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Today in Palestine! ~ Headlines ~ |
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Land, property, and resources theft & destruction / Ethnic cleansing / Settlers
Israeli forces demolish Shepherd Hotel
JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli bulldozers began demolishing the Shepherd Hotel in the Sheikh Jarrah
neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday under the protection
of a huge force of Israeli police and border
guards. Israeli authorities leveled the hotel to make way for a new
settlement. The initial plan is to build 20 Jewish-only residential
units, Ma'an's Jerusalem correspondent reported. Secretary-general
of the Palestinian National Initiative Mustafa Barghouthi described the
demolition as further evidence of Israel's policy of ethnic cleansing,
which he said exposed the real plots against Jerusalem.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=349404
Israel demolishes East Jerusalem hotel wing to clear way for new homes
Bulldozers arrive in Sheikh Jarrah
early Sunday to raze wing of Shepherd Hotel compound, where 20 new
Jewish housing units will be built despite U.S. and British condemnation
... The hotel was declared "absentee property" by Israel after it
captured and annexed East Jerusalem. The title was transferred to an
Israeli firm, which sold it in 1985 to Irving Moskowitz, a Florida bingo
king and patron of Jewish settlers.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/
israel-demolishes-east-jerusalem-hotel-wing-to-clear-way-for-new-homes-1.336021
East Jerusalem: Construction of Jewish neighborhood begins
Shepherd
Hotel
leveled to make room for 20 housing units designated for Jews. Peace
Now: Extreme right taking over east Jerusalem like thieves in the night
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4010762,00.html
Israel demolishing chance for peace: Palestinians
RAMALLAH,
Palestinian Territories (AFP) – Palestinian officials on Sunday slammed
Israel's demolition of an east Jerusalem hotel to make way for settler
homes, accusing the Jewish state of destroying any chance of peace ...
"By doing this, Israel has destroyed all the US efforts and ended any
possibility of a return to negotiations," Nabil Abu Rudeina, a spokesman
for Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, said in a statement."Israel has
no right to build in any part of east Jerusalem, or any part of the
Palestinian land occupied in 1967," Abu Rudeina said, calling on the
United States to "stop Israeli tampering."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110109/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestiniansconflictjerusalemsettlers
Netanyahu is warned against using private guards at East Jerusalem settler compound / Akiva Eldar
Housing
Minister Atias asked to transfer security in the Palestinian
neighborhoods in East Jerusalem to the Israel Police following fatal
shooting of a Silwan resident by a privately employed guard ...
The housing minister says that since March 2010, some 15 security guards
were removed from their position because they were found to be
unsuitable to work in the unit. He said that in May alone there were 246
incidents registered by the security guards in their log book, including
three in which they had to use firearms because they considered their
lives to be in danger.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/
netanyahu-warned-against-using-private-guards-at-east-jerusalem-settler-compound-1.335959
Palestinians and police trade accusations over violent clashes in Silwan on Friday night
According
to Palestinian sources, the incident began when a number of Border
Police officers trying to enter a home in the village to reach the
defensive position on its roof assaulted an elderly woman who resisted
their entry ... Police confirmed that nine arrests were made and said
more are anticipated. For months Palestinian neighborhood activists,
aided by the
Association for Civil Rights in Israel, and attorney Leah Tsemel, have
been fighting against what they say is an unlawful police position on
the roof of a village home.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/palestinians-and-
police-trade-accusations-over-violent-clashes-in-silwan-on-friday-night-1.335963
Persecution of Adnan Ghaith continues, despite release
Silwan,
Jerusalem (SILWANIC) 9 Jan -- Al-Bustan Popular Committee member Adnan Ghaith
received a summons from Israeli police for investigation today. Renewed
police attempts to investigate Ghaith for his political activity in Silwan
come hot on the heels of his release on bail by the Jerusalem
Magistrates Court on 6 January. Ghaith has been fighting a lengthy legal
battle against Israeli authorities’ attempts to enforce a temporary ban
on Ghaith from the Jerusalem area. The ban, originally an order issued
by an Israeli military commander of the central region, is expected to
come in to effect on 12 January, for a period of four months.
http://silwanic.net/?p=10326
Israeli police call director of Wadi Hilweh Information Center again
Silwan,
Jerusalem (SILWANIC) 9 Jan -- The Israeli Police called Jawad Siyam,
director of the Wadi Hilweh Information Center and member of the
Neighborhood Committee, for an interrogation again this morning. Siyam
was released by the Magistrate Court on January 7, when evidence for the
assault charges laid against him proved insufficient.
