Here are the headlines from Mondoweiss for 11/30/2010:
If you're going to cite Arabs re Iran in Wikileaks, why not re 'Israel causing U.S. to lose Muslim hearts and minds'?
Nov 29, 2010 06:31 pm | Philip Weiss NPR just aired an exchange between Robert Segal and the Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg over the fact that Wikileaks cables show that Arab governments want to stop Iran's nuclear weapons program. I don't doubt the cables; though when Goldberg says that the Arab governments perceive an "existential threat" from Iran, just as Israel does, I don't trust him a lick. Goldberg told us that Saddam had links to Al Qaeda and helped get us into the Iraq debacle. The answer to this hasbara (and it is hasbara: efforts by the Israel lobby, including former IDF soldier Goldberg, to gain cover for a militarist agenda; note that AIPAC is tweeting the news) is, If you are going to quote Arab government opinions, how can you be so selective? Arab governments want to end the oppression of Palestinians so that the region can escape this neverending conflict. And the centrality of the Palestinian issue to Arab governments is underlined by two of the Wikileaks cables. In fairness, NPR should be doing reports on these cables: 1. Feb. 14, 2010 meeting of John Kerry and the Amir of Qatar. The Amir advised the U.S. to continue trying to open a dialogue with the Iranian leadership. He also told Senator Kerry the U.S. needs to tell the Israelis they are causing the U.S. to lose the hearts and minds of Muslims. There was a time, such as during the Suez Canal crisis, when the Arabs loved the Americans and disliked the British and French, he said. 39. (C) Senator Kerry asked the Amir how the U.S. goes about changing its reputation. The Amir said first and foremost the U.S. must do everything in its power to find a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the best way to begin is by moving first on the Syrian track. 40. (C) The Chairman of the SFRC [Senate Foreign Relations Committee] said he expects a genuine effort by the President this year on an agreement and expressed his hope that Iranian issues would not complicate matters.
2. Dec. 31, 2007 meeting of Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Soliman with American congressmen and diplomats:
"The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains the core issue; Soliman contended a peaceful resolution would be a "big blow" to terrorist organizations that use the conflict as a pretext." P.S. More Arab opinion: Arab governments opposed Partition in 1947. FDR promised the King of Saudi Arabia that Arab governments would be consulted, but in the end, their opinions were trashed; and the State Department warned that establishing a Jewish state would mean no end of war in the region. The State Department was right. It was not a good idea not to consult the Arab governments. The Arab governments said in 2002 that if Israel returned to the 67 lines, they would accept Israel's existence. The U.S. has basically ignored this initiative even as it serves as Israel's lawyer in the failed peace negotations.
Comment on this article >
     
Clinton 'tore the fabric' herself long before we ever heard of Wikileaks
Nov 29, 2010 05:38 pm | Kathleen Galt Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's response to the latest Wikileaks release was shaky and full of holes at best. Hypocritical is more like it. Clinton stated "Let's be clear. This disclosure is not just an attack on America — it's an attack on the international community." Such leaks, "tear at the fabric" of responsible government. "There is nothing laudable about endangering innocent people, and there is nothing brave about sabotaging the peaceful relations between nations," Clinton said at the State Department news conference. Former Senator Clinton thinks that we all have short memories. Senator Clinton voted for the 2002 Iraq war resolution. Knowing according to former IAEA weapons inspector Scott Ritter and others that Iraq had been required to eliminate its nuclear weapons program in the 90's, Clinton had a damn good idea that the intelligence that the Bush administration put forth was highly questionable. Secretary Clinton, votes like yours tore and "tear at the fabric" of our government. How dare she pretend to be concerned about "endangering innocent people." Along with Clinton's 2002 vote for the Iraq war resolution, there are many more decisions based on a "pack of lies" that have been tearing at the "fabric of our government." Just to name a few of those "tears in the fabric" of our government: A 2000 Supreme Court judicial coup selecting the Bush administration, ignoring terrorism warnings from counter terrorism expert Richard Clarke, 9/11, invasion of Iraq based on a "pack of lies", rewriting torture laws, torture, protection of that torture (Republicans, Nancy "impeachment is off the table" Pelosi, and now the Obama, Holder administration continuing to let the Bush administration off the hook), hundreds of thousands dead in Iraq, hundreds of thousands injured, millions displaced, American soldiers dead and injured (some of them for life) the complete lack of accountability for these crimes. That is what has torn and continues to "tear at the fabric of government." And many people in our country and around the world who want to believe in the rule of law are now hanging on by the threads. 
Comment on this article >
WikiLeaks docs expose Egyptian complicity with Israeli war crimes (again)
Nov 29, 2010 02:52 pm | Alex Kane One of the most striking things that I took away from my time in Egypt last winter was the extent to which the U.S.-backed Mubarak dictatorship goes to squash public dissent on their government's Gaza policy. Swarms of riot police encircled countless peaceful protests calling on the Egyptian government to let activists part of the Gaza Freedom March into Gaza, and Egyptian police beat and injured activists part of the march. During the marchers' standoff with the Mubarak regime, the Egyptian government was exposed as being collaborators in the Israeli blockade of Gaza, something that deeply upsets ordinary Egyptians and led to Mubarak getting hammered in the Arab press. Egypt is being exposed once again as complicit in Israeli crimes, thanks to the over 250,000 documents the whistle blowing website WikiLeaks released yesterday. This revelation–that Israel consulted with Egypt and Fatah in the run up to the brutal Israeli assault on Gaza in 2008-09–is decidedly more explosive than the very public complicity of the Egyptian government in the siege of Gaza. Ha'aretz reports: In a June 2009 meeting between Defense Minister Ehud Barak and a U.S. congressional delegation, Barak claimed that the Israeli government "had consulted with Egypt and Fatah prior to Operation Cast Lead, asking if they were willing to assume control of Gaza once Israel defeated Hamas."
Egypt said no to the proposition, but the document shows that Egypt (and Fatah, but that's for another post) had advance knowledge of Operation Cast Lead and could have stopped it. Instead, Mubarak was silent, the criminal assault went on, and some 1,400 Palestinians died because of it, the vast majority of them civilians. Alex Kane blogs on Israel/Palestine and Islamophobia in the U.S. at alexbkane.wordpress.com. Follow him on Twitter. 
Comment on this article >
7-year-old assaulted, 15-year-old detained and father of 3 taken from home under cover of night
Nov 29, 2010 01:15 pm | Seham And other news from Today in Palestine: Settlers/ Land, Property, Resource Theft & Destruction/Ethnic Cleansing
Arab League denounces home demolitions
CAIRO (Ma'an) -- The Arab League on Saturday denounced Israel's recent escalation in demolitions of Palestinians homes across the West Bank. In a statement, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League for Palestine Mohammad Subeih said Israel's attacks on Palestinians exceeded the racism of the apartheid regime of South Africa, and called on human rights organizations to intervene.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336506
VIDEO: Israel pulls down West Bank mosque
Palestinians say troops have demolished mosques and several other structures in two areas in the occupied territory.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/11/201011251357498144.html
Israel to build 625 settlement units east of O. Jerusalem
Director of maps and survey center at the Orient House Khalil Tufakji revealed that Israel intends to build 625 new housing units in Pisgat Ze'ev settlement in east Jerusalem.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Q
East Jerusalem housing gets preliminary OK (AP)
AP - Israel gave preliminary approval Monday for 130 new apartments in disputed east Jerusalem, the area the Palestinians want as the capital of their hoped-for state.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101129/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_east_jerusalem
U.N.: 'The family has requested a tent as they have nowhere else to live' (US: 'What, me worry?'), Philip Weiss
A friend just sent me a summary of a comprehensive report being circulated inside the U.N. that details the latest house demolitions by Israel. They are not just in the Jordan Valley, as earlier reports suggested, but all over the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Below is the roundup in my friend's paraphrase. Note the disputed claims in illegally-occupied territory that are always resolved in Jewish settlers' favor, even on the Mount of Olives. This little list from 4 or 5 days of demolitions and evictions gives a real feel for the enormity of what is taking place daily.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/u-n-the-family-has-requested-a-tent-as-they-have-nowhere-else-to-live-us-what-me-worry.html
IOA expels Palestinian families from their homes in OJ
The IOA forcibly evicted a number of families from their apartments in a building in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem, media sources in the holy city reported on Monday.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bc Fatah official issued deportation order
JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Fatah official Adnan Gheith said Israel issued him a military order Sunday to leave Jerusalem for four months. Gheith described the order as "provocative and illegal" and said an Israeli commander told him he had two weeks to appeal the decision.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336906
Erekat: Christmas came early for Bethlehem settlers
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- The chief PLO negotiator said Monday that Christmas had arrived early for residents of a settlement built on land owned by Bethlehem but considered Jerusalem by Israel. In a statement, Saeb Erekat condemned the approval of 130 housing units in the illegal Gilo settlement, saying Israel had "begun its annual tradition of 'Christmas gifts' to the people of Bethlehem." He added: "Last year's 'gift' was the expansion of Har Homa, also on Bethlehem's land. Apparently, every December, Israel pushes on its agenda to further isolate Bethlehem from occupied East Jerusalem."
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=337211
Activism/Solidarity/Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions
Non Violent Demos in Bil'in and Ni'lin Attacked by Israeli Troops
Dozens of people suffered tear gas inhalation during the weekly nonviolent protests against the Wall and Settlements in the West Bank Villages of Bil'in and Ni'lin, near Ramallah, on Friday; no arrest were reported.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60026
The 8th Week Against the Apartheid Wall – From Argentina to Australia, a Worldwide Call for the Wall to Fall!
Nov 28, 2010-- This year's Week Against the Apartheid Wall came against the backdrop of another round of peace talks doomed to failure, where once again the negotiators give the Israeli Occupation a free hand in dictating terms which would allow it to sustain its racist and illegal practices.
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/2406.shtml
International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian people
On the occasion of the Palestinian Partition Plan and the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian people, Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi calls for recognition of a Palestinian state after years of struggle. Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative called for the recognition of the Palestinian state after several years that have passed, and after the Palestinian Partition Plan which only resulted with the establishment of the Israeli state on the occupied Palestinian territories and did not comply with the creation of a Palestinian state.
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/spip/spip.php?article1632
Hebron declared free of settlement produce
HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Hebron's governor Kamil Hmeid announced Sunday that the southern West Bank city is now free of settlement produce. Hmeid made the announcement at a ceremony in his office attended by representatives of Palestinian Authority ministries, security services and civil society organizations.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336747
#BDS: Dublin Food Co-Op passes Israeli boycott motion
Last night at a Special General Meeting, members of the Dublin Food Co-Op voted overwhelmingly to boycott Israeli goods. This was the third attempt over the last 2 years to bring in a boycott of Israeli goods. Previous attempts failed to reach consensus or when put to a vote failed to reach the required 75%. Last night the mood was clearly in favour with a final tally of 50 for to about 6 against.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/11/bds-dublin-food-co-op-passes-israeli.html
#BDS: Irish Groups Continue Supporting BDS
Members of Ireland's Dublin Food Co-Op voted overwhelmingly to boycott Israeli goods at a Special General Meeting on 25 November. This was the third attempt over the last 2 years to bring in a boycott of Israeli goods, reported the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and this time the motion finally passed with 50 in support, and only 6 against. The Dublin Food Co-op, which was formed in 1983 and is based "on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity," had in the past an unwritten policy not to stock or sell Israeli produce, though some member were doing so anyway.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/11/bds-irish-groups-continue-supporting.html
#BDS: Another BDS Victory: Queensland Council of Unions Carries BDS Campaign Motion
The Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) calls upon the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and the Australian Labour Party (ALP) to show genuine support for a two – state solution to the Israel/Palestine conflict based on each other's right to exist and live in peace within secure borders in accordance with UN resolutions and international law.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/11/bds-another-bds-victory-queensland.html
#BDS: "The Last Supper" Cancels Israel Show
This week features lots of interesting music; Canadian rock group "The Last Supper" are performing tonight and tomorrow, after they cancelled their show in West Jerusalem which was scheduled for later this week.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/11/bds-last-supper-cancels-israel-show.html#links
#BDS: Flashmob: AHAVA not for me!: Video
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/11/bds-flashmob-ahava-not-for-me.html
Israeli protesters to the Cape Town Opera House: 'We believe that today Tel Aviv is a kind of 'Sun City"
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/israeli-protesters-to-the-cape-town-opera-house-we-believe-that-today-tel-aviv-is-a-kind-of-sun-city.html
ONE HUNDRED FAMOUS NORWEGIANS CALL FOR CULTURAL AND ACADEMIC BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL
OSLO (EJP)—One hundred famous Norwegians, led by the country's national football coach, have signed a petition demanding a cultural and academic boycott of Israel, accusing its educational institutions of "playing a key role in the occupation" and equating it with apartheid.
http://www.intifada-palestine.com/2010/11/one-hundred-famous-norwegians-call-for-cultural-and-academic-boycott-of-israel/
Crossing the Line: Inside the Israeli Anarchists Against the Wall
Not ironically, the biggest problem for the Israeli Anarchists Against the Wall is organizing. With no functional leadership and no place to meet, they come together in Tel Aviv at vaguely agreed-upon times for bouts of organic, decentralized discourse and then disperse in borrowed cars and bicycles. The only reliable place to find the Anarchists together, it seems, is under a cloud of tear gas during one of the weekly anti-wall protests in the West Bank.
