Obama: US Veto is green light to militant Israeli Settler and JDL thugs

The recent US Veto has effectively given the Settler Thugs the green light to attack Palestinians and recognised Palestinian lands.

This is the real effect of the badly considered US decision to use their veto and go against the other 14 members. The settler communities are growing stronger due to the donations from American (so called) Christians, who not only provide monies to the settler leaders but also actively take part in assisting settlers in working land that has been stolen from the Palestinian people. The monies donated to the settlers, also provides them with the ability to buy arms that are used directly against the Palestinian people, and in a lot of cases in full view of the Israeli Military (IDF).
The so called Illegal outposts held by extremist settlers are overlooked by the Israeli government and the Police / Military even though they are illegal under the Geneva convention and considered illegal under Israeli law. There have been many recorded cases of settlers from these outposts attacking Palestinians whilst being accompanied by members of the IDF.

The JDL (Jewish Defence League) which has an International reputation for terrorism and racism, is very strong in areas surrounding Hebron, where Palestinians on a daily basis are faced with racist abuse and direct attacks by the settlers. The threats range from calling for the rape of Muslim women to direct calls for all Arabs to be sent to the gas chambers. Whilst the assaults range from women being kicked by Settlers and Palestinian adults and children are regularly stoned and verbally abused on their way from school, or to and from their work place.

We mentioned here in this blog back in December 2010, that we had received information that the Israeli government was to launch a “Charm Offensive” via media and newspaper correspondents, those with notoriety in the areas of Film making, Politics and so called right wing groups around (Racists) Europe and the US. Within the past 24 hours the news has broke that Israel intends to invest approximately $1.6 million in bettering their image.

This is as a direct result of Israel being snubbed by European leaders and some leaders in the South Americas. Israel is becoming more and more isolated from the greater world, as there is a sudden awakening to the ongoing violations of Human Rights and indeed continuous violations of the Geneva Convention. Increasingly Israel is seen as the aggressor in the Israel /Palestine situation and thus their image is bearing the brunt of the backlash.

Recent allegiance to Israel by such groups as the EDL and other right wing and Neo-Nazi groups is harming the once respectable image that Israel tried so hard to present to the world. Add to this the fact that the radical Rabbis calling for such actions as driving the Palestinians into the sea are increasingly been seen as on par with the Islamist Radicals. Not anymore just a voice box for the JDL and other militant Israeli groups, but now being considered as a threat to the greater world.

The monies earmarked by the Israeli government to improve the image of the country and its military, would be better spent on improving the situation of the Palestinian people imprisoned in the Gaza open air prison and other areas such as the West Bank, as IS Israel’s DUTY under the Geneva Convention.

It could be spent on restoring business destroyed by Israel during the war on Gaza, or for the restoration of homes and schools bombed mindlessly.

Instead the monies will be spent to improve relationships (Bribes) and in an attempt to buy off media and those against the current situation in Palestine.

Whilst at the same time the Israeli military (IDF) will continue to perform assassinations and incursions into the Gaza strip along with the destruction of Farm lands and Olive Trees, in a direct attempt to get a reaction from Hamas and other factions within Gaza.

Then the Israeli State can show rocket fire from Gaza as an excuse to again attack the strip and thus give the appearance to the greater world of being the victims of Palestinian aggression.



PHOTOS:
Hate Graffiti : photos 1 to 5 courtesy of Creative Commons

EDL photo: Unkown, Possibly AP









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Chainsaws wielding Settlers destroyed 270 olive trees

Settlers from the Yush Adam settlement have destroyed around 270 olive trees with the intention of expanding the nearby ILLEGAL settlement outpost.

100 trees belonging to Abdul-Razzaq Dawabsha, another 100 belonging to Muhammad and Shahada Dawabsha and 70 belonging to Sabir Dawabsha, were destroyed.
As most are aware the settlers regularly destroy Palestinian Olive trees, either in an attempt to expand illegal outposts (even illegal under Israeli law) or in attacks against the local Palestinian residents. The attacks usually are in the form of either cutting or direct burning.




Picture:
Courtesy of Occupied Palestine.



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West Bank protests against US Veto

Protesters gathered in the West Bank to protest against the President Obama ORDERED veto against the P.A. attempt to have ILLEGAL Israeli settlements condemned.
The other 14 member states of the Security Council ALL agreed to vote in favour of the resolution , however President Obama ordered his UN ambassador to veto the measure, despite the FACT that he himself described the settlements as being an “Obstacle to Peace”.

Mrs Clinton has also added her dog to this fight by stating that should the Palestinian Authority pursue the matter further, the US would consider the withdrawal of US aid to Palestine.
The sum Clinton was referring to is $200 million dollars a year, whilst at the same time the US provides Israel with the princely sum of $6 BILLION dollars of US tax payer’s monies in direct and indirect aid.

There have been protests across Palestine and in Tel-Aviv Israel. In Tel-Aviv protesters were carrying signs stating US, EU It’s time to BDS and another saying Stop the US supported occupation of Palestine.







However the Israeli leadership has long believed (maybe rightly) that Israel is beyond the laws of the UN. Ariel Sharon made that clear with the following statement:

Israel may have the right to put others on trial, but certainly no one has the right to put the Jewish people and the State of Israel on trial…… Ariel Sharon (2001).





Photos:

Mrs Clinton courtesy of AP
Tel-Aviv Protest courtesy of +972 News Magazine



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The Middle East in turmoil and the US reaction

Unrest in the Middle East appears to continue to spread, following the success of the revolution in Egypt and previously Tunisia. What is absolutely apparent is the fact that lives have been lost in Egypt and Tunisia and are currently being lost in Bahrain, Yemen and Libya.

