Palestinian
girl killed in Gaza
BBC, December 21, 2002
An 11-year-old Palestinian girl has been killed by Israeli gunfire in the
Gaza Strip, as Israeli troops continue to enforce a road blockade aimed at
deterring Palestinian attacks in the area. The girl's family say she was hit
by a bullet that came from the direction of an Israeli army outpost while
walking home from school.
Israel
Sets Up New Roadblocks in the Gaza Strip
VOA News, December 21, 2002
The Israeli army has set up new roadblocks in the Gaza Strip, cutting the
main north-south highway and effectively dividing the territory into three
parts. Israeli troops erected barriers on the highway near Deir el-Balah
and further north near the Jewish settlement of Netzarim, blocking passage
to Palestinians.
US
vetoes anti-Israel UN resolution
BBC, December 21, 2002
The United States has vetoed a United Nations resolution condemning Israel
for the deaths of three UN staff in Gaza and the West Bank.
US
puts Middle East peace plan on hold
The Guardian, December 21, 2002
The Bush administration bestowed an election campaign gift on Ariel Sharon
yesterday, by saying that it would shelve its plan for the Middle East until
after Israel goes to the polls on January 28.
Accord
lets U.S. deport to Mideast
NorthJersey.com, December 20, 2002
NEWARK - The government has made it easier to deport Palestinian detainees
to the Gaza Strip and expects to be able to send them to the West Bank soon
as well. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and the State Department
recently reached an agreement with Israel and Egypt permitting the United
States to ship detainees back to the Gaza Strip via Egypt, according to court
documents.
Mass
Arrests of Muslim Foreigners in U.S.
Palestine Chronicle, December 20, 2002
"However, as many as a quarter of them – estimates vary between 500
and 1,000 people – were arrested on the basis of apparently minor visa
violations .." -- WASHINGTON - Hundreds of Middle Eastern and North African
men, some just 16, have been hauled into custody across southern California
in the past few days, enraging civil liberties groups and drawing comparisons
with the internment of tens of thousands of Japanese Americans during WWII..
Mideast
mediators meet, divided on peace plan
Arab News, December 21, 2002
WASHINGTON, 21 December 2002 — The Quartet of Middle East mediators
— the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations —
met yesterday to decide whether the time was ripe to tell Israelis and Palestinians
of their peace plans.
Blair
snub for Netanyahu's attempt to isolate Arafat
Electronic Telegraph, December 21, 2002
Tony Blair snubbed Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli foreign minister, yesterday
amid growing tensions over his plan to hold a Palestinian conference in London
next month.
Arafat
aide disappointed by no Quartet call for IDF pullout
Ha'aretz, December 21, 2002
WASHINGTON - An adviser to Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat expressed
disappointment Saturday with senior diplomats meeting in the United States
for failing to call for an immediate withdrawal of IDF troops from the Palestinian-ruled
territories.
Ads
don't cut it in Arab world
Washington Times, December 21, 2002
BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The United States needs more
than a media campaign to polish its damaged image in the Arab
world, to judge from the reception given to a campaign of television
spots promoted by the Bush administration.
Amnesty
International backs Israeli conscientious objectors
Jordan Times, December 20, 2002
NICOSIA (AFP) — Human rights group Amnesty International protested Thursday
at the treatment of Israeli conscientious objectors, who it said were being
jailed while serving soldiers committed rights violations with impunity.
Palestinians
despair as West Bank occupation hits six straight months
Jordan Times, December 21, 2002
NABLUS — After six months of Israeli occupation army reoccupation, curfews
and deadly clashes, Palestinians can hardly hide their despair as their plight
drags on in locked-down cities, with the worst being that there is no end
in sight.
Palestinian
Christian Leader Goes On Hunger Strike
Palestine Chronicle, December 20, 2002
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM - Sources close to Archmandrite Attallah Hanna, of the
Greek Orthodox Church in occupied Jerusalem started an open hunger strike
on Monday, December 16, to protest a case raised against him two days ago
by the Greek Patriarch of Jerusalem Arinous I calling for him to be present
in court after 30 days.
