The Iraqi Army occupation of Sadr City

US corporate media has found a feel good story about Iraq: “Operation Peace” – 3 brigades of 10 thousand Iraqi soldiers taking over the giant Sh’ite slum of Sadr City in Baghdad. Pepe Escobar says it is really still about Maliki supporting the al-Hakim family in its war of influence against the Sadr family.

DEVELOPMENTS IN SOMALIA.

Friday, May 23, 2008

1.Somaliland, without any international recognition is planning to hold local council and Presidential elections. The ruling and two opposition parties is working out an election Schedule with the Election Commission.

Somaliland a declare independence since 1990

2. Puntland, Somalia - Another Private Security Militia? – this one for Somalia. The two foreign companies that gain oil prospecting rights in Somalia have organized their own security militia. The militia have began providing major security services for them in moving their equipment to the required location

Private Security Militias providing security to oil companies.

Gen Adde Muse

While the leader of Puntland, who has been away for two months, Gen. Adde Muse, is having a hard time over moves that he did while visiting foreign countries (extradition agreement with Ethiopia) recently and the situation especially economy and security of the region. Gen Adde Muse is working on extend his mandate as the leader for Puntland for another year.

3. Somalia – Al Shabaab militia and ICU forces have taken another two towns, one each in the middle and southern Somalia - adding up to the numbers to five.

There are reports that the TFG (Transitional Federal Government) Parliament building in the south-western town of Baidoa has been under attacks by the opposition militias killing guards.

South Africa’s UN ambassador voiced that Ethiopia is guilty of acting against the United Nations Security Council arms embargo on Somalia by bringing in weapons into Somalia. This is the first direct swipe at the Americans sponsored occupation of Somalia by foreign forces.

The 18 months stalemate - its over.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

It has been rather taxing and restless week waiting for the outcome of the Arab League initiative to crystallize. It is a huge mountain in Lebanon’s case when compared to the multi-racial, multi-culture and multi-religious society of Malaysia which look like a mole hill in comparison. Malaysia just had our general election last March, which see a new look at the composition of her Parliament and what followed, the seemingly endless government main party internal bickering. In the Lebanese case, it is an all Arab affairs – though heavily divided in sects between two main religions of Abraham’s descendants – Christianity and Islam. The two Arab warring sides in Lebanon had seated for five days in Doha, Qatar to settle the 18 months stalemate in Lebanon over government composition and their inability to elect a President for the past 6 months and that too after a gun-fight on the streets in Beirut, that’s history and do read my earlier posting so as not to get carried away with American-Israeli reports presented to us and parrot by all main stream media throughout the world.

Syed HassanNasrallah

Initially I though to myself, oh god, they are flying back to Beirut without an agreement, despite the opposition’s willingness to negotiate till the cows come home. The negotiation started without any dateline. Further more, with a US high-tech warship menacing the Lebanese coast and news of more coming, I thought to myself what is that war-monger Bush trying to do! Though the US did announced that it was a normal warships movements. Sensing some security cover from the US warship, Simir Geagea, the treacherous and prosecuted war criminal and taken as the responsible butcher of the Palestinians, did appear non-compromising lately in his attempt not to capitulate to the opposition’s demand. As a the news unfold, I waited for the announcement that the parties involved is going home to Beirut without a peace agreement. Some one played with fire, either Simir Geagea or Saad al-Hiriri and it is coming to Lebanon from both ends - the land from Israel and the sea from the Americans. All news from Almanar, Presstv not to mention the British BBC, American Times and Ynet sounds gloomy and the whole exercise hosted by Qatar seems futile.

General Michel Suleiman

There has been an agreement, it was reported by all parties Lebanese, Iranian, British, American and Israeli. Thanks goodness, god have saved Lebanon from the internal trouble again, though how much some Arabs, British, Israel and American like it to happens. 14 Hezbollah fighters were martyred in the hands of their own Arab Lebanese brothers, isn’t that enough? Come on Lebanese Arabs, what at stake is not your personal powers but that of Lebanon and the Resistance against the Zionist-US arrogant machinations! I though to myself and with my supplications extended to the Great One.

Its seems a proper press conference is due. Agreement have been reached much to the chagrin of Israel. The Israeli intelligence can continue their sleeplessness.

Prime Minister Qatar, Prime Minister Lebanon, General Secretary Arab League.

• The Presidency will go to General Michel Suleiman, he will be appointed latest, Friday.
• As for the Unity Government, the earlier formula which I had posted was agreed upon, 3 President appointed ministers, 11 Opposition ministers & 16 pro-government ministers.
• As for the Election Law, they are following the 1960 election laws - with some amendments.

