Rounding Up the Usual Suspects
By WILLIAM S. LIND
CounterPunch
".....John Boyd used to say, “It is not true the Pentagon has no strategy. It has a strategy, and once you understand what that strategy is, everything it does makes sense. The strategy is, don’t interrupt the money flow, add to it.” That was true before the Obama administration, it will be true while it is in office, and it will still be true when it ends. The people it has appointed to the Pentagon – again, Secretary Gates excepted – know the strategy, benefit from it and will continue it. They will defend it as if their future incomes depended on it, which, of course, they do.
The one wild card that could change everything is the growing probability of national financial collapse. If that happens – or perhaps when it happens – defense procurement will be on the chopping block along with everything else......."
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Palestinian Unity as Elusive as Deal With Israel
Analysis by Mel Frykberg
"RAMALLAH, Mar 11 (IPS) - Intensive unity talks are under way in Cairo as five Palestinian committees, representing 13 factions and independents, face each other across a table in a bid to form a new Palestinian unity government.
But significant obstacles, differences in ideology, internal power struggles and manipulative proxy sponsors with competing geopolitical interests threaten to derail any progress.
This in turn could negatively impact on future peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis, which could have a domino effect on regional stability......"
"RAMALLAH, Mar 11 (IPS) - Intensive unity talks are under way in Cairo as five Palestinian committees, representing 13 factions and independents, face each other across a table in a bid to form a new Palestinian unity government.
But significant obstacles, differences in ideology, internal power struggles and manipulative proxy sponsors with competing geopolitical interests threaten to derail any progress.
This in turn could negatively impact on future peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis, which could have a domino effect on regional stability......"
Chas Freeman Slams "Israel Lobby"
Below is Chas Freeman's full statement following his decision not to serve as National Intelligence Council chairman.
There is a special irony in having been accused of improper regard for the opinions of foreign governments and societies by a group so clearly intent on enforcing adherence to the policies of a foreign government - in this case, the government of Israel. I believe that the inability of the American public to discuss, or the government to consider, any option for US policies in the Middle East opposed by the ruling faction in Israeli politics has allowed that faction to adopt and sustain policies that ultimately threaten the existence of the state of Israel. It is not permitted for anyone in the United States to say so. This is not just a tragedy for Israelis and their neighbors in the Middle East; it is doing widening damage to the national security of the United States.
Running Against Barney! You Are Not Even Close, Yassir Wadiah!
ترجيحات بتولي ياسر الوادية حكومة التوافق الفلسطينية
Just Compare the Two: Who Would You Choose?
Go.....Barney!
Just Compare the Two: Who Would You Choose?
Go.....Barney!
UNICEF head: Gaza children need more support
Report, The Electronic Intifada, 10 March 2009
"GAZA CITY, occupied Gaza Strip (IRIN) - UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Ann M. Veneman recently paid a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) to assess the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with special focus on children. As of 5 February, 431 Palestinian children had died and 1,872 had been wounded in the 22-day Israeli offensive which ended on 18 January, according to the Gaza health ministry.
Veneman spoke to IRIN in Gaza City during her visit.
IRIN: After visiting Gaza, what are your first impressions and priorities?......."
"GAZA CITY, occupied Gaza Strip (IRIN) - UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Ann M. Veneman recently paid a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) to assess the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with special focus on children. As of 5 February, 431 Palestinian children had died and 1,872 had been wounded in the 22-day Israeli offensive which ended on 18 January, according to the Gaza health ministry.
Veneman spoke to IRIN in Gaza City during her visit.
IRIN: After visiting Gaza, what are your first impressions and priorities?......."
Ethnic cleansing in East Jerusalem
Dr. Marcy Newman writing from occupied East Jerusalem, Live from Palestine, 10 March 2009
An Israeli flag hangs from a Palestinian home in Silwan taken over by Israeli settlers.
"Last week when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held a press conference in Ramallah with Mahmoud Abbas, whose term as Palestinian Authority president officially expired on 9 January, a Washington Post reporter questioned her about the 143 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem that Israel intends to demolish in the coming weeks. She responded: "clearly, this kind of activity is unhelpful and not in keeping with the obligations entered into under the roadmap." While some hailed this remark as a condemnation of Israel's ongoing ethnic cleansing project, it appeared to many on the ground as callous and flippant......
Although most of these families are separated by hundreds of checkpoints and established colonies, what the residents of these villages have in common is their steadfast determination to remain in their homes. From Nablus to Jerusalem to Hebron to Nilin they see their most potent means of resistance as remaining in their homes, refusing to live in a constant state of catastrophe, always on the brink of becoming the next refugees. Jawad Abu Ramoz, the son of a refugee from Hebron who fled to Silwan in 1948, is one of the thousands of Palestinians in al-Bustan who rejects a return to the fate of their parents and grandparents, literally and metaphorically."
An Israeli flag hangs from a Palestinian home in Silwan taken over by Israeli settlers.
"Last week when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held a press conference in Ramallah with Mahmoud Abbas, whose term as Palestinian Authority president officially expired on 9 January, a Washington Post reporter questioned her about the 143 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem that Israel intends to demolish in the coming weeks. She responded: "clearly, this kind of activity is unhelpful and not in keeping with the obligations entered into under the roadmap." While some hailed this remark as a condemnation of Israel's ongoing ethnic cleansing project, it appeared to many on the ground as callous and flippant......
Although most of these families are separated by hundreds of checkpoints and established colonies, what the residents of these villages have in common is their steadfast determination to remain in their homes. From Nablus to Jerusalem to Hebron to Nilin they see their most potent means of resistance as remaining in their homes, refusing to live in a constant state of catastrophe, always on the brink of becoming the next refugees. Jawad Abu Ramoz, the son of a refugee from Hebron who fled to Silwan in 1948, is one of the thousands of Palestinians in al-Bustan who rejects a return to the fate of their parents and grandparents, literally and metaphorically."
US: No Talks with Hezbollah, Hamas till They Recognize Israel
Al-Manar
"11/03/2009 The White House said Tuesday that both Hamas and Hezbollah must renounce violence and recognize Israel before they can expect even low-level US engagement. "Hezbollah is acting as a state within a state," the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat quoted a U.S. official as saying.
He said U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman met with Deputy Head of the Supreme Shiite Council Sheikh Abdul Amir Qabalan in Beirut last week in order to make clear to him that President Barack Obama was committed to Lebanon's sovereignty and independence...... "
Saudi Arabia to Sponsor Mini Summit to Boost Arab Relations
Al-Manar
"11/03/2009 After a long period of disputes and conflicts, Arabs decided to "reconcile"…
They decided to "reconcile" and consolidate the so-called "Arab unity" against all those who achieve victory when Arabs become crumbled and divided… They decided to "reconcile" and put an end to the long sequence of deadly conflicts and wars that erupted even between the Arabs themselves… Yet, the Arabs who were always the first to pay the prices of their own conflicts, decided finally to "reconcile"…"
"11/03/2009 After a long period of disputes and conflicts, Arabs decided to "reconcile"…
They decided to "reconcile" and consolidate the so-called "Arab unity" against all those who achieve victory when Arabs become crumbled and divided… They decided to "reconcile" and put an end to the long sequence of deadly conflicts and wars that erupted even between the Arabs themselves… Yet, the Arabs who were always the first to pay the prices of their own conflicts, decided finally to "reconcile"…"
Charles Freeman fails the loyalty test
By Glenn Greenwald
Salon.com
(Updated below - Update II - Update III - Update IV - Update V)
"Obviously, John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt are rabid, hateful paranoids -- total bigots and anti-Semites -- for having suggested that there are powerful domestic political forces in the U.S. which enforce Israel-centric orthodoxies and make it politically impossible to question America's blind loyalty to Israel. What irrational lunacy on their part:
Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair announced today that Ambassador Charles W. Freeman Jr. has requested that his selection to be Chairman of the National Intelligence Council not proceed. Director Blair accepted Ambassador Freeman’s decision with regret.
In situations like this, it is often impossible to know whether the appointee really did voluntarily withdraw or whether he was forced out and is merely being allowed to say that he withdrew......."
Salon.com
(Updated below - Update II - Update III - Update IV - Update V)
"Obviously, John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt are rabid, hateful paranoids -- total bigots and anti-Semites -- for having suggested that there are powerful domestic political forces in the U.S. which enforce Israel-centric orthodoxies and make it politically impossible to question America's blind loyalty to Israel. What irrational lunacy on their part:
Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair announced today that Ambassador Charles W. Freeman Jr. has requested that his selection to be Chairman of the National Intelligence Council not proceed. Director Blair accepted Ambassador Freeman’s decision with regret.
In situations like this, it is often impossible to know whether the appointee really did voluntarily withdraw or whether he was forced out and is merely being allowed to say that he withdrew......."
مزاعم عن وجود خطة لإعادة البعث للسلطة في العراق بدعم أمريكي
مزاعم عن وجود خطة لإعادة البعث للسلطة في العراق بدعم أمريكي
"القاهرة- زعمت صحيفة مصرية الأربعاء وجود خطة تنفذها أطراف عربية وتدعمها الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية لإعادة حزب البعث إلى السلطة في العراق.
ووصفت صحيفة الشروق الجديدة الخطة بالصفقة أو المشروع الذي يرتكز على إحياء العروبة كخط دفاع أول ضد الهيمنة الإيرانية.
ونقلت الصحيفة عن مصادر لم تكشف النقاب عنها ان الخطة هي صفقة كبرى لصياغة مستقبل منطقة المشرق العربي والخليج تمهيدا للخروج الأمريكي المتوقع من العراق.
وتشارك فى هذه الصفقة أو المشروع الذي يرتكز على إحياء العروبة كخط دفاع أول ضد الهيمنة الإيرانية الأطراف الدولية والإقليمية الكبيرة، وفى مقدمتها الولايات المتحدة ومصر والسعودية وتركيا.
وأكدت الصحيفة ان سوريا ستكون هى الوكيل المعتمد من هذه الأطراف لتنفيذ المشروع، وستبدأ أولى مراحله بإعادة تشكيل حزب البعث العراقي وتوحيده مع الجناح السوري للبعث، بعد أن يحصل على الشرعية القانونية في العراق.
