16 November 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Abbas: “We Seek Peace, We Want A Balanced U.S. Role”
IMEMC – Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, stated during a speech on the 7th anniversary of the death of President Yasser Arafat, and the 23rd anniversary of declaring independence, that the Palestinian Authority does not want a clash with the United States, but wants a balanced American role regarding the implementation of international resolutions, and Israel’s settlement activities, the Palestine News and Info Agency, WAFA, reported. …
Abbas, Mashal, To Meet Soon
IMEMC – Senior leaders of the Fateh and the Hamas movements stated that Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, and Hamas Political Bureau head, Khaled Mashal, will be holding a meeting in approximately one week in an attempt to implement the National Unity Agreement. …
Army Kidnaps Palestinian Journalist In Jerusalem
IMEMC – Israeli soldiers kidnapped on Wednesday evening a Palestinian journalist in Jerusalem after she was ordered to head to a security center for questioning. …
Israel Offering Bids On Settlement Construction In The West Bank
IMEMC – Israeli Housing Minister, Ariel Atias, of the Shas fundamentalist party, stated on Tuesday that Israel will advertise bids for the construction of hundreds of Jewish settlements units in the occupied West Bank. …
Two Injured In Israeli Airstrikes Targeting Gaza
IMEMC – Palestinian medical sources in the Gaza Strip reported that three Palestinians were injured, on Wednesday at dawn, after the Israeli Air Force carried out a number of airstrikes targeting different areas in the coastal region. …
Palestinian Family Stripped Jerusalem Residency Rights
IMEMC – The Jerusalem Center for Social and Economic Rights (JCSER) reported that the Israeli Authorities stripped the residency rights of Ammar Khaled Badriyya, and his family, living in Al Matar neighborhood, in Qalandia, in occupied East Jerusalem. …
Palestinian Authority: “New Unity Government Will Not Include Fayyad”
IMEMC – After talks between the two major Palestinian political parties Hamas and Fatah on Tuesday, the Palestinian Authority announced that elections will be held in May, and the interim government which will rule between now and then will not include currently appointed Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad. …
Palestinians to ride on Settler Buses to challange segregation
IMEMC – A group of Palestinian, International and Israeli activists rode Israeli Eged buses, going to Jerusalem on Tuesday afternoon, challenging and Israeli regulation that prohibits Palestinians to use such buses except with a special permit, Palestinian activists said. …
Official: Abbas, Hamas leader to meet on Nov 25
11/16/2011 – RAMALLAH (AFP) — President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal will meet in Cairo on Nov. 25, a day later than originally announced, for new reconciliation talks, a senior official told AFP on Tuesday. Ahead of the meeting, the PLO, the umbrella group dominated by Abbas’ Fatah party and of which Hamas is not…. Related: Abbas vows to speed up reconciliation with Hamas and Radwan: Abbas speech positive for reconciliation
France summons Israeli ambassador over Gaza raid
11/16/2011 – PARIS (Reuters) — France’s Foreign Ministry summoned Israel’s ambassador on Wednesday over an airstrike in Gaza that injured the French consul and his family on Sunday. Majdi Jameel Yaseen Shaqqoura and his daughter were injured by shrapnel and his wife suffered a miscarriage when Israeli warplanes bombed a police building in Beit….
2 injured in Gaza airstrikes
11/16/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli airstrikes injured two people in Gaza City early Wednesday, a Ma’an reporter said. Israeli F16 jets fired at least one missile in the Tuffah neighborhood, lightly injuring one woman who was taken to Shifa Hospital. Several homes were also damaged in the strike, a Ma’an….
Israel arrests 4 men accused of attacks
11/16/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israeli forces have arrested four Palestinians accused of attacks against Israelis, including shooting at an army patrol, Israel’s domestic security agency Shin Bet said in a statement on Wednesday. The statement said the men, aged between 18 and 22, were suspected of throwing Molotov cocktails at Israeli vehicles and opening fire….
Army chief warns of ‘aggressive action’ in Gaza
11/16/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Repeated rocket fire from Gaza will push Israel into taking “aggressive” action in the Gaza Strip,” the Israeli chief of staff warned MPs on Tuesday.” One round after another; we shall in the end need to move to broader, more aggressive action in the Gaza Strip,” Benny Gantz was quoted by a parliamentary….
In photos: Civil rights activists detained on ‘Freedom ride
11/16/2011 – Reuters / Ammar Awad – Palestinian Freedom Riders boarded an Israeli bus near Ramallah on Tuesday in an action inspired by the US civil rights movement, but the end of the line was Israeli police detention. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign said the campaign to board Israeli settler buses proved the West Bank is today just as segregated….
General: US, Israel not behind Iran blast
11/16/2011 – TEHRAN (AFP) — A top Iranian general said Wednesday that, contrary to speculation, the US and Israel were not behind a weekend munitions base blast that killed 17 Revolutionary Guards including a key ballistics missile expert.” The recent blast has nothing to do with Israel or America,” General Hassan Firouzabadi, the chief of staff of Iran….
Fatah official: Fayyad is still the president’s choice
11/16/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad is still President Mahmoud Abbas’ choice to lead a caretaker government, a senior Fatah official said Wednesday. Faysal Abu Shahla told Ma’an a decision would be taken over who to appoint as head of the new government after Abbas’ meeting…. Related: Abbas vows to speed up reconciliation with Hamas
Abbas vows to speed up reconciliation with Hamas
11/16/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — President and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas pledged Wednesday to speed up reconciliation with Hamas in a speech to honor late President Yasser Arafat. Abbas said he would meet Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal in Cairo on Nov. 23, addressing his leadership in Ramallah to commemorate the seventh anniversary of Arafat’s…. Related: Official: Abbas, Hamas leader to meet on Nov 25 and Radwan: Abbas speech positive for reconciliation
Radwan: Abbas speech positive for reconciliation
11/16/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Senior Hamas leader Ismail Radwan welcomed President Abbas’ speech on Wednesday to honor late President Yasser Arafat. The Hamas official told Ma’an that the speech contained positive implications for reconciliation talks and issues of national importance, such as popular resistance and the future of the Palestinian cause…. Related: Abbas vows to speed up reconciliation with Hamas and Official: Abbas, Hamas leader to meet on Nov 25
Egyptian forces detain 16 migrants trying to enter Israel
11/16/2011 – EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma’an) — Egyptian forces detained 16 African migrants trying to enter Israel illegally, Egyptian security sources said Wednesday. Egyptian officials said 16 people, including 10 women, were arrested trying to cross the border fence 10 kilometers north of Taba in south Sinai. The migrants were from the Ivory Coast, Sudan, Eritrea, and….
PFLP slams Syria’s suspension from Arab League
11/16/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The politburo of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine on Wednesday condemned the Arab League’s decision to suspend Syria. The Arab League suspended Syria on Saturday in protest at its violent crackdown on dissent and failure to implement an Arab peace initiative. PFLP said in a….
Arabs, Israel to attend nuclear talks, Iran uncertain
11/16/2011 – VIENNA (Reuters) — Arab states and Israel plan to attend a rare round of talks next week on efforts to free the world of nuclear weapons but Iran has yet to say whether it will take part, diplomats said on Wednesday. The Nov. 21-22 forum, hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, is….
Nablus plans ‘Kanafeh and Soap’ festival
11/16/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Nablus will celebrate its heritage with a festival showcasing traditional produce on Nov. 24. The “Kanafeh and Soap” festival will take place in Nablus’ historic Old City, which will be divided into areas representing trades the city is famous for. Nablus Governor Jibrin al-Bakri said he hoped the event would….
