Palestine RIP - The Video YouTube Censored

After receiving almost 100,000 hits, YouTube removed all versions of this video in several languages. Score another victory for AIPAC and the Zionist lobby machine. The Author is pleased to present, via Palestinian Mothers, the video here on World Impulse. It is graphic, tragic and touching. Don't watch it unless you're prepared to have a profound emotional response.


Find more videos like this on Palestinian Mothers


Technorati Tags: Gaza, Israel, Palestine

Last Week in Iran - Genie's Out of the Bottle

I've been watching the unfolding political crisis in the Islamic Republic of Iran with interest - and horror as the worst-case scenario begins now to play out. My associates and friends have been pushing me to analyze and write, but the pace of the developments has been very rapid, the players and their relationships not always clear, and the demographics and cultural forces at work are just now emerging. That said, some understanding has emerged - after countless hours watching Link TV's Aljazeera News, Mosaic Middle-Eastern News program; and, reading through the scholarly journals, press and blogs.

First, it should be understood that the revolution in Iran is 30 years old now, and the average age in the country is 26. The demographics are important here, so stay with me. A staggering 60+ percent of the population is 25 or under. Add women to the equation and the final number goes up to over 70 percent of the population. A significant number grew up after the revolution and thus are not directly influenced and driven by the issues and experiences of that era.

It is also important, especially in the West, to remember that the hated Shah was placed in power and supported during his increasingly unpopular reign by America's CIA. He was the classic definition of a US Puppet in the region. Shah Reza Pahlavi employed as his personal enforcers a terrifying secret police known at the time as SAVAK. They were armed and trained by US advisors to the Shah. During the Cold War, there may have been a lot of national security justifications for US actions, but it is always important to remember that nothing comes without a cost. The cost, in the case of Iran, was the utter and complete loss of trust and respect by the entire Iranian nation for all things American. We have been paying dearly for 30 years behind that particular policy error.

Notable as well is the sense of history; as well as regional and cultural importance, that is evidenced by the Iranian people at all levels. And why not? Their culture included a number of well-known empires, the rise of poetry and verse in human interaction, an attachment to fine music and art, and of course some of the earliest scholars and mathematicians. The Iranian people, comprised of ethnic Persians, Azeris, Mazandaranis, Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens, Armenians, and Afghans; in addition to a number of tribes, are deservedly proud. Theirs is an old and eminent civilization at the center of the Silk Road.

Following Khomeini's revolution, Iran became a theocracy. Ruled by Shia clergy, senior Ayatollah's in most cases, the country has turned to Islam as a remedy for dictatorship. Muslims have historically had Caliphates that provided spiritual guidance and political rule to large numbers of believers (the Ummah). Muslims see themselves as a community, though one that is fraught with considerable sectarian division (the topic of another post altogether). So the great Iranian experiment in theocracy was undertaken, with the Mullahs and their minions in the Revolutionary Guard and Basij as enforcers.


Along side the deceased father of modern Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini, stood Hashemi Rafsanjani during the days of the revolution. Rafsanjani's power, influence and money fueled the revolution in the early days. Beside Rafsanjani stood Mir Hussein Moussavi, pictured above, the popular candidate who was denied in this recent election. But wait, it gets more convoluted.

Rafsanjani, himself a senior cleric, was instrumental in the rise of a certain very minor cleric, Ali Khamenei (pictured right) - who was not even an Ayatollah at the time and is still not considered a major Shia scholar or authority. Many say that the current Supreme Leader owes his job to Rafsanjani's backing. All, including former reformist president Khatami, are part of the same movement, though they are at odds today. An important fact to remember. There are substantial differences in approach and emphasis among these insiders, and some considerable personal rivalries and animosities. All of that has now fractured the revolution and let the Genie out of the bottle.

Rafsanjani ran unsuccessfully against current president Ahmedinajad in the previous election. By all accounts, he believed the post was rightfully his and viewed the Supreme Leader's support of Ahmedinajad as a personal betrayal and slight. In truth, it is very likely that Khamenei was threatened by the stature, wealth and connections of his former mentor. So he abandoned him in an attempt to shore-up his own power. At the same time, he had in Ahmadinejad a president who would bow at his feet and kiss his ring, as multiple public images remind us. A veteran of the Iran/Iraq war in the 80's, Ahmadinejad comes from the Supreme Leader's personal fighting force: the Army of The Guardians of the Islamic Revolution, or, as we call them the Revolutionary Guard.

