28 June 2013 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Kerry Holds Second Meeting With Netanyahu
IMEMC – [Friday June 28 2013] Reuters has reported that U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, held a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem for the second time in 24 hours. The second meeting was supposed to be held Sunday. …
Israel Advises Citizens Against Travelling To Egypt
IMEMC – The Israeli Ministry of Interior called on its citizens to refrain from travelling to Egypt, especially amidst planned massive protests against the government this coming Sunday. …
Eight Kidnapped Near Ramallah
IMEMC – Local sources in the Al-Mazra’a Ash-Sharqiyya village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, have reported that dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded the village, and kidnapped eight Palestinians. …
PCHR Weekly Report: 6 Palestinians wounded, 35 abducted in 48 Israeli incursions this week
IMEMC – In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 20 – 26 June, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces launched 3 air strikes against civilian targets and training sites in the Gaza Strip. …
Settlers Burn An Agricultural Structure, Equipment, Near Tubas
IMEMC – Local sources have reported that a number of extremist Israeli settlers burnt on Thursday at night [June 27 2013] a Palestinian agricultural structure in Bardala village, near Tubas in the West Bank’s northern Plains. …
Settlers Burn Palestinian Farmlands Near Nablus
IMEMC – Villages of the Sabastia area, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, have reported that a number of extremist Israeli settlers burnt, Thursday [June 27 2013], Palestinian agricultural lands planted with Olive and Almond trees. …
Britain Denounces Israeli Plan To Expand “Har Homa”
IMEMC – The British Government denounced Thursday [June 27 2013] the recent Israeli decision granting a final approval for the construction of 69 new units in the Har Homa [Jabal Abu Ghneim] illegal settlement between occupied Jerusalem and Bethlehem. …
Kerry Holds A Meeting With Netanyahu
IMEMC – U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, held a meeting on Thursday [June 24 2013] with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem, and held talks on various issues, topped by the efforts to resume the stalled political talks between Israel and the Palestinians. …
Kerry Meets King Abdullah of Jordan
IMEMC – Thursday [June 27] as part of his Middle East trip, U.S. Secretary General John Kerry held a meeting with king Abdullah of Jordan, and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, and the efforts to resume the political process between Israel and the Palestinians. …
Medics: Ramallah man shot in chest in clashes with soldiers
6/28/2013 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Israeli soldiers shot a Palestinian man in the chest with a live bullet during clashes in Qalandiya refugee camp early Friday, medics said. The victim, in his 20s, was taken to the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah where he underwent surgery, medics told Ma’an. Locals said Israeli forces raided the camp, between Ramallah and Jerusalem, at around 1 a….
Weekly protests across West Bank
6/28/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Dozens of Palestinians on Friday demonstrated throughout the occupied West Bank against Israel’s wall and settlements on Palestinian land. In al-Maasara, near Bethlehem, the march focused on water inequality as demonstrators protested Israeli exploitation of West Bank resources. Israeli forces fired tear gas at protesters.”Palestinians suffer from water theft in camps, cities, and villages,” popular struggle coordinator Hassan….
Secret talks held over release of pre-Oslo prisoners
6/29/2013 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli and Palestinian officials have held secret talks to discuss the release of prisoners detained before the 1993 Oslo Accords, an official said Friday. President Mahmoud Abbas has insisted that 107 Palestinians detained before the Oslo agreement must be released before the PLO will return to negotiations with Israel. Amin Shuman, director of the High Coordination Committee for Prisoners’ Release….
Official: Rafah crossing to stay open during June 30 demos
6/28/2013 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — Egyptian security forces do not plan to close the Rafah crossing on Gaza’s border during protests planned for June 30, a senior Egyptian official said Friday. The official told Ma’an that the area in North Sinai was secure following the deployment of the Egyptian army to border towns and the closure of smuggling tunnels. He said if….
Kerry meets Israeli premier
6/28/2013 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — US Secretary of State John Kerry met for nearly four hours into Friday morning with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his latest bid to revive Middle East peace talks. On his fifth visit in as many months, Kerry met for dinner Thursday with Netanyahu at a Jerusalem hotel before his motorcade drove back to Amman where he will meet for lunch on….
Egypt deports 11 Palestinians who entered through tunnels
6/28/2013 – EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma’an) — Egyptian authorities on Friday deported 11 Palestinians who entered Egypt through tunnels from the Gaza Strip, a security official said. The Palestinians were detained after arriving in Egypt’s Sinai through smuggling tunnels without any travel documents, an Egyptian security official told Ma’an. They were sent back to Gaza through the Rafah crossing, the official told Ma’an. [END]
Poll: Majority of skeptical Israelis want peace talks
6/28/2013 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — A majority of Israelis support resuming peace talks with the Palestinians, a poll published on Friday said, as US Secretary of State John Kerry presses leaders from both sides to return to negotiations. The poll in daily Israel Hayom said 56. 9 percent believed negotiations should resume, against 28. 6 percent who thought they should not. But there was skepticism over whether talks….
