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Post by emeraldsun on Mar 28, 2011 0:52:42 GMT 4
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 28, 2011 1:36:23 GMT 4
We were talking about this the other day and now is as good a time as any to share:
I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.
— Litany against fear by Frank Herbert
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 28, 2011 1:44:20 GMT 4
Emeraldsun, I'm sorry that this is off-topic....  Israel deploys rocket defense system against GazaBy ARON HELLER, Associated Press Aron Heller, Associated Press – 1 hr 57 mins agoBEERSHEBA, Israel – Israel deployed a cutting-edge rocket defense system on Sunday, rolling out the latest tool in its arsenal to stop a recent spike in attacks from the neighboring Gaza Strip. Israel hopes the homegrown Iron Dome system will provide increased security to its citizens, but officials warned that it can't do the job alone. The system went into operation shortly after an Israeli aircraft struck a group of militants in Gaza, killing two. Israeli said they were about to fire a rocket. The Iron Dome system has raised hopes that Israel has finally found a solution to the years of rocket fire from Gaza. The primitive rockets have evaded Israel's high-tech weaponry, in part because their short flight path, just a few seconds, makes them hard to track. The government approved Iron Dome in 2007. Its developers have compared the effort to a high-tech start-up, working around the clock in small teams to perfect its weapons, radar and software systems. The developer, local defense contractor Rafael, declared the system ready for use last year. Iron Dome uses sophisticated cameras and radar to track incoming rockets, determine where they will land, and intercept and destroy them far from their targets. If the system determines the rocket is headed to an open area where casualties are unlikely, it can allow the weapon to explode on the ground. Brig. Gen. Doron Gavish, commander of Israel's air defense corps, said Iron Dome has passed a series of tests and has now reached its "evaluation phase" in the field. It is expected to be fully operational in a matter of months.He added that it was only supposed to be deployed later in the year, but it was put into operation earlier because of the recent rocket attacks from Gaza. "Obviously, after what we saw in the last few weeks, we accelerated the phases," he said, standing before the brown, box-like battery on the outskirts of Beersheba, southern Israel's largest city with a population of nearly 200,000. After two years of relative calm, tensions along the Israel-Gaza border have heated up in recent weeks with Gaza militants firing deeper and more frequently into Israel, and the military striking back hard. Beersheba, more than 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Gaza, has been struck several times. Although Israel and Gaza's ruling Hamas militant group have both said they have no interest in escalating the situation, the renewed hostilities have fed concerns of another large-scale Israeli military operation. In December 2008, Israel invaded Gaza in response to years of rocket and mortar barrages on its southern communities, killing 1,400 Palestinians, including more than 900 civilians, and causing widespread destruction. Thirteen Israelis also died. Israel believes that Hamas, which suffered heavy losses in the fighting, has recovered from the fighting and restocked its arsenal with more powerful weapons. Gaza militants, including Islamic Jihad and Hamas, said over the weekend that they would halt their fire if Israel did. But early Sunday, Israeli aircraft struck a Palestinian rocket squad in the Gaza Strip, killing two militants from Islamic Jihad, a smaller rival of Hamas. It was not clear whether Islamic Jihad was reneging on its commitment to the cease-fire, or whether the airstrike hit a rogue group of militants. Hamas government spokesman Taher Nunu urged all militant factions to halt their fire as agreed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had "no interest" in escalating things. "But we won't hesitate to employ the might of the military against those who would attack our citizens," Netanyahu told his Cabinet. Netanyahu also gave a sober assessment of Iron Dome, saying he "didn't want to create the illusion" that the system would offer Israel 100 percent protection from rocket attacks. "The Iron Dome system is still in an experimental stage, and at any rate, we cannot deploy batteries that can protect every house, every school, every (military) base and every facility," he said. A second anti-missile battery will be deployed in another large southern city, Ashdod, the military said, without specifying a date.Officials refused to say how many batteries would be deployed altogether, what their range was, or how much the system would cost. Analysts have estimated the cost of shooting down a rocket could be tens of thousands of dollars, compared to just a few hundred dollars to produce the rocket. "The real test is not the price of knocking down the rocket, but how much damage the rocket would cause, and the price in human life, if it hits," said Gavish, the air force officer. Uzi Rubin, an Israeli missile defense expert, said the system is bound to suffer initial malfunctions as operators learn how to use it. "Unfortunately, Israel is writing the book," Rubin said. "That includes doing some things right and sometimes making some mistakes." _____
Associated Press writers Josh Lederman contributed to this report from Jerusalem, and Ibrahim Barzak from Gaza City, Gaza Strip.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110327/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_rocket_defense |
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 28, 2011 1:48:03 GMT 4
[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1333
Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:30 pm (PDT)
***Occupied Palestine and Israel: News and Articles*
*News*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
*International Middle East Media Center* <http://imemc. org/>
*Hamas Mourns Political Leader In Hebron*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60947>
IMEMC - Sunday March 27, 2011 - 05:38, The Hamas movement issued a press
release mourning Dr. Andan Abdul-Hafeth Masoudy (Abu Al Abed), 72, who
died on Saturday evening due to a number of chronic diseases.
*Abbas Meets Hamas Leaders In The West Bank*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60946>
IMEMC - Sunday March 27, 2011 - 00:12, Palestinian President, Mahmoud
Abbas, met on Saturday with Hamas representatives in the West Bank and
told them he plans to head to Gaza in an attempt to end internal rifts
and to form an interim unity government run by independent figures.
*Palestinian Prime Minister Meets US Defense Secretary; Demands
Palestinian State By September* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60943>
IMEMC - Saturday March 26, 2011 - 11:32, Salam Fayyad, the Prime
Minister of the Palestinian Authority led by the Fateh party, met on
Friday with Robert Gates, the US Secretary of State, who was visiting
Ramallah after a visit with the Israeli Prime Minister earlier on Friday.
*Weekly Non-violent Protests Attacked in the West Bank*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60941>
IMEMC - Saturday March 26, 2011 - 00:47, Three protesters were injured
and 13 arrested when Israeli troops forcibly suppressed weekly anti-wall
protest marches in several locations across the West Bank.
*Ma'an News* <http://maannews. net/en/>
*Gaza factions offer truce, if Israel reciprocates*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372570>
3/26/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Palestinian factions in Gaza agreed
Saturday to commit to a truce with Israel if its military stopped
attacking the coastal enclave. The decision was made at a two-hour
meeting in Gaza City, initiated by Hamas, to discuss Israel's escalation
in attacks on the Gaza Strip. Over the last....
*Israel bulldozes Fayyad's Freedom Road, again*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=371931>
3/26/2011 - SALFIT (Ma'an) -- Israeli authorities bulldozed "Freedom
Road" in the northern West Bank district of Salfit for the second time
on Thursday. Freedom Road was funded by the Palestinian Authority, and
cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The project was part of Prime
Minister Salam Fayyad's plan to build institutions and infrastructure. ...
*UNHRC adopts 4 resolutions criticizing Israel*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372404>
3/26/2011 - GENEVA (Ma'an) -- The United Nations Human Rights Council
adopted four decisions against Israel on Friday, with Arab and Islamic
countries and some Latin American countries voting in favor and the US
voting against. In one resolution, the council demanded that Israel end
its occupation of the Palestinian land occupied since 1967, and that....
*Report: UN, EU urged to broker peace deal*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372382>
3/26/2011 - NEW YORK (Ma'an) -- Britain, France and Germany want the UN
and EU to propose the outlines of a final settlement of the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict that would lead to the establishment of a
Palestinian state, UN diplomats have reportedly said. The three
countries, all members of the Security Council, are pressing for
Secretary-General Ban....
*Israel: Rocket from Gaza strikes Eshkol area*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372426>
3/26/2011 - TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma'an) -- A rocket landed early Saturday
morning in the Eshkol Regional Council and damaged a house, Israeli
media said. No injuries were reported in the attack and another rocket
landed in an open field nearby, the Israeli news site Ynet reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US Defense Secretary... .
*Molotov cocktail hurled at Israeli forces in Silwan*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372497>
3/26/2011 - JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- A Molotov cocktail was hurled Saturday
morning at an Israeli military base stationed at a private Palestinian
building in Batn Al-Hawa neighborhood of Silwan south of Jerusalem's Old
City. Director of the Wadi Hilweh information center Jawad Siyam told
Ma'an that Israeli troops stationed on top of....
*Army: Projectile fired into Israel from Gaza*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372545>
3/26/2011 - TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma'an) -- Militants in Gaza fired a
projectile into southern Israel on Saturday afternoon, causing no damage
or injuries, the Israeli army said. A military spokeswoman added that
two projectiles were fired overnight on Friday, one of which caused
damage to a home. As yet, no Gaza factions have claimed the....
*Islamic Jihad vows response to 'Israeli crimes'*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372086>
3/26/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Islamic Jihad leader Khader Habib vowed
Thursday that the movement would respond to Israel's escalation in
attacks against the Gaza Strip. On Wednesday, Israeli warplanes killed
four members of the movement's military wing, the Al Quds Brigades, in
an air strike south of Gaza City. The....
*Abbas: No peace agreement until prisoners released*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372486>
3/26/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) - There will be no peace agreement before
all Palestinian prisoners in Israel's custody are released, President
Mahmoud Abbas said Saturday. During a reception in Ramallah for the
coordinator of the popular committee against the wall and settlements in
Bil'in, Abdullah Abu Rahma, recently freed from Israeli jail....
*Sources: Hamas officials to meet Abbas Saturday*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372373>
3/26/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) - Former speaker of the Palestinian
Legislative Council Aziz Dweik and other Hamas leaders and lawmakers
from the West Bank have received invitations to meet with President
Mahmoud Abbas. Sources close to Hamas told Ma'an the meeting would be
held Saturday afternoon. Ma'an learned on Friday the meeting....
*Abu Rudaineh calls on Hamas to accept Abbas' offer*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372543>
3/26/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu
Rudaineh on Saturday urged Hamas to approve President Mahmoud Abbas'
initiative to restore national unity. Abbas accepted an invitation from
Gaza premier Ismail Haniyeh to visit the Gaza Strip in the midst of
massive youth protests demanding an end to the division between the
Hamas-run Gaza....
*Abbas meets Hamas leaders in Ramallah*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372566>
3/26/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- President Mahmoud Abbas held talks
Saturday with Hamas leaders in Ramallah, in a meeting both sides
described as "positive." Aziz Dweik, the Hamas head of the Palestinian
legislature, said the meeting was "highly positive" and that "practical
moves on the ground will taken in the coming days" regarding Abbas'
proposed....
*Palestinian killed in Syria*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372351>
3/26/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- A Palestinian man was killed Wednesday
in Deraa, Syria, a Ma'an correspondent said. Wisam Ameen Al-Ghoul, 33,
died while he was helping take care of injured Syrians in hospitals in
Deraa. Armed people opened fire on the car that he was in with a Syrian
doctor and a....
*Rebels seize key Libyan town as Obama praises mission*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372540>
3/26/2011 - AJDABIYA, Libya (AFP) - Libyan rebels seized control of the
strategic town of Ajdabiya on Saturday, marking their first significant
victory over Colonel Moammar Gadhafi's forces since the launch of the
Western-led air strikes a week ago. US President Barack Obama said the
international mission had saved countless innocents from a "bloodbath"
threatened by....
*Protests erupt in south Syria*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372549>
3/26/2011 - DAMASCUS (AFP) - Protesters in the southern Syrian town of
Tafas torched an office of the ruling Baath party, a rights activist at
the scene told AFP. Thousands of people hit the streets in Tafas setting
fire to the local Baath party headquarters and a police station,
chanting slogans "hostile to the regime," the activist said....
*Palestine Note* <http://palestinenot e.com/cs/>
*"Expired" Arab regimes.*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ blogs/archive/ 2011/03/26/ quot-expired- quot-arab- regimes.aspx>
Palestine Note 26 Mar 2011 - The Arab leaders seem to be waking up from
long sleep, similar to the "people of the cave/ Ahl Akahaf" the story in
the Holy Quran or are waking up from overdose or hang even a comma. They
woke up...
*Aljazeera* <http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/>
*Ouatarra rejects AU mediation offer*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ africa/2011/ 03/2011326235346 48404.html>
AlJazeera 26 Mar 2011 - Alassane Ouattara cites AU envoy's personal
relations with incumbent president Luarent Gbagbo as problematic.
*Yemen minister holds hope for power transfer*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/03/20113269 194143409. html>
AlJazeera 26 Mar 2011 - Foreign minister optimistic about transition
deal, but president's camp warns little progress has been made.
*Deaths in Syria protests as crisis grows*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/03/20113261 6546326475. html>
AlJazeera 26 Mar 2011 - Officials confirm 27 killed in clashes in cities
of Homs, Sanamen, Daraa and Latakia since rallies began on March 15.
*Palestinian rivals hold unity talks*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/03/20113261 51419758861. html>
AlJazeera 26 Mar 2011 - President Abbas meets Hamas officials following
calls by Palestinians for factions to end political split.
*NATO air raid kills Afghan civilians*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ asia/2011/ 03/2011326123719 286979.html>
AlJazeera 26 Mar 2011 - Coalition pledges investigation after attack
targeting two vehicles leaves several people dead and wounded.
*Palestinian Center for Human Rights* <http://pchrgaza. org/>
*Unknown Persons Blow Women's Beauty Salon in Rafah and Car of The
Assistant Comptroller General of the Security Services in Gaza*
<http://www.pchrgaza .org/portal/ en/index. php?option= com_content& view=article& id=7307:unknown- persons-blow- womens-beauty- salon-in- rafah-and- car-of-the- assistant- comptroller- general-of- the-security- services- in-gaza-& catid=61: field-update- security- chaos-&Itemid= 211>
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Sunday, 20 March 2011
*Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied
Palestinian Territory (17-23 March 2011)*
<http://www.pchrgaza .org/portal/ en/index. php?option= com_content& view=article& id=7321:weekly- report-on- israeli-human- rights-violation s-in-the- occupied- palestinian- territory- 17-23-march- 2011&catid= 84:weekly- 2009&Itemid= 183>
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
*International Solidarity Movement* <http://palsolidarit y.org/>
*Bombing of Khuza'a facilities* <http://palsolidarit y.org/2011/ 03/17188/>
3/26/2011 - International Solidarity Movement - 26 March, ISM Gaza -
Khuza'a is a village located in the southern Gaza Strip, in the Khan
Younis governorate, near the border with Israel. It is a quiet place
inhabited mainly by farmers. On the night of March 21st a warehouse used
by the local authority to maintain vehicles and materials needed to....
Related:2009: Israel accused of war crimes over 12-hour assault on Gaza
village
<http://www.guardian .co.uk/world/ 2009/jan/ 18/israel- war-crimes- gaza-conflict>
*Israeli army destroy home in Jordan Valley*
<http://palsolidarit y.org/2011/ 03/17196/>
3/26/2011 - International Solidarity Movement - Settlers erect tent 10
metres from family - Yesterday afternoon the Israeli army destroyed the
home of the Nabel Daraghmeh family who have been living in the Ein Al
Hilwe region of the Jordan Valley for over 15 years. Three days
previously, a group of armed illegal settlers descended in the middle of
the night on....
*Palestine Telegraph* <http://paltelegraph .com/>
*Boycotting Israel ... from within*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 8764-boycotting- israel--from- within.html>
26 Mar 2011 - Palestine, (Pal telegraph) - It was Egypt that got me
thinking about the Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement in a
serious way. I was already conducting a quiet targeted boycott of
settlement goods - silently reading labels at the grocery store to make
sure I was not buying anything that came from over the Green Line.
*Serving the Refugees of Dheisheh Camp in Palestine*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ palestinian- refugees/ 8761-serving- the-refugees- of-dheisheh- camp-in-palestin e.html>
26 Mar 2011 - West Bank, (Pal Telegraph) - On a visit to Al-Feneiq
Cultural Center, meeting with well-respected Naji Owdah seemed to be a
worthwhile opportunity to familiarise with what work is done by a
popular committee inside a refugee camp, and how the needs of people
living in Dheisheh are served. The views presented here are those
expressed by the interviewee. ...
*Calls to protect upcoming Gaza aid Flotilla as Israel hints to attack*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ gaza-strip/ 8758-calls- to-protect- upcoming- gaza-aid- flotilla- as-israel- hints-to- attack.html>
26 Mar 2011 - London, (Pal Telegraph) - Despite the Israeli government's
escalating threats of violence and attempts at diplomatic strong-arming,
the organizers of a new international "Freedom Flotilla" -- more than 15
ships that will set sail in late May to force an end to the blockade of
the Gaza Strip -- says it is proceeding as planned. To assure that its
passengers.. .
*2 Palestinians arrested at Israeli checkpoint*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 8757-2-palestini ans-arrested- at-israeli- checkpoint. html>
26 Mar 2011 - West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)- Israeli occupation forces
detained yesterday two citizens at Al-Hamra checkpoint in Al-Aghwar
area, northern West Bank.
*Army attacks peaceful rally in Nabi Saleh*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 8756-army- attacks-peaceful -rally-in- nabi-saleh. html>
26 Mar 2011 - West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)- A non-violent rally was
suppressed yesterday by Israeli military forces in the village of
Al-Nabi Saleh.
*Ha'aretz* <http://haaretz. com/>
*Protests sweep across Syria as Assad considers cabinet shake-up*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ protests- sweep-across- syria-as- assad-considers- cabinet-shake- up-1.351980>
Ha'aretz - Assad's forces fire at demonstrators; Syrian cabinet
considers release of political prisoners in an attempt to quell the unrest.
*Report: Argentina offered Iran to 'forget' its role in Jewish center
bombing*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ report-argentina -offered- iran-to-forget- its-role- in-jewish- center-bombing- 1.351983>
Ha'aretz - Paper says Argentina would be prepared to 'freeze
investigations of terrorist bombings attributed to Iran in 1992 and
1994, in exchange for renewing and improving trade relations between the
countries, which at their height reached $1.2 billion a year.'
*Hamas says ready to halt rocket fire if Israel stops Gaza strikes*
<http://www.haaretz. com/hamas- says-ready- to-halt-rocket- fire-if-israel- stops-gaza- strikes-1. 351964>
Ha'aretz - Spokesman for Hamas says Gaza militants committed to
ceasefire as long as 'the occupation was committed' during meeting of
faction heads over surge in cross-border tensions with Israel.
*MESS Report / Is Syria reaching the point of no return?*
<http://www.haaretz. com/blogs/ mess-report/ is-syria- reaching- the-point- of-no-return- 1.351893>
Ha'aretz - Friday's demonstrations were a first step on a long path that
could end with the fall of the regime of Bashar Assad.
*Abbas meets Hamas leaders in bid toward reconciliation*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/abbas- meets-hamas- leaders-in- bid-toward- reconciliation- 1.351939>
Ha'aretz - The meeting was the first to involve Abbas in a year and had
a relatively modest goal - to arrange a trip by Abbas to Hamas-ruled
Gaza for more talks; he has not set foot in the territory since the
Hamas takeover in 2007.
*Obama: Military mission in Libya has already saved countless lives*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ obama-military- mission-in- libya-has- already-saved- countless- lives-1.351934>
Ha'aretz - U.S. President Barack Obama says Saturday that Libya's air
defenses have been disabled, calling on Libya leader Muammar Gadhafi to
stop attacking civilians but still not demanding his ouster.
*European countries want UN, not U.S., to advance Mideast peace talks*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/european -countries- want-un-not- u-s-to-advance- mideast-peace- talks-1.351897>
Ha'aretz - Britain, France and Germany would like the United Nations and
European Union to co-author an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement, say
diplomats.
*Yossi Verter / Netanyahu's midterm report card*
<http://www.haaretz. com/weekend/ week-s-end/ netanyahu- s-midterm- report-card- 1.351742>
Ha'aretz - This is a government that is neither hated nor loved by
Israelis, according to a poll taken this week. It also shows that only
39 percent of respondents are satisfied with Netanyahu's performance -
but he would not have trouble forming a coalition if elections were held
today.
*Senior IDF commander: There is anarchy in Gaza*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/senior- idf-commander- there-is- anarchy-in- gaza-1.351935>
Ha'aretz - During visit to western Negev home damaged by Qassam rocket,
Maj. Gen. Tal Russo says neither Hamas nor other militant groups have
control of the Gaza Strip.
