tagged w/ Occupation
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Tensions are very high on this Sunday, May 15th, the day that Palestinians call 'Nakba', meaning catastrophe, and commemorate the displacement of some 750,000 of their citizens after the 1948 formation of the independent state of Israel.
Every year, around this time, Palestinians march in protest while Israelis celebrate their independence. However, this year has seen widespread solidarity with and for the Palestinians not only from neighboring Arab countries, but worldwide. Here in New York, a protest is planned at 1:00PM, EST. in front of the United Nations Building. Similarly, another solidarity protest is being planned in Washington DC where protesters will rally in front of the White House and plan to have a NAKBA mobile LED truck circulating between the White House and the Lincoln Memorial.
In Israel, several people have already been killed and many are injured. In what appeared to be an unrelated incident, according to Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, a a 22-year-old Arab Israeli driver drove his truck into a number of vehicles in South Tel Aviv, killing one Israeli and injuring 17 others. This year's Nakba has also brought scores of Palestinian youth near the Erez Israeli border (Beit Hanoun on the Palestinian side), an unprecedented move and testament to the change in the region's political mood.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Palestinians march on Nakba Day, demanding the right of return - National Foreign Policy | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/foreign-policy-in-national/palestinians-march-on-nakba-day-demanding-the-right-of-return#ixzz1MR9MMzjvTensions are very high on this Sunday, May 15th, the day that Palestinians call... more
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled his date with pop sensation Justin Bieber over the singer's refusal to meet with children living in communities affected by Gaza rocket fire, Channel Two reported on Tuesday.
The prime minister was scheduled to host the young singer at his office in Jerusalem on Wednesday evening, before Bieber's Thursday night concert.
Taking advantage of the PR opportunity presented by the meeting with Bieber, Netanyahu's advisers invited a group of children from communities near the Gaza border to attend.
The children had disembarked from a school bus just before it was hit by a Hamas rocket last Thursday, critically wounded a teen and moderately wounding the bus driver.
Bieber reportedly refused to meet the children, which led Netanyahu to cancel the meeting.
Upon arriving in Israel on Monday, the singer was met by throngs of tween girls who mobbed his Tel Aviv hotel.
Some 200 young fans gathered at Tel Aviv's Sheraton Hotel Monday morning, staying there for hours in the hope of catching sight of the phenom. Bieber is scheduled to give a concert in Tel Aviv on Thursday night.
"We arrived especially on a flight from Eilat," said Yaakov Melamed, father of a 12-year old girl - one of about 200 groupies in the hotel's lobby on Monday. "We are following him everywhere," said Adi, 14, from Ganei Tikva. "I will go with him to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, and I've been waiting here since eight in the morning," she said.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/netanyahu-cancels-bieber-date-over-refusal-to-meet-kids-affected-by-gaza-rockets-1.355598Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled his date with pop sensation Justin... more
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The Bahraini authorities have beaten and arrested a prominent human rights activist, in another sign the ruling royal family will increase its crackdown against any dissent.
* (Photo: Reuters)Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa speaks to journalists during a news conference in Manama
Abdulhadi al-Khawaja was seized in the middle of the night and detained along with his two sons-in-law.
The Bahraini stated accused them of fomenting unrest and attempting to divide the nation’s Sunni and Shia Muslim communities.
Al-Khawaja’s daughter said she doesn’t know where they were taken on for how long he will be held.
She told Al Jazeera: "They broke the door of the apartment. My father didn't resist at all, he went to them calmly but straight away a policeman told him, 'Down, down, get on the floor' ... They dragged him down the stairs and started beating him. They did not give any reason ... They were beating him very severely, on the ground, maybe four or five of them, kicking him and hitting him in the face."
al-Khawaja, the former president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, is a Shia who has long called for the Sunny ruling monarchy to be overthrown.
Another family member, Salah Al-Khawaja, another human rights activist, was arrested three weeks ago. His whereabouts are unknown.
The Bahraini government believe that Shia-dominated Iran and Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia militant group, has interfered in Bahrain’s internal affairs and stirred up the revolt that has led to at least three dozen deaths in the tiny kingdom.
The country remains under emergency law, enforced partially by troops from Saudi Arabia who are quelling anti-government unrest.
Opposition figures, as well as Iran, has condemned the presence of foreign soldiers on Bahraini soil as an “invasion” and “occupation.”
Any talks between the Al-Khalifa ruling family and Bahraini opposition figures have been postponed, perhaps permanently.
