Humanitarian Issues

[ninathedog]

Two fishing boats shot
off Gaza coast

21 June 2011 | International Solidarity Movement

At around 9am on June 21, two fishing boats were attacked by the Israeli Navy, with bullets piercing both engines, rendering them unusable.

The first boat was shot at in the motor, at the rear end and, when the 4-man crew took cover at the front of the boat, away from the shots directed at the motor, the front of the boat was fired upon.

Yaser Baker is one of the four fishermen who were aboard the first boat which was shot. “We were at around two and a half miles out to sea when they shot at our engine and it broke. We stopped the boat and all moved to the front, away from the engine so that we wouldn’t get hit. Then they shot at the front, right at us, the bullets just missing our bodies and one landed right by my leg.”

A second boat, manned by Mohammed Bakri Sabir came to assist the first, but was also attacked, both in the engine and the front of the boat, where the crew was taking cover.

Aboard the second boat were three fishermen and two of their children, aged nine and ten years old.

The boats managed to escape when around twenty other local fishing boats surrounded them and escorted them back to shore as the nine-year-old feigned an injury. “He had to play dead,” Baker explained, “it was the only way we could get them to stop firing.”

palsolidarity.org/2011/06/19025/

2011 fishing limit update—LESS THAN THREE MILES FROM SHORE.

• fishingunderfire.blogspot.com/
• overfishing.org

[ninathedog]

Lebanon Sends Complaint to UN over
Israel-Cyprus Maritime Agreement

22.06.11 - 12:09
Palestine News Network—PNN

Beirut (PNN) — According to a report on Tuesday in Lebanon’s Daily Star newspaper, Lebanon’s Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Adnan Mansour sent a complaint to the United Nations about the joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) established last year between Israel and Cyprus.

The newly appointed minister asserted in the letter that the “agreement is a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and economic rights and threatens peace and security in the area.”

In June 2010 scientists discovered a large natural gas field that lies in the waters between Israel, Lebanon and Cyprus.

While International law stipulates that states separated by less than 400 meters of sea must negotiate their maritime borders, Israel and Cyprus did not consult Lebanon, which asserts that it has rights to the gas field given that some of it lies within its maritime territory.

In response to the letter, Israel’s National Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau, who signed the agreement on behalf of Israel last year, told Bloomberg that Israel was not afraid of using force to protect the area.

Related news items:

* 22/06/2011 15:29 - The First Government School for the Deaf Opens in Palestine
* 22/06/2011 15:19 - Soldiers Attack Non-Violent Protest Near Ramallah
* 22/06/2011 13:08 - The Battle Lines are Drawn
* 22/06/2011 12:43 - Jordan Warns of Instability if Funding to UNRWA Stops
* 22/06/2011 12:09 - Two Israeli Officers Suspended, One Indicted for Vandalisation of Vehicles

Jul 13, 2010 22:15:14 GMT 4 @ninathedog said:

War and Natural Gas: The Israeli Invasion and
Gaza's Offshore Gas Fields

by Michel Chossudovsky
Global Research, January 8, 2009

THIS ARTICLE HAS LINKS. PLEASE VISIT ORIGINAL FOR LINKS.

The military invasion of the Gaza Strip by Israeli Forces bears a direct relation to the control and ownership of strategic offshore gas reserves.

This is a war of conquest. Discovered in 2000, there are extensive gas reserves off the Gaza coastline.

British Gas (BG Group) and its partner, the Athens based Consolidated Contractors International Company (CCC) owned by Lebanon's Sabbagh and Koury families, were granted oil and gas exploration rights in a 25 year agreement signed in November 1999 with the Palestinian Authority.

The rights to the offshore gas field are respectively British Gas (60 percent); Consolidated Contractors (CCC) (30 percent); and the Investment Fund of the Palestinian Authority (10 percent). (Haaretz, October 21, 2007).

The PA-BG-CCC agreement includes field development and the construction of a gas pipeline.(Middle East Economic Digest, Jan 5, 2001).

The BG licence covers the entire Gazan offshore marine area, which is contiguous to several Israeli offshore gas facilities. (See Map below). It should be noted that 60 percent of the gas reserves along the Gaza-Israel coastline belong to Palestine.

The BG Group drilled two wells in 2000: Gaza Marine-1 and Gaza Marine-2. Reserves are estimated by British Gas to be of the order of 1.4 trillion cubic feet, valued at approximately 4 billion dollars. These are the figures made public by British Gas. The size of Palestine's gas reserves could be much larger.


Map 1


Map 2

Who Owns the Gas Fields

The issue of sovereignty over Gaza's gas fields is crucial. From a legal standpoint, the gas reserves belong to Palestine.

The death of Yasser Arafat, the election of the Hamas government and the ruin of the Palestinian Authority have enabled Israel to establish de facto control over Gaza's offshore gas reserves.

British Gas (BG Group) has been dealing with the Tel Aviv government. In turn, the Hamas government has been bypassed in regards to exploration and development rights over the gas fields.

The election of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in 2001 was a major turning point. Palestine's sovereignty over the offshore gas fields was challenged in the Israeli Supreme Court. Sharon stated unequivocally that "Israel would never buy gas from Palestine" intimating that Gaza's offshore gas reserves belong to Israel.

In 2003, Ariel Sharon, vetoed an initial deal, which would allow British Gas to supply Israel with natural gas from Gaza's offshore wells. (The Independent, August 19, 2003)

The election victory of Hamas in 2006 was conducive to the demise of the Palestinian Authority, which became confined to the West Bank, under the proxy regime of Mahmoud Abbas.

In 2006, British Gas "was close to signing a deal to pump the gas to Egypt." (Times, May, 23, 2007). According to reports, British Prime Minister Tony Blair intervened on behalf of Israel with a view to shunting the agreement with Egypt.

The following year, in May 2007, the Israeli Cabinet approved a proposal by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert "to buy gas from the Palestinian Authority." The proposed contract was for $4 billion, with profits of the order of $2 billion of which one billion was to go the Palestinians.

Tel Aviv, however, had no intention on sharing the revenues with Palestine. An Israeli team of negotiators was set up by the Israeli Cabinet to thrash out a deal with the BG Group, bypassing both the Hamas government and the Palestinian Authority:

"Israeli defence authorities want the Palestinians to be paid in goods and services and insist that no money go to the Hamas-controlled Government." (Ibid, emphasis added)

The objective was essentially to nullify the contract signed in 1999 between the BG Group and the Palestinian Authority under Yasser Arafat.

Under the proposed 2007 agreement with BG, Palestinian gas from Gaza's offshore wells was to be channeled by an undersea pipeline to the Israeli seaport of Ashkelon, thereby transferring control over the sale of the natural gas to Israel.

The deal fell through. The negotiations were suspended:

"Mossad Chief Meir Dagan opposed the transaction on security grounds, that the proceeds would fund terror". (Member of Knesset Gilad Erdan, Address to the Knesset on "The Intention of Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to Purchase Gas from the Palestinians When Payment Will Serve Hamas," March 1, 2006, quoted in Lt. Gen. (ret.) Moshe Yaalon, Does the Prospective Purchase of British Gas from Gaza's Coastal Waters Threaten Israel's National Security? Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, October 2007)

Israel's intent was to foreclose the possibility that royalties be paid to the Palestinians. In December 2007, The BG Group withdrew from the negotiations with Israel and in January 2008 they closed their office in Israel. (BG website).

Invasion Plan on The Drawing Board

The invasion plan of the Gaza Strip under "Operation Cast Lead" (December 2008–January 2009) was set in motion in June 2008, according to Israeli military sources:

"Sources in the defense establishment said Defense Minister Ehud Barak instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare for the operation over six months ago [June or before June], even as Israel was beginning to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Hamas." (Barak Ravid, Operation "Cast Lead": Israeli Air Force strike followed months of planning, Haaretz, December 27, 2008)

That very same month, the Israeli authorities contacted British Gas, with a view to resuming crucial negotiations pertaining to the purchase of Gaza's natural gas:

"Both Ministry of Finance director general Yarom Ariav and Ministry of National Infrastructures director general Hezi Kugler agreed to inform BG of Israel's wish to renew the talks.

The sources added that BG has not yet officially responded to Israel's request, but that company executives would probably come to Israel in a few weeks to hold talks with government officials." (Globes online- Israel's Business Arena, June 23, 2008)

The decision to speed up negotiations with British Gas (BG Group) coincided, chronologically, with the planning of the invasion of Gaza initiated in June. It would appear that Israel was anxious to reach an agreement with the BG Group prior to the invasion, which was already in an advanced planning stage.

Moreover, these negotiations with British Gas were conducted by the Ehud Olmert government with the knowledge that a military invasion was on the drawing board. In all likelihood, a new "post war" political-territorial arrangement for the Gaza strip was also being contemplated by the Israeli government.

In fact, negotiations between British Gas and Israeli officials were ongoing in October 2008, 2-3 months prior to the commencement of the bombings on December 27th.

In November 2008, the Israeli Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of National Infrastructures instructed Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) to enter into negotiations with British Gas, on the purchase of natural gas from the BG's offshore concession in Gaza. (Globes, November 13, 2008)

"Ministry of Finance director general Yarom Ariav and Ministry of National Infrastructures director general Hezi Kugler wrote to IEC CEO Amos Lasker recently, informing him of the government's decision to allow negotiations to go forward, in line with the framework proposal it approved earlier this year.

The IEC board, headed by chairman Moti Friedman, approved the principles of the framework proposal a few weeks ago. The talks with BG Group will begin once the board approves the exemption from a tender." (Globes Nov. 13, 2008)

Gaza and Energy Geopolitics

The military occupation of Gaza is intent upon transferring the sovereignty of the gas fields to Israel in violation of international law.

What can we expect in the wake of the invasion?

What is the intent of Israel with regard to Palestine's Natural Gas reserves?

A new territorial arrangement, with the stationing of Israeli and/or "peacekeeping" troops?

The militarization of the entire Gaza coastline, which is strategic for Israel?

The outright confiscation of Palestinian gas fields and the unilateral declaration of Israeli sovereignty over Gaza's maritime areas?

If this were to occur, the Gaza gas fields would be integrated into Israel's offshore installations, which are contiguous to those of the Gaza Strip. (See Map 1 above).

These various offshore installations are also linked up to Israel's energy transport corridor, extending from the port of Eilat, which is an oil pipeline terminal, on the Red Sea to the seaport - pipeline terminal at Ashkelon, and northwards to Haifa, and eventually linking up through a proposed Israeli-Turkish pipeline with the Turkish port of Ceyhan.

Ceyhan is the terminal of the Baku, Tblisi Ceyhan Trans Caspian pipeline. "What is envisaged is to link the BTC pipeline to the Trans-Israel Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline, also known as Israel's Tipline." (See Michel Chossudovsky, The War on Lebanon and the Battle for Oil, Global Research, July 23, 2006)


Map 3

www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=11680

(many thanks to Tali S)

War and Natural Gas: The Israeli Invasion and
Gaza's Offshore Gas Fields

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IutfTigG4tI

ISLAMIC0NTENT | January 19, 2009

www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=11680

Category: News & Politics
Tags: * BG * Group * British * Gas * gaza * strip * war * Palestine * military * invasion * Israel * strategic * offshore * gas * reserves * marine * area * coastline * Investment * Fund * Palestinian * Authority

Cynthia McKinney, re her arrest by the Israeli Navy, and,
natural gas off the coast of Gaza

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvjksCY-g0w

AnnieGetYourGang | July 12, 2009

On June 30th 2009, Israeli Naval gunships surrounded the "Spirit of Humanity, a boat used by the Free Gaza Movement, in international waters 60 miles off the coast of Israel. . Twenty-one activists, from 11 countries, including former Gerogia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, had boarded the Spirit of Humanity in Lamaco, Cyprus, with medical aid, toys, and building supplies,hoping to carry them to the Gaza's besieged Palestinian population.

They had hoped not only to deliver aid, but also to challenge the illegal blockade imposed by the Israeli government on Gaza.

Upon her release and return, Cynthia McKinney spoke to WBAIX-New York, from New York's JFK Airport, where she reported that the Israeli Navy had towed the "Spirit of Humanity," not directly to Port Ashdod,, but in a very circuitous route bypassing the Gaza Coast. She ssid this suggested that the Israeli Navy is engaged in activity that they don't want anyone to observe off the Coast of Gaza, which is known to be the site of billions of dollars worth of natural gas reserves.

Category: News & Politics
Tags: * Cynthia McKinney * Palestine * Gaza * arrest * Israeli Navy * natural gas

[ninathedog]

Bilderberg 2011: The Rockefeller World Order and
the "High Priests of Globalization"

by Andrew Gavin Marshall
Global Research, June 16, 2011

To say we were striving for a one-world government is exaggerated, but not wholly unfair.
Those of us in Bilderberg felt we couldn't go on forever fighting one another for nothing and
killing people and rendering millions homeless. So we felt that a single community
throughout the world would be a good thing.[1]

— Denis Healey, 30-year member of the Steering Committee of the Bilderberg Group

The ‘Foundations’ of the Bilderberg Group

The Bilderberg Group, formed in 1954, was founded in the Netherlands as a secretive meeting held once a year, drawing roughly 130 of the political-financial-military-academic-media elites from North America and Western Europe as “an informal network of influential people who could consult each other privately and confidentially.”[2] Regular participants include the CEOs or Chairman of some of the largest corporations in the world, oil companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, British Petroleum, and Total SA, as well as various European monarchs, international bankers such as David Rockefeller, major politicians, presidents, prime ministers, and central bankers of the world.[3] The Bilderberg Group acts as a “secretive global think-tank,” with an original intent to “to link governments and economies in Europe and North America amid the Cold War.”[4]


David Rockefeller

In the early 1950s, top European elites worked with selected American elites to form the Bilderberg Group in an effort to bring together the most influential people from both sides of the Atlantic to advance the cause of ‘Atlanticism’ and ‘globalism.’ The list of attendees were the usual suspects: top politicians, international businessmen, bankers, leaders of think tanks and foundations, top academics and university leaders, diplomats, media moguls, military officials, and Bilderberg also included several heads of state, monarchs, as well as senior intelligence officials, including top officials of the CIA, which was the main financier for the first meeting in 1954.[5]

The European founders of the Bilderberg Group included Joseph Retinger and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. Prince Bernhard had, incidentally, been a member of the Nazi Party until 1934, three years prior to his marrying the Dutch Queen Juliana, and had also worked for the German industrial giant, I.G. Farben, the maker of Zyklon B, the gas used in concentration camps.[6] On the American side, those who were most prominent in the formation of the Bilderberg Group were David Rockefeller, Dean Rusk (a top official with the Council on Foreign Relations who was then the head of the Rockefeller Foundation), Joseph Johnson (another Council leader who was head of the Carnegie Endowment), and John J. McCloy (a top Council leader who became Chairman of Chase Manhattan Bank in 1953 and was also Chairman of the Board of the Ford Foundation).[7]

The fact that the major American foundations – Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Ford – were so pivotal in the origins of the Bilderberg Group is not a mere coincidence. The foundations have, since their founding at the beginning of the 20th century, been the central institutions in constructing consensus among elites, and creating consent to power. They are, in short, the engines of social engineering: both for elite circles specifically, and society as a whole, more generally. As Professor of Education Robert F. Arnove wrote in his book Philanthropy and Cultural Imperialism:

Foundations like Carnegie, Rockefeller, and Ford have a corrosive influence on a democratic society; they represent relatively unregulated and unaccountable concentrations of power and wealth which buy talent, promote causes, and, in effect, establish an agenda of what merits society’s attention. They serve as “cooling-out” agencies, delaying and preventing more radical, structural change. They help maintain an economic and political order, international in scope, which benefits the ruling-class interests of philanthropists and philanthropoids – a system which... has worked against the interests of minorities, the working class, and Third World peoples.[8]

These foundations had been central in promoting the ideology of ‘globalism’ that laid the groundwork for organizations such as the Council on Foreign Relations and the Bilderberg Group to exist. The Rockefeller Foundation, in particular, supported several organizations that promoted a ‘liberal internationalist’ philosophy, the aim of which:

was to support a foreign policy within a new world order that was to feature the United States as the leading power – a programme defined by the Rockefeller Foundation as ‘disinterested’, ‘objective’ and even ‘non-political’... The construction of a new internationalist consensus required the conscious, targeted funding of individuals and organizations who questioned and undermined the supporters of the ‘old order’ while simultaneously promoting the ‘new’.[9]

The major foundations funded and created not only policy-oriented institutes such as think tanks, but they were also pivotal in the organization and construction of universities and education itself, in particular, the study of ‘international relations.’[10] The influence of foundations over education and universities and thus, ‘knowledge’ itself, is unparalleled. As noted in the book, Philanthropy and Cultural Imperialism:

The power of the foundation is not that of dictating what will be studied. Its power consists in defining professional and intellectual parameters, in determining who will receive support to study what subjects in what settings. And the foundation’s power resides in suggesting certain types of activities it favors and is willing to support. As [political theorist and economist Harold] Laski noted, “the foundations do not control, simply because, in the direct and simple sense of the word, there is no need for them to do so. They have only to indicate the immediate direction of their minds for the whole university world to discover that it always meant to gravitate to that angle of the intellectual compass.”[11]

The major philanthropic foundations created by America’s ‘robber baron’ industrialists and bankers were established not to benefit mankind, as was their stated purpose, but to benefit the bankers and industrialist elites in order to engage in social engineering. Through banks, these powerful families controlled the global economy; through think tanks, they manage the political and foreign policy establishments; and through foundations, they engineer society itself according to their own designs and interests. Through these foundations, elites have come to shape the processes, ideas and institutions of education, thus ensuring their continued hegemony over society through the production and control of knowledge. The educational institutions train future elites for government, economics, sciences, and other professional environments, as well as producing the academics that make up the principle component of think tanks, such as the Bilderberg Group.

Foundations effectively “blur boundaries” between the public and private sectors, while simultaneously effecting the separation of such areas in the study of social sciences. This boundary erosion between public and private spheres “adds feudal elements to our purported democracy, yet it has not been resisted, protested, or even noted much by political elites or social scientists.”[12] Zbigniew Brzezinski, foreign policy strategist, former director of the Council on Foreign Relations, Bilderberg member and co-founder with David Rockefeller of the Trilateral Commission, wrote that the blurring of boundaries “serves United States world dominance”:

As the imitation of American ways gradually pervades the world, it creates a more congenial setting for the exercise of the indirect and seemingly consensual American hegemony. And as in the case of the domestic American system, that hegemony involves a complex structure of interlocking institutions and procedures, designed to generate consensus and obscure asymmetries in power and influence.[13]

In 1915, a Congressional investigation into the power of philanthropic foundations took place, named the Walsh Commission, which warned that, “the power of wealth could overwhelm democratic culture and politics.”[14] The Final Report of the Walsh Commission “suggested that foundations would be more likely to pursue their own ideology in society than social objectivity.”[15] In this context, we can come to understand the evolution of the Bilderberg Group as an international think tank aimed at constructing consensus and entrenching ideology among the elite.

At their first meeting, Bilderbergers covered the following broad areas, which remained focal points of discussion for successive meetings: Communism and the Soviet Union; Dependent areas and peoples overseas; Economic policies and problems; and European integration and the European Defense Community.[16]

Nearly every single American participant in the Bilderberg meetings was also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Among the notable American members of the Bilderberg Group in its early years were David Rockefeller, Dean Rusk, John J. McCloy, George McGhee, George Ball, Walt Whitman Rostow, McGeorge Bundy, Arthur Dean, and Paul Nitze. As Political Scientist Stephen Gill wrote, “Prominent in the American section were the network of Rockefeller interests.”[17]

Certainly, while Rothschild interests have remained in the Bilderberg Group, as evidenced by Edmond de Rothschild having been a member of the Steering Committee, and Franco Bernabe, Vice Chairman of Rothschild Europe being a current Steering Committee member,[18] the Rockefeller interests seem to be most dominant. Not only is David Rockefeller sitting as the single individual of the Member Advisory Group of the Steering Committee, but close Rockefeller confidantes have long served on the Steering Committee and been affiliated with the organization, such as: Sharon Percy Rockefeller; George Ball, a long-time leader in the Council on Foreign Relations, who was Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations; Henry Kissinger, long-time Rockefeller aide and American imperial strategist; Zbigniew Brzezinski, who co-founded the Trilateral Commission with David Rockefeller; Joseph E. Johnson, former U.S. State Department official and President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; John J. McCloy, former Chairman the Council on Foreign Relations (superceded by David Rockefeller), former Assistant Secretary of War, Chairman of Chase Manhattan Bank (where he was superceded by David Rockefeller), former Trustee of the Rockefeller Foundation, Chairman of the Ford Foundation, and President of the World Bank; and James Wolfensohn, former President of the World Bank and Trustee of the Rockefeller Foundation.

One current Steering Committee member, who is representative of not only a continuation of Rockefeller interests, but also of the continuing influence and role of the major foundations is Jessica T. Matthews. She is President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, who had served on the National Security Council under Zbigniew Brzezinski, was a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (at which David Rockefeller remains as Honorary Chairman), is a member of the Trilateral Commission, is a trustee of the Rockefeller Foundation, and has served on the boards of the Brookings Institution, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Joyce Foundation.

Bilderberg and the European Union

Joseph Retinger, one of the founders of the Bilderberg Group, was also one of the original architects of the European Common Market and a leading intellectual champion of European integration. In 1946, he told the Royal Institute of International Affairs (the British counterpart and sister organization of the Council on Foreign Relations), that Europe needed to create a federal union and for European countries to “relinquish part of their sovereignty.” Retinger was a founder of the European Movement (EM), a lobbying organization dedicated to creating a federal Europe. Retinger secured financial support for the European Movement from powerful US financial interests such as the Council on Foreign Relations and the Rockefellers.[19] Important to note is that following World War II, the CFR’s main finances came from the Carnegie Corporation, Ford Foundation and most especially, the Rockefeller Foundation.[20]

Apart from Retinger, the founder of the Bilderberg Group and the European Movement, another ideological founder of European integration was Jean Monnet, who founded the Action Committee for a United States of Europe (ACUE), an organization dedicated to promoting European integration, and he was also the major promoter and first president of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the precursor to the European Common Market.[21]

Declassified documents (released in 2001) showed that “the US intelligence community ran a campaign in the Fifties and Sixties to build momentum for a united Europe. It funded and directed the European federalist movement.”[22] The documents revealed that, “America was working aggressively behind the scenes to push Britain into a European state. One memorandum, dated July 26, 1950, gives instructions for a campaign to promote a fully-fledged European parliament. It is signed by Gen William J Donovan, head of the American wartime Office of Strategic Services, precursor of the CIA.” Further, “Washington's main tool for shaping the European agenda was the American Committee for a United Europe, created in 1948. The chairman was Donovan, ostensibly a private lawyer by then,” and “the vice-chairman was Allen Dulles, the CIA director in the Fifties. The board included Walter Bedell Smith, the CIA's first director, and a roster of ex-OSS figures and officials who moved in and out of the CIA. The documents show that ACUE financed the European Movement, the most important federalist organisation in the post-war years.” Interestingly, “the leaders of the European Movement - Retinger, the visionary Robert Schuman and the former Belgian prime minister Paul-Henri Spaak - were all treated as hired hands by their American sponsors. The US role was handled as a covert operation. ACUE's funding came from the Ford and Rockefeller foundations as well as business groups with close ties to the US government.”[23]

The European Coal and Steel Community was formed in 1951, and signed by France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Newly released documents from the 1955 Bilderberg meeting show that a main topic of discussion was “European Unity,” and that “the discussion affirmed complete support for the idea of integration and unification from the representatives of all the six nations of the Coal and Steel Community present at the conference.” Further, “A European speaker expressed concern about the need to achieve a common currency, and indicated that in his view this necessarily implied the creation of a central political authority.” Interestingly, “a United States participant confirmed that the United States had not weakened in its enthusiastic support for the idea of integration, although there was considerable diffidence in America as to how this enthusiasm should be manifested. Another United States participant urged his European friends to go ahead with the unification of Europe with less emphasis upon ideological considerations and, above all, to be practical and work fast.”[24] Thus, at the 1955 Bilderberg Group meeting, they set as a primary agenda, the creation of a European common market.[25]

In 1957, two years later, the Treaty of Rome was signed, which created the European Economic Community (EEC), also known as the European Community. Over the decades, various other treaties were signed, and more countries joined the European Community. In 1992, the Maastricht Treaty was signed, which created the European Union and led to the creation of the Euro. The European Monetary Institute was created in 1994, the European Central Bank was founded in 1998, and the Euro was launched in 1999. Etienne Davignon, Chairman of the Bilderberg Group and former EU Commissioner, revealed in March of 2009 that the Euro was debated and planned at Bilderberg conferences.[26]

The European Constitution (renamed the Lisbon Treaty) was a move towards creating a European superstate, creating an EU foreign minister, and with it, coordinated foreign policy, with the EU taking over the seat of Britain on the UN Security Council, representing all EU member states, forcing the nations to “actively and unreservedly” follow an EU foreign policy; set out the framework to create an EU defence policy, as an appendage to or separate from NATO; the creation of a European Justice system, with the EU defining “minimum standards in defining offences and setting sentences,” and creates common asylum and immigration policy; and it would also hand over to the EU the power to “ensure co-ordination of economic and employment policies”; and EU law would supercede all law of the member states, thus making the member nations relative to mere provinces within a centralized federal government system.[27]

The Constitution was largely written up by Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, former President of the French Republic from 1974 to 1981. Giscard d’Estaing also happens to be a member of the Bidlerberg Group, the Trilateral Commission, and is also a close friend of Henry Kissinger, having co-authored papers with him.

The Treaty, passed in 2009, created the position of President of the European Council, who represents the EU on the world stage and leads the Council, which determines the political direction of the EU. The first President of the European Council is Herman Van Rompuy, former Prime Minister of Belgium. On November 12, 2009, a small Bilderberg meeting took place, hosted by Viscount Etienne Davignon (Chairman of the Bilderberg Group), and including “international policymakers and industrialists,” among them, Henry Kissinger. Herman Von Rompuy “attended the Bilderberg session to audition for the European job, calling for a new system of levies to fund the EU and replace the perennial EU budget battles.”[28] Following his selection as President, Van Rompuy gave a speech in which he stated, “We are going through exceptionally difficult times: the financial crisis and its dramatic impact on employment and budgets, the climate crisis which threatens our very survival; a period of anxiety, uncertainty, and lack of confidence. Yet, these problems can be overcome by a joint effort in and between our countries. 2009 is also the first year of global governance with the establishment of the G20 in the middle of the financial crisis; the climate conference in Copenhagen is another step towards the global management of our planet.”[29]

As indicated from leaks of the recent 2011 Bilderberg meeting in Switzerland, the euro-zone is in a major crisis, and Bilderberg members are struggling to keep the house of glass from shattering to pieces. One major subject discussed at this year’s meeting, according to Bilderberg investigative journalist, Daniel Estulin (who reportedly has inside sources in the meetings who leak information, which has proved quite accurate in the past), the Bilderberg meeting discussed the situation of Greece, which is likely to only get worse, with another bailout on the horizon, continuing social unrest, and a possible abandonment of the euro. The problems of Greece, Ireland and the wider global economy as a whole were featured in this year’s discussions.[30] Representatives from Greece this year included George Papaconstantinou, the Greek Minister of Finance, among several bankers and businessmen.[31]

Among the EU power players attending this years meeting was the first President of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy, who was appointed as President following an invitation to a private Bilderberg meeting in November of 2009, at which he gave a speech advocating for EU-wide taxes, allowing the EU to not rely exclusively upon its member nations, but have its “own resources.”[32] Van Rompuy, who previously stated that, “2009 is also the first year of global governance,” is no surprise guest at Bilderberg. Other key EU officials who attended this year’s meeting were Joaquín Almunia, a Vice President of the European Commission; Frans van Daele, Chief of Staff to European Council President Van Rompuy; Neelie Kroes, a Vice President of the European Commission; and of course, Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank.[33]

As with each meeting, there is the official list of participants, and then there are those participants who attend, but whose names are not listed in any official release. At this year’s meeting, some reports indicate that attendees whose names were not listed included NATO Secretary-General Anders Rasmussen, which is not surprising considering that the NATO Secretary-General has generally been present at every meeting; Jose Luis Zapatero, Spanish Prime Minister; Angela Merkel, German Chancellor; Bill Gates, Co-Chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and former Microsoft CEO; and Robert Gates, the outgoing U.S. Secretary of Defense.[34] The Guardian also reported that these “unofficial guests” were spotted at the conference or had their attendance ‘leaked’.[35] Angela Merkel has reportedly attended meetings in the past, which would make her current attendance less than surprising.[36]

At the recent meeting, EU officials were discussing the need for the EU to undertake a “massive power grab” in the face of the massive economic crisis facing Europe and indeed the world. Without such a power grab, the euro and indeed the Union itself would likely collapse; a scenario anathema to everything the Bilderberg group has tried to achieve in its 57-year history. The aim, put simply, would be to have the EU police itself and the nations of the Union, with the ability to punish nations for not following the rules, and as one Bilderberger reportedly stated at the meeting, “What we are heading towards a form of real economic government.”[37] Now while this statement cannot be independently verified, there is much documentation within the public record that several of the European attendees at the meeting could have easily made such a statement.

Prior to the meeting, European Central Bank President, Jean-Claude Trichet, “said governments should consider setting up a finance ministry for the 17-nation currency region as the bloc struggles to contain a region-wide sovereign debt crisis.” Trichet asked: “Would it be too bold, in the economic field, with a single market, a single currency and a single central bank, to envisage a ministry of finance of the union?” Further in line with this thought, and with the ideas laid out in the Bilderberg meeting in favour of a ‘power grab’, Trichet said he supports “giving the European Union powers to veto the budget measures of countries that go ‘harmfully astray,’ though that would require a change to EU Treaties.” Such a finance ministry would, according to Trichet, “exert direct responsibilities in at least three domains”:

They would include "first, the surveillance of both fiscal policies and competitiveness policies" and "direct responsibilities" for countries in fiscal distress, he said. It would also carry out "all the typical responsibilities of the executive branches as regards the union's integrated financial sector, so as to accompany the full integration of financial services, and third, the representation of the union confederation in international financial institutions."[38]

Last year, Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme endorsed such an idea of a ‘European Economic Government’ when he stated:

The idea of strengthened economic government has been put on the table and will make progress. In the end, the European Debt Agency or something like it will become a reality. I’m convinced of this. It’s about Europe’s financial stability and it’s not an ideological debate about federalism. I myself am a federalist. But more integration and deeper integration are simply logical consequences of having a single currency.[39]

This is of course, not surprising, considering that Leterme’s predecessor is Herman van Rompuy, the current Bilderberg participant and EU President, a strong-headed advocate of an ‘economic government’ and ‘global governance.’ The plans for an ‘economic government’ require the strong commitment of both France and Germany, which may explain Merkel’s reported appearance at Bilderberg. In March of 2010, the German and French governments released a draft outline that would “strengthen financial policy coordination in the EU.” The plan, seen by German publication Der Spiegel, “calls for increased monitoring of individual member states' competitiveness so that action can be taken early on should problems emerge.” Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker stated in response to the plan, “We need a European economic government in the sense of strengthened coordination of economic policy within the euro zone.”[40] In December of 2010, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble stated that, “In 10 years we will have a structure that corresponds much stronger to what one describes as political union.”[41]

As reported by the German press in early 2011, Germany and France were split on several aspects of such an ‘economic government.’ However, as Merkel stated, “We have obviously been discussing the issue of an economic government for a long time,” and that, “What we are currently envisioning goes yet another step in this direction.” Yet, the differences between the two approaches are mainly as follows:

France would prefer to see the European Council, which comprises the heads of state and government of the EU's member states, turned into a kind of economic government. Since only euro-zone member countries would be involved initially, French Finance Minister [and past Bilderberg participant] Christine Lagarde has dubbed the project "16 plus."

The Germans are focused on completely different things. Their preference would be to see the current rescue fund replaced by the so-called European Stability Mechanism in 2013. According to this arrangement, in return for any help, cash-strapped countries would have to subject themselves to a strict cost-cutting regimen.[42]

Mario Draghi is the current President of the Bank of Italy, as well as a board member of the Bank for International Settlements – the BIS (the central bank to the world’s central banks). In an interview posted on the website of the BIS in March of 2010, Mario Draghi stated that in response to the Greek crisis, “In the euro area we need a stronger economic governance providing for more coordinated structural reforms and more discipline.”[43] Mario Draghi also attended the 2009 conference of the Bilderberg Group.[44] Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mario Draghi has been backed by the euro-area finance ministers to be the successor to Jean-Claude Trichet at the European Central Bank, who is due to step down in October of 2011.[45]

Certainly, the objective of a ‘European economic government’ will continue throughout the coming years, especially as the economic crisis continues. As Dominique Strauss-Kahn, outgoing Managing Director of the IMF and long-time Bilderberg participant stated, “crisis is an opportunity.”[46] Bilderberg, while not omnipotent by any means, will do all in its ability to prevent the collapse of the euro or the ending of the European Union. Bilderberg has, after all, from its very beginning, made ‘European integration’ one of its central objectives. In an official biography of Bilderberg-founder and long-time Chairman Prince Bernhard, the Bilderberg Group was credited as “the birthplace of the European Community.”[47]

Regime Change at the IMF?

Christine Lagarde, the French Finance Minister who has been pivotal in the process towards drafting and proposing a ‘European economic government’, is also considered the front-runner for the job of Managing Director of the IMF. The Managing Director of the IMF is always in attendance at Bilderberg meetings, except for this year, considering outgoing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn is facing sexual assault charges in New York; yet, the top job is usually set aside for those who have been invited to at least one meeting of the Bilderberg Group. While the race has yet to finish, perhaps it is noteworthy that Christine Lagarde attended a Bilderberg meeting in 2009.[48] Could this make her the supreme choice, or is there a surprise in the near future?

A Place for China in the New World Order?

Investigative journalist Daniel Estulin’s report of inside sources in this year’s meeting indicated a rather extensive discussion on the role of China, which is hardly surprising, considering this has been a central topic of discussion in meetings for a number of years. China emerged in discussions on Pakistan, as China has become increasingly Pakistan’s closest economic and strategic ally, a trend that is continuing as America continues to spread the Afghan war into neighbouring Pakistan. China is also a major player in Africa, threatening the West’s stranglehold over the continent, in particular through the World Bank and IMF. Most importantly, however, and not unrelated to its role in Pakistan and Africa, China has become the greatest economic competitor for the United States in the world, and as the IMF even admitted recently, its economy is expected to surpass that of the United States by 2016. Bilderberg paid attention to this issue not simply as a financial-economic consideration, but as a massive geopolitical transition in the world: “the biggest story of our time.”[49]

What made the discussion on China at this year’s meeting unique was that it actually included two attendees from China for the first time ever. The two guests were Huang Yiping, a prominent economics professor at Peking University (China’s Harvard), and Fu Ying, China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.[50] This is especially unusual and telling of the importance of the discussion at hand, considering that Bilderberg is exclusively a European and North American (Atlantic) organization, and in the past, when Bilderberg memebers David Rockefeller and Zbigniew Brzezinski suggested Japan be allowed to join in 1972, the European rejected the proposition, and instead the Trilateral Commission was formed in 1973 to integrate the elites of Western Europe, North America, and Japan. The Trilateral Commission eventually expanded the Japanese section of the group into a ‘Pacific Asian Group’ in 2000 to include not only Japan, but South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

In 2009 the G20 was endowed with the task of ‘managing’ the global economic crisis – to include the ‘emerging’ economic giants, notably China and India – and as Bilderberg member Jean-Claude Trichet stated, this marked “the emergence of the G20 as the prime group for global economic governance.”[51] That same year the newly-appointed European Union President Herman van Rompuy declared to be “the first year of global governance.” No surprise then, that also in 2009, China and India were invited as official members of the Trilateral Commission.[52] This indicates a growing role for India and especially China in global affairs, and participation in Bilderberg meetings emphasizes the aim to not alienate China from the established institutions, ideologies and systems of global power, but to more fully integrate China within that system. The aim of the global elite, perhaps best represented by Bilderberg, is not to allow for the collapse of the American empire and the rise of a new one; rather, it is to manage the collapse of American hegemony into an entirely new system of global governance. This ‘big idea’ is not possible without the participation of China, and thus, as Bilderberg has long been saturated with the ideology of ‘global governance,’ it cannot be seen as too surprising to see China invited. Perhaps the surprise should be that it simply took this long.

Is Bilderberg Building a Global Government?

Jon Ronson wrote an article for the Guardian paper in which he managed to interview key members of the Bilderberg Group for an exposé on the organization, attempting to dismantle the “conspiracy theories” surrounding the secrecy of the meetings. However, through his interviews, important information regarding the social importance of the group continued to emerge. Ronson attempted to contact David Rockefeller, but only managed to reach his press secretary who told Ronson that the “conspiracy theories” about Rockefeller and “global think-tanks such as Bilderberg in general” left David Rockefeller “thoroughly fed up.” According to his press secretary, “Mr. Rockefeller's conclusion was that this was a battle between rational and irrational thought. Rational people favoured globalisation. Irrational people preferred nationalism.”[53]

While dismissing “conspiracy theories” that Bilderberg “runs the world,” Ronson did explain that the Bilderberg members he interviewed admitted, “that international affairs had, from time to time, been influenced by these sessions.” As Denis Healey, a 30-year member of the Steering Committee, himself pointedly explained:

To say we were striving for a one-world government is exaggerated, but not wholly unfair. Those of us in Bilderberg felt we couldn't go on forever fighting one another for nothing and killing people and rendering millions homeless. So we felt that a single community throughout the world would be a good thing... Bilderberg is a way of bringing together politicians, industrialists, financiers and journalists. Politics should involve people who aren't politicians. We make a point of getting along younger politicians who are obviously rising, to bring them together with financiers and industrialists who offer them wise words. It increases the chance of having a sensible global policy.[54]

Will Hutton, the former Editor of the Observer, who had been invited to Bilderberg meetings in the past, once famously referred to the group as “the high priests of globalization.”[55] Hutton has said that “people take part in these networks in order to influence the way the world works,” and to create, as he put it, “the international common sense” of policy. The Chairman of the Bilderberg Group, Viscount Etienne Davignon, stated that, “I don't think (we are) a global ruling class because I don't think a global ruling class exists. I simply think it's people who have influence interested to speak to other people who have influence.”[56]

G. William Domhoff is a professor of Psychology and Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has written about the Bilderberg Group. In an interview, he discounted the notion that the study of such groups is relegated to the realm of conspiracy theory, and instead explained that he studies “how elites strive to develop consensus, which is through such publicly observable organizations as corporate boards and the policy-planning network, which can be studied in detail, and which are reported on in the media in at least a halfway accurate manner.”[57]

Bilderbergers have long been advocates of global governance and ‘global government,’ and ‘crisis’ is always an excellent means through which to advance their agendas. Just as the Greek crisis has stepped up calls for the formation of a ‘European economic government,’ an idea which has been sought out for much longer than Greece has been in crisis, so too is the global economic crisis an excuse to advance the cause of ‘global economic governance.’ Outgoing Managing Director of the IMF, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, stated in May of 2010 that, “crisis is an opportunity,” and he called for “a new global currency issued by a global central bank, with robust governance and institutional features,” and that the “global central bank could also serve as a lender of last resort.” However, he stated, “I fear we are still very far from that level of global collaboration.”[58] Unless, of course, the world continues to descend into economic and financial ruin, as any astute economic observer would likely warn is taking place.

