LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS
BULLETIN
April 19/08
Bible Reading of the day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14,1-6. Do not let
your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my
Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have
told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am
you also may be. Where (I) am going you know the way." Thomas said to him,
"Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus
said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father except through me.
Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special Reports
Aoun's Mass Grave-Hassan Haider-Dar Al-Hayat 19/04/08
Hezbollah Using ‘Christian Cover’ to Penetrate the West?.By: W. Thomas Smith
Jr.18/04/08
U.S. Strike on
Iran Nearing.
By: Jim Meyers
18/04/08
A Democratic Islam?By: Daniel Pipes 18/04/08
Welch bathes in a pool of hypocrisy - and he has
plenty of company-The Daily Star 18/04/08
Latest
News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for April 18/08
Welch calls on rival Lebanese parties to elect new
president-Daily Star
Azour says reforms to go on despite political tension-Daily
Star
Sayyed's lawyer stresses claim of political detention-Daily
Star
Geagea predicts more killings, says his name is on
the list-Daily Star
Islamic Action Front chief urges electing Suleiman-Daily
Star
Qaouk: Israel avoiding 'provocative actions-Daily
Star
Austria backs Moussa's bid to break deadlock-Daily
Star
Hoss: Assad willing to help end Lebanese crisis-Daily
Star
Lebanon: hope amid the gathering clouds-Daily
Star
Islamic clerics hold second summit to back tolerance-Daily
Star
Al-Kafaat Foundation hosts workshop for specialists
in printing sector-Daily Star
AUB launches dedicated channel on YouTube-Daily
Star
ISF sees more drug use in Sidon, intensifies
enforcement efforts-Daily Star
Basil Fuleihan Foundation names winner of 'Good
Governance' competition -Daily Star
Carter meets with Gaza-based Hamas leaders in Cairo-AFP
Assad: Syria preparing for a war it doesn't want-Daily
Star
Ahmadinejad proclaims Iran 'most powerful nation' on
earth-AFP
Sison presents AUB with $2.6 million in scholarship
funding-Daily Star
Syria and US at Odds Over Hariri Probe-TIME
Iran training media for Israel-Syria war-Jerusalem Post
March 14 Officially Asks Washington to Back Lebanon against Syrian-Iranian
Intervention-Naharnet
Hizbullah Serves
Warning to UNIFIL-Naharnet
Assad: Syria preparing for war-Al-Bawaba
Top US diplomat in Lebanon to meet with rival leaders-AFP
Lebanon finds Berlusconi's rules of engagement comment "dangerous"-Monsters
and Critics.com
Israeli Druze mark Syria's independence-Ynetnews
Pope, Bush Back Lebanon's Sovereignty and Independence-Naharnet
Hizbullah Surrounds Security Force, Frees 2 Detainees-Naharnet
Labor Union
Threatens Strike May 7 if Pay Dispute Not Resolved-Naharnet
Jordanian Envoy Visits Damascus, Cairo to
Improve Political Climate-Naharnet
Saudi, Jordanian Kings for Consensus
Lebanese President-Naharnet
Qandil, Wives of Four Generals Defend Aoun-Naharnet
Berlusconi Announces Use-of-force Review
for UNIFIL Troops-Naharnet
Hizbullah Doubts International Tribunal,
Siddiq's Disappearance-Naharnet
Houry Accuses Berri of Seeking to Finish
Off the Arab Initiative-Naharnet
Fadlallah Warns against Arab-Israeli
Alliance-Naharnet
Qabalan Wants Saniora to Visit Iranv-Naharnet
Hizbullah Slams International 'Inaction'
over Israeli Incursions-Naharnet
Olmert: Israel, Syria exchanging messages on expectations-The
Associated Press
Qandil, Wives of Four Generals Defend Aoun-Naharnet
Survey: Nasrallah is the most admired leader in the Arab world-Ha'aretz
Ahmadinejad: Iran
World's Most Powerful Nation-Naharnet
Hamas:All Options Open to Avenge Gaza Attack-Naharnet
Putin Meets Gadhafi, Looks to Rebuild Ties with Libya-Naharnet
Netanyahu: Iran will 'Walk in' if Israel
Leaves the West Bank-Naharnet
Statement by the
President of the United States on the 25th Anniversary of the Beirut Bombing
Written by Whitehouse
Thursday, 17 April 2008
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 17, 2008
Statement by the President
White House News
On April 18, 1983, the Islamic Jihad Organization, known today as the terrorist
group Hizballah, detonated a massive car bomb at the American Embassy in Beirut,
killing 52 people -- 17 Americans and 35 Lebanese citizens. The Beirut Embassy
bombing was at the time the most deadly terrorist attack against the United
States in our history. On the 25th anniversary of that bombing, we mourn for
those who perished, and we honor the sacrifice of their family and friends and
of the many who were wounded. This occasion is a timely reminder of the danger
our diplomats, military personnel, and locally employed staff bear in their
service to the United States.
