[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1359
Thu Apr 21, 2011 8:12 pm (PDT)
***Occupied Palestine and Israel: News and Articles*
*News*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
*International Middle East Media Center* <http://imemc. org/>
*Israeli Excavations Continue Under The Al Aqsa Mosque*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61110>
IMEMC - Friday April 22, 2011 - 04:43, The Al Aqsa Foundation for
Islamic Endowment (Waqf) and Heritage reported Thursday that the Israeli
Authorities are ongoing with their excavations under the Al Aqsa Mosque
as they are ongoing with creating a network of tunnels under the mosque
and around it.
*Army Bulldozers Raze Factories In Gaza*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61109>
IMEMC - Friday April 22, 2011 - 04:15, Israeli soldiers driving, armored
vehicles and armored bulldozers, invaded on Thursday an area east of the
Gaza Strip and demolished Palestinian factories in the industrial zone
near the Al Mintar(Karni) Crossing.
*Palestinian Farmer Wounded By Army Fire In Northern Gaza*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61108>
IMEMC - Friday April 22, 2011 - 03:53, Palestinian medical sources in
the Gaza Strip reported on Thursday evening that a Palestinian farmer
was shot and wounded by Israeli army fire, north of Beit Lahia, in the
northern part of the Gaza Strip.
*Subaru Car Ad In Israel Shows "Power" By Running Over Palestinian
Children* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61107>
IMEMC - Friday April 22, 2011 - 03:38, A new advertisement in Israel,
meant to show the "power and durability" of the Japanese Subaru car,
caused outrage after showing a Subaru driven by a Jewish settler
striking two Palestinian children in occupied East Jerusalem.
A new advertisement in Israel, meant to show the “power and durability” of the Japanese Subaru car, caused outrage after showing a Subaru driven by a Jewish settler striking two Palestinian children in occupied East Jerusalem.
The advertisement was published by the Subaru dealership in Israel, featuring an incident that took place last year when the settler struck two Palestinian children with his Subaru car.
*Hundreds Attend 6th Bil'in Conference* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61105>
IMEMC - Thursday April 21, 2011 - 11:55, The International Solidarity
Movement (ISM) reports that hundreds of activists and dozens of senior
Palestinians, including Prime Minister Salaam Fayyad, attended the
opening of the 6th International Bil'in Conference on Popular Resistance.
*International activists in Gaza launch boat off shore to monitor
attacks on fishermen* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61104>
IMEMC - Thursday April 21, 2011 - 09:34, A new project by the
non-violent activists of the International Solidarity Movement began on
Wednesday, as activists launched a fishing boat from which to monitor
attacks by Israeli forces on Palestinian fishermen. The activists
resolved to continue their human rights work despite the kidnapping and
murder last week of one of their members, Vittorio Arrigoni, by
right-wing Palestinians.
*Youth Injured In The Face During Clashes In Silwan*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61103>
IMEMC - Thursday April 21, 2011 - 06:09, The Wadi Hilwa Information
Center in Bir Ayyoub area, in Silwan, in occupied East Jerusalem,
reported on Wednesday at night that a Palestinian youth was shot in the
face by a rubber-coated bullet fired by Israeli soldiers during clashes
that took place in Silwan.
*Palestinian Priest, Muslim Officials, Arrive In Italy To Offer
Condolences To Vittorio's Family* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61102>
IMEMC - Thursday April 21, 2011 - 05:39, On Behalf of President Mahmoud
Abbas, Christian and Muslim Palestinian officials arrived in Italy on
Wednesday to offer their condolences to the family of Italian peace
activist, Vittorio Arrigoni, who was kidnapped and killed by extremist
gunmen last week.
*Ma'an News* <http://maannews. net/en/>
*Israeli troops raid Hebron school*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380898>
4/21/2011 - HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces surrounded the Tareq Ben
Ziyad Secondary School for boys in Hebron's city center on Thursday
morning, then entered the building deploying sound grenades, witnesses
said. School was in progress when the soldiers arrived at approximately
10 a. m. , entering the school and classrooms. No detentions were
reported....
*Israel troops destroy structures near Gaza crossing*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381057>
4/21/2011 - GAZA CITY (AFP) --Israeli troops made a brief incursion into
Gaza early on Thursday to demolish several buildings which the army said
were being used by "terrorist organizations" . Palestinians said the
buildings were warehouses holding goods which had been transferred to
the Gaza Strip via the nearby Karni crossing, which Israel shut down
earlier this....
*Tanks enter Gaza City industrial zone*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380844>
4/21/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Several Israeli tanks penetrated Gaza's
border on Thursday morning, entering the Gaza City industrial zone where
they demolished an unknown number of factories, all which had been
closed since 2005. The industrial zone, near the now-closed Karni
crossing, is less than a kilometer away from the border, and....
*New settlement founded, dismantled*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380859>
4/21/2011 - NABLUS (Ma'an) -- The newest illegal settlement in the West
Bank was dismantled Wednesday, hours after hundreds of settlers had
gathered to announce the land grab. Settlers had arrived Wednesday
afternoon at a patch of land east of Itamar, and named the outpost
"Regev", according to reports in the Israeli press. Regev was
dismantled.. .. Related:Settlers determined to rebuild demolished outpost
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381067>
*Settlers determined to rebuild demolished outpost*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381067>
4/21/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A group of settlers is determined to
rebuild an illegal outpost destroyed Thursday, hours after its
establishment in an event attended by hundreds in the northern West
Bank."Regev" was built 200 meters from a home in the illegal Itamar
settlement where an Israeli family was found murdered in March. The....
Related:New settlement founded, dismantled
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380859>
*Report: Clashes at Israel rally for Palestinian state*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381046>
4/21/2011 - TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma'an) -- Left-wing Israeli cultural
leaders, including several Israel Prize laureates, were verbally
accosted Thursday during a rally in support of an independent
Palestinian state, reports said. The rally was disrupted by right-wing
activists equipped with bullhorns, who called out: "leftist professors,
it will all blow up in your face," "Kahane....
