Besieged Gaddafi Stronghold Bani Walid Under Attack

by Stephen Lendman

Washington's war on Libya rages. Fighting didn't stop after NATO said its seven-month 2011 "mission" ended. Ravaging a nonbelligerent country wasn't good enough.

Occupation harshness inflicts more pain. Jamahiriya Green Resistance is strong. Its struggle continues. It won't stop until Libya regains freedom. Loyalists want no part of NATO control, puppet leaders, imperial plundering, and ordinary Libyans used and abused.

Frequent freedom fights erupt. Tribes are involved. Local militias have their own agenda. Insurgents battle each other and Green Resistance for control. Government forces serve Washington and key NATO partners.

Since early October, Bani Walid's been besieged. Thousands of militiamen are involved. Food, medical supplies, fuel and other essentials are in short supply. Armed men block vehicles with medical and other essential supplies from entering.

Residential neighborhoods are attacked. Nearby villages were looted and burned. Libya's so-called General National Congress (GNC) approved the assault.

Puppet rulers want residents to hand over individuals allegedly responsible for killing Omran Shaaban. He's an insurgent involved in Gaddafi's capture and death.

Last fall, NATO ravaged Bani Walid. For weeks, terror bombing, indiscriminate shelling, and ground attacks left it looking like a ghost town. It was one of Libya's last cities to fall. It's home to over 80,000 residents.

They paid a huge price. Casualties were high. Many died or were wounded. Thousands were displaced. Hundreds were arrested and imprisoned. Their crime was wanting to live free.

Bani Walid residents again are under attack. So far they're holding out valiantly. Last fall, NATO and insurgent forces used chemical and other illegal weapons. Reports suggest they're used now.

Injuries are unrelated to conventional weapons. Israel does the same thing to Gazans. So do US forces in Pentagon war theaters.

Mathaba reported that hospitalized residents have severe burns, "hallucinations, muscle spasms, foaming at the mouth, coughing, eye irritations, dizziness, breathing difficulties, and loss of consciousness."

NATO and enlisted proxy forces fight all their wars dirty. Civilians suffer most. Media scoundrels suppress what they should headline.

Mathaba quoted Dr. Taha Muhammad saying:

"(W)e started receiving patients with strange symptoms that I have not seen before. Those affected were having difficulty breathing, reported dizziness and were coughing."

"Not everybody displayed the same symptoms, but some were also suffering from hallucinations, foaming at the mouth and loss of consciousness. We believe they had been exposed to some sort of gas."

Available medical facilities and equipment can't properly diagnose or treat victims. Doctors cope best they can. Patients suffer. Human rights abuses continue daily.

On October 19, Reuters headlined "Libyan army to head to Bani Walid after clashes," saying:

Army head Yussef al-Mangoush said troops are "ready to enter Bani Walid, and we expect (it to go) peacefully. The army is going to take control of the security situation."

Resistance fighter Col. Salem al-Wa'er said "Bani Walid has been shelled since this morning from three sides - the south, the east and southeast."

City residents say shelling continues. Commerce is shut down. Essentials are running out. Tensions are high.

On October 18, Russia Today headlined "Eleven killed as Libyan militia shell Gaddafi stronghold," saying:

"Libyan authorities continue to struggle against multiple militia groups in the midst of growing political disarray."

On October 19, AFP headlined "Fighting keeps mediator out of Libya's Bani Walid," saying:

Pro-regime militia fighters pound the city. So far, resistance fighters kept them from entering and gaining control. GNC president Mohammed Megarief promised to come, but fighting kept him away.

Earlier he founded the National Front for the Salvation of Libya (NFSL). It's a CIA/Saudi financed anti-Jamahiriya group. It operated from October 1981 - May 2012. It actively opposed Gaddafi.

Several times it tried to oust him by coup d'etats and failed. After his demise, it transformed itself into the National Front Party. It won three of 59 seats in the July 2012 GNC election. Mahmoud Jabril's National Forces Alliance (NFA) got 39 seats.

On October 18, the London Guardian headlined "Confusion rife as Libyan army storms town of Bani Walid."

So far, army units hadn't succeeded as planned. Fierce fighting continues. "We started to enter Bani Walid. We are not far away from the center," said army spokesman Mohammed al-Gandus. "There was a big battle between Bani Walid people and our army."

Gaddafi supporters are "hiding" there, he added. "They are fighting very well because they know they are going to die soon."

Reports of their demise may turn out exaggerated. Last fall, NATO said Bani Walid resistance was defeated. A year later, their struggle continues. Millions of Libyans want freedom, not repressive occupation under puppet pro-Western rule.

They haven't quit fighting and won't throughout the country. Bani Walid is one of many battlegrounds. Eruptions can break out anywhere anytime. They won't stop until freedom is won.

At the same time, daily violence causes so much harm to so many. So-called NATO liberation delivers living hell. Mass killing, destruction, and human misery accompany every NATO campaign and remain when they end.

Bani Walid lies 180 km southwest of Tripoli. It's home base for Libya's largest Warfalla tribe. It remained loyal to Gaddafi during fighting last year.

Bani Walid fighters are resisting best they can. At least 10 deaths are confirmed and dozens of injuries. The Al-Mardoum valley is most affected. It's being defended valiantly.

Two earlier attempts this year to take over the city failed. For months it was independent and militia free. Residents assumed responsibility for local security. They're battling to keep what militias and GNC officials want to destroy.

On October 19, Mathaba headlined "Full Assault on Bani Walid Underway," saying:

GNC Resolution No. 7 enacted on September 27 calls for army units to arrest those responsible for Omran Shaban's death. Ground forces attacked the city. Numerous casualties were reported on both sides.

Army commander al-Gandus claimed his troops began entering Bani Walid. They're heading for the center of town, he said. He claimed winning this fight will free Libya. Residents know he has something else in mind.

Regime officials are largely silent. They said little about their belligerent plans. Expect illegal chemical use again on city residents.

Around 2,000 army forces are involved. Militia fighters supplement their numbers. Casualties on both sides could be high. Bani Walid resident Ibrahim Warfalli denied official reports.

He said resistance fighters maintain airport control and prevented army units from entering the city. At stake is freedom or imperial occupation and control.

Fighting is intense. Army spokesman said he doesn't know how long it will take to control Bani Walid. "Maybe it will take some days," he said

"Maybe something unexpected will happen. It will take time if the people supporting Bani Walid use civilians as a shield. We do not want to kill civilians.' "

In fact, they're willfully targeted. During last year's siege and this year's, indiscriminate bombing, shelling, and toxic gases caused horrific injuries and many deaths.

