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Sunday, March 21, 2010

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From RedPlanetCartoons.

That's all the stomach I have to post about health care for the moment. If I see Nancy Pelosi's Stepford rictus grin one more time I'm going to jump through the TV and box her behind the ears with a staple remover.

Zvi Mazel: A bitter taste in Egypt - The rededication of the Rambam Synagogue in Cairo falls victim to cold peace. - '...All was in place for an impressive ceremony that would have shown the world that Jews and Muslims could rejoice in harmony over a site dedicated to a man held in veneration by both. Maimonides had been the personal physician to Saladin, and for centuries Jews, Muslims and Copts had come to his yeshiva in search of healing. As work was nearing completion, it was agreed with the Egyptian authorities that the small Jewish community of Cairo would organize a dedication ceremony on March 7...And then the Egyptians had a change of heart...' | # | (0) | Share

[The following, by Barry Rubin, is crossposted from The Rubin Report.]

While the Obama Administration is fiddling over the construction of apartments in Jerusalem, the Middle East is burning. Yet these other issues don't attract the attention -- and certainly not the action -- required.

1. Iran is now allied with al-Qaida: General David Petraeus, head of the U.S. Central Command, revealed a bombshell story that has been ignored: Iran is helping al-Qaida attack Americans.

Iran, he said in military-speak, provides "a key facilitation hub, where facilitators connect al Qaida's senior leadership to regional affiliates." Translation: Tehran is letting al-Qaida leaders travel freely back and forth to Pakistan and Afghanistan, using its territory as a safe haven, while permitting them to hold meetings to plan terrorist attacks for attacking U.S. targets and killing Americans. While nominally Iran sometimes takes these people into custody, that seems, Petraeus says, a fiction to fool foreigners.

Oh, and Petraeus added that Iran also helps the Taliban fight America in Afghanistan. Regarding Iraq, the general explains, "The Qods Force [an elite Iranian military group within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] also maintains its lethal support to Shia Iraqi militia groups, providing them with weapons, funding and training,"

So, Petraeus pointed out that Iran is helping al-Qaida against the United States and also, at times, Shia groups intended to be Iran's proxies for spreading its influence in Iraq. In effect, the Tehran regime is at war with the United States. Yet this point is not being highlighted, nor does it stir rage in the hearts of White House officials or strenuous attempts to counter this threat.

Meanwhile, Iran isn't just building apartments but nuclear weapons' facilities.

2. Lebanon being further integrated into Iran-Syria alliance

In an interview with al-Jazira television, Walid Jumblatt, formerly the roaring lion of the opposition, turns into a mouse and apologizes to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Asad:

Continue reading "Barry Rubin: Other Than Apartments in Jerusalem, What Else is Going on in the Middle East?"

Daniel Pipes: Waging Jihad Through the American Courts - '...The Unus lawsuit, only recently settled, warrants scrutiny because it fits a common pattern of what I call predatory exploitation of U.S. courts by Islamists. It raises several questions: What did the Unus family hope to achieve from its lawsuit? How does this incident fit into the larger scheme of Islamist ambitions? How can this abuse of the U.S. legal system be prevented?...' | # | (0) | Share
Jeff Jacoby: Obama's pointless fight with Israel - '...as a matter of federal law -- the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 -- it is US policy that "Jerusalem should remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic and religious group are protected." As a candidate for president in 2008, Barack Obama said that was his position too. Millions of pro-Israel American voters believed him, just as they believed his pledge of "unwavering friendship with Israel." The recent unpleasantness suggests it may be time for second thoughts.' | # | (0) | Share

[The following, by Ben Cohen, is crossposted from Z Word.]

Now this is where tragedy turns to farce. Sari Hanafi is an academic at the American University of Beirut. He recently visited the UK to participate in "Israel Apartheid Week," which gave him a platform to promote the recent book he co-authored on the "anatomy of Israeli rule in the occupied Palestinian territories." Halfway through his visit, Hanafi was forced to return to Beirut in order to face a furious gathering of AUB faculty and students who denounced him for collaborating with Israel. The basis for this charge? The co-authors of Hanafi's book were two Israelis, Michael Givon and Adi Ophir. Because of this heinous act of betrayal, an Arab academic whose book is energetically promoted at a global event which marks the highlight of the boycott movement's calendar finds himself condemned for breaking the very same boycott through the very same book.

