palashcbiswas,
gostokanan, sodepur, kolkata-700110 phone:033-25659551
From: Shadi Fadda <f_shadi@yahoo.com>
To: president@whitehouse.gov
Cc: enquiry@dfid.gov.uk; inquiries@un.org
Sent: Wednesday, 29 April, 2009 21:11:53
Subject: [Peoples War] Today in Palestine! ~ Headlines April 29, 2009 ~
Land Theft
New route for wall through Bil'in still seizes Palestinian land
The killing of a protester last week at Bil'in in the West Bank has apparently had this effect: Israel has come up with a new route for its wall through the village in an effort to comply with several High Court of Justice rulings that the wall's path across Palestinian land is illegal. Israel is now planning to give back 700 dunums of land (about 180 acres). But keep 1000 dunums of Palestinian land east of the Green Line--so that a settlement called Matityahu East can be expanded.
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ new-route- for-wall- through-bilin- still-seizes- palestinian- land-.html
The Israeli municipality finishes preparations to demolish 50 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem
The Israeli Jerusalem municipality announced on Wednesday that it had finalized all the preparations needed to demolish 50 Palestinian- owned homes in Jerusalem.
http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60151
Israeli settlers bulldoze Palestinian owned lands near Salfit city
Israeli settlers supported by military units have been bulldozing Palestinian farm lands that belongs the villagers of Sartah near the northern West Bank city of Salfit.
http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60150
Zero Palestinian Evictions, now!
The inhabitants' associations, international networks, voluntary groups, NGOs, public agencies, citizens of the world, express their indignation at and denounce Israel's continual policies of eviction and demolition carried out against the Palestinian people, both Palestinians '48 (citizens of Israel) and Palestinians '67 (in the Occupied Palestinian Territory).
http://palsolidarit y.org/2009/ 04/6399
Aqsa foundation unveils Israeli plan to besiege Aqsa with dozens of synagogues
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage revealed an Israeli scheme to encircle the Aqsa Mosque with more than 50 synagogues and dozens of Israeli security and military centers.
http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/
Detentions
Hamas says 13 members arrested in West Bank
Palestinian security forces arrested more than 13 members of Islamic Hamas movement over the past 24 hours in the West Bank, Hamas said on Wednesday. In a statement sent to the media, the Islamic movement said most of detainees were former prisoners held in Israeli jails, students and academics.
http://news. xinhuanet. com/english/ 2009-04/29/ content_11281942 ..htm
IOA releases MP Abdelrazek, Fatah preventive security kidnaps his son
The IOA released Dr. Omar Abdelrazek, a Palestinian lawmaker, Tuesday morning while the Fatah-affiliated preventive security apparatus kidnapped his son Mohamed soon after his release.
http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/
Israeli court refuses to release sick detainee
Israeli military court in Ofer jail has refused to release Palestinian detainee Nassim Al-Kharraz despite a recommendation by the jail's doctor that he should be released in view of his condition.
http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/
Cases of medical neglect in Israeli prisons rise, doctors not allowed to see man barely able to walk
Jenin / Ali Samdoui for PNN - Up day and night from pain, the mother of Ahmad Faisal Nazzal paces while looking for an answer. Her son is in Israeli prison where he is being refused medical treatment. She believes that Ahmad does not sleep either from an unknown illness, however he is not up pacing, he can barely walk. His mother says the occupation authorities will not disclose the truth.
http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content&task=view&id=5166
Palestinian to break record for longest-held political prisoner
Bethlehem – Ma'an – On Friday, 1 May, Palestinian Nael Barghouthi will become the world's record-holder as the longest-held political prisoner. Barghouthi will have completed more than 31 years in Israeli custody by May, said Abd An-Nasser Farawna, a Palestinian specialist in prisoners affairs. On Friday, Barghouthi will break the Guinness World Record, which is currently held by Sa'id Al-Ataba, a Palestinian who was also in Israeli custody.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&ID=37442
Na'el Barghouthi; 31 years behind bars, still counting
Former political prisoner, researcher and specialist in detainees' affairs, Abdul-Nasser Farawna, has revealed that detainee Na'el Barghouthi now spent 31years behind bars. He was kidnapped by Israeli forces on April 4th 1978.
http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60148
Palestinian prisoners' families protest at Red Cross
The Palestinian Prisoners Day (14th of April) has gone but the families of the Palestinian prisoners continue their struggle. As every Monday for several years now, today again they peacefully occupied the yard of the Red Cross building in Gaza City. Mothers, wives, sisters, children, showing the pictures of their beloved ones that they haven't seen for years, since the Israeli prohibition of visits for residents from Gaza Strip. Thousands of Palestinian prisoners, hundreds of children, tens of women, are suffering from institutionalized torture and ill-treatment, medical negligence, solitary confinement and other inhuman conditions in the Israeli jails.
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=WUlyU4jCi9c&feature=player_ embedded
Humanitarian Issues/Siege
Under siege: Unemployment in Gaza climbs to 44.8%
Gaza – Ma'an – With Labor Day approaching the Gaza City Chamber of Commerce released the latest unemployment figures for the besieged Strip and found the unemployment rate climbed to 44.8%, excluding those who have given up looking for work, in 2008. A report by Mahir At-Tabba, director of public relations at the Chamber of Commerce in Gaza City, found that 85% of the population in the Gaza Strip is dependent on humanitarian aid offered by UNRWA, the World Food Program, and other organizations. This was up from 63% in 2007.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&ID=37438
Situation of children in Gaza remains precarious 100 days after end of conflict
GAZA, 28 April 2009 – More than three months after the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, the Israeli blockade and inter-Palestinian tension are hampering recovery efforts.
http://www.reliefwe b.int/rw/ rwb.nsf/db900SID /VDUX-7RJLXE? OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Israeli authorities deny more than five thousand Palestinians their right to receive insurance allowances
The Israeli authorities have shown a clear disregard for their obligations towards more than 5000 disabled Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, by preventing them from receiving financial benefits paid by the National Insurance Institute of Israel. This decision comes in a context of escalating violations by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law, in dealing with the population of the Gaza Strip.
http://www.reliefwe b.int/rw/ rwb.nsf/db900SID /AMMF-7RJPYZ? OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Dr. Mads Gilbert: A Physician in Gaza
Dr. Mads Gilbert has worked and practiced medicine in Gaza for more than thirty years. One of the few western observers on the ground during Israel's January bombardment, Gilbert's testimony during the offensive was a critical source of information. On January 3, after an Israeli strike on a Gaza vegetable market, Gilbert sent a text message to his Norwegian and International contacts: "From doctor Mads Gilbert in Gaza: Thanks for your support," it read. "They bombed the central vegetable market in Gaza city two hours ago. 80 injured, 20 killed. All came here to Shifa.. Hades! We wade in death, blood and amputees. Many children. Pregnant woman. I have never experienced anything this horrible. Now we hear tanks. Tell it, pass it on, shout it. Anything. DO SOMETHING! DO MORE! We're living in the history books now, all of us!"
http://www.commondr eams.org/ video/2009/ 04/28-0
Gaza siege cuts off Palestinians from medical treatment
Mohammad al-Sheikh Yousef could save his eyesight if only he could cross the border out of Gaza. He was denied a permit by Israel; he got one from Egypt, but not for someone to accompany him. And he cannot go on his own because he cannot see very well.
http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_id=2&article_id=101458
Deprived of concrete, Gaza discovers bricks
Jihad Al-Shaer got tired of waiting for Israel to allow cement and steel into the Hamas-run Gaza Strip and took matters into his own hands, building a house of clay bricks.
