1 December 2011 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Soldiers Attack Detainees In Nafha Prison
IMEMC – Israeli soldiers attacked on Thursday several detainees held in the Nafha detention camp, in the Negev Desert. In a letter sent to Husam Society, the detainees said that they have been without electricity since more than three days. …
Abbas- Livni Meet In Amman
IMEMC – The Israeli Radio reported that Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, held a meeting in Amman on Wednesday with Israeli opposition leader of the Kadima Party, Tzipi Livni. …
Forty Disabled Palestinians Are Imprisoned By Israel
IMEMC – Abdul-Nasser Farwana, a Palestinian researcher and former detainee who specializes in detainees affairs, stated that the Israeli occupation is still holding captive more than forty disabled Palestinians. …
Committee: Israel rabbi plans new construction at Western Wall
12/1/2011 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — A joint Muslim and Christian organization warned Thursday that the rabbi of the Western Wall plans to build a second level at the holy site abutting Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The Islamic Christian Commission in Support of Jerusalem and the Holy Sites said the design was highly dangerous to the Haram….
Lawyer: Israel court orders Qalandiya changes
12/1/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Israel’s supreme court ruled Wednesday that authorities in the occupied West Bank should construct a checkpoint for pedestrians and cars at the entrance of Qalandiya village. The ruling followed an appeal by attorney Ghayath Nasser against the route of the wall, which lasted five years. The court determined that…. Related: Clashes erupt after court decision on Qalandiya
Israeli army targets PFLP in dawn raids
12/1/2011 – JENIN (Ma’an) — Israeli troops detained 22 people in dawn raids across the West Bank on Thursday, including nine leaders of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. An Israeli military spokeswoman said 22 people were taken for questioning, including 10 in the northern West Bank city of Jenin. PFLP officials said a….
Israeli forces ‘detain youth center leader from Bethlehem camp’
12/2/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces detained a leader of a refugee youth organization in Bethlehem on Thursday afternoon, locals told Ma’an. Forces raided Duheisha camp and seized Shihab Mizher near his shop by the refugee camp’s mosque at around 5 p. m. witnesses said. An Israeli army spokeswoman said she….
Clashes erupt after court decision on Qalandiya
12/1/2011 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israeli police detained eight young men in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday after clashes erupted in protest of a decision by the Israeli Supreme Court to solidify a West Bank checkpoint. Israeli border guards clashed with Palestinians in the Shufat refugee camp, said Luba al-Sumari, a spokeswoman for the Israeli police…. Related: Lawyer: Israel court orders Qalandiya changes
Israel ‘shuts Allenby crossing to Jordan’
12/1/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces closed the West Bank’s Allenby crossing to Jordan on Thursday evening, witnesses told Ma’an. The terminal, the sole entry and exit point for Palestinians in the West Bank to travel abroad, was shut down around 5 p. m. as ambulances, fire services, and Israeli police….
Detainees: Israel worsens treatment ahead of next swap stage
12/1/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Palestinian detainees in Israel’s Nafha prison said Thursday that they have been mistreated by prison authorities in an attempt to stir up tension before the second phase of a prisoner swap deal. In a letter to Ma’an, inmates said they were assaulted by guards without explanation….
Israeli forces demolish settlement outpost
12/1/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli military and police forces demolished an illegal settlement outpost near the Itamar settlement in the Nablus district of the northern West Bank, officials said Thursday. Settlers threw stones at the soldiers as they evacuated the outpost, Israeli radio reported. The settlers accused the army of destroying cameras which were placed….
Rights group: Police shut down video conference in Gaza
12/2/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A rights group condemned on Thursday the closure of a video conference on women’s rights by police in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Center for Human Rights said the two-day event was shut down as it opened Tuesday morning, when police cut the video connection and ordered the evacuation….
Barak says no Iran strike ‘for the moment’
12/2/2011 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Thursday ruled out a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities “for the moment,” in remarks to public radio, but said Israel would keep all options open.” We have no intention of acting for the moment. . . We should not engage in war when it is not necessary….
Israeli PM critiques Livni over Abbas meeting
12/2/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — Israel’s prime minister criticized the country’s opposition leader Tzipi Livni a day after she met with President Mahmoud Abbas in Jordan, an Israeli newspaper reported Thursday. Benjamin Netanyahu told Livni, leader of the Kadima party, that the only Israeli body fit to negotiate with the….
Obama: No ally more important than Israel
12/1/2011 – NEW YORK (Reuters) — President Barack Obama defended his policy toward Israel on Wednesday at a political fundraiser where a prominent American Jewish leader mentioned concerns in the Jewish community about the US-Israeli relationship. Obama, who has been criticized by some of Israel’s US supporters for being tough on a close ally and has….
Abbas ‘offers border proposal to Quartet’
12/1/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — President Mahmoud Abbas recently provided representatives of the Middle East Quartet with a new proposal on the borders of a future Palestinian state, Israeli media reported Thursday. The proposal included the border and security arrangements that Israel would be provided in a peace agreement, according to the report in….
Report: Israelis willing to give up nuclear arms
12/1/2011 – TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma’an) — A survey of Israeli Jews released Thursday shows that most of them would be willing to give up Israel’s secret nuclear program is Iran stopped its own, media reports said. The Saban Center for Middle East Policy found that 65 percent of Israeli Jews preferred neither Israel….
Islamic Jihad delegation arrives in Cairo
12/2/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — An Islamic Jihad delegation has arrived in Cairo to discuss national unity, party officials said Thursday. The group, headed by the movement’s general-secretary Ramadan Shalah, was invited for talks following a meeting between Fatah leader President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas chief Khalid Mashaal in the Egyptian capital last….
Labor minister offers resignation
12/1/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority labor minister said Thursday he would resign after coming under fire for profanely criticizing workers in a powerful employees union. Ahmad Majdalani said he submitted his resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas and his prime minister, Salam Fayyad, and would leave the issue up to them. The announcementfollowed outrage….
Palestinian seized from Bethlehem camp
12/1/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli special forces raided the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Thursday and arrested a Palestinian resident of Duheisha refugee camp, locals said…. Related: Israeli forces ‘detain youth center leader from Bethlehem camp’
Detention renewed for Palestinian lawmaker
12/1/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities have renewed the administrative detention order for Palestinian lawmaker Husam Khader for another six months, officials said Thursday…. Related: Israel extends detention of Fatah lawmaker for 6 months
PA labor minister says he will resign
12/1/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority labor minister said Thursday he would resign, after coming under fire for profanely criticizing public workers in a powerful employees union…. Related: Labor minister offers resignation
Gaza Interior Ministry fires 120 employees
12/1/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The Interior Ministry in Gaza has fired 120 employees suspected of abusing their positions, a ministry spokesman said. Islam Shahwan told the Hamas-affiliated news site al-Risala that the employees were fired after several warnings for multiple offenses. The dismissed staff had been given many chances to correct their behavior and….
Iran ‘frees 11 held for storming British compound’
12/2/2011 – TEHRAN (AFP) — Iran has released 11 protesters detained for storming a British diplomatic compound in Tehran, a report said on Thursday, after Iran’s top lawmaker described Britain’s response as “unjustifiable.” The Fars news agency said the protesters were released late on Wednesday after being arrested during the temporary seizure of the….
Jordan PM wins comfortable confidence vote
12/2/2011 – AMMAN (AFP) — Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh won a comfortable vote of confidence for his government from parliament on Thursday, following a four-day debate on his policies. The vote was 89-25, with three abstentions and two MPs absent from the 120-seat lower house of parliament. One seat is vacant following the recent death of….
