Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel
Elections Archive - November 2010
Elections Archive - November 2010
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Iran nuclear talks to restart in Geneva Daily Star 30 Nov 2010 CAIRO: Egypt's leading opposition group dismissed Tuesday the results of parliamentary elections as "invalid," but nevertheless said its candidates would participate in weekend runoffs. The fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood has predicted its lawmakers will be almost entirely... Egypt opposition rejects election results as 'invalid' Daily Star 30 Nov 2010 CAIRO: Egypt's leading opposition group dismissed Tuesday the results of parliamentary elections as "invalid," but nevertheless said its candidates would participate in weekend runoffs. The fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood has predicted its lawmakers will be almost entirely... U.S is responsible for Egypt 's election joke PIC 30 Nov 2010 - There is no doubt that the United States is at least morally responsible for the scandalous election joke which took place in Egypt on 28 November. Why NGO Monitor is attacking The Electronic Intifada Electronic Intifada: 30 Nov 2010 - NGO Monitor has launched a campaign targeting a Dutch foundation's financial support to The Electronic Intifada, accusing the publication among other things of "anti-Semitism." NGO Monitor is an extreme right-wing group with close ties to the Israeli government, military, West Bank settlers, a man convicted of misleading the US Congress, and to notoriously Islamophobic individuals and organizations in the United States.more "Return to sender" - Israel blocks the mail to Gaza Electronic Intifada: 30 Nov 2010 - Palestinians living under siege in the occupied Gaza Strip cannot even communicate by mail, as Israel also severely restricts or delays the delivery of post including letters and packages. Rami Almeghari reports for The Electronic Intifada.more In leaked cable, Egypt says factions unserious on unity 11/29/2010 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- The Egyptian official charged with reconciling rival Palestinian factions judged in 2009 that neither Fatah nor Hamas wanted a unity deal, a leaked document revealed Sunday. A US diplomatic cable, one of more than a quarter million obtained by the whistleblower group WikiLeaks recounts a meeting between CENTCOM commander Gen.... WikiLeaks: Netanyahu said no peace with right of return 11/29/2010 - JERUSALEM (AFP) -- The Palestinians will not be a partner for peace until they drop demands for the right of return, Benjamin Netanyahu said two years before being elected premier, leaked US cables showed Monday. Details of his remarks were catalogued in a diplomatic cable sent by the then US ambassador Richard H. Jones in April.... Israel’s Racist Polices in Practice: News from the Other Front (PDF) Michael Warschawski, Alternative Information Center 11/25/2010 Knesset: Racism Gone Wild Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman pressured Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman. Yaakov Neeman pressured Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Binyamin Netanyhu pressured Defence Minister Ehud Barak. Ehud Barak pressured the handful of Knesset members from the Labour party. And all of this because of racist Liberman, the fascist! Really? Everything because of Liberman? When the current Knesset members were elected, we wrote that the Knesset was divided between the radical Right and the even more radical Right, and that Ivet Liberman and his friends would set the tone. At the conclusion of a year, no one can continue denying this abysmal forecast: the elections' slogan of Yisrael Beitenu has become the national slogan: "no loyalty, no citizenship". Indeed, every Knesset member is responsible for her (and his) actions and votes. "No one pressured me," Binyamin Netanyahu honestly stated after voting, "and I support a declaration of loyalty". No one pressured Ehud Barak either. These are racist people who do not require external pressure in order to pass racist legislation. People for whom democracy means nothing. Fascist thugs and no more, and who knows what else they will do. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel expressed concern about the upcoming Knesset session and the legislation expected to be passed: a law that will deny public support to any organization publicly commemorating the Palestinian Naqba on Israeli independence day; a law that sets prison time for one who denies Israel as a Jewish state.... more.. e-mail Letter from prison: I have a lot of energy to struggle Electronic Intifada: 29 Nov 2010 - The following is an excerpt from a letter by Palestinian political prisoner and civil society leader Ameer Makhoul, written in response to a postcard featuring an image of a lighthouse sent by The Electronic Intifada contributor Adri Nieuwhof: "The lighthouse, al-fanar in Arabic, is an inspiration. I have built a lighthouse here in jail. It has been built in my mind because I am not allowed to use the space, but my mind is totally mine."more Arrested while helping farmers in Saffa Valley Electronic Intifada: 29 Nov 2010 - It was a bright, warm morning in the occupied West Bank's Saffa Valley Thursday, 18 November when, without warning, the Israeli occupation forces were upon us. Within moments, five Israeli soldiers were shouting in Hebrew. "You have one minute to leave the area!" they said, before shooting stun grenades at our feet. Moments later, we were told to sit quietly and hand over our passports. A six-hour detention was to follow.more Review: paintings scream to break walls of silence Electronic Intifada: 29 Nov 2010 - Scottish artist Jane Frere's exhibition In the Shadow of the Wall reminds us that the plight of the Palestinian people is not just confined to periods of overt conflict, but is an ongoing, everyday experience. Stephen Fiddes reviews for The Electronic Intifada.more Gaza security forces deny entry to Fatah officials 11/28/2010 - 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. The officials.... Son of Egypt election candidate stabbed to death 11/28/2010 - CAIRO (AFP) -- The son of an independent candidate in Egypt's parliamentary election was stabbed to death on the eve of the vote as he was putting up posters of his father in Cairo, relatives and a medic said Sunday. Two men attacked Omar Sayyed Sayyed, 24, on Saturday night in the Matariya district.... Muslim Brotherhood protests alleged fraud in Egypt vote Jeruslalem Post 28 Nov 2010 - Hundreds demonstrate outside of vote-counting stations after independent monitors barred from and gov't candidates hand out cash and food to voters. Hamas bans senior Fatah officials from entering Gaza Jeruslalem Post 28 Nov 2010 - Officials had been sent by Abbas to end conflict between rival Palestinian factions; Hamas accuses Fatah of 'lies and fabrications.' Hamas: Fatah's fabrications to cover Abbas's security practices PIC 28 Nov 2010 - 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. Wikileaks ‘Embassy cables’ are now breaking… Mondoweiss - The Wikileaks dump of "US Embassy cables" that include Israel Palestine has apparently started dropping. At the Guardian site . Here's a juicy one. Stuart Levey , under secretary of the Treasury in the Bush Administration, goes to Israel two weeks after the presidential election in '08, and... Egypt’s military dictatorship holds parliamentary elections Mondoweiss - Ali Glenesk is a Berkeley alum currently working as a media monitor at a communications agency in Cairo.student living in Cairo. She blogged about today's elections at her site . She took the shot at left of posters supporting candidates from Mubarak's "National Democratic Party." 508 parliamentary... Egypt security on alert ahead of tense election 11/27/2010 - CAIRO (AFP) - Egyptian security forces were on the alert on Saturday on the eve of a general election after activists clashed with police at the end of a campaign marred by violence and a crackdown on the opposition. Thousands of activists demonstrated in support of their candidates throughout the Nile Delta and in the south.... 'If we win elections, we will work to end ties with Israel' Jeruslalem Post 27 Nov 2010 - Ahead of Egyptian parliamentary elections, Muslim Brotherhood leader says his movement will focus on changing Egypt's policy, staring with its "illegitimate" relations with Israel. PFLP accuses PA of holding many of its cadres in its jails PIC 27 Nov 2010 - 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. Abu Marzouk: Fatah's security engagements with the US, Israel are a real problem PIC 27 Nov 2010 - Mousa Abu Marzouk said that Fatah faction has a real problem regarding its reconciliation with his Movement over the security file because of its involvement in agreements with America and Israel. Unity leader says trust, commitment key 11/26/2010 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) --Palestinian businessman Munib Al-Masri returned from Gaza earlier in the week, where he had been engaged in independent shuttle diplomacy efforts around lagging unity talks between rival parties Fatah and Hamas. Upon his return, Al-Masri spoke with Ma'an on the program Hard Questions, explaining that his efforts toward conciliation.... Gaza: Independents meet with Hamas for unity update 11/26/2010 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- A delegation gathering of independent figures held a meeting on Thursday with Hamas leader Mahmoud Az-Zahar to discuss steps to achieve national conciliation after the last meeting in Damascus. Deputy of head of the gathering Abed Al-Aziz Ash-Sheqaqi, who participated on the security file committee during an earlier round of.... Novel approaches to the Arab-Israeli conflict Palestine Note 26 Nov 2010 - BRUSSELS - Alaa al-Aswany is an unlikely candidate for the job of saviour of the Egyptian novel. Yet this dentist, who continues to run his downtown practice in Cairo, is widely regarded as having revived the... Another BDS Victory: Irish Trade Union TEEU Votes to Boycott Israel Alternative Information Center - At its biennial conference last weekend, the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) unanimously voted to “support for a boycott campaign of Israeli goods and services and a policy of disinvestment from Israeli companies” as a... G.O.P. and Tea Party Are Mixed Blessing for Israel New York Times 26 Nov 2010 - Fresh Republican support for the Israeli government after the U.S. midterm elections may be offset by Tea Party suspicion of foreign aid. Israel’s