Following the April 2009 G20 summit, “plans were announced for implementing the creation of a new global currency to replace the US dollar’s role as the world reserve currency.” Point 19 of the communiqué released by the G20 at the end of the Summit stated, “We have agreed to support a general SDR allocation which will inject $250bn (£170bn) into the world economy and increase global liquidity.” SDRs, or Special Drawing Rights, are “a synthetic paper currency issued by the International Monetary Fund.” As the Telegraph reported, “the G20 leaders have activated the IMF's power to create money and begin global ‘quantitative easing’. In doing so, they are putting a de facto world currency into play. It is outside the control of any sovereign body.”[59] The Washington Post reported that the IMF is poised to transform “into a veritable United Nations for the global economy”:

It would have vastly expanded authority to act as a global banker to governments rich and poor. And with more flexibility to effectively print its own money, it would have the ability to inject liquidity into global markets in a way once limited to major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve... the IMF is all but certain to take a central role in managing the world economy. As a result, Washington is poised to become the power center for global financial policy, much as the United Nations has long made New York the world center for diplomacy.[60]

While the IMF is pushed to the forefront of the global currency agenda, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) remains as the true authority in terms of ‘global governance’ overall. As the IMF’s magazine, Finance and Development, stated in 2009, “the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), established in 1930, is the central and the oldest focal point for coordination of global governance arrangements.”[61] Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank (ECB) and long-time Bilderberg participant, gave a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in April of 2010 in which he explained that, “the significant transformation of global governance that we are engineering today is illustrated by three examples”:

First, the emergence of the G20 as the prime group for global economic governance at the level of ministers, governors and heads of state or government. Second, the establishment of the Global Economy Meeting of central bank governors under the auspices of the BIS as the prime group for the governance of central bank cooperation. And third, the extension of Financial Stability Board membership to include all the systemic emerging market economies.[62]

In concluding his speech, Trichet emphasized that, “global governance is of the essence to improve decisively the resilience of the global financial system.”[63] The following month, Trichet spoke at the Bank of Korea, where he said, “central bank cooperation is part of a more general trend that is reshaping global governance, and which has been spurred by the global financial crisis,” and that, “it is therefore not surprising that the crisis has led to even better recognition of their increased economic importance and need for full integration into global governance.” Once again, Trichet identified the BIS and its “various fora” – such as the Global Economy Meeting and the Financial Stability Board – as the “main channel” for central bank cooperation.[64]

For more on ‘Global Government’ and the global economic crisis, see: Andrew Gavin Marshall, “Crisis is an Opportunity”: Engineering a Global Depression to Create a Global Government, Global Research, 26 October 2010.
— www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=21632 —

Rockefeller’s Dream

David Rockefeller celebrated his 96th birthday during last weekend’s Bilderberg meeting, and is one of if not the only remaining original founders of the group in 1954. If the Bilderberg Group represents the “high priests of globalization,” then David Rockefeller is the ‘Pope’.

James Wolfensohn represents the importance of the Rockefellers to not only America, but to the whole process of globalization. James D. Wolfensohn, an Australian national, was President of the World Bank from 1995-2005, and has since founded and leads his private firm, Wolfensohn & Company, LLC. He has also been a long-time Steering Committee member of the Bilderberg Group, and has served as an Honorary Trustee of the Brookings Institution, a major American think tank, as well as a Trustee of the Rockefeller Foundation, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Wolfensohn’s father, Hyman, was employed by James Armand de Rothschild of the Rothschild banking dynasty, after whom James was named. His father taught him how to “cultivate mentors, friends and contacts of influence.”[65] Wolfensohn rose quickly through the financial world, and as his father had lived in service to the Rothschild’s – the dominant family of the 19th century – James Wolfensohn lived in service to the Rockefellers, arguably the dominant family of the 20th century. On the event of David Rockefeller’s 90th birthday, James Wolfensohn, speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, stated:

[T]he person who had perhaps the greatest influence on my life professionally in this country, and I’m very happy to say personally there afterwards, is David Rockefeller, who first met me at the Harvard Business School in 1957 or ‘58... [At the beginning of the 20th century] as we looked at the world, a family, the Rockefeller family, decided that the issues were not just national for the United States, were not just related to the rich countries. And where, extraordinarily and amazingly, David’s grandfather set up the Rockefeller Foundation, the purpose of which was to take a global view.

... So the Rockefeller family, in this last 100 years, has contributed in a way that is quite extraordinary to the development in that period and has given ample focus to the issues of development with which I have been associated. In fact, it’s fair to say that there has been no other single family influence greater than the Rockefeller’s in the whole issue of globalization and in the whole issue of addressing the questions which, in some ways, are still before us today. And for that David, we’re deeply grateful to you and for your own contribution in carrying these forward in the way that you did.[66]

David Rockefeller has been even less humble (but perhaps more honest) in his assertion of his family’s and his own personal role in shaping the world. In his 2002 book, Memoirs, David Rockefeller wrote:

For more than a century ideological extremists at either end of the political spectrum have seized upon well-publicized incidents such as my encounter with Castro to attack the Rockefeller family for the inordinate influence they claim we wield over American political and economic institutions. Some even believe we are part of a secret cabal working against the best interests of the United States, characterizing my family and me as 'internationalists' and of conspiring with others around the world to build a more integrated global political and economic structure--one world, if you will. If that's the charge, I stand guilty, and I am proud of it.[67]

As if this admission was not quite enough, at a 1991 meeting of the Bilderberg group, David Rockefeller was quoted as saying:

We are grateful to the Washington Post, The New York Times, Time Magazine and other great publications whose directors have attended our meetings and respected their promises of discretion for almost 40 years. It would have been impossible for us to develop our plan for the world if we had been subjected to the lights of publicity during those years. But the world is more sophisticated and prepared to march towards a world government. The supranational sovereignty of an intellectual elite and world bankers is surely preferable to the national auto-determination practiced in past centuries.[68]

So, happy 96th birthday, Mr. David Rockefeller! But I am sorry to say (or perhaps not so sorry) that while the mainstream media have “respected their promises of discretion,” the new media – the alternative media – have not. As you said yourself, “It would have been impossible for us to develop our plan for the world if we had been subjected to the lights of publicity during those years,” it seems that the “lights of publicity” are now descending upon your “plan for the world,” making it all the more difficult to come to pass. Indeed, “the world is more sophisticated,” but not because the world is ‘ready’ for your plan, but because the world is getting ready to reject it. While national sovereignty certainly has problems and is hardly something I would consider ‘ideal’, the “supranational sovereignty of an intellectual elite and world bankers” is about the worst scenario one could imagine. So as a birthday present to you, Mr. Rockefeller, I promise (and I am sure that I am speaking for a great many more than simply myself) that I will continue to expose your “plans for the world,” so that your dream – and our nightmare – will never become a reality. The light will shine, and in due time, the people will be ready to follow its path.

Andrew Gavin Marshall is a Research Associate with the Centre for Research on Globalization (CRG). He is co-editor, with Michel Chossudovsky, of the recent book, "The Global Economic Crisis: The Great Depression of the XXI Century," available to order at Globalresearch.ca. He is currently working on a forthcoming book on 'Global Government'.

Notes

[1] Jon Ronson, Who pulls the strings? (part 3), The Guardian, 10 March 2001:
www.guardian.co.uk/books/2001/mar/10/extract1

[2] CBC, Informal forum or global conspiracy? CBC News Online: June 13, 2006:
www.cbc.ca/news/background/bilderberg-group/

[3] Holly Sklar, ed., Trilateralism: The Trilateral Commission and Elite Planning for World Management. (South End Press: 1980), 161-171

[4] Glen McGregor, Secretive power brokers meeting coming to Ottawa? Ottawa Citizen: May 24, 2006:
www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=ff614eb8-02cc-41a3-a42d-30642def1421&k=62840

[5] Stephen Gill, American Hegemony and the Trilateral Commission (Cambridge University Press: New York, 1990), page 129.

[6] Bruno Waterfield, Dutch Prince Bernhard 'was member of Nazi party', The Telegraph, 5 March 2010:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/7377402/Dutch-Prince-Bernhard-was-member-of-Nazi-party.html

[7] Joan Roelofs, Foundations and Public Policy: The Mask of Pluralism (New York: State University of New York Press, 2003), page 52.

[8] Robert F. Arnove, ed., Philanthropy and Cultural Imperialism: The Foundations at Home and Abroad (Indiana University Press: Boston, 1980), page 1.

[9] Inderjeet Parmar, “‘To Relate Knowledge and Action’: The Impact of the Rockefeller Foundation on Foreign Policy Thinking During America’s Rise to Globalism 1939-1945,” Minerva (Vol. 40, 2002), page 246.

[10] Ibid, page 247.

[11] Robert F. Arnove, ed., Philanthropy and Cultural Imperialism: The Foundations at Home and Abroad (Indiana University Press, 1980), page 319.

[12] Joan Roelofs, “Foundations and Collaboration,” Critical Sociology, Vol. 33, 2007, page 480

[13] Ibid, page 481.

[14] Ibid, page 483.

[15] Erkki Berndtson, “Review Essay: Power of Foundations and the American Ideology,” Critical Sociology, Vol. 33, 2007, page 580

[16] Joan Roelofs, Foundations and Public Policy: The Mask of Pluralism (New York: State University of New York Press, 2003), page 52.

[17] Stephen Gill, American Hegemony and the Trilateral Commission (Cambridge University Press: New York, 1990), pages 131-132.

[18] Bilderberg Meetings, Former Steering Committee Members, BilderbergMeetings.org:
bilderbergmeetings.org/former-steering-committee-members.html; Steering Committee:
bilderbergmeetings.org/governance.html

[19] Holly Sklar, ed., Trilateralism: The Trilateral Commission and Elite Planning for World Management. (South End Press: 1980), 161-162

[20] CFR, The First Transformation. CFR History:
www.cfr.org/about/history/cfr/first_transformation.html

[21] William F. Jasper, Rogues' gallery of EU founders. The New American: July 12, 2004:
findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0JZS/is_14_20/ai_n25093084/pg_1?tag=artBody;col1

[22] Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, Euro-federalists financed by US spy chiefs. The Telegraph: June 19, 2001:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/1356047/Euro-federalists-financed-by-US-spy-chiefs.html

[23] Ibid.

[24] Bilderberg Group, GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN CONFERENCE. The Bilderberg Group: September 23-25, 1955, page 7:

wikileaks.org/leak/bilderberg-meetings-report-1955.pdf

[25] Who are these Bilderbergers and what do they do? The Sunday Herald: May 30, 1999:
findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_19990530/ai_n13939252

[26] Andrew Rettman, 'Jury's out' on future of Europe, EU doyen says. EUobserver: March 16, 2009:
euobserver.com/9/27778

[27] Daily Mail, EU Constitution - the main points. The Daily Mail: June 19, 2004:
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-307249/EU-Constitution--main-points.html

[28] Ian Traynor, Who speaks for Europe? Criticism of 'shambolic' process to fill key jobs. The Guardian, 17 November 2009:
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/17/top-european-job-selection-process

[29] Herman Van Rompuy, Speech Upon Accepting the EU Presidency, BBC News, 22 November 2009:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzm_R3YBgPg

[30] Daniel Estulin, Bilderberg Report 2011, DanielEstulin.com, 14 June 2011:
www.danielestulin.com/2011/06/13/bilderberg-report-2011-informe-club-bilderberg-2011/

[31] Bilderberg Meetings, Bilderberg 2011: List of Participants, BilderbergMeetings.org, June 2011:
bilderbergmeetings.org/participants_2011.html

[32] Bruno Waterfield, EU Presidency candidate Herman Van Rompuy calls for new taxes, The Telegraph, 16 November 2009:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/6582837/EU-Presidency-candidate-Herman-Van-Rompuy-calls-for-new-taxes.html

[33] Bilderberg Meetings, Bilderberg 2011: List of Participants, BilderbergMeetings.org, June 2011:
bilderbergmeetings.org/participants_2011.html

[34] PrisonPlanet, Exclusive: Unnamed Bilderberg Attendees Revealed, Gates Violates Logan Act, Prison Planet, 11 June 2011:
www.prisonplanet.com/exclusive-unnamed-bilderberg-attendees-revealed.html

[35] Charlie Skelton, Bilderberg 2011: The opposition steps up, The Guardian, 11 June 2011:
www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/jun/11/bilderberg-switzerland

[36] SwissInfo, World’s Powerful Bilderberg Group Meets In St Moritz, EurasiaReview, 9 June 2011:
www.eurasiareview.com/worlds-powerful-bilderberg-group-meets-in-st-moritz-09062011/

[37] Daniel Estulin, Bilderberg Report 2011, DanielEstulin.com, 14 June 2011:
www.danielestulin.com/2011/06/13/bilderberg-report-2011-informe-club-bilderberg-2011/

[38] Bloomberg, European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet calls for Euro Finance Ministry, The Economic Times, 3 June 2011:
articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-06-03/news/29617216_1_single-currency-jean-claude-trichet-budget

[39] Daniel Hannan, European economic government is inevitable, Telegraph Blogs, 17 March 2010:
blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100030219/european-economic-government-is-inevitable/

[40] Spiegel, Plans for European Economic Government Gain Steam, Der Spiegel, 1 March 2011:
www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,680955,00.html

[41] ANDREW WILLIS, Germany predicts EU 'political union' in 10 years, EU Observer, 13 December 2010:
euobserver.com/9/31485

[42] Peter Müller and Michael Sauga, France and Germany Split over Plans for European Economic Government, Der Spiegel, 3 January 2011:
www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,737423,00.html

[43] Mario Draghi: “We need a European economic government” – interview in Handelsblatt, The Bank for International Settlements, March 2010:
www.bis.org/review/r100325b.pdf

[44] Bilderberg Meetings, Participants 2009, BilderbergMeetings.org, May 2009:
bilderbergmeetings.org/participants.html

[45] Ecofin: Finance Ministers Back Mario Draghi To Lead ECB, The Wall Street Journal, 16 May 2011:
online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110516-715655.html

[46] Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Concluding Remarks by Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, at the High-Level Conference on the International Monetary System, Zurich, 11 May 2010:

www.imf.org/external/np/speeches/2010/051110.htm

[47] Stephen Gill, American Hegemony and the Trilateral Commission (Cambridge University Press: New York, 1990), pages 131-132.

[48] Bilderberg Meetings, Participants 2009, BilderbergMeetings.org, May 2009:
bilderbergmeetings.org/participants.html

[49] Daniel Estulin, Bilderberg Report 2011, DanielEstulin.com, 14 June 2011:
www.danielestulin.com/2011/06/13/bilderberg-report-2011-informe-club-bilderberg-2011/

[50] Bilderberg Meetings, Bilderberg 2011: List of Participants, BilderbergMeetings.org, June 2011:
bilderbergmeetings.org/participants_2011.html

[51] Jean-Claude Trichet, Global Governance Today, Keynote address by Mr Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank, at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York, 26 April 2010:
www.bis.org/review/r100428b.pdf

[52] The Trilateral Commission, About the Pacific Asian Group, May 2011:
www.trilateral.org/go.cfm?do=Page.View&pid=13

[53] Jon Ronson, Who pulls the strings? (part 2), The Guardian, 10 March 2001:
www.guardian.co.uk/books/2001/mar/10/extract

[54] Ibid.

[55] Mark Oliver, The Bilderberg group, The Guardian, 4 June 2004:
www.guardian.co.uk/news/2004/jun/04/netnotes.markoliver

[56] BBC, Inside the secretive Bilderberg Group, BBC News, 29 September 2005:
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4290944.stm

[57] Chip Berlet, Interview: G. William Domhoff, New Internationalist, September 2004:
www.publiceye.org/antisemitism/nw_domhoff.html

[58] Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Concluding Remarks by Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, at the High-Level Conference on the International Monetary System, Zurich, 11 May 2010:

www.imf.org/external/np/speeches/2010/051110.htm

[59] Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, The G20 moves the world a step closer to a global currency. The Telegraph: April 3, 2009:

www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/5096524/The-G20-moves-the-world-a-step-closer-to-a-global-currency.html

[60] Anthony Faiola, A Bigger, Bolder Role Is Imagined For the IMF, The Washington Post, 20 April 2009:
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/19/AR2009041902242.html?hpid=topnews

[61] Amar Bhattacharya, A Tangled Web, Finance and Development, March 2009, Vol. 46, No. 1:
www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2009/03/bhattacharya.htm

[62] Jean-Claude Trichet, Global Governance Today, Keynote address by Mr Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank, at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York, 26 April 2010:
www.bis.org/review/r100428b.pdf

[63] Ibid.

[64] Jean-Claude Trichet, Central bank cooperation after the global financial crisis, Video address by Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank, at the Bank of Korea International Conference 2010, Seoul, 31 May 2010:

www.ecb.int/press/key/date/2010/html/sp100531.en.html

[65] Michael Stutchbury, The man who inherited the Rothschild legend, The Australian, 30 October 2010:
www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/the-man-who-inherited-the-rothschild-legend/story-e6frg6z6-1225945329773

[66] James D. Wolfensohn, Council on Foreign Relations Special Symposium in honor of David Rockefeller’s 90th Birthday, The Council on Foreign Relations, 23 May 2005:
www.cfr.org/world/council-foreign-relations-special-symposium-honor-david-rockefellers-90th-birthday/p8133

[67] David Rockefeller, Memoirs (Random House, New York: 2002), pages 404 - 405.

[68] Gordon Laxer, “Radical Transformative Nationalisms Confront the US Empire,” Current Sociology (Vol. 51, Issue 2: March 2003), page 141.

Andrew Gavin Marshall is a frequent contributor to Global Research. Global Research Articles by Andrew Gavin Marshall — www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=listByAuthor&authorFirst=Andrew%20Gavin&authorName=Marshall

......

www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=25302

(credit: RedIceCreations.com)

[ninathedog]

Bilderberg Meetings

PRESS RELEASE

BilderbergMeetings.org
9 June 2011

The 59th Bilderberg Meeting will be held in St. Moritz, Switzerland from 9 - 12 June 2011. The Conference will deal mainly with Challenges for Growth: Innovation and Budgetary Discipline, the Euro and Challenges for the European Union, the role of Emerging Economies, Social Networks: Connectivity and Security Issues, New Challenges in the Middle East, Conflict Areas, Demographic Challenges, China,
Switzerland: Can it remain successful in the future? Approximately 130 participants will attend of whom about two-thirds come from Europe and the balance from North America and other countries. About one-third is from government and politics, and two-thirds are from finance, industry, labor, education, and communications. The meeting is private in order to encourage frank and open discussion.

Bilderberg takes its name from the hotel in Holland, where the first meeting took place in May 1954. That pioneering meeting grew out of the concern expressed by leading citizens on both sides of the Atlantic that Western Europe and North America were not working together as closely as they should on common problems of critical importance. It was felt that regular, off-the-record discussions would help create a better understanding of the complex forces and major trends affecting Western nations in the difficult post-war period.

The Cold War has now ended. But in practically all respects there are more, not fewer, common problems - from trade to jobs, from monetary policy to investment, from ecological challenges to the task of promoting international security. It is hard to think of any major issue in either Europe or North America whose unilateral solution would not have repercussions for the other.

Thus the concept of a European-American forum has not been overtaken by time. The dialogue between these two regions is still - even increasingly - critical.

What is unique about Bilderberg as a forum is the broad cross-section of leading citizens that are assembled for nearly three days of informal and off-the-record discussion about topics of current concern especially in the fields of foreign affairs and the international economy; the strong feeling among participants that in view of the differing attitudes and experiences of the Western nations, there remains a clear need to further develop an understanding in which these concerns can be accommodated; the privacy of the meetings, which has no purpose other than to allow participants to speak their minds openly and freely.

In short, Bilderberg is a small, flexible, informal and off-the-record international forum in which different viewpoints can be expressed and mutual understanding enhanced.

Bilderberg's only activity is its annual Conference. At the meetings, no resolutions are proposed, no votes taken, and no policy statements issued. Since 1954, fifty-eight conferences have been held. The names of the participants are made available to the press. Participants are chosen for their experience, their knowledge, and their standing; all participants attend Bilderberg in a private and not an official capacity.

For further information refer to www.bilderbergmeetings.org. A list of participants is attached.

9 June 2011

* Disclaimer
* Privacy Statement

bilderbergmeetings.org/meeting_2011

...........


Bilderberg Meetings
St. Moritz, Switzerland 9–12 June 2011

Final List of Participants
(alphabetical by last name after abbreviated listing of country)

Honorary Chairman
BEL — Davignon, Etienne // Minister of State

DEU — Ackermann, Josef // Chairman of the Management Board and the Group Executive Committee, Deutsche Bank AG
GBR — Agius, Marcus // Chairman, Barclays PLC
USA — Alexander, Keith B. // Commander, USCYBERCOM; Director, National Security Agency
INT — Almunia, Joaquín // Vice President, European Commission; Commissioner for Competition
USA — Altman, Roger C. // Chairman, Evercore Partners Inc.
FIN — Apunen, Matti // Director, Finnish Business and Policy Forum EVA
PRT — Balsemão, Francisco Pinto // Chairman and CEO, IMPRESA, S.G.P.S.; Former Prime Minister
FRA — Baverez, Nicolas // Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
FRA — Bazire, Nicolas // Managing Director, Groupe Arnault /LVMH
ITA — Bernabè, Franco // CEO, Telecom Italia SpA
USA — Bezos, Jeff // Founder and CEO, Amazon.com
SWE — Bildt, Carl // Minister of Foreign Affairs
SWE — Björling, Ewa // Minister for Trade
NLD — Bolland, Marc J. // Chief Executive, Marks and Spencer Group plc
CHE — Brabeck-Letmathe, Peter // Chairman, Nestlé S.A.
AUT — Bronner, Oscar // CEO and Publisher, Standard Medien AG
CAN — Carney, Mark J. // Governor, Bank of Canada
FRA — Castries, Henri de // Chairman and CEO, AXA
ESP — Cebrián, Juan Luis // CEO, PRISA
NLD — Chavannes, Marc E. // Political Columnist, NRC Handelsblad; Professor of Journalism, University of Groningen
TUR — Ciliv, Süreyya // CEO, Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S.
CAN — Clark, Edmund // President and CEO, TD Bank Financial Group
BEL — Coene, Luc // Governor, National Bank of Belgium
USA — Collins, Timothy C. // CEO, Ripplewood Holdings, LLC
ESP — Cospedal, María Dolores de // Secretary General, Partido Popular
INT — Daele, Frans van // Chief of Staff to the President of the European Council
GRC — David, George A. // Chairman, Coca-Cola H.B.C. S.A.
DNK — Eldrup, Anders // CEO, DONG Energy
ITA — Elkann, John // Chairman, Fiat S.p.A.
DEU — Enders, Thomas // CEO, Airbus SAS
AUT — Faymann, Werner // Federal Chancellor
DNK — Federspiel, Ulrik // Vice President, Global Affairs, Haldor Topsøe A/S
USA — Feldstein, Martin S. // George F. Baker Professor of Economics, Harvard University
PRT — Ferreira Alves, Clara // CEO, Claref LDA; writer
GBR — Flint, Douglas J. // Group Chairman, HSBC Holdings plc
CHN — Fu, Ying // Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
IRL — Gallagher, Paul // Senior Counsel; Former Attorney General
CHE — Groth, Hans // Senior Director, Healthcare Policy & Market Access, Oncology Business Unit, Pfizer Europe
TUR — Gülek Domac, Tayyibe // Former Minister of State
NLD — Halberstadt, Victor // Professor of Economics, Leiden University; Former Honorary Secretary General of Bilderberg Meetings
GRC — Hardouvelis, Gikas A. // Chief Economist and Head of Research, Eurobank EFG
USA — Hoffman, Reid // Co-founder and Executive Chairman, LinkedIn
CHN — Huang, Yiping // Professor of Economics, China Center for Economic Research, Peking University
USA — Hughes, Chris R. // Co-founder, Facebook
USA — Jacobs, Kenneth M. // Chairman & CEO, Lazard
CHE — Janom Steiner, Barbara //Head of the Department of Justice, Security and Health, Canton Grisons
FIN — Johansson, Ole // Chairman, Confederation of the Finnish Industries EK
USA — Johnson, James A. // Vice Chairman, Perseus, LLC
USA — Jordan, Jr., Vernon E. // Senior Managing Director, Lazard Frères & Co. LLC
USA — Keane, John M. // Senior Partner, SCP Partners; General, US Army, Retired
GBR — Kerr, John // Member, House of Lords; Deputy Chairman, Royal Dutch Shell plc
USA — Kissinger, Henry A. // Chairman, Kissinger Associates, Inc.
USA — Kleinfeld, Klaus // Chairman and CEO, Alcoa
TUR — Koç, Mustafa V. // Chairman, Koç Holding A.S.
USA — Kravis, Henry R. // Co-Chairman and co-CEO, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
USA — Kravis, Marie-Josée // Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute, Inc.
INT — Kroes, Neelie // Vice President, European Commission; Commissioner for Digital Agenda
CHE — Kudelski, André // Chairman and CEO, Kudelski Group SA
GBR — Lambert, Richard // Independent Non-Executive Director, Ernst & Young
INT — Lamy, Pascal // Director General, World Trade Organization
ESP — León Gross, Bernardino // Secretary General of the Spanish Presidency
CHE — Leuthard, Doris // Federal Councillor
FRA — Lévy, Maurice // Chairman and CEO, Publicis Groupe S.A.
BEL — Leysen, Thomas // Chairman, Umicore
USA — Li, Cheng // Senior Fellow and Director of Research, John L. Thornton China Center, Brookings Institution
DEU — Löscher, Peter // President and CEO, Siemens AG
GBR — Mandelson, Peter // Member, House of Lords; Chairman, Global Counsel
IRL — McDowell, Michael // Senior Counsel, Law Library; Former Deputy Prime Minister
CAN — McKenna, Frank // Deputy Chair, TD Bank Financial Group
GBR — Micklethwait, John // Editor-in-Chief, The Economist
FRA — Montbrial, Thierry de // President, French Institute for International Relations
ITA — Monti, Mario // President, Universita Commerciale Luigi Bocconi
RUS — Mordashov, Alexey A.
CEO, Severstal
USA — Mundie, Craig J. // Chief Research and Strategy Officer, Microsoft Corporation
NOR — Myklebust, Egil // Former Chairman of the Board of Directors SAS, Norsk Hydro ASA
DEU — Nass, Matthias // Chief International Correspondent, Die Zeit
NLD — Netherlands, H.M. the Queen of the
ESP — Nin Génova, Juan María // President and CEO, La Caixa
PRT — Nogueira Leite, António // Member of the Board, José de Mello Investimentos, SGPS, SA
NOR — Norway, H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon of 
FIN — Ollila, Jorma // Chairman, Royal Dutch Shell plc
CAN — Orbinksi, James // Professor of Medicine and Political Science, University of Toronto
USA — Orszag, Peter R. // Vice Chairman, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.
GBR — Osborne, George // Chancellor of the Exchequer
NOR — Ottersen, Ole Petter // Rector, University of Oslo
GRC — Papaconstantinou, George // Minister of Finance
TUR — Pekin, Şefika // Founding Partner, Pekin & Bayar Law Firm 
FIN — Pentikäinen, Mikael // Publisher and Senior Editor-in-Chief, Helsingin Sanomat
USA — Perle, Richard N. // Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
CAN — Prichard, J. Robert S. // Chair, Torys LLP
CAN — Reisman, Heather // Chair and CEO, Indigo Books & Music Inc.
USA — Rockefeller, David // Former Chairman, Chase Manhattan Bank
INT — Rompuy, Herman van // President, European Council
USA — Rose, Charlie // Executive Editor and Anchor, Charlie Rose
NLD — Rosenthal, Uri // Minister of Foreign Affairs
AUT — Rothensteiner, Walter // Chairman of the Board, Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich AG
FRA — Roy, Olivier // Professor of Social and Political Theory, European University Institute
USA — Rubin, Robert E. // Co-Chairman, Council on Foreign Relations; Former Secretary of the Treasury
ITA — Scaroni, Paolo // CEO, Eni S.p.A.
CHE — Schmid, Martin // President, Government of the Canton Grisons
USA — Schmidt, Eric // Executive Chairman, Google Inc.
AUT — Scholten, Rudolf // Member of the Board of Executive Directors, Oesterreichische Kontrollbank AG
DNK — Schütze, Peter // Member of the Executive Management, Nordea Bank AB
CHE — Schweiger, Rolf // Member of the Swiss Council of States
INT — Sheeran, Josette // Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme
CHE — Soiron, Rolf // Chairman of the Board, Holcim Ltd., Lonza Ltd.
INT — Solana Madariaga, Javier // President, ESADEgeo Center for Global Economy and Geopolitics
NOR — Solberg, Erna // Leader of the Conservative Party
ESP — Spain, H.M. the Queen of
USA — Steinberg, James B. // Deputy Secretary of State
DEU — Steinbrück, Peer // Member of the Bundestag; Former Minister of Finance
GBR — Stewart, Rory // Member of Parliament
IRL — Sutherland, Peter D. // Chairman, Goldman Sachs International
GBR — Taylor, J. Martin // Chairman, Syngenta International AG
USA — Thiel, Peter A. // President, Clarium Capital Management, LLC
ITA — Tremonti, Giulio // Minister of Economy and Finance
INT — Trichet, Jean-Claude // President, European Central Bank
GRC — Tsoukalis, Loukas // President, ELIAMEP
USA — Varney, Christine A. // Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust
CHE — Vasella, Daniel L. //Chairman, Novartis AG
USA — Vaupel, James W. // Founding Director, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
SWE — Wallenberg, Jacob // Chairman, Investor AB
USA — Warsh, Kevin // Former Governor, Federal Reserve Board
NLD — Winter, Jaap W. // Partner, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek 
CHE — Witmer, Jürg // Chairman, Givaudan SA and Clariant AG
USA — Wolfensohn, James D. // Chairman, Wolfensohn & Company, LLC
INT — Zoellick, Robert B. // President, The World Bank Group

Rapporteurs
GBR — Bredow, Vendeline von // Business Correspondent, The Economist
GBR — Wooldridge, Adrian D. // Foreign Correspondent, The Economist


www.bilderbergmeetings.org.

Jul 8, 2010 1:56:04 GMT 4 @ninathedog said:

Bilderberg Meetings
Sitges, Spain 3-6 June 2010

Final List of Participants
(alphabetical by last name after abbreviated listing of country)

Honorary Chairman
BEL Davignon, Etienne Vice Chairman, Suez-Tractebel
.....
DEU Ackermann, Josef Chairman of the Management Board and the Group Executive Committee, Deutsche Bank AG
GBR Agius, Marcus Chairman, Barclays Bank PLC
ESP Alierta, César Chairman and CEO, Telefónica
INT Almunia, Joaquín Commissioner, European Commission
USA Altman, Roger C. Chairman, Evercore Partners Inc.
USA Arrison, Sonia Author and policy analyst
SWE Bäckström, Urban Director General, Confederation of Swedish Enterprise
PRT Balsemão, Francisco Pinto Chairman and CEO, IMPRESA, S.G.P.S.; Former Prime Minister
ITA Bernabè, Franco CEO, Telecom Italia S.p.A.
SWE Bildt, Carl Minister of Foreign Affairs
FIN Blåfield, Antti Senior Editorial Writer, Helsingin Sanomat
ESP Botín, Ana P. Executive Chairman, Banesto
NOR Brandtzæg, Svein Richard CEO, Norsk Hydro ASA
AUT Bronner, Oscar Publisher and Editor, Der Standard
TUR Çakir, Ruşen Journalist
CAN Campbell, Gordon Premier of British Columbia
ESP Carvajal Urquijo, Jaime Managing Director, Advent International
FRA Castries, Henri de Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, AXA
ESP Cebrián, Juan Luis CEO, PRISA
ESP Cisneros, Gustavo A. Chairman and CEO, Cisneros Group of Companies
CAN Clark, W. Edmund President and CEO, TD Bank Financial Group
USA Collins, Timothy C. Senior Managing Director and CEO, Ripplewood Holdings, LLC
ITA Conti, Fulvio CEO and General Manager, Enel SpA
GRC David, George A. Chairman, Coca-Cola H.B.C. S.A.
DNK Eldrup, Anders CEO, DONG Energy
ITA Elkann, John Chairman, Fiat S.p.A.
DEU Enders, Thomas CEO, Airbus SAS
ESP Entrecanales, José M. Chairman, Acciona
DNK Federspiel, Ulrik Vice President Global Affairs, Haldor Topsøe A/S
USA Feldstein, Martin S. George F. Baker Professor of Economics, Harvard University
USA Ferguson, Niall Laurence A. Tisch Professor of History, Harvard University
AUT Fischer, Heinz Federal President
IRL Gallagher, Paul Attorney General
USA Gates, William H. Co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Chairman, Microsoft Corporation
USA Gordon, Philip H. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs
USA Graham, Donald E. Chairman and CEO, The Washington Post Company
INT Gucht, Karel de Commissioner, European Commission
TUR Gürel, Z. Damla Special Adviser to the President on EU Affairs
NLD Halberstadt, Victor Professor of Economics, Leiden University; Former Honorary Secretary General of Bilderberg Meetings
USA Holbrooke, Richard C. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan
NLD Hommen, Jan H.M. Chairman, ING Group
USA Hormats, Robert D. Under Secretary for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs
BEL Huyghebaert, Jan Chairman of the Board of Directors, KBC Group
USA Johnson, James A. Vice Chairman, Perseus, LLC
FIN Katainen, Jyrki Minister of Finance
USA Keane, John M. Senior Partner, SCP Partners
GBR Kerr, John Member, House of Lords; Deputy Chairman, Royal Dutch Shell plc.
USA Kissinger, Henry A. Chairman, Kissinger Associates, Inc.
USA Kleinfeld, Klaus Chairman and CEO, Alcoa
TUR Koç, Mustafa V. Chairman, Koç Holding A.Ş.
USA Kravis, Henry R. Founding Partner, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
USA Kravis, Marie-Josée Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute, Inc.
INT Kroes, Neelie Commissioner, European Commission
USA Lander, Eric S. President and Director, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT
FRA Lauvergeon, Anne Chairman of the Executive Board, AREVA
ESP León Gross, Bernardino Secretary General, Office of the Prime Minister
DEU Löscher, Peter Chairman of the Board of Management, Siemens AG
NOR Magnus, Birger Chairman, Storebrand ASA
CAN Mansbridge, Peter Chief Correspondent, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
USA Mathews, Jessica T. President, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
CAN McKenna, Frank Deputy Chair, TD Bank Financial Group
GBR Micklethwait, John Editor-in-Chief, The Economist
FRA Montbrial, Thierry de President, French Institute for International Relations
ITA Monti, Mario President, Universita Commerciale Luigi Bocconi
INT Moyo, Dambisa F. Economist and Author
USA Mundie, Craig J. Chief Research and Strategy Officer, Microsoft Corporation
NOR Myklebust, Egil Former Chairman of the Board of Directors SAS, Norsk Hydro ASA
USA Naím, Moisés Editor-in-Chief, Foreign Policy
NLD Netherlands, H.M. the Queen of the
ESP Nin Génova, Juan María President and CEO, La Caixa
DNK Nyrup Rasmussen, Poul Former Prime Minister
GBR Oldham, John National Clinical Lead for Quality and Productivity
FIN Ollila, Jorma Chairman, Royal Dutch Shell plc
USA Orszag, Peter R. Director, Office of Management and Budget
TUR Özilhan, Tuncay Chairman, Anadolu Group
ITA Padoa-Schioppa, Tommaso Former Minister of Finance; President of Notre Europe
GRC Papaconstantinou, George Minister of Finance
USA Parker, Sean Managing Partner, Founders Fund
USA Pearl, Frank H. Chairman and CEO, Perseus, LLC
USA Perle, Richard N. Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
ESP Polanco, Ignacio Chairman, Grupo PRISA
CAN Prichard, J. Robert S. President and CEO, Metrolinx
FRA Ramanantsoa, Bernard Dean, HEC Paris Group
PRT Rangel, Paulo Member, European Parliament
CAN Reisman, Heather M. Chair and CEO, Indigo Books & Music Inc.
SWE Renström, Lars President and CEO, Alfa Laval
NLD Rinnooy Kan, Alexander H.G. Chairman, Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER)
ITA Rocca, Gianfelice Chairman, Techint
ESP Rodriguez Inciarte, Matías Executive Vice Chairman, Grupo Santander
USA Rose, Charlie Producer, Rose Communications
USA Rubin, Robert E. Co-Chairman, Council on Foreign Relations; Former Secretary of the Treasury
TUR Sabanci Dinçer, Suzan Chairman, Akbank
ITA Scaroni, Paolo CEO, Eni S.p.A.
USA Schmidt, Eric CEO and Chairman of the Board, Google
AUT Scholten, Rudolf Member of the Board of Executive Directors, Oesterreichische Kontrollbank AG
DEU Scholz, Olaf Vice Chairman, SPD
INT Sheeran, Josette Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme
INT Solana Madariaga, Javier Former Secretary General, Council of the European Union
ESP Spain, H.M. the Queen of
USA Steinberg, James B. Deputy Secretary of State
INT Stigson, Björn President, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
USA Summers, Lawrence H. Director, National Economic Council
IRL Sutherland, Peter D. Chairman, Goldman Sachs International
GBR Taylor, J. Martin Chairman, Syngenta International AG
PRT Teixeira dos Santos, Fernando Minister of State and Finance
USA Thiel, Peter A. President, Clarium Capital Management, LLC
GRC Tsoukalis, Loukas President, ELIAMEP
INT Tumpel-Gugerell, Gertrude Member of the Executive Board, European Central Bank
USA Varney, Christine A. Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust
CHE Vasella, Daniel L. Chairman, Novartis AG
USA Volcker, Paul A. Chairman, Economic Recovery Advisory Board
CHE Voser, Peter CEO, Royal Dutch Shell plc
FIN Wahlroos, Björn Chairman, Sampo plc
CHE Waldvogel, Francis A. Chairman, Novartis Venture Fund
SWE Wallenberg, Jacob Chairman, Investor AB
NLD Wellink, Nout President, De Nederlandsche Bank
USA West, F.J. Bing Author
GBR Williams, Shirley Member, House of Lords
USA Wolfensohn, James D. Chairman, Wolfensohn & Company, LLC
ESP Zapatero, José Luis Rodríguez Prime Minister
DEU Zetsche, Dieter Chairman, Daimler AG
INT Zoellick, Robert B. President, The World Bank Group

Rapporteurs
GBR Bredow, Vendeline von Business Correspondent, The Economist
GBR Wooldridge, Adrian D. Business Correspondent, The Economist

Abbreviation Key --
* AUT Austria
* BEL Belgium
* CHE Switzerland
* CAN Canada
* DEU Germany
* DNK Denmark
* ESP Spain
* FRA France
* FIN Finland
* GBR Great Britain
* GRC Greece
* IRL Ireland
* INT International
* ITA Italy
* NOR Norway
* NLD Netherlands
* PRT Portugal
* SWE Sweden
* TUR Turkey
* USA United States of America


........

original source:
www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/esp_sociopol_bilderberg_30.htm

participants list:
www.bilderbergmeetings.org/participants_2010.html

press release:
www.bilderbergmeetings.org/meeting_2010.html

bilderberg meetings website:
www.bilderbergmeetings.org/index.php

.................

