LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
ِSeptember
02/2010
Bible Of the Day
Paul's Second Letter
to the Corinthians 5/1-21: "For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is
dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in
the heavens. 5:2 For most certainly in this we groan, longing to be clothed with
our habitation which is from heaven; 5:3 if so be that being clothed we will not
be found naked. 5:4 For indeed we who are in this tent do groan, being burdened;
not that we desire to be unclothed, but that we desire to be clothed, that what
is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5:5 Now he who made us for this very
thing is God, who also gave to us the down payment of the Spirit. 5:6 Therefore
we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are
absent from the Lord; 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 5:8 We are
courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be
at home with the Lord. 5:9 Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or
absent, to be well pleasing to him. 5:10 For we must all be revealed before the
judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body,
according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 5:11 Knowing therefore the
fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are revealed to God; and I hope that
we are revealed also in your consciences. 5:12 For we are not commending
ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our
behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance, and
not in heart. 5:13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God. Or if we are
of sober mind, it is for you. 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because
we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. 5:15 He died for all,
that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for
their sakes died and rose again. 5:16 Therefore we know no one after the flesh
from now on. Even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know
him so no more. 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The
old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. 5:18 But all
things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave
to us the ministry of reconciliation; 5:19 namely, that God was in Christ
reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and
having committed to us the word of reconciliation. 5:20 We are therefore
ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you
on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 5:21 For him who knew no sin he made
to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of
God. /Naharnet
Free
Opinions, Releases, letters, Interviews & Special Reports
Analysis: An attempt to torpedo
peace talks/By YAAKOV KATZ/September 01/10
Understand the Threat: Hamas,
Hezbollah & Al-Qaeda/by Jennifer Kendall/September
01/10
Freedom and Islam: Compatible or
Contradictory?/by Major Gen. Jerry Curry/September
01/10
Islam and Sex in the Afterlife/by
James Zumwalt/September 01/10
Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for
September 01/10
Ban decries attack on Israelis as
bid to derail peace talks/Now Lebanon
Blair: World must prepare for
military option against Iran/Now Lebanon
Jerusalem to remain “undivided
capital of Israel”, says Israeli official/Now Lebanon
Lebanon's Attorney General Judge
Said Mirza transfer Jedd’s arrest warrant to Interpol/Now Lebanon
Maronite Bishops Urge Officials
to End Spread of Arms and their Use
/Naharnet
Bellemare: Indictment Not in
September, Has to Be Based on Solid Evidence
/Naharnet
Geagea: Berri Only Politician
Who Took My Defense Strategy Proposal Seriously
/Naharnet
National Bloc calls for forming
committee to disarm militias/Now Lebanon
March 14: Bellemare's Latest
Stand Indication of Failure of Intimidation Campaigns
/Naharnet
Consul Says Polish Pair's Kidnap
was 'Normal Accident
/Naharnet
Suleiman During Cabinet Session:
National Unity Should be Consolidated/Naharnet
Judiciary Relays Ghassan al-Jidd's
Arrest Warrant to Interpol
/Naharnet
Jumblat: The Enemy Seeks to
Create Strife and Target Security and Stability in Lebanon/Naharnet
Mitchell: U.S. Pushing for
Israeli Peace Talks with Syria, Lebanon/Naharnet
Syria: Any Attack Would be Faced
by Strong Response/Naharnet
Aoun: We Cannot Send Army to an
Area Witnessing Disputes without the Minimum Degree of Approval/Naharnet
Mustaqbal: Arms-Free Beirut Not
Aimed at Resistance Weapons/Naharnet
Franjieh Speaks of Attempts to
Weaken Resistance, Criticizes Calls for Weapons-free Beirut/Naharnet
Netanyahu: Terror will not
determine borders/AP
Peres on fatal Hebron attack:
Terrorists will not triumph/J.Post
Spokesman of Islamist group's
military wing says lethal Mount Hebron attack was first in series of
attacks/agencies
Palestinian Authority security
detains dozens of Hamas men after deadly shooting attack/Ynetnews
4 Israelis killed in shooting
attack/Israeli News
US seeks Israeli peace talks
with Syria, Lebanon/AFP
Israeli Interior Minister Eli
Yishai : Lebanon war lost due to distance from God/Ynetnews
PA detains dozens of Hamas men
after deadly shooting attack/Ynetnews
Higher Defense Council vows to increase security measures/Daily Star
UNIFIL to maintain troop numbers after clashes in south/Daily Star
Baroud recognized for promoting democratic values/Daily Star
Berri pledges to uphold both UNSCR 1701, right of resistance/Daily Star
Michel Aoun 's statement after his
parliamentary block's weekly meeting/Now Lebanon
Ban decries attack on Israelis as bid to derail peace talks
September 1, 2010 /UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday condemned the
killing of four Israeli citizens in the West Bank as a "blatant attempt" to
undermine upcoming Middle East peace talks, Ban’s spokesperson said in a
statement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority
President Mahmoud Abbas are set to meet on September 2 in Washington for talks
that will formally relaunch the direct negotiations. "This attack must be
recognized for what it is – a cynical and blatant attempt to undermine the
direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations starting tomorrow," the statement added,
extending the UN chief's condolences to the families of the victims and calling
for swift justice for "the perpetrators of this crime."-AFP/NOW Lebanon
Blair: World must prepare for military option against Iran
September 1, 2010 /Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair warned in an
interview Wednesday on BBC television that the international community may have
no alternative to taking military action against Iran if it develops a nuclear
weapon. "I think there is no alternative to that if they continue to develop
nuclear weapons. They need to get that message loud and clear,” he added. Blair
expanded on the point in his book, which is being published Wednesday, saying
that while a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a threat to the West, the real danger
would come with its ability to boost Islamic extremism. Western powers and
Israel accuse Iran of trying to build a nuclear arsenal. Iran, which on Saturday
began loading fuel into its Russian-built first nuclear power plant, denies the
allegations, saying its program is for civil energy purposes only. -AFP/NOW
Lebanon
Jerusalem to remain “undivided capital of Israel”, says Israeli official
September 1, 2010 /Jerusalem should remain the "undivided capital of Israel," an
aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday, clarifying Israel's
position after published comments from Defense Minister Ehud Barak suggested
division was a possibility. "The position of the prime minister is that
Jerusalem is one of the core issues that are on the table at the talks," the
aide said. "Our position is that Jerusalem will remain the undivided capital of
Israel."-AFP/NOW Lebanon
Maronite Bishops Urge Officials to End Spread of Arms and their Use
Naharnet/The Council of Maronite Bishops urged Lebanese officials on Wednesday
to "put an end to the chaos in the spread of arms and their use.""The bishops
expressed regret at the painful incidents that took place in some of the
capital's neighborhoods," said Monsignor Youssef Tawq following the Council's
monthly meeting under Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir.
The statement was referring to the deadly Borj Abi Haidar clashes between
Hizbullah and al-Ahbash gunmen one week ago. Turning to plans to resume peace
talks between Israel and the Palestinians after a 20-month delay on Wednesday,
the bishops said the Lebanese state should follow up the negotiations with a
diplomatic and media campaign to reject the international community's
dereliction of its responsibilities. "Lebanon is directly concerned with this
case particularly with the dilemma of Palestinian refugees who could be forced
to be naturalized (in Lebanon), a move that all Lebanese reject," the statement
added. Beirut, 01 Sep 10, 11:47
Bellemare:
Indictment Not in September, Has to Be Based on Solid Evidence
Naharnet/Special Tribunal for Lebanon Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare has denied
media reports that he would file the indictment in the case of ex-Premier Rafik
Hariri's assassination in September. "The indictment has not been drafted yet.
As I have previously said, I will only file the indictment when I am satisfied
that there is enough evidence," he said in an interview with NOW Lebanon. "I
will let nobody rush me with anything. It is a full circle …Let me say that the
impact of going too fast would be much worse. As I said before: The indictment
has to be based on solid evidence," Bellemare told his interviewer. He said he
was working on evidentiary process and that he had to make sure the evidence he
will produce is admissible in court. "If I file an indictment and there is no
evidence, the whole structure collapses." Asked about circumstantial evidence,
he said: It "is a number of little facts that, when you look at them on their
own, they might mean nothing. But when you put them together, then the whole
picture becomes irrefutable." He reiterated that he would resign if faced with
political interference that he cannot deal with. "To those who say I am
influenced by this or that person, I will tell them, 'Sorry, but I am not!'"
When asked if he had interviewed an Israeli citizen, the prosecutor said: "At
this point this is part of the ongoing investigation." About what is termed as
"false witnesse," Bellemare told his interviewer that Mohammed Zuheir Siddiq "is
not somebody we will produce in court as a witness" and that Hussam Hussam was
"not a suspect." Turning to the evidence that Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan
Nasrallah had unveiled during a press conference, Bellemare said: "We asked for
all of the information that he had, including the audio and video material. What
we got was what was shown on TV, while he said at one point that there was more.
And more was not part of what we received. So I asked for that." Beirut, 01 Sep
10, 08:57
March 14: Bellemare's Latest Stand Indication of Failure of Intimidation
Campaigns
Naharnet/The March 14 General Directorate praised on Wednesday Special Tribunal
for Lebanon Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare for his "strong professionalism" in the
investigation in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.It said
in a statement after its weekly meeting: "His latest stands are "an indication
of the failure of intimidation campaigns that are aimed at targeting the STL and
its credibility, and the impossibility of influencing the independent
investigation." Furthermore, it condemned the recent clashes at Borj Abi Haidar,
saying that they have made the demand for making Beirut an arms-free state a
priority, which "would represent the first step in making the whole of Lebanon
free of illegitimate weapons.""Laying down of illegitimate arms has become a
popular, political, and economic demand," the general directorate said in a
statement after its weekly meeting.It also condemned Tuesday's kidnapping of two
Polish tourists in the Baalbeck-Hermel region, saying it was a dangerous sign of
some groups' terrorist tendencies against Lebanese and foreigners.It was also a
sign of the presence of disrupters of the peace throughout Lebanon that are
aimed at targeting the authority and credibility of the Lebanese state. Beirut,
01 Sep 10, 15:09
Geagea: Berri Only Politician Who Took My Defense Strategy Proposal Seriously
Naharnet/Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has expressed frustration over
President Michel Suleiman's alleged negligence of his defense strategy proposal
during the last national dialogue session. "Speaker Nabih Berri is the only
official who expressed interest because he is open to all suggestions and
possibilities at all times," Geagea told CNN in an interview.
The LF leader hoped Berri would convince Hizbullah about the seriousness of his
suggestion, which according to Geagea has no alternative. Asked about Suleiman's
reaction, Geagea said: "Unfortunately I didn't feel that he acted with enough
seriousness … This is the first time a proposal that includes all point of views
is made." "It is not possible for two authorities to take charge of the defense
against Lebanon," he told CNN. Geagea also stressed that "Hizbullah can't
confiscate the decision of defending Lebanon since it is not a legitimate
authority." About the indictment that will be filed by the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon in the case of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri, the LF leader said: "The
decision can't be anticipated.""There is no excuse for the current political
bickering over the indictment. All what is being said are rumors," Geagea added.