Statement
of the Middle East Quartet After the meeting in Washington - Acrobat
format
European Union, December 20, 2002)
Statement of the Middle East Quartet after the meeting in Washington on 20
December 2002, Council of the European Union, Sat Dec 21, 2002
For
hundreds of Muslims, a visit to INS ends in jail
Arab News, December 21, 2002
LOS ANGELES, 20 December 2002 — Hundreds of Iranian and other Middle
East citizens were in southern California jails on Wednesday after coming
forward to comply with a new rule to register with immigration authorities
only to wind up handcuffed and behind bars.
Bush
joins others in call for Palestinian state within 3 years
Duluth News Tribune, December 21, 2002
The United States disagrees with its allies on how quickly to press their
plan. -- WASHINGTON - President Bush joined on Friday with envoys from Europe,
Russia and the United Nations in a new call for the creation of a Palestinian
state in three years.
Quartet's
Mideast road map '99.5 percent' done
CNN, December 20, 2002
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Amid word that the United States, Russia, the European
Union and the United Nations are "very close" to agreeing on a plan for a
comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian settlement, the four issued a statement
Friday calling for "an immediate, comprehensive cease-fire" in the region.
U.S.
vetoes resolution condemning Israel for UN deaths
Bay Area Independent Media Center, December 21, 2002
UNITED NATIONS - The United States vetoed an Arab-backed resolution that would
have condemned Israel for the recent killings of three UN workers. The U.S.
ambassador called the resolution one-sided and not conducive to Mideast peace
efforts.
Israel
Sets Up New Roadblocks in the Gaza Strip
VOA News, December 21, 2002
The Israeli army has set up new roadblocks in the Gaza Strip, cutting the
main north-south highway and effectively dividing the territory into three
parts.
Girl,
12, killed in Gaza; IDF splits Strip after rabbi killed
Ha'aretz, December 21, 2002
A Palestinian girl was killed Saturday afternoon during a gunbattle between
IDF troops and armed Palestinians in the Gaza Strip town of Rafah.
U.S.
vetoes resolution condemning Israel for UN deaths
Ha'aretz, December 21, 2002
UNITED NATIONS - The United States vetoed an Arab-backed resolution that would
have condemned Israel for the recent killings of three UN workers. The U.S.
ambassador called the resolution one-sided and not conducive to Middle East
peace efforts.
Paper:
Netanyahu, Straw cancelled press call for fear of row
Ha'aretz, December 21, 2002
Foreign Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his British counterpart Jack Straw
differed so strongly over Middle East policy at talks in London that they
cancelled a news conference to avert a public spat, British daily the Financial
Times reported Saturday.
How
to be a political activist in a few (easy?) lessons
Ha'aretz, December 21, 2002
BEIT SAHOUR - How to avoid being shot, how to get a group to make split-second
decisions, what not to say to police interrogators after an arrest - these
were just a few of the questions answered during a one-and-a-half-day course
for political activists, held earlier this week in this Arab village on the
outskirts of Bethlehem. The course was a requisite for people interested in
participating in the International Solidarity Movement's (ISM) latest action
campaign, called "Israel's Wall of Apartheid."
Compromise
on Israel's Labor agenda
The Oakland Tribune, December 21, 2002
Pre-election platform offers Palestinians large parts of Jerusalem -- JERUSALEM
-- Israel's Labor Party has adopted a new platform offering the Palestinians
parts of Jerusalem and joint administration of disputed holy sites -- the
most explicit program of compromise laid out before an election by a major
Israeli party.
Quartet
reports progress on roadmap for resolving Middle East crisis – Annan
United Nations News, December 20, 2002
20 December – United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said
the diplomatic Quartet on the Middle East - comprising the UN, European Union,
Russian Federation and United States - was "very close" to finalizing a roadmap
for resolving the region's crisis, which it will soon present to the Israelis
and Palestinians.