*Palestinians ask Subaru to act against spoof ad*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380808>
4/21/2011 - JERUSALEM (AFP) -- The Palestinian Authority Wednesday
called on the Israeli branch of Japanese automaker Subaru to take action
after an apparent parody advertisement showed one of their cars hitting
Palestinian youths. The supposed advertisement, which appeared on
several websites, showed a well-known picture of an Israeli settler
leader running over stone-throwing boys in east Jerusalem... . *Gaza authorities release details of arrest raid*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380748>
4/22/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- The government in Gaza made every
effort to reveal the details of Vittorio Arrigoni's murder and catch
those responsible, spokesman of the Ministry of Interior Ehab Al-Ghusein
said Wednesday. Two suspects in the murder of the Italian activist died
and another sustained injuries Tuesday when Hamas security forces....
*Gaza rights groups call for investigation into prisoner death*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380641>
4/21/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- The Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights in
a statement Wednesday, called for transparent investigations into the
death of a 52-year-old man in the custody of local government security
forces in Gaza. The man was a private in the Palestinian Authority
security services, and had been employed since 2005. According... .
*Detainee released after 3 years in prison*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380828>
4/21/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- The Detainees Center in Ramallah
reported Wednesday that Israel's prison administration released a man
from Nablusafter the end of his three-year term. Baker Bilal, 46, was
detained in May 2008, the center said, noting that he had reported being
tortured for a period of two months. Three of Bilal....
*Report: Commerce body says worker permits 'rigged'*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381009>
4/21/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A senior official of a West Bank
chamber of commerce said Wednesday that Israel "rigged" work permits for
Palestinian laborers and traders to access Israel, Hamas-affiliated news
site Palestine Information Center reported. The official said that
Israel issued a large number of month-long permits for Palestinian
workers to enter Israel in....
*Obama peace plan 'rules out right of return'*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381071>
4/22/2011 - NEW YORK (Ma'an) -- White House officials are working on
drafts of a possible peace proposal in which Palestinians would have to
accept that they would not get the right of return, American media
reports said Thursday. If US President Barack Obama puts forward an
American plan in the coming days, it will likely....
*Hebron village waiting for promised water repairs*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380304>
4/22/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) - Residents of Deir Al-Asal area in Dura
village in Hebron are still suffering from the shortage of water for two
years and they received many promises to solve their case. Resident Raed
Al-Shawamreh said in an interview with Ma'an that they are marginalized
and they don't have....
*BBC upholds complaints over 'Death in the Med'*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380847>
4/21/2011 - LONDON (Ma'an) -- An editorial board at the BBC "regrets any
breaches of the Editorial Guidelines and apologizes for them," after
confirming three complaints out of 51 listed against the documentary
"Death in the Med," a report on the consolidated appeal process said
Tuesday. The documentary, which aired in August as part of the....
*Gaza crossing opens for 2nd day*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380803>
4/21/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- A single Gaza crossing terminal opened
on Thursday for the import and export of goods from the coastal enclave,
for the second day in a row, following two days of closure as the
Passover holiday was observed in Israel. Crossings liaison officer Raed
Fattouh said he was told to expect....
*Shaath: Israel responsible for failure of talks*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381017>
4/22/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- A Fatah official said Thursday that
Israel was responsible for the failure of peace talks last year because
of its refusal to commit to international resolutions and end
settlements. Nabil Shaath said Israel was trying to place Palestinians
into isolated cantons, through its building of a separation barrier that
has separated... .
*Abbas in Paris as France mulls recognizing Palestine*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381091>
4/22/2011 - PARIS (AFP) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy hosted
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Paris on Thursday as Europe reflects
more and more openly on the prospect of recognizing an independent
Palestine. Any French move to welcome a Palestinian state into the
community of nations would be made jointly with the European Union, and
would be seen....
*Clinton: Resumption of negotiations an 'urgent need'*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380811>
4/21/2011 - TEL AVIV (Ma'an) -- US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume the peace talks
immediately, Israeli Radio reported Thursday morning. In a television
interview, Clinton said that the US administration did not support a
unilateral Palestinian step to ask the UN for recognition. Her statement
followed assertions.. ..
*Irish medical delegation in Gaza*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380929>
4/21/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Irish medics visited a hospital in Gaza
Thursday, to prepare the ground for medical operations there by Irish
doctors, delegation organizers said. The group of medics, headed by an
orthopedic surgeon from Galway in the West of Ireland, toured neonatal
and intensive care departments, outpatient clinics, and operating
theaters at....
*Police: Drug dealer seized near Bethlehem*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380922>
4/22/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Palestinian police arrested on Thursday
a man suspected of trying to access Bethlehem to sell drugs. Police said
he was caught at the Wadi An-Nar entrance to the city with quantities of
drugs. The suspect was taken for investigation. He was not identified
and it was not clear if he had....
*West Bank independents meet Hamas bloc*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381063>
4/22/2011 - NABLUS (Ma'an) -- Independent Palestinian figures met
Thursday with lawmakers from Hamas' change and reform bloc in the West
Bank to discuss reconciliation efforts." The meeting was fruitful and
positive," said Khalil A'saf, who headed the delegation of independents.
He urged Fatah and Hamas to work urgently to end the division....
*Hamas: PA arrested two members*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380849>
4/21/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Hamas officials in the West Bank
released a statement Thursday accusing PA forces of arresting two Hamas
affiliates in the West Bank, saying the detentions came for political
reasons. The men were detained from the Tulkarem and Hebron regions, the
statement said....
*Contestants perform on Palestinian competition show*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381077>
4/22/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Ma'an's satellite TV aired Thursday the
program New Star, a musical competition show transmitted weekly from
Al-Khadr, near Bethlehem in the West Bank. Twelve Palestinians from the
West Bank and Israel are competing for six seats for the fourth round
that will begin in two weeks. The....