Sending the delegation of to Doha

After six days, there is the good news now, the announcement on the agreement has been made. The talks has ended. In closing the talks, the Emir Hamad bin Khalifa and Amr Mussa the Arab League General Secretary, spoke. All parties involved the Prime Minister, the Speaker from Lebanon gave congratulatory speeches to the organizer. Congratulatory messages on the success of the talks, are coming in from across the world, including from America. The Malaysian TV news just announced the agreement on their 11pm news, though the details were sketchy. I don not think that many Malaysian followed the development though now we are now moving towards a world without borders. However one Malaysian Brother by the name of Tajuddin Abu Jawad had congratulated Hezbollah on behalf of PMIP (PAS), which was published in alManar.

Foreign Minister, Qatar.

Islamic Party 4 Points Terms of Reference.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

The President of Pan Malaysia Islamic Party (PMIP), popularly known here in Malaysia as PAS, Dato Seri Tuan Guru Haji Hadi Awang, while commenting of The Ex Prime Minister of Malaysia resignation from his Party, had taken the opportunity to highlight PMIP’s (PAS) 4 Points Terms of Reference when dealing with cooperation with another party. Below are his statements, rendered into English by the blogger from its original which was in Malay.
Tuan Guru Haji Hadi

“ PAS is always open for any party or individuals, which or who is ready for ‘reformation’ or change whether they are from the existing Pakatan Rakyat or from UMNO itself, who is ready to implement reformation / change based on the following terms:-

1. The Party or Individual must agree to maintain a good Malay-Muslim leadership.

2. Be just to all Malaysian of all races and religion as a solution to problems of this multi- racial and multi-religious society.

3. Malay unity must be inculcated based on Islam while the mulit-racial and religious Citizenry unity to be based on justice and a just rights to all.

4. The process of change must be done morally correct, transparent and based on good ethical practice.

PAS is an experienced Political Party, in main stream National Politics in all political scenarios and conditions since Independence till today.”

Quoted from Harakah daily, an online PMIP party organ, On Tuesday 20 May 2008.

The Doha Lebanese Peace Talks -Arab League mediation

Monday, May 19, 2008

After 4 days of talks in Doha, it appears that there were positive developments and god willing conclude in an agreement among the parties concerned. Here we shall looked into the agreement achieved so far within the framework of the six points peace plan.

Qatar PM & Amr Mussa lead the talks

DELEGATION FROM OPPOSITION,

1. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri,

2. Free Patriotic Movement leader Gen. Michel Aoun,

3. Hezbollah MP Mohammed Raad,

4. Popular Bloc MP Elie Skaff,

5. MP Hagop Pakradounian

are among the opposition delegates.

PRO US, GOVERNMENT DELEGATION

1. Fouad Siniora, Head of the un-constitutional government,

2. Saad al-Hariri, who leads the ruling bloc in parliament,

3. Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea,

4. Phalanges Party leader Amin Gemayel and

5. Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt,

are among those from the government who are attending the talks.

The delegates at the Talks

The Doha talks was joined by Arab countries' delegates representing Qatar, Djibouti, Oman, Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, the UAE, Yemen, and Bahrain too. So is Arab League Secretary General, Amr Mussa

There was some hiccups on the first day of the meeting the meeting when the Pro US government delegates, acting on a US-Israeli-Saudi agenda, especially Saad al-Hariri had taken the opportunity to raise the issue of the Resistance arms again. Which was ruled out by the Hezbollah MP Mohammed Raad and others in the opposition side, as non-negotiable and not part of the six points plan and so did the Organizing Host, PM of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani.

Hezbollah

Meanwhile interesting revelations were coming out from Israeli intelligence and US Senate, stating that the US Administration had given the green light for Israel to attack Beirut. Sources quoted that Saad al-Hariri was correctly expecting a back up attack from the Israel forces on the 11 hour on the 11 May 08. However at the speed of within four or five hours on that day where Hezbollah had defeated the Saad al-Hariri Security plus militia, while still manning and keeping up an alert force at the Southern front, give both Israel and the US a cold feet.

Six Points Peace plan

The agent provocateur, Saad al-Hiriri is in Doha. There is nobody in Lebanon willing to voice out words, that were create a sectarian schism. Walid Jumblatt is in Doha too. So peace is maintaining in Lebanon and three of the six points remains intact, the three points are listed first, and below is what have materialized in Doha, Qatar :-

1 Refrain from using weapons to advance political agendas

2 To engage in talks to establish the Sovereignty of Lebanon and a return to the pre ‘civil war’ status quo, before May 5.

3 Refrain from using language or provocations that will incite violence.

4. To elect a President.

All parties have agreed to the Army Chief Michel Suleiman to be elected as President. It is expected that he will be install as President in the next 3 days.