An index of collected information about Bilderbergers --
www.bibliotecapleyades.net/esp_sociopol_bilderberg.htm#menu

including links to...

Related Reports
- 13 Bloodlines of The Illuminati
- More Bilderberger Web Links
- New World Order - Main File
- Pilgrims Society - Main File
- Rule By Secrecy
- The Black Nobility - Main File
- The Council of Nine - Main File
- The Future is Calling
- The Illuminati - Main File

links to collections of more information about other things --
Return to The Global Elite
Return to Temas / Sociopolitica
Return to The Committee of 300
Return to The Secret Government

www.bibliotecapleyades.net/esp_sociopol_bilderberg.htm#menu

..............

If you poke around long enough on that site, you might stumble across the collection they have for Dr. Burisch too
All this and lots of other amazing things!

edit >>
main index:
www.bibliotecapleyades.net/esp_tema.htm

[ninathedog]

[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1417

Tue Jun 21, 2011 8:30 pm (PDT)

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

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

*Netanyahu: "We Need To Disengage From The Palestinians, Need To Keep
Jewish Majority"* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61516>
IMEMC - Wednesday June 22, 2011 - 03:26, As the Israeli cabinet was
holding its Sunday meeting, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu,
stated that he supports the notion of a total disengagement from the
Palestinians, in certain parts of the occupied territories, and "giving
away" parts of the West Bank in order to ensure Israel remains a "Jewish
State with Jewish majority".

*Despite Israeli Pressure, Apple Approves "Third Intifada" App*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61515>
IMEMC - Wednesday June 22, 2011 - 01:57, The giant Apple Company decided
to allow the publishing of a new App for the IPhone carrying the name
"Third Intifada" despite Israeli pressures on the company to ban the app.

*Israel Shifts A Section Of the Annexation Wall in Bilin*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61514>
IMEMC - Wednesday June 22, 2011 - 00:57, The Israeli army started on
Tuesday evening to shift a section of the illegal Annexation Wall built
on lands that belong to the residents of Bil'in village, west of the
central West bank city of Ramallah.

*63% Of Israeli Public Support Mass Prisoner Exchange For Gilad Shalit*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61512>
IMEMC - Tuesday June 21, 2011 - 16:19, A poll released today by the Rafi
Smith polling company on behalf of the campaign to release Gilad Shalit
and published in Haaretz newspaper shows that a majority of the Israeli
public, 63%, believes 1,000 Palestinian prisoners should be swapped in a
prisoner exchange for Gilad Shalit.

*Israel High Court Issues Order Regarding Communities Law*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61511>
IMEMC - Tuesday June 21, 2011 - 14:53, The Israeli High Court presided
over a hearing on Monday regarding two separate petitions brought
against the controversial Israeli "Acceptance to Community Law". The
petitions were brought by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel and
Adalah, a Palestinian rights movement. The court ruled that the
government was required to explain within 60 days why the law should not
be deemed unconstitutional.

*Israeli Officer Indicted On Charges Of Ramming Mentally Disabled
Palestinian Boy* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61509>
IMEMC - Tuesday June 21, 2011 - 12:47, The Israeli military prosecutor
has filed an indictment against an Israeli officer for illegally
ordering the ramming of a mentally disabled Palestinian civilian in an
incident in the West Bank in 2008, according to Israeli media reports
and the human rights organization B'Tselem

*Netanyahu Expresses Desire To Separate From Palestinians*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61508>
IMEMC - Tuesday June 21, 2011 - 12:20, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu expressed his belief that Israel need to disengage from
Palestinian areas in the West Bank in order to avoid the demographic
nature of Israel as a Jewish state from being challenged by Palestinian
population growth, according to Haaretz.

*Obama Reiterates US-Israel Bond "Unbreakable" *
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61507>
IMEMC - Tuesday June 21, 2011 - 11:38, US President Barrack Obama has
reaffirmed his US administration' s "unbreakable" bonds with Israel and
described differences between him and the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu
as "purely tactical". Obama made the comments at a Democratic "Friends
of Israel" event where he was fundraising for his upcoming 2012 campaign
for a second 4 year presidential term.

*Report: "30% of the Palestinians in the W. Bank, 67% In Gaza, Are
Refugees"* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61506>
IMEMC - Tuesday June 21, 2011 - 11:12, The Palestinian Census Bureau
reported that nearly half of the Palestinians in the occupied
territories are internally displaced refugees, and that, since its
creation in Palestine in 1948, Israel forcibly removed two-thirds of the
Arab population.

*Haniyya: "Solidarity Convoys Expose Israel's Crimes"*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61505>
IMEMC - Tuesday June 21, 2011 - 10:13, On Monday evening, Hamas leader,
head of the Hamas-led government in Gaza, Ismail Haniyya, stated during
a welcome ceremony for the "Miles of Smiles 3" solidarity convoy that
flotillas and convoys challenging Israel's siege on Gaza expose the
Israeli crimes and the true nature of Israel's aggression.

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

*Patriarch prohibited from conducting Hebron visit*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398512>
6/21/2011 - HEBRON (Ma'an) -- The Governor of Hebron Kamel Hmeid and the
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fuad Twal were prevented from carrying out
a tour of the city Monday, delegation members said. The officials
visited areas affected by the presence of an estimated 700 Israeli
settlers and 1,500 soldiers in the city center, but were....

*Analysis: Why Christians leave Bethlehem*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398618>
6/21/2011 - Greg Wilkinson - I spent a month last Autumn working with
the Christian organization, Arab Educational Institute in Bethlehem,
carrying out research and interviews, through which I spoke with dozens
of Palestinian Christians, in part, about the temptations of leaving for
a more comfortable and peaceful life abroad. As opposed to comments by
the the Archbishop.. ..

*American Jews to join Gaza flotilla*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398454>
6/21/2011 - UNITED NATIONS (AFP) -- Several American Jews are to board a
US boat planning to join a flotilla of about 10 ships seeking to breach
Israel's naval blockade of Gaza later this month, an organizer said
Monday." We are seeking justice for Gaza," Leslie Cagan told reporters,
noting that the boat will have 36....

*Israeli forces detain Abu Asab*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398571>
6/21/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) - Israeli forces detained on Tuesday
morning head of Jerusalem detainees' committee Amjad Abu Asab from
Al-Suwaneh in Jerusalem and took him to Al-Maskubieh military camp. In a
statement received by Ma'an the derainees' center said that the troops
detained Abu Asab after raiding his house and taking....

*UN: Israel approves Gaza housing projects*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398581>
6/21/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israel has approved construction of two
housing projects in the southern Gaza Strip, the UN agency for
Palestinian refugees said Tuesday. UN Relief and Works Agency spokesman
in Gaza Adnan Abu Hasnah said two major projects would be constructed to
house families from Rafah and Khan Younis whose homes were....

*Hamas: Abbas does not have power to appoint Fayyad*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398457>
6/22/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- An admission by President Mahmoud Abbas
on Monday that Salam Fayyad would be appointed Prime Minister of a unity
government was slammed by Hamas as an "unjustified media escalation."
Abbas made the comments on Lebanese television, telling the Lebanese
Broadcast Cooperation that he had nominated Fayyad, who currently holds
the....

*Obama warns of new US tactical spats with Israel*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398439>
6/21/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFP) -- US President Barack Obama warned that
new "tactical" disagreements loomed between Israel and Washington, but
vowed to leverage his administration' s "creative powers" in the cause of
peace. Obama, who has had a difficult relationship with Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, spoke at length on the stalled peace
process at a fundraiser.. ..

*Haniyeh applauds Miles of Smiles aid convoy*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398463>
6/21/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) - Prime Minister of the Hamas government
in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh said Monday that he was proud and thankful for
the support of international activists, who arrived in Gaza Sunday with
the European aid convoy Miles of Smiles. During a reception Monday
evening, Haniyeh said that the convoy - the third to....

*63% of Israelis back swap deal to free Shalit*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398550>
6/21/2011 - JERUSALEM (AFP) -- Nearly two-thirds of Israelis back a
prisoner exchange deal which would see 1,000 Palestinian inmates
released in order to free captured soldier Gilad Shalit, a poll showed
on Tuesday. The poll, conducted by the Rafi Smith Institute and
published in Haaretz newspaper, asked respondents if they would back
such a deal even if....

*300 truckloads of goods to enter Gaza*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398423>
6/21/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Palestinian officials were notified
Tuesday morning that 300-310 truckloads of goods would be allowed into
the Gaza Strip. Palestinian liaison official Raed Fattouh said the goods
would include 11 loads of building material, including cement and iron
bars, for UNRWA-sponsored projects, six loads of iron pipes for a
project....

*Loh: Abbas, Mash'al to meet within days*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398664>
6/22/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas
leader-in-exile Khalid Mash'al will meet in the next few days, Fatah
national relations official Diab Al-Loh announced. Postponing the
meeting was because of some changes that occurred on the president's
agenda,Al-Loh said Tuesday. Al-Loh stressed that Fatah is working toward....

*Ramallah museum to show Picasso for first time*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398702>
6/21/2011 - RAMALLAH (AFP) -- A Ramallah art museum has become the first
in the West Bank to take delivery of an artwork by Picasso, which will
go on view to the public for a month, beginning on Friday. The 1943
canvas, "Buste de Femme," was loaned by the Van Abbe museum in
Eindhoven, Netherlands, as the centerpiece. ...

*NATO airstrike kills Palestinian family in Tripoli*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398479>
6/21/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- A Palestinian family of four was killed
in a NATO airstrike Monday on the Libyan capital of Tripoli, according
to the Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry
explained in a statement published Tuesday on the government news agency
Wafa, that the International Red Crescent Association had relayed....

*Abbas: UN in place of no other options*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398407>
6/21/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- The Palestinian leadership will continue
its pursuit of support for an appeal to the UN for membership and the
recognition of statehood, and Salam Fayyad will head the new unity
government, President Mahmoud Abbas told the Lebanese satellite channel
LBC on Monday night. In the absence of negotiations with Israel, Abbas....

*Shakira pushes education on visit to Jerusalem*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398697>
6/21/2011 - JERUSALEM (AFP) -- Colombian pop diva Shakira said on
Tuesday that education was the best way to achieve global stability and
peace after meeting Israeli and Palestinian school children on a visit
to Jerusalem. Speaking at a joint press conference with President Shimon
Peres, the 34-year-old singer said she had come to Israel to share....

*Abbas in Turkey for talks*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398720>
6/21/2011 - ANKARA (AFP) -- President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Ankara
Tuesday for talks with Turkish leaders amid disagreements over the
formation of a Palestinian unity government, officials said. Abbas will
have a "private program" before talks with Turkish leaders Thursday and
Friday, a Turkish diplomat told AFP, without elaborating. The president
is to meet with his Turkish....

*Opinion poll shows Fayyad favored for PM*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398523>
6/21/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- A poll conducted by the Palestinian
Center for Policy and Survey Research found the majority of Palestinians
would prefer Salam Fayyad as prime minister and Mahmoud Abbas as
president. The results of the poll, released Monday, also showed that
reconciliation talks had improved the public perception of Hamas more
than Fatah....

*Ramallah governor shuts down pharmaceutical company*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398594>
6/21/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Ramallah governor Laila Ghanam has
ordered a pharmaceutical company to shut down over health and safety
violations. Gamma Pharmaceuticals, based in Beituniya near Ramallah,
failed to comply with health and safety regulations, did not employ a
qualified pharmacist and has not renewed its license, a statement from
the governor's.. ..

*Syria's Assad orders new amnesty as 4 more dead*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398546>
6/21/2011 - DAMASCUS, Syria (AFP) -- President Bashar Al-Assad on
Tuesday ordered a new general amnesty, a day after an offer of "national
dialogue" to end Syria's unrest, even as activists said four people were
killed in anti-government protests. Two people were killed in the
central city of Homs and another two in the northeastern province....

*Jordan information minister quits over 'restrictive' laws*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398653>
6/21/2011 - AMMAN (AFP) -- Jordan's Information Minister Taher Adwan
said on Tuesday he has resigned because of laws he deemed "restrictive
for freedom of expression." "I submitted my resignation today to Prime
Minister Maaruf Bakhit in protest at a government decision" to debate
new press and publication laws in parliament that he opposed, Adwan told....

*Clinton backs Saudi women's call for right to drive*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398694>
6/21/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFP) -- US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on
Tuesday publicly threw her support behind a campaign by Saudi women to
lift a ban on female driving in the ultra conservative, oil-rich
kingdom." What these women are doing is brave, and what they are seeking
is right," Clinton said, ending what officials here had called....

*Palestine Note* <http://palestinenot e.com/cs/>

*Gaza in crisis as smugglers divert trade to Libya*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/06/21/ gaza-in-crisis- as-smugglers- divert-trade- to-libya. aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Jun 2011 - Ma'an- Egyptian fuel smugglers are
expanding their network to Libya and reducing deliveries to Gaza causing
a fuel crisis in the Strip, traders told Ma'an. Gaza trader Ayman Abu
Shanab said Egypt was exploiting the unrest in Libya to smuggle...

*West Bank civil servants to strike Wednesday, Thursday*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/06/21/ west-bank- civil-servants- to-strike- wednesday- thursday. aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Jun 2011 - Ma'an- Civil servants in the West Bank will
strike on Wednesday for two days, public employees union leader Bassam
Zakarna said Monday. The statement said all government institutions
would be affected by the strike, with Zakarna protesting the PA
government's. ..

*Medical Council corruption report handed down to PA*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/06/21/ medical-council- corruption- report-handed- down-to-pa. aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Jun 2011 - Ma'an - The Palestinian anti-corruption
department received a report Sunday from a parliamentarian committee
investigating alleged corruption charges against the Higher Palestinian
Medical Council. The head of the anti-corruption department, Rafiq
Natshe, who received the report in his office in...

*Survey: Majority of Palestinians want Fayyad as prime minister*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/06/21/ survey-majority- of-palestinians- want-fayyad- as-prime- minister. aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Jun 2011 - Haaretz- A majority of Palestinians want
current Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to run the proposed Palestinian
national unity government, according to a public opinion poll published
Monday. The survey, conducted by the Ramallah-based Palestinian Center
for Policy and Survey Research (...

*Abbas: Palestinians will not turn to UN if given alternative solution*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/06/21/ abbas-palestinia ns-will-not- turn-to-un- if-given- alternative- solution. aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Jun 2011 - Haaretz- If Israel, the United States and
Europe do not want the Palestinians to seek unilateral recognition in
the United Nations then they must present an alternative, Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas said in an interview to the Lebanese television
network...

*Syrians Rally, This Time in Support of Leader*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ topnews/archive/ 2011/06/21/ syrians-rally- this-time- in-support- of-leader. aspx>
Palestine Note 21 Jun 2011 - Assad offers broad amnesty for anti-regime
protesters New York Times - Tens of thousands of people took to public
squares in Damascus and other major Syrian cities on Tuesday to pledge
allegiance to President Bashar al-Assad in the latest government.. .

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

**
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ americas/ 2011/06/20116221 349417489. html>*NATO
confirms drone helicopter lost in Libya*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ africa/2011/ 06/2011621205618 25503.html>
AlJazeera 21 Jun 2011 - US surveillance drone lost near Zliten, as
Libya's state television says aircraft was downed Apache attack helicopter.

*Clinton hails female Saudi driving activists*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/06/20116211 9351841918. html>
AlJazeera 21 Jun 2011 - US secretary of state says women protesting
against a ban on their driving are "brave" but that it is an internal issue.

*Greek PM survives crucial vote of confidence*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/video/ europe/2011/ 06/2011621204033 932952.html>
AlJazeera 21 Jun 2011 - Papandreou gains parliamentary support for his
government, paving the way for a a new round of austerity measures.

*Deaths reported amid rival Syria rallies*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/06/20116211 5512111728. html>
AlJazeera 21 Jun 2011 - Activists say seven people killed as government
supporters and opponents clash in three cities.

*Deadly blast at Iraqi governor's compound*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/06/20116216 76821924. html>
AlJazeera 21 Jun 2011 - At least 21 people killed in explosion outside
home of local official in central Iraq.

*Iraqis make a living among the dead*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/video/ middleeast/ 2011/06/20116214 5014861343. html>
AlJazeera 21 Jun 2011 - The Najaf cemetery has become a refuge for
families displaced by poverty and violence.

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

*Freedom Flotilla Participants: Israel Piracy On Our Ships Will Not Be
Easy*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10287& Itemid=56>
PNN - Brussels - PNN - Participants of the freedom flotilla 2 bound for
Gaza said on Tuesday that Israeli attempts to take over their ships will
not be an easy, assuring that activists...

*PM Fayyad May Today Announce He is Not Part of New Government*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10286& Itemid=61>
PNN - Ramallah - PNN - It is expected that the Palestinian Prime
Minister, Dr. Salam Fayyad, may announce today that he will not be the
prime minister for the new national reconciliation government,. ..

*USPCN Campaigns for Palestinian Democratic Representation*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10285& Itemid=61>
PNN - New York -- PNN - The United States Palestinian Community Network
(USPCN) is campaigning to allow for greater representation of the
Palestinian people by demanding that direct elections are held to the...

*Video: Richard Levy & Kathy Kelly Join US Activists to Sail to Gaza In
Humanitarian Flotilla*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10284& Itemid=>
PNN - Washington -- PNN - Dozens of Americans hope to set sail this week
on a U.S.-flagged ship, The Audacity of Hope, as part of an
international flotilla which aims to challenge Israel's...

*Israeli Military Demolish Palestinian Homes in the Jordan Valley*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10283& Itemid=64>
PNN - Jordan Valley -- PNN -- Palestinian sources report that the
Israeli Military demolished four homes and bulldozed farmlands belonging
to Palestinian farmers at the village of al-Hadydyah. Witnesses told
local media that...

*Palestinian Family of Four Killed in NATO Bombing of Tripoli*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10282& Itemid=56>
PNN - Tripoli - PNN - A Palestinian family of four was killed on Monday
during a NATO bombing which targeted the Libyan capital of Tripoli. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Palestinian. ..

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

*67 people displaced following demolition of Bedouin village by Israeli
army* <http://palsolidarit y.org/2011/ 06/18992/>
6/21/2011 - International Solidarity Movement - 20 June 2011,
International Solidarity Movement - On June 20th at 7am a Bedouin
village, south of Hebron in Khirbet Bir al'Idd was struck down with
Israeli bulldozers destroying seven tin homes and several other sheds
and tents. The Israeli army and border police arrived to demolish the
homes claiming the area was classified.. ..

*Two fishing boats shot off Gaza coast*
<http://palsolidarit y.org/2011/ 06/19025/>
6/21/2011 - International Solidarity Movement - International Solidarity
Movement - At around 9am on June 21, two fishing boats were attacked by
the Israeli Navy, with bullets piercing both engines, rendering them
unusable. The first boat was shot at in the motor, at the rear end and,
when the 4-man crew took cover at the front of the boat, away from....

*Alternative Information Center* <http://www.alternat ivenews.org/>

*Israel Demolishes Homes in Tubas District, Displacing 27 Palestinian
Children, Adults*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ news/3672- israel-demolishe s-homes-in- tubas-district- displacing- 27-palestinian- children- adults->
Alternative Information Center - On Tuesday morning (21 June) the
Israeli army demolished 29 structures in al-Hadidiya, Tubas Governorate,
displacing 27 people from six households, including 11 children. A
further 15 people were affected, including 10 children.

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

*Israel: Halt Home Demolitions* <http://reliefweb. int/node/ 421545>
Relief Web 21 Jun 2011 - Source: Human Rights Watch Country: Israel ,
occupied Palestinian territory Compensate Scores of People Displaced in
West Bank Communities (Jerusalem, June 21, 2011) -- Israel should end
discriminatory policies that have forcibly displaced hundreds of West
Bank Palestinian residents from their...

*Israel okays materials to build Gaza homes, schools*
<http://reliefweb. int/node/ 421537>
Relief Web 21 Jun 2011 - Source: Agence France-Presse Country: Israel ,
occupied Palestinian territory JERUSALEM --- Israel has approved the
delivery to the Gaza Strip of materials to build 1,200 homes and 18
schools in UN-run projects, a defence official told AFP on Tuesday. The
decision...

*Jordan warns of instability if UN Palestine Refugee Agency's funds cut*
<http://reliefweb. int/node/ 421510>
Relief Web 21 Jun 2011 - Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: Jordan , occupied
Palestinian territory UNRWA Commissioner General appeals for Arab funds
21 June 2011 Jordan The Prime Minister of Jordan, Marouf al-Bakheet, has
warned of instability. ..

*Annual report 2010* <http://reliefweb. int/node/ 421378>
Relief Web 21 Jun 2011 - Source: European Commission Humanitarian Aid
department Country: Afghanistan , Central African Republic (the) , Chad
, Côte d'Ivoire , Democratic People's Republic of Korea (the) ,
Democratic Republic of the Congo (the) , Ethiopia , Iraq , Liberia ,
Niger (the) , occupied Palestinian territory , Pakistan , Somalia , Sri
Lanka , Sudan (...

*Live theatre delivers health messages to refugees*
<http://reliefweb. int/node/ 421340>
Relief Web 21 Jun 2011 - Source: UN Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East Country: Jordan , occupied
Palestinian territory More than 6,000 refugees in ten refugee camps
across Jordan were entertained and educated during May by live
performances of a play...

*UNHCR Iraq Fact Sheet - May 2011* <http://reliefweb. int/node/ 421317>
Relief Web 20 Jun 2011 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Country: Iran (Islamic Republic of) , Iraq , Jordan , occupied
Palestinian territory , Syrian Arab Republic (the) , Turkey Background
UNHCR has been present in Iraq since the 1980s protecting refugees and
asylum seekers. While Iraq is not...

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

*Iran's deputy foreign minister falls victim to Ahmadinejad' s fight with
hard-line clerics*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ irans-deputy- foreign-minister -falls-victim- to-ahmadinejads- fight-with- hard-line- clerics>
The National 21 Jun 2011 - Dispute over Mohammed Sharif Malekzadeh is
part of a burgeoning power struggle involving President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad, the parliament and the country's clergy.

*Bomb blasts across Iraq kill dozens*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ bomb-blasts- across-iraq- kill-dozens>
The National 21 Jun 2011 - Attacks include twin suicide car bomb attacks
in Diwaniyah targeting local governor which killed at least 26 and
wounded another 29.

*Open for business: Turkey's bankers tap into Kurdish boom*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ open-for- business- turkeys-bankers- tap-into- kurdish-boom>
The National 21 Jun 2011 - It may have a difficult relationship with its
own Kurds, but Turkey is happy to strike economic ties with the Kurds of
Iraq, where it now does billions of dollars in business every year.

*Assad orders new general amnesty as France calls for UN Security
Council intervention in Syria*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ assad-orders- new-general- amnesty-as- france-calls- for-un-security- council-interven tion-in-syria>
The National 21 Jun 2011 - Assad acknowledges that Syria has reached a
'turning point', but he said dialogue could lead to a new constitution
and end nearly five decades of his Baath party's monopoly on power.

*Jordanians press for greater effort to wipe out wasta and defeat
corruption*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ jordanians- press-for- greater-effort- to-wipe-out- wasta-and- defeat-corruptio n>
The National 21 Jun 2011 - King Abdullah promises to fight corruption
but critics say more serious efforts are needed to end wasta, nepotism
and favouristism.

*Saleh 'back in Yemen on Friday', ruling party insists*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ saleh-back- in-yemen- on-friday- ruling-party- insists>
The National 21 Jun 2011 - Opposition leader discounts the possibility
of the president¿s return, as JMP said it received confirmation from a
number of western ambassadors that Mr Saleh will not be back.

*A Coptic Christian's reasons for backing the Muslim Brotherhood*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ a-coptic- christians- reasons-for- backing-the- muslim-brotherho od>
The National 21 Jun 2011 - Rafik Habib, an Egyptian Christian
intellectual, defends the Muslim Brotherhood against accusations of
having a secret extremist agenda, and his own choice in joining its
political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party, as third-in-command.

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

*Senior Israeli source: Iran actively helping Syria squash
demonstrations*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ senior-israeli- source-iran- actively- helping-syria- squash-demonstra tions-1.368971>
Ha'aretz - Not only is Iran supplying equipment to the Syrian army, the
source says, Iran's Revolutionary Guard also organized demonstrations
against Israel on Nakba and Naksa Day.

*Zvi Barel / The economic effects of Syria's turmoil are clearly
visible*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/features /the-economic- effects-of- syria-s-turmoil- are-clearly- visible-1. 369004>
Ha'aretz - Tourism is a key branch of Syria's economy and when hotels
lay off workers and restaurants send waiters on vacation, the middle
class is likely to join in the protests eventually.

*IAF strikes Gaza tunnel after mortar and Qassam land in Israel*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/iaf- strikes-gaza- tunnel-after- mortar-and- qassam-land- in-israel- 1.369024>
Ha'aretz - IDF says tunnel was being used by terror groups in the Strip
to infiltrate Israel and carry out actions against soldiers and Israeli
citizens.

*Sirens to go off around Israel as security drill goes national*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ sirens-to- go-off-around- israel-as- security- drill-goes- national- 1.368983>
Ha'aretz - The exercise, dubbed Turning Point 5, involves the Home Front
Command, the National Emergency Authority, national and local government
and emergency services.

*Suspected fraud in Labor Party census prompts investigation calls in
Israel*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ suspected- fraud-in- labor-party- census-prompts- investigation- calls-in- israel-1. 368977>
Ha'aretz - Only half of membership forms have been filed so far, but
Channel 2 News reported that they have checked 23,798 forms and found
severe issues calling its validity into question.

*Lithuania to compensate Jews who lost property during Nazi, Soviet
occupations*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ lithuania- to-compensate- jews-who- lost-property- during-nazi- soviet-occupatio ns-1.368967>
Ha'aretz - Under the bill, which still has to be signed into the law,
the government would pay 51.93 million euros between 2013 and 2023 to a
special fund.

*Israel's doctors set to continue strike despite talks with government*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ israel-s- doctors-set- to-continue- strike-despite- talks-with- government- 1.368968>
Ha'aretz - Only emergency and oncology operations will be performed, and
day hospitalization units in the general, geriatric and psychiatric
hospitals will be closed.

*Dylan Review Roundup*
<http://www.haaretz. com/culture/ dylan-review- roundup-1. 368954>
Ha'aretz - Five Israeli fans review the music icon's first performance
in Israel in nearly two decades.

*Israel approves transfer of $100 million of building goods into Gaza*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/israel- approves- transfer- of-100-million- of-building- goods-into- gaza-1.368958>
Ha'aretz -

*Watch Live: Shimon Peres' Presidential Conference in Jersualem*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ watch-live- shimon-peres- presidential- conference- in-jersualem- 1.368928>
Ha'aretz - Singer Shakira, comedian Sarah Silverman are just some of the
international guests attending the annual three-day conference.

*Former Prime Minister Olmert denies storing funds in a 'secret safe'*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ former-prime- minister- olmert-denies- storing-funds- in-a-secret- safe-1.368911>
Ha'aretz - Indictment says Olmert hid Talansky funds, in cash, in a safe
in Attorney Uri Messer's office; Olmert says description of the safe as
'secret' is unfounded.

*Fischer: Let imports spur competition*
<http://english. themarker. com/fischer- let-imports- spur-competition -1.368826>
Ha'aretz - Fischer warns that if the military budget expands as a result
of regional developments, the government will not be able to continue
with its tax-cutting policy.

*Dairy queen Ofra Strauss: 'Maybe we were wrong'*
<http://english. themarker. com/dairy- queen-ofra- strauss-maybe- we-were-wrong- 1.368825>
Ha'aretz - 'High living costs, high food prices, high cottage cheese
prices must be addressed,' Strauss tells Caesarea Economic Policy
Planning Forum.

*Awaiting the tsunami scenario*
<http://english. themarker. com/awaiting- the-tsunami- scenario- 1.368819>
Ha'aretz - Opening panel at TheMarker conference warns of a 'combustible
atmosphere' as September nears.

*Fayyad to stay on as Palestinian prime minister*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/fayyad- to-stay-on- as-palestinian- prime-minister- 1.368953>
Ha'aretz - Salam Fayyad dismissed allegations of his plans to resign,
says he is 'proud' that he is public's favorite for the prime minister post.

*Israel to Apple: Take down 'Third Intifada' app*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/israel- to-apple- take-down- third-intifada- app-1.368933>
Ha'aretz - Minister Eli Edelstein asks Apple's founder Steve Jobs to
remove the app, which alerts users of upcoming events and features
pictures of martyrs.

*Netanyahu to Erdogan: Israel and Turkey should renew spirit of
friendship*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/netanyah u-to-erdogan- israel-and- turkey-should- renew-spirit- of-friendship- 1.368932>
Ha'aretz - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sends letter to Turkey's
Erdogan urging normalization of ties between the two countries;
Communication comes in the wake of secret talks between Israel and Turkey.

*Senior U.S. official: Israeli-Palestinian impasse is unsustainable*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/senior- u-s-official- israeli-palestin ian-impasse- is-unsustainable -1.368927>
Ha'aretz - Official tells reporters Israel should not be expected to
negotiate with Hamas, and that administration awaiting results of
Palestinian negotiations.

*Barak: Israel should push forward with negotiations*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/barak- israel-should- push-forward- with-negotiation s-1.368925>
Ha'aretz - Defense Minister Ehud Barak says Israel must make real
attempt to re-enter peace talks with the Palestinians despite lack of
support from all members of Israeli government and lack of Middle East
stability.

*Opening of Rafah crossing brings little relief to Gaza residents*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/opening- of-rafah- crossing- brings-little- relief-to- gaza-residents- 1.368916>
Ha'aretz - Gaza residents frustrated by long wait lists and difficulty
getting permits for crossing the border; Egypt permanently opened its
main border crossing with Gaza one month ago.

*'Suspected Israeli spy Ilan Grapel tells family he is treated well in
Egypt'*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/suspecte d-israeli- spy-ilan- grapel-tells- family-he- is-treated- well-in-egypt- 1.368904>
Ha'aretz - Egypt renews investigation of Jewish American citizen
following four days of delay after Grapel's first lawyer quit due to
unknown reasons.

*Abbas: Palestinians will not turn to UN if given alternative solution*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/abbas- palestinians- will-not- turn-to-un- if-given- alternative- solution- 1.368892>
Ha'aretz - Palestinian president says Israel, U.S., and Europe should
present alternative if they want to stop UN bid, stresses Salam Fayyad
must stand as head of unity government so not to 'bring about another
blockade.'

*Obama tells Jewish donors that U.S.-Israel disagreements are only
'tactical'*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/obama- tells-jewish- donors-that- u-s-israel- disagreements- are-only- tactical- 1.368864>
Ha'aretz - U.S. President reaffirms his country's bond with Israel is
'unbreakable. '

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

*Investigation of 'Israeli spy' Ilan Grapel resumes in Egypt*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=226016& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Egyptian paper reports Grapel receives new
defense attorney; sources deny claims of possible Israel-Egypt prisoner
exchange deal.

*Mashkevitch to resign as WJC Euro-Asian branch head*
<http://www.jpost. com/JewishWorld/ JewishNews/ Article.aspx? ID=226007& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - One of the world's richest Jews,
Israeli-Kazakh billionaire says he wants to devote more time to creating
Jewish "Al-Jazeera. "

*Yishai's divisive meddling*
<http://www.jpost. com/Opinion/ Editorials/ Article.aspx? ID=226005& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Yishai should indeed reinstate the clause
that specifies nationality as "Jewish" -- but he should do so for
Orthodox and non-Orthodox converts alike.

*Flash! Yale will study anti-Semitism*
<http://www.jpost. com/Opinion/ Columnists/ Article.aspx? ID=226004& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Center Field: After canceling one
initiative, the Ivy League university is now launching a new one.

*Purchasing, not stealing, Israel*
<http://www.jpost. com/Opinion/ Columnists/ Article.aspx? ID=226002& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Lion's Den: Acquiring property dunam by
dunam, farm by farm, house by house, lay at the heart of the Zionist
enterprise until 1948.

*Kassam rocket, mortar fired from Gaza hit western Negev*
<http://www.jpost. com/Defense/ Article.aspx? ID=226000& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - No injuries, damage reported as projectiles
strike open areas of the Eshkol regional council; attack is second in
less than a week.

*A question of the Palestinian dinar*
<http://www.jpost. com/Opinion/ Columnists/ Article.aspx? ID=225997& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Terra Incognita: What currency will the
Palestinians use in the wake of their quest to seek recognition for a
state in September?

*Karp's widow: Witnesses to husband's killing also murderers*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=225993& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Sarah Karp tells court how youths "sat and
laughed" as her husband was being killed by their friends.

*Settlers launch virtual anti-withdrawal from Samaria ad*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=225992& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Political ad in form of mini game meant to
underscore danger of future withdrawal from W. Bank by showing how
missile attacks could increase.

*Blair: Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear program*
<http://www.jpost. com/VideoArticle s/Video/Article. aspx?ID=225986& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Speaking at J'lem's Presidential
Conference, Quartet envoy stresses Israel is a model for the region;
Amos Oz: "Palestinian- Israeli conflict is not black and white, Israel
should take side of protesters in Arab Spring."

*Silverman roars Presidential Conference with laughter*
<http://www.jpost. com/VideoArticle s/Video/Article. aspx?ID=225981& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - "I'm so excited to be in such an old city,
Jerusalem is like, at least 30 years old, right?" American comedian
tells Channel 1 reporter.

*Jewish umbrella group slams US over Pollard*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=225976& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - In rare move, Conf. of Presidents leaders
say "pursuit of justice should be tempered with compassion and we renew
our plea for Pollard's release."

*Lebanon's opposition feeling threatened*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=225970& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Assad has made clear that if unrest begins
between Syria's Sunnis and its Alawite minority, Lebanon will suffer
instability as well.

*Netanyahu sends congratulatory letter to Erdogan*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=225968& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Gesture on Turkish PM's reelection seen as
effort to reach out to Ankara to repair severely damaged relationship by
last year's flotilla raid.

*Israel asks Apple to remove '3rd intifada' application*
<http://www.jpost. com/Sci-Tech/ Article.aspx? ID=225966& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Yuli Edelstein in letter to Steve Jobs:
"Application calls for uprising against Israel, iPad apps should not be
instrument for incitement to violence."

*Jerusalem teenager killed in motorcycle accident*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=225965& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - "He failed [the license test] twice and I
was so happy" mother said; safety advocates call to raise requirements
for motorcycle licenses.

*Seven protesters killed in Syria during pro-Assad rallies*
<http://www.jpost. com/VideoArticle s/Video/Article. aspx?ID=225962& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Protesters reject Assad speech; security
forces block roads around Aleppo; Syrian president issues general
amnesty after promising reforms.

*Hamas official: Army Radio gives me free speech*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=225958& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Right-wing NGO tricks Rantisi into pledging
support for IDF radio station as part of campaign to close military
radio station.

*Best preserved site of First Temple Ruins inaugurated*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=225957& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Scholars believe area is the "Water Gate"
mentioned in the Bible; activists denounce site's focus on Israeli
history only.

*Ocean life faces mass extinctions, study shows*
<http://www.jpost. com/Sci-Tech/ Article.aspx? ID=225950& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - "We now face losing marine species and
entire marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs, within a single
generation," report to UN says.

*Jordanian minister quits over 'restrictive' media laws*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=225949& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Taher Adwan says new laws "that restrict
freedom of expression and lower the ceiling of press freedoms" contrary
to calls for political reforms.

*Olmert denies existence of 'secret cash-box'*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=225928& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Former PM completely rejects "baseless
claim", says there was "no secret cashbox, no conspiracy, nothing."

*CITYsights: What lies beneath*
<http://www.jpost. com/VideoArticle s/Video/Article. aspx?ID=225919& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Hiding underneath the Kotel, The Western
Wall Tunnels contain secrets revealing thousands of years of history.

*'Grapel investigation resumes in Egypt after 4 days'*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=225914& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Egyptian paper reports Grapel appointed new
defense attorney; sources deny claims of possible Israel-Egypt prisoner
exchange deal.

*Bombings kill 21 people in Iraqi city of Diwaniya*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=225912& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Suicide bomber, car bomb planted outside a
governor's house in the central Iraqi city kill at least 21 people and
injure more than 30.

*Olmert testifies over Talansky cash transfers*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=225906& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Though he was aware of debt, former prime
minister says Messer was campaign chief, and therefore all financial
responsibilities were his.

*Syria forces sweep Aleppo as Assad promises reform*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=225904& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Assad promises reform; Alliance between
Assad and Sunni merchants holds; Twelve arrested in village between
Aleppo and Turkey.

*Green groups face economic, leadership challenges*
<http://www.jpost. com/HealthAndSci -Tech/ScienceAnd Environment/ Article.aspx? ID=225902& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - Study conducted by Israel's foremost
environmental leaders examines the status of the country's environmental
movement.

*Obama reassures Jewish donors on strong support for Israel*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=225895& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 21 Jun 2011 - "US and Israel will always be stalwart
allies and friends," Obama tells group of Americans in Support of a
Strong US-Israel Relationship.

*Inter Press Service* <http://ipsnews. net/middle. asp>

*U.S.: Kerry, McCain Come to Obama's Rescue Over Libya*
<http://ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 56178>
IPS Hoping to head off growing insurgencies in both major parties over
Washington's participation in NATO's military campaign against Libya,
two key senators Tuesday unveiled a resolution that would give President
Barack Obama the authority to continue operations there for up to one year.

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

*Video: Extremely graphic footage: Libyan children killed by NATO bombs*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78843>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - Just a day after admitting killing 9 civilians
in a bungled airstrike, NATO has been accused by the Libyan authorities
of causing at least another 15 deaths. The Alliance confirmed it had
carried out another bombing, but has not responded to the allegations of
civilian casualties. RT crew in Tripoli has shot some shocking...

*30 people killed in spate of bomb attacks in Iraq*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78841>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 -- A series of bomb attacks swept across Iraq on
Tuesday, killing 30 people and wounding some 53 others, amid a wave of
escalation of violence in Iraqi cities. Massive twin car bomb explosions
in Iraq's southern central city of Diwaniyah were the latest in a series
of high-profile and coordinated bombings that have seemingly...

*Freedom Flotilla Participants: Israel Piracy On Our Ships Will Not Be
Easy* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78839>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - Participants of the freedom flotilla 2 bound for
Gaza said on Tuesday that Israeli attempts to take over their ships will
not be an easy, assuring that activists will not use violence at all.
According to reports from the European campaign to lift the siege on
Gaza, Dr. Lin Vientiane, coordinator for the Irish...

*Wrongfully Banishing Professor David Protess*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78838>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - On March 18, Chicago Tribune writers Matthew
Walberg and Dan Hinkel headlined, "Northwestern at odds with star
professor," saying: "Cook County prosecutors sparked a media firestorm
nearly two years ago when they subpoenaed notes, recordings, and even
grades of (his) students (because of their work proving) Anthony
McKinney had wrongly been convicted of a...

*US investigators reportedly say Yemen's Saleh hit by advanced US-made
missile* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78837>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - An investigation team from the United States has
reportedly found that an attack that wounded President Ali Abdullah
Saleh and several senior members of his government while performing the
Friday prayers in his Sana'a presidential compound earlier in June was
carried out by an advanced US-made missile designed for special
assassination operations, sources close...

*Seven protesters killed in Syria during rallies*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78836>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - Syrian security forces shot dead seven people on
Tuesday during clashes in two cities between President Bashar al-Assad's
loyalists and protesters demanding his removal, a leading activist said.
The violence followed rallies organised by authorities in several cities
in support of Assad, whose 11-year rule has been challenged by a
three-month popular uprising, prompting...

