29 February 2012 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
The Israeli Military Invades Ramallah, Shutsdown Local TV Station
IMEMC – The Israeli military targeted on Wednesday Watan TV, a local Palestinian television station broadcasting from the central West Bank city of Ramallah. …
Israeli troops kill alleged gun smuggler on Israel-Egypt border
IMEMC – An Egyptian man was killed Tuesday by Israeli troops while attempting to cross into Israel. Israeli sources report that a group of fifteen men were seen attempting to cross the Egypt-Israel border, and Israeli troops opened fire on the group. …
Israeli Troops Arrest 20 Palestinians During Wide-Scale Invasions Targeting West Bank Communities
IMEMC – Invasions on Wednesday morning were reported in northern and southern West Bank, local sources announced that the morning invasions of the Israeli military ended with the arrest of 20 civilians. …
Hunger-Striking Detainee Moved Back To Security Detainees Facility
IMEMC – The Israeli Prison Administration moved, on Tuesday, hunger-striking female detainee, Hana’ Ash-Shalabi, to the security prisoners branch of the Ha-Sharon Israeli prison, after she was previously moved to the section where prisoners held on criminal charges are detained. …
Israel raids Ramallah TV stations
2/29/2012 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Israeli forces raided two Palestinian television networks early Wednesday in Ramallah and briefly detained four employees, journalists said. Soldiers confiscated computers used by editors and reporters in Watan TV‘s newsroom and general offices as well as administrative and financial files, the network said. Troops also raided Al-Quds Educational TV…. Related: PA: Israel seizing broadcast frequencies and Israel raids Ramallah TV stations
Fatah: Chief justice died after raid on home
2/29/2012 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The chief justice of the Palestinian high religious court died Tuesday of a heart attack two days after soldiers raided his home, the Fatah movement said. Sheikh Fahmi Asaad Jaradat died after soldiers occupied his home in the northern West Bank village of Zabuba, near Jenin, and took up positions on….
PA: Israel seizing broadcast frequencies
2/29/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) – The Palestinian Authority is describing Wednesday’s raids on TV networks in the occupied West Bank as the possible beginning of a “frequency war” over limited broadcasting space. The confiscation of equipment from Watan TV and Al-Quds Educational TV deprives Palestinians of their right to have frequencies for building modern…. Related:Israel raids Ramallah TV stations and Fatah condemns raids on TV stations
At least 6 arrested in West Bank raids
2/29/2012 – HEBRON (Ma’an) – Israeli forces raided the Beit Ummar and al-Tabaqa villages near Hebron overnight, detaining six locals, among them an injured youth who had been hurt during clashes three days earlier. Locals and security sources reported that a large Israeli force raided Beit Ummar and detained Yousef al-Alami, Nasim al-Alami, Muhammad al-Alami, Hasan….
PA wants Security Council to visit Palestine
2/29/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority on Tuesday called upon the UN Security Council to send representatives to visit the occupied territory including Jerusalem as soon as possible to see firsthand the Israeli violations against the Palestinian people. Palestinian envoy to the United Nations Riyad Mansour said he had sent a letter to the….
VIDEO – Heated argument draws TV attention
2/29/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — While heading to his daughter’s school to attend an awards ceremony, Rajih Abu al-Sukkar was notified that Israeli forces uprooted dozens of olive trees in lands belonging his village Turmusayya near Ramallah. He immediately rushed to the land along with other residents.”Are you leaving my ceremony? ” his daughter….
Fatah condemns raids on TV stations
2/29/2012 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Fatah movement on Wednesday condemned Israel’s raids on Palestinian television networks, which it referred to as “Israeli terrorism” against freedom of speech and media. Fatah spokesman Ahmad Assaf said in a statement that the early morning operation was “a crime against freedom, democracy and the right to self-expression…. Related: Israel raids Ramallah TV stations and PA: Israel seizing broadcast frequencies
‘Christ at the Checkpoint’: Hope in the midst of conflict
2/29/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — “In the past there has only been one story about the situation here and who the people are,” says media director of the ‘Christ at the Checkpoint’ conference Porter Speakman Jr.” It is a battle of narratives.” The Bethlehem Bible College will be holding the second ‘Christ at….
UN humanitarian aid chief denied entry into Syria
2/29/2012 – UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) — UN humanitarian aid chief Valerie Amos said on Wednesday she was “deeply disappointed” that Syria has refused to allow her to the visit the country, where she had hoped to assess the need for emergency relief in besieged towns. Amos said in a statement that the refusal came “despite my repeated requests….
Israeli military court postpones Shalabi hearing
2/29/2012 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Ofer military court has decided to postpone the hearing of Hana Shalabi, a prisoner on hunger strike, until the judge examines secret evidence with the intelligence services on March 3. Prisoners society lawyer Jawad Boulos said the court Israeli officials claimed that the reason for the administrative detention was because….
Activist: Spanish journalist flees Syria to Lebanon
2/29/2012 – BEIRUT (Reuters) — Spanish journalist Javier Espinosa, one of several Westerners who was trapped in the besieged Baba Amro district of Homs, has crossed from Syria into neighboring Lebanon, an activist with the campaign group Avaaz said on Wednesday.” Javier Espinosa is on Lebanese soil, though he hasn’t yet made it to 100 percent….
Hezbollah: Attack on Iran would set Mideast ablaze
2/29/2012 – BEIRUT (Reuters) — An Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear program would set the Middle East ablaze, possibly drag in the United States and unleash a conflict beyond Israel’s control, the deputy head of Hezbollah said. World oil prices have risen to 10-month highs on escalating tensions between the West and Iran….