Beirut, 01 Sep 10, 10:38
Consul Says Polish Pair's Kidnap was 'Normal Accident'
Naharnet/The abduction of two Polish tourists, rescued by the army in eastern
Lebanon, was a "normal accident" and the pair is safe, Poland's consul to Beirut
said Wednesday. "It was a normal accident which can happen anywhere," Lech
Faszcza told Agence France Presse. He said the Lebanese military could not
identify precisely where the pair had been abducted Tuesday night but ruled out
any political motivation. "The two tourists said they behaved not carefully
because they lost their route and had no map, no GPS and so on... and they were
not too scared, frankly," he said. The tourists, both in their early 30s, were
frequent travelers and on their first visit to Lebanon on vacation, Faszcza
said. The Poles were freed by the army shortly after being kidnapped Tuesday by
two members of the influential Jaafar clan in the eastern Bekaa Valley town of
Baalbek. When the abductors failed to stop their car at a heckpoint, soldiers
opened fire, killing one of the kidnappers, identified as Rashid Reda Jaafar in
an army communiqué. The other abductor had fled and was being sought. A relative
of the slain abductor said Jaafar was 17 years old. The army confirmed that the
tourists were temporarily taken to an army barracks in the Bekaa before being
released.(AFP) Beirut, 01 Sep 10,
Suleiman During Cabinet Session: National Unity Should be Consolidated
Naharnet/President Michel Suleiman stressed the need to consolidate national
unity to face regional challenges while Premier Saad Hariri informed cabinet
ministers about his meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad earlier in the
week. The cabinet convened at Baabda palace at 11:30 am Wednesday. Its agenda
includes 56 items that mainly deal with administrative and judicial
appointments. However, the ministers are also expected to discuss the Borj Abi
Haidar incidents and the issue of false witnesses in ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's
murder case.
The session was preceded by closed-door talks between Suleiman and Hariri.
Beirut, 01 Sep 10
Judiciary Relays Ghassan al-Jidd's Arrest Warrant to Interpol
Naharnet/Prosecutor General Saeed Mirza relayed on Wednesday the arrest warrant
issued against Ghassan al-Jidd to Interpol for prosecution. Al-Jidd, a retired
general, is wanted on charges of collaborating with Israel. Beirut, 01 Sep 10,
Berri: We Reject Attempts to Deem Shiites as Rebels against Lebanese Regime
Naharnet/Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Tuesday said he rejects attempts to
deem Shiites as "rebels against the Lebanese regime and that their weapons are a
threat to the State."
His remarks came on the 32nd anniversary of the disappearance of Imam Moussa
Sadr. "Imam Sadr and his two companions are in Libya. Their case will remain
open until their return," Berri stressed. He said Sadr's disappearance case
"cannot be closed neither can we acquit the Libyan regime of responsibility,
even if it gained international cover." "Isn't it time for criminals to face the
truth?," he shouted. Berri called for a "total boycott" at every level of any
Arab or international parliamentary or government meeting being held in Libya.
Beirut, 31 Aug 10
Jumblat: The Enemy Seeks to Create Strife and Target Security and Stability in
Lebanon
Naharnet/Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat stated Tuesday that
Israel seeks to create internal strife between Sunnis and Shiites in Lebanon, as
well as target the country's security and stability. The MP made his stand
during a visit to the Iranian embassy in Lebanon where he met with Iran's
Ambassador to Lebanon Ghazanfar Abadi.
The embassy issued a statement after the meeting in which it said that the two
officials discussed local and regional developments and Iran's scientific,
industrial, and technological achievements. Jumblat praised Iran's position in
supporting the Resistance in Lebanon and the Palestinian people. He said: "My
visit is aimed at clearing the dark clouds that have marred our relations with
Iran as a result of a few problems," stressing his intention to open a new page
of ties with the Islamic Republic "to bolster national and Islamic unity."
Beirut, 01 Sep 10,
Mitchell: U.S. Pushing for Israeli Peace Talks with Syria, Lebanon
Naharnet/The United States is pushing for peace talks between Israel, Syria and
Lebanon, U.S. envoy George Mitchell said Tuesday, as the Israelis prepared to
resume direct negotiations with the Palestinians. Wider peace talks between
Israel and its northern Arab neighbors, which have been in perpetual conflict
with the Jewish state since its creation in 1948, are seen as vital to any
lasting peace in the region. "With respect to Syria, our efforts continue to try
to engage Israel and Syria in discussions and negotiations that would lead to
peace there and also Israel and Lebanon," said Mitchell, U.S. President Barack
Obama's Middle East envoy. "You will recall that when the president announced my
appointment two days after he entered office, he referred to comprehensive peace
and defined it as Israel and Palestinians, Israel and Syria, Israel and Lebanon,
and Israel at peace with and having normal relations with all of its Arab
neighbors," Mitchell said, before adding: "And that remains our objective." The
U.S. envoy was briefing journalists in Washington ahead of Thursday's resumption
of direct peace talks between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Top level talks in search of an elusive Middle
East peace deal broke off in December 2008 when Israel invaded the Palestinian
Gaza Strip to halt militant rocket fire on its south. Obama's administration has
been trying to engage Syria and has asked the Senate to approve the first U.S.
ambassador to Damascus in five years. Republican senators have so far
successfully blocked the move. The appointment has proven controversial in
Washington, especially after Israeli President Shimon Peres said this year that
Syria was supplying Hizbullah with Scud missiles that could cause major damage
to Israeli cities. But Syria has denied transferring Scuds to the Shiite group
and the United States has not publicly confirmed the allegations. Washington
still regards Damascus as an essential player in bringing peace and stability to
the region.(AFP) Beirut, 01 Sep 10, 08:44
Mustaqbal: Arms-Free Beirut Not Aimed at Resistance Weapons
Naharnet/Mustaqbal Movement on Tuesday said calls for an arms-free Beirut were
not aimed at Hizbullah weapons. "Demands for a weapons-free Beirut are not aimed
at Resistance weapons which are being discussed at the national dialogue," said
a statement issued by Mustaqbal at the end of its weekly meeting in Qoreitem.
"This slogan, however, is to protect the principle of Resistance from being
tarnished and from sliding in the mud of internal confrontations," the statement
added. On the 32nd anniversary of Imam Moussa Sadr's disappearance, Future
Movement stressed "the importance of sparing no effort to find the truth."
Beirut, 31 Aug 10,
Aoun: We Cannot Send Army to an Area Witnessing Disputes without the Minimum
Degree of Approval
Naharnet/Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun criticized on Tuesday
calls for Beirut to be an arms-free city, asking why shouldn't the whole of
Lebanon be arms-free.
He added after the movement's weekly meeting: "Why should Beirut's motto be
arms-free? Don't Tripoli, Mount Lebanon and other regions have the right to be
arms-free?"
Only those charged with defending Lebanon should be armed and Hizbullah would be
the greatest loser if it used its weapons on the internal scene, he stated.
"Just because we are a sectarian country doesn't mean that the army cannot
perform its duties and if we lose national unity, then the army cannot exercise
its responsibilities," he added.
Regarding the role of the army in maintaining the peace, Aoun said: "There are
areas that are more receptive of the idea of official security due to the nature
of the people and a number of other reasons. The army cannot be deployed in
areas of conflict unless there is a minimum degree of approval on it." The army
and security forces are charged with controlling the disrupters of the peace, he
continued. Addressing Resolution 1559, he noted: "The resolution has nothing to
do with restoring Lebanon's sovereignty. We were surprised with this plan, but
welcomed the withdrawal of the Syrian army." Beirut, 31 Aug 10,
Hajj Hassan says Hariri made “good interjection”
September 1, 2010 /NOW Lebanon’s correspondent quoted Agriculture Minister
Hussein al-Hajj Hassan as saying on Wednesday that Prime Minister Saad Hariri
made a good interjection regarding last week’s Beirut clashes during the cabinet
session held on Wednesday in Baabda. “Hariri focused on ensuring calm and
preventing further conflict,” Hajj Hassan said. A street battle shook the Bourj
Abi Haidar district in the Lebanese capital on August 24, pitting supporters of
Hezbollah against those of Sunni outfit Al-Ahbash – also known as Association of
Islamic Charitable Projects – two parties with warm ties to Damascus. -NOW
Lebanon
Fares holds US intelligence responsible for Beirut clashes
September 1, 2010 /Syrian Social Nationalist Party MP Marwan Fares told MTV on
Wednesday that he holds US intelligence agents responsible for last week’s
clashes in Beirut.
A street battle shook the Bourj Abi Haidar district in the Lebanese capital on
August 24, pitting supporters of Hezbollah against those of Sunni outfit Al-Ahbash—also
known as the Association of Islamic Charitable Projects. Fares also called for
turning the page on the violence. -NOW Lebanon
March 14
wants all illegitimate arms handed over
September 1, 2010 /Following its meeting on Wednesday, the March 14 General
Secretariat issued a statement that “handing over all illegitimate arms has
become a popular, political and economic demand” following last week’s Beirut
clashes. A street battle shook the Bourj Abi Haidar district in the Lebanese
capital on August 24, pitting supporters of Hezbollah against those of Sunni
outfit Al-Ahbash—also known as the Association of Islamic Charitable Projects.
The March 14 statement said that the clashes reflected the chaos present in
Beirut, adding that it is now a priority to make the capital an arms-free city.
The secretariat also commented on Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) Prosecutor
Daniel Bellemare’s interview with NOW Lebanon on Tuesday, saying that
Bellemare’s words are proof that all campaigns against the tribunal have failed.
March 14 voiced its reassurance over the STL prosecutor’s work in the probe of
the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Bellemare said
during his interview that the tribunal will not issue its indictment in
September, adding that he needs to ensure that the evidence he will produce is
admissible in court.-NOW Lebanon
National Bloc calls for forming committee to disarm militias
September 1, 2010 /Following its meeting on Wednesday, the National Bloc issued
a statement criticizing Hezbollah and calling for “forming a higher national
committee to disarm all militias.” The statement said that the committee will
prove Lebanon entered a phase of peace, and demonstrate to the international
community that Lebanon does not represent instability and chaos. This comes
after a street battle shook the Bourj Abi Haidar district in the Lebanese
capital on August 24, pitting supporters of Hezbollah against those of Sunni
outfit Al-Ahbash—also known as the Association of Islamic Charitable
Projects.-NOW Lebanon
LAF arrests 15 Sudanese in Bekaa
September 1, 2010 /NOW Lebanon’s correspondent reported on Wednesday that the
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) arrested 15 Sudanese national in the Bekaa after
they illegally entered Lebanese territory near the town of Kfar Zabad. The LAF
launched an investigation into the issue, the correspondent said. -NOW Lebanon
Lebanon's Attorney General Judge Said Mirza transfer Jedd’s arrest
warrant to Interpol
September 1, 2010 /Attorney General Judge Said Mirza transferred the arrest
warrant issued against retired Brigadier General Ghassan al-Jedd to Interpol on
Wednesday, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. Hezbollah Secretary General
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on August 9 that his party has evidence that Jedd
was an Israeli agent who was present at the crime scene of late former Prime
Minister Rafik Hariri, near the Saint George Hotel, the day Hariri was murdered
in 2005.
Media outlets reported that Jedd escaped Lebanon in 2009.-NOW Lebanon
Michel Aoun
September 1, 2010/Now Lebanon
The Change and Reform bloc held its weekly meeting in Rabieh while headed by
General Michel Aoun. Following the meeting, Aoun put forward the issues debated
by the bloc, namely the Bourj Abi Haidar incident… He said: In regard to the
Bourj Abi Haidar incident, we waited a while in the hope we would understand
what happened. If anyone knows how and why the incident erupted, I would be
grateful to know, because we chose to remain silent instead of exchanging news
and rumors like idiots. We waited but until now no official investigation showed
the details of the incident and we therefore abstained from commenting.
Nonetheless, after it occurred, we heard calls for a “weapons-free Beirut.” Why
not a weapons-free Lebanon? We provided Beirut with 21/24 hours of electrical
power while the remaining regions only get it 18/24 hours. But should we
differentiate it in everything? Why would Tripoli, Mount Lebanon or the internal
regions not be weapons-free? Where is the problem? Let there only be arms in the
hands of those wishing to contribute to the defense of Lebanon, that way the
security bodies would be the sole side responsible for security.
Divisions at the level of security are intolerable because security should
prevail over all the Lebanese territories and people. Moreover, the issue of
comprehensive security should stem from complete trust, because whenever there
are concerns in the ranks of the components of society, people start carrying
arms to protect themselves… Security between the states is upheld by politics,
and security within the same community is upheld by understanding and national
unity. When domestic armed clashes occur, the army loses its role and its
mission, whether it is the Lebanese army or any other. Do not think that this is
a sectarian country and that this is why the army cannot perform its tasks.