6 injured in family brawl near Hebron
11/16/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Six people were injured on Wednesday when a family argument escalated into an armed brawl near Hebron, a Ma’an reporter said. Medics said a woman was shot and injured while another woman and four men suffered bruises in the clash in the al-Baqaa neighborhood. They were taken to different….
Activists: Syrian army defectors hit intel complex
11/16/2011 – AMMAN, Jordan (Reuters) — Syrian army defectors attacked an intelligence complex on the edge of Damascus early on Wednesday, the first such reported assault on a major security facility in the eight-month uprising against President Bashar Assad, activists said. Members of the Free Syrian Army fired shoulder-mounted rockets and machine guns at a large Air Force….
France recalls ambassador to Syria
11/16/2011 – PARIS (Reuters) — France has recalled its ambassador from Syria after an escalation in violence and is working with the Arab League on a new draft resolution at the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said on Wednesday.” New violence is taking place and that has led to the closure of the missions in Aleppo….
Free Syrian Army forms military council to oust Assad
11/16/2011 – NICOSIA (AFP) — The rebel Free Syrian Army announced on Wednesday the creation of a temporary military council with the aim of ousting the regime of President Bashar Assad and protecting civilians from his forces.” Based on the requirements of this phase and the demands of the Syrian revolution, the Free Syrian Army is establishing a….
Egypt Islamists plan mass rally against charter
11/16/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Egyptian Islamists will hold a mass rally on Friday to protest a government draft of a basic constitution they say should be left to an elected parliament, a leading Islamist group announced on Wednesday. The Muslim Brotherhood, the country’s best organized movement, said on its website it would hold the rally….
Arab League gives Syria 3 days to stop bloodshed
11/16/2011 – RABAT (Reuters) — Arab League foreign ministers on Wednesday gave Syria’s government three days to agree to end its crackdown on protesters and allow in teams of observers. The foreign ministers, meeting in the Moroccan capital, did not say what would happen if Damascus failed to comply. Asked if the proposal was a last-ditch….
Getting beyond Gilad Shalit, and learning from suffering
Palestine Note 16 Nov 2011 – The return of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit after 5 years in captivity is a cause for celebration. Shalit’s capture and captivity were terribly painful for his family, Israelis in general, and the larger world Jewish community. The Israeli ambassador to…
France summons Israeli envoy over Gaza attack
AlJazeera 16 Nov 2011 – Paris summons Israel’s ambassador after French consul and his family were injured in a missile attack on the Gaza Strip.
Syrian-Palestinian Director Plans TV Series on Yasser Arafat
PNN – PNN The Palestinian-Syrian director al-Muthana Sobeh said on Wednesday that he has started work on a 30-episode TV drama about the life of former Palestinian president Yasser Arafat. Sobeh told the Lebanese…
Israeli Forces Seize Land Next to School in Silwan
PNN – PNN On Wednesday, the Silwan Defense Committee issued a press release claiming that the Israeli Jerusalem Municipality had seized an 850 square foot piece of land in the al-Thawri neighborhood, next to…
Israeli Forces Arrest Four in West Bank, Airstrikes Wound Two in Gaza
PNN – PNN Israeli troops arrested a 60-year-old Palestinian from Yatta, south of Hebron, on Wednesday, while Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip wounded two people. Secure sources told Palestinian official news wire Wafa…
France Says Israel Doesn’t Have to Apologize for Missile Strike that Wounded French Consul
PNN – PNN According to Israeli intelligence, Israeli warplanes struck and destroyed a Hamas surveillance site on Monday night. The house 200 meters away, however, housed 44-year-old French consul in the Gaza Strip Majdi…
Prisoners Report Use of Attack Dogs during Recent Arrests
PNN – PNN A Wednesday report from the Ministry of Prisoners’ Affairs authored by ministry lawyer Hussein al-Sheikh claimed that during the last month, Israeli soldiers used attack dogs to frighten prisoners after arresting…
PLO to Take Withheld Funds to Security Council, Ashrawi Condemns “Superiority Complexâ€
PNN – PNN On Wednesday, the PLO Executive Committee condemned Israel’s continued withholding of the more than $100 million in Palestinian tax revenues and said it would protest the move at the UN Security…
Palestinian National Team Draws with South African Bafana Bafana
PNN – PNN On Palestinian Independence Day, Nablus Stadium had the honor of receiving the South African national team—the memorable Bafana Bafana of the 2010 World Cup—for a match against the Palestinian national team,…
Sheikh of al-Azhar Lays Out Steps to Defend Jerusalem
PNN – PNN Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayb of the Islamic University of al-Azhar in Cairo, one of the foremost authorities of Islamic jurisprudence in the world, laid out on a Wednesday a set of steps…
International Solidarity Movement
Freedom Riders: ‘I felt like I was witnessing history’
11/16/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Ben Lorber, 15 November 2011 | International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – Earlier today, 7 Palestinian activists were arrested as part of the Freedom Rides attempt to board segregated buses going from the West Bank into occupied East Jerusalem. Palestinians, Israelis and ISM activists waited at a bus stop outside the illegal settlement of Psagot, while four…. Related: Freedom Riders – Click for more images
Freedom Riders: I witnessed six Palestinian activists demand freedom
11/16/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – By Holly, Carbonating Change – Yesterday I witnessed six Palestinian activists demand freedom, justice and dignity as they defied Israel’s apartheid policies when the group successfully boarded settler-only buses and attempted to enter East Jerusalem, where they were eventually brutally dragged off and arrested by the Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF). At the press conference and…. Related: Source: Carbonating Change
Gaza lives on
11/16/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Al Jazeera English – The Israeli blockade may have taken a heavy toll on Gazans, but this film reveals life and hope among the devastation. Since 2007, most of the approximately 1. 5 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip have suffered gravely from an intensified land, air and sea blockade imposed by Israel. The blockade, deemed…. Related: Source: Al Jazeera
Independence Day in the Buffer Zone
11/16/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – By Nathan Stuckey, International Solidarity Movement, Gaza – Twenty three years ago today the Palestinian declaration of independence was released. Written by Mahmoud Darwish, and unveiled to the world by Yasser Arafat in Algiers where he was living in exile like millions of other Palestinians. Today, in Beit Hanoun, we, the Local Committee of Beit Hanoun….
Meanwhile in Gaza
11/16/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – By Radhika S. , 15 November 2011 – I awoke today with the news that the NYPD was clearing out Occupy Wall Street and that Israeli tanks were shelling “northern Gaza.” In the West Bank, Palestinian Freedom Riders, inspired by the US freedom riders of the 1960s, were getting ready to board segregated buses to occupied East…. Related: Source: Notes from Behind the Blockade and Beit Hanoun locals march to Buffer Zone – Click here for more images
Al Qasab demolished as hundreds of Israeli soldiers watch
11/15/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – By Guillaume and William, 15 November 2011, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – This morning, on Tuesday 15th November, national day of Palestine, three houses in Al Qasab near Jericho were destroyed by the Israeli military. During the early morning, between two and three hundred Israeli soldiers entered Al Qasab with bulldozers and destroyed the houses. The….
Girl detained: Israeli military escalates pressure at Hebron checkpoints
11/13/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – By Emma Evertsson, 13 November 2011 | International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – On November 12 a young teenage girl was being detained at the main checkpoint in Hebron. When internationals were notified she had been detained for more than an hour without any obvious reason. The girl was on her way home with a friend when….
Alternative Information Center
Honored to be a Freedom Rider
Alternative Information Center – Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh was one of the six Palestinian Freedom Riders who took place in Tuesday’s Freedom Ride. Here, he reflects on the action and offers his personal experience Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh, professor and author, during…
Left-wing NGOs attacked but it’s business as usual for rightists
Alternative Information Center – While left wing NGOs find their funding threatened by two pieces of proposed legislation, it’s business as usual for Israel’s rightist organizations—groups that raise money for settlements, occupation, discrimination, and ethnic violence.