Kerry shuttle presses Mideast peace bid
6/28/2013 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — US Secretary of State John Kerry shuttled between Jerusalem and Amman on Friday as he tried to revive moribund Middle East peace negotiations, holding lengthy separate meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Kerry, who is trying to break a protracted deadlock in the negotiations, met Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem in two separate meetings before and after a visit….
Jordanians ‘suspicious’ about US military deployment
6/28/2013 – AMMAN, Jordan (AFP) — Jordanians are suspicious about US weapons and troops being deployed to the kingdom, even if Washington seeks to help its ally protect itself from a possible spillover of Syrian violence, experts say. Worried about the security of Jordan, which is already struggling to cope with around 550,000 refugees from its war-torn northern neighbour, the United States has kept F-16 warplanes and….
2 die after Jenin road accident
6/28/2013 – JENIN (Ma’an) — Two people died early Friday morning from wounds sustained in a road accident in Jenin a day earlier, medics said. Driver Ayman Farahat, 35, and Ahmad Jaradat died after sustaining serious head and chest wounds in the accident. Three other passengers were wounded when the vehicle collided with a truck at high speed. The vehicle was transporting workers from Umm al-Fahm….
Jenin man drowns off Israeli coast
6/28/2013 – JENIN (Ma’an) — A young man from Jenin was found drowned off the coast of Netanya in northern Israel on Friday, police said. Medics could not revive the man, who was in his 20s, said Israeli police spokeswoman Luba al-Samri. Police are investigating the death, al-Samri told Ma’an. 1 ) Jo / Australia28/06/2013 12:40 Murdered by the Zionist entity no doubt….
Gaza teen drowns off coast
6/28/2013 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A 15-year-old drowned off the coast of the Gaza Strip on Friday, the Health Ministry said. The body of Raed Asfour, 15, from Khan Younis was taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said. Also Friday, the body of a Palestinian from Jenin in the northern West Bank was found on a beach in Netanya….
Boy, 8, drowns in well near Nablus
6/28/2013 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — An 8-year-old boy was found dead on Friday in a well in a village near Nablus in the northern West Bank, the local mayor said. Jamal Abu Jiesh drowned after falling in the well at his family home, said Beit Dajan mayor Nasser Abu Jiesh. His body was taken to the Rafadia Hospital. Police are investigating the death, the mayor….
4-year-old dies in tractor accident
6/28/2013 – TULKAREM (Ma’an) — A child died on Friday after falling off a tractor in the village of Bizzariya east of Tulkarem, medics said. Amir Hamad, 4, was riding beside his father on a tractor before falling. He died on impact and was taken to a hospital were he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Police have opened an investigation into the incident. [END]
Egypt showdown fears mount after deadly clash
6/29/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) –
– Supporters and opponents of Egypt’s Islamist President Mohamed Mursi gathered for rival demonstrations on Friday, raising fears of fresh violence after one activist was killed overnight. Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and its Islamist allies massed outside the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque in Cairo’s Nasr district to demonstrate their backing for Mursi in his rejection of opposition calls to step….
State TV: US citizen killed in Egypt clashes
6/29/2013 – CAIRO (AFP) — A US citizen was killed on Friday in clashes in Egypt’s second city of Alexandria, state television reported, bringing the death toll up to two. A medical source said a “21-year-old US citizen was killed. He was taken to hospital with birdshot wounds”. The American embassy in Cairo said it was still trying to confirm the news. Alexandria security chief….
Suicide bomber strikes, aid groups lament Syria crisis
6/28/2013 – DAMASCUS (AFP) — A suicide bomber killed at least four people in a Christian area of the Syrian capital as aid groups said they cannot keep pace with the ever-growing suffering. State media said the “terrorist” bomber struck near a church of an order of the Maronite church, killing four people and wounding four others.”Terrorists” is the term the government in Damascus uses for rebels….
Zebari: Iraq Shiites fighting in Syria
6/28/2013 – RIYADH (AFP) — Iraqi Shiite Muslims are fighting in Syria alongside troops of President Bashar Assad, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said in remarks published on Friday, while insisting this was not the policy of the Shiite-led Baghdad government.”I do not deny that Iraqi Shiite fighters are participating in combat in Syria, just as Sunnis from the Gulf are doing in that country,” he said….