More on this here and here. Most instructive is this statement put out by Hanafi's supporters - "We strongly sense that a normative and literal application of the rules may sometimes produce paradoxical outcomes" - which is another way of saying that the boycott can make you look extremely silly indeed.

But don't take my word for it. Here are the Pythons:

Saturday, March 20, 2010

How could I have let pass uncommented-upon the passing of Fess Parker on Thursday. The man played both Daniel Boone AND Davy Crocket. Beat that. And those theme songs!

I originally wrote this in response to the discussion about the possible withholding of arms for Israel.

This evolved into a discussion of arms trade involving Israeli inventions, the US prevention thereof and some other issues that got me thinking about democracies, especially small ones versus great powers and also the morality or rather amorality of "interests:" So I decided to make a separate post. I apologize that it's kind of long but I'm trying to pull some ideas together here because I think we're seeing a lot of overlapping issues.

So - I started out by venting about the canard about Israeli power relative to ours:

Look. The baloney about America being controlled by Israel is ridiculous, it is obviously the other way around, to the point of saying what they can and cannot sell or build or live or even if they will have the capability to defend themselves. That is the harsh reality. There are some discussions on TNR about why Obama isn't being tough on Russia for example which clearly isn't acting in American interests as a rule, so why is he beating up the Israelis.

Well it's pretty obvious - Russia is big and powerful and rich in resources and Israel is small and dependent on us. So duh. It sucks but there it is. PS so much for defending minorities not to mention honoring democracy in practice.

Continue reading "Guns, Butter, Democracy and 'Interests' And How Little Nations Like Israel Get Squashed In The Middle [Sophia]"

"Why yes, we are f*cking Nazis. Why do you ask?"

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Palestinians hold a sign depicting a swastika during clashes at Qalandiya checkpoint near the West Bank city of Ramallah March 19, 2010. Stone-throwing Palestinians clashed with Israeli security forces in several locations in East Jerusalem and the West Bank amid tensions over Israel's recently announced plan to build houses in East Jerusalem.

Just another image of the Obama Intifada.

Congratulations to our friend Pedro Zuquete, co-author (with Charles Lindholm) of the new book The Struggle for the World: Liberation Movements for the 21st Century:

What do Mexico's Zapatistas, the French National Front, Slow Food, rave subculture, and al-Qaeda all have in common? From right-wing to left-wing to no-wing, they all proudly proclaim their mission to defend their distinctive identities against modernity's homogenizing processes. This controversial book establishes fundamental similarities between anti-globalization "aurora" movements that aim to destroy the modern world and bring a radiant new dawn to humankind.

While these groups often despise one another, they nonetheless share many fundamental characteristics, goals, and attitudes. Drawing on the original writings and actions of various anti-globalist groups, the authors reveal a common tendency toward charismatic leadership, good versus evil worldviews, the quest for authentic identity, concern with ritual, and unbending demands for total commitment. These movements, however they pursue world transformation and personal transcendence, are a prominent and continuing aspect of our present condition. This book is a strong reminder that, no matter what the cause, revolution is not a thing of the past and the fervent search for another world continues.

Update: There is a Facebook fan page for the book, here.

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I mean, now that he's no longer with Human Rights Watch he'll need a new job...maybe as an expert on some sort of Extreme version of Antiques Road Show. I wonder if he digs chicks with forehead tats? (That goes a bit far for me.)

[For those not keeping up with their celebrity gossip, this is the woman Jesse James cheated on Sandra Bullock with.]

The Boycott/Divestment/Sanctions crew built a "wall" out in Amherst, MA. Judging by the results, one could be lulled into a false sense of security concerning the dangers of the BDS "movement." Rather pathetic: Take Down This (Extremely Silly) Wall (please!)

Erecting eye-sores and annoying people is no way to start a revolution, kids.

[The following, by Barry Rubin, is crossposted from The Rubin Report.]

The United States is at war with al-Qaida. Al-Qaida carried out the attack on the World Trade Center that killed 3,000 Americans. Al-Qaida is killing Americans in Iraq and elsewhere. So one would think the fact that al-Qaida has found a powerful ally would be a big story in the American media and by a big priority for setting off U.S. government anger.

And this would be especially so if that was explained by one of the most respected men in the country, a man who has access to the highest-level intelligence.

