24 November 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
France Denounces Israeli Freeze Of Palestinian Tax Money
IMEMC – The French government slammed Israel for withholding Palestinian tax and customs money it collects on border terminals on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (P.A.), and stated that, by law, the money must be transferred regularly to the P.A. …
Abbas, Mashal, Meet in Cairo, Affirm National Unity
IMEMC – Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, and the Hamas Political Bureau Chief, Khaled Mashal, met in Cairo on Thursday, affirmed Palestinian national unity and partnership. An understanding was reached to hold legislative and presidential elections in May 2012. …
Israeli Military Destroys Wells Near Hebron
IMEMC – Israeli forces have used a bulldozer to destroy three wells and part of a home in the village of al-Bass, west of Hebron. …
MK Aharonovitch Warns Of New Political Assassination In Israel
IMEMC – Israeli Internal Security Minister, Yitzhak Aharonovitch of Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel is Our Home), warned of the possibility of a political assassination in Israel, and stated that the Police and the Security Services must seriously deal with all information on such threats. …
Israel Won’t Release Funds To Fateh-Hamas Unity Government
IMEMC – Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, has said that his government will not transfer any Palestinian tax revenue to a Fateh-Hamas Unity Government, as reported by Haaretz. …
Israel Passes Bill To Increase “Libel” Compensations
IMEMC – Peace Now Slams The Bill As Anti-Free speech Legislation Israeli sources reported, that the Israeli Knesset passed, in the first reading, a controversial bill dubbed as “libel law” aiming at increasing compensations paid for “libel violations” to NIS 300,000. Israeli Peace Now Movement stated that the bill is a legislation targeting Free Speech in Israel. …
Israel ‘demolishes wells, structures near Hebron’
11/24/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli forces on Thursday demolished three wells and part of a home west of Hebron, witnesses said. Haitham Awwad, a resident of al-Bass near Idhna, told Ma’an that an Israeli force arrived with a bulldozer and demolished a well and three rooms ofa home belonging to farmer Abdul Hafith….
Israel ‘set new restrictions’ on Gaza business owners
11/24/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an)— Israel has set new restrictions on business owners in Gaza, the head of Palestinian contractors said Thursday. At a news conference in Gaza City, Osama Kahil said conditions were more difficult despite a recent meeting between businessmen from Gaza and Israeli officials.” Media reports said the meeting between businessmen from….
2 Egyptian soldiers killed near Israel border
11/24/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Two Egyptian soldiers were killed in an exchange of fire with smugglers near the border with Israel on Wednesday, an Israeli army spokeswoman said.” During a skirmish at about 1800 GMT in Egyptian territory near the Israeli town of Haluza, two Egyptian soldiers were found dead in an exchange of fire with smugglers…. Related: Egyptian intelligence officer killed in Sinai
1,400 Israelis enter Nablus overnight
11/24/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Around 1,400 Israelis accompanied by Israeli soldiers entered the northern West Bank city of Nablus late Wednesday to visit a holy site, witnesses and the army said. An Israeli military spokeswoman said 1,400 Israelis were bussed into the city in a “coordinated entrance.” Locals told Ma’an that Israeli forces….
Reporter: Israeli military vehicles cross into north Gaza
11/24/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Israeli military vehicles crossed into the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday, a Ma’an reporter said. Sporadic fire was heard, but no injuries were reported, after a number of vehicles entered the Abu Samra area near northern Gaza town Beit Lahiya, he said. An Israeli army spokeswoman said she….
Abbas, Mashaal: We agreed to work as partners
11/24/2011 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khalid Mashaal on Thursday said they had resolved all their differences, after a meeting in Cairo to implement a unity agreement.” We want to assure our people and the Arab and Islamic world that we have turned a major new and real page in partnership…. Related: Hamas official: Factions to meet again in December
Israel detains 8 people in West Bank
11/24/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli soldiers detained eight people in overnight raids across the West Bank, the Israeli army said Thursday. A military spokeswoman said soldiers detained four people in Nablus, two in Nabi Saleh near Ramallah, one from Ramallah and one from Hebron. Residents of Ein Beit el Mai refugee camp told Ma’….
Palestinian rights groups call for legal protection for women in war
11/24/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian rights groups spoke out Thursday on the role of women in conflict and peace-building. Gaza-headquartered Palestinian Center for Human Rights said Israeli forces killed three women and injured 35 in 2011 in the West Bank and Gaza, in a statement to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence….
Israel temporarily closes northern West Bank checkpoint
11/24/2011 – TUBAS (Ma’an) — Israeli forces closed al-Hamra military checkpoint in the northern West Bank on Thursday afternoon, Palestinian and Israeli security officials said. Spokesman of the Palestinian national forces Bassam Maslamani said in a statement that Israeli troops shut the checkpoint in the Tubas governorate and prevented cars from passing. An Israeli army spokeswoman….
Israel jails Palestinians for killing US missionary
11/24/2011 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — An Israeli court sentenced two Palestinians to life imprisonment on Thursday for killing an American tourist while she was hiking near Jerusalem last December. Kristine Luken, a Christian missionary, was stabbed to death in what police described as a politically motivated attack by Palestinians who thought she was Jewish. Jerusalem District Court convicted….
Netanyahu slams ‘anti-democratic wave’ in region
11/24/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — Israel’s prime minister on Wednesday blasted anyone who supports the Arab Spring and said the Arab world was “moving not forward, but backward,” media reports said. Benjamin Netanyahu said history would prove him right about the “Islamic, anti-Western, anti-liberal, anti-Israeli and anti-democratic wave”, as he termed it…. Related: Netanyahu appeals to safeguard Israel-Egypt peace
Shaath: Sweden will support Palestinians at UN
11/24/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — PLO official Nabil Shaath said that Sweden will stand by Palestinians at the UN, after meetings with officials in the country on Thursday. Shaath said the undersecretary to the Swedish foreign minister told him that Sweden’s vote against Palestinian membership of UNESCO in October would not be repeated in….
Netanyahu appeals to safeguard Israel-Egypt peace
11/24/2011 – JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Israel’s peace with Egypt is a regional bulwark that both countries are working to protect, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday as protesters in Cairo kept up demands for a swift transfer from military to civilian rule. The remarks underscored concern in an increasingly isolated Israel that Egypt’s…. Related: Netanyahu slams ‘anti-democratic wave’ in region
UK envoy warns Israel tax freeze a humanitarian risk
11/24/2011 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — The UK’s top diplomat to the Palestinians said Thursday that Israel’s hold on Palestinian tax revenues could be illegal under international humanitarian law. If Israel continues to freeze tax payments, it will endanger services such as medical care and programs for children, consul-general in Jerusalem Vincent Fean…. Related: Fayyad: PA close to breakdown after tax block
Abbas and Mashaal to set date for elections
11/24/2011 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khalid Mashaal were to meet Thursday in Cairo to discuss reconciliation and the next steps toward a joint election in the occupied territories. Mashaal was expected to meet with Abbas for half an hour Thursday to discuss reconciliation. Later, delegations from both Fatah and Hamas…. Related: Abbas, Mashaal: We agreed to work as partners and Hamas official: Factions to meet again in December
Palestinian rivals deeply divided over strategy
11/24/2011 – CAIRO (Reuters) — President Mahmoud Abbas met Hamas leader Khalid Mashaal in Cairo on Thursday to try to revive a reconciliation pact signed seven months ago but still not implemented. The deal had aimed to end a four-year rift that has split the Palestinians ideologically and geographically. Here are some facts about the issues dividing them…. Related: Abbas, Mashaal: We agreed to work as partners and Abbas and Mashaal to set date for elections
Hamas official: Factions to meet again in December
11/24/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Senior Hamas official Ismail Radwan said Thursday that Hamas and Fatah will meet again in Cairo in December to progress today’s discussions on the unity deal. Radwan said Hamas chief Khalid Mashaal and Fatah leader President Mahmoud Abbas agreed at their Thursday meeting in the Egyptian capital “on….
