Israel razes militant's house, woman 'crushed'
Reuters AlertNet, February 5, 2003
GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli forces razed the home of a Palestinian militant in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday and his stepmother was crushed to death inside after apparently not hearing warnings to leave, Palestinian security officials said.

Elderly Woman, Palestinian Policeman Killed in Israeli Raids
Islam Online, February 5, 2003
NABLUS, West Bank, February 5 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian policeman in the West Bank and an elderly woman was killed by flying debris when Israeli troops blew up the house of a slain activist in overnight raids, security officials said Wednesday, February 5.

Court annuls IDF right to hold Palestinians for 12 days
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003
The High Court of Justice on Wednesday ruled to annul an article in a special military warrant which allowed the IDF to detain Palestinians in the West Bank for 12 days without allowing the detainee to see a judge and without allowing him to plead his case for the first four days of his arrest.

Interior Ministry demolishes Bedouin mosque in Negev
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003 
Interior Ministry inspectors Wednesday demolished a mosque in an unrecognized Negev Bedouin village, a step condemned by Arab legislator Talab A Sana (United Arab List) as "a red line crossed… this is very severe and dangerous, and could lead to a public uprising."

Patten faces battle over EU funds for Palestinians
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
MEPs claim Brussels is paying for terrorist acts against Israel  -- A group of MEPs demanded yesterday that Europe's financial support for the Palestinian Authority must be investigated because of allegations that cash is being diverted into anti-Israel propaganda and terrorist activities.

U.S., U.K., 'troubled' by settler policies
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003 
U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair agreed during their meeting this past weekend that they were "troubled" by Israel's settlement policies in the territories and their long-term effect on the political peace process, reports reaching Jerusalem say.

Israel Envoy: Expelling Palestinians Not an Option
Reuters, February 5, 2003
AMMAN, Jordan (Reuters) - Israel's ambassador to Amman said Wednesday the idea of expelling Palestinians en masse from the occupied territories to Jordan was morally repellent and contrary to his country's interests.

LAW: Return the Corpses of Palestinian Combatants
Palestine Chronicle, February 5, 2003
"Respect of the living also includes respect for the dead"  -- OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (LAW) - It’s not pleasant to be a body hunter, but that’s LAW’s attorney, Ms. Hanan Khatib’s job. Last year, several families turned to her for help in returning the bodies of their sons, Palestinian combatants, after Israeli authorities confiscated their corpses.

Water Wars
International Solidarity Movement, February 5, 2003
Today six ISM activists based in Rafah (3 American, 2 British, 1 Swedish) are accompanying municipal workers who are rebuilding a road to Rafah's main water pumping station northwest of Tel el-Sultan.  The road has been destroyed by the Israeli Army and both the road and the pumping station are overlooked by the Rafih Yem Settlement.  Repairs on the road have been prevented from machine-gun fire from an Israeli tank situated within the settlement.  (Last night a 12 year old boy was shot in the leg by machine-gun fire from the same tank.)

Immigration to Israel down 23% in 2002
Globes, February 5, 2003
The recession caused a steep 23% fall in immigration to Israel in 2002. The Central Bureau of Statistics today reported that only 33,500 immigrants arrived in Israel in 2002, compared with 43,600 in 2001.

Patten 'blocking inquiry' into cash for Arafat
The Telegraph, February 5, 2003
A cross-party group of MEPs yesterday accused Chris Patten, the external affairs commissioner, of trying to sabotage an inquiry into claims that European Union aid to the Palestinian Authority has been diverted to terrorists.

Record budget deficit is double January forecast
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003 
The government's spending deficit in January was NIS 2.661 billion - more than double the NIS 1.27 billion projected in the 2003 budget, the treasury said yesterday.

Analysis: On the road to financial ruin
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003
Budgetary deficits come and go according to seasons. The first few months of the year are traditionally the best, so that up until June the cumulative deficit is marginal.

Peres: Only unity can avert economic ruin
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003
Former Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said last night on Channel One's "Politika" current affairs program that Israel's economy is in dire straits and is on the brink of collapse.

New fence plan irks left, right
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003
There were harsh reactions from both left and right to the map presented to Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz this week by the Yesha Council of Settlements as an alternative to the separation fence route already partially approved by the government.

Starbucks mulls leaving Israel
Globes, February 5, 2003
Negotiations are underway to dissolve the Starbucks partnership with the Delek Group. Delek would continue to operate the cafe chain under another name.

