And other news from Today in Palestine:
Settlers/ Land, Property, Resource Theft & Destruction/Ethnic Cleansing
Arab League denounces home demolitions
CAIRO (Ma’an) — The Arab League on Saturday denounced Israel’s recent escalation in demolitions of Palestinians homes across the West Bank. In a statement, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League for Palestine Mohammad Subeih said Israel’s attacks on Palestinians exceeded the racism of the apartheid regime of South Africa, and called on human rights organizations to intervene.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336506
VIDEO: Israel pulls down West Bank mosque
Palestinians say troops have demolished mosques and several other structures in two areas in the occupied territory.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/11/201011251357498144.html
Israel to build 625 settlement units east of O. Jerusalem
Director of maps and survey center at the Orient House Khalil Tufakji revealed that Israel intends to build 625 new housing units in Pisgat Ze’ev settlement in east Jerusalem.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Q
East Jerusalem housing gets preliminary OK (AP)
AP – Israel gave preliminary approval Monday for 130 new apartments in disputed east Jerusalem, the area the Palestinians want as the capital of their hoped-for state.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101129/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_east_jerusalem
U.N.: ‘The family has requested a tent as they have nowhere else to live’ (US: ‘What, me worry?’), Philip Weiss
A friend just sent me a summary of a comprehensive report being circulated inside the U.N. that details the latest house demolitions by Israel. They are not just in the Jordan Valley, as earlier reports suggested, but all over the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Below is the roundup in my friend’s paraphrase. Note the disputed claims in illegally-occupied territory that are always resolved in Jewish settlers’ favor, even on the Mount of Olives. This little list from 4 or 5 days of demolitions and evictions gives a real feel for the enormity of what is taking place daily.
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/u-n-the-family-has-requested-a-tent-as-they-have-nowhere-else-to-live-us-what-me-worry.html
IOA expels Palestinian families from their homes in OJ
The IOA forcibly evicted a number of families from their apartments in a building in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem, media sources in the holy city reported on Monday.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bc
Fatah official issued deportation order
JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Fatah official Adnan Gheith said Israel issued him a military order Sunday to leave Jerusalem for four months. Gheith described the order as “provocative and illegal” and said an Israeli commander told him he had two weeks to appeal the decision.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336906
Erekat: Christmas came early for Bethlehem settlers
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — The chief PLO negotiator said Monday that Christmas had arrived early for residents of a settlement built on land owned by Bethlehem but considered Jerusalem by Israel. In a statement, Saeb Erekat condemned the approval of 130 housing units in the illegal Gilo settlement, saying Israel had “begun its annual tradition of ‘Christmas gifts’ to the people of Bethlehem.” He added: “Last year’s ‘gift’ was the expansion of Har Homa, also on Bethlehem’s land. Apparently, every December, Israel pushes on its agenda to further isolate Bethlehem from occupied East Jerusalem.”
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=337211
Activism/Solidarity/Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions
Non Violent Demos in Bil’in and Ni’lin Attacked by Israeli Troops
Dozens of people suffered tear gas inhalation during the weekly nonviolent protests against the Wall and Settlements in the West Bank Villages of Bil’in and Ni’lin, near Ramallah, on Friday; no arrest were reported.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60026
The 8th Week Against the Apartheid Wall – From Argentina to Australia, a Worldwide Call for the Wall to Fall!
Nov 28, 2010– This year’s Week Against the Apartheid Wall came against the backdrop of another round of peace talks doomed to failure, where once again the negotiators give the Israeli Occupation a free hand in dictating terms which would allow it to sustain its racist and illegal practices.
http://stopthewall.org/latestnews/2406.shtml
International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian people
On the occasion of the Palestinian Partition Plan and the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian people, Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi calls for recognition of a Palestinian state after years of struggle. Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative called for the recognition of the Palestinian state after several years that have passed, and after the Palestinian Partition Plan which only resulted with the establishment of the Israeli state on the occupied Palestinian territories and did not comply with the creation of a Palestinian state.
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/spip/spip.php?article1632
Hebron declared free of settlement produce
HEBRON (Ma’an) — Hebron’s governor Kamil Hmeid announced Sunday that the southern West Bank city is now free of settlement produce. Hmeid made the announcement at a ceremony in his office attended by representatives of Palestinian Authority ministries, security services and civil society organizations.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336747
#BDS: Dublin Food Co-Op passes Israeli boycott motion
Last night at a Special General Meeting, members of the Dublin Food Co-Op voted overwhelmingly to boycott Israeli goods. This was the third attempt over the last 2 years to bring in a boycott of Israeli goods. Previous attempts failed to reach consensus or when put to a vote failed to reach the required 75%. Last night the mood was clearly in favour with a final tally of 50 for to about 6 against.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/11/bds-dublin-food-co-op-passes-israeli.html
#BDS: Irish Groups Continue Supporting BDS
Members of Ireland’s Dublin Food Co-Op voted overwhelmingly to boycott Israeli goods at a Special General Meeting on 25 November. This was the third attempt over the last 2 years to bring in a boycott of Israeli goods, reported the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and this time the motion finally passed with 50 in support, and only 6 against. The Dublin Food Co-op, which was formed in 1983 and is based “on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity,” had in the past an unwritten policy not to stock or sell Israeli produce, though some member were doing so anyway.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/11/bds-irish-groups-continue-supporting.html
#BDS: Another BDS Victory: Queensland Council of Unions Carries BDS Campaign Motion
The Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) calls upon the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and the Australian Labour Party (ALP) to show genuine support for a two – state solution to the Israel/Palestine conflict based on each other’s right to exist and live in peace within secure borders in accordance with UN resolutions and international law.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/11/bds-another-bds-victory-queensland.html
#BDS: “The Last Supper” Cancels Israel Show
This week features lots of interesting music; Canadian rock group “The Last Supper” are performing tonight and tomorrow, after they cancelled their show in West Jerusalem which was scheduled for later this week.
