Saturday, April 26, 2008
Seven killed in Iraq bomb attacks
A series of co-ordinated bomb attacks has killed at least seven people and injured more than 20 in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.
Most of the victims died when a suicide bomber crashed his car into an Iraqi police patrol in the city centre.
Another bomber blew up his car next to a military checkpoint, while a third attacker detonated a fuel tanker.
A car bomb was used in a fourth attack. The US military says Mosul is the last urban stronghold of al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Iraq's third largest city, it has recently been the focus of a renewed security drive as US and Iraqi forces try to target al-Qaeda fighters.
The US military says militants have regrouped in Mosul since being forced out of Baghdad and western Iraq. (BBC)
Most of the victims died when a suicide bomber crashed his car into an Iraqi police patrol in the city centre.
Another bomber blew up his car next to a military checkpoint, while a third attacker detonated a fuel tanker.
A car bomb was used in a fourth attack. The US military says Mosul is the last urban stronghold of al-Qaeda in Iraq.
Iraq's third largest city, it has recently been the focus of a renewed security drive as US and Iraqi forces try to target al-Qaeda fighters.
The US military says militants have regrouped in Mosul since being forced out of Baghdad and western Iraq. (BBC)
Labels: Iraq
Meshaal: Israel truce a tactic
Khaled Meshaal, the exiled political leader of the Hamas movement, has said that Hamas is still awaiting Egypt's official stance after a day of closed-door meetings between Omar Suleiman, the country's intelligence chief who has been mediating between Hamas and Israel, with respect to a six-month ceasefire.
A deal, which Egypt has been trying to broker for months, still appears distant because the group is demanding Israel open its blockaded border crossings with the Gaza Strip.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday, Meshaal said that the proposed ceasefire can be considered "a tactic conducting the struggle".
He said: "It is normal for any resistance that operates in its people's interest ... to sometimes escalate, other times retreat a bit... The battle is to be run this way and Hamas is known for that.
"In 2003, there was a ceasefire and then the operations were resumed."
Meshaal also warned of an escalation of violence in Gaza if Israel rejected the truce. (Al Jazeera)
A deal, which Egypt has been trying to broker for months, still appears distant because the group is demanding Israel open its blockaded border crossings with the Gaza Strip.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday, Meshaal said that the proposed ceasefire can be considered "a tactic conducting the struggle".
He said: "It is normal for any resistance that operates in its people's interest ... to sometimes escalate, other times retreat a bit... The battle is to be run this way and Hamas is known for that.
"In 2003, there was a ceasefire and then the operations were resumed."
Meshaal also warned of an escalation of violence in Gaza if Israel rejected the truce. (Al Jazeera)
Labels: Egypt, Hamas, Israel, Palestine
US Marines deploying in Afghanistan for 1st time in years
U.S. Marines are crossing the sands of southern Afghanistan for the first time in years, providing a boost to a NATO coalition that is growing but still short on manpower.
They hope to retake the 10 percent of Afghanistan the Taliban holds.
Some of the Marines that make up the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit helped to tame a thriving insurgency in western Iraq. The newly arrived forces hope to move into regions of Afghanistan now controlled by the Taliban.
The troops are working alongside British forces in Helmand province - the world's largest opium-poppy region and site of the fiercest Taliban resistance over the last two years. The director of U.S. intelligence has said the Taliban controls 10 percent of Afghanistan - much of that in Helmand.
"Our mission is to come here and essentially set the conditions, make Afghanistan a better place, provide some security, allow for the expansion of governance in those same areas," said Col. Peter Petronzio, the unit's commander. (AP)
They hope to retake the 10 percent of Afghanistan the Taliban holds.
Some of the Marines that make up the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit helped to tame a thriving insurgency in western Iraq. The newly arrived forces hope to move into regions of Afghanistan now controlled by the Taliban.
The troops are working alongside British forces in Helmand province - the world's largest opium-poppy region and site of the fiercest Taliban resistance over the last two years. The director of U.S. intelligence has said the Taliban controls 10 percent of Afghanistan - much of that in Helmand.
"Our mission is to come here and essentially set the conditions, make Afghanistan a better place, provide some security, allow for the expansion of governance in those same areas," said Col. Peter Petronzio, the unit's commander. (AP)
Labels: Afghanistan, NATO, U.S.
Iraq's Sunni VP wants return to government
Iraq's Sunni Arab vice president on Saturday called the return of his boycotting political bloc to the Shiite-led Cabinet a priority, saying the government needs to reconcile quickly to "save Iraq."
Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi's comments were the latest to signal readiness by the main Sunni bloc, the National Accordance Front, to rejoin the government after an absence of nearly nine months.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki also said Friday that he expected to present a new Cabinet list "within a few days" - a step that would be a boost to his government and seen by Washington as a significant step forward.
But while the two sides have said they were prepared to join forces for more than a week, internal power struggles within the National Accordance Front have delayed a formal announcement, according to a Sunni official familiar with the negotiations.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, said disagreements were focused on who should hold which posts. (AP)
Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi's comments were the latest to signal readiness by the main Sunni bloc, the National Accordance Front, to rejoin the government after an absence of nearly nine months.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki also said Friday that he expected to present a new Cabinet list "within a few days" - a step that would be a boost to his government and seen by Washington as a significant step forward.
But while the two sides have said they were prepared to join forces for more than a week, internal power struggles within the National Accordance Front have delayed a formal announcement, according to a Sunni official familiar with the negotiations.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, said disagreements were focused on who should hold which posts. (AP)
Labels: Iraq
Fire in Morocco mattress factory kills 55: revised toll
Fifty-five people were killed and 12 seriously injured in a fire Saturday at a mattress factory in Morocco's biggest city Casablanca, according to a revised official toll.
The domestic MAP news agency, citing the emergency services, said the fire broke out on the ground floor of the four-storey Rosamor Furniture plant at around 10 a.m. (1000 GMT), when 155 employees were present.
The cause of the blaze, in the Lissasfa industrial district of southeast Casablanca, was not immediately known, although a security official told AFP that an accident was suspected.
"The people who died were either asphyxiated or burned," a firefighter said, as relatives of plant workers were seen at the scene, shedding tears and worrying about the fate of those inside.
The flames spread quickly due to the highly flammable nature of the materials used to make mattresses, MAP reported.
The plant's owner and his son, who was its manager, were to be questioned by the authorities, as prosecutors opened an investigation. (AFP)
The domestic MAP news agency, citing the emergency services, said the fire broke out on the ground floor of the four-storey Rosamor Furniture plant at around 10 a.m. (1000 GMT), when 155 employees were present.
The cause of the blaze, in the Lissasfa industrial district of southeast Casablanca, was not immediately known, although a security official told AFP that an accident was suspected.
"The people who died were either asphyxiated or burned," a firefighter said, as relatives of plant workers were seen at the scene, shedding tears and worrying about the fate of those inside.
The flames spread quickly due to the highly flammable nature of the materials used to make mattresses, MAP reported.
The plant's owner and his son, who was its manager, were to be questioned by the authorities, as prosecutors opened an investigation. (AFP)
Labels: Labour Rights, Morocco
Hamas awaits Israeli response to truce offer: Meshaal
Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal said on Saturday his movement is awaiting an official Israeli response to a truce offer in the Gaza Strip, even though Israel has already poured cold water on it.
Meanwhile in Egypt, where the government has been attempting to mediate a ceasefire, an official said various Palestinian factions are actually still formulating a common position on a proposal for an eventual deal.
Meshaal, speaking to reporters in the Qatari capital, Doha, said Hamas "has requested from the Egyptian delegation a paper with the pledges that the Israeli occupation agrees upon in order to calm the situation.
"Based on this paper, Hamas will decide whether to accept or refuse the easing of the situation that Egypt is trying to achieve between the Palestinians and the Israelis."
The Hamas supremo insisted that the truce offer was an Egyptian product and that Hamas agreed to go along with it only if Israel answered certain demands.
Hamas "did not initiate the offer to calm the situation," he said. (AFP)
Meanwhile in Egypt, where the government has been attempting to mediate a ceasefire, an official said various Palestinian factions are actually still formulating a common position on a proposal for an eventual deal.
Meshaal, speaking to reporters in the Qatari capital, Doha, said Hamas "has requested from the Egyptian delegation a paper with the pledges that the Israeli occupation agrees upon in order to calm the situation.
