we give you, Today in Palestine:
Settlers/ Land, Property, Resource Theft & Destruction/Ethnic Cleansing
Population Growth Higher in Settlements than in Israel
Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics last month released the most recent population statistics for West Bank settlements. The figures show that during 2010 the growth rate was 4.5 per cent compared to only 2.9 per cent for Israel as a whole.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60393
17 Homes and School Demolished by Israel in South Hebron Hills
On Wednesday, early in the morning, dozens of Israeli soldiers, 4 bulldozers and some 25 jeeps invaded and demolished the small Bedouin village of Al-Daqeqa, East of Yatta in the southern Hebron Hills.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60399
2 homes razed in Area C
QALQILIYA (Ma’an) — Two homes in the village of Azzun Atma were demolished on Tuesday, when Israeli Civil Administration officials executed two orders claiming permits were not obtained to build the structures. The village, stranded between the Green Line, Israel’s separation barrier and two settlements, is only partially under Palestinian control. Areas of the village near the barrier and settlements come under Israeli civil and military jurisdiction.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=350048
Municipality demolishes Palestinian shopfront outside Old City
The Jerusalem Municipality demolished a Palestinian kiosk in Sultan Street, outside Herod’s Gate of the Old City, this morning. Kiosk manager Wa’el Razem was not issued prior warning of the demolition, carried out by a large joint force of Israeli military special forces and Municipality workers. The shopfront was dismantled and its contents confiscated. Officers informed Razem that a demolition order, or prior warning, was not legally required for the operation. Razem estimated that the loss of the 20 square meter kiosk, which has been in operation for 11 years, has lost him approximately 150,000 NIS. The income earnt from the kiosk has supported not only Razem but 30 of his family members since its opening.
http://silwanic.net/?p=10398
Israeli bulldozers clear rubble of Jerusalem hotel
JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israeli bulldozers began on Wednesday to remove the rubble of the Shepherd’s Hotel, after it was demolished in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem two days earlier. Bulldozing resumed after an Israeli court rejected a petition submitted by the Husseini family, which claims ownership of the site that is contested by an Israeli settler group.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=350413
Activism/Solidarity/Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions
Israeli military court extends jail term for Palestinian anti-wall activist
Amnesty International has condemned an Israeli military appeal court’s decision to extend the prison sentence of a Palestinian non-violent activist, convicted over his involvement in organizing protests in the occupied West Bank. Abdallah Abu Rahma, head of the Popular Committee Against the Wall in the West Bank village of Bil’in, had his sentence extended from 12 months to 16 months by the Israeli Military Court of Appeals at Ofer in the West Bank on Tuesday, after the prosecution argued that his initial sentence was too lenient.
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/israeli-military-court-extends-jail-term-palestinian-anti-wall-activist-2011-01-11
A year in jail not enough punishment for protesting, Jesse Bacon
Israel’s military went to court for the right to keep holding in jail Palestinian organizer Abdallah Abu Rahmah, the cousin of slain protester Jawaher Abu Rahmah. Happily for the Israeli Army, it’s a military court so they complied. Abdallah is now to serve an additional 2-3 months. Presumably they believe that’s enough that when Abdallah is released, Palestinians won’t mind having their land stolen or their political and human rights denied. I wouldn’t bet on it. I think the fact that a man committed to unarmed protest can end up in millitary court tells you everything you need to know about the Israeli regime. This will definitely be an example to others, but not the way the military wants it to be.
http://theonlydemocracy.org/2011/01/a-year-in-jail-not-enough-punishment-for-protesting/
Court extends Information Center director Jawad Siyam’s house arrest
Wadi Hilweh Information Center director Jawad Siyam’s house arrest was extended at his hearing at the Jerusalem Magistrates Court today. Judge ruled that Siyam’s period of house arrest be extended until his next court appearance, 22 February 2010.
http://silwanic.net/?p=10402
Army Jeeps Enter Beit Ommar Firing Tear Gas
On January 9th, 2010, at about 4pm, three Israeli army jeeps entered the Palestinian village of Beit Ommar from the nearby settlement of Karmei Tsur. For the last several weeks, Israeli Forces have periodically raided the village at different times of the day. The reasons behind these incursions are unclear, as the soldiers make no arrests and seem to have no obvious purpose other than to harass residents of Beit Ommar.