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9201
Anti
Israel recruits citizen advocates in Europe
Israel has instructed its embassies in 10 European countries, including the UK, each to recruit 1,000 members of the public to act as advocates for its policies in a new public relations offensive. A cable from the foreign affairs ministry was sent to embassies last week, with instructions from Avigdor Lieberman, the controversial and extreme right-wing foreign minister, to adopt a range of measures aimed at improving Israel's standing in Europe.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/28/israel-citizen-advocates-europe-pr
Abuse of Palestinian Children
Israeli forces assault 7 year old Palestinian in Silwan
Israeli forces assaulted 7 year old Adam Mansour Rishq during tense scenes in Silwan today. The child was beaten by Israeli troops who accused him of throwing stones at a military vehicle, who then attempted to arrest the youth but were stopped by residents who flocked to the scene. One resident told soldiers that "if you want to arrest him you can send an order to his father, summoning him to the police station."
http://palsolidarity.org/2010/11/15955/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+palsolidarity+%28International+Solidarity+Movement%29
Israel army detains 15-year-old
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces seized a 15-year-old Palestinian during a late-night raid on his family's home in the village of Sair, near Hebron, local sources said Monday. Rifat Jaradat was taken from his house in the West Bank village while still wearing his pajamas, sources in the village said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336957
Buffer zone attacks continue: three more workers shot
The northern border area of the Strip is for the second day under attack of IOF snipers. Yesterday three people were shot, including a 12 year old boy, leaving one man in a critical condition. Today three more people were injured by Israeli gunfire while working in the buffer zone, amongst them was yet again a child. Mokles Jawad Al Masri (15), Mamdoe Ajesh Alsoes (20) and Mohamed Khalil Zanin (21) were shot in Beit Hanoun, north Gaza.
http://palsolidarity.org/2010/11/15946/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+palsolidarity+%28International+Solidarity+Movement%29
Siege/Rights Violations/Restriction of Movement
Industrial Fuel – Needs Vs. Supply – Oct 31 – Nov 27
http://www.gazagateway.org/2010/11/industrial-fuel-%e2%80%93-needs-vs-supply-%e2%80%93-oct-31-%e2%80%93-nov-27/
Goods – Needs Vs. Supply – Oct 31 – Nov 27
http://www.gazagateway.org/2010/11/goods-%e2%80%93-needs-vs-supply-%e2%80%93-oct-31-%e2%80%93-nov-27/
21 international organizations call for immediate end to Gaza siege
21 international human rights organizations have called for fresh international moves to lift the siege on Gaza immediately and without any conditions attached.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq
Racism and Discrimination
Netanyahu evades decision on income tax breaks to Arab and Druze towns
Residents of 167 communities in the country's outskirts receive income tax benefits worth a total of NIS 700 million to NIS 750 million.
http://english.themarker.com/netanyahu-evades-decision-on-income-tax-breaks-to-arab-and-druze-towns-1.327282?localLinksEnabled=false
Violence/Aggression
Israeli forces shoot child on Gaza border
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) – A Palestinian boy was shot and injured by Israeli forces in Beit Lahiya Saturday morning, after soldiers opened fire on the boy, who was with a group of men collecting stone aggregates along the Gaza-Israel border. Medics said the unidentified 12-year-old was shot in the foot and evacuated to the Kamal Udwan Hospital where he was treated for the moderate injury.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336332
IOF Shoots Palestinian Collecting Scrap northwest of Beit Lahyia
At approximately 9:10am on Saturday 27 November 2010, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) opened fire at a group of Palestinian civilians as they were collecting scrap and rubble from the destroyed structures near the border fence between Gaza and Israel. The group was about 450 meters from the border fence near the evacuated settlement Eli Sinai northwest of Beit Lahyia, in the North Gaza district when IOF fired at them. As a result, Shamikh Sa'eed De'bes, 15, who is from Jablaia town, was injured in the left leg. Medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital described his injury as moderate. The civilians were terrified and left the area without finishing their work. According to Al Mezan's field investigations, the civilians carried De'bes on a donkey driven cart to the Al Waha area, west of Beit Lahiya, because the area of attack is close to the border fence and dirt roads do not allow ambulances to reach there.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MUMA-8BN548?OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Israeli gunfire wounds four Gazans: medics (AFP)
AFP - Israeli soldiers on Sunday shot and wounded four Palestinians as they searched for building materials near Gaza's border with Israel, medical sources and the military said.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101128/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestiniansgazaconflict
B'tselem hands Naalin shooting tape to police
Video of 2008 incident will undergo forensic testing after legal team disputes its authenticity.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991122,00.html
Detainees
Midnight raids continue, father of three taken from home
Early Thursday morning, at approximately 2:00am, Israeli forces from the Gush Etzion military base came to the homes of brothers and National Committee members Yousef and Mousa Abu Maria. Both are also co-founders of the Palestine Solidarity Project.
Mousa, whose wife and baby girl–both Israeli citizens–were visiting family, was forced outside while his home was searched. 3 computers belonging to the Palestine Solidarity Project were taken. Yousef, father of 10 year-old Reem, 4 year-old Obay, and 1 month-old Della', was also taken from his home in the middle of the night.
http://theonlydemocracy.org/2010/11/midnight-raids-continue-father-of-three-taken-from-home/
IOF troops raid northern Gaza, round up more West Bankers
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) mounting a number of armored personnel carriers raided northern Gaza Strip areas to the east of Beit Hanun town on Monday, eyewitnesses told the PIC.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bc
Hamas calls for the immediate release of Jericho detainees
Hamas movement has called on the security militias loyal to Fatah leader and de facto president Mahmoud Abbas to release all political detainees.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bc
Two Detainees In Israeli Prisons Start Hunger Strike
The Ahrar Center for Detainees' Studies and Human Rights reported that Sheikh Jamal Abu Al Haija, 52, from the Jenin refugee camp, and detainee Ahed Abu Ghalama, 42, from Beit Forik near Hebron, started an open-ended hunger strike three days ago demanding to be removed from solitary and to be allowed visitations.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60033
Khatib: Release of Sheikh Salah early next month
Deputy leader of the Islamic movement in 1948 occupied Palestine Sheikh Kamal Al-Khatib has said that the leader of the movement Sheikh Ra'ed Salah is to be released from Israeli detention next month.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bc
Arab Helpers (see Wikileaks news below for more)
Hamas: PA detains 8 supporters
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Hamas movement accused the Palestinian Authority security forces of detaining eight of its members in the West Bank Monday. In a statement, Hamas said the detentions took place in Nablus and Jenin.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336936
Hamas: Fatah's fabrications to cover Abbas's security practices
Hamas has denounced the Fatah factions' attempt to fabricate "police stories", adding that such lies were meant to cover the practices of Fatah-controlled security militias.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcO
PFLP accuses PA of holding many of its cadres in its jails
The popular front for the liberation of Palestine said that the Palestinian authority's security apparatuses are detaining a number of its cadres and other members of factions in West Bank jails.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcOd8
Hamas
Gaza security forces deny entry to Fatah officials
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Two senior Fatah officials said they were denied entry to Gaza on Sunday by security officers from the Hamas-led government. Abdullah Al-Ifranji and Rouhi Fattouh were dispatched to Gaza by President Mahmoud Abbas to meet with Hamas leaders and work on conciliation between the rival factions, Al-Ifranji said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336828
Political Developments
Fatah: U.S. incentives to Israel never serve peace
RAMALLAH, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Fatah party's Revolutionary Council said the United States incentives given to Israel to freeze settlement "wouldn't serve Mideast peace." The council, which concluded a three-day convention held in Ramallah, said in a final statement that the U.S. incentives given to Israel for halting settlement construction "would encourage Israel's extremism."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-11/28/c_13625224.htm
Leftists ask Abbas to go to UN for statehood
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) – The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine called on the Palestinian Authority on Saturday, to go to the UN Security Council seeking international recognition of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital. The leftist party released a wide-ranging statement outlining its position on the stalled peace talks, entrenched unity process and ongoing development efforts.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336414
Other News
Tel Aviv bars Vanunu trip for award
Tel Aviv has denied permission for former Israeli nuclear technician Mordechai Vanunu to leave Israel in order to collect an international award in Berlin. A host of elites and Nobel laureates, including Irish peace activist Mairead Maguire and German writer Gunter Grass, have called on Israel to allow Vanunu to attend the International League of Human Rights prize ceremony.
http://jnoubiyeh.com/2010/11/tel-aviv-bars-vananu-trip-for-award.html
Analysis/Op-ed
What peace process? What peace?, As'ad AbuKhalil
With every new US administration, especially toward the last year of the term of a US president, the talk about "Arab-Israel peace" increases. Usually, people are invited to Washington, DC to attend a ceremony of speeches. Arab official expectations usually rise, while Israeli governments get accustomed to resisting any signs of US pressures. Pressures never come, but the perceptions of imminent US pressures are deliberately promoted to bring a level of enthusiasm from Arab official delegations.
http://bitterlemons-api.org/inside.php?id=8
Sam Bahour, "Economic Prison Zones"
Powerful third parties such as the United States, France, Germany, Turkey, and Japan -- as well as Israel and a few rich Palestinians -- promote industrial free trade zones in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the name of "development for peace," but the zones will only serve to normalize the occupation.
http://bit.ly/gk6Xal
Halper predicts collapse of P.A. in 2011, and 'violence, chaos,' and hope
In "Palestine 2011," Jeff Halper says the peace process has failed: "There will be no negotiated settlement, period." And he imagines two outcomes in the next year, one being that the Palestinians declaring a state unilaterally, the other being more catastrophic/lytic.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/halper-predicts-collapse-of-p-a-in-2011-and-violence-chaos-and-hope.html
Does Anthony Weiner believe that Muhammad al-Durrah's killing was a 'hoax'?, Philip Weiss
From the Zionist Organization of America dinner, in which neocon Bill Kristol rubs shoulders with liberal Democrat Congressman Anthony Weiner, no problemo. Brackets are ZOA's: French Senator Jean-Pierre Plancade was honored with the Cherna & Irving Moskowitz Award for outstanding pro-Israel activism in recognition of his extraordinary work by calling for the truth of the Al Dura hoax to be fully investigated and for new hearings into the matter while the French establishment has done its best to block the truth from coming out. Philippe Karsenty, a distinguished journalist, deputy mayor of Neuilly, France, and President of Media-Ratings, who exposed the Palestinian Authority's Muhammad Al-Dura hoax [the fabricated killing of a Palestinian boy allegedly by Israeli gunfire in September 2000, for which Israel was lambasted in the international media ], spoke of Senator Plancade's extraordinary efforts to see justice done. U.S. Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) also addressed the Dinner, as well as ZOA National President Morton A. Klein.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/does-anthony-weiner-believe-that-muhammad-al-durrahs-killing-was-a-hoax.html
Yehoshua: 'I as a man of the left would support drastic transfer' (expelling Palestinians), Philip Weiss
Yesterday I did a piece that expressed some surprise at Israeli novelist AB Yehoshua's sanitized view of the expulsion of Palestinians during the Nakba. Well a friend passed along this shocker written by David Bloom in 2002. Bloom picked up on an Amira Hass piece in Ha'aretz challenging bigtime writers, including Yehoshua, to come out against "transfer," or the racist expulsion of Palestinians from Israel.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/yehoshua-i-as-a-man-of-the-left-would-support-drastic-transfer-expelling-palestinians.html
"Carlos the Movie: the Palestinian Cause through Zionist Eyes, As`ad AbuKhalil
Lebanon celebrated the movie "Carlos." The movie's director, Oliver Assayas, visited Lebanon. A number of Lebanese participated in the movie including ex-leftist Ahmad Qa'bour. Many parts of "Carlos" were shot in Lebanon and state institutions contributed to its production as indicated by the announcement at the end of the movie. The freak of a homeland is hospitable though it has received humiliation since its establishment.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/carlos-movie-my-review-translated-into.html
Ilan Pappe on the Future of Palestine
Ilan Pappe on Al Jazeera's Frost over the World, discussing the prospects for a future Palestinian state and the means to achieve it. (The interview begins at 9:00 and is followed by an interview with the insufferable Mark Regev)
http://pulsemedia.org/2010/11/27/ilan-pappe-on-the-future-of-palestine/
Keep Your Promises, Mr. President, George Polley – Japan
Dear President Obama, I am deeply concerned about your administration's recent agreement with the Netanyahu government supposedly aimed at resuming peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. According to media reports, this agreement involves the sale of $3 billion worth of US military aircraft, a veto of any UN Security Council resolution deemed unfavorable to Israel, the removal of East Jerusalem from peace process discussions, and a written promise that this will be the last time you ask the Israelis to halt settlement construction in Occupied Palestine. I shouldn't need to remind you that establishing settlements in occupied territory is against international law, to say nothing about it being a violation of human rights.
http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16444
Feminism in Israel remains an esoteric movement of zealots
Feminism in this country remains a synonym for an esoteric movement of zealots. And while all women generally benefit from the feminists' persistent campaigning, many keep a distance from the struggle. "I do not define myself as a feminist, because the term has a negative connotation," the non-Israeli Baroness Ariane de Rothschild said in a recent interview with The Marker. What does it mean to not join a just cause because of its reputation? This "negative connotation," to be sure, has been fashioned by men, for their own purposes and uses.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/feminism-in-israel-remains-an-esoteric-movement-of-zealots-1.326935
The opening of an American mind: Chalmers Johnson, Matthew Phillips
Many readers of Mondoweiss will, I'm sure, be familiar of the work of Chalmers Johnson. In my last review, dealing with the relevance of imperial and postwar Japan for current American policy in the Middle East, I cited Johnson as notable American scholar of Japan whose work has, I believe, shown us how badly awry we have gone during the War on Terror. It is with great sadness that I learned that Johnson died a few days ago. What I offer is a quick reflection on Johnson's work and went it meant to me personally. It is important to pay tribute, I think, in however small a way, as a number of rare and indispensable voices have been passing away recently (in the past year and a half alone, the names Howard Zinn, Tony Judt and Amos Elon come to mind, though there are undoubtedly many others). Needless to say, we hardly maintain a surplus of honest and reasonably courageous intellectuals eager to fill the void.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/the-opening-of-an-american-mind-chalmers-johnson.html
Lebanon
Nasrallah: Solve political crisis before indictment
BEIRUT: Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah urged the Lebanese government Sunday to stop wasting time, warning rival factions that it might be too late to reach a solution for the political crisis once an indictment into former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's 2005 assassination is issued.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=121969
Safieddine: Anti-Hizbullah 'conspiracies' will fail
BEIRUT: Head of Hizbullah's executive council Sayyed Hashem Safieddine said Sunday that those seeking to destroy Hizbullah will see their conspiracies destroyed. He spoke during a gathering in the Bekaa Valley city of Baalbek and addressed "those who dream of ripping apart Hizbullah."
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=121962
Israel could wage new war on Lebanon: Hezbollah chief (AFP)
AFP - Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah warned on Sunday that Israel could wage a new war on Lebanon after the publication of indictments by a UN-backed tribunal probing the murder of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101128/wl_mideast_afp/lebanonuntribunalharirihezbollah
Erdogan: Hezbollah didn't murder Hariri
As-Safir newpaper reports Turkish prime minister defends Hezbollah which is likely to be charged with former Lebanese PM's murder. Meanwhile, Iranian supreme leader hosts Saad Hariri, says 'Any division in Lebanon serves Israeli interests'.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991494,00.html
Iraq
Sunday: 7 Iraqis Killed, 35 Wounded
Baghdad suffered a number of small bombings today, but few of them left any fatalities . At least seven Iraqis were killed and 35 more were wounded there and across the country. Meanwhile, rumors sparked a flood of Christian asylum-seekers to the French embassy in Arbil.
http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2010/11/28/sunday-7-iraqis-killed-35-wounded/
Iraq's Tareq Aziz will not be spared death penalty: son (AFP)
AFP - Iraq's former deputy prime minister Tareq Aziz is bound to be executed despite international calls to Baghdad to spare him, his son told AFP in Jordan on Saturday.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101127/wl_mideast_afp/iraqtrialazizjordanfamily
Iraq's Aziz gets 10 years jail for Kurd killings (AFP)
AFP - An Iraqi court sentenced former deputy prime minister Tareq Aziz to 10 years in prison on Monday for the killing of minority Faili Kurds during the rule of Saddam Hussein.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101129/wl_mideast_afp/iraqtrialazizkurds
Baghdad needs $100 billion for new homes: mayor (Reuters)
Reuters - Iraq needs an investment of $100 billion under a plan to build a million new homes in the capital and meet a shortfall in residential property for its growing population, Baghdad's mayor said on Monday.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101129/wl_nm/us_iraq_property_baghdad
IRAQ: No country for women
MADRID Sunday, November 28, 2010 (IRIN) - The improved political representation of women in Iraq is in sharp contrast to their broader disempowerment, as highlighted by the persistence of domestic violence and early marriage, according to a new report by the UN Inter-Agency Information and Analysis Unit.