Assuming that an armed clash erupted in France between the right wing and the
left wing, what could the army do?... Only the armies of dictatorships can
undertake such tasks and if we were to lose our national unity, the national
army will not be able to do anything… We cannot deploy the army in cities where
the parties are fighting and shooting at each other. We cannot send the soldiers
to areas in which the minimum level of acceptance of the security institutions
is non-existent. We cannot throw them out in the street since the shield cannot
protect their heads and we know how many soldiers we lost in “street fights”
while the Nahr al-Bared example is still in our memory.
We also discussed the issue of the rumors. As you know, following the arrest of
Brigadier General Karam, many rumors circulated to undermine the people’s moral
and spread a climate of suspicions surrounding institutions and figures. At the
time, I asked before the press who was responsible for the secrecy of the
investigation? ... I asked four ministries about that [Interior, Justice,
Defense and Information ministries] and the answer I received was misplaced,
saying we implicated the military institution which I never mentioned. There is
a special office in the military institution called the Orientation Directorate
and its job is to respond when the issue is related to military affairs.
However, when the issue is related to political affairs, the minister is
responsible and must take the initiative. The series of rumors then continued
and a few days ago, on August 24, New Television featured a report about the
investigations with Brigadier General Karam, parts of which were related to me
personally. The information in it was attributed to sources close to the
Information Branch and this was mentioned many times. It said: “Sources close to
the Information Branch started by saying that the head of the Information Branch
felt puzzlement and embarrassment.” I wonder who leaked the feelings of the head
of the Information Branch.
According to the sources: “Al-Hassan decided to give the green light to conduct
the arrest… [ellipses as featured in the text] and Karam’s cooperation surprised
Wissam al-Hassan himself.” And we wonder who leaked this surprise? Also
according to the tale of the Information Branch, the report said: “In Paris,
Karam visited Aoun and was soon able to gain his trust, thus turning into the
close friend and political advisor of the exiled general. He even played a role
in encouraging him to meet with a number of American deputies close to the
Zionist lobby and deliver his testimony before the American congress in
preparation for the issuance of the famous resolution 1559 related to Syria’s
accountability and the restoration of Lebanon’s sovereignty.” First of all, this
is extremely stupid since resolution
1559 had nothing to do with the Syria Accountability law. Yes, we worked on this
law with pride to secure its issuance. However, in regard to resolution 1559, we
were trying to ensure the issuance of a resolution that would restore Lebanon’s
sovereignty and would be based on resolution 520 which calls for the withdrawal
of all the foreign troops from the Lebanese territories.
We had nothing to do with the part about the election of the president of the
republic or disarmament of the resistance or the Palestinians. This came as a
surprise to us, and we consequently supported the pullout of the Syrian army
from Lebanon and expressed reservations over the rest… Nonetheless, they key
part in the report is the talk about those “close to the Zionist lobby” which
triggered a media campaigns by outlets that consider themselves friendly or
unfriendly, talking about frustration and mentioning a series of names which
were circulated by the rumors and all of which affected the Free Patriotic
Movement. Although we confronted this situation since day one and said that in
the event of a fall, this would only affect the person who did it, the attempts
seem to extend farther than that… Now we know how clashes occur. One person
tells a lie about the other, then the lie is circulated and commented on as
though it was true, and moves on from one person to the next. The investigators
must inform the public about the outcome of their investigations with all
transparency, so that the right position is adopted and so that it does not
evolve into a political incident which is politicized and then turned into a
sectarian issue…
This should not be seen in a country where stability is continuously threatened
by the enemies. Everyone should deal with the different incidents responsibly.
Had the Bourj Abi Haidar incident not been intentional, it would not have been
exploited the way that was seen. We can deduce why this wide exploitation was
witnessed due to a dispute over a parking space. This is not the first time that
two individuals clash, but why did the clash expand? When there is something
prompting fear, the simplest incident in any peaceful village can make people
take to the street while carrying arms. This is the climate in which we are
currently living…
UNIFIL to maintain troop numbers after clashes in south
By Patrick Galey
Daily Star staff
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
BEIRUT: The United Nations has voted unanimously to extend the mandate of its
peacekeeping force in Lebanon “without amendment” following a series of
incidents raising the specter of a reduction of southern troop numbers.
The renewal came alongside warnings that both Lebanon and Israel need to up
efforts to maintain stability along the Blue Line, the scene of fighting which
killed four at Adaysseh village on August 3. The United Nations Interim Force in
Lebanon (UNIFIL) will now keep its roughly 12,000 troops south of the Litani
River until at least August 31, 2011.
The 15-member Security Council, sitting for a mere 17 minutes in New York on
Monday, called “strongly on all parties to respect the Blue Line, the cessation
of hostilities and relevant resolutions in the wake of recent violent
incidents.”
It labeled the Adaysseh clash – in which two Lebanese soldiers, a journalist and
a senior Israeli officer died – a “grave violation” of Resolution 1701. Israel’s
Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Haim Waxman, addressed the session and accused the
Lebanese Army of inciting the violence.
“The Lebanese [Army] opening fire, which triggered the exchange, constitutes a
serious violation of Resolution 1701 and a flagrant breach of the cessation of
hostilities,” Waxman quoted UNIFIL’s report into the incident as saying.
“At the time of the initial Lebanese [Army] fire, the [Israeli Army] troops were
positioned on the Israeli side, south of the Blue Line.”
He also accused Hizbullah of violating arms embargos and claimed that incidents
in which the party’s missile caches had been discovered or exploded were “the
tip of the iceberg.”
Beirut’s UN Representative, Nawaf Salam, praised UNIFIL’s work and welcomed the
sacrifices of soldiers on behalf of Lebanon.
The Council called on both sides to increase efforts in complying by Resolution
1701, which was drafted to end the July 2006 War between Israel and Hizbullah
and stipulates Lebanese sovereign territory not be breached.
Lebanon maintains Israel continues reconnaissance over flights and mock air
raids above its territory on a near-daily basis; Israel accuses the Lebanese
government of complicity in Hizbullah retaining a large stockpile of missiles.
Israel was asked “to expedite the withdrawal of its army from northern Ghajar
without further delay,” a request frequently issued by New York and ignored by
Tel Aviv. In addition, the Council repeated its call to Beirut to ensure
UNIFIL’s area of operations became “a zone free of armed personnel and weapons
except for those of UNIFIL and the [Lebanese Army].”
It also issued a damning rebuke of recent attacks on UNIFIL patrols by southern
residents and asked “the parties to abide scrupulously by their obligations to
respect the safety and freedom of movement of [UNIFIL] personnel.”
The Security Council’s decision was welcomed by UNIFIL spokesperson Neeraj Singh
on Tuesday. “This renewal represents a strong expression of the international
community’s support for UNIFIL’s mission and its determination to stabilize the
situation and strengthen security in south Lebanon,” he said. “UNIFIL’s mission,
deployment, concept of operations, the activities of its forces and rules of
engagement will remain unchanged.”
The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Michael Williams, described the mandate
extension as “very important.” Following a meeting with Zghorta MP Sleiman
Franjieh, Williams added that respect from both sides for the UN-demarcated Blue
Line was “very important to avoid any future incidents.” Williams had called on
Monday for better demarcation of the Blue Line, something repeated in the
Security Council’s statement.
UNIFIL is in the fifth year of its Resolution 1701 mission, having had its
presence beefed up to current troop levels following the cessation of
hostilities in 2006. Singh said that while the force’s operations had been
successful thus far, “we must build on the progress that has been made. We must
make it stronger.”
According to the statement from the Security Council, “the situation in Lebanon
continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security.”
Also on Tuesday, command of UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force was transferred during
a ceremony at Beirut port. Rear Admiral Paolo Sandalli had headed the MTF since
December last year.
The force was set to commence a live artillery fire exercise, conducted in
cooperation with the Lebanese Army, close to the Blue Line on Wednesday. In what
has been described as a routine military drill, “the targets will be located at
sea in order to limit the noise to any inhabited area,” a UNIFIL spokesperson
said.
Berri pledges to uphold both UNSCR 1701, right of resistance
Speaker denies Shiites seek to rebel against state authority
By Wassim Mroueh /Daily Star staff
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
BEIRUT: Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reiterated Tuesday Lebanon’s commitment
to Resolution 1701, stressing that the resistance against Israel was a Lebanese
necessity.
Addressing crowds who gathered in the southern coastal city of Tyre to mark 32
years since the disappearance of Imam Musa al-Sadr, the founder of the Amal
Movement, Berri hailed the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
He highlighted the close relations between the multinational force and
southerners, lashing out at the “silly attacks on some of their statues.”
Concerns over a possible rupture in relations between UNIFIL and southern
Lebanese arose following a number of quarrels between both earlier this summer.
On August 31, 1978, Sadr and his two companions Mohammad Yaqoub and Abbas
Baddreddine disappeared when visiting Libya on an official invitation by Libyan
leader Moammar Gadhafi. Lebanon along with the Amal Movement that is currently
headed by Berri hold Gadhafi responsible for the men’s disappearance.
“Our accusation against the Libyan regime over the disappearance of Sadr and his
two companions is definite; our persisting question 32 years since then is when
will the Libyan regime free them?” asked Berri. Berri called for raising the
issue of Sadr in the UN, saying that a decision by the Lebanese prosecutor that
accused the Libyan regime had been issued few months ago.
“We have referred the issue to the Justice Council in Lebanon and what is
demanded is the issuance of the indictment as soon as possible,” he added.
He noted that Lebanese Shiites decided to form their own resistance against
Israel only when they became exposed to Israeli threats, because the Lebanese
government was refraining from protecting them.
“However, we agreed on the defense strategy and embraced the tripartite formula
of the army, resistance and people so that no one will say that we are
monopolizing the right to die in defense of our country,” he said. “Resistance
is a Lebanese need and necessity,” he added. He criticized attempts to portray
the Shiites in Lebanon as a source of worry, denying they had any plans to rebel
against the Lebanese government.
“I say for the thousandth time that the project of [building] a state in Lebanon
and its necessity reflected a Shiite interest and even a Shiite belief and it is
the absence of the state that left Shiites deprived,” said Berri. “Sometimes
they say we are against the Taif [Accord] and in others against Arabism; I
stress that we are the guarantee of Lebanon’s independence and Arabism,” he
added. The Taif Accord put an end to Lebanon’s 1975-1990 Civil War.
Fears of tensions between Sunnis and Shiites in Lebanon mounted in wake of armed
clashes last week in Beirut. Three people were killed in battles between members
of Hizbullah and others from the Association of Charitable Islamic Projects, a
Sunni faction better-known as Al-Ahbash. Concerning the incident, Berri called
on the judiciary to carry on with investigations and punish those involved away
from any sectarian instincts. He said that Lebanese authorities should implement
the constitution and the law without being selective.
“It is requested to go ahead with the Taif agreement and I find no possibility
to come up with another agreement,” he added. Separately, Berri urged the
Lebanese judiciary to look into evidence presented by Hizbullah leader Sayyed
Hassan Nasrallah regarding the assassination of late Prime Minister Rafik
Hariri. During a news conference earlier in August, Nasrallah screened video
clips of alleged Israeli drone surveillance footage intercepted by Hizbullah
that showed routes Hariri used to travel, including the area where he was killed
on February 14, 2005. He also called upon the judiciary to investigate false
witnesses who he said have derailed the investigation into the murder.
“The Lebanese judiciary has accused four witnesses, so why exempt others if
documents proving their involvement are here [in Lebanon]?” asked Berri.
The speaker said that Amal’s ministers would “liberate” it from obstacles
preventing it from rendering services, especially electricity. He said improving
the electricity sector need not await the approval of the 2010 budget. “Many
countries are ready to give money,” he said. Berri noted that successive
cabinets have spent $11 billion above the ceiling of the last approved budget in
2005.
He called for holding an economic conference to find a way out of Lebanon’s
economic and social crises.