http://palestinesolidarityproject.org/2011/01/12/army-jeeps-enter-beit-ommar-firing-tear-gas/
Sheikh Jarrah Solidarity Movement Expands to Lyd, Alex Kane
Lyd, Israel–For the past year and a half, Israelis, Palestinians and international activists have held weekly demonstrations in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, protesting against the evictions of Palestinian families there and the move by settlers to take over their homes. The solidarity movement, which has garnered international attention, is now expanding to different threatened neighborhoods in East Jerusalem like Issawiya and Silwan, as well as to areas in Israel such as Al-Araqib.
http://alexbkane.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/sheikh-jarrah-solidarity-movement-expands-to-lyd
Global Call: Protest for Jawaher!
Jan 10, 2011– Don’t forget Jawaher! Stand with Palestinian women against Israeli violence! This is a call for women all over the world to unite behind the popular resistance and the determination of Palestinian women in defense of their land, rights and dignity. Join and mobilize in protests in your countries on February 10!
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/2443.shtml
Freedom Flotilla 2 To Sail To Gaza By The End Of May
The Turkish Humanitarian Foundation (IHH) that led the Freedom Flotilla that was attacked by the Israeli army in international waters last year, announced that Freedom Flotilla 2 will be sailing to the Gaza Strip by the end of May this year.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60398
Palestinian Return Centre vows to carry on despite Israeli attack
The Palestinian Return Centre, a London-based advocacy organization, has become the latest target of defamation and attempted sabotage in Israel’s ongoing campaign against groups and individuals active in promoting the issue of Palestine and Palestinian human rights. Matthew Cassel reports.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11725.shtml?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+electronicIntifadaPalestine+%28Electronic+Intifada+%3A+Palestine+News%29
Israel media focus on PA settlement boycott
JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israel’s Channel Two opened its news bulletin Tuesday with a report on the Palestinian campaign to boycott settlement produce. The report said Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad had extended the boycott to include all Israeli produce. Interviewed for the report, political analyst Odi Segal said the boycott was being heavily promoted on Palestinian TV.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=350318
Human Rights/Humanitarian Issues/Siege
Single Gaza crossing operates for goods transfer
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — One Gaza crossing was opened on Tuesday, as Israel informed Palestinian liaison officials that limited amounts of aid and commercial goods would be allowed into the Strip. Palestinian liaison official Raed Fattouh said Israel would open the southernmost Kerem Shalom border terminal for the access of 170 to 180 truckloads of goods.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=350001
Palestinian businessmen slam intended closure of Al-Mintar crossing
The independent coalition of businessmen and economists stated that Israel’s decision to close Al-Mintar crossing is part of the economic strangulation policy pursued by Israel against Gaza.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2b
PA says Gaza ministry detaining doctors
RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority Health Ministry on Monday accused its Hamas-led counterpart of obstructing its employees in the Gaza Strip. A number of PA health directors in Gaza were banned from their work place while other employees had been detained by Gaza government security forces, the ministry said in a statement.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=350303
Egypt keeps Gaza’s gates locked
Humanitarian organizations, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, say the Egypt-Gaza border is still effectively closed.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11728.shtml?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+electronicIntifadaPalestine+%28Electronic+Intifada+%3A+Palestine+News%29
New Report Reveals 19 Violations Committed Against Journalists in December
Today, the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) issued its monthly report documenting violations against journalists in the Palestinian territories.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60389
Israel blacklists 163 foreign charities suspected of supporting terrorism
Preventing terrorism funds from infiltrating Israel is one of the goals of the Israel Money Laundering and Terror Financing Prohibition Authority.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-blacklists-163-foreign-charities-suspected-of-supporting-terrorism-1.336492?localLinksEnabled=false
Inside Qalqilyia: Choked by a wall and 12 settlements, its water and ancestral lands stolen, Alice Rothchild
Qalqilyia, a bulge of land in the West Bank protruding westward against the Green Line, was the first city in 2002 to be fully enclosed by the separation wall, with one checkpoint, like the neck of a bottle, emptying the inhabitants into the West Bank. Once known as “the city of peace,” Israelis from Kfar Saba used to shop in Qalqilyia and there was a vigorous commercial and agricultural relationship between Palestinians and the nearby Jews. I first visited the area in 2005 and I am happy to see Suhad Hashem again, who offers to take us on another tour of the area.
