Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Trapped in Gaza: Rafah Crossing Closed to Palestinians Soon After Egyptian Pledge to Reopen It
"In the Gaza Strip, the Hamas government has asked Egypt to drop restrictions on the Rafah border crossing, just days after the checkpoint opened last week. In a major policy shift, Egypt’s transition government had unsealed the Rafah border after years of closure under ousted Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak. But less than a week later, Egypt imposed a cap of 400 people per day, turning back busloads of people that had been cleared for passage. On Saturday, the border was sealed completely, causing angry Palestinians to storm the gates in protests. Democracy Now!’s Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar were one of the few teams of foreign journalists to witness the scene at the Rafah border, and they file this report from the Gaza Strip...."
ماذا بعد الشوط الأول من الثورة العربية؟
A VERY GOOD COMMENT
الانتصار الهشّ
التعثّر والانزلاق
الترقب الحذر بانتظار المواجهة
"....
لكل ثورة بالضرورة ثورة مضادة, لا غرابة في الأمر، ومن فقدوا السلطة والثروة والاعتبار لا يتبخرون وإنما يتآمرون لاستعادة ما فقدوا, وهذا ما يحدث في تونس ومصر
....
دور كل الحريصين على الثورة في تونس ومصر هو مواصلة حصار قوى الردّة بتطهير شامل لأجهزة القضاء والأمن، ووضع القواعد الأخلاقية والقانونية للعمل الحزبي
.....
مهمة الثوار السلميين في كل قطر التمسك بخيار العصيان المدني إلى لحظة إسقاط النظام البائس، وحَثّ العناصر الوطنية داخل الجيوش على الالتحاق بالشعب
....
على قوى الثورة في البلدان التي تنتظر دورها في الطابور أن تتمسك بالخيار السلمي الذي أظهر نجاعته في تونس ومصر وأن تفوّت كل الفرص لجرها لمواجهة مسلحة
....
أما بالنسبة لرؤوس الأنظمة فالدرس بديهي: فات وقت إصلاحات ذرّ الرماد في العيون. حان وقت توزيع جديد للسلطة والاعتبار والثروة. لا جدوى للقمع الدموي، والخيار الوحيد إما المرور سريعا للملكية الدستورية غير المغشوشة وإما القبول بأنهم آخر ملوك وأمراء العرب.
القاسم المشترك بين الوضعيات الثلاث إذن انطلاق مسار إعادة توزيع الاعتبار والثروة والسلطة. سواء في الأقطار التي لم يبدأ فيها أو التي تقدم فيها خطوات أو التي يتعثر فيها، يمكن القول إنه وقع ردّ الاعتبار للشعوب والمواطنين لأن المستبدّين بصدد إعادة النظر في كل مسلماتهم وأيديهم على قلوبهم، بعد أن تعلموا الفضيلة التي نقصتهم على الدوام: احترام الآخرين. أما بخصوص توزيع السلطة والثروة فقضية مفروغ منها هي الأخرى حتى وإن تطلب الأمر مزيدا من الوقت والتضحيات.
لكن لننتبه إلى أن المهمّ ليس افتكاك الاعتبار والسلطة والثروة من المستبدين وإنما إعادة توزيعها بكيفية لا تُعدّ العدة بعد تراكمات جديدة لثورة على الثورة، فنبقى ندور في نفس الحلقة المفرغة والرقاص يتأرجح من الاستبداد إلى الفوضى ومن الفوضى إلى الاستبداد.
"
الانتصار الهشّ
التعثّر والانزلاق
الترقب الحذر بانتظار المواجهة
"....
لكل ثورة بالضرورة ثورة مضادة, لا غرابة في الأمر، ومن فقدوا السلطة والثروة والاعتبار لا يتبخرون وإنما يتآمرون لاستعادة ما فقدوا, وهذا ما يحدث في تونس ومصر
....
دور كل الحريصين على الثورة في تونس ومصر هو مواصلة حصار قوى الردّة بتطهير شامل لأجهزة القضاء والأمن، ووضع القواعد الأخلاقية والقانونية للعمل الحزبي
.....
مهمة الثوار السلميين في كل قطر التمسك بخيار العصيان المدني إلى لحظة إسقاط النظام البائس، وحَثّ العناصر الوطنية داخل الجيوش على الالتحاق بالشعب
....
على قوى الثورة في البلدان التي تنتظر دورها في الطابور أن تتمسك بالخيار السلمي الذي أظهر نجاعته في تونس ومصر وأن تفوّت كل الفرص لجرها لمواجهة مسلحة
....
أما بالنسبة لرؤوس الأنظمة فالدرس بديهي: فات وقت إصلاحات ذرّ الرماد في العيون. حان وقت توزيع جديد للسلطة والاعتبار والثروة. لا جدوى للقمع الدموي، والخيار الوحيد إما المرور سريعا للملكية الدستورية غير المغشوشة وإما القبول بأنهم آخر ملوك وأمراء العرب.
القاسم المشترك بين الوضعيات الثلاث إذن انطلاق مسار إعادة توزيع الاعتبار والثروة والسلطة. سواء في الأقطار التي لم يبدأ فيها أو التي تقدم فيها خطوات أو التي يتعثر فيها، يمكن القول إنه وقع ردّ الاعتبار للشعوب والمواطنين لأن المستبدّين بصدد إعادة النظر في كل مسلماتهم وأيديهم على قلوبهم، بعد أن تعلموا الفضيلة التي نقصتهم على الدوام: احترام الآخرين. أما بخصوص توزيع السلطة والثروة فقضية مفروغ منها هي الأخرى حتى وإن تطلب الأمر مزيدا من الوقت والتضحيات.
لكن لننتبه إلى أن المهمّ ليس افتكاك الاعتبار والسلطة والثروة من المستبدين وإنما إعادة توزيعها بكيفية لا تُعدّ العدة بعد تراكمات جديدة لثورة على الثورة، فنبقى ندور في نفس الحلقة المفرغة والرقاص يتأرجح من الاستبداد إلى الفوضى ومن الفوضى إلى الاستبداد.
"
Current Al-Jazeera (Arabic) Online Poll
The question is:
Do you support transferring complete power in Yemen to the vice president of Saleh?
With about 800 responding so far, 82% said no.
Do you support transferring complete power in Yemen to the vice president of Saleh?
With about 800 responding so far, 82% said no.
Al-Jazeera Video: Yemeni protesters demand transition
"Yemen's government says President Ali Abdullah Saleh will return from Saudi Arabia within days. He is there for medical treatment for injuries sustained in a rocket attack.
But protesters have returned to the streets, demanding Saleh never return."
Al-Jazeera Video: Human Rights Watch demand Libyan rebels stop detentions
Today's Cartoon by the Syrian Cartoonist Ali Ferzat
(Click on cartoon to enlarge)
The Regime's Intellectuals.
Eyewitness interview: Israel’s "blood harvest" in occupied Golan
Jillian Kestler-D'AmoursThe Electronic Intifada
6 June 2011
"....Salman Fakhreddin is a political activist and the public relations officer of Al-Marsad, the Arab Center for Human Rights in the Golan (golan-marsad.org). Originally from the occupied Golan Heights town of Majdal Shams, where he still lives today, Fahrideen described to The Electronic Intifada what he saw yesterday, what the real threat to Israel is regarding popular demonstrations, and what message the demonstration sent to residents of the Golan Heights who are resisting the Israeli occupation.
Jillian Kestler-D’Amours: Talk a bit about what happened yesterday near Majdal Shams.
Salman Fakhreddin: Yesterday, hundreds of refugees from Syria — Palestinians and Syrians — marched to the ceasefire line near Majdal Shams in a place called the Valley of Tears. We usually use this place for families [living opposite of the ceasefire line] to meet each other and to speak to each other with loudspeaker on all days of the year. Yesterday, it was a demonstration in memory of the war of ‘67 and the occupation of the Golan, West Bank and Gaza and Sinai. When these people reached the ceasefire line, the Israeli forces were well prepared with snipers. They were there already and they began firing live bullets and they killed and injured hundreds of people. Twenty-three people were killed yesterday.
It is a blood harvest of the Israeli army. I think first they began shooting to kill and during the afternoon and at beginning of the night, they began firing tear gas and rubber bullets. It means that the Israeli army yesterday was standing on its head and thinking with its feet. They dealt with the issue in the opposite of a humanitarian way. They decided to kill people in order to frighten them not to continue with this demonstration because they are afraid of the delegitimization of the state of Israel and the Israeli policy in the international community.
On the other hand, the demonstration yesterday and the demonstration of Nakba Day [on 15 May] is trying to develop a culture of nonviolence in the area, in the struggle against the Israelis, or what’s called the popular resistance. In Israel, they want to stop that because they are afraid it will reach the knowledge of the international community and the internal Israeli community will join this struggle as a peaceful struggle against colonialism and apartheid in this place of the world.
I think the idea was to stop that and because of that, they chose this way: to kill people first and then to shoot them with tear gas....."
6 June 2011
"....Salman Fakhreddin is a political activist and the public relations officer of Al-Marsad, the Arab Center for Human Rights in the Golan (golan-marsad.org). Originally from the occupied Golan Heights town of Majdal Shams, where he still lives today, Fahrideen described to The Electronic Intifada what he saw yesterday, what the real threat to Israel is regarding popular demonstrations, and what message the demonstration sent to residents of the Golan Heights who are resisting the Israeli occupation.
Jillian Kestler-D’Amours: Talk a bit about what happened yesterday near Majdal Shams.
Salman Fakhreddin: Yesterday, hundreds of refugees from Syria — Palestinians and Syrians — marched to the ceasefire line near Majdal Shams in a place called the Valley of Tears. We usually use this place for families [living opposite of the ceasefire line] to meet each other and to speak to each other with loudspeaker on all days of the year. Yesterday, it was a demonstration in memory of the war of ‘67 and the occupation of the Golan, West Bank and Gaza and Sinai. When these people reached the ceasefire line, the Israeli forces were well prepared with snipers. They were there already and they began firing live bullets and they killed and injured hundreds of people. Twenty-three people were killed yesterday.
It is a blood harvest of the Israeli army. I think first they began shooting to kill and during the afternoon and at beginning of the night, they began firing tear gas and rubber bullets. It means that the Israeli army yesterday was standing on its head and thinking with its feet. They dealt with the issue in the opposite of a humanitarian way. They decided to kill people in order to frighten them not to continue with this demonstration because they are afraid of the delegitimization of the state of Israel and the Israeli policy in the international community.
On the other hand, the demonstration yesterday and the demonstration of Nakba Day [on 15 May] is trying to develop a culture of nonviolence in the area, in the struggle against the Israelis, or what’s called the popular resistance. In Israel, they want to stop that because they are afraid it will reach the knowledge of the international community and the internal Israeli community will join this struggle as a peaceful struggle against colonialism and apartheid in this place of the world.
I think the idea was to stop that and because of that, they chose this way: to kill people first and then to shoot them with tear gas....."
A new opposition for Syria
With former opposition groups discredited, young protesters are beginning to find their own voice and vision for a new Syria
Fadwa al-Hatem
(Fadwa al-Hatem is the pen-name of a Syrian citizen who currently lives in Britain)
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 7 June 2011
AN EXCELLENT COMMENT (posted in full)
"By blocking internet access for the entire country last Friday, the Syrian regime demonstrated yet again just how out of touch it is with its own people and with the times in general. But the regime is not alone in failing to move with the times. The so-called Syrian opposition in exile – most prominent of which is the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood – also seems blissfully unaware that things have changed.
At the recent Antalya conference in Turkey, an attempt was made by the various exiled opposition groups to hammer out a unified front and a vision for a post-Assad democratic Syria. Most worryingly, the Brotherhood remained quite staunch in its opposition to a secular future government, and only gave its consent much later in the conference.
Thankfully, events in Syria and the rise of an independent protest movement with roots in the country have shown that the Brotherhood, along with the Assad regime, is increasingly irrelevant to the country's future. Depressingly, such political stupidity as we saw in Antalya will only add fuel for the fire, and will give some force to the ridiculous claims by the regime that fundamentalists plan to turn Syria into an "Islamic emirate".
As a Syrian, I can only watch with despair as a party that has been in exile for almost 40 years – and been portrayed as our bogeyman for just as long – fails utterly in producing anything like a credible opposition. Far from being a bogeyman, it seems more like an exclusive club of doddering old men with no idea what the fuss is all about.