*Palestinian wholesale price index released for first quarter*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380778>
4/21/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- The Palestinian Central Bureau of
Statistics released its wholesale price index Thursday, covering the
first quarter of 2011, and noting a 2. 5 percent overall increase in
costs. Measuring from the 2007 baseline, 2011 increased 19. 34 points,
2. 5 percent over the fourth quarter of 2010. For imported products,
prices....
*Death of Libyan patriot confirmed on Twitter*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381035>
4/22/2011 - CAIRO (Ma'an) -- Personal accounts of the battle along the
frontline in Zintan, Libya, have been few and far between. Since the
start of Colonel Muammar Gadhafi's military operations against rebel
fighters, journalists have had a difficult time getting into hard-hit
areas such as Zintan, a city in northwestern Libya. Surfacing on....
*Egypt former oil minister detained for corruption*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=381092>
4/22/2011 - CAIRO (Ma'an) -- Egypt's former oil minister has been
detained for 15 days in connection with a corruption probe, the latest
member of the ousted regime to face questioning, a judicial official
said on Thursday. Sameh Fahmi and five other former officials from the
oil ministry are accused of having sold Israel....
*Report: Syria's Assad poised to lift emergency law*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=380825>
4/21/2011 - DAMASCUS, Syria (AFP) -- Syria's embattled president is
poised to formally lift emergency rule, a newspaper close to his regime
said Wednesday, as rights groups said the measure falls short of
much-needed reforms. The news that President Bashar Al-Assad would
bypass parliament to fast-track the move was reported in Al-Watan
newspaper a day after....
*Palestine Note* <http://palestinenot e.com/cs/>
*Israel-Palestine Plate Heating Up*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ blogs/archive/ 2011/04/21/ israel-palestine -plate-heating- up.aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Apr 2011 - Helene Cooper of the New York Times has
published a great what's up story on the new behind the scenes scramble
by the Obama administration, Prime Minister Netanyahu and various
Palestinian officials to act as if they have some plan...
*Fatah may partake in ucensored oming Gaza flotilla, Palestinian official says*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/04/21/ fatah-may- partake-in- ucensored oming- gaza-flotilla- palestinian- official- says.aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Apr 2011 - Haaretz - Senior Fatah officials will be
allowed to take part in a planned aid flotilla to the Gaza Strip, a
senior faction official said on Thursday, departing from the party's
previous policy of only supporting Gaza initiatives from afar....
*Red Cross official: Gaza isn't experiencing a humanitarian crisis*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/04/21/ red-cross- official- gaza-isn- t-experiencing- a-humanitarian- crisis.aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Apr 2011 - Haaretz - The Gaza Strip is not
experiencing a humanitarian crisis, the Israel Defense Forces quoted a
Red Cross official as saying on Wednesday. In an interview conducted by
Rotem Caro-Weizman and published on the IDF's Spokesman's Office
website, Mathilde...
*Turkey: Israel-Palestinian peace will decide fate of Arab uprisings*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/04/21/ turkey-israel- palestinian- peace-will- decide-fate- of-arab-uprising s.aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Apr 2011 - Haaretz - Turkish President Abdullah Gul
said in a New York Times editorial Thursday, that the fate of the Arab
world uprisings will be determined by whether there is peace between
Israel and the Palestinians. "Whether these uprisings lead to...
*Abbas: U.S. would be illogical to block independent Palestinian state
at UN*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/04/21/ abbas-u-s- would-be- illogical- to-block- independent- palestinian- state-at- un.aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Apr 2011 - Haaretz - Palestinian President Mahmoud
Abbas said on Thursday it would "illogical" for the United States to
block a Palestinian bid for statehood planned at the United Nations in
September. (Please visit the site to view this media) Abbas, in...
*U.N. urges bold steps to relaunch Mideast peace*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/04/21/ u-n-urges- bold-steps- to-relaunch- mideast-peace. aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Apr 2011 - Reuters - The United Nations called on
Thursday for "bold and decisive steps" to relaunch the
Israeli-Palestinian peace process as the region awaits a possible new
initiative by U.S. President Barack Obama. U.N. political chief Lynn
Pascoe and ambassadors of...
*Bittersweet homecoming for Palestinian residents of war-damaged camp*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/04/21/ bittersweet- homecoming- for-palestinian- residents- of-war-damaged- camp.aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Apr 2011 - Los Angeles Times - A tedious familiarity
overcame Muhammad Aamer and his family as they were forced to leave the
only home they knew following the 2007 conflict. (Please visit the site
to view this media) The war in Nahr...
*Obama peace plan 'rules out right of return'*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/04/21/ obama-peace- plan-rules- out-right- of-return. aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Apr 2011 - Ma'an - White House officials are working
on drafts of a possible peace proposal in which Palestinians would have
to accept that they would not get the right of return, American media
reports said Thursday. If US President Barack Obama...
*Commentary Magazine's attack against Zogby, Gov. Daniels and
Congressman Rahal typical of vicious nature of the pro-Israel movement*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ blogs/archive/ 2011/04/21/ commentary- magazine- s-attack- against-zogby- gov-daniels- and-congressman- rahal-typical- of-vicious- nature-of- the-pro-israel- movement. aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Apr 2011 - Commentary Magazine, which is the voice of
the mainstream American Jews, often tries to offer balanced perspectives
on almost very topic, except one. You guessed it. That topic is Middle
East peace. According to Commentary Magazine, the only real peace...
*Assad Names New Homs Governor*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ topnews/archive/ 2011/04/21/ assad-names- new-homs- governor. aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Apr 2011 - Syria sans emergency law "no different" Al
Jazeera - Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, has appointed a new
governor in the central city of Homs, where witnesses said security
forces had been deployed in anticipation of more protests. Al-Assad also...