In photos: Palestinian Freedom Rides
Alternative Information Center – In the spirit of the Freedom Rides that took place during the African American Civil Rights Movement, six Palestinian activists boarded an Israeli bus in the West Bank yesterday to protest segregation and policies that restrict…
Lebanon: Terminal Decline? Palestinian Refugee Health in Lebanon
Relief Web 16 Nov 2011 – Source: Medical Aid for Palestinians Country: occupied Palestinian territory , Lebanon KEY FINDINGS Tertiary healthcare provision for Palestinian refugees is in a precarious state Training for future Palestinian doctors, nurses and dentists is in deep decline UN health services are increasingly…
Elderly Palestinian detained by Israeli army in Hebron
16 Nov 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli occupation forces Wednesday detained an elderly Palestinian after raiding and searching his house in Yatta town south Hebron.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza injure 2 Palestinians
16 Nov 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph)-Twp Palestinians were injured yesterday as Israeli warplanes carried out a series of airstrikes on different parts of Gaza Strip.
Christian community divided by yet-to-be built fence
The National 16 Nov 2011 – Israeli authorities are expected to build a segment of its 760-kilometre fence through Cremisan in the West Bank/
Democracy activists pledge new Tahrir Square protests
The National 16 Nov 2011 – The Muslim Brotherhood said last night it would take its protest of proposed constitutional guidelines to the square that became the focal point of the revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak.
Iran expert: U.S. elections increase likelihood of Israeli strike
Ha’aretz – Former State Department official says Israel may feel it has more room to act alone in an election year, and may only inform the U.S. after the planes take off.
Barak, Lieberman to skip U.S. forum to avoid public debate on Iran, sources say
Ha’aretz – Officials in Jerusalem say Netanyahu asked Defense Minister and Foreign Minister not to give speeches on the Iranian nuclear issue at the Saban Forum in order to keep a ‘low profile.’
Top Iran general: Blast disrupted anti-Israel weapons program
Ha’aretz – General says Saturday’s explosion at military base ‘temporarily stopped’ weapons research program to be used against Israel; Iran denies Israel behind blast.
Israel, Arab nations to attend rare round of nuclear talks next week
Ha’aretz – Iran has yet to say whether it will take part in the meeting to be hosted by the IAEA in Vienna; meeting seen as symbolically significant in bringing together regional fores at the same venue to start a dialogue.
Abbas calls on Palestinians to mount non-violent resistance against Israel
Ha’aretz – Palestinian president says his people ‘will not succumb to the occupation,’ says will meet Hamas leader next week to discuss implementation of unity agreement.
France summons Israeli ambassador over Gaza raid
Ha’aretz – Israeli envoy rebuked over Gaza raid which wounded French consul and family; incident added strains to already tense relationship between Israel and France.
Academics rally behind Ben-Gurion University prof. fined for refusing IDF duty
Ha’aretz – Prof. Idan Landau has refused reserve duty for past 11 years, has been imprisoned three times; first time university has taken steps against him.
France recalls ambassador to Syria as Arab League suspension takes effect
Ha’aretz – Activists say Free Syrian Army fighters fired machine guns and rockets at an Air Force Intelligence complex near Damascus, bringing the country closer to an all-out civil war.
Two blasts rock south Lebanon hotel popular with UN staff
Ha’aretz – Blast went off in pub of Queen Elissa Hotel in port city of Tyre; minutes later, another explosion damaged a liquor store; no casualties reported.
Syria army defectors attack military complex near Damascus
Ha’aretz – Members of Free Syrian Army fired shoulder-mounted rockets, machine guns at large Air Force intelligence complex on northern edge of the capital; six soldiers killed, over 20 wounded.
Fatah: Fayyad remains candidate for PM of Palestinian unity government
Ha’aretz – Fatah parliament member Faisal Abu Shala says that the PM issue will be decided during the Abbas-Meshal meeting in Cairo next Friday.
Israeli forces break up two West Bank terrorist cells
Ha’aretz – Shin Bet security service says cells were locally organized and conducted shooting attacks and planted explosive charges against IDF patrols in the West Bank.
Iran officials: Israel not behind deadly military base explosion
Ha’aretz – Iran parliament speaker Ali Larijani denies press speculation about Israeli involvement in blast near Tehran that killed high-ranking Revolutionary Guard commander, calling it ‘fiction.’
Legal sources: Unlikely that former Israel President Katsav will be pardoned
Ha’aretz – Former president Katsav’s 7-year conviction for rape, other sexual offenses upheld by Supreme Court last week; Katsav to Israeli press: I curse the day I was elected president.
Hundreds of doctors resign as Israel’s medical crisis grows
Ha’aretz – 400 residents walk out of their jobs, 200 senior doctors tender resignations; Doctors present petition to High Court over Israel Medical Association, state August agreement.
Israeli doctors go on strike at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center
Ha’aretz – Hospital shut down in response to Health Ministry instruction to immediately fire 10 doctors who tendered resignation in mass protest with other senior doctors on Tuesday.
BoI: In contrast to treasury report, the economy is strong
Ha’aretz – Israel’s economy is doing better than those of other countries, but the government cannot bow to populism and must not overspend its budget, said Bank of Israel Governor.
Police recommend indicting Meuhedet heads for theft, fraud
Ha’aretz – Uzi Salant, who served as CEO of Meuhedet for 28 years, allegedly violated laws banning HMOs from hiring marketing firms to bring in new patients.
Report: U.S. Air Force receives new 15-ton bunker buster bombs
Ha’aretz – U.S. Air Force started receiving the massive bombs in September, Bloomberg news agency reports; the bombs are capable of destroying underground targets, such as Iran’s nuclear sites.
Somali militant blasts Israel-Kenya ties
Ha’aretz – Spokesman for al-Shabab militant group says Kenyan PM recently visited Israel to seek aid in ‘destroying Muslim people and their religion.’
Group of Hollywood stars gets taste of the Holy Land
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Delegation of silver screen and TV actors take part in visit to Israel, meet with prime minister, PA leaders in Ramallah.
J’lem light rail suspends evening service
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Ongoing dispute between the train drivers and the systems operator over pay and working conditions puts service on hold.
Barak: Saudis, Egypt will seek nukes if Iran gets them
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – In an interview with US broadcaster Charlie Rose, defense minister concedes that if he were in Iran’s place he would “probably” attempt to acquire nuclear weapons.
Syria on the brink
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – What should be clear, though, is that a chaotic, violent transition of power would not be in Syria’s interest – or Israel’s.
Media Comment: The sorry saga of Channel 10
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – The threat to the TV station has led to a media campaign about the threat to Israel’s democracy. But its news coverage has been fairer and more balanced than its competitors.
What does ‘moderate Islamist’ mean?
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Tunisia’s elections have renewed the fictitious talk about the true nature of Islamism.
Time to rehabilitate Portugal’s Dreyfus
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Fundamentally Freund: Barros Basto was drummed out of the military for the ‘crime’ of circumcising his students.
No religious conflict in Hebron
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – When we focus on basic rights we can build a future based on dignity for us all.
Feeling conflicted over Hebron
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Do we invest the same energy struggling to be worthy of Abraham’s spiritual inheritance, and not only of a geographic parcel of land?
Arab League gives Syria 3 days to stop bloodshed
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Leaders refuse to elaborate on steps to be taken if Assad fails to comply with ultimatum; France pulls envoy from Damascus.
A free people in our land – Hebron
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Can we be a free people in our land without the first Jewish city in Israel?