So what on earth have they been doing all this time? The answer, clearly, is not very much. At the Antalya conference, discredited former regime apparatchiks such as Abd al-Halim Khaddam (the former Syrian vice-president) and Rifaat al-Assad (the president's uncle), were fortunately nowhere to be seen. Nor did we see the discredited Farid al-Ghadry, who is a nonentity with the Syrian people.
Yet not long ago, the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood entered into a preposterous political alliance with that same Khaddam after he had exiled himself to Paris and begun to denounce the regime that he had served so faithfully for decades. This alliance was short-lived, but it provided further proof in the minds of many Syrians that the Muslim Brotherhood is a party not to be trusted.
Although I don't trust the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood either, at least they are organised, politically savvy (to a certain extent) and not known to shoot themselves in the foot. Furthermore, when the Egyptian revolution finally became a reality, they were able to organise and mobilise on an enormous scale, whereas the Syrian revolution appears to have caught both the Assad regime and the Muslim Brotherhood with their pants down – and a good thing too.
Not having a formal, organised, political opposition that can give voice to the protests was initially frustrating and extremely frightening for many Syrians, yet it was also quite liberating. For one thing it has shown that young and old Syrians are capable of taking control of their own destinies without the stale political opportunists and parties of the past.
Young popular committees, deep underground in Syria, are liaising and organising among themselves. They are getting their voice to the outside world at a time when the Syrian regime is forbidding any foreign media from reporting in the country, and they have learned and adapted remarkably quickly. Grainy videos taken with mobile phones now include easily recognisable local landmarks, and the cameraman is careful to always state the date, time and location of the events being filmed. There is even a YouTube channel, Sham SNN, where videos are uploaded almost hourly and, it seems, carefully vetted to avoid hoaxes or irrelevant material being included.
In spite of the brutish and panicked response of the regime and the sluggish reaction of the Syrian "opposition" abroad, Syrian activists are beginning to find their own voice outside of the anachronistic players that have defined Syrian politics for a generation. As that voice gets stronger, the chance of a fresh new vision for Syria becomes ever more likely."
Fadwa al-Hatem
(Fadwa al-Hatem is the pen-name of a Syrian citizen who currently lives in Britain)
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 7 June 2011
AN EXCELLENT COMMENT (posted in full)
"By blocking internet access for the entire country last Friday, the Syrian regime demonstrated yet again just how out of touch it is with its own people and with the times in general. But the regime is not alone in failing to move with the times. The so-called Syrian opposition in exile – most prominent of which is the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood – also seems blissfully unaware that things have changed.
At the recent Antalya conference in Turkey, an attempt was made by the various exiled opposition groups to hammer out a unified front and a vision for a post-Assad democratic Syria. Most worryingly, the Brotherhood remained quite staunch in its opposition to a secular future government, and only gave its consent much later in the conference.
Thankfully, events in Syria and the rise of an independent protest movement with roots in the country have shown that the Brotherhood, along with the Assad regime, is increasingly irrelevant to the country's future. Depressingly, such political stupidity as we saw in Antalya will only add fuel for the fire, and will give some force to the ridiculous claims by the regime that fundamentalists plan to turn Syria into an "Islamic emirate".
As a Syrian, I can only watch with despair as a party that has been in exile for almost 40 years – and been portrayed as our bogeyman for just as long – fails utterly in producing anything like a credible opposition. Far from being a bogeyman, it seems more like an exclusive club of doddering old men with no idea what the fuss is all about.
So what on earth have they been doing all this time? The answer, clearly, is not very much. At the Antalya conference, discredited former regime apparatchiks such as Abd al-Halim Khaddam (the former Syrian vice-president) and Rifaat al-Assad (the president's uncle), were fortunately nowhere to be seen. Nor did we see the discredited Farid al-Ghadry, who is a nonentity with the Syrian people.
Yet not long ago, the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood entered into a preposterous political alliance with that same Khaddam after he had exiled himself to Paris and begun to denounce the regime that he had served so faithfully for decades. This alliance was short-lived, but it provided further proof in the minds of many Syrians that the Muslim Brotherhood is a party not to be trusted.
Although I don't trust the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood either, at least they are organised, politically savvy (to a certain extent) and not known to shoot themselves in the foot. Furthermore, when the Egyptian revolution finally became a reality, they were able to organise and mobilise on an enormous scale, whereas the Syrian revolution appears to have caught both the Assad regime and the Muslim Brotherhood with their pants down – and a good thing too.
Not having a formal, organised, political opposition that can give voice to the protests was initially frustrating and extremely frightening for many Syrians, yet it was also quite liberating. For one thing it has shown that young and old Syrians are capable of taking control of their own destinies without the stale political opportunists and parties of the past.
Young popular committees, deep underground in Syria, are liaising and organising among themselves. They are getting their voice to the outside world at a time when the Syrian regime is forbidding any foreign media from reporting in the country, and they have learned and adapted remarkably quickly. Grainy videos taken with mobile phones now include easily recognisable local landmarks, and the cameraman is careful to always state the date, time and location of the events being filmed. There is even a YouTube channel, Sham SNN, where videos are uploaded almost hourly and, it seems, carefully vetted to avoid hoaxes or irrelevant material being included.
In spite of the brutish and panicked response of the regime and the sluggish reaction of the Syrian "opposition" abroad, Syrian activists are beginning to find their own voice outside of the anachronistic players that have defined Syrian politics for a generation. As that voice gets stronger, the chance of a fresh new vision for Syria becomes ever more likely."
UN urged to act following deadly weekend in Syria
6 June 2011
"Amnesty International has condemned Syrian authorities’ brutal treatment of protesters following one of the bloodiest weekends in months of pro-reform demonstrations, with more than 120 people reportedly shot dead.
The call came ahead of a key UN Security Council vote expected this week on the violent repression in Syria.
"As the death toll in Syria reaches staggering new heights, it is imperative that the UN Security Council - which has so far been silent on this issue - votes to condemn the killings," said Philip Luther, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
"It must also take decisive action and refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. Those responsible for the brutal crackdown of pro-reform protesters must no longer be allowed to get away with murder," he added.
Amnesty International has the names of 54 people reported to have been shot dead by the security forces on Saturday and Sunday. In the north-western town of Jisr al-Shughur, 43 people were killed on Saturday, including some attending a funeral procession.
A number of soldiers were also reportedly killed, but it is unclear in what circumstances.
On Friday, at least 69 people, were killed in the central town of Hama when security forces opened fire on "Children’s Friday" protests in honour of the dozens of children killed in the recent unrest.
Friday’s nationwide protests took place in some 200 locations and may have had the largest numbers of protesters to date.
The protests were galvanized by the brutal death of 13-year-old Hamza al-Khateeb, who died in incommunicado detention as an apparent result of torture.
Since street protests demanding reform began in February, Syrian security forces have waged a campaign of violence against the protesters.
Amnesty International has the names of 986 people reported to have been killed by the Syrian security forces during the past 11 weeks. Thousands have been arrested, with many held of them held incommunicado.
Reports of torture in custody have been widespread and Amnesty International has the names of 17 people who appear to have died as a result of such treatment. "
"Amnesty International has condemned Syrian authorities’ brutal treatment of protesters following one of the bloodiest weekends in months of pro-reform demonstrations, with more than 120 people reportedly shot dead.
The call came ahead of a key UN Security Council vote expected this week on the violent repression in Syria.
"As the death toll in Syria reaches staggering new heights, it is imperative that the UN Security Council - which has so far been silent on this issue - votes to condemn the killings," said Philip Luther, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
"It must also take decisive action and refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. Those responsible for the brutal crackdown of pro-reform protesters must no longer be allowed to get away with murder," he added.
Amnesty International has the names of 54 people reported to have been shot dead by the security forces on Saturday and Sunday. In the north-western town of Jisr al-Shughur, 43 people were killed on Saturday, including some attending a funeral procession.
A number of soldiers were also reportedly killed, but it is unclear in what circumstances.
On Friday, at least 69 people, were killed in the central town of Hama when security forces opened fire on "Children’s Friday" protests in honour of the dozens of children killed in the recent unrest.
Friday’s nationwide protests took place in some 200 locations and may have had the largest numbers of protesters to date.
The protests were galvanized by the brutal death of 13-year-old Hamza al-Khateeb, who died in incommunicado detention as an apparent result of torture.
Since street protests demanding reform began in February, Syrian security forces have waged a campaign of violence against the protesters.
Amnesty International has the names of 986 people reported to have been killed by the Syrian security forces during the past 11 weeks. Thousands have been arrested, with many held of them held incommunicado.
Reports of torture in custody have been widespread and Amnesty International has the names of 17 people who appear to have died as a result of such treatment. "
'Naksa' deaths spark Palestinian violence
Violence erupts in Syria refugee camp as mourners vent anger against Palestinian group over deaths in Israeli firing.
Al-Jazeera
"A funeral for activists shot dead by Israeli forces as they sought to storm the occupied Golan Heights turned into violent protests against a Palestinian faction in a Syrian refugee camp, witnesses and officials say.
The violence broke out on Monday at the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus, a day after the shootings by Israeli forces.
Mourners at Yarmouk accused the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) [Actually it is PFLP-General Command, which is propped by the Syrian regime.], the group organising Sunday's protest, of inciting young people to put themselves in the firing line. The headquarters of the group in Yarmouk was burnt down.
A witness told the AFP news agency that gunfire broke out while some mourners were at the cemetery. He said that the crowd at Yarmouk was chanting slogans against the leaders of a Palestinian faction, and that some tried to damage vehicles belonging to it.
A Palestinian official blamed the violence on elements from outside the camp.
Syrian state television said 23 demonstrators were killed by Israeli forces during the rally at the Golan Heights ceasefire line, while Israel's military said it counted 10 protesters dead - none of whom was killed by Israeli fire. [Notice how Al-Jazeera goes along with blatant Israeli lies. We saw videos, including from CNN, showing Israeli soldiers shooting at the protesters! How else did the protesters die??]
The rally on "Naksa Day" (Day of Defeat) was to mark the Arab defeat in the 1967 war against Israel."
Al-Jazeera
"A funeral for activists shot dead by Israeli forces as they sought to storm the occupied Golan Heights turned into violent protests against a Palestinian faction in a Syrian refugee camp, witnesses and officials say.
The violence broke out on Monday at the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus, a day after the shootings by Israeli forces.
Mourners at Yarmouk accused the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) [Actually it is PFLP-General Command, which is propped by the Syrian regime.], the group organising Sunday's protest, of inciting young people to put themselves in the firing line. The headquarters of the group in Yarmouk was burnt down.
A witness told the AFP news agency that gunfire broke out while some mourners were at the cemetery. He said that the crowd at Yarmouk was chanting slogans against the leaders of a Palestinian faction, and that some tried to damage vehicles belonging to it.
A Palestinian official blamed the violence on elements from outside the camp.
Syrian state television said 23 demonstrators were killed by Israeli forces during the rally at the Golan Heights ceasefire line, while Israel's military said it counted 10 protesters dead - none of whom was killed by Israeli fire. [Notice how Al-Jazeera goes along with blatant Israeli lies. We saw videos, including from CNN, showing Israeli soldiers shooting at the protesters! How else did the protesters die??]
The rally on "Naksa Day" (Day of Defeat) was to mark the Arab defeat in the 1967 war against Israel."
Al-Jazeera Video: Syrian army officer deserts army
"Al Jazeera has received a video statement, from one Syrian army officer who has deserted.
He says he witnessed crimes against civilians who were just trying to protect themselves."
A More Detailed Video, Arabic, From Al-Jazeera:
A MUST SEE AND AN IMPORTANT VIDEO
انشقاق ضابط ونفي لاشتباك الشغور
Khaled Said will not be forgotten لن ننسى خالد سعيد وشهداء التعذيب
Contributed by Yasmin From Cairo
"Khaled Said‘s stencils sprayed by activists all over the entrance of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and surrounding streets in downtown Cairo.
Hundreds demonstrated on Monday denouncing continued police torture, in Sheikh Rihan Street, in front of the main gate of the MOI, a place that was a big taboo to even stand at, and which used to give me the creeps before the revolution even when just driving by it."
"Khaled Said‘s stencils sprayed by activists all over the entrance of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and surrounding streets in downtown Cairo.
