And other news from Today in Palestine:
Land and Property Theft and Destruction/Ethnic Cleansing
Abbas signals renewed settlement construction won’t end talks
Abbas has repeatedly threatened to walk away from peace talks, launched this month in Washington, if Israel resumes building in its West Bank settlements.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/abbas-signals-renewed-settlement-construction-won-t-end-talks-1.315164?localLinksEnabled=false
Civil Administration hands down stop-work orders
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israel’s Civil Administration handed several stop-work orders to residents in villages in the northern West Bank districts of Qalqiliya and Salfit on Monday. Several homeowners in the Kafr Thulth village in Qalqiliya received the notices, including the director-general of Ministry of Local Governance in Tulkarem, Raed Muqbil.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316281
Israel razes East Jerusalem home
JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces razed a home and small animal shelter in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of At-Tur on Tuesday, after the owner was told the home was built without a license. Wael Darwish Da’na, father of ten, said he had been served with a warning notice two months earlier, but had hired a lawyer to contest the demolition.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316699
Jerusalem: Israeli Authorities Demolish A Farm And Bulldoze Lands
Maysa Abu Ghazaleh – Jerusalem \PNN – the Israeli Nature Development Authorities demolished on Tuesday a Palestinian owned farm and bulldozed farmlands in East Jerusalem. The farm belongs to Wa’el Da’nna, he says that the destruction of his farm happened without any warning. The farm had 50 sheep, six horses in addition to olive trees. Meanwhile bulldozers belongs to the Nature Development Authorities also bulldozed farm lands owned Palestinian Palestinians near Jerusalem; the bulldozers damaged the water and electcity networks of the nearby houses, the residents said.
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8797&Itemid=64
Israeli troops continue onslaught against West Bank homes
Israeli bulldozers backed by police and special forces stormed Tuesday morning two south Negev towns unrecognized by the Israeli government, razing two houses. [Hamas website, may not be accessible to all]
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx
PA says settlers bulldozed land in Bethlehem village
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority Ministry of Agriculture’s anti-wall and settlement unit on Wednesday toured land in the Al-Khader village that was overturned by settlers. Unit coordinator Awad Abu Suwiey said settlers bulldozed a 30-by-10-meter part of the plot and uprooted 30 grapevines and several almond trees.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316966
Israeli settlers raid olive orchards, attempt to steal olives
Tuesday September 21, 2010 – 18:18, A number of Palestinian civilians were wounded in clashes with Israeli settlers who invaded the olive orchards that belong to the Palestinian farmers in the village of Burin, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
http://www.imemc.org/article/59453
Settlers Harvesting Palestinian Olives; Clash Erupted South of Al-Khalil
20 Sep 2010 – Palestinians from the occupied West Bank village of Burin and settlers from the settlement of Har Brakha, near Nablus, clashed Monday. Israeli occupation soldiers dispatched to the scene dispersed the clash, declared the area a restricted military zone and restored order.
http://www.almanar.com.lb/NewsSite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=154768
22 September 2010: Following court petition, Israel will reduce prohibited mining in the West Bank
Israel will stop Israeli mining According to a report in Ha’aretz, Israel will stop Israeli mining activity in the West Bank, which breaches the prohibition in international law on exploiting the natural resources of an occupied territory. The decision was made following Yesh Din’s petition, in March 2009, to the High Court of Justice, demanding that the mining work cease.
http://www.btselem.org/English/Settlements/20100922_Israeli_quarries_in_the_West_Bank.asp
Quartet to urge Israel to keep settlement freeze
The Quartet statement, to be issued after a meeting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, increases pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to extend a 10-month settlement freeze due to expire at the end of September.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68K0IH20100921?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29
Netanyahu: Continued settlement construction shouldn’t end Mideast peace talks
Referring to the possibility of holding referendum on a future peace deal, PM says the people of Israel will have to decide, ‘one way or another.’
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-continued-settlement-construction-shouldn-t-end-mideast-peace-talks-1.315028?localLinksEnabled=false
Could Israelis in Occupied West Bank Derail Peace Talks? (Time.com)
Time.com – Negotiations over their fate come and go, but those Israelis who’ve made their homes in occupied territory see themselves as intractable facts on the ground.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100922/wl_time/08599202054200
Playwright Sobol: Settlements are like ticks on a dog
Jeruslalem Post 20 Sep 2010 – During a Peace Now flight, writer compares settlements to metastasized tumors.
http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=188739&R=R2
Israel Developing “Jewish Tourist Sites” in West Bank
As Palestinian and Israeli delegations continue meeting for peace negotiations, Israel’s Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov has announced plans to designate NIS 9 million for the development and renovation of tourist sites in settlements in the occupied West Bank.
http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/topics/settlers-violence/2864-israel-developing-jewish-tourist-sites-in-west-bank-
Solidarity/Activism/Boycott, Sanctions & Divestment
Free ALL PALESTINIAN POLICITAL PRISONERS!! Rally
The Campaign to Free Ahmad Sa’adat demands the release of all Palestinian Authority political prisoners and an end to the policy of security cooperation and calls upon all to rally for Palestinian prisoners October 5-15, 2010
http://palestinethinktank.com/2010/09/21
Conscientious Objector Omer Shoshan Imprisoned
Conscientious objector Omer Shoshan was sentenced to 20 days of imprisonment after refusing to continue his military service in the Israeli army. CO Omer Shoshan, 19, from the town of Yehud, near Tel Aviv, was sentenced to 20 days of imprisonment. Omer Shoshan enlisted in the Israeli military eight months ago. It was already as a soldier that he decided to refuse to continue his military service.
http://www.newprofile.org/english/?p=331
Peaceful al Ma’asara demonstration attacked by soldiers, Joseph Dana
Some thirty Palestinian, Israeli and international activists gathered this week in alMa’asara to protest against Israeli Apartheid and the Wall. The small procession passed through the village, and was met by a gang of soldiers and Border Police officers at its outskirts. The soldiers declared the area was a closed military zone, and allowed the demonstrators a minute to leave.
