LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
February 09/09
Bible Reading of the
day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 1,29-39. On leaving the
synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon's
mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He
approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she
waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who
were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He
cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before
dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those
who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for
you." He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there
also. For this purpose have I come." So he went into their synagogues, preaching
and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
Saint Jerome (347-420), priest, translator of the Bible, Doctor of the Church
Commentary on Saint Mark's Gospel, 2; PLS 2, 125f./«Jesus grasped her hand and
helped her up»
«Jesus approached her, grasped her hand and helped her up.» For indeed, the sick
woman was unable to get up on her own. Since she was confined to bed, she could
not come before Jesus. This compassionate doctor came to her bed himself and he
who carried a sick lamb on his shoulders now drew near to this bed... He draws
closer that he might heal more fully. Take good note of what is written here...
«You should certainly have come to meet me, you should have come to greet me at
the threshold of your house, but in that case your healing would have been the
result, less of my compassion than of your will. But since such a strong fever
oppresses you and prevents you from getting up, I am coming myself.»«And he
helped her up.» As she couldn't stand up by herself, it was the Lord who helped
her. «He grasped her hand and helped her up.» When Peter was in danger on the
sea, just as he was going to drown, he too was grasped by the hand and raised
up... What a beautiful sign of friendship and love towards this sick woman! He
helped her up by taking her hand; his hand healed the sick woman's hand. He
grasped that hand as a doctor would have done, he who was both doctor and remedy
took her pulse and assessed the gravity of the fever. Jesus touched it and the
fever vanished.
Let us want him to touch our hand so that in this way what we do may be made
pure. Should he enter our house, let us get off our bed at last and not remain
lying down. Jesus stands at our bedside and will we remain lying down? Come on!
To your feet!... «There is one among you whom you do not recognize» (Jn 1,26);
«the kingdom of God is among you» (Lk 17,21). Let us have faith and we shall see
Jesus among us.
Free Opinions, Releases, letters &
Special Reports
Future News:
Beware of the Future 08/02/09
Future News:
Arrogance…March 8 fatal electoral
weapon
08/02/09
Terrorism between Yemen and
Iran.By: Tariq Alhomayed 08/02/09
Defending Terror. By Abdul Rahman
Al-Rashed 08/02/09
A new peace paradigm-By Yehezkel Dror/Ha'aretz
08/02/09
Latest News Reports From
Miscellaneous Sources for February 08/09
Sfeir:
We Ask God That We May Cross The Distance Safely to The Elections-Naharnet
Edde: Joumblatt cannot be an ally
to the leaders of 14 of March
...iloubnan
Jumblat Suspends Participation in
Strategic Committee-Naharnet
Geagea: the
International Commission of Inquiry complained of Bassil’s delay in submitting
information-Future
News
Chamoun: The elections are crucial
for Lebanon’s future-Future
News
Bkassini: Bkerki is part of
the equation and the rest are “dust in the wind”-Future
News
Khashan: Telecommunications
searches for Eid’s assistant in uncovering Hariri’s assassination-Future
News
Majdalani: armed factions insist on
jeopardizing national stability-Future
News
Andrawos: The Syrians are
present in the opposition’s lists-Future
News
Biden: U.S. will to talk to Iran,
will act if necessary. By News Agencies 08/02/09
Suleiman to 'Brotherhood Ship' Crew: You Represent an Example of Arab Solidarity-Naharnet
Gemayel Praises Murr and Defends Maronite
Patriarch-Naharnet
Harb Launches Election Campaign-Naharnet
Karami Criticizes
Politicized Clergy, Supports Army-Naharnet
Egypt seeks 3-phase Israel-Hamas
deal- Israel News
Netanyahu: We are rooted in
Golan-Israel News
Rocket hits Ashkelon as Gaza truce
talks progress-Haaretz
Egypt Hopes
for Gaza Truce Deal 'in Few Days'-(AFP
Polls show Israelis leaning to
right-Canoe.ca, Canada
Edde:
Joumblatt cannot be an ally to the leaders of 14 of March and then forge an
alliance with Berri
iloubnan.info - February 08, 2009,
BEIRUT - Chief of the National bloc Carlos Edde explained, Sunday morning at the
radio station of the voice of Lebanon, his disagreement with the deputy Walid
Jumblatt, since this last cannot claim to be an ally to the leaders of 14 of
March and then announce that he will forge an alliance with Nabih Berri in
Hasbaya. Edde thinks the leader of the bloc of Change and Reform Michel Aoun is
being contradictory, since he denies the Syrians’ responsibility when it comes
to the assassination of the former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, while he blamed
them for it in the past. Edde criticized Aoun more by saying “the strategy of
Aoun remains to frighten hi supporters, making them believe that he is the only
person who can protect them since he has gotten closer to Hezbollah. » Edde also
criticized Hezbollah: “We used to support Hezbollah when we thought that it was
a resistance, but we realized that they have another project. » He also said
“Hezbollah imposes what it wants on the national dialogue. It has the
“obstructive third” in the government, the biggest party in Lebanon, and an
enormous arsenal. »
Jumblat Suspends Participation
in Strategic Committee
Naharnet/Progressive Socialist Party Leader and Democratic Gathering Head MP
Walid Jumblat has suspended his participation at the Strategic Defense
Committee.