Suprise Salafi success in Egypt vote ‘no threat to Copts’
12/2/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Salafi politicians, forecast to become powerbrokers in Egypt’s first post-uprising parliament, are seeking to allay fears in the minority Christian community of an Islamist-dominated assembly. The Salafis, who mostly eschewed politics during Mubarak’s rule, are predicted to win second place after the more moderate Islamist Muslim Brotherhood in the….
Lebanese banks tighten control on Syrian account holders
12/2/2011 – BEIRUT (AFP) — Lebanese banks have adopted strict measures to ensure compliance with international sanctions against neighbouring Syria and are closely scrutinising transactions by Syrian clients, banking officials said Thursday.” Banks are taking extremely strong precautions to avoid bad surprises regarding people or institutions under sanctions,” said one official who works at one of Lebanon’….
UN Hariri tribunal confirms Lebanese payment
12/2/2011 – THE HAGUE (AFP) — The UN-backed court probing the murder of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri thanked Beirut on Thursday for making its annual payment and hailed its commitment to the rule of law.” With this contribution of $32,184,635 (23,864,570 euros) the representatives of the Lebanese people have demonstrated their commitment to work for the rule of….
Flood of sanctions fails to halt Syrian bloodshed
12/1/2011 – BRUSSELS (AFP) — Europe and the United States tightened economic sanctions on Syria Thursday, ramping up international pressure as the UN said more than 4,000 people have died in a crackdown on dissidents. The violence on the ground spread, and a Syrian human rights group said troops raided towns and villages in the flashpoint provinces of….
Egypt announces second delay to poll results
12/1/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) —Egypt announced a second delay Thursday for results of its first election vote since its February revolution ousting former president Hosni Mubarak. Egypt’s election commission chief Abdel Moez Ibrahim said a large turnout in the first phase of multi-stage parliamentary elections — forecast as high as 70 percent — meant the publication of….
In Silwan, Two Families Live under Threat of Home Evacuation
PNN – PNNAfter one family from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan was evacuated to ensure full Israeli control of the corridor between Silwan and the Moroccan Gate, another family will soon be asked,…
Israeli Forces Demolish Commercial Buildings in Husan, West of Bethlehem
PNN – PNN On Thursday morning, Israeli bulldozers demolished five commercial buildings and arrested three people in the village of Husan, west of Bethlehem. Locals told Palestinian government news wire Wafa that an “enormous…
Arrest Wave Targets 23 Palestinians in West Bank
PNN – PNNThe Israeli army conducted a widespread arrest campaign on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, resulting in the arrests of 23 Palestinians aged between 15 to 67. Nine of the arrested Palesetinians were…
Op Ed: Palestinians Will Have to Wait Another Year?
PNN – by Daoud Kuttab Leaders have a habit of creating expectations for their people; these are higher in the case of groups that suffer from injustice. Not wanting to set precise time limits,…
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
PCHR Condemns Banning MUSAWA Conference in Gaza
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Thursday, 01 December 2011
PCHR Welcomes Elections in Egypt and Tunisia, the Dawn of Arab Spring
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Thursday, 01 December 2011
PCHR Condemns Escalation in Arrest of Palestinian Fishermen in the Gaza Strip
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Thursday, 01 December 2011
International Solidarity Movement
A wave of demolitions as Israel targets the Jordan Valley
12/1/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – By Lydia, 30 November 2011, International Solidarity Day, West Bank – This morning at 7am the Israeli army entered the village of El Beida in the northern Jordan Valley with 10 military jeeps and one bulldozer. Israeli military proceeded towards Abu Tarek Fracka’s land where he houses a honey farm on the land where….
Nablus comes together for International Solidarity Day
12/1/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – By Wahed Rejol, 29 November 2011, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – Today in the Occupied West Bank, Palestinians and internationals gathered in Nablus to participate in an international day of support for Palestine. In 1977 the United Nations General Assembly voted to declare November 29 as the The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People….
Alternative Information Center
Mahmoud Darwish memorial opens in Ramallah
Alternative Information Center – A memorial dedicated to the Palestinian literary and political hero, Mahmoud Darwish, opened Sunday in Ramallah. While P.A. officials commemorated the event this week, workers on site say it will be another month before the garden…
Palestinian children imprisoned in violation of international law
Alternative Information Center – In September 2009 Israel established the Military Youth Court. Two years later, in September 2011 Israel finally met its obligations under international law and raised the age of majority in the military courts from 16 to…
Netanyahu resurrects attack on NGOs
Alternative Information Center – Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu effectively froze two controversial pieces of legislation that would limit the ability of left-leaning NGOs to operate in Israel, putting the bills on ice after pressure from the EU…
“We will continue to build 100 times”
Alternative Information Center – The new short documentary film Sumoud provides an in-depth look at the struggle for al-Araqib, a Bedouin village that has been demolished over 30 times since July 2010. Al Arakib the day after a demolition in…
Afghanistan: KOFF-Newsletter No. 103
Relief Web 1 Dec 2011 – Source: Swiss Peace Foundation Country: Afghanistan , Burundi , Democratic Republic of the Congo (the) , Guatemala , Israel , Nepal , occupied Palestinian territory , Rwanda , Tunisia KOFF – swisspeace OSCE conference on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 KOFF Roundtable on Peace and Reconciliation in Rwanda:…
Reports: Fifteen Kuwaiti MPs suspected of money laundering
The National 1 Dec 2011 – The central bank had told prosecutors that bank accounts held by the 15 lawmakers “have received suspicious deposits and the anti-money laundering law applies to them,” Al-Jarida newspaper reported, citing informed sources.
Activists call for Syrians to strike amid Assad’s crackdown
The National 1 Dec 2011 – Syria’s opposition called a general strike, ramping up efforts to persuade the country’s business elite to abandon their long-standing ties to the regime.
Clashes between Yemen army and rebels leaves at least 14 dead
The National 1 Dec 2011 – Fighting between Mr Saleh’s troops and gunmen who support opposition tribal leaders erupted before dawn as loyalist troops tried to storm the city centre.
UN: Syria death toll more than 4,000
The National 1 Dec 2011 – The European Union also imposes new sanctions on Damascus.
EU slaps further sanctions on Tehran
The National 1 Dec 2011 – Days after crowds in Tehran attacked two British diplomatic compounds, the European Union has restricted Iran further over its nuclear programme.
Islamists set to gain majority of seats in Egypt’s elections
The National 1 Dec 2011 – Liberal youths may have led the charge against the regime of Hosni Mubarak but Islamists are claiming success in the first election since the president’s downfall.
Fayyad to Haaretz: I will not lead a Palestinian unity government
Ha’aretz – Survey released last week shows 57 percent Palestinians want Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to serve as head of the unity government.
Former Mossad chief briefed comptroller about Iran strike plans
Ha’aretz – ‘I’m very troubled,’ Meir Dagan said. ‘What I understand [from Barak’s statement] is that Israel must act within that time frame. I don’t share that appraisal.’
Anshel Pfeffer / Only more democracy can prevent another Iran in the Middle East
Ha’aretz – Even if the democratization of the Middle East produces Muslim-led governments, democracy remains the only guarantee against anti-Semitic persecution.
Report: Russia delivers supersonic cruise missiles to Syria
Ha’aretz – Military source confirms delivery of missiles, according to an AFP report; second official says missiles will protect Syria from ‘possible attack from the sea.’
Israeli politicians trying to delegitimize the Supreme Court, says chief justice
Ha’aretz – Dorit Beinisch tells Public Law conference that an incitement campaign against Israel’s justice system has been ‘gaining momentum’ for years.
U.S. Jewish groups furious over campaign to bring expat Israelis back home
Ha’aretz – VIDEO: Israeli absorption ministry releases campaign warning Israelis living abroad against assimilation; ADL calls videos demeaning to American Jewry.
