Palestinians:
Boy, 12, killed by IDF fire
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
A 12-year-old Palestinian was killed by Israel Defense Forces fire Thursday morning
in the village of Yamun, near the West Bank city of Jenin, Palestinian sources
said. The boy was shot in clashes between youths and IDF troops in the village,
the source said. The IDF was checking the report, Army Radio said.
IOF
Kill Mother of Seven, Student Near Ramallah
Palestine Media Center, May 22, 2003
AP Journalist Under Fire in Beit Hanoun -- Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) shot
dead a Palestinian high school student and a mother of seven children in the village
of Qarawat Bani Zaid, north of Ramallah, eyewitnesses and security sources said.
In a raid on the northern West Bank town yesterday, IOF troops opened fire at
a group of young stone-throwers, killing 17-year-old Ramez Arrar and Rasmya Hamdallah
Arrar, 35, said Mousa Abu Hmeid, a hospital director in the nearby city of Ramallah.
Eight
Palestinian Children Wounded in Gaza
International Press Center, May 22, 2003
BEIT HANOUN, Palestine, May 22, 2003, (IPC)-- Eight Palestinian children were
wounded when a mysterious body exploded in Beit Hanoun City, north of the Gaza
Strip, Palestinian official sources said.
Six
Palestinian children wounded by gunfire
Jerusalem Post, May 22, 2003
Six Palestinian children, ranging in age from nine to 14, were wounded by IDF
fire after throwing stones at Israeli tanks in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Palestinian
doctors said Thursday. A 14-year-old boy was in critical condition.
Hizbullah
bombmaking supply boat seized
Jerusalem Post, May 22, 2003
Israeli naval commandos seized a fishing boat from Lebanon loaded with rocket
fuses, electronic bombmaking components and Hizbullah compact discs containing
instructions on how to put together explosives belts used by suicide bombers,
military officials said Thursday.
Wanton
Havoc Overwhelm Beit Hanoon After IOF Five-Day Incursion
International Press Center, May 22, 2003
Beit Hanoon, Palestine, May 22, 2003, IPC-- The residents of Beit Hanoon, north
Gaza Strip, found themselves on Wednesday morning amidst unimaginable wanton havoc;
12 houses have been reduced to rubbles, thousands dunums of olive, citrus, and
palm trees uprooted and the water, sewage, and electricity systems cut off during
the five-day Israeli incursion last Thursday.
US
prods Israel over settlement outposts
Middle East Online, May 22, 2003
Israel was expected Thursday to come under increased pressure to dismantle settlement
outposts in the West Bank as the United States attempted to revive the moribund
roadmap for peace. But Washington stopped short of formulating a clear demand
for concrete moves by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who was only submitted
to gentle prodding by US ambassador Dan Kurtzer.
Shalom
backs Arafat expulsion, says PM Abbas must shape up
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom yesterday told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and
Defense Committee the fate of Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen)
is in his own hands. "If he doesn't do what he has been charged with and does
not work to wipe out terrorism and incitement, he will turn himself into [Chairman
Yasser] Arafat's twin," Shalom said.
Palestinian
PM Abu Mazen to meet with Hamas in Gaza
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) will meet this week with
the militant Islamic group Hamas in the Gaza strip, a Hamas spokesman said Thursday.
The spokesman, Ismail Hanieh, did not provide details, but Abu Mazen has said
he favors a dialogue with militants to stop them from carrying out attacks against
Israel.
Palestinian
leader denounces Israeli raid
Bradenton Herald, May 21, 2003
JERUSALEM - Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas called on Israel to stop
invading Palestinian-controlled areas, saying Wednesday that it "deepens the hatred
between the two peoples."
Israel
told to accept road map `formally'
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
The U.S. administration is demanding Israel formally accept the road map to a
solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, so that it does not appear to be
recalcitrant trying to delay advancing the political process.
More
Deportations Of Internationals From West Bank
Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace, May 21, 2003
From Nadya Waziri in the West Bank -- Dear Friends, Today we heard that the CPT
office (Christian Peacemakers Team, after which IWPS is modeled) was “visited”
by the army and were told that if they leave their area of Hebron they will not
be allowed to return. We recently discovered that the coordinators for the
French based CCIPPP were or are being deported.