This committee, created by national dialogue participants, is working on
studying defense strategy options for Lebanon. According to the daily al-Nahar
on Sunday, Jumblat's representative at the committee, Sharif Fayyad, will no
longer participate in committee meetings. Sources from the Democratic Gathering
told al-Nahar that this development is in response to Defense Minister Elias
Murr. Last Monday Cabinet discussed the sensitive issue of government
wiretapping during which Murr criticized the role and delegation of Col. Daniel
Faris to the Ministry of Telecommunications. "Following the meeting
Minister Murr defended the delegation of Col. Faris," Democratic Gathering
sources told al-Nahar. Sources added that more political clarity is required in
order to better understand what goes on inside the military and defense
institutions Beirut, 08 Feb 09, 08:44
Sfeir: We Ask God That We May Cross The Distance Safely to
The Elections
Naharnet/Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir asked the all mighty to help the
Lebanese to safely cross the distance leading to the legislative elections.
The patriarch said during his Sunday mass sermon at Bkirki: "The example of the
good Samaritan is one that teaches us mercy and charity to all people. We have
moved away from such teachings, we practice all that was forbidden by the
Bible.""We ask the all mighty to inspire us to cross this distance that
separates us from the upcoming (legislative) elections in a civilized and proper
manner," Sfeir said. The patriarch began his sermon in welcoming Army Commander
Jean Qahwaji saying: "we ask the lord to help you prosper in your difficult
duties." Sfeir held a 30 minute closed door meeting with Qahwaji prior to mass.
He also received Lebanese Forces deputy leader MP George Adwan. Beirut, 08 Feb
09, 13:25
Suleiman to 'Brotherhood Ship' Crew: You Represent an
Example of Arab Solidarity
Naharnet/President Michel Suleiman received a delegation of the Captain and crew
of the 'Brotherhood Ship' that was previously detained by the Israeli navy on
its journey from Tripoli to Gaza. The president congratulated the delegation for
their safe return adding that the diverse representation on board the ship was
exemplary of Arab solidarity that Lebanon still enjoys. The visiting delegation
briefed Suleiman on the events of their journey, their detention by Israel and
release. The delegation thanked the president for his efforts in working to
secure their release. Beirut, 08 Feb 09, 11:29
Gemayel Praises Murr and Defends Maronite Patriarch
Naharnet/Phalange leader Amin Gemayel and MP Michel el-Murr are set to hold a
meeting within the coming days, sources close to both parties said to the daily
al-Nahar. The meeting is to discuss the possibility of an electoral coalition
between them at the Matn region. Gemayel commented on the recent statements made
by Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir when he voiced his fear about some
attempts to remove President Michel Suleiman and warned of "historic mistakes"
if March 8 Forces come to power. "If power shifts to March 8 Forces and March 14
Forces ceased to have power, mistakes would be committed that would weigh
historically on the national fate," Sfeir said in an interview with the weekly
al-Massira magazine. Gemayel expressed to al-Nahar on Sunday: "Patriarch Sfeir
does not practice politics in the narrow sense. The Cedar Revolution was
launched based on an understanding of sovereignty, at which time General Aoun
was a supporter from 2000 up to 2005." "The patriarch was expressing fears
shared by many Lebanese concerning Lebanon and its future," Gemayel said.
Regarding his expected meeting with Murr, Gemayel said that his hand is
stretched to any party that shares our view of the country and is in solidarity
with the Cedar revolution saying, "this is the natural framework to all that
reach us." "Many Lebanese like to maintain their independence away from
political parties and this is their right. However, as long as they maintain and
share the same principles we do we would keep our hand open to them. This is
democracy and the political electoral game that gathers the largest number of
citizens together for a common goal," Gemayel said. He paid tribute to defense
Minister Elias Murr, who maintained his steadfast in solidarity with the Cedar
revolution when March 8 Forces held a sit in around the Grand Serail. Beirut, 08
Feb 09, 10:08
Hariri Ready for Challenges and Difficulties
Naharnet/Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri said the forthcoming
parliamentary elections would be "very important because the result would
determine which Lebanon the people want." He urged all partisans to vote in the
June 8 elections to choose "the people's representatives to parliament." Hariri
pledged that we "would not change our principles, irrespective of the needed
sacrifices and struggle." "We are prepared to confront whatever challenges and
difficulties," he added.
Beirut, 07 Feb 09, 22:28
Chamoun: We Either Win the Elections or Defeat Would be
Lethal
Naharnet/National Liberal Party leader Dory Chamoun on Saturday said March 14
has no option but to win the forthcoming elections, warning that the alliance's
defeat would be "lethal to Lebanon." Chamoun, talking to partisans, said the
June 8 elections would be "decisive for Lebanon. Its results would decide
whether Lebanon would be ruled by patriots or by the blocking one-third group."
He was referring to the Hizbullah-led March 8 alliance that enjoys veto powers
in Premier Fouad Saniora's cabinet of national unity that was formed after the
May, 2008 chain of violence in Lebanon. "We are competing with a ferocious foe
that had used its weapons domestically," Chamoun said. "That is why all those
who believe in Lebanon should be ready to do what they should do," he concluded.
