LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
February 03/09
Bible Reading of the
day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 2,22-40. When the days were
completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up
to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the
Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord," and to
offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in
accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in
Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the
consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to
him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the
Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents
brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he
took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: Now, Master, you may let your
servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your
salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for
revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child's
father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed
them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall
and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you
yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be
revealed."There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her
husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She
never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And
coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the
child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had
fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to
Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled
with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Blessed Guerric of Igny (1080-1157), Cistercian abbot
1st Sermon for the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, 3.5; PL 185,
64-65 (©Cistercian Fathers series; cf. SC 166, p.315f.)/«My eyes have seen your
salvation» Come then, my brethren, give an eye to that candle burning in
Simeon's hands. Light your candles too by borrowing from that Light; for these
candles I speak of are the lamps which the Lord orders us to have in our hands
(Mt 25,1; Lk 12,35). Come to him and be enlightened (Ps 34[33], 6), so as to be
not merely carrying lamps but to be very lamps yourselves, shining inside and
out, for yourselves and for your neighbors.
Be a lamp then in heart, in hand, in lips. The lamp in your heart will shine for
you; the lamp in your hand or on your lips will shine out for your neighbors.
The lamp in the heart is loving faith; the lamp in the hand is the example of
good works; the lamp on the lips is edifying speech. But not just before men
must we shine by works and word, but before angels too by prayer, and before God
himself by pure intention. Our lamp before the angels is the purity of our
devotion when in the sight of angels we chant the psalms with care or pray with
burning ardor; our lamp before God is the honesty of our intention to please him
only whose approval we have won... There are so many lamps then, my brethren, to
lighten your way, if only you will come to the source of all light and be
enlightened. Come, I say, to Jesus who shines out to us from Simeon's arms. He
will give light to your faith, luster to your works, meaning to your words for
men, ardor to your prayer, purity to your intentions... And when this life's
lamp is extinguished there will arise a life's light which can never be
extinguished, a shimmering noonday light, arising as it were at the evening of
your life.
Free Opinions, Releases, letters &
Special Reports
Obama's Mideast Challenges: The Coming Crises, By:
Dr.Walid Phares/Middle East Times
02/02/09
'Isratine:' A one-state solution is the only solution.By
Muammar Qaddafi 02/02/09
Amid
crisis, a reversal of roles at Davos-By
David Ignatius 02/02/09
Latest News Reports From
Miscellaneous Sources for February 02/09
Murr: Legal Wiretapping Starts
Tomorrow to Protect National Security-Naharnet
Jumblat: Iran, Not Hizbullah,
Should Follow Up the Fate of Its Missing Diplomats-Naharnet
Aoun Vows to Cut Tongues and Hands-Naharnet
Syria
open to new talks with Israel after election-Reuters
Sfeir Criticizes March 8 and 14 Forces-Naharnet
Hizbullah Honors Iran: It's Our Duty to Exchange Loyalty for Loyalty-Naharnet
Franjieh Hopeful of Entering Parliament as Head of Bloc-Naharnet
Al Ahram”
responds to Nasrallah: a tiny militiant and a small lier who has no
manners/Future Movement
White House Distances Itself From Discreet Talks With Iran, Syria-Naharnet
Meshaal From Tehran Rules Out Permanent Ceasefire with Israel-Naharnet
Wiretapping Issue Triggers New
Battle Between March 8, March 14-Naharnet
New
Militant Group in Ain el-Hilweh Reportedly Plans to Target Egyptian Embassy-Naharnet
Hariri: We Won't Allow the Hindering of the Elections-Naharnet
Lebanon's Daily Star is back on newsstands-International
Herald Tribune
Israel warns citizens abroad of Hezbollah hit plot-International
Herald Tribune
The Region: Egypt and Turkey-Jerusalem Post
Lebanon's majority leader says parliamentary
elections to be held ...Xinhua
Martin to visit Syria, Lebanon and UAE this
week-Belfast Telegraph
Skaf Family Considers Its
Son an Israeli Prisoner, Mughrabis Demand Dalal's Remains-Naharnet
Nomination Battle at
Baabda Constituency-Naharnet
Israel Warns Citizens
Against Hizbullah Attack-Naharnet
Security Sources Hammer
Bassil, Minister Hits Back-Naharnet
Hizbullah Warns Against
Efforts to Decrease Its Popularity-Naharnet
PSP Backs Pro-Independence
and Centrist Candidates-Naharnet
Calls for centrist bloc
gain ground among key March 14 members-Daily
Star
Zionist state frets riposte for Mughniyeh hit-(AFP)
Grand Serail meeting to
tackle claims of illegal wiretapping activities-Daily
Star
Cairo
labels Nasrallah 'agent of the Iranian regime'-(AFP)
Egyptian Embassy 'at risk'
of attack by new Palestinian group-Daily
Star
Presidential decree fills
high-level positions-Daily
Star
Registrar upbeat about staffing for
Hariri court-Daily Star
A look at the Middle East
... from a fresh perspective-Daily
Star
Kontar talks tough during Tehran visit-(AFP)
Financial crisis threatens
UNIFIL's manpower-Daily
Star
Lebanon back as conduit
between US and Syria?