IAEA worried about ‘activities’ at Iran site
2/29/2012 – VIENNA (Reuters) — The UN nuclear watchdog believes unspecified “activities” may be taking place at Iran’s Parchin military facility that make its request to visit the site more urgent, Western diplomats said on Wednesday. It was unclear whether the International Atomic Energy Agency thought Iran might be trying to clean the site or conceal….
Counterfeit money seized in Gaza
2/29/2012 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Government security forces in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday arrested an alleged money counterfeiter who has been distributing false currency. The man was arrested at his home in Khan Younis, security services said, where police found over 96,000 shekels of forged currency. The man told police he obtained the money….
Hamas: PA must stop violations against West Bank members
2/29/2012 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Hamas called on the Palestinian Authority on Wednesday to stop the harassment of Hamas members in the West Bank by security forces. A statement from the group said that violations “would leave a negative impact on reconciliation efforts.” Ending all violations against its members and implementing the reconciliation deal are….
Snow, stormy weather expected all week
2/29/2012 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) – Wind, rain, hail and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday evening across Palestine, says the Palestinian Meteorological Department. Snow is also expected to fall on plateaus which are more than 900 meters above sea level as brisk winds move westerly to southwesterly with sudden gusts up to 70 KMP. The sea off Gaza….
School canceled Thursday ahead of ice storm
2/29/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The ministries of education in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip have called off classes for Thursday, in expectation of a large ice and snow storm expected overnight….
Egypt sets May 23 for landmark presidential vote
2/29/2012 – CAIRO (Reuters) — Egypt’s presidential election will be held over two days starting May 23, the state election committee said on Wednesday, as the country’s military rulers prepare to hand power to civilians after last year’s overthrow of Hosni Mubarak. A run-off between the top two contenders will take place….
Annan heading to New York for talks on Syria
2/29/2012 – GENEVA (Reuters) — Kofi Annan, the United Nations-Arab League envoy for Syria, said he would hold talks in New York from Wednesday with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and member states on Syria. Annan, in a statement issued in Geneva where he is based, said he would hold a series of consultations in New York through Friday….
Syrian army assaults rebel districts
2/29/2012 – AMMAN, Jordan (Reuters) — Syrian troops launched a ground attack in Homs on Wednesday in an apparent attempt to overrun the rebel-held Baba Amro neighborhood that has endured 25 days of siege and fierce bombardment, opposition sources said.” The army is trying to go in with infantry from the direction of al-Bassel football field and fierce….
Snowfall in Hebron
2/29/2012 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Director of the Palestinian Meteorological department Yousef Abu Saed said snow is expected overnight Wednesday and Thursday. Abu Saed told Ma’an that snow is likely to fall in Hebron and at the highest points of Bethlehem. Light snow has already fallen in the Hebron district….
International Solidarity Movement
Settler violence rages in Nablus area
2/29/2012 – International Solidarity Movement – By Jonas Weber, 29 February 2012, International Solidarity Movement, West Bank – Yesterday, violence erupted close to Joseph’s Tomb when settlers gathered near the site. Youths from Balata refuge camp came out to chase the settlers off but where kept at a distance by the soldiers that accompanied the illegal settlers as usual. This….
Israel raids Ramallah TV stations
2/29/2012 – International Solidarity Movement – 29 February 2012, Ma’an News – Israeli forces raided two Palestinian television networks early Wednesday in Ramallah and briefly detained four employees, journalists said. Soldiers confiscated computers used by editors and reporters in Watan TV‘s newsroom and general offices as well as administrative and financial files, the network said. Troops also raided…. Related: Ma’an: Israel raids Ramallah TV stations and Israel raids Ramallah TV stations
Military radio targets protesters for future arrests
2/29/2012 – International Solidarity Movement – 24 February 2012, Israeli Military Radio – Online – Shuhada Street in Hebron today may become the scene of a confrontation, as hundreds of left-wing Jews and Arabs are expected to march there to protest the closure of Shuhada Street from Palestinians. Police and army will attempt to keep order. At 12:00 today (Friday) hundreds of leftists, anarchists and Palestinians are expected to arrive in Hebron, walk along Shuhada Street, which is closed to Palestinians. Security forces are preparing for the demonstration and are trying….
We Are With Hana Shalabi and Al Aqsa: Demonstration in the No Go Zone in Beit Hanoun
2/29/2012 – International Solidarity Movement – By Nathan Stuckey, 29 February 2012, International Solidarity Movement, Gaza – Israeli riot police have entered the Al Aqsa Mosque Compound, Palestinians have struggling to protect it for days. After 66 days Khader Adnan has ended his hunger strike, hopefully, soon, he will be home with his family. Even before his hunger strike ended the newest….