HEBRON:
Israel Cracks Down, CPTer Arrested; Office Searched; Team Restricted
Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace, May 20, 2003
CPTer Greg Rollins (Surrey, BC) is currently being held in an Israeli prison in
Tel Aviv threatened with deportation. Rollins' attorney, Jonathan Kuttab,
is seeking an injunction from the Israeli High Court to block deportation. Rollins
was arrested Sunday while he and CPTer Chris Brown (San Francisco, CA) monitored
the detention of several Palestinian men by Israeli soldiers in H1 (the
area of Hebron under Palestinian control).
Israel
Arrests Canadian Peace Activist Pending Deportation
Palestine Media Center, May 22, 2003
The Israeli occupation authorities are to deport a Canadian peace activist arrested
in the West Bank city of Hebron as part of a wide-scale crackdown on internationals
working in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Call
out for mature ISMers and Jewish ISMers
Palestine Monitor/International Solidarity Movement, May 22, 2003
Due to the recent assault on ISM in Palestine by the Israeli government, we are
low on numbers and are struggling to keep an effective presence in the regions
where we operate. Therefore we urge any potential ISMers to organise themselves
to come here as soon as possible.
Clashes
reported in Jenin
Jerusalem Post, May 22, 2003
A 12-year-old Palestinian boy is reported killed during clashes between the IDF
and gunmen in the West Bank town of Jenin on Thursday, Israel Radio reports.
Occupation
forces storm the "Alras" and "Seeda" villages
Palestinian Information Center, May 22, 2003
Occupied Jerusalem - Palestinian sources from the village of Alras (south of Tulkarem)
stated that large numbers of occupation forces attacked the village and raided
a number of homes, searching for wanted Palestinians.
Israel
to deport Canadian peace activist
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
Israel plans to deport a Canadian peace activist arrested Monday in the West Bank
city of Hebron, Israeli officials said Wednesday. Greg Rowlins, a volunteer with
the Christian Peacemaker Team, was arrested Monday while trying to cross into
the Palestinian-controlled section of the divided city, said his lawyer, Jonathan
Katab.
British
Filmmaker Denied Entry to Israel
MIFTAH, May 21, 2003
On Wednesday May 14th, British-Palestinian filmmaker Omar Al-Qattan and his two-member
crew from Belgium, Olivier Pulinckx and Cosmas Antoniadis, were denied entry to
Israel on grounds of "security". No further explanation was granted.
Bush
poised to raise the stakes over road map
The Telegraph, May 22, 2003
Fearing that the road map peace plan is being undermined by rising violence, President
George W Bush is considering a high-stakes personal intervention in the Israel-Palestinian
conflict. There were intense discussions in the White House last night about whether
Mr Bush should hold a summit meeting with Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister,
and perhaps his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas.
Abu
Mazen 'to meet Hamas'
BBC, May 22, 2003
Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazen is to meet leaders of the militant group
Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a Hamas spokesman has said. The meeting is expected to
take place on Thursday night or Friday morning, said spokesman Ismail Haniya.
Mideast
on Table at Powell's Europe Visit
The Guardian, May 22, 2003
PARIS (AP) - Reconstruction in Iraq, peace in the Middle East, Iran's nuclear
program and the war on terrorism are topics Secretary of State Colin Powell is
discussing with foreign ministers from seven other nations on a trip to France
this week.
Abbas
to Ask Hamas to End Israeli Attacks
The Guardian, May 22, 2003
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - The Palestinian prime minister has arranged a meeting
with Hamas, his first since taking office a month ago, to persuade the Islamic
militant group to stop attacks on Israelis, officials said Thursday.
Arafat
Remains in Charge, Says PM Abu Mazen
Palestine Media Center, May 22, 2003
EU, China Rebuff Israeli Threat to Boycott Palestinian Leader -- May 22,
2003 - Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) said President Yasser
Arafat (Abu Ammar) remains in charge despite a US and Israeli refusal to deal
with him, and said his stamp of approval should precede any political action.
Israelis,
Palestinians Hold Unofficial Talks in Japan
Palestine Chronicle, May 22, 2003
TOKYO - Israeli and Palestinian delegates at unofficial and low-key talks in Japan
are calling for their governments to implement the so-called road map for peace.
The group of Israeli and Palestinian government, business, and academic leaders
drew up a list of steps they say will build peace in the Middle East.
New
Israeli closure fuels Palestinian frustration
Jordan Times, May 22, 2003
AIN ARIK, West Bank — Stranded at a West Bank roadblock, Palestinian truck
driver Mahmoud Yousef took out a shovel on Wednesday and tried to remove the huge
pile of rubble blocking his way. Army bulldozers erected the two-metre-high barricade
after Israel ordered a total closure of the Palestinian territories on Sunday
to try to halt a new wave of suicide bombings.