Fayyad: PA close to breakdown after tax block
11/24/2011 – OSLO (Reuters) — The Palestinian Authority is “fast approaching the point of being completely incapacitated” by Israel’s refusal to hand over tax revenues belonging to the authority, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said Thursday. Israel’s freeze on the taxes and fees it collects for the Palestinian Authority at borders has deprived the government…. Related: UK envoy warns Israel tax freeze a humanitarian risk
Analysis: The king and Palestine
11/24/2011 – Daoud Kuttab – “Ziyara azima” (Fabulous visit). This was the description President Mahmoud Abbas gave to the unexpected visit King Abdullah II of Jordan made to the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. The king’s visit on Monday was the first to Palestine in a decade. He didn’t visit or meet….
More Egypt deaths despite cleric’s ceasefire call
11/24/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Four more people died in clashes as thegrand imam of Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam’s highest seat of learning, called on Egyptian police not to shoot at protesters demanding democratic change. As thousands rallied for a fifth straight day in Cairo’s iconic Tahrir Square, epicenter of the Arab Spring uprising which….
Egyptian intelligence officer killed in Sinai
11/24/2011 – EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma’an) — Unknown assailants shot and killed an Egyptian intelligence officer Thursday in the Sinai, officials said. The officer, a captain in Egypt’s military intelligence in el-Arish, was shot dead while driving through al-Qantara near the Suez Canal. The assailants stole the officer’s weapons and car, security officials…. Related: 2 Egyptian soldiers killed near Israel border
Egypt refugees hit by discrimination, violence
11/24/2011 – CAIRO (IRIN) — Refugees living in the Egyptian capital Cairo have faced more discrimination and less help from the authorities since a popular uprising overthrew former president Hosni Mubarak, according to community leaders. Personal safety on Cairo’s streets has worsened for Egyptians and foreigners alike since the protests in January and February, which have….
Arab League gives Syria 24 hours to accept monitors
11/24/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — The Arab League on Thursday served a new ultimatum on Damascus, giving it less than 24 hours to allow monitors into the country or face sanctions, while for the first time calling on the United Nations to help resolve the crisis. The ultimatum, issued at the end of a crisis meeting of Arab….
Palestinian factions set election date
AlJazeera 24 Nov 2011 – Abbas and Meshaal agree to hold polls in May following meeting in Cairo to iron out Hamas-Fatah differences.
Abbas: Meeting with Meshaal Was ‘Positive,’ No Differences Yet
PNN – PNNHours after his initial meeting with Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Meshaal, PA President Mahmoud Abbas said the meeting had a “positive atmosphere” and that the two men had not come to…
Israel Prepares to Send ‘Large Force’ to Egyptian Border
PNN – PNNUnited Press International (UPI) reported on Thursday that Israel was preparing to send a “large force” of soldiers and armor to the Egyptian border, quoting Israeli Home Front Defense Minister Matan Vilnai…
Youth Activist Zama’areh: Reconciliation Must Be Real and On the Ground
PNN – PNNFive months after the March 15 unity protests, Palestinian youths have reappeared to put an end to the division between Fatah and Hamas. Sharek Youth Forum director Badr Zama’areh said on Thursday…
Al-Tibi Proposes Law Banning Settler Judges
PNN – PNN On Thursday, Minister of Knesset Ahmad al-Tibi of the Ta’al party proposed a law banning the sitting of settlers as judges in the Israeli Supreme Court. The law, which is very…
Israeli Troops Storm al-Nabi Saleh, Arrest Three, Demolish 60-year-old Hebron Wells
PNN – PNNA large number of Israeli forces stormed the central West Bank village of al-Nabi Saleh on Wednesday night and arrested Rami Hussein Tamimi, 33, Oday Abdulhafiz al-Tamimi, 20 and Mo’tasem Khalil al-Tamimi,…
Bank Signs Deals to Improve Gaza Health and Economic Conditions
PNN – PNN On Wednesday, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) signed eight agreements worth a sum of US $20 million to improve health, water and agricultural projects in the Gaza Strip. The bank was…
Israel Intensifies Presence in Jenin and Hebron
PNN – PNNIsraeli forces have heightened their military presence in Ya’bud—a town northwest of Jenin—according to reports from Palestinian government news wire Wafa. Soldiers opened several flying military checkpoints in Ya’bud, consisting of an…
Israel Seeks to Shutter UNRWA as Agency Opens New Clinics in Gaza
PNN – PNNIsraeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported on Wednesday that Israel was seeking to petition the United Nations to close UNRWA in a bid to end debate over Palestinian refugees. Meanwhile, the agency announced…
Zahar Doubts Reconciliation Breakthrough, Netanyahu Refuses Clinton
PNN – PNNHamas commander Mahmoud al-Zahar told the London-based al-Hayat newspaper on Wednesday that he doubted a breakthrough would happen in the long-awaited Palestinian reconciliation, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly refused to…
Defense for Children International Movement Honors PNN among Media Associates
PNN – PNNIn its 20 anniversary celebration, the Ramallah-based NGO Defense for Children International (DCI) honored a number of Palestinian media outlets, including the Palestine News Network (PNN). Prisoners’ Affairs Minister Issa Qaraqe and…
Op Ed: Al-Walajeh, a Village Soon Surrounded
PNN – by Aaron Rotenberg The village of al-Walajeh, 4 km northwest of Bethlehem, is in the thorny position of sitting right between Jerusalem and the Gush Etzion settlement block. After years of land…
Hamas Breaks Up Journalism Syndicate Workshop, Arrests Two Gazan Journalists
PNN – PNNOn Wednesday, the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS) condemned Hamas for preventing it from holding a workshop on the International Federation of Journalists’ (IFJ) “International Day against Impunity,” which opposes the release of…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Efforts Must Be Exerted to Stop Violence against Women
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Thursday, 24 November 2011
International Solidarity Movement
Dkaika: Israel continues to expel Bedouins
11/24/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Aida Gerard, 23 November 2011, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – The entire Bedouin village of Dkaika encounters demolitions, and all the villagers face expulsion. Every single construction of Dkaika has a demolition order totally over 75 demolition orders including a mosque, a school, a graveyard, water cisterns, housing tents, and folds for sheep. This Thursday…. Related: Dkaika Bedouins face expulsion – Click here for more images
Alternative Information Center
Israeli Minister seeks Palestinian clans rather than Palestinian state
Alternative Information Center – Faced with the scenario of the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, Israeli Transport Minister Israel Katz heads to the West Bank, with the Shabak in tow, to talk with local leaders about the possibility of setting…
Is international intervention in Syria on the horizon?
Alternative Information Center – While analyzing Louis Bonaporte’s coup d’Etat in the mid 1800 in France, Karl Marx wrote: “History repeats itself; first as a tragedy, second as a farce”. A century and a half later, the same logic applies…
UN body affirms Palestine’s right to self-determination
Alternative Information Center – Palestine has scored another victory, just a month after being accepted as a full member in UNESCO— on Wednesday, November 23rd, the UN General Assembly’s Social, Humanitarian Cultural Affairs Committee voted 166 to five in favor…
Stop the expulsion: call to Americans and Internationals
Alternative Information Center – Remember dropping pennies into those blue JNF/KKL boxes in your synagogue and Jewish Community Center when you were growing up? On November 28th , the pennies dropped into those blue boxes- and the JNF/KKL under the guise…
Extremist Jewish settlers storm into Nablus city
24 Nov 2011 – Palestine, (Pal Telegraph) – Around 1,400 jewish settlers accompanied by Israeli soldiers entered the northern West Bank city of Nablus late Wednesday to visit a holy site, witnesses and the army said.
700 settlers break into Yousuf’s tomb
24 Nov 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-More than 700 Jewish settlers led by Israeli Interior Minister, Eli Yishai, on early Thursday stormed Nabi Yousuf’s tomb in the east of Nablus under Israeli soldiers’ protection.
Bahrain takes stock of rights report
The National 24 Nov 2011 – Main opposition party has called for the government to resign.
Egypt’s parliamentary elections will not be postponed
The National 24 Nov 2011 – The military also rejected protesters’ demands that it im mediately step down, saying that doing so would amount to a “betrayal” of the people’s trust.
Arab League gives Bashar Al Assad more time to comply
The National 24 Nov 2011 – The Arab League extends the deadline for Syria to sign a deal letting in observers or face sanctions that include the freezing of government assets and a ban on flights to and from the country.