The speaker also highlighted the need to maintain the best relations between
Lebanon and Syria. “It [Syria] represents our way to the Arab depth and the
relation of [one] track and fate,” he said. Berri voiced doubt that the direct
negotiations between Palestinians and Israeli would lead to an effective result,
urging the Palestinians to sit together, undergo self evaluation and unite their
ranks, since Israel aims to Judaize Palestine. Berri also congratulated Iran for
the inauguration of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, and thanked the Iranians
for their contribution to reconstruction efforts following Israel’s 2006 war
against Lebanon, along with their readiness to offer weapons to the army and
help in exploration for oil.
Bsharri MPs seek amendment to 'honor crime' clause
By The Daily Star /Wednesday, September 01, 2010 /BEIRUT: Bsharri MPs Streeda
Geagea and Elie Keyrouz sent a draft law to Speaker Nabih Berri on Tuesday,
calling for the cancellation of a legal clause allowing men implicated in “honor
crimes” to benefit from reduced sentences. – The Daily Star
UNIFIL to maintain troop numbers after clashes in south
By Patrick Galey /Daily Star staff/Wednesday, September 01, 2010
BEIRUT: The United Nations has voted unanimously to extend the mandate of its
peacekeeping force in Lebanon “without amendment” following a series of
incidents raising the specter of a reduction of southern troop numbers. The
renewal came alongside warnings that both Lebanon and Israel need to up efforts
to maintain stability along the Blue Line, the scene of fighting which killed
four at Adaysseh village on August 3. The United Nations Interim Force in
Lebanon (UNIFIL) will now keep its roughly 12,000 troops south of the Litani
River until at least August 31, 2011. The 15-member Security Council, sitting
for a mere 17 minutes in New York on Monday, called “strongly on all parties to
respect the Blue Line, the cessation of hostilities and relevant resolutions in
the wake of recent violent incidents.”
It labeled the Adaysseh clash – in which two Lebanese soldiers, a journalist and
a senior Israeli officer died – a “grave violation” of Resolution 1701. Israel’s
Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Haim Waxman, addressed the session and accused the
Lebanese Army of inciting the violence. “The Lebanese [Army] opening fire, which
triggered the exchange, constitutes a serious violation of Resolution 1701 and a
flagrant breach of the cessation of hostilities,” Waxman quoted UNIFIL’s report
into the incident as saying. “At the time of the initial Lebanese [Army] fire,
the [Israeli Army] troops were positioned on the Israeli side, south of the Blue
Line.” He also accused Hizbullah of violating arms embargos and claimed that
incidents in which the party’s missile caches had been discovered or exploded
were “the tip of the iceberg.” Beirut’s UN Representative, Nawaf Salam, praised
UNIFIL’s work and welcomed the sacrifices of soldiers on behalf of Lebanon. The
Council called on both sides to increase efforts in complying by Resolution
1701, which was drafted to end the July 2006 War between Israel and Hizbullah
and stipulates Lebanese sovereign territory not be breached.
Lebanon maintains Israel continues reconnaissance over flights and mock air
raids above its territory on a near-daily basis; Israel accuses the Lebanese
government of complicity in Hizbullah retaining a large stockpile of missiles.
Israel was asked “to expedite the withdrawal of its army from northern Ghajar
without further delay,” a request frequently issued by New York and ignored by
Tel Aviv. In addition, the Council repeated its call to Beirut to ensure
UNIFIL’s area of operations became “a zone free of armed personnel and weapons
except for those of UNIFIL and the [Lebanese Army].”
It also issued a damning rebuke of recent attacks on UNIFIL patrols by southern
residents and asked “the parties to abide scrupulously by their obligations to
respect the safety and freedom of movement of [UNIFIL] personnel.”
The Security Council’s decision was welcomed by UNIFIL spokesperson Neeraj Singh
on Tuesday. “This renewal represents a strong expression of the international
community’s support for UNIFIL’s mission and its determination to stabilize the
situation and strengthen security in south Lebanon,” he said. “UNIFIL’s mission,
deployment, concept of operations, the activities of its forces and rules of
engagement will remain unchanged.” The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon,
Michael Williams, described the mandate extension as “very important.” Following
a meeting with Zghorta MP Sleiman Franjieh, Williams added that respect from
both sides for the UN-demarcated Blue Line was “very important to avoid any
future incidents.” Williams had called on Monday for better demarcation of the
Blue Line, something repeated in the Security Council’s statement.
UNIFIL is in the fifth year of its Resolution 1701 mission, having had its
presence beefed up to current troop levels following the cessation of
hostilities in 2006. Singh said that while the force’s operations had been
successful thus far, “we must build on the progress that has been made. We must
make it stronger.” According to the statement from the Security Council, “the
situation in Lebanon continues to constitute a threat to international peace and
security.” Also on Tuesday, command of UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force was
transferred during a ceremony at Beirut port. Rear Admiral Paolo Sandalli had
headed the MTF since December last year. The force was set to commence a live
artillery fire exercise, conducted in cooperation with the Lebanese Army, close
to the Blue Line on Wednesday. In what has been described as a routine military
drill, “the targets will be located at sea in order to limit the noise to any
inhabited area,” a UNIFIL spokesperson said.
Higher Defense Council vows to increase security measures
By Elias Sakr /Daily Star staff
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
BEIRUT: The Higher Lebanese Defense Council decided on Tuesday to tighten
security measures throughout Lebanese territories and delegated concerned
ministries to implement security measures particular to Beirut and south
Lebanon. However, the council did not elaborate on the measures to be taken in
the capital or southern Lebanon. “The council decided to keep its decisions
secret in accordance with the law,” an official statement said. The council was
called to convene after a government committee headed by Prime Minister Saad
Hariri failed to reach a decision on the issue, following deadly clashes in
Beirut between Hizbullah supporters and the Association of Islamic Charitable
project, know as Al-Ahbash.
Both Hizbullah and Al-Ahbash, a pro-Syrian Sunni faction and supposedly an ally
of the resistance, claimed the incident was fueled by a personal dispute, but
the clashes prompted March 14 parties to call on the Cabinet to free the capital
of weapons, a move Hizbullah slammed as an attempt to promote strife.
The meeting, held at the Baabda Presidential Palace, was headed by President
Michel Sleiman and attended by Hariri, the interior, defense, economy and
finance ministers and a number of security officials. “The council discussed
requirements to enable the army to assume its defensive mission and a plan to
equip it,” the statement said. It also discussed “the needs of the army and
Internal Security Forces with regard to armament, logistics and [the need] to
strengthen measures to face security disorders throughout all Lebanese
territories, particularly in Beirut and in the operation field of the United
Interim Force in Lebanon,” the statement added. However, the meeting’s
pacifistic resolutions did not restrain March 14 officials from debating the
presence of weapons in the capital, while Hizbullah slammed such proposals as
attempts to detract attention from a fabricated indictment against the
resistance by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. On Tuesday Hariri’s Future bloc
reiterated its demand to free the capital of weapons but stressed its stance was
not aimed against the resistance’s weapons which were subject to discussion
during National Dialogue.
“The [recent] incident was not the only one faced by the city and its residents
… the capital [has] faced throughout history many armed conflicts … when most
illegitimate armed forces clashed under the pretext of defending Arab
nationalism or the Lebanese national cause,” the bloc’s statement said. The
statement added that underestimating the incident rather than admitting its
serious repercussions promoted sectarian tensions, in an implied reference to
Hizbullah’s insistence that the incident was the outcome of a personal dispute
that should not be blown out of proportion. The Future Movement also praised the
“official statement” that followed Hariri’s discussions with Syrian President
Bashar Assad on Sunday concerning the promotion of Lebanese-Syrian bilateral
ties and the implications of the tripartite summit between Assad, the Saudi
monarch and Sleiman. In a bid to ease mounting tensions over the UN-backed
tribunal’s impending indictment, Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdullah Aziz made a
joint visit to Beirut with Assad last month, during which they stressed the need
to maintain political calm and stability.
However, the Future Movement’s did not mention Assad’s call to support the
resistance in the official statement that followed his meeting with Hariri on
Sunday.
Commenting on Hariri’s meeting with Assad, Marada movement leader MP Suleiman
Franjieh said “the relation between Assad and Hariri is strengthened with every
new meeting” while stressing that Hariri returned from Damascus “feeling at
ease.” But Franjieh slammed the Future Movement’s demand to free the capital
from weapons. “Why restrict the slogan to ‘Beirut free of weapons’ rather than
the north, Akkar or all Lebanese territories with the exception of southern
Lebanon where the resistance faces Israel?” Franjieh asked. Echoing Franjieh,
his ally, Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader MP Michel Aoun questioned demands
to collect weapons from Beirut while other arms remain spread across other
Lebanese territories. “Why are weapons not stripped from Lebanon?” Aoun asked.
“Weapons are present with salafis in Tripoli and Akkar. What objective do arms
in Akkar serve?” The FPM leader also questioned criticism of the Lebanese Army
for not intervening to put an end to the clashes as he stressed that dispute
over the army’s role would paralyze it. “We cannot send the army to an area of
conflict if there is no minimum acceptance [of] its presence,” Aoun said,
referring to divisions among the army ranks when the latter intervened in the
civil war between rival groups. Separately, a joint committee by Hizbullah and
Al-Ahbash is expected to pay compensation to residents whose property was
damaged during the clashes between the groups.
Baroud recognized for promoting democratic values
By The Daily Star /Wednesday, September 01, 2010
BEIRUT: Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud has won an international award for
championing democracy from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).
Along with Baroud, senior Democratic Congressman David Obey and former United
States Agency for International Development (USAID) administrator Peter
McPherson were announced the winners of the 2010 annual IFES Charles T. Manatt
Democracy Awards in a statement on Tuesday.
The awards, which recognize extraordinary efforts to advance electoral
participation and democratic values, are given yearly to a Republican, a
Democrat and a member of the international community to highlight the fact that
democratic work transcends political parties and national borders.
“Those of us who work in elections and democracy promotion could not make the
progress we do if it weren’t for the individuals who receive this award – people
whose support and vision shape the [democratic] landscape at a global level, ”
said Bill Sweeney, president and CEO of IFES, the world’s leading NGO on
electoral assistance and democracy promotion.
Obey, a US representative for Wisconsin since 1969, has proven to be a friend of
democracy by supporting and funding democratic assistance groups globally,
particularly in the developing world, as chairman of the Appropriations
Committee, the IFES statement said. “Funding is the lifeblood of any democracy
organization and Rep. Obey has consistently pressed for funding these groups; he
has acted as the ‘conscience of the Congress,’” said Peter Kelly, chairman of
the IFES board of directors. McPherson, meanwhile, has promoted democratic
values through the many high-profile public positions he has held. Among these
are special assistant to President Gerald Ford, head of USAID under President
Ronald Reagan, president of Michigan State University from 1993 to 2004, and,
currently, president of the National Association of State Universities and
Land-Grant Colleges. “Since he began his public service career as a Peace Corps
volunteer in Peru, Mr McPherson has always taken into account the perspectives
of the people he is serving. This quality is one of the many that have made him
especially effective in work that prepares the ground for democracy – education
and self-empowerment,” said Bill Hybl, vice chairman of the IFES board of
directors. The IFES statement described Baroud as a longtime lawyer and
prominent civil society activist who currently serves as Lebanon’s minister of
Interior and Municipalities. “Baroud has dedicated his life to civil society and
government service. Mr Baroud is recognized worldwide for his significant
contribution to enhancing the electoral process in his country,” the statement
said. Former United States President Jimmy Carter said, “I have supervised more
than 83 elections in 83 countries worldwide but the best I have seen were in
Lebanon [in 2009].” IFES will present this year’s awards at a fundraising event
in Washington, DC on September 28, 2010. Proceeds from the dinner will be used
to expand IFES programs that strengthen participation of women and marginalized
groups, use technology to innovate the electoral process, mitigate electoral
violence and promote tolerance. Past recipients of the award have included the
US representative Lee H. Hamilton, José Miguel Insulza of Chile, and Monsignor
Agripino Nùñez Collado of the Dominican Republic. – The Daily Star
Freedom and Islam: Compatible or Contradictory?
by Major Gen. Jerry Curry /08/31/2010
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=38713
In this great country one of our most cherished freedoms is freedom of religion
and we Americans go the extra mile in extending that freedom to others. We have
even gone so far as to honor the Muslim religion of those who destroyed the
World Trade Center murdering 3000 Americans and then partied in the streets
around the world. The Muslims we are so careful not to offend do not reciprocate
our respect, however. They believe that any individual who exercises religious
freedom by converting to or practicing any religion other than Islam merits
death.