No. 1 politician Emmanuel Rosen, YNetNews 11/24/2010 Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who recently preached that 'Gentiles exist only to serve Jews', is Israel's top politician, has seen it all and is more influential than any minister He was here when the young Benjamin Netanyahu embarked on his term as UN ambassador and when the young Barack Obama worked with youngsters in poor US neighborhoods. Back then already, his word meant everything; politicians bowed down to him and asked for his approval. Nobody really understood his language and fables, yet everyone praised him and tried to curry favor with him. In our unstable politics, where no government can last for long and no prime minister manages to survive for more than a term-and-a-half in office, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef is an island of stability. A religious dictator who divides the world to good guys and bad guys in line with conservative, religious worldviews, and who within Israel’s democracy holds greater decision-making power than any minister elected by the public; at times, he is even more influential than the prime minister. For 26 years now, somehow, after all the discussions and negotiations and cabinet votes and trips to America and press commentary, it always ends up boiling down to the rabbi’s decision; we have not yet found the bold prime minister who would say: No more. I won’t do it. The kippah will pulled out and put on one’s head, the rabbi will wait in his chair for the guest to bow down and shake the holy hand, and from there it all depends on the guest’s qualities of bargaining and persuasion, and at times just on his highness’ mood. more.. e-mail ‘NYT’ warns that US support for Israel may become ‘politicized’ Mondoweiss - The New York Times has done a good thing today by putting AIPAC on its front page in a piece that says that Israel was "one of the big winners" of the midterm elections, due to the elevation of Republicans who support Netanyahu's hellbent course. The... Women candidates test Egypt's new quota system 11/25/2010 - By Ines Bel AibaCAIRO (AFP) -- Egypt is for the first time guaranteeing 64 out of 508 parliamentary seats being contested in Sunday's election for women, boosting their profile in a male-dominated society, but some see it as a cynical bid to bolster the ruling party. Wafaa Mashhur is not convinced by the new.... Dutch will look into NGO funding of anti-Semitic website Jeruslalem Post 25 Nov 2010 - NGO Monitor slams Dutch ICCO for funding 'Electronic Intifada'; Dutch FM says if true, will have a 'serious problem' with the Palestinian site. Police chief candidate interrogated over sex charges Ha'aretz - Maj. Gen. Bar-Lev's denies accusations made against him; complainant announces national campaign to support sex crime victims. Everyday heroes: filmmaker Dahna Abourahme interviewed Electronic Intifada: 25 Nov 2010 - Filmmaker Dahna Abourahme's latest film focuses on the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein al-Hilwe in south Lebanon, and on the women in particular as they reminisce about their roles during the Israeli attack on the camp in 1982-1984. Amany Al-Sayyed interviews for The Electronic Intifada.more Activism roundup: Abu Rahme sentence extended, students stage mock checkpoint Electronic Intifada: 25 Nov 2010 - An Israeli military judge extended the jail term for Abdallah Abu Rahme, a well-known Palestinian activist who was due to be released on 18 November. Meanwhile, in New York City, students created a mock Israeli checkpoint in the middle of Columbia University and in Scotland Edinburgh-based activists worked with one of the country's top law firms to advise the city council not to contract with Veolia.more Photostory: somber holiday under occupation Electronic Intifada: 25 Nov 2010 - The holiday of Eid al-Ahda -- the Feast of the Sacrifice -- is celebrated by Muslims across the world to commemorate the prophet Abraham's sacrifice of a sheep in the place of his son Ishmael. Palestine is no different than most countries where the holiday is observed, but with one notable exception: the Israeli occupation. Photographer Sanne Winderickx documents the Eid al-Adha holiday under occupation in the West Bank.more Volvo equipment enabling torture, facilitating occupation Electronic Intifada: 24 Nov 2010 - Volvo prides itself on being a byword for sturdiness, safety and reliability. After a careful examination of the vehicle-maker's investment in Israel, perhaps it should also become synonymous with enabling torture.more There is no "Talibanization" of Gaza Electronic Intifada: 24 Nov 2010 - To accuse Hamas of marketing fundamentalism and extremism in the Gaza Strip is false and inaccurate. There is no "Talibanization" of Gaza. Such a claim is based on Israeli propaganda and the deliberately distorted accounts of those in Gaza who are politically and ideologically opposed to the government of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh. Ahmed Yousef, Deputy of the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comments for The Electronic Intifada.more Israeli Knesset to Mandate Referendums on Land for Peace Agreements Alternative Information Center - The Israeli Knesset is poised to pass legislation on Monday (22 November) that would require a public referendum run by the Central Elections Committee should Israel decide to or enter diplomatic talks on withdrawing from East... Palestinian Rights Committee Elects New Chairman, Approves Work Programme for Upcoming United Nations International Meeting Relief Web 23 Nov 2010 - Source: UN General Assembly Nunu: Fatah responsible for blocking travel of its members PIC 23 Nov 2010 - The Palestinian government in Gaza has held the Fatah faction responsible for blocking the travel from Gaza to the West Bank of its revolutionary council members to attend its meeting in Ramallah. Film review: Palestine as Hollywood fantasy in "Miral" Electronic Intifada: 23 Nov 2010 - Any major film addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict can expect to court a measure of controversy, but American artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel's intervention is unlikely to cause much consternation among a mainstream cinema audience. Omar El-Khairy reviews Schnabel's film Miral for The Electronic Intifada.more Police chief candidate faces second sexual misconduct charge Ha'aretz - Maj. Gen. Uri Bar-Lev questioned at the department for the investigation of police officers in Jerusalem, as polygraph test supports initial sex assault claims. Despite law "reform," Palestinians out of work in Lebanon Electronic Intifada: 22 Nov 2010 - BEIRUT, Lebanon (IPS) - Abu Yussif doesn't want to talk about his work anymore. "It's not going to help and nothing will change anyway," he says. The tall, white-haired Palestinian has just returned from work and relaxes in his little garden in the Burj al-Shamali refugee camp near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre.more Israel set to begin construction of barrier along Egypt border Ha'aretz - Dozens of engineers will lay ground on Monday at various points; electronic sensors and surveillance also to be installed. Israel set to begin construction of barrier along Egypt border Ha'aretz 21 Nov 2010 - Dozens of engineers will lay ground on Monday at various points; electronic sensors and surveillance also to be installed. Ashqar: Hamas-Fatah meeting in Damascus end of November PIC 21 Nov 2010 - Hamas MP Ismail Al-Ashqar has announced that his movement would meet with Fatah faction in a fresh round of reconciliation talks in the Syrian capital Damascus by the end of November. Cinematic therapy for Israeli soldiers Electronic Intifada: 19 Nov 2010 - Director Samuel Maoz's reduction of Lebanon to the interior of an Israeli military vehicle alerts us to the film Lebanon's insular vision right away. Belén Fernández comments for The Electronic Intifada.more Palestinians' White Knight Blots His Escutcheon Palestine Chronicle: 19 Nov 2010 - By Stuart Littlewood – London From champion of the vulnerable to betrayer in one bound… Nick Clegg, Britain's new deputy prime minister, is surprisingly agile. Betrayal started with Sheffield Forgemasters, a well-respected company in Clegg's own constituency, who were promised a government loan to enable them to compete for large contracts in the nuclear industry. This was cancelled as soon as the new government was formed with Clegg as deputy prime minister. He had no shame fouling his own doorstep. Before the election Clegg’s party, the Liberal Democrats, pledged to scrap university tuition fees and free graduates from crippling debt, but he has abandoned this too instead of putting up a fight. Millions are disgusted. Now the betrayal extends to the question of justice for the Palestinians and the arrest of war criminals. So brave then... Nick Clegg was, until recently, regarded by many in the struggle as one of...more READ the 20th amendment: New republican senators violating US constitution Palestine Note 18 Nov 2010 - A handful of newly elected Republican US Senators have written to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid trying to undo the Constitutional authority of other elected incumbent US Senators. That's right. Even the so-called strict constitutionalist Rand... A privatized Nakba Electronic Intifada: 18 Nov 2010 - Palestinians describe the Israel Land Administration Law (ILA) quietly passed by the Israeli Knesset in 2009 as the final stage in the 62-year process of displacement from their homeland. The legislation is expected to have a long-term, disastrous impact on Palestinian lives and precludes the possibility of a negotiated resolution to the conflict.more Report: Lieberman bureau tried to meddle in Foreign Ministry appointment Ha'aretz - Channel 2 says Foreign Minister attempted to change criteria for cultural attache at Israel's Moscow embassy, effectively disqualifying one of two final candidates. Book review: An Israeli academic's struggle against McCarthyism Electronic Intifada: 17 Nov 2010 - The Israeli historian Ilan Pappé's new memoir Out of the Frame manages to link Pappé's personal struggle against Israeli McCarthyism with a broader struggle for human and political rights of which academic freedom is merely one aspect. Raymond Deane reviews for The Electronic Intifada.more With Netanyahu bribe, Washington going for broke Electronic Intifada: 17 Nov 2010 - Another setback for the Palestinian national movement may be unfolding as Barack Obama dangles a lavish package of incentives in the face of Benjamin Netanyahu in an attempt to lure the Israeli prime minister into renewing a three-month, partial freeze on Jewish settlement construction in the West Bank.more Haniyeh: Door still open for reconciliation 11/16/2010 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Despite the wind-down that followed the end to the latest round of unity talks, "the door is still open for reconciliation," Gaza's Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said during his Eid speech in Gaza City. The announcement came the day after Palestinian factions rejected an American proposal for a.... Hammam El-Ein: The Jinn, Zumurrud, and the Stolen Child Dr. Ali Qleibo, This Week in Palestine 10/30/2010 In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 1. Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind, 2. The King (or Ruler) of Mankind, 3. The Allah (for judge) of Mankind, 4. From the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil) who withdraws (after his whisper), 5. (The same) who whispers into the hearts of Mankind, 6. Among jinn and among men. Qur’an, Surah 114. An-Nas (Mankind) It was a time when running water did not reach the houses of the Old City; when electric lamp bulbs were neither strong enough nor evenly distributed to cover all the city’s lanes to dispel the dark shadows of the long winter nights from the labyrinthine streets of Jerusalem; and when the jinn, the afareet, and the amura (mischievous supernatural creatures) still populated the Old City. Zumurrud turned thirty-five years old and was still childless. Azeez, her fifty-five-year-old husband, did not complain. He was an easy-going man with a happy disposition. His nephews and nieces remembered him fondly. In his cheerful visits he dispensed candies, chocolates and pleasantries to them. Everyone loved him. But he was simple; therefore he believed that his wife, thirteen years after their marriage, had given birth to the baby he found in her arms when he came home. Her face pallid, almost yellow, she had weakly propped herself up in bed as she proudly nursed the newborn boy. His joy barely lasted a few hours. To the rhythm of a drum, the real family searched out his home after having called out his wife’s name in every street, alley, courtyard and smallest nook and cranny within the walls of the Old City. “Zumurrud has stolen our child…Return our child to us…” Even as an adult I never tired listening over and over again to Mother’s story of Zumurrud, the jinn, and the child stolen from Hammam El-Ein over seventy years ago.... more.. e-mail StandWithUs member attacks Jewish Voice for Peace activists Electronic Intifada: 16 Nov 2010 - Wrapped in an Israeli flag, San Francisco Voice for Israel/StandWithUs member Robin Dubner, an Oakland-based attorney, pepper-sprayed two Jewish Voice for Peace members in the eyes and face after they attempted to nonviolently block her ability to aggressively videotape the faces of JVP meeting attendees against their will.more The myth of American pressure Electronic Intifada: 16 Nov 2010 - The conventional wisdom is that when Washington has exerted pressure on Israeli governments they have eventually succumbed to American demands. However, a closer reading of the historical record and declassified American archival documents reveals a more complex dynamic between the two allies.more 100-year-old refugee gets new Gaza home in time for Eid Electronic Intifada: 16 Nov 2010 - The four-member Abu Daher family lived their happiest day yet since Israeli army bulldozers crushed their cement home almost two years ago during Israel's massive assault on the Gaza Strip. Rami Almeghari reports from Gaza.more Middle East's Only Democracy Crushes Dissent Palestine Chronicle: 16 Nov 2010 - By Tammy Obeidallah Ever since becoming an activist on behalf of Palestine some ten years ago, I have found ironic humor in the label, 'The Middle East’s Only Democracy' used by American policymakers and media in describing the Jewish State. This statement is erroneous on two counts. Anyone with a rudimentary understanding of a democracy knows that Israelis overwhelmingly shun the values associated with such a system; furthermore quite a few countries in the Middle East hold elections regularly. Most recently, Jordan elected a new parliament. Of course there are those who argue that a democracy simply means “majority rule,” or that government leaders are elected, so technically Israel would qualify. “Democracy” is defined by www.thefreedictionary.com , “government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.” So in the purely political sense, as Israeli leaders are elected, they have democracy. However, the fifth definition of democracy reads “the principles...more Palestinian factions reject US proposal 11/16/2010 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Palestinian political factions rejected on Monday a partial, one-off 90-day settlement freeze as a basis to return to talks with Israel. The US has offered Israel military and political incentives, including 20 fighter jets and a guarantee of US support at the United Nations in exchange for the freeze, which.... Egypt's al-Ahram: Damascus meeting was a setback in reconciliation efforts Uruknet November 15, 2010 - Palestinian sources have revealed to Egypt's al-Ahram newspaper that the Fatah-Hamas meeting recently held in Syria was a setback in efforts toward national reconciliation made over the past two years. Rather than resolving the pending differences between the two factions, particularly with regard to security issues, the meeting was marked by the re-ignition of disputes... US activists face new repression as political prisoners fight for justice Uruknet November 15, 2010 - For decades the United States government has attempted to criminalize work in the Palestinian community in support of their national liberation cause. But in recent years this repression has increased dramatically. The Electronic Intifada spoke with the daughter of Sami al-Arian and the daughter of Ghassan Elashi -- both political prisoners in the US --... US activists face new repression as political prisoners fight for justice Electronic Intifada: 15 Nov 2010 - For decades the United States government has attempted to criminalize work in the Palestinian community in support of their national liberation cause. A special feature by The Electronic Intifada shows that in recent years, this repression has increased dramatically.more Deported by Israel, but not discouraged Electronic Intifada: 15 Nov 2010 - I was deported by the Israeli government for publicly expressing support for and participating in the growing global movement for Palestinian human rights and freedom. Israel's increased deportation of witnesses and activists such as myself comes as the solidarity movement including the call for boycott, divestment and sanctions gains momentum around the world.more Jenin center director: "I want to create hope" Electronic Intifada: 15 Nov 2010 - In 2005, three years after the Israeli army perpetrated a massacre and razed dozens of homes in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, a group of Palestinian youth established the Jenin Creative Cultural Center. The center provides cultural and educational services for children and youth ranging in age from six to 25. The Electronic Intifada contributor Adri Nieuwhof interviews the center director Yousef Awad on the situation of children in Jenin.more Noam Chomsky: The betrayal of Gaza Noam Chomsky, The New Statesman 11/8/2010 The US is vocal about its commitment to peace in Israel and the Palestinian territories — but its actions suggest otherwise. That the Israel-Palestine conflict grinds on without resolution might appear to be rather strange. For many of the world’s conflicts, it is difficult even to conjure up a feasible settlement. In this case, not only is it possible, but there is near-universal agreement on its basic contours: a two-state settlement along the internationally recognised (pre-June 1967) borders – with “minor and mutual modifications”, to adopt official US terminology before Washington departed from the international community in the mid-1970s. The basic principles have been accepted by virtually the entire world, including the Arab states (which call for the full normalisation of relations), the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (including Iran) and relevant non-state actors (including Hamas). A settlement along these lines was first proposed at the UN Security Council in January 1976 and backed by the major Arab states. Israel refused to attend. The United States vetoed the resolution, and did so again in 1980. The record at the General Assembly since is similar. But there was one important and revealing break in US-Israeli rejectionism. After the failed Camp David agreements in 2000, President Clinton recognised that the terms he and Israel had proposed were unacceptable to any Palestinians. That December, he proposed his “parameters”: imprecise but more forthcoming. He then stated that both sides had accepted the parameters, while expressing reservations. Israeli and Palestinian negotiators met in Taba, Egypt, in January 2001 to resolve the differences and were making progress. At their final press conference, they reported that, with more time, they could probably have reached full agreement. Israel called off the negotiations prematurely, however, and official progress was then terminated, though informal discussions at a high level continued, leading to the Geneva Accord, rejected by Israel and ignored by the US. Much has happened since but a settlement along those lines is still not out of reach, if Washington is once again willing to accept it. Unfortunately, there is little sign of that. The US and Israel have been acting in tandem to extend and deepen the occupation. Take the situation in Gaza. After its formal withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005, Israel never relinquished its total control over the territory, often described as “the world’s largest prison”. In January 2006, Palestine had an election that was recognised as free and fair by international observers. Palestinians, however, voted “the wrong way”, electing Hamas. Instantly, the US and Israel intensified their assault against Gazans as punishment for this misdeed. The facts and the reasoning were not concealed; rather, they were published alongside reverential commentary on Washington’s dedication to democracy. The US-backed Israeli assault against the Gazans has only intensified since, in the form of savage violence and economic strangulation. After Israel’s 2008-2009 assault, Gaza has become