وذكرت أن مهمة إعادة تشكيل البعث العراقي استندت بالفعل إلى عزت إبراهيم الدوري نائب الرئيس العراقى السابق صدام حسين، وأن خطوات كبيرة قطعت فعلا فى هذا الطريق بعد أن أثبت الدوري نجاحا ملحوظا فى تشكيل مجالس الصحوات لوقف تغلغل تنظيم القاعدة فى المحافظات الشيعية العراقية ومن قبائلها وعشائرها، ثم القضاء شبه التام على فلول القاعدة فى العراق.
وأشارت الشروق إلى ان عملية بناء الصحوات كانت تجرى بعلم وتنسيق بين أجهزة الأمن فى سوريا ومصر والسعودية.
......
....."
"القاهرة- زعمت صحيفة مصرية الأربعاء وجود خطة تنفذها أطراف عربية وتدعمها الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية لإعادة حزب البعث إلى السلطة في العراق.
ووصفت صحيفة الشروق الجديدة الخطة بالصفقة أو المشروع الذي يرتكز على إحياء العروبة كخط دفاع أول ضد الهيمنة الإيرانية.
ونقلت الصحيفة عن مصادر لم تكشف النقاب عنها ان الخطة هي صفقة كبرى لصياغة مستقبل منطقة المشرق العربي والخليج تمهيدا للخروج الأمريكي المتوقع من العراق.
وتشارك فى هذه الصفقة أو المشروع الذي يرتكز على إحياء العروبة كخط دفاع أول ضد الهيمنة الإيرانية الأطراف الدولية والإقليمية الكبيرة، وفى مقدمتها الولايات المتحدة ومصر والسعودية وتركيا.
وأكدت الصحيفة ان سوريا ستكون هى الوكيل المعتمد من هذه الأطراف لتنفيذ المشروع، وستبدأ أولى مراحله بإعادة تشكيل حزب البعث العراقي وتوحيده مع الجناح السوري للبعث، بعد أن يحصل على الشرعية القانونية في العراق.
وذكرت أن مهمة إعادة تشكيل البعث العراقي استندت بالفعل إلى عزت إبراهيم الدوري نائب الرئيس العراقى السابق صدام حسين، وأن خطوات كبيرة قطعت فعلا فى هذا الطريق بعد أن أثبت الدوري نجاحا ملحوظا فى تشكيل مجالس الصحوات لوقف تغلغل تنظيم القاعدة فى المحافظات الشيعية العراقية ومن قبائلها وعشائرها، ثم القضاء شبه التام على فلول القاعدة فى العراق.
وأشارت الشروق إلى ان عملية بناء الصحوات كانت تجرى بعلم وتنسيق بين أجهزة الأمن فى سوريا ومصر والسعودية.
......
....."
How did Palestine lose its prime minister?
Salam Fayyad's resignation may help reconcile Palestinian factions – but is most likely to benefit Fayyad himself
Ben White
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 11 March 2009
".......There is also the suggestion that Abu Mazen feels threatened by Fayyad's importance, and worries about a bid for the presidency. Yet it is just as likely that the Fatah rank and file simply share Hamas's disillusionment with Fayyad's intimacy with American and Israeli officials.
Contrary to the impression that Fayyad's departure strikes a blow to US policy, there is the suggestion in some quarters that Fayyad's resignation was coordinated with Washington. This points to the strongest theory of all: that Fayyad's resignation was done for the benefit of none other than Fayyad himself.
Polls have consistently shown that Palestinians prioritise national unity and an end to the bitter political infighting above all other issues. The Europeans, meanwhile, have made it known that a unity government including Hamas would still be accepted – provided that Fayyad heads it........"
Ben White
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 11 March 2009
".......There is also the suggestion that Abu Mazen feels threatened by Fayyad's importance, and worries about a bid for the presidency. Yet it is just as likely that the Fatah rank and file simply share Hamas's disillusionment with Fayyad's intimacy with American and Israeli officials.
Contrary to the impression that Fayyad's departure strikes a blow to US policy, there is the suggestion in some quarters that Fayyad's resignation was coordinated with Washington. This points to the strongest theory of all: that Fayyad's resignation was done for the benefit of none other than Fayyad himself.
Polls have consistently shown that Palestinians prioritise national unity and an end to the bitter political infighting above all other issues. The Europeans, meanwhile, have made it known that a unity government including Hamas would still be accepted – provided that Fayyad heads it........"
US Analyst Withdraws from Post after Criticized over Israel Views
Al-Manar
"11/03/2009 Charles (Chas) Freeman, who was slated to be picked as the new chairman of the National Intelligence Council, withdrew his candidacy for the post on Tuesday.
The move was announced in Washington by Dennis Blair, the director of National Intelligence. Since news of Freeman's nomination, Jewish organizations have leveled criticism at the pick due to his history of opposition to Israel's policies in the Palestinian territories.
Some lawmakers protested about remarks he made in the past on Israeli "oppression" of Palestinians, and about China......
The intelligence council that Freeman had been picked to head prepares the formal assessments by U.S. intelligence agencies of major issues such as Iran's nuclear capability.
The council also produced a controversial, and inaccurate, prewar assessment in 2002 that Iraq was continuing its weapons of mass destruction programs. Former President George W. Bush's main justification for the U.S.-led war he launched in 2003 was the threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction....
Freeman is a former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia and assistant secretary of defense for international security. He was also a senior U.S. diplomat in China in the 1980s "
"11/03/2009 Charles (Chas) Freeman, who was slated to be picked as the new chairman of the National Intelligence Council, withdrew his candidacy for the post on Tuesday.
The move was announced in Washington by Dennis Blair, the director of National Intelligence. Since news of Freeman's nomination, Jewish organizations have leveled criticism at the pick due to his history of opposition to Israel's policies in the Palestinian territories.
Some lawmakers protested about remarks he made in the past on Israeli "oppression" of Palestinians, and about China......
The intelligence council that Freeman had been picked to head prepares the formal assessments by U.S. intelligence agencies of major issues such as Iran's nuclear capability.
The council also produced a controversial, and inaccurate, prewar assessment in 2002 that Iraq was continuing its weapons of mass destruction programs. Former President George W. Bush's main justification for the U.S.-led war he launched in 2003 was the threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction....
Freeman is a former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia and assistant secretary of defense for international security. He was also a senior U.S. diplomat in China in the 1980s "
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Likud MK confirms he met Syrian official in U.S.
Likud MK Ayoob Kara confirmed on Tuesday meeting a senior Syrian representative in Washington earlier this year on behalf of Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu. News of the meeting was first reported on a Lebanese Web site.
The site, Lebanon Now, quoted Israeli sources as saying that Kara and the Syrian official agreed to meet after Netanyahu (Likud) forms the next government
"When the day comes, and it's not far, you will hear new things, heartwarming things, which will generate a good atmosphere. And contrary to all expectations, there will be a positive surprise in everything to do with the peace process."
The Web site, which is affiliated with the anti-Syrian camp within Lebanon, reports that the meeting was initiated by American officials. "Members of the new American administration requested that Netanyahu consider the possibility of holding a meeting with the Syrians in an effort to understand what his plans are and the chances of renewing negotiations with Syria," sources told the Web site.
The Web site, which is affiliated with the anti-Syrian camp within Lebanon, reports that the meeting was initiated by American officials. "Members of the new American administration requested that Netanyahu consider the possibility of holding a meeting with the Syrians in an effort to understand what his plans are and the chances of renewing negotiations with Syria," sources told the Web site.
Israeli Terrorist Settlers Terrorize Palestinian Villagers
| [Rhetorical question : Is there a more vile and despicable group on earth than those Terrorist Settlers?] by Mel Frykberg |
AT TUWANI, West Bank - "I couldn't run. My pregnancy was too far advanced, and there was nowhere to hide," said Amna Salman Rabaye, 31, as she recalled the terrifying incident several months ago. Rabaye from the Palestinian Bedouin village of At Tuwani in the southern West Bank was grazing her sheep when she was assaulted by a security guard from the adjacent illegal Israeli settlement of Ma'on. "We saw a group of masked Israeli settlers armed with sticks and chains heading towards us. The younger shepherds ran and managed to escape, leaving me with the flock of sheep," Rabaye told IPS. "It was physically impossible for me to run, and I also didn't want the settlers to kill or steal my sheep. The security guard pushed me over, but I was not injured," recalled Rabaye, who was then seven months pregnant. In 2006 the villagers lost over 100 sheep after the settlers sprayed pesticides on their grazing land. Several donkeys belonging to the village were stabbed to death. The village's water wells have also been poisoned on numerous occasions while crops have been set ablaze. The children of the village and the surrounding villages have been regularly attacked by the settlers as they try to make their way to school. |
Lobby; What Lobby??
U.S. choice for top intelligence analyst withdraws
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The candidate for a top U.S. intelligence post withdrew from the running on Tuesday after angering some in Congress with remarks on Israeli "oppression" of Palestinians, and about China.
The office of Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair said in a statement that Charles Freeman, who had been picked to head the National Intelligence Council, had asked not to proceed.
Blair had accepted Freeman's decision with regret, the statement said."
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The candidate for a top U.S. intelligence post withdrew from the running on Tuesday after angering some in Congress with remarks on Israeli "oppression" of Palestinians, and about China.
The office of Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair said in a statement that Charles Freeman, who had been picked to head the National Intelligence Council, had asked not to proceed.
Blair had accepted Freeman's decision with regret, the statement said."
Galloway: No jury can convict me
Press TV
"The 'Viva Palestina' convoy handed over more than 1.5 million pounds of humanitarian aid to the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip.
Galloway told Press TV that the Viva Palestina campaign has also nullified the sanctions imposed by the European Union on the Gaza Strip through distributing cash in the impoverished territory.
"We are giving you now 100 vehicles and all of their contents, and we make no apology for what I am about to say. We are giving them to the elected government of Palestine (Hamas)," said the outspoken lawmaker at a press conference on Tuesday.
"I say now to the British and European governments, if you want to take me to court, I promise you there is no jury in all of Britain who will convict me. They will convict you," he added.
The convoy, which arrived in Gaza through the Rafah border crossing on Monday, set out from London last month but was temporarily halted in Egypt where it was attacked by assailants linked to the Egyptian security agency...."
"The 'Viva Palestina' convoy handed over more than 1.5 million pounds of humanitarian aid to the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip.
Galloway told Press TV that the Viva Palestina campaign has also nullified the sanctions imposed by the European Union on the Gaza Strip through distributing cash in the impoverished territory.