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/11/bds-last-supper-cancels-israel-show.html#links
#BDS: Flashmob: AHAVA not for me!: Video
http://youthanormalization.blogspot.com/2010/11/bds-flashmob-ahava-not-for-me.html
Israeli protesters to the Cape Town Opera House: ‘We believe that today Tel Aviv is a kind of ‘Sun City”
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/israeli-protesters-to-the-cape-town-opera-house-we-believe-that-today-tel-aviv-is-a-kind-of-sun-city.html
ONE HUNDRED FAMOUS NORWEGIANS CALL FOR CULTURAL AND ACADEMIC BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL
OSLO (EJP)—One hundred famous Norwegians, led by the country’s national football coach, have signed a petition demanding a cultural and academic boycott of Israel, accusing its educational institutions of “playing a key role in the occupation” and equating it with apartheid.
http://www.intifada-palestine.com/2010/11/one-hundred-famous-norwegians-call-for-cultural-and-academic-boycott-of-israel/
Crossing the Line: Inside the Israeli Anarchists Against the Wall
Not ironically, the biggest problem for the Israeli Anarchists Against the Wall is organizing. With no functional leadership and no place to meet, they come together in Tel Aviv at vaguely agreed-upon times for bouts of organic, decentralized discourse and then disperse in borrowed cars and bicycles. The only reliable place to find the Anarchists together, it seems, is under a cloud of tear gas during one of the weekly anti-wall protests in the West Bank.
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9201
Anti
Israel recruits citizen advocates in Europe
Israel has instructed its embassies in 10 European countries, including the UK, each to recruit 1,000 members of the public to act as advocates for its policies in a new public relations offensive. A cable from the foreign affairs ministry was sent to embassies last week, with instructions from Avigdor Lieberman, the controversial and extreme right-wing foreign minister, to adopt a range of measures aimed at improving Israel’s standing in Europe.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/28/israel-citizen-advocates-europe-pr
Abuse of Palestinian Children
Israeli forces assault 7 year old Palestinian in Silwan
Israeli forces assaulted 7 year old Adam Mansour Rishq during tense scenes in Silwan today. The child was beaten by Israeli troops who accused him of throwing stones at a military vehicle, who then attempted to arrest the youth but were stopped by residents who flocked to the scene. One resident told soldiers that “if you want to arrest him you can send an order to his father, summoning him to the police station.”
http://palsolidarity.org/2010/11/15955/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+palsolidarity+%28International+Solidarity+Movement%29
Israel army detains 15-year-old
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces seized a 15-year-old Palestinian during a late-night raid on his family’s home in the village of Sair, near Hebron, local sources said Monday. Rifat Jaradat was taken from his house in the West Bank village while still wearing his pajamas, sources in the village said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336957
Buffer zone attacks continue: three more workers shot
The northern border area of the Strip is for the second day under attack of IOF snipers. Yesterday three people were shot, including a 12 year old boy, leaving one man in a critical condition. Today three more people were injured by Israeli gunfire while working in the buffer zone, amongst them was yet again a child. Mokles Jawad Al Masri (15), Mamdoe Ajesh Alsoes (20) and Mohamed Khalil Zanin (21) were shot in Beit Hanoun, north Gaza.
http://palsolidarity.org/2010/11/15946/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+palsolidarity+%28International+Solidarity+Movement%29
Siege/Rights Violations/Restriction of Movement
Industrial Fuel – Needs Vs. Supply – Oct 31 – Nov 27
http://www.gazagateway.org/2010/11/industrial-fuel-%e2%80%93-needs-vs-supply-%e2%80%93-oct-31-%e2%80%93-nov-27/
Goods – Needs Vs. Supply – Oct 31 – Nov 27
http://www.gazagateway.org/2010/11/goods-%e2%80%93-needs-vs-supply-%e2%80%93-oct-31-%e2%80%93-nov-27/
21 international organizations call for immediate end to Gaza siege
21 international human rights organizations have called for fresh international moves to lift the siege on Gaza immediately and without any conditions attached.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq
Racism and Discrimination
Netanyahu evades decision on income tax breaks to Arab and Druze towns
Residents of 167 communities in the country’s outskirts receive income tax benefits worth a total of NIS 700 million to NIS 750 million.
http://english.themarker.com/netanyahu-evades-decision-on-income-tax-breaks-to-arab-and-druze-towns-1.327282?localLinksEnabled=false
Violence/Aggression
Israeli forces shoot child on Gaza border
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – A Palestinian boy was shot and injured by Israeli forces in Beit Lahiya Saturday morning, after soldiers opened fire on the boy, who was with a group of men collecting stone aggregates along the Gaza-Israel border. Medics said the unidentified 12-year-old was shot in the foot and evacuated to the Kamal Udwan Hospital where he was treated for the moderate injury.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336332
IOF Shoots Palestinian Collecting Scrap northwest of Beit Lahyia
At approximately 9:10am on Saturday 27 November 2010, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) opened fire at a group of Palestinian civilians as they were collecting scrap and rubble from the destroyed structures near the border fence between Gaza and Israel. The group was about 450 meters from the border fence near the evacuated settlement Eli Sinai northwest of Beit Lahyia, in the North Gaza district when IOF fired at them. As a result, Shamikh Sa’eed De’bes, 15, who is from Jablaia town, was injured in the left leg. Medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital described his injury as moderate. The civilians were terrified and left the area without finishing their work. According to Al Mezan’s field investigations, the civilians carried De’bes on a donkey driven cart to the Al Waha area, west of Beit Lahiya, because the area of attack is close to the border fence and dirt roads do not allow ambulances to reach there.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MUMA-8BN548?OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Israeli gunfire wounds four Gazans: medics (AFP)
AFP – Israeli soldiers on Sunday shot and wounded four Palestinians as they searched for building materials near Gaza’s border with Israel, medical sources and the military said.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101128/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestiniansgazaconflict
B’tselem hands Naalin shooting tape to police
Video of 2008 incident will undergo forensic testing after legal team disputes its authenticity.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991122,00.html
Detainees
Midnight raids continue, father of three taken from home
Early Thursday morning, at approximately 2:00am, Israeli forces from the Gush Etzion military base came to the homes of brothers and National Committee members Yousef and Mousa Abu Maria. Both are also co-founders of the Palestine Solidarity Project.