*Video: Iraqis make a living among the dead*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78835>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - The Najaf cemetery in central Iraq is the
largest graveyard in the world. It is a holy site for Shia Muslims,
millions of whom choose to be buried there because of its proximity to
Imam Ali's tomb. But as poverty and violence displace more Iraqis, the
cemetary is increasingly becoming a refuge the living....

*Report: "30% of the Palestinians in the W. Bank, 67% In Gaza, Are
Refugees"* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78834>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - The Palestinian Census Bureau reported that
nearly half of the Palestinians in the occupied territories are
internally displaced refugees, and that, since its creation in Palestine
in 1948, Israel forcibly removed two-thirds of the Arab population.
Marking the World Refugee Day on Monday, the Bureau stated that %43.4 of
the Palestinians in Palestine are...

*Markets, Murder and Trash: The Real New World Order Emerges in Juarez*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78833>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - Do you want to know what the future looks like?
Ed Vulliamy can show you. Just follow him down to Ciudad Juarez, where
the witless, heedless, heartless machinery of "market fundamentalism"
(or "late capitalism," or whatever other name you'd like to give to the
unrestrained greed of our elites) has come to its logical,...

*NATO airstrike kills Palestinian family in Tripoli*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78832>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - - A Palestinian family of four was killed in a
NATO airstrike Monday on the Libyan capital of Tripoli, according to the
Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry
explained in a statement published Tuesday on the government news agency
Wafa, that the International Red Crescent Association had relayed the
news. The family,...

*Attacks on Muslim cemetery represent another feature of Israeli
violations* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78831>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - Ahmed Toubassi, a researcher at the
International Solidarity Foundation for Human Rights, has said that the
excavations and digging carried out by the Israeli authorities in the
historic Al Qashla Muslim Cemetery (adjacent with the Grand Mosque in
Jaffa) represent yet "another face" of Israeli violations of religious
as well as international conventions. In...

*Military Resistance 9F12 : "A Metallic Sound"*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78829>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - Last week, the non-violent protest movement in
Iraq reached a critical point. June 7 marked the self-imposed deadline
for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to rid the various government
departments of corruption and correct their incompetence. You see, a
major criticism from the growing movement of tens of thousands across
Iraq is that rampant corruption.. .

*Reveling in the Pain of Others: Moral Degeneracy and Violence in the
"Kill Team" Photos* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78828>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - War, violence and death have become the
organizing principle of governance and culture in the United States as
we move into the second decade of the 21st century. Lacking a language
for the social good, the very concept of the social as a space in which
justice, equality, social protections and a responsibility to...

(continues in the following post)

[ninathedog]

(continues from the preceding post)

[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1417
Tue Jun 21, 2011 8:30 pm (PDT)

*Waging another Unconstitutional War* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78826>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - The meticulous Harvard Law Review editors should
be rolling over in their footnotes. The recidivist violations of
constitutional and statutory requirements by their celebrated
predecessor at that journal - Barack Obama has reached Orwellian
dimensions in the war against Libya. You see, the widespread daily
bombing of Libya, the strict naval blockade of Muammar...

*Kairos Palestine Letter to Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78825>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - Kairos Palestine is deeply troubled by your
recent comments regarding the situation of Christians in the Middle East
in general and more particularly those related to the Palestinian
Christians, as it was aired on the June 14 broadcast of the BBC news
programme "The World at One." Your inaccurate and erroneous remarks cite
Muslim...

*Bashar al-Assad's full speech* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78824>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - ...Conspiracies are like germs, after all,
multiplying every moment everywhere. They cannot be eliminated, but we
can strengthen the immunity of our bodies in order to protect ourselves
against them. It doesn't require much analysis, based on what we heard
from others and witnessed in the media, to prove that there is indeed a...

*Public opinion and Endless War* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78823>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - ...These demands that the nation's continuous
use of war and violence not even be questioned are easy to understand.
The nature of being an empire entails not only ruling the world through
force, but also ensuring that the Emperor's decrees and actions cannot
be meaningfully challenged at home. That's why the controversy over
Obama's...

*Fresh Libya civilian deaths pile pressure on NATO*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78822>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - - The Libyan government said on Monday 19
civilians were killed in a NATO air strike on the home of one of Muammar
Gaddafi's top officials, a day after NATO admitted killing civilians in
a separate aerial attack. Libyan officials took reporters to Surman, 70
km (45 miles) west of Tripoli, to the site...

*Detaining Palestinian Children* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78820>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - Last month, a 13-year-old boy from a small
village in the occupied West Bank woke up to the sound of loud banging
on the front door of his family home - it was 3:00 am. Omar's father
answered the door and found heavily armed Israeli soldiers waiting
outside. The soldiers asked for the family's...

*Egypt military to try journalists over torture claim*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78819>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 -- Military prosecutors in Egypt are to try a
newspaper editor and a journalist over comments in an article on torture
attributed to a military official, a military source said on Sunday.
Journalist Adel Hammuda and editor Rasha Azab from the independent
Egyptian weekly Al-Fagr were questioned by the prosecutor on Sunday and
will appear...

*New popular resistance movement emerges in Palestine*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78818>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - Around a year and a half ago, residents and
community leaders from the districts of Hebron, Beit Ummar and Ramallah
had an idea to create something new out of what already exists
throughout Palestine: popular, non-violent resistance. They started
formulating an umbrella organization that will coordinate and support
local popular committees that already exist...

*Killing Democracy One File at a Time: Justice Department Loosens FBI
Domestic Spy Guidelines* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78817>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - While the Justice Department is criminally
inept, or worse, when it comes to prosecuting corporate thieves who
looted, and continue to loot, trillions of dollars as capitalism's
economic crisis accelerates, they are extremely adept at waging war on
dissent. Last week, The New York Times disclosed that the FBI "is giving
significant new powers...

*Humans against Strangulation of Gaza* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78816>
Uruknet June 20, 2011 - People often ask me why I am part of a team to
organize a U.S. Boat to Gaza that will be sailing this month with the
next International Flotilla to break the siege of Gaza. They often make
clear they are asking because I am an American Jew, whose family
survived the Holocaust with...

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

*Allies defend role in Libya as campaign shows strains*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Allies- defend-role- in-Libya- as-campaign- shows-strains. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Allied leaders from NATO have defended their
ongoing role in Libya as debate rages over the legitimacy of their
operations and growing signs of strain emerge within the alliance.

*Pro-Assad demonstrators clash with opponents*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Pro- Assad-demonstrat ors-clash- with-opponents. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Syrian President Bashar Assad ordered a new
general amnesty Tuesday, as government supporters and opponents clashed
in three Syrian cities, with security forces opening fire, killing at
least seven people including a teenager, activists reported.

*Maronite patriarch wishes Cabinet luck from Rome*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/Maronite- patriarch- wishes-Cabinet- luck-from- Rome.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai said Tuesday he
wished the new government luck in its endeavor to confront and deal with
Lebanon's crises and meet the people's economic and social demands.

*Omar Karami calls for arms-free Lebanon*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/Omar-Karami- calls-for- arms-free- Lebanon.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Former Prime Minister Omar Karami said Wednesday
that calls for declaring his home city Tripoli an arms-free city should
be part of a plan by the government to demilitarize all Lebanese areas.

*Bab al-Tabbaneh shop owners seek compensation*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/Bab-al- Tabbaneh- shop-owners- seek-compensatio n.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Businesses in Tripoli's Bab al-Tabbaneh
neighborhood asked Lebanon's Higher Relief Council Tuesday to compensate
for material damage caused by last week's violent clashes, by providing
LL5 million for each shopkeeper.

*Arrest warrants issued over Tripoli clashes*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/Arrest- warrants- issued-over- Tripoli-clashes. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Military Prosecutor Judge Saqr Saqr issued arrest
warrants against seven people Tuesday over their involvement in last
week's violent clashes in Tripoli, which left seven people dead and 59
wounded, as a preliminary investigation continued.

*'Lebaneseness' of Cabinet formation confirmed*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/Lebaneseness- of-Cabinet- formation- confirmed. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 We have seen news reports of Prime Minister Najib
Mikati confirming to Arab and foreign ambassadors his commitment to
international resolutions, including the Special Tribunal for Lebanon,
and displaying his insistence on fulfilling the people's basic...

*War of words between Aoun Future Movement resumes*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/War-of- words-between- Aoun-Future- Movement- resumes.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 The war of words between the Free Patriotic
Movement and the Future Movement resumed Tuesday, with FPM leader Michel
Aoun threatening that many March 14 officials would end up in prison.

*Mikati assures his Cabinet will fully stand in the judiciary's court*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/Mikati- assures-his- Cabinet-will- fully-stand- in-the-judiciary s-court.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Tuesday that his
government would stand firm in support of judicial authorities, whose
independence would strengthen the role of state institutions and uphold
justice.

*Authorities release 15 detained Syrian refugees*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/Authorities- release-15- detained- Syrian-refugees. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Lebanese security authorities have released
Syrian refugees who had been detained for not having proper
identification documents, several sources told The Daily Star Tuesday.

*New education minister eschews political spats*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/New-education -minister- eschews-politica l-spats.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 The education minister is promising to make use
of his academic background to tackle the shortcomings of the country's
education system and has requested to be left out of any political
bickering.

*Cabinet policy stalls over STL*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/Cabinet- policy-stalls- over-STL. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Discussions over the government policy statement
were stalled Tuesday over the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, pending an
agreement between Hezbollah and Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

*Tunisians uneasy over Ben Ali 'charade' verdict*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Tunisians -uneasy-over- Ben-Ali-charade- verdict.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Tunisian authorities came under fire Tuesday for
their high-speed sentencing in absentia of ousted president Zine
al-Abidine Ben Ali and his wife to 35 years in jail for embezzling
public funds.

*Tribes tell Saudi Arabia: Saleh return will lead to civil war*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Tribes- tell-Saudi- Arabia-Saleh- return-will- lead-to-civil- war.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 The head of Yemen's most powerful tribal
confederation warned Tuesday in a letter to the Saudi king that Yemen
could plunge into civil war if President Ali Abdullah Saleh is allowed
to return home.

*For Palestinians the wait goes on despite Rafah opening*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/For- Palestinians- the-wait- goes-on-despite- Rafah-opening. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 The reopening of Gaza's main border crossing with
Egypt brought widespread relief to Palestinians suffering from a
four-year blockade.

*Arab Spring nerves push Israel to reach out*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Arab- Spring-nerves- push-Israel- to-reach- out.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Israel's defense minister said Tuesday that
despite the upheaval in the Arab world from pro-democracy uprisings,
Israel should push forward with negotiations.

*Rare attack on state building in Iraq's Shiite south kills 22*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Rare- attack-on- state-building- in-Iraqs- Shiite-south- kills-22. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Twin explosions near a government compound early
Tuesday killed at least 22 people and wounded dozens in a rare attack in
the Shiite heartland, Iraqi officials said.

*Indonesia recalls envoy to Saudi over migrant worker execution*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Indonesia -recalls- envoy-to- Saudi-over- migrant-worker- execution. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Indonesia recalled its ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Tuesday in protest over the execution of an Indonesian migrant worker
convicted of murdering her employer, an Indonesian Embassy official in
Riyadh said.

*Ahmadinejad, lawmakers lock horns*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Ahmadinej ad-lawmakers- lock-horns. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Iran's parliament dealt President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad two new blows Tuesday, rejecting a ministerial nominee and
forcing the resignation of a newly appointed deputy foreign minister.

*Iran and Iraq to discuss future of Camp Ashraf*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Iran- and-Iraq- to-discuss- future-of- Camp-Ashraf. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Iran and Iraq will discuss with the Red Cross the
future of an outlawed armed Iranian opposition group living in Iraq,
visiting Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Tuesday.

*Kuwait opposition on mission to remove prime minister from office*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Kuwait- opposition- on-mission- to-remove- prime-minister- from-office. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Kuwaiti opposition lawmakers have vowed to keep
up their campaign to oust the prime minister who faces a no-confidence
vote Thursday for having boosted ties with Iran.

*Jordan minister quits over lack of media freedom*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Jordan- minister- quits-over- lack-of-media- freedom.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Jordan's Information Minister Taher Adwan said
Tuesday he has resigned in protest because of proposed laws he deemed
restrictive for freedom of expression.

*Little reprieve for Moroccan king with constitutional reform plan*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Little- reprieve- for-Moroccan- king-with- constitutional- reform-plan. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Morocco's King Mohammad, at the helm of the Arab
world's longest-serving dynasty, has taken a timid step toward a
democratic transition with a constitutional reform plan he wants voters
to approve in a July 1 referendum.

*Ministers determined to finalize policy statement this week*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 21/Ministers- determined- to-finalize- policy-statement -this-week. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Ministerial committee tasked with finalizing the
draft policy statement is determined to do so by the end of this week,
one of its members tells The Daily Star.

*Seven arrest warrants issued over Tripoli clashes*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-21/Seven- arrest-warrants- issued-over- Tripoli-clashes. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Military Prosecutor Judge Sakr Sakr issues arrest
warrants for seven people over their involvement in Tripoli's violent
clashes Friday, which left seven people dead and 59 wounded.

*Tripoli businesses ask govt to compensate for damages*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-21/Tripoli- businesses- ask-govt- to-compensate- for-damages. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Businesses in Tripoli's Bab al-Tebbaneh ask
Lebanon's high relief body Tuesday to pledge LL5 million for each
shopkeeper.

*Man accused of killing Australian businessman arrested in Lebanon*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-21/Man- accused-of- killing-Australi an-businessman- arrested- in-Lebanon. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Man accused of killing an Australian businessman
flees to Lebanon and is arrested on drug charges.

*Lebanon frees Syrians held for not having identity papers*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-21/Lebanon- frees-Syrians- held-for- not-having- identity- papers.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Lebanon's authorities have released all Syrian
refugees in Lebanon who had been detained for not having identity
papers, activists say.

*100 Yemen troops killed in battle for Zinjibar: army*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-21/100- Yemen-troops- killed-in- battle-for- Zinjibar- army.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Battles raged Tuesday between Yemen's army and
suspected Al-Qaeda militants for control of the southern city of
Zinjibar, a military official said.

*Syria's Assad orders new amnesty as five more dead*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-21/Huge- pro-Assad- rally-held- in-Damascus. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Three people were killed in the central city of
Homs, one of them a teenager, and another two in the northeastern
province of Deir Ezzor, the activists said, citing residents, as both
the pro- and anti-Assad.. .

*Rifi says suggestions he is arming Bab al-Tabbaneh men not worth
response*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 21/Rifi-says- suggestions- he-is-arming- Bab-al-Tabbaneh- men-not-worth- response. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Internal Security Forces director refuses to
respond to accusations that he is arming young men from the north
Lebanon neighborhood of Bab al-Tabbaneh to fight rival Alawite countrymen.

*Little change in Moroccan air: analysts*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-21/Little- change-in- Moroccan- air-analysts. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Moroccan King Mohammed VI's proposed new
constitution would do little to change the status quo, falling short of
expectations raised during the heady early days of the Arab Spring,
analysts say.

*Americans join flotilla to break Gaza blockade*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-21/Americans -join-flotilla- to-break- Gaza-blockade. ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 A ship filled with American activists will join
an international flotilla that will try to break Israel's naval blockade
of the Gaza Strip, organizers said Monday.

*22 killed in car bombings south of Baghdad*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-21/22- killed-in- car-bombings- south-of- Baghdad.ashx>
Daily Star 21 Jun 2011 Suicide bombers detonated two explosives-laden
vehicles early Tuesday near a government compound south of Baghdad,
killing at least 22 people and wounding dozens, Iraqi officials said.

*Israel's defense drills put Hezbollah on alert: source*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 21/Israels- defense-drills- put-Hezbollah- on-alert- source.ashx>
Daily Star 20 Jun 2011 Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon were on high
alert Monday as Israel continued its week-long defense drills, a
security source told The Daily Star.

*Mikati briefs envoys on Cabinet creation, policy*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 21/Mikati- briefs-envoys- on-Cabinet- creation- policy.ashx>
Daily Star 20 Jun 2011 Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Monday briefed
Arab and foreign ambassadors on his government's policy on U.N.
resolutions while affirming Lebanon's respect of these resolutions.

*Stop The Wall* <http://stopthewall. org/>

*Palestinians in Deir Qaddis succeed in stopping IOF bulldozers*
<http://stopthewall. org/latestnews/ 2548.shtml>
Stop The Wall - Jun 15, 2011-- People in the West Ramallah village of
Deit Qaddis went out to the fields and successfully blocked the start of
works for a settler road that is planned to run through their lands. [

*Youth movement continues to spearhead Palestinian protests*
<http://stopthewall. org/latestnews/ 2550.shtml>
Stop The Wall - Jun 6, 2011-- This year's anniversary of the Naksa - the
occupation of the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), the Gaza Strip
and the Syrian Golan Heights by Israel - has been marked by historic
popular protests. [, Jun 5, 2011-- See Videos on the protests at
Qalandiya checkpoint and the brutal repression against the people
calling to end the occupation.

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

*Prosor makes UN debut*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085489,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - WASHINGTON --- Israel's new Ambassador to the
United Nations Ron Prosor on Tuesday made his debut appearance at the UN
General Assembly as the head of the Israeli ... ....

*Netanyahu woos Erdogan with letter*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085364,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a letter
to Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulating him for a
recent reelection to his third term, news agencies in ... ....

*Amos Oz slams West Bank 'occupation' *
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085481,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Author Amos Oz spoke Tuesday at the
Presidential Conference in Jerusalem and criticized the peace process
with the Palestinians. Oz said he believes the "ongoing ... ....

*Qassam, mortar explode in Negev*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085467,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Qassam terror back? A Qassam rocket exploded
Tuesday in open spaces in Eshkol Regional Council, just a half an hour
after a mortar shell blasted into the same area. ... ....

*Dagan doubts 'Arab Spring'*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085419,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Former Mossad chief Meir Dagan doubted the
'Arab Spring' Tuesday and said a Sunni government could succeed that of
Syrian President Bashar Assad, which may inhibit ... ....

*5 settlers released after 'Price tag' allegations*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085439,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Two Jerusalem courts ordered the release
Tuesday of five settlers police had arrested on suspicion of carrying
out revenge acts against Palestinians, commonly dubbed ... ....

*Egypt military posts Facebook poll on next leader*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085424,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Egypt's military rulers have posted a Facebook
poll to gauge the popularity of nearly 20 presidential hopefuls, an
attempt to show their commitment to a democratic ... ....

*Rivlin: Proud of 'Jewish' title on ID*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085382,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Knesset Speaker says questions of Judaism could
resurface following restoration. ...

*Police: Gas blast probe could take a year*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085372,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Commander says Netanya explosion that killed
four a 'puzzle', no definite....

*Airbus, IAl join forces on early-warning plane*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085374,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Derivative of Airbus craft to use radar to
monitor airspace, warn of approaching. ...

*Yisrael Beiteinu: Triple IDF discharge bonus*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085354,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Proposal follows bill stipulating preference
for discharged troops in public....

*Home Front Defense goes down 'The Pit'*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085143,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - New emergency underground facility for office
of Home Front Defense inaugurated. ...

*Assad declares general amnesty; mass support rallies staged*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085136,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - One day after pseudo-placating speech blaming
'saboteurs' for unrest sweeping....

*Paris Air Show: Israeli companies unveil defense systems*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085060,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Fifteen Israeli companies show at prestigious
international aerospace event;....

*Olmert: Allegations preposterous*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085115,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Former prime minister testifies again, slams
prosecution' s methods as 'pathetic,.. ..

*Karp widow: Why didn't anyone help?*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085090,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Sara, widow of Arik Karp, takes stand at
punitive arguments hearing for four....

*Egypt: Israeli 'spy' treated well*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085083,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - Cairo's al-Ahram weekly says suspected spy Ilan
Grapel was allowed to speak with....

*Knesset marks decade to Versailles disaster*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085021,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - House Control Committee holds special session
marking 10th anniversary of....

*Gantz: No change to Yizkor prayer*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085013,00. html>
YNet News, 21 Jun 2011 - IDF Chief claims he made no decision on
controversial phrasing of remembrance. ...

*21 June 2011: Officer indicted for vandalizing Palestinian vehicles*
<http://btselem. org/ota/21- june-2011- officer-indicted -vandalizing- palestinian- vehicles>
B'tselem 21 Jun 2011 - In October '09, B'Tselem documented several
vehicles that had been vandalized in the southern Hebron hills. The
vehicles had served to transport Palestinians wishing to enter Israel
without a permit to work, and had been abandoned after soldiers began
chasing them. On 19 June '11, the media reported that the military
prosecutor indicted an officer for vandalizing the vehicles with
soldiers under his command.

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

*Abu Zuhri: Abbas statement unjustified escalation*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7EAm1LV0jRT fZXYYsceA4BJaf09 9oEnckV2rEvrPj8Z 9xBuShXxCUSQX1Zc YQRoo8BMQksKbVRq PgsXKnC7xwLWlOve 8wHtrDIGmTDCa1hH 8%3d>
PIC - 21/06/2011 - 09:36 AM

*1500 sick Palestinian detainees refuse to take medicine in protest
step*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7OGUaW5oVM3 aybuY8ZZdHX8xmqq PYrJog3yMrMjzofG naydRycdP2Jd4x1j rmFV8qrIupuwx1fS U2prdWZMhibANxLd G0nM5psEL6KQSIf1 s%3d>
PIC - 21/06/2011 - 09:42 AM

*Haneyya: Siege-busting convoys expose occupation crimes*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7j3DllSyVm8 p%2fV8hiqaJTzXki BBfJacywPp6H5Oig nkoMvpqi2MbNXGVE 2J7GRA7P7be% 2fQrMLj0Ziy3XYih wnl7eM1nV5xPaRpp Co%2bP%2b6Rq0% 3d>
PIC - 21/06/2011 - 10:00 AM

*Palestinian family killed in NATO bombing on Tripol*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7dHw4CkFf0Q JOQR%2bln5J0OelV XDi%2bZYEjLsJSMh aqUxShGbfqX1c4Df A8zXAR%2b% 2b%2femQwJMqL2fn Gc595Duc% 2bRl%2bQdog2BKqe 5uCKvT0MUXQk% 3d>
PIC - All four members of a Palestinian family were killed in the Libyan
capital Tripoli on Monday evening in a NATO raid on the city, the
Palestinian foreign ministry in Ramallah said.

*IOF troops arrest five citizens in Majdal Shams*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7HEfTirEHkN FtNWcFxsWrNQMSye EfnTFTMaKXt4ccTt 7P9G0o062y3sxHGG vTAL7lJgEOJi1Mgh 4TW77P79Wf2GTBim gpT%2fCShvO9fgpE 28k%3d>
PIC - Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested five citizens in the
Majdal Shams town in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights at dawn Tuesday,
the Israeli radio said.

*IOF soldiers storm home of liberated Hamas leader, question him*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7hUNiXgBPKv zEOSd4VjSYLx4lRj B7y7J9a7hrrUU% 2b%2fKMVLN1QlHai Rd2nwxNM2TXrktYa 0uH%2f5gmpFZh1fK Vx2dpyS1% 2fIvt0AlkbOpQq8Z lA%3d>
PIC - The Israeli military commander of Jenin area accompanied Israeli
occupation forces (IOF) in storming the home of recently released Hamas
leader Ali Abul Rub in Qabatiya village at dawn Tuesday.

*Abu Marzouk: Upcoming unity government will serve Palestinians not
Israel*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s71vv6niTQXt BCUn8Uul% 2f%2bhkfn9YQ8pcL oqaBTXCco0itI24Q GwuzMeC6CR6H25t0 AVF93wuXWWPvcnM% 2bqjmkG5F7M% 2bQfA8ZBX5uzLs6H qlts%3d>
PIC - Moussa Abu Marzouk said current talks between Fatah and his party
are aimed at creating a government that serves the people and
Palestinian objectives, not one that satisfies Israel.

*Ministry asks UN to see release of Gazans held under 'unlawful
combatant law'*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7PO6X3cjYQz xffXDwP8O5kdLPvn vGFiC7HnpVBKWY5I qdCWRylEH3% 2bbawBmJDSHL% 2bbeXlxo1t9e0u% 2fp03NP3nb8ofCnB VkfITajZNQ2EQURU %3d>
PIC - The Gaza prisoner affairs ministry has called on the UN to
intervene as Israel has refused to release six Gazans whose prison terms
have ended using an unlawful combatant law.

*Egypt revolution party seeks prisoner trade-off with Israel*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7raOaMVtMnE Ff1KE%2bv4mWUn5m flQbWoR0p% 2fjXuWcdo0pkxdXd etZ1u9wB% 2f79KdBf1Hs1N1PU kszi8E727f% 2foq5g5ti23T% 2bm17YWYiCvpnSgk %3d>
PIC - Waed Society for Prisoners said that it agreed with the Egypt
based Palestine Studies Center and the Egyptian revolution youth to seek
a prisoner exchange with Israel..

*36 Americans to join June Gaza flotilla*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7xlSDb0AaJ1 Z9dAJsLLzzyKjJv4 IK3HlUe%2bPSBEIx Luzjh3ueLV54dL4G tuuEtRKuEDnUuTbQ U%2bnMa5vN9fx% 2fW1lDMukloEKtdB yS%2bPVrPvU% 3d>
PIC - 36 U.S. rights activists announced they will set sail to the Gaza
Strip on board the sequel of an aid flotilla that was lethally attacked
by Israeli naval forces in May 2010.

*Sheikh Sabri denounces calls for demolishing mosque in OJ*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s73%2bSM9MqP Cr%2fcvcLlimYVVF J%2fBkLF212iGHmV Zw9hYdwK49VyIuGj LuitMpw82TQ2rW0g HxM5zdJSm0X8Iq65 S82d1Kl%2f0SaLBK %2bf0wpqNnY% 3d>
PIC - Sheikh Ekrema Sabri, the head of the higher Islamic authority, has
condemned the call by Jewish fanatic groups for the destruction of
Mohammed Al-Fateh mosque in occupied Jerusalem.

*Khreisha asks Fayyad to give up the post of premier*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7l7Grb4F% 2f1RPw7WR4F4T% 2fMopShkjfDt7fc0 VEwQ4Z6JjAhGb4xR h3DaGGnJ1CUH5AHA FApKyelu6bhzpGk% 2fPz0ZKOtN3V% 2bjAi1O1lgNKPng0 %3d>
PIC - MP Hassan Khreisha has asked Salam Fayyad to give up the post of
premier after PA chief Mahmoud Abbas insisted on him as premier of the
unity government in order to evade foiling the reconciliation.

*Hamas slams Abbas statements insisting Fayyad only new PM choice*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7KnWelx71PX GudaiveQOoRYc% 2bMOJIzhp0h% 2bY0IoKfj8sW2fuM DZW0s%2fsbyE3EAU bM4v%2fviBNRIkdC zgGTUQ%2fdI% 2fnNyO%2fz% 2f704p3C% 2f8q3mKb4% 3d>
PIC - Senior Hamas official Ismail Radwan slammed Tuesday statements by
PA president Mahmoud Abbas insisting that Salam Fayyad is the
Palestinians' only choice to lead the interim government.

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

*Fayyad Stresses Unification Essential Before September*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16506>
WAFA

*British Official Supports Negotiations based on Obama's Speech*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16505>
WAFA

*Jewish Group Instigate to Demolish Mosque in Jerusalem*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16504>
WAFA

*Israel Bulldozes Palestinian Homes in Naqab*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16503>
WAFA

*PCBS: Increase in GDP in First Quarter of 2011*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16502>
WAFA

*Abbas Insists on Fayyad as Prime Minister*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16501>
WAFA

*Israeli Army Destroys House Tents in South Hebron Hills*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16499>
WAFA

*Palestinian Family Killed in Libya*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16498>
WAFA

*EU: Joint, Firm Stance Toward a Palestinian State*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16497>
WAFA

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

*MAZIN QUMSIYEH: The Battle Lines are Drawn*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ pmzJoc1TkL8/>
Intifada-Palestine: 21 Jun 2011 - by Mazin Qumsiyeh / Popular Resistance
Israel's UN ambassador met with major American Jewish organizations
telling them to work hard to ensure there will not be passage of any
votes on Palestine at the UN. Presidernt Obama met with 80 influential
Jewish...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ pmzJoc1TkL8/>

*Archbishop of Canterbury Reprimanded by Angry Holy Land Christians*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ b3tSKAKb4r8/>
Intifada-Palestine: 21 Jun 2011 - "We need advocates for the truth,"
they tell him by Stuart Littlewood Kairos Palestine, the voice of
Palestinian Christians, has given the Archbishop of Canterbury a strong
ticking-off for remarks he made during a BBC interview. Rifat Kassis,
co-ordinator of Kairos...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ b3tSKAKb4r8/>

*Pro-Israeli Warmongers Press GOP to back "America's Fifth war of Muslim
Liberation"*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ ZaXdR_AdlNY/>
Intifada-Palestine: 21 Jun 2011 - Kristol, Abrams, Kagan letter presses
House GOP to back Libya mission By Ben Smith Politico Three prominent
conservative foreign policy hands are circulating a letter to House
Republicans today urging them not to cut off funding for the conflict in
Libya....more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ ZaXdR_AdlNY/>

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

*Syrian protesters say they continue to be attacked*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/T1z_ pd31gzs/la- fg-syria- protests- 20110622, 0,5544139. story>
LA Times 21 Jun 2011 - The pro-democracy activists say clashes started
by pro-regime groups sometimes include security forces. The violence
comes one day after the president's speech about reform. Pro-democracy
protesters said they continued to be attacked in cities across Syria on
Tuesday, a day after President Bashar Assad promised...

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

*Syrians Rally, This Time in Support of Leader*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=2549fc840e64fa 8cff572e1978d7d6 69>
New York Times 21 Jun 2011 - Tens of thousands rallied in public squares
Tuesday in support President Bashar al-Assad, the latest government move
to defuse an uprising that poses a grave challenge to his rule.

*Suicide Bombers Kill at Least 27 in Southern Iraq*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=f2fd7f605c26fb 9d00b6434dc68ae9 9d>
New York Times 21 Jun 2011 - Two car bombs were detonated outside the
governor's compound in Diwaniya, killing many police officers and
wounding dozens.

*Rebel Leader From Libya Is Expected to Visit China*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=4190cb79a970f0 6fde765485e327c1 3d>
New York Times 21 Jun 2011 - China says Libya's opposition leader
Mahmoud Jibril will visit this week, dealing a setback to Col. Muammar
el-Qaddafi.

*War Crimes Charges Weighed as Crisis Continues in Syria*
<http://feeds. nytimes.com/ click.phdo? i=864437102412a9 851e44b4c667ba88 0d>
New York Times 20 Jun 2011 - The White House is trying to put further
pressure on Syria's leaders as security forces there continue to kill
and wound protesters.

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

*Mondoweiss: Behind the scenes of Birthright Israel*
<http://jewishvoicef orpeace.org/ blog/mondoweiss- behind-the- scenes-of- birthright- israel>
Jewish Voice for Peace -

*Gazan fishermen recount narrow escape from Israeli fire*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 06/gazan- fishermen- recount-narrow- escape-from- israeli-fire. html>
Mondoweiss - At around 9.00 am on June 21, two fishing boats were
attacked at about two and a half miles off the coast of the Gaza Strip.
Since 2008, Gazan fishermen have experienced a reduction in the areas in
which they are permitted to fish. The 20...

*Israel demolishes bedouin community in the Jordan Valley; 42 people
homeless, including 21 children*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 06/israel- demolishes- bedouin-communit y-in-the- jordan-valley- 42-people- homeless- including- 21-children. html>
Mondoweiss - Israel demolishes homes in Tubas district, displacing 27
Palestinian children, adults [MAP] AIC 21 June -- On Tuesday morning (21
June) the Israeli army demolished 29 structures in al-Hadidiya, Tubas
Governorate, displacing 27 people from six households, including 11
children. A further 15 people were affected,...

*Israeli army begins dismantling the Wall in Bil'in*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 06/israeli- army-begins- dismantling- the-wall- in-bilin. html>
Mondoweiss - Six years into the weekly protests and nearly four years
after the high court declared the path of the Barrier illegal; the army
began dismantling the Wall in the village of Bil'in. But even according
to the new path 435 acres of village land will remain...

*French Air Force to use Elisra beacons*
<http://www.negednes hek.org/2011/ 06/french- air-force- to-use-elisra- beacons/>
Neged Neshek - France has selected Elbit Systems subsidiary Elisra's
AN/PRC-684 personal location beacon for its air force. The $7.1 million
contract is to be fulfilled over the next 24 months. This is France's
first military purchase from Israel since the 2009 purchase of the OrSat
antenna systems for...

*American flotilla passengers set to challenge U.S. support for Gaza
blockade*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 06/american- flotilla- passengers- set-to-challenge -u-s-support- for-gaza- blockade. html>
Mondoweiss - The pressure is mounting on the second "Freedom Flotilla"
to Gaza. Anti-flotilla lawsuits in New York and Toronto have been
filed, the Israeli government is ramping up its propaganda efforts and
the Turkish Mavi Marmara ship is no longer sailing following U.S.
pressure. But the American...

*Gen'l Ashkenazi, architect of Gaza onslaught, joins Brookings
Institution as 'Visiting Fellow'*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 06/genl-ashkenaz i-architect- of-gaza-onslaugh t-joins-brooking s-institution- as-visiting- fellow.html>
Mondoweiss - Tomorrow the Brookings Institution is having a panel on how
Israel has defended itself from terrorism for the last 60 years.
Triumphs and failures. And look who's on the panel: Brookings Saban
Center Visiting Fellow Gabi Ashkenazi, former chief of staff of the
Israeli army, who...

*Ukraine Exchanged Abusisi in Return for Israeli Trade Pact and U.S.
Lobbying Aid*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/richardsilv erstein/ZOfh/ %7E3/hXMZ6toQPLk />
Tikun Olam - A former high ranking Israeli minister has confirmed a line
of thought I've developed regarding collusion between the Israeli and
Ukrainian governments over the extraordinary rendition of Dirar Abusisi.
I've been reporting consistently the sneaking suspicion that the
kidnapping involved various quid pro quos between the...

*Gershom Gorenberg is a Liar*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/richardsilv erstein/ZOfh/ %7E3/BbeX9eTK- Pg/>
Tikun Olam - I was shocked today when I saw in my site stats, a visit to
this blog from The American Prospect and, following the link, read that
Gershom Gorenberg has written an essay in which he's blatantly lied
about my political views, saying they represent " the...

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

*Roadblock in Al Jab'a replaced by Gate, Palestinians Still Shut Out*
<http://palestinesol idarityproject. org/2011/ 06/21/roadblock- in-al-jaba- replaced- by-gate-palestin ians-still- shut-out/>
Palestine Solidarity Project 21 Jun 2011 - In 2002, Israeli military
created the illegal roadblock to prevent the villagers of Surif and the
villagers of Al Jab'a to commute back and forth by car. The roadblock
consisted of dirt, large stones, at least five massive boulders, and
more than nine 2-5 ton concrete...

*34 Demolitions in the Jordan Valley, Scores Left Homeless*
<http://palestinesol idarityproject. org/2011/ 06/21/34- demolitions- in-the-jordan- valley-scores- left-homeless/>
Palestine Solidarity Project 21 Jun 2011 - Today the Israeli military
demolished Palestinian 34 structures in two communities in the Jordan
Valley. At six am five military Jeeps, two Israeli Civil administration
cars and two bulldozers entered the Bedouin community of Al Hadidya.
They proceeded to demolish 7 residential tents, 18 animal shelters...

*Tear Gas and Sound Bombs Thrown Down Main Street in Beit Ommar*
<http://palestinesol idarityproject. org/2011/ 06/21/tear- gas-and-sound- bombs-thrown- down-main- street-in- beit-ommar/>
Palestine Solidarity Project 21 Jun 2011 - At 2 pm on June 21, the
Israeli military shot a few canisters of tear gas and sound bombs onto
the main road several hundred meters past the entrance to Beit Ommar.
One man fell to the ground from tear gas inhalation and everyone in the...

*Attacks on Muslim cemetery represent another feature of Israeli
violations*
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/news/ middle-east/ 2496-attacks- on-muslim- cemetery- represent- another-feature- of-israeli- violations>
Middle East Monitor 21 Jun 2011 - Ahmed Toubassi, a researcher at the
International Solidarity Foundation for Human Rights, has said that the
excavations and digging carried out by the Israeli authorities in the
historic Al Qashla Muslim Cemetery (adjacent with the Grand Mosque in
Jaffa) represent yet "another face" of Israeli violations.. .

*Shaykh Ghanoushi unveils Tunisia's vision in British parliament*
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/media- review/event- review/2495- shaykh-ghanoushi -unveils- tunisias- vision-in- british-parliame nt>
Middle East Monitor 21 Jun 2011 - EXCLUSIVE PICTURES Last night the
Middle East Monitor (MEMO) hosted Shaykh Rashid Ghanoushi -- the
previously exiled leader of Al-Nahda Party in Tunisia - for a roundtable
meeting in the Houses of Parliament. Due to his political activities and
involvement with the Nahda party, Ghanoushi, along...

*Israeli military official warns of decreasing numbers of recruits*
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/news/ middle-east/ 2494-israeli- military- official- warns-of- decreasing- numbers-of- recruits>
Middle East Monitor 21 Jun 2011 - An Israeli military official has
spoken about the challenges will face their armed forces stressing that
in the coming years, there will be an increase in the numbers of
Israelis not serving in the army. Earlier media reports have revealed
the concerns of military officials over...

*King Abdullah's bleak forecast*
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/articles/ middle-east/ 2493-king- abdullahs- bleak-forecast>
Middle East Monitor 20 Jun 2011 - In a recent interview with the
Washington Post, Jordan's King Abdullah II voiced alarm and frustration
over Israel's determination to throttle every promise for a peaceful
resolution of the Palestinian Israeli conflict. "I am not convinced that
they (Israel) are interested in a two-state solution... They...

*Pro-Assad rallies end in clashes*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 13855664>
BBC 21 Jun 2011 - At least seven people are killed as violence breaks
out amid rallies held by supporters and opponents of President Bashar
al-Assad in Syria.

*Clinton backs 'brave' Saudi women*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 13865033>
BBC 21 Jun 2011 - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praises "brave"
women in Saudi Arabia who are campaigning for the right to drive.

