LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
June 24/09

Bible Reading of the day
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 7:6.12-14. Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets. Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.

Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special Reports
A close call. Now Lebanon Web site 23/06/09
Iran's Mullahs Conspire against a new revolution. By: Walid Phares 23/06/09
Regarding Iran's Allies. By Tariq Alhomayed. Asharq Al-Awsat, 23/06/09
Islamists and the Failed Solution: Dr. Hamad Al-Majid. Asharq Al-Awsat 23/06/09  
Opaque Mideast regimes have given rise to a new breed of scholars. The Daily Star 23/06/09
An avalanche shakes the Islamic Republic-By Sadegh Zibakalam  23/06/09
Great speeches, like Obama's, can have great consequences-By Joschka Fischer  23/06/09

Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for June 23/09
Syria frees Lebanese convicts: report-AFP
Christian leaders say Obama's Cairo speech built bridges-Catholic News Service
Dutch FM: Syria wants to restart peace talks with Israel-Ha'aretz
UNIFIL: Shebaa Farms Not Part of Our Scope of Operation-Naharner
Turkish Parliament Approves Extension For Lebanon Troops-Naharner
Saniora: May7 Events Political Sin, Veto Power Disgrace-Naharner
Fadlallah to Sarkozy: The Will of Burqa-Wearing Women Should be Respected-Naharner
Suleiman: Lebanon on the Path of a Breakthrough-Naharnet
Hariri Not in Hurry for Premiership, Waiting to See Opposition Intentions-Naharnet
Berri -Hariri Meeting Prior to Speaker's Election-Naharnet
Death Video Iranian Woman 'Shot by Militia': Fiancé-LONDON (AFP)
Top Iran diplomat called over detained Canadian journalist. The Canadian Press
The New-Old Rivalry: Egypt Versus Iran-CBS News
Syria sets terms for cooperation with UN court-AFP
Unrest could hinder Tehran's regional goals-The Associated Press
Qatari Emir: Lebanon is Fine…Leave it Alone-Naharnet
Syria Releases 23 Lebanese, Including 8 Classified as Missing-Naharnet
Oqab Saqr to Compete for Parliament Speaker Post!-Naharnet
Assad Says Cooperation with Hariri Tribunal Conditional on Agreement-Naharnet
Muallem: Syria Awaits New Government's Policy on Bilateral Ties-Naharnet
Parliament to elect speaker on Thursday-Daily Star
Justice minister rejects proportional representation-Daily Star
Qabalan slams political meddling by religious figures-Daily Star
Chamoun: Poll outcome represents people's choices-Daily Star
Arslan announces formation of new bloc in Parliament-Daily Star
Jumblatt ends mission of security team protecting him-Daily Star
HRW urges Syria to free or charge Hariri case detainee-By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Hizbullah rules out meeting with Geagea or Gemayel for now-Daily Star
Obama seen as losing peace momentum -By Patrick Galey-Daily Star
Lebanon banking sector has low risk rating - Fitch-Daily Star
ve new swine flu cases boost number of infections to 25-Daily Star
Riad Salameh and Bassam Shakhashiri to receive honorary doctorates from LAU-Daily Star
AUB announces establishment of Nadim Makdisi Fund-Daily Star
Officials to travel to the Philippines to discuss ending work ban-Daily Star
Danes use soccer to unite children from diverse backgrounds-Daily Star

Cannon calls in top Iran diplomat over detained journalist
By The Canadian Press
OTTAWA - Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon is calling in the top Iranian diplomat in Canada over the arrest of a Canadian journalist in Tehran.
"Minister Cannon is calling in the Iranian charge d'affaires to express our grave concern about the arrest of a Canadian journalist and about the general situation," said Andre Lemay.
He said Canadian consular officials in Tehran are sending a diplomatic note to Iranian authorities to demand immediate access to Maziar Bahari, an Iranian-Canadian who was detained Sunday while working for Newsweek magazine.
The charge is the highest-ranking Iranian diplomat in Ottawa. Neither country has had an ambassador in the other's capital for a about a year in a diplomatic skirmish over acceptable candidates. The charge runs the embassy in the absence of an ambassador.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper also criticized Iranian authorities in a statement Monday.
"The reaction of the Iranian authorities to the demonstrations in Iran is wholly unacceptable," he said.
"The regime has chosen to use brute force and intimidation in responding to peaceful opposition regarding legitimate and serious allegations of electoral fraud."
Harper called on Iran to release political prisoners and journalists who have been unjustly detained and allow free reporting on events there.
Bahari, an Iranian-Canadian, was detained while working for Newsweek magazine.
Online profiles of Bahari say he was born in Iran in 1967 and studied in Montreal, where he earned a degree in communications from Concordia University.
Newsweek says he is a Canadian citizen who has been living in and covering Iran for the last decade.
The magazine has called for his immediate release and is asking western governments to use their influence on his behalf.
Bahari is one of at least two dozen journalists and bloggers arrested in Iran since protests began there a week ago over the recent presidential election.

Death Video Iranian Woman 'Shot by Militia': Fiancé
23/06/2009
LONDON (AFP) – A young Iranian woman whose death during protests in Iran has made her a symbol for the opposition was an innocent bystander who was targeted by the militia, her fiancée said. Video of the final moments of Neda Agha-Soltan, with blood pouring from her nose after she was reportedly shot in the chest in Tehran on Saturday, has been flashed around the world on the Internet. Her fiancé, Caspian Makan, told London-based BBC Persian television on Monday that she had stumbled into the running battles between opposition supporters and Iranian security forces. He said: "She was near the area, a few streets away, from where the main protests were taking place, near the Amir-Abad area. She was with her music teacher, sitting in a car and stuck in traffic. "She was feeling very tired and very hot. She got out of the car for just a few minutes. "That's when she was shot dead. Eyewitnesses and video footage of the shooting clearly show that probably Basij paramilitaries in civilian clothing deliberately targeted her. Eyewitnesses said they clearly targeted her and she was shot in the chest.
"She passed away within a few minutes. People tried to take her to the nearest hospital, the Shariati hospital. But it was too late."
Makan said Neda's family struggled to persuade the Iranian authorities to release her body. "She was taken to a morgue outside Tehran. The officials from the morgue asked if they could use parts of her corpse for body transplants for medical patients," he said. "They didn't specify what exactly they intended to do. Her family agreed because they wanted to bury her as soon as possible."We buried her in the Behesht-e-Zahra cemetery in southern Tehran. They asked us to bury her in this section where it seemed the authorities had set aside spaces for graves for those killed during the violent clashes in Tehran last week." The fiancé told the Farsi-language broadcaster that Iranian authorities banned Neda's family from holding a memorial service for her at a mosque because they were afraid it could become the focus of opposition protests. "The authorities there and the paramilitary group, the Basij, wouldn't allow it because they were worried it would attract unwanted attention and they didn't want any more trouble," he said. "The authorities are aware that everybody in Iran and throughout the whole world knows about her story. So that's why they didn't want a memorial service. They were afraid that lots of people could turn up at the event." Iranian state TV has said that 10 people were killed and more than 100 injured during demonstrations on Saturday, the eighth day of the political crisis sparked by the disputed presidential election results.

Syria Releases 23 Lebanese, Including 8 Classified as Missing
Naharnet/The Lebanese side of the Lebanese-Syrian committee tasked with following up issue of missing and detainees in Syria has received a list of 23 Lebanese who were recently freed from Syrian jails, An Nahar daily reported Tuesday. The newspaper said that the Syrian side handed over the names of the 23 whose names were on a list that the Lebanese side had given to Syrian members of the committee. The committee informed Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar that among the 23 Lebanese, 16 detainees were released after a special amnesty, according to An Nahar. Najjar told Future News on Tuesday the committee wasn't handed over any person. "We don't know yet to whom the released (Lebanese) where handed over."
The newspaper added that Beirut had asked Damascus to unveil the fate of eight of the 23 people thinking they were missing. The eight prisoners had been subject to trials in Syria, An Nahar said. The released detainees are the following: Abbas Mohammed Abou Hamdan, Massoud Mohammed Hassan, Ismail Jamil Kalash, Ali Mustafa al-Jammal, Nizar Ali Yaghi, Nayef Mohammed al-Abdi, Ismail Attiyeh Gharli, Hani Abdel Rahim Mustafa, Hassan Mohammed al-Hujairi, Mohammed Shehade al-Flayti, Siham Ahmed Murtada, Rashed Mustafa Karnabi, Nadwa Khalif al-Sayyed, Jihad Saleh Yaghi, Hisham Hassan al-Dirani, Mahdi Nour Amoun, Nicola Nakhle al-Tabbal, Mohammed Deeb Youssef, Hassan Youssef Nasser, Mohammed Mahmoud Qanso, Hassan Ali Jaafar, Ibrahim Mohammed al-Haq and Shehade Assad Wehbi. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 08:18