http://www.haaretz. com/hasen/ spages/1081848. html
Eyewitness Reports/Testimonial s
Recalling Gaza war: Sleeping in one room with my four brothers, sister, mum and dad
http://www.palteleg raph..com/ index.php? option=com_ content&view=article&id=665:recalling- gaza-war- sleeping- in-one-room- with-my-four- brothers- sister-mum- and-dad&catid=85:diaries&Itemid=283
Arab Collaborators
Mubarak congratulates Israel on independence
Egyptian president expresses 'expectation for return of Mideast peace process to path leading to an end to violence bloodshed in a manner allowing establishment of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel in peace and security'.
http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 3708236,00. html
70-year old man dies in Gaza due to kidney failure
The Palestinian Ministry of Health of the dissolved Hamas government in Gaza reported Monday evening that a 70-year old man died of kidney failure after the Egyptian Health Ministry refused to recognize transfer papers to an Egyptian hospital.
http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60143
Mubarak rule
Egyptian authorities arrest a Saudi physician in Egypt because he had a picture of Hasan Nasrallah. He was later released.
http://www.alquds. co.uk/
Egypt refers 49 for plotting Hezbollah attacks
Egyptian security authorities referred 49 people to the public prosecutor on suspicion of plotting attacks on behalf of Lebanon's Shiite Muslim Hezbollah group, the state-run Middle East News Agency reported.
http://archive. gulfnews. com/region/ Egypt/10308650. html
Happy Birthday Saeb!
Israel gave you the perfect birthday present by announcing plans to confiscate 12,000 dunums of your hometown's land (Saeb can't tell the difference between hometown and place of residence-the Erekats are from Abu Dis). Of course, I'm sure you spent the day celebrating in your own special way: "Word on the street is that you spent your entire birthday weekend helping plaster your dictator's face all over town."
http://www.kabobfes t.com/2009/ 04/happy- birthday- saeb.html
Political Developments
Palestinians adjourn unity talks to May 16
AFP - Rival Palestinian groups Fatah and Hamas have adjourned their reconciliation talks in Cairo until May 16, Egyptian state-news agency MENA reported on Tuesday.
http://news. yahoo.com/ s/afp/20090428/ wl_mideast_ afp/mideastpales tinianpolitics
Leftist leader from PPP says only option if Cairo fails is a democratic election for all parties
Bethlehem / PNN – Palestinian Legislative Council member Bassam As-Salhi is also the Secretary General of the Palestinian People's Party. The prominent leftist said that a democratic option is the only solution in the event of success or failure of the Palestinian national dialogue underway again Monday in Cairo.
http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content&task=view&id=5155
Hamas: Any government not ratified by the PLC is illegitimate
Gaza – Ma'an – Any Palestinian government not ratified by the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) will be illegitimate, said Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum following leaked information Wednesday hinting that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas would form a new caretaker government in the coming ten days.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&ID=37446
Abbas expected to announce new caretaker government in ten days
Bethlehem – Ma'an Exclusive – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to form a new government in the ten days preceding his trip to Washington DC where he is set to meet with US President Barack Obama, high ranking sources said Wednesday. The information was leaked shortly after announcements from came after Palestinian Authority officials Azzam Al-Ahmad and Mahmoud Az-Zahhar that the Hamas-Fatah dialogue would be postponed yet again to 16 May. A dialogue session was set for 26 April, postponed to the 27th at which point sides worked through some of the outstanding issues related to conciliation. Hopes for a quick solution to division have crashed.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&ID=37443
Other News
Fatah wins Hebron University student council elections
Hebron – Ma'an – The Shabibeh Students Bloc (Fatah) won Hebron University Student Council elections for the second time in a row on Monday with Hamas boycotting the event. The Fatah-affiliated party won 30 seats while the Islamic League Bloc affiliated to Islamic Jihad took 4 seats and the National Initiative Coalition, affiliated with Mustafa Barghouthi's Palestine National Initiative got 4 seats.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&ID=37445
Haneyya gov't calls for pressuring Ramallah to send new passports
The Palestinian government in Gaza has asked legal and human rights organizations to pressure the Ramallah authority to send passports to the Gaza Strip.
http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/
Israeli president to meet Obama next week: office
AFP - President Shimon Peres will visit the United States next week where he will meet President Barack Obama in the first high-level meeting between the two allies since the new US administration took office.
http://news. yahoo.com/ s/afp/20090428/ pl_afp/mideastus diplomacyisraelp eres
Former PA official sentenced to seven years for embezzlement
Ramallah – Ma'an – A Palestinian Authority court in Ramallah sentenced a former deputy undersecretary of the Interior Ministry to seven years in prison on Tuesday. In addition to the former undersecretary, Muhammad Abdul-Latif Abu Hajja, the court also convicted his wife, Samira Arif Turkiyya, and son, Ayman, to seven years imprisonment and penal servitude, along with a fine of 375,000 US dollars.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&Do=&ID=37429
Foreign journalists allege harassment at airport and elsewhere
"Some said that they had been taken aside into a separate room for questioning and that the process sometimes took hours."
http://www.jpost. com/servlet/ Satellite? cid=123971080557 3&pagename=JPost/ JPArticle/ ShowFull
Jerusalem's Jewish population declining due to 'exodus'
Some 313,000 Jews have left Jerusalem over the last 25 years, 105,000 more than those who moved to the capital during the same period. The 2005 figures, released by the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies, show that the balance of population in the city would have favored Jews over Arabs had measures been taken to curb the exodus. Today, 66 percent of Jerusalem's residents are Jews and 34 percent are Arabs. By 2020, the Jews are expected to comprise 60 percent of the city's population, while the Arabs are expected to reach 40 percent.
http://www.haaretz. com/hasen/ spages/763136. html
Media Bias/Israeli Propaganda
International Law Seldom Newsworthy in Gaza War; Israeli justifications often cited uncritically
U.S. corporate media coverage of the Israeli military attacks launched December 27 that, as of January 13, had reportedly killed over 900 and injured thousands more—many of them civilians—has overwhelmingly failed to mention that indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets are illegal under international humanitarian law. Israel's aerial attacks on Gazan infrastructure, including a TV station, police stations, a mosque, a university and even a U.N. school have been widely reported. Yet despite the fact that attacks on civilian infrastructure, including police stations, are illegal (Human Rights Watch, 12/31/08), questions of legality are almost entirely off the table in the U.S. media.
http://www.fair. org/index. php?page= 3767
The Art of Not Getting it: David Brooks on Israeli Public Culture
For David Brooks, Israeli obnoxiousness is due to the fact that Israel is "a tough, scrappy country, perpetually fighting for survival." That is the American Zionist's impression to be sure, because Palestinians who see Israeli aggressiveness cannot treat it so cutely -- it is violent and chauvinistic. Palestinians are on the receiving end not as high falutin', five star western journalists, but as the people displaced by the national culture Brooks so simply tries to understand.
http://www.kabobfes t.com/2009/ 04/art-of- not-getting- it-david- brooks-on. html
Analysis/Op- ed
Encountering peace: Education for peace - who will stand up to the challenge? Part II
If Israel is calling for the Palestinians to revise and reform their textbooks in the spirit of making peace, it must also look inside its own classrooms and do the same.
http://www.jpost. com/servlet/ Satellite? cid=123971080602 6&pagename=JPArticle/ ShowFull
Racism, boycott and a big dose of hypocrisy
The Durban Review Conference held last week was initially intended to be a forum to evaluate the progress towards goals set eight years ago. But bullying tactics by certain European/North American states ensured that the draft Durban Review Conference declaration excluded any criticism of Israel. In the planning process original "offensive" statements such as those referring to "unlawful collective punishment" and "torture" were removed. Isabelle Humphries comments for The Electronic Intifada.
http://electronicin tifada.net/ v2/article10488. shtml
New liberal consensus: Israel's racist policies fuel anti-Semitism
Some news: I think there's a new non-Zionist liberal consensus, brought on by Gaza and Lieberman, lapping at Congress and the White House too. The not-in-my-name ranks are growing in Jewish life. Here is Dana Goldstein at the American Prospect (echoing Noam Sheizaf) on Israeli policies. Note the universalist moment at the end.