‘Gender segregation practices are ‘apartheid‘’
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Knesset c’tee to initiate legislation designed to deny public funds to agencies which participate in exclusion of women.
Candidly Speaking: Netanyahu – the pros and cons
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Needless to say, Netanyahu is far from perfect, and some of the criticisms leveled against him may have merit.
Washington Watch: Is the Mideast peace mission impossible?
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – If Abbas wanted peace, he should Netanyahu’s bluff. Settlements weren’t a hindrance to talks in the past when Palestinians, including Abbas himself, wanted to talk.
‘Syrian army planting mines along Jordanian border’
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Assad government trying to prevent civilians in Deraa, city of Ramtha, from escaping deteriorating security situation, ‘Al Ghad’ reports.
TA says drainage system good as rain floods streets
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Municipality says heavy work has been carried out to renovate city drainage system, prepared for winter.
Syria’s economic woes threaten support for regime
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Business elite turning backs on Assad as international boycott expands, economists and political analysts say.
‘Supreme Court appointment bills reflect lack of restraint’
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Expert says proposed legislation doesn’t mean end of democracy, but shows MKs think they can change rules according to their current interests.
Abbas says he will meet Mashaal on Nov 25
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – PA president says two leaders will discuss unity government, upcoming elections; “Meeting with Hamas leaders necessary.”
Abbas says he will meet Mashaal on Nov 23
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – PA president says two leaders will discuss unity government, upcoming elections; “Meeting with Hamas leaders necessary.”
France summons Israeli envoy over Gaza raid
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – French consul, his wife and 13-year-old daughter were hit by shrapnel at their residence in Gaza during IAF strike.
Prosor decries continued rocket fire from Gaza
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – After rocket destroys building near kindergarten in South, Israeli envoy to UN calls for Security Council condemnation.
Tibi: Gov’t wants ‘Death to Arabs’ bill
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – United Arab List MK makes speech at memorial commemorating 7 years since Arafat’s death; Abbas also speaks at ceremony.
‘Sped up legislation of ‘Sohlberg Law’ legal’
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Rushing of bill deemed legal; proposes Bar Association appoint 1 coalition, 1 opposition member to Judicial Selection C’tee.
Jewish and Arab artists unite
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – The 8th Annual Speaking Art Conference with Jewish and Arab participants begins today on International Tolerance Day.
Anat Kamm appeals prison sentence to Supreme Court
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Former IDF secretary tells court her four-and-a-half-year prison sentence for serious espionage crimes is “too harsh.”
Treasury wants no-show doctors held in contempt
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – Move comes as senior doctors shut down Haifa’s Rambam hosptial for several hours; Litzman orders doctors’ dismissals.
Palestine and UNESCO
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – UNESCO has proven itself to be among the most polemic-prone specialized UN agencies.
Singing to be seen
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – “Being a woman is not a shame” is message of protesters in Mea She’arim.
There’s jackals in them thar woods
Jerusalem Post 16 Nov 2011 – TA deals with jackal packs roaming Park Hayarkon; neighbors complain of howls but municipal veterinarian says the public has nothing to fear.
Iran says missile base blast was not caused by Israeli intelligence
The Guardian 16 Nov 2011 – Tehran dismisses reports that Mossad or US was behind the explosion that killed the architect of country’s missile programme Iran has insisted that an explosion that killed the architect of its missile programme was not carried…
Syria: Arab League meets as defectors attack – Wednesday 16 October
The Guardian 16 Nov 2011 – • Free Syrian Army attack bases near Damascus • Arab League mulls sanctions at meeting in Rabat • Political prisoner shot hours after being released Read the latest summary 5.02pm: Here’s a summary of the day’s…
From the archive, 16/11/1988: Independent Palestine spent the day of its birth behind closed doors
The Guardian 16 Nov 2011 – Originally published in the Guardian on 16 November 1988 Independent Palestine spent the day of its birth behind closed doors yesterday, as Israel poured in thousands of troops to stop the people of the occupied territories…
Crowds Vandalise Arab Embassies in Syria
IPS Crowds supporting President Bashar al-Assad have vandalised at least two Arab embassies in the Syrian capital Damascus as Arab League foreign ministers gathered in Rabat to discuss formalising their suspension of Syria from the league.
LIBYA: Headed for Some Sort of Sharia
IPS The announced introduction of Islamic law in post-Gaddafi Libya has drawn strong opposition from women, the non-religious and the Amazigh minority.
JCSER: Israel plans to isolate Issawiyeh from Jerusalem
Uruknet November 16, 2011 – JCSER warns on November 12 of Israeli plans aiming to isolate Issawiyeh village, northeast Jerusalem, from the occupied city. The Israeli plan comes as part of an entire scheme to isolate other Palestinian neighborhoods such as al-Za’ayem, Shu’fat refugee camp, Ras Shihadeh, Ras Khamis and Dahyet al-Sallam. According to data available to the center,…
Will the ICC Act? Indictment against NATO
Uruknet November 16, 2011 – Is the International Criminal Court at The Hague a real court which respects and uphold international law, or is it an insult to the precept that international law is applied fairly and is Mr. Moreno Ocampo in fact working against his profession, destroying the notion that the world community’s so-called international forum is impartial?…
Removal of Assad will be devastating for Israel: Gilad
Uruknet November 16, 2011 – The head of Israel’s defense ministry’s diplomatic-security bureau warned of a possible “Islamic empire” if Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad were to be ousted. Amos Gilad said that the removal of the Syrian leader would lead to a “devastating crisis for Israel.” His comments come as violence in Syria reached new heights this week, with…
Yemenis urge Arab League to suspend their country
Uruknet November 16, 2011 – Anti-regime protesters, inspired by the suspension of Syria from the Arab League, staged a massive rally in Sanaa on Wednesday to urge the regional grouping to do the same with Yemen. “Arab League, we demand the freezing of (Yemeni) membership,” chanted the protesters who marched from Change Square, the epicenter of anti-government demonstrations, towards…
Last Call: A Farewell Interview with Cindy Sheehan
Uruknet November 16, 2011 – I had the pleasure and privilege of doing an interview with Cindy Sheehan on her radio show not long ago. She is, of course, one of the original modern ‘Occupiers,’ having “occupied” public space outside the fake dude ranch of George W. Bush (and other spaces) in the heroic attempt to force the twerpish…
LIBYA: Headed for Some Sort of Sharia
Uruknet November 16, 2011 – …”The NTC is almost criminalising those of us who are not religious,” says Abdullah Zlitani, a prominent lawyer, at his office in Gargaresh neighbourhood in the southwest of the Libyan capital. “They are trying to convince people that a non-Islamic constitution will forbid religious practice and boost prostitution – it’s outrageous.” It’s not just…
Libya: Ghadaffi – Tribute to a Fallen Hero
Uruknet November 16, 2011 – ….Those who threw his corpse from one angle of the mortuary to the other, as if it were a football, have spiritually rendered disservice to their own souls and conscience, Africa’s heritage and human sanctity. The world waits to see how soon the same ‘good boys’ of NATO today will tomorrow ball the bowl…
2 injured in Gaza airstrikes
Uruknet November 16, 2011 — Israeli airstrikes injured two people in Gaza City early Wednesday, a Ma’an reporter said. Israeli F16 jets fired at least one missile in the Tuffah neighborhood, lightly injuring one woman who was taken to Shifa Hospital. Several homes were also damaged in the strike, a Ma’an correspondent reported. Meanwhile an Israel warplane struck a…
Activists: Syrian army defectors hit intel complex
Uruknet November 16, 2011 — Syrian army defectors attacked an intelligence complex on the edge of Damascus early on Wednesday, the first such reported assault on a major security facility in the eight-month uprising against President Bashar Assad, activists said. Members of the Free Syrian Army fired shoulder-mounted rockets and machine guns at a large Air Force Intelligence complex…
Expressing Solidarity with Occupy Wall Street, as Court Prevents Violently Evicted Protestors from Re-Establishing Camp