Videos and other images show badly wounded children. Some remain on life support. Others succumbed to fighting.

While Bani Walid remains besieged and assaulted, resistance continues elsewhere across Libya. Expect protracted struggle until Jamahiriya triumphs over tyranny. Courageous freedom fighters won't settle for less.

A Final Comment

On October 17, Human Rights Watch (HRW) headlined "Libya: New Proof of Mass Killings at Gaddafi Death Site. A Year On, No Progress on Inquiry Into Deaths."

Evidence implicates Misrata-based insurgents. They severely beat and murdered dozens of Gaddafi loyalists they captured. Libyan authorities promised to investigate and did nothing.

According to HRW’s Peter Bouchaert:

"The evidence suggests that opposition militias summarily executed at least 66 captured members of Gaddafi’s convoy in Sirte."

"It also looks as if they took Mutassim Gaddafi, who had been wounded, to Misrata and killed him there. Our findings call into question the assertion by Libyan authorities that Muammar Gaddafi was killed in crossfire, and not after his capture."

International law is clear. "Under the laws of war, the killing of captured combatants is a war crime, and Libyan civilian and military authorities have an obligation to investigate war crimes and other violations of international humanitarian law."

Instead of investigating and prosecuting those responsible, Libyan authorities whitewashed their crimes. Washington, NATO partners, and complicit regional allies bear full responsibility. Their installed Libyan stooges do as they’re told.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

 

His new book is titled "How Wall Street Fleeces America: Privatized Banking, Government Collusion and Class War"

http://www.claritypress.com/Lendman.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour

 

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A Professional and Resolute Opponent

By: Ibrahim al-Amin

 

Published Saturday, October 20, 2012

 

Wissam al-Hassan was a leading name in the Lebanese-regional front active primarily against the Syrian regime, and secondarily against Hezbollah and Iran.

His political role surpassed his tasks as head of a small military unit conducting a significant security operation in Lebanon and beyond.

In regional politics, Hassan’s assassination is a prologue for a new and recurring global cold war, which hides underneath it real wars and bloody chaos in many countries, namely Syria.

Also politically, the assassination of Wissam al-Hassan is at the heart of a battle that is open and out of control. All sides of the battle will do what they believe is right. But it will allow others, from outside both sides of the conflict, to interfere, play on contradictions, deliver messages, or even steer the boat in various directions.

Politically still, Hassan represents the March 14 line in Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and the rest of the Arab World. His political-security role represents the side led by the United States and several Arab and regional countries, who want to invest in the current chaos in Arab states in the way that suits them.

Hassan was not a politically unaffiliated officer. His supporters and followers of his political side are right to accuse the other side of the assassination.

But there are technicalities – merely technicalities – that might lead to a different, even an opposite result. While technicalities cannot stop the political finger-pointing, they will keep it as only an accusation, not judgement nor condemnation.

These technicalities are a security and criminal investigation. They must take precedence over anything else, to avoid steering Lebanon into the dark tunnel it entered following the Rafik Hariri assassination. But the political mind of March 14 does not think like this.

Then there is Wissam al-Hassan, the officer. He played a pivotal role at Rafik Hariri’s side, as his longtime confidant and aide on many matters – political and nonpolitical. This job enabled him to be at the forefront following Hariri’s assassination, by remaining close to [Hariri’s son and heir], Saad.

In a few years time, Hassan the officer built a professional security apparatus. He built a [police] unit that is somewhat connected to the state, yet leased its own space outside the state.

With time, Hassan became the primary political security man for March 14. The network he weaved in Lebanon, the region and the world allowed him to know many things and many people high up in the world of international political security.

Many people were able to receive financial and technical support, even administrative and political cover, but they failed in creating a viable political or security product.
For March 14 – and the Future Movement in particular – Hassan delivered the best product. It was the most efficient and presentable. His foes inside the movement were never given anything to grab on to question what he was doing.

On the opposite side of the political spectrum, Hassan was not liked, but he and his comrades in the Information Branch kept gaining respect, day after day. This was earned by Hassan’s creation of a professional framework, which was unprecedented in the history of the Internal Security Forces.

The Information Branch became the number one official or semi-official security force in the country. It displayed a level of efficiency, which won it the respect of similar regional and international organizations and prompted it to play a role outside Lebanon.

In a last talk with him, Hassan complained about being accused of playing a big role in Syria. He did not hide his support and adoption of the regime’s opponents, criticizing the Arabs for not doing anything substantial. He was also obviously distressed about the presence of a certain kind of hard-line Islamists.

He had little trust in his opponents. Even when they commended him, he would laugh saying: this praise is not for me; they are either disparaging others or exaggerating my role to make me a target.

God bless Wissam al-Hassan...

Ibrahim al-Amin is editor-in-chief of Al-Akhbar.

This article is an edited translation from the Arabic Edition.

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The Presidency Causes a Rift in Egyptian Brotherhood

An Egyptian protester holds a flare during a demonstration in Cairo's Tahrir Square on 19 October 2012. (Photo: AFP - Ahmed Mahmoud)

 

By: Bisan Kassab

Published Saturday, October 20, 2012

 

Discontent among the youth of the Muslim Brotherhood over the policies of the group continues to mount, most recently with the defection of 600 members – in conjunction with dozens of sons of prominent movement leaders – who have announced their plans to join Abdul-Moneim Abul-Fotouh’s party.

Cairo – “Empowerment,” or taking power, in the words of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB), is an aspiration that has always enticed most organized group in Egypt since its inception more than 80 years ago.

The Islamist group had never been close until Mohammed Mursi, the former leader of the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) – the group’s political arm – was elected as president.
Yet the slowly growing crack in the group since the revolution may indicate that the large triumph it achieved may have brought division with it.

Brotherhood youth were involved in the uprising since day one, in coordination with other political factions through the Coalition of the Youth of the Revolution. Yet many young members ended up defecting from the group, such as activists Muhammad al-Qasas and Moaz Abdul-Karim.

Qasas and Abdul-Karim joined the Egyptian Current Party, which became a rival of the Muslim Brotherhood’s FJP.

More importantly, as a member of the Brotherhood told Al-Akhbar on condition of anonymity, 600 young activists in the group have resigned in the past month.