Corruption and cruelty is the mainstay of all these dictatorships, along with little or NO regard for the lives of Women, Children/Babies or the Elderly.
One might (I say MIGHT) be able to accept loss of life in conflict between Pro-government and Pro-democracy protesters. If indeed the so called pro-government protesters were not either released prisoners, promised a pardon by the state in return for their loyalty/ barbarianism against civilians or as was obvious in Egypt, persons paid by the state to go out to hurt/kill civilians on the promise of high financial reward and further reward from the state after the protesters have been defeated.



BAHRAIN:


Currently in Bahrain the monarch and self proclaimed King: Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa has given the direct order to the Military to put an end to the Pro-democracy protests immediately.

Bahrain was from 1783 to 1971 within the control of the monarchy under the title of Hakim (Ruler or Governor), then in 1971 the rulers decided to change the title of the head of the country to that of Emir (Sheikh of highest rank or Title of Nobility) then in 2002 the rulers of Bahrain the Khalifa dynasty under Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa decided to declare Bahrain a Kingdom.

The capital city Manama has seen terrible violence over the past 24 hours, during the night last night Wednesday, the Police under direct orders attacked sleeping protesters with rubber bullets, tear gas and batons.

Thus far it appears that at least 6 people were killed and around 60 badly injured, with children among the casualties. The security forces were seen firing from a bridge above Pearl Roundabout.
Amongst the injured were Medics, Doctors and Nurses, one Doctor in hospital with severe injuries told ALJAZEERA that he was beaten whilst trying to give medical assistance to those injured by the security forces, when asked if he made the Police aware that he was a doctor, he replied: Yes I did and I was in uniform, they took me outside beat me with batons and then tied me up and beat me with a rifle butt.


In the main hospital in Manama where several of the dead were taken there was a young man on a trolley with part of his skull literally caved in, the accusation was that he had his head repeatedly beaten by police rifles. One female doctor could be seen clearly traumatised and crying with both fear and rage, she asked is this the government alleged use of proportionate force.

Amidst all this killing and repeated security force attacks against unarmed civilians and medics trying to do their job in treating the injured.
It has emerged that the scheduled Grand Prix (GP2)Bahrain GP has been cancelled due to the ongoing conflict and concerns about security. However, the Bahrain government has assured the GP association of Formula 1, that the first event of the Formula 1 season, the Bahrain GP WILL go ahead as planned on the 23rd of March.
The F1 President Bernie Ecclestone has admitted his concerns and also admitted that the cars and equipment for the upcoming event are already in Bahrain.

The current Foreign Minister of Bahrain has denied any undue use of force against the protesters at Pearl roundabout, stating that his government forces and the Police used only minimal force to remove the protesters. The latest reports are that there is up to 40 armoured vehicles plus personnel at or around Pearl roundabout.




YEMEN:



In Yemen there have been very similar scenes to those reported in Bahrain. Yemen is now into its 9th day of protests (Friday).
The President Ali Abdullah Saleh has accused the pro-democracy protesters of being ONLY Anarchists with the intention of causing mayhem, destruction and mindless violence.

However, the scenes on the ground greatly differ from the President’s description, in the capital city of Sanaa; peaceful pro-democracy protesters were met by so called pro-government protesters / Thugs who were armed with sticks, knives and some firearms.
Along with the government forces/Police an estimated hundreds of pro-government loyalists attacked the protesters with knives, sticks and other weapons, Police claim to have made over 50 arrests.
Thus far it is alleged that at least 2 people have been killed and up to 40 have been injured, 12 amongst the injured considered being very serious.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has been in power since 1990, recently gave concessions to the people, such as declaring that he would not stand again as a candidate for election as President and neither would his Son.
However it is widely recognised that the previous election was rigged in favour of the President and therefore any concession on further elections would not be considered a serious gesture.

During the day the security forces have blocked of all roads to the Presidential Palace using vehicles, personnel and razor wire to prevent pro-democracy demonstrators from gaining access to the palace or protesting outside.

Fresh protests have been called for today Friday the 18th of February in what is being called: the Friday of Fury.
In another development, religious leaders have in unison called for the formation of a national unity government with the inclusion of religious leaders and opposition politicians, and a further demand for free and fair elections within six months.

During the latest protests an ALJAZEERA reporter/ Cameraman was attacked, hurt and his camera equipment taken from him by so called government loyalists during their attacks on Pro-Democracy demonstrators.





LIBYA:



Gaddafi has ruled Libya with an Iron fist for almost 42 years with very little signs of demonstration or anger from the people as a result of the possible severity of punishment.

Latest reports have suggested that the number of dead since Wednesday has risen to 16 thus far, In Benghazi there were reports of between 5 and 6 dead as a direct result of Police shootings.
Protesters in Benghazi claimed that the people shot with live rounds by Police, where NOT given any warning prior to the shootings.

TV has only showed footage of Pro-Gaddafi protesters in the streets, estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 strong with huge photos of the Libyan leader, calling on the leader to continue leading the country for the betterment of the people.

However there were no photos or footage of the Pro-Democracy demonstrators at all.
The same tactics used by Mubarak in the latter days of the Egyptian revolution, are being equally used in Libya. The government will not allow footage of the pro-democracy demonstrations to be shown on state TV thus creating the illusion to the outside world and Libyans in rural areas that the only protests are pro-government.

There have been calls for a large turnout for a further day of protests today in what is being called the day of Rage, (Friday) after prayers.
Reports from the demonstration activists claim that the pro-democracy protesters are made up of young adults between15 and 30 years old, Male and Female, along with Men and Women of all ages from 35 to 50 years, older men and women aged up to, in one case 79 years young.

