Mondoweiss Online Newsletter

Israel: New Commander Should Protect Palestinians From Settler Violence

(Jerusalem) – The newly-appointed Israeli military commander in the West Bank should end the military’s hands-off approach to settler attacks against Palestinians and Palestinian property, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch also called on the new commander to end the use of excessive force by security forces against Palestinians responding to settler attacks.

link to www.hrw.org

Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinians with Impunity, Stephen Lendman

Palestinians are doubly cursed. Israel’s military attacks them regularly. During the past week alone, Israeli air strikes killed four Gazans, wounding another 14. Al-Nabi Saleh village residents participating in a peaceful demonstration were assaulted. Two injuries were reported, including a child. Israel’s navy arrested three Palestinian fishermen, confiscating their boats. Their security forces conducted 91 incursions (13 a day on average) into Palestinian communities, arresting 14 civilians. One injury was reported. Israeli security forces raided homes of recently released Palestinian prisoners. They were ordered to appear for questioning to harass and perhaps re-incarcerate them.

link to sjlendman.blogspot.com

Political Detainees / Other Prisoner News

IOF kidnap 11 Palestinians today in Jenin and Nablus

The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) kidnapped Tuesday morning 11 Palestinian citizens, most of them during violent raids on homes, in Jenin and Nablus cities.

link to www.palestine-info.co.uk

Two Young Men Arrested in Beit Ommar Army Raid

At 1:30am in the morning November 23rd, 2011, Yousef Mohammad Kamel Za’aqiq (21) and Haidar Falah Abu Maria (24) were arrested from their homes. The two young men were taken to Gush Etzion, no reasons were given for the arrest. As part of the Israeli apartheid strategy to suppress the Palestinian non-violent peace activism, several arrests and other forms of harassment of the residents of Beit Ommar have occurred this autumn.

link to palestinesolidarityproject.org

Detention of female journalist extended

The Israeli court in Jerusalem on Monday extended the detention of Palestinian journalist Isra’a Salhab till next Friday for further interrogation.

link to www.palestine-info.co.uk

P.A. Ready To Submit The Detainees’ File To The Hague

Palestinian Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe’, stated that all preparations to present the file of the Palestinian detainees, held by Israel, to the International Court at The Hague, were concluded and the case will be presented to the court soon.

link to www.imemc.org

MK: Israel discriminates against Palestinian citizens in jail

RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Knesset member Ibrahim Sarsour on Wednesday said Israel discriminated against citizens of Palestinian origin in jail. Sarsour said Palestinian citizens of Israel were not given the same rights as other citizens in jail, yet they were usually excluded from prisoner swap agreements because Israel considered them a domestic matter.

link to www.maannews.net

Massive march tomorrow to demand release of political detainees in W. Bank

The association of Muslim youth along with the family committee of political detainees invited the Palestinian people to take part in the 22nd march against political arrest in the West Bank.

link to www.palestine-info.co.uk

Gaza

A love story, a Palestinian story, Lina al-Sharif 

In April, we were officially engaged. But I had still not yet met Mohammed in person. From April to September, our chats were often cut by the electricity outages, bad Internet connection and the Israeli siege on Gaza. Hearing the ghastly stories of Rafah crossing, the continuous closures and the difficulty of going out and in Gaza, made us more determined to meet. But there were times when I used to tell Mohammed: “being engaged to a Palestinian is a pain, isn’t?” To which he would answer: “I love you all the more because you are a Palestinian.” That answer was enough for me to stand the days, weeks and months of talking on Skype.

link to electronicintifada.net

Universal declaration against besieging nations issued in Gaza

A galaxy of lawmakers from Islamic, Arab and European countries issued on Tuesday evening “the universal declaration against besieging nations” during a ceremony held in the Gaza Strip.

link to www.palestine-info.co.uk

Tarzan and Arab: Gaza-Based Filmmakers Look for First Feature Funding

You probably haven’t heard of Tarzan and Arab, identical twin brothers from Gaza who, until recently, had never done what you likely do on a regular basis: go to the movies. There are no cinemas in the Hamas-controlled Gaza, something that makes the twins’s story that much more amazing. Tarzan and Arab — real names: Ahmed and Mohamed Abu Nasser — are aspiring filmmakers who have already won awards for their short film. “As artists we are restricted by living in a conservative and tough community,” said Arab to the Guardian UK in August. “Let’s be realistic. Our life is under siege, under control. People don’t have time for art. They spend all their time looking for crumbs. They say, ‘What use is art? Art will not give you bread.'”

