guardian.co.uk, Friday 18 February 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Video: Bahrain mourners protest over deadly crackdown
Thousands mourn on the streets and the main opposition party quits parliament after the death of protesters in a police crackdown
guardian.co.uk, Friday 18 February 2011
guardian.co.uk, Friday 18 February 2011
Libyans in US allege coercion
Ambassador denies students' allegations that embassy threatened to cut scholarships if they missed pro-Gaddafi rallies.
Al-Jazeera
"In an apparent effort to control the public narrative in the wake of rare protests that have spread throughout Libya, the country's government is threatening to withdraw scholarship funding from citizens studying in the United States unless they attend pro-government rallies in Washington this weekend, Al Jazeera has learned.
Several Libyans studying in the US said they and their peers have received phone calls this week from a man employed by the Libyan embassy instructing them to join rallies in the capital on Friday and Saturday. The man told the students that their government-funded scholarships would be cut off if they did not attend....."
Al-Jazeera
"In an apparent effort to control the public narrative in the wake of rare protests that have spread throughout Libya, the country's government is threatening to withdraw scholarship funding from citizens studying in the United States unless they attend pro-government rallies in Washington this weekend, Al Jazeera has learned.
Several Libyans studying in the US said they and their peers have received phone calls this week from a man employed by the Libyan embassy instructing them to join rallies in the capital on Friday and Saturday. The man told the students that their government-funded scholarships would be cut off if they did not attend....."
Live Blog - Libya
From our headquarters in Doha, we keep you updated on all things in Libya.
"February 18, 2011
12:16pm Hassan El Amin, editor of Libya Al Mostaqbal, talks live to Al Jazeera from London. He says that reports of 75 dead and hundreds injured in recent violence against protesters.
9:08am BBC radio, quoting an eyewitness, said protesters against Gaddafi's four decades long rule clashed with security forces, who were using guns, and doctors had counted the bodies of 10 people.
8:31am Thousands of anti-government protesters are on the streets of Libya's eastern city of Benghazi, a day after "day of rage" demonstrations led to fatal skirmishes with the security forces.
.....
....."
Libyans bury dead after clashes
Funerals for those killed, expected in both Benghazi and Al Bayda, could act as a catalyst for more protests.
"Libya is set for renewed displays of public anger towards their governments, as protesters bury people killed in recent clashes.
Thousands of anti-government protesters seeking to oust longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi have taken to the streets of Libya's eastern city of Benghazi, a day after "day of rage" demonstrations led to fatal skirmishes with the security forces.
Funerals for those killed, expected in both Benghazi and Al Bayda later on Friday, could act as a catalyst for more protests.
Tight controls on media and communications in Libya made it difficult to assess the extent of the violence, but on Friday unverified reports on social network sites said up to 50 people had died.
Pro-government supporters also were out on the streets early on Friday, according to the Libyan state television, which purported to transmit images labelled "live" that showed men chanting slogans in support of Gaddafi......"
"Libya is set for renewed displays of public anger towards their governments, as protesters bury people killed in recent clashes.
Thousands of anti-government protesters seeking to oust longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi have taken to the streets of Libya's eastern city of Benghazi, a day after "day of rage" demonstrations led to fatal skirmishes with the security forces.
Funerals for those killed, expected in both Benghazi and Al Bayda later on Friday, could act as a catalyst for more protests.
Tight controls on media and communications in Libya made it difficult to assess the extent of the violence, but on Friday unverified reports on social network sites said up to 50 people had died.
Pro-government supporters also were out on the streets early on Friday, according to the Libyan state television, which purported to transmit images labelled "live" that showed men chanting slogans in support of Gaddafi......"
عشرات القتلى والجرحى بمظاهرات ليبيا
استؤنفت اليوم من بنغازي
VIDEO INCLUDED
"أفادت تقارير متواترة بأن عشرات القتلى والجرحى سقطوا بالرصاص في الاحتجاجات غير المسبوقة التي وقعت أمس في عدد من المدن الليبية خاصة في شرقي البلاد في إطار ما سمي "يوم غضب", بينما استؤنفت المظاهرات في بنغازي اليوم الجمعة.
وكانت تلك الاحتجاجات قد بدأت قبل ثلاثة أيام, ورُددت فيها لأول مرة هتافات تنادي برحيل الزعيم الليبي معمر القذافي الذي يحكم ليبيا منذ 42 عاما, وبإقرار دستور للبلاد.