Remains of Ilan Ramon identified, to be buried in Israel
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003  
NASA informed Israeli authorities early Wednesday that remains of Colonel Ilan Ramon, Israel's first astronaut and a member of the crew of the shuttle Columbia's calamitous final flight, have been positively identified.

Mufti denounces Jewish campaign to reopen Temple Mount
Jerusalem Post, February 5, 2003
The Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Ikremah Sabri, has urged Arabs and Muslims around the world to intervene to "salvage" the Islamic holy sites of Jerusalem, which he says are being targeted by "Jewish extremists and settlers."

Lebanese Army shoots at IAF jets
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003
The Lebanese Army fired anti-aircraft guns at Israel Air Force jets on Sunday. It was the first time the Lebanese military has joined in the fire routinely directed at Israeli planes by Hezbollah.

PNA: Delay of Inter-Palestinian Talks not Helpful
Palestine Media Center, February 5, 2003
The Palestine National Authority (PNA) has criticized the delay of the resumption of inter-Palestinian talks by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad as “not helpful for the national interest of the Palestinian people,” while Palestinian and Israeli sources confirmed that PNA took steps to prevent attacks into Israel.

Occupation Chronicle Events in Palestine, February 5, 2003
Palestine Media Center
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) dynamited a house in al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip killing a 65 year-old woman, who died after she was hit by chunk of flying stones while hiding in an adjacent house. IOF also carried an incursion into Khan Younis town and wounded at least a dozen civilians, ten of whom were children. Palestinian Policeman Killed in Qalqilia.

Israeli Troops, Tanks Enter Gaza Camp
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli tanks and troops entered a Palestinian refugee camp in the Gaza Strip early Wednesday, exchanging fire with gunmen, Palestinian security officials and witnesses said.

Woman dies as Israelis blast Gaza house
ABC, February 5, 2003
Israeli troops have killed a 65-year-old woman when they blew up the family home of a Palestinian militant at a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli helicopter gun ships opened fire on the refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip as army sappers moved in to demolish the family home of Abu Said, who was killed in an attack on a Jewish Settlement two years ago.

Israeli Forces Raid AL-Magazi Refugee Camp in Gaza strip
Arabic News, February 5, 2003
The PNA said that Israeli forces backed by tanks and helicopter gunships blew up a house belonging to a Palestinian militant in a raid on a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip early on Wednesday, Palestinian security sources said.

Elderly Woman Found Dead Under Rubble of Her House
Palestine Media Center, February 5, 2003
Palestinian Security Forces to Prevent the Firing of Missiles in Israel -- At least two Palestinian civilians were killed Wednesday, one in Qalqilia in the West Bank and a 65-year-old woman, who was killed when Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) blew up the neighboring house of her husband’s late son, sending debris flying during an overnight incursion into the central Gaza Strip refugee camp of al-Maghazi.

Israeli forces blow up 'militant's house'
BBC, February 5, 2003
Israeli forces backed by tanks and helicopter gunships have blown up a house in a Palestinian refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, killing a woman, Palestinian officials said.

UN deeply concerned by continuing violations of withdrawal line in southern Lebanon
United Nations News, February 3, 2003
3 February – The United Nations today voiced deep concern that air violations by Israel across the line of withdrawal in southern Lebanon are continuing and seem to have increased in the past few days.

Lebanon ready to stop Israeli 'plan' to deport Palestinians
Jerusalem Post, February 5, 2003
The Lebanese army has reportedly been put on stand-by to prevent any attempts by Israel to expel Palestinians to Lebanon in the event of a war on Iraq.

Hamas, Islamic Jihad delay Cairo cease-fire talks
Jerusalem Post, February 5, 2003 
Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat must confront Hamas and Islamic Jihad, or allow them to control interactions with the PA, a Fatah legislator told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday.

Brother and Sister Expelled to Gaza Meet Their Relatives
Palestine Chronicle, February 5, 2003
"Kifah, 28, saw his son Ali for the first time since he was born after Israel’s supreme court gave IOF permission to send the siblings into exile .." --
GAZA CITY - Two Palestinians, who were expelled by Israel from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip six months ago, received their first visit from relatives Monday.

IDF arrests Hebron man for deadly Islamic Jihad attacks
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003 
The Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet security service have arrested more than 20 members of the Islamic Jihad cell responsible for two deadly attacks in the Hebron area over the last two months.