This is while dozens of the sons of prominent leaders of the MB endorsed the founding of the Strong Egypt Party, lead by Abul-Fotouh, who broke away from the Brotherhood in order to run in the last presidential elections.

Tensions were intensified leading up to the group’s internal elections which took place yesterday, where Mohamed al-Katatni defeated Issam al-Arian.

While young members supported Arian, who was favored by reformists in the group, it seems clear that the Brotherhood’s influential Guidance Bureau was backing Katatni.

Al-Akhbar has learned that youth segments of the Islamist organization held a questionnaire to gauge the popularity of the contenders, using a random sample of members from both the FJP base and general conference members. Ninety percent of the respondents said they would vote for Arian.

One young member we spoke to said that he was very close to being kicked out of the MB after making complaints about internal mismanagement.

He added, “Several young members of the group who are opposed to the conservative politics of the leadership are in the process of preparing new draft bylaws to submit to the Guidance Bureau. This may spark a new crisis between the two sides,” as they expect the motion to be rejected.

According to the young Islamist, the draft bylaws have nearly reached their final stage, and only needed to be reviewed by legal experts before being presented to the Guidance Bureau.

Mostafa al-Ghonemi, member of the MB’s Guidance Bureau, commented to Al-Akhbar on this issue. He pointed out that “the regulatory committee had indeed received several proposals for new bylaws for the group in the past year and a half since the uprising began.”
Ghonemi explained that the majority of proposals submitted by young members focused on achieving broader representation for them in various administrative posts, as well as expanding decision-making beyond the Shura Council. “These are proposals that we respect,” he added.

In fact, a majority of the young members in question were against the Brotherhood contesting the presidential race. This means that, politically speaking, they are in a tight corner now vis-à-vis their leadership, which had succeeded in putting Mursi in office.

This was the conclusion reached by the twenty-something year-old youth, who expected “a new clash to take place and result in the dismissal of large numbers of young members.”

Speculation about a possible confrontation is reinforced by the presence of “growing opposition among young members to Mursi bringing his campaign staff to the presidential palace in the first days after taking office, despite pledges made earlier that there would be a separation between the president, the MB and the FJP,” according to the young MB activist.

The young Islamist, who had voted for Abul-Fotouh in the first round of the presidential elections – contrary to the will of the leadership – pointed out that the Brotherhood had tried to counter the pro-Abul-Fotouh sentiment among the youth by threatening to dismiss anyone who became involved in his campaign.

The MB leadership also attempted to entice members to join Mursi’s electoral campaign in return for promotion within the group.

The crisis that followed the MB’s decision to put a candidate in the presidential election caused outrage among the youth. There were statements voicing this sentiment being circulated by a group calling itself “Cry of the Muslim Brotherhood.”

Osama Abdul-Hadi, a member of this group, told Al-Akhbar that that the whole debacle that ensued from Mursi’s candidacy has since vindicated the warnings that the Cry of the Muslim Brotherhood voiced, and not the other way around.

Abdul-Hadi said, “We had anticipated that a battle between the MB candidate and any other candidate close to the former regime would create a huge national rift, with a wide segment of the electorate refusing to vote for either candidate” – in reference to Ahmed Shafik, the last prime minister under deposed President Hosni Mubarak, who subsequently made it to the run-off round with Mursi.

Abdul-Hadi explained that what happened “could have caused a disaster were it not for the fact that several factions agreed at the last minute to put national accord first” in order to counter Shafik’s rise.

This article is an edited translation from the Arabic Edition.



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SURROGATE MOTHER

Palestine was not the only usurped Arab country , no doubt it was usurped in a very special way , directly and exhaustively, but the other Arab countries were not less usurped , each in a special way and in a way common to all as well. And since the state called Israel was to be established on Arab land, the creation of a favorable environment became a necessity whereby the Israe...

li entity will be able to last, and even grow and expand and for this many steps were taken , steps which -surprisingly enough-permitted the usurper to last few decades and to survive in a environment that was supposed to be alien and hostile.


This hostility and refusal of the foreign body should be taken care of and neutralized. The first step was-of course-partition of the Arab region into bits of countries unable to subsist and survive on their own with a special status reserved for oil countries . Other countries were destined to host minorities like Lebanon whose Christian identity was to make it easier for the Jewish established entity to survive .

Partition and religious differences were thus consecrated after Arab Nationalism was apparently boosted at the turn of the century as an asset against Ottoman hegemony . Sectarian differences were also encouraged when Arab Christians started turn catholic and protestant and join the Vatican or other churches.

All this contributed greatly to weakening Arabs and subduing them and psyching them into accepting the existence of Israel as an unquestionable reality . Thus, the injecting of the idea of Israel came simultaneously with the amputation of the Arab body and Arabs were suffering loss of Arab identity, and absence of unity whereby they grew busy with their differences while the religion that united the majority of them was greatly challenged .

The orientalists had exposed Islam and tried to make it look as incompatible with scientific progress and modernism and most Muslims- among them religious references and authorities - swallowed the pill and became very busy investigating this approach and, instead of questioning the intentions of their foes, they questioned their own religion and their own heritage . They questioned themselves instead of exposing their enemy and became confined thus either to a defensive attitude or to an identification with the enemy and in both cases they were lead to a dead end .

Working on the subtle level of the Arab mental frame work bore fruits , the west succeeded in turning itself and its culture into a model for all and, instead of seeing in them the colonialist predators that they actually are, the Arabs labeled their western occupiers as Christians , Seculars or Atheists belonging to another culture and -in all cases- they saw in them a superior privileged race that was at a great advantage and because of this was to be feared and respected .

This attitude of awe, respect and admiration towards the colonizer curbed greatly the capacity to resist and win over the usurping entity . Even when identified as an enemy, the west was still object of respect and admiration on behalf of the majority of Arabs . What happened in terms of recognizing and normalizing with Israel and signing peace treaties with it did not happen over night, it was the outcome of many years of labor where there was an induced separation between Israel and its western sponsors -like US and Europe- and then -through education and media and the like- normalization and full identification with this western colonialist power at many a level.

When this was done, all what was required was to transfer this normalization and identification from the European sponsor to the usurping state of Israel in a smooth transition that could take care of most of the taboos that still haunted the Arab subconscious . The leaders of such endeavor were mainly local intellectuals and academicians and students and politicians of various ideologies and faiths who shared this veneration of the west of which the catering to the usurping state of Israel was an intrinsic part.

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Unknown Facts: What Does Islam Say?

