Saturday, August 23, 2008
Boats arrive in Gaza early Saturday evening
Contributed by Lucia in Spain
"Gaza / PNN - The two ships designed to “Break the Siege” on Gaza arrived on the shores of Mediterranean in a symbolic gesture aimed at drawing attention to the suffering of the Gaza Strip brought on by the Israeli siege.
The message is clear: lift the siege and end the suffering of the Gaza Strip’s 1.5 million Palestinians. The boats were able to come ashore after much Israeli tampering with the mission.....
Hamas Spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhari criticized Arab leaders for the continued silence concerning the siege and demanded that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt be opened.
Dr. Iyad Al Sarraj invited the group to stay for at least three days to witness the situation on the ground in the Strip.
A leader of the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine ran to greet the boats in thanks for this "act of resistance against occupation.""
"Gaza / PNN - The two ships designed to “Break the Siege” on Gaza arrived on the shores of Mediterranean in a symbolic gesture aimed at drawing attention to the suffering of the Gaza Strip brought on by the Israeli siege.
The message is clear: lift the siege and end the suffering of the Gaza Strip’s 1.5 million Palestinians. The boats were able to come ashore after much Israeli tampering with the mission.....
Hamas Spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhari criticized Arab leaders for the continued silence concerning the siege and demanded that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt be opened.
Dr. Iyad Al Sarraj invited the group to stay for at least three days to witness the situation on the ground in the Strip.
A leader of the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine ran to greet the boats in thanks for this "act of resistance against occupation.""
Palestinians cheer alongside international activists after they arrived to Gaza in an attempt to break an Israeli blockade August 23, 2008.(Reuters) [The lady in the middle is Dr. Mona El-Farra who was overjoyed to embrace her brother who was on board one of the boats]
A Palestinian youth, bottom, waves the Palestinian flag as he and others greet two boats led by the U.S.-based Free Gaza group, which left Cyprus on Friday upon there arrival to the Gaza Strip Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008. (AP)
Members of the U.S.-based Free Gaza group, which left Cyprus on Friday by boat, are seen as they arrive to the Gaza Strip, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008.(AP)
A member of the U.S.-based Free Gaza group, right, which left Cyprus by boat on Friday, right, hugs a Palestinian woman upon her arrival to the Gaza Strip, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008.(AP)
A Palestinian greets an international activist after he arrived to Gaza in an attempt to break an Israeli blockade August 23, 2008.(Reuters)
International activists (R) wave to Palestinians after they arrived to Gaza in an attempt to break an Israeli blockade August 23, 2008.(Reuters)
Members of the U.S.-based Free Gaza group, which left Cyprus by boat on Friday, flash the V sign upon there arrival to the Gaza Strip, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008.(AP)
An international activist waves to Palestinians after arriving to Gaza in an attempt to break an Israeli blockade August 23, 2008.(Reuters)
Two boats led by the U.S.-based Free Gaza group, which left Cyprus on Friday are greeted by Palestinians upon they arrival to the Gaza Strip, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008 (AP).
Break siege vessels anchor at Gaza port
"GAZA, (PIC)-- The two anti-siege boats carrying foreign sympathizers with the plight of the Gaza Strip people under Israeli siege for more than two years on Saturday anchored at the Gaza port amidst massive and warm welcome.
Thousands of Palestinians flocked to the Gaza port to receive the vessels that braved Israeli threats and went ahead with the voyage to besieged Gaza carrying humanitarian aid.
Israel backed off at the last moment and decided not to intercept the two boats at sea, which facilitated their entry into Gaza breaking the Israeli siege for the first time through the sea harbor. The vessels setting sail from Cyprus on Friday morning had faced troubles as their communication and navigation equipment went down as well as the telephones on board. However, the 40 activists or more aboard the vessels were adamant on reaching Gaza despite difficulties and finally succeeded only to be warmly received by the beleaguered inhabitants of the Strip.
Ismail Haneyya, the premier of the PA caretaker government in Gaza, expressed deep appreciation and thanked the activists on board those ships, describing their move as "daring and a progressive step reflecting that the siege was isolated and not welcome by many world peoples".
Haneyya in a telephone contact with Al-Jazeera satellite TV channel said that the arrival of the vessels represented a step toward ending the siege.
He invited the Arab League secretary general and the Arab foreign ministers to visit Gaza through the Rafah border terminal and end the suffering of one and a half million Palestinians, and said that the Arabs should adopt swift decisions in the light of the arrival of those two vessels to Gaza and to invigorate the League's decisions regarding breaking the siege [Comment: Dream on Mr. Haneyya, the cowardly Arab leaders would not dare do anything Condoleezza does not authorize.]."
Thousands of Palestinians flocked to the Gaza port to receive the vessels that braved Israeli threats and went ahead with the voyage to besieged Gaza carrying humanitarian aid.
Israel backed off at the last moment and decided not to intercept the two boats at sea, which facilitated their entry into Gaza breaking the Israeli siege for the first time through the sea harbor. The vessels setting sail from Cyprus on Friday morning had faced troubles as their communication and navigation equipment went down as well as the telephones on board. However, the 40 activists or more aboard the vessels were adamant on reaching Gaza despite difficulties and finally succeeded only to be warmly received by the beleaguered inhabitants of the Strip.
Ismail Haneyya, the premier of the PA caretaker government in Gaza, expressed deep appreciation and thanked the activists on board those ships, describing their move as "daring and a progressive step reflecting that the siege was isolated and not welcome by many world peoples".
Haneyya in a telephone contact with Al-Jazeera satellite TV channel said that the arrival of the vessels represented a step toward ending the siege.
He invited the Arab League secretary general and the Arab foreign ministers to visit Gaza through the Rafah border terminal and end the suffering of one and a half million Palestinians, and said that the Arabs should adopt swift decisions in the light of the arrival of those two vessels to Gaza and to invigorate the League's decisions regarding breaking the siege [Comment: Dream on Mr. Haneyya, the cowardly Arab leaders would not dare do anything Condoleezza does not authorize.]."
FREE GAZA BOATS ARRIVE IN GAZA
"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date : 08-23-2008
GAZA (23 August 2008) - Two small boats, the SS Free Gaza and the SS Liberty, successfully landed in Gaza early this evening, breaking the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.
The boats were crewed by a determined group of international human rights workers from the Free Gaza Movement. They had spent two years organizing the effort, raising money by giving small presentations at churches, mosques, synagogues, and in the homes of family, friends, and supporters.
They left Cyprus on Thursday morning, sailing over 350 kilometers through choppy seas. They made the journey despite threats that the Israeli government would use force to stop them. They continued sailing although they lost almost all communications and navigation systems due to outside jamming by some unknown party. They arrived in Gaza to the cheers and joyful tears of hundreds of Palestinians who came out to the beaches to welcome them.
Two small boats, 42 determined human rights workers, one simple message: “The world has not forgotten the people of this land. Today, we are all from Gaza.”
Tonight, the cheering will be heard as far away as Tel Aviv and Washington D.C.
QUOTES FOR PUBLICATION
“We recognize that we’re two, humble boats, but what we’ve accomplished is to show that average people from around the world can mobilize to create change. We do not have to stay silent in the face of injustice. Reaching Gaza today, there is such a sense of hope, and hope is what mobilizes people everywhere.”
--Huwaida Arraf.
Huwaida is Palestinian-American, and also a citizen of Israel. She’s a human rights activist and co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement. In 2007 she received her Juris Doctor from American University in Washington D.C. Currently she teaches Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at Al Quds University in Jerusalem. Huwaida sailed to Gaza aboard the SS Liberty.
“We’re the first ones in 41 years to enter Gaza freely - but we won’t be the last. We welcome the world to join us and see what we’re seeing.”
--Paul Larudee, Ph.D.
Paul is a cofounder of the Free Gaza Movement and a San Francisco Bay Area activist on the issue of justice in Palestine. He sailed to Gaza aboard the SS Liberty.
“What we’ve done shows that people can do what governments should have done. If people stand up against injustice, we can truly be the conscience of the world.”
--Jeff Halper, Ph.D.
Jeff is an Israeli professor of anthropology and coordinator of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD), a non-violent Israeli peace and human rights organization that resists the Israeli occupation on the ground. In 2006, the American Friends Service Committee nominated Jeff to receive the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize with Palestinian intellectual and activist Ghassan Andoni. Jeff sailed to Gaza aboard the SS Free Gaza....."
GAZA (23 August 2008) - Two small boats, the SS Free Gaza and the SS Liberty, successfully landed in Gaza early this evening, breaking the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.
The boats were crewed by a determined group of international human rights workers from the Free Gaza Movement. They had spent two years organizing the effort, raising money by giving small presentations at churches, mosques, synagogues, and in the homes of family, friends, and supporters.
They left Cyprus on Thursday morning, sailing over 350 kilometers through choppy seas. They made the journey despite threats that the Israeli government would use force to stop them. They continued sailing although they lost almost all communications and navigation systems due to outside jamming by some unknown party. They arrived in Gaza to the cheers and joyful tears of hundreds of Palestinians who came out to the beaches to welcome them.
Two small boats, 42 determined human rights workers, one simple message: “The world has not forgotten the people of this land. Today, we are all from Gaza.”
Tonight, the cheering will be heard as far away as Tel Aviv and Washington D.C.
QUOTES FOR PUBLICATION
“We recognize that we’re two, humble boats, but what we’ve accomplished is to show that average people from around the world can mobilize to create change. We do not have to stay silent in the face of injustice. Reaching Gaza today, there is such a sense of hope, and hope is what mobilizes people everywhere.”
--Huwaida Arraf.
Huwaida is Palestinian-American, and also a citizen of Israel. She’s a human rights activist and co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement. In 2007 she received her Juris Doctor from American University in Washington D.C. Currently she teaches Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at Al Quds University in Jerusalem. Huwaida sailed to Gaza aboard the SS Liberty.
“We’re the first ones in 41 years to enter Gaza freely - but we won’t be the last. We welcome the world to join us and see what we’re seeing.”
--Paul Larudee, Ph.D.
Paul is a cofounder of the Free Gaza Movement and a San Francisco Bay Area activist on the issue of justice in Palestine. He sailed to Gaza aboard the SS Liberty.
“What we’ve done shows that people can do what governments should have done. If people stand up against injustice, we can truly be the conscience of the world.”
--Jeff Halper, Ph.D.
Jeff is an Israeli professor of anthropology and coordinator of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD), a non-violent Israeli peace and human rights organization that resists the Israeli occupation on the ground. In 2006, the American Friends Service Committee nominated Jeff to receive the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize with Palestinian intellectual and activist Ghassan Andoni. Jeff sailed to Gaza aboard the SS Free Gaza....."
Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein waves to international activists on two boats as they leave Larnaca, August 22, 2008, in an attempt to run an Israeli sea blockade on 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza.(Reuters)
Palestinian fishing boats decorated with Palestinian flags wait to greet two boats led by the U.S.-based Free Gaza group, which left Cyprus on Friday on their way to the Gaza Strip, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008.(AP)
"We've entered Gazan waters!"
Yvonne Ridley Date : 08-23-2008
The Free Gaza Movement
"A Message to All from the SS Liberty:
"We've entered Gazan waters. We're flying the Palestinian flag, and we now believe that we're going to reach the shores of Gaza very soon. I missed the start of the Berlin Wall coming down by just a few days, but now I know how people felt when they tore down those first few bricks. Today is a huge victory of people over power."