a virtually unliveable place. more.. e-mail Independent figures condemn raids on PLC offices 11/13/2010 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- A group of independent legislators on Saturday condemned raids on the offices of PLC members in the West Bank and Gaza. In a statement, the group said the parliamentary immunity of elected officials was not respected in the occupied territories, and that raids violated lawmakers' rights, according to Palestinian.... Resheq: The door is still open for the inter-Palestinian reconciliation PIC 13 Nov 2010 - Member of Hamas's political bureau Izzat Al-Resheq stated that the door for the national reconciliation with Fatah faction is still open, despite the complexity of the security file. Khreisheh considers lawsuit against Abbas 11/12/2010 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Independent politicians are considering filing a lawsuit against President Mahmoud Abbas to demand that he reconvenes the Palestinian Legislative Council, which has been defunct since 2007, and holds elections for the Presidency Office, official sources told Ma'an. Deputized PLC speaker Hasan Khreisheh confirmed the report, and said he was.... Japan connects village to electricity grid 11/12/2010 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- The government of Japan signed a contact with the Palestinian Authority on Thursday to extend the electricity grid east toward the village of Kfar Ayin, near Ramallah. The $104,017 project will see 400 residents given access to electricity, where only illegal and unsafe, unreliable connections previously existed. Representative of Japan to.... Major Dutch pension fund divests from occupation Uruknet November 12, 2010 - The major Dutch pension fund Pensioenfonds Zorg en Welzijn (PFZW), which has investments totaling 97 billion euros, has informed The Electronic Intifada that it has divested from almost all the Israeli companies in its portfolio. PGGM, the manager of the major Dutch pension fund PFZW, has adopted a new guideline for socially responsible investment in... Analysis: The partisans are coming to Congress Jeruslalem Post 11 Nov 2010 - Those looking for strong bipartisan support of Israel in the post-midterm elections Congress may be sorely disappointed. Egypt helped Israel in assassinating Namnam Time magazine says PIC 12 Nov 2010 - The US Time magazine said that Egypt provided intelligence to Israel leading to the assassination of Muhmmad al-Namnam, a commander affiliated with the Army of Islam faction in Gaza. Western media frightened of the 'F' word in its Israeli context Alan Hart, Redress 11/12/2010 There is a debate in Israel about whether the Zionist state is on the slippery slope to fascism or is already fascist. As far as I am aware the mainstream Western media has not drawn any attention to this. It was Albert Einstein, the father of modern physics, who, along with 27 other most influential Jews, first warned of the danger of the rise of fascism in Israel. In a letter to the editor of the New York Times published on 4 December 1948, when Menachem Begin was soliciting support in America, they said this: Einstein’s ominous warning: "Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our times is the emergence in the newly created state of Israel of the "Freedom Party" (Tnuat Haherut), a political party closely akin in its organization, methods, political philosophy and social appeal to the Nazi and fascist parties. It was formed out of the membership and following of the former Irgun Zvai Leumi, a terrorist, right-wing, chauvinist organization in Palestine. "The current visit of Menachem Begin, leader of this party, to the United States is obviously calculated to give the impression of American support for his party in the coming Israeli elections, and to cement political ties with conservative Zionist elements in the United States. Several Americans of national repute have lent their names to welcome his visit. It is inconceivable that those who oppose fascism throughout the world, if correctly informed as to Mr Begin's political record and perspectives, could add their names and support to the movement he represents...." more.. e-mail Was the Jordanian public wiser this time? Daoud Kuttab, Ma’an News Agency 11/12/2010 The elections of the 16th Jordanian Parliament held a number of surprises which point to the simple fact that Jordanians are wiser than many give them credit. Much work is still needed to bring about political reform and accountability, but there is no doubt that these elections have shown the political maturity of many citizens. This growing wisdom can be seen in both the decision to boycott the poll as well as in the choices made by the people who voted. The decision by the largest opposition party, the Islamic Action Front, and a coalition of secular (mostly left wing) smaller parties, to boycott was based largely on the deficiencies of the Elections Law. Most democracy and political reform experts agree that no serious and genuine political reform can take place in Jordan without a progressive elections law that guarantees a much fairer distribution of electoral seats. While the temporary law for the 16th Parliament increased the quota for women candidates to 12 and allowed populated cities such as Amman and Zarqa four more seats, the inequality between a district like Zarqa and the southern district of Karak, in terms of Parliament seats compared to population, remains a major problem of the electoral process. Furthermore, the introduction of the virtual or sectoral seats without a proper mechanism to ensure immediate transparency increased suspicion that the government whispered in the ears of some candidates which sectors of their district had weaker candidates. The turnout, whether it is the 53 per cent that the government announced or the lesser figure the opposition insists on, shows that the Jordanian government should take seriously the legitimate positions made by the parties that called for the boycott. I am sure that in future years the government will be more attentive to and less dismissive of the legitimate demands of the opposition. more.. e-mail Why Palestinians may one day thank Netanyahu Electronic Intifada: 12 Nov 2010 - Asad Ghanem, a professor of political science at Haifa University, predicts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet will eventually come to rue their obduracy. The intransigence and the unabashed espousal of "an ideology of Jewish supremacy" by Netanyahu and his supporters will lead to the gradual "reunification" of the Palestinian people, Dr. Ghanem said in an interview.more Major Dutch pension fund divests from occupation Electronic Intifada: 12 Nov 2010 - The major Dutch pension fund Pensioenfonds Zorg en Welzijn (PFZW), which has investments totaling 97 billion euros, has informed The Electronic Intifada that it has divested from almost all the Israeli companies in its portfolio.more Palestinian Factions Plan To Continue Dialogue In December IMEMC - 11 Nov 2010 - Thursday November 11, 2010 - 11:07, On Wednesday, the talks between the two main Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah, ended in Damascus without an agreement regarding to the security issues. The two factions agreed to continue the talks after the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha next week, according to an AFP report from Damascus, where the talks are taking place. Top US Republican meets Netanyahu 11/11/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFP) - A top US Republican has assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the party, which romped in last week's elections, cherishes the allies' "special relationship," the lawmaker's office said Thursday. Number-three House Republican Eric Cantor and Netanyahu also discussed Iran and the embattled Middle East peace process during.... Hamas, Fatah fail to reach agreement at reconciliation talks Ha'aretz - Rival Palestinian factions end their latest round of talks in Damascus without an agreement to narrow their differences on security issues. Peace Held Hostage to Rotating US, Israeli Elections PNN - By Nicola Nasser - The statement by former U.S. President George W. Bush in his 497 – page memoir of “Decision Points” that a secret peace deal was worked out between the... Riots erupt in aftermath of Jordan elections Jeruslalem Post 11 Nov 2010 - Residents of four towns and a Palestinian refugee camp threw stones and burned tires after loyalists sweep Jordanian parliament. Egypt arrests Islamist Parliamentary election candidates Daily Star 11 Nov 2010 CAIRO: Egyptian police have arrested dozens of Muslim Brotherhood members including three candidates for this month's Parliamentary election, security officials and the Islamists said Thursday. Brotherhood lawyer Abdel-Moneim Abdel-Maqsud said 31 of the group's members were... Hamas and Fatah agree on continuing reconciliation talks after Adha vacation PIC 11 Nov 2010 - Hamas and Fatah factions agreed on resuming the reconciliation meetings that were held over the last two days in Damascus after the end of the Eid Al-Adha vacation, which falls next week. The great book robbery of 1948 Arwa Aburawa, Electronic Intifada 11/9/2010 A new documentary reveals a hidden chapter in the history of the Nakba -- the Palestinian expulsion and flight at the hands of Zionist militias as Israel was established in 1948 -- which saw the systematic looting of more than 60,000 Palestinian books by Israeli forces and the attempted destruction of Palestinian culture. As the violence which came to mark the formation of Israel erupted, Palestinian families living in the urban centers and villages of the country fled their homes in search of safety and refuge. One Palestinian family after another escaped, and believing that they would soon return, many left behind their most precious belongings. As Palestinian homes sat silent in the haze of conflict, however, a systematic Israeli campaign was underway to enter the homes and rob them of a precious commodity -- their books. Between May 1948 and February 1949, librarians from the Jewish National Library and Hebrew University Library entered the desolate Palestinian homes of west Jerusalem and seized 30,000 books, manuscripts and newspapers alone. These cultural assets, which had belonged to elite and educated Palestinian families, were then "loaned" to the National Library where they have remained until now. Furthermore, across cities such as Jaffa, Haifa, Tiberias and Nazareth, employees of the Custodian of Absentee Property gathered approximately 40,000-50,000 books