Weekly
report on Israeli human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territory
30 Oct - 05 Nov 2008
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/ rwb.nsf/db900SID/MCOT-7L5HLE?
OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Israeli House Demolitions in the East Jerusalem Village of Silwan Lead to Clashes, Injuries, Arrests
On 5 November, in the Palestinian village of Silwan, located to the south of the Old City in East Jerusalem, approximately 20 Palestinians were arrested and eight injured following clashes with Israeli police and border guards, who entered the village in order to demolish two homes. Israeli authorities argue that the demolitions were necessary because the houses were constructed illegally and without building permits. While the families who lived in the homes did attempt a court appeal against the demolition orders, they were turned down.
http://www.alternativenews.org/occupation-watch/occupation-watch/israeli-house-demolitions-in-the-
east-jerusalem-village-of-silwan-leads-to-clashes-injuries-arressts-20081106.html
Israel demolishes four houses in Arab east Jerusalem
AFP - Israel on Wednesday demolished four Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem which the authorities said were built without permits, triggering clashes in one of the city's Arab neighbourhoods.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081105/wl_mideast_afp/mideastconflictdemolitionjerus
alem
Israel demolishes Palestinian home
After two-hour confrontation with stone-throwing protesters, security forces raze east Jerusalem structure State says was illegally built. Group promoting coexistence slams demolition.
http://www.ynetnews.com/
articles/0,7340,L-3618356,00. html
Israeli House Demolitions in the East Jerusalem Village of Silwan Leads to Clashes, Injuries
The Palestinian village of Silwan is located to the south of the Old City of Jerusalem On 5 November, in the Palestinian village of Silwan, located to the south of the Old City in East Jerusalem, approximately 20 Palestinians were arrested and eight injured following clashes with Israeli police and border guards, who entered the village in order to demolish two homes.
http://www.alternativenews.org/content/view/1403/494/
18 Jerusalemites wounded, 17 detained during IOA demolition of buildings
The IOA on Wednesday demolished three Palestinian homes and a wedding hall in occupied eastern Jerusalem and wounded 18 citizens and arrested 17 others for protesting the demolition.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/
Arrests and injuries as nonviolent resistance attempts to stave off Jerusalem home demolitions
Israeli bulldozers demolished yesterday, two homes in the Shuafat neighborhood, downtown Jerusalem, and in northern Jerusalem's Beit Hanina. Throughout the afternoon more demolitions occurred with Israeli forces targeting a number of houses in the Wadi Al Bustan neighborhood of Silwan, south of Al Aqsa Mosque.
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3914&Itemid=49
Witnesses: Fresh Israeli airstrike kills Palestinian fighter in N Gaza
Israeli air force killed a Palestinian militant in northern Gaza Strip late on Wednesday, putting a fragile ceasefire in peril, medical and witnesses said. The incident took place half an hour before midnight when an Israeli drone dropped a bomb on an Islamic Jihad militant who was walking in the east of Jabaliya refugee camp, killing him and wounding three others, the witnesses said.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/06/content_10313773.htm
Israeli airstrike kills Islamic Jihad leader in northern Gaza
An Israeli spy plane killed a leader in the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, the Al-Quds Brigades, on Wednesday in the northern Gaza Strip as a fragile ceasefire appeared on the verge of collapse. Al-Quds Brigades field commander Ghassan At-Toramsi was killed instantly by the airstrike that targeted him on Abu Eita street in the Tel Az-Za'tar neighborhood.
http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=
33042
Testimony: Soldiers shoot Gazan fishermen off Rafah shore
On 5 Oct. '08, two fishermen sailed from Rafah in a rowboat. One of them, Muhammad Musleh, told B'Tselem that an Israeli navy boat fired at them without warning, although they were in the zone permitted for fishing by the army. Musleh was severely injured.
http://www.btselem.org/english/testimonies/20081005_
gaza_fisherman_injured_by_idf_ gunfire.asp
"The people of Gaza have plenty of food. They don't need to go fishing"
Larnaca. When members of the Free Gaza Movement sailed to Gaza in August, several accompanied fishermen aboard their small boats. Israeli gunboats regularly confine these boats inside a 6-mile Israeli-imposed limit. Although international law allows every Mediterranean sea territory fishing rights 12-20 miles offshore, Israel ignores those laws and has killed at least 14 fishermen over the past few years.
http://www.palsolidarity.org/main/2008/11/06/fgm-the-people-of-gaza-have-plenty-of-food-they-dont-need-to-go-fishing/
IWPS: Israeli soldiers beat Palestinian farmer unconscious near Kufr Qaddum
On Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, a family of about 15 was harvesting its land on a slope of Jebel Mohammed north of Kafr Qaddum village, close to the eastern side of a caravan outpost of the Qedumim settlement, when they were approached by Israeli soldiers. Family members report that they already had been harassed the previous day by soldiers and settlers, who tried to take horses and a tractor from them. They say that on Tuesday at about 9 a.m. the soldiers returned in a Hummer jeep, demanding that the family should stay at least 300 metres away from the settler outpost. However, as its entire olive grove is within 300 metres of the outpost, the family refused.
http://www.palsolidarity.org/main/2008/11/06/iwps-israeli-soldiers-beat-palestinian-farmer-unconscious-near
-kufr-qaddum/
Olive grove fire forces Huwwara checkpoint closed
Flames engulfed a field of olive trees near the Huwwara Israeli military checkpoint south of Nablus on Thursday, forcing the checkpoint to close until Palestinian fire crews arrived in the area. Local sources speculated that the fire was the result of arson.
http://www.maannews.net/en/
index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=33059
Israel breaks Gaza ceasefire, assassinates six
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of six Palestinians carried out by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) in the Gaza Strip yesterday evening and this morning.
http://electronicintifada.net/ v2/article9937.shtml
Ceasefire under threat as six die in Gaza raid
A four-month-old ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza was in jeopardy yesterday after Israeli troops killed six Hamas gunmen in a raid into the territory. Hamas responded by firing a volley of rockets into southern Israel, although no one was injured. The violence represented the most serious breach in a ceasefire agreed in mid-June. Despite the bloodshed, both sides suggested they wanted to return to a period of calm.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/ world/2008/nov/06/ israelandthepalestinians-
middleeast
Testimony: Policemen and paramedic abuse Palestinian beaten by mob in Jerusalem
On 17 Oct. '08, several Jewish men armed with clubs attacked and beat Majdi and Khaled al-Husseini, residents of East Jerusalem, as they approached an ice cream shop in West Jerusalem. The two sought shelter with policemen standing nearby, who abused them.
