Israel
arrests Palestinian party leader and supporters over 'Hamas link'
The Independent, May 14, 2003
Israeli police arrested the leader and 14 members of one of the largest Israeli
Arab political parties yesterday. Sheikh Ra'ed Salah and his followers in the
Islamic Movement were accused of channelling funds to Hamas, which has carried
out suicide bombings. The Islamic Movement denied any links with Hamas.
Israel
arrests Islamic Movement leader; Arab Knesset members react angrily
Al-Bawaba, May 13, 2003
Israel's Public Security Minister Tzachi Hanegbi said Tuesday that the 14 prominent
members of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel arrested overnight
had "illegally" transferred to Hamas movement in the Palestinian territories millions
of shekels in funds collected abroad.
3
people lightly wounded in Qassam rocket attack on Sderot
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
Three people were lightly wounded Tuesday afternoon when a Qassam rocket landed
on a factory in an industrial zone near the Negev town of Sderot....Earlier in
the day, ten Israel Defense Forces soldiers were injured, one of them moderately
and the rest lightly, by two mortars fired at a military base in Gush Katif in
the Gaza Strip.
IDF
enters Khan Yunis in Gaza after Qassam attack on Sderot
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
IDF tanks and troops entered the area of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip
on Tuesday evening. An IDF soldier was lightly wounded during the operation, which
military sources said aimed to stop the firing of rockets and mortars at Israeli
targets.
Sharon
Seeks to Keep Areas of West Bank
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
JERUSALEM (AP) - Just a day after Secretary of State concluded a Mideast peace
mission, Israel's prime minister moved away from some of his own earlier peace
ideas in remarks published Tuesday.
Powell
Says U.S. Will Not ‘Rewrite Roadmap’
Islam Online, May 13, 2003
AMMAN, May 13 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – U.S. Secretary of
State Colin Powell ruled out Tuesday, May 13, in Jordan any plans by Washington
to "rewrite" the international roadmap blueprint for peace between Israel and
the Palestinians.
U.S.
won't push peace map on Sharon
Washington Times, May 13, 2003
CAIRO — The Bush administration said yesterday that it will not insist that
Israel formally accept the "road map" for peace in the Middle East, saying the
initial steps it has taken "in effect" mark the beginning of the plan's implementation.
PNA
Official statement Protest Israel's Escalations
International Press Center, May 13, 2003
“Three killed in Rafah and Khan Younis and another in Qalqilya" “Full
closure imposed on the city of Gaza Strip” “Intense activities practiced
by the IOF in Ramallah and Beireh" -- RAMALLAH, Palestine, May 12, 2003, IPC—
The PNA official spokesperson stated today that early Monday morning, three citizens
were killed in Rafah and Khan Younis and another was killed in Qalqilia, meanwhile,
Israeli government continued to escalate its aggression on the Palestinian territories.
IOF
Blows up a Carpentry Shop in Nablus
International Press Center, May 13, 2003
NABLUS, Palestine, May 13, 2003, IPC-- Israeli occupation forces (IOF) used explosives
to blow up Tuesday morning a carpentry shop, causing big damages to other stores
in a building located in Rafidia area in the city of Nablus.
UN
demands central role in "road map" implementation
Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2003
The head of a U.N. committee supporting Palestinians' rights praised the new US-backed
Mideast peace plan on Tuesday and insisted that the United Nations play a central
role to ensure the sides honor previous resolutions.
UN
agency protests Israeli closure of Gaza Strip
United Nations News, May 12, 2003
“I find it incomprehensible that all my staff are locked in or locked out
of the Gaza Strip." -- 12 May – The main United Nations agency providing
assistance to Palestine refugees today protested that a complete closure of the
Gaza Strip imposed by Israel on UN international staff had crippled its operations
there.
Breaking
News: IOF Seizes House To Use As Barracks
International Press Center, May 13, 2003
18: 30— Israeli occupation forces seized the house of A’azeez Hadad
in the city of Deir Al-Ballah, middle of Gaza Strip, and turned it a military
barracks, WAFA reported.