https://mondoweiss.net/2011/01/inside-qalqilyia-choked-by-a-wall-and-12-settlements-its-water-and-ancestral-lands-stolen.html
Racism and Discrimination
Al-Jazeera reporter asked to remove bra by Shin Bet
Arabic news channel crew decides to shun foreign correspondents event hosted by prime minister after female reporter asked to remove bra during security check at entrance to hall.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4012438,00.html
Arab villagers in A-Taibeh struggle to be accepted as Israelis
Residents of MK Hanin Zuabi’s hometown have disassociated themselves from her politics.
http://english.themarker.com/arab-villagers-in-a-taibeh-struggle-to-be-accepted-as-israelis-1.336520?localLinksEnabled=false
‘Gentile sperm leads to barbaric offspring’
Rabbi Dov Lior says Jewish Law prohibits sterile couples from conceiving using non-Jew’s sperm, as it causes adverse traits. On subject of single mothers he says, ‘Child cannot be 100% normal’.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4006385,00.html
Lawyer to compensate officer for ‘Arab loser’ remark
Attorney pulled over on Coastal Highway tells policeman, ‘I’ll have you thrown off the force.’ Court says insults have ‘hint of racism’; hands him three-month suspended sentence.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4012290,00.html
Refugee Rights: Saying No Israeli Racism, Ilan Pappe
I begin by thanking all the organizers; I know it took quite a lot of efforts to bring us all together. It is a great achievement, and as Mazin Qumsiyeh and Haidar Eid, mentioned, and Lubna Masarwa, yesterday, you also provided a great opportunity for us to meet and we are very grateful to you for this opportunity to meet you and to meet each other. It is easier because of the Israeli oppression to meet here than to meet in Palestine where we should meet and hopefully one day we will all be there without the need to go to the frozen hills of Stuttgart to create a joint life!
http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16543
Violence/Aggression/War Crimes
Deadly Gaza bombings as orgs. decry collective punishment
Israeli forces bombed two buildings south of Gaza City late tonight in an air strike targeting Hamas national security service buildings. Hours earlier, a Palestinian man was extrajudicially assassinated in an Israeli air strike as he rode a motorcycle near the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11729.shtml?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+electronicIntifadaPalestine+%28Electronic+Intifada+%3A+Palestine+News%29
Israeli warplanes in fresh strikes on Gaza: witnesses (AFP)
AFP – Israeli warplanes struck two buildings used by Hamas security south of Gaza City but caused no casualties, Hamas officials and eyewitnesses said early Wednesday.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110112/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestiniansconflictgaza
and another martyr dies in Gaza, Max Ajl
I am trying to come up with something to say about the body I saw yesterday in the morgue at Kamal Adwan hospital. That body had belonged to an old man, 65 years old, who was shot through the neck by an Israeli sniper from 300 meters away while he was tying up his donkey on land he’d been farming for 40 years. An Israeli sniper murdered him for trespassing on his own land next to his own home in the buffer zone. He is the third civilian to have been killed the buffer zone in Gaza since I got here. No words will bring him back, and no coverage from mainstream news agencies will resurrect him. No eulogy will roll back time for his fatherless children. There’s no way to beg that IDF soldier not to murder Shaban Karmout, there’s no way to warp this world and ask him not to tie up his donkey but to remain inside his small home in Beit Lehiya where it’s safe and the Israeli army can’t shoot him. And there’s no outrage into which one can rub the faces of those who tolerate outrages that will outrage them enough to say that this is one outrage too many. It was not one too many, because there will be more, there will be many more, and tallying up their names in our notebooks with acid in our eyes will do nothing to prevent the slow filling of Gaza’s cemeteries with old men who remember fleeing in terror before Zionist militia. What can I say about Shaban Karmout that doesn’t turn him into a statistic in the endless pile of corpses that might slowly overwhelm the psyches of the conflicted people who support this obscenity? Or those who are not conflicted but simply accept that murdering old men is OK because once our old men were murdered?