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ new-liberal- consensus- israels-racist- policies- fuel-antisemitis m.html
The Lobby's Achievement: Landgrab
One of my favorite themes is that Palestinian statelessness is an American Jewish achievement- -the lobby's support for the settlement program throughout the '90s. Jeff Blankfort reports on a review of Dan Fleshler's book on the Israel lobby, in The Jewish Week...
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ the-lobbys- achievement- landgrab. html
A pro-Israel Egyptian changes camps, over democracy...
Egyptian sociologist and human-rights activist Saad Eddin Ibrahim, who is teaching in the U.S. rather than doing jail time in Egypt, spoke at Harvard, where he is a visiting fellow, the other day. I'm told: Saad said that the Israel lobby was working against the Egyptian democracy movement. The lobby is fearful of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood and hence a strangled democracy is a more desirable outcome. Still: a bit breathtaking. At one time, Saad was popular with pro-Israel supporters. He supported normalization with Israel. He met Israelis and wrote critically about Islamist violence. Now he's on the wrong side.
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ a-proisrael- egyptian- changes-camps- over-democracy. html
Centrist Israeli newspaper publishes call for the right of return
I wish this stuff would show up in the American Jewish press! Give us ten years, huh? Amaya Galili has a piece in Hebrew on the spiritual urgency of commemorating the Nakba, on Yedioth Aharonoth. Charles Kamen has made a translation that includes the following sane passages...
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ centrist- israeli-newspape r-publishes- call-for- the-right- of-return. html
No Independence for the Oppressed
I can't believe it almost slipped my mind. Walking up to Jaffa Gate with my kids the other day, I noticed an unusual buzz of activity where east meets west, just outside the large gate that takes a person out of the walled city. There is an open-air Israeli mall called Mamilla (eerily similar to Ma'man Allah, the nearby Muslim gravesite which Israel plans to build the tolerance museum over). The mall's parking lot is even built on part of this cemetery, according to Waqf officials. Anyway, on the spacious plaza before one descends the stairs to the shopping area, booths, makeshift kiosks and a mobile zoo were set up for the hundreds of eager shoppers and frolickers that day. Just in the distance, blue and white balloons were bunched up and tied to a pole so as not to fly away and at least 30 Israeli flags blew in the brisk wind.
http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=15056
"Israel, Palestine, and Queers"
It may be true, as Kirchick proudly states, that Israel "legally enshrines the rights of gay people," but it enshrines only some rights for some gay people.. Restricted freedom of movement, routine human rights abuses, detentions, checkpoints, and bombing campaigns are among the legally enshrined "rights" of Palestinians, whatever their sexual orientation, in the West Bank and Gaza.
http://mrzine. monthlyreview. org/mr280409. .html
Lebanon
Hezbollah alerts Lebanon to Israeli drill
A senior official with Lebanon's Shiite armed group Hezbollah warned Tuesday that an Israeli military maneuver on May 31 might target Lebanon, local Elnashra website reported. "Lebanon must go on high alert during the largest-ever Israeli military maneuver on May 31," head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc MP Mohammad Raad told Lebanese leaders during Tuesday's national dialogue session.
http://news. xinhuanet. com/english/ 2009-04/29/ content_11276272 .htm
'Maneuvers Suggest Israel Has Concealed Will to Initiate War'
29/04/2009 Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri said on Wednesday that the massive Israeli maneuvers scheduled between May 31 and June 4, were extremely dangerous, aimed against Lebanon, Syria and Iran and would take place along the Lebanese-Palestinia n border. Berri praised Lebanese security forces for dismantling Mossad linked networks recently. He stressed the maneuvers come at a time when Israeli spy agents have been increasingly active in Lebanon in a clear violation of UN resolution 1701.
http://almanar. com.lb/NewsSite/ NewsDetails. aspx?id=83611&language=en
April 29; A Decisive Day in the Four Officers' Life
Wednesday, April 29 is an unforgettable day in the life of the four detained officers and the Lebanese in general. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) said Monday that Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Francine will announce his decision on the fate of the four officers on Wednesday. This decision was taken five hours after the STL general prosecutor Daniel Bellemare handed down his recommendation.
http://almanar. com.lb/NewsSite/ NewsDetails. aspx?id=83478&language=en
Lebanon tribunal prosecutor requests generals' release
AMSTERDAM, April 29 (Reuters) - Four security generals being held in Lebanon over the killing of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik al-Hariri should be released, the prosecutor for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon said on Wednesday.
http://www.alertnet .org/thenews/ newsdesk/ LT871427. htm
A Tale of Four Generals and a 'Revolution'
29/04/2009 In a record speed and a clear political background, the March 14 bloc spread accusations against the four detained officers of standing behind the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005.. Their main slogan was 'down with the Lebanese-Syrian security system." Hours after the assassination, the well designed pictures of the four officers with different but unified and well organized comments, were raised during 'spontaneous' demonstrations where March 14 media outlets were mobilized against the four security officers as well as judicial and political figures.
http://almanar. com.lb/NewsSite/ NewsDetails. aspx?id=83647&language=en
Hundreds protest as US ambassador visits south
Hundreds of southerners, mostly women, staged a rally in the village of Abba Tuesday to protest against a scheduled visit by United States Ambassador Michel Sison. Sison had earlier visited the southern village of Kfarhata to inspect one of the intermediary schools there that receives funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id=2&article_id=101473
US Ambassador in Lebanon
US ambassador in Lebanon was inaugurating some theater in some schools in `Aba in South Lebanon earlier today. As soon as she arrived, reporters gathered and showered her with questions about American support for Israeli war crimes in Lebanon. Suddenly, a crowd gathered outside with makeshift signs against American embrace of Israeli war crimes andthe use of American weapons in South Lebanon. She hurried and left. This is based on a report with footage on NBN TV.
http://angryarab. blogspot. com/2009/ 04/us-ambassador -in-lebanon. html
US Ambassador in Lebanon (II)
New TV added more details about the failed visit by the US ambassador in Lebanon to South Lebanon. It showed a group of angry female demonstrators making threats against the ambassador, and there were shoes hailed in the air. When the ambassador made it to the school, she was asked by angry residents about the value of US aid when Israel destroys South Lebanon.
http://angryarab. blogspot. com/2009/ 04/us-ambassador -in-lebanon- ii.html
Iraq
17 KILLED, 48 WOUNDED IN TWIN CAR BOMB ATTACK ON BAGHDAD MARKET
http://www.alertnet .org/thenews/ newsdesk/ LT572638. htm
Five killed in car bomb blasts in Baghdad - police
BAGHDAD, April 29 (Reuters) - At least five people were killed and 15 wounded when two car bombs exploded at the same time in a busy market of Baghdad's Sadr City slum, police said.
http://www.alertnet .org/thenews/ newsdesk/ LT888069. htm
Cabinet considers Kut attack violation of security agreement
The Council of Ministers considered the attack waged by the U.S. forces in Kut as an unacceptable violation of the forces withdrawal agreement, the official spokesman for the Iraqi government said in a statement on Tuesday.