The spilled sewage is drowning the coast with bacteria, tests say
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003 
Overwhelmingly heavy concentrations of harmful bacteria have been found off all the beaches stretching from south Tel Aviv to Herzliya as a result of the diversion of raw sewage into the sea.

International Solidarity Movement, February 5, 2003
1) Right to Education Campaign, 2) The Ladder Lady, by Art Gish, CPT,  3) Detained at Asiera Alshamalia, by Maria, 4) An Everyday Incident, by  Linus and Alice

Is it the real thing?
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
Simon Jeffery conducts a blind tasting with Qibla-Cola, the new kid on the Islamic cola market.

Israeli business calls for coalition
BBC, February 5, 2003
Israel's economy faces a deluge of trouble -- Israeli business leaders are calling for politicians to set aside their differences in the face of the economic crisis gripping the country.

Gaza woman, 65, crushed to death as IDF razes stespson's home
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003 
A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed Wednesday by IDF fire in the West Bank city of Nablus, Palestinian sources said. According to the Israel Radio report, the army said that the teen was shot because he was armed.

EU anti-fraud office investigates EU aid for Palestinian Authority
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003 
BRUSSELS - The European Union's anti-fraud office said Wednesday it was investigating allegations that EU funding for the Palestinian Authority - almost $11 million a month to meet payroll costs - is being used for terrorist purposes.

Palestinian official announces another London conference
Xinhuanet, February 5, 2003
GAZA, Feb. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Minister of Information Yasser Abed Rabbo announced Wednesday that another peace conference to discuss PNA reforms is to be held in London on Feb. 17.

Katsav to press Mitzna to change his mind on unity
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003 
President Moshe Katsav has invited Labor Party Chairman Amram Mitzna to a meeting tomorrow in an effort to persuade him to retract his opposition to joining a unity government led by Ariel Sharon. Katsav has also invited Shinui Chairman Yosef (Tommy) Lapid for a special meeting on Thursday.

A herd without a shepherd
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003 
The morning after MK Yossi Sarid's dramatic resignation as chairman of Meretz, MK Ran Cohen quickly rushed to announce his plans to run for the now available position.

Shinui says Sharon proposed government without Shas
Jerusalem Post, February 5, 2003
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon proposed a coalition excluding Shas in favor of Shinui, the National Religious Party and United Torah Judaism, Shinui MK Avraham Poraz told The Jerusalem Post in an interview on Tuesday.

Iran allows furlough for last of Jewish 'spies'
Jerusalem Post, February 5, 2003 
The last five Iranian Jews still held in an Iranian prison have been released on "vacation," although it remains uncertain whether they will be permanently freed.

Presbyterian Leader urges to give locally and globally
Come and See, February 4, 2003
"We need to say to the state of Israel, 'We love you; we support you; we support your security; but what you are doing to the people in the West Bank is wrong." -- When Rev. Fahed Abu-Akel was growing up in Kufur Yaseef in Galilee, in what used to be Palestine, he never imagined that his Christian upbringing would prepare him to lead one of the most influential mainline denominations in America.

Pressure Builds Under Jordan's King
Washington Post, February 5, 2003
Four years after his father's death, Jordan's king faces mounting dissatisfaction from key pillars of royal power, ranging from tribal heads to moderate Islamic leaders to liberal, secular forces.

How I’ve matured as a Muslim — by an American revert
Arab News, February 5, 2003
JEDDAH, 5 February 2003 — Conversion — or as Muslims prefer to call it, “reversion” — to Islam is becoming more common. In the United States, Islam is the fastest growing religion. Of the 1,200 mosques in the US, some 80 percent were built in the last 12 years.

By George! Bush is pushing to show his power, says activist
Arab News, February 5, 2003
JEDDAH, 5 February 2003 — Stanley L. Cohen, a Jewish attorney and advocate for the rights of Palestinians, lectured yesterday at the World Assembly of Muslim Youth in Jeddah on “The Infringement of Muslim Rights in the US and Defensive Measures”.

Iranian dissident rushed to hospital
BBC, February 5, 2003
Iran's leading dissident cleric Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazeri has been admitted to hospital following a suspected heart attack.

US shifts broadcast focus to Muslims
BBC, February 5, 2003
Washington seeks to influence Arab hearts and minds -- The United States has formally announced changes to its external broadcasting strategy which analysts describe as among the most far-reaching ever implemented.