General Michel Suleiman

5 To Form a Unity Government

The delegates on both sides of the divide had agreed to a Unity formula where 16 cabinet posts will be taken by government side,11 posts taken by the opposition side and 3 posts will be appointed by the President in the future cabinet.

6 To Formulate a New Electoral Law or amend the existing law.

The conferees

The conferees agreed to a four or six man committee, equal amount from each side, to trash this out and come up with an all party agreed law. The opposition views that the pro US government proposals entails to give the government bloc an advantage in terms of constituencies expected won by them. On the other hand Hezbollah MP attempts to put up a standard method of aligning the constituency, which would be fair to both parties. Discussion on this point is still going on and expects to conclude within the next twenty-four hours The next election due next year, 2009.

Qatar PM wishes.

The Lebanese political leaders will not leave Doha before reaching an agreement. A delegate attending the meetings said that Qatar’s proposal on Sunday on the figuration of a unity government as a possible way out of the current crisis in Lebanon can be adopted while postponing the decision on the disputed electoral law. The Qatar PM has to leave them and be in Saudi Arabia for the GCC meeting on Tuesday.

A Sudden Case of Cold Feet

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Thwart a Bush/ Did Hezbollah Olmert Attack on Beirut?

By FRANKLIN LAMB

This week Israel's Military Intelligence Chief, Major General Amos Yadlin complained to the Israeli daily Haaretz that "Hezbollah proved that it was the strongest power in Lebanon... stronger than the Lebanese and it had wanted to take the government it could have done it," He said Hezbollah, continued to pose a "significant" threat to Israel as its rockets could reach a large part of Israeli territory."

Yadlin was putting it mildly.

But what Intelligence Chief Yadlin did not reveal to the Israeli public was just how "significant" but also "immediate" the Hezbollah threat was on May 11. Nor was he willing to divulge the fact that he received information via US and French channels that if the planned attack on Lebanon's capitol went forward that Tel Aviv was subject, in the view of the US intelligence community to "approximately 600 Hezbollah rockets in the first 24 hours in retaliation and at least that number on the following day".

The Israeli Intel Chief also declined to reveal that despite Israel's recent psyche-war camping about various claimed missile shields "the State of Israel is perfecting", that this claim is being ridiculed at the Pentagon. "Israel will not achieve an effective shield against the current generation of rockets, even assuming no technological improvements in the current rockets aimed at it, for another 20 years. And that assumes the US will continue to fund their research and development for the hoped for shields" according to Pentagon, US Senate Intelligence Committee, and very well informed Lebanese sources.

The planned attack on Beirut

According to US Senate Intelligence Committee sources, the Bush administration initially green lighted the intended May 11 Israel 'demonstration of solidarity with the pro-Bush administration militias, some with which Israel has maintained ties since the days of Bashir Gemayal and Ariel Sharon.

In the end, "the Bush administration got cold feet", a Congressional source revealed. So did Israel.

Israel was not willing to proceed with the original Bush Administration idea which was to have Bush attend the May 15 Israel anniversary celebrations following the Israeli attack meant to hit Hezbollah hard, and give Bush the credit for coming to the dangerous region. The message was to be that Bush comes to the rescue 'on horseback and leads the US Calvary charge straight out of a B western movie where the bugle would sound and flag would be unfurled and the white hat good guys would show their stuff before riding into the sunset and back to Texas, leaving the results to the likely Obama administration to sort out.

The plan involved Israeli air strikes on South and West Beirut in support of forces it was assured would be able to surprise and resist Hezbollah and sustain a powerful offensive for 48 hours.

Also presumably disturbing to Israel was the report it received that Hezbollah "had once again in all probability hacked its "secure" military intelligence communications and the fear that the information would be shared with others.

The Hezbollah rout of the militias in West Beirut plus the fear of retaliation on Tel Aviv, ruining 60th anniversary celebrations, forced cancellation of the supportive attack.

Israel limited its actions to sending two F-15's and two F-16's into as far North as Tyre, one more of literally hundreds of violations of Lebanese airspace, sovereignty and SCR 1701.

Clearly frustrated, Cabinet Minister Meir Sheetrit said Israel should not yet take any action now, but warned" those things could change if Hezbollah takes over Lebanon." a few minutes earlier he had declared that Hezbollah had done just that and had treated the Lebanese army as a doormat.

Later in the Sunday cabinet meeting, Minister Ami Ayalon called for an emergency meeting of the political-security cabinet to discuss "the ongoing crisis in Lebanon and why Israel was not assisting friendly forces."

Minister Yitzhak Cohen (Shas) said that "Israel must immediately ask the [United Nations] Security Council to hold renewed discussions over resolution 1701." The minister was referring to the resolution that stopped the Israeli actions against Lebanon during the 34-day between in 2006, maintaining a fragile cease-fire.