*Aljazeera* <http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/>
*Syria braces for 'Great Friday' protests*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/04/20114220 3815205988. html>
AlJazeera 21 Apr 2011 - Army deploys in Homs as activists prepare for
the largest protests to date against president Bashar al Assad's rule.
*Obama approves drone strikes in Libya*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ africa/2011/ 04/2011421223027 558915.html>
AlJazeera 21 Apr 2011 - US president authorises the use of Predator
drones to carry out air strikes against Gaddafi's ground forces.
*Turkish Kurds welcome poll decision*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ europe/2011/ 04/2011421172713 775785.html>
AlJazeera 21 Apr 2011 - Country's High Election Board reverses move to
ban Kurdish politicans following violent protests in country's southeast.
*Tunisian gender-parity 'revolution' hailed*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ africa/2011/ 04/2011421161714 335465.html>
AlJazeera 21 Apr 2011 - In a regional breakthrough, parties must present
equal numbers of male and female candidates in Tunisia's July vote.
*Deaths as Bangladesh ferry capsizes*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ asia/2011/ 04/2011421152638 27275.html>
AlJazeera 21 Apr 2011 - Dozens dead and many missing after ferry
carrying about 100 people sinks near country's capital Dhaka.
*Gulf mediators urge Yemen's Saleh to quit*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/04/20114211 15926585667. html>
AlJazeera 21 Apr 2011 - Plan calls for a unity government to be formed
and for the president to step down in three months.
*Syria braced for anti-government protests*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/04/20114219 212559268. html>
AlJazeera 21 Apr 2011 - President names new governor for city roiled by
political unrest and issues decrees ending emergency rule.
*Mubarak name to be removed from public places*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/04/20114211 01433418320. html>
AlJazeera 21 Apr 2011 - Court orders that Hosni and Suzanne Mubarak's
names be removed from all public places, including schools and streets.
*Bahraini rights activist on trial*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/04/20114219 4199946.html>
AlJazeera 21 Apr 2011 - Prominent activist put before military court,
with family barred from attending.
*Palestine News Network* <http://english. pnn.ps/>
*New Settlement near Awarta, Northern West Bank*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=9940&Itemid= 56>
PNN - Nablus -- PNN- Israeli settlers announced on Wednesday night a new
settlement to be built on lands owned by the villagers of Awarta,
located near the northern West Bank city of Nablus....
*Overnight Clashes in East Jerusalem Leave Palestinians Injured*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=9939&Itemid= 64>
PNN - Jerusalem -- PNN -- A number of Palestinian youths were injured
when they clashed with Israeli troops and settlers in Silwan
neighborhood in east Jerusalem on Wednesday night. The clashed ended on...
*New Political Parties in Palestine - when?*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=9938&Itemid= 58>
PNN - By Daoud Kuttab - Fatah, Hamas, PFLP, DFLP, Jihad Islami - these
are some of the names of guerrilla movements that have dominated the
Palestinian political scene. The modern Palestinian liberation movement...
*Alternative Information Center* <http://alternativen ews.org/>
*Australian Accused of Spying for Hamas*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ news/3546- australian- accused-of- spying-for- hamas>
Alternative Information Center - Iaad Rashid Abu Arja, a 47-year-old
Australian citizen, was arrested in Israel in late March and has been
accused of working as a spy for Hamas.
*The 6th Annual Bil'in Conference*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ news/3543- the-6th-annual- bilin-conference>
Alternative Information Center - The 6th Annual Bil'in Conference on the
Palestinian Popular Struggle opened Wednesday, 20 April, in the West
Bank village of Bil'in .
*Culture Fest Goes On in Silwan, Despite Israeli Attacks*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ jerusalem/ 3544-culture- fest-goes- on-in-silwan- despite-israeli- attacks>
Alternative Information Center - Confrontations broke out again
yesterday, Wednesday 20 April, between Palestinian residents the East
Jerusalem village of Silwan and the Israeli police.
*Relief Web*
<http://reliefweb. int/rw/rwb. nsf/doc106? OpenForm& emid=ACOS- 635PFR&rc= 3>
*State-building and political change: Options for Palestine 2011*
<http://reliefweb. int/node/ 397934>
Relief Web 21 Apr 2011 - Source: Center on International Cooperation
Country: occupied Palestinian territory Elizabeth Sellwood Executive
Summary Across the Middle East, the year 2011 already appears destined
to be a period of upheaval. It is not yet clear how the dramatic events
of January...
*UN political chief urges 'bold and decisive' steps to revive Middle
East peace talks* <http://reliefweb. int/node/ 397931>
Relief Web 21 Apr 2011 - Source: UN News Service Country: Israel ,
Lebanon , occupied Palestinian territory 21 April 2011 -- The United
Nations political affairs chief today voiced concern over the continuing
deadlock in peace talks aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict, and urged both parities...
*ITcensored M Newsletter No. 26 - April 2011* <http://reliefweb. int/node/ 397776>
Relief Web 21 Apr 2011 - Source: Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna Country:
Egypt , occupied Palestinian territory , Senegal , Tunisia in this
issue: THE SPRING REVOLUTIONS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SOME INSIGHTS FROM
THE FIELD The Gaza Youth breaks out by Emanuela Muscarà, p. 3 Is another
Africa possible? by...
*With Support from the Qatari Red Crescent Society: PRCS launches its
"Warm Winter" Campaign in support of poor families*
<http://reliefweb. int/node/ 397773>
Relief Web 21 Apr 2011 - Source: Palestine Red Crescent Society Country:
occupied Palestinian territory Central Jordan valley region- PRCS
launched on 19 April 2011 its "Warm Winter" Campaign in support of the
poorest and most-in-need families in the West Bank and Jerusalem, in
cooperation with...
