NOVANEWS
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Heated Israeli Suez rhetoric burden on U.S.?
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‘The Palestine Cables’: Bahraini elites want to reach out to Israel, but the people don’t
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‘Once you start looking at the truth you can’t stop’ (soldier pisses on 13-year-old boy, boy is imprisoned for 8 months)
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Long a supporter of two-state solution, Steve Walt suggests it’s ‘no longer practical possibility’
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Last year the ‘Times’ called accomplice in slaughter, Seif Gaddafi, the ‘Western-friendly face of reform’ in Libya
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Kind of like taking tea with Mubarak while Tahrir was shaking
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‘Obama settlements’ –Tel Aviv demo
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Animals Lara Logan Arabs brutal animals Lara Logan rape culture Lara Logan
Heated Israeli Suez rhetoric burden on U.S.?
Feb 21, 2011
Ali Gharib
The earth reportedly shook as two Iranian naval boats approached the Suez Canal on Monday morning. For the U.S., though, the building tension over the (delayed, for now) passage could result in diplomatic, not literal, earthquakes.
When the news was first announced last week that the two warships would pass through the canal, Israeli reaction appeared split. Now it seems Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has joined his foreign minister in ratcheting up the rhetoric, saying, “Israel takes a grave view of this Iranian step.”
Following closely on the U.S. veto of a UN Security Council resolution denouncing Israeli settlements, Israel’s blustering approach to the Iranian warships may provide yet another instance where the “special relationship” causes the U.S. to choose between its ally Israel, on one hand, and international law and maintaining regional influence on the other.
Egyptian approval of passage for the Iranian ships was first reported when Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said the move amounted to a “provocation” by Iran. “The international community must understand that Israel cannot forever ignore these provocations,” he warned ominously.
Covering the comments, the Wall Street Journal pointed to fissures over Lieberman’s blustering and the quieter approach preferred Ehud Barak and the Israeli Defense Ministry.
At the time, Lieberman’s comments seemed to be made for U.S. consumption. Ethan Bronner’s New York Times piece had this nugget (my emphasis):
The first word came from Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman in an address to a group of American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. The speech, which hinted at a possible response, was closed to reporters…
The bellicose comments led National Interest writer Jacob Heilbrunn to comment: “Israel’s foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman isn’t just a thug. He’s also a moron.” On Sunday, Netanyahu told his cabinet, “Israel takes a grave view of this Iranian step.”
A former State Department senior intelligence official called on Israel “to stand down and avoid any provocative actions.” Middle East Institute scholar Wayne White told LobeLog that Israeli “muscle-flexing” and a perception of “high-handedness” now could be harmful to U.S. (and even Israeli) interests on a wide range of issues. He mentioned the still-developing and fluid situation in Egypt, anti-regime protests in Iran itself, and uncertainty in Jordan, which is facing some unrest and, like Egypt, has a peace deal with Israel.
White’s list of examples gives a taste of just how many crises the U.S. is facing in the region. With protests in several U.S.-allied countries like Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, Tunisia, and even Iraq, the U.S. wants to keep things relatively calm. As White points out, another crisis, with Israel and the U.S. pitted against Iran and Syria (whose waters the Iranian ships are reportedly bound for), could easily inject anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli sentiments into the anti-government movements that have been sweeping the region or permit besieged autocrats to divert popular attention and agitation.
The other elephant in the room is the notion of Suez passage itself. So far, the U.S. has taken a measured tone. State Department spokesperson P.J. Crowley said on Friday: “If the ships move through the canal, we’ll evaluate what they actually do.” He said the potential issues were the ships’ cargo and destination. Crowley seemed eager to move onto a new topic, repeatedly interrupting the questioner(s).
The lack of U.S. focus on passage itself is perhaps a nod to both the Constantinople Convention (1988) governing Suez Passage and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1983, in force 1994), which allows “innocent passage”through even territorial waters. The Constantinople convention states:
The Suez Maritime Canal shall always be free and of commerce or of war, without distinction of flag.
Consequently, the High Contracting Parties agree not in any way to interfere with the free use of the Canal, in time of war as in time of peace.
One of those contracting parties is, of course, Egypt, which may not interfere or block anyone’s passage. The U.S. relies on this status quo as much, if not more, than any other country. Indeed, if the right of “innocent passage” is questioned in this case, think of all the possible ramifications for the U.S. Navy and its 11 aircraft carrier groups that span the globe, if not always to the acclaim of the natives. It’s not for nothing that the Navy has been the country’s biggest advocate for Senate ratification of the Law of the Sea Convention.
For now, it appears that the passage of the Iranian ships has been delayed, without any reason given. But if the Israelis keep pushing back against Iran, rumblings of the diplomatic sort could soon follow for the U.S. Once again, as when Israel backed ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak until his last days and relentlessly pressed the Obama administration to cast his UN Security Council veto on a resolution that was entirely consistent with U.S. policy since 1967, Washington’s “special relationship” with the Jewish State could become burdensome to broader U.S. strategic interests.
This post originally appeared on Lobelog.
‘The Palestine Cables’: Bahraini elites want to reach out to Israel, but the people don’t
Feb 21, 2011
Alex Kane
The revolt rocking the Gulf state of Bahrain continues, as protesters occupy the Pearl roundabout area, demanding that King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa step down. One of the root causes driving the crisis in Bahrain is the existence of a “king who shows diminishing care for relations with his Shi’i subjects,” as Michele Dunne of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace wrote. And while the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is far from a root cause of the unrest in Bahrain and other Arab countries, popular sentiment on Israel is one more example of the disconnect between Bahraini and other U.S.-backed Arab elites and their people, and this disconnect is at the core of the uprisings’ demands for democracy and freedom.
State Department cables on Bahrain released by WikiLeaks reveal the depth of that disconnect in Bahrain.
Israeli-Bahraini relations can’t be described as close, but recent outreach efforts to Israel by the ruling family have turned heads in that country. In a July 2009 Op-Ed published in theWashington Post, the crown prince of Bahrain called for dialogue between Israelis and Arabs. After the piece was published, according to a August 2009 cable from the embassy in Bahrain’s capital city, the prince urged U.S. officials “to think about ‘a peace dividend’ for those countries, like Bahrain, that were willing to take risks for peace. He specifically mentioned that Bahrain would welcome increased trade and investment from the United States.”
But the people of Bahrain reacted strongly against the move. A July 2009 cable states that because of Israeli “settlements, arrests, attacks against civilian populations,” public opinion in Bahrain thought that it was “unacceptable” to “reach out to Israel.” This sentiment was expressed in “both Sunni and Shia blogs,” with one blogger publishing “photos from Gaza of dead and maimed Palestinian children” in response. (The cable also reports that one blog posting stated, “as long as normalization is with the people of Israel and not the political leadership (of Israel), it is acceptable.”)
Bahrain’s foreign minister came in for similar criticism in his country in the wake of a 2007 meeting with Tzipi Livni, then Israel’s foreign minister, as a WikiLeaks cable shows. The cable also reports that Bahrain’s foreign minister told an American Jewish Committee delegation of the need to “shore up President Abbas against the challenge presented by Hamas,” and called for Palestinian refugees to give up their right of return.
Read all of the ‘Palestine Cables’ here.
Alex Kane is a blogger and journalist based in New York City. He blogs at alexbkane.wordpress.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexbkane.
‘Once you start looking at the truth you can’t stop’ (soldier pisses on 13-year-old boy, boy is imprisoned for 8 months)
Feb 21, 2011
Philip Weiss
Last week at an event for our Goldstone book at Alwan for the Arts, Rebecca Vilkomerson of Jewish Voice for Peace said that the Gaza onslaught of ’08-’09 had caused “an irreparable rupture” between Israel and “some portion” of the American Jewish community. She added: “Once you start looking at the truth you can’t stop.”
I’ve heard that phrase ringing in my head since. She is talking about the recovery process that more and more American Jews are now engaged in. They start to undo the myth they were told, they become hungry to learn about the reality that exists in Palestine today.
From Aya Kaniuk and Tamar Goldschmidt’s site, “They pissed on him and he got eight months,” a story about Mohammad Mukheir, a 13-year-old sentenced to 8 months in prison for stone-throwing (h/t Ali Gharib):
At first Mohammad’s father was ashamed to tell about the pissing. To even say these words out loud. I think that for him, that was the most humiliating thing they did to his son, more than all the other things.
What kind of person, I wonder, takes a 13-year old boy no matter why, and tortures him like this. And then I answer myself, almost any Israeli. Any soldier in the army when it comes to Palestinians. Any person, in fact, if only the local codes designate that it’s permissible.
The day I first saw him was one of those Mondays at the ‘Ofer’ military court, in hall number 2. That’s where the children are tried. 20, 22, 23 children a day. Children and youths arrive in groups of two, three, sometimes four, wearing brown prisoners’ garb, their feet chained, one hand shackled to the next boy’s hand.
I noticed him in particular because he had soft, round curls, and because he looked very young, and because he wept.