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportId=91218
Always someone's mother or father, always someone's child. The missing persons of Iraq
A forced disappearance (or enforced disappearance) is defined in Article 2 of the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly On 20 December 2006, as the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, which place such a person outside the protection of the law. Often forced disappearance implies murder. The victim in such a case is first abducted, then illegally detained, and often tortured; the victim is then killed, and the body is then hidden. Typically, a murder will be surreptitious, with the corpse disposed of in such a way as to prevent it ever being found, so that the person apparently vanishes. The party committing the murder has deniability, as there is no body to prove that the victim has actually died.
http://warisacrime.org/content/iraq-has-most-disappeared-persons-world
U.S. and other world news
FBI Thwarts Own Car Bomb
Will Americans recoil in yet more contrived fear? The United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) claims to have thwarted their own car bomb Friday, November 26, 2010 at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland, Oregon's Pioneer Courthouse Square.
http://www.activistpost.com/2010/11/oregon-fbi-thwarts-own-car-bomb.html
Oregon mosque hit by arson 2 days after bomb sting
PORTLAND, Oregon, Nov 28 (Reuters) - U.S. investigators said on Sunday a fire at an Islamic center in Oregon was arson and warned no attack in retribution for a foiled bombing by a Somali-born teenager would be tolerated. The fire occurred less than two days after the arrest of Mohamed Osman Mohamud, who attended prayers at the center,for attempting to detonate what he thought was a car bomb at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Oregon's largest city, Portland.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N28150180.htm
Iranian nuclear scientist 'killed'
State media reports that a nuclear scientist was killed and three wounded in two separate explosions in Iran's capital.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/11/201011297228879910.html
Iran: West behind scientist's death
Officials accuse Israel and US for attacks in which one nuclear scientist was killed and another injured.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/middleeast/2010/11/20101129131235776706.html
Egypt: image vs reality
As Egyptians head to the polls on Sunday for parliamentary elections, the ruling National Democratic Party is widely expected to secure a majority. The opposition has accused the government of intimidating and harassing candidates, especially those affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood. Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland reports from Alexandria.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFHxC0YI64c&feature=youtube_gdata
Saudi women sue male guardians who stop marriage
CAIRO – Year after year, the 42-year-old Saudi surgeon remains single, against her will. Her father keeps turning down marriage proposals, and her hefty salary keeps going directly to his bank account. The surgeon in the holy city of Medina knows her father, also her male guardian, is violating Islamic law by forcibly keeping her single, a practice known as "adhl." So she has sued him in court, with questionable success.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101127/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_saudi_women_s_rights
Wikileaks
Secret US Embassy Cables
Wikileaks began on Sunday November 28th publishing 251,287 leaked United States embassy cables, the largest set of confidential documents ever to be released into the public domain. The documents will give people around the world an unprecedented insight into US Government foreign activities.
http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/
How 250,000 US embassy cables were leaked
From a fake Lady Gaga CD to a thumb drive that is a pocket-sized bombshell – the biggest intelligence leak in history.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/28/how-us-embassy-cables-leaked
U.S. Facing Global Diplomatic Crisis Following Massive WikiLeaks Release of Secret Diplomatic Cables
The whistleblowing website WikiLeaks has begun releasing a giant trove of confidential U.S. diplomatic cables that is sending shockwaves through the global diplomatic establishment. Among the findings: Arab leaders are urging the United States to attack Iran; Washington and Yemen agreed to cover up the use of U.S. warplanes to bomb Yemen; the United States is using its embassies around the world as part of a global spy network and asking diplomats to gather intelligence; and much more. We host a roundtable discussion with Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg; Greg Mitchell, who writes the Media Fix blog at The Nation; Carne Ross, a British diplomat for 15 years who resigned before the Iraq war; and As'ad AbuKhalil, a professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus.
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/11/29/us_facing_global_diplomatic_crisis_following
The job of the media is not to protect power from embarrassment
It is for governments – not journalists – to guard public secrets, and there is no national jeopardy in WikiLeaks' revelations.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/28/us-embassy-cables-wikileaks ?
Der Spiegel: US officials called Ahmadinejad 'Hitler'
According to the German daily, while French President Nicolas Sarkozy is the emperor who has no clothes. The president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, is "motivated by paranoia", the report says.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991029,00.html
Wexler told Israelis, American people will support attack on Iran if talks are tried and fail, Philip Weiss
From the Wikileaks US Embassy cables. Robert Wexler is the former Florida congressman who has gone on to head a Jewish organization, and who people are always hinting is about to join the Obama administration as a Middle East envoy. How does he operate? Here are notes of a high-level meeting in Israel in May 2009 in which Wexler is representing Obama's policy to Israel Defense Forces Intelligence Chief, Major General Amos Yadlin
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/wexler-told-israelis-american-people-will-support-attack-on-iran-if-talks-are-tried-and-fail.html
The US government is still capable of producing the worst of the worst in vulgar Orientalism
This stuff is in line with Raphael Patai's The Arab Mind: "PERHAPS THE SINGLE DOMINANT ASPECT OF THE PERSIAN PSYCHE IS AN OVERRIDING EGOISM. ITS ANTECEDENTS LIE IN THE LONG IRANIAN HISTORY OF INSTABILITY AND INSECURITY WHICH PUT A PREMIUM ON SELF-PRESERVATION."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/us-government-is-still-capable-of.html
WikiLeaks: Clinton ordered probe on UN chief
Secret files show Washington wanted to find links between UN members, terror groups.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991145,00.html
WikiLeaks documents point to Turkish-U.S. tensions
Leaked U.S. cable describes Turkish PM as having 'little understanding of politics beyond Ankara'.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/wikileaks-documents-point-to-turkish-u-s-tensions-1.327607?localLinksEnabled=false
Diplomats tread in spy territory in WikiLeaks' disclosures
Media begin to report on information from diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks. Among sensitive revelations: Diplomats doing surprising work and some Arab nations urging the U.S. to attack Iran. Five U.S. and European news organizations began Sunday to report information from a huge trove of diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks, disclosures that could strain U.S. relations with a variety of other nations.
http://feeds.latimes.com/~r/latimes/middleeast/~3/1L1IKV5CDbg/la-fg-1129-wikileaks-20101129,0,6054592.story
Iran 'must be stopped': Arab leaders pushed U.S. to attack, WikiLeaks disclosures show
Diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks show Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as among nations strongly urging the U.S. to attack Iran and destroy its nuclear facilities. The cables reveal the fear of Iran in the Arab world. Leaders of the oil-rich Arabian Peninsula monarchies repeatedly have beseeched the United States to attack Iran and take out its nuclear facilities, according to a series of classified diplomatic cables released to news organizations by the website Wikileaks.
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/HWU2iBHnUeI/la-fg-wikileaks-iran-20101129,0,4288707.story
Wikileaks: the lies of Arab rulers
What is also striking (or not really) is the extent to which those rulers--just as we say about them--say one thing in private to the US and another thing in public to their people. In public, all those rulers say that they are opposed to war or to a military strike on Iran. Look at the Qatari prime minister (whose government in public is a friend of the Iranian regime): "The cables also expose frank, even rude, remarks about Iranian leaders, their trustworthiness and tactics at international meetings. Abdullah told another US diplomat: "The bottom line is that they cannot be trusted." Mubarak told a US congressman: "Iran is always stirring trouble." Others are learning from what they describe as Iranian deception. "They lie to us, and we lie to them," said Qatar's prime minister, Hamad bin Jassim Jaber al-Thani."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/wikileaks-lies-of-arab-rulers.html
The (old) news from wikileaks so far – The US is Israel's greatest enabler, Audrey Farber
That there is nothing new, or surprising, in these cables yet that we feel the need to parse through them is indicative of our frustration with the current state of affairs, leading us to believe this will be a worthwhile endeavor. Surely there is nothing new in the often-delusional Netanyahu's petulance, or his persistent paranoid belief that Israel – nay, the Jews – is constantly under attack from all sides, even its allies. That the US will do just about anything for its protégé is likewise old – yawn – news. Netanyahu manages to coerce the US into supporting Israel in its pursuance of its divine mandate for constant, international protection no matter what, and in the face of every real or imagined obstacle.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/the-old-news-from-wikileaks-so-far-the-us-is-israels-greatest-enabler.html
Wikileaks Israel
US embassy cables: Israel grateful for US support
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/120696 Text of leaked diplomatic cable between US and Israel
US embassy cables: US pressed to maintain Israel's 'qualitative military edge'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/218775
Text of leaked diplomatic cable between US and Israel
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/11/text-leaked-diplomatic-cable-israel/
US embassy cables: Mossad says US and Israel agree on Iran
1. (S) Summary: Mossad Chief Meir Dagan told CODEL Corzine March 13 that Israeli and U.S. thinking on Iran largely tracks, adding that he believes the EU dialogue with Iran will ultimately fail. Dagan said that Israel has evidence that some foreign fighters have returned home from Iraq, perhaps indicating that the tide may be starting to turn in the U.S. battle against the insurgency there. He worried however, that these militants' countries of origin -- in particular Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria and Sudan -- are ill-equipped to control the returning jihadis, who might then pose a threat to stability in the region and, ultimately, to Israel. End Summary.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/29006
US embassy cables: Mossad chief wants to 'detach' Syria from Iran
1. (S) SUMMARY: Frances Fragos Townsend, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism (AFHSC), met Mossad Director Meir Dagan on July 12 for a general discussion of regional security threats. On the Iranian nuclear program, Dagan proved surprisingly optimistic about the effects of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and their impact on Iranian elites. On most other fronts, however, Dagan expressed deep skepticism regarding any near-term solutions. Dagan believes that the Syrians were emboldened by the Second Lebanon War, and argued for a concerted international effort to enforce UNSC resolutions in Lebanon as a means of removing Syria from Iranian influence. In Dagan's personal opinion, present attempts to prop up the government of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad will fail, and "an entirely new approach" with the Palestinians is required. Dagan and Townsend surveyed political developments in North Africa, Turkey, and the Gulf, and shared concerns about Pakistan's ability to withstand the challenge of Islamic radicals. END SUMMARY.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/116742
Wikileaks and Mossad chief
I mean, reading the analysis that the Mossad chief presented to a US official, one is struck (not really) by how unintelligent the Mossad chief is in his analysis of the Middle East. I guarantee you that lousy chiefs of lousy Arab intelligence services can do a better job. Another sign that Israel's years are numbered. Read his analysis: an anthology of cliches that he dervies from reading columns by Thomas Friedman.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/wikileaks-and-mossad-chief.html
WikiLeaks: Arab world according to Mossad chief
WikiLeaks documents contain reports of 2007 meetings in which Meir Dagan presented US with five-step program to perform coup in Iran; said 'nothing can be achieved' with Palestinians.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991210,00.html
Mossad chief on Aljazeera and Qatar: from Wikileaks
"Dagan characterized Qatar as "a real problem," and accused Sheikh Hamid of "annoying everyone." In his view, Qatar is trying to play all sides -- Syria, Iran, Hamas -- in an effort to achieve security and some degree of independence. "I think you should remove your bases from there...seriously," said Dagan. "They have confidence only because of the U.S. presence." Dagan predicted, with some humor, that al-Jazeera would be the next cause of war in the Middle East as some Arab leaders (specifically Saudi Arabia) are willing to take drastic steps to shut down the channel, and hold Sheikh Hamid personally responsible for its provocations."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mossad-chief-on-aljazeera-and-qatar_28.html
U.S. tapped secure lines in Israel's Washington embassy, ex-envoy says
Former Israeli envoy Rabinovich reveals that the tapping began at some point after 1996, and took a number of years for embassy officials to discover.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/u-s-tapped-secure-lines-in-israel-s-washington-embassy-ex-envoy-says-1.327522?localLinksEnabled=false
WikiLeaks cable: Russian leadership viewed Lieberman as 'one of its own'
Message from U.S. embassy to State Department shows FM was treated as an 'old friend' during a 2009 visit to Moscow.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/wikileaks-cable-russian-leadership-viewed-lieberman-as-one-of-its-own-1.327694?localLinksEnabled=false
Wikileaks Palestine
WikiLeaks exposé: Egypt, PA refuse to take over Gaza in case of Hamas defeat.
In diplomatic cable documenting 2009 meeting, Defense Minister Barak says Egypt, PA refuse to take over Gaza in case of Hamas defeat.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/wikileaks-expose-israel-tried-to-coordinate-gaza-war-with-abbas-1.327487?localLinksEnabled=false
WikiLeaks exposé: Israel offered to coordinate Cast Lead with Egypt and Fatah
In diplomatic cable documenting 2009 meeting, Defense Minister Barak says Egypt, PA refuse to take over Gaza in case of Hamas defeat.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/wikileaks-expose-israel-offered-to-coordinate-cast-lead-with-egypt-and-fatah-1.327514?localLinksEnabled=false
Wikileaks: Israel assessed Abbas as weak, unpopular
JERUSALEM (AFP) -- Senior Israeli defense and political figures described President Mahmoud Abbas as weak, unpopular and unlikely to survive politically past 2011, leaked US diplomatic cables showed on Monday. In meetings with US representatives, Israeli officials ranging from then-opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, to senior defense official Amos Gilad expressed doubt about Abbas's political longevity.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=337209
Leaked cable: US spied on Hamas, PA
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- The US government in 2008 directed its personnel across the Middle East to gather meticulous intelligence on Hamas and Palestinian Authority officials, a leaked diplomatic cable reveals. The cable, provided to The Guardian of Britain by the whistleblower group WikiLeaks, lays out a "national human intelligence collection directive" asking US personnel to obtain "Details of travel plans such as routes and vehicles used by Palestinian Authority leaders and HAMAS members."
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336904
US embassy cables: Washington requests personal data on Hamas
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/176247
US briefed Palestinians on WikiLeaks cache
Washington's message, delivered by phone to the Office of the President a few days in advance of the scheduled release, was quick and to the point: Don't overreact. "They aren't making a big deal out of it, and they hope we won't either," a senior Palestinian official, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, told Ma'an. "But when they're telling us 'Don't overreact,' that basically translates as 'There's something you're not going to like.'"