Introduction by Kourosh Ziabari

On September 20, 2012, the Veterans Today columnist Bob Johnson wrote an article entitled “Barack Obama Lied About Religions.” In the article which was written in response to the statements of President Obama who had said that “[t]here is no religion that condones the targeting of innocent men and women,” while addressing the killing of U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other diplomatic staff in the aftermaths of the release of the anti-Islam movie “Innocence of Muslims” which sparked international anger among the Muslims and prompted month-long demonstrations across the world, some accusations and attacks were directed to Islam which I thought should not be left unanswered.

Mr. Johnson accused President Obama of spreading falsehood about religions and claimed that Islam promotes and endorses violence and aggression, so Barack Obama lied by claiming that there’s no religion that condones killing and bloodshed. Of course such claims attest to unawareness about the nature and essence of an ancient and venerated religion as Islam and bespeak of unfamiliarity with the realities of Islam which the Western mainstream media has systematically withhold from the public.

After reading Mr. Johnson’s article, I decided to prepare a full-fledged and substantive response to it and publish on the Veterans Today, so I contacted Mr. Sayyed Mortaza Mirseradji, an author and religious expert based in Iran to write an essay and respond to the accusations directed against Islam in this article. 

Mr. Mirseradji provided a well-developed essay which I think is a must-read guide for every non-Muslim who has murky and unclear perceptions of Islam and wants to discover whether this religion endorses violence or not. I recommend reading this article to all of those who believe that Prophet Muhammad was a corrupt man, Islam is a repressive and aggressive religion and that fundamentalism seen across the world, especially following the false-flag attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001 is a result of Islamic thought. Perhaps this article, which will be published in three parts, can be a manual for you to know about Islam what the mainstream media have been denying you for so long. – Kourosh Ziabari

By Sayyed Mortaza Mirseradji

Many critical questions which are raised about Islam with the intention of calling into question and supposedly undermining the tenets and principles of Islam stem from the ignorance of people or their apparent animosity with this divine religion. Some others are truly unaware and uninformed about Islam and ask questions to learn more, but don’t know how to achieve this end. And there is a group of people who intentionally and willfully want to deliver a blow to the religion and so, use the unawareness of ordinary people, selectively choose some parts of the realities and aggrandize that part and present it as a challenge for and shortcoming in the religion, while it’s evident that their objective is to sow the seeds of sedition.

Hereby, we present some basic facts and then try to respond to the witty and astute statements of Mr. Bob Johnson regarding the divine religions in general, and Islam in particular.

The philosophy of the emergence of divine religions has been the establishment of peace and creation of tranquility for the human being.

Colloquially, religion is referred to a set of divine commandments pertaining to material and spiritual affairs, transmitted to the human being by the prophets of God. The philosophy of the emergence of divine religions in the human societies has been creating peaceful and healthy relationships among all the human beings based on what the Almighty God wants the man to be.

Religion marks the difference between the man and the animal. It can be inferred from the verses of the Holy Quran that prior to Creation and the descending of Adam, a group of savage and bloodthirsty people lived on the Earth who were gradually brought to extinction and disappeared.



Upon the creation of Adam, whom the Muslims consider a holy prophet, the angels were surprised at God’s special attention to him, because they considered him to be similar to those savage and brutal people in terms of appearance and physical attributes. The Almighty God obviated their ambiguity through entrusting a divine knowledge and religion to Adam; so, religion is the basis of difference of mankind with all the other living things and its prerequisite is wisdom and mind and this is something which the primary mans lacked. As a result, all the religions and holy books which were revealed to the holy prophets, included a complete plan for the material and spiritual affairs of all the human beings and were sent upon the man from the extraterrestrial world so that he may not spend his life like the animals and unintelligent man in barbarity and blood-spilling, but to live a life full of rationality and peace.

In the history of divine religions, some major prophets were simply inspired for a certain period of time or place and this was the Almighty God’s providence and expediency. Among all of the prophets, it was Prophet Muhammad who offered to the human being the last and most complete religion with the direct permission of the Almighty God. Therefore, what is lawful in his religion will remain lawful until the doomsday and what is unlawful in his religion will remain unlawful until the day of resurrection.

Islam

Lexically, it is taken of the root of “Salam” in Arabic which means to be submissive to the rule of God. Muslim means somebody who is submissive and obedient to the rule of God, His prophet and the other religious leaders. Since Islam is the last divine religion, there are different rules and laws in it. These rules are manifested in the Holy Quran, the tradition of Prophet Muhammad and the sayings and behavior of the holy saints and leaders. The teachings and commandments of Islam encompass a variety of issues. It might be interesting for you to know that in Islam, different subjects, from the medical benefits of garlic and onion to the existence of aliens, rules pertaining to sexual issues, the rights of animals, the principles of communication and socialization, the ways of governing a society and administration of justice, have been discussed.

The Holy Quran

Every instrument or tool which the man invents has a special catalogue or manual. The sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad in general, and the Holy Quran in particular, are examples of methods and correct models for human life; whether material or spiritual. These sources are the manuals of a prosperous and happy life.

Let’s imagine that even a small company has its certain rules and regulations, or a washing machine or cell phones which have their own manuals and guidelines. The essence and nature of human being, from the eyes of divine religions, are so precious and dignified that they cannot be considered insignificant and infinitesimal and left without planning and guidance. So it’s not acceptable that the human being be left without a premeditated programming and direction. Therefore, in the thought of all the divine religions, especially Islam which is the most complete and the last divine religion, all issues concerning the life of man has been planned and programmed by the Almighty God and these plans are transmitted to the man through prophets.

All the prophets are symbols of benevolence and kindness

In the Holy Quran, Prophet Muhammad has been referred to as “last divine prophet” and a “prophet of kindness and benevolence for the people of the world.” In his lifestyle and tradition, there’s ample evidence of his kindness and kindheartedness. He was even affectionate and friendly to his own enemies and history attests to this claim.

A large group of people in the city of Mecca insulted Prophet Muhammad, threw stones at him and poured down on him the dirty and stinky rumen and tripe of camel and threatened him to death; however, Prophet Muhammad, the apostle of kindness and compassion, never affronted or threatened them and even never took revenge on them when he came to power and this shows his utmost magnanimity and nobility. Abu Sufyan who was one of the pagans of Mecca and an adamant enemy of Prophet Muhammad had always hated the prophet and eve went into war with him. As soon as he left the misery of heresy and embraced the honor of belief in God and monotheism, the Holy Prophet forgave him and ignored his wrongdoing. Abu Sufyan’s wife who was a pagan like him and attempted to kill prophet’s uncle was forgiven by Prophet Muhammad as soon as he turned to Islam and abandoned the useless idols. Even Wahshi who killed prophet’s uncle, sought refuge in prophet and embraced Islam and as a result, Prophet Muhammad excused him.