Beirut, 07 Feb 09, 21:09
Harb Launches Election Campaign
Naharnet/MP Butros Harb on Saturday launched his election campaign, urging
supporters to take part heavily in the fourth anniversary of ex-Premier Rafik
Hariri's assassination.A Major rally is called by March 14 forces on Friday to
commemorate the killing. Harb, addressing supporters, said participation in the
rally would reflect our determination on returning to the pre-2005 Era." He was
referring to the withdrawal of Syria's army from Lebanon in April 2005, after a
deployment of 30 years.
The forthcoming general elections, scheduled for June 7, would be "a referendum
on March 14 principles." "If March 14 emerged victorious from the elections, we
would not accept any participation by March 8 in the cabinet," Harb said. "If we
do not win we would not take part in the cabinet. Let March 8 rule," he added.
Harb criticized Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement for "misguiding citizens
and posting fabricated news reports on its site." He also criticized
Communications Minister Gebran Bassil for his role in the "wiretapping scandal."
Beirut, 07 Feb 09, 20:42
Geagea: March 8 Using Threat Logic after Losing Hope of
Winning Elections
Naharnet/Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said Saturday that March 8 Forces
sought "destruction" because they had no chance to win the June 7 parliamentary
elections."Those with no more hope left for winning (the elections) resort to
destruction," he told a visiting delegation from Byblos.
"Five months ago we saw the other party losing hope in winning the upcoming
parliamentary elections. That's why it began using the logic of threat, attack
and misleading facts," he said. "Everything we are witnessing these days does
not bring good news although we always call for positive" steps, Geagea said.
The LF leader also accused Telecommunications Minister Jebran Bassil of
procrastination in providing information to the U.N. commission investigating
ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's assassination. "Officials from the international
investigation commission complained to the government three or four months ago …
about delays in obtaining information," Geagea told his visitors. "It became
clear that what happened is procrastination by the minister of
telecommunications," he said.
Geagea said that if Bassil sees the wiretapping law is not being implemented he
has to inform the interior and defense ministries as well as the presidency and
the prime minister's office. "He does not have the right to obstruct wiretapping
that has been going on since 1994 or since the days wiretapping started," Geagea
said about the telecommunications minister. He questioned the intentions of the
minister, saying: "There is a question mark regarding the behavior of Minister
Bassil who has overstepped his authority." Beirut, 07 Feb 09, 13:13
Karami Criticizes Politicized Clergy, Supports Army
Naharnet/Ex-Premier Omar Karami on Saturday criticized religious authorities
that intervene in politics as well as officials who criticize the military
establishment.
"Religious authorities should not get involved with alleyways of politics ...
any clergyman who becomes a party to politics would be criticized," Karami said.
"Unfortunately they (clergy) want this, so let them be responsible for it," he
added. Karami also said rhetoric "targeting the army command and the army's role
is not in the interest of the nation and does not support stability." "The
military establishment's policy is reasonable and based on national principles,"
he added.
Beirut, 07 Feb 09, 17:16
Western threatens Iran
sanctions, offers talks
Date: February 7th, 2009 Source: Reuters
Western powers said on Saturday Iran risked isolation and more sanctions if it
did not comply with demands to rein in its nuclear programme, but Washington
also reaffirmed its offer for talk with Tehran.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference U.S. vice president, Joe Biden said
the international community had to work together to convince Iran to forgo the
development of nuclear weapons. "We will be willing to talk to Iran, and to
offer a very clear choice: continue down your current course and there will be
pressure and isolation; abandon the illicit nuclear program and your support for
terrorism and there will be meaningful incentives," Biden said.
Biden's comments chimed with remarks by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who
said Berlin hoped for a diplomatic solution to the dispute, but added: "I think
the new U.S. administration will make its approach towards Iran clear to us in
coming months....We are ready to walk this path together. But we are also ready
for tougher sanctions if there is no progress."
French President Sarkozy told the same conference there was no alternative to
tightening sanctions against Iran if it does not meet western demands. He called
on Russia to cooperate with other powers on such a move. "We need the Russians
to help so that sanctions against Iran are effective," Sarkozy said. "We have
only one solution left, reinforce sanctions against Iran and link Russia to this
process...It is up to Russia to decide which face it wants to show. If it wants
peace it should show it. If it wants to be a (global player), it should help us
with Iran," he said.
Arrogance…March 8 fatal
electoral weapon
Date: February 8th, 2009 Source: Future News
Patriarch Sfeir recent declarations have perplexed March 8, that strived to do
its utmost to prohibit Sfeir from “putting his finger on the wound.” Sfeir in
his announcement said “if political weight shifts to the March 8 coalition and
March 14 loses its own weight, this would entail mistakes of a historic
influence on the country’s destiny,” the word which was explained by March 8 to
be electoral analysis lapse, and an interference of the Patriarch into the
elections, while in turn they conspicuously express their exhilaration when
Sfeir’s stance would suit their interests.
No one is more rhetoric than “Change and Reform” member MP Salim Aoun in
conveying and expressing his master’s tension and paranoia, which led to
accusing the Patriarch of his contribution in the current “deteriorated
Christian condition.”