Close-up photos of Spencer Tunick nude photo shoot leaked online
Ha’aretz – Photos enabling identification of volunteers at Dead Sea shoot appear to be taken by an official project photographer, who denies responsibility for the leak.
It’s official: The Red Hot Chili Peppers are coming to Israel
Ha’aretz – The U.S. band canceled a 2001 concert in Israel following a wave of terrorist attacks; they are now confirmed to play in Tel Aviv in September 2012.
Report: Iran authorities behind attack on U.K. embassy
Ha’aretz – Photographs from so-called student protest show members of Basij forces taking part; attack was also filmed life, something that is not permitted without approval by Khamanei.
Rights group to sue Qatar, Al Jazeera for deporting HIV positive journalist
Ha’aretz – Gulf state of Qatar deported a South African journalist hired by Al Jazeera for being HIV positive in 2010; December 1 marks World AIDS Day.
Qatar urges West to embrace Islamists in wake of Arab Spring
Ha’aretz – Prime Minister al-Thani tellls Financial Times moderate Islamist could assist in fighting extremist ideology.
Former Mossad chief: Israeli attack on Iran must be stopped to avert catastrophe
Ha’aretz – Meir Dagan speaks out against military offensive on Iran, expresses concern that Defense Minister Barak believes Israel only has less than a year to carry out an attack.
EU adopts new sanctions against Iran and Syria
Ha’aretz – Sanctions against Syria, over its crackdown against protesters, set to be wide-ranging; actions against Iran could include controversial oil embargo; U.S. says would support sanctions on Iran central bank.
Germany probing alleged Iran plot to attack U.S. bases on its soil
Ha’aretz – Prosecutor General confirms report in Bild reported that a German businessman is suspected of espionage for purpose of sabotage.
Haaretz poll: Nearly 50% of Israelis see recent Knesset bills as anti-democratic
Ha’aretz – Survey examines public attitudes toward a series of bills recently discussed by the Knesset which critics say would undermine the Supreme Court, human rights organizations and freedom of the press.
Former AG Mazuz included in final list of Israel Supreme Court nominees
Ha’aretz – Judicial Selection Committee due to meet Jan. 6 to determine future justices; updated list also includes Israeli Arab George Kara, who presided over the Katsav rape trial.
Sex offender in custody after extradition from Argentina
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Defendant convicted of several offenses in 2008, but fled to South America before sentencing.
PA minister resigns after radio comments
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Palestinian Authority minister who called Palestinian workers “brothers of whores” submits his resignation.
Jerusalem man indicted for assault property dispute
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Yosef Meir Klein charged with aggravated assault and rioting over apartment complex in Mea She’arim.
Austria honors former ‘Post’ editor-in-chief Ari Rath
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – President of Austria’s president presents Rath with award of distinction on behalf of Austria.
US offers ‘bunker busters’ to UAE over Iran threat
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Obama administration proposed selling 600 “bunker buster” bombs, other munitions to UAE to deter ‘regional threats.’
‘Salafists make Muslim Brotherhood look moderate’
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Analysis: Puritanical group surprises fellow Islamists with strong support.
Islamist set to sweep initial Egypt elections
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Official results delayed again; Muslim Brotherhood expected to receive largest share of votes, but strong turnout for fundamentalist Salafists could be elections’ biggest surprise.
Fire Service commissioner: We built new organization
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – One year after Carmel fire, commissioner Shahar Ayalon tells ‘Post’ brought experience from police work.
Israel seeks new friends to counter Islamism
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – J’lem seeking allied blocs to help balance power as Islamists gain stronger footing amid Arab Spring.
Home for Hanukka
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Purely from a humanitarian standpoint, Alan Gross should be allowed to go home.
Two gatherings on two sides of the Atlantic
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Approaches for addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could not have been more strikingly dissonant at American and European events.
New Israel Fund sparks furor Down Under
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – The Australian NIF made a blunder by selecting David Landau to promote their case to the Jewish community and Australian media.
Analysis: Arab sanctions close net on Syria trade
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Until now Syria has been able to continue financing trade indirectly by depositing money in Damascus in subsidiaries of Arab banks.
PostScript: The iceman’s meltdown
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – When Meir Dagan says the machine of government is broke, and that this is ultimately going to lead to Israel’s downfall, we all know he is right.
Savir’s Corner: The 29th of November
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – This week marked the 64th anniversary of the UN vote, and we are still in conflict over the same question of Palestine.
Report: Russia delivers anti-ship missiles to Syria
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Missiles that “allow coverage of entire Syrian coastline” reportedly delivered in accordance with 2007 contract.
Poll shows Israeli approval for Obama is up
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Jewish Israelis support nuclear detente, Saban Center for Mideast Policy at Brookings survey shows.
Beinisch: MKs, ministers are delegitimizing Supreme Court
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Supreme Court president says politicians are conducting a deliberate campaign of incitement against the court; Former A-G Menahem Mazuz on new list of Supreme Court candidates.
‘Politicians leading campaign of incitement against court’
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Supreme Court President Beinish says MKs, government ministers have been taking advantage of immunity to lead a “poisonous campaign of deception” against the justice system.
Rivlin: New NGO bill shows politicians ‘going crazy’
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Begin advises caution, as rumors cause diplomatic harm; opposition says new legislation still anti-democratic.
Biden: No sign authorities behind embassy attack
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – US vice president says attack is a sign Tehran is int’l pariah, calls fears of Iranian influence in Iraq “vastly overstated.”
Egyptians must wait another day for poll results
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Islamists set for majority with Salafi parties; army official paints dire picture of economy; parliament could dilute power of generals.
Global index ranks Israel more corrupt than ever
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – HUJ professor says ranking is a result of highly visible corruption cases, not any actual deterioration.
UN: Syria in civil war, death toll at 4,000
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – With new toll, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay characterizes Syrian violence as civil war.
EU adds Iran sanctions, US eyes its central bank
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – European governments add 180 entities, people to sanctions list; US talks of freezing assets of Iran’s central bank.
US Treasury, Arab League and EU sanction Syria
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – US bans two companies, firms; EU adds 11 individuals, entities to sanctions list; Arab League bans Syrian VIPs from travel.
The Weekly Schmooze: Larry David, future Nobel laureate
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – A JPost column wrapping up the hottest Jewish culture news worldwide: Drake sends shout-out to fellow Jewish rappers; Duggars visit Israel.
Hamshoushalayim fever sweeps Jerusalem
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – The capital comes alive each weekend during December with annual festival that offers cultural events at reduced rates.
Analysis: Egypt’s Brotherhood feels time has come
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – The Muslim brotherhood have had a strong showing in elections so far; many still fearful of its extremism
Arab League bans travel for Assad regime officials
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Targets include Assad’s brother, cousin; EU readies raft of economic sanctions against Syria.
A comforting classic reborn
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Chef Laura Frankel’s mushroom meatloaf served with a peppercorn sauce will spruce up an average weeknight meal.
ADL condemns anti-Semitic crimes in New Jersey
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – 3 kosher restaurants, two Judaica shops, and a Jewish-owned hardware store have windows broken.
Arison’s ex to pay nurse NIS 250,000 for sexual harassment
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Court angers advocacy groups by turning down request for NIS 5 million from Ofer Glazer.
Gov’t invests NIS 600m. to turn trash into energy
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Environmental Protection Ministry, local authorities to invest in waste-treatment plants that generate bio-gas, fertilizer.
Walkers to raise money for Alzheimer’s care
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Melabev is preparing to raise money in a two-day hike for its care of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Chief rabbi skeptical about marriage bill
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – Bill seeks to prevent rabbis from taking money for performing weddings, except for travel expenses.
