Here are the headlines from Mondoweiss for 12/09/2010:
'The Palestine Cables': WikiLeaks expose European chill on Israel after Cast Lead, and Lebanese advice on defeating Hezbollah
Dec 08, 2010 03:53 pm | Alex Kane WikiLeaks has gone from a drip to a torrent, and we need a way to keep up. With this post we inaugurate a new feature at this site. "The Palestine Cables" will be a weekly chronicle/analysis of important revelations bearing on Israel/Palestine that are contained in the ongoing dump of hundreds of thousands of U.S. State Department cables. Alex Kane will be preparing these reports (when he is not in Israel/Palestine himself). Without further ado, Part I, The Palestine Cables... The revelations from the classified State Department cables being published by WikiLeaks and news organizations keep coming, and there's no shortage of items concerning Israel/Palestine. The cables have included interesting revelations about European countries' relations with Israel--and how much the Goldstone report has mattered, thought not enough--as well as what seems to be a Lebanese official passing on advice to the Israeli government on how to defeat Hezbollah in a new conflict. One cable, dated September 5, 2006 and sent from the U.S. embassy in Dublin, reports that the Irish government "has informally begun to place constraints on U.S. operations at the facility, mainly in response to public sensitivities
over U.S. actions in the Middle East." Specifically, the cable states that the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs decided to "forbid U.S. military transits carrying munitions to Israel" because of "the Irish public's overwhelming opposition to Israeli military actions in Lebanon." Another cable dated October 29, 2009 from the U.S. embassy in France reports that, days before France and Israel were set to hold a "strategic dialogue," French President Nicolas Sarkozy called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and suggested that Israel "establish an independent investigation into the actions of the Israeli Defense Forces in the Gaza conflict." Sarkozy said that "such a step would decrease pressure on Israel and its allies stemming from the Goldstone Report, but Netanyahu responded briskly: 'No way.'" In addition, the cable notes that "European countries stopped selling Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) parts to Israel" after the 2008-09 assault on Gaza, although France had continued to sell UAV parts to Israel. There was also the November 10, 2009 suggestion--two weeks out from when Israel first "froze" settlements--from Germany that the U.S. force Israel to agree to a settlement freeze or else risk the U.S. withdrawing pledges to block U.N. Security Council votes on the Goldstone report. The U.S. said no, calling the proposal "counterproductive." Compared to the U.S.'s routine practice of groveling before Israel, the European countries' attitude towards Israel seems remarkable. But that's not the full story--Europe remains deeply complicit in the Israeli occupation. I reached out to David Cronin, the author of the soon-to-be-released book Europe's Alliance with Israel: Aiding the Occupation, to get his reaction to the WikiLeaks revelations about Europe-Israel relations:  It is correct that the Dublin government has felt an obligation to respond to the widespread public revulsion in Ireland at Israel's barbaric treatment of the Palestinian people, as well as Israel's 2006 war against Lebanon. It is also true that Micheal Martin, the Irish foreign minister, has been more critical of Israel than any of his counterparts in the EU. Yet his criticisms have been largely tokenistic. When evidence emerged that Mossad, the Israeli secret service, had used counterfeit passports so that its agents could pose as Irish citizens when assassinating a leading member of Hamas in January, Ireland expelled an Israeli diplomat from the country. The Irish government had an opportunity to make its displeasure known in more strident terms in May, when Israel's application to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) was under discussion. Yet Ireland took no concrete steps to block Israel's membership of this elite capitalist club, a move that was rightly seen as a major diplomatic and political victory for the Israeli government... France and Germany both have governments that have acted as an apologist for Israel on many occasions in recent years. Indications or reports that they have been unhappy with some aspects of the occupation do not alter this general picture. Neither France nor was prepared to support the Goldstone report, which documented how Israel had committed crimes against humanity in Gaza in 2008 and 2009. (Germany voted against the report at the United Nations last year, while France abstained). To a significant degree, the EU's foreign policy is determined by its largest member states. All four of its largest countries – France, Germany, Britain and Italy – have right-leaning governments that consistently defend Israel, albeit with the occasional expression of concern when Israel is perceived to have gone "too far" (e.g. with the attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla). It is almost as if these governments are competing with each other to see which one can be the most pro-Israel. In Lebanon, the WikiLeaks State Dept. cables are fueling tensions. A March 2008 conversation revealed that "Lebanon's Defense Minister Elias Murr told Americans the army would stay out of the way if Israel tried to wipe out Hezbollah," according to a Los Angeles Times report. The cables were published by the left-wing Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar. In an e-mail, As'ad Abu Khalil, a Middle East analyst who blogs at the Angry Arab, commented that "Al-Murr was basically (like other Arab leaders--although he is no leader) trying to get close to the US by showing his goodwill toward Israel." These cables from WikiLeaks follow a growing sense of unease in Lebanon ahead of the expected indictments of Hezbollah members for the 2005 killing of Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and Hezbollah's vows to resist the indictments. For more news and analysis on the WikiLeaks State Dept. cables and Israel/Palestine, see: Josh Ruebner, the Huffington Post: WikiLeaks: Israel's Security Concerns Often Clash With U.S. Interests Ian Black, the Guardian: WikiLeaks cables: Sudan warned to block Iranian arms bound for Gaza Ewen MacAskill, the Guardian: WikiLeaks cables: Saudis proposed Arab force to invade Lebanon Marc Lynch, Foreign Policy: What the WikiLeaks cables really say about Arabs and Iran Yousef Munayyer, the Palestine Center's Permission to Narrate blog: Top 10 Wikileaks Palestine Nuggets Yousef Munayyer, the Palestine Center's Permission to Narrate blog: Who Remembered Gaza in Wikileaks? Stuart Littlewood, the Palestine Chronicle: Wikileaks: Did Abbas Know about the War on Gaza? Alex Kane is a freelance journalist and blogger based in New York City. He blogs on Israel/Palestine and Islamophobia in the United States at alexbkane.wordpress.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexbkane. 
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Why is the White House sending its Iran negotiator to a neocon conference in D.C.?
Dec 08, 2010 02:59 pm | Philip Weiss Well because that's where the power is. The permanent Establishment in D.C. has a neoconservative flavor right now, Obama has to truckle to those folks. (Ask me why later.) The Foundation for Defense of Democracies is a neoconservative shop. It takes a hawkish stance on confronting Iran. The Obama aide is Gary Samore. The press release below. Two Israelis are confirmed speakers. Where's the American realist? Where's Trita Parsi of the National Iranian American Council? Washington, D.C. (December 8, 2010)- On Monday, December 6th, Iran refused to discuss its nuclear program in its latest round of negotiations with Western powers. As in past talks that failed to persuade Tehran to abandon its nuclear program, U.S. and European leaders are once again facing long odds. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, FDD will devote its annual Washington Forum, which takes place December 8-10 in Washington, D.C., to Countering the Iranian Threat. U.S., European, and Israeli diplomats, members of Congress, intelligence specialists, military officials, and proliferation experts will explore the nature of the Iranian regime, and the policy options available to confront it.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Dr. Gary Samore, White House Coordinator of weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), Counter-terrorism and Arms Control
- Representative Pete Hoekstra (R-MI), Ranking Member, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
- Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL), Member, Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Judiciary
- Ambassador Uri Lubrani, Iran Advisor to Israel's Ministry of Defense and Israeli Ambassador to Iran before the 1979 Revolution
- Major General Yaakov Amidror, Former Head of the Israel Defense Force's Research and Assessment Division, charged with preparing its National Intelligence Assessment
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US's greatest contribution to the peace process has been to reveal Israeli intransigence
Dec 08, 2010 12:31 pm | Léa Park In light of the US failure to broker an Israeli settlement freeze, it's clear to me now that the single most valuable contribution the United States has made to the cause of Middle East peace over the last two years was taking on the issue of settlements. If it had "won", direct talks would now be going forward. But losing has its own rewards. Who in their right mind can argue any longer that settling 500,000 people (and counting) on land that is "disputed", "occupied", "stolen" – take your pick, it doesn't matter– makes any sense at all, or ever did . By insisting on a settlement freeze in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with full knowledge that he couldn't single-handedly reverse decades of American policy, President Obama did us all, including those who want a safe home for Israelis, an enormous favor. For by allowing the politics of his insistence to be played out for all to see, what the present Israeli government wants, a status-quo bent on preserving settlement, the apartheid measures that settlement requires, as well as an emasculated statehood for Palestinians, has been demonstrated to be not only the moral and legal abomination that it is, but a political dead-end as well. Now Palestine, miraculously enough, appears to be taking the diplomatic initiative. Meanwhile, the present government of Israeli thinks it has put Israel's major ally in its place. It's likely that's where the United States will be content stay for a while, as the action shifts elsewhere. 