…But why did the lawyer say nothing to the judge about the torture? We asked. Why did he not mention what this boy has gone through? “Because then they might treat him even worse”, the father explained. “Give him another two months for our saying that. That’s what I think..”
Long a supporter of two-state solution, Steve Walt suggests it’s ‘no longer practical possibility’
Feb 21, 2011
Philip Weiss
Glenn Greenwald describes the sad tidings from New York– and acknowledges that the Israel lobby effected Obama’s first veto in the UN Security Council. Note that he uses the language of national interests:
at one of the most critical times in that region in more than a century, the U.S. openly subverts the world consensus to protect the Israelis from censure over blatantly illegal acts — all to avoid angering “its supporters” in the U.S.
Remember, though: talking about the power of the Israel Lobby and the way it causes the U.S. to sacrifice its own interests for this foreign country is strictly prohibited and a sure sign of deep malice. And the only possible reason why Muslims in that region might harbor hostility toward the U.S. is because of primitive, crazed religious fanaticism and a contempt for Our Freedoms.
Steve Walt also talks about the Israel lobby, of course, but gets to the point about two states. Excerpts:
Thus far, all that Obama’s Middle East team has managed to do in two years is to further undermine U.S. credibility as a potential mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, and to dash the early hopes that the United States was serious about “two states for two peoples.” And while Obama, Mitchell, Clinton, Ross, and the rest of the team have floundered, the Netanyahu government has continued to evict Palestinian residents from their homes, its bulldozers and construction crews continuing to seize more and more of the land on which the Palestinians hoped to create a state.
Needless to say, the United States is all by its lonesome on this issue. Our fellow democracies — France, Germany, Great Britain, Brazil, South Africa, India, and Colombia — all voted in favor of the resolution, but not the government of the Land of the Free. …
As [many] commentators recognize, the real reason for Obama’s misguided decision was the profound influence of the Israel lobby. Indeed, few observers have missed this simple and obvious fact. One can only conclude that Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton’s repeated claims that they are “friends of Israel” and devoted to its security are nothing more than empty, politically expedient rhetoric. Whatever they may say, the policies they are pursuing — including this latest veto — are in fact harmful to Israel’s long-term future. The man who declared in Cairo on June 4, 2009 that a two-state solution was “in the “Israel’s interest, the Palestinians’ interest, America’s interest, and the world’s interest” must have changed his mind, because his actions ever since have merely hastened the moment when creating two viable states will be impossible (if that is not already the case). Then remember what former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said in 2007, “if the two-state solution fails, Israel will face a South African style struggle for political rights.” And “once that happens,” he warned, “the state of Israel is finished.”…
If the United States hopes to be on the right side of history, it is time to start thinking about what its policy should be when everybody finally acknowledges that “two states for two peoples” is no longer a practical possibility. This is going to happen sooner or later, and anyone who is still advocating for a two-state solution at that point is going to sound like an ignorant fool. Not because of the flaws in that option, but simply because it will be impossible to implement. What alternative solution will the president and secretary of state support then? Ethnic cleansing? A binational, liberal democracy in which all inhabitants of Israel/Palestine have equal civil and political rights? Or permanent apartheid, in the form of disconnected Palestinian Bantustans under de facto Israeli control? That awkward reality may not be apparent while Obama is president (which is probably what he is hoping), but it will be a damning legacy to leave to his successor, as well as a tragedy for two peoples who have already known more than their share.
Update: I change the original head on this post, Knife in back of two-state solution is traced to Israel lobby, because it was too clever by half.
Last year the ‘Times’ called accomplice in slaughter, Seif Gaddafi, the ‘Western-friendly face of reform’ in Libya
Feb 21, 2011
Seham
Gaddafi vows not to flee Libya- sources
Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat- Libyan sources told Asharq al-Awsat that the Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, will not flee the country if the situation escalates, and that he intends to die on Libyan soil.
http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=24232
Full Text of Saif Gadaffi’s TV Address
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article27530.htm
Highlights of Gaddafi son’s speech
Al-Islam blamed the unrest in Libya on tribal factions and drunken or drugged Islamists acting on their own agendas.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/africa/2011/02/201122111127102872.html
Gadhafi’s Son Says Father In Libya, Will Fight ‘Until The Last Bullet’
CAIRO — The son of longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi warned in a nationally televised address that continued anti-government protests that have wracked Libya for six days might lead to a civil war that could send the country’s oil wells up in flames. Appearing on Libyan state television after midnight Sunday, Seif al-Islam Gadhafi said the army still backed his father, who was leading the fight, although he added that some military bases, tanks and weapons had been seized.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/20/gadhafi-libya_n_825776.html
Gaddafi’s son admits ‘mistakes’
Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi’s son, Sayf al-Islam, says the military over-reacted against protesters but accuses the opposition of trying to break up the country.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-middle-east-12520586
Libya on brink as protests hit Tripoli
Muammar Gaddafi’s son warns of civil war in state television address as regime tries to halt uprising
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/20/libya-defiant-protesters-feared-dead
Eyewitness phonecall near Green Square shortly after Saif’s speech
A Libyan American speaks to his brother in Tripoli after Seif Gaddafi’s speech. Intense combat and heavy artillery being fired in the background.
http://www.libyafeb17.com/?p=1319
And more news from the protests in the Middle East/North Africa:
Libya, world reacts to Saif Gadhafi’s address
(CNN) — The White House is “analyzing” the speech of Saif al-Islam Gadhafi to see “what possibilities it contains for meaningful reform,” a senior U.S. administration official said Sunday night after the Libyan leader’s son took to the airwaves to propose speedy implementation of significant democratic reforms following days of anti-government demonstrations.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/21/libya.gadhafi.speech.reax/index.html?eref=rss_latest&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+Most+Recent%29&utm_content=Twitter
Gaddafi burns his soldiers in their barracks for refusing to shoot protesters – GRAPHIC
This footage shows the burnt bodies of soldiers who apparently refused to shoot at the protesters when they were ordered to. Warning, the footage is graphic.
http://www.libyafeb17.com/?p=1402
Report: Libya air force bombs protesters heading for army base
Protesters take over office of two state-run satellite news channels, set central government building ablaze, as violence escalates on 7th day of protests.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/report-libya-air-force-bombs-protesters-heading-for-army-base-1.344775?localLinksEnabled=false
Reported use of heavy weapons may be war crime
EYEWITNESS REPORTS from Benghazi in eastern Libya state that pro-Gadafy forces are using anti-aircraft weapons and heavy machine guns against civilian protesters. Doctors treating those injured in the attacks speak of catastrophic soft tissue injuries to the head, chest and abdomen of those shot by Gadafy’s troops. Significantly, Libyan doctors have been quoted as stating that the majority of the injuries are fatal or untreatable.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0221/1224290428989.html
At least 50 people killed in Benghazi Sunday-doctor
TRIPOLI, Feb 20 (Reuters) – At least 50 people were killed and 100 others seriously wounded in Benghazi on Sunday afternoon, a doctor in the Libyan city told Reuters. “Today has been a real tragedy … since 3 p.m. (1300 GMT) and up to 9.15 pm, we received 50 dead, mostly from bullet wounds,” Habib al-Obaidi, who heads the intensive care unit at the main Al-Jalae hospital said by telephone.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/at-least-50-people-killed-in-benghazi-since-1300-gmt-on-sunday
BREAKING: Doctor confirms to Al Jazeera Arabic that bloodbanks in hospitals stolen
A doctor spoke to Al Jazeera earlier today and confirmed that supporters of Gaddafi stormed hospitals in Tripoli last night and stole blood from the blood banks. There is now an urgent call for blood donations as events as set to escalate in Tripoli tonight.
http://www.libyafeb17.com/?p=1436
Phones cut in Tripoli amid ‘massacre’ in Green Square
5:50pm: Geneva-based Libyan News Network reports phones cut in Tripoli, amid “massacre” in Green Square. More details being sought.
http://www.libyafeb17.com/?p=1441
“Non-stop” gunfire in Libya’s capital
Shortly after Seif Gaddafi, the son of Libya’s longtime leader, warned in a Sunday-night speech that the country would descend into “civil war” if protests continued, a Libyan American spoke with his brother in Tripoli, who described intense combat in the capital, where anti-government protesters were attacked after taking the main square.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlvwhCNQbOQ&feature=youtube_gdata
Libyan violence spreads to Tripoli
Violent clashes reportedly broke out late Sunday in Tripoli’s central Green Square. In a televised address just a few hours ago, Saif El Islam Gadaffi said his father would stand firm, and the country could plunge into civil war if the protests don’t stop. He said foreign media, Islamists, even drug addicts were part of a plot to bring down the government, and break up the country. Meanwhile, demonstrators in Benghazi claim to be in control of the city, despite yet another brutal crackdown. Human Right Watch says at least 233 people have died – with security forces continuing to use force to end the demonstrations. Al Jazeera’s Tom Ackerman has the latest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5rRVDL_OpE&feature=youtube_gdata
Libyan protesters brave bullets to close in on Gaddafi
TRIPOLI, Feb 21 (Reuters) – Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi will fight a popular revolt to “the last man standing,” one of his sons said on Monday as people in the capital joined protests for the first time after days of violent unrest in the eastern city of Benghazi.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/21/libya-protests-idUSLDE71K00720110221?WT.tsrc=Social%20Media&WT.z_smid=twtr-reuters_%20com&WT.z_smid_dest=Twitter
Death toll rises in Libyan unrest
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is confronting the most serious challenge to his rule in 42 years. Government forces have been unleashed onto protesters in the eastern city of Benghazi, where one hospital official put the death toll at 200. Al Jazeera’s Stefanie Dekker takes a look at the scale of the unrest in the country.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwmlYXnnvmE&feature=youtube_gdata
Libya clashes spread to Tripoli
Clashes between anti-government protesters and Gaddafi supporters escalate as army unit ‘defects’ in Benghazi.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/africa/2011/02/20112202148108558.html
Protests, “riots” and shooting in Tripoli
Rahma, an activist in Libya’s capital, tells Al Jazeera that her father – a US citizen – was arrested after a joining a peaceful protest in front of Tripoli’s main courthouse on Sunday.