To further advance his personal agenda and guarantee his reign, Khamenei forged close and strong ties to the Revolutionary Guard and its volunteer force of thugs, the Basij. He did this by increasing their power, vis-a-vis the other service branches, and by ensuring their financial gain through a number of business arrangements. The message was clear. Let any potential opponent beware, the dictator's fist is closing fast and hits hard.

Into this environment, the reformist wing of the revolutionary old-guard launched in the last election cycle their most significant challenge to the rule of Khamenei. Rafsanjani backed Moussavi, an ethnic Azeri and former prime minister with wide support, with his power and wealth. This was to be Rafsanjani's revenge. And it almost worked, but the election was by all reports much closer than the ruling elite liked so the numbers were cooked. The official analysis of many outside parties, including the US government is that Ahmadinejad likely won a very slim victory, or would have had to face a run-off. So as others have already pointed out, the Iranian government stole and election it had likely already won.

The take-away's here include the unexpected demographic earthquake that has changed the landscape of Iranian politics in permanent and irreversible ways. Namely, the youth of the country - its most sizable demographic group - is engaged, aware, and organizing as I write. They are joined by a legion of the nation's women, who have felt the sting of fundamentalist discrimination and control and who related very closely to Zahra Rahnavard, the refined and educated wife of the losing candidate. These two groups comprise over 70 percent of the population. I do not suggest that they are entirely homogienous or agree on everything, but the potential for significant change is definitely in the air. This movement is multiplied by the probability, reported by a number of reliable sources, that the political upheaval is not limited to Tehran. It appears from reports that most if not all of the provinces are involved.

I am certain that Rafsanjani, Moussavi, Khatami and their sometimes ally House Speaker Larajani had no sense of the longing for freedom their campaign would uncover. In that sense, the Genie really is loose and all of us are mere spectators as history plays out. Though now dated, the Author found this article and this article to be useful references. And the analysis of Pepe Escobar in the Asia Times is point-on, including this recent piece and this previous article.

What should Iran do, in the best of all worlds? IranRights.org sums it up better than I could.

For reality to match rhetoric, the Islamic Republic of Iran must immediately implement numerous reforms. First, and most importantly, the Guardian Council must be stripped of its blanket power to disqualify candidates for the Majlis and presidency. A mandate to supervise elections cannot be transformed into a plenary power to shape the slate of acceptable candidates. Additionally, requirements that candidates have full belief and commitment to the current system must be removed. However daunting, this would have to entail a change to the Constitution allowing candidates and other individuals to put forth different proposals about how Iranian society and politics should be structured. Without this fundamental alteration elections in the Islamic Republic will be nothing more than ratifications of the status quo. Additionally, religious requirements and vague standards for "ill reputation" and corruption must be eliminated. Just as importantly, limitations on political parties have to be substantially relaxed. Preferably, registration requirements would be removed. At the very least, the process for registration should be streamlined and transparent; applications should be acted on promptly and denials should be accompanied with a report detailing the reasons and providing an opportunity for appeal. Finally, governmental curbs on the media must be loosened. Without the effective opportunity to be seen and heard by the populace, no political candidate or party can have the hope of building the following crucial to competing effectively in elections. Whether through television and radio, traditional print media, or cyberspace, genuine elections depend on full-throttled debate and the dissemination of ideas and information. Without serious reforms, elections in Iran will remain a firmly beneath international standards.

Technorati Tags: Iran, election, analysis

Former Interrogator Rebukes Cheney

Thanks to the crew at Brave New Films for this professional and responsive bit of journalism. And let this serve as a warning to those who would re-write history. It's not going to happen. This kind of instant "truth squad" will make sure of it. And you've got to admire the quick turn-around. This is what the Internet is all about.

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Gaza Children Continue to Die

Gaza Strip, May 14, (Pal Telegraph) - Another Palestinian child died in a very dramatic scene documented on T.V. A baby aged 2 died today from a heart defect made worse by lack of medical care due to the Israeli imposed siege.

Aljazeera's reporter, Tamer Al meshal, reveals one of the miseries resulting from the Israeli siege on Gaza . Feras As'ad Al Mazlom, an infant aged 2, was the only child of newly married couple As'ad and Amal.

