FREEDOM FLOTILLA II PRESS STATEMENT Palmer/Uribe Report Whitewashes Israeli Crimes

FREEDOM FLOTILLA II
PRESS STATEMENT

Sunday, 4 September 2011
For immediate release

Palmer/Uribe Report Whitewashes Israeli Crimes

Sadly the Palmer/Uribe Report on the 31 May 2010 Flotilla Incident, leaked to the New York Times on 1 September, is an expected whitewash of Israeli crimes. While it blames Israeli forces for using excessive force when they raided our Gaza-bound civilian ships, it erroneously justifies Israel’s blockade of Gaza, casts doubts on the intentions of the flotilla organizers, and does not seek accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses.

The Palmer/Uribe Panel was flawed from its inception. The appointment of ex-Colombian President Alvaro Uribe as the Panel’s vice-chair casts serious doubt on the integrity and impartiality of the Panel. Uribe’s intimate association with the military and paramilitary practice of murdering civilians in Colombia and notorious disdain for human rights defenders makes his appointment to a Panel dealing with human rights issues problematic. Furthermore, Uribe’s government is on record as advocating closer military cooperation with Israel. [1]

In addition to the problems in the composition of the Panel, its goal was not to arrive at the truth of what happened or to seek justice for victims, but rather to reach political compromise in order to repair relations between Israel and Turkey. The mandate of the Panel was limited to reviewing the reports of the national investigations by Turkey and Israel, and it did not interview witnesses or otherwise conduct an in-depth objective investigation. This is a political attempt to overshadow the only independent and impartial investigation and report on the flotilla raid, which was commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council (A/HRC/15/21) and conducted by three internationally renowned human rights experts. The findings and recommendations of this report, released on 23 September 2010 have yet to be acted on by the United Nations.

One of the most outrageous findings of this Panel is that Israel had a right to impose the naval blockade on Gaza as a “legitimate security measure.” This finding completely ignores the fact that the naval blockade is part of an overall closure regime that numerous human rights bodies, including various UN agencies, have declared illegal. Furthermore, it ignores incontrovertible evidence that the naval blockade and overall closure are not about security, but rather about putting pressure on the people of Gaza. Israeli leaders are on record noting that the purpose of the blockade is economic warfare – to keep the Gaza economy on the brink of collapse in order to pressure the civilians to rise up against the Hamas government. [2]

Using civilians as a means of pressuring a government violates international humanitarian law, which prohibits intentionally harming civilians, and constitutes collective punishment, forbidden under the Fourth Geneva Convention.

The Palmer/Uribe Report mistakenly identifies IHH as the “leading group involved in the planning of the flotilla,” accuses us (the Freedom Flotilla organizers) of acting recklessly, and casts doubt on the humanitarian nature of our action (pages 46-48). Six non-governmental, international civil society organizations, all having equal say and responsibility, planned Freedom Flotilla I. Our action was a legitimate form of nonviolent direct action. We reject the Panel’s finding that Israeli soldiers faced “organized violence.” What the heavily armed commandos faced while they tried to forcefully take over the Mavi Marmara on the high seas was legitimate acts of non-armed self-defense by a handful of passengers, acting against unwarranted aggression.

Although our ships carried 10,000 tons of much needed cargo for the people of Gaza, we have repeatedly stated that our goal is to break the illegal blockade of Gaza, not simply to deliver aid. The humanitarian crisis that exists in Gaza is a result of a deliberate, illegal and immoral policy. To challenge that policy in order to bring an end to the cause of people’s suffering is humanitarian.

While the Report correctly faults Israel for using excessive force on unarmed civilians, it does not call for accountability. The Report notes that Israel has not accounted for the forensic evidence showing that most of the nine volunteers killed were shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range, or for the consistent accounts of abuse suffered by other volunteers at the hands of Israeli forces. The Report’s recommendation that Israel simply express regret over the incident is insulting to the victims and their families, and seriously undermines international human rights and humanitarian law.

Finally the report fails to address the issue of the remaining four ships of Freedom Flotilla I still held by Israel as well as its refusal to return to the passengers over $1 million in money and equipment including cameras and videos which are of evidential value.

We welcome Turkey’s decision to downgrade relations with Israel, expelling the Israeli ambassador, and cancelling military ties, as well as its statement that it will take legal action against those Israelis responsible for the attack on the flotilla. Such sanctions are needed in order to put an end to the impunity with which Israel has been violating Palestinian human rights and disregarding international law.

European poll reveals changing perceptions of conflict in Palestine

Al Jazeera Centre for Studies in conjunction with the Middle East Monitor (MEMO) and the European Muslim Research Centre (EMRC) at Exeter University carried out a joint study in January 2011 to gauge British and European perceptions on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. No major study of this kind has been undertaken on a European level since October 2003, when a survey conducted by the European Commission revealed that approximately 60% of Europeans saw Israel as the greatest threat to world peace.