Finally Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert informed Israeli supporters in Lebanon, through the media, and presumbly other means that" Israel was following the violence in Lebanon closely, but would refrain from intervening. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai told Army Radio Sunday that Israel was prepared for the possibility that the situation in Lebanon will deteriorate into another civil war (meaning future opportunities for Israeli influence and interventon in Lebanon) and that the current fighting could end with a Hezbollah takeover of the government. "We need to keep our eyes peeled and be especially sensitive regarding all that is happening there," Vilnai told Army Radio.

The Bush administration, also disappointed, switched tactics and is opting for domination of the narrative of the fairly complicated events of the past week and using their media and confessional allies to launch a media blitz (minus Future TV for a few days} to flood the airways with:

·Hezbollah staged a coup d'état. Even Israel, if not the Bush administration, concedes Hezbollah has no interest in taking over the Government. (One observer, paraphrasing Winston Churchill's comment, deadpanned, "Some Hezbollah Coup! Some Hezbollah Etat!")

Hezbollah brought it forces from the South and occupied West Beirut: Hezbollah not only did not bring their forces from the South to Beirut (rather they remained on alert for an Israel attack down South)·

Hezbollah broke its pledge not to use Resistance arms against Lebanese militias and shot up West Beirut.

The facts are very different when viewed close up on the streets here.

When the Lebanese Resistance took the decision during the early hours of Friday morning to engage in civil disobedience, it delayed its actions so as not to preempt the Labor movement strike for higher wages which it supported. When the marching Strikers were prevented from moving into West Beirut the Opposition extended its civil disobedience manifestation.

Various militias, including the smartly outfitted Hariri "Secure Plus" with its distinctive maroon tee-shirts and beige trousers, (now know locally by some as "Secure Minus") a hoped for future Blackwater operation in Lebanon disintegrated surprisingly quickly because many of its green recruits brought down from Tripoli felt misled and betrayed regarding their job description as they were handed weapons an instructed to fight Hezbollah. Snipers from anti-Opposition factions killed civilians from rooftops in Beirut trying to ignite a civil war.

Hezbollah, acting in self defense, according to various officials, quickly clamped down on the trouble makers, took control of the streets, within hours handed them over to the army, and virtually evacuated West Beirut, retaining one position near Bay Rocks manned by unarmed representatives.

Meanwhile the Hariri influence has been greatly weekend in Akkar near the Palestinian Refugee camp of Nahr al Bared and in the Tripoli area. According to some political analysts, including, Fida'a Ittani, a regular columnist for the independent pro-opposition newspaper Al-Akhbar, wrote on May 14, the Future Movement, defeated in Beirut, no longer has any serious influence in the north.

Several Salafi al Qaeda admiring movements are present in Lebanon and like Fatah Islam's declaration this week that they will fight for the Sunnis, they vary in their attitudes from silent opposition to Future leader Saad Al-Hariri to fully supporting him as the leader of the Sunnis. These groups are valued by certain 'leaders' in Lebanon because are the only ones with coherent structures at the ideological, political, technical, and field levels.

Judging from Saad Hariri's confused statements at his subsequent news conference and statements by other parties, the bitterness of promised but unforthcoming assistance was evident.

For two days following the debacle of his forces imploding the head of the Future Movement said nothing. Finally on the 14th he broke his silence. The Halba massacre, committed by Hariri's Mustakbal militiamen which brutally and barbarically murdered 11 people from the opposition did not seem worthy of discussion as he spoke. In a press conference on Tuesday, Hariri simply ignored what all the Lebanese had seen on TV from weapons, ammunition and alcohol found in Future movement offices, and instead listed a series of delusions. "We awaited an open war on Israel, and yet here is an open war on Beirut and its people" he stated. Some interpreted this rather odd statement either as a subconscious slip of the tongue on Hariri's part expressing his frustration that the Israelis help did not arrive or that his reported earlier incoherent state persisted.

Hariri's original speech was so confused that the Saudi channel al-Arabiyya stopped broadcasting it and only read excerpts from what he said, without showing his recorded speech.

When American criticism resumed, and Hezbollah fighters withdrew from the alleys surrounding his house, Hariri was urged to stand up and speak again, this time with a stronger tone, saying "This has been decided by the Iranian and Syrian regimes that wanted to play a political game in Lebanon's streets. For us nothing has changed. We will not negotiate with someone having a pistol pointed to our heads."

Anger at the Bush administration and Israel by certain warlords in Lebanon must feel much like the frustration of Secure Minus personal who rushed from Tripoli and felt misled, abandoned and cheated.