*Qassam strikes near southern Israel home*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/qassam- strikes-near- southern- israel-home- 1.351900>
Ha'aretz - No casualties were reported but considerable damage was
caused to the home; attack comes amid cross-border escalation between
Israel and Gaza.
*Palestinian attacks, lightly wounds soldier near West Bank settlement*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/palestin ian-attacks- lightly-wounds- soldier-near- west-bank- settlement- 1.351781>
Ha'aretz - Both soldier and Palestinian were trying to hitch a ride when
the Palestinian threw a stone at the soldier's head; police saw the
incident and fired at the Palestinian, lightly injuring him.
*Jerusalem Post* <http://jpost. com/>
*UK embassy in Israel donates underwater scooter to ZAKA*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=213959& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 26 Mar 2011 - British Ambassador Matthew Gould tells
ZAKA Chariman Yehuda Meshi-Zahav: "We support you, we salute you."
*An inspiring woman with 'Up syndrome'*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=213958& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 26 Mar 2011 - Efrat Dotan -- a woman in her late 20s
born to modern Orthodox parents in Jerusalem -- is a inspiring example
of the power of the human spirit.
*'J'lem to cut ties with PA if Hamas added to unity gov't'*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=213947& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 26 Mar 2011 - Abbas holds 'candid and positive' talks
about unifying Palestinian factions with Hamas delegation in Ramallah
for the first time in over a year.
*Jerusalem's unique spirit helped us over the finish line*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=213946& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 26 Mar 2011 - Runner's notebook: With a terror attack
fresh in our memories, the J'lem Marathon was a testament to resilient,
vibrant lives in the capital.
*Security forces kill 2 in Syria port city, activist says*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=213929& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 26 Mar 2011 - Assad faces crisis as thousands of Syrian
mourners burn Baath party buildings; demonstrators gather in Deraa; 260
prisoners released.
*Abbas meets Hamas officials in bid to end Fatah dispute*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=213908& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 26 Mar 2011 - Meeting with group's West Bank officials
is first of its kind between PA president and Hamas representatives in
more than a year.
*Thousands of Syrian mourners burn Baath party buildings*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=213904& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 26 Mar 2011 - Assad faces crisis as forces open fire on
protesters; more funerals planned, demonstrators gather in Deraa; 260
prisoners released.
*3 killed in car accidents throughout Israel*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=213894& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 26 Mar 2011 - A 27 year-old man drives his car into a
pole in Ein Bokek; two men die in Haifa car accidents.
*Uruknet* <http://uruknet. info/>
*Egypt's independent labour unions to protest anti-strike law*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76240& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - The federation of independent unions has called
for a demonstration to be held on Sunday, 27 March at 6pm in front of
the Ministers' Council to protest the anti-protest laws proposed on 23
March. Kamal Abbas, member of the Trade Union and Labour Services
Centre, says "all unions within the federation have declared that they...
*Calls to protect upcoming Gaza aid Flotilla as Israel hints to attack*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76239& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - Despite the Israeli government's escalating
threats of violence and attempts at diplomatic strong-arming, the
organizers of a new international "Freedom Flotilla" -- more than 15
ships that will set sail in late May to force an end to the blockade of
the Gaza Strip -- says it is proceeding as planned. To assure that its...
*Oppose Death Penalty for Kurdish Activist in Iran*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76238& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - ...Shirkooh Moarefi, a Kurdish activist youth,
is once again facing death penalty. According to a letter from his
family, [town of] Saqhez court issued the sentence at the same time as
the Norous [Iranian New Year] celebrations, and they have announced the
date of the execution to be on May 1, at the same time...
*On the Anti-Cuts Protest in London, 500,000 Say No to the Coalition
Government's Arrogant, Ideological Butchery of the British State*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76237& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - Today was the long awaited TUC-led "March for
the Alternative" in London, calling for jobs, growth and justice, in the
face of the savage programme of public sector cuts imposed by the
Tory-led coalition government, which I have been covering since October
in a series of hard-hitting articles under the heading, Battle for
Britain: Fighting...
*The Nakba Law deepens apartheid in Israel*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76236& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - The 'Nakba law' is yet another piece of racist
and discriminatory legislation which will directly target the
Palestinian minority in Israel. In essence, the law stifles freedom of
expression and will punish this sector of society for commemorating the
most traumatic event in their recent collective history, the Nakba. On
March 22nd, the Knesset voted...
*'Coalition forces paving rebels' way to Libyan oil facilities'*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76233& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - The international coalition enforcing a no-fly
zone in Libya is bombing both military and civilians targets to pave the
rebels' way to oil facilities, a military source has told Libya's
official Jana national news agency. The coalition's raids 'have nothing
to do with the protection of civilians', the source said Saturday. 'The
coalition forces are...
*'Al-Qaeda snatched missiles' in Libya*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76232& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - AL-QAEDA'S offshoot in North Africa has
snatched surface-to-air missiles from an arsenal in Libya during the
civil strife there, Chad's President says. Idriss Deby Itno did not say
how many surface-to-air missiles were stolen, but told the African
weekly Jeune Afrique that he was "100 per cent sure" of his assertion.
"The Islamists of al-Qaeda...
*Washington seeks NATO cover for protracted war against Libya*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76231& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet
*Protesters burn ruling party offices in 2 Syrian towns*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76229& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 --- Protesters set fire to offices of the ruling
party in southern and western Syria on Saturday, burning tires and
attacking cars and shops in a religiously mixed city on the
Mediterranean coast, according to accounts by government officials,
activists and witnesses. Presidential advisor Bouthaina Shaaban told
reporters that demonstrators attacked a police station and offices...
*Libyan rebels say seize Brega; no confirmation*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76226& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - Libyan rebels said on Saturday they had seized
control of the oil port of Brega, but there was no independent
confirmation. Brega, site of an oil export terminal and refinery,
sprawls over a large area and overall control can be hard to determine.
"Brega is 100 percent in the hands of the liberating forces," Shamsiddin.. .
*Bradley Manning Treatment Reveals Continued Government Complicity in
Torture* <http://uruknet. info/?p=m76227& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - Army Pfc. Bradley Manning, who is facing
court-martial for leaking military reports and diplomatic cables to
WikiLeaks, is being held in solitary confinement in Quantico brig in
Virginia. Each night, he is forced to strip naked and sleep in a gown
made of coarse material. He has been made to stand naked in the morning...
*Israel bulldozes Fayyad's Freedom Road, again*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76225& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - Israeli authorities bulldozed "Freedom Road" in
the northern West Bank district of Salfit for the second time on
Thursday. Freedom Road was funded by the Palestinian Authority, and cost
hundreds of thousands of dollars. The project was part of Prime Minister
Salam Fayyad's plan to build institutions and infrastructure for a
future Palestinian state. The...
*Iraq snapshot - March 25, 2011*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76223& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011. Chaos and violence continue, Iraqis turn out to
protest across the country, Nouri attempts to diminish turnout be
utilizing his usual tactics, Iraq is facing big water issues, a promise
on electricity surfaces, and more. It's Friday and, yes, protests
continued in Iraq. And because the government disrespects the people's
right to freely express themselves, roads...
*Libya and Iraq turning into "black holes"*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76221& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - The parallels with Iraq are obvious. Aggression
was preceded by a media attack whose goal was to justify the necessity
to overthrow the ruling regime. In case of Iraq, Hussein's regime was
accused of secretly developing weapons of mass destruction, and the
media unrolled a massive misinformation campaign. It only takes to
recall Colin Powell...
*Left Now Means Pro-War?!* <http://uruknet. info/?p=m76220& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - I would have thought that to be a Leftie today
would mean being radically anti-war. I used to think that being a Leftie
meant favoring nonviolence, and that even Lefties favoring revolutionary
wars would oppose Imperial wars. How wrong I was. Apparently many
'lefties' are very flexible about all that. It seems that putting some...
*Israel gets away with murder*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76219& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - Nothing like a good cover for a criminal act.
As any criminal worth his salt will tell you, the best time to mount a
heist in the neighbourhood is when people are distracted, say watching a
parade or perhaps huddling at home to escape being drenched in a storm.
Thieves in the night operate best...
*Time for Nassrallah and Obama to talk?*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76218& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - ... According to Congressional sources, the
White House, has zero interest in attacking Iran and believes that
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah is someone the US "can do
business with." Given Nasrallah's admirers in Tehran, and his mass
popular appeal in this region, some of the NIE drafters and White House
staffers think Nasrallah could help with...
*Yemen's president hints he might step down*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76217& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - Pro- and antigovernment demonstrators swept
through the Yemeni capital, Sana, on Friday as President Ali Abdullah
Saleh said he may conditionally step aside and hand the nation to "safe
hands" to avert further bloodshed after weeks of protests. The timing of
a possible resignation was unclear, but Saleh's conciliatory comments
were an indication that the...
*Hopes high, hopes dashed in Palestine*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76216& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - I had dared to dream, to hope that March 15th
could captivate the world's attention the way Tahrir Square had a few
weeks ago. I was aware that such dreams could be naive, but I wanted to
believe that March 15th could kick-start a double-edged revolution in
Palestine, ending the division between Hamas and Fatah,...
*Man dies, 130 injured in Jordan clashes*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76215& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - A man died and 130 people were injured on
Friday as pro-reform protesters and government supporters clashed in
Amman, prompting police to use water cannons to disperse them. "Khairy
Saad Jamil, 55, died today at the Prince Hamzeh Hospital" in Amman, a
medical source told AFP without specifying the cause of death. It was the...
*Libyan rebel commander admits his fighters have al-Qaeda links*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76214& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - In an interview with the Italian newspaper Il
Sole 24 Ore, Mr al-Hasidi admitted that he had recruited "around 25" men
from the Derna area in eastern Libya to fight against coalition troops
in Iraq. Some of them, he said, are "today are on the front lines in
Adjabiya". Mr al-Hasidi insisted his fighters "are...
*Egyptian workers face US-backed counter-revolution*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76213& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - The promulgation this week in Egypt of a decree
banning strikes and protests has laid bare the real character of the
military-controlled regime that succeeded the US-backed dictator Hosni
Mubarak. According to AhramOnline, the decree: "criminalizes strikes,
protests, demonstrations and sit-ins that interrupt private or
state-owned businesses or affect the economy in any way. The...
*Suspended in time, Lifta under threat*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76212& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - A natural spring, countless olive trees, a
mosque and virtually every stone used to build the village's
unmistakable houses -- Yacoub Odeh remembers it all. "Here was where the
water went down to the spring. Here was the root of the village. This
place name was al-Saha. Saha means plaza. It was surrounded by a...
*Libyan "revolutionaries" aren't so revolutionary. .*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76210& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - Ever since the rebel opposition forces in Libya
have taken control of the cities, there have been reports that have
surfaced regarding torture, racial violence and repression. Coming
across some recent articles regarding Benghazi, the last rebel
stronghold in Libya, I can't say that I'm amazed at the police state
that they have designed and...
*Libyan War: Imperialism Pure And Simple*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76209& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - Of all the struggles going on in North Africa
and the Middle East right now, the most difficult to unravel is the one
in Libya. What is the character of the opposition to the Gadhafi regime,
which reportedly now controls the eastern city of Benghazi? Is it just
coincidence that the rebellion started in Benghazi,...
*80 Reasons Why Gaza has the right to self-defense*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76208& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - Seventy-nine of them can be found in United
Nations Security Council Resolutions "directly critical of Israel for
violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions, the U.N. Charter, the
Geneva Conventions, international terrorism, or other violations of
international law." The eightieth can be found in the Goldstone Report,
the recommendations of which have yet to implemented some...
*Political Prisoners in Syria: An Urgent Crisis Now!*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76206& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 25, 2011 - On March 16, around 50 demonstrators ---
including human rights activists, former political prisoners and the
families of curent political prisoners --- were arrested in Damascus
after a non-violent demonstration in which, as part of a group of about
150 protestors in total (a significant gathering in Syria, where all
political dissent is illegal), they...
*Stop The Wall* <http://stopthewall. org/>
*Commemorate Land Day 2011 by Joining the Global BDS Day of Action 30
March* <http://stopthewall. org/latestnews/ 2473.shtml>
Stop The Wall - Feb 12, 2011-- The BDS National Committee (BNC) is
calling on you to unite in your different capacities and struggles to
join the Global BDS Day of Action on Land Day, 30 March 2011, in
solidarity with the Palestinian people's right to self determination on
their ancestral land. [
*YNet News* <http://ynetnews. com/>
*Syria: Prisoners freed, protesters arrested*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4047912,00. html>
YNet News, 26 Mar 2011 - Syrian authorities release 260 prisoners hours
after arresting some 200....
*Southern Command chief: Gaza ruled by anarchy*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4047904,00. html>
YNet News, 26 Mar 2011 - During visit to house hit in latest rocket fire
from Gaza Strip, Major-General. ...
*Libyan rebels retake control of Ajdabiya*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4047878,00. html>
YNet News, 26 Mar 2011 - Backed by Western forces' airstrikes, rebels
manage to seize control of....
*Diplomats: New European peace proposal*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4047852,00. html>
YNet News, 26 Mar 2011 - Following deadlocked negotiations, Britain,
France, Germany ask UN, EU to draft....
*2 Qassams land in Eshkol; no injuries*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4047846,00. html>
YNet News, 26 Mar 2011 - Escalation in south continues as terrorists
launch two Qassam rockets from Gaza....
*Syrian gov't blames Palestinians for unrest*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048054,00. html>
YNet News, 26 Mar 2011 - VIDEO - The political and information adviser
to President Bashar Assad, Bouthaina Shaaban, told BBC Arabic Saturday
there were "foreign schemes" aimed at destabilizing ... ....
*Report: Hamas says will withhold fire if Israel does*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048002,00. html>
YNet News, 26 Mar 2011 - Hamas said on Saturday that Gaza militants had
agreed to halt their rocket fire at Israel if the Jewish state stops
launching strikes against targets in the coastal ... ....
*Libyan rebels claim to have taken Brega*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4047997,00. html>
YNet News, 26 Mar 2011 - Rebels battling Muammar Gaddafi's regime on
Saturday told AFP they had retaken the eastern town of Brega just hours
after recapturing the strategic city of Ajdabiya in ... ....
*Syria: 2 killed by snipers, gov't buildings torched*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4047950,00. html>
YNet News, 26 Mar 2011 - Two people were killed and two others were
wounded Saturday by unidentified snipers in the coastal city of Latakia
in northwest Syria, a Syrian official told AFP. ... ....
*Qassam rocket hits Eshkol Regional council*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4047962,00. html>
YNet News, 26 Mar 2011 - A Qassam rocket exploded in an open area in the
Eshkol Regional Council on Saturday. No injuries or damage were
reported. This is the third rocket fired at Israel ... ....
*Abbas meets Hamas officials in West Bank*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4047945,00. html>
YNet News, 26 Mar 2011 - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met
Saturday with his rivals in Hamas in an attempt to end nearly four years
of infighting. Saturday's meeting in the West Bank - ... ....
*Palestinian Information Center* <http://palestine- info.co.uk/ en/>
*Palestinian center urges Ukraine to pressure for the release of Abu
Sisi*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7J51RDjgu00 Of2Q2YjQWtuB4rfO AirMIIsQef69uEen yLAinI7on% 2bgHZSGoIoVdMcl3 fvJGb2oTLSwc% 2byUaVsUnGzgaBDM 6Q6y4sbYI4IDGw% 3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - The Palestinian Center for the Defense of Detainees
has called on the Ukraine to disclose the circumstances of engineer
Dirar Abu Sisi's abduction and to give its official position on the
incident.
*Abbas meets PLC speaker, MPs*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7STboFf2Qg7 Lkqfly%2fK2Nr6mj sVwbZ0u1u1A2ylXu PrSaLJkRWn9ctZvU i%2fqvceWjfcaA2i MDaL10yTYkgAJxQT nd7VC8rItgMHC4pC wClXM%3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - De facto Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas is to
meet Saturday afternoon with Dr. Aziz Dweik, the PLC speaker, and a
number of MPs and former ministers in Ramallah.
*Israel deploys air defense system 'Iron Dome' near Gaza*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7xkFO4hweIr %2fKZoMoZ% 2bu3nCwtm5Q7xm4u K%2fQIo9qQrScWqd Tj8Er5Wue9oIVaIS tFj1Rw9VD5WvgYv5 vdhA2Oiz16sLes0B 6tMR3Pw9FF2% 2bg%3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - The Israeli army is to deploy the mobile air defense
system the "Iron Dome" in areas adjacent to the Gaza Strip on Sunday, a
Hebrew press report said.
*Health Ministry warns of 'catastrophe' if Israel attacks amid medical
crisis*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7gHdTp5rzE9 MvamF6syQGtkbBGw RD3SMf2AK4cNBW29 lBBIb9VMv% 2bD%2fDmVEsxxJES xBxzbghcQlyvWFxw ggcNqQwoMS% 2fNvxFoUgEcLeZG1 qc%3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - The Ministry of Health in Gaza has warned that a new
Israeli aggression on the Strip could lead to a âEUR?catastropheâ EUR? as
the region suffers a dangerous shortage of medical supplies.
*Israeli artillery shell blasts factory in Gaza*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7X4SHGa% 2fnqRsk2oVhQpH39 MzcwGUNPrE6AbTPk EbY9AdKKFwAAe6Cu 5ZQvPfEd% 2bgtc9udhIpuv8ch Z0IskqD7mWaOBhRP lkObJIX78R8owC8% 3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - Artillery shelling by the Israeli occupation forces
(IOF) at dawn Saturday started huge fire in a factory for soft drinks in
Gaza Strip and inflicted big damage to the facility.
*14 arrested, several injured during West Bank protests*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7PkMT3SK6bC E3PDQHCtGNx1VS38 ScckINnTAH6D2IEE l3ls6Cqcrw2nawUn W1ybulpTJKmJsLkG lluozw1LI8a4pkHU MjioDTAlMXNSzIYq o%3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - Fourteen Palestinians have been arrested and several
injured as Israeli occupation forces (IOF) cracked down on protests
across the West Bank on Friday.
*European campaign welcomes UNHRC decision to open Gaza crossings*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7VTqpfs6PsT fb%2fNgo2X% 2bWd%2f79E% 2bIVNz7Mu2ibhXvE rUt%2b9V1Zc4xxzk 4tuQqHEqLrATD760 gllhQNyUzYUoEOIm ZTrk8oNNVi% 2bupQNWY% 2ftio%3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - The European campaign to end the siege on Gaza has
said a recently passed decision by the UN Human Rights Council to open
Gaza's crossings will âEUR?lose importanceâEUR? if left unenforced.
*Palestinian factions discuss latest field developments*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7rkj3kToI05 ekfse%2blbgLkpLZ 17uPbKW2rHCT8e% 2fiTwOwYY90rS6Hd cV67bPqCmfZHSu5D GLgjYlqIYVkkv3Pj 0FoUafeXzluhkARl F0eJ8Q%3d>
PIC 25 Mar 2011 - Palestinian resistance factions held a meeting in a
hotel in Gaza on Saturday to discuss latest field developments in the
Strip and the escalating Israeli aggression on it.
*Palestinian hospitalized after health deteriorates in PA custody*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7tKpnP1uFaK DVZohmWFjnG2g0O9 gnWTUM02KNrGvyG7 KqM%2fV1fxHYjv3e Bi7hWh8BBAFmNUgL 8%2bW8Al5qfBSljv pPKrTCw6vplY2qHT %2bLvDo%3d>
PIC 25 Mar 2011 - Moatasim al-Natsheh, 25, has been hospitalized after
his health deteriorated while held by the Palestinian Authority in the
Jericho prison in Ramallah.
*Abu Obaida: Resistance factions do not call for war*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7BApPkWbZ6d BQxNBQbM16yV3XxM LsuBRdqa1URa1aPs CCpJwxFqAo1DQAPy wika5sJWfxqAmSJN 8BGZUq%2fDHvLp5Y YQ9ZuPvTxhGlDWla 0%2b8%3d>
PIC 25 Mar 2011 - The recent firing of mortar shells at Israeli targets
by the armed wing of Hamas was in retaliation to the escalating Israeli
army crimes against the Palestinian people, Abu Obaida said.