http://josephdana.com/2010/09/peaceful-al-maasara-demonstration-attacked-by-soldiers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=peaceful-al-maasara-demonstration-attacked-by-soldiers
Syrian aid boat docks in Egypt
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — A Syrian-sponsored aid boat carrying goods for Gaza docked in the Egyptian port of Al-Arish on Wednesday, a statement issued by the Syrian Red Crescent read. Head of the Syrian Red Crescent Marwan Abdallah said a delegation arrived in Egypt on Wednesday to accompany the transfer of goods into Gaza. The delegation will be permitted into the Strip with 40 tons of medical supplies.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316915
Libyan aid flotilla plans to leave for Gaza Strip
Libyan Civil Mission to Support Palestinian People announces it will send “Jerusalem 5” aid convoy, ‘Palestine Telegraph’ reports.
http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=188810
Gaza-bound aid ship due to set sail from Indonesia soon
The Deputy Speaker of Indonesia Parliament Dr. Muhammad Anis Matta said preparations are being made to send a naval convoy from Indonesia to Gaza to bust the Israeli siege. [Hamas website, may not be accessible to all]
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6
Seven ways you can get on board with the Canadian Boat to Gaza
Our pan-Canadian committee is moving quickly to make the Canadian Boat to Gaza a reality. The international community believes that, at this time, we can achieve the most impact in our goal of breaking the siege by sending flotillas in partnership with the Free Gaza Movement. We plan to sail with the next international flotilla — with boats from USA, South America, and Europe — in late fall of this year. We are building momentum and gaining support, with diverse communities from across Canada rallying behind our project. An effort of this magnitude will take all of us, and there is a role for everyone as this exciting project unfolds. Here are seven ways you can get on board the Boat to Gaza.
http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/canadianboattogaza/2010/09/seven-ways-you-can-get-board-canadian-boat-gaza
Army chief: More flotilla casualties possible
Preparing for another clash? Resistance to IDF forces on board upcoming flotillas may result in casualties, Chief of Staff Ashkenazi tells Knesset committee; Gaza-bound vessels ‘a challenge for the IDF and for Israel,’ he says.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3958202,00.html
Palestinians to call for boycott of Israeli goods in front of settlement supermarket, Joseph Dana
A protest vigil in front of the Rami Levy supermarket in front of the Sha’ar Binyamin settlement, off road 60 on Thursday 23rd of September.The Rami Levy supermarket chain has several stores in settlements throughout the West Bank, and carries many settlement products. The chain is popular among some Palestinian shoppers, attracting its clientele through cheap pricing. The protesters will call on Palestinians to avoid supporting the Occupation and settlements’ economy by boycotting Israeli goods and settlement stores. Demonstrators will also remind Palestinians that Rami Levy, the owner of the supermarket chain, is a member of the Jerusalem municipality, and as such is directly complicit in Jerusalem house demolitions and city-sponsored settler takeovers of Palestinian homes.
http://josephdana.com/2010/09/palestinians-to-call-for-boycott-of-israeli-goods-in-front-of-settlement-supermarket/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=palestinians-to-call-for-boycott-of-israeli-goods-in-front-of-settlement-supermarket
British trade union approves West Bank boycott
LONDON (JTA) – Britain’s national trade union has again voted to support a boycott of goods made in West Bank settlements and of companies profiting from the area. Delegates to the Trade Unions Congress’s (TUC) annual conference voted unanimously last week to support the boycott resolution. The union also condemned the Histadrut, Israel’s national trade union, for supporting the Gaza blockade and Israel’s action to stop the aid flotilla in May. It reiterated its support and continued cooperation with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Palestinian trade unions.
http://www.jewishtribune.ca/TribuneV2/index.php/201009213513/British-trade-union-approves-West-Bank-boycott.html
Settlement boycott to target Israeli chain store
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Authority Ministry of National Economy, charged with implementing the boycott of settlement-made goods, announced Tuesday it will be launching a boycott campaign against an Israeli chain of superstores, a statement read. The ministry said the Rami Levi Shivok Hashikma chain, which has “spread like cancer” following the opening of new stores in Ramallah, Hebron and Bethlehem.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316719
US food co-op considers boycott of Israeli goods
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A California food co-op will vote Tuesday on a plan put forward by the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement to ban Israeli goods from store shelves in a move that has riled Israeli diplomats. Israeli deputy consul-general for the California area Gideon Lustig traveled to Port Townsend, the town whose co-op is considering the boycott, at the request of an Israel advocacy group which opposes the boycott of Israeli products.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316782
Celebrities cultural boycotting Israel
The issue of Israeli settlements has captured attention far beyond the arena of international politics. Several celebrities have now thrown their weight behind what is being termed a “cultural boycott” against further building on Palestinian land. But with Israel’s construction freeze due to expire at the end of the month, there are doubts that these efforts will make any impact. Al Jazeera’s Sherine Tadros reports.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCkS9DOILVo&feature=youtube_gdata
BNC Event: “South African anti-apartheid strategy and BDS, then and now”
Global BDS 21 Sep 2010 – The Palestinian Boycott Divestment and Sanctions National Committee(BNC)cordially invites you to a public presentation entitled “South African anti-apartheid strategy and BDS, then and now” by Professor Patrick Bond.
http://bdsmovement.net/?q=node/770
Segregation and solidarity, Joseph Dana
The following is in response to an informal gathering of ‘solidarity’ the Sheikh Jarrah movement is holding in Tel Aviv on Friday to inform israelis about the struggle there and hopefully recruit more people.