Mousa, whose wife and baby girl–both Israeli citizens–were visiting family, was forced outside while his home was searched. 3 computers belonging to the Palestine Solidarity Project were taken. Yousef, father of 10 year-old Reem, 4 year-old Obay, and 1 month-old Della’, was also taken from his home in the middle of the night.
http://theonlydemocracy.org/2010/11/midnight-raids-continue-father-of-three-taken-from-home/
IOF troops raid northern Gaza, round up more West Bankers
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) mounting a number of armored personnel carriers raided northern Gaza Strip areas to the east of Beit Hanun town on Monday, eyewitnesses told the PIC.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bc
Hamas calls for the immediate release of Jericho detainees
Hamas movement has called on the security militias loyal to Fatah leader and de facto president Mahmoud Abbas to release all political detainees.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bc
Two Detainees In Israeli Prisons Start Hunger Strike
The Ahrar Center for Detainees’ Studies and Human Rights reported that Sheikh Jamal Abu Al Haija, 52, from the Jenin refugee camp, and detainee Ahed Abu Ghalama, 42, from Beit Forik near Hebron, started an open-ended hunger strike three days ago demanding to be removed from solitary and to be allowed visitations.
http://www.imemc.org/article/60033
Khatib: Release of Sheikh Salah early next month
Deputy leader of the Islamic movement in 1948 occupied Palestine Sheikh Kamal Al-Khatib has said that the leader of the movement Sheikh Ra’ed Salah is to be released from Israeli detention next month.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bc
Arab Helpers (see Wikileaks news below for more)
Hamas: PA detains 8 supporters
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Hamas movement accused the Palestinian Authority security forces of detaining eight of its members in the West Bank Monday. In a statement, Hamas said the detentions took place in Nablus and Jenin.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336936
Hamas: Fatah’s fabrications to cover Abbas’s security practices
Hamas has denounced the Fatah factions’ attempt to fabricate “police stories”, adding that such lies were meant to cover the practices of Fatah-controlled security militias.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcO
PFLP accuses PA of holding many of its cadres in its jails
The popular front for the liberation of Palestine said that the Palestinian authority’s security apparatuses are detaining a number of its cadres and other members of factions in West Bank jails.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/default.aspx?xyz=U6Qq7k%2bcOd8
Hamas
Gaza security forces deny entry to Fatah officials
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — Two senior Fatah officials said they were denied entry to Gaza on Sunday by security officers from the Hamas-led government. Abdullah Al-Ifranji and Rouhi Fattouh were dispatched to Gaza by President Mahmoud Abbas to meet with Hamas leaders and work on conciliation between the rival factions, Al-Ifranji said.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336828
Political Developments
Fatah: U.S. incentives to Israel never serve peace
RAMALLAH, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Fatah party’s Revolutionary Council said the United States incentives given to Israel to freeze settlement “wouldn’t serve Mideast peace.” The council, which concluded a three-day convention held in Ramallah, said in a final statement that the U.S. incentives given to Israel for halting settlement construction “would encourage Israel’s extremism.”
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-11/28/c_13625224.htm
Leftists ask Abbas to go to UN for statehood
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine called on the Palestinian Authority on Saturday, to go to the UN Security Council seeking international recognition of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital. The leftist party released a wide-ranging statement outlining its position on the stalled peace talks, entrenched unity process and ongoing development efforts.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336414
Other News
Tel Aviv bars Vanunu trip for award
Tel Aviv has denied permission for former Israeli nuclear technician Mordechai Vanunu to leave Israel in order to collect an international award in Berlin. A host of elites and Nobel laureates, including Irish peace activist Mairead Maguire and German writer Gunter Grass, have called on Israel to allow Vanunu to attend the International League of Human Rights prize ceremony.
http://jnoubiyeh.com/2010/11/tel-aviv-bars-vananu-trip-for-award.html
Analysis/Op-ed
What peace process? What peace?, As’ad AbuKhalil
With every new US administration, especially toward the last year of the term of a US president, the talk about “Arab-Israel peace” increases. Usually, people are invited to Washington, DC to attend a ceremony of speeches. Arab official expectations usually rise, while Israeli governments get accustomed to resisting any signs of US pressures. Pressures never come, but the perceptions of imminent US pressures are deliberately promoted to bring a level of enthusiasm from Arab official delegations.
http://bitterlemons-api.org/inside.php?id=8
Sam Bahour, “Economic Prison Zones”
Powerful third parties such as the United States, France, Germany, Turkey, and Japan — as well as Israel and a few rich Palestinians — promote industrial free trade zones in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the name of “development for peace,” but the zones will only serve to normalize the occupation.
http://bit.ly/gk6Xal
Halper predicts collapse of P.A. in 2011, and ‘violence, chaos,’ and hope
In “Palestine 2011,” Jeff Halper says the peace process has failed: “There will be no negotiated settlement, period.” And he imagines two outcomes in the next year, one being that the Palestinians declaring a state unilaterally, the other being more catastrophic/lytic.
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/halper-predicts-collapse-of-p-a-in-2011-and-violence-chaos-and-hope.html
Does Anthony Weiner believe that Muhammad al-Durrah’s killing was a ‘hoax’?, Philip Weiss
From the Zionist Organization of America dinner, in which neocon Bill Kristol rubs shoulders with liberal Democrat Congressman Anthony Weiner, no problemo. Brackets [] are ZOA’s: French Senator Jean-Pierre Plancade was honored with the Cherna & Irving Moskowitz Award for outstanding pro-Israel activism in recognition of his extraordinary work by calling for the truth of the Al Dura hoax to be fully investigated and for new hearings into the matter while the French establishment has done its best to block the truth from coming out. Philippe Karsenty, a distinguished journalist, deputy mayor of Neuilly, France, and President of Media-Ratings, who exposed the Palestinian Authority’s Muhammad Al-Dura hoax [the fabricated killing of a Palestinian boy allegedly by Israeli gunfire in September 2000, for which Israel was lambasted in the international media ], spoke of Senator Plancade’s extraordinary efforts to see justice done. U.S. Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) also addressed the Dinner, as well as ZOA National President Morton A. Klein.
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/does-anthony-weiner-believe-that-muhammad-al-durrahs-killing-was-a-hoax.html
Yehoshua: ‘I as a man of the left would support drastic transfer’ (expelling Palestinians), Philip Weiss
Yesterday I did a piece that expressed some surprise at Israeli novelist AB Yehoshua’s sanitized view of the expulsion of Palestinians during the Nakba. Well a friend passed along this shocker written by David Bloom in 2002. Bloom picked up on an Amira Hass piece in Ha’aretz challenging bigtime writers, including Yehoshua, to come out against “transfer,” or the racist expulsion of Palestinians from Israel.