In the statements and tradition of Prophet Muhammad, paying attention to the destitute, children, women, disable people and hostages were of high importance. During his lifetime, he never oppressed anyone, and was the true incarnation of compassion and mercy. His benevolence even reached to the environment and animals, let alone the human beings that had a prominent position in his transcendent thought.

All the divine religions, especially Islam, are the representation of peace and kindness
In actuality, all the divine religions promote peace and compassion and this claim is validated by the teachings of Islam which is the last divine religion. Pay attention to the following items:

1- The word “Salam” which is one of the Almighty God’s names means “peace and tranquility” and it’s strongly recommended to Muslims to say “Salam” to each other as a sign of greeting. Interestingly, if one meets you and says “Salam” (hello), you will be committing a sin if you don’t say “Salam” in his response. This is one of the subtleties of Islam and a delicacy in the behavior of Muslims who present to each other peace and tranquility as a precious gift, and if someone says Salam to you, it means that you’ll be protected and saved from harm by him.

2- The very name Islam and the word Muslim which come from a common origin are congenial to the word “Salam” which means peace and tranquility. Islam and Muslim are laid in a context of peace and tranquility.

3- There are 114 Surahs (chapters) in Quran of which 113 Surahs begin with the phrase “In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate” and in one Surah, the phrase has been repeated twice, and thus the number of Surahs starting with this phrase amount to 114. Which religion has talked about the kindness of the Almighty God in such a delicate way and repeats a phrase which frequently speaks of benevolence and kindness? Unquestionably, the followers of this faith are kind and affectionate to everybody and it’s demonstrated to the people around the world that Muslims are the best minorities everywhere in the world.

4- It’s one of the teachings of Islam that every endeavor which is not started with the phrase “In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate,” will be futile, meaning that along with remembering the name of God, kindness and compassion should always accompany important efforts and endeavors.

5- There are numerous verses in the Holy Quran which call on the people and invite them to brotherhood, equality, taking note of each other’s goodness, doing good deeds, being considerately kind and benevolent to parents, righteous speech, righteous thought, righteous performance, clemency and forgiveness, being careful about each other’s situation in times of difficulty, etc. and it will demand tens of pages to mention all of these verses.

6- Prophet Muhammad never waged any war to bring Islam to other countries because it’s mentioned in the Holy Quran that “there’s no compulsion in religion,” meaning that nobody embraced Islam with force. This has been demonstrated in the history of Islam, in cases such as Yemen when Prophet Muhammad was still alive. The growth of Islam in such regions as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and especially the African countries has taken place quite peacefully and without any war. It might be interesting to note that Islam was brought to many countries by the merchants, because all of the intelligent and oppressed people of the world relate to Islam very quickly. Verily, Islam is the best worldview. Portraying a savage and aggressive picture of Prophet Muhammad is a real atrocity and a great injustice about the prophet of kindness and compassion, and we will be talking about this issue in the following parts of the article.

7- In Islam, it’s forbidden to disrespect the women and no culture is as elevated and exalted as Islam to explicate the importance of women in creation and their lofty position in such an elaborate manner. We will be talking about this issue in the third part of the article.



8- According to Islamic teachings, it’s forbidden to torture or molest other people. Every unfair and inequitable action and whatever rejected by intellect is denied in Islam. Enmity is unacceptable in Islam, and if two people altercate and continue being at odds with each other for more than 3 days, they will be considered as non-Muslims. Divorce is reprimanded in Islam, because love and companionship are two important priorities. Supporting the children, the old people and encouraging others to studentship and scholarship, almsgiving and earning a living through legal and permissible means and avoiding deception and fraud and thousands of other humanitarian gestures are strongly recommended in Islam.

9- In each division of their prayers, the Muslims repeat the words “compassionate” and “merciful” 6 times and during the whole day prayers, they repeat these words 60 times. The Muslims are immersed in kindness and benevolence and this is even manifested in the text of their prayers.

10- Pay attention to these Arabic words and their meaning:
Maqfirat (salvation), Latif (kind), Rahim (kind), Tawwab (accepting the repentance of the wrongdoer), Karim (benevolent), Ra’uf (compassionate), Wadud (lover), Wase’ (creating easiness), Wahhab (benefactor), Quds (purity), Ber (goodness), Khair (goodness), Ihsan (kindness), Salam (peace), Sedq (truth), Tayyeb (pure), Salhiaat (rightful deeds), Elm (science), Hob (love), Ajr (the reward of good deed), Olfat (friendliness), Ne’mat (blessing), Wafi (fidelity), Roshd (intellectual growth), Tafakkor (thinking), Tadabbor (deep thinking), Bast (expansion of earning), Faateh (opener of windows).
Do you believe that these Quranic words and their derivations have been repeated in the Holy Quran more than 3,000 times?

11- It’s a famous statement by the Prophet Muhammad which reads, “A true Muslim is someone of whose hand and tongue, the other people are in comfort and protection.”

INVESTED OR INVESTIGATED

It happened before and it will happen again and again . The World Intelligence Services seem to be out of new ideas or they have the tendency to repeat the same pattern and scheme and the same conspiracies that proved to be somehow successful. When did they decided to do away with the head of the Lebanese Intelligence branch of the Lebanese Internal Security Wissam al H...assan we don’t know , but it must not have been long time ago .

Hassan’s name had been lately subject to controversy, occupying the headlines of many daily newspaper, after his major role in setting up a Pro Syrian Lebanese politician by involving him in an arm smuggling operation from Syria to Lebanon, through a whole scenario enacted by an agent that had Israeli affiliations.

The man must have become a burden on those who supported him and acted through him .


The blast that took his life and that of many innocent civilians that worked and lived in the area, was caused by 50 kg of Explosives hidden in a car and parked in the Christian area of Ashrafiyye in Beirut . The head of intelligence or information had no information about what was in store for him while the agents were preparing carefully their well studied plan which they executed successfully hoping to exploit it fully like they exploited Hariri’s crime ...


