20 November 2011 — VTJP
International Middle East Media Center
Israeli sources: Bill to limit Israeli human rights groups’ funding stalled by Prime Minister
IMEMC – Unnamed Israeli sources in Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s office told Israeli reporters Sunday that a bill to severely restrict funding to Israeli human rights groups, which was passed by the Israeli Knesset last week, has been stalled by the Prime Minister’s office and will not immediately go into effect. …
Israeli Interior Ministry approves the construction of 4000 settlement units in Galilee
IMEMC – The Israeli Ministry of Interior approved on Sunday a plan to build 4000 new settlement units in Deir Al-Asad, Ash-Shagour, Be’ana, Nahariya, Keebuteen, Ashalhout and Rashaveem, the Maan News Agency reported Sunday afternoon. …
Media watchdog: Israeli court extends journalist detention
11/20/2011 – SALFIT (Ma’an) — An Israeli military court in the West Bank has extended the detention of newspaper journalist Walid Khaled, Reporters Without Borders said on Saturday. Khaled was detained on May 8 and has spent six months in detention, the media watchdog said in a press statement. The court, in northern West Bank town….
Funeral disrupted by clashes in Hebron town
11/20/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — A funeral procession in the West Bank town of Beit Ummar erupted into clashes between Israeli forces and locals on Sunday, after a soldier in an unmarked vehicle fired towards the group. Locals said a man, who they believed to be an Israeli settler, unexpectedly opened fire at mourners from the….
Report: Israeli settlers attack house of freed prisoner
11/20/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli settlers hurled rocks at the home of a freed prisoner in Hebron, media reports said Sunday. Dozens of settlers were held back by Israeli forces from the home of Hani Jaber, 35, who was released from Israeli jail in a prisoner swap secured by Hamas in October, Al-Jazeera said. Israeli….
Israeli court ‘extends students detention’
11/20/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — An Israeli military court in the West Bank has extended the detention of two students seized a week ago in the northern West Bank, their family said. Saed and Salam Afana while they were picking olives in the family’s field behind the separation wall north of Salfit, relatives told….
Al-Aloul: Leadership frustrated with unfulfilled US promises
11/20/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Fatah central committee member Mahmoud al-Aloul said Saturday that the Palestinian leadership is growing increasingly frustrated with unfulfilled American promises on the peace process. Al-Aloul made the remarks during a welcoming ceremony speech for a Jordanian delegation.”When the US and the Israeli occupation get upset that means that we are….
Azhar Imam warns against Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem
11/20/2011 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — Egypt’s top Muslim cleric warned on Sunday that Israel’s settlement building in East Jerusalem was opposed by Muslims the world over. Imam of Al-Azhar Sheik Ahmed al-Tayeb said that harming the compound enshrining Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock — the Hamar al-Sharif — was a “red….
Civil society campaign: Aid should meet local needs
11/20/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian civil society groups have launched a campaign calling for better aid delivery to Palestinians, a press statement said Saturday. The Dalia Foundation, a community foundation based in Ramallah, will bring their message to the international meeting on aid effectiveness in Korea on Nov. 29.” Palestinians’ rights to self-determination are….
Israel envoy in Egypt for first time since embassy storming
11/20/2011 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Israel’s ambassador to Cairo has traveled to Egypt for the first time since he and his staff were evacuated from the country in September after protesters stormed the Israeli embassy, a Foreign Ministry official said on Sunday. Playing down the significance of Yitzhak Levanon’s trip, the official, who asked….
Report: Netanyahu to delay bill limiting funds for NGOs
11/20/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will delay a bill which would impose restrictions on international funding for Israeli NGO’s, Haaretz newspaper said Sunday. The Israeli daily quoted sources on Saturday as saying that Netanyahu has decided to freeze the political process which would pass the bill.” As….
PCBS: 1 in 4 Palestinian children live in poverty
11/20/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — More than a quarter of children in the West Bank and Gaza live in poverty, the official statistics agency said in a report marking universal children’s day on Sunday. According to data collected by PCBS in 2010, 26. 9 percent of children experience poverty, and the proportion is significantly….
Prisoners society head meets freed detainees in Turkey
11/20/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The head of the prisoners society met with prisoners exiled to Turkey after a prisoner swap deal, the society said Sunday. Qadura Fares assured detainees they would return to Palestinian soil, a press statement said.”There will be a day where you meet with your families and people in your homeland….
Egypt resumes supply of natural gas to Israel
11/20/2011 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — Egypt resumed supplies of natural gas to Israel on Saturday, more than a week after a northern Sinai pipeline was bombed, Egyptian media reports said. An official from Ampal-American Israel Corp, part of the consortium that exports gas to Israel, said: “It was advised by East Mediterranean Gas Co, in which….
Netanyahu tries to stem Lieberman, Mossad conflict
11/20/2011 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called in Israel’s top diplomat and the Mossad spymaster on Sunday to try to end a feud that has harmed ties between their agencies, Israel Radio said. It said Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman last week suspended their cooperation, arguing that the overseas intelligence service had “interfered….
PA exports worth $400 million per year as trade restrictions ensue
11/20/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Head of the Palestinian association of importers and exporters said Sunday that the Palestinian Authority’s overall exports amount to $400 million per year. Muhammad Abu Eid said that 90 percent of all exports go to Israeli markets. He noted that the annual revenue collected by Israel on imported goods….
25-year-old Hebron man dies after work accident in Israel
11/20/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — A 25-year-old man from Hebron died on Sunday after he was injured from a work-related accident in southern Israel, Palestinian police said. Majdi Ribhi was working in a garage in Beersheba at the time of the accident, a press statement noted. He died in an Israeli hospital and was transferred….
Church should unite to help poor — call from a Palestinian Christian
11/20/2011 – A Christian leader once said, “I have witnessed a conference lately where the amounts collected for Palestinian Christians amounted to $1. 5 million. We know there are dozens of organizations and movements that collect and claim sending 20 times this amount each year in this direction, so why do Palestinian Christians seem to be getting….
Al-Masri: Reconciliation must end ‘dark stage’ in Palestinian history
11/20/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Minister of Social Affairs in Ramallah Majida al-Masri said Saturday that implementing the reconciliation deal is an essential national imperative. The minister and DFLP member said that the Palestinian people are working towards ending this “dark stage” in their history, a statement said. She condemned Israeli threats and measures against the….
Freed prisoner Nael Barghouti marries sweetheart
11/20/2011 – RAMALLAH (Reuters) — “While in prison, I dreamt that I would one day build a big, international library in Palestine, just for children,” said Nael Barghouti on his wedding day. Just one month ago, he was released from Israeli prison after having served over 33 years behind bars for taking part in a “commando operation” which….