It is estimated that more than 400 people have been detained by the state, while hundreds more have been fired for their jobs for participating in anti-government protests. Many have been arrested in the middle of the night and detained, without any charges being filed. There are also reports that those arrested have been abused and tortured by security force
Read more: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/132477/20110409/bahrain-al-khajawa.htm#ixzz1JMymbPi3The Bahraini authorities have beaten and arrested a prominent human rights activist,... more
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By David Aaronovitch, April 4, 2011
The other day I received another invitation to a university debate. The motion was "This House Believes That Israel Asks Too Much And Gives Too Little In The Peace Process" and it was assumed that I would speak in opposition, alongside - maybe - someone from the Israeli Embassy and someone from the Zionist Federation. On the other side, feelers were out to Tony Benn, George Galloway, Tariq Ali and Gerald Kaufman. So you get it: pro-Israel on one side, anti on the other.
Actually, I agree with the motion and I couldn't work out why the organisers thought I would oppose it, other than going by my name and by my not believing that Zionism equals Racism. If by "Israel" they meant Binyamin Netanyahu's government, I would have supported a stronger motion, reading something like, "the current Israeli administration probably doesn't believe in the peace process at all".
But, then, imagine lining up beside someone like Galloway - his tongue still fresh from its excursions into the nether regions of various Middle Eastern dictators - and trying to distinguish your milquetoast criticisms from his bombast.
This would be true in the best of times, but in terms of any peace process, these feel like the worst of times. And few events can have exemplified their awfulness more completely than the murder of the Fogel family, and their hopelessness much more than the reaction to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UExVptsuUbA&feature=player_embedded#at=44
Full Article: http://www.thejc.com/comment-and-debate/columnists/47451/killing-children-and-peaceBy David Aaronovitch, April 4, 2011
The other day I received another invitation to... more
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On Sunday, in the West Bank's city of Ramallah, thousands of Palestinians took the streets to protest the recent American veto on a UN resolution which called for a condemnation of illegal Jewish settlement activity.
Demonstrators carried banners denouncing the arrogance of Washington and declaring the determination of the Palestinians not to resume peace negotiations with the 'Zionist regime' as long as settlement building would continue.
An AFP report said that crowds massed in Ramallah's Manara Square, a central roundabout in the West Bank city, waving banners and shouting slogans against the American administration.
Obama, you despicable man, we want self-determination!
get out Obama, get out you settler
No to negotiations with Israeli settlements and American arrogance
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Anti-Obama demonstrations in the West Bank - National Foreign Policy | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/foreign-policy-in-national/anti-obama-demonstrations-the-west-bank#ixzz1EX6mMJBJOn Sunday, in the West Bank's city of Ramallah, thousands of Palestinians took... more
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Today, on Feb. 15, the Jerusalem Fund held a very informative panel discussion on the contents of these leaks and the effect they may have on the future of negotiations. The discussion featured Khaled Elgindy, who served as an adviser to the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah on permanent status negotiations, Georgetown adjunct professor Noura Erakat, a Palestinian human rights attorney and activist, and journalist Mark Perry, a frequent guest commentator on Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera created an uproar across the Arab world when it leaked 1,684 documents on Jan. 23 pertaining to Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
In this candid discussion of importance to the worldwide Palestinian Diaspora, as well as to Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, the panelists weigh in on how recent events in Egypt affect the legitimacy of negotiators and may even tip the balance in future negotiations.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Video: Roundtable on the fallout from the Palestine Papers - National Foreign Policy | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/foreign-policy-in-national/video-roundtable-on-the-fallout-from-the-palestine-papers#ixzz1E4x5qhUKToday, on Feb. 15, the Jerusalem Fund held a very informative panel discussion on the... more
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Fuck Hamas. Fuck Israel. Fuck Fatah. Fuck UN. Fuck UNWRA. Fuck USA! We, the youth in Gaza, are so fed up with Israel, Hamas, the occupation, the violations of human rights and the indifference of the international community! We want to scream and break this wall of silence, injustice and indifference like the Israeli F16’s breaking the wall of sound; scream with all the power in our souls in order to release this immense frustration that consumes us because of this fucking situation we live in; we are like lice between two nails living a nightmare inside a nightmare, no room for hope, no space for freedom. http://www.makeahistory.com/index.php/recent-news/22567-gazas-youth-manifestoFuck Hamas. Fuck Israel. Fuck Fatah. Fuck UN. Fuck UNWRA. Fuck USA! We, the youth in... more
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worrg
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Jerusalem (CNN) -- Israeli bulldozers demolished part of a hotel in East Jerusalem on Sunday, prompting swift condemnation from Palestinians.
