14 November 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
French Consul and Family wounded in Israeli Attack on Gaza
IMEMC – On Monday, 14 November 2011, the French Consul in the Gaza Strip, Majdi Jameel Yaseen Shaqqoura, 44, his wife and his two children were wounded in an Israeli attack on the Palestinian Navy site in the southwest of Beit Lahia, located in northern Gaza.
Obama: “Iranian Nuclear Weapons Pose a Direct Threat to U.S.”
IMEMC – U.S. President, Barack Obama, opened the door to military action against Iran on Monday, saying that ‘all options are on the table’ to try to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons. He said that he considers a nuclear Iran to be a threat not only in the region, but also to the United States directly. …
Israeli Army Calls the Ex-detainees for Interrogation
IMEMC – Israel continues to breach the terms of the prisoner-swap deal by breaking into the houses of ex-detainees’ throughout the West Bank , Palestinian news agency, Ma’an reported. …
Israel To Withhold Palestinian Tax Money
IMEMC – The Israeli Cabinet decided Monday to withhold Palestinian tax and customs money it collects on behalf of the P.A, The decision was made despite the opposition of Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, …
Airstrike kills police officer, wounds 4 in Gaza City
11/14/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — One police officer was killed and four others injured early Monday morning when Israeli warplanes targeted a naval police building in Gaza City. Medical sources in Gaza identified the victim as Muhammad Kilani. His body was found amid the rubble. Four other officers were evacuated to Shifa Hospital in Gaza…. Related: Haniyeh: Israel targeted police in airstrike
Army raids homes of prisoners freed in swap deal
11/14/2011 – QALQILIYA (Ma’an) — Israeli forces overnight Sunday raided the homes of seven prisoners freed as part of the Oct. 18 prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel, a Ma’an correspondent reported. Military vehicles entered the northern West Bank city of Qalqiliya overnight Sunday and issued summons to Akram Mansour, Shadi Zayid and….
Israeli forces arrest Hebron journalist
11/14/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained a Palestinian journalist on Sunday night after raiding his home in the Wadi Hariyya neighborhood of Hebron in the southern West Bank, a Ma’an correspondent said. Raed al-Sharif, 23, had been shortly detained and interrogated by Israeli intelligence in October 2010. Director of the Palestinian prisoner….
Israel hails deadly blast in Iran
11/14/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Sunday hailed the deadly munitions blast at a base of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards and hoped for more such incidents.” I don’t know the extent of the explosion,” he told military radio, when asked about the incident.”But it would be desirable if…. Related: Iran mourns missile expert as report links Israel
Israel maintains block on tax transfers to PA
11/14/2011 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Israel’s cabinet decided on Monday to continue to withhold the transfer of tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority, a measure it imposed two weeks ago after the Palestinians won full membership of the UN cultural agency. A government official said cabinet ministers voted narrowly in favor of continuing the freeze…. Related: Report: Israel to release PA funds withheld over UNESCO
Haniyeh: Israel targeted police in airstrike
11/14/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Prime Minister in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh on Monday accused Israel of deliberately targeting a police compound in an airstrike which killed a coastal police officer. Speaking at the funeral of Muhammad Kilani, Haniyeh called the strike “a treacherous crime that can’t be justified.” Hundreds gathered in the northern…. Related: Airstrike kills police officer, wounds 4 in Gaza City
Israeli forces detain 3 men in Balata camp, Nablus
11/14/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — The Israeli army raided Balata refugee camp in Nablus on Monday morning and detained three young men. Witnesses told Ma’an that Israeli military vehicles entered the camp at dawn and raided several homes before detaining Mahmoud Hkroush, Qays Dabaki and Murad Sawalha. An Israeli army spokeswoman said three men….
Gaza man shot dead entering Egypt via tunnels
11/14/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A Palestinian man was killed in the Egyptian city of Rafah on Sunday, as he tried to enter Egypt via a smuggling tunnel. Police in Gaza said a Palestinian-Egyptian man opened fire on Ahmad al-Amsi and three others, who managed to escape and return to Gaza. Al-Amsi’s body….
Report: Israel to release PA funds withheld over UNESCO
11/14/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — An Israeli diplomatic cabinet on Monday is expected to approve the release of Palestinian tax revenues withheld from the Palestinian Authority as a result of Palestine’s membership of UNESCO. The cabinet is expected to vote in favor of transferring the funds to the PA, Israeli daily Haaretz…. Related: Israel maintains block on tax transfers to PA
Egypt detains 2 from group accused of Eilat attack
11/14/2011 – EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma’an) — Egyptian authorities on Monday detained two members of a militant Islamist group in Sinai, a day after arresting the movement’s leader, security officials told Ma’an. Security forces detainedAbdul Kareem Mohammad Ahmad, 42, and Ahmad Salem Mahmoud Awad, 33, in El-Arish, a town in north Sinai. They….
Iran mourns missile expert as report links Israel
11/14/2011 – TEHRAN (AFP) — Iran held solemn funerals for 17 Revolutionary Guards killed in a munitions blast on Monday, including a key figure in its ballistic missiles program, as a US magazine pointed a finger at Israel. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended one ceremony held in Tehran, in honor of Major General Hassan…. Related: Israel hails deadly blast in Iran
DFLP lawmaker: Israel trying to ‘choke’ PA
11/14/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Lawmaker Qais Abu Laila on Monday said Israel was trying to “choke” the Palestinian Authority by withholding its tax revenue. Israel’s cabinet voted Monday to continue its freeze on the handover of revenues it collects on behalf of the PA, a measure it imposed after UNESCO voted to admit….
Fayyad may stand down to progress unity deal
11/14/2011 – RAMALLAH (Reuters) — Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in the Ramallah government signaled on Monday that he is ready to step aside to help Palestinian political reconciliation and pave the way for presidential and parliamentary elections. The departure of the US-educated former World Bank economist, 59, would be a concession by President Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the….
Erekat says Israel must commit to peace after Quartet meet
11/14/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — PLO official Saeb Erekat insisted Israel must prove it is serious about peace before negotiations can restart, after meeting with Quartet envoys in Jerusalem on Monday.”We are ready to discuss all final status issues once Israel proves its seriousness and commitment by freezing all its illegal settlement construction in the….
Al-Ahmad: France will transfer 10 million euros to PA
11/14/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — France will transfer 10 million euros to the Palestinian Authority in November, senior Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad said Monday. Frédéric Desagneaux, French consul-general in Jerusalem, told al-Ahmad the funds would be transferred to the West Bank government by the end of the month, a statement from al-Ahmad’s….
Syria says Arab League suspension ‘dangerous step’
11/14/2011 – BEIRUT (Reuters) — Syria said on Monday an Arab League decision to suspend it was “an extremely dangerous step” at a time when it was implementing a deal with the organization to end violence and start a dialogue with the opposition. Syria had withdrawn troops from urban areas, released prisoners and offered an amnesty to armed….
Egypt detains two in Sinai pipeline bombing
AlJazeera 14 Nov 2011 – Police arrest two leading members of al-Qaeda-inspired group in connection with attack on gas pipeline to Israel.
