doesn’t bother to get basic facts right
Mondoweiss – If you’re intent on derailing the Occupy Wall Street protests by tarring demonstrators as anti-Semites , you might bother to get basic facts right. But Alana Goodman at the neoconservative Commentary magazine doesn’t even do that in her zeal to link the Occupy Wall Street protests to…
In prisoner deal, Palestinian and Israeli right wings are working together— politically
Mondoweiss – The prisoner exchange between Hamas and the Likud-led government of Israel is one of the more curious developments in the recent history of the conflict. It shows the two extremes working together in a surprisingly normal and constructive sense. Netanyahu and Likud will be boosted politically…
Neocon orgs seek to paint Wall St protests as anti-semitic
Mondoweiss – The Occupy Wall Street movement is aimed at the American Establishment, so it is little wonder that it is having resonance in terms of the Jewish presence in the Establishment. Two neoconservative media orgs are trying to smear the movement as anti-Semitic. First, Bill Kristol’s shop,…
Boycott update: Champion fencer Sara Besbes stands down rather than plays Israeli
Mondoweiss – Sara Besbes, a Tunisian champion fencer, boycotted a competition in Italy rather than fence Israeli Noam Mills. Besbes , who comes from a family of great fame in fencing, reached the final round where she had to play against an Israeli player. However, she stood still on…
Iranian Terror Mastermind Likely Wanted Drug Deal, Not Murder
Tikun Olam – Gareth Porter published an important story about the alleged Iran terror plot. In it he notes that nowhere in the Justice Department criminal complaint does it say that Arbabsiar ever agreed to assassinate anyone. In fact, it is the DEA agent who repeatedly attempts to introduce…
1,000 Palestinian Prisoners to Be Freed, 4,200 to Remain
Tikun Olam – Palestinian prisoner vigil (Reuters/Mohammed Salem) The joy and celebration of 450 Palestinian families and one Israeli are welcome and long overdue. Their release will be followed by a second of 550 prisoners in a few weeks (Maan has the entire list here ). But we should also…
Obama Weighs in on ‘Facts’ of Alleged Iran Terror Plot
Tikun Olam – I winced when I read in today’s Times that Barack Obama has now staked a bit of his own presidential credibility (diminishing as it is) on supporting the increasingly desperate tale told by his Justice Department about the alleged Iran terror plot. Mr. Obama insisted that…
Testimony by Lizzy Phelan: “The war on Libya is a war on Africa”
Voltaire Network 14 Oct 2011 – Back in the UK, after several months spent in Libya covering NATO war crimes and uncovering mainstream media lies, freelance journalist Lizzie Phelan continues to fight for truth and justice on behalf of the Libyan people. Her testimony below is a gripping example of her commitment….
The Christians of the Orient stand up against the new Western colonialism
Voltaire Network 14 Oct 2011 – The war against Syria, planned by the United States, France and the United Kingdom for mid-November 2011, has been blocked in extremis by the Russian and Chinese vetoes at the Security Council. According to Nicolas Sarkozy, who informed the Maronite Patriarch of the matter during a…
Special Tribunal for Lebanon appoints new President
Voltaire Network 12 Oct 2011 – Judge Antonio Cassese has resigned as a member and President of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. In a statement, he justified his decision on health grounds. In fact, the situation had become untenable ever since our revelations on his previous entanglements triggered a controversy. Lebanese journalist…
Africa: Obama, the ‘War President’
allAfrica.com 14 Oct 2011 – The fact that Barack Obama is currently engaged in six destabilisations the world over, I refuse to call them wars, the White House announced on Wednesday that it was imposing a new round of economic sanctions against Iran, while Obama’s second in command, Joe Biden warned…
Three Arrested in another Late-Night Army Raid in Beit Ommar
Palestine Solidarity Project 14 Oct 2011 – Beit Ommar 14.th October 2011. At about three o’clock in the morning three persons were arrested in a late night millitary raid in Beit Ommar; Abed Helail aged 41, Mohammad Yousef Bahar 17 years old, and Ahmad Mahmoud Sohaibe 20 years old. No reason was given…
Tear Gas Fired and Israeli Army Followed Residents of Beit Ula into their fields
Palestine Solidarity Project 14 Oct 2011 – Beit Ula 14.th October 2011: For the Friday prayer a large number of people gathered by the demolished house and fields of Abdul Jabar Ahtal. After the prayer the crowd walked about and looked at the damage. A military jeep appeared on the patrol road connected…
Israeli Army Fire Tear Gas Into Town and Create Checkpoint at Entrance to Beit Ommar
Palestine Solidarity Project 14 Oct 2011 – September 14th October: Israeli soldiers fired tear gas into residential areas of Beit Ommar. In addition to the tear gas, the army stopped and searched cars entering and leaving the village. Due to the ongoing Palestinian solidarity and support of the prisoners` hunger strike the army…
September 2011 Monthly Media Digest
Middle East Monitor 14 Oct 2011 – September sees the Palestinian Statehood bid take centre stage in the global media; Sheikh Raed Salah wins damages from the British government and the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra causes a stir at home and abroad. Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas submitted a Palestinian statehood bid to the…
14,000 new births recorded in Gaza over the last two months
Middle East Monitor 14 Oct 2011 – Statistics released by Gaza’s General Administration for Civil Affairs at the Ministry of Interior and National Security confirm that 14,590 births were recorded in Gaza during the third quarter of this year. 7,420 of these were males and 7,170 were female. The Administration stated that “During…
Meshaal updates Egyptian intelligence chief on prisoner exchange deal
Middle East Monitor 14 Oct 2011 – The political leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement has met with the Director of the Egyptian intelligence services to discuss the implementation of the prisoner exchange deal with Israel which was brokered by Egypt. Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal thanked Murad Muwafi for Egypt’s support for the…
High-level meeting between Abbas and Meshaal to “speed up reconciliation”
Middle East Monitor 14 Oct 2011 – A senior member of Fatah’s Central Committee has said that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will meet the political leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal “to speed up national reconciliation”. Speaking to official Palestinian radio, Saeb Erekat said that the meeting will take place soon to speed…
‘Pro-Gaddafi’ gunfire in Tripoli
BBC 14 Oct 2011 – Libyan interim government forces clash with gunmen they say support Col Gaddafi in Tripoli, in the most serious clash since the city’s fall.