Oqab Saqr to Compete for Parliament Speaker Post!
Naharnet/Zahle MP Oqab Saqr said he would hold a press conference on Wednesday to announce his position on the nomination of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for a fifth term in office. The daily Al Liwaa on Tuesday said Saqr hinted at the possibility of running for the speakership post, but added that he has not yet made up his mind. "I will take the decision that is in harmony with my convictions," Saqr said in remarks published by the newspaper on Tuesday. He said he is against Berri winning the post uncontested. The newly elected MP said he is against Berri winning the post uncontested, adding that he will see to it that the Speaker election is carried out in a democratic fashion. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 09:28

Suleiman: Lebanon on the Path of a Breakthrough
Naharnet/Contrary to speculation, President Michel Suleiman said Lebanon will have a new government soon. In an interview with the daily An Nahar published Tuesday, Suleiman said "formation of a comfortable government will not be delayed," citing ongoing contacts and meetings in this regard. The president said following the election of a speaker on Thursday, he would launch parliamentary consultations to name Lebanon's new prime minister. He said Mustaqbal Movement leader MP Saad Hariri is most likely the man for the job.
Suleiman described as "very important" a meeting between Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and MP Walid Jumblat. The president told An Nahar he "personally" wants to follow-up on similar meetings, particularly between Christian leaders. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 08:13

Hariri Not in Hurry for Premiership, Waiting to See Opposition Intentions
Naharnet/Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri met Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday after arriving from Saudi Arabia on Monday. The two men will discuss bilateral relations between the two countries as well as political developments in the region, according to Arab sources. They said Hariri will also brief Mubarak on the latest contacts between Riyadh and Damascus.  Hariri's return should settle two major issues – the speakership election and the appointment issue of the next prime minister. Pan-Arab al-Hayat newspaper said Tuesday Hariri, in this respect, stayed in touch over the past few days with his Beirut allies. It said consultations among leaders of the March 14 coalition will take place ahead of Parliament session on Thursday to elect a speaker. While the Opposition supports Berri (57 MPs), most Christian leaders within the March 14 forces have expressed reservations and al-Hayat expected at least 20 blank votes, including Phalange Party MPs (5) as well as the Lebanese Forces and their allies (8), in addition to independents.
Differences among the March 8 coalition were also found regarding supporting or not supporting Hariri's nomination to the premiership post with some tying the issue to Syrian-Saudi understanding. Both Al-Hayat and pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat quoted Mustaqbal Movement sources as saying that "two things" determine the decision on Hariri's nomination: Continuation of consultations with March 14 leaders and waiting to see the intentions of March 8 forces. One Mustaqbal source did not rule out a meeting between Hariri and Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 10:31

Berri-Hariri Meeting Prior to Speaker's Election
Naharnet/All eyes are focused on a meeting between Speaker Nabih Berri and the man who is most likely to become Lebanon's new prime minister, MP Saad Hariri, upon his arrival from an official visit to Cairo. The daily An Nahar on Tuesday said a telephone contact between the two men took place three days ago when Hariri was in Saudi Arabia. Votes from Hariri's Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc will determine the number of votes Berri would get. Opposition circles said Berri, who is likely to be re-elected by consensus, will obtain over 100 votes if Hariri's bloc was committed to voting for him. An Nahar said Berri would head to Baabda Palace for a meeting with President Michel Suleiman following his re-election on Thursday to urge the president to launch speedy consultations on the formation of a new government. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 08:44

Saniora: May7 Events Political Sin, Veto Power Disgrace
Naharnet/Dozens of people were also wounded in the fighting which escalated on Thursday after Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah called a government crackdown on his powerful militant group a declaration of war. Outgoing Prime Minister Fouad Saniora said his mission in the government was to secure establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to prosecute suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri. "Initially, we had to make sure that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is launched to probe the assassination" of Hariri, Saniora said in an interview published Tuesday by daily Al Akhbar.  "Then we had to carry on with it," he added. Saniora described as "disgraceful" the long-standing opposition's demand for veto power in Cabinet. He also considered as a "political sin" the events of May 7, 2008 when Hizbullah seized control of West Beirut after three days of deadly street battles with pro-government foes. Dozens of people were also wounded in the fighting which broke out after Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah called a government crackdown on his groups' telecommunication system a "declaration of war." Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 12:04

Fadlallah to Sarkozy: The Will of Burqa-Wearing Women Should be Respected
Naharnet/Lebanon's most influential Shiite cleric called on French President Nicolas Sarkozy to reconsider his statements regarding women who wear the burqa saying the will of Muslim women who decide to cover their faces should be respected. Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah's statement came a day after Sarkozy declared the burqa is not welcome in France, branding the face-covering, body-length gown as a symbol of subservience that suppresses women's identities and turns them into "prisoners behind a screen."
On Tuesday, the French National Assembly decided to set up a fact-finding inquiry into the number of Muslim women who wear the burqa, after Sarkozy spoke out against the full veil.
The lower house of parliament was responding to a call from a group of lawmakers, many of whom are from Sarkozy's right-wing UMP party, for a panel to look at ways of restricting the wearing of the burqa. Fadlallah said women should not be forced to wear a burqa but, at the same time, if they decide to do so by themselves, their will should be respected.
"Freedom is one of the sacred matters for human beings but freedom should come from the will of the person not from laws that are imposed by people," Fadlallah said in an interview with The Associated Press. France is home to Western Europe's largest population of Muslims, estimated at about 5 million. A small but growing group of French women wear the coverings, which either cloak the entire body or cover everything but the eyes.(AP-AFP) Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 14:11

Qatari Emir: Lebanon is Fine…Leave it Alone
Naharnet/Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani said following talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy the situation in Lebanon has been resorted, adding that there "are no more troubles worth discussing.""Stop talking about Lebanon," he told reporters. "Why do you always look for events in Lebanon to talk about?"
"Lebanon is fine," he added. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 10:39

Assad Says Cooperation with Hariri Tribunal Conditional on Agreement
Naharnet/Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday said he was willing to cooperate with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon but under his conditions and on the basis of an agreement with the court. In an interview with France 5, a public television network in France, Assad said he had previously cooperated with U.N. investigators probing the 2005 assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri. "We are willing to cooperate in the same manner with the tribunal, but under our conditions because any Syrian, whether or not he is part of the government, succumbs to our laws and our authority," Assad explained. He pointed at an agreement between the U.N. and Lebanon, which he said ensured that a Lebanese judge sat on the tribunal, saying Damascus would expect a similar accord in order to uphold the rights of Syrian nationals. "If they want our cooperation, then there must be an agreement, because our people also have rights," he insisted. "If there is an agreement, a clear agreement, we don't have a problem.""We are not worried regarding the outcome of the investigation," Assad went on to say.
"We will remain assured as long as the investigations are carried out in accordance with technical and professional norms," he added. Hariri's murder in a massive bomb blast on the Beirut seafront in February 2005 was widely blamed on Syria. Damascus, however, has denied any involvement.  But in April of that year Syria withdrew its troops from Lebanon, under international pressure, ending a 29-year presence in the country. A U.N. investigative commission has found evidence that Syrian and Lebanese intelligence services were linked to Hariri's assassination. Tribunal's president Antonio Cassese said he planned to strike agreements with Lebanon's neighbors, including Syria, to facilitate the handover of possible suspects.
The STL has no suspects in custody since ordering the release last month of four pro-Syrian generals held by Lebanon for nearly four years without charge. Beirut, 22 Jun 09, 20:10