Hundreds demonstrated on Monday denouncing continued police torture, in Sheikh Rihan Street, in front of the main gate of the MOI, a place that was a big taboo to even stand at, and which used to give me the creeps before the revolution even when just driving by it."
Monday, June 06, 2011
Syrian regime kills soldiers that refused to shoot civilans
Yesterday the state TV said "armed gangs" killed 82 "police officers"... News from the area is that if anyone killed the "police officers" it is the regime thugs ...This video shows the 3 Soldiers shot dead by Shabeeha for refusing to kill unarmed civilians. The regime thinks he can kill the people , and the soldiers that refuse to kill them with impunity and lie and get away with it.
More From the Keystone Cops in Libya: Libyan rebels' advances near Misrata wiped out by Nato orders
Fighters in catch-22 as Nato instruction to pull back ahead of air strikes causes them to lose gains against Gaddafi's forces
The Guardian
"....On Monday the ground they so expensively captured had to be given back on Nato instructions. [Some "revolution" you have, Mr. Karzai!]
Nato officials deny there are red lines. They say their main concern is targeting, and making sure civilians are not in the areas they plan to strike.
Lines of communication are long. Rebels at the frontline report to Nato's liaison in Benghazi about targets they have seen and what the rebels themselves plan to do. Benghazi then reports to Nato.
Meanwhile, Gaddafi remains in control of much of the country, and some in his forces remain defiant...."
The Guardian
"....On Monday the ground they so expensively captured had to be given back on Nato instructions. [Some "revolution" you have, Mr. Karzai!]
Nato officials deny there are red lines. They say their main concern is targeting, and making sure civilians are not in the areas they plan to strike.
Lines of communication are long. Rebels at the frontline report to Nato's liaison in Benghazi about targets they have seen and what the rebels themselves plan to do. Benghazi then reports to Nato.
Meanwhile, Gaddafi remains in control of much of the country, and some in his forces remain defiant...."
the untold story of the deal that shocked (??) the Middle East
Exclusive by Robert Fisk
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Big Yawn! Try to stay awake while reading this.
"Secret meetings between Palestinian intermediaries, Egyptian intelligence officials, the Turkish foreign minister, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal – the latter requiring a covert journey to Damascus with a detour round the rebellious city of Deraa – brought about the Palestinian unity which has so disturbed both Israelis and the American government. Fatah and Hamas ended four years of conflict in May with an agreement that is crucial to the Paslestinian demand for a state.
A series of detailed letters, accepted by all sides, of which The Independent has copies, show just how complex the negotiations were....."
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Big Yawn! Try to stay awake while reading this.
"Secret meetings between Palestinian intermediaries, Egyptian intelligence officials, the Turkish foreign minister, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal – the latter requiring a covert journey to Damascus with a detour round the rebellious city of Deraa – brought about the Palestinian unity which has so disturbed both Israelis and the American government. Fatah and Hamas ended four years of conflict in May with an agreement that is crucial to the Paslestinian demand for a state.
A series of detailed letters, accepted by all sides, of which The Independent has copies, show just how complex the negotiations were....."
The dumping ground for despots welcomes another
(Click on cartoon by Khalil Bendib to enlarge)
We haven't weaned ourselves off the little Hitlers of the Middle East
By Robert Fisk
"Saudi Arabia is a great dumping ground for despots. Remember Idi Amin? We Brits loved him once, but when he turned against us and started eating his enemies – and keeping the occasional head in the fridge – we were happy he fled into exile in Saudi Arabia. Then there was Ben Ali of Tunisia who flew off to the kingdom with his wife and an awful lot of money this year when the people could no longer tolerate him. We used to like Ben Ali – the French more than others – because he was a "symbol of stability". And now Ali Abdullah Saleh – who also used to be our hero in the "war on terror" – is wounded in the chest and freighted off to hospital in Riyadh.
Yes, we're all grateful to the House of Saud when they take these rogues off our hands – when, of course, they have outrun their uses to us – especially when our demand for democracy fits rather uneasily with our continued sympathy for the local dictatorships. Ergo Syria – but let's not go into that right now. The US embassy in Sanaa may yet choose one of Saleh's family to continue his regime in the face of all the usual suspects (al-Qa'ida, separatists, tribal rivals, fill in the blank spots).
No, still we haven't weaned ourselves off the little Hitlers of the Middle East – which is why we go on supporting the greatest of all repositories for bad guys, Saudi Arabia itself....
The Saudis will be happy to keep Saleh because he wasn't much good at fighting Shias – the all-powerful enemy (I am looking through the corrupting spectacles of the ancient princes of the realm when I say this) of their Sunni emirs and caliphs. The same reason, by the way, why the Saudis invaded Bahrain to prop up the minority al-Khalifa Sunnis and help to bulldoze the ancient mosques belonging to the Shia majority under the preposterous excuse that they were invited into Bahrain to "keep order". I seem to remember some 20th-century Europeans who used similar arguments (one of them a fat Italian, the other a former corporal with a moustache). And like ourselves back in the 1930s, we say, well, they might be a force for stability, these chaps. None of this is worth all-out war. Which is why brave and democratic Obama didn't mention the plucky Saudis in his ridiculous peroration in Washington.
As for Gaddafi, you can see why he fights on. He could go to Burkino Faso, I guess, but he'll cling on to prove what a bunch of wombats Nato are – even if he ends up on the end of a rope. Three down, three to go (alas, I am referring to Bahrain). Then there's a seventh. No, of course I didn't say Saudi Arabia."
By Robert Fisk
"Saudi Arabia is a great dumping ground for despots. Remember Idi Amin? We Brits loved him once, but when he turned against us and started eating his enemies – and keeping the occasional head in the fridge – we were happy he fled into exile in Saudi Arabia. Then there was Ben Ali of Tunisia who flew off to the kingdom with his wife and an awful lot of money this year when the people could no longer tolerate him. We used to like Ben Ali – the French more than others – because he was a "symbol of stability". And now Ali Abdullah Saleh – who also used to be our hero in the "war on terror" – is wounded in the chest and freighted off to hospital in Riyadh.
Yes, we're all grateful to the House of Saud when they take these rogues off our hands – when, of course, they have outrun their uses to us – especially when our demand for democracy fits rather uneasily with our continued sympathy for the local dictatorships. Ergo Syria – but let's not go into that right now. The US embassy in Sanaa may yet choose one of Saleh's family to continue his regime in the face of all the usual suspects (al-Qa'ida, separatists, tribal rivals, fill in the blank spots).
No, still we haven't weaned ourselves off the little Hitlers of the Middle East – which is why we go on supporting the greatest of all repositories for bad guys, Saudi Arabia itself....
The Saudis will be happy to keep Saleh because he wasn't much good at fighting Shias – the all-powerful enemy (I am looking through the corrupting spectacles of the ancient princes of the realm when I say this) of their Sunni emirs and caliphs. The same reason, by the way, why the Saudis invaded Bahrain to prop up the minority al-Khalifa Sunnis and help to bulldoze the ancient mosques belonging to the Shia majority under the preposterous excuse that they were invited into Bahrain to "keep order". I seem to remember some 20th-century Europeans who used similar arguments (one of them a fat Italian, the other a former corporal with a moustache). And like ourselves back in the 1930s, we say, well, they might be a force for stability, these chaps. None of this is worth all-out war. Which is why brave and democratic Obama didn't mention the plucky Saudis in his ridiculous peroration in Washington.
As for Gaddafi, you can see why he fights on. He could go to Burkino Faso, I guess, but he'll cling on to prove what a bunch of wombats Nato are – even if he ends up on the end of a rope. Three down, three to go (alas, I am referring to Bahrain). Then there's a seventh. No, of course I didn't say Saudi Arabia."
Al-Jazeera Video: Clashes intensify in northern Syrian town
Al-Jazeera Video: Hamas closes Rafah border
Al-Jazeera Video: Bahraini doctors, nurses charged for helping injured
Yemeni president in Saudi hospital with 'extensive' injuries from palace attack
Severe burns and shrapnel wounds – which require cosmetic surgery – reduce likelihood of Saleh returning to Yemen
Ian Black, Middle East editor
guardian.co.uk, Monday 6 June 2011
"Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Yemeni president, suffered "extensive" injuries including severe burns in an attack on his Sana'a palace last week, reducing the chances that he will be able to return home after undergoing treatment in Saudi Arabia.
Saleh was said on Monday to be in a stable condition in a military hospital in Riyadh after he was operated on by a Saudi-German medical team for shrapnel wounds to his face, neck and chest.
Aides initially claimed he had suffered only minor injuries, but diplomatic sources estimated that he had received burns to 40% of his body.
Al-Jazeera Arabic TV reported that he would require cosmetic surgery and quoted Saudi medical sources as saying he would need to recuperate for two weeks before returning to the Yemeni captial, a timeframe which looks far too long in the current uncertain and volatile climate....."
Ian Black, Middle East editor
guardian.co.uk, Monday 6 June 2011
"Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Yemeni president, suffered "extensive" injuries including severe burns in an attack on his Sana'a palace last week, reducing the chances that he will be able to return home after undergoing treatment in Saudi Arabia.
Saleh was said on Monday to be in a stable condition in a military hospital in Riyadh after he was operated on by a Saudi-German medical team for shrapnel wounds to his face, neck and chest.
Aides initially claimed he had suffered only minor injuries, but diplomatic sources estimated that he had received burns to 40% of his body.
Al-Jazeera Arabic TV reported that he would require cosmetic surgery and quoted Saudi medical sources as saying he would need to recuperate for two weeks before returning to the Yemeni captial, a timeframe which looks far too long in the current uncertain and volatile climate....."
The mathematics of the Arab Spring
Since ousting their leaders, Egypt and Tunisia are facing difficult choices on balancing the influences of foreign aid.
Larbi Sadiki
Al-Jazeera
"Egypt and Tunisia are now officially on the international donor community's radar.
The World Bank and the G8 already are already planning different ways to sponsor the so-called Arab Spring. Many Arabs are speaking out against a possible Euro-US "hijacking" or "containment" of the regional movement through this type of "cheque book diplomacy".
I will argue here that this position is not intellectually robust, and that the Arab Spring demands dialogue, not political and cultural protectionism. There is a moment of confidence across the Arab geography: Arabs can hold their own.....
The currency of freedom
It still remains to be seen how, and even if, the masters of world finance put their money where their mouth is. In particular, for now, no dispensing of aid must proceed until elected representatives of the people - and independent civil society groups - are in a position to deliberate and reflect freely on the terms and plans of the aid to be given.
The only given in this discussion is that the organisers of Tahrir Square and Habib Bourguiba Avenue have spoken in favour of dignity and freedom, which is the currency of the Arab Spring. There is no need to fear for these masses and their epic resistance against tyranny.
It is a resource they can, if need be, also direct towards resisting financial hegemony.
What is reassuring about the new-found morality of resistance is that it rejects autarchy. It speaks the lingua franca of freedom - which transcends geography, religion, nationality and ethnicity. It uses Western technological innovations for the purpose of self-empowerment.
On both accounts, the protesters have resisted and continue to refuse living under tyranny or on disconnected islands."
Larbi Sadiki
Al-Jazeera
"Egypt and Tunisia are now officially on the international donor community's radar.
The World Bank and the G8 already are already planning different ways to sponsor the so-called Arab Spring. Many Arabs are speaking out against a possible Euro-US "hijacking" or "containment" of the regional movement through this type of "cheque book diplomacy".
I will argue here that this position is not intellectually robust, and that the Arab Spring demands dialogue, not political and cultural protectionism. There is a moment of confidence across the Arab geography: Arabs can hold their own.....
The currency of freedom
It still remains to be seen how, and even if, the masters of world finance put their money where their mouth is. In particular, for now, no dispensing of aid must proceed until elected representatives of the people - and independent civil society groups - are in a position to deliberate and reflect freely on the terms and plans of the aid to be given.
The only given in this discussion is that the organisers of Tahrir Square and Habib Bourguiba Avenue have spoken in favour of dignity and freedom, which is the currency of the Arab Spring. There is no need to fear for these masses and their epic resistance against tyranny.
It is a resource they can, if need be, also direct towards resisting financial hegemony.
What is reassuring about the new-found morality of resistance is that it rejects autarchy. It speaks the lingua franca of freedom - which transcends geography, religion, nationality and ethnicity. It uses Western technological innovations for the purpose of self-empowerment.
On both accounts, the protesters have resisted and continue to refuse living under tyranny or on disconnected islands."