Libyan Muslim leaders order followers to rebel
PARIS, Feb 21 (Reuters) – A coalition of Libyan Muslim leaders has issued a declaration telling all Muslims it is their duty to rebel against the Libyan leadership. “They have demonstrated total arrogant impunity and continued, and even intensified, their bloody crimes against humanity. They have thereby demonstrated total infidelity to the guidance of God and His beloved Prophet (peace be upon him),” said the group, called the Network of Free Ulema of Libya.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/grouping-of-libyan-muslim-leaders-says-rebelling-against-libyan
Libyan envoy to Arab League joins ‘revolution’
Cairo – Libya’s permanent representative to the Arab League, Abdel Moneim al-Honi, said on Sunday he was quitting his position in order to “join the revolution” that is unfolding in his country. “I have submitted my resignation in protest against the acts of repression and violence against demonstrators [in Libya] and I am joining the ranks of the revolution,” Honi said.
http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Libyan-envoy-joins-revoltution-20110220
Libya justice minister resigns to protest ‘excessive use of force’ against protesters
Ambassadors to the Arab League, India and China have also stepped down to voice dissent with the government, as violent clashes spill into seventh day.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/libya-justice-minister-resigns-to-protest-excessive-use-of-force-against-protesters-1.344796?localLinksEnabled=false
Libya’s ambassador to India resigns in protest against violence-BBC
LONDON, Feb 21 (Reuters) – Libya’s ambassador to India has resigned in protest at his government’s violent crackdown on demonstrators calling for the ouster of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported on Monday.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/libyas-ambassador-to-india-tells-the-bbc-he-has-resigned-in-pro
Benghazi residents say told Gaddafi’s guard defeated
TRIPOLI Feb 20 (Reuters) – Members of a Libyan army unit told Benghazi residents on Sunday they had defected and “liberated” the city from forces supporting veteran leader Muammar Gaddafi, two residents said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/20/libya-protests-army-idUSLDE71J0KX20110220
Workers resign at Libyan Embassy in Stockholm
http://www.libyafeb17.com/?p=1418
Arab League demands end to Libya violence
Moussa backs protestors’ demand for ‘reform development and change’; UK summons Libyan ambassador to condemn use of deadly force by security forces. Al-Jazeera: 61 killed in latest protests in Tripoli.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4031787,00.html
EU calls for immediate end of violence in Libya
BRUSSELS, Feb 20 (Reuters) – The European Union’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton called on the Libyan authorities to immediately put a stop to violence against anti-government protesters and begin broad-based dialogue on reforms.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/eu-calls-for-immediate-end-of-violence-in-libya
Libya: Governments Should Demand End to Unlawful Killings
(New York) – The African Union and African, Western, and Arab countries that have relations with Libya should urge the Libyan government to stop the unlawful killing of protesters, Human Rights Watch said today. In the last three days, the death toll of protesters reported to Human Rights Watch by hospital staff and other sources has reached at least 173.
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/02/20/libya-governments-should-demand-end-unlawful-killings
Condemnation grows as Libya massacre feared (AFP)
AFP – World powers rounded on Libya Sunday as fears grew that hundreds of people had been killed in a brutal government crackdown on demonstrators demanding an end to Moamer Kadhafi’s 41-year, ironclad rule.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110220/wl_afp/mideastpoliticsunrest
Russia says Libya violence must be stopped
MOSCOW, Feb 21 (Reuters) – Russia called for an end to violence in Libya on Monday, citing what it said were opposition reports of several hundred deaths in unrest.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/russia-calls-for-end-to-violence-in-libya-after-reports-of-hundr
Europe plans for Libya evacuation
EU foreign ministers discuss plans to transport citizens out of Libya, as violent unrest spreads.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/europe/2011/02/20112211491484169.html
Libya violence threatens economic relations
From France to the United Kingdom, European leaders have condemned the violence in Libya. In recent years, European countries have been cultivating a relationship with Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi – for business reasons. Harry Smith reports.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO2czlSOhrI&feature=youtube_gdata
Libya protesters sack Tripoli TV, set blocks on fire
Protesters in the Libyan capital Tripoli sacked state broadcast offices and set branches of the People’s Committees that are the mainstay of the regime ablaze overnight, witnesses told AFP on Monday, as the European Union said it would start to evacuate its citizens.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/02/21/138558.html
Benghazi defies Gaddafi
Libya’s second city of Benghazi was a scene of chaos and bloodshed yesterday amid reports that anti-regime protesters had seized control. Security forces had earlier fired indiscriminately on mourners attending the funerals of those killed in recent days, but appeared to lose the advantage after a key military battalion came over to the side of the protesters.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/benghazi-defies-gaddafi-2220638.html
Residents of Tabruk Celebrate the Liberation of the Town from Military Control Sunday Night
Cars honked their horns and people reveled and chanted throughout the streets of Tabruk. Congratulations to the small, brave town!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRum6BgfiJE&feature=player_embedded
http://feb17.info/media/residents-of-tabruk-celebrate-the-liberation-of-the-town-from-military-control-sunday-night/
Demonstrations in Souq Jumah in Tripoli- Feb. 20: Protesters closing off streets to prevent pro government security forces from patrolling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-ObmYxLTtI&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5L3FhYe__E&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKCcWZEBt_I&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDozcByEYOE&feature=player_embedded
http://feb17.info/videos/demonstrations-in-souq-jumah-in-tripoli-feb-20/
Souq Al Jummah is with you Benghazi!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKCcWZEBt_I&feature=player_embedded
Protesters burning police station Souq Al Jummah, Tripoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDozcByEYOE&feature=player_embedded
Protests in Zintan
Translation of chants: Look at the knights of Zintan! Gaddafi you coward!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzE1SkZGyd8&feature=player_embedded
Tripoli Ben Ashoor Street – 20th February
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-vaKUQ7Deg&feature=player_embedded
Benghazi Libya Celebrating Freedom from Gaddafi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRsrGri2WTI
Violent clashes hit Libyan city of Baidah
Video report: The eastern Libyan city of Baidah has been a scene of death and violent clashes. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of patients and people are worried about more chaos ahead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p56JKuVkqo&feature=player_embedded
Protests outside Tripoli Courthouses
http://www.libyafeb17.com/?p=1299
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77Y9qee8w2A&feature=player_embedded
Qadhdhafi’s mercenaries
Butchering the brave protesters of Libya
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2011/02/qadhdhafis-mercenaries.html
Photos from Libya 2011-02-21
http://www.arabist.net/blog/2011/2/21/photos-from-libya-2011-02-21.html
Protesters gather in Egypt to back Libyans
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt, Feb 20 (Reuters) – At least 100 people gathered on Sunday in the Egyptian city of Alexandria in solidarity with the Libyan people after witnesses said Libya’s security forces shot anti-government protesters.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/protesters-gather-in-egypt-to-back-libyans
Dearborn, Michigan Protest In Solidarity with Libya- Feb 20, 2011
Despite frigid temperatures, a sizable group of Libyan and Yemeni protesters gathered Dearborn, Michigan in front of Town Hall to show support. They chanted together showing solidarity for their brothers and sisters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5GfSHm8b3I&feature=player_embedded
http://feb17.info/latest-news/dearborn-michigan-protest-in-solidarity-with-libya-feb-20-2011/
Malta: Demonstrations in support of Libyans
http://www.libyafeb17.com/?p=1435
Libya warns U.S. energy firms over diplomatic row
TRIPOLI, March 4 (Reuters) – Libya’s top oil official on Thursday summoned the local heads of top U.S. energy firms to tell them a diplomatic row with Washington could hurt U.S. businesses in Libya, the state oil company said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/03/04/libya-idUSN0417000820100304
Berlusconi under fire for not “disturbing” Gaddafi
ROME, Feb 20 (Reuters) – Opposition lawmakers criticised Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for failing to condemn violence in Libya and saying he did not want to “disturb” Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi during the revolt in his country.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/berlusconi-under-fire-for-not-disturbing-gaddafi
Libya protests analysis: ‘For Muammar Gaddafi it’s kill or be killed’
Libya’s leader faces the worst unrest since he seized power, but no-one expects him to give up peacefully
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/20/libya-protests-muammar-gaddafi
Crushing Libya’s revolt
The unrest in Libya started as a series of protests, but was met by a fierce security crackdown.
http://english.aljazeera.net//programmes/insidestory/2011/02/2011221111837532726.html
Benghazi Despite Gov’t Violence
After a week of deadly unrest in the North African country of Libya, tens of thousands of people celebrated Sunday as they retook the streets of the eastern city of Benghazi. Residents say some soldiers joined the protesters and defeated a force of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s elite guard. Others say the military has left the city. This comes after days of brutal violence. According to Human Rights Watch, more than 300 people have been killed in Libya this week. Clashes have reportedly reached the capital city of Tripoli. For more on the situation in Benghazi, we spoke by phone to a protester named Haithem last night.