http://www.maxajl.com/?p=4770&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+http%2Fwwwmaxajlcom%2Ffeedrss2+%28Jewbonics%29
Detainees
14-Year-Old Beit Ommar Resident Released From Israeli Prison
On January 7th, 2011, Mohammad Awad, age 14, was released after being held for more than a month and a half in an Israeli prison. Mohammad was arrested on November 20th, 2010, during one of the weekly Saturday unarmed demonstrations in Beit Ommar. The Israeli military wrongfully charged Mohammad with throwing stones. However, numerous eye-witnesses, including international and Israeli solidarity activists, claim that Mohammad was not throwing stones but merely participating in an unarmed demonstration in his own village against the neighboring Israeli settlement of Karmei Tsur. Five solidarity activists, all adults, were also arrested along with Mohammad but were released late in the evening of November 20th.
http://palestinesolidarityproject.org/2011/01/09/14-year-old-beit-ommar-resident-released-from-israeli-prison/
Prisoners’ Rights Group Calls for Release of Five Hamas Men from Israeli Custody
Lawyers from Addameer, the Palestinian prisoner’s rights group, visited three of the five Hamas men detained by Israeli forces during a deadly raid on Hebron last week, and called for their immediate release.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60387
PA militias kidnap husband of MP Halaiqa
Security militias from the Palestinian Authority (PA) kidnapped on Tuesday evening the husband of Hamas lawmaker Samira Halaiqa after he was summoned for interrogation.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcO
Abbas’s militias detain physics professor
Security militias loyal to de facto Palestinian president and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas kidnapped Palestinian physics professor Esam Al-Ashqar on Tuesday evening.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcO
Political Developments
Fear of ‘new campaign’ against Hamas members
NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israel detained the former Palestinian finance minister overnight in the West Bank district of Salfit, the second Hamas member of the Palestinian Legislative Council to be detained in two weeks. Omar Mahmoud Matar Matar, known locally as Omar Abdul Raziq, was detained in the raid on his house at 1:30 a.m. in the northern district, according to Hamas officials, PA security, and PLC member Muna Mansour from Salfit.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=350019
Hamas hints it will enforce ceasefire
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The Gaza government on Tuesday called on factions operating in the Strip to comply with “what has been agreed on” regarding field activities, in an implied reference to the unofficial ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Gaza government spokesman Tahir An-Nunu said a “national consensus” had been reached to protect residents of the besieged coastal enclave and their properties.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=350183
Fatah investigation into Dahlan expanded
RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Fatah leaders heard the preliminary findings of a committee investigating what the Israeli media said were attempts by Mohammed Dahlan to engage a private militia in the West Bank. The two-day meeting, which ended Wednesday in Ramallah, saw Fatah leader and President Mahmoud Abbas and his top Fatah officials decide to appoint an expanded committee to open a deeper investigation.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=350361
UN Security Council continues to stymie pressure on Israel
UNITED NATIONS (IPS) – Calls are growing for a swift international response to the situation in the Middle East, as Israel continues to build new settlements in the occupied West Bank with increased military actions against civilians.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11726.shtml?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+electronicIntifadaPalestine+%28Electronic+Intifada+%3A+Palestine+News%29
Netanyahu: Palestinians ‘walking away’ from peace (AFP)
AFP – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday blamed the Palestinians for the stalled peace process, saying their refusal to negotiate showed they were not interested in peace.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110111/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestinianspeacenetanyahu
Netanyahu: Only ‘credible’ military threat led by U.S. can stop nuclear Iran
Premier tells foreign correspondents that such a threat is necessary but need not be used once in place.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-only-credible-military-threat-led-by-u-s-can-stop-nuclear-iran-1.336447?localLinksEnabled=false
Veteran Likud MK: Lieberman’s foreign ministry has brought ‘zero’ to Israel
MK Michael Eitan, who opposed proposal to establish panel of inquiry in leftist groups suspected of aiding ‘delegitimization’ of Israel, hits back at Lieberman’s criticism.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/veteran-likud-mk-lieberman-s-foreign-ministry-has-brought-zero-to-israel-1.336425?localLinksEnabled=false
Other News
Appropriators Sound Support for Israel Missile Defense
Two key pro-Israel appropriators say that record funding for missile defense systems in the Middle East remains a top priority despite political pressure to make deep spending cut.