"Based on this paper, Hamas will decide whether to accept or refuse the easing of the situation that Egypt is trying to achieve between the Palestinians and the Israelis."
The Hamas supremo insisted that the truce offer was an Egyptian product and that Hamas agreed to go along with it only if Israel answered certain demands.
Hamas "did not initiate the offer to calm the situation," he said. (AFP)
Labels: Egypt, Hamas, Israel, Palestine
Taliban claims helicopter attack
The Taliban in Afghanistan says it has shot down a US military helicopter.
Zabihullah Mujahed, a Taliban spokesman, told Al Jazeera that three US soldiers were killed in the incident and another two injured on Saturday.
The US has admitted there was fighting in the area, but denies that any of its aircraft were brought down.
Dhabihullah Mujahid, Al Jazeera's correspondent in the region, reported the Taliban as saying they brought the helicopter down in Konar state in eastern part of the country.
A US forces spokesperson in Konar, which is to the east of Kabul, said that clashes had taken place and the US warplanes had carried out bombing raids. (Al Jazeera)
Zabihullah Mujahed, a Taliban spokesman, told Al Jazeera that three US soldiers were killed in the incident and another two injured on Saturday.
The US has admitted there was fighting in the area, but denies that any of its aircraft were brought down.
Dhabihullah Mujahid, Al Jazeera's correspondent in the region, reported the Taliban as saying they brought the helicopter down in Konar state in eastern part of the country.
A US forces spokesperson in Konar, which is to the east of Kabul, said that clashes had taken place and the US warplanes had carried out bombing raids. (Al Jazeera)
Labels: Afghanistan, Taliban, U.S.
Saudi Blogger Fouad Al Farhan Released
Saudi Jeans is reporting that his, friend, fellow blogger, and activist, Fouad Al Farhan has been released after spending 137 days in jail. The circumstances of his release are not yet clear, and we will post an update about the situation in the event that he offers a response. Fouad was jailed for refusing to apologize for his criticizing of corruption in the Saudi Arabian government, and its policies which have led to a gross lack of freedom in its society.
- via Mahmoods Den
- via Mahmoods Den
Labels: Free Speech, Saudi Arabia
Lebanon sets May 13 new date to elect president
Lebanon's parliament will try to elect a new president on May 13, the speaker said on Saturday, the 19th attempt to hold a vote derailed by the worst political crisis since the 1975-90 civil war.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri postponed the session for an 18th time on Tuesday but did not assign a new date. He instead called rival leaders to hold roundtable talks.
But after pro-government leaders failed to respond to the invitation, Berri, also an opposition leader, set the new date.
A source close to him said he still hoped the majority coalition would come to the table before the session.
The opposition wants a deal on a new government and a law organizing next year's general election before electing a new head of state. Majority leaders say a new president should be elected first and then chair talks between the feuding factions.
The political crisis has paralyzed much of government, left the presidency vacant since November and led to bouts of lethal street violence in a country still recovering from its 15-year civil war.
Saudi Arabia and the United States lead a host of Arab and Western countries who strongly back the Beirut governing coalition, while Syria and its ally Iran support the opposition alliance led by Hezbollah. (Reuters)
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri postponed the session for an 18th time on Tuesday but did not assign a new date. He instead called rival leaders to hold roundtable talks.
But after pro-government leaders failed to respond to the invitation, Berri, also an opposition leader, set the new date.
A source close to him said he still hoped the majority coalition would come to the table before the session.
The opposition wants a deal on a new government and a law organizing next year's general election before electing a new head of state. Majority leaders say a new president should be elected first and then chair talks between the feuding factions.
The political crisis has paralyzed much of government, left the presidency vacant since November and led to bouts of lethal street violence in a country still recovering from its 15-year civil war.
Saudi Arabia and the United States lead a host of Arab and Western countries who strongly back the Beirut governing coalition, while Syria and its ally Iran support the opposition alliance led by Hezbollah. (Reuters)
Labels: Lebanon
Poor diet undermines health of northern Afghans
Lunch at Gada Mohammad's single-room mud-brick house in Afghanistan's far north is the same as most other meals: dry bread washed down with tea.
"We make our living collecting and selling this herb," said Mohammad, a 45-year-old father of four, pointing to a pile of roots on the floor of his smoke-blackened room.
Badakhshan, bordering Tajikistan to the north, is far from the fighting with Taliban insurgents in the south, but is still one of Afghanistan's poorest provinces. Those that fare worst live in the mountains where they are snowed in for up to six months of the year.
In outlying districts such as Raghistan, Kohistan and Darwaz, there is little cultivable land and people survive on mulberries and other types of wild food, aid workers say.
They keep a few sheep, goats and cows for food and dairy products, but winter is especially punishing.
"Malnutrition is very serious, they don't eat fruit, or vegetables. It's very difficult even for them to eat normal food like bread," said Rona Azamyan, coordinator of the Midwifery Education Program in Faizabad, the main town in Badakhshan. (Reuters)
"We make our living collecting and selling this herb," said Mohammad, a 45-year-old father of four, pointing to a pile of roots on the floor of his smoke-blackened room.
Badakhshan, bordering Tajikistan to the north, is far from the fighting with Taliban insurgents in the south, but is still one of Afghanistan's poorest provinces. Those that fare worst live in the mountains where they are snowed in for up to six months of the year.
In outlying districts such as Raghistan, Kohistan and Darwaz, there is little cultivable land and people survive on mulberries and other types of wild food, aid workers say.
They keep a few sheep, goats and cows for food and dairy products, but winter is especially punishing.
"Malnutrition is very serious, they don't eat fruit, or vegetables. It's very difficult even for them to eat normal food like bread," said Rona Azamyan, coordinator of the Midwifery Education Program in Faizabad, the main town in Badakhshan. (Reuters)
Labels: Afghanistan, Food
Egypt holds four in suspected Hamas plot
Egyptian security forces detained four people and have accused them of plotting to buy fuel for a pilotless aircraft for Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, security sources said on Saturday.
The sources said two of those detained were members of Egypt's opposition Muslim Brotherhood. They said the two men had given 20,000 Egyptian pounds ($3,700) to two other Egyptians to buy fuel and a remote control device for a small aircraft.
The sources said the small aircraft was meant to be loaded with explosives for an attack. They did not say what the target would have been.
Mohamed Mursi, a member of the Brotherhood's governing Guidance Office, said the accusations were "completely baseless" and denied any Brotherhood involvement in such a plan. Spokesmen for Egypt's interior ministry declined to comment.
The charges follow a government crackdown on the Brotherhood that led to hundreds of arrests since mid-February in the run-up to local elections on April 8. The Brotherhood boycotted these after it was largely obstructed from taking part.
The Brotherhood, which holds a fifth of the seats in the lower house of parliament, seeks an Islamic state through democratic and non-violent means.(Reuters)
The sources said two of those detained were members of Egypt's opposition Muslim Brotherhood. They said the two men had given 20,000 Egyptian pounds ($3,700) to two other Egyptians to buy fuel and a remote control device for a small aircraft.
The sources said the small aircraft was meant to be loaded with explosives for an attack. They did not say what the target would have been.
Mohamed Mursi, a member of the Brotherhood's governing Guidance Office, said the accusations were "completely baseless" and denied any Brotherhood involvement in such a plan. Spokesmen for Egypt's interior ministry declined to comment.
The charges follow a government crackdown on the Brotherhood that led to hundreds of arrests since mid-February in the run-up to local elections on April 8. The Brotherhood boycotted these after it was largely obstructed from taking part.
The Brotherhood, which holds a fifth of the seats in the lower house of parliament, seeks an Islamic state through democratic and non-violent means.(Reuters)
Labels: Egypt, Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood, Palestine
Beilin: Recall Gillerman to Israel
UN Ambassador Dan Gillerman should be recalled to Israel following disparaging remarks he made regarding former US president Jimmy Carter, Meretz MK Yossi Beilin said Friday. Gillerman had said that Carter's hands were "bloody" after he shook the hand of Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal.
[Israeli Ambassador to the...]
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Dan Gillerman.
Photo: AP
Slideshow: Pictures of the week
"It is Gillerman's prerogative to criticize Carter," Beilin said. "However, Israel is perpetually indebted to a person who saved many Israeli lives by bringing peace with Egypt with his own hands."