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336864
Israeli official is pleased with the small Israeli tools in the PA collaborationist appratus
"Buchris acknowledged that the Palestinian Authority was doing a "good job" in the West Bank, noting respect for Palestinian Security Forces (PASF) as they take more control of security -- giving them the chance to succeed was important, Buchris said."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/israeli-official-is-pleased-with-small.html
Mossad chief on the PA collaborators
"Departing from official GOI policy, Dagan expressed his personal opinion that after more than a decade of trying to reach a final status agreement with the Palestinians, "nothing will be achieved." Only Israeli military operations against Hamas in the West Bank prevent them from expanding control beyond Gaza, lamented Dagan, without which Fatah would fall within one month and Abbas would join his "mysteriously wealthy" son in Qatar. Offering what he believed to be a conservative estimate, Dagan said that USD 6 billion had been invested in the Palestinian Authority since 1994. "What did it accomplish, other than adding a few more people to the Fortune 500?" asked Dagan. Although he expressed his personal faith in Salam Fayyad, Dagan said that the Palestinian Prime Minister had no power base. Fatah as a party would have to completely reorganize itself in order to regain credibility, argued Dagan, but instead they have turned once again to the "old guard." The Mossad Chief suggested that a completely new approach was required, but did not provide Townsend any additional details."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mossad-chief-on-pa-collaborators.html
Wikileaks Egypt
US embassy cables: Egypt spy chief promises pressure on Hamas
3. (S) Soliman applauded the Administration's efforts, commenting that Annapolis had given hope and begun a process. The timing is right for progress based on four factors. First, the PA leadership is moderate and willing to negotiate. Second, Hamas is isolated and politically cut off in Gaza. Third, the Israelis are ready for peace; Soliman assessed that the GOI coalition is broad and strong, and larger than Rabin's coalition of the mid-nineties. Fourth, Arab states are ready to see an end to "the struggle."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/136139
Mubarak serves the US to serve Israel (to serve Jamal Mubarak): from wikileaks "But Egypt will continue to provide the USG with its knowledge and expertise on the critical regional issues, such as Lebanon and Iraq."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mubarak-serves-us-to-serve-israel-to.html
Omar Sulayman states that his Israeli masters are pleased with him after all
"Senator Voinovich asked Soliman why the Israelis continue to report problems with Egypt's anti-smuggling efforts. Soliman said that the Israelis do not complain to him directly, and that GOI-GOE cooperation and exchange of information continues. He was at a loss as to why Israeli politicians continue to criticize Egypt publicly."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/omar-sulayman-states-that-his-israeli.html
Wikileaks Jordan
Jordanian King gives advice on how to get rid of Hizbullah
"In Lebanon, the GOJ fears Iran's Hizballah proxy has been given too much rope and could be poised to increase its political influence during upcoming parliamentary elections. The King sees the Lebanon-Israel War of 2006 as having benefited Iran and Hizballah, by allowing a Sunni Arab street enamored of "resistance" to see past its suspicions of the Shia. And then-Foreign Minister Salah Al-Bashir in late 2008 described the spring 2009 vote as "when we will know who won last May," referring to the outcome of the Doha Accords that put an end to Lebanese infighting. Much like with the Palestinian issue, Jordanian leaders have argued that the only way to pull the rug out from under Hizballah - and by extension their Iranian patrons - would be for Israel to hand over the disputed Sheba'a Farms to Lebanon. With Hizballah lacking the "resistance to occupation" rationale for continued confrontation with Israel, it would lose its raison d'etre and probably domestic support."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/jordanian-king-gives-advice-on-how-to.html
US embassy cables: Jordan wary of US engagement with Iran
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/200230
Wikileaks Lebanon
Mossad Chief is a fan of Fu'ad Sanyurah
"Dagan urged caution with respect to Lebanon, noting that the results of efforts there to bolster the Siniora government would impact Syria and Iraq. The U.S. and Israel, he said, are on the edge of achieving something in Lebanon, and so cannot afford to drop their guard. What is necessary is finding the right way to support PM Siniora. "He is a courageous man," Dagan said. Syria, Iran and Hizballah are working hard against him. Dagan noted that much of what is animating the leadership of Lebanon to take on Syria is personal: "Hariri, Jumblat and others had their parents executed by the Syrians." This anti-Syrian sentiment has forged an alliance based on personal and national interests. Siniora has worked well with the situation, but Dagan suggested that the odds are against him. Under Secretary Burns replied that the U.S. is trying to give PM Siniora as much support as possible, and that we would continue to consult closely with Israel on Lebanon. He noted that he would return to Israel in October."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mossad-chief-is-fan-of-fuad-sanyurah.html
Fu'ad Sanyurah wants the US to push Syria
"Siniora encouraged the U.S. to push Syria to respect the sovereignty of other states (namely Lebanon) as a way to bring Syria back into the Arab fold."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/fuad-sanyurah-wants-us-to-push-syria.html
Israeli official analyzes the March 14 parliamentary victory (from wikileaks)
"Shapiro asked if the election results might be the result in part of a backlash in the Christian community against Hizballah; the Policy Research analysts countered that the results were indicative of several factors, including the influx of Saudi money and an unstable opposition camp."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/israeli-official-analyzes-march-14.html
Zionists are pleased with the Lebanese Army
"A/S Shapiro said the LAF has thus far demonstrated a solid record of accounting for U.S. systems transferred to Lebanon."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/zionists-are-pleased-with-lebanese-army.html
Israel does not believe that Lebanese Army would attack Israel
"Amos Gilad said the GOI does not believe the LAF will attack Israel."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/israel-does-not-believe-that-lebanese.html
Wikileaks Syria
borders
"Asad pointedly asked in response to Representative McIntyre's question about why Syria had not done more to monitor and staunch the flow of transiting fighters across the Syria-Iraq border. Asad continued: "Can you stop the immigration of Mexicans into the U.S.? No."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/borders.html
UN as a tool for Israel Mossad chief argues: "Dagan argued that the opposite is true: by enforcing UN resolutions on Lebanon and increasing efforts to disarm Hizballah, the international community can remove the glue that binds Iran and Syria. Enforcing the resolutions would put additional pressure on Assad, who fears being tried for the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri above all else. The advantage of such an approach, continued Dagan, is that the legal ground is already in place for action by the UNSC. This credible threat could sufficiently frighten Syria away from Iran and towards more natural allies in the Arab League."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/un-as-tool-for-israel.html
Wikileaks Saudi Arabia
It is official: Saudi King does not hate Israel (from Wikileaks)
"On Saudi Arabia, Gilad said that King Abdullah does not hate Israel, but his chief priority is the survival of the regime."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/it-is-official-saudi-king-does-not-hate.html
WikiLeaks exposé: Saudis told U.S. 'Cut off the head of the snake' on Iran
Diplomatic cables to U.S. officials quote leaders of mainly Sunni Arab states urging Iranian nuclear program be stopped 'by whatever means necessary'.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/wikileaks-expose-saudis-told-u-s-cut-off-the-head-of-the-snake-on-iran-1.327502?localLinksEnabled=false
Saudi Arabia urges US attack on Iran to stop nuclear programme
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has repeatedly urged the United States to attack Iran to destroy its nuclear programme, according to leaked US diplomatic cables that describe how other Arab allies have secretly agitated for military action against Tehran. The revelations, in secret memos from US embassies across the Middle East, expose behind-the-scenes pressures in the scramble to contain the Islamic Republic, which the US, Arab states and Israel suspect is close to acquiring nuclear weapons. Bombing Iranian nuclear facilities has hitherto been viewed as a desperate last resort that could ignite a far wider war.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/28/us-embassy-cables-saudis-iran
US embassy cables: Israel seeks to block US planes for Saudi
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/235359
Here, the US government issues orders to Saudi officials
"Saudi Arabia should exercise leadership with neighbors in the region and publicly by expressing concerns about Iran's continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability and destabilizing activities in the region. -- We would appreciate public expressions of support for the P5 1 dual track process including encouragement for Iran to accept the incentives package. -- Saudi Arabia should exercise its influence with China, in particular, to persuade China to reduce its growing energy/economic cooperation and weapons purchases. Such efforts by China run contrary to the spirit of the UNSCRs and the P5 1 dual track strategy. A high level Saudi delegation could communicate to China Saudi concerns about the threat posed by Iran's actions."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/here-us-government-issues-orders-to.html
This is how US officials bring human rights in Saudi Arabia; they praise the Kingdom's record--I kid you NOT
"DIALOGUE AND REFORM AS DUTY: In response to Brennan,s praise for the King,s interfaith dialogue initiative, his commitment to advancing rights as reflected by his recent appointment of the first female (deputy education) minister, the King said "Thanks for the sentiment but I did nothing special, only what I thought was my duty. I believe we do our duty as determined by God.""
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/this-is-how-us-officials-bring-human.html
Sons of...Zayid and sons of...`Abdul-`Aziz
"Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdallah has developed good personal relations with Foreign Minister Livni, but the Emiratis are "not ready to do publicly what they say in private." (Note: It was clear from Hadas' remarks that Israel's channel to Saudi Arabia does not run through the Foreign Ministry.)"
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/sons-ofzayid-and-sons-ofabdul-aziz.html
Saudi King: US Should Plant Chips in Gitmo Detainees
The King, proposed implanting detainees with an electronic chip containing information about them and allowing their movements to be tracked with Bluetooth. This was done with horses and falcons, the King said.
http://www.thenation.com/blog/156701/blogging-wikileaks-release-return-here-all-day-updates
Wikileaks UAE
UAE leaders on Hamas
"UAE leaders have told us that they consider Hamas a terrorist organization and that they would not fund Hamas unless they denounce violence (refs D and E)."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/uae-leaders-on-hamas.html
Muhammad bin Zayid
He wants nothing less than an invasion of Iran: "MbZ asked Lt. Gen. Dunn whether it would be possible for &anyone8 to "take out" all locations of concern in Iran via air power; Lt. Gen. Dunn voiced doubt that this would be possible given the dispersed locations. "Then it will take ground forces!" MbZ exclaimed. Ambassador noted that the UAE's Director of Military Intelligence, BG">BG Essa al Mazrouei, would pay counterpart visits this week to CENTCOM, J-2, DIA, and CIA for discussions on Iran and Iraq-related matters. MbZ said he looked forward to sharing "contingency planning" scenarios in future conversations."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/muhammad-bin-zayid.html
by the way, this man is the biggest servant of Israel in the Middle East
"In talks with US officials, Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed favoured action against Iran, sooner rather than later. "I believe this guy is going to take us to war ... It's a matter of time. Personally, I cannot risk it with a guy like [President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad. He is young and aggressive."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/by-way-this-man-is-biggest-servant-of.html
Wikileaks Yemen
Wikileaks: Yemeni President Agreed To Cover up US Attack in Yemen
"We'll continue saying the bombs are ours, not yours," Mr. Saleh said, according to the cable sent by the American ambassador, prompting Yemen's deputy prime minister to "joke that he had just 'lied' by telling Parliament" that Yemeni forces had carried out the strikes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/world/29cables.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
Wikileaks Libya
A GLIMPSE INTO LIBYAN LEADER QADHAFI'S ECCENTRICITIES
Summary: Recent first-hand experiences with Libyan Leader Muammar al-Qadhafi and his staff, primarily in preparation for his UNGA trip, provided rare insights into Qadhafi's inner circle and personal proclivities. Qadhafi appears to rely heavily XXXXXXXXXXXXX reportedly cannot travel with his senior Ukrainian nurse, Galyna Kolotnytska. He also appears to have an intense dislike or fear
of staying on upper floors, reportedly prefers not to fly over water, and seems to enjoy horse racing and flamenco dancing. His recent travel may also suggest a diminished dependence on his legendary female guard force, as only one woman bodyguard
http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2009/09/09TRIPOLI771.html
www.TheHeadlines.org
Comment on this article >
What would you do if . . .
Nov 29, 2010 01:09 pm | Mohammed Said AlNadi Someone had assailed your home, ethnically cleansed its people, annexed its land, exhausted its bounteous resources, and decimated its geographical characteristics? Someone had denied you your inalienable right of defending your home and self, and mendaciously accused you of being "terrorist", justifying crimes and oppression by "self-defense"? Someone, by using humiliation and most degrading ways, had gotten in your way when you are dying and desperately in need of medical treatment? Someone had taken away your most beloved ones and incarcerated them in a non-human environment? Someone has inflicted an impermeable blockade upon your people and land. Someone has incredibly blocked the only crossings to your land, preventing food, medications, building materials, stationery and also life…? Someone has built a massive wall on your land, splitting your family property into two pieces you can't see your family members on the other side of the wall, and if you are allowed to see them, you must take a day-long walk to a military checkpoint to cross, but most often, your ID card may be taken away from you and you are told to come next day, and when you are almost back, a soldier calls you to go back for ID, and again a new journey of one-day walk? Someone has kept you waiting for long hours until your patient dies? Someone has broken in your house after midnight, spreading terror among your children, before arresting some ones and forcing them away, and, of course all under the pretext of "security"? Someone who is an excellent war criminal has allegedly said to you "let's talk peace", although the plate on the negotiation table is already empty? Someone has desecrated your Holy Places by digging tunnels underneath and preventing people from practicing their freedom of worship, all in a tireless attempt to obliterate your unquestionable identity? Someone has robbed your right to free movement due to an all-out siege? Someone has controlled your access to the sea and driven you to risk your own life, where getting to be shot at is very likely, simply trying to make a hand-to-mouth living? Someone has cut the electricity off your house, factory, shop, or, most importantly hospital, if you are dying and looking vacantly at the blank kidney-dialysis machine? Someone has assailed your ears and scared you to death by the thundering sound of apaches and F-16s which constantly canopy the earth? Someone has kept his gun pointed to your head, and you have no idea when you will be shot? Someone has banned a certain formula needed for your ill child, and then your baby dies in front of your eyes because you can't go out for proper medical attention? Someone has mocked all norms of international law and flagrantly continued committing massacres and violating human rights against you and your civilian people? Someone has coerced you to live in a technologically controlled prison without means of survival, and sentenced you to slow-motion genocide? Note: Before you even think of any answer, just please put yourself in the shoes of one of these people living in such circumstances. Mohammed Said AlNadi, 23, lives in Gaza and is an English literature graduate. He works as translator and freelance journalist. 
