Humanitarian Issues

[dan]

Ninathedog:

I decided to take a moment out to not only commend you on the passage of information to the public, on this thread, but to also inform you that YOU MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT! ;D

Fran has informed me that we have received a couple emails acting in an accusatory fashion toward you, and even us, due to the information you have been providing.

Aside from the one letter writer, whom we know has spent "involuntary" time in a mental facility, the reaction of a few has been to confront Eagles Disobey (wrong choice... ;D ...the letter writers obviously and sadly were shortchanged in the intellectual capacity area...as THE ADMINS RUN FORUM...) requesting Eagles Disobey to make some accounting or answer accusatory inquiries based from the letter writers' unreal information. A few letters show that for all the bravado some "pretend to have" on the internet, they know little of the real situation.

It is the firm stance of our Group and thus EAGLES DISOBEY, that ALL PEOPLES HAVE A RIGHT TO A HOMELAND! ALL MEANS ALL!

I also wanted to take a moment to CONGRATULATE you on your use of FREEDOM OF SPEECH here at the Golden Thread, especially where this exceptionally important issue is being voiced. Those congratulations extend also with you to the ADMINS of this Forum, NODSTAR* and GALAXYGIRL, for not kissing the 'derriere' of the Main Stream Media, a practice being suggested in those same received letters, while other "internet faces" of those same individuals claim an egalitarian view for everyone. (At least one of the writers is an absolute fraud...and has shown no one any proof that he does not come from a stock of the same.)

The posts you have provided are being used on a daily basis to inform certain others that what was done to them (in decades past)...and I am saying this while possessing familial ties belonging to the previously harmed referents...but that it is never an excuse to apply a variation on a theme to anyone else.

Thank you for standing your ground. Your positions are kept within each file I use when confronting others on their necessity to remember that many of the things done to them, in their past, are not made right nor justified by repeating the evil once done to them. Responsibility to everyone may not be abrogated as this falls within the clearest of adages: "TWO WRONGS DON'T MAKE A RIGHT."

As just another member of the GT: thank you and please keep up the use of Freedom of Speech.

Dan

[ninathedog]

May 21, 2011 17:39:21 GMT 4 @dan said:

Ninathedog:

I decided to take a moment out to not only commend you on the passage of information to the public, on this thread, but to also inform you that YOU MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT! ;D

Fran has informed me that we have received a couple emails acting in an accusatory fashion toward you, and even us, due to the information you have been providing.

Aside from the one letter writer, whom we know has spent "involuntary" time in a mental facility, the reaction of a few has been to confront Eagles Disobey (wrong choice... ;D ...the letter writers obviously and sadly were shortchanged in the intellectual capacity area...as THE ADMINS RUN FORUM...) requesting Eagles Disobey to make some accounting or answer accusatory inquiries based from the letter writers' unreal information. A few letters show that for all the bravado some "pretend to have" on the internet, they know little of the real situation.

It is the firm stance of our Group and thus EAGLES DISOBEY, that ALL PEOPLES HAVE A RIGHT TO A HOMELAND! ALL MEANS ALL!

I also wanted to take a moment to CONGRATULATE you on your use of FREEDOM OF SPEECH here at the Golden Thread, especially where this exceptionally important issue is being voiced. Those congratulations extend also with you to the ADMINS of this Forum, NODSTAR* and GALAXYGIRL, for not kissing the 'derriere' of the Main Stream Media, a practice being suggested in those same received letters, while other "internet faces" of those same individuals claim an egalitarian view for everyone. (At least one of the writers is an absolute fraud...and has shown no one any proof that he does not come from a stock of the same.)

The posts you have provided are being used on a daily basis to inform certain others that what was done to them (in decades past)...and I am saying this while possessing familial ties belonging to the previously harmed referents...but that it is never an excuse to apply a variation on a theme to anyone else.

Thank you for standing your ground. Your positions are kept within each file I use when confronting others on their necessity to remember that many of the things done to them, in their past, are not made right nor justified by repeating the evil once done to them. Responsibility to everyone may not be abrogated as this falls within the clearest of adages: "TWO WRONGS DON'T MAKE A RIGHT."

As just another member of the GT: thank you and please keep up the use of Freedom of Speech.

Dan

;D well, Thank You, Dr. Dan!! I feel truly honored.

[ninathedog]

If Americans Knew...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-ncKQbCrvA


www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5kXDERFWeA&NR=1

[ninathedog]

[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1388

Fri May 20, 2011 8:27 pm (PDT)

***Occupied Palestine and Israel: News and Articles*

*News*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
*International Middle East Media Center* <http://imemc. org/>

*Israeli Military On Alert After Friday Prayers*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61281>
IMEMC - Friday May 20, 2011 - 14:49, According to Israeli media group,
YNet, the Israeli military has been employed to the border with Syria in
the Golan Heights and declared the area a restricted military zone. The
action was taken in fear of a repeat of last Sunday's Nakba
demonstrations in which thousands of Palestinian refugees marched to the
Israeli border in Lebanon and Syria demanding a right of return to their
homes. YNet reports that the measure is in effect until midnight tonight.

*PCHR Weekly Report: 2 children killed, 144 civilians wounded this week
by Israeli forces* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61280>
IMEMC - Friday May 20, 2011 - 08:31, In its Weekly Report On Israeli
Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the
week of 12-- 18 May 2011, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights found
that two Palestinian children were killed in the Gaza Strip and the West
Bank.

*Abbas Calls For Urgent Meeting To Discuss Obama's Speech*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61279>
IMEMC - Friday May 20, 2011 - 06:47, Palestinian President, Mahmoud
Abbas, called on Thursday evening for an urgent meeting between
Palestinian political leaders, and for consultations with Arab leaders,
to discuss the speech of U.S. President, Barack Obama.

*Abu Zuhri: "Obama's Speech Shows Political Failure"*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61278>
IMEMC - Friday May 20, 2011 - 06:10, Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, media
spokesperson of the Hamas movement, stated that the speech of U.S.
President Barack Obama, only shows failed U.S. policies that indicate
political failure, and added that the Arab nation does not need Obama's
lessons in democracy while he even refuses to denounce the ongoing
Israeli occupation, and expressed ongoing support to Israeli crimes.

*Army Invades Madama Village, Imposes Curfew*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61276>
IMEMC - Friday May 20, 2011 - 05:37, Israeli soldiers invaded on
Thursday at night that Madama village, south of the northern West Bank
of Nablus, and imposes curfew placing all residents under house arrest.

*Hamas Slams Israel's Approval Of 1500 Units For Settlers Near
Jerusalem* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61277>
IMEMC - Friday May 20, 2011 - 04:07, The Hamas movement strongly
denounced an Israeli decision to approve the construction of additional
1500 units for Jewish settlers in Pisgat Zeev and Abu Ghneim (Har Homa)
illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.

*Us President Obama: "Palestinians Have the Right to a Contiguous
State"* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61275>
IMEMC - Friday May 20, 2011 - 02:49, During his long-anticipated speech
to the State Department on Thursday, US President Barack Obama repeated
a statement made by his predecessor, George W. Bush, that the
Palestinian people have the right to self-determination and a contiguous
state.

*Ma'an News* <http://maannews. net/en/>

*Soldiers fire on protesters near Gaza border*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389456>
5/20/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces fired on protesters in
the southern Gaza Strip on Friday afternoon, medical officials said. One
protester was injured in the incident east of Khan Younis, medics told
Ma'an. The protester was taken from Abasan village to the European
Hospital for treatment, they said. An Israeli military....

*Activist: 25 arrested after Nakba protests*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389311>
5/20/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Israel's army has arrested 25
Palestinians from the West Bank cities of Bethlehem and Hebron in the
aftermath of protests marking the Palestinian Nakba, or catastrophe,
officials said Thursday. Jacqueline Al-Fararjeh, during a visit to
Etzion prison, said Abed Al-Aziz Ash-Shuweiki and Amjad Husein Hadad
were harshly beaten by....

*Israeli army imposes curfew on Nablus village*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389407>
5/20/2011 - NABLUS (Ma'an) -- Israeli soldiers invaded a village south
of Nablus Thursday night and imposed a curfew, officials said. The
troops entered Madama shortly after two Molotov cocktails were thrown at
a military jeep, the army said. Soldiers in jeeps used loudspeakers to
order stores to shut down, said Ihab Al-Qut, head of the....

*2 children hurt in Hebron explosion*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389419>
5/20/2011 - HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Two children were seriously injured Friday
when leftover Israeli ordnance exploded south of the southern West Bank
city of Hebron, Palestinian medical officials said....

*IHH: New fleet of Gaza siege-breakers to sail in June*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389550>
5/20/2011 - ISTANBUL (AFP) -- A flotilla of 15 ships will sail in the
last week of June, seeking to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip, a
year after a deadly Israeli raid on a similar fleet, a Turkish
co-organizer NGO said Friday." Our vessels will embark in the last week
of June. Currently we have 15....

*Activists: 6 detained at Bethlehem anti-wall rally*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389509>
5/20/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces detained six protesters
at a rally Friday in Al-Mas'ara near Bethlehem, activists said. Soldiers
detained local popular committee member Jum'a Yousef Zawahra, 40,
committee spokesman Muhammad Hasan Barejieh, 35, Karim Yousef Zawahra,
29, two Israeli activist and a French protester, the committee said. A
delegation.. ..

*Gaza border closed Friday and Saturday*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389403>
5/20/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) - Israeli authorities have announced that
Gaza's main borders will be closed Friday and Saturday. Liaison official
Raed Fattouh told Ma'an that Israeli authorities informed Palestinian
officials that Kerem Shalom would be closed for the weekend but open
again Sunday as usual. Some 300 truckloads of humanitarian. ...

*Radio: Israel increasing state of alert on borders*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389422>
5/20/2011 - TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma'an) -- Israel's military is increasing
a state of alert in Jerusalem and deploying more forces at its Syrian
and Lebanese borders, Israel Radio reported Friday....

*Israel on alert fearing Nakba day 'repeat'*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389435>
5/20/2011 - JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Israel's army is on high alert in
Jerusalem in case of incidents at prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque,
officials said Friday. However, there "is no specific information about
acts that could disturb public order" being planned, the police
department in Jerusalem said, according to Israel radio. Meanwhile,
Israeli forces....

*Israel shuts down Golan over protest fears*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389535>
5/20/2011 - MAJDAL SHAMS, Golan Heights (AFP) - Israel boosted security
in the Golan Heights on Friday, sending troops and police to the
northern region and denying access to non-residents, the military and an
AFP photographer said. The military deployed additional troops, setting
up temporary checkpoints to restrict access to the area amid fears that
protesters could repeat....

*Palestinian factions react to Obama's speech*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389520>
5/20/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- As President Mahmoud Abbas called an
urgent meeting to discuss US President Barack Obama's speech on the
Middle East, several Palestinian factions dismissed the US leader's
remarks as evidence of Washington's bias toward Israel. An official
Palestinian response will be formed after an emergency session....

*FSB: Israeli 'spy' sought info on Russia-Arab arms trade*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389556>
5/20/2011 - MOSCOW (AFP) -- The Israeli military attache expelled from
Moscow was trying to obtain details about Russia's arms trade with the
Arab world, the country's powerful Federal Security Service said Friday.
Russia's foreign ministry said that Soviet-born Colonel Vadim Leiderman
was "caught red-handed" while trying to receive secret information on....

*Qassam operative killed in training accident*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389417>
5/20/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- An operative for Hamas' Al-Qassam
Brigades, Muhammad Ramadan, 23, from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, died
Friday in a training accident, the armed wing said in a statement... .

*Netanyahu rejects Obama's call to return to 1967 borders*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389541>
5/20/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFP) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu bluntly told President Barack Obama Friday that Israel could
not accept his call to return to its "indefensible" 1967 borders to
forge peace with the Palestinians. In a dramatic Oval Office appearance
after two hours of talks, which ran considerably over time, Netanyahu
warned that a "peace based....

*Doctors say they will escalate strike*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389238>
5/20/2011 - QALQILIYA (Ma'an) -- The doctors union will escalate its
strike Sunday if demands are not met, a statement said Thursday. After a
meeting on Wednesday, officials said doctors would work only from 8-11
a. m. Wednesday and the next two Sundays. The statement called on the
health minister to resolve the dispute between.... Related:Thousands of
nurses on strike in hospitals
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389324>

*Thousands of nurses on strike in hospitals*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389324>
5/20/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- More than 6,000 nurses are on strike
protesting a financial and administrative dispute. Head of the nurses
union Mu'tasem Salah said all nurses in the public sector are carrying
out a sit-in strike over unfulfilled promises from the government six
years earlier. Before holding elections for the union....
Related:Doctors say they will escalate strike
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389238>

*Obama, Netanyahu meet amid borders row*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389499>
5/20/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFP) -- US President Barack Obama opened White
House talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Friday, as
both men waged a public row over the shape of an elusive peace with the
Palestinians. Netanyahu arrived at the White House with the two leaders
embroiled in another spat, the latest to test their tense relationship. ...

*1 injured after soldiers fire on Gaza protesters*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389443>
5/20/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces opened fire on a protest
near the border on Friday afternoon, injuring a Palestinian man east of
Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, medical officials said....
Related:Soldiers fire on protesters near Gaza border
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389456>

*Lebanese journalist visits West Bank*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389354>
5/20/2011 - JENIN (Ma'an) -- A sports journalist from Lebanon visited
the occupied West Bank on Thursday, in what is believed to be the first
such trip since Israel seized the territory in 1967. Ali Saqer of the
Lebanese daily Al-Mustaqbal visited the Arab American University in
Jenin and met with officials from the Palestinian sports....

*Abbas awards Palestine Star to Amr Moussa*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389479>
5/20/2011 - JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- President Mahmoud Abbas has awarded Amr
Moussa the Palestine Star on conclusion of his role as secretary-general
of the Arab League, officials said Friday. Palestinian Authority
Minister of Foreign Affairs Riyad Al-Maliki said Abbas granted the medal
to Moussa in appreciation of his brave and supportive stances toward
Palestinians as leader....

*World backs Obama Palestinian plan as Israel digs in heels*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389555>
5/20/2011 - PARIS (AFP) -- Key global players Friday backed US President
Barack Obama's call for a Palestinian state including land lost in the
1967 war as Israel insisted there could be no return to "indefensible"
borders. As Obama's vision was welcomed by the European Union, the
United Nations, Russia, the Palestinians and parts....

*PLC members visit Gaza released prisoners*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389180>
5/20/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- A delegation of lawmakers on Thursday
visited the homes of two Gaza detainees who were recently released from
prison. Ahmad Bahar visited the house of released detainee Atef Hassan,
who spent 18 years in prison, and Sa'ed Al-Yazji, released after seven
years. The delegation expressed support for the....

*Aljazeera* <http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/>

**
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ europe/2011/ 05/2011521223366 63.html>*Netanyahu:
No return to 1967 borders*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ americas/ 2011/05/20115201 81538261950. html>
AlJazeera 20 May 2011 - Israeli leader says Obama's call for future
Palestinian state based on 1967 borders would leave country "indefensible"

*Ahmadinejad oil ministry move 'illegal'*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/05/20115201 52450220731. html>
AlJazeera 20 May 2011 - Iran's constitutional council rules out
president's self-appointment as caretaker oil minister.

*Syrian protests draw deadly fire*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/05/20115201 3723847215. html>
AlJazeera 20 May 2011 - Boy, aged 11, among at least 27 dead, witnesses
say, in latest day of protest against Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

*Saleh calls for early Yemen elections*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/05/20115204 2816774534. html>
AlJazeera 20 May 2011 - Yemeni leader's call for polls comes a day after
pledging again to sign GCC-sponsored deal to end his decades-long rule.

*Palestine News Network* <http://english. pnn.ps/>

*Obama and the Arab Spring*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10069& Itemid=56>
PNN - By Fadi Abu Sa'da -- "Events of the past six months show us that
strategies of repression and strategies of diversion will not work
anymore." US President Barak Obama said in his...

*Concern in Israel and Close Follow-Up to Reactions on Obama's Speech*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10067& Itemid=56>
PNN - By Munjed Jadou -- PNN Editor in Chief- Soon after President Obama
speech Israeli media agencies entered phase of constant coverage like
Israeli politicians, responding to all statements far and near,
responding,. ..

*Abbas Calls For Urgent Meeting To Discuss ObamaâEUR^(TM) s Speech*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10066& Itemid=61>
PNN - By Saed Bannoura - Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, called on
Thursday evening for an urgent meeting between Palestinian political
leaders, and for consultations with Arab leaders, to discuss the speech
of U.S....

*President Obama Tries his Cairo II Speech*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10065& Itemid=58>
PNN - By Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh - In follow-up to the very successful 15 May
events (the beginning of the global uprising), activists around the
world called for a day of protests Friday (tomorrow).. ..

*PCHR Weekly Report: Israeli Attacks Kills Two Palestinians*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10064& Itemid=56>
PNN - Gaza -- PNN/PCHR -- Last week's Israeli military attacks killed
two Palestinians, according to the weekly report of the Palestinian
Center of Human Rights (PCHR). The report, which documents daily human
rights...

*International Solidarity Movement* <http://palsolidarit y.org/>

*Palestinian testimonies about settler attack in Tuba*
<http://palsolidarit y.org/2011/ 05/18450/>
5/20/2011 - International Solidarity Movement - Christian Peacemaker
Teams - Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has released a video of
Palestinian testimonies about the recent settler invasion in the village
of Tuba. On 16 May, shortly before midnight, Israeli settlers invaded
Tuba, damaged property, and stole and injured several sheep belonging to
the Ali Awwad family. Members of the Ali Awwad family reported....
Related:Christian Peacemaker Teams - Palestine Projects
<http://www.cpt. org/work/ palestine>

*Relief Web*
<http://reliefweb. int/rw/rwb. nsf/doc106? OpenForm& emid=ACOS- 635PFR&rc= 3>

*Statement by Middle East Quartet, 20 May 2011*
<http://reliefweb. int/node/ 403103>
Relief Web 20 May 2011 - Source: Middle East Quartet Country: Israel ,
occupied Palestinian territory SG/2174 The following statement was
issued by the Middle East Quartet ( United Nations, Russian Federation,
United States, European Union): The Members of the Quartet are in full
agreement about the urgent...

*Gaza: no end in sight to hardship and despair*
<http://reliefweb. int/node/ 403048>
Relief Web 20 May 2011 - Source: ICRC Country: occupied Palestinian
territory Mathilde De Riedmatten, deputy head of the ICRC's
sub-delegation in Gaza, talks about the situation in the coastal enclave
and about how ordinary Gazans manage to carry on with their daily lives.
How would...

*The Worst Forms of Child Labour, Education and Violent Conflict*
<http://reliefweb. int/node/ 403046>
Relief Web 20 May 2011 - Source: International Labour Organization
Country: Angola , Côte d'Ivoire , General , Lebanon , occupied
Palestinian territory , Pakistan , Senegal 1. Introduction This paper
has been prepared as a background document for the 2011 Education for
All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report which will have a...

*UN chief welcomes US President's speech on Middle East and North
Africa* <http://reliefweb. int/node/ 403029>
Relief Web 20 May 2011 - Source: UN News Service Country: Israel ,
occupied Palestinian territory 20 May 2011 -- Welcoming United States
President Barack Obama's speech yesterday on recent developments in the
Middle East and North Africa, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated
his own support for the...

*Palestine refugee health as much at risk today as in 1950, says new
report* <http://reliefweb. int/node/ 402965>
Relief Web 20 May 2011 - Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: occupied Palestinian
territory 20 May 2011 Jerusalem Palestinian refugees today face
increasing health risks, even after decades of improvement through
UNRWA's health programme, according to a...

*Palestine Telegraph* <http://paltelegraph .com/>

*Abbas Calls for Leadership Emergency Meeting over Obama speech*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 9225-abbas- calls-for- leadership- emergency- meeting-over- obama-speech. html>
20 May 2011 - Palestine, (Pal Telegraph) - President Mahmoud Abbas
called Thursday for an emergency meeting for the Palestinian leadership
to discuss what came in the speech by US President Barack Obama,
according to PLO member Saeb Erekat.

*The National* <http://thenational. ae/section/ FOREIGN?profile= 1011>

*Deadlock as Israeli PM visits Obama*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ deadlock- as-israeli- pm-visits- obama>
The National 20 May 2011 - Barack Obama, the US president, and Benjamin
Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, conceded there were differences
in their positions on how to resolve the Palestinian- Israeli conflict.

*Syria's suffers 'another bloody Friday'*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ syrias-suffers- another-bloody- friday>
The National 20 May 2011 - As anti-government demonstrations entered a
third month in Syria, the number of protesters grew in strength and
rallies spread across the country.

*Lebanon braces for an influx of Syrian refugees*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ lebanon-braces- for-an-influx- of-syrian- refugees>
The National 20 May 2011 - A community leader in Wadi Khaled places the
number of refugees at about 5,000 people who fled from nearby Syrian
towns including Tel Kalakh and Al Arida.

*Saleh calls for early elections as tens of thousands of Yemenis
protest*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ saleh-calls- for-early- elections- as-tens-of- thousands- of-yemenis- protest>
The National 20 May 2011 - President Ali Abdullah Saleh, in power for 33
years, stopped short of setting a date for the elections.

*'Disappointed' Netanyahu arrives in US for talks*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ disappointed- netanyahu- arrives-in- us-for-talks>
The National 19 May 2011 - The Israeli prime minister is expected to
address security concerns following the US president's speech, which
called for a return to 1967 borders.

*Yemen's Saleh calls for early presidential election*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ yemens-saleh- calls-for- early-presidenti al-election>
The National 19 May 2011 - The embattled president, who has held the
office for 33 years, told supporters that the election, to be conducted
"in a democratic way", was intended to avoid further bloodshed.