Since the Beirut attack, we and citizens of many countries have suffered more
attacks at the hands of Hizballah and other terrorists, backed by the regimes in
Tehran and Damascus, which use terror and violence against innocent civilians.
All nations should condemn such brutal attacks and recognize that the purposeful
targeting of civilians is immoral and unjustifiable.
The people of Lebanon have spent the better part of three decades living under
the threat of violence, assassinations, and other forms of intimidation. Despite
this, they and their leaders continue to work for a peaceful and democratic
future, even as Syria, Iran, and their Lebanese proxies seek to undermine
Lebanese democracy and institutions. The United States will continue to stand
with the Lebanese government and the Lebanese people as they struggle to
preserve their hard-won sovereignty and independence, endeavor to provide
justice for victims of terrorism and political violence, and continue to seek
the election of a president committed to these principles.
Aoun's
Mass Grave
Hassan Haidar
Al-Hayat - 17/04/08//
Politicians are like everyone else; they can be angry, happy, hopeful, and
disappointed. However, politicians differ from the common man in that they
always take into consideration their public responsibility. They do not display
personal recklessness and do not allow their personal interests to supplant the
interests of the community and the nation. This in order to honor their position
and respect the public, whether those loyal to them or those they seek to win
over. In that sense, MP Michel Aoun is not a politician, nor is he a military
man in the sense of leadership, as he allows surges of anger to overtake him
every time he feels the presidential seat moving away from him yet another inch.
Thus, he begins to launch attacks left and right, and to instigate battles which
he, as the leader of a movement he assures us to be broad, should normally
avoid; battles whose timing and implications he should carefully weigh,
considering what they may bring to Lebanon and all its people.
The latest boast with which Aoun has graced his public, as if speaking to
himself in a mirror, was the story of the mass grave he claimed to be located in
Halat, demanding that security forces hasten to uncover it, believing that it
will grant him the "victory" he failed to achieve in both his "War of
Liberation" and "War of Elimination." As if it were not enough, he declared, on
the anniversary of Civil War, that what he considers "inequity and deprivation"
will inevitably bring back civil infighting.
Such a plebeian approach, reminiscent of smalltime street thugs whose vision
ends at the limit of the street they control, may lead the country, and
especially the Christians, to new calamities, amidst the current acute tension,
at both the political and security levels. And if Aoun wishes to uncover graves,
would he really dare to uncover them all? Why was he not taken by the same zeal,
only a few months ago, when a mass grave, in which were buried officers and
soldiers who were under his command when Syrian troops attacked the presidential
palace in 1990, was uncovered? Would he really dare to ask his allies, in
Beirut's southern suburb's security perimeter and in the South, about the dozens
of young men who were killed in their own homes, among their families, for
"breaking away" from the sect.
And if Aoun wishes to have the files of corruption opened, would he be able to
have them all opened? Then why does he ignore the scandal of Bank Al-Madina? Why
do we not hear him holding his current allies accountable? They who were
partners in the "corrupt puppet regime" which Syria imposed on Lebanon,
according to his own words in a lecture he gave in Washington in March 2003, in
which he considered the Shebaa Farms to be a pretext invented by Damascus "that
prevents the Lebanese from meeting to prevent the disarmament of parties loyal
to it".
What has changed in Syria's policy towards Lebanon for him to now assume its
defense? Does Aoun reduce the difference in Syria's policy to its stance
regarding his person and his candidacy to the presidency?
And if he wishes to discuss slaughters and their victims, a characteristic of
civil wars, are we not allowed to ask whether his hands too are soiled with
blood? What about his artillery fire which targeted civilians in Beirut after he
assumed presidency of the military government? Does he have convincing answers
concerning the futile wars he waged in the name and with the blood of the
Christians, leaving them with a legacy of division, emigration and graves?
Usually, what follows the uncovering of issues regarding civil wars is an
all-embracing national reconciliation, as it is an opportunity to learn from the
mistakes and sins of the past, if we would follow the South African model. How
can we trust the "tender heart" of one who openly threatens our children with
the return of infighting?