Infant Feras who was born with a heart defect, he had to spend more time in a hospital bed rather than his loving parents' arms. He never played nor enjoyed his innocent life like others.

Like many Palestinians, Feras paid for the siege with his precious life. The hospital and equipment were not able to rescue him nor could his parents move him to Egypt for treatment. However, the hospital managed to coordinate a transfer to an Israeli hospital.

With hope, the father tried obtaining permits for both his wife and son to cross the border, and he finally succedded. The father moved like crazy to complete the travel documents necessary for Feras to be transferred for treatment.

Unfortunately, as they were on the way to pick their child and head to Erez crossing into Israel, they received an excruciating phone call saying their only was no longer alive and there's no need to take him anywhere.

It was minutes or rather seconds between life and death for Feras. This baby, didn't fight Israelis, never shot at them, nor fired a rocket rather, his only fault was being, "a child born in Gaza"

Thousands of Palestinian like Feras are still on the waiting list of death. Israel is hindering access to their basic right of treatment. Those patients' rights are highly recognized and guaranteed by the 4th Geneva convention and humanitarian law. However, Israel does not respect UN authority or declarations regarding human rights.

Special report:
Nancy Al Buhisi and Sameh A. habeeb Watch the video news report.

Technorati Tags: Gaza, Israel, Palestine

Gaza Aid Convoy Leaves Europe

Italy, May 5, 2009 - The climax to the Seventh Palestinians in Europe conference was the launch of the long anticipated ‘Hope for Gaza convoy.’ The convoy moved to Gaza and recently is in the Mediterranean carried by ship.

The convoy is destined for the Gaza Strip and carries provisions for the education and medical sectors, specifically for Palestinians with special needs – those who were handicapped by the major Israeli attacks of December and January.

Through a chorus of cheers and tears the convoy of a dozen well-equipped ambulances and some 30 trucks loaded with medical and humanitarian supplies set sail on a cargo ship from Genoa along with human rights volunteers, European parliamentarians, and journalists.

Non-governmental organizations, institutions and human solidarity movements across the continent are part of the global movement campaigning for the besieged people in Gaza. They are forming a strong coalition of activists, professionals from various backgrounds, politicians, human rights organizations who are dedicated in bringing to light Israeli crimes and violations of international law as well as the routine imprisonment of the Palestinian people in their homes.

Beginning in Milan on Sunday evening the convoy travelled to the Italian port city of Genoa where it set sail for Alexandria, Egypt. From there it will travel by land over Sinai with the intention of passing into the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing.

Representatives of Palestinian rights groups chanted slogans of solidarity saying that “Gaza is a symbol of pride.” With thousands of people killed or injured, in addition to the destruction of home and business, the convoy is urgently needed to deliver some respite and gestures of kindness to a people who are in danger in losing hope in basic human kindness. Past convoys have found it difficult to deliver the desperately needed aid, at present we can only be cautiously optimistic that this convoy will be allowed to pass.

Palestinian flags waved high above the cheers and tears as the convoy set out. Dr. Arafat Madi, President of the European Campaign to Lift the Siege on Gaza, said, “What we are doing is the least we can do. It is a drop in the ocean compared to the sacrifices made by our people in Palestine.” Dr. Madi added, “We promised our people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip We will invest all our efforts to send these aids and medical kits for those who deserve it in Gaza. Many people have been left maimed and disabled. All of us agree that they need urgent aid, especially medical aids to help in their grueling rehabilitation from the latest.”

The convoy is headed by 12 high-profile politicians from across Europe including, Britain, Italy, Scotland, Switzerland and Greece. Also joining the convoy will be many people from the Arab and Muslim communities from various European countries.

# # #

The Author's note: Submitted By Sameh Habeeb, more information here.

Technorati Tags: Gaza, Israel, Palestine

Mexico Reeling after Combination Punch

Mexico is the populous, next-door neighbor to the United States. “El Norte,” the Mexicans say when referring to the US. The United States of Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos), as the country is properly labeled, is the fifth largest state in the Americas and the 14th largest independent nation in the world, according to Wikipedia.