Just as the Christian religion is divided into Catholic and Protestant branches,
the Muslim religion is divided into branches one called Shia and the other
Sunni. Even though some insist that there is a giant chasm between the
theological beliefs of the two Muslim branches, in reality they are merely twin
ruts in the same old dirt road. Their ultimate goal is the same, converting the
entire world to Islam.
“Omar Ahmad, founder of the ‘moderate’ Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
said this: ‘Islam isn’t in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become
dominant … the only accepted religion on earth’.” In short, Muslims do not
believe in or practice any form of religious freedom.
At the same time Muslims are going out of their way to debase and denigrate
other religions and cultures, they are quick to claim that Islam is the world’s
only true religion and that those who embrace other religions are grossly
deceived. This lack of respect for and insensitivity toward the worth of other
religions contributes to the culture of radical Muslim’s terrorist violence,
murder, and suicide bombings. One Muslim terrorist recently said, “If I were to
hijack a bus in Haifa, it would be for the specific purpose of killing
civilians.”
While Muslims dangerously threaten those who practice other religions,
Christians in America go to great lengths to keep from offending radical,
militant Muslims. This is surprising since nearly all the terrorists who have
attacked our nation during the last half of the century have come from Islamic
backgrounds. Yet we feel it is politically incorrect to equate Islam with
terrorism. Only slowly and recently have Americans begun to realize that while
it is possible to love and respect individual Muslims, it is not easy to love
and respect Islam.
Very few Muslims claim to be moderate and, even in a muted way, publicly
criticize the terrorist actions of radical Islamic groups. There has been no
general outcry of condemnation of radical Muslim terrorism throughout the
Islamic world or in the United States. In fact, most Muslims have been
scrupulous in their efforts to hide the moderation they supposedly have for
Muslim acts of terrorism. “To shed the blood of the infidels – even children –
is reason enough to party in the streets,” appears to be the rallying cry of
those of the Muslim faith.
And when the muted protests and criticisms of so-called Muslim moderates come,
they are hard to accept as real displays of public disgust or anger. Since the
Koran approves of lying for the sake of Islam, these so-called moderate Muslim
protests could be nothing more than strategically placed lies planted as part of
a scheme to divert the public’s attention from what is really happening toward
what they want the public to think is happening.
No other religion encourages, rewards, and condones the wanton slaughter of the
defenseless as does Islam, which also abhors freedom of religion and speech. Its
actions are patterned more on the Mafia than on freedom, except that the Mafia
seldom kills innocents without a good reason. Militant Islamists seem to avoid
engaging military forces that are armed and trained to fight back on equal
terms. Instead they prey on, maim and kill unarmed women and children, then
celebrate the massacres in the streets as if they were great and honorable
military victories. Shouldn’t America’s freedoms be prized and guarded rather
than extended to those who would trample them under foot?
--------------------------------------------------
Major Gen. Jerry R. Curry (US Army Ret.) Ph.D. is a decorated combat veteran,
Army Aviator, Paratrooper and Ranger who has served his country both in the
military and as a Presidential appointee in three administrations. He is also
the author of "From Private to General" (Believe Books)
Understand the Threat: Hamas, Hezbollah & Al-Qaeda
by Jennifer Kendall
08/31/2010
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=38751
Terrorist groups throughout the world pose a serious threat to Americans yet
many of us know little about them. Three terrorist organizations we often hear
about in the U.S. are Hamas, Hezbollah, and Al-Qaeda; however, many Americans
cannot specify differences or similarities between the three. It is essential
that people understand the threat of each of these groups so that they are
better able to protect themselves and their country. “The public needs to be
aware of what these terrorist organizations are, how they are organized, where
primarily – and how – they operate, how they differ from one another and how
they’re coordinating efforts with one another. You always have to know your
enemy,” says W. Thomas Smith Jr., a national security expert and former U.S.
Marine.
“The American people, for whatever reason, seem to be under-informed when it
comes to issues of international terrorism,” says Smith. Jed Babbin, former U.S.
Deputy Undersecretary of Defense, agrees, “People need to have a better
understanding of what the overall threat is.”
All three of these organizations are Islamic. “In some ways they’re pretty well
all connected at least by ideology,” says Babbin.
“Hamas” means zeal in Arabic, but it is also an Arabic acronym for Islamic
Resistance Movement. Founder and spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin formed
Hamas in 1987 to counter the influence of the Palestine Liberation Organization
and Yassir Arafat. Hamas includes both military and political wings and is the
largest and most influential Palestinian militant movement. The military side
performs anti-Israeli attacks in the form of suicide bombings, rocket attacks,
IED attacks and shootings of Israeli inhabitants. Hamas’ military wing has as
many as one thousand active members in addition to thousands of supporters and
sympathizers. Babbin says, “Their sole purpose is the destruction of Israel.
That’s their mission in life.”
In January 2006 Hamas won control of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).
Hamas took control of the Palestinian Authority government in March 2006. Hamas
has not directly targeted U.S. interests, although the group makes little or no
effort to avoid targets frequented by foreigners. Babbin agrees, “Frankly, I
don’t think Hamas is much of a threat to the United States or to Americans,
except those traveling in the Middle East and Israel.”
A good amount of Hamas's funding comes from Palestinian expatriates, private
donors in Saudi Arabia and other oil-rich Persian Gulf states. Iran also
provides significant support, which some diplomats say could amount to $20
million to $30 million per year.i In addition to funding, Iran also provides
weapons and training to Hamas.ii Some Muslim charities in the United States,
Canada, and Western Europe funnel money into Hamas-backed social service groups
that fund schools, orphanages, mosques, healthcare clinics, soup kitchens and
sports leagues.
While Hamas is by no means harmless, it also may not be one of America’s most
prominent threats. “I don’t think that they have the international reach that
outfits like Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah do, but we don’t really know. One of the big
problems we have on this whole conflict is our intelligence on these folks is
very limited. It comes mainly and directly from what the Israelis and other
sources will share with us,” says Babbin.
Al-Qaeda, on the other hand, is a direct threat to the US, as proven by 9/11 and
various other attacks. Al-Qaeda is considered the top terrorist threat to the
United States.
“Al-Qaeda” is Arabic for “the base.” It is an international terrorist network
established in 1988 by Osama bin Laden. Al-Qaeda helped finance, recruit,
transport, and train thousands of fighters from dozens of countries to be part
of the Afghan resistance to defeat the Soviet Union. Its headquarters today are
currently unknown.
Babbin says, “Al-Qaeda is focused on destroying the United States and its
economy.” Al-Qaeda even issued a statement in the “Jihad against Jews and
Crusaders World Islamic Front Statement” in 1998 saying, “to kill the Americans
and their allies -- civilians and military -- is an individual duty for every
Muslim.”
Al-Qaeda tactics include assassination, bombing, hijacking, kidnapping, suicide
attacks and others. Al-Qaeda has autonomous underground cells in roughly 100
countries, including the United States. It may have several thousand members and
associates. “There is obviously a global reach there and a global agenda,” says
Babbin.
Al-Qaeda has cooperated with numerous terrorist groups worldwide including
Hezbollah. One difference between the two groups is “Al-Qaeda, which is Sunni,
is a global network of terrorist cells. Shia Hezbollah on the other hand –
though certainly fielding and supporting its own cells throughout the world - is
a proxy army of Iran… Those attempting to soft-soap the threat will often say
that Sunni and Shia don’t work together. But that’s not true,” says Smith.
“Sunni and Shia are absolutely coordinating their efforts against the West,” he
adds.
Hezbollah was established in 1982 during the Lebanon War when a group of
Lebanese Shia Muslims declared themselves the "Party of God" or Hizb Allah.
Inspired by the Iranian Revolution, Hezbollah received training from Iran’s
Revolutionary Guards and funding from Tehran. Strongly anti-Western and
anti-Israeli, this radical Shia organization dedicates itself to creating an
Iranian-style Islamic republic in Lebanon and removing all non-Islamic
influences from the region.
Hezbollah sources assert that the organization has between five and ten thousand
fighters. It receives substantial amounts of financial, training, weapons,
explosives, political, diplomatic, and organizational aid from Iran and Syria.
Iran purportedly provides financial assistance and military assistance worth
$25-50 million.
Hezbollah's status is significant as Iran's front-line operative arm against
Israel. “Iran basically has two military force structures. One, the national
military, has an army, navy and an air force. But there is a parallel Islamic
revolutionary force – the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC – which
reports directly to Iran’s spiritual leaders,” says Smith.
“Hezbollah is a Lebanon-based Shia terrorist army, directly supported by Iran,
specifically Iran’s Quds Force – literally the “Jerusalem force” – which is a
special operations branch of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC provides direct operational support to Hezbollah through training,
facilitation, and by providing money and weapons,” Smith adds. Its core consists
of several thousand militants and activists, the U.S. government estimates.
Israeli Intelligence officials estimate that Hizballah's weapons arsenal
includes between 40,000 to 80,000 short and long-range rockets, as well as
anti-aircraft, anti-tank, and anti-ship weapons.
In 2008, Former Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff warned, "Someone
described Hezbollah like the A-team of terrorists in terms of capabilities, in
terms of range of weapons they have, in terms of internal discipline." Chertoff
added, "To be honest, they make Al-Qaeda look like a minor league team.”
U.S. intelligence reports say that Hezbollah cells operate in Europe, Africa,
South America, and North America.i “[Hezbollah] has more and more a global
reach. There are many credible reports of Hezbollah operating in places like
Venezuela and Nicaragua. So they are a growing threat to the United States,”
says Babbin. “We know that Hezbollah is operating with great freedom of movement
in South America. And there is the very real threat that Hezbollah’s operatives
may be coming up through our own porous southern border into the United States,”
says Smith. “I wouldn’t discount them coming in through the Northern border as
well,” adds Babbin.
The Washington Times reported in March 2009 that, “Hezbollah is using the same
southern narcotics routes that Mexican drug kingpins do to smuggle drugs and
people into the United States, reaping money to finance its operations and
threatening U.S. national security, current and former U.S. law enforcement,
defense and counterterrorism officials say.”
Smith advises American citizens to do their part in fighting terrorism by
utilizing the military’s SALUTE report when they see something suspicious.
SALUTE is an acronym for size, activity, location, unit, time and equipment.
This way the witness can identify how many people they see, what those people
are doing, where they are specifically, what clothing they are wearing, time and
date of sighting, and what equipment such as book bags, flashlights, etc… they
might be using. After writing down these notes, Smith suggests contacting law
enforcement authorities.
---------------------------------------
Jennifer Kendall is a graduate of Arizona State University and preparing to
attend the Annenberg School of Communication at USC.
Analysis:
An attempt to torpedo peace talks
By YAAKOV KATZ
09/01/2010 09:27
J.Post
The attack sends a clear message that peace talks aren't accepted by Hamas and
Islamic Jihad, under direction from Iran.
Talkbacks (6)
The shooting attack on Tuesday night, which killed four Israelis near Kiryat
Arba is first and foremost aimed at torpedoing the Israeli-Palestinian peace
talks set to kick off in Washington.
The attack sends a clear message that the peace talks are not accepted by all of
the players in the region and that some – particularly Hamas and Islamic Jihad,
under direction from Iran – will do their best to prevent them not only from
succeeding, but from taking place at all.
Secondly, the attack demonstrates that despite the unquestionably improved
effectiveness of the Palestinian security forces in the West Bank over the past
two years, they are still far from being able to take complete control of the
territory and that terrorist infrastructures are still being built there.