Saleh immunity ‘a betrayal’ as thousands protest in Sanaa
The National 24 Nov 2011 – Five killed as tens of thousands take to the streets in protest at a peace deal that shields him from prosecution in return for giving up his 33-year rule.
US thanks Egypt for the swift release of students
The National 24 Nov 2011 – The United States thanked Egypt yesterday for urgently handling the case of three US students arrested during protests in Tahrir Square.
General: Egypt is not Tahrir Square
The National 24 Nov 2011 – Military rulers defend actions against protesters and vow that elections will proceed as planned on Monday.
A new era for Palestine’s factions
The National 24 Nov 2011 – Leaders of Fatah and Hamas say they have managed to iron out their differences and turn over a new page in their strained relationship.
Jordan release second group of Salafist prisoners
The National 23 Nov 2011 – Jordan released 22 Salafists today accused of terrorism and fomenting unrest after clashes in the northern city of Zarqa in April.
Bahrain welcomes findings of abuse report
The National 23 Nov 2011 – In response to independent inquiry into human rights abuses during civil unrest, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has vowed reforms.
Egyptian forces, protesters to face off as Cairo unrest enters 2nd week
Ha’aretz – The transitional military council ruling Egypt apologized on Thursday for the killing of protesters in Tahrir Square over the past five days.
Anshel Pfeffer / Arab revolutionaries look to Israel for inspiration
Ha’aretz – When thousands are daily endangering their lives in the countries around us to achieve some degree of freedom, we cannot allow our own freedoms to be questioned.
An anatomy of an outpost that put Netanyahu in a bind
Ha’aretz – The long saga of the Migron outpost, home to 50 families, began 12 years ago; today, the High Court of Justice ruled the outpost be demolished by the end of March.
Israeli right-wing activists take to the Web to keep their MKs in line
Ha’aretz – Activists are sent the e-mail addresses, Facebook links and cellphone numbers of Knesset members, making it easy to keep up the pressure.
Sarkozy: My remarks about Netanyahu ‘taken out of context’
Ha’aretz – French President, who was overheard earlier this month calling Israeli PM ‘a liar,’ meets with Jewish leaders in Paris and stresses his ‘strong, long relationship and friendship with Netanyahu and his family.’
Fayyad: Palestinian Authority will soon become completely incapacitated by Israel
Ha’aretz – Palestinian PM meets with Norway FM, who says Israel’s withholding of tax funds from PA amounts to ‘waterboarding an economy’; Fayyad: This is our money.
Egypt police sexually abuse, detain prominent U.S.-Egyptian journalist
Ha’aretz – Mona Eltahawy, a major women’s rights activist, was beat and sexually assaulted after detaining her during Cairo clashes.
Iran says arrests 12 CIA agents amid reports of compromised U.S. ring
Ha’aretz – Comment by top Iranian official comes as Intelligence Online says U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers arrives in Beirut to probe reported exposure of U.S. intel squad in Lebanon.
Abbas, Meshal say opened new page in relations in Cairo meeting
Ha’aretz – The long-estranged leaders of the two rival Palestinian political movements meet for first time since Hamas seized Gaza in 2007.
Netanyahu: Israel, Egypt share vested interest in maintaining peace treaty
Ha’aretz – In joint press conference with Romanian PM, premier urges Fatah to break off reconciliation talks with Hamas, urges more effective sanctions against Iran’s nuclear program.
Israel sets Guinness world record for largest chemistry lesson
Ha’aretz – Class draws 4,207 participants and carries out reenactment of experiment performed in space by late Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon.
Katsav to ask Israel Supreme Court for further hearing over rape conviction
Ha’aretz – Supreme Court upheld Katsav’s 7-year sentence on two counts of rape and other sexual offenses earlier this month; Katsav is due to start his sentence on December 7.
Right-wing NGO exposes extent of Israel’s support of West Bank settlements
Ha’aretz – In bi-annual survey, Mattot Arim ranks Knesset members, ministers, according to number of bills, lobbying they advanced to better lives of West Bank residents.
As PM warns of economic gloom, country’s leaders to get pay raises
Ha’aretz – ‘We are going to experience a very difficult period. We are not a separate continent and not an invulnerable island,’ said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Rage in Israel as BNP Paribas pressured to pull out
Ha’aretz – Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, Banks Supervisor David Zaken and their top officials believe the bank’s board of directors caved to pressure groups, contrary to its claims.
Jerusalem court hands life sentences to Palestinians who killed American tourist
Ha’aretz – Kifah and Ibrahim Ghanimat given total of 3 life sentences for 2010 murder of Kristine Luken; suspects part of cell also linked to murder of 53-year-old Netta Blatt-Sorek a year ago, and string of other offenses.
The Ashkenazi rabbi who devoted his career to Israel’s Ethiopian Jews
Ha’aretz – Rabbi Chananya Blumert has devoted himself to the Ethiopian community for 20 years. He speaks Amharic, has an Ethiopian wife and commands the respect of the Ethiopian kesim (priests). However, some question whether a white Ashkenazi is really the best person to honor the traditions of the Beta Israel, and whether his appointment as their rabbi in Bat Yam is symbolic of attempts to homogenize Judaism.
Int’l tender issued for wind power mapping
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Strategizing which locations most fit Israel’s geography will help increase renewable energy goals, ministry says.
TA journalists lose petition against choice for IBA chief
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – The High Court of Justice on Thursday unanimously rejected a petition by the Tel Aviv Journalists Association against the appointment.
Policeman succumbs to stab wounds after 5-year coma
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Rateb Abu Atza indicted again, this time for murder – as he appeals 20-year sentence for stabbing Shlomi Assouline.
‘J’lem Report’ columnist sexually assaulted by Cairo police
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Mona Eltahawy posts pictures of herself with both hands broken after arrest by Egypt police, military.
PM mentions ‘newfound’ ties with Arab countries
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Gov’t official says Israel has had contacts with countries in the region “because of the Iranian nuclear threat.”
Could ‘ubuntu’ help the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – The philosophy of kinship and cooperation could pave the way for a two-state solution.
Sinai Today: Apartheid lies and the war of words
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Pikuach nefesh (saving life) clearly applies today to Israel’s reputation among the nations of the world.
Sarkozy to French Jewish leaders: I support Israel
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Meeting comes following reports that French president called Netanyahu a “liar”; “he responded to a lot of our concerns,” Jewish group treasurer says.
Egyptian uncertainties
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Egyptians might be willing to pay the economic price of cutting relations with Israel and the US to promote their Islamist agenda.
‘Egypt ex-PM accepts to form new government’
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Ganzouri agrees in principle to lead national salvation government after meeting Tantawi, state newspaper says.
Savir’s Corner: In need of a new system
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – If we wish to rescue our basic fundamental values, and Israel as a Jewish democratic state, we have to save the existing balances and create new ones – between the government and those represented by civil society.
PostScript: One man’s storm is another’s island
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – With the Arab world in turmoil, a positive change in the Israeli-Palestinian vector takes on a new significance.
Congressmen ask for probe into PA use of US funds
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Move comes after Israel Beiteinu MK Matalon sends letters to US House and Senate, detailing PA President’s policy to pay convicted terrorists released from Israeli prisons $5,000 and build them new homes.
PM scrambling to stop hawks from over-taking Likud
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Judea and Samaria residents register party members in effort to shift Likud to the Right in committee elections.
‘Iran CIA agent arrests linked to missile testing’
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Senior Iran analyst tells ‘Post’ that Tehran moving missiles “that would form first response” to Israeli strike on nuclear sites.
Abbas, Mashaal meet, agree to ‘work as partners’
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – PA president, Hamas leader fail to agree on unity gov’t; PMO: “The closer Abbas gets to Hamas, the further he gets from peace.”
Arab League gives Syria 24 hrs to avoid sanctions
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Decision comes after Damascus uses violence against protesters, even though it said it had accepted peace plan.
Abbas, Mashaal meet in Cairo, agree to ‘work as partners’
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Although PA president, Hamas leader report “positive” talks, they fail to agree on formation of Palestinian unity gov’t; pair agree to May 2012 elections, release of each other’s detainees.
Gallery: Ethiopians celebrate Sigd festival
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Thousands gather at Haas Promenade to pray for community’s return to J’lem in festival which has been observed for centuries.