With a population of over 109 million, Mexico is now reeling from three hard blows in succession. First, Mexico is losing the drug war against well-armed, internal narco-gangs. They seem to have co-opted all levels of authority and operate with considerable impunity around the country. Not surprising. Even when The Author was originally learning El Espanol, living and traveling in Mexico, the central government was largely seen as the authority on the borders and the Plateau – and not much else. The Mexican plateau, with a majority of the country’s population and three of its most important cities: the Federal District (DF, Mexico City); Guadalajara; and, Pueblo, (with the addition of Monterrey in the north) has long been the focus of the central government’s attention and funding. The same appears to be true for the administration of president Calderon. Rural areas, especially those in the south, have gone without similar attention or funding and are abjectly poor and feudal. Crime remains a serious and growing problem throughout the country, especially kidnapping and murder.

Second: The economic crisis in the US, coupled with punitive and restrictive immigration laws, has resulted in a significant decrease in remittances by Mexican workers to their home villages. Adding to this blow, Mexican laborers are being forced by rising unemployment in the US to return to Mexico at an inopportune moment for both the families of the workers and the government of the state.

Third: The new Swine flu, A: H1N1, appears to have originated in Mexico and is now on its way to being the first major global pandemic in years. So tourism, Mexico’s trustworthy source of foreign currency, has dried up and commerce is slowing dramatically as the country shutters to avoid spreading contagion. Evidence is mounting that the contagion is not only viral, it is economic as well. And Mexico's economy will continue to suffer.

Technorati Tags: Mexico, Economy, Flu

Anti-Islam Hate Welcomed at Florida Synagogue

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/28/09) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today call on members of the Jewish community to condemn the anti-Islam hate of a speaker who was recently given a standing ovation at a Florida synagogue.

CAIR said the speech by Dutch anti-Islam extremist politician Geert Wilders took place at a “large synagogue in Palm Beach.” In the speech, Wilders went through his usual laundry list of hate-filled views, including his claim that “Islam is not a religion” and “the right to religious freedom should not apply to this totalitarian ideology called Islam,” all to the applause of the audience. Wilders also called for stopping immigration from Muslim countries and urged “voluntary repatriation” to those countries.



Technorati Tags: Hate, Islam, Judaism

Is Afghan Buildup a Prelude to Regional Intervention?

Alarm around the rapid advance of the Taliban across Pakistan is growing and U.S. government officials are now lining-up to express concern. Secretary of State Clinton recently called developments in Pakistan a "mortal threat" to U.S. security interests. Doesn't get much stronger than that.

Begs the question: Did this take U.S. intelligence and foreign policy services by surprise? The Taliban, and this time we're talking Pakistani Taliban, are only 60 miles from Islamabad, the country's capital. The Author posted a recent warning about the breakup of Pakistan into tribal enclaves, all of which could be armed with nuclear weapons. If this is not news to our many military and civilian intel groups, as one would hope, then it is necessary to view developments in Obama's foreign policy through a different lens. It is clear that the Taliban now represent a majority of the "Pashtun nation," some 4.5 million strong including the tribes Afghan numbers. Previous posts have included video productions from Brave New Films questioning the costs and benefits of the U.S. Afghan policy and strategy. These conversations need to happen in a transparent society. But after some reflection, there may be another reason for this newly aggressive turn.

The Author believes that it is highly likely the administration in Washington is contemplating a more definitive intervention in Pakistani politics than the spate of recent Predator drone attacks. Those have not proved cost-efficient in the long-run, alienating a vast portion of Pakistan's Pashtuns. Though the drone strikes have netted some high-level kills, the calculus appears to be weighted against American success with this strategy. So what is next?

It is entirely possible that we are seeing a massive surge in troops to Afghanistan and redeployment of resources to the Central Asian theater as a prelude to a larger, regional intervention that would deal a staggering blow to the Taliban while securing Pakistan's nuclear armaments. With or without India's and Israel's participation, this strategy may be all that is left the new American president. The Taliban don't seem inclined to talk. And the government of Pakistani president Zardari (pictured above) appears to be powerless in the face of the threat.

Pakistan
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Europeans Ready Gaza Medical Aid

London, April 23, 2009 –As part of its activities, The European Campaign to End the Siege in Gaza (ECESG), is restlessly preparing, in race against time, a convoy of medical aid to Gaza.

A convoy of tens of trucks, which has been widely received, will be going to Gaza to support the besieged people. Several European NGO's, MPs and individuals announced they are going to participate in "Hope For Gaza Convoy."

Khaled Yousef, representative of the convoy in Sweden said that some Arabic and Islamic associations donated several trucks containing wheelchairs and medical equipments for the People of Gaza, along with 2 ambulances.