http://thehill.com/news-by-subject/foreign-policy/136899-the-world-from-the-hill-appropriators-sound-support-for-israel-missile-defense
Israel’s Foreign Ministry strike stymies shipment of military hardware to Turkey
JERUSALEM, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) — The prolonged strike of Israel’s Foreign Ministry is delaying exports of locally-manufactured armaments, Israeli media reported Tuesday. A plane loaded with “sensitive” spare parts manufactured by the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the Turkish military could not take off as Foreign Ministry officials would not sign the needed documentation, according to a report in local daily Ha’aretz.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-01/12/c_13686074.htm
In photos: Bethlehem celebrates Greek Orthodox Christmas
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=350286
Christian Organizations Build Jerusalem Residential Projects to Combat Exodus
Jerusalem – PNN – In an unprecedented step to combat the exodus of Palestinian Christians, the Latin Patriarchate and the Franciscan Institute to Protect the Holy Land have teamed up to build new residential units in East Jerusalem and rebuild derelict ones in the Old City.
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9383
Christian Arabs’ Plight: Foreign “Protection” Counterproductive
By Nicola Nasser – Suddenly, the U. S. – European alliance is acting to protect the “existence” of the Christian Arab minority against the Muslim Arab majority whose very existence is besieged and threatened by this same alliance, drawing on a wide spread Islamophobia while at the same time exacerbating Islamophobia among western audiences whom the international financial crisis is now crushing to the extent that it does not spare them time or resources to question the real political motives of their governments, which have been preoccupied for decades now with restructuring the Arab world geographically, demographically, politically and culturally against the will of its peoples with a pronounced aim of creating a “new Middle East.”
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9384&Itemid=58
Rabbi: Sins led to woman’s murder
Rabbi raises ire at funeral after saying woman murdered because of sins against God.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4012807,00.html
Why oppose a panel of inquiry into Leftist Israeli NGOs?
An interview with Likud minister Dan Meridor, who opposed the bill proposed by Yisrael Beiteinu to set up a Knesset probe of the funding of NGOs.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/features/why-oppose-a-panel-of-inquiry-into-leftist-israeli-ngos-1.336528?localLinksEnabled=false
Palestinian scouts join world conference
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A Palestinian scout delegation arrived in Brazil on Saturday for the World Scout Conference. During the opening session of the four-day event, the World Organization of the Scout Movement presented the delegation with a certificate recognizing their celebration of 100 years of scouting in Palestine.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=350276
Analysis/Op-ed
Israel’s public relations policy: never apologise, always confuse
Never believe the Israeli army killed an unarmed civilian until it’s officially denied. This paraphrasing of Mark Twain’s “never believe anything until it has officially been denied,” should become a mantra for journalists operating in the Middle East. It is a point reinforced recently by the death of a West Bank Palestinian resident, Jawaher abu Rahmah, who died from tear gas exposure during the recent demonstration against Israel’s separation wall and land annexation in the village of Bil’in.
http://josephdana.com/2011/01/israels-public-relations-policy-never-apologise-always-confuse/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=israels-public-relations-policy-never-apologise-always-confuse
Israel negotiates with bulldozer blades and hydraulic jackhammers
As Hillary Clinton sought a stronger “alliance” with the Gulf’s Arab states, America’s real friend was demolishing another Arab property in occupied Jerusalem.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k
U.S. Needs to Match Words to Action on Palestinian Rights, Josh Ruebner
Last month, the State Department held a town hall for Human Rights Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. At the event, Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs P.J. Crowley, Legal Adviser Harold Koh, and Assistant Secretary of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Michael Posner took questions from the audience and shared their thoughts on the role of human rights in U.S. foreign policy.
http://endtheoccupationblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/us-needs-to-match-words-to-action-on.html
Why the Destruction of the Shepherd Hotel Could be a Good Thing for Democracy, Joseph Dana
The Israeli government allowed Jewish settlers to take over an abandoned hotel in the heart of Arab East Jerusalem in order to build a Jewish only settlement yesterday. From Washington to Brussels, diplomatic representatives have raised concern and dismay about the unilateral Israeli decision. The international community has raised questions about the viability of the peace process given the climate of reckless and uncompromising Israeli settlement expansion. Sadly, the destruction of the Shepherd Hotel shows that the two state solution is simply not a reality. Instead of bemoaning Israeli settlement activity and fighting for a two state solution which is almost impossible, it is time to start fighting for democratic rights for all of the residents of the land under Israeli military rule.