http://en.aswatalir aq.info/? p=112293
Iraq's Qaeda recruiting Muslim Shiites for bombing raids
Iraq's al-Qaeda branch has apparently managed to recruit Muslim Shiites in the country, the sect which until very recently it considered 'infidel' and worthy to be exterminated, according to Interior Ministry reports. The reports made public by Lt. Gen. Abdulkarim Khalaf point to successful attempts by the group to penetrate the ranks of Iraqi security forces. According to the reports three Muslim Shiites from the southern Province of Diwaniya and a police officer with links to al-Qaeda "have masterminded 27 deadly and bloody car bombings.
http://www.azzaman. com/english/ index.asp? fname=news\2009-04-29\ kurd.htm
Iraq owes Kuwait $25.5 bln in war damages (AFP)
AFP - Iraq owes Kuwait 25.5 billion dollars of war reparations for the 1990 occupation of the oil-rich emirate by Saddam Hussein's forces, a Kuwaiti official said on Tuesday.
http://news. yahoo.com/ s/afp/20090428/ wl_mideast_ afp/kuwaitiraqco mpensation
Accordance asks pardon for Montazer Al Zaidi
The Accordance Front called on Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to pardon journalist Montazer Al Zaidi in accordance with Constitution Article 73 which enables the President to issue a special pardon after presenting a recommendation to the Prime Minister.
http://www.alsumari a.tv/en/Iraq- News/1-30941- Accordance- asks-pardon- for-Montazer- Al-Zaidi. html
Internet becomes significant communication means among Iraqis in violence days
BAGHDAD, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Enjoying a cup of tea in the morning, 57-year-old Mahmoud al-Abid turned on his computer and read an email he has waited for several days. "Dear Mahmoud, thanks to God, my family members are safe in Diyala, the suicide bombing on Thursday is not near my house," said the email sent by one of Abid's close friends who lives in Diyala province on the northeast of Baghdad.
http://news. xinhuanet. com/english/ 2009-04/29/ content_11281960 .htm
U.S.
Calamity Jane Harman Shoots Herself in the Foot
The exposure of the Jane Harman-AIPAC axis of treason has exploded the illusion of the Israel Lobby's invulnerability. Here they thought they had the AIPAC espionage trial swept safely under the rug, or nearly so, what with the prosecution of two former top Lobby officials seemingly stalled indefinitely, and the Justice Department "reviewing" whether to pursue the case. Not only that, but accused Israeli spy Steve Rosen is riding high, having recently been instrumental in the downfall of Obama administration appointee Charles Freeman. Slated to take up a key post, which would have had him writing the president's daily intelligence briefing, Freeman was lynched by a bipartisan mob of neocons and Israel-firsters, with the disgraceful (albeit not sufficiently disgraced) Rosen leading the charge.
http://original. antiwar.com/ justin/2009/ 04/28/calamity- jane-harman- shoots-herself- in-the-foot/
Carter says US-Syria ties could return this year
Former President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday that the United States and Syria are close to restoring full diplomatic ties, but he doubted Cuba's new openness means its leaders are ready to grant free speech or change their political system.
http://feeds. sfgate.com/ click.phdo? i=e1f418c6b2623f ec988e16664976ea 7b
EXCLUSIVE: Jailed Houston Imam Zoubir Bouchikhi Speaks From Private Immigration Prison
We look at the case of Sheikh Zoubir Bouchikhi who has been held without bail at a private immigration prison in Houston for the past four months. Bouchikhi, a native of Algeria, has lived in the United States for the past 11 years and has four children, three of them American-born citizens. In 2007, he received notice that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had denied his application for permanent residency status. He was arrested by immigration authorities in December 2008. He has been held without bail ever since. He speaks from immigration jail in his first national broadcast interview.
http://www.democrac ynow.org/ 2009/4/29/ exclusive_ jailed_houston_ imam_zoubir_ bouchikhi
New Evidence of US Torture Prison in Poland
It has long been clear that the CIA used the Szymany military airbase in Poland for extraordinary renditions. Now there is evidence of a secret prison nearby.
http://www.spiegel. de/international /world/0, 1518,621450, 00.html
Andy Worthington: CIA Torture Began In Afghanistan 8 Months Before DOJ Approval
I don't know about you, but from my reading of this story, a number of the highest-ranking officials in the Bush administration need hauling up before the courts as soon as possible.
http://www.commondr eams.org/ view/2009/ 04/28-2
In Egypt, a blogger tries to spread 'culture of disobedience' among youths
Mohamed Abdel Aziz's Facebook group that opposes Mubarak's rule has drawn 76,000 followers. Though its calls for nationwide strikes have flopped, he remains determined. An activist in a police state should know when to sprint.
http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/dLPOK1AI9xI /la-fg-egypt- facebook29- 2009apr29, 0,5247369. story
UAE and torture
"One of the few notes of condemnation inside the Middle East came from the Iranian Press TV which said Sheikh Issa "has reaffirmed all the behaviours stereotyped in western films, media and literature about the basic and cruel nature of desert dwellers" – a fair point, except that the Iranian regime itself is no angel in these matters and has its own axe to grind against the UAE.." Before Brian Whitaker dispenses praise on Iranian TV, he should know that in fact this is a big story in the Middle East and I am receiving links to the tape and criticisms of it probably hourly, and from Arabs around the Arab world. I like and respect Whitaker (and I still recommend his critique of MEMRI and of Arab Development reports) although I did not like his book on gays in the Arab world but he should make more of an effort to destinguish between regime and people.
http://angryarab. blogspot. com/2009/ 04/uae-and- torture.html
A Jewish Professor Wins Big in Arab Land
Forget the Swine flu for a second the news are in, an American professor has made the news by becoming the first Jew to win a prestigious Arab prize—no, not land this time. The King Faisal International Prize in Medicine also known on the street as the "Arab Nobel Prize." Was awarded to Stanford professor Ronald Levy, whose specialty is Oncology where he heads the university's department. Professor Levy told Haaretz that as an American Jew married to an Israeli it never crossed his mind that he might win the Saudi-financed competition.
http://www.kabobfes t.com/2009/ 04/jewish- professor- wins-big- in-arab-land. html
Myth of Sectarianism in the 'New Middle East'
One of the lasting legacies of the failed US-led war on Iraq is without doubt the rise of sectarianism in the general discourse on Middle Eastern politics. Sectarianism has been pitched as the 'modern' story of the Middle East, yet its driving causes and true nature remain subject to sweeping and misplaced generalizations, particularly in the Western media. The subsequent rooting of a sectarian political discourse in understanding the dynamics of the Middle East, flavoured by myths and fallacies, primarily serves to further the interests of imperialist and colonialist powers in the region. At another level, this discourse seeks to insulate discredited Arab leaders (i.e. Moderate "allies") from the grievances of their own peoples as invented threats posed by an "other" are hyped up to disorientate the power of the masses.
http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=15057
Walt: Iranian clerics would never nuke the third-holiest site in Islam
Why are newspapers dying? One reason: because original thinkers are coming out of the academy and sharing their learned ideas on-line, and their journalism is better than the journalists' . Steve Walt today says that Netanyahu's expansionist policy is national suicide. And then he comes out for a blueprint to save the Jewish state. It's what I've said here before, Walt and Mearsheimer are the Israel lobby's best friends right now, they're realists who support the two-state solution.
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ walt-iranian- clerics-would- never-nuke- the-thirdholiest -site-in- islam.html
--
www.TheHeadlines. org
New route for wall through Bil'in still seizes Palestinian land
The killing of a protester last week at Bil'in in the West Bank has apparently had this effect: Israel has come up with a new route for its wall through the village in an effort to comply with several High Court of Justice rulings that the wall's path across Palestinian land is illegal. Israel is now planning to give back 700 dunums of land (about 180 acres). But keep 1000 dunums of Palestinian land east of the Green Line--so that a settlement called Matityahu East can be expanded.