The timing of the attack – the night before the opening of direct
Israeli-Palestinian peace talks – presents PA President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime
Minister Binyamin Netanyahu with a dilemma.
The attack is obviously bad for the Palestinians, who will look like they do not
have control over the West Bank.
Netanyahu will be left to decide how to use the attack to his advantage. He will
likely not call off the talks, but might try to possibly leverage some
conciliatory talk out of Abbas.
It was not surprising that the attack took place near Hebron, one of the
remaining cities in the West Bank that still has a strong Hamas presence,
despite the deployment there last year of PA security forces trained by the
United States in Jordan.
These security forces – stationed in Jenin, Nablus, Jericho and Bethlehem as
well – have done impressive work over the past year in preventing Hamas from
gaining the strength in the West Bank that it has in Gaza. IDF officers readily
admit that the lull in terrorism is partially due to their efforts.
At the same time, the attack underscores Israel’s argument that the Palestinians
are still not prepared to receive full control of West Bank cities.
The problem is that the Americans think the PA is prepared, and they are likely
to pressure Netanyahu to make concessions along these lines.
The Israeli negotiating team will also likely hear in Washington about the
proposed deployment of a multinational force, like NATO, in the West Bank
following an Israeli withdrawal, and until the Palestinians are fully prepared
to independently take control of the evacuated territory.
A proponent of this idea is US President Barack Obama’s National Security
Adviser Gen. James Jones, a former NATO commander and envoy to Israel under the
Bush administration.
Israel is reluctant to agree to the deployment of such a force. First, in light
of the failures in southern Lebanon, it does not have much faith in
multinational forces.
Second, by agreeing to such a deployment, Israel is basically accepting that the
Palestinians are not prepared for their own state. If they are not prepared,
then why establish a state now, rather than waiting until they really can manage
on their own
Peres on fatal Hebron attack: Terrorists will not triumph
By JPOST.COM STAFF AND REBECCA ANNA STOIL
09/01/2010 10:26
President ties attack to peace talks with Palestinians, says "we should hold
talks with those that denounce terror and want peace."
Talkbacks (4)
President Shimon Peres on Wednesday morning expressed his condolences to the
families of the four Israelis killed in Tuesday night's terror attack near
Kiryat Arba, and added that "the terrorists will not triumph."
Yitzhak Ames, 47, and his wife Tali Ames, 45, Kochava Even-Haim, 37, and Avishai
Schindler, 24, all from Beit Hagai, were killed in the attack.
Peres also referred to direct negotiations with the Palestinians, set to
relaunch in Washington on Thursday, stressing that "there should be no
negotiations with terrorists, but we should hold talks with those that denounce
terror and want peace."
Head of the opposition MK Tzipi Livni (Kadima) voiced similar comments about the
attack and peace talks and said, "We cannot let the terror attack interfere with
our fulfillment in the negotiations for peace." Livni said that the attack
testifies to the lack of humanity and the desire to derail peace talks, but the
"Israeli interest is to reach an agreement." The attackers had a "cold,
political motive: to prevent the peace process," explained Livni.
"I believe there is a chance for peace. There is no chance for peace with those
who do not accept the existence of the state of Israel and who try to hurt
Israel's citizens," Livni stressed.
"The national, Jewish and Israeli interest is to reach an agreement on two
states for two nations. I am telling the prime minister from here, there is a
public and political majority which wants an agreement."
Right-wing MKs also tied Tuesday evening’s terror incident to the beginning of
the negotiations in Washington, with members of the National Union calling for
talks to be frozen following the attack in which four Israelis were killed.
“The terror attack near Kiryat Arba is a reminder to Prime Minister Binyamin
Netanyahu who his partners are,” said MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union). “The
Likud government’s negotiations with the terrorist Abu Mazen (Palestinian
Authority President Mahmoud Abbas) are an energy boost to murderousness and
terror. The blood of those harmed is upon the head of the Likud government.”
MK Uri Ariel (National Union) called on Netanyahu to freeze the nascent
negotiations slated to begin on Thursday in Washington. “Now it is clear – the
most violent period is when there are negotiations. Netanyahu must immediately
freeze the talks and concentrate on promising peace for Israeli civilians.”
Ariel’s fellow party member MK Aryeh Eldad (National Union) joined the calls for
Netanyahu to immediately return to Israel and freeze the talks with the
Palestinians. “Everyone who in recent months was a partner to the myth that Abu
Mazen controlled the field must come to their senses and immediately suspend the
activities to strengthen the Palestinian army that is being established with
American assistance,” said Eldad. “Such a body is not capable of effectively
combating Hamas, and we should not be surprised if its weapons are directed
against us.”
Vice Premier Silvan Shalom, who is acting prime minister while Netanyahu is
abroad, released a statement saying that he was in close contact with Defense
Minister Ehud Barak and with Netanyahu's military attache and was constantly
receiving updates.
"Unfortunately it has once again been proven that while we are working to find
ways to advance peace and coexistence, there are those who will continue trying
to commit acts of terror and murdering innocents," Shalom said. "Now it is
clearer than ever that the real obstacles to peace are the terror and the
extremists who would do anything to enflame the entire region. The PA must
fulfill its obligations in the territories."
Within the coalition, ministers were much less willing to consider freezing the
talks, despite the deadly attack. “I do not think that we need to give a prize
to the murders not to hold talks,” said Education Minister Gidon Sa’ar. “As we
see an Israeli hand extended to peace, we see a murderous response on the part
of Palestinians.”
Among rank-and-file Likud MKs, many of whom have taken more right-wing stands
than those of the party’s ministers, the responses were more ambiguous regarding
the future of the talks. “The terror organizations are passing on a clear
message when they return to harming innocent Israeli civilians,” said MK Tzipi
Hotovelly (Likud), considered to be one of the most right-wing members of
Likud’s Knesset faction. “This is a warning light to all those who believe that
concessions of the Land of Israel will lead to a solution to the conflict. In
the face of terror, one must respond with a strong hand without concessions.”
On the opposite side of the aisle, MK Ze’ev Bielski (Kadima) said in response
that “this horrific and murderous attack that occurred tonight was an attempt to
weaken the peace talks through terror. We are witnesses to a condemnable act of
murder of innocents – and entire family. I am certain that the security forces
will find the terrorists and will reach justice.”
“The peace talks must continue because in the end, there is no way other than
through an agreement to prevent terror,” he concluded.
Hamas claims responsibility for shooting attack
Spokesman of Islamist group's military wing says lethal Mount Hebron attack was
first in series of attacks; adds terrorists who carried out shooting returned
safely to their bases. Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority condemns attack, says it
contradicts the Palestinian interests, Yesha Council announces will resume
construction as 'Zionist response'
Ali Waked Latest Update: 09.01.10, 00:57 / Israel News
Hamas claimed full responsibility for the lethal shooting attack in south Mount
Hebron Tuesday in which four Israelis were killed.
Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Izz al-Din al-Qassam said: "Qassam Brigades announces
its full responsibility for the heroic operation in Hebron. Our men have
returned safely to their bases."
He further noted, "This attack is a chain in a series of attacks, some have been
executed, and others will follow."
Abu Ubaida said that the attack was proof of the failure of security
coordination between the Palestinian Authority, Fatah and Israel.
Earlier on Tuesday, Hamas Spokesman Fawzi Barhum addressed the attack but did
not claim responsibility for it.
"The attack was not meant to impede direct negotiations which failed prior to
even starting. This is a natural response by the Palestinian resistance to the
enemy's crimes, and is proof that despite the resistance's persecution by the
security services and despite Israel's crimes, the Palestinians are capable of
responding to these crimes," he said.
Barhum stressed that the attack was the type of response "which the enemy and
occupation should expect. The Palestinian resistance is alive, well and
kicking."
PA condemns attack
The Palestinian Authority condemned Friday's attack. A statement released by the
PA said the attack contradicts the Palestinian interests.
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said, "The attack, and its timing are
meant to harm the PLO's efforts to garner international support for the success
of the peace process and its demands, in order to bring about an end to the
occupation.
"This emphasizes the contrast between violence and the Palestinian interests and
the Palestinian national perception of the political struggle led by the PLO on
a regional and international level on the one hand, and the completion of the
state's institutions on the other hand, based on strengthening the popular
non-violent struggle against the occupation on the way to establishing an
independent state with Jerusalem as its capital in the 1967 borders."
Fayyad urged the Palestinians to renounce violence and wage a non-violent
struggle against the occupation. He said that despite the fact that the attack
was carried out in territory outside the PA's control, it will continue to take
the necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
He said Israel must meet the PA's demand to allow it to take full security
control over all areas in the Palestinian territories and warned of a new wave
of violence, "which experience shows hurts the Palestinian national interests."
Fayyad added, "Our people understand from experience what serves our supreme
interests, and it is therefore united in the struggle to bring an end to the
occupation, while abandoning violence in all forms."
Provocations
During the course of the evening there were reports that al-Aqsa Martyrs'
Brigades, Fatah's military wing had claimed responsibility for the attack. Fatah
and Palestinian Authority senior officials stressed this was a provocation aimed
at covering for the perpetrators' true identity and embarrassing Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas.
The IDF stressed that despite the serious blow served to Hamas infrastructure in
the West Bank, the organization has not lost all its abilities and is capable of
executing terror attacks.
The sources also mentioned the removal of checkpoints, and said it was a
calculated risk that recently proved itself. "At this point it is too soon to
start analyzing the matter. The situation in the territories is measured
according to many parameters, and decisions are not made arbitrarily. Anything
that is removed can be restored, and we will do this – if necessary."
'Price tags', renewal of construction
After the incident, a number of "price tag" responses by settlers were recorded.
Stones were hurled at Palestinian vehicles in the Havat Gilad, Givat Assaf and
Silwad areas. In Yitzhar, Security forces blocked a group of settlers who
approached an isolated Palestinian home. A Molotov cocktail was hurled at a
Palestinian vehicle near Naalin. No injuries were reported.
Also in response to the attack, the Yesha Council and heads of West Bank Jewish
communities announced Tuesday that they will be breaking the settlement
construction freeze as of 6pm on Wednesday.
"The Zionist answer is to build and support. They shoot and we build. Each does
as he believes," a Yesha Council statement noted.
**Hanan Greenberg, Aviel Magnezi and Reuters contributed to this report
Palestinian Authority security detains dozens of Hamas men after deadly shooting
attack
Authority trying to track down terrorists behind attack that left four Israelis
dead; says Hamas given green light by sponsoring countries to carry out terror
attacks
Ali Waked Published: 09.01.10, 09:31 / Israel News
Dozens of Hamas men were arrested and taken on for questioning by Palestinian
Authority security forces overnight Wednesday as part of the efforts to track
down the terrorists behind the deadly shooting attack near Hebron, which claimed
the lives of four Israelis.
The PA's investigation into Tuesday evening's deadly attack is independent.
PA security personnel raided the homes of dozens of Hamas men throughout the
West Bank. The Authority said it has yet to obtain any specific information that
could lead to the terrorists behind the attack, but Palestinian officials said
they had warned of a possible attempt Hamas and its exiled leader Khaled Mashaal
to cause upheaval in the West Bank and take it over.
However, the PA said areas that are under its full control remain calm. The
Authority stressed that the shooting attack occurred in an area that is under
full Israeli security control.
In an apparent reference to Syria, PA officials told Ynet that Hamas has been
given a green light by sponsoring countries to carry out attacks.
One Palestinian official expressed hope that settlers would not use Tuesday's
attack "as an excuse" to "wreak havoc" in the West Bank, saying such a response
would hurt the direct peace talks.
The IDF believes Hamas planned the attack to impede the direct negotiations
between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which are scheduled to kick off in
Washington on Thursday.
Hamas' armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, claimed "full
responsibility for the heroic operation in Hebron. Our men have returned safely
to their bases."
"This attack is a chain in a series of attacks, some have been executed, and
others will follow," spokesman Abu Ubaida said.