Residents: Grenades hit Baath Party building in Damascus
11/20/2011 – AMMAN (Reuters) — At least two rocket-propelled grenades hit a ruling Baath Party building in Damascus on Sunday, residents said, in the first insurgent attack reported inside the Syrian capital since an eight-month uprising began against President Bashar Assad. The attack occurred hours after an Arab League deadline for Syria to end its crackdown against protesters….
Report: Jordan hosting dissenting Syrian troops
11/20/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A Saudi Arabian newspaper on Sunday quoted unidentified officials from Jordan’s security forces as saying that the country is hosting dissenting Syrian troops who have fled to the Jordanian side of the shared border. Sources told the Arabic language al-Sharq newspaper that defecting Syrian troops who cross the border….
Arab League rejects Syrian bid to amend monitor plan
11/20/2011 – AMMAN (Reuters) — The Arab League said on Sunday it had rebuffed a request by Damascus to amend plans for a 500-strong monitoring mission to Syria, after President Bashar Assad disregarded a deadline to halt violent repression of protesters. Two rocket-propelled grenades hit a major ruling party building in Damascus on Sunday, residents said, the….
Moammar Gadhafi’s spy chief captured in Libya
11/20/2011 – TRIPOLI (Reuters) — A spokesman for Libya’s interim administration, the National Transitional Council, said local officials in the desert town of Sabha had confirmed the capture on Sunday of Moammar Gadhafi’s intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi. A day after Gadhafi’s son Saif al-Islam was captured in the same general region, Abdul….
Egypt in crisis talks after deadly violence
11/20/2011 – CAIRO (Reuters) — Egypt’s ruling military council and the army-picked cabinet held an urgent meeting on Sunday after protesters and police clashed in Cairo to discuss the violence and ensure an election next week goes ahead on time, the cabinet said. Cabinet spokesman Mohamed Hegazy told Reuters the meeting was to discuss “the political….
Arab League plans new crisis talks on Syria
11/20/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Arab foreign ministers are to hold crisis talks over Syria in Cairo on Thursday, the Arab League said after it rejected changes proposed by Damascus to its proposal to send an observer mission there.” The Arab League council will hold an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, at the level of foreign ministers, and will….
UN postpones Yemen meeting amid deadlock
11/20/2011 – SANAA (AFP) —A United Nations Security Council meeting on Yemen scheduled for Monday has been postponed, the UN envoy to the country said on Sunday as he struggled to bring political rivals in Sanaa together.” The Security Council meeting was postponed to Nov. 28 at the request of the protagonists” of the Yemen crisis, said….
Report: Ahmadinejad media aide jailed for press coverage
11/20/2011 – TEHRAN (AFP) — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s media adviser has been sentenced to a year in prison for overseeing news articles on women and the Islamic headscarf, the news agency Mehr reported on Sunday. Ali Akbar Javanfekr, who is to appeal the sentence, also prompted a separate two-month ban on a reformist newspaper, Etemad….
West Bank settlers attack ex-prisoner’s house
AlJazeera 20 Nov 2011 – Dozens of Israeli settlers attack Hebron house of man recently released in Israeli-Palestinian prisoner swap.
International Solidarity Movement
An interview with Khaled Jarrar: Stamping Palestine into passports
11/20/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Alistair George, 21 November 2011, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – Khaled Jarrar is a Palestinian artist and photographer from Jenin, currently based in Ramallah. In addition to photographing and documenting the Israeli occupation, he has designed a ‘State of Palestine’ postage and passport stamp. This week in an interview with Alistair George of….
Bittersweet Eid
11/20/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Lydia de Leeuw, 19 November 2011, A Second Glance – Last week Eid al Adha was celebrated in Gaza and other Muslim communities worldwide. Eid al Adha is one of the most important holidays in Islam, marking the end of the Haj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca) season and symbolizing sacrifices for Allah as well as asking…. Related: Source: A Second Glance
Hebron: Zionist paraders harass Palestinians, 7 internationals detained
11/20/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Alistair George and Ben Lorber, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – Over 1000 American and International Zionists joined 700 extremist settlers in Hebron this weekend to celebrate the reading of the Torah portion detailing Abraham’s biblical purchase of Hebron land, and to assert sovereignty over the Palestinian residents of Hebron. On Friday, many Zionist….
Alternative Information Center
Bowing to international pressure, Netanyahu freezes anti-democratic proposals
Alternative Information Center – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly freezing two bills that threatened the funding of left-wing NGOs; critics called the proposed legislation a threat to Israeli democracy
Members of US Congress take pro-settlement tour
Alternative Information Center – Five members of US Congress come to the Occupied Palestinian Territories for an in-depth, one-sided tour of the illegal Jewish settlements in “Judea and Samaria”; Ariel Mayor Ron Nahman calls the structural violence that makes Palestinian…
Palestinian Prisoners in Israel lack winter clothing
20 Nov 2011 – London, (Pal Telegraph) – The Palestinian Prisoner’s Club (PPC) Sunday said that the Israeli prison’s administration didn’t provide all prisoners in Etzion prison with winter clothes despite the bitter-cold weather, according to a press release by PPC.
Israel orders shutdown of dovish Israeli-Palestinian radio station
The National 20 Nov 2011 – The station said the move was politically motivated and part of a broader assault on democracy.
‘Dangerous’ balancing act threatening Palestinian Authority leader
The National 20 Nov 2011 – Critics doubt Mahmoud Abbas’s ability to engage in peace talks with Israel or Hamas, while pushing for statehood and US aid.
Netanyahu freezes bills limiting aid to Israeli NGOs
The National 20 Nov 2011 – Israel’s prime minister has put the brakes on bills to limit foreign funding of Israeli human rights groups amid growing pressure from the US and other critics.
‘Syria will not back down’ as Al Assad vows to fight on
The National 20 Nov 2011 – The Syrian president vows to fight to the death and maintain his bloody crackdown on opposition forces fighting to end his rule.
Israel urges West to crack down on Iran
The National 20 Nov 2011 – The defence minister, Ehud Barak, claims Iran is less than a year away from developing nuclear arms.
Claim militant attacks creating ‘city of ghosts’ in Hama
The National 20 Nov 2011 – Officials in Hama want soldiers to stay in the urban centre to prevent insurgents taking over.
Tahrir Square violence rages for second day
The National 20 Nov 2011 – At least four people are killed in Cairo, as army fails to rout protesters demanding an end to military rule.
Arab League deadline fails to stop bloodshed in Syria
The National 19 Nov 2011 – The Arab League, which suspended Syria last week, wants to send a team of observers to ensure compliance with an Arab-brokered peace plan.
Teenage protester killed by police car in Bahrain
The National 19 Nov 2011 – Boy, 16, was killed by a police car when security forces were dispersing Shiite demonstrators.
Egypt’s government says 507 injured in Tahrir Square protest
The National 19 Nov 2011 – Thousands of police clash with protesters for control of Tahrir Square after security forces attempt to prevent activists from staging a long-term sit-in.