Palestinian
P.M. Calls On Israel To Stop Invading Palestinian Towns
The Day, May 22, 2003
Jerusalem — Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas called on Israel to
stop invading Palestinian-controlled areas, saying Wednesday that it “deepens
the hatred between the two peoples.” Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom
said Wednesday that if Abbas, known as Abu Mazen, did not begin working to end
terror attacks against Israel, he would wind up like Yasser Arafat, whom Israel
is trying to marginalize.
'Fed
up,' a top Palestinian bolts
Christian Science Monitor, May 22, 2003
A former top Arafat adviser talks about obstacles to the US-backed peace process.
-- JERICHO, WEST BANK – Since the first Oslo Accord was reached nearly a
decade ago, the Israelis have had at least a half-dozen chief negotiators directing
peace talks with the Palestinians. But the Palestinians have essentially had just
one: Saeb Erekat, a political scientist who became the man the world turns to
in order to hear the Palestinian viewpoint packaged into lucid, quotable quips.
Omri
Sharon: Deal, not peace, with PA is possible before end of government term
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
Likud MK Omri Sharon, son of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon who is generally believed
to be the premier's closest political confidante, said he does not believe an
end to the conflict with the Palestinians is in the offing. "But there are good
chances we will reach arrangements that go beyond long-term interim agreements
during the current government's term," he said.
Lebanese
Army to be redeployed along the Lebanese-Israeli border
Jerusalem Post, May 22, 2003
Lebanese leading newspaper Annahar reported today that 5000 Syrian soldiers will
withdraw from Lebanon in the near future. Lebanese President Emile Lahoud announced
the move during his meeting with Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir in the presidential
residency in Ba'abda suburb of Beirut.
Zionists
plotted IRA-style terrorism
Palestinian Information Center, May 22, 2003
Jewish terrorists intent on forcing the British out of Palestine planned an IRA-style
campaign in 1946 involving the assassination of Ernest Bevin, the Foreign Secretary,
who was opposed to a Jewish State.
New
procedure gives detainees under interrogation document explaining rights
Public Committee Against Torture in Israel. May 18, 2003
The State Attorney’s Office’s new procedure of giving detainees under
interrogation a document explaining their rights is the result of appeals filed
by the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI) to the High Court of
Justice. The document details the right of a detainee not to incriminate himself.
Occupation
Chronicle Events in Palestine May 22, 2003
Palestine Media Center, May 22, 2003
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) killed a Palestinian high school student and a
mother of eight in the village of Qarawat Bani Zaid, north of Ramallah. IOF also
wounded seven children in Bethlehem and Beit Hanoun and detained seven Palestinians
in the West Bank. IOF Seals Off Ramallah.
US
allows Phalcon AWACS plane sale to India
Globes, May 22, 2003
The move is mainly due to heavy lobbying by the Indian government. -- The
Bush administration has lifted its opposition to Israel’s sale of the Phalcon
AWACS to India, mostly due to lobbying by India. US Deputy Secretary of State
Richard Armitage gave the green light for the billion-dollar deal during a visit
to New Delhi on May 10, said sources in Washington.
U.S.
backtracks, okays Israeli sale of Phalcon to India
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
Washington has lifted all its objections to Israel's selling a Phalcon airborne
radar system to India and has given the Defense Ministry a green light for the
$1 billion deal, without any conditions or limitations.
Analysis
and Evaluation of the New Palestinian Curriculum
MIFTAH, May 21, 2003
Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information -- The Palestinian Authority
(PA) established the Curriculum Development Center (CDC) in 1994. It was commissioned
with formulating a Palestinian vision of a national educational policy and of
a national curriculum.
A-G
asks PM to urgently review citizenship policies
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein yesterday asked Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
to conduct an urgent assessment of Israel's immigration and citizenship policies.
In a letter to the prime minister, Rubinstein wrote that the proposal by Interior
Minister Avraham Poraz (Shinui) to offer citizenship to foreign workers and their
children is likely to flood the country with thousands of people from the Far
East, Arab countries and the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Peres
may be made Labor president in deal with Ben-Eliezer
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
Former Labor Party chairmans MK Benjamin Ben-Eliezer and MK Shimon Peres have
agreed on a deal under which Peres will be appointed president of the currently
leaderless Labor Party until a new chairman is elected.
Farmers,
police clash over foreign workers
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
Dozens of farmers from settlements near the Egyptian border clashed yesterday
with immigration police who were carrying out inspections to find unauthorized
foreign workers.