France announces, withdraws solo Iran oil ban
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – French Foreign Ministry says it will only act in concert with EU partners after having announced unilateral ban on Iranian oil.
Criminal probe of two Carmel fire suspects closed
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Usafia youths suspected of deliberately starting blaze that killed 44 will not face trial; State Attorney’s office cites lack of evidence.
Cairo: Abbas, Mashaal ‘turn new page’ on Palestinian unity
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Fatah, Hamas leaders hail new partnership during 2 hour meeting on reconciliation accord; “there are no more differences between us now, we have agreed to work as partners” PA president says.
Abbas, Mashaal meet in Cairo on Palestinian unity
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Hamas says before meeting that its position towards Israel will not differ after formation of unity government with PA; EU: Cooperation with PA will end if Hamas joins government without recognizing Israel.
Jordan to create hub with airport expansion
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – New terminal for Queen Alia airport will increase capacity, upgrade facilities; many Arab countries also upgrading airports.
The Weekly Schmooze: Kosher Pork?
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – A JPost column wrapping up the hottest Jewish culture news worldwide: Mila Kunis at the Marine Corps Ball.
Off the Beaten Track: The Passion and the Jews
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Travel expert Joe Yudin guides Christians along the path of Jesus’s crucifixion.
Iraq: Syria agrees to Arab monitoring plan
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Diplomats say range of sanctions being considered, France calls for humanitarian zone to protect civilians.
Katsav requests additional Supreme Court hearing
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Former president asked for hearing before extended panel of justices, but not for his sentence to be delayed.
France seeks Arab backing for Syria intervention
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Arab League could agree sanctions on Syria; US tells citizens to leave; France proposes “secured zone” for civilians.
Daphni Leef: ‘Protests to get more extreme’
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Leef declares that that she is against violence but that people are becoming increasingly angry, hopeless.
Chosen Bites: A drama-free Thanksgiving
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – With all the family in town and the kitchen crowded, use Laura Frankel’s recipes to help make the day a little smoother.
Palestinians get 3 life sentences for 2 murders
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Kifah and Ibrahim Ghanimat to serve life sentences in prison for the murder of US, Israeli women.
Arab ministers gather to discuss Syria sanctions
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Diplomats say range of sanctions being considered in attempt to end violent crackdown on protests against Assad.
Saudi blames ‘foreign elements’ for 2 dead in gunfight
Jerusalem Post 24 Nov 2011 – Officials say gunfire occured with “unknown criminal elements” sent by foreign elements.”
‘Disabled are inadequately used resource for volunteering’
Jerusalem Post 23 Nov 2011 – Physically, mentally, emotionally disabled able to volunteer but need help to suit themselves to such work.
Kenyans, Israelis, Germans team up for Lake Victoria
Jerusalem Post 23 Nov 2011 – Team of Israeli, German experts will work with Kenyan agricultural, water professionals to upgrade fishery system, waste water treatment.
Iran ‘arrests 12 CIA agents’
The Guardian 24 Nov 2011 – Influential politician says US spies had been gathering intelligence on military units and nuclear activities Iran has arrested 12 people it claims were working undercover for the CIA inside the Islamic republic, further raising tensions in…
Binyamin Netanyahu attacks Arab spring uprisings
The Guardian 24 Nov 2011 – Israeli PM claims ‘Islamic, anti-western, anti-liberal, anti-Israeli, undemocratic wave’ vindicates tough stance with Palestinians Binyamin Netanyahu has launched a scathing attack on the uprisings in the Middle East, saying that Arab countries are “moving not forward,…
US-BAHRAIN: Obama Praises Report as Groups Urge Arms Delay
IPS The administration of President Barack Obama has praised a damning report issued Wednesday in Manama on Bahrain’s crackdown on the democracy movement earlier this year, as human rights groups called on Washington to further delay delivery of a pending 53-million-dollar arms package to the kingdom.
Bahrain Rights Report Released Amid Clashes
IPS The head of a special commission in Bahrain has said authorities used torture and excessive force against detainees arrested in a crackdown earlier this year.
EGYPT: It’s January Again in Tahrir Square
IPS Days of clashes between protesters and security forces culminated on Tuesday evening in what was estimated to be a million-man rally in Cairo’s Tahrir Square to demand an end to military rule. The new political crisis has prompted fears that Egypt’s first post-Mubarak parliamentary polls, slated to begin only five…
Libyan rebels detaining thousands illegally, Ban Ki-moon reports
Uruknet November 24, 2011 – Libya’s former rebels have illegally detained thousands of people, including women and children, according to the United Nations secretary general. Many of the 7,000 prisoners have been tortured, with some black Africans mistreated because of their skin colour, women being held under male supervision and children locked up alongside adults, the report…
After Ten Years in US Custody, British Resident Shaker Aamer “Is Gradually Dying in Guantánamo,” Says Clive Stafford Smith
Uruknet November 24, 2011 – ….On his visit to Guantánamo, Stafford Smith was visiting Shaker Aamer, the last British resident in Guantánamo, whose case has long been of concern to British citizens and to opponents of Guantánamo in the US and elsewhere in the world. I have written about his case extensively over the years, and his…
Turkey says unrest is Syria’s internal affair, won’t allow any intervention
Uruknet November 24, 2011 – Turkey has said an uprising in Syria is its neighbor’s internal affair and that it will not allow any state to militarily intervene in Syria over the regime’s brutal military crackdown on the eight-month uprising, ruling out any possibility that Turkey will become militarily involved. “We won’t send soldiers [to Syria], won’t…
Abbas, Mashaal: We agreed to work as partners
Uruknet November 24, 2011 — President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khalid Mashaal on Thursday said they had resolved all their differences, after a meeting in Cairo to implement a unity agreement. “We want to assure our people and the Arab and Islamic world that we have turned a major new and real page in partnership on…
Former Libyan PM exposes US-NATO machinations
Uruknet November 24, 2011 – Revealing comments by the former prime minister of Libya’s National Transitional Council (NTC) government, Mahmoud Jibril, have further exposed the predatory character of the US-NATO campaign in Libya. Far from being a humanitarian mission to “save the Libyan people,” the war to oust Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was aimed at seizing control…
Syria News – November 23, 2011 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet November 23, 2011 – Security and army forces today shot 17 martyrs. 5 were in Homs; 3 in Idlib; 3 in Daraa; 3 in Hama; 2 in the Damascus Suburbs; and 1 in Tartous… Daraa: Tafas: Martyrdom of Easa Mahmoud Al-Reidawy, and Mohammad Al-Bardan, where they were found in the plain and their corpses are now…
Bush and Blair found guilty of war crimes for Iraq attack
Uruknet November 23, 2011 – A tribunal in Malaysia, spearheaded by that nation’s former Prime Minister, yesterday found George Bush and Tony Blair guilty of “crimes against peace” and other war crimes for their 2003 aggressive attack on Iraq, as well as fabricating pretexts used to justify the attack. The seven-member Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal -…
A love story, a Palestinian story
Uruknet November 24, 2011 – The idea of writing about something very personal is haunting me. As a Palestinian, it’s really hard to know where to draw the line between the political and the personal. But, in Palestine, the personal is political and the political is the personal. For now, I’ll keep the political away and dig…
Saudi Arabia says two killed in clash in eastern province
Uruknet November 24, 2011 – Two people were killed and three wounded in an exchange of gunfire in oil-producing eastern Saudi Arabia between security forces and what the government called gunmen serving a foreign power. The shooting on Wednesday night raised the death toll to at least four in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province since Sunday…The government has…
Mass protests intensify against Egyptian junta
Uruknet November 24, 2011 – Clashes continued yesterday in cities across Egypt, on the fifth day of mass protests demanding the overthrow of the US-backed Egyptian military junta. The protests started Saturday, when police used live ammunition and rubber bullets against a sit-in by a few hundred protesters in Tahrir Square, in Cairo. Demonstrations have spread across…
WATCH: Tel Aviv police pepper-spray democracy protesters
Uruknet November 23, 2011 – I only got to the last part of the Tel Aviv demo against the anti-democratic legislation led by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government. Most of the several thousand protesters were on their way home; a couple of hundreds had gathered on Rothschild Boulevard, and another 200 were demonstrating in the nearby King George…
Al-Walajeh, a Village Soon Surrounded
Uruknet November 23, 2011 – The village of al-Walajeh, 4 km northwest of Bethlehem, is in the thorny position of sitting right between Jerusalem and the Gush Etzion settlement block. After years of land confiscation and housing demolitions, the fate the residents of al-Walaja have to look forward to is the complete encircling of their village by…
The Degree to Which You Resist Is the Degree to Which You Are Free
Uruknet November 23, 2011 – I’ve noticed a meme beginning to fester among liberal insiders who are positing that the Occupy Wall Street movement is starting to “distract” the citizenry from the wicked machinations of Republicans of the legislative class. Nonsense. The OWS movement is not a distraction from-but serves as an alternative to-the disingenuous theatrics staged…
Lieberman threatens to leave coalition if tax revenue transfers to the PA resume
Uruknet November 23, 2011 – Israel’s Foreign Minister has threatened to take his party, Yisrael Beiteinu, out of the ruling coalition if the government resumes the payment of tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority. Right-wing extremist Avigdor Lieberman is reported by Haaretz newspaper to have told Prime Minister Netanyahu that he is ready to carry out his…
The Unfinished Revolution in Egypt: The People vs. The Military Junta
Uruknet November 23, 2011 – A year ago, only those looking closely realized that huge cracks were developing in the facade of stability maintained by the West, and echoed, in the Middle East, by the ageing dictators who had helped preserve the status quo for decades. Only those looking closely heard about the mobilization of workers in…
Iraq snapshot – November 23, 2011
Uruknet November 23, 2011. Chaos and violence continue, a wife please for information on her husband who has been missing in Iraq for nearly nine years, Iraq War veteran J.R. Martinez wins Dancing with the Stars, the UN talks Camp Ashraf, and more…Aswat al-Iraq explains, “A Joint Iraqi-U.S. force has arrested an former high-ranking Iraqi Army officer…
NATO’s Great Victory Destroying Libya’s Welfare State
Uruknet November 23, 2011 – The other day, I was listening to the voice of “liberal” radio, NPR, and was surprised to hear its bizarre, and yet quite candid, report on what it apparently views to be one of the more hideous aspects of the Gadhafi years – a modern welfare state which looked after working people….