Grim future for Arab Spring as violence erupts in Egypt
Ha’aretz – The deep frustration regarding the way the Supreme Military Council is running affairs of state has animated a new wave of protests in Tahrir Square, fueled by internal divisions between political movements.
Amira Hass / The banality of a Palestinian’s arrest
Ha’aretz – The usual charges: ‘Throwing an object, including a stone, with the intention of harming a person or property,’ and organizing an illegal demonstration in which he participated.
N.Y. man arrested on three counts of terror charges
Ha’aretz – U.S. officials say man planned to build, detonate a bomb aimed at soldiers, police, post offices; N.Y. mayor to give details.
Right-wing group mapping Jerusalem businesses that employ Arabs
Ha’aretz – Meir Ettinger, 19, a resident of the West Bank settlement of Yitzhar, says goal of Hebrew Labor project is ‘to warn the public’ against buying from businesses that employ Arabs.
Israel trying to ‘nationalize’ second most visited Jewish holy site
Ha’aretz – High Court of Justice rejects request submitted by a yeshiva that operates at the grave of Shimon Bar Yochai at Mount Meron, asking for an injunction against the state’s intention to purchase and use parts of the site for public purposes.
Panel fails to name new justices to Israel’s Supreme Court bench
Ha’aretz – Candidate list to be reopened with room for a more diverse group of candidates, particularly those from Jewish families of Middle Eastern or North African background.
Jordan King to visit Ramallah, discuss Palestinian unity government with Abbas
Ha’aretz – The rare visit comes as PA and Hamas prepare to meet later this week to discuss forming a unity government; King Abdallah not expected to meet with Netanyahu
Lieberman, Mossad chief meet in bid to end row
Ha’aretz – Foreign Minister claims Mossad officials have overstepped their authority and withheld information from ministry.
Iran pushes foward plan to review ties with UN nuclear watchdog
Ha’aretz – Tehran’s Foreign Minister Salehi has played down talk of withdrawing from IAEA or NPT, but parliament speaker adamant about reconsidering cooperation in light of recent damning report.
Israeli settlers attack shop of freed Palestinian prisoner in Hebron
Ha’aretz – Hani Jaber, who had been serving a life sentence for stabbing a Kiryat Arba yeshiva student, was one of hundreds of Palestinians released from Israeli jails in exchange for IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
Russia: UN report on Iran nuclear program is biased, unprofessional
Ha’aretz – Russian IAEA envoy says leak of report indicating that Iran is working to develop nuclear weapons ‘plays into the hands’ of those who object to a diplomatic solution of the Iranian issue.
Netanyahu: Israel’s medical residents should leave patients out of struggle
Ha’aretz – PM’s comments come as resident representatives tell High Court they agree to return to talks with State, reiterating their demand that negotiations be held regarding the duration of an agreement signed 3 months ago.
Israel says airline fuel tainted, outbound flights may suffer delays
Ha’aretz – Shortage in Ben-Gurion Airport due to contamination with water may force U.S.-bound flights to stop for refueling in Europe.
Netanyahu freezes bills to limit funds for Israeli human rights groups, sources say
Ha’aretz – New legislation that would cap foreign governments’ contributions to ‘political’ NGOs, said to be stalled indefinitely; sources close to bills’ sponsors say move prompted by foreign pressure.
Egyptian gas exports resume after latest sabotage
Ha’aretz – This is the sixth time the Egypt-Israel gas pipeline has been vandalized in Sinai since fall of Mubarak regime; pipe out of commission for nine days this time.
Tshuva wants to renege on half of Delek Real Estate’s bond debt
Ha’aretz – DElek group controlling shareholder Yitzhak Tshuva offering bondholders in group company Delek Real Estate a debt agreement that includes a 50% haircut, meaning he wants to renege on half his debt.
2-liter carton of Tnuva milk costs more than 2 1-liter cartons
Ha’aretz – Tnuva sells more than 800,000 two-liter cartons a year, so company is earning extra NIS 696,000 as consumers presume larger carton is better deal, or at least not a worse one.
Israel’s medical residents tell High Court willing to return to talks with state
Ha’aretz – Residents ask negotiations be limited to one week, and that duration of agreement signed three months ago, be renegotiated.
Israel envoy visits Egypt for first time since Cairo embassy attack
Ha’aretz – Foreign Ministry officials say visit is symbolic gesture of Israel’s wish to repair ties with Egypt; Cairo has yet to respond to Israeli security requests that would enable a permanent return of its representative.
Man suspected of killing girlfriend has remand extended
Jerusalem Post 21 Nov 2011 – Court extends Shirokich’s remand for 4th time, arrested on suspicion of murder in Rishon Lezion sand dunes.
Light Rail drivers who quit may be reinstated
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Chairman of Histadrut labor federation’s Association of Transport Workers to meet with Connex Israel director to discuss giving 7 workers their jobs back.
Habimah theater returns home
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – The new Habimah foyer encloses the original iconic columns that characterized the entrance when the theater opened in the 1930s.
3 killed, 200 hurt in Cairo as troops impose crackdown
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Rallies sparked by army’s bid to retain power after elections; Israeli expert: Military no longer seen as serving the people.
Egypt: ‘At least 11 dead in Tahrir Square protests’
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Medical sources in Cairo report rising death toll as police and military forces charge activists calling on ruling generals to hand power over to civilian gov’t; military rulers say violence will not delay elections.
Cabinet quashes plan to rehabilitate Dead Sea
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Instead, it approves salt harvest measures and increase in Dead Sea Works royalties.
Jewish Ideas Daily: Kosher fiction
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Ultra-Orthodox films and fiction mimic popular culture – but only up to a point.
Jordan’s Abdullah to meet Abbas in West Bank
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – King to visit PA president in Ramallah; leaders expected to discuss peace efforts, Jordanian-PA ties and regional issues.
Durban III promotes what it claims to be fighting
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Transcript now proves that the UN-sponsored anti-racism conference was merely a charade.
Gradual democracy
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – The transition from dictatorship to civilian rule is an admirable goal. But rushing into elections might make Egypt’s first free vote its last.
The Katsav story is no Shakespearean tragedy
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Why isn’t the disgraced president already behind bars? Katsav should already be serving his time rather than receiving a platform in the media.
Tzohar rabbis and the right to get married in Israel
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Israel’s marriage laws are a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Last survivor of Gaddafi regime captured in Libya
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Former intel chief Senussi was Gaddafi’s long-time right-hand man and enforcer; has been linked with Lockerbie bombing.
Yes to separation between synagogue and state
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Recent proposals to liberalize marriage laws to include non-Orthodox streams of Judaism are insufficient.
Germany moves to ease anger over neo-Nazi murders
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Families of victims to be compensated, remembrance ceremony to be held as gov’t admits shortcomings in police investigation into murders.