Regarding Iran's Allies
22/06/2009
By Tariq Alhomayed
Asharq Al-Awsat,
At a time that we were waiting for Hamas or Hezbollah or certain groups in Iraq or even Damascus, to push for their own interests and causes rather than giving priority to Iranian interests, signs of change have come from within Iran itself.
The Lebanese group did not dare to publicly say no to subordination to Iran, and even General Aoun – who called on his followers to reject those who were saying "Beware of the Wali Al Faqih" – did not dare to react to Nasrallah's response to the comments made by [Maronite] Patriarch Boutros Sfeir.
Hamas has been avoiding inter-Palestinian reconciliation despite all the efforts made by the Egyptians, and the group is now talking about the letter that was presented to them by former US President [Jimmy] Carter that aims at opening negotiations between Hamas and Washington. Hamas did not take into account the advice of all of those who warned the group to be cautious of the objectives of the regime in Tehran.
[Hamas chief] Khalid Mishal said that the group's relationship with Tehran has caused them trouble, and that they would not have entered into this relationship had they found [alternative] support, but this is untrue. What about the Mecca Accord that was rejected by Hamas?
This is just one example, for in contrast [to this] what have Hamas achieved with the support of the mullahs in Tehran?
As for Syria, the Arabs, Europeans, and recently the Americans, have moved away from allying with Tehran, having made a huge effort in this regard, resulting in a Syrian – Arab rift which has reached a sad and disturbing stage.
The same goes for Iraq where many politicians draw their power from Iran, playing a game of interests whose only victim is Iraq itself, rather than following up on internal [Iraqi] reconciliation and nullifying the abhorrent sectarianism [that is present in the country].
To be fair, this issue is not limited to those mentioned above, as we have also seen this in some regional countries that openly flatter and even promote the Iranian regime. Other groups are also subject to this, and the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt has long praised Tehran.
So what happened?
The surprise is that change, or at least an indication of change, has come from an unexpected direction, namely from the Iranian interior itself. The Iranians took to the street in a campaign that has shaken the Iranian regime in an unprecedented manner, rejecting the [electoral] reality that their country has reached.
A broad range of Iranians took to the street confirming what we have said repeatedly with regards to the danger that the Iranian project represents. These demonstrations confirmed that Tehran's actions are not only harmful to our region, but also to Iran itself, increasing the country's political isolation and economic deterioration.
I have not forgotten some of the responses to my commentary on Hassan Rowhani's accusations against Ahmadinejad. Rowhani said that Ahmadinejad had "missed a golden opportunity" for developing Iran's oil production, and asked "Why are the people's pockets empty…and their dignity lost?" Some people commented [on my article] and joked that I only worry about Iran and its allies.
However today the response came from Iran [itself]; and a large portion of the Iranian population believe that the interests, stability, and prosperity of their own country are more important than controlling the region, validating everything that has been said over the past five years.
Today we say that perhaps these demonstrations will have a positive result in Iran, but what will happen to those [groups and countries] who are betting on the mullahs' regime, especially since whatever happens in Iran will have major consequences on them?

Muslim Mob Attacks Church and Loots Christian Homes in Egypt
(AINA) -- An Egyptian Muslim mob attacked a church on Sunday, 6/21/2009 in the village of Ezbet Boshra-East, El-Fashn, smashing its windows and assaulting Copts with clubs and white weapons, wounding 25 Copts, in the presence and with the instigation of the State Security.
On Monday 6/22/2009, El-Fashn prosecution issued an order for the village priest, Reverend Isaac Castor, to appear before them, on charges of sectarian sedition after three Muslim women accused him of hurling stones at them from inside the church.
The Church is still besieged by State Security and the priest is still confined to the Church walls, together with 10 people and three children not exceeding the age of five years. "The prosecution wants to get me out there, together with those who are with me, in order to make arrests. None of us are leaving the Church premises," the priest said. "I do not know why I am besieged inside the Church in this way, together with my toddlers. I am not a criminal, neither are the people who are with me."
Bishop Estephanos of Beba El Fashn Diocese, together with other priests called for a sit-in at the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin in El-Fashn, demanding the release of the unlawfully arrested Copts. The sit-in included families of those arrested, who refused to leave the Cathedral. (video of sit-in).
"As if I'm dreaming what went on, such savagery! It broke my heart to see my children [congregation] treated in such beastly and barbaric way" said Rev. Isaac to Coptic News Bulletin. "It is as if we are back to the Era of Diocletian" (Roman emperor who carried out the worst persecution in the history of the Copts) .
"A curfew was placed on Copts on Sunday in Ezbet Boshra-East village including me and my family, while Muslim offenders are free," said Reverend Isaac
Homes of nearby Copts were broken into on Sunday by the Muslim mob, which included women, assaulting the residents including young girls, and destroying their furniture and looting electrical equipment. "These assaults were followed by security officers, assaulting Copts and destroying what remained of their belongings. When asked by a Coptic woman why they are doing this, the officers answered that they have 'orders' to do so," added Reverend Isaac. "Now the Coptic inhabitants are living in terror."
"State Security went into homes of the Copts and forcibly rounded up the men. At present 19 Copts are under arrest including children under twelve and people over 60 years of age," said Reverend Isaac. "I have sheltered 10 other Copts in the Church to save them."
The incident happened when 6 young Copts living outside the village came to visit the priest who lives at the top floor of a 3-storey building owned by the Church and which used for ceremonies and prayers. The same church was attacked by Muslims in August 2008. The security police tried to prevent the visitors from entering the village, but after an altercation they were allowed in. Later a police constable asked them to end their visit and leave separately. While on their way out, they found a Muslim mob awaiting them. Muslims harassed the young visitors and one Muslim woman struck a Coptic woman on the face. At that moment violence broke out, and Muslims began to attack the building using bricks and sticks, injuring 25 Copts, and destroying the priest's car.
State Security has cut all telephone lines and the internet in the village, which is inhabited by 1500 Copts of the total 3000 inhabitants, to prevent them from getting in touch with the outside world, according to Reverend Isaac. "With all this strife, the Security wants to have grounds to issue a report confirming that this village is not suitable to have a church. We have no Church in the village and the nearest is 3 miles away, and can hardly accommodate its own congregation"
Human rights organization 'Sunshine' said that what is happening now in El-Fashn is a new trend in the violations carried out by the State Security against Coptic clergy. This trend began with the imprisonment of Father Mettaos Wahba for five years on false charges of forgery, and now an order has been issued against Father Isaac to 'apprehend and bring,' which has no legal grounds. "This is proof to the whole world that Egypt is persecuting the Copts," according to Sunshine.
During his Sunday appeal to the world through Coptic News, Reverend Isaac said "Please help us, the whole world just looks and does nothing, where is President Obama's talk about peace? All what we want is to raise our hands and worship God, equal to Muslims. We cannot take it any longer; we are ready to give up our lives, just let us pray."
During the sit-in, Bishop Estephanos said: "We will all pray. Since matters reached this stage, if necessary we will all become martyrs. Our Coptic Church has been built on the blood of martyrs."
By Mary Abdelmassih

Islamists and the Failed Solution
23/06/2009
By Dr. Hamad Al-Majid
The phenomenon of the inter-Islamic struggle that is taking place in Somalia, particularly following the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces, is the same phenomenon that was seen in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of Soviet troops which resulted in war breaking out amongst the Muslim factions. Dispute, slander conflict, and open warfare have all taken place in Somalia, and the only victim of this is the country itself and the Somali people who have [already] suffered the affects of almost twenty years of war under tribal, ideological, personal, party, and finally Islamic pretexts. This is a struggle where the media is used alongside weapons of war. The Islamist opposition accuses the Islamists in power of being agents of the West, the US, and even Israel. While should the Islamist opposition ever come to power, they too would find themselves facing the same accusations of being agents [of foreign powers], collaborators, and traitors.
As has become customary for the Al Qaeda organization that interferes in every Muslim country that is subject to tension, the movement's leader Osama Bin Laden issued a fiery "Islamic" proclamation in which he called upon the Somalis to fight against the new government that is led by President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed. According to Bin Laden, President Ahmed has gone back on his word, and Bin Laden described him as the Karzai of Somalia. However neither Bin Laden, nor those who are sympathetic towards the Al Qaeda movement such as the Somali Hizbul Islam or the Somali Jihadist movement were concerned about the people of Somalia who have been torn apart by two decades of warlords vying for control, disease, and underdevelopment. Bin Laden and his organization have forgotten that the "Islamist" President of Somalia and the US have mutual interests, just as previously Bin Laden himself shared mutual interests with the US, when both shared a common enemy in the Soviet forces in Afghanistan.
No matter how Islamist movements attempt to justify the struggle in Somalia and Afghanistan, the facts on the ground make it clear that this is an eternal conflict, a Machiavellian struggle where nothing is prohibited, where overnight friends become enemies and enemies become friends, all in the name of religious zeal and supporting the homeland, while in fact the homeland is the victim.
Even in political competition, Islamists in many Muslim countries do not have sufficient political intelligence. I am not talking about in political struggles against politicians of other [ideological] trends, but rather in dealing with politicians of the same Islamist ideology. In the recent Kuwaiti parliamentary elections, a fierce political struggle took place between different Islamist trends, including the Muslims Brotherhood, Salafist groups, independent candidates, and tribal candidates. This was a bitter parliamentary struggle that everybody was aware would end in defeat, and indeed this did result in disappointing results for all [Islamist] parties involved, as well as the [electoral] victory of their opponents. As a result of this, the Islamist influence in [Kuwait's] parliament has decreased, and the Islamists have lost a number of key players on the political sphere all as a result of their lack of [political] coordination.
Islamist groups fighting amongst themselves in the same electoral constituencies is something that is not new to elections, however this lack of [political] coordination has resulted in unprecedented and catastrophic results in the Kuwaiti elections that have come at the expense of all the Islamist trends involved.
I am aware that some Islamist groups have shown great intelligence with regards to political work, such as in countries like Malaysia and Turkey, but unfortunately these are the exception. The crisis that some Islamists in many Muslims and Arab countries are facing is that they represent the non-conventional voice of political opposition, this influences their political practices as well as the uncivilized manner in which these groups deal with one another. Therefore how can people trust them to deal with groups of other political trends [if this is how they deal with groups that share their own ideology]? This is why the electoral defeat in Kuwait was both logical and understandable. The Islamists in Somalia would face an even greater [electoral] loss, unless they learn to put religious and national interests ahead of personal and party interests.

