OCCUPIED TERRITORIES: PROPAGANDA WATCH
AlJazeera: Israel 'fabricated' child-bomber story
Palestinian leaders have accused Israel of fabricating a story about a 14-year-old Palestinian boy who planned to blow himself up.
The Israeli army said he was caught wearing an explosive belt at an army roadblock in the northern West Bank.
The boy, identified as Husam Abdu from Nablus, was shown on TV screens around the world, with an explosive belt strapped to his waist.
The Israeli army said the boy told interrogators that his dispatchers promised that he would have sex with 72 virgins in heaven soon after his death.
"We know for sure this is a fabricated story from A to Z. Would you believe that a 13 or 14-year old would agree to blow up himself in return for a hundred shekels which he would receive after his death?
Libertyforum: Israeli 'Suicide Bomber Stunt' Backfires
Heise: Propagandistische Fallstricke um 16-j?hrigen Selbstmordattent?ter
Saturday, March 27, 2004
ISRAEL
UPI: Israel to kill in U.S., allied nations
Israel is embarking upon a more aggressive approach to the war on terror that will include staging targeted killings in the United States and other friendly countries, former Israeli intelligence officials told United Press International.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has forbidden the practice until now, these sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Israeli statements were confirmed by more than a half dozen former and currently serving U.S. foreign policy and intelligence officials in interviews with United Press International.
But an official at the Israeli Embassy in Washington told UPI: "That is rubbish. It is completely untrue. Israel and the United States have such a close and co-operative intelligence relationship, especially in the field of counter-terrorism, that the assertion is ludicrous."
UPI: Israel to kill in U.S., allied nations
Israel is embarking upon a more aggressive approach to the war on terror that will include staging targeted killings in the United States and other friendly countries, former Israeli intelligence officials told United Press International.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has forbidden the practice until now, these sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Israeli statements were confirmed by more than a half dozen former and currently serving U.S. foreign policy and intelligence officials in interviews with United Press International.
But an official at the Israeli Embassy in Washington told UPI: "That is rubbish. It is completely untrue. Israel and the United States have such a close and co-operative intelligence relationship, especially in the field of counter-terrorism, that the assertion is ludicrous."
UN
ABC: EU Sticks To Yassin Condemnation After US Veto
(Reuters) -- European Union leaders have repeated their condemnation of Israel for killing Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, hours after the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution denouncing the assassination.
In a statement issued at the end of a summit in Brussels, the leaders of the EU's 25 current and future states said the bloc had "consistently opposed extra-judicial killings".
Washington, alone among major powers in not condemning this week's assassination as an extrajudicial killing, rejected the resolution by Arab nations because it did not also denounce Sheikh Yassin's group Hamas for suicide bombings in Israel.
The US's "no" vote killed the resolution because it is one of the five permanent members of the council with veto power.
Britain, Germany and Romania abstained after Algeria, negotiating for Arab nations, rejected an amendment they wanted that would have condemned "atrocities" against Israelis.
The EU leaders said they had "repeatedly condemned terrorist atrocities against Israelis and recognised Israel's right to protect its citizens against terrorist attacks", but Sheikh Yassin's killing had deepened the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
ABC: EU Sticks To Yassin Condemnation After US Veto
(Reuters) -- European Union leaders have repeated their condemnation of Israel for killing Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, hours after the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution denouncing the assassination.
In a statement issued at the end of a summit in Brussels, the leaders of the EU's 25 current and future states said the bloc had "consistently opposed extra-judicial killings".
Washington, alone among major powers in not condemning this week's assassination as an extrajudicial killing, rejected the resolution by Arab nations because it did not also denounce Sheikh Yassin's group Hamas for suicide bombings in Israel.
The US's "no" vote killed the resolution because it is one of the five permanent members of the council with veto power.
Britain, Germany and Romania abstained after Algeria, negotiating for Arab nations, rejected an amendment they wanted that would have condemned "atrocities" against Israelis.