Bombs hit Hezbollah convoy in east Lebanon
6/28/2013 – ZAHLE, Lebanon (AFP) — Two small bombs hit a Hezbollah convoy in the Bekaa valley, a stronghold of the Shiite militant group in eastern Lebanon, on Friday, causing no casualties and only limited damage, a security source said. The twin bombs were detonated at 5. 30 a. m. as the convoy of four vehicles passed through the town of Zahle, the source said.”After the explosion….
Ex-wife Winnie: Mandela has shown ‘great improvement’
6/28/2013 – SOWETO, South Africa (AFP) — The wife of ailing Nelson Mandela on Friday said that the anti-apartheid icon’s condition had improved over recent days, but was still “unwell.””From what he was a few days ago, there is great improvement, but clinically he is still unwell,” she said near the couple’s old house in Soweto. [END]
Obama says no need for ‘photo op’ with Mandela
6/28/2013 – ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE, Senegal (AFP) — US President Barack Obama said Friday a much-awaited meeting with his critically ill hero Nelson Mandela would depend on the icon’s family.”We’ll see what the situation is when we land. I do not need a photo op,” Obama said en route to South Africa.”The last thing I want to do is to be in any way obtrusive.”[END]
Syria rebels seize key position in Daraa city
6/28/2013 – BEIRUT (AFP) — Syrian rebels advancing from the Jordanian border seized a strategic army position in the southern city of Daraa on Friday as fighting raged in the surrounding province, a watchdog said.”They seized two buildings in the provincial capital that regime forces were using to keep the whole city under surveillance,” Syrian Observatory for Human Rights director Rami Abdel Rahman said.”This is the….
AlJazeera
Kerry steps up Israel-Palestine shuttle talks
AlJazeera 28 Jun 2013 – US Secretary of State meets Abbas in Jordan and Netanyahu in Jerusalem for second time in two days to push peace talks.
Sourani Meets with Finnish Minister of International Cooperation, Reviews Human Rights Situation in Palestine
Palestine News Network
Palestinian Injured By IOF Fire in Qalandiya Refugee Camp, Ramallah
Palestine News Network
Israeli Occupation Arrests 8 Palestinians from Ramallah
Palestine News Network
Pillay: 20 Years After Historic Human Rights Breakthrough, Much Work Remains
Palestine News Network
“Popular Discontent Could Result in Another Round of Violence,” UN Special Committee Warns
Palestine News Network
PCHR Welcomes Decision of Paris Court of Appeal on Al-Dura after 10 Years of Deliberations
Palestine News Network
YouTube Removes Video Calling on Alica Keys to Cancel Tel Aviv Concert
Palestine News Network
Refusal, Pinkwashing and Gender in Israel
Palestine News Network
Two Prisoners Begin 29 Years in Israeli Prison
Palestine News Network
IPS in Megiddo Prison Seizes Prisoner’s Artwork, Drawings
Palestine News Network
International Solidarity Movement
Three people arrested and several homes ransacked by Israeli occupation forces in Nablus
6/28/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 28th June 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Nablus Team, Nablus, Occupied Palestine – In the early hours of the morning on the 27th June hundreds of Israeli army and police of the occupation forces invaded Nablus where they arrested people, destroyed homes and shot teargas and sound bombs all through the night. The army remained in Nablus terrorising the population from 1. 30am till 6. 00am, when….
Video: Three arrests at Nabi Salih demonstration against occupation
6/28/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 28th June 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Ramallah Team, Nabi Salih, Occupied Palestine – Update 29th June 00. 45: The two Palestinian activists are currently being interrogated at Giva Binyamin police station. During the June 28th demonstration in Nabi Salih, after Friday prayer had finished, the Palestinians once again began their resistance against the illegal Israeli occupation. As usual, their demonstration was met with high levels of….
‘We don’t care’ – A shocking response from Israeli soldiers arresting children in Hebron
6/28/2013 – International Solidarity Movement – 28th June 2013, International Solidarity Movement, Khalil Team, Hebron, Occupied Palestine – Two brothers aged 10 and 13 were today taken by the Israeli occupation forces whilst playing outside their home in the old city of Hebron. They were forcibly taken to the military base on Shuhada Street which is closed to Palestinians, while their mother waited watching from the street above. They were held for….