New fire station dedicated year after Carmel fire
Jerusalem Post 1 Dec 2011 – A year after massive blaze ripped through Mount Carmel, relatives of the fallen will gather at University of Haifa for a scholarship ceremony.
Israel faces legal challenge over block on Palestinians exiting Gaza to sue state
The Guardian 1 Dec 2011 – Human rights body says those seeking damages for actions of Israeli military are refused entry to the country to appear in court An Israeli human rights organisation has launched a legal challenge to the state’s policy…
Most Israelis Favour a Nuclear-Free Middle East, Poll Shows
IPS A clear majority of Israeli Jews would support a nuclear weapons-free Middle East, even if it meant that Israel too would have to give up its stockpile of nuclear weapons.
U.N. Says Syria Death Toll Above 4,000
IPS The United Nations says the death toll in Syria’s nine-month-old uprising has reached “much more” than 4000, characterising the situation as a civil war.
EGYPT: Muslim Brotherhood Looks Beyond Tahrir
IPS Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood came under fire from various political quarters for its decision to stay out of last week’s clashes in and around Cairo’s Tahrir Square. But as Egyptians vote in the country’s first post-Mubarak parliamentary polls, many local analysts believe the controversial decision may have ended up paying political…
Israeli settlers harass released prisoners, threaten them with death
Uruknet December 1, 2011 – When olive season came to the northern West Bank village of Tell, the Ramadan family could be found spreading tarps underneath trees and thwacking down the high-hanging fruits with sticks. The talk was of cousins Khwaylid and Nizar Ramadan, two native sons freed from Israeli military prison as part of mid-October’s prisoner…
British MPs Write to Congress to Complain About Guantánamo and to Demand the Release of Shaker Aamer
Uruknet December 1, 2011 – In Truthout today, four British MPs – Jeremy Corbyn, John Leech, Caroline Lucas and Michael Meacher – wrote an open letter to Congress seeking the return to the UK of Shaker Aamer, the last British resident in the prison. Mr. Aamer’s story is familiar to those of us who have long campaigned…
Senate Amendment Calls for a Return to Bush-Era Torture
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – An amendment by Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-New Hampshire) to the current Defense Authorization Bill (SA 1068) now before Congress would roll back the 2009 Obama executive order against torture by re-establishing a secret “classified” set of interrogation techniques and then attaching them to the current “Army Field Manual” on human intelligence collection….
Barak says no Iran strike ‘for the moment’
Uruknet December 1, 2011 — Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Thursday ruled out a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities “for the moment,” in remarks to public radio, but said Israel would keep all options open. “We have no intention of acting for the moment… We should not engage in war when it is not necessary, but…
Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (24- 30 Nov. 2011)
Uruknet December 1, 2011 – Summary : Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (24 – 30 November 2011): Shooting: In the West Bank, during the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the annexation…
Iraq snapshot – November 30, 2011
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – November 30, 2011. Chaos and violence continue, Nouri announces he’s fine with US troops being ‘trainers,’ Joe Biden, continuing his Iraq visit, rushes to say that they can do that and more, a video of an Iraqi woman being tortured by police emerges, Parliament was attacked by a suicide bomber on Monday,…
Syria News – November 30, 2011 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet November 30, 2011 : The number of martyrs in Syria today has thus far reached twenty, among them two women and two children. Ten of the martyrs were in Idlib, including two from Saraqeb and two from Feyloun village; eight in Homs and two in Hama…Idlib: Martyrdom of Yowsri Mohammed and the child Imad Saad Eldin, 9…
U.S. military chief: Unclear if Israel would alert U.S. ahead of attack on Iran
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – The top U.S. military officer told Reuters on Wednesday he did not know whether Israel would alert the United States ahead of time if it decided to take military action against Iran. General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also acknowledged differences in perspective between the United States…
Jerusalem – Stories from the Old City: ‘We are not living like human beings’
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – At the top of a steep and ramshackle street in the Palestinian neighbourhood of Silwan, a rusty, battered gate opens into an unremarkable house. Less than a quarter mile away, though, stand the Al Aqsa mosque and the Wailing Wall, two of Jerusalem’s most venerated holy sites, making it a very attractive…
In Silwan neighborhood, evictions and displacement
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – Two methods – eviction and demolition – are favored by settlers and their government supporters to coerce Silwan’s residents into leaving their neighborhood. Silwan is an area of East Jerusalem that reaches to the gates of the Old City, on the southeast corner, and comprises part of the area understood by some…
At Risk Eurozone Sovereign Credit Ratings
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – Moody’s says Eurozone crisis conditions place all member state credit ratings at risk. It warned 87 European banks to expect downgrades. Moreover, Fitch revised America’s debt outlook to negative. Nonetheless, its AAA rating is unchanged. For how long is another issue. At the same time, Italy’s La Stampa said IMF intervention will…
Tripoli seeking all-out ties with Tehran- Libyan official
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – The Libyan deputy ambassador to the UN said Wednesday that National Transitional Council (NTC) of his country is seeking all-out cooperation with Iran. Tripoli seeking all-out ties with Tehran- Libyan official Ibrahim Dabbashi told IRNA that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a leading country in the region and Tripoli counts on…
White House: We’re Really, Really Ending The Iraq War
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – The White House says it’s on track to remove the remaining 15,000 U.S. troops from Iraq by December 31, despite some apparent misreporting from Baghdad – which, um, we breathlessly repeated. In a joint press appearance on Tuesday, Vice President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki seemed to suggest that…
As the “Humanitarian Warriors” Gloat… Here’s the Key Question in the Libyan War
Uruknet December 1, 2011 – These days the humanitarian warriors are riding high, thanks to their proclaimed victory in Libya. The world’s only superpower, with moral, military and mercenary support from the democracy-loving emirate of Qatar and the historic imperialist powers, Britain and France, was unsurprisingly able to smash the existing government of a sparsely populated North…
The rise of Qatar and the fall of Gaddafi
Uruknet November 30, 2011 -The year 2011 can be called “the year of Qatar.” The events in Syria and Libya are particularly clear demonstration of the emergence of new regional powers, whose names until recently were not familiar to ordinary people. The overthrow of Gaddafi led to a radical change of the situation in Africa. Considering that…
African migrants suffer after Gaddafi’s fall
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – Thousands of black African migrants living in Libya have been forced to leave the country by this year’s war. Their exodus has had a big economic impact on their families, writes the BBC’s Thomas Fessy in Senegal’s capital, Dakar… After years of privileged relations with Col Gaddafi’s regime, thousands of black Africans…
Stone Cold Justice: Palestinian child political prisoners
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – YOU hear them before you see them. The first clue that a new group of children is approaching is a shuffle of shoes and a clinking of handcuffs and shackles. The door to the courtroom bursts open – four boys, all shackled, stare into the room. Four boys looking bewildered. They wear…
The Age of Extremism: Mammon Worshippers Launch All-Out War
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – On Wednesday — the day before Britain’s unions launched the largest strike the country has seen in almost 90 years — the UK’s coalition government finally removed its mask of ‘moderation’ and showed its true, ravenous face. The government’s economic honcho, George Osborne — a young, smirking, smarmy upper class twit who…
Israeli navy shoots Palestinian fisherman who sued Israel, kidnaps at least nine others in Gazan waters
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – The Israeli navy violently seized two Palestinian trawlers in Gazan waters yesterday, shooting one fisherman in the arm, and ultimately forcing at least ten men to Ashod, Israel, where they were interrogated for several hours. Israel released all of the fishermen at 2 a.m. this morning. Twenty-eight year old Nehad Mohamed Rajab…
Saddam, Gaddafi and the Arabs: An African perspective
Uruknet November 30, 2011 – … The press exhibit imperialist barbarism as the images perpetuate the de-valuing of human life and cheapen the essence of humanity. For all the offence Ghaddafi must have allegedly committed, the barbaric display of Arabs won him sympathy from Africans like me….Writing a piece entitled, “Saddam Hanging and the Humiliation of Arab World”,…
Syria News – November 29, 2011 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet November 29, 2011 – Martyrs of today in Syria raised to 16 including 2 girls kids, 5 in Damascus suburbs: 3 in Rankous; 2 in Qalamon, 5 in Homs, 2 in Hama 1 in Saraqeb, and 3 dead bodies for unknown persons found in Latamneh in Hama suburbs…Homs: Martyrdom of child Khaldiyeh Soltan Al-Hawash after she…
Syria entering state of civil war, warns top U.N. human rights official
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Syria is entering a state of civil war with more than 4,000 people dead and an increasing number of soldiers defecting from the army, the U.N.’s top human rights official warned Thursday.