--Yvonne Ridley, abord the SS Liberty, bound for Gaza, 23 Aug. 2008 "
The Free Gaza Movement
"A Message to All from the SS Liberty:
"We've entered Gazan waters. We're flying the Palestinian flag, and we now believe that we're going to reach the shores of Gaza very soon. I missed the start of the Berlin Wall coming down by just a few days, but now I know how people felt when they tore down those first few bricks. Today is a huge victory of people over power."
--Yvonne Ridley, abord the SS Liberty, bound for Gaza, 23 Aug. 2008 "
Current Al-Jazeera (Arabic) Online Poll
The question of this very fresh poll is:
Will the action of the two boats trying to break the Gaza siege move the Arabs to lift the siege on Gaza?
With over 150 responding so far (it is very early), 79% said no.
Will the action of the two boats trying to break the Gaza siege move the Arabs to lift the siege on Gaza?
With over 150 responding so far (it is very early), 79% said no.
Intimidation will not stop our boats sailing for Gaza
Our perilous, non-violent mission should now be nearing its destination, bearing a message that some want to silence
Osama Qashoo
(a documentary film-maker and broadcaster)
The Guardian, Saturday August 23 2008
".....Is this the way Israel observes its responsibilities under the Oslo accords? Under the accords and the Gaza-Jericho agreement, the only authority Israel reserved for itself was for "security" purposes. Our boats are no threat. Our David and Goliath mission is a focused, direct action to challenge the inertia of the international community which allows the "humanitarian disaster" suffered by the people of Gaza to continue. The activists carry no arms or threat of violence. If the Israeli government orders the destruction of this mission, it will surely be an act unequalled since the blowing up of the USS Liberty more than 30 years ago, a secret mission of sabotage to draw the Americans into the war against Egypt.
The prospect casts a shadow on our mission. But Liberty and Free Gaza will bring their peaceful cargo to the people of Gaza. Many families will now be gathered on the Gaza beaches, waiting and praying for the boats' safe arrival. For those families, simply to be afloat in these crystal blue seas, enjoying the freedom of international waters, would be a truly wonderful thing indeed."
Osama Qashoo
(a documentary film-maker and broadcaster)
The Guardian, Saturday August 23 2008
".....Is this the way Israel observes its responsibilities under the Oslo accords? Under the accords and the Gaza-Jericho agreement, the only authority Israel reserved for itself was for "security" purposes. Our boats are no threat. Our David and Goliath mission is a focused, direct action to challenge the inertia of the international community which allows the "humanitarian disaster" suffered by the people of Gaza to continue. The activists carry no arms or threat of violence. If the Israeli government orders the destruction of this mission, it will surely be an act unequalled since the blowing up of the USS Liberty more than 30 years ago, a secret mission of sabotage to draw the Americans into the war against Egypt.
The prospect casts a shadow on our mission. But Liberty and Free Gaza will bring their peaceful cargo to the people of Gaza. Many families will now be gathered on the Gaza beaches, waiting and praying for the boats' safe arrival. For those families, simply to be afloat in these crystal blue seas, enjoying the freedom of international waters, would be a truly wonderful thing indeed."
Israel declares Gaza protest boats will not reach their destination
Rory McCarthy
The Guardian, Saturday August 23 2008
"Israel last night warned an attempt by peace activists to sail two wooden boats to the Gaza Strip was a "provocation" and said it would prevent them reaching their destination.
A group of 46 activists set sail yesterday morning from Cyprus and were hoping to reach Gaza later today to challenge the economic blockade Israel has imposed on the strip and to deliver a cargo of 200 hearing aids for a deaf school and 5,000 balloons. Among those on board is a Catholic nun, aged 81, the British journalist Yvonne Ridley and Lauren Booth, sister-in-law of Tony Blair......
Another passenger, Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian with Israeli and US citizenship, said: "The siege that the Israelis have imposed on Gaza is not only illegal in terms of international law, it is also immoral. Global institutions and the governments of the world know what is happening and are not doing anything about it.".....
In a statement issued as they departed yesterday, the activists said they would lodge a legal protest against any attempt by the Israelis to arrest them.
"If Israel chooses to forcibly stop and search our ships, we will not forcibly resist," they said. "If we are arrested and brought to Israel, we will protest and prosecute our kidnapping in the appropriate forums ... It is our purpose to show the power that ordinary citizens have when they organise to stand against injustice.""
The Guardian, Saturday August 23 2008
"Israel last night warned an attempt by peace activists to sail two wooden boats to the Gaza Strip was a "provocation" and said it would prevent them reaching their destination.
A group of 46 activists set sail yesterday morning from Cyprus and were hoping to reach Gaza later today to challenge the economic blockade Israel has imposed on the strip and to deliver a cargo of 200 hearing aids for a deaf school and 5,000 balloons. Among those on board is a Catholic nun, aged 81, the British journalist Yvonne Ridley and Lauren Booth, sister-in-law of Tony Blair......
Another passenger, Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian with Israeli and US citizenship, said: "The siege that the Israelis have imposed on Gaza is not only illegal in terms of international law, it is also immoral. Global institutions and the governments of the world know what is happening and are not doing anything about it.".....
In a statement issued as they departed yesterday, the activists said they would lodge a legal protest against any attempt by the Israelis to arrest them.
"If Israel chooses to forcibly stop and search our ships, we will not forcibly resist," they said. "If we are arrested and brought to Israel, we will protest and prosecute our kidnapping in the appropriate forums ... It is our purpose to show the power that ordinary citizens have when they organise to stand against injustice.""
A Statement from the International Human Rights Workers Aboard the SS Free Gaza and SS Liberty, Sailing to Gaza
The Free Gaza Movement
For Immediate Release Date : 08-23-2008
"(10am, 23 August, 2008) At 10am this morning, the Cyprus team of the Free Gaza Movement was able to briefly speak with our people on board the SS Free Gaza and SS Liberty. They are all fine, and they asked us to release the following statement:
For Immediate Release Date : 08-23-2008
"(10am, 23 August, 2008) At 10am this morning, the Cyprus team of the Free Gaza Movement was able to briefly speak with our people on board the SS Free Gaza and SS Liberty. They are all fine, and they asked us to release the following statement:
"The electronic systems which guarantee our safety aboard the SS Free Gaza and SS Liberty have been jammed and scrambled. Both ships are flying Greek flags, and are in international waters. We are the victims of electronic piracy. We are currently in GMS P area A2 and we are relying on our satellite communications equipment to make a distress call, if needed.
We are civilians from 17 nations and are on this project to break the siege of Gaza. We are not experienced sailors. As a result, there is concern about the health and safety of the people on board such an emergency develop.
We are civilians from 17 nations and are on this project to break the siege of Gaza. We are not experienced sailors. As a result, there is concern about the health and safety of the people on board such an emergency develop.
We are currently experiencing rough sea conditions, and we call on the Greek government and the international community to meet their responsibilities and protect the civilians on board our two ships in international waters." "
Friday, August 22, 2008
Al-Jazeera Video (in Arabic): رحلة من أجل كسر الحصار المفروض على قطاع غزة
"تقرير : عياش دراجي
تاريخ بث التقرير 21/8/2008
وصلت سفينتان قادمتان من اليونان الى لارنكا في جزيرة قبرص وعلى متنها أكثر من أربعين ناشطا في مجال حقوق الإنسان بالإضافة الى مساعدات إنسانية. ومن المتوقع أن تتجه السفينتان صباح الجمعة الى قطاع غزة في رحلة تم التحضير لها منذ سنتين من أجل كسر الحصار المفروض على سكان القطاع"
We salute you
By Khalid Amayreh in al-Khalil (Hebron)
"As I write these words, two boats with some 46 peace activists from many nationalities onboard are sailing from Cyprus to the Gaza Strip in a symbolic effort to break Israel’s cruel blockade of the coastal Palestinian territory.
The Free Gaza Movement, the organizer of the bold mission, includes people from various religious and cultural backgrounds who are united in their dedication to the cause of freedom for the estimated 1.5 million Gazans, thoroughly tormented by a nearly hermetic blockade that has effectively reduced the originally impoverished enclave to a virtual concentration camp......
But the greatest shame falls upon Arab countries, especially Egypt, which is effectively complementing the Israeli siege of the shut-in Gazans by refusing to open the Rafah border crossing to allow them to buy food and medicine as well as travel abroad.
I really can’t understand how we, Arabs and Muslims, can blame Israel, a cruel and criminal state that would like to see Palestinians wiped off from the face of earth, while a so-called brotherly Arab country is closing the borders in the face of thousands of desperate Palestinians seeking urgently needed health care.
Indeed, I want to ask the Egyptian leadership how many Palestinians must die before Egypt will listen to the helpless cries of the starving and dying Gazans?. Shame on you.
We salute you
To these brave men and women onboard “SS Liberty” and “Free Gaza”, I would like to say the following.
I salute you for your courage, humanness and self-abnegation. You undoubtedly represent a point of light in a world overwhelmed by darkness. Your selfless efforts on behalf of the oppressed men, women and children of Gaza show that there are still brave men and women in this world who wouldn’t give in to brut power.
I salute that elderly nun, Anne Montgomery, of the religious Order of the Sacred Heart, for her brave determination to take part in this challenging and dangerous mission, despite her old age.
I salute broadcaster and journalist Lauren Booth for demonstrating that journalism is not a “morally neutral job” and that true journalists must also be true human beings who should take a pro-active stance for justice.
I salute Jeff Halper the Professor of Anthropology and Coordinator of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICHAD) who by taking part in this sublime endeavor is making an important statement, namely that there are Jews in this world who don’t support Israel’s Nazi-like repression of the Palestinian people and that starving and savaging innocent civilians for political reasons is incompatible with true Jewish morality......."
"As I write these words, two boats with some 46 peace activists from many nationalities onboard are sailing from Cyprus to the Gaza Strip in a symbolic effort to break Israel’s cruel blockade of the coastal Palestinian territory.
The Free Gaza Movement, the organizer of the bold mission, includes people from various religious and cultural backgrounds who are united in their dedication to the cause of freedom for the estimated 1.5 million Gazans, thoroughly tormented by a nearly hermetic blockade that has effectively reduced the originally impoverished enclave to a virtual concentration camp......
But the greatest shame falls upon Arab countries, especially Egypt, which is effectively complementing the Israeli siege of the shut-in Gazans by refusing to open the Rafah border crossing to allow them to buy food and medicine as well as travel abroad.
I really can’t understand how we, Arabs and Muslims, can blame Israel, a cruel and criminal state that would like to see Palestinians wiped off from the face of earth, while a so-called brotherly Arab country is closing the borders in the face of thousands of desperate Palestinians seeking urgently needed health care.
Indeed, I want to ask the Egyptian leadership how many Palestinians must die before Egypt will listen to the helpless cries of the starving and dying Gazans?. Shame on you.
We salute you
To these brave men and women onboard “SS Liberty” and “Free Gaza”, I would like to say the following.
I salute you for your courage, humanness and self-abnegation. You undoubtedly represent a point of light in a world overwhelmed by darkness. Your selfless efforts on behalf of the oppressed men, women and children of Gaza show that there are still brave men and women in this world who wouldn’t give in to brut power.
I salute that elderly nun, Anne Montgomery, of the religious Order of the Sacred Heart, for her brave determination to take part in this challenging and dangerous mission, despite her old age.
I salute broadcaster and journalist Lauren Booth for demonstrating that journalism is not a “morally neutral job” and that true journalists must also be true human beings who should take a pro-active stance for justice.
I salute Jeff Halper the Professor of Anthropology and Coordinator of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICHAD) who by taking part in this sublime endeavor is making an important statement, namely that there are Jews in this world who don’t support Israel’s Nazi-like repression of the Palestinian people and that starving and savaging innocent civilians for political reasons is incompatible with true Jewish morality......."