Comment on this article >
Sedek review: The concrete steps needed to implement a vision
Nov 29, 2010 12:43 pm | Ahmed Moor 
From Sedek: A model for Kufr Bir'im (Credit: Zochrot)
The first English-language issue of Sedek, a journal produced by the Israeli organization Zochrot, is one of the most exciting things I've read recently. The collection of essays is the result of the sincere engagement of Palestinians and Israelis with one another around the Palestinian right of return. One can take issue with some of the ideas presented in the essays (and I will) but the cooperative spirit that suffuses the works is as significant as the content it's produced. The first essay is impressively comprehensive. It describes how the right of return can be implemented in stages while balancing individual and collective rights. The authors of the essay (Norma Musih and Eitan Bronstein) draw upon Salman Abu Sita's geographical studies to argue that there is ample room in Israel proper to resettle the refugees. I was lucky enough to catch a lecture by Abu Sita on the topic here in Beirut a few months ago. He projected slides with maps showing where historic Palestinian villages lay, and where the major urban centers in Israel are today. The maps demonstrated clearly that the Palestinians could resettle the geographical spaces they used to inhabit without too much hassle (large urban centers were the exception). There isn't any doubt that the moral and just case for resettling Palestinians in and around their villages is unassailable. But I wonder whether it's the wise choice – are there better choices that will more positively impact the future viability of the state (subject to the refugees' consent)? Is settling mostly urban refugees in rural environments practical? There is an emotional appeal to resettling destroyed villages, but what does that mean for social life after the return? Most camps (at least here in Lebanon and in Gaza and the West Bank) are more densely populated, and closer to urban centers than the villages may be. Also, one of the global trends observed throughout the twentieth century is the mass migration of people from rural to urban centers. Usually they're following opportunity which is more concentrated in cities. Any decision to resettle Palestinian refugees in rehabilitated villages needs to take the history of migration into account. Decision makers have to evaluate whether there's an opportunity gap between rural and urban centers in the state and what impact that will have on the resettled refugees' lives. Finally, the environment must be taken into account. Studies should be conducted to help us understand what impact rehabilitating the villages will have on the water table, animal migration patterns, air quality, etc… We have a historic right to resettle our villages, but we also have a responsibility to ourselves and future generations to prevent environmental degradation. Is there a balance between the two? One thought that persisted when I was reading the document is that refugee absorption may not be as orderly as the authors envisage. I think that before the refugees can return, the Zionist government will have to be dissolved and reconstructed (the Sedek constitutional outline is a great start); the one-state solution will antecede the return. But what's to stop the refugees in Lebanon from amassing at the border and demanding their return immediately? (And should they be stopped? Why? Who will tell them?) Relatedly, there isn't enough of a focus on the actions other countries in the region may undertake on a unilateral basis. I hope that Lebanon is much less racist and sectarian by the time we're in a position to implement the return, but it may not be. A deal needs to be made with the countries that share a border with Palestine/Israel to ensure the welfare of the refugees above all (Sami Hermez talks about what a deal may look like here). My final issue with the first essay relates to Stage III. The authors envisage a weak state where each of many communities "will be the equivalent of a state, in the sense that it will be able to create its own social and cultural structures." This is OK in theory, but the vision quickly becomes problematic for me when the authors write that curricula "in each school would be determined by the community-state that runs it. The national government would have the authority to reject curricula (if, for example, they encouraged racism), but would not have to approve them." In my view, if the one-state solution is to have long-term viability, the state needs to be a strong one (which doesn't mean overbearing or internally coercive). That means that a uniform curriculum ought to be applied. Of course, language differences will result in some curricular deviations, but every student should be taught the same version of history, for instance. The idea is to develop a multicultural state that respects particular cultural differences, but simultaneously seeks to develop a group (national) identity that endures. Just as importantly, curricula should be tailored to permit students from Palestine/Israel to compete internationally (the Haredim have to be taught occupational skills). The country will have every opportunity to become a regional economic powerhouse if its graduates leverage their access to the Arab world and the West. This can be the country's comparative advantage in lieu of natural resource wealth. But it needs an education system that is modern and uniform. The other essays in the collection are very good and well worth reading. But I want to engage with Shir Haver's essay, Economic Aspects of the Return of Palestinian Refugees, on a practical level. I agree with Haver that the influx of refugees will result in strain on the state initially but will ultimately yield growth through diminished unemployment rates, increased consumption, and greater labor diversity. Haver's discussion is empirical and well-reasoned and I only have two more points to add to it: 1. Returning refugees can be employed in resettlement and infrastructure developments. I don't think that individual compensation for refugees is a good idea. Instead, the money ought to be allocated to job-creating activities (like building apartment blocks). The jobs will be the result of the needs of the returning refugees themselves and therefore cannot be said to reduce opportunity for others (itself a weak argument, as Haver demonstrates). Government debt will increase in the short term (unless the Europeans fund everything) but that debt will be offset by a broadened tax base in the medium and long term.
2. The occupation's economic warp in the West Bank and Gaza will presumably cease to exist in a one-state scenario. That means that growth based on entrepreneurialism, increased operational efficiencies (yielded by freedom of movement, for instance) and other factors can be expected to create new opportunities for returning refugees across Palestine.
Haver notes that the Israeli welfare state (for secular people) is disintegrating. This is something that alarms me personally. The state has a responsibility to safeguard human rights. And unlike many Americans, I believe healthcare, higher education, and retirement benefits (to protect human dignity in old age) are human rights; people are entitled to them. A progressive income tax in a capitalist society can provide all of these things if society insists upon it. Israel's economic liberalization policies in the nineties helped reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio, but they also increased the country's wealth gap.
Pernicious economic policies that favor the rich are difficult to roll back because of the nexus between money and power. But the kind of society-wide restructuring that will result in the one-state solution and the refugees' return may provide an opportunity to break from American economics and adopt a more Scandanavian model for society. Think of Naomi Klein's Shock Doctrine in reverse (or not, depending on your perspective). This will be necessary for preventing the emergence of another plutocratic state in the Middle East (or indeed, in the West). There are other small issues that one can and must discuss. But the proposal document as a whole is remarkably solid I think. This collection of essays is a victory for liberal thought in an environment that is increasingly fascist. And the fact that it was written in good faith by a diverse group of people alone makes me hopeful. Their cooperation is a model for the kind of state that's worth building. A lot of the proposals cannot be enacted in the immediate term, but others can. The Israelis are faced with the formidable task of explaining to their countrymen that the return is not only inevitable, but desirable – that Israel is in the midst of the Zionist dusk. Zochorot's work is a good start. But others must undertake the process of humanizing contemporary Palestinians to Jewish Israelis. For us Palestinians, the process of humanizing the other in preparation for return can begin today as well. It's very difficult to ask Palestinians in Gaza and in Lebanon to begin thinking of life in one state alongside Israelis, but that's the kind of thing that will ease the return's implementation. I may be criticized for drawing 'equivalences' when I say that both sides must humanize the other ("We're not the party that massacred 1400 people recently"). But the question now is less about the responsibility imbalance and more about the concrete steps that need to be taken to implement a vision. Israelis can do a lot here too; it's hard to describe the impact of seeing Israelis on a flotilla to Gaza on a television in Shatila. 
Comment on this article >
Sedek review: Stuck on the right of return
Nov 29, 2010 12:43 pm | Ben Zakkai  Last June, when I wrote an article for Mondoweiss proposing a framework for a one-state solution, I didn't anticipate that it would draw me into a series of further posts on the political and legal aspects of the Palestinian right of return. In retrospect, though, that was foreseeable, since the right of return issue must be resolved before any political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be reached.
My previous posts led me to a fruitful exchange of views with Ahmed Moor, a more frequent contributor to this site. Now, Adam Horowitz has asked me and Ahmed to review a recent publication on the right of return by the Israeli organization Zochrot, and I do so with pleasure, since their report is worthwhile reading for anyone with more than a passing interest in the subject. Zochrot, as many know, is dedicated to teaching Jewish Israelis about the Nakba. Their recent report, called Sedek, is a collection of brief essays envisioning the implementation of the right of return. The authors are clear in their purpose and vision on many critical points, including the following: First, rather than arguing for the right of return, the authors simply state their belief that the right is justified and proceed to describe the possible political, geographical, social and economic manner of its exercise. Their projections are accompanied by perceptive critiques of present-day Israeli society. Second, the report addresses the right of return in its traditional formulation, as a collective and individual right. Collective, in that the right belongs not only to the 1948 refugees, but also to anyone who can trace their lineage to at least one such refugee; and individual, in that no entity representing the Palestinian people may negotiate away the right of return of any individual Palestinian. For practical purposes, I too accept that formulation of the right of return, since I've found that attempts to win Palestinian agreement to any limitation or delay of the right of return, including my own naïve proposals in previous posts, almost always meet with silence or rejection. Third, the authors recognize that the exercise of the right of return would result in the Jewish demographic majority in Israel becoming a Jewish minority, which would make the one-state solution the logical conclusion, since it would be superfluous to have two majority-Palestinian states. Here too I would agree with Zochrot's implicit assumption that great numbers of Palestinians would exercise their right of return if they could, since it doesn't seem reasonable to assume that they would insist for so long on their right to do something that they don't really want to do. Fourth, the authors recognize that there is no precedent for the physical return of such a large population of refugees and their descendants – particularly large in relation to the size of the receiving population – after the passage of so much time. Indeed, as I've written, in the one instance where international law has been applied to a situation resembling the Palestinian refugee problem, the European Court of Human Rights ultimately required the vast majority of Greek Cypriot refugees to accept monetary compensation rather than physical repatriation. Fifth, the authors recognize that their views are shared by only a miniscule minority of Jewish Israelis. Even Uri Avnery, the only major Israeli political and intellectual leader whom I consider a genuine visionary and hero – a man who has spent most of his long life relegated to the far fringes of Israeli politics due to his advocacy of Palestinian rights – favors accepting the physical return of only a small and symbolic number of Palestinian refugees, with the balance of Palestinian refugee claims settled through compensation. The authors argue that the right of return should only be implemented with the consent of the Israeli public, without however suggesting how that consent might be obtained; instead they rely somewhat messianically on the kinds of surprising changes that unexpectedly brought down the Berlin Wall and apartheid. Sixth, more specifically, the authors recognize that Palestinians living in Lebanon would be priority candidates for migration to Israel, because of their numbers, their proximity, and the longstanding and continuing discrimination and deprivation they have suffered under Lebanese law and in Lebanese society. The staff of Zochrot deserve to be commended for their extraordinary courage, sensitivity and intelligence. They are deeply informed about and affected by the injustice of the Nakba, the continuing suffering of Palestinian refugees and their descendants in many countries, and the persistence and strength of the Palestinian desire to return. Zochrot's activities and reports, for which they no doubt pay a heavy price within a largely hostile Israeli society, are a unique and valuable contribution to an essential conversation within that society. And yet, it was their latest report that finally jolted me out of my agonizing indecision and convinced me that the right of return is a non-starter. I write for Mondoweiss under a pen name, but for the sake of this post I'll relate two relevant personal details: One, my (Jewish) grandparents survived World War II by fleeing their homes in Europe ahead of the Wehrmacht. Two, my wife's (Arab) grandparents were expelled from their homes and villages by Israeli forces in 1948. Both of us grew up surrounded by traumatized refugees telling stories of persecution and dispossession. None of our family members ever received any compensation for what they lost and endured. Neither of us could remain indifferent to the suffering of Palestinian refugees, even if we wanted to. Looking forward, we worry about how our half-Jewish-half-Arab children will fare in Israeli society, with all its ethnic division and strife. We want nothing more or less than peaceful, normal lives. That's why we can't accept the right of return. Two years ago, upon his release by Israeli authorities, Samir Kuntar received a hero's welcome in Lebanon, despite the fact that his sole claim to fame is that he murdered a Jewish Israeli family. I wasn't surprised. If I was a Lebanese Palestinian, I would hate Israel deeply and passionately. After all, Israel expelled Palestinians from their homes and villages and drove them into Lebanon, where they are still second-class non-citizens after more than six decades. Then Israel conducted protracted military operations in Lebanon, causing them further suffering. I can easily understand how Lebanese Palestinians feel, but for the same reason I think it would be crazy to let them into Israel. If I was a Lebanese Palestinian, I would want to exercise my right of return so that I could reclaim Palestine for myself and for other Palestinians, not so that I could learn Hebrew, befriend my Jewish neighbors, and be a good Israeli. That's one piece of the puzzle that I think Zochrot is missing; they seem to think that any Israeli concern about Palestinian hostility and retribution is just irrational fear of the Other. Even more important is the fact that the right of return, while often expressed in abstract terms of human rights and international law, is primarily motivated by much more primal ties to blood, land, and the voice of God. That's another piece of the puzzle that I think Zochrot is missing. Since tribal loyalty, devotion to the land, and religious belief are also the primary forces motivating Jewish attachments to Israel, the exercise of the right of return would most likely lead to civil war. To me, setting the stage for disaster is not justice. "No justice, no peace" is a powerful principle, but it has limits. As I've written before, peace can't be achieved by demanding perfect justice. More fundamentally, the rules of justice itself have always been primarily determined by the desire to keep the peace in human affairs. I've also written in previous posts that I have no truck with ethnocracy and would much prefer to live in a country where human beings are human beings and tribal loyalties are negligible. Perhaps, some day, Israeli-Palestinian political unification can create that kind of country. But today is not that day. Indeed, that day seems very far off, and I don't think that the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can afford to wait until mutual affection and respect hold sway in the hearts of Israelis and Palestinians. On the contrary, it seems that a solution to the conflict is the only thing that can begin to replace mutual hostility with more amicable feelings and relations. I can't persuade Palestinians to give up on the right of return although, to be brutally honest, it's backward-looking rather than forward-looking, fantasy rather than reality, and an impassable obstacle to reaching a peace agreement. I can't do so for two reasons: First, as a Jew who came to Israel many years ago, under the spell of religious and Zionist myth and under the Law of Return, I have no standing to make such arguments, just as the guy who took your place after you got laid off has no business telling you to go out and find a new job, even if that's exactly what you need to do. Second, even if I was somebody else, or anybody else, Palestinians wouldn't accept my refutation of their dream. Still, for the sake of focusing the discussion, I can say what I would do if I were Prime Minister of Israel. I would make the following offer to my Palestinian counterparts: A Palestinian state including all of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with an expressway joining the two. All Israeli settlements evacuated, including those in and around Jerusalem. West and East Jerusalem as the capitals of Israel and Palestine, respectively, with U.N. custodianship of the major holy sites. The Palestinian state to have all the attributes of a sovereign state, including a standing army. Monetary compensation and assistance for individual Palestinians and for the new Palestinian state. Diplomatic assistance in bringing international pressure to bear on countries like Lebanon that refuse to regularize the status of their Palestinian residents. And that would be my final offer. Would it be accepted, or would it be rejected because the right of return was not included? 