*ISRAEL, RIGHT OR WRONG*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ Y7LC-gysRpk/>
Intifada-Palestine: 26 Mar 2011 - A staunch defender of anything Israel
does, the Washington Post's Richard Cohen feeds Jewish paranoia,
distorts Palestinian history and attacks Israel's critics. by : Paul
Balles Richard Cohen Washington Post's Columnist "If I were an Israeli,
I'd be worried. If I were...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ Y7LC-gysRpk/>
*THE MEANINGLESS CONCEPT OF ETHICAL WAR: THE CASE AGAINST INTERVENTION*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ tBvn9uV3XvQ/>
Intifada-Palestine: 26 Mar 2011 - Rebel soldiers stood on a burnt tank
of Muammar el-Qaddafi's forces after an Allied airstrike outside of
Benghazi, Libya, on March 20. Manu Brabo/European Pressphoto Agency By:
JOHN CHUCKMAN GFrench air force planes struck the first blows: using
"intelligent" munitions, the...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ tBvn9uV3XvQ/>
*WHO IS EMBARRASSING THE UN? AN ANALYSIS BY DR. LAWRENCE DAVIDSON*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ PAgMQ2-4FCo/>
Intifada-Palestine: 26 Mar 2011 - Richard Falk, UN special rapporteur on
human rights by: Dr. Lawrence Davidson On 23 March 2011 the Israeli
newspaper Haaretz reported that the United Nations Rapporteur Richard
Falk (Professor Emeritus of International Law at Princeton University)
told the world organization' s Human...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ PAgMQ2-4FCo/>
*DR. FRANKLIN LAMB: Time for Nassrallah and Obama to talk?*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ PczXKqXm3bA/>
Intifada-Palestine: 25 Mar 2011 - Franklin Lamb Beirut "Just maybe!"
hints the latest National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) An experienced
Washington Post columnist, David Ignatius, to his credit not among the
most biased Israeli Hasbara spewers from the Zionist daily, dropped by
our Hezbollah neighborhood known as...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ PczXKqXm3bA/>
*Los Angeles Times* <http://latimes. com/news/ nationworld/ world/middleeast />
*Protesters march again in Syria*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/Z5lWltxYuAo /la-fg-syria- protests- 20110327, 0,3147051. story>
LA Times 26 Mar 2011 - Demonstrators in several cities call for greater
political freedom. President Bashar Assad's forces fire on a crowd,
killing several. Syria's long-entrenched government remained under
threat Saturday as protesters marched again in several cities for
greater political freedom. Setting fire to buildings in at least two...
*New York Times* <http://nytimes. com/pages/ world/middleeast />
*Tension and Grief in Syria After Protests and Deadly Reprisals*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=2111739cbc9af6 d41b0c4638f4616f fc>
New York Times 26 Mar 2011 - Protesters set fire to a ruling party
office, and President Bashar al-Assad tried to promote calm by ordering
the release of as many as 200 political prisoners.
*Student's Father Says He's Held by Syria*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=ff3808f65c971a 7ca087336076778a ff>
New York Times 26 Mar 2011 - Pathik Root, a 21-year-old Middlebury
College student spending the semester in Damascus, is "safe and well" in
Syrian government hands, according to his father.
*Palestinians Hold Talks on Reconciliation*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=f2fbdc398ffa77 c782d1185faffad3 3d>
New York Times 26 Mar 2011 - Hamas and the Palestinian Authority
conferred on the formation of a temporary government and elections in
the next six months.
*Misc* <http://vtjp. org/aboutus/ aboutus.htm>
*Washington seeks NATO cover for protracted war against Libya*
<http://www.wsws. org/articles/ 2011/mar2011/ liby-m26. shtml>
WSWS - The Obama administration is formally shifting its war in Libya to
NATO command as the US-led alliance predicts the fighting will go on for
at least another three months.
*Misc 2* <http://vtjp. org/news/ news.php>
*Human Rights Council Resolution: A Step towards Justice for Victims of
the Gaza Conflict* <http://www.alhaq. org/etemplate. php?id=576>
Al-Haq 25 Mar 2011 - (2011-03-26)
*Israel Moves to Crush the Village of Nabi Saleh*
<http://josephdana. com/2011/ 03/israel- moves-to- crush-the- village-of- nabi-saleh/ ?utm_source= rss&utm_medium= rss&utm_campaign =israel-moves- to-crush- the-village- of-nabi-saleh>
Joseph Dana 26 Mar 2011 - A day after the violent arrest of Nabi Saleh
Popular Committee leader Bassem Tamimi, one Palestinian, five Israelis
and three international activists were arrested in Nabi Saleh on Friday.
A Palestinian cameraman and three more Israelis were shortly detained.
Only a day after the arrest of...
*Dershowitz Not Welcome in South Africa?*
<http://josephdana. com/2011/ 03/dershowitz- not-welcome- in-south- africa/?utm_ source=rss& utm_medium= rss&utm_campaign =dershowitz- not-welcome- in-south- africa>
Joseph Dana 26 Mar 2011 - Alan Dershowitz is visiting South Africa this
week on a speaking tour within the Jewish community. It is only natural
that a violently conservative 'defender' of aggressive Israeli polices
against Palestinians has been welcomed by the Diaspora's
most conservative Jewish communities. Not everyone in the South African
Jewish community was...
*Gisha response to closing of Karni Crossing: Gaza's Crossings Squeezed
Shut*
<http://www.gisha. org/index. php?intLanguage= 2&intItemId= 1975&intSiteSN= 113>
Gisha 26 Mar 2011 - , [2011-03-03]
*New protests flare in Syria towns*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 12871146>
BBC 26 Mar 2011 - Fresh protests flare in Syria, with two ruling Baath
party offices reportedly burned down, at the end of a week that has seen
dozens killed.
*Gaza militants 'agree ceasefire'*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 12872588>
BBC 26 Mar 2011 - Militant groups in Gaza say that they will agree to a
ceasefire with Israel if Israel stops attacks on the Palestinian territory.
*Jordan*
<http://news. bbc.co.uk/ go/rss/int/ news/-/2/ hi/middle_ east/country_ profiles/ 828763.stm>
BBC 26 Mar 2011 - Key facts, figures and dates
*Syria*
<http://news. bbc.co.uk/ go/rss/int/ news/-/2/ hi/middle_ east/country_ profiles/ 801669.stm>
BBC 26 Mar 2011 - Key facts, figures and dates
*Friday: 5 Iraqis Killed, 31 Wounded*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/antiwar- original/ %7E3/Wplg_ 31wD5A/>
Antiwar.com 25 Mar 2011 - Hundreds defied heavy rain to protest in
Baghdad's Tahrir Square and other Iraqi cities. While many were
protesting corruption and poor services, some were demonstrating support
for Bahraini protests. Meanwhile, at least five Iraqis were killed and
31 more wounded in new and previously reported incidents... .
*The Democracy Revolutions and the Israel-Palestine Conflict*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/SabbahsBlog /%7E3/wolvcPb5vj w/>
Sabbah report 26 Mar 2011 - So that while until now it was the region's
democratic deficit that supposedly prevented Israel from ending its
occupation, now it is the region's surfeit of democracy that stands in
its way.
*Who is Embarrassing the United Nations?*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/SabbahsBlog /%7E3/3JqsEm4J8b A/>
Sabbah report 26 Mar 2011 - Israeli officials found Falk's statement
highly insulting. Soon after the Rapporteur made his presentation to the
Human Rights Council, Israel's envoy to the UN mission in Geneva, Aharon
LeshnoYaar, labeled Falk an "embarrassment to the United Nations."
*Articles*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
*Israel May Have Squandered Its Last Best Chance for Peace*
<http://www.counterp unch.org/ patrick03252011. html>
Patrick Cockburn, CounterPunch 3/25/2011
/Arab Upheavals Augur Tougher Times Ahead/
The bomb attack on a bus in Jerusalem this week killed one woman
and wounded 24 people. The casualties were not high compared with
similar bombings in the city over the last 20 years. I lived off the
Jaffa Road for four years in the mid-1990s when bus bombings were
common. I used to walk to look at the smoldering carcass of the latest
bus to be hit, its metal panels bulging out from the force of the
explosion. The latest bombing is having more impact than its
predecessors because it is the first in Jerusalem for seven years. It
comes just as there is an increase of violence between Israelis and
Palestinians on the West Bank and in and around Gaza. None of this might
have serious repercussions except that these incidents are happening
just as the political landscape of the Arab world is being radically
transformed to a degree that has not happened for half a century.
Suppose the uprisings across the Middle East had happened five
years ago: Israel could not have been certain of the inaction of Arab
leaders as it launched two limited wars. The Israeli bombardment and
ground invasion of Lebanon in 2006 created a furious popular reaction in
the region. But this did not much matter because power among Israel's
neighbous was in the hands of kings and presidents who covertly hoped
that the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon would be destroyed or crippled.
The same thing happened during "Operation Cast Lead" in 2008-9
when Israel launched a three week-long air and land bombardment of Gaza
which killed at least 1,200 Palestinians. Thirteen Israelis died during
the conflict. Throughout, the Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak
cooperated with Israel, in sealing off Gaza from the outside
world....more. . <http://www.counterp unch.org/ patrick03252011. html>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Israel%20May% 20Have%20Squande red%20Its% 20Last%20Best% 20Chance% 20for%20Peace% 20&body=Israel% 20May%20Have% 20Squandered% 20Its%20Last% 20Best%20Chance% 20for%20Peace% 20--%20http://www.counterp unch.org/ patrick03252011. html%20-- %20link%20courte sy%20www. vtjp.org>
*Palestine comes to Hollywood*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/indepth/ opinion/2011/ 03/2011325104357 145384.html>
Sandy Tolan, Al Jazeera 3/25/2011
/Despite its flaws, 'Miral' marks the first time anyone has tried to
tell just a Palestinian story in Hollywood./
Most Americans, Jew and Gentile, grew up with the Leon Uris
history of the struggle for the Holy Land. Exodus chronicles the heroic
birth of Israel out of the ashes of the Holocaust. There the story ends;
there is no other narrative.
This politically convenient and magnificently incomplete version
of history remains the dominant American narrative of the tragedy known
as Israel and Palestine. Despite the cracks in that narrative in recent
years, the über story of Exodus -- Uris' 1958 mega-bestseller, and the
subsequent Hollywood film starring Paul Newman -- still holds a
tremendous grip on the American imagination. It may be one of the most
influential pieces of fiction ever written in the US. A friend of mine,
growing up Jewish in Minneapolis, read it 11 times, his heart surging
with glory for the Israeli triumph.
In Exodus there are only heroic or victimised Jews; only
malicious, pathetic or cowardly Arabs, driven not by a love of their
land but by fear and manipulation. As Uris tells the story, the
Palestinians have no legitimate claim to their homeland: "If the Arabs
of Palestine loved their land, they could not have been forced from it
-- much less run from it without real cause." Here there is no Deir
Yassin massacre; no "Plan Dalet" and its blueprint for sewing fear and
fire in Arab villages; no Nakba and its dispossession of 750,000
indigenous Palestinians.
Controlling the narrative
Maintaining control of the Uris narrative is thus an important
task for protectors of the status quo. Certain "balanced" accounts may
be acceptable, but not mainstream versions that simply tell the story
from a Palestinian point of view.more..
<http://english. aljazeera. net/indepth/ opinion/2011/ 03/2011325104357 145384.html>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Palestine% 20comes%20to% 20Hollywood% 20&body=Palestin e%20comes% 20to%20Hollywood %20--%20http://english. aljazeera. net/indepth/ opinion/2011/ 03/2011325104357 145384.html% 20--%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>
(continued in following thread)
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 28, 2011 1:50:24 GMT 4
(continues from preceding thread)
[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1333
Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:30 pm (PDT)
*Hamas and Israel responsible for escalation*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=371891>
Daoud Kuttab, Ma'an News Agency 3/26/2011
Who is responsible for the sudden escalation of violence in the
Gaza Strip? All of the sudden rockets are coming out of Gaza and Israeli
tanks are shelling residential areas, which killed four members of the
Helu family in the Shejaiya refugee camp.
While both Hamas and Israel are blaming each other, I believe both
are responsible this time, and for one reason and one reason only: They
are both opposed to the latest initiative coming out of Ramallah.
Addressing the PLO central council on March 16, President Mahmoud
Abbas stunned his audience by offering to go to the Gaza Strip within
days. His offer focused on the idea of gaining the involvement and
approval of Hamas with regard to a government made up of independent
figures. The president wants this new government to work for six months
in preparation for legislative and presidential elections. Abbas is on
the record saying he is not running in the upcoming elections.
The surprise initiative was immediately welcomed by the Hamas
leadership in Gaza who said that they welcome Abbas to Gaza to continue
the talks, but failed to address the content of his initiative. Later it
became clear that Hamas, and especially the leadership abroad, is
totally opposed to the idea which they said was an attempt by Ramallah
to circumvent their own initiative and that without true reconciliation
no elections will take place.
This negativity is much more in sync with what is happening on the
ground. Since March 15, security forces in Gaza have repeatedly attacked
young demonstrators calling for an end to internal division. Journalists
and photographers have also been harassed, beaten and had cameras and
tapes confiscated in an attempt by the power in Gaza to prevent images
of the security forces' repression of non-violent demonstrators from
coming out.more..
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=371891>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Hamas%20and% 20Israel% 20responsible% 20for%20escalati on%20&body= Hamas%20and% 20Israel% 20responsible% 20for%20escalati on%20--%20http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=371891% 20--%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>
*Women at the front*
<http://www.palestin emonitor. org/spip/ spip.php? article1730>
Palestine Monitor: 26 Mar 2011 - In the March 15 protests, Palestinian
women showed that they have the spirit of a fighter, yet the heart of a
protective mother. Written by Raya Ziada. Photos by Lazar Simeonov.
Young Palestinian women took the initiative to be in the front line of
the March 15 protests in Palestine to protect the protesters. With their
bodies they created a human shield in an attempt to prevent any expected
fights. Some of the protesters were on hunger strike for the third day.
They simply called for an end to Palestinian division. The ìthugsî who
attacked the peaceful protest in Ramallah intentionally targeted those
women. They turned to violence against the unarmed women. Many were
beaten up, pushed to the ground and two of them were sent to the
hospital in Ramallah. More shocking news came later on from Gaza, when
we heard that the journalist Samah Alrwag was stabbed. And...more
<http://www.palestin emonitor. org/spip/ spip.php? article1730>
*The Nakba Law deepens apartheid in Israel*
<http://www.palestin emonitor. org/spip/ spip.php? article1729>
Palestine Monitor: 26 Mar 2011 - The 'Nakba law' is yet another piece of
racist and discriminatory legislation which will directly target the
Palestinian minority in Israel. In essence, the law stifles freedom of
expression and will punish this sector of society for commemorating the
most traumatic event in their recent collective history, the Nakba. On
March 22nd, the Knesset voted 37-25 in favour of the so-called
'Nakba-Law', or Amendment 39, a bill which has been in the works since
2009. Initiated by MK Alex Miller of the far-right political party,
Yisrael Beiteinu, the law calls for---amongst other things---the
reduction of state funding to groups that participate in activities that
contradict the character of the state as 'Jewish and democratic' or that
grieve Israel's Independence day. According to experts, the law is
undeniably vague in its wording, thus leaving it open to abuse. Sawsan
Zaher of Adalah, the legal centre for Arab minority rights in
Israel,...more <http://www.palestin emonitor. org/spip/ spip.php? article1729>
*BDS in Australia: Fear and Loathing in Marrickville*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16746>
Palestine Chronicle: 26 Mar 2011 - By Samah Sabawi and Sonja Karkar It
appears that once again the pro-Israel apologists have decided to single
Israel out by making boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against
Israel a leading issue for the Marrickville electorate in the lead-up to
the NSW state elections. Not surprisingly, the Palestinians are rendered
invisible again as right-wing groups, politicians, the pro-Israel lobby
and the Murdoch Press attack the Marrickville Council for their
resolution to support BDS. That Palestinians living under Israel's
43-year-old occupation are being ethnically cleansed on a daily basis
from their land, their neighbourhoods and farms seems to be of no
concern to our Liberal and Labor candidates who are vying for seats
likely to favour the Greens. There would be no BDS campaign if Israel
was not denying the Palestinians their basic human rights: the right of
return, the right to citizenship, the right to equality, the right to
self...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16746>
*Ethical War: The Case against Intervention*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16745>
Palestine Chronicle: 26 Mar 2011 - By John Chuckman French air force
planes struck the first blows: using 'intelligent' munitions, the planes
struck tanks and artillery which threatened the people of Benghazi. Now,
who wouldn't be heartened to learn that mechanized forces being used
against civilians, civilians whose only demand was freedom from tyranny,
were destroyed? One might easily regard intervention, limited strictly
to such targets, as both ethical and desirable, but the truth is that
intervention is never limited to such targets, and the realities
motivating it are loaded with error and, most importantly, with
intentions at odds with high-sounding public statements. The record for
intervention is one of greater death and destruction than the threats it
is supposed to stop where it is used and of allowing monstrous crimes to
go unchallenged where it is avoided. Indeed, it has been avoided always
where monstrous crimes are involved, the very situations in which its
human...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16745>
*A Confession -- A Poem*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16744>
Palestine Chronicle: 26 Mar 2011 - By Samah Sabawi I stand between my
shame and relief I breathe... The missiles missed this time Truth is,
they didn't' miss entirely Someone's house is destroyed but not that
house I know so well Someone's family is grieving but not the one whose
name I carry I linger... between my shame and relief I breathe... I...
breathe... I tell myself 'this flesh, torn and scattered, is not flesh I
have ever embraced'. I soothe myself, 'Nor are these small lifeless
hands the ones with a crayon I've traced' I...breathe. ..this time. The
missiles missed, those whose names are engraved on my lips This time
They didn't stop those hearts beating in my chest They live... I
breathe... But I must confess Every time the bombs fall on Gaza I search
for answers Where did they strike? Which street did they blow up? Which
neighborhood did they destroy? Which lives did...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16744>
*Natural Flow of History: Hamas Should Rethink Charter*
<http://dissidentvoi ce.org/2011/ 03/natural- flow-of-history- hamas-should- rethink-charter- 2/>
Dissident Voice: 26 Mar 2011 - "Now it is time to naturalize the flow of
history," wrote Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs (
British Guardian , March 16). The process of naturalization is now
underway in the region Davutoglu refused to describe as the Middle East
(arguing that the term is "orientalist" , and preferring to call the
region "West Asia and the south Mediterranean" ). Davutoglu is one of the
most articulate and passionate Turkish politicians of the Justice and
Development Party (AKP). Along with Recep Tayyip Erdog(an and Abdullah
Gül, he has labored to naturalize the flow of history in Turkey,
sidelining an incessantly intrusive military, and forging links between
regions, cultures and competing political thoughts. While the mission
was --- and remains --- arduous, it has successfully led to the
emergence of a unique Turkish political thought --- proud of its roots,
yet receptive to progress and modernity. When Hamas was elected as the
majority...more
<http://dissidentvoi ce.org/2011/ 03/natural- flow-of-history- hamas-should- rethink-charter- 2/>
More material available from Vermonters for a Just Peace in
Palestine/Israel -www.vtjp.org <http://www.vtjp. org/>
To subscribe, please write toOccupationNews- subscribe@ yahoogroups. com
<mailto:OccupationNews- subscribe@ yahoogroups. com>or
visithttp:// groups.yahoo. com/group/ OccupationNews/ join
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 28, 2011 1:51:55 GMT 4
We were talking about this the other day and now is as good a time as any to share: I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.— Litany against fear by Frank Herbert |
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Post by emeraldsun on Mar 28, 2011 7:28:28 GMT 4
We were talking about this the other day and now is as good a time as any to share: I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.— Litany against fear by Frank HerbertThank you Jen for sharing. I apologize to anyone who may have been lead to fear through the posting and my own comment, which I now realize was ill chosen. I am doing my best and appreciate the reminder.  emeraldsun |
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 28, 2011 20:00:30 GMT 4
Thank you Jen for sharing. I apologize to anyone who may have been lead to fear through the posting and my own comment, which I now realize was ill chosen. I am doing my best and appreciate the reminder. emeraldsun We're all on edge. These are scary times. :note to self: death is inevitable and we need to do the best we can with LIFE. Sending you love!! Jen. |
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 28, 2011 20:19:30 GMT 4
[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1334
Sun Mar 27, 2011 8:28 pm (PDT)
***Occupied Palestine and Israel: News and Articles*
*News*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
*International Middle East Media Center* <http://imemc. org/>
*Settler Receives 18 Months Sentence For Attacking , Kidnapping A
Palestinian Teen* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60950>
IMEMC - Monday March 28, 2011 - 03:45, The Israeli Magistrates Court in
Jerusalem sentenced, on Sunday, an Israeli settler from a West Bank
illegal settlement to 18 months imprisonment after convicting him of
kidnapping and attacking a Palestinian teen.