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While the US stumbles with Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, others are taking the lead
Dec 08, 2010 12:30 pm | Audrey Farber Yesterday brought us the news that the Obama administration is giving up on pressuring Netanyahu on settlements. Are they giving up, or are they just losing their edge? Apparently, "U.S. officials said they were not abandoning the peace effort altogether, just changing tactics." Unfortunately, "it was not immediately clear what other proposals the Obama administration might put forward." So is there something better up their sleeve? Such a change – after all, the American focus in Israel has been dedicated to settlement freezes for almost the entirety of Obama's reign – could indicate its abdication of the role of mediator, the recognition of the futility of the "peace process", and the first steps towards recognizing Palestine. Or more likely, it indicates that the Israeli government has a worse stranglehold on the US than we previously thought and ever dared dream. Obviously the Obama administration realizes the futility of the process, though it's a shame they're handing Netanyahu this victory on a silver platter. This settlement freeze failure is making the US administration the laughing stock of Israel and Palestine alike. Ehud Barak claimed "talks with U.S. officials over a settlement freeze had stopped because Washington was distracted by the WikiLeaks controversy and its need to focus on the confrontation with North Korea." You'd think they'd be able to multi-task, but I guess asking one small thing from Netanyahu on top of all these other concerns was just too much. From another side, aide to Abbas, Yasser Abed Rabbo, criticized this newfound weakness of the American role in negotiations. If the US is "the one who couldn't make Israel limit its settlement activities in order to conduct serious negotiations, how can he be able to make Israel accept a fair solution?...This is the big question now." The illusion of America's role as team leader in this "peace process" has been shattered, and we see now that when it comes to Israel and Palestine, as far as the US is concerned, the Israelis will get what they want. As this is just further proof that the Netanyahu-Lieberman military-industrial complex has us exactly where they want us and we're a fairly useless ally for peace and justice, it's time for someone else to step up to the plate and have a go at this perennial intractability. Indeed, both Israel and Palestine are prepared for this eventuality. Barak sees Barack's withdrawal as putting Israel in "danger of becoming increasingly isolated internationally. Israel is concerned with the success of one Palestinian tactic: persuading countries to recognize an independent Palestinian state within borders that existed before the 1967 Middle East War." This week we saw two members of the international community doing just this. I have to congratulate Brazil and Argentina for recognizing an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 Green Line. They're filling a void left by the collapsing American hegemony in questions of Israel-Palestine, where previously the international community would never have had the guts to do this without North American initiative. Now that the US is effectively emasculated, Brazil and Argentina, along with Costa Rica, Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, are coming out in vocal support of the Palestinian right to statehood, representing the popular yet silent voice of the rest of the world. That it is these countries who recognize Palestinian statehood is indicative of a split that we've known about for a while: between the "European" world -- Europe and South America -- in their sympathy for the Palestinian cause; and the "American" world in their undying sympathy for the plight of Israel. European, especially southern, and Latin and South American sentiment is pro-Palestinian, often to the extent of being uninformed, taking the progressive/leftist line as a way to stick it to the man. And example: when I was in Greece two months ago, I was talking to an old man and said I was living and working in Israel. "You are a bad bad girl," he told me. I explained to him that I was working for a Palestinian organization and I was working for civil rights within Israel, and he acquiesced. "Okay, you are good girl, but Israel is a bad bad country." He is not alone in feeling this way. You only have to look at the myriad of European expats and European-funded aid projects in the West Bank to see that the prevailing popular sentiment in Europe is decidedly pro-Palestinian (whatever that means anymore). Juxtapose this with the prevailing American and Canadian official and public sentiments which tend to lean (understatement) towards Israel, and with their pursuit of these futile peace processes as the only option. Though I'm no expert on South America, I find it completely unsurprising that these recognitions are coming from our southerly neighbors. These are countries whose popular opinion seems to shy away from the hegemony of the United States, more European than American. As influential countries on their own continent, part of me hopes this is the beginning of a massive trend which could overturn the predominance of the US-Israel(-Canada) powerhouse. I'm specifically thinking of Venezuela here, which everyone knows is not exactly the US's best friend. What a way to stick it to the US and Israel. Brilliant. So here we have South America circumventing the process altogether, playing the game by their own rules. A version of this post appears on a blog I run with friends, midthoughtblog.com. 
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Twelve homes in East Jerusalem razed in one week, West Bank village Tana razed, school in Nablus razed . . .
Dec 08, 2010 11:19 am | Seham And other news from Today in Palestine: Settlers/ Land, Property, Resource Theft & Destruction/Ethnic Cleansing
Israeli army demolishes 12 West Bank homes, strikes on Gaza
RAMALLAH / GAZA, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army Wednesday demolished 12 Palestinian houses and a school in a village near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, residents and security sources said. The residents said that the Israeli army bulldozers demolished 12 Palestinian-owned houses in the village of Kherbet Tana, allegedly saying the constructions were illegally built.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-12/08/c_13640760.htm
OCHA: Israel razed 12 homes in O. Jerusalem during one week
The UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs said that Israel demolished 12 Palestinian homes in occupied Jerusalem from 24 to 30 November at the pretext of unlicensed construction.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Q
2 Dec. '10: New settler enclaves in East Jerusalem
On 23 and 24 November 2010, settler organizations took control of two houses in Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem. In the first case, the Qara'in family, 14 persons, were evicted from their home, which is located next to the UN compound in Jabal Mukabber. The eviction was carried out in accordance with court order and with police assistance. The building had been purchased by a foreign company that is registered in the Cocos Islands and is represented in Israel by David Be'eri, one of the heads of the Elad settlers' organization, even though some of the owners of the property contend that the transaction was made without their knowledge and approval. Settlers have taken over another house in the village.
http://www.btselem.org/English/Jerusalem/20101202_Settlers_takeover_apartmenets_in_East_JM.asp
Israeli Army Razes West Bank Village
The Israeli military bulldozed Tana village early on Wednesday near the city of Hebron, Press TV reported.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60121
Israeli forces demolish school near Nablus
NABLUS (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces demolished a number Palestinian buildings near the West Bank city of Nablus Wednesday, including a Palestinian Authority school, officials said. Ghassan Doughlas, the official in charge of monitoring settlements in the northern West Bank, said Israeli military vehicles raided Tana area, seven kilometers from the village of Beit Furik and declared it a closed military zone before demolishing buildings, including an under-construction three classroom school.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=339909
Israel carries out demolitions in village east of Nablus
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) demolished Wednesday morning agricultural buildings and a school under construction and removed tents in Tana village, east of Nablus city.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Q
3 Bethlehem homes threatened with demolition
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces handed three stop-work orders to residents of Bethlehem on Tuesday, local officials said. Usama Shakarneh, deputy mayor of Nahalin village, said authorities handed notifications claiming three homes lacked licenses. The mayor said the homes belonged to three local families.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=339868
IOA deports MP Abu Tir to the West Bank
An Israeli court decided on Wednesday to deport Jerusalemite MP Mohammed Abu Tir from his native hometown of occupied Jerusalem to the West Bank.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2
Occupied Palestinian Territory: Demolitions in East Jerusalem in 2010 - as of October 2010
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/RKRR-8BWLUT?OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
US fails in settlements freeze bid
The US suspends efforts to persuade Israel on settlement building freeze.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/middleeast/2010/12/201012723481460146.html
Israel's east Jerusalem policy threatens peace: EU (AFP)
AFP - Israel's policies in occupied east Jerusalem are harming the prospect of the Palestinians having their future capital there, which "seriously endangers" a two-state solution, the EU said on Tuesday.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101207/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestiniansjerusalemeu
Military presence prolongs state of tension in Silwan
The Wadi Hilweh district of Silwan has witnessed a heightened and sustained presence of both Israeli police and settler guards, creating an atmosphere of tension and state of alert in the East Jerusalem village. Such circumstances have been ongoing since the murder of Silwan resident Samer Sarhan on 22 September 2010, who was shot dead by a settler guard in the village. The ensuing clashes triggered a Israeli crackdown on local resistance, highlighting the clear collusion between the armed guards of Israeli settlements in Silwan and the Israeli police and military. Sarhan's death was not the only crime committed by settler guards in Silwan in recent months. Resident Mazen Ouda was shot in the foot with live ammunition by a settler guard on 2 June this year during clashes in the village.
http://silwanic.net/?p=8978
Activism/Solidarity/Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions
Hearing begins in case of Palestinian non-violent protest organizer
Abdullah Abu Rahme was brought to an Israeli court Monday, after completing a one year prison sentence for 'incitement' due to his role organizing non-violent weekly demonstrations against the Wall. Israeli authorities are attempting to extend his sentence indefinitely without charges, a policy known as 'administrative detention', which is considered a violation of international law, but is common practice by Israeli military courts.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60112
Only 48 Hours Until Country-Wide BDS Day of Action!
