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Dec. 27, 2013
Daily summary - Friday, December 27, 2013
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Main News
Abu Mazen stipulates reachinga framework agreement with not exceeding 3 years
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he does not reject the possibility of reaching a framework agreement during negotiations with Israel, but stipulated this with a transitional period not exceeding three years until a final agreement is reached.Abu Mazen denied during a meeting in Ramallah on Thursday, with members of the Israeli Institute for national security studies, a secret communication channel between him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Spokesman of the Palestinian Presidency Nabil Abu Rudeineh had denied earlier in the day, the existence of any secret contacts with the Israeli Government, according Palestinian news agency Wafa.(http://qudsnet.com/news/View/261137/%D8%A3%D8%A8%D9%88-%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%86-%D9%8A%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%B7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%B5%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A7%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%A3%D9%86-%D9%84%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B2-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-3-%D8%B3%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA/)
Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip
Israeli warplanes launched tonight, a series of raids on various targets throughout the Gaza Strip, in a new escalation targeting the Gaza Strip. Sources in Gaza told “Ma’an” reporter that at least one citizen was wounded in the raids carried outin open lands in the tunnel area central Gaza City.At the same time Israeli warplanes fired two missiles at a training site for the resistance in central Gaza Strip, without reporting any injuries. Avikhai Adrei’, Israeli army spokesman, said Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip came in response to launching a rocket from Gaza towards Ashkelon Beach southern Israel, without leaving casualties or damage. Adrei added: ’"Hamas which runs the Gaza Strip is responsible for rocket attacks emanating from Gaza, even if it did not adopt these attacks. And that Israel will not stand still and will respond strongly." (http://maannews.net/arb/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=660558)
Medical sources said that a citizen was wounded as a result missile fired from military aircraft at empty area in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, North of Gaza City. (Al-Ayyam)
Likud presents a new law to annex the Jordan Valley to Israel
Likud member of Knesset,Miri Regev, Presented a new law proposal annexing the Jordan Valley to Israel, to be under Israeli sovereignty, unlike recent US offer which provided for the introduction of security arrangements in the Jordan Valley before being transferred to Palestinian sovereignty, with Israeli forces along the border.Israeli channel 2 said yesterday that the lawhas a majority of the Ministerial Committee for Legislative Affairs in the Knesset, where all Likud Ministers expressed their support to settlement in the Jordan Valley. The channel said that Netanyahu himself did not intervene until now in Likud attempt to pressure him and thwart the US move.(http://safa.ps/details/news/119078/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%83%D9%88%D8%AF-%D9%8A%D8%B7%D8%B1%D8%AD-%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%84%D8%B6%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%BA%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%80%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84.html)
Israeli military source: Hamas is preparing for the upcoming confrontation with Israel
A high-level security source in the occupation army revealed on channel 7on Thursday,said that Hamas movement which controls the Gaza Strip since 2006, developed its military capabilities with new long-range missiles in the recent period, as part of its preparation for the coming confrontation with Israel.According to the source, Hamas did not respond to Israeli warplanes attackson Tuesday not because of its inability to respond, but because of what the source described as comprehensive preparations made by the movement in the Gaza Strip, in anticipation of any confrontation with Israel. The military source said, "Hamas is not interested now in new round of launching rockets here and there, but it is making all its efforts to possess unprecedented long-range missiles, as it was trying to do for years."(http://www.qudsn.ps/article/35419)
Senior European official: expansion of settlements will bring a harsh response from Europe towards Israel