http://www.btselem.org/ english/testimonies/20081017_
majdi_and_khaled_al_husseini_ beaten_by_mob
_in_jerusalem_ witness_majdi.asp
Israeli Occupation Forces invade Al Faqr refugee camp
Early on the morning of Monday 3rd November, approximately 400 Israeli soldiers entered Al Faqr refugee camp to the north of Nablus city, destroying homes, throwing tear gas and sound bombs and imposing a curfew on the camp. At 2am soldiers disrupted the sleep of the residents of the camp, raiding almost 200 homes and causing widespread destruction and intimidation.
http://www.palsolidarity.org/ main/2008/11/06/israeli-
occupation-forces-invade-al- faqr-refugee-camp/
Israeli troops fire on European, American volunteers harvesting olives in Gaza
Israeli troops opened fire on international volunteers helping to harvest olives in the Gaza Strip near the border with Israel on Thursday morning. According to the volunteers, British, American, and Italian citizens were fired on by soldiers in two jeeps and Israeli watchtower. The group is on foot and one American citizen was driving a tractor.
http://www.maannews.net/en/ index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=
33057
Jewish settlers, Hamas threaten Abbas deployment
Jewish settlers say they are ready to fight U.S.-trained, Palestinian security forces who are being sent to the tense West Bank city of Hebron. Fear of a showdown if the armed Palestinians move into the center, where a hard core of sometimes violent settlers lives, makes the deployment the biggest test yet for a U.S. plan to build up the force, seen as vital in persuading Israel it can end its occupation without compromising its own security.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/ 20081104/wl_nm/us_
palestinians_settlers_1
Fayyad announces delivery of five million USD in equipment for civil defense
Palestinian caretaker Prime Minister Salam Fayyad announced a delivery of five million US dollars in equipment to the Palestinian Civil Defense Department. "The civil Defense Department is an important department and is needed by the Palestinians," he said.
http://www.maannews.net/en/ index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=
33054
Pro-Abbas forces continue clampdown against Hamas in West Bank
ecurity forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday arrested seven Hamas members across the West Bank, the Islamic movement said. The arrests highlight tension between Hamas and Abbas' Fatah and complicate Egypt's efforts as Cairo is to host a national Palestinian dialogue next week to reconcile the two movements.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/06/content_
10318144.htm
Hamas arrests dozens of Fatah activists -- Fatah
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah group said Hamas forces arrested dozens of its activists in the GazaStrip on Thursday, undermining Egyptian efforts to reconcile the rival factions. Egypt, which hopes to end the factional fighting after past Arab-led efforts failed, will host unity talks from Nov. 9.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L6751320.htm
Fatah condemns Hamas arrests of PLC leader, several other party members
Hamas arrested dozens of Fatah leaders after breaking into a private membership meeting in Rafah city in the Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon, confirmed Fatah spokesperson Fahmi Az-Za'areer.
http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=
33058
IOF Arrests 5 Palestinians in West Bank
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested, Thursday, five Palestinian citizens from the West Bank cities of Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron. Palestinian security source in Bethlehem reported that Israeli soldiers attacked Aida Refugee Camp, searched and vandalized many houses and arrested two Palestinians.
http://english.wafa.ps/?action=detail&id=12268
Israeli military detains eight Palestinian residents in the West Bank
Israeli military detained early on Thursday eight Palestinian residents from various parts of the West Bank, media sources and witnesses reported.
http://www.imemc.org/article/57575
Ministry of prisoners: Israel is responsible for kidnapping four women from Gaza
The ministry of detainees in Gaza on Wednesday held the IOA fully responsible for the lives of four Palestinian women who were abducted during the incursion of IOF troops into central Gaza.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/
Israeli soldiers prevent ambassadors from praying at Ibrihimi Mosque
Israeli forces barred Egyptian ambassador to Palestine Ashraf Aqel and Tunisian Ambassador Ahmad Habbas from entering the Ibrahimi Mosque, or the Tomb of the Patriarchs, during their visit to the Hebron area with a delegation on Thursday.
http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=33051
JAG to the High Court: Stiffer charges won't be filed in shooting case in Ni'lin
Despite the harsh criticism voiced earlier by the High Court justices, the judge advocate general sticks to his position that the charge of unbecoming conduct is suitable for a case in which a bound and blindfolded Palestinian was abused and shot.
http://www.btselem.org/English/Firearms/20081104_Nilin_State_Response.asp
Barak: We will not hesitate to strike again
Defense minister meets with heads of Gaza vicinity communities following latest Qassam salvo on area; says Israel has no interest in seeing ceasefire end but will act to impede any threat.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3618316,00.
html
Hamas: Israel's claims of having no intention to escalate is disinformation
The Hamas Movement on Wednesday stated that the Israeli war minister's declaration that Israel still want the calm and has no intention to escalate is "disinformation".
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/
Gaza ceasefire at risk
A spate of Israeli and Palestinian attacks and counter-attacks in the past 24 hours could spell the end of a five-and-a-half-month ceasefire. This would once again put the civilian
populations of Gaza and southern Israel in the line of fire.
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/gaza-ceasefire-at+risk-20081105
Gaza violence may enervate Palestinian dialogue in Cairo
A new wave of violence in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday may be out of Israel's intention to undermine an upcoming Egypt-sponsored Palestinian dialogue aimed to patch up rifts among Palestinian fractions, politicians and analysts said. Israeli air strikes on central Gaza Strip earlier Wednesday morning killed six Islamic Hamas militants, which Hamas responded by renewing dozes of home-made rockets and mortar shells into southern Israeli territories and Israeli army posts near Gaza.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/ english/2008-11/06/content_
10313506.htm
New Restrictions on Mobility of Medical Personnel in the West Bank
As of Sunday, 2.11.08, new Israeli army guidelines are in force, requiring Palestinian medical personnel from the West Bank who work in Jerusalem hospitals to come in only through the Qalandiya checkpoint in Ramallah. Medical personnel from the West Bank are prohibited from coming to work through other checkpoints, even if these are closer to where they live. Since 2.11.08, many medical personnel who have been prevented by the military authorities from going to work have contacted Physicians for Human Rights–Israel, the Palestineian Medical Relief Society. Today, Tuesday, 4.11.08, about 100 Palestinian medical personnel held a demonstration at the Qalandiya terminal to protest the new restrictions.
http://www.palestinemonitor.
org/spip/spip.php?article685
Khudari: $700m the direct losses of siege
MP Jamal Al-Khudari, the head of the popular committee against the siege, has said that the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip had inflicted 700 million dollars in direct losses in all sectors.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/
Israel extends closure of Gaza Strip
Israel on Thursday extended the closure of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip for a second day following a sudden surge of violence that shocked an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire, a Palestinian official said. Hatem Awaida, an aide to Hamas minister of economy, said four commercial crossings used to transport goods and fuel to Gaza remained closed with no immediate information on when to reopen.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/ english/2008-11/06/content_
10317874.htm
Women in Gaza pin hope on AWO conference
Gaza: Leaders of various women organisations in Gaza have expressed their optimism and hope over the results of the forthcoming conference of the Arab Women Organisation (AWO) slated to be held in Abu Dhabi between 11th and 13th this month under the presidentship of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak.