Courtesy counterpunch : Franklin Lamb can be reached at fplamb@gmail.com

What is really happening in Lebanon? - the real news version.

Clashes between supporters of the US-backed government and the Hezbollah-led opposition have shaken Lebanon. Six days of deadly sectarian bloodshed is the worst violence in the country since the end of the 15-year civil war in 1990. The Real News Network analyst Pepe Escobar examines what is happening in Lebanon.

Six Points Peace Plan and The Resistance

Thursday, May 15, 2008

The Arab League
Ministerial Meeting in Lebanon
May 14 & 15.

Siniora’s cabinet decisions revoke

On the 15 May, 08 ten days after its enactment, the Lebanese information minister Ghazi Aridi announced that the two decisions made against the Resistance have been revoke. The decisions have not been executed nor has any decree been issued to implement them.

Six Points Peace plan

1 To elect a President.

Qatar's PM, Siniora & Sec. Gen.

All parties have agreed to the Army Chief Michel Suleiman to be elected as President. If this really materialized in the election day already fixed on the coming June10, which is the twentieth attempt to elect a President then it will rule out the Pro Israel criminal who had just served 11 years in jail, Simir Geagea. Geagea is also a Maronite Christian and the leader of The Lebanese Forces, who had been eying for the post.

2 To Form a Unity Government

3 To Formulate a New Electoral Law or amend the existing law.

As for the above two points there are disagreements between the parties concerned The next election due in 2009.

4 Refrain from using weapons or arms to advance political agendas

5 To engage in talks to establish the Sovereignty of Lebanon and a return to the pre ‘civil war’ status quo, before May 5.

6 Refrain from using language or provocations that will incite violence.

After agreeing to the six point peace plan and announced by the Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani, the Resistance (Hezbollah) and other opposition supporters began clearing road blocks to open the airport and other public facilities. They also announce the ending of the 18 month Parliamentary sit-in once the President is elected.

The Opposition workers clearing the airport blockade

Doha Conference

Talks will start in Doha, Qatar on Friday May 16, 2008. The talks will be in line with the Constitution and the Taif Accord which ended the 1989 civil war in Lebanon.

Arab League Secretary General & Qatar's Prime Minister.

An open letter to the UN

Thursday, May 15, 2008

His Excellency Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations

Today, May 14, Israel commemorates its 60th anniversary of “War of Independence” and the establishment of the illegal Zionist entity.

The day also marks the 60 years of the tragic Palestinian Nakba or suffering. It is needless to turn back history pages to learn how the illegal Zionist entity was established at 4:00 P.M. on this unfortunate day in 1948 and the powers that propped and recognized them as a 'state'; it's an open book.

Today, Zionists in Israel and across the world are celebrating the day with great fervor, but I'm sure that there are thousands of other conscientious Jews across the world who will not be celebrating this day. Rather they will be commemorating the plight of the Palestinian nation. These Jews will not only condemn the decades of occupation and suffering, but these Jews are also aware of the constant atrocities that are continuing in Occupied Palestine. They will condemn the oppressive Separation Wall; the confiscation of Palestinian land; the illegal settlements; the denial of Palestinians' right of return; the killings, torture, imprisonment and harassment; the violation of basic human rights of Palestinians and Israel's disdain for international law.

Likewise, world Muslims and other peace loving people view the anniversary of the creation of as ill-conceived and ill-gotten, viewing it as an unforgettable and unforgivable event that has ever taken place in the world's history. Their hearts are with the Palestinians and I join the Muslim community in their support for the Palestinian cause.

Today, just as the years that have lapsed, Israeli forces continue to use sophisticated weapons and kill men, women and children indiscriminately. They also displace the nation.

Such atrocities have continued under the staunch aegis of Western powers. As a world citizen, what I find pathetic to learn is that an international community which is aware of and acknowledges the innate dignity of every human being, silently watches and keeps mum over Israel's inhuman atrocities against the innocent civilians of Gaza.

Indisputably, Israel's brutalities against the Gaza civilians are a flagrant violation of all international charters and conventions. While it is highly appreciated that the UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon, UNICEF, NGO's, and Human Rights Groups condemn Israel's "excessive" use of force and “inhuman” measures against the innocent Palestinians, little is being done to pressure Israel to immediately halt its punitive actions against the Palestinians.

Undoubtedly, the esteemed United Nations has, as always, condemned Israeli blockades of the Gaza Strip which has caused humanitarian crisis for Gaza's 1.5 million residents, and who face frequent shortages of various everyday supplies.

It has also condemned Israel's response to the international community's concerns about the "unjust" situation the regime has created for Palestinians living in their homeland in the Gaza Strip.