"We are giving you now 100 vehicles and all of their contents, and we make no apology for what I am about to say. We are giving them to the elected government of Palestine (Hamas)," said the outspoken lawmaker at a press conference on Tuesday.
"I say now to the British and European governments, if you want to take me to court, I promise you there is no jury in all of Britain who will convict me. They will convict you," he added.
The convoy, which arrived in Gaza through the Rafah border crossing on Monday, set out from London last month but was temporarily halted in Egypt where it was attacked by assailants linked to the Egyptian security agency...."
Campaign to boycott Israeli products in 50 West Bank towns
Nablus – Palestinian activists will launch a boycott campaign in the coming days targeting Israeli products in 50 villages in the northern West Bank.
The chair of the Popular Committees in Nablus, Khalid Mansour, told Ma'an that according to official statistics, Palestinians consume 2.6 billion shekels worth of Israeli goods each year. According to official Palestinian statistics, 28 percent of this money goes towards the purchase of Israeli cement.
Palestinians consume 30 million shekels worth of medicines produced in Israel every year, and 10 million worth of gold manufactured in Israel.
Mansour explained that subcommittees will be formed in each of the 50 villages in order to monitor the boycott and speak about the campaign in schools.
"We know change will go slowly, but we are determined to imitate what Gandhi did in India when he boycotted English salt," Mansour said.
The chair of the Popular Committees in Nablus, Khalid Mansour, told Ma'an that according to official statistics, Palestinians consume 2.6 billion shekels worth of Israeli goods each year. According to official Palestinian statistics, 28 percent of this money goes towards the purchase of Israeli cement.
Palestinians consume 30 million shekels worth of medicines produced in Israel every year, and 10 million worth of gold manufactured in Israel.
Mansour explained that subcommittees will be formed in each of the 50 villages in order to monitor the boycott and speak about the campaign in schools.
"We know change will go slowly, but we are determined to imitate what Gandhi did in India when he boycotted English salt," Mansour said.
Real News Video: Non-combat combat troops
Bennis: Rebranding will not change fact that US troops in Iraq will be involved in combat
"Speaking to President Obama's announcement of withdrawing U.S. combat troops from Iraq within 18 months, Phyllis Bennis says, "Obama says that the combat mission will end but combat will not end. When you leave 50,000 troops on the ground in a volatile, war-like situation, there is going to be combat."
Part 2 of this interview will be published shortly."
"Speaking to President Obama's announcement of withdrawing U.S. combat troops from Iraq within 18 months, Phyllis Bennis says, "Obama says that the combat mission will end but combat will not end. When you leave 50,000 troops on the ground in a volatile, war-like situation, there is going to be combat."
Part 2 of this interview will be published shortly."
Israeli park a lesson in forgotten history
By Jonathan Cook
"CANADA PARK, WEST BANK // As spring sets in early, Israelis have been pouring into one of the country’s most popular leisure spots. Visitors to Canada Park, a few kilometres north-west of Jerusalem, enjoy its spectacular panaromas, woodland paths, mountain-bike trails, caves and idyllic picnic areas.
A series of signs describe the historical significance of the landscape, as well as that of a handful of ancient buildings, in terms of their Biblical, Roman, Hellenic and Ottoman pasts. Few, if any, visitors take notice of the stone blocks that litter sections of the park.
But Eitan Bronstein, director of Zochrot (Remembering), is committed to educating Israelis and foreign visitors about the park’s hidden past – its Palestinian history.
“In fact, though you would never realise it, none of this park is even in Israel,” he told a group of 40 Italians on a guided tour this past weekend. “This is part of the West Bank captured by Israel during the 1967 war. But the presence of Palestinians here – and their expulsion – is entirely missing from the signs.”
Zochrot, staffed by Israelis and funded by individual donors, also seeks to remind Israelis of the Nakba, the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during Israel’s creation........"
"CANADA PARK, WEST BANK // As spring sets in early, Israelis have been pouring into one of the country’s most popular leisure spots. Visitors to Canada Park, a few kilometres north-west of Jerusalem, enjoy its spectacular panaromas, woodland paths, mountain-bike trails, caves and idyllic picnic areas.
A series of signs describe the historical significance of the landscape, as well as that of a handful of ancient buildings, in terms of their Biblical, Roman, Hellenic and Ottoman pasts. Few, if any, visitors take notice of the stone blocks that litter sections of the park.
But Eitan Bronstein, director of Zochrot (Remembering), is committed to educating Israelis and foreign visitors about the park’s hidden past – its Palestinian history.
“In fact, though you would never realise it, none of this park is even in Israel,” he told a group of 40 Italians on a guided tour this past weekend. “This is part of the West Bank captured by Israel during the 1967 war. But the presence of Palestinians here – and their expulsion – is entirely missing from the signs.”
Zochrot, staffed by Israelis and funded by individual donors, also seeks to remind Israelis of the Nakba, the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during Israel’s creation........"
US might have delayed in salvaging a two-state solution
By Jonathan Cook
"JERUSALEM // Peace Now’s revelation this week that Israel plans to build more than 70,000 homes in the West Bank is the latest in a string of troubling disclosures about settlement expansion. The plans were released with a transparent goal in mind: embarrassing the Israeli leadership as Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, arrived on her first visit to the region since her appointment.
According to the report, about 73,000 homes – most still on the drawing board but 9,000 of them already built – would double the current population of nearly 300,000 settlers in the West Bank (an additional 220,000 are in East Jerusalem).....
Last week another human rights group, B’Tselem, revealed that Israel’s military government in the West Bank, known misleadingly as the civil administration, was preparing the infrastructure, including water and sewage lines, to cope with thousands of new settler homes in the West Bank.
At the same time, reports surfaced that Israel had seized some 330 acres near Bethlehem, declaring it state land, to build a new settlement eventually expected to house 10,000 settlers.
Dror Etkes, who monitors settlement expansion for the human rights group Yesh Din, noted that Israel had arbitrarily declared some 30 per cent of the West Bank “state land”, forbidding all Palestinian development on it. But the land theft does not end there.
Details of an internal defence ministry database of the settlements were leaked in January showing that officials had been allowing settlers to build on vast areas of land not confiscated by the state but ostensibly still in private Palestinian hands........."
"JERUSALEM // Peace Now’s revelation this week that Israel plans to build more than 70,000 homes in the West Bank is the latest in a string of troubling disclosures about settlement expansion. The plans were released with a transparent goal in mind: embarrassing the Israeli leadership as Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, arrived on her first visit to the region since her appointment.
According to the report, about 73,000 homes – most still on the drawing board but 9,000 of them already built – would double the current population of nearly 300,000 settlers in the West Bank (an additional 220,000 are in East Jerusalem).....
Last week another human rights group, B’Tselem, revealed that Israel’s military government in the West Bank, known misleadingly as the civil administration, was preparing the infrastructure, including water and sewage lines, to cope with thousands of new settler homes in the West Bank.
At the same time, reports surfaced that Israel had seized some 330 acres near Bethlehem, declaring it state land, to build a new settlement eventually expected to house 10,000 settlers.
Dror Etkes, who monitors settlement expansion for the human rights group Yesh Din, noted that Israel had arbitrarily declared some 30 per cent of the West Bank “state land”, forbidding all Palestinian development on it. But the land theft does not end there.
Details of an internal defence ministry database of the settlements were leaked in January showing that officials had been allowing settlers to build on vast areas of land not confiscated by the state but ostensibly still in private Palestinian hands........."
George Galloway: the noble man
A Very Nice Piece
By Khalid Amayreh
10 March, 2009
"Unlike many politicians who would rather stay on the safe side, even if that means betraying their conscience, George Galloway represents a rare breed of morally-guided politicians who are willing to call the spade a spade even in the face of danger and brutality.
The British lawmaker has displayed immense courage in speaking up against crimes and injustices inflicted by Israel, the United States and their European allies in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Palestine.......
George: It is for upholding these sublime values that great men are created.
I salute you for challenging the forces of hypocrisy and moral duplicity back in Britain who instead of calling Israel, a criminal state ruled by an evil clique of war criminals, by its real name, hasten to blame the helpless victims for surviving the recent genocide in Gaza and for clinging to life, dignity and freedom.
I also salute you for being “non-conformist,” because in a world overwhelmed by hypocrisy, immorality, human depravity, unethical expediency, and repulsive political correctness, it takes a true non-conformist to uphold true human values.
And, above all, I salute you for exposing and putting to shame the treacherous Arab leaders who played their fiddle while Gaza was burning.
Sir, May God bless you."
By Khalid Amayreh
10 March, 2009
"Unlike many politicians who would rather stay on the safe side, even if that means betraying their conscience, George Galloway represents a rare breed of morally-guided politicians who are willing to call the spade a spade even in the face of danger and brutality.
The British lawmaker has displayed immense courage in speaking up against crimes and injustices inflicted by Israel, the United States and their European allies in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Palestine.......
George: It is for upholding these sublime values that great men are created.
I salute you for challenging the forces of hypocrisy and moral duplicity back in Britain who instead of calling Israel, a criminal state ruled by an evil clique of war criminals, by its real name, hasten to blame the helpless victims for surviving the recent genocide in Gaza and for clinging to life, dignity and freedom.
I also salute you for being “non-conformist,” because in a world overwhelmed by hypocrisy, immorality, human depravity, unethical expediency, and repulsive political correctness, it takes a true non-conformist to uphold true human values.
And, above all, I salute you for exposing and putting to shame the treacherous Arab leaders who played their fiddle while Gaza was burning.
Sir, May God bless you."
BREAKING THE SIEGE - THE BEGINNING OF THE END?
Viva Palestina Email Alert
00.00 (GMT) Tuesday 10th March 2009
"The Viva Palestina convoy drove slowly along the Salah Eddine road leading to Gaza City taking in the atmosphere around them and savouring the moment of history they had just created.
Along the way, thousands of Palestinians, the other heroes of this beautiful story of resistance, defiance and hope approached every vehicle kissing, touching, hugging the bravest of Britain. They handed their babies, their young children, to the convoy members so that they could be embraced, as if the angels were in town. Drenched in flowers, tears were flowing on both sides.
Further up the road, they could see people coming out of their tents and the ruins of their destroyed homes running towards them, rubbing their eyes in disbelief that the siege has been broken and they were not alone......."