Israeli
troops kill girl in gun battle on Gaza border
The Independent, December 20, 2002
Israeli troops shot dead an 11-year-old Palestinian girl yesterday during
a gun battle in the Rafah refugee camp on the Gaza-Egyptian border. Nada Madi
was the third young Palestinian killed in southern Gaza this week.
IDF
partitions Gaza Strip; Palestinian girl dies of gunshot wound
Jerusalem Post, December 21, 2002
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - An 11-year-old Palestinian girl died of a gunshot
wound Saturday in Gaza Strip, where Israeli troops reinforced a blockade aimed
at deterring shooting attacks against Jewish settlers.
Agreement
with Israel, Egypt allows US to deport Palestinians to Gaza Strip
Jerusalem Post, December 20, 2002
The US government has made it easier to deport Palestinian detainees to the
Gaza Strip and expects to be able to send them to the West Bank soon, according
to court documents.
Likud
slides in the polls as primary vote-buying scandal grows
Jerusalem Post, December 20, 2002
A scandal revolving around allegations of rampant vote-buying and bribery
has caused Ariel Sharon's ruling Likud to slide in the polls, following weeks
of predictions the party would sweep the upcoming general election.
Arafat
Confinement Enters Second Year
Jerusalem Post, December 20, 2002
With pale face and stiff gait, Yasser Arafat emerges between two columns of
sandbags framing the entrance of his shattered compound, cradling the arm
of a white-bearded Jewish man -- his favorite rabbi.
Pope
Says Conflict Is Bathing the Future in Blood
New York Times, December 20, 2002
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope John Paul expressed despair at the growing number
of conflicts in the world on Saturday, saying the face of Christ was marked
by pain because of it and the future was bathed in blood.
Israeli
Troops Keep Gaza Restrictions
New York Times, December 21, 2002
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- An 11-year-old Palestinian girl died of a gunshot
wound Saturday in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli troops reinforced a blockade
aimed at deterring shooting attacks against Jewish settlers.
Israeli
troops kill Palestinian girl in Rafah, man in Jenin
Jordan Times, December 20, 2002
GAZA CITY (AFP) — An 11-year-old Palestinian girl was killed when Israeli
troops opened fire on Thursday in the southern Gaza Strip and a man in Jenin,
as the Palestinian leadership fumed at US moves to stall a plan to tackle
the regional crisis until after Israeli elections next month.
Israel
Tightens Control in Gaza, Girl Killed
Reuters, December 21, 2002
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli troops killed a Palestinian girl in southern
Gaza on Saturday as the Jewish state's army enforced new blockades in the
coastal strip. Palestinian witnesses and security sources said Israeli troops
opened fire as the 11-year-old girl walked home from school on a road near
a heavily-guarded Jewish settlement.
How
to make the Muslim world love America?
Jordan Times, December 21, 2002
WASHINGTON (AFP) — Create a dialogue, inform and educate young people
are the principal points of a marketing campaign run by Charlotte Beers, a
marketing guru hired by the State Department to polish the United States'
image in the Muslim world.
US
Vetoes UN Resolution Slamming Israel for Murder of UN Staff
Palestine Media Center, December 21, 2002
The United States vetoed Friday an Arab-drafted UN Security Resolution condemning
Israel for the slaying of three United Nations staffers in the occupied Palestinian
territories.
Israeli
Labor Party’s New Platform is Step in Right Direction: Erekat
Palestine Media Center, December 21, 2002
Israeli Labor Party has adopted a new platform from which Palestinians can
regain parts of Jerusalem and joint administration of holy sites, in what
had been seen as the most explicit program of compromise laid out before an
election by a major Israeli party.