Israeli channel 10 revealed in a report that the European Union will be more firm and violent in responding to any Israeli decision to expand more settlements.According to channel 10, a senior European official said that after the publishing news about Israel's intention to build new settlement units in response to the release of third instalment of prisoners, the European Union sent a strong and firm message against Israel warning it ofdeclaring settlement expansion.The channel said that part of the European message to Israel was that European governments will not be able to understand this.The message also said that the EU is losing patience and there will be no one in Europe that understands settlement expansion in the territories beyond the green line.EU sources said the European Union will hold Israel responsible for the failure of negotiations, as the EU considers the recent settlement decisions a straining and instability factor that leads to mistrust of the Palestinian side.(http://www.pnn.ps/index.php/israel/76801-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A4%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D9%83%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%B7%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%8A%D9%84)
Maariv: expectations to delay the prisoners’ release until Monday
Maariv revealed yesterday evening, citing a senior Israeli official saying the release of the third batch of prisoners will be delayed for at least two days.The official attributed this to the procedure which gives Israelis 48 hours to submit their petitions to the list after the names are approved by a special Ministers committee.The paper explained that the delay is because the Ministers committee headed by Netanyahu began its meetings on Thursday, and is expected to complete the final approval by Saturday evening, and then a list of names will be posted on the prisons authority Web site, and therefore they will be released Monday.(http://safa.ps/details/news/119075/%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%82%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%AA%D8%A3%D8%AE%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AC-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B3%D8%B1%D9%89-%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%AB%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%86.html)
Qaraqe’: President rejects postponement of prisoners’ release
Prisoners’ Affairs’ Minister, Issa Qaraqe, said that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas rejects Israel's demand a delay the release of the third batch of prisoners until next Tuesday.Qaraqe said in a brief statement for PNN, the Palestinian side rejected the Israeli demand for postponing the release until next Tuesday as an Israeli attempt to evade a Palestinian negotiated benefit.Qaraqe said that President Mahmoud Abbas insists on the agreed date for releasing the third batch of prisoners.(http://www.pnn.ps/index.php/israel/76794-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D8%AC%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AC-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B3%D8%B1%D9%89)
Bids for 1,400 settlement units with prisoners’ releases
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called onrelated ministries to prepare for the announcement of bidding for some 1,400 settlement units in Jerusalem and the West Bank next week, to coincide with the release of the third batch of Palestinian prisoners, Israeli political sources said.According to Maariv website, the newspaper learned that 600-700 housing units among these units will be in Jerusalem, mainly in the Ramat Shlomo, and that the remainder of these units will be in settlement blocs in the West Bank.Meanwhile, Finance Minister Yair Lapid criticizedIsraeli Prime Minister for this announcement that coincides with the release of the third batch of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, and expressed his opposition to such a decision.Lapid said at a press conference with Health Minister "it is unreasonable to link the issue of prisoners’ release each time with the announcement of new biddings for construction in settlements."(http://www.alquds.com/news/article/view/id/480002)
Abu Marzouq: the Kerry plan contradicts with Abbas’ slogans
Deputy Head of the political Bureau of the Islamic resistance movement (Hamas), Mussa Abu Marzouq, said that Kerry's plan for settlement has a lot of waivers of constants and slogans that the Authority President Mahmoud Abbas long insisted on.Abu Marzouq said in a statement on "Facebook" today morning, that signs indicate acceptance of "temporary solutions and borders of 67, with shifting the bordersfor slight exchangesin value and amount!”Deputy Head of the Hamas political Bureau, said that Secretary of State John Kerry seeks to resolve the dilemma of the negotiations "with the money, and offered suggestions saying they are constructive, and we do not if Abu Mazen will accept these suggestion or not." Abu Marzouq added that “the insistence of President Mahmoud Abbas on negotiations as the only way to achieve a Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital puts us in front of a logic we cannot escape.” (http://paltimes.net/details/news/55635/%D8%A3%D8%A8%D9%88-%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%B2%D9%88%D9%82-%D8%AE%D8%B7%D8%A9-%D9%83%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%AA%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%90%D8%B6-%D8%B4%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B3.html)