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/09/segregation-and-solidarity.html
Audrey Farber responds again to NIF guidelines
As anyone knows who has actually seen the new NIF guidelines , the mention of the character of the state of Israel doesn’t come until the very end. In fact, as would be expected from a grant-making institution, the majority of the guidelines cover standard funding topics. They require the grant applicants to be in full compliance with laws, to be relevant to NIF, to be a non-profit, and to maintain standards of transparency and accountability. Only at the end to we find the notorious “NIF will never support your organization” clauses which have elicited sensationalist reactions. But if we actually read them, we find that perhaps these are not so sensational.
http://theonlydemocracy.org/2010/09/audrey-farber-responds-again-to-nif-guidelines/
Ahava Complicit in the Sins of Occupation, Alex Kane
Walk into any Ricky’s store, a beauty shop chain in New York, and you will find a shelf filled with Ahava products. For $28, you can buy mineral toning cleanser; for $22, Dead Sea liquid salt; and for $9, purifying mud soap. The products made by Ahava (which means “love” in Hebrew) seem innocent enough, perfectly enticing for anyone fond of beauty products. But looks can be deceiving. As activists from the peace group CodePink’s Stolen Beauty campaign are fond of chanting at protests, Ahava can’t hide its “dirty side.”
http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16281
BDS: Boycotting Apartheid
In July, in Rachel Corrie’s hometown of Olympia, Washington state, the popular Food Co-op announced that no Israeli products would be sold at its two grocery stores. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a principal endorser of this new Israel Divestment Campaign, issued a statement endorsing the boycott. “The Olympia Food Co-op has joined a growing worldwide movement on the part of citizens and the private sector to support by non-violent tangible acts the Palestinian struggle for justice and self-determination.”
http://dissidentvoice.org/2010/09/bds-boycotting-apartheid/
Anti
New H&M Apartheid Store Inaugurated
On 26 August 2010, H&M opened its fourth store in the apartheid state of Israel. To mark the occasion, on 8 September BDS activists in Gothenburg, Sweden protested outside the local H&M flagship store. The protest theme was a satirical inauguration of the new apartheid store, with an inaugural speech, ribbon cutting ceremony, question competition, checkpoint, and flyers.
http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/topics/economy-of-the-occupation/2863-new-ham-apartheid-store-inaugurated
The Siege (Gaza & West Bank)/Humanitarian/Restriction of Movement/Human Rights/Racism
Gaza medical sector facing crisis
The organization Medecin Sans Frontieres [Doctors Without Borders] has emphasised that the continued Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip which has lasted for several years has had a negative impact on the health sector and provision of medical services to the sick and wounded. During a press conference in Gaza on Tuesday, 21 September, the head of the MSF mission in the Palestinian territories, John Locke, said: “The siege and the closure of the crossings has had serious implications for the health sector and the medical services provided to citizens due to a lack of medical supplies, medicines and fuel” adding that “despite it being a year and a half on from the most recent Israeli war and the opening of crossing points to allow in aid sent by the various international non-governmental organizations, the conditions of the health services within the sector remains fragile.”
http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/news/middle-east/1536-gaza-medical-sector-facing-crisis
160 killed in Gaza tunnels: Rights groups
Human rights groups say 160 Palestinians have died digging cross-border tunnels between the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Falling standards of living and unprecedented levels of unemployment together with unrelenting poverty have led many young Gazans to risk their lives in tunnels to make a living.
http://www.presstv.com/detail/143344.html
Egypt: “Aid Must Be Unloaded In Al Arish Before Being Moved To Gaza”
Tuesday September 21, 2010 – 01:15, A spokesperson of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, stated Monday that the Egyptian Authorities are closely following “Artery of Life 5” aid convoy heading to Egypt, and will allow aid supplies to enter Gaza as long as organizers follow Egyptian standards.
http://www.imemc.org/article/59447
Israel seals West Bank for 7-day holiday
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The Israeli army announced Tuesday that it will be closing off all crossings between the West Bank and Israel at midnight, ahead of the seven-day Jewish holiday of Sukkot. A statement issued by the military said the crossings will be reopened on 30 September “in accordance with security assessments adopted by the defense establishment.”
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316790
Palestinians forced to claw their way to building Israel’s dream homes
Some arrive before 3 A.M. so that they can make it to work on time and earn NIS 200 a day.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/palestinians-forced-to-claw-their-way-to-building-israel-s-dream-homes-1.315060#send-friend-popup
At one Jerusalem mall, 1 in 3 Jews disapprove of Arab shoppers
Shtern said that 35 percent of the Jewish shoppers he interviewed at Malha expressed negative opinions about Arabs there. “If I would go to them, they’d butcher me,” one woman said. One man said the mall had “gone down hill” with the Arabs there.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/at-one-jerusalem-mall-1-in-3-jews-disapprove-of-arab-shoppers-1.315069
Israel Makes Meeting Another Arab a Crime, Jonathan Cook
A vague security offence of “contact with a foreign agent” is being used by Israel’s secret police, the Shin Bet, to lock up Arab political activists in Israel without evidence that a crime has been committed, human rights lawyers alleged this week. The lawyers said the Shin Bet was exploiting the law to characterise innocent or accidental meetings between members of Israel’s large Arab minority and Arab foreign nationals as criminal activity. The chances of such contacts have increased rapidly with advances in new technology and opportunities for Israel’s Arab citizens to travel to the wider Arab world, said Hussein Abu Hussein, a lawyer who represents security detainees.
http://dissidentvoice.org/2010/09/israel-makes-meeting-another-arab-a-crime/
Al Heyt Ethiopia
These powerless and humble folk have been misled, lied to, disappointed and left to rot. By keeping the Falashmura in limbo, we have dramatically lowered the standard of living of the poorest of the poor.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/al-heyt-ethiopia-1.314311?localLinksEnabled=false
Israel Arrests 35 African Immigrants
Tuesday September 21, 2010 – 08:48, Israeli soldiers arrested nearly 35 African immigrants who managed to infiltrate into Israel through three border points in the center of Sinai and south of the Kerem Shalom (Karem Abu Salem) crossing.
http://www.imemc.org/article/59450
Haredi extremists versus visitors – women are not invited
Gender relations, Mea She’arim style: non-Haredi women plan a march through the neighborhood Friday morning to protest discrimination against women.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/haredi-extremists-versus-visitors-women-are-not-invited-1.315061?localLinksEnabled=false
Hamas’ Record on Women, a Mixed Bag, Hanitizer
When it comes to women rights, Hamas in Gaza continues to pass and enforce laws and regulations that are baffling to say the least. I have been watching their actions on women related matters and most of the time I am surprised by how much time to dedicate to making the life for women a bit more difficult. But then when I went to Gaza and saw how things are, I started to see Hamas’s record as a mixed bag. While the majority of Hamas figures see the home and family are the only place for a women. Many Hamas supporters also engage in polygamy (but her husband is a Shaheed). Granted there are things I see as a downside, some might seem them as an upside. For example, in their rallies, Hamas likes to enlist the help of women by promising them to get food stamps for showing up to their rallies. Here is a list of observations on Hamas’ record on women as the Hamas government continues to make waves.
