21 October 2011 — VTJP
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Resident Kidnapped In Bil’in, Dozens Treated For Effects of Teargas Inhalation
IMEMC – Saturday October 22, 2011 – 02:31, Israeli soldiers attacked the weekly nonviolent protest against the Annexation Wall and settlements, in Bil’in village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, and kidnapped one resident; dozens were treated for the effects of teargas inhalation.
Egypt-Israel Holding Talk On Second List Of Swap-Deal
IMEMC – Friday October 21, 2011 – 13:53, Israeli Envoy, David Midan, is holding talks with Egyptian security officials in order to prepare a list who would be released in the second phase of the prisoner-swap deal that secured the release of Gilad Shalit in exchange of 477 detainees names by Hamas.
Israel To Question Shalit On His Account Of The Events
IMEMC – Friday October 21, 2011 – 12:46, According to Maariv Israeli Paper, newspaper, the Israeli Army and Intelligence Services are awaiting the release of Shalit’s medical report, on October 21, before they can question him about his capture, circumstances he faced in captivity, and whether he provided his captors any vital information about the army.
Abbas Says Olmert Promised Release Of a Large Number Of Detainees
IMEMC – Friday October 21, 2011 – 11:48, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told Times Magazine that he held progressive talks with former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, who had to resign due to corruption charges. Olmert promised to release hundreds of detainees if Shalit was released from captivity.
PCHR Weekly Report: 15 abducted in 47 Israeli invasions this week
IMEMC – Friday October 21, 2011 – 11:07, In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 13 — 19 October 2011, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights found that in the past week, Israeli forces conducted 47 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
Erekat: “Security Council to Hold Final Meeting On Membership Bid In November”
IMEMC – Friday October 21, 2011 – 09:32, Dr. Saeb Erekat, head of the Palestinian Negotiations Team and member of Fateh’s Central Committee, stated that Security Council (SC) members will be giving their opinions on the Palestinian demand for full UN membership, on or around November 11 of this year.
Israeli Police Kidnaps Fifteen Protesters In Front Of Ha-Sharon Prison
IMEMC – Friday October 21, 2011 – 06:44, On Thursday, the Israeli Police violently attacked dozens of protesters who had assembled peacefully in front of Ha-Sharon Israeli prison, near Netanya. They demanded the release of the remaining nine female detainees who were not included in the prisoner-swap deal. The police arrested fifteen residents, taking them to nearby police stations.
Gaza’s Ministry Of Detainees: “There Are 5,300 Detainees Still Imprisoned By Israel”
IMEMC – Friday October 21, 2011 – 06:10, The Palestinian Ministry of Detainees in Gaza reported on Thursday that Israel is still holding captive over five thousand Palestinian detainees, including 22 elected legislators.
Erekat: “Israel is responsible for The Collapse Of The Peace Talks”
IMEMC – Thursday October 20, 2011 – 18:55, Dr. Saeb Erekat, member of the Central Committee of the Fatah Movement and Palestinian negotiation chief, held a meeting with the former Portuguese President, Jorge Sambaio, currently appointed the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, the Palestinian News Agency, Maan, reported earlier on Thursday.
Blair: “Quartet Needs Proposals Regarding Borders, Security”
IMEMC – Thursday October 20, 2011 – 13:03, Quartet Committee envoy, Tony Blair, stated Thursday, October 17, that international mediators intend to ask the Palestinian and Israeli delegates to share their perceptions regarding security and border arrangements, under a final status peace agreement, the Maan News Agency reported.
Israeli police detain 14 at prison protest
10/21/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli police detained 14 Palestinian citizens of Israel on Thursday during a demonstration at Israel’s Hasharon prison calling for the release of all Palestinian detainees, a human rights organization said. Around 40 Palestinian-Israelis gathered to wave Palestinian flags and demand the release of prisoners that were not part….
Taxi driver ‘attacked by settlers’
10/21/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A taxi driver says his car was attacked by Israeli settlers on Thursday evening near his home south of Bethlehem. Izzat Shakarneh told Ma’an he was driving to Nahhalin village when settlers pelted his car with stones, causing damaging to the vehicle and its windscreen. Shakarneh said he has….
4 Palestinians seized in Beit Ummar village
10/21/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained four PalestiniansFriday night from Beit Ummar, north of Hebron, said Muhammad Ayyad Awad, the spokesman of the popular committee in the village. Awad told Ma’an that soldiers stopped a group of Palestinians near Beit Ein settlement and detained Salim Muhammad Adi, 40, Raed Muhammad Mufleh Adi….
Report: Abbas to offer January elections
10/21/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas will propose elections in upcoming meetings with Hamas officials, Time Magazine reported on Thursday.”We’re suggesting January, because the law requires 90 days notice,” Abbas’ spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah told Time. The reconciliation agreement signed on May 4 by the president’s Fatah party….
Egyptian forces uncover 3 tunnels on Gaza border
10/21/2011 – RAFAH, Egypt (Ma’an) — Egyptian forces on Friday uncovered three underground smuggling tunnels near the borders of the Gaza Strip, Egyptian security sources said. Security officials said border guards confiscated cement and clothes intended to be smuggled into Gaza. A network of underground tunnels has provided a lifeline to Gaza residents since Israel tightened….
Egypt, Israel close to swap of alleged spy for prisoners
10/21/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) —The Egyptian foreign ministry has been charged with overseeing the exchange of an Israeli-American alleged spy being held in Egypt for Egyptian prisoners in Israel, the official Mena news agency reported late Thursday. The foreign ministry will be responsible “for overseeing the exchange of spy Ilan Grapel for Egyptian prisoners, and to take….
Israel ‘ready for partial settlement freeze’
10/21/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ready to partially freeze West Bank settlement building if it will bring the PLO back to direct talks, an Israeli newspaper reported on Friday. But the PLO said it was unaware of any such offer, and said that anything short of a full freeze would not be….
Fatah: No date set for meeting with Hamas
10/21/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — No date has been set for President Mahmoud Abbas’ meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal to discuss national unity, Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad said Friday. Al-Ahmad, who heads Fatah’s reconciliation delegation, told Ma’an that the meeting would be held after the president’s regional tour….
Report: Israeli intelligence to hold off Shalit questioning
10/21/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit will be debriefed by Israeli security services only after medics clear him for questioning, Israeli newspaper Maariv reported on Thursday. Quoting military sources, the Hebrew-daily said intelligence services did not expect Shalit to provide information of much value due to his isolation while he was captive….
In photos: Bethlehem march for prisoners released to exile
10/21/2011 – MaanImages / Jenny Baboun – Hundreds of residents of Bethlehem marched with candles and torches in support of prisoners from the West Bank city who were released to exile in Gaza as part of a captive swap deal with Israel….
US indicts Iranians in alleged Saudi envoy plot
10/21/2011 – NEW YORK (AFP) — A grand jury in New York has indicted two Iranian men in an alleged plot to get Mexican gangsters to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to Washington, court papers showed Thursday. The indictment was the next stage in the legal process after the initial complaint against Manssor Arbabsiar, who is in custody, and….
Tunisia poised to vote in first democratic poll
10/21/2011 – TUNIS (AFP) — Campaigning closes in Tunisia Friday, two days before its first democratic elections, with a formerly banned Islamist party poised to dominate an assembly that will pave the way for a new government. Nine months after the ouster of strongman Zine el Abidine Ben Ali in a popular revolt that sparked region-wide pro-democracy uprisings….
Gadhafi body has bullet hole, burial within 24 hrs
10/21/2011 – MISRATA, Libya (Reuters) — Former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi will be buried according to Muslim rites within 24 hours, a Libyan transitional government force commander said on Friday, and witnesses said the body bore a visible bullet hole in the head.” He will get his right like any Muslim, his body will be washed and treated….