This year, what better way to honor International Human Rights Day than to join with others around the country to say NO to investment in Occupation & Apartheid! If you haven't already, it's not too late to join this initiative by Jewish Voice for Peace to tell financial company TIAA-CREF to divest from Caterpillar, Motorola, and other companies profiting from Israeli violations of Palestinian rights. Organizers in more than 20 cities around the country are mobilizing to bring their voices to local TIAA-CREF offices in the form of petitions, face-to-face meetings, and demonstrations. If you haven't already, register here to join with others in your area already taking part. You can find more general information about the campaign, a step-by-step guide, and a sample petition here. This Friday, join the chorus of voices telling TIAA-CREF we will not stand for profiting from Occupation & Apartheid!
http://endtheoccupationblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/only-48-hours-until-country-wide-bds.html
Beit Ommar returns to its roots
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank village of Beit Ommar are returning to older models of organizing against the Israeli occupation. These organizers are employing strategies of resistance made famous during the first intifada in order to overcome stagnation and division within Palestinian society. Mousa Abu Maria of the Palestine Solidarity Project analyzes.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11659.shtml?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+electronicIntifadaPalestine+%28Electronic+Intifada+%3A+Palestine+News%29
Holiday Caroling Protest in Front of Lev Leviev's New York Store
Sing parody carols to boycott Israeli apartheid, Saturday, December 18th, 1:00 - 3:00 pm @ LEVIEV Jewelry Store: 700 Madison Avenue, between 62nd and 63rd. The international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel continues to grow and achieve successes. Following a global boycott campaign, Leviev's company Africa Israel made an ambiguous statement that it had no plans to build more settlements. But another Leviev company, Leader, continues to build the Zufim settlement on Jayyous' land, and Leviev's support for human rights abuses in the diamond industry in Angola continues.
http://endtheoccupationblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/holiday-caroling-protest-in-front-of.html
#BDS: Palestinian protest disrupts fencing event in Spain
Pro-Palestinian protestors interrupt junior fencing competition in Burgos, chanting anti-Israeli slogans. 'I was shaking the whole competition, it was very scary,' Israeli teen athlete Irina Levin says. The Junior Fencing World Cup in Burgos, Spain turned into a political arena this past weekend when 12 pro-Palestinian protestors stormed the bleachers during a match between Israeland Spain, shouting anti-Israeli slogans and wielding anti-Israel signs. The protestors yelled "Killers of Palestinians" at the young fencers, and their signs called for a boycott of Israel.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/12/bds-palestinian-protest-disrupts.html
'End Military Aid to Israel' campaign comes to BART, Henry Norr
Two months after ads calling for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel went up in Chicago Transit Authority stations, a similar campaign began this week in the Bay Area. Inspired by the work of the Chicago-area Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine (CJPIP), the Bay Area initiative was launched by the Northern California Friends of Sabeel, the local branch of a national group that supports the Palestinian Christian liberation theology movement. The Bay Area chapters of Jewish Voice for Peace and American Muslims for Palestine quickly signed on as co-sponsors. The ads, currently posted in three heavily trafficked stations - 12th Street Oakland, Downtown Berkeley, and San Francisco Civic Center - are virtually identical to those the CJPIP ran in Chicago, and they refer commuters to the same website: www.TwoPeoplesOneFuture.org. The sponsors hope to launch a broader campaign to bring the message to more Bay Area commuters in the coming year. Donate to support expansion of the campaign here.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/%e2%80%98end-military-aid-to-israel%e2%80%99-campaign-comes-to-bart.html
Another silent walk-out in protest of Israel's PR campaign, Christopher Clark
On December 2nd, an event entitled "Overcoming Terror: A True Story" was set to take place on the University of Massachusetts campus in Amherst, Massachusetts. It was sponsored by the Student Alliance for Israel (SAFI) and the University of Massachusetts Hillel House. IDF Sergeant Kenny Sachs was the orator, an on-call speaker for Israeli propaganda groups Upstart Activist and Divestment Watch. Though the topic of discussion happened in Gaza, the event description never named Palestinians. Instead, "terrorists" was the term used to describe those who "attacked" Sergeant Sachs at the Erez checkpoint in northern Gaza. The rest of the description being a muddled account of a shootout between Sachs and aforementioned "terrorists" in an attempt to create the center periphery story of Sachs losing his ability to play basketball after being shot in the leg. He said, "That was one of the hardest things I've ever heard."
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/another-silent-walk-out-in-protest-of-israels-pr-campaign.html
Halfway there! Please help us meet our matching fund goal in December.. Philip Weiss and Adam Horowitz
We are halfway to our goal in our current fund raising drive. Thank you! It only took us five days to raise the first $10,000 - by far our best start ever. We're hoping to raise another $10,000 in order to meet the $20,000 matching fund challenge presented to us by a very generous donor. Please help us reach our goal and give today!
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/halfway-there-please-help-us-meet-our-matching-fund-goal-in-december.html
The Electronic Intifada Campaign: Help keep our reporting strong in 2011
To remain a strong, independent publication and an educational resource for the Palestine solidarity and justice movement, The Electronic Intifada needs the support of its readers and friends. Please make a contribution today.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11662.shtml?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+electronicIntifadaPalestine+%28Electronic+Intifada+%3A+Palestine+News%29
#BDS: My Experience at Oasis Food Market, Oakland CA: What a Pleasant Surprise!
When asked that question, the store manager, an Arab from Yemen, explained that the only products in the store imported through "Israel" are those manufactured in 1948 Palestine. Not only that, the store is keen on labeling those products with a sign that says: "Products of Palestine" as shown below...
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/12/bds-my-experience-at-oasis-food-market.html
As a lame duck, Grayson, do you think you could just quack once for Corrie, Henochowicz and Dogan?, Susie Kneedler
YesterdaySeham posted about an appeal by Florida Congressman Alan Grayson at Huffpo to hear from the grassroots so as to reinvigorate the Democratic Party. Susie Kneedler sent Grayson, who was defeated last month, a letter.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/as-a-lame-duck-grayson-do-you-think-you-could-just-quack-once-for-corrie-henochowicz-and-dogan.html
Mavi Marmara Returns to Istanbul Ahead of Leading New Gaza Flotilla
The Turkish ship the Mavi Marmara, on which nine activists were killed on the May 31 Flotilla Massacre, is returning to Istanbul on the anniversary of 'Operation Cast Lead'. In a ceremony organised by the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), politicians, activists and survivors will gather to mourn the losses on the flotilla and in Gaza, while reiterating their commitment to ending Israel's illegal policies.
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/spip/spip.php?article1643
Anti
Peace group denied permission to operate Chabad-like stand at Ben-Gurion airport
Artists Without Walls wanted to set up stand managed by Jews and Arabs 'who would be open to dialogue with passengers about coexistence.'
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/peace-group-denied-permission-to-operate-chabad-like-stand-at-ben-gurion-airport-1.329407?localLinksEnabled=false
Abuse of Palestinian Children
Voices from the Occupation
Belal (16) was shot in his left leg whilst collecting building material in the Gaza Strip, about 600 metres from the border fence with Israel.
http://www.dci-pal.org/english/doc/press/Voices_2010-12-08_gravel.pdf
On the hunting of Palestinian children and re-education at the Ofer prison, Ofra Ben Artzi
On 15 November 2010 the IDF spokesman issued the following news flash: "During the night IDF forces in the Judea and Samaria area and in the Jordan Valley arrested 11 wanted persons." A routine announcement that is published nearly every morning, but it does not receive much attention, because whom does it interest? And if among those 11 wanted persons there were some children who were pulled from their beds in the middle of their dreams at midnight, seized by soldiers of an elite brigade in front of their terrified parents; handcuffed, blindfolded and then put into a military vehicle that took them to an ISA (Shin Bet) interrogation facility, does anybody really care?
http://uruknet.info/?p=m72575&hd=&size=1&l=e
Siege/Rights Violations/Restriction of Movement
EU parliament delegation expresses shock over conditions in Gaza
BRUSSELS, Dec 7 (KUNA) -- A delegation from the European Parliament which recently visited the Palestinian territories has expressed its shock over ongoing deprivations suffered by the people in Gaza. 750,000 people continue to need food aid from UNRWA; 300,000 of them are in abject poverty. Schools are still denied building material, the 8-member EP delegation said in a statement here Tuesday. The EU parliamentarians said that in order for the living conditions of people in Gaza to improve, the Israeli siege must be lifted, and normal economic and business activities must be allowed to start again, with no restrictions on exports and imports.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/KHII-8BX5PM?OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Erdogan: Israeli siege on Gaza must end
Recep Tayyep Erdogan, the Turkish Prime Minister, has urged Tuesday the Zionist entity to lift the five-year old siege on Gaza, reiterating his governments conditions.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bc 'For Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, receiving medical treatment is highly problematic and involves numerous obstacles. Sometimes patients are forced to opt out of treatment altogether'
A little sadistic game is being played. How much pressure must this ghetto experience before Gaza (75% of which is women and children) will grow to love Israel and overthrow Hamas? Report from Physicians for Human Rights-Israel: "The Beaten Track - Obstacles Facing Gaza Patients in Need of Medical Care"
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/for-palestinians-in-the-gaza-strip-receiving-medical-treatment-is-highly-problematic-and-involves-numerous-obstacles-sometimes-patients-are-forced-to-opt-out-of-treatment-altogether.html
Occupied Palestinian Territory: Gaza Strip - Areas Restricted for Palestinian Access - as of Oct 010
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/RKRR-8BWMUH?OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Industrial Fuel – Needs Vs. Supply – Nov 7 – Dec 4
http://www.gazagateway.org/2010/12/industrial-fuel-%e2%80%93-needs-vs-supply-%e2%80%93-nov-7-%e2%80%93-dec-4/
Israel Reduces Wheat Supply to the Gaza Strip
The Israeli authorities have reduced the amounts of wheat allowed into the Gaza Strip. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), lower quantities of wheat grain and animal feed have been allowed to enter Gaza during the past few months. Between January and May 2010 the 64,237 tons were allowed to enter Gaza through a special conveyer belt at Karni Crossing. Since June 2010, the Israeli authorities allowed only 48,609 tons into Gaza.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MUMA-8BWW4R?OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Israel allows more exports from Gaza to West Bank and abroad
Security cabinet approves move in bid to ease the lives of the population in Gaza; government believes 'steps will have positive impact on Israel's international stance.'