Occupation
Chronicle Events in Palestine, December 21, 2002
Palestine Media Center, December 21, 2002
Two Citizens Killed by IOF Gunfire in the Gaza Strip / Israeli Bulldozers
Demolish Five Homes in Deir al-Ballah, Detain Four Civilians / IOF Detain
Dozens of Civilians in the West Bank / IOF Close Gaza’s Main Junction,
Dissecting Strip into Three Parts
Blix
Urges U.S. to Hand Over Iraq Evidence
The Guardian, December 21, 2002
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Chief U.N. weapons inspector Hans Blix urged the United
States and Britain to hand over any evidence they have about Iraq's secret
weapons programs so U.N. inspectors can check it on the ground.
US,
UK not cooperating: Blix
Arab News, December 21, 2002
WASHINGTON, 21 December 2002 — Arms inspectors yesterday criticized
the United States and its ally Britain for not sharing vital information on
Iraq as the two nations prepared for a war in the Gulf.
U.S.
starts sharing Iraq secrets
San Francisco Chronicle, December 21, 2002
Move puts onus on Hussein to come clean with U.N. inspectors -- Washington
-- The United States on Friday began sharing highly sensitive intelligence
about Iraq's weapons programs with the United Nations.
US
exerts more pressure on Iraq
BBC, December 21, 2002
The US is to increase its forces in the area -- President Bush has cancelled
a January trip to Africa fuelling speculation that he is preparing for war
on Iraq.
Interviews
with scientists could prove sticking point in inspections
The Guardian, December 21, 2002
With time running out for Baghdad to avoid a war, the fate of Iraq yesterday
lay in the hands of a handful of scientists and weapons experts, who will
be asked to give up the secrets of Saddam Hussein's weapons programme.
Bush
Cancels Africa Trip to Focus on Iraq
The Guardian, December 21, 2002
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Iraq crisis intensifying, President Bush called off
a planned trip to Africa next month to focus on his looming decision - expected
in several weeks - whether to go to war to disarm Saddam Hussein's regime.
We
tested illegal missile, Baghdad tells inspectors
The Independent, December 21, 2002
Iraq has admitted to testing a missile with a range that violates international
weapons regulations. Thirteen test flights of the Al-Samoud ground-to-air
missile, which uses imported components, had exceeded the UN-set limit of
150km (90 miles), the chief UN weapons inspector, Hans Blix, told the Security
Council.
British
warship puts the squeeze on Iraq
The Guardian, December 21, 2002
As preparations begin for a conflict in the Gulf, some troops are already
at the frontline, enforcing a UN blockade -- The bridge of HMS Cardiff is
in darkness but is bustling with activity as the ship sits just seven miles
from Iraq. Outside, flares from oil rigs burn against the night sky and though
the moon is full, its light is not enough to pick out small fishing dhows
trying to sneak past this watch and out of Iraqi waters and across the Arabian
Gulf.
Abdullah
tells US to avoid war
Arab News, December 21, 2002
TOKYO, 21 December 2002 — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and
commander of the National Guard, has reiterated the Kingdom’s calls
for the United States to take a cautious stand on Iraq’s weapons declaration,
Japanese officials said yesterday.
London
relations with Iraqi opposition; Blair meets al-Barazani and al-Talibani
Arabic News, December 20, 2002
The British prime minister Tony Blair has discussed with the Iraqi Kurdish
leaders in London yesterday the results of the conference the Iraqi opposition
held this week, while a meeting for Iraqi opposition has started in Washington
to draw the framework for the Iraqi authority following the fall of the regime
in Baghdad.
Egypt
may lose 8 billion in the Iraqi war
Arabic News, December 20, 2002
The Egyptian minister of state for foreign affairs Feyza Abu al-Naja said
yesterday that an American attack against Iraq may lead to Egyptian losses
of 6 to 8 billion dollars.
British
lawmakers warn of terror fallout from Iraq war
Jordan Times, December 21, 2002
LONDON (AFP) — A war with Iraq could “trigger instability”
in the Arab and Islamic world and strengthen recruitment of Al Qaeda and associated
extremist groups, British lawmakers warned in a report published Thursday.