Not at all.

In the same testimony which created lots of discussion regarding remarks on the Israel-Palestinian issue, General David Petraeus, head of the U.S. Central Command, revealed a bombshell story that has been ignored: Iran is helping al-Qaida attack Americans.

Continue reading "White House Ignores Iran's Help to Al-Qaida in its Passion over Jerusalem Apartments"

Power Line: A message from Neda's fiancé - '...Obama's Nowruz message to Iran contrasts markedly with the forthright and dignified message regarding Iran delivered by Neda's fiancé yesterday in Israel...' | # | (0) | Share
Ralph Peters: Breaking with Israel - Who will trust America now? - 'If the Obama administration continues to betray Israel, will any ally ever trust us again? We've been viewed as a fickle (if mighty) partner at least since the 1970s, when we abruptly dumped allies from Saigon to Tehran. Now the White House not only delights in insulting our closest traditional ally, Britain, but has intensified its diplomatic pogrom against Israel -- our only respectable ally in the Middle East. President George W. Bush was mocked for shooting from the hip, but this administration fires with its eyes closed... [Excellent] | # | (0) | Share
Probable Constitutional Challenges to ObamaCare - 'Beware Democrats: If you pass ObamaCare, a constitutional hurricane is headed right for you...' | # | (1) | Share

Friday, March 19, 2010

Senators to Clinton: Solve crisis - 'Senators Barbara Boxer and Johnny Isakson draft letter ahead of AIPAC annual conference. Two prominent US senators call on the US administration to resolve differences with Israel "amicably and in a manner that befits longstanding strategic allies" in the preamble to a letter thousands of American Israel Public Affairs Committee activists will be urging lawmakers to sign this week. The letter, written by Barbara Boxer (D-California) and Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia) and addressed to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with its House companion will be centerpieces of Israel advocates' lobbying as part of the AIPAC annual conference...' | # | (0) | Share

[Crossposted from JStreetJive.]

Now That's an Insult.

The Obama Administration must have been reading from its Marxist playbook (Groucho, of course) when they escalated a non-event into the most serious breach in American Israeli relations since Gen. George Marshall wished for the stillbirth of the Jewish State in 1948. Just imagine - Joe Biden, Barack Obama, David Axelrod, Ram Emanuel, Hillary Clinton - all children of the 60's - irreverant and iconoclastic - suddenly and grievously "insulted" by the announcement that Jews will expand a community in the capital of their own country. Imagine the effrontery! Imagine their injured pride!

And yet, for some inexplicable reason, Joe Biden was apparently not insulted or bothered by his other "peace partner", Mahmoud Abbas, when he dedicated a town square in Ramallah in the memory of Dalal Mughrabi, the terrorist who, in 1978, commandeered a bus and murdered 37 Jewish civilians including 13 children. No "slap in the face" there. As a matter of fact, Joe gave Mahmoud a great big hug when he visited Ramallah last week.

The "insult" has spawned international outrage at Israel for her impertinence of wanting to build apartments in her own capital city. Maureen Dowd and Thomas Friedman of the New York Times penned op-eds condemning the action and the same paper's Ethan Bronner even played the race card in smearing Israelis. In the ensuing feeding frenzy, Ben Cohen of the American Jewish Committee was man-handled on CNN by an unabashed Ben Ami supporter; J Street could not hide its delight at its Presidential Messiah leading the charge. The EU is now demanding more stringent concessions from Israel and insists on a complete settlement freeze including natural growth. There can be no other interpretation of a ban on "natural growth" than ethnic cleansing.

Continue reading "The Insult, Decoded. [Hillel]"