Salim Aoun is fiercely attacking Patriarch Sfeir for his support to the “Central
bloc,” as the new political game invented by the “Aounists” is to exclusively
reserve the Central bloc for those who have brokered an agreement with
Hezbollah.
Bassil “does not understand!”
Meanwhile, the wiretapping issue has remained the most sensitive and hot case on
the political arena, however the grill over the responsible for the
mismanagement of the Telecommunication Ministry was resumed, and was questioned
for deliberately withholding information from the investigation committee, still
the only allegation orbits around duty and “enforcing the law.” Bassil expressed
in an intervention via LBC that he does not understand why this ruthless
campaign launched against him, however is countering it with cold blood and
defiance, he argued “If they had the courage let them admit they refuse to
implement the law.” The most significant yesterday was Bassil declaration when
he said “I do not deny that I used to impose limitations over the information
released, but I was skillfully maneuvering the ministry and I was accurately
enforcing the law.”
On the other hand, Lebanese Forces leader MP Samir Geagea asserted that “top
official in the international investigation committee reported a suspicious
postponement in releasing the information required,” yet Geagea attributed the
procrastination to Telecommunication Minister Gibran Bassil. LF leader brought
about Commander Wissam Eid assassination, the officer who was assigned to follow
up the wiretapping issue lately and was blown up in a massive blast last year;”
Geagea asked “isn’t there a link between Eid’s assassination and Hezbollah MPs’
abrupt proposal, and Bassil delay?”
Despicable media
8 March media outlets are striving in all means available to cover the flaws
within "Aoun confused and tensed allies", especially at this critical period
from the elections under the pretext that the "Future Movement" had previously
requested wiretapping for electoral purposes. However the "Movement" responded
in a civilized manner to the propaganda and to the despicable “cheap pen” by
appealing to the judiciary to investigate the misinformation being raised
"especially that the Future has never resorted to twisted methods or illegal
approaches."
As we were accustomed to the idea that General Aoun is convinced to be “the
national leader” we were also habituated to his “elusive” approach when faced
with “imperative and vital situations” as he is used to resorting to sectarian
rhetorics to escape, proved in the propaganda displayed via FPM media outlets in
the past days about February 5 2006 occurrences in Ashrafieh. However, this time
the Christian community has responded through Geagea, who in turn expressed his
“disgust against the immorality and decadence that engulfed the country” while
alas “we could achieve our objectives in an ethical just approach away from
dishonesty and from distorting the facts.”
Nonetheless, provided that "Thank you Syria and Iran gang” do not consider May 7
events a tremendous threat to the civil peace, and an attempt to prove a
specific political presence through the force of arms, you must perceive the
statement of the "Loyalty to the Resistance" member MP Hussein Hajj Hassan
delivered in a ceremony on the anniversary of Iran Islamic Revolution in which
he said "if the elections were deemed important to some parties, the homeland
subsistence and co-existence are more important than them and their political
presence, and above all more important than ours too."
February 14…freedom day
Six days separate us from the fourth anniversary of the martyrdom of former
Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, however February 14 is a significant date to all
the Lebanese "those who recognize the deep meaning of the loss caused by the
President martyr’s assassination and its impact on the national arena," as
confirmed by head of the future Movement MP Saad Hariri.
MP Boutros Harb urged his supporters "to participate massively in the
commemoration held on February 14 as to emphasize on the symbolism of solidarity
of the anniversary, and to score a definite rejection to the return of the
Syrian hegemony era," Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra also called LF partisans
and devotees to register a massive turnout on February 14 under the Lebanese
flag alike March 14 2005.
MP Misbah el-Ahdab pledged in his stance yesterday that "Tripoli is maintaining
its support to Hariri’s policies and wouldn’t withdraw."
He also rejected the uncontrollable "chaos" regarding the illegal arms, and
stressed that "the citizen must be protected by the Lebanese state only, not by
the resistance’ weapons."
Jumblatt stances’ repercussions
Democratic Gathering MP Walid Jumblatt had decided to suspend the participation
of his delegate Sharif Fayyad in the Committee arising from the dialogue, and
which focused on reviewing the defense strategy drafts, as reported by Al-Nahar.
Democratic Gathering sources clarified to the newspaper that the position taken
is in response to "the army command and the Defense Minister Elias Murr, who has
sharply criticized the role of the officer assigned by the Army Command to the
Ministry of Telecommunications- Colonel Daniel Fares- during the meeting held in
the Serail last Monday on the wiretapping issue, then later Murr endeavored to
defend Fares.
Beware of the Future
Date: February 8th, 2009 Source: Future News
The Lebanese are very well aware of the explosions and assassinations and
sedition the Syrian regime has perpetrated in order to discourage them and push
them away from the political slogans they raised on March 14th 2005. The
dictator of Damascus did not leave any opportunity to intimidate us starting
with the assassination attempt of MP Marwan Hamadeh till the assassination of
Captain Samer Hanna.
The only goal this dictator has set for himself and his regime is to return to
Lebanon and practice his humiliation and tutelage over the Lebanese, whereby
decisions were taken on their behalf by the Syrian intelligence officers who
they decided as well the country’s economical, social and political path.