-Daily Star
Beirut finally dials up
lower cellular rates as of April
-Daily Star
Suicide suspected after
Syrian teen dies in Tyre-Daily
Star
Great
majority of governments fail to keep publics adequately informed-By
Inter Press Service
Can Parisian panache bring
order to Beirut's chaotic streets?-(AFP)
Sfeir Criticizes March 8 and 14 Forces
Naharnet/Maronite
Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir lamented the continued bickering between March 8 and
14 forces, saying "if one side agrees on a decision, the other side would oppose
it." He also criticized efforts to obstruct functioning of state institutions.
"No one hears what we have to say … They don't care about people's problems,"
Sfeir told a visiting delegation. Sfeir advised the Lebanese during his Sunday
sermon to vote for efficient parliamentary candidates without intimidation. "We
advise citizens to choose the most efficient and suitable for parliament without
being influenced by scare tactics," he said. "Setting the election date has
possibly aggravated some party supporters," the Patriarch added. Beirut, 02 Feb
09, 14:46
Murr: Legal Wiretapping Starts Tomorrow to Protect National
Security
Naharnet/Defense
Minister Elias Murr on Monday said a law setting the rules for legal
interception of communications to safeguard national security would be applied
as of Tuesday "for the first time since independence" in 1943. Murr made the
statement to reporters after a lengthy meeting by ministers of defense,
interior, communications and justice along with commanders of security agencies
under Premier Fouad Saniora to tackle the issue of alleged wiretapping of
communications.
Murr refused to answer questions as to whether wiretapping of communications had
been applied illegally. "What I am saying is that the interception of
communications would be carried out legally and in line with national security
as of tomorrow (Tuesday)," Murr said. He said Communications Minister Gebran
Bassil "took time to review certain files in the first week of his assumption of
duties. Unfortunately, regrettable events happened at that time." "The Minister
of Communications did not withhold data from anyone. He just took time to review
files," Murr added. The Ministry of communications would "prepare the center for
intercepting communication that would by run by officers," he added. He
explained that any security agency that wants to monitor calls by a certain side
would apply for the procedure to "their minister, who would refer it to the
related ministries for implementation after informing the premier of it." The
pledged procedure, Murr said, would protect privacy for the citizens using
communication channels. Beirut, 02 Feb 09, 19:45
Jumblat: Iran, Not Hizbullah, Should Follow Up the Fate of
Its Missing Diplomats
Naharnet/Progressive
Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat on Monday said the issue of missing Iranian
diplomats should be handled by Iran through diplomatic channels. Jumblat, in an
editorial to be published by the PSP's weekly magazine al-Anbaa, said the Taef
Accord had "closed the file of those who went missing in the war." He was
responding to a call by Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah to the Lebanese
Cabinet to handle the issue of four Iranian diplomats who went missing during
Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Jumblat said the whereabouts of the four
missing Iranians should be followed up "exactly as the whereabouts of Lebanese
citizens missing in Syria also should be followed up." He also criticized
efforts to "block the Council for South Lebanon, because it leads to blocking
the whole state budget." Jumblat criticized calls by Hamas to form a new
Palestine Liberation Organization, saying the only hope for the Palestinians is
in their own unity. Beirut, 02 Feb 09, 19:27
Aoun Vows to Cut Tongues and Hands
Naharnet/Free
Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun predicted that the forthcoming
parliamentary elections would be against "the Aounists. It would be a universal
battle in which air and maritime fleets would be deployed.""But we would win,"
Aoun told a press conference after the weekly meeting by his Change and reform
Bloc members at his residence ion Rabiyeh. Aoun also said Premier Fouad Saniora,
progressive Socialist party leader Walid Jumblat and Mustaqbal Movement leader
Saad Hariri should be referred to a court of law on charges of "hurting
relations with Syria." He also launched a vehement attack on the leading daily
an-Nahar accusing it of "misguiding" readers for publishing a report about
alleged wiretapping of communications allowed by Minister of Communications
Gebran Bassil. Bassil, a member of Aoun's FPM, "would apply law 140. We would
cut the tongue that targets us and chop off the hand that stretches at us," Aoun
Pledged. Beirut, 02 Feb 09, 20:15
Mustaqbal Bloc Warns Against Programmed Arming Up by March
8 Faction
Naharnet/The
Mustaqbal Parliamentary Bloc on Monday accused unnamed factions of the March 8
alliance of "programmed distribution of weapons to its partisans in the Bekaa
and the north." The Bloc, after a meeting presided over by its chairman Saad
Hariri, said such practices "spark serious fears and raise concerns about
schemes to pressure citizens and intimidate them with the aim of influencing
developments related to the forthcoming elections to prevent voters from freely
electing their representatives." The statement also criticized the gunfire
attack on Hrag Akian, a founding member of the Free Lebanese Armenian Movement
(FLAM), saying it was "in line with intimidation campaigns related to the
forthcoming elections." It called for high turnout at a rally scheduled for Feb.
14 to mark the fourth anniversary of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's assassination.
Beirut, 02 Feb 09, 21:30
Hizbullah Honors Iran: It's Our Duty to Exchange Loyalty for
Loyalty
Naharnet/Hizbullah
on Monday honored Tehran on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Islamic
Revolution in Iran. Sheikh Nabil Qaouq said: "Our duty is to exchange loyalty
for loyalty."He hailed Tehran aid to Lebanon and criticized other countries
which have "until today not fulfilled their commitment" to south Lebanon
following the 2006 Israel-Hizbullah war. "On behalf of the victorious south, the
south of Imam Moussa Sadr and Sayyed Abbas, the south of Hizbullah and Amal
Movement, thanks to the Iranian Republic, the Iranian people and the leader of
the Islamic Revolution Ali Khamenei," Qaouq said. Beirut, 02 Feb 09, 13:02
Wiretapping Issue Triggers New
Battle Between March 8, March 14
Naharnet/Ministerial-level security talks will be held on Monday to address the
issue of wiretapping which has threatened to increase political turmoil in a
divided nation where tensions between rival political camps often turned bloody.
The daily Al Liwaa said the meeting, called by Prime Minister Fouad Saniora, is
likely to be "stormy" in the wake of information to be revealed by security
leaders about attempts carried out by Telecommunications Minister Jebran Bassil
to "prevent the detection of recent crimes," particularly those that took place
in the northern city of Tripoli. It said the ministerial meeting at the Grand
Serail is even expected to turn hotter in view of the lawsuit filed by attorney
Mohammed Mrad on behalf of the parents of six victims killed in a bus attack in
Bahsas, Tripoli last year. The lawsuit also accused Bassil of "obstructing the
investigation to detect the crime through withholding information required to
track down the perpetrators." Bassil denied the charges, saying the accusations
were part of a campaign ahead of parliamentary elections. Parliament Speaker
Nabih Berri was reportedly inclined to appointing a Parliamentary Investigation
Committee to look into the wiretapping issue.