http://www.uaedailynews.com/ middleeast/2879.html
World Bank: Palestinian economy could flourish if Israel eased restrictions
The Palestinian economy has "incredible potential" that could be unleashed if Israel eases restrictions on Palestinian movement, the area's World Bank chief said Wednesday, a day after a high-level World Bank delegation inaugurated a sewage storage facility in a rare trip to Hamas-ruled Gaza.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/ spages/1034921.html
Telecom companies eager to explore Palestinian market despite obstacles
With some 500 checkpoints throughout the Palestinian area and the split between the Gaza Strip and West Bank, Palestinians cannot visit each other easily. Under such circumstances, telecom companies are eager to explore local market despite many obstacles.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/ english/2008-11/06/content_
10319005.htm
PSF: Disregarding amendments aims at pressuring Hamas and resistance
Khaled Abdedlmejid, the secretary general of the popular struggle front, has expressed surprise at the media reports that the Egyptian draft proposal was closed to amendments.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/
Palestinian Reconciliation Talks on November 10
Palestinian factions are to hold reconciliation talks in Cairo on November 10, leaders of the rival Fatah and Hamas factions said on Wednesday. The Egyptian-sponsored talks initially had been scheduled for November 9. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas will attend the beginning of the meeting in his capacity as Palestinian president but not as leader of Fatah, said Nabil Shaath, who will lead the faction's delegation.
http://almanar.com.lb/ NewsSite/NewsDetails.aspx?id=
62590&language=en
World Bank to facilitate investment into West Bank and Gaza
The World Bank Wednesday announced the launch of a new trust fund to encourage investors to increase investment in the West Bank and Gaza. The fund is co-sponsored by the European Investment Bank, the Government of Japan, and the Palestinian Authority, and will be administered by the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the political risk insurance arm of the World Bank.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/ english/2008-11/06/content_
10313758.htm
PM heads to D.C. to wrangle last favors from Bush
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will visit President George Bush in Washington later this month in an attempt to reach last minute agreements and extract a number of promises before both leaders step down. Olmert is looking for commitments from Bush on the peace process with the Palestinians, U.S. military aid and various arms deals.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/ spages/1034859.html
Rice tries to preserve Mideast peace talks
Reuters - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice headed to the Middle East on Wednesday to set the stage for future Israeli-Palestinian peace talks that both sides acknowledge will not produce an agreement this year.
http:// news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081106/
wl_nm/us_mideast_usa_rice
Rice plays down chances of Israeli-Palestinian deal
Reuters - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held out little hope Thursday that Israel and the Palestinians could reach a peace deal this year as she began a four-day visit to the Middle East.
http:// news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081106/ wl_nm/us_palestinians_israel_
rice
One year after Annapolis
It seems like another age, but it was only one year ago that United States President George W. Bush and his administration were preparing to bring Israelis and Palestinians together to launch a final push for a peace settlement.
http://electronicintifada.net/ v2/article9936.shtml
No to American Visa Exemption for Israelis
Although the United States has told Israel repeatedly that Palestinian Americans must be treated as American citizens at border crossings or anywhere else, US State Department Spokesman, Sean McCormack, noted that it's a continuing issue. It's a continuing problem. During Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's upcoming trip to Washington later this month, he intends to once again request from President Bush and the American administration that the visa requirement be waved for Israeli citizens wishing to visit the US.
http://www.alternativenews. org/content/view/1404/104/
OIC demands the protection of Palestinian civilians in Hebron and condemns Israeli attack on Gaza
The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, expressed his grave concern over the tragic conditions facing the Palestinians in Hebron due to the suffocating siege imposed by Israel on more than a hundred and eighty thousand Palestinians living in the occupied city in a bid to protect a handful of settlers who wreak havoc and devastation in the city.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/ rwb.nsf/db900SID/ASAZ-7L5JNP?
OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Let Palestinians study campaign slams Egypt for barring students from travel
The campaign "let Palestinians study" expressed on Wednesday its shock at the Egyptian authorities for preventing hundreds of students in Gaza from joining their universities outside the Strip.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/
Irish politicians visit Gaza on international mission
Two Irish politicians are taking part in an international fact-finding mission to the Gaza Strip today. Fianna Fail TD Chris Andrews and Sinn Fein TD Aengus O'Snodaigh will join parliamentarians from several other countries to assess the plight of Palestinians in the region.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/politics/irish-politicians-visit-gaza-on-international-
mission-14041546.html
Jordan's Islamists plan Gaza voyage to break Israeli blockade
Jordan's opposition Islamic Action Front said on Thursday it is planning a trip to the Gaza Strip from the southern Red Sea port of Aqaba in a bid to break an Israeli blockade of the impoverished Palestinian territory. "We are currently preparing for the trip and collecting aid for our brothers in Gaza to break Israel's unjust and inhuman siege," Rheil Gharibeh, spokesman for the powerful Islamist party, told AFP.
http://afp.google.com/article/ ALeqM5hx4fHTqr7fnn0ygIbQ7a3-
Vvkt0Q
On the Sea Again
On Friday, November 7, the SS DIGNITY leaves at 5:00 pm from Larnaca to Gaza. This time, thirteen members of the European Parliament from England, Ireland, Italy, Turkey, Wales, Switzerland, and Scotland are on board.
http://www.freegaza.org/index. php?module=latest_news&id=
61a00d2fdd36d5ac1a38aa3a036df4 f6&offset=
Another voyage set for Gaza peace ship
AFP - A dozen European politicians, most of them British, plan to travel aboard the next ship sailing from Cyprus to breach the Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip, organisers told AFP Wednesday.
http:// news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081105/ wl_mideast_afp/
mideastconflictgazabritaindemo
Federman: Leftists are temporary here
Trial of extreme right-wing activist, accused of assaulting policeman, opens in Jerusalem. Before entering court he tells Ynet, 'All the leftists and evil people won't last. A sheep also twitches before it is slaughtered.' Judge denies State's request to keep him
away from territories.
http://www.ynetnews.com/ articles/0,7340,L-3618646,00.
html
A Direct and Immediate Impact
The domestic Israeli political scene and balance of powers have a very strong effect on the peace process and the domestic Palestinian scene. The Israeli balance of power is in turn deeply influenced by Israeli public opinion. The latter sets the limits for how far negotiators can go as well as for how far Israeli bulldozers may reach.
