EU-DIGEST

Sandra Samuel and Moshe Holtzberg escape from Chabad House in Mumbai

An EU-Digest editorial on the dramatic events at the Rohr Chabad House in Mumbai

Sandra Samuel and Moshe Holtzberg - The Mumbai Miracle: God lives in all

Last Thursday, as the world watched the horrors unfolding in Mumbai, many of us saw Moshe Holzberg being carried out of the Rohr Chabad House by Sandra Samuel (44), an Indian nanny who had worked at the Jewish community center for years. She had found Moshe crying beside his parents’ bodies, drenched in blood. The parents, his mother Rivkah Holtzberg, 28, was an Israeli citizen, while his father, Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg, 29, had dual American and Israeli citizenship. They had come to Mumbai in August 2003 to operate a home for the Jewish community, where travelers could get a kosher meal, attend Shabbat services, and relax in a library filled with a variety of works, including many books even some by Woody Allen and manuscripts on Jewish philosophy.

Last week their lives on earth abruptly ended, when they were executed in their home by a highly trained, tightly knit, and well-financed, ruthless group of Islamic militants.

When the attack on the Rorh Chabad House began last Wednesday, Sandra Samuel heard explosions and gunshots on an upper floor of the center and locked herself and fellow employee Zaki Hussein in a downstairs utility room. Late Thursday morning, she heard Moshe screaming, ran upstairs, eluded roaming gunmen, even stared some of them down, and found the child beside the bodies of his parents, carried him downstairs, and brought Moshe to safety. Mr. Hussein helped Ms. Samuel conceal Moshe, as the three escaped from Rorh Chabad House.

Sandra Samuel now continues to help care for Moshe Holtzberg in Israel. Her emigration from India was expedited when the Israeli government declared her one of the “Righteous Among the Nations” and issued her an immigration permit. Recipients of this honor, awarded by a special commission headed by a Supreme Court Justice in Israel, include Oskar and Emilie Schindler, Raoul Wallenberg, and Corrie ten Boom. People and groups that receive this title, have risked their lives to save others, many during the Holocaust. Sandra Samuel is the first citizen of India to receive this honor.

As dramatic as this report may sound, it underscores the fact that God does not belong to any religion, but that he lives in all of us. Moshe Holtzberg and Sandra Samuel are a living proof of that, and as difficult as this is to say, also in those militants, who decided not to kill Moshe, after they killed his parents.

Labels: God, India, Israel, Moshe Holtzberg, Mumbai, Religion, Sandra Samuel, Terrorism

For the complete report from the guardian.co.uk click on this link

Legal fight to overturn Israel's Gaza media ban - by Roy Greenslade

Rory McCarthy wrote last week about Israel's ban on journalists entering the Gaza Strip. He reported that international media companies had sent a letter of protest to Israel's prime minister. Two days ago the Foreign Press Association (FPA) took the matter a step further by appealing to Israel's supreme court to overturn the government's ban. The court petition, which names Gaza's military commander, the defense minister and the interior minister, claims the ban constitutes "a grave and mortal blow against freedom of the press and other basic rights and gives the unpleasant feeling that the state of Israel has something to hide." The Tel Aviv-based FPA represents foreign correspondents working in Israel and the Palestinian territories, and has about 460 members from 32 countries, representing print, TV and radio. "We believe the Israeli government has an obligation to keep the Gaza border open to international journalists," says Steven Gutkin, the FPA's chairman and Jerusalem bureau chief of Associated Press. "The foreign media serve as the world's window into Gaza and it's essential that we be allowed in." Israel's defence ministry says foreign journalists will not be allowed in until Gaza militants stop shooting. But a ministry spokesman, Shlomo Dror, suggested Israel was not happy with press coverage from Gaza. "Where Gaza is concerned, our image will always be bad," he said. "When journalists go in it works against us, and when they don't go in it works against us."

Note EU-Digest: Journalists can be wrong sometimes, but they can not be wrong all the time.

Labels: Freedom of the Press, Gaza, Israel, Palestine

For the complete report from the Press TV click on this link

'Israel war on Iran on the radar'

A senior European Union diplomat says the perfect time for Israel to strike Iranian nuclear installations 'is between now and January 20'. "A possible Israeli strike against Iran is not completely off the radar," Turkish paper Hurriyet quoted the diplomat as saying. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Friday that Tel Aviv is 'convinced that Iran continues to try to build a nuclear weapon'.Israel, meanwhile, argues that the use of military force is a legitimate option in halting Iran's nuclear progress. "Israelis would consider a move such as this before Bush and Cheney leave," said the EU diplomat, adding that once Obama takes office, Israel's chances of striking Iran would be off the agenda.