"We will not remain silent on this issue," Berri said. He did not elaborate.
Meanwhile, Bassil told As Safir newspaper that he will call upon Cabinet
ministers during Monday's session to "determine exactly what is required." "I
want to know whether the campaigners against me are with or against
wiretapping?" Bassil asked.
Meanshile, ministerial sources confirmed to pan-Arab daily al Hayat the
existence of a document that proves the assignment of an officer to the
telecommunications ministry. The sources, however, said that security
authorities do not have the means for wiretapping or intercepting all phone
calls, pointing that their role is limited to "tracking and monitoring some
phone calls," which has enabled them to arrest perpetrators in the Ain Alaq twin
bombing. Beirut, 02 Feb 09, 09:13
Tel Aviv: Hezbollah plans to
murder or abduct Israeli officials
Date: February 1st, 2009 Source: AFP
Israel's counter-terrorism bureau warned on Sunday that Hezbollah is planning to
abduct or kill Israeli officials prior to the anniversary of the assassination
of Imad Mughnieh, one of Hezbollah’s prominent leaders. "Hezbollah is apparently
prepared for carrying out a severe attack against an Israeli target, including
abroad," the bureau said in a statement, warning specifically of assassination
or kidnapping attempts. "Such an attack is a threat against any Israeli,
especially senior officials," it said.
The bureau reiterated its travel warnings for Israelis, calling on tourists and
businessmen to take special precaution in hotels, restaurants and recreational
spots abroad.
The Secretary General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah vowed on Thursday to avenge
Mughniyeh's killing, which he blamed on Israel. "The Israelis live in fear of
our revenge," Nasrallah said.
Al Ahram” responds to Nasrallah: a tiny militiant and a
small lier who has no manners
Date: February 1st, 2009 Source: Future Movement
"Al-Ahram" responded to the Secretary of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah’s
last speech in which he attacked Egypt and President Hosni Mubarak, considering
him "the Iranian recruit under the name of Hezbollah who thinks that he is able
to incite the army and people of Egypt to turn against the Egyptian leadership”,
mentioning that he and his group “consider themselves the representatives of the
Palestinian cause and intentionally forget whom they are addressing.”
“Al-Jumhuria" mentioned in its editorial that "Hezbollah is not Arab because it
criticizes Egypt", saying that the "army of freedom is the militia of darkness",
while “Al-Akhbar” newspaper considered Nasrallah a lier who has no manners or
decensy. Osama Saraya, said in an editorial of "Al-Ahram": "when the magic
revealed that the magician, the small Ayatollah once again tries a new game,"
adding that "Egypt is capable of detecting the real Iranian schemes and
conspiracies against the Arabs”.
New Militant Group in Ain el-Hilweh Reportedly Plans to
Target Egyptian Embassy
Naharnet/A new Palestinian militant group whose members have been trained to
carry out rocket-launching and bombing operations was reportedly formed in the
southern refugee camp of Ain el-Hilweh to carry out among others an attack on
the Egyptian embassy.
Al-Balad daily reported on Sunday that a Palestinian named Jamal Hamad formed
the organization, which he named "Jihad movement for the victory of Gaza" with
the assistance of Ghandi Sahmarani, a Lebanese wanted from the authorities on
several terrorist charges. The newspaper said several militants from Jund
al-Sham and Osbat al-Ansar have joined the new group. The militants have
received training in camps in the Central and Western Bekaa Valley from "foreign
experts" brought in under the cover of upgrading fighting capabilities
against Israel, according to al-Balad.
Information reveals that the militants aim at carrying out operations against
people or organizations that cooperate with Israel in coordination with fighters
who are on the run like Abdul Rahman Awad. The plots include targeting the
Egyptian embassy in Beirut's Bir Hassan neighborhood and carrying out a
booby-trapped car bombing with the help of a veiled woman to facilitate the
attack, according to the newspaper. Another Palestinian group linked to al-Qaida
terrorist group is also reportedly planning to attack U.N. peacekeepers in south
Lebanon. Al-Balad said a Palestinian-Jordanian named Abdullah Liyani al-Hassan
arrived in Ain el-Hilweh camp end of 2008 and held several meetings with Osbat
al-Ansar official nicknamed Abu Obeida to carry out such attacks. Beirut, 01 Feb
09, 09:23
Skaf Family Considers Its Son an Israeli Prisoner,
Mughrabis Demand Dalal's Remains
Naharnet/The families of Yehya Skaf and Dalal al-Mughrabi held a joint press
conference at Akkar on Sunday, calling for finding the truth behind their
whereabouts.