Uruknet November 15, 2011 – So the billionaire bully and coward Michael Bloomberg, the Mayor of New York, waited until the middle of the night to spring a surprise eviction on the occupants of Zuccotti Park, the home, for the last two months, of the Occupy Wall Street movement that has spread across the US and around the world (…
Syria News – November 15, 2011 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet Syria: 17 martyrs today, of whom there is 2 children and 4 prisoners released as dead bodies after they were tortured to death. 5 of the martyrs were in Idlib, 6 in Homs , 3 martyrs in Hama, 2 in Daraa & 1 in Damascus …Homs: The young man Muhammed Ghaleb Taleb was martyred in Bayyada neighborhood after security…
Obama’s Mission Accomplished Moment
Uruknet November 15, 2011 – Obama is once again out-Bushing Bush on the war-worshipping front. With the president’s blessing, NCAA basketball games will now take place on the decks of warships – the Carrier Classic. There is a message in this muscular madness: “America is powerful, can kill anyone at will, glories in those facts and browbeats everyone into…
The Freedom Riders of Bus 148
Uruknet November 15, 2011 – The Palestinian Freedom Rides movement was inspired by the Civil Rights Act of 1961, when African Americans and Americans alike boarded buses and road throughout the south in order to break segregation marked by Jim Crow laws. This act branded them the name “Freedom Riders”. Segregation of the 1960’s revolved around a direct schism…
Khatib: Israeli Decision to Freeze Tax Revenues Creates Crisis
Uruknet November 15, 2011 – The Israeli cabinet decided on Monday to continue withholding tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority, which it was to have received two weeks ago. On Tuesday, the director of the Jerusalem Media and Communication Center, Dr. Ghassan al-Khatib, told PNN that the move was an illegal and dangerous violation that needs to be…
Destroying Palestinian Solar Plant
Uruknet November 15, 2011 – With international attention focusing on the Palestinian UN bid, the prisoner swap and the absurd US response to UNESCO accepting Palestine, a much smaller event but no less revealing has been largely overlooked: Israel wants to destroy a Spanish-sponsored solar power plant in the West Bank. The solar plant is not particularly big -…
Iraq snapshot – November 15, 2011
Uruknet Chaos and violence continue, the US military announces another death, Panetta tells Congress negotiaions continue with Iraq, NPR reports on a man accused of killing 5 US soldiers — but forgets to name the 5 US soldiers — and more…AP reported this morning that the US military has announced another death in Iraq, this one taking place yesterday “…
More racist laws are on the way in Israel
Uruknet November 15, 2011 – Israel’s Knesset (parliament) is set to discuss a number of bills in its winter session which Palestinians regard as racist, continuing a policy of “unprecedented racist legislation in 1948 Palestine” aimed at undermining the very existence of Palestinians in their own land. As part of the “Judaisation” process, a proposed law calls for the…
Religious Zionism in Jaffa
Uruknet November 15, 2011 – In the heart of Ajami, the sole remnant of Jaffa’s Palestinian identity and culture, sits a hesder yeshiva, so called for its special blend of torah study and military preparation. The institution was established three years ago by the Garin Torani, a countrywide religious Zionist organization. The Jaffa branch includes about 50 families. Ostensibly…
Palestinian ex-prisoner banned from seeking treatment abroad
Uruknet November 15, 2011 — Israel on Tuesday rejected an official application by the Palestinian Authority to allow a former female detainee to visit Jordan for urgent medical treatment. Director general of the Nablus district Tayseer Nasrallah said Israel informed the PA that Amal Jumaa, 41, would not be granted approval to travel to Jordan because “there is enough…
Yemeni troops kill 7 Al-Qaeda militants
Daily Star 17 Nov 2011 Yemeni troops killed seven Al-Qaeda-linked militants – including an Iranian, a Pakistani and two Somali nationals – in the latest fighting in a turbulent southern province, a security official said Wednesday.
Arabs give Syria another 3 days
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Arab League ministers agreed Wednesday to rule out foreign intervention in Syria but said Damascus would face economic sanctions if it failed to end its crackdown on protesters within three days.
Kuwaiti protesters storm Parliament after police assault
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Thousands of Kuwaitis stormed parliament Wednesday after police and elite forces beat up protesters marching on the prime minister’s home to demand he resigns, an opposition MP said.
Sleiman asks politicians to tone down rhetoric
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 President Michel Sleiman urged politicians to tone down their rhetoric and avoid fiery or extremist statements that increase tension.
Morocco recalls ambassador from Syria: ministry
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Morocco recalled its ambassador from Damascus Wednesday after its embassy there was attacked by pro-regime protesters as the Arab League told Syria to halt a “bloody repression”.
Body of Lebanese civilian repatriated from Israel
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 The body of a Lebanese civilian was repatriated from Israel Wednesday, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ras Naqoura on the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Army denies restricting journalists’ access to north
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 The Lebanese Army denied Wednesday that it was restricting access for journalists to cover events in north Lebanon, responding to claims that areas that Syrian refugees flee to were subject to restrictions.
Results out for student coping program
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 The results of a school program aimed to teach students skills to help them face stressful situations and the pressure of daily life were presented during a conference at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Balamand…
Baalbek to protest spike in crime
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Officials and residents of Baablek are set to stage a demonstration Thursday to protest the deterioration of security in the city, following a recent rash of robberies and assaults.
March 8 students maintain grip on AUB council
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 March 8-backed students at the American University of Beirut won the largest proportion of seats for a second year in a row after a lengthy electoral battle with rival student coalition backed by March 14.
Neighbors: Brothers accused of murder seemed nice, polite
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Residents of the Nabaa building that housed five brothers arrested Tuesday in the murders of at least six people described the men as nice and polite neighbors.
Alloush apologizes for part in TV scuffle
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 A Future Movement official apologized Wednesday for vulgarities he used during a dispute with the head of the Baath Party during a talk show earlier this week.
STL appoints Okuizumi as deputy registrar
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 The Special Tribunal for Lebanon Wednesday appointed a deputy registrar, Japanese national Kaoru Okuizumi.
Neighbors will play key role in Assad’s departure: Future
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Officials in the Future Movement are of the opinion that the Syrian crisis will come to a head within a few months, at the end of which Lebanon will embark on its path toward stability.
Roumieh prisoners refuse to take medication in protest
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Inmates at Roumieh Central Prison are refusing to take their medication to pressure authorities to reduce the prison year from 12 to nine months, security sources said Wednesday.
Calm prevails during Parliament Q & A
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 A question and answer session at Parliament ran unexpectedly smoothly Wednesday, as Speaker Nabih Berri prevented opposition MPs from raising controversial issues.
Iraqis concede Americans brought democracy, but slam rights abuses
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Sitting in a barber shop in Baghdad’s Shiite Sadr City slum, three friends agreed after a long and hard argument that U.S. forces brought democracy to Iraq.
Libya’s wartime PM warns of ‘dangerous’ power vacuum
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Libya’s wartime rebel prime minister said his country faces a lengthy and dangerous power vacuum where foreign powers may exploit rival militias on the streets and he called for a dramatic acceleration in plans for full…
Islamist Ennahda seeks democratic system: official
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Tunisia’s Islamist Ennahda party tried Wednesday to restore confidence in its ability to form a coalition government with secular groups following fears that the party was seeking an Islamic caliphate type of rule.