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-allows-more-exports-from-gaza-to-west-bank-and-abroad-1.329500?localLinksEnabled=false
Hamas: Increasing Gaza's export won't change facts on ground
GAZA, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Islamic Hamas movement on Wednesday said Israel's decision to expand export from Gaza doesn't change the situation on the ground. "This is an attempt to cover the real continuation of the blockade," Ayman Taha, a spokesman for Hamas, told Xinhua, minutes after the Israeli Security Cabinet approved to let more goods go out from the Hamas-controlled territory.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-12/08/c_13640847.htm
Al Jazeera Children's Channel and UNRWA sign groundbreaking online learning agreement
Al Jazeera Children's Channel today concluded an agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) that will give unique learning opportunities to hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children across the Middle East.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/EGUA-8BWUEX?OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Racism and Discrimination
MK Tibi: Skinhead rabbis vs. Arabs
During Knesset session, Arab lawmakers slam ruling against selling or renting apartments to non-Jews. MK El Sana calls rabbis 'scum of the earth.' President Peres: Ban 'an ethical crisis'.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3996190,00.html
Yediot's legal editor cites Nuremberg Laws, Eichmann trial, in critique of new Rabbinical ruling
In 1834, a clothes salesman in London refused to sell an article of clothing to a customer. The refusal stemmed from the fact that the buyer was "just a Jew."The Jewish buyer sued the salesman, but the court in the Timothy case supported the salesman. It was not a just trial, but the judge employed a sacred principle, the freedom of contracts, according to which a person can choose with whom he wants to enter into a contract and whom he does not. This sanctity was a disgrace and a refuge for ugly prejudice. The court's non-intervention only supplied ammunition to the strong and violent versus the human and the weak, and the usual outcome of giving "freedom to wolves," as Prof. Isaiah Berlin put it, is "death for sheep." Since then, the sanctity of the freedom of contracts has been made subject to the demand of good faith. It can no longer serve as a refuge for racists. In the Israeli ruling in the case of Naamne vs. Kibbutz Kalia, Judge Miriam Mizrahi ruled that one cannot rely on freedom of contracts to prevent Arabs from entering a water park.
http://coteret.com/2010/12/08/yediots-legal-editor-cites-nuremberg-laws-eichmann-trial-in-critique-of-new-rabbinical-ruling/
Violence/Aggression
Report: "Three Killed, 35 Wounded, By Army Fire In November"
A report on Israeli attacks against the Palestinians in November revealed that soldiers killed three Palestinians, and wounded 35, amidst ongoing soldier and settler violations against the Palestinians in the occupied territories.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60113
Israeli warplanes blast targets in southern Gaza
Israeli warplanes launched two raids on Khan Younis and Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, at dawn Wednesday inflicting material damage and wounding a youth, local sources reported.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcO
Medics: 3 injured by Israeli shelling in Gaza
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli tank shelling injured three Palestinians Wednesday east of Gaza City, medics said. The three hurt in the incident, near the Karni crossing, were not identified. An Israeli military spokesman said that "an IDF force fired tank rounds toward a number of suspicious individuals who approached the security fence in the northern Gaza Strip.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=340032
IDF resumes use of prohibited tear gas canisters
The canisters, which are used to disperse demonstrations in the West Bank, have been responsible for serious injuries and at least one death
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/idf-resumes-use-of-prohibited-tear-gas-canisters-1.329414?localLinksEnabled=false
Supplement to Haaretz Expose on High-Velocity Tear Gas Projectiles, Joseph Dana
Haaretz is reporting today something which has been known for weeks, the IDF has illegally reintroduced high-velocity tear gas canisters to their arsenal of weapons used to crush weekly Palestinian non-violent demonstrations in the West Bank. This is in violation of the IDF's own directives that such tear gas canisters should not be used in West Bank demonstrations. Manufactured and sold to the Israeli military by Combined Systems Inc., a United States company based in Jamestown, Pennsylvania, the tear gas projectiles have been responsible for countless injuries, destruction of property and one death. According to the company's subsidiary website, the projectiles are not meant for use in open-air crowd control situations, but rather as indoor barricade penetrators. On April 17th, 2009, Bil'in resident Bassem Abu Rahmah was killed as a result of being hit in the chest with a high velocity tear-gas projectile. On March 13th, 2009, American citizen Tristan Anderson suffered numerous condensed fractures to the skull above the right eye socket after being struck with a high velocity tear-gas projectile during a demonstration in Ni'ilin. He suffered extensive brain tissue damage and is now paralyzed for life.
http://josephdana.com/2010/12/supplement-to-haaretz-expose-on-high-velocity-tear-gas-projectiles/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=supplement-to-haaretz-expose-on-high-velocity-tear-gas-projectiles
Detainees (held by Israelis and the PA)
PFLP member detained in raid on Nablus village
Nablus – Ma'an – Israeli forces arrested a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine after raiding his home in Beit Furik, east of the West Bank city of Nablus, on Wednesday. Locals told Ma'an that Israeli soldiers arrested Hakim Abed Al-Baset Hanani, after raiding his home. Soldiers entered the house at 2 a.m. and searched it before arresting Hanini, they said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=339936
Israeli police detain Palestinian fleeing checkpoint
HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Israeli police detained a Palestinian driver Wednesday after he sped through a checkpoint and they opened fire toward his vehicle near Hebron in the occupied West Bank, officials said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=340006
Hamas: PA detains 7 party members
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Palestinian security forces recently detained seven Hamas members in the West Bank, the party said Wednesday. Hamas said in a statement that Palestinian Authority forces made the arrests in Nablus, Tulkarem, and Salfit. Hamas officials in the West Bank accused the PA security services of detaining 21 of the movement's supporters, a separate statement released Tuesday said. The statement explained that those detainees were from the Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarem districts in the northern West Bank as well as Hebron and Bethlehem in the south. Hamas officials said they believed the detentions were politically motivated.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=339912
Political Developments
Israeli-Palestinian talks hit a new wall, sparking calls for a US peace plan
Argentina and Brazil have formally recognized a Palestinian state, and the US has given up on securing a new settlement freeze to restart Israeli-Palestinian talks.
http://rss.csmonitor.com/%7Er/feeds/world/%7E3/hjQPk02LtLI/Israeli-Palestinian-talks-hit-a-new-wall-sparking-calls-for-a-US-peace-plan
US opposes S. American moves to recognize Palestinian state (AFP)
AFP - The United States on Tuesday opposed moves by Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay to recognize an independent Palestinian state, saying such recognition is "counter-productive" to achieving Middle East peace.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101207/pl_afp/palestinianmideastdiplomacyargentinauruguaybrazilus
Abbas: Turkey Will Broker More International Recognitions
Ankara – PNN - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Monday that the Palestinian Authority (PA) requested help from Turkey in getting recognition from other countries for an independent state along the 1967 boundaries. Earlier on Monday, Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner announced her country's official recognition of independent Palestine along the '67 borders, following on the heels of a similar announcement by Brazil. Uruguay said it would follow suit in 2011.
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9237
France, First in Europe to Recognize Independent Palestine
France declared it will recognize a free and independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, a Press TV report said.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60122
Gulf Leaders Support P.A. Position On Settlements
Leaders of the Arab Gulf stated that they support the stance of the Palestinian Authority of Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank regarding not holding talks with Israel until it halts its settlement activities in the occupied territories.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60115
Palestinians seek unilateral statehood recognition (AP)
AP - The Palestinians' Plan B — an alternative to the elusive peace deal with Israel — is gradually taking shape: convince as many countries as possible to recognize a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, and use that to lobby the United States not to veto recognition by the U.N. Security Council.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101207/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_palestinians_pursuing_recognition
Palestinians question U.S. ability to forge Middle East peace
Top Abbas aide Abed Rabbo: How can the U.S. make Israel accept a fair peace solution when it couldn't even make Israel limit its settlement activities?
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/palestinians-question-u-s-ability-to-forge-middle-east-peace-1.329503?localLinksEnabled=false
PLO: US failed, we'll turn to UN
Palestinians enraged by announcement on failure of talks aimed at resuming settlement construction freeze, alongside promise to resume indirect negotiations. 'Instead of declaring Israel responsible, the Americans are giving the Israelis an opportunity to waste more time,' says Yasser Abed Rabbo.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3996057,00.html
Egypt: World should push toward establishment of Palestinian state
Egyptian FM Ahmed Aboul Gheit says discussions should shift to an 'endgame' for Palestinian settlement due to the failure of U.S.-brokered talks.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/egypt-world-should-push-toward-establishment-of-palestinian-state-1.329519?localLinksEnabled=false
Kadima MK Mofaz: Israel should seek an interim agreement with the Palestinians
Mofaz began his tenure as chairman of Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee after previously serving as IDF chief of staff and defense minister.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/features/kadima-mk-mofaz-israel-should-seek-an-interim-agreement-with-the-palestinians-1.329434?localLinksEnabled=false
Former ambassador: US must talk to Hamas
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- A former US official met with Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza Wednesday, after calling on America to end its policy of refusing to speak with the Islamist Hamas movement. Mark Hambley, the former US ambassador to Qatar and Lebanon, told a group of journalists before his meeting with Haniyeh: "We should have been talking to Hamas for the past three years. The difficulty is that we've put Hamas in the same category as groups that we have grievances against."