belonging to Palestinians. Most of these were later resold to Arabs although approximately 26,000 books were deemed unsuitable as they contained "inciting material against the State [Israel]" and were sold as paper waste. This untold story of the Nakba has remained hidden over the years until, by complete accident, Israeli graduate student Gish Amit stumbled across archives documenting the systematic looting of Palestinian books.... -- See also: Film website: The Great Book Robbery - includes video more.. e-mail Activism roundup: Netanyahu disrupters tell of "mob mentality" Electronic Intifada: 11 Nov 2010 - Activists successfully disrupted a New Orleans speech given by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Massachusetts voters said yes to equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel, Ireland saw the launch of a campaign focusing on Israeli "blood diamonds" and Australia held its first national BDS conference.more Review: "Gaza in Crisis" leaves readers wanting more Electronic Intifada: 11 Nov 2010 - The new book Gaza in Crisis: Reflections on Israel's War Against the Palestinians will surely attract the attention of Palestine solidarity activists because of the implied promise of a collaboration between its prominent co-authors, Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappé, and because of its highly topical focus on Gaza. Unfortunately, readers will likely be disappointed.more Hamas: “Israel Seeking Failure Of Palestinian Unity Talks” IMEMC - 10 Nov 2010 - Wednesday November 10, 2010 - 11:33, The Hamas movement issued a press release slamming the kidnapping of the secretary-general of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Dr. Mahmoud al-Ramahi, and stated that, by the ongoing arrests and the abduction of elected officials, Israel is seeking the failure of internal Palestinian unity talks. Rival Palestinian factions agree to resume talks after Eid 11/10/2010 - DAMASCUS, Syria (AFP) -- Rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas agreed to resume reconciliation talks after the Eid Al-Adha holiday next week, officials from both sides said Wednesday." We agreed to continue the dialogue after the Al-Adha holidays," which start in the middle of next week depending on the sighting of the moon, Hamas official Mussa.... Waiting for Godot in Palestine Nicola Nasser, CounterPunch 11/10/2010 Peace Held Hostage The statement by former U.S. President George W. Bush in his 497 – page memoir of “Decision Points” that a secret peace deal was worked out between the then-prime minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert, and Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, which “we devised a process to turn .. into a public agreement” had not Olmert been ousted by a scandal to be replaced in the following elections by Binyamin Netanyahu, who reneged on his predecessor’s commitments, is a piece of history which highlights the fact that peace making in the Arab – Israeli conflict and the peace process have been hostages to the rotating U.S. and Israeli elections since the Madrid peace conference of 1991. Of course Bush had a different point of view. In his Rose Garden speech on Israel – Palestine two-state solution on June 24, 2002, he said that “for too long .. the citizens of the Middle East” and “the hopes of many” have been held “hostage” to “the hatred of a few (and) the forces of extremism and terror,” a misjudgement that led his administration to strike a deal with the former Israeli premier, now comatose, Ariel Sharon to engineer a “regime change” in the self-ruled Palestinian Authority that resulted – according to Sharon’s terminology – in the “removal” of Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader who made peace possible in the first place for the first time in the past one hundred years and for that deserved to be a Nobel Peace Laureate, to be replaced by the incumbent Palestinian leadership of Abbas who, despite being almost identical of both men’s image of a peace maker, is again victimized by the same rotating U.S. and Israeli elections, much more than by what Bush termed as “forces of extremism and terror.” Ironically, Bush’s own Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, some three years ago, had to admit that there is no consensus among U.S. officials on a clear-cut definition of “extremism and terror” when she said, referring to acts of Palestinian anti-Israeli military occupation.... more.. e-mail Solidarity must not come at the expense of Iranian freedoms Electronic Intifada: 10 Nov 2010 - As proud as I am of the independent political path Iran has taken and the role it plays as an enabler of resistance to Israel, I am deeply aware of the great costs we have been forced to bear as a people by our government. Khashayar Safavi comments for The Electronic Intifada.more Peace Held Hostage to US, Israeli Elections Palestine Chronicle: 10 Nov 2010 - By Nicola Nasser The statement by former U.S. President George W. Bush in his 497 - page memoir of 'Decision Points' that a secret peace deal was worked out between the then-prime minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert, and Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, which "we devised a process to turn .. into a public agreement" had not Olmert been ousted by a scandal to be replaced in the following elections by Binyamin Netanyahu, who reneged on his predecessor's commitments, is a piece of history which highlights the fact that peacemaking in the Arab - Israeli conflict and the peace process have been hostages to the rotating U.S. and Israeli elections since the Madrid peace conference of 1991. Of course Bush had a different point of view. In his Rose Garden speech on Israel - Palestine two-state solution on June 24, 2002, he said that "for too long .. the citizens of the Middle...more Hamdan: “Damascus Meeting Will Not Resolve All Issues” IMEMC - 9 Nov 2010 - Tuesday November 09, 2010 - 08:23, Hamas political leader, Usama Hamdan, stated that the Tuesday meeting in Damascus between the Palestinian factions will not resolve all issues regarding internal reconciliation and the security file, but will set foundations for solutions appeasing the Palestinian people. Hamas leader: Damascus meet may not resolve division 11/9/2010 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Hamas politburo member Usama Hamdan said Tuesday that unity meetings with Fatah in Damascus may not resolve the division between the rival factions. The parties would discuss internal Palestinian security and the reunification of their respective security forces, Hamdan said in an interview with Ma'an Radio. However a final.... Fatah wins Nablus university student senate elections 11/9/2010 - NABLUS (Ma'an) -- An-Najah National University in Nablus announced Tuesday that Fatah won 57 out of 81 seats in recent student senate elections. Student affairs dean Moussa Abu Dayyeh said more than half of the university's 20,000 students voted. Mustafa Barghouthi's Palestinian National Initiative won six seats. Of the leftist.... The new math Palestine Note 9 Nov 2010 - Election Day was not a time of rejoicing for Democrats. And Jewish Democrats weren't spared. Jewish legislative branch totals decreased from 39 to 34. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Tea Party wave was just too strong.... Heads Or Tails, One Or Two-State Solution PNN - By: Mitri I. Musleh - Now that the US midterm election has passed, President Obama may have a chance to pay more attention to the Palestinian/Israeli problem. The challenges facing President Obama... The great book robbery of 1948 Electronic Intifada: 9 Nov 2010 - A new documentary reveals a hidden chapter in the history of the Nakba -- the Palestinian expulsion and flight at the hands of Zionist militias as Israel was established in 1948 -- which saw the systematic looting of more than 60,000 Palestinian books by Israeli forces and the attempted destruction of Palestinian culture.more Rabbis provoke riots in Israel's "most racist" city Electronic Intifada: 9 Nov 2010 - In the past few weeks, the usually tranquil town of Safed -- one of Judaism's four holy cities -- has been making headlines. Gideon Levy, a columnist for the Israeli daily Haaretz , last week declared it "the most racist city in the country."more Speaking out on Kashmir and Palestine in the US Electronic Intifada: 9 Nov 2010 - The United States has become a battleground for both the struggles of the peoples of Palestine and Kashmir, for freedom from military occupation and for justice. Awareness amongst the US public is broadened as the repression of both struggles grows ever more violent, and meanwhile those wishing to stifle debate on these issues in the US resort to harassment and intimidation.more PA court to rule on elections deferral next month 11/8/2010 - RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- The Palestinian High Court of Justice listened Monday to final pleas by the general prosecutor over the deferral of local elections that were scheduled for July. The court decided to have convene a final session 13 December to rule. Two written pleadings were submitted by prosecutors Khalid Awwad and NajatBreicky. The.... Jordan's upcoming election overshadowed by calls for boycott 11/8/2010 - AMMAN, Jordan (DPA) -- Jordanians are set to head to the polls on Tuesday, despite a boycott urged by the country's largest opposition party. A total of 763 candidates, including 134 women, will be competing for the 120 seats in the lower house of parliament, with some 2. 