00.00 (GMT) Tuesday 10th March 2009
"The Viva Palestina convoy drove slowly along the Salah Eddine road leading to Gaza City taking in the atmosphere around them and savouring the moment of history they had just created.
Along the way, thousands of Palestinians, the other heroes of this beautiful story of resistance, defiance and hope approached every vehicle kissing, touching, hugging the bravest of Britain. They handed their babies, their young children, to the convoy members so that they could be embraced, as if the angels were in town. Drenched in flowers, tears were flowing on both sides.
Further up the road, they could see people coming out of their tents and the ruins of their destroyed homes running towards them, rubbing their eyes in disbelief that the siege has been broken and they were not alone......."
Home Demolitions Threaten Peace Talks
By Mel Frykberg
".......The planned demolitions will leave approximately 1,500 Palestinians homeless. They inherited the homes from their parents and grandparents, and most have nowhere to go.
Jerusalem authorities say the houses were built illegally, without zoning and construction permits. Palestinians and human rights organisations argue that Israel makes it almost impossible for Palestinians to get the requisite permits, as a part of a deliberate policy to Judaise the eastern part of the city.
Under international law, including UN Security Council resolutions, East Jerusalem belongs to Palestinians, and is occupied by Israel illegally.
The EU released a confidential report in December that accused Israel of "actively pursuing the illegal annexation" of East Jerusalem, according to the British newspaper The Guardian......"
".......The planned demolitions will leave approximately 1,500 Palestinians homeless. They inherited the homes from their parents and grandparents, and most have nowhere to go.
Jerusalem authorities say the houses were built illegally, without zoning and construction permits. Palestinians and human rights organisations argue that Israel makes it almost impossible for Palestinians to get the requisite permits, as a part of a deliberate policy to Judaise the eastern part of the city.
Under international law, including UN Security Council resolutions, East Jerusalem belongs to Palestinians, and is occupied by Israel illegally.
The EU released a confidential report in December that accused Israel of "actively pursuing the illegal annexation" of East Jerusalem, according to the British newspaper The Guardian......"
MUSLIM WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
By Eric Margolis
"As America struggles with its debt-ravaged economy and surging unemployment, Iran and its alleged nuclear weapons program have again become an issue of major contention.
In recent weeks, Obama administration officials and the media issued a blizzard of contradictory claims over Iran’s alleged nuclear threat, leaving one wondering who is really in charge of US foreign policy? [COMMENT: Ahem...., have you heard of AIPAC Eric?]......"
"As America struggles with its debt-ravaged economy and surging unemployment, Iran and its alleged nuclear weapons program have again become an issue of major contention.
In recent weeks, Obama administration officials and the media issued a blizzard of contradictory claims over Iran’s alleged nuclear threat, leaving one wondering who is really in charge of US foreign policy? [COMMENT: Ahem...., have you heard of AIPAC Eric?]......"
Iran's Anti-Israel Rhetoric Aimed at Arab Opinion
By Gareth Porter
"After Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called in October 2005 for an end to the state of Israel, Israeli leaders began stepping up talk of an "existential threat" to the country.
Likud Party leader Binyamin Netanyahu, who is now forming a new government, has even used it support his argument that the Iranian president is threatening a new "holocaust" against Jews.
Serious Israeli and Iranian analysts of Iran's national security policy, however, have long viewed similar statements by Iranian leaders – and its assistance to Hamas and Hezbollah – as having nothing to do with ending the Israeli state, much less using military force to destroy it.
The Iranian condemnation of Israel and embrace of the Palestinian cause, according to these analysts, have been largely a strategic ploy to turn Arab public opinion against the Sunni regimes' policies of hostility toward Iran......."
"After Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called in October 2005 for an end to the state of Israel, Israeli leaders began stepping up talk of an "existential threat" to the country.
Likud Party leader Binyamin Netanyahu, who is now forming a new government, has even used it support his argument that the Iranian president is threatening a new "holocaust" against Jews.
Serious Israeli and Iranian analysts of Iran's national security policy, however, have long viewed similar statements by Iranian leaders – and its assistance to Hamas and Hezbollah – as having nothing to do with ending the Israeli state, much less using military force to destroy it.
The Iranian condemnation of Israel and embrace of the Palestinian cause, according to these analysts, have been largely a strategic ploy to turn Arab public opinion against the Sunni regimes' policies of hostility toward Iran......."
British MP Galloway Kisses Gaza Ground
Al-Manar
"10/03/2009 At a time the Gaza Strip had been left by itself without any solidarity from most of the Arab leaders and officials, foreigners come to show their support to the besieged Strip challenging the Egyptian authority at Rafah borders after being delayed and not paying any attention to the Israeli occupation army threats.
Some 24 days after leaving Britain, part of a Gaza aid convoy finally arrived in the Strip via the Rafah border crossing on Monday, prompting British MP George Galloway, who headed the group, to say that the convoy was only the beginning of his battle, and reinforced his comment with a flamboyant kiss to the Gazan ground......."
"10/03/2009 At a time the Gaza Strip had been left by itself without any solidarity from most of the Arab leaders and officials, foreigners come to show their support to the besieged Strip challenging the Egyptian authority at Rafah borders after being delayed and not paying any attention to the Israeli occupation army threats.
Some 24 days after leaving Britain, part of a Gaza aid convoy finally arrived in the Strip via the Rafah border crossing on Monday, prompting British MP George Galloway, who headed the group, to say that the convoy was only the beginning of his battle, and reinforced his comment with a flamboyant kiss to the Gazan ground......."
Monday, March 9, 2009
Too Big...Period
By RALPH NADER
Does anybody in the federal government know or could know "who, what, where and when" of the massive, complex, vertical, horizontal, global collapse of Wall Street and its planetary tentacles in over 100 countries abroad? Step forward if you exist! Uncle Sam needs you!
Is the multi-million dollar bailout of this financial mess and house of cards, this phantom wealth mummy hitting air beyond the federal governments' salvage capability?
In other words, how are a hurried President Obama and his deputies going to rapidly build up the infrastructure of the federal government itself to advance all these "public works" efficiently and to avoid expenditure disasters amidst a potential orgy of waste, fraud and abuse by the coast to coast recipients?
Gaza Or Bust
By Yvonne Ridley
March 09, 2009 "Information Clearing House"
"......Yesterday the convoy members became the target of an orchestrated wave of violence first started by Egyptian police and then culminating in vicious attacks by unknown thugs. The end result was a number of peace activists whose only aim is to take humanitarian aid into war torn Gaza were treated in hospital for head injuries......
And dramatic images of the rioting and attacks could not be relayed to Press TV viewers because someone sabotaged the satellite van by deliberately cutting through a vital cable which would have beamed the shameful attacks across the world......
The event has only served to make us stronger, unite and bond us together more and created a wave of international media interest in Viva Palestina......
However, the deliberate bloody-mindedness of the Egyptian authorities did something we had failed to do for ourselves ... it caused us to unite, bond and emerge stronger than ever from underneath the rows of police batons, bricks, bottles and stones.
The trouble began when the police - who were only obeying their orders - tried to break up the convoy into small groups of medical and non medical aid. We were told the first would go through the Rafah crossing while the latter would go through an Israeli checkpoint......
Giving aid to the people of Gaza has nothing to do with the Israelis and I do wish they would stop trying to make themselves centre stage in an affair that does not involve Tel Aviv.
As we dug in our heels about the convoy being physically divided, the authorities decided there was only one solution - batter us into submission, after all that is what police states do......
Egyptian police are obviously not used to confronting stroppy westerners in such large numbers and so they retreated while a second wave was sent in. Hundreds of riot squad officers, wearing visors, carrying shields and batons tumbled in to one of the two car parks in a large town centre compound in the port of al Arish and set about the unarmed peace activists......
By the time Britain's best known parliamentarian reached the compound night had fallen and bright stadium-style lights illuminated the two car parks. Suddenly the area was plunged into darkness by a powercut which coincided with a brick, bottle and stone attacks on the convoy members by youths in their late teens and 20s. Seconds before the lights went out some convoy members saw a couple of unidentified men scrawling anti-Hamas slogans on lorries.
The lights remained out for some minutes, during which time the vicious attack was unleashed - the whole proceedings failed to warrant one single Egyptian police officer to swing his baton into action. Those who had wielded their sticks with such a passion before, stood impassively by and watched the onslaught.
The power kicked back in again and the bright lights illuminated the scene to reveal several convoy members lying dazed and confused, blood dripping from gaping head wounds. While they were ferried to hospital for treatment, there was a second powercut and a repeat of the violence.
Once again the police stood by and watched the thugs launch their attacks on unarmed and defenceless members of Viva Palestina......
Thanks to him and the cack-handed police operation, Viva Palestina has emerged refocussed and stronger than ever with one, determined goal: Rafah or bust. And it will happen, inspite of the best efforts of Tel Aviv meddling and Egyptian authorities' bullying.
The people united can never be defeated......"
Aid convoy enters Gaza Strip
Al-Jazeera
".....The convoy is led by George Galloway, a British member of parliament.
"Galloway has been heavily criticised and there were a lot of sceptics saying this could simply not be done. Today, George Galloway and 300 volunteers who gave up a month of their lives to help the people of Gaza proved all of them wrong," Baer said.
The passage of the convoy through Egypt had been controversial.
The convoy was pelted with stones and vandalised in the Egyptian town of El-Arish, 45km south of the Rafah border crossing, before being cleared to enter Gaza.
'Overwhelmed with happiness'
As he entered Gaza, Galloway said he was "overwhelmed with happiness".
"I have entered Palestine many times but the most emotional of these is after the 22-day genocidal aggression against the Palestinian people," he said. Galloway said that he planned to meet "the heroes of Palestine's resistance, the government of Palestine, the people of Palestine".
The convoy comprising 110 vehicles has brought aid supplies valued at $1.4m......."
".....The convoy is led by George Galloway, a British member of parliament.
"Galloway has been heavily criticised and there were a lot of sceptics saying this could simply not be done. Today, George Galloway and 300 volunteers who gave up a month of their lives to help the people of Gaza proved all of them wrong," Baer said.
The passage of the convoy through Egypt had been controversial.
The convoy was pelted with stones and vandalised in the Egyptian town of El-Arish, 45km south of the Rafah border crossing, before being cleared to enter Gaza.