Refugees
warn Abbas against giving up right of return demand
Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2003
Palestinian refugees are stepping up their pressure on Palestinian Authority Prime
Minister Mahmoud Abbas not to make any concessions on their right of return to
their former villages inside Israel. In a letter sent to Abbas Tuesday, representatives
of the refugees in the West Bank and Gaza Strip warned Abbas and his newly installed
cabinet against succumbing to Israel's demand to relinquish the refugees' right
of return.
Continued
Israeli violations against South Lebanon
Arabic News, May 13, 2003
The eastern part at Kafr Shaba town and the surrounding of Berket Al-Nakar were
exposed yesterday to Israeli machinegun fire from Israeli positions in Rweset
al-Alam inside the occupied Shaba farms.
Eleventh-hour
bid to avert general strike
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, minister in the treasury Meir Sheetrit and
Histadrut Chairman Amir Peretz were meeting late last night in a last-minute effort
to come up with an agreement on the government's economic program that would avert
a public sector general strike this morning.
Report:
Police claim found second Brit bomber's body
Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2003
Police on Tuesday said a body washed out to shore earlier near Tel Aviv may be
the body of 27-year-old Omar Khan Sharif, the British citizen who is suspected
of involvement in the bombing of a Tel Aviv seaside bar that left three dead and
dozens wounded.
Israeli
Arabs Charged With Aiding Hamas
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
UMM EL-FAHM, Israel (AP) - The leader and 14 members of the Islamic Movement,
the largest Arab organization in Israel, were arrested Tuesday on charges they
funneled millions of dollars to the militant Hamas group, responsible for scores
of suicide bombings.
Background
/ Israeli vs. Israeli: A threat to the state?
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
It is a bonfire at the very heart of the Israeli-Arab conflict, and it is smoldering
again. Early Tuesday, Shin Bet secret service agents and police seized 15 Israeli
Arabs whom officials accused of having channeled millions of shekels in charitable
donations collected abroad, to the militant Hamas movement in the West Bank and
Gaza Strip.
Court
extends remand of Islamic Movement leader
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
The leader of the Islamic Movement northern branch, Sheikh Ra'ad Salah was remanded
in custody for a further 12 days by Tel Aviv Magistrates Court on Tuesday, following
his arrest early Tuesday morning. Salah was among fifteen of the movement's leaders
who detained in the overnight raid by police and Shin Bet security service officials.
Arabs
Feel Let Down by Powell
CommonDreams/Los Angeles Times, May 13, 2003
AMMAN, Jordan — Secretary of State Colin L. Powell faced mounting disappointment
and anger in the Arab world Monday over the United States' failure to win significant
concessions from Israel on the new "road map" for Middle East peace. In Cairo,
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher, visibly frustrated, demanded to know why
Israel refused to publicly accept the ambitious blueprint to create a Palestinian
state within three years.
Religious
Leaders Plan Internet Peace Campaign as Israel Tightens Borders
CommonDreams/OneWorld.net, May 13, 2003
WASHINGTON - May 13 - More than 1,500 Jewish and Islamic religious leaders plan
to launch a "People's Road Map" for Middle East peace today in New York, but after
nine European youths working on development projects sponsored by the European
Union (EU) were denied entry into Israel and the travel ban along the Gaza Strip
was renewed yesterday, hopes for forward movement have dimmed.
Sharon
says settlements 'not an issue on horizon'
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said in an interview published Tuesday that dismantling
settlements on land Palestinians seek for a state under a U.S.-backed peace plan
is "not an issue on the horizon". Sharon also said that Jews will continue to
live in Shilo and Beit El under Israeli sovereignty."
Palestinian
Solidarity Activism: Protest the "Apartheid Wall"
Palestine Monitor Action alert, May 13, 2003
Please send a letter to President George Bush and your elected representatives
protesting the "Apartheid Wall" before Ariel Sharon makes his visit the US on
May 20th. We need many, many letters in just a few short days to effect the possibility
that halting construction of the Wall will be made a first stage requirement when
Ariel Sharon and President Bush meet to discuss the Road Map.
Association
for Civil Rights says IDF 'waiver' policy 'illegal'
Jerusalem Post, May 12, 2003
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI)on Sunday protested to Chief
of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Moshe Ya'alon, against army restrictions imposed on international
human rights activists monitoring IDF actions in the West Bank and Gaza.