*Israel Destroys Ancient Water Reservoir In Bethlehem Area*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60949>
IMEMC - Sunday March 27, 2011 - 20:32, Officials from the Palestinian
Authority criticized the destruction this week of an ancient water well
and reservoir southeast of Bethlehem used by Palestinian Bedouin
shepherds as their main sources of water.
*Two Fighters Assassinated In Gaza, One Resident Injured*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 60948>
IMEMC - Sunday March 27, 2011 - 11:27, Only a few hours after several
resistance factions, including the Al Qassam Brigades of Hamas, declared
that they are committed to a ceasefire should Israel halt its attacks,
Israeli soldiers assassinated fighters in the Gaza Strip on Sunday
morning, one resident was moderately wounded.
*Ma'an News* <http://maannews. net/en/>
*Israel air strike kills 2 in Gaza*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372622>
3/27/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli warplanes fired missiles at the
Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza on Sunday morning, killing two
Palestinian fighters and injuring three others. Medics at the Kamal
Udwan Hospital identified one of those killed as Sabri Hashim Asaliyya,
a recently-married nurse. Asaliyya, 22, andRadwan Namrouti, 26, were
both later identified.. ..
*Officials: Israel destroys ancient wells near Bethlehem*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372755>
3/27/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli authorities destroyed ancient
water wells and natural reservoirs used by Bedouins southeast of
Bethlehem, Palestinian officials said. A 3,000-cubic- meter well owned by
Ali Madghan Rashayida and a 225-cubic meter reservoir belonging to Majid
Rashayida were demolished last week, in a move Palestinian Authority
officials said was illegal and....
*Beit Ummar to be fenced in from south*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372901>
3/27/2011 - HEBRON (Ma'an) -- For a third day in a row, Israeli forces
appeared in large numbers around the southern West Bank town of Beit
Ummar, installing road gates and fence posts in a move residents fear
will close them in and stifle the population center. Local activist
Mohammad Ayyad Awad told Ma'an....
*Israel orders evacuation for Tubas-area Bedouin*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372845>
3/27/2011 - TUBAS (Ma'an) -- Evacuation and demolition orders were
handed out to a Bedouin family east of Tubas on Sunday afternoon, local
officials told Ma'an. The orders come amid concern from UNRWA officials
who noted a near two-fold increase in home demolitions during the first
two months of 2011. Nabil Mustafa Daraghmeh, the....
*South African university cuts ties with Israel's BGU*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372186>
3/27/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) --The senate of South Africa's University
of Johannesburg voted Wednesday to sever links with Israel's Ben Gurion
University. The university is not subscribing to an academic boycott,
however, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Ihron Rensburg said in
a statement issued Friday." The UJ Senate voted to bring an....
*Egypt to grant Palestinians visas to return to Gaza*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372672>
3/27/2011 - CAIRO, Egypt (Ma'an) -- Egyptian authorities agreed Saturday
to grant entry visas to Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, who had been
slated for deportation from Cairo. A group of Palestinians had been
waiting on the Egyptian side of Rafah, a city on the Egypt-Gaza border,
for the crossing to open so they could return....
*Pro-unity youth protests continue*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372741>
3/27/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) --- Palestinian youth say they will
continue to protest across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip calling for
an end to national division and elections for the Palestinian National
Council." Youth will continue picketing until national unity is
restored," a statement from the protesters said. A loose coalition of
youth groups....
*Israel names hardliner to head National Security Council*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372851>
3/27/2011 - JERUSALEM (AFP) -- Israel's cabinet on Sunday approved Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pick of a hawkish former general to head
the National Security Council." The government unanimously approved the
appointment of reserve general Yaakov Amidror to head the National
Security Council," Netanyahu's office said. Amidror's inclusion as a....
*1 Gaza crossing opens for limited goods*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372613>
3/27/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) - Israeli authorities decided Sunday to
partially open the Gaza Strip's only operating border crossing for the
limited delivery of goods, humanitarian aid and fuel. Palestinian
liaison official Raed Fattouh, who coordinates deliveries with Israeli
authorities, told Ma'an that Israel would allow 180 - 190 truckloads of
aid....
*Report: Turkey brokering Hamas-Israel truce*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372869>
3/27/2011 - TEL AVIV (Ma'an) -- An Israeli news site quoted official
sources saying that Turkey has been brokering a limited truce between
Palestinian factions in Gaza and Israel, in a bid to put an end to
recent border escalations. Israeli news website Inyan Merkazi said the
Turkish Prime Minister himself was heading the negotiations, saying....
*More violence in Syria as dissent rises*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372654>
3/27/2011 - DAMASCUS, Syria (AFP) -- More deadly violence erupted in
Syria as snipers killed two people and demonstrators torched an office
of the ruling Baath party of President Bashar Al-Assad. The violence
came on day 12 of dissent in a country renowned for its iron grip on
security. Authorities however freed 260 political detainees in a bid....
*Jordan opposition demands PM's ouster after unrest*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372657>
3/27/2011 - AMMAN, Jordan (AFP) -- Jordan's Islamist opposition,
leftists and trade unions on Saturday demanded the ouster of Prime
Minister Maaruf Bakhit, blaming him for violence that has killed one
person and injured 160." The Islamist movement demands the resignation,
or the sacking, of the government and the formation of a national unity
and reformist... .
*Libyan rebels advance as Gadhafi forces flee strikes*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372662>
3/27/2011 - BENGHAZI, Libya (AFP) -- Libyan rebels were pushing their
advance on Sunday after recapturing two key towns from Moammar Gadhafi's
forces in their first major victories since the launch of Western-led
air strikes. The rebels, who were in danger of losing their eastern
stronghold city of Benghazi before the strikes were launched on March....
*Cairo bourse closes up 5.28%*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372853>
3/27/2011 - CAIRO (AFP) -- The Cairo stock exchange on Sunday posted its
first gains on its third day of trading following a seven week closure
due to political unrest. The main EGX-30 index closed up 5. 28 percent
to 5,212. 08, with the market functioning for only three hours a day
instead of four in a....
*Syria emergency law to be lifted*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372886>
3/27/2011 - DAMASCUS, Syria (AFP) - Syrian authorities have decided to
lift emergency rule, a presidential adviser told AFP on Sunday as
residents of the northern city of Latakia buried victims of a wave of
unrest that has put President Bashar Al-Assad under unprecedented
pressure. Troops have deployed in Latakia, a religiously diverse port
city 350 kilometers northwest... .
*Reuters journalist expelled from Syria*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372919>
3/27/2011 - LONDON (AFP) -- A Reuters journalist has been expelled from
Syria after authorities accused him of filing "unprofessional and false"
reports on the country's unrest, the agency reported on its website
Sunday. Senior correspondent Khaled Yacoub Oweis, a Jordanian national,
worked in Damascus from February 2006 until Friday, when he was asked to
leave....
*Syria accuses fundamentalists of stirring unrest*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=372927>
3/27/2011 - DAMASCUS, Syria (AFP) -- Muslim fundamentalists who aim to
destroy religious coexistence in Syria are behind the unrest hitting the
country but will "fail again", presidential adviser Buthaina Shaaban
said Sunday. Shaaban, a high-profile adviser to President Bashar
Al-Assad, also said authorities have made the decision to lift emergency
rule, which has been in force since....
*Aljazeera* <http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/>
*Merkel's party headed for German poll debacle*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ europe/2011/ 03/2011327223469 39687.html>
AlJazeera 27 Mar 2011 - Anti-nuclear Greens likely to form coalition
with Social Democrats in Baden-Wuerttemberg, preliminary results show.
*Yemen transition talks stalled*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/03/20113272 05340499890. html>
AlJazeera 27 Mar 2011 - Ruling party recommends forming new government
as negotiations on president's departure are halted.
*Cairo to recognise South Sudan*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ africa/2011/ 03/2011327216264 04671.html>
AlJazeera 27 Mar 2011 - New Egyptian PM Essam Sharaf marks first trip
abroad since taking office with a visit to Khartoum.
*Jordan's king calls for national unity*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/03/20113272 03224334931. html>
AlJazeera 27 Mar 2011 - Amid rare calls for change in the kingdom,
Abdullah tells supporters that reforms are on track.
*Israel deploys 'Iron Dome' rocket shield*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/03/20113271 8224159699. html>
AlJazeera 27 Mar 2011 - Long-anticipated rocket defence system deployed
early in bid to counter recent surge in attacks from Gaza Strip.
*Kuwait to mediate Bahrain talks*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/03/20113271 1146179309. html>
AlJazeera 27 Mar 2011 - Opposition says it will set no conditions for
talks but the presence of foreign troops would be a thorny issue.
*Two killed in Israeli air raid on Gaza*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/03/20113276 524869443. html>
AlJazeera 27 Mar 2011 - Air raid hits targets east of Jabaliya, a day
after Hamas said it was 'committed to calm'.
*Syria 'to lift emergency law'*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/03/20113271 1553545999. html>
AlJazeera 27 Mar 2011 - Syrian government adviser confirms to Al Jazeera
that the country's emergency law is to be lifted but fails to say when.
*Deaths as Syria protests spread*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/03/20113261 6546326475. html>
AlJazeera 27 Mar 2011 - Officials confirm 27 killed in clashes in cities
of Homs, Sanamin, Daraa and Latakia since rallies began on March 15.
*Palestine News Network* <http://english. pnn.ps/>
*West Bank Town Gets First Water Network and Reservoir*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=9783&Itemid= 63>
PNN - Hebron -- ANERA To PNN - It is well known that water covers more
than two-thirds of the earth's surface. Because of this, many people
assume that water is available to everyone....
*Two Fighters Assassinated In Gaza, One Resident Injured*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=9782&Itemid= 56>
PNN - By Sa'ed Bannoura - PNN - Only a few hours after several
resistance factions, including the Al Qassam Brigades of Hamas, declared
that they are committed to a ceasefire should Israel halt...
*AMIDEAST and Souktel Hold Demo Cisco Entrepreneur Institute Workshops*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=9781&Itemid=>
PNN - Ramallah --AMIDEAST To PNN-- To a rapt audience sourced using
Souktel's SMS JobMatch service, AMIDEAST recently provided a glimpse of
what it has in store with its collaboration with Cisco to open...
*Apple Days Coming to Ramallah*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=9780&Itemid= 61>
PNN - Ramallah -- PNN - The USAID/Enterprise Development and Investment
Promotion Project and Apple, in close cooperation with Minister of IT
and Telecommunications Mashour Abu Daqqa, will be hosting Apple Days on
29-30...
*Palestinian Center for Human Rights* <http://pchrgaza. org/>
*Unknown Persons Blow Women's Beauty Salon in Rafah and Car of The
Assistant Comptroller General of the Security Services in Gaza*
<http://www.pchrgaza .org/portal/ en/index. php?option= com_content& view=article& id=7307:unknown- persons-blow- womens-beauty- salon-in- rafah-and- car-of-the- assistant- comptroller- general-of- the-security- services- in-gaza-& catid=61: field-update- security- chaos-&Itemid= 211>
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Sunday, 20 March 2011
*Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied
Palestinian Territory (17-23 March 2011)*
<http://www.pchrgaza .org/portal/ en/index. php?option= com_content& view=article& id=7321:weekly- report-on- israeli-human- rights-violation s-in-the- occupied- palestinian- territory- 17-23-march- 2011&catid= 84:weekly- 2009&Itemid= 183>
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
*PCHR Concludes Training Course on Human Rights and Democracy in Rafah*
<http://www.pchrgaza .org/portal/ en/index. php?option= com_content& view=article& id=7329:pchr- concludes- training- course-on- human-rights- and-democracy- in-rafah- &catid=37: pchrnews- &Itemid=30>
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
*Alternative Information Center* <http://alternativen ews.org/>
*Hebrew University to Discipline Students for Screening Jenin Jenin
Film*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ news/3458- hebrew-universit y-to-discipline- students- for-screening- jenin-jenin- film->
Alternative Information Center - The board of Hebrew University summoned
representatives of the university's Hadash Party to a hearing before the
Dean of Students last week. The hearing was for Hadash's screening of
the film Jenin, Jenin, and is yet...
*30 Protesters Detained during Weekend Demonstrations against Wall,
Settlements*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ news/3457- 30-protesters- detained- during-weekend- demonstrations- against-wall- settlements->
Alternative Information Center - Three demonstrators were injured and at
least 30 activists detained during demonstrations against the Separation
Wall and settlements throughout the West Bank and East Jerusalem this
past weekend (25-26 March).
*UK, France, Germany Request the UN, EU to Propose "Final Settlement of
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict"*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ news/3454- uk-france- germany-request- the-un-eu- to-propose- final-settlement -of-israeli- palestinian- conflict->
Alternative Information Center - Britain, France and Germany are asking
the United Nations and the European Union to propose the outlines of a
"final settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict" that would lead
to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
*Call From a "Syrian who Seeks Freedom"*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ news/3452- call-from- a-syrian- who-seeks- freedom->
Alternative Information Center - The Alternative Information Center
(AIC) received the following request from "A Syrian who seeks freedom"
and is pleased to publish her/his call:
*Army Evicts Palestinian Family in Jordan Valley to Facilitate
Settlement*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ settlers- violence/ 3459-army- evicts-palestini an-family- in-jordan- valley-to- facilitate- settlement>
Alternative Information Center - On Friday morning, 25 March, Israeli
soldiers forcefully removed a Palestinian family from their tent in the
Ein al-Helwa region of the northern Jordan Valley, in order to authorize
a nearby Jewish settlement.
*29 March Press Conference in East Jerusalem: Save the Village of Lifta*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ jerusalem/ 3455-29-march- press-conference -in-east- jerusalem- save-the- village-of- lifta->
Alternative Information Center - You are cordially invited to attend a
press conference for the movement to Save the Village of Lifta. The
press conference, organized by the Lifta Society, will be held on
Tuesday 29 March 2011 at 10.30...
*Join New Campaign to Boycott Israeli Diamonds*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ economy-of- the-occupation/ 3456-join- new-campaign- to-boycott- israeli-diamonds ->
Alternative Information Center - Global Palestine Solidarity has
launched a petition urging the Kimberley Process to widen its definition
of conflict diamonds to include all diamonds that fund human rights
violations. Israeli economist Shir Hever: "Diamond industry funds
Israel's war...
*Relief Web*
<http://reliefweb. int/rw/rwb. nsf/doc106? OpenForm& emid=ACOS- 635PFR&rc= 3>
*OPT: Humanitarian & civilian activities towards the Gaza Strip - COGAT
monthly report for February 2011*
<http://www.reliefwe b.int/rw/ rwb.nsf/db900SID /MCOI-8FCHS6? OpenDocument& RSS20=02- P>
Relief Web 27 Mar 2011 - Source: Government of Israel
*Palestine Telegraph* <http://paltelegraph .com/>
*The Nakba Law deepens apartheid in Israel*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ palestinian- refugees/ 8771-the- nakba-law- deepens-aparthei d-in-israel. html>
27 Mar 2011 - Palestine, (Pal Telegraph) - The 'Nakba law' is yet
another piece of racist and discriminatory legislation which will
directly target the Palestinian minority in Israel. In essence, the law
stifles freedom of expression and will punish this sector of society for
commemorating the most traumatic event in their recent collective
history, the Nakba.
*Settlers uproot olive trees near Salfit*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 8769-settlers- uproot-olive- trees-near- salfit.html>
27 Mar 2011 - West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Settlers of Alei Zahav
settlement uprooted Sunday morning 21 olive trees belonged to the
citizen, Sami Ibraheem, in Deir Ballout town in Salfit, northern West Bank.
*Israel intensifies its checkpoints in Jenin*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 8768-israel- intensifies- its-checkpoints- in-jenin. html>
27 Mar 2011 - West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli occupation forces
erected Sunday morning several barriers at different parts of Jenin city
in the north part of the West Bank without causalities reported.
*Israeli army raids Hebron, detains Palestinian*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 8766-army- raids-hebron- detains-palestin ian.html>
27 Mar 2011 - West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli occupation forces
stormed several houses in Hebron, southern West Bank and erected
military checkpoints at the main crossroads of the city.
*2 killed, 3 injured in Israeli shelling on Gaza Strip*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ gaza-strip/ 8765-2-killed- 1-injured- in-israeli- shelling- on-gaza-strip. html>
27 Mar 2011 - Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph)- Two Palestinians were killed
Sunday and three seriously injured due to Israeli shelling targeting a
car in Jabalya refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip.
*The National* <http://thenational. ae/section/ FOREIGN?profile= 1011>
*Syria on brink of sweeping reforms*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ syria-on- brink-of- sweeping- reforms>
The National 27 Mar 2011 - Syria's 48-year state of emergency 'to be
lifted' says President Bashar al Assad's office, but analyst warns:
'Reform is not reform until it has happened - up until then it's just
more words.'
*Saleh's party insists he must stay in power in Yemen until 2013*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ salehs-party- insists-he- must-stay- in-power- in-yemen- until-2013>
The National 27 Mar 2011 - Although, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh
says he is prepared to step down quickly if a peaceful transition can be
negotiated, his ruling party says his continuing to rule is 'a necessity
because there is nobody who can take over power.'
*Hamas tries to keep rocket attacks under control as Israeli planes kill
two*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ hamas-tries- to-keep-rocket- attacks-under- control-as- israeli-planes- kill-two>
The National 27 Mar 2011 - Gaza's rulers want agreement from armed
factions such as Islamic Jihad to stop cross-border attacks against
Israel, in order to maintain informal ceasefire.
*Islamic clerics in Egypt call for end to religious funding agency
corruption*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ islamic-clerics- in-egypt- call-for- end-to-religious -funding- agency-corruptio n>
The National 27 Mar 2011 - Kickbacks and book-fiddling are 'rife' in
Egypt¿s major Islamic religious bodies, which handle the equivalent of
of hundreds of millions of dollars, acording to insiders.
*Muslim Brotherhood calls for Jordan's PM Marouf Bakhit to quit*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ muslim-brotherho od-calls- for-jordans- pm-marouf- bakhit-to- quit>
The National 26 Mar 2011 - Brotherhood¿s response comes after Bakhit
accused the group of 'receiving instructions from Islamist leaders in
Syria and Egypt' and violence sees one death and nearly 130 injuries.
*The Shama family, stuck between the anvil of Hamas and the hammer of
Israel*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ the-shama- family-stuck- between-the- anvil-of- hamas-and- the-hammer- of-israel>
The National 26 Mar 2011 - When Hamas quietly vacated its training camp
next door, the Shama family grew nervous. Then the Israeli airstrikes
came. Was it all a plot to sabotage the visit by Mahmoud Abbas to Gaza?
*Ha'aretz* <http://haaretz. com/>
*Report: Netanyahu failed to report all campaign contributions to State
Comptroller*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ report-netanyahu -failed-to- report-all- campaign- contributions- to-state- comptroller- 1.352211>
Ha'aretz - Channel 10 news says 'internal document' compiled by
Netanyahu's staff in 2005 shows several unreported contributions as well
as those exceeding the $8,000 limit.
*Zvi Bar'el / Assad's fall could deliver Lebanon to Iran and Hezbollah*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ assad-s-fall- could-deliver- lebanon-to- iran-and- hezbollah- 1.352204>
Ha'aretz - Washington, Israel, Turkey and Iran all have great reasons to
want Assad to remain at the helm - he's seen as a safety valve against
an attack by Hezbollah on Israel or against its physical takeover of
Lebanon.