World: Democracy, Like Revolution, is Unattainable Without Women
Relief Web 28 Jun 2013 – Source: US Institute of Peace Country: Egypt, occupied Palestinian territory, Tunisia, World Published: June 28, 2013. By: Sahar F. Aziz. In this peace brief, author Sahar F. Aziz argues that the biggest challenge for women in Arab Spring countries is…
occupied Palestinian territory: Frequent border closures add to Gaza gas woes
Relief Web 28 Jun 2013 – Source: IRIN Country: occupied Palestinian territory GAZA CITY, 28 June 2013 (IRIN) – Frequent closures of the only crossing for commercial goods between Israel and the Gaza Strip have left the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) short of gas for cooking…
Syrian Arab Republic: UK support in Syria and the region – 18 June 2013
Relief Web 28 Jun 2013 – Source: Department for International Development Country: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey
World: Annual Report and Accounts for 2012-2013
Relief Web 28 Jun 2013 – Source: Department for International Development Country: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, occupied Palestinian territory, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic,…
Egyptian protesters clash amid Al Azhar’s fears of civil war
The National 28 Jun 2013 – One person killed and dozens injured as supporters and opponents of Egypt’s Islamist president clash, leaving the country on edge ahead of Sunday’s anti-Morsi protests.
GCC meets to discuss sanctions on Hizbollah
The National 28 Jun 2013 – Interior ministries across the GCC are to meet next Thursday to plan a clampdown on Hezbollah members in the region.
Emirati women feel lure of surgery
The National 28 Jun 2013 – Half of those questioned were dissatisfied with their body image and 51.2 per cent would opt to go under the knife in pursuit of perfection.
Women inmates ‘tied up prison guard as part of jailbreak bid’
The National 28 Jun 2013 – Three female prisoners tied up guard in bid to escape, hears court.
Shelter for male victims of human trafficking set to open
The National 28 Jun 2013 – A shelter for male victims of human trafficking is set to open in Abu Dhabi.
‘I broke my back … now I always wear a belt’
The National 28 Jun 2013 – Emirati man injured in car crash considers his disability a positive challenge.
UAEU cancer research hopes
The National 28 Jun 2013 – Chemotherapy could soon be a treatment of the past as a project linking cancer growth to immunity proves successful.
Two million Emirati words collected so far for ‘dialect dictionary’
The National 28 Jun 2013 – UAE University is gathering a database of specifically Emirati Arabic words.
Kerry meets with Netanyahu for second time in 24 hours
Ha’aretz – 28 Jun 2013
Some 1,500 Israeli Arabs block major road in protest over home demolition
Ha’aretz – 28 Jun 2013
Iron Dome anti-missile system deployed near Haifa
Ha’aretz – 28 Jun 2013
Recovered cancer patients fall between cracks
Ha’aretz – 27 Jun 2013
Kerry ramps up for latest round of ‘couples therapy’ with Netanyahu, Abbas
Ha’aretz – 27 Jun 2013
For second time only in Israel, prison for poacher
Ha’aretz – 27 Jun 2013
After polio scare, kids in Israel’s south may get extra inoculation
Ha’aretz – 27 Jun 2013
Hadassah to remind doctors of medicine costs
Ha’aretz – 27 Jun 2013
Anti-Morsi protests: Clashes in Alexandria kills two, injures 70
Jerusalem Post 28 Jun 2013 – A total of 6 killed in the past week, including a US citizen.
Syrian rebels seize Deraa army post in battle for cradle of revolt
Jerusalem Post 28 Jun 2013 – Fall of army post holds strategic significance, where the peaceful protest that turned into a civil war began.
Israeli-Arabs clash with police in Wadi Ara protest over home demolition
Jerusalem Post 28 Jun 2013 – Hundreds block route 65, throw stones after home without permit destroyed; police use tear gas to disperse protest.
Egypt clerics warn of ‘civil war’ as rivals clash
Jerusalem Post 28 Jun 2013 – Muslim Brothers, anti-Morsi protesters to launch demonstrations.
Germany can keep Eichmann records secret, court rules
The Guardian 28 Jun 2013 – Attempt to prove West Germany knew the senior Nazi was in Argentina in the 1950s frustrated by ruling Germany’s foreign intelligence agency can keep secret some of its records on Adolf Eichmann, the Nazi known as…
.One Step Removed From Full-Blown Fascism Things Fall Apart
Uruknet
Israel breaks pledge to allow imprisoned Gaza engineer family visits
Uruknet
The NSA Spying Scandal and Improbable Cause
Uruknet
Consensus wisdom: The boycott of Israel is working
Uruknet
Separation Barrier surrounding al-Walajah to leave family isolated
Uruknet
‘Occupy Gaza’, Israel’s Former Minister Urges
Uruknet
Unjust village “Graphic+18”
Uruknet
“I Wish I Was Dead,” Shaker Aamer Says from Guantánamo, as David Cameron Writes to His Daughter
Uruknet
Systematic sexual torture still continues under Morsi
Uruknet
Palestinians denounce Netanyahu’s attempt to block EU statement on settlements
Uruknet
Dissenting lives intersect in postrevolution Iran
Daily Star 28 Jun 2013 Iranian author Sahar Delijani was born in Tehran’s Evin Prison.