Ironically, should the pro-democracy movement succeed in removing Gaddafi and his government from power; they will have achieved what even the great American military could not.
During the 1980’s, under the instruction of the US President, a bombing campaign was launched on the presidential palace to rid Libya of Gaddafi, which narrowly missed the Libyan leader, however two of his Sons were injured and one Daughter was killed.




United States Reaction:


In a similar way to the overthrow of Egypt’s Mubarak, the US is strangely guarded in their reaction to the reports coming from Bahrain, Yemen and Libya.

On the subject of Bahrain:

Hillary Clinton has reaffirmed the friendship that exists between the United States and the Bahrain Monarchy / Government, calling Bahrain a “Friend and ally” with a very friendly footnote, suggesting that all peoples have a right to expect democracy.
It must not be forgotten that the US sends approximately 19 million of aid to Bahrain and of course Bahrain is strategically important to the US in the Middle East as they have a number of military bases there.

On answering a question from a reporter as to why the US is immediately ready to make comments on Iran but not on Bahrain, Libya and Yemen, Tunisia or more recently Egypt.
President Obama denied that this was the case and said he and his office commented on Iran because of the brutal way the state security forces treat their citizens, pointing out that the Iranian government had killed several protesters...

Very little else has been added in official comment about Bahrain, Libya or Yemen by either President Obama or Hillary Clinton.

It appears the US intends to play the waiting game again like they did with Egypt.






Photos:
1. Bahrain King - Asia News
2. Pearl Roundabout - C4
3. Pearl Roundabout - AFP
4. Yemen President - The Guardian
5. Yemen Protest - World Bulletin
6. Gaddafi - ALJAZEERA
7. Libya Protest - Al Arabiya News





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The removal of a Dictator and ongoing celebrations

I woke yesterday morning to a very cold frosty, yet sunny day, my very first thought was did it really happen? Partly awake and partly asleep, my brain couldn’t actually work out if the news that Mubarak had stepped down was real or some kind of hopeful dream.

Immediately, I turned on my TV for confirmation, partly fearing that it was only a dream after all.
It seemed an eternity before my ageing TV set warmed up, then a fuzzy pictured started to form, reaching for the remote control unit, I actually felt myself tremble. Finally, I searched for ALJAZEERA and there it was confirmation that it was not just a dream.

The presenter proclaimed, “Celebrations went on throughout the night in Tahrir square, on hearing of the resignation of FORMER President Mubarak”.

I think I sat for about three or four minutes stunned, then I could feel my eyes welling up, embarrassed I covertly wiped the tears from my eyes, hoping that they had not been seen by friends staying with me at my home. I went off to have a shower and my morning cup of fresh coffee, after exiting the bathroom and heading for the kitchen, I heard a commotion of sorts from my living room.
I flipped the switch on my coffee maker and proceeded to the living room, where three male and two female friends were hugging each other and celebrating, as I panned across the room I couldn’t actually find one person, Male or Female without tears on their cheeks or surrounding their eyes.

We live far from Egypt and none of us are Egyptian, however we have spent almost every free moment of every day either watching Aljazeera or Tweeting about Egypt, eagerly waiting for news of friends and contacts made via Twitter and Face book.

I do not wish to offend anybody either in Egypt or from Egypt, but in the past eighteen days both my friends and I have become Egyptians. We have laughed, cried, smiled and celebrated along with our Brothers and Sisters in Egypt. Most of all we feel very proud of what the people of Egypt have achieved.

News has broken that Mr Obama has sent his respects to the Pro-democracy demonstrators in Tahrir Square,

along with congratulations from the UN, EU and leaders of individual countries around the world. Finally the powers that be have decided to take a side in this revolution to free Egypt, albeit after the fact.

There are already rumours that the US is sending its top Army Official to reassure the leaders of government in Israel that things are going to stay the same between the Israeli State and Egypt.







Photos:
Mubarak: Courtesy of ALJAZEERA
Celebrations: Courtesy of ALJAZEERA
President Obama: Conservative Watch News.



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Tahrir Square protesters wake to news of US War Ships off coast

Regardless of the motives behind the decision of the United States to send War Ships and Marines the coast of Egypt, it will be a shock to those just waking from their sleep in Tahrir Square.

The Pentagon has made it quite clear that the purpose of the deployment is to assist in the evacuation of US citizens in case of emergency.
So far there has been no comment from the Egyptian Government, or the Government opposition in Egypt.

However some blog and Forum sites in the US are talking about how, the sending of the War Ships was kept very quiet in the US and questioned if the whole thing was masked by the days of Super bowl Euphoria.

There has been quite a lot of talk about US False Flag reports / Predictions and this appears to have put the US general public on edge.

One comment on a Forum site by a member, Expressed fear of, (Quote) “another repeat of the USS Liberty incident”.


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US: Sends War Ships to Egyptian Coast !

The USS Kearsarge, carrying 800 troops from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is an amphibious assault ship and the USS Ponce have arrived in the Red Sea, putting them off Egypt’s Coast.

Picture of the USS Kearsarge courtesy of Press TV.

Pentagon officials have emphasized that any military intervention in Egypt was out of the question and that the warships were being moved only for contingency purposes in case evacuations of US citizens became necessary.

The Kearsarge carries approximately 48 helicopters and harrier jets that would permit evacuations and other humanitarian operations, claimed the Pentagon official.

There is no further information on the number of Marines on board the second vessel the USS Ponce, nor any details of military hardware such as aircraft etc.