Plans to demolish the Shepherd Hotel caused a diplomatic rift between Israel and the United States when Israel announced plans for it during Vice President Joe Biden's trip to Israel in 2009.
Israel demolished part of the hotel as part of a plan to build 20 housing units for Jews in a predominantly Palestinian neighborhood of East Jerusalem.
The chief Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erakat, denounced the action. "The state of Israel is demolishing one Palestinian property after another in an effort to cleanse Jerusalem of its Palestinian inhabitants, heritage and history," he said in a statement.
He said such actions "undermine the two-state solution and negotiations process."
The United States had called on Israel to halt the housing project, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by saying "our sovereignty (over Jerusalem) cannot be challenged". The project was given final approval last March.
The Shepherd Hotel was built in the 1930s by a prominent Palestinian family and was purchased from the state of Israel in 1985 by American millionaire Irvin Moskowitz , an avid supporter of Jewish building in East Jerusalem.
Moskowitz developed plans for the 20 housing units that sparked the hotel's demolition on Sunday.Jerusalem (CNN) -- Israeli bulldozers demolished part of a hotel in East Jerusalem on... more
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Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ruled out the presence of any U.S. troops in Iraq after the end of 2011, saying his new government and the country's security forces were capable of confronting any remaining threats to Iraq's security, sovereignty and unity.
Mr. Maliki spoke with The Wall Street Journal in a two-hour interview, his first since Iraq ended nine months of stalemate and seated a new government after an inconclusive election, allowing Mr. Maliki to begin a second term as premier.
A majority of Iraqis—and some Iraqi and U.S. officials—have assumed the U.S. troop presence would eventually be extended, especially after the long government limbo. But Mr. Maliki was eager to draw a line in his most definitive remarks on the subject. "The last American soldier will leave Iraq" as agreed, he said, speaking at his office in a leafy section of Baghdad's protected Green Zone. "This agreement is not subject to extension, not subject to alteration. It is sealed."
He also said that even as Iraq bids farewell to U.S. troops, he wouldn't allow his nation to be pulled into alignment with Iran, despite voicesPrime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ruled out the presence of any U.S. troops in Iraq after... more
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On October 20th 2010 the coalition government announced the most extreme cuts in the public sector for sixty years. On November 22nd 2010 SOAS students occupied a University room in protest against the cuts. On November 24th the students were served with a court notice at 1200. The court case was at 14.30. After the case the students have a meeting where Jeremy Corbyn MP speaks.
On November 24th the students lost their case. Instead negotiations started with SOAS management. On December 30th SOAS students joined a national protest in London. The following day students, supported by staff voted to remain in occupation. Afterwards Tariq Ali spoke to them.
That night they were told the coalition government would vote on education cuts on December 9th 2010. Protests are planned across the country.
This version includes Nick Clegg talking about education and disadvantaged children, more about the court case and the occupation, Jeremy Corbyn MP, music, student protests, and Tariq Ali.
'We will come out rain, snow and shine, and whatever the police do to us, we will stand and be united'. SOAS student.On October 20th 2010 the coalition government announced the most extreme cuts in the... more
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corine
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1 year ago
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The Film: "Personal Responsibility"
[ Warning: This Video Has a PG Rating ]
~ About Freedom of the Press & Freedom of Speech
How very important of a roll that all members of a Free Press and Journalism play in our Society .
JFK spoke of how the press and it's manipulation by powerful corporations and secrecy will destroy the fabric of democracy. A process that today has turned most of us in Journalism into no more than PIOs. and PR agents.
JFK's words on Secrecy, Censorship, and Freedom of The Press ~ remind all of us how very important it is... that today we all standup and reevaluate ourselves again and repoint our journalistic compasses to the North star again...
This is a chance for all the media and all Journalists to begin again to perform our mandated historic investigative rolls to uncover and report the full complete truth and wrongdoing where ever that may lead us and no matter how painful it may be....
That is the only way to get our country back on course again.
Our freedom our Democracy and our future all depend on that.
The Truth is courageous...
Be Courageous...
~The Film: "Personal Responsibility"
[ Warning: This Video Has a PG... more
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JERUSALEM The United States has given written assurances to Israel that it won't pressure the Jewish state for additional settlement freezes after it accepts a limited 90-day construction moratorium to revive Mideast peace talks, an Israeli official said Saturday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned from meetings with U.S. officials with an American incentive package designed to restart the stalled Israel-Palestinian peace talks.
The Palestinians left the talks soon after they begun after a dispute over Israeli construction in the West Bank, which Palestinians claim as part of their future state.
The U.S. proposal would mean Israel would cease settlement building for 90 days in return for U.S. pledges to vetoanti-Israel resolutions at the United Nations and a fleet of next-generation stealth fighter planes.
Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/21/1854540/us-gave-israel-a-written-pledge.html#ixzz1734mWzYAJERUSALEM The United States has given written assurances to Israel that it won't... more
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KHIRBET YARZA, Palestinian Territories (AFP) – Israeli troops razed a mosque and more than 10 other structures in two areas of the occupied West Bank on Thursday, Palestinians sources said.
Most of the demolition activity took place in the village of Khirbet Yarza in the northern Jordan Valley, where residents said troops had razed a very old mosque and its much-larger extension, which was built last year.
They also said troops had levelled "more than 10 buildings used for sheep."
The army confirmed knocking down what it described as "eight temporary structures" which had been built inside a military firing zone.
"During the morning, the security forces and the Civil Administration destroyed eight temporary structures and the frame of another structure, which were built without the required permits inside a firing zone endangering the lives of the residents," said a statement from COGAT, the defence ministry unit which acts as a link between the army and the Palestinians.
Full Story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101125/wl_mideast_afp/israelpalestiniansconflictdemolish_20101125120959KHIRBET YARZA, Palestinian Territories (AFP) – Israeli troops razed a mosque and... more
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You may not remember her name, but if you saw her on your TV screen, you'd certainly recognize her. During the Arafat years, she was always on TV, being interviewed, citing opinions, and fighting for the Palestinian cause. She is an accomplished lawmaker, and currently serves on the Palestine Liberation Organization's Executive Committee and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's Third Way Party. She was recently interviewed by Foreign Policy's assistant editor, David Kenner.
All indications point to yet another sudden death to the bilateral talks between the Israelis and Palestinians. The talks had to be halted to make way for the U.S. midterm elections. A Republican win in the House of Representatives will not bode well for the talks. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was dragging his feet, hoping for this coveted moment.You may not remember her name, but if you saw her on your TV screen, you'd... more
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The following is an official media release from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Taliban). The author, Qari Mohammad Yousaf Ahmadi, is a recognized spokesman for the group. Reprinted with permission.
Open Letter of Qari Mohammad Yousaf Ahmadi, to Members of the American Congress
Source: Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
November 7, 2010 09:15
To Members of the American Congress:
Availing myself of this opportunity, I am pleased to share with you my views about certain issues that have become a cause of concern and resentments for many peace-loving people, not only in America, Afghanistan but for all people at the region and the world. They now openly say that the status quo is unbearable and that drastic measures must be taken to change it.
Messrs American Congressmen!
You certainly know that on June 7, the current year, the war of Afghanistan, surpassed that of Vietnam in terms of longevity – thus becoming the longest war in the history of America. Ironically, this war began on the basis of an event which in itself is a mystery to many people. But your government is bent on continuing the war further more on the same basis. However, we have made it clear from the day one that we have no role in this event, nor participation in operations on foreign soil [which] is part of our policy.The following is an official media release from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan... more
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The Palestine Center presents an analysis of settler violence in the West Bank. We ask what type of violence occurs, who is most vulnerable and most targeted, where the violence is concentrated and what motivates it. We will present the results of an analysis spanning over 1000 events of settler violence, as well as trends in the violence over time, to better understand how these attacks affect Palestinians.The Palestine Center presents an analysis of settler violence in the West Bank. We ask... more
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Sounds to me like a unilateral move, and a swift kick in Netanyahu's pants. But who's to judge?
In an interview with Italy's "Corriere Della Serra", Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad stated that Israeli settlement activity should stop; he then added that "the Palestinian Authority will declare the creation of a Palestinian state in 2011".
At the risk of being hasty, I want to applaud this move, because it would mean an end to talking about talking, something I've written about ad nauseum. I've already spotted articles whereby Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is discouraging unilateral moves.Sounds to me like a unilateral move, and a swift kick in Netanyahu's pants. But... more
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Jerusalem Municipal inspectors and police demolished a street vending stall on Sultan Suleiman Street, across from the Old City's Damascus Gate, on Friday 15 October at 12.45 a.m. The stall belongs to Faiz Abu Ramuz and has provided a livelihood for him and his family since 1967.
During demolition of the stall and in contravention of a court order, Jerusalem municipal inspectors confiscated merchandise owned by Abu Ramuz worth thousands of shekels. When Abu Ramuz's attorney noted this to the police commander on the spot, he was detained on suspicion of incitement and later released on bail of NIS 5,000.
On Sunday at noon municipal inspectors and police demolished the street vending stall for a second time.Jerusalem Municipal inspectors and police demolished a street vending stall on Sultan... more
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