One final question for the retired general: Is the presidential seat worth
transforming all of Lebanon into a mass grave
Hezbollah Using ‘Christian Cover’ to Penetrate the West?
W. Thomas Smith Jr.
April 17/04/08
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/terrorism.php?id=1387279
Maronite Christian, parliamentarian, and former Lebanese Army commander, Gen.
Michel Aoun, has reiterated his support for –and alliance with – Hezbollah, the
Lebanese-based international terrorist army supported by Iran and Syria.
Speaking earlier this week, Aoun said that his “Memorandum of Understanding
(translation, “alliance”)” with Hezbollah is not only national, but
international.
Though Aoun’s declaration – mentioned in some Lebanese media outlets and in the
Iranian press – barely registered a blip in the Western media, the danger in
this is far too weighty to dismiss, and America and the West (in particular the
United Nations) need to fully understand what this means.
Hezbollah is attempting to use “a Christian cover [Aoun] to penetrate the West,”
says Sami El-Khoury, president of the World Maronite Union. “The U.S.
administration should add him to the designated terrorist list and withdraw the
visas from all members of his bloc.”
Aoun, his Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) party, and Hezbollah came to terms in
their formal “agreement” of political respect and cooperation in February 2006.
The following month, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Hezbollah’s
Al-Manar Television as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist Entity.”
According to the provisions of the designation, Al-Manar’s assets in the U.S.
were frozen, and all future transactions between Americans and Al-Manar were
prohibited.
But Hezbollah, through Aoun, may have managed to find a way around the
designation.
Several months after Al-Manar was placed on the State Department’s terrorist
list, Aoun founded Orange TV (OTV), the now publicly-traded satellite-television
company whose coverage extends around the world, including North America. And
OTV’s footage and logo have since been broadcast as part of American newscasts
(see Connecting the Dots: Is a Terrorist-Allied TV Company Infiltrating Our
Media?).
We also have to consider the fact that Aoun frequently condemns the United
States, and has issued veiled threats against us. In an interview last month on
OTV, Aoun defended Syria and Hezbollah, and he said, “U.S. policy is against
Lebanon and no one can convince me of the opposite. …We should defend ourselves
against the American policy.” Aoun makes such statements as his signatory ally,
Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, continues to rally much of
Lebanon’s Shiia population with public cries of “Death to America!” and “Death
to Israel!”
Moreover, sources are telling me Hezbollah has been providing military training
to “Aoun’s people” in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.
As I’ve been reporting over the past several weeks, Hezbollah has been
attempting to shore-up its myriad positions, political and otherwise, worldwide.
Several Hezbollah “wet” operations, deadly operational-collaborations, or plots
have been launched or thwarted around the world since January of this year.
Last month, I reported at Townhall.com:
“Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, their sponsors and subsidiaries (to include their allies,
apologists, and sympathizers) are increasingly working together throughout the
Middle and Far East, in Africa, in Europe, and, yes, even the Americas to
recruit foot soldiers, probe Western defenses, and attack us at any weak point
in those defenses.”
John Hajjar, U.S. director for the pro-democracy World Council of the Cedars
Revolution, says, “Aoun's declaration of collaboration with Hezbollah worldwide
puts him in the ranks of a terrorism associate, and the U.S. must take strong
measures against him and his militant network. U.S. officials should stop seeing
him, and his visa and the visas of his party’s officials should be revoked.”
Najib Zwein, director of the Beirut-based Bureau Central de Coordination
Nationale, agrees, adding, “Hezbollah is using Aoun to penetrate international
and Western security.”
For the past two years, Aoun has served as a political tool for Hezbollah’s
three-part goal of continuing to exist (when Hezbollah should have long been
disbanded under UN mandate), continuing to strengthen its political base (while
strengthening its military wing), and ultimately achieving an Islamic state in
Lebanon. With Aoun’s statement this week, Shiia Hezbollah’s Christian soldier is
now increasing his commitment to his terrorist-ally’s geostrategic objectives.
Aoun knows it. Hezbollah knows it. And we had better figure it out.
March 14 Officially Asks Washington to Back Lebanon against
Syrian-Iranian Intervention
Naharnet/The March 14 majority alliance on Thursday asked the United States to
support the presidential election, speed up efforts to put the international
tribunal in action and back implementation of all U.N. resolutions on Lebanon.
The stand was outlined in a memo presented to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State
for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch, who made an unscheduled visit to Beirut.