Note EU-Digest: One can only pray and hope this dangerous plan does not materialize. Unfortunately it has a far better chance to succeed than the possibility of Obama breaking loose from the Jewish lobby's terror and giving Israel and the Palestinians an ultimatum: "No more financial aid or political support until Israel dismantles all its settlements and roadblocks, and withdraws to the agreed-upon borders, and you the Palestinians no more support until rocket attacks on Israel cease."

Labels: Barack Obama, EU, Iran, Israel, War

For the complete report from the Global Research click on this link

IAEA 'puts Israeli nukes on agenda'

The UN nuclear watchdog has unanimously agreed to put the issue of Israel's nuclear capabilities on the agenda of its annual meeting. After requests by the Non-Aligned Movement and the Arab League, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) agreed to put the issue of Israel's nuclear capabilities on the agenda of the 52nd annual meeting of the UN body.

The move was initially met with protests by the US and Canada but the two countries had to back down from their position after they realized that other member states of the IAEA meeting's presidential board would not support their stance, an informed source told Fars News Agency on Monday. Israel is believed to possess the only nuclear arsenal of the Middle East but it has so far refused to allow IAEA inspectors to visit its nuclear sites.

Labels: IAEA, Iran, Israel, Middle East, Nuclear weapons

For the complete report from Bloomberg.com click on this link

Sarkozy Says Iran May Provoke Israeli Attack, Causing Disaster - by Francois de Beaupuy

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Iran's nuclear program may provoke an attack by Israel, urging the Islamic republic to accept international inspections. ``Iran is taking a major risk in continuing its process of obtaining nuclear weapons, which we are certain is happening,'' Sarkozy said today in Damascus, Syria. ``One day, whatever the Israeli government is, we can imagine ourselves one morning with an Israel that would have attacked. That would be a disaster.''

Labels: EU, Iran, Israel, Sarkozy

For the complete report from the The Media Line click on this link

Georgian Minister: Israel Sold Us Out - by Yaniv Berman

Israel's Foreign Ministry recently issued a recommendation to freeze the sale of Israeli security equipment to Georgia, fearing complications with Russia. Israeli officials believe Russia may interpret the sale of Israeli weapons to Georgia as a move that jeopardizes Russia's security. "Weapons deals in the Caucasus can reflect on weapons deals in the Middle East," Dr. Avinoam Idan, an expert on the Caucasus and Central Asia at the Haifa University told The Media Line.

According to Idan, Israel found itself with a difficult dilemma following the eruption of violence in Southern Ossetia. Russia plays a significant role in security issues in the Middle East, which have a direct effect on Israel. Among them is Russia's supply of weapons to Syria and Iran.

"Since 2000 Israel has supplied about $200-million worth of equipment, especially drones. A few former army officers were also training the Georgian army. The French and American involvement was considerably bigger," added Brudny. According to Brudny, Israel’s final decision regarding the supply of weapons to Georgia would depend on the United States. "If the American administration encourages Israel to sell weapons to Georgia, Israel cannot say no. The kinds of weapons Israel sells to Georgia have American components in them, so I suspect the Bush administration definitely wanted Israel to supply weapons to Georgia," Brudny said.

Labels: Georgia, Israel, Russia, US, Weapons Industry

For the complete report from the NYTimes.com click on this link

Israel - Buildup to the Next War - by Noah Feldman

The prospect of an Israeli attack on Iran before the next president’s inauguration in January is not just the stuff of airport thrillers. Much of the Israeli military establishment and Israeli public currently believes that a nuclear Iran is an existential threat. This gives Israel a motive for action much stronger than that of the U.S., for whom an Iranian bomb would primarily be a blow to our interests in the gulf region. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert or whoever emerges as his successor in September might well be prepared to take risks that would not be worth it for the United States, especially given the vulnerability of our troops in Iraq.

Any Iranian movement against U.S. assets would give President Bush just about the only domestically viable political excuse for bombing Iran that is possible to imagine. Because that would put Iran at war with the United States, not just Israel, Iran might choose to hold back. That likelihood, coupled with President Bush’s visceral support for Israel, might be enough reason for the administration to tolerate an Israeli attack that did not too directly implicate the United States. Given the uncertainty surrounding a potential Obama administration, this autumn may be Israel’s last and best chance to go after Iran’s nuclear capability.In the brave new world of our immersion in Iraq, we have increasingly found ourselves waking up with strange bedfellows. Strangest of these, of course, is Iran itself, with whom we have been quietly consulting over Iraq’s affairs because neither country wants an all-out civil war in that country.

Labels: Iran, Israel, US

For the complete report from Mehrnews.com click on this link

Lebanese FM says U.S. must rein in Israel nuclear arsenal

Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Fawzi Salloukh has called on the United States as the main backer of the Zionist regime to take action against Tel Aviv for stockpiling nuclear weapons. “Israel is full of nuclear warheads and the United States and international organizations have the duty to respond to this issue,” Salloukh told the Mehr News Agency on the sidelines of the 15th meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement foreign ministers last Wednesday.