Max Boot: A Lie: David Petraeus, Anti-Israel - '...General Petraeus obviously doesn't see the Israeli-Arab "peace process" as a top issue for his command, because he didn’t even raise it in his opening statement. When he was pressed on it, he made a fairly anodyne statement about the need to encourage negotiations to help moderate Arab regimes. That’s it. He didn't say that all settlements had to be stopped or that Israel is to blame for the lack of progress in negotiations. And he definitely didn't say that the administration should engineer a crisis in Israeli-U.S. relations in order to end the construction of new housing for Jews in East Jerusalem. In fact, his view, as I mentioned in my earlier post, is that settlements are only "one of many issues, among which also is the unwillingness to recognize Israel and the unwillingness to confront the extremists who threaten Israelis."...' | # | (0) | Share
Immigration Proposal Will Blow Out All HCR Cost Estimates - 'Chuck Schumer and Lindsey Graham have put forth the outlines of an immigration plan, which has been endorsed by Obama as the basis for immigration reform. While there is no legislative text, as described by Schumer and Graham, the key is that illegal aliens automatically would gain legal status if they followed certain steps...Assuming the eventual legislation followed this path, the key point is that illegal aliens automatically would be turned into legal aliens from the moment they enter the system. They may have to wait for "lawful permanent residence" but they would not be here illegally anymore. There are tremendous implications of this automatic change in status for the pending health care bill, which appears headed for a vote Sunday...' | # | (0) | Share
Quartet to Israel: Freeze settlements - 'Top international diplomats on Friday called on Israel and the Palestinians to return to peace negotiations with a goal of reaching a final settlement that would create an independent Palestinian state within 24 months. The statement further condemned "the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in east Jerusalem."...Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the statement, but said the real test would be whether Israel would act according to the Quartet's demands...' [Responsibility for Abbas: Nothing.] | # | (0) | Share

[The Huffington Post is the major competitor of "Comment if Free" in the blogosphere. Interestingly the Huffington Post seems to be afflicted with the same malaise of its sister blog across the Atlantic. This is a guest post by Zach of TheBrothersofJudea, a blog that tracks antisemitism at the Huffington Post. This is crossposted from CiF Watch.]

The internet newspaper the Huffington Post has long had the reputation of a breeding ground for anti-Semitic attitudes. Though I have only been "watching" it for a few months now, I have already seen a lifetime's worth of anti-Semitic hatred and anti-Israel slander on the talkback threads. Although the multiple bloggers who write for the Huffington Post are almost all critical of Israel, few have crossed the line into unvarnished anti-Semitism. That is, until December of last year.

Michael Carmichael is a Huffington Post blogger, who according to his bio is a "senior political consultant, historian, author and broadcaster" based in Oxford, England. He normally writes about such topics as American politics, business, Karl Rove, and Avatar. Which only made his column on December 16, 2009 even more shocking.

Carmichael wrote a story about healthcare reform with the inflammatory title, "Kill the Bill." To those who follow the healthcare reform debate, Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn) is not in favor of healthcare reform as it currently stands. He doesn't want a public option and said that he will help to filibuster any bill that included it. This has led to one of the most prominent Jewish senators losing even more popularity from the Democrats, and from the American people in general. All this is background, though, because Carmichael's article isn't really about healthcare reform, it's about Israel, and how Israel controls America.

Carmichael takes two parts of Joe Lieberman's political views (namely, that is he is an advocate of Israel and is against the current healthcare bill) and combines them. He concludes that because Joe Lieberman is an Israel advocate he must be acting in Israel's interests. Carmichael's only evidence for this classic accusation of Jewish dual-loyalty is that Prime Minister Netanyahu "threatened" to "undermine Obama's presidency." But even this supposed "evidence" is questionable - the Ha'aretz story used by Carmichael said only that, "Senior officials in the Obama administration also accused Netanyahu of suggesting that he had the power to pressure Obama with various lobbies within the U.S. political arena." The word "threatened" was not used, nor was Obama's presidency ever discussed.

Things only became more interesting from there. When Carmichael wrote the article, and in the original Huffington Post publication, the article contained the following sentence:

"Netanyahu's agent, Senator Joseph Lieberman, provides the poison to the chalice of health care reform and - at the same time - accomplishes the mission of his ultimate master: the Prime Minister of a government of a foreign nation whose relations have proven to be more than burdensome for the American people."

Accusing Jews of being more loyal to Israel or to Jews worldwide than their own countries is a staple of anti-Semitic literature, and can be lifted right out of the definition. It even stretches back to the Dreyfus Trial. This sentence by itself shows that this article's key point is one of blatant anti-Semitism, even ignoring the other attacks on Israel contained within the article.

Carmichael concludes with a call for America to remove all ties with Israel based on his manufactured conspiracy theory:

"It is time to sever the umbilicals of nation, state, government and military ties between the USA and Israel that protract the crises in: the Middle East, the global economy; the US Congress; the clinics, surgeries and hospitals of America and the promised lands of Judea, Samaria and Gaza."