4 million people eligible to vote.... For Palestinians, Mid-Term Elections don't Mean Much Uruknet November 8, 2010 - Unfortunately however, for the Palestinian cause it will not make that much difference who takes the House. In the end, the Palestinians are faced with an Israel that goes but so much in its "peace efforts" before casting the entire blame on the Palestinians. Ideally, the United States could play the crucial role of imposing... US-IRAN: Netanyahu Pounds War Drums IPS Less than a week after Republicans made major gains in the U.S. midterm elections, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has called on President Barack Obama to "create a credible threat of military action" against Iran. Israeli plan for more than 1,300 new homes in East Jerusalem provokes Palestinian outrage Daily Star 8 Nov 2010 IRBIL, Iraq: Leaders of Iraq's major political blocs met Monday for the first time since March elections in a new push to break the eight-month deadlock over forming a new government. Car bombs struck three predominantly... Israel Claims Victory in US Midterm Elections Franklin Lamb, Beirut, CounterPunch 11/5/2010 Did Anyone Really Think They Would Lose? The Republican party’s gain of 60 plus House Seats (10 seats, all held by Democrats, are still undecided at press time) and six Senate seats, is the largest Congressional increase for either party since 1948 when the Democrats gained 75 seats in the lower chamber and Harry Truman won the White House. Next January’s 112th Congress is already receiving rave advance reviews, some coming from the more than half a million Jewish settlers in more than 100 illegal colonies in occupied Palestine who are pleased to see President Obama emasculated and the sentiments expressed in his June 2008 Cairo speech long forgotten. Many are hoping he will be replaced by likes of Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, or a Mike Huckabee in 2012. Danny Dayan, head of the Yesha Council, which represents Jewish settlers in the West Bank, and whose representatives are increasingly on the rampage, by word and by deed, spoke for many when he told a post election news conference that he expected the new Congress "will facilitate a more open-minded approach to Israel's needs [i.e., yet more Palestinian land] than what we've experienced over the last two years." AIPAC, as it does after every Congressional election, offered pro forma congratulations to the winners: “It is abundantly clear that the 112th Congress will continue America’s long tradition of staunch support for a strong, safe and secure Israel and an abiding friendship between the United States and our most reliable ally in the Middle East.” No sooner had the election results been declared than key winners received what for decades has been a post election ritual, bestowed on new Members of Congress. That would be the delivery of US taxpayer subsidized invitations for all expense paid junkets to Israel. Of this year’s batch, Florida’s new Senator, Marco Rubio, who considers himself a Tea Party leader and who has been called “America’s great Right hope’ will lead the flock and arrive in Israel on this Sunday, November 7. more.. e-mail The loyalty oath and Israel's Zionist "left" Electronic Intifada: 8 Nov 2010 - The Zionist "Left" is distancing itself from a loyalty oath bill on the Israeli government's table, but the proposed oath is entirely consistent with Israel's racist foundations and continued ethnic cleansing -- all of which the Zionist "Left" has played a central role in perpetrating and whitewashing.more Israel’s Netanyahu undoubted winner of US mid-term elections – for now 7 Nov 2010 - Jerusalem, November 7, (Pal Telegraph - Redress) Uri Avnery argues that although the Republican win in the US mid-term elections represents a victory for Binyamin Netanyahu, the longer term prospects for the Israeli prime minister and those he represents are much less certain. The Israeli leadership did not know how to treat the results of this election. Are they good... PA, Hamas use passports as ammo in battle between factions Jeruslalem Post 7 Nov 2010 - Human rights organizations say the PA is punishing Gaza Palestinians affiliated with Hamas by depriving them of travel documents. US ambassador: Election results won't alter Israel ties Jeruslalem Post 7 Nov 2010 - James Cunningham states US will continue to maintain Israel's qualitative military edge and assist efforts to defend against Hamas, Hizbullah rocket-fire, in comments at Begin-Sadat Center conference. Israel a big issue in upcoming Jordanian elections Jeruslalem Post 7 Nov 2010 - Amidst fears that West Bank Palestinians will be dumped on Jordan, many candidates call for "political resistance" to defend Jordan from "Israeli threat." US ambassador: Midterm results won't affect US-Israel relations YNet News - US Ambassador to Israel James Cunningham said Sunday the results of last week's midterm elections would not affect US policy towards Israel, adding that the US had "moral ....... Iraq rivals 'agree to share power' eight months after elections Daily Star 7 Nov 2010 NEW ORLEANS: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began a US visit Sunday to meet with Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and discuss ways to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. The Loneliness of Barack Obama Palestine Chronicle: 7 Nov 2010 - By Deepak Tripathi – London The moment when President Obama emerged at the White House to speak to the press (November 4), less than twenty-four hours after the Democratic Party’s midterm drubbing, provided the most telling picture. There was the president of the world’s most powerful country walking alone to the podium, admitting defeat just two years after an historic triumph so complete that it was hailed as a revolutionary event. As he stood uncomfortably to express contrition and promise that lessons would be learned, there was nobody from his administration standing with him to show support after a defeat as decisive as the victory was magnificent over the discredited Republican Party in 2008. Vice President Joe Biden had appeared at election rallies as the president tried to enthuse voters in the final days of campaigning. However, the vice president was nowhere to be seen when Obama walked to the...more Hebron worker dies of electric shock 11/6/2010 - HEBRON (Ma'an) -- A 29-year-old Palestinian worker died from an electric shock Saturday in a southern West Bank refugee camp, police said. Locals said Mohammad Warasneh died instantly when he suffered an electric shock from a crane, while working in a building in Al-Arrub camp near Hebron. According to a police report, the.... Mideast peace still a priority for Obama, U.S. says Ha'aretz - Republican gains in midterm elections will not reduce pressure on Israelis to strike a peace deal, says State Department., Hezbollah officials claim Lebanon obtained information about posts covering all of Lebanon., 'George, I'm asking you to bomb the compound,' Olmert told Bush according to former U.S. president's memoirs; Israel eventually reportedly destroyed the facility. Mideast peace still a priority for Obama, U.S. says Ha'aretz 7 Nov 2010 - Republican gains in midterm elections will not reduce pressure on Israelis to strike a peace deal, says State Department., Hezbollah officials claim Lebanon obtained information about posts covering all of Lebanon., 'George, I'm asking you to bomb the compound,' Olmert told Bush according to former U.S. president's memoirs; Israel eventually reportedly destroyed the facility. The Nobleman and the Horse Palestine Chronicle: 6 Nov 2010 - By Uri Avnery 'Half and half,' the late Prime Minister, Levi Eshkol, is said to have answered, when asked whether he wanted tea or coffee. This joke was intended to parody his hesitation on the eve of the Six-day War. (Though secret documents published this week show Eshkol in a very different light.) The American public now resembles the man in the joke. They sent to Washington a large group of Tea Party types, but the coffee drinkers in the White house are still in control. The Israeli leadership did not know how to treat the results of this election. Are they good for the Jews or bad for the Jews? The big winner of the American election is none other than Binyamin Netanyahu. His policy is similar to that of his political mentor, Yitzhak Shamir. It is based on the Jew who had to teach the Polish nobleman’s horse...more The Democratic Party Debacle Palestine Chronicle: 6 Nov 2010 - By James Petras The November 2, 2010 electoral debacle of the Democratic Party in the US cannot be solely ascribed to the failed policies of President Obama, the Congressional leadership or their senior economic advisers. Nor is the demise of what passes for the American “center-left” confined to the US – it is a world-wide pattern, expressed in countries as diverse as Greece, Portugal, Spain, Great Britain and Japan. The central question is why the left-center left governing parties are everywhere in crisis and will be for the foreseeable future? The Left-Center Left: Past Winners, Present Losers In the past leftist parties had been the beneficiaries of capitalist crises: Incumbent conservative regimes, which had presided over economic recessions or had been held responsible for military debacles, were ousted from power by leftist parties prepared to make large-scale, long-term public investments, funded by progressive taxes on wealth and capital, and to...more US: Middle East peace will 'remain' priority for Obama 11/5/2010 - WASHINGTON (DPA) -- The US remains committed to forging an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal despite electoral gains this week by Republicans who are traditionally more sympathetic to Israel. US State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said President Barack Obama's administration still views the peace process as a priority and will work with Congress to see.... Al-Masri arrives in Gaza 11/5/2010 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Palestinian National Coalition leader Munib Al-Masri urged Hamas and Fatah to engage every effort to achieve success in their upcoming meeting in Damascus. On November 9 the rival factions will discuss security, the final issue stalling the ratification of an Egyptian-backed reconciliation agreement, said Yaser Al-Wadieyah, a representative of independent.... Conned by Democracy: The Middle East's Stagnant 'Change' Uruknet November 5, 2010 - ...In actual fact, nothing is changing – except for the insistence by some that it is. Arab governments have made two important discoveries in the last decade. The first discovery is that US interests cannot peacefully co-exist with true democracies in the region. Egypt had a rude awaking in 2005, when Muslim Brotherhood candidates won... Conned by democracy Ramzy Baroud, Ma’an News Agency 11/5/2010 Democracy in the Middle East continues to be a hugely popular topic of discussion. Its virtues are tirelessly praised by rulers and oppositions alike, by intellectuals and ordinary people, by political prisoners and their prison guards. Yet, in actuality, it also remains an illusion, if not a front to ensure the demise of any real possibility of public participation in decision-making. Bahrain was the latest Arab country to hold free and fair elections. It managed a reasonable voter turnout of 67 percent. The opposition also did very well, winning 45 percent of the seats. In terms of fairness and transparency, the Bahraini elections could serve as an excellent example of how ‘things are changing’ in the Middle East. More, they might provide Western leaders such as US President Barack