http://www.kabobfest.com/2010/09/hamas-record-on-women-a-mixed-bag.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kabobfest%2FGrillMe+%28KABOBfest%29
Violence/Aggression & Provocations
Two Silwan residents shot dead by settlement guards; Massive army presence as clashes continue in Baten el-Hawa, next to Beit Yonathan settlement
Very early this morning in Silwan Village, a patrol of private armed guards stopped near a group of unarmed Palestinian men who were on the Wadi Hilweh Street. According to eyewitness reports, the guards spoke provocatively to the Palestinians, and an argument took place between them. It was during the verbal argument that eyewitnesses say the settlement guards opened fire on the Palestinian men. The two injured were brought to Ein Kerem hospital. One of the Palestinians, Samer Sarhan, who is a father of five young children, was pronounced dead immediately upon arrival to the hospital. The second man is now confirmed as having died.
http://palsolidarity.org/2010/09/14628/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+palsolidarity+%28International+Solidarity+Movement%29
East Jerusalem clash turns deadly
One Palestinian killed and five others wounded in clash with Jewish settlers in Silwan neighbourhood.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/09/201092272213929692.html
Killing of Hamas operative raises questions about conduct of elite Israeli units in pursuing militants
Muhammad Abu Shilbaya, a brother of the slain militant, said that soldiers forced their way into his house before 3 a.m. and ordered him to lead them to his brother’s home nearby. There the front door was broken open and soldiers entered the darkened home while Muhammad was ordered to turn and face a wall outside. “I heard Iyad call three times, ‘Who’s there?’ and seconds later I heard shooting,” Muhammad Abu Shilbaya said. “Then it was quiet.” The brother said that soldiers ordered him to sit on the floor inside the house, and they opened a stretcher to take out the body of the slain man.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/21/AR2010092105781_2.html
IOF soldiers shoot at Rafah farmers
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) opened machinegun fire at Palestinian farmers and shepherds near Gaza airport to the east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, eyewitnesses reported.[Hamas website, may not be accessible to all]
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U
Settlers attack school near the Ibrahimi Mosque
Jewish settlers in Al-Khalil city attacked Palestinian school pupils while on their way to school and threw stones at them, claiming their children were attacked by the pupils. [Hamas website, may not be accessible to all]
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq
Union leader: Israeli forces raid stone factory
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — A union leader said Israeli forces raided a marble factory in Beit Fajjar in the southern West Bank district of Bethlehem on Tuesday, confiscated machinery and equipment. Chairman of the Board of Stone and Marble Industry Union Subhi Thawabta said the raid “aimed at striking the Palestinian economy’s infrastructure and its most important national sector.” Thawabta appealed to the international community to bring an end to Israeli attacks against Palestinians, particularly against the Palestinian economy.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316739
Complaint lodged in case of 16-year-old girl used as a human shield
[Ramallah, 22 September 2010] – On Monday, 20 September 2010, DCI-Palestine and Adalah lodged a complaint with the Israeli Military Advocate General (MAG) arising out of the use by Israeli soldiers of a child as a human shield. DCI-Palestine and Adalah have received credible evidence that at 3:30am, on 18 February 2010, a 16-year-old girl (D.A.) was used as a human shield by units of the Israeli army whilst conducting operations in the old city of Nablus, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
http://www.dci-pal.org/english/display.cfm?DocId=1621&CategoryId=1
Detainees
Israeli army raids school, detains 2 pupils
HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli forces raided a school in Hebron’s Old City on Wednesday and detained two ninth grade students, the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Education said in a statement. The PA ministry said forces raided the Al-Ibrahimmiyee School after surrounding it for over an hour, searched classes and detained Anas Jabber and Deya Beshar “accusing them of throwing stones on a settler’s car that was passing near the school.”
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316947
Israeli Military kidnapped Two Palestinians
Israeli military kidnapped two Palestinian civilians from the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem and the nearby village of Hussan, Wednesday morning.
http://www.imemc.org/article/59458
Israeli Army Abducts Citizens From Jenin
Monday September 20, 2010 – 12:13, Israeli military abducted three citizens from the villages of Jab’a and Seelit ad-Dahr, and invaded the northern West Bank city of Jenin Monday morning.
http://www.imemc.org/article/59443
Israeli army detains 6 Nablus residents
NABLUS (Ma’an) — The Israeli army detained six Palestinians from the northern West Bank city of Nablus after armoured vehicles raided the area early Wednesday morning, a Palestinian security source told Ma’an. The source said forces entered the eastern area of the city at 2 a.m. and raided Amman Street, An-Najah Old City Street, Ras Al-Ein, At-Titi Bridge and the Al-Ma’ajin area before detaining six young men and later withdrawing from the city.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316874
Women’s Organization for Political Prisoners (WOFPP)
There are, at present, 37 women political prisoners in the Israeli jails: 22 in Hasharon Prison (Tel Mond), 15 in Damoon Prison (Carmel Mountain). To learn more about this click the link.
http://www.wofpp.org/english/september10.html
Israel’s Arab Helpers
Activists face broad PA crackdown in West Bank
As direct negotiations are underway between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, activists with dissenting political parties are being arrested and worse in the occupied West Bank. Nora Barrows-Friedman reports from Dehiesheh refugee camp.