Closer to the street
Cairo Times, February 5, 2003
The Popular Committee has changed Egypt's civil society and opposition politics, but can it make a real difference? -- Omar, a 17-year-old high school student, says that before the outbreak of the intifada he was not interested in politics at all.

Border back-up brings asylum-seekers to Vermont
Burlington Free Press, February 5, 2003
Mohammad Ibrahim Jamil has lived in the United States for 12 years. He and his wife, Nasima, spent time in Illinois and California after leaving their native Pakistan. They've had three children in this country. They've been content here. Now, the family is sleeping on cots at the Salvation Army in Burlington, awaiting an appointment at the Lacolle, Quebec, border crossing into Canada.

Powell Makes Iraq Case With Photos, Tapes
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Secretary of State Colin Powell, making his case that Iraq had defied all demands that it disarm, presented tape recordings, satellite photos and statements from informants Wednesday that he said constituted ``irrefutable and undeniable'' evidence that Saddam Hussein is concealing weapons of mass destruction.

War is the worst solution, warns Chirac
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
Jacques Chirac delivered a blunt warning to Tony Blair yesterday that Britain and the US will have their work cut out to persuade France to back a military attack on Iraq.

Australian Senate passes Iraq no confidence motion
ABC, February 5, 2003
The Federal Senate has just passed a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister's handling of the growing Iraq crisis.

Australian PM Suffers Historic Censure for Sending Troops to Gulf 
Common Dreams, February 5, 2003  
Prime Minister John Howard suffered a historic defeat here in an unprecedented no-confidence vote by Australia's Senate over his handling of the Iraq crisis.

Iraqi MP Says Powell Evidence 'Lies'
Reuters, February 5, 2003
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A senior Iraqi member of parliament dismissed as "lies" evidence presented Wednesday by Secretary of State Colin Powell to the U.N. Security Council on alleged Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.

China Calls on U.N. to Give Inspectors More Time
Reuters, February 5, 2003
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - China's foreign minister told the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday that it should allow U.N. arms inspectors in Iraq to carry on with their work.

Russia: Inspectors Must Now Verify Powell Report
Reuters, February 5, 2003
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia's foreign minister said Wednesday that the information given the U.N. Security Council by Secretary of State Powell must now be verified by U.N. inspectors inside Iraq.

France Urges Expansion of U.N. Inspections in Iraq
Reuters, February 5, 2003 
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - France's foreign minister called on the U.N. Security Council Wednesday to strengthen its inspection regime in Iraq and said military action against Baghdad should be only a final resort.

Powell briefing: Key points
BBC, February 5, 2003
These are the key points of the US Secretary of State Colin Powell's briefing to the Security Council on Iraqi non-compliance with UN resolutions.

Part I of  Powell's Remarks at the U.N.
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
US secretary of state's address to the United Nations security council

Part II of Powell's Remarks at the U.N.
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
US secretary of state's address to the United Nations security council

Analysis: The unanswered questions
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
Colin Powell showed that Iraq is obstructing weapons inspections. But he did not offer justification for war, says Ian Davis -- The question must be asked of Colin Powell's presentation today: why the wait to present this evidence, and why the dramatic effect?

Analysis: Danger of spinning Iraqi case
BBC, February 5, 2003
In the past few weeks, the United States and Britain have put increasing emphasis on an alleged connection between the Iraqis and Osama Bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.

'Enough, enough, enough'
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
Minute-by-minute coverage of Colin Powell's presentation to the security council.

Powell dossier: Reaction
BBC, February 5, 2003
Members of the UN Security Council have been reacting to the presentation by Secretary of State Colin Powell outlining the US case against Iraq.

Powell Makes Iraq Case With Photos, Tapes
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Secretary of State Colin Powell, methodically making his case that Iraq has defied all demands that it disarm, presented tape recordings, satellite photos and informants' statements Wednesday that he said constituted ``irrefutable and undeniable'' evidence that Saddam Hussein is concealing weapons of mass destruction.

Leaked report rejects Iraqi al-Qaeda link
BBC, February 5, 2003
There are no current links between the Iraqi regime and the al-Qaeda network, according to an official British intelligence report seen by BBC News.

Blair defends al-Qaeda claim
BBC, February 5, 2003
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has insisted there are links between the Iraqi regime and al-Qaeda, but admitted that he did not know how deep these go.