“Free Gaza” Boats Set Sail from Cyprus to Break Israeli Blockade
Huwaida laying roses for 34 USS Liberty soldiers, shortly before departure
Great Live Interview by Amy Goodman
On Democracy Now!
"Two converted fishing boats set sail from Cyprus today carrying more than forty activists and humanitarian workers who are part of the Free Gaza movement that is trying to break the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip....
We speak with three of the activists at sea: Huwaida Arraf, co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement; Lauren Booth, a journalist and sister-in-law of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair; and Israeli anthropology professor Jeff Halper of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions.....
Guests:
Huwaida Arraf, human rights activist and co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement. She teaches Human Rights Law at Al-Quds University in Jerusalem. She is on the boat Liberty.
Lauren Booth, journalist and broadcaster. She is the sister-in-law of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. She is on the Free Gaza boat.
Jeff Halper, Israeli professor of anthropology and coordinator of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions. He is on the Free Gaza boat......."
What Israel Lost in the Georgia War
By Tony Karon
Time
"....Israel's strategic priority now is countering the threat it sees in Iran's nuclear program, and on that front, Russian cooperation is essential. If the Israelis are to achieve their objective of forcing Iran to end uranium enrichment through diplomatic coercion, they will need Russian support for escalating U.N. sanctions — a course of action for which Russia has thus far shown little enthusiasm. And if Israel were to opt for trying to destroy Tehran's nuclear facilities through a series of air strikes, then the presence of the sophisticated Russian S-300 missile system in Iran would considerably raise the risk to Israeli pilots. Unfortunately for Israel, however, there may be little it can do to shape Moscow's Iran policy for the simple reason that Israel is not a major factor in Russia's strategic outlook. Moscow's actions on Iran are less likely to be determined by Israel supplying a few drones to Georgia than they are to be shaped, for example, by the deployment over extreme Russian objections of U.S. interceptor missiles on Polish soil."
Time
"....Israel's strategic priority now is countering the threat it sees in Iran's nuclear program, and on that front, Russian cooperation is essential. If the Israelis are to achieve their objective of forcing Iran to end uranium enrichment through diplomatic coercion, they will need Russian support for escalating U.N. sanctions — a course of action for which Russia has thus far shown little enthusiasm. And if Israel were to opt for trying to destroy Tehran's nuclear facilities through a series of air strikes, then the presence of the sophisticated Russian S-300 missile system in Iran would considerably raise the risk to Israeli pilots. Unfortunately for Israel, however, there may be little it can do to shape Moscow's Iran policy for the simple reason that Israel is not a major factor in Russia's strategic outlook. Moscow's actions on Iran are less likely to be determined by Israel supplying a few drones to Georgia than they are to be shaped, for example, by the deployment over extreme Russian objections of U.S. interceptor missiles on Polish soil."
Middle East still at war: the US is losing but the winners are unclear
by Phyllis Bennis
Global Research, August 21, 2008
"In a period of rapid decline of American power around the world, the danger of choosing military force to assert US global reach becomes more, not less likely, and nowhere is that more clear than in the Middle East.
This is a period of rapid and dramatic decline of American economic power around the world, and that, along with massive anger directed at U.S. policies around the world, has resulted in a precipitous drop in U.S. diplomatic and political influence. As a result, for those committed to maintaining Washington's superpower status, choosing military force to assert U.S. global reach becomes more, not less likely. Forcing a real end to the U.S. occupation of Iraq is more difficult than ever. U.S. military support to Israel is higher than ever. And the danger of a U.S. military strike on Iran remains as high as ever....."
Global Research, August 21, 2008
"In a period of rapid decline of American power around the world, the danger of choosing military force to assert US global reach becomes more, not less likely, and nowhere is that more clear than in the Middle East.
This is a period of rapid and dramatic decline of American economic power around the world, and that, along with massive anger directed at U.S. policies around the world, has resulted in a precipitous drop in U.S. diplomatic and political influence. As a result, for those committed to maintaining Washington's superpower status, choosing military force to assert U.S. global reach becomes more, not less likely. Forcing a real end to the U.S. occupation of Iraq is more difficult than ever. U.S. military support to Israel is higher than ever. And the danger of a U.S. military strike on Iran remains as high as ever....."
The Eurasian Corridor: Pipeline Geopolitics and the New Cold War
by Michel Chossudovsky
Global Research, August 22, 2008
"The ongoing crisis in the Caucasus is intimately related to the control over energy pipeline and transportation corridors.
There is evidence that the Georgian attack on South Ossetia on August 7 was carefully planned. High level consultations were held with US and NATO officials in the months preceding the attacks.
The attacks on South Ossetia were carried out one week after the completion of extensive US - Georgia war games (July 14-31st, 2008). They were also preceded US-Georgia war games (July 15- 31, 2008) and by high level meetings held under GUAM, a US-NATO sponsored regional military alliance......
Global Research, August 22, 2008
"The ongoing crisis in the Caucasus is intimately related to the control over energy pipeline and transportation corridors.
There is evidence that the Georgian attack on South Ossetia on August 7 was carefully planned. High level consultations were held with US and NATO officials in the months preceding the attacks.
The attacks on South Ossetia were carried out one week after the completion of extensive US - Georgia war games (July 14-31st, 2008). They were also preceded US-Georgia war games (July 15- 31, 2008) and by high level meetings held under GUAM, a US-NATO sponsored regional military alliance......
Pipeline Geopolitics and the Role of Israel
Israel is now part of the Anglo-American military axis, which serves the interests of the Western oil giants in the Middle East and Central Asia. Not surprisingly, Israel has military cooperation agreements with Georgia and Azerbaijan.
While the official reports state that the BTC pipeline will "channel oil to Western markets", what is rarely acknowledged is that part of the oil from the Caspian sea would be directly channeled towards Israel. In this regard, an underwater Israeli-Turkish pipeline project has been envisaged which would link Ceyhan to the Israeli port of Ashkelon and from there through Israel's main pipeline system, to the Red Sea.
The objective of Israel is not only to acquire Caspian sea oil for its own consumption needs but also to play a key role in re-exporting Caspian sea oil back to the Asian markets through the Red Sea port of Eilat. The strategic implications of this re-routing of Caspian sea oil are farreaching.
What is envisaged is to link the BTC pipeline to the Trans-Israel Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline, also known as Israel's Tipline, from Ceyhan to the Israeli port of Ashkelon. (For further details, see Michel Chossudovsky, The War on Lebanon and the Battle for Oil, Global Research, 26 July 2006)........"
Report: US pressuring Israel to halt talks with Syria
"The United States is pressuring Turkey and Israel to halt the indirect negotiations with Syria being held in Istanbul, diplomatic sources told the al-Bayan newspaper published Friday in the United Arab Emirates.
According to the report, the reason for the American pressure was Damascus' agreement in principle to deploy a Russian missile system on its territory – a claim which was denied Friday by a senior Syrian source......"
Original Story:
في حين ذكرت مصادر دبلوماسية لـ «البيان»أن أميركا تضغط على تركيا وإسرائيل لوقف المفاوضات غير المباشرة مع سوريا التي تستضيفها اسطنبول بسبب قبول سوريا مبدئياً نشر درع صاروخية روسية على أراضيها.
A Civil War in the Making
Analysis by Adam Morrow and Khaled Moussa al-Omrani
"CAIRO, Aug 22 (IPS) - Recent weeks have seen the worst fighting between rival Palestinian movements Fatah and Hamas since the latter's takeover of the Gaza Strip last summer. Hamas accuses the "treasonous faction" within Fatah -- which worked with U.S. military intelligence in last year's failed bid to destroy the resistance group -- of instigating the violence.
"Hamas's accusations are understandable," Abdelaziz Shadi, political science professor and coordinator of the Israeli studies programme at Cairo University told IPS. "Instability in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip would be in Fatah's interests.".....
"The situation has become so grave that partisans of Fatah actually fled to Israel for protection," said Shadi.
Following an appeal by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, the Israeli authorities eventually took in the Fatah men -- but not before making them undress before television cameras.
"Israel publicly humiliated its own agents," Magdi Hussein, political analyst and secretary-general of Egypt's frozen Labour Party, told IPS. He described the episode as "more proof that cooperation with Israel can only lead to degradation and loss."......
While not mentioning Fatah by name, Hussein went on to blame the Gaza bombing on "Palestinian agents of Israel." Agents, he said, "whose close association with Israel was proven by the fact that they ultimately fled there for refuge."
"Israel's inability to remove Hamas from Gaza -- either by force of arms or by cutting it off from the rest of the world -- has prompted it to adopt indirect means of weakening Hamas," added Hussein. "Now it's using its agents inside Gaza to incite violence domestically."
Shadi, too, conceded that the Gaza bombing "might have been the beginning of an attempt to overthrow Hamas rule" in the Gaza Strip, noting the territory had also seen a handful of other, smaller blasts throughout July. "There are elements that would like to portray Hamas as incapable of maintaining security," he said.
It would not be the first attempt by elements of Fatah to strike out at Hamas in Gaza. In the summer of last year, Washington -- frustrated by Hamas's victory in 2006 legislative elections -- provided Fatah cadres with the arms and support to extirpate the Hamas leadership in Gaza. The plan was to be jointly coordinated by U.S. Lieutenant-General Keith Dayton and long-time Fatah strongman Mohamed Dahlan.
The so-called "Dayton Plan" was pre-empted, however, when Hamas -- after six days of heavy fighting in mid-June -- seized control of the Gaza Strip. Since then, Gaza's Hamas-run government has maintained relatively high levels of stability throughout the territory despite an internationally sanctioned embargo that has brought the strip's economy to the brink of ruin......."
"CAIRO, Aug 22 (IPS) - Recent weeks have seen the worst fighting between rival Palestinian movements Fatah and Hamas since the latter's takeover of the Gaza Strip last summer. Hamas accuses the "treasonous faction" within Fatah -- which worked with U.S. military intelligence in last year's failed bid to destroy the resistance group -- of instigating the violence.
"Hamas's accusations are understandable," Abdelaziz Shadi, political science professor and coordinator of the Israeli studies programme at Cairo University told IPS. "Instability in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip would be in Fatah's interests.".....
"The situation has become so grave that partisans of Fatah actually fled to Israel for protection," said Shadi.
Following an appeal by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, the Israeli authorities eventually took in the Fatah men -- but not before making them undress before television cameras.
"Israel publicly humiliated its own agents," Magdi Hussein, political analyst and secretary-general of Egypt's frozen Labour Party, told IPS. He described the episode as "more proof that cooperation with Israel can only lead to degradation and loss."......
While not mentioning Fatah by name, Hussein went on to blame the Gaza bombing on "Palestinian agents of Israel." Agents, he said, "whose close association with Israel was proven by the fact that they ultimately fled there for refuge."
"Israel's inability to remove Hamas from Gaza -- either by force of arms or by cutting it off from the rest of the world -- has prompted it to adopt indirect means of weakening Hamas," added Hussein. "Now it's using its agents inside Gaza to incite violence domestically."
Shadi, too, conceded that the Gaza bombing "might have been the beginning of an attempt to overthrow Hamas rule" in the Gaza Strip, noting the territory had also seen a handful of other, smaller blasts throughout July. "There are elements that would like to portray Hamas as incapable of maintaining security," he said.