Ya'alon believes there is no Palestinian partner for a two-State solution
Haaretz revealed that Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said last week during a meeting with a group of prominent Israeli businessmen that they shouldn’t delude themselves, since there is no Palestinian partner for a two-State for two peoples solution.http://qudsnet.com/news/View/261182/%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87-%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%AC%D8%AF-%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%83-%D9%81%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%8A-%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B9%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86/)
Russian experts rule out the hypothesis of poisoning Arafat; he died naturally and not because of polonium radiation
Russian experts assigned to analyze samples taken from the body of late leader Yasser Arafat, ruled out the hypothesis that he was poisoned with polonium, favoring the French report which was criticized by Suha Arafat, widow of the late leader. Head of the Russian Panel of experts Vladimir Auiba, Director of the Federal Agency for biological analyses, said that “Yasser Arafat died naturally and not because of radiation.” Palestinian Ambassador in Moscow, Fayed Mustafa, told Russian News Agency (RIA Novosti)yesterday: “the investigation into the death is continuing despite the report of the Panel of experts".(Al-Ayyam)
Erekat: the leadership should 63 international organizations including the International Criminal Court
Member of the PLO Executive Committee Dr. Saeb Erekat said “if Israel announces new settlement units, the Palestinian leadership have to issue membership applications for 63 international organizations immediately, including the International Criminal Court.” This came as a response to Netanyahu’s demand of related Ministries to prepare for bidding for 1400 new settlement units. (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
Israel withdraws from Shaath VIP card for incitement against Israel
According to Yediot Ahronot, office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has withdrew the "VIP card" of foreign relations official in Fatah movement, Dr. Nabil Shaath since November last year, and prevented him from entering Israel without a special permit, for inciting against Israel and calling for violence. The newspaper correspondent for Arabic affairs, Smadar Perry, said that Shaath told her during her visit at his home that he does not know the reason for withdrawing his VIP card. Netanyahu's Office responded by saying: "the VIP card and its accompanying privileges were withdrawn after Shaath incited against Israel."(Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
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Headlines
** Israel holds Palestinian responsible for settlers uprooting their trees! (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
** Hamas: we are proud of belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood School (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
** A grenade attack resulted in 5 wounded in Cairo: Al-Sisi prepares for "transition towards stability" (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
** Claims to pressure UNRWA to end workers strike (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
** Occupation releases administrative prisoner Qatamesh (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
** Israeli Supreme Court rejects a petition against the release of the third batch of prisoners (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
** President receives Indyk; Abu Rudeineh denied the existence of secret contacts with the Israeli Government (Al-Hayat Al-Jadida)
** Arrest campaign in West Bank cities (Al-Quds)
** Italian solidarity delegation visits Gaza tomorrow (Al-Quds)
** Power station in Gaza stops working today (Al-Quds)
** 2 Palestinian martyrs in Syria (Al-Quds)
** Israeli Foreign Ministry angry at President Abbas for saying Christ is Palestinian! (Al-Quds)
** Poll in Israel: 81.1% of youth demands to be taught that West Bank is part of Israel (Al-Quds
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Front Page Photos
Al- Quds:Jerusalem – general view of Maali Shlomo settlement.
Al-Ayyam:1) Sisi during his speech during graduation of new batch of NCOs in Cairo, 2) Erdogan.
Al Hayat Al Jadida:new settlement units placed on lands belonging to Mazra’a Al-Gharbeyah yesterday.