*Ha'aretz* <http://haaretz. com/>

*Netanyahu tells Obama: Israel cannot go back to the 1967 borders*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ netanyahu- tells-obama- israel-cannot- go-back-to- the-1967- borders-1. 363075>
Ha'aretz - Comments in front of press comes day after U.S. president's
Mideast policy speech called for negotiations for two-state solution
based on 1967 lines.

*U.S. official to Haaretz: Netanyahu focus on 1967 borders missing the
point*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/u- s-official- to-haaretz- netanyahu- focus-on- 1967-borders- missing-the- point-1.363088>
Ha'aretz - In an interview with Haaretz, a senior U.S. official says
Netanyahu's reaction to Obama's Mideast speech may lead to a situation
in which 187 countries vote for the recognition of a Palestinian state
at the General Assembly and two oppose.

*'Obama-Netanyahu meeting very useful and productive'*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ obama-netanyahu- meeting-very- useful-and- productive- 1.363082>
Ha'aretz - Netanyahu aide says talks went better than the PM had
anticipated; U.S. Press Secretary Jay Carney says length of closed
meeting 'indication of how productive and constructive' talks between
U.S. president and PM were.

*U.S. denies allegations of 'furious' Clinton-Netanyahu exchange*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ u-s-denies- allegations- of-furious- clinton-netanyah u-exchange- 1.363085>
Ha'aretz - U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner confirms U.S.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and PM Benjamin Netanyahu spoke
Thursday, however, claims was 'a frank and cordial exchange reflecting
their close relationship' .

*UN Chief, Quartet stand behind Obama call for deal based on 1967
borders*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ un-chief- quartet-stand- behind-obama- call-for- deal-based- on-1967-borders- 1.363065>
Ha'aretz - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says U.S. president offered
important ideas in Middle East speech that could propel peace talks
forward; Mideast Quartet voices 'strong support'.

*Carlo Strenger / Netanyahu has nothing to fear but hope*
<http://www.haaretz. com/blogs/ strenger- than-fiction/ netanyahu- has-nothing- to-fear-but- hope-1.363066>
Ha'aretz - We can expect Netanyahu to do everything but what he should
during his visit to Washington, attempting to torpedo the recognition of
Palestine and doing nothing to bring about acceptable Israeli borders.

*27 killed in protests across Syria including 10-year-old boy*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ mideast-in- turmoil/27- killed-in- protests- across-syria- including- 10-year-old- boy-1.363051>
Ha'aretz - Thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators rally in numerous
Syrian cities, defying security forces deployed to quell uprising.

*Iran: United States 'biggest loser' in Middle East unrest*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ iran-united- states-biggest- loser-in- middle-east- unrest-1. 363060>
Ha'aretz - Secretary general of Iran National Security Council says
'Islamic awakening pushed America to desperation and dead end', faults
support of Israel and former leaders of Egypt, Tunisia.

*European officials back Obama on 1967 borders for Palestinian state*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/european -officials- back-obama- on-1967-borders- for-palestinian- state-1.363048>
Ha'aretz - Following Obama's Middle East speech, German chancellor and
EU foreign policy chief express support for basing peace deal on 1967
borders.

*Ahead of meeting with Obama, Netanyahu says 'there are things that
can't be swept under the carpet'*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/ahead- of-meeting- with-obama- netanyahu- says-there- are-things- that-can- t-be-swept- under-the- carpet-1. 363041>
Ha'aretz - Obama does not understand the reality of Israel's situation,
senior Israeli official says on Friday.

*Obama to aides: Netanyahu will never do what it takes to achieve
Mideast peace*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/obama- to-aides- netanyahu- will-never- do-what-it- takes-to- achieve-mideast- peace-1.362964>
Ha'aretz - Comment reported in New York Times comes amid growing
tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over the U.S. President's
backing of a Palestinian state within 1967 borders.

*Obama speech will assist UN recognition of Palestinian state, Egypt
official says*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/obama- speech-will- assist-un- recognition- of-palestinian- state-egypt- official- says-1.362961>
Ha'aretz - Egyptian envoy to the UN says U.S. President's support of a
Palestinian state within 1967 borders crucial, adding that Cairo was
pressuring Hamas to accept Quartet Mideast peace principles.

*Strauss-Kahn released from jail on $1 billion bail as IMF battle heats
up*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ strauss-kahn- released- from-jail- on-1-billion- bail-as-imf- battle-heats- up-1.363090>
Ha'aretz - Fallen IMF chief to stay at 'temporary location' in New York
leading up to trial; France's Lagarde leads race for new IMF chief while
emerging nations want end to Europe's grip on top job.

*Google bought Modu's patents for NIS 17 million*
<http://english. themarker. com/google- bought-modu- s-patents- for-nis-17- million-1. 362908>
Ha'aretz - Google won an online auction process, besting bids from U.S.
company Silent River and Canadian wireless technology compnay Wi-Lan.

*Mekorot inaugurates desalination plant as water crisis continues, says
minister*
<http://english. themarker. com/mekorot- inaugurates- desalination- plant-as- water-crisis- continues- says-minister- 1.362910>
Ha'aretz - New plant can treat 20,200 cubic meters of water per day.

*Sisyphus had it easier: A visit to the mobile operators*
<http://english. themarker. com/sisyphus- had-it-easier- a-visit-to- the-mobile- operators- 1.362907>
Ha'aretz - A comparison of the customer service of Israel's mobile
operators.

*Jerusalem Post* <http://jpost. com/>

*Netanyahu rejects any Israeli return to the 1967 lines*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=221520& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Obama and Netanyahu meet, discuss range of
issues in Middle East; Obama says Hamas not a partner for negotiations;
both leaders acknowledge differences in their positions concerning
Palestinian issue.

*Analysis: Obama-Netanyahu: Not everything is personal*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=221516& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Some would chalk up current difficulties
in US-Israeli relationship to lack of chemistry or fondness between the
two leaders. But they'd be wrong.

*PA to Obama: Put a stop to PM's blatant peace refusal*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=221514& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Abbas spokesman calls for US pressure on
Netanyahu to return to "real peace" process based on two-states; issues
to be decided in talks, not press statements.

*Obama's failure to internalize Palestinian intolerance*
<http://www.jpost. com/Opinion/ Columnists/ Article.aspx? ID=221510& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - David Horovitz, Comment: The president's
new parameters show him blind to the significance of the demand for a
"right of return."

*At least 30 dead after forces fire at crowd in Syria*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221508& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Crowds come under fire in at least 2
protests in Homs; rights group says largest demonstration since uprising
began being held in Banias.

*Mideast Quartet supports Obama's vision for peace*
<http://www.jpost. com/Internationa l/Article. aspx?ID=221505& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - International group says that talks must
move forward on basis of "territory and security, mutual agreement on
all core issues."

*Kuwait elected to UNHRC in Syria's stead*
<http://www.jpost. com/Internationa l/Article. aspx?ID=221496& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Syria's place on the slate was taken over
by Kuwait, received 166 votes in favor, the least number of votes
received by any of the 4 Asian winners.

*Obama's words will be used as weapons*
<http://www.jpost. com/Magazine/ Features/ Article.aspx? ID=221491& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Even though the President's speech was
riddled with seemingly pro-Israel notions, it marked a radical departure
from American policy regarding the conflict until now.

*This Week in History: Napoleon is repelled from Acre*
<http://www.jpost. com/Features/ InThespotlight/ Article.aspx? ID=221488& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Frenchman's plans for conquer are foiled
by stone walls and British war ships, despite a vain attempt to win over
local Jews with an early iteration of Zionism.

*Ami Ayalon: Obama speech offers 'opportunity' for Israel*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=221486& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Former Shin Bet chief presents his take on
a two-state solution; "we don't see settlers as the enemy."

*Mountain or Molehill?*
<http://www.jpost. com/Magazine/ Features/ Article.aspx? ID=221484& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Obama's remarks reflect only minor
semantic shifts in what has actually been America's position since the
Clinton administration.

*Analysis: What rankled Netanyahu in the Obama speech*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=221485& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - A surprised, irritated prime minister
feels the US president has sent out exactly the wrong message.

*At least 21 dead after forces fire at crowd in Syria*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221480& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Crowds come under fire in at least 2
protests in Homs; rights group says largest demonstration since uprising
began being held in Banias.

*Syrian forces fire into crowds as thousands protest*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221477& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Crowds come under fire in at least 2
protests in Homs; rights group says largest demonstration since uprising
began being held in Banias.

*Livni: PM is jeopardizing Israel's relationship with US*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=221472& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Opposition leader says Obama's speech is
pro-Israel, not reason enough for Netanyahu to challenge the US.

*Erekat: Israeli gov't is sabotaging peace process*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221464& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - PA slam plan to build new homes in Har
Homa, Pisgat Zeev; official says Israel determined to undermine Obama
attempts to revive talks.

*Tradition Today: When leaders become criminals*
<http://www.jpost. com/JewishWorld/ Judaism/Article. aspx?ID=221453& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - In religious circles, we must remind
ourselves that although holiness is the goal, it cannot be attained
without righteousness.

*US court orders Iran to compensate terror victims*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221448& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Court awards family of man killed in 2003
J'lem bombing, family injured in 1995 Gaza bombing, both carried out by
Iran-backed terror groups.

*Palestinians bemoan failure to exploit social media*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221443& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - West Bank bloggers awed by Arab Spring
revolution launched by Facebook, encourage use of social networks.

*TA lawyer charged with paying mob in Scientology bomb plot*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=221431& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 20 May 2011 - Gor Finkelstein is suspected of paying 7
alleged Jaffa mobsters to bomb the Scientology Center building in Jaffa
for financial gain.

*Security and Defense: Outfenced*
<http://www.jpost. com/Features/ FrontLines/ Article.aspx? ID=221414& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 19 May 2011 - The IDF had geared up for Nakba protests
on the Lebanon border and in the West Bank. Majdal Shams? Nobody
expected trouble near there...

*At odds with Washington*
<http://www.jpost. com/Opinion/ Editorials/ Article.aspx? ID=221411& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 19 May 2011 - The question of Hamas goes to the root of
whether the Palestinian leadership is truly prepared to reconcile itself
to the fact of Jewish sovereign rights in the Middle East.

*The Guardian* <http://guardian. co.uk/world/ palestinian- territories>

*Netanyahu and Obama long way apart over Middle East peace plans*
<http://www.guardian .co.uk/world/ 2011/may/ 20/netanyahu- obama-middle- east>
The Guardian 20 May 2011 - US and Israeli leaders at odds over 1967
reference, leaving Obama to discuss issue with Cameron in London Barack
Obama failed to resolve the rift with Israeli prime minister Binyamin
Netanyahu over the Middle East peace...

*Netanyahu's outrage at Obama's Middle East speech is synthetic*
<http://www.guardian .co.uk/world/ 2011/may/ 20/netanyahu- outrage-obama- speech-synthetic>
The Guardian 20 May 2011 - US presidents from Clinton onwards have used
Israel's 1967 borders as a basis for talks Barack Obama's citation of
Israel's 1967 borders may have triggered a political storm about the
Middle East peace process -- but...

*Barack Obama has passed the buck on Palestine | Carlo Strenger*
<http://www.guardian .co.uk/commentis free/2011/ may/20/barack- obama-palestine- israel-palestini an-un>
The Guardian 20 May 2011 - He may have backed a two-state solution for
the Palestinian territories and Israel, but Obama has left the hard work
to the UN Binyamin Netanyahu is angry, and it is easy to understand why.
He is...

*Obama and Netanyahu set for tense meeting after president's '1967'
call*
<http://www.guardian .co.uk/world/ 2011/may/ 20/obama- netanyahu- meeting-1967- call>
The Guardian 20 May 2011 - . Israel PM alarmed at new US stance on
Palestine peace deal . Netanyahu seeks return to George Bush's 2004
commitment Barack Obama is to meet Israel's prime minister, Binyamin
Netanyahu, at the White House in...

*Israelis and Palestinians react to Obama's speech - video*
<http://www.guardian .co.uk/world/ video/2011/ may/20/israel- palestinians- react-obama- video>
The Guardian 20 May 2011 - Israelis and Palestinians respond to US
president Barack Obama's speech on the two-state solution

*Barack Obama throws US support behind Arab spring - video*
<http://www.guardian .co.uk/world/ video/2011/ may/20/barack- obama-arab- spring-video>
The Guardian 20 May 2011 - In a televised speech on the Middle East, the
US president set out the shape for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal,
and criticised the regimes in Syria and Bahrain

*Uruknet* <http://uruknet. info/>

*[uruknet.info] Details Emerge of America's Secret Oil War with Russia*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77913>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - U.S. diplomats scored a silent victory last month
when the Italian oil company Eni and Russian energy giant Gazprom
postponed a deal to share a large claim to Libyan oil. The State
Department can't take credit, however, as the two companies based their
decision to shelve the arrangement was based on the violence in...

*[uruknet.info] NATO targets Libyan vessels at 3 ports*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77912>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - Libyan authorities denounced the strikes and said
four of the five vessels were coast guard boats that hadn't left the
port since March, when NATO began its bombing campaign. None were
involved in hostile activity against the alliance, said Commandant Omran
Forjani of the Libyan coast guard. The frigate had also been in port...

*[uruknet.info] Gaza: no end in sight to hardship and despair*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77910>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - The ICRC is concerned about the fact that the 1.5
million people in the Strip are unable to live a normal and dignified
life. Almost no one can leave the Gaza Strip, not even to go to the West
Bank, where many Gazans have family or previously had work. Health-care
facilities are suffering from...

*[uruknet.info] Pirates of the Mediterranean*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77908>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - ... The outrageous call by Gen. Sir Richard Davis
the other day to bomb everything in Libya illustrates what lurks beneath
the veneer of civilization. And believe me, Gen. Sir Davis comes from a
long line of pirates stretching all the way back to the 16th century and
the reign of Elizabeth I when the...

*[uruknet.info] Video: Palestinian testimonies about settler attack in
Tuba* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77907>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has released a
video of Palestinian testimonies about the recent settler invasion in
the village of Tuba. On 16 May, shortly before midnight, Israeli
settlers invaded Tuba, damaged property, and stole and injured several
sheep belonging to the Ali Awwad family. Members of the Ali Awwad family
reported that they...

*[uruknet.info] Iraqis flee violence in Syria, return home*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77904>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - It's easy to identify the Iraqis fleeing the
violent uprising in Syria as they arrive by bus in Baghdad. They're the
ones carrying a sad array of worldly possessions: blankets and
mattresses tied with cord; TVs and curtain rods; boxes once filled with
food from the UN's refugee agency now packed with clothes and...

*[uruknet.info] In meeting with Obama, Netanyahu rules out Israeli
withdrawal to 1967 boundaries* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77902>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu
suggested Friday that President Obama holds an unrealistic view of how
to achieve peace in the Middle East, saying that Israel would never pull
back to the boundaries that the American president said a day earlier
must be the basis for negotiations. The unusual Oval Office exchange,
following a...

*[uruknet.info] At least 30 shot dead in Syria*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77901>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - Syrian security forces shot dead at least 30
demonstrators today during protests that broke out across the country in
defiance of a military crackdown which has killed hundreds of people, a
rights activist said. Other activists reported demonstrations across
Syria, from Banias and Latakia on the Mediterranean coast to the oil
producing region of...

*[uruknet.info] 1400 Syrians fled to Lebanon during last week, UNHCR*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77900>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - UNHCR and partners are working with the Lebanese
government in the border areas of Wadi Khaled and Tall Bire in northern
Lebanon to help families who have fled the violence in Syria in recent
weeks. According to local Lebanese leaders some 1,400 people have
crossed into the Wadi Khaled and Tall Biri regions over...

*[uruknet.info] At least 21 Syrian protesters 'shot dead'*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77899>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - Syrian security forces shot dead at least 21
people, including a child, as pro-democracy protests swept the country
on Friday after weekly prayers, with demonstrators pressing on with
calls for more freedom in defiance of a fierce crackdown, activists
said. The child and eight other people were killed in the central city
of Homs...

*[uruknet.info] Obama's Middle East Hypocrisy*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77898>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - ...Obama's speech dripped with hypocrisy, another
example of policy belying rhetoric, exposing America's longstanding
alliance with Israel for regional dominance. Saying "(i)t will be the
policy of the US to support reform throughout the region" is code
language for business as usual. Adding that "(w)e face a historic
opportunity (to) show that America values...

*[uruknet.info] Soldiers fire on protesters near Gaza border*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77897>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - - Israeli forces fired on protesters in the
southern Gaza Strip on Friday afternoon, medical officials said. One
protester was injured in the incident east of Khan Younis, medics told
Ma'an. The protester was taken from Abasan village to the European
Hospital for treatment, they said. An Israeli military spokeswoman said
the army confirmed...

*[uruknet.info] The serious questions raised by the Dominique
Strauss-Kahn affair* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77896>
Uruknet May 19,2011 - The arrest of French financier and politician
Dominique Strauss-Kahn in New York City on sexual assault charges and
his continued imprisonment is a disturbing event with far-reaching
implications. Strauss-Kahn is the managing director of the International
Monetary Fund (IMF), perhaps the most powerful global capitalist
financial institution, and a prominent figure in the French Socialist...

*[uruknet.info] America's Student Loan Racket: Soaring Default Rates*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77895>
Uruknet May 19, 2011 - An earlier article discussed Permanent Debt
Bondage from America's Student Loan Racket". It explained
government/corporat e complicity to rip off students for profit, a racket
continuing under Obama. His July 2010 Student Aid and Fiscal
Responsibility Act perpetuated the scam. It enriches providers,
entrapping millions of students permanently in debt, because rising
tuition and fee...

*[uruknet.info] Obama Officials Refuse to Investigate New Evidence in
National Guard 1970 Kent State Shootings*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77894>
Uruknet May 19, 2011 - Three days after President Barack Obama visited
Ground Zero in New York City on May 5th with his message of "justice
being done" with the slaying of terrorist Osama bin Laden, disturbing
news broke about this administration' s blocking of a quest for justice
in the infamous May 1970 killing of four Kent State students....

*[uruknet.info] Historian writes of pleasure' at murder of
pro-Palestinian activist* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77892>
Uruknet May 19, 2011 - Not that Vik needs anyone's defense, and so
there's no need to respond to the specific claims, but I just wanted to
register how pathetic this Jewish Chronicle article by Geoffrey Alderman
is: Few events - not even the execution of Osama bin Laden - have caused
me greater pleasure in recent weeks than...

*[uruknet.info] On the arrest and extradition of Joaquin Perez Becerra*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77891>
Uruknet May 19, 2011 - The arrest and extradition (23rd April 2011) by
Venezuelan authorities to Colombia of Joaquin Perez Becerra, a Swedish
citizen, militant, journalist, author and director of the internet
information network ANNCOL (New Colombia), constitutes an important and
revealing development. This militant was handed over to a blood-soaked
regime by a government and a leader that...

*[uruknet.info] Egyptian revolution reconsidered*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77890>
Uruknet May 19, 2011 - Although the Egyptian revolution succeeded in
ousting the Mubarak regime, it has not yet managed to uproot the ills of
its culture, value system and prevailing modes of behaviour. In this
sense, therefore, it remains "half a revolution", or more precisely, a
"revolutionary act" that still needs follow- through towards completion.
During the past...

*[uruknet.info] Clouds of repression over my release Free Bassem Tamimi
- Free Naji Tamimi* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77889>
Uruknet May 19, 2011 - Slowly breathing in the newly gained air of
freedom into my lungs was the first thing I did when I finally stepped
out of the Israeli military prison. As you may know, I was recently
released from prison, where I was held for nearly a year and a half for
the crime of organizing.. .

*[uruknet.info] Military Resistance 9E 12: Can't Find My Way Home*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77888>
Uruknet May 19, 2011 - Already struggling to avoid a debt default that
could seal Greece's fateas a financial pariah, this Mediterranean nation
is also scrambling to containanother threat - a breakdown in the rule of
law [translation: a breakdown in thelaw of the financial dictatorship of
the capitalists, used to keep people down.] Thousands have joined an "I...

*[uruknet.info] Palestinians reassert right of return*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77887>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - There was a special aura characterising this
year's Nakba anniversary on Sunday, 15 May. Unlike previous years, when
the Nakba was commemorated with rhetoric but very little else, this year
witnessed a determined reassertion of the centrality to the Palestinian
cause of the right of return. "In the past, we were relating to the...

*[uruknet.info] Congressional leaders agree on four-year extension of
PATRIOT Act* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77885>
Uruknet May 19, 2011 - Congressional leaders agreed on Thursday to
extend three expiring provisions of the controversial PATRIOT Act for
four years. Sources told the Associated Press that Senate Majority
Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker John Boehner agreed to call for a
vote to extend the provisions before May 27, when they are set to
expire, with...

*[uruknet.info] Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the
Occupied Palestinian Territory (12- 18 May 2011)*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77884>
Uruknet May 19, 2011 - Summary: Israeli violations of international law
and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period
(12 - 18 May 2011): Shooting: During the reporting period, IOF killed
two Palestinian children. One of the children was willfully killed in
Jerusalem while the other, who is mentally diabled, was killed in the
Gaza Strip...

*Daily Star* <http://dailystar. com.lb/>

*NATO says Libya airstrikes have crippled Gadhafi's forces*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/NATO- says-Libya- airstrikes- have-crippled- Gadhafis- forces.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 NATO's bombing campaign in Libya has crippled the
government's ability to attack rebels fighting to topple Moammar Gadhafi
and managed to force him into hiding, the alliance said Friday.

*Netanyahu rejects Obama's call to return to 1967 borders*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Netanyahu -rejects- Obamas-call- to-return- to-1967-borders. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Friday
bluntly rejected President Barack Obama's vision for the borders of a
future Palestinian state, opening up one of the deepest divides in years
between Washington and the Jewish state.