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/2/21/eyewitness_in_libya_protesters_have_taken
Why do you Libyans want Gaddafi gone? Here are some reasons…
http://www.libyafeb17.com/?p=1327
In 2010 NYTIMES called accomplice in slaughter Seif Gaddafi the “Western-friendly face of reform” in Libya
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/world/middleeast/01libya.html?_r=1
Gaddafi cruelly resists, but this Arab democratic revolution is far from over | David Hirst
The burning question is, where next? After Ben Ali and Mubarak, others may not fall so easily – but most regimes are candidates. The world has yet to settle on an agreed term for the great events unfolding across the Middle East. I was in the depths of the French countryside – out of touch, and with a BBC World Service that could only fade in and out of hearing late at night and early morning – during their latest, awe-inspiring Egypt phase. But I was soon persuaded that the designation which, in an article in Le Monde, Gilles Kepel, the noted expert on Islamic fundamentalism, assigned them would prove as accurately encapsulating as any. He dubbed them the “Arab democratic revolution”.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/20/gaddafi-cruelly-resists-arab-democratic-revolution
The Middle East: People, power, politics | Editorial
It will be only when Gaddafi’s security forces cross lines that his maniacal grip will slip – but that moment could be far off. At the time, it was called the Libyan model, a turnaround so complete that everyone in the US from neocon to liberal claimed the credit for it. When Libya agreed in 1999 to hand over two suspects to the Lockerbie trial and then abandon its WMD programme in 2003, it was hailed an example of how a state once described by the CIA as an uninhibited supporter of international terrorism could come in from the cold. Everyone, not least the then prime minister, Tony Blair, flocked to shake Muammar Gaddafi’s hand. Announcing a new relationship, Mr Blair said he had been struck by how the Libyan leader wished to join Britain in the common cause of fighting al-Qaida, extremists and terrorism. The other part of that common cause was a deal with Shell for exploration rights. Peace with Libya has been lucrative ever since.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/21/middle-east-obama-policy
Revolutionary Situation in Libya, Juan Cole
After the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi fell to the protest movement on Sunday, clashes broke out in the Libyan capital of Tripoli late that afternoon, the first time that city saw substantial demonstrations. The events shook the rule of Muammar Qaddafi to the core, eliciting from one of his sons Saif al-Islam Qaddafi a haughty jeremiad about the protesters endangering the future of the country.
http://www.juancole.com/2011/02/revolutionary-situation-in-libya.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+juancole%2Fymbn+%28Informed+Comment%29
How will Libya’s protests play out?
Two factors could be key: whether the violence spreads to Tripoli, and whether the army continues to fire on civilians. The revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt took us all by surprise, and have still not played out. Libya is the least transparent country in the Middle East at the best of times. Just now, with most communications down, it is truly a mystery wrapped in an enigma.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/20/libya-protests-oliver-miles
“Libya is Forever Changed by These Events”: Libyan Poet and Scholar Khaled Mattawa on the Pro-Democracy Movement Amid Government Violence
After a week of pro-democracy demonstrations in Libya that left more than 300 people dead, protesters have continued to demand an end to the 42-year regime of Colonel Muammar Qaddafi. One of Gaddafi’s sons, Seif Islam Gaddafi, addressed the nation over Libyan State TV on Sunday, and threatened there would be civil war if the protests did not end. For more we are joined by the acclaimed Libyan poet and scholar, Khaled Mattawa. “I think the regime is over even if Gaddafi manages to survive,” Mattawa says. “Libyans are saying, ‘Yes we will have a new constitution, perhaps we will have a new flag. But we do not want you or your father or the rest of your plan, so get out of here.”
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/2/21/libya_is_forever_changed_by_these
Qadhdhafi
I told you the Libya chapter will be bloody: (it has been bloody–lest we forget in Tunisia and Egypt–where Bin Ali and Mubarak massacred people to stay in power). The masses of Libya (the jamahir as that loony leader calls them) hate the leader, and the leader is hated in the region by fellow dictators. So he has nowhere to go (possibly with the exception of Italy). So he and his sons will have to fight to the end. But the end is coming for them, no doubt.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2011/02/qadhdhafi.html
Yemen
Shots fired at Yemen demonstration
Teenager killed and four people wounded in clash with soldiers in southern port of Aden, as protests enter 11th day.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/middleeast/2011/02/201122184349572801.html
Unrest spreads across Yemen
Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Yemen president, offered to oversee dialogue between opposition groups and government officials due to civil unrest throughout the country. The offer came on Sunday after 3,000 university students demonstrated at the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, urging the president to step down from power. Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra has more from the Yemeni capital.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPvqAPJAR30&feature=youtube_gdata
Yemen: President’s offer of talks is rejected by political opposition
Yemen’s embattled President yesterday sought a way out of the political crisis gripping his impoverished nation, offering to oversee a dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition to defuse the stand-off with protesters demanding that he go.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/yemen-presidents-offer-of-talks-is-rejected-by-political-opposition-2220644.html
Yemeni Shiite group announces anti-gov’t march in north on Monday
SANAA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) — The Yemeni northern Shiite Houthi-led rebels announced Sunday they would stage rallies in northern Saada province on Monday to press for the resignation of the country’s long time president. “Protest demonstrations will be staged on Monday in Saada province to call for overthrowing the regime and to end the corruption and tyranny,” the spokesman of the Houthi-led group Mohammed Abdusallam told Xinhua.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-02/21/c_13741081.htm
Inside Story – Yemen’s ‘days of rage’
On Saturday, Yemeni riot police shot dead a protester and injured at least five as thousands gathered in the capital Sanaa for a ninth day of protests. What are the risks of a political void in this volatile region?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4yPS-b1J3w&feature=youtube_gdata
Yemen’s Turn: An Overview
To begin to understand the trajectory of recent political developments in Yemen, it is necessary to cast one’s eye back further than the heady days of 2011. Undoubtedly, events in Egypt and Tunisia have lent considerable force to demonstrations in the capital, Sana’a. However, it would be unfair to the thousands of Yemenis who for years have organized daily protests throughout the country and the thousands who have been killed, imprisoned, injured and tortured by the state to say that the widespread popular organizing against the regime of `Ali `Abdullah Salih had its genesis anywhere but Yemen.
http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/689/yemens-turn_an-overview
Bahrain
Live Update: Bahrain
Al Jazeera’s correspondent James Bays has the latest from Pearl Roundabout in the capital Manama.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4S-1OXwh00&feature=youtube_gdata
Anti government protests continue in Bahrain
Anti-government demonstrators in Bahrain woke up in their camps in the capital, Manama. Hundreds of people spent the night in the Pearl roundabout after the government ordered the military to withdraw from the area. Al Jazeera’s James Bays reports on what is next for the protesters.
Grief, anger as Bahrain protester lies brain dead
MANAMA, Feb 20 (Reuters) – When she learned that the bullet in Ridha Mohammed’s skull had left him brain dead, his nurse grabbed a glass-framed picture of Bahrain’s prime minister and smashed it on the floor.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/grief-anger-as-bahrain-protester-lies-brain-dead
Opposition Demands Dissolution of Bahraini Government
The opposition demanded that the king dissolve the government and fire his uncle, the prime minister, before they agree to enter into talks.
http://feeds.nytimes.com/click.phdo?i=51121c4b8d3ed183f576de40aaf05693
Bahrain opposition demand reforms
Leaders call for political reform but protesters’ demands differ after days of demonstrations in the capital, Manama.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/2011220211947585788.html
“Solidarity with the People of Bahrain” (Videos)
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Bahraini embassy in Belgravia, London to demand the end of the Al Khalifa dictatorship in Bahrain.