Greek
minister to meet Arafat
Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2003
The European Union expects Israel to help the new Palestinian leadership promote
a Middle East peace plan, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, whose country
currently holds the EU presidency, told Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Tuesday.
Sharon met Papandreou despite the European official's decision to go ahead with
a meeting later Tuesday with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat...
Sharon
rejects settlement talks
BBC, May 13, 2003
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has declared that the question of Jewish settlements,
one of the key issues in efforts to reach Middle East peace, is not up for imminent
discussion. Mr Sharon, speaking to the Jerusalem Post, said all Israeli governments
had gone ahead with settlements in some form, even during periods of peace diplomacy,
and that the issue was therefore "not on the horizon".
Sharon
Takes Hard Line on Settlements
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon staked out tough positions
on Jewish settlements, suggesting in remarks published Tuesday he will try to
hold much of the West Bank's heartland.
Sharon-Abu
Mazen may meet Friday
Washington Times, May 13, 2003
TEL AVIV, Israel, May 13 (UPI) -- Pressured by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell,
Israeli and Palestinian officials Monday strove to arrange a meeting between their
respective prime ministers, Ariel Sharon and Mahmoud Abbas.
Defiant
Khatami insists Tehran still supports Hizbollah
The Independent, May 14, 2003
By Robert Fisk -- If the Americans expected submission, they didn't get it in
Beirut yesterday afternoon. President Mohammad Khatami of Iran – whose election
gave him a far more convincing majority than George Bush received in America –
insisted that Tehran's support for the Lebanese Hizbollah would remain firm, that
Israel must leave the last square miles of Lebanese territory and that –
here was the old, familiar Khatami refrain – there must be a "dialogue"
of civilisations.
After
meeting Khatami, Nasrallah says Hizbullah enjoys backing of Iran
Al-Bawaba, May 13, 2003
The head of Lebanon's Hizbullah said on Tuesday that he had the backing of Iranian
President Mohammad Khatami, despite U.S. demands and pressure. Speaking to the
movement's TV station, Al Manar, following his meeting with Khatami, Sheikh Hassan
Nasrallah said there was no daylight between him and Iran.
New
blockade imposed on Gaza
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
Israel imposed new restrictions on travel to and from the Gaza Strip yesterday,
just hours after lifting its blockade as a goodwill gesture during a visit by
the American secretary of state, Colin Powell. The restrictions include a ban
on journalists travelling to the territory.
Talbani
To 'Lead' Iraq's Provisional Government
Islam Online, May 13, 2003
BAGHDAD, May 11 (IslamOnline.net) - Iraqi political factions preparing for a national
conference to fill the post-Saddam vacuum tend to put Kurdistan Democratic Party
leader Jalal Talabani at the helm of the country's interim government, said a
party leader on Sunday, May 11.
'Road-map'
process stalls as Israel closes Gaza again
The Independent, May 13, 2003
Less than 24 hours after Israel lifted travel restrictions on the Palestinians
to demonstrate to Colin Powell that it was serious about the peace process, it
in effect reversed the decision yesterday, slapping its tightest military closure
on the Gaza Strip for years.
Americans
start to work out mechanics of road map
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
American envoy David Satterfield, who remained in the region after the departure
of U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, began contacts yesterday to set up the
supervisory mechanisms for the implementation of the road map.
Urban
plan seen as racist move in Arab sector
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
A series of violent brawls between Druze and Christian youths over the past two
months resulted in loss of life and the arson of homes and automobiles, but the
various ethnic communities in the Galilee village of Rameh have once again established
good neighborly relations - more or less.
Three
no-confidence motions defeated
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
The coalition yesterday defeated three no-confidence motions as the Knesset held
its first plenum meeting of the summer session. Meretz filed the first motion.
Faction chair Zahava Gal-On said the government had failed in its handling of
the diplomatic, social and economic situations, and charged that Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon was making false promises that would later dissipate.
Labor
needs voters, not leaders
By Hannah Kim -- Haaretz, May 13, 2003
Labor's real crisis is the lost identity of what used to be the Israel Workers'
Party. -- A week ago Ehud Barak met Richard Cheney and Colin Powell in Washington.