Gadhafi’s killing fuels Syria’s Friday protests
10/21/2011 – AMMAN (Reuters) — The killing of Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi fueled demonstrations across Syria after Friday prayers that called for the ouster of President Bashar Assad, braving a heavier than normal security presence, activists and residents said. Initial reports from activists said at least two protesters had been killed by live ammunition fired by security….
Gadhafi’s death seen as lesson to other tyrants
10/21/2011 – DUBAI (Reuters) — For many Arabs, the humiliating capture and killing of Moammar Gadhafi, the longest-serving Arab leader, is a lesson to other tyrants in a region that has overthrown three long-serving rulers this year. But some said on Friday that Libya would have been better off if its former leader had been given a fair….
Questions Linger Amid Celebrations in Libya
Palestine Note 21 Oct 2011 – Arabiya – After a grueling, eight-month bloody battle that resulted in the death of Muammar Qaddafi on Thursday, Libyans face a host of challenges as they begin to rebuild their country. Qaddafi became the first leader of a nation belonging…
Palestinian prisoners ‘mulled exile in 2006’
AlJazeera 21 Oct 2011 – Saleh says he will sign GCC peace deal, but only if unspecified guarantees are provided by the US, EU and Gulf states.
Yemen president seeks guarantees on exit
AlJazeera 21 Oct 2011 – Deputy envoy to UN says report outlining secret executions makes “poorly sourced, exaggerated and outdated allegations”.
Iran rejects UN report on ‘rights abuses’
AlJazeera 21 Oct 2011 – Foreign ministers of two countries join hands against Kurdish fighters as Turkey resumes offensive for second day.
International Solidarity Movement
Israeli military and Zionists ambush olive harvest in Beit Furik
10/21/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – The Palestinian family El Jobor was unsuccessful in their attempt to harvest olives today as they met resistance from Jewish settlers and Israeli soldiers originating out of the Itamar settlement. Accompanied by ISM volunteers the family climbed the hillside above Beit Furik and marched through the olive groves to within….
Israeli mistreatment of Palestinian political prisoners: Free Majd Ziada now!
10/21/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Prisoner of the Day Campaign – Majd Ziada was barely out of his teens when he got arrested by the Israeli Occupation Forces. It was at the height of the second Intifada in 2002 when the Israeli army during its collective arrest campaign detained Majd on the evening of the Israeli invasion of the twin cities…. Related: Prisoner of the Day Campaign
Permission to enter their own lands: Kufr Qaddoum rampaged again by military
10/21/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – In the village of Kufr Qaddoum the people held a demonstration for the 17th Friday in a row. The demonstration started around 11:30 AM in the center of the village and consisted of approximately 80 people. The procession only made it to a barbed wire that blocked the road….
While village attended funeral, Zionists stole
10/21/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 18 October 2011, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – On Tuesday, a family in Kufr Qalil cancelled all olive harvest because of the death of a family member. While the people in the household were at the cemetery to attend the funeral, settlers from the adjacent Berakha settlement took the opportunity to visit the household’….
Woman flees harvest to escape violent settlers and wild boars
10/21/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – 20 October 2011, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – Early Thursday morning, a Palestinian woman in Beit Furik was picking olives when a settler began to chase her and set loose wild hogs to chase after her, causing her to fall and suffer broken bones in both her legs. Muhaya Khatatba was in her olive groves….
Qaddafi found in drainpipe; last words: What did I do to you?
The National 21 Oct 2011 – Libya’s Muammar Qaddafi is pushed, jabbed and jostled, and perhaps finally shot by mechanics, farmers and students who picked up guns to join the rebellion to overthrow him.
With Qaddafi gone, Libyans can answer: ‘Who are we?’
The National 21 Oct 2011 – Analysts believe a botched transition from the rule of Muammar Qaddafi could see revolutionary energy dissipate as disagreements develop in the heavily armed Libyan society.
Qaddafi stored in industrial freezer; Nato to end mission
The National 21 Oct 2011 – Muammar Qaddafi’s body is stashed in a commercial freezer at a shopping centre in Misurata as officials try to keep his corpse out of the public eye while they figured out where and when to bury him.
Tunisians prepare to elect a national assembly
The National 21 Oct 2011 – For the first time ever, Tunisians will freely choose their leaders. Yet much work — and some pitfalls — remain on the path to democracy.
Muammar Qaddafi: myth of glory, feet of clay
The National 20 Oct 2011 – By turns brutal and bombastic, then flamboyant and quixotic, Muammar Qaddafi made his country pay a high price as he followed his delusional dreams over the course of a 42-year regime.
Palestinians confirm Israel offered partial West Bank settlement freeze in return for talks
Ha’aretz – Chief PA negotiator Saeb Erekat says Palestinians rejected offer because it applied only to government construction and most settlement construction is carried out by private contractors.
‘Iran to move nuclear material underground in near future’
Ha’aretz – Diplomatic sources say first batch of uranium hexafluoride gas (UF6) will soon be transferred to Fordow site near Qom in preparation for launching enrichment work.
Hezbollah chief Nasrallah: Next war with Israel will start in Tel Aviv
Ha’aretz – Hassan Nasrallah says Hezbollah has ‘many surprises’ that will change the face of the region in a future war.
Report: Abbas to ask for release of Fatah prisoners, in wake of Shalit deal
Ha’aretz – In TIME interview, Mahmoud Abbas says former PM Ehud Olmert promised to release Fatah prisoners after any deal to free IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
Ariel Sharon’s son tells NY Times father responsive, moves his fingers
Ha’aretz – Gilad Sharon tells the Times father has put on weight, family wants him home, has visited him every day since his stroke six years ago.
Israeli Arabs remanded after arrest at demo supporting security prisoners
Ha’aretz – Police say demonstrators called for more soldiers like Gilad Shalit to be abducted, to exchange for the release of all Israeli Arab security prisoners.
Firefighters battle blaze in northern Israel
Ha’aretz – Dozens of residents evacuated from their homes in the Western Galilee region; Highway 70 closed between Ahihud and Yavor junctions, causing heavy traffic.
Israeli DJ collapses and dies at Tel Aviv nightclub
Ha’aretz – Police do not suspect foul play in death of 27-year-old DJ; paramedics tried to revive the man for 40 minutes, without success.
Israeli plan to relocate 30,000 Bedouin a gross injustice, say researchers
Ha’aretz – Critics say plan to appropriate land from unrecognized village would not grant adequate reparation nor sufficient compensation for those unable to receive proper documentation to purchase new homes.
NATO plans to end Libya mission by Oct. 31
Ha’aretz – Formal decision expected next week; NATO does not plan to keep forces in region; Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen calls operation a ‘remarkable success’.
Obama: U.S. will pull troops out of Iraq by year-end
Ha’aretz – U.S. president speaks to reporters after conducting video conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.
Gadhafi family demands body of slain Libyan leader
Ha’aretz – New leaders, Western backers hail dawn of new Libya; Challenge now to impose order on array of armed groups.
Turkey, Iran to cooperate against Kurdish militants
Ha’aretz – Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi visits Ankara to assure Turkey of Tehran’s support and deny reports of suspected Iranian duplicity in Turkish media.
Zeruya Shalev / Good-bye, dear neighbors
Ha’aretz – It all blends together every day in our neighborhood. The names of the dead etched in stone, the number of days of captivity shown on a screen, the number of terrorists who may be freed, the PM’s convoy exiting his residence, the activists taking to the street with megaphones, shouting your son’s name.
Hila Raz / Martyrs, courtesy of Egypt TV and Gilad Shalit
Ha’aretz – Disgraceful, contemptible, forced, humiliating, artificial, violent – Israeli anchors spared Egyptian state TV nothing, and lost no opportunity to run the footage of the interview again and again.
Jordanians celebrate departure of sacked prime minister
Ha’aretz – Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit and his cabinet were dismissed by King Abdullah II on Monday.