*Articles*

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
*Who's Sailing To Gaza And What Do They Have To Say?*
<http://desertpeace. wordpress. com/2011/ 06/20/whos- sailing-to- gaza-and- what-do-they- have-to-say/>
Ray McGovern, Desert Peace 6/20/2011
/On eve of sailing to break the israeli blockade of gaza, passengers
remain committed to non-violence. /
The passengers who will be on the U.S. boat, from 14 states and
the District of Columbia, represent virtually every geographic region of
the United States. Fifty eight percent women and 42% men, they are of
all ages, and a variety of occupations. The group is approximately
one-quarter people of color, and one-quarter American Jews.
The effort has been endorsed by more than 85 organizations across
the United States and supported by thousands of small individual
donations. The international Catholic peace group, Pax Christi, said,
"The passengers are people of peace and compassion, as well as people of
selfless courage. Their commitment to justice for those who are unjustly
oppressed is an example for us all." The group added that "...we believe
firmly that the blockade of Gaza is a crime against humanity."
The Israeli- and U.S.-backed siege and blockade is the longest in
modern warfare, lasting 1,830 days. The European Parliament, the UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights, and many human rights organizations have
all called the siege and blockade a violation of the human rights of the
1.5 million Palestinians who live in the Gaza strip. Contrary to
statements by the Israeli government, the siege continues and the
restrictions of imports, exports, and human movement remain severe,
according to the most recent report of the United Nations.
Passenger Ann Wright (Ret. Col. U.S. Army reserve), an organizer
of the U.S. boat and participant in Freedom Flotilla I, noted, "Citizen
activists are coming to the Mediterranean from all over the world to
confront the illegal Israeli blockade of Gaza and U.S. government
protection of Israeli criminal acts. As a former U.S. diplomat and
retired military colonel, I strongly believe it is the responsibility of
citizens to act when our governments fail to protect the human rights
and dignity of any people--in this case, the Palestinians. "more..
<http://desertpeace. wordpress. com/2011/ 06/20/whos- sailing-to- gaza-and- what-do-they- have-to-say/>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Who%E2%80% 99s%20Sailing% 20To%20Gaza% 20And%20What% 20Do%20They% 20Have%20To% 20Say?%20& body=Who% E2%80%99s% 20Sailing% 20To%20Gaza% 20And%20What% 20Do%20They% 20Have%20To% 20Say?%20- -%20http://desertpeace. wordpress. com/2011/ 06/20/whos- sailing-to- gaza-and- what-do-they- have-to-say/ %20--%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>

*Archbishop of Canterbury reprimanded by angry Holy Land Christians*
<http://www.redress. cc/palestine/ slittlewood20110 622>
Stuart Littlewood, Redress 6/22/2011
/"We need advocates for the truth," they tell him/
Kairos Palestine, the voice of Palestinian Christians, has given
the Archbishop of Canterbury a strong ticking-off for remarks he made
during a BBC interview.
Rifat Kassis, Coordinator of Kairos Palestine, said he was "deeply
troubled" by the archbishop's "inaccurate and erroneous remarks" about
the situation of Christians in the Middle East. He called the
archbishop's failure to mention the Israeli occupation and the regime's
oppressive policies "shocking".
In a letter to the archbishop, he said:
We were deeply saddened by your declarations because we know that
Your Grace is well informed ... and you know very well that in the
Bethlehem area alone there are 19 illegal Israeli settlements (such as
nearby Har Homa built on Jabal Abu Ghneim) and the wall that have
devoured Christian lands and put Bethlehem in a chokehold. You know well
that only 13 per cent of Bethlehem area is available for Palestinian use
and the wall isolates 25 per cent or the Bethlehem area's agricultural
land. Not to mention the situation of Christians in Jerusalem, which you
know very well, since you should have received reports from the Anglican
bishop in the city whose residency permit was denied by the occupying power.
Mr Kassis ended by saying: "We would like to remind Your Grace
that Christian Palestinians need advocates for the truth. It is the
truth, and only the truth, that will lead to peace and justice in our home."
So what did Archbishop Rowan Williams say to the BBC that so
infuriated his Palestinian brethren?
Apparently, it was the way he talked about the ethnic cleansing of
Christians, referring to extreme pressure in Iraq while suggesting that
the exodus of Christians from Palestine was due to "a much more
undramatic but equally steady and strong pressure. -- See also:Kairos
Palestine <http://www.kairospa lestine.ps/>more..
<http://www.redress. cc/palestine/ slittlewood20110 622>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Archbishop% 20of%20Canterbur y%20reprimanded% 20by%20angry% 20Holy%20Land% 20Christians% 20&body=Archbish op%20of%20Canter bury%20reprimand ed%20by%20angry% 20Holy%20Land% 20Christians% 20--%20http://www.redress. cc/palestine/ slittlewood20110 622%20--% 20link%20courtes y%20www.vtjp. org>

*The pillars of Israeli education*
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/resources /briefing- papers/2497- the-pillars- of-israeli- education>
Sawsan Ramahi, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 6/21/2011
There has been much talk over the past ten years about the "new
Middle East" which America has called for. This US project is based
around four main areas:
1. The reformation of the political structure and governance in
Arab countries.
2. Making fundamental economic changes.
3. Changing cultural values through the influence of the media.
4. Changing the educational curriculum.
The latter is the most serious of the four and the US
administration has prepared a special report in this respect:
"Washington' s plan to change the curricula in Egypt and the Arab world".
This is at the core of the Greater Middle East Project. While America
focuses on the curricula in use in Arab states, which are generally
designed according to US-Israeli interests, Washington turns a blind eye
to the racism endemic in Israel's state curricula.
A serious analysis of the Zionist movement will show that
education has been a priority before and after the establishment of the
state of Israel. During the period of the British Mandate in Palestine,
the Zionists pushed the British authorities to grant the Jewish Agency
the right to develop the curricula for Jewish students while depriving
the same right to the original owners of the land, the Arab
Palestinians. ...more..
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/resources /briefing- papers/2497- the-pillars- of-israeli- education>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= The%20pillars% 20of%20Israeli% 20education% 20&body=The% 20pillars% 20of%20Israeli% 20education% 20--%20http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/resources /briefing- papers/2497- the-pillars- of-israeli- education% 20--%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>

*Gaza family exiled to Syria and Libya looks back*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/electronicI ntifada/% 7E3/xcMEiLo4XJw/ 10095>
Electronic Intifada: 21 Jun 2011 - Rami Almeghari The Electronic
Intifada Gaza Strip Abdelhai al-Khaldi and his family were among
hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by the 1967 war, or who
emigrated afterwards in search of work. Al-Khaldi and his wife spoke of
their life of displacement to The Electronic Intifada contributor Rami
Almeghari.more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/electronicI ntifada/% 7E3/xcMEiLo4XJw/ 10095>

*Resistance: The First and Only Fisherwoman of Gaza*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16933>
Palestine Chronicle: 21 Jun 2011 - By Vittorio Arrigoni (This article
was originally published at Vittorio Arrigoni's blog Guerrilla Radio.
Translated by Daniela Loffreda.) Her eyes are as deep as unexplored
oceans and her movements are done with the grace of waterfowl, as when a
marine creature submerges itself below the surface of the water. Even
the heavy weight of her clothing and veil seem to vanish, because by
tradition, she must wear them while she swims. Her name is Madeleine
Kulab, she's 16 years old, and she is the first and only female
fisherwoman in Gaza. Her father Momahed became paralyzed ten years
earlier and therefore was forced to hang up his fishing nets and now, it
is his daughter who has taken his place at sea. "We come from a family
of fisherman, for whom the passion for fishing has been passed down from
generation to generation.Fishing was our livelihood before we were
forced...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16933>

*Political Art at its Worst*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16932>
Palestine Chronicle: 21 Jun 2011 - By Sam Bahour For anyone closely
following the Palestinian- Israeli issue, nothing is more insulting than
the world's political players peddling another peace initiative,
crusaded as the ultimate formula to extract the conflict from its
current abyss. The most recent episode of such political peddling
happened in rapid fire from mid-May to early June 2011, when U.S.
President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu engaged in a
ping-pong-like game of four days of policy speeches. The political
fallout of these speeches was rather predictable. The media hailed
Obama's words as historic and started to view his approach as a new set
of parameters (which are actually a step back from past U.S. parameters)
that could serve to bring the parties back to the negotiations table and
on a path to resolving the conflict. Those immersed in this conflict
knew better. They saw Obama's words for what they really were: a
total...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16932>

*Archbishop of Canterbury Angers Palestinian Christians*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16931>
Palestine Chronicle: 21 Jun 2011 - By Stuart Littlewood Kairos
Palestine, the voice of Palestinian Christians, has given the Archbishop
of Canterbury a strong ticking-off for remarks he made during a BBC
interview. Rifat Kassis, co-ordinator of Kairos Palestine, said he was
"deeply troubled" by the Archbishop's "inaccurate and erroneous remarks"
about the situation of Christians in the Middle East. He called the
Archbishop's failure to mention the Israeli occupation and the regime's
oppressive policies "shocking". In a letter to the Archbishop he said:
"We were deeply saddened by your declarations because we know that Your
Grace is well informed... and you know very well that in the Bethlehem
area alone there are 19 illegal Israeli settlements (such as nearby Har
Homa built on Jabal Abu Ghneim) and the wall that have devoured
Christian lands and put Bethlehem in a chokehold. You know well that
only 13% of Bethlehem area is available for Palestinian use and...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16931>

*BDS: Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions - Book Review*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16930>
Palestine Chronicle: 21 Jun 2011 - By Theresa Wolfwood (Barghouti, Omar.
BDS: Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions: The Global Struggle for Palestinian
Rights. 2011. Haymarket Books, USA.) "The BDS campaign is among the most
important forms of such 'resolute struggle' by the great majority of
Palestinians, who resist the colonization of their land and minds and
demand nothing less than self-determination, freedom, justice and
unmitigated equality..." Barghouti is one of the new generation of
Palestinian activists, grounded in the life of a people under siege and
understanding the importance of social movements and global solidarity.
He writes that Palestinians through social movements have surpassed
their leadership and have developed their own resistance to occupation
and domination by Israel. The BDS Campaign and the Academic and Cultural
Boycott Campaign - Barghouti is a founding member of both - are highly
successful and visible strategies to isolate Israel economically and
culturally. They also provide a focus for action by millions...more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16930>

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]

'Israel returns nuclear waste to US'

PressTV
Tue Jun 21, 2011 12:22PM

Head of Israel's Nuclear Energy Commission Shaul Horev says Tel Aviv has
returned nuclear waste from its Sorek nuclear reactor to the United States.


A view of Israel's Dimona nuclear reactor*

Horev, who spoke at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ministerial conference on nuclear safety in Vienna on Monday, did not specify the exact amount of waste, Israeli daily Ha'aretz reported.

According to estimates, Israel has sent back at least dozens of kilograms, probably more, of 93-percent enriched uranium.

The operation took place after Israel's Nuclear Energy Commission and the US Department of Energy signed an agreement for the return of the nuclear waste over a year and a half ago.

Following the agreement, an American ship collected nuclear waste from both Israel and Turkey.

The Sorek research reactor is a small five megawatt facility that was donated to Israel by the US within the framework of former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" program.

Israel also received 93-percent enriched uranium to fuel the reactor. The reactor has remained under IAEA supervision for years.

*The agreement with the US does not apply to the Dimona nuclear reactor, where international sources believe Israel produces fissile material from uranium and makes plutonium for stockpile of nuclear weapons, and waste from Dimona is not being returned to the US.

Horev also said that the reactor at Dimona is 12 kilometers (8 miles) from the nearest town, a satisfactory distance in the event of a radioactive leak.

HSN/AGB/AKM/MGH

www.presstv.ir/detail/185644.html

[ninathedog]

Israeli occupation forces began on Tuesday to
dismantle the separation wall in Bi'lin
(many thanks to Haitham K and Hamde A)

"Baseem Abu Rhama in this moment i still remember
when we was behind the wall .and u started to say when
we will destroy the wall we will make garden for the children ,
to have place for them where they can play and have normal life ,
now we have this ,but we dont have you, we just have you in our
minds and our hearts for ever."
— Hamde A.

[/color][/i]


Bassem Abu Rahma, 1979–2009
www.thecommentfactory.com/remembering-bassem-abu-rahma-murdered-at-demonstration-in-bilin-palestine-last-week-2134/[/blockquote]



Bilin 22.06.2011 By [e-mail]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SORtqx_o6aw

Uploaded by haithmkatib on Jun 22, 2011

and This the second step is the demolition of Tower Imaging in
the village of Bil'in, after six years of popular struggle !
this camera was take close pics for the people of bilin about
3Km far way,and take pics for the bilin going to participat in
the demonstrations to arrested them after that .






......

YESTERDAY:

Bil'in - Ramallah: Israeli occupation forces began on Tuesday to
dismantle the separation wall Racial (racist separation wall) in
the village of Bil'in west of Ramallah,



note that this wall is composed of three barriers "fence" Of barbed wire,
where he began dismantling the fence on the western side of the first,
presumably To complete the dismantling and demolition of the wall in full
until mid-July next month ,

and came Resolution as a result of popular resistance continued in the
village of Bil'in in more than six years Weekly,

and on the decision of what is called the Israeli Supreme Court on 4/9/2007
That this wall is illegal and illegal,

to recover to the village of Bil'in 1200 dunums out of 2300 dunums,
note that the total area of the village of Bil'in is 4000 dunums.



hamdeabu.blogspot.com/2011/06/israeli-army-begins-to-remove-apartheid.html


.......






........

Israeli military begins to
move West Bank barrier

By Kevin Flower and Kareem Khadder, CNN
June 22, 2011 9:12 a.m. EDT

Jerusalem (CNN) -- Four years after an Israeli high court initially ruled that the path of the barrier separating Israelis from Palestinians around the West Bank village of Bilin needed to be rerouted, the Israeli military Wednesday began to dismantle parts of the controversial fence.

Peter Lerner, a spokesman for the Israeli central command, told CNN that "We are in advance preparations for removing the old fence so there (are) some elements that are being removed." He acknowledged that the action was being taken in adherence to a subsequent 2008 Israeli court ruling which found sections of the fence had been built illegally on Palestinian land.

"We are implementing the court ruling to the letter," he said. "We negotiated with those that appealed to the high court and sat down with them and basically drew out the new contours for the security fence."

The barrier in Bilin has become the focus of a weekly protest that has been going on for over six years, pitting Palestinians and international activists against Israeli soldiers. Hundreds have been injured in the protests and a number of demonstrators have been killed.

Michael Sfard, a lawyer representing residents of Bilin, said the court ruled that about 172 acres of land would ultimately be returned, noting that it was less than half of what had been lost.

"I don't think in the Israeli courts it is foreseeable to get more than we got. We got more than maximum of what the Israeli court is willing to give to Palestinians, because on the rest of the land was left for security."

Construction of Israel's controversial barrier was begun by Israel in 2002 in an stated attempt to stem the tide of Palestinian suicide bombing attacks that became a frequent and deadly occurrence in Israel during the course of the second intifada, which began in September 2000.

From 2001 to 2004, 488 Israelis were killed in suicide attacks, according to figures provided by Israel's internal security agency, known as the Shin Bet.

In a 2004 nonbinding ruling, the International Court of Justice ruled that construction of the barrier violated international law.

The barrier is approximately 400 km (250 miles) long and is made of 20-foot sections of concrete wall in more densely populated areas and large barbed wire fencing in rural sections. Construction of the full 700-plus kilometers of the barrier has stalled in recent years as a result of court challenges and budgetary issues.

In a 2009 report, the United Nations said some 150,000 Palestinians were surrounded on either three or four sides of the barrier.

For many Palestinians affected by the barrier, this has meant the imposition of a complex permit system to allow them to travel, restricting access to education, medical care and employment opportunities.

The barrier has become a potent symbol of the sharp divisions between Israelis and Palestinians, with both sides choosing to name the barrier differently.

Many Palestinians refer to the barrier as the "apartheid wall" and view it as nothing more than a land grab by Israel to help support and expand settlements in the West Bank. The Israeli government chooses to refer to it as the "security fence," necessary to protect its citizens from what it views as terrorist attacks.

www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/06/22/mideast.israel.barrier/

.......

World Court Is Said to Rule Against Israeli Barrier

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: July 9, 2004
www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-World-Court-Israeli-Barrier.html?hp
Filed at 10:00 a.m. ET

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) -- The U.N.'s highest judicial authority decided Israel's planned 425-mile-long barrier in the West Bank violates international law and must be dismantled, according to court documents that were leaked ahead of the announcement.

As it began reading its decision, the International Court of Justice said Friday it has jurisdiction to rule on the legality of the barrier, which Israel is building in response to Palestinian suicide bombings that have killed hundreds of Israelis.

The Tel Aviv newspaper Haaretz, quoting court documents, reported that by a 14-1 vote the judges found the barrier, along its planned route, ``gravely infringes'' on the rights of Palestinians and cannot be justified by military needs or national security, and violates international law. The lone dissenter was U.S. judge Thomas Buerghenthal.

After being leaked to reporters, the document began appearing on Internet sites.

``Israel is under an obligation to terminate its breaches of international law; it is under an obligation to cease forthwith the works of construction of the wall being built in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, to dismantle forthwith the structure therein situated,'' said the document, found on the Internet site www.electronicintefada.net.

The 15-member court's advisory opinions are nonbinding but bear moral, historic and political weight. They can be the basis for U.N. action.

The advisory opinion was sought by the U.N. General Assembly in December at the Palestinians' request. The court heard three days of testimony in February.

The court dismissed Israel's objections that the General Assembly acted irregularly in asking it for an advisory opinion.

It also rebuffed Israel's argument -- supported by the United States and several European countries -- the court should refrain from interfering because the issue was political, not legal, and could disrupt Mideast peace efforts.

``A legal question also has political aspects,'' said the ruling. ``The court accordingly has jurisdiction to give the advisory opinion'' requested by the General Assembly.

The Palestinians had said they expect the court to rule in their favor, and officials in Jerusalem said on condition of anonymity they expected a decision critical of Israel.

``We are confident we will have a positive result,'' Nasser Al-Kidwa, the Palestinian U.N. observer, said Thursday.

Israel, hoping to keep the issue low key, sent no senior officials to The Hague and said it would not comment until after the decision is delivered. The ruling likely will be lengthy and complex.

The barrier is a complex of high concrete walls, razor-wire fences, trenches and watch towers. About one-fourth, or about 100 miles, has been completed, much of it close to the pre-1967 border although some of it dips into the West Bank.

If the court says it has jurisdiction, then rules the barrier illegal, the Palestinians will seek a General Assembly resolution demanding that Israel dismantle the wall, Al-Kidwa said earlier. If the Israelis refuse, the Palestinians will seek Security Council enforcement and risk a U.S. veto.

``An advisory opinion is important in itself. It alone should be enough to make a difference'' and force Israel to remove the barrier, Al-Kidwa told reporters.

Israel says the barrier is needed to stop Palestinian suicide bombers, who have killed hundreds of Israelis since late 2000. Israel says there has been a sharp drop in infiltrations from the West Bank since barrier construction began, and adds that there have been almost none from Gaza, which has been surrounded by a fence for years.

But Palestinians say the barrier imposes intolerable hardships on innocent people, separating them from schools, agricultural fields or workplaces. They also say the barrier is nothing but an Israeli land grab that will make it impossible to establish an independent state alongside Israel -- a primary goal of the U.S.-backed ``road map'' peace plan.

Palestinians won some support last week from the Israeli Supreme Court, which ordered the government to reroute a 25-mile section of the barrier near Jerusalem.

The court said Israel must temper security with human rights and ruled that the disputed section ``severely violated'' the freedom of movement and ``severely impaired'' people's livelihoods.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon accepted the decision and told senior defense and military officials to review the fence's route in problematic areas. Sharon previously denounced the world court hearings as ``a campaign of hypocrisy.''

The Supreme Court's ruling was unlikely to influence the outcome of the case in The Hague, where deliberations already were concluded, according to diplomats who have been following the case.

Several Israeli survivors and relatives of bombing victims gathered near the Peace Palace to press their argument that the barrier is essential for Israel's security.

``People in Europe don't understand what a terrorist attack means,'' said Eliad Moreh, 28, who barely survived a bombing at a Hebrew University cafeteria two years ago that killed her friend sitting across the table.

``I'm afraid the court won't take into consideration the fear, anguish and damage Israel is going through as a result of Palestinian terrorism. If you don't understand that, you can't understand what the fence is all about.''

On the Net:

International Court of Justice: www.icj-cij.org/


........

Jun 12, 2011 0:32:15 GMT 4 @ninathedog said:

sunset over Bi'lin on June 11, 2011

statement by Habib Khan—

During this sunset, Israeli soldiers entered the outskirts of the village firing live ammunition, teargas and sound grenades...

statement by Haitham Al Khatib—

On the evening of June 11 at approximately 7PM, Israeli soldiers entered the outskirts of the village Bi’lin. They fired live ammunition, teargas and sound grenades. The direction of the wind carried the teargas into the village and the villagers, especially the children, were affected by it.

After a few hours of firing ammunition into the village, the soldiers left just as quickly as they had come. This follows an earlier incident, the night before, when soldiers in jeeps drove through the town dropping sound grenades, for no apparent reason, terrorizing the villagers. .

Location of Bi'lin, West Bank, Palestine:


www.bilin-village.org/english/articles/press-and-independent-media/People-against-division


www.bilin-village.org/english/maps/


.........


مسيرة بلعين الاسبوعية
...Bilin Weekly Demo 10.06.2011
By [e-mail]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aU4M1rAhjI
Uploaded by haithmkatib on Jun 10, 2011

Dozens of activist suffered from tear gas inhalation and crops caught fire in Bil'in
10/6/2011

In spite of the scalding heat, dozens of villagers from Bil'in marched once again together with international and Israeli solidarity activists to the Apartheid Wall in protest to its illegal annexation of 60% of the village's land for the construction of Jewish-only settlements. As every Friday in various locations throughout Palestine, the activists attempted to implement international law, international humanitarian law -- under which settlements constitute a war crime -, and the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice with ruled in July 2004 that the illegal Wall and its associated regime should be dismantled.

Waving the Palestinian flag and images of martyrs and prisoners of the popular resistance, protesters chanted for freedom and justice, against Apartheid, and for the release of all political prisoners. As usual, the army opened fire at the protesters even before most had reached the Wall, shooting a type of tear gas that is considerably more harmful than the types ordinarily used in Europe or the US, throwing sound bombs, and spraying them with a chemical green liquid that activists have termed „nuts" or „skunk" due to its nauseating odor which sticks to its target for days.

Dozens of activists suffered from tear gas inhalation, which is aggravated by the harsh summer heat, and in various places, crops caught fire and spread quickly. The army continued to shoot at protesters even while they attempted to put out the fires.

This week, the villagers were accompanied by national and international diplomats including Mr. Walid al Mu'aqqad, the Palestinian Ambassador to Argentina, Munjid Saleh from the Foreign Ministry's Office, Mr. Horacio Wamba, the Argentinean Ambassador to Palestine, and Ms. Cecilia Marcha who heads a delegation of Argentinean Parliamentarians that are currently visiting popular committees and networks that participate in the growing Palestinian popular resistance against Israel's illegal colonization.





(many thanks to Haitham Al-K and Habib K)

Huwaida Arraf during Bil’in demonstration, 4/06/2010.
Photo: Hamde Abu Rahma
source: www.bilin-village.org/english/articles/testimonies/Israel-Arrests-Free-Gaza-Chairwoman

[ninathedog]

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in
the Occupied Palestinian Territory (16–22 June 2011)
Thursday, 23 June 2011 00:00


Israeli soldiers arrest an Israeli human rights defender during the weekly
peaceful demonstration against the construction of the annexation wall in
Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic
Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in
the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)

• A Palestinian was wounded and arrested by IOF in Qalqilya.
• Israeli warplanes bombarded a chicken farm in the central Gaza Strip, killing 3,500 chicks.
• IOF continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
- 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded.
- IOF arrested 6 international human rights defenders.
• Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats in the Gaza Strip.
- Two fishing boats were damaged.
• IOF conducted 38 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and two limited ones into the Gaza Strip.
- IOF arrested 12 Palestinian civilians, including two children.
• Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
- IOF arrested two Palestinian civilians, at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
• IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
- IOF demolished 8 houses to the south of Hebron.
- At least 30 dunums of agricultural land planted with olives were burnt.
- Israeli settlers damaged two houses and a car in Kufor Hares village, north of Salfit.
- Israeli settlers violently beat a Palestinian civilian in Hebron..

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (16 – 22 June 2011):

Shooting:

During the reporting period, 5 Palestinian civilians were wounded by IOF in the West Bank.

On 19 June 2011, a Palestinian civilian was wounded and arrested by IOF in the northern West Bank town of Qalqilya. IOF claimed that he attempted to stab an Israeli soldier.

During the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall in the West Bank. As a result, 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded, and dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested 6 international human rights defenders.

During the reporting period, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats in the Gaza Strip in 3 separate incidents. In one of these attacks, two Palestinian fishing boats were damaged.

On 22 June 2011, Israeli warplanes bombarded a chicken farm in the central Gaza Strip. The farm was damaged and 3,500 chicks were killed. IOF claimed that a tunnel was dug under the farm.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 38 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 12 Palestinian civilians, including two children.

In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted two limited incursions into Palestinian areas in the central Gaza Strip, during which they leveled areas of Palestinian land.

Restrictions on Movement::

Israel had continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.

• IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip and practically made Karm Abu Salem crossing as the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip although it is not proper for commercial purposes in terms of its distance and operational capacity.

• IOF have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the strangulation of the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

• The total closure of al-Mentar "Karni" crossing on 02 March 2011 has created a bitter situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all the economic and commercial establishments in Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip in terms of its operational capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision of al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions to totally close Soafa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2009, and Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.

• These statistics which were made available to Palestinian Centre for Human Rights by the Border and Crossings Department indicate a continued drop in the number of truckloads of Gaza imports and exports.

• IOF have continued to impose total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.

• The cooking gas crisis which has erupted last November has continued to affect the Gaza Strip. This crisis was created when the Israeli occupation authorities totally closed, on 04 January 2010, Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza, and shifted fuel and cooking gas supplies to Karm Abu Salem crossing which is not technically equipped to receive Gaza's needs of fuel. Karm Abu Salem crossing, with its maximum absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons of cooking gas per day.

• Approximately 80% of Gaza civilians have continued to depend on alimentary aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, rates of families who are living below poverty line have continued to be on the rise and approximately 40% of Gaza's manpower has continued to suffer from permanent unemployment as a result of shutting down the majority of Gaza's economic establishments.

• IOF have continued to impose a total ban on the exportation of Gaza's products, especially industrial products, leading to undermining any real chances to rerun economic establishments. The situation has been aggravated especially after making Karm Abu Salem crossing as Gaza sole commercial crossing and the repeated closure of this crossing which negatively affected the quantity of Gazan products which were allowed to be exported during last April.

• IOF have continued to prolong the implementation of their decision to allow 60 cars into Gaza weekly although more than 10 months have passed since they announced this decision after three years of ban imposed on the delivery of cars to Gaza. As a result, the prices of cars in Gaza have been on the rise and local markets experience serious shortage in spare parts.

• For approximately four consecutive years, IOF have continued to ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza. During the reporting period, IOF approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations.

• Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip. IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases. IOF have also continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and Jerusalem. IOF denied new categories of Gazan patient permission to have access to hospitals via the crossing.

• Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip.

• For approximately 46 months, IOF have continued to deny approximately 710 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza detained in Israeli jails their visitation rights without providing any justification to this measure, which violates the rules of the international humanitarian law.

West Bank

IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.

• IOF have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to the city. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying in the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

• There are approximately 585 permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.

• When complete, the illegal annexation wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, confiscating more Palestinian land.

• At least 65% of the main roads that lead to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.

• There are approximately 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately one third of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without permits issued by IOF. Such permits are extremely difficult to obtain.

• IOF continue to harass and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of the annexation wall.

• Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped and searched in the streets by IOF.

Settlement Activities:

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

On 16 June 2011, fire broke out in agricultural plots planted with olives belonging to the families of ‘Abbadi and al-Kilani to the southwest of Jenin. According to eyewitnesses, who accused IOF of responsibility for the incident, at least 30 dunums of land planted with olives were burnt. Palestinian civilians rushed to the area attempting to extinguish fire, but their attempts failed.

Also on 16 June 2011, IOF moved into Kufor Hares village, north of Salfit, escorting a number of Israeli settlers who were visiting a religious site. The settlers remained in the village until the following day. They threw stones at two houses breaking their windows. They also threw stones at a car belonging to Jalal Mahmoud As’ad, damaging it heavily.

On 18 June 2011, 15 Israeli settlers from “Beit Hadasa” settlement intercepted Anas Hashem Abu al-Halaw, 21, a university student, when he was on his way back to his house in Qub Janeb neighborhood, which overlooks al-Shuhada Street that has been closed by IOF. The settlers violently beat Abu al-Halawa for two minutes before he was able to flee. When he arrived near Cordoba School, the same settlers attacked him again. They violently beat him, while Israeli soldiers were present in the area. He bled from the shoulder and the arm. The settlers then escaped. Israeli soldiers gathered around him, but they did not offer him any help. A Palestinian ambulance evacuated him to the hospital.

On 20 June 2011, IOF moved into Khirbat Beer al-‘Abed village to the east of Yatta town, south of Hebron. They forced Palestinian civilians to vacate their houses and tents. They then demolished 8 houses and subordinate tents, in which 50 people live. They also damaged some crops. Additionally, IOF detained a female student for some time, claiming that she was banned from living in the area.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period
(16 – 22 June 2011)

1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and
Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in
the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Thursday, 16 June 2011

• At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Housan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

1. Salah Khalil Hamamra, 18;
2. ‘Obaida Mohammed Sabatin, 18; and
3. Saber ‘Otham Sabatin, 19.

According to information available to Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, the three detainees were violently beaten during interrogation.

• At approximately 08:30, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into ‘Aaboud village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 14:15, IOF moved into Nabi Elias villahe, east of Qalqilya. They raided a car maintenance workshop. They held and interrogated Malek ‘Abdul Latif Majd and Khaled ‘Ali Radwan. They withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into ‘Asala village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Khirbat Abu Falah village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 19:15, IOF moved into Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the boys. A number of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

• At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 23:15, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Friday, 17 June 2011

• At approximately 00:20, IOF moved into Farkha village, southeast of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 00:25, IOF moved into Khirbat Qais village, southeast of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Rabah Hissein Hraizat, 48, and his son Fadi, 26, and arrested both of them.

• At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Kharabtha al-Misbah village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiya village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 12:30, IOF moved into Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 14:30, IOF moved into al-Hashimiya village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and erected a checkpoint at the entrance of the village. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. They withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 20:40, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia seashore in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. No casualties were reported.

• At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Saturday, 18 June 2011

• At approximately 00:10, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and delivered a notice to Bahaa’ Mohammed Eshtaiwi, summoning him for interrogation.

• At approximately 00:35, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia seashore in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. No casualties were reported.

• At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into ‘Aaboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 15:30, IOF moved into Kufor Ra’ei village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• Also at approximately 15:30, IOF moved into Fahma village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided al-Khatib gas station and arrested Jihad Hisham Abu Maria, 21, a worker. They violently beat him causing a fracture to his nose.

• At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Bil’ein village, west of Ramallah, and patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. A number of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Sunday, 19 June 2011

• At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They took positioned near the entrance of Palestine Technical College. They stopped, checked and questioned a number of students. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 10:55, IOF moved into Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 12:45, Israeli soldiers positioned near the Israeli military liaison office at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya fired at Mahdi ‘Abdul Latif ‘Aamer, 22, from Qalqilya. He was moderately wounded. They also arrested him, claiming that he attempted to stab an Israeli soldier.

• At approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

• At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and held Ahmed ‘Abdul Fattah Jom’a, 28, for half an hour. They withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• Also at approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Kufor Laqif village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

• At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into Artah suburb, southwest of Tulkarm. They raided a taxi office. They checked a car and then arrested Jameel Nemer Abu Safaqa, 50, the owner of the office, and Bassam ‘Abdul Fattah ‘Ali, 42, a driver. They also confiscated the car. The two detainees and the car were released on the following day morning.

• At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Monday, 20 June 2011

• At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Housan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian school children:

1. Miras Mohammed Sabatin, 17;
2. Shaker ‘Abdul Wahab Hamamra, 17; and
3. ‘Omar ‘Abdul Wahab Hamamra, 18.

• At approximately 08:30, IOF moved nearly 200 meters into Juhor al-Dik village, southeast of Gaza City. They searched the area for some time and withdrew later.

• At approximately 09:00, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into the east of al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. They leveled areas of land along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. They pulled back to the border at approximately 17:00.

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

• At approximately 10:00, Israeli gunboats station opposite to Gaza seashore opened fire at a fishing boat belonging to Nasser Suleiman Baker, 24, from al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City. The boat was sailing nearly two nautical miles away from the beach. Baker, his two brothers, Ahmed and Jalal, and their cousin, Jouhar, were on board of the boat. The motor of the boat was damaged. Another boat belonging to Mohammed Subhi Baker, on board of which were 5 fishermen, came to offer help to the affected boat, but Israeli gunboats opened fire at it damaging its motor also. Many fishing boats gathered and fishermen were able to pull the two damaged boats to the beach.

• At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into the north and northwest of Hebron. They raided, searched and photographed 3 shops. No arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 22 June 2011

• At approximately 00:25, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a 400-square-meter chicken farm belonging to ‘Alaa’ Hussein al-Louh in Wadi al-Salqa village in the central Gaza Strip. The farm was damaged and 3,500 out of 5,000 chicks were killed.

• At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Beit Sahour town near Bethlehem. They besieged the campus of al-Quds Open University. They stopped and checked a number of students. They also held Mohammed Sobeh, a university student, and George Qanawati, a journalist, for two hours.

2. Use of Excessive Force against
Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and
the Construction of the Annexation Wall

During the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded. Dozens of Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders also suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. Additionally, IOF arrested 6 international human rights defenders.

• Following the Friday Prayer on 17 June 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall. James Shimos, a US director; Nassif al-Dik and Salah al-Khawaja, leaders of the Palestinian National Initiative; and members of Liberty Theater in Jenin participated in the demonstration. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, 3 demonstrators, including a child, were wounded:

1. Rabi’ Turkman, 26, an artist, hit by a tear gas canister to the right hand;
2. ‘Eissa Mahmoud Abu Rahma, 42, hit by a tear gas canister to the shoulder; and
3. Mousa Yassin, 11, suffered from gas effects on his eyes.

Additionally, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.

• Also following the Friday Prayer on 17 June 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the annexation wall. They clashed with Israeli troops positioned near the Wall. Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

• Also following the Friday Prayer on 17 March 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, in protest against land confiscations in the Wad al-Raya area between the villages of Nabi Saleh and Deir Nizam. When the demonstrators attempted to reach areas of land seized by Israeli settlers near "Halmish" settlement, Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

• At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 18 June 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, in protest to Israeli settlement activities. They moved towards Palestinian land, which are closed by IOF, near “Karmi Tsur” settlement, south of the town. Israeli soldiers attacked the demonstrators and violently beat a number of them. They also detonated sound bombs. As a result, Rateb Yusri al-Jbour, 50, and his child, 15-year-old Lu’ai, sustained bruises throughout the body.

3. Continued Closure of the OPT

Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights is concerned that the new Israeli policy is simply shifting Gaza to another form of illegal blockade, one that may become internationally accepted and institutionalized. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.

Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:


source: European Union Border Assistance Mission in Rafah
www.eubam-rafah.eu/node/351

Rafah International Crossing Point:

On Sunday, 19 June 2011, Miles of Smiles Convoy arrived in the Gaza Strip through Rafah International Crossing Point. The convoy included 62 European and Arab activists, 15 ambulances and some medications.

At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, 21 June 2011, dozens of Palestinian children organized a sit-in at the crossing point. They distributed flowers to Egyptian border guards and called upon the Egyptian government to facilitate the movement of Palestinian civilians through the crossing point. They raised the Palestinian and Egyptian flags.

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
15 – 21 June 2011


Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
15 – 21 June 2011


Notes:

• On Thursday, 09 June 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 240 tons of cement, 980 tons of construction aggregate, 72 tons of iron bars and 210 tons of base course for UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency); 350 tons of construction aggregate for UNDP (United Nations Development Programme); and 560 tons of base course for ANERA (American Near East Rescue Aid). They also allowed the entry of 1,443 tons of fodders.

• On Sunday, 12 June 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 360 tons of cement and 72 tons of iron bars for UNRWA, and 840 tons of construction aggregate for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 780 tons of wheat.

• On Monday, 13 June 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 40 tons of cement and 32 tons of iron bars for UNRWA, and 1,330 tons of construction aggregate for ANERA. They also allowed the entry of 741 tons of wheat and 195 tons of fodders.

• On Tuesday, 14 June 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 2,450 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA, and 320 tons of cement and 58 tons of iron bars for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 1,521 tons of fodders.

• On Wednesday, 15 June 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 2,100 tons of construction aggregate for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 1,443 tons of fodders.

• On Thursday, 16 June 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 24 tons of construction aggregate and 55 tons of iron bars for UNRWA; and 1,470 tons of construction aggregate for ANERA. They also allowed the entry of 1,365 tons of wheat and 569 tons of straws.

• On Sunday, 19 June 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 200 tons of cement and 71 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA.

• On Monday, 20 June 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 1,540 tons of construction aggregate for ANERA. They also allowed the entry of 585 tons of wheat and 117 tons of fodders.

• On Tuesday, 21 June 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 140 tons of cement for UNRWA, and 80 tons of cement and 1,610 tons of construction aggregate for ANERA. They also allowed the entry of 1,599 tons of fodders.

Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, employees of international agencies and a limited number of patients who suffer from serious diseases to pass through the crossing. They have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from visiting their relatives who are detained in Israeli jails. The small number of patients permitted to pass through the crossing is only able to do so under severe restrictions that include prolonged checking.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
15 – 21 June 2011


The West Bank

Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

• Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque.

• Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday afternoon, 17 June 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at the southern entrance of Beit Ummmar town, north of Hebron, attacked Palestinian civilians during the funeral procession of a dead Palestinian civilians. They fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the participants and chased them. Fire broke out in a wheat farm and about 20 almond trees. On Sunday evening, 19 June 2011, IOF moved into the southwest of Hebron. The established a checkpoint in the area and stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday morning, 20 June 2011, IOF prevented a number of religious and public figures from having a tour in the old town of Hebron, claiming it was a closed military zone.

• Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civilians in Ramallah. At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 16 June 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta – Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa road, west of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 17:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, west of Ramallah. At approximately 19:00 on Friday, 17 June 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on the road linking between Silwad and al-Mazra’a al-Sharqiya villages, northeast of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 11:30 on Saturday, 18 June 2011, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 17:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa intersection, west of Ramallah.

• Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday, 17 June 011, IOF established 4 checkpoints around the town. On Saturday, 18 June 2011, IOF established two checkpoints around the town. On Sunday, 19 June 2011, IOF established 5 checkpoints around the town. On Monday, 20 June 2011, IOF established 6 checkpoints around the town.

• Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 16 June 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Leed intersection, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 18 June 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road, near Far’oun village. At approximately 14:45 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Far’oun intersction, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 17:00, IOF established two checkpoints at the entrance of Baqa al-Sharqiya and Qiffin villages, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 19 June 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near Beit Leed intersection, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 10:30 on the same day, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians via Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

• Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 19:30 on Thursday, 16 June 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints

• At approximately 21:00 on Friday, 10 June 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at the northern entrances of the old town of Hebron arrested Hamada ‘Emad Da’na, 22.

• At approximately 18:20 on Tuesday, 21 June 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned a checkpoint at the northwestern entrance of al-Shuhada Street, which has been closed by IOF for several years, arrested Sarhan Isma’il al-Jamal, 26, and Majed Mustafa al-Jamal, 23.

4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against
Palestinian Civilians and Property

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

• At approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 16 June 2011, fire broke out in agricultural plots planted with olives belonging to the families of ‘Abbadi and al-Kilani to the southwest of Jenin. According to eyewitnesses, who accused IOF of responsibility for the incident, at least 30 dunums of land planted with olives were burnt. Palestinian civilians rushed to the area attempting to extinguish fire, but their attempts failed.

