And more news from Today in Palestine:
Land, property, resources theft and destruction / Ethnic cleansing / Settlers
OPT: Demolitions, drought and displacement in West Bank Area C
RAMALLAH, 18 Feb (IRIN) – Demolition of livelihood structures and drought are hitting already impoverished Palestinian communities living in Area C of the West Bank hard this year, according to UN agencies and international aid organizations working in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Demolition of livelihood structures – including commercial structures, educational facilities, wells, water cisterns, water storage tanks, farmland and animal pens – by Israeli authorities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem increased by about 85 percent in 2010 and so far in 2011, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) told IRIN.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/opt-demolitions-drought-and-displacement-in-west-bank-area-c
Report: Israel sold 1,400 West Bank settlement homes in 2010
NAZARETH, (PIC) 19 Feb — The Israeli Ministry of Housing sold 1,400 to settlers in East Jerusalem and the West Bank in 2010, a Palestinian researcher inside 1948-occupied Palestine said in a report on Saturday. According to data gathered by Attorney Qais Nasser, a lecturer in planning, most of the units were sold in Modi’in (668), Har Homa (319), Ma’ale Adumim (101), Beitar Illit (126) and Givat Ze’ev (78). The report says houses sold that year constitute 35 per cent of the total houses sold by the Housing Ministry.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k
Notices of land confiscation to the west of al-Khalil
AL-KHALIL, (PIC) 18 Feb — IOF handed a number of Palestinians from the village of Kharas to the west of the southern West Bank city of al-Khalil [Hebron] eviction notices demanding the surrender of a land area of 20 dunums near the apartheid wall to the west of the village. Local sources said that the IOF claimed that the concerned land is government owned while in fact some of the land belongs to Khalil al-Horoub, a resident of the village. The targeted land is about 300 meters to the east of the apartheid wall and is planted with olive and almond trees
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcOd
Families forced out as army occupies Jerusalem rooftop
18 Feb (EI) — The sound of heavy boots stomping up five flights of stairs resonated throughout the entire apartment building on a recent night as the Israeli military headed towards their post on a roof in the embattled neighborhood of Silwan in occupied East Jerusalem … the sound of heavy boots stomping up five flights of stairs resonated throughout the entire apartment building on a recent night as the Israeli military headed towards their post on a roof in the embattled neighborhood of Silwan in occupied East Jerusalem.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11813.shtml
‘Death to Arabs’ spray-painted in village
18 Feb (Ynet) — Vandals spray-painted racist and anti-Muslim slogans on the walls of houses in the Palestinian village of Beit Ilu near Ramallah on Friday … A criminal investigation team has launched an investigation into the incident, which is an apparent “price tag” act by settlers to avenge the razing of an outpost in the area three days ago … He said local residents were frustrated by what is the second such incident in the village, adding that no suspects had been nabbed thus far in either case. “Residents here never hurt the settlers” Raduan said. “I don’t understand why they’re harassing us.”
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4030565,00.html
Negev Bedouin list: Peace resistance, arrests and shootings continue
18 Feb – On Wednesday, even in the face of peaceful resistance, a variety of ammunition (including what is suspected to be FN303 bullets) was used by the Yassam police force on the residents and activists. An 11 year old boy and his grandfather were hospitalized as a result of shock and a fall respectively. Others who were injured from bullets refused to go to Soroka Hospital out of fear that they would either be arrested or not allowed to return to Al Arakib. Attached are photos of the ammunition used, resulting injuries, the incident at Route 40 and the arrest of one of the supporters from Rahat.
http://groups.google.com/group/NegevBedouin/browse_thread/thread/de0f022b3c620be8
Edelstein bids to force Barak to end ‘silent freeze’
18 Feb (JPost) –Likud Minister Yuli Edelstein plans to call on Sunday for the government to order Defense Minister Ehud Barak to authorize new construction in West Bank settlement blocs. Barring that, he told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday, he planned to call for the government to strip Barak of his power to authorize settlement building and to create instead a new ministerial committee for Judea and Samaria that would permit such construction.