It appears that the US State department took the decision to send the two War Ships on Friday. Despite State department claims that the vessels are to be used for US citizen evacuations from Egypt.

There are very strong suspicions that the US troops may either be used on the streets in Cairo in some sort of peace keeping role, or that they may be intended to protect the Egyptian side of the border between Egypt and Gaza / Egypt and Israel.





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What the protesters in Tahrir square should know

Whilst the people of the Pro-Democracy movement in Egypt convene again today in Tahrir Square to mark the loss of lives, both Muslim and Christian know as the day of Martyrs (those who gave their lives for freedom), there have been solidarity protests almost worldwide in past days.
Starting in Europe, here are some photos of the demonstrations outside Egyptian embassies throughout European capitals:

Ireland:

There were protest gatherings outside the Egyptian Embassy in the capital city Dublin

UK: Protesters gather outside the Egyptian embassy in London.

France: Protests outside the embassy in Paris.

There were also Egyptian Pro-Democracy support demonstrations in the German capital, Milan in Italy, Madrid in Spain, Lisbon in Portugal, Athens in Greece, Brussels in Belgium, Vienna in Austria, Geneva in Switzerland, and in Copenhagen in Denmark.

In the Middle East: There were ongoing protests in Jordan, Gaza in Palestine, West Bank in Palestine, in Lebanon, in Yemen , In Tunisia and Turkey.

Turkey: Protests held in Ankara.

Protest in Lebanon

Protests also took place across Australia and in Kuala Lumpur.

Aussie Protests in Sydney.

Melbourne Australia:

Brisbane Australia:

Protests in the United States of America.

Photos in USA:

Washington DC:

New York City:

Photo Credits:
Ireland photos courtesy of Indymedia Ireland.
UK photos: Mohamad Hassam.
Paris Photo: Press TV.
Lebanon photo: Global Voices.
Turkey photo: AFP.
Australia Photos:
Brisbane: Unknown.
Melbourne: Takver.
Sydney: AP.
USA Photos:
Washington DC: Courtesy of AP.
New York: Courtesy of AP.

How some media & neighbouring countries are using the Pro-Democracy protesters for their own gain!

Many times today during the protest within Tahrir Square, feeling among the crowd went from happiness to total euphoria as rumour spread that Mubarak had stepped down from the position of President of Egypt. However, the celebrations were short lived as the spreading rumours were dispelled.

The leaders of the collective within Tahrir square, which is very much in the media eye, need to make a greater effort to deny the rumours being spread by some neighbouring Governments and journalists in TV, Radio, Print and online media, who claim that this is some sort of Arab uprising or Islamic take- over of the state and country.
Without a doubt these claims are totally self serving and in direct contradiction of the actual demographics on the ground in Cairo.

The leaders of Israel have wasted NO time in pointing out that the Muslim Brotherhood are involved and propagandising in their own favour, by creating a picture of total uprising and bloodshed throughout the Middle East.
The Egyptian Government have not denied this possibility and have used such scare mongering to frighten both, their own people and to use as an excuse to their partners in the West.

Along with this are some journalists who use very emotive terms such as Uprising, Islamic Awakening and Sectarian Division , in order to make otherwise dull or uninteresting blogs or newspaper articles appear more dramatic and thus more interesting to a wider audience, regardless of the harm their ramblings might bring upon the peaceful, human rights activists and democracy protesters in Tahrir square.

This is not a Movie, there is NO script, no Actors. It is very real and those who have lost their lives, are currently being mourned. The families of the deceased are suffering . Mothers, Fathers and children experiencing real and terrible pain. Those who have been injured are, and in some cases will continue to experience further pain and psychological scarring.

Everybody would agree that emotion can be a human flaw, and we get carried away at times with either raw emotion or excitement, often saying and doing things that we otherwise would never dream of.
However there are media outlets and indeed neighbouring governments that are purposely using emotive terms to further their ongoing arguments / Issues with some governments in the West, but in turn almost all sides are using the people of Tahrir Square as pawns.

As I have said before there is nothing romantic about being faced with government sponsored thugs charging at you with God knows what kind of weaponry, nothing COOL about facing the very thugs that before, and possibly after this period, may actually recognise you, as you go about your day to day business, whilst they are Policing the streets of Cairo. Nothing at all comforting about standing night after night in the cold and rain, only to see no gains at the barricades the following day.
Yet despite this, these people crave democracy so much, that they are willing to make that sort of sacrifice for the chance of a better life for them and their children.

It is therefore Shameful to use the people of Tahrir square to further some other agenda, remember that is exactly what the Men, Women and Children, Young, Middle aged and Old, Religious and secular are fighting against.


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Mubarak: The last days of a Dictator

Thus far the US and the UN have been to say the very least, diplomatic with their condemnation of what the world is now witnessing going on in Cairo. Journalists have been arrested in their droves or have been attacked and beaten by Government Goons (so called Mubarak supporters), for daring to show the truth about what is taking place.

The Egyptian government have denied all claims that they were somehow responsible for the thugs on the streets, despite the fact that the media has seen and recorded the capture of these thugs and witnessed that they were CARD carrying government agents (Police, Special Forces etc), along with this was the pictures and film which clearly shows a high ranking Police Officer inciting people to riot against the pro-democracy peaceful protesters.

The so called Jan 25th or Pro-democracy protesters have managed to hold Tahrir square heroically and against all odds now for almost 24 hrs by barricading themselves into the square.
However this is no longer just defiance it is also fear, they are afraid of leaving now because of what they have witnessed and had to endure in the past two days.