• At approximately 23:20 on Thursday, 16 June 2011, IOF moved into Kufor Hares village, north of Salfit, escorting a number of Israeli settlers who were visiting a religious site. The settlers remained in the village until the following day. They threw stones at two houses belonging to ‘Ali Saleh Hammad and the sons of ‘Abdul Rahman Husni Shaqqour, breaking their windows. They also threw stones at a car belonging to Jalal Mahmoud As’ad, damaging it heavily.

• At approximately 16:20 on Saturday, 18 June 2011, 15 Israeli settlers from “Beit Hadasa” settlement intercepted Anas Hashem Abu al-Halaw, 21, a university student, when he was on his way back to his house in Qub Janeb neighborhood, which overlooks al-Shuhada Street that has been closed by IOF. The settlers violently beat Abu al-Halawa for two minutes before he was able to flee. When he arrived near Cordoba School, the same settlers attacked him again. They violently beat him, while Israeli soldiers were present in the area. He bled from the shoulder and the arm. The settlers then escaped. Israeli soldiers gathered around him, but they did not offer him any help. A Palestinian ambulance evacuated him to the hospital.

• At approximately 05:00 on Monday morning, 20 June 2011, IOF moved into Khirbat Beer al-‘Abed village to the east of Yatta town, south of Hebron. They forced Palestinian civilians to vacate their houses and tents. They then demolished 8 houses and subordinate tents, in which 50 people live. They also damaged some crops. Additionally, IOF detained a female student for some time, claiming that she was banned from living in the area. According to Ziad Mohammed Makhamra, an owner of one of the demolished houses, IOF had already destroyed at least 2,000 dunums of agricultural planted with wheat and parleys, and prevented Palestinian civilians from reaching their land, claiming that it is a closed military zone.

…………………………………………………………

Recommendations to the International Community

1. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

2. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

3. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.

5. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.

6. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.

7. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

9. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

10. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.

11. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

…………………………………………………………

Public Document

For further information please visit our website (www.censored hrgaza.org) or contact Palestinian Centre for Human Rights’ office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email (censored hr@censored hrgaza.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or telephone [phone]).

www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7514

("censored" in the any of the above links or text should be replaced by the letters p and c)

[ninathedog]

[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1418

Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:56 pm (PDT)

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

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

*Ross: "Israel Must Remain Jewish State"*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61525>
IMEMC - Thursday June 23, 2011 - 04:54, Dennis Ross, senior aide to
American President, Barack Obama, stated during a speech in Jerusalem,
Wednesday, that all steps must be taken to ensure that Israel "remains a
democratic and Jewish State".

*Israeli Forces Bulldoze Business Near Jenin*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61523>
IMEMC - Wednesday June 22, 2011 - 15:46, The Ma'an News Agency reports
that ten workshops have been destroyed by Israeli forces in Barta'a
ash-Sharqiya near Jenin.

*B'Tselem Show Increase In Israeli Residential Demolitions In the West
Bank. Many In The Last Week.* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61522>
IMEMC - Wednesday June 22, 2011 - 15:12, Israeli human rights
organization, B'Tselem, has released figures showing a steep rise in the
number of Israeli housing demolitions in the West Bank compared to 2010
and 2009.

*Fayyed Says He Will Not Stand In The Way Of Unity*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61521>
IMEMC - Wednesday June 22, 2011 - 14:49, Current Palestinian Authority
Prime Minister, Sallem Fayyed, has said that he will not stand in the
way of national reconciliation but declined to say that he would step
down from the position of PM in the new interim government in order to
achieve consensus between Fatah and Hamas.

*Israeli Army Invades Multiple Towns in the West Bank, Resulting in One
Arrest* <http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61520>
IMEMC - Wednesday June 22, 2011 - 13:13, The Israeli military placed two
flying checkpoints in Beit Sahour Wednesday morning. The raids did not
result in any major incident. In Hebron, however, one Palestinian
civilian was abducted after the town was invaded, according to PNN and
Maan news agencies.

*UNRWA Appeal For Funds To Support Palestinian Refugee's*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61519>
IMEMC - Wednesday June 22, 2011 - 12:32, Jordan's Prime Minister Marouf
al Bakheet and the UNRWA's Commissioner General Filippo Grandi appealed
for monetary aid to appeal for finances to fund the UNWRA's work among
Palestinian refugees. In a speech to the UNRWA's advisory council the
two warned of instability if services to the regions 3.6 million
Palestinian refugees were not continued.

*Israeli Military Stop Christian Leader From Visiting Central Hebron*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61518>
IMEMC - Wednesday June 22, 2011 - 12:25, A visit to Hebron, in the
southern West Bank, by the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Fuad Twal, was cut
short on Monday when Israeli forces stopped the Archbishop from entering
the central city.

*Israel Strikes Underground Tunnel In Gaza*
<http://www.imemc. org/article/ 61517>
IMEMC - Wednesday June 22, 2011 - 11:56, The Israeli air force attacked
an underground tunnel running from the Gaza strip into Israel. According
to military officials the strike was in response from a rocket fired
from the Gaza strip into the Nagev. Neither incident caused death or injury.

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

*10 wood-coal workshops demolished near Jenin*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398867>
6/22/2011 - JENIN (Ma'an) -- Israeli bulldozers began to remove
Wednesday several wood-coal workshops in the Jenin-area town of Barta'a
Ash-Sharqiya, located inside the Green Line but separated from its
neighbors by Israel's separation wall. Along with the destruction of the
workshops, Israeli forces confiscated a number of the heavy machinery
and....

*After 4 years, Bil'in says wall route being moved*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398774>
6/22/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Observers said Wednesday that the
Israeli military had began dismantling a portion of the separation wall
in the village of Bil'in, six years after the high court declared the
route of the wall illegal. A statement by local activist group the
Popular Struggle Coordination Committee, however, said the new....

*Israeli forces set up flying checkpoints in Bethlehem*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398835>
6/22/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Two flying checkpoints were installed
by Israeli soldiers in Bethlehem on Wednesday morning, stopping cars and
checking ID cards of drivers two kilometers south of the Nativity
Church. An Israeli military spokesman said the checkpoints were "routine
military activity," despite a 2009 decision which handed total civil and
security control to....

*Israeli settlers attempt take over of Jerusalem home*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398929>
6/22/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A Beit Safafa family said several
members were brutally beaten by Israeli settlers on Wednesday morning,
in an attack that was said to have lasted four hours starting just after
midnight. The Zawahra family lives adjacent to an Israeli settler
outpost known as Giv'at Hamtous, located in a Palestinian. ...

*B'Tselem: Sharp increase in home demolitions*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398937>
6/22/2011 - JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- In the first six months of 2011, a
report from the Israeli rights group B'Tselem said Wednesday, Israeli
forces have demolished more homes than in the 12 months of the year
before."Last week alone, 33 residential structures were demolished in
the Jordan Valley and southern Hebron hills," the.... Related:B'tselem
<http://www.btselem. org/>

*Airstrike hits central Gaza overnight*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398733>
6/22/2011 - TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma'an) -- The Israeli military reported
Wednesday morning the launch of an airstrike on the central Gaza Strip
overnight. The air force targeted a "terror tunnel," which it said could
have been used "to infiltrate into Israel and execute terror
attacks."Medics have not reported injuries. The military said that the....

*4 on hunger strike in Israel's Ramon prison*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398862>
6/22/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- The Ramallah Prisoners Society said
Wednesday that four Palestinians detained in Israel's Ramon prison had
begun a hunger strike earlier in the week, demanding to be let out of
their cells. The strike, which was said to have begun Saturday, was
initiated after prison guards in Ramon had refused....

*Savvy flotilla prep in full swing at Athens port*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398931>
6/22/2011 - ATHENS, Greece (Ma'an) -- Non-violence training and
anti-sabotage measures are in place for the volunteers, activists and
media arriving in Athens as the Freedom Flotilla II prepares to sail to
Gaza. In hopes of preventing sabotage which organizers said docked two
boats from the 2010 flotilla, the ships for the June voyage have been....

*EU convenes Quartet over peace process*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398782>
6/22/2011 - BELGIUM, Brussels (Ma'an) -- The Middle East Quartet will
meet under EU chairmanship Friday, and will be asked to formulate a
framework agreement for peace talks, which will persuade Israeli and
Palestinian negotiators back to the table. Speaking to reporters
following a weekend tour of the Middle East, EU foreign policy chief
Catherine Ashton....

*Gaza adjusts to new Rafah crossing rules*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398786>
6/22/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Crossings officials at Rafah announced
that Gaza residents who signed up for travel via the terminal during the
second week of June could expect to travel Wednesday, appealing to
residents to respect the crossings rules. Head of police department on
the crossing Salamah Barakah said that the regular crossing schedule....

*Gazan Formula student team denied UK visas*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398993>
6/22/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) - The British embassy in Amman, Jordan
denied Palestinian students visas to UK to compete in the 2011 Formula
Student in London. Sources told Ma'an the denial was due to the fact
that the Palestinian Formula Student team did not have an official
financer during its stay in London....

*Fatah, Hamas exchange names of political detainees*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398912>
6/22/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Ashraf Jom'a, member of the Fatah
delegation in Cairo, said Wednesday that Hamas and Fatah exchanged lists
of names of affiliates they consider to be political detainees, during a
meeting one week earlier. The official said that the exchange was
progress on the unity agreement, which stipulated that....

*Barak and Netanyahu 'criticized' in flotilla reports*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398768>
6/22/2011 - JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Two reports about the Turkish flotilla
to the Gaza Strip last year are expected to be issued in the very near
future. The first is the Israeli comptroller' s report about the
government's performance in the affair. According to leaks that found
their way into most of the....

*Detainee marks 32 years in Israeli prison*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398790>
6/22/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- The Ministry of Prisoners Affairs in
Gaza marked Wednesday the 32nd year in prison of a Ramallah native,
commenting in a statement that Fakhri Asfour Al-Barghouti, at 57, is the
second oldest Palestinian in Israeli custody. Al-Barghoughi was detained
in 1978 and sentenced to a life term in prison, on....

*340 truckloads of goods to enter Gaza via Israel*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398736>
6/22/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli authorities gave permission for
340 truckloads of goods to enter the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after
inspecting the pack lists and determining the type and quantity of goods
were in line with the Israeli policy of siege on the area. Raed Fattouh,
Palestinian liaison official at the crossings, said....

*Israel's deputy FM says ready to sit for talks*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398942>
6/22/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israel's deputy foreign minister said
Wednesday that "Israel has recognized a Palestinian state and is ready
to sit with the Palestinians to reach an understanding on the condition
that there will be no outside intervention by the UN." "The Israeli
government is ready to discuss all of the details....

*Sha'ath: Armenia supports Palestinian state*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398974>
6/22/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Armenia will be supportive to the
Palestinian people's demands of freedom, independence and statehood,
says Nabil Sha'ath, member of Fatah central committee. In a statement
following a three-day visit to Armenia where he met with the Caucasian
country's minister of defense Edward Nalbandian and other....

*Council of Europe assembly head: Palestine may be partner*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=399062>
6/22/2011 - STRASBOURG, France (AFP) -- The Palestinian National Council
could this year gain "partner for democracy" status at the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Strasbourg-based body said
Wednesday. The assembly's Turkish head, Mevlut Cavusoglu, speaking as
Morocco gained the same status, said he hoped that "during our next
session (in October) we....

*Fayyad: I will not obstruct unity deal*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398744>
6/22/2011 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Prime Minister in Ramallah Salam Fayyad
assured Tuesday evening that he "can't and won't be an obstacle to
Palestinian reconciliation. " Following speculation he would publicly
refuse the post of prime minister in the new transitional unity
government being negotiated by Hamas and Fatah, his words fell short....

*UN reappoints Ban Ki-moon secretary-general*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398851>
6/22/2011 - UNITED NATIONS (Ma'an) -- The United Nations General
Assembly agreed to appoint the body's Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to a
second consecutive term, a statement said Tuesday. Under the resolution,
which was adopted by acclamation, Ban will serve as the UN chief until
December 2016. He has been in office since January 2007....

*Al-Qassam mourns death of fighter*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398857>
6/22/2011 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- The armed wing of issued a statement
Wednesday mourning the death of one of its Al-Qassam Brigades fighters
who died after a stroke two days earlier. Ahmad Hassen Abu Shawish, 25
from the Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip was admitted to
hospital and treated in the intensive... .

*MK Baraka: Do not attach UN bid to negotiations*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398631>
6/22/2011 - JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- The Palestinian leadership should focus
on the UN bid for statehood as well as resuming negotiations with
Israel, Palestinian Knesset Member Muhammad Baraka said Tuesday.
Speaking at a news conference in Ramallah, Baraka said Palestinian
leaders should not adopt Israel's agenda that negotiations were
conditional on abandoning a bid....

*Report: Hamas' Mash'al arrives in Turkey*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398982>
6/22/2011 - ANKARA, Turkey (AFP) -- Hamas chief Khalid Mash'al has
arrived in Turkey, the country's NTV news channel reported on Wednesday,
a day after President Mahmoud Abbas began a four-day visit. Mash'al
arrived in Istanbul, NTV said, adding that it was not immediately clear
whether he would meet with Abbas. Turkish....

*Saudi government donates $5.2 million to UNRWA*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=399005>
6/22/2011 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- UNRWA has received a$5. 2 million from
Saudi Arabia, part of the kingdom's annual contribution to the agency's
core budget, together with some payments relating to earlier years.
UNRWA Commissioner General Filippo Grandi, taking delivery of a cheque
from Fahd Al Zaid, ambassador of Saudi Arabia....

*Israel security cabinet 'meets in nuclear bunker'*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=399059>
6/22/2011 - JERUSALEM (AFP) -- Israel's security cabinet on Wednesday
met for the first time in a secret nuclear bunker in Jerusalem,
officials and press reports said, as part of a massive nationwide
defense exercise. As air raid sirens cut through the air at 11:00 a. m.
, the 14-member security cabinet was safely ensconced... .

*Northern Sinai gunfight kills 2 Egyptian security officers*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=398813>
6/22/2011 - EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma'an) -- An Egyptian officer and a soldier
were killed and two others injured in a gunfight in the northern
Egyptian Sinai near the border city of El-Arish on Wednesday morning,
officials said. Masked gunmen in three separate cars were said to have
attacked a police patrol in one of the main....

*Syria warns against outside interference*
<http://www.maannews .net/eng/ ViewDetails. aspx?ID=399058>
6/22/2011 - DAMASCUS (AFP) -- Syria strongly rejected on Wednesday any
foreign intervention over its deadly crackdown on a pro-democracy revolt
and singled out its former colonial ruler France, which is pressing the
UN Security Council to act." We can reach consensus despite opposing
points of view," Foreign Minister Walid Muallem told a Damascus press
conference." No one....

*Palestine Note* <http://palestinenot e.com/cs/>

*Fayyad: I will not obstruct unity deal*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/06/22/ fayyad-i- will-not- obstruct- unity-deal. aspx>
Palestine Note 22 Jun 2011 - Ma'an- Prime Minister in Ramallah Salam
Fayyad assured Tuesday evening that he "can't and won't be an obstacle
to Palestinian reconciliation. " Following speculation he would publicly
refuse the post of prime minister in the new transitional unity
government being negotiated.. .

*Gaza adjusts to new Rafah crossing rules*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/06/22/ gaza-adjusts- to-new-rafah- crossing- rules.aspx>
Palestine Note 22 Jun 2011 - Ma'an- Crossings officials at Rafah
announced that Gaza residents who signed up for travel via the terminal
during the second week of June could expect to travel Wednesday,
appealing to residents to respect the crossings rules. Head of police
department.. .

*Israeli settlers attempt take over of Jerusalem home*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/06/22/ israeli-settlers -attempt- take-over- of-jerusalem- home.aspx>
Palestine Note 22 Jun 2011 - Ma'an- A Beit Safafa family said several
members were brutally beaten by Israeli settlers on Wednesday morning,
in an attack that was said to have lasted four hours starting just after
midnight. The Zawahra family lives adjacent to an Israeli...

*Syria's cultural revolution*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ theater/archive/ 2011/06/22/ syria-s-cultural -revolution. aspx>
Palestine Note 22 Jun 2011 - Salwa Ismail , The Guardian- There are many
reasons why Bashar al-Assad's speech on Monday did not strike a chord
with the opposition. The Syrian president spoke of conspiracies,
saboteurs and vandals, declaring that there could be no compromise with
those...

*Jordanians press for greater effort to wipe out wasta and defeat
corruption*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/06/22/ jordanians- press-for- greater-effort- to-wipe-out- wasta-and- defeat-corruptio n.aspx>
Palestine Note 22 Jun 2011 - The National- Luma, a 29-year-old college
graduate, believes if she had wasta, or connections, she would not have
been waiting for six years to get a government job. "I am applying again
because they have started accepting college diplomas on...

*Israel complains to Apple over application promoting Palestinian
uprising*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ theater/archive/ 2011/06/22/ israel-complains -to-apple- over-application -promoting- palestinian- uprising. aspx>
Palestine Note 22 Jun 2011 - The Washington Post- The Israeli government
on Tuesday appealed to Apple Inc. to remove an application called
"ThirdIntifada" from its App Store, saying the program glorifies
violence against the Jewish state. Israel's information minister, Yuli
Edelstein, sent the request in...

*Shakira meets Israeli President Peres, schoolchildren in visit to
promote education campaign*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ music/archive/ 2011/06/22/ shakira-meets- israeli-presiden t-peres-schoolch ildren-in- visit-to- promote-educatio n-campaign. aspx>
Palestine Note 22 Jun 2011 - The Washington Post- Colombian pop singer
Shakira promoted her global education campaign with a stop at a joint
Israeli-Arab school in Jerusalem on Tuesday. Kicking off Israel's third
annual Presidential Conference with a plea for children's education
worldwide, Shakira, a...

*Media: Israel's Netanyahu sends letter to Turkey's Erdogan, hoping for
better relations*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/06/22/ media-israel- s-netanyahu- sends-letter- to-turkey- s-erdogan- hoping-for- better-relations .aspx>
Palestine Note 22 Jun 2011 - The Washington Post- Israeli media report
Israel's prime minister has sent a letter to Turkey's leader expressing
hope for improved ties. Israeli-Turkish relations deteriorated
dramatically last year after Israel raided a Gaza-bound Turkish ship and
killed nine activists on board....

*After 4 years, Bil'in says wall route being moved*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ news/archive/ 2011/06/22/ after-4-years- bil-in-says- wall-route- being-moved. aspx>
Palestine Note 22 Jun 2011 - Ma'an- Observers said Wednesday that the
Israeli military had began dismantling a portion of the separation wall
in the village of Bil'in, six years after the high court declared the
route of the wall illegal. A statement by local activist...

*Ramallah museum to show Picasso for first time*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ theater/archive/ 2011/06/22/ ramallah- museum-to- show-picasso- for-first- time.aspx>
Palestine Note 22 Jun 2011 - Ma'an- A Ramallah art museum has become the
first in the West Bank to take delivery of an artwork by Picasso, which
will go on view to the public for a month, beginning on Friday. The 1943
canvas, "Buste de...

*Israel Allows Construction Materials to Gaza*
<http://palestinenot e.com/blogs/ topnews/archive/ 2011/06/22/ israel-allows- construction- materials- to-gaza.aspx>
Palestine Note 22 Jun 2011 - Israel approves 1,200 new homes and 18 new
schools for Palestinians in Gaza Washington Post - Israel has authorized
construction of 1,200 new homes for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in
what would be one of the largest housing projects...

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

****
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ africa/2011/ 06/2011622125432 549209.html>*Syria
accuses EU of fomenting 'chaos'*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/06/20116229 4056695333. html>
AlJazeera 22 Jun 2011 - Syrian foreign minister says European Union
wants to "plant strife", and calls for easing of tensions with Turkey.

**
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ asia-pacific/ 2011/06/20116221 55318767503. html>*Life
sentences for Bahrain dissidents*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/06/20116228 219100399. html>
AlJazeera 22 Jun 2011 - Protesters take to the streets, clashing with
police after eight Shia activists are given life sentences.

*'Al-Qaeda fighters' escape from Yemen jail*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/06/20116229 2938721173. html>
AlJazeera 22 Jun 2011 - Dozens of inmates flee after gunmen attack
prison in port city of Mukalla in Hadramout province.

*Deadly clashes reported as Syrians rally*
<http://english. aljazeera. net/news/ middleeast/ 2011/06/20116211 5512111728. html>
AlJazeera 21 Jun 2011 - Activists say seven people killed as government
supporters and opponents clash in three cities.

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

*Turkish NTV: Mish'al of Hamas Arrives in Turkey*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10302& Itemid=56>
PNN - Istanbul - PNN - The head of Hamas polit-bureau, Khalid Mish'al,
arrived in Istanbul today in an unexpected visit while Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas is in Ankara, Turkish NTV reported on Wednesday... .

*The First Government School for the Deaf Opens in Palestine*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10301& Itemid=63>
PNN - Gaza -- Osama Awad -- PNN Exclusive -- The first government school
for deaf people was opened in Gaza today. This move is considered to be
a major accomplishment for the Hamas...

*Soldiers Attack Non-Violent Protest Near Ramallah*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10300& Itemid=56>
PNN - Ramallah - Ghassan Bannoura - PNN Exclusive - Israeli soldiers
attacked on Wednesday a non-violent protest organized by the villagers
of Deir Qadis, west of the central West Bank city of Ramallah....

*The Battle Lines are Drawn*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10299& Itemid=58>
PNN - By Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh - Israel's UN ambassador met with major
American Jewish organizations telling them to work hard to ensure there
will not be passage of any votes on Palestine at...

*Jordan Warns of Instability if Funding to UNRWA Stops*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10298& Itemid=67>
PNN - Amman - PNN - The Jordanian Prime Minister, Marouf Al-Bakhit,
warned on Wednesday of instability if sufficient funding is not received
by UNRWA. The Jordanian Prime Minister warned that lack of funding...

*Lebanon Sends Complaint to UN over Israel-Cyprus Maritime Agreement*
<http://english. pnn.ps/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=10297& Itemid=61>
PNN - Beirut -- PNN - According to a report on Tuesday in Lebanon's
Daily Star newspaper, Lebanon's Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister
Adnan Mansour sent a complaint to the United Nations about the...

**
<http://www.pchrgaza .org/portal/ en/index. php?option= com_content& view=article& id=7512:pchr- is-gravely- concerned- over-continued- detention- of-lawyer- ghassan-al- qishawi-in- violation- of-law-&catid= 36:pchrpressrele ases&Itemid= 194>*International
Solidarity Movement* <http://palsolidarit y.org/>

*Presence with a splash of tea is recipe for detainment*
<http://palsolidarit y.org/2011/ 06/18980/>
6/22/2011 - International Solidarity Movement - 19 June 2011,
International Solidarity Movement - On Sunday June 19th, six
International Solidarity Movement activists from the United Kingdom,
United States, Brazil, Germany, and Sweden were illegally arrested by
the Israeli military after attending a demonstration against the
construction on confiscated land belonging to the Palestinian village,
Deir Qaddis. Apart from numerous Palestinian, Israeli, and international
activists... .

*Israel deports the Spanish PSCC worker and university trainer Ignacio
Garcia-Pedraza* <http://palsolidarit y.org/2011/ 06/19047/>
6/22/2011 - International Solidarity Movement - 21 June 2011, Civil
Peace Service Gaza - Ignacio Garcia-Pedraza, a Spanish PSCC worker and
Al Quds University trainer, 36 years old and living in Madrid, has been
informed this morning at 9:00 a. m. by the Israeli Ben Gurion airport
authorities that he had been denied the entry into Israel and the
occupied Palestinian. ... Related:Civil Peace Service Gaza
<http://www.cpsgaza. org/>

*Demonstration in Beit Hanoun* <http://palsolidarit y.org/2011/ 06/19052/>
6/22/2011 - International Solidarity Movement - 21 June 2011,
International Solidarity Movement - At 11 A. M. this morning we gathered
for the weekly demonstration against the occupation in Beit Hanoun.
This demonstration was different from the other demonstrations
though. Today, a troupe of young girls were joining us. The girls
were part of the Vittorio Arrigoni summer camp that had been....

**Alternative Information Center* <http://www.alternat ivenews.org/>*

***Palestinian Unity Government Stalls*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ news/3675- palestinian- unity-government -stalls->
Alternative Information Center - After a few celebrated steps toward a
Palestinian unity government, a scheduled meeting between Palestinian
Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas political leader Khaled
Meshall has been postponed indefinitely.

*Syria: Internal Popular Demands, External Political Agendas*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ news/3674- syria-internal- popular-demands- external- political- agendas>
Alternative Information Center - The Syrian people demand democratic
change, but are western powers intervening to promote such a change? The
context of Syrian policies supporting Arab resistance must be understood
as the framework and motivation of current western intervention, ...

*AIC Video: Children without Jerusalem ID*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ jerusalem/ 3676-aic- video-children- without-jerusale m-id>
Alternative Information Center - The application for a Jerusalem
identification card for seven-month- old Silwan resident Nouralden
Abbassi was recently rejected by the Israeli Ministry of Interior.

*Ben Gurion University Invites NGO to Enter Classrooms, Promote
Jewish-Only Settlement in Galilee, Negev*
<http://www.alternat ivenews.org/ english/index. php/topics/ economy-of- the-occupation/ 3673-ben- gurion-universit y-invites- ngo-to-enter- classrooms- promote-jewish- only-settlement- in-galilee- negev>
Alternative Information Center - Ben Gurion University gave permission
to Ayalim , a Zionist and Jewish-only association, to appear before
classes in order to encourage Jewish students to settle in the Naqab
(Negev) and Galilee, areas with substantial Palestinian and
Bedouin-Palestinian ...

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

*Gaza: eased or un-eased? Changes on Gaza Market and Household
Conditions following Israel's 20 June 2010 New Access Regime*
<http://reliefweb. int/node/ 421620>
Relief Web 22 Jun 2011 - Source: World Food Programme Country: occupied
Palestinian territory Executive Summary The Government of Israel (GoI)
announced on 20 June 2010 its decision to "ease" the blockade on the
Gaza Strip by expanding commercial crossings and improving access to
humanitarian and...

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

*Israel demolishes coal facilities in Jenin*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 9479-israel- demolishes- coal-facilities- in-jenin. html>
22 Jun 2011 - West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli occupation forces
started Wednesday destroying coal facilities in the village of Barta'a
located in the southwest of Jenin, behind the Apartheid Wall.

*Palestinian boy assaulted by Israeli army in Hebron*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 9478-palestinian -boy-assaulted- by-israeli- army-in-hebron. html>
22 Jun 2011 - West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli soldiers assaulted
Wednesday a Palestinian boy during his work in a car shop in the town
of Beit Awa, in the southwest of Hebron.

*Israeli soldiers clash with Palestinians in Silwan*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ west-bank/ 9477-israeli- soldiers- clash-with- palestinians- in-silwan. html>
22 Jun 2011 - West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli army stormed yesterday
Silwan town in the south of Al-Aqsa mosque, leading to violent clashes
erupted between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian citizens .

*Israeli warplanes strike central Gaza Strip*
<http://www.palteleg raph.com/ palestine/ gaza-strip/ 9476-israeli- warplanes- strike-central- gaza-strip. html>
22 Jun 2011 - Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph)-Israeli warplanes type "F16"
carried out Wednesday an airstrike targeting a smuggling tunnel in
central Gaza Strip without injuries reported.

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

*As bloodshed in uprising grows, Syrians turn for protection to humour*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ as-bloodshed- in-uprising- grows-syrians- turn-for- protection- to-humour>
The National 22 Jun 2011 - Why are so many protesters being killed?
According to the joke circulating in Syria, it is because security
officers get a ten-cents-a- litre discount on petrol for every 10
demonstrators they kill.

*Iran's fashion police are back on the summer streets and looking for
un-Islamic bling*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ irans-fashion- police-are- back-on-the- summer-streets- and-looking- for-un-islamic- bling>
The National 22 Jun 2011 - With stores accused of selling revealing
clothing being shut down, and hard-liners insisting that even a woman¿s
necklaces and bracelets should not be shown to men outside her immediate
family, the Islamic morality squads looking to be clamping down
particularly hard in Iran this year.

*Saudis apologise for executing Indonesian maid without telling Jakarta*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ asia-pacific/ saudis-apologise -for-executing- indonesian- maid-without- telling-jakarta>
The National 22 Jun 2011 - Ruyati binti Sapubi, 54, was executed on
Saturday after she was convicted of murdering her Saudi employer,
Khairiya bint Hamid Mijlid, with a meat cleaver.

*More than 60 Al Qaeda militants escape from Yemen jail*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ more-than- 60-al-qaeda- militants- escape-from- yemen-jail>
The National 22 Jun 2011 - Prisoners, some of them facing death
sentences for terrorist offences, fled through a 45-metre tunnel they
had dug at the jail in the city of Mukalla, killing a guard and taking
his gun.

*Small Kurdistan suburb is refuge for persecuted Iraqi Christians*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ small-kurdistan- suburb-is- refuge-for- persecuted- iraqi-christians>
The National 22 Jun 2011 - Families feel safe in Ankawa and have no hope
of return home after death threats.

*ElBaradei wants to be Egypt's president, but only if he can reform the
country*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ elbaradei- wants-to- be-egypts- president- but-only- if-he-can- reform-the- country>
The National 22 Jun 2011 - Despite efforts to discredit him and his
reluctance to run for office unless the elections are transparent,
Mohammed ElBaradei remains a hugely popular figure among Egyptians,
coming top in a Facebook 'presidential election'.

*Kurds angry at corruption they see in their own government*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ kurds-angry- at-corruption- they-see- in-their- own-government>
The National 22 Jun 2011 - In northern Iraq, the Kurds have considerable
autonomy. yet, it too has seen protests during the Arab Spring. Citizens
complain that even fellow Kurds are prone to corruption and abuse when
they gain power.

*Assad regime promises reforms as students allege campus raids*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ assad-regime- promises- reforms-as- students- allege-campus- raids>
The National 22 Jun 2011 - Human rights activists in Damascus say as
many as 80 students suspected of protesting had been arrested, with
others hospitalised, some with serious injuries, after Assad supporters
broke into protesters' rooms and beat them with wooden clubs and metal bars.

*Israel agrees to increase flow of construction materials for Gaza to
build homes*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ israel-agrees- to-increase- flow-of-construc tion-materials- for-gaza- to-build- homes>
The National 22 Jun 2011 - Wary reaction to Ehud Barak's announcement as
Saudi Arabia pledges $70m for housing units and aid groups say more
materials are needed to address acute shortage.

*Vice-president Hadi battles against Saleh's son for control in Yemen*
<http://www.thenatio nal.ae/news/ worldwide/ middle-east/ vice-president- hadi-battles- against-salehs- son-for-control- in-yemen>
The National 22 Jun 2011 - With president in Saudi Arabia, relatives
assert control of Yemen¿s security and military as pressure mounts for
transition of power.

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

*EU's Ashton to Haaretz: UN vote on Palestinian state not a done deal*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ eu-s-ashton- to-haaretz- un-vote-on- palestinian- state-not- a-done-deal- 1.369149>
Ha'aretz - EU foreign policy chief says wording of UN resolution is
still uncertain, stresses EU's push to move negotiations before the UN vote.

*Plan to build 2,500 houses for Jerusalem Arabs under attack by
rightists*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ plan-to-build- 2-500-houses- for-jerusalem- arabs-under- attack-by- rightists- 1.369152>
Ha'aretz - Left condemn Jerusalem mayor for not exerting enough effort
to advance the plan, which would somewhat relieve the extreme shortage
of housing in Jerusalem's Arab neighborhoods.

*Yossi Melman / All signs say Iran is racing toward a nuclear bomb*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/features /all-signs- say-iran- is-racing- toward-a- nuclear-bomb- 1.369186>
Ha'aretz - Iran's leadership is undaunted by the sanctions imposed on
the country, or by the damage the Stuxnet computer worm caused to the
program that operates the centrifuges at the uranium enrichment facility
in Natanz.

*Report: Lieberman may be incriminated by letters between his
confidants*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ report-lieberman -may-be-incrimin ated-by-letters- between-his- confidants- 1.369158>
Ha'aretz - It is believed that Lieberman continued to manage his
worldwide business dealings, bringing in millions of dollars, while he
was an MK and a minister.

*U.S. Congressman calls on Egypt to release Ilan Grapel*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ u-s-congressman- calls-on- egypt-to- release-ilan- grapel-1. 369154>
Ha'aretz - Israeli-American was arrested at a Cairo hotel last week and
suspected of sedition and inciting Egyptians to clash with the country's
military leadership.

*Defense Ministry begins dismantling section of West Bank barrier*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/defense- ministry- begins-dismantli ng-section- of-west-bank- barrier-1. 369139>
Ha'aretz - High Court ruled in 2007 that route of barrier by village of
Bili'in must be changed, as it cut off villagers from their land;
villagers, activists have held weekly protest against the barrier for years.

*Underwater search for sunken Altalena ship set to begin*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ underwater- search-for- sunken-altalena- ship-set- to-begin- 1.369150>
Ha'aretz - Altalena was a ship belonging to the Irgun, a prestate Jewish
militia, which was shelled and sunk by Israeli government forces when it
tried to land an arms cargo shortly after the state's establishment.

*Dead Sea hotels at risk of flooding, if salt harvesting delayed*
<http://www.haaretz. com/print- edition/news/ dead-sea- hotels-at- risk-of-flooding -if-salt- harvesting- delayed-1. 369161>
Ha'aretz - Dead Sea Works decides to launch its first-ever campaign to
explain that the southern part of the Dead Sea would have dried out
because of the pumping of water for regional use and that it is
unconnected to industrial activities.

*Report: Netanyahu adviser in Egypt to discuss suspected Israeli spy*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/report- netanyahu- adviser-in- egypt-to- discuss-suspecte d-israeli- spy-1.369143>
Ha'aretz -

*Number of Israeli millionaires up by 20.6% in 2010, report reveals*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ number-of- israeli-milliona ires-up-by- 20-6-in-2010- report-reveals- 1.369119>
Ha'aretz - According to the latest annual Merrill Lynch-Capgemini World
Wealth report, 10,153 people in Israel own together more than $ 52
billion in liquid funds.

*Former Shas leader announces intent to return to politics*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ former-shas- leader-announces -intent-to- return-to- politics- 1.369098>
Ha'aretz - Speaking at the Presidential Conference in Jerusalem, Aryeh
Deri, former leader of ultra-Orthodox Shas party, said he plans to run
in the next Knesset elections.

*Underground Crusader city revealed beneath streets of Acre*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ underground- crusader- city-revealed- beneath-streets- of-acre-1. 369079>
Ha'aretz - Archeologists prepare to uncover entire compound built in
medieval times and hidden for centuries under the rubble in northern Israel.

*Report: China frees dissident artist Ai Weiwei*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ report-china- frees-dissident- artist-ai- weiwei-1. 369101>
Ha'aretz - Ai was detained at Beijing airport on April 3, igniting an
outcry about China's tightening grip on dissent.

*Mexico arrests head of notorious crime family*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ mexico-arrests- head-of-notoriou s-crime-family- 1.369041>
Ha'aretz - Police apprehend head of cult-like La Familia cartel,
responsible for multiple murders, kidnappings and extortion, without
resistance or casualties?

*At least 40 dead in plane crash in northern Russia*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ international/ at-least- 40-dead-in- plane-crash- in-northern- russia-1. 368899>
Ha'aretz - The plane was traveling from Moscow carrying 43 passengers
and five crew; it crashed near northern Russian city of Petrozavodsk.

*Discount blitz not luring buyers to cottage cheese*
<http://english. themarker. com/discount- blitz-not- luring-buyers- to-cottage- cheese-1. 368995>
Ha'aretz - Industry: Importing dairy is against the law

*The cost-of-eking index*
<http://english. themarker. com/the-cost- of-eking- index-1.368997>
Ha'aretz - Why do we earn less at our jobs and yet pay more for
everything from toothpaste to cars? It may be our small size that has
done us in

*Sale of Tnuva is off*
<http://english. themarker. com/sale- of-tnuva- is-off-1. 369002>
Ha'aretz - But Bank Leumi still negotiating to extend the deadline to buy

*Former Israeli intelligence chief: Arab spring is good for Israel*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ national/ former-israeli- intelligence- chief-arab- spring-is- good-for- israel-1. 369074>
Ha'aretz - In a panel held as part of the Presidential Conference in
Jerusalem, Amos Yadlin said Israelis share the values protesters in the
Arab world are fighting for.

*Netanyahu makes call to release Jonathan Pollard on YouTube*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/netanyah u-makes-call- to-release- jonathan- pollard-on- youtube-1. 369123>
Ha'aretz - Prime minister says in video that the convicted spy's
sentence is disproportionate to the severity of his actions, and urges
U.S. President Obama to release him for humanitarian reasons.

*Former IDF chief: Sanctions are best course of action against Iran*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/former- idf-chief- sanctions- are-best- course-of- action-against- iran-1.369121>
Ha'aretz - Former IDF chief Gabi Ashkenazi said sanctions against Tehran
are 'less costly than all the other options' while still keeping 'all
the options on the table.'

*Israel's UN ambassador warns UN chief over planned Gaza flotilla*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/israel- s-un-ambassador- warns-un- chief-over- planned-gaza- flotilla- 1.369112>
Ha'aretz - Israeli UN Ambassador Ron Prosor calls on international
community to do 'everything in their ability' to prevent the upcoming
Gaza aid flotilla, which is set to sail later this month.

*Internet activist appeals to New Yorkers to 'Free Shalit'*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/internet -activist- appeals-to- new-yorkers- to-free-shalit- 1.369102>
Ha'aretz - California resident Gal Sitty succeeded in raising funds for
a billboard appealing for captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit's release,
which went up close to UN headquarters in NYC on Tuesday.

*U.S. envoy Ross: Bold steps must be taken to keep Israel Jewish and
Democratic*
<http://www.haaretz. com/news/ diplomacy- defense/u- s-envoy-ross- bold-steps- must-be-taken- to-keep-israel- jewish-and- democratic- 1.369093>
Ha'aretz - Ross and U.S. diplomat David Hale are in Israel to meet with
Netanyahu to push for the renewal of Mideast peace talks.

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

*For real competition*
<http://www.jpost. com/Opinion/ Editorials/ Article.aspx? ID=226192& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 23 Jun 2011 - It's not prices that need to be regulated
but anti-competitive conduct.

*Rattling the Cage: How to stop soccer racism*
<http://www.jpost. com/Opinion/ Columnists/ Article.aspx? ID=226190& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 23 Jun 2011 - People should go to the games with their
cellphones, video cameras and other gadgets, film the fans who are
hurling filth and abuse and display it to the world.

*'Demolition of illegal Palestinian homes in W. Bank rising'*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=226189& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 23 Jun 2011 - B'Tselem data shows that demolitions by
civil administration in Area C has already exceeded the number
demolished in 2010.

*Sharansky recalls his champion and friend from Soviet days*
<http://www.jpost. com/JewishWorld/ JewishNews/ Article.aspx? ID=226186& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 23 Jun 2011 - Jewish Agency for Israel chairman
highlights that Soviet dissident Yelena Bonner's love for Israel was
overlooked after she passed away.

*IEC gets go-ahead to lease LNG buoy, gasification vessel*
<http://www.jpost. com/Sci-Tech/ Article.aspx? ID=226184& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 23 Jun 2011 - Move a "step in the right direction," says
expert, seen as effort to help bridge gaps likely to occur between
depletion of current gas supply and development of new Tamar gas reserves.