The story doesn't end there, however. The Huffington Post reacted to this story in a number of ways. While the article was in the spotlight, so to speak, the moderation on it was increased twentyfold. Comments like, "This article is anti-Semitic," or "Easier just to blame the Jews, eh Mr. Carmichael?" were not cleared by the moderators to be posted, though they did not violate any terms of use. If you look at the article now, you will see that there are only four comments. No comments pointing out the blatantly anti-Semitic nature of the content remained for very long, if they ever were able to make it through moderation in the first place.

The Huffington Post staff followed this by attempting to restrict access to the article. Carmichael's page and article archive does not include "Kill the Bill," nor does the Huffington Post's "World" page. It can still be found with a Google search, however. Some might consider this to be a positive sign; the Huffington Post staff realized that the article was anti-Semitic and tried to limit its exposure. But if that's the case, why didn't they just simply delete it? The actions of the Huffington Post staff might be an attempt to remove a clearly inflammatory article from their readership, but it might also simply be a coverup.

This would seem to be confirmed by the fact that, if you look at the article as it currently reads, you might notice a subtle difference. The sentence quoted above about Lieberman as Netanyahu's "agent," the "icing on the cake" of the anti-Semitism in the article, is no longer there. Compare it with a reprint of the article in the "Center for Global Research," and you will see that Carmichael's words were changed from what they were. Probably by the Huffington Post's editors. And yes, when the article was originally posted it was included in full.

To conclude, here we have the best (though not the only) example of anti-Semitism on the Huffington Post so far. The Huffington Post staff reacted to this in a half-hearted attempt to cover it up, including changing the author's words, though they fell short of taking the final step and removing the article itself. Michael Carmichael is still on the Huffington Post blogroll, though he has not published an article since January. The Huffington Post has often come under fire for a encouraging and even endorsing anti-Semitic attitudes, and this story is unlikely to help them shake this image.

Barack Obama treats Israel and Britain with sneering contempt - '...In the space of just over a year, Barack Obama has managed to significantly damage relations with America's two closest friends, while currying favour with practically every monstrous dictatorship on the face of the earth. The doctrine of "smart power" has evolved into the shameless appeasement of America’s enemies at the expense of existing alliances. There is nothing clever about this approach – it will ultimately weaken US global power and strengthen the hand of America's enemies, who have become significantly emboldened and empowered by Barack Obama’s naïve approach since he took office...' | # | (0) | Share
Stephanie Gutmann: Hey Barack, Joe, Tony, BBC! Want Middle East peace? Just. Stay. Home. - '...don't believe the hype. Israel/Palestine is not a regional conflict that has huge relevance for the fate of the planet — any more than border disputes over Kashmir or Tibet or Hong Kong. Iranian nuclearisation actually does have relevance for the planet – but people who believe, as a British columnist recently put it, that "a peace deal in the territories would remove a significant casus belli for Tehran" are bonkers...' | # | (0) | Share
Phyllis Chesler: Major Arab Demonstration Against Palestinian Honor Killings. Never Heard About It? - '...Sixty of these Israeli Arab Bedouin women recently came in busloads from the Negev to Nazareth to join a total of 500 Israeli Arabs in a protest against honor killings in their communities. They constituted the largest continent of women, "thanks to the work of Hind el Sana, a lobbyist in Shatil's Bedouin Women's Leadership Project. The Project, which is funded by the American State Department in conjunction with The New Israel Fund, is run in collaboration with Ma'an, the Forum of Arab Women's Organizations in the Negev, where el Sana is based...' [Only in Israel are Arab women empowered.] | # | (0) | Share

As some of you may have heard, the Student Senate at Berkeley University pass a divest-from-Israel resolution a couple of days ago. As you might expect, I have a few words to say on the subject. Normally, I'd cross-post the entire thing here, but I've added my first poll to Divest This which I hope the good people here at Solomonia might respond to after reading about what all this California BDS activity adds up to here.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Including bunker busters? There's some "explosive" stuff in this article at World Tribune, if true. BUT, it feels like I've heard this sort of thing before, and it's the type of thing that gets exaggerated easily. Is this really the sort of thing that can be kept quiet from all but the formidable World Tribune? Hmmm...Obama blocks delivery of bunker-busters to Israel

The United States has diverted a shipment of bunker-busters designated for Israel.