Gadhafi’s killing fuels Syria’s Friday protests
Ha’aretz – 22 anti-Assad protesters killed by Syrian security forces, mostly in Homs and Hama; demonstrators chant ‘Gadhafi is finished. It is your turn now Bashar!’
Turkey seeks Iran’s support against Kurdish rebels
Ha’aretz – Turkish, Iranian foreign ministers met in Ankara to discuss closer cooperation against autonomy-seeking Kurdish rebels.
Which cars will take you for a ride?
Ha’aretz – A record of breakdowns by a leasing agency, and anecdotal evidence from garages, shows for the first time which cars are the most reliable, and which will make your mechanic’s day.
Study proves: Institutionals are loyal to their owners, not public
Ha’aretz – A study whose findings are published here for the first time shows that institutional investors managing the public’s money tend to vote in favor of their owners’ interests, not the public’s.
Gaddafi family demand bodies of ousted dictator and son
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Body of former leader lies on display in meat locker; family calls on UN “to hand over martyrs’ bodies, to allow them to perform burial ceremony”; UN says an investigation is needed into death.
NATO to end Libya military operations by end of the month
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – “I’m very proud of what we have achieved,” NATO chief says while explaining that until end of October NATO will monitor situation and retain capacity to respond to threats to civilians, if needed.
‘Gaddafi’s wife asks the UN to investigate his death’
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Libyan leader’s wife says she’s proud of courage displayed by husband, Syrian TV reports; UN concerned Gaddafi may have been executed.
Court extends remand for 14 Sharon prison protesters
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Suspects allegedly called for more IDF kidnappings, further security prisoner releases in ‘illegal’ protest outside jail.
EU takes steps against 5 over Saudi envoy plot
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Sanctions imposed on 5 people linked to alleged Iranian plot to kill Saudi ambassador to US; EU governments say financial assets will be frozen as part of “measures aimed at combating terrorism.”
Firefighters control wildfire in W. Galilee; 4 injured
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – 20 teams of firefighters assisted by JNF-KKL crews, 4 water-dropping planes; MDA raises its readiness to highest level.
Firefighters battle wildfire in Western Galilee; 4 injured
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – 20 teams of firefighters are assisted by JNF-KKL crews, 4 water-dropping planes; Magen David Adom raises its readiness to the highest level; dozens evacuated from their homes.
13 killed in Syria protests fueled by Gaddafi’s death
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Banners in in Homs warn ophthalmologist turned president, Assad: “Doctor, you are next”; most of killings take place in Homs, Hama.
‘Iran to soon move nuclear material to bunker’
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Underground site could offer protection against an attack on Tehran’s nuclear program; IAEA report expected to add to West’s suspicions.
In death, Gaddafi still divides Libyans
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Arguments over disposal of body held in market cold store; formal “liberation” expected to be declared in Benghazi.
Nasrallah: ‘Next time, we’ll begin with attack on Tel Aviv’
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Hezbollah chief says that if another war breaks out with Israel, he’ll start attack on the Center, not the north of the country.
A view from Israel: The next step
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Just as it is Israel’s self-adopted responsibility to protect its citizens when in captivity, it must protect them even more so when safely at home.
Another Tack: A sacrifice in vain?
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – No matter how sincerely we sympathize with Netanyahu’s discomfiture in face of cynical demagoguery, there’s no escaping the conclusion that Bibi betrayed Yoni.
Above the Fray: Arab Spring, revival of the Islamic state
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Arab Spring exposed hypocrisy of established religious authorities, who issued fatwas against pro-democracy protests, bankruptcy of radical militant ideology.
The Human Spirit: Sisera’s mother
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – How does a mother react when children she has burpedm diapered, at whose funny faces she has smiled, whose tears she has wiped, turn out to be mass murderers?
Eisenbud’s Odyssey: Evil: Beyond banality
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing’ — Edmund Burke
Consider this: a harvest of hate
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – The death penalty is justified for crimes such as the murders of the Fogel family, and would prevent the release of such terrorists in the future.
Arrivals: Following the trail to Israel
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – A journey from a sheep farm in Oregon through the ‘paradise’ of Naples, Florida has ended up in the Israeli desert.
‘Abbas says he’ll ask Netanyahu for prisoner release’
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – PA president tells ‘TIME’ that Olmert promised to release Fatah prisoners after Schalit deal, sources near Olmert reportedly confirm the story.
RX for Readers: Feeling ‘SAD’
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Rx for Readers welcomes queries from readers about medical problems. Experts will answer those we find most interesting.
Simhat Torah/Shmini Atzeret/Bereishit: Celebrating creation
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – ‘Moses commanded us a law, an inheritance of the congregation of Jacob'(Deuteronomy 33:4).
This Week in History: Ron Arad is captured in Lebanon
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Twenty-five years after the Israeli airman bailed from his Phantom jet over southern Lebanon, there is still very little known of his fate.
Arab World: A cold war re-emerges
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – The underlying strategic contours of the Middle East remain largely unchanged; the contest between Iran and Saudi Arabia remains central.
Abu Rudeineh: Abbas will offer Hamas January elections
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – PA president’s aide tells ‘TIME’ that Abbas has already extended proposal to Hamas informally, will officially put offer on table next month.
Palestinian Affairs: No change on the cards
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – While Hamas showed greater flexibility on the Schalit deal, observers believe this doesn’t mean more a moderate position towards Israel.
Peace after Schalit?
Jerusalem Post 21 Oct 2011 – Despite Tony Blair calling the prisoner swap a “moment of opportunity,” the resurgence of Hamas does not bode well for peace.
Israeli wastewater treatment firm wins int’l recognition
Jerusalem Post 20 Oct 2011 – Emefcy named Early Stage Company of the Year and selected to the Global Cleantech 100 list.
Ariel Sharon responds to stimulus, son tells ‘NY Times’
Jerusalem Post 20 Oct 2011 – Gilad Sharon, set to release biography of father, says “he looks at me, moves fingers when I ask him to”; hopes dad will return home in next year.
Tens of thousands praise Assad in state-organized rally
Jerusalem Post 20 Oct 2011 – Aleppo rally shows authorities can still rally mass support despite waves of unrest across the nation.
Activists demand ‘Kotel Hakatan’ be renovated
Jerusalem Post 20 Oct 2011 – Legal Forum for the Land of Israel sent letter to Netanyahu, Barkat pleading for better sanitation.
The man behind the Jerusalem dateline
The Guardian 21 Oct 2011 – Journalist Eric Silver was sent to Israel by The Guardian in 1967 in the aftermath of the six-day war. Five years later, he became the Jerusalem-based correspondent for The Guardian and The Observer. He later freelanced,…
Occupy protesters: why have they joined the movement?
The Guardian 21 Oct 2011 – Occupy activists around the world explain why they have taken to the streets Occupy Rome Giulia Mazzorin 30 Architecture student, from Venice I came with my dog and met friends from Catania, Milan and Naples. I…
U.S.-IRAQ: Obama Confirms Full Withdrawal by Christmas
IPS In a decision promptly denounced by Republicans, President Barack Obama announced here Friday that all U.S. troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by the Christmas holidays in late December.
U.S. Looks Increasingly Irrelevant as Mideast Peace Broker
IPS While a growing number of influential voices here and in the region insist that the nearly 20-year, U.S.-sponsored “peace process” has reached its terminal phase, the administration of President Barack Obama remains committed to reviving direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).
Q&A: Tackling Human Rights in Iran Is “Like a Minefield”
IPS The Islamic Republic of Iran has one of the most desperate human rights situations in the world.
U.S. May Have Concealed Deterrent Aim of Iranian Plan
IPS Scepticism about the U.S. allegation of an Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador has focused on doubts that high-level Iranian officials would have used someone like used car salesman Monssor Arbabsiar to carry out the mission.
TUNISIA: Islamist Violence Rises Ahead of Elections
IPS Violent and increasingly common protests organised by far right Islamists are shocking and dividing the nation, and potentially threatening stability in the birthplace of the Arab spring.