He further noted, "This attack is a chain in a series of attacks, some have been
executed, and others will follow."
**Hanan Greenberg contributed to the report
Netanyahu: Terror will not determine borders
During meeting with Clinton following deadly West Bank shooting attack, PM says
Israel will demand 'security arrangements meant to prevent such murders.' US
Secretary of state: We pledge to do all we can always to protect Israel
AP 09.01.10,
WASHINGTON - "We will not let the blood of Israeli civilians go unpunished. We
will find the murderers, we will punish their dispatchers," Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu said overnight Wednesday after four Israeli settlers were
murdered when the vehicle they were traveling in was ambushed by Palestinian
terrorists in the West Bank's Hebron region.
Hamas claimed responsibility for the deadly shooting attack.
Ruling Party
Likud MK: Attack proves Palestinians don't want peace / Roni Sofer
During a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at a Washington
hotel ahead of the direct peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, the
PM said, "We will not let terror decide where Israelis live or the configuration
of our final borders. These and other issues will be determined in negotiations
for peace that we are conducting.
"During the negotiations we will demand security arrangements aimed to prevent
such murders," he added.
Netanyahu's spokesman, Mark Regev, said earlier that the attack would not change
this week's summit, but served to stress the security concerns that Israel plans
to make a central issue in the talks. "There is no change. We are committed to
peace," Regev said.The direct talks are expected to kick off on Thursday.
Clinton said that halting such terror and destruction "is one of the reasons why
the prime minister is here today, to engage in direct negotiations with those
Palestinians who themselves have rejected a path of violence in favor of a path
of peace." She added: "We pledge to do all we can always to protect and defend
the state of Israel and to provide security to the Israeli people. That is one
of the paramount objectives that Israel has and the United States supports in
these negotiations."
Ahead of Thursday's sessions, Clinton and the administration's Mideast peace
envoy, George Mitchell, met Tuesday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and
Netanyahu as well as the foreign ministers of Egypt and Jordan and former
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the representative of the "Quartet" of
Mideast peacemakers.
State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Clinton's talks were intended to
clarify where the parties stand as they head into the talks, which the
administrations wants to mark "the reinvigoration of intensive process." "We
want to see not just a successful relaunch tomorrow, but an understanding that,
going forward, the leaders will meet on a regular basis," he said.
Abbas said the shooting attack in Hebron was meant to "impede the diplomatic
process," stressing that the Palestinian Authority "objects to attacks on
civilians from both sides – Israeli or Palestinian."The White House issued a
statement saying the United States condemns the attack "in the strongest
possible terms.
"On the eve of the re-launch of direct negotiations between Israelis and
Palestinians, this brutal attack underscores how far the enemies of peace will
go to try to block progress," the statement said, urging the "parties persevere,
keep moving forward even through difficult times, and continue working to
achieve a just and lasting peace in the region that provides security for all
peoples."
On Wednesday, Abbas and Netanyahu will meet separately with Obama. Then, joined
by Jordan's King Abdullah and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, they will attend
a White House dinner intended to set the stage for the launch of formal talks a
day later at the State Department. Jordan and Egypt are the only two Arab
nations with peace deals with Israel.
One major immediate challenge will be the Palestinians' demand that Israel
extend a 10-month freeze on settlement construction in the West Bank that
expires on Sept. 26.
Netanyahu, who faces pressure from his right-wing Likud Party and hawkish
coalition partners to resume building inside West Bank settlements when the
freeze ends, has made no such pledge. And, Palestinian officials have warned
that without one, the talks in Washington may be nothing more than a two-day
excursion to the US capital.
Beyond the settlements, Israel and the Palestinians face numerous hurdles on
resolving the other issues of contention, notably the borders of a future
Palestinian state, the political status of Jerusalem and the fate of Palestinian
refugees.
At the same time, internal Palestinian divisions that have led to a split
between Abbas and his West Bank-based administration and Hamas, which controls
Gaza, will complicate the talks. Hamas is not part of the negotiations and has
said the talks will be futile. American officials are hopeful they can at least
get the two sides to agree to a second round, likely to be held in the second
week of September in Egypt. That could be followed by another meeting between
Obama, Netanyahu and Abbas on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly near the
end of the month, they said. Netanyahu has said he would like to meet regularly
with Abbas, perhaps every two weeks, as lower-level talks expected to convene in
working groups continue. During that period, Clinton and Mitchell would be
available to offer suggestions to help the parties overcome obstacles they
encounter, the officials said.
Indeed, Abbas told reporters accompanying him to Washington on Tuesday that he
hopes for an active US role with the administration presenting "bridging
proposals" to close gaps.
But that formula has failed in the past, notably when former President Bill
Clinton was unable to get the two sides to agree to a peace deal at Camp David
in 2000, and then again when former President George W. Bush tried his hand at
resolving the conflict starting with the Annapolis conference in 2007. Netanyahu
has refused to pick up where the Annapolis negotiations left off in December
2008 between Abbas and then-Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who was more
moderate than Netanyahu.
Before leaving for Washington, Netanyahu told his Likud Party that he would seek
"real arrangements on the ground" that ensure the security of Israelis.
Israeli Interior Minister Eli Yishai : Lebanon war lost due
to distance from God
In sulfurous speech, minister declares whoever doesn't believe Israel is 'above
nature' a sinner
Yoav Zitun Published: 09.01.10, 08:34 /
Interior Minister Eli Yishai announced Tuesday that Israel had lost the Second
Lebanon War because its people had distanced themselves from God.
Hezbollah reportedly builds tunnel system 'more impressive than Paris
underground' to counter IDF strikes; Yemenite Qaeda leader tells followers to
prepare for Israel-Iran war, urges pilots to replicate 9/11 attacks in Israel
"In the Six Day War we fought all of the Arab armies – for every one of our
soldiers they had 10,000 soldiers, for every one of our tanks they had 10,000
tanks, for every plane at least 10 planes," he told Shas Party supporters
gathered at a Tel Aviv synagogue. "How can it be that the people of Israel go to
war with all of the Arab armies, who could have beat us by simply walking? Can
someone explain all these miracles and wonders?" he asked. "But here we come to
the Second Lebanon War, without Syria, without Jordan, without Libya – just
2,000 Hezbollah men. 2,000! And look at what happens. Do you know why? Because
we said, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth'. What do
you think? That you can succeed without help from God? Without the Torah of
Israel? Without the learned of the Torah?" he commanded.
"Whoever does not believe that the people of Israel live above nature is a
sinner," he declared. Yishai added that the desire to keep foreign workers'
children in Israel, 400 of whom the government has decided to deport, was
"cruelty and not mercy". "The parents of the foreign children abuse them. It's
terrifying to enter southern Tel Aviv. The police fear them," he declared.
Yishai also loudly lamented the state of secular education in Israel. "It is
unbelievable what is happening in education today – crime, violence, drugs,
stabbings. When you study the Torah you don't need a police officer in school –
you don't need a metal detector to see whether a student has walked in with a
knife," he said. "In the pure education according to the Torah there is no such
thing."
4 Israelis killed in shooting attack
Murderous terror attack on eve of peace talks: Four Israelis killed in West Bank
shooting attack Tuesday evening; pregnant woman apparently among victims,
officials say. Security forces nationwide ordered to go on high alert
Ynet reporters Latest Update: 08.31.10, 22:09 / Israel News
Lethal terror attack on eve of peace talks : Four Israelis were murdered Tuesday
evening after the vehicle they were traveling in was ambushed by terrorists in
the Hebron region.
At least some of the victims, who are all residents of Beit Hagai, are members
of the same family. Ambulance service officials said the victims include two men
aged about 25 and 40, as well as two women of roughly the same ages, one of them
pregnant.
According to initial reports, an Israeli vehicle traveling in the area came
under fire directed at it from a passing vehicle at the Bani Naim junction on
Highway 60, between Hebron and Kiryat Arba.
More than one terrorist apparently took part in the attack, with Channel Two
reporting the attackers apparently confirmed the death of the Israeli victims by
shooting them at close range, before fleeing the scene.
"The vehicle was sprayed with dozens of bullets," a paramedic at the scene told
Channel 2. "There were numerous shell casings around. We found four bodies and
there was no chance whatsoever to help them; all we could do was to pronounce
the death of these four Jews."
Paramedic Guy Gonen told Ynet: "The victims were hit by numerous shots from
short range. It looked like a well-planned ambush."
IDF security forces were scouring the area for suspects. Notably, the army had
been on high alert ahead of the resumption of peace talks in Washington. Troops
set up roadblocks on Hebron-area roads in an effort to nab the attackers.
The IDF also imposed a closure on the nearby village of Bani Naim, Palestinian
sources said.
Military officials said that they did not have any specific advance warning of
such attack, but rather, only routine alerts. Following the attack, security
forces across the nation were ordered to go on high alert ahead of the
possibility of further attacks.
'Message to negotiators'
Palestinian security forces were also informed of the attack, which took place
just as the Ramadan fast was ending, and are looking into the incident. A
Palestinian security official said that a Hamas cell is believed to be behind
the lethal attacks. He noted that the last attack in the Hebron region, which
left an Israeli police officer killed, was also the work of Hamas.
Meanwhile, speeches from loudspeakers at a mosque in the northern Gaza Strip
celebrated news of the attack.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum told Ynet the attack was not meant to foil direct
peace talks, and said the negotiations had failed even before starting.
"This is a natural response by the Palestinian resistance to the enemy's crimes,
and is proof that despite the resistance's persecution by the security services
and despite Israel's crimes, the Palestinians are capable of responding to these
crimes."
"This is proof that the Palestinian resistance is living, breathing, and
kicking," he said.
Addressing the Palestinian Authority's estimate that Hamas was behind the
attack, Barhoum said: "Things are not as they were described by the Authority's
security forces."
eanwhile, the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) told Ynet Tuesday's shooting
attack was a message to the Palestinian negotiating team ahead of the resumption
of direct talks with Israel.
"They should not have embarked on this move without the support of the
Palestinian people," PRC Spokesman Abu Mujahid said. "Our people still espouse
the resistance and do not believe in the fictitious talks scheduled to commence
tomorrow. "
"This is proof that the Palestinians and Palestinian groups reject the
negotiations doctrine and only espouse resistance, which continues anywhere,
anytime," he said.
Ronen Medzini, Ari Galahar, Raanan Ben-Zur, Ali Waked and Reuters contributed to
the report
Islam and Sex in the Afterlife
by James Zumwalt
Human Events
09/01/2010
Islamic extremists quote the Koran to justify violence. They believe the words
in the Koran are not open to interpretation by man. As the words are Allah’s,
communicated to the Prophet Muhammad through the Archangel Gabriel, they have
only the meaning Allah—and not man—intended.
Yet many words and phrases in the Koran are open to interpretation due to man’s
imperfection in understanding Allah’s intent. Resolving this interpretation is
difficult as no single authoritative, spiritual leader exists for all Islam.
While Muslims rely on the Koran for spiritual guidance, a schism within Islam
after Muhammad’s death has long left Sunnis and Shias adhering to different
beliefs and interpretations due to these ambiguities.
But these ambiguities provide the vehicle by which Islamic extremists issue
their violent interpretations of Allah’s words. Lost upon followers in accepting
them is, in offering their interpretation, the extremists violate their own
basic tenet the Koran’s words are those of Allah alone. If, as Islamic
extremists suggest, the Koran is given Allah’s interpretation alone, upon what
basis do they claim the right to interpret Allah’s message?
It is interesting to examine an origin of modern day Islamic extremist thinking,
which, ironically, was triggered in the U.S. by an act of kindness seeking to
include a visiting Muslim scholar.
Egyptian educator Sayyid Qutb came to the U.S. in 1948 to study the educational
system. Invited to a church social dinner and dance, he fumed as he watched
women dancing suggestively close to their male partners. A confirmed bachelor
unable to find a woman of sufficient “moral purity and discretion” to marry,
Qutb—in an article very critical of America’s immorality—recorded his
observations: “The dance floor was replete with tapping feet, enticing legs,
arms wrapped around waists, lips pressed to lips, and chests pressed tochests.