American killed as clashes erupt in Egypt’s Alexandria
Daily Star 28 Jun 2013 An American was among two people killed in Egypt’s second city of Alexandria on Friday as clashes erupted during rival demonstrations for and against Islamist President Mohamed Morsi a year after his election.
Obama pledges to help Africa
Daily Star 28 Jun 2013 President Barack Obama paid tribute to anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela as he flew to South Africa Friday but played down expectations of a meeting with the ailing black leader during an Africa tour promoting democracy and…
Egypt prosecutor charges 9 with spying for Israel
Daily Star 28 Jun 2013 Egyptian security officials say nine people, three Egyptians and six Israeli Arabs, have been referred to trial on charges they spied for Israel.
Two blasts, suicide bomber kill 14 people in Iraq
Daily Star 28 Jun 2013 Two bombs planted in a senior Iraqi police officer’s car and another attack by a suicide bomber at a funeral killed at least 14 people in Iraq on Friday, police said.
Fears of more unrest as rival protesters mass in Egypt
Daily Star 28 Jun 2013 Supporters and opponents of Egyptian Islamist President Mohamed Morsi take to the streets for rival protests a year after his election, as deadly clashes in Alexandria raise fears of widespread unrest.
Iranian official signals no early scaling back in nuclear work
Daily Star 28 Jun 2013 Iran will press ahead with its uranium enrichment programme, its nuclear energy chief said on Friday, signalling no immediate change of course despite the victory of a relative moderate in the June 14 presidential election.
US finds discrimination in LA area law enforcement
YNet News, 28 Jun 2013 – ….
US woman indicted in poison letter-to-Obama case
YNet News, 28 Jun 2013 – ….
Brazil president meets youth representatives
YNet News, 28 Jun 2013 – ….
Report: US citizen killed in Egypt violence
YNet News, 28 Jun 2013 – ….
Plane crashes in Guatemala, kills 6 men
YNet News, 28 Jun 2013 – ….
Blood near baby’s cot
YNet News, 28 Jun 2013 – Op-ed: UK ambassador says Israel must believe that when occupation ends it will find a peaceful neighbor in West Bank ….
Palestinian Information Center
IOF arrests 10 Palestinians in West Bank
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) detained 10 citizens on Friday morning, during raids across the West Bank.
Gaza signs contracts for the implementation of Malaysian grant projects
PIC – The Palestinian Minister of Public Works and Housing Yousef Subhi Gariz signed, with Palestinian construction companies, contracts for the implementation of the Malaysian grant projects.
AOHR calls on PA to stop security coordination
PIC – The Arab Organization for Human Rights (AOHR) called on the Palestinian Authority to stop security coordination with the occupation and intensify efforts to confront the settlement activity.
Israeli army claims finding weapons cache in Nablus
PIC – The Israeli military claimed discovering a cache of weapons and ammunition in the West Bank city of Nablus, based on intelligence information.
Haniyeh renews his readiness to achieve reconciliation
PIC – Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh confirmed his determination to achieve the Palestinian national reconciliation and to form a united Palestinian government.
Radwan praises Turkish efforts for the Palestinian cause
PIC – Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in Gaza government, Dr. Ismail Radwan, praised the Turkish efforts in support of the Palestinian cause, stressing the Palestinian-Turkish good relationship.
Israel notifies the demolition of 30 Palestinian houses south of al-Khalil
PIC – Israeli occupation authorities notified the demolition of thirty Palestinian homes and properties in the village of Susia in al-Khalil, south of the West Bank.
Israeli occupation demolishes properties in Tubas
PIC – The Israeli occupation authorities on Thursday began demolishing Palestinian installations and agricultural properties in Tubas in the occupied West Bank.
Shin Bet officials call to accelerate Israeli control over al-Aqsa mosque
PIC – A Jewish rabbi, who campaigns for accelerating Israeli control over al-Aqsa Mosque, revealed that he gets support from former senior Shin Bet officials.
Israeli retired judge calls for performing Talmudic rituals in al-Aqsa mosque
PIC – An Israeli retired judge demanded the Israeli supreme court to allow performing Talmudic prayers and rituals in al-Aqsa mosque and to cancel the restrictions on Jewish entry to the mosque.
Kerry tries to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks
LA Times 28 Jun 2013 – JERUSALEM — Secretary of State John F. Kerry traveled from meeting to meeting Friday as he sought to jump-start the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks during his fifth visit to the region since taking office in February.