وانطلقت الاحتجاجات من شرقي ليبيا وتحديدا من بنغازي (ألف كيلومتر شرق طرابلس), وقابلتها مظاهرات مؤيدة للقذافي خاصة في العاصمة طرابلس.
وتطورت الاحتجاجات -التي بادر بالدعوة إليها ناشطون على المواقع الاجتماعية مثل فيس بوك ضد الفساد وسوء الأحوال المعيشية- إلى مواجهات دامية بدأت في بنغازي, وانتقلت شرارتها إلى مدن البيضاء وأجدابيا ودرنة حيث أحرقت مقار أمنية وأخرى تابعة لأجهزة مؤيدة للنظام مثل اللجان الثورية
......"
VIDEO INCLUDED
"أفادت تقارير متواترة بأن عشرات القتلى والجرحى سقطوا بالرصاص في الاحتجاجات غير المسبوقة التي وقعت أمس في عدد من المدن الليبية خاصة في شرقي البلاد في إطار ما سمي "يوم غضب", بينما استؤنفت المظاهرات في بنغازي اليوم الجمعة.
وكانت تلك الاحتجاجات قد بدأت قبل ثلاثة أيام, ورُددت فيها لأول مرة هتافات تنادي برحيل الزعيم الليبي معمر القذافي الذي يحكم ليبيا منذ 42 عاما, وبإقرار دستور للبلاد.
وانطلقت الاحتجاجات من شرقي ليبيا وتحديدا من بنغازي (ألف كيلومتر شرق طرابلس), وقابلتها مظاهرات مؤيدة للقذافي خاصة في العاصمة طرابلس.
وتطورت الاحتجاجات -التي بادر بالدعوة إليها ناشطون على المواقع الاجتماعية مثل فيس بوك ضد الفساد وسوء الأحوال المعيشية- إلى مواجهات دامية بدأت في بنغازي, وانتقلت شرارتها إلى مدن البيضاء وأجدابيا ودرنة حيث أحرقت مقار أمنية وأخرى تابعة لأجهزة مؤيدة للنظام مثل اللجان الثورية
......"
Libya: Security Forces Fire on 'Day of Anger' Demonstrations
Government Should Respect Right to Peaceful Protest and Investigate Deaths
Human Rights Watch
"(New York) - The Libyan security forces killed at least 24 protesters and wounded many others in a crackdown on peaceful demonstrations across the country, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities should cease the use of lethal force unless absolutely necessary to protect lives and open an independent investigation into the lethal shootings, Human Rights Watch said.
Hundreds of peaceful protesters took to the streets on February 17, 2011, in Baida, Benghazy, Zenten, Derna, and Ajdabiya. According to multiple witnesses, Libyan security forces shot and killed the demonstrators in efforts to disperse the protests.
Human Rights Watch
"(New York) - The Libyan security forces killed at least 24 protesters and wounded many others in a crackdown on peaceful demonstrations across the country, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities should cease the use of lethal force unless absolutely necessary to protect lives and open an independent investigation into the lethal shootings, Human Rights Watch said.
Hundreds of peaceful protesters took to the streets on February 17, 2011, in Baida, Benghazy, Zenten, Derna, and Ajdabiya. According to multiple witnesses, Libyan security forces shot and killed the demonstrators in efforts to disperse the protests.
"The security forces' vicious attacks on peaceful demonstrators lay bare the reality of Muammar Gaddafi's brutality when faced with any internal dissent," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Libyans should not have to risk their lives to make a stand for their rights as human beings."
Some of the worst violence was in the eastern city of Baida......"
Some of the worst violence was in the eastern city of Baida......"
Bahrain: End Deadly Attacks on Peaceful Protesters
At Least 5 Dead, Hundreds Injured; Latest Assault Appeared Planned at Senior Levels
"(Washington, DC) - Bahrain's King Hamad Al Khalifa and Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid Al Khalifa should immediately and publicly order a halt to deadly attacks on peaceful protesters, Human Rights Watch said today. The attacks have left at least five dead and hundreds wounded, some critically, since February 14, 2011.
Human Rights Watch also called on King Hamad to explain who was responsible for ordering the 3 a.m. attack on February 17 on a demonstrators' camp at Manama's Pearl Roundabout while most of those inside, including families with children, reportedly were sleeping. The king should hold those responsible fully accountable for the unlawful use of lethal force. The assault, which led to three deaths, involved hundreds of riot police and at least one helicopter, showing all the signs of having been planned and authorized at very high levels, Human Rights Watch said.