The EU leaders said they had "repeatedly condemned terrorist atrocities against Israelis and recognised Israel's right to protect its citizens against terrorist attacks", but Sheikh Yassin's killing had deepened the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
AFGHANISTAN
Al-JAzeera: Taliban - Our Forces Are 'Alive And Kicking'
The Taliban has denied reports that the Islamist group is in negotiations with US officials and claimed that its regrouped forces are giving foreign troops an increasingly rough ride.
In an exclusive interview with Aljazeera, Mulla Abd al-Latif Hakimi said the rumour had begun after US forces decided to release prominent Taliban member, Mulla Mutawakkil Akhondzada.
A one-time foreign minister, Mulla Mutawakkil was a familiar face on TV screens as Taliban spokesman before the US-led war to oust the Taliban in 2001.
But the Taliban spokesman said Mutawakkil's "release" amounted to nothing more than house arrest in Kandahar.
"He cannot freely speak his opinion ... it is not freedom. In any case, we will never cease our enmity with the Americans and other occupiers who have illegally invaded Afghanistan."
Casualties
Hakimi added that the Taliban was able to target US soldiers with increasing ease and gave numerous examples.
"We killed 18 American soldiers near the Maryam school in Gazney province, another three in the town of Zargary.
"In the mountains of Khoyani we set a trap in a depot and killed 43 US soldiers with one bomb."
Al-JAzeera: Taliban - Our Forces Are 'Alive And Kicking'
The Taliban has denied reports that the Islamist group is in negotiations with US officials and claimed that its regrouped forces are giving foreign troops an increasingly rough ride.
In an exclusive interview with Aljazeera, Mulla Abd al-Latif Hakimi said the rumour had begun after US forces decided to release prominent Taliban member, Mulla Mutawakkil Akhondzada.
A one-time foreign minister, Mulla Mutawakkil was a familiar face on TV screens as Taliban spokesman before the US-led war to oust the Taliban in 2001.
But the Taliban spokesman said Mutawakkil's "release" amounted to nothing more than house arrest in Kandahar.
"He cannot freely speak his opinion ... it is not freedom. In any case, we will never cease our enmity with the Americans and other occupiers who have illegally invaded Afghanistan."
Casualties
Hakimi added that the Taliban was able to target US soldiers with increasing ease and gave numerous examples.
"We killed 18 American soldiers near the Maryam school in Gazney province, another three in the town of Zargary.
"In the mountains of Khoyani we set a trap in a depot and killed 43 US soldiers with one bomb."
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
IRAQ: ONE YEAR LATER
Amnesty International: One year on the human rights situation remains dire
"A year after US-led forces launched war on Iraq, the promise of improved human rights for Iraqis remains far from realized," warns
Amnesty International in a detailed new report. "Most Iraqis still feel unsafe in a country ravaged by violence," the report states.
Moreover, "Coalition Forces appear in many cases to be using the climate of violence to justify violating the very human rights
standards they are supposed to be upholding. They have shot Iraqis dead during demonstrations. They have tortured and ill-treated
prisoners and detainees. They have arrested people arbitrarily and held them indefinitely without charge and without access to a
lawyer. They have demolished houses and other property in acts of revenge and collective punishment. And they are operating in a
legal framework that offers no mechanism in Iraq for bringing members of the Coalition Forces to justice for such acts."
Amnesty International: One year on the human rights situation remains dire
"A year after US-led forces launched war on Iraq, the promise of improved human rights for Iraqis remains far from realized," warns
Amnesty International in a detailed new report. "Most Iraqis still feel unsafe in a country ravaged by violence," the report states.
Moreover, "Coalition Forces appear in many cases to be using the climate of violence to justify violating the very human rights
standards they are supposed to be upholding. They have shot Iraqis dead during demonstrations. They have tortured and ill-treated
prisoners and detainees. They have arrested people arbitrarily and held them indefinitely without charge and without access to a
lawyer. They have demolished houses and other property in acts of revenge and collective punishment. And they are operating in a
legal framework that offers no mechanism in Iraq for bringing members of the Coalition Forces to justice for such acts."