Berlin
considering whether to allow German troops to secure US bases in event of
attack on Iraq
Jerusalem Post, December 20, 2002
FRANKFURT, Germany - The German government is considering allowing several
hundred of its soldiers to help secure US military installations in Germany,
in the event that Washington takes military action against Iraq, officials
in Berlin said Friday.
Analysis:
US sets tripwire for Iraq action
BBC, December 20, 2002
Peace now seems much farther away -- Within the space of a momentous 24 hours
- the importance surrounding the work of UN weapons inspectors has become
even more critical.
Bush
to speak on Iraq 'violation'
BBC, December 20, 2002
The US is to provide intelligence to the arms inspectors -- US President George
W Bush is due to make his first public comments on Iraq's weapons declaration
since America announced its view that Iraq is in material breach of UN resolutions.
UN
Inspectors Visit Iraqi Chemical Plant, Nuclear Facility
Palestine Chronicle, December 20, 2002
BAGHDAD - United Nations inspectors continued their probe into Iraq’s
weapons programme today, visiting a chemical plant and a nuclear facility.
Attiya
urges Iraq to work with UN
Arab News, December 21, 2002
DOHA, 21 December 2002 — The head of the Gulf Cooperation Council urged
Iraq yesterday to work with the United Nations and spare the region war after
Washington said Baghdad was in “material breach” of a UN resolution
by failing to disclose deadly weapons.
Kuwait
wants change of Iraqi regime
Arabic News, December 20, 2002
The French defense minister Michele Alliot-Mariot yesterday concluded in Kuwait
a tour in the Gulf states which was an occasion to confirm France's desire
to avoid a war in Iraq.
Hurriyet:
Turkish preparations for the war against Iraq
Arabic News, December 20, 2002
The Turkish daily Hurriyet said Wednesday quoting well-informed sources at
the Turkish- Iraqi border area that some 10,000 to 15,000 Turkish troops were
deployed on Wednesday along the borders with Iraq and most of them are landing
forces.
Palestinian
radical was guest of US ambassador
The Guardian, December 21, 2002[
A Palestinian radical with close links to the militant group Hamas was a guest
of the US ambassador at a Ramadan reception in London, the Guardian can reveal.
Four
cooperation agreements between Lebanon, Yemen
Arabic News, December 20, 2002
By the end of the first day of the Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to
Lebanon, which he extended until tomorrow afternoon, Lebanon and Yemen signed
four bilateral agreements.
Unified
Arab stock exchange: key avenue for common market
Arabic News, December 20, 2002
A study recently conducted, underlined the need for the repatriation of the
Arab investments and benefiting from them in order to serve the interests
of the Arab states' citizens, encouraging Arab investment awareness through
new mechanisms depending on investment in securities and linking Arab stock
exchanges as an initial step towards satisfying the Arab sedition for setting
up a unified Arab stock exchange.
Moussa
replies officially Kuwait's message concerning Saddam's speech
Arabic News, December 20, 2002
A source at the Arab League AL has announced that the AL secretary general
Amr Moussa sent on Wednesday a message to the Kuwaiti foreign minister on
the speech delivered by the Iraqi President Sadam Hussein last week.
Redford:
US politics is 'diseased'
BBC, December 21, 2002
Redford is not afraid to speak out against government -- Hollywood actor Robert
Redford has never been one to pull his punches when it comes to tackling issues
close to his heart.
Fonda
joins Jerusalem demo
BBC, December 20, 2002
Fonda is on a week-long visit to the Middle East -- US film star Jane Fonda
has joined pacifists protesting against Israel's 35-year occupation of the
West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Call
for trip boycott as leaders accept Israeli invite
icWales, December 21, 2002
ASSEMBLY Business Manager Carwyn Jones was under fire from supporters of the
Palestinians last night after accepting an invitation to visit Israel as a
guest of the Israeli Government.