"There is absolutely no excuse for this escalating use of deadly force, and apparent misuse of weapons like teargas, against sleeping people," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "King Hamad and other high officials need to explain how and why this happened and to hold everyone who authorized and carried out this attack fully accountable."....."
"(Washington, DC) - Bahrain's King Hamad Al Khalifa and Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid Al Khalifa should immediately and publicly order a halt to deadly attacks on peaceful protesters, Human Rights Watch said today. The attacks have left at least five dead and hundreds wounded, some critically, since February 14, 2011.
Human Rights Watch also called on King Hamad to explain who was responsible for ordering the 3 a.m. attack on February 17 on a demonstrators' camp at Manama's Pearl Roundabout while most of those inside, including families with children, reportedly were sleeping. The king should hold those responsible fully accountable for the unlawful use of lethal force. The assault, which led to three deaths, involved hundreds of riot police and at least one helicopter, showing all the signs of having been planned and authorized at very high levels, Human Rights Watch said.
"There is absolutely no excuse for this escalating use of deadly force, and apparent misuse of weapons like teargas, against sleeping people," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "King Hamad and other high officials need to explain how and why this happened and to hold everyone who authorized and carried out this attack fully accountable."....."
Emad Hajjaj's Latest Cartoon: The Terrified Domino.
Egypt is Not Tunisia.....
Yemen is Not Egypt....
Bahrain is Not Yemen....
Libya is Not Bahrain.....
Algeria is Not Libya.....
Syria is Not.....
(Notice that Emad did not mention Jordan in his cartoon, because......he lives in Jordan!)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Bahrain: No conflict. Plenty of interest
The strategic interests of the US, Britain and France and the values they uphold appeared in stark contrast
Editorial
The Guardian, Friday 18 February 2011
"On Tuesday President Barack Obama found it ironic that an Iranian regime which had celebrated the popular uprising in Egypt had gunned down and beaten Iranians demonstrating peacefully. Two days later the boot was on the other foot. Security forces in Bahrain, a kingdom the US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, described in December as a model partner for the US, gunned down protesters, some in their sleep, assaulted doctors who came to their aid, and beat anyone they came into contact with. Women and children were not spared....
Once again, the strategic interests of the US, Britain and France and the values they uphold as universal rights appeared in stark contrast to each other. There can be no doubt that the tiny island kingdom in the Gulf is a strategic interest. Manama is home of the US fifth fleet, whose main task is to protect Saudi oil installations and the Gulf waterways. Both view the ruling al-Khalifa family as instrumental in containing Iran, which has long claimed the island as its territory. If the US ever grew cold on its ally, the Saudi kingdom never would. Neither power would permit regime change in Bahrain. There is simply too much at stake. But that is what the majority of Bahraini opposition may now have in mind. Before yesterday's police brutalities, their main demands were a constitution written by an elected assembly and the release of political prisoners. Most of them did not demand that King Hamad al-Khalifa himself should go. They do now......
.....Before the spectre of Iran is invoked (and there is no evidence yet of its involvement in the Bahraini protest), it is worth remembering that none of the revolts in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya or Yemen have been particularly Islamic in nature. The generation demanding basic political rights are interested not in ideology, but in an end to tyranny and corruption. It should be clear where the west's interests lie."
Editorial
The Guardian, Friday 18 February 2011
"On Tuesday President Barack Obama found it ironic that an Iranian regime which had celebrated the popular uprising in Egypt had gunned down and beaten Iranians demonstrating peacefully. Two days later the boot was on the other foot. Security forces in Bahrain, a kingdom the US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, described in December as a model partner for the US, gunned down protesters, some in their sleep, assaulted doctors who came to their aid, and beat anyone they came into contact with. Women and children were not spared....
Once again, the strategic interests of the US, Britain and France and the values they uphold as universal rights appeared in stark contrast to each other. There can be no doubt that the tiny island kingdom in the Gulf is a strategic interest. Manama is home of the US fifth fleet, whose main task is to protect Saudi oil installations and the Gulf waterways. Both view the ruling al-Khalifa family as instrumental in containing Iran, which has long claimed the island as its territory. If the US ever grew cold on its ally, the Saudi kingdom never would. Neither power would permit regime change in Bahrain. There is simply too much at stake. But that is what the majority of Bahraini opposition may now have in mind. Before yesterday's police brutalities, their main demands were a constitution written by an elected assembly and the release of political prisoners. Most of them did not demand that King Hamad al-Khalifa himself should go. They do now......