Today's Cartoon by the Syrian Cartoonist Ali Ferzat
Love in a time of torture
A young man's account of sadistic torture in a Syrian secret prison, and how a girl's note helped him through his pain.
Hugh Macleod and Annasofie Flamand
Al-Jazeera
YOU APPROVE OF THIS, HASSAN NASRALLAH?
"Arrested during a protest in the first days of the Syrian uprising, a young man endured acts of sadism and torture at the hands of Bashar al-Assad's secret police.
As his body was beaten, whipped, electrocuted and worse; the prisoner could think only of the girl he loves, clenching a note from her in his hand as the torturers did their worst.
Told largely in his own words, this is his remarkable personal story of endurance and hope in a place filled with darkness and despair.....
Hugh Macleod and Annasofie Flamand
Al-Jazeera
YOU APPROVE OF THIS, HASSAN NASRALLAH?
"Arrested during a protest in the first days of the Syrian uprising, a young man endured acts of sadism and torture at the hands of Bashar al-Assad's secret police.
As his body was beaten, whipped, electrocuted and worse; the prisoner could think only of the girl he loves, clenching a note from her in his hand as the torturers did their worst.
Told largely in his own words, this is his remarkable personal story of endurance and hope in a place filled with darkness and despair.....
Yemenis Celebrate As President Saleh Flees to Saudi Arabia, Transfers Power to Vice President
"Thousands of people in Yemen are rejoicing at the departure of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The embattled leader is reportedly in Saudi Arabia for medical treatment after being injured in a rocket attack on his presidential compound. Saleh temporarily ceded power to his vice president on Saturday night. His nephew remains in command of the Central Security paramilitary forces, and his son, Ahmad Ali Abdullah Saleh, still heads the elite Republican Guard. To discuss the implications of Saleh’s departure, we’re joined from Sana’a by Abdul-Ghani Al-Iryani, a political analyst and co-founder of the Democratic Awakening Movement...."
المعارضة السورية أمام تحدي إسقاط النظام
AN EXCELLENT ARTICLE
"صدق من قال إن سوريا نموذج قائم بذاته لا يشبه أي نموذج عربي آخر. وما ميز هذا النموذج بالمقارنة مع النماذج العربية الأخرى، بما في ذلك ليبيا واليمن، هو طبيعة النظام القائم، ومنطق ممارسته السلطة، والعلاقة التي تحكم ردوده تجاه قوى الاحتجاج الشبابية التي تعرفها سوريا منذ الخامس عشر من مارس/آذار الماضي.
وقد لفت نظر الرأي العام العربي والعالمي السهولة التي يظهرها أصحاب النظام في استخدام القوة وإطلاق النار على المتظاهرين، كما لو كنا في فيلم رعاة بقر هوليودي، والجرأة التي تميز بها النظام في إرسال الدبابات والمدرعات والحوامات للقضاء على بؤر الثورة، وممارسة العقاب الجماعي، وتلقين السكان المدنيين العزل دروسا في الهزيمة والإذلال والقهر لم يحصل إلا تجاه شعوب محتلة وفي إطار الاحتلالات القاسية التقليدية
أن تتصرف تجاه شعبك كما لو لم يكن هناك قانون أو رادع وطني أو أخلاقي غير العنف والقوة، بصرف النظر عن عدد الخسائر في الأرواح والممتلكات، وعن عواقب ذلك على مستقبل الدولة والأمة، ومن دون أن تحسب حسابا للرأي العام العربي والعالمي، وأن تكابر أكثر، وتصر على أن القاتل هو الشعب نفسه أو جزء منه، وأنك أنت الضحية والشعب هو المذنب، هذا هو التميز الأكبر للنظام السوري بالمقارنة مع الأنظمة العربية الأخرى
.....
لكن لم يطلب نظام آخر من شعبه الاستسلام من دون قيد أو شرط، والعودة إلى تقبيل موطئ قدم الرئيس، الذي هو شعار أنصار الأسد وجنوده المخلصين، والقبول بالعقاب الجماعي كتطبيق للقانون، كما يحصل في سوريا.
....
ومن هذه المخاطر الاحتمال المتزايد لانزلاق قطاعات من الرأي العام المروع والملوع بعد شهور من القتل والملاحقة والعنف، نحو الطائفية. ووقوعها، في موازاة ذلك، تحت إغراء المراهنة على القوة والعنف المضاد بدل التمسك بالوسائل السلمية
....
هناك ثلاث قوى رئيسية
...
الأولى من بين هذه القوى هي قوى الشباب الذين يشكلون الجسم الأكبر للثورة وهم أيضا النسبة الأكبر من المجتمع. وبعكس ما كان يقال حتى الآن عن عفوية الثورة وضعف أطرها التنظيمية، أظهرت الأيام الأخيرة أن شباب الانتفاضة كانوا السباقين إلى طرح مسألة إعادة هيكلة المعارضة السورية وبنائها بما ينسجم مع حاجات تقدم الثورة وتجذيرها.
.....
للأسف بدت هذه المعارضة أو معظمها، حتى الآن، وكأنها غير قادرة على مواكبة حركة الشباب في ثورتهم، ولا تزال تضيع وقتها في مناقشات ونزاعات داخلية هي من مخلفات العقد الماضي. وبدل أن تشارك في إبداع الإطار الجديد الذي يتماشى مع وتيرة تقدم الثورة ويساهم في تغذيتها بالأفكار والرؤى والتوجهات، ويقدم لها مظلة تحمي ظهرها وتصد عنها الضربات والاتهامات، بقيت غارقة في نقاشاتها السفسطائية، باستثناء بعض البيانات التي لا تسمن ولا تغني من جوع.
إلى هؤلاء أود التوجه اليوم وأقول لهم إن ما نعيشه الآن ليس حالة طبيعية أو عادية وإنما حالة استثنائية وعاجلة وتحتاج إلى عمل ذي وتيرة سريعة تلبي مطالب التحول المستمر داخل الثورة وتستجيب لديناميكيتها. ليس المطلوب منا اليوم التفاهم حول برنامج عمل لحكومة بديلة لسوريا المستقبل.
لدينا الوقت الكافي لهذا العمل، وبمشاركة الشباب الذين فجروا هذه الثورة. المطلوب أن تضعوا رصيدكم السياسي والوطني في خدمة الثورة الديمقراطية وبأسرع وقت حتى تحموها وتحفظوا رهاناتها المدنية والديمقراطية من الضياع، أو من الانحراف والانزلاق.
إن ما نحتاج إليه اليوم، لكسر أوهام النظام بشأن قدرته على الاستمرار، وطمأنة الرأي العام السوري وقطاعاته المترددة على المستقبل، وترسيخ أقدام الثورة على الأرض، وتوسيع دائرة انتشارها ونسبة المشاركين فيها، هو تكوين هيئة وطنية تضم هذه القوى المعارضة جميعا، وتنسق بين نشاطاتها، وتوحدها لصالح ثورة الحرية.
فبعد برهان النظام المدوي عن استقالته الوطنية ورفضه التفاهم مع شعبه، وتصميم رجاله على سياسة القتل والقهر والاستعباد، لم يعد أمام السوريين اليوم خيار أو احتمال خيار آخر سوى التعاون من أجل الانتقال بسوريا إلى نظام ديمقراطي مدني تعددي يساوي بين كافة مواطني سوريا، أو الانزلاق الأكيد نحو العنف والفوضى والخراب.
"
"صدق من قال إن سوريا نموذج قائم بذاته لا يشبه أي نموذج عربي آخر. وما ميز هذا النموذج بالمقارنة مع النماذج العربية الأخرى، بما في ذلك ليبيا واليمن، هو طبيعة النظام القائم، ومنطق ممارسته السلطة، والعلاقة التي تحكم ردوده تجاه قوى الاحتجاج الشبابية التي تعرفها سوريا منذ الخامس عشر من مارس/آذار الماضي.
وقد لفت نظر الرأي العام العربي والعالمي السهولة التي يظهرها أصحاب النظام في استخدام القوة وإطلاق النار على المتظاهرين، كما لو كنا في فيلم رعاة بقر هوليودي، والجرأة التي تميز بها النظام في إرسال الدبابات والمدرعات والحوامات للقضاء على بؤر الثورة، وممارسة العقاب الجماعي، وتلقين السكان المدنيين العزل دروسا في الهزيمة والإذلال والقهر لم يحصل إلا تجاه شعوب محتلة وفي إطار الاحتلالات القاسية التقليدية
أن تتصرف تجاه شعبك كما لو لم يكن هناك قانون أو رادع وطني أو أخلاقي غير العنف والقوة، بصرف النظر عن عدد الخسائر في الأرواح والممتلكات، وعن عواقب ذلك على مستقبل الدولة والأمة، ومن دون أن تحسب حسابا للرأي العام العربي والعالمي، وأن تكابر أكثر، وتصر على أن القاتل هو الشعب نفسه أو جزء منه، وأنك أنت الضحية والشعب هو المذنب، هذا هو التميز الأكبر للنظام السوري بالمقارنة مع الأنظمة العربية الأخرى
.....
لكن لم يطلب نظام آخر من شعبه الاستسلام من دون قيد أو شرط، والعودة إلى تقبيل موطئ قدم الرئيس، الذي هو شعار أنصار الأسد وجنوده المخلصين، والقبول بالعقاب الجماعي كتطبيق للقانون، كما يحصل في سوريا.
....
ومن هذه المخاطر الاحتمال المتزايد لانزلاق قطاعات من الرأي العام المروع والملوع بعد شهور من القتل والملاحقة والعنف، نحو الطائفية. ووقوعها، في موازاة ذلك، تحت إغراء المراهنة على القوة والعنف المضاد بدل التمسك بالوسائل السلمية
....
هناك ثلاث قوى رئيسية
...
الأولى من بين هذه القوى هي قوى الشباب الذين يشكلون الجسم الأكبر للثورة وهم أيضا النسبة الأكبر من المجتمع. وبعكس ما كان يقال حتى الآن عن عفوية الثورة وضعف أطرها التنظيمية، أظهرت الأيام الأخيرة أن شباب الانتفاضة كانوا السباقين إلى طرح مسألة إعادة هيكلة المعارضة السورية وبنائها بما ينسجم مع حاجات تقدم الثورة وتجذيرها.
.....
للأسف بدت هذه المعارضة أو معظمها، حتى الآن، وكأنها غير قادرة على مواكبة حركة الشباب في ثورتهم، ولا تزال تضيع وقتها في مناقشات ونزاعات داخلية هي من مخلفات العقد الماضي. وبدل أن تشارك في إبداع الإطار الجديد الذي يتماشى مع وتيرة تقدم الثورة ويساهم في تغذيتها بالأفكار والرؤى والتوجهات، ويقدم لها مظلة تحمي ظهرها وتصد عنها الضربات والاتهامات، بقيت غارقة في نقاشاتها السفسطائية، باستثناء بعض البيانات التي لا تسمن ولا تغني من جوع.
إلى هؤلاء أود التوجه اليوم وأقول لهم إن ما نعيشه الآن ليس حالة طبيعية أو عادية وإنما حالة استثنائية وعاجلة وتحتاج إلى عمل ذي وتيرة سريعة تلبي مطالب التحول المستمر داخل الثورة وتستجيب لديناميكيتها. ليس المطلوب منا اليوم التفاهم حول برنامج عمل لحكومة بديلة لسوريا المستقبل.
لدينا الوقت الكافي لهذا العمل، وبمشاركة الشباب الذين فجروا هذه الثورة. المطلوب أن تضعوا رصيدكم السياسي والوطني في خدمة الثورة الديمقراطية وبأسرع وقت حتى تحموها وتحفظوا رهاناتها المدنية والديمقراطية من الضياع، أو من الانحراف والانزلاق.
إن ما نحتاج إليه اليوم، لكسر أوهام النظام بشأن قدرته على الاستمرار، وطمأنة الرأي العام السوري وقطاعاته المترددة على المستقبل، وترسيخ أقدام الثورة على الأرض، وتوسيع دائرة انتشارها ونسبة المشاركين فيها، هو تكوين هيئة وطنية تضم هذه القوى المعارضة جميعا، وتنسق بين نشاطاتها، وتوحدها لصالح ثورة الحرية.