Syrian Rebels Claim to Control Most of City Where Protests Began
New York Times 28 Jun 2013 – The southern city of Dara’a would represent a rare military victory in recent weeks for the insurgency.
3 Die in Egypt as Unrest Spreads Across Country
New York Times 28 Jun 2013 – Hundreds of people were injured as protesters targeted Muslim Brotherhood offices, with deadly clashes in the city of Alexandria.
Kerry’s Mideast Diplomacy Intensifies
New York Times 28 Jun 2013 – Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday shuttled between Palestinian and Israeli meetings aimed at restarting peace talks that have stalled for three years.
Retired U.S. General Is Focus of Inquiry Over Iran Leak
New York Times 28 Jun 2013 – Retired Gen. James E. Cartwright is being investigated in the leak of information about cyberattacks using the Stuxnet virus targeting Iran’s nuclear program.
Before Protests, Morsi Takes Critics Head On
New York Times 27 Jun 2013 – Mass demonstrations are planned this weekend by activists seeking President Mohamed Morsi’s removal, and many fear they will unleash a new wave of unrest.
Christian Quarter of Old City in Damascus Hit by Attacks
New York Times 27 Jun 2013 – Syria’s official news agency and witnesses reached by telephone said at least four people were killed in a suicide bombing, which targeted a medical charity.
‘Listen Mandela’ — Apartheid Land 2013
Mondoweiss – “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” –Nelson Mandela As the news of Nelson Mandela’s critical condition circulated, video artist Eitan Meir Altman uploaded a haunting video, “Welcome to Apartheid Land 2013”, onto his YouTube page. To the…
The homogeneity and ‘intense political programming’ of Jewish day schools
Mondoweiss – Students from Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School participating in an Israeli army training in the Negev as part of the school’s “senior experience” trip to Eastern Europe and Israel. (Photo: Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School ) Students of biological evolution know that diversity is key…
Chomsky is to Jews what Clarence Thomas is to blacks– representing a fringe, says WNYC’s Lehrer
Mondoweiss – I have often written here that Brian Lehrer, the popular talk show host at WNYC public radio, reflects a strongly pro-Israel position because he regards himself as representing the attitudes of the Jewish community in New York. Yesterday in a discussion of the Supreme Court , Lehrer…
Israeli Prime Minister directly involved in efforts against BDS movement
Mondoweiss – Netanyahu speaking to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (Photo viaIsraelEmb.org) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is directly involved in growing efforts to combat the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, according to a report on the website of Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth ….
Snowden is a hero in NY hall, but AP exec won’t touch him with a bargepole
Mondoweiss – In the last week we covered two Snowden-related events: I went to a celebration of Edward Snowden’s actions at Cooper Union in New York, at which the national surveillance state was compared to Nazi totalitarianism; and Peter Voskamp watched a discussion by an Associated Press executive…
Knicks Star Amar’e Stoudemire Wants Slice of Israel Hoops Team
The Foward Breaking News 28 Jun 2013 – Amar’e Stoudemire is showing that he really owns his connection to Judaism. Click here for the rest of the article…
Medical Marijuana Gets Blessing of Orthodox Rabbi — But Don’t Get High
The Foward Breaking News 28 Jun 2013 – An Israeli Orthodox rabbi ruled that distributing and smoking medicinal marijuana are kosher, but using weed for fun was “forbidden.” Click here for the rest of the article…
Ron Dermer Named Next Israeli Ambassador to U.S.: Reports
The Foward Breaking News 28 Jun 2013 – Ron Dermer, Benjamin Netanyahu’s close adviser known for his strong ties with Republican politicians, will reportedly be Israel’s next ambassador to the United States. Click here for the rest of the article…
John Kerry Steps Up Peace Push in Israel
The Foward Breaking News 28 Jun 2013 – Secretary of State John Kerry accelerated his Middle East shuttle diplomacy on Friday in the hope of persuading the Palestinians to resume direct peace negotiations with Israel stalled over its West Bank settlements. Click here for the rest of the article…
Violence erupts at Egypt protests
BBC 28 Jun 2013 – There have been deadly clashes in Egypt as both supporters and opponents of President Mohammed Morsi stage mass demonstrations.
US general ‘target’ in leak probe
BBC 28 Jun 2013 – A retired high-ranking US general, James Cartwright, is the target of an investigation into classified Iran leaks, US media report.