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=340005
Lieberman associate: Turkey should compensate Israel
Defiant message: Apologizing to Turkey over flotilla incident would mark capitulation to terror, close associate of Foreign Minister Lieberman says; Turkey is the one that should apologize, pay compensation, he says.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3995947,00.html
Israel to Turkey: Admit IDF raid on Gaza flotilla had no malicious intent
Request is part of the latest Israeli-Turkish discussions aimed at ending their diplomatic crisis, which focus on an Israeli apology in exchange for return of Turkish envoy to Tel Aviv.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-to-turkey-admit-idf-raid-on-gaza-flotilla-had-no-malicious-intent-1.329373?localLinksEnabled=false
Lieberman's aides: Apologizing to Turkey means surrendering to terror
Officials close to the foreign minister slam Netanyahu's push for an agreement with Turkey that would end the diplomatic crisis between the two countries.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/lieberman-s-aides-apologizing-to-turkey-means-surrendering-to-terror-1.329390?localLinksEnabled=false
Other News
ADL: Rescind all Helen Thomas honors
Jewish group calls on journalism schools, professional organizations to no longer recognize former White House correspondent after she 'clearly, unequivocally revealed herself as a vulgar anti-Semite' in remarks to Arab American group.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3994812,00.html
Palestinians back regional firefighting force (AFP)
AFP - Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Wednesday said he supported proposals for a regional firefighting unit after 42 people died in Israel's worst-ever blaze last week.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101208/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestiniansfirediplomacygreeceenvironment
Analysis/Op-ed
The Charade of Israeli-Palestinian Talks, Noam Chomsky
The focus on settlement expansion, and Washington's groveling, are not the only farcical elements of the current negotiations. The very structure is a charade.
http://www.chomsky.info/articles/20101206.htm
Giving Up On Israel?, Andrew Sullivan
It appears the Obama administration has thrown in the towel in trying to get Netanyahu to agree to a new moratorium on settlements in the West Bank. That presumably means none of the promised goodies either. Now what? Clinton is due to speak at Brookings on Friday, when the next step may be announced. I favor an end to aid for Israel because a) Israel doesn't need it and b) we need the money and c) it doesn't seem sensible to me to keep rewarding an ally that refuses to offer minimal cooperation. I also favor the US laying out its own preferred solution, perhaps as a way to recognize a Palestinian state in the UN, whatever Netanyahu wants. He has had his chance to frame a deal. Now it's time for the US to assert its own interests and goals.
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/12/giving-up-on-israel.html
Jim-Crow Journalism: Were there really no Palestinian analysts available for latest NYT article?, Philip Weiss
Earlier today I posted Noam Chomsky's insight that American intellectual culture has complete contempt for Arab public opinion. Well, the New York Times's Mark Landler interviewed Dan Kurtzer, Yigal Palmor, Dan Levy, David Makovsky about their opinions on the Obama administration's failure to get anything from Netanyahu on the so-called settlement freeze.
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/jim-crow-journalism-were-there-really-no-palestinian-analysts-available-for-latest-nyt-article.html
Israel First: Discrediting Rule of Law in Britain, Stuart Littlewood – London
Professor Richard Falk put it most eloquently: 'The idea of Nuremberg after World War Two was that crimes against the peace, crimes against humanity and war crimes are also offences against the whole of international society...' The law that was applied to surviving German criminals of World War Two would not be respected unless those who sat in judgment upheld it in relation to their own behaviour. The UN Special Rapporteur was speaking in London at a parliamentary briefing on Universal Jurisdiction, the principles of which the British government intends to undermine for the benefit of its Israeli friends.
http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16469
The Palestinian People Have Rights too, Dr. Abdel-Qader Yassine
If there is one thing a Palestinian cannot understand, or If he did understand cannot forgive, it is the apathy and hypocrisy with which governments in the 'Free World', especially in the United States, react towards issues of right and wrong in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Indeed, questions of morals and of justice seem to have no relevance, and policy appears in most cases to be determined solely by considerations of what one party only to the conflict might agree to, or at least not protest about.
http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16470
Where Exactly can we Live?, Joharah Baker for MIFTAH
Let's presume the majority of Israel's government and people are not of the opinion of some other more radical elements in that society who call for the transfer of Palestinians outside the country [preferably to Jordan]. Let's say the majority of Israelis still believe in "peace" – and I use this word loosely, and a settlement – even more loosely – with the Palestinians. If this majority believes the Palestinians should be able to live on land it can call its own, then the question that arises in light of circumstances that point to the contrary, is where exactly are these Palestinians allowed to live?
http://www.miftah.org/Display.cfm?DocId=22893&CategoryId=13
Edward Said Memorial Lecture
Sixth Annual Edward Said Memorial Lecture organized by the Dept. of English and Comparative Literature
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLgIXtaF6OA&feature=player_embedded
Climate Change Threatens To Eliminate Half Of Israel's Allies
Marshall Islands is one of the four reliable "No" votes usually registered against UN resolutions condemning Israeli human rights violations. Along with the United States, Micronesia, and Solomon Islands, the latter two expected to be flooded at later stages in the firs half of this century.
http://www.kabobfest.com/2010/12/climate-change-threatens-to-elim
Sidetracked in the West Bank, Joseph Dana
A couple of hours before Shabbat descended upon the rugged hills of the West Bank a group of Israelis were hiking in a small patch of trees near Ramalah. They hiked quickly and barely stopped to discuss the beauty of the surrounding nature. Occasionally, their unofficial leader (the one who know the trail) would stop and point out a beautiful vista or note how the hill tops formed perfect concentric circles.The smell of wild growing herbs filled their noses as they moved closer to their destination. They reached a road separating a small group of Palestinian tents and the village of Nabi Saleh. The Israelis were on their way to join Nabi Saleh's weekly demonstration against the confiscation of its agricultural lands by the Jewish settlement of Halamish. The demonstration had started a few hours before their arrival and the Israeli army had sealed the village. This was done to keep Israelis from joining the demonstration which would offset the army's ability to use force against the unarmed civilians demonstrating. Despite the checkpoints at all entrances, this group of activists were able to join the demonstration because of their knowledge of the patterns of army behaviour in these demonstrations.
http://josephdana.com/2010/12/sidetracked-in-the-west-bank-hills/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sidetracked-in-the-west-bank-hills
Gaza quiz
Check out this Gaza quiz presented by the UK's Council for the Advancement of Arab-British Understanding (CAABU). The site keeps getting "suspended" for some reason but it was sound at the time I typed this.
http://jewssansfrontieres.blogspot.com/2010/12/gaza-quiz.html
The Art of Glass-Blowing in Hebron, Palestine Monitor
Once upon a time, Hebron was a busy town for glass-blowers. In the old city's Al-Kazazin quarter (Kazazin meaning 'people who make glass'), three families operated 14 glass factories. Today, there are only two of them left, run by the Natsheh family. The first Intifada, combined with the affluence of cheap goods from China and the rise in oil prices forced the majority of glass shop owners out of business. Both remaining factories have relocated to the entrance of the city, because tourists are sometimes fearful to go too deep into the old city.
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/spip/spip.php?article1642
Julian Assange in the Honey Trap, How they snared him, Justin Raimondo
Anyone who doubts the unmitigated evil of the US government and its international enablers has only to look at the disgraceful persecution of Julian Assange to see Washington's brazen malevolence in full flower. As the WikiLeaks web site continues to release daily examples of US incompetence, bullying, venality, and corruption, the response from the Imperial City has been a coordinated campaign of lies, smears, and what can only be described as utter filth.