It would not be the first attempt by elements of Fatah to strike out at Hamas in Gaza. In the summer of last year, Washington -- frustrated by Hamas's victory in 2006 legislative elections -- provided Fatah cadres with the arms and support to extirpate the Hamas leadership in Gaza. The plan was to be jointly coordinated by U.S. Lieutenant-General Keith Dayton and long-time Fatah strongman Mohamed Dahlan.
The so-called "Dayton Plan" was pre-empted, however, when Hamas -- after six days of heavy fighting in mid-June -- seized control of the Gaza Strip. Since then, Gaza's Hamas-run government has maintained relatively high levels of stability throughout the territory despite an internationally sanctioned embargo that has brought the strip's economy to the brink of ruin......."
Bizarro Imperialism
How it works, and who profits
By Justin Raimondo
"The US-Iraqi "status of forces" agreement has been months in the making, and today [Thursday] we are told that it's "almost" ready – but not quite. So what's the problem? Well, there are a few bones of contention between the "liberators" and the "liberated," the first being how long US forces will stay, and the second being the terms under which they will essentially continue their occupation. What this increasingly contentious issue between the Americans and the Iraqis reveals and underscores is just how far down the road to empire the US has traveled.
What is becoming readily apparent, even to this administration, is that the Americans are no longer wanted by any of the Iraqi factions: not the Sunnis, who hated us from the beginning, not the Shi'ites, who soon learned to hate us, and not even the Kurds, formerly our trusted compradors in the region and now sullenly resentful at having had their anti-Turkish campaign reined in by a joint effort of US and Iraqi forces........"
By Justin Raimondo
"The US-Iraqi "status of forces" agreement has been months in the making, and today [Thursday] we are told that it's "almost" ready – but not quite. So what's the problem? Well, there are a few bones of contention between the "liberators" and the "liberated," the first being how long US forces will stay, and the second being the terms under which they will essentially continue their occupation. What this increasingly contentious issue between the Americans and the Iraqis reveals and underscores is just how far down the road to empire the US has traveled.
What is becoming readily apparent, even to this administration, is that the Americans are no longer wanted by any of the Iraqi factions: not the Sunnis, who hated us from the beginning, not the Shi'ites, who soon learned to hate us, and not even the Kurds, formerly our trusted compradors in the region and now sullenly resentful at having had their anti-Turkish campaign reined in by a joint effort of US and Iraqi forces........"
استمرار اعتقال مراسل الجزيرة نت لدى السلطة الفلسطينية
أحمد فياض-غزة
"لا يزال الزميل عوض الرجوب مراسل الجزيرة نت في الضفة الغربية معتقلا في سجن جهاز الأمن الوقائي الفلسطيني بمدينة الخليل دون توجيه أي تهمة إليه أو حتى توضيح أسباب الاعتقال.
فعلى مدار 21 يوما لم يسمح لأي من ذوي عوض بزيارته سوى والدته قبل يوم من خضوعها لعملية جراحية لاستئصال المرارة.
وما كانت لتتم هذه الزيارة أصلا لولا الإلحاح والضغط الكبيران اللذان مارستهما عائلة الرجوب على جهاز الأمن الوقائي في أعقاب تردي وضع والدته الصحي ورفضها إجراء العملية الجراحية قبل أن ترى ابنها في سجنه وتطمئن على حاله.
وبحسب والدة الزميل الرجوب الحاجة يسرى، يعاني الزميل الرجوب في سجنه أوضاعا صعبة وقاسية للغاية.
ويقول محمود الرجوب إنه منذ اعتقال شقيقه من مكتبه ومصادرة جهازي حاسوبه وهاتفه النقال لم تتوقف الاتصالات مع مسؤولين في السلطة والأجهزة الأمنية بغية إطلاق سراحه، ولكن دون جدوى.
وأضاف في اتصال هاتفي مع الجزيرة نت أن "مصادر في جهاز الأمن الوقائي أفادوا بأن التحقيق مع أخي عوض يتركز حول فحوى عدد من التقارير الصحفية التي نشرها في موقع الجزيرة نت، يدعي جهاز الأمن الوقائي أنها تحمل في مضمونها تحريضا على السلطة الفلسطينية".
نفي دون أسباب
بيد أن فاطمة عبد الكريم مستشارة المتحدث الرسمي باسم حكومة تسيير الأعمال قالت في رسالة إلكترونية بعثت بها ردا على استفسارات الجزيرة نت حول أسباب اعتقال عوض، إن "أسباب اعتقال عوض ليس لها علاقة بمهنته أو عمله بالصحافة، وأنه موقوف للتحقيق معه لدى الأمن الوقائي"، ولم تذكر فحوى الأسباب التي من أجلها أوقف الزميل عوض.
كما أن عبد الكريم فراح محامي الزميل عوض ذكر للجزيرة نت أن جهاز الأمن الوقائي رفض إبلاغه بسبب اعتقال موكله، مشيرا إلى أنه توجه عقب ذلك إلى محكمة العدل العليا الفلسطينية في رام الله وقدم التماسا ضد عدم قانونية اعتقال موكله عوض، الذي يعمل صحفيا ولا يحق اعتقاله تحت أي ذريعة كانت إلا عبر النائب العام المدني.
وأكد أن المحكمة قبلت الالتماس وحددت السادس والعشرين من الشهر الجاري موعدا نهائيا للمدعي العام العسكري والنيابة العامة لتوضيح أسباب اعتقال الزميل الرجوب على ذمة القضاء العسكري عبر تقديم لائحة اتهام ضده أو الإفراج عنه."
"لا يزال الزميل عوض الرجوب مراسل الجزيرة نت في الضفة الغربية معتقلا في سجن جهاز الأمن الوقائي الفلسطيني بمدينة الخليل دون توجيه أي تهمة إليه أو حتى توضيح أسباب الاعتقال.
فعلى مدار 21 يوما لم يسمح لأي من ذوي عوض بزيارته سوى والدته قبل يوم من خضوعها لعملية جراحية لاستئصال المرارة.
وما كانت لتتم هذه الزيارة أصلا لولا الإلحاح والضغط الكبيران اللذان مارستهما عائلة الرجوب على جهاز الأمن الوقائي في أعقاب تردي وضع والدته الصحي ورفضها إجراء العملية الجراحية قبل أن ترى ابنها في سجنه وتطمئن على حاله.
وبحسب والدة الزميل الرجوب الحاجة يسرى، يعاني الزميل الرجوب في سجنه أوضاعا صعبة وقاسية للغاية.
ويقول محمود الرجوب إنه منذ اعتقال شقيقه من مكتبه ومصادرة جهازي حاسوبه وهاتفه النقال لم تتوقف الاتصالات مع مسؤولين في السلطة والأجهزة الأمنية بغية إطلاق سراحه، ولكن دون جدوى.
وأضاف في اتصال هاتفي مع الجزيرة نت أن "مصادر في جهاز الأمن الوقائي أفادوا بأن التحقيق مع أخي عوض يتركز حول فحوى عدد من التقارير الصحفية التي نشرها في موقع الجزيرة نت، يدعي جهاز الأمن الوقائي أنها تحمل في مضمونها تحريضا على السلطة الفلسطينية".
نفي دون أسباب
بيد أن فاطمة عبد الكريم مستشارة المتحدث الرسمي باسم حكومة تسيير الأعمال قالت في رسالة إلكترونية بعثت بها ردا على استفسارات الجزيرة نت حول أسباب اعتقال عوض، إن "أسباب اعتقال عوض ليس لها علاقة بمهنته أو عمله بالصحافة، وأنه موقوف للتحقيق معه لدى الأمن الوقائي"، ولم تذكر فحوى الأسباب التي من أجلها أوقف الزميل عوض.
كما أن عبد الكريم فراح محامي الزميل عوض ذكر للجزيرة نت أن جهاز الأمن الوقائي رفض إبلاغه بسبب اعتقال موكله، مشيرا إلى أنه توجه عقب ذلك إلى محكمة العدل العليا الفلسطينية في رام الله وقدم التماسا ضد عدم قانونية اعتقال موكله عوض، الذي يعمل صحفيا ولا يحق اعتقاله تحت أي ذريعة كانت إلا عبر النائب العام المدني.
وأكد أن المحكمة قبلت الالتماس وحددت السادس والعشرين من الشهر الجاري موعدا نهائيا للمدعي العام العسكري والنيابة العامة لتوضيح أسباب اعتقال الزميل الرجوب على ذمة القضاء العسكري عبر تقديم لائحة اتهام ضده أو الإفراج عنه."
Al-Jazeera Video: The West Bank's acute water crisis - 21 Aug 08
"The Middle East is in the grip of a drought.
In Israel, it's just beginning to have an impact, but just a few miles away in the occupied West Bank, the crisis is much more acute.
Nour Odeh examines the situation in the village of Saffarin, near Tulkarem. "
Al-Jazeera Video: The price of protesting in China -- 22 August 2008
"While Olympic organisers have tried hard to put a lot of gloss over the Beijing games, they have failed to shake off criticism over the way protests have been handled.
In the latest incident two elderly women are facing a year in a labour camp after applying to hold a legitimate demo in one of Beijing's Olympic protest parks."
Real News Video: The New Left in China
"With a dramatic change in Chinese intellectual life since the 1980's, Chinese political economist Minqi Li states that the many Chinese intellectuals are now critical of market oriented reform and neo-liberalism because of negative social consequences."
Syria seeks weapons deal with Russia amid 'Cold War' ripples
Big-power strategic alliances shift as result of Georgia conflict
By Anne Penketh, Diplomatic Editor
The Independent
"....President Bashar al-Assad had flirted with the West of late and was a guest of honour at France's Bastille Day parade last month. Before the Georgia war, the West had high hopes of prising him away from Syria's key ally Iran, which the US accuses of supporting Islamic militants.
Those hopes were dashed when Mr Assad discussed an arms deal with President Dmitry Medvedev. A diplomatic source in Moscow said the leaders were preparing deals involving anti-aircraft and anti-tank missile systems.
Mr Assad issued a clear message of support for Russia's military crackdown in Georgia, which began after Georgian forces attempted to rein in the separatist territory of South Ossetia. "We understand the essence of the Russian position and its military response," Mr Assad told Mr Medvedev. "We believe Russia was responding to the Georgian provocation."
Washington and the other 26 Nato members have condemned Russia's "excessive" retaliation, which took Russian troops deep into Georgia proper. Speaking at an emergency meeting of Nato foreign ministers on Tuesday, the US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, warned Russia against attempting to redraw the lines of the Cold War through stamping out by force Georgia's bid for Nato membership.
However, Mr Assad's talks in Sochi appeared to be a direct rebuff to Ms Rice......"
By Anne Penketh, Diplomatic Editor
The Independent
"....President Bashar al-Assad had flirted with the West of late and was a guest of honour at France's Bastille Day parade last month. Before the Georgia war, the West had high hopes of prising him away from Syria's key ally Iran, which the US accuses of supporting Islamic militants.
Those hopes were dashed when Mr Assad discussed an arms deal with President Dmitry Medvedev. A diplomatic source in Moscow said the leaders were preparing deals involving anti-aircraft and anti-tank missile systems.
Mr Assad issued a clear message of support for Russia's military crackdown in Georgia, which began after Georgian forces attempted to rein in the separatist territory of South Ossetia. "We understand the essence of the Russian position and its military response," Mr Assad told Mr Medvedev. "We believe Russia was responding to the Georgian provocation."
Washington and the other 26 Nato members have condemned Russia's "excessive" retaliation, which took Russian troops deep into Georgia proper. Speaking at an emergency meeting of Nato foreign ministers on Tuesday, the US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, warned Russia against attempting to redraw the lines of the Cold War through stamping out by force Georgia's bid for Nato membership.