Nasrallah chooses stability despite ire
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah came out Thursday against Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s decision to pay Lebanon’s share to the funding of a U.N-backed.
Egypt commission delays election results
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Egypt’s election commission announced Thursday a delay in the release of final results for the first round of parliamentary elections while judges monitoring the count said Islamist parties are poised to gain a parliamentary majority.
Lebanon committed to rights, freedom: Sleiman
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 President Michel Sleiman said Thursday that Lebanon has always been committed to freedom and human rights and has stood against violence and terrorism.
France to give 1 mln euros for Nahr al-Bared rebuild
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 The United Nations Relief Works Agency announced Wednesday that the French government will contribute 1 million euros to UNRWA’s reconstruction efforts in the Nahr al-Bared camp.
Arsal residents protest against Syrian regime
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Residents of the border town of Arsal in the eastern Bekaa held a rally to condemn the Syrian regime’s brutal crackdown on protesters in Syria.
U.S. collaborators will face their fate: Tyre MP
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Tyre MP Nawwaf Musawi said Thursday that following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq at the end of the year.
Country should address refugees’ needs: Clements
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 A senior United States official said Thursday that Lebanon needed to address the needs of Syrian and other Arab refugees who have fled restive states.
Aoun boycott threat remains unless demands are met
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 The funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon saga might be finished, but the government’s next scheduled meeting could very well be derailed by ministers from the Free Patriotic Movement.
Mansour describes border rocket attack as isolated incident
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 FM Adnan Mansour said that this week’s rocket attack on Israel had nothing to do with instability in neighboring Syria, labeling the exchange of fire across the Blue Line an isolated incident.
Jumblatt to unveil major political stances
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt is expected to announce a series of political positions Sunday.
Mikati’s move to fund STL draws praise as well as criticism
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 PM Najib Mikati’s decision to pay Lebanon’s share of the annual funding for the STL won much praise from Lebanese politicians Thursday, though many continued criticize how the payment was made.
STL: Funding will facilitate key projects
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Money finally provided to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon this week will allow it to start important projects that had been delayed by Lebanon’s 11 month-long failure to come up with court funding.
Authorities arrest 2 arson suspects in Sidon
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Two men were arrested Thursday on suspicion of involvement in the case of multiple cars that were set on fire in different neighborhoods of Sidon, a security source said.
Vedrine warns European states against patronizing attitude
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Former French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine called for European nations to abandon their post-colonialist patronizing attitude toward Arab countries that have succeeded in toppling authoritarian regimes.
Metn road accidents leave man dead, injure 2 others
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 A man was killed and two others injured Thursday in separate road accidents in the Metn towns of Antelias and Rabieh, the National News Agency reported.
Order of Pharmacists calls for Monday work stoppage
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 The Order of Pharmacists called on pharmacists Thursday to close for 15 minutes next Monday to protest a recent spike in robberies and attacks against pharmacies and their owners.
UAE decision on nationality law highlights need for new approach
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 As the United Arab Emirates became the eighth Arab state to grant equal nationality rights to women Wednesday, campaigners in Lebanon warn the domestic struggle still has some way to go.
Local groups pressure officials from below
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Cost-of-living woes and electricity outages have spurred ad hoc protests in the city of Sidon and nearby towns on the coast.
Detailing the anatomy of a Lebanese protest movement
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 “The tires that we set fire to didn’t block the road completely because they burned too quickly – some cars were able to cross and continue on their way.”
Yemen agrees on interim government as violence rages
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Yemen’s opposition said it agreed the lineup of an interim government with outgoing President Ali Saleh’s party, under a deal to end a struggle over his fate that has brought the country close to civil war.
The Tunis imperative
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 There are moments in history when each of us is called upon to declare where we stand. I believe this is one of those moments.
Forum finds EU policy overlooked tyranny of Arab Spring neighbors
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 European parliamentarians admitted committing errors in dealing with their Mediterranean neighbors, saying overlooking tyranny had undermined democracy.
ICC probes sex crimes by Gadhafi troops
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 The ICC began a probe into sex crimes by Moammar Gadhafi’s troops during the revolt against him as three women spoke of their suffering under the slain dictator’s rule.
Security Council hindering human rights progress: Official
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Fateh Azzam said Wednesday nothing much can be done to enforce human rights requirements if the United Nation’s executive body, namely the Security Council, does not take action.
Muslim Brotherhood campaign machine pulls in Egypt voters
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 First-time voter Hasan Abdel-Hamid had no idea who to vote for in Egypt’s first parliamentary elections since the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.
Iraq violence kills 18 as Biden hails end of war
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 A car bomb killed 10 people and gunmen executed eight more in Iraq’s restive Diyala province Thursday as the government hosted U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden at a ceremony in Baghdad.
Ankara conveys concerns to Tehran over threat against missile shield
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Turkey’s foreign minister has conveyed Ankara’s concerns about an Iranian commander’s recent remarks that Tehran would hit NATO’s missile shield in Turkey if threatened.
Speculation mounts over Turkey gunman’s Syrian connection
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Turkish police were Thursday questioning one person in connection to an attack by an armed man that wounded two people at a top Istanbul tourist attraction.
Russia delivers anti-ship missiles to Syria-report
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Russia has delivered anti-ship cruise missiles to Syria, the Interfax news agency cited an unnamed military source as saying on Thursday.
Israelis support nuclear-free Mideast: poll
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 A strong majority of Israeli Jews support a Middle East where neither Iran nor Israel nor any other country has nuclear weapons, according to a poll published on Thursday.
EU foreign ministers fail to agree on Iran oil ban
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 EU foreign ministers failed to reach an agreement to impose an oil embargo against Iran – a measure that some argued would have choked off funding for Iran’s alleged program to develop nuclear weapons.
Nasrallah: We will not cause crisis over STL funding
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah Thursday said the party will not trigger a crisis over the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon despite its continued opposition to the move.
Iraq death toll down in November
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 The number of Iraqis killed fell sharply in November compared to October, despite a string of bloody attacks late in the month, official figures showed on Thursday.
STL confirms received more than $32m from Lebanon
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 The Special Tribunal for Lebanon confirms it has received Lebanon’s share of the court’s annual budget.
‘Millions’ deposited in Kuwaiti MP bank accounts
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Millions of dollars have been deposited suspiciously into the bank accounts of 15 Kuwaiti MPs suspected of money laundering, reports citing informed sources said Thursday.
Lebanese banks tighten control on Syrian account holders
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Banks are running away from anything that has to do with Syria, official says.