This report presents the findings of a research study conducted by the polling institution ICM Government & Social Research Unit on behalf of Al Jazeera, MEMO and the EMRC. ICM interviewed 7,045 adults across six major European countries: Britain, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy.

See Middle East Monitor:

Key findings

A few of the most salient points drawn out from our study include the following. Of the adults surveyed:

* 50% believe that being critical of Israel does NOT make a person anti-Semitic;
* 70% believe that the pro-Israel lobby influences the media;
* 67% believe that the pro-Israel lobby influences the political agenda;
* 58% believe that European Law should not be changed to make it easier for those accused of war crimes to visit Europe;
* 65% believe that Israel does not treat all religious groups equally;
* 45% believe that Hamas should be INCLUDED in Israel-Palestine peace talks;
* 41% believe that Israel’s oppression of Palestinians is one of the biggest obstacles to peace in the Middle East;
* 40% believe that Israeli settlements are the biggest obstacles to peace in the Middle East;
* 51% thought of the Gaza Strip when they heard the words “Israel-Palestine conflict”;
* 34% believe that Israel is not a democracy but 65% believe that (democracy or not) there is oppression and domination by one religious group in Israel over another;
* 13% consider Israel to be the bigger threat to world peace compared with only 7% who said the same of the Palestinians;
* 53% were aware that Israel’s economic blockade of the Gaza Strip is illegal;
* 64% stated that the Israeli armed response to the boats carrying supplies to the Gaza Strip in May 2010 was illegal;
* 60% were aware that the Israeli ground incursion into the Gaza Strip during the winter of 2008-2009 was illegal;
* 48% think that Israel exploits the history of the suffering of the Jewish people in Europe to generate public support;
* 39% believe that the Israel-Palestine conflict fuels “Islamophobia” in Europe; and
* 54% believe that Jerusalem should be a neutral international city.

FREEDOM FLOTILLA 2

THE FREEDOM FLOTILLA 2 WILL SAIL TO GAZA DURING THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF MAY 2011

The city of Madrid (Spain) hosted on 4th, 5th and 6th February 2011 the meeting of delegates from different organizations that comprise the International Coalition of the Freedom Flotilla II. The meeting, organized by the host delegation Rumbo a Gaza, was attended by delegates from Algeria, Canada, Scotland, Spain, France, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. Also, in the course of the meeting, updates were received about the work of organizations in Germany, Australia, Belgium and Denmark.

The organizations gathered in Madrid reiterated our strongest condemnation and rejection of systematic aggression that the State of Israel has inflicted on the Palestinian people for over 60 years and its continued violations of international law. We also denounce the passivity, if not outright complicity of our governments to actions that constitute a crime against humanity.

The Gaza Strip has become a symbol of the systematic and planned aggression against the entire Palestinian people. For almost five years, over a million and half people have been subjected to a criminal and illegal blockade, a medieval siege in which the State of Israel has become the master of life and death for Gazans. This collective punishment combined with devastating military attacks launched by Israel’s army on the defenseless population of the Gaza Strip: 500 killed in Operation Summer Rains 2006, more than 1,400 killed in Operation Cast Lead December 2008 and January 2009, more than 80 killed in 2010 during various other assaults.

Gaza is a territory intentionally reduced to misery. 80% of its inhabitants depend on humanitarian aid for food, 70% of households live on less than one euro per day for each of its members, over 40% of the population is unemployed. The State of Israel has kidnapped people physically as well as kidnapping their rights, their dreams and hopes as they have been doing for more than 60 years.

Because of the silence and inaction of our governments to these crimes against humanity, the international civil society campaign has grown since 2008 when the siege was broken for the first time by two small boats and last year the first Freedom Flotilla was launched. A well known fact, the Israeli army attacked this Flotilla in international waters, in what constituted a flagrant violation of international shipping laws, murdering nine activists, injuring 50 others, kidnapping everyone on board, and hijacking the boats.

More determined than ever to break and end the blockade, the Coalition announced today that during the second half of May 2011 Freedom Flotilla II will sail. To this end there will be at least twice as many boats carrying many more volunteers and more aid. The expedition will sail in order to force Israel to respect international law and to mobilize civil societies’ support and solidarity with the Palestinian population of Gaza as well as bring attention to the wider issue of the host of human rights abuses carried out by the Israeli state against the entire population of Palestine.