Officials said the U.S. military was ordered to divert a shipment of smart bunker-buster bombs from Israel to a military base in Diego Garcia. They said the shipment of 387 smart munitions had been slated to join pre-positioned U.S. military equipment in Israel Air Force bases.

"This was a political decision," an official said.

In 2008, the United States approved an Israeli request for bunker-busters capable of destroying underground facilities, including Iranian nuclear weapons sites. Officials said delivery of the weapons was held up by the administration of President Barack Obama.

Since taking office, Obama has refused to approve any major Israeli requests for U.S. weapons platforms or advanced systems. Officials said this included proposed Israeli procurement of AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, refueling systems, advanced munitions and data on a stealth variant of the F-15E.

"All signs indicate that this will continue in 2010," a congressional source familiar with the Israeli military requests said. "This is really an embargo, but nobody talks about it publicly."...

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U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Recruit Chanda Axton fires a salute battery during a live-fire exercise aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) while under way in the Pacific Ocean March 12, 2010. Nimitz and embarked Carrier Air Wing 11 are en route to the United States after an eight-month deployment to the Arabian Sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner Jr., U.S. Navy/Released)

Israel vows to respond to Kassam hit - 'Security sources say Hamas is not behind attack that killed Thai worker. A Kassam rocket slammed into a greenhouse in the small southern agricultural community of Moshav Netiv Ha’asara on Thursday, ripping through the roof, killing a Thai worker and leaving his coworkers, who came to his aid, traumatized. The incident marks the first death from Gazan rocket attacks since Operation Cast Lead ended last year... [Also: A Man Just Died] | # | (0) | Share
On Al-Aqsa TV, Hamas Deputy Minister of Religious Endowments Abdallah Jarbu Calls for Jews to be Annihilated, Saying They Are Bacteria, Not Human Beings - '...They want to present themselves to the world as if they have rights, but, in fact, they are foreign bacteria – a microbe unparalleled in the world. It's not me who says this. The Koran itself says that they have no parallel: 'You shall find the strongest men in enmity to the believers to be the Jews.' May He annihilate this filthy people who have neither religion nor conscience. I condemn whoever believes in normalizing relations with them, whoever supports sitting down with them, and whoever believes that they are human beings. They are not human beings. They are not people. They have no religion, no conscience, and no moral values...' | # | (0) | Share

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Indoctrinate the kids and then get 'em out and fight...and note the threat to the kids themselves...stay in line, or else.

MEMRITV: Hamas' Al-Aqsa TV Children's Puppet Show: 'We Must Rise Against the Zionist Criminals, the Enemies of Allah, and Liberate Jerusalem and All the Holy Places' (Link to transcript.)

...Uncle Hassan: "Unfortunately, 'Alloush and dear children, the Arab and Islamic nation is in a slumber. A deep slumber. We must stand up. We must awaken. 'Alloush and dear children - each one of you must tell his father, his grandfather, and the rest of his family that they should all arise as one. They must rise up against the criminal Zionists, who are planning to destroy Jerusalem, and to turn the Islamic waqf into something bad. We must rise against the Zionist criminals, the enemies of Allah, and liberate Jerusalem and all the holy places. We should liberate them. Do you hear, 'Alloush?"

'Alloush: "Ah, now I get it. I thought the Jews wanted to enable people to visit the Ibrahimi Mosque, but it turns out that they want to steal it."

Uncle Hassan: "That's right, 'Alloush. It's a good thing that you got it. Did you tell this to anyone else, or just me?"

'Alloush: "Just you."

Uncle Hassan: "Very good. You didn't make us look bad. Do you know what people would accuse you of, if you said this in the street?"

'Alloush: "Of what, Uncle Hassan?"

Uncle Hassan: "They would accuse you of being a collaborator. They would think that you are a Zionist collaborator. I would like to tell you two things, in conclusion: We must think before we speak. Get it? We should be familiar with all our Arab and Islamic holy places, okay?"

'Alloush: "Okay."...

The video is here.