Skaf's brother called on Hizbullah's Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah
to continue his struggle to determine the whereabouts of his brother.
"We do not trust this arrogant enemy (Israel) and its statements. We consider
Yehya to remain a prisoner with the enemy," Skaf's brother said.
Rashida al-Mughrabi, discussed the issue of her sister, saying: "Regarding
Dalal's remains, we won't accept anything less than her actual remains, and not
what the unknown remains that the enemy sends." "Our sister Dalal has the human
right for a decent and dignified burial following three decades of captivity and
martyrdom," she said. Dalal al-Mughrabi and Yehya Skaf participated with a group
of Palestinians in an attack inside Israel on March 11, 1978. Israel claimed
that both Dalal and Yehya were killed at the time. Hizbullah chief Nasrallah
suggested Skaf to be part of a prisoner exchange during the July 2006 war with
Israel. Skaf was not included in a July 2008 prisoner exchange. Although Israel
claims that his remains and that of Mughrabi were. Last Thursday, Nasrallah
announced that DNA tests on exhumed bodies given to Lebanon by Israel were
inconclusive in identifying both Skaf and al-Mughrabi. He held Israel
responsible for their whereabouts.
Beirut, 02 Feb 09, 10:04
Hariri: We Won't Allow the Hindering of the Elections
Naharnet/Al-Mustaqbal movement leader Saad Hariri said the March 14 forces won't
allow the upcoming parliamentary elections to be torpedoed, adding the coalition
will engage in the election battle as a unified list. "We won't allow the
hindering" of the elections, Hariri told al-Mustaqbal daily in remarks published
Monday.
He accused March 8 forces of attacking independent candidates "even before they
know who they are and what their political and electoral stances are."
Hariri reiterated that the international tribunal that would try his father's
assassins would begin operations on March 1.
"We accept any outcome from it (the court) and the investigation … and I
guarantee that there won't be any deal. They tried in all ways to cripple it and
they didn't succeed," Hariri told al-Mustaqbal. He stressed that the Special
Tribunal for Lebanon is aimed at defending the free Lebanon and the voices of
independence, Arabism and moderation. "I am sure the assassins will be
punished," the Mustaqbal movement leader said about those who were involved in
ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's Feb. 14, 2005 killing. About contacts with Hizbullah,
Hariri said: "We exchange messages and we already reprimanded them about some
statements but we didn't announce that" to the media.
He urged the Lebanese to participate en masse in the fourth anniversary of his
father's assassination in downtown Beirut's Martyrs Square.
The Feb. 14 gathering this year is aimed at remembering and honoring "all
martyrs in Lebanon and for the sake of its (the country's) independence, freedom
and Arabism," Hariri told his interviewer. "Heading to Martyrs Square this year
has different meanings. We have seen over the past four years the assassination
of Premier Hariri and the killing of political and media officials who were the
pioneers of the Cedar Revolution. They had challenged the regime of tutelage
openly and honestly," the MP said. He said the people will gather in Martyrs
Square to also honor all those who were killed during the Lebanese civil war.
"All those who have lost loved ones would feel that the killing machine is one
and that the tribunal would try not just those who killed Rafik Hariri and the
Cedar revolution's martyrs. It would try criminals who assassinated (people)
during all this stage and caused the civil war," Hariri said.