Labels: Israel, Nuclear capability, US

For the complete report from Press TV click on this link

'Iran to be equipped with Russian S-300 by 09'

Iran will receive the advanced Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missile defense system by year-end, senior Israeli military officials say. An Israeli military official claimed the missile batteries would arrive in early September, as Iran's contract with Moscow asserts that the S-300s to be delivered by the end of 2008, Reuters reported. The S-300 is the most sophisticated version of the anti-aircraft system which is capable of tracking 100 targets at once and firing on planes 120 km away.

Iran has cited diplomacy as the only means acceptable in clarifying the nature of its nuclear activities but has warned that it would target Israel and 32 US bases in the region should the country come under attack.

Labels: Iran, Israel, US

For the complete report from the Times Online click on this link

Iran and Israel build up their bluffing game - by Gerard Baker

There has been a certain choreographed quality to events in the skies over the eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf in the last month. This week Iran fired a volley of medium-range missiles into the skies over the Gulf, demonstrating its capacity to hit targets in Israel. A month ago, Israeli warplanes carried out large and fearsome warplane exercises over the Mediterranean that looked like a practice run for a bombing raid on Iranian nuclear facilities. But appearances can be deceptive. In Iran's case at least part of the deception has already been exposed - to mildly comical effect. It turns out that the picture of the launch of four Iranian missiles that appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world yesterday was itself a fake.

The simple reality is that, for all its sabre-rattling, Israel cannot carry out an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities on its own. An Israeli strike would require the active co-operation of the US. Israeli F15 and F16 warplanes would not only have to fly and be refuelled in Iraqi airspace - controlled by the Americans - but the whole operation would require logistical support from US bases on the ground in Iraq. Support helicopters would need to be based in Iraq and rescue teams needed to evacuate any downed Israeli pilots would have to operate inside Iraq. In short this would be in effect a joint US-Israeli mission. The catch is that Washington has no intention of joining in any attack any time soon.

Labels: Iran, Israel, US. Middle East

Forf the complete report from the Arab News click on this link

Hezbollah’s Spy Plane Leaves Israeli Air Force Red-Faced

Hezbollah announced on Sunday it had sent a drone over “northern Palestine” (Israel) in retaliation for repeated violations of Lebanese airspace by Israel, deemed “Zionist attacks on Lebanese sovereignty”. Hezbollah also warned that it could carry out more such flights. After several hours of complete silence from the Israeli military about the incident, the army finally confirmed the overflight of its territory. “This morning, an Iranian UAV (unmanned air vehicle) operated by the Hezbollah terror organization infiltrated into Israel over the western Galilee,” a military spokesman said. The Israeli army said the spy plane, launched from southern Lebanon, flew along Israel’s Mediterranean coast as far as the resort of Nahariyah before returning north to Lebanon. Hezbollah said the flight lasted 20 minutes, a claim corroborated by the UN peacekeeping force in the region, UNIFIL.

“We must know immediately how it’s possible for such a rudimentary device to pass through the Israeli army’s heavy air defenses, in which billions have been invested,” said opposition Labour MP Eitan Cabel.

Labels: Hezbollah, Israel, Spy plane

Europe and Israel: Strengthening the Partnership

"Europe and Israel: Strengthening the Partnership
by Nile Gardiner, Ph.D.
WebMemo #1984

The views I express in this testimony are my own, and should not be construed as representing any official position of The Heritage Foundation.

It is fitting that today's hearing is taking place just weeks after Israel celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding. This tiny nation of just 7 million has fought seven wars in its brief history and survived in the face of insurmountable odds, international hostility, and massive intimidation, a tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the willingness of Israelis to fight to defend their freedom. Few countries in modern times could claim the title 'warrior nation.' The United States and Great Britain definitely can, and Israel certainly qualifies for this distinction too."

Labels: EU, Israel

For the complete report from the guardian.co.uk including a video on the tests click on this linkIranian missile tests prompt US warning - Angela Balakrishnan

The US has warned Iran to stop missile testing if it wants to gain the trust of the world, after "war games" in the Gulf today that Iranian officials said were a response to US and Israeli threats. Iran demonstrated its military force when it test-fired nine long and medium range missiles in the strategic Strait of Hormouz, through which 40% of the world's oil passes.Television reports said the missiles fired included a new version of the Shahab-3 missile, which officials have said has a range of 1,250 miles and is equipped with a conventional warhead weighing a tonne. Such a missile could reach Israel, Turkey, Afghanistan or Pakistan. Israel's military has also flexed its muscles in recent months as tensions with Iran have risen, sending warplanes over the eastern Mediterranean in June. US officials described that incident as a possible rehearsal for a strike on Iran's nuclear program, which the west fears is aimed at producing atomic weapons. Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev today said Israel "does not desire hostility and conflict with Iran". "But it is clear that the Iranian nuclear program and the Iranian ballistic missile programme is a matter of grave concern," he said.