link to blog.moviefone.com

Solidarity / Activism / Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions

Activists to sue Minnnesota for investments that fund Israeli occupation

The following was published today on Mondoweiss.net by organizers with our coalition member group, Minnesota Break the Bonds, regarding their landmark suit against the State of Minnesota for illegally investing in Israel bonds. The US Campaign is very encouraged to see this emerging and brilliant form of grassroots divestment activism, and hopes that someday soon all 22 U.S. states currently invested in Israel bonds will have been shaken by similar campaigns.

link to blog.endtheoccupation.org

The Growing Impact of BDS Creating Anxiety amongst pro-Israel Groups
The growing success of the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign internationally has Israel’s US supporters panicked. In response to the surging momentum of BDS, pro-Israel groups have launched “Buy Israel Week,” which will run Nov. 28 to Dec. 4. The initiative, with counts BDS target Ahava as one of its sponsors, isfrantically being promoted as a way to counteract the BDS movement and those that “work to undermine Israel’s right to exist.”
link to blog.endtheoccupation.org

Sabra alternative: Inching towards social responsibility at DePaul University, Sami Kishawi
One year ago, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at DePaul University launched a campaign to remove Sabra Hummus from campus shelves after confirming that Sabra’s parent company, the Strauss Group, provides material and financial aid to the Israeli military. Although a vote by the student body overwhelmingly supported the divestment campaign, the university’s administration ultimately chose to continue selling the product. Earlier this school year, however, the university introduced an alternative hummus brand that appears to imply that DePaul is in fact inching towards socially-responsible investment.
link to mondoweiss.net