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ new-route- for-wall- through-bilin- still-seizes- palestinian- land-.html
The Israeli municipality finishes preparations to demolish 50 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem
The Israeli Jerusalem municipality announced on Wednesday that it had finalized all the preparations needed to demolish 50 Palestinian- owned homes in Jerusalem.
http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60151
Israeli settlers bulldoze Palestinian owned lands near Salfit city
Israeli settlers supported by military units have been bulldozing Palestinian farm lands that belongs the villagers of Sartah near the northern West Bank city of Salfit.
http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60150
Zero Palestinian Evictions, now!
The inhabitants' associations, international networks, voluntary groups, NGOs, public agencies, citizens of the world, express their indignation at and denounce Israel's continual policies of eviction and demolition carried out against the Palestinian people, both Palestinians '48 (citizens of Israel) and Palestinians '67 (in the Occupied Palestinian Territory).
http://palsolidarit y.org/2009/ 04/6399
Aqsa foundation unveils Israeli plan to besiege Aqsa with dozens of synagogues
The Aqsa foundation for endowment and heritage revealed an Israeli scheme to encircle the Aqsa Mosque with more than 50 synagogues and dozens of Israeli security and military centers.
http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/
Detentions
Hamas says 13 members arrested in West Bank
Palestinian security forces arrested more than 13 members of Islamic Hamas movement over the past 24 hours in the West Bank, Hamas said on Wednesday. In a statement sent to the media, the Islamic movement said most of detainees were former prisoners held in Israeli jails, students and academics.
http://news. xinhuanet. com/english/ 2009-04/29/ content_11281942 ..htm
IOA releases MP Abdelrazek, Fatah preventive security kidnaps his son
The IOA released Dr. Omar Abdelrazek, a Palestinian lawmaker, Tuesday morning while the Fatah-affiliated preventive security apparatus kidnapped his son Mohamed soon after his release.
http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/
Israeli court refuses to release sick detainee
Israeli military court in Ofer jail has refused to release Palestinian detainee Nassim Al-Kharraz despite a recommendation by the jail's doctor that he should be released in view of his condition.
http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/
Cases of medical neglect in Israeli prisons rise, doctors not allowed to see man barely able to walk
Jenin / Ali Samdoui for PNN - Up day and night from pain, the mother of Ahmad Faisal Nazzal paces while looking for an answer. Her son is in Israeli prison where he is being refused medical treatment. She believes that Ahmad does not sleep either from an unknown illness, however he is not up pacing, he can barely walk. His mother says the occupation authorities will not disclose the truth.
http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content&task=view&id=5166
Palestinian to break record for longest-held political prisoner
Bethlehem – Ma'an – On Friday, 1 May, Palestinian Nael Barghouthi will become the world's record-holder as the longest-held political prisoner. Barghouthi will have completed more than 31 years in Israeli custody by May, said Abd An-Nasser Farawna, a Palestinian specialist in prisoners affairs. On Friday, Barghouthi will break the Guinness World Record, which is currently held by Sa'id Al-Ataba, a Palestinian who was also in Israeli custody.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&ID=37442
Na'el Barghouthi; 31 years behind bars, still counting
Former political prisoner, researcher and specialist in detainees' affairs, Abdul-Nasser Farawna, has revealed that detainee Na'el Barghouthi now spent 31years behind bars. He was kidnapped by Israeli forces on April 4th 1978.
http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60148
Palestinian prisoners' families protest at Red Cross
The Palestinian Prisoners Day (14th of April) has gone but the families of the Palestinian prisoners continue their struggle. As every Monday for several years now, today again they peacefully occupied the yard of the Red Cross building in Gaza City. Mothers, wives, sisters, children, showing the pictures of their beloved ones that they haven't seen for years, since the Israeli prohibition of visits for residents from Gaza Strip. Thousands of Palestinian prisoners, hundreds of children, tens of women, are suffering from institutionalized torture and ill-treatment, medical negligence, solitary confinement and other inhuman conditions in the Israeli jails.
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=WUlyU4jCi9c&feature=player_ embedded
Humanitarian Issues/Siege
Under siege: Unemployment in Gaza climbs to 44.8%
Gaza – Ma'an – With Labor Day approaching the Gaza City Chamber of Commerce released the latest unemployment figures for the besieged Strip and found the unemployment rate climbed to 44.8%, excluding those who have given up looking for work, in 2008. A report by Mahir At-Tabba, director of public relations at the Chamber of Commerce in Gaza City, found that 85% of the population in the Gaza Strip is dependent on humanitarian aid offered by UNRWA, the World Food Program, and other organizations. This was up from 63% in 2007.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&ID=37438
Situation of children in Gaza remains precarious 100 days after end of conflict
GAZA, 28 April 2009 – More than three months after the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, the Israeli blockade and inter-Palestinian tension are hampering recovery efforts.
http://www.reliefwe b.int/rw/ rwb.nsf/db900SID /VDUX-7RJLXE? OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Israeli authorities deny more than five thousand Palestinians their right to receive insurance allowances
The Israeli authorities have shown a clear disregard for their obligations towards more than 5000 disabled Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, by preventing them from receiving financial benefits paid by the National Insurance Institute of Israel. This decision comes in a context of escalating violations by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law, in dealing with the population of the Gaza Strip.
http://www.reliefwe b.int/rw/ rwb.nsf/db900SID /AMMF-7RJPYZ? OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Dr. Mads Gilbert: A Physician in Gaza
Dr. Mads Gilbert has worked and practiced medicine in Gaza for more than thirty years. One of the few western observers on the ground during Israel's January bombardment, Gilbert's testimony during the offensive was a critical source of information. On January 3, after an Israeli strike on a Gaza vegetable market, Gilbert sent a text message to his Norwegian and International contacts: "From doctor Mads Gilbert in Gaza: Thanks for your support," it read. "They bombed the central vegetable market in Gaza city two hours ago. 80 injured, 20 killed. All came here to Shifa.. Hades! We wade in death, blood and amputees. Many children. Pregnant woman. I have never experienced anything this horrible. Now we hear tanks. Tell it, pass it on, shout it. Anything. DO SOMETHING! DO MORE! We're living in the history books now, all of us!"
http://www.commondr eams.org/ video/2009/ 04/28-0
Gaza siege cuts off Palestinians from medical treatment
Mohammad al-Sheikh Yousef could save his eyesight if only he could cross the border out of Gaza. He was denied a permit by Israel; he got one from Egypt, but not for someone to accompany him. And he cannot go on his own because he cannot see very well.
http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_id=2&article_id=101458
Deprived of concrete, Gaza discovers bricks
Jihad Al-Shaer got tired of waiting for Israel to allow cement and steel into the Hamas-run Gaza Strip and took matters into his own hands, building a house of clay bricks.
http://www.haaretz. com/hasen/ spages/1081848. html
Eyewitness Reports/Testimonial s
Recalling Gaza war: Sleeping in one room with my four brothers, sister, mum and dad
http://www.palteleg raph..com/ index.php? option=com_ content&view=article&id=665:recalling- gaza-war- sleeping- in-one-room- with-my-four- brothers- sister-mum- and-dad&catid=85:diaries&Itemid=283
Arab Collaborators
Mubarak congratulates Israel on independence
Egyptian president expresses 'expectation for return of Mideast peace process to path leading to an end to violence bloodshed in a manner allowing establishment of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel in peace and security'.
http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 3708236,00. html
70-year old man dies in Gaza due to kidney failure
The Palestinian Ministry of Health of the dissolved Hamas government in Gaza reported Monday evening that a 70-year old man died of kidney failure after the Egyptian Health Ministry refused to recognize transfer papers to an Egyptian hospital.
http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60143
Mubarak rule
Egyptian authorities arrest a Saudi physician in Egypt because he had a picture of Hasan Nasrallah. He was later released.
http://www.alquds. co.uk/
Egypt refers 49 for plotting Hezbollah attacks
Egyptian security authorities referred 49 people to the public prosecutor on suspicion of plotting attacks on behalf of Lebanon's Shiite Muslim Hezbollah group, the state-run Middle East News Agency reported.
http://archive. gulfnews. com/region/ Egypt/10308650. html
Happy Birthday Saeb!