C’tee fails to pick new Supreme Court judges
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Lack of consensus among Judicial Selection C’tee over candidates means meeting ended without appointments, a new list to be drawn up.
PA: US, Israel won’t stop Palestinian reconciliation
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Sha’ath: PA won’t succumb to “financial or moral extortion regardless of its size”; Abbas meets Clinton deputy, Burns.
B-G Airport says fuel safe, no flights delayed
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Water levels in fuel had exceeded state limit, fuel-oversight company says; Airport Authority says no delays on long-haul flights.
Sole Arabic inscription from crusader era deciphered
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Erudite “King of Jerusalem” in the sixth crusade respected Islam.
Iran says it may use oil as political tool
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Energy Minister Rostam Qasemi tells Al Jazeera oil a tool “if necessary,” but Iran’s economy reliant on crude exports.
Residents, Treasury agree Zamir, Mironi to mediate
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Two legal figures suggested by Chief Justice Beinisch to mediate residents’ dispute over wages, hours; some doctors continue making threats.
Multi-purpose pumpkins
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – This seasonal orange squash is very versatile and can also be enjoyed all year round.
‘Arab League plan violates Syria’s sovereignty’
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Syrian FM Moualem says proposed plan to send observers into Syria “ignores the role of the Syrian state.”; League to meet.
‘IDF will launch Gaza offensive if rockets continue’
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – “We’ll know how to operate in Gaza, when it happens, we will initiate orderly, painful operation,” IDF chief of staff says.
Judicial C’tee to discuss justice appointments
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Committee to decide on approval of candidates to Supreme Court, including nominations of judges Zvi Zylbertal, Dvora Berliner and Noam Sohlberg.
Iran parliament to review ties with UN nuclear body
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Lawmakers to look at level of cooperation with IAEA, says speaker Larijani; foreign minister plays down talk of withdrawal.
This Week in History: Sadat comes to Jerusalem
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Sadat flies from Cairo to Israel to deliver one of the most historic speeches to be delivered at Knesset.
Partner’s suicide threats ‘extortion,’ judge rules
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Court convicts “obsessed” ex-boyfriend of extortion for threatening suicide after his partner tried to leave him.
Iran daily closed over Ahmadinejad aide interview
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – President’s media aide hits out at rival conservatives; reformist newspaper banned for 2 months for “insults.”
In Egypt’s new democracy, Copts feel sidelined
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Islamists set the tone in parliamentary elections set for later this month.
Jewish Agency to establish Latin America fund
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Group allocates one million dollars towards the “Fund for the Jewish Future” to strengthen ties to young Jews in South America.
Israeli wine: Are we back in business?
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Israel has the right weather and soil to make excellent wine but still needs to find its own distinct style.
Top UK rabbi slams Apple for fueling selfish society
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – “Steve Jobs came down the mountain with two tablets, iPad one and iPad two, and the result is that we now have a culture of iPod, iPhone, iTune, i, i, i,” Jonathan Sacks says at interfaith conference.
PM urges medical residents to return to wards
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – At weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu says, “No man is above the law, leave sick patients out of your struggle.”
The invisible camera
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Photography expert Tom Langford gives his advice on how to turn an average shot into the perfect photograph.
Israelis pose nude in solidarity with Egypt blogger
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Women show support for Elmahdy, who drew sharp criticism for posting naked photos in protest of Muslim country’s restricted freedoms.
New jet fuel crisis may delay B-G flights
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Water levels in fuel exceed state limit, fuel-oversight company says; Airport Authority warns of delays on long-haul flights.
Israeli-developed ‘artificial pancreas’ tested
Jerusalem Post 20 Nov 2011 – Health Scan: For 1st time in the world specialists conduct study of children with type 1 diabetes in hotel rather than hospital.
Residents to tell court of decision to renew talks
Jerusalem Post 19 Nov 2011 – Doctors agree to inform High Court of decision to return to negotiations with Finance Ministry.
No joy for feuding New Order members
Jerusalem Post 19 Nov 2011 – Peter Hook, a founding member of punk pioneers Joy Division and their new-wave descendants New Order, will be paying tribute to their music in Tel Aviv.
Palestinian president to seek unity government deal with Hamas
The Guardian 20 Nov 2011 – Israel warns Mahmoud Abbas against striking agreement with his factional rival Khaled Mashal at meeting this week in Cairo The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, will meet the Hamas leader, Khaled Mashal, in Cairo this week to…
ISRAEL: Women Push Back Into Public Space
IPS They’re looking at you “uncensored”. Posters of women by women have recently multiplied on the holy city walls. “Women on billboards are back in Jerusalem,” they proclaim defiantly.
Report: “Palestinian Village Condemned To Live In Darkness”
Uruknet November 20, 2011 – After the “Seeba” Spanish organization managed to install Solar Panels at a Palestinian village in the West Bank, known as Amenzil, and for the first time its residents managed to have electricity, Israel issued a military injunction ordering the residents to remove the Panels. The village never had power, but after the…
Israeli Interior Ministry approves the construction of 4000 settlement units in Galilee
Uruknet November 20, 2011 – The Israeli Ministry of Interior approved on Sunday a plan to build 4000 new settlement units in Deir Al-Asad, Ash-Shagour, Be’ana, Nahariya, Keebuteen, Ashalhout and Rashaveem, the Maan News Agency reported Sunday afternoon. According to the plan approved, 1211 new units will be built in Deir Al-Asad, 1127 in the area of…
The Complexity of Syria.