*34 Syrians die in relentless protests*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/34- Syrians-die- in-relentless- protests. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Syrian security forces shot dead at least 34
people Friday, including a child, as pro-democracy protests swept the
country, with demonstrators pressing on with calls for more freedom in
defiance of a fierce crackdown, activists said.

*Army denies it is forcefully sending Syrian refugees home*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 21/Army-denies- it-is-forcefully -sending- Syrian-refugees- home.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 A Syrian was charged Friday with campaigning
against the Syrian regime and endangering Lebanon's security, as the
army denied that it was forcefully repatriating Syrians in the north of
the country.

*Hezbollah slams 'rudeness' in Obama's speech*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 21/Hezbollah- slams-rudeness- in-Obamas- speech.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Hezbollah lashed out at U.S. President Barack
Obama Friday over the speech on the Arab uprising that he delivered the
day before, asking how Obama could call for reform when the U.S. is
allied to dictators.

*Feltman makes the rounds*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 21/Feltman- makes-the- rounds.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 It was not accidental at all for the visit of
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey
Feltman to Beirut to coincide with President Barack Obama's speech
Thursday on the fast-moving developments in...

*New American policies coming, embassy says*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 21/New-American- policies- coming-embassy- says.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 The coming weeks will see change in U.S. policies
toward the Middle East materialize in line with a key address by
President Barack Obama, a U.S. diplomat in Lebanon said Friday.

*Israel steps up border security fearing fresh demonstrations*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 21/Israel- steps-up- border-security- fearing-fresh- demonstrations. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Israel boosted security on its border with
Lebanon Friday amid fears that protesters could repeat demonstrations
that saw thousands of Palestinians march toward a security fence on
Nakba Day.

*Security inspection ignites Roumieh prison violence*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 21/Security- inspection- ignites-Roumieh- prison-violence. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Seven members of the Internal Security Forces
were severely injured as they tried to seize weapons, cell phones and
drugs from inmates at Roumieh prison Friday.

*Feltman conveys new American policy*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 21/Feltman- conveys-new- American- policy.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 The international community will assess its
relationship with any Lebanese government based on the makeup of the
next Cabinet.

*North, South Sudan trade blame over Abyei attacks*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/North- South-Sudan- trade-blame- over-Abyei- attacks.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 North and South Sudan's armies Friday accused
each other of launching attacks in the contested Abyei border region,
marking an escalation of tensions in the countdown to the South's
independence in July.

*U.N., EU, Russia back Obama's Mideast vision*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/UN- EU-Russia- back-Obamas- Mideast-vision. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 The United Nations, European Union and Russia
gave strong backing Friday to President Barack Obama's vision for
achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

*Egypt's military prosecution questions journalists*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Egypts- military- prosecution- questions- journalists. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Military prosecutors summoned and then released
the editor and two journalists of an independent newspaper for reporting
on an alleged deal to offer amnesty to ousted president Hosni Mubarak.

*2 Gaza protesters wounded by Israeli fire as Jewish state sends troops
to Golan Heights*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/2- Gaza-protesters- wounded-by- Israeli-fire- as-Jewish- state-sends- troops-to- Golan-Heights. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Two young Palestinians were wounded in Gaza
Friday when Israeli troops opened fire at a protest near the border
fence, a medical source said.

*Saleh calls for early election as Yemenis protest*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Saleh- calls-for- early-election- as-Yemenis- protest.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has
agreed to sign a Gulf-brokered power transition, called Friday for early
elections to prevent bloodshed as three months of protests raged on in
the fractious country.

*Thousands call for sacking of government in Jordan*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Thousands -call-for- sacking-of- government- in-Jordan. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Thousands of Jordanians demonstrated Friday
across the kingdom, calling for regime reforms as well as the sacking of
what they called the corrupt and oppressive government.

(continues in the following post)

[ninathedog]

(continues from the preceding post)

[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1388
Fri May 20, 2011 8:27 pm (PDT)

*Authorities set up shelters for Turkey quake victims*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Authoriti es-set-up- shelters- for-Turkey- quake-victims. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Turkish rescue workers and soldiers scrambled
Friday to set up tents to shelter hundreds of people left homeless after
a 5.9-magnitude earthquake damaged buildings in western Turkey, killing
at least three people.

*Iraqis flee violence in Syria, return home amid uncertainty*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Iraqis- flee-violence- in-Syria- return-home- amid-uncertainty .ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 It's easy to identify the Iraqis fleeing the
violent uprising in Syria as they arrive by bus in Baghdad.

*Disputes 'between friends': Obama, Netanyahu at WH*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-20/Disputes- between-friends- Obama-Netanyahu- at-WH.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 The Israeli leader said he would make some
concessions but Israel would not go back to the lines from decades
earlier because they would be "indefensible. "

*Syrian ambassador says Obama speech unsurprising*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 20/Syrian- ambassador- says-Obama- speech-unsurpris ing.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Ali Abdel-Karim Ali says U.S. president's speech
would not satisfy Arab citizens, and shows the country's bias toward Israel.

*Al-Akhbar sacks more than 20 employees*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ May-20/Al- Akhbar-sacks- more-than- 20-employees. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Reasons for firing of staff, mostly from
pro-Hezbollah newspaper's Middle East desk, unclear.

*Syrian troops fire during protests, 27 killed*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-20/At- least-15- killed-in- Syria-protests- militants. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 A human rights activist says Syrian security
forces have killed at least 17 protesters during demonstrations across
the country.

*1,400 fled to Lebanon to escape Syrian unrest in week: UNHCR*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 20/1400-fled- to-Lebanon- to-escape- Syrian-unrest- in-week-UNHCR. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Some 1,400 Syrians, many of them women and
children without belongings, crossed the border with Lebanon last week
to join many more who have fled the unrest at home, the UN refugee
agency said Friday.

*U.N. to assist Syrians fleeing into Lebanon as crackdown intensifies*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ May-20/UN- to-assist- Syrians-fleeing- into-Lebanon- as-crackdown- intensifies. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 The U.N. High Commission for Refugees is working
with the Social Affairs Ministry to assist Syrian refugees in Lebanon,
as Syria's crackdown on protesters in towns near the Lebanese border
intensifies.

*Israel boosts border security over protest fears*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 20/Israel- boosts-border- security- over-protest- fears.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Israel boosted security on its border with
Lebanon Friday amid fears that protesters could repeat demonstrations
that saw hundreds of Palestinians march toward a security fence Sunday.

*Israeli 'spy' sought info on Russia-Arab arms trade*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-20/Israeli- spy-sought- info-on-Russia- Arab-arms- trade.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 The Israeli military attache expelled from Moscow
was trying to obtain details about Russia's arms trade with the Arab
world, the country's powerful Federal Security Service (FSB) said Friday.

*Protests held in several Syrian cities: witnesses*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-20/Protests- held-in-several- Syrian-cities- witnesses. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Pro-democracy protests erupted in several Syrian
towns and villages on Friday after the weekly Muslim prayers, with
demonstrators holding olive branches and calling for more freedom in
defiance of a brutal crackdown, witnesses said.

*Iraqis flee violence in Syria, return home*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-20/Iraqis- flee-violence- in-Syria- return-home. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 It is better to die in our own country than to
die abroad, said Zeena Ibrahim, a 33-year-old pregnant mother of two.

*Feltman discusses Cabinet formation, Lebanon-Syria border security*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 20/Feltman- meets-Sleiman- after-Lebanon- Iran-talks. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 President Michel Sleiman and U.S. Assistant
Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman discuss the
four-month standoff, and the situation on Lebanon's borders.

*Riot at Roumieh prison contained*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 20/Riot-at- Roumieh-prison- contained. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Two soldiers wounded as inmates riot over search
operation to confiscate sharp objects said to have been obtained during
reconstruction efforts after last month's unrest at the prison.

*YNet News* <http://ynetnews. com/>

*PM: Issues cannot be swept under rug*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071530,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - Netanyahu arrives in DC ahead of meeting with
US president, reportedly enraged....

*Syria: Obama speech offered nothing new*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071527,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - Damascus says US president 'arrogant,' fails to
understand meaning of democracy;.. ..

*PA slams new plans for Jerusalem construction*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071500,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - Palestinian officials denounce Israeli plan to
build 1,550 housing units on....

*Area adjacent to Syrian border declared restricted zone*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071498,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - GOC Northern Command gears for possible
demonstrations near border fence, closes....

*US adds Gaza militant group to terror list*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071456,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - Gaza-based Army of Islam, linked to Shalit
abduction, now officially on....

*Behind the scenes: Obama snubs Netanyahu*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071461,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - Sources privy to political atmosphere prior to
US president's Mideast policy....

*US court: Iran must compensate terror victims' families*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071440,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - Washington court slaps Iran with $600 million
in punitive damages for families....

*Republicans side with Israel: Obama speech dangerous*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071429,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - US president's opposition slams his Mideast
policy speech, says he 'threw Israel....

*Netanyahu associate: Obama detached from reality*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071411,00. html>
YNet News, 19 May 2011 - Prime minister's associate slam US president's
speech, says 'he didn't deliver....

*Hamas: Obama speech total failure*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071366,00. html>
YNet News, 19 May 2011 - Hamas doesn't need democracy lessons from
American president, terror group says....

*Netanyahu says 'No' to 1967 borders*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071344,00. html>
YNet News, 19 May 2011 - Prime minister expects Obama to reaffirm Bush
pledges, whereby settlement blocs....

*Construction of 1,550 Jerusalem homes OK'd*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071324,00. html>
YNet News, 19 May 2011 - Message to Obama? Construction in contentious
Jerusalem neighborhoods approved....

*Palestinian Information Center* <http://palestine- info.co.uk/ en/>

*Third Intifada announces Naksa day, a day for allegiance to Jerusalem*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7CdiR2Jbor% 2fHGdXDYMf6LZy91 lm18fEDyAc5rDouF 9hwIm5xjJmsQyNis VLwi%2f1HwsOhjFq IByX8SAopnYVkirV NHHfY9HKu7Agzofi 6XPCk%3d>
PIC - The organizers behind the popular "third Palestinian intifada"
have said that pledges were taken by activists who marked Nakba Day to
continue the path of peaceful protest until liberation.

*IOF troops raid Palestinian homes just to "get acquainted"*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s76WRTJpay0L 5Wlp4lEtYKI% 2bLowjN%2bSgNyYE %2bkwlTriTwxZVEE YHc%2bKJb4mXftA2 JD90YkRv6Y9M1qmc 1O3%2byHNcxCGz67 Gokah6ZW5bFFOhY% 3d>
PIC - IOF troops raided on Thursday a number of Palestinian homes in the
northern West Bank city of Nablus to "get acquainted" with their residents.

*Families of captives call for an end of strip searches*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7tfYz32YXx5 1ru2YSDOc8wBuJjH F%2fzu71eUdqb0in FAxHuCEc4PhKSJPu VD3D%2fGfqhoyaHF 2cK7siub% 2byUSxSSIvOG6pys E20IxxJ10XjeCc% 3d>
PIC - Families of Palestinian captives in Israeli occupation jails
called on human rights organisations to pressure occupation to end the
policy of strip searching captives' relatives during prison visits.

*Assaf: No orders yet from Abbas to security apparatuses to stop
unpatriotic acts*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7KyLYPRZg8B q5wf5fxKaFh6oFWb pjXOemDDGVvR77b7 7mWvX17m6MSzfkhc yS%2bFopZjCg8fox RQ0iCjIfYc2V2LJb 8NOJGoTp36QpxJPA FGY%3d>
PIC - Khalil Assaf said Thursday that the PA security forces haven't
received any orders from the political echelon to stop political arrests
in the West Bank.

*Israeli settlers plan to build three settlements near O. Jerusalem*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7KEzn2tCFN0 oevPkplTwhsZM8% 2bFb9T9RQFCZZ8WX Hj1xf0Ir41% 2b5PkliVeJq4fxk3 s9fBj%2bo4XmMDiH qZ3wQ0neUDCrYP4X 7riGecjLCLKRA% 3d>
PIC - The Hebrew yedioth Ahronoth newspaper has unveiled Thursday that a
group of rightist Israelis announced they would build three new
settlements near occupied Jerusalem.

*Kahloot: cutting of doctors' salaries against reconciliation trend*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7VRbWG6% 2bTMdBX1zD3m8XhM OdZTeKkFUKFbu% 2fvwf%2fCMJmXEqZ ya69VRZijtTJ% 2bST8roKH2U% 2fgUd%2bSJN% 2bKEKobpH% 2bCp38agP% 2ffwVJyO% 2bniClFY% 3d>
PIC - Dr. Atef Al-Kahloot has strongly condemned the decision of the PA
in Ramallah of stopping the salaries of nine Palestinian doctors who
decided to return to work in the Gaza Strip..

*Because of his support for Palestinians, his facebook page is deleted*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7PGhSw4fHz7 PkyMou0idMgTAvqH IfQqrGO1% 2bwVVTyqDufnDCLk %2bFzWLK1N9Euz1% 2fkG%2bs2rszFtnZ 3j%2bwcPFHmN3uhE P4Cu%2bTmuRca83L tXhQ%3d>
PIC - The management of the social networking website facebook has
deleted the official page of footballer Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior
only days after expressing his support for the Palestinians. .

*Khatib: Athan will remain despite attempts to silence it*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7ydXYZC7OjL %2fzeLueUvQxMLKB tNOgrCjg2403Zrr7 kEzGmRNmi% 2f%2fa0tDcmSFiNE CU87VBgznkFjF7eE dx7SppwELkspUJwK 9nNvW3Rb96di0% 3d>
PIC - The deputy head of the Islamic Movement in the 1948-occupied
Palestinian lands said Thursday that the Athan will continue to be
recited through mosque loudspeakers despite Israeli attempt to stop it.

*Islamic Jihad: Obama's speech an attempt to market illusions*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7prmpdAzbsW T6vrds2O1Xhc7ad7 6UFjzQENNDYjQTqe AKmEGKnB3LihhkT% 2bdDlxTM7t0Zv21I kjaSz%2f5nAYoyd5 cO%2fU0qCKe3rR5b uD4t3Cw%3d>
PIC - The Islamic Jihad movement described the speech of US president
Barak Obama on Thursday as "exhibitionist and a renewed attempt to
market illusions."

*Hamas: Obama's speech confirms that Washington remains biased to
occupation*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7ca46tsfvL5 gF0gsP2nK47bCpme sqb6sspixa% 2bNsx3hn62qmIwrs FrxVTspagOzT4I% 2fgVPjaAisZOJ6% 2fbpCTNAJ06CYYhD 2%2bwNatu3M8aFsc %3d>
PIC - Hamas criticised what US president Barak Obama had to say with
regard to the Palestine issue during his speech on Thursday and
described it as blatantly biased in favour of the Zionist occupation.

*WAFA - Palestine News Agency* <http://english. wafa.ps/>

*Abu Rudeineh: Netanyahu Has Turned Down Obama's Initiative*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16184>
WAFA

*Intifada Palestine* <http://www.intifada -palestine. com/>

*Finkelstein in March on Israel's Cairo Embassy*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ L-kRYUn_YGc/>
Intifada-Palestine: 20 May 2011 - "Norman Finkelstein joined some
Egyptian youth activists in their most daring and adventurous attempt to
breach the heavy security cordon around the Israeli embassy in Cairo,
break into the embassy and take down the Israeli flag" "Some argue that
Egypt has...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ L-kRYUn_YGc/>

*If Arab Spring threatens Israel, why does Saban support it?*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ IEwzdfqzTIM/>
Intifada-Palestine: 20 May 2011 - by Maidhc Ó Cathail "The test of a
first-rate intelligence, " F. Scott Fitzgerald famously wrote, "is the
ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and
still retain the ability to function." When it comes to...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ IEwzdfqzTIM/>

*Look East to China the Next Bin Laden*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ q005Ou5zM0Q/>
Intifada-Palestine: 20 May 2011 - "Hillary is now moving China into the
role of Emmanuel Goldstein. Hate has to be mobilized, before Washington
can move the ignorant patriotic masses to war." by Debbie Menon PC
Roberts has a keen knack for seeing things and fitting them...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ q005Ou5zM0Q/>

*Los Angeles Times* <http://latimes. com/news/ nationworld/ world/middleeast />

*Yemen's leader calls for early vote*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/e5K_ ogfYxYQ/la- fg-yemen- saleh-20110521, 0,5183082. story>
LA Times 20 May 2011 - President Ali Abdullah Saleh's move throws into
question a deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council under which he
would step down within a month and be granted immunity. Critics are
skeptical that he will leave office. Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh
on Friday called...

*NATO targets Kadafi vessels at 3 ports*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/jc_j3rF8R0k /la-fg-libya- airstrike- 20110521, 0,2229345. story>
LA Times 20 May 2011 - NATO says the airstrikes came after it observed
Libyan government vessels threatening alliance ships and mining sea
lanes off the city of Misurata. A series of NATO airstrikes on Libyan
government vessels left ships burned, battered and sunk in three ports
Friday as the alliance...

*Obama makes a blunt push for Middle East peace*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/FmqpZq- eQwc/la-fg- obama-mideast- 20110520, 0,2654745. story>
LA Times 19 May 2011 - The president hails the pro-democracy movements
in the Arab world, but has tough words for Israel and the Palestinians,
urging them to negotiate a deal and stay ahead of the wave of popular
unrest. President Obama plunged back into efforts to restart Middle East
peace...

*New York Times* <http://nytimes. com/pages/ world/middleeast />

*Divisions Are Clear as Obama and Netanyahu Discuss Peace*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=247b86ccd6589d bfe64fb6680fe2ac 11>
New York Times 20 May 2011 - In a meeting with President Obama, Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel listed a series of nonnegotiable
conditions for a deal with Palestinians.

*Palestinian Sees Prospects of Deal Receding*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=243b2067e39720 60914e58530d171b 8f>
New York Times 20 May 2011 - Nabil Shaath, a leader of the Palestinian
president's party, said President Obama's speech had "contained little
hope for the Palestinians. "

*News Analysis: For U.S., Matching Moral and Financial Support for
Revolts Proves Difficult*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=9fefa78a7b7665 505b6cf7e345959c 0c>
New York Times 20 May 2011 - President Obama left open how far the U.S.
could go in matching its enthusiasm with concrete steps to support a
transformation in the Middle East.

*Syrian Protesters Defy Crackdown and Gain Momentum*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=27b824a9cc6c91 e8628003d9de75ec d2>
New York Times 20 May 2011 - Thousands of Syrians took to the streets in
what appeared to be a dangerous turn in the uprising. Rights groups said
26 people were killed by security forces.

*The Hot-Money Cowboys of Baghdad*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=ae464e3e84106a d4926621f16853e9 af>
New York Times 20 May 2011 - Iraq is still very dangerous, though not
dangerous enough to scare off investors with an appetite for risk.

*Misc* <http://vtjp. org/aboutus/ aboutus.htm>

*Netanyahu has nothing to worry about*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 05/netanyahu- has-nothing- to-worry- about.html>
Mondoweiss - Israeli PM Netanyahu has expressed dismay about President
Obama's Middle East speech. Bibi supposedly was outraged that Obama
mentioned the pre-1967 borders as a starting point for negotiations.
Netanyahu has complained that Mr. Obama has pushed Israel too far - a
point driven home during a...

*Young Jews come to DC to challenge right-wing Israel lobby group Aipac
as part of Move Over AIPAC protests.*
<http://jewishvoicef orpeace.org/ blog/young- jews-come- to-dc-to- challenge- right-wing- israel-lobby- group-aipac- as-part-of- mov>
Jewish Voice for Peace -

*On a NY stage, four strong characters seek out the meaning of Gaza and
the Arab spring*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 05/on-a-ny- stage-four- strong-character s-seek-out- the-meaning- of-gaza-and- the-arab- spring.html>
Mondoweiss - Last night we had an event about Gaza in Manhattan with the
Culture Project . It was so great and affirming that I was up most of
the night savoring the experience. It was in a grand hall in midtown
Manhattan, it was sold out, people actually...

*'Obama gave a speech? Really? As if I care' -- Egypt's Hossam
El-Hamalawy*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 05/obama- gave-a-speech- really-as- if-i-care- egypts-hossam- el-hamalawy. html>
Mondoweiss - and other news from the Arab uprisings: Bahrain Amnesty
International: Bahrain's 'revenge drive' against protesters Amnesty
International researcher Said Boumedouha criticizes the ongoing
detention and trials of pro-reform activists.
www.youtube. com/watch? v=y_1A9G1LW6Q& feature=player_ embedded
Bahrain wants to expand military bases (Reuters) Reuters - Bahrain
floated the idea of expanding military...

*With one signal --- 1967-- Obama decides to take on Netanyahu on the
Arab Spring*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 05/with-one- signal-1967- obama-decides- to-take-on- netanyahu- on-the-arab- spring.html>
Mondoweiss - I'm sure I misinterpreted the power-politics aspect of
Obama's speech yesterday. For players this speech boiled down to one
word, Obama's reference to the 1967 lines, and the signal he has sent
with that word that he will not back Israel through thick and thin in...

*Challenging Pastor Hagee on his home turf: "We caught him off
guard...with just our thoughts and our courage."*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 05/challenging- pastor-hagee- on-his-home- turf-%e2% 80%9cwe-caught- him-off-guard% e2%80%a6with- just-our- thoughts- and-our-courage- %e2%80%9d. html>
Mondoweiss - On May 15, a group of San Antonio-based community
organizers disrupted a service at Pastor John Hagee's Cornerstone Church
dedicated to celebrating Israel. The Christian Zionist Pastor Hagee has
sent tens of millions to Israeli organizations , including illegal
settlements and the far-right McCarthyite student group Im...