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More Headlines
A Palestinian Committee studying the reports of Arafat's death after a Russian confirmation its natural
Palestinian Medical Committee Chairman to investigate the death of late President Yasser Arafat, Dr. Abdullah Al-Bashir, said that the Committee had received Russian and Swiss reports on Arafat's death, and that the committee iscurrently consideringthe results, and will announce its findings later.Abdullah Al-Bashir expressed surprise of the statement issued yesterday by the head of the Russian Agency for medical and biological analyses Vladimir Auiba, who said that Arafat died of natural causes., saying: "if his is true, it means that he contradicts with the report of his institution.”Adding: "Anyway, we are still in the process of studyingthe reports, and we will announce the results when finished.”http://qudsnet.com/news/View/261170/%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D9%88%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%B7%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%A9/)
Occupation arrest a young Palestinian from Gaza for belonging to Al-Aqsa Brigades
Israel arrested early December a Palestinian from the Gaza Strip, accused of attacks against civilians and Israeli soldiers, according to Israel's internal security service. Mohammed Saber Abu Amshi (32years old) from Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, will be presented to Israeli court in Beersheba on charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to murder and contacts with a foreign agent, according to separate statements from the security service and the Israeli army.According to Israeli sources, the young Abu Amshi managed to leave the Gaza Strip for treatment in the West Bank city of Ramallah.The statement said, "the suspect left the Gaza Strip for treatment of eye problems, limiting its ability to shoot". A statement by Israel's internal security service said: "with the help of Israeli police in early December 2013, we managed to arrest a terrorist agent of Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in the Gaza Strip."(http://www.alquds.com/news/article/view/id/480052)
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Opinions
A sad Christmas
Al-Dustuor Editorial
An atmosphere of sadness dominated Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus - peace be upon him-and all Palestinian cities on Christmas eve, sadness and pessimism dominated everyone in the absence of prospects for peace and the stalled Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, because of the Zionist enemy's insistence on continuing settlement, Judaization of Jerusalem and the desecration of Muslim and Christian religious places.
The Zionist occupation turned the Palestinian territory into a military barracks, establishing checkpoints, sending thousands of soldiers to the birthplace of Jesus, to prevent the arrival of believers to Bethlehem and celebrate the birth of the Lord of Peace, reminding Christians and Palestinians in General of the evils of occupation, which does not stop from harassing Muslims and Christians while celebrating their Holydays, and perform their rituals, flouting all international laws and conventions calling for the occupation authorities for the need to preserve places of worship and provide the necessary freedom for Muslims and Christians to perform their worship ceremonies and rituals without fear.
What the occupation forces did and still does in terrorizing and harassing worshippers and prevent them from reaching Bethlehem, or Al-Aqsa Mosque, and attacking mosques and churches according to a Zionist sly and very well designed plan, to make them emigrate from Palestine, confirms that this enemy,that was created of mythology and darkness, is not interested in peace and negotiations, but rather inimplementing its plans and Judaization schemes.
No need to recall events of history and Jews anti-Christ position, and their dirty plots against the Messenger of peace, all of this is known and no one can release this from the collective memory Arab Christians. Hence, what is going on in the Palestinian territories today against Muslim and Christian sanctities is a repetition of the Jews position againstreligions and prophets Mohammed and Jesus peace be upon them.`
Jews have conspired against Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him - and held alliances with the pagans to eradicate Islam before it set roots in the Arabian Peninsula, and plotted against Christ, while Iscariot embodied this evil conspiracy…but God saved the prophets and humanityfrom their conspiracies and guile, which will remain –and will not end - until God inherits earth and everything on it.
Bethlehem and Nazareth,the birthplace of Christ and where he grew up,will remain sad, Palestine will keep shedding tears in Christmas as long as the land is occupied, and as long as the Palestinian people is oppressed and suffer occupation and injustice, while being spread in the four parts of the world, the whole world will be convicted. Unless international community will hold its responsibilities, and establish justice in Palestine that will be achieved only with the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on Palestinian national soil, with Jerusalem as its capital, the return of refugees to their towns and villages from which they were expelled by force, as the only way to reduce the suffering of the brotherly people and free it form the Zionist occupation and terrorism.