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article11530.shtml
PA cracks down on Hamas official for criticizing peace talks
Abd El Rahman Zidan arrested overnight, taken to police headquarters and subsequently released into the city’s main street wearing pajamas.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/pa-cracks-down-on-hamas-official-for-criticizing-peace-talks-1.315006?localLinksEnabled=false
Abbas’s militia detains son of MP, as criticism mounts of its kidnap of Zeidan
Militia loyal to de facto Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday detained Hamza Qarawi, the son of Hamas MP Fathi Qarawi, while working in Rafidiya hospital in Nablus.[Hamas website, may not be accessible to all]
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%
Hamas prisoners: Violations in Israeli jails rise with every round of peace talk
The Hamas senior leadership committee of prisoners in Israeli jails said Tuesday that recent cell raids in Israeli jails recur with every new round of negotiations between PA and Israel.[Hamas website, may not be accessible to all]
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=
Gaza on the Ground: Angry Gazan Accuses Hamas of ‘Protecting the Borders With Israel’, Mohammed Omer
The anger prompting a controversial e-mail from a Gazan calling himself “Mr. Joker” was unmistakable. After all, it was sent at the very time Israel was coming under heavy international criticism for its deadly May 31, 2010 attack on the humanitarian Gaza Freedom Flotilla. Despite requests from the U.N., Turkey and other countries and international organizations for an independent investigation of the assault, Netanyahu’s right-wing government was showing little intention of cooperating with, much less undertaking, such an investigation.
http://www.wrmea.org/component/content/article/358/10098-gaza-on-the-ground-angry-gazan-accuses-hamas-of-qprotecting-the-borders-with-israelq-.html
Hamas: Egypt using open border to trap officials
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Hamas accused Cairo Tuesday of using the Rafah crossing’s opening to detain party officials as they travel abroad via Egypt following the detention of the Gaza government’s intelligence chief in Cairo. Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum told reporters that opening the border to trap Hamas officials was “unacceptable and inappropriate,” following the detention of General Security Service Commander Muhammad Dabaeesh, also known as Abu Radwan, at the Cairo International Airport.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316695
Egypt destroys 15 Gaza smuggling tunnels
El Arish, Egypt – Egyptian security forces on Tuesday destroyed 15 tunnels used to smuggle cars, petrol and other goods into the Gaza Strip, a security source said. After destroying the tunnels, officials discovered 12 more running across various points along Egypt’s 11-kilometre-long border with Gaza, the source said. The source said that Egyptian authorities confirmed with officials on the Gaza side of the border that no people were underground before demolishing the tunnels.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1585989.php/Egypt-destroys-15-Gaza-smuggling-tunnels
Egyptian writer: Arresting Debabesh meant to pressure Hamas to sign document
An Egyptian writer has opined that the detention of Hamas leader Mohammed Debabesh was meant as a pressure card on Hamas to sign the Egyptian document for Palestinian reconciliation as is.[Hamas website, may not be accessible to all]
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6
Hamas slams Egypt over arrest of top official (AFP)
AFP – The Islamist Hamas movement ruling Gaza on Tuesday condemned Egypt’s arrest of one of its top officials, calling it an “extremely dangerous” move by Cairo.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100921/wl_mideast_afp/palestiniansegypthamasgazaarrest
Reprisals
Qassam fired from Gaza following Netanyahu visit
Several hours after Netanyahu toured Gaza vicinity communities, Hamas fires rocket at Israel, which explodes on Palestinian side of fence. No injuries or damage reported.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3958422,00.html
“Peace” Talks/Political Developments
Gaza: Factions convene over direct talks
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Fatah participated in a meeting called for by Islamic Jihad and Hamas to discuss direct negotiations in Gaza City on Tuesday, an Islamic Jihad spokesman said. The spokesman said the meeting was convened in order to form a stance on direct talks and discuss “Israeli threats to launch aggression against the Gaza Strip.”
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316756
Al-Masri arrives in Gaza for unity talks
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Palestinian National Coalition leader Munib Al-Masri arrived in Gaza on Tuesday to discuss the ratification of a unity deal between rival movements Hamas and Fatah. The Nablus businessman and independent politician met with Hamas officials upon his arrive and said he was scheduled to meet with Fatah leaders the following day to “brainstorm and discuss what is going on in order to respond to any emergency that may threaten the national project.”
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316796
Fatah: Hamas in West Bank seek coup
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Hamas leaders in the West Bank are plotting a coup against the Palestinian Authority similar to the Islamist movement’s take over of Gaza in 2007, a Fatah spokesman said Tuesday. Ahmad Assaf said Hamas officials in the West Bank also played a hand in the Gaza coup, blaming the movement for “this division and fragmentation,” a statement read.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316775
Fayyad, Ayalon meeting ends abruptly over two-state solution dispute
The delegates cancel joint press conference scheduled after Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting in N.Y.; committee coordinates financial aid for Palestinians.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/fayyad-ayalon-meeting-ends-abruptly-over-two-state-solution-dispute-1.315049?localLinksEnabled=false
Mideast peacemakers cancel conference amid rancor (AP)
AP – The Quartet of Mideast peacemakers shepherding newly started direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations have abruptly canceled a planned a news conference at the United Nations, after failing to reach agreement on who would appear on behalf of the group.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100921/ap_on_re_us/un_un_world_summit_mideast
Obama responds to Palestinian petition
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — US President Barack Obama responded to a petition Sunday signed by Palestinians calling for an end to the Israeli occupation and support for Palestinian self-determination. The letter was delivered to Sabri Seiydem, who coordinated the campaign, via the US Consulate in East Jerusalem.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316114
Next 10 days decisive for Mideast peace talks: Palestinians (AFP)
AFP – The next 10 days will be key for the future of the Middle East peace talks, a Palestinian spokesman told AFP on Tuesday as negotiators sought ways to end a standoff over Jewish settlements.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100921/wl_afp/israelpalestinianspeaceus
Senators to Obama: Don’t let Abbas slink away from peace talks, Josh Rogin
A bipartisan group of senators are circulating a new letter urging President Obama to speak out publicly to pressure the Palestinian leadership not to abandon the Middle East peace talks. The new initiative comes ahead of the Sept. 26 deadline expiration of Israel’s 10-month settlement construction moratorium, which presents the first obstacle to the direct peace talks being spearheaded by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has repeatedly stated that he will withdraw from the negotiations if settlement construction resumes, but Israeli leaders have been equally adamant that they will not extend the moratorium.