Russia likely to remain defiant on Syria
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 The Kremlin’s desire to project a firm image to the world, the West and its own people in an election season means Moscow is unlikely to turn on Syrian President Bashar Assad and seek sanctions or…
U.S. plays down fears over Libya arms proliferation
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 A top U.S. official sought Wednesday to play down fears that the conflict that toppled Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi had allowed extremists to get their hands on weapons used there.
Saudi Arabia wants UN vote on assassination plot
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Saudi Arabia is pressing for a UN vote Friday on a resolution condemning an alleged plot to assassinate its US envoy and calling on Iran to cooperate with the investigation.
Arab League confirm suspension of Syria: AP
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Arab League foreign ministers confirm suspension of Syria from the organization.
Opposition violence plays into Syria regime’s hands: US
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 The United States said Wednesday that the use of violence by the Syrian opposition plays into the Syrian “regime’s hands,” adding it did not condone violent acts by either side.
Arabs give Syria 3 days to halt ‘bloody repression’
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 The Arab world called for urgent action to protect Syrian civilians from an eight-month protest crackdown, giving President Bashar al-Assad three days to halt the “bloody repression.”
U.N. expresses concern over Tyre explosions
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 U.N. Interim Special Coordinator to Lebanon Robert Watkins expressed concern Wednesday over the two explosions that took place earlier in the day in the southern city of Tyre.
Qaouk: Arabs in league with U.S. working to topple Assad
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Deputy head of the Hezbollah’s executive council Sheikh Nabil Qaouk accused Arab leaders Wednesday of working with the U.S. in an attempt to topple President Bashar Assad’s government.
Libya imposes visa requirement on Egyptians: agency
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Libya has told Egyptians they will need visas to enter the country, Egypt’s state news agency said on Wednesday, after Egypt imposed travel restrictions on Libyans during the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi.
Syrian regime risks isolation over crackdown: Turkey
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime will be isolated by the Arab world if it does not halt the deadly crackdown on its own people, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Wednesday.
Roumieh inmates refuse medication in protest against prison year
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Prisoners at Lebanon’s largest prison complex Roumieh give up their medication in a bid to pressure authorities to reduce a prison year, security sources said Wednesday.
ICRC repatriates body of Lebanese from Israel
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Body of a Lebanese civilian repatriated from Israel, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ras Naqoura on the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Assad supporters attack UAE embassy: witnesses
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Supporters of President Bashar al-Assad threw stones and debris on Wednesday at the embassy of the United Arab Emirates and smeared its walls with graffiti, witnesses said, hours after an Arab League decision to suspend Syria…
Jordan Islamic Action Front: recognize Syrian opposition
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Jordan’s main Islamist party on Wednesday called on the government to recognize the Syrian National Council, a confederation of most political movements opposed to the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
Berri rejects request to address political climate in Q&A session
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Parliament speaker turns down requests from MPs in both the March 8 and 14 coalitions to adjust Wednesday’s agenda to include questions related to the current political situation during the parliamentary question and answer session.
Mikati denies decision at Arab League taken without deliberation
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Prime minister denies reports that Foreign Affairs Minister Adnan Mansour acted alone when he voted against suspending Syria’s membership at the Arab League.
Greek-Orthodox archdiocese in Beirut looted, vandalized
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Thieves broke into the Greek-Orthodox archdiocese in Beirut overnight, stealing money from a safe and vandalizing a number of its offices.
Two blasts in south, U.N. says no sign it was target
Daily Star 16 Nov 2011 Two near-simultaneous explosions shook the southern port city of Tyre early Wednesday in what appeared to be attacks related to the sale of alcohol.
Barak: I’d want nukes if I were Iranian
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – VIDEO – “Iran is exactly where the IAEA report says, and they (have been there) for quite a long time. For some reason (former IAEA chief Mohamed) ElBaradei got a Nobel … ….
Arab League to Syria: Halt violence or face sanctions
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – The Arab League on Wednesday confirmed the suspension of Syria from the organization and gave its government three days to halt the violence and accept an observer … ….
Israel to allow construction materials into Gaza
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Israel allowed the first truckloads of a rare shipment of construction materials into Gaza on Wednesday to allow the reconstruction of 10 privately owned factories, the … ….
Female MKs to Peres: Don’t pardon Katsav
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – A group of female Knesset members signed a petition Wednesday calling on President Shimon Peres not to pardon Moshe Katsav, this just several days after the Supreme Court … ….
Bill: Exempt from IDF? Join National Service
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – The Ministerial Committee on Legislation is scheduled to discuss on Sunday a bill that would obligate anyone who is exempt from IDF service to join the national or civil … ….
France summons Israeli envoy over wounded diplomat
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – France summoned Israel’s ambassador in Paris to a meeting at the foreign ministry Wednesday to protest after an air strike wounded a French diplomat in Gaza along with … ….
France recalls Syria ambassador, violence grows
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – France recalled its ambassador to Damascus on Wednesday as Syrian President Bashar Assad came under increasing pressure from home and abroad, with army defectors killing … ….
Justice minister: Supreme Court in terrible state
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Ne’eman says controversial bills proposed by right-wing MKs ‘not….
Tibi: ‘Death to Arabs’ law is next
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Israeli-Arab MK tells Arafat memorial ceremony in Ramallah ‘Lieberman a fascist….
Anat Kam appeals 4.5-year sentence
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Former IDF soldier convicted of passing thousands of classified documents to….
IDF: Terrorists planned to murder settler
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Army, Shin Bet expose two terrorist cells whose members would initiate riots,….
Iran: Mossad’s involvement in blast a myth
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Parliament speaker says military base explosion near Tehran was accidental, not….
‘Nuremburg laws passed by a majority too’
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Heated debates ensue in Knesset as controversial bill on composition of judges’….
‘Ireland most hostile country in Europe’
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Foreign Ministry accuses Irish government of inciting against Israel. Dublin….
Blast at Lebanon hotel hosting UN staff
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Bomb explodes at hotel frequented by United Nations staffers in country’s south,….
Syrian army defectors hit intel complex
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Activists report of first assault on major security facility in eight-month….
US reveals its new bunker-buster bombs
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Iran might want to take the hint: Pentagon report says US Air Force has taken….
Katsav apologizes for ‘hurting’ ex-workers
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – Three weeks before beginning jail sentence, former president convicted of rape….
Bill: Limit Left’s High Court petitions
YNet News, 16 Nov 2011 – New proposal aimed at restricting left-wing groups’ activities says associations….
Palestinian Information Center
Gantz: A major attack against Gaza a matter of time
PIC – The Israeli army’s chief of staff Benny Gantz said a new large-scale war against the Gaza Strip to strike the infrastructure of the Palestinian resistance factions is a matter of time.
IOA blocks entry of 82-year-old liberated prisoner into West Bank for 11 years
PIC – An 82-year-old Palestinian, who was recently released from Israeli jails in the prisoners’ exchange deal with Hamas, was ordered not to enter the West Bank for 11 years.
IOF troops storm southern Nablus village, arrest old man in Al-Khalil
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed Madma village, south of Nablus, and Yatta village, south of Al-Khalil, at dawn Wednesday and detained an old man in the latter.
Dweik: Mishaal-Abbas meeting last chance for reconciliation
PIC – Dr. Aziz Dweik has said that the meeting between Hamas leader Khaled Mishaal and PA chief and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas is the last opportunity for reconciliation.
Haaretz: The Israeli gov’t hid a report against illegal Derech Ha’avot outpost
PIC – The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) has withheld a report prepared about one year ago on Derech Ha’avot outpost, so as it would not be used in a court of law, Haaretz newspaper said on Monday.
Israeli aerial raids on Gaza without casualties
PIC – Israeli warplanes launched three air raids on the eastern and northern areas of Gaza Strip before dawn Wednesday without causing casualties, medical sources said.