However, Mr Assad's talks in Sochi appeared to be a direct rebuff to Ms Rice......"
Deepening chasm
Continued moves by Fatah against Islamic charities and institutions in the West Bank are testament that reconciliation is a pipe dream
By Khaled Amayreh in Ramallah
Al-Ahram Weekly
".....Meanwhile, the Fatah-dominated security agencies continued to round up an average of 10-20 suspected Islamic activists on any given day. The detainees are interrogated, often harshly, on their relationships with Hamas. Some of them are reportedly beaten savagely, with at least one elderly person from Nablus, identified as Marwan Al-Khalili, 67, suffering a brain haemorrhage as a result of torture.
Moreover, several journalists and cameramen are still being detained in PA jails for being "over critical" of the PA and "tarnishing" its image. In recent days, the PA security agencies went to unprecedented extents in suppressing freedom of speech and expression.
In Hebron, for example, a man, identified as Walid Suleiman, was summoned for interrogation at the local Preventive Security Forces office this week. There a young officer interrogated him in connection with an article written by a relative and published by the pro-Fatah Maan news agency. Suleiman told the interrogator that he had nothing to do with the article and that the author had his name printed above the article. However, the young Fatah officer told Suleiman that he was aware that he was not the author of the article, saying that he only suspected that "the ideas" of the article was his, not the author's. [.....ah, the PA Thought Police at work!]
"How am I supposed to reason with people like this?" Suleiman asked Al-Ahram Weekly.
The attempted eradication of Hamas's civilian infrastructure in the West Bank is officially justified as a response to Hamas's clampdown on Fatah in the Gaza Strip. However, it is amply clear that Fatah's efforts to eradicate Hamas's political influence in the West Bank are more systematic than anything done by Hamas against Fatah in the Gaza Strip......"
Al-Ahram Weekly
".....Meanwhile, the Fatah-dominated security agencies continued to round up an average of 10-20 suspected Islamic activists on any given day. The detainees are interrogated, often harshly, on their relationships with Hamas. Some of them are reportedly beaten savagely, with at least one elderly person from Nablus, identified as Marwan Al-Khalili, 67, suffering a brain haemorrhage as a result of torture.
Moreover, several journalists and cameramen are still being detained in PA jails for being "over critical" of the PA and "tarnishing" its image. In recent days, the PA security agencies went to unprecedented extents in suppressing freedom of speech and expression.
In Hebron, for example, a man, identified as Walid Suleiman, was summoned for interrogation at the local Preventive Security Forces office this week. There a young officer interrogated him in connection with an article written by a relative and published by the pro-Fatah Maan news agency. Suleiman told the interrogator that he had nothing to do with the article and that the author had his name printed above the article. However, the young Fatah officer told Suleiman that he was aware that he was not the author of the article, saying that he only suspected that "the ideas" of the article was his, not the author's. [.....ah, the PA Thought Police at work!]
"How am I supposed to reason with people like this?" Suleiman asked Al-Ahram Weekly.
The attempted eradication of Hamas's civilian infrastructure in the West Bank is officially justified as a response to Hamas's clampdown on Fatah in the Gaza Strip. However, it is amply clear that Fatah's efforts to eradicate Hamas's political influence in the West Bank are more systematic than anything done by Hamas against Fatah in the Gaza Strip......"
The Saakashvili experiment
The Georgian war on South Ossetia was a leap forward in US attempts to control the Eurasian region by proxy
By Ramzy Baroud
Al-Ahram Weekly
".....It's rather interesting how a controversial and unpopular plan that has raised the ire of the Polish people -- 70 per cent of the country is against it -- was overcome within days of war and is now embraced as a necessary deterrent. One cannot help but question the relationship between the decision to invade South Ossetia, which was certain to compel some Russian response, and the rush to embrace Bush's military designs in that region. The plan to place missiles in Poland seemed like a resounding failure as late as last month when US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice "tried and failed just before leaving for Europe on Monday [7 July] to seal a deal to place missiles in Poland, the State Department said," according to CNN. Now Poland is all for it. It return, Poland would receive US assistance in overhauling its military, reminiscent of the Israeli-US efforts in aiding Georgia's military, which emboldened the latter to pursue war with Russia.
While Russia's decisive response to Saakashvili's war may have temporarily reaffirmed Russia's military readiness, it has already provided the needed justification for greater US-NATO intervention in Georgia, Poland, the Czech Republic and elsewhere. That US presence might be welcomed by the unnerved "democratic" leaders of these states but it will pique the fury of Russia, whose political radars are intercepting the Bush administration's every move in the region with great alarm.
The ceasefire between Russia and Georgia, achieved through French mediation, will hardly be the end of the new Cold War underway in an area too accustomed to cold wars. The fact is that Russia will fight to break away from the pro- US ring of former Soviet states that promise to undermine its influence in a Eurasia, and the US will do its utmost to maintain a level of tension, if not hostilities in the region, for without it neither a missile shield nor the 270 billion barrels of oil in the Caspian basin can be brought within Washington's reach."
By Ramzy Baroud
Al-Ahram Weekly
".....It's rather interesting how a controversial and unpopular plan that has raised the ire of the Polish people -- 70 per cent of the country is against it -- was overcome within days of war and is now embraced as a necessary deterrent. One cannot help but question the relationship between the decision to invade South Ossetia, which was certain to compel some Russian response, and the rush to embrace Bush's military designs in that region. The plan to place missiles in Poland seemed like a resounding failure as late as last month when US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice "tried and failed just before leaving for Europe on Monday [7 July] to seal a deal to place missiles in Poland, the State Department said," according to CNN. Now Poland is all for it. It return, Poland would receive US assistance in overhauling its military, reminiscent of the Israeli-US efforts in aiding Georgia's military, which emboldened the latter to pursue war with Russia.
While Russia's decisive response to Saakashvili's war may have temporarily reaffirmed Russia's military readiness, it has already provided the needed justification for greater US-NATO intervention in Georgia, Poland, the Czech Republic and elsewhere. That US presence might be welcomed by the unnerved "democratic" leaders of these states but it will pique the fury of Russia, whose political radars are intercepting the Bush administration's every move in the region with great alarm.
The ceasefire between Russia and Georgia, achieved through French mediation, will hardly be the end of the new Cold War underway in an area too accustomed to cold wars. The fact is that Russia will fight to break away from the pro- US ring of former Soviet states that promise to undermine its influence in a Eurasia, and the US will do its utmost to maintain a level of tension, if not hostilities in the region, for without it neither a missile shield nor the 270 billion barrels of oil in the Caspian basin can be brought within Washington's reach."
The Arabs and Obama
With Obama fully assimilated into the American machine, and with Arab disunity as stark as ever, the region shouldn't expect change any time soon
By Azmi Bishara
Al-Ahram Weekly
".....What is surprising, however, is that this quirk has latched on to Obama. His stomach turning grovelling to ingratiate himself to AIPEC, Israeli leaders and Zionist ideas, in general; his complete sympathy for the situation in Siderot, without an inkling of understanding for the situation in Gaza; and his parroting of the Bush administration's clichés about terrorism and about the Palestinians not only betray the extent of his opportunism but also the magnitude of his disdain for the Arabs, regardless of whether he truly believes what he says about Israel.
Not that he has encountered a unified Arab front to make him take heed or, at least, to offer him some advice. Of course, he must have heard some contradictory advice from the Arabs, and his advisors would have conveyed to him equally conflicting reports of Palestinian hopes and expectations. And, naturally, he would have heard about that initiative on the part of Arab states that excel at undermining each other, instigating mutual antagonisms and promoting their own agendas in secret about achieving some kind of justice for the Palestinians. Which is perhaps the major reason why the Arabs should not expect promise from any American president -- they have yet to establish this promise among themselves. There is not a single reason in the world why the Arabs should anticipate a change in a situation in which so many factors favour Israel when the Arabs are doing nothing to tip the scales in their direction.
The Arabs' chief weakness is that they are disunited, fragmented, lacking a common agenda and lacking the resolve and power to back any joint decision or action they take. So even when propelled by some impending crisis to meet and come up with a joint statement, they fail to back those words with concrete action.
There are no shortcuts. The Arabs will not see change in their favour until they do what is needed to make their presence felt as a cohesive and forceful factor in the international arena. Meanwhile, as things stand, there is, indeed, something new in the US. Sadly, there is nothing new with the Arabs."
By Azmi Bishara
Al-Ahram Weekly
".....What is surprising, however, is that this quirk has latched on to Obama. His stomach turning grovelling to ingratiate himself to AIPEC, Israeli leaders and Zionist ideas, in general; his complete sympathy for the situation in Siderot, without an inkling of understanding for the situation in Gaza; and his parroting of the Bush administration's clichés about terrorism and about the Palestinians not only betray the extent of his opportunism but also the magnitude of his disdain for the Arabs, regardless of whether he truly believes what he says about Israel.
Not that he has encountered a unified Arab front to make him take heed or, at least, to offer him some advice. Of course, he must have heard some contradictory advice from the Arabs, and his advisors would have conveyed to him equally conflicting reports of Palestinian hopes and expectations. And, naturally, he would have heard about that initiative on the part of Arab states that excel at undermining each other, instigating mutual antagonisms and promoting their own agendas in secret about achieving some kind of justice for the Palestinians. Which is perhaps the major reason why the Arabs should not expect promise from any American president -- they have yet to establish this promise among themselves. There is not a single reason in the world why the Arabs should anticipate a change in a situation in which so many factors favour Israel when the Arabs are doing nothing to tip the scales in their direction.
The Arabs' chief weakness is that they are disunited, fragmented, lacking a common agenda and lacking the resolve and power to back any joint decision or action they take. So even when propelled by some impending crisis to meet and come up with a joint statement, they fail to back those words with concrete action.
There are no shortcuts. The Arabs will not see change in their favour until they do what is needed to make their presence felt as a cohesive and forceful factor in the international arena. Meanwhile, as things stand, there is, indeed, something new in the US. Sadly, there is nothing new with the Arabs."
Thinking the Thinkable: The Future Palestinian Society I aspire to
Preliminary Deliberations on Proposed Solutions to Restore Genuine Palestinian Rights
By Dr. Khalil Nakhleh
Occupied Ramallah
"An Opening Word
My decision to initiate this discussion was stimulated by a number of articles that appeared in Kanaanonline e-Bulletin over the last ten months, on the issue of the “one-state solution”, and by the encouragement of the editors of Kanaanonline.
Before delving in the deliberations on the proposed “one-state” ideas, I want to make two comments:
(1) What I present below is a personal position, which is a result of long years of reflection, thought and searching. I hope that these deliberations will provoke equally deep thought and reflection among all those concerned about our future.
By Dr. Khalil Nakhleh
Occupied Ramallah
"An Opening Word
My decision to initiate this discussion was stimulated by a number of articles that appeared in Kanaanonline e-Bulletin over the last ten months, on the issue of the “one-state solution”, and by the encouragement of the editors of Kanaanonline.
Before delving in the deliberations on the proposed “one-state” ideas, I want to make two comments:
(1) What I present below is a personal position, which is a result of long years of reflection, thought and searching. I hope that these deliberations will provoke equally deep thought and reflection among all those concerned about our future.