Make some noise: Malcolm X in Gaza
2/29/2012 – International Solidarity Movement – By Joe Catron, 29 February 2012, Alresalah Press – At the end of the United States’ Black History Month, one week after the 47th anniversary of Malcolm X’s assassination in New York’s Audubon Ballroom, and another week shy of my first year in Gaza, I attended a talk on X at…. Related: Alresalah Press
Energy crisis, power station shut down again
Relief Web 28 Feb 2012 – Source: Missionary International Service News Agency Country: occupied Palestinian territory The only power station functioning the Gaza Strip ’was closed today for the second time in two weeks, reports the news agency’ Maan’, according to which the closure is due…
Top UN political official tells Security Council talks started between Israelis Palestinians in Amman have “stalled”, time not on side of either party
Relief Web 28 Feb 2012 – Source: UN Security Council Country: occupied Palestinian territory , Israel , Lebanon , Syrian Arab Republic (the) , Yemen Watch the webcast SC/10560 Security Council 6725th Meeting (AM) In Briefing, B. Lynn Pascoe Also Updates on ‘Rapidly Deteriorating’ Syria Situation, Transfer of Power in…
Israeli settlers, Palestinians clash after outpost fire
Relief Web 28 Feb 2012 – Source: Agence France-Presse Country: occupied Palestinian territory NABLUS, February 28, 2012 (AFP) – Dozens of Palestinians and Israeli settlers clashed on Tuesday in the occupied West Bank after a building was set ablaze in a settlement outpost, police and witnesses…
012: Les enfants dans un monde urbain
Relief Web 28 Feb 2012 – Source: UN Children’s Fund Country: World , Haiti , India , Kenya , occupied Palestinian territory , Philippines (the) , Thailand Les villes négligent leurs enfants, avertit l’UNICEF NEW YORK, 28 février 2012 – Des centaines de millions d’enfants qui vivent dans des villes suite à…
012: Niñas y niños en un mundo urbano
Relief Web 28 Feb 2012 – Source: UN Children’s Fund Country: World , Haiti , India , Kenya , occupied Palestinian territory , Philippines (the) , Thailand Las ciudades no están satisfaciendo las necesidades de los niños, advierte UNICEF NUEVA YORK, 28 de febrero de 2012 – El proceso de urbanización excluye…
012: Children in an Urban World
Relief Web 28 Feb 2012 – Source: UN Children’s Fund Country: World , Haiti , India , Kenya , occupied Palestinian territory , Philippines (the) , Thailand NEW YORK, 27 February 2012 – The world is undergoing the largest wave of urban growth in history. VIDEO : 31 January 2012 – UNICEF correspondent…
Beijing softens its stance over Syria with humanitarian plea
The National 29 Feb 2012 – After UN veto, China’s foreign ministry calls on world powers to send aid to Syria as the violence and bloodshed showed no sign of easing.
Egypt lifts travel ban on US activists on trial in NGO case
The National 29 Feb 2012 – Move comes after three judges overseeing the case resigned “for reasons of discomfort” according to the state-run newspaper Al Ahram.
Iran’s parliamentary election process
The National 29 Feb 2012 – Iranians will vote tomorrow in a parliamentary election that is a contest between loyalists to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the allies of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Iran elections: mavericks, ageing ayatollahs and the ‘Kennedys of Iran’
The National 29 Feb 2012 – Iran’s parliamentary elections will be a battle between rival ruling hardline factions that have the field to themselves after they crushed the popular reformist movement.
Pressure on US is aim of Israel’s rhetoric over Iran strike
The National 29 Feb 2012 – Israeli leaders have told Washington they would not warn their ally before launching an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Illegal Filipino labourers flood into Syria
The National 29 Feb 2012 – Dubai remains a major gateway for the movement of thousands of blue-collar workers to Syria, despite attempts by the Philippine government to stop them, experts say.
Israeli troops seize transmitters in West Bank TV station raids
The National 29 Feb 2012 – Israeli military say one of the outlets, Al Watan TV, is a pirate station whose frequencies interfered with legal broadcasters and aircraft communications.
India confident it will crack Israel car bomb plot
The National 29 Feb 2012 – India said it was confident of identifying the culprits behind an attack on an Israeli diplomat earlier this month which was blamed by Israel on Iran.
Peres, Barak add a few laughs to their U.S. trips
Ha’aretz – 29 Feb 2012
Netanyahu lowers Israel’s gas tax to combat surging prices
Ha’aretz – 29 Feb 2012
Former Shas minister Shlomo Benizri to be released from prison on Thursday
Ha’aretz – 29 Feb 2012
Hezbollah: Israeli attack on Iran would set Middle East ablaze
Ha’aretz – 29 Feb 2012
IDF warns soldiers against revealing vacation plans on Facebook
Ha’aretz – 29 Feb 2012
Arab justice’s refusal to sing Israel’s national anthem sparks furor among right-wing MKs
Ha’aretz – 29 Feb 2012
Storm wreaks havoc on Israeli streets, knocking over trees
Ha’aretz – 29 Feb 2012
Israeli doctors remove implant in rare procedure, after patient’s heart restarts
Ha’aretz – 29 Feb 2012
Israel’s justice minister under investigation for alleged tax evasion
Ha’aretz – 28 Feb 2012
C’tee slams ‘far too slow’ Gush Dan base evacuations
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Israel Lands Authority pledges that land at the Tzrifin base will be marketed to the public for residential housing within 18 months.
Netanyahu intervenes to cut fuel excise
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – PM says state doesn’t have to collect on every price rise; 95-octane gas to be NIS 7.74, won’t break NIS 8.
Not quite a winter wonderland
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Dangerous winds topple trees on power lines, heavy rains, sleet, snow hit the country.
‘Honor Fogel family by building Judea and Samaria’
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Knesset Speaker Rivlin dedicates house of study in Itamar on year anniversary of murder of family of 5 by Palestinian terrorists.
Families must leave Sacher Park by March 11
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – After 7 months in tents, court rules that adequate solutions have been found for homeless families.
‘Palestinian leaders can come to Gaza from Syria’
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Hamas leader Zahar: Stable internal situation in Gaza makes it good option for Palestinian leaders in troubled Arab nations.
Hezbollah: Israeli Iran strike would set ME ablaze
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – “Israel could start a war … but it does not know the scale of the consequences and it is incapable of controlling them,” deputy head of Hezbollah says.