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
ISRAEL
Federal Observer: Mossad Exposed In Phony 'Palestinian Al Qaeda' Caper
The United States government has been provided with concrete evidence that the Israeli Mossad and other Israeli intelligence services have been involved in a 13-month effort to "recruit" an Israeli-run, phony "al Qaeda cell" among Palestinians, so that Israel could achieve a frontline position in the U.S. war against terrorism and get a green light for a worldwide "revenge without borders" policy. The question: Does the United States have the moral fiber to investigate?
Evidence of the Israeli dirty tricks burst onto the public scene on December 6, when Col. Rashid Abu Shbak, head of the Palestinian Preventive Security Services in the Gaza Strip, held a press conference revealing the details of the alleged plot, as his agency had put the pieces together.
The revelations undermine the "big lie" that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has used to justify new brutal attacks on Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and other occupied areas. Sharon claimed on December 4 that Israeli intelligence had "hard evidence" of al Qaeda operations in the Gaza Strip. Now, the top Palestinian leadership has shown the United States and other nations how Israeli intelligence entities were creating that al Qaeda link!
"CHECK IT CHECK IT"
Federal Observer: Mossad Exposed In Phony 'Palestinian Al Qaeda' Caper
The United States government has been provided with concrete evidence that the Israeli Mossad and other Israeli intelligence services have been involved in a 13-month effort to "recruit" an Israeli-run, phony "al Qaeda cell" among Palestinians, so that Israel could achieve a frontline position in the U.S. war against terrorism and get a green light for a worldwide "revenge without borders" policy. The question: Does the United States have the moral fiber to investigate?
Evidence of the Israeli dirty tricks burst onto the public scene on December 6, when Col. Rashid Abu Shbak, head of the Palestinian Preventive Security Services in the Gaza Strip, held a press conference revealing the details of the alleged plot, as his agency had put the pieces together.
The revelations undermine the "big lie" that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has used to justify new brutal attacks on Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and other occupied areas. Sharon claimed on December 4 that Israeli intelligence had "hard evidence" of al Qaeda operations in the Gaza Strip. Now, the top Palestinian leadership has shown the United States and other nations how Israeli intelligence entities were creating that al Qaeda link!
"CHECK IT CHECK IT"
PEAK OIL
BBC: Oil boom sparks fuel price surge
UK petrol prices could soon rise to levels not seen since the autumn of 2000, when widespread protests caused fuel shortages
Fuel prices have been pushed higher by rising crude prices, which last week hit their highest level in 13 years.
And there could be worse to come, Ray Holloway, head of the Petrol Retailers Association, said.
"We'll see [prices] going up again as soon as this week," Mr Holloway said.
The cartel of oil producing countries, Opec, does not accept blame for the high crude oil prices - even though it decided to cut output at a meeting in Algiers last month.
"I am convinced there are two reasons for such a high price: the reduced quantity of petrol in America, and speculators who are convinced there is going to be a lack of crude," said Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi in an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore.
BBC: Oil boom sparks fuel price surge
UK petrol prices could soon rise to levels not seen since the autumn of 2000, when widespread protests caused fuel shortages
Fuel prices have been pushed higher by rising crude prices, which last week hit their highest level in 13 years.
And there could be worse to come, Ray Holloway, head of the Petrol Retailers Association, said.
"We'll see [prices] going up again as soon as this week," Mr Holloway said.
The cartel of oil producing countries, Opec, does not accept blame for the high crude oil prices - even though it decided to cut output at a meeting in Algiers last month.
"I am convinced there are two reasons for such a high price: the reduced quantity of petrol in America, and speculators who are convinced there is going to be a lack of crude," said Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi in an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore.
PEAK OIL
BBC: Shell difficulties 'could spread'
Concern is growing among investors that Shell's double downgrade of its oil reserves could herald similar moves from some of its competitors.
The Anglo-Dutch giant has had to cut proven reserves by almost 4.1 billion barrels since the start of 2004.
But its partners in the Norwegian oil field on which its most recent cut focused are still quoting much higher reserves
The cost of a barrel of oil on US markets is at 13-year highs and closing in on $40.
BBC: Shell difficulties 'could spread'
Concern is growing among investors that Shell's double downgrade of its oil reserves could herald similar moves from some of its competitors.