Mada Protests Israeli Arrest of Journalist Ra’ed al-Sharif
PNN – PNN On Monday, Israeli soldiers arrested radio broadcaster Ra’ed Ratib al-Sharif from his house in Hebron, West Bank. Al-Sharif worked for Marah Radio. His father, Ratib al-Sharif, said that Israeli soldiers came…
Abu Marzouq: Abbas to Meet Meshaal on November 25
PNN – PNNOn Monday, Deputy Chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau Mousa Abu Marzouq told al-Hayat newspaper that a meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Chair of the Hamas Political Bureau Khaled Mashaal…
Israel Summons Freed Prisoners Na’el and Fakhri Barghouthi for Interrogation at Ofer Military …
PNN – PNNThe Israeli army issued summonses to freed Palestinian prisoners Na’el and Fakhri Barghouthi on Monday morning, calling them for interrogation at Ofer military prison near Ramallah. Fakhri and Na’el Barghouthi, both detained…
One Killed in Gaza Airstrike, Four Wounded, Eight Arrested in West Bank Raids
PNN – PNNA Palestinian man was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Monday morning and four others injured, one critically. In raids around the West Bank, the Israeli army arrested eight…
Three Injured, Two Arrested as Activists Try to Stop al-Walajeh Blasting
PNN – PNNAs the Israeli prepared to blast a mountainside near the southern West Bank village of al-Walajeh to clear room for the wall, a group of Palestinian and international activists stood on the…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (27 Oct. 02 Nov. 2011)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (13 – 19 October 2011)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (29 Sep. – 05 Oct. 2011)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (15 – 21 Sep. 2011)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
International Solidarity Movement
Jerusalem: Explosions, arrests and violence as Israel clears way for settlement activity
11/14/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Alistair George, 13 November 2011, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – Three Palestinians were arrested and others were detained, beaten and pepper sprayed by the Israeli military in Al-Walajeh yesterday, as villagers attempted to prevent the detonation of explosives used to widen the route for the separation wall on the village’s land. Previously, large….
Palestinian woman struggles for proper medical treatment
11/14/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Wahed Rejol, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – In 2004 Amal Jamal was sentenced to 12 years in Israeli prison. A year later the Palestinian woman from Nablus was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Today from a hospital in Nablus she awaits a decision from Israel authorities that will determine whether she will be permitted to travel….
Alternative Information Center
PACBI to MF DOOM: Don’t entertain a doomed apartheid regime!
Alternative Information Center – As British-American hip-hop artist MF Doom prepares for his November 26 concert in Tel Aviv, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has published an open letter asking Doom, “Don’t entertain…
Freed Palestinian prisoner shares his personal story
Alternative Information Center – Badia Dwaik is Deputy Coordinator of Youth Against Settlements, a grassroots Palestinian organization that organizes demonstrations and educational events as part of a nonviolent struggle to resist the Israeli occupation of Hebron. Here he reflects on…
Israeli human rights organizations react to proposed laws
Alternative Information Center – Israeli human rights organizations react to the news that a ministerial committee has approved two pieces of legislation that seek to cut their funding
Libya: Libya’s leftover weapons arming Gaza militants
Relief Web 14 Nov 2011 – Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation Country: occupied Palestinian territory , Libya By Middle East correspondent Anne Barker There are fears that weapons from Libya, including sophisticated missiles that can shoot down aircraft, are being smuggled into Gaza to help arm militants there….
Iraq: Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser announces an initiative to support UNESCO’s core education programmes
Relief Web 14 Nov 2011 – Source: UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Country: World , Iraq , occupied Palestinian territory UNESCO’s Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser of Qatar has pledged to increase her support to UNESCO’s core education activities…
Israel: UN calls for immediate resumption of direct Israel-Palestinians talks
Relief Web 14 Nov 2011 – Source: UN News Service Country: occupied Palestinian territory , Israel 14 November 2011 – The United Nations and its diplomatic partners in the search for Middle East peace today called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume direct talks without delay…
Israel: No gains after Quartet meets Israelis, Palestinians
Relief Web 14 Nov 2011 – Source: Agence France-Presse Country: occupied Palestinian territory , Israel JERUSALEM — Envoys from the international peacemaking Quartet seemed to make no headway on Monday after separate meetings with Israeli and Palestinians officials in a bid to kickstart long-stalled peace talks. After…
Estonia: Estonia Helping to Provide Education to Palestinian Children
Relief Web 14 Nov 2011 – Source: Government of Estonia Country: occupied Palestinian territory , Estonia No. 356-E The Foreign Ministry is supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees with 50 000 euros for its education-related project in Palestine, the goal of which…
Proposals by Egypt’s generals confirm fears they are reluctant to cede power
The National 14 Nov 2011 – The outcry against the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces came after it released proposals that include preventing the parliament from overseeing the military’s budget and guaranteeing it semi-autonomy.
Tunisia tourism suffering; plans afoot to woo visitors back
The National 14 Nov 2011 – Tunisia’s new leaders vow to woo back visitors by promoting historic sites long sidelined by a tourism industry geared towards sun, sand and surf.
Ford opens $53m spare parts centre in Jebel Ali
The National 14 Nov 2011 – Ford Middle East yesterday opened its biggest single investment in the region, a 29,500 square metre parts distribution centre.
Al Qaeda frees Yemen hostages
The National 14 Nov 2011 – Oman aids release of French aid workers held six months for ransom.
Israel extends freeze on Palestinian funds
The National 14 Nov 2011 – Cabinet was split on the decision to withhold millions from Palestinian Authority over fears that West Bank security could be hampered.
Syria calls for summit; Saudi, Qatari embassies attacked
The National 13 Nov 2011 – Syrian president Bashar Al Assad had proposed an urgent meeting of Arab League leaders to “tackle the Syrian crisis and look into its negative repercussions on the Arab situation”.
Germany, France, Turkey join chorus of countries opposing Israeli attack on Iran
Ha’aretz – United States also does not seem thrilled at the prospect of launching another war in the region.
Jurists warn deal to appoint new justices threatens independence of Israel’s Supreme Court’s
Ha’aretz – Appointment of justices with political agendas undermines court’s apolitical tradition, chief justice Dorit Beinisch told.
Knesset passes controversial bills amid criticism of an ‘assault on Israeli democracy’
Ha’aretz – Two bills, expected to strengthen the right’s influence in the judicial system, pass first readings; critics slam bills as ‘draconian’ and ‘anti-democratic.’
In Numbers / Breakdown of foreign funds for Israeli human rights groups
Ha’aretz – Ministers back bill to limit funding for human rights NGO, capping foreign governments’ contributions at NIS 20,000 a year.
Obama acknowledges gaffe over Netanyahu insult but refuses to elaborate
Ha’aretz – U.S. President Obama refuses to discuss the conversation he had November 3 with French President Sarkozy in which they were accidentally overheard disparaging Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Blair urges Israel to release withheld Palestinian tax money
Ha’aretz – The Quartet representative to the Middle East and former British prime minister says such a move would serve the needs of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Western official: Israel is behind recent Iran explosion
Ha’aretz – Western intelligence source tells Time Magazine that he believes the Mossad was responsible for deadly blast near Tehran which killed key figure in Iran’s missile program.
Salam Fayyad signals he may resign ‘for sake of Palestinian unity’
Ha’aretz – Palestinian Prime Minister’s willingness to be passed over for the position of head of proposed Palestinian unity government would pave way for agreement with Hamas, who have opposed Fayyad’s nomination.
Israel to keep holding Palestinian Authority funds, against advice of security officials
Ha’aretz – Cabinet meeting ends with no decision on $100 million in tax revenues that were frozen by Israel after PA was admitted to UN cultural body.
Egypt announces capture of Islamists suspected of deadly August attack on Israel’s border
Ha’aretz – After capture of the alleged mastermind of the attack near Eilat was announced Sunday, two more members of the cell were announced captured Monday.
Top Palestinian official: Settlements and two-state solution ‘mutually exclusive’
Ha’aretz – Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat says talks can continue if construction in West Bank and East Jerusalem ends, after meeting representatives of the quartet of Middle East mediators.
Netanyahu’s ‘draconian laws’ are attack on Israeli democracy, say MKs
Ha’aretz – Knesset convenes to vote on a number of controversial bills; approves in first reading bill paving way for conservative judge to become next Supreme Court president.