http://josephdana.com/2011/01/why-the-destruction-of-the-shepard-hotel-could-be-a-good-thing-for-peace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-the-destruction-of-the-shepard-hotel-could-be-a-good-thing-for-peace
Overnight traumas, Fidaa Abu Assi
How fast everything happens in Gaza. Everything goes very well; however, everything could turn upside down overnight. How hard when you are put in a position where you cannot expect how the next second of your life would look like– and if you expected something, you would probably find the very opposite. In Gaza, traumatic things happen all of a sudden and this would have an irreparably everlasting effect upon you. In a blink of an eye –hold on! Don’t freak out- you could become homeless, parentless, jobless, ownerless, penniless, hopeless, helpless, lifeless and a long list of an endless-less.
https://mondoweiss.net/2011/01/overnight-traumas.html
When Israeli military propagandists refrain from providing justifications for their murders, the New York Times volunteers justifications
Look at this typical piece. The Ethan Bronner-Isabel Kershner Israeli propaganda machine is at work. The Israeli government did not comment on the killing of a Palestinians so the editors of the New York Times volunteers a justification of the murder: “Palestinians accused Israeli forces on Monday of shooting a 65-year-old Gazan on his farm near the border with Israel. The Israeli military said it had no knowledge of the shooting. The farmer’s son said that three gunshots were fired from an Israeli watchtower overlooking the family’s property, which is close to the security fence that marks the border, and that one of the bullets hit his father in the neck. Israeli forces, wary of Palestinian militants’ trying to come into Israel, have warned people in Gaza not to approach the fence.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2011/01/when-israeli-military-propagandists.html
To such an Israel I shall be a traitor, Rechavia Berman
The shameful step taken by Israel’s laughingstock of a parliament yesterday is, at least for now, political circus and nothing more. This “Inquiry Committee” has no real authority. It has no power of summons and no power to punish. One may comfortably ignore any summons from it and one may, like the wonderful Mikhael Manekin, accept the summons in order to spit its foul temerity right back in its face. But to repeat the main issue of this note, the headline reads: The Gestapo is not yet at the door. That may yet happen, and this pathetic circus may be the high water mark after which the slime will recede. Now, having said that, let us for a moment address the issue as though Michael Ben Ari’s fantasy has any actual teeth, and respond as follows.
http://972mag.com/to-such-an-israel-i-shall-be-a-traitor/
Coming Home, Joharah Baker for MIFTAH
At passport control at Washington DC’s Dulles Airport, the border officer took one look at my children’s and my US passports and stamped us through with a smile. We were, after all, technically “home” and countries normally treat their citizens with dignity and respect. The ease with which I entered (and later exited) the United States was shocking to me, given the difficulty with which I enter and exit my own country each time I travel. But this simple act – for me, entering my birthplace, America – as opposed to my ancestral homeland Palestine – epitomizes everything the Israeli occupation represents. And this, I find extremely disturbing.
http://www.miftah.org/Display.cfm?DocId=23038&CategoryId=13
Less Arab Movie Festivals, More Movies, BOUTHAINA SHAABAN
On New Year’s Day, 2011, members of the family gathered around the lunch table, or around a hot tea pot which summed up the warmth of the hearts happy to be together after long absences because of work, study or travel. After some conversation and after exchanging best wishes and aspirations for the New Year, a family member suggests watching a film in order to extend this cozy atmosphere which comes only once or twice a year. They choose Presidential Decision produced Fox Movies. They all took their places ready to watch afilm which appeared from the beginning to be a political propaganda film, aimed at spreading hatred against Arabs and Muslims.
http://www.counterpunch.com/shaaban01112011.html
Israel Begrudges Palestine Its Fragile Tourism, Stuart Littlewood
The Israel lobby here in the UK is creating a storm in an advertising teacup in a bid to throw a spanner in the works of Palestinian tourism. The Jerusalem Post reports that Britain’s advertising watchdog has launched an investigation into “a barrage of complaints” over a ‘Travel Palestine’ advert in the National Geographic magazine because it “appears to blot out the existence of the State of Israel”.