March 14 representatives met Welch at the residence of ex-MP Faris Souaid in
suburban Rabiyeh, north of Beirut.
Welch, after the talks, called for the immediate election of a president, noting
that the presidential election should not have been delayed till now.
The March 14 memo said the Lebanese People want the United States to "maintain"
its commitment to Lebanon "which is in harmony with international norms."
Such a U.S. backing, the memo noted, is "badly needed by the Lebanese people to
balance the intervention by regional powers, near and far, that seek to practice
illegal influence in Lebanon with the aim of keeping it an arena for conflicts
and deals." That was a clear reference to Syria and Iran. "Lebanon remains in
bad need for support," the memo stressed. It specifically asked Washington to
back "Arab and Lebanese efforts aimed at electing a president immediately and
without preconditions."The memo noted that "Lebanon's crisis originates in
Syria, and the Lebanese chapter of which is a result of the Lebanese-Syrian
crisis."
The majority alliance also asked the United States to back the Lebanese Army and
Internal Security Forces (ISF) with training and equipment.
The memo asked Washington to back "the formation of an international commission
to investigate the whereabouts of (Lebanese) detainees held in Syrian jails."
Washington was also asked to support the rejection by Lebanon and the
Palestinians to naturalize Palestinian refugees.
The memo asked the United States to support implementation of clause 10 of UNSCR
1701 related to tackling the issue of the Israeli-occupied Shebaa farms.
Washington also is required to prevent attempts by Syria to regain control over
Lebanon's decision-making. Welch is to meet separately Premier Fouad Saniora and
Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat later in the day. Beirut, 17
Apr 08, 16:24
Hizbullah Serves Warning to UNIFIL
Naharnet/The Hizbullah-led opposition on Thursday warned against amending
UNIFIL's rules of engagement, saying that would change it into "occupation
forces."
The stand was outlined in a statement issued after a meeting by representatives
of factions allied within the Hizbullah-led opposition.
The opposition "warns against any change or amendment of UNSCR 1701, especially
the rules of engagement that set UNIFIL's jurisdiction and its relation with the
Lebanese Army," the statement said. "Any amendment would give the international
forces the jurisdiction to use force and erect checkpoints outside its area of
deployment," the statement added. "That would transcend on the Lebanese Army's
authorities, and would change these forces' mandate from observing
implementation of resolution 1701 to occupation forces." The statement added
without further elaboration on the remark.
The opposition also criticized the ongoing visit to Lebanon by U.S.
Undersecretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch, saying it aims at
"blocking settlements … and dialogue between the opposition and pro-government
factions."The statement also denounced the recent visit to Qatar by Israel's
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and said it was an effort to cover up "for the
massacres committed in Gaza." Beirut, 17 Apr 08, 17:31
Hizbullah Surrounds Security Force, Frees 2 Detainees
Naharnet/Hizbullah freed two detainees after they were
apprehended by police for having no identity cards on them, security sources
said Thursday.
They said two bearded men on two motorbikes were stopped at the security
checkpoint around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Qmatiyeh village near the mountain
resort town of Aley, east of Beirut. One of the cyclists made a cell phone call
and shortly afterwards about 100 Hizbullah members surrounded the security force
and freed the two men, the security sources added. They said the Hizbullah force
also recovered the bikes. Local media had earlier said the two cyclists were
arrested for failing to stop at the checkpoint. They said police arrested them
after a chase and that Hizbullah members in Qmatiyeh swiftly surrounded the
security force and freed the cyclists. Beirut, 17 Apr 08, 07:40
Pope, Bush Back Lebanon's Sovereignty and Independence
Naharnet/Pope Benedict XVI and U.S. President George Bush have expressed concern
over Christians in war-torn Iraq, agreed on the need to create a Palestinian
state, and said Lebanon must be free of undue foreign influence, according to a
joint statement released by the White House.
The two "devoted considerable time in their discussions to the Middle East, in
particular resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict in line with the vision of
two states living side-by-side in peace and security, their mutual support for
the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon, and their common concern for the
situation in Iraq and particularly the precarious state of Christian communities
there and elsewhere in the region," the joint statement said Wednesday.
Benedict and Bush also "reaffirmed their total rejection of terrorism as well as
the manipulation of religion to justify immoral and violent acts against
innocents."
The 45 minute talks in the Oval Office were followed by a prayer service with
hundreds of American bishops at a national shrine in Washington.
Benedict told the Roman Catholic leaders that the clergy sex abuse scandal has
sometimes been "very badly handled."