(2) Although I am not necessarily wedded, in advance, to any of the currently proposed “labels” for possible solutions (i.e. a Democratic State, a “Bi-National State”, a “Secular Democratic State”, a “Socialist State” , etc), I believe that the solution should emanate from clear “strategic objectives” to our struggle, to which we ought to be committed, and with which any proposed solution should be coherent. I am, however, committed to struggling, with all who share these views, for a Society that is democratic, just, non-exploitative, self-generating, self-reliant, free and independent from external domination, in historical Palestine. In other words, I am committed to struggling for the antithesis of apartheid, and all forms of racist political, spatial, economic, and psychological separation on the historical land of Palestine......
And finally, why do I support the idea of One Democratic Socialist Society in historical Palestine?
Because I support a just, moral and sustained solution that embodies the potential of restoring genuine Palestinian rights in their historical patrimony. Such a solution:
1. Rectifies the historical and continuous evil and injustice done to the Palestinian people;
2. Preserves the geographical and territorial integrity of Palestine as part of the Arab Homeland;
3. Insists on the right of return of all Palestinians to their lands and properties from which they were forcefully and criminally evicted;
4. Dismantles all Zionist and Jewish-Israeli structures and laws that were built on inequality and on the exclusion of Palestinian Arabs, with the purpose of imposing and maintaining a hegemonic control of the Zionist-Ashkenazi state over the entire region;
5. Allows and encourages mutual living and existence between the Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Jews in the historical land of Palestine, within a democratic, non-sectarian, equal, non-repressive, non-exploitative, just and open society;
6. Promises genuine and sustainable development of the territory of Palestine, for the benefit of all its inhabitants, especially the poor and the marginalized, by focusing on the effective, productive and purposeful use of land and water, for the full employment potential of its workers;
7. Sets an important human example of how antagonists may live together harmoniously in a delineated physical space, once racist and exclusionary ideology and practices are expunged. "
And finally, why do I support the idea of One Democratic Socialist Society in historical Palestine?
Because I support a just, moral and sustained solution that embodies the potential of restoring genuine Palestinian rights in their historical patrimony. Such a solution:
1. Rectifies the historical and continuous evil and injustice done to the Palestinian people;
2. Preserves the geographical and territorial integrity of Palestine as part of the Arab Homeland;
3. Insists on the right of return of all Palestinians to their lands and properties from which they were forcefully and criminally evicted;
4. Dismantles all Zionist and Jewish-Israeli structures and laws that were built on inequality and on the exclusion of Palestinian Arabs, with the purpose of imposing and maintaining a hegemonic control of the Zionist-Ashkenazi state over the entire region;
5. Allows and encourages mutual living and existence between the Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Jews in the historical land of Palestine, within a democratic, non-sectarian, equal, non-repressive, non-exploitative, just and open society;
6. Promises genuine and sustainable development of the territory of Palestine, for the benefit of all its inhabitants, especially the poor and the marginalized, by focusing on the effective, productive and purposeful use of land and water, for the full employment potential of its workers;
7. Sets an important human example of how antagonists may live together harmoniously in a delineated physical space, once racist and exclusionary ideology and practices are expunged. "
Thursday, August 21, 2008
FREEDOM SAILORS CONTINUE JOURNEY TO GAZA UNDER THREAT
FREE GAZA MOVEMENT
August 20, 2008
"Free Gaza Movement spokesperson Osama Qashoo confirmed Monday that he and other members of the Free Gaza Movement’s nonviolent, human rights convoy sailing towards Gaza have received death threats. The international group is on its way to Gaza via sea with the intention of ending the Israeli imposed siege of the 1.5 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip.
“We want to make sure the world no longer turns a blind eye to Israel’s human rights abuses on innocent Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. If the world chooses to turn away and say it doesn’t see, we’re going to make sure they do,” says Musheir El Farra, of Sheffield, UK who is also with the group of activists......"
August 20, 2008
"Free Gaza Movement spokesperson Osama Qashoo confirmed Monday that he and other members of the Free Gaza Movement’s nonviolent, human rights convoy sailing towards Gaza have received death threats. The international group is on its way to Gaza via sea with the intention of ending the Israeli imposed siege of the 1.5 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip.
“We want to make sure the world no longer turns a blind eye to Israel’s human rights abuses on innocent Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. If the world chooses to turn away and say it doesn’t see, we’re going to make sure they do,” says Musheir El Farra, of Sheffield, UK who is also with the group of activists......"
Charity Raids Coordinated by the US and Financed by the EU
By Kawther Salam
Palestine Think Tank
"Following the interchanging of the roles of coordination between the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian Authority, the Israeli occupation raided the Palestinian charities of Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah and Jenin in the West Bank cities, closing, vandalizing, looting, destroying, and transferring their respective properties to the Israeli military central command Gadi Shamni, and the Palestinian Authority....."
UNIFIL: Israel Is Violating Res. 1701 Not Hezbollah
Al-Manar
"21/08/2008 The commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Maj.-Gen. Claudio Graziano, complained last week that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak refuses to meet with him to discuss the situation on the Lebanese border and implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, a diplomatic source said.
UNIFIL's commander accused Israel of violating the resolution by flying over Lebanon, refusing to help remove unexploded cluster bombs fired during the Second Lebanon War and failing to withdraw from Ghajar village......"
"21/08/2008 The commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Maj.-Gen. Claudio Graziano, complained last week that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak refuses to meet with him to discuss the situation on the Lebanese border and implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, a diplomatic source said.
UNIFIL's commander accused Israel of violating the resolution by flying over Lebanon, refusing to help remove unexploded cluster bombs fired during the Second Lebanon War and failing to withdraw from Ghajar village......"
Cyprus lets activists sail to Gaza, despite Israeli siege
"LARNACA, Cyprus - Cyprus will allow two boats carrying members of a U.S.-based activist group to sail for Gaza in defiance of Israel's blockade of the Palestinian territory, authorities here said Wednesday.....
Protest organizer Paul Larudee said the boats - the 21-meterFree Gaza and 18-meter Liberty - will set sail around midnight tonight from Larnaca port for the estimated 30-hour trip.
Members of the Free Gaza protest group said some 40 activists from 16 countries, including 81-year-old Catholic nun Anne Montgomery, will attempt to break the blockade Israel imposed on Gaza last year in a bid to set a precedent for others to follow. They plan to deliver 200 hearing aids to a Palestinian charity for children.....
Thomas Nelson, 64, said the group expects the Israeli navy to intercept the boats and arrest those onboard. The Portland, Oregon-based attorney said activists plan to resist any attempts to arrest them in a non-violent way. Nelson said there is no security threat to Israel here, except the truth and Israel is afraid of the truth.
Nelson said lawyers from the U.S.-based National Lawyers' Guild would file legal action against Israel in an appropriate legal forum if Israeli authorities kidnap activists in international waters."
Protest organizer Paul Larudee said the boats - the 21-meterFree Gaza and 18-meter Liberty - will set sail around midnight tonight from Larnaca port for the estimated 30-hour trip.
Members of the Free Gaza protest group said some 40 activists from 16 countries, including 81-year-old Catholic nun Anne Montgomery, will attempt to break the blockade Israel imposed on Gaza last year in a bid to set a precedent for others to follow. They plan to deliver 200 hearing aids to a Palestinian charity for children.....
Thomas Nelson, 64, said the group expects the Israeli navy to intercept the boats and arrest those onboard. The Portland, Oregon-based attorney said activists plan to resist any attempts to arrest them in a non-violent way. Nelson said there is no security threat to Israel here, except the truth and Israel is afraid of the truth.
Nelson said lawyers from the U.S.-based National Lawyers' Guild would file legal action against Israel in an appropriate legal forum if Israeli authorities kidnap activists in international waters."
Report: Cairo warns Hamas of Israeli attacks
London-based paper reports worrying schism in Egyptian-mediated talks to free Gilad Shalit over Israel's refusal to grant Hamas leaders immunity in exchange for his release
"Egypt has warned Hamas leaders that Israel may target them if the organization refuses to compromise on its inflexible stance in the negotiations to secure the release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit – Hamas officials are quoted as telling the London-based 'Al-Quds Al-Arabi' newspaper.
The sources report a genuine schism has developed between Hamas and Cairo - which is mediating the indirect talks. One of the main points of contention is the warning relayed by the Egyptian officials that Israel would not grant immunity to any Hamas leader. Hamas rejected the threat and maintained the group's position would not be changed.
Another chink in the relations between Hamas and Egypt is the linking of the Shalit deal to the Rafah border crossing.
Egypt is unwilling to open the crossing at present time, and appears interested in doing so only after the Shalit crisis is resolved. Cairo maintains that Israel sees the two issues as related. Egypt has said it is interested in launching direct negotiations between Hamas and Israel......."
Original story:
مصر تحذر حماس من اغتيال اسرائيل لقادتها في حال عدم استجابتها لشروط صفقة الاسرى
"الناصرة - 'القدس العربي' من زهير اندراوس: أكدت مصادر مطلعة من حركة المقاومة الإسلامية (حماس) أمس الأربعاء لـ'القدس العربي' أنّ أزمة تسود العلاقات بين حركة حماس ومصر حالياً، وأن هذه الأزمة مرشّحة للتصاعد، ما لم تقم مصر بخطوات عملية لنزع فتيل الأزمة. وقالت المصادر، التي طلبت عدم الكشف عن اسمها لحساسية الموضوع، ان مصر حذرت قادة الحركة من الاغتيال اذا اصرت على موقفها.
واشارت المصادر إلى أن سبب الأزمة يعود إلى الخلاف بين الطرفين حول عملية تبادل الأسرى الفلسطينيين بالجندي الإسرائيلي الأسير جلعاد شليط، منذ الخامس والعشرين من شهر حزيران (يونيو) من العام 2006، وفتح معبر رفح،
.....
...."
"Egypt has warned Hamas leaders that Israel may target them if the organization refuses to compromise on its inflexible stance in the negotiations to secure the release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit – Hamas officials are quoted as telling the London-based 'Al-Quds Al-Arabi' newspaper.
The sources report a genuine schism has developed between Hamas and Cairo - which is mediating the indirect talks. One of the main points of contention is the warning relayed by the Egyptian officials that Israel would not grant immunity to any Hamas leader. Hamas rejected the threat and maintained the group's position would not be changed.
Another chink in the relations between Hamas and Egypt is the linking of the Shalit deal to the Rafah border crossing.
Egypt is unwilling to open the crossing at present time, and appears interested in doing so only after the Shalit crisis is resolved. Cairo maintains that Israel sees the two issues as related. Egypt has said it is interested in launching direct negotiations between Hamas and Israel......."
Original story:
مصر تحذر حماس من اغتيال اسرائيل لقادتها في حال عدم استجابتها لشروط صفقة الاسرى
"الناصرة - 'القدس العربي' من زهير اندراوس: أكدت مصادر مطلعة من حركة المقاومة الإسلامية (حماس) أمس الأربعاء لـ'القدس العربي' أنّ أزمة تسود العلاقات بين حركة حماس ومصر حالياً، وأن هذه الأزمة مرشّحة للتصاعد، ما لم تقم مصر بخطوات عملية لنزع فتيل الأزمة. وقالت المصادر، التي طلبت عدم الكشف عن اسمها لحساسية الموضوع، ان مصر حذرت قادة الحركة من الاغتيال اذا اصرت على موقفها.
واشارت المصادر إلى أن سبب الأزمة يعود إلى الخلاف بين الطرفين حول عملية تبادل الأسرى الفلسطينيين بالجندي الإسرائيلي الأسير جلعاد شليط، منذ الخامس والعشرين من شهر حزيران (يونيو) من العام 2006، وفتح معبر رفح،
.....
...."