*Palestine's Abbas in statehood boost bid*
<http://reliefweb. int/node/ 397680>
Relief Web 20 Apr 2011 - Source: Agence France-Presse Country: Israel ,
occupied Palestinian territory By Philippe Agret (AFP) JERUSALEM ---
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas heads to Paris on Wednesday to seek
advice and support from European leaders on the potential creation of a
Palestinian state this...
*Senior Vice President and COO Visits CHF Projects in Palestine*
<http://reliefweb. int/node/ 397670>
Relief Web 20 Apr 2011 - Source: CHF International Country: occupied
Palestinian territory CHF's Senior Vice President and COO, Chris Sale,
reports from her trip to the West Bank, where she was inspired by
hardworking entrepreneurs, vibrant communities and innovative
construction projects. I'm en route home...
*The National* <http://thenational. ae/section/ FOREIGN?profile= 1011>
*In throwing its weight behind Egypt's protests, did Turkey
overbalance? *
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ in-throwing- its-weight- behind-egypts- protests- did-turkey- overbalance>
The National 21 Apr 2011 - Ankara announced itself as a bold player on
the Middle East's stage when it came out in fierce support of Egypt's
protests. But does it really have the courage of its liberal convictions?
*Assad calls an end to state of emergency*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ assad-calls- an-end-to- state-of- emergency>
The National 21 Apr 2011 - Civil rights campaigners welcome decision but
will not celebrate until more sweeping reforms are made and "all of the
work is finished".
*GCC's 30-day plan for Saleh to go*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ gccs-30-day- plan-for- saleh-to- go>
The National 21 Apr 2011 - The new GCC proposal calls for President Ali
Abdullah Saleh to step down withing 30 days and a three-month transition
that would end with a presidential election.
*Netanyahu address a bid to 'score points'*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ netanyahu- address-a- bid-to-score- points>
The National 21 Apr 2011 - Analysts say move is part of a plan to
counter Obama and project him as anti-Israel by pointing out leaders'
differences in opinion.
*Sectarian fears mount in post-Mubarack Egypt*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ sectarian- fears-mount- in-post-mubarack -egypt>
The National 21 Apr 2011 - Egypt's military rulers are keen to send a
message to the country¿s estimated 10 million mostly Coptic Christians
that violence in the name of religion will not be tolerated.
*Kidnapped cyclists send video plea*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ kidnapped- cyclists- send-video- plea>
The National 21 Apr 2011 - A group of Estonian cyclists who were
abducted in Lebanon have issued a video on YouTube that police say could
hold clues as to their location and status.
*Ha'aretz* <http://haaretz. com/>
*UN urges bold steps to relaunch Mideast peace talks*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/un- urges-bold- steps-to- relaunch- mideast-peace- talks-1.357468>
Ha'aretz - European countries believe Palestinians could drop push for
UN recognition if 'parameters' for fresh peace talks announced;
Diplomats said they hope Obama might do so.
*Abbas: U.S. would be illogical to block independent Palestinian state
at UN*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/abbas- u-s-would- be-illogical- to-block- independent- palestinian- state-at- un-1.357447>
Ha'aretz - After Abbas meet with Sarkozy, a French presidential office
source said Sarkozy had given Abbas his 'clear support' for efforts
leading to creation of a Palestinian state.
*Israel: New Gaza flotilla has ties to Hamas, terrorist organizations*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/israel- new-gaza- flotilla- has-ties- to-hamas- terrorist- organizations- 1.357416>
Ha'aretz - Israel's ambassador to UN warns the organization not to allow
new flotilla, planned for May, to launch; U.S., Germany also call on
flotilla organizers to find other ways to deliver aid to Gaza.
*Egypt ex-energy minister detained for questioning on Israel gas deal*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/egypt- ex-energy- minister- detained- for-questioning- on-israel- gas-deal- 1.357430>
Ha'aretz - Israel gets 40 percent of its natural gas from Egypt under
arrangement put in place after 1979 peace deal; Egyptian opposition
groups complain gas was sold to Israel under preferential prices.
*Left and right clash at Tel Aviv rally to support Palestinian state*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ left-and- right-clash- at-tel-aviv- rally-to- support-palestin ian-state- 1.357368>
Ha'aretz - Rally participated by 21 Israel Prize laureates was to
culminate by signing declaration of Palestinian independence outside Tel
Aviv's historical Independence Hall.
*Netanyahu makes Time Magazine's list of 100 most influential people*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ netanyahu- makes-time- magazine- s-list-of- 100-most- influential- people-1. 357391>
Ha'aretz - Other people making the list for 2011 were Justin Bieber and
Wael Ghonim, the Egyptian Google executive who many said embodied the
youth of Egypt's revolution.
*Assad ratifies end of 48-year emergency rule in Syria*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ assad-ratifies- end-of-48- year-emergency- rule-in-syria- 1.357397>
Ha'aretz - Syrian president trying to calm month-long protests against
his authoritarian rule by issuing a series of concessions; activists
continue to call for protests.
*Palestinians urge Quartet to endorse European Mideast peace initiative*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/palestin ians-urge- quartet-to- endorse-european -mideast- peace-initiative -1.357418>
Ha'aretz - European proposal includes immediate halt to Israeli
settlement activity and a return to pre-1967 borders with land swaps;
Abbas pushes France to recognize Palestinian state in meet with Sarkozy.
*Shalit family to PM: Your refusal to free Gilad signs his death
sentence*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/shalit- family-to- pm-your-refusal- to-free-gilad- signs-his- death-sentence- 1.357295>
Ha'aretz - Zvi Shalit, Gilad's grandfather, says premier putting up a
pretense of activity while doing nothing to free his grandson; PM's
Office in response: Netanyahu is responsible for the safety of all of
Israel's citizens.
*Turkey: Israel-Palestinian peace will decide fate of Arab uprisings*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/turkey- israel-palestini an-peace- will-decide- fate-of-arab- uprisings- 1.357278>
Ha'aretz - In New York Times editorial, Turkish President Abdullah Gul
says Israel must react to growing desire for Mideast democracy, adds it
cannot afford to be perceived as an 'apartheid island' in an
Arab-dominated region.