http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=208780
US vetoes UN resolution on Israeli settlements
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) 18 Feb — The United States on Friday vetoed an Arab resolution at the UN Security Council which would have condemned continued Israeli settlement building, triggering immediate Palestinian anger.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i3nIUOspvbOA9JeR9ckKstbUKuWQ?docId=CNG.0fa794225a1dc218031fb89f47003c8c.631
US: Veto on UN draft is not endorsement of settlement construction
19 Feb (AP) — United States Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said Friday that the American veto of a UN Security Council draft resolution condemning Israeli settlement construction as illegal should not be seen as an endorsement of the policy. “We reject in the strongest terms the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity,” Rice said. She said the overriding issue for the Obama administration was whether the resolution would lead to renewed peace negotiations.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/u-s-veto-on-un-draft-is-not-endorsement-of-settlement-construction-1.344338
Palestinians say US veto does not serve peace
18 Feb (Reuters) — RAMALLAH (Reuters) – Palestinians said on Friday the U.S. veto of an Arab-sponsored U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlement building on occupied land harmed the cause of peace by letting Israel escape its obligations.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110219/ts_nm/us_palestinians_un_vote_reaction
Human Rights Watch blasts settlement veto
19 Feb — BETHLEHEM (Ma‘an) — The US veto of a proposed UN resolution calling upon Israel to end illegal policies that promote settlements undermines enforcement of international law, Human Rights Watch said Friday. The Geneva Conventions, to which Israel is a party, prohibit the transfer of a country’s civilian population into territory it occupies, Human Rights Watch reiterated in a statement shortly after the Security Council vote.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=361246
Hague urges direct Mideast talks after US veto
LONDON (AFP) 19 Feb — Foreign Secretary William Hague has called on Israel and the Palestinians to get back round the negotiating table after the US vetoed an Arab-sponsored UN resolution branding Israeli settlements illegal.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110219/wl_uk_afp/israelpalestinianusunsettlerbritain
PLO to make fresh UN anti-settlement bid
RAMALLAH (AFP) 19 Feb — The Palestinians plan to make another attempt to seek United Nations condemnation of Israeli settlement, after the US torpedoed a motion at the Security Council, a senior official said on Saturday.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=361416
West Bank protest after US vetoes UN resolution
QALQILIYA (Ma‘an) 19 Feb — Hundreds of cars sped through the Palestinian town of Qalqiliya late Friday as the Obama administration vetoed a UN resolution condemning continued Israeli settlements. Protesters honked horns in a show of support for President Mahmoud Abbas’ refusal to give in to the US government’s last-minute efforts to avoid the vote at the UN Security Council, onlookers said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=361359
Fury after US vetoes UN settlement resolution
BETHLEHEM (Ma‘an) 19 Feb — A top Fatah leader and former Palestinian intelligence official called Saturday for a “day of rage” against America after the Obama administration blocked a UN resolution condemning Israeli settlements. Tawfik Tirawi said Palestinians would protest next Friday
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=361326
US restricts staff movement in Palestinian areas
JERUSALEM (AP) 19 Feb — The U.S. consulate in Jerusalem is restricting staff movement in some Palestinian areas of the West Bank. It comes a day after the U.S. vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that would have condemned Israel’s policy of building Jewish-only settlements in the West Bank. Staffers are now banned from personal travel to the town of Jericho, and prohibited from using a border crossing frequented by Palestinians. They are also banned from using some roads. The bans were issued Saturday and will last until Monday. A consular official says it’s a precautionary move.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110219/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians
Israel ‘deeply appreciates’ US veto on UN resolution condemning settlements
Prime Minister’s Office thanks Obama for nixing Security Council resolution proposed by Arab states censuring Israeli settlement activity.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-deeply-appreciates-u-s-veto-on-un-resolution-condemning-settlements-1.344390
AIPAC applauds US veto of settlement resolution
BETHLEHEM (Ma‘an) 19 Feb — The pro-Israel group AIPAC expressed its appreciation for the Obama administration’s veto that blocked a UN resolution condemning Israeli settlements at the Security Council. The Washington-based group said in a statement that the primary obstacle to the peace process was President Mahmoud Abbas’ refusal to negotiate with Israel until it abides by previously signed agreements.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=361247
Violence / Detention
Update: Fishermen killed by Israel had no weapons on or near them
(with photos) 18 Feb — Further information about the killing of three Palestinian fishermen from Gaza has been made public. Israel Defence Forces sources claim that the three men were trying to infiltrate the Zionist state with intent to cause harm. However, official medical reports compiled by medics on the scene state that no weapons of any kind were found on or near the men who were killed. The men were working on the beach when they were hit by Israeli artillery fire.