Israel gave you the perfect birthday present by announcing plans to confiscate 12,000 dunums of your hometown's land (Saeb can't tell the difference between hometown and place of residence-the Erekats are from Abu Dis). Of course, I'm sure you spent the day celebrating in your own special way: "Word on the street is that you spent your entire birthday weekend helping plaster your dictator's face all over town."
http://www.kabobfes t.com/2009/ 04/happy- birthday- saeb.html
Political Developments
Palestinians adjourn unity talks to May 16
AFP - Rival Palestinian groups Fatah and Hamas have adjourned their reconciliation talks in Cairo until May 16, Egyptian state-news agency MENA reported on Tuesday.
http://news. yahoo.com/ s/afp/20090428/ wl_mideast_ afp/mideastpales tinianpolitics
Leftist leader from PPP says only option if Cairo fails is a democratic election for all parties
Bethlehem / PNN – Palestinian Legislative Council member Bassam As-Salhi is also the Secretary General of the Palestinian People's Party. The prominent leftist said that a democratic option is the only solution in the event of success or failure of the Palestinian national dialogue underway again Monday in Cairo.
http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content&task=view&id=5155
Hamas: Any government not ratified by the PLC is illegitimate
Gaza – Ma'an – Any Palestinian government not ratified by the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) will be illegitimate, said Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum following leaked information Wednesday hinting that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas would form a new caretaker government in the coming ten days.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&ID=37446
Abbas expected to announce new caretaker government in ten days
Bethlehem – Ma'an Exclusive – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to form a new government in the ten days preceding his trip to Washington DC where he is set to meet with US President Barack Obama, high ranking sources said Wednesday. The information was leaked shortly after announcements from came after Palestinian Authority officials Azzam Al-Ahmad and Mahmoud Az-Zahhar that the Hamas-Fatah dialogue would be postponed yet again to 16 May. A dialogue session was set for 26 April, postponed to the 27th at which point sides worked through some of the outstanding issues related to conciliation. Hopes for a quick solution to division have crashed.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&ID=37443
Other News
Fatah wins Hebron University student council elections
Hebron – Ma'an – The Shabibeh Students Bloc (Fatah) won Hebron University Student Council elections for the second time in a row on Monday with Hamas boycotting the event. The Fatah-affiliated party won 30 seats while the Islamic League Bloc affiliated to Islamic Jihad took 4 seats and the National Initiative Coalition, affiliated with Mustafa Barghouthi's Palestine National Initiative got 4 seats.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&ID=37445
Haneyya gov't calls for pressuring Ramallah to send new passports
The Palestinian government in Gaza has asked legal and human rights organizations to pressure the Ramallah authority to send passports to the Gaza Strip.
http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/
AFP - President Shimon Peres will visit the United States next week where he will meet President Barack Obama in the first high-level meeting between the two allies since the new US administration took office.
http://news. yahoo.com/ s/afp/20090428/ pl_afp/mideastus diplomacyisraelp eres
Former PA official sentenced to seven years for embezzlement
Ramallah – Ma'an – A Palestinian Authority court in Ramallah sentenced a former deputy undersecretary of the Interior Ministry to seven years in prison on Tuesday. In addition to the former undersecretary, Muhammad Abdul-Latif Abu Hajja, the court also convicted his wife, Samira Arif Turkiyya, and son, Ayman, to seven years imprisonment and penal servitude, along with a fine of 375,000 US dollars.
http://www.maannews .net/en/index. php?opr=ShowDeta ils&Do=&ID=37429
Foreign journalists allege harassment at airport and elsewhere
"Some said that they had been taken aside into a separate room for questioning and that the process sometimes took hours."
http://www.jpost. com/servlet/ Satellite? cid=123971080557 3&pagename=JPost/ JPArticle/ ShowFull
Jerusalem's Jewish population declining due to 'exodus'
Some 313,000 Jews have left Jerusalem over the last 25 years, 105,000 more than those who moved to the capital during the same period. The 2005 figures, released by the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies, show that the balance of population in the city would have favored Jews over Arabs had measures been taken to curb the exodus. Today, 66 percent of Jerusalem's residents are Jews and 34 percent are Arabs. By 2020, the Jews are expected to comprise 60 percent of the city's population, while the Arabs are expected to reach 40 percent.
http://www.haaretz. com/hasen/ spages/763136. html
Media Bias/Israeli Propaganda
International Law Seldom Newsworthy in Gaza War; Israeli justifications often cited uncritically
U.S. corporate media coverage of the Israeli military attacks launched December 27 that, as of January 13, had reportedly killed over 900 and injured thousands more—many of them civilians—has overwhelmingly failed to mention that indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets are illegal under international humanitarian law. Israel's aerial attacks on Gazan infrastructure, including a TV station, police stations, a mosque, a university and even a U.N. school have been widely reported. Yet despite the fact that attacks on civilian infrastructure, including police stations, are illegal (Human Rights Watch, 12/31/08), questions of legality are almost entirely off the table in the U.S. media.
http://www.fair. org/index. php?page= 3767
The Art of Not Getting it: David Brooks on Israeli Public Culture
For David Brooks, Israeli obnoxiousness is due to the fact that Israel is "a tough, scrappy country, perpetually fighting for survival." That is the American Zionist's impression to be sure, because Palestinians who see Israeli aggressiveness cannot treat it so cutely -- it is violent and chauvinistic. Palestinians are on the receiving end not as high falutin', five star western journalists, but as the people displaced by the national culture Brooks so simply tries to understand.
http://www.kabobfes t.com/2009/ 04/art-of- not-getting- it-david- brooks-on. html
Analysis/Op- ed
Encountering peace: Education for peace - who will stand up to the challenge? Part II
If Israel is calling for the Palestinians to revise and reform their textbooks in the spirit of making peace, it must also look inside its own classrooms and do the same.
http://www.jpost. com/servlet/ Satellite? cid=123971080602 6&pagename=JPArticle/ ShowFull
Racism, boycott and a big dose of hypocrisy
The Durban Review Conference held last week was initially intended to be a forum to evaluate the progress towards goals set eight years ago. But bullying tactics by certain European/North American states ensured that the draft Durban Review Conference declaration excluded any criticism of Israel. In the planning process original "offensive" statements such as those referring to "unlawful collective punishment" and "torture" were removed. Isabelle Humphries comments for The Electronic Intifada.
http://electronicin tifada.net/ v2/article10488. shtml
New liberal consensus: Israel's racist policies fuel anti-Semitism
Some news: I think there's a new non-Zionist liberal consensus, brought on by Gaza and Lieberman, lapping at Congress and the White House too. The not-in-my-name ranks are growing in Jewish life. Here is Dana Goldstein at the American Prospect (echoing Noam Sheizaf) on Israeli policies. Note the universalist moment at the end.