U.S.-LIBYA: Obama Claims Vindication
IPS The death of former Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi was hailed here Thursday by both the administration of President Barack Obama and some of his Republican foes as the latest in a series of victories for U.S. foreign policy.
Rights Groups Demand General Assembly Action on Syria
IPS A coalition of 29 international human rights organisations is appealing to the 193-member General Assembly to act “immediately” to help halt the unbridled violence in Syria which has claimed the lives of over 3,000 people, mostly civilians, since the political protests began last March.
Gaddafi’s Murder and International Law (video) Firoze Manji: Nothing in international law allows regime change and assassination of a leader
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – … This was extrajudicial killing, and supported by Hillary Clinton. It’s very unfortunate. But the issue, I think, in Libya today is not so much about Gaddafi, but that this symbolizes the final occupation, the recolonization of Libya by the US and NATO forces. It is now a question of the US government and the…
“Gaddafi’s Oppressions”
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – My local newspaper informed me this morning that with the killing of Muammar Gaddafi the “Libyan people can finally turn the page on 42 years of vicious oppression.” The oppression began with Gaddafi liberating Libya from the tyranny of the puppet ruler King Idris I, whose flag has become the banner of the rebels….
Iran hails death of long-time ally Qaddafi as great victory’
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – Iran on Friday hailed the death of long-time ally and former Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi as a “great victory” and called for an immediate exit of foreign troops from Libya, the official IRNA news agency reported. “This has been the doomed fate of all oppressors and tyrants throughout history because they ignore peoples’ rights…
Interview with Ahlam Al-Tamimi: My closeness to a Fatah militant is a message to those who obstruct national reconciliation
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – “I will remain committed to Islamic principles and will not renounce Hamas; the movement has taught me a lot.” Just before she was due to fly to Amman, I met the only female Palestinian prisoner from Jordan involved in the Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange agreement, the woman dubbed the “gem of the deal”, Ahlam Al-Tamimi….
Greek Fire: The Yellow Bird is Singing
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – Greece is the canary in the coal mine of modern hyper-capitalism. Throughout the “developed” world, elites and political leaders are following the same path, using a self-created financial crisis to institute a radical destruction of free societies and create an authoritarian “managed democracy” in their places. But the extremist measures being imposed on Greece…
Hillary Clinton laughs about Gaddafi’s death (Video)
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton learned about the death of Muammar Gaddafi via an SMS message. Clinton was staying in Kabul when she learned the news. The moment, when she was given a cell phone, was filmed by CBS NEWS as Clinton was getting ready for an interview. Clinton received her BlackBerry from…
All U.S. troops to leave Iraq by the end of 2011
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – The Obama administration has decided to withdraw all U.S. forces from Iraq by the end of the year after failing to reach an agreement with the Iraqi government that would have left several thousand troops there for special operations and training. President Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki spoke Friday morning to cement…
Gaddafi’s wife asks the U.N. to investigate his death: TV
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – A television station based in Syria that supported Muammar Gaddafi said Friday that the slain Libyan leader’s wife has asked for a United Nations investigation into his death. The wife of Gaddafi “asks the United Nations to investigate the death of the fighter Muammar and Mo’tassim,” Arrai television said in a news headline, referring…
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (13 – 19 October 2011)
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – Summary : Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (13 – 19 October 2011): Shooting: During the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall in the West Bank. As…
US and NATO murder Muammar Gaddafi
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – The savage killing Thursday of deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi served to underscore the criminal character of the war that has been prosecuted by the US and NATO over the past eight months. The assassination follows NATO’s more than month-long siege of Sirte, the Libyan coastal city that was Gaddafi’s hometown and a center…
Qaddafi’s security chief shares account of former leader’s last moments
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – Muammar Qaddafi was living in an apartment in Sirte before his capture and was not found in a sewage pipe as alleged by Libya’s revolutionary fighters, according to his Internal Security chief, Mansour Daw, who was interviewed by Al Arabiya shortly after he was captured on Thursday… Dismissing reports that Qaddafi loyalists had used…
An Observer at the Banquet…
Uruknet October 21, 2011 – I never liked gatherings nor banquets…I am allergic to hordes of people rushing to a buffet, gorging themselves with food, quickly stuffing down “all you can eat from 8 pm to 11 pm”…There is something crass, like morally and philosophically crass about this approach to eating. Something reminiscent of cannibalism, where you carnivorously appropriate…
Colonel Gaddafi captured and killed
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – …The barbaric deaths of Muammar and his son at the hands of the NATO-backed rebels are only a surprise to those who have depended on the mainstream media and the NATO propaganda machine for their information on this conflict. There needs to be a full inquiry by human rights activists into how the media,…
Seven months into the Syrian Revolution masses still striving for a breakthrough
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – … The USA, Britain and France do not match their words with deeds. They say Assad has to go but their action suggest that they want him to stay. Russia and China are openly supporting Assad, and Turkey, the supposed friend of the Syrian people, has done nothing but secretly support Assad – they just…
Syria News – October 20, 2011 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – Number of martyrs today in Syria reached 15, 3 martyrs in Jasem,Daraa, 6 martyrs in Homs among them is a woman, 1 martyr each in Damascus, Dumair and Zamalka in Damascus Suburbs, Hawash in Hama Suburbs, Idlib and in Aleppo… Aleppo, Dar Ezza : martyrdom of soldier Hossam Abdul Qader Hameko of the fourth division…
The Complete Guant?°namo Files: WikiLeaks and the Prisoners Released in 2006 (Part Eight of Ten)
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – …Qadir Khandan, who was 32 years old at the time of his capture, was a pharmacist, who seems to have been a victim of the warlord Pacha Khan Zadran and his nephew, Jan Baz Khan, who lied about him to the Americans to get him arrested. Zadran was a US ally until it was…
A mother’s story: Om Fares
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – The prisoners’ families make sure not to miss any day of the weekly protest so the number of the people inside the Red Cross is more than usual on Mondays. Therefore, one should expect to see lots of tears and hear lots of tragedies, especially after the names of the soon-to-be released prisoners were…
“My husband was kidnapped by Israel”
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – I had a one-hour break at university on Saturday, so I grabbed the chance to visit the Palestinian detainees’ solidarity tent by the Red Cross building. Every day I go, I see the same people, whom I’ve started to feel are a part of me. When one of them is not there, I miss…
Press Release: Cambridge students to begin vote on company with Israeli settlement ties
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – Students at Cambridge will start voting Friday in a referendum calling on the University to cut ties with a company implicated in Israeli human rights abuses. The referendum, scheduled for 21-24 October, calls on CUSU (Cambridge University Students Union) to campaign to have the University cut ties with Veolia, a company involved in infrastructure…
Rights Groups Call for the Arrest of George W. Bush for Torture as He Arrives in Canada
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – As former US President George W. Bush arrives in Canada today to address a regional economic summit, where attendees will pay $599 a head to hear him and former President Bill Clinton as featured speakers, human right groups opposed to Bush’s visit, having petitioned the government to intervene, but with no response, are initiating…
Gaddafi had heroic last stand’ (Video)
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – Muammar Gaddafi could have escaped and fled to another country, but he stood and fought to the last breath exactly as he’d promised, believes Jordan-based professor, Ibrahim Alloush. “What we have here is a heroic last stand and defense of Libya against a NATO-led invasion,” he said, adding that Gaddafi’s death would be a…
NATO conquers Libya The summary execution of Muammar Gaddafi
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – The capture and summary execution of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is being hailed by imperialist politicians and media as “liberation” for the Libyan people. In fact, it means just the opposite. While the final bullets that killed Gaddafi may have been fired by troops of the Libyan “National Transitional Council” (NTC), the real victors…
A day of joy in Gaza
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – The sense of joy was palpable in the streets of Gaza on Tuesday. It was a remarkable day in the life of the territory’s 1.6 million Palestinians. During the last five years Israel has levied a heavy price from them for the capture of an Israeli soldier by Palestinian resistance fighters. It has been…
The killing of Awlaki’s 16-year-old son
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – Two weeks after the U.S. killed American citizen Anwar Awlaki with a drone strike in Yemen – far from any battlefield and with no due process – it did the same to his 16-year-old son, Abdulrahman al-Awlaki, ending the teenager’s life on Friday along with his 17-year-old cousin and seven other people. News reports,…
Hank Skinner: Unjustly Sentenced to Death
Uruknet October 20, 2011 – On December 31, 1993, (New Year’s eve) Skinner’s live-in girlfriend Twila and her two adult sons were stabbed to death in Pampa, TX. On March 18, 1995, he was convicted and sentenced to death. On November 9, he’ll be executed, despite convincing evidence he’s innocent. Justice will be denied. As America’s death penalty capital,…
Diplomats: UN bid to be decided in November
Uruknet October 20, 2011 — The quest for UN membership is likely to come to a head on or around Nov. 11, when Security Council ambassadors plan a final meeting to decide their response, diplomats said on Wednesday. The date represents a delay in dealing with the Palestine application, submitted by President Mahmoud Abbas on Sept. 23, amid hopes…
Oxfam: Settlers cost farmers over $500,000 this harvest
Uruknet October 20, 2011 — Israeli settlers have cost Palestinian farmers over $500,000 this year by destroying olive trees in the West Bank, Oxfam and local organizations warned Thursday. Oxfam, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees and the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees estimated that olives collected this year would produce half the oil of the 2010 harvest, a statement…
Hazim: Syria unlikely to witness a civil war
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Syria is unlikely to face a civil war despite the current unrest in the country, according to the Orthodox patriarch, Ignatius IV Hazim, who said he supported the views of the Maronite patriarch.