We are closely following the big change that is being brought in Tunisia, Egypt and the wider Arab world by the emergence of civil societies’ demand for true democracy, social justice, freedom and respect of human rights. The long Palestinian struggle against occupation and violence deserves the support of the international community. Freedom Flotilla II integrate its action into that large movement focusing on breaking and ending the siege in Gaza. Palestinian people and historically, Mediterranean Sea people, have the same rights on their territory, territorial waters and air space. Therefore our expedition, Freedom Flotilla II, has become more important and necessary than ever.

We will sail to Gaza until Palestine is free!

International Coalition of the Freedom Flotilla II
Madrid, 7th February 2011

The Welcoming Ceremony For the Mavi Marmara

The Mavi Marmara “finally returned home after 219 days since the incident on may 31. Tens of thousands of people attended a welcome ceremony for the ship,” according to a press release from the Turkish IHH [Insani Yardim Vakfi - Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief - Dec 26, 2010].
The Mavi Marmara was accompanied by 80 small boats and people were waving flags of Palestine and Turkey to welcome the ship. Turkish citizens as well as hundreds of activists from 50 different countries participated in the event. Photo’s of the 9 “activists” who died during the Israeli raid were displayed at the ship. People were shouting slogans condemning Israel and showing banners protesting against the blockade of Gaza.
Among others the IHH President Bülent Yildirim spoke at the welcoming ceremony and the family members of the 9 dead “activists” attended the ceremony as well as the Swedish-Israeli “leftist activist” Dror Elimelech Feiler [1], Free Gaza legal advisor Audrey Bomse, Muhammad Sawalha (from the International Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza), Mazen Kahel (from the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza) and Ship to Gaza Greece representative Demetris Pleionis. [IHH website, Dec 26, 2010]

Photo Gallery

[1] Dror Feiler’s father met with PLO representatives in Rumania in 1978 while this was still illegal at the time. Dror Elimelech was also one of the first “refuseniks” to serve in the disputed territories. He is chairman of the Swedish organization Jews for Israeli-Palestinian Peace (JIPF) and the European organization European Jews for a Just Peace (EJJP). He was aboard the Swedish Greek boat “Sofia” involved in the Gaza flotilla clash.

“Ett stort ljus i mörkret.” K G Hammar hyllade Ship to Gaza

Ship to Gaza-Sverige Pressmeddelande 2010-12-19

“Ett stort ljus i mörkret.” K G Hammar hyllade Ship to Gaza i fullsatt Göteborgskyrka

På lördagskvällen genomfördes en solidaritetskonsert till förmån för Ship to Gazas arbete för den instängda befolkningen i Gaza i Annedalskyrkan i Göteborg. Närmare 500 människor i alla åldrar hade hörsammat inbjudan att tända ett ljus för Gaza i vintermörkret. De fick bland annat lyssna till sång och musik av Trio Samara och Sångensemblen Amanda, samt Sara Bessa som läste valda stycken ur de så kallade Gaza-monologerna. De fick också lyssna till ett engagerat och känsloladdat tal av förre ärkebiskopen K G Hammar:
– Ikväll tänder vi ett ljus för Gaza därför att Gaza är vår planets största fängelse. 1,5 miljon människor bor på en yta stor som en fjärdedels Öland. Instängda, utan möjlighet att ta sig därifrån.
Han fortsatte:
– Brottet är att några bland Gazas befolkning, på grund av den obalans i makt och tillgång till livsresurser som råder mellan grannarna, i frustration skickar iväg några raketer över gränsen. Brottet är att befolkningen i fria demokratiska val har valt fel regering. På det brottet utdelas straffet. En kollektiv bestraffning i fängelse.
Hammar betonade vikten av noggrant språkval. Det är inte judarna i allmänhet som bär ansvaret för ockupations- och blockadpolitiken, utan Israels politiska ledning. Och: ”vi måste kunna kritisera staten Israels politik utan att bli kallad antisemit”.
Hammar drog paralleller till Sydafrika. Det är ”möjligt att söka försoningens väg i stället för den kollektiva bestraffningens och hämndens.” Han påminde om Nelson Mandelas ord: ”Min frihet är beroende av din frihet. Så länge du inte är fri kan jag aldrig bli fri.”
K G Hammar avslutade med att hylla Ship to Gaza:
– Och ikväll minns vi särskilt ett stort ljus i mörkret. Ship to Gaza. För ett drygt halvår sedan avseglade en flotta som byggde på just de ljusfundament som vi alla kan erfara: gränsöverskridande solidaritet, folkrätt och mänskliga rättigheter som grund, och ickevåld som väg och medel. Inte minst det sista visade sig vara det som motparten fruktade allra mest. Mycket energi lades ned på att visa att det användes lite våld, lite motstånd för att legitimera den egna våldsanvändningen. Alltså, den som har all våldskraft är mest rädd för att någon står upp med ickevåld för då försvinner legitimiteten. Det är hoppfullt att vi lever i en tid då vi får uppleva detta.