NU/NRP MK Zvi Hendel, on the other hand, called on Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to show support for Gillerman. "Beilin, who has led hallucinatory peace processes over the past decade, is the last person who can preach to someone who is saying the truth."
Carter, he said, "is an overt anti-Semite."
RELATED
During a luncheon briefing, Gillerman told reporters that Carter was "a bigot" because of his meeting with the Hamas leader.
Carter "went to the region with soiled hands and came back with bloody hands after shaking the hand of Khaled Mashaal, the leader of Hamas," he added. (JPost)
[Israeli Ambassador to the...]
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Dan Gillerman.
Photo: AP
Slideshow: Pictures of the week
"It is Gillerman's prerogative to criticize Carter," Beilin said. "However, Israel is perpetually indebted to a person who saved many Israeli lives by bringing peace with Egypt with his own hands."
NU/NRP MK Zvi Hendel, on the other hand, called on Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to show support for Gillerman. "Beilin, who has led hallucinatory peace processes over the past decade, is the last person who can preach to someone who is saying the truth."
Carter, he said, "is an overt anti-Semite."
RELATED
During a luncheon briefing, Gillerman told reporters that Carter was "a bigot" because of his meeting with the Hamas leader.
Carter "went to the region with soiled hands and came back with bloody hands after shaking the hand of Khaled Mashaal, the leader of Hamas," he added. (JPost)
US military reports relative lull in Baghdad's Sadr City
The U.S. military reported a relative lull in fighting Saturday, a day after radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said his threat of an "open war" applied only to American-led foreign troops.
Still, at least 12 Iraqis were wounded Saturday in sporadic clashes in the sprawling slum district of Sadr City, a stronghold of al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia, officials said. No U.S. or Iraqi troop casualties were reported.
The injured in Sadr City included a school boy wounded by a stray bullet that pierced his school bag, health officials said. Elsewhere in Baghdad, two separate bombings killed three people and injured 19, including 10 policemen, officials said.
The lull in fighting came after al-Sadr called Friday for an end to Iraqi bloodshed and said his threat of an "open war" applied only to U.S.-led foreign troops, stepping back from a full-blown confrontation with the government over a crackdown against his followers.
Al-Sadr's appeal won support of some residents of Sadr City who also have been facing shortages of food and supplies. (AP)
Still, at least 12 Iraqis were wounded Saturday in sporadic clashes in the sprawling slum district of Sadr City, a stronghold of al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia, officials said. No U.S. or Iraqi troop casualties were reported.
The injured in Sadr City included a school boy wounded by a stray bullet that pierced his school bag, health officials said. Elsewhere in Baghdad, two separate bombings killed three people and injured 19, including 10 policemen, officials said.
The lull in fighting came after al-Sadr called Friday for an end to Iraqi bloodshed and said his threat of an "open war" applied only to U.S.-led foreign troops, stepping back from a full-blown confrontation with the government over a crackdown against his followers.
Al-Sadr's appeal won support of some residents of Sadr City who also have been facing shortages of food and supplies. (AP)
Labels: Iraq, Mehdi Army, U.S.
UN chief urges less fighting and more talk in Iraq
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged key players in Iraq on Friday to keep violence down and to put aside party, ethnic and sectarian interests so a real political dialogue and national reconciliation can take place.
In his quarterly report to the Security Council, Ban said that the Iraqi government faces formidable challenges to reaching agreement on how to share power and resources.
"While some initial steps towards national reconciliation in Iraq have begun, more needs to be done to help Iraqi communities resolve fundamental issues that divide them," he said.
Ban cited disputes over internal borders, power sharing, and the sharing of the country's vast oil resources.
"Once again, I urge influential figures and political parties to publicly reinforce the need for - and to personally work towards - political dialogue, compromise and recognition that Iraq's future depends on its leaders pursuing the Iraqi national interest, rather than individual, party, ethnic or sectarian interests," he said. (AP)
In his quarterly report to the Security Council, Ban said that the Iraqi government faces formidable challenges to reaching agreement on how to share power and resources.
"While some initial steps towards national reconciliation in Iraq have begun, more needs to be done to help Iraqi communities resolve fundamental issues that divide them," he said.
Ban cited disputes over internal borders, power sharing, and the sharing of the country's vast oil resources.
"Once again, I urge influential figures and political parties to publicly reinforce the need for - and to personally work towards - political dialogue, compromise and recognition that Iraq's future depends on its leaders pursuing the Iraqi national interest, rather than individual, party, ethnic or sectarian interests," he said. (AP)
Afghan leader urges strategy change
The Afghan president has urged US forces to stop arresting suspected Taliban members, saying the arrests and past mistreatment discourage fighters from surrendering.
Hamid Karzai, in an interview to the New York Times on Saturday, criticised the conduct of US and British force in Afghanistan and said the real Taliban threat was in Pakistan.
He said the real threat was in Taliban and al-Qaeda strongholds in Pakistan and argued civilian casualties needed to stop completely.
He also argued that the US-led forces in Afghanistan needed to create a trained police force and said his government should be given the lead in policy decisions.
"For the success of the world in Afghanistan, it would be better to recognise this inherent character in Afghanistan and work with it and support it," newspaper quoted him as saying in the interview. (Al Jazeera)
Hamid Karzai, in an interview to the New York Times on Saturday, criticised the conduct of US and British force in Afghanistan and said the real Taliban threat was in Pakistan.
He said the real threat was in Taliban and al-Qaeda strongholds in Pakistan and argued civilian casualties needed to stop completely.
He also argued that the US-led forces in Afghanistan needed to create a trained police force and said his government should be given the lead in policy decisions.
"For the success of the world in Afghanistan, it would be better to recognise this inherent character in Afghanistan and work with it and support it," newspaper quoted him as saying in the interview. (Al Jazeera)
Labels: Afghanistan, NATO, Taliban, U.S.
Yemen clashes claim one soldier
Clashes have broken out in the northern Saada province of Yemen between government forces and al-Huthi supporters, leaving at least two people, including a soldier, dead.
The soldier was reportedly killed and a second wounded in an ambush after Friday prayers at a mosque in the Safiya district of Hidan Directorate, western Saada province.
The conflicted Saada region has seen relative calm since the signing of a second agreement for reconciliation in Qatar's capital Doha last February.
However, a member of Yemen's parliament was killed in the area last week by armed men alongside his son and two bodyguards. (Al Jazeera)
The soldier was reportedly killed and a second wounded in an ambush after Friday prayers at a mosque in the Safiya district of Hidan Directorate, western Saada province.
The conflicted Saada region has seen relative calm since the signing of a second agreement for reconciliation in Qatar's capital Doha last February.
However, a member of Yemen's parliament was killed in the area last week by armed men alongside his son and two bodyguards. (Al Jazeera)
Labels: Yemen
Turkey PM in Syria on peace mission
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's prime minister, is in to Damascus to discuss the possible resumption of peace talks between Israel and Syria.
Before his departure from Ankara on Saturday, Erdogan said that improving ties with regional countries had allowed Turkey to step up efforts to facilitate peace in the Middle East.
"The atmosphere of trust makes it necessary for Turkey to act as a mediator," he said Ankara's Esenboga airport.
Turkey is said to have secured assurances that Israel is willing to return the Golan Heights to Syria which it has occupied for more than 40 years.
Israel seized the strategically important plateau from Syria in the 1967 Middle East War, and annexed it in 1981.(Al Jazeera)
Before his departure from Ankara on Saturday, Erdogan said that improving ties with regional countries had allowed Turkey to step up efforts to facilitate peace in the Middle East.
"The atmosphere of trust makes it necessary for Turkey to act as a mediator," he said Ankara's Esenboga airport.
Turkey is said to have secured assurances that Israel is willing to return the Golan Heights to Syria which it has occupied for more than 40 years.
Israel seized the strategically important plateau from Syria in the 1967 Middle East War, and annexed it in 1981.(Al Jazeera)
Gaza girl killed in Israeli air raid: medics
The teenage daughter of a Hamas chief was killed and eight people wounded in a dawn Israeli air raid on the Gaza Strip, Palestinian health officials and Hamas said on Saturday.
Maryam Talaat Maruf, 14, died when a missile hit her house in Beit Lahiya, north of Gaza City and the eight others wounded, the sources said.