Big Russian flotilla led by Admiral Kuznetsov carrier heads for Syrian port
"As the West awaits Moscow’s threatened reprisal for the treaty installing American missile interceptors at Redzikowo, on Poland’s Baltic coast – signed in Warsaw Wednesday - the Kremlin is striking back in the Middle East – hence Russian president Dimitry Medvedev’s honeyed words of reassurance to Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert in a call he made to Jerusalem Wednesday, Aug. 20.
DEBKAfile’s military sources disclose that a powerful Russian naval contingent, led by the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov , left Murmansk on the Barents Sea Aug. 18 to dock at the Syrian Mediterranean port of Tartus Saturday, Aug. 23. It includes the Russian Navy’s biggest missile cruiser Moskva and at least four nuclear missile submarines......."
Real News Video With Pepe Escobar: Full spectrum dominance
Pepe Escobar: Welcome to the New Cold War
Al-Qa'ida keeps its promise to be 'bone in crusaders' throats'
By Robert Fisk
".....If it was not clear last night whether the latest Algerian attack was a suicide bomber – the slovenly Algerian press agency declined to say (which probably means it was) – the target, foreigners working on a dam project – spoke for itself. The local police – in Iraq, in Algeria, in Afghanistan, in Pakistan – are now the men who will pay the price for fighting the West's "war on terror".
Is it worth it? This is the question that the Iraqis and the Algerians and the Afghans and the Pakistanis now have to ask themselves. In answering this question, they will have to ask whether we care about them – we do not, of course – and whether the money they make from working for us is worth their lives. The mere fact that 10 French dead matter so much in Afghanistan – when 10 Afghan villagers matter so little when they are killed off in our anti-Taliban air raids – speaks mountains about our love for the Muslims of this towering, massive landscape.
In reality, we care as much about the Afghans of Afghanistan as we care about the Iraqis of Iraq and the Algerians of Algeria.
I remember well, with great sadness, how we cared nothing for the babies whose throats were slashed by so-called Islamists (some of whom, it turned out, worked for the government) in Algeria, giving the statistics of dead children rather than their names. I printed the names of these poor babies. And it was to the shame of their murderers – and to the government whose savage butchers participated in these outrageous acts – that they cared nothing for them."
".....If it was not clear last night whether the latest Algerian attack was a suicide bomber – the slovenly Algerian press agency declined to say (which probably means it was) – the target, foreigners working on a dam project – spoke for itself. The local police – in Iraq, in Algeria, in Afghanistan, in Pakistan – are now the men who will pay the price for fighting the West's "war on terror".
Is it worth it? This is the question that the Iraqis and the Algerians and the Afghans and the Pakistanis now have to ask themselves. In answering this question, they will have to ask whether we care about them – we do not, of course – and whether the money they make from working for us is worth their lives. The mere fact that 10 French dead matter so much in Afghanistan – when 10 Afghan villagers matter so little when they are killed off in our anti-Taliban air raids – speaks mountains about our love for the Muslims of this towering, massive landscape.
In reality, we care as much about the Afghans of Afghanistan as we care about the Iraqis of Iraq and the Algerians of Algeria.
I remember well, with great sadness, how we cared nothing for the babies whose throats were slashed by so-called Islamists (some of whom, it turned out, worked for the government) in Algeria, giving the statistics of dead children rather than their names. I printed the names of these poor babies. And it was to the shame of their murderers – and to the government whose savage butchers participated in these outrageous acts – that they cared nothing for them."
The Afghan fire looks set to spread, but there is a way out
Far from being a noble cause, the occupation of Afghanistan is poisoning the region and will never bring peace or security
Seumas Milne
The Guardian, Thursday August 21 2008
"The war in Afghanistan is running out of control. The multiple attacks mounted by Taliban guerrillas on Nato occupation troops on Monday and Tuesday - in which 10 newly arrived French soldiers were killed near Kabul and a US base hit by suicide bombers - are the most daring since the US-led invasion of 2001. More than 100 people have been killed in fighting in the past three days, as the war against foreign occupation has spread from the south to the east and the area around the capital.....
The only way to end the war is the withdrawal of foreign troops as part of a political settlement negotiated with all the significant players in the country, including the Taliban, and guaranteed by the regional powers and neighbouring states. A large majority of Afghans say they back negotiations with the Taliban, even in western-conducted opinion polls. The Taliban themselves insist they will only talk once foreign troops have withdrawn. If that were the only obstacle, it could surely be choreographed as a parallel process. But given the scale of commitments made by the US and Nato, the fire of the Afghan war seems bound to spread further."
Seumas Milne
The Guardian, Thursday August 21 2008
"The war in Afghanistan is running out of control. The multiple attacks mounted by Taliban guerrillas on Nato occupation troops on Monday and Tuesday - in which 10 newly arrived French soldiers were killed near Kabul and a US base hit by suicide bombers - are the most daring since the US-led invasion of 2001. More than 100 people have been killed in fighting in the past three days, as the war against foreign occupation has spread from the south to the east and the area around the capital.....
The only way to end the war is the withdrawal of foreign troops as part of a political settlement negotiated with all the significant players in the country, including the Taliban, and guaranteed by the regional powers and neighbouring states. A large majority of Afghans say they back negotiations with the Taliban, even in western-conducted opinion polls. The Taliban themselves insist they will only talk once foreign troops have withdrawn. If that were the only obstacle, it could surely be choreographed as a parallel process. But given the scale of commitments made by the US and Nato, the fire of the Afghan war seems bound to spread further."
Harsh words: but true
The language used by al-Aqsa TV shocked me, but there's no denying it reflects the reality of the Palestinian experience
Seth Freedman
guardian.co.uk, Thursday August 21 2008
".....While I understand how emotionally invested people (myself included) become when focusing on the conflict, we should not allow a situation where plainly-spoken facts are dismissed simply because the reader or viewer feels uncomfortable with the truth. Much as I flinched initially when sitting in the Palestinian family's lounge hearing my country described in such incendiary language on the news, I could understand why they used those terms in their reports.
Settlers are colonisers, just as the IDF is a force engaged in occupation, and any attempt to try to paint the scenario otherwise is both disingenuous and deceitful. Anyone who feels that the western media is incorrigibly biased in favour of the Palestinians would do well to consider the entire spectrum of opinion on what constitutes fair reporting and honest language, before making such sweeping judgments. Because from where the Palestinians are sitting, under the yoke of occupation, the picture looks very different from the one Zionism's supporters would have the world believe."
Seth Freedman
guardian.co.uk, Thursday August 21 2008
".....While I understand how emotionally invested people (myself included) become when focusing on the conflict, we should not allow a situation where plainly-spoken facts are dismissed simply because the reader or viewer feels uncomfortable with the truth. Much as I flinched initially when sitting in the Palestinian family's lounge hearing my country described in such incendiary language on the news, I could understand why they used those terms in their reports.
Settlers are colonisers, just as the IDF is a force engaged in occupation, and any attempt to try to paint the scenario otherwise is both disingenuous and deceitful. Anyone who feels that the western media is incorrigibly biased in favour of the Palestinians would do well to consider the entire spectrum of opinion on what constitutes fair reporting and honest language, before making such sweeping judgments. Because from where the Palestinians are sitting, under the yoke of occupation, the picture looks very different from the one Zionism's supporters would have the world believe."
Muzzling press freedom in Occupied Palestine
By Khalid Amayreh in the Occupied Palestinian territories
"To begin with, I would like to point out that I am writing this article at the risk of being arrested for “incitement” and “tarnishing” the Palestinian Authority (PA) image.
However, the cause of press freedom in Occupied Palestine is too paramount to be compromised by fears for one’s safety.
Hence, journalists and free-minded citizens must not allow themselves to be intimidated by a police-state apparatus that views itself as God’s vicegerent on earth.
In recent weeks and months, the American-backed and Israeli-favored regime in Ramallah has been systematically violating the human rights and civil liberties of the Palestinian people in ways unseen since the start of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967.
This is done in utter violation of the rule of law and is mainly aimed at consolidating Fatah’s domination in the region. In short, it seems that the PA, not Hamas, is enforcing a ruthless regime whereby all forms of dissent are suppressed by brute force......"
"To begin with, I would like to point out that I am writing this article at the risk of being arrested for “incitement” and “tarnishing” the Palestinian Authority (PA) image.
However, the cause of press freedom in Occupied Palestine is too paramount to be compromised by fears for one’s safety.
Hence, journalists and free-minded citizens must not allow themselves to be intimidated by a police-state apparatus that views itself as God’s vicegerent on earth.
In recent weeks and months, the American-backed and Israeli-favored regime in Ramallah has been systematically violating the human rights and civil liberties of the Palestinian people in ways unseen since the start of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967.
This is done in utter violation of the rule of law and is mainly aimed at consolidating Fatah’s domination in the region. In short, it seems that the PA, not Hamas, is enforcing a ruthless regime whereby all forms of dissent are suppressed by brute force......"
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
For The Palestinians it is the Worst of Both Worlds
A Comment By Tony Sayegh
The buzz these days is about a one-state solution versus a two-state solution, as if the Palestinians can just pick and choose which option they prefer. The terrible reality is that in the current Nakba II the Palestinians are facing a more likely option: a no-state solution.
The question that is more important than the one-state/ two-state debate is what do the Palestinians want? Who speaks for them? Why are they so dormant as if the discussions concern another people? What has happened to them?
Indulging in the stupid illusion of a make-believe state, under occupation and colonization, the Palestinians have ended up with the worst features of both a real state and a national liberation movement. The PLO has traded liberation for a Vichy-style “state,” complete with a basic law (constitution), legislature, presidency, a prime minister, etc. However, if we were to accept this make-believe state, has it functioned and exercised even the limited powers at its disposal?
For example there is a legislature and a “constitution,” but has this legislature functioned? Has it even attempted to enforce the provisions of this constitution?
Let us compare what has just happened in Pakistan and what has not happened in Palestine. In Pakistan, in spite of a military that is fully dependent on and controlled by the US, the legislature stood its ground and insisted on impeaching Musharraf. Even with full US backing, the dictator had to accept the reality and to resign before being impeached.
Compare that with the crimes of the puppet Abbas. Here is a collaborator, who coordinates with the Israeli occupation the crack down on all resistance. He, with the help of the Israelis, arrests and tortures resistance fighters. He is responsible for mercenaries trained and armed by the CIA and who attempted to overthrow a democratically-elected Palestinian government. His regime arrests and tortures political prisoners and attacks and shuts down all opposition, orphanages, charities, press, etc. He has signed agreements with the occupiers that legitimize Israel’s control and siege of Gaza. He has played a direct role, along with Israel, in the siege and starvation of 1.5 million Palestinians. Worse still, he is likely to sign a final solution agreement with Israel that terminates all Palestinian fundamental rights, including the right of return.
So, who needs such a worthless “state” and impotent “legislature?” If it were a self-respecting legislature, Abbas would have been not just impeached, but tried as a collaborator and dealt with accordingly.
On the other hand, if a state does not exist and its institutions do not function, then where is the structure and institutions for national liberation? Is there a plan and a strategy for such liberation? What are they?
The secret for the success of national liberation movements all over the world, is that they concentrate on liberation first, before being burdened with running a state, paying salaries, issuing passports, etc. Except for the Palestinians; they do it in reverse. Is it any wonder that the Palestinian predicament is the worst it has been for three generations?
The Palestinian energy that exploded in the early seventies, in all fields: military, political, art, literature, publishing, activism, etc, seems to have died. I am afraid that the Fatah/Hamas straitjacket is preventing the Palestinians from coming up with any new revolutionary ideas. And both movements are comfortable playing their political games and sharing illusionary power over their respective reservations.