*Red Cross official: Gaza isn't experiencing a humanitarian crisis*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/red- cross-official- gaza-isn- t-experiencing- a-humanitarian- crisis-1. 357268>
Ha'aretz - IDF Spokesman's Office quoted deputy Gaza Red Cross chief as
saying that the issue in Gaza is of infrastructure and access to goods
such as concrete.
*Search team finds body of Israeli boy who drowned off Haifa coast*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ search-team- finds-body- of-israeli- boy-who-drowned- off-haifa- coast-1.357349>
Ha'aretz - Eleven-year- old Mark Haimovich apparently drowned while on an
unsupervised visit to the beach with three friends -- aged nine, 11 and
13 -- outside of bathing season.
*Kuwait FM: Iran spy cell monitored U.S. military presence in country*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ kuwait-fm- iran-spy- cell-monitored- u-s-military- presence- in-country- 1.357379>
Ha'aretz - Kuwaiti minister said spy cell had explosives to bomb
'strategic' facilities; Kuwait hosts vast U.S. logistics base which
serves as staging post for U.S. forces in Iraq.
*Israeli businessman killed in Brazil shooting attack*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ israeli-business man-killed- in-brazil- shooting- attack-1. 357354>
Ha'aretz - Local media reports the Brazil resident was shot at close
range by motorcyclists while seated in his car in a city in the
country's north.
*Oppression in Bahrain: human rights activist goes on trial*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ oppression- in-bahrain- human-rights- activist- goes-on-trial- 1.357297>
Ha'aretz - Abdulhadi al-Khawaja was nabbed during a government crackdown
that saw hundreds of people, many of them opposition activists and
politicians, being arrested.
*Israel, land of plenty. But at what price?*
<http://english. themarker. com/israel- land-of-plenty- but-at-what- price-1.357139>
Ha'aretz - We don't pay more for our staples, compared with other
countries. Shoes, MP3s and other goodies may cost way more
*Hapoalim writing off 60% of Maariv debt*
<http://english. themarker. com/hapoalim- writing-off- 60-of-maariv- debt-1.357135>
Ha'aretz - Dankner is paying the bank NIS 42m instead of the NIS 106m
the paper owes.
*Bottom shekel / The natives get flags, the tycoons get millions*
<http://english. themarker. com/bottom- shekel-the- natives-get- flags-the- tycoons-get- millions- 1.357136>
Ha'aretz - Bank Hapoalim is bellicose towards its smaller clients,
confining its generosity to the richest cream of the Israeli business world.
*Fatah may partake in ucensored oming Gaza flotilla, Palestinian official says*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/fatah- may-partake- in-ucensored oming- gaza-flotilla- palestinian- official- says-1.357259>
Ha'aretz - Nabil Sha'ath, the faction's head of foreign relations, says
Fatah officials do not require either the permission of Israel or Hamas
before arriving at the blockaded Strip.
*'Begin aided Argentina during Falklands War to avenge the British'*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/begin- aided-argentina- during-falklands -war-to-avenge- the-british- 1.357246>
Ha'aretz - According to a new book cited by the U.K. newspaper The Daily
Telegraph, former premier armed struggling Argentinean junta with air to
air missiles and missile alert systems.
*Clinton: Talks are the only way to establish Mideast peace*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/clinton- talks-are- the-only- way-to-establish -mideast- peace-1.357222>
Ha'aretz - U.S. Secretary of State urges Israel, Palestinians to return
to the negotiations' table, reiterates Washington's opposition to a
unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood.
*Jerusalem Post* <http://jpost. com/>
*J'lem church leaders pray for ME peace ahead of Easter*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=217514& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Holy Fire Ceremony to take place in Church
of the Holy Sepulcher; will be attended by thousands and broadcast live
around globe.
*Barak said blocking project to link Givat Ze'ev to J'lem*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=217513& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Housing minister Attias had written to
settlement head confirming plans for new 800-home neighborhood.
*Palestinians working in settlements earn double*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217506& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - PA Central Bureau of Statistics shows that
despite Authority's ban; the number of Palestinians employed in
settlements has increased.
*Syria braces for mass Friday protests*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217504& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Activists say Assad's lifting of emergency
law is just symbolism; gov't reportedly deploys police, army in main
cities ahead of expected protests.
*Arab Affairs: A dictator's dilemma*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217490& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Although he ostensibly rescinded the
reviled emergency laws this week, Syrian President Bashar Assad
continues to enforce them.
*Egypt in Flux: A young pacifist versus the Egyptian army*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217489& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Branded a traitor and a Zionist, Maikel
Nabil Sanad, a pro-Israel blogger, was sentenced last week to three
years in jail by Egypt's ruling military council.
*Egypt detains ex-energy minister over Israeli gas deal*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217480& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Five officials are detained, questioned on
allegations that Israel buys gas below market value, suspicion of
profiteering.
*Palestinian Authority threatens to block international mail*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217470& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Minister blames Israeli foot-dragging on
agreement for direct delivery; PA manages its own postal services but
all letters pass through Israel.
*Red Cross official: No humanitarian crisis in Gaza*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? ID=217460& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Deputy ICRC head in the Strip notes Gazan
supermarkets have food; slams Hamas rocket fire; criticizes limits on
infrastructure imports.
*Red Cross: There is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217460& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Deputy ICRC head in Strip notes Gazan
supermarkets have food, slams Hamas rocket fire, but says Israel should
let more materials in.
*PA has no leads on assassination of Israeli Arab film star*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? ID=217450& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Actor and film producter Juliano
Mer-Khamis was killed three weeks ago in Jenin refugee camp; PA security
initially hinted Hamas was behind the murder.