*Denial is a River Running Right Past Bibi's Door*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/richardsilv erstein/ZOfh/ %7E3/2CjUpTRD7yI />
Tikun Olam - You've heard the old joke that denial is a river in Egypt.
Well, in Bibi Netanyahu's case it's a river runnin' right past his
door. The NY Times reports in a follow up to Obama's speech that Bibi
was furious that Obama planned to underscore U.S....

*Welcome Palestinian Unity (Originally Published in the International
Herald Tribune)* <http://www.palestin emonitor. org/spip/ spip.php? article1823>
Palestine Monitor - The Israeli government regrettably does not seem to
realize what a unique opportunity the Palestinian unity agreement
provides. - Articles & Analysis / 4th-col-1st- article , Occupation ,
Arab Spring

*Russia seeking more Israeli drones but...*
<http://www.negednes hek.org/2011/ 05/russia- seeking-more- israeli-drones- but/>
Neged Neshek - Flight International is reporting that Russia is
considering more Israeli UAVs for its arsenal. "Following first
deliveries of [Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)] BirdEye-400 and
Searcher-2? drones, Russia is looking at additional IAI models, likely
from the Heron family. Russia has already purchased Aeronautics Defense
Systems' Aerostar (...

*Misc 2* <http://vtjp. org/news/ news.php>

*AAI President Jim Zogby Comments on Obama, Netanyahu Meeting*
<http://www.aaiusa. org/blog/ entry/remarks- by-president- obama-and- prime-minister- netanyahu- of-israel- after-bil/>
Arab American Institute 20 May 2011 - Arab American Institute President
Jim Zogby comments on today's meeting between President Barack Obama and
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

*Foreign Office Minister: Settlement activity should stop*
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/news/ middle-east/ 2382-foreign- office-minister- settlement- activity- should-stop>
Middle East Monitor 20 May 2011 - Minister for the Middle East and North
Africa Alistair Burt comments following Israel's announcement that 1500
additional settlements will be built in East Jerusalem. UK Foreign
Minister Alistair Burt said: "I am deeply disappointed with Israel's
announcement on 19 May to build up to 1500...

*Palestine in the Obama speech*
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/resources /commentary- and-analysis/ 2381-palestine- in-the-obama- speech>
Middle East Monitor 20 May 2011 - With a better track record of positive
action, Barak Obama could have returned to Cairo to deliver his latest
speech on the Middle East. Having failed to deliver on his many
promises, however, he chose to speak instead from the US State
Department. No one had...

*Palestinian Ministry destroys illegal settlement products*
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/news/ middle-east/ 2380-palestinian -ministry- destroys- illegal-settleme nt-products>
Middle East Monitor 20 May 2011 - The Palestinian National Economy
Ministry in Ramallah has seized and destroyed consumer goods and produce
from illegal Israeli settlements worth more than $140,000. The products
were seized from the West Bank's northern governorates in the first four
months of 2011. In a press release, the Ministry...

*Palestinians and Arabs "no longer accept partial solutions"*
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/news/ middle-east/ 2379-palestinian s-and-arabs- qno-longer- accept-partial- solutionsq>
Middle East Monitor 20 May 2011 - The Secretary General-elect of the
Arab League has said that the Palestinian and Arab people "no longer
accept provisional notions or partial solutions and proposals which aim
to prolong the peace process without a clear time frame". Dr Nabil
Elaraby, who is currently Egypt's Foreign Minister,...

*The Atlantic has not heard of the joint struggle in the West Bank*
<http://josephdana. com/2011/ 05/the-atlantic- has-not-heard- of-the-joint- struggle- in-the-west- bank/?utm_ source=rss& utm_medium= rss&utm_campaign =the-atlantic- has-not-heard- of-the-joint- struggle- in-the-west- bank>
Joseph Dana 20 May 2011 - Something caught my eye when looking through
photos on The Atlantic of the Nakba day demonstrations which engulfed
the West Banks and Israel's border areas last Sunday. Image 16,
reprinted below, carries the following caption: Two Palestinian men
struggle after being overcome by tear gas fired during...

*Families of captives call for an end of strip searches*
<http://palestinianp risoners. blogspot. com/2011/ 05/families- of-captives- call-for- end-of.html>
Sabr 20 May 2011 - [ 20/05/2011 - 01:21 PM ] RAMALLAH, ( PIC )--
Families of Palestinian captives in Israeli occupation jails called on
local and international human rights organisations to pressure
occupation authorities to end the policy of strip searching captives'
relatives during prison visits. The families said that prison
administrations. ..

*Hadarim prisoners face harsh sanctions after mobiles found in searches*
<http://palestinianp risoners. blogspot. com/2011/ 05/hadarim- prisoners- face-harsh- sanctions. html>
Sabr 19 May 2011 - [ 19/05/2011 - 08:36 AM ] RAMALLAH, ( PIC )-- Heavy
sanctions have been imposed on Palestinians held at the Israeli Hadarim
prison after mobile phones were seized during search raids. Sanctions
were harsh, the Palestinian Prisoner Society said. They included
crackdowns and isolation as well as the...

*Obama admits Israel 'differences' *
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 13476571>
BBC 20 May 2011 - US President Barack Obama and Israeli PM Benjamin
Netanyahu admit "differences" on the path to Mid-East peace, after talks
in Washington.

*Syria forces 'kill 30 protesters'*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 13471192>
BBC 20 May 2011 - Syrian security forces have shot dead at least 30
people as mass protests have again swept across the country following
Friday prayers, activists say.

*Syria eyewitness*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 13475513>
BBC 20 May 2011 - Protests unlikely to die down, reporter hears

*(en) Ireland, Cork Protests The British Queen's Visit*
<http://www.ainfos. ca/en/ainfos2505 9.html>
A-infos 20 May 2011 - Spin and window-dressing were the order of the day
this afternoon in Cork where a heavy-handed police presence ensured that
the British Queen's visit to the city could be presented to the outside
world as 'positive and welcoming' and 'a real Irish welcome'. A sizeable
protest...

*(en) Ireland, Report on the March on the banquet of the British and
Irish elite in Dublin castle* <http://www.ainfos. ca/en/ainfos2505 7.html>
A-infos 20 May 2011 - British Queen's Dublin Castle banquet protested by
a few hundred as Garda harass activists --- About 250 people took part
in the éirígí organised march on the banquet for the British Queen
staged in Dublin castle Wedensday night. WSM* members joined the
demonstration but Garda had...

*Articles*

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
*How Obama Demolished Palestinian Chances for Statehood*
<http://www.counterp unch.org/ levy05202011. html>
Gideon Levy, CounterPunch 5/20/2011
/Doing Netanyahu's Work for Him/
Benjamin Netanyahu may as well have canceled his trip to
Washington: Barack Obama did the work for him, or most of it. But the
prime minister is already on his way, so he should at least send to the
White House a big bouquet of flowers.
Netanyahu can sit back and relax. It's not that Obama didn't say
clear, firm words on the Middle East; it's just that most, if not all,
of them could have been said by Netanyahu himself, who would then go on
doing as he pleased.
The 1,500 new apartments in Jerusalem will be built, speech or no
speech. The real test for that speech, as for any other, is what happens
next, and the suspicion is that nothing will happen at all.
Obama didn't say a word about what will happen if the parties
disobey him. This was the king's speech, but the king already appears a
little naked. Considering America's weakness, and the power of Congress
and the Jewish and Christian lobbies working on behalf of the Israeli
government, the Israeli right wing can relax and go on doing what it does.
Yesterday, the U.S. president demolished the Palestinian' s only
accomplishment so far - the wave of international support for
recognition of statehood in September. September died last night. After
America, Europe too will have to withdraw its support; hopes have ended
for a historically significant declaration at the United Nations.
The Palestinians are left once again with Cuba and Brazil, while
we get to keep America. Here's another reason for a sigh of relief in
Jerusalem: No diplomatic tsunami is forthcoming, the United States is
sticking with Israel.more. .
<http://www.counterp unch.org/ levy05202011. html>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= How%20Obama% 20Demolished% 20Palestinian% 20Chances% 20for%20Statehoo d%20&body= How%20Obama% 20Demolished% 20Palestinian% 20Chances% 20for%20Statehoo d%20--%20http://www.counterp unch.org/ levy05202011. html%20-- %20link%20courte sy%20www. vtjp.org>

*My Political Rupture With AIPAC*
<http://www.counterp unch.org/ gravel05202011. html>
Mike Gravel, CounterPunch 5/20/2011
/Israel Harms Palestinians (And Itself)/
My concern for the Israeli-Arab conflict is a personal one. I was
raised in a Jewish neighborhood -- three synagogues within three blocks
of our home in Springfield, Mass. -- which sensitized me to Jewish
culture and history. As a young student of world affairs, I closely
followed the history of the Holocaust and Israel's birth in Palestine.
On the other hand, I also had a close boyhood friend whose family
had roots in Syria and Lebanon; they exposed me to the local Lebanese
community. The Middle East conflict was part of my global political
awakening
During my 12 years in the U.S. Senate I enjoyed the support of a
number of Jewish organizations, most notably the American Israel Public
Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the preeminent "pro-Israel" lobbying
organization. For a time, I had a perfect voting record in support of
Israel.
On several trips to Israel and the Middle East, I developed
contacts at the highest levels of the Israeli government and the
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). These trips were discouraging;
the possibility of peace seemed unattainable -- until the courageous
leadership of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat emerged.
My political rupture with AIPAC occurred over a vote for military
aid to Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel. This legislative package of aid
was put together by the White House primarily to shore up support for
Sadat in the Middle East. AIPAC opposed the package and hoped to muster
enough congressional opposition to pressure the White House to stop the
military aid package to Egypt and Saudi Arabia.more. .
<http://www.counterp unch.org/ gravel05202011. html>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= My%20Political% 20Rupture% 20With%20AIPAC% 20&body=My% 20Political% 20Rupture% 20With%20AIPAC% 20--%20http://www.counterp unch.org/ gravel05202011. html%20-- %20link%20courte sy%20www. vtjp.org>

*Analysis: The Nakba continues*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=388429>
Rashid Shahin, Ma'an News Agency 5/17/2011
Nakba, in Arabic, simply means "catastrophe" or "tragedy."
For Palestinians, it is the most tragic nightmare to happen to a
whole nation in modern history.
The irony is that while Palestinians commemorate the 63rd
anniversary of their catastrophe, the Palestinian exodus, Israelis
celebrate what they call "Independence Day."
Their independence was achieved by expelling the Palestinian
people. Over 700,000 citizens were forced out of their homes, more than
400 cities, towns and villages were evacuated, dozens of towns and
villages were demolished and many massacres were committed against
innocent people. Thousands of elderly people, men, women and children
were killed.
Israel was founded on May 15 1948, after decades of hostility and
confrontations between Palestinians -- who were living peacefully in
their homeland -- and Zionist immigrants, who were brought from
different parts of the world to Palestine.
Under the United Nations partition plan, resolution 181 was
adopted on November 29 1947.
The resolution stated that 56.47 percent of Palestinian land would
be given to the Israeli state, and 42.88 percent would be left for the
state of Palestine, while Jerusalem and Bethlehem would be placed under
special international protection.
The resolution also called for the withdrawal of the British
mandate forces by August 1 1948, while the two independent states would
be established by October 1 1948.more..
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=388429>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Analysis: %20The%20Nakba% 20continues% 20&body=Analysis :%20The%20Nakba% 20continues% 20--%20http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=388429% 20--%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>

*Around the world, film festivals put focus on Palestine*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/electronicI ntifada/% 7E3/AdZvpd2yLSY/ 9994>
Electronic Intifada: 20 May 2011 - The Electronic Intifada As
Palestinians across the world commemorated the 63rd anniversary of the
Nakba --- the forced expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland in
1947-48 --- activists in North America and the UK launched another
season of local film festivals that illustrate and emphasize the
Palestinian experience.more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/electronicI ntifada/% 7E3/AdZvpd2yLSY/ 9994>

*Welcome Palestinian Unity (Originally Published in the International
Herald Tribune)* <http://www.palestin emonitor. org/spip/ spip.php? article1823>
Palestine Monitor: 20 May 2011 - The Israeli government regrettably does
not seem to realize what a unique opportunity the Palestinian unity
agreement provides. - Articles & Analysis / 4th-col-1st- article ,
Occupation , Arab Springmore
<http://www.palestin emonitor. org/spip/ spip.php? article1823>

*Let Obama Be Clear, But Can He?*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16876>
Palestine Chronicle: 20 May 2011 - By Lina Sawan When Hillary Clinton
introduced Barack Obama's long-awaited speech on Middle East policy to
the State Department on Thursday May 19, her introduction pinpointed the
purpose of the highly-anticipated speech, or what may come to be
regarded as Obama's flattest public offering yet. Clinton stressed the
"sophisticated understanding" that the US has of its role in the world
and managed to present it as a feature of the current administration.
This claim was made for both international and local consumption in
spite of, or maybe due to, the historical fact that the US
administration was seen to be surprised and confused by both the
Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions. It was, after all, Clinton who had
declared on the eve of the Egyptian revolution on January 25th that the
Government of Egypt was "stable", thus becoming a shining example of
American gaffes in MENA policy. Mrs Clinton's short introduction. ..more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16876>

*Qalqiliya: A Day at the Zoo*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16875>
Palestine Chronicle: 20 May 2011 - By Stephen Williams It's the little
things that distinguish the longest military occupation in modern
history; the minor inconveniences, the trivial acts of spite, the
Kafkaesque bureaucracy, its sheer silliness. There we were, a
Palestinian family and their UK guest on the way from Ramallah to
Qalqilya. For the children, it was to be a day at the zoo in the park;
for me, it was the opportunity to see the "bottle" in which Qalqiliya
exists , and to pass through its "neck", surrounded by illegal
settlements - a situation that is manifestly bizarre but tolerated by
the rest of the world. The young IDF soldier, emerging from an
unexpected checkpoint not far from Nablus, was to play his part in this
Theatre of Absurdities. My presence intrigued him. "Where do you live?"
he asked. He was delighted to learn that I was a Londoner; "I'm from
London too," he said....more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16875>

*The Palestinians' Existential Struggle*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16874>
Palestine Chronicle: 20 May 2011 - By Hasan Afif El-Hasan The US media
intentionally missed an opportunity to provide its public with
insightful analysis to the essence of the Palestinian refugees peaceful
demonstrations to commemorate the Nakbah 'catastrophe' . The US media
reported thousands of Arab protesters marched on Israel's borders with
Syria, Lebanon and Gaza sparking clashes that left at least 15 people
dead in "an annual Palestinian ritual mourning the anniversary of
Israel's birth." Many reporters echoed the Israeli accusations that
Damascus and its ally Iran orchestrated the unrest. The US media and
majority of US public do not seem to take account the plight of the
Palestinians during the Nakbah when the Israeli fighters expelled
750,000 Palestinians from their homes. Israel has been depicted as David
when it had become Goliath since its establishment. And the US Christian
right believes that the Jews are supposed to have the Holy Land to
fulfill God's promise...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16874>

*Why Does Saban Support Arab Spring?*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16873>
Palestine Chronicle: 20 May 2011 - By Maidhc Ó Cathail 'The test of a
first-rate intelligence, ' F. Scott Fitzgerald famously wrote, 'is the
ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and
still retain the ability to function.' When it comes to what's been
dubbed the 'Arab Spring,' most Middle East analysts pass Fitzgerald's
test with flying colours. Hardly anyone would dispute the claim that
Haim Saban cares deeply about Israel. After all, the Egyptian-born
Israeli-American media mogul has admitted to the New York Times, "I'm a
one-issue guy and my issue is Israel." A New Yorker profile last year
elaborated: "His greatest concern, he says, is to protect Israel, by
strengthening the United States-Israel relationship. At a conference
last fall in Israel, Saban described his formula. His 'three ways to be
influential in American politics,' he said, were: make donations to
political parties, establish think tanks, and control media
outlets."... more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16873>

*Unity is Not Compromise: Towards a Real Palestinian Strategy*
<http://dissidentvoi ce.org/2011/ 05/unity- is-not-compromis e-towards- a-real-palestini an-strategy/>
Dissident Voice: 20 May 2011 - As the Palestine Papers demonstrated, the
major obstacle to a real, lasting and just peace in Palestine is the
Israeli leadership's unwillingness to accept anything less than full
domination over the Palestinians. Not only do Israeli leaders refuse to
partake in any serious peace talks, they also refuse to agree on
universally accepted notions, for example, the law. On 13 November 2007,
then Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni told chief Palestinian
negotiator Saeb Ereikat that she despised the very notion of law.
According to the Palestine Papers, published by Al-Jazeera and the
Guardian, Livni said: "I was the Minister of Justice. I am a lawyer...
But I am against law --- international law in particular. Law in
general." Livni is often contrasted with current rightwing Israeli
leader Binyamin Netanyahu, and has been described as a "dove" when
compared to him. This unfounded reputation caused many broken hearts
when Netanyahu became...more
<http://dissidentvoi ce.org/2011/ 05/unity- is-not-compromis e-towards- a-real-palestini an-strategy/>
**
<http://dissidentvoi ce.org/2011/ 05/personal- revolution- an-interview- with-united- sons-of-toil/>
*If Arab Spring Threatens Israel, Why Does Saban Support It?*
<http://dissidentvoi ce.org/2011/ 05/if-arab- spring-threatens -israel-why- does-saban- support-it/>
Dissident Voice: 20 May 2011 - "The test of a first-rate intelligence, "
F. Scott Fitzgerald famously wrote, "is the ability to hold two opposed
ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to
function." When it comes to what's been dubbed the "Arab Spring," most
Middle East analysts pass Fitzgerald's test with flying colours. Hardly
anyone would dispute the claim that Haim Saban cares deeply about
Israel. After all, the Egyptian-born Israeli-American media mogul has
admitted to the New York Times , "I'm a one-issue guy and my issue is
Israel." A New Yorker profile last year elaborated : His greatest
concern, he says, is to protect Israel, by strengthening the United
States-Israel relationship. At a conference last fall in Israel, Saban
described his formula. His 'three ways to be influential in American
politics,' he said, were: make donations to political parties, establish
think tanks, and control media outlets. The think tank part...more
<http://dissidentvoi ce.org/2011/ 05/if-arab- spring-threatens -israel-why- does-saban- support-it/>

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

[ninathedog]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7pU5aZmYbM

(many thanks to Jewish Voice for Peace!!!)

[nodstar]

May 21, 2011 17:39:21 GMT 4 @dan said:

Ninathedog:

I decided to take a moment out to not only commend you on the passage of information to the public, on this thread, but to also inform you that YOU MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT! ;D

Fran has informed me that we have received a couple emails acting in an accusatory fashion toward you, and even us, due to the information you have been providing.

Aside from the one letter writer, whom we know has spent "involuntary" time in a mental facility, the reaction of a few has been to confront Eagles Disobey (wrong choice... ;D ...the letter writers obviously and sadly were shortchanged in the intellectual capacity area...as THE ADMINS RUN FORUM...) requesting Eagles Disobey to make some accounting or answer accusatory inquiries based from the letter writers' unreal information. A few letters show that for all the bravado some "pretend to have" on the internet, they know little of the real situation.

It is the firm stance of our Group and thus EAGLES DISOBEY, that ALL PEOPLES HAVE A RIGHT TO A HOMELAND! ALL MEANS ALL!

I also wanted to take a moment to CONGRATULATE you on your use of FREEDOM OF SPEECH here at the Golden Thread, especially where this exceptionally important issue is being voiced. Those congratulations extend also with you to the ADMINS of this Forum, NODSTAR* and GALAXYGIRL, for not kissing the 'derriere' of the Main Stream Media, a practice being suggested in those same received letters, while other "internet faces" of those same individuals claim an egalitarian view for everyone. (At least one of the writers is an absolute fraud...and has shown no one any proof that he does not come from a stock of the same.)

The posts you have provided are being used on a daily basis to inform certain others that what was done to them (in decades past)...and I am saying this while possessing familial ties belonging to the previously harmed referents...but that it is never an excuse to apply a variation on a theme to anyone else.

Thank you for standing your ground. Your positions are kept within each file I use when confronting others on their necessity to remember that many of the things done to them, in their past, are not made right nor justified by repeating the evil once done to them. Responsibility to everyone may not be abrogated as this falls within the clearest of adages: "TWO WRONGS DON'T MAKE A RIGHT."

As just another member of the GT: thank you and please keep up the use of Freedom of Speech.

Dan

Hey Dan

Thanks for your straightforward eloquence

I would like to add one or two things here ;D

I'm glad that there are letters coming in about the contents of one
of our most important threads here at the GT

It tells me that consciences are being pricked .. touched a nerve, as it were.

There are several excellent reasons for Ninathedog being the moderator of this thread,
one of them being that her tireless dedication to the plight of the Palestinians is unfailing,
and beautifully collated for readers.

As Dan mentioned .. the mainstream media has either ignored the atrocities in Gaza
or ( even worse) has twisted the suffering of a marginalized peoples to suit their politically
motivated newscasts.

In other words .. the real truth of the situation is embarrassing for the PTB on one hand
and handy for political leverage or publicity on the other.

Heres the bottom line

The atrocities that occur daily in Palestine are a STAIN on the collective soul of humanity.
Human suffering goes beyond borders and beyond politics, it is the responsibility
of human beings to be aware, and address this situation.

Ninathedog works tirelessly for a cause that gets very little attention and even less ACTION.

I'm paying VERY close attention to President Obama's latest comments on this issue,
lets see if he can ''WALK THE WALK''..and not back down as other politicians in modern history
have done.

No excuses, no passing the buck ..

President Obama has a chance to initiate change, and shed light on the oppression
and human rights violations occurring in Gaza.

Thankyou Ninathedog for upsetting some people with the truth !!