Note EU-Digest: these tests by Iran are mainly in reaction to the provocative Israeli warplane exercise around and over the Mediterranean. Military experts agree that if Israel audacity to attack Iran the defeat they suffered in Lebanon will be nothing in comparison to the damage that Iran would do to Israel, not only with their rockets, but also with their"proxy" militia surrounding Israel.

Labels: Iran, Israel, Oil, US

Labels: EU, France, Israel, Sarkozy

Labels: Iran, Israel

For the complete report from Reuters click on this link

EU not ready for major upgrade with Israel

The European Union is unlikely to agree to any wide-ranging upgrade of relations with Israel at a meeting with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on Monday, EU diplomats said on Wednesday. The Jewish state had sought a joint declaration at the Luxembourg talks on boosting ties and giving Israel, which prides itself on its high-tech economy, greater access to EU markets, agencies and spending programs.However, an EU diplomat said: "That is not going to happen. One reason is that there wasn't much appetite at this point among member states, given the uncertainty of the situation on the ground in Israel and its immediate neighbourhood.

Labels: EU, Israel

For the complete report on the debate with Dr. Mahmoud Al Zahar from the EU-Digest special reports click on this link

"Dialog is mightier than the sword" - Hamas leader Dr. Mahmoud Al Zahar at BBC Doha Debates News Show - by Rick Morren

This Sunday morning, while flipping around channels on my TV looking for a news channel, I ran into the Doha Debates, a news special from the BBC World News. It was featuring Dr. Mahmoud Al Zahar, a senior leader of Hamas. The presentation had just started and could certainly be classified as an open public debate, which is most unusual for the Middle East.

The Doha debates are modeled after Oxford Union debates where the the host Tim Sebastian usually presents a motion to the audience, two speakers argue for it, two argue against it, then Sebastian and the audience get the speakers to elaborate on their arguments by asking them questions. In the end, the audience votes to pass or defeat the motion. Over the last four academic years, the Doha Debates have brought academics, government officials, policy experts and religious and cultural figures to Doha the capital of Qatar to debate issues of relevance to the Arab and Islamic worlds.

The Doha debates are not only refreshing to watch, but also a prime example of how free speech works within the context of democracy. Compliments to Dr. Mahmoud Al Zahar for coming to the debate and staying cool while facing a pretty hostile crowd...and an aggressive moderator. Who knows, maybe one day the Doha Debates can also bring Ben Laden to the table for a debate. Dr. Benjamin Franklin once said, "the pen is mightier than the sword." In this case we can say, "dialog is mightier than the sword".

Labels: Dr. Mahmoud Al Zahar, Israel, Middle East, Palestine, The Doha Debates

Mahmood Zahar, Hamas Political Leadership

For the complete report from the International Middle East Media Center click on this link

Hamas-Zahhar, “We presented our position to Suleiman, awaiting Israeli response”

Mahmoud Zahhar, one of Hamas political leaders, stated on Sunday that the movement presented its response to 15 questions presented by the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Omar Suleiman, regarding a truce deal, and added that Israel needs also to answer these questions.Zahhar stated that the former US President Jimmy Carter asked Hamas to declare a unilateral truce but the movement told him that it has previous experiences with Israel as the movement, and other factions, previously declared unilateral truces but Israel continued its assaults and violations. He said that any truce deal should be bilateral and should be a comprehensive deal under Egyptian supervision. He further said that Hamas will discuss on Monday the proposals of Carter regarding the truce and will present its official position.

Responding to a question by Carter, Zahhar said that if a comprehensive peace deal is achieved with Israel, and if this deal was subject to public referendum, then Hamas will accept whatever the people decide as long as this referendum includes all Palestinians in Palestine and in exile.

Labels: Egypt, Hammas, Israel, Palestine

For the complete report from Haaretz click on this link

Armenian, Greek worshipers come to blows at Jesus' tomb

Dozens of Greek and Armenian priests and worshipers exchanged blows in Christianity's holiest shrine on Palm Sunday, and pummeled police with palm fronds when they tried to break up the brawl. The fight is part of a growing rivalry over religious rights at Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built over the site where tradition says Jesus was buried and resurrected. A fist-fight broke out after Armenian clergy kicked out a Greek priest from their midst, pushed him to the ground and kicked him, according to witnesses. The Holy Sepulcher is shared by several Christian denominations according to a centuries-old arrangement known as the status quo. Each denomination jealously guards its share of the basilica, and fights over rights of worship at the church have intensified in recent years, particularly between the Armenians and Greeks.