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ new-liberal- consensus- israels-racist- policies- fuel-antisemitis m.html
The Lobby's Achievement: Landgrab
One of my favorite themes is that Palestinian statelessness is an American Jewish achievement- -the lobby's support for the settlement program throughout the '90s. Jeff Blankfort reports on a review of Dan Fleshler's book on the Israel lobby, in The Jewish Week...
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ the-lobbys- achievement- landgrab. html
A pro-Israel Egyptian changes camps, over democracy...
Egyptian sociologist and human-rights activist Saad Eddin Ibrahim, who is teaching in the U.S. rather than doing jail time in Egypt, spoke at Harvard, where he is a visiting fellow, the other day. I'm told: Saad said that the Israel lobby was working against the Egyptian democracy movement. The lobby is fearful of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood and hence a strangled democracy is a more desirable outcome. Still: a bit breathtaking. At one time, Saad was popular with pro-Israel supporters. He supported normalization with Israel. He met Israelis and wrote critically about Islamist violence. Now he's on the wrong side.
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ a-proisrael- egyptian- changes-camps- over-democracy. html
Centrist Israeli newspaper publishes call for the right of return
I wish this stuff would show up in the American Jewish press! Give us ten years, huh? Amaya Galili has a piece in Hebrew on the spiritual urgency of commemorating the Nakba, on Yedioth Aharonoth. Charles Kamen has made a translation that includes the following sane passages...
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ centrist- israeli-newspape r-publishes- call-for- the-right- of-return. html
No Independence for the Oppressed
I can't believe it almost slipped my mind. Walking up to Jaffa Gate with my kids the other day, I noticed an unusual buzz of activity where east meets west, just outside the large gate that takes a person out of the walled city. There is an open-air Israeli mall called Mamilla (eerily similar to Ma'man Allah, the nearby Muslim gravesite which Israel plans to build the tolerance museum over). The mall's parking lot is even built on part of this cemetery, according to Waqf officials. Anyway, on the spacious plaza before one descends the stairs to the shopping area, booths, makeshift kiosks and a mobile zoo were set up for the hundreds of eager shoppers and frolickers that day. Just in the distance, blue and white balloons were bunched up and tied to a pole so as not to fly away and at least 30 Israeli flags blew in the brisk wind.
http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=15056
"Israel, Palestine, and Queers"
It may be true, as Kirchick proudly states, that Israel "legally enshrines the rights of gay people," but it enshrines only some rights for some gay people.. Restricted freedom of movement, routine human rights abuses, detentions, checkpoints, and bombing campaigns are among the legally enshrined "rights" of Palestinians, whatever their sexual orientation, in the West Bank and Gaza.
http://mrzine. monthlyreview. org/mr280409. .html
Lebanon
Hezbollah alerts Lebanon to Israeli drill
A senior official with Lebanon's Shiite armed group Hezbollah warned Tuesday that an Israeli military maneuver on May 31 might target Lebanon, local Elnashra website reported. "Lebanon must go on high alert during the largest-ever Israeli military maneuver on May 31," head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc MP Mohammad Raad told Lebanese leaders during Tuesday's national dialogue session.
http://news. xinhuanet. com/english/ 2009-04/29/ content_11276272 .htm
'Maneuvers Suggest Israel Has Concealed Will to Initiate War'
29/04/2009 Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri said on Wednesday that the massive Israeli maneuvers scheduled between May 31 and June 4, were extremely dangerous, aimed against Lebanon, Syria and Iran and would take place along the Lebanese-Palestinia n border. Berri praised Lebanese security forces for dismantling Mossad linked networks recently. He stressed the maneuvers come at a time when Israeli spy agents have been increasingly active in Lebanon in a clear violation of UN resolution 1701.
http://almanar. com.lb/NewsSite/ NewsDetails. aspx?id=83611&language=en
April 29; A Decisive Day in the Four Officers' Life
Wednesday, April 29 is an unforgettable day in the life of the four detained officers and the Lebanese in general. The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) said Monday that Pre-Trial Judge Daniel Francine will announce his decision on the fate of the four officers on Wednesday. This decision was taken five hours after the STL general prosecutor Daniel Bellemare handed down his recommendation.
http://almanar. com.lb/NewsSite/ NewsDetails. aspx?id=83478&language=en
Lebanon tribunal prosecutor requests generals' release
AMSTERDAM, April 29 (Reuters) - Four security generals being held in Lebanon over the killing of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik al-Hariri should be released, the prosecutor for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon said on Wednesday.
http://www.alertnet .org/thenews/ newsdesk/ LT871427. htm
A Tale of Four Generals and a 'Revolution'
29/04/2009 In a record speed and a clear political background, the March 14 bloc spread accusations against the four detained officers of standing behind the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005.. Their main slogan was 'down with the Lebanese-Syrian security system." Hours after the assassination, the well designed pictures of the four officers with different but unified and well organized comments, were raised during 'spontaneous' demonstrations where March 14 media outlets were mobilized against the four security officers as well as judicial and political figures.
http://almanar. com.lb/NewsSite/ NewsDetails. aspx?id=83647&language=en
Hundreds protest as US ambassador visits south
Hundreds of southerners, mostly women, staged a rally in the village of Abba Tuesday to protest against a scheduled visit by United States Ambassador Michel Sison. Sison had earlier visited the southern village of Kfarhata to inspect one of the intermediary schools there that receives funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id=2&article_id=101473
US Ambassador in Lebanon
US ambassador in Lebanon was inaugurating some theater in some schools in `Aba in South Lebanon earlier today. As soon as she arrived, reporters gathered and showered her with questions about American support for Israeli war crimes in Lebanon. Suddenly, a crowd gathered outside with makeshift signs against American embrace of Israeli war crimes andthe use of American weapons in South Lebanon. She hurried and left. This is based on a report with footage on NBN TV.
http://angryarab. blogspot. com/2009/ 04/us-ambassador -in-lebanon. html
US Ambassador in Lebanon (II)
New TV added more details about the failed visit by the US ambassador in Lebanon to South Lebanon. It showed a group of angry female demonstrators making threats against the ambassador, and there were shoes hailed in the air. When the ambassador made it to the school, she was asked by angry residents about the value of US aid when Israel destroys South Lebanon.
http://angryarab. blogspot. com/2009/ 04/us-ambassador -in-lebanon- ii.html
Iraq
17 KILLED, 48 WOUNDED IN TWIN CAR BOMB ATTACK ON BAGHDAD MARKET
http://www.alertnet .org/thenews/ newsdesk/ LT572638. htm
Five killed in car bomb blasts in Baghdad - police
BAGHDAD, April 29 (Reuters) - At least five people were killed and 15 wounded when two car bombs exploded at the same time in a busy market of Baghdad's Sadr City slum, police said.
http://www.alertnet .org/thenews/ newsdesk/ LT888069. htm
Cabinet considers Kut attack violation of security agreement
The Council of Ministers considered the attack waged by the U.S. forces in Kut as an unacceptable violation of the forces withdrawal agreement, the official spokesman for the Iraqi government said in a statement on Tuesday.
http://en.aswatalir aq.info/? p=112293
Iraq's Qaeda recruiting Muslim Shiites for bombing raids
Iraq's al-Qaeda branch has apparently managed to recruit Muslim Shiites in the country, the sect which until very recently it considered 'infidel' and worthy to be exterminated, according to Interior Ministry reports. The reports made public by Lt. Gen. Abdulkarim Khalaf point to successful attempts by the group to penetrate the ranks of Iraqi security forces. According to the reports three Muslim Shiites from the southern Province of Diwaniya and a police officer with links to al-Qaeda "have masterminded 27 deadly and bloody car bombings.