Uruknet November 20, 2011 – A dangerous and complex situation in Syria, very dangerous indeed. But then so are all situations when it comes to the Arab world. This is an attempt to make sense, and to infuse some light into what will prove to be a dark chapter of Syrian history. I am not sure I…
Revolutionaries recapture Tahrir Square in a ‘replay’ of January uprising
Uruknet November 20, 2011 – Following a deadly standoff in Cairo’s Tahrir Square at sunset, thousands of protesters regained their ground, successfully expelling the military police and soldiers – dressed in riot gear and wielding bludgeons and electroshock weapons – who stood before rows of Central Security Forces (CSF) firing barrage after barrage of tear gas. The…
Syria Protests November 19, 2011 : A Video Roundup
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – Syria: 26 martyrs have fallen on the last day of the Arab League’s deadline, and among them is a child 11 martyrs fell in in Homs ( 5 of them from Qasir), 9 in the town of Kafr Takharim in Idlib, 3 in the town of Halfaya in Hama,2 in Bokamal and one…
It Costs $72 Million A Year to Hold Cleared Prisoners at Guantánamo
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – Last week, the exorbitant expense of maintaining the Bush administration’s “war on terror” prison at Guantánamo was revealed in the Miami Herald, where Carol Rosenberg explained that Congress provided $139 million to operate the prison last year, which, with 171 prisoners still held, works out at $812,865 per prisoner, nearly 30 times…
Bittersweet Eid
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – Last week Eid al Adha was celebrated in Gaza and other Muslim communities worldwide. Eid al Adha is one of the most important holidays in Islam, marking the end of the Haj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca) season and symbolizing sacrifices for Allah as well as asking for forgiveness. The official day of…
Al Baqa’a: The struggle of a family in the shadow of illegal annexation
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – “The Israelis hope that that the young people leave, the old people die, and then they can confiscate the land and the houses” says Sami, an activist working in Al Baqa’a, a windswept valley situated a few kilometers east of Hebron. The Jaber family’s experiences of living in Al Baqa’a are similar…
America’s Media War on OWS
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – Early reporting was scant, dismissive, and offensive. Much still belittles, denigrates and marginalizes a significant movement. Fox News claims protesters don’t pay taxes or know what they want, are supported by Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei and Hugo Chavez, and represent the lunatic left wing. Bill O’Reilly quipped, “Do we have all kinds of…
Iranian Ambassador to Syria warns of US, Israeli plots against region & says Qatar can be a part of the solution for the problems in the region
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – Iranian Ambassador to Syria Mohammad Reza Sheibani warned the regional nations against the plots hatched by the US and Israeli regime against the nations, specially those who have just experienced revolutions….Q: How do you read the Qatari role in each of Libya, which witnesses a direct Qatari interference, and Syria which Qatar…
#Tahrir : Camel Battle No.2 “Live blogging”
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – I think you probably have known what is taking or has taken place at Tahrir square better than me as I have been sick all day long and when I woke up ,I found out another camel battle at Tahrir square. In brief CSF tried to dispersed the sit in of yesterday…
PA must end security coordination with Israel now
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – The apartheid Israeli regime decided last week to freeze the transfer of tax and customs revenue levied by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The illegal and immoral measure, which Israel resorts to rather routinely, is intended to bully the Ramallah leadership to capitulate to Zionist whims and blackmailing tactics….
Yeah, a US delegation is in Iraq — even if the US media pretends otherwise
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – “We live in fictitious times,” Tim Robbins famously said during the Bush era. He didn’t know the half of it. Yesterday’s snapshot opened with: “Starting with breaking news out of Iraq, Hossam Acommok (Al Mada) reports a mixture of White House officials and US military officials arrived in Baghdad Friday for a…
Iraq’s Sadr backs embattled Syrian leader Assad
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – Iraq’s radical anti-US Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has expressed support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, even as much of the Arab world turns against the embattled strongman. Assad has since March been trying to crush a popular uprising against his government, in which over 3,500 people have been killed, according to UN…
From Tel Aviv to Jaffa: Gentrification and Judaization
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – Jaffa sits on the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean, overshadowed by ritzy Tel Aviv. For the past two decades, Jaffa – a historically Palestinian city – has been attracting wealthy Jewish urbanites, who delight in its “old world charm.” After decades of neglect, the Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipality attempted in the early 1990s…
Outrage Over Pentagon’s Guantanamo “Propaganda” Video
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – A video released by the Pentagon showing several Guantanamo detainees praying, exercising and playing soccer has angered Kuwaitis, who believe one of the prisoners is a citizen of the country and is being used by the US government as a “propaganda” tool in an attempt to demonstrate the humane conditions of nearly…
Joint Palestinian-Israeli peace radio’ station shut down by Israeli authorities
Uruknet November 19, 2011 – A radio station that has worked for 7 years to bring together Palestinians and Israelis in joint broadcasts and dialogue was shut down by Israeli authorities on Saturday, with the claim that the station lacked the proper license – despite the fact that the station broadcasts from the West Bank and is…
Children find work on Gaza bomb sites
Uruknet November 19, 2011 — After a decade of intifada, siege and war, the Gaza Strip has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, and many families with no source of income now send their children to work. Recently, children have been recruited to collect scrap metal from bombsites after Israeli airstrikes on the coastal…
Violence adds to uncertainty ahead of Egypt polls
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Egyptians vote next week for the first parliament since toppling Mubarak but a surge in violence between protesters and police show the street will likely stay a battleground.
The capture of Seif al-Islam, new Libya’s final chapter
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 The chic black sweater and jeans were gone. So too the combat khaki T-shirt of his televised last stand in Tripoli. Designer stubble had become bushy beard after months on the run.
Assad refuses to bow to pressure
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 President Bashar Assad has vowed to continue his crackdown and said he would not surrender to outside pressure as the Arab League agreed to meet again to discuss further ways to end the crisis.
Deadly clashes engulf Cairo
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 At least seven people were killed as security forces tried to clear protesters from Cairo’s Tahrir Square, casting a dark shadow over Egypt’s first elections since Hosni Mubarak’s downfall.
Libya wants to try Seif al-Islam, Senussi captured
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Libya’s new leaders said Sunday they will try Moammar Gadhafi’s son at home and not hand him over to the International Criminal Court where he’s charged with crimes against humanity.
Customs thwarts smuggling of clothes into Lebanon
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 The Customs Department announced Sunday that it thwarted the smuggling of tons of clothes into the country and opened investigations into the incident.
Dozens block road over harsh power rationing
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Dozens of people blocked the main road between Nabatieh and Doueir with burning tires for the second time in 48 hours in protest against harsh power rationing and random power cuts.
First lady calls for more awareness on traffic safety
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 First lady Wafaa Sleiman called for working toward reducing road traffic fatalities on the occasion of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the National News Agency reported.
Charbel: Wiretapping will not harm civil liberties
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Interior Minister inaugurated a wiretapping command center aimed at strengthening national security in Lebanon, while assuring the public that it would not infringe on civil liberties.
Three killed, one injured in weekend road accidents
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Three people were killed and another seriously injured over the weekend in a one-car accident on the main road between the Western Bekaa villages of Jib Jennin and Ghazzeh.
Haykal Hospital holds first nurse conference
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 The Haykal Hospital held its first nursing conference Sunday at Safadi Center in the northern coastal city of Tripoli to shed light on the nurse’s role in health promotion.
Berri urges youths to abolish sectarianism
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Speaker Nabih Berri called on the country’s young people to take the lead in abolishing sectarianism in Lebanon and promoting the role of women in public affairs.
New book provides intimate portrait of Lebanon’s poverty
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 A groundbreaking new study into the lives of Lebanon’s invisible poor was launched last Thursday at the American University of Beirut.
Yemen deal closer, says opposition official
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Diplomatic efforts to end months of protests demanding President Ali Saleh step down have made some headway, with differences narrowed down to who controls the army during a transitional period.
Ethiopia joins Kenyan forces in assault on Somali militants
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Al-Shabaab militants Sunday welcomed a reported incursion by hundreds of troops from neighboring Ethiopia as a sign that Kenya’s offensive against the Islamist rebels was failing.