http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/09/21/senators_to_obama_don_t_let_abbas_slink_away_from_peace_talks
Clinton urges Qatar to give funds to Palestinians (AFP)
AFP – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday urged the emir of the wealthy Gulf Arab state of Qatar to contribute more funds to the Palestinian Authority, her spokesman said.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100921/pl_afp/israelpalestinianpeaceqatar
Other News
Arab-backed anti-Israel resolution at IAEA could pass
Eleventh-hour bid to block measure focuses on non-aligned countries. Israel is making an eleventh-hour effort to block a resolution of the International Atomic Energy Agency General Assembly calling on the country to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and open the Dimona nuclear complex to inspection.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/arab-backed-anti-israel-resolution-at-iaea-could-pass-1.315065?localLinksEnabled=false
Egypt accuses Israel of “chutzpah” at nuclear meet (AP)
AP – Egypt accused Israel on Wednesday of displaying “chutzpah” — blatant shamelessness — in unusually harsh comments at a 151-nation meeting on the issue of a nuclear-free Mideast.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100922/ap_on_re_eu/eu_nuclear_agency_mideast
Bill Clinton: Russian immigrants ‘obstacle to peace’
Former US president tells reporters ‘Russians’ most opposed to division of land, native-born Israelis most in favor, ‘Moroccans’ can vote both ways. Yisrael Beiteinu: Clinton forgot it was Arafat who rejected his far-reaching proposal.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3958611,00.html
Author questioned for allegedly smuggling Palestinians into Israel for day of fun
‘We don’t recognize the legality of the entry law into Israel,’ author Ilana Hammerman tells Haaretz, adding she is not deterred by possible 2-year prison term.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/author-questioned-for-allegedly-smuggling-palestinians-into-israel-for-day-of-fun-1.315032?localLinksEnabled=false
Israel’s investigations of Gaza conflict inadequate, say UN experts
A United Nations committee has accused Israel of failing to investigate abuses allegedly committed during its offensive in Gaza nearly two years ago, raising the prospect of International Criminal Court indictments.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8016900/Israels-investigations-of-Gaza-conflict-inadequate-say-UN-experts.html
Hamas: Criticisms of Gaza probe ‘aimed at PA’
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The UN’s criticisms of probes into the Gaza war were meant for the Palestinian Authority’s report, the political advisor to the Gaza government premier Ismail Haniyeh said Tuesday. Yousef Razqa said accusations that “Hamas made no serious effort” to investigate the allegations into the UN fact-finding mission led by jursist Richard Goldstone should be directed at the Palestinian Authority, claiming the UN committee did not publish the Gaza government’s findings into allegations of war crimes committed by Israel and the Islamist movement.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=316817
Hamas action to catch spies spreads panic in Gaza
Hamas refuses to say who it has arrested, a policy that has sparked a furious rumor mill since the arrests began earlier in September.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-action-to-catch-spies-spreads-panic-in-gaza-1.315182?localLinksEnabled=false
Barak can block hostile portions of Olmert book
Jeruslalem Post 20 Sep 2010 – Officials say defense minister may use post on censorship committee to prevent publication; former Sharon aides confirm defense minister once ‘begged’ to join Kadima.
http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=188740&R=R2
Israel rejects offer to join UN atomic agency
In response to Arab initiative, Israel’s Atomic Energy Commission chief says Jewish state only country to be singled out, asked to take decision against its national interests.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3958321,00.html
Analysis/Opinion/Human Interest
Israel Turns its Guns on Internationals
With every day that passes Israel further establishes itself as one of the world’s leading violators of human rights. To its British and American allies this may be seen as a gross overstatement; after all there are plenty of despotic, third world countries that arguably have worse human rights records. The question is – how many of them model themselves as democratic, advanced, first world, nuclear allies? The cold, hard facts of Israel’s ever worsening track record are well documented by human rights organisations and the UN, and they speak for themselves.
http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/articles/middle-east/1533-israel-turns-its-guns-on-internationals
Palestinians and the ‘Jewish state’, Lamis Andoni
If Palestinians recognised Israel as a Jewish state they would be effectively legitimising their own dispossession.
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/2010/09/201091914540375557.html
Israel’s unreasonable demand | Omar Rahman
Asking Palestinians to recognise Israel as a Jewish state is like urging the IRA to see Northern Ireland as a Protestant entity. “The Palestinians must recognise Israel as a Jewish state.” This is the mantra of the Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who has been promoting this controversial idea as a condition of any peace deal. But is such recognition valid, necessary, or even appropriate? This question will certainly remain at the heart of negotiations with an Israeli leadership that views such recognition as imperative. Although this is not the first time Israel has sought some form of validation, it varies from the past in stark and troubling ways.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/sep/22/israel-jewish-state-palestinians
Harvard Crimson: ‘No donation is worth indebting the University to practioners of hate and bigotry’, Adam Horowitz
Oh, you thought that quote was in reference to the ongoing Marty Peretz saga? Think again. From the Harvard Crimson – in 2003: While Harvard depends on the generous donations of its benefactors, nothing is gained from a gift that taints its integrity. The University is right to freeze a $2.5-million donation from Shiekh Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), until the full extent of his connection to an extremist think tank that he founded, the Zayed Center for Coordination and Follow-up, is brought to light. Sheikh Zayed made the donation to the Harvard Divinity School (HDS) in 2000 to support the worthy goal of hiring an Islamic studies professor. Unfortunately, it came to light last spring that the Zayed Center has hosted Holocaust deniers and speakers who accuse the United States government of carrying out the Sept. 11 attacks. The Zayed Center was closed by the UAE in August, but Harvard has put the donation on hold for the coming year, “in view of the evolving situation,” according to a University spokesperson. Here’s the Crimson last week – “Lots of good can come from this donation, however controversial the figure behind it may be. It would be a shame to discount Peretz’s entire body of work and intellectual contributions due to two unfortunate sentences.” If it were only “two unfortunate sentences.” Harvard returned the donation from Al Nahyan, it remains to be seen what they will do with Peretz.
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/09/harvard-crimson-no-donation-is-worth-indebting-the-university-to-practioners-of-hate-and-bigotry.html/comment-page-1#comment-234485
Contrary to reports, Peretz will address Harvard social studies gathering, Adam Horowitz
It has been widely reported that Marty Peretz was dropped as a speaker from this weekend’s 50th Anniversary of Social Studies gathering at Harvard University. This appears to be incorrect. The Harvard Crimson reports on the official statement of the the Standing Committee on Degrees in Social Studies.