So many Lebanese Officials have been targeted and killed since the murder of Hariri, all of them -except maybe one -belonged to 14th of March movement . This happened under !4th of March rule , the same people who were being targeted were also ruling . Not one investigation has been conducted in a way to reveal the identity of the criminals or the party that stood behind these killings , there were tears and cries but no intention of conducting such an investigation properly because it would have prevented the political exploitation of the whole matter .


The intention- then- was to take us to the dark tunnel of the inauspicious International Court where false testimonies on behalf of fake bribed witnesses will accuse members of Hizbullah of the killing of Hariri and of others maybe .


Through killing the head of the Lebanese Security Intelligence the same scenario is to be reproduced by getting rid of a figure that has become a burden, and then creating chaos in the country, and use this to blackmail the Lebanese and hold everyone responsible except the true criminals , and - after that- start hiring the witnesses and feeding them their fake testimonies .They are already rallying to demonstrate and protest down town Beirut as they did in the Cedars’ so called Revolution. Now they will start again their famous show of sending threats directed to Syria and the Resistance .


This worked the first time and should work this time as well. The voices are already raising against Syria on behalf of those who are posing as inoffensive victims targeted by the Syrian regime after every piece of weapon and every terrorist have found their way to Syria fully equipped smuggled by 14th of March deputes and then offered money and medical care by them . Voices are also accusing the Lebanese Resistance of this hideous crime . All this in order to hide the real criminal .

Future MP Oqab Saqr Funds, Arms, Kidnaps in Syria

If it worked with Hariri so it should work with Wissam al Hassan . But the Lebanese cabinet has not resigned, neither has the Prime Minister , he is just casting himself aside as he is doing regarding Syria , adopting the policy of laisser faire regarding what is happening on the ground, but this time the only choice left is to conduct a real investigation if the cabinet is to remain other wise we are back to the dark tunnel again .


It is worthwhile mentioning that it took almost for hours before the authorities revealed the name of al Hasan as the targeted victim of this huge blast . People were mourning the innocent victims and wondering what was in store for Lebanon, and why this has happened, and recalling the ugly civil war but then was announced the news that- among the innocent victims that paid their lives in this blast figured the name of the officer in charge of the Intelligence of the Internal security forces : Wissam al Hassan , guilty or innocent ?

River to Sea Uprooted Palestinian  
The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this Blog!

Who does ‘Agent Cameron’ work for?

by Stuart Littlewood
Friday, October 19th, 2012

‘Agent Cameron’, as one of my friends calls him (you’ll see why in a minute), made the following speech to Jewish fundraisers in London this week.

I’m so fizzing with rage and so ashamed that I can hardly bring myself to write about it. Such a performance must have been scripted by Israeli spin-meister Mark Regev’s office, or by some spotty student just awarded a Hasbara Fellowship by The Israel Project and now appointed Communications Director at Number 10.

Nothing surprises me any more.

The dinner guests were no doubt laughing all the way home. And Tel Aviv will be cock-a-hoop. Their willing fool, their top-ranking pimp, their prime-ministerial stooge is firmly on-board, and Israel’s crimes in the Holy Land will continue to be rewarded.

Marvel at Cameron’s words and throw up.

He came from nowhere with no track-record and, with Jewish money behind him, suddenly burst upon the political stage in Britain as leader of the Conservative Party. His only claim to fame up to then was that he’d been schooled at Eton and the notorious Bullingdon Club for badly behaved rich kids. It was only a matter of time before he became prime minister.

David Cameron in Israel as a young man. Photo from the Conservative Friends of Israel Website

What’s truly worrying about our prime minister’s latest grovel is this statement: “

There is no contradiction between being a proud Jew, a committed Zionist and a loyal British citizen.”

Ye gods! How can someone who is committed to a foreign military power like the Zionist entity possibly be loyal to Britain or any other level-headed country? Cameron’s bizarre words give his game away… he’s a self-declared Zionist and, from his remarks here, a rabid Israel-firster putting Israel’s interests, no matter how unlawful and menacing, ahead of the interests of the UK and allowing us to be drawn into conflict with Israel’s enemies such as Iran.

How many more of our young men will have to shed blood, limbs and life to satisfy the crazed ambitions and friendships of our politicians?

Iran of course is no enemy of Britain but soon will be if we persist with economic sanctions that needlessly hurt the Iranian people and repeat the suffering we inflicted on Iraq’s women and children for 12 years.

Israel on the other hand has hundreds of nukes, won’t sign the non-proliferation treaty (Iran has done so) and won’t submit to UN inspection and safeguards. It should of course automatically forfeit its membership. Yet Agent Cameron turns a blind eye and is comfortable about rewarding Israel for its mega-crimes. He even provides a safe haven for its criminals. He’s a Blair Mk2, profoundly ignorant and a menace to our country and to the rest of the world.

Readers could have fun with the abominable speech. Scrub my remarks if you wish and Insert your own, then mail them to ‘Agent Cameron’ and his constituency chairman, Lord Chadlington: office@witneyconservatives.com .

Stuart Littlewood

19 October 2012


http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/ujia/

 

David Cameron’s Speech at Annual dinner of United Jewish Israel Appeal

Monday 15 October 2012

“With me, you have a Prime Minister whose belief in Israel is unbreakable and whose commitment to Israel’s security is non-negotiable.

I will always stand by the Jewish people. And it is humbling to be here tonight and to be called a friend.

Here in this room, we have many of the people who are determined to build the strongest possible relationship between Britain and Israel.

The business leaders who have taken our trade to well over $8 billion a year and made Britain the second biggest export market for Israel in the world. [1]

The scientists who are taking forward an ambitious programme of joint research as part of the UK-Israel Life Sciences Council, which includes no less than four Nobel Prize winners.

The leading academics who are helping to forge new partnerships between Manchester and the Weizmann Institute, Oxford and Ben Gurion, Cambridge and Tel Aviv.

The hi-tech specialists who are making a reality of the UK/Israel Tech Hub – the first of its kind in the world. [2]

And, of course, our two ambassadors – Matthew Gould and Daniel Taub who are doing so much to help build this partnership between our countries.

UJIA

Mick, Doug – you have made an inspirational contribution and I am sure that everyone will want to join me in paying tribute to your leadership and hard work over these past few years.

I am a big admirer of what the UJIA does both here in Britain and in Israel. Let me explain why. First, the Jewish community in Britain is a role model for successful integration because you understand that as well as being part of a community with a common faith you are also part of a wider community – that of our country.

You epitomise the philanthropic spirit that is so central to Jewish teaching and which sees so many Jewish people give generously – not just to Jewish charities but to all charitable causes.