In the United Kingdom, Birmingham city will send a number of doctors and medical specialists to help Palestinians in Gaza. Also, four trucks of strongly needed medications and medical equipment. Many Individual and human right activists will join the convoy. UK participants will leave late in April to Italy where the convoy is gathering.

The number of medical vehicles and ambulances has so far come to 12. It’s expected that more will be included to the convoy. The dozens of trucks will be loaded with medical items and equipments for disabled children from the latest Israeli war in Gaza.

“We have got tens of requests from people to join the convoy from across Europe. People are yearning to visit Gaza to give a helping hand for the crushed besieged people over there. ECESG will give priority for doctors, human rights activists and journalists in the first place," Ramy Abdu, convoy coordinator said.

On the official level, around 10 European and British MPs are expected to participate in the convoy. According to Abdu, some more might join in the next few days.

In the meantime, some trucks and vans have already arrived into Milan, Italy from many European countries. The rest will arrive in couple of days as the convoy will move as scheduled early in May from Milan to Alexandria then Gaza.

The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza, (ECESG)

Info@savegaza.eu

Website: www.savegaza.eu

Technorati Tags: Gaza, Israel, Palestine

Gaza Seige Continues to Kill

The Author's note: This post was submitted by Sammeh Habib of the Palestine Telegraph.

Gaza Strip, April 22, 2009, (Pal Telegraph) – Israel’s siege of the Gaza Strip is still causing the loss of Palestinian life. A Palestinian man mid of his fifties died an hour ago due to a lack of needed medication and treatment.

Nai'm El Ejla, 58, became severely ill directly after the war on Gaza. Doctors in Gaza failed in diagnosing his case, which was vague till the death.

He was stuck on the borders with Egypt many times. He tried to travel to Israel for treatment but failed to convince authorities to permit his passage.

Ebrahim, 24, journalist from Gaza and son of Mr. Nai'm reported for the Palestine Telegraph of his father's death.

"We tried to give him treatment but we failed. He is Shaid (Martyr) of the siege. Doctors in Gaza were not able to help him. We tried to send him to Egypt but we failed until his health conditions deteriorated.

Finally, we managed to get him a medical referral from Gaza hospitals but this didn't rescue him. Egyptian authorities didn't allow him even to get into the hospital. He died on the door of the hospital as doctors and Egyptian authorities declined to treat him. " Ebrahim said while crying.

The El Ejla family is waiting for the corpse of the victim, which is still in the Egyptian territories, to arrive in Gaza. The number of siege victims therefore increased to reach 323 people.

Lack of access to medical treatment threatens Palestinian lives daily. All hospitals and clinics in Gaza report severe shortages of medicines and equipment. Stocks of basic medications are 50% low.

Medicines to treat diabetes, heart disease, asthma and other chronic diseases are not available. Access to Oncologists or dialysis is non-existent. A poignant problem given high cancer rates resulting from the Israeli army use of depleted uranium coated munitions. And sterilized supplies are short by 30%.

Diagnostic testing supplies are down by 40%, directly affecting patients’ health. Even childrens’ incubators are affected by the shortages.

Hospital equipment desperately needs spare parts and maintenance. The siege prevents supplies from being replenished. Shipments are frequently blocked or delayed at border crossings. Continued power cuts and blackouts have damaged hospital equipment and information systems.

Technorati Tags: Gaza, Israel, Palestine

Zafar: Master of the Pashto Rabab

Afghan Music
rabab

Afghanistan - The Costs of War

afghanistan

Israel Rejects UN Gaza War Crimes Inquiry

As many expected, Israel is dismissing the U.N. War Crimes Inquiry focused on the recent Gaza War that left almost 1,500 Palestinians dead and destroyed all of the region's infrastructure. This is Israel's way. To deny, ignore and finally dismiss all legitimate attempts at discovery and to obstruct truth-seekers of all stripes.

According to reports: "The UN Human Rights Council has appointed Richard Goldstone, a South African judge and former UN war crimes prosecutor, to examine claims of human rights violations by both Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters during the conflict." A widely respected jurist, Goldstone, himself a Jew, could not assuage the reticence of the Israeli government. It's not about him, they hissed. Sure, uh-huh. The whole world's against Israel, with its nuclear arsenal its lobbyists and worldwide network of support. That's getting old and worn.