*Doron Barzilai elected Bar Association president*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=226182& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 23 Jun 2011 - At the end of lively campaign, Barzilai,
41, comes out on top with 7,561 votes against incumbent Yori Geiron's 6,157.

*Gaddafi accuses NATO of civilian 'murders' in Libya*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=226176& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - In latest TV address Libyan leader says
"one day we will respond to you likewise and your homes will be
legitimate targets."

*Rabbi Sacks: Day schools saved British Jewry*
<http://www.jpost. com/JewishWorld/ JewishNews/ Article.aspx? ID=226174& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - At Presidents Conference, European Jews
speak of hopes and fears for their communities' futures.

*Panel on life in Jerusalem reveals city's many divisions*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=226173& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - "No one is going to leave," says city
councilor at President's Conference, stressing need to work together.

*Israel's envoys to US, UN justify Gaza blockade*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=226169& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Oren says Israel pleased that Turkish gov't
opposing flotilla; Prosor warns of "dangerous consequences" ; US warns
citizens not to travel to Gaza by sea.

*Vilna'i: We've never been better prepared for all-out war*
<http://www.jpost. com/Defense/ Article.aspx? ID=226166& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Following national "Turning Point 5" drill,
Home Front defense minister tells 'Post' that "simulation completely
realistic."

*David Grossman, Amos Oz urge UNSC to condemn Syria*
<http://www.jpost. com/Internationa l/Article. aspx?ID=226164& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Israeli authors among 7 famous names
demanding resolution be adopted calling repression against protesters
"crime against humanity."

*Candidly speaking: The collapse of Zionist leadership*
<http://www.jpost. com/Opinion/ Columnists/ Article.aspx? ID=226163& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Today, we desperately need a global Jewish
pro-Israel caucus which could emerge from a reformed Jewish Agency.

*Israel served as 'main course' at EU dinner, official says*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=226157& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Worry in Israel that EU wants Quartet to
make concession to PA in return for dropping UN bid; J'lem also
frustrated that EU dinner on ME doesn't include Israeli representative.

*Presidential Conference: Measuring Obama's love*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=226142& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - High profile panel delves into the Obama
"kishka factor"; Martin Indyk: Israel should "get over" whether US
president loves it.

*PM: Meeting Hamas terms for Gilad will endanger Israelis*
<http://www.jpost. com/DiplomacyAnd Politics/ Article.aspx? ID=226141& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - On YouTube, PM tells viewers, "There is no
day that I do not deal with this issue"; Schalit family to rally on
anniversary of Schalit's capture.

*PM's office denies knowledge of envoy sent to aid Grapel*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=226139& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Official response casts doubts upon reports
of Israeli envoy in Cairo working to secure Ilan Grapel's release.

*Knesset legal counsel approves revoking MK Zoabi's rights*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=226138& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Legal adviser says Knesset did not overstep
its bounds, was a rare but proportional step to take under the
circumstances.

*Israel's economic success lies in start-ups, innovation*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=226133& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - 'Start-Up Nation' co-author Saul Singer
says maintaining comparative advantage in innovation is key to Israel's
success.

*Analysis: Hezbollah may fight Israel to relieve Syria*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=226129& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Arab official says, "None of Syria's allies
would accept the fall of Syria ...war [with Israel] could be one of the
options."

*Avi Luzon questioned by police in 'game fixing probe'*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=226119& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Football Association chief reportedly
questioned for two hours by Yavne police; probe involves allegations of
game fixing and bribing a judge.

*CITYbites: Savouring Italian-inspired Cuisine*
<http://www.jpost. com/ArtsAndCultu re/FoodAndWine/ Article.aspx? ID=226112& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Located in the heart of the German Colony
neighbourhood, Luciana offers a wealth of kosher delicacies and fresh
baked goods prepared every hour.

*Moallem on EU sanctions: Syria will remain steadfast*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=226096& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Syrian FM responds harshly to measures
against Syria which include four firms linked to the armed forces,
people connected with the suppression of anti-government protests.

*In central TA, Home Front drill siren is barely a whisper*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=226095& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Perhaps befitting a fake bomb drill, the
mood was dismissive and nonchalant when air raid siren went off in Tel Aviv.

*'Hamas ready to renew Schalit prisoner-swap talks'*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=226091& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Egyptian source tells 'al Hayat' Egypt
acting as mediator between sides; Israel reportedly offers $10m. for
information on Schalit.

*Iran says oil delegation attacked by 'terrorists' in Iraq*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=226090& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Iraqi Interior Ministry source confirms
visiting Iranian convoy came under fire in central Baghdad and two Iraqi
guards were wounded.

*Israeli Presidential Conference - a feminist's nightmare?*
<http://www.jpost. com/Magazine/ Features/ Article.aspx? ID=226089& R=R1>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - The conference is oriented towards
imagining a superior reality to the present and as such provides a
unique forum for modeling a healthier sense of gender equity. Yet with
an ostensible lack of female representatives, the conference failed
spectacularly in this sense.

*Bahrain sentences 10 Shi'ites to life in prison*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=226088& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - "It's good no one got the death penalty but
still, this will not be the right way to start dialogue... This is very
bad."

*Amidror to oversee Beduin's settlement*
<http://www.jpost. com/NationalNews /Article. aspx?id=226083& R=R2>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Amid Beduin trepidation, Netanyahu shifts
responsibility from Prower, who worked 2 years on a program for Beduin
settlement.

*In the desert kingdom, no grassroots politics*
<http://www.jpost. com/MiddleEast/ Article.aspx? id=226078& R=R3>
Jerusalem Post 22 Jun 2011 - Closed to the public, Saudi municipal
councils operate without public input and deep political reforms remain
off the agenda.

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

*Apple removes Intifada app from store*
<http://www.guardian .co.uk/technolog y/2011/jun/ 23/apps-israel>
The Guardian 22 Jun 2011 - Israeli minister calls on Apple chief
executive for 'immediate removal of anti-Israel application' Apple has
removed an application called ThirdIntifada from its App Store following
complaints that it encouraged and glorified violence against Israel.
Israeli minister...

*Palestinian theatre stages first play without director Juliano Mer
Khamis*
<http://www.guardian .co.uk/world/ 2011/jun/ 22/palestinian- theatre-juliano- mer-khamis>
The Guardian 22 Jun 2011 - Freedom Theatre promises to carry on after
the murder of Israeli-Palestinian director as students perform in Jenin
A pioneering community theatre that aimed to replace violence with drama
in one of the most battle-scarred Palestinian towns...

*Inter Press Service* <http://ipsnews. net/middle. asp>

*Second Humanitarian Flotilla Prepares to Sail for Gaza*
<http://ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 56198>
IPS As the second Freedom Flotilla, made up of some 10 ships carrying
1,000 activists from 20 countries, gets ready to sail for the besieged
Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities are stepping up their threats.

*Libya Deaths Trigger Rift Over NATO Campaign*
<http://ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 56196>
IPS Civilian deaths have raised serious misgivings about the
U.N.-authorised NATO intervention in Libya among the most ardent
supporters of the ongoing air campaign.

*Syria Accuses EU of Fomenting 'Chaos'*
<http://ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 56191>
IPS Walid al-Muallem, Syria's foreign minister, has said the European
Union's reaction to President Bashar al-Assad's speech on Monday showed
it wanted to "plant strife and chaos" in the country.

*EGYPT: Solar Energy Projects Picking up Again After Uprising*
<http://ipsnews. net/news. asp?idnews= 56182>
IPS On a blazingly hot summer's day in Cairo, it's 36 degrees Celsius in
the shade. Air-conditioners and fans whirr across the city, burdening
the national electricity grid. Last summer, the populous city
experienced frequent water and power cuts, causing a furore. Consumption
had grown by 2,600 megawatts, an increase of...

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

*The true definition of "Terrorist"* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78880>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - In late May, two Iraqi nationals, who were in
the U.S. legally, were arrested in Kentucky and indicted on a variety of
Terrorism crimes. In The Washington Post today, GOP Senate Minority
Leader Mitch McConnell -- writing under the headline: "Guantanamo is the
place to try terrorists" -- castigates Attorney General Eric Holder for...

*Jerusalem baby denied rights by Israeli apartheid*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78879>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - Smiling and wide-eyed, seven-month- old Nouralden
Issa Abbassi is happily getting passed between the arms of his mother,
grandmother and uncle in the living room of the Abbassi family home in
the Silwan neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem. But while the family
appears carefree, the reality is that Israel's decision to deny
Nouralden a Jerusalem...

*OIC launches Libya mediation effort* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78878>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - The Organisation of the Islamic Conference said
on Wednesday it has sent a delegation to Libya to pave the way for
mediation by the group to solve the crisis in the North African state.
The OIC has "offered an initiative for mediation during the next two
days with regard to the crisis in Libya,"...

*Write to the Forgotten Prisoners in Guantánamo (Summer 2011)*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78877>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - A year ago, two Facebook friends, Shahrina J.
Ahmed and Mahfuja Bint Ammu, drew on my research about Guantánamo for a
letter-writing campaign, in which they asked their friends and others on
Facebook to volunteer to write to each of the remaining prisoners in
Guantánamo. Shahrina announced the letter-writing campaign via a
Facebook note...

*Sharp increase in West Bank home demolition*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78876>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - In the past week, Civil Administration
inspectors, accompanied by soldiers and Border Police officers,
demolished 33 residential structures in the Palestinian communities
Fasayil, al-Hadidiyeh, and Yarza, all in the Jordan Valley, and in
Khirbet Bir al-'Id, in the southern Hebron hills. These were home to 238
persons, 129 of them minors. According to B'Tselem's.. .

*Archbishop of Canterbury Reprimanded by Angry Holy Land Christians*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78875>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - Kairos Palestine, the voice of Palestinian
Christians, has given the Archbishop of Canterbury a strong ticking-off
for remarks he made during a BBC interview. Rifat Kassis, co-ordinator
of Kairos Palestine, said he was "deeply troubled" by the Archbishop's
"inaccurate and erroneous remarks" about the situation of Christians in
the Middle East. He called the...

*Imperial President Obama Pretends Not to Wage War*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78874>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - What to do when you've engaged in one imperial
war too many? Deny it's a war. Obama is well versed in the history of
his European allies, who been at war with the rest of the world for five
hundred years, often annihilating whole peoples without ever formally
declaring war against them. "America's First...

*Gaza family exiled to Syria and Libya looks back*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78873>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - Abdelhai al-Khaldi, known as Abu Mahmoud, and
his wife Umm Mahmoud are an elderly Palestinian couple who live in a
rented apartment in the northern Gaza Strip neighborhood of al-Saftawi.
The two had lived in Libya for about 28 years, before returning to Gaza
in 1995 along with their eight now adult children. Abu...

*Airstrike hits central Gaza overnight* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78872>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - The Israeli military reported Wednesday morning
the launch of an airstrike on the central Gaza Strip overnight. The air
force targeted a "terror tunnel," which it said could have been used "to
infiltrate into Israel and execute terror attacks." Medics have not
reported injuries. The military said that the strike, the first since
early...

*NATO attack kills 19, including women and children*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78870>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - Monday night's air strike on a compound west of
Tripoli that killed 19, including women and children, puts an end to any
pretence that NATO is not deliberately targeting civilians in its
ongoing bombardment of Libya. NATO was unapologetic, describing the
attack on the estate of Khweildy al-Hamidy, a close ally of Libyan leader...

*Loss of Illusions.* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78869>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - ...I am interested in something, in someone
else...I am interested in observing the loss of illusions... I am
interested in seeing its footprints on our bodies, on our faces, on our
being...the american MEN DON'T SAY THIS WORD. and his/her would be problems do not interest
me. I care fuck all for them. I like to observe the...

*Greece: The dictatorship of finance capital*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78868>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - The diktat handed down by the International
Monetary Fund demanding the imposition of even harsher austerity measure
before the release of the EUR12 billion final tranche of the current
Greek bailout package marks a sharp turn in the unfolding European
financial crisis. Even more significant than the immediate economic and
financial consequences, it poses...

*Israel: Halt Home Demolitions Compensate Scores of People Displaced in
West Bank Communities* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78867>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - Israel should end discriminatory policies that
have forcibly displaced hundreds of West Bank Palestinian residents from
their homes, Human Rights Watch said today. In demolition operations on
June 14 and 21, 2011, Israeli authorities displaced more than a hundred
residents of three West Bank communities, including women and children,
destroying their homes and other...

(continues in the following post)

[ninathedog]

(continues from the preceding post)

[OccupationNews] Digest Number 1418
Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:56 pm (PDT)

*Bahrain sentences opposition leaders and activists to life in prison*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78866>
Uruknet June 22, 2011 - Bahrain sentenced 8 prominent activists and
opposition leaders to life in prison on Wednesday on charges of plotting
a coup during protests in the Gulf island kingdom earlier this year.
Among those who received life sentences was the Shiite dissident Hassan
Mushaimaa, leader of the hardline opposition group Haq, and Abduljalil
al Singace from...

*Before September, Unity must be Achieved*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78865>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - The long awaited Fateh-Hamas meeting has been
postponed - again. President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas politburo chief
Khaled Meshaal, who were supposed to meet in Cairo in two days,
announced on June 19 that the rendezvous had been put off indefinitely.
While the stalling is no surprise to most Palestinians, it is definitely
disappointing. ...

*The Forgotten Terrorist Attack* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78864>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - With all the talk of terrorist attacks, one
ordered by Bill Clinton in June 1993 eludes the media each year. Soon,
it will be the 18th anniversary of the US terrorist attack that killed
Layla al-Attar, Iraq's leading artist at the time. Many countries have
one or two days a year that indicate a...

*Israel Demolishes Homes in Tubas District, Displacing 27 Palestinian
Children, Adults* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78863>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - On Tuesday morning (21 June) the Israeli army
demolished 29 structures in al-Hadidiya, Tubas Governorate, displacing
27 people from six households, including 11 children. A further 15
people were affected, including 10 children. Among the demolished
structures were: seven residential tents, 18 animal barracks and pens
and four outdoor kitchens. Al-Hadidiya has already suffered...

*Remembering Brian Haw* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78862>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - Early morning June 18, lung cancer claimed 62
year old UK anti-war activist Haw after a long battle, a man London
Independent contributor Mark Wallinger called "the conscience of the
nation grown quiescent." His family left a message, saying: "He left us
in his sleep and in no pain, after a long, hard fight,"...

*The battle lines are drawn* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78861>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - Israel's UN ambassador met with major American
Jewish organizations telling them to work hard to ensure there will not
be passage of any votes on Palestine at the UN. Presidernt Obama met
with 80 influential Jewish donors (who each gave $25-35,000 to attend
the private dinner with the President) and Obama assured them that...

*Egypt declines World Bank loan as incompatible with national interest*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78860>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - The government has declined a loan from the
World Bank because it found the terms of the loan incompatible with the
national interest, Egyptian Minister of Planning and International
Cooperation Fayza Abul Naga said on Monday. The minister added that the
government would not accept conditions dictated by the World Bank or the
International. ..

*Kerry, McCain Come to Obama's Rescue Over Libya*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78859>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - - Hoping to head off growing insurgencies in
both major parties over Washington's participation in NATO's military
campaign against Libya, two key senators Tuesday unveiled a resolution
that would give President Barack Obama the authority to continue
operations there for up to one year. Democratic Senator John Kerry, who
also serves as chairman of...

*NATO Abandons Denial, Admits to Libya Attack That Killed 15 NATO
Warplanes Attacked Sorman After All* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78858>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - On Sunday, NATO copped to killing at least nine
civilians in a strike in Central Tripoli, blaming a "weapons system
failure," but when a second incident in the suburb of Sorman came out
the very next morning, they angrily denied involvement, saying warplanes
weren't even operating near the area. But they were. NATO has...

*Libyan government accuses NATO of targeting civilians*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78857>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - The Libyan government on Tuesday accused NATO of
targeting civilians, and of so far killing 700, as heavy fighting
continued between Moamer Gaddafi's forces and rebels near the city of
Misurata, DPA reported. Libyan security forces claimed to have overheard
a telephone conversation in which NATO officials said they planned to
target the homes...

*Military Resistance 9F 13: A Decade In Leavenworth*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78856>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - The Greek working class has won a victory in the
past three days not just for themselves but for all the world's workers.
In the latest step forward in the mass strike wave that began last
December in Tunisia, 50-100,000 workers-young and old, employed,
students, and unemployed-turned back on Wednesday, June 15, a police...

*Illegal Blockades* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78855>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - A new Gaza freedom convoy is preparing to sail,
this time including a US flagged vessel. My friends Ann Wright and Ray
McGovern are going to be on it. Ray tells me the ship, which is
registered in Delaware, has been renamed "The Audacity of Hope". I am
not quite sure if he is...

*The High Stakes Persecution of Bradley Manning*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78852>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - There are new developments and high stakes In
the U.S. government's persecution of Bradley Manning. And a growing
movement to defend him. In April 2010, the video "Collateral Murder" was
posted to the Internet by WikiLeaks. It has been viewed over 11 million
times. The footage, taken from inside an Apache helicopter in 2007...

*The Palestinian Authority's Historic Mistake, and Opportunity*
<http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78851>
Uruknet June 21, 2011 - No one knows the precise plans of the
Palestinian Authority vis-a-vis September: will Mahmoud Abbas declare a
Palestinian state within recognized borders and ask that it be admitted
as a full member of the UN - or not? Perhaps Abbas himself does not
know. Now political leaders often make decisions alone or in consultation. ..

*Iraq snapshot - June 21, 2011* <http://www.uruknet. info/?new= 78850>
Uruknet June 21, 2011. Chaos and violence continue, Diwaniyah slammed by
twin bombings, the big meet-up yesterday results in a lot of hot air
today, Moqtada wants to use Iraqi forces to take out his rivals, the US
gets a new Secretary of Defense, and more. Xiong Tong (Xinhua), citing a
police source, reports 25 dead, thirty-four injured a...

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

*NATO presses on as Italy voices humanitarian concerns in Libya*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/NATO- presses-on- as-Italy- voices-humanitar ian-concerns- in-Libya. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 A split opened within the NATO-led air campaign
against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi Wednesday as France and Britain
rejected an Italian call for a halt to military action to allow aid access.

*Syria's Moallem: Forget Europe*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Syrias- Moallem-Forget- Europe.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Syria scorned Wednesday the European Union's
criticism of Damascus over its violent crackdown on popular unrest.

*Roumieh inmate found in possessionof contraband*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-23/Roumieh- inmate-found- in-possessionof- contraband. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Internal Security Forces found an inmate in
Roumieh prison in possession of contraband, the National News Agency
reported Wednesday.

*Teenager killed in road crash with UNIFIL vehicle*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-23/Teenager- killed-in- road-crash- with-UNIFIL- vehicle.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 A teenager was killed and his 13-year-old sister
injured Wednesday when the car he was driving collided with a U.N.
peacekeepers' vehicle in south Lebanon.

*Joint UNDP anti-cluster bomb project announced*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-23/Joint- UNDP-anti- cluster-bomb- project-announce d.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 A $1.5 million project to help Lebanon implement
an international convention banning the use of cluster bombs was
announced Wednesday, in a joint initiative by the United Nations
Development Program and the Foreign Ministry.

*ISF continues search and destroy drug campaign*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-23/ISF- continues- search-and- destroy-drug- campaign. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 The Drug Control Office of the Internal Security
Forces continued their campaign to search for and destroy marijuana
plantations for the second consecutive day.

*UNIFIL commander meets Mikati, Ghosn, Kahwagi*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 23/UNIFIL- commander- meets-Mikati- Ghosn-Kahwagi. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 The head of United Nations peacekeeping in
Lebanon vowed Wednesday to maintain cooperation with the Lebanese Army
after his first meeting with representatives of the new government.

*Berri demands swift action on offshore oil, gas*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 23/Berri- demands-swift- action-on- offshore- oil-gas.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Speaker Nabih Berri slammed Wednesday the
sloppiness with which the issue of exploiting Lebanon's offshore gas
reserves was being treated despite his efforts to ratify the oil law.

*Southerners undaunted by Israeli drills*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 23/Southerners- undaunted- by-Israeli- drills.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Residents of south Lebanon went about their
normal routine Wednesday, despite ongoing Israeli drills which reached
their peak the same day.

*Dispute between March 14 and Aoun gets nastier*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 23/Dispute- between-March- 14-and-Aoun- gets-nastier. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 The March 14 coalition blasted Free Patriotic
Movement (FPM) leader Michel Aoun Wednesday.

*Mikati, Hezbollah still at odds over Cabinet policy on STL*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 23/Mikati- Hezbollah- still-at- odds-over- Cabinet-policy- on-STL.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Efforts to bridge the gap between Prime Minister
Najib Mikati and Hezbollah over the divisive issue of the U.N.-backed
Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

*Man 25, killed by falling pipe in Minieh*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-23/Man- 25-killed- by-falling- pipe-in-Minieh. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 A man was killed Wednesday when a pipe fell on
him at a construction site in the village of Deir Ammar in Minieh.

*Small fire erupts on runway at Rafik Hariri Airport*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-23/Small- fire-erupts- on-runway- at-Rafik- Hariri-Airport. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 A minor fire erupted at Rafik Hariri
International Airport near the western runway, the National News Agency
reported Wednesday.

*Metn residents demand protection from Bassil*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-23/Metn- residents- demand-protectio n-from-Bassil. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Residents of four Metn towns have demanded
protection from Energy Minister Jibran Bassil, in the wake of a conflict
over a high-tension power project.

*Town of Jezzine looking to get facelift amid myriad challenges*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-23/Town- of-Jezzine- looking-to- get-facelift- amid-myriad- challenges. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 A government shirking its role in local
development, laws that complicate municipal work, and funding that is
just out of reach are just a few of the challenges facing the country's
municipalities.

*Higher education in Lebanon below international standards*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-23/Higher- education- in-Lebanon- below-internatio nal-standards. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Graduate and doctoral-level studies at Lebanese
universities are not up to international standards, a high-ranking
official from the Education Ministry said Wednesday.

*AUB's former vice president links his firing to corruption*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-23/AUBs- former-vice- president- links-his- firing-to- corruption. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 A former vice president for facilities at the
American University of Beirut has said that his recent firing was
related to corruption at the university.

*Leaked tests mar high school exams*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-23/Leaked- tests-mar- high-school- exams.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 The education minister said Wednesday that he
referred an alleged case of leaked exam questions to the Central
Inspection Department, as teachers urged the ministry to speed up the
investigations.

*Iraq hunting $17 bln missing after U.S. invasion*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Iraq- hunting-$ 17-bln-missing- after-US- invasion. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Iraq's parliament is chasing about $17 billion of
Iraqi oil money it says was stolen after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and
has asked the United Nations for help to track it down.

*Feltman in Sanaa, Al-Qaeda militants flee prison*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Feltman- in-Sanaa- Al-Qaeda- militants- flee-prison. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 A senior U.S. official pressed the Yemeni
government Wednesday to implement a Gulf Arab initiative calling for
President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down to end months of protest,
Yemeni officials said.

*Bahrain sentences 8 to life ahead of dialogue*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Bahrain- sentences- 8-to-life- ahead-of- dialogue. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Bahrain sentenced eight prominent Shiite Muslim
activists and opposition leaders to life in prison Wednesday on charges
of plotting a coup during protests in the Gulf island kingdom earlier
this year.

*Islamists ally with liberals as fans of Mubarak say 'I'm sorry'*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Islamists -ally-with- liberals- as-fans-of- Mubarak-- say-Im-sorry. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has joined forces with
17 other parties, including liberals and leftists.

*Ben Ali nephew sentenced to 15 years in absentia*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Ben- Ali-nephew- sentenced- to-15-years- in-absentia. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 A Tunisian court has sentenced the nephew of the
former president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to 15 years in absentia, the
state news agency said Wednesday, after a court issued a first sentence
against Ben Ali...

*Disgruntled opposition to boycott Morocco referendum, protest*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Disgruntl ed-opposition- to-boycott- Morocco-referend um-protest. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Morocco's pro-reform February 20 Movement
Wednesday urged a boycott of the constitutional referendum proposed by
King Mohammad VI and called for nationwide protests.

*Hamas chief Meshaal holds talks in Turkey*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Hamas- chief-Meshaal- holds-talks- in-Turkey. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal held talks with
Turkish officials on efforts to achieve Palestinian unity during a
two-day visit to Istanbul ending later Wednesday, diplomats said.

*Israel carries out doomsday preparations*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Israel- carries-out- doomsday- preparations. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Israel's security cabinet Wednesday met for the
first time in a secret nuclear bunker in Jerusalem, officials and press
reports said, as part of a massive nationwide defense drill to prepare
for a possible missile war...

*Sharp rise in West Bank home demolitions: rights groups*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Sharp- rise-in-West- Bank-home- demolitions- rights-groups. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 There has been a sharp rise in the number of
Palestinian structures razed by the Israeli authorities in the West Bank
this year, with over 700 people left homeless, rights groups said Wednesday.

*Royal nephew joins calls to eject Kuwaiti prime minister*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Royal- nephew-joins- calls-to- eject-Kuwaiti- prime-minister. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Sheikh Fahad Salem al-Ali al-Sabah, a nephew of
Kuwait's ruler, said political reform must be accelerated in the Gulf
Arab country, beginning with the removal of the current prime minister.

*MP Dicle banning angers Kurds*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/MP- Dicle-banning- angers-Kurds. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Clashes between Turkish riot policemen and
Kurdish protesters erupted in Istanbul Wednesday following the news one
of the newly elected Kurdish deputy had been stripped of his seat in the
newly formed Parliament.

*Bashir agrees to pull troop from Abyei as July 9 looms*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-23/Bashir- agrees-to- pull-troop- from-Abyei- as-July-9- looms.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Sudan's president agreed to pull Northern troops
out of the disputed Abyei border region before the South secedes on July
9, diplomats said Sunday, signaling possible progress in talks before
the split.

*House leader says Obama lacks support for Libya*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/House- leader-says- Obama-lacks- support-for- Libya.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 President Barack Obama lacks the support of the
House for authorizing the U.S. military operation in Libya, House leader
John Boehner said.

*Held farmer's lawyer asks Canada to charge and extradite client*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Local- News/2011/ Jun-22/Detained- farmers-lawyer- charge-my- client-and- send-him- to-Canada. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Lawyer of potato farmer being held in Beirut on
an Interpol arrest warrant has urged the Canadian government to charge
his client so he can be extradited to his home country.

*Lebanon's Hezbollah may fight Israel to relieve Syria*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Analysis/ 2011/Jun- 22/Lebanons- Hezbollah- may-fight- Israel-to- relieve-Syria. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Lebanon's Hezbollah is preparing for a possible
war with Israel to relieve perceived Western pressure to topple Syrian
President Bashar Assad, its guardian ally, sources close to the movement
say.

*Security developments in Iraq, June 22*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Security- developments- in-Iraq-June- 22.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 The following are security developments in Iraq
as of 0800 GMT on Wednesday.

*Four dead, dozens hurt in attacks on Iraqi police*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Four- dead-dozens- hurt-in-attacks- on-Iraqi- police.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Militants attacked Iraqi police with guns and
explosives and lobbed a mortar round at a security headquarters on
Wednesday, killing four people and wounding dozens in the latest assault
on security forces.

*March 14 holds Sleiman, Mikati responsible for Aoun's remarks*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/March- 14-holds- Sleiman-Mikati- responsible- for-Aouns- remarks.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 President and prime minister responsible for
Michel Aoun's recent threats against the coalition, it says, adding that
both lawmakers are indirectly strengthening his position.

*EU calls on Lebanon to uphold commitment on STL*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/EU-calls- on-Lebanon- to-uphold- commitment- on-STL.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 European Union ambassadors say tribunal should
continue its work without any obstacles, and ask new government to
commit to Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1757.

*U.S. official in Sanaa, 62 Al-Qaeda militants escape prison*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/US- official- in-Sanaa- Al-Qaeda- militants- escape-prison. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Senior U.S. official holding talks with
government officials in Yemen, which is teetering on the brink of civil
war over President Ali Abdullah Saleh's refusal to meet protesters'
demands to step down.

*Egypt gunmen kill police officers in Sinai: security*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Middle- East/2011/ Jun-22/Egypt- gunmen-kill- police-officers- in-Sinai- security. ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Unknown gunmen attacked a police checkpoint in
the Egyptian town of Al-Arish on Wednesday, killing two policemen and
leaving two injured, a security official said.

*Syria's Moallem denies Hezbollah, Iran helping Assad*
<http://www.dailysta r.com.lb/ News/Politics/ 2011/Jun- 22/Syrias- Moallem-denies- Hezbollah- Iran-helping- Assad.ashx>
Daily Star 22 Jun 2011 Syria's Foreign Minister denies that Hezbollah
and Iran are providing military support to Syria in its three-month- old
crackdown on protesters.

*Stop The Wall* <http://stopthewall. org/>

*June 24/25/26/27: JOIN THE MEDIA MARATHON TO PROMOTE 'FREEDOM FOR
PALESTINE' SINGLE* <http://stopthewall. org/latestnews/ 2551.shtml>
Stop The Wall -

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

*US: Don't go to Gaza by sea*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4086021,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - The United States updated a travel warning
urging Americans to refrain from traveling to the Gaza Strip by sea and
emphasizing risks, including a possible 10-year travel ... ....

*Knesset: Zoabi sanctions proportional*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085918,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Knesset legal adviser Eyal Yinon told the High
Court of Justice Wednesday that the Knesset's decision to revoke some of
MK Hanin Zoabi's rights was under its ... ....

*IDF takes down Bilin fence*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085986,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - IDF troops on Wednesday began taking down the
fence around the West Bank village of Bilin, focus of years of protests
against Israel's separation barrier. Last year, ... ....

*MKs to Pollard: We're sorry*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085954,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - In a letter sent to Jonathan Pollard, Israeli
Knesset members apologize for failing to secure his release and express
their condolences over his father's death. ... ....

*Report: Hezbollah preparing for war with Israel*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085924,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Lebanon's Hezbollah is preparing for a possible
war with Israel to relieve perceived Western pressure to topple Syrian
President Bashar Assad, its guardian ally, sources ... ....

*Ross: Israel must take action*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085891,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Speaking at the Presidential Conference in
Jerusalem, President Obama's special advisor on the Middle East Dennis
Ross emphasised Wednesday that in these times of ... ....

*Deri making a comeback*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085884,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Former Shas chairman coming back: Aryeh Deri,
the former political meteor who at one time held great clout and was
considered one of Israel's most powerful men, announced ... ....

*Facebook posts urge ministers to return to Jerusalem*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085817,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Activists send messages to Tel Aviv-based
ministers, urge them to relocate....

*US takes on illegal Israeli kiosk workers*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085720,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - US authorities emerge with YouTube campaign to
fight phenomenon of illegal....

*Egypt allows supplies into Gaza*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085797,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - European aid sail carrying 30 tons of goods
arrives in Strip via Rafah crossing.... .

*Negev land reform to be reviewed*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085788,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Plan allocating Bedouins hundreds of thousands
of acres irks Likud members....

*Syria FM: We will become model nation*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085744,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Damascus' Foreign Minister Walid Moallem lashes
out at critics, vows Syria will....

*Ex-MI chief on Iran: Silence is golden*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085746,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Amos Yadlin speaks at Conference of Presidents,
says Israel should 'stop....

*'Iranian nuke test' debunked as blogger's hoax*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085689,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Frustrated journalist behind post which
resonated globally. 'I wrote that blog....

*Gantz: Committee to determine Yizkor version*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085676,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - IDF chief wants special panel to decided on
unified version of remembrance. ...

*Erez Efrati says mistook his victim for 'terrorist'*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085658,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Former IDF chief bodyguard convicted of
attempted sodomy spins yet another....

*Gov't delays bone marrow bank funds*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085560,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Millions allocated to life-saving project stuck
in red-tape labyrinthine. Cancer....

*Egypt: Israeli 'spy' fluent in Arabic*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085599,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Cairo daily reports alleged spy Ilan Grapel's
interrogation sessions are held....

*Netanya gas blast: Suspects to get bail*
<http://www.ynetnews .com/articles/ 0,7340,L- 4085558,00. html>
YNet News, 22 Jun 2011 - Police expected to ask court to impose bail
restrictions of gas technician,. ...

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

*Israeli warplanes raid central Gaza*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7cQkEG8tha8 5HaVKWWV% 2fA%2f1nFs0YGiYM Mwn1Y7suZ6JHwUEe D%2fm6Mq1sGgLoY% 2bvdjz4l8XolnlzO 67AsH6ibNw7RIgX4 eDLBQgNS1a% 2bHoGoU%3d>
PIC - 22/06/2011 - 09:32 AM

*Gaza children stage sit-in at Rafah crossing demanding its permanent
opening*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7JTwy8wkP7z Wv0AchjAqTuMkqwo RzCbfUDpQRVrmfL5 rfWySwq3DSBvmTxn 0m2PnYeHOuNqbrwG UapiMz21utDsCzNu mLLLHL%2bLm7x7n9 euY%3d>
PIC - 22/06/2011 - 09:41 AM

*Night clashes in Silwan*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7B%2byYTXG5 eAPIipYDCVXOQveP Muy6vA0RhR6vcxnD F0bzbn02oFcrVH8u hqhgUKmFxYTRImfe XBgca4afZCZFGWiQ DO2UpjvBGx8xsTMr eHk%3d>
PIC - 22/06/2011 - 09:46 AM

*Ghoul receives French delegation working to prosecute Israeli war
criminals*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7JyzwKh43rl 6iB8xrrCI8fjg0LZ Parq6ia8kThDe9l6 N4wX0qc0YeNeDxNP HA8QzsxQwOC72xHL SqV7tFVk6bVCDqfn dpxVFN969wMR5% 2fKBg%3d>
PIC - 22/06/2011 - 01:50 PM

*IOF soldiers destroy coal installations in Jenin*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7cq2aQCb7Pu DaT8lACUO48j2oev DLo4WchgASP7% 2beW9tCtVpoxOn% 2bzLNjqFcc7oguqj VSY23K28zRmvfiyN Gx0yi%2ffQzrkBcY yIERlk3zOdw% 3d>
PIC - 22/06/2011 - 01:53 PM

*IOF troops round up head of Jerusalemite prisoners committee, others*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7Rh97X4jrB1 QJPOuYamYfSiDDma 34gFWk%2b8NJGVPM faRfuWNKSdJOJAk6 E3wxG70DijHqQNJD OcmqQXd4Uu35AS% 2fzwQHrK8gWP3IuO XwXnDk%3d>
PIC - 22/06/2011 - 01:57 PM

*Hamdan: Abbas must accept or turn back on unity deal*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s74vlFmkwK% 2bVk7NPkd3% 2bDh1t0gRHRa6G7Z xap23n5m49jIIGnQ jvrpHXgA0hfb95tD JGgun9Giej4BijAO 4BTJBYN0mnd9OlxP hwt1GCsEUX4% 3d>
PIC - Hamas international relations official Osama Hamdan said PA
president Mahmoud Abbas must either accept the deal to form a unity
government with once split Palestinian parties or turn against it.

*Jerusalemite MP Attoun: We will stay in Jerusalem*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7AE4Qi2q7wA w2bLGZTthKZVVff7 PLdcMtpQEXxSIYVy rqHLZJl%2bnt% 2ft%2bgDGa2HDJhe JrgvMWYZWFEWZfAZ nk9Hn5%2b4PlUDp7 O5m2IdW%2f3MRU% 3d>
PIC - Jerusalemite MP Ahmed Attoun has said that the Israeli decision to
revoke their residence in Jerusalem and to exile them from their native
city was a political decision par excellence.

*Waed calls on Merkel, Sarkozy to see fair release of 7,000
Palestinians*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7Payd0kYmTQ wpNstaWXtmgUVzfh Qbf6X%2b% 2fT51W%2boU1Y5lm kSbDgWUi2k7hwqa% 2b9WeC5gKqngCQh0 QSEOOnqycq8g% 2b4chFbLKxNOtj6A RGpEw%3d>
PIC - The Waed prisoner society in Gaza has called on German Chancellor
Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy to help see the
release of 7,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.

*Mishaal confers with Turkish FM, other officials*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7nbhWY1dUHj W8XSkh980KV6xZhU wjeh5oGpr% 2bzcwGFIHNZBE4Yq S8eDCLXH1NPeiM6C tEwaXGFVnffTR5gy xJuAPDDbfIZXMvee 8jEHICe6s% 3d>
PIC - Hamas political bureau chairman Khaled Mishaal conferred in
Istanbul on Wednesday with Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu and
other officials soon after his arrival.

*Haneyya: Abbas statements contrary to spirit of reconciliation*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7iCsRc2SriD N5UFFVAwRX0a6MAI OWTgTpL21Hv6Iw55 dmE%2f3Fs06dI7ty W%2fHttESFv7AUDN xZ6UTDTF% 2fgxpxz9VrizbFHw MGeC7wwHvfdncs% 3d>
PIC - Ismail Haneyya said that recent statements by PA chief Mahmoud
Abbas had run contrary to the spirit of national reconciliation, which
was signed by all Palestinian factions in Cairo late last May.

*Freedom Flotilla II coalition calls on UN to search ships*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7t8Jqa0QOS2 JexBqtGEJvN5oZFd SAurEb0Ds8i03KVI y2sVlp4VS2Hj% 2fs2lhsn4XRyYwrr %2bWj9yQZHivOIKr toZeuBiH% 2flOqfWWaAenDCiN s%3d>
PIC - Freedom Flotilla II coalition has called on UN bodies to send
officials to search the flotilla's multinational ships, which are
gearing to defy the Israeli siege and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

*Israeli police arrest 4 Jerusalemites in violent clashes*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7bny44qC% 2f0midZOxoX1nPXa glKPv7NjPuGyLobe 9lNoqUDapsXwrgSb oRoTgOw9VcYqbRUv dSZ2LJ4ilYDpBEXD P6OlZpcZlyG8Jqdu pauO0%3d>
PIC - Israeli occupation police shot and wounded a Palestinian then
arrested him along with three others in violent clashes in Isawiye
suburb in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday.

*Sabri: Not one stone found relating to Jerusalem's alleged Jewish
history*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7Bq% 2b3Sme7AOh12ovlR VQ1Ku2E8czzEIIsL PaUKdYfEUglP37JK 1uFUN1BzxE3FMs% 2b42ZHQrJKSeT7T0 vDKSkn9EZNQk4a61 qGw7b%2f7EURjmE% 3d>
PIC - Chairman of the Suprerme Islamic Council in Jerusalem Dr. Ekrima
Sabri has declared that after 25 years of digging not a single stone has
been found related to Jerusalem's alleged Jewish history.

*Netanyahu's advisor in Cairo for talks on Shalit, Grapel*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7aWkD0ltX3q jjl6OXmnmBkqhyQb DGZlIcD5qJ% 2fBwqNp6Kd% 2bpPBZ8A07OX0YWc hCIKNZmhnHZh7B4m QmOjed7vEnxvhFqW Zksk6UpzD% 2bWAg5U%3d>
PIC - Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu's advisor Yitzhak Molkho
arrived in Cairo afternoon Wednesday to discuss the issue of captured
Israeli soldier in Gaza Gilad Shalit and the Mossad agent Ilan Grapel.