UK sets Iraq deadline
BBC, February 5, 2003
Mr Straw: Iraq has made no effort to disarm -- Jack Straw has thrown down the gauntlet to Saddam Hussein setting an effective deadline of 14 February for Iraq to demonstrate it is co-operating with arms inspectors.

Iraq: Kurds expecting war refugees seek international aid
United Nations News/UNHCR, February 3, 2003
IRBIL, IRAQ - AP World News via NewsEdge Corporation : The Kurdish administration of northern Iraq said Saturday it expects a flood of refugees from Baghdad-controlled territory if there is a war with the United States, but that international aid to make preparations is in short supply.

Iraq asks U.N. for investigation into uranium effects
Archive Story: United Nations News/UNHCR/World News, January 19, 2001
BAGHDAD, IRAQ - AP World News via NewsEdge Corporation : Iraq on Thursday demanded that the United Nations open an immediate investigation into the effects of depleted uranium on Iraq during the Gulf War, in a letter sent to the U.N. secretary-general.

UNHCR: Up to 600,000 Iraqis to become refugees in war
United Nations News/UNHCR, February 4, 2003
Kyodo via NewsEdge Corporation : GENEVA, Feb. 4 (Kyodo) _ The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Ruud Lubbers, said Tuesday between 500,000 and 600,000 Iraqis are likely to become refugees in a U.S.-led military action in Iraq.

UN aid agencies back Swiss move to call meeting on Iraq
United Nations News/UNHCR, February 4, 2003
Agence France Presse via NewsEdge Corporation : GENEVA, Feb 4 (AFP) - UN aid agencies on Tuesday voiced support for a Swiss proposal to hold a conference in Geneva on the humanitarian consequences of a war against Iraq.

Special troops readied to defend major towns
Iraq Press, February 1, 2003
Sulaimaniya, Iraq Press, Jan. 31, 2003 – The authorities have formed especially trained units to stage what they hope to be the stiffest resistance possible of a U.S. military attack. The Iraq Press has learned that members of Saddam Commandos, a dreaded militia force led by Iraqi leader's notorious son Uday make up the core of these units....They say that Saddam has ordered his commanders to disperse their troops and divide them into agile units with the ability to interfere quickly in case of trouble within their areas.

UN refugee agency to prepare for relief operations in case Iraq is attacked
Arabic News, February 5, 2003
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Ruud Lubbers, said yesterday that while all must be done to prevent a military intervention in Iraq, the UN agency must also be ready for the humanitarian outcome of possible military action and prepared to assist up to 600,000 people.

Most Iraqi Refugees Expected to Flee to Iran-UNHCR
Reuters, February 5, 2003
GENEVA (Reuters) - About half of up to 600,000 Iraqis who could flee any U.S.-led invasion are expected to head for Iran, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Tuesday.

Dextrous president begins to manoeuvre away from anti-war axis with Germany
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
President Jacques Chirac may have shown no sign yesterday of softening his opposition to swift military action against Iraq, but diplomats and analysts are convinced that Paris, having unwittingly painted its way into a corner, has already started looking for the way out.

Bush Oil Ties Cited as Fueling Iraq War
Yahoo! News, February 4, 2003
"This is a government that is marinated in oil."  -- WASHINGTON - Consumer advocate Ralph Nader (news - web sites) led a group of peace activists Tuesday in accusing the Bush administration of letting its ties to the oil industry influence the government's war strategy against Iraq.

U.S. Effort to Link Terrorists To Iraq Focuses on Jordanian
Washington Post, February 5, 2003
Abu Musab Zarqawi, a 36-year-old, Jordanian-born Palestinian terrorist, has become the focus of the Bush administration's allegations of a direct connection between Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network.

Blair certain of Iraq's al-Qaida links
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
Tony Blair insisted today that evidence of Iraq's links with the al-Qaida terrorist network did exist, but acknowledged "exactly how far they go is uncertain".

Saddam Dares U.S. to Prove Iraq Has Arms
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - U.N. inspectors revisited the main site of Iraq's former nuclear weapons program Wednesday, and Secretary of State Colin Powell presented the U.N. Security Council evidence he claimed proved Iraqi is hiding banned weapons.

Germany: War in Iraq Raises Terror Threat
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
WASHINGTON (AP) - War with Iraq is likely to inflame Muslim extremists and greatly raise the threat of terrorist attacks worldwide, German Interior Minister Otto Schily said Wednesday.