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2011/bahrain200211.html
Mahmood N. Al Yousif, “Bahrain: Teachers on Strike”
“When the General Strike was announced yesterday, I didn’t give it much heed. . . . Teachers, some of them at least, heeded that call. I noticed a few gathering with their Bahraini flags and a couple of hastily written placards standing in front of their school’s gate near where I live. I approached them, took some pictures and interviewed one. Wanting to check the other schools in the area, I hit the motherload at the Duraz Intermediate Girls’ School nearby — you’ll know what I mean when you view the following video — and then off I went to the school next door where they were striking too. . . . Is this the start of another ‘phenomenon’ in Bahrain? One thing is for sure: Bahrain before the 14th of February 2011 is most definitely different from Bahrain after it.” — Mahmood N. Al Yousif
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2011/yousif200211.html
FEATURE-For Bahraini Shi’ites, a long trudge to equality
MANAMA, Feb 21 (Reuters) – Shi’ite computer science graduate Mahdi Mohamed tried hard for a government job. “But no call. No reply. Not even a rejection,” he said. A Sunni friend from college easily found work. “The other boy has holidays, commissions and allowances. He has an office,” said Mohamed. “Do you know what I do? I deliver computers. My car is my office.”
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/feature-for-bahraini-shiites-a-long-trudge-to-equality
Robert Fisk in Manama: Bahrain – an uprising on the verge of revolution
Bahrain is not Egypt. Bahrain is not Tunisia. And Bahrain is not Libya or Algeria or Yemen. True, the tens of thousands gathering again yesterday at the Pearl roundabout – most of them Shia but some of them Sunni Muslims – dressed themselves in Bahraini flags, just as the Cairo millions wore Egyptian flags in Tahrir Square.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/robert-fisk-in-manama-bahrain-ndash-an–uprising-on-the-verge-of-revolution-2220639.html
Statement of Civil Society Organizations in Bahrain Regarding the Brutal Attack on Protesters in The Pearl Roundabout
[This statement was prepared by a coalition of civil society organizations in Bahrain. The original Arabic version can be found here. Translation below is by Khuloud and Ziad Abu-Rish.]
http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/688/statement-of-civil-society-organizations-in-bahrain-regarding-the-brutal-attack-on-protesters-in-the-pearl-roundabout
Kuwait
Kuwait: Dozens Injured, Arrested in Bidun Crackdown
(New York) – Hundreds of stateless residents of Kuwait took to the streets on February 18, 2011, to demand their rights, with dozens seeking treatment for injuries in local hospitals and dozens more detained by state security, Human Rights Watch said today.
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/02/19/kuwait-dozens-injured-arrested-bidun-crackdown
Morocco/Algeria
‘Five dead’ after Morocco rallies
Five burned bodies are found in a bank which was set on fire following anti-government protests in Morocco on Sunday, officials say.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-africa-12524647
Morocco: Thousands March for Reform
(Rabat) – Thousands of Moroccans in cities across the country demonstrated in favor of political reform on February 20, 2011, Human Rights Watch said today. Mostly peaceful demonstrations and marches took place in towns and villages largely without interference from police, who in some areas were barely in evidence.
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/02/20/morocco-thousands-march-reform
Morocco joins Arab world unrest as thousands rally for reforms
At least 5,000 demonstrate in Rabat, waving Tunisian and Egyptian flags in recognition of the popular uprisings that overthrew the two countries’ presidents.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/morocco-joins-arab-world-unrest-as-thousands-rally-for-reforms-1.344638?localLinksEnabled=false
Morocco protesters demand limit on royal powers
RABAT: Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Morocco Sunday demanding King Mohammad VI give up some of his powers, dismiss the government and clamp down on corruption. In the capital Rabat, some people in the crowd waved Tunisian and Egyptian flags in recognition of the popular uprisings that overthrew the two countries’ presidents.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=125091
Morocco Protest Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-SLNHp17v0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnfZnn1L0Ko
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-3JWXDI6cw&feature=player_embedded#at=647
The Battle of Algeria
The departure of Tunisian leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011 and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation on February 11 sparked conjectures about Algeria as the next country in the Arab world to attempt to rid itself of authoritarian leadership. While Egyptians have lived under “state of emergency” laws since Mubarak came to power after Sadat’s assassination in 1981, Algeria’s version, also prohibiting any public demonstrations, was enacted in 1992 after the country’s first national multiparty elections and runoff set for January 16, 1992 were suspended. A military coup d’etat deposed then President Chadli Benjedid who had ruled since 1979.
http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/693/the-battle-of-algeria
Iraq
One killed and forty seven hurt in Iraq protests
One person has been killed and 47 others injured during overnight protests in the northern Iraqi city of Sulaimaniyah, police and hospital officials said.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/one-killed-and-forty-seven-hurt-in-iraq-protests-2220927.html
Parliament stops work to listen to Iraqis’ gripes (Reuters)
Reuters – Iraq’s parliament has suspended work for a week and sent lawmakers to their home areas to help soothe rising anger over corruption, food shortages and poor services, the speaker of parliament said on Monday.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110221/wl_nm/us_iraq_protests_parliament
Sunday: 9 Iraqis Killed, 56 Wounded
At least nine Iraqis were killed and 56 more were wounded in new and old violence. Some of the dead were wounded in Thursday’s deadly protests in Suleimanya, while the lion’s share of today’s wounded were injured in protests re-ignited by an attack on an independent television station in the same city last night.
http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2011/02/20/sunday-9-iraqis-killed-56-wounded/
Monday: 17 Iraqis Killed, 33 Wounded
At least 17 Iraqis and an Egyptian resident were killed in the latest attacks, while 33 more were wounded. Although no new demonstrations reported today, last night Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani gave his support to protesters in a strongly worded statement castigating the government for negligence. Also, Parliament Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi reports that two investigative committees are being formed to track down almost $40 billion that has disappeared from the Development Fund for Iraq.
Egypt
Protest in Egypt after army vehicle kills woman
CAIRO, Feb 20 (Reuters) – Around 1,000 Egyptians protested on Sunday in a city east of Cairo after a woman was killed by an army vehicle during a demonstration, eyewitnesses said. The incident marked the latest eruption of public anger in the wake of countrywide protests that began on Jan. 25 and led to the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/protest-in-egypt-after-army-vehicle-kills-woman
Egypt appoints first opposition member to govt post
Egypt has appointed a member of the liberal opposition Wafd party as tourism minister in an unprecedented move, state news agency MENA said late Sunday. Mounir Abdel Nour, Secretary-General of the Wafd party, has accepted the position in Egypt’s interim government, MENA said.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/02/21/138517.html
NAC calls for presidential council of five
The National Association for Change presents a detailed account of how Egypt’s transitional period should be managed
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/5964/Egypt/Politics-/NAC-calls-for-presidential-council-of-five.aspx
Egypt releases 108 political prisoners – state tv
CAIRO, Feb 20 (Reuters) – Egypt has released 108 political prisoners, state television reported on Sunday, following a pledge by Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq. Shafiq was quoted as saying by state news agency MENA on Saturday that 222 prisoners would soon be freed but did not say when. Shafiq had put the number of remaining political prisoners at 487, MENA said.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/egypt-releases-108-political-prisoners-state-tv
Egypt requests freeze on Mubaraks’ foreign assets
CAIRO, Feb 21 (Reuters) – Egypt’s public prosecutor on Monday told the foreign ministry to seek a freeze on the foreign assets of Hosni Mubarak and his family, the first sign that the former president would be held to account by the military leadership to whom he handed power.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/egypt-requests-freeze-on-mubaraks-foreign-assets
Egypt to rename streets after protest ‘martyrs’
CAIRO, Feb 21 (Reuters) – Egypt’s Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq on Monday ordered that streets be renamed to honour “martyrs” who died during the mass protests that ousted President Hosni Mubarak.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/egypt-to-rename-streets-after-protest-martyrs
Egyptian army takes to Facebook
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrpfvHm1D78&feature=player_embedded
Hosni Mubarak namesake fined for drinking alcohol in Dubai
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/crime/hosni-mubarak-namesake-fined-for-drinking-alcohol-in-dubai-1.765134
No to neo- Mubarakism
The former president may have gone, but the system that kept him in power is still in place, writes Bahieddin Hassan*
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2011/1035/op213.htm
Egypt Burning – The fall of Mubarak
As the calls for regime change move into their third week, Egyptians have broken down the barrier of fear. Cracks between the protesters have started to show, but resolute protesters are standing firm on their call for the president to resign.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWc2kY60Rj4&feature=youtube_gdata
How Egyptian Women Took Back the Street Between Two “Black Wednesdays”: A First Person Account
On February 16, Roger Ebert, an American film critic and commentator, tweeted: “The attack on Lara Logan brings Middle East attitudes toward women into sad focus.” While the attack on CBS News correspondent Lara Logan was a tragic and upsetting event, it needs to be understood in its political context. Any attempt to propound this in such familiar orientalist terms would be offensive and unfair, not only to Egyptians protesting for democracy, but to Logan herself. She was not attacked as a woman–although the gendered nature of the assault is indisputable; she was attacked as a professional journalist and a supporter of the Egyptian protest. I, too, was attacked, probably by the same type of thugs who attacked Logan. I understand both attacks in light of Egypt’s political conditions and the role of the Egyptian women in an ongoing struggle against oppressive and undemocratic government. The heinous attacks mark much more than “attitudes towards women.” Perhaps they mark the desperation of a dying regime.
http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/694/how-egyptian-women-took-back-the-street-between-two-%E2%80%9Cblack-wednesdays%E2%80%9D_a-first-person-account_
‘We Stand With You as You Stood With Us’: Statement to Workers of Wisconsin by Kamal Abbas of Egypt’s Centre for Trade Unions and Workers Services
About Kamal Abbas and the Centre for Trade Unions and Workers Services: Kamal Abbas is General Coordinator of the CTUWS, an umbrella advocacy organization for independent unions in Egypt. The CTUWS, which was awarded the 1999 French Republic’s Human Rights Prize, suffered repeated harassment and attack by the Mubarak regime, and played a leading role in its overthrow. Abbas, who witnessed friends killed by the regime during the 1989 Helwan steel strike and was himself arrested and threatened numerous times, has received extensive international recognition for his union and civil society leadership.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/must-read/statement-kamal-abbas
What the world tweeted on #Egypt the day Mubarak resigned
http://www.arabawy.org/2011/02/21/what-the-world-tweeted-on-egypt-the-day-mubarak-resigned/
What If the Egyptian Protesters Were Democrats?