Hamas, which controls Gaza, said "Israeli forces Saturday killed the daughter of Talaat Maruf," a leader of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed branch of the Islamist movement.
Witnesses said Maruf and his brother Hassan were detained by Israeli soldiers who entered the area supported by tanks.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said "the air force launched two raids on Saturday morning against armed elements in the northern Gaza Strip ... There were also exchanges of fire, but none of our people were hit." (AFP)
Maryam Talaat Maruf, 14, died when a missile hit her house in Beit Lahiya, north of Gaza City and the eight others wounded, the sources said.
Hamas, which controls Gaza, said "Israeli forces Saturday killed the daughter of Talaat Maruf," a leader of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed branch of the Islamist movement.
Witnesses said Maruf and his brother Hassan were detained by Israeli soldiers who entered the area supported by tanks.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said "the air force launched two raids on Saturday morning against armed elements in the northern Gaza Strip ... There were also exchanges of fire, but none of our people were hit." (AFP)
Labels: Hamas, Israel, Palestine
Iran's conservatives win parliament: final results
Iranian conservatives won a big majority in parliament after two rounds of elections, according to final results Saturday, but the chamber could still prove critical of controversial President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Conservatives won 69 percent of the seats, reformists 16 percent and independents more than 14 percent, Interior Minister Mostafa Pour Mohammadi told a news conference.
He was speaking a day after the second round of anelection in which 82 seats in the 290-seat parliament were at stake. The first round on March 14 had already assured conservatives of overall victory.
Pour Mohammadi did not give the number of seats won by each faction. But the percentages mean that conservatives will have around 200 seats in the next parliament, reformists 50 and independents around 40.
"My assessment is that the future parliament will be more capable (than the last), with stronger expertise. I hope there will be stronger interaction between the government and the parliament," he told reporters. (AFP)
Conservatives won 69 percent of the seats, reformists 16 percent and independents more than 14 percent, Interior Minister Mostafa Pour Mohammadi told a news conference.
He was speaking a day after the second round of anelection in which 82 seats in the 290-seat parliament were at stake. The first round on March 14 had already assured conservatives of overall victory.
Pour Mohammadi did not give the number of seats won by each faction. But the percentages mean that conservatives will have around 200 seats in the next parliament, reformists 50 and independents around 40.
"My assessment is that the future parliament will be more capable (than the last), with stronger expertise. I hope there will be stronger interaction between the government and the parliament," he told reporters. (AFP)
Labels: Iran
Friday, April 25, 2008
Iraqi oil pipeline blown up again
An oil pipeline south of Baghdad has been blown up, wounding at least eight security guards, Iraqi police say.
The blast, near the town of Iskandiriya, caused a large fire and disrupted the flow of crude oil to refineries in the south of Iraq.
The pipeline carries fuel south from Baghdad's Doura oil refinery.
It was the second time in the past year the pipeline had been hit and the latest in a series of attacks on Iraqi oil refineries, blamed on insurgents.
Pumping from the refinery was stopped because of the explosion, and production was likely to be affected, according to an official speaking anonymously.
A police officer, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said "the bombing has caused a huge fire".
He added that at least 16 firefighting units had been sent to the area to deal with the explosion.
Iraq has the world's third-largest oil reserves, consisting of more than 115 billion barrels.
But oil pipelines have often been targeted around the country by insurgents or saboteurs. (BBC)
The blast, near the town of Iskandiriya, caused a large fire and disrupted the flow of crude oil to refineries in the south of Iraq.
The pipeline carries fuel south from Baghdad's Doura oil refinery.
It was the second time in the past year the pipeline had been hit and the latest in a series of attacks on Iraqi oil refineries, blamed on insurgents.
Pumping from the refinery was stopped because of the explosion, and production was likely to be affected, according to an official speaking anonymously.
A police officer, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said "the bombing has caused a huge fire".
He added that at least 16 firefighting units had been sent to the area to deal with the explosion.
Iraq has the world's third-largest oil reserves, consisting of more than 115 billion barrels.
But oil pipelines have often been targeted around the country by insurgents or saboteurs. (BBC)
New US Embassy in Iraq has no housing for all its workers
The new U.S. Embassy complex does not have enough fortified living quarters for hundreds of diplomats and other workers, who must remain temporarily in trailers without special rooftop protection against mortars and rockets, government officials have told The Associated Press.
Sorting out the housing crunch and funding could further delay moving all personnel into the compound until next year and exposes shortcomings in the planning for America's more than $700 million diplomatic hub in Iraq.
The issue of "hardened" housing in the U.S.-protected Green Zone has gained renewed prominence since Shiite militias resumed steady attacks on the enclave in late March as part of backlash to an Iraqi-led crackdown.
More than a dozen people have been killed in the Green Zone in the latest waves of attacks, including a U.S. civilian government worker whose housing trailer was hit. (AP)
Sorting out the housing crunch and funding could further delay moving all personnel into the compound until next year and exposes shortcomings in the planning for America's more than $700 million diplomatic hub in Iraq.
The issue of "hardened" housing in the U.S.-protected Green Zone has gained renewed prominence since Shiite militias resumed steady attacks on the enclave in late March as part of backlash to an Iraqi-led crackdown.
More than a dozen people have been killed in the Green Zone in the latest waves of attacks, including a U.S. civilian government worker whose housing trailer was hit. (AP)
Iraqi PM al-Maliki sets 4 conditions for stopping crackdown against Shiite militias
Iraq's prime minister set four conditions Friday for stopping a government-led crackdown against anti-U.S. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the groups must hand over heavy and medium weapons and cease interference in the affairs of the state as well as the security forces.
He also demanded they hand over all wanted people and present lists of names of people involved in violence.
The conditions were listed in an interview with Al-Arabiya TV.
"I do not negotiate with any outlaw armed group, not the Mahdi Army nor the Islamic Army (a Sunni insurgent group) nor any other group because this contradicts the principles of the state," al-Maliki said. (AP)
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the groups must hand over heavy and medium weapons and cease interference in the affairs of the state as well as the security forces.
He also demanded they hand over all wanted people and present lists of names of people involved in violence.
The conditions were listed in an interview with Al-Arabiya TV.
"I do not negotiate with any outlaw armed group, not the Mahdi Army nor the Islamic Army (a Sunni insurgent group) nor any other group because this contradicts the principles of the state," al-Maliki said. (AP)
Labels: Iraq, Mehdi Army
Iraq's Sadr Orders Followers to Observe Cease-Fire
Anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr ordered his millions of followers Friday to continue observing a fragile cease-fire and not attack Iraqi troops, a move apparently designed to stave off a bloody confrontation with the government.
In a statement read at Friday prayers in the capital's Sadr City district and also posted on his Web site, Sadr clarified that his threat last week to declare an "open war until liberation" applied only to the U.S.-led coalition and not to the Iraqi government.
"We mean a war against the occupier, nothing else, as there is no war between us and our brothers the Iraqis, regardless of their affiliation, race or sect," Sadr said. "All Iraqi blood is forbidden to you."
The remarks by Sadr, a fervently nationalist Shiite cleric, appeared aimed at lowering tensions between his movement and the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who launched an offensive last month against Shiite militias, including Sadr's Mahdi Army. (Washington Post)
In a statement read at Friday prayers in the capital's Sadr City district and also posted on his Web site, Sadr clarified that his threat last week to declare an "open war until liberation" applied only to the U.S.-led coalition and not to the Iraqi government.
"We mean a war against the occupier, nothing else, as there is no war between us and our brothers the Iraqis, regardless of their affiliation, race or sect," Sadr said. "All Iraqi blood is forbidden to you."
The remarks by Sadr, a fervently nationalist Shiite cleric, appeared aimed at lowering tensions between his movement and the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who launched an offensive last month against Shiite militias, including Sadr's Mahdi Army. (Washington Post)
Labels: Iraq, Mehdi Army, U.S.
Militias 'recruit child bombers'
Insurgent groups in Iraq are recruiting children as suicide bombers, according to a United Nations official.
The findings of the UN special representative for children and armed conflict echo concerns expressed by the US military about insurgent tactics.
Radhika Coomaraswamy, the UN envoy, made her comments at the end of a week-long fact-finding visit to Iraq.
Last month, the US released footage of what it said was al-Qaeda propaganda showing children being trained.
The US says children are being taught how to use guns and carry out kidnappings in addition to other terrorist activities.