This is Assad’s continuing battle even if it is taking different shapes, and the
Lebanese cannot retrieve while we are few days away from the start of the
International tribunal. We should think a little about the meaning of the
wiretapping issue and preventing the security services from getting hold of
vital information related to security incidents that could have blown up the
civil peace in the country.
What the Syrian regime is looking for is a revenge for his troops humiliating
withdrawal from Lebanon on 26th April 2005. This regime will never forgive the
Lebanese shouting happily for its withdrawal, not their pride for the victories
they achieved against him and the Israeli enemy, particularly that the Assads
(father and son) have never succeeded in their conflict with the Hebrew state,
and could not regain one meter of their occupied territories since over 4
decades now.
If this crazy authoritarian regime and its tools win their battle in Lebanon
that would mean:
• Dropping the International Tribunal and the truth about the assassinations.
• Installing a class of politicians that do not care about the Lebanese concerns
and has no other job but to receive its orders from the Syrian intelligence.
• Adopting electoral laws that disfigure the real popular representations and
forge the real history of the country, its builders and defenders.
• Transforming Lebanon into a missile launch pad to attract the negotiations
offers with the Jewish state.
• Announcing the death of resolution 1701 and exposing Lebanon to the Israeli
aggression and the south into a battle ground as happened in 1993, 1996 and
2006. Let us remember the martyrs that were slain during those years and the
cost of destruction the Lebanon endured.
• Intimidating whoever dares opposing the tutelage regime such as President
Martyr Rafic Hariri suffered and the efforts to fail all his work for Lebanon
from Paris I to Paris II and the arrests of his supporters for fake accusations,
while known militiamen are freely circulating all over the country.
• Looting the country and its enterprises and imposing extort money on every
vehicle passing by the Syrian intelligence barricades.
If the Lebanese would not defend their freedom, sovereignty and dignity on
February 14th, beware of the future.
Report: Cairo seeks 3-phase deal
Diplomats say proposal to stabilize post-war Gaza calls for up to 18-month truce
between Israel and Hamas, prisoner exchange, initial opening of at least two of
enclave's border crossings
Roee Nahmias and Reuters Published: 02.08.09, 07:08 / Israel News
An Egyptian proposal to stabilize post-war Gaza calls for an extended truce
between Israel and Hamas, a prisoner exchange and the initial opening of at
least two of the enclave's border crossings, diplomats said.
Ahead of an Israeli election on Tuesday, negotiations in Cairo have grown
increasingly intense and complex. Western diplomats briefed on the talks said it
was unclear whether all of the details could be worked out.
Another Mediator?
Report: Turkey holding talks on Shalit / Ali Waked and agencies
CNN-Turk reports delegation in Damascus meeting with Hamas leaders over release
of captive soldier
Under the proposal, Israel would halt attacks in the Gaza Strip and Hamas would
stop cross-border rocket fire for up to 18 months. That would take the place of
a shaky January 18 truce that ended Israel's 22-day offensive in which more than
1,300 Palestinians were killed. Fourteen Israelis have died since December 27,
when the fighting broke out.
In the second phase of the proposal, Israel would agree to swap Palestinian
prisoners in its custody for Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier captured by Gaza
militants in 2006. Palestinian officials have reported progress in those talks.
A deal to free Shalit could boost Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's centrist Kadima
party and Defense Minister Ehud Barak's left-wing Labor in a national election
on Tuesday that rightist Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu is now favored to win.
But the release of Hamas militants involved in attacks against Israelis could
prove politically risky. Hamas has demanded 1,400 prisoners in exchange for
Shalit, though diplomats said the final number may be closer to 1,000.
The London-based Arabic-language al-Hayat newspaper also reported that Israel
has agreed to release some 1,000 prisoners, including Hamas ministers and
parliament members. Palestinian sources in Gaza told the paper Israel would
probably agree to free some 25 prisoners with blood on their hands.
'Israel refuses to release Saadat'
Hamas insists that the list would include eight senior prisoners, including
Ahmed Saadat, the secretary-general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of
Palestine, and former Fatah Secretary-General in the West Bank Marwan Barghouti.
According to one of the sources, "The ruling coalition in Israel, and especially
Kadima and Labor, is working to advance the deal by Tuesday in order to improve
their situation in the elections at the Likud's expense."
As a deal on the prisoners is implemented, Israel would expand the amount of
goods entering the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing. It now
regularly handles over 100 trucks a day but that number could grow to 250 or
more, diplomats said.
A major sticking point in the talks has been Israel's insistence that certain
materials be barred from entry because they could be used to make rockets,
fortifications and explosives. These include certain types of steel piping and
chemicals used in agriculture, Israeli defense officials said.
Hamas members say they have demanded more details about what would be excluded
from entering the impoverished enclave, which will require massive amounts of
steel, cement and other commercial goods to rebuild after the war.
The Rafah border crossings between Gaza and Egypt would also reopen, with the
presence of international monitors and border guards who would report to
Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Hamas' rival.
The Islamist group, which beat Abbas' secular Fatah faction in a 2006 election
and seized control of the Gaza Strip 18 months later, has been vague about the
extent to which it would be willing to cede control of the Gaza side of the
crossing to Abbas' security forces.
Diplomats said Rafah could also be opened to some commercial goods, though the
terminal is not currently suited to handling large numbers of trucks.