http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/news/middle-east/2071-update-fishermen-killed-by-israel-qhad-no-weapons-on-or-near-themq
Sound grenades cause serious injury during clashes
Silwan, Jerusalem (SILWANIC) 18 Feb 23:11 — A Palestinian youth has sustained injuries in his chest after being hit with two sound grenades during clashes in Silwan. Medical sources confirm that his injured by sound grenades remains in a critical condition in hospital. Clashes have meanwhile spread to the outskirts of Wadi Hilweh and Al Bustan neighborhoods, having also erupted in Ras Al-Amoud where dozens of Palestinian residents have suffered asphyxiation due to tear gas inhalation caused by heavy Israeli use of gas grenades. Clashes remain underway in Ein Fouqa, Ein Tahta and Samer Sarhan Street areas.
http://silwanic.net/?p=12095
Violent clashes continue into the night
Silwan, Jerusalem (SILWANIC)18 Feb 23:52 — Clashes are currently persisting throughout Silwan between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents. Violent confrontations are concentrated around the Ein Fouqa and Samer Sarhan Street areas.
Clashes resumed when a Palestinian youth sustained injuries to his hand and leg when hit with sound grenades fired by Israeli troops.
http://silwanic.net/?p=12089
Injured teen arrested during public prayer in al-Bustan
Silwan, Jerusalem (SILWANIC) 18 Feb — A Palestinian youth was arrested by Israeli forces today during a public prayer in the Al-Bustan protest tent. 17 year old Muhannad Qawasmi of Bir Ayyub district of Silwan was seized by police while the weekly prayer held at the tent. Qawasmi was shot in the eye on 28 June 2010 during violent clashes in Silwan, losing his eye as a result
http://silwanic.net/?p=12042
Islamic Jihad: PA forces release member on bail
BETHLEHEM (Ma‘an) 18 Feb — Palestinian Authority security forces released an Islamic Jihad member Thursday after his family pledged bail, the Islamist faction said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=361127
Siege
Egypt opens Gaza border crossing – one way
18 Feb – The sole crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip reopened late Friday for stranded Palestinians. Nearly 6,000 Palestinians have been prevented from returning home since anti-regime protests erupted on Jan. 25. Ghazi Hamad, head of the Gaza crossings authority, said the Rafah terminal would initially open in one direction. He added that efforts were underway to open it permanently. The Palestinian ambassador in Cairo, Barakat Al-Farra, said the crossing would also open Saturday.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=361190
14 Palestinians released from Egyptian custody
GAZA CITY (Ma‘an) 19 Feb — Egyptian authorities released 14 Palestinian prisoners who were arrested on the Gaza-Egypt border, a detainees affairs official said Saturday morning. Imad Al-Sayyed told Ma‘an that the prisoners were released Friday night from the Al-Aqrab and Burj Al-Arab prisons in Cairo. Their release has been confirmed and they are en route to the Gaza Strip, Al-Sayyed said adding that there were 19 other Palestinians who remained behind bars in Egypt.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=361363
Israel opens 1 Gaza crossing for limited goods
18 Feb – Israeli authorities decided to open one crossing into Gaza on Friday for the limited transfer of goods, Palestinian officials said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=361094
PHR-Israel entered Gaza today after an 18-month ban
ReliefWeb 17 Feb — On behalf of PHR-Israel, I’m excited to report that for the first time in over 18 months, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel has received clearance to enter Gaza to provide medical services in the fields of orthopedics and neurology. PHR-Israel’s medical delegation will spend the next 48 hours at Al Shifa’ Hospital in Gaza City seeing patients, training physicians, and expressing solidarity with our Palestinian counterparts living under nearly four years of closure and ongoing movement and access restrictions.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/VVOS-8E6S7A?OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Activism / Solidarity / Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions
Activism roundup: Bil‘in commemorates six years of protest