Rivlin
says Knesset should limit Supreme Court powers
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
The Knesset will have to limit the authority of the Supreme Court because a "constitutional
coup" led by Supreme Court President Aharon Barak endangers democracy, Knesset
Speaker Reuven Rivlin said Thursday. Barak responded that the court's supervision
of the laws is a fulfillment of democracy, not a violation of it.
Agreement
on salary cuts, retirement for public sector workers
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
The treasury and the Histadrut labor federation reached an agreement Thursday
on proposed cuts in the salaries of state employees and on retirement for public
sector workers. According to the agreement, the salaries will be cut by four percent,
beginning in July and for the next two years.
Jewish
Agency prepares for immigration from Morocco
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
The Jewish Agency is taking steps to prepare for a mass immigration of Moroccan
Jews, following last week's string of terror attacks in the country and concern
that Al-Qaida is planning to attack more Jewish targets there.
Shin
Bet, army in dispute over latest terror wave: coordinated plan or just bad luck?
Haaretz, May 22, 2003
Military Intelligence sees the latest wave of terror attacks as the deliberate
effort of Iran and Hamas, masterminded by Yasser Arafat behind the scenes, to
derail renewed dialogue between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The Shin
Bet has a much more prosaic explanation for the attacks - a combination of local
opportunity and bad luck.
UNRWA
Pledges to Continue Operations in Gaza - Acrobat format
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, May 22, 2003
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has
told a meeting of its major donors that it will not halt its humanitarian operations
in the Gaza Strip as a consequence of the closure imposed by the Israeli authorities.
UNRWA has repeatedly protested to the Government of Israel that the restrictions
on movement placed on its international staff violate international law and cause
great harm to its humanitarian operations.
UNRWA:18
UN Agencies and NGOs Protest Gaza Closure - Acrobat format
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, May 18, 2003
On 11 May 2003, the Israeli authorities closed the Erez crossing between Israel
and the Gaza Strip in both directions for internationals, except for holders of
diplomatic visas or passports. The closure affects virtually all international
staff of United Nations organisations, NGOs and other humanitarian and development
agencies.
Hear
Palestine Report, May 22, 2003
Hear Palestine
NEWS: Jenin: Child Killed in Israeli Fire while in School / Beit Hanoun: 7 School
Students Wounded in Israeli Fire / Qalqilya: Unprecedented Closure Measures prevent
all Movement / Ramallah: Hundreds of People Held at Ein Arik Military Roadblock
/ Nablus: Ongoing Israeli Attacks in Old City and Villages / Bethlehem: Closure,
Home Raids and Settlement Activities / Tulkarem: Tight Military Closure and Arrests
FEATURES: Jenin: Dividing Wall Isolates 65 Thousand Dunums of Land / Deir al-Balah:
Ongoing Siege on Al-Ma'ni Residential Quarter
Hear
Palestine Report, May 21, 2003
Hear Palestine
NEWS: 18-Year Old Killed in Israeli Fire Northwest Ramallah / Israeli Army Demolishes
8 Homes in Rafah, Reoccupies Beit Hanoun / Bethlehem: Israeli Army Levels Home
South of City / Nablus: Israeli Army Blows Up 2 Homes / Jerusalem: Confrontations
at Abu Dis and Eizariya Roadblocks / Hebron: Ongoing Curfew and Oppressive Measures
in Old City / Tulkarem: Military Siege Tightened Around City FEATURES:
Israeli Army Leaves Behind Unprecedented Destruction in Beit Hanoun / Rafah: Young
Woman Critically Wounded, 3 Homes demolished / Residential Building Subject to
Collapse in al-Namsawi Quarter
Surveys
pointing to high civilian death toll in Iraq
Christian Science Monitor, May 22, 2003
Preliminary reports suggest casualties well above the Gulf War. -- BAGHDAD –
Evidence is mounting to suggest that between 5,000 and 10,000 Iraqi civilians
may have died during the recent war, according to researchers involved in independent
surveys of the country. None of the local and foreign researchers were willing
to speak for the record, however, until their tallies are complete.
Anti-war
nations approve new UN resolution on Iraq
The Independent, May 22, 2003
Opposition to a draft United Nations resolution that gives sweeping powers to
the United States and Britain to rule Iraq and take control of its oil revenues
melted away last night, opening the door to its adoption by the Security Council
in a vote scheduled to take place this morning.