Iran's Mullahs Conspire against a new revolution
By: Walid Phares
The voter revolt in Iran is apparently too wide and too deep for the mullahs to ignore.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Why did the Grand Ayatollah Khamenei decide to suppress demonstrations and not order a reorganization of new elections to solve the crisis? What is the analysis inside the Khamanei/Ahmadinijad “war room?” Based on several assessments, it appears that the regime feels the protest movement is too wide and the regime is too determined not to allow it to expand further.
The ayatollahs in charge of the “revolution” and the top commanders of the Revolutionary Guards as well as their financial operatives fear a popular shift inside Iran’s population along the magnitude of East Europe’s revolution against Soviet rule. The most cataclysmic parallel would be with the fall of Romanian communist dictatorship under Ceausescu.
Even a change a la Gorbachev is too dangerous for the elite that ruled Iran with an iron fist for three decades. Hence, after a minute calculus, the top mullahs and their militia barons have decided not to open Pandora’s Box to bring reform or democracy to their own world. And, the world should expect them to use all the power at their disposal to do away with the demonstrations and its leaders.
But how will the Khomeinist “war room” break up the uprising? What is their plan?
One would assume that after a thorough review of the real opposing forces on the ground, and after having secured what they believe is a solid allegiance by the Pasdaran and Bassij commanders along with assurances they may have obtained that Iran’s armed forces will remain distant from the crackdown, the regime will proceed in several directions:
No love lost between Arabs and Iran
Some Arab governments are relishing the thought of the end of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. This could undermine radical groups such as Hamas, Hizbullah, and Islamic Jihad.
Asia
Iran's Ahmadinejad may be a murderer
An Austrian politician theorizes that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may have been the shooter in the murder of a three Kurds in 1989.•Put pressure on Mousavi and the leading reformist figures such as former presidents Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Ayatollah Seyed Mohammad Khatemi;
•Deploy the militias and security forces across the capital and in other cities;
•Take back Tehran block after block while trying to avoid an international media backlash;
•Arrest and neutralize student and civil society leaders; and at the same time, insure that Western Government, particularly the United States would remain distant from “meddling in Iran’s business.”
So what would be the opposition’s plan? What are the hopes and projections of Mousavi and his supporters? The former prime minister and his allies might wish that Khamenei and the supreme Council would find a better solution which would allow a negotiated solution and a lasting settlement. He wants to defeat Ahmadinijad but not, not yet anyway, bring down the regime. However, there is more than one “opposition” group in the country, and the most daring groups have already taken to the streets to resist the Ayatollahs and bring a real change — not to recount the votes. Thus, one has to expect a long haul for the opposition.
But is it true that a strong U.S. position in favor of the Iranian democracy movement would create a backlash against America? The reality is that those who are advancing this argument are, in fact, trying to shield the Iranian regime in the West. The Khomeinist propaganda machine is unleashing all doubts possible about international support to the demonstrators. In fact, the tipping point against the ayatollahs’ militias is precisely a world outcry in defense of the uprising.
Presently, there are no neutral Iranians who could be irritated by American or Western verbal support of democracy in Iran. This argument is inserted in the debate to confuse the public and mollify outside solidarity. What can shift the ground against the oppressive Pasdaran is precisely this, if a wide majority of Iranians feel the international community is, at least morally, on their side.
The militias will try to suppress the masses, but the latter may take the struggle to a higher ground and perform strikes that paralyze the country. In short, this time the Khomeinists won’t have it easily. Too much power and wealth has disconnected them from their citizens.
Iran’s youth is at the vanguard of huge disenfranchised segments of society including women, workers, and ethnic minorities. The largest segments of the population haven’t joined the clash yet. Our bet from the sociological sample we’ve seen is that when that happens, an earthquake may occur. The ayatollahs and their extended clientele are rushing the regime’s army to crush the revolt in the womb. Badly advised in the past, the U.S. administration is still hesitant to engage with its real future partner, the people.
But a chain of developments inside Iran may change opinions across the Potomac. We sincerely hope Washington would catch up with the change coming from the East, faster.
**Walid Phares writes for The Cutting Edge News and is a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and the author of “The Confrontation: Winning the War against Future Jihad.”

A close call
Now Lebanon Web site
The Lebanese could have voted in a coalition backed by Iran
June 23, 2009
An Iranian cleric raises his fists before the start of the Friday prayer sermon, delivered by the Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (AFP/Behrouz Mehri)
The image of 27-year-old Neda Soltan, now dubbed the Angel of Freedom, lying fatally wounded on the Tehran street sums up the price paid by those Iranians who have chosen to say no to religious authoritarianism. The situation in Iran is still fluid, but enough has transpired in the last week to not only show the regime in its true colors, but also remind those Lebanese who might have felt generous toward Hezbollah of the true nature of its spiritual, strategic and financial backers.
The show of popular defiance in Tehran has also thrown up something of a dilemma for those who like to refer to themselves as leftists but who are caught in the tricky contradiction of being “of the left” yet still confess to having a mad crush on Hezbollah.
Traditional leftists would have run a mile from Hezbollah’s creepy theocrats who cut their religious teeth in the Iraqi city of Najaf and who were inspired by the conservative revolutionary fervor of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Still, many of Lebanon’s leftists have sought sanctuary within the ranks of March 8, possibly because there is a common enemy – Israel – and a common, albeit Quixotic, cause – the liberation of Palestine – both of which were rallying points for left-wing revolutionaries of every stripe in the glory days of the early 70s.
Today, those same leftists no doubt see the leaders of March 14 as beyond the political pale: Their past is either too shady or their present too corrupt; a blend of feudal dinosaurs and money-grabbing businessmen who would sell Lebanon to the highest bidder.
March 8, on the other hand, is made up of what they see as the Shia underclass, which has morphed into the rugged Resistance, bringing not only pride to the sect but giving taxi drivers from Cairo to Qom something to cheer about. It also features the less-lustrous, like the socially-fired Amal Movement and the mainly Christian Free Patriotic Movement, led by the “maverick” – a handy euphemism for “unstable” – ex-army commander Michel Aoun, a secularist who at the same time claims to defend Lebanese Christian interests while allied to an Islamic “Party of God." This mess of contradictions, together with Aoun’s apparent mood swings, is overlooked because, and we use his own words, his “conscience is as white as the snow on Mount Sannine.”
This convenient, but rose-tinted dynamic, was able to trundle along rather nicely until the whole Iran thing blew up. Until then, there was no reason to dwell too much on the Islamic Republic; its medieval theocracy; its donations to March 8’s political groupings, including those of Michel Aoun and his allies; and the real agenda of Hezbollah, a militia whose job is to provide leverage on Israel’s northern border while masquerading as a defender of Lebanese sovereignty, but only if that sovereignty is attacked by Israel.
So now to reality, and why the fat and corrupt March 14 alliance won the June 7 elections; a poll in which Aoun could mathematically have tipped the balance had voters been convinced. That they weren’t was because they were sick to the back teeth of war, civil unrest and a culture of conflict and obstruction. And so, while many Lebanese may have wanted to reject what they saw as throwbacks to an era they desperately want to leave behind, the majority of voters were not prepared to cast ballots for Iran and its allies.
Today, this decision has been vindicated. Lebanese watching the stuttering TV footage, reading the blogs and tweets, and above all seeing the painfully pitiful image of the young and beautiful Neda Soltan, blood seeping from her mouth and nose, her father bending over helplessly watching his daughter’s life ebb away, must be thankful we live in a country where protest – even if it is illegal, such as the 18-month downtown sit-in – will not result in murder.
If the romantics in March 8 have to go away and recalibrate their political values, it’s a small price to pay.