Their recent upheaval would certainly have been different, perhaps dramatically different.In the past month, the people of Egypt—inspired by the recent democratic revolution in Tunisia and preceding emergent revolutions in Libya, Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, and Syria—have undertaken a revolt of truly stunning proportions, one that includes men and women from all class strata, religious and ethnic origins, and ideological commitments. They managed to rid themselves of a longstanding and brutal dictator worth over $40 billion and supported by the collective power of the United States, European Union, Israel, and the Arab Gulf States.
http://pulsemedia.org/2011/02/21/what-if-the-egyptian-protesters-were-democrats/
Tunisia
Tunisians defy ban on rallies, call for new interim Cabinet
Tens of thousands of people defied security forces Sunday to rally in the Tunisian capital calling for a new interim government. It was the second straight day of mass protests in the North African country’s main city, in defiance of a government ban on rallies, after a lull following the popular uprising last month which overthrew President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=125092#ixzz1EYlkyPxb
Tunisia seeks Ben Ali’s extradition
Officials have formally requested the extradition of former president from Saudi Arabia, where he fled last month.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/2011220191453117646.html
Other Revolution/Uprising Related News
Top US military officer ‘stunned’ by Arab revolts
RIYADH (AFP) – Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Sunday he was “stunned” by the spread of Arab protests as he arrived in Saudi Arabia on a Gulf tour to boost Washington’s ties with regional allies. Mullen’s visit comes as an unprecedented wave of revolts challenges Arab authoritarian regimes, notably in Bahrain and Yemen, after uprisings toppled rulers in Tunisia and Egypt. “It’s stunning to me that it’s moved so quickly,” America’s highest-ranking military officer said of the revolts. “We’ve talked about the underlying issues for a long time, but it’s the speed with which this is happening,” he told reporters.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/02/20/top-us-military-officer-stunned-by-arab-revolts/
Arab leaders use varying tactics to try to calm anger in the streets
SANAA, YEMEN – As fresh protests erupted across the Middle East and North Africa on Sunday, embattled leaders in the region struggled to contain their discontented masses, deploying a wide variety of tactics – from offers of dialogue to brutal crackdowns – to suppress the pro-democracy forces unleashed by the revolts in Tunisia and Egypt.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/20/AR2011022004185.html?wprss=rss_world/mideast
Sudan’s Bashir will not stand for reelection: party
Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir will not seek re-election, as part of a package of reforms to democratize the country, a senior ruling party official said on Monday.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/02/21/138532.html
King Abdullah finally has his say on reforms
Jordan’s King Abdullah II yesterday called for “quick and real” political reforms to give the public a greater role in governing and to eliminate corruption, favoritism and nepotism.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/king-abdullah-finally-has-his-say-on-reforms-2220642.html
Arab leftists groups call for protests on March 20
BEIRUT Arab Leftist groups which convened in Beirut over the weekend declared March 20 as a day of protests against oppression across the Arab world. “Let’s turn March 20 into an Arab day for protesting against the repressive policies and the policies of impoverishment, hunger and dependency adopted by Arab regimes,” said Lebanese Communist Party politburo member Marie Debs at the end of an extraordinary meeting of Arab leftist groups in Beirut. Salah Adli, from Egypt’s Communist Party, called for toppling the Cabinet of Ahmad Shafiq, saying it was reminiscent of the ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s regime.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=125107#axzz1EYl2PmLb
Syrian Blogger Ahmad Abu al-Khair Arrested This Morning
Close friends of Syrian blogger Ahmad Abu al-Khair reported that he was arrested this morning at 5:00 am local time on his way back to Damascus from the coastal city of Banias. Security forces allegedly have also confiscated his personal computers. Currently his whereabouts and the reason behind his arrest are unknown.
http://advocacy.globalvoicesonline.org/2011/02/20/syrian-blogger-ahmad-abu-al-khair-arrested-this-morning/
Syria arrests three policemen accused of beating citizen
DAMASCUS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) — The Syrian authorities on Sunday detained three policemen who were accused of beating a citizen in public, local Al-Watan news website reported. The three traffic policemen were accused of insulting and beating Emad Nasab on Thursday at al-Hariqa market in Damascus, according to the report. An anonymous video on a social website showed three policemen quarrelling with a man, while one of them beating him with a stick.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-02/21/c_13740891.htm
U.S. condemns crackdown on Arab world protests, but stops short of calling for regime change
Clinton and Rice encourage reforms and protection of human rights, as violence engulfs Libya and Bahrain.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/u-s-condemns-crackdown-on-arab-world-protests-but-stops-short-of-calling-for-regime-change-1.344636?localLinksEnabled=false
Clinton says Twitter helps US tap into youth unrest (AFP)
AFP – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Sunday highlighted the need for the US government to use Twitter and other social media to connect with young people amid turbulent change in the Middle East and North Africa.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110220/ts_alt_afp/mideastpoliticsunrestusinternettwitter
Other Mideast/World News
NATO occupation forces kill 64 Afghan civilians
Gen. Khalilullah Ziayi, police chief of Kunar province, said 15 men, 20 women and 29 children or young adults were killed during operations in Ghazi Abad district in the past four days. The Kunar provincial governor, Fazlullah Wahidi, also said that 64 civilians were killed.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110220/wl_nm/us_afghanistan_civilians
Karzai says NATO air raids killed 50 civilians
President Hamid Karzai on Sunday accused NATO troops of killing more than 50 civilians in a troubled province of eastern Afghanistan, as international troops pledged to probe the allegations.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110220/wl_afp/afghanistanunrestnatocivilians
Speech delivered by Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah during a ceremony marking the anniversary of the martyr leaders
http://vineyardsaker.blogspot.com/2011/02/speech-delivered-by-hezbollah-secretary.html
Israel finalizing plan to protect disputed oil reserves: report
BEIRUT: The Israel Navy is finalizing plans which would see it defend its country’s disputed oil and gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean, a popular Israeli tabloid reported Sunday.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=125113
Settlers/Land Theft/Ethnic Cleansing
Housing Minister condemns large-scale settlement construction plan in OJ
Gaza Minister of Public Works and Housing Yousef al-Mansi condemned approved plans to erect 3,300 homes for Jewish settlers in Jerusalem as announced by Israeli occupation.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%
Families forced out as army occupies Jerusalem rooftop
The sound of heavy boots stomping up five flights of stairs resonated throughout the entire apartment building on a recent night as the Israeli military headed towards their post on a roof in the embattled neighborhood of Silwan in occupied East Jerusalem. “There may be clashes [between Palestinian youth and Israeli soldiers], but it doesn’t mean the army has a right to take over the house,” said Abid Abu Ramuz, a Palestinian father of four, as his children quickly moved towards their front door to catch a glimpse of the soldiers.
http://imeu.net/news/article0020521.shtml
Citizen injured, homes damaged after savage attack by settlers in Al-Khalil
Armed Jewish settlers last night attacked Palestinian homes in the old city of Al-Khalil, which led to the injury of one citizen and caused material damage in some houses.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2b
Israeli Committee Mulls Bill to Thwart Future Settlement Freeze
Israeli Ministerial Committee for Legislation debated Sunday a bill that would make it nearly impossible for defense chief to impose a freeze on settlement construction, local media reported. According to The Jerusalem Post, the committee discussed the bill that calls to apply Israeli law to Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which are currently subject to military rule. The bill, sponsored by the National Union Party, passed its first reading in the 15th Knesset (Israel’s parliament). Later, in the 16th Knesset, it was shelved after its initiators could not garner enough support to push it through the plenum.