Ahdaf Soueif in Cairo: ‘By early evening it was clear that this was Revolution II’
Uruknet November 23, 2011 – …Throughout the day on Tuesday thousands poured into the square. By early evening it was clear that this was Revolution II. In the small hours of Sunday the little field hospital in the small mosque of Ibad al-Rahman had been pleading for a stethoscope, a blood pressure gauge, betadine, cotton wool. By…
Israeli desert plan would uproot 30,000 Bedouin
Uruknet November 23, 2011 — Bulldozed by Israel more than two dozen times, a village known by Bedouin Arabs as al-Arakib is one of many ramshackle desert communities whose names have never appeared on any official map. If Israel’s parliament adopts proposed new legislation, it never will. The plan to demolish more Bedouin homes in the southern…
Egypt army says leaving power now would be ‘betrayal’
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Members of Egypt’s ruling military council on Thursday rejected calls to step down immediately, saying it would amount to a “betrayal” as anti-military protests entered their seventh day.
Kidnapped French aid worker freed in Yemen
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 A French aid worker kidnapped in Yemen’s restive south was released and arrived in the port city of Aden on Thursday, two days after her abduction, officials said.
Man dies, Lebanese Army officer injured in road incident
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Five cars rammed into each other beneath an overpass in the north Beirut suburb of Naccache Thursday, leaving one person dead and a Lebanese Army officer injured.
Egypt releases three U.S. students: source
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 The Egyptian authorities on Thursday released three U.S. students held in Cairo on suspicion of taking part in violence during a protest against the country’s ruling military council, a security source said.
Syria said to drop resistance to Arab monitors
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Syria has accepted an Arab League plan to send monitors to observe the unrest against President Bashar al-Assad and will sign a protocol to that effect, Iraq’s foreign minister said on Thursday.
Two shot dead in renewed Shiite protests in Saudi
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Two men were shot dead as protests erupted among the Shiite minority in Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich east, the government said on Thursday, in clashes that prompted leaders from both sides to call for calm.
Hariri discusses STL funding with Sarkozy
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri met Thursday French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris where the two discussed Lebanon’s funding for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Israel ready for war with Hezbollah as if it will happen in a week: Israeli official
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Israel is elevating its state of readiness on its northern front in light of reports that events in Syria will have major repercussions on the Jewish State, Thursday’s Al-Hayat reported.
2 killed ahead of Arab League met on Syria
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 At least two more civilians were killed in Syria on Thursday, activists said, as the Arab League prepared to meet to discuss measures against Damascus over its bloody crackdown on dissent.
Palestinian rivals deeply divided over strategy
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal in Cairo on Thursday to try to revive a reconciliation pact signed seven months ago but still not implemented.
Kuwait holds 24 over parliament storming: lawyer
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Kuwait on Thursday remanded in custody 24 opposition activists pending further investigation on charges they stormed the parliament building last week, their lawyer said.
Bahrain hints at evidence of Iran protest links
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Bahrain is suggesting it has evidence of Iranian links to Shiite-led protests in the Gulf kingdom despite an independent commission saying it found nothing to back the claims.
EU court rules against web filters to block file sharing
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Internet service providers cannot be forced to install filters aimed at preventing people from illegally downloading files such as music, the EU’s top court ruled on Thursday.
Army says protest does not represent all Egypt
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 A member of Egypt’s ruling military council said on Thursday the army respected the view of demonstrators in Cairo’s Tahrir Square who have been demanding an end to military rule but said they did not represent…
France seeks Arab backing for Syria intervention
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 France will seek Arab support on Thursday for a humanitarian corridor in Syria, the first time a major power has swung behind international intervention in the eight-month uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.
Lebanon will not accept sanctions on Syria: Mansour
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Foreign Affairs Minister Adnan Mansour said Thursday ahead of his trip to Cairo that Lebanon would not implement any form of sanctions on its neighbor Syria.
Iraq executes 12 militants over wedding massacre
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Iraqi officials say 12 convicted al-Qaida members have been executed for their role in the 2006 massacre of 70 people at a wedding party in the central Iraqi town of Dujail.
Gunmen shoot, kill five protesters in Yemen capital
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 At least five people were killed when plainclothes gunmen opened fire on Yemeni protesters in the centre of the capital Sanaa on Thursday, witnesses and a hospital official said, a day after President Ali Abdullah Saleh…
Kidnapped French woman, two Yemenis freed in Yemen
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Gunmen in Yemen freed a French woman and two Yemenis working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday, two days after they were abducted in the southern province of Lahej, local officials…
Syrian tanks bombard defectors near central town
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Syrian tanks bombarded hideouts of army defectors near the central town of Rastan on Thursday, a resident and activists said, two months after the authorities said they had regained control of the important region on the…
More security urged for Kuwait mission amid threat reports
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Lebanese police have urged the Embassies’ Security Apparatus to further beef up security around the Kuwaiti diplomatic mission in Beirut amid reports of an imminent attack, a security source told The Daily Star Thursday.
Palestinian rivals make fresh attempt at unity
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Top-level talks between Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal got under way at a Cairo hotel on Thursday in a bid to resolve issues blocking implementation of a unity deal.
Opposition MP predicts Nov. 30 day Cabinet resigns
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Future Movement MP Ammar Houri said the government will resign on Nov. 30, the day Cabinet is set to discuss the controversial issue of funding for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Arab ministers gather to discuss Syria sanctions
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Arab foreign ministers gathered in Cairo on Thursday to discuss imposing sanctions on Syria for failing to implement an Arab League plan to end a crackdown on protests against President Bashar al-Assad.
March 14-led Cabinet only way to save Lebanon: Geagea
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea called on Prime Minister Najib Mikati to resign from his post and said a government led by the March 14 coalition was the only way to Lebanon’s salvation.
Truce quiets Cairo streets, army apologises
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 An overnight truce between Egyptian riot police and protesters succeeded on Thursday in calming violence that has killed 39 people in five days, but demonstrators occupying Cairo’s Tahrir Square vowed to stay until the army gives…
France tempers call for Syria aid corridor
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 France renewed its support for humanitarian corridors in Syria on Thursday but said such a move would have to either be agreed by Damascus or come under an international mandate.