Note EU-Digest:These unacceptable acts by Armenians and Greeks are a disgrace to Christianity and its holy places. Israel should consider banning these two factions from worshiping at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Labels: Armenia, Christianity, EU, Greece, Israel

For the complete report from AFP please click on this link

Lebanon PM wary of Israeli manoeuvres

Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora warned on Friday that Israel could exploit major military exercises to exacerbate tensions along the volatile border between the two countries. Siniora asked UN peacekeepers tasked with monitoring the border, "to be careful" that Israel will not use the manoeuvres "to launch operations capable of increasing tension," a statement from his office said. He also urged the Lebanese army to "be extremely vigilant and take the necessary measures to protect Lebanese civilians and face up to any Israeli violation" of Lebanese territory.

Labels: Israel, Lebanon

War with Iran?

For the complete report from crossrhythms.co.uk click on this link

Israel Prepares For Showdown With Iran - by David Dolan

With Iranian leaders bombastically stating once again during February that Israel will soon be destroyed, Israel's top military leader warned mid-month that a decisive armed conflict could break out in the troubled region at any time. He added that it would be a major test over the resolve and preparedness of the country's regular and reserve armed forces.Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi became Israel's Armed Forces Chief of Staff less than one year ago when his predecessor, Dan Halutz, was forced to resign in the wake of the controversial 2006 military stalemate with Hizbullah forces.

"There are dangers to our survival on the horizon and great challenges to Israeli security. The Israeli Defense Forces need to insure a rapid victory in any conflict, and I cannot guarantee that we won't need to act in the near future."

Some Israeli military analysts averred that the Armed Forces Chief was cryptically referring to an Israeli air force strike upon Iran's burgeoning nuclear program, which they assume would not only be followed by Tehran's threatened missile counterstrikes upon Israeli civilian and military targets (including the Dimona nuclear reactor), but by missile, rocket and probably ground assaults from Syrian, Hizbullah and Hamas forces.

Labels: Iran, Israel, US, War

For the complete report from the The Gulf Today click on this link

Israeli assault worse than a holocaust: Abbas

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday denounced a deadly Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip that has killed at least 33 people as "more than a holocaust." "It's very regrettable that what is happening is more than a holocaust. We tell the world to see with its own eyes and judge for itself what is happening and who is carrying out international terrorism," Abbas told reporters in Ramallah. He appeared to be referring to remarks made by Israel's Deputy Defence Minister Matan Vilnai, who used the Hebrew word "shoah" -- generally used only for the Nazi Holocaust -- in remarks to army radio on Friday. "By intensifying the rocket fire and extending their reach (Gaza Palestinians) are bringing onto themselves a worse catastrophe (shoah) as we will use all means to defend ourselves," Vilnai said.

"It is regrettable that Israel uses this word, banned for more than 60 years, the word 'holocaust,' and we demand that the world respond," Abbas said.

Labels: Gaza, Israel, Palestine

For the complete report from Xinhua click on this link

EU condemns Israel's attacks on Gaza

The European Union (EU) on Sunday condemned Israel's "disproportionate use of force" against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, one day after more than 60 people were killed in a land and air blitz by Israeli forces. "The Presidency condemns the recent disproportionate use of force by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) against the Palestinian population in Gaza," said a statement issued by Slovenia, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency. Israel should exercise maximum restraint and refrain from all activities that endanger civilians, said the statement, adding that such activities are "contrary to international law." The EU rejects "collective punishment" of the people in Gaza, especially innocent children, it said.

Labels: EU, Gaza, Israel, Palestine

For the complete report from the Jerusalem Post click on this link

Dutch anti-Semitism revisited - by Manfried Gerstenfeld

A poll taken earlier this month in the Netherlands found that only 53 percent of the Dutch would consider voting for a Jewish prime minister. In the rankings, Jews figured far behind women (93%), homosexuals (78%) and blacks (75%), but well before Muslims (27%) and people over 70.

The xenophobic findings of the Dutch poll are worse than those of an earlier British one. In the Netherlands, 31 percent considered a Jewish prime minister unacceptable and 16 percent had no opinion. A poll conducted at the beginning of 2004 in the UK concluded that almost 20% of Britons thought that a Jewish prime minister would be "less acceptable" than a non-Jewish one. This was particularly relevant at the time when the then Conservative leader Michael Howard was Jewish, albeit highly acculturated.

Note EU-Digest:
"polls in a democratic society usually reflect perceptions of people on whatever issue they are being questioned. The poor rankings for Muslims and Jews in this Dutch survey certainly can not be blamed on the Dutch population or its government. People all over the world, including the Netherlands, are continuously fed "blood dripping" news in their living room on atrocities in the Middle East, with Jews and Muslims as its main actors. It therefore does not take an Einstein to figure out that Dutch citizens, when questioned, are presently not super enthusiastic about having a Muslim or a Jew to be their Prime Minister. It has nothing to do with religion but all about perception".