http://silwanic.net/?p=10303
Activism / Solidarity / Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions
Video: Israel engulfs an entire West Bank village in tear gas / Joseph Dana
Amid
controversy over Israel’s use of tear gas against unarmed
demonstrations in the West Bank and the media attention placed on
Bil’in’s protest after the killing of Jawaher Abu Rahmah, Israel
attacked the village of Nabi Saleh with poisonous gas. As
soldiers were leaving the village, marking the end of the demonstration,
the army covered the entire place with tear gas. Houses, shops and
mosques engulfed in the tear gas which killed Jawaher Abu Rahmah. The
army was able to do this with a special device called ‘the ringo’ which
fires 60
rounds of tear gas in about 7 seconds. The footage speaks for itself
especially from minute 7:00.
http://972mag.com/israel-engulfs-an-entire-west-bank-village-with-tear-gas/
In the West Bank, everyone knows there's a culture of no-accountability / Lisa Goldman
The death last week of Bil’in resident Jawaher Abu Rhamah,
after she inhaled tear gas at a demonstration, has received a great deal
of publicity, making her into a symbol of the violent means the Israeli
army uses to maintain its control over the West Bank. Many commentators
are parsing the incident as if it were an isolated one, but
the truth is that violence and brutality are the norm. And while there
is plenty of documentation to support that statement, most Israelis
would prefer not to know.
A few months ago, at a Friday demonstration in Nabi Saleh, a border police officer threw a percussion grenade on my foot ... He was grinning a little bit.
http://972mag.com/in-the-west-bank-everyone-knows-theres-a-culture-of-no-accountability/
Family, friends and volunteers renovate Hajja Sara's kitchen tent
The image below was taken during our visit to Hajja Sara of Palestinian Susiya on Thursday January 6. Her tent kitchen was torched
before dawn on December 28, apparently by neighboring settlers - part of
a wave of escalation in the area.Following news of the incident, family
and friends in Palestine and Israel, as well as Israeli and
international groups, have enlisted to help in donation and work on the
ground. Hajja Sara’s kitchen now stands
again. We too have received donations in money and in kind (cooking
equipment), and will deliver them shortly to Hajja Sara and her family.
http://villagesgroup.wordpress.com/2011/01/08/
family-friends-and-volunteers-renovate-hajja-saras-kitchen-tent/
Israel Prize laureates join academic boycott of settlement university
155
academics sign petition calling Ariel, where the education center is
located, an illegal settlement whose existence contravenes international
law and the Geneva Convention ... Among the signatories are three Israel
Prize laureates ... Yigal Cohen-Orgad, chairman of the Ariel college's
executive committee, said: "A tiny and bizarre minority of some 150
lecturers is behind the petition, out of 7,000 faculty members..."
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/
israel-prize-laureates-join-academic-boycott-of-settlement-university-1.335954
Iranian activists back home from Gaza
Iranian activists accompanying Asia's first humanitarian aid convoy to
Gaza have returned home after successfully completing their mission. The
Iranian activists arrived in the Iranian capital, Tehran, after
delivering medical supplies and electricity generators donated to the
people of Gaza.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/159152.html
Meet the first ever Indian activists to enter Gaza (Palestine)
Press
Invitation - You are cordially invited to meet the delegates at the
press conference and share their experience through personal
testimonies, as well as their rich collection of videos and photographs
that documented the historic journey. Venue: Press Club of India,
Raisina Road, New Delhi (Near Metro Station Central Secretariat) Time:
2.45 pm Date: Monday, January 10, 2011
http://www.milligazette.com/news/305-meet-the-first-ever-indian-activists-to-enter-gaza-palestine
Peaceful views of Palestine
Amesbury
[Massachusetts. USA] -- The Amesbury Peace Center will host another
program in its continuing exploration of issues related to peace in the
Middle East, titled “Gaza Steadfast, a Photographic Presentation and
Talk,” by Skip Schiel. [every little bit helps]
http://www.wickedlocal.com/amesbury/news/x1966198113/Peaceful-views-of-Palestine
Violence / Reprisals / Rumblings of war
Hamas urges Gaza militant groups to stop attacks on Israel
(Reuters)
Hamas official says organization began talks with other militant
factions in order to 'control the situation on the ground', signaling
Hamas hopes to avert any large-scale IDF operation in Gaza.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/
hamas-urges-gaza-militant-groups-to-stop-attacks-on-israel-1.336053
Man hurt in Qassam strike
At least three Qassam rockets were fired at southern Israel Saturday evening, wounding a truck driver lightly ... The
wounded truck driver, Yitzhak Zaafrani, was hurt by glass shreds after
driving near the rocket landing site. He told Ynet that he suddenly
heard a loud explosion while driving, as the windshield shattered. "I
drove to the entrance of one of the kibbutzim and called the police,"
he said. "I was hit by a little shrapnel, but all is well…the IDF will
respond, because if it doesn't respond things will get worse."