Suspects
In Terror Charges Face Judge
MSNBC, December 20, 2002
DALLAS, 9:34 a.m. CST December 20, 2002 - A detention hearing will begin this
morning in Dallas following Wednesday's terrorism raid in Richardson. Five
members of the Elashi family will go before a federal judge. The brothers
are charged with laundering money from a member of the militant Palestinian
group Hamas.
Need
for Speed: Did Amphetamines Play a Role in Afghanistan Friendly Fire Incident?
ABC News, December 20, 2002
Dec. 20 — Preliminary court-martial proceedings begin next month against
two U.S. fighter pilots involved in a tragic incident over Afghanistan that
cost four lives and exposed a little-known fact about the way America fights
its long-distance air wars.
Gulf
Arabs meet amid Iraq war fears
Ha'aretz, December 21, 2002
DOHA - Delegates from six Gulf Arab states met on Saturday with host Qatar
urging the pro-Western alliance to set aside differences amid fears of war
on Iraq.
Bomb
explodes in Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon
Ha'aretz, December 21, 2002
SIDON, Lebanon - A small bomb exploded early Saturday outside a Palestinian-owned
bookshop in Lebanon's largest refugee camp, causing damage and no casualties,
Palestinian and Lebanese officials said.
U.S.
Blocks Cheap Drugs Agreement in WTO Talks
Islam Online, December 21, 2002
"One-hundred and forty-three countries stood on the same ground, we were hoping
to make that unanimous." --- GENEVA, December 21 (IslamOnline & News Agencies)
- The United States Saturday, December 21, blocked an international agreement
to allow poor countries to buy cheap drugs. This means millions of poor people
will still not have access to medicines for diseases such as HIV/Aids, malaria
and tuberculosis.
Israel
Frees Arrested Principal of Peace School
New York Times, December 20, 2002
JERUSALEM, Dec. 20 — Israeli security forces today released the principal
of a Palestinian school in the West Bank that was founded to teach coexistence,
after arresting him Tuesday morning on suspicion of harboring terrorists.
Arab
Coexistence School Falls Victim to Uprising
New York Times, December 19, 2002
AL KHADER, West Bank, Dec. 19 — Even as it withers, the pink-and-white
Hope Flowers school here on Bethlehem's outskirts is drawing at least a handful
of Israelis and Palestinians together, if for a troubling reason.
Bush
Appeals to Iran's Public in Radio Talk
New York Times, December 20, 2002
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 — President Bush addressed the people of Iran today
in a Voice of America radio broadcast, sending "warm greetings" and urging
their government to embrace freedom and democracy.
Lebanon
bans TV spots aimed at improving US image
Jordan Times, December 21, 2002
BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon has banned the broadcasting of US government TV
spots aimed at improving America's image in Arab and Muslim countries, Information
Minister Ghazi Aridi said on Thursday.
Foreign
Policy Aspects of the War against Terrorism
Peacemaker Community
Lack
of Arabic hampering effectiveness of Israeli troops
World Tribune, December 20, 2002
Israeli troops lack basic skills in Arabic required for the insurgency war
against the Palestinians, experts say. The experts, former and current members
of the military and security forces, said Israeli troops operating in Palestinian
communities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have virtually no knowledge of
Arabic and fail to understand the civilian population they deal with in raids
and operations.
Marxist
Palestinian group adopts Islamic rhetoric to survive
World Tribune, December 20, 2002
A leading Palestinian insurgency group with Marxist-Leninist roots has turned
to Islamic rhetoric and multiple state sponsors in its struggle for survival.
Report
From Iraq: How We Spend Our Days
Bearing Witness, December 18, 2002
Almost every day there are new rumours that a U.S. attack is coming soon.
Once again a large group of the press was asked to leave.
video
Sharing
intelligence a significant development
BBC, December 21, 2002
audio
"The
battle for hearts and minds is well under way"
BBC, December 21, 2002
video
"The
scientists will talk if there is protection"
BBC, December 21, 2002
photo
Merry
Christmas from the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Palestine