Are the Freedom Rides a detour for the struggle?, Linah Alsaafin
Last week, six courageous Palestinians attempted to defy racism, segregation and apartheid by boarding Jewish settler-only buses in the hopes of reaching Jerusalem, a city off limits to Palestinians in the West Bank. However, the symbolic, media-friendly act — and its debatable relevance to the average Palestinian — begs some important questions.
link to electronicintifada.net
Josh Ruebner, “Support Today’s Freedom Riders by Ending U.S. Support for Israeli Apartheid”
Fired by the same drive for dignity and pride, six Palestinian nonviolent activists boarded last week an Israeli settler bus to draw the world’s attention to the segregated transportation systems and apartheid conditions they endure living under Israel’s brutal 44-year military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank and East Jerusalem. Channeling Frederick Douglass, spokesperson Hurriyeh Ziadah asserted, “Our rights will not voluntarily be handed to us, so we are heading out to demand them.” . . . For the benefit of 650,000 Israeli settlers living in Israel’s illegal settlements in these occupied Palestinian territories, Israel has constructed — in violation of international law — a vast, alternative infrastructure of roads and bus lines from which 2.5 million Palestinians are all but effectively banned. . . . A 2010 report by the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem found that one-third of roads funded and built by the U.S. Agency for International Development reflect Israel’s priorities for constructing an inferior and segregated transportation system for Palestinians.
link to mrzine.monthlyreview.org
Scott Kennedy, Presente!
It was with great sadness that the US Campaign family learned this weekend, during our semi-annual Steering Committee meeting, of the loss of our good friend Scott Kennedy.  Having seen Scott just recently at our 10th Annual National Organizers’ Conference, it is such a shock and terrible loss to us all to suddenly realize that we will no longer benefit from his passion, wisdom, and commitment.
link to blog.endtheoccupation.org
American Jews for a Just Peace Announces 2012 Delegation to Israel/PalestineStart the New Year off in Israel/Palestine! US Campaign coalition member group American Jews for a Just Peace has been organizing delegations to Israel/Palestine since 2003. Their next delegation to Israel/Palestine is scheduled for January 1 – 15, 2012. Please see their announcement below.
link to blog.endtheoccupation.org
The AIC is proud to present Sumoud (Steadfast)- the 1st film on Al Araqib
Sumoud (‘Steadfast’ in Arabic) is the first and only documentary, to date, focusing exclusively on al-Araqib, a Bedouin village that Israeli authorities destroyed 30 times in the span of one year.
link to www.alternativenews.org
The AIC is proud to present Sheikh Jarrah- Palestinian struggle for East Jerusalem
The AIC is proud to present the short documentary film Sheikh Jarrah- Palestinian struggle for East Jerusalem. Sheikh Jarrah tells the stories of the Palestinian families who were evicted from their East Jerusalem homes
link to www.alternativenews.org
Israel’s Jewish-Palestinians
Rabbi Meir Hirsch is an Orthodox Jew, a rabbi, and an anti-Zionist. A member of the small group Neturei Karta, which objects to the state of Israel on religious grounds, Rabbi Hirsch calls himself a “Jewish-Palestinian.” Here, he speaks with the Alternative Information Center
link to www.alternativenews.org
Political Developments / Diplomacy
Palestinian membership threatening UNESCO programs (AP)
AP – The Palestinians can raise their flag alongside those of 194 full-fledged nations at UNESCO after signing a document Wednesday finally giving them a voice within the vast U.N. system — bringing pride across the Arab world yet hobbling the agency’s pro-democracy projects around the globe.
link to us.rd.yahoo.com
Hamas, Fatah delegations in Cairo for Abbas-Mishaal meeting
Head of the Palestinian studies center Ibrahim Al-Dirawi has said that the Hamas and Fatah delegations had arrived in Cairo in preparation for the meeting between Mahmoud Abbas and Khaled Mishaal.
link to www.palestine-info.co.uk
‘Fatah-Hamas gov’t won’t see a dime’
Foreign Minister Lieberman says Israel won’t recognize, negotiate with Palestinian unity government unless it accepts Quartet conditions.
link to www.ynetnews.com
Ban calls on PM to hand over Palestinian money
UN chief calls on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hand over tax payments owed to Palestinian Authority, stop settlement activity.
link to www.ynetnews.com
Quartet urges Israel to release Palestinian funds
The international diplomatic Quartet on Wednesday called on theIsraeli government to release “without delay” tax revenues due to the Palestinian Authority which it is withholding. “I continue to call on the Israeli government to release the clearance revenues it is withholding from the Palestinian Authority without delay and resume their transfer on a regular basis,” a statement from Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair said.
link to www.rawstory.com
Haneyya: The Israeli occupation lives in isolation
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya said that the Israeli occupation started to live in international isolation and the frequent visits made by dignitaries to the besieged Gaza Strip confirmed that.
link to www.palestine-info.co.uk
The Israel you won’t read about in the New York Times
Minister: Another political murder possible
During Knesset debate on ‘price tag’ acts, internal security minister says fear of political assassination applies to ‘entire political spectrum’.
link to www.ynetnews.com
Livni: Israel heading towards dictatorship
Opposition chairwoman blasts Coalition over libel bill, legislation meant to ‘constrict democracy.’ MK Mofaz: Bills reminiscent of ‘1984’.
link to www.ynetnews.com
Anat Kam begins serving prison sentence
Young woman convicted of espionage, stealing classified IDF files begins serving four and a half year sentence at Neve Tirza Women’s Prison.
link to www.ynetnews.com
U.S.
The Israeli ex-settler at the center of Occupy Wall Street
Kobi Skolnick, an ex-settler and Chabadnik turned non-Observant Israeli, is in NYC fighting for a better future – one where money doesn’t comfort the rich while burdening the poor.
link to www.haaretz.com
Ron Paul: Why does Israel need our help?
During foreign policy debate, republican presidential candidate says would not back Israeli strike on Iran. Romney: My first foreign trip as president will be to Israel to show we care about them.
link to www.ynetnews.com
CNN hands over Republican foreign policy debate to neocon cabal, Max Blumenthal
When Republican primary candidates debate foreign policy issues tonight, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer (a former researcher for AIPAC) will mouth questions provided to him by the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). While the Heritage Foundation is well known as the outsourced brain of Republicans in Congress and serves as a hothouse for right-wing GOP domestic policies, AEI’s participation in the debate is even more problematic.
link to english.al-akhbar.com
Symbolic trial convicts Bush, Blair for Iraq war (AP)
AP – A tribunal formed by Malaysia’s former leader has convicted former President George W. Bush and Britain’s ex-prime minister Tony Blair at a symbolic trial for “crimes against peace” in Iraq.
link to us.rd.yahoo.com
Egypt