And through your support for Jewish youth movements and educational programmes for young people at both Jewish and mainstream schools and through your Summer Tours to Israel for 16 year olds and gap year students [3] you continue to show each new generation that it is possible to be both a proud Jew steeped in the values of the Jewish people and a proud British citizen.

Yes, you can love this country, take pride in its history, celebrate its Olympics, even cry with its football fans every other year. There is no contradiction between being a proud Jew, a committed Zionist and a loyal British citizen. [4]

In the past, governments allowed a flawed state multiculturalism that said we should encourage different cultures to live separate lives, apart from each other and the mainstream.

I don’t subscribe to that. And neither do you. I believe we have to end the passive tolerance of segregated communities behaving in ways that run completely counter to our values.

Let’s be clear what that means. It means getting preachers of hate out of our country. It means proscribing organisations that incite terrorism. And it means zero tolerance for any form of anti-Semitism, especially on our campuses.

And to those in Britain’s universities and trades unions who want to boycott Israel and consign it to an international ghetto, I say not only will this Government never allow you to shut down 60 years worth of vibrant exchange and partnership that does so much to make both our countries stronger [5] but I also say this: we know what you are doing – trying to delegitimise the State of Israel - and we will not have it. [6]

SECURING ISRAEL’S FUTURE

I’m a fan of what you do in Israel too. The focus you have given to the Galilee has ensured that UJIA’s funding reaches those communities that most need it.

And the projects you’ve supported touch the lives, not just of those directly involved, but of all Israel. The medical school in Safad which teaches Jews and Arabs alike. Western Galilee College, where more than 30 per cent of the intake is Arab, and almost half of that Arab women. Or, of course, the high school in Shlomi. There in the shadow of the hills from which Hezbollah launched its missiles [7] you brought an army of teachers and the hope of a new generation.

That is the vision, strength and courage on which our future depends. And that is what the UJIA is all about. Now, tonight I want to talk about three key steps to secure Israel’s future.

Standing up to Iran.

Seizing the opportunities presented by the Arab Spring and the spread of democracy in the wider region. And making the hard choices needed to resolve the conflict with the Palestinians.

Let me take each in turn.

IRAN

First, Iran. Let’s be clear about the facts. Iran is flouting six United Nations resolutions. The Regime’s claim that its nuclear programme is intended purely for civilian purposes is not remotely credible. [8]

And it has shown its violent agenda by exporting terror and violence to Iraq, to Syria, to Gaza, to Lebanon and to many peace-loving countries across the world. [9]

Iran is not just a threat to Israel. It is a threat to the world. [10] Now there are some who say nothing will work – and that we have to learn to live with a nuclear armed Iran.

I say we don’t and we shouldn’t.
But at the same time I also refuse to give in to those who say that the current policy is fatally flawed, and that we have no choice but military action. A negotiated settlement remains within Iran’s grasp. [11]

But until they change course, we have a strategy of ever tougher sanctions. Just today, Britain has secured a further round of new sanctions through the EU [12] Foreign Affairs Council. And these relentless sanctions are having an impact no-one expected a year ago. [13]

They have slowed the nuclear programme. Iranian oil exports have fallen by 45 per cent. That’s 1 million fewer barrels a day and $8 billion in revenues lost every quarter. [14]

The Rial has plummeted– losing around half its value between May and September. Inflation is soaring – thought to be as much as 50 per cent. [15] And the Iranian Regime has had to establish an economic austerity taskforce to manage the pressure they have brought on their own people. [16]

Most significantly, there are signs that the Iranian people are beginning to question the Regime’s strategy with even pro-regime groups protesting at the actions of the Government.

It’s mind boggling that the leaders of a nation so rich in oil have succeeded in turning their country into a banana republic [17] desperately trying to put rockets into space while their people suffer.

The Iranian regime is under unprecedented pressure and faces an acute dilemma. They are leading their people to global isolation and an economic collapse. And they know it. [18]

They know too that there is a simple way to bring sanctions to an end. By giving the international community the confidence we need that they are not and will not develop a nuclear weapon.

I have said to Prime Minister Netanyahu that now is not the time for Israel to resort to military action. Beyond the unpredictable dangers inherent in any conflict, the other reason is this:

At the very moment when the Regime faces unprecedented pressure and the people are on the streets and when Iran’s only real ally in Syria is losing his grip on power a foreign military strike is exactly the chance the Regime would look for to unite his people against a foreign enemy.

We shouldn’t give them that chance. We need the courage to give these sanctions time to work. But let me also say this. In the long term, if Iran makes the wrong choice, nothing is off the table. A nuclear armed Iran is a threat to Israel. And a threat to the world. [19] And this country will work unwaveringly to prevent that from happening.

OPEN SOCIETIES

Let me turn to the changing events in the wider region. I have no illusions about the dangers that political transition can bring in the Arab spring countries.

And I understand why instability can be a great cause for concern. I understand how dark things were for Israel when surrounded by enemies on every border. And I understand how Israelis feel when gas masks are handed out to families; and car parks are converted into bomb shelters.

But I passionately believe that what we are seeing through the Arab Spring need not be a new threat to Israel’s security. Democracy and open societies are not the problem – they can be a big part of the solution.

Yes, there are those who believe that in a volatile region only an authoritarian strong man can maintain stability and security. But when brutal dictators suppress their people in the name of stability, the end result is a region is that more dangerous – not less. [20]

More dangerous because these regimes abuse the Palestinian cause to smother their own people’s hopes and aspirations, dealing with frustration at home by whipping up anger against their neighbours, Israel and the West. And more dangerous too, because people denied a job and a voice are given no alternative but a dead end choice between dictatorship or extremism. [21]



Protecting Israel in Sinai

Now, of course, many fear that elections can open the door to Islamist parties whose values are incompatible with truly open societies. But the answer is not to oppose elections. The answer is to respect the outcome of elections. And then judge governments by what they do. [22]

For example, there are big questions facing President Mursi in Egypt. We want to know if he will live up to his commitments to protect the rule of law for all citizens, defend the rights of minorities and allow women to play a full part in society. And I challenged him personally on these points when I met him in New York last month.

But when he re-launches Operation Eagle to try and do something about the lawlessness in the Sinai, we should welcome that. And when he goes to Tehran and speaks the truth to that regime about its despicable actions in Syria in support of Assad, we should welcome that too.