Likewise, UN aid agencies have also warned of the tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But, Your Excellency, do you think that only concern will suffice? If there is to be lasting peace in the Middle East, firstly, it would auger well if Washington and other powers unconditionally stop their support for Israel, failing which it will further embolden the regime to pound Gaza and occupied territories recklessly.

This will only deteriorate the situation for Palestinians who are now desperately in need of food, medical supplies and basic amenities. Against all international conventions dictating war laws, Israeli forces constantly prohibit emergency medical relief teams from reaching innocent men, women and children.

Israel fails to reason that the children, who constitute over half of Gaza population, are bearing the brunt of the crisis. As it stands, they are already suffering gravely from a series of restrictions, including blockades on most goods imposed since June last year.

But despite this, Israel continues to violate all international laws, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention which deals with the protection of civilians during war or under occupation. This clearly indicates Israel's unyielding attitude to willingly heed the efforts of world bodies, international community and NGOs to abide by international laws.

Besides, it indicates that undisguised racism confronts them. So what is the solution to compel Israel to renounce such criminalities that is endangering the security and welfare of the 1.5 million civilians in the Gaza, and the occupied territories? It's catastrophic!

The suffering of the Palestinians, as well as all those oppressed by foreign occupying forces, be it Iraq or Afghanistan, has become unbearable for the Muslim world. Even the calls by world civil societies and governments to end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian land are being totally disregarded. This is while the international community is obliged to compel Israel to implement every relevant United Nations' Security Council Resolution and make them withdraw from every occupied area. The international community is also obliged to set implementation actions and measures, similar to those which are enforced in other parts of the world.

Should the Israelis fail to adhere to such demands, then I am sure that any conscientious world citizen will undoubtedly agree with me that the only way to bring Israel on its knees is for world bodies, humanitarian groups, honorable heads of solidarity groups, and NGOs to pressure Israel by imposing sanctions to make it halt its brutalities in the Gaza Strip, West Bank and al-Quds.
What is perplexing is that if sanctions and embargoes can be imposed on certain countries for little or no reason at all, why sanctions can't be also imposed on Israel, for causing humanitarian crisis in the occupied land?

This is a case of human suffering where every person's life is at stake! It will be greatly appreciated if the Security Council urgently demands the occupying power to immediately halt its military aggression and its collective punishment of the Palestinians and adhere to international laws and conventions. The highly respected UN Security Council should use its impartial authority to also prosecute Israeli officials for their crimes in Gaza in a way to prove that world public opinion will no longer tolerate their brutalities.

To allow Israel to act freely, and above the law, will severely undermine chances for a just and lasting peace. To this end, all freedom loving people and peace seekers including those who oppose occupation, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, racism and war crimes, and all those who are willing to speak the truth and accept the reality of how Israel came into existence, should sincerely commit themselves to halt Israel's brutalities against the oppressed Palestinians and leave the occupied territories.

Last but not the least, let not the cries of innocent children and the guiltless Palestinians go unnoticed by the international community as their silence will tantamount to consent.

In this dark hour I am sure that, with your esteemed support and fair stand, as well as with the support of peace loving world civil societies and governments, Your Excellency will find solutions to help establish peace, stability and justice not only in the Middle East, but in all troubled spots of the globe.

Yours Respectfully

Florence Jones



courtesy :
Thu, 15 May 2008 02:21:19
Press TV, Tehran

See the well-wishers - Israel's happy anniversary


Protests UN Chief Ban's Use of Term 'Nakba'

Lebanon - stretching for a peaceful solution

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

On 15 May, 08 The Arab Ministerial team is headed by headed by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani, and includes the foreign ministers of Algeria, Djibouti, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.Arab League chief Amr Mussa, who arrived in Doha on Tuesday, said that the crisis in Lebanon got more complicated

Arab League Delegation

The delegation is expected to hold talks with the head of the unconstitutional government’s Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Speaker Nabih Berri, army chief Gen. Michel Suleiman, Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun, Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt and Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri.

The Lebanese daily An-Nahar said the delegation will start talks by meeting with Berri at his Beirut mansion in Ain el-Tineh. It added that Berri will stress to the committee the need for the government to revoke its decisions, which caused a deterioration in the security situation lately, before discussing details about the implementation of the Arab League initiative. Latest news from Presstv reported that the anti- resistance decision have been revoke

In the meantime, Saniora called on his ministerial team to hold a meeting on. Wednesday, amid uncertainty about whether they will revoke their controversial decisions or not. For its part the US administration continued to provide moral support to Saniora's collapsing bloc and stay on as long as possible. Hezbollah had issued a statement condemning Hariri's sectarian provocation. There are reports of Saudi's-Israeli collaboration to move Israeli troops in a threatening manner towards Lebanon border, if the 'civil war' continued.