Myself and Galaxygirl are proud to have you posting here

lotsa love

Nodstar* Admin

[ninathedog]

May 22, 2011 9:49:29 GMT 4 @nodstar said:

May 21, 2011 17:39:21 GMT 4 @dan said:

Ninathedog:

I decided to take a moment out to not only commend you on the passage of information to the public, on this thread, but to also inform you that YOU MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT! ;D

Fran has informed me that we have received a couple emails acting in an accusatory fashion toward you, and even us, due to the information you have been providing.

Aside from the one letter writer, whom we know has spent "involuntary" time in a mental facility, the reaction of a few has been to confront Eagles Disobey (wrong choice... ;D ...the letter writers obviously and sadly were shortchanged in the intellectual capacity area...as THE ADMINS RUN FORUM...) requesting Eagles Disobey to make some accounting or answer accusatory inquiries based from the letter writers' unreal information. A few letters show that for all the bravado some "pretend to have" on the internet, they know little of the real situation.

It is the firm stance of our Group and thus EAGLES DISOBEY, that ALL PEOPLES HAVE A RIGHT TO A HOMELAND! ALL MEANS ALL!

I also wanted to take a moment to CONGRATULATE you on your use of FREEDOM OF SPEECH here at the Golden Thread, especially where this exceptionally important issue is being voiced. Those congratulations extend also with you to the ADMINS of this Forum, NODSTAR* and GALAXYGIRL, for not kissing the 'derriere' of the Main Stream Media, a practice being suggested in those same received letters, while other "internet faces" of those same individuals claim an egalitarian view for everyone. (At least one of the writers is an absolute fraud...and has shown no one any proof that he does not come from a stock of the same.)

The posts you have provided are being used on a daily basis to inform certain others that what was done to them (in decades past)...and I am saying this while possessing familial ties belonging to the previously harmed referents...but that it is never an excuse to apply a variation on a theme to anyone else.

Thank you for standing your ground. Your positions are kept within each file I use when confronting others on their necessity to remember that many of the things done to them, in their past, are not made right nor justified by repeating the evil once done to them. Responsibility to everyone may not be abrogated as this falls within the clearest of adages: "TWO WRONGS DON'T MAKE A RIGHT."

As just another member of the GT: thank you and please keep up the use of Freedom of Speech.

Dan

Hey Dan

Thanks for your straightforward eloquence

I would like to add one or two things here ;D

I'm glad that there are letters coming in about the contents of one
of our most important threads here at the GT

It tells me that consciences are being pricked .. touched a nerve, as it were.

There are several excellent reasons for Ninathedog being the moderator of this thread,
one of them being that her tireless dedication to the plight of the Palestinians is unfailing,
and beautifully collated for readers.

As Dan mentioned .. the mainstream media has either ignored the atrocities in Gaza
or ( even worse) has twisted the suffering of a marginalized peoples to suit their politically
motivated newscasts.

In other words .. the real truth of the situation is embarrassing for the PTB on one hand
and handy for political leverage or publicity on the other.

Heres the bottom line

The atrocities that occur daily in Palestine are a STAIN on the collective soul of humanity.
Human suffering goes beyond borders and beyond politics, it is the responsibility
of human beings to be aware, and address this situation.

Ninathedog works tirelessly for a cause that gets very little attention and even less ACTION.

I'm paying VERY close attention to President Obama's latest comments on this issue,
lets see if he can ''WALK THE WALK''..and not back down as other politicians in modern history
have done.

No excuses, no passing the buck ..

President Obama has a chance to initiate change, and shed light on the oppression
and human rights violations occurring in Gaza.

Thankyou Ninathedog for upsetting some people with the truth !!

Myself and Galaxygirl are proud to have you posting here

lotsa love

Nodstar* Admin

Thanks, Noddy

Again, I feel truly honored to carry the responsibility of this task.

If I may copy and paste some of your words:

The atrocities that occur daily in Palestine are
a STAIN on the collective soul of humanity.

Human suffering goes beyond borders and beyond politics,
it is the responsibility of human beings to be aware, and
address this situation.

Love,

Jen./Ninathedog

[ninathedog]

Prayer vigil in support of
Jerusalem Bishop Suheil Dawani

From: Washington Report on Middle East Affairs <[e-mail]>
Contact: [e-mail]
Washington Report
1902 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
[phone] • Fax: [phone]

ACTION ALERT

May 22, 2011

Please distribute widely...

Prayer Vigil in Support of
Jerusalem Bishop Suheil Dawani

The Companion Diocese Committee will hold a prayer vigil in support of Jerusalem Bishop Suheil Dawani at
11 a.m. May 24 in Taft Park, opposite the U.S. Capitol (at the Union Station end).


Bishop Suheil Dawani

Bishop Dawani’s Jerusalem residency permit was not renewed by the Israeli government in
September 2010, and he and his family are at risk of being expelled from Jerusalem.

The vigil is timed to coincide with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s
address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress.

For further information, contact Susan Burns at
[e-mail] or 301-229-3770.

To learn about Dawani’s situation, read:

cts.vresp.com/c/?EpiscopalDioceseofWa/f9de3599be/c97e801a13/821a8ff496

cts.vresp.com/c/?EpiscopalDioceseofWa/f9de3599be/c97e801a13/b9103d27e7

[ninathedog]

[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1389

Sat May 21, 2011 7:33 pm (PDT)

***Occupied Palestine and Israel: News and Articles*

*News*
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
*International Middle East Media Center* <http://imemc. org/>

*Two young men wounded; dozens suffer gas inhalation in Bil'in weekly
demonstration* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61283>
IMEMC - Saturday May 21, 2011 - 09:42, On Friday, in the weekly march in
Bil'in organized by the Popular Committee Against the Wall with the
participation of Sa'di Tameezi, the Palestinian ambassador to Vietnam,
two young men were injured, and dozens of people suffered from the
effects of tear gas fired by Israeli soldiers.

*Israeli forces deploy along border with Syria*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61281>
IMEMC - Friday May 20, 2011 - 14:49, According to Israeli and
international media, the Israeli military has deployed troops along the
border with Syria in the Golan Heights, and declared the area a closed
military zone. The military stated that they fear a repeat of last
weekend's Nakba demonstrations in which thousands of Palestinian
refugees marched to the Israeli borders in Lebanon and Syria demanding a
right of return to their homes.

*Ma'an News* <http://maannews. net/en/>

*Palestinian shot dead near Gaza-Israel border*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389751>
5/21/2011 - TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces shot dead a
Palestinian teenager in Gaza early Saturday, medical officials and the
army said. The body of Ibrahim Mohammad Faraj, 17, from An-Nuseirat
refugee camp in central Gaza, was transferred to Al-Aqsa Hospital,
medics said. A military spokeswoman told Ma'an that forces opened
fire.... Related:Teen killed by Israeli army in Gaza identified
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389774>

*Palestinians hurt in clash with settlers in Hebron*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389800>
5/21/2011 - HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Clashes near Hebron in the occupied West
Bank injured eight Palestinians on Saturday, medics said. Israeli forces
fired tear gas amid the confrontations with settlers in the Old City of
Hebron, medical officials said. Eight Palestinians including four
children were taken by ambulance to the local government hospital for
treatment, said....

*Turkey warns Israel over new Gaza flotilla*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389770>
5/22/2011 - ANKARA (AFP) -- Turkey on Saturday warned Israel against
another act of bloodshed in international waters after activists
announced plans to send a new aid flotilla to the blockaded Gaza Strip."
It should be known that Turkey will give the necessary response to any
repeated act of provocation by Israel on the high seas," Foreign
Minister....

*8 PLO factions to boycott technocrat government*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389781>
5/22/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Eight Palestinian factions affiliated
with PLO will not nominate candidates for the government of technocrats
proposed in a unity deal signed in Cairo. The factions are protesting
the "bilateral monopoly" by Fatah and Hamas over the unity government
intended to end years of fractured politics in the occupied Palestinian
territories. The....

*University of London Union signs onto Israel boycott*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389181>
5/21/2011 - LONDON (Ma'an) -- The University of London Union voted
Wednesday to institute and campaign for boycott, divestment and
sanctions in support of Palestine, a union statement said. The motion
called for investigations into the union's investments and contracts
with companies which violated Palestinian human rights. London School of
Economics senate member Ashkok....

*Refugee 'return rallies' planned for June*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389617>
5/21/2011 - JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Masses of Palestinian refugees will
march to Israel's borders and ceasefire lines again on June 5,
organizers of the May 15 "return rally" said. On Sunday, 14 protesters
were killed when Israeli forces opened fire on thousands of refugees
trying to return to their land in Israel. The May....

*Army detains journalists to ask about their car*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389745>
5/21/2011 - TULKAREM (Ma'an) -- A group of Israeli soldiers with an
unusual request pulled over a car carrying two Ma'an journalists on
Saturday. The soldiers, in a military jeep patrolling a street in the
West Bank village of Faroun, near Tulkarem, wanted to know how much the
reporters had paid for their car....

*Report: Obama wants UK to back 1967 border*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389804>
5/21/2011 - LONDON (Ma'an) -- US President Barack Obama will seek an
agreement with the UK that a Palestinian state be based on pre-1967
borders, British media reported Saturday. The issue will be raised in
private talks between Obama and the UK's David Cameron during a state
visit by the US president and....

*UNRWA: Palestinian refugees' health still at risk*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389505>
5/21/2011 - JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- The UN agency for Palestinian refugees
faces "paramount and overwhelming" challenges in providing health care
services, according to its annual report released Saturday. Despite
progress in key areas -- including a reduction in infant mortality --
Palestinian refugees face increasing health risks including a rise in
non-communicable diseases, UNRWA said." High levels of....

*Ni'lin marks 3rd anniversary of non-violent protests*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389511>
5/21/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- The West Bank village of Ni'lin on
Friday marked its third anniversary of weekly non-violent demonstrations
against Israel's wall. Since 2008, Israeli forces have killed five
Palestinians demonstrating in Ni'lin to protest Israel's confiscation of
one third of the village's land....

*Man shot dead by gunmen near Nablus*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389598>
5/21/2011 - NABLUS (Ma'an) -- A man was shot dead Saturday in the
northern West Bank village of Beit Dajan near Nablus, police said.
Nablus police chief Omar Al-Brouz identified the victim as Omar Hussein
Abu Haloun, 32. Al-Brouz said Abu Haloun was shot dead at around 8:15 a.
m. as he headed to work....

*Obama names Patterson as Egypt envoy*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389687>
5/21/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFP) -- President Barack Obama has named former
Pakistan troubleshooter Anne Patterson as the next US ambassador to
Egypt, a key ally which Washington hopes will become a model for Arab
democracy, according to the White House. Pending Senate confirmation,
Patterson will replace Margaret Scobey, who has served in the post for
just over three....

*Turkey welcomes US stance on Israel border*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389697>
5/21/2011 - NEW YORK (Ma'an) -- Turkey's president on Friday applauded
US President Barack Obama's reference to creating a Palestinian state
based on Israel's pre-1967 borders, a US newspaper reported. Abdullah
Gul said that "The fact that there was a reference to the borders of
1967 was a very....

*In photos: Non-violent resistance in the West Bank*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389518>
5/21/2011 - MaanImages - Israeli soldiers shut down weekly anti-wall
protests on Friday against the separation wall in An-Nabi Salah near
Ramallah and in Al-Ma'sara near Bethlehem. The wall confiscates
privately-owned Palestinian land from both villages. Israeli forces
detained dozens of protesters at the rallies, fired tear gas canisters
and sound grenades at demonstrators and declared....

*Egypt border guards shoot migrant at Israel border*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389573>
5/21/2011 - EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma'an) -- Egyptian border guards shot and
injured an Eritrean woman Saturday as she tried to cross into Israel
without a permit, Egyptian security sources and medics said. Security
officials told Ma'an that the woman attempted to cross the border two
kilometers south of Kerem Shalom crossing. The undocumented migrant....

*Teen killed by Israeli army in Gaza identified*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389774>
5/21/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- A Palestinian teenager killed Saturday
by Israel's army in the Gaza Strip has been identified by medics as
Ibrahim Mohammad Faraj, 17, from An-Nuseirat refugee camp....
Related:Palestinian shot dead near Gaza-Israel border
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389751>

*Hebron man critically injured in fight*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389789>
5/21/2011 - HEBRON (Ma'an) -- A 23-year-old man was critically injured
Saturday in a fight near Hebron, police said. The man, who was not
identified, was attacked in Yatta, a village in the southern West Bank.
Police arrested an unspecified number of suspects and brought the
situation under control, they said....

*Amr urges caution over UN statehood bid*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389532>
5/22/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- PLO central council member Nabil Amr on
Friday urged Palestinian leaders to exercise caution in their bid to
seek UN recognition of a Palestinian state. Amr said the Palestinian
leadership should hold intensive political discussions with the US
administration and Mideast Quartet members. He said it was not in
Palestinians' ....

*Hamas: Netanyahu showed negotiations 'useless'*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389566>
5/22/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Hamas said Friday that Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech in Washington showed negotiations
with Israel were "useless." The Israeli premier bluntly rejected US
President Barack Obama's call for a Palestinian state on 1967 borders in
an Oval Office appearance Friday. Netanyahu laid down a set....

*Netanyahu lectures Obama in Oval Office*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389588>
5/22/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFP) -- Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu has
warned Barack Obama against chasing what he called a Middle East peace
"based on illusions" as he lectured the US president amid a widening
rift in US-Israeli ties. In a dramatic Oval Office appearance, after 90
minutes of talks Friday, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphatically vowed
Israel would never....

*Abbas to visit Jordan*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389716>
5/21/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- President Mahmoud Abbas will leave for
Jordan Saturday to discuss US President Barack Obama's Mideast policy
speech with King Abdullah II. An official from the president's office
told Ma'an that Abbas would spend two days in Jordan to hold meetings
with the king and Foreign....

*Analysis: Toward a real Palestinian strategy*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389728>
5/21/2011 - As the Palestine Papers demonstrated, the major obstacle to
a real, lasting and just peace in Palestine is the Israeli leadership's
unwillingness to accept anything less than full domination over the
Palestinians. Not only do Israeli leaders refuse to partake in any
serious peace talks, they also refuse to agree on universally accepted....

*Jordan: US will help seal Israel-Palestinian peace*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389773>
5/21/2011 - AMMAN (AFP) -- Peace between Israel and the Palestinians
will be sealed with US help, Jordan's King Abdullah II said on Saturday
as he urged American businessmen to invest in his country." Jordan's
commitment to the future is secure. It has driven our long work for
regional peace. . . and with America'....

*Abbas meets US envoy in Ramallah*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389793>
5/21/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- President Mahmoud Abbas met Saturday in
Ramallah with US consul-general Daniel Rubenstein to discuss the peace
process in light of US president's speech in Washington.. ..

*Gaza rebuilding plan includes bomb shelters*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389764>
5/22/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A blueprint to rebuild the Gaza Strip
includes measures to protect infrastructure from future attacks, a
Palestinian official said Saturday of a plan for recovery after Israel's
Operation Cast Lead. Osama Ikheil, head of the Palestinian contractors
union, said the plan will introduce bomb shelters at schools and
residential. ...

*Activist: 44 killed Friday in Syria protest*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389652>
5/21/2011 - NICOSIA (AFP) -- Security forces killed 44 people on Friday
during anti-regime protests which swept Syria, with most of the
casualties in the western province of Idlib and the central city of
Homs, a human right activist told AFP on Saturday." Syrian authorities
are continuing to use excessive force and live ammunition to face
popular protests....

*Syria buries its dead after anti-regime protests*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389760>
5/21/2011 - DAMASCUS (AFP) -- Syria buried its dead on Saturday
following a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests which killed 44
people, as US President Barack Obama expressed "acute concern" about the
situation in the country. Funerals were being held in various regions,
an activist said, as a human rights advocate put the death toll from
Friday'....

*Aljazeera* <http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/>

**
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ europe/2011/ 05/2011522057393 1383.html>*Former
Mubarak minister's trial postponed*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/05/20115211 816200964. html>
AlJazeera 21 May 2011 - Case against Mubarak's former interior minister
adjourned amid courtroom chaos as lawyers scuffle with police.

*Opposition signs Yemen transition deal*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/05/20115211 65814481734. html>
AlJazeera 21 May 2011 - President Saleh, still to sign GCC-brokered deal
intended to end country's months-long crisis, warns of al-Qaeda threat.

*Former PLO negotiator: Israel 'no partner'*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/05/20115211 54413267357. html>
AlJazeera 21 May 2011 - Palestinians to press for UN recognition in
September as former chief negotiator questions Israel's commitment to peace.

*Syria mourners 'attacked by security forces'*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/05/20115211 441542189. html>
AlJazeera 21 May 2011 - At least 11 dead and 27 injured in Homs,
activists say, as thousands attend funerals for those killed on Friday.

*Iran claims to break up CIA spy network*
<http://english. aljazeera. net//news/ middleeast/ 2011/05/20115211 1430757256. html>
AlJazeera 21 May 2011 - Network of "spies" controlled through US
embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Malaysia, ministry says.

*Palestine News Network* <http://english. pnn.ps/>

*Video: Roundtable Discussion on US President Obama Speech*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10073& Itemid=>
PNN - In a major speech on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and on
the Arab Spring, President Obama said a Palestinian state must be based
on the 1967 borders, the first...

*Quartet: The Need to Resolve the Palestinian- Israeli Conflict is
Urgent*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10072& Itemid=61>
PNN - Jerusalem -- PNN -- In a joined press statement on Friday the
Members of the Quartet said that they are in full agreement about the
urgent need to resolve the conflict between...

*Abu Rdainah: Netanyahu Statement in the White House is Rejection to
Obama Initiative*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10071& Itemid=56>
PNN - Ramallah -- PNN -- Palestinian Presidential spokesman, Nabil Abu
Rdainah, criticized Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu statement
during his meeting with US President Barak Obama on Friday. "Netanyahu
statement at the White...

*Reasonable Expectations*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10070& Itemid=56>
PNN - By Mitri I. Musleh - Future history books will soon commemorate
President Obama's meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu as the
meeting that separated war from peace in the Middle East. Either...

*International Solidarity Movement* <http://palsolidarit y.org/>

*Israeli army imposes curfew on Madama*
<http://palsolidarit y.org/2011/ 05/18461/>
5/21/2011 - International Solidarity Movement - International Solidarity
Movement - On Thursday May 19, the Israeli army invaded Madama with many
jeeps, and imposed a curfew lasting from 21:30 to 4:00am. During this
time a man called Hani Muhammad Nassar was arrested and tortured inside
a jeep for 3 hours. Whilst being interviewed Hani said: "The army came
when I....

*Israeli army supress peaceful demonstration in Iraq Burin*
<http://palsolidarit y.org/2011/ 05/18465/>
5/21/2011 - International Solidarity Movement - International Solidarity
Movement - Around 80 Palestinians and international activists held a
peaceful demonstration today in the village of Iraq Burin to protest the
theft of village land for settlement construction. The demonstration
began at about 16. 00 when protesters marched through the village and
over the hills towards the illegal settlement of Bracha. The peaceful....

*Palestine Telegraph* <http://paltelegraph .com/>

*Palestinian prisoners punished for declaring hunger strike*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 9230-palestinian -prisoners- punished- for-declaring- hunger-strike. html>
21 May 2011 - West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Palestin ian prisoners inside
Israeli jails declared Saturday a hunger strike with the participation
of six prisons including Hadarim and Gilboa to protest poor treatment
and living conditions.

*Injuries and arrests reported in WB protests*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 9228-injuries- and-arrests- reported- in-wb-protests. html>
21 May 2011 - West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-several Palestinians were
injured yesterday as Israeli forces attempted to suppress the weekly
non-violent rallies erupted following Friday prayer in different parts
of the West Bank.

*The National* <http://thenational. ae/section/ FOREIGN?profile= 1011>

*Palestinians defy Obama in UN bid for statehood*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ palestinians- defy-obama- in-un-bid- for-statehood>
The National 21 May 2011 - Despite warning from US president Obama that
effort to win statehood will fail, Palestinian officials say Israel's
intransigence leaves them with no choice.

*Yemen opposition signs peace deal*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ yemen-opposition -signs-peace- deal>
The National 21 May 2011 - Yemen president to sign GCC-brokered peace
deal after opposition puts signatures to paper.

*Lebanon workers may walk to pressure government*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ lebanon-workers- may-walk- to-pressure- government>
The National 21 May 2011 - Workers consider general strike to force
Lebanon's politicians to end political vacuum and take action on
economic issues.

*Iran claims 30 arrests linked to international CIA spy ring*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ iran-claims- 30-arrests- linked-to- international- cia-spy-ring>
The National 20 May 2011 - The country's secret service said its agents
uncovered activities by a CIA-run espionage network spread across
several countries.

*GCC mediator is headed back to Yemen*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ gcc-mediator- is-headed- back-to-yemen>
The National 20 May 2011 - The council's secretary general is expected
to arrive in Sana'a today for another round of talks to end the violent
standoff between President Ali Abdullah Saleh and anti-government
protesters.

*Obama speech strains US-Israel ties*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ obama-speech- strains-us- israel-ties>
The National 20 May 2011 - Israeli newspapers describe Obama's
endorsement of a future Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, and
Netanyahu's response as a "confrontation" .

*Palestinians offer lukewarm response to Obama speech*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ palestinians- offer-lukewarm- response- to-obama- speech>
The National 20 May 2011 - Mr Obama stopped short of laying out a
full-fledged plan for resolving the Israel-Palestinian dispute, and he
all but dashed hopes that his country would support a September bid to
have an independent Palestinian state recognised by the United Nations.

*Obama's words soared but scepticism outweighs support in region*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ obamas-words- soared-but- scepticism- outweighs- support-in- region>
The National 20 May 2011 - In the Middle East, reaction to US President
Barrack Obama's speech on the region was met with more scepticism than
support

*Ha'aretz* <http://haaretz. com/>

*Israeli cabinet rallies around Netanyahu after rejection of Obama
speech*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ israeli-cabinet- rallies-around- netanyahu- after-rejection- of-obama- speech-1. 363204>
Ha'aretz - PM emerges stronger within Likud, becomes uniting force for
Israeli right after rejecting U.S. president's '1967 borders' speech.