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/yehoshua-i-as-a-man-of-the-left-would-support-drastic-transfer-expelling-palestinians.html
“Carlos the Movie: the Palestinian Cause through Zionist Eyes, As`ad AbuKhalil
Lebanon celebrated the movie “Carlos.” The movie’s director, Oliver Assayas, visited Lebanon. A number of Lebanese participated in the movie including ex-leftist Ahmad Qa’bour. Many parts of “Carlos” were shot in Lebanon and state institutions contributed to its production as indicated by the announcement at the end of the movie. The freak of a homeland is hospitable though it has received humiliation since its establishment.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/carlos-movie-my-review-translated-into.html
Ilan Pappe on the Future of Palestine
Ilan Pappe on Al Jazeera’s Frost over the World, discussing the prospects for a future Palestinian state and the means to achieve it. (The interview begins at 9:00 and is followed by an interview with the insufferable Mark Regev)
http://pulsemedia.org/2010/11/27/ilan-pappe-on-the-future-of-palestine/
Keep Your Promises, Mr. President, George Polley – Japan
Dear President Obama, I am deeply concerned about your administration’s recent agreement with the Netanyahu government supposedly aimed at resuming peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. According to media reports, this agreement involves the sale of $3 billion worth of US military aircraft, a veto of any UN Security Council resolution deemed unfavorable to Israel, the removal of East Jerusalem from peace process discussions, and a written promise that this will be the last time you ask the Israelis to halt settlement construction in Occupied Palestine. I shouldn’t need to remind you that establishing settlements in occupied territory is against international law, to say nothing about it being a violation of human rights.
http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=16444
Feminism in Israel remains an esoteric movement of zealots
Feminism in this country remains a synonym for an esoteric movement of zealots. And while all women generally benefit from the feminists’ persistent campaigning, many keep a distance from the struggle. ”I do not define myself as a feminist, because the term has a negative connotation,” the non-Israeli Baroness Ariane de Rothschild said in a recent interview with The Marker. What does it mean to not join a just cause because of its reputation? This “negative connotation,” to be sure, has been fashioned by men, for their own purposes and uses.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/feminism-in-israel-remains-an-esoteric-movement-of-zealots-1.326935
The opening of an American mind: Chalmers Johnson, Matthew Phillips
Many readers of Mondoweiss will, I’m sure, be familiar of the work of Chalmers Johnson. In my last review, dealing with the relevance of imperial and postwar Japan for current American policy in the Middle East, I cited Johnson as notable American scholar of Japan whose work has, I believe, shown us how badly awry we have gone during the War on Terror. It is with great sadness that I learned that Johnson died a few days ago. What I offer is a quick reflection on Johnson’s work and went it meant to me personally. It is important to pay tribute, I think, in however small a way, as a number of rare and indispensable voices have been passing away recently (in the past year and a half alone, the names Howard Zinn, Tony Judt and Amos Elon come to mind, though there are undoubtedly many others). Needless to say, we hardly maintain a surplus of honest and reasonably courageous intellectuals eager to fill the void.
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/the-opening-of-an-american-mind-chalmers-johnson.html
Lebanon
Nasrallah: Solve political crisis before indictment
BEIRUT: Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah urged the Lebanese government Sunday to stop wasting time, warning rival factions that it might be too late to reach a solution for the political crisis once an indictment into former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s 2005 assassination is issued.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=121969
Safieddine: Anti-Hizbullah ‘conspiracies’ will fail
BEIRUT: Head of Hizbullah’s executive council Sayyed Hashem Safieddine said Sunday that those seeking to destroy Hizbullah will see their conspiracies destroyed. He spoke during a gathering in the Bekaa Valley city of Baalbek and addressed “those who dream of ripping apart Hizbullah.”
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=121962
Israel could wage new war on Lebanon: Hezbollah chief (AFP)
AFP – Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah warned on Sunday that Israel could wage a new war on Lebanon after the publication of indictments by a UN-backed tribunal probing the murder of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/mideast/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101128/wl_mideast_afp/lebanonuntribunalharirihezbollah
Erdogan: Hezbollah didn’t murder Hariri
As-Safir newpaper reports Turkish prime minister defends Hezbollah which is likely to be charged with former Lebanese PM’s murder. Meanwhile, Iranian supreme leader hosts Saad Hariri, says ‘Any division in Lebanon serves Israeli interests’.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991494,00.html
Iraq
Sunday: 7 Iraqis Killed, 35 Wounded
Baghdad suffered a number of small bombings today, but few of them left any fatalities . At least seven Iraqis were killed and 35 more were wounded there and across the country. Meanwhile, rumors sparked a flood of Christian asylum-seekers to the French embassy in Arbil.
http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2010/11/28/sunday-7-iraqis-killed-35-wounded/
Iraq’s Tareq Aziz will not be spared death penalty: son (AFP)
AFP – Iraq’s former deputy prime minister Tareq Aziz is bound to be executed despite international calls to Baghdad to spare him, his son told AFP in Jordan on Saturday.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101127/wl_mideast_afp/iraqtrialazizjordanfamily
Iraq’s Aziz gets 10 years jail for Kurd killings (AFP)
AFP – An Iraqi court sentenced former deputy prime minister Tareq Aziz to 10 years in prison on Monday for the killing of minority Faili Kurds during the rule of Saddam Hussein.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101129/wl_mideast_afp/iraqtrialazizkurds
Baghdad needs $100 billion for new homes: mayor (Reuters)
Reuters – Iraq needs an investment of $100 billion under a plan to build a million new homes in the capital and meet a shortfall in residential property for its growing population, Baghdad’s mayor said on Monday.
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iraq/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101129/wl_nm/us_iraq_property_baghdad
IRAQ: No country for women
MADRID Sunday, November 28, 2010 (IRIN) – The improved political representation of women in Iraq is in sharp contrast to their broader disempowerment, as highlighted by the persistence of domestic violence and early marriage, according to a new report by the UN Inter-Agency Information and Analysis Unit.
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportId=91218
Always someone’s mother or father, always someone’s child. The missing persons of Iraq
A forced disappearance (or enforced disappearance) is defined in Article 2 of the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly On 20 December 2006, as the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, which place such a person outside the protection of the law. Often forced disappearance implies murder. The victim in such a case is first abducted, then illegally detained, and often tortured; the victim is then killed, and the body is then hidden. Typically, a murder will be surreptitious, with the corpse disposed of in such a way as to prevent it ever being found, so that the person apparently vanishes. The party committing the murder has deniability, as there is no body to prove that the victim has actually died.
http://warisacrime.org/content/iraq-has-most-disappeared-persons-world
U.S. and other world news
FBI Thwarts Own Car Bomb
Will Americans recoil in yet more contrived fear? The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) claims to have thwarted their own car bomb Friday, November 26, 2010 at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland, Oregon’s Pioneer Courthouse Square.
http://www.activistpost.com/2010/11/oregon-fbi-thwarts-own-car-bomb.html
Oregon mosque hit by arson 2 days after bomb sting
PORTLAND, Oregon, Nov 28 (Reuters) – U.S. investigators said on Sunday a fire at an Islamic center in Oregon was arson and warned no attack in retribution for a foiled bombing by a Somali-born teenager would be tolerated. The fire occurred less than two days after the arrest of Mohamed Osman Mohamud, who attended prayers at the center,for attempting to detonate what he thought was a car bomb at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Oregon’s largest city, Portland.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N28150180.htm
Iranian nuclear scientist ‘killed’
State media reports that a nuclear scientist was killed and three wounded in two separate explosions in Iran’s capital.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/11/201011297228879910.html
Iran: West behind scientist’s death
Officials accuse Israel and US for attacks in which one nuclear scientist was killed and another injured.