Comment on this article >
The (old) news from wikileaks so far – The US is Israel's greatest enabler
Nov 29, 2010 10:51 am | Audrey Farber That there is nothing new, or surprising, in these cables yet that we feel the need to parse through them is indicative of our frustration with the current state of affairs, leading us to believe this will be a worthwhile endeavor. Surely there is nothing new in the often-delusional Netanyahu's petulance, or his persistent paranoid belief that Israel – nay, the Jews – is constantly under attack from all sides, even its allies. That the US will do just about anything for its protégé is likewise old – yawn – news. Netanyahu manages to coerce the US into supporting Israel in its pursuance of its divine mandate for constant, international protection no matter what, and in the face of every real or imagined obstacle. In the WikiLeaked cables, the Israeli government constantly highlights three threats: "Iran's nuclear program, the build-up of rockets and missiles in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, and the Goldstone Report." (#09TELAVIV2777) In defense against each of these threats, and in other arenas, the Israelis seem adept at coercing the US into doing their bidding. Goldstone Israel's criticisms of the Goldstone Report are verging on delusional. Its only defense – repeated time and time and time again – is that "during Cast Lead the IDF send thousands and flyers, text messages and phone calls to civilians, warning them to get out of the way." The population of Gaza is over 1.5 million, and I don't think over 1 million of those are Hamas militants. "The deaths of several hundred civilians in Gaza was 'tragic,' Netanyahu said, but there was no deliberate targeting of civilians by Israel. Deliberate targeting of civilians is a war crime, but what should Israel do when terrorists deliberately target Israeli civilians and then hide within their civilian population?" (#09TELAVIV2777) Netanyahu's statement is contradictory and a blatant admission of criminal behavior, but this was Israel's only defense despite Goldstone's numerous accusations. "NSC Director for Israel and Palestinian Affairs Prem Kumar noted continued UNSC interest in the Goldstone Report, and asked Israel to inform the United States on any additional efforts or investigations the GOI was taking to help deflect any further damage from the report." (#09TELAVIV2502) The Israeli government sees the Goldstone report as a threat – what it really is is a threat to Israel's constant immunity. That the US, too, is keeping an eye out for "further damage" is indicative of our willingness to protect our neediest ally against any and all, especially legitimate, criticism. Iran, and the rest of the world Israel, perhaps rightly, perceives Iran as a threat. They seem to believe that everything from the Lebanese Armed Forces to Gaza tunnel smuggling to Turkey's relationship with Syria represents Iranian infiltration and a constant threat. The idea that Iran is puppeteering the entire Middle East is reflected in Israel's perception of its neighbors as part of a world-wide anti-Israel conspiracy. "Netanyahu warned...that if Iran gets a nuclear bomb, the peace process would be 'washed away.' Even Israel's peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan would come under enormous pressure." (#09TELAVIV2777) This, despite all evidence that neither Cairo nor Amman are too keen on a nuclear Iran. "The relative calm on all Israel's borders does not obscure the fact that Israeli intelligence is seeing significant activity and planning by Iranian surrogates." (#09TELAVIV2482) "Gilad addressed threats posed by 'Hizballahstan' and 'Hamastan,' noting that Hizballah/Hamas-Syria-Iran cooperation has strengthened. …IDF J5 Col Shimon Arad noted…Lebanon's susceptibility to outside influences, including Syria, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. He recommended improved US.-Israel coordination, and called for an exchange of views. Arad also recommended creating Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) deconfliction measures, demanding improved LAF performance, and exerting greater pressure on Syria and smuggling." (#09TELAVIV2502) Further, the Israelis believe US aid to Lebanon through the LAF will, in the end, go to support Iran. Peace Regarding the laughable peace talks, Netanyahu and his cronies continue to throw blame, accusing Palestinians of being the ones standing in the way of peace. "Netanyahu stated that his government had removed hundreds of obstacles and roadblocks in the West Bank, helping the West Bank economy achieve a seven percent growth rate, adding 'and we can kick it up to ten percent growth.' … The current GOI had also restrainted [sic] construction in settlements more than its past several predecessors. … Netanyahu then contrasted his efforts with the PA, which he said is maintaining a 'political and economic boycott' of Israel, setting preconditions for negotiations, supporting the Goldstone Report in the UN, and is now talking about a unilateral declaration of independence. Israel wants to engage, but the Palestinians do not. Netanyahu quoted a Palestinian official as saying that the PA had 'exhausted the negotiating process,' then noted that the Palestinians have not even started to talk to his government. … Netanyahu also commented that the Palestinians had initially expected the U.S. to 'deliver Israel' on all of their demands, but are now realizing that this will not happen. President Obama understands, he stated, that Israel is ready to move forward. The alternatives to negotiations are bad for everyone. Netanyahu said that if Abu Mazen would engage, they would confront all the issues." (#09TELAVIV2777)
"Gilad described the Middle East peace process as a 'pillar' of Israeli security. He quoted PM Netanyahu and President Peres that Israel remains sincerely committed to peace. Gilad noted however, that the re-launching of negotiations is complicated by the split in Palestinian leadership. ... That said, he noted that Israeli-PA security and economic cooperation in the West Bank continues to improve as Jenin and Nablus flourish, and described Palestinian security forces as the "good guys."" (#09TELAVIV2502)
"'Gilad expressed optimism over the current atmosphere in the West Bank, citing improvements in the security and economic spheres, and further stated that the reduced Israeli Defense Force (IDF) footprint in the West Bank has made conditions ripe for advancing the relationship. Gilad closed, however, on a sourer note by stating that the Government of Israel has little faith in the Palestinian negotiating team.'" (#09TELAVIV2482)
Israel is adept at slyly keeping the PA exactly where they want them: under de facto Israeli control. Indeed, Netanyahu's generosity towards the Palestinians is heartwarming, it's no wonder we've had the wool pulled over our eyes: "Rosenblit said that Netanyahu emphasized his openness to talks between the GOR [Government of Russia] and the Palestinians because he welcomed any way to bring them back to negotiations. 'We wanted everyone to tell Abbas to return to negotiations because we can't give him a deal until he sits down.' … Rosenblit said that Israel still insists on talks without preconditions and no interim agreements: 'Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.'" (#10MOSCOW392)
Further, the Israelis "also expressed skepticism about Palestinian President Abbas's future, given his weakened position as a result of … his inability to get the full settlement freeze he had pushed for; they questioned his ability to restart peace negotiations." (#09TELAVIV2482) As always, Israel is the innocent lamb being sent to slaughter. No mention, naturally, of Israel's responsibility in stalling negotiations; for the failure to continue the settlement freeze, no responsibility for the ambivalence towards drawing a map, no responsibility for the fact that settlers and settler violence are financially and politically supported by the Israeli government. "Netanyahu stressed that he was not pushing for the Palestinians to hold elections, but was instead focused on promoting the expansion of the West Bank economy by removing both physical and bureaucratic obstacles." (#09TELAVIV2777) Translation: Netanyahu rejects Palestinian statehood and any realistic potential for peace, but will do anything to make himself and his occupation look good. Israeli culpability seems to be lost on the Americans, deftly – if transparently – manipulated by Bibi. "Netanyahu said his meeting with the President was the best meeting that they have had. He stressed that he had told the President that he is ready to negotiate with Abu Mazen now, and contrasted Israel's position with the PA's setting of preconditions for negotiations." Mineshaft Gap Arguably of the most financial significance is our military support for Israel. (Ironic, I think, considering their own largest economic sector is defense-based.) No matter what Israel is intending to use these weapons for – and more likely than not, against Iran or its so-called "surrogates," we continue to give give give. These next two excerpts don't need explanation – we are all well-acquainted with the prolific arms trade, or rather gifting, between the US and Israel. And the US and everyone else, for that matter. But read this inside the mentality of the Cold War (which I would argue is not over in the Middle East, only its players have changed), and its becomes almost hilarious. "10. (S) Turning to U.S. regional arms transfers, Gilad suggested Qualitative Military Edge (QME) as a "codename" for potential threats against Israel. Israel currently enjoys peace with regimes in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates -- but the future is uncertain, and each of these regimes faces the potential for change, he argued. U.S. weapons -- "the best in the world" -- level the playing field by reducing the need for training -- and could ultimately aid a future enemy of Israel, Gilad said. A/S Shapiro stressed the importance of transparency -- while there may be differences between Israel and the United States in terms of a regional assessment, the key is to ensure that there are no surprises, he said." (#09TELAVIV2502)
"3. (S) On QME, ASD Vershbow asked for Israel's assessment of recent discussions, and across the board, Israeli officials expressed gratitude for U.S. efforts on this front and voiced optimism on the steps moving forward. Amos Gilad acknowledged the sometimes difficult position the U.S. finds itself in given its global interests, and conceded that Israel's security focus is so narrow that its QME concerns often clash with broader American security interests in the region. Israeli officials acknowledged the impressive nature of the QME dialogue mechanisms recently established, but stated that the results of the process are what truly matter. MG Benny Gantz defined successful QME relations as "the effective process plus the right mitigations." While not explicitly saying it, Gantz seemed to acknowledge that Israel does not expect that all QME decisions will break in its favor, but that Israel only expects a fair and equitable process that incorporates "intimate dialogue." DG Buchris thanked Versbhow for the recent success of the JPMG and said he looks forward to convening the first meeting of the agreed upon working groups by the end of November. Vershbow stated that the technical working group discussions would be launched soon, and that he was looking forward to future Israeli participation on this issue." (#09TELAVIV2482)
Even if it runs contrary to our own interests, we seem to be more interested in preventing – or possibly creating – a mineshaft gap between Israel and her multitudinous enemies, we are willing to throw caution to the wind. A piece of old news, Obama and Congress are solidly in Netanyahu's pocket, and that is worrisome. "Netanyahu said only the U.S. and Israel are currently working on missile defense. This cooperation sends a powerful message to Israel's enemies he noted, and thanked the CODEL and the Congress for their support." (#09TELAVIV2777) American diplomats cannot escape the hypnotic trance of the lures of cooperation. "Tauscher reiterated that the United States will not take any action to compromise Israel's security and would consult closely with Israel -- which GOI officials greatly appreciated. … Gilad … argued against creating the impression that Israel was the problem." (#09TELAVIV2757) Alas, it seems our only role in Middle East politics is to be arms dealer and Israel's workhorse, extraordinaire. If the American government is really listening to this kind of paranoid propagandic drivel, and all signs point to the affirmative, then we live in sad days indeed. The Israelis ask, and the US gives. Anything, anything, for our little darlings. Israel is never wrong, the finger is always pointed away. 
Comment on this article >
Israeli protesters to the Cape Town Opera House: 'We believe that today Tel Aviv is a kind of 'Sun City"
Nov 29, 2010 10:19 am | Adam Horowitz Two weeks ago we posted a video of Israeli protesters outside a Cape Town Opera House performance of Porgy and Bess in Tel Aviv. They were performing songs based on the show that highlighted Israel's apartheid policies in an attempt to educate fellow Israelis attending the show and to build support for the cultural boycott of Israel. The video garnered wide attention and the protesters returned to attempt to bring the message directly to the performers themselves. Below is the text of a leaflet that accompanied the protest: Dear singers, musicians, other artists and staff of the Cape Town Opera, Many of you may have heard of our protest preceding your first premiere performance in Tel Aviv. We would like to introduce ourselves and explain our action. We know that making a living as performing artists is not easy. We know that you have families to support. Our dispute is not with you but with the administrators of the Cape Town Opera, who have chosen to ignore a fundamental lesson learned from South Africa's Apartheid era. We are strongly opposed to the Opera's performance here because we believe that our government, with the support of many Israelis, is committing the crime of Apartheid and violating the human rights of millions of Palestinian civilians. Over a million people in the occupied Gaza Strip are trapped in an open-air prison, held hostage indefinitely; in the occupied West Bank Palestinian lands are confiscated for the construction of Jewish-only settlements and roads; and within Israel Palestinian citizens are relegated to second-class status and threatened with deportation if they refuse to swear allegiance to the Jewish state. As you may remember, in 1985 an international group of artists recorded a song with a clear message – I ain't gonna play Sun City! As Israeli citizens in solidarity with the Palestinian people, we believe that today Tel Aviv is a kind of "Sun City" – a showcase of globalized entertainment and normalcy that serves to disguise the atrocities committed a stone's throw away. At its best, art can serve as a critique of oppression and as a reminder that humanity can triumph over bigotry and indifference. Certainly Porgy and Bess and your rendition of it embody this aspiration (as does our little act). But in Tel Aviv, where today most Palestinians are simply not allowed to step, much less enjoy an opera, we are convinced that its performance is wrong. In this we concur with Palestinian civil society's call for an international cultural boycott on Israel. Twenty years ago the boycott on South Africa was both necessary and effective. Today Israel is the culprit. We would love to welcome you to our city when Apartheid is defeated here. For now we ask that you consider our message, and perhaps take it home and share it with others. Please feel free to contact us by email at http://boycottisrael.info/contact or by phone at 052-8331213. Sincerely yours, Israeli Citizens Against Israeli Apartheid And here's a video from the Daily Nuisance that puts the protest in the broader context of the BDS movement: 
Comment on this article >
French firm Veolia reported to drop out of E. Jerusalem rail project under int'l pressure
Nov 29, 2010 09:54 am | Kate and other news from Today in Palestine for Sunday: Settlers / Land, property & resource theft and destruction / Ethnic cleansing
Israel bulldozes PA-backed projects
NABLUS -- Israeli forces demolished two agricultural projects south of Salfit in the northern West Bank on Wednesday, Palestinian officials said ... The mayor of the village of Deir Istiyya Nathmi Salman said that Israeli forces raided Wadi Qana area near the village and declared the area a closed military zone. He said crews from the Israeli Civil Administration and the Society for Protecting Nature in Israel arrived with bulldozers which demolished the Wadi Qana rehabilitation project which cost the Palestinian finance ministry 120,000 US dollars. Salman added that a water canal was destroyed and parts of a reservoir and a water network carrying water to orange groves were confiscated. The fence surrounding the project was also removed.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=335662
Israeli bulldozers: demolishing homes, ruining livelihoods / Stella, ISM
26 Nov - In the last few days, with a wave of demolitions, Israeli bulldozers have spread destruction and despair in the villages across the West Bank: in Qarawat Bani Hassan near Salfeet, in al-Jiftlik in the Jordan Valley, in Hizma, near Jerusalem, in Khirbet Yarza, east of Tubas, and in the South Hebron Hills. Yesterday I went to the village of al-Rifayaia, east of Yatta in South Hebron, where at 8:15 AM Israeli forces had demolished a house that had been home to two families of twenty people (16 of them minors) ... The many kids around had disoriented expressions while they were playing on the ruins of what used to be a nice 200 square meter house ... The Israeli bulldozers didn't even let them remove their belongings before demolishing the house.
http://palsolidarity.org/2010/11/15879/
Israel mulls rail link to West Bank settlement (AFP)
JERUSALEM -- Israel is considering building a rail link to the sprawling Jewish settlement of Ariel, which lies deep inside the occupied West Bank, a transport ministry spokesman told AFP on Friday. The spokesman stressed that it was only one of a number of projects under consideration but the right-wing Maariv daily said three million shekels (800,000 dollars) had been allocated for a feasibility study. The proposed rail line would link the town of Rosh Ha Ayin, east of Tel Aviv, with Ariel and also serve Barkan, another settlement.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101126/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestiniansconflictsettlerrail
Violence / Aggression
Workers shot on Gaza border
28 Nov - Israeli forces shot and injured four Palestinian workers who were collecting stone aggregates Sunday near the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities closed the terminal to all traffic except medical cases.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336617
Gazan rubble collectors shot by Israeli forces
[with photos] 27 Nov - Khalid Ashraf Abosita, 22 years, is in critical condition after being shot by the Israeli Offensive Forces in Beit Hanoun, a city on the north-east edge of the Gaza Strip. He is currently hospitalized in Shifa hospital in Gaza City. At 6 pm, more than three hours after the assault, Khalid was trembling all over his body and was still losing a lot of blood. The bullet hit his left calf, fractured the bone and exited his leg again. According to the hospital doctor he was in an unstable state. Equipped with a horse carriage, Khalid tries to make a living as a scrap collector. He married eight months ago and is trying to establish a family ... Like hundreds of men and youth, collecting stones, metal, pieces of concrete, and brick in the border areas–under the eye of Israeli snipers in the control towers–is the only way of making an income. This afternoon Khalid was roughly 500 meters away from the fence when suddenly two shots were fired.