Perhaps Barak, one of the owners of Barak Partners Inc., is trying to give his
business an aura of international diplomacy....On the other hand, Barak has been
dropping hints he is waiting for a chance to return to politics.
Netanyahu,
Klein set up anti-poverty team
Globes, May 13, 2003
The team is based on Governor of the Bank of Israel David Klein’s proposal
to focus social policy on job creation. -- Minister of Finance Benjamin Netanyahu
and Governor of the Bank of Israel David Klein today decided to set up a special
team to plan the government’s anti-poverty policy.
80%
of workers break strike
Globes, May 13, 2003
The government is tightening its measures against public sector workers participating
in strikes, work sanctions, and disruptions. The government plans to extend its
order to pay no wages to government workers not doing their jobs. The government
has hitherto restricted the order to 3,800 workers those assigned to conduct office
hours, who are participating in sanctions and disruptions.
Netanyahu,
Peretz meet for additional talks
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Histadrut labor federation chairman Amir
Peretz resumed talks Tuesday night, in an effort to bridge the gaps between the
two sides over the government's economic austerity program and ending the general
public sector strike that began at 6 A.M. Tuesday morning.
Anti-Semitic
sentiment at highest level since WWII
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
PARIS - An international conference on intolerance opened yesterday with a stern
warning that acts of hatred against Jews, particularly in Europe, have reached
their highest level since World War II. "A new generation of haters has been brought
up and are ready to act," said Rabbi Marvin Hier, head of the Simon Wiesenthal
Center, a Los Angeles-based Jewish rights group....But dozens of protesters outside
UNESCO's Paris headquarters accused the Wiesenthal center of mislabeling criticism
of Israel's treatment of the Palestinians as anti-Semitism.
Israel's
skin cancer rate second highest in the world
Haaretz, May 13, 2003
The skin cancer rate in Israel is among the highest in the world, the Israel Cancer
Association reported yesterday....Dr. Micha Barhana, director of the Health Ministry's
cancer registration unit, says the high rate of skin cancer in Israel is because
of the large number of people from Europe and North America, whose fair skin is
vulnerable to the desert climate here.
Villagers
suffer radiation sickness after looting nuclear power plants
The Daily Telegraph, May 13, 2003
Doctors fear that hundreds of Iraqis may be suffering from radiation poisoning,
following the widespread looting of the country's nuclear facilities. Seven nuclear
facilities have been damaged or effectively destroyed by ransackers since the
end of the war. Technical documents, sensitive equipment and barrels containing
radioactive material are believed to have been stolen.
Baghdad
Anarchy Spurs Call For Help
Washington Post, May 13, 2003
Iraqis, U.S. Officials Want More Troops -- BAGHDAD, May 12 -- Baghdad residents
and U.S. officials said today that U.S. occupation forces are insufficient to
maintain order in the Iraqi capital and called for reinforcements to calm a wave
of violence that has unfurled over the city, undermining relief and reconstruction
efforts and inspiring anxiety about the future.
Iraqis
Eke Out Living By Selling Ice Sheets, Fired Missiles
Islam Online, May 13, 2003
BAGHDAD, May 12 (IslamOnline.net) - As feelings against the U.S. are running high
in war-scarred Iraq for failing to live up to its promises of welfare and prosperity,
Iraqi youth try to ride out the storm of unemployment by eking out a living of
selling fuel, ice sheets and parts of the bronze statues of toppled Iraqi president
Saddam Hussein.
Ayatollah
Calls for Broad-Based Iraqi Government
Washington Post, May 13, 2003
Iraqi Shiite Muslim leader Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir Hakim said on Tuesday Iraq
needed a broad-based government to avoid a "social explosion," apparently backing
away from past calls for an Iranian-style Islamic state.
Shiite
leader advocates democratic government in Iraq
Al-Bawaba, May 13, 2003
The leader of the largest Shiite Muslim group that opposed Saddam Hussein said
Tuesday that a democratic government should rule Iraq to avoid a "social explosion,"
apparently backing away from past calls for an Iranian-style Islamic state.