He said that it was important to remember that the vast majority of priests
served faithfully but that it also was the bishops' "God-given responsibility"
to reach out to those who had been "so seriously wronged."
Earlier in the day, Benedict drew an adoring crowd of 13,500 people to the South
Lawn, where his 81st birthday was celebrated complete with choruses of "Happy
Birthday" and a big cake. The warm feelings didn't stop the pope from gently
nudging the U.S. in a White House speech to use diplomacy to resolve
international disputes. "America has traditionally shown herself generous
in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development and offering relief to
the victims of natural catastrophes," the pope said. "I am confident that this
concern for the greater human family will continue to find expression in support
for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and
promote progress."(AP-AFP-Naharnet) Beirut, 17 Apr 08, 03:29
Ahmadinejad: Iran World's 'Most Powerful Nation'
Naharnet/President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday proclaimed
Iran was the "most powerful nation" in the world as the country's air force
boasted of its skills at a time of mounting tension with the West. "Iran is the
most powerful and independent nation in the world," Ahmadinejad told a military
parade outside Tehran marking the Islamic republic's annual army day.
Ahmadinejad said all the branches of the armed forces would react forcefully in
response to any attack against Iran's soil and boasted that no-one would dare to
launch a strike on the country.
"The army, the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij (militia) will resist with
force and coordination and respond strongly to the slightest aggression."
"I am proud to announce today that the Iranian nation's power is of an extent
that no major power can dare jeopardize the security and interests of the
Iranian nation." To mark the occasion, dozens of Iranian fighter jets and other
aircraft flew over the parade ground in a bid to show the power of the air force
which has struggled for years under the effects of US sanctions. Among the
aircraft on display were U.S.-made F4 and F-5 fighter jets whose construction
goes back to the 1960s and 1970s when shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi went on a
massive military spending spree.
Also shown were several Saegheh fighter jets which Iran says is a entirely
home-produced model but Western experts classify as a derivative of the F-5.
Iran's air force has been hit hard by the blanket U.S. embargo imposed after the
toppling of the pro-American shah in the 1979 Islamic revolution, and the
country must work intensely to find spare parts to keep its fleet in the air.
Iran is at odds with the West over its disputed nuclear program, which the
United States and its allies fear could be used to make nuclear weapons. Iran
insists it only wants to produce nuclear energy. The United States -- and its
ally Israel which Iran does not recognize -- have never ruled out a military
strike against the Islamic republic although Washington insists it prefers
diplomacy.
Iran has in recent weeks been engaged in an intensifying war of words with
Israel after an Israeli minister warned Iran would be destroyed if it launched
an attack against the Jewish state. "If Israel takes such action against the
Islamic Republic of Iran, we will eliminate it from the global arena," deputy
army commander Mohammad Reza Ashtiani riposted Tuesday. Ahmadinejad repeated his
belief that the power of Iran meant the prevailing world order was set to be
turned on its head. "Thanks to the resistance of the Iranian people, the great
powers have become bogged down. The region and the world must prepare for great
changes and the disappearance of satanic powers."(AFP) Beirut, 17 Apr 08, 11:12
Putin Meets Gadhafi, Looks to Rebuild Ties with Libya
Naharnet/Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Libyan leader Moammar
Gadhafi in a move to rebuild ties with a former Soviet ally that is now
increasingly open to foreign investment. Putin's visit Wednesday was the first
by a Kremlim leader to the North African country.
The two countries reached an agreement for Tripoli to repay Moscow some $4.6
billion in outstanding Soviet-era debt, one of the main disputes between the
countries, Russia's RIA-Novosti news agency reported. Libyan Foreign Minister
Abdel-Rahman Shalqam told The Associated Press that future Russian investment in
Libya will cover the amount of the debt and more. "The matter of the debt has
been settled conclusively," he said. "It is a thing of the past now."