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/middleeast/2010/11/20101129131235776706.html
Egypt: image vs reality
As Egyptians head to the polls on Sunday for parliamentary elections, the ruling National Democratic Party is widely expected to secure a majority. The opposition has accused the government of intimidating and harassing candidates, especially those affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood. Al Jazeera’s Jacky Rowland reports from Alexandria.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFHxC0YI64c&feature=youtube_gdata
Saudi women sue male guardians who stop marriage
CAIRO – Year after year, the 42-year-old Saudi surgeon remains single, against her will. Her father keeps turning down marriage proposals, and her hefty salary keeps going directly to his bank account. The surgeon in the holy city of Medina knows her father, also her male guardian, is violating Islamic law by forcibly keeping her single, a practice known as “adhl.” So she has sued him in court, with questionable success.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101127/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_saudi_women_s_rights
Wikileaks
Secret US Embassy Cables
Wikileaks began on Sunday November 28th publishing 251,287 leaked United States embassy cables, the largest set of confidential documents ever to be released into the public domain. The documents will give people around the world an unprecedented insight into US Government foreign activities.
http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/
How 250,000 US embassy cables were leaked
From a fake Lady Gaga CD to a thumb drive that is a pocket-sized bombshell – the biggest intelligence leak in history.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/28/how-us-embassy-cables-leaked
U.S. Facing Global Diplomatic Crisis Following Massive WikiLeaks Release of Secret Diplomatic Cables
The whistleblowing website WikiLeaks has begun releasing a giant trove of confidential U.S. diplomatic cables that is sending shockwaves through the global diplomatic establishment. Among the findings: Arab leaders are urging the United States to attack Iran; Washington and Yemen agreed to cover up the use of U.S. warplanes to bomb Yemen; the United States is using its embassies around the world as part of a global spy network and asking diplomats to gather intelligence; and much more. We host a roundtable discussion with Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg; Greg Mitchell, who writes the Media Fix blog at The Nation; Carne Ross, a British diplomat for 15 years who resigned before the Iraq war; and As’ad AbuKhalil, a professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus.
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/11/29/us_facing_global_diplomatic_crisis_following
The job of the media is not to protect power from embarrassment
It is for governments – not journalists – to guard public secrets, and there is no national jeopardy in WikiLeaks’ revelations.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/28/us-embassy-cables-wikileaks ?
Der Spiegel: US officials called Ahmadinejad ‘Hitler’
According to the German daily, while French President Nicolas Sarkozy is the emperor who has no clothes. The president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, is “motivated by paranoia”, the report says.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991029,00.html
Wexler told Israelis, American people will support attack on Iran if talks are tried and fail, Philip Weiss
From the Wikileaks US Embassy cables. Robert Wexler is the former Florida congressman who has gone on to head a Jewish organization, and who people are always hinting is about to join the Obama administration as a Middle East envoy. How does he operate? Here are notes of a high-level meeting in Israel in May 2009 in which Wexler is representing Obama’s policy to Israel Defense Forces Intelligence Chief, Major General Amos Yadlin
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/wexler-told-israelis-american-people-will-support-attack-on-iran-if-talks-are-tried-and-fail.html
The US government is still capable of producing the worst of the worst in vulgar Orientalism
This stuff is in line with Raphael Patai’s The Arab Mind: ”PERHAPS THE SINGLE DOMINANT ASPECT OF THE PERSIAN PSYCHE IS AN OVERRIDING EGOISM. ITS ANTECEDENTS LIE IN THE LONG IRANIAN HISTORY OF INSTABILITY AND INSECURITY WHICH PUT A PREMIUM ON SELF-PRESERVATION.“
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/us-government-is-still-capable-of.html
WikiLeaks: Clinton ordered probe on UN chief
Secret files show Washington wanted to find links between UN members, terror groups.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991145,00.html
WikiLeaks documents point to Turkish-U.S. tensions
Leaked U.S. cable describes Turkish PM as having ‘little understanding of politics beyond Ankara’.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/wikileaks-documents-point-to-turkish-u-s-tensions-1.327607?localLinksEnabled=false
Diplomats tread in spy territory in WikiLeaks’ disclosures
Media begin to report on information from diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks. Among sensitive revelations: Diplomats doing surprising work and some Arab nations urging the U.S. to attack Iran. Five U.S. and European news organizations began Sunday to report information from a huge trove of diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks, disclosures that could strain U.S. relations with a variety of other nations.
http://feeds.latimes.com/~r/latimes/middleeast/~3/1L1IKV5CDbg/la-fg-1129-wikileaks-20101129,0,6054592.story
Iran ‘must be stopped’: Arab leaders pushed U.S. to attack, WikiLeaks disclosures show
Diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks show Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as among nations strongly urging the U.S. to attack Iran and destroy its nuclear facilities. The cables reveal the fear of Iran in the Arab world. Leaders of the oil-rich Arabian Peninsula monarchies repeatedly have beseeched the United States to attack Iran and take out its nuclear facilities, according to a series of classified diplomatic cables released to news organizations by the website Wikileaks.