Nielson:
"US wants to appropriate Iraq's oil"
EU Observer, May 13, 2003
POUL NIELSON - EU Commissioner responsible for Development & Humanitarian
Aid is not sure that the Americans are really trying to give the Iraqis their
country back. The US wants to appropriate Iraq's oil, according to the EU's Development
Commissioner Poul Nielson, quoted by DRNyheder. "The unwillingness to give the
UN a real, solid, legal and well-founded role speaks a language of a certain pronounced
character," he adds after a three-day visit to Baghdad.
Bremer
aims to end rivalry that has crippled aid efforts
The Independent, May 14, 2003
The American official newly charged with the task of rebuilding Iraq flew into
Baghdad yesterday on a mission to end the chaos, install a new government, and
stop the intense feuding between Washington departments that has paralysed the
reconstruction effort.
US:
more than 90 dead in Saudi blast
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
More than 90 people were feared dead today after a series of suicide bomb explosions
rocked the Saudi capital, Riyadh, overnight. "It seems we have lost 10 Americans
killed, many other nationalities were also killed," the US secretary of state,
Colin Powell, told reporters as he arrived at Riyadh airport earlier today, within
hours of the devastating attacks.
Bombs
Rock Riyadh
Arab News, May 13, 2003
RIYADH/JEDDAH, 13 May 2003 — Four explosions rocked the national capital
last night, and witnesses told Arab News that many people were wounded. According
to Al-Arabiya television channel, security forces exchanged fire with the terrorists
inside the compound. The network also reported that many charred bodies were seen
being taken from ambulances at a local hospital.
Al-Qaida
Operative Warned of Attacks
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
DOHA, Qatar (AP) - An al-Qaida commander warned that the terror network was about
to carry out major attacks in Saudi Arabia in an e-mail just a day before the
deadly assault in the Saudi capital, an Arab magazine reported.
US
vows to find Saudi bombers
BBC, May 13, 2003
The attacks came just hours before Powell's visit -- US President George W Bush
has denounced the bomb attacks against Western targets in Saudi Arabia as "despicable
acts" and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
Most
Americans Away During Saudi Bombings
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - The charred wreckage of an overturned truck lay in
the rubble that was once the front of a four-story building where a bomb attack
killed seven Americans. A U.S. flag dangled from the roof.
World
Leaders Condemn Riyadh Bombings
Islam Online, May 13, 2003
WORLD CAPITALS, May 13 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – Political
and religious leaders across the world on Tuesday, May 12, voiced outrage at the
bombing attacks on expatriate compounds in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, which
reportedly claimed the lives of as many as 90 people, and vowed to hunt down those
responsible.
U.S.
Presence, Socio-Economic Crisis Behind Attacks: Faqih
Islam Online, May 13, 2003
Faqih said 10,000 U.S. military experts and 30,000 civilians, including military
technicians and security would remain in the kingdom -- CAIRO, May 13 (IslamOnline.net)
– A number of Saudi opposition figures said the horrific bombing attacks
which rocked the Saudi capital and claimed, according to American estimates, as
many as 90 people including 10-12 Americans, were triggered by several changes
on the Saudi front and anticipated a decisive battle between the Saudi authorities
and militant groups.
Iraq
Oil-motivated Occupation Must End: British Activist
Islam Online, May 13, 2003
CAIRO, May 13 (IslamOnline.net) – With his vociferous criticism and sound
opinions, Stop the War Coalition leader John Rees remains as adamant as he was
before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, something he made the case against; to no
avail.
Kurdish
Resistance Fighters Now Have Nothing to Resist
Washington Post, May 12, 2003
With Hussein's Downfall, Peace Brings New Challenges -- HALABJA, Iraq -- The older
ones, and most of them are older, could be the high school principals and insurance
adjusters of a quiet place with a quiet history. Squat, partly balding and with
well-groomed mustaches, the men who live in the cinder-block building buzzing
with flies and conversation here demonstrate little on first blush to support
the hero's status they have achieved among their countrymen.
U.N.
Nuclear Agency Lists Iraqi Sites
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
VIENNA, Austria (AP) - The U.N. nuclear watchdog agency has provided U.S. weapons
teams a list of radioactive sites in Iraq, even as it pushes for a renewed role
in the search for weapons of mass destruction, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.