فبعد برهان النظام المدوي عن استقالته الوطنية ورفضه التفاهم مع شعبه، وتصميم رجاله على سياسة القتل والقهر والاستعباد، لم يعد أمام السوريين اليوم خيار أو احتمال خيار آخر سوى التعاون من أجل الانتقال بسوريا إلى نظام ديمقراطي مدني تعددي يساوي بين كافة مواطني سوريا، أو الانزلاق الأكيد نحو العنف والفوضى والخراب.
"
Al-Jazeera Video: Ceasfire holds in Yemen
Bahraini doctors and nurses charged
Medical staff who treated protesters accused of plotting to overthrow kingdom's monarchy amid reports of more violence.
Al-Jazeera
"Scores of Bahraini doctors and nurses who treated injured anti-government protesters have been charged with attempting to topple the kingdom's monarchy.
The 23 doctors and 24 nurses were formally charged on Monday during a closed door hearing in a special security court.
The 47 accused have been in detention since March, when the country declared martial law in order to clamp down on a wave of demonstrations that swept the tiny kingdom earlier this year.
Though the emergency law was lifted last week, Bahraini authorities have warned opposition activists of "consequences" in case of any further challenges to the government.
'Firing on marchers'
On Sunday, Bahraini police clashed with Shia marchers at religious processions in villages across the country, the country's opposition al-Wefaq movement and residents said.
Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, sound grenades and birdshot to break up the marches, which were taking place in several Shia villages around Manama, the country's capital, residents and members of al-Wefaq said.......
Bahrain is home to the US Navy's Fifth fleet, and as such is a key ally for that country in the region. Saudi and Emirati forces appear to be set to remain the country indefinitely in order to ensure that the protesters do not achieve their goals."
Al-Jazeera
"Scores of Bahraini doctors and nurses who treated injured anti-government protesters have been charged with attempting to topple the kingdom's monarchy.
The 23 doctors and 24 nurses were formally charged on Monday during a closed door hearing in a special security court.
The 47 accused have been in detention since March, when the country declared martial law in order to clamp down on a wave of demonstrations that swept the tiny kingdom earlier this year.
Though the emergency law was lifted last week, Bahraini authorities have warned opposition activists of "consequences" in case of any further challenges to the government.
'Firing on marchers'
On Sunday, Bahraini police clashed with Shia marchers at religious processions in villages across the country, the country's opposition al-Wefaq movement and residents said.
Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, sound grenades and birdshot to break up the marches, which were taking place in several Shia villages around Manama, the country's capital, residents and members of al-Wefaq said.......
Bahrain is home to the US Navy's Fifth fleet, and as such is a key ally for that country in the region. Saudi and Emirati forces appear to be set to remain the country indefinitely in order to ensure that the protesters do not achieve their goals."
Real News Video: Unemployment and Resistance in Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities have tracked down and arrested bloggers and people who have protested on Facebook.
Empire or Republic: from Joplin, Missouri to Kabul, Afghanistan
By James Petras
"Introduction: On May 29, 2011, President Obama visited Joplin, Missouri, the site of a devastating tornado that killed 140 and pronounced it a terrible “tragedy”. But were the deaths the inevitable result of ‘natural events’ beyond the human intervention?....
Conclusion
One might argue that community storm shelters won’t break the Treasury or reverse the empire. More to the point, their absence, from the federal, state and local political agenda, is emblematic of the total subordination of domestic America to imperial Washington. The ‘cost’ of building community shelters at the strip malls and trailer parks in Joplin, Missouri is less than a regional training outpost in Kandahar, Afghanistan. It is not a question of money.
Conquering Afghanistan villages enhances the prestige of the Generals, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and NATO officials. Can saving 145 lives in Joplin, Missouri match that in terms of world politics or the politics of imperial leadership? For Afghanistan, Washington builds a thousand military shelters and bomb proof bunkers .For the Americans living in tornado alley and the flood plains of the Mississippi people must make do.
When you hear the tornado warning, it’s up to you. As a proud, free American you can find a rock to crawl under and say your prayer: the Federal government and Homeland Security have the Endless, World-wide War against Terror to fight and cannot be bothered by a Joplin, Missouri nursing home in the path of a tornado.
We exaggerate: Obama will jet in and speak before the cameras in solemn terms of the ‘tragedy’ and ‘courage’ of the people of Joplin... But will any local politician stand up and speak truth to power? Most of these deaths and (many more to come) are avoidable; under a democratic American republic, the government ‘intervenes’ to provide protection, health and employment for its people.
In the meantime, as the empire continues to grow it destroys its own people, just like the sow that devours its offspring. "
"Introduction: On May 29, 2011, President Obama visited Joplin, Missouri, the site of a devastating tornado that killed 140 and pronounced it a terrible “tragedy”. But were the deaths the inevitable result of ‘natural events’ beyond the human intervention?....
Conclusion
One might argue that community storm shelters won’t break the Treasury or reverse the empire. More to the point, their absence, from the federal, state and local political agenda, is emblematic of the total subordination of domestic America to imperial Washington. The ‘cost’ of building community shelters at the strip malls and trailer parks in Joplin, Missouri is less than a regional training outpost in Kandahar, Afghanistan. It is not a question of money.
Conquering Afghanistan villages enhances the prestige of the Generals, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and NATO officials. Can saving 145 lives in Joplin, Missouri match that in terms of world politics or the politics of imperial leadership? For Afghanistan, Washington builds a thousand military shelters and bomb proof bunkers .For the Americans living in tornado alley and the flood plains of the Mississippi people must make do.
When you hear the tornado warning, it’s up to you. As a proud, free American you can find a rock to crawl under and say your prayer: the Federal government and Homeland Security have the Endless, World-wide War against Terror to fight and cannot be bothered by a Joplin, Missouri nursing home in the path of a tornado.
We exaggerate: Obama will jet in and speak before the cameras in solemn terms of the ‘tragedy’ and ‘courage’ of the people of Joplin... But will any local politician stand up and speak truth to power? Most of these deaths and (many more to come) are avoidable; under a democratic American republic, the government ‘intervenes’ to provide protection, health and employment for its people.
In the meantime, as the empire continues to grow it destroys its own people, just like the sow that devours its offspring. "
Workers and Women Fight for Their Share of Egypt’s Revolution
By Reese Erlich
TruthDig
"...Egyptian police, once a key component in the repressive apparatus of Hosni Mubarak’s dictatorship, now often refuse to carry out their jobs, according to Shafik and other doctors. That’s just one sign of the upheaval roiling Egypt since the revolution that forced Mubarak’s resignation in February....
Immediately after the revolution, doctors and other hospital staff members in various parts of Egypt formed independent unions. At Shafik’s hospital, Manshiet el Bakry, freshly organized workers threw out the old, pro-Mubarak hospital administrator and elected a new one.
Similar independent unions have sprung up spontaneously in textile, aluminum and other factories. Even the workers who issue marriage licenses have unionized and threatened to strike for higher pay....
Goldberg says Mubarak cronies still control much of the economy through corruption and political patronage....
The Muslim Brotherhood has generally opposed strikes and demonstrations against the military government. It hopes to gain a substantial number of seats in the September parliamentary elections, and Brotherhood leaders are cooperating with the military in the meantime.....
But union leaders and Tahrir Square activists don’t want things to go back to normal. Women workers are demanding an end to discrimination in hiring and promotions, and want government-funded child care......
Women played an important role in the occupation of Tahrir Square and in the subsequent demonstrations and strikes. Women in Egypt are more prominent in professions and society in general than those in many other Arab countries....
Dr. Shafik says the Tahrir Square occupation changed medical workers’ lives forever. “Doctors had revolutionary experiences,” he says. “Protesters died in our hands. That experience which has been transferred to us cannot be taken away.” "
TruthDig
"...Egyptian police, once a key component in the repressive apparatus of Hosni Mubarak’s dictatorship, now often refuse to carry out their jobs, according to Shafik and other doctors. That’s just one sign of the upheaval roiling Egypt since the revolution that forced Mubarak’s resignation in February....
Immediately after the revolution, doctors and other hospital staff members in various parts of Egypt formed independent unions. At Shafik’s hospital, Manshiet el Bakry, freshly organized workers threw out the old, pro-Mubarak hospital administrator and elected a new one.
Similar independent unions have sprung up spontaneously in textile, aluminum and other factories. Even the workers who issue marriage licenses have unionized and threatened to strike for higher pay....
Goldberg says Mubarak cronies still control much of the economy through corruption and political patronage....
The Muslim Brotherhood has generally opposed strikes and demonstrations against the military government. It hopes to gain a substantial number of seats in the September parliamentary elections, and Brotherhood leaders are cooperating with the military in the meantime.....
But union leaders and Tahrir Square activists don’t want things to go back to normal. Women workers are demanding an end to discrimination in hiring and promotions, and want government-funded child care......
Women played an important role in the occupation of Tahrir Square and in the subsequent demonstrations and strikes. Women in Egypt are more prominent in professions and society in general than those in many other Arab countries....
Dr. Shafik says the Tahrir Square occupation changed medical workers’ lives forever. “Doctors had revolutionary experiences,” he says. “Protesters died in our hands. That experience which has been transferred to us cannot be taken away.” "
Apocalypse Now?
Let’s hope so
by Justin Raimondo, June 06, 2011
"........New lines are being drawn: on one side we have those who see government as the end-all and be-all of human existence, the savior and source of economic vitality, the motive-power of a nation. On the other side, we have a growing movement of those who challenge this premise, and see government as the Great Destroyer and enemy of freedom and prosperity. The former are bound to ally themselves with the War Party, which, after all, worships the State, while the latter – whether they realize it or not – are the War Party’s deadliest enemies.
This is why neocons like David Frum have taken to excoriating the “tea party” for wanting to cut government too much, too fast – because they know it presents an insuperable obstacle to their war plans. You can’t have an American empire without Big Government: you can’t have a far-flung network of overseas bases and client states without nearly unlimited funding to pay for it all. That’s why Frum disdains all attempts by the Tea Partiers to cut the size and scope of government, and why the Republican Establishment stands in mortal fear of the insurgency that threatens to take over the GOP.
The crisis of empire is the crisis of an America overextended on every front – and that includes the foreign policy front, as many Republicans and conservatives are now recognizing. The apocalypse the Establishment of both parties fears is upon us – and let us pray it comes swiftly and mercilessly. "
by Justin Raimondo, June 06, 2011
"........New lines are being drawn: on one side we have those who see government as the end-all and be-all of human existence, the savior and source of economic vitality, the motive-power of a nation. On the other side, we have a growing movement of those who challenge this premise, and see government as the Great Destroyer and enemy of freedom and prosperity. The former are bound to ally themselves with the War Party, which, after all, worships the State, while the latter – whether they realize it or not – are the War Party’s deadliest enemies.
This is why neocons like David Frum have taken to excoriating the “tea party” for wanting to cut government too much, too fast – because they know it presents an insuperable obstacle to their war plans. You can’t have an American empire without Big Government: you can’t have a far-flung network of overseas bases and client states without nearly unlimited funding to pay for it all. That’s why Frum disdains all attempts by the Tea Partiers to cut the size and scope of government, and why the Republican Establishment stands in mortal fear of the insurgency that threatens to take over the GOP.
The crisis of empire is the crisis of an America overextended on every front – and that includes the foreign policy front, as many Republicans and conservatives are now recognizing. The apocalypse the Establishment of both parties fears is upon us – and let us pray it comes swiftly and mercilessly. "
Crumbling power base will struggle to survive this crisis
Pundits ask if the power vacuum will lead to civil war, but there has always been a vacuum of power in Yemen
By Patrick Cockburn
"Has the end finally come for President Ali Abdullah Saleh after nearly 33 years in power? Will he ever return from Saudi Arabia where he was rushed for treatment for his injuries a day after an explosion in a mosque in the presidential palace?
The crowds celebrating the end of President Saleh's rule in the capital, Sanaa, yesterday are probably right that he is finished, though he has shown extraordinary determination over the last four months to cling to office......
The US, also a long-term ally of the old regime, is looking for a smooth transition. The Vice-President, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who constitutionally takes over from the head of state when he is out of the country, saw the US ambassador in Sanaa yesterday.
The transition to a post-Saleh government will be more fraught than it would have been if it had taken place when the protests began. Since then violence has increased and there are many soldiers and gunmen on opposing sides who might decide to fight it out. The peaceful protesters have also been pushed to one side by opposition tribal leaders, led by Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar, the leader of the Hashid tribal federation, and the military leaders who defected to the opposition. "
By Patrick Cockburn
"Has the end finally come for President Ali Abdullah Saleh after nearly 33 years in power? Will he ever return from Saudi Arabia where he was rushed for treatment for his injuries a day after an explosion in a mosque in the presidential palace?