Israeli experts decode only Arabic Crusader inscription ever found
Ha’aretz – Name of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and date ‘1229’ found on 800-year-old Jaffa wall long thought by archaeologists to be artifact of relatively recent Ottoman period.
IN PICTURES / Rain drenches northern Israel
Ha’aretz – Showers soak Haifa area as winter makes an unusually early appearance.
Not much wiggle room: Home sellers are still naming their price
Ha’aretz – Nevertheless, despite the great demand in the center, owners can’t demand exorbitant amounts if they want to make the sale.
Finance Ministry officials sweating: 2011 tax revenues to miss target by NIS 4b
Ha’aretz – Finance Ministry holding urgent meetings on issue, while Bank of Israel is expected to hold a special press conference Tuesday afternoon on the matter.
Three Ofer Group firms, two execs indicted for securities fraud
Ha’aretz – Charges center around an alleged attempt to raise the price of Melisron bonds in November 2009.
More than 200 medical residents abandon hospitals across Israel
Ha’aretz – Health Ministry responds harshly to residents’ decision by compiling a list of all those who refused to come to work in order to implement legal disciplinary procedures against them.
Graves of two War of Independence heroes looted in ‘despicable act’
Ha’aretz – When Nahik Marek made his rounds Sunday, he discovered that one of the metal helmets placed on Dan Kinnarti’s and Gur Meirov’s graves in 1948 had disappeared.
‘Iran opposition will unite with government should Israel attack’
Ha’aretz – Former president Mohammad Khatami, a harsh critic of Ahmadinejad, says all Iran factions will unite if faced with Israeli military strike.
Iran threatens 5-year prison term for citizens who travel to Israel
Ha’aretz – Iran state TV reports parliament passes new amendment, expanding current penalty of three-month prison term.
Lieberman: ‘Jordan as Palestinian state’ discussion harms Israeli interests
Ha’aretz – FM says Jordan is stabilizing element in region and idea of Palestinian state there opposes the peace agreement Israel signed.
Israel strikes northern Gaza, killing one
Ha’aretz – Strike comes after Palestinian militants fire a rocket at southern Israel, an IDF spokesperson said early Monday morning.
Obama: U.S. not taking any option off table over nuclear Iran
Ha’aretz – U.S. president says economic sanctions against Tehran have ‘enormous bite,’ expresses confidence that Russia, China understand the threat that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose.
Israel to transfer Palestinian funds held over UNESCO membership bid
Ha’aretz – Netanyahu, top ministers expected to approve the thawing of $100 million in Palestinian tax money; cabinet to formulate policy regarding sanctions against PA in case of future unilateral moves in the UN.
‘IBA fair in scheduling political interviewees’
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Internal probe shows Israel Radio is interviewing politicians on all sides of spectrum after Netanyahu appointments.
Beduin man charged with manslaughter
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Beersheba court charges Negev Beduin town Hura resident with manslaughter caused during feud between two factions of same family.
‘State must deal with Ethiopian housing problems’
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – High Court of Justice tells 2 Ethiopian petitioners court could not intervene in state measures for dealing with immigrants’ housing problems.
Environment Ministry fighting waste burning
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Survey reveals Arab localities have problems burning garbage, causing severe amounts of air pollution, ministry statement says.
NGOs defiant in the face of funding bill
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Non-political groups worry they would also lose foreign gov’t money.
A slippery slope
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – European governments spend more on left-wing NGOs in Israel than their total contributions to nonprofit human rights groups in the Middle East.
Palestinians To Evangelicals: Zionism is a sin
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Now is the time for concerned Jews to reach out to their Evangelical friends and expose the Palestinian assault on the lovers of Zion of two faiths.
Our World: Defending Israeli democracy
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Israel sorely lacks the checks and balances that are the norm for other Western countries and would protect this country from radical left-wing groups.
Lessons from the brutal truth of Steve Jobs
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Some say Jobs lived by the Machiavellian dictum is that it is better to be feared than loved. It’s a formula I disagree with.
Israel: The beautiful and the ugly
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – There can never be social justice in a country with restrictive and anti-democratic laws that strengthen antagonism.
A season for scandal
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Moshe Katsav and Jerry Sandusky both had colleagues who failed to report their abuse.
Crown Heights cracking down on sexual abuse
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – The Beit Din stated that halacha requires reporting credible claims of sexual abuse to the civil authorities.
Fighting in Syria kills 40 near Jordan border
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Troops backed by armor kill 20 people in assault on Khirbet Ghazaleh, bordering the Golan Heights; a similar number of Assad’s soldiers killed in fighting, activists say.
Needed: A law against Judeophobia
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – The time is ripe to declare acts against Jews illegal and to defend ourselves from Judeophobia.
Encountering Peace: Despite it all, economic peace
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Economic peace may be the only answer for the present time.
Gloves off as Egypt’s election race heats up
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Activists rip down campaign banners; voters offered food, medicines, football; Liberals heap scorn on Islamist parties.
Egyptian women fret as ‘modesty’ becomes election issue
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Islamist presidential candidate sparks fears as he calls for veil, bikini ban.
Steinitz attacks Barak over budget comments
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Finance Minister lambasts Defense Minister over “nonsense” comments on budget, says his criticism undermines gov’t.
Health Ministry looks to get residents back to work
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Ministry says 245 residents who failed to show up for work despite injunction acting “in contempt of court.”
US concerned about UN nuclear work with Syria
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – United States expresses “strong reservations” about a technical cooperation project between IAEA and Syria, signaling growing pressure.
Alternatively Speaking: Calculating caffeine
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Alternative medicine enthusiast Natalie Marx answers your questions: Does drinking less coffee help reduce blood pressure? Any remedies for good memory?
Fayyad may quit to facilitate Palestinian unity deal
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – PA prime minister says he refuses “to be used as a pretext for continuing the split” between Fatah, Hamas.
Gov’t votes not to renew transfer of PA taxes
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – The halt on tax transfers was put in place as a response to the Palestinian bid for membership in UNESCO two weeks ago.
Sights and Insights: Not just any old shipwreck
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – An abandoned first-century boat found at Nof Ginosar remains one of the finest archaeological discoveries in Israel.
Jordan’s Abdullah calls on Assad to go
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Abdullah says if he were Syrian president, he’d “step down, make sure whoever comes after has ability to change status quo.
Iran buries its missile defense ‘architect’
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Western intel official tells ‘TIME’ that Mossad was behind missile base blast; Khamenei appears at officer’s funeral.
Analysis: Assad isolated, West intervention unlikely
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Targeted sanctions are seen as most the effective tool; the use of force by either Arabs, West is unlikely.
Syria: Arab League suspension very dangerous
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Syrian, Russian FMs accuse West of incitement against Assad; Syrian FM says ‘Libya scenario won’t be repeated.”
FM: PA UNESCO membership a ‘Pyrrhic victory’
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Lieberman tells Knesset C’tee: “Jordan is Palestine” claims harm Israel; we’ll remove Gaza blockade if France sends its Foreign Legion.
Over 250 medical residents don’t show for work
Jerusalem Post 14 Nov 2011 – Court ordered talks with the Treasury fail to bring progress; residents keep move quiet to avoid injunction.
Israeli secret service the Mossad linked to Iran military blast
The Guardian 14 Nov 2011 – Israeli media report claims the Mossad was behind ‘huge blast’ at Bid Ganeh base that killed leading Iranian missile researcher A series of news reports linking Israel’s intelligence agency the Mossad to a blast at a…
Syria hits back over Arab League suspension- Monday 14th November
The Guardian 14 Nov 2011 – • Assad increasingly isolated as Jordan’s King urges resignation • Damascus defensive and defiant as 13 more die • EU to impose fresh sanctions as China toughens stance • Read the latest summary here 6.33pm: A…
Indonesian Migrants Facing Death Get Legal Aid from Home
IPS With 221 Indonesian migrant workers facing death sentences in China, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, the government of Indonesia has approved a legal aid budget to assist these workers, who often do not have access to such assistance otherwise.