Kuwait tells citizens to leave Syria
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 Foreign Ministry issues directive to ensure Kuwaitis safety
U.N. welcomes STL funding decision, urges further cooperation
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 The United Nations welcomes Lebanon’s decision to fund the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, urging Prime Minister Najib Mikati to fully cooperate with the court
Jumblatt to announce series of political positions Sunday
Daily Star 1 Dec 2011 MPs from the dissolved Democratic Gathering will join the rally at which the announcements are to be made
‘Politicians on incitement campaign against Supreme Court’
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Her term as Supreme Court president may be coming to an end, but Justice Dorit Beinish is still doing battle over the character of the halls of justice she will be … ….
UK lawmaker criticized for ‘Zionist bias’ comments
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – A British lawmaker has been criticized after suggesting the country’s ambassador to Israel may be biased because he is Jewish. Related articles: Op-ed: The science … ….
Jewish cemetery in Kosovo capital desecrated
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Police in Kosovo are investigating who sprayed swastikas on dozens of tombstones in a Jewish cemetery recently restored by American and Kosovan students, a spokesman said … ….
Diplomats: UK embassy in Tehran ‘systematically destroyed’
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Iranians who stormed the British embassy in Tehran this week left a trail of destruction that witnesses said looked to have been well organized and not the result of a … ….
Russia ‘delivers missiles to Syria’
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Russia has delivered supersonic cruise missiles to Syria despite the violence shaking the Arab country and Israel’s furious condemnation of the deal, a news report said … ….
EU tightens Iran sanctions; mulls oil ban
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – The European Union tightened its sanctions against Tehran on Thursday and laid out plans for a possible embargo on Iranian oil in response to mounting concerns in the … ….
Tzeelim misfire: Gunners acted against IDF procedure
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – An IDF spokesman said Thursday a preliminary investigation into the incident in which stray artillery shells landed outside the security parameter and dangerously close … ….
UN: Syria now in state of civil war, death toll at 4,000
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – With more than 4,000 dead, increasing numbers of defecting soldiers taking up….
East J’lem: 8 Palestinians arrested in riots
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Palestinians hurl stones at Border Guard officers, burn Israeli flags in protest….
British-Palestinian helps promote London Olympics
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – UK Foreign Office bid to promote 2012 London Olympics by featuring citizens’….
Turkey conveys concerns to Iran over missile shield threat
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Foreign Minister Davutoglu tells Iranian counterpart Turkey concerned over….
Shalit’s grandfather to PM: Gilad’s back to normal
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Zvi Shalit meets Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, tells him Gilad gained….
‘Iran planning to attack US bases in Germany’
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Confidential document leaked to German paper claims authorities arrested German….
CPI: Israel more corrupt than ever
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Corruption Perceptions Index for 2011 ranks Israel in 36th place compared with….
Iran releases students who stormed British Embassy
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Iranian authorities set free 11 protesters detained after ransacking diplomatic….
Outpost built in memory of Fogel family razed
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Civil Administration, IDF forces demolish Givat Ariyeh outpost, set up after….
UK to call for tougher Iran sanctions
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – British Foreign Secretary William Hague says intensification of sanctions aimed….
Gang holds youth for ransom near Hebron
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Laborer smugglers who abduct 21-year-old son of Holon businessman arrested in….
PA presents map with 1.9% land swap
YNet News, 1 Dec 2011 – Palestinians submit Mideast Quartet with document detailing security, border….
Palestinian Information Center
Ihsanoglu: It is time to have peace and establish a Palestinian state
PIC – The time has come for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in order to bring peace to the region, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu stated on Wednesday.
Al-Aqsa foundation warns of Jewish plan to build synagogues under Magariba Gate
PIC – Al-Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage said Zionist religious parties renewed a plan to build synagogues under Al-Magariba Gate in the area adjacent to the Aqsa Mosque.
Knesset bill calls for declaring Jerusalem capital of Jews
PIC – Two Israeli Knesset members introduced a bill calling for declaring occupied Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel and the Jewish people and considering this decision irreversible.
Palestine Mufti: Building underground synagogue threatens Aqsa structure
PIC – Sheikh Mohammed Hussein, the Mufti of Palestine, has warned that the Israeli plan of building a synagogue underneath the Buraq plaza west of the Aqsa mosque would threaten its very structure.
IOF soldiers round up 9 PFLP activists including one with disability
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) launched a large scale search operation in Jenin before dawn Thursday and rounded up nine activists of the popular front for the liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
Settlers attack Nablus village
PIC – Armed Jewish settlers attacked the village of Irak Burin, south of Nablus, on Thursday evening and where confronted by locals who threw stones at them.
IOF soldiers detain young woman, four Jerusalemite schoolchildren
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) detained a Palestinian young woman at a roadblock leading to the Ibrahimi mosque in Al-Khalil on Thursday, local sources said.
Palestinian prisoners in Nafha jail on 2nd day of hunger strike
PIC – Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli desert prison of Nafha have gone on hunger strike since Wednesday in protest against Israeli penal measures, the Wa’ad for prisoners affairs said on Thursday.
10 Prisoners Injured in Nafha Prison, Says Ministry of Detainees Affairs
WAFA
Israeli Police Arrest Palestinians, Attack Protest in Northern Jerusalem
WAFA
UNRWA to Launch First Ever Environmental Zero Impact School in Gaza
WAFA
UN General Assembly Adopts 6 Resolutions on Palestine, Middle East
WAFA
PCBS: Prevalence among Males is Higher than Females
WAFA
Italy Upgrades Status of Palestinian Head of Delegation to Ambassador
WAFA
Israeli Authorities Prevent 30 Farmers from Entering their Land
WAFA
Settlers Storm, Attack Iraq Burin Village
WAFA
PCBS: External Exports Decrease by 8.8% in September
WAFA
Israel Prevents Director of Al-Aqsa Mosque from Entering Jerusalem
WAFA
Israeli Occupation Forces Demolish Homes and Mosque, Arrest Girls Near Hebron
Intifada-Palestine: 1 Dec 2011 – Submitted by Ali Abunimah – The Electronic Intifada On 24 November Israeli occupation forces demolished two homes, a mosque and a barn, killing livestock, and arrested two young women in the village of Umm Fagarah, in the South Hebron Hills in… more
Rania Masri: Arab League’s Syria Sanctions Reveal its Lack of Credibility [VIDEO]
Intifada-Palestine: 1 Dec 2011 – Dr. Rania Masri from the University of Balamand in Beirut says Arab League was designed by the West to support former colonial countries’ interests in the Arab world. It’s not just Egypt’s fate that’s being decided in Cairo, but Syria’s future… more
Spoiling for a Fight
Intifada-Palestine: 1 Dec 2011 – Photo: Getty Images by Stuart Littlewood The gung-ho leadership of the British government, fresh from their heroic “liberation” of Libya (and never mind the mega-deaths and wholesale destruction), are now itching for a fight with Iran, it seems. Of course they… more
Noam Chomsky and The Manufacture of Consent – Dan Glazebrook
Intifada-Palestine: 1 Dec 2011 – by Dan Glazebrook By whitewashing the Libyan rebels and demonising the Gaddafi regime did the leading US intellectual Noam Chomsky help facilitate an imperialist invasion? In a wide-ranging interview with Chomsky, Dan Glazebrook asks him.. This was a difficult interview for… more
Early Egypt election results indicate Islamists swept first round
LA Times 1 Dec 2011 – The Muslim Brotherhood’s party appears to be the top vote-getter in Egypt’s parliamentary elections. Liberals and secularists fear that Islamists will set the country’s agenda. Islamist parties appeared to have swept the first round of elections for an Egyptian parliament that is likely to erase…
European Union Tightens Sanctions Against Iran
New York Times 1 Dec 2011 – New restrictions in the aftermath of the storming of the British Embassy in Tehran fell short of demands by Britain and France for an oil embargo.
In Iraq, Biden Says Tide of Conflict Is Receding
New York Times 1 Dec 2011 – Iraq’s top officials and Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. paid tribute to each other’s soldiers as they recognized the end of the Iraq war on Thursday.