Protests intensify in Alexandria 
Egypt is just five days from what was meant to be a milestone — the first parliamentary elections since the fall of President Hosni Mubarak. But a growing standoff is threatening to derail the entire process, as protesters continue to take to the streets demanding the military government step down. In Alexandria, the demonstrations are becoming increasingly violent. Al Jazeera’s Rawya Rageh reports from Alexandria

Violence ends brief truce at Egypt protest

Riot police break ceasefire near Cairo’s Tahrir Square as crowd swells in demand for end to military rule.

link to english.aljazeera.net

Violence flares near Tahrir after tentative ceasfire
There has been little respite in the streets around Tahrir Square since violence began on Saturday. Central Security Force riot police continue to fight running battles with groups of young men on the front lines, firing tear gas and cartridge rounds against the protesters’ rocks and petrol bombs. A brief cease fire brokered by religious scholars from al-Azhar University brought a short lull to the fighting on Wednesday afternoon, and army soldiers moved in to separate the two sides, backed by armoured personnel carriers. But the ceasefire was shattered when riot police fired a barrage of tear gas over the soldiers’ heads, throwing Mohamed Mahmoud Street – the focal point of the fighting – into chaos. Al Jazeera’s Sherine Tadros reports from Cairo.
link to www.youtube.com

Egyptian protesters continue to fill Cairo’s central Tahrir Square over the ruling military council’s refusal to immediately transfer power to a civilian government. In a televised address on Tuesday, the head of Egypt’s military council, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, said he has accepted the prime minister’s resignation and that the military is ready to relinquish power if Egyptians call for that in a referendum. But protests only intensified after Tantawi’s speech and security forces unleashed a barrage of tear gas. Over the past five days at least 38 people have been killed, thousands injured, and at least 15 journalists attacked as Egypt has witnessed the largest protests since the fall of Hosni Mubarak. Kouddous has been on the ground reporting from in Egypt since the revolution began in January. “[Tantawi] essentially offered some minor concessions that were not demanded by any of the protesters in Tahrir,” says Democracy Now! correspondent Sharif Abdel Kouddous reporting from Cairo. “Many compared the speech to Mubarak’s second speech on February 1st where he made some kinds of concessions and used this kind of the tone in the hope of ending the revolution. But the response then and the response now were very similar. … But the response then and the response now were very similar. Tahrir yesterday was packed with people, really a massive, massive protest. And after the speech ended, you heard this huge reverberation from the crowd, this huge echo of Irhal, which means ‘‘leave.'”
link to www.democracynow.org

UN condemns Egypt protest deaths
UN human rights chief Navi Pillay condemns “excessive use of force” by Egypt’s security forces as clashes erupt again between protesters and police.
link to www.bbc.co.uk

Egypt: Protesters’ Blood on the Military Leadership’s Hands
Egypt’s military rulers should immediately order riot police to stop using excessive force against protesters and to reduce their presence in the areas surrounding Tahrir Square to a level that allows for the maintenance of security while permitting free assembly. Riot police and military officers have shot live ammunition and rubber bullets into the crowd, beaten protesters and otherwise used excessive force in the demonstrations that began in Cairo on November 19, 2011, according to numerous accounts from witnesses.
link to www.hrw.org

Egyptian activist: U.S.-supplied teargas ‘clinging to my lungs’
An Egyptian activist says that the U.S. is still providing the teargas the Egyptian military has been using to crackdown on protesters this week. Khalid Abdalla, who has also starred in movies such as The Kite Runner, United 93 and Green Zone, told CBS News Wednesday that he had recently seen U.S.-made teargas canisters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. “In terms outside — if you are talking about financial aid and things like that, all of that is going to the military,” Abdalla explained. “The U.S. government, the British government — of which, I am a citizen of Britain — you know, European governments, all over the world Western governments are supporting this military.”
link to www.rawstory.com