During the 1980s, Libya faced sanctions elsewhere but was a major customer of
Soviet weapons, buying a large number of fighter jets, helicopters, tanks and
equipment. Military and other ties withered after the collapse of the Soviet
Union. Also Wednesday, the head of Russia's state-controlled gas monopoly
Gazprom said the company is interested in projects in Libya, including the
construction of an undersea gas pipeline from Libya to Sicily being built by the
Italian firm Eni, the Russian news agency Interfax reported. Putin's bid to
rebuild relations comes as Libya has dramatically improved ties with the West
after Gadhafi announced in 2003 that he was dismantling his nuclear weapons
program. The same year, Libya accepted responsibility for the 1998 Pan Am
bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, that killed 270 people, and agreed to pay
compensation to families.(AP) Beirut, 17 Apr 08, 10:18
Olmert: Israel, Syria Exchanging Messages on Peace
Expectations
Naharnet/Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has told Yediot
Ahronot newspaper that the Jewish state and Syria have been exchanging messages
to clarify expectations of any future peace treaty. The Israeli daily said
Thursday that Olmert didn't disclose the content of the messages or provide
other details about the contacts. The paper quotes Olmert as saying, "They know
what we want from them, and I know full well what they want from us."Peace talks
between the two sides broke down in 2000.(AP-Naharnet) Beirut, 17 Apr 08, 09:16
Netanyahu: Iran will 'Walk in' if Israel Leaves the West
Bank
Naharnet/Israel's right-wing Likud party leader Benjamin
Netanyahu said on Wednesday that further withdrawals from the occupied
Palestinian territories would amount to handing them over to Hamas and Iran.
"The promise of additional Israeli withdrawals today means that if the IDF
(Israeli army) walks out, Hamas walks in, and if Hamas walks in, Iran walks in,"
Netanyahu told reporters at a Jerusalem press conference.
The hawkish former prime minister again criticized Israel's decisions to
withdraw from southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, saying both had resulted in a
"tremendous increase in the power of Iran's proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas." The
Jewish state has considered Iran its greatest threat since the Islamic republic
relaunched its nuclear enrichment program. Israel and the West believe it is
aimed at developing a nuclear weapon, a charge Tehran denies.
Netanyahu has largely kept to the sidelines in recent months as Israel has
pursued talks with the Palestinians revived at a U.S. conference in November and
aimed at securing a peace deal by 2009. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas are negotiating on the basis of the 2003
internationally drafted peace roadmap, which calls on Israel to freeze
settlement growth and the Palestinians to improve security in the West Bank.
But Netanyahu said the "endemic weakness of Palestinian society" means that it
is "not strong enough to resist the onslaught of Hamas and militant Islam."
"We recommend that we maintain security because effectively if we leave it's not
that Abbas will protect us. By staying we protect ourselves and incidentally we
protect Abbas too." Netanyahu said steps should be taken to improve the economy
in the occupied territory but denied that freezing the growth of settlements
would improve the prospects for peace. "The addition of a porch in Ariel does
not affect the quality of life in Palestinian towns and villages," he said,
referring to the Ariel settlement, one of the largest in the West Bank with a
population of over 16,000 people. Netanyahu served as prime minister from
1996-1999 and recent polls have indicated that his Likud party would ride to
victory if elections were called this year.(AFP) Beirut, 16 Apr 08, 16:49
Labor Union Threatens Strike May 7 if Pay Dispute Not
Resolved
Naharnet/The General Federation of Labor Unions (GFLU) has
threatened to go on strike May 7 if a pay dispute was not resolved. "If the
private sector rejected our legitimate demands, the workers will go on general
strike on May 7," GFLU President Ghassan Ghosn said after a meeting at the
federation's headquarters in Beirut on Wednesday. GFLU is holding talks with the
country's organizations and trade unions to ensure maximum participation in the
strike.
Ghosn is seeking an increase in the minimum monthly salary from LL 300,000 to LL
960,000. Beirut, 17 Apr 08, 11:41
Jordanian Envoy Visits Damascus, Cairo to Improve Political
Climate
Naharnet/Royal Jordanian envoy Bassem Awad visited Damascus
recently in an effort to improve the "political climate" between Egypt and Syria
in order to help end the Lebanon crisis. Arab diplomatic sources in Damascus on
Thursday said Awad's visit came after a similar trip to Cairo where he met with
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The sources ruled out a visit by Arab League
chief Amr Moussa to Damascus "soon." Beirut, 17 Apr 08, 10:18
Saudi, Jordanian Kings for Consensus Lebanese President
Naharnet/Saudi King Abdullah and Jordan's King Abdullah II have urged Lebanon's
bickering politicians to elect a consensus president in accordance with the Arab
initiative. The two leaders stressed after their talks in Riyadh Wednesday the
need for "Lebanese forces and movements to overcome their differences and work
on electing a consensus president in accordance with" the three-point Arab plan,
Jordan's Petra news agency reported. The Arab initiative calls for the election
of Army Commander Gen. Michel Suleiman president, the formation of a national
unity cabinet in which no single party has veto power and the adoption of a new
electoral law. Lebanon's majority and the opposition have agreed on Suleiman as
a consensus candidate for the post but continue to bicker about the make-up of a
new cabinet. Parliamentary sessions to vote for a new president have been
postponed 17 times since last September. Petra also said that the monarchs
discussed latest developments in the region, including the Palestinian cause and
the situation in Lebanon and Iraq. Beirut, 17 Apr 08, 05:26
Qandil, Wives of Four Generals Defend Aoun
Naharnet/Free Patriotic Movement leader Gen. Michel Aoun on
Wednesday separately received pro-Syrian figure Nasser Qandil and wives of the
four generals apprehended in connection with ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's
assassination. Qandil, an ex-MP elected when Syria's army used to control
Lebanon, accused the United States of adopting a decision to maintain
presidential void so that Premier Fouad Saniora's government could rule Lebanon.