'Overwhelmed with happiness'
As he entered Gaza, Galloway said he was "overwhelmed with happiness".
"I have entered Palestine many times but the most emotional of these is after the 22-day genocidal aggression against the Palestinian people," he said. Galloway said that he planned to meet "the heroes of Palestine's resistance, the government of Palestine, the people of Palestine".
The convoy comprising 110 vehicles has brought aid supplies valued at $1.4m......."
Hamas Won't Sit in Fayyad-Led Unity Gov't
Al-Manar
(left) The Ramallah Mafia Swearing in of its godfather!
"09/03/2009 Hamas said on Sunday that it would not join a unity government with Fatah that was headed by outgoing Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
Hamas's announcement came in response to reports that the US administration was demanding that Fayyad head a new Fatah-Hamas government as a precondition for recognizing such a government and providing the Palestinians with financial aid.
PA officials would neither confirm nor deny the reports, which claimed US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had set the condition during her recent visit to Ramallah. "We reject any attempt by the US to interfere in our internal affairs," said Ismail Radwan, a Hamas official in the Gaza Strip. "The Palestinians alone will decide on the makeup of the new government."
Radwan said that in any case, Hamas was opposed to the appointment of Fayyad as prime minister in a unity government.
"Fayyad is unacceptable," he said. "The people don't want him; the factions don't want him."......."
(left) The Ramallah Mafia Swearing in of its godfather!
"09/03/2009 Hamas said on Sunday that it would not join a unity government with Fatah that was headed by outgoing Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
Hamas's announcement came in response to reports that the US administration was demanding that Fayyad head a new Fatah-Hamas government as a precondition for recognizing such a government and providing the Palestinians with financial aid.
PA officials would neither confirm nor deny the reports, which claimed US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had set the condition during her recent visit to Ramallah. "We reject any attempt by the US to interfere in our internal affairs," said Ismail Radwan, a Hamas official in the Gaza Strip. "The Palestinians alone will decide on the makeup of the new government."
Radwan said that in any case, Hamas was opposed to the appointment of Fayyad as prime minister in a unity government.
"Fayyad is unacceptable," he said. "The people don't want him; the factions don't want him."......."
Viva Palestina Update
GROWN MEN CRYING...THE SIEGE IS BROKEN...
15.30 (GMT) Monday 9th March 2009
"GROWN MEN CRYING...THE SIEGE IS BROKEN...
ON THE DAY THE PROPHET WAS BORN
And they entered side by side like heroes, some on foot some in their vehicles, tears, smiles, hugs, flowers. It was historic, it was legendary. Gaza we are here. We have fulfilled the promise - Viva Palestina! The lifeline from the people of Britain to you, the people of Gaza, has arrived.
We have broken the barriers, we have opened closed borders, we have defied the odds,we have overcome the challenges across thousands of miles and three continents. We are here to be with you, to embrace you, to share your tragedy with you........."
15.30 (GMT) Monday 9th March 2009
"GROWN MEN CRYING...THE SIEGE IS BROKEN...
ON THE DAY THE PROPHET WAS BORN
And they entered side by side like heroes, some on foot some in their vehicles, tears, smiles, hugs, flowers. It was historic, it was legendary. Gaza we are here. We have fulfilled the promise - Viva Palestina! The lifeline from the people of Britain to you, the people of Gaza, has arrived.
We have broken the barriers, we have opened closed borders, we have defied the odds,we have overcome the challenges across thousands of miles and three continents. We are here to be with you, to embrace you, to share your tragedy with you........."
With The Women of Gaza On International Women’s Day: We Will Not Be Silent!
by Ann Wright
Common Dreams
"Would women in Gaza really celebrate International Women's Day?" was the question members of our 58 person delegation from United States, Canada, Pakistan, France, Australia, Egypt, Dubai and Turkey asked as we travelled from Cairo to the Gaza border.
In less than three weeks, the delegates had responded to an appeal by Codepink: Women for Peace to join an international delegation to try to go into Gaza at the invitation of the United Nations Works and Relief Agency of Gaza (UNWRA).
Women of Gaza have so little to celebrate.
Women of Gaza were subjected to the 22 day Israeli military attack on Gaza that killed over 1400, including 192 women and over 400 children, and wounded more than 5,000 Palestinians. Women of Gaza waving white flags were killed by Israeli snipers.......
And that is why we were there-- in Gaza, on International Women's Day, to stand in solidarity with the women of Gaza.
We Will Not Be Silent!"
Common Dreams
"Would women in Gaza really celebrate International Women's Day?" was the question members of our 58 person delegation from United States, Canada, Pakistan, France, Australia, Egypt, Dubai and Turkey asked as we travelled from Cairo to the Gaza border.
In less than three weeks, the delegates had responded to an appeal by Codepink: Women for Peace to join an international delegation to try to go into Gaza at the invitation of the United Nations Works and Relief Agency of Gaza (UNWRA).
Women of Gaza have so little to celebrate.
Women of Gaza were subjected to the 22 day Israeli military attack on Gaza that killed over 1400, including 192 women and over 400 children, and wounded more than 5,000 Palestinians. Women of Gaza waving white flags were killed by Israeli snipers.......
And that is why we were there-- in Gaza, on International Women's Day, to stand in solidarity with the women of Gaza.
We Will Not Be Silent!"
Dithering on the Edge of the Abyss
Geithner's Charade
By MIKE WHITNEY
CounterPunch
"......The problem with the TALF is that it ignores the new economic reality, that consumer demand has collapsed from the massive losses in home equity and retirement accounts. When credit markets froze last year, housing values dropped sharply raising havoc with household balance sheets and forcing a radical change in spending habits. That cutback in spending created a negative feedback loop to the financial sector which made it impossible to re-inflate the credit bubble. The ultimate size of the financial system will be determined, to a large extent, by the capacity of people to borrow again, which depends on many factors including job security, savings, and optimism about the future. Needless to say, the growing worry over a 1930s-type Depression will not help to lift spirits or improve the chances for a speedy recovery. That said, there are positive steps the administration can take now to restore confidence in the markets. These measures fall under three main headings; debt reduction (forgiveness), regulation and accountability. Confidence is not built on inspiring oratory or personal charisma, but concrete actions to reestablish a rules-based system that penalizes crooks and fraudsters. Recovery isn't possible without a strong commitment to these basic changes. "
By MIKE WHITNEY
CounterPunch
"......The problem with the TALF is that it ignores the new economic reality, that consumer demand has collapsed from the massive losses in home equity and retirement accounts. When credit markets froze last year, housing values dropped sharply raising havoc with household balance sheets and forcing a radical change in spending habits. That cutback in spending created a negative feedback loop to the financial sector which made it impossible to re-inflate the credit bubble. The ultimate size of the financial system will be determined, to a large extent, by the capacity of people to borrow again, which depends on many factors including job security, savings, and optimism about the future. Needless to say, the growing worry over a 1930s-type Depression will not help to lift spirits or improve the chances for a speedy recovery. That said, there are positive steps the administration can take now to restore confidence in the markets. These measures fall under three main headings; debt reduction (forgiveness), regulation and accountability. Confidence is not built on inspiring oratory or personal charisma, but concrete actions to reestablish a rules-based system that penalizes crooks and fraudsters. Recovery isn't possible without a strong commitment to these basic changes. "
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Alice Walker, CODEPINK Founder Medea Benjamin in Gaza to Mark International Women’s Day
Democracy Now!
With Amy Goodman
"Millions around the world marked International Women’s Day on Sunday by celebrating advances made by women and honoring the ongoing global struggle for gender equality and equal rights. We go to Gaza, where a women’s delegation just made it in, to speak with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker and CODEPINK founder Medea Benjamin....."
With Amy Goodman
"Millions around the world marked International Women’s Day on Sunday by celebrating advances made by women and honoring the ongoing global struggle for gender equality and equal rights. We go to Gaza, where a women’s delegation just made it in, to speak with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker and CODEPINK founder Medea Benjamin....."
Hamas's Abu Marzouq holds a videotape of captured Israeli soldier
"Deputy-head of Hamas's political bureau-chief , Mousa Abu Marzouq, obtained a videotape of captured Israeli soldier , Gil'ad Shalit, during a secret short visit to Gaza, he paid on March05.
According to the Kuwaiti newspaper, Aljarida, the tape shows the soldier in good health, adding that a written letter by Shalit is also handed to Abu Marzouq. The letter was handed over by the Hamas's leaders to Abu Marzouq, who did not reveal either details of the tape or the letter, until a progress on a prisoner swap deal with Israel, is achieved.
Last week, the Kuwaiti paper reported that Abu Marzouq visited the Gaza Strip secretly and met with family members in the southern Rafah city, as well as leaders of the ruling Hamas party including Hamas's Ezzildin Alqassam...... "
According to the Kuwaiti newspaper, Aljarida, the tape shows the soldier in good health, adding that a written letter by Shalit is also handed to Abu Marzouq. The letter was handed over by the Hamas's leaders to Abu Marzouq, who did not reveal either details of the tape or the letter, until a progress on a prisoner swap deal with Israel, is achieved.
Last week, the Kuwaiti paper reported that Abu Marzouq visited the Gaza Strip secretly and met with family members in the southern Rafah city, as well as leaders of the ruling Hamas party including Hamas's Ezzildin Alqassam...... "
'The Color Purple' author traveling to Gaza
"Pulitzer-prize winning author Alice Walker, who wrote "The Color Purple," is traveling to Gaza along with other female activists to highlight the devastation wrought by the three week long Israeli offensive.....
"I feel that what is happening in the Middle East is very important because the situation is so volatile," said Walker, speaking by telephone Saturday from the Rafah border crossing as her group waited to travel into Gaza. "I love people, and I love children and I feel that the Palestinian child is just as precious as the African-American child, as the Jewish child."
Walker is part of a group of about 60 women going to Gaza to deliver aid and meet with NGOs and residents. The trip, organized by the US anti-war group Code Pink, is intended to push both Israel and Egypt to open the borders into Gaza, said Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Code Pink who helped organize the trip....."
No Headlines As Epic Journey To Gaza Nears Its End
By Sonja Karkar
(Sonja Karkar is the founder of Women for Palestine and co-founder and co-convener of Australians for Palestine. She has written numerous articles for newspapers, magazines and on-line journals in support of Palestine. She can be reached through her email sonjakarkar@womenforpalestine.org )
"An epic journey across eight countries is nearing its end. Gaza is almost within sights of the weary drivers and their navigators. On Day 21, the British convoy leaders decided to by-pass the towns of Benghazi and Bayda in Libya after consulting with Libyan officials to cut the time it would take to get to Gaza.....