The Independent: Jewish settlements are encroaching on Palestinian territory
PIC – The Independent newspaper said Monday that the Jewish settlers are expanding their presence in the occupied city of Jerusalem as the number of Palestinian natives continues to shrink.
PLO Official Applauds “Freedom Riders” for Challenging Israeli Apartheid
WAFA
Clashes Erupt in an East Jerusalem Neighborhood
WAFA
“Freedom Riders” Released After Short Detention
WAFA
PLO Official Denounces Israeli Settlement Construction
WAFA
Abbas says Everyone Should Participate in Popular Resistance
WAFA
Cyprus Ruling Party Stresses Support for Palestinian Cause
WAFA
Israeli Municipality Demolishes Palestinian House in Galilee
WAFA
Israeli Municipality Seizes Land in Silwan
WAFA
Newspapers Review: New Israeli Housing Units in Jerusalem Dominate Dailies
WAFA
Israeli Air Strike Injures Two Palestinians in Gaza
WAFA
Weather Forecast: Considerable Drop in Temperature
WAFA
PALESTINE – What Next?
Intifada-Palestine: 16 Nov 2011 – by Alan Hart In advance of the formal burial of the Palestinian Authority’s bid for state recognition at the UN, BBC Radio 4?s flagship Today programme was on the right track. In his introduction to a quite revealing report, presenter John… more
Greater Israel—or Peace?
Intifada-Palestine: 16 Nov 2011 – theamericanconservative.com Pathbreaking scholars Norman Finkelstein and John Mearsheimer speak out about the precarious future of the Jewish state. Greater Israel-or Peace? Shortly before Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in New York to seek United Nations recognition of a Palestinian state,… more
Arab League gives Syria 3 days to end ‘bloody repression’
LA Times 16 Nov 2011 – If the Assad government fails to stop the violence, the league says it will impose economic sanctions. Arab foreign ministers Wednesday gave Syria three days to cease what one league official called its “bloody repression” against its people or face economic sanctions, the latest sign…
Turkey delivers blunt message to Syria’s president
LA Times 16 Nov 2011 – Erdogan warns Assad not to ‘feed on blood.’ The Arab League appears to reject Syria’s plea for an emergency summit to avoid having its membership suspended. Syria’s increasingly isolated government fought to maintain its grasp on power in the face of bitter criticism from neighbors…
U.S. Warns Egypt as Military Stalls Transition
New York Times 16 Nov 2011 – The Obama administration has expressed concern that the failure to move to civilian control could undermine the defining revolt of the Arab Spring.
Arab League Proposes Monitors to Check On Syria Peace Plan
New York Times 16 Nov 2011 – The Arab League offered to send civilian and military monitors to Syria on Wednesday to determine whether it was abiding by a league-brokered peace plan.
Cutting Off Unesco, U.S. May Put Iraq Programs at Risk
New York Times 16 Nov 2011 – The programs include projects to train the Iraqi judiciary and news media, to analyze Iraq’s fresh water resources better and to provide literacy training to Afghans.
Iran Blast’s Origins Remain a Mystery
New York Times 16 Nov 2011 – For the first time, details are offered by an Iranian official about the work that was disrupted by the explosion.
Allowed Behind the Wheel, Women Take to Fast Lane
New York Times 16 Nov 2011 – Despite furrowed brows from some men, Arab women are puting the pedal to the metal at car rallies around the region.
Turkish Television Takes on Topic of Child Brides
New York Times 16 Nov 2011 – A trailer for a new TV soap opera bears a striking resemblance to the real-life testimonies of child brides interviewed for a documentary film by women’s rights activists being released next week.
Promoting Job Creation by Tearing Down Traditions
New York Times 16 Nov 2011 – Analysts say that government efforts to cultivate businesses in the Gulf region will not make a big difference if social attitudes do not change in societies.
Huge explosion at Iranian missile base kills top general
WSWS – While Tehran dismissed the blast as an accident, indications have emerged that it was an act of sabotage carried out by Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad.
Israel demolishes Palestinian homes in Jericho and the Galilee; threatens solar plant near Hebron
Mondoweiss – The Fakhori family survey the wreckage of their house in Al Qasab. (Photo: ISM ) Al-Qasab demolished as hundreds of Israeli soldiers watch ISM 15 Nov — This morning, on Tuesday 15th November, national day of Palestine, three houses in Al Qasab near Jericho were destroyed by…
Dubious Charlie Rose asks Ehud Barak why not one state?
Mondoweiss – Charlie Rose Last night, Charlie Rose asked Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak what would be so bad about a one-state solution. 34:00 or so. The dialogue (partial transcript below) is not in itself that remarkable, but it followed on Rose expressing great discomfort with the Gaza…
Q: Should Palestinians be able to ride Israeli buses? A: No, it’s a Jewish state.
Mondoweiss –
US protesters stand in solidarity with Palestinian Freedom Riders
Mondoweiss – You can download an mp3 of the song featured in the video here and find the lyrics and other resources on the Jewish Voice for Peace website here . Also, here are some photos from a New York City protest organized by Adalah-NY, Brooklyn For Peace, CODEPINK NYC,…
Unpacking the Israel-Kenya deal to help wage war in Somalia
Mondoweiss – Kenya’s Prime Minister Raila Odinga met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on November 14 in Jerusalem (Photo: Israeli Government Press Office ) Kenya’s battle to fight al-Shabaab, the fundamentalist Islamist group in Somalia that has been tied to numerous suicide bombings, is set to be assisted…
Republicans Tell Israel: U.S. Will Back Strike Against Iran
Tikun Olam – Yisrael HaYom, Israel’s bought and paid for (by Sheldon Adelson, to the tune of $3-million in losses monthly) propaganda sheet on behalf of Bibi Netanyahu, writes (Hebrew) that U.S. Republicans have been reassuring Israel that if the latter attacks Iran, the U.S. will stand behind it…
In Eulogy of ‘Martyred’ Revolutionary Guard Commander, Tehran Mayor Concedes Enemies Killed Him
Tikun Olam – IRG Brig Gen. Hassan Moghadam’s funeral Yet another confirmation has surfaced from Iranian sources that Revolutionary Guard Maj. Gen. Hassan Moghadam, the “father” of the nation’s missile program, was killed in an Israeli inspired terror attack. Prof. Muhammad Sahimi reports that in the eulogy he delivered…
Take Action: Keep Your Representatives Off UNESCO Letter
Arab American Institute 15 Nov 2011 – Last week, you sent over 1,500 letters to your representatives urging them to repeal the law that forces Congress to defund UNESCO simply for admitting Palestine as a member. Apparently, Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) didn?t get the message.
Palestinian Freedom Riders Challenge Israeli Apartheid
Global BDS 14 Nov 2011 – Occupied Palestine, 15 November 2011 — The Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) salutes the brave Palestinian Freedom Riders who today challenged through civil disobedience the Israeli occupation and apartheid [1]. With creative tactics inspired by the U.S. civil rights movement and with resolve stemming from a…
Arab League sets Syria ultimatum
BBC 16 Nov 2011 – The Arab League says it is giving Syria three days to “stop the bloody repression” of protesters and allow in observers or face economic sanctions.
Palestine Israel History and Theirstory. (Part 1/4)
Sabbah report 16 Nov 2011 – Western countries systematically deprived Arab and Palestinians from their humanity to the extent that the suffering of the People of Palestine is not perceived as legitimate suffering, on an equal scale with the suffering of the Jewish people in Europe during World War Two, and the…
Articles
Groundhog Day in Palestine/Israel
Michael Hudson, Al Jazeera.com 11/16/2011
The past six decades have seen many changes in world politics – the one thing that remains constant is the occupation.