In short: Christmas will remain sadas long as the birthplace of Jesus is occupied and as long as the Palestinian people and Muslim and Christian holy places are subjected to settlers’ violation. The Sun of Christmas will shine again until occupation is over, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital, and the return of refugees, and to turn the page on the Zionist aggression, which constitutes a threat to the entire nation… then peace will prevail.(http://www.addustour.com/17076/%D8%B9%D9%80%D9%80%D9%8A%D9%80%D9%80%D9%80%D9%80%D9%80%D8%AF+%D9%85%D9%80%D9%80%D9%80%D9%8A%D9%80%D9%80%D9%80%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AF+%D8%AD%D9%80%D9%80%D9%80%D9%80%D8%B2%D9%8A%D9%80%D9%80%D9%80%D9%86.html)
Release of prisoners has nothing to do with intensifying settlements
Al-Quds Editorial
Again, reports on intentions of the Israeli Government to announce new plans to build between 1,000 and 2,000 housing units, to coincide with the release of a new batch of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. The Israeli Government announced plans to intensify settlement with the release of the previous instalment, in open defiance of the spirit of the current round of negotiations sponsored by the United States, and it is a serious threat to this process.
Israel was not affected at the time with Palestinian rejection and condemnation of the international community to such plans, and the resignation of members of the Palestinian negotiations teamin protest against the Israeli declarations, and here it is reaffirming these decisions now without taking into account Palestinian and international reactions, that began unfolding a rejection of settlement expansion plans, and the principle of settlement itself.
The pretext used by the Israeli Government, as in previous times, is calming extremists in Israel who protest against the release of Palestinian prisoners. This is a flimsy excuse since there is no connection between the release of prisoners, which was originally something Israel was supposed to carried out two decades ago, with the signing of the Oslo Declaration, and implementing actions opposed by the international community and contradict with the negotiations and the peace process, such as the settlement that contradicts with international resolutions and legitimacy, and constitutes a major obstacle to peace, and an obstacle that prevents the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, which is the end goal of past and present negotiations between the two sides, Israel and the Palestinians.
Extremist sectors in the Israeli society, are rejecting the peace process and would maintain occupation and settlements. And appeasing those sectors meant giving the green light for them to blow up and destroy all chances of peace that would bring security and stability to this region.
Settlements in the West Bank already reached a tipping point, there is now arestructures for areal settlementsstate in the West Bank, number of settlers dramatically increases, reaching to almost three quarters of a million.
Such a large number of settlers in the occupied Palestinian territories would ring an alarm to all those concerned with the so-called peace and negotiations. This phenomenon which threatens the existence of the Palestinian people must not be tolerated, so the settlement issue must be given the most attention to halt settlement expansion first, then end the phenomenon of settlement and weed it out from its roots.
Palestinian prisoners must be released and close this painful and sensitive file forever. At the same time, settlements must stop if peace negotiations continue in a positive and credible way. This is the message that should be forwarded to the US, and all who are concerned with peace, security and stability for all the peoples of the region, particularly the Palestinian people. http://www.alquds.com/news/article/view/id/480053)
ARAB AND OTHER PRESS______________________________________
Egypt enters a new phase that might favor extremists
By H A Hellyer
The bombing of an Egyptian police compound in Mansoura on Tuesday, and the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization by the interim government, mark a turning point for the political crisis in the country. And yet, the authorities do not appear to have the type of forward thinking necessary to prevent Egypt from slipping into a new cycle of terrorism and violence.
The escalation of violence has been ongoing since August 14. There were acts of violence after the removal of Mohammed Morsi from office, but those acts were containable. When the government made the decision to disperse the pro-Morsi sit-ins, which led to the deaths of more than a thousand people, it was predictable that, at some point, there would be acts of terrorism in retaliation. The interior minister himself identified the Mansoura attack as a response to the state’s dispersal of those sit-ins. This does not necessarily mean that the Muslim Brotherhood itself is behind the attack, as the government now seems to claim.
These types of attacks are not the modus operandi of the Brotherhood, and little evidence has been presented to indicate the group is orchestrating such attacks. On the other hand, the accusation that such attacks are simply “false flag operations” carried out by the state to smear the Brotherhood is equally bereft of evidence. Supporters of the Brotherhood-led Anti-Coup Alliance may promote this notion, but to deny that there is pro-Morsi Islamists who may have turned to violence is unhelpful.