TUNISIA: Women Fearful of Islamists’ Rise
IPS Tunisian women poured into the streets armed with the vote, their latest weapon, when the country voted in its first democratic election since a popular uprising unseated former president Zine Abidine Ben Ali, ending his 27-year- long stronghold on the country.
Palestinian Freedom Riders to Ride Settler Buses to Jerusalem
Uruknet November 14, 2011 – Groups of Palestinian Freedom Riders will attempt to board segregated settler buses heading to Jerusalem through the occupied West Bank this Tuesday November 15, in an act of civil disobedience that takes its inspiration from the US Civil Rights Movement Freedom Riders aim to challenge Israel’s apartheid policies, the ban on Palestinians’ access to…
Heritage Oil chief recruits former Tory candidate for access to Libya’s reserves
Uruknet November 14, 2011 – Tony Buckingham, the British former soldier of fortune who heads Heritage Oil, the exploration firm, appears to have sought assistance from a would-be Conservative MP to get a foothold in Libya, following the role of UK forces there in installing the new regime. According to leaked correspondence, Buckingham – with another ex-special forces soldier,…
Libya’s Jibril: ‘Foreign Powers’ Had Gadhafi Killed
Uruknet November 14, 2011 – Former Libyan opposition Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril traveled the world to gather foreign supporters to oust Muammar Qaddafi. Now, he views those allied nations with suspicion. As Libya moves through a post-Qaddafi phase and prepares for democratic elections, the U.S.-educated former professor sees ally Qatar meddling in domestic politics by supporting a prominent Islamist….
Israeli Airstrike kills police officer, wounds 4 in Gaza City
Uruknet November 14, 2011 — One police officer was killed and four others injured early Monday morning when Israeli warplanes targeted a naval police building in Gaza City. Medical sources in Gaza identified the victim as Muhammad Kilani. His body was found amid the rubble. Four other officers were evacuated to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Two sustained serious…
Syria News – November 13 2011 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet Syria: the number of documented martyrs today have increased to 30, more than half are from Hama and includes two children. The distribution is: 17 in Hama,7 in Homs, 3 in Daraa, one each in Deir Ezzor, Kanaker in Damascus Suburbs and in Khan Shaikhoun, Idlib…Hama: many were martyred and more than twenty injured after security forces attacked…
Gonna Change My Way of Thinking: OWS Opening Jaded Eyes
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – …… I will say that I’ve been surprised by the hostile reaction of many who count themselves rock-ribbed dissidents against the imperial warmaking corporcracy to a movement that is doing what so many dissidents have dreamed of for years: refusing to acknowledge the system’s authority and legitimacy, and exploring alternatives to the rapacious, bloodsoaked brutality…
“I wish Dad was here celebrating Eid with me”
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – …While celebrating Eid, I felt blessed for having all the people I care about around me. At the same time, I felt like I couldn’t enjoy my happiness at its fullest while thousands of people in Palestine couldn’t feel this blessing. I’ve been constantly thinking about Gomana Abu Jazar during Eid. Gomana is a…
Military Resistance 9K8 : Penn State
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – After Seven Year Of War For Weapons Of Mass Destruction That Did Not Exist, The Armed Forces Of The United States Bring Home A Fitting Battle Trophy Of That Effort: “The Toilet That Saddam Hussein Used While Detained”: The military has weighed what items of historical or memorial value should be taken out together…
‘Freedom Rides’ to Resume in Palestine
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – The upcoming Freedom Rides has tethered itself very tenuously to an event in the past, and has thereby taken a stand in a historical legacy that leaves itself highly open to interpretation. What strand of resistance ties the Freedom Rides of then to the Freedom Rides of now? The Freedom Rides through 1960s segregated…
Prosecutor: “A Pair of Testicles Fell Off the President After Election Day”
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – Morris Davis speaks bluntly about some of President Barack Obama’s policy decisions. “There’s a pair of testicles somewhere between the Capital Building and the White House that fell off the president after Election Day [2008],” said Davis, an Air Force colonel who spent two years as the chief prosecutor of Guantanamo military commissions, during…
Financial Tyranny Rules Eurozone
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – From inception, Eurozone planning was flawed. Uniting 17 dissimilar countries under rigid rules failed. Membership required surrendering monetary and fiscal authority to a central power. Debt entrapment and banker occupation followed. Partnered with banking giants, money-controlled Troika power decides everything – the EU and ECB and IMF. Rules require lowering living standards, sacking public…
Revolutionary Movement, Not Insane Bloodshed: A Response to Ibrahim al-Amin
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – In his op-ed titled “Insane Bloodshed, Not Revolutionary Movement,” the friend Ibrahim al-Amin says that his article is not intended to “bestow legitimacy – either moral or political – on the crimes committed by the regime’s forces against its opponents.” Al-Amin resorts to generalizing the sectarian strife that took place in Homs in order…
Pathology of a Checkpoint in Service of Settlers
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – Jaba checkpoint is a great example of the deep connection between the infliction of the checkpoint regime in the West Bank on the Palestinian population, and the effort to satisfy the settlers’ needs and caprices. Jaba checkpoint lies on the road leading from Qalandiya to Ramallah, it merges with road number 60 which is…
Apologies
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – A few hours ago we posted a video allegedly showing Qaddafi supporters killed and beheaded by CNT fighters in Sirte. The video has turned out to be an obvious hoax: it was not shot in Sirte 2011 , but in Mexico, probably in 2008, and show bodies beheaded by Mexican drug cartels. Our apologies to…
Human Rights Violations Committed by the Syrian Regime (15 March – 15 October 2011 )
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – On March 18, demonstrations came out in the city of Daraa. As background, several children had been arrested after they wrote anti-Assad slogans on their school walls. Security forces opened fire on demonstrators in the city of Daraa, killing several of them. This instigated demonstrations over the following days, all met by repeated campaign…
Media: Israel buries ‘settler outpost on Palestinian land’ report
Uruknet November 13, 2011 — Israel’s Military Advocate General is delaying the publication of a report showing an illegal settler outpost was built on lands owned by Palestinians, Israeli media reported Sunday. The Israeli government study says 60 percent of the land of outpost Derekh Haavot was established on private land, after Palestinians petitioned an Israeli high court for…
“Only one half of me is free, but the other half is still there, locked up behind Israeli bars”
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – In a nice restaurant overlooking Gaza’s beach, beneath a full moon with a beautiful halo surrounding it, I sat with my new friends who recently were released from Israeli prisons. Their freedom was restricted by Israel’s inhumane rules, including indefinitely deportation from the West Bank, away from their families and friends. However, they all…
Video: Michele Bachmann Wants Iraq to Pay US for Being Invaded
Uruknet November 13, 2011 – During an interview on Sunday with ‘Meet the Press’, Rep. Michele Bachmann said that the Iraq should pay America for invading , occupying and destroying their country . “It’s over 800 billion dollars that we have expended [in Iraq]. I believe that Iraq should pay us back for the money that we spent, and I believe…
Jordan deepens Assad’s isolation
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Syria looked further isolated Monday with Jordan’s King Abdullah II becoming the first Arab leader to openly call on Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down…
Cabinet in disarray over Lebanon’s stance in Arab League vote on Syria
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Lebanon’s vote against the Arab League’s decision to suspend Syria’s participation in the League’s meetings seems to have thrown the Cabinet into disarray…
Watkins voices concern over Syrian incursions
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 The government’s lack of border control remains an issue of profound concern for the United Nations, the organization’s acting head in Lebanon said Monday.