Syria opposition group open to ties with Hezbollah
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Council head Ghalioun says “if Hezbollah decided to support democratic process in Syria, there wouldn’t be barrier” to talks.
012 laureates
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Winners include Stanford, Oxford professors George Conquest, Martin Gilbert, South African artist William Kentridge.
Storm, strong winds knock out trees and power
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – 110 kph winds cause injuries, cut power in cities throughout the country; snow falls on the Hermon.
5 years for Hamas man who conspired to aid enemy
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Munir Attun bought weapons to carry out terror attacks, helped Hamas member in Gaza.
TA man indicted for sexually assaulting baby
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – District attorney requests gag order on the case and defendant’s identity be lifted, seeks remand extension.
US hesitant to arm Syrian rebels due to al-Qaida
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – White House says its opposition to arming Syrian opposition forces partly based on extremists operating in the country.
China says it backs humanitarian aid for Syria
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Beijing’s foreign minister tells the Arab League the pressing task is a cease fire, fears Western Libya-style intervention.
Romney edges Santorum in Michigan primary
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Republican presidential candidate also rolls to easy victory in Arizona; Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich trail behind.
Israel helps S. Sudan fight violence against women
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Delegation, part of IsraAID, will conduct 1st gender-based violence training program for social workers in world’s newest nation.
Turkish FM: Iran nuclear talks may resume in April
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Davutoglu says Turkey will be willing host negotiations between Iran and 5 UNSC permanent members plus Germany.
Chabad opposes stamps commemorating rabbis
Jerusalem Post 29 Feb 2012 – Concern raised that licking back of stamps memorializing last Lubavitcher rebbe would be “disrespectful.”
‘Security situation worst since end of Cold War’
Jerusalem Post 28 Feb 2012 – BESA report recommends that Israel increase military spending, maintain close ties with US as regional security deteriorates.
Report: Israel’s security situation worst in decades
Jerusalem Post 28 Feb 2012 – BESA report recommends that Israel increase military spending, maintain close ties with US as regional security deteriorates.
Hamas-affiliated group accuses PA of raiding event
Jerusalem Post 28 Feb 2012 – Students at Bir Zeit University claim security officers also harassed Palestinian journalists.
Activists heckle PM during talk on green growth
Jerusalem Post 28 Feb 2012 – Environmental economics vital to future development, and even to efforts against Iran, says Netanyahu.
Judicial activism’s main victim is the court itself
Jerusalem Post 28 Feb 2012 – Rulings that can’t be enforced reduce the court to an impotent political actor.
Meretz MKs: Shabbat buses good for environment
Jerusalem Post 28 Feb 2012 – Supporters of allowing public transport on Shabbat say it is an issue of good public policy, not religious and secular.
Lib Dem peer resigns party whip in row over anti-Israeli remarks
The Guardian 29 Feb 2012 – Israeli ambassador condemns peer who quit party whip after refusing to apologise for saying country would not last for ever Israel’s ambassador to Britain has issued a defiant message after a Liberal Democrat peer said the…
Lady Tonge resigns Lib Dem party whip over Israel remarks
The Guardian 29 Feb 2012 – Peer rejects ultimatum from Nick Clegg, saying she stands by comment that ‘Israel will not be there for ever’ An outspoken Liberal Democrat peer who declared that Israel would not last for ever has resigned the…
Nick Clegg urged to act after Lib Dem peer says Israel will not last for ever
The Guardian 29 Feb 2012 – Party leader urged to condemn Lady Tonge, who said Israel would ‘lose support and then they will reap what they have sown’ A Liberal Democrat peer has said Israel will not last for ever, with her…
Israeli Poll on Iran Undercuts Netanyahu on Eve of Major Meet
IPS On the eve of a critical set of meetings here between top U.S. and Israeli officials, a new survey finds little backing among the Israeli public for a military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities without Washington’s approval.
Syria Stalls Senior U.N. Official’s Visit to War Zone
IPS The United Nations, which remains politically deadlocked over the drawn-out crisis in Syria, has hit another roadblock, this time over humanitarian assistance to the thousands of men, women and children caught up in the 11-month-old conflict.
Tunisia Summit Highlights Glaring Absence of Unity on the ‘Syria Question’
IPS In the Friends of Syria meeting held in Tunis last week, Gulf Arab monarchies offered nearly unqualified support for the Syrian opposition, while the democratic states were more cautious.