In the third stage of the Egyptian proposal, Abbas' Fatah faction, which runs
the larger West Bank, and Hamas would agree to try to negotiate a unity
government of technocrats that would be in place until an election can be held.
Diplomats said they were skeptical an agreement could be reached between the
rivals.
Israel currently allows some 200 truckloads of goods into the Gaza Strip each
day, far short of the 500 that the European Union says are needed.
The private sector Palestine Trade Center estimates that Gaza's border crossings
could handle more than 1,600 truckloads daily, but only if Israel fully reopens
Karni, Gaza's largest passage for commercial goods.
Israeli defense officials said Karni will not function normally until Hamas
agrees to fully cede control there, either to Abbas' forces or foreigners. That
could hinge on reconciliation talks, diplomats said.
Netanyahu: We are rooted in Golan
Opposition chairman attends tree planting ceremony in northern Israel, promises
Likud-led government will never divide Jerusalem, cede Golan Heights
Hagai Einav Published: 02.08.09, 13:02 / Israel News
With just two days left until the general elections, Likud Chairman Benjamin
Netanyahu toured the Golan Heights on Sunday along with Likud members Yossi
Peled, former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Yaalon, former Minister Benny Begin and
Knesset Member Effie Eitam.
The five attended a Tu B'Shvat (Jewish Arbor Day) tree planting ceremony in the
Aniam artists' village, and Netanyahu used the occasion to promise the
attendants that "Jerusalem will not be divided. Gamla shall never fall again."
Numbers
Likud, Kadima in head-to-head race / Ynet
Last poll held before voting day gives Likud 25 mandates, Kadima 23. Numbers
predict 19 seats for Yisrael Beiteinu, 16 for Labor, 10 for Shas
Should Kadima win the elections, he said, "we will not stay on the Golan
Heights, we'll just keep ceding (land). You strike peace with the strong, not
with the weak. Israel with the Golan is a strong nation, not one that gives away
its assets."
Netanyahu refused to address the negotiations to retrieve kidnapped IDF soldier
Gilad Shalit: "I've refrained from addressing the subject throughout the
campaign and I will not address it now. This is not the time to do so."
The Likud chairman's son, Avner, also took part in the tour and helped his
father plant a eucalyptus tree.
"Years from now, my son will bring his children here and tell them how his
father planted this tree, that is so rooted in the ground, just like we are
rooted in the Golan," said Netanyahu.
MK Eitam reiterated the sentiment, saying that "our roots will grow deeper here
for years to come."
Benny Begin spoke of his father, former Prime Minister Menachem Begin: "When we
struck peace with Egypt, Menachem Begin taught us that if you must cede land for
peace you do it, but only under certain conditions.
"He was the one that made sure to pass a law cementing Israel's sovereignty in
the Golan Heights, out of strategic foresight, and there is a wide public
consensus on this issue. The man made very courageous decisions."
Biden: U.S. will to talk to Iran, will act if
necessary
By News Agencies
07/02/2009
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday said that the U.S. is willing to talk
with Iran, but will act to isolate and pressure Tehran if Iran continues its
current course and does not abandon its nuclear ambitions and support for
terrorism.
In a sweeping speech to international leaders and security experts at the Munich
Security Conference, Biden said the "U.S. will strive to act preventively to
avoid having to choose between the risks of war and the dangers of inaction."
However, the American vice president held out the option that the United States
could take pre-emptive action against Iran if necessary to stop crisis before
they start.
"We are willing to talk to Iran, and to offer a very clear choice: continue down
your current course and there will be pressure and isolation; abandon your
illicit nuclear program and support for terrorism and there will be meaningful
incentives," he said.
"I come to Europe on behalf of a new administration determined to set a new tone
in Washington, and in America's relations around the world," Biden outlined the
changes in the U.S.'s foreign policy.
"We will engage. We will listen. We will consult. America needs the world, just
as I believe the world needs America."
Delivering the Obama administration's first major foreign policy speech, Biden
effectively repudiated former President George W. Bush's "with us or against us"
foreign policy. Biden's speech also tried to turn the page on the 2003 U.S.-led
invasion of Iraq and Bush's skepticism over climate change that alienated many
Europeans.
But, Biden made clear the United States was still prepared to use military force
to protect its national security.
"There is no conflict between our security and our ideals. They are mutually
reinforcing. The force of arms won our independence, and throughout our history,
the force of arms has protected our freedom. That will not change," he said.
While promising that Washington would consult and listen more to its allies, he
said it would also ask for more from them, for example by taking in inmates from
the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo, Cuba, which President Barack Obama has
said will be closed within a year.
"America will do more, but America will ask for more from our partners," he
said. "The threats we face have no respect for borders. No single country, no
matter how powerful, can best meet them alone."
Biden went on to say that the United States would work to achieve a two-state
solution for Israel and the Palestinians.
"It is past time for a secure and just two-state solution. We will work to
achieve it, and to defeat the extremists who would perpetuate the conflict," he
told the conference.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel preceded Biden at the Munich conference podium,
saying that Germany is hoping for a diplomatic solution to the conflict over
Iran's nuclear program, but is ready for tougher sanctions if no progress is
made.