Washington has apparently backed down from their strong backing on Saniora and his bloc with US Undersecretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Welch only urging his allies in Lebanon to be solid and strong to improve the conditions of the internal settlement in their favour. US President George W. Bush had earlier said that the only solution for Lebanon was a diplomatic solution, stressing that the destroyer USS Cole is in the Mediterranean on exercise. In previous warnings, Bush used to say that his destroyers have deployed off the Lebanese coast to protect Fouad Saniora and his government.

The Lebanese Experience & Reality.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Have you been reading western sources of news? Well, what these news reported may took placed, but it is how they reported it can be typical of an American style of journalism. Which in this case can be summarized as below:-

1. Hezbollah is the CULPRIT, they are the terrorists and they are the bad guys that should be VICTIMISED - like sending them to Guantanamo and get utterly obliterated.

2. There are only two parties warring in Lebanon there The Pro Government Forces represented by Siniora as the Prime Minister. Supported by the International Community on the one side against the terrorist Hezbollah supported and sponsored by Rogue states namely and. Which is NOT TRUE.

3. Siniora is the Prime Minister of the majority. They form the are the legitimate government representing the Lebanese people.

4. Siniora government must be help and prop up by all International responsible community and International Institutions like the UN and Arab League at all cost.

5. The Lebanese army cannot be counted on to safeguard the interest of the people of Lebanon, instead they cohorts with the terrorist Hezbollah.

6. The whole incident is an attempted Pro Tehran coup, unconstitutional and illegal to oust out a democratically legal government of Sinora, a propanganda by US – Israeli controlled media.

7. A Summary

We shall go through these each issues one by one to see the myth that surrounds it and know the reality.

1. To answer this inquiry we have to first asked, how did the fierce gunfight battles in Beirut started. Walid Jumblatt kicked off the two issues which later were taken up by the Unconstitutional Fouad Sinora Coalition, First, the Western-back Siniora’s Coalition outlawed the Hezbollah fiber optic telecommunication network and second, they sacked the security chief and wanted to take over the airport security.

Hezbollah rationale being their telecommunication network is their defense system that keeps them going through the Summer 2006 war imposed by Israel. Hezbollah cannot just give up this weapon which is essential to defend the country. On the airport security, the Chief of Security is a Trustworthy Nationalist who his acted in the interest of Lebanon and the Pro Israel-US Coalition wanted to let Mossad, FBI, CIA or MI5 to have a free hand at the airport.

Within a day, in Beirut, Hezbollah and allies defeated forces loyal to the American-backed Siniora’s Lebanese government with their all newly equipped militias. These quick victory rendered the Sinora’s backers caught and unable to do anything meaningful to ‘militarily’ assistance to them

2. With 17 different sects and a constitution that divides power among these differing religious groups, bold power grabs by any one group are usually ephemeral and followed by chaos. The term used to describe the Lebanese polity is ‘confessional democracy’ putting it crudely one can say it as ‘sectarian democracy’. Since their 1943 National Pact it is their practice that the President is a Maronite Christian, The Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim and the Speaker a Shi’a Muslim. The Taif accord slightly modify their original 1943 Parliamentary Composition. Since the accord, the Parliamentary seat is accorded 50-50 for Christians and the Muslims (Sunni, Shi’a and Druze). As of the Spring 2005 election, the 128 Parliamentarians consist of :-

The Opposition group is consists of Hezbollah (Shia), Amal (Shia), Democratic Party (Mixed), Tawhid Party (Sunni), Free Patriotic Movement (Christian), Syrian Social Nationalist Party, Al-Murabitun (Sunni) and other smaller parties, Collectively described as Pro-Syria.

The Pro Siniora’s group made up of Saad Hariri Future Movement (Sponsored by Saudi), Walid Jublatt Progressive Socialist Party (Sponsored by Israel, US and France), Simir Geagea’s Phalange (Kateib) Party and Lebanese Forces (Sponsored by US) – Collectively known as the 'Welch’s Club’. Walid Jumblatt, Simir Geagea and Saad Hariri are all known foreign agents and have their own agenda for Lebanon. Their group is officially made known by the main stream media as March 14 Coalition – a Pro-Western grouping.

Walid Jumblatt & Saad Hariri

3. During the Spring 2005 election due to rising anti-Syrian feelings Siniora's or known as March 14 Coalition Team won 72 out of 128 Parliamentary Seats. However they consist generally of Sunni, Christians and Druze, that leave out the Shias which form a sizeable minority of the population (this may be disputed for the last official census conducted in Lebanon was in 1932 for sectarianism is a very sensitive issue in Lebanon couple with a large presence of Palestine), in the government cabinet, its composition is at the mercy of the March 14 forces.