http://palsolidarity.org/2010/11/15912
Israeli forces shoot Gaza fisherman at shore
[with photos] 27 Nov - At 12:30 pm, Ahmed Mahmoud Jarboh, aged 26, was shot in the back of the left knee by the Israeli Offensive Forces while fishing at the shore of Beit Lahya, in the north of the Gaza Strip. He is currently hospitalized in Kamal Udwan, in the neighboring town Jabalya, where his condition is being monitored ... For over a year Ahmed has daily frequented the same area to fish with a small cast net. Today he and two of his colleagues were fishing from the shore at approximately 350 meters from the border fence. This incident again exemplifies a recent UN report conclusion that the danger zone does not halt at 300 meters: it can reach up to 1.5 kilometers ... Ahmed Mahmoud Jarboh marks the tenth victim of IOF buffer zone aggression in four weeks.
http://palsolidarity.org/2010/11/15906
PA: Female prisoner of Israel beaten in custody
RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- The PA Ministry of Prisoners Affairs released a report Saturday alleging that a Palestinian woman in Israeli custody was brutally beaten in the Ramle prison after she refused to submit to a strip search. Twenty-two-year-old Sumoud Hasan Karaja, from the central West Bank village of Saffa, was transferred from Israel's Damon prison to the Ramle facility on 8 November
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336345
Activism / Solidarity / Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions
Police exonerate Israeli officers who shot tear gas canister into US activist's eye
Art student Emily Henochowicz lost her eye during a protest against the IDF raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in late May -- The Judea and Samaria district police found no criminal wrongdoing in the actions of the Border Police soldiers who left an American art student without an eye after getting hit in the face with a tear gas canister at a protest in Qalandiyah six months ago ... Following the incident, Henochowicz's family filed a complaint to the Judea and Samaria district police which is responsible for investigating the operational activity of the Border Police in the West Bank. The family argued the policeman shot the canister directly at the student, against regulations.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/police-exonerate-israeli-officers-who-shot-tear-gas-canister-into-u-s-activist-s-eye-1.327266
Activism roundup: Abu Rahme sentence extended, students stage mock checkpoint
Meanwhile, in the United States, South Africa, Scotland and England, solidarity activists continue to put pressure on the Israeli government while calling attention to the ongoing struggle for justice on the ground in Palestine.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11642.shtml
French firm drops out of rail project
Pressure from pro-Palestinian groups has forced a French multinational to drop out of a light rail project that cuts into disputed east Jerusalem, a would-be Israeli partner in the project said Sunday. France's Veolia disputed the assertion, which would bolster an international campaign to boycott companies supporting Israel's occupation of the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Palestinians claim both areas for part of their future state.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991032,00.html
Retaliation
Army: Gaza rocket hits Israel, no casualties
Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket into southern Israel on Sunday but caused no casualties or damage, the Israeli army said. The rocket exploded in mid-air as it headed towards the Shaar HaNegev region of southern Israel which lies along Gaza's northeastern border, a spokesman said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336634
Israel army admits to false alarm on Gaza rocket
28 Nov 17:48 - JERUSALEM (AFP) -- The Israeli army said its report of a rocket being fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip on Sunday appeared to have been a false alarm.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336819
Siege / Restriction on movement
[2 truckloads of] strawberries to be exported from Gaza
The Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Gaza Strip, which is usually partly open every day in one direction, will operate in two directions Sunday after European countries convinced Israeli authorities to allow exports of strawberries from Gaza ... Israeli authorities will open the Kerem Shalom crossing Sunday to allow entry of 150-160 truckloads of goods and humanitarian aid for the agricultural and the commercial sectors, Palestinian liaison official Raed Fattouh said. Fattouh said two truckloads of strawberries would be exported for the first time in 2010. Limited quantities of domestic-use gas and industrial diesel will also be delivered to Gaza through the same terminal,
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336559
18 European lawmakers arrive in Gaza
Eighteen European politicians arrived in Gaza on Friday evening to meet with Hamas lawmakers. The European delegation entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing on Egypt's border. Crossings officials said the visit was coordinated by UNRWA's Gaza office.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336397
War criminals
Leftists: Naveh involved in 'illegal killings'
Shulamit Aloni, Nathan Zach and others object appointment of new IDF deputy chief of staff, claiming he's 'not morally suitable'. In High Court petition, they accuse him of illegal targeted killings while serving as central command chief ... The petitioners claimed that debriefings published in the past based on IDF files' findings state that Naveh, as well as other IDF officials, allegedly confirmed the assassinations and targeted killings of wanted persons, who could have otherwise been arrested, even though their killing cost the lives of innocent people.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3990817,00.html
Britain to act against arrest warrants targeting Israeli officials
The Jewish Chronicle reported that the United Kingdom will be taking measures meant to prevent British courts from issuing arrest warrants against Israeli military and political leaders accused of committing war crimes.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60028
IDF officers get photo of dead child
'How will you explain this to God?' says letter sent from Spain to homes of officers exposed on 'war criminals' website. 'I've gotten used to curses, but when such a thing arrives at your doorstep, it's very unpleasant,' reserve colonel tells Ynet ... The poster includes a picture of a young child buried in the sand. His head is the only thing sticking out and he appears to be dead. [This was four-year-old Kaukab Al Dayah (female), killed in her house in Gaza City, bombed by an F-16 on 6 Jan 2009 during 'Cast Lead'. Is it possible that Israelis, not to mention Israeli journalists, have never seen this photo? Most of the rest of the world has.]
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3990611,00.html
Israel's Arab helpers
Israel army's West Bank presence 'lowest in 20 years' (AFP)
The number of Israeli troops operating in the occupied West Bank is at its lowest level in more than 20 years, a military source said on Sunday ... However, there has been no reduction in the number of troops dedicated to surveillance, intelligence gathering and special operations, the source added. The army declined to comment on troop numbers. However, army spokesman Captain Arye Shalicar did say the West Bank was at its most stable since the outbreak of the second intifada due to "better coordination between the Palestinian Security Forces" and the Israeli military.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101128/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestiniansconflictmilitary
Israeli racism and discrimination
Israel's cabinet approves building detention center for African infiltrators
Netanyahu clarifies that only infiltrators, not 'refugees of war', will be detained, says Israeli jobs and society under threat -- Israel's cabinet approved Sunday a plan to hold and deport thousands of illegal migrant workers whom Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a "threat to the character of the country". In remarks to the cabinet, Netanyahu said thousands of migrants who have entered Israel mainly through Egypt in past years would be housed at a special holding facility, due to built in Israel's southern Negev desert ... Israeli officials have yet to say exactly how many migrants would be sent to the facility, expected to be built at or near the site of a former prison camp for Palestinians deep in the desert.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-s-cabinet-approves-building-detention-center-for-african-infiltrators-1.327362
Rights groups: Planned refugees detention center disgraces Israel
A cabinet decision on Sunday approving a plan to hold and deport thousands of illegal migrant workers drew the ire of rights groups, who called the plan a disgrace on the State of Israel and said such a move would do nothing to halt the stream of infiltrators crossing over from Sinai ... Responding to Netanyahu's plan later Sunday, Physicians for Human Rights severely criticized the cabinet's decision: "That victims of torture, rape, war and genocide are to be imprisoned indefinitely, without the supervision of a judicial authority and against the international treaty on the protection of refugees is a stain of shame on the State of Israel."
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/rights-groups-planned-refugees-detention-center-disgraces-israel-1.327412
PM: Refugees threatening Israelis' jobs
Netanyahu says Israel must create 'humane response' for African infiltrators 'until they are removed from the country'. Detention facilities exist in European countries as well, he claims
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3990776,00.html
Infiltrators' detention facility 'a ghetto'
Foreign workers panic as government prepares to approve new Negev facility. 'It's like a refugee camp for forced and unlimited detention,' says aid organization official
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3990663,00.html
foreigners???
Rabbi okays renting apartments to Arabs
Following rabbinical ruling against renting out flats to Arabs or migrant workers, head of Petah Tikva hesder yeshiva says 'Jewish sovereignty cannot exist without caring for foreigners living among us'
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3990204,00.html
Political and diplomatic news
Hamas: Palestinians must resist against Israel in West Bank (Reuters)
Khaled Meshal says only armed resistance would keep the Palestinian cause alive, despite Western aid to Abbas and his forces. Hamas leader Khaled Meshal said on Saturday that his group faced "huge challenges" in the West Bank as a force against Israel. Armed struggle has a powerful appeal among the inhabitants of the occupied territory, where the rival Fatah faction has been extending influence since a civil war with Hamas in 2007, Meshal told a conference in the Syrian capital ... Meshal, who lives in exile in Syria, said only armed resistance would keep the Palestinian cause alive, despite Western aid to Abbas and his forces."The Palestinian people will not be bribed. They will not be cowed by Dayton's forces," he said, referring to Lieutenant General Keith Dayton, U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian territories, who heads training of 8,000 members at the core of the Palestinian Authority's security apparatus.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-palestinians-must-resist-against-israel-in-west-bank-1.327237
Wulff: Germany 'responsible' for Israeli security
..."Germany considers that it has a responsibility concerning Israel's right to exist and to security," said Wulff, Germany's first head of state to be born after World War II. He stressed, however, that Israel's long-term security can only be guaranteed through peace based on an independent Palestinian nation living side by side with Israel.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336745
Indian president backs Syria's claim on the Golan Heights
Indian President Pratibha Patil said that India fully supported the return of the Golan Heights to Syria during a joint press conference with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Israel Radio reported Saturday.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/indian-president-backs-syria-s-claim-on-the-golan-heights-1.327233
Turkish bill bans Israelis from owning land
A bill being formulated in Turkey stipulates that Israelis will no longer be able to buy land in the country, though they will be able to continue renting apartments, the Turkish Milliyet reported Sunday ... while all of the world's citizens will be able to purchase land by presenting a passport, only those with an Israeli or Greek passport will be barred from having the pleasure.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991055,00.html
Other news
17 Palestinians injured in traffic accident
A traffic accident injured 17 Palestinians Saturday when a vehicle pursued by the Israeli military crashed near Bethlehem, medics said. Bethlehem emergency services head Abed Al-Ja'afri said the vehicle was headed toward Israel when it flipped over near the Israeli settlement Betar Illit. The vehicle was carrying Palestinian workers, he said, and the injured were transferred in Palestinian Red Crescent ambulances to three hospitals in Bethlehem.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336492
Soldiers 'confiscate shirt' from Palestinian
...Nader Rezeq Dweikat said he was walking near his home in Beta village to get fuel for his tractor when three soldiers in a military jeep stopped him. "Initially I thought they wanted to check my identity card, but they said 'We do not want your ID card, just take off your shirt.' I thought I misunderstood, but they repeated their order, 'Take off your shirt,' and I did so under force, they seized my shirt and immediately left the area, they didn't ask me about anything else," he said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336811
Israeli army says increase in Bedouin recruits
TEL AVIV, Israel (Ma'an) -- The number of Bedouins joining the Israeli army has doubled since 2007, Israel Radio reported Saturday. Colonel Yosi Haddad told the national radio station that 1,100 Bedouins are currently in service to the army, and half of these recruits are from southern Israel ... Haddad told Israel Radio that Bedouin soldiers were treated equally, and that there was even some positive bias toward them. However, he admitted that they face problems in society once they finish military service.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336422
IDF converts win ministerial backing, despite haredi opposition
The Ministerial Committee on Legislation approved Sunday a bill to protect the religious status of Israel Defense Forces soldiers who converted to Judaism through a military court.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/idf-converts-win-ministerial-backing-despite-haredi-opposition-1.327390
Ministers pledge to endorse expat bill
Prime Minister's Office likely to try and postpone debate on bill enabling Israeli citizens residing abroad to vote in Knesset elections which is scheduled to be discussed by Ministerial Committee on Legislative Affairs
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3990584,00.html
Analysis / Opinion
Israel can't put occupation up for immoral referendum / Gideon Levy
Israeli democracy at its best: The entire people will decide on the next peace arrangement, but not on the question of settlements and annexation, and not on the question of wars. Israeli trickery at its best: Legislators pass laws relating to the day an arrangement is forged whose point is to defer that day's arrival for as long as possible. And Israeli morality at its best: A manifestly immoral question is formulated for a referendum, and insult is added to injury because only we Israelis, members of the chosen people, will decide on the fate of another people which has for generations lived under occupation, and we dare to call all this tomfoolery democracy. In fact, this is Israeli chutzpah at its worst.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/israel-can-t-put-occupation-up-for-immoral-referendum-1.327291
Thanksgiving, tikkun olam and US Jews breaking the Israel barrier / Bradley Burston
...it's in the direct interest of pro-settlement and right-leaning forces in the U.S. Jewish community to have an Israeli government which alienates and repels as many young, energetic, moderate American Jews as possible. It's in the direct interest of the powerful minority of pro-occupation, pro-settlement (let's call them POPS) activists and communal officials, along with a Sharansky-driven Jewish Agency and a Lieberman-driven Foreign Ministry, to have these voices of conscience out of the way. For the pro-occupation, pro-settlement American Jewish right, it's not a problem that most Jews find the settlement enterprise repellent - it's a godsend.
http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/thanksgiving-tikkun-olam-and-u-s-jews-breaking-the-israel-barrier-1.326087
The original sin / Uri Avnery
...Jewish religion, as fostered in Israel. It does not resemble the Judaism which existed in the Diaspora – neither the Orthodox nor the Reform model. It must be said: the Jewish religion in Israel is a mutation of Judaism, a tribal, racist, extreme nationalist and anti-democratic creed. There are now three religious educational systems – the national-religious, the "independent" one of the Orthodox, and "el-Hama'ayan ("to the source") of Shas. All three are financed by the state at least 100%, if not much more. The differences between them are small, compared to their similarities. All teach their pupils the history of the Jewish people only (based, of course, on the religious myths), nothing about the history of the world, of other peoples, not to mention other religions.
http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1290871909/
Left standing: Signs of life in Israel's peace camp / Shay Fogelman
Armed with self-confidence and ambition, Eldad Yaniv, a lawyer and former adviser to Ehud Barak, is promoting his idea of what Israel's left should look like. He says he has no private political aspirations, but believes his National Left movement is just what the country needs. Others beg to differ
http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/magazine/left-standing-signs-of-life-in-israel-s-peace-camp-1.327008
Iraq
Saturday: 8 Iraqis killed, 7 wounded
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki insisted today that Iraq has no need of continued U.S. presence after 2011. Nevertheless, at least eight Iraqis were killed and seven more were wounded in light violence. Meanwhile, Iraqi refugees who have returned to unacceptable conditions are again leaving the country. Christians in particular are fleeing to Turkey.