Labels: EU, Israel, Muslims, Netherlands

For the complete report from the New Statesman click on this link

Israel - Bringing down the new Berlin Walls - by John Pilger

The recent breakout of the people of Gaza provided a heroic spectacle unlike any other since the Warsaw ghetto uprising and the smashing down of the Berlin Wall. Whereas on the occupied West Bank, Ariel Sharon's master plan of walling in the population and stealing their land and resources has all but succeeded, requiring only a Palestinian Vichy to sign it off, the people of Gaza have defied their tormentors, however briefly, and it is a guarantee they will do so again. There is profound symbolism in their achievement, touching lives and hopes all over the world. "[Sharon's] fate for us," wrote Karma Nabulsi, a Palestinian, "was a Hobbesian vision of an anarchic society: truncated, violent, powerless, destroyed, cowed, ruled by disparate militias, gangs, religious ideologues and extremists, broken up into ethnic and religious tribalism, and co-opted [by] collaborationists. Look to the Iraq of today - that is what he had in store for us and he nearly achieved it." Israel's and America's experiments in mass suffering nearly achieved it. There was First Rains, the code name for a terror of sonic booms that came every night and sent Gazan children mad. There was Summer Rains, which showered bombs and missiles on civilians, then extrajudicial executions, and finally a land invasion. Ehud Barak, the current Israeli defence minister, has tried every kind of blockade: the denial of electricity for water and sewage pumps, incubators and dialysis machines and the denial of fuel and food to a population of mostly malnourished children.

Labels: EU, Genocide, Israel, Palestine, US

The Daily Star - Opinion Articles - The EU is marginalizing itself in Gaza

The EU is marginalizing itself in Gaza - by Stuart Reigeluth

The European Union has expressed concern as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deteriorated to unprecedented levels during the two years in which EU monitors were meant to supervise the passage of Palestinians at the Rafah crossing, but now find themselves restricted to the Dan Gardens beach resort in Ashkelon. Despite the failure to alleviate suffering, the experience was not entirely futile: The EU should never again be hostage to the Israeli border closures policy or a pawn of the parties involved. The EU role in Gaza increased after Israel's 2005 disengagement from the territory. As the first step of the Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA), signed in November 2005 by Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), the EU sent a civilian border assistance mission to monitor the Rafah crossing. Brussels initially hailed the mission, known as EUBAM-Rafah, for its rapid deployment to the crossing in December 2005, when a team of 80 monitors began assessing the technical needs and supervising operations by PA police and customs officers. Larger numbers of Palestinians passed to Egypt and back via the Rafah crossing, until Hamas won legislative elections in January 2006.

In early February 2008, European officials restated their concern with the deteriorating situation in Gaza, but to no avail. The US used the EU to provide a facade of impartiality to the AMA, but this broke down when the EU began implementing the Israeli closure policy. Israel has long abused EU humanitarian benevolence. Though the EU takes pride in being the largest donor to the Palestinians, the aid paradoxically helps pay for Israel's occupation. Though it wants desperately to do something, the EU cannot even bring itself to denounce the Israeli destruction of EU-funded projects.Unfortunately Brussels continues to allow its interests to be sidelined. As Israel prepares a renewed invasion of Gaza to stop Qassam rocket attacks, it recently spiked a PA plan to create a buffer zone between the Rafah crossing (with EU monitors) and the Hamas controlled interior of Gaza. Nor does Hamas want the Europeans to be present if they are going to be unassertive. At least to save face, the EU monitors really should either engage more, or simply go home. Then again Brussels will most probably decide to just watch and wait, as usual.

Labels: EU, Israel, Palestine

For the complete report from the Jerusalem Post click on this link

Bringing sex out of the shadows - by David Brinn

Don't try comparing Nitzan Kirshenbaum with America's famous sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Kirshenbaum is a vivacious Tel Aviv-area former model and mother of two, and Dr. Ruth is, well, Dr. Ruth."In comparison to Europeans, I think that Israeli society is relatively closed when it comes to sex. In Europe, the issue is out in the open, there are expos like this all the time, and sex isn't hidden behind unmarked doors," she said. "In the US, it seems like there's a double standard. Adult material is available everywhere, but you would hardly ever see a women go topless on the beach. But as a whole, sex is more hinted at in the US than in Europe." "In Israel, it's sort of divided. In Gush Dan, there's a feeling of more openness regarding sex than in the periphery. I suppose that is mostly due to the religious modesty that's more prevalent in the rest of the country."

Labels: Israel, Sex

For the complete report from EUbusiness.com click on this link

EU slams Israel's 'collective punishment' in Gaza

EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero Waldner hit out at Israel Monday, slamming its blockade of the strife-torn Gaza Strip as "collective punishment". "I am against this collective punishment of the people of Gaza. I urge the Israeli authorities to restart fuel supplies and open the crossings for the passage of humanitarian and commercial supplies," she said in a statement. Gaza's sole power plant shut down overnight for want of fuel as a punishing four-day Israeli blockade on the Hamas-run territory threatened to spark a humanitarian crisis.Ferrero-Waldner, while also condemning rocket attacks on Israeli territory, said the decision to close all border crossings into Gaza as well as to stop the provision of fuel "will exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip."