Ms Coomaraswamy told a news conference in the Jordanian capital of Amman that the use of children in the ongoing violence is "intolerable". (BBC)
The findings of the UN special representative for children and armed conflict echo concerns expressed by the US military about insurgent tactics.
Radhika Coomaraswamy, the UN envoy, made her comments at the end of a week-long fact-finding visit to Iraq.
Last month, the US released footage of what it said was al-Qaeda propaganda showing children being trained.
The US says children are being taught how to use guns and carry out kidnappings in addition to other terrorist activities.
Ms Coomaraswamy told a news conference in the Jordanian capital of Amman that the use of children in the ongoing violence is "intolerable". (BBC)
UN condemns Turkey border deaths
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has accused Turkish police of causing the deaths of four men by forcing them into a river on the Turkey-Iraq border.
The strong current swept the men away, the UNHCR said, quoting witnesses.
The incident happened on Wednesday at an unpatrolled stretch of the border near the Habur crossing point, in Sirnak province, the UNHCR said.
At least one of the four was an Iranian. They were among 18 Iranians and Syrians refused entry into Iraq.
There has been no comment from the Turkish authorities.
The UNHCR says that in all, the Turkish authorities took 60 people to the Habur crossing for deportation to Iraq, but the Iraqis refused entry to the 18 non-Iraqis in the group.
The UNHCR says it is "seeking clarification from the government of Turkey on the circumstances surrounding the forced expulsion of the refugees and the tragic loss of life". (BBC)
The strong current swept the men away, the UNHCR said, quoting witnesses.
The incident happened on Wednesday at an unpatrolled stretch of the border near the Habur crossing point, in Sirnak province, the UNHCR said.
At least one of the four was an Iranian. They were among 18 Iranians and Syrians refused entry into Iraq.
There has been no comment from the Turkish authorities.
The UNHCR says that in all, the Turkish authorities took 60 people to the Habur crossing for deportation to Iraq, but the Iraqis refused entry to the 18 non-Iraqis in the group.
The UNHCR says it is "seeking clarification from the government of Turkey on the circumstances surrounding the forced expulsion of the refugees and the tragic loss of life". (BBC)
Gazans protest over Israeli siege
Thousands of Gazans have protested at Israel's refusal to accept a Hamas-proposed truce in exchange for Israel lifting its blockade of the Gaza Strip.
There were protests in the north and south of the strip near border crossings into Israel and Egypt on Friday, after Israel dismissed Hamas's proposal of a six-month truce as "not serious".
In Jabaliya, in northern Gaza, about 5,000 people waved Hamas flags and banners proclaiming "No to the siege".
Yussef al-Shrafi, a Hamas official, told the crowd: "Hamas is working in a positive manner to end the siege and achieve a truce."
In Rafah, about 1,000 people called for Egypt to open its border crossing, the only one that bypasses Israel.
"We do not represent a threat to Egypt's security, but we ask our brothers to open Rafah and break the siege," said Abu al-Sibbah, a Hamas leader. (Al Jazeera)
There were protests in the north and south of the strip near border crossings into Israel and Egypt on Friday, after Israel dismissed Hamas's proposal of a six-month truce as "not serious".
In Jabaliya, in northern Gaza, about 5,000 people waved Hamas flags and banners proclaiming "No to the siege".
Yussef al-Shrafi, a Hamas official, told the crowd: "Hamas is working in a positive manner to end the siege and achieve a truce."
In Rafah, about 1,000 people called for Egypt to open its border crossing, the only one that bypasses Israel.
"We do not represent a threat to Egypt's security, but we ask our brothers to open Rafah and break the siege," said Abu al-Sibbah, a Hamas leader. (Al Jazeera)
Labels: Egypt, Hamas, Israel, Palestine
New momentum for US-Iran dialogue
New momentum for United States-Iran dialogue on Iraq has been generated as a result of this week's Kuwait summit of Iraq and its neighbors. It will likely trigger a cooling of tensions between Tehran and Washington in the near future after several weeks of vitriolic exchanges.
Although on the surface the summit did not break any ice between Iran and the US, and there was no direct interaction between US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, there was sufficient fuel, both at the summit's open- and closed-door meetings as well as on the ground in Iraq, to help improve the hostile climate dominating US-Iran ties.
This is a welcome mini-turnaround from barely two weeks ago, when the US ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, blamed Iran for waging a "proxy war" in Iraq and undermining the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki by backing Mahdi Army militiamen of Muqtada al-Sadr. The US is now putting the accent on "common ground" and "convergence of interests" that, per an article in the New York Times, means backing the Baghdad regime against Muqtada's army, labeled as "outlaws" by Iran's ambassador to Baghdad, Hassan Kazemi Qomi. (Asia Times)
Although on the surface the summit did not break any ice between Iran and the US, and there was no direct interaction between US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, there was sufficient fuel, both at the summit's open- and closed-door meetings as well as on the ground in Iraq, to help improve the hostile climate dominating US-Iran ties.
This is a welcome mini-turnaround from barely two weeks ago, when the US ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, blamed Iran for waging a "proxy war" in Iraq and undermining the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki by backing Mahdi Army militiamen of Muqtada al-Sadr. The US is now putting the accent on "common ground" and "convergence of interests" that, per an article in the New York Times, means backing the Baghdad regime against Muqtada's army, labeled as "outlaws" by Iran's ambassador to Baghdad, Hassan Kazemi Qomi. (Asia Times)
Petraeus' rise lets Cheney loose on Iran
The nomination of General David Petraeus to be the new head of the US Central Command ensures that he will be available to defend the George W Bush administration's policies on Iran and Iraq at least to the end of Bush's term and possibly even beyond.
It also gives Vice President Dick Cheney greater freedom of action to exploit the option of an air attack against Iran during the administration's final months.
Petraeus will take up the CENTCOM post in late summer or early autumn, according to Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
The ability of the administration to threaten Iran with an attack
both publicly and behind the scenes had been dramatically reduced in 2007 by opposition from the former CENTCOM commander, Admiral William Fallon, until he stepped down from the post under pressure from Gates and the White House last month.
Petraeus has proved himself willing to cooperate closely with the White House on Iraq and Iran, arguing against any post-"surge" reduction in troop strength and blaming Iran for challenges to the US military presence. Along with the deference to Petraeus in Congress and the media, his pliability on those issues made him the obvious choice to replace Fallon. (Asia Times)
It also gives Vice President Dick Cheney greater freedom of action to exploit the option of an air attack against Iran during the administration's final months.
Petraeus will take up the CENTCOM post in late summer or early autumn, according to Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
The ability of the administration to threaten Iran with an attack
both publicly and behind the scenes had been dramatically reduced in 2007 by opposition from the former CENTCOM commander, Admiral William Fallon, until he stepped down from the post under pressure from Gates and the White House last month.
Petraeus has proved himself willing to cooperate closely with the White House on Iraq and Iran, arguing against any post-"surge" reduction in troop strength and blaming Iran for challenges to the US military presence. Along with the deference to Petraeus in Congress and the media, his pliability on those issues made him the obvious choice to replace Fallon. (Asia Times)
Joint Chiefs Chairman Says U.S. Preparing Military Options Against Iran
The nation's top military officer said today that the Pentagon is planning for "potential military courses of action" against Iran, criticizing what he called the Tehran government's "increasingly lethal and malign influence" in Iraq.
Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said a conflict with Iran would be "extremely stressing" but not impossible for U.S. forces, pointing specifically to reserve capabilities in the Navy and Air Force.
"It would be a mistake to think that we are out of combat capability," he said at a Pentagon news conference.
Still, Mullen made clear that he prefers a diplomatic solution to the tensions with Iran and does not foresee any imminent military action. "I have no expectations that we're going to get into a conflict with Iran in the immediate future," he said.
Mullen's statements and others by Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently signal a new rhetorical onslaught by the Bush administration against Iran, amid what officials say is increased Iranian provision of weapons, training, and financing to Iraqi groups that are attacking and killing Americans. (Washington Post)
Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said a conflict with Iran would be "extremely stressing" but not impossible for U.S. forces, pointing specifically to reserve capabilities in the Navy and Air Force.
"It would be a mistake to think that we are out of combat capability," he said at a Pentagon news conference.