*Aluf Benn / Obama and Netanyahu: The revolutionary vs. the
conservative*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ obama-and- netanyahu- the-revolutionar y-vs-the- conservative- 1.363198>
Ha'aretz - Netanyahu presented the American president with his four
No's: No to a retreat to the 1967 borders, no to a retreat from the
Jordan River, no to negotiations with Hamas, and no to a return of
refugees to the Jewish state.

*Former IMF chief's lawyer to Haaretz: Strauss-Kahn will be acquitted*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ former-imf- chief-s-lawyer- to-haaretz- strauss-kahn- will-be-acquitte d-1.363201>
Ha'aretz - Attorney Benjamin Brafman says that if Strauss-Kahn had not
been famous and had not been a foreigner, the court would not have
demanded the high $6 million bail.

*Israeli cabinet to decide on bill securing immunity for journalists*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ israeli-cabinet- to-decide- on-bill-securing -immunity- for-journalists- 1.363206>
Ha'aretz - Under the bill, a court would not be able to force a
journalist to reveal documents in their possession in order to identify
their sources.

*Doctors at Israel's public hospitals launch one-day strike*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ doctors-at- israel-s- public-hospitals -launch-one- day-strike- 1.363202>
Ha'aretz - Nearly all public hospitals to be closed Sunday; Doctors,
medical students plan to hold mass demonstration at Reading parking lot
in north Tel Aviv as part of stepping up their campaign.

*Tens of thousands arrive at Mt. Meron as Israelis celebrate Lag
Ba'omer*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ tens-of-thousand s-arrive- at-mt-meron- as-israelis- celebrate- lag-ba-omer- 1.363190>
Ha'aretz - Many believe Lag Ba'omer to be the anniversary of Rabbi
Shimon Bar Yohai's death, buried on Mt. Meron; fire services on high
alert as people turn out en masse to bonfires marking the holiday.

*Facing congressional pressure, will Obama reframe his '1967 borders'
message in AIPAC speech?*
<http://www.haaretz. com/blogs/ focus-u-s- a/facing- congressional- pressure- will-obama- reframe-his- 1967-borders- message-in- aipac-speech- 1.363194>
Ha'aretz - Numerous U.S. politicians on both sides of the aisle
expressed concerns over U.S. President Barack Obama's call for Middle
East peace negotiations to be based on the 1967 borders.

*Syria security forces kill 11 mourners at protesters' funeral*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ mideast-in- turmoil/syria- security- forces-kill- 11-mourners- at-protesters- funeral-1. 363170>
Ha'aretz - Rights group says 44 people were killed on Friday, making it
one of the deadliest days since anti-government uprising began.

*Turkish FM warns Israel over response to new Gaza flotilla*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/turkish- fm-warns- israel-over- response- to-new-gaza- flotilla- 1.363179>
Ha'aretz - Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu says that Turkey will respond to
'any repeated act of provocation' on the high seas by Israel, AFP reports.

*Barak: Israel-U.S. differences on peace process 'smaller than they
seem'*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/barak- israel-u- s-differences- on-peace- process-smaller- than-they- seem-1.363162>
Ha'aretz - Defense Minister Ehud Barak tells Channel 2 that U.S.
President Barack Obama's Middle East policy speech was not 'such a bad
thing'.

*Report: Palestinian group calls for renewed border demonstrations*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/report- palestinian- group-calls- for-renewed- border-demonstra tions-1.363145>
Ha'aretz - Group that organized Nakba Day protests has called on
Palestinian refugees to march to Israel's borders on anniversary of Six
Day War on June 5, Maan news agency reports.

*Masked Palestinians shoot dead West Bank man suspected of spying for
Israel*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/masked- palestinians- shoot-dead- west-bank- man-suspected- of-spying- for-israel- 1.363136>
Ha'aretz - Victim of the shooting was identified as Omar Helwan, 32, of
Beit Dajan village near Nablus; he had previously been held in a
Palestinian prison on charges of working as an Israeli agent.

*Turkey president: Hamas must be 'rational' about Israel's right to
exist*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/turkey- president- hamas-must- be-rational- about-israel- s-right-to- exist-1.363119>
Ha'aretz - In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Abdullah Gul
praises Obama's Mideast speech in which he drew the 1967 borders as an
outline for Israeli-Palestinian talks.

*Palestinians to push UN recognition bid in September despite Obama's
caution*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/palestin ians-to-push- un-recognition- bid-in-september -despite- obama-s-caution- 1.363107>
Ha'aretz - U.S. president tells Palestinians 'efforts to de-legitimize
Israel will end in failure,' adding that symbolic actions to isolate
Israel at UN vote in September 'won't create an independent state.'

*Jerusalem Post* <http://jpost. com/>

*'Houses from Within' opens Tel Aviv to the masses*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=221626& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Rarely seen corners of the city, including
architecturally unique private houses and public buildings, were open to
the public.

*NGO to Barak: Demolish illegal Majdal Shams buildings*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=221621& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - After Nakba Day events, Regavim tells
ministers to raze 13 buildings along Israel-Syria border.

*Death toll rises to 11 as Syrian funeral becomes protest*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221618& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - At least 50 killed in one of Syria's
bloodiest weekends yet; rights activist says 12 killed in Idlib
province, 11 in Homs, 7 in Deraa.

*PA expresses disappointment in Obama speech*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221615& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Sha'ath says plan to ask UN to recognize
state in September will continue, despite Obama's rejection of bid.

*Gallery: Lag Ba'Omer bonfires light up the night*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=221608& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Residents of the Jerusalem neighborhood
Pisgat Ze'ev brought some of their youngest neighbors around the fire
for Lag Ba'Omer.

*The laid-back charm of Marseilles*
<http://www.jpost. com/Travel/ TravelNews/ Article.aspx? ID=221602& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - France's oldest city is undergoing a major
revitalization ahead of its year in the spotlight as the 2013 European
Capital of Culture.

*At least 50 killed in one of Syria's bloodiest weekends yet*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221591& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Funeral procession comes under fire,
leaving at least five dead; rights activist says 12 killed in Idlib
province, 11 in Homs, 7 in Deraa.

*Russia: Attaché 'caught red handed' receiving secrets*
<http://www.jpost. com/Defense/ Article.aspx? ID=221590& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Television report shows footage of
Liederman's arrest and interrogation, claims he approached "a number of
officials" seeking secret info.

*'Gov't may free 20 killers in exchange for Gilad Schalit'*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=221585& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Report in 'Al-Quds Al-Arabi' cites
"significant process" in negotiations for captive soldier; Turkey, Egypt
and Germany are all reportedly involved in new talks.

*Turkey warns of 'necessary response' to flotilla violence*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=221581& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Ankara tells J'lem "not to repeat human
tragedy it caused last year"; says PA unity deal should end
justification for Gaza blockade.

*HRW demands Israel investigate 'Nakba Day' deaths*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221580& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Human Rights Watch decries IDF's use of
live bullets; says there is no proof that border protesters were armed
or fired on troops.

*Israelis, Palestinians play Aussie football for peace*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=221574& R=R2>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Combined Jewish-Arab 'Peace Team' from
Peres Center for Peace practicing for Australia's International Football
Cup.

*Obama expected to stress strong US-Israel ties at AIPAC*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=221573& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Softer tone likely after fallout from
reference to 1967 lines; AIPAC circulates letter asking participants to
be respectful of speakers.

*Jewish pilgrimage to Tunisia goes ahead, but is muted*
<http://www.jpost. com/JewishWorld/ JewishNews/ Article.aspx? ID=221572& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Under 100 arrive for traditional Lag
Ba'Omer celebration despite cancellation due to security concerns,
travel warnings.

*Barak: PM-Obama meeting 'less dramatic than it seems'*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=221570& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Defense minister says US president didn't
call for '67 borders, rather for talks based on those lines; Ayalon: "A
disagreement among friends."

*Carmel backyard*
<http://www.jpost. com/ArtsAndCultu re/Entertainment /Article. aspx?ID=221559& R=R1>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - In time for Lag Ba'omer a new exhibition
shows nature's struggle to overcome the devastating aftermath of the
Carmel fire.

*Palestinian group calls for more 'Nakba Day' style riots*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221558& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Group uses Internet to plan further
demonstrations set for June 5 to mark Six Day War; Palestinian
reportedly killed by IDF fire in Gaza.

*'Turkey sponsoring Schalit negotiations with Hamas'*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221546& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - Palestinian officials tell Chinese news
agency that talks are still in early stages and it is "too soon to talk
about breakthrough. "

*Turkish president pressures Hamas to recognize Israel*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=221536& R=R3>
Jeruslalem Post 21 May 2011 - In 'Wall Street Journal' interview Gul
welcomes Obama's reference to 67 borders, recalls telling Mashaal "you
have to be rational."

*The Guardian* <http://guardian. co.uk/world/ palestinian- territories>

*Netanyahu's rejection of Obama's 1967 border deal leaves peace talks in
tatters*
<http://www.guardian .co.uk/world/ 2011/may/ 21/netanyahu- rejects-obama- 1967-borders>
The Guardian 21 May 2011 - Palestinians describe fresh talks as
pointless following Israel's dismissal of Barack Obama's call for a
return to prewar frontier Senior Palestinian officials declared peace
negotiations with Israel were "pointless" after the Israeli prime
minister, Binyamin Netanyahu,.. .

*Uruknet* <http://uruknet. info/>

*[uruknet.info] Libyan Gov't: NATO is Cause of Deaths, Humanitarian
Crisis* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77945>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 - Libya accused NATO on Saturday of causing deaths
and a humanitarian crisis with its indiscriminate bombings, after
attacks on three ports restricted the movement of ships carrying aid for
civilians. The NATO air raids on the ports of Tripoli, Sirte and
Al-Khums was a "crazy attack" in violation of UN resolutions, said Amran
Al-Forjani,. ..

*[uruknet.info] Hunger strikers form decision-making body*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77944>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 - Palestinians jailed in Israeli prisons have
formed a joint committee to manage a wide-ranging hunger strike, the
Gaza prisoner affairs ministry reports. The move was made so that
decisions are strong and unified, and so the prison administration would
not be able to influence decisions and divide the participants. The
committee specifies the days...

*[uruknet.info] A Brief Primer on the Recent Supreme Court Decision in
Kentucky v. King* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77943>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 -- Can cops now invade your home without a warrant
anytime they feel like it? Sure they can.Doesn't this completely and
literally eviscerate the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, which
protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and specifically
requires the use of a warrant? Sure it does...

*[uruknet.info] Libyan rebels accused of reprisal attacks*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77942>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 - ...Rebel commanders have created a wanted list
and placed suspects under round-the-clock surveillance. Secret militia
units raid houses without court warrants and often interrogate suspects
for hours. Those released have to sign a document stating their loyalty
to the revolution. As many as 30 civilians are being held at various
rebel military bases around...

*[uruknet.info] Saleh says coup,' but Yemen opposition signs GCC
proposal to end his presidency* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77940>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 - Yemen's opposition signed a GCC-brokered power
transition deal on Saturday, a day before President Ali Abdullah Saleh
was due to sign the agreement that would ease him out of power within a
month. An Al Arabiya correspondent in Sana'a reported that the signing
of the agreement was shrouded in secrecy with journalists banned from...

*[uruknet.info] Shootings in Syria push death toll above 900*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77938>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 - Syrian security forces opened fire on a funeral
procession for slain anti-government protesters Saturday, pushing the
number of people reported killed in a two-month uprising to more than
900 and making it one of the deadliest of the Arab Spring. Excluding
Libya - where battles between Moammar Gadhafi's forces and his opponents
have left...

*[uruknet.info] Eleven killed as Syrian funeral becomes protest*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77937>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 - Syrian security forces shot dead 11 mourners in
the central city of Homs on Saturday at a mass funeral for people killed
in the latest crackdown on protests against President Bashar al-Assad, a
rights campaigner said. Human rights lawyer Razan Zaitouna said she had
the names of at least 11 people killed when the...

*[uruknet.info] Israeli gunfire kills Gaza teen: medics*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77935>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 - Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian teenager
in the Gaza Strip on Saturday as he approached the border fence with
Israel, Palestinian medics said. The 17-year-old boy's body was found
near El-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, they said. On Friday, two
young Gazans were wounded as Israeli troops opened fire at a protest...

*[uruknet.info] Syrian forces kill five at protesters' funeral*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77934>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 - Syrian security forces killed at least five
people after opening fire on a massive funeral procession for eight
anti-government protesters slain the day before, a human rights activist
said. A rights group has raised Friday's death toll to 44 - most in the
northern province of Idlib and the central region of Homs -...

*[uruknet.info] Refugee 'return rallies' planned for June*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77933>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 - - Masses of Palestinian refugees will march to
Israel's borders and ceasefire lines again on June 5, organizers of the
May 15 "return rally" said. On Sunday, 14 protesters were killed when
Israeli forces opened fire on thousands of refugees trying to return to
their land in Israel. The May 15 rallies were held...

*[uruknet.info] Palestinian Activist Says Obama Speech "Irrelevant" *
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77932>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 - I just want to comment on one specific line in
this speech which may say it all. President Obama said that the Arab
democratic spring has made al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden irrelevant even
before he was executed by US forces. There's another person who has
become almost irrelevant by the Arab democratic spring,...

*[uruknet.info] At least 44 killed in protests across Syria*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77931>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - Security forces killed at least 44 people during
anti-regime protests which swept Syria on Friday, with most of the
casualties in the western province of Idlib and the central city of
Homs, a human rights activist told AFP on Saturday. "Syrian authorities
are continuing to use excessive force and live ammunition to face popular...

*[uruknet.info] Britain plotted regime change in Iraq as early as 2001*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77929>
Uruknet May 21, 2011 - Previously classified documents released into the
public domain reveal that Britain's MI6 planned a coup against then
Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, just months after 9/11. This was despite
official acknowledgement that there was no connection between the
Hussein regime and Al Qaeda. The documents also confirm that the quest
to secure stable oil supplies...

*[uruknet.info] Flotilla group calls for UN escort, a 'stunt' says
Israel* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77927>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - As a new aid convoy to Gaza readies to sail at
the end of June, organizers say they are willing to have their cargo
inspected and their ships escorted by international observers. Israel
dismisses the move as a 'publicity stunt,' while supporters of the
flotilla in the EU have questioned the legal necessity of...

*[uruknet.info] On The Chopping Block: Federal Worker Pensions*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77926>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - Bipartisan support endorses ending vital social
benefits incrementally, principally Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid,
healthcare for those who can't afford it, and public pensions. Notably,
deep Medicare cuts were made. Much more is planned, including slashing
Medicaid. Now federal pensions are being targeted....

*[uruknet.info] At Saddam Hussein shrine, nostalgia for a strong leader*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77924>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - It has been four years since the former Iraqi
leader was executed, and over that period it has been rare to see any
more than a trickle of Iraqis show up to pay tribute in the village
where he was born, just outside Tikrit. But over the past few months,
the crowds have begun...

*[uruknet.info] Iranian presidential aide arrested*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77922>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - A top aide in the office of the Iranian
president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has been arrested, adding to tension at
the heart of the regime. Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported
the arrest of a man identified only as "one of the top officials in the
presidential office". Conservative websites later named him as Kazem...

*[uruknet.info] EGYPT: Journalists questioned, forced to clear Mubarak
reports with military* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77921>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - Military prosecutors called three Egyptian
journalists in for questioning this week after they reported on an
alleged deal to offer amnesty to ousted President Hosni Mubarak. The
three, an editor and two reporters at the independent Cairo-based
El-Shorouk newspaper, were questioned and released Thursday after they
signed a pledge to not report further on...

*[uruknet.info] Republicans in Congress to Crown Obama King*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77920>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - In what will come as a shock to the Tea Party and
yet probably not rival the recent royal wedding in London for
viewership, Republican Congressman Buck McKeon and Republican Senator
John McCain plan to crown President Barack Obama King of America.
They're not kidding, and this is no stunt. Here's what noted Republican.. .

*[uruknet.info] Why Does Saban Support Arab Spring?*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77918>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - 'The test of a first-rate intelligence, ' F. Scott
Fitzgerald famously wrote, 'is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in
the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.'
When it comes to what's been dubbed the 'Arab Spring,' most Middle East
analysts pass Fitzgerald's test with flying colours. Hardly...

*[uruknet.info] Leader of Gaza aid mission goes on hunger strike*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77917>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - Matthias Chang, 61, leader of the Malaysian
humanitarian aid mission to Gaza has gone on a hunger strike since
yesterday evening onboard the cargo ship, MV Finch, in protest against
the refusal of the authorities here to allow the ship to enter El-Arish
Port. The action was taken immediately after the Egyptian army turned...

*[uruknet.info] The always-expanding bipartisan Surveillance State*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77916>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - When I wrote earlier this week about Jane Mayer's
New Yorker article on the Obama administration' s war on whistleblowers,
the passage I hailed as "the single paragraph that best conveys the
prime, enduring impact of the Obama presidency" included this
observation from Yale Law Professor Jack Balkin: "We are witnessing the
bipartisan normalization and...

*[uruknet.info] Torture widespread in Syria's prisons At least 8,000
detainess endure beatings and humiliation*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 77915>
Uruknet May 20, 2011 - For Ali, the beatings began even before the bus
reached the prison. "Are you with the Salafis and the Muslim
Brotherhood? " screamed one of President Bashar al-Assad's secret
policemen. The fist landed square in his face as Ali tried to explain
that the small group of protesters rounded up in Mezze, a suburb of...

*Daily Star* <http://dailystar. com.lb/>

*Palestinians set on UN statehood bid in September*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-22/Palestini ans-set-on- UN-statehood- bid-in-September .ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Nabil Shaath urged President Barack Obama, who on
Thursday criticised the planned move at the U.N. general assembly, to
join countries that have already endorsed a Palestinian state taking in
the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East...

*NATO widens Libya pressure amid questions on goals*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-22/NATO- widens-Libya- pressure- amid-questions- on-goals. ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 In the coastal town of Zawiya, crowds apparently
outraged by dwindling fuel supplies tried to stab reporters in a minibus
on a state-supervised trip to the Tunisian border.

*Eleven killed as Syrian funeral becomes protest*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-22/Mourner- killed-as- Syrian-funeral- becomes-protest. ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Human rights lawyer Razan Zaitouna said she had
the names of at least 11 people killed when the funeral at Nasr cemetery
for 10 pro-democracy demonstrators killed by security forces in Homs on
Friday came under...

*Palestinians set on U.N. statehood bid in September*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Palestini ans-set-on- UN-statehood- bid-in-September .ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Palestinians will seek recognition as a U.N.
member-state in September given the deadlock in U.S.-brokered
peacemaking with Israel, a senior Palestinian official said on Saturday.

*Mourner shot dead at Syrian funeral*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Mourner- shot-dead- at-Syrian- funeral.ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Syrian security forces shot dead a mourner in the
central city of Homs on Saturday and wounded many more, a witness said,
at a mass funeral for people killed in the latest crackdown on protests
against...

*Israeli rebuke of Obama exposes divide on Mideast*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Israeli- rebuke-of- Obama-exposes- divide-on- Mideast.ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bluntly
told President Barack Obama on Friday his vision of how to achieve
Middle East peace was unrealistic, exposing a deep divide that could
doom any U.S. bid to revive peace...

*Yemen opposition signs transition of power deal*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Yemen- opposition- signs-transition -of-power- deal.ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Yemen's opposition signed a Gulf-brokered
transition deal on Saturday that will ease President Ali Abdullah Saleh
out of power within a month, provided he ratifies the agreement as
promised on Sunday.

*Libya crowd attacks bus carrying foreign journalists*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Libya- crowd-attacks- bus-carrying- foreign-journali sts.ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Angry Libyans armed with guns and a knife storm a
bus carrying foreign journalists before a soldier fires volleys of
gunfire into the air to disperse the crowd, a Reuters journalist on the
bus has said.

*Four French held by Libyan rebels freed: Foreign Ministry*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Four- French-held- by-Libyan- rebels-freed- Foreign-Ministry .ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Four men brought to Egypt where they were met by
French consular officials.

*Fleeing Syrians say too late for reforms, Assad must go*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ May-21/Fleeing- Syrians-say- too-late- for-reforms- Assad-must- go.ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Syrians who fled for their lives from a security
crackdown in the border town of Tall Kalakh say violence has hardened
attitudes towards President Bashar Assad and unrest will not end until
he steps down.

*NATO pounds pro-Gadhafi forces' command centers*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/NATO- pounds-pro- Gadhafi-forces- command-centers. ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Military alliance warplanes hit command centers
near Tripoli and in southwest as part of efforts to cut communication
between Gadhafi and his units on the battlefields.

*Syria's Friday protest death toll reaches 44*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ May-21/Syrias- Friday-protest- death-toll- increases- to-44.ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Human rights organization ups earlier death toll
after further bloody Friday protests, while authorities blame violence
on armed groups.

*Iranian Foreign Ministry official meets with Nasrallah, Mikati*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/May- 21/Iranian- Foreign-Ministry -official- meets-with- Nasrallah- Mikati.ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 Mohammad Riza Shibani continues meetings with
senior March 8 figures on his official visit.

*Bellemare seeking resources to indict Syrians, French paper sources*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ May-21/Bellemare -seeking- resources- to-indict- Syrians-French- paper-sources. ashx>
Daily Star 21 May 2011 STL prosecutor says he could track down Syrian
officials behind Hariri's assassination, Le Figaro journalist claims,
citing French diplomatic source.