Labels: EU, Genocide, Israel, Palestine

For the complete report from Salon.com click on this link

IRAN - Bush's real lie about Iran -(Should the EU disassociate itself from US Middle East Policy?) - Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett

"The latest National Intelligence Estimate on Iran's nuclear program raises questions once again about the Bush administration's veracity in describing a nuclear threat. But President Bush's worst misrepresentations about the Iranian nuclear issue do not focus on whether Tehran is currently pursuing a nuclear weapons program or when Bush knew the U.S. intelligence community was revising its previous assessments. Rather, the real lie is the president's claim that his administration has made a serious offer to negotiate with the Islamic Republic, and that Iranian intransigence is the only thing preventing a diplomatic resolution. Negotiations over Iran's nuclear activities started in the fall of 2003, initiated not by the United States, but by the "EU-3" -- Britain, France and Germany. Iran, for its part, agreed to suspend its nuclear activities as talks proceeded. But, contrary to Bush's statement at his press conference this week, the United States did not "facilitate" these negotiations. Indeed, the Europeans had launched the talks to fill a diplomatic vacuum, after the Bush administration cut off its post-9/11 dialogue with Iran over Afghanistan and rebuffed an Iranian offer to negotiate a comprehensive resolution of U.S.-Iranian differences earlier that year.

On the day the EU-3 and Iran announced the opening of their negotiations, one of Salon staff was in Paris, meeting with a senior advisor to then-French President Jacques Chirac. This official said forthrightly that the point of the European effort was to "drag" the Bush administration into talks with Iran that it had refused to enter on its own. For more than two years, the Europeans tried to "drag" the administration in, but to no avail."

Note EU-Digest: "There are some interesting developments going on in the Middle East. Europe and Iran throughout the years have always been natural allies and the ties could again be renewed based on mutual respect and cooperation. In the past Iran's leaders, Mohammed Mosaddeq and the Ayatollah Khomeini both had close ties with Europe (France). In contrast, Iran's present relationship with Russia is more one out of necessity than friendship. Russia was the last nation to occupy Iran, and the Persians have a long memory and an outstanding score to settle. The American's also have had a very turbulent relationship with Iran. On August 19, 1953 a coup d'état supported and funded by the British and U.S. governments, and orchestrated by the CIA overthrew the democratically elected government of Mosaddeq. Later during the Ayatollah Khomeini's rule there was a failed rescue attempt of US prisoners on Iran territory by US President Jimmy Carter . The US also supported Saddam's Iraq during their 1980 - 1988 war with Iran. At that time Ted Koppel reported on ABC's Nightline, "It is becoming increasingly clear that George Bush Sr., operating largely behind the scenes throughout the 1980s, initiated and supported much of the financing, intelligence, and military help that built Saddam's Iraq into an aggressive power and the "Reagan/Bush administrations permitted — and frequently encouraged — the flow of money, agricultural credits, dual-use technology, chemicals, and weapons to Iraq.” The above also emphazises that it does not matter if the Republicans or Democrats are in power in America. The US Middle East Policy basically will always remain the same and is not of long term benefit to the Middle East.

In the meantime all eyes should also be on Israel. The new US view, that Iran is acquiring the nuclear technology that could produce weapons but has given up its specific weapons program, and in any event probably could not produce a weapon until 2015, is the opposite of the Israeli assessment. Jerusalem believes Iran will have enough nuclear fuel for a weapon by 2010 at the latest. Senior Israeli officials warned today they were still considering the option of a military strike against Iran. Matan Vilnai, Israel's deputy defense minister, told Israel's Army Radio : "No option needs to be off the table."

Putting all these facts together, which the Iranians are obviously doing, they must also realize that in fact they can really only count on the EU as a true ally, which if persued will eventually allow them to become part of a European strategic regional alliance to benefit the whole region."

Labels: EU, Iran, Israel, Middle East, US

For the complete report from OpEdNews.com click on this link

Israel Lobby May Be Source of Armenian Genocide Resolution - by Wayne Madsen

Experts on U.S.-Turkish relations in Washington report that the recent deterioration in relations between Washington and Ankara are primarily due to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and Turkey's other erstwhile friends, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), pulling support for their former allies in Turkey because of increasingly closer Turkish relations with both Syria and Iran -- two countries that are being targeted by the neocon cells operating in Vice President Dick Cheney's office and among Kadima and Likud circles in Jerusalem.In fact, Turkey, Syria, and Iran are cooperating in battling PKK forces on their respective territories. Israel's Mossad has re-established close links with the Kurds in the region. It appears that Israel is willing to sacrifice its past close relations with Turkey in its support for the Kurds and creating tension between the non-Arab powers in the region -- Iran, Turkey, and the Kurds. The election of Turkish Islamist-oriented Abdullah Gul as President of a secular-oriented Turkey was a green light for AIPAC, the ADL, and the neocons and other right-wing networks in Washington to turn up the heat on Ankara. The subsequent threat by Turkey to deploy troops into northern Iraq to go after Kurdish guerrillas, some of whom are reportedly backed by the Mossad and U.S. paramilitary private security forces, was enough to cause the Israel Lobby to break their historic links to the Turks. Adding to the anger of the Israel Lobby was the recent natural gas deal inked between Syria, Iran, and Turkey. Iran will provide Syria with Iranian gas via Turkish pipelines.