Under fire from militants US would love to link to Saddam
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
The Peshmerga commander looked up from the large military map sprawled across his desk. The black contours on the chart in front of him matched the ones under his bloodshot eyes.

US general in row over wife
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
Tommy Franks, the US general who will lead the invasion of Iraq if war breaks out, is under investigation for abuse of office after allegedly letting his wife attend secret briefings and fly free on military planes, it emerged yesterday.

U.S. Continues Buildup for Possible War
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
WASHINGTON (AP) - More than 110,000 National Guard and reserve forces are now serving around the nation and overseas as the United States continues its buildup for a possible war with Iraq.

Be even-handed — Sultan to US
Arab News, February 5, 2003
RIYADH, 5 February 2003 — Saudi Arabia, which opposes a US-led war against Iraq, said yesterday that a balanced approach to the Middle East conflict would better serve Washington’s campaign against terror than an attack on Baghdad.

US demands action on Iraq
BBC, February 5, 2003
The United States has said that Iraq is involved in "active and systematic efforts" to hide from UN weapons inspectors its efforts to produce weapons of mass destruction.

Palestine: Church of Holy Sepulcher Hosts pro-Iraq Mass
Come and See, February 3, 2003
A host of leading Christian clergymen and leading figures attended a mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on Friday, January 31, to show solidarity with the Iraqi people in the face of rising U.S. "immoral and inhumane" war threats.

Gas Station Protests Question Motive Behind Iraq War Threats 
Common Dreams/OneWorld.net, February 5, 2003
WASHINGTON - Demonstrators chanted "no war for oil" at over 100 gas stations across the United States Tuesday, hoping to pre-empt military action against Iraq, which they believe would be motivated as much by U.S. oil interests as by the need to eliminate the threat of weapons of mass destruction.

Maine Senate OKs Resolution Opposing War in Iraq
Common Dreams, February 5, 2003 
AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate endorsed a resolution Tuesday that asks President Bush to pursue a diplomatic solution with Iraq rather than going to war. The House is expected to take up the proposal on Thursday at the earliest.

Feb 15th Peace March to Go Ahead in Hyde Park 
Common Dreams/The Guardian, February 5, 2003 
Tessa Jowell, the culture secretary, yesterday caved in to pressure and allowed next week's rally against war with Iraq to go ahead in Hyde Park, London. She had initially banned the event because of concern it would damage the grass.

EU Awaits Powell's Report to Decide on Summit
Palestine Chronicle, February 5, 2003
BRUSSELS - US Secretary of State Colin Powell is to make an important presentation to the UN Security Council (SC) on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction on Wednesday to show that Baghdad is flouting UN resolutions.

Al-Azhar Imam Rules Helping Attack Iraq 'Forbidden'
Palestine Chronicle, February 5, 2003
"The religious leader condemned any attack against civilians as a gruesome act abhorred by all of monolithic religions. He also slammed the U.S. for attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of Al-Azhar .." -- CAIRO - The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Mohamed Sayyed Tantawi ruled as "forbidden" that any Arab or Islamic country helps foreign forces launch a military offensive against Iraq.

The U.S. is expecting Turkish cooperation - and fast
Ha'aretz, February 5, 2003
American Secretary of State Colin Powell asked his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Yakis, three times to approve the deployment of American military forces on Turkish soil. Three times he received no clear answer.

Powell Gives Passionate Presentation on Iraq, No New Evidence
Islam Online, February 5, 2003
UNITED NATIONS, Feb 5 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) – U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell Wednesday, February 5, presented a much-anticipated report on Iraq to the Security Council, but no clear-cut evidence was available in the passionate hour-long presentation, that included vague “intercepted” phone calls, space images and video-clips.

Blair Insists on War in Case of “Capricious” U.N. Veto over Iraq
Islam Online, February 5, 2003
LONDON, February 5 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday, February 5, that Britain would be prepared to go to war with Iraq without a second U.N. resolution if a Security Council member used a “capricious” veto.

Signs of War Loom Large as Kuwait Sets up Closed Military Zone
Islam Online, February 5, 2003
KUWAIT CITY, February 5 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - The forthcoming U.S.-led invasion of Iraq is looming high on the horizon with Kuwait declaring a closed military zone on the Kuwait-Iraq border and foreign diplomats started leaving Baghdad.