*3 weeks after Khamis killing, PA probe has made no progress*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217450& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Conflicting accounts as to whereabouts of
babysitter who witnessed the shooting; actor's colleagues believe
authorities are "hiding something."
*Netanyahu joins world leaders in most influential list*
<http://www.jpost. com/Internationa l/Article. aspx?ID=217447& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - 'Time Magazine' poll ranks PM as 80th most
influential person of 2011; others placed include Obama, Sarkozy and
Justin Bieber.
*Ban urges Libya authorities to stop killing, seek ceasefire*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217439& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - During visit to Moscow, UN secretary
general denounces violence; NATO forces intercept oil tanker as rebels
pledge to accept ground forces.
*Your money or your life?*
<http://www.jpost. com/Features/ InThespotlight/ Article.aspx? ID=217430& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - In hi-tech, the younger generation is
trying to establish a toehold in the industry but wants the freedom to
be footloose as well.
*Shoving, shouting at TA protest for Palestinian state*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=217429& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Israeli intellectuals drowned out by
counter-protesters outside Independence Hall; verbal altercations,
shoving matches break out; no injuries, arrests are reported.
*'Obama drafting potential new peace proposal'*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=217428& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - White House officials working furiously on
new negotiation plan, 'New York Times' reports; Clinton calls for
immediate resumption of talks.
*Assad ratifies law to end state of emergency*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217414& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Syrians continue to hold demonstrations
across the country demanding reforms; US says new law may not be any
less restrictive.
*The Weekly Schmooze: Seder Plate Champion*
<http://www.jpost. com/JewishWorld/ JewishFeatures/ Article.aspx? ID=217411& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - A Jpost column wrapping up the hottest
Jewish culture news worldwide: The Jews of "Glee;" sefira beards for
charity.
*From Holland to the Hebron hills*
<http://www.jpost. com/Features/ InThespotlight/ Article.aspx? ID=217401& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Meet some of Sussiya's residents: A former
pastor, his wife, 6 members of former congregation, S. African couple
undergoing conversion.
*Christian pilgrims take a dip at baptismal site*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=217398& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Orthodox Christians visit the Jordan
River, where John the Baptist is believed to have baptized Jesus in a
pre-Easter ritual.
*PMO: Hamas hasn't answered Schalit offer for over a year*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=217395& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - In response to harsh letter from captured
soldier's grandfather, Netanyahu's office accuses terror group of
stalling negotiations.
*'Fatah officials to board ucensored oming Gaza flotilla'*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217392& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Shaath says his group doesn't need
authorization from Israel "to reach our homeland;" Fatah to take part in
planned effort to lift Gaza blockade.
*Book claims Israel armed Argentina in Falklands War*
<http://www.jpost. com/Internationa l/Article. aspx?ID=217389& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Argentinian journalist says Menachem Begin
supported military junta to avenge the 1947 hanging of Irgun fighter Dov
Gruner.
*Body of 11-year-old washes up on Haifa shore*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=217382& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Mark Haimovitch swept to sea while
swimming in a forbidden area of the Carmel Beach; surfers rescue 2
friends, 1 swims to safety.
*Watch: US storm chasers capture massive tornadoes*
<http://www.jpost. com/VideoArticle s/Video/Article. aspx?ID=217375& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Weather enthusiasts film two twisters as
they touch down in midwestern United States; dozens dead, swathes of
land and property destroyed.
*Turkish president: Israel must adopt Arab peace plan*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217373& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - Outcome of ME unrest depends on whether
Israelis, Palestinians make peace, agreement will curb extremism, Gul
writes in 'NY Times' op-ed.
*'Egypt arrests 2 Israelis trying to infiltrate border'*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=217366& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 Apr 2011 - The two were reportedly attempting to
illegally cross from Sinai into Israel with an Eritrean man through a
smuggling route.
*Uruknet* <http://uruknet. info/>
*AI: Syrian authorities urged not to suppress 'Great Friday' protests*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77050& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet February 21, 2011 - The Syrian authorities must not respond with
violence to mass demonstrations planned across the country tomorrow,
Amnesty International urged on the eve of a Facebook-promoted "Great
Friday" protest. "It is imperative that these demonstrations are policed
sensibly, sensitively and in accordance with international law to avoid
further bloodshed on Syria's streets," said Malcolm Smart,...
*Nato air raid kills 7 civilians in Tripoli*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77049& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - Seven civilians were killed and 18 wounded in a
NATO air raid that targeted the southwestern Tripoli suburb of Khellat
Al-Ferjan late Wednesday, official news agency reported. An earlier
report by the state television said the Khellat Al-Ferjan area where
three explosions could be heard was the "target of barbarian crusaders'
raids that left...
*Israeli Intellectuals for Palestinian Independence*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77047& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - Several April 20 Haaretz reports explain
efforts for Palestinian independence, including dozens of Israeli
intellectuals and public figures endorsing it. On April 21 at 2PM,
they'll read a statement in front of Tel Aviv's Independence Hall (where
Ben-Gurion) declared Israel's statehood in May 1948) headlined: "ISRAELI
INTELLECTUALS WELCOME AND ENDORSE AN INDEPENDENT PALESTINIAN STATE...
*Billionaires on Warpath to Pauperize the American Middle Class*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77046& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - America's well-to-do are waging war on
America's "shrinking middle class," Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont
Independent, says. "The nation's billionaires are on the war path. They
want more, more, more," and "their greed has no end and they are
apparently unconcerned for the future of this country if it gets in the
way of...
*AI: Bahrain: A Human Rights Crisis*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77044& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - Bahrain today is a country caught in the grip
of a spiralling political and human rights crisis. Since 16 March, when
the government sent in its army and security forces to storm the Pearl
Roundabout area for a second time and clear it of protestors, the small
Gulf state has witnessed an intensifying cycle...