Experts urge state to curb child abduction
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 The government was urged Monday to sign up to an international agreement that would help reduce the rate of child abduction in Lebanon.
Baalbek MPs urge state to help put end to thefts
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 MPs and local figures from Baalbek urged the government Monday to put an end to recurrent thefts and robbery incidents which took place in the previous two weeks, stressing that perpetrators are not being protected by…
Priest uses sign language to reach church congregation
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Prayers are recited and hymns are sung, but during Sunday’s Mass at Zkak al-Blat’s Notre-Dame de l’Annonciation, almost no words are spoken aloud.
Sidon’s public phone booths still on hold despite demand
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Dotted with food stalls, cafes and nargileh smokers, Sidon’s lively seaside corniche is also home to noticeably quieter landmarks.
Migrant workers allege abuse, army and police sources deny claims
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 A group of foreign workers said Monday that they have been subjected to a recent increase in arbitrary arrests and harassment, allegations that police and army sources denied.
Politicians come close to fist fight during TV show
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 A fist fight almost broke out between Future Movement MP Mustapha Alloush and head of Lebanon’s Baath Party Fayez Chukor during Monday’s episode of political show Bimawdouia on MTV.
Interior minister says security situation ‘excellent’
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said Monday the security situation in Lebanon was excellent, citing the large number of tourists who visited the country recently as a proof.
Mikati promises to fight corruption in administration
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Prime Minister Najib Mikati called Monday for combined efforts by all state departments to stamp out rampant corruption in the public administration…
Jumblatt: STL funding in Lebanon’s top national interest
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt called Monday for a new, serious and calm approach to be adopted on the divisive issue of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon…
Patriarchs tackle situation of Christians
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 The Council of Catholic Patriarchs of the Orient kicked off its 20th conference Monday in Bkirki…
Somalis on the run after missile strike
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Scores of residents fled a Somali rebel stronghold close to the capital Monday after what appeared to be a nighttime missile strike targeting a militant base.
Yemen captors free hostages after 6-month ordeal
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Three French aid workers who were being held hostage by Al-Qaeda militants in Yemen were freed Monday after nearly six months in captivity, thanks to help from the sultan of Oman and a possible ransom payment,…
Opposition leader claims Sudan ready for Arab Spring revolution
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Sudan could see the next Arab revolution because anger is rising over an economic crisis and government repression worse than in Egypt before the ousting of Hosni Mubarak, an opposition leader said on Monday.
Israeli airstrike kills 1, wounds 4 in Gaza Strip
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Israeli air raids on the northern Gaza Strip killed a Palestinian overnight and wounded four others, doctors said Monday, after a rocket attack on Israeli territory.
Tehran: Bahrain terror-cell link a product of ‘Iranophobia’
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Iran denied Monday it had any link to an alleged plot to stage attacks in Bahrain and a lawyer for two accused men said reports they had confessed were not true.
Egypt reverses electoral ban on NDP members
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 A top Egyptian court Monday overturned a decision barring members of President Hosni Mubarak’s former party from standing in a parliamentary election that starts later this month.
EU threatens tighter Iran sanctions
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 European Union foreign ministers threatened Monday to tighten sanctions on Iran over its controversial nuclear drive but showed little appetite for military action.
Fayyad ready to quit to promote reconciliation
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad signaled Monday he is ready to step aside to help reconcile the two rival factions of the Palestinian national movement and pave the way for presidential and parliamentary elections.
Army searches for unidentified object in south Lebanon
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 The Lebanese Army continued late Monday evening to search for an unidentified object which allegedly fell from the sky, following a similar occurrence late in October.
Fighting in Syria kills 40 near Jordan border-activists
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 At least 40 Syrians were killed in fighting on Monday between forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and insurgents in a town near the border with Jordan.
Yemen’s Saleh says he will quit after rivals agree
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh said on Monday he will quit for “sure” after the government agrees with the opposition on a mechanism for implementing a power transfer plan.
U.N. concerned by lack of control over border with Syria
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 The government’s lack of border control remains an issue of profound concern for the United Nations, organization’s acting head in Lebanon says.
Syria faces growing world pressure to halt bloodshed
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Syria incurred more European sanctions and criticism from Turkey and Jordan on Monday after a surprise Arab League decision to suspend it for failing to halt months of violence aimed at crushing opposition to President Bashar…
Syrian FM: Arab League suspension was illegitimate
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Syria’s foreign minister accused Arab states on Monday of conspiring against Damascus after the Arab League voted to suspend Syria’s membership over the government’s deadly crackdown on an eight month-old uprising.
Jordan’s king urges Syria’s Assad to step down
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Jordan’s King Abdullah said Tuesday that Syrian President Bashar Assad should step down, making him the first Arab ruler to issue such a call over the regime’s deadly crackdown on an 8-month-old uprising.
Final Tunisia election results confirm victory for once-banned Ennahda
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Tunisia’s final election results confirmed the victory of an Islamist party, giving it a major say in the country’s new government and future constitution, the election commission announced Monday.
Egypt court allows former regime members to run in polls
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 A Cairo court on Monday agreed to allow members of ousted president Hosni Mubarak’s party to run in upcoming polls, overturning a decision by a lower court last week.
Mansour travels to Rabat for Arab ministers meeting
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Foreign affairs minister travels to Morocco to attend the Arab foreign ministers’ meeting Wednesday to follow up on developments in Syria.
France warns against military intervention in Iran
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 The French foreign minister warned Monday that taking military action against Iran over its nuclear programme would drag the world into an “uncontrollable spiral.”
Court warns Bakri of in absentia trial if he fails to show up in court
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Lebanese military court warns Muslim preacher Omar Bakri that he will be tried in absentia if he fails to show up once more for his trial on terrorism-related charges.
Three French hostages freed in Yemen head home
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Three French hostages kidnapped by Al-Qaeda militants in Yemen more than five months ago were on their way home on Monday after being freed on payment of a ransom, tribal sources and correspondents said.
Rain causes school bus crash, injuring twelve students
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Twelve students injured as two school buses skid on rain-soaked roads and crash into each other in the town of al-Doueir in Nabatieh, south Lebanon.
Berri: Arab League decision can be redressed
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Parliament speaker says National Dialogue critical to averting repercussions from current events in the region in light of the Arab League’s vote to suspend Syria, adding that such a decision can be redressed.
Moallem apologizes for attacks on diplomatic missions in Syria
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 Syria says an Arab League decision to suspend it was “an extremely dangerous step” at a time when it is implementing a deal with the organization to end violence.
Jasem brother killed in Syrian jail, rights group says
Daily Star 14 Nov 2011 One of four Syrian opposition figures allegedly kidnapped in Lebanon died under torture inside a Syrian jail, Lebanese human rights official says.
Report: Iran blames Israel for deadly blast
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – For the first time since Saturday’s deadly blast in a military base outside Tehran that killed 17 people, Iranian sources say that Israel was behind the explosion, which … ….
Iran versus Israel travelers
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Iranians traveling to Israel could go to prison for up to five years instead of only three months, after Iran’s parliament revised an existing ban for such trips. The … ….
75 killed in Syria fighting
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – At least 40 Syrians were killed in fighting on Monday between forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and insurgents in a town near the border with Jordan, local … ….
Knesset members: Netanyahu killing democracy
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – A fiery Knesset session Monday turned into an all-out assault on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with parliamentarians blasting the PM for threatening Israeli … ….
Storms hit Israel: Heavy rains flood mall
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Heavy rains, hail and thunderstorms hit Israel Monday evening, flooding businesses and surprising residents nationwide. The Azrieli Mall in Modiin had to be closed … ….