The Anglo-Dutch giant has had to cut proven reserves by almost 4.1 billion barrels since the start of 2004.
But its partners in the Norwegian oil field on which its most recent cut focused are still quoting much higher reserves
The cost of a barrel of oil on US markets is at 13-year highs and closing in on $40.
USA/ISRAEL
Informationclearinghouse: Liberating America From Israel
NOTE: Mr. Paul Findley, who served as a Republican congressman from Illinois for 22 years, is the author of 'They Dare to Speak Out' and a member of the American Educational Trust's Foreign Relations Committee.
by Paul Findley
09/15/2002: Nine-eleven would not have occurred if the U.S. government had refused to help Israel humiliate and destroy Palestinian society. Few express this conclusion publicly, but many believe it is the truth. I believe the catastrophe could have been prevented if any U.S. president during the past 35 years had had the courage and wisdom to suspend all U.S. aid until Israel withdrew from the Arab land seized in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
The U.S. lobby for Israel is powerful and intimidating, but any determined president-even President Bush this very day-could prevail and win overwhelming public support for the suspension of aid by laying these facts before the American people:
Israel's present government, like its predecessors, is determined to annex the West Bank-biblical Judea and Samaria - so Israel will become Greater Israel. Ultra-Orthodox Jews, who maintain a powerful role in Israeli politics, believe the Jewish Messiah will not come until Greater Israel is a reality. Although a minority in Israel, they are committed, aggressive, and influential. Because of deep religious conviction, they are determined to prevent Palestinians from gaining statehood on any part of the West Bank.
Informationclearinghouse: Liberating America From Israel
NOTE: Mr. Paul Findley, who served as a Republican congressman from Illinois for 22 years, is the author of 'They Dare to Speak Out' and a member of the American Educational Trust's Foreign Relations Committee.
by Paul Findley
09/15/2002: Nine-eleven would not have occurred if the U.S. government had refused to help Israel humiliate and destroy Palestinian society. Few express this conclusion publicly, but many believe it is the truth. I believe the catastrophe could have been prevented if any U.S. president during the past 35 years had had the courage and wisdom to suspend all U.S. aid until Israel withdrew from the Arab land seized in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
The U.S. lobby for Israel is powerful and intimidating, but any determined president-even President Bush this very day-could prevail and win overwhelming public support for the suspension of aid by laying these facts before the American people:
Israel's present government, like its predecessors, is determined to annex the West Bank-biblical Judea and Samaria - so Israel will become Greater Israel. Ultra-Orthodox Jews, who maintain a powerful role in Israeli politics, believe the Jewish Messiah will not come until Greater Israel is a reality. Although a minority in Israel, they are committed, aggressive, and influential. Because of deep religious conviction, they are determined to prevent Palestinians from gaining statehood on any part of the West Bank.
USA
Informationclearinghouse: 30 Years Of U.S. UN Vetoes.
How the U.S. has Voted // Vetoed- See any bias - See any pattern ?
1972-2002 Vetoes from the USA
---
Year -----Resolution Vetoed by the USA
1972 Condemns Israel for killing hundreds of people in Syria and Lebanon in air raids.
1973 Afirms the rights of the Palestinians and calls on Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories.
1976 Condemns Israel for attacking Lebanese civilians.
1976 Condemns Israel for building settlements in the occupied territories.
1976 Calls for self determination for the Palestinians.
1976 Afirms the rights of the Palestinians.
1978 Urges the permanent members (USA, USSR, UK, France, China) to insure United Nations decisions on the maintenance of international peace and security.
1978 Criticises the living conditions of the Palestinians.
1978 Condemns the Israeli human rights record in occupied territories.
1978 Calls for developed countries to increase the quantity and quality of development assistance to underdeveloped countries.
1979 Calls for an end to all military and nuclear collaboration with the apartheid South Africa.
1979 Strengthens the arms embargo against South Africa.
1979 Offers assistance to all the oppressed people of South Africa and their liberation movement.
1979 Concerns negotiations on disarmament and cessation of the nuclear arms race.
........