Wikileaks on Israel and the Arab World (links and comments)

Wikileaks Israel
US embassy cables: Israel grateful for US support

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/120696

Text of leaked diplomatic cable between US and Israel

US embassy cables: US pressed to maintain Israel’s ‘qualitative military edge’

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/218775

Text of leaked diplomatic cable between US and Israel

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/11/text-leaked-diplomatic-cable-israel/

US embassy cables: Mossad says US and Israel agree on Iran
1. (S) Summary: Mossad Chief Meir Dagan told CODEL Corzine March 13 that Israeli and U.S. thinking on Iran largely tracks, adding that he believes the EU dialogue with Iran will ultimately fail. Dagan said that Israel has evidence that some foreign fighters have returned home from Iraq, perhaps indicating that the tide may be starting to turn in the U.S. battle against the insurgency there. He worried however, that these militants’ countries of origin — in particular Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria and Sudan — are ill-equipped to control the returning jihadis, who might then pose a threat to stability in the region and, ultimately, to Israel. End Summary.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/29006

US embassy cables: Mossad chief wants to ‘detach’ Syria from Iran
1. (S) SUMMARY: Frances Fragos Townsend, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism (AFHSC), met Mossad Director Meir Dagan on July 12 for a general discussion of regional security threats. On the Iranian nuclear program, Dagan proved surprisingly optimistic about the effects of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and their impact on Iranian elites. On most other fronts, however, Dagan expressed deep skepticism regarding any near-term solutions. Dagan believes that the Syrians were emboldened by the Second Lebanon War, and argued for a concerted international effort to enforce UNSC resolutions in Lebanon as a means of removing Syria from Iranian influence. In Dagan’s personal opinion, present attempts to prop up the government of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad will fail, and “an entirely new approach” with the Palestinians is required. Dagan and Townsend surveyed political developments in North Africa, Turkey, and the Gulf, and shared concerns about Pakistan’s ability to withstand the challenge of Islamic radicals. END SUMMARY.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/116742

Wikileaks and Mossad chief
I mean, reading the analysis that the Mossad chief presented to a US official, one is struck (not really) by how unintelligent the Mossad chief is in his analysis of the Middle East. I guarantee you that lousy chiefs of lousy Arab intelligence services can do a better job. Another sign that Israel’s years are numbered. Read his analysis: an anthology of cliches that he dervies from reading columns by Thomas Friedman.

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/wikileaks-and-mossad-chief.html

WikiLeaks: Arab world according to Mossad chief
WikiLeaks documents contain reports of 2007 meetings in which Meir Dagan presented US with five-step program to perform coup in Iran; said ‘nothing can be achieved’ with Palestinians.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3991210,00.html

Mossad chief on Aljazeera and Qatar: from Wikileaks
“Dagan characterized Qatar as “a real problem,” and accused Sheikh Hamid of “annoying everyone.” In his view, Qatar is trying to play all sides — Syria, Iran, Hamas — in an effort to achieve security and some degree of independence. “I think you should remove your bases from there…seriously,” said Dagan. “They have confidence only because of the U.S. presence.” Dagan predicted, with some humor, that al-Jazeera would be the next cause of war in the Middle East as some Arab leaders (specifically Saudi Arabia) are willing to take drastic steps to shut down the channel, and hold Sheikh Hamid personally responsible for its provocations.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mossad-chief-on-aljazeera-and-qatar_28.html

U.S. tapped secure lines in Israel’s Washington embassy, ex-envoy says
Former Israeli envoy Rabinovich reveals that the tapping began at some point after 1996, and took a number of years for embassy officials to discover.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/u-s-tapped-secure-lines-in-israel-s-washington-embassy-ex-envoy-says-1.327522?localLinksEnabled=false

WikiLeaks cable: Russian leadership viewed Lieberman as ‘one of its own’
Message from U.S. embassy to State Department shows FM was treated as an ‘old friend’ during a 2009 visit to Moscow.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/wikileaks-cable-russian-leadership-viewed-lieberman-as-one-of-its-own-1.327694?localLinksEnabled=false

Wikileaks Palestine
WikiLeaks exposé: Egypt, PA refuse to take over Gaza in case of Hamas defeat.
In diplomatic cable documenting 2009 meeting, Defense Minister Barak says Egypt, PA refuse to take over Gaza in case of Hamas defeat.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/wikileaks-expose-israel-tried-to-coordinate-gaza-war-with-abbas-1.327487?localLinksEnabled=false

WikiLeaks exposé: Israel offered to coordinate Cast Lead with Egypt and Fatah
In diplomatic cable documenting 2009 meeting, Defense Minister Barak says Egypt, PA refuse to take over Gaza in case of Hamas defeat.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/wikileaks-expose-israel-offered-to-coordinate-cast-lead-with-egypt-and-fatah-1.327514?localLinksEnabled=false

Wikileaks: Israel assessed Abbas as weak, unpopular
JERUSALEM (AFP) — Senior Israeli defense and political figures described President Mahmoud Abbas as weak, unpopular and unlikely to survive politically past 2011, leaked US diplomatic cables showed on Monday. In meetings with US representatives, Israeli officials ranging from then-opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, to senior defense official Amos Gilad expressed doubt about Abbas’s political longevity.