There is a third possibility: that non-Brotherhood Islamists have turned to violence. Since Mr. Morsi was deposed, there was a distinction being made between such Islamists and the Brotherhood, even from within the Egyptian government. It was not until late November that the ministry of interior claimed to have evidence that the Brotherhood were financing certain terrorist operations.
Yet, on the day of the attack in Mansoura, there appeared to be conflicting messages from the cabinet, with a spokesperson implying that the Brotherhood were to blame while the prime minister downplayed those comments. The government then issued a statement that the radical group Ansar Bayt Al Maqdis claimed responsibility – the army has been battling the group in Sinai for months. The following day, the cabinet issued a statement officially designating the Brotherhood as a terrorist group.
This inconsistency harms the government’s credibility, and the designation is not without costs for Egypt. It is one thing for the government to claim that non-Brotherhood Islamists such as Ansar Bayt Al Maqdis were guilty of violence – that group, by all accounts, is a small fringe element of the pro-Morsi camp. And it is quite another to declare that a group that was voted into office only a year ago is a terrorist organization. While most Egyptians are likely to support the military, even a minority of 15-20 per cent of the population that back Mr. Morsi and the Brotherhood is a hugely significant number to describe as “terrorist”.
The country is due to go to the polls to vote on a draft constitution in less than three weeks. The government will have to deal with the real threat of violent attacks on polling stations, which could damage the turnout for such a key vote. The fear of violence is already producing a troubling atmosphere. Naguib Sawiris, a noted businessman and financial backer of one of Egypt’s main non-Islamist parties, has already openly declared support for vigilante violence if Islamists seek to violently disrupt the poll. In response, an official statement from the Anti-Coup Alliance implicated Mr. Sawiris in the Mansoura attack, without providing any evidence.
The decision to outlaw the Brotherhood essentially suspends any possibility of a political settlement. The hardening of attitudes, and the demonization emanating from both sides make it difficult to imagine an Egypt without further political violence in the short and medium term. Any peaceful opposition to the state and the post-Morsi road map is the right of any Egyptian. But given the history of incitement to violence that exists among many of the Brotherhood’s senior leadership, and the national media’s narrative against the group, it will be difficult for it to distinguish itself from those more violent factions that are responsible for terrorist acts – even if it does not share their approach.
While the government increasingly excludes and demonizes not only violent Islamist but non-violent and non-Islamist dissent, that only provides radical opponents with the ability to recruit. This will undermine stability and the peace. During the funerals of those who died in Mansoura’s attack, there were attacks against members of the April 6th movement (non-Islamists who are critical of the government), as well as on businesses and property assumingly owned by Brotherhood members. This polarization is dangerous, and can get a lot worse.
Egypt has now entered into that phase where the political elite seem to apply counterterrorism techniques on peaceful protesters. This makes a focus on law and order even more important. Dissent, when it is not combined with violence, ought to be treated delicately, as opposed to responding with the usual heavy-handed approach. The only beneficiary of this approach, in the end, are violent groups that will exploit such policies for recruitment purposes. Unfortunately, the authorities do not seem to recognize the risks of the path they are taking.(http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/comment/egypt-enters-a-new-phase-that-might-favour-extremists#full)
Britain’s Mideast antics make it an awkward Christmas
By Stuart Littlewood
Hello, the holly-decked halls of Westminster. Be of good cheer, all you chaps in your little festive bubble.
At this important time who can forget how the British government, after its eager support for the Iraq war and its antics in Afghanistan and Libya, was itching to unleash more death and destruction a few weeks ago? This time, its target was the Syrians while simultaneously imposing relentless hardships on the citizens of Iran.