Egyptian Revolution Enters New Phase As Thousands Brave Violence to Protest Military Rule
Activists in Egypt are holding their fourth day of massive demonstrations to demand an end to military rule and a transition to a civilian government. The protests continue amidst a massive crackdown and an offer to resign from Egypt’s interim cabinet. Reports from Cairo’s main morgue said at least 33 people have been killed and more than 1,500 wounded in the military government’s crackdown. The turmoil comes as Egypt is scheduled to begin holding parliamentary elections on Monday. “I can’t see how a legitimate election can take place when you have such state-sponsored brutality happening in the heart of the capital city of the country,” says Democracy Now! correspondent Sharif Abdel Kouddous, who joins us for an update from Cairo. “What many Egyptians have been seeing over these past 10 months has been that the revolution has been abused and stolen and deformed, and that the military council in Egypt has really not lived up to any of its promises in this transitional period, from human rights abuses to just their complete grip on power.”
link to www.democracynow.org

Tahrir medic describes ordeal in field hospitals 
Hisham Kamal, a volunteer doctor in a field hospital in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, has been working since Saturday, when riot police first cracked down on a small crowd that had camped overnight. Protesters did not want to seek treatment in public hospitals, fearing that police or army troops would arrest them, Kamal told Al Jazeera.

link to www.youtube.com

Egyptian protesters pull together to treat wounded
Al Jazeera’s Sherine Tadros reports from Tahrir Square, where activists have set up mobile clinics to treat those injured from teargas, bullet injuries or beatings by security forces.
link to www.youtube.com

link to english.al-akhbar.com

Egypt’s Journalist Back in the Line of Fire

The Lede Blog: 3 Americans Arrested in Cairo
Three students at the American University in Cairo were arrested and accused of participating in violent protests in the Egyptian capital, the university said on Tuesday.
link to feeds.nytimes.com

EGYPT: Rule of law under siege
CAIRO 22 November 2011 (IRIN) – Demonstrations in Cairo’s Tahrir square against Egypt's interim military rulers have reportedly left at least 33 people dead and more than 1,500 injured since they began on 19 November.
link to www.irinnews.org

Tantawi: Muzzling the Revived Spirit of Tahrir
In a televised speech eerily reminiscent in form and content to those made by Mubarak before his ouster, head of Egypt’s ruling military council Muhammad Tantawi did little to address the fears and demands of hundreds of thousands of Egyptian who took to the streets over the last few days in what many saw as a revival of the spirit of the January 25 revolution.
link to english.al-akhbar.com

Egypt: Down with Military Rule
After five days of mass protests against Egypt’s military rulers, at least 50 have died under a hail of tear gas, rubber bullets and alleged live fire; the cabinet has resigned; and late Tuesday, Field Marshal Tantawi offered a referendum to immediately transfer power to a civilian authority. But perhaps the most vivid images witnessed in Tahrir Square over the past days have been the determination of protesters in the face of brutality.
link to english.al-akhbar.com
Egypt’s Democracy Challenges: Military Today, Economy Tomorrow, Hasan Afif El-Hasan
The Egyptian people aspire to fulfill their needs for individual emancipation, self assertion, the legitimate pursuit of their interests and the establishment of state institutions that enhance these interests. They expect democratic institutions to multiply opportunities and challenge the inherited discrimination that is based on race, religion and political orientation.
link to palestinechronicle.com
What’s next for Egypt?
A roundup of Egypt analysis after the mass protests – and harsh crackdown – around Tahrir Square over the past few days. Some democracy supporters advocate delaying next week’s elections.
http://rss.csmonitor.com/%7Er/feeds/world/%7E3/d4XjF_kBZq8/What-s-next-for-Egypt

Get Democracy Or Die Tryin’: The Return to Tahrir
Perhaps the truce on Wednesday afternoon was a last-ditch attempt to quell the violence in Tahrir, thought some hopefuls, while most remained skeptical of the sudden ceasefire between policemen and protesters on the fourth day of violence that the side-streets off Tahrir square have experienced. The latter had suspected a trap, or at best a temporary lull after which the violence would resume afresh.