Qandil made the statement to reporters after talks with Aoun at the latter's
residence in suburban Rabiyeh. He headed a delegation from the newly published
newsletter, the New Orient Agency. Qandil spoke of an alleged "American decision
that enjoys Arab backing to maintain void in Lebanon and place the state under
the Fouad Saniora government."Qandil also criticized the alleged delay by Saudi
Arabia in setting an appointment for Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to visit the
kingdom, saying such a visit is "unlikely." He accused Riyadh of "non precedent
tampering with the norm of relations with the various sects."Qandil also
attacked Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat and Lebanese Forces
chief Samir Geagea as "wolves" for criticizing Aoun over the alleged mass grave
issue. After their meeting with Aoun, Mrs. Samar Hajj, wife of former Police
Chief Brig. Gen. Ali Hajj, praised the FPM leader for supporting the generals'
case. Beirut, 16 Apr 08, 18:40
Berlusconi Announces Use-of-force Review for UNIFIL Troops
Naharnet/Silvio Berlusconi announced Wednesday he would be
reviewing the rules of engagement for Italian forces serving with U.N. forces in
Lebanon, saying the troops could not react to situations. The incoming PM
assured reporters at a Rome press conference that Italy would still keep its
2,500-strong presence in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL),
the largest contingent of any contributing nation. "We pledge our support for
the strengthening of democracy (in Lebanon) ... but we want to look at the rules
of engagement," said Berlusconi, the victor of this week's elections in Italy.
"Our soldiers find themselves in a unique situation ... because they cannot
react. We will re-examine the rules of engagement," he added. UNIFIL is deployed
in southern Lebanon to keep the peace between Hizbullah and Israel after the
summer war of 2006. There are 13,000 troops in full, but the precise
circumstances defining their use of force and rules of engagement are secret.
The outgoing Defense Minister, Arturo Parisi, said "there are no rules of
engagement specific to Italian forces in Lebanon but those valid for all the
UNIFIL mission, which is a U.N. mission," according to ANSA news agency.
According to the Italian defense ministry's website, UNIFIL can use force
against attempts to prevent it accomplishing its mission, to protect U.N.
personnel, aid workers and U.N. property.(AFP) Beirut, 16 Apr 08, 21:30
Hizbullah Doubts International Tribunal, Siddiq's Disappearance
Naharnet/Hizbullah on Wednesday doubted the disappearance of a Syrian witness in
the 2005 assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri, indicating it was linked to
the continued arrest of four generals in connection with the crime. The stand
was outlined by Hizbullah's parliamentary bloc after a meeting under MP Mohammed
Raad. The bloc, in a statement, said it tackled the "French declaration about
the disappearance of Mohammed Zuheir Siddiq … and whether it is linked to
extending the arbitrary detention of the four officers."The bloc also "raised
several questions about seriousness of the international commitment to reveal
the truth in the Hariri assassination," the statement added. Beirut, 16 Apr 08,
19:05
Houry Accuses Berri of Seeking to Finish Off the Arab
Initiative
Naharnet/MP Ammar Houry on Wednesday accused Parliament Speaker
Nabih Berri of seeking to finish off the Arab initiative designed to settle
Lebanon's ongoing political crisis. Houry, in a radio interview, said Berri's
attempt to sponsor dialogue among leaders of the various factions is designed as
a "substitute to opening parliament gates" so that MPs would be able to elect a
president. "Any dialogue should be presided over by the elected President Gen.
Michel Suleiman. We should elect Gen. Suleiman immediately," he added.He
criticized calls by factions of the Hizbullah-led opposition to re-adopt the
1960 general elections law, saying: "The 1960 law was designed to elect 99
legislators. Now our parliament is made up of 128 seats, so what to do with the
extra 29 legislators?"