There is nothing “romantic or poetic” about watching your own people die at your feet nor is there comfort in knowing that those injured will make it back to the front lines the next day to continue the protests, for what are after all only BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS.
Behind the barricades are humans, people feeling all the effects of the cold and hunger and the lack of medical supplies, along with the ongoing attacks by state sponsored thugs.

This is NOT an Arab uprising nor an Islamic uprising (as is being reported) by some of the media, it is humans striving to survive and fight for a better future for their children and in some cases their grandchildren. It is a mixture of the old, middle aged and people between 18 and 30 years of age, Doctors, Lawyers, Judges and the ordinary people of Egypt.

History will no doubt record this period in time, as either the democratisation of Egypt or the quelling of an uprising against the Mubarak government. Recording history is that fickle, the party that controls the outcome is thus victorious, and by default allowed to rewrite history as they please.

This is the reason that International Free Press (ALJAZEERA etc), is so very important, as they record an alternative account of what took place on the ground during any period of conflict. This alternative view at least contradicts the romantic or patriotic view that very often fails to show the hardship and fear, hatred and organised bullying of the ordinary people.

Journalists are never afforded the luxury of taking sides or predicting the future, however that said, one can only admire the bravery of the Pro-democracy people and applaud their peaceful stance against what is state controlled tyranny. The P.M’s apology earlier today was indeed a very empty gesture and actually shows the ingrained tyrannical attitude of talking down to their people.

The outcome will be the end of the Mubarak dictatorship, there is no doubt about this. However I fear there will be much more upheaval over the next couple of days and then the handing over of power to the current Vice President with the promise of free elections in the future.


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Mubarak’s words turn calm, peace and celebration in to fear amongst the people of Egypt

At approximately 22:30 hrs (GMT) and 00:30hrs (Local time), Pro-Mubarak demonstrators appeared near Tahrir square in numbers no larger that between 320 and 350, they appeared to be armed and looking for conflict. The Army around the square went into heightened alert and began to put on their bullet proof vests in preparation for some sort of conflict.

However the pro demonstrators went on, passing Tahrir square shouting support for Mubarak, some were on motorcycles and appeared to be members of the police / security services. Similar incidents took place in Alexandria and other areas of Egypt.

It is at the very least suspicious, that all of a sudden there was a movement of people (it appears, All over Egypt) coming out to show their support and solidarity for Mubarak, albeit only in small numbers. State TV is now showing a crowd of no more than about 500 people said to be the citizens of Egypt supporting their President. Mubarak’s statement on TV a couple of hours ago appears to have served to incite hatred and violence between citizens that until today DID NOT exist in this Peoples revolution.

The great SHAME is that apart from the deaths and violence of the first few days, this revolution of the people has, and at least for the moment, continues to be totally non-violent and almost a general feeling of total celebration consumed those in Tahrir square and other areas of other cities around Egypt.


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Over 2 Million in Tahrir square, whilst Blair on most News networks

It is now estimated that there is in the region of 2 MILLION PLUS people now gathered in Tahrir Square calling for the removal of Mubarak.

The soldiers have kept their promise not to go against the people, and have allowed free gathering of the people and in several unprecedented scenes , soldiers have been heard answering the calls and protests of the those gathered.

The congregation is again like previous days, made up of people of totally differing aspects of society, TV Presenters from the national network, football stars, Judges, Lawyers, Street cleaners, Taxi drivers and the unemployed all together as ONE!, nobody is more or less important to the collective and all are equal.
Despite the fact that food stuffs and other basic needs are slowly becoming very hard to obtain, anybody with food or drink to spare is bringing these supplies to Tahrir Square to share with their comrades and the soldiers on duty near by..

The decision was taken at about 12:00hrs (GMT) 14:00hrs (Local time) that the collective should not march on the Presidential HQ, but instead HOLD the strategic position of Tahrir Square.
Despite the Mubarak government’s efforts to stop the people from assembling in Cairo, by for example: halting all trains into the city, cutting mobile phones, Twitter, Face Book (Internet etc), the call to the people to assemble in what was called the “Million Man March” HAS BEEN HEARD, as now over 2 Million have made it to Tahrir Square.

Many among the protesters have asked about the absence of reporters from the state TV news station, which has thus far not reported on the masses gathered in Tahrir square, instead pointing their cameras towards a poultry gathering of so called pro-Mubarak supporters, which the opposition has suggested were paid to march in support of Mubarak.
However, unlike Mr Mubarak’s regime, those collected in Tahrir square have stated that the people amongst the Pro-Mubarak group, are very much entitled to their views.

Every commentator of almost every news network worldwide, is asking the same question of their guests and collected experts, that question is: “Is this the end for Mubarak?”

The US, UN and Europe are strangely muted on the whole subject of the uprising in Egypt, except for the Turkish Minister who has said his government supports the will of the people in Egypt. On the other hand Israeli newspapers report that Ministers in Israel are asking their associates in the US and Europe to support Mubarak. Whilst at the same time Mr Blair has been on almost every network News, Sky, Fox, France 24, RT and the BBC, and it appears he is suggesting that it is fine for Egypt to have democracy, so long as it does NOT interfere in the status Quo between the Palestinians and Israel.
Blair has also suggested that the west would be worried about the possibility of the Muslim Brotherhood gaining any hold on politics in Egypt.

Almost every news network still able to report from Tahrir square, are reporting the same thing. That is, that the collective within the square is a peaceful one, full of hope for the future and determination to succeed regardless of how long it takes to unseat Mubarak. Many reporters claiming that the atmosphere is very much like a festival, one reporter comparing it to WOODSTOCK.