The crowds celebrating the end of President Saleh's rule in the capital, Sanaa, yesterday are probably right that he is finished, though he has shown extraordinary determination over the last four months to cling to office......
The US, also a long-term ally of the old regime, is looking for a smooth transition. The Vice-President, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who constitutionally takes over from the head of state when he is out of the country, saw the US ambassador in Sanaa yesterday.
The transition to a post-Saleh government will be more fraught than it would have been if it had taken place when the protests began. Since then violence has increased and there are many soldiers and gunmen on opposing sides who might decide to fight it out. The peaceful protesters have also been pushed to one side by opposition tribal leaders, led by Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar, the leader of the Hashid tribal federation, and the military leaders who defected to the opposition. "
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Video: Marchers rescue injured people, bodies in occupied Golan Heights
Submitted by Ali Abunimah on Sun, 06/05/2011
"A video posted on YouTube by the website Baladee.net shows marchers trying to evacuate injured and possibly dead people in the Golan Heights today after Israeli forces opened fired on marchers commemorating the 44th anniversary of Israel’s occupation of area which is part of Syria.
Media reports say that more than a dozen people have been killed and scores injured as Israeli forces opened fire on the marchers....."
"A video posted on YouTube by the website Baladee.net shows marchers trying to evacuate injured and possibly dead people in the Golan Heights today after Israeli forces opened fired on marchers commemorating the 44th anniversary of Israel’s occupation of area which is part of Syria.
Media reports say that more than a dozen people have been killed and scores injured as Israeli forces opened fire on the marchers....."
Al-Jazeera Video: Protest, shootings at Golan Heights frontier
"Syrian state television has reported that Israeli troops have shot dead 20 protesters.
The troops opened fire across the demarcation line when protesters marched toward a border fence in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights."
A Repost From March 27: Which One Will Go Next?
This was the question posed:
Tell us in the comments section, which one of these despots you think will be ousted next?
This was my guess:
“My own guess is that it will be Saleh of Yemen.
Why?
Yemeni opposition is more mature, well-organized and led, and it started earlier. It remained peaceful even when provoked by the dictator and his thugs. The last act was the slaughter of over 52 and the injuring of hundreds by regime snipers.
Also, Yemeni society showed an admirable degree of cohesion and has avoided tribalism and sectarianism. It insisted all along on national unity. It did not buy Saleh's lies about "Al-Qa'ida threat."
Finally, the army and its leadership has played a largely positive role, supportive of the revolution.
Good for Yemen!”
I also wrote this:
“I agree that Gaddafi appears to be the first to go. However, my suspicion is that the US/NATO will keep him in a small enclave around Tripoli to keep the "rebels" afraid of him and dependent on them.
Remember, Saddam was kept for almost 10 years while the no-fly zone was enforced. Why? to drive the Kurdish and the puppet Shiite leadership to be dependent on the "coalition.' This is a constant in imperial policy.
My guess is that Gaddafi will be deliberately kept for a while until the Western control of the uprising is total and guaranteed.”
Tell us in the comments section, which one of these despots you think will be ousted next?
This was my guess:
“My own guess is that it will be Saleh of Yemen.
Why?
Yemeni opposition is more mature, well-organized and led, and it started earlier. It remained peaceful even when provoked by the dictator and his thugs. The last act was the slaughter of over 52 and the injuring of hundreds by regime snipers.
Also, Yemeni society showed an admirable degree of cohesion and has avoided tribalism and sectarianism. It insisted all along on national unity. It did not buy Saleh's lies about "Al-Qa'ida threat."
Finally, the army and its leadership has played a largely positive role, supportive of the revolution.
Good for Yemen!”
I also wrote this:
“I agree that Gaddafi appears to be the first to go. However, my suspicion is that the US/NATO will keep him in a small enclave around Tripoli to keep the "rebels" afraid of him and dependent on them.
Remember, Saddam was kept for almost 10 years while the no-fly zone was enforced. Why? to drive the Kurdish and the puppet Shiite leadership to be dependent on the "coalition.' This is a constant in imperial policy.
My guess is that Gaddafi will be deliberately kept for a while until the Western control of the uprising is total and guaranteed.”
Arab Spring claims its third despot
Sanaa, Yemen 05.06.11 Thousands throng streets as President flees and regime totters
By Patrick Cockburn
"The uprisings sweeping the Arab world appeared to have won their third victory over authoritarian rule by overthrowing President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen after 33 years in power. He left for Saudi Arabia on Saturday to be treated for injuries received in an explosion in his presidential palace and is unlikely to return.
Thousands of people danced and sang and slaughtered cows in the streets of the capital Sanaa yesterday as news spread that Yemen had joined Tunisia and Egypt in ousting a widely detested leader who had controlled the state for decades. Anti-Saleh demonstrators held up signs saying "Yemen is more beautiful without you" and "Name: A Free Yemen. Date of birth: June 4, 2011"......
.... There are unconfirmed reports that senior government ministers and top officials close to him were trying to board flights out of the country from Sanaa airport.....
It was first announced that a rocket had struck the mosque but there is speculation in Sanaa that it is more likely that such a precisely targeted explosion was the result of a bomb planted by insiders within the regime.
Though President Saleh's presence in hospital in Riyadh decapitates the regime politically, his son Ahmed, commander of the presidential guard, remains in Sanaa, as do two nephews and two half-brothers, also commanders of elite units. They are strong enough to defend themselves, but without President Saleh's presence are unlikely to be able to maintain their grip on government."
By Patrick Cockburn
"The uprisings sweeping the Arab world appeared to have won their third victory over authoritarian rule by overthrowing President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen after 33 years in power. He left for Saudi Arabia on Saturday to be treated for injuries received in an explosion in his presidential palace and is unlikely to return.
Thousands of people danced and sang and slaughtered cows in the streets of the capital Sanaa yesterday as news spread that Yemen had joined Tunisia and Egypt in ousting a widely detested leader who had controlled the state for decades. Anti-Saleh demonstrators held up signs saying "Yemen is more beautiful without you" and "Name: A Free Yemen. Date of birth: June 4, 2011"......
.... There are unconfirmed reports that senior government ministers and top officials close to him were trying to board flights out of the country from Sanaa airport.....
It was first announced that a rocket had struck the mosque but there is speculation in Sanaa that it is more likely that such a precisely targeted explosion was the result of a bomb planted by insiders within the regime.
Though President Saleh's presence in hospital in Riyadh decapitates the regime politically, his son Ahmed, commander of the presidential guard, remains in Sanaa, as do two nephews and two half-brothers, also commanders of elite units. They are strong enough to defend themselves, but without President Saleh's presence are unlikely to be able to maintain their grip on government."
Al-Jazeera Video: Richard Falk on the Golan clashes
(Cartoon by Carlos Latuff)
Egypt Is Not Tunisia....
Yemen Is Not Egypt.....
Libya Is Not Yemen.....
Syria Is Not Yemen....Really??
Al-Jazeera Video: Celebrations and gunfire ring out in Yemen
Jewish town to be built on Bedouin land. Never mind theft and ethnic cleansing, isn't "progress" wonderful!
Haaretz 3 June -- The land of one of the Bedouin communities slated to be evicted under a proposed government plan will be used for the construction of a new Jewish community, documents revealed by Adalah, the legal center for Arab minority rights in Israel, and obtained by Haaretz show. In the coming weeks, the cabinet is expected to approve the forcible relocation of some 30,000 Bedouin to new neighborhoods of existing Bedouin towns. Residents of the community in question did not squat on the land, but were transferred there in 1956 by the direct order of the military administration in place at that time. But now, their lands lie within the master plan of the Be'er Sheva metropolitan area.
Al-Jazeera Video: Shocking evidence of Syria crackdown emerges
"More shocking evidence of the crackdown on protesters in Syria has appeared in video posted on YouTube.
It is claimed that the film shows Syria's Security Forces fabricating evidence after shooting a group of men on a rooftop.
Al Jazeera's Charles Stratford has the details."
The Hezbollah-Assad connection
Shia leader Hassan Nasrallah's recent outspoken support of Assad is rooted in Syrian material and political support.
A VERY GOOD COMMENT
By Ahmed Moor
(Ahmed Moor is a Palestinian-US freelance journalist, born in the Gaza Strip and now based in Cairo.)
Al-Jazeera
"....On May 25 - one day after Hamza's body was released - Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, delivered an address to commemorate Israel's withdrawal from most of southern Lebanon eleven years ago. During the program, he called on the Syrian people to support their merciless dictator and to enter dialogue with their illegitimate government.
The move was a surprising blunder on the part of the savviest and most popular Arab leader today......
When Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, unleashed the forces of state repression against unarmed protesters in 2009, Hassan Nasrallah kept his distance. A Hezbollah spokesman perfunctorily announced that the Green Revolution was a product of Western meddling.
But more significantly, he stated that: "Hezbollah has nothing to do with Iran's internal affairs … We don't side with anyone. This is an internal Iranian issue.".....
Significance of support
In his speeches he seemed to understand that Arab public opinion tends towards justice and away from repression and mass violence. It seemed clear that he understood that the Arabs do not support Hezbollah because they hate Israel; the Arabs support Hezbollah for resisting Israeli tyranny and occupation. The evidence can be found in the self-referential language the Hezbollah militia employs; they call themselves "The Resistance".
In light of Nasrallah's behaviour in the past, his recent outspoken support for Assad gains greater significance. Surely, practical considerations would lead him to hope for Assad's political survival and continued patronisation.
But as with Iran, Nasrallah must know that Hezbollah will continue to enjoy support from Syria irrespective of who is in power. That is true even if the country democratises; ordinary Syrians strongly resent Israeli militancy and the occupation of the Golan Heights.
One thing, however, that can jeopardise Hezbollah's support among Arabs is the perception that the organisation endorses a regime which tortures children to death. Nasrallah may have other considerations in mind - the Special Tribunal for Lebanon; armaments against Israel; money for social programs - but those must be subordinated to the reality of Assad's Syria.
Today, the Arabs are enraged and revolted by the Assad regime. The torture, mutilation and murder of Hamza al-Khateeb has contributed to that popular sentiment. But so have the murders of more than 1,000 peaceful demonstrators since the pro-democracy demonstrations began. If he is wise, Hassan Nasrallah will distance himself and his movement from Assad and his death squads. No amount of political cover or material support is worth the association."
A VERY GOOD COMMENT
By Ahmed Moor
(Ahmed Moor is a Palestinian-US freelance journalist, born in the Gaza Strip and now based in Cairo.)
Al-Jazeera
"....On May 25 - one day after Hamza's body was released - Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, delivered an address to commemorate Israel's withdrawal from most of southern Lebanon eleven years ago. During the program, he called on the Syrian people to support their merciless dictator and to enter dialogue with their illegitimate government.
The move was a surprising blunder on the part of the savviest and most popular Arab leader today......
When Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, unleashed the forces of state repression against unarmed protesters in 2009, Hassan Nasrallah kept his distance. A Hezbollah spokesman perfunctorily announced that the Green Revolution was a product of Western meddling.
But more significantly, he stated that: "Hezbollah has nothing to do with Iran's internal affairs … We don't side with anyone. This is an internal Iranian issue.".....
Significance of support
In his speeches he seemed to understand that Arab public opinion tends towards justice and away from repression and mass violence. It seemed clear that he understood that the Arabs do not support Hezbollah because they hate Israel; the Arabs support Hezbollah for resisting Israeli tyranny and occupation. The evidence can be found in the self-referential language the Hezbollah militia employs; they call themselves "The Resistance".
In light of Nasrallah's behaviour in the past, his recent outspoken support for Assad gains greater significance. Surely, practical considerations would lead him to hope for Assad's political survival and continued patronisation.
But as with Iran, Nasrallah must know that Hezbollah will continue to enjoy support from Syria irrespective of who is in power. That is true even if the country democratises; ordinary Syrians strongly resent Israeli militancy and the occupation of the Golan Heights.
One thing, however, that can jeopardise Hezbollah's support among Arabs is the perception that the organisation endorses a regime which tortures children to death. Nasrallah may have other considerations in mind - the Special Tribunal for Lebanon; armaments against Israel; money for social programs - but those must be subordinated to the reality of Assad's Syria.