Security
Council Approves End of Sanctions on Iraq
New York Times, May 22, 2003
UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- In a victory for the United States, the U.N. Security Council
overwhelmingly approved a resolution Thursday giving the United Nations' backing
to the U.S.-led administration of Iraq and lifting economic sanctions. The resolution
passed by a 14-0 vote, with Syria absent.
Several
Iraqis killed in Fallujah firefight
Middle East Online, May 22, 2003
FALLUJAH, Iraq - Several Iraqis were killed in a firefight with US troops outside
the flashpoint town of Fallujah overnight, one of the US soldiers whose patrol
was attacked said here on Thursday.
Life
In Iraq’s Kirkuk Still Away From Normal
Islam Online, May 22, 2003
The U.S. forces opened indiscriminate fire on the two sides. The death toll reached
90, including 70 Arabs, raising suspicions that the occupying powers cash in on
such conflicts to incite more violence in the war-torn country. -- KIRKUK, May
22 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – More than 40 days into the ouster
of Saddam Hussein and the U.S forces rolling into, life in this northern oil-rich
province has not yet been back to normal.
U.S.
Forces Kill 2 Iraqis, Explosion Kills A Marine
Islam Online, May 21, 2003
BAGHDAD, May 22 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – Two Iraqi civilians
were killed by the U.S. occupation forces in the western Iraqi city of al-Falluja
on Thursday, May 22, as an American soldier was killed when his Humvee tank overturned
elsewhere of the war-torn country.
Prewar
Views of Iraq Threat Are Under Review by C.I.A.
New York Times, May 22, 2003
WASHINGTON, May 21 — The Central Intelligence Agency has begun a review
to try to determine whether the American intelligence community erred in its prewar
assessments of Saddam Hussein's government and Iraq's weapons programs, several
officials say.
US
orders Baath members to turn themselves in
Middle East Online, May 22, 2003
Coalition radio says order applies to all 'full members' of Baath party, in sharp
tightening of Bremer's policy. -- An estimated 200,000 followers of Saddam Hussein's
Baath party were ordered to turn themselves in immediately to coalition troops
Thursday by US Central Command chief General Tommy Franks.
British
troops taking over from US in Baghdad
Middle East Online, May 22, 2003
Report says US troops are too tired, lacked necessary peace-keeping skills to
restore order to Iraqi capital. -- LONDON - Thousands of British paratroopers
are set to leave southern Iraq to take over US peace-keeping duties in Baghdad
in a bid to restore order to the Iraqi capital, a London newspaper reported Thursday.
Nato
to help Poland's peace force in Iraq
The Guardian, May 22, 2003
Nato moved yesterday to heal the wounds inflicted by the Iraq war by agreeing
to help Poland run peacekeeping operations in Iraq. Ambassadors from the 19 Nato
allies agreed unanimously to respond to a request from Poland for help in running
one of the three military zones being established in Iraq.
Iraqi
congress threatens to act without US
Boston Globe, May 22, 2003
BAGHDAD -- The Iraqi National Congress sharply criticized the United States yesterday
for delays in forming a transitional government to run the country. Entifadh Qanbar,
the chief spokesman for the group, said at a news conference that the congress
would try to establish an interim government within a few weeks, regardless of
whether the United States supported such an effort.
Iraqi
women vital to rebuilding, says Hewitt
The Independent, May 22, 2003
Patricia Hewitt, the Trade and Industry Secretary, is to travel to Baghdad to
argue for the full involvement of Iraqi women in the reconstruction of the country.
Ms Hewitt expressed concern yesterday that there could be fewer women in Iraq's
reconstructed parliament than under Saddam Hussein.
Palestinians
pushed out of homes -- in Iraq
San Francisco Chronicle, May 22, 2003
Regime change brings evictions for refugees -- Baghdad - It took just
two armed men and their blood-curdling threats to shatter the fragile life Atidal
Mohammed had created since fleeing to Iraq as a Palestinian refugee during the
Arab-Israel war of 1948.
U.S.
Offers Iraqis Cash For Tips On Banned Weapons
Islam Online, May 21, 2003
BAGHDAD, May 21 (ISlamOnline.net & News Agencies) - The U.S.-British occupation
forces on Wednesday, May 21, urged Iraqis to come forward with any information
about banned weapons program and to turn over their heavy and automatic weapons.
Having failed to come up with proof to support the main justification for invading
Iraq, the U.S.-led forces broadcast by radio the appeal for help from "honorable
Iraqis".