'Guerrilla
raids' raise fears that Saddam is still active
The Daily Telegraph, May 13, 2003
Ba'ath Party activists loyal to the deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein have
launched a series of attacks against the offices of politicians involved in setting
up an interim national government in Baghdad.
Bechtel
Looking for Saudi Firms to Carry Out Iraq Projects
Arab News, May 13, 2003
RIYADH, 13 May 2003 — Bechtel, the American construction giant, is looking
for Saudi partners to carry out reconstruction projects in postwar Iraq. Bechtel
executives recently held a meeting with officials of the Council of Saudi Chambers
of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) to explore participation of Saudi companies in
the projects.
Horrors
of War Haunt US Soldiers in Iraq
Arab News, May 13, 2003
“When we entered Baghdad, I saw dozens of (Iraqi) bodies. I had never seen
a dead body before. It’s my worst memory.” -- BAGHDAD, 13 May 2003
— Baghdad fell more than a month ago but when gunner Joseph Aiello shuts
his eyes at night he still sees one of his tank commanders — shot in the
face during the battle for the city’s airport.
Failure
to find Iraqi arms 'surprising'
BBC, May 13, 2003
A leading Western think tank, which helped set the agenda for the war against
Iraq, has admitted to being surprised at the failure of US and British forces
to find chemical weapons in Iraq. The International Institute for Strategic Studies
in London issued a report in September last year about Iraq's weapons of mass
destruction, saying that Iraq probably had "a few hundred tons" of mustard gas,
precursors for other agents and VX gas from earlier stocks.
US
and Iran hold secret talks after 23 years of hostility
The Independent, May 13, 2003
The United States and Iran have held secret talks that could have an important
bearing on the interlocking problems of Afghanistan, the future government of
Iraq and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Though Bush administration officials denied
yesterday the dialogue could lead to a normalisation of relations, senior representatives
of the two countries have had three rounds of talks this year.
Defiant
Khatami insists Tehran still supports Hizbollah
The Independent, May 14, 2003
By Robert Fisk -- If the Americans expected submission, they didn't get it in
Beirut yesterday afternoon. President Mohammad Khatami of Iran – whose election
gave him a far more convincing majority than George Bush received in America –
insisted that Tehran's support for the Lebanese Hizbollah would remain firm, that
Israel must leave the last square miles of Lebanese territory and that –
here was the old, familiar Khatami refrain – there must be a "dialogue"
of civilisations.
Short
Calls for Blair to Step Down
Palestine Chronicle, May 13, 2003
LONDON - Clare Short Tuesday extended her criticism of the British prime minister
after resigning her cabinet post as International Development secretary by calling
on Tony Blair to step down before the next general election.
Britain's
UN policy defended by Straw
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
Clare Short quit after a weekend spent analysing the British-sponsored draft UN
resolution on the reconstruction of Iraq. She believed it stopped short of offering
the vital role for the UN that the prime minister and President George Bush had
promised.
Iraq:
Annan believes Security Council will produce 'helpful' resolution
United Nations News, May 13, 2003
13 May – As United Nations relief agencies continued to increase their presence
in Iraq with more than 250 international staff now back in the country, Secretary-General
Kofi Annan said today he believed the Security Council would be able to produce
a "helpful" resolution on the UN's role there.
US
grants $700 million in aid to Jordan
Jerusalem Post, May 13, 2003
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell signed two agreements with Jordan on Tuesday,
facilitating the release of US$700 million in aid to help the kingdom offset losses
from the war on Iraq. The money will enable Jordan to maintain its normal expenditure
on education, health care and other essential services despite the fallout from
the war in Iraq, according to a U.S. Embassy statement.
Gen.
Myers Urges Allies to Help in Iraq
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - America's most senior military officer urged NATO allies
Tuesday to join the United States and Britain in helping to stabilize Iraq and
lay a foundation for its future.
Poland
intent on Iraq role
BBC, May 13, 2003
Poland has dismissed suggestions that it has decided to cede control of its planned
zone in Iraq. Defence Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski said on Monday that the government
would seek Nato help with operational planning, intelligence and communications
systems but that Poland was taking a "leading role" in the zone.
U.S.
Troops Reopen Iraqi Border Crossing
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. forces on Tuesday reopened a border crossing between Iraq
and Syria, the commander of the Army's 101st Airborne Division said. Maj. Gen.