 

LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
June 24/09

Bible Reading of the day
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 7:6.12-14. Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets. Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.

Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special Reports
A close call. Now Lebanon Web site 23/06/09
Iran's Mullahs Conspire against a new revolution. By: Walid Phares 23/06/09
Regarding Iran's Allies. By Tariq Alhomayed. Asharq Al-Awsat, 23/06/09
Islamists and the Failed Solution: Dr. Hamad Al-Majid. Asharq Al-Awsat 23/06/09  
Opaque Mideast regimes have given rise to a new breed of scholars. The Daily Star 23/06/09
An avalanche shakes the Islamic Republic-By Sadegh Zibakalam  23/06/09
Great speeches, like Obama's, can have great consequences-By Joschka Fischer  23/06/09

Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for June 23/09
Syria frees Lebanese convicts: report-AFP
Christian leaders say Obama's Cairo speech built bridges-Catholic News Service
Dutch FM: Syria wants to restart peace talks with Israel-Ha'aretz
UNIFIL: Shebaa Farms Not Part of Our Scope of Operation-Naharner
Turkish Parliament Approves Extension For Lebanon Troops-Naharner
Saniora: May7 Events Political Sin, Veto Power Disgrace-Naharner
Fadlallah to Sarkozy: The Will of Burqa-Wearing Women Should be Respected-Naharner
Suleiman: Lebanon on the Path of a Breakthrough-Naharnet
Hariri Not in Hurry for Premiership, Waiting to See Opposition Intentions-Naharnet
Berri -Hariri Meeting Prior to Speaker's Election-Naharnet
Death Video Iranian Woman 'Shot by Militia': Fiancé-LONDON (AFP)
Top Iran diplomat called over detained Canadian journalist. The Canadian Press
The New-Old Rivalry: Egypt Versus Iran-CBS News
Syria sets terms for cooperation with UN court-AFP
Unrest could hinder Tehran's regional goals-The Associated Press
Qatari Emir: Lebanon is Fine…Leave it Alone-Naharnet
Syria Releases 23 Lebanese, Including 8 Classified as Missing-Naharnet
Oqab Saqr to Compete for Parliament Speaker Post!-Naharnet
Assad Says Cooperation with Hariri Tribunal Conditional on Agreement-Naharnet
Muallem: Syria Awaits New Government's Policy on Bilateral Ties-Naharnet
Parliament to elect speaker on Thursday-Daily Star
Justice minister rejects proportional representation-Daily Star
Qabalan slams political meddling by religious figures-Daily Star
Chamoun: Poll outcome represents people's choices-Daily Star
Arslan announces formation of new bloc in Parliament-Daily Star
Jumblatt ends mission of security team protecting him-Daily Star
HRW urges Syria to free or charge Hariri case detainee-By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Hizbullah rules out meeting with Geagea or Gemayel for now-Daily Star
Obama seen as losing peace momentum -By Patrick Galey-Daily Star
Lebanon banking sector has low risk rating - Fitch-Daily Star
ve new swine flu cases boost number of infections to 25-Daily Star
Riad Salameh and Bassam Shakhashiri to receive honorary doctorates from LAU-Daily Star
AUB announces establishment of Nadim Makdisi Fund-Daily Star
Officials to travel to the Philippines to discuss ending work ban-Daily Star
Danes use soccer to unite children from diverse backgrounds-Daily Star

Cannon calls in top Iran diplomat over detained journalist
By The Canadian Press
OTTAWA - Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon is calling in the top Iranian diplomat in Canada over the arrest of a Canadian journalist in Tehran.
"Minister Cannon is calling in the Iranian charge d'affaires to express our grave concern about the arrest of a Canadian journalist and about the general situation," said Andre Lemay.
He said Canadian consular officials in Tehran are sending a diplomatic note to Iranian authorities to demand immediate access to Maziar Bahari, an Iranian-Canadian who was detained Sunday while working for Newsweek magazine.
The charge is the highest-ranking Iranian diplomat in Ottawa. Neither country has had an ambassador in the other's capital for a about a year in a diplomatic skirmish over acceptable candidates. The charge runs the embassy in the absence of an ambassador.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper also criticized Iranian authorities in a statement Monday.
"The reaction of the Iranian authorities to the demonstrations in Iran is wholly unacceptable," he said.
"The regime has chosen to use brute force and intimidation in responding to peaceful opposition regarding legitimate and serious allegations of electoral fraud."
Harper called on Iran to release political prisoners and journalists who have been unjustly detained and allow free reporting on events there.
Bahari, an Iranian-Canadian, was detained while working for Newsweek magazine.
Online profiles of Bahari say he was born in Iran in 1967 and studied in Montreal, where he earned a degree in communications from Concordia University.
Newsweek says he is a Canadian citizen who has been living in and covering Iran for the last decade.
The magazine has called for his immediate release and is asking western governments to use their influence on his behalf.
Bahari is one of at least two dozen journalists and bloggers arrested in Iran since protests began there a week ago over the recent presidential election.

Death Video Iranian Woman 'Shot by Militia': Fiancé
23/06/2009
LONDON (AFP) – A young Iranian woman whose death during protests in Iran has made her a symbol for the opposition was an innocent bystander who was targeted by the militia, her fiancée said. Video of the final moments of Neda Agha-Soltan, with blood pouring from her nose after she was reportedly shot in the chest in Tehran on Saturday, has been flashed around the world on the Internet. Her fiancé, Caspian Makan, told London-based BBC Persian television on Monday that she had stumbled into the running battles between opposition supporters and Iranian security forces. He said: "She was near the area, a few streets away, from where the main protests were taking place, near the Amir-Abad area. She was with her music teacher, sitting in a car and stuck in traffic. "She was feeling very tired and very hot. She got out of the car for just a few minutes. "That's when she was shot dead. Eyewitnesses and video footage of the shooting clearly show that probably Basij paramilitaries in civilian clothing deliberately targeted her. Eyewitnesses said they clearly targeted her and she was shot in the chest.
"She passed away within a few minutes. People tried to take her to the nearest hospital, the Shariati hospital. But it was too late."
Makan said Neda's family struggled to persuade the Iranian authorities to release her body. "She was taken to a morgue outside Tehran. The officials from the morgue asked if they could use parts of her corpse for body transplants for medical patients," he said. "They didn't specify what exactly they intended to do. Her family agreed because they wanted to bury her as soon as possible."We buried her in the Behesht-e-Zahra cemetery in southern Tehran. They asked us to bury her in this section where it seemed the authorities had set aside spaces for graves for those killed during the violent clashes in Tehran last week." The fiancé told the Farsi-language broadcaster that Iranian authorities banned Neda's family from holding a memorial service for her at a mosque because they were afraid it could become the focus of opposition protests. "The authorities there and the paramilitary group, the Basij, wouldn't allow it because they were worried it would attract unwanted attention and they didn't want any more trouble," he said. "The authorities are aware that everybody in Iran and throughout the whole world knows about her story. So that's why they didn't want a memorial service. They were afraid that lots of people could turn up at the event." Iranian state TV has said that 10 people were killed and more than 100 injured during demonstrations on Saturday, the eighth day of the political crisis sparked by the disputed presidential election results.

Syria Releases 23 Lebanese, Including 8 Classified as Missing
Naharnet/The Lebanese side of the Lebanese-Syrian committee tasked with following up issue of missing and detainees in Syria has received a list of 23 Lebanese who were recently freed from Syrian jails, An Nahar daily reported Tuesday. The newspaper said that the Syrian side handed over the names of the 23 whose names were on a list that the Lebanese side had given to Syrian members of the committee. The committee informed Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar that among the 23 Lebanese, 16 detainees were released after a special amnesty, according to An Nahar. Najjar told Future News on Tuesday the committee wasn't handed over any person. "We don't know yet to whom the released (Lebanese) where handed over."
The newspaper added that Beirut had asked Damascus to unveil the fate of eight of the 23 people thinking they were missing. The eight prisoners had been subject to trials in Syria, An Nahar said. The released detainees are the following: Abbas Mohammed Abou Hamdan, Massoud Mohammed Hassan, Ismail Jamil Kalash, Ali Mustafa al-Jammal, Nizar Ali Yaghi, Nayef Mohammed al-Abdi, Ismail Attiyeh Gharli, Hani Abdel Rahim Mustafa, Hassan Mohammed al-Hujairi, Mohammed Shehade al-Flayti, Siham Ahmed Murtada, Rashed Mustafa Karnabi, Nadwa Khalif al-Sayyed, Jihad Saleh Yaghi, Hisham Hassan al-Dirani, Mahdi Nour Amoun, Nicola Nakhle al-Tabbal, Mohammed Deeb Youssef, Hassan Youssef Nasser, Mohammed Mahmoud Qanso, Hassan Ali Jaafar, Ibrahim Mohammed al-Haq and Shehade Assad Wehbi. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 08:18