Nasri Khoury: Syria made no incursions into Lebanon
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 The Syrian-Lebanese Council’s secretary-general said Friday the Syrian army had not violated Lebanon’s sovereignty during recent incidents.
Incursions and STL drive political divide
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Three major issues are weighing heavily on the political scene, leading to greater division between Lebanon’s two major political camps and causing paralysis on various levels.
Sleiman voices hope Gadhafi’s death will usher in new promising era in Libya
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 More Lebanese leaders expressed relief Friday at the killing of Libya’s dictator Moammar Gadhafi, with President Michel Sleiman voicing hope the dramatic event would usher in a new promising era in the Arab country…
Aridi: Aoun’s ministers impeding Cabinet work
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Public Works Minister Ghazi Aridi accused ministers from MP Michel Aoun’s bloc Friday of obstructing the Cabinet’s work, calling for a change in the mentality of addressing topics on the agenda.
Lebanese-Canadian faces charges for attempted arms smuggling
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 A Lebanese-Canadian woman was charged Thursday with attempting to smuggle weapons parts into Lebanon and faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, the Globe and Mail reported.
Audiovisual Media Council: programs must abide by rules
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Several local television channels received official warnings Friday for airing controversial episodes that have drawn complaints from several civil society groups and religious figures.
Airport to shut down for 40-minute air show
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Rafik Hariri International Airport will be closed Saturday for 40 minutes for an air show, Civil Aviation officials have announced.
Court convicts 10 people in absentia for spying
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Ten people were convicted in absentia Friday of spying for Israel, a judicial source told The Daily Star.
Two die in murder suicide, 2 others wounded
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Two people died in an apparent murder-suicide and two others were wounded in a separate shooting incident Friday.
Gadhafi died the way he lived, in crude brutality: Sadr family lawyer
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 The family of Imam Musa Sadr reacted to the killing of ousted Libyan President Moammar Gadhafi with a strong emotional and conflictual charge, the lawyer of the Sadr family told The Daily Star Friday.
Geagea: government should resign for the sake of Lebanon
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Lebanese Forces leader urges the government to resign for the sake of Lebanon and the reputation of its lawmakers, citing cracks in the government which he said had became apparent in recent Cabinet sessions.
Hezbollah salutes Libya, urges new efforts to find Sadr
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Hezbollah salutes the Libyan revolution following the death of Libya’s deposed leader Moammar Gadhafi, and says Libyans should protect their resources from the greed of big countries.
Nasrallah: Tel Aviv first target if Israel launches war against Lebanon
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah has warned that Tel Aviv will be the first target in any war Israel decides to launch against Lebanon, Friday’s Al-Akhbar reports.
Airstrike hit 11 vehicles in Gadhafi convoy: NATO
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 NATO aircraft struck 11 vehicles in an armoured convoy speeding late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi out of his hometown of Sirte on Thursday, although NATO did not know at the time he was in the convoy,…
Gadhafi’s death – who pulled the trigger?
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Disturbing images of a blood-stained and shaken Gadhafi being dragged around by angry fighters quickly circulated around the world after the Libyan dictator’s dramatic death near his home town of Sirte.
Man shoots and wounds two in Dahiyeh
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Man from Zaaiter family, member of which shot two men Thursday, shoots two brothers in Dahiyeh.
Khoury: Syria committed no violations since border undefined
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Lebanese-Syrian Council’s secretary-general says the Syrian army has not violated Lebanon’s sovereignty during recent incidents, because they occurred in disputed areas where the borders between the country have not been demarcated.
Syrian protesters take inspiration from Libya
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Inspired by the scenes of euphoria in Libya, Syrian protesters pour into the streets and shout that President Bashar Assad’s regime will be the next to unravel now that ousted Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi is dead.
Sleiman delaying signature for police promotions: sources
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 President Michel Sleiman is withholding his signature from a decree to promote around 400 police officers because of reservations over some of the personnel, political sources told The Daily Star Friday.
Lebanese-Canadian accused of arms smuggling to Lebanon
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 A Lebanese-Canadian woman was charged Thursday with attempting to smuggle weapons parts into Lebanon and faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, the Globe and Mail reported.
Gadhafi, in meat locker, still divides Libya
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Moammar Gadhafi’s body lies in an old meat store as arguments over a burial, and his killing after being captured, dog efforts by Libya’s new leaders to make a formal start on a new era of…
Final day of campaigning for Tunisian elections
Daily Star 21 Oct 2011 Campaigning closes in Tunisia Friday, two days before its first democratic elections, with a formerly banned Islamist party poised to dominate an assembly that will pave the way for a new government.
STL sets deadline for lawyers to submit in absentia cases
Daily Star 20 Oct 2011 The legal teams of the United Nations-backed court investigating the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri will have until next month to submit cases on in absentia trials against four Hezbollah members accused of the…
Fire erupts in Western Galilee; no injuries
YNet News, 21 Oct 2011 – Brushfire spreads toward Kibbutz Yassur as police evacuate elderly residents…..
New virus threatens Iran’s nuclear program
YNet News, 21 Oct 2011 – After the Stuxnet computer virus that wreaked havoc on Iran’s nuclear program, a….
Gaddafi’s burial delayed
YNet News, 21 Oct 2011 – Libya’s Interim government says burial of deposed dictator to be delayed by….
Gilad Sharon: Disengagement was my idea
YNet News, 21 Oct 2011 – In forthcoming biography, former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s son slams….
Gaddafi put on display in shopping center freezer
YNet News, 21 Oct 2011 – Muammar Gaddafi’s blood-streaked body was on display in a commercial freezer at a shopping center Friday as Libyan authorities argued about what to do with his remains … ….
US to pull out of Iraq nearly nine years after war began
YNet News, 21 Oct 2011 – US President Barack Obama said on Friday he would pull US troops from Iraq this year, almost nine years after the US invasion, after he failed to convince Iraq that … ….
‘Gaddafi attempted to sink ship carrying Jews’
YNet News, 21 Oct 2011 – Slain Libyan tyrant Muammar Gaddafi attempted to sink a British cruise ship carrying Jewish passengers in 1973, the Daily Mail reported Friday. According to the … ….