http://original.antiwar.com/justin/2010/12/07/julian-assange-in-the-honey-trap/
Lebanon
WikiLeaks cables: Saudis proposed Arab force to invade Lebanon
Foreign minister wanted US, Nato and UN backing for offensive to end Iranian-backed Hezbollah's siege of government. Saudi Arabia proposed creating an Arab force backed by US and Nato air and sea power to intervene in Lebanon two years ago and destroy Iranian-backed Hezbollah, according to a US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks. The plan would have sparked a proxy battle between the US and its allies against Iran, fought in one of the most volatile regions of the world. The Saudi plan was never enacted but reflects the anxiety of Saudi Arabia – as well as the US – about growing Iranian influence in Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/07/wikileaks-saudi-arab-invasion-lebanon
Sanyruah has thus far supported two invasions of Lebanon (one that took place in 2006 and another that never materialized)
"Satterfield asked what support this concept had from Siniora and from other Arab states. Saud responded that "Siniora strongly supports," but that only Jordan and Egypt "as well as Arab League SYG Moussa" were aware of the proposal, lest premature surfacing result in its demise."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/sanyruah-has-thus-far-supported-two.html
Walid Jumblat on Wikileaks
Walid Jumblat confirmed the authenticity of Wikileaks. In fact, I can report to you that Hizbullah--hoping to spare its new lousy ally embarrassment--asked him last week to issue denials of his statements in Wikileaks and he refused (telling Hizbullah privately that "we had said even worse things"). He told As-Safir today: "I won't deny what was attributed to me personally (in Wikileaks) because I was in [a state of] alienation that made me use expressions or comments that are contrary to the national and patriotic heritage and now I have returned to my real, natural and historic position."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/walid-jumblat-on-wikileaks.html
Arrests over Hariri's killing against the law: cables
Four Lebanese generals who were held in prison over the killing of Rafik Hariri were detained without a legal basis, according to a report given by U.N. investigator to U.S. diplomats three years before they were freed, a Lebanon-based newspaper reported on Monday.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2010/12/07/128826.html  Karma Khayyat's report
New TV aired a report on the Hariri assassination by Karma Khayyat, who has been following the Hariri investigation and has followed many ignored leads in the case. Her last documentary from a few days ago, included an important detailed refutation of the telecommunication theory that would implicate Hizbullah. Khayyat wondered sarcastically why Hizbullah--so obsessed with secrecy--would ask the ostensible assassins to register the cellphones with their own names.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/karma-khayyats-report.html
About the so-called "independent" Hariri tribunal
"Rizk said the U.S. can help by directing Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad to ask the UN SYG to impress upon Bellemare the importance of his role as prosecutor for the Tribunal. (C) Rizk pointed out that Bellemare should not be disassociating UNIIIC from the detention of the four generals suspected of involvement in Rafiq Hariri's assassination because the blame then falls squarely on XXXXXXXXXXXX" PS Could xxxxxxxx be Israel?
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/about-so-called-independent-hariri.html
IDF chief reported: Hezbollah was involved in attack on Israeli convoy in Jordan
WikiLeaks cables reveal that Israel had information that Hezbollah was involved in attack as a response to the assassination of Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/idf-chief-reported-hezbollah-was-involved-in-attack-on-israeli-convoy-in-jordan-1.329486?localLinksEnabled=false
Typical ignorance of Arabic and the Middle East in the New York Times
"a billboard promoting Hezbollah". In fact, the billboard is promoting Saraya Al-Muqawamah which is a brigade of volunteers in the Lebanese resistance against Israel who are NOT members of Hizbullah.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/typical-ignorance-of-arabic-and-middle.html
Iraq
Tuesday: 3 Iraqis Killed, 18 Wounded
At least three Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded in violence that mostly occurred in the capital. Meanwhile, Iraqiya leader Ayad Allawi warned that "power sharing is not happening" and threatened to quit the new government unless meaningful change happens.
http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2010/12/07/tuesday-3-iraqis-killed-18-wounded/
Bombs kill 3 Iraqis, wound 7 Iranians near Baghdad (AP)
AP - A car bomb outside a restaurant killed three people north of Baghdad on Wednesday, while a roadside bomb wounded seven Iranian pilgrims on a bus traveling to an important Shiite religious festival, officials said.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101208/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq
More than 80 Christian families displaced from Baghdad
Iraq's Immigration and Displaced Directorate in Dahuk Province announced that it has received more than 80 Christian families displaced from Baghdad and Mosul in fear of armed attacks. The Directorate expects more families to move soon.
http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-57359-More-than-80-Christian-families-displaced-from-Baghdad.html
No safe haven for displaced Iraqis
More than seven years after the United States and United Kingdom-led invasion of Iraq, millions of displaced Iraqis have nowhere to go. For the overwhelming majority of refugees and internally displaced persons, displacement is not a one-off trauma. Rather, it is a continuous state of flight for most uprooted Iraqis.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11660.shtml?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+electronicIntifadaPalestine+%28Electronic+Intifada+%3A+Palestine+News%29
Iraq's education ministry bans theatre & music classes
The Iraqi Ministry of Education has banned theatre and music classes in Baghdad's Fine Arts Institute, and ordered the removal of statues showcased at the entrance of the institute without explaining the move, but some of the students mull religious reasons as the real motive. "Prohibiting theatre and music in the institute for its so called "violation" of religion is only an individual opinion touted by some people hailing from religious parties, but it is contradictory to the opinion of most religious clerics and scholars," said Dhaya al-Shakarchi, a writer and a politicians, told Alarabiya.net.
http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2010/12/07/128836.html
Iraqi maqam emerges as casualty of modernity and war (AFP)
AFP - Performing before a half-empty room at Baghdad's Alwiyah Club, Taha Gharib is conscious that the music he has passionately played for decades -- traditional Iraqi maqam -- is dying.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101207/wl_mideast_afp/lifestyleiraqcultureheritagemusic
U.S. and other world news
US judge blocks Awlaki killing case
Judge dismisses lawsuit to prevent US from targeting Anwar al-Awlaki, the US-born, Yemen-based cleric linked to plots.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/12/2010127165827901285.html
U.S. may seek extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange
Assange could face espionage and other charges, but prosecutors would face a 1st Amendment test. Angry over the bombardment of leaks of classified material, top Obama administration officials are considering filing an extradition request to have WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange face criminal charges, possibly for espionage.
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/qhz-qi6bZDM/la-fg-assange-legal-20101208,0,2435271.story WikiLeaks founder denied bail in UK
Julian Assange is remanded in custody after appearing in a London court on an extradition warrant.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/12/2010127151439124591.html
Attorney: WikiLeaks' Julian Assange Endangered by Bail Denial in London; Still No Charges Filed in Sweden
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will remain in custody until at least December 14th, when a British court will take up a Swedish request for extradition. Assange hasn't been charged with a crime but is wanted for questioning in Sweden on allegations of unlawful sexual contact with two women. Assange has maintained his innocence and called the case a political witch-hunt that has intensified with WikiLeaks' release of secret U.S. diplomatic cables. We speak with his attorney, Jennifer Robinson.
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/12/8/attorney_for_wikileaks_founder_julian_assange
Don't shoot messenger for revealing uncomfortable truths, Julian Assange
WIKILEAKS deserves protection, not threats and attacks.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/wikileaks/dont-shoot-messenger-for-revealing-uncomfortable-truths/story-fn775xjq-1225967241332
Australia vows to back Assange
SYDNEY — Australian diplomats will support detained WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd vowed Wednesday, even after Assange accused Canberra of "disgraceful pandering" to his foes. Australia's consul-general to Britain has already spoken to Assange, arrested in London Tuesday on a warrant seeking his extradition to Sweden on sex assault charges, while diplomats attended his court hearing, officials said. "We have confirmed that we'll provide (consular support), as we'd do for all Australian citizens," Rudd said a day after his boss Prime Minister Julia Gillard branded WikiLeaks' publication of leaked diplomatic cables "grossly irresponsible."
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/australia-vows-assange/
Lieberman suggests media outlets could be prosecuted over WikiLeaks stories
Can the US government prosecute media outlets that reported on the WikiLeaks cables? According to Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), the answer is maybe. Following the release of thousands of documents by government watchdog WikiLeaks, Lieberman told the The New York Times that he wanted to use "all legal means" against the website.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/lieberman-suggests-ny-times-prosecuted-wikileaks/
State to host celebration of digital information openness
Before the WikiLeaks crisis, the State Department began a new initiative called "21st Century Statecraft", which includes a drive to expand openness and combat government censorship in cyberspace. As part of that initiative, the State Department announced on Tuesday that it will host UNESCO's World Press Freedom Day event in 2011, meant to champion the free flow of information on the Internet. The event will be held at the Newseum in Washington from May 1 to 3, and the theme will be "21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers."
http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/12/07/state_to_host_celebration_of_digital_information_openness
U.S. to Host World Press Freedom Day in 2011
New media has empowered citizens around the world to report on their circumstances, express opinions on world events, and exchange information in environments sometimes hostile to such exercises of individuals' right to freedom of expression.