http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16544
Congressman Peter King suggests that Muslims are not American, Philip Weiss
Lee Fang at ThinkProgress. Note that even the Conservative Political Action Conference has frozen out King’s interviewer, Frank Gaffney, for being a “crazy bigot.” Joining anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist Frank Gaffney on Gaffney’s radio program last week, King doubled down on his promise to launch a witch-hunt against Muslims…
https://mondoweiss.net/2011/01/congressman-peter-king-suggests-that-muslims-are-not-american.html
Sectarianism and Its Discontents, JOSEPH MASSAD
The horrifying scene of carnage in a Coptic church in Alexandria, ending not only the passing year but also the lives of innocent people, was not just shocking to everyone in Egypt and the region, but also terrifying to some who began to postulate that this might very well usher in the end of the presence of Christians in the country, if not in the Arab world at large. The panic and dismay visited on most people have understandably led some to rush to offer dramatic scenarios for the immediate future. It strikes me as more opportune, however, especially, in these times to offer an analysis of what is unfolding that is informed not only by the past and current situation of Egypt, but also by the regional context in which this violent act was committed. Fanning the flames of panic and sectarianism will only lead to more such violence without improving the security situation nor would it bring about the sought after civic peace.
http://www.counterpunch.com/massad01112011.html
Lebanon
Hezbollah ‘to quit Lebanon cabinet’
Hezbollah ministers and allies set to leave coalition in row over UN probe into murder of former PM Rafiq al-Hariri.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/01/2011112115044571813.html
Prosecutor seeks death penalty for Israeli collaborators
BEIRUT: A prosecutor for Lebanon’s military court requested Tuesday the death penalty against a number of individuals on charges of collaborating with Israel and killing resistance fighters. Military Investigative Judge Imad al-Zein demanded the death penalty for Shawqi Shafik Atieh, Mohammad Hassan al-Zein, Ali Hassan Ezzeddine, Mohammad Shawqki Wanseh.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=123555
March 8 set to topple Hariri’s Cabinet
BEIRUT: The March 8 coalition is set to topple Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s national unity Cabinet Wednesday, a day after it declared the Saudi-Syrian initiative aimed at resolving Lebanon’s months-long political crisis had reached a dead end.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=123551
Hizbullah, Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya slam U.S. steps
BEIRUT: Hizbullah and Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya officials condemned Tuesday U.S. attempts to deal a blow to Arab efforts to reach a compromise over the disputed issue of the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon investigating former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=123548
Syria, Saudi fail to contain Lebanon crisis: Aoun
AFP – Michel Aoun, a key Christian ally of Lebanon’s Shiite party Hezbollah, said on Tuesday that Syrian-Saudi efforts had failed to contain a political crisis over a UN probe into the murder of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110111/wl_mideast_afp/lebanonunhariritribunal
Iraq
Tuesday: 2 Iraqis, 1 Kuwaiti Killed; 42 Iraqis Wounded
The Iraqi government is investigating a shootout between the Kuwaiti Coast Guard and a group of Iraqi fishermen that left one Kuwaiti dead. Meanwhile, at least two Iraqis were killed and 42 more were wounded in this and other incidents.
http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2011/01/11/tuesday-2-iraqis-1-kuwaiti-killed-42-iraqis-wounded/
Blast targets Iraqi judge house
A roadside bomb in Sadr City, northern Baghdad, damaged a nearby barber shop. No casualties were reported. Al Shaab court judge Rashed Mashali was wounded due to a bomb placed at his house’s gate in Al Shorta District, Dora region.
http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-58869-Blast-targets-Iraqi-judge-house.html
Iraq Security Forces infiltrated
Iraqi security forces have been infiltrated and intelligence has been leaked, Baghdad Operations Command told Alsumaria. Baghdad Operations Command affirmed however the arrest of the cell responsible for assassinations in Baghdad.