Still, Mullen made clear that he prefers a diplomatic solution to the tensions with Iran and does not foresee any imminent military action. "I have no expectations that we're going to get into a conflict with Iran in the immediate future," he said.
Mullen's statements and others by Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently signal a new rhetorical onslaught by the Bush administration against Iran, amid what officials say is increased Iranian provision of weapons, training, and financing to Iraqi groups that are attacking and killing Americans. (Washington Post)
US vessel fires at boats in Gulf
A ship contracted by the US Navy has fired warning shots in the direction of two unidentified speedboats, according to US military officials.
The incident took place in the Gulf, in international waters dozens of miles from the Iranian coast, the US said.
The vessel - the Westward Venture - was working for the US Military Sealift Command under a 65-day charter, an official told the BBC.
Iran says its vessels have had no confrontations with US ships.
The speedboats boats withdrew soon after the warning shots were fired.
US officials say the Westward Venture used the correct measures prior to firing the shots: it sounded its horn, and gave the boats a verbal warning, before firing flares, 50-caliber machine guns and M-16s in the direction of the boats.
Shortly after the incident, a routine inquiry was made of the Westward Venture by Iranian authorities, according to US officials.(BBC)
The incident took place in the Gulf, in international waters dozens of miles from the Iranian coast, the US said.
The vessel - the Westward Venture - was working for the US Military Sealift Command under a 65-day charter, an official told the BBC.
Iran says its vessels have had no confrontations with US ships.
The speedboats boats withdrew soon after the warning shots were fired.
US officials say the Westward Venture used the correct measures prior to firing the shots: it sounded its horn, and gave the boats a verbal warning, before firing flares, 50-caliber machine guns and M-16s in the direction of the boats.
Shortly after the incident, a routine inquiry was made of the Westward Venture by Iranian authorities, according to US officials.(BBC)
Labels: Arabian Gulf, U.S.
Oil prices move higher on supply tensions
Oil prices climbed towards this week's record peaks on Friday as traders fretted over threats to global energy supplies in Britain and Nigeria, analysts said.
New York's main oil futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in June, rallied 1.68 dollars to 117.74 dollars a barrel.
London's Brent North Sea crude for June rose 1.57 dollars to 115.91 dollars.
This week, prices rocketed to historic highs as investors seized on mounting supply worries and the weak US currency, which makes dollar-priced crude cheaper for foreign buyers and tends to encourage demand.
New York crude jumped close to 120 dollars, hitting a record high 119.90 dollars on Tuesday, before dipping in line with the strengthening US currency.
Brent crude, meanwhile, set a high of 116.87 dollars on Thursday as fears grew over a looming strike at Grangemouth, one of Britain's biggest oil refineries. (AFP)
New York's main oil futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in June, rallied 1.68 dollars to 117.74 dollars a barrel.
London's Brent North Sea crude for June rose 1.57 dollars to 115.91 dollars.
This week, prices rocketed to historic highs as investors seized on mounting supply worries and the weak US currency, which makes dollar-priced crude cheaper for foreign buyers and tends to encourage demand.
New York crude jumped close to 120 dollars, hitting a record high 119.90 dollars on Tuesday, before dipping in line with the strengthening US currency.
Brent crude, meanwhile, set a high of 116.87 dollars on Thursday as fears grew over a looming strike at Grangemouth, one of Britain's biggest oil refineries. (AFP)
Labels: Oil
Lebanese prisoners release warders
Calm has returned to Lebanon's largest prison a day after scores of inmates rioted and took some guards hostage over demands for better conditions and reduced sentences.
All the seven wardens who were taken hostage at Roumiyeh prison have now been released, security officials said on Friday.
"The prisoners handed over the seven warders they were holding hostage and returned to their cells after having negotiated and handed over demands to the chief of internal security," an official said.
Prisoners at Roumiyeh, which is east of the capital, Beirut, were calling for an improvement in conditions and a reduction in their sentences.
Most of the inmates involved are serving long sentences, or are on death row.
"General Rifi promised to examine ways of replying to these demands in the framework of the law," the official said. (Al Jazeera)
All the seven wardens who were taken hostage at Roumiyeh prison have now been released, security officials said on Friday.
"The prisoners handed over the seven warders they were holding hostage and returned to their cells after having negotiated and handed over demands to the chief of internal security," an official said.
Prisoners at Roumiyeh, which is east of the capital, Beirut, were calling for an improvement in conditions and a reduction in their sentences.
Most of the inmates involved are serving long sentences, or are on death row.
"General Rifi promised to examine ways of replying to these demands in the framework of the law," the official said. (Al Jazeera)
Labels: Lebanon
Israel rejects Gaza ceasefire
Israel today dismissed a proposal by Hamas for a six-month truce inside the Gaza Strip, saying the Palestinian group would use the period to prepare for more fighting rather than peace.
The Hamas offer, issued yesterday following talks with Egyptian mediators, departed from previous demands by the group that any ceasefire apply simultaneously in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Israel is reluctant to enter into any formal agreement that could strengthen Hamas against its West Bank-based rival, Fatah. The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, Fatah's leader, is currently pursuing US-sponsored peace talks with Israel.
But Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert signalled hhis flexibility last month by saying military attacks on Gaza would cease if Hamas stopped cross-border rocket attacks.
"Israel is interested in peace. Unfortunately, Hamas is playing games. Hamas is biding time in order to rearm and regroup," David Baker, an Israeli spokesman, said today.
"There would be no need for Israel's defensive actions if Hamas would cease and desist from committing terrorist attacks on Israelis," Baker said, in reference to Israeli air strikes and commando raids in Gaza. "Israel will continue to act to protect its citizens." (Guardian)
The Hamas offer, issued yesterday following talks with Egyptian mediators, departed from previous demands by the group that any ceasefire apply simultaneously in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Israel is reluctant to enter into any formal agreement that could strengthen Hamas against its West Bank-based rival, Fatah. The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, Fatah's leader, is currently pursuing US-sponsored peace talks with Israel.
But Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert signalled hhis flexibility last month by saying military attacks on Gaza would cease if Hamas stopped cross-border rocket attacks.
"Israel is interested in peace. Unfortunately, Hamas is playing games. Hamas is biding time in order to rearm and regroup," David Baker, an Israeli spokesman, said today.
"There would be no need for Israel's defensive actions if Hamas would cease and desist from committing terrorist attacks on Israelis," Baker said, in reference to Israeli air strikes and commando raids in Gaza. "Israel will continue to act to protect its citizens." (Guardian)
Labels: Egypt, Hamas, Israel, Palestine
Terror talk: No more jihad or Islamists
With its last months in office, the Bush administration is rewriting its war-on-terror lexicon.
Documents obtained by the Associated Press news agency show officials in federal agencies have been asked not to use the terms jihadists and mujahideen, describe al-Qaida as a movement or refer to Islamo-fascism.
Staff of the state department, homeland security department and national counterterrorism centre, as well as diplomats and other officials, have been told that various words in common use may actually boost support for extremists among Arab and Muslim audiences by giving them a veneer of religious credibility or causing offence to moderates.
The new guidance explains that while Americans may understand jihad to mean holy war, it is in fact a broader Islamic concept of the struggle to do good. Similarly, mujahideen, which means those engaged in jihad, must be seen in its broader context.
US officials may be "unintentionally portraying terrorists, who lack moral and religious legitimacy, as brave fighters, legitimate soldiers or spokesmen for ordinary Muslims". (Guardian)
Documents obtained by the Associated Press news agency show officials in federal agencies have been asked not to use the terms jihadists and mujahideen, describe al-Qaida as a movement or refer to Islamo-fascism.
Staff of the state department, homeland security department and national counterterrorism centre, as well as diplomats and other officials, have been told that various words in common use may actually boost support for extremists among Arab and Muslim audiences by giving them a veneer of religious credibility or causing offence to moderates.
The new guidance explains that while Americans may understand jihad to mean holy war, it is in fact a broader Islamic concept of the struggle to do good. Similarly, mujahideen, which means those engaged in jihad, must be seen in its broader context.
US officials may be "unintentionally portraying terrorists, who lack moral and religious legitimacy, as brave fighters, legitimate soldiers or spokesmen for ordinary Muslims". (Guardian)
U.N. official to visit Iran again for nuclear talks
The U.N. nuclear watchdog's top investigator will arrive in Tehran next week to hold more talks over Western allegations the country had studied nuclear bomb designing, a news agency reported on Friday.