There is no excuse for a lack of transparency. For goodness sakes, the entire world saw the deployment of phosphorous munitions, and the results. Israel dismisses international legal scrutiny because it has much shame to hide, many atrocities to bury, and war crimes to answer for. Don't hold your breath waiting for the international community to intercede. Not going to happen any time soon. Justice will prevail in the end, but it will percolate up from the bottom - not down from the top.

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Will Bibi’s Election Kill Mubarak?

Egypt’s president Hosni Mubarak is angry and worried. As well he should be. Much of the Arab street now sees him as a collaborator with both Israel and the U.S. Not an enviable position in the Middle East. His predecessor, Anwar Sadat, was assassinated for less.

Mubarak is angry that Palestinian resistance continues. He desperately needs a two-state solution to remain in power and in possession of his life. He needs former agreements and pacts to be honored and implemented. None of that is happening and prospects for progress are very grim. So Mubarak is angry with Hamas for winning a democratic election and continuing the resistance; and, he is angry at Israel for electing the far-right Likud and Benyamin (Bibi) Netanyahu as Prime Minister. That fact ensures an ongoing lack of progress, an empowered settler movement, and signals the end of Israeli interest in a two-state solution. That is very bad news for Egypt’s president, as his prestige has taken a beating and his role as a legitimate Arab moderate has been undermined.

Unemployment in Egypt is also at historic highs. According to recent reports, “Unemployment is - unofficially - somewhere north of 30 percent. Worse, it's highly concentrated among youth, whose demographic bulge currently generates 800,000 new job seekers every year.”

Mubarak is worried by these circumstances. Very worried from the looks of things. He has recently lashed-out at Hamas, arresting key members of the movement’s leadership in Cairo. He has tied Hamas to the banned, but tolerated, Muslim Brotherhood – Egypt’s biggest Islamist party and reputed source of Sadat’s assassin. The state-sponsored press including television is whining daily about Hamas treachery, attacking Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, perhaps the most popular man in the Arab world at the moment. That demonstrates just how desperate Mubarak has become. And of course, he has attacked Iran.

The fact that Mubarak, an authoritarian dictator installed by the military, is angrily lashing out at democratic Hamas and Iran is not lost on the Arab street. Like most of us, Arabs are impressed with results. And Mubarak has no concessions he can point to, no positive results he can cite from his years of relations with Israel. He has profited while his Arab brothers have suffered and lost their land, their lives and their futures. This brings shame and disgrace to Mubarak and his administration in the eyes of many Arabs. As three noted observers, two professors and an international executive, recently noted: Egypt, suffering political sclerosis of extended one-man rule and in continued fear of the Muslim Brotherhood and its various incarnations, struggles to stay true to its agreements with Israel to keep the billions of US aid flowing to maintain the Mubarak regime.” (source) So there you have it.

Ironically, the election of Bibi Netanyahu in Israel may speed Mubarak’s fate. Bibi is a known quantity in the Middle East. His charged, nationalistic approach to politics is viewed as heavy-handed and belligerent. And not by Arabs alone. He had famously bad relations with the Clinton administration. The White House spokesman at the time was Joe Lockhart, who described Netanyahu in an interview as "one of the most obnoxious individuals you're going to come into - just a liar and a cheat. He could open his mouth and you could have no confidence that anything that came out of it was the truth."

This is what Arab moderation brings? The addition of Avignor Lieberman to the equation only roils the waters even more. His view that Arab Israeli citizens should be deported is racist and smacks of ethnic cleansing. Surprise, that’s just what is going on following the election in East Jerusalem. Jewish settlers, with the support of the Israeli military, are attacking and evicting Palestinian Arabs from their historic homes in the old town. The worst fears of the Arab nation are being realized. And that is sinking in.

So Mubarket is angry, with good reason. His plans have gone awry and his promises have not materialized. And he is also worried and getting desperate. At 83 years, he is not the soldier he used to be; and thus, he is vulnerable. I’m sure that fact is also not lost on the Arab street.

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Hope for Gaza Convoy Update

Organizations and Reputable figures join the Convoy in Holland

Brussels, April 16th, 2009-(ECESG) - Days after the announcement of launching Hope for Gaza Convoy, many organizations and supporters joined the convoy in European countries. Hundreds of people and charitable organizations have expressed their readiness to leave with the convoy, according to organizers.