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/09/contrary-to-reports-peretz-will-address-harvard-social-studies-gathering.html
Harvard Still Doesn’t Get it, Stephen M. Walt
I hadn’t intended to say anything further about the shameful Martin Peretz affair, and lord knows there are plenty of good reasons for me not to poke my finger in the eye of Harvard’s current leadership. But seriously: You’d think after nearly 400 years the leaders of the university would have figured out what the principles of academic freedom and free speech really mean — and also what they don’t mean. But judging from the official university response to the furor, the people I work for appear to be somewhat confused about these issues.
http://walt.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/09/21/more_on_the_martin_peretz_affair
Best Option: Dignified Failure, Sam Bahour, Al-Bireh, The West Bank
The entire U.S. administration’s Middle East A-team–President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, and Special Envoy Mitchell–is defying the mass majority of political analysts by dismissing the status quo in the Palestinian West Bank and Gaza Strip, and insisting that the latest round of Palestinian-Israeli direct talks has the potential to lead to an agreement which will resolve the conflict. I have a deep fear that they may be correct in predicting an agreement will be signed, but I do not have an iota of confidence that it will end the conflict.
http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16280
Time for the Palestinians to regroup, Rami G. Khouri
I was in Amman last week on the same day that US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton passed through for lunch with the king of Jordan and stressed how all the negotiators on the Palestinian-Israeli track were very serious about reaching an agreement.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=5&article_id=119545
Democracy in Arab eyes, Bouthaina Shaaban
On the International Day of Democracy, satellite television channels focused on the type of democracy imported, together with blood baths, disasters, wars and American invasions charged with hatred and oppression for Muslims.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=119532
Martin Peretz in Love, LAWRENCE DAVIDSON
Martin Peretz is editor-in-chief of The New Republic. He acquired that position by simply buying the magazine in 1974. Although he resold it to a group of investors in 2002, they were, and apparently remain, his ideological soul mates for he continues to this day to be the magazine’s executive editor.
http://www.counterpunch.com/davidson09202010.html
The Pollard Principle, Justin Raimondo
On July 13 of this year, the municipal government of Jerusalem honored one of Israel’s most popular national heroes, a man who had suffered and sacrificed his all for the Jewish state, and is recognized by practically everyone as not only a hero but a modern exemplar of Zionist virtue.
http://original.antiwar.com/justin/2010/09/21/the-pollard-principle/
Sheikh Bukhary’s wife, Iris Keltz
I met Hala through mutual friends in New Mexico who asked me to deliver a thank you gift for Sheik Bukhary’s wife. I agreed, before realizing the fleece robe would fill a third of my suitcase. When I phoned, Hala advised me her husband was in Hadassah hospital after suffering a heart attack. I wished him a speedy recovery and resigned myself to mailing the robe. But Hala called later in the week to say her husband was home and and I was welcome to visit. Following a simple hand drawn map, I searched for their home along the Via Dolorosa, jostled by Christian pilgrims from around the world, hungrily soaking up every word from erudite guides. The moment I entered the book-lined room, a sense of calm came over me. Their home, a cultural center for an estimated 3,000 plus Uzbeks living in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza was also a library filled with ancient, hand-written Islamic manuscripts. Dressed in a white cotton robe with a white cap on his head, the Sheikh invited me to sit in a comfortable chair near the sofa from which he seemed to be holding court with three modern looking gentlemen. The Sheikh’s face was without lines, a greying beard, the only sign of aging. Without asking to search my shopping bag, the Sheikh offered me a cup of tea, adding in perfect English, “All are welcome here.”
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/09/sheikh-bukhary%e2%80%99s-wife.html
Lebanon
Lebanon confirms Hariri aide tried to finger ex-general over assassination claims
BEIRUT // The Lebanese government yesterday confirmed that an aide to the prime minister had accused a former security official of demanding a payoff of US$15 million to drop his claims that the premier had pressed witnesses to implicate Syria and its Lebanese allies in the assassination in 2005 of Rafik Hariri.
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100922/FOREIGN/709219841/1011/rss
Aoun: STL Should Not Work without Resolving False Witnesses Issue
The head of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc MP Michel Aou said on Tuesday that from a legal perspective, if false witnesses are uncovered during an investigation, the indictment should be delayed until the witnesses are dealt with. “An indictment should not be issued until the case of false witnesses is resolved,” Aoun told reporters following his bloc’s weekly meeting at his residence in Rabieh.
http://almanar.com.lb/NewsSite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=154987&language=en
Egypt Concerned: Hezbollah Challenging State in Lebanon!
20/09/2010 Egyptian Foreign Affairs ministry spokesperson Hussam Zaki raised concerns on Monday over “the recent developments in Lebanon,” warning against embroiling Cairo in the “trivial conflicts” among Lebanese political forces. “Concerns are not linked to the fact that some Lebanese expressly rely on weapons that are ruled neither by the Executive Power nor by the Judicial Power, but also include the entire situation prevailing in Lebanon since the last few weeks,” Zaki said in a statement, accusing Hezbollah of “relying on the power of weapons that are beyond the control of the Lebanese state.” “Egypt is concerned as promises were not honored but rather replaced by instigation and promotion of discord and challenge of the State, based on the power of none State-ruled weapons, as recently seen,” he added.
http://almanar.com.lb/NewsSite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=154816&language=en
A land of war and peace, Hasan Abu Nimah
In May 2000, after two decades of brutal Israeli rule and stiff resistance, the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon suddenly ended. The Israeli army fled in haste and within hours the South Lebanon Army (SLA) – its local collaborator militia – collapsed and many of its members also fled to Israel where they still live. Joyful Lebanese, including tens of thousands of displaced southerners streamed home to the liberated lands. Much of the equipment left behind by Israel and its collaborators is now exhibited at a museum housed in a former Hizbollah command centre in the village of Mlita, in the heart of southern Lebanon.