Really, it is up to everyone of us who knows what is happening to spread the word. Tell your family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, and acquaintances about the amazing 5000km trek from London to Gaza. Tell your local communities, church groups, schools, volunteer organisations, talk-back radio. Write and talk and ask for help: never be afraid to speak up for human rights. One day your own rights may be in jeopardy.
What this convoy has achieved is worth celebrating, just as those first lone boats which sailed into Gaza, deserve our admiration. There are indeed people who are willing to act on what they believe, and if we cannot do it, let us at least give them resounding support and encouragement for trying to make a difference against the might of institutionalised power. The ripple effect has a way of creating a tsunami and that is what Israel fears most. Do not believe for a moment that things cannot change for the Palestinians: they said the same thing about the African slaves in America, apartheid in South Africa, child labour in the factories in England and the coal mines in Wales, the emancipation of women, indentured servitude in the colonies, the demand for an 8-hour day, the oppression that stirred resistance and revolutions, and the list goes on. None of these things would have changed or come about if people had remained silent and inactive. The Palestinians though need our help because they are in prison. They are not the "cold-blooded killers" that Mr Murdoch propagates through his media outlets, just people like you and me, yet all the more extraordinary because they will not be intimidated into oblivion. And, it would serve us well to remember that none of us would be either, if faced with same cold, stark reality. "
"An epic journey across eight countries is nearing its end. Gaza is almost within sights of the weary drivers and their navigators. On Day 21, the British convoy leaders decided to by-pass the towns of Benghazi and Bayda in Libya after consulting with Libyan officials to cut the time it would take to get to Gaza.....
Really, it is up to everyone of us who knows what is happening to spread the word. Tell your family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, and acquaintances about the amazing 5000km trek from London to Gaza. Tell your local communities, church groups, schools, volunteer organisations, talk-back radio. Write and talk and ask for help: never be afraid to speak up for human rights. One day your own rights may be in jeopardy.
What this convoy has achieved is worth celebrating, just as those first lone boats which sailed into Gaza, deserve our admiration. There are indeed people who are willing to act on what they believe, and if we cannot do it, let us at least give them resounding support and encouragement for trying to make a difference against the might of institutionalised power. The ripple effect has a way of creating a tsunami and that is what Israel fears most. Do not believe for a moment that things cannot change for the Palestinians: they said the same thing about the African slaves in America, apartheid in South Africa, child labour in the factories in England and the coal mines in Wales, the emancipation of women, indentured servitude in the colonies, the demand for an 8-hour day, the oppression that stirred resistance and revolutions, and the list goes on. None of these things would have changed or come about if people had remained silent and inactive. The Palestinians though need our help because they are in prison. They are not the "cold-blooded killers" that Mr Murdoch propagates through his media outlets, just people like you and me, yet all the more extraordinary because they will not be intimidated into oblivion. And, it would serve us well to remember that none of us would be either, if faced with same cold, stark reality. "
Doctors struggling to treat Gaza war wounded
Report, The Electronic Intifada, 8 March 2009
"GAZA CITY (IRIN) - Mohammed Abu Shabah, aged 22, lies in al-Wafa rehabilitation center in northern Gaza, paralyzed from the waist down after a missile fired by an Israeli drone on 11 January left pieces of shrapnel near his spine. Doctors at the center, Gaza's only rehabilitation hospital, fear removing them could lead to complete paralysis.
"I was just walking down the street," said Abu Shabah, recounting the incident near his home in Rafah. He was eventually sent to al-Madee military hospital in Cairo for emergency care.
He needs, his doctors say, a vasotrain machine to improve blood circulation to his limbs and a urodynamic machine to measure bladder capacity, but both machines are currently unavailable in Gaza......"
"GAZA CITY (IRIN) - Mohammed Abu Shabah, aged 22, lies in al-Wafa rehabilitation center in northern Gaza, paralyzed from the waist down after a missile fired by an Israeli drone on 11 January left pieces of shrapnel near his spine. Doctors at the center, Gaza's only rehabilitation hospital, fear removing them could lead to complete paralysis.
"I was just walking down the street," said Abu Shabah, recounting the incident near his home in Rafah. He was eventually sent to al-Madee military hospital in Cairo for emergency care.
He needs, his doctors say, a vasotrain machine to improve blood circulation to his limbs and a urodynamic machine to measure bladder capacity, but both machines are currently unavailable in Gaza......"
On the move
Viva Palestina Email Alert
08.00 (GMT) Monday 9th March 2009
"The convoy has started to move out of the two car parks in Al Arish and onto the road to Rafah. At 7.55 (GMT) George's party reported that the first of the two car parks was now almost empty. It took 90 minutes for all the vehicles to leave. They were waiting for the second group of vehicles to get on the road. George intended his vehicle to be the last to leave - to ensure the safe departure of the entire convoy.
Negotiations with the Egyptian authorities have continued. Some non-medical aid was unloaded, in the line with the outcome of the negotiations, and has been handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent for delivery by them to Gaza.
The convoy expects to cross later today into Gaza...."
08.00 (GMT) Monday 9th March 2009
"The convoy has started to move out of the two car parks in Al Arish and onto the road to Rafah. At 7.55 (GMT) George's party reported that the first of the two car parks was now almost empty. It took 90 minutes for all the vehicles to leave. They were waiting for the second group of vehicles to get on the road. George intended his vehicle to be the last to leave - to ensure the safe departure of the entire convoy.
Negotiations with the Egyptian authorities have continued. Some non-medical aid was unloaded, in the line with the outcome of the negotiations, and has been handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent for delivery by them to Gaza.
The convoy expects to cross later today into Gaza...."
World Takes Dim View of Lieberman in FM Post
Al-Manar
"09/03/2009 U.S. and European officials have thus far declined to comment publicly on the expected appointment of Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman as Israeli foreign minister. Behind the scenes, however, many officials are asking whether this appointment is really necessary - and newspapers on both continents are criticizing the move openly.
The official position in Washington is that new President Barack Obama's administration will work with whatever Israeli government is ultimately established. Beyond that, US officials are keeping mum......"
Signs of Progress
And danger
By Justin Raimondo
"I suppose progressives and others hopeful for a more rational foreign policy are going to have to be content, for the moment, with crumbs from the presidential table, such as Barack Obama's recent statement to the New York Times that we might consider negotiating with elements of the Taliban. This is, however, not entirely good news, because the counterinsurgency doctrine that animates this proposal aims at replicating our alleged "success" in Iraq, where the U.S. military allied with hard-core Sunni fundamentalists against largely foreign forces said to be affiliated with al-Qaeda. The blowback from this tactic has yet to hit the fan, but you can be sure that when the U.S. military begins to downsize its presence in Iraq, these soldiers of the "Awakening" – armed and subsidized by us – will move to fill the power vacuum and run straight into the Shi'ite militias. The resulting conflict will no doubt cause the Obama administration to think twice about leaving, as the Iraqi government asks us to intervene. Having planted the seeds of the coming civil war, we'll have ample pretext to renegotiate the status of forces agreement......
The Freeman appointment is one test of where we are going: if the Lobby succeeds in derailing it, that will tell us who's still in the driver's seat when it comes to steering our future course. The Lobby is fighting to assert its power of veto, which it exercised effortlessly during the Bush dark ages. Is this the bright dawn of a new day, or will the same old clouds darken our horizon for the next four years?....."
By Justin Raimondo
"I suppose progressives and others hopeful for a more rational foreign policy are going to have to be content, for the moment, with crumbs from the presidential table, such as Barack Obama's recent statement to the New York Times that we might consider negotiating with elements of the Taliban. This is, however, not entirely good news, because the counterinsurgency doctrine that animates this proposal aims at replicating our alleged "success" in Iraq, where the U.S. military allied with hard-core Sunni fundamentalists against largely foreign forces said to be affiliated with al-Qaeda. The blowback from this tactic has yet to hit the fan, but you can be sure that when the U.S. military begins to downsize its presence in Iraq, these soldiers of the "Awakening" – armed and subsidized by us – will move to fill the power vacuum and run straight into the Shi'ite militias. The resulting conflict will no doubt cause the Obama administration to think twice about leaving, as the Iraqi government asks us to intervene. Having planted the seeds of the coming civil war, we'll have ample pretext to renegotiate the status of forces agreement......
The Freeman appointment is one test of where we are going: if the Lobby succeeds in derailing it, that will tell us who's still in the driver's seat when it comes to steering our future course. The Lobby is fighting to assert its power of veto, which it exercised effortlessly during the Bush dark ages. Is this the bright dawn of a new day, or will the same old clouds darken our horizon for the next four years?....."
Gaza aid convoy 'attacked' in Egypt
Al-Jazeera
Galloway, left, has called Mubarak an "international criminal" for not opening the Rafah crossing.
"A British convoy with medical relief for the Palestinian Gaza Strip has been pelted with stones and vandalised in the Egyptian town of El-Arish, 45km south of the Rafah border crossing.
Several people in the convoy were injured in the incident on Sunday according to Yvonne Ridley, one of the convoy organisers.
"It's an absolute disgrace... The power was cut. During cover of darkness members of our convoy were attacked with stones. "Vandals also wrote dirty words and anti-Hamas slogans," she said......
The Viva Palestina convoy, led by George Galloway, a British member of parliament, has caused controversy in Egypt.
Criticised Mubarak
Galloway has previously called Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's president, an "international criminal" for not permanently opening the Rafah crossing into Gaza........"
Galloway, left, has called Mubarak an "international criminal" for not opening the Rafah crossing.
"A British convoy with medical relief for the Palestinian Gaza Strip has been pelted with stones and vandalised in the Egyptian town of El-Arish, 45km south of the Rafah border crossing.
Several people in the convoy were injured in the incident on Sunday according to Yvonne Ridley, one of the convoy organisers.
"It's an absolute disgrace... The power was cut. During cover of darkness members of our convoy were attacked with stones. "Vandals also wrote dirty words and anti-Hamas slogans," she said......
The Viva Palestina convoy, led by George Galloway, a British member of parliament, has caused controversy in Egypt.