He said Beirut citizens are fearless. Beirut "should not be scared. Its people
should head to Martyrs Square the same way they demonstrated against Syrian
hegemony" in the aftermath of Hariri's assassination. Beirut, 02 Feb 09, 09:15
Hizbullah Warns Against Efforts to Decrease Its Popularity
Naharnet/Hizbullah on Sunday launched its election campaign in south Lebanon,
telling supporters that competitors seek to "decrease our popularity, and this
is very serious." "It is our responsibility today to confirm that the resistance
enjoys wider popularity," said Minister of Labor Mohammed Fneish.
"Our competitors, especially in the south, realize that they have no chance of
winning. However, they are competing in the elections, spending money and
exerting efforts … so that results would reflect a decline in our popularity as
compared to previous elections," Fneish said. "This is very serious, because it
would relay a distorted image of the situation across the borders," Fneish
warned. He said Hizbullah is committed to the Taef Accord. However, he added
"developing the political system in Lebanon can only be achieved by the
conviction of the Lebanese people." Beirut, 01 Feb 09, 17:19
Nomination Battle at Baabda Constituency
Naharnet/Former MPs Salah Hnein and Edmond Garios said they were seeking to draw
up a list of independent parliamentary candidates in response to Druze leader
Walid Jumblat's announcement about naming Hnein and Garios on a list that
includes MPs Abdullah Farhat and Ayman Shuqair. In turn, Coordinator of the
Central Committee of the Phalange Party Sami Gemayel stressed his party will not
give up its Baabda-Aley (constituency) seat. "We will not give up our rightful
positions in Lebanon among which our seat at Baabda-Aley," Gemayel said. "We
will not accept but to obtain our electoral rights in areas where there is
concentration of the (Phalange) party," he insisted. Meanwhile, Jumblat's
Progressive Socialist Party said it was "studying all options and possibilities
that could lead to victory for the "independent line and the centrist bloc" in
the June 2009 elections. Beirut, 02 Feb 09, 10:37
PSP Backs Pro-Independence and Centrist Candidates
Naharnet/The Progressive Socialist Party on Sunday said it is "considering all
options and probabilities that could eventually lead to victory (in the
forthcoming elections" by the pro-independence march and centrist bloc
candidates. "As for the Baabda constituency, PSP candidate Aiman Shuqair and MP
Abdullah Farhat, along with all personalities in this area, are considering the
best means to achieve pluralist political representation of Baabda citizens in
Parliament," the terse statement added without further elaboration. Beirut, 01
Feb 09, 16:56
White House Distances Itself From Discreet Talks With Iran,
Syria
Naharnet/The White House on Sunday sought to distance itself from advisers to
Barack Obama who reportedly met with Syrian and Iranian officials during Obama's
transition to power. "The president made it very clear to the transition team
that there would be no contacts with foreign government officials during the
transition," said National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer. Obama
officially took over the White House on January 20, after winning the November
4th presidential election to replace outgoing president George Bush. A group of
experts under the auspices of a think-tank known as the United States Institute
of Peace (USIP) announced Thursday that they met for more than two hours in
Damascus with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The group included Ellen Laipson,
a former White House adviser under president Bill Clinton and a member of the
Obama transition team. That meeting took place on January 11, said USIP, a
bipartisan think tank financed by Congress.
In addition, nuclear non-proliferation experts had several "very, very
high-level" contacts in the last few months with Iranian leaders, Jeffrey
Boutwell, executive director for the U.S. branch of the Pugwash group, an
international organization of scientists which won the Nobel Peace Prize in
1995, told Agence France Presse (AFP) on Friday. Former defense secretary
William Perry, who served in Obama's election campaign, participated in some of
these meetings focused on "a wide range of issues that separate Iran from the
West: not only their nuclear program but the Middle East peace process, Persian
Gulf issues," Boutwell told AFP.
The Pugwash official declined to name the other participants, except to say they
had considerable clout. In response, a senior administration official said
"those reports are inaccurate," but declined to elaborate. The Syrian president
himself revealed on Monday "dialogue started some weeks ago in a serious manner
through personalities who are close to the administration and who were
dispatched by the administration." The United States accuses Syria of supporting
"terrorist" groups such as Hizbullah and Hamas, of destabilizing Lebanon and of
allowing armed men to transit its territory to fight U.S.-led forces in Iraq.