Oqab Saqr to Compete for Parliament Speaker Post!
Naharnet/Zahle MP Oqab Saqr said he would hold a press conference on Wednesday to announce his position on the nomination of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for a fifth term in office. The daily Al Liwaa on Tuesday said Saqr hinted at the possibility of running for the speakership post, but added that he has not yet made up his mind. "I will take the decision that is in harmony with my convictions," Saqr said in remarks published by the newspaper on Tuesday. He said he is against Berri winning the post uncontested. The newly elected MP said he is against Berri winning the post uncontested, adding that he will see to it that the Speaker election is carried out in a democratic fashion. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 09:28

Suleiman: Lebanon on the Path of a Breakthrough
Naharnet/Contrary to speculation, President Michel Suleiman said Lebanon will have a new government soon. In an interview with the daily An Nahar published Tuesday, Suleiman said "formation of a comfortable government will not be delayed," citing ongoing contacts and meetings in this regard. The president said following the election of a speaker on Thursday, he would launch parliamentary consultations to name Lebanon's new prime minister. He said Mustaqbal Movement leader MP Saad Hariri is most likely the man for the job.
Suleiman described as "very important" a meeting between Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and MP Walid Jumblat. The president told An Nahar he "personally" wants to follow-up on similar meetings, particularly between Christian leaders. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 08:13

Hariri Not in Hurry for Premiership, Waiting to See Opposition Intentions
Naharnet/Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri met Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday after arriving from Saudi Arabia on Monday. The two men will discuss bilateral relations between the two countries as well as political developments in the region, according to Arab sources. They said Hariri will also brief Mubarak on the latest contacts between Riyadh and Damascus.  Hariri's return should settle two major issues – the speakership election and the appointment issue of the next prime minister. Pan-Arab al-Hayat newspaper said Tuesday Hariri, in this respect, stayed in touch over the past few days with his Beirut allies. It said consultations among leaders of the March 14 coalition will take place ahead of Parliament session on Thursday to elect a speaker. While the Opposition supports Berri (57 MPs), most Christian leaders within the March 14 forces have expressed reservations and al-Hayat expected at least 20 blank votes, including Phalange Party MPs (5) as well as the Lebanese Forces and their allies (8), in addition to independents.
Differences among the March 8 coalition were also found regarding supporting or not supporting Hariri's nomination to the premiership post with some tying the issue to Syrian-Saudi understanding. Both Al-Hayat and pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat quoted Mustaqbal Movement sources as saying that "two things" determine the decision on Hariri's nomination: Continuation of consultations with March 14 leaders and waiting to see the intentions of March 8 forces. One Mustaqbal source did not rule out a meeting between Hariri and Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 10:31

Berri-Hariri Meeting Prior to Speaker's Election
Naharnet/All eyes are focused on a meeting between Speaker Nabih Berri and the man who is most likely to become Lebanon's new prime minister, MP Saad Hariri, upon his arrival from an official visit to Cairo. The daily An Nahar on Tuesday said a telephone contact between the two men took place three days ago when Hariri was in Saudi Arabia. Votes from Hariri's Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc will determine the number of votes Berri would get. Opposition circles said Berri, who is likely to be re-elected by consensus, will obtain over 100 votes if Hariri's bloc was committed to voting for him. An Nahar said Berri would head to Baabda Palace for a meeting with President Michel Suleiman following his re-election on Thursday to urge the president to launch speedy consultations on the formation of a new government. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 08:44

Saniora: May7 Events Political Sin, Veto Power Disgrace
Naharnet/Dozens of people were also wounded in the fighting which escalated on Thursday after Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah called a government crackdown on his powerful militant group a declaration of war. Outgoing Prime Minister Fouad Saniora said his mission in the government was to secure establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to prosecute suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri. "Initially, we had to make sure that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is launched to probe the assassination" of Hariri, Saniora said in an interview published Tuesday by daily Al Akhbar.  "Then we had to carry on with it," he added. Saniora described as "disgraceful" the long-standing opposition's demand for veto power in Cabinet. He also considered as a "political sin" the events of May 7, 2008 when Hizbullah seized control of West Beirut after three days of deadly street battles with pro-government foes. Dozens of people were also wounded in the fighting which broke out after Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah called a government crackdown on his groups' telecommunication system a "declaration of war." Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 12:04

Fadlallah to Sarkozy: The Will of Burqa-Wearing Women Should be Respected
Naharnet/Lebanon's most influential Shiite cleric called on French President Nicolas Sarkozy to reconsider his statements regarding women who wear the burqa saying the will of Muslim women who decide to cover their faces should be respected. Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah's statement came a day after Sarkozy declared the burqa is not welcome in France, branding the face-covering, body-length gown as a symbol of subservience that suppresses women's identities and turns them into "prisoners behind a screen."
On Tuesday, the French National Assembly decided to set up a fact-finding inquiry into the number of Muslim women who wear the burqa, after Sarkozy spoke out against the full veil.
The lower house of parliament was responding to a call from a group of lawmakers, many of whom are from Sarkozy's right-wing UMP party, for a panel to look at ways of restricting the wearing of the burqa. Fadlallah said women should not be forced to wear a burqa but, at the same time, if they decide to do so by themselves, their will should be respected.
"Freedom is one of the sacred matters for human beings but freedom should come from the will of the person not from laws that are imposed by people," Fadlallah said in an interview with The Associated Press. France is home to Western Europe's largest population of Muslims, estimated at about 5 million. A small but growing group of French women wear the coverings, which either cloak the entire body or cover everything but the eyes.(AP-AFP) Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 14:11

Qatari Emir: Lebanon is Fine…Leave it Alone
Naharnet/Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani said following talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy the situation in Lebanon has been resorted, adding that there "are no more troubles worth discussing.""Stop talking about Lebanon," he told reporters. "Why do you always look for events in Lebanon to talk about?"
"Lebanon is fine," he added. Beirut, 23 Jun 09, 10:39

Assad Says Cooperation with Hariri Tribunal Conditional on Agreement
Naharnet/Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday said he was willing to cooperate with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon but under his conditions and on the basis of an agreement with the court. In an interview with France 5, a public television network in France, Assad said he had previously cooperated with U.N. investigators probing the 2005 assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri. "We are willing to cooperate in the same manner with the tribunal, but under our conditions because any Syrian, whether or not he is part of the government, succumbs to our laws and our authority," Assad explained. He pointed at an agreement between the U.N. and Lebanon, which he said ensured that a Lebanese judge sat on the tribunal, saying Damascus would expect a similar accord in order to uphold the rights of Syrian nationals. "If they want our cooperation, then there must be an agreement, because our people also have rights," he insisted. "If there is an agreement, a clear agreement, we don't have a problem.""We are not worried regarding the outcome of the investigation," Assad went on to say.
"We will remain assured as long as the investigations are carried out in accordance with technical and professional norms," he added. Hariri's murder in a massive bomb blast on the Beirut seafront in February 2005 was widely blamed on Syria. Damascus, however, has denied any involvement.  But in April of that year Syria withdrew its troops from Lebanon, under international pressure, ending a 29-year presence in the country. A U.N. investigative commission has found evidence that Syrian and Lebanese intelligence services were linked to Hariri's assassination. Tribunal's president Antonio Cassese said he planned to strike agreements with Lebanon's neighbors, including Syria, to facilitate the handover of possible suspects.
The STL has no suspects in custody since ordering the release last month of four pro-Syrian generals held by Lebanon for nearly four years without charge. Beirut, 22 Jun 09, 20:10