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4010687,00.html
Israeli right demands 'heavy price' for Gaza rockets
JERUSALEM (AFP) -- Right wingers in the Israeli government called on
Sunday for tough military action against Gaza militants after a violent
weekend on Israel's border with the Palestinian coastal enclave. "The
government must consider afresh a policy of zero tolerance, exert a
heavy price, not let this situation deteriorate," National
Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau told journalists at the weekly
cabinet meeting ... The Israeli military said two rockets slammed into
southern Israel on Sunday, one shortly after midnight and a second later
in the morning, bringing the number of rockets and mortar shells fired
across the border
to 20 since January 1.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=349560
IDF mulls deploying anti-mortar system along Gaza border
The
defense establishment may erect a deterrence system along Israel's
border with the Gaza Strip in light of increased mortar attacks on
western Negev communities, Army Radio reported on Sunday. Leaders of
communities in the Gaza envelope told defense officials this week that
residents have begun to fear mortar shells more than rockets because
there is no protection system in place as of yet.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/
idf-mulls-deploying-anti-mortar-system-along-gaza-border-1.336043
War crimes
'Good hit. Alpha.' / Amira Hass
Rare
testimony
from the flight navigator in the 2002 bombing of Hamas military
commander Salah Shehadeh that killed 14 civilians, including eight
children ... Last month Maj. T. spoke about the moments before and
during the bombing
and about his discovery that civilians had also been killed. Haaretz has
obtained a recording of his remarks. They appear below in translation
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/features/good-hit-alpha-1.335981
Zahhar: We are close to historic victory
The
Palestinians will achieve a historic triumph in any future confrontation
with Israel, but the toll will be heavy on the Palestinian
side, senior Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahhar said Saturday ... The Hamas
official made the comments at a ceremony held to commemorate the second
anniversary of a massacre at the UN-controlled Al-Fakhoura school in
Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. The school was bombarded by Israeli
forces during Operation Cast Lead ... Abdullah Baroud, a child who was
injured in the attack on Al-Fakhoura school, delivered a speech
describing how he and his friends had suffered.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=349440
The murders of Jawaher Abu Rahmah and Omar Al Qawasmi
Family of Israeli soldiers' victim to sue
Ramallah:
The family of Omar Al Qawasmi who was mistakenly killed on Friday
morning by Israeli soldiers say they will sue the Israeli Army once
their mourning period is over ... "We will study the circumstances and
see the best possible court to file the case, and the Israeli Higher
Court of Justice is an option. Any other court in the world is a
possibility."
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/palestinian-territories/
family-of-israeli-soldiers-victim-to-sue-1.743199
Palestinian mother tells of a family tragedy during protest against separation barrier
Daughter
becomes third casualty in a West Bank family dedicated to 'non-violent
resistance' against Israeli barrier ... "How do you think I feel?" says
Abu Rahme softly, a white scarf covering
her head and an almost absent look in her eyes. She can hardly
comprehend what has happened to her family or the repeated horrors that
have been inflicted on it. The family has come to symbolise the
Palestinian struggle against the occupation of the West Bank.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/09/palestinians-ramallah-israeli-barrier
The IDF uses propaganda like an authoritarian regime / Gideon Levy
Instead
of
working toward revealing the truth behind the recent death of an
anti-fence demonstrator the IDF is reaching into its bag of lies.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/
the-idf-uses-propaganda-like-an-authoritarian-regime-1.335985
Racism / Discrimination / Suppression of dissent
Survey: Employers don't want Arabs, haredim, disabled
Israeli
employers shy away from hiring ultra-Orthodox Jews, Arabs and the
disabled, according to a survey by the Ono Academic College. The study
is based on questionnaires sent to 41 major companies in high-tech,
health care and ministries. This is considered a significant sample of
employers.