.....Before the spectre of Iran is invoked (and there is no evidence yet of its involvement in the Bahraini protest), it is worth remembering that none of the revolts in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya or Yemen have been particularly Islamic in nature. The generation demanding basic political rights are interested not in ideology, but in an end to tyranny and corruption. It should be clear where the west's interests lie."
Bahrain security forces accused of deliberately recruiting foreign nationals
Al Khalifa regime hires non-native Sunni Muslims in concerted effort to swing balance in Shia-majority Bahrain, say analysts
Ian Black, Middle East editor
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 17 February 2011
"Bahrain's security forces are the backbone of the Al Khalifa regime, now facing unprecedented unrest after overnight shootings. But large numbers of their personnel are recruited from other countries, including Jordan, Pakistan and Yemen.
Tanks and troops from Saudi Arabia were also reported to have been deployed in support of Bahraini forces.
Precise numbers are a closely guarded secret, but in recent years the Manama government has made a concerted effort to recruit non-native Sunni Muslims as part of an attempt to swing the demographic balance against the Shia majority – who make up around 65% of the population of 1 million..... A Jordanian official is currently described as the organisation's "master torturer"......"
Ian Black, Middle East editor
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 17 February 2011
"Bahrain's security forces are the backbone of the Al Khalifa regime, now facing unprecedented unrest after overnight shootings. But large numbers of their personnel are recruited from other countries, including Jordan, Pakistan and Yemen.
Tanks and troops from Saudi Arabia were also reported to have been deployed in support of Bahraini forces.
Precise numbers are a closely guarded secret, but in recent years the Manama government has made a concerted effort to recruit non-native Sunni Muslims as part of an attempt to swing the demographic balance against the Shia majority – who make up around 65% of the population of 1 million..... A Jordanian official is currently described as the organisation's "master torturer"......"
Anatomy of Egypt's Revolution
Conditions and Consequences
A VERY GOOD PIECE
By ESAM AL-AMIN
CounterPunch
"Like perfect storms, several factors have to simultaneously and collectively come together for popular uprisings or protests, even massive ones, to turn into a revolution. That is why only a few of them have been successful in world history. A revolution is, by definition, a successful struggle embraced by the masses that radically alters the existing political, economic, and social order.
The triumphs of the American, French, Russian, Cuban, and Iranian revolutions were the exceptions. While each one had its genesis in battling an oppressive or corrupt existing political system, each engendered its own unique features while satisfying distinctive conditions in order to produce a successful outcome....
So what are the elements that distinguish the Egyptian revolution?
Historians will most likely debate for many years the various factors that came together to set off the uprising that turned it into a triumphant revolution. However, the most significant and distinctive features are outlined here. They are:
Popular revolution: ......
The Role of the Youth:.....
The Role of Women:......
Non-ideological and homogeneous:....
Disciplined and focused:......
Decentralized and highly organized leadership:....
Steadfastness, bravery and determination:......
Creative and resourceful:.....
Ingenious use of technology:....
Effective media strategy:.....
Neutralization of the Army:......"
A VERY GOOD PIECE
By ESAM AL-AMIN
CounterPunch
"Like perfect storms, several factors have to simultaneously and collectively come together for popular uprisings or protests, even massive ones, to turn into a revolution. That is why only a few of them have been successful in world history. A revolution is, by definition, a successful struggle embraced by the masses that radically alters the existing political, economic, and social order.
The triumphs of the American, French, Russian, Cuban, and Iranian revolutions were the exceptions. While each one had its genesis in battling an oppressive or corrupt existing political system, each engendered its own unique features while satisfying distinctive conditions in order to produce a successful outcome....
So what are the elements that distinguish the Egyptian revolution?
Historians will most likely debate for many years the various factors that came together to set off the uprising that turned it into a triumphant revolution. However, the most significant and distinctive features are outlined here. They are:
Popular revolution: ......
The Role of the Youth:.....
The Role of Women:......
Non-ideological and homogeneous:....
Disciplined and focused:......
Decentralized and highly organized leadership:....
Steadfastness, bravery and determination:......
Creative and resourceful:.....
Ingenious use of technology:....
Effective media strategy:.....