Washington and Tehran, which have had no diplomatic ties for nearly 30 years,
differ sharply over Iran's nuclear program. Washington charges the program is a
covert military one, but Tehran says it is for nuclear energy.(AFP)
Meshaal From Tehran Rules Out Permanent Ceasefire with
Israel
Naharnet/Hamas Movement leader Khaled Meshaal, on Sunday ruled out any
"permanent ceasefire" until Israel ends its crippling blockade of the Gaza
Strip.
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, meanwhile, in talks with Meshaal
urged him to be prepared for new hostilities with arch foe Israel.
"The resistance is against a permanent ceasefire," Meshaal said at a news
conference in Tehran, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported.
"While the occupation continues, a permanent ceasefire has no meaning," Meshaal
said at the conference, jointly held with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr
Mottaki. Israel has enforced a blockade of the enclave ever since the Islamist
movement violently seized control in a week of deadly street fighting with its
Fatah rivals in mid-2007. Meshaal, who arrived in Iran earlier on Sunday for his
first visit since the war, said the Gaza blockade was a key "priority".
"While the blockade continues, we believe the aggression (by Israel) continues,"
he added.
Meshaal's remarks come as Palestinian officials were gathering in Cairo for
talks from Monday aimed at bolstering a ceasefire in Gaza amid Israel's threat
to strike at Hamas after Gaza militants fired rockets into Israel. Egypt has
been mediating a truce between Hamas and Israel after they both announced
ceasefires on January 18, ending a 22-day war that killed more than 1,330
Palestinians and 13 Israelis. The fragile ceasefire has been tested by
tit-for-tat attacks which flared up after Palestinian militants detonated a
roadside bomb at the Gaza border with Israel, killing a soldier. Palestinian
militants have also fired at least seven rockets at Israel.
Later Sunday Meshaal met Khamenei who urged him to be prepared for any situation
even a new "war" with Israel, the semi-official news agency ISNA reported.
"The Islamic resistance has to be careful and prepared for any situation even
the possibility of a new war," Khamenei was quoted as saying.
He said that the recent "victory will lead to more such victories" against
Israel.
Meshaal thanked Khamenei for the "strong support given by Iran which had a big
role in the victory of the people of Gaza," ISNA quoted Meshaal as saying.
Mottaki also called for the lifting of the Gaza blockade. "The Gaza blockade
should be lifted and Gaza port and the crossings should be reopened for
reconstruction," he said during the conference with Meshaal. The Iranian foreign
minister said it is the duty of other countries to help reconstruct Gaza and
"exert efforts to offer help to the needy people through the legal government of
Hamas." Mottaki praised "the resistance of Gazans" which had "put out the fire
of the Zionist regime," during the war in the impoverished territory. Meshaal,
who lives in exile in Syria, was to address students of Tehran University on
Monday, and also attend a session of parliament, IRNA reported. Iran's hardliner
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has drawn global outrage for his anti-Israel
tirades, has congratulated Hamas on its "victory" in the war with Israel. Iran
is a staunch supporter of Hamas and does not recognize Israel. In 2006, Tehran
pledged millions of dollars in aid to the Hamas government. But the Islamic
republic has always insisted its support for Palestinian militant groups does
not extend to arming or training fighters.(AFP) Beirut, 01 Feb 09, 21:53
Canadian Official Statement on Iraq’s Provincial Elections
February 1, 2009
No. 28
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, today
issued the following statement on behalf of the Government of Canada,
congratulating the people of Iraq on their recent provincial elections:
“Canada congratulates the people of Iraq on the successful conduct of the
provincial elections held in 14 governorates on Saturday, January 31. These
elections are a crucial step in Iraq’s evolving political process. They not only
set the tone for this year’s parliamentary elections, but also reshape local
government by ensuring it represents the full spectrum of Iraqi society.
“Furthermore, the significant turnout at the polls testifies to the Iraqi
people’s commitment to the democratic process and to advancing the public will
through non-violent means. Canada hopes that these elections will serve as a
gateway to further peace, reconciliation and stability in the country.