"We want a diplomatic solution," Merkel said, referring to U.S. President Barack
Obama's offer to hold talks with Tehran on the nuclear issue.
"I think the new U.S. administration will make its approach toward Iran clear to
us in coming months. We are ready to walk this path together. But we are also
ready for tougher sanctions if there is no progress," Merkel said.
International efforts to bring Iran into line with United Nations rules on
nuclear non-proliferation are a "litmus test" for the global community, she
said.
"It is a must to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons," she said, alluding
to international concerns that Tehran's civilian program could be used to
develop such arms. The Islamic Republic asserts its intentions are purely
peaceful.
And while she called on the European Union, of which Germany is the biggest
member, to play a more active role in the global debate on nuclear and
conventional disarmament, she stressed that the new U.S. administration would be
key to any deal.
A new peace paradigm
By Yehezkel Dror / Haaretz
February 7/09
One of the most egregious errors during Operation Cast Lead was the failure to
embed the military operation into a political framework that would advance
peace, which requires reducing the capacities of groups like Hamas. This mistake
is typical of narrow respectives, rather than a comprehensive and long-term
grand strategic outlook.
If the Israeli government had such an outlook, it would have recognized the need
for a new diplomatic paradigm while strengthening deterrence and inflicting
disproportional punishment for harming Israel. A peace process of "more of the
same" is rather hopeless in the long term. Massive intervention is needed to
alter historic and dangerous processes, not piecemeal efforts. The circumstances
demand a new Israeli peace plan leaning on the Arab peace initiative.
The regional dynamics and global geostrategic transformations make adhering to
the principle of "managing the conflict" increasingly dangerous for Israel. The
proliferation of weapons of mass killing and the increasing number of fanatic
actors, as well as the fear of instability in moderate Arab states, make for a
slippery slope. Added to this is Barack Obama's expected policy, which requires
fresh diplomatic initiatives from Israel.
Peace plans in the past have suffered from tunnel vision. Even if an agreement
is reached with the Palestinians, it will be unstable and endanger Jordan and,
eventually, Israel. An agreement with Syria without its disengagement from Iran
will not guarantee quiet in the north. And the belief in "economic peace"
combined with continued Israeli domination over the territories cannot prevent a
deterioration.
Israel doesn't have too many cards to play. It would be a mistake to hand them
over for peace agreements with the Palestinians and Syria, along with the vague
promises of normalization in the Arab peace initiative. Only a comprehensive
Middle Eastern agreement that stabilizes the moderate Arab states, confronts
Iran and fanatic groups, and includes credible security arrangements is worth a
withdrawal from the territories and painful concessions on Jerusalem. And only
such an agreement, with the backing of most Muslim countries and the global
powers, has a chance to win the support of most of the Israeli public.
So Israel must initiate a paradigm jump. Instead of the Annapolis agreement and
the road map, which focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there should be
a Washington agreement, which would present a final picture of the entire
Israeli-Arab-Muslim conflict. There would also be a "road atlas" for a regional
agreement, in which every Israeli concession would be met with one by the
Palestinians, Syria, and most Arab and Muslim states, all adding up to full,
peaceful relations and credible security arrangements. The refugee problem would
be solved by agreeing on a formula for compensating and absorbing them into all
Middle East countries that agree to take them in, in accordance with their
capacity.
The new paradigm needs to include steps to stabilize the moderate Arab regimes
to gain time for economic development and modernization, without which any
"democratization" is a prescription for fanaticism. Security arrangements and
demilitarization, all under watchful supervision, will help contain Iran,
neutralize organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, and prevent a Palestinian
state from becoming a factor that endangers Israel, Jordan and the Middle East.
In this context, it does not make too much of a difference who wins the upcoming
elections. All candidates for becoming prime minister understand the
diplomatic-security realities, never mind their declarations. Given the variety
in beliefs and assessments, the new prime minister will need radical diplomatic
creativity and a long-term vision for the region. He will have to create a new
diplomatic-security paradigm to extricate Israel from its catch-22.
**The writer is professor emeritus of political science at the Hebrew
University.
Terrorism between Yemen and
Iran
07/02/2009
By Tariq Alhomayed
Asharq Al- Awsat,
With the issuance of a list of 85 most wanted on charges of affiliation to Al
Qaeda and planning to carry out acts of aggression against Saudi Arabia and
Jordan by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, an interesting observation has emerged
which is that the most prominent geographical regions that those on the list are
located in are Yemen and Iran.
Approximately 41 percent of those included on the list and who were recently
under surveillance were either on Iranian soil or located in the
Iranian-Afghan-Pakistani triangle. It is strange that the new members of Al
Qaeda have only begun entering Iranian territory in the last 5 months, and did
not do so following the events of September 11th 2001, or after the fall of
Saddam Hussein's regime.
When we say that this is strange it is because the flight of Al Qaeda members to
Yemen is understandable due to the presence of regions in Yemen that are outside
of governmental control. Al Qaeda is able to use these desert and mountainous
regions as training camps, not to mention the tribal dimensions [of the
country]. This is why we have seen the Yemeni President touring the country in
order to meet different tribes and emphasize the dangers of Al Qaeda's [presence
in Yemen], and the necessity of combating it.