France objects to strike on Iran
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – France objects to Iran strike: The French foreign minister warned Monday that taking military action against Iran over its nuclear program would drag the world into an … ….
Jordan urges Assad to quit; EU imposes new sanctions
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – European Union foreign ministers decided Monday to impose additional sanctions on 18 Syrians in response to the killings of protesters by Syrian President Bashar Assad’s … ….
Israel won’t release funds to Palestinian Authority
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Cabinet upholds decision to delay transfer of funds to PA following its….
Israel’s giant UAV becomes operational
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Dubbed ‘world’s most advanced UAV’ and weighing five tons, Eitan unmanned aerial….
Kenya asks Israel for help fighting terrorists
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Kenyan prime minister seeking Israel’s support in stopping reprisal terror….
Lieberman: Leave Iran to international community
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Speaking at Knesset committee meeting foreign minister discusses conditions for….
Neo-Nazi murders shock Germany
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Nation stunned to discover far-right group’s links to multiple murders of….
Netanyahu: Iran closer to bomb than assumed
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Prime minister tells government Israel has more information beyond IAEA report….
‘Don’t believe Iran blast was an accident’
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Western intelligence source tells Time magazine Mossad was behind Saturday’s….
‘Foreign funding bills our death sentence’
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Bills seeking to limit left wing organizations could see many non-profit….
Medical residents resume struggle
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Dozens of residents fail to show up for work as negotiations with Finance….
Obama: Iran sanctions have ‘enormous bite’
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – US president defends economic sanctions, avoids directly addressing possible….
IAF strikes Gaza target; 1 killed
YNet News, 14 Nov 2011 – Air Force bombs building in northern Gaza Strip in response to Qassam fired at….
Palestinian Information Center
At least one killed, four others wounded in new Israeli air raid
PIC – At least one Palestinian has been reported so far to be killed, and four others have sustained serious injuries when the building of the naval north of Gaza was bombed during an Israeli aerial attack.
Reintegrating Jordan and West Bank
PIC – Jordanian officials, including King Abdullah II, have repeatedly voiced of late their frustration and despair with regard to Israel’s intransigence and anti-peace policies.
Date of Mishaal-Abbas meeting to be announced within two days
PIC – A senior source in Hamas movement denied that a date had been set for a meeting between its supreme leader Khaled Mishaal and PA chief and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Mishaal: We are keen on achieving national reconciliation
PIC – Khaled Mishaal, the political bureau chairman of Hamas, has affirmed his movement’s keenness on achieving national reconciliation and ending the internal Palestinian division.
The French Consul Wounded in an Israeli Attack on a Palestinian Navy Site
PIC – The French Consul in the Gaza Strip, Majdi Jameel Yaseen Shaqqoura, 44, and his two children were wounded in an Israeli attack on the Palestinian Navy site in the southwest of Beit Lahia.
Aid convoy “Arab Spring” to arrive in Gaza soon
PIC – The European campaign to end the siege on Gaza said it is making preparations in cooperation with the European commission for humanitarian aid to send an aid convoy to Gaza later this month.
Mega march in Cairo this month to support Islamic holy sites in Palestine
PIC – The Jerusalem committee at the international union for Muslim scholars said a mega march would be organized in Cairo on 21 November against Israel and its Judaization of occupied Jerusalem.
IOF troops storm Balata round up 4 refugees, harass liberated prisoners
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed the Balata refugee camp east of Nablus city at dawn Monday and rounded up four young men, local sources reported.
Ashrawi: Negotiations’ Success Depends on Quartet’s Commitment to Peace Requirements
WAFA
Quartet Calls for Conducive Environment to Restart Talks
WAFA
Freezing PA’s Taxes a Denial to International Conventions, Says Minister
WAFA
Israel Decides to Continue Freezing PA’s Tax Revenues
WAFA
Al-Maqdese Condemns Israeli Bills Hindering Human Rights Work in OPT
WAFA
Chinese Leader Congratulates Abbas on Independence Declaration
WAFA
Israel to Resume Digs in Mamilla Cemetery
WAFA
Erekat to Quartet: Settlements and 2-State Solution are Mutually Exclusive
WAFA
PCBS: Consumer Price Index Reaches 133.47
WAFA
Israeli Airstrike Kills Palestinian, Injures Four in Gaza
WAFA
Weather Forecast: Cloudy, Cold Weather Until Friday
WAFA
The Snake Behind the Arab Spring
Intifada-Palestine: 14 Nov 2011 – By Dr. Elias Akleh Due to its important geopolitical location (linking Asian, African and European continents) and to its diversified rich natural resources the indigenous inhabitants of the Middle Eastern region had been subjected to multi-forms of colonial campaigns since the… more
Syria’s neighbors helping shape its fate
LA Times 13 Nov 2011 – Syria’s embattled government must face the changing dynamics of the region as old alliances fade and new brokers emerge, most notably Qatar. Syrian President Bashar Assad finds himself in an unenviable position reminiscent of the late Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi’s: an autocrat who may fall…
As U.S. prepares to leave Iraq, Iran’s shadow looms large
LA Times 14 Nov 2011 – U.S. military officials warn that Iran will fill the vacuum created after American troops depart. They are recommending several moves in response, including shifting some of those troops to Kuwait. As the last U.S. troops pack up to leave Iraq by the end of next…
Boeing gets record $18-billion jetliner order
LA Times 14 Nov 2011 – Emirates airline orders 50 twin-aisle Boeing 777 jetliners with an option for 20 more. Boeing also sells six Boeing Dreamliners to Oman Air, a deal worth more than $1 billion. It’s rarely news when a company gets an order for 50 units of its product….
Qatar Presses Decisive Shift in Arab Politics
New York Times 14 Nov 2011 – The tiny emirate’s intentions remain murky to its neighbors and even allies — some see a Napoleon complex, others an Islamist agenda.
King of Jordan Calls on Syria’s Assad to Quit
New York Times 14 Nov 2011 – King Abdullah of Jordan is the first Arab leader on Syria’s doorstep to call for a change in government in that country in order to end the increasingly bloody political uprising there.
Hard to believe..