"CHECK IT"
Informationclearinghouse: 30 Years Of U.S. UN Vetoes.
How the U.S. has Voted // Vetoed- See any bias - See any pattern ?
1972-2002 Vetoes from the USA
---
Year -----Resolution Vetoed by the USA
1972 Condemns Israel for killing hundreds of people in Syria and Lebanon in air raids.
1973 Afirms the rights of the Palestinians and calls on Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories.
1976 Condemns Israel for attacking Lebanese civilians.
1976 Condemns Israel for building settlements in the occupied territories.
1976 Calls for self determination for the Palestinians.
1976 Afirms the rights of the Palestinians.
1978 Urges the permanent members (USA, USSR, UK, France, China) to insure United Nations decisions on the maintenance of international peace and security.
1978 Criticises the living conditions of the Palestinians.
1978 Condemns the Israeli human rights record in occupied territories.
1978 Calls for developed countries to increase the quantity and quality of development assistance to underdeveloped countries.
1979 Calls for an end to all military and nuclear collaboration with the apartheid South Africa.
1979 Strengthens the arms embargo against South Africa.
1979 Offers assistance to all the oppressed people of South Africa and their liberation movement.
1979 Concerns negotiations on disarmament and cessation of the nuclear arms race.
........
"CHECK IT"
Gilad: Murdered At Daybreak
Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin was murdered at daybreak on Monday.
Gilad Atzmon
03/22/04: "ICH" -- Israel Air Force helicopters fired missiles at the car carrying the wheelchair-bound head of the Islamic group as he left a mosque near his house in Gaza City. It also appears Ariel Sharon was in direct command of the assassination operation, not entirely surprising considering his bloody history.
For those who fail to realise, today's barbaric Israeli act is an open call for a world war. It is the final wake up call for every Muslim around the world. It is violent proof that Israel isn't only against the Palestinians but rather against Islam. Israel killed a prime spiritual leader on his way out of the mosque. I have no doubt that this Israeli act won't be forgiven.
I also have no doubt that many Israelis will pay with their life for Sharon's act. Moreover I am sure that sooner rather than later many innocent non-Israelis around the world will die just for being near by an Israeli embassy, Israeli consulate, a synagogue or even an American bank... This is the reality Sharon favours the most.
This is exactly what Israel wants: to turn the entire world into a victim of terror. This might help us to realise the main difference between the Israeli left and right. While both believe in the right of the Jews to live in Zion on the expense of the Palestinian people, the Israeli right wing rely on maintaining a bloody struggle, oppressing the Palestinian people (in particular) and humiliating Arabs (in general). While the Israeli left would attempt to come up with some unrealistic righteous suggestions to appease the Palestinian people and the world community (Oslo accord for instance), the right wing Israelis will suggest that the only method to guarantee Israeli security is to maintain the conflict with the Palestinian people and to let it escalate into an international battle.....
Gilad Atzmon is an Israeli, currently living in London
"CHECK IT CHECK IT"
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES: ISRAELI TERROR
Uri Avnery: "It is worse than a crime, it is stupid!"
This is worse than a crime, it is an act of stupidity!" commented Gush Shalom activist Uri Avnery on the assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin.
"This is the beginning of a new chapter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It moves the conflict from the level of a solvable national conflict to the level of religious conflict, which by its very nature is insoluble.
"The fate of the state of Israel is now in the hands of a group of persons whose outlook is primitive and whose perceptions are retarded. They are incapable of understanding the mental, emotional and political dimensions of the conflict. This is a group of bankrupt political and military leaders who have failed in all their actions. They try to cover up their failures by a catastrophic escalation.
"This act will not only endanger the personal security of every Israeli, both in the country and around the world, but also the existential security of the state of Israel. It has grievously hurt the chances of putting an end to the Israeli-Palestinian, Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Muslim conflicts."
Avnery mentioned that in the early 1980s the occupation authorities encouraged the founders of Hamas, hoping that they would create a counterweight to Yasser Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Even after the start of the first intifada, the army and the security services gave preferential treatment to Hamas. Sheikh Yassin was arrested only a year after the outbreak.