http://feeds.latimes.com/%7Er/latimes/middleeast/%7E3/HWU2iBHnUeI/la-fg-wikileaks-iran-20101129,0,4288707.story
Wikileaks: the lies of Arab rulers
What is also striking (or not really) is the extent to which those rulers–just as we say about them–say one thing in private to the US and another thing in public to their people. In public, all those rulers say that they are opposed to war or to a military strike on Iran. Look at the Qatari prime minister (whose government in public is a friend of the Iranian regime): ”The cables also expose frank, even rude, remarks about Iranian leaders, their trustworthiness and tactics at international meetings. Abdullah told another US diplomat: “The bottom line is that they cannot be trusted.” Mubarak told a US congressman: “Iran is always stirring trouble.” Others are learning from what they describe as Iranian deception. “They lie to us, and we lie to them,” said Qatar’s prime minister, Hamad bin Jassim Jaber al-Thani.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/wikileaks-lies-of-arab-rulers.html
The (old) news from wikileaks so far – The US is Israel’s greatest enabler, Audrey Farber
That there is nothing new, or surprising, in these cables yet that we feel the need to parse through them is indicative of our frustration with the current state of affairs, leading us to believe this will be a worthwhile endeavor. Surely there is nothing new in the often-delusional Netanyahu’s petulance, or his persistent paranoid belief that Israel – nay, the Jews – is constantly under attack from all sides, even its allies. That the US will do just about anything for its protégé is likewise old – yawn – news. Netanyahu manages to coerce the US into supporting Israel in its pursuance of its divine mandate for constant, international protection no matter what, and in the face of every real or imagined obstacle.
https://mondoweiss.net/2010/11/the-old-news-from-wikileaks-so-far-the-us-is-israels-greatest-enabler.html
Wikileaks Israel
US embassy cables: Israel grateful for US support
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/120696 Text of leaked diplomatic cable between US and Israel
US embassy cables: US pressed to maintain Israel’s ‘qualitative military edge’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/218775
Text of leaked diplomatic cable between US and Israel
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/11/text-leaked-diplomatic-cable-israel/
US embassy cables: Mossad says US and Israel agree on Iran
1. (S) Summary: Mossad Chief Meir Dagan told CODEL Corzine March 13 that Israeli and U.S. thinking on Iran largely tracks, adding that he believes the EU dialogue with Iran will ultimately fail. Dagan said that Israel has evidence that some foreign fighters have returned home from Iraq, perhaps indicating that the tide may be starting to turn in the U.S. battle against the insurgency there. He worried however, that these militants’ countries of origin — in particular Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria and Sudan — are ill-equipped to control the returning jihadis, who might then pose a threat to stability in the region and, ultimately, to Israel. End Summary.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/29006
US embassy cables: Mossad chief wants to ‘detach’ Syria from Iran
1. (S) SUMMARY: Frances Fragos Townsend, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism (AFHSC), met Mossad Director Meir Dagan on July 12 for a general discussion of regional security threats. On the Iranian nuclear program, Dagan proved surprisingly optimistic about the effects of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and their impact on Iranian elites. On most other fronts, however, Dagan expressed deep skepticism regarding any near-term solutions. Dagan believes that the Syrians were emboldened by the Second Lebanon War, and argued for a concerted international effort to enforce UNSC resolutions in Lebanon as a means of removing Syria from Iranian influence. In Dagan’s personal opinion, present attempts to prop up the government of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad will fail, and “an entirely new approach” with the Palestinians is required. Dagan and Townsend surveyed political developments in North Africa, Turkey, and the Gulf, and shared concerns about Pakistan’s ability to withstand the challenge of Islamic radicals. END SUMMARY.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/116742
Wikileaks and Mossad chief
I mean, reading the analysis that the Mossad chief presented to a US official, one is struck (not really) by how unintelligent the Mossad chief is in his analysis of the Middle East. I guarantee you that lousy chiefs of lousy Arab intelligence services can do a better job. Another sign that Israel’s years are numbered. Read his analysis: an anthology of cliches that he dervies from reading columns by Thomas Friedman.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/wikileaks-and-mossad-chief.html
WikiLeaks: Arab world according to Mossad chief
WikiLeaks documents contain reports of 2007 meetings in which Meir Dagan presented US with five-step program to perform coup in Iran; said ‘nothing can be achieved’ with Palestinians.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991210,00.html
Mossad chief on Aljazeera and Qatar: from Wikileaks
“Dagan characterized Qatar as “a real problem,” and accused Sheikh Hamid of “annoying everyone.” In his view, Qatar is trying to play all sides — Syria, Iran, Hamas — in an effort to achieve security and some degree of independence. “I think you should remove your bases from there…seriously,” said Dagan. “They have confidence only because of the U.S. presence.” Dagan predicted, with some humor, that al-Jazeera would be the next cause of war in the Middle East as some Arab leaders (specifically Saudi Arabia) are willing to take drastic steps to shut down the channel, and hold Sheikh Hamid personally responsible for its provocations.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mossad-chief-on-aljazeera-and-qatar_28.html
U.S. tapped secure lines in Israel’s Washington embassy, ex-envoy says
Former Israeli envoy Rabinovich reveals that the tapping began at some point after 1996, and took a number of years for embassy officials to discover.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/u-s-tapped-secure-lines-in-israel-s-washington-embassy-ex-envoy-says-1.327522?localLinksEnabled=false
WikiLeaks cable: Russian leadership viewed Lieberman as ‘one of its own’
Message from U.S. embassy to State Department shows FM was treated as an ‘old friend’ during a 2009 visit to Moscow.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/wikileaks-cable-russian-leadership-viewed-lieberman-as-one-of-its-own-1.327694?localLinksEnabled=false
Wikileaks Palestine
WikiLeaks exposé: Egypt, PA refuse to take over Gaza in case of Hamas defeat.
In diplomatic cable documenting 2009 meeting, Defense Minister Barak says Egypt, PA refuse to take over Gaza in case of Hamas defeat.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/wikileaks-expose-israel-tried-to-coordinate-gaza-war-with-abbas-1.327487?localLinksEnabled=false
WikiLeaks exposé: Israel offered to coordinate Cast Lead with Egypt and Fatah
In diplomatic cable documenting 2009 meeting, Defense Minister Barak says Egypt, PA refuse to take over Gaza in case of Hamas defeat.
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/wikileaks-expose-israel-offered-to-coordinate-cast-lead-with-egypt-and-fatah-1.327514?localLinksEnabled=false
Wikileaks: Israel assessed Abbas as weak, unpopular
JERUSALEM (AFP) — Senior Israeli defense and political figures described President Mahmoud Abbas as weak, unpopular and unlikely to survive politically past 2011, leaked US diplomatic cables showed on Monday. In meetings with US representatives, Israeli officials ranging from then-opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, to senior defense official Amos Gilad expressed doubt about Abbas’s political longevity.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=337209
Leaked cable: US spied on Hamas, PA
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The US government in 2008 directed its personnel across the Middle East to gather meticulous intelligence on Hamas and Palestinian Authority officials, a leaked diplomatic cable reveals. The cable, provided to The Guardian of Britain by the whistleblower group WikiLeaks, lays out a “national human intelligence collection directive” asking US personnel to obtain “Details of travel plans such as routes and vehicles used by Palestinian Authority leaders and HAMAS members.”