http://palestinechronicle.com/ view_article_details.php?id=
14348
Clutching at the Thinnest of Straws
After two years of campaigning, debating and fund-raising, the US presidential elections are finally over. And after probably his first decent night's sleep in two years, President-Elect Barack Obama can finally start to act instead of talking - by making decisions and appointing the team that will guide him for the next four years. He has already said he will not waste any time in doing so and expects to hit the ground running in January.
http://palestinechronicle.com/ view_article_details.php?id=
14349
'Only an Arab PM could be seen as an Israeli Obama'
Is there an Israeli parallel to a young, charismatic leader who will surprise everyone? Experts believe there is no such person in Jewish state right now.
http://www.ynetnews.com/ articles/0,7340,L-3618631,00.
html
Wednesday: 1 US Soldier, 13 Iraqis Killed; 23 Iraqis Wounded
Excerpt: Updated at 6:05 p.m. EST, Nov. 5, 2008 Baghdad quieted down overnight, but still suffered from at least one attack today. Overall, at least 13 Iraqis were killed and 23 more were wounded across the country. One U.S. soldier died of a non-combat related cause in central Iraq today. commentary over the election of a new president in the U.S. is already flooding out of the Middle East/South Asia conflict zone.
http://www.antiwar.com/ updates/?articleid=13721
Uptick in Baghdad attacks reveals new insurgent tactics
While American and Iraqi fatalities dropped to their lowest levels in October, the US military reports an increase in the use of 'sticky' bombs in targeted assassinations.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/ 1105/p99s04-duts.html
Three policeman killed, four injured in attacks in Iraq
Three policemen were killed in separate attacks around Iraq on Wednesday, reports said.
http://www.monstersandcritics. com/news/middleeast/news/
article_1441191.php/
Iraq VP calls for national referendum on US status of forces agreement
Iraqi Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, one of two Iraqi vice presidents, called Tuesday for a national referendum on a proposed US-Iraqi Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).
http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2008/11/iraq-vp-calls-for-national-referendum.php
US responds to Iraqi proposals on American troops
AP - The U.S. officially responded Thursday to Iraqi proposals for changes in the draft security pact that would keep American troops here for three more years.
http:// news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081106/
ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq_us
Iraq: Christians trickling back to their homes in Mosul
About 400 Christian families, (some 2,400 individuals) have returned to their homes in the northern city of Mosul after a spate of threats and killings led them to flee in early October, according to officials. "We have so far registered nearly 400 Christian families who have returned to their houses and jobs, and resumed normal lives thanks to the deployment of security forces," said Jawdat Ismaiel, head of the Ministry of Displacement and Migration in the province.
http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/ English/Religion/?id=3.0.
2675366591
Baghdadophobia--and
how to know you've got it
"Here's an interesting new disorder for medical science to investigate," writes an Iraqi employee of the BBC,
"Baghdadophobia - an Iraqi's fear of his own capital city." The Iraqi describes
the daily terror of that most mundane of things: commuting to work.
http://electroniciraq.net/ news/war-every-day-blog/
Baghdadophobia--and_how_to_ know_you_ve_got_it-3440.shtml
ARTS-US: "I Wouldn't Wish War on My Worst Enemy"
Artist Jim Lommasson hates war. His exhibit of 1,500 photographs, taken by soldiers who served in Iraq, brings the war home to the United States, in a way he hopes will help bring it to an end.
http://www.ipsnews.net/news. asp?idnews=44577
Barack Obama and Iraqi orphans
And finally we have the man who many in the U.S. and the world at large wanted to see replacing George W. Bush. On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be officially inaugurated as U.S President. Bush as a person and a picture will no longer be in the Oval Office but his deeds and legacy will fill the room's air, shelves and even the drawers of Obama's desk.
http://www.azzaman.com/ english/index.asp?fname=news\
2008-11-06\kurd.htm
Iraqis worry about Obama, while many GIs celebrate
McClatchy Newspapers - BAGHDAD — Iraqis didn't dance in the streets or hold late-night viewing parties to herald the election of a new president of the United States. Many didn't have electricity to follow the television coverage of Barack Obama's ascent to president-elect.
http:// news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/
20081105/wl_mcclatchy/3092953
Movement Left has Stroke: Rahm Emanuel Accepts Obama's Chief of Staff Offer
My greatest fear about Emanuel is that he might perpetuate a "false choice" orientation towards Israel in Middle East affairs that he's going to have to compensate for and get under control. There are no rational alternatives in the Middle East than actually delivering on a Palestinian state and finally putting the Middle East peace business out of business. Emanuel needs to prove his judiciousness by not preempting serious progress in Israel/Palestine affairs and not encouraging Barack Obama to make the mistake of trying to define his presidency by exploiting some national security conflict.
http://www.thewashingtonnote. com/archives/2008/11/movement_
left_h/
Obama picks pro-Israel hardliner for top post
During the United States election campaign, racists and pro-Israel hardliners tried to make an issue out of President-elect Barack Obama's middle name, Hussein. Such people might take comfort in another middle name, that of Obama's pick for White House Chief of Staff: Rahm Israel Emanuel.
http://electronicintifada.net/ v2/article9939.shtml
Official: Obama won't press Israel in coming months
Diplomatic source says president-elect will change US policies in Middle East, but not before he tackles bigger domestic problems, such as ailing economy. 'I don't think we should be concerned over Obama's election, it may do Israel good,' he says.
http://www.ynetnews.com/ articles/0,7340,L-3618502,00.
html
Obama: don't surrender to the Jewish lobby
Barack Obama's landslide victory against the republican candidate John McCain is undoubtedly a landmark event in American history.
http://www.palestine-info.co.uk/En/
Obama will be 'great president, great friend of Israel,' U.S. envoy says
Barack Obama will be "a great president and a great friend of Israel," the American ambassador to Israel said yesterday at an election breakfast reception, even though Obama's victory could have dramatic implications for the diplomat's less than 3-months-old stint in Tel Aviv.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/ spages/1034825.html
Aide to Rahm Emanuel: Obama pro-Israel
US president-elect starts selecting top gov't officials, but son of Israeli immigrant yet to accept White House chief of staff offer; aide to Emanuel tells Ynet, 'He would not consider role if he wasn't convinced Obama is pro-Israel'.
http://www.ynetnews.com/ articles/0,7340,L-3618543,00.
html
Mr. President, We Too Have A Dream
Dear Mr. President-Elect, Barack Obama, First of all, let me convey my heartiest congratulation to you on your election as the President of the United States of America.