18 Feb (EI) — The Electronic Intifada brings you this roundup of recent activism news from across the globe, including disruptions by university students of speeches by an Israeli soldier and a politician in Massachusetts and in Scotland, a move to challenge Seattle’s violations of free speech rights and a Palestinian youth group’s demonstration against a settler-only marathon in the occupied West Bank.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11815.shtml
IOF injure a number of protesters, one of them seriously
RAMALLAH, (PIC) 18 Feb – Five people were injured on Friday afternoon, one of them seriously, and dozens suffered breathing difficulties when IOF troops confronted the weekly anti-wall demonstration in the village of Bilin near Ramallah. Rateb Abu Rahmah, the media coordinator of the anti-wall committee said that the IOF troops wounded a 16-year-old boy with a “tutu” bullet to his side, the wounded boy was taken to hospital. Another was hit with a stun grenade in his hand.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcOd
Action alert: US delays visa for BDS leader Barghouti on eve of tour
18 Feb (EI) Effectively canceling a planned speaking tour, the US consulate in Jerusalem has inexplicably delayed the granting of a visa for Omar Barghouti, founding member of the Palestinian Civil Society Boycott, Divestment, Sanction (BDS) campaign, due to tour the United States this April for the release of his new book, Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions: The Global Struggle for Palestinian Rights … Barghouti tour sponsors are calling on supporters to contact the US Consulate in Jerusalem and the Department of State to ask them to fulfill the promise from the Obama Administration of “promoting the global marketplace of ideas” and grant Barghouti’s visa immediately.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11814.shtml
The war on Israeli goods
18 Feb (Ynet)– Boycott movement fails to make financial impact but damages Israel’s global image — Trionfale Market, suburban Rome. A dozen activists dressed in produce vendor outfits bearing the logo of Israeli produce exporter Carmel Agrexco descend upon the street, offering shoppers avocado smeared with blood. “Madam, buy our avocado and support the occupation,” one of them yells towards a spectator. “The color of the avocado is red because the water that we Israelis steal is so good. “It’s the best water in Palest… oh, Israel. Buy Carmel. It’s very tasty,” he adds.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4029865,00.html
Knesset member says boycott has already cost Israel tens of millions of dollars / Philip Weiss
A new Knesset lobby has been started by Miri Regev, a member of the Knesset, to oppose the “threat of the delegitimization of Israel.” Here is a Hebrew report in partial translation:
https://mondoweiss.net/2011/02/knesset-member-says-boycott-has-already-cost-israel-tens-of-millions-of-dollars.html
Knesset passes first reading of bill to impose sanctions on those who boycott Israel
18 Feb — The Combating Israeli Boycott Campaigns Bill went through the Knesset on 16 February and will include action against those who participate in economic and academic boycotts.
http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/news/middle-east/2069-knesset-passes-first-reading-of-bill-to-impose-sanctions-on-those-who-boycott-israel
The right to boycott / Adam Keller
18 Feb — Ever since the founding of the State of Israel, the Chief Rabbinate and the local rabbinates in various Israeli cities have conducted a boycott campaign against restaurants and shops which sell non-kosher food … In order to conduct this campaign, the Rabbinate disposes of an extensive apparatus, with hundreds of fully-paid workers whose salaries are paid by the Israeli taxpayer … Since 1997, Gush Shalom – of which the writer is the spokesperson – has conducted a boycott campaign against against products manufactured at the Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories, established in violation of International Law. We publish a list of products manufactured in the settlements, and call upon the public to refrain from buying these products. Gush Shalom does not get a single penny from the taxpayer’s purse, nor does it get money from any foreign government.