Labels: Armenian Genocide, Israel, Israel Lobby, Kurdish PKK terrorists, Turkey

For the complete report from the Azerbaijan "Trend" news agency click on this link

"We should Develop Relations between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Israel says Turkish diplomat

In a Trend’s interview with Namik Tana, the Turkish Ambassador to Israel the Turkish diplomat on the question: "You were one of those who supported the establishment of Diaspora organizations like the Congress of Azerbaijanis in Near East. What are your views on prospects of this idea? The ambassador answered: "Relations with Azerbaijan are of strategic importance for us like the relations with Israel. We should develop and encourage relations and cooperation on trilateral basis. Azerbaijanis are our brothers worldwide, including in Israel. Though several years ago we did know each other, now we speak and understand each other in the same language. It indicates to historical heritage of our nations and we are proud of that. I see real and loyal representatives of the Turkish lobby in the Congress, who are prepared to protect interests of Azerbaijan and Turkey in the region. As an ambassador of Turkey to Israel I am prepared to render all assistance to support prospective projects of the organization which will promote trilateral cooperation and partnership between Turkey, Israel and Azerbaijan.

Labels: Azerbaijan, Israel, Turkey

For the complete report from The Canadian Press click on this link

Iran's president wants Israel's Jews moved to Canada, Alaska or Europe

Iran's hardline president called the existence of Israel an "insult to human dignity" Friday during annual rallies in support of Muslim claims to the holy city of Jerusalem. And Mahmoud Ahmadinejad once again said Palestinians should not pay any price because Europeans committed crimes against Jews in the Second World War. The state run Islamic Republic News Agency reported that Ahmadinejad said Friday that Europe, Canada or the U.S. could give a part of their own land so that Jews in Israel can establish their country.

Note EU-Digest: No one in the "Western Camp" will probably take the suggestions by Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad about solving the Palestinian problem very seriously, but no one should blame him for not at least trying to come up with "innovative ideas". All we in the EU seem to do is follow the line the US draws up for us on the Middle East. That policy, so far, has been a total failure. Isn't it time the EU starts to draw up some of its own independent plans on the Middle East?

Labels: EU, Iran, Israel

For the complete report from People's Daily Online click on this link

Israeli ministers discuss British boycott threats

Israelis have reacted angrily to proposals by the University and College Union and Unison, the largest public sector workers' union, to boycott Israel in protest at its treatment of Palestinians. The proposals follow a similar resolution passed by the National Union of Journalists earlier this year. Before Sunday's weekly meeting of the Israeli Cabinet in Jerusalem, ministers said they were concerned at the prospect of a boycott. Israel's trade minister, Eli Yishai, said he would hold talks on how Israeli industry would respond. The minister for social affairs, Isaac Herzog, said the boycott proposals were part of "a long trail of anti-semitism in Europe." Comment EU-Digest: Mr. Herzog should find a better argument than blaming the boycott on anti-semitism in Europe. Couldn't it be that the motive of the boycott is what it says it is: " a protest at the treatment of Palestinians by the Israelis".

Labels: EU, Israel, Palestinians

For the complete report in the The Post Chronicle click on this link

European Union To Boycott Jerusalem Day

YNet News reported Sunday that Germany's European Union president said in a recent letter that the organization's members will not accept an invitation from Israel to help celebrate Jerusalem's reunification 40 years ago. The letter also said none of the European Union ambassadors will attend a special Knesset meeting on the honorary day Wednesday.

European countries do not recognize Jerusalem's reunification. As far as they are concerned, east Jerusalem, which was occupied during the Six Day War, is an occupied territory.

Labels: EU, Israel

For the complete report from France24.com click on this link

Israel stalls US arms sales to Saudis

A worried Israel has stalled a US plan to sell advanced weaponry, including satellite-guided arms, to Saudi Arabia, the New York Times reported Thursday. The Times said on its website that Israeli officials, including former defense minister Shaul Mofaz, have strongly lobbied Washington in recent months to block parts of a planned arms package for the Saudis and unspecified others in the Middle East that could be worth five billion to 10 billion dollars. Israel is particularly concerned that the United States will supply the Saudis with precision-guided air-based weapons that could erode Israel's military superiority in the region, the newspaper said, citing unnamed US government sources.

Labels: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, USA