Neutralization of the Army:......"
“People Are Bleeding in the Streets:” Bahrain Police Wage Brutal Overnight Attack on Hundreds of Pro-Democracy Protesters
"During an overnight raid in the Persian Gulf nation of Bahrain, heavily armed riot police surrounded thousands of demonstrators as they slept in a central square in the nation’s capital. Rubber bullets, tear gas and concussion grenades were fired into the crowd without warning. At least four people were killed and hundreds injured. Some 60 people are reported missing. We hear from human right activist Nabeel Rajab outside a hospital in Manama where the wounded are being treated...."
The Genies Are Out of the Bottle”: Assessing a Changing Arab World with Noam Chomsky and Al Jazeera’s Marwan Bishara
DON'T MISS THIS SEGMENT!
"Massive public protests continue to sweep the Middle East and North Africa in countries including Bahrain, Libya, Yemen and Iran—many being met with violent government crackdowns. We speak to Marwan Bishara, senior political analyst at Al Jazeera English and MIT Professor Emeritus Noam Chomsky. "Perhaps the Arab moment has come," Bishara says, "It is clear the genies are out of the bottle. I think change is coming to the Arab world." Bishara also discusses "The Palestine Papers," the more than 1,600 secret documents that recorded Middle East peace talks between Israel, the Palestinian leadership and the United States, which were leaked to Al Jazeera and published in January...."
"Massive public protests continue to sweep the Middle East and North Africa in countries including Bahrain, Libya, Yemen and Iran—many being met with violent government crackdowns. We speak to Marwan Bishara, senior political analyst at Al Jazeera English and MIT Professor Emeritus Noam Chomsky. "Perhaps the Arab moment has come," Bishara says, "It is clear the genies are out of the bottle. I think change is coming to the Arab world." Bishara also discusses "The Palestine Papers," the more than 1,600 secret documents that recorded Middle East peace talks between Israel, the Palestinian leadership and the United States, which were leaked to Al Jazeera and published in January...."
Al-Jazeera Video: Inside Story - Egypt: Change or status quo?
"In Egypt, the fight for meaningful change is far from over. Is the military leadership playing an honest transitional role? Is it really trying to meet the demands of those who rose up against the old regime, or is it in fact working for only limited changes in the country so it can remain in control?"
Real News Video with Transcript: After Nasser's Death Sadat Turned Egypt into a US Client State
With Gilbert Achcar
History of Egyptian Military Dictatorship Pt.4: The US scored a major strategic victory turning Sadat and the Egyptian military into their Middle East ally
History of Egyptian Military Dictatorship Pt.4: The US scored a major strategic victory turning Sadat and the Egyptian military into their Middle East ally
All about Pearl roundabout
A VERY GOOD PIECE
By Pepe Escobar
Asia Times
"The historic, Great 2011 Arab revolt is relentless - those initial jasmine winds from the Maghreb turning into sandstorms east and west and now blanketing all latitudes across Northern Africa and the Middle East all the way to Southwest Asia, in Iran.
Asia Times
"The historic, Great 2011 Arab revolt is relentless - those initial jasmine winds from the Maghreb turning into sandstorms east and west and now blanketing all latitudes across Northern Africa and the Middle East all the way to Southwest Asia, in Iran.
This Thursday, the key focus is Libya - check out this cracking rap, where "send the devil back to hell" is directed at the eternal Gaddafi. Sunday the focus is Morocco - check out this video of what young - and old - Moroccans want for their lives.
One doesn't need to be a weatherman to see which way the wind, swirling with Gandhiesque civil disobedience, blows across the whole Umma al Arabiya (the Arab nation). And that includes hugely strategic Bahrain.......
The key problem is that Shi'ites defying the powers that be in Bahrain would seduce all other minority Gulf Arab Shi'ites, from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia itself. And one thing is certain; a really representative Shi'ite-dominated government would mean goodbye to the US 5th Fleet.
This could get really messy - and it certainly will. If protests do reach an Egyptian fever level - crackdown or not - Saudi Arabia will enter the fray to keep the al-Khalifa in power. Rumors swirl that Saudi police has already crossed the causeway to combat protests. The Saudis, like obedient vassals, after all are fighting for the interests of the US naval base. And the circus must go on - there's a Formula 1 race coming. One thing is certain; Shi'ites will put up one hell of a fight. And sooner rather than later, they will be back with a vengeance at the Pearl roundabout. "
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