Regarding Iran's Allies
22/06/2009
By Tariq Alhomayed
Asharq Al-Awsat,
At a time that we were waiting for Hamas or Hezbollah or certain groups in Iraq or even Damascus, to push for their own interests and causes rather than giving priority to Iranian interests, signs of change have come from within Iran itself.
The Lebanese group did not dare to publicly say no to subordination to Iran, and even General Aoun – who called on his followers to reject those who were saying "Beware of the Wali Al Faqih" – did not dare to react to Nasrallah's response to the comments made by [Maronite] Patriarch Boutros Sfeir.
Hamas has been avoiding inter-Palestinian reconciliation despite all the efforts made by the Egyptians, and the group is now talking about the letter that was presented to them by former US President [Jimmy] Carter that aims at opening negotiations between Hamas and Washington. Hamas did not take into account the advice of all of those who warned the group to be cautious of the objectives of the regime in Tehran.
[Hamas chief] Khalid Mishal said that the group's relationship with Tehran has caused them trouble, and that they would not have entered into this relationship had they found [alternative] support, but this is untrue. What about the Mecca Accord that was rejected by Hamas?
This is just one example, for in contrast [to this] what have Hamas achieved with the support of the mullahs in Tehran?
As for Syria, the Arabs, Europeans, and recently the Americans, have moved away from allying with Tehran, having made a huge effort in this regard, resulting in a Syrian – Arab rift which has reached a sad and disturbing stage.
The same goes for Iraq where many politicians draw their power from Iran, playing a game of interests whose only victim is Iraq itself, rather than following up on internal [Iraqi] reconciliation and nullifying the abhorrent sectarianism [that is present in the country].
To be fair, this issue is not limited to those mentioned above, as we have also seen this in some regional countries that openly flatter and even promote the Iranian regime. Other groups are also subject to this, and the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt has long praised Tehran.
So what happened?
The surprise is that change, or at least an indication of change, has come from an unexpected direction, namely from the Iranian interior itself. The Iranians took to the street in a campaign that has shaken the Iranian regime in an unprecedented manner, rejecting the [electoral] reality that their country has reached.
A broad range of Iranians took to the street confirming what we have said repeatedly with regards to the danger that the Iranian project represents. These demonstrations confirmed that Tehran's actions are not only harmful to our region, but also to Iran itself, increasing the country's political isolation and economic deterioration.
I have not forgotten some of the responses to my commentary on Hassan Rowhani's accusations against Ahmadinejad. Rowhani said that Ahmadinejad had "missed a golden opportunity" for developing Iran's oil production, and asked "Why are the people's pockets empty…and their dignity lost?" Some people commented [on my article] and joked that I only worry about Iran and its allies.
However today the response came from Iran [itself]; and a large portion of the Iranian population believe that the interests, stability, and prosperity of their own country are more important than controlling the region, validating everything that has been said over the past five years.
Today we say that perhaps these demonstrations will have a positive result in Iran, but what will happen to those [groups and countries] who are betting on the mullahs' regime, especially since whatever happens in Iran will have major consequences on them?

Muslim Mob Attacks Church and Loots Christian Homes in Egypt
(AINA) -- An Egyptian Muslim mob attacked a church on Sunday, 6/21/2009 in the village of Ezbet Boshra-East, El-Fashn, smashing its windows and assaulting Copts with clubs and white weapons, wounding 25 Copts, in the presence and with the instigation of the State Security.
On Monday 6/22/2009, El-Fashn prosecution issued an order for the village priest, Reverend Isaac Castor, to appear before them, on charges of sectarian sedition after three Muslim women accused him of hurling stones at them from inside the church.
The Church is still besieged by State Security and the priest is still confined to the Church walls, together with 10 people and three children not exceeding the age of five years. "The prosecution wants to get me out there, together with those who are with me, in order to make arrests. None of us are leaving the Church premises," the priest said. "I do not know why I am besieged inside the Church in this way, together with my toddlers. I am not a criminal, neither are the people who are with me."
Bishop Estephanos of Beba El Fashn Diocese, together with other priests called for a sit-in at the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin in El-Fashn, demanding the release of the unlawfully arrested Copts. The sit-in included families of those arrested, who refused to leave the Cathedral. (video of sit-in).
"As if I'm dreaming what went on, such savagery! It broke my heart to see my children [congregation] treated in such beastly and barbaric way" said Rev. Isaac to Coptic News Bulletin. "It is as if we are back to the Era of Diocletian" (Roman emperor who carried out the worst persecution in the history of the Copts) .
"A curfew was placed on Copts on Sunday in Ezbet Boshra-East village including me and my family, while Muslim offenders are free," said Reverend Isaac
Homes of nearby Copts were broken into on Sunday by the Muslim mob, which included women, assaulting the residents including young girls, and destroying their furniture and looting electrical equipment. "These assaults were followed by security officers, assaulting Copts and destroying what remained of their belongings. When asked by a Coptic woman why they are doing this, the officers answered that they have 'orders' to do so," added Reverend Isaac. "Now the Coptic inhabitants are living in terror."
"State Security went into homes of the Copts and forcibly rounded up the men. At present 19 Copts are under arrest including children under twelve and people over 60 years of age," said Reverend Isaac. "I have sheltered 10 other Copts in the Church to save them."
The incident happened when 6 young Copts living outside the village came to visit the priest who lives at the top floor of a 3-storey building owned by the Church and which used for ceremonies and prayers. The same church was attacked by Muslims in August 2008. The security police tried to prevent the visitors from entering the village, but after an altercation they were allowed in. Later a police constable asked them to end their visit and leave separately. While on their way out, they found a Muslim mob awaiting them. Muslims harassed the young visitors and one Muslim woman struck a Coptic woman on the face. At that moment violence broke out, and Muslims began to attack the building using bricks and sticks, injuring 25 Copts, and destroying the priest's car.
State Security has cut all telephone lines and the internet in the village, which is inhabited by 1500 Copts of the total 3000 inhabitants, to prevent them from getting in touch with the outside world, according to Reverend Isaac. "With all this strife, the Security wants to have grounds to issue a report confirming that this village is not suitable to have a church. We have no Church in the village and the nearest is 3 miles away, and can hardly accommodate its own congregation"
Human rights organization 'Sunshine' said that what is happening now in El-Fashn is a new trend in the violations carried out by the State Security against Coptic clergy. This trend began with the imprisonment of Father Mettaos Wahba for five years on false charges of forgery, and now an order has been issued against Father Isaac to 'apprehend and bring,' which has no legal grounds. "This is proof to the whole world that Egypt is persecuting the Copts," according to Sunshine.
During his Sunday appeal to the world through Coptic News, Reverend Isaac said "Please help us, the whole world just looks and does nothing, where is President Obama's talk about peace? All what we want is to raise our hands and worship God, equal to Muslims. We cannot take it any longer; we are ready to give up our lives, just let us pray."
During the sit-in, Bishop Estephanos said: "We will all pray. Since matters reached this stage, if necessary we will all become martyrs. Our Coptic Church has been built on the blood of martyrs."
By Mary Abdelmassih

Islamists and the Failed Solution
23/06/2009
By Dr. Hamad Al-Majid
The phenomenon of the inter-Islamic struggle that is taking place in Somalia, particularly following the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces, is the same phenomenon that was seen in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of Soviet troops which resulted in war breaking out amongst the Muslim factions. Dispute, slander conflict, and open warfare have all taken place in Somalia, and the only victim of this is the country itself and the Somali people who have [already] suffered the affects of almost twenty years of war under tribal, ideological, personal, party, and finally Islamic pretexts. This is a struggle where the media is used alongside weapons of war. The Islamist opposition accuses the Islamists in power of being agents of the West, the US, and even Israel. While should the Islamist opposition ever come to power, they too would find themselves facing the same accusations of being agents [of foreign powers], collaborators, and traitors.
As has become customary for the Al Qaeda organization that interferes in every Muslim country that is subject to tension, the movement's leader Osama Bin Laden issued a fiery "Islamic" proclamation in which he called upon the Somalis to fight against the new government that is led by President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed. According to Bin Laden, President Ahmed has gone back on his word, and Bin Laden described him as the Karzai of Somalia. However neither Bin Laden, nor those who are sympathetic towards the Al Qaeda movement such as the Somali Hizbul Islam or the Somali Jihadist movement were concerned about the people of Somalia who have been torn apart by two decades of warlords vying for control, disease, and underdevelopment. Bin Laden and his organization have forgotten that the "Islamist" President of Somalia and the US have mutual interests, just as previously Bin Laden himself shared mutual interests with the US, when both shared a common enemy in the Soviet forces in Afghanistan.
No matter how Islamist movements attempt to justify the struggle in Somalia and Afghanistan, the facts on the ground make it clear that this is an eternal conflict, a Machiavellian struggle where nothing is prohibited, where overnight friends become enemies and enemies become friends, all in the name of religious zeal and supporting the homeland, while in fact the homeland is the victim.
Even in political competition, Islamists in many Muslim countries do not have sufficient political intelligence. I am not talking about in political struggles against politicians of other [ideological] trends, but rather in dealing with politicians of the same Islamist ideology. In the recent Kuwaiti parliamentary elections, a fierce political struggle took place between different Islamist trends, including the Muslims Brotherhood, Salafist groups, independent candidates, and tribal candidates. This was a bitter parliamentary struggle that everybody was aware would end in defeat, and indeed this did result in disappointing results for all [Islamist] parties involved, as well as the [electoral] victory of their opponents. As a result of this, the Islamist influence in [Kuwait's] parliament has decreased, and the Islamists have lost a number of key players on the political sphere all as a result of their lack of [political] coordination.
Islamist groups fighting amongst themselves in the same electoral constituencies is something that is not new to elections, however this lack of [political] coordination has resulted in unprecedented and catastrophic results in the Kuwaiti elections that have come at the expense of all the Islamist trends involved.
I am aware that some Islamist groups have shown great intelligence with regards to political work, such as in countries like Malaysia and Turkey, but unfortunately these are the exception. The crisis that some Islamists in many Muslims and Arab countries are facing is that they represent the non-conventional voice of political opposition, this influences their political practices as well as the uncivilized manner in which these groups deal with one another. Therefore how can people trust them to deal with groups of other political trends [if this is how they deal with groups that share their own ideology]? This is why the electoral defeat in Kuwait was both logical and understandable. The Islamists in Somalia would face an even greater [electoral] loss, unless they learn to put religious and national interests ahead of personal and party interests.