The atmosphere was full of desire.”
Qutb’s revulsion over America’s animalistic sexuality dominated many of his
later writings, which claimed only Islam offered salvation from the West’s
decay. Returning to Egypt in 1950, he went on to lead the fundamentalist Muslim
Brotherhood—before being executed in 1966 for plotting against the government.
His writings and ideas ultimately were an inspiration for Osama bin Laden,
shaping al Qaeda.
It is interesting to compare Qutb’s criticism of Western moral decay to the
debauchery of the afterlife the Koran promises loyal followers. What Qutb
witnessed in America was quite tame in comparison.
Mohammad Asghar is a former Muslim who left Islam only after coming to
understand its true teachings. In an interview with FrontPageMagazine a few
years ago, he shared insights, described in the Koran, as to what believers and
martyrs are told they can expect in Heaven’s “Gardens:”
“Everything in the Gardens will be for the enjoyment of their residents. In
them, their male residents will have companions who will provide them with
immense pleasure without feeling shame… Bashful with dark eyes and virgins …
will provide them constant company and sex. Those men who will not have interest
in sex with the female Hurs (maidens), Allah has made arrangement for them as
well: they shall be attended by boys graced with eternal youth… Allah will make
them drunk, so that they can serve their clients to their entire satisfaction…
The male residents of the Gardens and their virgin companions will be doing only
one thing: sex.”
The wives of Muslim men who make it to Heaven, Asghar says,
“will chase their husbands to satisfy their sexual needs. Orgies will always
take place in the Gardens. With their male residents’ desire for sex always
remaining present in them due to the presence in their midst of, perhaps, naked
Hurs, they will have nothing to do, but to have sex with them with no barriers
to shield their activity from the next copulating man and Hur. Fathers will be
having sex with the Hurs before the eyes of their sons and daughters, and sons
will be having sex with the Hurs before their fathers and mothers… Muslims
believe in every word of the Koran, as it is from Allah. Many of them wish to
die as martyrs so that they can drink and have sex with the Hurs. Not to make
them wait, until the Day of Judgment, to enjoy the bliss He has promised to
Muslims, Allah transports the martyrs to the Garden as soon as they lay down
their lives in His cause.”
The Koran’s sex theme spills over to Hell and the fate of non-believers. Asghar
reports there is an interpretation that even sinners will have sex “while
burning in the fire of Hell.”
The Koran explains Allah uses deception, when necessary, to dupe mankind. It
would appear in preaching their violent interpretations of the Koran, so too do
Islamic extremists.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Zumwalt, a Marine veteran of the Vietnam and Gulf wars who writes often on
national security and defense issues, is the author of "Bare Feet, Iron Will:
Stories from the Other Side of Vietnam's Battlefields" (found at:
www.jgzumwalt.com).
The
following declaration was adopted by the Office for Israeli Constitutional Law
as organization's official stance on the Jewish People's status and rights as an
indigenous people in the historical Land of Israel/Palestine:
The declaration was unanimously adopted by OFICL's board of directors:
July 26, 2010
Statement on Jewish Indigenous Status in the Land of Israel/Palestine
Whereas the Office for Israeli Constitutional Law (OFICL) is an Israeli
non-governmental organization advocating Jewish/Israeli rights under
international law
Whereas OFICL is registered as an Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) with the
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Whereas OFICL sent a delegation to attend the United Nations April 19-30, 2010.
Whereas OFICL has adopted the organization’s official understanding of Jewish
rights to all Eretz Yisrael/Palestine as an indigenous people as follows:
The Jewish People have had a continuous presence throughout all of Eretz Yisrael/Palestine
for 3,500 years. Throughout the nearly 2,000 years when most of the world’s Jews
have been scattered throughout the world, the Jewish People never lost sight of
the dream to return home to a Jewish independent country in the Land of Israel
as promised to the prophets in the Bible.
At the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, the international community agreed that
Palestine should be returned to the Jewish People. This was decided with the
full agreement of the Arab delegation headed by Emir Feisal I.
In April 1920, Palestine was officially created as a Jewish Country as was the
beneficiary to the Mandate for Palestine, called the Jewish National Home. The
Jewish People were named the sole beneficiaries of the Mandate for Palestine
citing the "historical connection of the Jewish people with Palestine and to the
grounds for reconstituting their national home in that country."
Since April 1920, the Jewish Nation has had 77% of its land stolen in illegal
land deals by the British and French in managing the Mandates, The International
Court of Justice has ruled that the Mandates are law and cannot be altered by
the United Nations in any way inconsistent with the legal articles within the
text of the Mandates.
The Jewish People are under threat again of losing more land, as the Palestinian
Authority does not recognize Jewish rights to the Biblical heartland of Judea
and Samaria (the land the Jordanians called the West Bank) or the Gaza Strip.
These lands were under-populated areas to which hundreds of thousands of Arabs
illegally immigrated during the Mandate period, where at the same time the
British by armed forces prevented Jews from entering, contrary to the law in the
Mandate for Palestine.
Now, the world body has accepted the claim that Jews have no legal right to
these lands, a claim that has no basis in international law. The United nations
General Assembly recommended the partition of Palestine in November 1947. This
resolution (UN General Assembly Resolution 181) was a recommendation not a law.
· The ICJ cannot cite UN General Assembly Resolutions or declarations in
determining law.
· Resolution 181 was rejected by the Arabs; accepted conditionally by the Jewish
Agency, which represented the Jewish National Home agreed conditionally to the
recommendation. That agreement was subject to the Arab agreement to the
resolution. There was no meeting of minds, therefore, no valid agreement.
· Resolution 181 violated the Mandate for Palestine which is law, and is part of
the founding charters of the United Nations.
On May 15, 1948 fiver Arab armies attacked the State of Israel hours after the
British abandoned the country after ending their mandatory administration. The
Arabs evicted Jews from the territories it conquered in Judea, Samaria, the Gaza
Strip, and from portions of Jerusalem.
In June 1967, three Arab Armies declared war on Israel. As a result, each of the
Arab armies lost portions of land they controlled that are indigenous Jewish
lands. Even if these lands had not already been legally a part of the Jewish
Nations, in accordance with international law, under the Kellog -Briand Pact of
1929, Israel had every right to defend itself and keep the lands that were used
by the Arabs to attack the Jewish Nation.
Though the Jewish People are well represented by the Israeli Government, the
Jewish People remain under threat by the international community. Global
anti-Semitism is at an all time high, the anti-Israel camp is growing and
delegitimize Israel on a daily basis, and Israel’s leaders are under intense
pressure from world leaders to make dangerous decisions that threaten the
indigenous Jewish Peoples presence on their historical lands.
The Office for Israeli Constitutional Law appeals to the United ‘Nations
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to recognize the desperate situation of the
Jewish communities of Judea, Samaria, (the former communities of) Gaza,
Jerusalem, and the Golan. The entire Jewish communities of these areas are under
threat of forced eviction, having their homes, schools, businesses, and
religious institutions destroyed rather than being invited to live in peace with
their Arab neighbors.
The Israeli Government is under intense pressure by the world community to have
its own people’s rights violated. These rights were carved into permanent
international law ninety years ago. It is incumbant upon the Jewish People to
stand up for their rights and for the World Body to honor those rights.
In search
of the invisible Arab lobby
Hussein Ibish, September 1, 2010
Mitchell Bard’s new book is filled with factual errors and un-backed claims.
(Image via Amazon.com)
This week HarperCollins released a new book by Mitchell Bard called The Arab
Lobby: The Invisible Alliance that Undermines America’s Interests in the Middle
East, an obvious and ham-handed effort to counter the influential 2007 book The
Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy by John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt.
Mearsheimer and Walt’s book was flawed in some significant ways. It wrongly
identified pro-Israel groups as among the most important forces pushing the
United States to invade Iraq in 2003 and ignored divisions within Jewish
pro-Israel circles, especially the “pro-peace” camp represented by Americans for
Peace Now and J Street.
However, the essential phenomenon they were describing is unassailably and
obviously real: there is an extremely influential, although in many ways
diverse, set of actors and organizations supporting Israeli interests in the
United States. No one with a modicum of honesty and a passing familiarity with
Washington, or with US policy for that matter, could deny this.
Indeed, the special relationship between the United States and Israel, based on
an American commitment to Israel’s security, is not a matter of serious
political debate or contest in the US and is essentially settled. Within that
framework, there is obviously space for a wide range of approaches and
attitudes, but the fundamental commitment of the United States to Israel and its
most basic interests is, for the foreseeable future, beyond serious challenge.
Bard’s book, in contrast, is built on an absolute chimera: the notion that there
is an “invisible” and powerful “Arab lobby” that undermines both American and
Israeli interests in Washington. When I first looked at it, I had to wonder
whether it was intended as a satire or a work of imaginative fiction. It turns
out to be a gigantic stockpot in which anything and everything remotely
connected to Arabs, Arab interests, criticism of Israel, or even criticism of US
foreign policy in the region, is very carelessly tossed and set to bubble away
in the hope of producing some sort of cohesion. It never happens.
The Arab Lobby is not only profoundly paranoid and silly, it’s also unbelievably
sloppy. Bard includes a large amount of information, some accurate, some
irrelevant, some inaccurate, and some even fanciful. An example of this dreadful
carelessness is his identification of me as “ADC’s communications director” in
the present tense, even though I have not worked at the American-Arab
Anti-Discrimination Committee since 2004. Sadly, the book is littered with this
kind of elementary error and bears all the hallmarks of a cut-and-paste job
without any real fact checking or analysis.
Worse, The Arab Lobby reflects the author’s zero-sum mentality on Israeli-Arab
relations, and on those involving Jewish-Americans and Arab-Americans. Bard
simply divides reality into two sets of binary categories: pro-Jewish and Israel
versus pro-Arab and Palestinian. This may have been an accurate reflection of
political realities several decades ago, but at present it is simply wrong.
Since the United States, Israel and the Palestinians all need the same thing to
secure their fundamental national interests – a negotiated peace agreement that
ends the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Israeli occupation – there is in
fact no clear binary of interests. To the contrary, the mutuality of interest in
peace is becoming ever more apparent.
Bard’s paranoid attitudes are summed up in his symptomatic misrepresentation of
the American Task Force on Palestine, at which I have been a senior fellow for
the past five years. He acknowledges ATFP’s groundbreaking principled, pragmatic
and constructive positions, but couches them in language that leaves readers in
no doubt that it is all a ruse thinly disguising a concealed extremism. In
Bard’s zero-sum world, it would have to be, wouldn’t it?
Time and again, the reader is torn between the impression that Bard is trying to
create a large, invisible, elitist, and secret anti-Israel and anti-American
“lobby,” and his frequent admissions that organized Arab groups in the United
States – and even lobbyists representing the only Arab state with influence in
Washington, Saudi Arabia – have had very limited impact on US policy and almost
none at all on Congress.
In other words, the book oscillates very unsteadily between fantasy and reality.
Bard finds himself trapped between an uncontrollable urge to boast about the
effectiveness of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC (though
he has the unmitigated chutzpah to describe the pro-Israel lobby as “mythical”),
while also presenting it as deeply threatened by this secret pro-Arab alliance.
Bard then depicts the latter as enormously influential (though what policies it
has influenced he is somewhat at a loss to identify), and in the same breath
contemptuously dismisses organized Arab and Muslim-American efforts as utterly
ineffectual.
For all of its evident flaws, Mearsheimer and Walt’s book was highly influential
because it was a rare effort by credible scholars to analyze a reality that
everyone knows but avoids talking about. Inevitably, it generated considerable
anger. Bard’s book, on the other hand, is unlikely to provoke anything other
than mirth, not least among those of us supposedly involved in this “many-headed
hydra” he is “exposing.”
**Hussein Ibish is a senior fellow at the American Task Force on Palestine and
blogs at www.ibishblog.com