U.S. military denies forces killed Iraqis after convoy bombing
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 U.S. forces shot dead two Iraqi civilians south of Baghdad following a bomb attack on their convoy, Iraq security officials said, while the U.S. military denied its soldiers opened fire.
EU calls on Egyptian authorities to halt violence
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 The European Union’s foreign policy chief urged interim authorities in Egypt on Sunday to halt violence against protesters and ensure a democratic transition following the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak in February.
Canada orders warships to stay in Mediterranean
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Canada will maintain warships in the Mediterranean Sea until the end of 2012, Defense Minister Peter MacKay announced Sunday.
Israeli minister: Syria leader out within 1 year
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Israeli defense minister predicts Syrian President Bashar Assad will be out of office within six months to a year.
Gul says Turkey can be EU’s “growth engine”
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 President Abdullah Gul said Turkey was determined to overcome opposition to its bid to join the EU Union before beginning a visit to Britain that underlines the growing political and economic ties between the two countries.
Lebanon grand mufti meets Kurdish delegation
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Lebanon’s grand mufti met Sunday a Kurdish delegation which urged him to assist in resolving the case of expulsions of Kurds from a number of areas in the country. Qabbani urged the Interior Ministry to handle…
Libya ex-spy chief Senussi arrested: NTC
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Libya’s former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, has been arrested, an official in the National Transitional Council said on Sunday.
South Sudan rebel leader vows more war after talks fail
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 South Sudan rebel chief George Athor vowed Sunday to continue battling the government in Juba and demanded new elections to end his bloody war.
Lebanese remember assassinated Minister Pierre Gemayel
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Lebanese officials praised the late Pierre Amine Gemayel over the weekend as part of the annual commemoration of the assassinated minister.
Canada quietly talking to Syrian opposition: report
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 For the past several months Canada has been quietly speaking with Syria’s opposition, the Vancouver Sun reported earlier this week.
Syria brushes off threat of civil war, sanctions
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Syria brushed off the threat of a civil war and looming Arab League sanctions after a deadline for the regime to stop its lethal crackdown on protesters expired with 24 more people killed.
Capture of Gadhafi son ends “Libyan drama”
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Libyan militiamen were holding Saif al-Islam in their mountain stronghold on Sunday, a day after seizing him without a fight in the southern desert and a month after his father, Muammar Gaddafi, was captured and killed.
Hariri might attend Tripoli independence ceremony: Allouch
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri might attend an independence ceremony next weekend in the northern city of Tripoli, said former MP Mustapha Allouch, several media outlets reported Sunday.
Parliament welcomes students for Children’s Day
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Parliament took on a youthful face Sunday, the chamber hosting students on the occasion of Children’s Day.
Chamoun: Failure to fund STL risks UNIFIL exit
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 National Liberal Party head Dory Chamoun warned that a failure by the government to fund its share toward the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) could lead to the withdrawal of U.N peacekeepers in the south.
Bahraini security forces attack Shiite funeral
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Bahrain’s security forces attacked a funeral procession in a Shiite village on the outskirts of the Bahraini capital Manama injuring dozens of people, the opposition said in a statement Sunday.
Israel envoy in Egypt for first time since embassy storming
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 Israel’s ambassador to Cairo has travelled to Egypt for the first time since he and his staff were evacuated from the country in September after protesters stormed the Israeli embassy.
11 killed in Egypt’s Tahrir Square: AFP
Daily Star 20 Nov 2011 At least 11 people were killed in the Egyptian capital’s Tahrir Square on Sunday as security forces dispersed protesters demanding that the army cede power to civilians.
Rise in number of women complaining of violence
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Some 40,000 Israeli women complained of violence, assault or sexual harassment in 2010 – marking a 16% increase from 2009, according to data published by the Association … ….
Death toll in Cairo clashes rises to 11
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – At least 11 people were killed Sunday in a police and army assault to evict protesters at Cairo’s central Tahrir Square, news agencies reported. The assault came on … ….
Medical crisis: Treasury accepts court’s proposal
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – At the pinnacle of a long, ongoing battle, the medical residents agreed Sunday morning to accept the High Court of Justice’s proposal to renew wage negotiations with … ….
Monday: Jordan’s Abdullah, Abbas to meet in Ramallah
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Jordan’s King Abdullah is scheduled to visit Ramallah on Monday for talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Ynet reported. Plans for the surprising visit were … ….
‘Iran ready to cooperate further with IAEA’
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Iran is ready to cooperate “further” with the UN atomic energy watchdog if it “balances its approach” to the Islamic republic, Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said on … ….
Iran: President’s press adviser sentenced
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – The Iranian president’s press adviser has been sentenced to a year in prison on charges of “publishing materials contrary to Islamic norms,” the official IRNA news agency … ….
‘Clear and present danger to freedom of the press’
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Hundreds of journalists on Sunday took part in an “emergency conference” to discuss what they referred to as immediate threats to freedom of the press. The … ….
‘Mossad-Foreign Ministry row over’
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – During talks mediated by Netanyahu, FM Lieberman and intelligence agency chief….
Syria: Arab League used as tool by West
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Shortly after Arab League rejects Damascus’ proposed amendments to its peace….
Palestinian ‘dean of prisoners’ marries sweetheart
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Former prisoner who was involved in killing of IDF soldier and freed in Shalit….
Iran: No way Israel involved in blast
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Islamic Republic’s deputy chief of staff denies Israel, US involvement in Tehran….
Syrian refugees to seek shelter in Israel?
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Bloody battles in Syria, recent riots on northern border prompt IDF to prepare….
Gantz: Everyone must partake in defending Israel
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – IDF chief of staff disapproves of Samaria rabbi’s threat to instruct religious….
Israeli ambassador back in Egypt
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Foreign Ministry source plays down significance of Yitzhak Levanon’s trip two….
Steinitz: There is no health crisis
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Finance minister slams medical residents for resigning against court orders,….
Egypt police, protesters clash for 2nd day
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Cairo police use tear gas against several thousand stone-throwing protesters….
Sweden funds anti-Israel brochure
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Scandinavian country finances booklet accusing Jewish state of ethnic cleansing,….
Israelis strip in support of Egypt blogger
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Dozens of women pose for nearly nude group shot in show of solidarity for young….
Poor fuel quality may delay flights
YNet News, 20 Nov 2011 – Several months after fuel contamination brought flights to halt at Ben-Gurion….
Palestinian Information Center
Hamas: Israel arrested 64 Palestinians over the past week
PIC – The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested 64 Palestinian citizens in the West Bank over the past week including 14 children, a press release by Hamas issued on Saturday said.
Abu Zuhri: Fatah backtracked on its insistence on Fayyad
PIC – Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said that Fatah faction agreed on the idea of choosing someone else other than Salam Fayyad to head the next Palestinian government.