http://adam-keller2.blogspot.com/2011/02/right-to-boycott.html
#BDS: Israeli tennis player feeling ‘comfy’ in Dubai security zone
…When most players at the Dubai Championships finish their matches, they mingle in the clubhouse eating and chatting. For Shahar Peer, it’s back to a guarded compound where she watches movies with her father Dov.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2011/02/bds-israeli-tennis-player-feeling-comfy.html
#BDS: Fascists and Zionists find common ground
“Today in Britain if you decided to attend a fascist rally you might see something slightly unexpected in the crowd: the Israeli flag. Israeli flags are becoming more and more common as Zionists join forces with the fascists to mobilise against anti-fascist groups and pro-Palestine supporters throughout Europe.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2011/02/bds-fascists-and-zionists-find-common.html
#BDS: Hello Kitty store opens in Israel
“Japanese fictional character, whose image has been used on 280,000 products in Europe, to officially land in Israel as part of new chain of stores
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2011/02/bds-hello-kitty-store-opens-in-israel.html
#BDS: John Greyson: Sex, Song and Segregation
On February 28th, award-winning Canadian filmmaker John Greyson will be present in Montreal for Cinema Politica Concordia’s special screening event Sex, Song and Segregation. Bringing together penguins, protest, megaphone choirs and Elton John in a politically explosive combination, the event aims to celebrate Greyson’s contributions to art and activism, charting 25 years of films exploring South Africa, Palestine, race, sex, politics, and music.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2011/02/bds-john-greyson-sex-song-and.html
#BDS: A pebble in the mainstream
On the band’s last tour to Israel, Faithless frontman Maxi Jazz and lead guitarist Dave Randall became acutely aware of the Israeli occupation and late last year – amid much public attention – Faithless cancelled its scheduled Israeli gig.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2011/02/bds-pebble-in-mainstream.html
Palestinian writers shun McEwan over Israel honor
TEL AVIV (Reuters) 18 Feb — Having shrugged off calls to refuse an Israeli literary honor, Ian McEwan has found himself boycotted by Palestinian writers with whom he had sought to help foster peaceful dialogue.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110218/stage_nm/us_books_mcewan_israel_1
Political developments
Hamas: Ready to meet Fatah leader in Gaza
GAZA CITY (Ma‘an) 19 Feb — Hamas is ready to meet with Fatah central committee member Nabil Shath in Gaza to discuss Palestinian reconciliation, Hamas leader Atallah Abu As-Sabeh said Friday … Shaath said Thursday he was prepared to go to the Gaza Strip and discuss conciliation if the Hamas leadership would agree.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=361211
‘Peace treaty with Israel is up to the Egyptian people’
(Reuters) 18 Feb –Spokesman for Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood responds to U.S. National Intelligence director, who said he assumed Brotherhood was not in favor of maintaining peace treaty with Israel. The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s best-organized political force, said on Friday any decision on the country’s peace treaty with Israel was up to the Egyptian people and it would not impose its view on them … Erian did not set out the Brotherhood’s position on the accords, signed on behalf of Egypt by President Anwar Sadat in 1979.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/peace-treaty-with-israel-is-up-to-the-egyptian-people-1.344302
Report: Egypt has approved Iran warships to use Suez Canal
This would be first time since Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution that Iranian ships have used Suez; U.S. says they are monitoring the ships and criticize Iran’s ‘track record’ in the region … Iranian officials have said the two vessels, currently in international waters, are headed to Syria for training.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/report-egypt-has-approved-iran-warships-to-use-suez-canal-1.344310
Other news
IDF prepares over fears of Egypt-style W. Bank demos
18 Feb (JPost) Concerned by the prospect of the Palestinians replicating Egypt-style mass demonstrations with dozens of simultaneous marches and protests in the West Bank, the IDF is beginning to build rapid-response forces and to identify vantage points throughout the territories that could be used to contain such protests. The IDF’s Central Command assesses that the Palestinians could resort to so-called nonviolent resistance, on a scale previously unknown to Israel, in the absence of peace negotiations.
http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=208786
Burqa-clad female police officers fight crime in Gaza
17 Feb (Ynet) — Hamas establishes special police unit to handle interrogation, incarceration of female criminals; officers trained in use of M-16 [burqa? Definitely not. Try ‘hijab’.]
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4029928,00.html
Short video: West Bank donkeys find safe haven in war zone
(AFP) 18 Feb – Palestinians and Israelis work together for the well-being of donkeys [all of us who have depended on the patient but loud donkeys to carry food and bags of olives will appreciate people caring for the sick and retired ones. Of course at the very beginning the video has to bring up the one donkey once used for an attack, but try to get past that part and watch the rest.]