http://english.cri.cn/6966/2011/02/20/2021s621773.htm
IOF troops bulldoze Khirbat Tana for fifth time
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) escorted huge military bulldozers that razed the Palestinian Khirbat Tana village east of Nablus city for the fifth consecutive time, locals reported.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcOd87MDI46m9rUxJEpMO%2bi1s7ZZGRs2IajoiUdi6qCENKnBd1c3yfyDWDpHta0vcPFKhlJq3maCZPbsrEf6VAdrExCe%2bK%2bksA4Y0uRyFoHZaGwq8w6IV8O5yPLMFXsbuYLnQ%3d
Violence/Aggression
Tear gas launcher hits Silwan home
During Friday night riot in east Jerusalem tear gas launcher hit Qawasmeh family home, injured two-month old baby. Police investigating incident.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4031493,00.html
Palestinian worker wounded in IOF shooting
A Palestinian worker was wounded on Monday morning when Israeli occupation forces (IOF) opened gunfire at him east of Gaza city, medical sources reported.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcO
Police raid Information Center director Jawad Siyam’s home
Israeli police stormed Wadi Hilweh Information Center director Jawad Siyam’s home this morning, 21 February at 10am. The raid was undertaken, police claimed, to ensure that Siyam is complying with conditions of his current house arrest sentence, which he is serving at his home and the Information Center. Officers withdrew from the house after inspecting it and acknowledging that Siyam was in fact not there. According to the conditions of his sentence, Siyam is permitted to leave his home only in the mornings to attend work at the Center. Undercover police and Israeli settlers living in Silwan were observed by family and neighbors in the vicinity of Siyam’s residence this morning. Eyewitnesses, some of whom were also able to photograph police and settlers, commented that “they are clearly trying to aggravate Siyam and his family in the lead up to his next court appearance.”
http://silwanic.net/?p=12232
The final moments of the martyred Husam Rwidy
Murad Khader Joulani has recalled the last moments of his friend, Husam Rwidy’s life, when they were assaulted by a group of right-wing Israeli extremist youths in West Jerusalem on 11 February. The knife attack resulted in the death of Rwidy and severe injury of Joulani. Joulani recalls that on 11 February, the day of the attack, Rwidy and he were approached by two young Israelis on King George Street in West Jerusalem, who asked them if they were Arabs or not. Rwidy and Joulani ignored them, at which point the two youths lashed out at them with an unseensharp implement, clearly identified as a blade. Joulani saw that Rwidy’s face was bleeding from a deep gash between his ears.
http://silwanic.net/?p=12167
Voices from the Occupation – Child Fatality
On 27 January 2011, a 14-year-old boy was killed by unexploded ordnance in Rafah, occupied Gaza Strip.
http://www.dci-pal.org/english/doc/press/Voices_2011-02-21_UXO_Gaza.pdf
Detainees
Female prisoner Abeer enters 11th year in Israeli jails
The Palestinian ministry of detainees’ affairs said that female prisoner Abeer Amro, 33, from Dura village in Al-Khalil city, has entered Sunday her 11th year in Israeli jails.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2
Siege/Humanitarian Issues/Human Rights
Industrial Fuel – Needs Vs. Supply – Jan 23 – Feb 19
http://www.gazagateway.org/2011/02/industrial-fuel-%e2%80%93-needs-vs-supply-%e2%80%93-jan-23-%e2%80%93-feb-19/
Goods – Needs Vs. Supply – Jan 23 – Feb 19
http://www.gazagateway.org/2011/02/goods-%e2%80%93-needs-vs-supply-%e2%80%93-jan-23-%e2%80%93-feb-19/
Egypt reopens Gaza border crossing
Egyptian officials say emergency laws in the country will be lifted within six months and proposals to amend the constitution are almost ready. Those were some of the demands of pro-democracy campaigners who ousted president Mubarak more than a week ago. With the unrest now over, the country has also reopened its Rafah border to the Gaza Strip. Al Jazeera’s Nicole Johnston reports.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLo02LmIjFA&feature=youtube_gdata
Murad al-Banna cleared of charges by courts
The lawyer of Murad al-Banna had his client cleared of all charges. The 19 year old was accused of violence acts against City of David settler guards during clashes that erupted in Silwan after the shooting of two Palestinian residents in September 2009. Al-Banna spent several months in prison when arrested and is currently serving a house arrest sentence. Once released he faces other charges, details of which Silwanic will publish next week. Omar Siyam and al-Banna’s brother Mahmoud are also currently serving house arrest sentences on charges of violence following events that followed the shooting of Wadi Hilweh Popular Committee member Ahmed Qaraeen and Amir Froukh, a child, by a settler in September 2009. Al-Banna’s case is a rare one in Wadi Hilweh, where many youth are serving or have served prison or house arrest sentences, the majority of them on flimsy charges or evidence.
http://silwanic.net/?p=12165
BDS/Solidarity/Activism
Ending the Palestine Schism
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/spip/spip.php?article1692
Bil’in marks 6 years of resistance
Feb 19, 2011– The people of Bil’In, along with international supporters and Palestinian political leaders, marked the sixth anniversary of the popular resistance, and entering the seventh year under the slogan “The people demand an end to the division and the occupation.” http://stopthewall.org/photos/2484.shtml
PA urges world to boycott J’lem tourism conference
Palestinian tourism minister sends letter to 30 countries invited to conference saying dispatch of official envoys constitutes recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. No cancellations noted yet.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4031489,00.html
Dismantling Impunity Fund
The Popular Struggle Coordination Committee is proud to announce a new campaign, the “Dismantling Impunity Fund”. This fund will directly challenge Israel’s culture of impunity surrounding the murder and maiming of Palestinians. The fund will be managed by a committee that will include representatives of Popular Committees and Palestinian human rights organizations.
http://www.bilin-village.org/english/8545-Dismantling-Impunity-Fund
Dismantling Impunity Campaign to Help Palestinian Victims of Army Abuse
[Popular Struggle] The Popular Struggle Coordination Committee is proud to announce a new campaign, the “Dismantling Impunity Fund”. This fund will directly challenge Israel’s culture of impunity surrounding the murder and maiming of Palestinians. The fund will be managed by a committee that will include representatives of Popular Committees and Palestinian human rights organizations.
http://www.bilin-village.org/english/activities-and-support/Dismantling-Impunity-Campaign-to-Help-Palestinian-Victims-of-Army-Abuse
Political Developments
Fatah wants reconciliation with Hamas: spokesman (AFP)
AFP – The Fatah party of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas is ready for new talks with the rival Hamas movement over a long-elusive reconciliation, a spokesman said on Sunday.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110220/wl_mideast_afp/palestiniansconflictfatahhamas
IDF deputy chief: Israel’s army needs faith in God more than tanks
Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Naveh said the events currently shaking the Arab world ‘were ordained from above’ by a guiding hand.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/idf-deputy-chief-israel-s-army-needs-faith-in-god-more-than-tanks-1.344702?localLinksEnabled=false
Iran warships expected to arrive at Suez Canal early Tuesday
Canal officials say ships to pay a fee of $290,000 for the crossing; if ships make the passage, it will mark the first time in three decades that Iranian military ships have traveled the canal that links the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/iran-warships-expected-to-arrive-at-suez-canal-early-tuesday-1.344789?localLinksEnabled=false
Israel ‘gravely’ concerned as two Iranian naval ships approach Suez Canal
Two Iranian naval ships are set to pass through the Suez Canal for the first time since Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution. ‘Israel views this Iranian step gravely,’ said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
http://rss.csmonitor.com/%7Er/feeds/world/%7E3/KDNdQpIqlSU/Israel-gravely-concerned-as-two-Iranian-naval-ships-approach-Suez-Canal
Israel monitoring Suez-bound Iran ships, but sees no real threat
IDF source says that as long as the ships, as expected, stay outside Israel’s territorial waters and make no aggressive moves, there will be no confrontation.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-monitoring-suez-bound-iran-ships-but-sees-no-real-threat-1.344694?localLinksEnabled=false
Egyptian authorities release Palestinian smuggler
EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma’an) — Egypt’s Ministry of the Interior released a Palestinian prisoner Sunday, two years after he was arrested for work in the Gaza-Egypt smuggling tunnels, police said. The freed man was identified as A’la Bruhum, and was said to have been taken by security forces to the Rafah crossing and deported to Gaza.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=361804
Other News
Rabbi: Officer died in Carmel fire due to past actions
Rafael Bublil links Lior Boker’s death to his alleged actions against haredim as Hadera police chief 13 years ago. Boker’s wife files police complaint against rabbi.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4031409,00.html
Palestinians prepare for historic home match (AFP)
AFP – The Palestinian national football team is to play an international qualifier match on its home turf for the first time ever, Palestinian officials said on Sunday.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110220/wl_mideast_afp/fbloly2012palestiniansthailand
Analysis/Op-ed
Israeli education: Molding fascists, one student at a time
The call to oppose the visit to the Tomb of the Patriarchs is a blatant expression of the public’s frustration with the galloping takeover by racist and fascist ideas, thought up by right-wing politicians.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/israeli-education-molding-fascists-one-student-at-a-time-1.344501
US veto confirms America’s favor in Israel, Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi MP
Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative confirms that the U.S. position in the Security Council through the use of the veto and the disruption of a draft resolution condemning the settlement confirms the American bias in favor of Israel.