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=337209

Leaked cable: US spied on Hamas, PA
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The US government in 2008 directed its personnel across the Middle East to gather meticulous intelligence on Hamas and Palestinian Authority officials, a leaked diplomatic cable reveals. The cable, provided to The Guardian of Britain by the whistleblower group WikiLeaks, lays out a “national human intelligence collection directive” asking US personnel to obtain “Details of travel plans such as routes and vehicles used by Palestinian Authority leaders and HAMAS members.”

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336904

US embassy cables: Washington requests personal data on Hamas

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/176247

US briefed Palestinians on WikiLeaks cache
Washington’s message, delivered by phone to the Office of the President a few days in advance of the scheduled release, was quick and to the point: Don’t overreact. “They aren’t making a big deal out of it, and they hope we won’t either,” a senior Palestinian official, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, told Ma’an. “But when they’re telling us ‘Don’t overreact,’ that basically translates as ‘There’s something you’re not going to like.’”

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=336864

Israeli official is pleased with the small Israeli tools in the PA collaborationist appratus
“Buchris acknowledged that the Palestinian Authority was doing a “good job” in the West Bank, noting respect for Palestinian Security Forces (PASF) as they take more control of security — giving them the chance to succeed was important, Buchris said.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/israeli-official-is-pleased-with-small.html

Mossad chief on the PA collaborators
“Departing from official GOI policy, Dagan expressed his personal opinion that after more than a decade of trying to reach a final status agreement with the Palestinians, “nothing will be achieved.” Only Israeli military operations against Hamas in the West Bank prevent them from expanding control beyond Gaza, lamented Dagan, without which Fatah would fall within one month and Abbas would join his “mysteriously wealthy” son in Qatar. Offering what he believed to be a conservative estimate, Dagan said that USD 6 billion had been invested in the Palestinian Authority since 1994. “What did it accomplish, other than adding a few more people to the Fortune 500?” asked Dagan. Although he expressed his personal faith in Salam Fayyad, Dagan said that the Palestinian Prime Minister had no power base. Fatah as a party would have to completely reorganize itself in order to regain credibility, argued Dagan, but instead they have turned once again to the “old guard.” The Mossad Chief suggested that a completely new approach was required, but did not provide Townsend any additional details.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mossad-chief-on-pa-collaborators.html

Wikileaks Egypt
US embassy cables: Egypt spy chief promises pressure on Hamas
3. (S) Soliman applauded the Administration’s efforts, commenting that Annapolis had given hope and begun a process. The timing is right for progress based on four factors. First, the PA leadership is moderate and willing to negotiate. Second, Hamas is isolated and politically cut off in Gaza. Third, the Israelis are ready for peace; Soliman assessed that the GOI coalition is broad and strong, and larger than Rabin’s coalition of the mid-nineties. Fourth, Arab states are ready to see an end to “the struggle.”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/136139

Mubarak serves the US to serve Israel (to serve Jamal Mubarak): from wikileaks

“But Egypt will continue to provide the USG with its knowledge and expertise on the critical regional issues, such as Lebanon and Iraq.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mubarak-serves-us-to-serve-israel-to.html

Omar Sulayman states that his Israeli masters are pleased with him after all
“Senator Voinovich asked Soliman why the Israelis continue to report problems with Egypt’s anti-smuggling efforts. Soliman said that the Israelis do not complain to him directly, and that GOI-GOE cooperation and exchange of information continues. He was at a loss as to why Israeli politicians continue to criticize Egypt publicly.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/omar-sulayman-states-that-his-israeli.html

Wikileaks Jordan
Jordanian King gives advice on how to get rid of Hizbullah
“In Lebanon, the GOJ fears Iran’s Hizballah proxy has been given too much rope and could be poised to increase its political influence during upcoming parliamentary elections. The King sees the Lebanon-Israel War of 2006 as having benefited Iran and Hizballah, by allowing a Sunni Arab street enamored of “resistance” to see past its suspicions of the Shia. And then-Foreign Minister Salah Al-Bashir in late 2008 described the spring 2009 vote as “when we will know who won last May,” referring to the outcome of the Doha Accords that put an end to Lebanese infighting. Much like with the Palestinian issue, Jordanian leaders have argued that the only way to pull the rug out from under Hizballah – and by extension their Iranian patrons – would be for Israel to hand over the disputed Sheba’a Farms to Lebanon. With Hizballah lacking the “resistance to occupation” rationale for continued confrontation with Israel, it would lose its raison d’etre and probably domestic support.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/jordanian-king-gives-advice-on-how-to.html