Obama an opportunity to commend the contribution of American guidance to 'progress' in the region. In actual fact, nothing is changing – except for the insistence by some that it is. Arab governments have made two important discoveries in the last decade. The first discovery is that US interests cannot peacefully co-exist with true democracies in the region. Egypt had a rude awaking in 2005, when Muslim Brotherhood candidates won a fifth of the votes, if not more. This was followed by the unmatched democratic revolution in Palestine when Hamas won the majority of the vote. The aftermath of both of these events was enough to remind both Arabs and the US of the folly of their so-called democracy project. The second realization is that Arabs are not judged by the genuineness of their democracy; rather, the success of their democratic experiences is judged on the basis of how well they can serve and protect US interests.... more.. e-mail Plea deal "only option" for political prisoner Ameer Makhoul Electronic Intifada: 5 Nov 2010 - After spending nearly six months in jail, Palestinian political prisoner Ameer Makhoul signed a plea agreement with Israeli state prosecutors on 27 October. The deal involves a reduced list of charges, including contact with a foreign agent and spying for the Lebanese resistance movement Hizballah. The charges carry a maximum prison sentence of seven to ten years.more UN will be judged on whether it upholds Palestinian rights Electronic Intifada: 5 Nov 2010 - "It is time, after 43 years, to acknowledge the intolerable burdens of prolonged occupation on a civilian population." In his last report to the United Nations General Assembly in his term as Special Rapporteur on the Situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Richard Falk describes the lack of cooperation of the Israeli government and the deteriorating human rights situation on the ground.more Abu Arafa: IOA linking Jerusalemite deputies issue to the exchange deal PIC 4 Nov 2010 - Khaled Abu Arafa has revealed that the IOA was linking cancellation of the deportation of four Jerusalemite deputies to the conclusion of the prisoners' exchange deal with the Palestinian factions. Boycott victory: Africa Israel suspends settlement construction Electronic Intifada: 4 Nov 2010 - Africa Israel, the flagship company of Israeli billionaire Lev Leviev, announced this week that it is no longer involved in Israeli settlement projects and that it has no plans for future settlement activities.more Interview: Budrus "built a model of civil resistance" Electronic Intifada: 4 Nov 2010 - This Sunday, 7 November, will mark exactly seven years since Ayed Morrar first saw Israeli bulldozers arrive to destroy the land of his village, Budrus, in the occupied West Bank. Ayed al-Morrar, founder of the first popular committee to resist Israel's wall, discusses with The Electronic Intifada contributor Jody McIntyre his village's struggle and victory and the future of the movement.more Conned by Democracy: The Middle East's Stagnant 'Change' Palestine Chronicle: 4 Nov 2010 - By Ramzy Baroud Democracy in the Middle East continues to be a hugely popular topic of discussion. Its virtues are tirelessly praised by rulers and oppositions alike, by intellectuals and ordinary people, by political prisoners and their prison guards. Yet, in actuality, it also remains an illusion, if not a front to ensure the demise of any real possibility of public participation in decision-making. Bahrain was the latest Arab country to hold free and fair elections. It managed a reasonable voter turnout of 67 percent. The opposition also did very well, winning 45 percent of the seats. In terms of fairness and transparency, the Bahraini elections could serve as an excellent example of how ‘things are changing’ in the Middle East. More, they might provide Western leaders, such as US President Barack Obama an opportunity to commend the contribution of American guidance to ‘progress’ in the region. In actual fact,...more Neocons didn’t gain traction with Jewish voters. Hmmm Mondoweiss - Eli Clifton at Lobelog says that Bill Kristol and his neocon outfit, the Emergency Committee for Israel, had little traction in the midterm election; and that Jews continue to vote Democratic, and Iran and Israel are not big issues for them: Hawkish astroturf groups such as... US Midterm Elections and the Middle East Peace Process IMEMC - 3 Nov 2010 - Wednesday November 03, 2010 - 17:43, The outcome of Tuesday's midterm elections in the United States marked the Republican party's victory in the House of Representatives with a majority of at least 62 seats gained. No change is expected by Palestinians on the status of Palestine in the current peace negotiations. Israel allows gravel, electric transformers into Gaza 11/3/2010 - GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli authorities will permit a rare shipment of gravel required for construction to enter the besieged Gaza Strip on Wednesday, a Palestinian official said. Raed Fattuh said that Israel would allow around 220 truckloads of humanitarian aid and other goods to enter Gaza, including 131 truckloads of gravel required for.... Abbas aide: Palestinians don't expect change in US Mideast policy 11/3/2010 - TEL AVIV, Israel (DPA) -- A senior aide to President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday he did not expect the outcome of the US mid-term congressional elections to affect the Middle East peace process." We will continue to work with the US administration as before," Yasser Abed Rabbo told Voice of Palestine Radio from Kuwait, where he.... Abbas: US trying to restart peace talks 11/3/2010 - MANAMA, Bahrain (Ma'an) -- Continuous efforts have been made by US mediators to bring stalled peace talks back on track, President Mahmoud Abbas told the Kuwait News Agency KUNA on Wednesday. As PA officials insist that the midterm elections - which took seats in the nation's congress away from President Barack Obama'.... Related: Abbas aide: Palestinians don't expect change in US Mideast policy Protests as Egypt candidates barred AlJazeera 3 Nov 2010 - Government preliminarily denies 57 Muslim Brotherhood candidates from running in polls amid claims of a crackdown. Netanyahu ready to resume work with Obama Palestine Note 3 Nov 2010 - Washington - After the US midterm elections, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is ready to renew stalled talks with the Palestinians, Ynet News reported Wednesday. Despite political setbacks for the Democratic Party... Tea Party representative to visit Israel Palestine Note 3 Nov 2010 - Washington - Newly elected Florida senator, Republican Marco Rubio is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Sunday, much to the approval of pro-Israeli groups, Ynet News reported Wednesday. AIPAC applauded the election results and stated: "It... Republicans take US Congress, Democrats maintain hold on Senate Palestine Note 3 Nov 2010 - Midterm election results yield important changes, but State Department claims it will not effect Mideast policy. Washington - As had been predicted, Republicans made significant gains in Congress and the Senate in Tuesday's midterm elections in... Livni: It's stupid to think weak US president helps Israel Jeruslalem Post 3 Nov 2010 - Kadima leader slams Netanyahu's peace negotiations strategy and those who hoped for Democrats defeat in US elections in Knesset, Netanyahu tells MKs he hopes the PA desires peace as much as Israel and the US do. PM 'ready to resume work with Obama' YNet News - After the conclusion of the midterm elections in the US on Tuesday, Israel is preparing to step up talks with the American administration vis-à-vis the stalemated ....... Days after election victory: 'Tea Party' coming to Israel YNet News - First they took Washington, now they'll take Jerusalem? With victory in the congressional elections less than a day old, Florida Senator Marco Rubio (Rep.) who considers ....... Tough questions for Hamas Haidar Eid, Ma’an News Agency 11/3/2010 Hamas' victory in the 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council elections surprised everyone, including its own members and leaders. Many local and international activists were also relieved, as the victory was a blow to the Bush doctrine in the Middle East. It was also a test of the credibility of the liberal democratic approach and its applications in the region. This article is not concerned with domestic or foreign reactions and attempts to topple the sole democratic experience in the Arab world. Rather, it tackles Hamas' failure to live up to its own commitments to its constituencies, many of whom were not necessarily supporters of the movement. It also examines the extent of Hamas' credibility in committing to the social contract by which major democracies abide in terms of respecting individual citizens and safeguarding their dignity. This contract applies not only to male but also to female citizens. First, one ought to reiterate the fact that Hamas is part of the resistance camp. In addition to the enormous sacrifices that many of its leaders and cadres have made, if creatively invested, Hamas' actions ultimately support the interests of the Palestinian cause. This implies the following question: Has Hamas been able to actually build on this high level of commitment and sacrifice, not only on the part of the movement but of Palestinians in general? Despite its somewhat fiery statements, Hamas' impulse and willingness to deal with American propositions are indeed astonishing. Two letters were sent, as far as I know, to the new Obama administration after the term of former US President George W. Bush ended. The Americans emphasized that they declined to accept the first letter. However, it is the content of the letters and how they reflect the aspirations of Palestinians -- both in all of historic Palestine as well as in the Diaspora -- that is significant. more.. e-mail Hamas: PA arrests 9 party members 11/2/2010 - BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Hamas officials in the West Bank accused Palestinian Authority security forces of detaining nine party affiliates for political reasons. Hamas said in a statement that the men were detained from Tulkarem, Hebron, Qalqiliya and Jenin. The detentions come as tensions between rival factions Hamas and Fatah persist, and the latest attempts.... Ni’ilin Protesters Cut Through Electronic Fence During Weekly Demo 2 Nov 2010 - Ni'ilin, November 2, (Pal Telegraph - Joseph Dana) A larger than usual group of Ni’ilin residents, accompanied by Israeli and international supporters marched