Jewish Voice for Peace – Take action on defunding of UNESCO: Click here to tell Congress to change this punitive law
Haaretz: Young U.S. Jews aim ‘occupy’ movement at Birthright Israel
Jewish Voice for Peace –
Separate Is Not Equal: Standing in solidarity with the Palestinian Freedom Riders
Mondoweiss – (Image: Ethan Heitner ) The above image is part of a protest Jewish Voice for Peace is planning tomorrow in solidarity with the Palestinian Freedom Rides. The artist, Ethan Heitner, explains in a post on the Just Seeds Artists Cooperative website how the images fit into the…
Five Republican congressmen take Christian Zionist solidarity tour of settlements
Mondoweiss – Left to right, Avi Zimmeman – Ariel, Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX-1st), Tony Perkins – President – Family Research Council, Rep. John Fleming (R-LA-4th), Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R -VA-4th), Rabbi Eliezer Melamed – Har Bracha, David Ha’ivri -Shomron Liaison, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH-4th) (Photo: Heather Meyers )…
Freedom Rides highlight the lack of Palestinian rights, and the unjust system attempting to keep it that way
Mondoweiss – Bill Fletcher Jr., Senior Scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies and past president of TransAfrica Forum, comments on tomorrow’s Freedom Rides in the West Bank: When I first heard about the planned Freedom Rides scheduled for Tuesday, November 15th to take place in the Occupied…
Rafeef Ziadah – ‘We teach life, sir’
Mondoweiss – (Hat tip Yousef M. Aljamal)
Experts weigh in: What Dennis Ross’s departure means for Iran and the ‘peace process’
Mondoweiss – Screenshot form United Against Nuclear Iran promo video It’s been three days since Dennis Ross, the Israel lobby stalwart in the White House, announced his resignation , and what his departure means remains unclear. What, if any, are the implications of Ross’ departure on the moribund “peace…
Egyptian Arrest of Author of Eilat Terror Attack in Sinai Proves Israel Lied in Blaming Gazans
Tikun Olam – Despite reams of nonsense published by the likes of Eli Lake and Avi Issacharoff in the Washington Times and Haaretz respectively, regurgitating IDF talking points that the Eilat terror attacks were planned and orchestrated by the Popular Resistance Committees in Gaza– Idan Landau , Alex Fishman and…
Iran Missile Base Blast: Annals of Israeli Terror Redux
Tikun Olam – Yesterday’s report here based on an authoritative Israeli source, that the explosion which rocked an Iranian Revolutionary Guard missile base and killed one of the IRG’s top commanders, was the work of the Mossad and MEK, received a flurry of attention in the Israeli media. I…
Armed business in Libya
Voltaire Network 14 Nov 2011 – The “new Libya” is a mirror for larks, with entrepreneurs scrambling for mega-deals. However, the current state of instability makes any construction project extremely risky. The oil and food supply sectors are the only ones that offer long-term guarantees. Provided of course that businessmen are protected ……
Nigeria: Iran Seeking Nuclear Weapon Will Shoot up Oil Prices to U.S.$200PB – IAEA
allAfrica.com 14 Nov 2011 – Following the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) disclosure that Iran may be seeking a nuclear weapon, experts say oil could exceed $150 on rising political tensions in the Middle East and hit the $200 level if Israel attacks Iran. Khalid Al Awadi, a Gulf energy analyst…
Egypt: FM Rejects Foreign Interference in Syria
allAfrica.com 14 Nov 2011 – Foreign Minister Mohamed Amr underlined Egypt’s absolute rejection of any foreign interference in Syria’s affairs under any circumstances, stressing that Syria’s unity is a priority and should always be safeguarded.
Palestinian Freedom Riders to Board Settler Buses to Jerusalem
Global BDS 14 Nov 2011 – Palestinian activists will attempt to peacefully board segregated Israeli public transportation in the occupied West Bank to travel to East Jerusalem in action reminiscent of the Civil Rights Movement’s Freedom Rides to the U.S. South When: Tuesday, November 15th, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Where: Cultural Palace,…
Israeli forces raid home of freed female prisoner
Sabr 14 Nov 2011 – A Palestinian woman, with her hands chained, flashes victory signs as she takes 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. (REUTERS/Sharif Karim) RAMALLAH ( Ma’an ) — Israeli…
No let-up in unrest across Syria
BBC 14 Nov 2011 – Dozens of people have been killed in clashes in Syria, activists say, as the king of neighbouring Jordan urges President Assad to step down.
No poll ban for Mubarak backers
BBC 14 Nov 2011 – A court in Egypt overturns a ban on former members of the Mubarak-era ruling party from running in the country’s first free elections in decades.
Iran says Duqu hack ‘controlled’
BBC 14 Nov 2011 – Iran says it is using software to control trojan attacks as researchers elsewhere find a TV show reference in the malware’s code.
Deadly protest in northern Egypt
BBC 14 Nov 2011 – Clashes in northern Egypt, over the location of a fertiliser plant, leave one man dead and at least 11 people injured.
Palestine – What Next?
Sabbah report 14 Nov 2011 – Arafat was never a member of the discredited Arab Leadership Club. Abbas is a fully paid up member and his decision to seek UN recognition of a Palestinian state was entirely self-serving.
UN Bid Failure and Palestinian Authority End of Road
Sabbah report 14 Nov 2011 – The campaign for Palestine to be recognized as a full member of the United Nations has revealed the popularity of the Palestinian cause on the international stage, displayed the uncompromising nature of Israel’s political leadership, and highlighted the end of the road for the Palestinian Authority,…
We teach life, sir
Sabbah report 14 Nov 2011 – RAFEEF ZIADAH is a Canadian-Palestinian spoken word artist and activist. Her debut CD Hadeel is dedicated to Palestinian youth, who still fly kites in the face of F16 bombers, who still remember the names if their villages in Palestine and still hear the sound of Hadeel (…
Articles
Jerusalem: Explosions, arrests and violence as Israel clears way for settlement activity
Alistair George, International Solidarity Movement 11/14/2011
13 November 2011, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank
Three Palestinians were arrested and others were detained, beaten and pepper sprayed by the Israeli military in Al-Walajeh yesterday, as villagers attempted to prevent the detonation of explosives used to widen the route for the separation wall on the village’s land.
Previously, large explosions on 3 November 2011 in the village had sent large rocks several metres into the air, damaging nearby houses and trees and endangering life. The explosions have damaged the foundations of nearby properties. Yesterday, protesters attempted to peacefully prevent a similar explosion from taking place.
At around 8am yesterday morning, villagers from Al-Walajeh, near Jerusalem, were working on an UN project to enlarge the village’s graveyard at the Western side end of the village. They discovered that the Israeli military and contractors were laying charges to explode rock and widen the path for the construction of the separation barrier on the village’s land. The barrier will completely encircle Al-Walajeh if completed. Access will be gained via a tunnel and checkpoint, manned by the Israeli military and open for a limited time each day.
A man from Al-Walajeh, who gave his name as ‘Abu Sultan’, explained that he “was the first to arrive at the scene– 10 days ago the officer of the DCO [District Coordination Offices] told us that they were not allowed to make any more explosions, and that if they tried we should stay on the land and prevent it – so the DCO should stand with us.”
Abu Sultan tried to take the dynamite from the ground but was pepper sprayed and detained for over 3 hours before being released. Another villager, Mustafa Odeh, was beaten and arrested by soldiers. more.. e-mail
Finkelstein highlights international law as powerful weapon for boycott
Jews for Boycotting Israeli Goods, Israeli Occupation Archive 11/14/2011
Professor Norman Finkelstein stormed UK campuses in the week to November 11, lecturing to packed auditoriums in London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham on How to solve the Israel-Palestine conflict.
His main message was that since Israeli settlement, occupation and denial of rights to Palestinian refugees are all acknowledged as illegal under international law, the campaign on these points is as good as won.
He said that Tzipi Livni, when serving as Israel’s foreign minister, had declared: “I’m a lawyer – and I’m against the law, international law in particular.” She had good reason for saying that because under international law “Israel loses, on Jerusalem, on the West Bank and Gaza, on settlements and right of return for refugees,” said Finkelstein.
The relevance of this to the campaign for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) was teased out in discussion between Finkelstein and Professor Jonathan Rosenhead, chair of the British Committee for the Universities of Palestine (BRICUP) on Friday afternoon, Nov 11, at UCL.
Jonathan Rosenhead, BRICUP
Rosenhead opened with a review of the history of boycott as a weapon available to the weak oppressed by the strong, as in Ireland in the 1880s and in South Africa in 1960s-90s.
He said boycotts targeting Israel, begun in 2004, combine “symbolic protest, material intervention and political action.” The overall aim was ending the Israeli system of oppression, as called for by Palestinian civil society.
Rosenhead said freedom of expression in academia was a vital principle, but it was not absolute and could conflict with a higher principle, such as freedom and self-determination for an oppressed people. — See also: Source: Jews for Boycotting Israeli Goods, J-BIG more.. e-mail
Rabin’s legacy
Michael Warschawski, Alternative Information Center 11/13/2011
On the hollow words that followed Yitzhak Rabin’s assasination and the dangerous men who speak them—Shimon Peres and Ehud Barak
On Saturday, the 12th of November, the murder of Yitzhak Rabin was commemorated in the Kikar Malkei Israel Square for the fifteenth time. Only 10,000 people bothered to attend to hear the hollow words and nostalgic songs.