http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2010/11/27/saturday-8-iraqis-killed-6-wounded/
US troops in convoy kill Iraqi civilian driver (AP)
BAGHDAD -- U.S. troops who thought they were under attack killed an Iraqi airport employee Sunday as he drove near a military convoy on his way to work, officials said.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101128/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq
Iraq's troubles drive out refugees who came back
BAGHDAD -- A second exodus has begun here, of Iraqis who returned after fleeing the carnage of the height of the war, but now find that violence and the nation's severe lack of jobs are pulling them away from home once again. Since the American invasion in 2003, refugees have been a measure of the country's precarious condition, flooding outward during periods of violence and trickling back as Iraq seemed to stabilize. This new migration shows how far the nation remains from being stable and secure.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/27/world/middleeast/27refugees.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=all
Twelve arrested over deadly Baghdad church siege
Jawad Bolani said the arrests were made in raids over recent days and described them as a blow to al-Qaeda. The suspects are said to include Huthaifa al-Batawi, the Baghdad chief of the Islamic State of Iraq, a Sunni militant umbrella group to which al-Qaeda in Iraq belongs, according to AFP news agency. The group has said it carried out the attack.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11853451
Afghanistan
Talking to the Taliban about life after occupation / Ghaith Abdul-Ahad
Special report: In the last of his series from Afghanistan, Ghaith Abdul-Ahad asks Taliban leaders past and present what kind of regime they would run – and whether there is a chance of negotiated peace ... In a striking parallel with what the Americans have been advocating as part of their counterinsurgency initiative, the Haqqanis have set up local shura (consultation) councils made up of village elders and clerics to run the affairs of villagers in the "liberated" areas and create local security.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/26/taliban-afghanistan-occupation
Afghanistan war: US says violence reaches all-time high
Violence in Afghanistan has reached an all-time high, with clashes up fourfold since 2007, the Pentagon has said ... Approximately 97,000 US troops and 48,800 troops from other countries are in Afghanistan at present.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11825294
US Marines shrug off Afghan anger at civilians' killings / Jason Ditz
Most complaints in Sangin district not even investigated -- As Taliban leadership admonish their fighters to avoid civilian deaths, locals in the Sangin District of Afghanistan's Helmand Province are increasingly angry, complaining that the US Marines who recently took over the district have been regularly killing the civilians and refusing to investigate. The US denies the allegation of the killings, but admitted that they don't bother to investigate the vast majority of the complaints because they assume them to be "Taliban propaganda." The commander of the Marines is the district says that the Taliban are to blame for "every single instance" of a civilian casualty in the district.
http://news.antiwar.com/2010/11/26/us-marines-shrug-off-afghan-complaints-of-civilian-killings/
US General McChrystal approved peace talks with fake Taliban leader
*American Nato commander asked MI6 to develop contacts *News contradicts Hamid Karzai's attempt to put blame on UK -- Peace talks conducted with an impostor who posed as a Taliban leader, and which led to a meeting with Hamid Karzai in Kabul and thousands of dollars in "goodwill payments", were started by the Afghan government and approved by the former American commander, Stanley McChrystal, the Guardian has learned.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/26/us-general-mcchrystal-taliban-impostor
An overeager Petraeus ignored danger signs on Taliban imposter / Gareth Porter
IPS — The revelation that the man presumed to be a high-ranking Taliban leader who had met with top Afghan officials was an imposter sheds new light on Gen. David Petraeus's aggressive propaganda about the supposed Taliban approach to the Hamid Karzai regime.
http://dissidentvoice.org/2010/11/an-overeager-petraeus-ignored-danger-signs-on-taliban-imposter/
Lebanon and other Mideast
Hezbollah: Evidence held by Hariri court is worthless (AP)
Nasrallah reiterates claim that Israel manipulated Lebanon's telecommunications network to frame Hezbollah for 2005 murder of Rafik Hariri.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/hezbollah-evidence-held-by-hariri-court-is-worthless-1.327426
War in Lebanon depends on Israel / Zvi Bar'el
Israel and Egypt are probably the only two countries in the region eager to see how the international tribunal will indict Hezbollah and its secretary general. The hell with Lebanon, as long as it's possible to condemn Nasrallah once again. Let justice see the light, despite the cost. We'll be ready. As always. After all, the forum of seven has already discussed, recommended and approved an Israeli response if Hezbollah launches even a single small missile. Four summers have passed without war in Lebanon. Prophecies are not coming true. The situation is intolerable. Maybe this time we'll succeed; maybe the Hariri trial will rescue Israel from the corner it has painted itself into.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/war-in-lebanon-depends-on-israel-1.327290
Lebanese premier arrives in Iran
TEHRAN (Reuters) – Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri arrived in Iran on Saturday, seeking its help to prevent political tensions turning violent if a U.N.-backed tribunal indicts Hezbollah members for killing his father.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101127/wl_nm/us_iran_lebanon_hariri
Ex-Israel PM doesn't deny Israeli air strike on Syria (AP)
JERUSALEM – Israel's former prime minister said Thursday that he can't deny ex-President George W. Bush's claim in a new book that Israel destroyed a suspected nuclear reactor in Syria. It was Ehud Olmert's first public comment on the mysterious September 2007 incident, which happened while he was in office.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101125/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_syria
Iran offers Hariri to help Lebanese military
TEHRAN (AFP) -- Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi on Sunday told Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri that Tehran was prepared to help the Lebanese army, state television's website reported. "We have stated on several occasions, and we say it again today, that we stand alongside the Lebanese army and are prepared to cooperate" with it, Vahidi said during a meeting with the visiting premier, the report said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336752
Iran: Bushehr nuclear power plant has been fueled up (AP)
'We hope the Bushehr power plant will be connected to the country's national power grid within the next one or two months,' says Iranian vice president.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/iran-bushehr-nuclear-power-plant-has-been-fueled-up-1.327215
Voting begins in Egypt parliamentary election
Egyptian government aiming to squeeze Islamist Muslim Brotherhood out of parliament before presidential vote in 2011; meanwhile, opposition candidates complain of fraud in polls.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/voting-begins-in-egypt-parliamentary-election-1.327334
Islam is the Solution / Ashraf Ezzat
The streets are crammed with banners and posters everywhere advertising different candidates for the coming Egyptian parliamentary elections due on next Sunday 28th, November. The banners and posters carry photos and names of candidates and often a slogan that summarizes the candidate's plan of action if he is to be elected. For anyone who didn't know better this might seem as the sign of a fierce and free democratic competition between candidates of different political parties, but frankly it isn't; this whole show is a one party show disguised in a make-believe democracy. The national Democratic Party (NDP) is the ruling party headed by Hosni Mubarak, the president of Egypt for almost a world record of 30 long years.
http://dissidentvoice.org/2010/11/islam-is-the-solution/
Egyptians shrug off voting in Alexandria (AFP)
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (AFP) - It's a hazy Sunday in Egypt's northern city of Alexandria, a Muslim Brotherhood stronghold, where many residents are ignoring the elections as they go about their daily chores ... Voter apathy is rife across Alexandria, Egypt's second city, with low turnout as many see Sunday's election as a foregone conclusion that will help the ruling National Democratic Party tighten its grip ... The Brotherhood, outlawed but tolerated, is fielding 130 candidates across the country ... The group, which has seen at least 1,000 of its supporters detained in the past two months and a dozen of its candidates disqualified, is predicted to win far fewer seats than the fifth it secured in 2005 legislative polls.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336735
Son of Egypt election candidate stabbed to death (AFP)
The son of an independent candidate in Egypt's parliamentary election was stabbed to death on the eve of the vote as he was putting up posters of his father in Cairo, relatives and a medic said Sunday ... A Palestinian boy was shot and injured a day earlier after soldiers opened fire on a group of men collecting stone aggregates in the same area along the border. Medics said his injuries were moderate.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336669
Muslim Brotherhood threatens to sever Israel ties
Egypt's Opposition leader says 'illicit marriage with Tel Aviv' will be scrapped if elections won ... "Leaders of the regime know that if we rise to power we will change many aspects of its policy, first and foremost relations with Israel, which have contributed significantly to the maladies that have ailed us," Badie said. "We will not allow the Palestinians to die of hunger and close the door on them while opening it to Israelis who can enter Sinai whenever they so choose."
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3990446,00.html
U.S. and other world news
WikiLeaks says it is under cyber attack
LONDON (AFP) -- WikiLeaks said Sunday it was under a cyber attack but stressed this would not stop the publication of classified US documents, in a message on Twitter. "We are currently under a mass distributed denial of service attack," the whistle-blower website said in a statement on its Twitter feed, just hours before an expected mass release of the documents. But it insisted that the Spanish, French, German, British and US newspapers that were planning to publish the information later Sunday would go ahead, in the face of strong opposition from the United States. "El Pais, Le Monde, Spiegel, Guardian and NYT (the New York Times) will publish many US embassy cables tonight, even if WikiLeaks goes down," it said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336882
US warns WikiLeaks' Assange on possible leak
The US has written to the founder of whistleblower site Wikileaks, Julian Assange, requesting him not to release a cache of diplomatic files. The release of classified state department documents is against US law and will put "countless" lives at risk, the letter warns.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11856122
Netanyahu: Israel will not stand at center of new WikiLeaks report
Material concerning Israel will not be the focal point of a new exposé by the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, as Israel and the United States tensely awaited the imminent release of American classified diplomatic cables expected to include secret communiques between the two countries. "Israel is not the center of international attention," the premier said, adding that Jerusalem had not "been updated by the Americans about specific sensitive materials to be disclosed regarding Israel."
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-israel-will-not-stand-at-center-of-new-wikileaks-report-1.327416
US briefed Palestinians on WikiLeaks cache
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- The United States has informed the Palestinian government in Ramallah that some of the hundreds of thousands of diplomatic cables set for release by the whistle-blowing group WikiLeaks will deal with US-Palestinian relations. Washington's message, delivered by phone to the Office of the President a few days in advance of the scheduled release, was quick and to the point: Don't overreact.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336864
Book: Suicide bombers and what makes them tick / Arshad M. Khan
Chalmers Johnson died last Saturday. An intellectual stalwart and a powerhouse in political economy, he will be sorely missed. He was ever the pragmatist — first, when he realized its futility, turning against the Vietnam war ... His views of the causes of terrorism also come to mind as the empirical analysis in a new book, Cutting the Fuse: The Explosion of Global Suicide Terrorism and How to Stop It (University of Chicago Press, 2010) by Robert A. Pape and James K. Feldman, validates his thinking ... So what fuels such terrorism? The media would have us believe it is religious extremism ... But Pape and Feldman, after exhaustive research into 30 years of data, conclude otherwise; instead they contend the evidence places the blame squarely on foreign occupation. The principal objective of the terrorist, it seems, has always been to compel a democracy to withdraw from prized land.
http://dissidentvoice.org/2010/11/suicide-bombers-and-what-makes-them-tick/   
Comment on this article >
|  Your donation to Mondoweiss ensures we will continue to cover the most important issues surrounding Israel/Palestine and US foreign policy.
Please donate today.
Follow Mondoweiss on Twitter and Facebook
Upcoming Events Thurs, November 11 Church of Gethsemane 1012 Eighth Avenue
(bet 10th St. & 11th St.) Brooklyn NY
Jewish Perspectives on the
BDS Movement
A respectful dialogue on BDS—whether you already have a position on it or you want to clarify for yourself the complex issues it raises. This event will provide an opportunity to hear from people who disagree about whether BDS is an appropriate and effective strategy.
|
Dear Sir/Ma,
ReplyDeleteFinancial Instrument for Lease and Sales
I represent a financial institution that provide financial instrument basically for lease or sale.
We adhere to a prompt and quick delivery of any financial instrument for your choice instruments,
BANK GUARANTEE MT760,SBLC MT760,MT103 Financial upon your interest indication.
We have the below instrument for lease or for sale.
we can also provide instruments below the stated amounts.
1) BANK GUARANTEE (BG) issued by UBS AG Switzerland with
face value of 30 billion Euros.
2) STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT issued by INDUSTRIAL AND
COMMERCIAL BANK
OF CHINA with face value of SBLC 50 Billion USD.
3) STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT issued by BNP PARIBAS FRANCE,
BARCLAY'S BANK PLC, HSBC BANK PLC,DEUTCHE AG AND JP MORGAN
CHASE BANK with face value of SBLC 40 Billion USD.
The above instruments are ready for outright lease out or
sell off.So the leasing fee for any of the instrument is
outright 5% and commission agents gets 2%
While for an outright purchase of any of the above instrument is from
43% to 45% and the commission agents remains 2% Therefore,
the attorney has resolved to offer you 2% as agent
commission for any client that purchases or leases from your side.
So therefore,you should source for urgent and potential clients that will
need financial instruments of the three (3) above categories i.e
MT760 BG . MT760 SBLC and MT103 2ways..
Futher information's will be divulged upon your reply.
Thank you.
Mr.Kevin smith
Financial Consultant
Company Name :kevin smith
London - United Kingdom
Email: ks679938@gmail.com
We arrange Following Bank Instruments
ReplyDeleteLetter of Credit ( LC)
From Various Banks in Singapore / HongKong / Europe /USA
Used For Import / Export Business and Trade Finance .
90/180DAYS
Bank Guarantee ( BG )
Fresh Cut
Slightly Seasoned
Seasoned
Stand By Letter of Credit ( SBLC )
90DAYS / 180/ 365DAYS
Regards
Maxie Saviel
Contact: Maxie.finance@gmail.com
Skype ID: maxil.finance
ReplyDeleteGENUINE BANK GUARANTEE (BG) AND STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT (SBLC) FOR LEASE AT THE LOWEST RATES AVAILABLE. OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS MTN, CD, DLC, PB ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.
I am direct to a provider who has recently issued banking instruments for a couple of my clients the provider is 100% check-able you can do your due diligence on them. I personally know the provider.
Our instruments are only from triple 'a' rated banks and we issue from $1M to $5B . The provider is 100% verifiable. If you are genuinely seeking bank instruments. Contact me and i will furnish you with details.
They deal with issuing of instruments such as Bank Guarantee and Standby letters of credit also Letters of credit. I only want serious buyers then i will put you in touch with the provider directly.
- Bank Guarantee (BG)
- Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC)
- Direct Line of Credit (DLC)
- Medium Term Note (MTN)
- Letter of Credit (LC)
I will be glad to share with you our working procedures.
Contact :Robert Glen
Email: robertg.finance@gmail.com / robertglen.finance230@yahoo.com
Skype: robertg.finance@gmail.com
BROKERS ARE WELCOME & 100% PROTECTED!!!
ReplyDeleteProject Funding and Banking Instrument Such As {(BG/SBLC/LC/DC/MTN)} for lease and purchase
Sir
I am a financial consultant and have a very good and reputable Provider of some bank instruments we can only deliver fresh cut cash backed lease bank instrument {(BG/SBLC/LC/DC/MTN)} to you in accordance to our terms and condition. Our bank instruments can serves as collateral as the case may be, which will enable you get loans from your bank so as to embark on any projects such as Aviation, Agriculture, Petroleum, Mining, Telecommunication, Construction of Dams, Real estate, Bridges, Trading, Importing and exporting and Other Turnkey Project (s) etc.
Also these instruments can be put in PPP, etc. Please do let me know of your willingness to proceed and I will email you our terms and condition upon request.
Contact :Robert Glen
Email: robertg.finance@gmail.com / robertglen.finance230@yahoo.com
Skype: robertg.finance@gmail.com
BROKERS ARE WELCOME & 100% PROTECTED!!!