*Man arrested in Sidon for drug possession*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ May-21/Man- arrested- in-Sidon- for-drug- possession. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 A man was arrested for drug possession in the
southern coastal city of Sidon, police said Friday.

*Public sector closed for Resistance, Liberation Day*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ May-21/Public- sector-closed- for-Resistance- Liberation- Day.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 A national holiday has been declared for
Wednesday, May 25 to mark Resistance and Liberation Day.

*Symptoms often have psychological causes, doctors say*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ May-21/Symptoms- often-have- psychological- causes-doctors- say.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 Psychological problems are responsible for an
alarming portion of patient symptoms, according to participants at a
specialized conference that opened Friday.

*Mary devotees bring out the blue and white*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ May-21/Mary- devotees- bring-out- the-blue- and-white. ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 In many ways, Sossi Sarkissian Elbekian looks
very much the part of a stylish, modern woman.

*Al-Akhbar newspaper lays off 20 of its staff*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ May-21/Al- Akhbar-newspaper -lays-off- 20-of-its- staff.ashx>
Daily Star 20 May 2011 More than 20 employees were laid off earlier this
week at the Beirut-based Arabic daily Al-Akhbar newspaper, sources at
the paper told The Daily Star Friday.

*YNet News* <http://ynetnews. com/>

*Arab group: Prepare for 2nd round of protest*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071800,00. html>
YNet News, 21 May 2011 - Organizing committee of 'return procession to
Palestine' announces new round of....

*Gaza: Palestinian man killed by IDF*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071793,00. html>
YNet News, 21 May 2011 - Palestinian sources say man shot by soldiers
east of Gaza City. IDF: Suspect....

*Iran arrests 30 in alleged US spy ring*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071780,00. html>
YNet News, 21 May 2011 - Islamic Republic claims it uncovered extensive
CIA-run espionage network;....

*'Obama knows Israel won't retreat to '67 lines'*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071770,00. html>
YNet News, 21 May 2011 - American officials tell Washington Post US
president opted to shift....

*Report: Turkey mediating Shalit talks*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071759,00. html>
YNet News, 21 May 2011 - Ankara joins Egypt in negotiations over
prisoner exchange deal between Israel,....

*PA to proceed with UN recognition bid*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071726,00. html>
YNet News, 21 May 2011 - Fatah official Nabil Shaath says quest for
recognition of Palestinian state will....

*'Netanyahu, Obama share little chemistry'*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071719,00. html>
YNet News, 21 May 2011 - Tense White House meeting between US president,
Israeli PM makes headlines in....

*'IDF attaché sought info on Russia-Arab arms trade'*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071704,00. html>
YNet News, 21 May 2011 - Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says
Colonel Vadim Leiderman, expelled....

*Report: Syrian troops kill dozens of protesters*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071628,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - Ten-year old boy among dead as Syrian forces
fire during protests, human rights....

*Abbas aide: Stop Netanyahu's gross obstinacy*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071604,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - Spokesman says 'Palestinian government will be
independent, have nothing to do....

*Sources: PM encouraged by meeting*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071671,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - Meanwhile source says Obama to press EU not to
back Palestinian declaration of....

*Netanyahu: 1967 lines 'indefensible' *
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4071641,00. html>
YNet News, 20 May 2011 - 'Israel wants peace, I want peace,' says
Netanyahu after meeting with US....

*Palestinian Information Center* <http://palestine- info.co.uk/ en/>

*IOF uses violence against fresh West Bank protests*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7hUNiXgBPKv zsW4iqVi360fSf9v cNrokNHR3q1CTzL9 OVbYbaGzdrueSu58 NsaS0ud9nUhFNxeW dOQwCJJg9D% 2bQ0hK9YkHz5AVdk rbJ3CZbM% 3d>
PIC - Two Palestinians were injured and dozens sustained breathing
difficulties after Israeli occupation forces IOF) suppressed a weekly
anti-separation wall march in Bil'in village west of Ramallah.

*IOF shooting kills teen, wounds another*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7Lkylkqnxva JH3FdTwOQkeMfZeU ZNi%2fSgvslMF% 2bmGfq9Rpqoe2tqK 3YuR3m4n7cs4FO% 2fmxnVme% 2busy2mxlBwsw0N5 nXsloB6nLIuq5kb2 DkI%3d>
PIC - A Palestinian teen was killed at dawn Saturday when the Israeli
occupation forces (IOF) fired at him east of Breij refugee camp in
central Gaza Strip.

*Abu Zuhri: Netanyahu's statement proves failure of settlement option*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7WnVVFR9t3% 2bZtr2Xlk4S6ME3O VH%2fg362PaUHXtz P1Etoe9ixgoChi6b MedcJg0qKRP0BvGW Me1L6vzHOiUdEvhm sKD57TyWO% 2fa7fLbfjrnL0% 3d>
PIC - Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that there would be
no return to the 1967 borders proved failure of the negotiations
process, Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, said on Saturday.

*OIC calls for opening Rafah crossing before goods*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7rXLmK2hNGF VVCjoOFiOk020a% 2bYuBH3cIOK40QjN WZKJYHTvbnf8YeBs g0Zf8OYqF6jSAnvc gcMTAMJtvcMTDICZ uCNsnybEdl% 2bO%2bJC6ghhg% 3d>
PIC - The Organization of Islamic Conference has called on the Egyptian
authorities to open the Rafah border terminal with the Gaza Strip before
movement of goods.

*Russia confirms expelling Israel's military attaché over espionage
scandal*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7ZM64LNEQpK BImYSV8o5H2h0fiF txwx1HfuEzXRIj8Z 5WgFmRVXtgjMMmL0 HY%2bYKK59rpEvxa g55eEYaLJisM% 2fsz7iu%2bvrwZ% 2bBGCpj9D5MhA% 3d>
PIC - Russia has confirmed that it expelled Israel's military attaché
Vidal Leidermen after arresting him for trying to obtain information on
Russia's military relations with Arab countries.

*9 Palestinians injured in IOF attack on Nablus village*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s78RR6kshJ39 KNHicURJVY8pa% 2b2XTa%2fT7j2Cz7 TQE1qtVm8S931Mz% 2bX98R4rkWTEbhIj 4Z8vq1ekSZYikD2C LxJCAQvbuEYFjYOG MuVsQkABo% 3d>
PIC - Israeli occupation forces (IOF) used rubber bullets and teargas to
attack Palestinian citizens in Asira Al-Qabaliya village south of Nablus
city on Friday night wounding nine of them, locals reported.

*Naim denounces UNRWA for sacking five employees*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7fgN2ZsY1He wG5yKgmVSBwAmf1N Dxp6O7spl8QciJ67 9OO7azjFekVlowun c3jcf%2fFqikiZvT inQVhw%2bF1HBJK0 6f6HvqrODDFSWKqU XTX4w%3d>
PIC - Palestinian health minister in Gaza Dr. Basem Naim has lashed out
at the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for dismissing five of its
employees in Gaza.

*Ufree urges for further action after WHO condemns Israel*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s74Fa81j7bMp OJGMNmBaRjBb3cn0 gSpN6ldvkrqUwXry SFGPuWl1tk7aYPAu 8ixKbmoIl2kVyr6L Slgi6t6GU40jRKCJ rtIz%2bjAWkxXv9n GSs%3d>
PIC - The European network to support Palestinian prisoners (Ufree),
based in Oslo, has called on WHO to take a step further after it
condemned the treatment of Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

*Nakba Day just a small sample of ucensored oming Naksa Day events*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7avUCrWdbet szMZl15mja1x6tWh g%2fpEN0SdMwptlF N%2fOZW8vDMxZ2es VbaZd667LRTj1Jki tqQASvzj% 2fvoVEGm2839WJIM 20q9sv9GEamepM% 3d>
PIC - A new statement calls for marches progressing towards Palestinian
borders on Thursday June 5, Naksa Day, just a few weeks after thousands
of Palestinian refugees made similar protests on Nakba Day.

*Obama's empty rhetoric*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7Z3Q33UNBR9 8mnTKSHnF7tKVizH WC8k4JPyGsukFgAh VWGMeomICvMiPyQ3 qxfVtoogq6N29Hu6 EDsal%2ffHxzuse8 1Kn8lDMIDOCmKJbn %2bYc%3d>
PIC - President Obama's speech on Thursday, 19 May, was clearly another
rehearsal in hypocrisy, moral duplicity and empty rhetoric.

*WAFA - Palestine News Agency* <http://english. wafa.ps/>

*Palestinian Killed in Gaza Strip*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16191>
WAFA

*Abbas Meets US Consul General*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16190>
WAFA

*PLO Factions to Boycott Naming of Prime Minister*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16189>
WAFA

*Survey: Over Half of Palestinian Media say They Face Restrictions*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16188>
WAFA

*Palestinian Factions to Hold Talks in Moscow*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16187>
WAFA

*EUPOL COPPS promotes censored P's Oversight and Accountability*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16186>
WAFA

*Newspapers Review: Obama Held on to his Position, Netanyahu to his, say
Dailies* <http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16185>
WAFA

(continues in the following post)

[ninathedog]

(continues from the preceding post)

[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1389
Sat May 21, 2011 7:33 pm (PDT)

*Intifada Palestine* <http://www.intifada -palestine. com/>

*Obama's Oratory Skills and Peace in the Middle East*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ RJoXdsoWMFc/>
Intifada-Palestine: 21 May 2011 - Peace, according to Netanyahu... "
More oratory promises to Palestinians as they watch their land
disappearing before their eyes at the hand of an insatiable Israeli
monster financed by billions of American tax payers' money to build
"Jewish only" settlements on...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ RJoXdsoWMFc/>

*Obama Demolished Palestinian Chances for Statehood*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ CR_ARNQqzZ8/>
Intifada-Palestine: 21 May 2011 - U.S. supports Israel's demand for the
Palestinian state to be demilitarized, it supports postponing
discussions on the refugees and Jerusalem, it talks about Israel's
security and Israel's security alone. By Gideon Levy / Haaretz.com
Pro-unity protesters today in Ramallah, the capital of...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ CR_ARNQqzZ8/>

*President Obama's Middle East Speech -- New Year's Resolutions in May*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ UMFK5aDGgp4/>
Intifada-Palestine: 21 May 2011 - Dr. Lawrence Davidson Photo by:
Reuters Part I I watched President Obama's May 19 th speech on the
Middle East ( most quotes from the speech are taken from the full text )
while working out at the gym. I have always found...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ UMFK5aDGgp4/>

*Los Angeles Times* <http://latimes. com/news/ nationworld/ world/middleeast />

*Netanyahu pushes back on Obama's peace plan*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/5MmpJRWPr1Y /la-fg-us- israel-20110521, 0,1354419. story>
LA Times 20 May 2011 - In an Oval Office appearance, the Israeli leader
rejects Obama's plan as the basis for Middle East peace talks. Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly lectured President Obama on
the shortcomings of his plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks during
a tense Oval Office appearance that...

*Syrian troops fire on protesters, 34 killed*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/Uw1q3NUQ22A /la-fg-syria- protests- kurds-20110521, 0,2483286. story>
LA Times 20 May 2011 - A day after President Obama pressed Syria to end
brutal attacks on pro-democracy demonstrators, Bashar Assad's forces
continue their violent crackdown. Activists work to broaden the movement
by bringing in Kurds. Syrian security forces loyal to President Bashar
Assad, ignoring international pressure, fired on anti-government. ..

*New York Times* <http://nytimes. com/pages/ world/middleeast />

*Promise of Arab Uprisings Is Threatened by Divisions*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=f268f37803ae46 dc2d06ea719a5b34 99>
New York Times 21 May 2011 - From Egypt to Syria, tensions over religion
and clans have threatened uprisings that once seemed to promise a new
sense of national identity built on the idea of citizenship.

*In the Golan Heights, Anxious Eyes Look East*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=daa4b71da073ca 70560e8117936367 c3>
New York Times 21 May 2011 - For the roughly 20,000 Arabs of the Druze
religious sect who live in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, this is
Syrian territory.

*Syrians Are Fatally Shot At Funeral for Protesters*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=6e779d3e40fd1c df03f5a2b7af9724 8e>
New York Times 21 May 2011 - Security forces shot and killed at least
five people and wounded several others in a funeral procession for eight
protesters who died Friday.

*With Withdrawal Looming, Trails Grow Cold for Americans Missing in
Iraq*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=7795bb04d50c9e 4dfa6dd529dcbb35 00>
New York Times 21 May 2011 - The fates of eight American men are a
haunting piece of unfinished business that the military will leave
behind when it withdraws by the end of the year.

*World Briefing | ASIA: Philippines: Pay Cut Rejected for Maids in Saudi
Arabia*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=563d71d797d42e 6c21b8cc393903cd ec>
New York Times 21 May 2011 - The Philippines has rejected an appeal from
Saudi Arabia to cut by half a minimum-wage requirement for Filipino
maids working in Saudi Arabia.

*Show Ends After Lebanon Bars Israeli*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=1a5e592e5c0c49 5eee98fd18ce18a4 63>
New York Times 21 May 2011 - A World Press Photo exhibit in Beirut
closed early after Lebanese authorities ordered the removal of an
Israeli photographer' s prize-winning work.

*Yemeni President Again Calls for Early Vote*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=2c9bee096c7b42 6daea5fa6ebf4c29 7c>
New York Times 21 May 2011 - President Ali Abdullah Saleh's renewed call
for an early vote came as negotiations to usher him out of office
dragged into a second month.

*Obama Thanks the C.I.A. for Hunting Down Bin Laden*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=03d9fe0a3b8291 30d564a28979e632 b4>
New York Times 21 May 2011 - President Obama told a jubilant crowd at
the Central Intelligence Agency that the tracking and killing of Osama
bin Laden was a crucial milestone in the larger war to "defeat al Qaeda."

*Misc* <http://vtjp. org/aboutus/ aboutus.htm>

*Mitchell Plitnick on Netanyahu's reponse to Obama's speech*
<http://jewishvoicef orpeace.org/ blog/mitchell- plitnick- on-netanyahus- reponse-to- obamas-speech>
Jewish Voice for Peace -

*Bibi at the White House: 'I am the Leader of a Much Smaller People'*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/richardsilv erstein/ZOfh/ %7E3/5o4- nD5iJGc/>
Tikun Olam - I don't know whether Bibi was trying to tell the American
people that Israelis had the pygmy gene in their DNA, but he had one of
those awkward moments that doesn't often happen to him, in which he said
that while Pres. Obama led "a great...

*Misc 2* <http://vtjp. org/news/ news.php>

*Soldiers Threaten Mass Arrests of Beit Ommar Students*
<http://palestinesol idarityproject. org/2011/ 05/21/soldiers- threaten- mass-arrests- of-beit-ommar- students/>
Palestine Solidarity Project 21 May 2011 - In the early morning of
Saturday, May 21st, Israeli soldiers approached Beit Ommar residences
near the illegal settlement of Karmei Tsur, delivering a message that
village university students would be arrested en masse unless
demonstrations against Karmei Tsur were halted. University students are
now entering a...

*Nabi Saleh is the embodiment of the Palestinian Arab Spring*
<http://josephdana. com/2011/ 05/nabi-saleh- is-the-embodimen t-of-the- palestinian- arab-spring/ ?utm_source= rss&utm_medium= rss&utm_campaign =nabi-saleh- is-the-embodimen t-of-the- palestinian- arab-spring>
Joseph Dana 21 May 2011 - Why is it that Palestinians are the only
people in the Middle East seemingly not allowed to throw stones at a
military regime which oppresses and controls them? Why are Palestinians
branded as violent when they use the same tactics which the Egyptian and
Tunisian protesters.. .

*Activist: 25 arrested after Nakba protests*
<http://palestinianp risoners. blogspot. com/2011/ 05/activist- 25-arrested- after-nakba. html>
Sabr 21 May 2011 - RAMALLAH ( Ma'an ) -- Israel's army has arrested 25
Palestinians from the West Bank cities of Bethlehem and Hebron in the
aftermath of protests marking the Palestinian Nakba, or catastrophe,
officials said Thursday. Jacqueline Al-Fararjeh, during a visit to
Etzion prison, said Abed Al-Aziz Ash-Shuweiki and Amjad...

*'Five shot dead' at Syria funeral*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 13486660>
BBC 21 May 2011 - Syrian security forces kill at least five people and
wound at least 12 when they fired into a crowd a funeral in the city of
Homs, activists say.

*Netanyahu defiant over Obama plan*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 13481924>
BBC 21 May 2011 - Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says there can be no
peace "based on illusions", rejecting President Barack Obama's pre-1967
borders proposal.

*Tehran 'breaks up US spy network'*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 13483029>
BBC 21 May 2011 - Iran's intelligence ministry announces the arrest of
30 people after breaking up what it says was a CIA-run espionage operation.

*Syria*
<http://news. bbc.co.uk/ go/rss/int/ news/-/2/ hi/middle_ east/country_ profiles/ 801669.stm>
BBC 21 May 2011 - Key facts, figures and dates

*Articles*

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
*Analysis: Obama has adopted Israel's demands*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389731>
Rashid Shahin, Ma'an News Agency 5/22/2011
In an attempt to tickle the emotions of the Arab masses, for the
second time in less than two years, President Obama addressed the Arabs
by speaking about democracy, freedom and human rights.
When he came to Cairo at the beginning of June 2009, Obama
addressed 1.5 billion Arabs and Muslims and made a frank appeal for a
fresh start and a new relationship, based on mutual respect and
understanding.
The speech was warmly welcomed by a majority of Arabs and Muslims,
especially when the man -- of the same color and the son of a Muslim -
was the first US president to acknowledge its past mistakes.
Since his speech in Cairo, not only the masses but also writers,
intellectuals, politicians and all those who preached the new US era
felt frustrated and disappointed after Obama's retractions with regard
to the Palestinian- Israeli conflict; for them, it was proof that the new
administration is no different from any previous administration.
The Cairo speech was an attempt to polish America's image which
was disfigured and distorted by former President George Bush, during the
occupation of Iraq, and the massacres committed under false pretext.
In Cairo, Obama devoted three-quarters of his speech to the
conflict, while in his last speech he left this issue to the last few
minutes, despite knowing that this is the core of all issues for the
people of this region. And when he did speak about the conflict, he
wasn't persuasive; he failed to convince people of his vision.more. .
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389731>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Analysis: %20Obama% 20has%20adopted% 20Israel% E2%80%99s% 20demands% 20&body=Analysis :%20Obama% 20has%20adopted% 20Israel% E2%80%99s% 20demands% 20--%20http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=389731% 20--%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>

*Israel in a Post-American Era*
<http://original. antiwar.com/ buchanan/ 2011/05/19/ israel-in- a-post-american- era/>
Patrick J. Buchanan, Antiwar.com 5/20/2011
In 1918, the United States proved militarily decisive in the
defeat of the Kaiser's Germany and emerged as first power on earth.
World War II, ending in 1945, produced two truly victorious
nations, the Soviet Union of Joseph Stalin and the America of Harry Truman.
Out of the Cold War that lasted from Truman to the disintegration
of the Soviet Empire and breakup of the Soviet Union at the end of
Ronald Reagan's term came a lone victor: the last superpower, the United
States.
Who emerged triumphant from the post-Cold War era, 1991-2011?
Indisputably, it is China, whose 10-12 percent annual growth
vaulted her past Italy, France, Britain, Germany, and Japan to become
the world's second-largest economy and America's lone rival for first
manufacturing power.
If we use a metric called "purchasing power parity," China
overtakes America in 2016. Says the International Monetary Fund, the
American era is over.
Strategically, too, the United States seems in retreat, nowhere
more so than in that region that was the focus of George W. Bush's
"global democratic revolution." And no nation reflects more the relative
loss of U.S. power and influence than does Israel, whose isolation is
today unprecedented. more..
<http://original. antiwar.com/ buchanan/ 2011/05/19/ israel-in- a-post-american- era/>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Israel%20in% 20a%20Post- American% 20Era%20& body=Israel% 20in%20a% 20Post-American% 20Era%20- -%20http://original. antiwar.com/ buchanan/ 2011/05/19/ israel-in- a-post-american- era/%20-- %20link%20courte sy%20www. vtjp.org>

*Mahmoud Abbas, Mr Consistency*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=387037>
Daoud Kuttab, Ma'an News Agency 5/12/2011
Say what you may about the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas,
but supporters and opponents agree on one thing: he is consistent.
Abbas might lack charisma and the ability to drastically change
public opinion or the direction of world leaders, but everyone today can
attest to the man's consistency. He is consistently against violence, in
favor of the two-state solution and generally a democrat at heart. His
word is his honor. What he says he fulfills, and his political
philosophy and methodology do not include the typical game politicians
play: saying one thing and meaning another.
In order to accomplish his goals, Abbas seems to be rather
patient. He waits out his opponents until they come around to his point
of view. This policy is not always successful. The fact that he is
consistent and patient does not necessarily mean that his opponents will
respond in kind.
Abbas did not budge on the need for a settlement freeze as a
necessary step to begin serious negotiations with Israel. He also held
his ground when it came to the reconciliation with Hamas. On the latter,
his policy seemed to succeed, possibly with a little help from the Arab
youth uprisings, the special relationship between Egypt's military
leader and Iran, as well as the trouble that Syria is facing.
The Palestinian president is a democrat at heart. Both his
supporters and his opponents know this about him. When he agreed to hold
parliamentary elections in 2005, many counseled him to postpone them,
but he refused to back down. Abbas headed the demands of young Fatah
cadres for internal elections and held the sixth congress that his
predecessor Yasser Arafat had repeatedly postponed.more. .
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=387037>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Mahmoud%20Abbas, %20Mr%20Consiste ncy%20&body= Mahmoud%20Abbas, %20Mr%20Consiste ncy%20--% 20http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=387037% 20--%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>

*Demonstrations in the Arab World: Reason for Introspection*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16879>
Palestine Chronicle: 21 May 2011 - By Jamil Toubbeh As the sand settles
on few demonstrations in the Arab world, Arab leaders and political
analysts are busily assessing their long-term impact on Arab societies
while their counterparts in the Western world are searching for novel
approaches to maintain the status quo---the Sykes-Picot paradigm. Since
the end of WWI, Western nations have learned to negotiate with corrupt
and iron-fisted rulers worldwide but particularly in the Arab world,
leaving the Arab citizen open to repressive regimes. The Arab world has
oil and now huge deposits of uranium. It has a large population (400M)
that is dependent on Western technology and products, and occupies a
strategic part of the globe that has been a highway for trade and
warring Eastern and Western nations. Today, colonialism, in various
forms, dominates the Arab world. With the exception of Israel where the
concept of classical colonialism is inseparable from Zionism,
neocolonialism is...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16879>

*Fragments: The Nakba Day at Qalandiya*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16878>
Palestine Chronicle: 21 May 2011 - By Tamar Fleishman The smell is the
first to attack the senses with a mixture of sting and sweetness that
penetrates all the channels of the face. Pillars of smoke and gas rose
above the checkpoint, towards the wall and the roofs of the refugee camp
houses. The camps stood one in front of the other, as they used to do in
ancient wars- each side had its weapons, symbols and uniforms to set
them apart. There were more military forces then one could count. There
were soldiers from the unit with black uniform and by them were those
with the green uniform. There were junior and senior officers as well as
representatives from the high ranks. Those who sit on roof tops were
there as well- they took over the entrances to the houses on the main
road of the refugee camp, invaded the homes and appropriated the
windows...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16878>

*Palestinians: Last Victims of the Holocaust*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16877>
Palestine Chronicle: 21 May 2011 - By Lillian Rosengarten Where is the
heart of the Jewish soul? Soul as ethical compassion, the Jewish spirit
as it struggled to survive the darkest nightmare of Nazi racial laws.
How do the first and second generation of victims of such heinous blood
curdling racist crimes during the Nazi progrom of ethnic cleansing, live
it's present form of nationalism in Israel? By what demonic twist of
fate can Jews, who merely two generations ago suffered the cruelest
racial bestiality as victims of Nazi anti-Semitism and racial purity
laws, justify destroying an entire Palestinian population by plowing
through their land, driving out it's inhabitants and by wielding power
through military force to establish their ownership by "right." How can
one justify complicity of Israeli's dehumanization of the Palestinian
population by the American Jewish community including many scholars and
camp survivors who have played a defining role in understanding the
Holocaust experience.. ..more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16877>

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

[ninathedog]

President Obama at
2011 AIPAC Policy Conference

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tib1lYIsdk

Uploaded by whitehouse on May 22, 2011

The President speaks on America's unbreakable bond with Israel at the AIPAC Policy Conference 2011 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. May 22, 2011.