It is difficult, of course, to say what would have been if Rabin hadn’t been murdered, taking with him, perhaps, what appeared to be the beginning of a peace process. What is certain is that the murderer’s hands critically injured this process. In the wake of Rabin’s murder, one prime minister after another who had incited against Rabin—and through their wild incitement armed Yigal Amir—took power. And they will continue to control the country for a long period because an alternative simply does not exist. Peace Now is dead, as is the Labour Movement and Meretz. Two of the captains of what was dubbed, prior to Rabin’s murder, as the “peace camp” are today starring on centre stage: Shimon Peres and Ehud Barak—two serial traitors who made escaping a sinking ship a considered act, but not without critically harming the ship prior to their jump.
Shimon Peres—who immediately following the murder of “his friend Yitzhak,” whom he hated vehemently—called for “unity of the people” and acted tirelessly to return legitimacy to the camp of the murders, today sits in the President’s house. Despite his advanced age and the seemingly symbolic role which characterizes his position, he continues to take an active role in guiding state matters, not necessarily for the better. Prior to being elected President, Peres managed to defect from the sinking Labour Party. And concerning Ehud Barak, he also ran away from the Labour Party after completely destroying it, and in exchange he received tenure as head of the Ministry of Defence. more.. e-mail
Playground Bullying of Palestine, Iran Must Stop
Palestine Chronicle: 14 Nov 2011 – By Stuart Littlewood – UK Last Friday I had a 2-hour meeting with my MP Henry Bellingham, who is a minister in the Foreign Office. We spent much of the time discussing the Palestinian statehood question and the absurd sabre-rattling against Iran. Mr. Bellingham listened politely, saying he was more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause than some within the Government. He also agreed that the best way to influence Iran was to resume trade. Of course he was anxious to defend his colleagues in the FO saying they are more often accused of being too biased towards the Palestinians. I on the other hand don’t believe there’s a single grain of pro-Palestinian sentiment in the whole gruesome gang of playground bullies that runs things at Westminster. Will anything we said be translated into action? Fat chance. All the same I dropped him a thank-you note with a reminder of my…more
Detoxing Yemen’s UN Resolution 2014
Palestine Chronicle: 14 Nov 2011 – By James Gundun – Washington, D.C. Over three weeks have elapsed since the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously passed resolution 2014. Addressing Yemen’s 10-month revolution, the resolution calls for Ali Abdullah Saleh to sign a power-sharing agreement drafted by the Saudi-bankrolled Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The White House quickly heralded the UNSC’s “unambiguous signal to President Saleh that he must respond to the aspirations of the Yemeni people by transferring power immediately.” Except resolution 2014 is opposed by Saleh and protesters alike. Not every part of the resolution is rejected by Yemen’s mass of revolutionaries; many clauses outside of the GCC are welcomed, but several key terms remain cloaked in ambiguity. The notion of an immediate transfer of power conceals the GCC’s extended time-frame, which encourages Saleh to remain in office seven months after its introduction. The initiative stipulates a 30-day grace period after transferring executive authority to his…more
Road to Damascus: Pro-Israel Groups Plot Intervention
Palestine Chronicle: 14 Nov 2011 – By Maidhc Ó Cathail On November 8, the Foreign Policy Initiative and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies jointly issued a discussion paper that outlines “policy options for the United States and like-minded nations to further assist the anti-regime Syrian opposition.” Entitled “Towards a Post-Assad Syria,” the paper advocates imposing “crippling sanctions” on the Assad government, providing assistance to Syrian opposition groups, and imposing no-fly/no-go zones in Syria. Founded in 2009, the Foreign Policy Initiative is the successor organisation to the Project for the New American Century, a neoconservative advocacy group that relentlessly pushed for war with Iraq from its inception in 1997. FPI’s board of directors consists of PNAC co-founders, Robert Kagan and William Kristol; Dan Senor, a former intern at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee; and Eric Edelman, a Paul Wolfowitz protégé at the Pentagon who, thanks to support from Richard Perle, succeeded the scandal-ridden Undersecretary of…more
Across the Wall – Book Review
Palestine Chronicle: 14 Nov 2011 – By Ludwig Watzal (Ilan Pappé/Jamil Hilal eds., Across The Wall. Narratives of Israeli-Palestinian History, I. B. Tauris, London-New York 2010, 462 pp.) ‘Across the Wall’ arose from collaboration between scholars from Israel and Palestine, seeking to arrive at a shared framework for studying the history of this tormented land. Historians from Israel/Palestine came together for dialogue on history, identity, and the meaning of the conflict. They argue for a concept of a “bridging narrative” that can accommodate incompatible national met-narratives. “Bridging narratives are usually intercalary chapters, short pieces that help connect the so-called ‘plot’ chapters”. (3) All contested issues in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are discussed. This get-together was characterized by mutual respect for each other not like a meeting between Israeli and Palestinian historians in Paris in May 1998, in which they clashed about issues such the equation between Zionism and colonialism and the designation of the…more
US War Rhetoric: The Road to Sedition
Palestine Chronicle: 14 Nov 2011 – By Ismail Salami Following the recent IAEA report released on Iran’s nuclear program which many observers found professionally faulty, Washington once again ratcheted up the ‘bomb, bomb Iran’ rhetoric. The rhetoric escalated even more in the US presidential debate on Saturday when some of the Republicans made it loud and clear that a war with Iran would be the ultimate solution to Iran’s nuclear program. “Totally. Absolutely without any doubt the Iranians if they develop a nuclear weapon … the whole region is going to want a nuclear weapon. Then you march down the road of Armageddon. If you open Pandora’s box, if you attack Iran, if they get a nuclear weapon you empty Pandora’s box, that’s the world we live in. So I support the option of a military option as a last resort,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday. To hawkish Graham, attacking Iran’s nuclear sites is not enough…more
No War on Iran? Think Again
Palestine Chronicle: 14 Nov 2011 – By Richard Lightbown Uri Avnery in a considered assessment of the chances of an Israeli attack on Iran (Palestine Chronicle, November 03) stated categorically that it will not happen. I hope he is right, but I think there is a major flaw in his reasoning. The U.S. cannot be relied upon to keep Israel under control. Put simply, the current American president does not have the audacity of former incumbent Dwight D Eisenhower. In 1956 when Ike faced down Britain, France and Israel he was the undisputable top dog in the western world. The Israeli lobby in Washington did not at that time have a stranglehold on decision makers in Washington, and Eisenhower had just been re-elected US president in a second landslide victory. Nobody was going to tell this former supreme commander of NATO what to do. Eisenhower’s message to Prime Minister Ben-Gurion was simple and unequivocal: Israeli forces…more
Freedom Waves: Another Challenge to the Israeli Naval Blockade of Gaza and the U.S. Congress
Dissident Voice: 14 Nov 2011 – Why I wanted to Challenge the Israeli Naval Blockade of Gaza In the overland five trips I have made to Gaza since March, 2009, I have seen the disastrous effect of the brutal Israeli land and sea blockade has had on the Palestinian people. I have seen the terrible level of destruction that the 2008-2009 Israeli attack wrecked on Gaza, in which 1,400 Palestinians were killed in the 22 day attack, 5,000 were wounded and 50,000 were made homeless. I was on the Gaza Freedom March in 2009 and I was a passenger on the US Boat to Gaza , the “Audacity of Hope” that was forbidden from sailing June, 2011 by the Greek government on behalf of the Israeli government. As one of two American citizens on the Gaza “Freedom Waves,” I represented hundreds of thousands of Americans who are challenging Israeli and US policies concerning Palestine. We are using…more
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The New Dark Age 
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