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Keeps Distance From Salafis
New York Times 1 Dec 2011 – The Muslim Brotherhood’s political arm distanced itself from a more conservative Islamist party as early tallies indicated they would claim the two largest roles in Parliament.
U.N. Says Syrian Unrest Amounts to Civil War
New York Times 1 Dec 2011 – More sanctions were enacted against Syrian individuals and companies in a rising tide of international pressure.
Protesters storm British embassy in Tehran over new sanctions
WSWS – Tuesday’s protests reflect the escalation of tensions between the Iranian regime and the major powers, led by the US.
Wolf Blitzer will host surging Paul, but Republican Jewish Coalition won’t
Mondoweiss – As Alex Kane notes above, Ron Paul, the libertarian Republican, has been barred from next week’s Republican Jewish Coalition forum of the candidates. Adam Kredo : Paul was not invited to attend the RJC’s candidates forum because the organization – as it has stated numerous times in…
Support Prof. Marc Elllis – and tell Kenn Starr to Stand Down!
Muzzlewatch – This is a guest post by Rabbi Brant Rosen, Chair of JVP’s Rabbinical Council and the Rabbi of Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston, IL. You can follow his writings in this blog: http://rabbibrant.com/ and please sign this petition in support of Prof. Ellis. I first read…
After missteps on aid to Israel, GOP candidates set to prove their devotion
Mondoweiss – The GOP presidential hopefuls, minus Ron Paul, will attend the Republican Jewish Coalition’s forum next week ( Photo: RJCHQ.org ) Soon after Republican presidential candidates Rick Perry and Mitt Romney suggested in a debate that U.S. foreign aid—including to Israel—should start at zero , campaign statements were issued by…
An open letter to Seth Klarman
Mondoweiss – Image: Andrew Mason, Flickr Image: Wikimedia Commons Dear Mr Klarman, I heard what you said in your interview with Charlie Rose . “When you look at the history of anti-semitism… hatred of Jews has shifted to hatred of the Jewish state” Everyday tragedies happening on the ground…
Israeli forces uproot 100 olive trees and ‘arrest’ a farmer’s tractor to extend wall in Occupied Territories
Mondoweiss – link to www.jordanvalleysolidarity.org link to stopthewall.org link to english.wafa.ps link to english.wafa.ps link to www.maannews.net link to palestinesolidarityproject.org link to english.wafa.ps link to www.maannews.net link to www.maannews.net link to www.alternativenews.org link to www.haaretz.com link to www.ynetnews.com link to english.wafa.ps link to www.maannews.net link to www.maannews.net link…
Missile-maker ?s the sunset and talking to young American Jews about Israel
Mondoweiss – Sacher Ari Sacher moved from the U.S. to Israel in 1982 . He went to the Israeli MIT and now develops missile systems in Israel. He works closely with Americans, notably Raytheon Missile Systems, a US company. And Sacher has helped the US Air Force with its…
Transparency International: Israel Among Most Corrupt Western Nations
Tikun Olam – After a slew of public corruption trials and scandals, a recent survey by Transparency International found that Israel had dropped to its lowest ranking ever in an survey of corruption among the world’s nations. It ranked 36th of 183 (down from #30 two years ago). …
Chairman of Joint Chiefs: Israel Disagrees Sanctions Can Be Effective, May Strike Iran Without Warning
Tikun Olam – Pro-Israel uber-hawks in Congress like to say there isn’t an ounce of daylight between the positions of the U.S. and Israel whenever an Israeli PM comes to Washington. But that’s apparently not the case regarding our respective views of Iran. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of…
Why Moscow doesn’t believe Washington on Missile Defense… or on just almost nuthin’…
Voltaire Network 1 Dec 2011 – Most in the civilized world are blissfully unaware that we are marching ineluctably towards an increasingly likely pre-emptive nuclear war. No, it’s not at all about Iran and Israel. It’s about the decision of Washington and the Pentagon to push Moscow up against the wall with…
Egypt: Country Urges World to Press Israel to Halt Settlement Building
allAfrica.com 1 Dec 2011 – Egypt’s UN Ambassador Maged Abdel-Fattah asserted the international community should put pressure on Israel to halt settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Nigeria: FG to Sign BASA With Israel
allAfrica.com 1 Dec 2011 – The Minister of State 1-Foreign Affair, Mrs Viola Onwuliri, has revealed that plans are underway for Nigeria to sign a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA ) with Israel to ensure that Christian pilgrims and other air passengers fly directly from Nigeria to Israel.
Kenya: Sevens Team Face Tricky Dubai Pool
allAfrica.com 1 Dec 2011 – Kenya Sevens women’s have been pitted against France, Moscow region and Tuks ladies in Pool ‘A’ of the Dubai Sevens which kicks off on Friday.
EU agrees new sanctions on Iran
BBC 1 Dec 2011 – The EU agrees new sanctions on Iranian officials and businesses over Tehran’s nuclear programme and says future measures may target oil exports.
Syria bloc to link with deserters
BBC 1 Dec 2011 – Syria’s main opposition bloc and the Free Army rebels agree to co-ordinate their action against President Bashar al-Assad, after talks in Turkey.
Articles
Time for outrage against academic support for Israel
David Cronin, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 12/1/2011
Persistent campaigning by the Palestine solidarity movement has turned Veolia into something of a toxic brand. From Manchester to Melbourne, local authorities have been quizzed about their dealings with the French corporate giant because of its role in constructing a light rail system for illegal Israeli settlements in Jerusalem.
The controversy has affected Veolia’s bottom line, resulting in the loss of contracts worth €10 billion (£8.6 billion) over the past six years. So it recently turned to the Brussels bureaucracy for moral – or, perhaps more accurately, immoral – support.
On 31 October, Antonio Tajani, vice-president of the European Commission, opened the “Go4 Europe” business conference in Tel Aviv. On promotional material that Tajani and his aides almost certainly read, Veolia was listed as one of the event’s four “platinum sponsors”. As Tajani used the occasion to laud Israel’s “business-friendly environment” (his words), he gave his tacit blessing to companies such as Veolia that have seized the opportunities presented by an apartheid state.
Tajani cannot profess ignorance of how the gathering served a propaganda function. The founder of the annual conference, Edouard Cukierman, is a self-declared “economic Zionist”, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. As well as being active in the technology industry, Cukierman works in the media division of the Israeli military, a force that has a tenuous relationship with the truth (to put it mildly). He is the son of Roger Cukierman, a former head of CRIF (the representative council for Jewish institutions in France), one of the most influential groups in this continent’s Israel lobby.
Nominated to the EU executive by Italy’s then prime minister Silvio Berlusconi in 2008, Tajani is a key ally for Israel in Brussels. For the 14 years before that appointment, he was a standard-bearer of Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party in the European Parliament…. more.. e-mail
Israel’s grand hypocrisy
Jonathan Cook in Nazareth, Israeli Occupation Archive 12/1/2011
Netanyahu slams ‘anti-liberal’ Arab Spring
As protests raged again across the Middle East, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, offered his assessment of the Arab Spring last week. It was, he said, an “Islamic, anti-western, anti-liberal, anti-Israeli, undemocratic wave”, adding that Israel’s Arab neighbours were “moving not forwards, but backwards”.
It takes some chutzpah – or, at least, epic self-delusion – for Israel’s prime minister to be lecturing the Arab world on liberalism and democracy at this moment.
In recent weeks, a spate of anti-democratic measures have won support from Netanyahu’s rightwing government, justified by a new security doctrine: see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil of Israel. If the legislative proposals pass, the Israeli courts, Israel’s human rights groups and media, and the international community will be transformed into the proverbial three monkeys.