Iran's Mullahs Conspire against a new revolution
By: Walid Phares
The voter revolt in Iran is apparently too wide and too deep for the mullahs to ignore.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Why did the Grand Ayatollah Khamenei decide to suppress demonstrations and not order a reorganization of new elections to solve the crisis? What is the analysis inside the Khamanei/Ahmadinijad “war room?” Based on several assessments, it appears that the regime feels the protest movement is too wide and the regime is too determined not to allow it to expand further.
The ayatollahs in charge of the “revolution” and the top commanders of the Revolutionary Guards as well as their financial operatives fear a popular shift inside Iran’s population along the magnitude of East Europe’s revolution against Soviet rule. The most cataclysmic parallel would be with the fall of Romanian communist dictatorship under Ceausescu.
Even a change a la Gorbachev is too dangerous for the elite that ruled Iran with an iron fist for three decades. Hence, after a minute calculus, the top mullahs and their militia barons have decided not to open Pandora’s Box to bring reform or democracy to their own world. And, the world should expect them to use all the power at their disposal to do away with the demonstrations and its leaders.
But how will the Khomeinist “war room” break up the uprising? What is their plan?
One would assume that after a thorough review of the real opposing forces on the ground, and after having secured what they believe is a solid allegiance by the Pasdaran and Bassij commanders along with assurances they may have obtained that Iran’s armed forces will remain distant from the crackdown, the regime will proceed in several directions:
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Some Arab governments are relishing the thought of the end of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. This could undermine radical groups such as Hamas, Hizbullah, and Islamic Jihad.
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•Deploy the militias and security forces across the capital and in other cities;
•Take back Tehran block after block while trying to avoid an international media backlash;
•Arrest and neutralize student and civil society leaders; and at the same time, insure that Western Government, particularly the United States would remain distant from “meddling in Iran’s business.”
So what would be the opposition’s plan? What are the hopes and projections of Mousavi and his supporters? The former prime minister and his allies might wish that Khamenei and the supreme Council would find a better solution which would allow a negotiated solution and a lasting settlement. He wants to defeat Ahmadinijad but not, not yet anyway, bring down the regime. However, there is more than one “opposition” group in the country, and the most daring groups have already taken to the streets to resist the Ayatollahs and bring a real change — not to recount the votes. Thus, one has to expect a long haul for the opposition.
But is it true that a strong U.S. position in favor of the Iranian democracy movement would create a backlash against America? The reality is that those who are advancing this argument are, in fact, trying to shield the Iranian regime in the West. The Khomeinist propaganda machine is unleashing all doubts possible about international support to the demonstrators. In fact, the tipping point against the ayatollahs’ militias is precisely a world outcry in defense of the uprising.
Presently, there are no neutral Iranians who could be irritated by American or Western verbal support of democracy in Iran. This argument is inserted in the debate to confuse the public and mollify outside solidarity. What can shift the ground against the oppressive Pasdaran is precisely this, if a wide majority of Iranians feel the international community is, at least morally, on their side.
The militias will try to suppress the masses, but the latter may take the struggle to a higher ground and perform strikes that paralyze the country. In short, this time the Khomeinists won’t have it easily. Too much power and wealth has disconnected them from their citizens.
Iran’s youth is at the vanguard of huge disenfranchised segments of society including women, workers, and ethnic minorities. The largest segments of the population haven’t joined the clash yet. Our bet from the sociological sample we’ve seen is that when that happens, an earthquake may occur. The ayatollahs and their extended clientele are rushing the regime’s army to crush the revolt in the womb. Badly advised in the past, the U.S. administration is still hesitant to engage with its real future partner, the people.
But a chain of developments inside Iran may change opinions across the Potomac. We sincerely hope Washington would catch up with the change coming from the East, faster.
**Walid Phares writes for The Cutting Edge News and is a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and the author of “The Confrontation: Winning the War against Future Jihad.”

A close call
Now Lebanon Web site
The Lebanese could have voted in a coalition backed by Iran
June 23, 2009
An Iranian cleric raises his fists before the start of the Friday prayer sermon, delivered by the Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (AFP/Behrouz Mehri)
The image of 27-year-old Neda Soltan, now dubbed the Angel of Freedom, lying fatally wounded on the Tehran street sums up the price paid by those Iranians who have chosen to say no to religious authoritarianism. The situation in Iran is still fluid, but enough has transpired in the last week to not only show the regime in its true colors, but also remind those Lebanese who might have felt generous toward Hezbollah of the true nature of its spiritual, strategic and financial backers.
The show of popular defiance in Tehran has also thrown up something of a dilemma for those who like to refer to themselves as leftists but who are caught in the tricky contradiction of being “of the left” yet still confess to having a mad crush on Hezbollah.
Traditional leftists would have run a mile from Hezbollah’s creepy theocrats who cut their religious teeth in the Iraqi city of Najaf and who were inspired by the conservative revolutionary fervor of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Still, many of Lebanon’s leftists have sought sanctuary within the ranks of March 8, possibly because there is a common enemy – Israel – and a common, albeit Quixotic, cause – the liberation of Palestine – both of which were rallying points for left-wing revolutionaries of every stripe in the glory days of the early 70s.
Today, those same leftists no doubt see the leaders of March 14 as beyond the political pale: Their past is either too shady or their present too corrupt; a blend of feudal dinosaurs and money-grabbing businessmen who would sell Lebanon to the highest bidder.
March 8, on the other hand, is made up of what they see as the Shia underclass, which has morphed into the rugged Resistance, bringing not only pride to the sect but giving taxi drivers from Cairo to Qom something to cheer about. It also features the less-lustrous, like the socially-fired Amal Movement and the mainly Christian Free Patriotic Movement, led by the “maverick” – a handy euphemism for “unstable” – ex-army commander Michel Aoun, a secularist who at the same time claims to defend Lebanese Christian interests while allied to an Islamic “Party of God." This mess of contradictions, together with Aoun’s apparent mood swings, is overlooked because, and we use his own words, his “conscience is as white as the snow on Mount Sannine.”
This convenient, but rose-tinted dynamic, was able to trundle along rather nicely until the whole Iran thing blew up. Until then, there was no reason to dwell too much on the Islamic Republic; its medieval theocracy; its donations to March 8’s political groupings, including those of Michel Aoun and his allies; and the real agenda of Hezbollah, a militia whose job is to provide leverage on Israel’s northern border while masquerading as a defender of Lebanese sovereignty, but only if that sovereignty is attacked by Israel.
So now to reality, and why the fat and corrupt March 14 alliance won the June 7 elections; a poll in which Aoun could mathematically have tipped the balance had voters been convinced. That they weren’t was because they were sick to the back teeth of war, civil unrest and a culture of conflict and obstruction. And so, while many Lebanese may have wanted to reject what they saw as throwbacks to an era they desperately want to leave behind, the majority of voters were not prepared to cast ballots for Iran and its allies.
Today, this decision has been vindicated. Lebanese watching the stuttering TV footage, reading the blogs and tweets, and above all seeing the painfully pitiful image of the young and beautiful Neda Soltan, blood seeping from her mouth and nose, her father bending over helplessly watching his daughter’s life ebb away, must be thankful we live in a country where protest – even if it is illegal, such as the 18-month downtown sit-in – will not result in murder.
If the romantics in March 8 have to go away and recalibrate their political values, it’s a small price to pay.