Iraq: Intimidation at Anniversary Protests Beatings, Detentions in Kurdistan; Blocked Access in Baghdad
Uruknet February 29, 2012 – Uniformed security forces clamped down on demonstrations marking February 2012 anniversaries of the start of weekly protests in Iraq, Human Rights Watch said today. Security forces blocked access to protest sites in Baghdad; beat and arrested peaceful demonstrators in Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan; and briefly detained, beat, or confiscated equipment from media workers and…
The Realpolitik of armchair anti-imperialists
Uruknet February 29, 2012 – ….. The Syrian revolution, as some activists have written, seems to be a revolution against the entire world. Not in the sense that there is any kind of conspiracy against it, but in the sense that the struggle for independence is evidently a solitary struggle. No external actor has the force to intervene,…
PA: Israel seizing broadcast frequencies
Uruknet February 29, 2012 – The Palestinian Authority is describing Wednesday’s raids on TV networks in the occupied West Bank as the possible beginning of a “frequency war” over limited broadcasting space. The confiscation of equipment from Watan TV and Al-Quds Educational TV deprives Palestinians of their right to have frequencies for building modern wireless communication networks,…
Justice Denied: The Unacceptable 10-Year Detention of Fawzi Al-Odah and Fayiz Al-Kandari, the Last Two Kuwaitis in Guantánamo
Uruknet February 29, 2012 – Yesterday, February 28, 2012, Fawzi Khalid Abdullah Fahid Al-Odah, a 34-year old citizen of Kuwait, completed ten years as a prisoner in the U.S. Naval Station at Guantánamo Bay. In all those years, the United States Government has never charged Fawzi in any court with wrongdoing or referred him to a military…
Shattered Gaddafi town says forgotten in new Libya
Uruknet February 29, 2012 – Among the crumbling remains of the city Muammar Gaddafi once favoured as the “capital of Africa”, frustration is simmering. Four months after Libya’s leader met his end in his hometown Sirte, the fishing village he turned into a model city lies in ruins… “We haven’t been offered any support. I feel like…
Mustafa Barghouthi: Time to abandon the illusion of negotiations with Netanyahu
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – Mustafa El-Barghouthi, the Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative movement and an elected legislator, has reiterated that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the Palestinian people. “All of the Israeli occupation authority’s actions in the city are illegal, void, and do not lend any legitimacy to the ongoing attempts at its…
Israeli forces Break into Palestinian TV Headquarters, Confiscate Equipment
Uruknet September 29, 2012 – On Wednesday, Wattan TV‘s administration said in a statement that the Israeli forces broke into the TV headquarters in Ramallah at 2a.m. The Israeli forces confiscated the computers of the editors and reporters in the news studio and administrative offices, and furthermore confiscated the administrative and financial files of the institution and…
012 (Warning: Graphic Videos)
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – … The number of martyrs has 104 thus far; among them 35 in a regime-conducted massacre in Halfaya in the Hama suburbs. In addition, 26 martyrs fell in a massacre by the regime in Baba Amr, including 3 women and 2 children; 37 in the Hama suburbs; 50 in Homs; 7 in the…
Greece’s resistance to the never-ending cuts
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – Huge protests and street battles shook Greece before and after a vote in parliament to approve another round of savage austerity. The measures were demanded by the so-called “troika”–the European Union, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund–as the condition for another “rescue” of the Greek financial system. After the first “rescue,”…
Transforming Finkelstein BDS attack into opportunity
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – There have been a number of thoughtful and incisive rebuttals to the recent video interview in which Norman Finkelstein absurdly calls the growing boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against apartheid Israel a “cult,” and admonishes Palestinians to limit their struggle to the “two-state solution” (“Video: Arguing the boycott, divestment and sanctions…
Without Saleh
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – …After about one year of anti-Saleh protests, Saleh now has gone, but his party and his supporters remain. His party has 50 per cent of the ministries of the national unity government and his supporters were at least representing 50 per cent of the election turn out across the country on this…
Bradley Manning, Solitary Confinement, and Occupy 4 Prisoners
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – … Manning, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by members of the Icelandic Parliament, is charged with releasing hundreds of thousands of documents exposing secrets of the US government to the whistleblower website Wikileaks. These documents exposed lies, corruption and crimes by the US and other countries. The Bradley Manning defense…
012
Uruknet February 28, 2012. Chaos and violence continue, at least 8 people are killed and eleven left injured in Baghdad, Iraq wants out of Chapter VII, the US Senate Budget Committee launches an attack on Social Security (Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta joins in on the attack), the US Defense Dept is spending $50 billion a day…
NGO Monitor Denies Truth for Israel
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – NGO Monitor “was founded to promote accountability, and advance a vigorous discussion on the reports and activities of NGOs claiming to promote moral agendas, such as humanitarian aid and human rights.” In fact, it’s a Jerusalem-based pro-Israeli front group. It disseminates propaganda, other misinformation and hate. It debases legitimate human rights organizations,…
012 : A Video Roundup
Uruknet
US says arms for Syrian opposition could help al-Qaeda
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – The White House said Tuesday that Al-Qaeda’s efforts to take advantage of violence in Syria mean it is no time to send arms to opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad… Carney acknowledged the United States lacked complete information about Al-Qaeda’s activities when he said, “It’s not clear right now the extent to…
US Drone War Reaches Philippines
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – The U.S. launched a drone strike in the southern Philippines early this month that reportedly killed 15 members of the Islamic terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah, raising concerns about the legality of U.S. drones in the country. One of those killed was reportedly Zulkifli bin Hir (aka Marwan) had a $…
Report: US Has ‘Secret Indictment’ Against Wikileaks’ Assange Charges against Assange drawn up in US, says email
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – According to an exclusive report in Australian newspaper The Age, a ‘sealed indictment’ exists in the United States against Wikileaks founder, Julian Assange… United States prosecutors have drawn up secret charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, according to a confidential internal email obtained from a private US intelligence company, Stratfor. In the…
My Grandfather Passed Away and I was Denied the Right to See Him
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – …My grandfather, 84 year old Ibrahim Hasan Alsaafin, was older than the Zionist state of Israel when he died on Monday in the Khan Younis refugee camp, still yearning to return to his village of al-Fallujah 64 years on, a mere 15 miles away. On my way to Hebron last Friday for…
Calling Assad war criminal could complicate things: Clinton
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Tuesday an argument could be made for declaring President Bashar al-Assad a war criminal, but said such action could complicate a solution in Syria… In Brussels on Monday, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said France wants to see the Syrian regime dragged before the International…
Free Hanaa Shalabi, End Administrative Detention
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – Hanaa Shalabi is on hunger strike. She is a Palestinian female political prisoner from the village of Burgin near Jenin. She was kidnapped from her home on February 16, 2012 by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) in the middle of the night. Hanna’s family was ordered outside the house, she was blindfolded and…
Dozens Of Settlers Attack Home In Burin, Cut Olive Trees
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – Palestinian sources reported that dozens of armed Israeli settlers attacked, on Monday evening, a home in Burin village, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, and chopped several olive trees. The settlers attacked the home of Um Sufan, located close to Yitzhar settlement, and hurled stones and empty bottles at it;…
Israel steps up repression in occupied Palestinian territories
Uruknet February 28, 2012 – On Friday, Israeli forces fired on Palestinian protesters at a checkpoint near Ramallah in the West Bank, killing one young man and injuring four more. Further clashes broke out at the funeral procession in north Jerusalem the following day that resulted in 12 injuries. In Jerusalem, angry clashes broke out between Muslim…
Hezbollah says Israel wants to drag U.S. into war on Iran
Daily Star 29 Feb 2012 An Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear program would set the Middle East ablaze and possibly drag in the United States.