http://www.azzaman. com/english/ index.asp? fname=news\2009-04-29\ kurd.htm
Iraq owes Kuwait $25.5 bln in war damages (AFP)
AFP - Iraq owes Kuwait 25.5 billion dollars of war reparations for the 1990 occupation of the oil-rich emirate by Saddam Hussein's forces, a Kuwaiti official said on Tuesday.
http://news. yahoo.com/ s/afp/20090428/ wl_mideast_ afp/kuwaitiraqco mpensation
Accordance asks pardon for Montazer Al Zaidi
The Accordance Front called on Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to pardon journalist Montazer Al Zaidi in accordance with Constitution Article 73 which enables the President to issue a special pardon after presenting a recommendation to the Prime Minister.
http://www.alsumari a.tv/en/Iraq- News/1-30941- Accordance- asks-pardon- for-Montazer- Al-Zaidi. html
Internet becomes significant communication means among Iraqis in violence days
BAGHDAD, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Enjoying a cup of tea in the morning, 57-year-old Mahmoud al-Abid turned on his computer and read an email he has waited for several days. "Dear Mahmoud, thanks to God, my family members are safe in Diyala, the suicide bombing on Thursday is not near my house," said the email sent by one of Abid's close friends who lives in Diyala province on the northeast of Baghdad.
http://news. xinhuanet. com/english/ 2009-04/29/ content_11281960 .htm
U.S.
Calamity Jane Harman Shoots Herself in the Foot
The exposure of the Jane Harman-AIPAC axis of treason has exploded the illusion of the Israel Lobby's invulnerability. Here they thought they had the AIPAC espionage trial swept safely under the rug, or nearly so, what with the prosecution of two former top Lobby officials seemingly stalled indefinitely, and the Justice Department "reviewing" whether to pursue the case. Not only that, but accused Israeli spy Steve Rosen is riding high, having recently been instrumental in the downfall of Obama administration appointee Charles Freeman. Slated to take up a key post, which would have had him writing the president's daily intelligence briefing, Freeman was lynched by a bipartisan mob of neocons and Israel-firsters, with the disgraceful (albeit not sufficiently disgraced) Rosen leading the charge.
http://original. antiwar.com/ justin/2009/ 04/28/calamity- jane-harman- shoots-herself- in-the-foot/
Carter says US-Syria ties could return this year
Former President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday that the United States and Syria are close to restoring full diplomatic ties, but he doubted Cuba's new openness means its leaders are ready to grant free speech or change their political system.
http://feeds. sfgate.com/ click.phdo? i=e1f418c6b2623f ec988e16664976ea 7b
EXCLUSIVE: Jailed Houston Imam Zoubir Bouchikhi Speaks From Private Immigration Prison
We look at the case of Sheikh Zoubir Bouchikhi who has been held without bail at a private immigration prison in Houston for the past four months. Bouchikhi, a native of Algeria, has lived in the United States for the past 11 years and has four children, three of them American-born citizens. In 2007, he received notice that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had denied his application for permanent residency status. He was arrested by immigration authorities in December 2008. He has been held without bail ever since. He speaks from immigration jail in his first national broadcast interview.
http://www.democrac ynow.org/ 2009/4/29/ exclusive_ jailed_houston_ imam_zoubir_ bouchikhi
New Evidence of US Torture Prison in Poland
It has long been clear that the CIA used the Szymany military airbase in Poland for extraordinary renditions. Now there is evidence of a secret prison nearby.
http://www.spiegel. de/international /world/0, 1518,621450, 00.html
Andy Worthington: CIA Torture Began In Afghanistan 8 Months Before DOJ Approval
I don't know about you, but from my reading of this story, a number of the highest-ranking officials in the Bush administration need hauling up before the courts as soon as possible.
http://www.commondr eams.org/ view/2009/ 04/28-2
The Psychologists of Torture
Medical professionals designed and helped to implement Bush administration interrogation practices.
http://www.intheset imes.com/ article/4387/ the_psychologist s_of_torture
Truth commission to proceed despite Obama's wishes
Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) plans to proceed with a special commission to investigate alleged Bush administration abuses of power, despite lacking President Barack Obama's support, according to a report Tuesday.
http://rawstory. com/08/blog/ 2009/04/28/ truth-commission -to-proceed- despite-obamas- wishes/
Other world news
The fight against Arab corruption will triumph from within
The scene in the ballroom of the venerable Bristol Hotel in Beirut last week was the epitome of low-keyness: dozens of mature men and a sprinkling of women seated around a large, U-shaped conference table, in slightly dim lighting, hearing lecturers and participating in open discussions over two days.
http://www.dailysta r..com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_id=5&article_id=101447
In Egypt, a blogger tries to spread 'culture of disobedience' among youths
Mohamed Abdel Aziz's Facebook group that opposes Mubarak's rule has drawn 76,000 followers. Though its calls for nationwide strikes have flopped, he remains determined. An activist in a police state should know when to sprint.
http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/dLPOK1AI9xI /la-fg-egypt- facebook29- 2009apr29, 0,5247369. story
UAE and torture
"One of the few notes of condemnation inside the Middle East came from the Iranian Press TV which said Sheikh Issa "has reaffirmed all the behaviours stereotyped in western films, media and literature about the basic and cruel nature of desert dwellers" – a fair point, except that the Iranian regime itself is no angel in these matters and has its own axe to grind against the UAE.." Before Brian Whitaker dispenses praise on Iranian TV, he should know that in fact this is a big story in the Middle East and I am receiving links to the tape and criticisms of it probably hourly, and from Arabs around the Arab world. I like and respect Whitaker (and I still recommend his critique of MEMRI and of Arab Development reports) although I did not like his book on gays in the Arab world but he should make more of an effort to destinguish between regime and people.
http://angryarab. blogspot. com/2009/ 04/uae-and- torture.html
A Jewish Professor Wins Big in Arab Land
Forget the Swine flu for a second the news are in, an American professor has made the news by becoming the first Jew to win a prestigious Arab prize—no, not land this time. The King Faisal International Prize in Medicine also known on the street as the "Arab Nobel Prize." Was awarded to Stanford professor Ronald Levy, whose specialty is Oncology where he heads the university's department. Professor Levy told Haaretz that as an American Jew married to an Israeli it never crossed his mind that he might win the Saudi-financed competition.
http://www.kabobfes t.com/2009/ 04/jewish- professor- wins-big- in-arab-land. html
Myth of Sectarianism in the 'New Middle East'
One of the lasting legacies of the failed US-led war on Iraq is without doubt the rise of sectarianism in the general discourse on Middle Eastern politics. Sectarianism has been pitched as the 'modern' story of the Middle East, yet its driving causes and true nature remain subject to sweeping and misplaced generalizations, particularly in the Western media. The subsequent rooting of a sectarian political discourse in understanding the dynamics of the Middle East, flavoured by myths and fallacies, primarily serves to further the interests of imperialist and colonialist powers in the region. At another level, this discourse seeks to insulate discredited Arab leaders (i.e. Moderate "allies") from the grievances of their own peoples as invented threats posed by an "other" are hyped up to disorientate the power of the masses.
http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=15057
Walt: Iranian clerics would never nuke the third-holiest site in Islam
Why are newspapers dying? One reason: because original thinkers are coming out of the academy and sharing their learned ideas on-line, and their journalism is better than the journalists' . Steve Walt today says that Netanyahu's expansionist policy is national suicide. And then he comes out for a blueprint to save the Jewish state. It's what I've said here before, Walt and Mearsheimer are the Israel lobby's best friends right now, they're realists who support the two-state solution.
http://www.philipwe iss.org/mondowei ss/2009/04/ walt-iranian- clerics-would- never-nuke- the-thirdholiest -site-in- islam.html
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www.TheHeadlines. org
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