Egypt’s Calm Before the June 30 Storm
Al-Akhbar News 28 Jun 2013 – A picture of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi burns on the ground as hundreds of Egyptian anti-government protesters shout political slogans against Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi on 26 June 2013 in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo: AFP – Gianluigi Guercia) A picture of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi burns on…
Specter of Civil War Haunts Egyptians
Al-Akhbar News 28 Jun 2013 – Egyptians look on as a mob in the village of Abu Mussalam attacked Shiite Muslim men gathered in a house after they allegedly refused to leave, on 23 June 2013. (Photo: AFP – STR) Egyptians look on as a mob in the village of Abu Mussalam…
Week In Photos (21 June- 28 June 2013)
Al-Akhbar News 28 Jun 2013 – A South African woman wearing large earrings bearing a picture of former South African president Nelson Mandela stands outside the Medi Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, where Mandela lay in critical condition. (Photo: AFP – Filippo Monteforte) A South African woman wearing large earrings bearing a…
Qatar Emir Tamim: Against Sectarianism,
Al-Akhbar News 28 Jun 2013 – A handout picture released by the Jordanian Royal Palace shows Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein congratulating the former emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and his son, the new Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (Photo: AFP – HO / Youssef…
Islamists confront Lebanon’s army in Sidon
Al-Akhbar News 28 Jun 2013 – Fresh clashes broke out in Lebanon’s southern city of Sidon Friday afternoon when armed supporters of fugitive Salafi Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir provoked a confrontation with Lebanese soldiers. Dozens of armed Islamists, following prayers at a local mosque, marched towards the suburb of Abra to Assir’s compound…
Egypt’s top Islamic body warns of “civil war”
Al-Akhbar News 28 Jun 2013 – Egypt’s leading Islamic authority warned of “civil war” on Friday and called for calm after a member of the ruling Muslim Brotherhood was killed ahead of mass rallies aimed at forcing the president to quit. “Vigilance is required to ensure we do not slide into civil…
Michel Aoun: I Oppose Extending Army Commander’s Term
Al-Akhbar Politics 27 Jun 2013 – A handout picture released by Dalati and Nohra shows Lebanese President Michel Sleiman (C) speaking with Army Forces Commander General Jean Kahwaji (C-R) upon his arrival in the east Lebanon village of Arsal, near the Syrian border during a tour of the region on 29 May…
Violence erupts at Egypt protests
BBC 28 Jun 2013 – There have been deadly clashes in Egypt as both supporters and opponents of President Mohammed Morsi stage mass demonstrations.
Bomb blasts kill Iraq militiamen
BBC 28 Jun 2013 – At least 10 people are killed in twin bombings in the western city of Ramadi, in attacks apparently targeting Sunni militiamen.
Qatari doctor ‘beaten’ in UAE jail
BBC 28 Jun 2013 – The family of a Qatari doctor say he has been beaten and held in solitary confinement in the UAE, after being arrested there four months ago.
US general ‘target’ in leak probe
BBC 28 Jun 2013 – A retired high-ranking US general, James Cartwright, is the target of an investigation into classified Iran leaks, US media report.
Articles
McDonalds Strikes a Blow for Legitimacy
Rami G. Khouri, Agence Global 6/29/2013
BEIRUT — The news that the McDonald’s restaurant chain decided not to open a restaurant in a new mall in the Israeli settlement of Ariel, in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian West Bank, pales in comparison with the news out of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq these days. Yet the symbolic political significance of this act may impact the region in a substantial and positive manner in the years ahead.
My reasoning is based on the following points. First, any just and mutually agreed permanent peace accord between Israelis and Palestinians will have to return all the occupied territories of 1967 to the Palestinians (with mutually agreed land swaps in some cases). Second, this can only be achieved when a majority of Israelis accepts the principle that the entire world has accepted, that the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem are occupied territories that Israel must relinquish, in return for Arab recognition of Israel’s demand for an end of conflict, acceptance of Israel’s legitimacy, and normal relations as peaceful neighbors. Third, Israelis will only arrive at this point when they grasp that their continued colonization acts will generate new and more effective international responses in the form of boycotts and sanctions.
Fourth, this delegitimization of Israeli colonization policies may be critical to heightening global and Israeli appreciation that Israel in its pre-1967 lands has the right to live peacefully within secure and recognized borders if it also recognizes parallel Palestinian rights — but Israeli colonization in occupied Palestinian and other Arab lands is illegal, will not be tolerated, and increasingly will be actively fought through all available legal means. Fifth, international business firms that boycott Israeli colonies are an important part of the growing movement to politically pressure Israel to reverse its colonization and annexation measures, and to negotiate a permanent peace accord that includes a sovereign Palestinian state and an agreed resolution of the refugees issue. more.. e-mail
A Concise Answer to Ido Aharoni’s Query ‘Why Boycott Israel?’