Jordan Islamists want urgent Arab meet on Occupied Jerusalem
Daily Star 29 Feb 2012 Jordan’s opposition Islamists urged King Abdullah II on Wednesday to call an emergency Arab summit in a bid to protect occupied Jerusalem from “Judaization.”
Smuggling “path of death” a lifeline for Syria revolt
Daily Star 29 Feb 2012 Smuggling supplies to the besieged city of Homs is a dangerous venture.
Annan heading to New York for talks on Syria
Daily Star 29 Feb 2012 Kofi Annan, the United Nations-Arab League envoy for Syria, said he would hold talks in New York from Wednesday with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
France urges Syria ceasefire to evacuate journalists
Daily Star 29 Feb 2012 France called for a ceasefire in the rebel-held area of Baba Amr in Syria’s city of Homs on Wednesday so it could evacuate two French journalists.
Mosque leaders: Young US Muslims not more radical
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – ….
Palestinians carjack truck in West Bank
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – ….
MK Herzog: Syrian rebels want peace with Israel
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – Labor party’s Isaac Herzog says Syrian opposition leaders told him they want peace with Israel after Assad falls; Syrian rebels wish to ‘be friends’ with Jewish state, he says ….
Likud MKs participate in Feiglin convention
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – ….
‘Pray for us’ say Syria rebels as army closes in
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – ….
Clinton defends administration record on Israel
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – ….
Labor party rejects Shabbat buses
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – Several key Labor members abstain from vote on bill calling of public transportation on Shabbat ….
Itamar Massacre: Fogel names live on
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – At least 20 children named in memory of five Itamar victims; yeshiva inaugurated on massacre’s anniversary ….
Jews belong in Jerusalem
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – Op-ed: Toxic elements won’t scare Jews or prompt them to forego ancient claim to Jerusalem ….
Arab Supreme Court Justice shuns anthem
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – Supreme Court Justice Salim Joubran draws criticism over choice to remain silent as national anthem is sung at official ceremony ….
Jew-hate going mainstream
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – Op-ed: Will most people remain silent as Holocaust denial permeates Italy’s mainstream? ….
Communication Ministry raids Ramallah TV station
YNet News, 29 Feb 2012 – Ministry officials escorted by IDF force raid Ramallah’s al-Watan TV, say it uses unauthorized frequencies thus endangering flight routes ….
Palestinian Information Center
IOF soldiers round up 20 Palestinians
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) launched a large-scale search and arrest campaign in various West Bank areas at dawn Wednesday and rounded up 20 Palestinians.
Jerusalemite commission: IOA pursuing new method of Judaization
PIC – The Islamic-Christian commission for the support of Jerusalem and holy sites has warned that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) was pursuing new methods to Judaize occupied Jerusalem.
Hamas lashes out at UNRWA for reducing services to refugees
PIC – Hamas denounced UNRWA for reducing services extended to Palestinian refugees in its capacity as a preliminary step to liquidating the issue of those refugee and their right of return.
Jewish settlers offer rituals in Yatta, wound Palestinian
PIC – Jewish settlers arrived in buses to an area to the east of Yatta, in Al-Khalil province, on Tuesday night and performed Talmudic rituals, local sources said.
Hamas warns Israel against persisting in violating holy shrines
PIC – Hamas warned the Israeli occupation authority of persisting in colluding with and protecting the Jewish settlers’ attacks on holy Islamic and Christian shrines.
Group describes harrowing rescue of British journalist in Syria
LA Times 28 Feb 2012 – The chaotic operation in Homs left 10 rescue workers dead and three other Western journalists apparently still trapped in the strife-torn city. A harrowing rescue mission into the besieged Syrian city of Homs succeeded in spiriting an injured British photojournalist out of Syria, activists said…
Syria’s nonviolent activists face uphill battle for democracy
LA Times 28 Feb 2012 – Freedom Days spreads its peaceful message against Bashar Assad in his strongholds, though members know many Syrians believe that violence is the faster, better option. In Syria, even beasts of burden have become casualties of the antigovernment uprising: Unwittingly pulled into the protests, 15 donkeys…
Obama likely to resist pressure to further toughen Iran stance
LA Times 28 Feb 2012 – The Israelis, along with GOP presidential hopefuls and senators and some hawkish Democrats, want Obama to keep Iran from potentially building a nuclear weapon. The White House indicated Tuesday that President Obama would resist pressure for a tougher Iran policy coming from Israel and some…
Noor Islamic Cuts Ties With Iranian Banks, It Says
New York Times 29 Feb 2012 – Noor Islamic Bank said on Wednesday that it “took pre-emptive action” when it learned that the United States planned to sanction some Iranian banks.