“The Government of Canada is committed to promoting the fundamental Canadian
values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Since 2003,
Canada has contributed nearly $300 million in aid to help stabilize Iraq. Canada
looks forward to continuing to work with Iraq to support peace and the promotion
of democracy.”
Obama's Mideast Challenges: The Coming Crises
By WALID PHARES
February 02, 2009
Since Sept. 11, 2001 the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has been
shaped by a new and dominant reality, the war on terror, which has been a
jihadist global campaign against democracies in many areas around the world.
Since the U.S. and NATO intervention in Afghanistan in 2001, the challenges have
been to maintain stability and freedom in that country and in Iraq, as well as
countering the expanding influence of al-Qaeda in Pakistan, the African Horn and
beyond.
In addition, since the invasion of Iraq and the acceleration of the nuclear
program by the Iranian regime, the challenge coming from Tehran is escalating.
We've witnessed Iranian involvement in Lebanon with Hezbollah and in Gaza with
Hamas. So, in short, whatever problems the George W. Bush administration has
already confronted, the current administration will have to address, but perhaps
with more urgency.
Iraq
The issue is not the principle of withdrawal but what would replace the
coalition and the ability of the Iraqi government to resist al-Qaida and Iran's
influence. There is really no new data to process for the Obama policy
architects. If Iraq is ready, the redeployment will take place as scheduled. But
if the Iraqi institutions aren't ready, there will be an al-Qaida return to the
Sunni triangle and an Iranian penetration of central and southern Iraq.
Perhaps the bet of the new administration is to strike a deal with the Iranians
so that the exit from Iraq is smooth. If this is the case, then the U.S.
redeployment will be subject to Iran's conditions. And if so, one has to wonder
what these conditions are and what Tehran wants to impose on Washington in the
region. Already one can see the challenge, particularly in light of the Iranian
race to achieve nuclear armament.
Afghanistan
A new strategy in Afghanistan must be integrated into a regional approach
covering Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, all three under democratic governments
aimed at weakening terrorism. This is an opportunity to isolate the radicals
across the regional borders. But that needs a structure that understands the
ideological power of the terror forces.
Syria/Lebanon
The Syrian regime is a strategic ally of Iran, not an extension of it, as
Hezbollah is to the Khomeinists. But Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime is
implicated in a terror campaign against the emerging Cedars Revolution in
Lebanon. Damascus has an ideological claim over Lebanon and that cannot be
undone without a massive reform of the Baathist regime. Also, Hezbollah, which
receives hundreds of millions of dollars from Tehran, has seized more power in
Beirut and further intimidated Lebanon's fragile democracy.
The question is how will the U.S. administration deal with Syria and Hezbollah
in the near future? If it wishes to cut a deal with the Syrian regime, the price
is clear, there are no secrets: it is Lebanon. If it wants to engage Hezbollah,
it will have to talk with the masters in Tehran, which would bring Washington to
square one in positioning toward Iran's regime. The options regarding Lebanon
and Syria are very limited and just biding time is not a policy.
Israel/Palestinians
The Bush administration said it would support the two-state solution, but Iran's
allies in the region have obstructed the process. Can the Obama administration
do better? It has two choices: either cut a deal with Iran to tame Hamas or
support Iran's President Mahmoud Abbas in establishing the state institutions.
There are no magic solutions, but there will be strategic choices to follow.
Conclusion
In the end, the Obama response to all these challenges is going to be about who
the advisors and experts are and what are their plans. And if you examine the
situation closer - you'd realize that the expert group which will be tasked to
help Obama will come from or be influenced by the Middle East studies community.
Which brings us back to the state of this field, eight years after 9/11: Is this
community ready and able to provide the new president and his administration
with the appropriate advice?
--
**Walid Phares was a professor of Middle East Studies at Florida Atlantic
University from 1993 to 2005 and has been teaching Global Strategies at National
Defense University since 2006. He is a senior fellow at the Foundation for
Defense of Democracies in Washington and a visiting fellow at the European
Foundation for Democracy in Brussels. He is the author of numerous books
including "Future Jihad" and "The Confrontation