What is disconcerting is one enemy embracing another, especially since the
enmity that exists between Al Qaeda and Iran is sectarian. Al Qaeda's hostility
towards Iran has often been shown in its literature, and Iran has continually
used the name of Al Qaeda, both internally and externally, to insult Saudi
Arabia, and combat Sunni ideology in the Arab and Islamic world, and indeed even
in the West.
And so the reason for surprise is that Iran, as a centralized country whose
control and influence extends over its entire territory, and who is also
currently at the height of its information-gathering ability, cannot have failed
to notice Al Qaeda's presence!
This issue makes it important to find out what happened and is happening to Al
Qaeda in Iraq, for the terrorist organization could not have achieved all it did
in Iraq without the support of a specific sate. The same goes for [Al Qaeda in]
Lebanon, especially with regards to the events of Nahr al-Bared.
This issue also makes it important to pay attention to another alliance that can
be clearly seen in our region between Iran and a large trend within the Muslim
Brotherhood, this is why we must earnestly study the ideology of Al Qaeda and
its true religious roots in order to uncover the dimensions of this problem.
What must be said at this juncture, and especially to the Saudis, is that the
pursuit of those on the most wanted list must not blind Saudi Arabia to the
importance of paying [close] attention to those that incited them, and exploit
every regional crisis, even Palestine, in order to instigate these youths.
The age of some of those included on the list of most wanted is shocking,
especially when it becomes clear that some of them were just children when the
events of 9/11 took place.
We all are conscious and aware of the great effort that was undertaken in Saudi
Arabia to combat such deviant ideology. However the problem is that this
ideological battle is not fought fiercely [enough], and just as fire is born
from the smallest of sparks, terrorism comes to pass from the smallest of
lapses. Therefore certain behavior and views must be isolated and condemned by
the state.
Terrorism in its essence is not so much a religious undertaking as it is a
violation of the authority of the state
Defending Terror
07/02/2009
By Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed
Asharq Al- Awsat,
Seven years ago, many writers and journalists in our region defended and
condoned the destructive attacks launched by Al-Qaeda, and in the process
considered any criticism of the terrorist network to be in support of US foreign
policy, without distinguishing between rational defense and political
exploitation. These writers were unaware of the fact that the Al-Qaeda
organization was a greater threat to them then to any foreign entity. Shortly
afterwards, the Jihadist group showed its true colors in Riyadh, Dammam, Mecca,
Medina, Sana'a and Amman.
History repeated itself in wake of the US invasion of Iraq, when our writers
confused the rejection of occupation- a logical and justified political stance-
with the praising of suicide attacks. They celebrated these attacks, describing
them as acts of martyrdom. As a result, thousands of Saudis and other Arabs took
up arms and traveled to As-Samawah, Al-Anbar and Baghdad. However, many of them
on their way there fell into the hands of hostile Arab intelligence units, who
ended up using them to serve their own interests.
Again, the same confusion took place during Israel's war against Hezbollah, and
more recently, in its offensive against Hamas. Mosques, newspaper columns and
discussion forums, all mobilized in an effort to Sharpen and revive the Islamic
Jihad spirit, in what could be described as a recurring mix-up between the
natural rejection of the Israeli onslaught and the involvement in a political
camp run by Iran, which uses the Palestinian and Arab Cause to achieve its
goals.
These goals have nothing to do with confronting Israel at all. They rather
target countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan amongst others. Iran
employs media propaganda to counter Israel and to spread the call for Jihad.
Yet, deep down, it aims to destabilize the existing political reality in the
Arab countries it targets.
This week, a new list of wanted terrorists was released by Saudi authorities
with names and photos attached of young Gullible Saudi men who have moved to
Al-Qaeda's new haven, the mountains of Yemen to pursue Jihad, while some
traveled to Pakistan and others recruited and transferred to Iran, the driving
force behind the mounting chaos in the region. Those new runaways and terrorists
are, in fact, victims of the calls for Jihad under the cloak of facing Israel.
The lie of liberating Jerusalem through Riyadh and Cairo.
Sadly, these intellectuals were confused by the situation, unable to
differentiate between rejecting Israeli aggression and supporting groups loyal
to Iran who operates a political and media operation with a clear agenda.
There is a world of difference between liberating Palestine and destroying it;
between establishing a Palestine state and dividing it. Moreover, there is an
unmistakable difference between backing the resistance and dividing it into
organizations and governments.
What Iran did in collaboration with Israel is what has led us to the disgraceful
situation we see today. A situation defended by journalists and media officials
who can't distinguish between supporting the aggrieved and supporting the
Iranian plot.
We don't need additional proof, because we have been witness to a number of
repeated situations over a span of eight years and the destructive consequences
is know to all. We saw how calls for defending Al-Qaeda have led to the
strengthening the network through funds, arms and men power. And after its
defeat in Iraq the same mistake was made leading to the region's security forces
to be an alert after realizing that Iraq was a training ground for Arab youth
who are then shipped back to their countries to carry out operations there.
Which leads us to today, where we see a new list of young men involved in
terrorist activities, as the complete their training in the mountains of Yemen,
Pakistan and Iran. All those were lured by fanatical calls for jihad in
Palestine and Lebanon. There is a saying that goes: "The road to heaven is paved
with good intentions."