Syrian protesters take inspiration from Libya
YNet News, 21 Oct 2011 – Inspired by the scenes of euphoria in Libya, Syrian protesters poured into the streets Friday and shouted that President Bashar Assad’s regime will be the next to unravel … ….
Erekat: Israel offered halt in settlements
YNet News, 21 Oct 2011 – A Palestinian negotiator claimed Friday that Israel offered to halt a limited amount of construction work in Jewish settlements in the West Bank in an effort to find a … ….
Settlers, Palestinians wounded during clash
YNet News, 21 Oct 2011 – Land dispute — ten people were injured on Friday during a violent clash between settlers from the outpost of Esh Kodesh and Palestinians and left-wing activists who were … ….
Palestinian Information Center
UN expert urges Israel to protect Palestinian children in detention
PIC – The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the OPT, Richard Falk, has urged the Government of Israel to adopt guidelines for the protection of Palestinian children..
Settler attacks damage the olive harvest in the West Bank
PIC – Israeli settlers?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ destruction of Palestinian olive trees will reduce this year?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s harvest by an estimated USD $500,000 as 7,500 olive trees were destroyed in acts of settler violence..
Gaddafi’s ignominious end
PIC – Tyrants and their murderous thugs may kill and spill untold blood of their own people. However, they too will face their ultimate hour of truth..
Qar?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢awi criticise PA security for summoning recently freed captives
PIC – Fathi Qar?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢awi, member of the PLC, stressed that the positive atmosphere created by the release of Palestinian captives should be utilised to expedite the implementation of reconciliation.
Ahram: Grapel exchange deal to follow Shalit exchange deal
PIC – Egyptian diplomatic sources said that the Egyptian government initiated negotiations with the Israeli side to reach an exchange deal whereby Ilan Grapel is exchanged with Egyptian prisoners.
Zahhar calls for expediting national reconciliation and unity
PIC – Dr. Mahmoud al-Zahhar, member of Hamas?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s political office, said that his movement will not leave Palestinian captives in occupation jails at any cost and any sacrifices.
Sinwar: Occupation left us no choice but to resort to capturing of IOF soldiers
PIC – Freed captive, Yahya al-Sinwar, said that freeing captives from occupation jails is a priority for our people. He called on the international community to pressure Israel to release the captives.
Occupation police arrest 12 Palestinians in 1948-occupied Palestine
PIC – Israeli occupation police arrested on Thursday 12 Palestinians during a protest organised by 1948-Palestinians outside the Hadarim jail calling for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
5300 Palestinian captives are still incarcerated in occupation jails
PIC – The Ministry of Captives and Freed Captives in the Palestinian government of Gaza said that the Israeli occupation is still incarcerating 5300 Palestinian captives in its jails..
Hamdan: Sarkozy’s demands out of context
PIC – 19/10/2011 – 07:37 PM
Settlers earmark $100,000 “bounty” for anyone who kills two liberated prisoners
PIC – 20/10/2011 – 02:53 PM
Settlers Attack Farmers, Foreign Volunteers Harvesting Olives
WAFA
Abbas Heads Fatah Central Committee Meeting
WAFA
Israeli Soldiers Raid Houses in Bethlehem
WAFA
It’s In ‘Vogue’ To Be Bold!
Intifada-Palestine: 21 Oct 2011 – Vogue Magazine, November 2011 issue features actress Tilda Swinton on it’s cover ‚Äî as she drapes a Palestinian scarf. This is an amazing and powerful statement and speaks volumes‚Ķ “Vogue” Strike a pose Be in “Vogue” Strike a pose Strike a… more
Obama announces that all U.S. troops in Iraq are coming home
LA Times 21 Oct 2011 – President Obama says that the 40,000 U.S. troops will be ‘home for the holidays,’ fulfilling a campaign promise and acceding to the reality of a depleted treasury and overwhelming public opinion. By declaring that the last American troops will leave Iraq by the end of…
In Libya, a spectacle greets Moammar Kadafi’s corpse
LA Times 21 Oct 2011 – As Libyans line up to view Kadafi’s body in Misurata, they ridicule, reflect and look ahead. Meanwhile, the U.N. calls for an investigation into the former leader’s mysterious death. His body lay pale in the half-light of a meat locker, head tilted to one side,…
As Libya takes stock, Moammar Kadafi’s hidden riches astound
LA Times 21 Oct 2011 – New estimates of the former leader’s assets ‚Äî more than $200 billion ‚Äî are called ‘staggering.’ If they prove true, he would rank among the world’s most rapacious leaders. Moammar Kadafi secretly salted away more than $200 billion in bank accounts, real estate and corporate…
Unpredictable to the end, Moammar Kadafi ruled Libya for decades
LA Times 20 Oct 2011 – Erratic and mercurial, he fancied himself a political philosopher, practiced an unorthodox, deadly diplomacy and cut an at times cartoonish figure in robes and sunglasses, surrounded by female guards. In the modern pantheon of the world’s dictators, Moammar Kadafi stood apart. Far apart.
Kadafi’s fate bolsters Syria protesters; 24 reported killed
LA Times 21 Oct 2011 – Syrian protesters’ invoke the Libyan experience in a dramatic example of how Moammar Kadafi’s death rippled across the region. An anti-Assad coalition reports that 24 protesters were killed Friday. Inspired by the demise of Libya’s Moammar Kadafi, thousands of antigovernment protesters took to the streets…
Kadafi slain against a backdrop of NATO support
LA Times 21 Oct 2011 – The seven-month bombing campaign gave the Libyan revolutionaries a key weapon. It also exposed the uncertain future of the world’s most powerful military bloc. With the capture and death of Moammar Kadafi, NATO’s aerial assault on Libya essentially ended the same way it began: with…
Libya rejoices at Moammar Kadafi’s death
LA Times 21 Oct 2011 – The focus in Libya now turns to building a democratic system, collecting thousands of weapons and reining in militias that now impose order. The spectacle of Moammar Kadafi’s capture at the mouth of a drain pipe and death in the custody of those he long…
Kadafi is another notch on Obama’s lethal-force belt
LA Times 21 Oct 2011 – Targeted foreign military operations have become one of the president’s clearest legacies. Not that the Libya mission is likely to bring him many political rewards at home. For a president who promised to end the gunslinger ways of his predecessor, Barack Obama has proven himself…
U.S. Troops to Leave Iraq by Year’s End, Obama Says
New York Times 21 Oct 2011 – President Obama announced the end of a nine-year military engagement, after failing to reach a deal with the Iraqi government on military trainers in Iraq.
U.S. and Iraq Had Not Expected Troops Would Have to Leave
New York Times 21 Oct 2011 – American officials blame a misreading of Iraqi politics for the failure of negotiations on extending the presence of troops.
Qaddafi’s Death Stirs New Protests, and Hope, in Syria
New York Times 21 Oct 2011 – The Syrian National Council, trying to emulate the success of Libya’s opposition leadership, has closed ranks in the most concerted attempt yet to forge an alternative to President Bashar al-Assad.
U.N. Calls on Saleh to Accept Power Transfer Deal in Yemen
New York Times 21 Oct 2011 – A resolution adopted by the Security Council expresses concerns about the situation in Yemen “due to the lack of progress on a political settlement.”
On Religion: ‘Pidyon Shvuyim’ Validated the Price of Shalit’s Release
New York Times 21 Oct 2011 – The Jewish concept of “pidyon shvuyim” ‚Äî redeeming the captives, primarily by paying a ransom ‚Äî helped validate the steep price of Gilad Shalit’s liberation.
Special Section: Fine Arts: Islamic Treasures at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York Times 21 Oct 2011 – Next month, the Metropolitan Museum of Art will open its New Galleries for the Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia and Later South Asia.
The Lede Blog: New Videos Help Piece Together Qaddafis’ Last Minutes
New York Times 21 Oct 2011 – Before the bodies of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi and his son Muatassim were put on display in the city of Misurata, both men were captured alive by Libyan fighters, newly discovered video shows.