*Amira Hass / Mighty Israel and its quest to quash Palestinian popular
protest*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/features /mighty-israel- and-its-quest- to-quash- palestinian- popular-protest- 1.352248>
Ha'aretz - The military has delegated its best soldiers, investigators
and judges to safeguarding Israel against the organizer of Nabi Saleh's
popular uprising.
*Israeli bank to pay NIS 130 million to heirs of Holocaust victims*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ israeli-bank- to-pay-nis- 130-million- to-heirs- of-holocaust- victims-1. 352205>
Ha'aretz - Agreement marks end of NIS 300 million lawsuit against the
bank from June 2009, for funds deposited in 3,577 accounts before World
War II by Jews who later died in the Holocaust.
*Orly Vilnai / Holocaust survivors' compensation is a victory, albeit a
late one*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ holocaust- survivors- compensation- is-a-victory- albeit-a- late-one- 1.352206>
Ha'aretz - In the first half of 2010, Leumi's profits jumped to more
than NIS 1.2 billion - how terrible would it have been had the bank
handed over the entire NIS 300 million demanded in the suit before the
settlement was reached?
*Social workers organize mass rally as standoff with Finance Ministry
persists*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ social-workers- organize- mass-rally- as-standoff- with-finance- ministry- persists- 1.352214>
Ha'aretz - Chairman of the Social Workers Union calls on Netanyahu to
intervene in the strike, warns social workers will direct their campaign
at him.
*Israel mulls cancelling Argentina FM visit over reported Iran talks*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/israel- mulls-cancelling -argentina- fm-visit- over-reported- iran-talks- 1.352178>
Ha'aretz - Comment comes in wake of a report claiming that Argentina
willing to 'forget' a series of bombings targeting Jewish landmarks in
exchange for improved trade ties with Tehran.
*Libya rebels retake key oil towns in NATO-backed westward push*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ libya-rebels- retake-key- oil-towns- in-nato-backed- westward- push-1.352170>
Ha'aretz - Rebel forces say could sign Qatar oil deal after regaining
coastal complexes at Ras Lanouf, Brega.
*Israel's southern towns slam State over lack of Gaza rocket defense*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ israel-s- southern- towns-slam- state-over- lack-of-gaza- rocket-defense- 1.352160>
Ha'aretz - Sderot mayor says deployment of first anti-rocket system near
city of Be'er Sheva meant to 'shut everyone up'; Mayor of Bedouin city
of Rahat bemoans Israel's 'first-class discrimination of its Bedouin
citizens.'
*Court sentences West Bank settler to prison for beating Palestinian
minor*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ court-sentences- west-bank- settler-to- prison-for- beating-palestin ian-minor- 1.352142>
Ha'aretz - Settler was convicted of kidnapping and attacking Palestinian
teen on two occasions as well as of killing his young goat.
*Thousands rally outside Finance Ministry to support social workers'
demands*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ thousands- rally-outside- finance-ministry -to-support- social-workers- demands-1. 352099>
Ha'aretz - The demonstration marked a resumption of public protest for
the social workers, students and their supporters after a relative lull
over recent days.
*Police arrest three suspects over the torching of two Arab students'
cars*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ police-arrest- three-suspects- over-the- torching- of-two-arab- students- cars-1.351598>
Ha'aretz - The cars were set alight one day after a college event meant
to promote dialogue between Jews and Arabs led to heated arguments
between the two groups of students.
*MK Mofaz: Netanyahu cabinet is hurting Israel's military deterrence*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/mk- mofaz-netanyahu- cabinet-is- hurting-israel- s-military- deterrence- 1.352139>
Ha'aretz - Speaking in Be'er Sheva, former Defense Minister says Israel
cannot tolerate a situation in which Hamas and Islamic Jihad determine
the lives of Israeli citizens.
*Israel deploys Iron Dome missile defense system for first time*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/israel- deploys-iron- dome-missile- defense-system- for-first- time-1.352100>
Ha'aretz - System placed on desert terrain, expected to begin operating
by Sunday afternoon; IDF has described the step as 'experiment' , adding
that the system alone won't be sufficient defense.
*Gunmen target Egypt pipeline carrying gas to Israel and Jordan*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/gunmen- target-egypt- pipeline- carrying- gas-to-israel- and-jordan- 1.352098>
Ha'aretz - A previous attack at another gas terminal along the pipeline
halted gas exports to Israel and Jordan for a month and a half.
*Palestinians: Two Jihad militants killed in Israeli strike on Gaza*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/palestin ians-two- jihad-militants- killed-in- israeli-strike- on-gaza-1. 352061>
Ha'aretz - Witnesses: militants were firing rocket at Israel; attack
comes a day after Gaza groups signaled they would halt rocket fire if
IDF stopped carrying out targeted attacks as well.
*Jerusalem Post* <http://jpost. com/>
*Aided by airstrikes, Libyan rebels push west*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=214104& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 28 Mar 2011 - Libyan TV says Gaddafi in Tripoli; rebels
seize oil terminals in east, eye Gaddafi hometown; witnesses hear
explosions in Sirte, Tripoli; NATO agrees to implement all aspects of UN
resolution.
*High Court: State must honor Turk plea bargain*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=214095& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Judges: Reneging on plea agreement would
undermine public's faith in process; if state attorney didn't like deal,
shouldn't have made it.
*Gaza cops use 'beatings, stun guns' on women reporters*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=214092& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Hamas security personnel raid offices of
media organizations, including Reuters and CNN, confiscate equipment and
documents.
*$200 million renewal project launched at Nat'l Library*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=214091& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Plan includes new building and
digitization of library's materials; "expanding access will allow
country to protect, share traditions.
*Bank Leumi agrees to pay NIS 130m. to Holocaust victims*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=214088& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Despite high hopes, restitution
organization agrees to 'cut our losses'; money will go to heirs of
victims, projects to help survivors.
*Syria's Assad deploys army; Clinton: US won't intervene*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=214085& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Likud's Kara warns Israel won't sit
quietly if Syria attacks Druse; Syrian president announces emergency law
will be lifted, give no timetable.
*Sportscaster Arbel suspended for Kamm tribute*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=214082& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Channel 10 commentator Yoram Arbel was
suspended Sunday after dedicating night's broadcast of Israel's Euro
2012 qualifying match to Anat Kamm.
*'Graves uncovered in Jaffa pagan, not Jewish'*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=214081& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Antiquities Authority counters claims for
Jewish bones; Haredi protesters, in doubt, plan to hold 'funeral' for
remains today.
*Blasts heard in Gaddafi stronghold Sirte, Tripoli*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=214060& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Witnesses say at least 10 explosions heard
in Libya capital; convoy of 20 military vehicles including truck-mounted
anti-aircraft guns seen moving west; NATO agrees to take full command of
operations.
*New Prison Service head appointment canceled*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=214054& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Following claims of improper conduct,
Aharonovitch cancels appointment of Eli Gavizon after A-G says he could
not approve it.
*NATO agrees to take full command of Libya operations*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=214052& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - US officials say US will begin to cut role
in military campaign, plan strategies on end of Gaddafi's rule; Libyan
rebels push westward.
*Facebook 'monitoring' page calling for 3rd intifada*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=214046& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Social networking group believes page does
not advocate violence against Israel, but has removed individual violent
posts.
*Pro-Gaddafi forces, rebels fight in Misrata center*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=214034& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Muammar Gaddafi's troops pushed further
east as fighting continues; Pope Benedict calls for the "suspension of
the use of arms."
*Settler sentenced to 18 months for attacking Palestinian*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=214032& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Zvi Struck, who denied charges against
him, convicted for abducting and assaulting 15-year-old Palestinian boy
in 2007.
*2 teens drown after their raft flips in fishpond*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=214030& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Police divers locate bodies of two drowned
youths who went missing after their raft flipped in fish farming pool
near Kibbutz Usha.
*Syria's Assad deploys army; Clinton says no US intervention*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? ID=214017& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Soldiers take to streets in Latakia where
12 were killed in 2 days of clashes; Clinton says US deplores bloodshed
in Syria but a Libya-style intervention not expected; Assad adviser says
emergency law to be lifted.
*Cabinet approves construction of 5,000 units for elderly*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=214013& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - PM says "this meets an existing public and
social concern for the neediest population in Israel today;" majority of
needy elderly new immigrants.
*North African migrant crisis pressures Berlusconi*
<http://www.jpost. com/VideoArticle s/Video/Article. aspx?ID=214012& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Thousands of Tunisian refugees inundate
island near Sicily that lives off of fishing and tourism; local
residents slam Italian government's inaction.
*As the Middle East burns, Saudi economy glows*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=214009& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Arab world unrest boosts oil prices,
swelling country's coffers; estimates oil output grows from 700,000 to
9.2m barrels a day.
*Bombing attempt on Egypt-Israel gas pipeline fails*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=214003& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Gunmen overpower guard and plant explosive
device at gas terminal near el-Arish in Sinai; soldiers defuse bomb,
suspects flee.
*Report: Libyan rebels reach oil town of Ras Lanuf*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=213999& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Muammar Gaddafi's troops pushed further
east as fighting continues; Pope Benedict calls for the "suspension of
the use of arms."
*PM says Iron Dome won't provide complete protection*
<http://www.jpost. com/VideoArticle s/Video/Article. aspx?ID=213996& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Counter-rocket defense system to be
deployed near Beersheba; IAF prepared for possibility it won't work.
*'We don't want escalation but attacks won't be tolerated'*
<http://www.jpost. com/Defense/ Article.aspx? ID=213986& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Netanyahu addresses rockets from Gaza as
IDF thwarts attack from terror cell attempting to fire missiles into
Israel; Palestinians report 2 killed.
*'Iran asks Argentina to forget attacks on Jewish targets'*
<http://www.jpost. com/Internationa l/Article. aspx?ID=213979& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Report: Tehran offers improved financial
ties to S. American country in exchange for dropping probe into 1990s
bombings in Buenos Aires.
*'Iran, Hezbollah assisting in Syria protest suppression' *
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=213975& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 27 Mar 2011 - Protesters report hearing security forces
speaking Farsi; Syrian official says 12 killed in Latakia over course of
two days.
*Gay opposition rises against Israel Apartheid Week*
<http://www.jpost. com/JewishWorld/ JewishNews/ Article.aspx? ID=213963& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 26 Mar 2011 - Activists in favor and against Israel face
off after a LGBT community center cancels "A Party to End Apartheid."
*Elizabeth Taylor -- an ardent Zionist*
<http://www.jpost. com/JewishWorld/ JewishNews/ Article.aspx? ID=213952& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 26 Mar 2011 - Screen legend converted to Judaism in 1959
and was among Israel's most vocal advocates.
*Uruknet* <http://uruknet. info/>
*Majority of Palestinian Voices Still Being Ignored*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76268& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 27, 2011 -... At the heart of Palestine's struggle is the
refugee case, which remains almost a taboo subject in many forums
including in the seemingly endless and fruitless 'Peace Process', which
seems on the verge of what one can only hope is a final collapse. Time
and again, in speeches and in op-eds around the world, 'pro-Palestinian' ...
*Syria's President Assad deploys army*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76267& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 27, 2011 - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, facing the
gravest crisis in his 11-year rule, deployed the army Sunday for the
first time in nearly two weeks of protests after 12 people were killed
in the northwest port of Latakia. Assad, 45, who has been silent since
protests started sweeping Syria, is expected to address the nation
shortly,...
*US-Led Libyan Ground Assault Planned*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76265& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 27, 2011 - Libya, like Iraq, is becoming a "black
hole....As soon as it became clear that insurgents lost the battle,"
Resolution 1973 was passed, providing wide latitude for intervention. As
a result, "Libya may cease to exist, de facto, the way Iraq did. On the
other hand, it's unlikely that Gaddafi's regime can be overthrown by air...
*Energized Muslim Brotherhood in Libya eyes a prize*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76264& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 27, 2011 - The prominent member of the Muslim Brotherhood
now lives in London, and anticipates the group could become an important
player in a post-Gadhafi environment. As in Egypt and Tunisia, the
Brotherhood in Libya has been energized by the sudden upheaval sweeping
the Arab world...Hresha said the Libyan Muslim Brotherhood welcomes
airstrikes in Libya... "I salute...
*Hamas tries to keep rocket attacks under control as Israeli planes kill
two* <http://uruknet. info/?p=m76263& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 27, 2011 - ...Hamas has struggled to control Islamic
Jihad, which has threatened the carefully calibrated arms balance
between Israel and Gaza's armed factions by recently launching
longer-range Qassam and Grad rockets at Israeli cities. Hamas-fired
mortars usually land in empty desert. The group had declared after a
meeting with Hamas and other factions on Saturday evening that...
*Confining Manning and Falling Into the Outer Darkness*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76261& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 27, 2011 - For a brief moment, December's WikiLeaks
scandal caused us to remember the forgotten Private Bradley Manning who
was arrested in June 2010 and to this very day languishes in a
perpetually lit white box, forbidden virtually all sentient stimulation
or social contact. In February, Manning's lawyer announced that his
client's condition was "deteriorating" and this...
*"A Story About Lost and Broken Things": Mohammed Jawad, A Child in
Guantánamo, and the Lawyer Who Fought for Him*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76260& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet
*Syria accuses fundamentalists of stirring unrest*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76259& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 27, 2011 --- Muslim fundamentalists who aim to destroy
religious coexistence in Syria are behind the unrest hitting the country
but will "fail again", presidential adviser Buthaina Shaaban said
Sunday. Shaaban, a high-profile adviser to President Bashar al-Assad,
also said authorities have made the decision to lift emergency rule,
which has been in force since the Baath party...
*Israel air strike kills 2 in Gaza*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76258& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 28, 2011 - Israeli warplanes fired missiles at the
Jabaliya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip Sunday morning killing
two Palestinians and injuring three others. Medics at the Kamal Udwan
Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip identified one of those killed as
Sabri Hashim Asaliyya, a recently-married nurse. They said the five were
hit by a missile...
*Iraq: Protests, Parliament and Ali al-Lami's banning again*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76257& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - Al Mada reports that Babacar Zebari, the Iraqi
Army's Chief of Staff, has declared that Iraq is ready to face any
emergency internally. It's a sad statement on Iraq's 'government' that
they have to boast of being able to defend themselves from internal
threats (that would be their own people). It's equally true that there...
*Palestinian Killed In Syria Protests*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76256& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - The Maan News Agency reported that a
Palestinian man, originally from Gaza, was killed after gunmen opened
fire at a vehicle carrying him, a physician and a nurse in Dir'a city in
Syria. Wisam Amin Al Ghoul, 33, was helping in evacuating the wounded
who were attacked by the Syrian police and security forces during...
*Many Libyans appear to back Gadhafi*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76255& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 --- To all outward appearances, Tripoli is a city
deeply enamored with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. His portrait hangs
from lampposts, adorns shopping centers and sprouts from the new office
blocks rising from the seafront. Sayings from his Green Book, required
reading for all schoolchildren, are posted in government buildings,
including public restrooms. And his supporters,. ..
*Gaza factions offer truce, if Israel reciprocates*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76254& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - Palestinian factions in Gaza agreed Saturday to
commit to a truce with Israel if its military stopped attacking the
coastal enclave. The decision was made at a two-hour meeting in Gaza
City, initiated by Hamas, to discuss Israel's escalation in attacks on
the Gaza Strip. Over the last week, Israeli forces have bombarded the
coastal...
*Baghdad: Demonstrations in the rain*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76253& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - Yesterday it was raining in Baghdad. Young and
old Iraqi people gathered in Tahrir square in center of Baghdad,
hundreds of Iraqis demonstrate in central Baghdad under the slogan
"Friday of accountability" demanding the release of detainees and the
prosecution of corrupt officials. The Iraqi demonstrator has to walk for
few miles to get to...
*James Petras M.I.A.* <http://uruknet. info/?p=m76252& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - James Petras has been cloned. Petras I is still
reliable, if a bit creaky in his old age. He digs for information in
Chapare, Chiapas, and elsewhere in the Latin American countryside,
interviewing militants from the Venezuelan National Peasant Front
Ezequiel Zamora, rural organizers from the Brazilian Landless Worker's
Movements, syndicalists in Uruguay, and slum-dwellers. ..
*Bernard-Henri Lévy makes "humanitarian" case for bombing Libya*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76251& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - On March 24 French writer Bernard-Henri Lévy
gave a chat interview on the web site of Le Monde, defending the
unprovoked war of aggression launched by the United States, Britain, and
France against Libya. In the 1970s Lévy was one of the leading "New
Philosophers" , a group of young intellectuals criticizing both Marxism
and the...
*Waves of arrests in weekly Nabi Saleh Demonstration*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76250& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - A day after the violent arrest of Nabi Saleh
Popular Committee leader Bassem Tamimi, one Palestinian, five Israelis
and three international activists were arrested in Nabi Saleh on Friday.
A Palestinian cameraman and three more Israelis were briefly detained.
Only a day after the arrest of Bassem Tamimi, the coordinator of the
village's popular committee,.. .
*Old Colonial Rivalries Revive over Libya*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76248& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - Turkey's volte-face Thursday evening to make a
sizeable military contribution to NATO's intervention in the Libyan
crisis, after two weeks of fierce opposition to the Alliance's mingling
with Arab affairs, has further blurred Ankara's position in the North
African conflict. The Turkish Grand General Assembly voted in a
closed-door session Thursday in favour of the...
*Pseudo Anti-Imperialism* <http://uruknet. info/?p=m76247& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - Now that the imperialists are bombing Libya,
again speaking of liberation and humanitarianism, certain sections of
the mainstream North American left are tripping over themselves in
sophistic attempts to justify the intervention of their governments.
Gilbert Achcar, Znet favourite, even goes so far as to argue that
supporting the "no fly zone" (those imperialist parameters.. .
*Boycotting Israel ... from within Israelis explain why they joined the
Boycott Divestment Sanctions movement.*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76246& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - It was Egypt that got me thinking about the
Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement in a serious way. I was
already conducting a quiet targeted boycott of settlement goods -
silently reading labels at the grocery store to make sure I was not
buying anything that came from over the Green Line. I had been...
*Libyan War And Control Of The Mediterranean*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76245& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - A year after assuming the post of president of
the French Republic in 2007, and while his nation held the rotating
European Union presidency, Nicolas Sarkozy invited the heads of state of
the EU's 27 members and those of 17 non-EU Mediterranean countries to
attend a conference in Paris to launch a Mediterranean Union. In...
*Abbas, Hamas in 'positive' talks on reconciliation*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76244& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 --- Mahmud Abbas and Hamas held positive talks
Saturday on a long-elusive reconciliation between the Palestinian
president's Fatah party and the Islamist group, both sides said. Aziz
Dweik, the Hamas head of the Palestinian legislature, said the meeting
was "highly positive" and that "practical moves on the ground will be
taken in the coming days" regarding...
*Obama's Unconstitutional War*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76243& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - In taking the country into a war with Libya,
Barack Obama's administration is breaking new ground in its construction
of an imperial presidency -- an executive who increasingly acts
independently of Congress at home and abroad. Obtaining a U.N. Security
Council resolution has legitimated U.S. bombing raids under
international law. But the U.N. Charter is...
*Ground operation in Libya could start in April - Russian intelligence*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m76242& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet March 26, 2011 - The international coalition force is planning a
ground operation in Libya that could start in late April, a high-ranking
Russian intelligence service source said on Friday. "Information coming
via different channels shows that NATO countries, with the active
participation of Britain and the United States, are developing a plan
for a ground operation on Libyan...
*Daily Star* <http://dailystar. com.lb/>
*Hundreds march from Amsheet to Jbeil against political sectarianism*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id= 1&article_ id=126502>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 AMSHEET, JBEIL: Hundreds of demonstrators marched
from the town of Amsheet to Jbeil's square Sunday, demanding an end to
the sectarian political system in Lebanon as the nascent pro-secular
movement staged a show of force for...
*Aoun: educational and judicial sectors corrupt*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id= 1&article_ id=126501>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 BEIRUT: The Free Patriotic Movement leader said
over the weekend that the country's educational and judicial sectors,
and inspection centers were plagued with wide-spread corruption. "They
are partners in the process of corruption," Kesrouan MP Michel...
*Baroud says independent body should run elections*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id= 1&article_ id=126500>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 BEIRUT: Caretaker Interior Minister said over the
weekend that the ministry wanted to restrict the running of elections to
an independent body. "If we want to succeed, the elections should be run
by an authority and...