http://palestinechronicle.com/ view_article_details.php?id=
14350
Jonathan Steele: Now Obama must declare that the war on terror is over
Obama's preference for diplomacy can help to forge new, individual relationships with Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/ commentisfree/2008/nov/06/
barack-obama-war-on-terror
Palestinians hoping for 'positive' input from Obama
Customers at the Diwan coffee shop in the centre of Ramallah were distinctly underwhelmed by the historic election of Barack Obama. America may have elected its first African-American president, but here pop videos played non-stop on the two television screens, while the talk was more focused on the upcoming Champions League football fixtures than global politics.
http://www.thenational.ae/ article/20081105/FOREIGN/
308213513/1011/rss
In Mideast, guarded hope for an even hand
If there were any concerns voiced by some Israelis and American Jews during the election campaign that Barack Obama might tilt more toward the Arab world while trying to broker peace, Israeli officials went out of their way Wednesday to dispel them. While conversations with ordinary Israelis showed some lingering skepticism, Israeli leaders applauded Obama's victory, voicing confidence that Washington's solid alliance with Israel would continue. Palestinian officials expressed hope that an Obama administration would act vigorously to promote lagging peace efforts.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/
news/nationworld/chi-110508-obama-world-mideast-nov06,0,7081601.story
Abu Hussein's invitation to Damascus
Syrians affectionately call Barack Hussein Obama "Abu Hussein" (father of Hussein), even though he has no son, and look forward to him visiting the country. First, though, Obama will have to repair the damage done by the George W Bush administration, such as by sending an ambassador to Syria and recognizing that some problems in the Middle East can only be solved with Damascus' cooperation.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/ Middle_East/JK07Ak02.html
Independent Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader Discusses Future Obama Presidency and Two-Party Politics
We speak with independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader. The longtime consumer advocate appeared on the ballot in forty-five states. He received about one percent of the vote, the highest of any third-party candidate. [includes rush transcript]
http://www.democracynow.org/ 2008/11/5/independent_
presidential_candidate_ralph_ nader_discusses
http://www.reliefwe
Israeli House Demolitions in the East Jerusalem Village of Silwan Lead to Clashes, Injuries, Arrests
On 5 November, in the Palestinian village of Silwan, located to the south of the Old City in East Jerusalem, approximately 20 Palestinians were arrested and eight injured following clashes with Israeli police and border guards, who entered the village in order to demolish two homes. Israeli authorities argue that the demolitions were necessary because the houses were constructed illegally and without building permits. While the families who lived in the homes did attempt a court appeal against the demolition orders, they were turned down.
http://www.alternat
east-jerusalem-
Israel demolishes four houses in Arab east Jerusalem
AFP - Israel on Wednesday demolished four Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem which the authorities said were built without permits, triggering clashes in one of the city's Arab neighbourhoods.
http://news.
Israel demolishes Palestinian home
After two-hour confrontation with stone-throwing protesters, security forces raze east Jerusalem structure State says was illegally built. Group promoting coexistence slams demolition.
http://www.ynetnews
Israeli House Demolitions in the East Jerusalem Village of Silwan Leads to Clashes, Injuries
The Palestinian village of Silwan is located to the south of the Old City of Jerusalem On 5 November, in the Palestinian village of Silwan, located to the south of the Old City in East Jerusalem, approximately 20 Palestinians were arrested and eight injured following clashes with Israeli police and border guards, who entered the village in order to demolish two homes.
http://www.alternat
18 Jerusalemites wounded, 17 detained during IOA demolition of buildings
The IOA on Wednesday demolished three Palestinian homes and a wedding hall in occupied eastern Jerusalem and wounded 18 citizens and arrested 17 others for protesting the demolition.
http://www.palestin
Arrests and injuries as nonviolent resistance attempts to stave off Jerusalem home demolitions
Israeli bulldozers demolished yesterday, two homes in the Shuafat neighborhood, downtown Jerusalem, and in northern Jerusalem's Beit Hanina. Throughout the afternoon more demolitions occurred with Israeli forces targeting a number of houses in the Wadi Al Bustan neighborhood of Silwan, south of Al Aqsa Mosque.
http://english.
Witnesses: Fresh Israeli airstrike kills Palestinian fighter in N Gaza
Israeli air force killed a Palestinian militant in northern Gaza Strip late on Wednesday, putting a fragile ceasefire in peril, medical and witnesses said. The incident took place half an hour before midnight when an Israeli drone dropped a bomb on an Islamic Jihad militant who was walking in the east of Jabaliya refugee camp, killing him and wounding three others, the witnesses said.
http://news.
Israeli airstrike kills Islamic Jihad leader in northern Gaza
An Israeli spy plane killed a leader in the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, the Al-Quds Brigades, on Wednesday in the northern Gaza Strip as a fragile ceasefire appeared on the verge of collapse. Al-Quds Brigades field commander Ghassan At-Toramsi was killed instantly by the airstrike that targeted him on Abu Eita street in the Tel Az-Za'tar neighborhood.
http://www.maannews
Testimony: Soldiers shoot Gazan fishermen off Rafah shore
On 5 Oct. '08, two fishermen sailed from Rafah in a rowboat. One of them, Muhammad Musleh, told B'Tselem that an Israeli navy boat fired at them without warning, although they were in the zone permitted for fishing by the army. Musleh was severely injured.
http://www.btselem.
"The people of Gaza have plenty of food. They don't need to go fishing"
Larnaca. When members of the Free Gaza Movement sailed to Gaza in August, several accompanied fishermen aboard their small boats. Israeli gunboats regularly confine these boats inside a 6-mile Israeli-imposed limit. Although international law allows every Mediterranean sea territory fishing rights 12-20 miles offshore, Israel ignores those laws and has killed at least 14 fishermen over the past few years.
http://www.palsolid
IWPS: Israeli soldiers beat Palestinian farmer unconscious near Kufr Qaddum
On Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, a family of about 15 was harvesting its land on a slope of Jebel Mohammed north of Kafr Qaddum village, close to the eastern side of a caravan outpost of the Qedumim settlement, when they were approached by Israeli soldiers. Family members report that they already had been harassed the previous day by soldiers and settlers, who tried to take horses and a tractor from them. They say that on Tuesday at about 9 a.m. the soldiers returned in a Hummer jeep, demanding that the family should stay at least 300 metres away from the settler outpost. However, as its entire olive grove is within 300 metres of the outpost, the family refused.
http://www.palsolid
-kufr-qaddum/
Olive grove fire forces Huwwara checkpoint closed
Flames engulfed a field of olive trees near the Huwwara Israeli military checkpoint south of Nablus on Thursday, forcing the checkpoint to close until Palestinian fire crews arrived in the area. Local sources speculated that the fire was the result of arson.
http://www.maannews
Israel breaks Gaza ceasefire, assassinates six
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of six Palestinians carried out by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) in the Gaza Strip yesterday evening and this morning.
http://electronicin
Ceasefire under threat as six die in Gaza raid
A four-month-old ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza was in jeopardy yesterday after Israeli troops killed six Hamas gunmen in a raid into the territory. Hamas responded by firing a volley of rockets into southern Israel, although no one was injured. The violence represented the most serious breach in a ceasefire agreed in mid-June. Despite the bloodshed, both sides suggested they wanted to return to a period of calm.
http://www.guardian
Testimony: Policemen and paramedic abuse Palestinian beaten by mob in Jerusalem
On 17 Oct. '08, several Jewish men armed with clubs attacked and beat Majdi and Khaled al-Husseini, residents of East Jerusalem, as they approached an ice cream shop in West Jerusalem. The two sought shelter with policemen standing nearby, who abused them.
http://www.btselem.