Israel’s vigilant human rights community has been the chief target of this assault. Yesterday Netanyahu’s Likud faction and the Yisrael Beiteinu party of his far-right foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, proposed a new law that would snuff out much of the human rights community in Israel.
The bill effectively divides non-governmental organisations (NGOs) into two kinds: those defined by the right as pro-Israel and those seen as “political”, or anti-Israel. The favoured ones, such as ambulance services and universities, will continue to be lavishly funded from foreign sources, chiefly wealthy private Jewish donors from the United States and Europe. more.. e-mail
Political Islam and its supposed dangers
Abdul Bari Atwan, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 12/1/2011
In gaining the majority of votes in the Moroccan election, the Justice and Development Party has put the West on alert, as well as some of the more conservative Arab countries. Long-held fears have been revived by the sweeping success of political Islam across the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region. However, such fears are misplaced because most of the Islamic parties which have seen electoral success are most definitely moderate; they believe in pluralism and coexistence with other ideologies, secularism included.
Al-Nahda in Tunisia has already formed an alliance with two secular parties: the Congress led by Dr Muncif al Marzouki, which is a leftist nationalist party, and the Assembly led by Mustafa bin Jaafar. More importantly, Al-Nahda leader Shaikh Rashid Ghannouchi has made it clear that he will not meddle in the personal domain of Tunisians; nor will he prohibit bikinis and mixed-bathing beaches. Moreover, he will encourage foreign investment and European tourism which is one of the mainstays of the Tunisian economy.
It is significant that the Justice and Development Party (JDP), which follows what it calls the Turkish model of government, as led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is committed to preserve the character of Moroccan society and respect personal freedoms. JDP Secretary General Abdullah bin Kiran confirmed that justice and dignity are his top priorities; there are core issues to deal with, which are much more important than dress codes and prohibiting alcohol. Kiran said that his party will not be drawn into battles on the sidelines with alcoholics and those who dress scantily because no government can transgress upon the public freedoms of Moroccans.
What the West does not understand about the phenomenal success of political Islam in the democratic elections, claims Abdullah bin Kiran, is that Arab voters are Muslim and moderate by nature…. more.. e-mail
Book review: Putting occupation’s profiteers in the dock
Electronic Intifada: 1 Dec 2011 – David Cronin The Electronic Intifada Corporate Complicity in Israel’s Occupation is required reading to understand how some enterprises are accomplices to murder. Corporate Complicity in Israel’s Occupation: Evidence from the London Session of the Russell Tribunal on Palestine Manufacturer: Pluto Press Part Number: Price: $33.00more
Israeli settlers harass released prisoners, threaten them with death
Electronic Intifada: 1 Dec 2011 – Brendan Work The Electronic Intifada West Bank Israeli settlers have put prices on the heads of Palestinians who were freed as part of the recent prisoner swap.more
Unmasking Gershom Gorenberg, historian and apologist for ethnic cleansing
Electronic Intifada: 30 Nov 2011 – Stephen Maher The Electronic Intifada Zionism seeks to erase and rewrite history in order to avoid accepting its ugly colonial legacy.more
When Will Pakistan’s Spring Arrive?
Palestine Chronicle: 1 Dec 2011 – By Eric Walberg – Cairo It’s hard to imagine a greater provocation than your bosom buddy killing 28 of your own soldiers. NATO helicopters violated the airspace of Pakistan from Afghanistan on Friday and opened unprovoked fire on a check post in Mohmand, northwest Pakistan at midnight. Presumably the pilots got the wrong coordinates from MacDill Air Force Central Command in Florida or took too many army-prescribed uppers. The attack continued even after Pakistani commanders pleaded with coalition forces to stop. As a show of anger, Pakistan ordered the CIA to vacate drone operations at Shamsi Air Base in southwestern Baluchistan and closed both the Khyber and Baluchistan supply routes into Afghanistan, cutting off 70 per cent of NATO’s supplies. It was the worst such incident since September 11, 2011. This is not the first time NATO helicopters attack Pakistani soldiers or that Pakistan closed the Khyber Pass. A US…more
Grand Hypocrisy: Netanyahu Slams ‘Anti-liberal’ Arab Spring
Palestine Chronicle: 1 Dec 2011 – By Jonathan Cook – Nazareth As protests raged again across the Middle East, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, offered his assessment of the Arab Spring last week. It was, he said, an “Islamic, anti-western, anti-liberal, anti-Israeli, undemocratic wave”, adding that Israel’s Arab neighbours were “moving not forwards, but backwards”. It takes some chutzpah – or, at least, epic self-delusion – for Israel’s prime minister to be lecturing the Arab world on liberalism and democracy at this moment. In recent weeks, a spate of anti-democratic measures have won support from Netanyahu’s rightwing government, justified by a new security doctrine: see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil of Israel. If the legislative proposals pass, the Israeli courts, Israel’s human rights groups and media, and the international community will be transformed into the proverbial three monkeys. Israel’s vigilant human rights community has been the chief target of this assault. Yesterday…more
Emerging New ‘Third World’ Societies
Palestine Chronicle: 1 Dec 2011 – By M. I. Bhat Keen media observers may have noticed that before the current economic meltdown the phrase ‘Third World’ had gone missing from news and political and economic analysis columns, courtesy economic liberalization that spurred economic activity across the continents on a scale never seen before. Globalization was the mantra and economists, CEOs, financiers, bankers and portfolio managers – any one associated with business and money generation — were the toast of honor. Join the globalization bandwagon or fall by the way side was the short American message that Governments increasingly found attractive to hitch on. In such a global sentiment economic laggards were not to be bothered about, so dropped from media attention and global concern, except in the World Bank routine annual reports. Public taste particularly in the developed and developing world felt aversion for unpleasant news, pushing the social scientists and their pet subject – the…more
‘Humanitarian Invasions’: The Nile to The Euphrates and Beyond
Palestine Chronicle: 1 Dec 2011 – By Felicity Arbuthnot ‘If a man seeks to understand Rome’s casus reason for each foreign conquest, he needs only look into the Treasury.’ (Tacitus, AD 56 – AD 117.) As the US and UK lead towards more illegal overthrows, invasions and destruction in Iran and Syria, a political pattern of manipulation and disinformation has become an art form. Libya, under Colonel Quaddafi, with highest (UN) Human Development Index in Africa, and living standard which drew immigrants from across the region, has been air brushed out and replaced with a “mad dog” – and a liberating lynching. Oil, spoils and reconstruction contracts, though, are being divvied out apace. Iraq, formerly described in UN Reports as approaching “First World” standards, also much in ruins, shattered infrastructure trumpeted as due to “thirty years of neglect.” No mention of over fifteen years of decimating embargo and bombings, culminating in “Shock and Awe.” Pretty glaring…more
Israel’s Grand Hypocrisy
Dissident Voice: 1 Dec 2011 – As protests raged again across the Middle East, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, offered his assessment of the Arab Spring last week. It was, he said, an “Islamic, anti-western, anti-liberal, anti-Israeli, undemocratic wave”, adding that Israel’s Arab neighbours were “moving not forwards, but backwards”. It takes some chutzpah – or, at least, epic self-delusion – for Israel’s prime minister to be lecturing the Arab world on liberalism and democracy at this moment. In recent weeks, a spate of anti-democratic measures have won support from Netanyahu’s right wing government, justified by a new security doctrine: see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil of Israel. If the legislative proposals pass, the Israeli courts, Israel’s human rights groups and media, and the international community will be transformed into the proverbial three monkeys. Israel’s vigilant human rights community has been the chief target of this assault. Yesterday Netanyahu’s Likud faction and…more
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The New Dark Age 
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