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336904
US embassy cables: Washington requests personal data on Hamas
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/176247
US briefed Palestinians on WikiLeaks cache
Washington’s message, delivered by phone to the Office of the President a few days in advance of the scheduled release, was quick and to the point: Don’t overreact. “They aren’t making a big deal out of it, and they hope we won’t either,” a senior Palestinian official, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, told Ma’an. “But when they’re telling us ‘Don’t overreact,’ that basically translates as ‘There’s something you’re not going to like.'”
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336864
Israeli official is pleased with the small Israeli tools in the PA collaborationist appratus
“Buchris acknowledged that the Palestinian Authority was doing a “good job” in the West Bank, noting respect for Palestinian Security Forces (PASF) as they take more control of security — giving them the chance to succeed was important, Buchris said.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/israeli-official-is-pleased-with-small.html
Mossad chief on the PA collaborators
“Departing from official GOI policy, Dagan expressed his personal opinion that after more than a decade of trying to reach a final status agreement with the Palestinians, “nothing will be achieved.” Only Israeli military operations against Hamas in the West Bank prevent them from expanding control beyond Gaza, lamented Dagan, without which Fatah would fall within one month and Abbas would join his “mysteriously wealthy” son in Qatar. Offering what he believed to be a conservative estimate, Dagan said that USD 6 billion had been invested in the Palestinian Authority since 1994. “What did it accomplish, other than adding a few more people to the Fortune 500?” asked Dagan. Although he expressed his personal faith in Salam Fayyad, Dagan said that the Palestinian Prime Minister had no power base. Fatah as a party would have to completely reorganize itself in order to regain credibility, argued Dagan, but instead they have turned once again to the “old guard.” The Mossad Chief suggested that a completely new approach was required, but did not provide Townsend any additional details.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mossad-chief-on-pa-collaborators.html
Wikileaks Egypt
US embassy cables: Egypt spy chief promises pressure on Hamas
3. (S) Soliman applauded the Administration’s efforts, commenting that Annapolis had given hope and begun a process. The timing is right for progress based on four factors. First, the PA leadership is moderate and willing to negotiate. Second, Hamas is isolated and politically cut off in Gaza. Third, the Israelis are ready for peace; Soliman assessed that the GOI coalition is broad and strong, and larger than Rabin’s coalition of the mid-nineties. Fourth, Arab states are ready to see an end to “the struggle.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/136139
Mubarak serves the US to serve Israel (to serve Jamal Mubarak): from wikileaks
“But Egypt will continue to provide the USG with its knowledge and expertise on the critical regional issues, such as Lebanon and Iraq.“
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mubarak-serves-us-to-serve-israel-to.html
Omar Sulayman states that his Israeli masters are pleased with him after all
“Senator Voinovich asked Soliman why the Israelis continue to report problems with Egypt’s anti-smuggling efforts. Soliman said that the Israelis do not complain to him directly, and that GOI-GOE cooperation and exchange of information continues. He was at a loss as to why Israeli politicians continue to criticize Egypt publicly.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/omar-sulayman-states-that-his-israeli.html
Wikileaks Jordan
Jordanian King gives advice on how to get rid of Hizbullah
“In Lebanon, the GOJ fears Iran’s Hizballah proxy has been given too much rope and could be poised to increase its political influence during upcoming parliamentary elections. The King sees the Lebanon-Israel War of 2006 as having benefited Iran and Hizballah, by allowing a Sunni Arab street enamored of “resistance” to see past its suspicions of the Shia. And then-Foreign Minister Salah Al-Bashir in late 2008 described the spring 2009 vote as “when we will know who won last May,” referring to the outcome of the Doha Accords that put an end to Lebanese infighting. Much like with the Palestinian issue, Jordanian leaders have argued that the only way to pull the rug out from under Hizballah – and by extension their Iranian patrons – would be for Israel to hand over the disputed Sheba’a Farms to Lebanon. With Hizballah lacking the “resistance to occupation” rationale for continued confrontation with Israel, it would lose its raison d’etre and probably domestic support.“
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/jordanian-king-gives-advice-on-how-to.html
US embassy cables: Jordan wary of US engagement with Iran
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/200230
Wikileaks Lebanon
Mossad Chief is a fan of Fu’ad Sanyurah
“Dagan urged caution with respect to Lebanon, noting that the results of efforts there to bolster the Siniora government would impact Syria and Iraq. The U.S. and Israel, he said, are on the edge of achieving something in Lebanon, and so cannot afford to drop their guard. What is necessary is finding the right way to support PM Siniora. “He is a courageous man,” Dagan said. Syria, Iran and Hizballah are working hard against him. Dagan noted that much of what is animating the leadership of Lebanon to take on Syria is personal: “Hariri, Jumblat and others had their parents executed by the Syrians.” This anti-Syrian sentiment has forged an alliance based on personal and national interests. Siniora has worked well with the situation, but Dagan suggested that the odds are against him. Under Secretary Burns replied that the U.S. is trying to give PM Siniora as much support as possible, and that we would continue to consult closely with Israel on Lebanon. He noted that he would return to Israel in October.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mossad-chief-is-fan-of-fuad-sanyurah.html
Fu’ad Sanyurah wants the US to push Syria
“Siniora encouraged the U.S. to push Syria to respect the sovereignty of other states (namely Lebanon) as a way to bring Syria back into the Arab fold.“
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/fuad-sanyurah-wants-us-to-push-syria.html
Israeli official analyzes the March 14 parliamentary victory (from wikileaks)
“Shapiro asked if the election results might be the result in part of a backlash in the Christian community against Hizballah; the Policy Research analysts countered that the results were indicative of several factors, including the influx of Saudi money and an unstable opposition camp.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/israeli-official-analyzes-march-14.html
Zionists are pleased with the Lebanese Army
“A/S Shapiro said the LAF has thus far demonstrated a solid record of accounting for U.S. systems transferred to Lebanon.“
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/zionists-are-pleased-with-lebanese-army.html
Israel does not believe that Lebanese Army would attack Israel
“Amos Gilad said the GOI does not believe the LAF will attack Israel.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/israel-does-not-believe-that-lebanese.html
Wikileaks Syria
borders