[ninathedog]

TEXT:
Obama's AIPAC Speech

May 22, 2011 | 12:05 p.m.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
nationaljournal.com/

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT
THE AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE 2011

Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
10:56 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Thank you very much. (Applause.) Good morning. Thank you. Thank you so much. Please, have a seat. Thank you.

What a remarkable, remarkable crowd. Thank you, Rosy, for your very kind introduction. I did not know you played basketball. (Laughter.) I will take your word for it. (Laughter.) Rosy, thank you for your many years of friendship. Back in Chicago, when I was just getting started in national politics, I reached out to a lot of people for advice and counsel, and Rosy was one of the very first. When I made my first visit to Israel, after entering the Senate, Rosy, you were at my side every step of that profound journey through the Holy Land. So I want to thank you for your enduring friendship, your leadership, and for your warm introduction today.

I also want to thank David Victor, Howard Kohr and all the board of directors. And let me say that it is wonderful to look out and see so many great friends, including a very large delegation from Chicago. (Applause.) Alan Solow, Howard Green. Thank you all.

I want to thank the members of Congress who are joining you today -- who do so much to sustain the bonds between the United States and Israel, including Eric Cantor -- (applause) -- Steny Hoyer -- (applause) -- and the tireless leader I was proud to appoint as the new chair of the DNC, Debbie Wasserman Schultz. (Applause.)

We’re joined by Israel’s representative to the United States, Ambassador Michael Oren. (Applause.) And we’re joined by one of my top advisors on Israel and the Middle East for the past four years and who I know is going to be an outstanding ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro. (Applause.) Dan has always been a close and trusted advisor and friend, and I know that he will do a terrific job.

And at a time when so many young people around the world are standing up and making their voices heard, I also want to acknowledge all the college students from across the country who are here today. (Applause.) No one has a greater stake in the outcome of events that are unfolding today than your generation, and it’s inspiring to see you devote your time and energy to help shape that future.

Now, I’m not here to subject you to a long policy speech. I gave one on Thursday in which I said that the United States sees the historic changes sweeping the Middle East and North Africa as a moment of great challenge, but also a moment of opportunity for greater peace and security for the entire region, including the State of Israel.

On Friday, I was joined at the White House by Prime Minister Netanyahu, and we reaffirmed -- (applause) -- we reaffirmed that fundamental truth that has guided our presidents and prime ministers for more than 60 years -- that even while we may at times disagree, as friends sometimes will, the bonds between the United States and Israel are unbreakable -- (applause) -- and the commitment of the United States to the security of Israel is ironclad. (Applause.)

A strong and secure Israel is in the national security interest of the United States not simply because we share strategic interests, although we do both seek a region where families and children can live free from the threat of violence. It’s not simply because we face common dangers, although there can be no denying that terrorism and the spread of nuclear weapons are grave threats to both our nations.

America’s commitment to Israel’s security flows from a deeper place -- and that’s the values we share. As two people who struggled to win our freedom against overwhelming odds, we understand that preserving the security for which our forefathers -- and foremothers -- fought must be the work of every generation. As two vibrant democracies, we recognize that the liberties and freedoms we cherish must be constantly nurtured. And as the nation that recognized the State of Israel moments after its independence, we have a profound commitment to its survival as a strong, secure homeland for the Jewish people. (Applause.)

We also know how difficult that search for security can be, especially for a small nation like Israel living in a very tough neighborhood. I’ve seen it firsthand. When I touched my hand against the Western Wall and placed my prayer between its ancient stones, I thought of all the centuries that the children of Israel had longed to return to their ancient homeland. When I went to Sderot and saw the daily struggle to survive in the eyes of an eight-year-old boy who lost his leg to a Hamas rocket, and when I walked among the Hall of Names at Yad Vashem, I was reminded of the existential fear of Israelis when a modern dictator seeks nuclear weapons and threatens to wipe Israel off the face of the map -- face of the Earth.

Because we understand the challenges Israel faces, I and my administration have made the security of Israel a priority. It’s why we’ve increased cooperation between our militaries to unprecedented levels. It’s why we’re making our most advanced technologies available to our Israeli allies. (Applause.) It’s why, despite tough fiscal times, we’ve increased foreign military financing to record levels. (Applause.) And that includes additional support –- beyond regular military aid -– for the Iron Dome anti-rocket system. (Applause.) A powerful example of American-Israeli cooperation -- a powerful example of American-Israeli cooperation which has already intercepted rockets from Gaza and helped saved Israeli lives. So make no mistake, we will maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge. (Applause.)

You also see our commitment to our shared security in our determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. (Applause.) Here in the United States, we’ve imposed the toughest sanctions ever on the Iranian regime. (Applause.) At the United Nations, under our leadership, we’ve secured the most comprehensive international sanctions on the regime, which have been joined by allies and partners around the world. Today, Iran is virtually cut off from large parts of the international financial system, and we’re going to keep up the pressure. So let me be absolutely clear –- we remain committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. (Applause.)

Its illicit nuclear program is just one challenge that Iran poses. As I said on Thursday, the Iranian government has shown its hypocrisy by claiming to support the rights of protesters while treating its own people with brutality. Moreover, Iran continues to support terrorism across the region, including providing weapons and funds to terrorist organizations. So we will continue to work to prevent these actions, and we will stand up to groups like Hezbollah, who exercise political assassination and seek to impose their will through rockets and car bombs.

You also see our commitment to Israel’s security in our steadfast opposition to any attempt to de-legitimize the State of Israel. (Applause.) As I said at the United Nations last year, “Israel’s existence must not be a subject for debate,” and “efforts to chip away at Israel’s legitimacy will only be met by the unshakeable opposition of the United States.” (Applause.)

So when the Durban Review Conference advanced anti-Israel sentiment, we withdrew. In the wake of the Goldstone Report, we stood up strongly for Israel’s right to defend itself. (Applause.) When an effort was made to insert the United Nations into matters that should be resolved through direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, we vetoed it. (Applause.)

And so, in both word and deed, we have been unwavering in our support of Israel’s security. (Applause.) And it is precisely because of our commitment to Israel’s long-term security that we have worked to advance peace between Israelis and Palestinians. (Applause.)

Now, I have said repeatedly that core issues can only be negotiated in direct talks between the parties. (Applause.) And I indicated on Thursday that the recent agreement between Fatah and Hamas poses an enormous obstacle to peace. (Applause.) No country can be expected to negotiate with a terrorist organization sworn to its destruction. (Applause.) And we will continue to demand that Hamas accept the basic responsibilities of peace, including recognizing Israel’s right to exist and rejecting violence and adhering to all existing agreements. (Applause.) And we once again call on Hamas to release Gilad Shalit, who has been kept from his family for five long years. (Applause.)

And yet, no matter how hard it may be to start meaningful negotiations under current circumstances, we must acknowledge that a failure to try is not an option. The status quo is unsustainable. And that is why on Thursday I stated publicly the principles that the United States believes can provide a foundation for negotiations toward an agreement to end the conflict and all claims -- the broad outlines of which have been known for many years, and have been the template for discussions between the United States, Israel, and the Palestinians since at least the Clinton administration.

I know that stating these principles -- on the issues of territory and security -- generated some controversy over the past few days. (Laughter.) I wasn’t surprised. I know very well that the easy thing to do, particularly for a President preparing for reelection, is to avoid any controversy. I don’t need Rahm to tell me that. Don’t need Axelrod to tell me that. But I said to Prime Minister Netanyahu, I believe that the current situation in the Middle East does not allow for procrastination. I also believe that real friends talk openly and honestly with one another. (Applause.) So I want to share with you some of what I said to the Prime Minister.

Here are the facts we all must confront. First, the number of Palestinians living west of the Jordan River is growing rapidly and fundamentally reshaping the demographic realities of both Israel and the Palestinian Territories. This will make it harder and harder -- without a peace deal -- to maintain Israel as both a Jewish state and a democratic state.

Second, technology will make it harder for Israel to defend itself in the absence of a genuine peace.

Third, a new generation of Arabs is reshaping the region. A just and lasting peace can no longer be forged with one or two Arab leaders. Going forward, millions of Arab citizens have to see that peace is possible for that peace to be sustained.

And just as the context has changed in the Middle East, so too has it been changing in the international community over the last several years. There’s a reason why the Palestinians are pursuing their interests at the United Nations. They recognize that there is an impatience with the peace process, or the absence of one, not just in the Arab World -- in Latin America, in Asia, and in Europe. And that impatience is growing, and it’s already manifesting itself in capitals around the world.

And those are the facts. I firmly believe, and I repeated on Thursday, that peace cannot be imposed on the parties to the conflict. No vote at the United Nations will ever create an independent Palestinian state. And the United States will stand up against efforts to single Israel out at the United Nations or in any international forum. (Applause.) Israel’s legitimacy is not a matter for debate. That is my commitment; that is my pledge to all of you. (Applause.)

Moreover, we know that peace demands a partner –- which is why I said that Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with Palestinians who do not recognize its right to exist. (Applause.) And we will hold the Palestinians accountable for their actions and for their rhetoric. (Applause.)

But the march to isolate Israel internationally -- and the impulse of the Palestinians to abandon negotiations –- will continue to gain momentum in the absence of a credible peace process and alternative. And for us to have leverage with the Palestinians, to have leverage with the Arab States and with the international community, the basis for negotiations has to hold out the prospect of success. And so, in advance of a five-day trip to Europe in which the Middle East will be a topic of acute interest, I chose to speak about what peace will require.

There was nothing particularly original in my proposal; this basic framework for negotiations has long been the basis for discussions among the parties, including previous U.S. administrations. Since questions have been raised, let me repeat what I actually said on Thursday -- not what I was reported to have said.

I said that the United States believes that negotiations should result in two states, with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, and permanent Israeli borders with Palestine. The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps -- (applause) -- so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states. The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state.

As for security, every state has the right to self-defense, and Israel must be able to defend itself –- by itself -– against any threat. (Applause.) Provisions must also be robust enough to prevent a resurgence of terrorism, to stop the infiltration of weapons, and to provide effective border security. (Applause.) And a full and phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces should be coordinated with the assumption of Palestinian security responsibility in a sovereign and non-militarized state. (Applause.) And the duration of this transition period must be agreed, and the effectiveness of security arrangements must be demonstrated. (Applause.)

Now, that is what I said. And it was my reference to the 1967 lines -- with mutually agreed swaps -- that received the lion’s share of the attention, including just now. And since my position has been misrepresented several times, let me reaffirm what “1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps” means.

By definition, it means that the parties themselves -– Israelis and Palestinians -– will negotiate a border that is different than the one that existed on June 4, 1967. (Applause.) That’s what mutually agreed-upon swaps means. It is a well-known formula to all who have worked on this issue for a generation. It allows the parties themselves to account for the changes that have taken place over the last 44 years. (Applause.) It allows the parties themselves to take account of those changes, including the new demographic realities on the ground, and the needs of both sides. The ultimate goal is two states for two people: Israel as a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people -- (applause) -- and the State of Palestine as the homeland for the Palestinian people -- each state in joined self-determination, mutual recognition, and peace. (Applause.)

If there is a controversy, then, it’s not based in substance. What I did on Thursday was to say publicly what has long been acknowledged privately. I’ve done so because we can’t afford to wait another decade, or another two decades, or another three decades to achieve peace. (Applause.) The world is moving too fast. The world is moving too fast. The extraordinary challenges facing Israel will only grow. Delay will undermine Israel’s security and the peace that the Israeli people deserve.

Now, I know that some of you will disagree with this assessment. I respect that. And as fellow Americans and friends of Israel, I know we can have this discussion.

Ultimately, it is the right and the responsibility of the Israeli government to make the hard choices that are necessary to protect a Jewish and democratic state for which so many generations have sacrificed. (Applause.) And as a friend of Israel, I’m committed to doing our part to see that this goal is realized. And I will call not just on Israel, but on the Palestinians, on the Arab States, and the international community to join us in this effort, because the burden of making hard choices must not be Israel’s alone. (Applause.)

But even as we do all that’s necessary to ensure Israel’s security, even as we are clear-eyed about the difficult challenges before us, and even as we pledge to stand by Israel through whatever tough days lie ahead, I hope we do not give up on that vision of peace. For if history teaches us anything, if the story of Israel teaches us anything, it is that with courage and resolve, progress is possible. Peace is possible.

The Talmud teaches us that, “So long as a person still has life, they should never abandon faith.” And that lesson seems especially fitting today.

For so long as there are those across the Middle East and beyond who are standing up for the legitimate rights and freedoms which have been denied by their governments, the United States will never abandon our support for those rights that are universal.

And so long as there are those who long for a better future, we will never abandon our pursuit of a just and lasting peace that ends this conflict with two states living side by side in peace and security. This is not idealism; it is not naïveté. It is a hard-headed recognition that a genuine peace is the only path that will ultimately provide for a peaceful Palestine as the homeland of the Palestinian people and a Jewish state of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. (Applause.) That is my goal, and I look forward to continuing to work with AIPAC to achieve that goal.

Thank you. God bless you. God bless Israel, and God bless the United States of America. (Applause.) Thank you.

END

www.nationaljournal.com/whitehouse/text-obama-s-aipac-speech-20110522

[dan]

May 21, 2011 20:58:21 GMT 4 @ninathedog said:

;D well, Thank You, Dr. Dan!! I feel truly honored.

Just up after another fight with low blood pressure. Ninathedog, as I have said before TRUTH IS TRUTH.

I have deep ties to the State of Israel, her People, and the Group within which Marcia is the Grand Commander has even deeper ties! Yet, TRUTH IS TRUTH! As you are aware we are deeply committed into the struggle of the Libyan people for their freedom.

I have studied, prayed over, and reaffirmed by faith in the real, spiritual, Israel.

Anything, ANTHING, which has to do with Isreal carries with it great sensitivity and great danger. In a recent "room meeting" I introduced an idea into the mix which caused more than a small uproar, one underway I am sure as I write, and an idea above and beyond the issue of the intensely controlled airspace. To shouts of "YOU WOULD NOT DARE!" I suggested...as everyone knows the official colors of our Group, used as early as 1947...that perhaps heavily armed choppers (only in defense of innocents and themselves) arriving in an area of GAZA, bearing humanitarian supplies, should also PROMINENTLY bear another (aside from our patches) "Blue and White symbol" on their sides and noses...ONE, TOO, BASED ON THE TALLIT?

ALL PEOPLES HAVE A RIGHT TO A HOMELAND.

This applies strictures to me and with great pain but purposeful word use...but perhaps such acts would remind certain others of the wrongness Mûsa first saw upon descent from Mt. Sinai? To slams on their desks, by the one delegation, I was forced by TRUTH, LOVE, AND TRUE MEANING, to ask, "Who is truly forever linked, as we are not deprived of the words of Zakariya, if not also they of Palestine, together wth us all, before the Eternal?"

(Unrelated inside message to someone: if able up, I WILL call you tonight.)

Dan

[ninathedog]

May 23, 2011 15:09:34 GMT 4 @dan said:

May 21, 2011 20:58:21 GMT 4 @ninathedog said:

;D well, Thank You, Dr. Dan!! I feel truly honored.

Just up after another fight with low blood pressure. Ninathedog, as I have said before TRUTH IS TRUTH.

I have deep ties to the State of Israel, her People, and the Group within which Marcia is the Grand Commander has even deeper ties! Yet, TRUTH IS TRUTH! As you are aware we are deeply committed into the struggle of the Libyan people for their freedom.

I have studied, prayed over, and reaffirmed by faith in the real, spiritual, Israel.

Anything, ANTHING, which has to do with Isreal carries with it great sensitivity and great danger. In a recent "room meeting" I introduced an idea into the mix which caused more than a small uproar, one underway I am sure as I write, and an idea above and beyond the issue of the intensely controlled airspace. To shouts of "YOU WOULD NOT DARE!" I suggested...as everyone knows the official colors of our Group, used as early as 1947...that perhaps heavily armed choppers (only in defense of innocents and themselves) arriving in an area of GAZA, bearing humanitarian supplies, should also PROMINENTLY bear another (aside from our patches) "Blue and White symbol" on their sides and noses...ONE, TOO, BASED ON THE TALLIT?

ALL PEOPLES HAVE A RIGHT TO A HOMELAND.

This applies strictures to me and with great pain but purposeful word use...but perhaps such acts would remind certain others of the wrongness Mûsa first saw upon descent from Mt. Sinai? To slams on their desks, by the one delegation, I was forced by TRUTH, LOVE, AND TRUE MEANING, to ask, "Who is truly forever linked, as we are not deprived of the words of Zakariya, if not also they of Palestine, together wth us all, before the Eternal?"

(Unrelated inside message to someone: if able up, I WILL call you tonight.)

Dan

Dan,

As long as people are upset anyway, here is some gasoline for the fire.

I've transcribed the entire book and have finally returned to the project, a few years after beginning it, in order to finish typing out the last very unsettling chapter.

Please forgive all the typographical errors. Maybe I'll go in and correct the typos at some point but until then, I think that it's easy enough to follow along.

This is posted in order to aid people's understanding. I've alluded it to it in the past with unmarked links, but this time I'm making the book blatantly obvious.

With apologies for any hurt this may cause,

Love,
Ninathedog


ZIONIST RELATIONS WITH NAZI GERMANY

By Faris Glubb
© 1979


www.amazon.com/Zionist-Relations-Germany-Faris-Glubb/dp/0911026118


These are links to each corresponding chapter:

ZIONIST RELATIONS WITH NAZI GERMANY

Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter One — The Early Zionist Attitude to Anti-Semitism
Chapter Two — The Common Ground Between Zionism and Nazism
Chapter Three — The Ha'avara Agreements
Chapter Four — The 1938 Emigration Accords
Chapter Five — The Ghetto Revolts
Chapter Six — Zionist Policy on the Holocaust
Chapter Seven — Kastner and the Hungarian Jews
Chapter Eight — The Concealment of Evidence
Chapter Nine — The Irgun and Nazism
Chapter Ten — Assessment of Zionist Policy towards Nazism

Introduction

Despite the appearance of large numbers of books on Nazi Germany's barbaric treatment of the European Jews, there is widespread public ignorance on one important aspect of this question: the relationship between the Zionist movement and Nazi Germany. The information on this subject is available, but has not yet been gathered together in a single comprehensive study.

(Note: You may also refer to 51 Documents of Zionist Collaboration With The Nazis edited by Lenni Brenner and A Threat From Within: A Century of Jewish Opposition to Zionism by Yakov M. Rabkin.) This study is intended, at least partially, to remedy this deficiency.

Owing to the delicate nature of this subject, and the Zionist tendency to brand any non-Zionist or anti-Zionist viewpoint as "anti-Semitic", all the material on Zionist-Nazi relations in this study is taken from exclusively Jewish sources. The writers quoted cover a wide spectrum of views, from extreme Zionist to anti-Zionist, with various shades in between. The reader will thus be able to form an accurate and objective opinion on the basis of evidence presented by leading Jewish historians.

—Faris Glubb in his Introduction to ZIONIST RELATIONS WITH NAZI GERMANY[/blockquote][/b]

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