*Army first sergeant shot dead in fratricide*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id= 1&article_ id=126499>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 CHOUF: A Lebanese Army first sergeant was
murdered by his brother in the village of Mazraet al-Chouf Sunday
afternoon. First Sergeant Haytham Bouaini, 37, was murdered as he was
heading home with his two children, when...
*Two-year-old killed in car crash while brother driving*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id= 1&article_ id=126498>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 BEIRUT: A child was killed when his underage
brother lost control of the car he was driving in Akkar. The National
News Agency reported that the child was killed after a four-wheel drive
Hyundai, driven by...
*Ain al-Hilweh calm after Saturday evening tension*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id= 1&article_ id=126497>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 SIDON: Tension abated in the Palestinian refugee
camp of Ain al-Hilweh after an eventful Saturday night which witnessed
an attempt on the life of a Fatah member and a grenade tossed into the
camp's market place....
*Interior Ministry issues guidelines to follow during earthquakes*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id= 1&article_ id=126496>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 BEIRUT: The Interior Ministry distributed over
the weekend safety guidelines for earthquakes in anticipation of a
possible future tremor. Several media outlets cited unconfirmed reports
as saying last week that Lebanon might be hit by an...
*Schools need standardized history textbooks, education minister says*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id= 1&article_ id=126495>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 BEIRUT: Caretaker Minister of Education and
Higher Education Hasan Mneimneh emphasized over the weekend the need for
a standardized set of history textbooks for all Lebanese schools.
Mneimneh said such textbooks will help break through the...
*One wounded in Beirut as Syrians protest in support of Assad regime*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id= 1&article_ id=126494>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 BEIRUT: A Syrian national was wounded in a
drive-by shooting while marching in support of Syria's President Bashar
Assad Sunday, a security source told The Daily Star. An individual
driving a black Jeep fired three gunshots...
*Beirut contingent stage smaller rally on day of protest*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id= 1&article_ id=126493>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 BEIRUT: More than 300 people rallied against
Lebanon's sectarian political system and its leaders in Beirut Sunday,
hours before pro-secular movements staged their fourth rally in the
coastal town of Amsheet. Demonstrators gathered at noon next...
*Sagesse dent Champville's chances of first place*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 1&categ_id= 1&article_ id=126492>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 BEIRUT: Champville's grip on the top of the
Lebanese basketball league slipped again Sunday after the leaders lost
74-60 to Sagesse in Dik al-Mehdi. Champville still remain top by four
points but second place Riyadi now...
*Gadhafi stronghold in crosshairs*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_ id=2&article_ id=126476>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 RAS LANOUF, Libya: International air raids
targeted Moammar Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte for the first time Sunday
night as rebels made a high-speed advance toward the regime stronghold,
a formidable obstacle that must be overcome for...
*Government to be formed by end of this week, source says*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_ id=2&article_ id=126481>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 BEIRUT: Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati's
contacts with the March 8 parties have made progress, boosting hopes for
the formation of a new government "within days," a source close to
Mikati said Sunday. "Prime Minister Mikati's meetings...
*Somali Cabinet votes to extend own term: official*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_ id=2&article_ id=126480>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 MOGADISHU: A top Somali official said Sunday the
government has voted overwhelmingly to extend its term for another year
despite international calls for it to leave office when its mandate
expires in August. Mohammad Mohamoud Boon,...
*Israel deploys long-awaited rocket shield at Gaza's edge*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_ id=2&article_ id=126479>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 BEERSHEBA, Israel: Israel deployed a
long-anticipated rocket shield outside the Gaza Strip Sunday, shortly
after an Israeli airstrike killed two Palestinians, but stressed the
initial deployment was experimental. The positioning of Iron Dome just
north of...
*Syria's Assad deploys army in attempt to quell unrest*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_ id=2&article_ id=126478>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 DAMASCUS: President Bashar Assad, facing the
gravest crisis in his 11-year rule, deployed the army for the first time
in Syria's main port of Latakia after nearly two weeks of protests
spread across the country. Assad,...
*Yemen transfer talks stall, clashes erupt in south*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_ id=2&article_ id=126477>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 SANAA: Talks to end a standoff over Yemeni
President Ali Abdullah Saleh's rule have stopped without a plan to
resume, opposition figures said Sunday, as clashes erupted between the
army and militants in the south. Saleh...
*Sarkozy's ruling party rebuked in French local elections*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_ id=2&article_ id=126474>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 PARIS: French President Nicolas Sarkozy's ruling
party suffered a rebuke in local elections Sunday that saw the
Socialists surge and the Far Right cement its popularity ahead of next
year's presidential vote. The opposition Socialist Party...
*Unions decry violence at U.K. anti-cuts demo*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_ id=2&article_ id=126473>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 LONDON: Trade union organizers of a protest
against austerity cuts in London have condemned rioters who went on the
rampage after the rally, attacking police and smashing up shops in a
night of violence. At least...
*Egypt to recognize South Sudan, says foreign minister*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ article.asp? edition_id= 10&categ_ id=2&article_ id=126471>
Daily Star 27 Mar 2011 CAIRO: Egypt will recognize South Sudan as an
independent state after it voted to secede from Khartoum, Egyptian
Foreign Minister Nabil al-Araby said on his first visit abroad since an
uprising ousted President Hosni Mubarak. The...
(continues in following post)
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 28, 2011 20:24:04 GMT 4
(continues from preceding post)
[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1334
Sun Mar 27, 2011 8:28 pm (PDT)
*Inter Press Service* <http://ipsnews. net/middle. asp>
*Netanyahu Caught Between Status Quo And Power Vacuum*
<http://ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 55014>
IPS Disregarding the old adage that politics like nature abhors a
vacuum, Benjamin Netanyahu could until now sing his own praise and
declare that Israel under his premiership was an anchor of political
stability whereas the wider Middle East was fast sinking into a power
vacuum.
*African Union Urges Libya Dialogue*
<http://ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 55012>
IPS The Libyan government has agreed to a range of proposals from the
African Union at a high level meeting held in Addis Ababa Friday,
including democratic reforms and talks with the rebels.
*Deaths as Syrian Forces Fire on Protesters*
<http://ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 55005>
IPS Syrian security forces have opened fire on anti-government
protesters in the city of Sanamin near Daraa, killing at least 20
people, according to one witness.
*TURKEY: Old Colonial Rivalries Revive over Libya*
<http://ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 55004>
IPS Turkey's volte-face Thursday evening to make a sizeable military
contribution to NATO's intervention in the Libyan crisis, after two
weeks of fierce opposition to the Alliance's mingling with Arab affairs,
has further blurred Ankara's position in the North African conflict.
*Foreign Labourers Targeted Throughout Bahrain*
<http://ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 55002>
IPS As protests in Bahrain continue, increasingly migrant workers are
being victimised in violent hate crimes.
*LIBYA: Obama Doctrine of Multilateralism on the Line*
<http://ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 55001>
IPS As the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) prepares to assume
command and control of military operations in Libya after five days of
the United States at the helm, U.S. President Barack Obama's doctrine of
multilateralism is on the line.
*Stop The Wall* <http://stopthewall. org/>
*University of Johannesburg Makes History: UJ Senate Decides to Sever
Links with Israeli Apartheid*
<http://stopthewall. org/worldwideact ivism/2517. shtml>
Stop The Wall - (Mar 24, 2011)
*LSE Boycotts Israeli Company -- Eden Springs*
<http://stopthewall. org/worldwideact ivism/2518. shtml>
Stop The Wall - (Mar 24, 2011)
*Norwegian electricians call for boycott, arms trade ban*
<http://stopthewall. org/worldwideact ivism/2511. shtml>
Stop The Wall - (Mar 17, 2011)
*G4S to partially cut ties with Israeli Apartheid*
<http://stopthewall. org/worldwideact ivism/2502. shtml>
Stop The Wall - (Mar 12, 2011)
*Students Against Israeli Apartheid at the University of Toronto and
York University Launch Campus Divestment Campaign*
<http://stopthewall. org/worldwideact ivism/2512. shtml>
Stop The Wall - (Mar 17, 2011)
*Edinburgh University students vote overwhelmingly for boycott of
Israeli goods* <http://stopthewall. org/worldwideact ivism/2510. shtml>
Stop The Wall - (Mar 17, 2011)
*Action around the globe for Jawaher*
<http://stopthewall. org/worldwideact ivism/2480. shtml>
Stop The Wall - (Feb 16, 2011)
*Polish Palm Tree Dons Palestinian Scarf Against Government Meeting in
Occupied Jerusalem* <http://stopthewall. org/worldwideact ivism/2494. shtml>
Stop The Wall - (Mar 3, 2011)
*YNet News* <http://ynetnews. com/>
*Settler jailed for assaulting Palestinian teen*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048471,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Court sentences Zvi Struck, who kidnapped,
injured 15-year-old Palestinian in....
*Islamic Jihad: Israel renewing aggression*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048438,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Terrorist group's spokesman accuses Israel of
renewing strikes on Gaza in order....
*Israel flag outside Prague hotel irks Iranians*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048359,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Iranian diplomat asks hotel to remove Israeli
flag ahead of embassy event, but....
*'Andromeda Hill tombs belong to Pagans, pigs'*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048318,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Israel Antiquities Authority says latest
findings from controversial excavation.. ..
*Gunmen target Egypt gas pipeline*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048280,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Timer fails to detonate explosive device placed
along pipeline carrying natural....
*Syrian army enters tense port city*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048275,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Activists say troops, vehicles enter Latakia at
night following day of violence;... .
*Iron Dome deployed near Beersheba*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048253,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - First operational missile defense system's
battery deployed near Beersheba;.. ..
*Students in south go back to school despite rocket fears*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048238,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Tens of thousands of students from Israel's
southern towns return to school on....
*Gaza: IDF attacks rocket launchers; 2 killed*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048118,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Sources in Strip say vehicle carrying five
terrorists in Jabaliya area hit by....
*Bomb explodes at Lebanese church, no injuries*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048167,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Device consisting of two kilos of TNT goes off
at side entrance of St. Mary's....
*Report: Argentina offered to 'forget' bombings for improved ties*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048088,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Argentinean daily says South American country
told Islamic Republic it would....
*Gangs of armed young men roam Syrian seaside city*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048584,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Gangs of young men, some armed with swords and
hunting rifles, roamed Sunday through the streets of a Syrian seaside
city, closing alleys with barricades and roughly ... ....
*'Israel's response to rocket fire too soft'*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048579,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - IDF officers admitted Sunday that Israel had
lost several important points opposite Hamas and terror groups for its
way of responding to recent rocket fire. "One needs to ... ....
*Syria arrests US national 'for spying for Israel'*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048564,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Syria arrested an American national for
inciting protests against the regime and spying for the State of Israel,
official media reported Sunday. State-run television ... ....
*Libya air raids target Gaddafi hometown of Sirte*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048544,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Libyan state television reports that
international airstrikes are targeting Muammar Gaddafi's hometown and
stronghold of Sirte for the first time. Foreign journalists ... ....
*Netanyahu's 2005 donors list exposed*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048535,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - In November 2005, Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu traveled to the United States as a Knesset member together
with his aides and security guards in a trip funded by the ... ....
*Argentinean FM's Israel visit may be cancelled*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048512,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - Israel is considering cancelling the visit of
Argentinean Foreign Minister Hector Timerman in Israel following a
report suggesting Argentina told Iran it would suspend it ... ....
*Clinton: No US military action planned on Syria for now*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4048490,00. html>
YNet News, 27 Mar 2011 - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Sunday
said the United States currently has no intention of launching a
military intervention in Syria, despite its brutal ... ....
*Palestinian Information Center* <http://palestine- info.co.uk/ en/>
*Gaza paramedics await approval for aid mission to Libya*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7rgosN8qJoj 7Zb2ggBrzv3O4leQ BvbcKALzm7aBK% 2blnz2PsPbhNaDuG RjHdqjox1BYkgeIH NmRkqJepFjgagDTU vO6Of8nkoe% 2bkKS8BbOB8Y% 3d>
PIC 27 Mar 2011 - Gaza medics await the approval of the Supreme Council
of the Armed Forces which has been handed power in Egypt for a
humanitarian aid mission to enter Libya.
*Qabaha: We asked Abbas to end political detention before Gaza visit*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7BBp7TIk2eP uPKf4LBUGuQveqpU A8VvQLXNdT7W4DQs XDK%2bZwVTzSNxus vvmNANKIExIUKwTO %2bb0IHRpSRu3x7L evmehIju8wfgZ37Q NPL6M%3d>
PIC 27 Mar 2011 - Wasfi Qabaha said that the delegation that met with de
facto Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Saturday asked
him to end political detention in the West Bank prior to his Gaza visit.
*IPS refuses to remove Palestinian prisoner's tumor*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s79jdszmzsrn 5q1ccLp0yi0M1BTQ 7e2RN4YKE2pfiAQQ 8H7Qz8XS9LAjDoMP dn9RNV3seq7xyOAP 5ypz7uxI% 2fBrx57HHeBVh1zi NzUPzDWpLs% 3d>
PIC 27 Mar 2011 - The Israeli Prison Service (IPS) has refused to remove
a cancerous growth from a Palestinian man held in the Gilboa prison, the
Tadhamon international rights group has reported.
*Jihad holds Israel responsible for consequences of its military
escalation*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7pRcQ1NdTwt CWrrjGxzGye5aQEN 3WLhu%2bGwvU6% 2fdBHlxnrM4Sa% 2bVdYulvr% 2bWQ%2bc7vAZlbD5 BiRvW85A2tDqb5sK nPWfMqLlAO99Tqt% 2fm5wO0%3d>
PIC 27 Mar 2011 - Islamic Jihad movement on Sunday held the Israeli
occupation authority (IOA) fully responsible for the consequences of its
military escalation on the Gaza Strip.
*Gaza health ministry devises 'emergency plan' to counter Israeli
provocations*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7fZRc2nCyqn 0dWDMBWnNgkgqRUW UFuUPqFiqY% 2fhiMnMKEklWlwbf CFM%2fkGK3hDkaUU IeQSt9eDO9TnCDKW uS%2fm0CmGfegNzj 8YHbr79Giejg% 3d>
PIC 27 Mar 2011 - The Gaza Health Ministry has developed an emergency
plan should Israel âEUR?provokeâEUR? the Palestinians, Dr. Mohammed
al-Kashif, the ministry's international coordination director has said.
*Nunu: Palestinian gov't contacts succeeded in evading new Israeli
aggression*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7kmBxvf91% 2fzYdMeabHXj2JD5 %2fDSWTmHAXtjnfE W4HytaaBsw% 2bu11u7AHJljIVmQ p3XGcCElcxajiq4j mEQtT3nMDDC2m58g UrcAesHb2Wk1o% 3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - The Palestinian government of Ismail Haneyya has
succeeded in contacts with local and foreign parties to evade a new
Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, Taher Al-Nunu said on Sunday.
*Jewish settlers uproot 21 olive trees in Salfit*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7I39BSoRx6f G%2bYku%2bEIonXd pUgD2aY2% 2bGkUY8aKC0PkCBT PjBL7x9y02Pj% 2bfdEshGbBEo% 2f24ajnzqbBPCKmM plOD2KbrZ% 2f5RsxUU0F% 2f4%2fKV0% 3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - Jewish settlers from Ali Zahav settlement on Saturday
morning uprooted about 21 olive trees in Deir Ballut town west of Salfit
city.
*Hamas man arrested, another released conditionally in W. Bank*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7501wFe7oqf V3socnYxIvYhtd76 x%2fJR5xhdrv5vSK AwMPABFxcML8p% 2fYt0DFGoxpmM0OT XPqOc4Jni2FLhQWQ s8CdOBLNBN71h8Vl HYDeE38%3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - One man was arrested Monday morning and forced to pay
bail and prohibited from travel by the Palestinian security apparatuses.
*Interior Ministry: Israel not required to justify killing civilians*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7inWMEmIe3A 8etNURD0QlcBhrr4 R02%2bS0% 2bCj1iQXtuQ38isj CtehCKz04g% 2fnB1BgfeYhETjyX gdr%2bTLD39mQeEL 8Dqc4vumZ% 2fmhhu4vRuQmw% 3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - Israel is apparently not required to justify taking
the lives of innocent civilians, Ehab al-Ghussein, spokesman for the
Gaza Ministry of Interior and national security has said.
*Israeli troops attack Palestinian woman in Beith Ummar village*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/En/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7OUWGjco7PD GrbepwLIsEF5sNm6 FVqbG6YoPvZvFLpL plyYjGHFrDdM0B1P He42%2bm79V% 2fTpV3I0SjuWtoM6 wK9hw%2fAg8anMjY JLayILKz98s% 3d>
PIC 26 Mar 2011 - Israeli soldiers severely beat a Palestinian woman as
she was trying to prevent them from kidnapping her son yesterday during
the weekly anti-wall march held in Beit Ummar village.
*DR. BOUTHAINA SHAABAN: SYRIA 'TO LIFT EMERGENCY LAW'*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ r-qhQYfsH1g/>
Intifada-Palestine: 27 Mar 2011 - Syrian government adviser Dr.
Bouthaina Shaaban Syrian government adviser confirms to Al Jazeera that
the country's emergency law is to be lifted but fails to say when.
Bouthaina Shaaban, an adviser to Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president,
told Al Jazeera's Cal...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ r-qhQYfsH1g/>
*AMERICA'S "MODERATE" REGIMES KILLING THEIR INNOCENT YOUTH*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ 2gaAo_E6f4g/>
Intifada-Palestine: 27 Mar 2011 - Israeli democracy is the most lethal
oxymoron to describe a rogue, racist, apartheid, military and
terroristic state. A democracy that commits ethnic cleansing, daily
massacres, destroys entire villages and homes, and herds the innocent
indigenous populations into concentrations camps to make...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ 2gaAo_E6f4g/>
*Los Angeles Times* <http://latimes. com/news/ nationworld/ world/middleeast />
*Libyan regime could collapse from within, U.S. officials say*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/DIb1oaz7E9o /la-fg-libya- gates-20110327, 0,5226869. story>
LA Times 27 Mar 2011 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Secretary
of State Hillary Rodham Clinton say they have received hints that some
officials close to Moammar Kadafi may be ready to abandon him. Top Obama
administration officials predicted that Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi's
regime may crack from within,...
*Libyan rebels reclaim lost ground; NATO to expand its role*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/EWVfZZXLlS8 /la-fg-libya- rebels-advance- 20110328, 0,94277.story>
LA Times 27 Mar 2011 - Western airstrikes drive back government soldiers
in eastern Libya, while NATO countries agree to take on the entire
U.S.-led military operation. Rebel gun trucks rolled into this abandoned
oil city unopposed, their pickup beds piled high with weapons and
ammunition after a breakneck sprint down...
*In Syria, a test for Bashar Assad*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/8n8W_ W1FsYM/la- fg-syria- 20110328, 0,4387586. story>
LA Times 27 Mar 2011 - The beleaguered president sends troops to protest
areas and promises to repeal a controversial law. But there are signs
that the unrest is a strain on his regime. Syrian President Bashar Assad
tried to retain control of his protest-roiled nation on Sunday, sending
troops to...
*German chancellor's party defeated in state election*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/tuBLilhVcU4 /la-fg-germany- election- 20110328, 0,6852682. story>
LA Times 27 Mar 2011 - Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats go
down in Baden-Wuerttemberg, which bodes ill for her national standing.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel was dealt a humiliating defeat Sunday
when voters booted her party from power in a state election that could
bode ill for her leadership on...
*NATO to assume command of Libya air operations*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/2VdtlVLyNEY /la-fgw-libya- nato-air- operations- 20110328, 0,6076426. story>
LA Times 27 Mar 2011 - NATO will assume command of all aerial operations
-- including ground attacks -- in Libya from the U.S.-led force that has
been conducting air strikes against Moammar Kadafi s forces, officials
said Sunday.
*Libyan rebels take Ajdabiya after allied airstrikes*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/pVJaqDLqQV4 /la-fg-libya- fighting- 20110327, 0,1751194. story>
LA Times 26 Mar 2011 - Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi's troops flee the
strategic crossroads city of Ajdabiya after a series of attacks by
coalition forces. Rebel fighters entering the city celebrate amid
destroyed government tanks and rocket systems. Libyan leader Moammar
Kadafi suffered a significant defeat as his forces fled...