The Coalition had a lot of political bickering that make the people fed up. Their key figures are foreign agents and have their own agenda to make Lebanon Pro Western, Pro US and hence Pro Israel, other than advancing their own self interest. It is an open secret that they supported Israel to totally crushed the Resistance (Hezbollah) but Instead saw Lebanon bombed to the pulp while the Resistance survived the Israeli onslaught.

The March 14 Coalition has been avoiding three main issues, which has plague Lebanon for the past 18 months, first to form a National Unity Government meaning to include the Opposition in the Cabinet (the Opposition is bargaining for a third of the total numbers of seats), second to seat with the others (opposition) in the Parliament to elect a popular and acceptable President, third to come up with a new electoral laws. There is little transparency too, in the coalition dealings such as the expenses of the donations from other Nations after the destruction done by Israel and cabinets meetings make important decisions without going through the Parliament, like allowing the arming of Militias recently but their longest Parliamentary sitting was to make these anti-Resistance ruling that caused the brief 'civil war' between the Pro-Resistance and Anti- Resistance forces.

In order to avoid doing that they had not convene the Parliamentary seating for more than a year and the Opposition had organized a sit-in outside the Parliament building for 18 months now and had organized mock funeral procession passing the houses of the politicians..

4. Western and US help have been promised to Siniora before the war during the Cedar Revolution, and act seen by the Pro-West and Western Regimes as an act to decouple Lebanon from Syria and after the Israeli Summer 2006 aggression, monetary and military aid were given to the Lebanese Siniora’s government and the army, Though Israel is very silent at the international level on Hezbollah, but their master US and allies, bent on Hezbollah destruction are using the United Nations and the Arab League to do their bidding .

5. The Lebanese Army have acted very prudently, without taking sides in this ‘civil war’. This battle is very different from the Fatah-Islami’s recent case where there was only one party involved and probably a non-Lebanese entity, though it may be have been finance and organized internally by some influential personality. Any way, it was mentioned in several posts that the army and resistance have gathered intelligence regarding all the development of the militias and their support system in Lebanon.

   The recent civil war can be said as a war between the Resistance and the anti Resistance force. It is not a sectarian war between Sunni and Shi’a. The key anti- Resistance players have been the corrupt Saad Hariri Future Movement (Sunni), Maronite Christian Simir Geagea The Lebanese Forces and Walid Jumblatt Druze Progresssive Socialist Party. It started with the ruling of banning the Hezbollah telecommunication system and sacking of the Airport Security chief.
   

   Nabih Berri
   
   
   

6. Depending on which side you are on whether you are pro- Hezbollah or anti- Hezbollah or looking for something more objective regarding the episode, opportunities are available on the net, including looking at the history and evolution of Israel. Forget about over selling American Democracy, which is only good in its original written form.It is certainly not Iranian Inspired or a Pro Tehran coup or with Iranian Quds force backing similarly Syria is not involved too. Recent history shows that those who are involved are the ones that flooded the country with arms and hard cash to sponsor a coup against the Resistance and have interests to see the Resistance collapses.

7. As of 13 May 05, Nabih Berri the Speaker make some interesting remarks about what is to be expected in the next coming few days, but the Siniora's Ruling Coalition, Jumblatt, Hariri and Geagea seems to change their position after feeling some sense of security provided by their puppet masters, such as the presence of USS Cole and State of the art missiles pointing to their country. Only 3 days ago they were begging and backing the Army to restore peace and order, should the opposition wanted political power, these people can be easily jailed or get something worse. We have to wait and see - what happen next, best wishes for our brothers in the Resistance in Lebanon. Anyway, today the 14th May, 08 the Arab Foreign Ministers delegations will be in Lebanon to start a national dialogs and solving the issue of forming a National Unity Government and looking into finalizing the new electoral laws. A 27 member security team from Qatar is in Beirut now, responsible for security measures for delegates of the Arab Foreign Minsters meeting.

8. USS Cole

   Further development will depends too, on the Arab League, the United Nations and the International Community. The role of the Resistance is to prepare for their activity as a force to resist and protect their country from Israeli aggression. They do not scheme to be dominant or dominate the world, Middle East or even
   

   
   In the Israeli News, the Americans and some Arab countries, they have been trying very hard and do their utmost to present to the world that the Resistance have turn their weapons on their own people (the Lebanese)and as such no longer worthy and legitimate to keep their arms. It is in the interest of the Resistance to ensure the survival of the Resistance and recent ‘civil war’ only proves that point and a word of thanks should be extended to all the Opposition forces that joined the Resistance (Hezbollah) in the recent short and brief ‘Civil War’ including the army for being independent minded and not siding the Siniora’s government in their attempt to crush the popular Resistance forces.