towards the concrete wall built on the village’s lands this week after the Friday midday prayer. Soon after the march had reached the wall, soldiers positioned behind the wall began shooting tear-gas on the demonstrators, which proved... WATCH: MK Haneen Zoabi says there is "no chance for two states" Palestine Note 2 Nov 2010 - Washington - Co-founder of Electronic Intifada Ali Abunimah interviews MK Haneen Zoabi who speaks disparagingly of the prospects for a two-state solution. Barak: Negotiations to resume after US elections YNet News - The peace talks with the Palestinian Authority will move forward after the midterm elections in the US, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Tuesday. "There are ....... The Occupation and Political Corruption in Israel Uri Avnery, CounterPunch 11/2/2010 Bread and Circuses I was surprised when, towards the end of 1975, I received an invitation from the Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, to meet him at his residence. He opened the door himself, poured me a glass of whisky, poured one for himself, and without any further ado asked me: “Tell me, Uri, have you decided to destroy all the doves in the Labor Party?” Some weeks before, my magazine, Haolam Hazeh (“This World”), had started to publish disclosures about the corrupt dealings of the candidate for President of the Central Bank, Asher Yadlin. On the eve of the conversation, we had also started to publish suspicions concerning the Minister of Housing, Avraham Ofer. Both were leaders of the Labor “doves”. I answered that, unfortunately, I could not offer immunity to corrupt politicians, even if their political positions were close to mine. These are separate matters. I told this story this week at a conference held by Tel Aviv University devoted to a new book by Prof. Yossi Shain, “The Language of Corruption”. The panel was very mixed. There were two former Ministers of Justice – Yossi Beilin, the chairman of the “Geneva Initiative”, and Daniel Friedman, a right-winger whose unrestrained attacks on the Supreme Court had aroused public indignation; Yedidia Stern, a national-religious intellectual who is advocating reconciliation with the secular camp, and retired General Yitzhak Ben-Israel of the Air Force and the Israeli Space Agency, a member of the last Knesset for the Kadima party. I was introduced as the creator of Israel’s investigative journalism, who was responsible for the exposure of the first big corruption affairs that rocked the nation. more.. e-mail Tough questions for Hamas Electronic Intifada: 2 Nov 2010 - Has Hamas been able to actually build on its high level of commitment and sacrifice, not only on the part of the movement but of Palestinians in general? Haidar Eid comments.more Education in Palestine in world spotlight Electronic Intifada: 2 Nov 2010 - The behind-the-scenes work of Palestinian unions, Palestinian and international BDS groups, video conferences bridging Palestine to the outside world, and the struggle of Palestinian students to access an education continues largely unnoticed by the cameras.more Israeli colonies expand, Palestinians face home demolitions Electronic Intifada: 2 Nov 2010 - Bulldozers, backed by Israeli soldiers and police forces, razed a Bedouin Palestinian encampment in Isawiya, a village northeast of Jerusalem on Wednesday, 27 October. Israeli forces destroyed tents and other structures that were home to six families, according to Ma'an News Agency.more Bardaweel: Israel won't see Shalit without paying price 11/1/2010 - GAZA (Ma'an) -- Hamas leader Salah Bardaweel said Monday that "the Israeli occupation will not rejoice [with Gilad] Shalit without paying the price under the resistance factions' conditions." This remark came during a speech at an event in the city of Khan Younis held in solidarity with the more than 10,000 Palestinians from.... "No chance for two states": Interview with Knesset member Haneen Zoabi Uruknet October 31, 2010 - There is now "no chance" for a two-state solution in Palestine. So said Haneen Zoabi, a Palestinian member of Israel's parliament, the Knesset, in an interview with The Electronic Intifada (EI) on 29 October in Chicago (video). "The reality goes more toward the one state solution," Zoabi said, "whether a democratic one-state solution, or a... 'I have ‘100% voting record’ on legislation backed by AIP' Jeruslalem Post 1 Nov 2010 - Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate Joe Sestak defends signing letter pushed by J Street calling for easing Gaza blockade. Bardawil: No Shalit release without price PIC 1 Nov 2010 - Hamas MP Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil has stressed that the Zionist enemy will not rejoice the return of Gilad Shalit without paying the price set by the resistance factions capturing him. 'Israeli society doesn’t feel the need for peace' Interviewed by Ali Abunimah, The Electronic Intifada, Israeli Occupation Archive 10/31/2010 There is now “no chance” for a two-state solution in Palestine. So said Haneen Zoabi, a Palestinian member of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, in an interview with The Electronic Intifada (EI) on 29 October in Chicago (video). “The reality goes more toward the one state solution,” Zoabi said, “whether a democratic one-state solution, or a binational one-state solution.” Elected in 2009, Zoabi represents the National Democratic Alliance, and is the first woman to be elected on the list of an Arab party in Israel. “We are struggling for a normal state,” Zoabi explained, “which is a state for all of its citizens, [in] which the Palestinians and the Israeli Jews can have full equality. I recognize religious, cultural and national group rights for the Israelis, but inside a democratic and neutral state.” Zoabi spoke to EI just before she addressed 120 students, faculty and community members in an event organized by Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Chicago. During her lecture, and in the interview with EI, Zoabi described the systematic legal, social and cultural discrimination Israel’s 1.2 million Palestinian citizens face. Zoabi said she strongly opposes Israel’s demand to be recognized as a “Jewish state” as this would legitimize and deepen these forms of discrimination. Zoabi was among dozens of Palestinian citizens injured by Israeli police just two days before her interview with EI. On 27 October, Israeli extremists affiliated with the outlawed Kach movement, founded by the late Meir Kahane, marched through Umm al-Fahm, a Palestinian city within Israel. Kahane believed that all Palestinians should be expelled from Israel and the occupied territories. Zoabi described how police attacked Palestinian demonstrators and protected the Israeli extremists. -- See also: Source more.. e-mail Video: "No justice, no chickpeas!" activists tell Philadelphia shoppers Electronic Intifada: 1 Nov 2010 - Shoppers and employees at the Fresh Grocer's flagship store at 40th and Walnut Street in Philadelphia were surprised last month by a choreographed flash dance performed in the store by activists calling for a boycott of products that provide moral and financial support for Israeli human rights violations.more Progressive Canadians must challenge JNF's charitable status Electronic Intifada: 1 Nov 2010 - Last month, Greg Selinger, the New Democratic Party (NDP) Premier of the Province of Manitoba, and two of his ministers visited Israel. Among other things, the official delegation strengthened the longtime "progressive" government's ties to the Jewish National Fund (JNF). The trip was a sad spectacle that should embarrass every Canadian who opposes racism.more Book review: understanding the economics of occupation Electronic Intifada: 1 Nov 2010 - In his debut book The Political Economy of the Occupation , economist Shir Hever synthesizes a slew of sources to come to a solid analysis of the economic factors behind the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.more Bread and the Circus Palestine Chronicle: 31 Oct 2010 - By Uri Avnery – Israel I was surprised when, towards the end of 1975, I received an invitation from the Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, to meet him at his residence. He opened the door himself, poured me a glass of whisky, poured one for himself, and without any further ado asked me: 'Tell me, Uri, have you decided to destroy all the doves in the Labor Party?' Some weeks before, my magazine, Haolam Hazeh (“This World”), had started to publish disclosures about the corrupt dealings of the candidate for President of the Central Bank, Asher Yadlin. On the eve of the conversation, we had also started to publish suspicions concerning the Minister of Housing, Avraham Ofer. Both were leaders of the Labor “doves”. I answered that, unfortunately, I could not offer immunity to corrupt politicians, even if their political positions were close to mine. These are separate matters. I told...more Haneen Zoabi: Palestinians citizens of Israel are ’struggling for a normal state . . . which is a state for all of its citizens, [in] which the Palestinians and the Israeli Jews can have full equality.’ Mondoweiss - Ali Abunimah has an interesting and wide ranging interview with Israeli MK Haneen Zoabi up on Electronic Intifada . Zoabi has been public enemy number one in Israel since taking part in the Freedom Flotilla last Spring. Most recently, she was targeted last week by police during...  Links
Mossawa - The Advocacy Center for Arab Citizens of Israel Mossawa, The Advocacy Center for Arab Citizens in Israel, was established in October of 1997 as a Non Governmental Organization. Mossawa works to promote equality for ArabPalestinians within the borders of Israel. Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health This website requires Internet Explorer. Palestinian Authority Ministry of Information General information from the PA Palestinian Information Center Hamas news site Palestinian National Initiative - Al Mubadara The main objective of the Initiative is the realization of Palestinian national rights and of a durable, just peace. Both of these objectives can be best achieved at this juncture through the establishment of a national emergency leadership, the immediate implementation of democratic elections at all levels of the political system, and reform of political, administrative, and other institutional structures in order to meet the needs of the Palestinian people. PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Documents, maps, fact sheets and reports related to the occupation.
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