*Libya offers "verifiable" ceasefire, U.N.-supervised elections*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77043& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - Libya's Foreign Minister Abdul Ati al-Obeidi on
Wednesday offered a "properly verifiable" ceasefire supervised by
foreign observers to pave the way for talks which could cover "any
issue" including, he implied, the future of Colonel Muammar Qadhafi. He
proposed a six-month transition period to be followed by elections under
U.N. supervision as proposed by...
*Obama OKs use of armed drone aircraft in Libya*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77042& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 --- President Barack Obama has approved the use
of armed drones in Libya, authorizing U.S. airstrikes against ground
forces for the first time since America turned control of the operation
over to NATO on April 4. It also is the first time that drones will have
been used for airstrikes since the conflict began on...
*Gulf mediators urge Yemen's Saleh to quit*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77040& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - Gulf Arab mediators seeking an end to Yemen's
unrest have called for a three-month transition plan that would end with
a presidential election, a government official has said. Their proposal,
which called for an immediate end to protests, would see Ali Abdullah
Saleh, the president, step down within a month of signing the initiative.. .
*Analysts: Syria unrest not led by Islamists*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77039& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - Despite accusations by Syrian authorities,
Islamists did not instigate and are not leading the unrest that has
rocked the country for a month, although they are partners in the
protests, analysts say. "They are certainly present but they are not
directing it. This popular uprising does not depend on the old political
parties," said...
*Israel, Extraordinary Rendition and the Strange Case of Dirar Abu Sisi*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77038& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - On a cold Ukrainian winter night in
mid-February 2011, a Gaza civil engineer named Dirar Abu Sisi was lying
in bed in a railroad sleeper car traveling to Kiev to visit his brother,
Yousef, whom he hadn't seen in 15 years. Abu Sisi had come to Ukraine as
a refugee applying for Ukrainian citizenship. ...
*No Evidence Of Gaddafi Violence, Say Britons*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77037& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - The Libyan government has renewed its call for
independent fact-finding experts to come to the country to assess
allegations of violence against civilians. Speaking to Sky News, deputy
foreign minister Khalid Kaim said: "We are asking for professional
fact-finding missions. "We asked the British government for this in the
first week of the conflict...
*Mission Creep in Libya* <http://uruknet. info/?p=m77035& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - Escalated intervention keeps incrementally
building toward sending combat troops against Gaddafi, French and UK
leaders signaling what may, in fact, have been planned all along,
perhaps including US marines. More on that below. On April 16, New York
Times writer Rod Nordland admitted what's already known headlining,
"Libyan Rebels Say They're Being Sent Weapons,"...
*World's unions call for ending attack on Bahrain labor*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77034& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - As of April 20, the authorities in Bahrain have
launched an all-out attack on the Bahraini trade union movement.
Thousands of workers have been dismissed for taking part in trade union
activities in support of the peaceful calls for greater democracy and
reform. Many of the Executive members of the General Federation of
Bahraini...
*Is Qaddafi an anti-racist? * <http://uruknet. info/?p=m77031& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - Over on MRZine (where else, of course) you will
find a lengthy article (The War in Libya: Race, "Humanitarianism " and
the Media) by a Professor Maximilian Forte from Concordia College in
Canada that is a tortured defense of the idea that Qaddafi and his
opponents represent the best and worst of Libyan society. Qaddafi...
*On the wrong side of the wall*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77030& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - The one-room school building in the Palestinian
village of An Nabi Samwil, near Jerusalem, serves as a classroom for
eight pupils, a staff room, storeroom and the principal's office. During
the winter months or on hot summer days, it is also the children's
playground. "The biggest difficulty I face here is that I am...
*Israel troops destroy structures by Gaza crossing*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77029& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 21, 2011 - - Israeli troops made a brief incursion into
Gaza early on Thursday to demolish several buildings which the army said
were being used by "terrorist organizations" . Palestinians said the
buildings were warehouses holding goods which had been transferred to
the Gaza Strip via the nearby Karni crossing, which Israel shut down
earlier this year....
*BP's criminal negligence exposed*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77028& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 20, 2011 - Ryan Lambert is enraged. The owner of a charter
fishing business, he had always supported the oil industry in his home
state of Louisiana. He previously trusted BP, and the rest of the oil
industry, to do the right thing in case an accident happened. But not
any more. "I'm seeing people starving to...
*The 'Real' Palestine* <http://uruknet. info/?p=m77027& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 20, 2011 - Over the last few weeks I have been repeatedly
told that Ramallah is not the 'real' Palestine. For this, I was told, I
must travel further afield, go north, go south, go into Nablus or
Hebron. I was unsure of what people meant when they said the 'real'
Palestine. Do they mean more conservative. ..
*Iraq snapshot - April 20, 2011*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77026& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 20, 2011. Chaos and violence continue, the Arab League
summit next month in Baghdad is . . . off, protests continue in Iraq,
the president of Turkey brags about his behind the scenes influence in
Iraq, a Canadian War Hawk denies reality (but it is reality), US
political prisoner Bradley Manning is moved to another prison, and more.
In Mosul,...
*Kurdish protester killed in Turkey clash*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77025& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 20, 2011 - One person has been killed in clashes between
Kurdish demonstrators and police in southeast Turkey after prominent
Kurdish politicians were barred from running ucensored oming elections.
Witnesses said the police fired on protesters on Wednesday near the
regional capital of Diyarbakir. A statement from Demirtas Selahattin, a
senior Kurdish politician, said that a young man...
*Euro-American Land Invasion of Libya Imminent*
<http://uruknet. info/?p=m77024& hd=&size= 1&l=e>
Uruknet April 20, 2011 - As if hard-wired for theft of other people's
lands, the European Union is preparing to put thousands of its
once-and-forever colonial boots on the ground in Libya. "The mass ground
onslaught may well commence with the imminent deployment of the European
Union's so-called 'battle groups' -- multinational military units of
about 1,500 men each."...
(continues in following post)