50,000 armed Iraqis rally in support of Saddam  
Jordan Times, February 5, 2003       
MOSUL, Iraq (AFP) — An estimated 50,000 Iraqis, wielding Kalashnikov rifles and rocket launchers, staged a spirited parade in this northern Iraqi city Tuesday, pledging allegiance to President Saddam Hussein in the face of a looming war with the United States.

Turkey May Let U.S. Troops Use Bases
The Guardian, February 5, 2003
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) - Turkey's parliament on Thursday was expected to authorize the United States to begin renovating Turkish military bases - but could hold off for more than a week on whether to allow U.S. combat troops to enter the country for a possible attack on neighboring Iraq.

Iraq Arms Civilians As Second Line of Defense Against U.S.
Washington Post, February 5, 2003
MOSUL, Iraq, Feb. 4 -- Semira Ahmed, a schoolteacher, keeps her battered AK-47 assault rifle in her bedroom closet, next to her dresses, shoes, jewelry and cosmetics. Abbas Mahmood, a shopkeeper, displays his in the living room, on a shelf with pictures of his children. Mohammed Abdullah, a farmer, totes his wherever he goes, because he wants to be ready "to fight at any time."

Iraq's Neighborhood Thick With U.S. Arms
Washington Post, February 5, 2003
Weapons and Technology Traded for Support -- MANAMA, Bahrain -- For the king, it was a proud moment. Addressing a gathering of military officers a week ago, he announced that Bahrain had acquired U.S. Patriot anti-missile batteries to guard this tiny island nation.

Mandela Would Make U.N.-Backed Iraq Peace Trip
Reuters, February 5, 2003
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - South Africa's former president Nelson Mandela said Wednesday he was willing to go to Iraq to help avert a war, but only if the United Nations approved.

War Will Create New Al-Qaeda Generation: Mahathir
Islam Online, February 5, 2003
PUTRAJAYA, February 5 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Renewing his opposition to U.S growing war threats to Iraq, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed warned this offensive would only leave a new generation of Al-Qaeda members and increase Muslim feelings of injustice.

British Troops to Prevent Disintegration of Post-War Iraq: Paper
Islam Online, February 5, 2003
LONDON, February 5 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Between 10,000 and 20,000 troops from the U.K. will be needed in an American-led stabilization force aimed at “preventing the disintegration of the country” following the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Long, Bloody Conflict in Iraq Starts by End of February: Scott Ritter
Islam Online, February 5, 2003
TOKYO, February 5 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) – In a last-ditch attempt to head off a looming U.S.-led war on Iraq, a former chief U.N. weapons inspector in Iraq, made a fresh plea for peace in the Middle East.

Peace Activists Chained to Tanks As British Army Set for Iraq Invasion
Islam Online, February 5, 2003
LONDON, February 4 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - As several activists of the Green Peace organization chained themselves Tuesday, February 4, to tanks in the southern British city of Southampton, protesting the looming U.S.-led war on Iraq, the British army received orders to be on standby for a forthcoming invasion of Iraq.

King, Saudi leaders discuss Iraq, Mideast peace, bilateral relations  
Jordan Times, February 5, 2003   
RIYADH (Agencies) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday held talks with Saudi leaders on means to avert a US-led war on Iraq.

Arab leaders scramble to fix Iraq summit as US war plans threaten to overtake them
Jordan Times, February 5, 2003     
CAIRO — Arab leaders are planning an emergency summit on Iraq at the beginning of next month in Cairo where the 22-member Arab League is headquartered, but it may be too late to stop a US-led war.

Iraqis Stoical Over War, Says Saddam Interviewer
Reuters, February 5, 2003
LONDON (Reuters) - Iraqis are stoical in the face of potential war and will rally round Saddam Hussein if bombs start falling, according to a radical British politician and peace activist who conducted a rare interview with the Iraqi leader.

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"Do we really want to occupy Iraq for the next 30 years?" - Acrobat format
MoveOn
"Here's a terrific and convincing ad from Midland, MI which uses the statements of generals and intelligence experts to make the case against war:" -- "Do we really want to occupy Iraq for the next 30 years?...In Japan, American occupation forces quickly became 50,000 friends. In Iraq,
they would quickly become 50,000 terrorist targets.... Nations such as China can only view the prospect of an American military consumed for the next generation by the turmoil of the Middle East as a glorious windfall.” -- James Webb, former Sec. of Navy under Ronald Reagan,
Decorated Marine Veteran - Navy Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart.

audio
US secretary of state's address to the United Nations security council
The Guardian, February 5, 2003