Criticised Mubarak
Galloway has previously called Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's president, an "international criminal" for not permanently opening the Rafah crossing into Gaza........"
How to fail to recover the economy
America provides important lessons to countries around the world facing increasing problems with their banks
Joseph Stiglitz
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 8 March 2009
"......The era of believing that something can be created out of nothing should be over. Short-sighted responses by politicians – who hope to get by with a deal that is small enough to please taxpayers and large enough to please the banks – will only prolong the problem. An impasse is looming. More money will be needed, but Americans are in no mood to provide it – certainly not on the terms that have been seen so far. The well of money may be running dry, and so, too, may be America's legendary optimism and hope."
Sunday, March 8, 2009
كفانا مصالحات شكلية
كفانا مصالحات شكلية
عبد الباري عطوان
".....
العودة إلى جذور الخلافات أمر جميل ومحمود، ولكن ما يمكن الخوف منه هو معايير هذه العودة والمناهج المتبعة في هذا الصدد. فلا بد من التسليم ببعض البديهيات أولاً، والقول بأن هذه الخلافات نشأت بسبب قرار بعض العرب، خوفاً أو قناعةً، بالوقوف في خندق ادارة أمريكية تعاملت مع شعوب المنطقة وقادتها كأنهم قطيع من الغنم تسوقهم بالعصا لخدمة مصالحها وحروبها. ولهذا أيد هؤلاء احتلالها للعراق، وتواطأوا مع حربي حليفتها اسرائيل في جنوب لبنان أولاً وغزة أخيراً، وتقدموا بمبادرة سلام وفق المواصفات الاسرائيلية وبإملاءات أمريكية، وذهبوا إلى مؤتمر أنابوليس بعد اسقاط جميع شروطهم، وتبنوا سلطة فلسطينية ومفاوضاتها العقيمة على حساب تهشيم مقاومة ديمقراطية مشروعة.
....
أطراف أي مصالحة عربية يجب ان تضع كل هذه الحقائق في حسابها، قبل الجلوس الى مائدة المصارحة، سواء في قمة ثلاثية أو رباعية. فما كان يصلح قبل ثلاثين عاماً أيام الحرب الباردة لم يعد يصلح اليوم. فالرأي العام العربي تغير، وأدوات الاتصال تغيرت أيضاً، وباتت عملية الوصول إلى المعلومات أسهل بكثير وبمجرد ضغطة زر.
عودة المثلث المصري - السوري - السعودي الذي حكم المنطقة ثلاثين عاماً، وشكّل محور ارتكاز للمشاريع الأمريكية، غير ممكنة بالصورة القديمة على الأقل. لان سورية تغيرت، والمنطقة تغيرت أيضاً. وقد حمدنا الله كثيراً على ان سورية خرجت من هذا المثلث وارتهاناته، لان هذا الخروج أعاد المنطقة إلى مسارها الصحيح، أي وجود تيارات واجتهادات مختلفة، حكومة ومعارضة، اعتدال وممانعة، والخلاف بين العرب رحمة على أية حال.
التضامن العربي بصيغته السعودية القديمة، أي تسكين المشاكل، واللجوء إلى 'خيار الصفر' أي عدم الحركة لتجنب الخطأ، انتهى، ويجب ان لا يعود أيضاً إلاّ في حالة واحدة، أي التضامن على أرضية مساندة المقاومة، والتصدي لمشاريع الهيمنة الغربية، والتأسيس لمشروع نهضوي عربي، في مواجهة اسرائيل وبالتوازي مع مشاريع تركية - وايرانية.
المصالحة حتى تتم يجب ان تتحقق لها عدة شروط، أولها تواضع دول محور الاعتدال، والاعتراف بفشل سياساتها السابقة، وحدوث تغييرات جذرية في المنطقة والعالم تحتم سحب مبادرتها السلمية المهينة والمهانة، والاستعداد لتبني بدائل أكثر فاعلية، والتخلي عن القول بانعدام هذه البدائل.
في المقابل يجب ان تدرك أطراف محور الممانعة انها بحاجة إلى الآخرين باعتبارهم عمقاً استراتيجياً، وعدم اسقاط العوامل القومية والمذهبية من حساباتها الاقليمية، وتجنب آفة الغرور المتسربة إلى صفوفها بعد انتصارات غزة وجنوب لبنان، والانفتاح الأمريكي الأوروبي الأخير عليها.
الجهود العربية الحالية يجب ان لا يكون انجاح قمة الدوحة المقبلة هو سقفها الأعلى، وانما التأسيس لوفاق عربي استراتيجي حقيقي يمتد إلى ما بعدها. ونعترف اننا لسنا متفائلين كثيراً في هذا الصدد. فنحن أمام عقليات مختلفة، بل وأجيال مختلفة، ولكن أكثر صراحة، ونقول كيف يمكن التفاهم بين رئيس سوري في الاربعين ورئيس مصري في الثمانين، وملك سعودي في الخامسة والثمانين على استراتيجيات للمستقبل، والتخطيط لخمسين أو حتى عشرين عاماً؟
جيادنا هرمة، أنهكها الحكم، ناهيك عن المرض أو الشيخوخة، أو الاثنين معاً، ولهذا تبدو الصورة أمامنا قاتمة، والتغيير صعب، ان لم يكن مستحيلاً، حتى لو حَسُنت النوايا."
عبد الباري عطوان
".....
العودة إلى جذور الخلافات أمر جميل ومحمود، ولكن ما يمكن الخوف منه هو معايير هذه العودة والمناهج المتبعة في هذا الصدد. فلا بد من التسليم ببعض البديهيات أولاً، والقول بأن هذه الخلافات نشأت بسبب قرار بعض العرب، خوفاً أو قناعةً، بالوقوف في خندق ادارة أمريكية تعاملت مع شعوب المنطقة وقادتها كأنهم قطيع من الغنم تسوقهم بالعصا لخدمة مصالحها وحروبها. ولهذا أيد هؤلاء احتلالها للعراق، وتواطأوا مع حربي حليفتها اسرائيل في جنوب لبنان أولاً وغزة أخيراً، وتقدموا بمبادرة سلام وفق المواصفات الاسرائيلية وبإملاءات أمريكية، وذهبوا إلى مؤتمر أنابوليس بعد اسقاط جميع شروطهم، وتبنوا سلطة فلسطينية ومفاوضاتها العقيمة على حساب تهشيم مقاومة ديمقراطية مشروعة.
....
أطراف أي مصالحة عربية يجب ان تضع كل هذه الحقائق في حسابها، قبل الجلوس الى مائدة المصارحة، سواء في قمة ثلاثية أو رباعية. فما كان يصلح قبل ثلاثين عاماً أيام الحرب الباردة لم يعد يصلح اليوم. فالرأي العام العربي تغير، وأدوات الاتصال تغيرت أيضاً، وباتت عملية الوصول إلى المعلومات أسهل بكثير وبمجرد ضغطة زر.
عودة المثلث المصري - السوري - السعودي الذي حكم المنطقة ثلاثين عاماً، وشكّل محور ارتكاز للمشاريع الأمريكية، غير ممكنة بالصورة القديمة على الأقل. لان سورية تغيرت، والمنطقة تغيرت أيضاً. وقد حمدنا الله كثيراً على ان سورية خرجت من هذا المثلث وارتهاناته، لان هذا الخروج أعاد المنطقة إلى مسارها الصحيح، أي وجود تيارات واجتهادات مختلفة، حكومة ومعارضة، اعتدال وممانعة، والخلاف بين العرب رحمة على أية حال.
التضامن العربي بصيغته السعودية القديمة، أي تسكين المشاكل، واللجوء إلى 'خيار الصفر' أي عدم الحركة لتجنب الخطأ، انتهى، ويجب ان لا يعود أيضاً إلاّ في حالة واحدة، أي التضامن على أرضية مساندة المقاومة، والتصدي لمشاريع الهيمنة الغربية، والتأسيس لمشروع نهضوي عربي، في مواجهة اسرائيل وبالتوازي مع مشاريع تركية - وايرانية.
المصالحة حتى تتم يجب ان تتحقق لها عدة شروط، أولها تواضع دول محور الاعتدال، والاعتراف بفشل سياساتها السابقة، وحدوث تغييرات جذرية في المنطقة والعالم تحتم سحب مبادرتها السلمية المهينة والمهانة، والاستعداد لتبني بدائل أكثر فاعلية، والتخلي عن القول بانعدام هذه البدائل.
في المقابل يجب ان تدرك أطراف محور الممانعة انها بحاجة إلى الآخرين باعتبارهم عمقاً استراتيجياً، وعدم اسقاط العوامل القومية والمذهبية من حساباتها الاقليمية، وتجنب آفة الغرور المتسربة إلى صفوفها بعد انتصارات غزة وجنوب لبنان، والانفتاح الأمريكي الأوروبي الأخير عليها.
الجهود العربية الحالية يجب ان لا يكون انجاح قمة الدوحة المقبلة هو سقفها الأعلى، وانما التأسيس لوفاق عربي استراتيجي حقيقي يمتد إلى ما بعدها. ونعترف اننا لسنا متفائلين كثيراً في هذا الصدد. فنحن أمام عقليات مختلفة، بل وأجيال مختلفة، ولكن أكثر صراحة، ونقول كيف يمكن التفاهم بين رئيس سوري في الاربعين ورئيس مصري في الثمانين، وملك سعودي في الخامسة والثمانين على استراتيجيات للمستقبل، والتخطيط لخمسين أو حتى عشرين عاماً؟
جيادنا هرمة، أنهكها الحكم، ناهيك عن المرض أو الشيخوخة، أو الاثنين معاً، ولهذا تبدو الصورة أمامنا قاتمة، والتغيير صعب، ان لم يكن مستحيلاً، حتى لو حَسُنت النوايا."
Real News Video: Dangerous decisions in Afghanistan
Ahmad: Obama's decision to add troops and arm Afghan militias is dangerous.
"Sharmini Peries speaks with Senior Analyst Aijaz Ahmad about the dangers of the long term US involvement in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Ahmad says the only way for Obama to proceed in the region is to withdraw US military presence there strengthen regional powers for a stable Afghanistan."
"Sharmini Peries speaks with Senior Analyst Aijaz Ahmad about the dangers of the long term US involvement in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Ahmad says the only way for Obama to proceed in the region is to withdraw US military presence there strengthen regional powers for a stable Afghanistan."