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/12/152465.htm
MasterCard, Visa shut down electronic donations to WikiLeaks
EXCLUSIVE UPDATE: Mobile payments firm Xipwire, Inc. steps up to aid WikiLeaks The Philadelphia, PA-based mobile payments firm Xipwire, Inc. said Tuesday that it would act as an intermediary for WikiLeaks after the world's largest credit card providers halted all electronic donations to the non-profit media outlet.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/mastercard-shuts-donations-wikileaks-calling-site-illegal/
MasterCard site partially frozen by hackers in WikiLeaks 'revenge'
'Operation: Payback' hacks into MasterCard site over payment network's decision to cease taking donations to WikiLeaks
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/dec/08/mastercard-hackers-wikileaks-revenge
Chomsky, Singer declare support for WikiLeaks' Assange
Two distinguished scholars and activists, Noam Chomsky and Peter Singer, signed an open letter to the Prime Minister of Australia on Tuesday, urging the government to condemn calls for Australian citizen and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be assassinated.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/12/chomsky-peter-singer-wikileaks-assange/
US embassy cables: Strains show in Iran-Syria ties
The successive visits of three high-level Iranian officials to Damascus in early December appear at first glance to reaffirm strong Iranian-Syrian security ties and other forms of bilateral cooperation, but they may, in fact, mask deepening rifts over Iraq, Yemen, and the possibility of war with Israel. Syrian observers suggest the a shifting balance of power between Iran and Syria. The Iranian government, challenged domestically by anti-regime protests and abroad by building pressure over its nuclear program, has sought Syria's help just when Syria has begun to enjoy other strategic options, such as its relations with Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Asad's government proved willing to host the visits, sign a defense MOU, and allow Hamas Politburo Chief Khaled Meshaal to visit Tehran, all the while continuing close cooperation with Iranian security services and Hizballah operatives. But Asad reportedly resisted Iranian arguments for closer bilateral coordination in Iraq and Yemen and flatly rejected being drawn into a war between Iran and Israel. End Summary.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/241053
Iran's negotiator speaks with Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera's Nazanine Moshiri speaks with Saeed Jalili, Iran's leading negotiator, who explains his country's refusal to talk about stopping its enrichment of uranium at the January meeting on its nuclear programme.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJRXMcsPkIk&feature=youtube_gdata
Ahmadinejad: lift sanctions to boost Iran nuclear talks
The first round of talks on Iran's nuclear program in 14 months yielded defiance from Tehran, frustration from the P5+1 countries, and an agreement to meet again in Istanbul in January.
http://rss.csmonitor.com/%7Er/feeds/world/%7E3/EuS86JaGI5I/Ahmadinejad-lift-sanctions-to-boost-Iran-nuclear-talks
I am sure that Iran is nervous"
Egypt had sent a clear message to Iran that if they interfere in Egypt, Egypt will interfere in Iran," noted the cable, adding that the Egyptian official said his country had trained agents for that purpose." Wow. I am sure that would stir trouble. I am sure it would be so easy for Egypt to interfere in other countries' affairs. You see Husni Mubarak is so popular in the region, and his policies--especially his alliance with Netanyahu--are so popular that citizens of countries in the region are way too eager to do the bidding of Husni and Jamal Mubarak.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-am-sure-that-iran-is-nervous.html
US embassy cables: Saudi youth 'frolic under princely protection'
Summary: Behind the facade of Wahabi conservatism in the streets, the underground nightlife for Jeddah's elite youth is thriving and throbbing. The full range of worldly temptations and vices are available -- alcohol, drugs, sex -- but strictly behind closed doors. This freedom to indulge carnal pursuits is possible merely because the religious police keep their distance when parties include the presence or patronage of a Saudi royal and his circle of loyal attendants, such as a Halloween event attended by ConGenOffs on October 29. Over the past few years, the increased conservatism of Saudi Arabia's external society has pushed the nightlife and party scene in Jeddah even further underground. End summary.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/235420
WikiLeaks cables: Saudi princes throw parties boasting drink, drugs and sex
Royals flout puritanical laws to throw parties for young elite while religious police are forced to turn a blind eye. In what may prove a particularly incendiary cable, US diplomats describe a world of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll behind the official pieties of Saudi Arabian royalty. Jeddah consulate officials described an underground Halloween party, thrown last year by a member of the royal family, which broke all the country's Islamic taboos. Liquor and prostitutes were present in abundance, according to leaked dispatches, behind the heavily-guarded villa gates.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/07/wikileaks-cables-saudi-princes-parties
Prince `Azzuz (who spent millions trying to get the attention of Yasmeen Bleeth)
"During a visit to the US Embassy in November for a visa in preparation for the King's UNGA and White House summit meetings, XXXXXXXXXXXX told press officer that while MBC is owned by King Fahd's brother-in-law (the non-royal Waleed bin Ibrahim al-Ibrahim), fifty percent of the profits of the MBC empire go to King Fahd's youngest son (and al-Ibrahim's maternal nephew) Abdulaziz bin Fahd. XXXXXXXXXXXX on issues relating to al-Arabiya and other MBC channels. When asked if the thirty-something prince was interested only in the profits of the station, or if he also took an active role in the ideological direction of al-Arabiya, XXXXXXXXXXXX whispered with a grimace, Both."
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/prince-azzuz-who-spent-millions-trying.html
Robert Fisk: Qatar's the star – and washington is worried
Despite the leaked US diplomatic reports on Qatar and their claim that it is a major source of "terrorist" funding, Washington would do well not to mess with the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/robert-fisk-qatars-the-star-ndash-and-washington-is-worried-2153974.html
WikiLeaks cables: Tunisia blocks site reporting 'hatred' of first lady
US embassy warns Tunisian anger over corruption and unemployment, as well as 'intense dislike' for president's wife, threaten country's stability Zine el Abidine Ben Ali and his wife, Leila Trabelsi.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/07/wikileaks-tunisia-first-lady
'Syria refused to join war against Israel'
According to diplomatic cable, Iranian officials asked Damascus to help them fight Jewish state in case of war but were turned down.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3995997,00.html
Redaction in Wikileaks
Amer wrote me this (I cite with his permission): "Wikileaks does not always hide the sources and names well, here, they removed the name of the US informant in Syria, but at one place, they forget to cover his name "h..." (a.. h..?). Lucky for him Syrian Mukhabarat are not competent, otherwise, someone called H...would have died in Damascus tonight. I've seen that problem with other documents." PS I can report to you that Al-Akhbar has worked very hard in redaction to protect individuals mentioned in documents (they for example redacted names of Iraqi translators with US troops whose names appeared in requests for immigration visas and such).
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/12/redaction-in-wikileaks.html US role in Palestine is 'perfect symbol' for recruiting Islamic terrorists –US Embassy in Algeria, Philip Weiss
"After the latest Algiers bombings" is the title of a December 2007 cable from the U.S. Embassy in Algeria following two December 11 bombings of government and U.N. buildings in Algiers that killed dozens and shook the government. AQIM is Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb. I picked this up from Justin Elliott. Excerpt: The Al-Qaida in Iraq network, which already has ties to jihadi groups in Algeria, has strong influence on AQIM elements. ... The AQIM videos strongly resemble videos from Iraq in terms of the music, Quranic citations and filming of hits on enemy targets they show. They strongly pitch the alleged American wrongdoings in Iraq and Palestine to recruit men to join AQIM....
http://mondoweiss.net/2010/12/us-role-in-palestine-is-perfect-symbol-for-recruiting-islamic-terrorists-us-embassy-in-algeria.html
Bahrain: End Harassment of Prominent Rights Defender
(Washington, DC) - The Bahraini government should order security forces to stop harassing Nabeel Rajab, president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, and return any information illegally copied from his laptop computer and mobile phone, Human Rights Watch said today.
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/12/07/bahrain-end-harassment-prominent-rights-defender
Two-third Afghans want Taliban's return: Poll
The poll released Monday also shows that Afghan confidence in US military operations to secure the country is dropping while Afghan support for the insurgency is rising.
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/07-Dec-2010/Twothird-Afghans-want-Talibans-return-Poll
Poll paints a bleak picture for the West in Afghanistan
Big majorities want Hamid Karzai's government to negotiate with the Taliban, regard corruption as endemic and believe Afghan government officials are pocketing much of the billions earmarked for aid and development.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/asia-pacific/sharp-rise-in-afghans-who-say-insurgent-attacks-on-us-forces-justified-poll/article1826628/
Species at Yemen island face threat
Climate change talks in Mexico seem to be heading nowhere, with a legally binding deal on reducing carbon emissions, looking highly unlikely. It's disappointing news for scientists trying to save some of the world's rarest flora and fauna. Like this one: the dragon's blood tree. It's home is an isolated island. Part of the Yemeni territory, Socotra is described as the most alien-looking place on earth. Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra explains why its indigenous species are now in danger of being wiped out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbFqtDwUGGY&feature=youtube_gdata www.TheHeadlines.org 
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Halfway there! Please help us meet our matching fund goal in December.
Dec 08, 2010 10:33 am | Philip Weiss and Adam Horowitz We are halfway to our goal in our current fund raising drive. Thank you! It only took us five days to raise the first $10,000 - by far our best start ever. We're hoping to raise another $10,000 in order to meet the $20,000 matching fund challenge presented to us by a very generous donor. Please help us reach our goal and give today! Just as a reminder, we've decided to send two thank you gifts to anyone who can make a donation of $100 or higher to our matching fund:
If you'd like your gifts sent to someone else just let us know.
We also realize that a $100 donation is more than some people can afford, so we would also like to offer a Mondoweiss t-shirt to anyone who donates over $60. Thanks again for your support! Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to Mondoweiss through the Nation Institute. (While simpler, the Paypal donations are not tax-deductible.) The address you fill in on the Groundspring site will be the address to which we send your t-shirt and book. For Paypal donations over $100, we will email you with a mailing address request. 