Security within the square has been taken care of by the citizens themselves, Egyptians were asked to form lines one for Women and another for Men and they were searched by their fellow citizens. This was to avoid infiltration by thugs (Government special police) and also to ensure that the protest remained peaceful.
Further to this, all day the Citizens formed a huge Human chain, linking hands to ensure no entry to saboteurs or those considered involved in recent acts of violence in the city.

More than 2 Million in the square and an estimated 400,000 more around the city who were unable to get into Tahrir square because of pure volume. There were also an estimated 700,00 and still growing, gathered in Alexandria and up to 1.2 Million gathered in other areas through out Egypt.




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Egypt: True people power, as army receives order to use live ammunition

Regardless of the outcome of events in Egypt, what MUST at all costs be recognised is that this is pure people power. The protests are made up of all the peoples of Egypt, the rich, poor, the non-believers, Christians and Muslims. Brotherhood is more than just a gesture, it is real!

Tahrir square in Cairo is now inhabited by tens of thousands of peaceful protesters, and it is estimated that there will be in the region of hundreds of thousands within the next couple of hours. Thus far the army is only acting to secure the area and are not taking direct action against peaceful protest.

As the standoff continues the worry is that the army may at any time get the order to fire upon the people, there at least appears to be a less welcoming approach from the army, however thus far no action has been taken by the military against the people.
In the past couple of hours Judges and Lawyers have begun to join the protest and the feeling amongst the people is that they CAN NOT give up now for fear of retribution from the state, anyway there is absolutely no desire to give up until Mubarak leaves and free elections are allowed.

There have been several funerals today for those killed during the protests, this has only further exasperated the situation along with the fact that government Special Forces have closed down several news agencies such as the BBC and most recently ALJAZEERA.

The curfew today starts at 4oc (16:00hrs local time), or 2oc (14:00hrs GMT). The most recent development is that the Army have now been given the order to use LIVE Ammunition, which probably accounts for the stand-off and lessening of the kind of joyous greetings witnessed yesterday.

Egypt: The US on the fence whilst Israel watches nervously

Whilst our collective knowledge of the Middle East is very good, over the years our attention has been directed towards Palestine.
That said, every man and his dog, knows that Egypt is to human mankind the very seat of civilisation. Therefore what is being witnessed in Egypt brings a mixture of both pride and sadness.

Pride for the fact that this once great nation, repressed for so long, may be on their way to freedom. Sad from the point of view of the loss of life, 150 dead thus far and there are over 4,000 injured.

There have been alleged reports of government thugs (government special forces) trawling the streets looting and destroying property, their aim it is alleged, is to replace the collective fear of the people.
In other words creating a picture of total lawlessness in the hope that such crime will encourage the protesters to return to their areas to protect their belongings, the end result being that this way the protests become smaller and easily controlled. However, so far this has not been working and civilians have formed local protection groups, who patrol their areas during the night.

Interestingly, the statements from the USA, have only served to actually confuse things, they at least appear to be sitting on the fence, worried about attacking Mubarak in case he holds on to power and at the same time unwilling to go against the people for the same reason.

Needless to say Israel is increasingly worried about this situation, the repression of the Egyptian people has served Israel well over the past three decades and the people of Egypt are fully aware of this fact. Netanyahu's only statement is that they are watching things unfold in Egypt.

There is an old saying, “A good neighbour who may not share ones beliefs, is STILL a good neighbour” in other words, one can have friends of differing beliefs or morals, who may differ in almost every way, yet because they are good friends they are accepted.

Perhaps something for Egypt’s neighbours to consider.

The Kidnapping and illegal detention of Children in Palestine

The recent release of the Palestinian papers by ALJAZEERA has certainly stirred things in the Middle East, no one really knows what the eventual outcome of the papers will be, but one thing is for sure it has brought the subject of Palestine to world attention, as its scope is very wide and includes thus far, the (PA) Palestinian Authority, Israeli Government and the US government, especially the focus in the States which is being directed at President Obama and his decision to totally reject the dealings and agreements of his predecessor George Bush.

This has of course brought about the accusation that the US is not in any way an Honest Broker, and furthermore, the feeling on the ground is that the accusation against Mr Obama and his government are NOTHING new to most Palestinians, and more surprising is the fact that a majority of people favoured the Bush / Rice combination, citing their more balanced approach to the situation.

For people who are less familiar with the situation between Israel and the Palestinians, their basic understanding is that the Israeli people only want peace and the end to the rocket fire from Palestinian militants, on the other side, the Palestinian people want a free state and the removal of the occupying forces. However, if nothing else these documents show that this simplistic view of the Middle East (M.E.) as has been fed to readers by some TV news agencies and newspapers is very far from the truth.

The situation in Palestine is one of human struggle on a daily basis for people, and by people, I am talking of ordinary civilians, who are caught up in the conflict for no other reason, than the fact that they live, own homes, livestock within the areas deemed to be used as settlements.
Palestinian property is under dread of being either confiscated or demolished by the Israeli State, regardless of the length of ownership or indeed the lineage of said ownership.

Further to this is the fact that increasingly the IDF have stepped up their campaign of home invasions and kidnappings, some of those taken are as young as 8 years old, and are often taken in the middle of the night from their parents and siblings without prior warning.
The most recent case of kidnappings and home invasions / confiscations, is the case of Ten-year-old Kareem Saleh Tamimi who was playing outside his home in Nabi Saleh this morning (24 January 2011) when an Israeli Special Forces unit officer dressed in civilian clothing, took him.

Tamimi was taken without explanation or allegation, for his sudden kidnap and later detention. Although Tamimi’s lawyers were present at the police station and pleaded with interrogators to allow them to talk with the child, they were only allowed access to their client after almost six hours of Israeli interrogation.