U.S. Sees Iran Attacks as Likely if Israel Strikes
New York Times 29 Feb 2012 – American officials assessed that Iran would retaliate to an Israeli strike by launching missiles on Israel and terrorist-style attacks on United States civilian and military personnel overseas.
Americans From Nonprofits May Leave, Egypt Says
New York Times 29 Feb 2012 – Egyptian officials said they would lift a travel ban after weeks of diplomatic wrangling, apparently resolving a crisis for the alliance between Egypt and the United States.
Loans to Egypt Hinge on Democracy Issues
New York Times 29 Feb 2012 – The international community has offered Egypt billions of dollars in desperately needed financial aid, on the condition that the country bolsters democracy and the protection of human rights.
Syria Moves Ground Forces Around Besieged Area of Homs
New York Times 29 Feb 2012 – The Syrian military continued bombarding the Babr Ama neighborhood and moved new tanks into the vicinity, raising fears of preparation for a ground assault, activists said.
Syria Crisis Highlights Paradoxes of Assad Support
New York Times 29 Feb 2012 – The insurrection is increasingly dangerous and unpredictable because it is aggravating tensions beyond Syria’s borders.
Israeli Troops Raid Two Palestinian TV Stations in Ramallah
New York Times 29 Feb 2012 – Equipment and documents were seized by Israeli troops. Their stated reason for the raid, interference by broadcasts on unauthorized frequencies, was hotly disputed by Palestinian officials.
Qatar’s Royal Patronage of the Arts: Glittering but Empty
New York Times 29 Feb 2012 – Critics of the Qatar royal family say it is behaving as a facilitator of the international art scene while at the same time using it for self-promotion.
JVP-Boston supports One State Conference being held at Harvard
Jewish Voice for Peace –
Netanyahu seeks Iran conflict, extremist reaction to knock out Obama
Mondoweiss – Netanyahu Brilliant post by Andrew Sullivan off the report by AP that Israel has told the US that it would attack Iran without any warning to the US. A sinister read, but given Israel’s record during the “clash of civilizations” era, it’s hard to argue with….
Did ‘Atlantic’ coverage lead to release of Fadi Quran after five days in administrative detention? Updated
Mondoweiss – The expression, If Americans Knew would seem to apply more than anyone these days to Robert Wright, the Atlantic journalist who today reports that his friend Fadi Quran has been released from administrative detention, f ive days after Wright reported Quran’s arrest in Hebron in the…
The Rosh Hashanah sermon on Fire Island
Mondoweiss – Fire Island, NY I keep wanting to get to this story, and today I will. At the Penn BDS conference earlier this month , there was a panel of Jews speaking on “BDS, Hillel, and the Question of Anti-Semitism,” and Rebecca Vilkomerson of Jewish Voice for Peace…
Barghouthi and Erakat can reach young Americans
Mondoweiss – Omar Barghouthi Noura Erakat Noura Erakat and Omar Barghouthi spoke on “legality and morality” at Israeli Apartheid Week last night at NYU. They are an excellent one-two combination. Both are young and very well-spoken, both smiling, insistent and unflappable. Their poise alone makes you cringe–how can…
Will the US act as Israel’s proxy against Iran?
Mondoweiss – These two leaders are to meet March 5 Benjamin Netanyahu is coming to meet Barack Obama on Monday March 5, during the AIPAC conference. And it is a good question which leader feels he has more power in the encounter. It’s an election year. Netanyahu will…
Stratfor: Russia Provides Israel With Code to Crack Tor M-1 Air Defense System It Provided to Iran
Tikun Olam – Reputed Israeli drone which crashed in Azerbijan en route to spy on Iran Among the new nuggets exposed by Wikileaks’ dump of Stratfor e-mails is an eye-opening 2009 memo from an analyst who met with an intelligence source in Mexico. The latter had a Mexican ex-military…
Haaretz’s Yossi Melman Served as Stratfor Source
Tikun Olam – Yossi Melman: man behind the mask The Wikileaks dump of Stratfor e-mails (see this comprehensive background article on the project and this glossary of wacky Strator intel-speak terms) has exposed one particularly interesting set of relationships. One of the company’s chief Israeli sources was Haaretz’s former…
Nigeria: Kuwait Celebrates 51st Anniversary, Forges Ties With Country
allAfrica.com 29 Feb 2012 – [Daily Trust] Kuwait celebrated its 51st anniversary of independence and 21st year of liberation Monday in Abuja where the country’s Ambassador Saad A. Al-Asousi said it had signed a number of agreements with Nigeria to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.
Egypt: Govt. Concerned Over Syria Violence
allAfrica.com 29 Feb 2012 – [Egypt Online] Egypt’s permanent delegate to the UN European Seat, Ambassador Hisham Badr, said on Tuesday 28/2/2012 Egypt is following up with deep concern the deteriorating situation in Syria.
Finkelstein, BDS and the destruction of Israel
Global BDS 28 Feb 2012 – Contrary to Finkelstein’s claim that the BDS movement would lead to the ‘destruction’ of Israel, one can simply look to Ireland as an example of a lasting two-state solution [GALLO/GETTY] Chicago, IL – In a recent and highly controversial interview , Norman Finkelstein, long a scourge of…
Judge throws out Israel-backed lawsuit against Olympia Food Co-op, upholds right to boycott
Global BDS 27 Feb 2012 – In a major setback for Israeli efforts to suppress the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement in the United States, a judge in Olympia, Washington today dismissed a lawsuit designed to force the Olympia Food Co-op to rescind its boycott of Israeli goods. The judge ruled…
Syria forces attack besieged Homs
BBC 29 Feb 2012 – The fate of the besieged Baba Amr quarter, in the Syrian city of Homs, remains unclear after government troops launch a ground offensive on rebels.