CAMERA: Presbyterian Committee Member Supporter of One State Solution - 'Earlier this month, a committee created by a 2008 vote of the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s General Assembly issued a report that asserts Israel is largely responsible for the continued existence of the Arab-Israeli conflict. One section of this report affirms Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, while another denigrates Jews who moved into pre-1948 Israel as a bunch of gun-toting marauders. The contradictory messages about Jewish sovereignty given by this committee should not come as a surprise given that one of its members, Rev. Marthame Sanders, has expressed support for a one-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. In most organizations, such an opinion would disqualify someone as a member of a committee charged with providing a comprehensive report about the Middle East. Not the PC(USA)...' | # | (0) | Share
NGO Monitor: Unanswered Questions: Garlasco and HRW's Israel Campaigns - '...Although Marc Garlasco no longer works with HRW, the organization's reliance on his supposed "military expertise" raises alarming questions about the credibility of the numerous reports to which he contributed, particularly those focusing on Israel. His belated resignation underscores HRW's credibility problem, and the need for a systematic and independent examination of the reports and claims based on his analysis.' | # | (0) | Share
CAMERA: All the News Unfit to Print - 'What the New York Times chooses to cover in the Arab-Israeli conflict – and what it excludes – is a story in itself. The paper's silence, as of this writing, about an event that has rocked the Israeli media and public and triggered calls for government action once more raises serious questions about the paper's news judgment. After all, the Times reports on no other foreign nation as minutely as it does Israel, whether about negotiations, housing permits in Jerusalem, Israeli gravel-use in the West Bank or a Tel Aviv polygamist. The story being ignored is the Im Tirtzu campaign to expose the New Israel Fund's connection to the defamatory Goldstone Report via its funding of groups that spurred the creation of and then contributed harsh commentary about Israel to the UN document...' | # | (0) | Share

It's David T., over at Harry's Place: Now I'm Being Sued By George Galloway!

Read the whole thing, but apparently Galloway is actually claiming to have been defamed due to his having been associated with Hamas through a comment David T. left at another blog. Get it? Galloway, who does, in fact, associate with Hamas, is claiming damages because someone pointed it out.

I believe in American court such a claim would be absurd, but in this case it's Britain, so who knows. As David T., I smell shades of Lipstadt/Irving should it go on.

Jeff Robbins: Obama aggravates Israel's mistake - '...the Obama administration has opted to turn these events into something that borders on ugly. Knowing full well that the Israeli governmental coalition is a complicated affair that the prime minister has worked hard to carry with him in order that Palestinian demands can be met, and knowing that Netanyahu had already apologized for the announcement, the Obama administration deliberately took a course that it knew would inflame anti-Israeli intransigence throughout the Arab world, and would undermine support for Israel in the United States...' [Excellent.] | # | (11) | Share
Michael Oren: For Israel and America, a Disagreement, Not a Crisis - 'ISRAEL and America enjoy a deep and multi-layered friendship, but even the closest allies can sometimes disagree. Such a disagreement began last week during Vice President Joseph Biden’s visit to Israel, when a mid-level official in the Interior Ministry announced an interim planning phase in the expansion of Ramat Shlomo, a northern Jerusalem neighborhood. While this discord was unfortunate, it was not a historic low point in United States-Israel relations; nor did I ever say that it was, contrary to some reports...' | # | (0) | Share
Amid 'siege' claims, Gaza enjoying more aid than quake-ravaged Haiti - 'United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is set to arrive in Israel to visit the Gaza Strip amidst demands to end a so-called siege on the terrorist-controlled territory. Yet one has to ask what siege, or blockade, he is referring to, with 738,576 tons of humanitarian aid being transferred into the Gaza Strip in 2009. Moreover, the UN has provided $200 million in Gaza Strip aid following a military operation that reportedly claimed 1,300 fatalities amongst a population of less than 1.5 million – meanwhile, notwithstanding plans to raise more funds, it has provided only $10 million to natural disaster victims in Haiti as of the end of January, an earthquake that claimed the lives of over 230,000 people and affected over 3 million. Of course, that is without mentioning that Haitians have not been attacking an innocent nearby civilian population for a near decade...' | # | (0) | Share

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"What looked like secularization was merely a veneer laid over a society that had been proudly Muslim for over a millenium. Moreover, the ostensible engine of Arab modernization -- Arab nationalism -- was little more than an elevated tribal covenant."

-Lee Smith, The Strong Horse: Power, Politics, and the Clash of Arab Civilizations, p.44


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In: Guns, Butter, Democracy and 'Interests' And How Little Nations Like Israel Get Squashed In The Middle [Sophia]
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