Hezbollah MP hails capture of spies, urges government action
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 Hezbollah MP Hasan Fadlallah Wednesday hailed Hezbollah’s summer capture of U.S. spies in Lebanon, and called on the Cabinet to take action against what he called a U.S. spy attack.
U.N. deputy chief visits south, meets peacekeepers
Daily Star 24 Nov 2011 U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro arrived in the southern border town of Naqoura Thursday to inspect the work of U.N. peacekeepers in south Lebanon.
Future bloc calls on Assad to end crackdown
Daily Star 23 Nov 2011 The Future Movement called on Syria’s government Wednesday to end its brutal crackdown on demonstrators and begin adhering to its agreement with the Arab League.
World leaders congratulate Lebanon on Independence Day
Daily Star 23 Nov 2011 A number of heads of state used the occasion of Independence Day to call on Lebanese leaders to fulfill the country’s international obligations, while also extending congratulations.
Funding flurry as STL chief visits
Daily Star 23 Nov 2011 The head of the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon held talks with Lebanese leaders Wednesday on the STL’s work as PM Najib Mikati reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to U.N. resolutions.
Geagea calls for rule of law
Daily Star 23 Nov 2011 Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea congratulated the Lebanese on the 68th anniversary of the country’s independence, saying that an era of rule of law should follow the past era of occupation.
Beirut to host international military and security conference
Daily Star 23 Nov 2011 Some 173 companies from 28 countries around the world will take part in a three-day exhibition on modern military and security technology and policy at Downtown’s BIEL next week.
PSP, Future: Paying STL funding is crucial
Daily Star 23 Nov 2011 A delegation from the PSP met with Future Movement officials Wednesday and stressed the importance of paying the country’s share for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Aswad: Assad’s hour may not be up
Daily Star 23 Nov 2011 Change and Reform bloc MP Ziad Aswad challenged Turkish PM Erdogan’s statement that President Bashar Assad’s days are numbered and said events taking place in Syria prove otherwise.
Lebanese Army attributes south Lebanon blast to land mine
Daily Star 23 Nov 2011 The Lebanese Army Wednesday attributed a mysterious explosion in southern woodland to a mine or cluster bomb, after speculation the blast had occurred at a Hezbollah arms storage facility.
Daouk denies U.S. envoy was summoned over alleged spies
Daily Star 23 Nov 2011 The Cabinet discussed reports that the Central Intelligence Agency had operatives working for the agency in Lebanon.
U.N. deputy chief arrives in Beirut on 4-day visit
Daily Star 23 Nov 2011 U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro arrived in Beirut Wednesday as part of a four-day visit.
Egypt ex-PM accepts request to form new gov’t
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – Egyptian former Prime Minister Kamal Ganzouri accepted a request from the ruling generals to form a new government on Thursday, state newspaper Al-Ahram said on its … ….
Germany: Iranians, Palestinians protest against Olmert
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – A group of Palestinians and Iranians protested on Thursday against former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as he was speaking to members of the Jewish community at a synagogue … ….
Police to compensate man hurt in anti-Gaza pullout rally
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – The Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court on Thursday ordered a former cop, Eliran Avraham, to pay NIS 7,000 (about $1,900) in damages to a protester that he hit during a rally … ….
State drops case against Carmel Fire suspects
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – The State Prosecutor’s Office decided Thursday to drop the case against two teens who were suspected of accidentally causing the massive Carmel Forest fire that claimed … ….
Barak: Libel bill needs refining
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – Defense Minister Ehud Barak explained his support for a controversial libel bill, saying that “Power corrupts, and the press has power.” The libel bill – an … ….
France to put unilateral ban on Iranian oil imports
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – France will unilaterally stop importing oil from Iran, the first European country to do so, as part of an effort to isolate Tehran because of its nuclear program. … ….
Palestinian PM, Norway decry Israeli fund freeze
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – The Palestinian Authority is “fast approaching the point of being completely incapacitated” by Israel’s refusal to hand over tax revenues belonging to the authority, … ….
Juppe: Situation in Syria ‘no longer tenable’
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – French FM slams Assad for ‘repression of a savagery we have not seen in a long….
Abbas, Mashaal hail new Palestinian ‘partnership’
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – After meeting in Cairo, Palestinian president, Hamas leader say ‘there are no….
Netanyahu ‘not sure’ sanctions on Iran enough
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – Prime minister says tougher sanctions against Iranian central bank necessary….
Katsav motions for second appeal hearing
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – Ynet has learned that former president, convicted rapist Moshe Katsav requests….
Egyptian military apologizes for protesters’ deaths
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – Egypt’s military rulers express regret for deaths of dozens of pro-democracy….
Iran official confirms 12 CIA agents arrested
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – Influential Iran parliamentarian says his country arrested 12 CIA agents who….
Kristine Luken’s killer gets 2 life sentences
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – Jerusalem District Court sentences Palestinian cell leader Kifah Ghneimat to two….
US urges citizens to leave Syria ‘immediately’
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – Embassy issues statement advising all Americans to leave Syria while commercial….
Yishai calls for Israeli presence in Joseph’s Tomb
YNet News, 24 Nov 2011 – Interior minister visits holy site in Nablus together with 1,500 Jewish….
Palestinian Information Center
Barhoum: We told Egyptians political arrests obstruct national unity
PIC – Fawzi Barhoum said that Hamas delegation highlighted during its meeting with Egypt’s intelligence director that the file of political prisoners is the major obstacle to the national reconciliation.
The Abbas-Mishaal encounter: what is next?
PIC – Fatah and Hamas must also be honest with regard to the possibility of dismantling the Palestinian Authority if and when it becomes amply clear that the PA has become a liability rather than an asset
Mishaal and Abbas announce the start of a ‘real” Palestinian partnership
PIC – Khaled Mishaal, head of the political bureau of Hamas, and Mahmoud Abbas, the PA President announced on Thursday the start of a ‘new Palestinian partnership’ to turn over the page of discord.
Haneyya meets with int’l figures from Arab Spring convoy
PIC – Palestinian premier Isma
Operation Dove: Two Palestinians Girls Arrested During Home Demolitions
WAFA
Israeli Soldiers Prevent Prisoners from Preparing For the Cold
WAFA
France Condemns Israeli Withholding of Palestinian Funds
WAFA
Israeli Forces Demolish Car Shop in West Bank Village
WAFA
Abbas, Meshaal Agree to Work as Partners
WAFA
PEX Daily Report: A Slight Rise in Al-Quds Index
WAFA
Abbas Meets Meshaal to Discuss Reconciliation
WAFA
Producer Price Index Increases in October
WAFA
Newspapers Review: Dailies Focus on Abbas and Meshaal’s Meeting in Cairo
WAFA
Israeli Forces Demolish Wells and Farming Huts in Hebron
WAFA
Settlers Break into Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus
WAFA
Building Licenses in Palestine Increase in Third Quarter
WAFA
Capitalism and the Spy Market – An Analysis by Dr. Lawrence Davidson
Intifada-Palestine: 24 Nov 2011 – by Dr. Lawrence Davidson I. The Merchandise It was certainly appropriate that the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the mouthpiece of capitalist ideology, should publish an expose on “a new global market for off-the-shelf surveillance technology…” Entitled “ The Surveillance Catalog ”… more
The All-Out Hypocrisy of Arab League and the West
Intifada-Palestine: 24 Nov 2011 – Kourosh Ziabari Courtesy Veterans today After the Arab League hypocritically suspended the membership of Syria amid the mounting pressures of NATO and the United States, the resurgence of violence in Egypt and the increasing use of excessive force in Bahrain and… more
Will the UN Insist on Fair Trials for Ex-Regime Loyalists in Libya?