_in_jerusalem_ witness_majdi.
Israeli Occupation Forces invade Al Faqr refugee camp
Early on the morning of Monday 3rd November, approximately 400 Israeli soldiers entered Al Faqr refugee camp to the north of Nablus city, destroying homes, throwing tear gas and sound bombs and imposing a curfew on the camp. At 2am soldiers disrupted the sleep of the residents of the camp, raiding almost 200 homes and causing widespread destruction and intimidation.
http://www.palsolid
Israeli troops fire on European, American volunteers harvesting olives in Gaza
Israeli troops opened fire on international volunteers helping to harvest olives in the Gaza Strip near the border with Israel on Thursday morning. According to the volunteers, British, American, and Italian citizens were fired on by soldiers in two jeeps and Israeli watchtower. The group is on foot and one American citizen was driving a tractor.
http://www.maannews
Jewish settlers, Hamas threaten Abbas deployment
Jewish settlers say they are ready to fight U.S.-trained, Palestinian security forces who are being sent to the tense West Bank city of Hebron. Fear of a showdown if the armed Palestinians move into the center, where a hard core of sometimes violent settlers lives, makes the deployment the biggest test yet for a U.S. plan to build up the force, seen as vital in persuading Israel it can end its occupation without compromising its own security.
http://news.
Fayyad announces delivery of five million USD in equipment for civil defense
Palestinian caretaker Prime Minister Salam Fayyad announced a delivery of five million US dollars in equipment to the Palestinian Civil Defense Department. "The civil Defense Department is an important department and is needed by the Palestinians,
http://www.maannews
Pro-Abbas forces continue clampdown against Hamas in West Bank
ecurity forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday arrested seven Hamas members across the West Bank, the Islamic movement said. The arrests highlight tension between Hamas and Abbas' Fatah and complicate Egypt's efforts as Cairo is to host a national Palestinian dialogue next week to reconcile the two movements.
http://news.
Hamas arrests dozens of Fatah activists -- Fatah
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah group said Hamas forces arrested dozens of its activists in the GazaStrip on Thursday, undermining Egyptian efforts to reconcile the rival factions. Egypt, which hopes to end the factional fighting after past Arab-led efforts failed, will host unity talks from Nov. 9.
http://www.alertnet
Fatah condemns Hamas arrests of PLC leader, several other party members
Hamas arrested dozens of Fatah leaders after breaking into a private membership meeting in Rafah city in the Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon, confirmed Fatah spokesperson Fahmi Az-Za'areer.
http://www.maannews
IOF Arrests 5 Palestinians in West Bank
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested, Thursday, five Palestinian citizens from the West Bank cities of Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron. Palestinian security source in Bethlehem reported that Israeli soldiers attacked Aida Refugee Camp, searched and vandalized many houses and arrested two Palestinians.
http://english.
Israeli military detains eight Palestinian residents in the West Bank
Israeli military detained early on Thursday eight Palestinian residents from various parts of the West Bank, media sources and witnesses reported.
http://www.imemc.
Ministry of prisoners: Israel is responsible for kidnapping four women from Gaza
The ministry of detainees in Gaza on Wednesday held the IOA fully responsible for the lives of four Palestinian women who were abducted during the incursion of IOF troops into central Gaza.
http://www.palestin
Israeli soldiers prevent ambassadors from praying at Ibrihimi Mosque
Israeli forces barred Egyptian ambassador to Palestine Ashraf Aqel and Tunisian Ambassador Ahmad Habbas from entering the Ibrahimi Mosque, or the Tomb of the Patriarchs, during their visit to the Hebron area with a delegation on Thursday.
http://www.maannews
JAG to the High Court: Stiffer charges won't be filed in shooting case in Ni'lin
Despite the harsh criticism voiced earlier by the High Court justices, the judge advocate general sticks to his position that the charge of unbecoming conduct is suitable for a case in which a bound and blindfolded Palestinian was abused and shot.
http://www.btselem.
Barak: We will not hesitate to strike again
Defense minister meets with heads of Gaza vicinity communities following latest Qassam salvo on area; says Israel has no interest in seeing ceasefire end but will act to impede any threat.
http://www.ynetnews
Hamas: Israel's claims of having no intention to escalate is disinformation
The Hamas Movement on Wednesday stated that the Israeli war minister's declaration that Israel still want the calm and has no intention to escalate is "disinformation"
http://www.palestin
Gaza ceasefire at risk
A spate of Israeli and Palestinian attacks and counter-attacks in the past 24 hours could spell the end of a five-and-a-half-
http://www.amnesty.
Gaza violence may enervate Palestinian dialogue in Cairo
A new wave of violence in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday may be out of Israel's intention to undermine an upcoming Egypt-sponsored Palestinian dialogue aimed to patch up rifts among Palestinian fractions, politicians and analysts said. Israeli air strikes on central Gaza Strip earlier Wednesday morning killed six Islamic Hamas militants, which Hamas responded by renewing dozes of home-made rockets and mortar shells into southern Israeli territories and Israeli army posts near Gaza.
http://news.
New Restrictions on Mobility of Medical Personnel in the West Bank
As of Sunday, 2.11.08, new Israeli army guidelines are in force, requiring Palestinian medical personnel from the West Bank who work in Jerusalem hospitals to come in only through the Qalandiya checkpoint in Ramallah. Medical personnel from the West Bank are prohibited from coming to work through other checkpoints, even if these are closer to where they live. Since 2.11.08, many medical personnel who have been prevented by the military authorities from going to work have contacted Physicians for Human Rights–Israel, the Palestineian Medical Relief Society. Today, Tuesday, 4.11.08, about 100 Palestinian medical personnel held a demonstration at the Qalandiya terminal to protest the new restrictions.
http://www.palestin
Khudari: $700m the direct losses of siege
MP Jamal Al-Khudari, the head of the popular committee against the siege, has said that the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip had inflicted 700 million dollars in direct losses in all sectors.
http://www.palestin
Israel extends closure of Gaza Strip
Israel on Thursday extended the closure of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip for a second day following a sudden surge of violence that shocked an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire, a Palestinian official said. Hatem Awaida, an aide to Hamas minister of economy, said four commercial crossings used to transport goods and fuel to Gaza remained closed with no immediate information on when to reopen.
http://news.