Today, the Arabs are enraged and revolted by the Assad regime. The torture, mutilation and murder of Hamza al-Khateeb has contributed to that popular sentiment. But so have the murders of more than 1,000 peaceful demonstrators since the pro-democracy demonstrations began. If he is wise, Hassan Nasrallah will distance himself and his movement from Assad and his death squads. No amount of political cover or material support is worth the association."
Evidence of an Inside Job in the Attack on Saleh
عملية قصف دار الرئاسة (شاهد بالصور)
Look at this photo:
It shows some of the damage to the exterior of the mosque in which Saleh and his entourage were when attacked. A forensic observation clearly shows that the explosion was from the inside. The bricks have fallen outside, and not inside.
This could indicate that it was a bomb placed inside the mosque, by a mole.
There are more photos in the link.
Update:
In an Al-Jazeera video, posted above, there is a view showing another wall of the mosque, with a hole in it. This could very well indicate that indeed a rocket hit that wall and exploded inside the mosque. This appears to be the most likely explanation.
But still, an inside mole most likely helped with the timing and the precise location to hit.
Look at this photo:
It shows some of the damage to the exterior of the mosque in which Saleh and his entourage were when attacked. A forensic observation clearly shows that the explosion was from the inside. The bricks have fallen outside, and not inside.
This could indicate that it was a bomb placed inside the mosque, by a mole.
There are more photos in the link.
Update:
In an Al-Jazeera video, posted above, there is a view showing another wall of the mosque, with a hole in it. This could very well indicate that indeed a rocket hit that wall and exploded inside the mosque. This appears to be the most likely explanation.
But still, an inside mole most likely helped with the timing and the precise location to hit.
As suspected, Mr Cleavage, Bernard-Henri Levy, was lying!
"The Libyan Transitional Council and Israel
I detest the Libyan Transitional Council but I detest even more Bernard-Henri Lévy, and find him to be fabricator of the first order. Regarding claims he has made about a message from the lousy Libyan Transitional Council to Israel, I was skeptical. Sure enough the Libyan council said this: "The vice-chairman of the Libyan opposition National Transition Council (NTC), Mr Abdelhafid Roka, has denied in a statement to Echorouk the persisting rumours alleging that the NTC is envisaging to establish relations with Israel in the future. "I firmly deny as baseless the recent declaration made to this effect by French writer and philosopher Bernard Henri-Levy on behalf of the Libyan national transition council", Roka asserted. He stressed that the NTC had never asked Henri Levy to convey any message of this sort to the Zionist entity leaders as alleged by the troublesome French writer and philosopher." (thanks "Ibn Rushd")"
Abdelhafid Roka further underlined that such groundless assertions were being propagated by the despotic Kadhafi regime and its henchmen with the glaring aim of tarnishing the image of the national transition council in the eyes of the fervent supporters of the legitimate Palestinian cause in the Arab world and elsewhere."
(Via the Angry Arab)
I detest the Libyan Transitional Council but I detest even more Bernard-Henri Lévy, and find him to be fabricator of the first order. Regarding claims he has made about a message from the lousy Libyan Transitional Council to Israel, I was skeptical. Sure enough the Libyan council said this: "The vice-chairman of the Libyan opposition National Transition Council (NTC), Mr Abdelhafid Roka, has denied in a statement to Echorouk the persisting rumours alleging that the NTC is envisaging to establish relations with Israel in the future. "I firmly deny as baseless the recent declaration made to this effect by French writer and philosopher Bernard Henri-Levy on behalf of the Libyan national transition council", Roka asserted. He stressed that the NTC had never asked Henri Levy to convey any message of this sort to the Zionist entity leaders as alleged by the troublesome French writer and philosopher." (thanks "Ibn Rushd")"
(Via the Angry Arab)
Rebel moles infiltrate loyalist military units
Yemen Times
"Sana’a, June 1 — Loyalist military units have been infiltrated by rebel spies that are passing intelligence along to defected military divisions, according to a 1st Armored Brigade commander
The defected soldiers also claimed that most of the military under Saleh’s command are loyal to the revolution but are frightened to abandon their units.
Instead, they are refusing orders to shell or shoot civilians. They also communicate with members of the revolution or defected soldiers to pass along vital information.
“We have moles in every military unit that inform us of coming attacks or any other plans loyalist commanders may be making,” said Col. Hamdan Faris...."
"Sana’a, June 1 — Loyalist military units have been infiltrated by rebel spies that are passing intelligence along to defected military divisions, according to a 1st Armored Brigade commander
The defected soldiers also claimed that most of the military under Saleh’s command are loyal to the revolution but are frightened to abandon their units.
Instead, they are refusing orders to shell or shoot civilians. They also communicate with members of the revolution or defected soldiers to pass along vital information.
“We have moles in every military unit that inform us of coming attacks or any other plans loyalist commanders may be making,” said Col. Hamdan Faris...."
Civilian committees ensure safety post Saleh
Yemen Times
"SANA’A, June 5 - The streets of Sana’a, Taiz, Aden and many other Yemeni cities are rejoicing what people believe is the end of the regime after Saleh is said to have traveled to Saudi Arabia with a number of his relatives.
According to the Yemeni constitution President’s deputy is to take over in the case the president is unable to. The attack on the president on Friday, which analysts claim is an inside job considering the direction of the damage is inside-out [This confirms my suspicion; see two posts below.], has injured him and four of the high level officials including the prime minister and required them to be transferred to Saudi for treatment.
As a consequence, there is a cease fire in place across the country.
In response to the news, thugs attacked a number of state and private premises and started a looting spree in both Taiz and Sana’a city according to locals. Security forces including the police are nowhere to be seen and the protestors acknowledge that this may be a repetition of what happened in Egypt when Mubarak stepped down.
“This is a remarkable day for all Yemenis,” said activist Khalid Al-Anisi who was one of the leading movers of Yemen’s revolution....."
"SANA’A, June 5 - The streets of Sana’a, Taiz, Aden and many other Yemeni cities are rejoicing what people believe is the end of the regime after Saleh is said to have traveled to Saudi Arabia with a number of his relatives.
According to the Yemeni constitution President’s deputy is to take over in the case the president is unable to. The attack on the president on Friday, which analysts claim is an inside job considering the direction of the damage is inside-out [This confirms my suspicion; see two posts below.], has injured him and four of the high level officials including the prime minister and required them to be transferred to Saudi for treatment.
As a consequence, there is a cease fire in place across the country.
In response to the news, thugs attacked a number of state and private premises and started a looting spree in both Taiz and Sana’a city according to locals. Security forces including the police are nowhere to be seen and the protestors acknowledge that this may be a repetition of what happened in Egypt when Mubarak stepped down.
“This is a remarkable day for all Yemenis,” said activist Khalid Al-Anisi who was one of the leading movers of Yemen’s revolution....."
Video: Celebrations in Yemen
Saleh is gone. What next for Yemen?
The president's departure for medical treatment has created an opportunity to resolve Yemen's political crisis
Brian Whitaker
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 5 June 2011
A QUESTION:
Was the attack on Saleh, which incapacitated him and so many high-ranking officials of his regime, an inside job? How can a rocket or two hit precisely at the time and place when all of them were together? This was not a massive and sustained barrage. It seems that an insider was directing the hit, with precise targeting.
Anyway, good riddance!
"With the departure of President Ali Abdullah Saleh for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia, Yemenis now have a chance to resolve the political crisis that has bedevilled the country since February.
Contrary to the official story that he merely suffered scratches and/or a slight head wound in the explosion on Friday, latest reports say he has second-degree burns to his face and chest, plus a piece of shrapnel lodged near his heart which is affecting his breathing – though Saleh, who is 69, is said to have been able to walk from the plane when he landed in Riyadh.
A second plane followed him, reportedly carrying 24 members of his family. This is one indication that to all intents and purposes the Saleh era is finished. He is unlikely ever to return to Yemen as president – and the Saudis and Americans will be working behind the scenes to ensure that he doesn't.
It's also worth mentioning that others injured by the explosion include the prime minister, deputy prime minister, the heads of both houses of parliament and the governor of Sana'a, the capital. Some of them have also been flown to Saudi Arabia for treatment. One of Saleh's nephews, the commander of the special forces, is said to have been killed. So, even discounting Saleh himself, what's left of his regime is in serious disarray......
It's certainly not going to be an easy ride and there's an awful lot that could still go wrong. But Saleh's departure for Riyadh does create an opportunity for a solution and Yemenis, together with their friends abroad, must seize the moment."
Brian Whitaker
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 5 June 2011
A QUESTION:
Was the attack on Saleh, which incapacitated him and so many high-ranking officials of his regime, an inside job? How can a rocket or two hit precisely at the time and place when all of them were together? This was not a massive and sustained barrage. It seems that an insider was directing the hit, with precise targeting.
Anyway, good riddance!
"With the departure of President Ali Abdullah Saleh for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia, Yemenis now have a chance to resolve the political crisis that has bedevilled the country since February.
Contrary to the official story that he merely suffered scratches and/or a slight head wound in the explosion on Friday, latest reports say he has second-degree burns to his face and chest, plus a piece of shrapnel lodged near his heart which is affecting his breathing – though Saleh, who is 69, is said to have been able to walk from the plane when he landed in Riyadh.
A second plane followed him, reportedly carrying 24 members of his family. This is one indication that to all intents and purposes the Saleh era is finished. He is unlikely ever to return to Yemen as president – and the Saudis and Americans will be working behind the scenes to ensure that he doesn't.
It's also worth mentioning that others injured by the explosion include the prime minister, deputy prime minister, the heads of both houses of parliament and the governor of Sana'a, the capital. Some of them have also been flown to Saudi Arabia for treatment. One of Saleh's nephews, the commander of the special forces, is said to have been killed. So, even discounting Saleh himself, what's left of his regime is in serious disarray......
It's certainly not going to be an easy ride and there's an awful lot that could still go wrong. But Saleh's departure for Riyadh does create an opportunity for a solution and Yemenis, together with their friends abroad, must seize the moment."
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Cosmetics firm LUSH endorses "Freedom for Palestine" song!
The UK-based international cosmetics firm LUSH has endorsed a single aimed at raising awareness of the struggle for human rights in Palestine.
Ali Abunimah-Electronic Intifada
The move by LUSH marks a significant shift toward mainstreaming the struggle for equality in Palestine that recalls how songs such as “Free Nelson Mandela” helped do the same for the struggle against apartheid in South Africa in the 1980s.
LUSH’s support for the song – and for freedom for Palestine – comes after best-selling rock band Coldplay had urged its fans to check out the Freedom for Palestine video in messages posted on their Facebook page and Twitter feeds.
Ali Abunimah-Electronic Intifada
The move by LUSH marks a significant shift toward mainstreaming the struggle for equality in Palestine that recalls how songs such as “Free Nelson Mandela” helped do the same for the struggle against apartheid in South Africa in the 1980s.
LUSH’s support for the song – and for freedom for Palestine – comes after best-selling rock band Coldplay had urged its fans to check out the Freedom for Palestine video in messages posted on their Facebook page and Twitter feeds.
Leader: Iran backs anti-US movements. What a Big-Time Liar!
COMMENT
Sure,....LIAR-IN-CHIEF! Is this why Iran supported the US in its invasion of Afghanistan and it supports the US puppet, Karzai?
Is this why Iran's Iraqi puppets entered Baghdad on top of US tanks? Is this why your puppet Maliki is the favorite puppet of the US? Is this why your president entered the Green Zone in Baghdad, under the protection of US Marines, to spend two days with the joint Puppet Maliki?
Enough of these lies, Big Liar, you are not fooling anyone!
"Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the country throws its weight behind all popular anti-US movements in the region.
“Our stance regarding these public movements is crystal clear. Anywhere there is a popular Islamic and anti-US movement, we support it,” the Leader said on Saturday......"
Sure,....LIAR-IN-CHIEF! Is this why Iran supported the US in its invasion of Afghanistan and it supports the US puppet, Karzai?
Is this why Iran's Iraqi puppets entered Baghdad on top of US tanks? Is this why your puppet Maliki is the favorite puppet of the US? Is this why your president entered the Green Zone in Baghdad, under the protection of US Marines, to spend two days with the joint Puppet Maliki?
Enough of these lies, Big Liar, you are not fooling anyone!
"Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the country throws its weight behind all popular anti-US movements in the region.