http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-58867-Iraq-Security-Forces-infiltrated.html
Kuwaiti PM due to visit Baghdad
Kuwaiti Prime Minister Naser Al Ahmad Al Sabah is due on Wednesday in Baghdad heading a senior delegation to congratulate Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki on the new government, Iraqi deputy Foreign Minister Labid Al Abbawi told Alsumaria News.
http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-58865-Kuwaiti-PM-due-to-visit-Baghdad.html
What Moqtada’s return means for America, Michael Boyle
The militant cleric is back from exile, cementing Iran’s hold on Iraqi politics and signalling the final eclipse of US influence. When Moqtada al-Sadr left Iraq in 2007, many US officials hoped that his Sadrist movement – which had waged a bitter insurgency against American forces there since 2004 – would fade from prominence once the Iraqi government retook control of much of the country from the insurgency. His hurried departure from Iraq was prompted by a joint US-Iraq effort to confront his militia, the Jaish al-Mahdi (JAM), and to restore parts of Baghdad that they ran to Iraqi government control. Without even a formal announcement, Sadr fled to Iran to escape the crackdown, infuriating those among his supporters who wanted him to continue the resistance against U.S. forces and the Iraqi government.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/jan/11/iraq-iran
U.S. and other world news
Clinton admits WikiLeaks will dominate the rest of her life
Outwardly, Hillary Clinton’s progress through the capitals of America’s most crucial Middle Eastern allies in recent days has been to bolster support for the war on terror. Privately, she admits it is also an “apology tour” aimed at undoing the damage caused by the WikiLeaks revelations.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/clinton-admits-wikileaks-will-dominate-the-rest-of-her-life-2182158.html
Assange ‘faces death penalty’ in US
Lawyers for WikiLeaks’ founder say he could face death penalty or torture if he is extradited to the US via Sweden.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/01/201111292250647328.html
Missouri: Ex-C.I.A. Officer Will Be Extradited
A federal judge on Monday ordered a former C.I.A. officer to be transferred to Virginia to face charges that he leaked classified government information to a reporter.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/11/us/11brfs-EXCIAOFFICER_BRF.html
State Department: Tucson shooter not equivalent to Muslim extremists
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voluntarily raised the attempted assassination of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) on a trip to the Arab world, comparing alleged shooter Jared Lee Loughner to Muslim extremists. The State Department clarified that she was not saying Loughner should be treated as a terrorist.
http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/01/11/state_department_alleged_tucson_shooter_not_equivalent_to_muslim_extremists
Egyptian policeman shoots dead 71-year-old Christian man
CAIRO: An off-duty policeman boarded a train in southern Egypt and opened fire Tuesday, killing a 71-year-old Christian man and wounding five others, including the victim’s wife and three other women, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.All of the victims are Christian, it said.Christians protested for several days after the Jan. 1 bombing of a church in Alexandria that killed up to 23 people.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=123529
Erdogan urges stronger cooperation with Arabs to solve regional problems
KUWAIT CITY: Turkey’s prime minister called on Arab nations Tuesday to boost cooperation with Ankara and to brush aside disputes that weakened ties in the past.”Arabs are our brothers,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a passionate speech at the opening of a two-day conference on Arab-Turkish relations in Kuwait City.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=123528
Kuwait M.P.s say man died under torture
KUWAIT CITY: A Kuwaiti man has died in a police station as a result of excessive torture, Kuwaiti M.P.’s charged Tuesday, and called on authorities to order a transparent investigation.Opposition lawmaker Mussallam al-Barrak said in a statement the man was rushed to hospital early Tuesday in the southern oil town of Ahmadi from the city’s police station and was pronounced dead on arrival.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=123516
Iran warns neighbors not to aid Israel after arrest of alleged Mossad spies
TEHRAN: Iran warned neighboring countries not to help its arch-foe Israel, one day after announcing it had rounded up a spy ring linked to Israel which it said had assassinated an Iranian nuclear scientist.”Our neighbors and the regional countries that have ties with the Zionist regime should know that any assistance given to this regime would be viewed as a threat to Iran.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=123513
Iran: Spies didn’t know about each other
Islamic Republic’s intelligence minister says team that assassinated nuclear scientist in January 2010 was not involved in similar incident in November. Two killings were only operations carried out by Mossad on Iranian soil in 2010, he adds.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4012670,00.html
www.theheadlines.org