“Asad pointedly asked in response to Representative McIntyre’s question about why Syria had not done more to monitor and staunch the flow of transiting fighters across the Syria-Iraq border. Asad continued: “Can you stop the immigration of Mexicans into the U.S.? No.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/borders.html
UN as a tool for Israel Mossad chief argues: ”Dagan argued that the opposite is true: by enforcing UN resolutions on Lebanon and increasing efforts to disarm Hizballah, the international community can remove the glue that binds Iran and Syria. Enforcing the resolutions would put additional pressure on Assad, who fears being tried for the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri above all else. The advantage of such an approach, continued Dagan, is that the legal ground is already in place for action by the UNSC. This credible threat could sufficiently frighten Syria away from Iran and towards more natural allies in the Arab League.“
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/un-as-tool-for-israel.html
Wikileaks Saudi Arabia
It is official: Saudi King does not hate Israel (from Wikileaks)
“On Saudi Arabia, Gilad said that King Abdullah does not hate Israel, but his chief priority is the survival of the regime.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/it-is-official-saudi-king-does-not-hate.html
WikiLeaks exposé: Saudis told U.S. ‘Cut off the head of the snake’ on Iran
Diplomatic cables to U.S. officials quote leaders of mainly Sunni Arab states urging Iranian nuclear program be stopped ‘by whatever means necessary’.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/wikileaks-expose-saudis-told-u-s-cut-off-the-head-of-the-snake-on-iran-1.327502?localLinksEnabled=false
Saudi Arabia urges US attack on Iran to stop nuclear programme
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has repeatedly urged the United States to attack Iran to destroy its nuclear programme, according to leaked US diplomatic cables that describe how other Arab allies have secretly agitated for military action against Tehran. The revelations, in secret memos from US embassies across the Middle East, expose behind-the-scenes pressures in the scramble to contain the Islamic Republic, which the US, Arab states and Israel suspect is close to acquiring nuclear weapons. Bombing Iranian nuclear facilities has hitherto been viewed as a desperate last resort that could ignite a far wider war.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/28/us-embassy-cables-saudis-iran
US embassy cables: Israel seeks to block US planes for Saudi
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/235359
Here, the US government issues orders to Saudi officials
“Saudi Arabia should exercise leadership with neighbors in the region and publicly by expressing concerns about Iran’s continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability and destabilizing activities in the region. — We would appreciate public expressions of support for the P5 1 dual track process including encouragement for Iran to accept the incentives package. — Saudi Arabia should exercise its influence with China, in particular, to persuade China to reduce its growing energy/economic cooperation and weapons purchases. Such efforts by China run contrary to the spirit of the UNSCRs and the P5 1 dual track strategy. A high level Saudi delegation could communicate to China Saudi concerns about the threat posed by Iran’s actions.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/here-us-government-issues-orders-to.html
This is how US officials bring human rights in Saudi Arabia; they praise the Kingdom’s record–I kid you NOT
“DIALOGUE AND REFORM AS DUTY: In response to Brennan,s praise for the King,s interfaith dialogue initiative, his commitment to advancing rights as reflected by his recent appointment of the first female (deputy education) minister, the King said “Thanks for the sentiment but I did nothing special, only what I thought was my duty. I believe we do our duty as determined by God.””
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/this-is-how-us-officials-bring-human.html
Sons of…Zayid and sons of…`Abdul-`Aziz
“Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdallah has developed good personal relations with Foreign Minister Livni, but the Emiratis are “not ready to do publicly what they say in private.” (Note: It was clear from Hadas’ remarks that Israel’s channel to Saudi Arabia does not run through the Foreign Ministry.)”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/sons-ofzayid-and-sons-ofabdul-aziz.html
Saudi King: US Should Plant Chips in Gitmo Detainees
The King, proposed implanting detainees with an electronic chip containing information about them and allowing their movements to be tracked with Bluetooth. This was done with horses and falcons, the King said.
http://www.thenation.com/blog/156701/blogging-wikileaks-release-return-here-all-day-updates
Wikileaks UAE
UAE leaders on Hamas
“UAE leaders have told us that they consider Hamas a terrorist organization and that they would not fund Hamas unless they denounce violence (refs D and E).”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/uae-leaders-on-hamas.html
Muhammad bin Zayid
He wants nothing less than an invasion of Iran: ”MbZ asked Lt. Gen. Dunn whether it would be possible for &anyone8 to “take out” all locations of concern in Iran via air power; Lt. Gen. Dunn voiced doubt that this would be possible given the dispersed locations. “Then it will take ground forces!” MbZ exclaimed. Ambassador noted that the UAE’s Director of Military Intelligence, BG”>BG Essa al Mazrouei, would pay counterpart visits this week to CENTCOM, J-2, DIA, and CIA for discussions on Iran and Iraq-related matters. MbZ said he looked forward to sharing “contingency planning” scenarios in future conversations.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/muhammad-bin-zayid.html
by the way, this man is the biggest servant of Israel in the Middle East
“In talks with US officials, Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed favoured action against Iran, sooner rather than later. “I believe this guy is going to take us to war … It’s a matter of time. Personally, I cannot risk it with a guy like [President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad. He is young and aggressive.”
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/by-way-this-man-is-biggest-servant-of.html
Wikileaks Yemen
Wikileaks: Yemeni President Agreed To Cover up US Attack in Yemen
“We’ll continue saying the bombs are ours, not yours,” Mr. Saleh said, according to the cable sent by the American ambassador, prompting Yemen’s deputy prime minister to “joke that he had just ‘lied’ by telling Parliament” that Yemeni forces had carried out the strikes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/world/29cables.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
Wikileaks Libya
A GLIMPSE INTO LIBYAN LEADER QADHAFI’S ECCENTRICITIES
Summary: Recent first-hand experiences with Libyan Leader Muammar al-Qadhafi and his staff, primarily in preparation for his UNGA trip, provided rare insights into Qadhafi’s inner circle and personal proclivities. Qadhafi appears to rely heavily XXXXXXXXXXXXX reportedly cannot travel with his senior Ukrainian nurse, Galyna Kolotnytska. He also appears to have an intense dislike or fear
of staying on upper floors, reportedly prefers not to fly over water, and seems to enjoy horse racing and flamenco dancing. His recent travel may also suggest a diminished dependence on his legendary female guard force, as only one woman bodyguard
http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2009/09/09TRIPOLI771.html
www.TheHeadlines.org