*Obama faces a challenge in defining his aims in Libya*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/skc8qXJO7qc /la-fg-libya- end-game- 20110327, 0,1399305. story>
LA Times 26 Mar 2011 - The president who in the past has espoused
antiwar principles must justify his reasons for U.S. military
involvement and specify its goals. He will discuss Libya in a speech to
the nation Monday night. Barack Obama entered the White House as a
reluctant warrior, a...
*New York Times* <http://nytimes. com/pages/ world/middleeast />
*Libyan Rebels March Toward Qaddafi Stronghold*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=7f24ed170a944f 41156021ea59dc94 66>
New York Times 27 Mar 2011 - Rebels backed by allied warplanes retook a
pair of strategic oil towns as they returned to the edge of Col. Muammar
el-Qaddafi's most important bastion of support.
*Syria Tries to Ease Deep Political Crisis*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=fc51526fd8101e e9a7cbf148ca28b1 77>
New York Times 27 Mar 2011 - Syria tried to ease a grave political
crisis by blaming gangs for killing 12 people and promising to soon lift
a draconian emergency law.
*Gates and Clinton Unite to Defend Libya Intervention, and Say It May
Last Awhile*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=f809077537e095 a98ac6e3fda5eb11 c6>
New York Times 27 Mar 2011 - The comments by President Obama's two top
national security officials offered a striking illustration of the
complex calculus involved in imposing a no-fly zone over Libya.
*Israel Rolls Out First Mobile Battery of Antirocket System*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=be7affc1065ce7 d40db212c1a56989 0d>
New York Times 27 Mar 2011 - The Israeli military deployed the first
mobile battery of a new missile defense system on the outskirts of
Beersheba after a week of heightened tensions between Israel and Gaza.
*Clinton and Gates Defend Mission in Libya*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=132c6e58a8ea2a 21dac2e5a6f17fd4 be>
New York Times 27 Mar 2011 - The military intervention in Libya has
saved perhaps tens of thousands of lives, Secretary of State Hillary
Rodham Clinton said Sunday.
*Airstrikes Clear Way for Libyan Rebels' First Major Advance*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=440652a2574ac6 b25e2cc7f41da9b0 bc>
New York Times 27 Mar 2011 - As night fell, rebel forces had driven
almost uncontested to the town of Brega, erasing weeks of losses as
airstrikes opened the way.
*News Analysis: Unrest in Syria and Jordan Poses New Test for U.S.
Policy*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=19b5235ec6582a 24b84e52d9058caf d2>
New York Times 27 Mar 2011 - Instability has spread to nations that the
United States considers vital to its interests and to chances for peace
in the Middle East.
*American Student Held By Syria, His Father Says*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=ff3808f65c971a 7ca087336076778a ff>
New York Times 27 Mar 2011 - Pathik Root, a 21-year-old Middlebury
College student spending the semester in Damascus, is "safe and well" in
Syrian government hands, according to his father.
*Misc* <http://vtjp. org/aboutus/ aboutus.htm>
*Israel responds to Middle East unrest with provocations*
<http://www.wsws. org/articles/ 2011/mar2011/ isra-m26. shtml>
WSWS - By Jean Shaoul, March 26, 2011, On Wednesday, a bomb exploded at
a stop by the main bus station in Jerusalem, killing a 59-year-old
British woman and wounding at least 24 other people.
*'Washington Post' uses Liz Taylor's fidelity to Israel to bash boycott
movement*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 03/washington- post-uses- liz-taylors- fidelity- to-israel- to-bash-boycott- movement. html>
Mondoweiss - Yesterday we posted on the late Elizabeth Taylor's support
for Israel. Well, the Washington Post ran a piece on the subject by
Nathan Burstein, a former editor at the Jerusalem Post, under the
headline, "Elizabeth Taylor and Israel, a lasting love." Interesting
that such a sidebar...
*Tom Friedman lifts someone else's aphorism*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 03/tom-friedman- lifts-someone- elses-aphorism. html>
Mondoweiss - Last week Tom Friedman did a column called "Tribes With
Flags" that is built around that aphorism to describe the politics of
the majority of Arab states. there are two kinds of states in the Middle
East: "real countries" with long histories in their territory and...
*Uri Blau: Revenge of the State*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/richardsilv erstein/ZOfh/ %7E3/h2-BHxRIUfU />
Tikun Olam - Uri Blau focuses lens on the deterioration of Israeli
democracy Yet another nail in the coffin of Israeli democracy will be
hammered by the nation's attorney general, who announced that the State
will prosecute one of Israel's most distinguished investigative
journalists , Uri Blau, for his reporting...
*'NYT' seems to buy in to claim that American Jewish criticism endangers
Israelis*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 03/nyt-seems- to-buy-in- to-claim- that-american- jewish-criticism -endangers- israelis. html>
Mondoweiss - I gather the NYT goes behind a paywall tomorrow. Well this
is still free, Ethan Bronner's piece on a Knesset hearing about J Street
3 days ago, in which he suggests, maybe unconsciously, that criticism of
Israel from Jews abroad endangers Israeli lives. JERUSALEM --- On...
*Misc 2* <http://vtjp. org/news/ news.php>
*Gaza truck drivers strike to protest Karni Closure*
<http://www.gisha. org/index. php?intLanguage= 2&intItemId= 1978&intSiteSN= 113>
Gisha 27 Mar 2011 - Bread prices expected to rise, [2011-03-06]
*Gisha response to closing of Karni Crossing: Gaza's Crossings Squeezed
Shut*
<http://www.gisha. org/index. php?intLanguage= 2&intItemId= 1975&intSiteSN= 113>
Gisha 27 Mar 2011 - , [2011-03-03]
*Twelve die in Syrian city protest*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 12873053>
BBC 27 Mar 2011 - Twelve people were killed in Saturday's protests in
the Syrian city of Latakia, officials confirm, amid continuing
anti-government demonstrations.
*Israel fury over Argentina report*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 12876932>
BBC 27 Mar 2011 - Israel demands an explanation from Argentina over
reports it proposed to Iran that it would stop investigating two 1990s
bombings of Jewish targets in exchange for improved trade ties.
*Israeli strike kills two in Gaza*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 12873532>
BBC 27 Mar 2011 - An Israeli air strike kills two militants in the Gaza
Strip, a day after Palestinian militants said they would agree a truce
if Israel reciprocated.
*Jordan*
<http://news. bbc.co.uk/ go/rss/int/ news/-/2/ hi/middle_ east/country_ profiles/ 828763.stm>
BBC 26 Mar 2011 - Key facts, figures and dates
*Israel, right or wrong*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/SabbahsBlog /%7E3/v86tSE- J9pM/>
Sabbah report 27 Mar 2011 - Paul J. Balles explains why Zionist
scaremongering and distorting of history, as manifested in the writing
of Israel apologists such as the Washington Post's Richard Cohen, only
increases fear by Jews and disdain by others.
*Occupation End Notes: By the Light of Rachel's Flame*
<http://www.endtheoc cupation. org/article. php?id=2938>
US Campaign to End the Occupation 27 Mar 2011 - March 25, 2011, On
Wednesday, March 16, we marked the eighth anniversary of Rachel Corrie's
stand in Rafah, Gaza, to nonviolently protect the home of a Palestinian
family and the right of all Palestinians to be free from occupation.
*Check out our BDS Resource for March 30 Global Day of Action!*
<http://www.endtheoc cupation. org/article. php?id=2927>
US Campaign to End the Occupation 27 Mar 2011 - March 9, 2011, Do you
want some talking points to strengthen your BDS activism on March 30th
and beyond? Our new BDS FAQ page has talking points compiled from BDS
advocates around the world in response to common misguided questions
like "Why are you singling out...
*Articles*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
*Boycotting Israel ... from within*
<http://www.israeli- occupation. org/2011- 03-26/mya- guarnieri- boycotting- israel-from- within/>
Mya Guarnieri, Al Jazeera, Israeli Occupation Archive 3/26/2011
/As an Israeli, Rothschild considers joining the BDS movement to be an
act of caring./
It was Egypt that got me thinking about the Boycott Divestment
Sanctions (BDS) movement in a serious way. I was already conducting a
quiet targeted boycott of settlement goods -- silently reading labels at
the grocery store to make sure I was not buying anything that came from
over the Green Line.
I had been doing this for a long time. But, at some point, I
realised that my private targeted boycott was a bit naïve. And I
understood that it was not enough.
It is not just the settlements and the occupation, two sides of
the same coin, which pose a serious obstacle to peace and infringe on
the Palestinians' human rights. It is everything that supports them --
the government and its institutions. It is the bubble that many Israelis
live in, the illusion of normality. It is the Israeli feeling that the
status quo is sustainable.
And the settlements are a bit of a red herring, a convenient
target for anger. Israelis must also face one of the major injustices
that have resulted from their state -- the nakba, the dispossession of
hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
While BDS addresses that, among other concerns -- the three
principles of the movement are respect for the Palestinians' right of
return, as outlined in UN resolution 194, an end to the occupation and
equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel -- I remained reluctant
to get involved.
I have to admit that I was frightened by the movement. I did not
think it would help. I was sure that BDS would only encourage Israel to
dig its heels in deeper. It will only make things worse for everyone, I
reasoned. -- See also:Source
<http://english. aljazeera. net/indepth/ features/ 2011/03/20113181 71822514245. html>more..
<http://www.israeli- occupation. org/2011- 03-26/mya- guarnieri- boycotting- israel-from- within/>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Boycotting% 20Israel% 20%E2%80% A6%20from% 20within% 20&body=Boycotti ng%20Israel% 20%E2%80% A6%20from% 20within% 20--%20http://www.israeli- occupation. org/2011- 03-26/mya- guarnieri- boycotting- israel-from- within/%20- -%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>
*Israel adopts laws targeting Arab citizens and criminalizing boycott of
Jewish settlements* <http://www.redress. cc/palestine/ uavnery20110328>
Uri Avnery, Redress 3/27/2011
In a rare late-night session, the Knesset has finally adopted two
obnoxious racist laws. Both are clearly directed against Israel's Arab
citizens, a fifth of the population.
The first makes it possible to annul the citizenship of persons
found guilty of offences against the security of the state. Israel
prides itself on having a great variety of such laws. Annulling
citizenship on such grounds is contrary to international law and
conventions.
The second is more sophisticated. It allows communities of less
than 400 families to appoint "admission committees" which can prevent
unsuitable persons from living there. Very shrewdly, it specifically
forbids the rejection of candidates because of race, religion, etc. --
but that paragraph is tantamount to a wink. An Arab applicant will
simply be rejected because of his many children or lack of military service.
A majority of members did not bother to show up for the vote.
After all, it was late and they have families, too. Who knows, some may
even have been ashamed to vote.
But far worse is a third law that is certain to pass its final
stages within a few weeks: the law to outlaw the boycott of the settlements.
Since its early stages, the original crude text of this bill has
been refined somewhat.
As it stands now, the law will punish any person or association
publicly calling for a boycott of Israel -- economic, academic or
cultural. "Israel", according to this law, means any Israeli enterprise
or person, in Israel or in any territory controlled by Israel. Simply
put, it is all about the settlements. ...more..
<http://www.redress. cc/palestine/ uavnery20110328>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Israel%20adopts% 20laws%20targeti ng%20Arab% 20citizens% 20and%20criminal izing%20boycott% 20of%20Jewish% 20settlements% 20&body=Israel% 20adopts% 20laws%20targeti ng%20Arab% 20citizens% 20and%20criminal izing%20boycott% 20of%20Jewish% 20settlements% 20--%20http://www.redress. cc/palestine/ uavnery20110328% 20--%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>
*Israel, right or wrong* <http://www.redress. cc/americas/ pjballes20110327>
Paul J. Balles, Redress 3/27/2011
"If I were an Israeli, I'd be worried. If I were an Arab, I'd be
insulted. If I were a critic only of Israel, I'd be ashamed."
Thus concluded Richard Cohen in the Washington Post (28 February 2011)
What Cohen would be worried about is what he perceives as
anti-Semitism in the Arab world, fuelled in World War II by the Muslim
cleric Haj Amin al-Husseini, the grand mufti of Jerusalem.
According to Cohen, Al-Husseini "the titular leader of Muslim
Palestinians, broadcast Nazi propaganda to the Middle East, recruited
European Muslims for the SS, exulted in the Holocaust and after the war
went on to represent his people in the Arab League."
Cohen not only faults Arabs for their support of Al-Husseini, but
for Cohen's conclusion that "the Arab world is saturated by Jew-hatred".
This is a propaganda line that serves no other purpose but to
instil fear in Jews everywhere.
Voices like Cohen's -- and there are many -- have a much greater
impact on Israelis and their worldwide supporters than any biased
statements made by a single Muslim cleric.
But then Zionists in America feed their own paranoia by deceiving
themselves and distorting reality in their image twisting house of
mirrors.more. . <http://www.redress. cc/americas/ pjballes20110327>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Israel,%20right% 20or%20wrong% 20&body=Israel, %20right% 20or%20wrong% 20--%20http://www.redress. cc/americas/ pjballes20110327 %20--%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>
*Handala* <http://www.palestin emonitor. org/spip/ spip.php? article1731>
Palestine Monitor: 27 Mar 2011 - You'll see him everywhere in Palestine.
He's printed on flags, handbags and tourists' T-shirts. He's drawn on
city walls in Jerusalem and painted in murals in Jericho. But you'll
never see his face. He's turned away, showing us his back. He's a simple
cartoon character, barefoot and dressed in rags. He's also a political
icon. This young, disheveled orphan is named Handala. He might look
simple, but don't be fooled; he's a complex, powerful character. Handala
fist appeared in fiercely political, one-panel comic strips in 1969.
Though many artists and activists have drawn him since, Handala really
belongs first to one artist, Naj Al-Ali. Naj Al-Ali went from living in
a poor refugee camp to being one of the most widely-recognized artists
in the Arab world. His cartoons were politically scathing and would
ultimately lead to his tragic murder. At the age of 50, Al-Ali was shot
in the head...more
<http://www.palestin emonitor. org/spip/ spip.php? article1731>
*Future of Global Jihad - Book Review*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16752>
Palestine Chronicle: 27 Mar 2011 - By Rich Wiles (Deadly Embrace -
Pakistan, America, and the Future of the Global Jihad. Bruce Riedel.
Brookings Institute Press, Washington, D.C. 2011.) Given the nature of
events reported in the regular media, this work is a timely and
informative history about the U.S.-Pakistani relationship. It is written
by Bruce Riedel, one of the players involved in the ongoing negotiations
between the two countries as they balance the various needs and wants an
off balance nuclear armed Muslim country with the needs and wants of a
country protecting the world from the terror of Islamic jihadis. At
least that is the overall perspective of the work as should be expected
from someone inside the Washington establishment, a former CIA officer,
and now a political consultant, whose perspective is that narrowly seen
by those steeped in the belief of U.S. infallibility and goodness of
deed. To Riedel's credit he admits the...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16752>
*Supporting, Fighting Tyrants: Logic of 'Stability'*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16751>
Palestine Chronicle: 27 Mar 2011 - By Mats Svensson The year is 1974. It
is my second Sunday in Brazzaville. I am for the first time invited home
to a family in the district of Poto Poto. The house is made of sun-dried
clay. The door is painted in green and red. The houses are lying tightly
against each other. Red earth. A small child crawls into my lap. We eat
lunch in front of the house. Dried fish, chicken stew, zacka zacka and
manioc. Before we have finished lunch the son calls that the football is
about to begin. We move into a dark, cramped room. In the small room the
furniture is placed tightly along the walls and a few paintings are
hanging high up by the ceiling. A naked light bulb gives light. It is a
broadcast from Kinshasa. The broadcast begins with Mobutu coming down
from the heavens, through the clouds. Each...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16751>
*Majority of Palestinian Voices Still Being Ignored*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16750>
Palestine Chronicle: 27 Mar 2011 - By Rich Wiles A quick search for
'Palestine' on Amazon.com (the world's biggest book retailer) reveals
over 15,000 available entries. There is clearly no shortage of
literature on the subject, much as thereis no shortage of discussion or
opinion around the world. Many of the books written pre-Nakba were
structured within two main catagories. Some were traditional
'adventurer' type travel journals almost exclusively penned by authors
from the 'privileged minority' of the colonialist states, whilst others
looked through religious and/or political perspectives including the
reams of early Zionist literature. Post-1948, Palestine-related
literature was dominated by accounts lauding the establishment of the
Zionistdream. Again, these works were almost exclusively written by
'Westerners' , which is unsurprising when acknowledging the fact that the
creation of 'Israel', and the ethnic cleansing that formed an intrinsic
part of that process, was a European-style colonialist project. Since
the release of previously restricted government archives in the...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16750>
*False Symmetry: Teaching Holocaust in Gaza Schools*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16749>
Palestine Chronicle: 27 Mar 2011 - By Seraj Assi Spring has turned red
in Gaza with a new Israeli massacre. Late Monday night Israeli combat
planes pounded Northern Gaza and murdered two children and three adults
whose only crime was playing football in front of their house. At the
same day Haaretz published a report complaining that Hamas protests UN
plans to teach Gazans about the Holocaust. It was also the very day that
the Knesset in Israel approved the Nakaba Law, an absurd legislation
that bans Palestinian citizens from commemorating the Nakba. This is no
mere coincidence. Nor is it the first time that Israel's massacring of
Palestinian children is followed by absurd demands to teach Jewish
victimhood in Palestinian schools, while working to prevent its
Palestinian citizens from commemorating their tragedy at the same time.
The uproar against UN plan to teach the Holocaust in Gaza schools
spurred in February this year after a...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16749>
*Who is Annexing Whom?*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16748>
Palestine Chronicle: 27 Mar 2011 - By Uri Avnery In a rare late-night
session, the Knesset has finally adopted two obnoxious racist laws. Both
are clearly directed against Israel's Arab citizens, a fifth of the
population. The first makes it possible to annul the citizenship of
persons found guilty of offences against the security of the state.