Women in Gaza pin hope on AWO conference
Gaza: Leaders of various women organisations in Gaza have expressed their optimism and hope over the results of the forthcoming conference of the Arab Women Organisation (AWO) slated to be held in Abu Dhabi between 11th and 13th this month under the presidentship of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak.
http://www.uaedaily
World Bank: Palestinian economy could flourish if Israel eased restrictions
The Palestinian economy has "incredible potential" that could be unleashed if Israel eases restrictions on Palestinian movement, the area's World Bank chief said Wednesday, a day after a high-level World Bank delegation inaugurated a sewage storage facility in a rare trip to Hamas-ruled Gaza.
http://www.haaretz.
Telecom companies eager to explore Palestinian market despite obstacles
With some 500 checkpoints throughout the Palestinian area and the split between the Gaza Strip and West Bank, Palestinians cannot visit each other easily. Under such circumstances, telecom companies are eager to explore local market despite many obstacles.
http://news.
PSF: Disregarding amendments aims at pressuring Hamas and resistance
Khaled Abdedlmejid, the secretary general of the popular struggle front, has expressed surprise at the media reports that the Egyptian draft proposal was closed to amendments.
http://www.palestin
Palestinian Reconciliation Talks on November 10
Palestinian factions are to hold reconciliation talks in Cairo on November 10, leaders of the rival Fatah and Hamas factions said on Wednesday. The Egyptian-sponsored talks initially had been scheduled for November 9. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas will attend the beginning of the meeting in his capacity as Palestinian president but not as leader of Fatah, said Nabil Shaath, who will lead the faction's delegation.
http://almanar.
World Bank to facilitate investment into West Bank and Gaza
The World Bank Wednesday announced the launch of a new trust fund to encourage investors to increase investment in the West Bank and Gaza. The fund is co-sponsored by the European Investment Bank, the Government of Japan, and the Palestinian Authority, and will be administered by the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the political risk insurance arm of the World Bank.
http://news.
PM heads to D.C. to wrangle last favors from Bush
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will visit President George Bush in Washington later this month in an attempt to reach last minute agreements and extract a number of promises before both leaders step down. Olmert is looking for commitments from Bush on the peace process with the Palestinians, U.S. military aid and various arms deals.
http://www.haaretz.
Rice tries to preserve Mideast peace talks
Reuters - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice headed to the Middle East on Wednesday to set the stage for future Israeli-Palestinian peace talks that both sides acknowledge will not produce an agreement this year.
http:// news.yahoo.com/
Rice plays down chances of Israeli-Palestinian deal
Reuters - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held out little hope Thursday that Israel and the Palestinians could reach a peace deal this year as she began a four-day visit to the Middle East.
http:// news.yahoo.com/
One year after Annapolis
It seems like another age, but it was only one year ago that United States President George W. Bush and his administration were preparing to bring Israelis and Palestinians together to launch a final push for a peace settlement.
http://electronicin
No to American Visa Exemption for Israelis
Although the United States has told Israel repeatedly that Palestinian Americans must be treated as American citizens at border crossings or anywhere else, US State Department Spokesman, Sean McCormack, noted that it's a continuing issue. It's a continuing problem. During Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's upcoming trip to Washington later this month, he intends to once again request from President Bush and the American administration that the visa requirement be waved for Israeli citizens wishing to visit the US.
http://www.alternat
OIC demands the protection of Palestinian civilians in Hebron and condemns Israeli attack on Gaza
The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, expressed his grave concern over the tragic conditions facing the Palestinians in Hebron due to the suffocating siege imposed by Israel on more than a hundred and eighty thousand Palestinians living in the occupied city in a bid to protect a handful of settlers who wreak havoc and devastation in the city.
http://www.reliefwe
Let Palestinians study campaign slams Egypt for barring students from travel
The campaign "let Palestinians study" expressed on Wednesday its shock at the Egyptian authorities for preventing hundreds of students in Gaza from joining their universities outside the Strip.
http://www.palestin
Irish politicians visit Gaza on international mission
Two Irish politicians are taking part in an international fact-finding mission to the Gaza Strip today. Fianna Fail TD Chris Andrews and Sinn Fein TD Aengus O'Snodaigh will join parliamentarians from several other countries to assess the plight of Palestinians in the region.
http://www.belfastt
mission-14041546.
Jordan's Islamists plan Gaza voyage to break Israeli blockade
Jordan's opposition Islamic Action Front said on Thursday it is planning a trip to the Gaza Strip from the southern Red Sea port of Aqaba in a bid to break an Israeli blockade of the impoverished Palestinian territory. "We are currently preparing for the trip and collecting aid for our brothers in Gaza to break Israel's unjust and inhuman siege," Rheil Gharibeh, spokesman for the powerful Islamist party, told AFP.
http://afp.google.
On the Sea Again
On Friday, November 7, the SS DIGNITY leaves at 5:00 pm from Larnaca to Gaza. This time, thirteen members of the European Parliament from England, Ireland, Italy, Turkey, Wales, Switzerland, and Scotland are on board.
http://www.freegaza
Another voyage set for Gaza peace ship
AFP - A dozen European politicians, most of them British, plan to travel aboard the next ship sailing from Cyprus to breach the Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip, organisers told AFP Wednesday.
http:// news.yahoo.com/
Federman: Leftists are temporary here
Trial of extreme right-wing activist, accused of assaulting policeman, opens in Jerusalem. Before entering court he tells Ynet, 'All the leftists and evil people won't last. A sheep also twitches before it is slaughtered.
http://www.ynetnews
A Direct and Immediate Impact
The domestic Israeli political scene and balance of powers have a very strong effect on the peace process and the domestic Palestinian scene. The Israeli balance of power is in turn deeply influenced by Israeli public opinion. The latter sets the limits for how far negotiators can go as well as for how far Israeli bulldozers may reach.
http://palestinechr
Clutching at the Thinnest of Straws
After two years of campaigning, debating and fund-raising, the US presidential elections are finally over. And after probably his first decent night's sleep in two years, President-Elect Barack Obama can finally start to act instead of talking - by making decisions and appointing the team that will guide him for the next four years. He has already said he will not waste any time in doing so and expects to hit the ground running in January.
http://palestinechr
'Only an Arab PM could be seen as an Israeli Obama'
Is there an Israeli parallel to a young, charismatic leader who will surprise everyone? Experts believe there is no such person in Jewish state right now.
http://www.ynetnews
Wednesday: 1 US Soldier, 13 Iraqis Killed; 23 Iraqis Wounded
Excerpt: Updated at 6:05 p.m. EST, Nov. 5, 2008 Baghdad quieted down overnight, but still suffered from at least one attack today. Overall, at least 13 Iraqis were killed and 23 more were wounded across the country. One U.S. soldier died of a non-combat related cause in central Iraq today. commentary over the election of a new president in the U.S. is already flooding out of the Middle East/South Asia conflict zone.
http://www.antiwar.