Supporting Terrorists in Syria

But if the Islamists attempt to undermine the stability of other countries or encourage terrorism instead of peace and conflict instead of partnership then we must and will oppose them. And that is why we will not waver from our insistence that Hamas gives up violence [23] and that the rockets from Gaza must stop. Hamas must not be allowed to dictate the way forwards for Israelis and Palestinians.

Of course, the Arab Spring presents huge challenges. But if we can show the strength and courage to engage with new democratic governments, their chance to establish the building blocks of democracy, fair economies and open societies offers the greatest opportunity for stability and peace in a generation.

MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

That brings me to the Palestinian Territories and the peace process. We can’t advocate democracy and open societies in one breath and then cite the need for stability as an excuse for why the Palestinians shouldn’t renew their democracy too.

It’s now seven years since Palestinians voted for a President and six since parliamentary elections. The Palestinian leadership needs to refresh its mandate and show it has the consent of its people, starting with municipal elections later this month. And it needs to resolve the situation in Gaza and restore to Palestinians a unified, leadership [24] able to deliver peaceful resolution of the conflict with Israel.

So Palestinian reconciliation and Palestinian elections are key points on the path to peace – because without consent there can never be credible negotiation. [25]

It will require great strength and courage to take the hard choices needed to resolve the conflict with the Palestinians. [26]

And let me say this: I know it takes two to negotiate. So let me tell President Abbas something very clearly there is no path to statehood except through talks with Israel. [27]
So if the Palestinian plan is simply posturing with the UN rather than negotiating with Israel, Britain will never support it.

And let me say this to the Palestinians too. Britain will never support anyone who sponsors a football tournament named after a suicide bomber who killed 20 Israelis in a restaurant. We will not tolerate incitement to terrorism. [28]

But in the search for peace both sides have to make hard choices. And just as President Abbas has followed through his commitment to non-violence with real progress on the West Bank so Israel needs a real drive to improve life for ordinary Palestinians.

That means more support for economic development in the West Bank, relaxing restrictions on Gaza [29], ending the demolition of Palestinian homes, and yes, it means meeting Israel’s obligations under the Roadmap and under international law to halt settlement building. [30]

Britain’s position will not change. Settlements beyond the green line are illegal.

I know how hard the concessions needed for peace can be. But the truth is, time is running out for a two state solution – and with it Israel’s best chance to live in peace with its neighbours.

CONCLUSION

Brett, in your introduction you said that support for Israel was in the DNA of the political party I lead. It is. But I believe it is in the DNA of the country I lead [31] too.

That is why Britain will always stand by Israel, protect Israel, and work with Israel on the path to peace. [32]

I long for the day when I can come to a dinner like this and not have to talk about the threats to Israel. I long too for the day when making statements in support of Israel is as unnecessary as going to see President Obama and saying I support America’s right to exist.

For now, Israel will continue to face acute threats and a hard road to peace. But with strength and courage we can, together, stand up to Iran. We can, together, seize the opportunities presented by the spread of democracy in the wider region. And we can together take the hard choices needed to resolve the conflict with the Palestinians. [33]

So let me conclude by wishing you all a slightly belated shana tova and let us hope that it will be a sweet year for the British Jewish community and the Jewish people in the State of Israel. And one which brings us closer to the peace and security for Israel that its people so richly deserve.” [34]


[1] So we have considerable leverage.

[2]

[3]

[4] The Zionist entity is a foreign military power – how can you be a true Zionist and a loyal British subject?

[5] Just exercising discretion and choice. Are you planning to rob us of that?

[6] Israel is doing a fine job of delegitimising itself.

[7]

[8] Is that what the intelligence agencies are saying?

[9]

[10] Is that what the intelligence agencies are saying?

[11] Why is the onus on the Iranians?

[12] It is still unclear what Iran has done wrong.

[13] Why aren’t you making friends and trading with Iran? That’s the classic and civilised way to influence other nations.

[14] That’s going to hurt their women and kids.

[15] Again, that’s going to hurt their women and kids.

[16] No, YOU brought that pressure on their women and kids quite needlessly.

[17] Such a silly remark from a leader whose country, the UK, is stuck in recession even without sanctions.

[18] Britain has been trying for decades to isolate Iran. Remember what did Britain do to Mossadeq’s fledgling democracy? Remember the sanctions, blockades and overthrow? A recent study in Fallujah found that more than half of all babies born between 2007 and 2010 had a birth defect. US forces spent months denying the use of white phosphorus in the city before it was revealed by one of their own internal magazines (see http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/iraq-records-huge-rise-in-birth-defects-8210444.html ). In Basra, where Britain led the attack in 2003, the number of birth defects was a shocking seventeen times higher than prior to the invasion. “In the past seven years, the number of malformed babies born increased by more than 60 per cent; 37 out of every 1,000 are now born with defects.” And how many times has a British foreign secretary or prime minister visited Iran since 1979, the year of the Revolution?

[19] Not nearly as threatening as nuclear armed Israel which refused to sign the non-proliferation treaty and submit to inspection and safeguards.

[20] Not forgetting brutal occupiers who suppress other peoples in the name of ‘security’.

[21] Like the Palestinians?

[22] That would make a nice change – what chance did Britain give democratically elected Hamas to show how they could govern?

[23] Why? Self-defence against a brutal occupier is their right. When will Cameron insist on Israel giving up violence and withdrawing to 1949 borders?

[24] And Britain, the US and the UN need to restore to the Palestinians a unified territory on internationally recognised borders with unfettered movement of goods and people.

[25] There can be no peace under occupation or blockade.

[26] No, only common decency.

[27] That path leads nowhere. The correct path is through justice and law, not lopsided talks with the oppressor.

[28] But who are the terrorists and who are the freedom fighters?

[29] Relaxing restrictions? You mean ending restrictions and restoring unfettered access and movement.

[30] And don’t forget all Israel’s other obligations under international law. Reuters today report that Israel announced another 800 homes on stolen land in the West Bank. Hagit Ofran of the Israeli anti-settler group Peace Now, said construction could begin within a few months. “The government could stop the process before building begins but is taking advantage of the upcoming elections in order to set facts on the ground and will make the possibility of peace with the Palestinians even harder to achieve,” she said http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/10/18/uk-palestinians-israel-settlements-idUKBRE89H15A20121018 .

[31] Nonsense.

[32] What “path to peace”? You haven’t yet mapped out a credible path.

[33] That’ll be the day!

[34] What they richly deserve is something else entirely.


River to Sea Uprooted Palestinian
The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this Blog!