Following Olli Heinonen's visit to Iran earlier this week, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Wednesday Tehran had agreed on steps to clarify intelligence alleging it studied how to design nuclear bombs.
Iran had earlier dismissed the intelligence as baseless.
"Heinonen on Monday will travel to Iran for the continuation of talks which the two sides held earlier this week," the students news agency ISNA quoted an unnamed official as saying.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. body, wants to clear suspicions about Iran's nuclear program.
The West accuses Tehran of covertly trying to build nuclear weapons. Iran denies it, saying its nuclear ambitions are peaceful and only for electricity generation.
U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Washington last week pledged a united effort to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb, possibly by expanding sanctions against Tehran.
The Islamic state has been hit by three rounds of U.N. sanctions since 2006 for defying the U.N. demand to halt sensitive nuclear work. (Reuters)
Following Olli Heinonen's visit to Iran earlier this week, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Wednesday Tehran had agreed on steps to clarify intelligence alleging it studied how to design nuclear bombs.
Iran had earlier dismissed the intelligence as baseless.
"Heinonen on Monday will travel to Iran for the continuation of talks which the two sides held earlier this week," the students news agency ISNA quoted an unnamed official as saying.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. body, wants to clear suspicions about Iran's nuclear program.
The West accuses Tehran of covertly trying to build nuclear weapons. Iran denies it, saying its nuclear ambitions are peaceful and only for electricity generation.
U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Washington last week pledged a united effort to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb, possibly by expanding sanctions against Tehran.
The Islamic state has been hit by three rounds of U.N. sanctions since 2006 for defying the U.N. demand to halt sensitive nuclear work. (Reuters)
IMF praises PA for 'bold reforms,' strides toward fiscal sustainability
The International Monetary Fund on Friday praised the Palestinian
government for what it calls 'bold reforms' and said it was making strides toward fiscal sustainability.
The agency's report Friday praises President Mahmoud Abbas' government for freezing public sector hiring and wage increases and reducing utility subsidies. But it says the deficit remains high.
The Abbas government has promised international donors to try to reduce
spending, and especially the government payroll.
The IMF issues regular progress reports on the government's performance. The reports are part of a Palestinian development plan underwritten by $7.7 billion (4.9 billion) in international aid.
The IMF report also calls on Israel to ease movement restrictions to help the Palestinian economy recover. (Haaretz)
government for what it calls 'bold reforms' and said it was making strides toward fiscal sustainability.
The agency's report Friday praises President Mahmoud Abbas' government for freezing public sector hiring and wage increases and reducing utility subsidies. But it says the deficit remains high.
The Abbas government has promised international donors to try to reduce
spending, and especially the government payroll.
The IMF issues regular progress reports on the government's performance. The reports are part of a Palestinian development plan underwritten by $7.7 billion (4.9 billion) in international aid.
The IMF report also calls on Israel to ease movement restrictions to help the Palestinian economy recover. (Haaretz)
Labels: IMF, Israel, Palestine
IMF praises PA for 'bold reforms,' strides toward fiscal sustainability
The International Monetary Fund on Friday praised the Palestinian
government for what it calls 'bold reforms' and said it was making strides toward fiscal sustainability.
The agency's report Friday praises President Mahmoud Abbas' government for freezing public sector hiring and wage increases and reducing utility
s
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ubsidies. But it says the deficit remains high.
The Abbas government has promised international donors to try to reduce
spending, and especially the government payroll.
The IMF issues regular progress reports on the government's performance. The reports are part of a Palestinian development plan underwritten by $7.7 billion (4.9 billion) in international aid.
The IMF report also calls on Israel to ease movement restrictions to help the Palestinian economy recover. (Haaretz)
government for what it calls 'bold reforms' and said it was making strides toward fiscal sustainability.
The agency's report Friday praises President Mahmoud Abbas' government for freezing public sector hiring and wage increases and reducing utility
s
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ubsidies. But it says the deficit remains high.
The Abbas government has promised international donors to try to reduce
spending, and especially the government payroll.
The IMF issues regular progress reports on the government's performance. The reports are part of a Palestinian development plan underwritten by $7.7 billion (4.9 billion) in international aid.
The IMF report also calls on Israel to ease movement restrictions to help the Palestinian economy recover. (Haaretz)
Labels: IMF, Israel, Palestine
Fierce fighting in Baghdad suburb
At least 11 people have been killed and more than 30 wounded in overnight clashes between US-led forces and Shia militias in Baghdad, police have said.
Two women and a child are believed to have been among those killed in the fierce fighting in the capital's mainly Shia suburb of Sadr City, they added.
US and Iraqi forces have recently been targeting Shia militias, especially the Mehdi Army of the cleric, Moqtada Sadr.
On Friday, he urged his supporters to respect a truce he called in August.
"You are the best who committed and were patient with the decision to cease fire, and were the most obedient to your leader," he said in a statement read out in mosques across Iraq during Friday prayers.
"I wish you would continue your patience and your belief."
Although Moqtada Sadr said he considered fighting foreign forces "a holy rite", he insisted the Mehdi Army would not fight the US-led coalition unless its fighters were attacked.(BBC)
Two women and a child are believed to have been among those killed in the fierce fighting in the capital's mainly Shia suburb of Sadr City, they added.
US and Iraqi forces have recently been targeting Shia militias, especially the Mehdi Army of the cleric, Moqtada Sadr.
On Friday, he urged his supporters to respect a truce he called in August.
"You are the best who committed and were patient with the decision to cease fire, and were the most obedient to your leader," he said in a statement read out in mosques across Iraq during Friday prayers.
"I wish you would continue your patience and your belief."
Although Moqtada Sadr said he considered fighting foreign forces "a holy rite", he insisted the Mehdi Army would not fight the US-led coalition unless its fighters were attacked.(BBC)
Labels: Iraq, Mehdi Army, U.S.
Israel's UN ambassador calls Jimmy Carter 'a bigot'
Israel's ambassador to the United Nations on Thursday called former President Jimmy Carter "a bigot" for meeting with the leader of the militant Hamas movement in Syria.
Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, "went to the region with soiled hands and came back with bloody hands after shaking the hand of Khaled Mashaal, the leader of Hamas," Ambassador Dan Gillerman told a luncheon briefing for reporters.
The diplomat was questioned about problems facing his country during a wide-ranging discussion with reporters lasting more than an hour. The briefing was sponsored by The Israel Project, a Washington-based, media-oriented advocacy group.
The ambassador's harsh words for Carter came days after the ex-president met with Mashaal for seven hours in Damascus to negotiate a cease-fire with Gaza's Hamas rulers. Carter then called Mashaal on Monday to try to get him to agree to a one-month truce without conditions, but the Hamas leader rejected the idea.
The ambassador called last weekend's encounter "a very sad episode in American history."
He said it was "a shame" to see Carter, who had done "good things" as a former president, "turn into what I believe to be a bigot."
Telephone calls by The Associated Press to two Atlanta numbers for Carter were not immediately returned Thursday. (AP)
Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, "went to the region with soiled hands and came back with bloody hands after shaking the hand of Khaled Mashaal, the leader of Hamas," Ambassador Dan Gillerman told a luncheon briefing for reporters.
The diplomat was questioned about problems facing his country during a wide-ranging discussion with reporters lasting more than an hour. The briefing was sponsored by The Israel Project, a Washington-based, media-oriented advocacy group.
The ambassador's harsh words for Carter came days after the ex-president met with Mashaal for seven hours in Damascus to negotiate a cease-fire with Gaza's Hamas rulers. Carter then called Mashaal on Monday to try to get him to agree to a one-month truce without conditions, but the Hamas leader rejected the idea.
The ambassador called last weekend's encounter "a very sad episode in American history."
He said it was "a shame" to see Carter, who had done "good things" as a former president, "turn into what I believe to be a bigot."
Telephone calls by The Associated Press to two Atlanta numbers for Carter were not immediately returned Thursday. (AP)
Al-Sadr calls for end to Iraqi bloodshed
Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called for an end to clashes between his militia fighters and Iraqi troops, saying Friday that his threat of an "open war" applied only to U.S.-led foreign forces.
In a sermon read by an aide during Friday prayers in Baghdad's militia stronghold of Sadr City, the cleric also urged Iraqi soldiers and policemen "not to support the occupiers in combating your brothers."