“Our stance regarding these public movements is crystal clear. Anywhere there is a popular Islamic and anti-US movement, we support it,” the Leader said on Saturday......"
Video: فهم منطق القمع
Al-Jazeera Video: President Saleh 'leaves Yemen'
Al-Jazeera Video: Syrian protesters bury the dead in Hama
The Despot is Down and Out! Saleh 'to seek medical care in Saudi Arabia'
ONE DOWN.....
TWO TO GO!
Reports say Yemen's president has accepted offer to receive treatment in the kingdom after attack on his Sanaa compound.
"Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Yemeni president, has reportedly accepted an offer from Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah to travel to the kingdom for medical treatment.
There were conflicting reports of Saleh's whereabouts, with sources telling Al Jazeera that the president was being treated at a hospital in Sanaa and that a Saudi aircraft was ready to take him to Saudi Arabia if needed.
Saudi sources earlier said Saleh had arrived in the country on Saturday evening, a day after he suffered injuries in an attack on his palace compound in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
Meanwhile, Reuters news agency quoted a Saudi official as saying Saleh was on his way to Saudi Arabia.
"He's on his way. He'll be arriving tonight. He's coming for medical treatment. We are the closest country and we have the capabilities," the official, who asked not to be named, said.
When asked whether Saleh was stepping down from power, he said: "He's coming for medical treatment."[The Kingdom of Horrors can Keep Him, with Bin Ali!]....."
"Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Yemeni president, has reportedly accepted an offer from Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah to travel to the kingdom for medical treatment.
There were conflicting reports of Saleh's whereabouts, with sources telling Al Jazeera that the president was being treated at a hospital in Sanaa and that a Saudi aircraft was ready to take him to Saudi Arabia if needed.
Saudi sources earlier said Saleh had arrived in the country on Saturday evening, a day after he suffered injuries in an attack on his palace compound in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
Meanwhile, Reuters news agency quoted a Saudi official as saying Saleh was on his way to Saudi Arabia.
"He's on his way. He'll be arriving tonight. He's coming for medical treatment. We are the closest country and we have the capabilities," the official, who asked not to be named, said.
When asked whether Saleh was stepping down from power, he said: "He's coming for medical treatment."[The Kingdom of Horrors can Keep Him, with Bin Ali!]....."
Al-Jazeera Video: Uncertainty over Yemen attack
Real News Video: 9/11 and Who Rules Saudi Arabia
Madawi Al-Rasheed: The Saudi dictatorship was the incubator of al Qaeda
AN EXCELLENT VIDEO!
Don't Miss it.
AN EXCELLENT VIDEO!
Don't Miss it.
Real News Video: Yemen president injured as civil war looms
EuroNews: Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been injured after the presidential palace came under attack
Real News Video: 'Dozens' killed in Hama protests
ITN News: Syrian security forces have shot dead at least 34 protesters in Hama, an activist has said
Today's Cartoon by the Syrian Cartoonist Ali Ferzat
New Egypt; What New Egypt? Death of driver in police custody sparks clashes in Cairo
Al-Masry Al-Youm
"Violence broke out on Friday afternoon between citizens and police officers from Azbakeya police station.
The fight started after a driver detained at the station died. Colleagues and relatives of Mohamed Saeed, 40, accused the police of torturing him to death.
The Ministry of Interior denied this, saying locals beat the driver after he assaulted the head of the police station. It added that he died at the Demerdash Hospital.
Eyewitnesses said they saw stones and Molotov cocktails being thrown near the station. Central security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters, who torched a central security truck. Some protesters claimed the police brought in thugs to attack them.
Disturbances initially erupted when officers from the police station detained eight drivers in Ramses Square for obstructing traffic. When fellow drivers learned of Saeed's death after an alleged beating, they attempted to break into the station. Police responded by firing shots into the air to disperse them.
Walid Mahmoud, a driver, claimed the police beat the arrested drivers with sticks, injuring some of them. "One hour later Saeed died, even though he was able-bodied," he said....."
Also, See This From Hossam El-Hamalawy:
Rage against the Police
"Violence broke out on Friday afternoon between citizens and police officers from Azbakeya police station.
The fight started after a driver detained at the station died. Colleagues and relatives of Mohamed Saeed, 40, accused the police of torturing him to death.
The Ministry of Interior denied this, saying locals beat the driver after he assaulted the head of the police station. It added that he died at the Demerdash Hospital.
Eyewitnesses said they saw stones and Molotov cocktails being thrown near the station. Central security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters, who torched a central security truck. Some protesters claimed the police brought in thugs to attack them.
Disturbances initially erupted when officers from the police station detained eight drivers in Ramses Square for obstructing traffic. When fellow drivers learned of Saeed's death after an alleged beating, they attempted to break into the station. Police responded by firing shots into the air to disperse them.
Walid Mahmoud, a driver, claimed the police beat the arrested drivers with sticks, injuring some of them. "One hour later Saeed died, even though he was able-bodied," he said....."
Also, See This From Hossam El-Hamalawy:
Rage against the Police
I Am Waiting for Netanyahu to Fly Next to Benghazi: William Hague in Benghazi to "support Libyan rebels"!
British foreign secretary holds talks with opposition figures in a show of support for the Libyan people
The Guardian
"The foreign secretary, William Hague, has flown into the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi for the first ministerial-level talks with opposition figures.
Hague said the mission, on which he is accompanied by the international development secretary, Andrew Mitchell, was designed to show British support for the Libyan people [The official British hypocrisy and political machinations know no limit! Remember, Blair was (and probably still is) a special friend and adviser of Gaddafi!
The Guardian
"The foreign secretary, William Hague, has flown into the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi for the first ministerial-level talks with opposition figures.
Hague said the mission, on which he is accompanied by the international development secretary, Andrew Mitchell, was designed to show British support for the Libyan people [The official British hypocrisy and political machinations know no limit! Remember, Blair was (and probably still is) a special friend and adviser of Gaddafi!
This is becoming like a Gilbert and Sullivan production, but is not funny.] ....."
Do the American people support the 'special relationship?'
By Stephen M. Walt
"....The next day, he met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who rejected several of Obama's assertions and lectured him about what "Israel expects" from its great power patron. Then Obama felt it was smart politics to go to AIPAC and clarify his remarks. It was a pretty good speech, but Obama didn't offer any ideas for how his vision of Middle East peace might be realized and he certainly never suggested that -- horrors! -- the United States might use its considerable leverage to push both sides to an agreement. And then Netanyahu received a hero's welcome up on Capitol Hill, getting twenty-nine standing ovations for a defiant speech that made it clear that the only "two-state" solution he's willing to contemplate is one where the Palestinians live in disconnected Bantustans under near-total Israeli control.....
But what of his more basic claim that the "special relationship" between the United States and Israel is really a reflection of "the public's overwhelming sympathy?" There are at least three big problems with this assertion.....
When you combine these facts with the sometimes thuggish tactics used against people who don't subscribe to the party line on this issue, you have a situation where politicians and appointed officials will bend over backwards to support the special relationship (or just remain silent), even when they know it's not good for the United States or Israel and when most Americans (including plenty of American Jews) would support a more normal relationship. In short, a relationship that would be healthier for the United States and Israel alike...."
"....The next day, he met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who rejected several of Obama's assertions and lectured him about what "Israel expects" from its great power patron. Then Obama felt it was smart politics to go to AIPAC and clarify his remarks. It was a pretty good speech, but Obama didn't offer any ideas for how his vision of Middle East peace might be realized and he certainly never suggested that -- horrors! -- the United States might use its considerable leverage to push both sides to an agreement. And then Netanyahu received a hero's welcome up on Capitol Hill, getting twenty-nine standing ovations for a defiant speech that made it clear that the only "two-state" solution he's willing to contemplate is one where the Palestinians live in disconnected Bantustans under near-total Israeli control.....
But what of his more basic claim that the "special relationship" between the United States and Israel is really a reflection of "the public's overwhelming sympathy?" There are at least three big problems with this assertion.....
When you combine these facts with the sometimes thuggish tactics used against people who don't subscribe to the party line on this issue, you have a situation where politicians and appointed officials will bend over backwards to support the special relationship (or just remain silent), even when they know it's not good for the United States or Israel and when most Americans (including plenty of American Jews) would support a more normal relationship. In short, a relationship that would be healthier for the United States and Israel alike...."
The US is Losing Pakistan
Ties between the US and Pakistan were already strained over differences on Afghanistan. The hit on Osama bin Laden might have been the final straw.
By Patrick Seale
By Patrick Seale
NOTE:
Keep in mind that Pakistan is the model USrael has in mind for the "new" Egypt under the junta of Tantawi.
"The US and Pakistani governments seem to be heading for a divorce full of recriminations. So great are the divergent objectives and lack of trust between them that Pakistan seems to be contemplating moving out of the United States’ orbit altogether and into China’s embrace.....
The paradox is that Pakistan has in recent years been pressured to do US bidding in making war on militant Islamic groups — in its own country if not in Afghanistan — and has paid dearly for it. Not only have military operations against these militants been extremely costly for Pakistan in men and treasure, but they have also provoked lethal retaliation from groups such as Tahrik-e-Taliban in the form of suicide bombings and other attacks. Pakistan’s internal security situation is now dire, and its economy gravely damaged. It’s wrestling with a soaring budget deficit, frequent power cuts and a growing danger of political and social chaos....."
"The US and Pakistani governments seem to be heading for a divorce full of recriminations. So great are the divergent objectives and lack of trust between them that Pakistan seems to be contemplating moving out of the United States’ orbit altogether and into China’s embrace.....
The paradox is that Pakistan has in recent years been pressured to do US bidding in making war on militant Islamic groups — in its own country if not in Afghanistan — and has paid dearly for it. Not only have military operations against these militants been extremely costly for Pakistan in men and treasure, but they have also provoked lethal retaliation from groups such as Tahrik-e-Taliban in the form of suicide bombings and other attacks. Pakistan’s internal security situation is now dire, and its economy gravely damaged. It’s wrestling with a soaring budget deficit, frequent power cuts and a growing danger of political and social chaos....."
Syrian city holds mass funerals
Residents bury dozens of people killed by security forces during marches on "Children's Freedom Friday" in Hama.
Al-Jazeera
"Most shops are closed in the central Syrian city of Hama as funerals are held for scores of protesters shot dead by security [of the regime, not the people.] forces a day earlier, local residents say.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a London-based independent rights group, said on Saturday that at least 48 people were killed the day before in Hama, which has become a new centre for protest and violence.
A Syrian human rights activist put Friday's death toll among protesters at 63, up from an initial count of 48. Most of the dead were killed in Hama after troops opened fire on crowds.
Sources in Syria confirmed that the internet had been mostly restored, after authorities shut it down on Friday.
At least 1,270 people have been killed [in Egypt about 800 were killed in the uprising, and Egypt's population is 4 times that of Syria] since an uprising against Bashar Assad's government began in mid-March, according to the Local Co-ordination Committees, which helps organise and document Syria's protests.
In 1982, the Syrian government of Hafez al-Assad, father of Bashar, heavily bombed the city to crush an uprising, killing thousands...."
Al-Jazeera
"Most shops are closed in the central Syrian city of Hama as funerals are held for scores of protesters shot dead by security [of the regime, not the people.] forces a day earlier, local residents say.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a London-based independent rights group, said on Saturday that at least 48 people were killed the day before in Hama, which has become a new centre for protest and violence.
A Syrian human rights activist put Friday's death toll among protesters at 63, up from an initial count of 48. Most of the dead were killed in Hama after troops opened fire on crowds.
Sources in Syria confirmed that the internet had been mostly restored, after authorities shut it down on Friday.
At least 1,270 people have been killed [in Egypt about 800 were killed in the uprising, and Egypt's population is 4 times that of Syria] since an uprising against Bashar Assad's government began in mid-March, according to the Local Co-ordination Committees, which helps organise and document Syria's protests.
In 1982, the Syrian government of Hafez al-Assad, father of Bashar, heavily bombed the city to crush an uprising, killing thousands...."
Current Al-Jazeera (Arabic) Online Poll
This brand new poll asks:
Do you believe that military operations are sufficient to resolve the Libyan crisis?
With about 1,000 responding so far, a thin majority (57%) said yes.
Do you believe that military operations are sufficient to resolve the Libyan crisis?
With about 1,000 responding so far, a thin majority (57%) said yes.