Beirut, 16 Apr 08, 18:04
A Democratic Islam?
By: Daniel Pipes-Jerusalem Post
April 17, 2008
http://www.meforum.org/article/pipes/5517
There's an impression that Muslims suffer disproportionately from the rule of
dictators, tyrants, unelected presidents, kings, emirs, and various other
strongmen – and it's accurate. A careful analysis by Frederic L. Pryor of
Swarthmore College in the Middle East Quarterly ("Are Muslim Countries Less
Democratic?") concludes that "In all but the poorest countries, Islam is
associated with fewer political rights."
The fact that majority-Muslim countries are less democratic makes it tempting to
conclude that the religion of Islam, their common factor, is itself incompatible
with democracy.
I disagree with that conclusion. Today's Muslim predicament, rather, reflects
historical circumstances more than innate features of Islam. Put differently,
Islam, like all pre-modern religions is undemocratic in spirit. No less than the
others, however, it has the potential to evolve in a democratic direction.
Such evolution is not easy for any religion. In the Christian case, the battle
to limit the Catholic Church's political role lasted painfully long. If the
transition began when Marsiglio of Padua published Defensor pacis in the year
1324, it took another six centuries for the Church fully to reconcile itself to
democracy. Why should Islam's transition be smoother or easier?
To render Islam consistent with democratic ways will require profound changes in
its interpretation. For example, the anti-democratic law of Islam, the Shari‘a,
lies at the core of the problem. Developed over a millennium ago, it presumes
autocratic rulers and submissive subjects, emphasizes God's will over popular
sovereignty, and encourages violent jihad to expand Islam's borders. Further, it
anti-democratically privileges Muslims over non-Muslims, males over females, and
free persons over slaves.
For Muslims to build fully functioning democracies, they basically must reject
the Shari‘a's public aspects. Atatürk frontally did just that in Turkey, but
others have offered more subtle approaches. Mahmud Muhammad Taha, a Sudanese
thinker, dispatched the public Islamic laws by fundamentally reinterpreting the
Koran.
Atatürk's efforts and Taha's ideas imply that Islam is ever-evolving, and that
to see it as unchanging is a grave mistake. Or, in the lively metaphor of Hassan
Hanafi, professor of philosophy at the University of Cairo, the Koran "is a
supermarket, where one takes what one wants and leaves what one doesn't want."
Islam's problem is less its being anti-modern than that its process of
modernization has hardly begun. Muslims can modernize their religion, but that
requires major changes: Out go waging jihad to impose Muslim rule, second-class
citizenship for non-Muslims, and death sentences for blasphemy or apostasy. In
come individual freedoms, civil rights, political participation, popular
sovereignty, equality before the law, and representative elections.
Two obstacles stand in the way of these changes, however. In the Middle East
especially, tribal affiliations remain of paramount importance. As explained by
Philip Carl Salzman in his recent book, Culture and Conflict in the Middle East,
these ties create a complex pattern of tribal autonomy and tyrannical centralism
that obstructs the development of constitutionalism, the rule of law,
citizenship, gender equality, and the other prerequisites of a democratic state.
Not until this archaic social system based on the family is dispatched can
democracy make real headway in the Middle East.
Globally, the compelling and powerful Islamist movement obstructs democracy. It
seeks the opposite of reform and modernization – namely, the reassertion of the
Shari‘a in its entirety. A jihadist like Osama bin Laden may spell out this goal
more explicitly than an establishment politician like Turkey's Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, but both seek to create a thoroughly anti-democratic, if
not totalitarian, order.
Islamists respond two ways to democracy. First, they denounce it as un-Islamic.
Muslim Brotherhood founder Hasan al-Banna considered democracy a betrayal of
Islamic values. Brotherhood theoretician Sayyid Qutb rejected popular
sovereignty, as did Abu al-A‘la al-Mawdudi, founder of Pakistan's
Jamaat-e-Islami political party. Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Al-Jazeera television's
imam, argues that elections are heretical.
Despite this scorn, Islamists are eager to use elections to attain power, and
have proven themselves to be agile vote-getters; even a terrorist organization
(Hamas) has won an election. This record does not render the Islamists
democratic but indicates their tactical flexibility and their determination to
gain power. As Erdoğan has revealingly explained, "Democracy is like a
streetcar. When you come to your stop, you get off."
Hard work can one day make Islam democratic. In the meanwhile, Islamism
represents the world's leading anti-democratic force.
Related Topics: Democracy and Islam