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=30236
Iraq
Tuesday: 9 Iraqis Killed, 40 Wounded
At least nine Iraqis were killed and 40 more were wounded in the latest violence. Meanwhile the Iraqi Air Force opened its flight academy last week, even though they are still completely dependent on the United States for air security. Also, Deputy Prime Minister Rafia al-Issawi denied rumors he has received threats from P.M. Nouri al-Maliki trying to intimidate al-Issawi into approving the premier for a second term.
http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2010/09/21/tuesday-9-iraqis-killed-40-wounded-2/
Iraqis put their health at risk
Mounting numbers of Iraqi patients avert visiting doctors; instead, they tend to treat themselves by reaching out to suppliers who sell medicaments on the streets.
http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-54737-Iraqis-put-their-health-at-risk.html
Iraq Shi’ite-led blocs set deadline to nominate PM (Reuters)
Reuters – Iraq’s Shi’ite-led blocs on Tuesday gave themselves five days to pick a single candidate for prime minister, and one politician said the incumbent, Nuri al-Maliki, was in a strong position to gain a second term.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100921/wl_nm/us_iraq_politics
Group of Iraqis deported from Europe return home (AP)
AP – Several dozen Iraqis who failed to gain asylum in Europe were returned to Iraq on Wednesday despite concerns the situation is still too dangerous, the U.N. refugee agency said.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100922/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq
Fallujah, a Disgrace for the USA, an Eternal Curse on Humanity, Dirk Adriaensens
Despite the “end of combat operations”, American forces stepped in with ground troops and air support in three incidents in different parts of Iraq, when their Iraqi counterparts were so-called “threatened by suicide attackers or well-armed gunmen”, according to U.S. and Iraqi military accounts.[1] One of those” incidents” occurred in Fallujah on Wednesday 15 September 2010 [following the official withrdrawal of US troops], where 7 civilians were killed and 4 injured. Their names will be added to the endless list of victims of the US aggression against this troubled city. May they never be forgotten.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=21131
How goes Iraq? view from a bookstore is revealing (AP)
AP – The Iqraa bookstore on Mutanabi street has more than tripled in size in the last two years. Business is up 50 percent since 2003.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100922/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq_from_the_bookstore
Iran
Ahmadinejad says there’s a ‘good chance’ talks may resume over Iran’s nuclear program
Talks with the U.S. are ‘bound to happen’ because ‘what is left is talks … there’s no other way,’ says Ahmadinejad, who denies that newly imposed international sanctions are hurting Iran’s economy. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that he saw a “good chance” that talks will resume soon with the United States over Iran’s disputed nuclear program because “there is no other alternative.”
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/l4VWGw66Ukw/sc-dc-0922-iran-nuclear-20100921,0,1225605.story
Ahmadinejad lost in translation
Iran’s president takes centre stage at the United Nations but his attack on the “unjust” west failed to be heard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrhe9VMQKek&feature=youtube_gdata
Lindsey Graham says U.S. Must Prepare to Attack Iran, James Rosen
Graham, a military lawyer and a senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, became the first senator to support direct U.S. military intervention in Iran, saying it should not involve ground troops but be launched by U.S. warplanes and ships.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/09/20/100853/graham-us-must-consider-military.html
VIDEO: How Dangerous Is Iran Really?
Glenn Greenwald and Dylan Ratigan Discuss Neocon Warmongering for Attack on Iran.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BDIv_0kPhE&feature=player_embedded
U.S. and Other World News
Virginia to execute first woman in almost 100 years
Despite IQ of 70-72, grandmother expected to die by lethal injection on Thursday; Referring to stoning, Iran accuses US of double standard Barring a last-minute reprieve from the US Supreme Court, 41-year-old Teresa Lewis will on Thursday become the first woman to be executed by the state of Virginia in almost 100 years.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/09/virginia-execute-woman-100-years/
Texas board looks to ban ‘pro-Islamic bias’ from school books
Led by a conservative majority, the Texas Board of Education is stepping into the national media furor over a rising tide of anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States, gearing up to vote later this week on whether or not “pro-Islamic bias” should be banned from school books.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/09/texas-board-ban-proislamic-bias-school-books/
US Senate blocks gay troops debate
Votes fall short for the debate to proceed on the bill that authorises homosexuals to serve openly in the military.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/americas/2010/09/201092211450192871.html
Civilian shot dead by foreign troops
NATO Special Forces killed a civilian and wounded two others during a nighttime operation in southeastern Khost province, officials said on Monday.
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2010/09/20/civilian-shot-dead-foreign-troops
US Kills 19 People In Pakistan
‘The attack was conducted on the information that the commander Shamsullah was present in the house, but he was not there,’ said an intelligence official who spoke on condition of anonymity. ‘The attack killed at least seven people and destroyed the mud compound.’
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/southasia/news/article_1586093.php/Two-US-drone-strikes-kill-19-in-Pakistan-Roundup
Police beat some anti-government protesters in Egypt
CAIRO, Sept 21 (Reuters) – Police beat a handful of demonstrators with batons on Tuesday at a protest of about 200 Egyptians gathering against what they said were plans to hand power to the president’s son. President Hosni Mubarak, 82, in power since 1981, has not said if he will run in the 2011 election. But persistent rumours about his health have helped fuel talk he could hand power to his politician son, Gamal, 46. Both deny any such plan.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE68K1EY.htm
Shia crackdowns in Middle East
Two Shia figures in Kuwait and Bahrain are stripped of their citizenships as Shia crackdowns spike in the region.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/middleeast/2010/09/2010921131347921736.html
Inside Story – The Shia-Sunni divide
This week two Shia activists in the Gulf states have been stripped of their citizenships, sparking claims of discrimination and pointing to growing tensions between Sunni and Shia. Many fear it could spark unrest in the region, and lead to new alliances and a new revival of shia interests.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhdrhrlT4mk&feature=youtube_gdata
The New Saudi Arms Deal – Stephen M. Walt
The Obama administration is about to propose the sale of more than $60 billion worth of advanced weapons to Saudi Arabia. Apart from providing an obvious boost to the U.S. defense industry, the clear purpose here is to send a message to Iran. As an unnamed U.S. official stated a few days ago, “We want Iran to understand that its nuclear program is not getting them leverage over their neighbors, that they are not getting an advantage. . . We want the Iranians to know that every time they think they will gain, they will actually lose.” In short, the sale is “mainly intended as a building block for Middle East regional defenses to box in Iran.”
http://walt.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/09/21/the_new_saudi_arms_deal
www.TheHeadlines.org