"There seems to be no limit to the stupidity of our political and military leaders. They endanger the future of the state of Israel."
Uri Avnery: "It is worse than a crime, it is stupid!"
This is worse than a crime, it is an act of stupidity!" commented Gush Shalom activist Uri Avnery on the assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin.
"This is the beginning of a new chapter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It moves the conflict from the level of a solvable national conflict to the level of religious conflict, which by its very nature is insoluble.
"The fate of the state of Israel is now in the hands of a group of persons whose outlook is primitive and whose perceptions are retarded. They are incapable of understanding the mental, emotional and political dimensions of the conflict. This is a group of bankrupt political and military leaders who have failed in all their actions. They try to cover up their failures by a catastrophic escalation.
"This act will not only endanger the personal security of every Israeli, both in the country and around the world, but also the existential security of the state of Israel. It has grievously hurt the chances of putting an end to the Israeli-Palestinian, Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Muslim conflicts."
Avnery mentioned that in the early 1980s the occupation authorities encouraged the founders of Hamas, hoping that they would create a counterweight to Yasser Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Even after the start of the first intifada, the army and the security services gave preferential treatment to Hamas. Sheikh Yassin was arrested only a year after the outbreak.
"There seems to be no limit to the stupidity of our political and military leaders. They endanger the future of the state of Israel."
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES: ISRAELI TERROR
Gush Shalom Condemns Assassination:
The assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, with its concomitant careless killing of passers-by, is a mad provocative act by a government which lost all restraint
European Jews for a Just Peace: Statement on the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin:
We wish to express our feelings of outrage and horror at the targeted killing of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin by the Israeli army
Gush Shalom Condemns Assassination:
The assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, with its concomitant careless killing of passers-by, is a mad provocative act by a government which lost all restraint
European Jews for a Just Peace: Statement on the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin:
We wish to express our feelings of outrage and horror at the targeted killing of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin by the Israeli army
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES: ISRAELI TERROR
Guardian: Killing Sheikh Yassin was a mistake
The assassination of Hamas' spiritual leader removes a crucial restraining force within the organisation and will have dangerous repercussions, argues Barak Barfi
In the strange world of Palestinian politics, Yassin was known as a moderate. Though he advocated violence and praised suicide bombers, he did not put faith in a military solution to the conflict. He often spoke of hundred-year truces between Israelis and Palestinians, or of a temporary cessation of hostilities that would grant de facto recognition of Israel.
These views pitted him against the hawkish side of the Hamas leadership in Gaza. Leaders such as Dr Abd al-Aziz Rantisi are dead set against any concessions or recognition of Israel and believe that if victory will not be achieved in their generation, it will come in future ones.
Yassin's death, on the heels of the assassination of Ismail Abu Shanab last August, leaves the Hamas leadership in the hands of these hardliners, who preach violence as the only way to solve the conflict. Abu Shanab was the most pragmatic of the Hamas executive and openly accepted an Israeli state. With both of them gone, no one will preach moderation in Hamas' inner circle.
Guardian: Killing Sheikh Yassin was a mistake
The assassination of Hamas' spiritual leader removes a crucial restraining force within the organisation and will have dangerous repercussions, argues Barak Barfi
In the strange world of Palestinian politics, Yassin was known as a moderate. Though he advocated violence and praised suicide bombers, he did not put faith in a military solution to the conflict. He often spoke of hundred-year truces between Israelis and Palestinians, or of a temporary cessation of hostilities that would grant de facto recognition of Israel.
These views pitted him against the hawkish side of the Hamas leadership in Gaza. Leaders such as Dr Abd al-Aziz Rantisi are dead set against any concessions or recognition of Israel and believe that if victory will not be achieved in their generation, it will come in future ones.
Yassin's death, on the heels of the assassination of Ismail Abu Shanab last August, leaves the Hamas leadership in the hands of these hardliners, who preach violence as the only way to solve the conflict. Abu Shanab was the most pragmatic of the Hamas executive and openly accepted an Israeli state. With both of them gone, no one will preach moderation in Hamas' inner circle.