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The US has failed in the peace process, bring in the international community
Dec 08, 2010 10:30 am | Adam Horowitz As the US admits its failure to secure an Israeli settlement freeze, questions are being raised (most notably in Palestine) as to whether the US is fit to continue to facilitate the peace process. Writing in the the bitterlemons series, Ramallah-based Palestinian businessman Sam Bahour has an alternative suggestion in his piece US mediation monopoly collapsing: The US is fully aware of its failed attempts at mediation, especially over the past 20 years, and thus moved to create the so-called "Quartet". In essence, the Quartet attempted to camouflage the dominating US role in the conflict with the inclusion of the European Union, Russian Federation and United Nations. This fuzzy, ineffective diplomatic mechanism, which self-proclaims a mandate of mediating the conflict, falls short of having any real international legitimacy. Over the past years, the Quartet, currently represented by Tony Blair, quietly observed unprecedented Israeli aggression against Palestinians and a collapse of the peace process while doing little more than deciding how high to jump after being ordered to do so by the US. An alternative to the Quartet would be to create a properly mandated UN Security Council mediation team in which no member would be allowed to exercise veto power. The team would be equipped with the necessary resources to bring Israel (the occupier) and the Palestinians (the occupied) to the table with the agenda of ending the 43-year Israeli military occupation of Palestinians. The basis for an end to the occupation would be dictated as prescribed in international and humanitarian law. This mediation team would have the authority to deploy a specified number of multinational peacekeeping forces should they be required.
The wild card actually blocking such a serious approach to mediation is the US. Why would the US accept a mediation arrangement that would definitely drive a wedge between the US and Israel? There are 101 reasons for the US to take a backseat in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, not the least being the quagmire that it created for itself in Iraq and Afghanistan or the constantly increasing costs that Israel is inflicting upon the US, both financially and politically. Sooner or later, the US must take action to remove Israel from dominating its domestic agenda. With President Barack Obama past the mid-term elections, despite recovering from a setback, he should be able to breathe a little easier and spend serious political capital to repair some of the damage that was done to his presidency when he was forced to retreat from the showdown with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu over continued illegal Israeli settlement building. However, betting on the US or Obama to make a historic unilateral about-face is most likely a losing bet. The international community needs to urgently step up to the plate.
  
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Jim-Crow Journalism: Were there really no Palestinian analysts available for latest NYT article?
Dec 08, 2010 09:48 am | Philip Weiss Earlier today I posted Noam Chomsky's insight that American intellectual culture has complete contempt for Arab public opinion. Well, the New York Times's Mark Landler interviewed Dan Kurtzer, Yigal Palmor, Dan Levy, David Makovsky about their opinions on the Obama administration's failure to get anything from Netanyahu on the so-called settlement freeze. Not a single Palestinian, and they're the ones directly affected! And it was less than a month ago that Helene Cooper wrote in the Times about ethnic profiling at Ben Gurion without bothering to interview a single Palestinian. And remember Andrew Sullivan nailing Ben Smith of Politico for writing a piece on the settlement freeze charade and quoting a dozen neocons. "There is not a single quote from a single Palestinian in the entire piece," Sullivan writes. Actually there may have been one. Bupkus. I don't understand why this isn't a scandal. 
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Another silent walk-out in protest of Israel's PR campaign
Dec 08, 2010 09:37 am | Christopher Clark On December 2nd, an event entitled "Overcoming Terror: A True Story" was set to
take place on the University of Massachusetts campus in Amherst, Massachusetts.
It was sponsored by the Student Alliance for Israel (SAFI) and the University of
Massachusetts Hillel House. IDF Sergeant Kenny Sachs was the orator, an on-call
speaker for Israeli propaganda groups Upstart Activist and Divestment Watch. Though the topic of discussion happened in Gaza, the event description never
named Palestinians. Instead, "terrorists" was the term used to describe those who "attacked" Sergeant Sachs at the Erez checkpoint in northern Gaza. The rest of the description being a muddled account of a shootout between Sachs and aforementioned "terrorists" in an attempt to create the center periphery story of Sachs losing his ability to play basketball after being shot in the leg. He said, "That was one of the hardest things I've ever heard."
The Western Massachusetts Coalition for Palestine organized this protest in solidarity with the Palestinians silenced by the illegal Israeli occupation. Vis-á-vis the silent walk-out protests at Arizona State University and Michigan State University, we taped the children's names of those murdered in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead to our shirts. By being intentional in using silence as a means of non-violent protest, we were invoking the silencing effect of the IDF in Palestine – of the military occupation, the separation wall, of the staggering number of Palestinians killed. Kenny Sachs served in the IDF until 2003 in Jenin, Gaza, Lebanon, and Tulkarem. There are voices who will never be able to give their account of this military occupation, effectively silenced without their story being able to echo throughout history. This video is an attempt to provide the rudimentary means to bring life into those who have been killed and can no longer voice their abstention to the forceful annexation of Palestinian land by insidious Zionist policies.
Israel has been making attempts to rebrand itself in the United States by sending soldiers to humanize the occupation, to reverse the roles of a violent occupier into passive victims of "terrorist" attacks, using the soldier's inability to play basketball for instance as the pivotal point of this narrative. This, of course, leaves out the option for Palestinians to illuminate the occupation and the struggle for justice – recanting here the brutal histories of Gaza, Jenin, and Lebanon. By emphasizing the personal
nature of this lecture, Student Alliance For Israel again denies the legitimacy of their claim that they want to encourage all opinions, create constructive dialogues, or foster pathways to peaceful co-existence for all peoples. As a coalition, we disregard this notion of co-existence and peaceful dialogue so long as Israel continues the ethnic cleansing in Palestine. As activists interested in justice, we refuse to acknowledge the shallow attempt to depoliticise this event. Despite multiple opportunities, Student Alliance For Israel has declined any sort of academic, public, moderated debate.
In doing this action, we are also in accordance with the call for a boycott, divest, and sanctions movement against Israel. Until Israel is held responsible for their crimes against humanity, until they remove all troops from occupied territories, until they accept the right of return, and abandon the systematic policy of carving up the land – we will continue to boycott Israel to the fullest extent. Israel is a colonizer-settler state which has forcibly expelled the indigenous people from their land for decades. Despite condemning international accounts of their domestic policies, Israel is still being financed by economically powerful companies and countries. As a form of non-violent resistance, the boycott movement as a necessity needs to swell and multiply. We see hope on the horizon, and as a coalition, we are attempting to foster ways to reach those ends until Palestine is free, imbued with joyfulness and sovereignty.
Christopher Clark is a third-year student at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. He is studying resistance communities and the Middle East. He is a member of Students for Justice in Palestine as well as the Western Massachusetts for Palestine. 
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Contempt for democracy: Chomsky says Arab public opinion counts for nothing in US intellectual culture
Dec 08, 2010 09:32 am | Philip Weiss Noam Chomsky was on Law and Disorder Radio, interviewed by Michael Ratner and Michael Smith. The exchange begins at minute 32 or so. Chomsky is asked about his new Gaza book and says, "Just to be timely, let's start with WikiLeaks. There's not very much of interest in it. But one of the interesting cables... is to Clinton and it discusses... the attack on Gaza, that's what it's about, and it tells her that Israel had to attack in December 2008 in self defense because Hamas had violated the truce. Now there are only two possibilities. Either the US Embassy in Israel is so clueless that nobody even reads the press, or else they're just lying flat out. Because the facts are clear and uncontroversial. In December 2008 Hamas was calling for a renewal of the truce that Israel had broken... Hamas lived up to [the June truce] scrupulously... Israel recognizes officially that there was not a single Hamas rocket until November 4."
Here's the cable, actually from Cairo (thanks to Alex Kane): "the Egyptians, under the leadership of intelligence chief Omar Soliman (the de facto national security advisor with direct responsibility for the Israeli-Palestinian account) have shifted their focus to intra-Palestinian reconciliation and establishment of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire. Soliman brokered a half-year-long truce last year, which Hamas broke in December, leading to the Israeli invasion of Gaza."
Chomsky goes on, "The fact that this can pass without comment says quite a lot... The most remarkable fact in the whole episode is the absolute contempt for democracy that's revealed by the embassies, by the State Department, and by the commentators." He moves on to the headline, that Arabs want us to bomb Iran. "They're of course just citing the Arab dictators, and we don't know what they really think, how much the embassy officials invented or wanted to hear. What about the Arab population? Now again either they are clueless and don't know a thing about the Middle East, or else they're lying. We have good studies of Arab public opinion from mainstream very respectable sources. Arabs do perceive a threat-- 88 percent say the main threat is Israel, 77 percent see it as the U.S., Iran is mentioned, way at the bottom, 10 percent. "For our intellectual culture, what the population thinks is irrelevant. What we care about is what the dictators think... This is pretty striking. I haven't seen a word about this."
Re Goldstone: He did a very good job. As well as you can do to a past war... where the access has been blocked... So he did a pretty good job.
Michael Smith says Israel has long been part of our lives. "It grows increasingly dismaying." What are the solutions? One state, two states... All of them. I'd even go on and prefer a no-state solution.... Supporting all of these proposals makes perfectly good sense, so long as we have a way to get there...
Chomsky goes on to say that there is international consensus for two-state settlement. "And then once it's in force, people would understand that the borders would erode naturally, in natural ways, and then you could move toward a binational federation. Away from imperial borders, integrate with Lebanon." Israel lobby stuff too. Chomsky diminishes it. The Chamber of Commerce could put the lobby out of business in no time if it were truly against U.S. business interests. Ah, materialism; if only that is what drove human action. 
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