Several events to be held in Cairo in support of O. Jerusalem
PIC – The Egyptian-Palestinian popular campaign said on Saturday that it would organize several events, including a mega march, in support of the occupied city of Jerusalem as of Sunday.
Gaza warns of devastating floods if Israel opens dams
PIC – Gazan agriculture ministry and civil defense have warned of devastating floods if Israel carried out its threat to open Gaza valley dams.
Prof. Qasem: The internal rift will end only if the PA ends its ties with Israel
PIC – Professor Abdulsattar Qasem downplayed the chances of a genuine reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah if the PA did not end its security cooperation with Israel and its dependence on western funds.
Fatah: Taking Over Jerusalemite Properties Declaration of War against Holy City
WAFA
Abbas Calls on US to Help in Releasing Prisoners
WAFA
Abbas to Receive Jordan King Abdullah? II
WAFA
Settler Opens Fire Randomly at Palestinian Funeral North of Hebron
WAFA
Fatah: Leadership to Continue Efforts to Gain Right to Statehood
WAFA
Prisoner’s Club: Prisoners in Etzion Prison Lack Winter Clothing
WAFA
Settlement’s Waste Water Destroys Olive Trees
WAFA
Doctors Syndicate Condemns Israeli Calls to Hold European Conference in Jerusalem
WAFA
Press Syndicate Condemns Suspension of Radio Channel
WAFA
Newspapers Review: Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Captured
WAFA
PCBS: Settlements Biggest Obstacle to Use of Agriculture Holdings
WAFA
BREAKING NEWS: Tahrir’s Square Rocked by Renewed Clashes
Intifada-Palestine: 20 Nov 2011 – The BBC’s Helena Merriman says police were beating protesters – “about 20 or 30 of them I saw, covered in blood “ Tahrir Square in Cairo to try to seize control from protesters who had set up camp there. Demonstrators fled… more
Paul Balles: A Must-do Menu
Intifada-Palestine: 20 Nov 2011 – Admiral Thomas Moorer, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, found the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty to be “an act of war against the United States,” a fact few mainstream news media have reported. Paul Balles … more
Israeli Democracy Fades To Black – An Analysis by Dr. Lawrence Davidson
Intifada-Palestine: 20 Nov 2011 – “Netanyahu is a hard-line “Likudnik” determined to expand Israel to the Jordan River (if not the Potomac). That makes him an ally and supporter of the settler fanatics who represent today’s version of Zionist fascists.” by Dr. Lawrence Davidson Part I… more
Arab League deadline for Syria passes, as 24 more reported killed
LA Times 19 Nov 2011 – The 22-nation Arab bloc had given President Bashar Assad until Saturday to start implementing a plan calling for a withdrawal of troops, a release of prisoners and a dialogue with the opposition. Syrian opposition activists reported at least 24 people were killed Saturday as the…
Frustrated Egyptians come out in force
LA Times 20 Nov 2011 – The toll of dead and injured in clashes grows. Anger has been building over the unrealized promise of a revolution that ousted Hosni Mubarak but has yet to steer the country toward democracy. Egypt is frayed, bloody and slipping toward a new revolt.
Libya’s former intelligence chief arrested
LA Times 20 Nov 2011 – Abdullah Sanoussi was the Kadafi regime’s longtime top enforcer. He is captured in the southern desert, where fighters caught Kadafi’s son a day earlier. Both will be tried in Libya, officials say. A day after arresting the late Moammar Kadafi’s son and onetime heir apparent,…
2 killed, 600 hurt in Egypt protests
LA Times 19 Nov 2011 – The clashes are among the most violent since the overthrow of Mubarak, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets on crowds frustrated over the military’s powerful role in the country. One protester was killed and more than 600 others were injured Saturday in clashes…
Facing Calls to Quit Power, Egypt Military Battles Crowds
New York Times 20 Nov 2011 – Egypt’s military rulers struggled to contain an explosion of protests demanding their ouster, as demonstrators again pushed security forces out of Tahrir Square and new clashes broke out elsewhere.
News Analysis: U.S. Seeks Balance on Egypt Policy
New York Times 20 Nov 2011 – The latest clashes in Tahrir Square were a reminder that the United States must square support for democratic change, a desire for stability and wariness of Islamists in Egypt.
Insurgents Strike at Baath Party Offices in Damascus
New York Times 20 Nov 2011 – Insurgents fired rocket-propelled grenades at the offices of the ruling Baath Party in Damascus on Sunday in a highly symbolic strike.
Motivating Students With Cash-For-Grades Incentive
New York Times 20 Nov 2011 – Emirati program rewards success, but most educators find the very idea distasteful.
U.S. teargas in Tahrir– headline. U.S. teargas in Palestine–circular file
Mondoweiss – U.S.-made teargas canisters, Tahrir Square, Nov. 20, by Maggie Osama Tahrir, Nov. 20, KuwaitNews Egyptian forces have used U.S.-made teargas against peaceful protesters—CSI gas, made by Combined Systems Inc., in the U.S. These photos show as much, and Salon reports: ” Egypt uses U.S. teargas on pro-democracy…
Activists and lawyers: House bill to investigate ‘terrorist’ ties of flotilla is ‘tool of intimidation’
Mondoweiss – (Photo: US Boat to Gaza ) Palestine solidarity activists and human rights lawyers are decrying a Congressional bill that would investigate whether organizations involved in last summer’s thwarted flotilla to Gaza should be designated as “terrorist” groups. Critics of the House of Representatives bill see it as…
Bachmann comes to Manhattan for Zionist org’s Brandeis dinner
Mondoweiss – Michele Bachmann Zionist politics makes for such strange bedfellows. Michele Bachmann, the rightwing Minnesota congresswoman and presidential candidate, will be addressing the Zionist Organization of America in New York tonight, alongside Glenn Beck and Benjamin Netanyahu. It’s that all-important NY primary… And the new rightwing coalition…
‘In Hebron I felt that God had abandoned earth’
Mondoweiss – Some religious zealots, including the rightwing member of the Knesset, Danny Danon who addressed the crowd in Hebron yesterday , believe passages from Hayei Sarah establish Israel’s historical title to Hebron. At a time when radical religious extremism seems to threaten all hope of finding peace and…
Even Goldberg acknowledges that a Jew can vote for the government while his Palestinian neighbor cannot
Mondoweiss – Have you noticed that all criticism of Israel on the part of our political leaders is now boiled down to the phrase, “The status quo is unsustainable.” Obama used to talk about the occupation. Now this vague “unsustainable” phrase overcomes Jim Crow, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, evictions,…
Israeli Court Granted Gag Order in Peace Now Price Tag Attack Because Suspect’s Father is Senior Shin Bet Official
Tikun Olam – Graffiti: ‘Hagit Ofran RIP’ UPDATE :I have learned that there are likely two different sets of Peace Now attackers. The suspect described below who confessed to price tag attacks is the one who phoned a bomb threat to the Peace Now office. It is thought another…
Arab League rejects Syria demand
BBC 20 Nov 2011 – The Arab League rejects a demand by Syria to alter its plan for ending the country’s conflict, as President Assad vows not to bow to foreign pressure.