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES: ISRAELI TERROR
Guardian: Israel 'targeting entire Hamas leadership'
Israel will attempt to kill the entire leadership of Palestinian militant group Hamas, stepping up targeted attacks, Israeli security sources said today.
The report comes after Israel attracted widespread international condemnation for its assassination of the Hamas founder and spiritual leader, Ahmed Yassin, yesterday.
Security sources told the Associated Press that the policy of assassinating Hamas leaders had last night been reaffirmed at a five-hour meeting between the Israeli defence minister, Shaul Mofaz, and security officials at the defence ministry in Tel Aviv. The meeting followed the helicopter missile attack in which Yassin was killed in Gaza.
Guardian: Israel 'targeting entire Hamas leadership'
Israel will attempt to kill the entire leadership of Palestinian militant group Hamas, stepping up targeted attacks, Israeli security sources said today.
The report comes after Israel attracted widespread international condemnation for its assassination of the Hamas founder and spiritual leader, Ahmed Yassin, yesterday.
Security sources told the Associated Press that the policy of assassinating Hamas leaders had last night been reaffirmed at a five-hour meeting between the Israeli defence minister, Shaul Mofaz, and security officials at the defence ministry in Tel Aviv. The meeting followed the helicopter missile attack in which Yassin was killed in Gaza.
OCCUPIED TERRITORIES: ISRAELI TERROR
Independent: A blow that may only strengthen Hamas
On one level, the strategy behind yesterday's assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin is relatively easy to understand. The broad consensus is that it will escalate violence. The peace process is already completely blocked and Israel has shown that it is in no mood to negotiate as it proceeds with plans unilaterally to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.
If the attack showed anything, it is that the US-inspired "road-map" has no meaning. It has already been eclipsed by Israeli annexation of chunks of occupied territory with its controversial fence. Meanwhile, President George Bush has found more pressing affairs to attend to as the US election campaign grinds on.
Bitterly controversial though the assassination may be in the eyes of world opinion, the steps which made it likely were taken at an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by Israel's Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, after the suicide bombing which killed 10 Israeli civilians at the port of Ashdod. Responsibility for this was claimed jointly by Hamas and the Al Aqsa Brigades, linked to Yasser Arafat's Fatah, eight days ago.
Independent: A blow that may only strengthen Hamas
On one level, the strategy behind yesterday's assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin is relatively easy to understand. The broad consensus is that it will escalate violence. The peace process is already completely blocked and Israel has shown that it is in no mood to negotiate as it proceeds with plans unilaterally to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.
If the attack showed anything, it is that the US-inspired "road-map" has no meaning. It has already been eclipsed by Israeli annexation of chunks of occupied territory with its controversial fence. Meanwhile, President George Bush has found more pressing affairs to attend to as the US election campaign grinds on.
Bitterly controversial though the assassination may be in the eyes of world opinion, the steps which made it likely were taken at an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by Israel's Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, after the suicide bombing which killed 10 Israeli civilians at the port of Ashdod. Responsibility for this was claimed jointly by Hamas and the Al Aqsa Brigades, linked to Yasser Arafat's Fatah, eight days ago.
OCCUPIED TERRIRTORIES: ISRAELI TERROR
Independent: The cry of vengeance
Israel faced a chorus of international criticism yesterday after assassinating Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder of Hamas, in a helicopter missile attack which provoked immediate and bloodcurdling vows of vengeance from leaders of Palestinian militant factions.
Sheikh Yassin, regarded as the "spiritual leader" of the organisation which has led the wave of suicide bombings against Israel during the past three and half years of the intifada, was killed instantly by the first of three missiles as he returned home from morning prayers in Gaza City. The White House said the Bush administration was "deeply troubled" by the attack which left at least seven people dead and 18 wounded. Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, was prominent among the many international statesmen who condemned the attack as unjustifiable and unlikely to be effective.
Ariel Sharon, Israel's Prime Minister, called Sheikh Yassin the "mastermind of Palestinian terror" and a "mass-murderer who is among Israel's greatest enemies". Mr Sharon said Israel would not relent in its war on terror, indicating there would be more targeted attacks.