Al-Sadr issued a "final warning" to the government Saturday to halt its crackdown against the Mahdi Army or face an "open war until liberation."
The statement on al-Sadr's Web site singled out the Iraqi government led by fellow Shiite Nouri al-Maliki, accusing him of selling out to the Americans. Friday's sermon appeared to be an attempt to ease tensions.
Al-Sadr - who is believed to be in Iran - called on worshippers to remain patient and united.(AP)
In a sermon read by an aide during Friday prayers in Baghdad's militia stronghold of Sadr City, the cleric also urged Iraqi soldiers and policemen "not to support the occupiers in combating your brothers."
Al-Sadr issued a "final warning" to the government Saturday to halt its crackdown against the Mahdi Army or face an "open war until liberation."
The statement on al-Sadr's Web site singled out the Iraqi government led by fellow Shiite Nouri al-Maliki, accusing him of selling out to the Americans. Friday's sermon appeared to be an attempt to ease tensions.
Al-Sadr - who is believed to be in Iran - called on worshippers to remain patient and united.(AP)
Labels: Iraq, Mehdi Army, U.S.
With violence down, Iraqis flock to revitalized Baghdad Zoo
Families stroll the park's sidewalks and picnic in the shade as laughing children clamor to see the main attraction - lions once owned by Saddam Hussein's son, Odai.
Damaged after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, the Baghdad Zoo has made a startling comeback, and thousands of Iraqis are flocking here to escape the city's grungy streets.
The zoo, located in the sprawling Zawra Park in the heart of Baghdad just outside the U.S.-controlled Green Zone, has been held up as an example of American reconstruction efforts. The military brought in new animals, rebuilt damaged exhibits and worked with international zoos and organizations to train the Iraqi zookeepers.
Still, the effects of war are all too plain. Because transporting refrigerated meat is too difficult, donkeys are raised in a fenced-off area. They are euthanized and fed to the lions. And although the zoo is far more serene than other parts of the capital, U.S. military helicopters frequently buzz overhead. (AP)
Damaged after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, the Baghdad Zoo has made a startling comeback, and thousands of Iraqis are flocking here to escape the city's grungy streets.
The zoo, located in the sprawling Zawra Park in the heart of Baghdad just outside the U.S.-controlled Green Zone, has been held up as an example of American reconstruction efforts. The military brought in new animals, rebuilt damaged exhibits and worked with international zoos and organizations to train the Iraqi zookeepers.
Still, the effects of war are all too plain. Because transporting refrigerated meat is too difficult, donkeys are raised in a fenced-off area. They are euthanized and fed to the lions. And although the zoo is far more serene than other parts of the capital, U.S. military helicopters frequently buzz overhead. (AP)
Labels: Iraq
UN secretary-general calls food price rise a global crisis
A sharp rise in food prices has developed into a global crisis, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Friday .
Ban said the U.N and all members of the international community are very concerned, and immediate action is needed.
He spoke to reporters at U.N. offices in Austria, where he was meeting with the nation's top leaders for talks on how the United Nations and European Union can forge closer ties.
"This steeply rising price of food - it has developed into a real global crisis," Ban said, adding that the World Food Program has made an urgent appeal for additional $755 million.
"The United Nations is very much concerned, as all other members of the international community," Ban said. "We must take immediate action in a concerted way all throughout the international community."
Ban urged leaders of the international community to sit down together on an "urgent basis" to discuss how to improve economic distribution systems and the production of agricultural products.(AP)
Ban said the U.N and all members of the international community are very concerned, and immediate action is needed.
He spoke to reporters at U.N. offices in Austria, where he was meeting with the nation's top leaders for talks on how the United Nations and European Union can forge closer ties.
"This steeply rising price of food - it has developed into a real global crisis," Ban said, adding that the World Food Program has made an urgent appeal for additional $755 million.
"The United Nations is very much concerned, as all other members of the international community," Ban said. "We must take immediate action in a concerted way all throughout the international community."
Ban urged leaders of the international community to sit down together on an "urgent basis" to discuss how to improve economic distribution systems and the production of agricultural products.(AP)
US 'extremely concerned' over Iran
The chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff has told Al Jazeera he is "extremely concerned" about Iran's role in Iraq, which he says could grow more destructive.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Admiral Michael Mullen said the US would maintain a presence in the Gulf in an attempt to deter Iran from taking any military action.
But Mullen was quick to say that he preferred "a peaceful outcome" and not to use military force.
"The main message we want to send is preventative ... and to deter any action from a country like Iran," he said.
"I think it's important to ratchet up the pressure as much as we can on Iran ... internationally, financially, diplomatically ... without taking the combat option off the table." (Al Jazeera)
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Admiral Michael Mullen said the US would maintain a presence in the Gulf in an attempt to deter Iran from taking any military action.
But Mullen was quick to say that he preferred "a peaceful outcome" and not to use military force.
"The main message we want to send is preventative ... and to deter any action from a country like Iran," he said.
"I think it's important to ratchet up the pressure as much as we can on Iran ... internationally, financially, diplomatically ... without taking the combat option off the table." (Al Jazeera)
Iran votes in second round poll
Iranians are voting in second round run-off elections which are expected to confirm the dominance of conservatives in the country's 290-seat parliament.
Eighty-two seats in which no candidate managed to win 25% of the vote in last month's first round are being contested on Friday, including 11 in Tehran.
Conservative candidates won around 70% of the seats in the first round vote.
But correspondents say many of them are highly critical of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's economic policies.
If the conservatives continue to cause problems for Mr Ahmadinejad in the new parliament, this will strengthen Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, they add. (BBC)
Eighty-two seats in which no candidate managed to win 25% of the vote in last month's first round are being contested on Friday, including 11 in Tehran.
Conservative candidates won around 70% of the seats in the first round vote.
But correspondents say many of them are highly critical of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's economic policies.
If the conservatives continue to cause problems for Mr Ahmadinejad in the new parliament, this will strengthen Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, they add. (BBC)
Labels: Iran
IAEA chief hits out at US, Israel over Syrian reactor claims
The UN atomic watchdog hit out Friday at the United States for withholding intelligence that Syria had been building a secret nuclear reactor with North Korea's help.
The International Atomic Energy Agency also criticized Israel for acting on the allegations and bombing the purported reactor in a raid last September without giving IAEA inspectors an opportunity to investigate.
The agency insisted it was taking seriously the allegations that were passed on by the United States on Thursday.
"(We) will treat this information with the seriousness it deserves and will investigate the veracity of the information," it said in a statement.
"Syria has an obligation under its safeguards agreement with the IAEA to report the planning and construction of any nuclear facility."
Map locating the alleged site of a nuclear facility in Syria
©AFP Graphic - null
Nevertheless, the watchdog was critical of both the US and Israel for their handling of the matter. (AFP)
The International Atomic Energy Agency also criticized Israel for acting on the allegations and bombing the purported reactor in a raid last September without giving IAEA inspectors an opportunity to investigate.
The agency insisted it was taking seriously the allegations that were passed on by the United States on Thursday.
"(We) will treat this information with the seriousness it deserves and will investigate the veracity of the information," it said in a statement.
"Syria has an obligation under its safeguards agreement with the IAEA to report the planning and construction of any nuclear facility."
Map locating the alleged site of a nuclear facility in Syria
©AFP Graphic - null
Nevertheless, the watchdog was critical of both the US and Israel for their handling of the matter. (AFP)
Labels: IAEA, Israel, Syria, U.N., U.S.
Israelis shot dead near West Bank
Two Israeli men have been shot dead in the Tel Aviv region close to the West Bank town of Tukarem, according to Israeli emergency services and radio reports.
Israeli army radio reported that the shooting was carried out by Palestinian fighters, but no one immediately claimed reponsibility for the killings on Friday.
Israel Radio said the bodies of the two men were found at a factory at the Netzanei Oz industrial zone near the boundary between Israel and the West Bank.
There was no immediate coment from Israeli military or police officials.(Al Jazeera)
Israeli army radio reported that the shooting was carried out by Palestinian fighters, but no one immediately claimed reponsibility for the killings on Friday.
Israel Radio said the bodies of the two men were found at a factory at the Netzanei Oz industrial zone near the boundary between Israel and the West Bank.
There was no immediate coment from Israeli military or police officials.(Al Jazeera)