http://english.themarker.com/survey-employers-don-t-want-arabs-haredim-disabled-1.335287
Minister Herzog: PM responsible for racism wave
Welfare
minister slams planned investigation into activity of leftist groups; urges Netanyahu to 'stop groveling before Lieberman'
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4010943,00.html
Israeli intellectuals decry Knesset plan to investigate leftist groups
In
letter sent to all Knesset members, signatories say investigation of citizens by elected officials signals the end of democracy.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/
israeli-intellectuals-decry-knesset-plan-to-investigate-leftist-groups-1.335967
Israel's very own Revolutionary Guards / Zvi Bar'el
The
Knesset does not want to look like the parliaments in the Arab
countries, but it does not want to give up the authority to act like
them. It wants to act as if there is a law against receiving
contributions from foreigners without actually having to legislate it
and make a mockery of itself. All it wants to do is "investigate," that
is, to brand as suspect all those associations without having to air the
issue in a court of law.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/israel-s-very-own-revolutionary-guards-1.335983
Siege / Restrictions on movement
West Bank: UN warns of new Israeli controls
The
United
Nations says it is increasingly concerned that Israel is about to
tighten access restrictions to the occupied West Bank. It has been
briefing aid agencies that Israel could soon increase restrictions and
strengthen its checkpoints.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12137377
Egyptian authorities uncover four Egypt-Gaza tunnels
The
Egyptian authorities declared Saturday that four tunnels connecting
Egypt to Gaza and though which goods, diesel fuel, gasoline and building
materials were being smuggled, have been uncovered. No smugglers were
arrested, but police are currently guarding the tunnels, which will
eventually be destroyed, sources say.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/3416/Egypt/Politics-/
Egyptian-authorities-uncover-four-EgyptGaza-tunnel.aspx
Gaza: One crossing open for limited goods
Israeli
authorities informed Palestinian liaison officials that one Gaza
crossing would be partially opened Sunday for the limited transfer of
goods, Palestinian crossings official Raed Fattouh told Ma'an.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=349375
More about Hani Amer from Mas'ha / Dorothy Naor
I have a few comments about the details concerning Hani Amer from
Mas’ha, about whom I have written several times in the past. The article
below [by Joseph Dana] rightfully depicts the Nakba as continuing, but
does not sufficiently depict the hardships that Hani and his family have
to deal with ... Hani’s well, mentioned below, is used to provide water
to other
farmers in the village. 3 years ago Hani paid several thousand shekel to
the Israeli electric company so that he would have electricity to run
his water pumps. But the army will not allow him to have electricity,
and the electric company won’t return the money. Also, one of the water
pipes is broken and needs repair, but the army does not allow the
equipment in to repair it, so the water goes to waste.
http://groups.google.com/group/newprofile/browse_thread/thread/
ff37ee8fe298379e/19ccb07883b93ff7
Detention
PFLP: Israel responsible for detained leader's life
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine on Sunday held Israeli
authorities responsible for the life of party leader Ahmad Sa'adat. The
PFLP Secretary-General and Jamal Abu Al-Haija entered their third week
of hunger strike in protest over their treatment by Israeli prison
authorities. Israel has kept both men in solitary confinement for almost
two years. PFLP appealed to the International Red Cross to visit
Sa'adat urgently, and urged human rights organizations to intervene in
Israeli violations of international law. [End]
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=349632
Rights group rejects criticism by Gaza ministry
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A Palestinian rights group on Saturday rejected
claims by Gaza's Interior Ministry that it is not legally competent. The
ministry released a statement Saturday slamming the Independent
Commission for Human Rights. The statement came in response to a report
by the commission claiming the Gaza government mistreated detainees and
refused to allow rights groups to visit prisons in the Strip. Director
of the commission Mamduh Al-A'ker said the organization was established
under a presidential decree issued in October 1993 by late President
Yasser Arafat.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=349358
Political/Diplomatic news
Israel envoy to discuss reviving peace talks in US
JERUSALEM
(Reuters)
– An envoy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to
Washington next week to discuss ways to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace
talks, a statement from Netanyahu's office said on Saturday.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110108/wl_nm/us_palestinians_israel_talks
Report: Erekat denies direct talks with Israel
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on Sunday
denied rumors that direct talks with Israel have resumed, the Kuwaiti
News Agency reported. Erakat said Israeli and Palestinian negotiators
were holding separate meetings with the US administration but no
Israeli-Palestinian meetings were being held, according to the report.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=349579
Haniyeh discusses unity with Al-Masri
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh met with
businessman Munib Al-Masri and a delegation of independent figures on
Thursday to discuss national unity ... Al-Masri, head of the independent
movement to end Palestinian division, has shuttled between Gaza and the
West Bank in an attempt to draw rival Hamas and Fatah factions closer
to reconciliation. Informed sources told Ma'an that the Nablus
billionaire would open projects to create job opportunities in the
besieged Gaza Strip.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=348944
Israeli diplomats ordered to cut off contact with host governments
Foreign
Ministry employees committee issues request as part of broadening of
strike with goal of receiving salary increases ... Foreign Ministry
employees will also stop issuing entry visas to Israel,
meaning that tourists - with the exception of those from the United
States, Canada, Russia and western European nations - won't be able to
enter Israel until further notice.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/
israeli-diplomats-ordered-to-cut-off-contact-with-host-governments-1.335936
Other news
Russia Today video: Down Fatah Avenue, on to Hamas Square: Ramallah praises its heroes through street names
The
West Bank city of Ramallah is naming its streets to mark its 100th
anniversary but some of the choices are causing controversy [from a
comment: First.. sure, controversy.. but when israel names it's streets
after people like Ben Gurion, Golda Meier, or Ariel Sharon.. it's ok]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW76FUfO3ns
Minister slams Islamic scholar's criticism of PA
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) – The recent comments by leading Islamic scholar
Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi criticizing the Palestinian Authority has
provoked mixed reactions in Palestine and across the world. Qaradawi,
head of the international union of Muslim scholars, said the PA and the
Palestine Liberation Organization were leading the Palestinian people to
great danger ... PA Minister of Religious Affairs Mahmoud Al-Habbash on
Saturday told Ma'an Radio that Qaradawi's comments were disappointing
and unacceptable.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=349403
New scanners could end preflight questioning at airport
The Israel Airports Authority is scheduled to start testing an automatic
baggage screening method today, which will replace the current policy of
questioning passengers in order to determine the degree of risk they
pose.
http://english.themarker.com/new-scanners-could-end-preflight-questioning-at-airport-1.335979
Israeli activist says cleared by Shin Bet to visit Gaza PM
BETHLEHEM
(Ma'an)
-- An Israeli activist who plans to ask Gaza Prime Minister Ismail
Haniyeh to free Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit said Sunday
he has Israeli security approval for his mission ... Israel's Channel 10
reported Sunday that Marshak planned to enter Gaza with a delegation of
Palestinians from inside Israel.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=349623
Doctor: Comatose ex-Israeli PM respond to pinches
(AP)
JERUSALEM – The personal doctor of Ariel Sharon says the comatose former
Israeli prime minister responds to pinches and opens his eyes when
spoken to ... Former Sharon spokesman Raanan Gissin told The AP there
has been no change in Sharon's condition.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110108/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_sharon
beautiful, peaceful photos - relief from news
Images from a weekend in the Negev / Hagai El-Ad
Some of these were taken in Timna Valley’s Sasgon Basin where Adam Teva V’Din , and other environmental justice NGOs, are fighting destructive resort development.
http://972mag.com/images-from-a-weekend-in-the-negev/
Iraq, other Mideast, Arab world
Saturday: 4 Iraqis killed, 10 wounded
Meanwhile, at least four Iraqis were
killed and 10 more were wounded in light violence. No reports escaped
Baghdad today even though "bombings
and shooting remain a daily occurrence in the Iraqi capital." Eight
people were wounded when a bomb exploded in Abu Ghraib. A bomb blast in a Hashimiya chicken coop killed two children. In a second
version of the news item, the dead were a woman and her four-year old
nephew.