US embassy cables: Jordan wary of US engagement with Iran

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/200230

Wikileaks Lebanon
Mossad Chief is a fan of Fu’ad Sanyurah
“Dagan urged caution with respect to Lebanon, noting that the results of efforts there to bolster the Siniora government would impact Syria and Iraq. The U.S. and Israel, he said, are on the edge of achieving something in Lebanon, and so cannot afford to drop their guard. What is necessary is finding the right way to support PM Siniora. “He is a courageous man,” Dagan said. Syria, Iran and Hizballah are working hard against him. Dagan noted that much of what is animating the leadership of Lebanon to take on Syria is personal: “Hariri, Jumblat and others had their parents executed by the Syrians.” This anti-Syrian sentiment has forged an alliance based on personal and national interests. Siniora has worked well with the situation, but Dagan suggested that the odds are against him. Under Secretary Burns replied that the U.S. is trying to give PM Siniora as much support as possible, and that we would continue to consult closely with Israel on Lebanon. He noted that he would return to Israel in October.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/mossad-chief-is-fan-of-fuad-sanyurah.html

Fu’ad Sanyurah wants the US to push Syria
“Siniora encouraged the U.S. to push Syria to respect the sovereignty of other states (namely Lebanon) as a way to bring Syria back into the Arab fold.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/fuad-sanyurah-wants-us-to-push-syria.html

Israeli official analyzes the March 14 parliamentary victory (from wikileaks)
“Shapiro asked if the election results might be the result in part of a backlash in the Christian community against Hizballah; the Policy Research analysts countered that the results were indicative of several factors, including the influx of Saudi money and an unstable opposition camp.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/israeli-official-analyzes-march-14.html

Zionists are pleased with the Lebanese Army
“A/S Shapiro said the LAF has thus far demonstrated a solid record of accounting for U.S. systems transferred to Lebanon.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/zionists-are-pleased-with-lebanese-army.html

Israel does not believe that Lebanese Army would attack Israel
“Amos Gilad said the GOI does not believe the LAF will attack Israel.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/israel-does-not-believe-that-lebanese.html

Wikileaks Syria
borders
“Asad pointedly asked in response to Representative McIntyre’s question about why Syria had not done more to monitor and staunch the flow of transiting fighters across the Syria-Iraq border. Asad continued: “Can you stop the immigration of Mexicans into the U.S.? No.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/borders.html

UN as a tool for Israel Mossad chief argues: “Dagan argued that the opposite is true: by enforcing UN resolutions on Lebanon and increasing efforts to disarm Hizballah, the international community can remove the glue that binds Iran and Syria. Enforcing the resolutions would put additional pressure on Assad, who fears being tried for the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri above all else. The advantage of such an approach, continued Dagan, is that the legal ground is already in place for action by the UNSC. This credible threat could sufficiently frighten Syria away from Iran and towards more natural allies in the Arab League.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/un-as-tool-for-israel.html

Wikileaks Saudi Arabia
It is official: Saudi King does not hate Israel (from Wikileaks)
“On Saudi Arabia, Gilad said that King Abdullah does not hate Israel, but his chief priority is the survival of the regime.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/it-is-official-saudi-king-does-not-hate.html

WikiLeaks exposé: Saudis told U.S. ‘Cut off the head of the snake’ on Iran
Diplomatic cables to U.S. officials quote leaders of mainly Sunni Arab states urging Iranian nuclear program be stopped ‘by whatever means necessary’.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/wikileaks-expose-saudis-told-u-s-cut-off-the-head-of-the-snake-on-iran-1.327502?localLinksEnabled=false

Saudi Arabia urges US attack on Iran to stop nuclear programme
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has repeatedly urged the United States to attack Iran to destroy its nuclear programme, according to leaked US diplomatic cables that describe how other Arab allies have secretly agitated for military action against Tehran. The revelations, in secret memos from US embassies across the Middle East, expose behind-the-scenes pressures in the scramble to contain the Islamic Republic, which the US, Arab states and Israel suspect is close to acquiring nuclear weapons. Bombing Iranian nuclear facilities has hitherto been viewed as a desperate last resort that could ignite a far wider war.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/28/us-embassy-cables-saudis-iran