VIDEO: What impact can sanctions have on Syria?
BBC 19 Nov 2011 – Janey Mitchell reports on what form the Arab League’s sanctions could take and their potential impact.
Articles
Bittersweet Eid
Lydia de Leeuw, A Second Glance 11/19/2011
Last week Eid al Adha was celebrated in Gaza and other Muslim communities worldwide. Eid al Adha is one of the most important holidays in Islam, marking the end of the Haj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca) season and symbolizing sacrifices for Allah as well as asking for forgiveness. The official day of Eid al Adha, which fell on Sunday 6 November this year, is celebrated by ritually slaughtering animals, such as cows and sheep, and parents giving their children a new outfit and some pocket money to buy toys. The meat of the slaughtered animals is divided among families and neighbours, and especially shared with those who cannot afford to buy meet.
While spending a wonderful time with friends and their families during Eid, I reflected on the essence of holidays. Regardless of the location, religion or traditions, celebrations of holidays seem to have three core elements in common: spending time with family, giving to others and a feeling of happiness. But what does a holiday look like without those?
Many families in the Gaza Strip had to celebrate another Eid without their brother, son, father, daughter, or sister. Following last month’s prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, there are still about 5,500 Palestinians[1] languishing in 22 Israeli prisons and detention facilities.[2] Over 700 of these prisoners are from Gaza and have not seen their relatives for many years as the Israeli occupation authorities have not allowed any family visits. On the second day of Eid several relatives (mostly mothers) of Palestinian prisoners gathered in front of the Red Cross Office in Gaza city. They held a weekly sit-in demonstration in support of their imprisoned family members. They have been coming together in solidarity, holding pictures of the sons, every Monday morning for the past 17 years. The constant sadness over the absence of their relatives seemed even more tangible during this important holiday. A woman sitting next to me showed me a picture of her son, saying she had not seem him for four years and that she always kept hoping that he would come home again the following day. She had been cherishing this hope for the past eleven years. There seems to be no other consolation than to hope that one day she would see him again, so we just repeated together “insh’allah” (God willing). more.. e-mail
Weimar Revisited
Uri Avnery, CounterPunch 11/18/2011
The Anti-Democracy Campaign in Israel
“You and your Weimar!” a friend of mine once exclaimed in exasperation, ”just because you experienced the collapse of the Weimar Republic as a child, you see Weimar behind every corner.”
The accusation was not unjustified. In 1960, during the Eichmann trial, I wrote a book about the fall of the German Republic. Its last chapter was called: “It can happen here” Since then I have come back to this warning time and again.
But now I am not alone anymore. During the last few weeks, the word Weimar has popped up in the articles of many commentators.
It should be sprayed in huge letters on the walls.
* * *
ISRAELI DEMOCRACY is under siege. No one can ignore this anymore. It is the main topic in the Knesset, which is leading the attack, and the media, who are among the victims.
This does not happen in the occupied territories. There, democracy never existed. Occupation is the very opposite of democracy: a denial of all human rights, the right to life, liberty, movement, fair trial and free expression, not to mention national rights.
No, I mean Israel proper, the Israel inside the Green Line, The Only Democracy In The Middle East.. more.. e-mail
Iran and the I.A.E.A.
Seymour M. Hersh, The New Yorker 11/18/2011
Very little new information in the I.A.E.A. report
The first question in last Saturday night’s Republican debate on foreign policy dealt with Iran, and a newly published report by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The report, which raised renewed concern about the “possible existence of undeclared nuclear facilities and material in Iran,” struck a darker tone than previous assessments. But it was carefully hedged. On the debate platform, however, any ambiguity was lost. One of the moderators said that the I.A.E.A. report had provided “additional credible evidence that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapon” and asked what various candidates, upon winning the Presidency, would do to stop Iran. Herman Cain said he would assist those who are trying to overthrow the government. Newt Gingrich said he would coördinate with the Israeli government and maximize covert operations to block the Iranian weapons program. Mitt Romney called the state of Iran’s nuclear program Obama’s “greatest failing, from a foreign-policy standpoint” and added, “Look, one thing you can know … and that is if we reëlect Barack Obama Iran will have a nuclear weapon.” The Iranian bomb was a sure thing Saturday night.
I’ve been reporting on Iran and the bomb for The New Yorker for the past decade, with a focus on the repeatedly inability of the best and the brightest of the Joint Special Operations Command to find definitive evidence of a nuclear-weapons production program in Iran. The goal of the high-risk American covert operations was to find something physical—a “smoking calutron,” as a knowledgeable official once told me—to show the world that Iran was working on warheads at an undisclosed site, to make the evidence public, and then to attack and destroy the site.
The Times reported, in its lead story the day after the report came out, that I.A.E.A. investigators “have amassed a trove of new evidence that, they say, makes a ‘credible’ case” that Iran may be carrying out nuclear-weapons activities. The newspaper quoted a Western diplomat as declaring that “the level of detail is unbelievable…. ” more.. e-mail
‘Abraham Day’: Extremists Celebrate ‘Purchase’ of Palestinian City
Palestine Chronicle: 20 Nov 2011 – By Ben Lorber – ISM, The West Bank ‘So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was to the east of Mamre, the field with the cave that was in it and all the trees that were in the field, throughout its whole area, was made over to Abraham as a possession in the presence of the Hittites, before all who went in at the gate of his city. After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah east of Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. The field and the cave that is in it were made over to Abraham as property for a burying place by the Hittites.’ – Genesis 23:17-20 Over 1000 American and International Zionists joined 700 extremist settlers in Hebron this weekend to celebrate the reading of this Torah portion detailing Abraham’s biblical purchase of Hebron land,…more
Israeli Democracy Fades to Black
Dissident Voice: 19 Nov 2011 – Part I: Bad Movies ? Have you seen those old time movies notable for their endings? The cowboy is seen riding into the sunset or the lovers are reunited, etc. And then comes the end – the screen dramatically fades to black. Most of these movies are pretty bad. The stories are predictable, the acting melodramatic and directing inept. Well, this genre seems to be making a comeback, but off the screen rather than on it. In this revival, the Israelis are leading the way. ? Israel’s bad movie starts out as an historical drama with moral overtones. It’s the story of Israeli democracy but, unfortunately, it has an illogical and misguided script. It begins with the premise that you can have a religiously exclusive democracy amidst a multi-religious population. Under these circumstances happy endings are impossible and the drama quickly turns to tragedy. ? Part II: Final Act ?…more
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