Israel prides itself on having a great variety of such laws. Annulling
citizenship on such grounds is contrary to international law and
conventions. The second is more sophisticated. It allows communities of
less than 400 families to appoint "admission committees" which can
prevent unsuitable persons from living there. Very shrewdly, it
specifically forbids the rejection of candidates because of race,
religion etc. -- but that paragraph is tantamount to a wink. An Arab
applicant will simply be rejected because of his many children or lack
of military service. A majority of members did not bother to show up
for...more <http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16748>
*Libyan Revolution in Western Hands?*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16747>
Palestine Chronicle: 27 Mar 2011 - By Iqbal Jassat -- Pretoria As Libya
and its beleaguered leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi occupy center stage with
news coverage being dominated by an American-led military offensive
targeting his forces and weapons, a huge debate on it has emerged in
many capitals of the world. Apart from the vexing issue of whether
military strikes have transgressed the limited mandate of the UN's
security council resolution, there is also divided opinion as to whether
the Americans must continue leading the military coalition or hand
command over to NATO. With the war on Libya now about to enter a second
week, it does appear that Gaddafi's determination to fight to the last
and his appeal on friends in the international community not to ditch
him seems to be working for the "brother leader". Divisions in the rank
of member states of the UN reveal at the outset how certain influential
countries abstained... more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16747>
More material available from Vermonters for a Just Peace in
Palestine/Israel -www.vtjp.org <http://www.vtjp. org/>
To subscribe, please write toOccupationNews- subscribe@ yahoogroups. com
<mailto:OccupationNews- subscribe@ yahoogroups. com>or
visithttp:// groups.yahoo. com/group/ OccupationNews/ join
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 28, 2011 21:07:33 GMT 4
Gaza on the Ground —
Letters, Packages en Route to
Gaza via Israel Go "Missing"By Mohammed Omer
Washington Report on Middle East Affairs
March 2011, Pages 26-27
Washington Report Archives (2011-2015) - 2011 March Hani Abu Helal (l) checks a mailbox at the Rafah Post Service office in
the southern Gaza Strip. (Photo M. Omer)Diplomatic correspondence released by WikiLeaks confirms that the Israeli government's continued blockade of Gaza is intentionally punitive and meant to keep Gaza on the "brink of collapse."As "Democracy Now!" reported on Jan. 5: "According to a November 2008 cable, Israel wanted Gaza's economy to be 'functioning at the lowest level possible consistent with avoiding a humanitarian crisis.' In addition, the WikiLeaks cables reveal the United States offered to transfer $70 million to Gaza in November 2008 in an attempt to ease the economic situation. However, Israeli Major General Amos Gilad refused to allow the transfer, saying that 'the Palestinians should not receive anything.'"Since June 2007, however, when Hamas thwarted an attempted coup and took control of the Gaza Strip—and 17 months before the leaked cable was written— among the items Israel has denied Palestinians living in Gaza is their daily mail. All mail to and from Palestine now goes through the Israeli Postal Service, where mail is sorted for the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem. (Arab states that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel previously sent mail to Gaza via Egypt. This channel, too, has been closed since 2007.) The result has been severe restrictions and delays in delivering letters and packages, including government mail. A Lonely OutpostThe Rafah post office is eerily quiet. Instead of reflecting its location in the most densely populated area on the planet, the post office looks and feels more like a remote outpost from America's Old West that hasn't seen a courier in months. A few bags of parcels being sent from Gaza do little more than collect dust, their intended destinations to countries in Europe and the Middle East barely visible. A policeman lounges in the corner, quietly reading his Qur'an, with his Kalashnikov and prayer beads sitting idly by on an old desk. Next to him, the postman brushes away dust as a lone fly buzzes around the light bulb. You'd hardly know that it's the holiday season, when greeting cards and packages should be overflowing the mail bins, and lines of well-wishers streaming through the door. But this year there are no well-wishers and the bins are empty—except for one. The Gaza International Airport bin bursts with years-old commercial aviation materials, tourism brochures and other non-essentials. The airport has been in ruins for a decade, since Israeli F-16 warplanes bombed it in 2001. True, it doesn't make much sense to continue to collect mail for an international airport with a bombed-out runway, but laws prevent post office personnel from disposing of the out-of-date mail and emptying the bin. So there it sits, collecting dust and reminding the staff of more normal times. The shortage of goods that is the intended result of Israel's four-year blockade of Gaza has forced many residents to rely on care packages sent by relatives living abroad and purchases made over the Internet. Yet these attempts to live above the "lowest level possible" are only intermittently successful.Imad Abuel Khair, 44, is one of many Palestinians in Gaza whose life revolves around a post office box. Afflicted with chronic rheumatism, he relies upon medication his brother sends from Italy. Every work day for two months he has arrived at Rafah Post Office, stood at the window and asked postal employee Hani Abu Helal if his package has arrived. Abu Helal's answer never varies: "You don't need to come. We'll call you when the mail arrives." Abuel Khair is in pain and tired of showing up for nothing—but it's better than sitting home and doing nothing. While postman Abu Helal speaks with Abuel Khair, Imad Fouda arrives looking for a document he has been expecting for months: a signed copy of his letter of acceptance to a Ph.D. program at a German university. His letter has not arrived, either—and if he does not receive it within the next 60 days, he will not have time to apply for a German visa. Fouda's future hangs in the balance—and he is only one of many scholars in Gaza who continue to face obstacles in sending and receiving academic materials, including books and research documents. "It takes a very long time for mail to come, if it arrives at all," explains university professor Mohammed Meqdad. "Otherwise we must depend on travelers to bring books and magazines with them."Disappearing packages, late packages, damaged packages, expired packages—if they're going to or coming from Gaza, notes postman Abu Helal with frustration, "priority stickers are given no priority by Israeli officials." For those awaiting much-needed medicines and perishable supplies, this means that even if the medicine does arrive, it has expired, or is about to—assuming, that is, that it has not already been destroyed due to inadequate storage conditions while in transit.Abu Helal's job is mainly delivering bills and cell phones from the Paltel Telephone Company to homes in Rafah. "We deliver internal packages within Gaza in less than 24 hours upon arrival," he explains. In 2009, the Postal Service of the Palestinian Authority was awarded an International Mail Processing Center Code by the Universal Postal Union. This designation allows the Palestine Postal Service to send and receive mail directly to and from other postal services around the world, rather than having to go through Israel. Unfortunately, such legitimization has not improved the situation, according to postal officials in Ramallah, who note that local deliveries within the West Bank are made promptly, but that Israel still controls international mail into and out of the occupied territories.Yousef Al Mansi, minister of post and telecommunications with Gaza's de facto Hamas government, says that he and his staff are launching an international campaign to alert concerned postal services worldwide about the situation, in the hope of generating pressure on Israel to let the people of Gaza send and receive mail freely. "The continuous Israeli restriction on the mobility of Gaza's mail is a violation of international and humanitarian law, which protects and guarantees the individual right to send and receive mail," he emphasizes. The situation in Gaza has created a burden on other nations as well. In August 2010, for example, the Canada Post decided to no longer accept mail destined for the Gaza Strip, as the bulk of it is returned to the sender. The only other place to which letters or packages from Canada cannot be sent is Somalia. Not all Canadians agree with the cessation, however. In a show of solidarity, the Canadian Postal Workers Union announced plans to symbolically deliver mail to Gaza on a Canadian aid ship. The union cited international law guaranteeing the safe delivery of stamped mail—even if the state of Israel refuses to comply.The delay and non-delivery of mail is detrimental not only to individuals, but to commerce as well. Laments an importer-exporter in Gaza who prefers to remain anonymous, "People lost confidence in us because we simply could not be relied on." He has lost several clients due to the restrictions, he added. While his branches in the West Bank and Jerusalem are able to send and receive parcels, Israel allows only documents into Gaza, and their arrival is unpredictable at best. This has caused tremendous difficulties with inventory management, he says, as well as customer service. "Timing is vital in our business, and it's frustrating when we can't deliver," the businessman explains. As he finishes speaking, an employee informs him that the passport he sent to Ramallah for renewal never arrived at the Ministry of Interior. The vital document is presumed to be languishing in limbo on the Israeli side of the Erez crossing. "At times we know that the parcels are just a few hundred meters away, waiting on the decision of an Israeli soldier," he says in frustration.
The mail restrictions have spoiled not only the holiday season for Gaza's Christian and Muslim communities, but birthdays and anniversaries as well. Duwa'a Mustafa of Rafah knows that her cousin in San Francisco always tries to send her dark chocolate, with a few gifts for the family, by regular mail. Of course, by the time she gets the package, the chocolate has melted, making the birthday message illegible. "Next time, I shall tell him to send my 28th birthday gift a year in advance," she jokes—"and maybe chocolate is not such a good idea any more." Even though there is not much real work for them to do, however, the staff opens the Rafah Post Office every work day. Like their colleagues around the world, they are deterred by "neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night"—nor, in the case of besieged Gaza, by Israel's vindictive blockade.
Award-winning journalist Mohammed Omer reports on the Gaza Strip, and maintains the Web site RafahToday.org.
He can be reached at <gazanews@yahoo.com>.www.washington-report.org/component/content/article/364/10308-letters-packages-en-route-to-gaza-via-israel-go-qmissingq-.html
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 28, 2011 21:27:22 GMT 4
Gaza Youth
Issue Manifesto for
Change“[The hell with] Hamas. [The hell with] Israel. [The hell with] Fatah. [The hell with] U.N. [The hell with] UNRWA. [The hell with] USA! We, the youth in Gaza, are so fed up with Israel, Hamas, the occupation, the violations of human rights and the indifference of the international community!
“We want to scream and break this wall of silence, injustice and indifference like the Israeli F-16s breaking the wall of sound; scream with all the power in our souls in order to release this immense frustration that consumes us because of this ----ing situation we live in...
“We are sick of being caught in this political struggle; sick of coal-dark nights with airplanes circling above our homes; sick of innocent farmers getting shot in the buffer zone because they are taking care of their lands; sick of bearded guys walking around with their guns abusing their power, beating up or incarcerating young people demonstrating for what they believe in; sick of the wall of shame that separates us from the rest of our country and keeps us imprisoned in a stamp-sized piece of land; sick of being portrayed as terrorists, homemade fanatics with explosives in our pockets and evil in our eyes; sick of the indifference we meet from the international community, the so-called experts in expressing concerns and drafting resolutions but cowards in enforcing anything they agree on; we are sick and tired of living a sh-tty life, being kept in jail by Israel, beaten up by Hamas and completely ignored by the rest of the world.
“There is a revolution growing inside of us, an immense dissatisfaction and frustration that will destroy us unless we find a way of channeling this energy into something that can challenge the status quo and give us some kind of hope.
“We barely survived the Operation Cast Lead, where Israel very effectively bombed the sh-t out of us, destroying thousands of homes and even more lives and dreams. During the war we got the unmistakable feeling that Israel wanted to erase us from the face of the Earth. During the last years, Hamas has been doing all they can to control our thoughts, behavior and aspirations. Here in Gaza we are scared of being incarcerated, interrogated, hit, tortured, bombed, killed. We cannot move as we want, say what we want, do what we want.
“ENOUGH! Enough pain, enough tears, enough suffering, enough control, limitations, unjust justifications, terror, torture, excuses, bombings, sleepless nights, dead civilians, black memories, bleak future, heartaching present, disturbed politics, fanatic politicians, religious bullsh-t, enough incarceration! WE SAY STOP! This is not the future we want! We want to be free. We want to be able to live a normal life. We want peace. Is that too much to ask?”
—Gaza Youth Breaks Out, Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/pages/Gaza-Youth-Breaks-Out-GYBO/118914244840679?ref=tswww.washington-report.org/component/content/article/364/10308-letters-packages-en-route-to-gaza-via-israel-go-qmissingq-.html(many thanks to Mohammed O.)
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 29, 2011 1:54:47 GMT 4
Libyans Seek News of
Vanished RelativesBy KAREEM FAHIM
Published: March 28, 2011
The New York TimesAJDABIYA, Libya — There were four doctors, a medical equipment salesman, a student studying economics, and dozens of others. Some went out to protest, some to fight, and others to tend to the wounded.
Then they vanished, in cities and towns that have become defined by their battles, including Ras Lanuf, Ajdabiya and Benghazi.  Photographs of missing persons were posted on the walls of the hospital in Ajdabiya.
Alkis Konstantinidis/European Pressphoto Agency
As Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi’s troops have withdrawn in recent days from territory they wrested from rebels in the weeks before, relatives of the missing men said they believed that the colonel’s loyalists had stolen their sons, brothers and husbands, alive or dead. One of the missing, Abdul Bassett Mahmoud, was last seen at 8:30 a.m. on the day the Qaddafi forces invaded Benghazi. His brother-in-law, Rafaa Naji, said that Mr. Mahmoud, no longer able to stomach the shelling nearby, left his house that morning to defend the city. “He is married and has three children,” Mr. Naji said. “His wife is still crying.”
The disappearances, from the front lines or the side of a highway, are a chilling coda to Libya’s recent battles. The silence after the guns stop is sometimes broken with a strange voice on the phone. When Ahmed Saad disappeared on March 19 after setting out from the town of Gimeenis to take supplies to his family in Benghazi, a relative tried calling Mr. Saad’s mobile phone number. “You will find Ahmed in the hell made by Muammar,” said a man who answered. Mr. Saad’s case was one of more than 70 disappearances of civilians, fighters and doctors documented by Human Rights Watch in a report to be released Tuesday. In some cases, the missing men were last seen in the custody of Qaddafi troops; in more than a dozen, Qaddafi loyalists answered the men’s cellphones and either said or suggested that the men had been taken, the organization reported. The list of documented disappearances compiled by the Red Crescent, the Muslim counterpart to the Red Cross, runs to more than 255, mostly those who vanished during the worst of the fighting earlier this month, according to Omar Bodabous, a volunteer with the group. The phone calls just bring fresh uncertainty about the fate of prisoners held by a government that is notorious for abuse. In most other cases, families and friends have no news at all. For 10 days, Hafidh Abdulsalam checked the morgues of different cities, looking for his younger brother, Muftah Abdulsalam, 21, who is from the coastal city of Darnah. Muftah Abdulsalam was last seen at the eastern gate of Ajdabiya, where he had gone to fight. After enemy fire struck the truck that was carrying him and his friends, they scattered, Muftah’s friends told Hafidh Abdulsalam afterward. He said they told him that Muftah had headed toward the coast a few miles away, and had “left his phone in the car.” On Sunday, two days after Qaddafi loyalists left Ajdabiya, Hafidh Abdulsalam was finally able to visit the city’s hospital. A doctor there had just wheeled a body to the morgue, the charred remains of a man killed when a shell landed on his car. But the man was from Tobruk, not Darnah. “There hasn’t been any news of him,” Mr. Abdulsalam said, holding his brother’s identification card while a crowd beside him looked at posters of other missing men. Eastern Libyan families are not the only ones searching. In Tripoli, in the west, scores of protesters and government opponents are missing.The rebels have also been accused of mistreating their detainees: for example, by sweeping up sub-Saharan Africans whom they accuse, often without cause, of being mercenaries. In Ajdabiya in recent days, 30 government loyalists who apparently were killed during fighting were buried in a mass grave, the manager of the city cemetery said. On Sunday, the site was marked with bulldozer tracks, surgical masks and gloves and a pair of bloody black tennis shoes, perched on a cinder block — fleeting clues for desperate families. Foreign governments have intervened with the Qaddafi government when journalists have been captured. But most Libyans are unable to turn to such powerful allies, and are lucky if any information trickles out about missing relatives. A man interviewed by Human Rights Watch related an account from a friend — a military officer in Surt — saying that the officer’s brother and scores of other people had been detained there. In other cases, clues may turn up on television. The family of Fathi el-Murgrabi, who disappeared Feb. 24, said they had seen him on a state television broadcast, where he was forced to confess that he belonged to Al Qaeda and had taken hallucinogenic pills. Doctors have searched for four colleagues who were taken, they said, while trying to help. Two of them — a Libyan-American neurosurgeon, Dr. Reda el-Mizaygri, and Dr. Idriss Busheri — were last seen leaving Ajdabiya on March 16, according to the Human Rights Watch report. A third — Dr. Suhail Atrash, an anesthetist from Benghazi — disappeared from an area near the fighting in Ras Lanuf, according to Dr. Gebril Hewadi, the head of the radiology department at Al Jalla Hospital in Benghazi. Dr. Atrash’s brother, a medical student, was killed in the fighting, Dr. Hewadi said. When loyalist forces reached Benghazi on March 19, Dr. Ali al-Barg, the director of the emergency ward at Al-Hawari Hospital, set out in an ambulance with a nurse and driver to look for the injured and dead. A witness saw them the next day, near a mosque in Gimeenis. The ambulance was shot up, the nurse was dead and Dr. Barg was on the ground, his hands and feet bound and his face bruised, according to Nouri Massoud, an ambulance driver. “He was looking at us, but didn’t want to say anything,” Mr. Massoud said. Twelve other people were similarly bound, he said. One asked for water, and made a desperate plea before government fighters took him away. “My name is Bira,” he said, “if anyone asks for me.” www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/world/africa/29missing.html?_r=1&hp
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 29, 2011 3:36:49 GMT 4
Mother of Eman al-Obaidi interviewed
by Al Jazeerawww.youtube.com/watch?v=nC48Sc8wNds....... Libyans Call
Woman Who Claimed Gang Rape
a ProstituteBy DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK
Published: March 27, 2011
The New York TimesTRIPOLI, Libya — The Libyan authorities on Sunday attacked the character and credibility of a Libyan woman who burst into a hotel full of foreign journalists to say that she had been abducted and raped by militia members working for Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, calling her “a known prostitute and a thief.” The woman, Eman al-Obeidy, has become well known in Libya and around the world since the episode at the hotel on Saturday.  Eman al-Obeidy told foreign reporters in Libya on Saturday that she was raped by
members of a pro-Qaddafi militia.She told journalists that she had been raped by 15 men and displayed large bruises on her face and legs, as well as deep scratches. But as she tried to talk, security officials and people who had previously appeared to be hotel workers raced to silence her, at one point even attempting to place a coat over her head. Her pursuers scuffled with journalists attempting to interview, photograph and protect her. Security officials ultimately dragged her screaming from the hotel and drove her away. But her accusations were heard and the scuffle seen on television networks and Web sites worldwide. And the experience she described was consistent with longstanding reports of human rights abuses in Libya under the Qaddafi government.Ms. Obeidy’s mother, Aisha Ahmed, a resident of the rebel-held town of Tobrok, told The Washington Post that Ms. Obeidy was a 26-year-old law student in Tripoli. “I am very happy, very proud,” her mother said, calling Ms. Obeidy a hero. Ms. Obeidy’s parents reportedly said government officials had called them early Sunday to offer her money and a new house if she recanted. Relatives reached through a rebel activist late Sunday declined to talk. A cousin, Wadad Omar, told Reuters that Ms. Obeidy worked in the tourism industry, and said that three other women, all lawyers, were abducted with her at a checkpoint outside Tripoli and were missing. As she was dragged from the hotel Ms. Obeidy screamed that others with her were in captivity. Musa Ibrahim, a government spokesman, has cycled through a series of contradictory characterizations of Ms. Obeidy and her case. He initially suggested that she appeared drunk and may have fabricated her story, or “her fantasies.” Later on Saturday, he said that police detectives had found her sane, sober and in good health. He called her complaints credible and said detectives were investigating them. And he said she would be offered a chance to meet again with journalists. On Sunday, however, Mr. Ibrahim told reporters that detectives had learned she was a prostitute, with “a whole file of prostitution cases and petty theft.” “The girl is not what she pretended to be,” he said. “This is her line of work. She has known these boys for years.” “I can’t see anything political about her situation,” he added, “The men have been questioned, but since she is refusing the medical examination they can’t prove the rape case.” Asked at a press conference about his earlier statements, Mr. Ibrahim declined to repeat them, saying he now wanted to protect her privacy, “without talking about people’s previous crimes, their lifestyles.” He said that she had been released to relatives in Tripoli, but that could not be confirmed. In Benghazi, the center of the rebellion challenging Colonel Qaddafi’s four decades in power, residents held a rally supporting Ms. Obeidy. “Eman, you are not alone,” one sign read.In Tripoli, several residents said they had heard about the episode from satellite news channels. Some said they did not believe that in Libya’s traditional culture a woman would speak so openly of a sexual crime. But others said they believed her. They pointed to her brutal treatment as an example of Colonel Qaddafi’s tight grip on the capital. A version of this article appeared in print on March 28, 2011, on page A10 of the New York edition.www.nytimes.com/2011/03/28/world/africa/28tripoli.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper(many thanks to Where is Eman al Obeidy?)Libyan woman says Gadhafi forces
beat, raped her'They violated my honor,' woman tells foreign journalists at Tripoli hotel msnbc.com news services updated 47 minutes ago 2011-03-26T16:34:47 TRIPOLI — A weeping Libyan woman made a desperate plea for help on Saturday, slipping into a Tripoli hotel full of foreign journalists to show bruises and scars she said had been inflicted on her by Moammar Gadhafi's militiamen. "Look at what Gadhafi's militias did to me," Eman al-Obaidi screamed with tears in her eyes, pulling up her coat to show blood on her upper leg in the restaurant of the hotel.  After being intimidated by security men and hotel staff, who also beat journalists trying to interview her, she was eventually bundled into a car and driven away.>>edited for length  More video -- www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8408506/Fight-as-woman-dragged-from-press-by-Gaddafi-forces.html(many thanks to Tom V)
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Post by ninathedog on Mar 29, 2011 22:35:08 GMT 4
Slander charges filed against
alleged Libyan rape victimBy the CNN Wire Staff
March 29, 2011 -- Updated 1625 GMT (0025 HKT)(CNN) -- The men accused of raping Eman al-Obeidy have filed counter charges* against the woman for slander, a Libyan government spokesman said on Tuesday. The spokesman, Moussa Ibrahim, said the investigation is ongoing into the case of al-Obeidy, who burst into a Tripoli hotel on Saturday and asserted she was raped by troops loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, a dramatic assertion seen on TV across the globe. Her mother said Monday that her daughter is still being held, a claim that contradicts an earlier statement from the government, which has said that al-Obeidy was released and is at home with her family. CONTINUES WITH VIDEOS on CNN pageedition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/29/libya.rape.case/index.html*which means that it should be easy to find out their names
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