*Open letter to Erdogan : say "NO" to Israel 's new solicitations*
<http://www.palestin e-info.co. uk/en/default. aspx?xyz= U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MD I46m9rUxJEpMO% 2bi1s7fzINzu2d% 2fLbY4y7fXwqc2Ws hAmFEB4vQXFtyLWD 4Z6EVQvwB84psSgZ JSKzkc7K4mdjx6NC zJot91ZCxHGCSsfs BcSxcwBJ% 2f8dqN5HK0jhw% 3d>
PIC - Seeking to restore good relations with Turkey, Israeli PM Benymain
Netanyahu has asked Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan to forget the past
and turn over a new leaf in Israeli-Turkish relations.

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

*American Sports Writer: Telling Palestinian Story Through Sports
Becomes Language Americans Understand*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16517>
WAFA

*SPF Performs Demo for Chief of Police and French Consul*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16516>
WAFA

*Fayyad Denounces Media Allegations Denying Saudi Support of
Palestinians* <http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16515>
WAFA

*Water Situation Deteriorating Significantly in Gaza*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16513>
WAFA

*Silwan Children Severely Affected by Israeli Aggression*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16512>
WAFA

*Fatah: Netanyahu Must Prepare Israelis to Withdraw from 1967 Areas*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16511>
WAFA

*PCBS: US$681 Million Deficit of Palestinian Balance of Payments in
Current Account* <http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16510>
WAFA

*Israeli Army Demolishes Coal Plants in Jenin*
<http://english. wafa.ps/index. php?action= detail&id= 16509>
WAFA

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

*THE PLAN TO DESTABILIZE SYRIA*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ eigQhzRhXMA/>
Intifada-Palestine: 22 Jun 2011 - French Foreign Minister Alain Juppé
and his U.S. counterpart Hillary Clinton in Washington on 6 June 2011. ©
State Department. The operations conducted against Libya and Syria
involve the same actors and strategies. However, their respective
outcomes will differ since the...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ eigQhzRhXMA/>

*Tens of Thousands Gather in Support of Syrian Government*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ OeRQq2ZtomA/>
Intifada-Palestine: 22 Jun 2011 - Huge crowds gathered waving flags and
holding pictures of President Bashar al-Assad in several cities and
towns across Syria on Tuesday. Thousands gathered in Damascus, Aleppo,
Idleb, Hasakeh, Lattakia and the southern city of Dera'a, in an apparent
show of support...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ OeRQq2ZtomA/>

*President Assad Focuses on Dialogue in key Speech*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ 7oFHdB62l2M/>
Intifada-Palestine: 22 Jun 2011 - Syrian president Bashar al-Assad ©
SANA Syrian President Bashar al-Assad today addressed the nation for the
first time since uprising began in mid-March. This follows two speeches
at the Parliament and to the Cabinet over the past three months. In
the...more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/intifada- palestine/ QuVY/%7E3/ 7oFHdB62l2M/>

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

*Bahrain sentences 8 activists to life in prison*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/cFDltMCzvLE /la-fgw-bahrain- activists- prision-20110622 ,0,2453139. story>
LA Times 22 Jun 2011 - Bahrain sentenced eight activists to life in
prison Wednesday in the latest crackdown on a 5-month-old rebellion by
the island monarchy, which has been criticized by international
human-rights groups for mass arrests, torture and shooting protesters.

*In Congress, divisions over Libya*
<http://feeds. latimes.com/ %7Er/latimes/ middleeast/ %7E3/-j_bOK4P3Ww /la-na-congress- libya-20110622, 0,3928691. story>
LA Times 21 Jun 2011 - House leaders seek to ban U.S. use of force in
the country, while a Senate bill throws support behind it. The
disagreement casts doubt over the future of America's role in the
conflict. The congressional standoff over military involvement in Libya
sharpened markedly Tuesday when...

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

*NATO attack kills 19, including women and children*
<http://www.wsws. org/articles/ 2011/jun2011/ liby-j22. shtml>
WSWS - Monday night's air strike on a compound west of Tripoli that
killed 19, including women and children, puts an end to any pretence
that NATO is not deliberately targeting civilians in its ongoing
bombardment of Libya.

*12 times in the last year Israel has shot and wounded Palestinians
working to collect scrap near fence in Gaza-- 12 times*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 06/12-times- in-the-last- year-israel- has-shot- and-wounded- palestinians- working-to- collect-scrap- near-fence- in-gaza-12- times.html>
Mondoweiss - link to www.maannews. net link to www.alternativenews .org
link to electronicintifada. net link to www.palestine- info.co.uk link to
www.palestine- info.co.uk link to www.maannews. net link to
palestinesolidarity project.org link to cpt.org link to www.ynetnews. com
link to www.haaretz. com link to www.maannews. net link to www.hrw.org
link to www.alternativenews .org link to www.jordanvalleysol idarity.org
link to www.maannews. net link...

*U.S. State Dep't to American flotilla passengers: Drop dead*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 06/u-s-state- dept-to-american -flotilla- passengers- drop-dead. html>
Mondoweiss - The State Department has issued a new travel advisory for
Gaza warning Americans not to go there by sea because Israel might try
and kill them. With impunity. Three dozen Americans are now preparing to
travel to Gaza by sea on the flotilla. But the State Department.. .

*Poland MALE UAV tender features Israeli UAVs*
<http://www.negednes hek.org/2011/ 06/poland- male-uav- tender/>
Neged Neshek - Poland will soon issue a tender for a new Medium-Altitude
Long-Endurance (MALE) UAVs. According to Flight Daily News , the
"contenders are the US-made General Atomics MQ-1 Predator, the Israeli
Aerospace Industries Heron, the Elbit Systems Hermes 900 and the
Aeronautics Dominator." Out of the four models,...

*"As long as the Za'atar remains. . ."*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 06/as-long- as-the-zaatar- remains-3. html>
Mondoweiss - Sometimes a food is more than just something you eat. The
herbal condiment za'atar, a mixture of dried thyme, sumac and sesame
seed commonly eaten with olive oil and bread, has become well known in
recent years outside the Middle East, especially among visitors and
solidarity.. .

*Open letter to Gaddafi supporter Cynthia McKinney from disappointed
Palestinians*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 06/open-letter- to-gaddafi- supporter- cynthia-mckinney -from-disappoint ed-palestinians. html>
Mondoweiss - Palestinians in Bil'in, West Bank protesting in support of
the Libyan opposition movement Dearest Cynthia McKinney, Two years ago,
you spoke out against Israel's human rights abuses in Palestine. You
were even put in an Israeli prison after your attempts to help deliver
medical supplies and...

*The regional implications of the planned US-Israeli missile defense
command-and- control center*
<http://mondoweiss. net/2011/ 06/the-regional- implications- of-the-planned- us-israeli- missile-defense- command-and- control-center. html>
Mondoweiss - The Israeli Ministry of Defense is in the process of
integrating four "of the anti-missile defense systems developed in the
country [plus the US's Patriot system] into a national command and
control center for the interception of enemy missiles." Defense News
quotes a US official as...

*Gorenberg Refuses to Correct 'Anti-Zionist' Smear*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/richardsilv erstein/ZOfh/ %7E3/AMtmjPoD5Fs />
Tikun Olam - This is what Gershom Gorenberg called me and why it's a lie
Gershom Gorenberg refused my request that he correct the record in his
American Prospect post about J Street, in which he linked to a critical
blog post I wrote about the group's second national...

*First Watchkeeper UAVs to be sent to Afghanistan in December, 2011*
<http://www.negednes hek.org/2011/ 06/first- watchkeeper- uavs-to-be- sent-to-afghanis tan-in-december- 2011/>
Neged Neshek - The British will be deploying their first Watchkeeper
UAVs this December in Afghanistan. Elbit is one of the major
subcontractors for the Thales-UK program through a partially owned UK
subsidiary, U-TacS. This will mark at least the 13th model that is
either Israeli or has significant. ..

*Innocon UAVs almost ready for delivery to Peru*
<http://www.negednes hek.org/2011/ 06/innocon- uavs-almost- ready-for- delivery- to-peru/>
Neged Neshek - Innocon has completed flight tests for the MicroFalcon
UAVs it is preparing for the Peruvian military. Flight Daily News notes
that the drones will provide the Peruvian army with "real-time
intelligence" and "target acquisition and identification" capabilities.
These will be used primarily for domestic counterinsurgency against...

*US-Israeli missile defense command-and- control center in the works*
<http://www.negednes hek.org/2011/ 06/us-israeli- missile-defense/>
Neged Neshek - The Ministry of Defense is in the process of integrating
four "of the anti-missile defense systems developed in the country [plus
the US's Patriot system] into a national command and control center for
the interception of enemy missiles." Defense News quotes a US official
as saying...

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

*PCHR is Gravely Concerned over Continued Detention of Lawyer Ghassan
al-Qishawi in Violation of Law*
<http://www.pchrgaza .org/portal/ en/index. php?option= com_content& view=article& id=7512:pchr- is-gravely- concerned- over-continued- detention- of-lawyer- ghassan-al- qishawi-in- violation- of-law-&catid= 36:pchrpressrele ases&Itemid= 194>
Palestinian Center for Human Rights Wednesday, 22 June 2011

** <http://palsolidarit y.org/>

*Weekly Focus: Increased Military Operations in the Northern West Bank
13 -20 June* <http://www.alhaq. org/etemplate. php?id=597>
Al-Haq 21 Jun 2011 - (2011-06-22)

*Family's home demolished in Fasayil, Jordan Valley*
<http://btselem. org/slider- item/familys- home-demolished- fasayil-jordan- valley>
B'tselem 22 Jun 2011 -

*Sharp increase in West Bank home demolition*
<http://btselem. org/ota/sharp- increase- west-bank- home-demolition>
B'tselem 22 Jun 2011 - In the past week, the Civil Administration
demolished 33 residential structures in Palestinian communities in the
Jordan Valley and the southern Hebron hills, in which 238 persons lived,
129 of them minors. Since the beginning of 2011, the Civil
Administration has demolished 103 residential structures in Area C, in
which 706 persons lived, 341 of them minors.

*Making Sand Out of Ruins*
<http://btselem. org/video/ 2010/06/making- sand-out- ruins>
B'tselem 22 Jun 2011 - Over the past year, B'Tselem has documented
eleven cases in which soldiers fired at and wounded Palestinian
civilians working in areas near the perimeter fence between the Gaza
Strip and Israel. In these eleven cases, the gunfire struck civilians
who, because of the lack of jobs in the Strip, were compelled to earn a
living by collecting building materials for recycling. The lack of jobs
has grown since Operation Cast Lead and following the continuing siege
on the Strip.

*Syria attacks fresh EU sanctions*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 13872866>
BBC 22 Jun 2011 - Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem goes on state TV
to attack the EU for extending sanctions, imposed over the suppression
of dissent.

*VIDEO: Al-Assad cousin: 'We're on brink of war'*
<http://news. bbc.co.uk/ go/rss/int/ news/-/2/ hi/programmes/ hardtalk/ 9519718.stm>
BBC 22 Jun 2011 - Ribal Al-Assad, the exiled cousin of Syria's President
Bashar Al-Assad, says there is a 'very big possibility' of a regional
war and that the Middle East is on the brink of one.

*Syria 'massacre'*
<http://www.bbc. co.uk/go/ rss/int/news/ -/news/world- middle-east- 13857654>
BBC 22 Jun 2011 - Investigating the infamous Jisr al-Shughour killings

*Articles*

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
*The Battle Lines are Drawn*
<http://www.intifada -palestine. com/2011/ 06/mazin- qumsiyeh- the-battle- lines-are- drawn/>
Mazin Qumsiyeh, Intifada-Palestine 6/21/2011
Israel's UN ambassador met with major American Jewish
organizations telling them to work hard to ensure there will not be
passage of any votes on Palestine at the UN. Presidernt Obama met with
80 influential Jewish donors (who each gave $25-35,000 to attend the
private dinner with the President) and Obama assured them that the US
has iron-clad commitment to Israel. He stated to them that any
differences with the current Israeli government are not about goals and
strategies but merely minor tactical differences among close friends and
allies. Money and weapons will keep flowing and American lives will
continue to be threatened and shed for this Zionist cash. Fatah and
Hamas are dragging their feet and have yet to follow on their promises
of putting together a unity "authority" (although the term is misleading
as there is no authority under occupation) let alone allowing for a
constitution of a representative Palestinian National Council (the main
demand of the Palestinian people).
Israeli apartheid system continues its ethnic cleansing. Last week
dozens of structures for poor Bedouins were demolished rendering nearly
100 homeless. The apartheid Knesset is debating new racist laws to
punish free speech and any NGOs that do not accept apartheid/refuse to
acknowledge the Jewish nature of the state. The apartheid regime
continues to hold thousands of Palestinian political prisoners and
continues to deny basic human rights (like the right to return to one's
home and land or the right to travel free in one's country). Further,
the despotic regimes in Syria, Bahrain, Yemen, Morocco and elsewhere
continue to torture, kill, and imprison their citizens who dare call for
democracy. Greece is being threatened about its loans unless it joins
the US/Israel to stop the freedom flotilla. Turkey's elections
consolidated power in the ruling party which now felt a bit freer (or so
we are told) to bend to US/Israel pressure to a) stop the Freedom
Flotilla II, and b) drop its demand for an apology and for lifting the
siege on Gaza (after the execution of 9 Turkish passengers in
International waters last year.more..
<http://www.intifada -palestine. com/2011/ 06/mazin- qumsiyeh- the-battle- lines-are- drawn/>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= The%20Battle% 20Lines%20are% 20Drawn%20& body=The% 20Battle% 20Lines%20are% 20Drawn%20- -%20http://www.intifada -palestine. com/2011/ 06/mazin- qumsiyeh- the-battle- lines-are- drawn/%20- -%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>

*How much longer will the West allow this inhuman, illegal and immoral
siege to continue?*
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/articles/ middle-east/ 2498-how- much-longer- will-the- west-allow- this-inhuman- illegal-and- immoral-siege- to-continue>
Ibrahim Hewitt, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) 6/22/2011
The sun is shining, the beach is filling up and the squeal of car
tyres and screech of car horns is pervasive. I could be in Beirut or any
one of a number of Levantine Mediterranean coastal cities, but I'm in
Gaza City and this is not a normal seaside scenario; how many places
have Israeli gunboats patrolling within sight of the shore in order to
prevent local fishermen operating in their own territorial waters?.
"Hamasastan" , as Gaza is dubbed by fanatical Zionists of the
Israel Lobby in the media, is far from normal, but the myths about the
besieged Hamas-run strip of land peddled by the Lobbyists betray their
own prejudices more than the reality. Hamas won the free and fair
elections in 2006 and has ruled ever since under a cruel blockade
imposed by Israel and Western governments. That the government has been
able to do so, and survive a brutally aggressive invasion by Israel and
still increase public sector employment in the interim is little short
of miraculous. The myths should be of heroic resistance against the
siege not of the gutter variety spewed out by the Zionists and their
apologists.
The blockade of Gaza has been, and largely remains despite minor
cosmetic "easing", total: economic, medical, travel and financial. A
shameful aspect of this siege, Western democracies' hypocrisy aside, is
the craven approach of the Arab states. Claiming solidarity with the
people of Palestine on the one hand, the wealthy Gulf States have joined
the bloc behind the siege. The Mubarak regime in Egypt blocked $50
million destined for Gaza. According to the Minister of Works and Social
Affairs in the Hamas government that money is still held in Cairo,
despite the change of regime. "It is shameful," said Ahmad Al-Kurd,
"that support for the very poorest in Palestinian society comes from
European countries and NGOs while our 'Arab brothers' in neighbouring
governments comply with the siege conditions imposed by Israel and its
Zionist supporters in the West."more..
<http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/articles/ middle-east/ 2498-how- much-longer- will-the- west-allow- this-inhuman- illegal-and- immoral-siege- to-continue>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= How%20much% 20longer% 20will%20the% 20West%20allow% 20this%20inhuman ,%20illegal% 20and%20immoral% 20siege%20to% 20continue? %20&body= How%20much% 20longer% 20will%20the% 20West%20allow% 20this%20inhuman ,%20illegal% 20and%20immoral% 20siege%20to% 20continue? %20--%20http://www.middleea stmonitor. org.uk/articles/ middle-east/ 2498-how- much-longer- will-the- west-allow- this-inhuman- illegal-and- immoral-siege- to-continue% 20--%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>

*Labor party rocked by fraud allegations, frontrunner sails on*
<http://972mag. com/labor1/>
Dimi Reider, +972 Magazine 6/22/2011
It's probably hard to tell from outside certain Israeli circles,
but the withering Labor party has been making some considerable noise
over its approaching primaries campaign. With nearly as many serious
contenders for the leadership as there are Labor members in the Knesset
(eight), the competition has always had a rather moribund feel to it.
Now, with Channel 2 exposing that at least 10 percent of registered
party members are also registered members of rival parties Kadima and
Likud, and many more did not know they have joined a party, the plot is
taking a distinct lurch toward the macabre.
Last night, Channel 2's Amit Segal reported that him and his
researchers sifted through over 23,000 membership forms -- about half of
the 50,000 new members the party boasted to have registered ahead of the
primaries. His findings were dire: about 2,300 of those have registered
to several parties at once -- an offense punishable by a year in prison;
dozens of voters in the Palestinian minority in Israel were registered
through the head of a family or a clan, with his phone number on all
their membership forms; profoundly suspicious patterns (in the township
of Houra, for example, 10 people voted for Labor in the last elections,
but over 110 joined the party ranks this year); and many of those he
called to inquire why they joined the Labor party said they signed
something they didn't understand, while others still thought he was
calling them with a job offer.
None of this should come as a surprise. Labor, after all, is the
farcical recurring of the tragedy of Mapai, the mega-party that ruled
the state for its first three decades (boasting, alongside occasionally
effective but deeply racist development drives, the Nakba, the military
regime, the Suez crisis, the Occupation, and practically every endemic
social wrong that has plagued Israel ever since, from the pact with the
ultra-Orthodox parties through the discrimination of Mizrahim and the
military cult). Wholesale registration of loyal Arab-Israeli clans, in
particular, is as Labor as Rabin and Ben Gurion, as Hillel Cohen relates
in exasperating detail in Good Arabs. What's slightly bewildering is why
call through all this bother for a party heading for an inevitable and
overdue collapse, barring some injection of new blood in the shape of
the slightly sinister National Left movement.more. .
<http://972mag. com/labor1/>e-mail
<mailto:?subject= Labor%20party% 20rocked% 20by%20fraud% 20allegations, %20frontrunner% 20sails%20on% 20&body=Labor% 20party%20rocked %20by%20fraud% 20allegations, %20frontrunner% 20sails%20on% 20--%20http://972mag. com/labor1/ %20--%20link% 20courtesy% 20www.vtjp. org>

*Netherlands embraces Israel tighter, squeezing out human rights*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/electronicI ntifada/% 7E3/oLRW4oa2sPo/ 10098>
Electronic Intifada: 22 Jun 2011 - Adri Nieuwhof The Electronic Intifada
Why is The Netherlands deepening its economic and political ties with
Israel just when Israel is escalating its attacks on Palestinian rights
and flouting international law with impunity? Adri Nieuwhof comments on
the Dutch government's lurch away from a commitment to human rights.more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/electronicI ntifada/% 7E3/oLRW4oa2sPo/ 10098>

*Jerusalem baby denied rights by Israeli apartheid*
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/electronicI ntifada/% 7E3/EihC- G-2RHc/10099>
Electronic Intifada: 22 Jun 2011 - Jillian Kestler-D'Amours The
Electronic Intifada Silwan Israel's decision to deny seven-month- old
Nouralden Issa Abbassi a Jerusalem identification card --- and by
extension block his right to access public health services and education
--- has left his family anxious and concerned for the future.more
<http://feedproxy. google.com/ %7Er/electronicI ntifada/% 7E3/EihC- G-2RHc/10099>

*Armed with Love and Missive from Dr. King: Setting Sail for Gaza*
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16934>
Palestine Chronicle: 22 Jun 2011 - By Medea Benjamin 'I refuse to accept
the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life,
unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him,' said Dr.
Martin Luther King as he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. These
words will guide me and other passengers aboard the Gaza Freedom
Flotilla, a fleet of nine boats scheduled to set sail for Gaza on June
25 from various Mediterranean ports. While the Israelis try to label us
provocateurs, terrorists and Hamas supporters, we are simply nonviolent
advocates following the teachings of Dr. King. We refuse to sit at the
docks of history and watch the people of Gaza suffer. The U.S. boat,
which will carry 50 Americans, is called The Audacity of Hope. It is
named after Obama's bestselling political autobiography in which he
lauds our collective audacity of striving to become a better
nation....more
<http://palestinechr onicle.com/ view_article_ details.php? id=16934>

*Setting Sail for Gaza, Armed with Love Letters and a Missive from Dr.
King*
<http://dissidentvoi ce.org/2011/ 06/setting- sail-for- gaza-armed- with-love- letters-and- a-missive- from-dr-king/>
Dissident Voice: 22 Jun 2011 - "I refuse to accept the idea that man is
mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life, unable to influence the
unfolding events which surround him," said Dr. Martin Luther King as he
accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. These words will guide me and
other passengers aboard the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, a fleet of nine boats
scheduled to set sail for Gaza on June 25 from various Mediterranean
ports. While the Israelis try to label us provocateurs, terrorists and
Hamas supporters, we are simply nonviolent advocates following the
teachings of Dr. King. We refuse to sit at the docks of history and
watch the people of Gaza suffer. The U.S. boat, which will carry 50
Americans, is called The Audacity of Hope . It is named after Obama's
bestselling political autobiography in which he lauds our collective
audacity of striving to become a better nation. But I prefer...more
<http://dissidentvoi ce.org/2011/ 06/setting- sail-for- gaza-armed- with-love- letters-and- a-missive- from-dr-king/>

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]

Israel High Court of Justice
vacates verdict in Cast Lead Case:

Appoints New Panel of Judges and
Orders Case on behalf of 1,046 victims
be Re-heard

PRESS RELEASE

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
Ref: 58/2011
Date: 23 June 2011
Time: 11:30 GMT

On Wednesday, 15 June 2011, the Israeli High Court of Justice vacated (cancelled) a previous judgment dismissing a case brought by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, and litigated by Advocates Michael Sfard and Carmel Pomerantz, on behalf of 1,046 victims of Operation 'Cast Lead'.

The case had been illegitimately dismissed in April 2011 when the Court issued its decision solely on the basis of the State's submission, effectively denying Palestinian Centre for Human Rights' 'right of reply'. This procedural irregularity was challenged, resulting in the successful decision of 15 June 2011. A new panel of judges will now be appointed, and the case can proceed.

This successful decision constitutes an important step towards ensuring victims' legitimate right to access a court, and obtain an effective judicial remedy.

The policies and practices challenged in this petition serve to comprehensively deny victims' right to access justice. They perpetuate a climate of pervasive impunity, and effectively contribute to the establishment of an accountability free zone in the Gaza Strip.

Background to the Case

The initial petition was filed before the Israeli High Court of Justice on 21 December 2010 against Israel's State Attorney on behalf of 1,046 victims of Operation Cast Lead. The petition requests that the High Court of Justice (HCJ) order the State Attorney to refrain from raising a claim under the statute of limitations in future civil suits brought before Israeli courts. According to Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, the right of access to the courts demands that the statute of limitations on bringing such civil cases, begin to accrue only once Israel's illegal closure of the Gaza Strip has ceased.

The Knesset (Israeli parliament) amended the Israeli Civil Torts Act in 2002, reducing the statue of limitations in these types of civil suits to two years, instead of the previous seven-year limitation. The closure policy on the Gaza Strip prevents these victims from meeting with their Israeli lawyers and from entering Israel in order to testify before Israeli courts.

As a result of the physical, financial, and legal obstacles imposed by Israel, Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip — including the thousands of victims of Operation Cast Lead — are effectively prevented from seeking redress before Israeli courts. This situation results in the systematic denial of fundamental human rights.

The issue addressed in this petition relates to the right to reparation and the filing of civil tort compensation cases before Israeli courts on behalf of victims of Operation Cast Lead.

Background Information

Customary international law recognises all victims' right to reparation (including compensation) in the event of a violation of international law. However, Palestinian victims from the Gaza Strip are currently faced with a number of significant hurdles which effectively prevent them from accessing justice, in violation of their fundamental rights. Claimants face three principal obstacles:

1. Statute of Limitations. Under Israeli law, a complaint for civil damages must be brought within two years of the date of the incident, or the right to compensation is irrevocably lost. As a result of the illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, and the significant number of victims of Operation Cast Lead, this two-year limit means that the victims are often unable to submit their cases within the required time-frame. Prior to 1 August 2002, the statute of limitations was seven years.

2. Monetary Barrier. Israeli courts often require claimants to pay a court insurance fee before the case can begin. While this is a discretionary fee applied by the court, in practice, this fee is always applied to Palestinian claimants. The exact value of the fee is not fixed, and it is determined on a case-by-case basis by the court. With respect to claims for damage to property, the fee usually constitutes a percentage of the value of the property being claimed, however, for death or injury there is no informal guideline. In Palestinian Centre for Human Rights' experience this amount is typically set at a minimum of NIS 10,000 (about US $2,800); however, it can reach significantly higher amounts. In a recent case brought by Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, the claimants were required to pay an insurance fee of NIS 20,000 (US $5,600) for each of the five wrongful deaths claimed. Thus, grave violations equal extremely high monetary barriers to justice. This insurance fee constitutes an insurmountable obstacle to justice. Simply put, claimants from Gaza — crippled by the economic devastation wrought by the occupation and the illegal closure — cannot afford this fee and their cases are being dismissed and closed.

3. Physical Barriers. Under Israeli law, in order testimony to be valid, the victim or witness must be present in court to undergo cross-examination. However, since June 2007, despite a letter from the court requesting their presence, the Israeli military authorities have not allowed a single individual to leave Gaza to appear in court. As a result, their cases are dismissed and closed. Further, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights' lawyers — although qualified — cannot enter Israel to represent their clients before the courts. As a result, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights is forced to work with and hire lawyers in Israel (at extra cost). However, clients are not allowed to enter Israel to meet with their lawyer, and all requests made by lawyers to enter Gaza — to meet with clients, visit the crime scene, and so on — have been denied. Necessarily, this affects the lawyers' ability to represent their clients, thereby undermining victims' right to an effective remedy.

The Petition

The petition, brought by Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and litigated by Attorneys Michael Sfard and Carmel Pomerantz, challenges the two-year statute of limitations. An injunction is sought from the court suspending the two-year statute of limitations period. The petition highlights a number of barriers to justice created as a result of Israeli policy, including the illegal closure of the Gaza Strip; the petition develops a letter previously submitted by Adalah to the Israeli Attorney General. This petition is brought on behalf of 1,046 victims of Operation Cast Lead, representing the overwhelming majority of cases prepared in the aftermath of the offensive.

They cover virtually the entire spectrum of international humanitarian law violations, and among them are the most infamous cases of the offensive, including those of the Samouni, Abu Halima, and Al-Dia families.

Public Document

**************************************

For more information please
call Palestinian Centre for Human Rights office in
Gaza, Gaza Strip, on [phone] - 2825893

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal,
PO Box 1328
Gaza, Gaza Strip.
E-mail: censored hr@censored hrgaza.org,
Webpage www.censored hrgaza.org

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[ninathedog]

Palestinians Win Access To Lands, but
Soldiers Undermine Law

Like so often, you can look at what we accomplished today and
see the glass half full or half empty.

By Arik Ascherman
June 24, 2011

אתכם/ן הסליחה שבינתיים זה באנגלית בלבד

Members of the Hushiya family began working lands today that they hadn't been able to access since 2005, when the settler Moshe Deutsch of Susya took them over. However, the law was flouted by Israeli soldiers, and another bite was taken out of our landmark 2006 High Court victory.

In 2005, the police dragged their feet when members of Hushiya family immediately reported that Moshe Deutsch had trespassed on his (their) lands. Because they didn't deal with the case in time, it was only in 2007 that the Legal Advisor for the Occupied Territories ruled that this was Palestinian land and that the Yehuda Brigade (Hebron area) commander had to close the area to Israelis and allow the family access to their lands.

.......







.......

Even when he did so, he reserved judgment on a section of the land upon which Deutsch had already planted a vineyard. Finally, a ruling was issued that this was Palestinian land and Deutsch was given time to remove the fence and vines himself, allowing him to replant elsewhere. Rather than accept the decision and recognize that he was flouting the Torah's prohibitions against trespassing and theft, he chose to counter sue. Finally, the army removed the fence and the vines in early April. However, the area was declared closed to everybody, including the owners.

Over the last month or so, we saw that either a few remaining vines were re-growing , and/or new vines were being planted. There were tens of them, and one day I even saw new vines still in plastic sacks. When we complained, we were asked why the Hushiyah family hadn't yet entered their lands.

Jamil, one of the heads of the family, told the DCO that they would enter today (Friday June 24th). The officer Nabil said that he preferred that they wait a week. However, according to the terms of Rabbis For Human Rights' 2006 High Court Victory with ACRI and 5 local councils, the army can only regulate when Palestinians enter their land in very limited circumstances when there is no other way to protect settlers. This clearly was not the case.

For about 20 minutes, as you can see in the first pictures, everything was quiet. There was lone Israeli who drove by, stopped, threw some rocks, and then continued. A couple walked up and made a few remarks. Suddenly, there were four or five settlers, including one of their "field commanders," Avidan. Soon after there were tens.

.......







The army also arrives, but they don't enforce the order keeping Israelis out of the area.
We remain outside and ask the soldiers to enforce the law, until we see that it the Palestinians
are potentially in danger and the soldiers aren't doing anything

.......

Even as we called the DCO, soldiers showed up. However, they stood by as the settlers violated the orders keeping them off the land and began to shout, harass and interfere with the work. I told the soldiers time after time. "There is an order keeping Israelis out – both them and us. Enforce it." They didn't, and finally we had to enter the closed area to protect the Palestinians.

Now, the perhaps most serious thing occurred. The army ordered the Palestinians off the land. Our 2006 Court decision says explicitly that when Palestinians are attacked, the army can not issue a closure order removing them from their lands "For their own good." Yet, that is exactly what happened.

.......


After a period of some 45 minutes, Avidan called his troops away. He apparently had gotten what he wanted.
(Some of the settlers continued to harass and curse and shout filthy things at us.).


Two settlers go into the area again.


After I point this out to the police, they remove them

.......

The bridgade commander didn't answer, and in his situation room they said another officer would contact us, but didn't. Quamar, our head lawyer supposedly on maternity leave, reached somebody from the Legal Advisor's office.

The DCO officer, Nabil, told him that the Palestinians had "agreed" to come back next Friday. No such thing. Furthermore, he said that the DCO couldn't change the decision. It was on the authority of the brigade commander. However, the officer from the Legal Advisor's office couldn't get a hold of somebody from the brigade.

In the end the army succeeded in flouting the High Court and putting the Palestinians where they want them – only entering their lands on the days that they determine.

.......


At some point they punctured all four tires of our friend and B'Tselem field worker Nasser Nawajeh.


An Israeli comes to mock as the Palestinians change Nasser's tires

.......

Nabil told me that he wants to give the settlers time to remove their vines themselves. I am actually happy that they vines should be removed whole and returned. I had asked the Palestinians to do so as well. However, we will now ask the army to remove the vines, not trusting what the settlers might do when on the land.

On the positive side, a second group of activists successfully helped farmers from Beit Omar work their lands next to the Karmei Tzur fence. Recently, the farmers have been prevented from getting close to the fence, again in violation of the High Court decision.

Shabbat Shalom.
Arik

Documented via Facebook by Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Executive Director of Rabbis for Human Rights

Rabbis for Human Rights, North America — www.rhr-na.org/
Rabbis for Human Rights, Israel — www.rhr.org.il/heb/

Note: Photo captions were provided by Rabbi Ascherman in both Hebrew and English but I'm including them here in English only.

(Many, many and eternal thanks to Arik A)

[ninathedog]

Narratives Under Siege—

Illegal Closure of Gaza Strip Enters
5th Consecutive Year

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
23 June 2011

On 12 June 2007, the Israeli government ordered an absolute closure on the Gaza Strip following the Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip. While Israel established the closure policy in 1991, the past four years has seen a complete and extreme form of closure that clearly constitutes collective punishment, and possibly the crime against humanity of collective punishment. As a result of the closure Gazans are deprived of their fundamental human rights, including inter alia the right of movement, work, adequate standard of living, and health. In conjunction with this release, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights is issuing the narrative of Ramzi Abd el-Rahman Ganmam, from Gaza City, whose story illustrates how the closure has left him unemployed

Following the Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip, Israel completely isolated Gaza's 1.7 million inhabitants from the outside world. The closure represents what Israel terms ‘economic warfare’ intended to punish Gaza ’s civilians for the actions of the Hamas government. The effects of this blatantly illegal form of collective punishment on the Gazan population have been severe, and have undermined fundamental human rights. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights released a report in December 2010, 'The Illegal Closure of the Gaza Strip: Collective Punishment of the Civilian Population,' which highlights the severe effects on all aspects of the lives of Gazan civilians as a direct result of the closure.

For example, with respect to unemployment, a recent report issued by the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), Labor Market Briefing Gaza Strip, Second-Half 2010, found that the unemployment rate in Gaza now stands at 45.2%; one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. This dramatic unemployment rate is a direct consequence of the closure; since 26 March 2006 all workers have been prohibited from travelling to Israel to work, and the import and export of goods is prohibited, resulting in a strangulation of the local economy. The lack of employment has resulted in a poverty rate which stands at over 60%, and ever increasing dependence on food aid.

Israel’s closure policy constitutes a clear, and systematic violation of international law, entailing the individual criminal responsibility of senior military and political officials. By enforcing this illegal policy Israel has manufactured a chronic and completely preventable humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is unacceptable that the international community has allowed this situation to persist for over four years.

"The closure has transformed the Gaza Strip into an animal farm" forcefully notes Raji Sourani, Director of Palestinian Centre for Human Rights. "The collective punishment of the Gaza population is being institutionalised by a silent international community.”

links cited above:

"Narrative of Ramzi Abd el-Rahman Ganmam, from Gaza City"
www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?option-com_content&view=article&id=7518

"The Illegal Closure of the Gaza Strip: Collective Punishment of the Civilian Population"
www.pchrgaza.org/files/2010/Illegal Closur.pdf

"Labor Market Briefing Gaza Strip, Second-Half 2010"
www.unrwa.org/userfiles/201106083557.pdf

Public Document

**************************************

For more information please
call Palestinian Centre for Human Rights office in
Gaza, Gaza Strip, on [phone] - 2825893

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal,
PO Box 1328
Gaza, Gaza Strip.
E-mail: censored hr@censored hrgaza.org,
Webpage www.censored hrgaza.org


If you got this forwarded and you want to subscribe,
send mail to request@censored hrgaza.org
and write "subscribe" in the subject line.

..................

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[ninathedog]

Narratives Under Siege—

Hoping for Work: Un-Employment under
the Israeli Closure

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
Thursday, 23 June 2011 00:00


Ramzi Abd el-Rahman Ganmam, 50 yrs old

In the late 1970s, at the age of 16, Ramzi Abd el-Rahman Ganmam, who trained as an electrician, began working with his uncle in Israel as a day laborer. Due to the Israeli closure on the Gaza Strip, Ramzi has joined the ranks of Gaza's unemployed,

For 24 years, Ramzi worked all over Israel, in places such as Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, and Ramla. Due to the difficulties associated with travelling through Erez crossing (the border point between the Gaza Strip and Israel) Ramzi’s day-to-day life as a labourer in Israel was exceedingly difficult. It required getting up between 1 and 2am, travelling to Erez, waiting – often for many hours – to cross through the checkpoint, and then travelling to the job in time to begin the day’s work, usually between 7 and 8am. Ramzi would work a full day and around 5pm faced the long journey back home to the Gaza Strip.

When asked why he was willing to spend so many hours every day just travelling to work in Israel, Ramzi replied simply that, "it was good money and I could take care of my family. There is no work here." The money earned in Israel enabled Ramzi to provide his wife and six children with a decent standard of living. He added that for the last few years he had an Israeli employer who treated him very well and for that reason, in addition to the extra-income, he liked the work. "He would pick us up at Erez and take us to the job. He left us there to manage ourselves because he trusted us and was never disappointed." Ramzi added, "there is a saying from the Quran that Muhammad said, every boss should pay his employees before their sweat dries. He did that. He always paid us a good wage right there."

As Ramzi says, however, after 2000 and the outbreak of the second Intifada "all went upside down." Due to tightened closure restrictions, Ramzi — and thousands of other works in the Gaza Strip — was only able to obtain work permits sporadically. Since 2004, he has been completely blocked from crossing into Israel to work. In fact, by September 200(?) the average number of workers crossing through Erez to Israel daily had dropped considerably to 3,505. That number has stood at 0 since September 2004.[1]

Ramzi has tried desperately to find ways to support his family in Gaza but it is impossible. "There is very little work of this type in Gaza because there is no building material. So I do small electricity jobs for people. But, often, I go work for them and they say they have no money and to come back at the end of the month." Ramzi indicated that in past month he had worked a total of one week, which was typical.

Government and international agencies have provided Ramzi and other workers with little help. He participated in the Jobs to Work program through UNRWA, but a person can only do the program for 6 months. Then he has to wait 2-3 years before becoming eligible to participate again. Ramzi also partook in a similar program run by the Ministry of Work, which also runs for 6 months, "but even that wasn't enough money to take care of my family. Sometimes I don't have a shekel to give to my kids to go to school." Ramzi no longer qualifies for this work program either.

In Israel, Ramzi used to earn about $70 a day. Now, he estimates that on those days he does work, he earns roughly 20 shekels, or $4. Due to this lack of income, Ramzi is unable to make ends meet; the government has informed him that he has a 200,000 shekel ($57,000), electricity bill to pay. Ramzi says "I spent most of the time working to provide for my family. I have no connection to any political party and yet this is my situation. No one helps the workers." Chris Gunness, an UNRWA spokesman stated "It is hard to understand the logic of a man-made policy which deliberately impoverishes so many and condemns hundreds of thousands of potentially productive people to a life of destitution."[2]

In the years he has been unable to work, Ramzi has noticed a big difference in his health. He says it used to keep him strong and happy because his job was physical. Now he doesn't get any activity. "If I went back to work now I know that I would feel younger again."

When asked what he would want to share with people he said, "the workers are ignored. All we want is a solution. We want someone to listen to us." Does he want to go back to work in Israel? "Yes, that would be good. My old Israeli boss still calls me to say that he has work and will hire me again. If Israel opens tomorrow, I will work every day for a year"

Ramzi’s unemployment is a direct result of Israel’s illegal closure policy, a policy of collective punishment which has been applied periodically since 1991. Since 2007, Israel has imposed an absolute closure on the Gaza Strip, keeping its borders continuously closed. Unemployment now stands at 45.2%,[3] and the poverty rate exceeds 60%.[4]

[1] Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, oPt, The Gaza Strip: Access Report September 2005, unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/73D80B9E47740D79852570A400651CC1 (September 2005, last accessed 19 June 2011).

[2] Gaza jobless rate at 45%, five years after full blockade imposed, www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/14/un-unrwa-report-blockade-gaza-unemployment (14 June 2011, last accessed 17 June 2011).

[3] United Nations Relief Works Agency, Labor Market Briefing Gaza Strip, Second-Half 2010, www.unrwa.org/userfiles/201106083557.pdf.

[4] PCHR, The Illegal Closure of the Gaza Strip: Collective Punishment of the Civilian Population, pg. 93 (10 December 2010).

www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/index.php?option-com_content&view=article&id=7518

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