Intifada-Palestine: 23 Nov 2011 – Seif-Al-Islam Gaddafi is seen after his capture in the custody of revolutionary fighters by FRANKLIN LAMB / IntifadaPalestine.com ( Benghazi, Libya) An affable gentleman, “Mahmoud” ushered this observer into the Benghazi People’s Court (Mahkamat al-Sha’b) and showed me the freshly painted courtroom where… more
Political Islam at a crossroads in Egypt
LA Times 24 Nov 2011 – Islamic parties are likely to win big in elections Monday, but their unity has splintered, leading to questions over whether Egypt will emerge as a democratic inspiration or slip back into autocracy. The call to prayer quiets in the minaret as Mohammad Abbas, a street…
Egypt protests continue despite military rulers’ apology, truce
LA Times 24 Nov 2011 – Thousands pour into Cairo’s Tahrir Square for a seventh day of protests. The ruling military council apologizes for the deaths of protesters but won’t cede power and vows to hold elections next week. Days of clashes between protesters and riot police were calmed by a…
France calls for ‘humanitarian corridors’ in Syria
LA Times 24 Nov 2011 – The proposal is aimed at getting aid to besieged areas of Syria. Meanwhile, the Arab League says Syria has until Friday to sign an agreement to allow Arab monitors into the country or risk sanctions. France is seeking international support for a proposal to establish “…
Yemen president signs pact to cede power
LA Times 23 Nov 2011 – Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh agrees to hand power to his vice president. The deal gives him immunity in the deaths of protesters and allows him to keep his title while elections are scheduled. After months of unrest that have brought his country to the…
Generals in Egypt Offer Apology for Violent Clahses
New York Times 24 Nov 2011 – Two Egyptian generals offered an unusual apology on Thursday for the killings of protesters as violence in Tahrir Square was reported to have eased in the early hours after five days of intense clashes.
Divisions Unsettle Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt
New York Times 24 Nov 2011 – New divisions in the Muslim Brotherhood appeared as a senior leader hinted that it might walk away from a deal struck with Egypt’s interim military rulers.
Yemen Leader, Saleh, Agrees to End 3-Decade Rule
New York Times 24 Nov 2011 – If the agreement holds up, President Ali Abdullah Saleh would be the fourth leader forced from power this year by popular uprisings that have shaken the Middle East and North Africa.
Bahrain Used Excessive Force in Crackdown, Commission Reports
New York Times 24 Nov 2011 – Security forces in Bahrain used excessive force in a sweeping crackdown early this year, an independent commission found.
Mideast Starts to Feel Financial Pinch
New York Times 24 Nov 2011 – The Arab Spring and the euro crisis are starting to affect the region as countries find once sure-fire lenders unwilling to put up loans.
Israel Halts Payments to Palestinian Authority, Adding to Fiscal Woes
New York Times 24 Nov 2011 – Opposed to the Palestinian Authority’s pursuit of United Nations membership, Israel is refusing to transfer more than $100 million, two-thirds of the authority’s revenue.
Lebanese Politicians Embrace Twitter
New York Times 24 Nov 2011 – Social media have been added to the repertoire of political strategy devices actively used by those in the upper echelons of Lebanon’s political class.
In Egypt, Chaos Erupts as Tahrir Square Truce Fails
New York Times 24 Nov 2011 – The outskirts of Tahrir Square plunged into chaos after attempts by Egypt’s military, religious clerics and doctors failed to stanch a fifth day of fighting.
Egyptian military junta carries out deadly crackdown on protesters
WSWS – The US-backed military junta in Egypt carried out a violent crackdown on protesters over the weekend, killing several people and injuring more than 700.
Rep. John Lewis, join the freedom ride to end discrimination in Israel/Palestine
Mondoweiss – John Lewis (Photo: University of Mississippi) Fifty years ago, Freedom Riders braved beatings and arson by supremacists intent on maintaining apartheid in the Jim Crow South. By challenging segregated transportation through nonviolent action, these African American and white activists set in motion a process that ultimately…
Egyptian protester: ‘They brought snipers to finish us off. As if we are Palestine and they are Israel.’
Mondoweiss – link to www.ynetnews.com ‘—> Land, property theft & destruction / Ethnic cleansing / Threats to Palestine culture and history Family of 12 faces eviction in East Jerusalem, Nadia Walid Somrein Despite living in his home for nearly fifty years, and despite the fact there are legal documents clearly stating…
Haaretz names the top 10 pro-settlement Knesset members
Mondoweiss – Uri Ariel, you’re #1. (Photo: Haaretz ) A report from Mattot Harim , a West Bank settlers’ advocacy group in Israel (“Peace through Peace” is their slogan), was leaked to the press. The document is for internal distribution only, Haaretz reports. The bill lists MKs in order of…
Netanyahu takes another step to demolish the brand
Mondoweiss – The premier attacks the Arab spring. What a tragic misreading of history— by a rightwing leader of a coalition with racists in it. But could Labor or Kadima do any different? Maybe not. The Guardian : Binyamin Netanyahu has launched a scathing attack on the uprisings in…
Pamela Geller’s Islamophobia hits new low with Thanksgiving Day smear of dietary laws
Mondoweiss – Fosterer of hatred, Pamela Geller hits a new low in this Thanksgiving post about how your turkey is likely halal. This is the person whom Anders Breivik studied, and it’s no wonder. What is the Jewish commandment about the stranger in your land? What is the…
On a Collision Course: Israel, Iran and the U.S.
Tikun Olam – Is a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities possible as a result of the dramatically increasing and unstable relationship among Iran, Israel and the U.S.? What does this mean for them, for us, for the rest of the world? Two outstanding speakers will address this complex…
Elbit subsidiary opens facility in Netherlands
Neged Neshek – Elbit Systems subsidiary Elbit Systems of America has – in coordination with the Netherlands Ministry of Defense – opened a maintenance facility in the Netherlands . The facility is located in Rhenen and will be used primarily for maintenance of the Royal Netherlands Air Force fleet.
Hillary Clinton aide at the helm of Amnesty International USA
Voltaire Network 23 Nov 2011 – Suzanne Nossel, former assistant to Richard Holbrooke in his capacity as UN Ambassador and currently Hillary Clinton’s Deputy Assistant for International Organization Affairs, has been selected as the new Executive Director of Amnesty International USA. In the discharge of her duties at the State Department, she…
US Republican candidates pick foreign policy advisers
Voltaire Network 23 Nov 2011 – Herman Cain is advised on foreign policy issues by: • J. D. Gordon • Roger Pardo-Maurer • Mark Pfeifle John Huntsman’s advisers are: • Richard Armitage • C. Boyden Gray Newt Gingrich has selected a strong team, mostly hailing from the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC)…
Goebbels’ disciples tackle Syria
Voltaire Network 23 Nov 2011 – Professor Domenico Losurdo pinpoints several inconsistencies in the Western rhetoric against Syria. They reveal that the problem is not where we think it is and that the discourse aims to justify a war, not to report the facts. What is the nature of the conflict that…
CIA agents spying on Hezbollah and Iran nabbed at Pizza Hut
Voltaire Network 22 Nov 2011 – Several dozen spies working for the CIA in Iran and Lebanon have been caught, ABC News said, citing U.S. officials with connections to the intelligence community. The CIA has basically lost its spy network in Lebanon and suffered a major setback in its efforts to infiltrate…
Liberia: Lebanon Strengthens Relations with Nations
allAfrica.com 23 Nov 2011 – The Lebanese Community in Liberia, yesterday, began a weeklong celebration of Lebanon’s 68th Independence. Speaking to a host of government officials and foreign dignitaries at the Lebanese Embassy in Sinkor, on November 22, 2011, Lebanon’s Ambassador accredited near Monrovia, Ambassador Dianna Haddad, praised Lebanon-Liberia’s relations and…
South Africa: Media Statement On Deputy Minister Fransman’s Recent Visit to Palestine
allAfrica.com 23 Nov 2011 – The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Marius Fransman, led an official government delegation to Palestine on 19 and 20 November 2011. The visit follows the Palestinian symposium hosted by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa recently to engage with the Palestinian…
Liberia: Govt Congratulates Lebanon On 68th Independence Anniversary
allAfrica.com 22 Nov 2011 – President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf has congratulated the Government and People of the Republic of Lebanon on
Kenya: Muslims Oppose Israel Intervention in Somalia
allAfrica.com 22 Nov 2011 – The Council of Imams and Preachers in Kenya is opposed to the Israel Military involvement in the war against al Shabaab due to what they termed as historical misunderstandings.