And who can forget the British government’s backing for Saddam in the Iran-Iraq war and, earlier, the economic ruin it inflicted on Iran’s fledgling democracy in order to reinstate the dictatorship of the Shah? It’s little wonder, as I was told in a recent letter from my Tory MP, that we live in a world where terrorists and other extremists are becoming ever more ruthless.
Yessir, the Tory Party’s foreign policy, work like a charm when it comes to stoking up hatred around the globe. And that suits the industrial-military complex just fine. It puts us all in harm’s way, of course, and does no favors for the innocent civilians of the countries we destabilize.
British only hurt, not help Palestinians
We are bombarded with horrific images every day of the squalor, misery and massive injuries suffered by countless refugees and other displaced persons. But don’t let things like that worry your noble heads, ladies and gentlemen of Westminster. UK Prime Minister David Cameron doesn’t. He rushes to South Africa and basks in the reflected glow of Mandela’s memory. It’s so much easier than actually trying to emulate the great man.
Nowhere is Britain’s foreign policy more misguided and cruel than in the Holy Land, where our political elite have supported the insane Zionists for nearly a hundred years. Instead of constantly reciting the mantra that U.S.-supervised and AIPAC-orchestrated negotiations are the only path to peace they ought to read what Richard Falk says in the interview Stealing Palestine.
Please note Professor Falk’s remarks about the dreadful Christmas in store for the children of Gaza. Cameron insists that Israel’s enemies are our enemies. Does that include these poor kids and their families? If not, what have he and the rest of you done, as John Lennon asks in his Christmas song? Anything to protect them? No. And please do not repeat the rubbish written by minister Hugh Robertson about “expressing concern,” “calling on Israel to ease restrictions” and “providing practical assistance.” We’ve heard it all before ad nauseam and, let me tell you frankly, it’s insulting.
The British government knows, or should know, that peace in the Middle East – and maybe worldwide – hinges on justice for the Palestinians. Everyone who has been paying attention also knows that the only language the despicable regime in Tel Aviv understands is sanctions and boycotts, appeals to reason having been contemptuously brushed aside.
Naturally I wish our rulers at Westminster a peaceful and plenteous Christmas luxuriating in the snug safety of their leafy constituencies. But I wonder how many will lift their heads from the trough long enough to spare a thought for the misery their predecessors created in the Little Town of Bethlehem and all across Palestine, and which their own inaction now perpetuates.
A Christmas message
Palestine’s president Mahmoud Abbas is not someone I normally look to for words of wisdom. But parts of his Christmas message this year are very moving and bear repeating here:
“We celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem under occupation… This Christmas Eve, our hearts and prayers will be with the millions who are being denied their right to worship in their homeland. We are thinking of our people in Gaza, trapped under siege, and of those who are prevented from worshipping in Bethlehem. Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Al Dbayeh Refugee Camp in Beirut, along with all of our Palestinian refugees – Christians and Muslims uprooted from their hometowns in 1948 and who, since that time, have suffered the vicissitudes of a forced exile.
“Our prayers are with the churches and mosques of Jerusalem which remind the world of the Arab identity of our occupied capital… On this occasion, we are reminded of the sad fact that more Bethlehemites will be lighting their candles in Santiago de Chile, Chicago, San Pedro de Sula, Melbourne and Toronto than those in Bethlehem. To them we say that Bethlehem is their town and Palestine is their country. We will continue working tirelessly to give them the freedom to decide where to spend Christmas.”
“Christians are not a minority here: they are an integral part of the Palestinian people. Orthodox, Catholics, Armenians, Assyrians, Lutherans, Anglicans, Copts, Melkites, Protestants and others are all part of the rich mosaic of this free, sovereign, democratic and pluralistic Palestine we aspire to…”
“On behalf of a people struggling for justice that will lead to peace, we remember the birth of Jesus Christ in a humble grotto in Bethlehem. His message, for us, as for millions around the world remains as pertinent as ever. ‘Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill’.”(http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2013/12/26/Britain-s-Mideast-antics-make-it-an-awkward-Christmas.html)
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