Despite the fact that almost universally it is recognised that children must never be interrogated / Interviewed without an accompanying adult (Parents, Lawyers etc), Tamimi’s Parents were denied access to their son.

The area where Tamimi lives is the village of Nabi Saleh and shortly after his kidnapping Israeli special forces and the IDF surrounded the whole village, this created the fear among those living in the village that the Israeli authority was about to begin house demolitions.

Arrests and kidnapping of minors is something that has been documented in the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem over the years, It is certainly not a new, or recent activity by the Israeli special forces and the IDF, in fact kidnappings in the past have given rise to accusations of children being used as human shields, and recently two members of the IDF were convicted of conduct unbecoming, however the sentences given for this most heinous of crimes were simply ONLY token gestures.

Investigation into Mavi Marmara by Israel, --> CLEARS ISRAEL!

Then again what did we really expect? In the past two or three years alone the Zionist state and their military have proved time and again, that they are completely beyond ANY law.

Remember these are the same people that ridiculed the Goldstone report after killing innocents and Children in an open prison, they call Gaza.

The Goldstone report was shelved with the help of the USA. 1400 people murdered but no consequences, of that 1400 almost 400 were children /Babies.

Using children as shields, credit card and jewellery thefts, killing women holding WHITE flags, use of illegal weapons, white phosphorous etc, assassinations, children as young as 8 years old held in Israeli prisons, the list goes on and on, there seems to be no limit to the crimes that Israel is allowed to commit.

Then the murders of 8 Turks and 1 American /Turk on board the Mavi Marmara in International waters, and the killers are allowed not only to steal human dignity, property, and money, they are also allowed to investigate themselves and tell blatant lies that will never be refuted by anybody,again no consequences.

This commission’s findings are farcical and make a total mockery of international law, the fact that this vessel was illegally boarded in International waters is not taken into consideration and there was NO testimony from independent witnesses, only Israeli witnesses who were on board the Mavi Marmara.

French Foreign Minister attacked in Gaza

The French Foreign Ministers motorcade was attacked and pelted with among other things, eggs and shoes today on her journey from the EREZ crossing to the UN offices in Gaza. Protestors lay on the road in an effort to block the motorcade, some were holding signs telling the Foreign Minister Michele Alliot-Marie to leave Gaza.

It seems that what caused the protest was an Israeli radio statement which apparently miss-quoted Alliot-Marie, regarding the subject of Gilad Schalit, the Israeli soldier being held in Gaza. The statement was that Alliot-Marie suggested efforts should be made to free Schalit, as holding the Israeli Soldier was a war crime and the Red Cross should be allowed access.

The protesters many of whom have members of their family (Adults and Children as young as 10 years) interned in Israeli prisons without charge, became outraged by the comments on Israeli radio.
The Hamas Police broke up the initial affray at the EREZ crossing, however the protesters followed the motorcade to the UN offices in Gaza and continued to protest what they believed to be the French Foreign Ministers comments.

Perhaps, this incident also shows the total frustration of the people in Gaza, after all almost on a daily basis some foreign minister or committee or group turns up in Gaza, taking their individual turn to condemn the conditions, and then leave. Yet for over two years now and countless visits by so called Ministers, nothing has changed for the people of Gaza .

Why Israel is worried about the Tunisian situation

Israel is worried about what is happening in Tunisia and will no doubt play a part in trying to calm the situation there.

Netanyahu’s main worry about the Tunisian situation is that it might spread across the Arab world. Should this happen and say for example, Egypt was to rid itself of their current leader, how would Israel prevent a democratic leader / government from opening the border between Gaza and Egypt and allow free trade?

Furthermore, should the Arab world become more open then political parties would be allowed to have their say on the situation in Palestine, and Israel would no longer have control of the Arab world via their corrupt self serving puppets.

Israel: Ethnic cleansing NOT property demolition!

The Israeli Authorities and the Jerusalem Municipality demolished the Shepherd Hotel in Sheikh Jarrah, in occupied East Jerusalem.

Despite the UN, and to a far lesser extent the US, condemnation of the destruction of properties in the occupied areas of Palestine, the Israeli government continue their policy of ethnic cleansing.

The world media will report the destruction of the Shepherd Hotel as the ongoing demolition of Palestinian property, if it is reported at all.
But what is being missed or purposely left out is the fact that when a Palestinian home is destroyed or stolen by the Israeli state and given to an Israeli family, the Palestinian resident is no longer in most cases able to live in or close to the area of their original home /birth, in other words they have been ethnically cleansed from that area.

We (not living in Palestine) tend to over simplify these actions, and often vent our rage at the fact that another property has been demolished.
However, there is a very real human tragedy at play here, a Palestinian Father has now no option but to move his Wife and siblings, and in some cases older family members in with other relatives.

In turn the original action by the state of Israel not only destroys a Palestinian home, not only cleanses the area of that Palestinian family, but also in most cases plunges the family evicted and their relatives into severe poverty.

Israeli spokesperson, we regret the death of Amr Qawasme

I fail to understand what is happening to mankind, for one to say they regret something is to play down an incident. For example one might say, I regret leaving my job or selling my car or losing my keys or missing the bus. But to say one regrets taking the life of another human is simply disrespecting /disregarding the value of life.

There is absolutely no comfort for the loved ones of the deceased in such a statement, and only shows the family the worth placed on their loved one by the killer/s. Every human has value and a place of importance to their family and extended family, and this value should always be observed.
Photo: AFP.


Statements like the one above only serve to show the hatred and total lack of value that the Israelis have for Palestinians.