http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2011/01/08/saturday-4-iraqis-killed-10-wounded-2/
Arab summit plan in Iraq faces challenges
BAGHDAD
(AP) – Insurgent threats and a lack of hotel space for delegations pose
stiff challenges to Iraq's plans to host for the first time in 20 years
the annual Arab League meeting, despite assurances from the body's
leader Sunday.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110109/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq
Exiled Iran opposition claims attack on Iraq camp
PARIS
(AFP) – The head of Iran's main exiled opposition coalition on Saturday
accused forces in Iraq of carrying out an attack on a camp housing Iranians that left dozens injured.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110108/wl_mideast_afp/iraniraqoppositionpolitics
Palestinian plight in southern Lebanon refugee camps / Wyre Davies
It
is
sometimes controversially said that Palestinian refugees in Lebanon
live in worse conditions than those during the Israeli occupation in
Gaza. There is no better place to witness and document the plight of
Lebanon's refugees than Nahr al-Bared.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12138075
Israeli violations of Lebanon's sovereignty: the record / As`ad AbuKhalil
Lebanese Foreign Minister, `Ali Ash-Shami, states that Israeli violations of Lebanon's sovereignty in the last year alone was 4000:
averaging 11 violations a day. The violations were 7000 from 2006 and
2009. This should suffice for Lebanon to reject in principle any role
for the UN or for international treaties in dealing with the Israeli
threat. The only choice for Lebanon vis-a-vis Israel is armed
resistance against Israeli occupation and aggression. All other
measures merely give Israeli the cover for its war crimes.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2011/01/israeli-violations-of-lebanons.html
Mussa rejects intervention over Christian attacks
BAGHDAD (AFP) – Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa
rejects the potential "exploitation" of attacks on Christians in the
Arab world as a pretext for intervention by outside powers, he said in
Iraq on Saturday.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110108/wl_mideast_afp/iraqarabdiplomacychristiansmussa
Clinton meets Lebanon PM, back tribunal probing his father's assassination
(Reuters)
U.S. Secretary of State confers with current Lebanese premier Saad
Hariri after meeting with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah in New York.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/
clinton-meets-lebanon-pm-backs-tribunal-probing-his-father-s-assassination-1.335891
Clinton seeks stronger ties with Arab allies
U.S.
secretary
of state set to depart on trip to United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s trip to the Persian Gulf is
intended to strengthen ties with Arab allies, rally support for
penalties against Iran, and promote democracy and security across the
Middle East.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/clinton-seeks-stronger-ties-with-arab-allies-1.335949
Protesters killed in Tunisia riots
(Video)
At
least 20 people have been killed in clashes with police in a two cities
in Tunisia. Six people were killed and another six wounded in the
city of Tala, 200km southwest of the capital Tunis, on Saturday, after
security forces opened fire on protesters. Another 14 people were killed
in similar clashes in the Kasserine region, union sources told Al
Jazeera.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/01/2011191414183128.html
Algeria unrest turns deadly
(Video) Three people have been killed and hundreds injured in continuing
protests in Algeria, as the government meets to discuss ways of halting
the rising food costs and unemployment that have sparked the unrest.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/01/201118135821794812.html
Yemen separatists kill soldiers
Southern
secessionists
in Lahaj kill at least three in an attack on army checkpoint, the
latest in a wave of violence ... In a separate incident on Saturday,
eight soldiers were injured in the city of Lawdar when their vehicle
came under attack. The city was the site of a suspected al-Qaeda ambush that killed nine soldiers on Friday.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/01/2011196914838812.html
U.S., other world news
*Video: Keith Olbermann - Violence and threats have no place in democracy
One of the USA's most eloquent commentators connects the violent
rhetoric and imagery coming from American politicians and media with the
attack on a congresswoman in Arizona, and demands change.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/ns/
msnbc_tv-countdown_with_keith_olbermann/#40983401
WikiLeaks demands Google, Facebook unseal subpoenas
Call comes after revelation that US has tried to force Twitter to release WikiLeaks members' private details
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jan/08/wikileaks-calls-google-facebook-us-subpoenas
Icelandic MP fights US demand for her Twitter account details
Birgitta Jonsdottir brands efforts by US justice department to access her private information 'completely unacceptable'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jan/08/us-twitter-hand-icelandic-wikileaks-messages
WikiLeaks: Twitter deserves credit for defending its users' rights
The
US
department of justice has ordered Twitter to hand over the messages and
account details of several users who are, or have been, associated with
Wikileaks. Initially the order was sealed, that is it was to be kept
secret from the targets. It’s to Twitter’s credit that it asked for
the order to be unsealed and then informed the users concerned.
http://www.uruknet.info/?new=73726 |
| For further information contact Shadi Fadda |
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