Lawrence Davidson, 6/27/2013
Ido Aharoni, Israel’s Consul General for New York, and also “the founding head of Israel’s brand-management team and the originator of the Brand Israel movement,” recently wrote an op-ed in the New York Post (19 June 2013). In it he took to task the famous American novelist Alice Walker for her promotion of a cultural boycott of Israel.
Aharoni explains that, just like most countries in the world, Israel tries to promote “an attractive image” of itself — a sort of Israeli version of “I love New York.” Since “no other country has ever been criticized for engaging in this common practice of courting tourists and businesses,” why does Walker try to interfere with Israel’s branding campaign?
Ahroni knows full well why Walker does so. However, for him the racism and oppression Walker sees institutionalized in Israeli society is not a good reason for a boycott. Ahroni asserts that “Israel, like many places on Earth, experiences a variety of issues and challenges. … Israel should not be viewed through the prism of its problems, nor should any other country.” On the other hand, Ahroni wants to know why Walker is not boycotting Syria?
The question of why Americans should boycott Israel in particular, when so many other governments and societies in the world are oppressive and brutal, is an important one. And there is indeed a good answer to it:
The fact that Zionist influence spreads far beyond Israel’s area of dominion and now influences many of the policy making institutions of western governments, and particularly that of the United States, makes it imperative that Israel’s oppressive behavior be singled out as a high priority case for boycott. more.. e-mail
Kerry ought to deliver now
George S. Hishmeh, Arabic Media Internet Network (AMIN) 6/27/2013
For days, the biggest puzzle in Washington has been what US Secretary of State John Kerry is carrying in his diplomatic bag on his way today to Israel, the Occupied Territories and Jordan and whether he will be able to launch top-level negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis.
The globe-trotting secretary of state, who has probably travelled more than any of his predecessors in the first four months of running the State Department, is short of staff. Several of his aides have yet to be confirmed by the Senate — but, more importantly, he likes to keep his papers close to his chest. In fact, his talks to date with the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, and the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, have been held exclusively.
Recent unconfirmed press reports have revealed that Kerry will be meeting Abbas and Netanyahu in Amman, alongside Jordan’s King Hussain, but what is on the agenda remains undisclosed. The latest is that Kerry’s deadline for laun
ching any serious negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis is next September, or else a settlement to the decades-long problem is out of consideration.
What has been noteworthy about his tenure at the State Department, according to the Associated Press, is that he has issued “several as yet undelivered — and perhaps undeliverable — foreign policy promises, including a historic breakthrough in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”. In other words, the American news agency noted that Kerry has “certainly promised great things [but] how he has yet to deliver”. This has also reportedly proved “a source of concern” for US President Barack Obama’s policy team, probably as well to the US president. “Since Obama’s visit to Israel in March,” the AP underlined, “Kerry has gotten almost no public displays of support from the president, with the White House appearing reluctant to stake political capital in an endeavour that so often has proved a disappointment. more.. e-mail
Kerry and Chutzpah
Uri Avnery, Arabic Media Internet Network (AMIN) 6/28/2013
IF YOU happen to bump into John Kerry at Ben Gurion Airport, you may wonder whether he is coming or going. He may well be wondering himself.
For many weeks now he has been devoting most of his precious time to meetings with Binyamin Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas, trying to get these two people together.
It is about half an hour’s car ride between the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem and the Palestinian President’s Mukata’ah in Ramallah. But the two are more distant from each other than the Earth and Mars.
Kerry has taken it upon himself to bring the two together – perhaps somewhere in outer space. On the moon, for example.
TOGETHER FOR what?
Ah, there’s the rub. The idea seems to be a meeting for meeting’s sake.
We have watched this procedure for many years. Successive American presidents have undertaken to bring the two sides together. It is an American belief, rooted in Anglo-Saxon tradition, that if two reasonable, decent people get together to thrash out their differences, everything will fall into place. It’s almost automatic: meet – talk – agree.
Unfortunately, it does not quite work this way with conflicts between nations, conflicts that may have deep historical roots. In meetings between leaders of such nations, they often just want to hurl old accusations at each other, with the aim of convincing the world that the other side is utterly depraved and despicable. more.. e-mail
Dershowitz and Finkelstein: comrades at heart?
Electronic Intifada: 28 Jun 2013 – Despite their well-known hostility, the two men espouse the same views on some key issues.more
New book recounts living faith of Palestinian Christians
Electronic Intifada: 28 Jun 2013 – Samuel Kuruvilla looks at the theology and history of Palestinian Christianity.more
More material available from Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel – www.vtjp.org
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The New Dark Age 