Iraqi
Communist Party Back On Political Landscape
Islam Online, May 21, 2003
BAGHDAD, May 21 (IslamOnline.net) - The Iraqi communist party made a comeback
in postwar Iraq with an anti-occupation and pro-secular government agenda. Hoping
that its Marxist ideas would find a place on the country’s political landscape,
the party’s activities started rolling again, taking one government building
as its headquarters.
Guilty
of war crimes - or victim of a feud with US soldiers?
The Independent, May 22, 2003
British officer who won international recognition for speech to troops on eve
of Gulf War accused of pistol-whipping an Iraqi civic leader -- As he faced accusations
of war crimes yesterday, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collins remained characteristically
circumspect. "I am amazed by the allegations, but I understand the need to investigate
them thoroughly," he said.
US
halts Iran talks over terror claim
The Guardian, May 22, 2003
The United States says it has suspended tentative diplomatic discussions with
Iran over allegations that Tehran has failed to take action against members of
the al-Qaida network based in Iran.
Iran
vows to expel any al-Qa'ida fighters
The Independent, May 22, 2003
Iran denied US claims that it harboured al-Qa'ida members, but vowed yesterday
to expel any members of the terror network that it might find. Donald Rumsfeld,
the US Defence Secretary, said on Tuesday that there was "no question" that al-Qa'ida
members were in Iran.
Terror
Level Blamed on al-Qaida in Iran
The Guardian, May 22, 2003
WASHINGTON (AP) - Concern about possible activities of senior al-Qaida operatives
thought to be in Iran was a factor in raising the domestic terror alert level
in the United States, officials say.
Putin:
Russia Eyes Cooperation With U.S.
The Guardian, May 22, 2003
MOSCOW (AP) - In a sign that Moscow wants to set the stage for a summit, Russian
President Vladimir Putin sent a note to President Bush saying that Russia is interesting
in expanding cooperation with the United States in all directions, the Kremlin
said Thursday.
4
More Arrests Made in Saudi Crackdown
The Guardian, May 22, 2003
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Saudi police have arrested four more suspects linked
to al-Qaida in their crackdown on extremists following the Riyadh bombings, a
Western diplomat said Thursday.
Kingdom
to Foster Moderate Image of Islam, Says Abdullah
Arab News, May 22, 2003
JEDDAH, 22 May 2003 — Saudi Arabia has set up a special committee of experts
to promote a moderate image of Islam, Crown Prince Abdullah announced yesterday.
The move seeks to uproot extremism from the country.
US
protest over al-Qaeda tape
BBC, May 22, 2003
The United States has voiced its concern to Qatar over the broadcast by the al-Jazeera
satellite television channel of an alleged message from a senior al-Qaeda leader.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell termed the broadcast unfortunate and said that
giving air time to terrorists just heightened tensions.
Saudis
deny suicide hijack
BBC, May 22, 2003
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef has denied that three men arrested this week
while trying to board a Saudi airliner had been planning a suicide attack. Earlier
on Wednesday, a Saudi security source said the three Moroccans had planned to
crash the plane into a building in the city of Jeddah, in a 11 September-style
attack.
So
much for the peace dividend: Pentagon is winning the battle for a $400bn budget
The Guardian, May 22, 2003
Despite huge military inefficiency, Republicans return US defence spending to
cold war levels to buy cold war weaponry -- The biggest US defence budget since
the cold war is being rammed through Congress by the Republican majority this
week despite persistent questions over waste and the Pentagon's own admission
that it cannot account for more than a trillion dollars.
U.S.
pursuing Bahrain free trade agreement
Nando Times, May 22, 2003
WASHINGTON (May 21, 2003 7:01 p.m. EDT) - The White House said Wednesday it will
begin pursuing a free trade agreement with Persian Gulf ally Bahrain, the first
such effort announced since President Bush this month proposed a free trade zone
in the Middle East.
Turkish
Army Opposes New Government Bill On Reforms
Islam Online, May 21, 2003
ANKARA, May 22 (IslamOnline.net) - The Turkish army expressed opposition to a
government bill calling for the introduction of political and democratic reforms
to the constitution that would benefit the Kurdish minority.
U.S.
Remove Info On Pakistani Losses From Afghanistan War
Islam Online, May 21, 2003
Because of Musharraf’s support for U.S. war in Afghanistan, Pakistan lost
$ 10 billion -- WASHINGTON, May 22 (IslamOnline.net) - The U.S. Central Command
(CENTCOM) has removed all information on Pakistan from its website, after a report
in Daily Times on May 18 that by joining the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, Islamabad
had lost 10 billion dollars.