Syria protest deaths ‘hit 3,000’
BBC 14 Oct 2011 – The United Nations says the death toll in seven months of protests in Syria against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad has reached 3,000.
Iran denies US meeting over plot
BBC 14 Oct 2011 – Iranian officials deny any direct contact with the US about allegations Tehran was behind a plot to kill the Saudi envoy on US soil.
Abbas, UN Membership and Peace Talks
Sabbah report 14 Oct 2011 – Halting the Jewish settlements construction in Palestine is a Road Map obligation. It’s not a precondition.
The Real Story of How Israel Was Created
Sabbah report 14 Oct 2011 – The details of threats and bribery that led to the 1947 UN recommendation to partition Palestine and includes quotes demonstrating strong State Department and Pentagon opposition to it.
Tunis: International meeting on the struggles [ca,fr]
A-infos 14 Oct 2011 – An international meeting was held in Tunis from 30 September to 2 October in which the CGT* participated. —— The meeting was organized by Tunisian comrades from the Popular Liberation Front of Tunisia and had to overcome the problem of a last-minute refusal by the Minister…
Articles
Arab Spring forced us to accept Hamas’s demands’
Saleh Al-Naami, Al-Ahram Weekly10/13/2011
An open-ended hunger strike by Palestinians in Israeli prisons highlights the barbarous conditions to which they are subject.
In the dead of silence, the sound of Jamal Hassan’s fall onto the floor of his cell in Shatta Prison in Israel was especially loud on Friday evening. When the guards opened the door to his cell, they found blood flowing from his head and he had lost consciousness. He was transferred to a nearby Israeli hospital. Hassan, 31, is one of hundreds of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails who 18 days ago began an open-ended hunger strike to protest the brutal conditions they are subjected to. These conditions include a long series of procedures ordered by Binyamin Netanyahu’s cabinet in an attempt to pressure Hamas to speed up the prisoner exchange deal and abandon preconditions for releasing the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Hassan, who is serving a life term in prison, succumbed to hunger, thirst and solitary confinement and passed out. The Israeli authorities are not releasing any information about his health condition, while Palestinian sources assert that the Israelis are concealing the fact that they transferred a large number of Palestinian prisoners to hospitals, out of concern that this news would trigger an angry reaction among the Palestinian public.
Punitive measures against prisoners include transferring all their leaders to solitary confinement, whereby the prisoner is held in a solitary cell measuring 1x1x0.5 metre, including a toilet, where he sleeps and eats. The Israelis also limited the types of food served to detainees, as well as preventing them from leaving their cells, increasing the number and frequency of roll calls, as well as naked body searches whereby prisoners are forced to remove all their clothing under the pretext of searching for sharp objects. Prisoners are also often subjected to brutal abuses by special squads whose job it is to injure and torment prisoners. more.. e-mail
The CIA and the Iran Caper
Ray Mcgovern, CounterPunch10/14/2011
“Which other government in the Middle East would like nothing better than to see relations between Iran and the United States take a big step toward military confrontation?”
Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, in his accustomed role as unofficial surrogate CIA spokesman, has thrown light on how the CIA under its new director, David Petraeus, helped craft the screenplay for this week’s White House spy feature: the Iranian-American-used-car-salesman-Mexican-drug-cartel plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the U.S.
In Thursday’s column, Ignatius notes that, initially, White House and Justice Department officials found the story “implausible.” It was. But the Petraeus team soon leapt to the rescue, reflecting the four-star-general-turned-intelligence-chief’s deep-seated animus toward Iran.
Before Ignatius’s article, I had seen no one allude to the fact that much about this crime-stopper tale had come from the CIA. In public, the FBI had taken the lead role, presumably because the key informant inside a Mexican drug cartel worked for U.S. law enforcement via the Drug Enforcement Administration.