link to egypttoday.com

Bahrain

Bahrain protests flare after two deaths
Protests erupted in Bahrain on Wednesday after a man was struck and killed by a police car, the second to have died in similar circumstances in a number of days, according to activists.The man, Abdelnabi Kadhim Aaqil, died instantly when a security forces vehicle smashed into his vehicle in the town of Aali, outside the capital Manama, locals said. The death sparked protests in Aali, with the police firing tear gas and beating protesters.Witnesses said riot police in 4×4 vehicles sped through the streets of Aali in pursuit of dozens of teenagers, before seizing one and beating him with batons as helicopters circled overhead. On Saturday, a 16-year-old, Ali Youssef Baddah, was run over at a protest by a police car, according to residents and human rights groups. The Bahrain state news agency claimed that the police car lost control after it slipped on oil in the road.
link to english.al-akhbar.com
AJE exclusive footage of Bahraini security forces
In this footage exclusive to Al Jazeera English, security forces are seen firing tear gas at a group of women and protesters. Later the women are carried out of a home, some of them clearly injured.
link to www.youtube.com
Bahrain report released, Opposition skeptical
An investigation into Bahrain’s crackdown on protesters in March revealed on Wednesday that security forces had used excessive force and torture, with King Hamad Al-Khalifa urging reform. The Bassiouni Commission, headed by Egyptian American Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni, also urged authorities to re-examine the sentences given to individuals imprisoned for the upheaval. The panel was formed and funded by Bahrain’s government five months ago to investigate alleged crimes committed against civilians during the pro-democracy protests that swept the country back in February and March.
link to english.al-akhbar.com
Report Details Excessive Force Used Against Bahrain Protests
Security forces used torture and forced confessions against detainees during Bahrain’s sweeping crackdown on anti-government protests over the summer, according to a new report.
link to feeds.nytimes.com
Al Jazeera speaks to President of Bahrain Centre for Human Rights about BICI report 
In comments to Al Jazeera, Rajab said violence is continuing in Bahrain and that the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report is unlikely to cause a drastic shift in the Gulf kingdom’s handling of on-going protests. Rajab also went on to say that the abuse against protesters being investigated was likely dictated from top ministries and not just a few policemen.
link to www.youtube.com
Al Jazeera speaks to Al Wefaq’s Matar Matar
Al Jazeera’s Tony Harris speaks to Matar Matar, former opposition MP with the Al Wefaq party. Speaking from the Bahraini capital, Matar says the specifics of the report and whether the opposition agrees with it or not, are not important. Instead, Matar says what is important is how the findings of the report are used to bring about change in the Gulf kingdom.
link to www.youtube.com
What is the BICI? 
In June, following months of protests, Bahrain’s King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, appointed a commission to find out whether his security forces committed crimes or violated human rights. Reporting from Manama, Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Vall looks at the six internationally renowned foreign legal experts who comprise the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI).
link to www.youtube.com
Whitewashing Bahraini royal crimes

“Bahrain’s Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) will publish Wednesday the findings of its three month investigation into violations of human rights. In utter insensitivity to the victims, the panel of government-appointed international law experts will hand over their report to the King of Bahrain at a “launch party” at his palace.  Apparently the head of the king’s Royal Court, one of the notorious hardliners in the ruling family who had a hand in the state’s repression, sees this occasion as some kind of celebration. Much fanfare is expected, and invitations have been sent directly to the doorsteps of journalists and international NGOs, after locking them out of the country, if not throwing them out over the past eight months.  Meanwhile, local NGOs like the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, that has been the strongest advocate of victims, has been kept off the  invitation list.  Critics’ skepticism towards the commission largely stems from the way it was established, through a unilateral decision by the King, reinforcing the key problem of authoritarianism in the country. No consultations of any sort over the decision to establish the commission, its functions, its mandate, the terms of reference or selection of commissioners took place; not with the victims nor with civil society organizations.“
link to angryarab.blogspot.com

What Bassioni did not say about Bahrain
Angry Arab chief Bahrain correspondent sent me this:  “Since you will be soon hearing what Bassiouni did say in his speech I will tell you what he didn’t say:
– he did not call for an immediate prisoner release and the dropping of all charges
– he did not hold any higher level officials (let alone King, Prime Minister, Khalid Bin Ahmed and Khalifa Bin Ahmed) responsible for any of the violations
– no mention of a systemic state policy to crush the demonstrations
– no mention of the most issue the military occupying the hospital
The King gave a speech after. Speech was pre-written. Again I will tell you what he did not say:
– immediate release of prisoners and the dropping of all charges”.
link to angryarab.blogspot.com
Anthony Shadid on Bahrain: a critique