What, what, what are they so afraid of?
Jewish Voice for Peace – Tell the Jewish Federations to stop silencing Jews who advocate for Palestinian rights!, Dear Supporter,, Maybe you know Cecilie Surasky, Jewish Voice for Peace Deputy Director. She’s smart and tireless, passionate and committed. And, without a doubt, she is one of my heroes.
Rep. Ackerman attacks over 100 NYU professors for signing divestment letter
Jewish Voice for Peace –
As the two-state solution dies, what comes next?
Mondoweiss – East Jerusalem construction scuttling two-state solution Haaretz 21 Oct — Givat Hamatos is the keystone of a plan that quietly, piece by piece, with no Israeli public debate, is unilaterally sealing the southern border of annexed East Jerusalem with Israeli construction … In the last year, plans…
AT-TUWANI: CPT-Palestine closes At-Tuwani project
Christian Peacemaker Teams – Palestine – In 2004, the village of At-Tuwani and its Israeli partner, Ta’ayush, approached CPT’s Hebron team and the Italian peace group, Operation Dove, asking if they could provide accompaniment for the children of the village, whom settlers regularly attacked as they walked to and from school. Although…
Yediot Military Correspondent: Secret Israeli-Egypt Efforts to Counter Iran Threat, IDF Report Confirms Eilat Terror Cells Not from Gaza
Tikun Olam – Yediot Achronot’s veteran military correspondent, Alex Fishman, reveals for the first time the substance of the secret IDF report about the Eilat terror attack. He also reveals secret Israeli-Egyptian meetings designed to unblock the Shalit prisoner exchange and counter the alleged Iranian regional threat. I should…
Dying of schmaltz
Mondoweiss – While uneasy about the asymmetry of the Shalit deal between Israel and Hamas—a thousand Palestinian prisoners ( invariably described in Israel as “terrorists”) for one Israeli—the Israeli and the American Jewish media are also full of hymns of self-praise for us wonderful Jews: the “price” we paid…
Egyptian revolutionary cartoons (part 1)
Mondoweiss – This month in Cairo, the Society of Fine Arts Lovers is having an exhibit of cartoons from the revolution. I was allowed to photograph them; sorry I don’t have the cartoonists’ names. And I don’t speak Arabic, but these are two of my favorites… More to…
‘Neocon’ is suddenly a bad career move (and Rachel Abrams ain’t helping the Elliott Abrams brand)
Mondoweiss – Media Matters has blasted Rachel Abrams for her xenophobic racist rant against Palestinians. Yesterday all my friends were saying, Can you imagine a Muslim uttering such invective, what would happen to her and her politically-connected husband? They’d be finished. Well maybe Rachel Abrams has hurt Elliott…
Even Fayyad forecasts struggle for equal voting rights in I/P
Mondoweiss – Palestinian P.M. Salam Fayyad spoke at the American Task Force for Palestine in D.C., Haaretz reports, and said all he wants is a Palestinian state on the 1967 lines, but now is not the right time to negotiate. But he opened the door on a different…
Kahanists Offer $100,000 Bounty on Heads of Freed Palestinian Prisoners
Tikun Olam – Settlers place $100,000 on heads of freed Palestinian prisoners. E-mail address is “Vengeance1998.” Proving that they believe they are a law and a state unto themselves, Kahanists have offered a $100,000 bounty on the heads of those Palestinian prisoners freed as part of the Shalit exchange….
Bibi’s Fake Settlement Freeze Offer
Tikun Olam – I do so love it when Israeli political figures seek to appear to offer Palestinian leaders a leg up, only to stab them in the back as they’re doing it. Haaretz reports today that Bibi Netanyahu has offered a vague formula for a settlement freeze…
New Texas Prison Regimen: Let Them Eat…Each Other
Tikun Olam – The news in today’s NY Times is that Texas is leading the nation in yet another innovation involving prison care: they’re going to stop allowing prisoners to order a special last meal before they are executed. Apparently, the citizens of the state are in high dudgeon…
(en) US, Media, Oakland Occupy residents struggle with internal security issues
A-infos 21 Oct 2011 – Tension had been building for days in the Occupy Oakland camp before it erupted into violence Monday and Tuesday. When it finally did, Don Hughes, a substitute teacher and full-time tent resident of the camp, found himself amid a full-blown melee. — The next thing Hughes…
Gaddafi death transparency urged
BBC 21 Oct 2011 – Libya’s authorities are urged to be transparent in determining the cause of ex-leader Col Muammar Gaddafi’s death after he was captured alive.
Protesters ‘die in Syria clashes’
BBC 21 Oct 2011 – At least 24 people are killed in Syria as protesters return to the streets after Friday prayers, activists say.
Turkey and Iran ‘target rebels’
BBC 21 Oct 2011 – Turkey and Iran say they will work together to defeat separatist Kurdish rebels active in both countries, as Turkey continues its military offensive.
Egypt won’t join alliances against maritime piracy except under a UN flag
Middle East Monitor 21 Oct 2011 – The Commander of the Egyptian Navy has said that his country will not participate in any international alliances against maritime piracy unless they arise out of a UN resolution. Mohab Mamish is also a member of Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. He told a…
Algerian opposition spokesman says Gaddafi’s death is lesson to other tyrants
Middle East Monitor 21 Oct 2011 – A founding member of Rashad, the Algerian opposition movement, has welcomed the news of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s death in Libya. Former diplomatMohamed Larbi Zitout said that the day of the ex-Libyan leader’s killing was “one of Allah’s days, a day for enabling the oppressed people in…
Israel stops the wife of a former prisoner from travelling to meet him in exile
Middle East Monitor 21 Oct 2011 – Israel has stopped the wife of one of the prisoners released in the exchange deal and sent into exile in Qatar from travelling to meet him. The wife of Abdul Hakim Aziz Hanini was prevented by the Israelis from crossing from the occupied West Bank into…
Prisoners exiled to Gaza
Middle East Monitor 21 Oct 2011 – EXCLUSIVE PICTURES On almost every street in Gaza, tents have been erected to host welcome home ceremonies and receptions for the Palestinian prisoners freed in the recent prisoner exchange deal between Israel and the Palestinians. However, among the conditions to the deal stipulated by the Israeli…
From the Perspective of An Israeli Settler
Arab American Institute 21 Oct 2011 – By Maha Neouchy Israeli settlements in Palestine have been the root of controversy for decades. But no matter what your views are on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it is important to hear from anyone and everyone who has been affected by this bloody conflict, one that still…
Clinton: “We came, we saw, he died!”
Voltaire Network 21 Oct 2011 – Hillary Clinton’s reaction to Muammar Gaddafi’s death: – 04. News in Brief / Libya , Clinton, Hillary R.
The lynching of Muammar Gaddafi
Voltaire Network 21 Oct 2011 – The death of Muammar al-Gaddafi was hailed with an explosion of joy in all the government palaces of Western countries, but not by the Libyan people. For Thierry Meyssan, this militarily useless murder was perpetrated by the Empire not only as an example, but also to…
Was the “Iranian plot” hatched in the USA?
Voltaire Network 21 Oct 2011 – The Obama administration has leveled yet another accusation against Iran. This time, Tehran is supposed to have masterminded a plan to kill the Saudi ambassador to Washington. Despite the details reported in the press, diplomatic circles have kept their distance. Gone are the days when Washington’s…
Barack Obama on Announcement of Death of Libya’s Qadhafi
Voltaire Network 20 Oct 2011 – Good afternoon, everybody. Today, the government of Libya announced the death of Muammar Qaddafi. This marks the end of a long and painful chapter for the people of Libya, who now have the opportunity to determine their own destiny in a new and democratic Libya. For…
Articles
Highlighting the Palestinian human narrative
Daoud Kuttab, Ma’an News Agency10/20/2011
For most observers, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is one of raw politics. Most people familiar with the conflict take one side or another, maybe even becoming fanatic in their defense of their side.