6,000 join Malmö Davis Cup protest
Contributed by Kassandra
"Police estimate that up to 6,000 demonstrators have joined a march in Malmö to protest against the ongoing Davis Cup match between Sweden and Israel in the city.
Malmö calm as Davis Cup gets underway (7 Mar 09)
Crowd ban 'risks bolstering extremists' (7 Mar 09)
Davis Cup protests underway in Malmö (6 Mar 09) There are reported to be some 200 masked demonstrators at the back of the march and police confirm that the otherwise peaceful march was disrupted by incidents involving paint bombs, fireworks and Bengal lights.Several of the masked, black-clad hooligans rushed the barriers holding demonstrators away from the Baltisk Hallen arena where the match is taking place.The first day of competition in the Davis Cup first round match passed off calmly and none of the forecast trouble and fighting occurred. But police took no chances on Saturday with up to 1,000 officers on duty.Saturday's march is being marshalled closely by a large police presence including a helicopter escort.Rumours that neo-nazi and other extremist groups intend to infiltrate the march have kept police on alert.The controversy over the match has been building for weeks and gathered pace when local politicians ordered that the match to be played behind closed doors.Former Green party leader Per Gahrton claimed that the decision had already given demonstrators some success."We have been helped by brave politicians in Malmö. We thank them for that," Gahrton said......."
"Police estimate that up to 6,000 demonstrators have joined a march in Malmö to protest against the ongoing Davis Cup match between Sweden and Israel in the city.
Malmö calm as Davis Cup gets underway (7 Mar 09)
Crowd ban 'risks bolstering extremists' (7 Mar 09)
Davis Cup protests underway in Malmö (6 Mar 09) There are reported to be some 200 masked demonstrators at the back of the march and police confirm that the otherwise peaceful march was disrupted by incidents involving paint bombs, fireworks and Bengal lights.Several of the masked, black-clad hooligans rushed the barriers holding demonstrators away from the Baltisk Hallen arena where the match is taking place.The first day of competition in the Davis Cup first round match passed off calmly and none of the forecast trouble and fighting occurred. But police took no chances on Saturday with up to 1,000 officers on duty.Saturday's march is being marshalled closely by a large police presence including a helicopter escort.Rumours that neo-nazi and other extremist groups intend to infiltrate the march have kept police on alert.The controversy over the match has been building for weeks and gathered pace when local politicians ordered that the match to be played behind closed doors.Former Green party leader Per Gahrton claimed that the decision had already given demonstrators some success."We have been helped by brave politicians in Malmö. We thank them for that," Gahrton said......."
The U.S. Financial System Is Effectively Insolvent
There is a grave risk of a global L-shaped depression
By Nouriel Roubini
Forbes
"For those who argue that the rate of growth of economic activity is turning positive--that economies are contracting but at a slower rate than in the fourth quarter of 2008--the latest data don't confirm this relative optimism. In 2008's fourth quarter, gross domestic product fell by about 6% in the U.S., 6% in the euro zone, 8% in Germany, 12% in Japan, 16% in Singapore and 20% in South Korea. So things are even more awful in Europe and Asia than in the U.S.
There is, in fact, a rising risk of a global L-shaped depression that would be even worse than the current, painful U-shaped global recession. Here's why......."
By Nouriel Roubini
Forbes
"For those who argue that the rate of growth of economic activity is turning positive--that economies are contracting but at a slower rate than in the fourth quarter of 2008--the latest data don't confirm this relative optimism. In 2008's fourth quarter, gross domestic product fell by about 6% in the U.S., 6% in the euro zone, 8% in Germany, 12% in Japan, 16% in Singapore and 20% in South Korea. So things are even more awful in Europe and Asia than in the U.S.
There is, in fact, a rising risk of a global L-shaped depression that would be even worse than the current, painful U-shaped global recession. Here's why......."
Cartoon Video: Closed Zone
"Despite declarations that it has "disengaged" from the Gaza Strip, Israel maintains control of the Strip's overland border crossings, territorial waters, and air space. This includes substantial, albeit indirect, control of the Rafah Crossing.
During the past 18 months, Israel tightened its closure of Gaza, almost completely restricting the passage of goods and people both to and from the Strip.
These policies punish innocent civilians with the goal of exerting pressure on the Hamas government, violating the rights of 1.5 million people who seek only to live ordinary lives - to be reunited with family, to pursue higher education, to receive quality medical treatment, and to earn a living.
The effects of the closure were particularly harsh during the military operation of Dec. 2008 - Jan. 2009. For three weeks, Gaza residents had nowhere to flee to escape the bombing."
SHOW OF SOLIDARITY
A Viva Palestina Convoy Update
12 .30 (GMT) Sunday 8th March
12 .30 (GMT) Sunday 8th March
Prepared and translated by Farid Arada
"They are all at the Rafah crossing point. All members of the convoy made it, joined by supporters of Viva Palestina who flew out from the UK yesterday.
Sadly, it was not the end of their gruelling journey as they are finding life difficult at the border.
Press TV reports that leaders of the convoy including George Galloway and deputy leader Talat Ali and Nazir are in intense negotiations with the Egyptians. Reports coming to us suggest that they expect every vehicle to be allowed to cross today.
However, Yvonne Ridley reports on Press TV that there are rumours that there is an attempt to move some of the convoy to Israeli controlled crossings. Members of the convoy are united in their determination to cross at the Rafah border crossing. The Libyan contingent, which comprises 100 trucks, is adamant that under NO circumstances they will cross through an Israeli controlled crossing. Will keep you updated.
Ahmed Al-Najjar, the deputy manager of the reception committee in Gaza confirms that the key to the opening of the Rafah crossing is with Egypt. The Viva Palestina convoy is another nail in the coffin of the siege according to Mr Al-Najjar.
A reception will take place at the gate of the Rafah crossing where the convoy will be greeted with flowers and flags. Then they will taken through the Salah Eddine main road to Gaza City where they will witness the destruction that the Israelis inflicted on the Palestinian people. After a rest and gathering in Katiba Square, the convoy will be divided into groups, some staying in Rafah, some in Khan Younes and the rest in the North."
Sadly, it was not the end of their gruelling journey as they are finding life difficult at the border.
Press TV reports that leaders of the convoy including George Galloway and deputy leader Talat Ali and Nazir are in intense negotiations with the Egyptians. Reports coming to us suggest that they expect every vehicle to be allowed to cross today.
However, Yvonne Ridley reports on Press TV that there are rumours that there is an attempt to move some of the convoy to Israeli controlled crossings. Members of the convoy are united in their determination to cross at the Rafah border crossing. The Libyan contingent, which comprises 100 trucks, is adamant that under NO circumstances they will cross through an Israeli controlled crossing. Will keep you updated.
Ahmed Al-Najjar, the deputy manager of the reception committee in Gaza confirms that the key to the opening of the Rafah crossing is with Egypt. The Viva Palestina convoy is another nail in the coffin of the siege according to Mr Al-Najjar.
A reception will take place at the gate of the Rafah crossing where the convoy will be greeted with flowers and flags. Then they will taken through the Salah Eddine main road to Gaza City where they will witness the destruction that the Israelis inflicted on the Palestinian people. After a rest and gathering in Katiba Square, the convoy will be divided into groups, some staying in Rafah, some in Khan Younes and the rest in the North."
Justice for Gaza convoy crosses into Gaza Strip
"GAZA, (PIC)-- The British Justice for Gaza convoy was able to enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing on Saturday evening.
Adel Zurub, the information officer of the governmental anti-siege committee and the spokesman for the crossings and borders, said that the convoy which includes seven to nine medium-sized trucks loaded with medicines and medical equipment were allowed into the Palestinian Rafah city on its way to Gaza city, noting that the convoy includes 19 British activists........
It was reported that this British convoy succeeded in passing through the Rafah crossing after 60 US female peace activists from the organization of codepink women for peace had earlier managed to cross into Gaza to express their solidarity with the Palestinian women and demand the lifting of the Israeli siege on Gaza.
Spokesman for the codepink delegation Medea Benjamin told journalists that the aim of their visit is to draw the attention of the US administration of president Barack Obama to the need to lift the siege on Gaza and to launch a new peace process and aims to declare solidarity with the besieged Gaza people especially the Palestinian women on the occasion of the international women's day which is marked on the eighth of March.
Benjamin noted that the delegation comprises 60 European and American activists, doctors and international woman leaders carrying 2,000 gift baskets for the women in Gaza to honor and support their steadfastness against the Israeli occupation.
She added that the American women feel great sympathy for the Gaza women and demand Obama to allocate part of the budget to support health and education in the Strip instead of directing support for Israel and providing it with warplanes and bombs that kill children in Gaza.
The delegation includes the noted American novelist Alice Walker, a Pulitzer laureate, and the parents of slain US peace activist Rachel Corrie, who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer during her attempt to prevent it from demolishing a Palestinian home in Rafah in 2003."
Adel Zurub, the information officer of the governmental anti-siege committee and the spokesman for the crossings and borders, said that the convoy which includes seven to nine medium-sized trucks loaded with medicines and medical equipment were allowed into the Palestinian Rafah city on its way to Gaza city, noting that the convoy includes 19 British activists........
It was reported that this British convoy succeeded in passing through the Rafah crossing after 60 US female peace activists from the organization of codepink women for peace had earlier managed to cross into Gaza to express their solidarity with the Palestinian women and demand the lifting of the Israeli siege on Gaza.
Spokesman for the codepink delegation Medea Benjamin told journalists that the aim of their visit is to draw the attention of the US administration of president Barack Obama to the need to lift the siege on Gaza and to launch a new peace process and aims to declare solidarity with the besieged Gaza people especially the Palestinian women on the occasion of the international women's day which is marked on the eighth of March.
Benjamin noted that the delegation comprises 60 European and American activists, doctors and international woman leaders carrying 2,000 gift baskets for the women in Gaza to honor and support their steadfastness against the Israeli occupation.
She added that the American women feel great sympathy for the Gaza women and demand Obama to allocate part of the budget to support health and education in the Strip instead of directing support for Israel and providing it with warplanes and bombs that kill children in Gaza.
The delegation includes the noted American novelist Alice Walker, a Pulitzer laureate, and the parents of slain US peace activist Rachel Corrie, who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer during her attempt to prevent it from demolishing a Palestinian home in Rafah in 2003."
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