Two Young Men Arrested in Beit Ommar Army Raid
Palestine Solidarity Project 23 Nov 2011 – At 1:30am in the morning November 23rd, 2011, Yousef Mohammad Kamel Za’aqiq (21) and Haidar Falah Abu Maria (24) were arrested from their homes. The two young men were taken to Gush Etzion, no reasons were given for the arrest. As part of the Israeli apartheid…
Majde Mahmoud Za’aqiq Charged for one more Month in Ofer.
Palestine Solidarity Project 22 Nov 2011 – The teacher and Popular Committee Member, Majde Mahmoud Za’aqiq is still imprisoned. Za’aqiq was arrested on August 20, 2011 as he was leaving Beit Ommar’s weekly unarmed demonstration. Israeli soldiers pulled Majde and a Spanish solidarity activist, out of their car and placed both under arrest….
Egypt military ‘appoints new PM’
BBC 24 Nov 2011 – Egypt’s military rulers appoint former Prime Minister Kamal Ganzouri to form a new government, state media say.
Syria given Arab League deadline
BBC 24 Nov 2011 – The Arab League gives Syria one day to sign a deal accepting observers or face economic sanctions, as a months-long bloody crackdown continues.
Iran arrests 12 for ‘CIA spying’
BBC 24 Nov 2011 – Iran says it has arrested 12 agents of the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) who were targeting its military and nuclear programme.
Libya’s new government unveiled
BBC 22 Nov 2011 – Libya’s interim PM names a new transitional cabinet, tasked with drafting a constitution and holding democratic elections by next June.
Anarkismo.net, The Sharraf government resignation bluff will not stop the people’s struggle in Egypt (ca, fr, it)
A-infos 23 Nov 2011 – Update from Tahrir, Cairo —— Update from our comrade Yassser Abdullah in Tahrir Square, Cairo, who calls the surprise resignation of the Sharraf government a bluff, stating that the real power lies in the hands of the SCAF and that the international community (Arab League, EU,…
Palestine-Israel, Another week of joint struggle in the last weekend of the Autumn
A-infos 22 Nov 2011 – On the background of the world wide struggle for social justice, the advance of the encroachment of the settler colonialism both in the villages and occupied Jerusalem. The weekend joint demonstrations and the struggle within Israel for social justice and against the fascism advance. The pick…
Articles
The problem is not reconciliation
Ghassan Khatib, Bitterlemons 11/21/2011
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced last week that he plans to meet the head of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal, on November 25 to discuss two issues. First, the leaders will discuss the future and challenges facing the Palestinian cause, and second, they will explore the prospects for reconciling the two factions they head and implementing a reconciliation agreement signed in May.
This announcement opened the door to analysis and speculation by journalists and commentators, as well as reactions by politicians. Probably the most dramatic response came at a November 21 meeting of the Israeli inner cabinet, which decided to continue withholding taxes collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority as a form of punishment for the Abbas-Meshaal meeting. Otherwise, there really wasn’t any official negative reaction from other governments or leaders.
Palestinians, on the other hand, as well as regional and international commentators, have been fervently debating what this announcement means. The first subject of the coming meeting (and from Abbas’ point of view the most important topic overall)—the challenges facing the Palestinian people—has not received a great deal of attention. What has stirred the most commentary, in fact, is the possibility of Hamas-Fateh reconciliation.
There is no doubt that there is a lot of public pressure on both these factions to end their differences. There is a consensus among the Palestinian public and political factions, in addition to the wider Arab public, that reconciliation is a priority and a prerequisite for achieving other things. (Indeed, reading the document that was issued by the membership committee of the United Nations Security Council in response to Palestinians’ application for member state status, the Hamas-Fateh divide and Hamas’ control of Gaza were among the main justifications given for the committee’s negative reply.) Another recent development that attracted a great deal of attention was Prime Minister Salam Fayyad’s statement urging the factions to reconcile and, at the same time, pressing them to agree on a new prime minister. more.. e-mail
The incomplete legacy of Dennis Ross
Robert Grenier, Al Jazeera.com 11/23/2011
A top Obama Middle East adviser significantly damaged the Israel/Palestine peace process.
Washington DC – For anyone hopeful of Arab-Israeli peace, the news from East Jerusalem in the early spring of 1994 was alarming. Notwithstanding the euphoria surrounding the signing of the Oslo Accords just a few months before, a dark underlying reality was beginning to reassert itself in ex-Mandatory Palestine, as extremists on both sides were stepping up efforts to disrupt the negotiating process.
More disturbing yet were fundamental indications of bad faith on the part of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Following a brief pause, construction on occupied land was again increasing, particularly in the arc of Israeli settlements ringing East Jerusalem, which had just been given “preferential development status”. New facts on the ground were underscored by aggressive public statements, particularly from Minister of Housing and Construction Binyamin Ben-Eliezer and Deputy Defence Minister Mordechai Gur, indicating that, far from attenuating settlement activity, the Oslo process was motivating the Israelis to redouble efforts to seal off East Jerusalem from the Palestinian hinterland through a cordon sanitaire of roads and housing blocs, to ensure the holy city’s ultimate status as the “eternal and indivisible capital” of Israel.
It didn’t require much genius to anticipate the effect this might have on what was supposed to be a reenergised peace process. And yet, unsurprisingly, the reaction within the US government to these developments was distinctly muted. Then as now, even implied criticism of Israel was not the road to career advancement, whether for the most senior politician in the land, or the most lowly bureaucrat.
One such lowly bureaucrat, an unknown intelligence officer serving as Middle East adviser to the US Undersecretary of State, apparently hadn’t got the word. In an act of characteristic political cluelessness of the sort seemingly sure to condemn him to perpetual obscurity…. more.. e-mail
All for Peace goes silent
Mikaela Levin, Alternative Information Center 11/22/2011
The left-leaning Kol HaShalom (All for Peace—a wordplay in Hebrew that also means Voice for Peace) was on the air for the last seven years. Their studios are in Sheik Jarrah, East Jerusalem, and their shows and music are broadcast in Hebrew and Arabic.
On the 4th of November the Israeli Communication Ministry announced to Kol HaShalom director, Mossi Raz, that they were acting illegally and must stop broadcasting. The following day, the police called Raz for an interrogation and demanded, again, that he close the station. Today, Kol HaShalom, a station that defines itself as a joint Israeli-Palestinian project that helps “prepare both peoples for the ‘morning after’ the conflict”, can only be heard on the internet.
The AIC headed to the studio to talk with Raz about what happened and to discuss how Kol HaShalom will fight the government’s decision, which some commentators say is an attempt to silence criticism of the Israeli right-wing.
What happened on November 4th?
On November 4th we got a letter from the Communication Ministry telling me personally that the radio was violating the law and therefore we had to stop all broadcasting immediately. They said it was violating the law that deals with Israelis in Israel. They said that we have a studio in East Jerusalem, which is correct; we don´t think this is a violation of the law, but it´s correct. They claim that people can listen to us in most of the territory of Israel, which is also correct. They also claim that we own a transmitter in the Occupied Territories, which is wrong. We don´t own any transmitter. And actually they demand to stop all broadcast to residents in Israel. They didn´t ask us to completely stop transmitting, just to stop transmitting in Israel. more.. e-mail
A love story, a Palestinian story
Electronic Intifada: 23 Nov 2011 – Lina al-Sharif The Electronic Intifada Gaza Strip Lina al-Sharif’s story is one of love that knows no boundaries and all started with a friendly debate on Twitter.more
Support Today’s Freedom Riders by Ending U.S. Support for Israeli Apartheid
Dissident Voice: 24 Nov 2011 – Fifty years ago, Freedom Riders braved beatings and arson by supremacists intent on maintaining apartheid in the Jim Crow South. By challenging segregated transportation through nonviolent action, these African American and white activists set in motion a process that ultimately dismantled segregation. While the struggle for racial justice continues, at least this shameful chapter of formal racial discrimination is history. Reflecting on this anniversary, Rep. John Lewis, one of the main organizers of the Freedom Rides, noted that they “changed America. Before the movement…people were afraid….That fear is gone. People can walk, live, work and play with a sense of dignity and a sense of pride.” Fired by the same drive for dignity and pride, six Palestinian nonviolent activists boarded last week an Israeli settler bus to draw the world’s attention to the segregated transportation systems and apartheid conditions they endure living under Israel’s brutal 44-year military occupation of the…more
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The New Dark Age 