My chief Bahraini correspondent sent me her reaction to Shadid’s article (I generally agree with her critique–I was most upset by the placement of a picture of a Shi`ite religious ritual which takes place once a year in the article.  Why was that chosen to represent an article on a political protest?  And the portrayal of the crown prince is rather pathetic.  You would have thought he was a political prisoner who suffered at the hand of royal torturers.  And the coverage of Bassioni is rather too fawning: Bassioni’s appointment is evidence of a US decision to whitewash the crimes. Bassionis has consistently served as an arm of US foreign policy.  Go search and see if Bassioni has been vocal about Israeli crimes for example).  Here are the comments of Angry Arab’s chief Bahrain correspondent: “I was dissapointed by this article by Anthony Shadid. He seems to respect Bassiouni and keeps repeating that he is an international expert on human rights. Why is he forgetting that the Commission was appointed by the King and is operating under the premise that the King and the high level members of the ruling family are innocent? Why is it when it comes to Bahrain, the “truth remains elusive”? Why is Bahrain more “challenging” than “Libya, Yogoslavia, Afghanistan, and Iraq”? Why with Bahrain must we ask “is it possible to reveal, let alone agree on the truth”? Is it because Bahrain is a western supported monarchy that is part of the GCC?  But the best part of the article is tha arrogance displayed by Bassiouni, who Shadid fails to criticize (also let’s not forget that the commission continues to supposedly maintain a policy of not speaking to the media when it keeps speaking to the media left and right.” Bassiouni’s arrogance is best displayed here: “It is not that they went and destroyed St Peter,” said Mr Bassiouni, who had an academic’s zest for intellectual give and take that is not always suited to the reserve of diplomacy. But he added, “If these places meant something to them, and thet felt that they were their religious places, the government should of respected that.” Oh spare us your sympathy Bassiouni. Apparently shia mosques are not at the same level as St. Peter’s. No “they didn’t feel they were their religious places.” They are their religious places. And no the government shouldn’t have just “respected that.” They should stop their systemic discrimination against shia beliefs. [continues]
link to angryarab.blogspot.com

Other Mideast
Saudi Arabia: Lengthy sentences for reformists a worrying development
Lengthy prison sentences given to 16 men, among them prominent advocates of reform who had tried to set up a human rights association in Saudi Arabia, are a worrying development, Amnesty International said today. According to reports, prison sentences handed out by the Specialized Criminal Court in Riyadh on Tuesday ranged from five to 30 years.
link to www.amnesty.org
Trial in Saudi Arabia: not a word in the New York Times
“A court in Saudi Arabia sentenced 17 men to prison sentences of up to 30 years on Tuesday for sedition and other offences, a lawyer for some of the defendants said.  “Myself, their families and judges whom we know on the bench are all shocked,” defence lawyer Bassim Alim told Reuters.  He added that the judge had promised a written verdict in two to three weeks, at which time a 30-day window for lodging appeals would be open to the accused – who have been described by Amnesty International as proponents of peaceful reform.  Justice Ministry spokesmen were not available for comment.  Most of the group of activists, academics and lawyers were detained in 2007 after they met in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah to discuss potential political change in Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy governed by a strict form of Islamic law.  Amnesty International described the men in its 2011 annual report as “advocates of peaceful political reform”.  They were charged, among other crimes, with attempting to seize power, incitement against the king, financing terrorism, electronic crimes, money laundering and trying to set up a political party, Alim said before the sentencing.”  But I recommend that you read the Arabic text.  They list a whole range of accusations and offenses and just in case this does not stick in Western capitals–it will of course–they throw in links with Al-Qa`idah.
link to angryarab.blogspot.com
Yemen leader in Saudi Arabia for power-transfer deal
Ali Abdullah Saleh, the president of Yemen, has arrived in Saudi Arabia to sign a power-transfer deal brokered by the six-member Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), the country’s state television has reported. The plan put forward last spring by the GCC countries offers Saleh and his relatives immunity from prosecution if he hands over power to his deputy, Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi, the vice president. Signing the deal would effectively bring an end to Saleh’s 33-year rule. Al Jazeera reports.
link to www.youtube.com

Tunisian forces tear gas protesters
Tear gas fired and live ammunition shot into the air to disperse protesters in the town of Kasserine.

link to english.aljazeera.net