Humanitarian and Relief Coordinator, Amin Abu Rashed, said that many important organizations decided to participate in the "Hope for Gaza Convoy"

"We have secured a number of trucks loaded by many aids and medical kits for Gaza children. We expect to have more people and Organizations with us in few days," he said.

In the Netherlands, Gretta Budesberg, one of the grassroots of supporters for Palestine also expressed her willingness to take part in the convoy leaving for Gaza early in May.

Budesberg is a grassroots supporter of Palestine and has been against Israeli occupation for a long time. She was even criticized for holding a flag of Palestine on her house.

Gretta tried many times to send hearing aid kits to Gaza through her charity but has failed. At the moment, she is trying to send some kits for the children through Jordan. Some of these will be delivered by her directly, as she plans to join the convoy.

The convoy is expected top leave Milan directly after the end of the 7th conference of Palestinians living in Europe. A considerable number of activists, officials from Europe and MPs will take part.

A number vans and trucks to leave Milan on the 3rd of May and sail from Genoa towards Alexandria in Egypt. Drivers will leave for Alexandria directly to drive their vans towards Gaza within 3 days of ships departure.

The Author's note: The press release above was received from regular World Impulse contributor Sameh Habeeb of the Palestine Telegraph.
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Afghanistan Pakistan Link

Thanks to the crew at Brave New Foundation for this video.

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Tribes Retake Pakistan

In its own way, Pakistan is a child of colonialism - born of the partition of India when a large constituency of Muslims from India's north moved to the newly created country after independence. It was not possible for Muslims, we were told, to live in harmony with the majority Hindus in the south. And so a country was created to accommodate the wishes of the most vocal. Muhajirs and minor maharajas moved their tribes and followers en masse to the promised land. Well over 7 million made the move. An almost equal number of Hindus and Sikhs moved south to India.

Problem was, the promised Muslim land was in two pieces that were not contiguous, nor governable by any central authority. And thus, after a brief civil-war, Bangladesh was formed in what had been East Pakistan. It was all about power and authority, as it always is. Now separated, Pakistan still stands at sixth on the population leader list. And it is the world's second largest Muslim country after Indonesia.

The Muhajirs, Urdu speakers, have ruled Pakistan since separation. All from a select few families, the chosen have fallen victim to a fundamental truth. In time, the devout masses who populated the area before separation would once again assert their ancient, tribal authority in the region. In many cases, those asserting their authority on the ground today are Pashtun - the Taliban's ethnic center. Pashtuns are distributed across Pakistan and southern Afghanistan. If their was a Pashtunistan, it would immediately have a population of 4.5 million. And from all appearances, the Pashtuns are angry and on the march in both countries. Part of the reasons are religious, but many more are related to power, authority, resource allocation and the respect for customs and local leadership. So we're talking about a complex, multi-layered conflict with no easy solution.

According to the respected British journal, Janes: "The ethnic divide in Pakistan has reflected the economic fortunes of the country's four provinces, which are linguistically and ethnically different. Balochistan (Balochis), the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) (Pashtuns), Punjab (Punjabis) and Sindh (Sindhis) have vied, at various times, for greater representation in the federal government and in the powerful military establishment in order to overcome real or perceived exploitation of their provincial resources."

Armed rebellion against central authority is also underway in Balochistan. Recent reports also cite the extension of Taliban influence into Pashtun regions of the Punjab. Here's the deal. When the central authority is no longer capable of governing; providing education, health care, basic utilites and security, villagers in rural areas turn to religious authorities to fill the void. The cost is their loyalty, an occasional tax or honoraria, and adherence to Sharia law. In Afghanistan, the problem is widespread corruption. That turns villagers to the fundamentalists just as quickly as a lack of basic services.

In an unexpected historic irony, the founding fathers of Pakistan have gotten just what they wanted. But it is a very extreme version of their vision embodied in the model that emerged from their efforts. When substantial geopolitical forces are unleashed, outcomes are never predictable and can often surprise.

Given the existing situation, with the central government essentially ceding entire provinces to powerful opponents, it is hard to imagine a continuation of the status quo. The country's regular sectarian violence in on the rise, as the Sunni/Shiite war continues; and, the amount of violence directed against the government, army and police has dramatically increased.