However, according to Ignatius, “One big reason [top U.S. officials became convinced the plot was real] is that CIA and other intelligence agencies gathered information corroborating the informant’s juicy allegations and showing that the plot had support from the top leadership of the elite Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the covert action arm of the Iranian government.”
….But it IS as implausible as it sounds, says every professional intelligence officer I have talked with since the “plot” was somberly announced on Tuesday. more.. e-mail
Tribunal crisis grows
Lucy Fielder, Al-Ahram Weekly10/13/2011
The spat over the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is coming to a head, putting Najib Mikati in an unenviable position.
A row over the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) escalated this week, after leading members of Najib Mikati’s cabinet spoke out against Beirut continuing to finance the controversial court, an international commitment the prime minister has promised to uphold. Mikati is under pressure from all sides, and some analysts now speak of his imminent resignation.
Mikati’s government is composed of an alliance led by Hizbullah, four of whose members have been indicted by the tribunal for involvement in the assassination of former premier Rafik Al-Hariri in 2005. The armed Shia party denies involvement and does not recognise the legitimacy of the court. Releasing the funding would, the argument goes, bestow legitimacy on a court that Hizbullah says is an Israeli and US-backed tool to be used against it. Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has vowed never to hand the wanted men over.
Lebanon, which approved the court under the government of Fouad Al-Siniora, is obliged under a UN resolution to stump up 49 per cent of the Hague-based court’s running costs, and a draft budget issued last week factored in the funding. In a speech to the UN General Assembly last month, Mikati promised to uphold Lebanon’s international commitments, including those relating to the tribunal. President Michel Suleiman has also said Lebanon would pay this year’s instalment, which amounts to around $32 million. The cabinet was supposed to approve the draft budget this week, bringing the looming funding crisis to a head. more.. e-mail
Gaza families wait for release of prisoners in Hamas-Israel deal
Electronic Intifada: 14 Oct 2011 – Rami Almeghari The Electronic Intifada Gaza City Families in Gaza wait to hear if their loved ones, imprisoned in Israeli jail cells, will be on the list as part of a prisoner swap deal that includes the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.more
Israeli government blamed for surge in racist attacks
Electronic Intifada: 14 Oct 2011 – Jillian Kestler-D’Amours The Electronic Intifada Netanyahu has condemned attacks on mosques and cemeteries by Israeli extremists but his government is facilitating such violence.more
Setting a price tag for Israeli supremacy
Electronic Intifada: 14 Oct 2011 – Jonathan Cook The Electronic Intifada Far-right Zionist groups are becoming bolder because of impunity but Palestinians can overcome apartheid.more
Back to Basics in Palestine: Time for Unity, Synergy and Mobilization
Palestine Chronicle: 14 Oct 2011 – (The following is a condensed version of Susan Abulhawa’s speech at the Al-Awda Center grand opening) By Susan Abulhawa Summary: Susan Abulhawa presents an argument to abandon all negotiations with Israel and to abandon calls for the One State and Two State solutions; and in fact, to abandon academic debates on a political construct in favor of embracing the basic calls of Palestinian civil society for essential human rights. This strategy includes the need for a consensus and unified call originating from Palestinians in the Occupied Territories and agreed upon with the various Palestinian communities that make up the Palestinian Nation, including: Palestinians of the West Bank, Jerusalem, Gaza, refugee camps outside of Palestine, the worldwide Diaspora and Palestinians of 1948. She argues that the greatest and unstoppable power available to Palestinians lies in their roots, the moral authority of their struggle for freedom. Harnessing that power, to which Israel…more
Where Did Herzl Go Wrong?
Palestine Chronicle: 14 Oct 2011 – By Uri Avnery On Yom Kippur eve last week, when real Jews were praying for their lives, I sat on the seashore of Tel Aviv, thinking. It was my first Yom Kippur without Rachel, and the dark water reflected my mood. I was thinking about our state, the State of Israel, in which I have, so to speak, a founder’s share. Will it endure? Will it be here in another 100 years? Or is it a passing episode, a historic fluke? When asked for his assessment of the French Revolution, Zhou Enlai famously replied: “It’s too early to tell.” The Zionist Revolution — and that’s what it was — started more than a hundred years after the French one. It is certainly much too early to tell. Once, in a more cheerful mood, I told my friends: “Perhaps we are all wrong. Perhaps Israel is not really the final shape…more
The State of the Occupation of Wall Street
Dissident Voice: 14 Oct 2011 – When activists began to occupy Wall Street, the corporate media and parts of the progressive community castigated them for not having demands. I believed that it would be necessary to settle on concrete demandsat some pointif the protest was to expand beyond the hundreds they attracted in the occupation’s first week. The growth problem was solved by the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) crackdown and the determination of Occupy Wall Street (OWS) activists to continue on despite repression. Their actions electrified the country and won the movement mass support. A union-sponsored marchto join OWS called a few days after the NYPD lured 700 activists onto the Brooklyn Bridge for mass arrests drew 20,000-30,000. Usually union marches are publicized months in advance and most of the people on them are union members. They come, listen to speeches, wave union-printed placards, go home after a few hours, and the status quo continues…more
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The New Dark Age 
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