For an unforgettable “Groundhog Day” experience, there is nothing better than a trip to Palestine and Israel. We’ve experienced multiple revolutions over the past six decades in information technologies, social mores and political upheavals.
The Soviet empire collapsed, democracy advanced around the globe, Asia began to rise and the West began to decline. It is all quite disorienting. But one thing remains constant: The Arab-Israeli conflict. It just grinds on and on.
For those of us who have been studying it professionally, there is something oddly reassuring about that. For most others not directly involved, it has just become boring. Too bad, because, like a smoldering peat fire, the Palestine problem helps keep the entire Middle East on the boil.
Here are some verbal snapshots from a recent visit to Palestine and Israel.
Welcome to Bantustan Ramallah
Getting out of Fortress Israel into the promised land of Palestine is not nearly as difficult as getting back in. Ramallah has become a boom town, far different from the sleepy metropolis it used to be.
“There’s lots of money here,” my taxi driver observed, “but not so much anywhere else in the West Bank.” A lot of that money comes from Western donors to support that sickly enterprise known as the Palestinian Authority. Other money is coming in from the Gulf. Land prices are out of sight. more.. e-mail
Meanwhile in Gaza
Radhika S, Notes from Behind the Blockade 11/15/2011
I awoke today with the news that the NYPD was clearing out Occupy Wall Street and that Israeli tanks were shelling “northern Gaza.” In the West Bank, Palestinian Freedom Riders, inspired by the US freedom riders of the 1960s, were getting ready to board segregated buses to occupied East Jerusalem.
Here in Gaza, we head to Beit Hanoun for their weekly nonviolent protest in the buffer zone. For three years, Palestinians in the north have been marching into the barren, no-man’s land which encircles the inside of the narrow strip like a slowly-tightening noose.
We arrived around 11 a.m. and gathered in front of a bombed-out house down a dusty road leading to the border. This was my second buffer zone protest. At my first, two weeks ago, the Israeli army had fired a few shots from the military towers at the border. I wondered what would happen today. As a foreigner, I was to don a reflective fluorescent yellow vest and walk in front of the Palestinians, which seemed to provide them a degree of solace. They seem to think that the Israelis were less likely to use lethal violence when Americans, Italians, and Brits walked with them.
I was not so sure.
About two dozen people waving Palestinian flags marched down the dusty path towards the buffer zone. The landscape reminded me of home, of California, with its thorny tumbleweeds and cactus. It was hard to believe that only ten years ago fruit orchards and olive trees filled this area. But Israel had bulldozed it all, claiming it needed 300 kilometers of Gaza’s most fertile land, but in reality taking more. more.. e-mail
Gaza Lives On
Al Jazeera.com 11/16/2011
The Israeli blockade may have taken a heavy toll on Gazans, but this film reveals life and hope among the devastation.
Since 2007, most of the approximately 1.5 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip have suffered gravely from an intensified land, air and sea blockade imposed by Israel.
The blockade, deemed illegal by the United Nations, was implemented after Hamas, a Palestinian faction labelled a terrorist organisation by Tel Aviv, took control over the territory and ousted Fatah officials from power in the battle of Gaza.
After more than two decades of tight sanctions and even though Israel eased the restrictions on non-military goods in 2010, the blockade continues to take a heavy toll on Gaza’s civilian population, with many essential and basic goods banned from being exported or imported. This has led to rampant poverty and a massive unemployment rate in Gaza.
But Gaza once had thriving economy and was a major exporter of key staple foods, including fruits and vegetables, to countries across the world. Israel’s policies since the occupation, however, have forced the vast majority of Gazans to rely on foreign humanitarian aid for survival.
According to the UN, about one-third of Gaza’s arable land and 85 per cent of its fishing waters are totally or partially inaccessible due to the Israeli blockade.
Abu Anwar Jahjouh, who has worked as a corn seller for the past 15 years and lives in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza, says it is a daily struggle to scrape out a living: “Back in the 1960s, we used to export oranges….” more.. e-mail
New Lowkey album a soundtrack to the human struggle
Electronic Intifada: 16 Nov 2011 – Alexander Billet The Electronic Intifada Iraqi-British rapper Lowkey’s new album Soundtrack to the Struggle is not only a listening experience, but a call for a fundamentally different world.more
Poland’s growing Palestine movement faces anti-Semitism smears
Electronic Intifada: 16 Nov 2011 – Ewa Jasiewicz The Electronic Intifada Despite attacks and slander, the Palestine solidarity movement in Poland is pushing ahead and is able to influence media coverage and popular education on Palestine.more
From US South to Palestine, Freedom Rides change history
Electronic Intifada: 16 Nov 2011 – Nour Joudah The Electronic Intifada This week, with the Palestinian Freedom Riders taking a page from the US civil rights movement and defying Israel’s segregated road system, my histories and my homes merged in a new way.more
A Whiff of Egyptian Freedom for Gaza
Palestine Chronicle: 16 Nov 2011 – By Eric Walberg The ongoing Freedom Waves campaign to break the siege of Gaza hit the world headlines last week with the attempt by the Canadian Tahrir and the Irish Saoirse — Arab and Irish for freedom — to bring aid to Gazans directly. This time the boats left from Turkey, not Greece, where last June authorities refused to let the Freedom Flotilla depart. “Our efforts in Greece only fuelled our determination to challenge the imprisonment of the people of Gaza. We said we would continue to sail and so we are,” according to a Freedom Waves press statement. This time there were 27 activists, including Americans, Canadians, Irish, Polish, Greek, Palestinian and — for the first time an Egyptian, Al-Masri Al-Youm English Managing Editor Lina Attalah. For 27 years, Israel has been violating the 1979 Peace Treaty with Egypt, which guaranteed “full autonomy” for the Palestinians within five years….more
Nuclear Madness: Iran, Kuwait, or the IAEA?
Palestine Chronicle: 16 Nov 2011 – By Felicity Arbuthnot ‘The Public cannot be too curious concerning the characters of public men.’ — Samuel Adams, letter to James Warren, 1775. As the sabre rattling against Iran becomes more deafening, week on week, with threats of the nuclear insanity of potentially, deliberately, creating a few Chenobyls or a Fukushima by bombing working nuclear power plants, another potential nuclear madness is planned, geographically “next door.” The IAEA appears to be behaving in as partisan, shameless way regarding Iran as it did with Iraq. Then accusations, with considerable justification, were that the inspection teams were more about spying than neutral observation. “The way back to (the UN) was via Tel Aviv”, remarked one former inspector, memorably. Gareth Porter has meticulously, comprehensively trashed the IAEA’s latest Report on Iran, showing disturbing parallels with the tragic Iraq fiasco. Iraq had Ahmed Chalabi, Iyad Allawi and “Curveball”, selling fairy stories. Iran, seemingly, has…more
Between Life and Death: Struggle in the Jordan Valley
Palestine Chronicle: 16 Nov 2011 – By Ben Lorber – ISM, The West Bank Speaking to the American Congress in May, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remarked that Israel would maintain a long-term presence in the West Bank’s Jordan Valley. In the months that followed, the Israeli army stepped up its attacks on the water wells of the Palestinians who live there. On November 14th, two water wells were demolished in Baqa’a, east of Tammun, robbing hundreds of families of the ability to irrigate their land. On October 13, farmers received demolition orders on several water wells in Kufr al-Deek, a village in the town of Salfit near Nablus. In September, Israeli military forces demolished 6 water wells belonging to Palestinian Bedouin communities in the Jordan Valley, and have threatened to demolish six more. In all these cases, the unilateral IOF actions are explicitly illegal because these wells were built with full permission from the Palestinian…more
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The New Dark Age 
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