The current government of Pakistan is mired in political battles that ignore the greater looming threat. There's a sort of dismissive blindness going round the ruling class. The military is fractured and must be judged an unreliable partner at best; and, a scheming, explosive adversary at worst. Recent terrorist operations have cast doubt on the power and effectiveness of the military. Changing the guard at the country's various border crossings with India appear to be the Generals' main focus of attention. Pomp, circumstance, and madness. Just an arm's reach from a nuclear arsenal.

Compared to Pakistan, dealing with North Korea and even Iran looks easy. At least the new American president can properly pronounce the country's name. Perhaps he's got a new strategy on the drawing board to deal with this difficult file. If a nuclear Iran makes Israel nervous, just imagine how a failed Pakistani state would make its neighbor India feel.

Technorati Tags: Pakistan, Taliban, Pashtun

Sameh Habeeb's Palestine Telegraph

The Author has had the privilege of channeling posts from journalist Sameh Habeeb's experience on the ground during the recent Israeli operation "Cast Lead" in the Gaza Strip. Sameh has contributed several posts and a number of on-the-ground images over the last few months. Indeed, this blog was started to provide The Author a platform for covering the Gaza war and to provide an additional website for Habeeb's urgent and riveting posts. Early posts were included on Pop Impulse, The Authors primary blog.

Cast Lead, a ferocious war really, was the collective punishment meted out by Israel on an entire people - after some homemade rockets landed inside Israeli territory. The operation, widely condemned around the world and the subject of multiple war crimes investigations, killed almost 1,400 Palestinians including many elderly, women and children. This blog has documented, with links to authoritative sources, the carnage and human costs. Posts have highlighted also the 250 factories destroyed, the 18,000 orchard trees uprooted and the tens of thousands of chickens destroyed. Cast Lead was all about collective punishment, ethnic and economic cleansing, make no mistake about it. And it was conducted with American munitions, including phosphorous burning bombs, American funding and it appears, American approval.

In cases like these, the truth percolates up from the bottom. It rises with the wind and sings of the dead and ruined. The truth will not be buried, constrained or re-written by revisionists. The truth is the truth. And it can be found in publications like Sameh Habeeb's Palestine Telegraph. The Author urges readers to make the PalTelegraph a daily read. Subscribe. Donate. Read it along with Aljazeera; Ha'aretz; Today's Zaman and a little Juan Cole for good measure.

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Palestine Telegraph
Sameh Habeeb

Iran's Political Sands Shift - Ahmadinejad Speaks

There are elections due in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Important polls in the evolution of this significant player in Middle East and on the world political stage. Since the U.S. has changed course and elected president Barack Obama, the tone and rhetoric around the region has changed. Opportunity is in the air, and the players are busy jockeying to reposition themselves. Iran is no exception.

In Iran, hardline principalist president Ahmadinejad (pictured) is being challenged by a powerful candidate from the reformist movement. And it's not Khatami, who just withdrew to avoid splintering the block. Former Prime Minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi has overcome his reticence to run and now the reformists will rally around his candidacy. Read more here. And the Asia Times analysis here.

As a consequence of the upcoming elections, president Ahmadinejad is also speaking out. In a recent extensive interview with Germany's Der Spiegel (complete article) he noted:

I thought it striking that Obama attached such high value to the Iranian civilization, our history and culture. It is also positive that he stresses mutual respect and honest interactions with one another as the basis of cooperation. In one segment of his speech, he says that a nation's standing in the world does not depend solely on weapons and military strength, which is precisely what we told the previous American administration. George W. Bush's big mistake was that he wanted to solve all problems militarily. The days are gone when a country can issue orders to other peoples. Today, mankind needs culture, ideas and logic.

The question remains, is this a legitimate thaw in relations? An opening to re-define our policies, positions and to re-visit our assumptions about each other? Given that both Iran and the U.S. have a mutual problem in Afghanistan and a mutual interest in keeping the peace in Iraq, one would hope for the dawn of a new era of cooperation and mutual understanding. Doesn't mean we have to agree on everything. Just the basics to get us moving forward.

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Predicting Politics in Iran

New York University professor of political science Bruce Bueno de Mesquita recently recorded a video at the TED conference. Bueno de Mesqauita is not your usual political scientist, rather he brings a solid basis in math to the table with his adaptation of "Games Theory" to predict geopolitical trends and change. Worth 20 minutes just for the brain-tweaking. See what you think.



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