Uptick in Baghdad attacks reveals new insurgent tactics
While American and Iraqi fatalities dropped to their lowest levels in October, the US military reports an increase in the use of 'sticky' bombs in targeted assassinations.
http://www.csmonito
Three policeman killed, four injured in attacks in Iraq
Three policemen were killed in separate attacks around Iraq on Wednesday, reports said.
http://www.monsters
Iraq VP calls for national referendum on US status of forces agreement
Iraqi Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, one of two Iraqi vice presidents, called Tuesday for a national referendum on a proposed US-Iraqi Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).
http://jurist.
US responds to Iraqi proposals on American troops
AP - The U.S. officially responded Thursday to Iraqi proposals for changes in the draft security pact that would keep American troops here for three more years.
http:// news.yahoo.com/
Iraq: Christians trickling back to their homes in Mosul
About 400 Christian families, (some 2,400 individuals) have returned to their homes in the northern city of Mosul after a spate of threats and killings led them to flee in early October, according to officials. "We have so far registered nearly 400 Christian families who have returned to their houses and jobs, and resumed normal lives thanks to the deployment of security forces," said Jawdat Ismaiel, head of the Ministry of Displacement and Migration in the province.
http://www.adnkrono
Baghdadophobia-
"Here's an interesting new disorder for medical science to investigate,
http://electronicir
ARTS-US: "I Wouldn't Wish War on My Worst Enemy"
Artist Jim Lommasson hates war. His exhibit of 1,500 photographs, taken by soldiers who served in Iraq, brings the war home to the United States, in a way he hopes will help bring it to an end.
http://www.ipsnews.
Barack Obama and Iraqi orphans
And finally we have the man who many in the U.S. and the world at large wanted to see replacing George W. Bush. On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be officially inaugurated as U.S President. Bush as a person and a picture will no longer be in the Oval Office but his deeds and legacy will fill the room's air, shelves and even the drawers of Obama's desk.
http://www.azzaman.
Iraqis worry about Obama, while many GIs celebrate
McClatchy Newspapers - BAGHDAD — Iraqis didn't dance in the streets or hold late-night viewing parties to herald the election of a new president of the United States. Many didn't have electricity to follow the television coverage of Barack Obama's ascent to president-elect.
http:// news.yahoo.com/
Movement Left has Stroke: Rahm Emanuel Accepts Obama's Chief of Staff Offer
My greatest fear about Emanuel is that he might perpetuate a "false choice" orientation towards Israel in Middle East affairs that he's going to have to compensate for and get under control. There are no rational alternatives in the Middle East than actually delivering on a Palestinian state and finally putting the Middle East peace business out of business. Emanuel needs to prove his judiciousness by not preempting serious progress in Israel/Palestine affairs and not encouraging Barack Obama to make the mistake of trying to define his presidency by exploiting some national security conflict.
http://www.thewashi
Obama picks pro-Israel hardliner for top post
During the United States election campaign, racists and pro-Israel hardliners tried to make an issue out of President-elect Barack Obama's middle name, Hussein. Such people might take comfort in another middle name, that of Obama's pick for White House Chief of Staff: Rahm Israel Emanuel.
http://electronicin
Official: Obama won't press Israel in coming months
Diplomatic source says president-elect will change US policies in Middle East, but not before he tackles bigger domestic problems, such as ailing economy. 'I don't think we should be concerned over Obama's election, it may do Israel good,' he says.
http://www.ynetnews
Obama: don't surrender to the Jewish lobby
Barack Obama's landslide victory against the republican candidate John McCain is undoubtedly a landmark event in American history.
http://www.palestin
Obama will be 'great president, great friend of Israel,' U.S. envoy says
Barack Obama will be "a great president and a great friend of Israel," the American ambassador to Israel said yesterday at an election breakfast reception, even though Obama's victory could have dramatic implications for the diplomat's less than 3-months-old stint in Tel Aviv.
http://www.haaretz.
Aide to Rahm Emanuel: Obama pro-Israel
US president-elect starts selecting top gov't officials, but son of Israeli immigrant yet to accept White House chief of staff offer; aide to Emanuel tells Ynet, 'He would not consider role if he wasn't convinced Obama is pro-Israel'.
http://www.ynetnews
Mr. President, We Too Have A Dream
Dear Mr. President-Elect, Barack Obama, First of all, let me convey my heartiest congratulation to you on your election as the President of the United States of America.
http://palestinechr
Jonathan Steele: Now Obama must declare that the war on terror is over
Obama's preference for diplomacy can help to forge new, individual relationships with Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan.
http://www.guardian
Palestinians hoping for 'positive' input from Obama
Customers at the Diwan coffee shop in the centre of Ramallah were distinctly underwhelmed by the historic election of Barack Obama. America may have elected its first African-American president, but here pop videos played non-stop on the two television screens, while the talk was more focused on the upcoming Champions League football fixtures than global politics.
http://www.thenatio
In Mideast, guarded hope for an even hand
If there were any concerns voiced by some Israelis and American Jews during the election campaign that Barack Obama might tilt more toward the Arab world while trying to broker peace, Israeli officials went out of their way Wednesday to dispel them. While conversations with ordinary Israelis showed some lingering skepticism, Israeli leaders applauded Obama's victory, voicing confidence that Washington's solid alliance with Israel would continue. Palestinian officials expressed hope that an Obama administration would act vigorously to promote lagging peace efforts.
http://www.chicagot
Abu Hussein's invitation to Damascus
Syrians affectionately call Barack Hussein Obama "Abu Hussein" (father of Hussein), even though he has no son, and look forward to him visiting the country. First, though, Obama will have to repair the damage done by the George W Bush administration, such as by sending an ambassador to Syria and recognizing that some problems in the Middle East can only be solved with Damascus' cooperation.
http://www.atimes.
Independent Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader Discusses Future Obama Presidency and Two-Party Politics
We speak with independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader. The longtime consumer advocate appeared on the ballot in forty-five states. He received about one percent of the vote, the highest of any third-party candidate. [includes rush transcript]
http://www.democrac
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