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/spip/spip.php?article1691
Palestinian Gandhi, mark II, Max Ajl
I am not going to recapitulate the debate about Palestine, non-violence, and Gandhi. We have won the arguments and won them decisively, no matter what non-sense the likes of Joseph Dana (sorry Joseph but I did warn you and you didn’t listen) is willing to invoke in order to ingratiate himself to his liberal audience in the United States. And yes, the discourse in in for another thrashing. It will be coming along presently. My concern here is a new initiative promoted by Dennis Loh called http://palestiniangandhis.org/. Check it out. Really, go check it out. Here is one of their core principles: “We condemn all violence, especially against civilians.” Is this a group that the New York City-based activist community wants to support? I really hope not. Some suggestions. Get your ideas straight. Read Peter Fay, Peter Gelderloos, and Derrick Jensen. Forget the Palestinian Gandhi — there was no Indian Gandhi. And then while you’re “condemning” all forms of violence, be aware that condemning violence carries a corollary, which is the expectation of an alternative: in this case, non-violence. Then go stand next to the people in Bil’in having rocket-propelled tear-gas canisters collapse their chests at their demonstrations. You’re not going to do that? Then please send your money to the US Boat to Gaza which has no ridiculous principles condemning Palestinian violence from metropolitan comfort.
http://www.maxajl.com/?p=4981&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+http%2Fwwwmaxajlcom%2Ffeedrss2+%28Jewbonics%29
Division in Palestine
On the West Bank, the bigger chunk of a would-be Palestinian state, aging leaders have been pondering how to thwart an eruption by a frustrated people seeking to emulate their Egyptian cousins. Some think they can deflect anger, albeit non-violently, onto Israel. Others have called for elections to all Palestinian governing bodies, including the presidency, the parliament and local councils, within six months.
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/spip/spip.php?article1693
When tyrants want tear gas, the UK has always been happy to oblige | John Kampfner
When Robin Cook tried to tighten rules on British arms sales to dodgy regimes in 1997 he was told by Tony Blair’s team to grow up. Planned changes to criteria for weapons exports were so watered down that they made no inroads into the trade. Cook’s professed “ethical dimension” to foreign policy was stillborn.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/20/teargas-for-tyrants
Civil Society in Arab Lands: By Ballot or by Bullet?
Each time I attend a panel, workshop, forum, conference, symposium, brainstorming session, or congressional session on civil society in the United States, I am disappointed yet optimistic! I am disenchanted because at least since 9/11, the Bush administration as well as the Obama administration has not understood the real dynamics within the Arab and Middle Eastern civil societies. Rather than begging for money from the U.S., civil society actors in this region are asking U.S. policymakers to cease baking the Arab Ceausescus -who kept them in the Dark Age for more than four decades- in order to be able to establish a genuine democracy in the region and enjoy its dividends.
http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/696/civil-society-in-arab-lands_by-ballot-or-by-bullet
Top Five Myths about the Middle East Protests, Juan Cole
http://www.juancole.com/2011/02/top-five-myths-about-the-middle-east-protests.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+juancole%2Fymbn+%28Informed+Comment%29
The New Arab World
How can you tell that there is a new Arab world and that it won’t be pleasant for US and Israel? Notice that the Palestinian questions has suddenly become more important for Arab tyrants and their lackeys. Sa`d Hariri–Hariri for potato’s sake–issued a scathing statement criticizing US veto. More significantly, Abu Mazen (head of PA police (non)state received a 50 minute phone call from Obama and yet he did not succumb to pressure from the US to withdraw the resolution before the UNSC. And the defunct Egyptian foreign ministry found time to criticize the US for its veto. It is a new world in which Israel will be more unwelcome than ever–the Zionist entity will get the real political feel of Arab popular rejection for the first time since it was founded atop Palestine.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-arab-world.html
The Marriage of Sexism and Islamophobia; Re-Making the News on Egypt
I find myself intermittently infuriated and nauseated by the news coverage of the sexual assault on a female CBS reporter in Tahrir Square during the celebrations the day that Husni Mubarak resigned. This coverage has ranged from the disappointing silence of Al-Jazeera to the blatant racism of Fox News. What actually happened that day to Lara Logan, chief foreign correspondent for 60 minutes, is not yet known and I have no interest in speculating over the lurid details of a sexual and physical assault, particularly while the victim remains in recovery. In this post, I want to focus on how much of the coverage of this “affair” has revealed the ways in which female bodies are a site that marries Islamophobia to Sexism. This marriage, in turn, reproduces one of the most enduring colonial tropes; the native (and in this case, foreign) woman who needs to be rescued from uncivilized and misogynist men.[1] Cue the- oh so civilized and feminist military invasions and/or occupations of British controlled India, and US controlled Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition to being a discourse that is used to legitimate war, this use of female bodies (and increasingly, gay bodies) as a mark of civilizational status has also been cynically mobilized to continue colonial projects in apartheid South Africa and contemporary Israel.
http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/700/the-marriage-of-sexism-and-islamophobia;-re-making-the-news-on-egypt
Tawtin or Return, FRANKLIN LAMB
Lebanese opponents of civil rights for Palestinian Refugees often use
less objective and more crude wording to define “tawtin”
(“settlement”) than is normally employed in civil society discussions.
During last summer’s debate in parliament, which failed to enact laws
that would allow the world’s oldest and largest refugee community the
basic civil right to work and to own a home, the “tawtin or return”
discussion took on strident and dark meanings, which were largely
effective in frightening much of the Lebanese public from supporting
even these modest humanitarian measures.
http://www.counterpunch.com/lamb02182011.html
Kind of like taking tea with Mubarak while Tahrir was shaking
Feb 21, 2011
Philip Weiss
Palestinian writers are refusing to meet Ian McEwan, who is in Israel, accepting an award and meeting up with man of yesterday David Grossman. Oh I loved Ian McEwan in the day. HereYnet’s coverage:
Having shrugged off calls to refuse an Israeli literary honor, Ian McEwan has found himself boycotted by Palestinian writers with whom he had sought to help foster peaceful dialogue.
But as a British novelist whose protagonists are shaped by often violent historical fate, McEwan makes no apology for coming to Israel after what he describes as lifelong fascination with its freedoms mixed with misgivings about its tactics…
“No, let us come and engage, keep talking. The worst thing that is going to happen is when everyone stops talking,” he said, responding to the complaints of a small coalition of pro-Palestinian artists and academics in Britain and Israel who had demanded he back out.
McEwan planned to tour Jerusalem, the stone-walled heart of the Middle East conflict, and meet Israeli authors like David Grossman, whose meditations on the nation’s ills were shot through with tragedy when he lost a son to the 2006 Lebanon war.
But Palestinian writers McEwan had hoped to see begged off.
‘Obama settlements’ –Tel Aviv demo
Feb 21, 2011
Philip Weiss
Animals Lara Logan Arabs brutal animals Lara Logan rape culture Lara Logan
Feb 21, 2011
Philip Weiss
Ten days ago in Israel:
Tel Aviv police arrested three people on Tuesday on suspicion of kidnapping a 23-year-old tourist and forcing her into a prostitution ring.
The woman arrived in Israel from Ecuador about a week ago in order to tour the country, according to her.
Last week:
A 19-year-old Jerusalem resident was arrested last week on suspicion of raping a disabled 12-year-old girl in the bathroom of a cafe in Jerusalem.
Dimi Reider reported last year at +972: “Guys, I just totally raped this student chick!”
This, essentially, appears to be the gist of the story of an encounter between an Israeli pick-up artist and a Czech medical student, published four years ago on the “success” forum of The Centre for the Arts of Seduction, an Israeli pick-up school.
At the time, the story went unnoticed by critical eyes – on the contrary, it was met with hoots, cheers and praise by other users of the forum, among them instructors at the school. Last week, however, it was recently rediscovered, rapidly spreading across Facebook and the Israeli blogosphere. The indignation then spilled back into the real world: On Friday, Ireported in Haaretz that three bloggers – Lihi Yona, Reut Cohen and Maayan Sudai, of “Reuma“- filed two complaints with the Israel police, one on rape and incitement to rape against the author of the story, who encouraged readers to follow his example – and one on incitement to commit a felony and incitement to violence. The bloggers – all law students – say this is a precedent-setting complaint: Incitement to violence has up until now been interpreted as incitement to physical, not sexual, violence.
Candy marketing campaign that went awry a couple years ago in Israel:
An overly creative advertising campaign for a candy bar this week put police and Knesset security on high alert.
The affair began when several women, including three MKs, received letters in the mail that appeared to come from a stalker…
“The main idea was to promote a [confection] product called Ego and to say that female politicians who have a big ego can have a suitor,” the source said.
“Tzipi Hotoveli is a good looking pious woman, and could have a suitor,” the source said in a reference to the Likud MK who was one of the letter’s recipients. “The letter was delicately phrased and there was nothing criminal here. We meant to send a candy basket to the MKs to clarify the point. But the letter reached the media and was blown out of proportion. I think the media hype proves the campaign was successful,” he said.