Humans are not ELIMINATED they are killed / murdered, they are not pawns to be trifled with in order to gain political superiority over an enemy government they are civilians, voters, Mothers, Fathers, Children, Brothers and Sisters.

IDF assassination squad get the wrong man!

The Israeli military machine has claimed the life of another Palestinian in the West Bank.

The victim was Amr Qawasme, a 65-year-old Hebron resident, who was killed during what was obviously an IDF sanctioned assassination. However the victim was not their target and it looks like the IDF actually raided the wrong address.
The IDF are claiming that Amr Qawasme was in the home of their target a Hamas official.

IDF assassinations are by no means something new in the West Bank, however they are rarely reported as assassinations, more often termed as arrest attempts that either went wrong or arrest attempts met by resistance.

Below is a link to the HAARETZ report:

http://tinyurl.com/37xprmb

Is the killing of Jawaher Abu Rahmah a war crime?

For almost six years the residents of the town of Bilin have been holding peaceful, non-violent weekly demonstrations against the current illegal separation barrier.

The woman who died on Saturday, Jawaher Abu Rahmah, was a 36-year-old resident of the town of Bilin, and WAS NOT active in the demonstration, but watching with her Mother a distance away.
Her Mother in an interview with the New York Times, explained that the wind blew the gas from the grenades in their direction.

Of course, the Zionist state is coming up with all sorts of excuses and denials, they claimed firstly that she wasn’t even there, then claims from the Israeli government that she may have suffered from asthma!

One has absolutely no doubt that the Israeli immoral machine will try to discredit Jawaher Abu Rahmah at some point as they tried to do with Rachel Corrie and then when all else fails they will simply tell untruths.

The P.A. has claimed the death of Jawaher Abu Rahmah is a war crime, a claim dismissed by Israel. But here are the facts: Israel illegally occupies Palestine, the barrier being constructed is Illegal and by definition the presence of the IDF in the area is also ILLEGAL!

Watch the interview below from Democracy Now

RAMALLAH, names street after Rachel Corrie

RAMALLAH,in the occupied territories of Palestine has honored fallen peace and human rights activist Rachel Corrie, by naming a street in her memory.

Rachel Corrie a 23 year old American peace activist was murdered by the IDF (Israeli Army) on the 16th of March 2003, whilst non-violently trying to protect the home of a Palestinian family, from illegal destruction by the Zionist state. Despite the fact that the IDF were aware that there was an active demonstration by non-Palestinian activists, the order was given to destroy the home.


There is little known about the bulldozer driver who took Rachel’s life, apart from the fact that he is a 38-year-old Russian immigrant who came to Israel in 1995.

During the recent case brought by Rachel’s parents against the State of Israel, the dozer driver was hidden behind a screen, which the Zionist state claimed was necessary to protect him.

Lieberman: Israel requires “at least a decade” for peace with Palestinians!

The latest from Israel comes in the form of a statement by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman the champion of the settlers, who claimed that “at least a decade” would be required by Israel to achieve any peace accord with the Palestinians.

This is simply stalling tactics on the part of the Zionist entity, as ten years more would see the total ethnic cleansing of all Palestinians from East Jerusalem and the greater part of the West Bank, not to mention the fact that the people of Gaza can NOT wait another 10 years for a solution to what is the obvious imprisonment and punishment of a people by the Zionists.

Right now, on a daily basis homes are destroyed ILLEGALLY in East Jerusalem by the Zionists, leaving entire families, sometimes generations of Palestinian families without a home, despite the fact that Israel is clearly breaking International law.

The International community does not have the back bone to do anything about this situation and as a result allows the Zionist entity to rule Palestine as they see fit.

Since 1982 the United States has used its veto powers 32 times to protect the Zionist entity from any action by the United Nations, thus proving the fact that the UN needs to be either totally scrapped or overhauled in a way that no one power / country, has the ability to stand in the way of the UN’s duty to other nations or peoples who are currently being occupied and brutalised.

If this were the case and the UN was running as it should be, there would be UN Peace Keepers on the original borders between Israel and Palestine and the Zionist entity would have to abide by the rule of law. However there are NO peace keepers in Palestine and those that are on the border of Israel and Lebanon are about as much use as discarded cigarette butts, in other words they are visible but because of lack of political will on the part of the UN they serve no proper purpose, as has been proved by the fact that almost on a daily basis the IAF (Israeli Air Force) invade Lebanese air space for hours on end without ANY consequence, Yet one can imagine the reaction from the Israelis and her allies, if the Lebanese army was to down one of these aircraft, as is their right of self defence.

Lieberman, has called on numerous occasions for the total expulsion of all Arabs from the occupied territories and the expansion of Jewish settlements to all areas.

This may be acceptable to Mr Lieberman and his cronies, but there is growing opposition even from within Israel.

No contact with the Arabs

The latest from Israel would be hilarious if not so serious. The Wives of Rabbis in Israel have launched a campaign advising Jewish women not to date or otherwise associate with Arab men, alongside another recommendation that under no circumstances should landlords, housing agents, and property owners let their property to Arabs.

This came shortly after the story broke of an 85 year old male Israeli Holocaust survivor, who was being hassled by his so called neighbours / Fellow Israelis, for simply allowing Arab / Palestinian students to rent rooms in his property. The man in question, a warm kindly gentleman personified all that is and can be good about Jewry, in a short interview the gentleman is seen greeting a young Palestinian man and they genuinely appeared to have both admiration and respect for each other, As it Should be!

To my great shame I cannot recall this gentleman’s name, but I have no doubt that the local neighbourhood watch can, no doubt that the local right wing nut brigade leader can, and no doubt that this kindly caring human will in some way have to pay for his kindness.