The Palestinian movement which burst on the Arab scene in the aftermath of the dismal defeat of the Arab regimes in 1967, has been replaced by an equally incompetent and impotent regime called the PA. In spite of its protestations, Hamas is a partner in this impotent Palestinian regime.
The bulk of the Palestinians who are neither Hamas not Fatah supporters need to rise up and be heard. There is much more to the cause than Hamas/Fatah. This includes the 1948 Palestinians, those in the occupied West Bank and Gaza and the millions in the Diaspora. One of the exciting developments in the early seventies was the integration of the Diaspora Palestinians in the struggle; all that is gone.
I am not sure about what it is in Arabic culture that seems to preclude regeneration, political ferment, political accountability, checks and balances, etc. Why do these processes work in a country such as Pakistan, but not among the Palestinians? As soon as the Palestinians had some structure (first the PLO and now the PA), the structure became frozen in time and devoid of mission and content. In other words it became a regime among regimes.
I suspect that free expression and free press are part of the explanation. The Palestinian movement thrived in Lebanon when Lebanon was one of the freest in the Arab world when it came to writing and publishing. Similarly some of the best Palestinian thinkers such as Edward Said and Azmy Bishara made their contributions away from the stifling and oppressive Arab milieu.
I am afraid that time is running out for the Palestinians. They have to revolt and reinvent themselves now or they will be permanently lost. Hamas has not been able to transform itself into a revolutionary movement. Fatah is finished as a credible Palestinian movement. The Palestinians have to reinvent themselves and come up with something new, something that captures the imagination of all Palestinians everywhere and pulls them to play their part in the struggle.
The current stasis is dangerous and if it continues, the Palestinian cause will wither away. If that happens, the Palestinians will only have themselves to blame.
The buzz these days is about a one-state solution versus a two-state solution, as if the Palestinians can just pick and choose which option they prefer. The terrible reality is that in the current Nakba II the Palestinians are facing a more likely option: a no-state solution.
The question that is more important than the one-state/ two-state debate is what do the Palestinians want? Who speaks for them? Why are they so dormant as if the discussions concern another people? What has happened to them?
Indulging in the stupid illusion of a make-believe state, under occupation and colonization, the Palestinians have ended up with the worst features of both a real state and a national liberation movement. The PLO has traded liberation for a Vichy-style “state,” complete with a basic law (constitution), legislature, presidency, a prime minister, etc. However, if we were to accept this make-believe state, has it functioned and exercised even the limited powers at its disposal?
For example there is a legislature and a “constitution,” but has this legislature functioned? Has it even attempted to enforce the provisions of this constitution?
Let us compare what has just happened in Pakistan and what has not happened in Palestine. In Pakistan, in spite of a military that is fully dependent on and controlled by the US, the legislature stood its ground and insisted on impeaching Musharraf. Even with full US backing, the dictator had to accept the reality and to resign before being impeached.
Compare that with the crimes of the puppet Abbas. Here is a collaborator, who coordinates with the Israeli occupation the crack down on all resistance. He, with the help of the Israelis, arrests and tortures resistance fighters. He is responsible for mercenaries trained and armed by the CIA and who attempted to overthrow a democratically-elected Palestinian government. His regime arrests and tortures political prisoners and attacks and shuts down all opposition, orphanages, charities, press, etc. He has signed agreements with the occupiers that legitimize Israel’s control and siege of Gaza. He has played a direct role, along with Israel, in the siege and starvation of 1.5 million Palestinians. Worse still, he is likely to sign a final solution agreement with Israel that terminates all Palestinian fundamental rights, including the right of return.
So, who needs such a worthless “state” and impotent “legislature?” If it were a self-respecting legislature, Abbas would have been not just impeached, but tried as a collaborator and dealt with accordingly.
On the other hand, if a state does not exist and its institutions do not function, then where is the structure and institutions for national liberation? Is there a plan and a strategy for such liberation? What are they?
The secret for the success of national liberation movements all over the world, is that they concentrate on liberation first, before being burdened with running a state, paying salaries, issuing passports, etc. Except for the Palestinians; they do it in reverse. Is it any wonder that the Palestinian predicament is the worst it has been for three generations?
The Palestinian energy that exploded in the early seventies, in all fields: military, political, art, literature, publishing, activism, etc, seems to have died. I am afraid that the Fatah/Hamas straitjacket is preventing the Palestinians from coming up with any new revolutionary ideas. And both movements are comfortable playing their political games and sharing illusionary power over their respective reservations.
The Palestinian movement which burst on the Arab scene in the aftermath of the dismal defeat of the Arab regimes in 1967, has been replaced by an equally incompetent and impotent regime called the PA. In spite of its protestations, Hamas is a partner in this impotent Palestinian regime.
The bulk of the Palestinians who are neither Hamas not Fatah supporters need to rise up and be heard. There is much more to the cause than Hamas/Fatah. This includes the 1948 Palestinians, those in the occupied West Bank and Gaza and the millions in the Diaspora. One of the exciting developments in the early seventies was the integration of the Diaspora Palestinians in the struggle; all that is gone.
I am not sure about what it is in Arabic culture that seems to preclude regeneration, political ferment, political accountability, checks and balances, etc. Why do these processes work in a country such as Pakistan, but not among the Palestinians? As soon as the Palestinians had some structure (first the PLO and now the PA), the structure became frozen in time and devoid of mission and content. In other words it became a regime among regimes.
I suspect that free expression and free press are part of the explanation. The Palestinian movement thrived in Lebanon when Lebanon was one of the freest in the Arab world when it came to writing and publishing. Similarly some of the best Palestinian thinkers such as Edward Said and Azmy Bishara made their contributions away from the stifling and oppressive Arab milieu.
I am afraid that time is running out for the Palestinians. They have to revolt and reinvent themselves now or they will be permanently lost. Hamas has not been able to transform itself into a revolutionary movement. Fatah is finished as a credible Palestinian movement. The Palestinians have to reinvent themselves and come up with something new, something that captures the imagination of all Palestinians everywhere and pulls them to play their part in the struggle.
The current stasis is dangerous and if it continues, the Palestinian cause will wither away. If that happens, the Palestinians will only have themselves to blame.
Half of the detainees Israel intends to release will finish their terms by next year
"The Palestinian Ministry of Detainees reported on Tuesday that nearly half of the detainees that Israel intends to release as “a good will gesture” will finish their terms in 2009. Israel vowed to release 200 detainees, and 95 of them are already supposed to be released by next year.
Riyadh Al Ashqar, head of the Media Office at the Ministry of Detainees, stated that the Israeli list of detainees does not include any sick detainee, especially those who suffer from serious illnesses such as cancer patients, paralyzed detainees, and detainees who suffer from kidney failure.
The list also excludes detainees who are Arab residents of Israel or those who are from Jerusalem.
Al Ashqar also said that only two female detainees will be released. The two detainees were identified as Khawla Zeitawi, from Nablus, and Ayaat Dababsa from Hebron. Zeitawi is imprisoned with her child daughter and already served 18 months out of 24. Detainee Ayaat was kidnapped 18 months ago and is only 15 years old; she was sentenced to three years.
Furthermore, Al Ashqar added among the 200 detainees, there are 30 who will finish their terms in 2010, 16 in 2011, 15 in 2012, 11 in 2013, 29 detainees are supposed to finish their terms in 5 – 9 years, and one detainee in 11 years.
The list does not include any of the detained Hamas legislators, and also excludes Fateh legislator Husam Khader who was kidnapped in 2004 and was sentenced to seven years, and legislator Mahmoud Abu Ali, who was sentenced to one life term. Abu Ali was elected while in prison as he was kidnapped by the army more than 28 years ago.
Also, the list excluded all 1300 sick detainees, including 130 detainees who are in very serious health conditions and need surgeries. 15 of them have cancer and are not receiving the needed treatment.
The ministry of detainees stated that the release of any detainee is a gain to the Palestinian people, but Israel should release all detainees who were kidnapped many years ago, women and children.
It is worth mentioning that there are more than 750 detainees who are sentenced to a minimum of one life term."
Riyadh Al Ashqar, head of the Media Office at the Ministry of Detainees, stated that the Israeli list of detainees does not include any sick detainee, especially those who suffer from serious illnesses such as cancer patients, paralyzed detainees, and detainees who suffer from kidney failure.
The list also excludes detainees who are Arab residents of Israel or those who are from Jerusalem.
Al Ashqar also said that only two female detainees will be released. The two detainees were identified as Khawla Zeitawi, from Nablus, and Ayaat Dababsa from Hebron. Zeitawi is imprisoned with her child daughter and already served 18 months out of 24. Detainee Ayaat was kidnapped 18 months ago and is only 15 years old; she was sentenced to three years.
Furthermore, Al Ashqar added among the 200 detainees, there are 30 who will finish their terms in 2010, 16 in 2011, 15 in 2012, 11 in 2013, 29 detainees are supposed to finish their terms in 5 – 9 years, and one detainee in 11 years.
The list does not include any of the detained Hamas legislators, and also excludes Fateh legislator Husam Khader who was kidnapped in 2004 and was sentenced to seven years, and legislator Mahmoud Abu Ali, who was sentenced to one life term. Abu Ali was elected while in prison as he was kidnapped by the army more than 28 years ago.
Also, the list excluded all 1300 sick detainees, including 130 detainees who are in very serious health conditions and need surgeries. 15 of them have cancer and are not receiving the needed treatment.
The ministry of detainees stated that the release of any detainee is a gain to the Palestinian people, but Israel should release all detainees who were kidnapped many years ago, women and children.
It is worth mentioning that there are more than 750 detainees who are sentenced to a minimum of one life term."
Standing up for justice in the Middle East
Ramzi Kysia, The Electronic Intifada, 20 August 2008
"The Free Gaza Movement, a diverse group of international human rights activists from 17 different countries, will soon set sail from Cyprus to Gaza in order to challenge the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. I'm proud to stand with them. Over 170 prominent individuals and organizations have endorsed our efforts, including the Carter Center, former British Cabinet member Clare Short, and Nobel Peace Prize laureates Mairead Maguire and Desmond Tutu......."
Goodbye Musharraf, hello Taliban
By Syed Saleem Shahzad
Asia Times
"As if to reinforce an influential think-tank's latest warning that efforts to contain the Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan are failing, 10 French soldiers have been killed and a US base brazenly attacked. The roots of the problem can be traced to Pakistan, where, during the watch of pro-West Pervez Musharraf, militants gained a solid foothold. With the former president gone, and the government in Islamabad virtually paralyzed, the militants can only get stronger...."
Asia Times
"As if to reinforce an influential think-tank's latest warning that efforts to contain the Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan are failing, 10 French soldiers have been killed and a US base brazenly attacked. The roots of the problem can be traced to Pakistan, where, during the watch of pro-West Pervez Musharraf, militants gained a solid foothold. With the former president gone, and the government in Islamabad virtually paralyzed, the militants can only get stronger...."
McCain’s Warped Worldview
By Robert Scheer
"The world according to John McCain is one in which America is triumphant at home and abroad thanks to the Bush legacy, rolling to victory internationally and mastering its domestic economic problems. If daily news would seem to deny such a rosy scenario, then that only shows skeptics lack the courage that sustained McCain as a prisoner of war in Vietnam......"
"The world according to John McCain is one in which America is triumphant at home and abroad thanks to the Bush legacy, rolling to victory internationally and mastering its domestic economic problems. If daily news would seem to deny such a rosy scenario, then that only shows skeptics lack the courage that sustained McCain as a prisoner of war in Vietnam......"
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