Independent: The cry of vengeance
Israel faced a chorus of international criticism yesterday after assassinating Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder of Hamas, in a helicopter missile attack which provoked immediate and bloodcurdling vows of vengeance from leaders of Palestinian militant factions.
Sheikh Yassin, regarded as the "spiritual leader" of the organisation which has led the wave of suicide bombings against Israel during the past three and half years of the intifada, was killed instantly by the first of three missiles as he returned home from morning prayers in Gaza City. The White House said the Bush administration was "deeply troubled" by the attack which left at least seven people dead and 18 wounded. Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, was prominent among the many international statesmen who condemned the attack as unjustifiable and unlikely to be effective.
Ariel Sharon, Israel's Prime Minister, called Sheikh Yassin the "mastermind of Palestinian terror" and a "mass-murderer who is among Israel's greatest enemies". Mr Sharon said Israel would not relent in its war on terror, indicating there would be more targeted attacks.
OCCUPIED TERRIRTORIES: ISRAELI TERROR
Spiegel: ARABISCHE PRESSESCHAU
Die arabische Presse ist entsetzt über die "Hinrichtung Scheich Jassins" auf Befehl Scharons. Der Hamas-Gründer sei der wichtigste Ansprechpartner im Gaza-Streifen gewesen - auch für Israel, schreibt die in London erscheinende Zeitung "al Hayat".
Spiegel: ARABISCHE PRESSESCHAU
Die arabische Presse ist entsetzt über die "Hinrichtung Scheich Jassins" auf Befehl Scharons. Der Hamas-Gründer sei der wichtigste Ansprechpartner im Gaza-Streifen gewesen - auch für Israel, schreibt die in London erscheinende Zeitung "al Hayat".
Monday, March 22, 2004
VOICES ON IRAQ
Guardian: Hans von Sponeck, Former UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq
The new element that exists is the almost daily emotional trauma caused
by the illegal war. Every fibre of society is bound to be affected by the
chaos and turmoil in Iraq, to a lesser extent in rural areas, to a
greater extent in Baghdad, Basra and other big cities. No one is spared.
There are islands of improvement, parts of Basra where water supply is
better and parts of Baghdad where the electricity works better. There
is some improvement in hospitals, but everything is affected by security
considerations. Access to services assumes security. If that is not
guaranteed, people don't have that access. In a mother and child
hospital in Basra, for example, there is less access to medicines than under the
sanctions.
Guardian: Hans von Sponeck, Former UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq
The new element that exists is the almost daily emotional trauma caused
by the illegal war. Every fibre of society is bound to be affected by the
chaos and turmoil in Iraq, to a lesser extent in rural areas, to a
greater extent in Baghdad, Basra and other big cities. No one is spared.
There are islands of improvement, parts of Basra where water supply is
better and parts of Baghdad where the electricity works better. There
is some improvement in hospitals, but everything is affected by security
considerations. Access to services assumes security. If that is not
guaranteed, people don't have that access. In a mother and child
hospital in Basra, for example, there is less access to medicines than under the
sanctions.
VOICES ON IRAQ
Guardian: Noam Chomsky
There's a lot of focus on the American death toll but personally I think that's partly propaganda exaggeration. Polls have demonstrated time and time again that Americans are willing to accept a high death toll - although they don't like it, they're willing to accept it - if they think it's a just cause.
There's never been anything like the so-called Vietnam Syndrome: it's mostly a fabrication. And in this case too if they thought it was a just cause, the 500 or so deaths would be mourned, but not considered a dominant reason for not continuing. No, the problem is the justice of the cause.
Guardian: Noam Chomsky
There's a lot of focus on the American death toll but personally I think that's partly propaganda exaggeration. Polls have demonstrated time and time again that Americans are willing to accept a high death toll - although they don't like it, they're willing to accept it - if they think it's a just cause.
There's never been anything like the so-called Vietnam Syndrome: it's mostly a fabrication. And in this case too if they thought it was a just cause, the 500 or so deaths would be mourned, but not considered a dominant reason for not continuing. No, the problem is the justice of the cause.
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