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110218/world-news/west-bank-donkeys-find-safe-haven-in-war-zone
Dutch museum to lend Picasso for display in West Bank
17 Feb (BBC) — Eindhoven’s Van Abbe Museum is lending the 1943 canvas Buste de Femme to the Ramallah international art academy, Radio Netherlands Worldwide reports. A film is due to be made of the painting’s journey, including the Israeli border and other checkpoints.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12502085
Kids’ books: The past is present and the present is past
When 13-year-old Hayaat’s grandmother collapses and is rushed to the hospital, she believes only one thing can revive her beloved Sitti Zeynab — soil from the garden of her ancestral home in West Jerusalem, six miles away from the family’s new dwelling in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hayaat is determined to reach Sitti Zeynab’s old home on the Israeli side of the barrier wall, and bring her back a hummus jar filled with soil in Randa Abdel-Fattah’s children’s novel Where The Streets Had A Name.
http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Kids+books+past+present+present+past/4312723/story.html
Analysis / Opinion
Al-Tariq: A dialogue with occupation, colonization, and apartheid! / PACBI
As Palestinian Students based in Gaza we are alarmed to see yet another group ‘Al Tariq’[1] presenting solutions for us Palestinians, as if two equal parties were locked in a stalemate. According to the group website “both sides” need to “learn from each other through reconciliation, forgiveness, and dialogue”. For us young people among the 1.5 million languishing in Gaza open-air prison, (800,000 children) the 4 year-long medieval blockade of land, air and sea and 2 years on from the most devastating of massacres that killed over 1400 of us and over 350 of our children, this is quite an insult.
http://www.pacbi.org/etemplate.php?id=1476
Maybe Gaza should paddle its own canoe / Stuart Littlewood
18 Feb — …Hamas say they are not playing ball because elections will reinforce Palestine’s internal divisions. In any case, Abbas and prime minister Fayyad have no legitimate authority to organise and supervise such elections and Hamas will not give them recognition or cover to do so. As usual, Abbas has things back to front. Resistance factions are surely right in insisting on unity first. The continuing political fragmentation and the physical separation of the two territories have led to serious violations of the conditions that must prevail for genuinely free and fair elections to take place. The PCHR (Palestinian Centre for Human Rights) has just issued a position statement, which includes the following:
http://www.intifada-palestine.com/2011/02/stuart-littlewood-maybe-gaza-should-paddle-its-own-canoe/
U.S., U.S. wars
US Marine in Iraq murder case returned to brig
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (AP) 18 Feb — A Marine returned to the brig Friday to serve the last five years of an 11-year sentence for murdering an Iraqi man in one of the most significant criminal cases against U.S. troops from the Iraq war.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110218/ap_on_re_us/us_marine_iraq_shootings
Residents of razed Afghan village dispute US case for destruction
18 Feb — IPS – The commander of U.S.-NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, Maj. Gen. James Terry, asserted last month that the homes systematically destroyed by U.S. forces across three districts of Kandahar province as part of Operation Dragon Strike in October and November “were abandoned, empty and wired with ingenious arrays of bombs.” But in interviews with IPS at the site of the destroyed village of Tarok Kalache, now nothing more than a dusty plain surrounded by orchards, former residents disputed that account of the circumstances surrounding the destruction of their village.
http://dissidentvoice.org/2011/02/residents-of-razed-afghan-village-dispute-u-s-case-for-destruction/
Helen Thomas: Jews didn’t have to leave Europe following Holocaust
In CNN interview, veteran reporter refuses to call comments urging Jews to leave Israel and return to Europe insensitive, says Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians is the real insensitivity.
http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/helen-thomas-jews-didn-t-have-to-leave-europe-following-holocaust-1.344196
Video: The Daily Show tries to cure anti-Muslim bigotry with The Q’Osby Show
When Katie Couric suggested that there ought to be a Muslim version of The Cosby Show (yes, she really suggested that), The Daily Show’s Aasif Mandvi thought it sounded like a brilliant idea. Thus was born The Q’Osby Show, Mandvi’s attempt at curing anti-Muslim bigotry just like The Cosby Show cured anti-black racism. The results were, to put it euphemistically, mixed … Moral of the story: we don’t need The Q’Osby Show. We don’t even need Allah in the Family. What we need is less anti-Muslim garbage flowing from bigoted outlets like Fox News Channel.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/02/18/946864/-The-Daily-Show-tries-to-cure-anti-Muslim-bigotry-with-The-QOsby-Show