Egypt presidential poll date set
BBC 29 Feb 2012 – Egypt’s first presidential election since the fall of Hosni Mubarak will begin in May, the head of the electoral commission says.
NGO trial judges resign in Egypt
BBC 29 Feb 2012 – The presiding judge and two others resign from the high-profile trial in Egypt of 43 workers for foreign non-governmental organisations.
Iran ‘to accept gold for its oil’
BBC 29 Feb 2012 – Iran is to accept gold instead of dollars as payment for its oil, says the country’s state news agency.
Palestine-Israel, In spite of late winter storms and raining showers the joint struggle continues
A-infos 29 Feb 2012 – The common theme of the week end demonstration was the anniversary 18 of the Ibrahimi Mosque massacre by the colonialist settler Dr. Goldstein and the intense harassment that followed it…. as if the punishment of the Palestinian victims is the logical conclusion. The demonstration in Hebron…
SeaMAC launches new ad campaign on King County Metro buses
US Campaign to End the Occupation 29 Feb 2012 – Check out the latest bus ad by US Campaign member group SeaMAC. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: press@SeaMAC.org Peter Lippman (206) 432 1669 Edward Mast (206) 633-1086 Carla Curio (206) 450-0706 SeaMAC launches new ad campaign on King County Metro buses Seattle Mideast Awareness Campaign (SeaMAC) has…
Indictments against settlers following B’Tselem’s exposure of property crimes
B’tselem 27 Feb 2012 – On 15 February, the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office indicted a soldier and two young Israeli women, charging that they damaged property, and sprayed malicious graffiti against Palestinians, in a-Lubban a-Sharqiyah, a village in the Nablus District. The indictment also accuses the soldier of using a gun…
Articles
Finkelstein, BDS and the destruction of Israel
Ali Abunimah, Al Jazeera.com 2/28/2012
Norman Finkelstein’s views on the Boycott, Divest and Sanction movement may be somewhat shortsighted.
Chicago, IL – In a recent and highly controversial interview, Norman Finkelstein, long a scourge of Israel, turned his guns on Palestinians and their supporters. He accused the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement of being a “cult”, and claimed that its achievements were mostly exaggerated.
But what exercised Finkelstein most was his conclusion that if implemented, the demands of the 2005 Palestinian civil society call for BDS, would amount to “the destruction of Israel”.
Finkelstein lay into the three “tiers” of the BDS call: that Israel end its occupation of Arab lands conquered in 1967; that it end all forms of discrimination and guarantee equality for Palestinian citizens of Israel; and that it respect and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees, including the right of return. US activists urge boycott of Israeli companies
“They don’t want Israel,” Finkelstein declared, “They think they’re being very clever. They call it their three tiers… We want the end of the occupation, we want the right of return, and we want equal rights for Arabs in Israel. And they think they are very clever, because they know the result of implementing all three is what? What’s the result? You know and I know what’s the result: there’s no Israel.” more.. e-mail
’Christ at the Checkpoint’: Hope in the midst of conflict
Ma’an News Agency 2/29/2012
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — “In the past there has only been one story about the situation here and who the people are,” says media director of the ‘Christ at the Checkpoint’ conference Porter Speakman Jr.
“It is a battle of narratives.”
The Bethlehem Bible College will be holding the second ‘Christ at the Checkpoint’ conference from March 5-9, in a series of events which hope to host hundreds of people from over 15 different nationalities.
Activities will include lectures, interviews, workshops, group discussions and talks by high-profile speakers.
There will also be field visits to the Israeli separation wall, refugee camps, Jerusalem, Hebron and other areas.
“Hope is found in our story,” conference director Munther Isaac told Ma’an. While the conference is largely aimed at the evangelical community abroad, and in Palestine, it is also a story about the Palestinian Christian community, he says.
The conference aims to “expose the realities of the injustices” in Palestine, create a platform for “serious engagement with Christian Zionism,” and “motivate participants to become advocates for the reconciliation work of the church in Palestine/Israel.”
Porter Speakman Jr. says it is an opportunity to show American evangelicals the “consequences of certain ideological beliefs,” and to change the way Christians view the situation in Palestine, both ideologically and in terms of tourism. more.. e-mail
The not-so-hidden limits to freedom in the West
Ziad El-hady, Redress 2/28/2012
There is a call for “freedom” in the Middle East, both from citizens within its troubled borders and from people in the West. Although this call is well intentioned, it is remarkably simplistic.
There is no doubt that political freedom in the Middle East is miserably limited. But are people in the West really as free as they think they are? The philosophy of freedom
In a civilized society freedom is constrained by the imperative to do no harm to others. For example, we do not value the freedom to discriminate, abuse or pollute.
Freedom is generally understood and defined as the ability to choose according to one’s own free will, without coercion. The modern emphasis of freedom is almost always on choice.
In the West, this is typically celebrated in people’s freedom to say, do, elect and pursue what they want. The surface appeal of this type of liberalism is strong, especially to the citizens of dictatorships in the Middle East.
But there are a couple of crucial factors, manifested in the Western socio-economic and cultural systems, which are almost entirely neglected in this understanding of freedom.
First, freedom is not only about choice; it is also about the options from which people can make their choice. Who decides and gives us these options? There doesn’t seem to be anything especially democratic, for example, about being given two options to choose from, especially when you had little or no say in what those two options are in the first place. more.. e-mail
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The New Dark Age 