US embassy cables: Israel seeks to block US planes for Saudi

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/235359

Here, the US government issues orders to Saudi officials
“Saudi Arabia should exercise leadership with neighbors in the region and publicly by expressing concerns about Iran’s continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability and destabilizing activities in the region. — We would appreciate public expressions of support for the P5 1 dual track process including encouragement for Iran to accept the incentives package. — Saudi Arabia should exercise its influence with China, in particular, to persuade China to reduce its growing energy/economic cooperation and weapons purchases. Such efforts by China run contrary to the spirit of the UNSCRs and the P5 1 dual track strategy. A high level Saudi delegation could communicate to China Saudi concerns about the threat posed by Iran’s actions.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/here-us-government-issues-orders-to.html

This is how US officials bring human rights in Saudi Arabia; they praise the Kingdom’s record–I kid you NOT
“DIALOGUE AND REFORM AS DUTY: In response to Brennan,s praise for the King,s interfaith dialogue initiative, his commitment to advancing rights as reflected by his recent appointment of the first female (deputy education) minister, the King said “Thanks for the sentiment but I did nothing special, only what I thought was my duty. I believe we do our duty as determined by God.”"

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/this-is-how-us-officials-bring-human.html

Sons of…Zayid and sons of…`Abdul-`Aziz
“Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdallah has developed good personal relations with Foreign Minister Livni, but the Emiratis are “not ready to do publicly what they say in private.” (Note: It was clear from Hadas’ remarks that Israel’s channel to Saudi Arabia does not run through the Foreign Ministry.)”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/sons-ofzayid-and-sons-ofabdul-aziz.html

Saudi King: US Should Plant Chips in Gitmo Detainees
The King, proposed implanting detainees with an electronic chip containing information about them and allowing their movements to be tracked with Bluetooth. This was done with horses and falcons, the King said.

http://www.thenation.com/blog/156701/blogging-wikileaks-release-return-here-all-day-updates

Wikileaks UAE
UAE leaders on Hamas
“UAE leaders have told us that they consider Hamas a terrorist organization and that they would not fund Hamas unless they denounce violence (refs D and E).”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/uae-leaders-on-hamas.html

Muhammad bin Zayid
He wants nothing less than an invasion of Iran: “MbZ asked Lt. Gen. Dunn whether it would be possible for &anyone8 to “take out” all locations of concern in Iran via air power; Lt. Gen. Dunn voiced doubt that this would be possible given the dispersed locations. “Then it will take ground forces!” MbZ exclaimed. Ambassador noted that the UAE’s Director of Military Intelligence, BG”>BG Essa al Mazrouei, would pay counterpart visits this week to CENTCOM, J-2, DIA, and CIA for discussions on Iran and Iraq-related matters. MbZ said he looked forward to sharing “contingency planning” scenarios in future conversations.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/muhammad-bin-zayid.html

by the way, this man is the biggest servant of Israel in the Middle East
“In talks with US officials, Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed favoured action against Iran, sooner rather than later. “I believe this guy is going to take us to war … It’s a matter of time. Personally, I cannot risk it with a guy like [President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad. He is young and aggressive.”

http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2010/11/by-way-this-man-is-biggest-servant-of.html

Wikileaks Yemen
Wikileaks: Yemeni President Agreed To Cover up US Attack in Yemen
“We’ll continue saying the bombs are ours, not yours,” Mr. Saleh said, according to the cable sent by the American ambassador, prompting Yemen’s deputy prime minister to “joke that he had just ‘lied’ by telling Parliament” that Yemeni forces had carried out the strikes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/world/29cables.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Wikileaks Libya
A GLIMPSE INTO LIBYAN LEADER QADHAFI’S ECCENTRICITIES
Summary: Recent first-hand experiences with Libyan Leader Muammar al-Qadhafi and his staff, primarily in preparation for his UNGA trip, provided rare insights into Qadhafi’s inner circle and personal proclivities. Qadhafi appears to rely heavily XXXXXXXXXXXXX reportedly cannot travel with his senior Ukrainian nurse, Galyna Kolotnytska. He also appears to have an intense dislike or fear
of staying on upper floors, reportedly prefers not to fly over water, and seems to enjoy horse racing and flamenco dancing. His recent travel may also suggest a diminished dependence on his legendary female guard force, as only one woman bodyguard

http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/2009/09/09TRIPOLI771.html

21 international organizations call for immediate end to Gaza siege

PARIS, (PIC)– 21 international human rights organizations have called for fresh international moves to lift the siege on Gaza immediately and without any conditions attached.

The organizations in a report to be published on Tuesday said that Israel’s measures to “ease” the siege on Gaza under international pressures did not change anything in the lives of the civilian population of the Strip.

The non-government organizations, including Amnesty International, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, said that no enough construction materials were allowed into Gaza.

They said that only “minor” progress was made in the freedom of movement for civilians while noting no tangible development on Gaza exports.