David Petraeus said his forces reopened a crossing near the northern city of Mosul
``to trade in accordance with United Nations regulations.''
Franks
rejects top Pentagon post
The Daily Telegraph, May 13, 2003
Gen Franks had promised his wife he would shortly retire and, after days of intense
speculation in Washington, he has now declined the offer of the army's top post,
Pentagon officials told CNN television.
U.S.
Finds Possible Weapons Lab in Iraq
Washington Times, May 13, 2003
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Soldiers from the Army's 101st Airborne Division found another
trailer in northern Iraq that experts believe was a mobile biological weapons
laboratory, the division's commander said Tuesday.
Halted
Iraqi oil production forces OPEC output down
Al-Bawaba, May 13, 2003
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)'s eleven members pumped
an overall 26.36 million barrels per day (bpd) in April, down 1.42 million bpd,
revealed a recent Platts survey. The output drop was due mainly to Iraqi production
being halted by war for most of the month.
In
Iraq, Slow Going for Oil Crews
Washington Post, May 12, 2003
Logistical Problems, Confusion Hamper U.S.-Led Repair Efforts -- KIRKUK, Iraq
-- They are supposed to be out hunting for drilling equipment looted from North
Oil Co. in the chaos that accompanied the fall of Saddam Hussein. But here they
are instead, standing in a parking lot under a merciless sun, the day unfolding
as it so often does -- with an indefinite period of waiting.
The
burden of 'black gold'
BBC, May 13, 2003
Iraq's great oil reserves will ease the way to a better future for this downtrodden
country, we are told. But the "black gold" is more often a curse than a blessing,
according to a new report. There can be few jackpots in this world quite as big
as striking oil. As the fuel that drives the world's economy, the "black gold"
ranks top of the list of natural resources a government would wish for in its
backyard.
Report:
Fuelling poverty - Oil, war and corruption - Full report, Acrobat format
Christian Aid, May 2003
Fuelling poverty - Oil, war and corruption (complete report 1.3MB PDF) -- This
report shows that for many developing countries, oil reserves are more likely
to prove a curse than a blessing.
Old-fashioned
cash losing out to plastic in the Middle East
Al-Bawaba, May 13, 2003
The number of transactions made by Middle East debit and credit cardholders increased
by 33 percent from 130 million transactions in 2001 to nearly 175 million transactions
last year, representing an average of six transactions made every second, revealed
Visa International.
Syrians
Worry About Their Baath Party
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) - Despite three decades of hostility between the rival Baath
parties of Syria and Iraq, the Syrian Baathists are watching with concern how
the party that ruled neighboring Iraq under Saddam Hussein has been crushed and
dissolved by the U.S. forces in Iraq.
Anti-Muslim
Attacks Penetrate U.S. 'Hallowed Halls of Ivy'
Inter Press Service, May 13, 2003
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, USA, May 9 (IPS) - Since U.S. forces attacked Iraq in
March, college campuses nationwide have seen backlashes against both Muslim students
and anti-war activists. At Yale University alone, students claim seven instances
of violence have occurred on what are normally the sheltered grounds of educational
privilege.
IMF,
World Bank Join Forces with WTO
CommonDreams, May 13, 2003
WASHINGTON - Attempts by global financial institutions to synchronize their policies
on developing nations threaten to further entrench a one-sided approach to development,
fuel instability and widen the gap between the world's rich and poor, watchdog
organizations warned Monday.
Iraq
Crisis Damaged U.S. Image, Al-Qaeda Still Alife: IISS
Islam Online, May 13, 2003
LONDON, May 13 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - Washington's policy during
the Iraq crisis has harmed its position on the world stage, the International
Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) charged Tuesday, May 13, asserting that
Al-Qaeda remains the greatest threat to global security.
Muslim
Plant Plan Sparks Uproar in Minn.
The Guardian, May 13, 2003
FARIBAULT, Minn. (AP) - A proposal to create the state's first Muslim meat-processing
plant is causing a stir among residents in this rural community who say it could
damage the environment, lower property values and increase traffic to the area.
But a lawyer pitching the idea says race and religious issues are also fueling
the protest.