Usually those who support the Palestinian cause do so because of a personal connection, because of a visit to Palestinian territories or because they understand the Palestinian cause and the injustice the Palestinians have suffered for decades.
Support for Israelis usually comes due to a religious connection, often through the Judeo-Christian heritage that is prevalent in the West. Americans remember the David and Goliath story in the Bible and sympathize with the Israelis, mistakenly connecting the Old Testament Israelites with the 20th century Israelis.
Neutral observers often adopt a position on this century-old conflict based on media reports in which the overwhelming narrative is that of a civilized white people fighting barbarian natives who do not value human life or individual freedoms and values that people in the West are familiar with.
Naturally this narrative has been much eroded in time, just as the David and Goliath image was reversed, with images of Israeli soldiers, guns and planes pitted against stone-throwing Palestinian resistance.
But the human narrative of the Palestinian individual has not succeeded in becoming part of the global media narrative. Western media reports do give attention to individual stories, but most often Palestinians are only mentioned as groups or are nameless.more.. e-mail
The US power grab in Africa
Pepe Escobar, Asia Times10/21/2011
Beware of strangers bearing gifts. Post-modern Amazon and United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton finally landed in Tripoli – on a military jet – to lavish praise on the dodgy Transitional National Council (TNC), those opportunists/defectors/Islamists formerly known as “North Atlantic Treaty Organization rebels”.
Clinton was greeted on Tuesday “on the soil of free Libya” (her words) by what the New York Times quaintly described as an “irregular militia” (translation: a heavily armed gang that is already raising hell against other heavily armed gangs), before meeting TNC chairman Mustafa Abdel-NATO (formerly known as Jalil).
The bulk of the US gifts – US$40 million – on top of the $135 million already disbursed since February (most of it military “aid”) is for a missile scramble conducted by “contractors” (ie mercenaries) trying to track the tsunami of mobile anti-aircraft rockets that by now are already conveniently ensconced in secret Islamist warehouses.
Clinton told students at the University of Tripoli, “We are on your side.” She could not possibly connect the dots and note that the shabab (young people) who started demonstrating against Muammar Gaddafi in February have absolutely nothing to do with the TNC’s opportunists/defectors/Islamists who hijacked the protests. But she did have time to unveil another US foreign policy “secret” – that the US wants Gaddafi “dead or alive”, George W Bush-style (or as the beneficiary of targeted assassination, Barack Obama-style).
The new Fallujah
In her exhausting six-and-a-half hours on “free Libya” soil, Clinton couldn’t possibly find the time to hitch a helicopter ride to Sirte and see for herself how NATO is exercising R2P (“responsibility to protect” civilians). more.. e-mail
The Christians of the Orient Stand up Against the New Western Colonisim
Thierry Meyssan, Intifada-Palestine10/18/2011
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 stormy meeting at the Elys?©e Palace on 5 September 2011, the plan contemplates the expulsion of Middle East Christians by the Western powers. In this context a press campaign is underway in Europe to accuse the Christians of the Orient of collusion with the dictatorships. Mother Agnes-Mariam of the Cross, mother superior of the monastery of James the Mutilated in Qara (Syria) responds to this war propaganda.
Invited at the Elysee the 5th of September 2011, S.B. Bechara Boutros Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and the entire Middle-East (the head of the most important Church in the Middle-East that is attached to Rome) heard that France and its allies will soon intervene militarily in Syria to establish the Muslim Brothers as the leaders of the country. The Christians of the Orient, who would lose their place in society, would then have to prepare themselves for the exodus and could find refuge in Europe. Presidence de la Republique – P. Segrette
Thierry Meyssan: The special synod for the Middle-East affirmed the Arabic character of the Christians of this region, which marks a rupture with the 20th century where Christianity, even though it was born in this region, appeared as the religion of the colonizer. This ideological turnover led the Holy-Seat and the Churches of the Orient to support the Palestinian cause and the forces of the anti-Zionist Resistance, including Syria. This evolution had been anticipated in Lebanon by General Michel Aoun and his alliance with Hezbollah. Have the Christians of the Orient become enemies of the westerners?
Mother Agn?®s-Mariam of the Cross: Yes, the synod affirmed emphatically the Arabic character of the Christians of the Orient through immersion and symbiosis with their historical and cultural environment. more.. e-mail
Everybody’s Son, and 1027 More
Palestine Chronicle: 21 Oct 2011 – By Uri Avnery The Most sensible — I almost wrote ‘the only sensible’ — sentence uttered this week sprang from the lips of a 5-year old boy. After the prisoner swap, one of those smart-aleck TV reporters asked him: “Why did we release 1027 Arabs for one Israeli soldier?” He expected, of course, the usual answer: because one Israeli is worth a thousand Arabs. The little boy replied: “Because we caught many of them and they caught only one.” For more than a week, the whole of Israel was in a state of intoxication. Gilad Shalit indeed ruled the country (Shalit means “ruler”). His pictures were plastered all over the place like those of Comrade Kim in North Korea. It was one of those rare moments, when Israelis could be proud of themselves. Few countries, if any, would have been prepared to exchange 1027 prisoners for one. In most places,…more
Ongoing Murder Trial of Vittorio
Palestine Chronicle: 21 Oct 2011 – By International Solidarity Movement – Gaza The military trial of the four men charged with the death of Italian International Solidarity Movement Activist Vittorio Arrigoni continued in Gaza City today. The small courtroom was packed with friends and colleagues of Arrigoni, in addition to four or five members of the defendants’ families. All four defendants appeared unshackled behind a caged-off portion of the courtroom and remained standing throughout the trial. The trial began today with the parties checking where they had left off on the September 22 session. The prosecutor, dressed in olive-colored military pants and a khaki shirt, then stated that “each of the accused strangled him [Arrigoni] by plastic handcuffs,” and therefore all four were complicit in Arrigoni’s kidnapping and killing. Previously, only two of the defendants had been charged with murder; the other two were charged with aiding and abetting in Mr. Arrigoni’s kidnapping and killing, and…more
Evading Ali Saleh’s Next Trap
Palestine Chronicle: 20 Oct 2011 – By James Gundun — Washington, D.C. Who is Ali Abdullah Saleh? U.S. ally? Sworn enemy of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)? Defender of universal rights and free expression? Helpless victim? Yemen’s strongman claims that he’s all of the above. A fork-tongued rhetorician who revels in duplicity, Saleh is sweating from a 10-month revolution against his 33-year misrule. After ordering his officials to court UN envoy Jamal Benomar and veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council, Saleh is currently resisting a resolution that he intermittently embraces. Now he accuses protesters of influencing the UNSC’s looming decision – the hunter accusing his prey of setting a trap. Saleh would naturally denounce Yemen’s civil protesters and political opposition for swaying the UN ahead of its vote. Not only does he divert attention from his own actions, he may not believe that a revolution is occurring in Yemen. Saleh has attempted to contain…more
Killing Qaddafi: Murder or Vigilante justice
Palestine Chronicle: 20 Oct 2011 – By Ali Younes The killing of former Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi today might bring a swift end to the bloody rebellion that erupted against his rule eight months ago. News reports showed a bloody and injured Qaddafi staggering and disheveled between jubilant armed rebels’ forces. The possibility that the rebel fighters’ might have murdered Qaddafi is not something the Libyan rebel leadership should be proud of, celebrate or condone. It was later confirmed by news reports however that Qaddafi was captured alive before he was shot dead by his captors. Rebel fighters claimed during interviews on Arab televisions that Qaddafi had old injuries possibly from the fighting, but subsequent images however showed that Qaddafi was not seriously injured before he was killed which cast suspicion at the rebels’ story. One might find it understandable, however, that amid the fog of war and chaos order and discipline are not established especially…more
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The New Dark Age 