Israeli War Criminals

The following information was received anonymously; presumably from a member of the Israeli Military. It was presented as follows:

Underlining the following people is an act of retribution and affront. They are the direct perpetrators, agents for the state of Israel that in Dec.- Jan. 2008- 2009 attacked scores of people in the besieged Gaza. The people listed here held positions of command at the time of the attack therefore not only did they perform on behalf of a murderous state mechanism but actively encouraged other people to do the same. They bear a distinctive personal responsibility. They range from low-level field commanders to the highest echelons of the Israeli army. All took an active and direct role in the offensive.

In underlining them we are purposefully directing attention to individuals rather than the static structures through which they operate. We are aligning people with actions. It is to these persons and others, Like them, to which we must object and bring our plaints to bear upon.

This information was pirated. We encourage people to seek out other such similar information, it is readily available in the public sphere and inside public officials’ locked cabinets. This is a form of resistance that can be effectively sustained for a long while.

This project for one, has only just begun, do your bit so that this virtual list may come to bear upon the physical.

Disseminate widely.

http://s242816488.onlinehome.us/criminals/

Israel tries to prevent Ship to Gaza from seeking justice in Israel

Ship to Gaza-Sweden Press release 6 November, 2010

Israel tries to prevent Ship to Gaza from seeking justice in Israel

The Israeli Embassy in Stockholm issued a press release on Friday, 5 November, stating that Israel will prevent Ship to Gaza spokesperson Dror Feiler and member of Parliament Mehmet Kaplan from going to Tel Aviv to file a legal complaint against the Israeli government and
the Defense Ministry. The stated reason for preventing Feiler and Kaplan’s entry is that “any person who tries to enter Israel illegally will be denied entry into Israel for a period of ten years.”
    That is a curious statement, considering that none of the passengers aboard Ship to Gaza/Freedom Flotilla had attempted to enter Israel. Nor did they have any such intention. Quite the contrary: They were headed for Gaza when they were boarded, arrested and taken to Israel against their will. Nine people were killed and about 30 were seriously wounded during the attack. Vessels, cargo and personal property were all confiscated and, in most cases, have still not been returned.
  The complaint that Feiler and Kaplan intend to file with the Tel Aviv police department and the district attorney—on behalf of all Swedish passengers—is based on the incidents connected with the boarding. The charges are: armed robbery and/or larceny, kidnapping, unlawful deprivation of freedom and aggravated assault.
  Ship to Gaza-Sweden expects that Israel is a constitutional state which will allow people— who believe, on good grounds, they have been the victims of crimes committed by state authorities—to file a complaint with the police and prosecutors so that alleged crimes can be investigated. The Swedish passengers are represented by the reputable Israeli attorney, Gaby Lasky. Feiler and Kaplan will travel to Israel as planned on Sunday, in the hopes that justice will be allowed to be served.

Israel vill hindra Ship to Gaza från att söka rättvisa i Israel

Ship to Gaza-Sverige Pressmeddelande 2010-11-05

Enligt ett pressmeddelande från Israels ambassad i Stockholm på fredagen (5/11) tänker Israel hindra Ship to Gazas talesperson Dror Feiler och riksdagsledamoten Mehmet Kaplan från att på plats i Tel Aviv polisanmäla Israels regering och försvarsmakt. Som skäl hänvisas till den paragraf i israelisk lag som stipulerar att ”varje person som försöker att illegalt ta sig in i landet nekas inresa i Israel under en period av tio år”.
Det är ett egendomligt argument med tanke på att ingen av passagerarna på Ship to Gaza/Frihetsflottan försökte ta sig in i Israel. Inte heller hade de i avsikt att göra så. Tvärtom. De var på väg till Gaza när de långt ute på internationellt vatten bordades, tillfångatogs och mot sin vilja fördes till israeliskt territorium. Vid överfallet dödades nio människor och skadades ett trettiotal svårt. Fartyg, last och personliga tillhörigheter beslagtogs och har i de flesta fall inte återlämnats.
Det är just händelserna i samband med bordningen som ligger till grund för de polisanmälningar Feiler och Kaplan – på samtliga elva svenska passagerares vägnar – tänker inlämna till polisen i Tel Aviv och den allmänne åklagaren. Åberopade brottsrubriceringar är väpnat rån alternativt stöld, kidnappning, olaga frihetsberövande och misshandel.
Ship to Gaza-Sverige utgår från att Israel som rättsstat tillåter att personer, som på goda grunder upplever sig ha utsatts för brott begångna av landets myndigheter, bereds tillfälle att till polis och åklagare inlämna anmälan som gör att misstänkta brott kan utredas. De svenska passagerarnas talan förs av den välrenommerade israeliska advokaten Gaby Lasky. Feiler och Kaplan reser som planerat till Israel på söndag i förhoppningen att rätten ska få ha sin gång.