Wednesday’s “News in Review” Round-Up
Weekly Quotes
“[U.S. president Barack Obama is] the most anti-Israel president in the history of the state, without any question. If you think that this is just a misunderstanding of where the green crayon went in 1949, then think again.…”—Former US envoy to the UN and potential Republican presidential candidate, John Bolton, in an interview with the Jerusalem Post, condemning Barack Obama as the most anti-Israel U.S. president in history, and attributing Obama’s hostility towards the Jewish state to the president having assumed the “European line,” which professes that any progress made between Israel and the Palestinians brings “freedom and light” to the Middle East, and makes every other problem in the region, from Iran to terrorism, easier to solve. (Jerusalem Post, July 13.)
“There is no other way but gradual action, preparing the souls and setting an example, so that faith will enter their hearts…. Gradual action does not impose Islam at once, but rather step by step, in order to facilitate understanding, studying, acceptance, and submission. I ask the honorable Al-Azhar to rally the Islamic streams in order to unite the Muslim word and effort, restore the caliphate, and prepare a practical plan to implement the law of Allah the Exalted.…”—Veteran Muslim Brotherhood member Sheikh Ahmad Gad, in an article posted on the movement’s official website, ikhwanonline, calling for the slow transition in Egypt towards the implementation of Islamic sharia law, and affirming that this is the “goal of Al-Azhar,” Cairo’s most influential university. Three days earlier, another veteran Brotherhood figure, Kamal Al-Helbawy, called on Arab youth to launch a new revolution to eliminate borders drawn by “imperialist nations” and bring about a global Islamic state “called the United States of Islam.” Last week, the Obama administration decided to resume direct contact with the Muslim Brotherhood, due “the Brotherhood’s rise in political prominence,” according U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. (Jerusalem Post, July 6 & Independent Media Review and Analysis, June 30.)
“The photo depicts a row of girls sitting in the cafeteria of Valley Park Middle School in Toronto. The row is segregated behind a mass of students who are participating in an Islamic prayer service. The reason the girls in the back are not praying is because—wait for it—they have their periods. One is tempted to say: Is this the Middle Ages? Have I stumbled into a time warp, where ‘unclean’ women must be prevented from ‘defiling’ other persons? It’s bad enough that the girls at Valley Park have to enter the cafeteria from the back, while the boys enter from the front, but does the entire school have the right to know they are menstruating?… These are impressionable young women, Grade 8 students, who are being sent a very clear message: You are second-class citizens compared to the boys in your school, and third-class at certain times of the month.… This is the same type of discrimination against which Canadian soldiers fought in Afghanistan, where, in the name of religion, women were shrouded in burkas and some girls forbidden from even going to school. It is the type of thinking that in its most extreme forms justifies female circumcision, honour killings and men beating their wives. Now, in a Canadian public school, religious leaders are being allowed to instill the same type of message. At least there are no burkas involved. Yet. In defence of the school’s practices, Toronto District School Board Education (TDSB) director Chris Spence stated that, ‘As a public school board, we have a responsibility and an obligation to accommodate faith needs.’ But those ‘faith needs’ are a matter of debate.… Indeed, the [Muslim Canadian Congress] is contemplating legal action to force the TDSB to respect the Ontario Education Act, which states, ‘a board shall not permit any person to conduct religious exercises or to provide instruction that includes religious indoctrination in a particular religion or religious belief in a school.…’ ‘Faith needs’ should not supersede the right to equality in publicly funded institutions.… The photograph of the prayer service at Valley Park Middle School…tells more than a thousand words. It is a wake up call.”—Excerpts from a National Post article, entitled “Spreading Islamist Misogyny—With Your Tax Dollars,” describing the discriminatory practices, justified on the grounds of “faith needs,” being implemented at the Valley Park Middle School in Toronto. (National Post, July 12.)
“[The cartoon] is manifestly anti-Semitic and, before a worldwide Internet audience, incites hatred against Jews as well as against Americans.”—Hillel Neuer, executive director of U.N. Watch, in a letter to U.N. high commissioner for human rights Navi Pillay, condemning the UN Human Rights Council’s special rapporteur on Palestinian rights, Richard Falk, for posting a vehemently anti-semitic cartoon on his blog. The cartoon depicts a dog wearing a yarmulke marked with a Star of David devouring a bloody human carcass. Falk responded by saying: “Maybe I do not understand the cartoon, and if it offends in this way I have removed it from the blog. It may be in bad taste to an extent I had not earlier appreciated, but I certainly didn’t realize that it could be viewed as anti-Semitic, and still do not realize.” Falk has previously called Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians “a holocaust-in-the-making.” (JTA, July 7.)
“They informed us that they would use the veto if we go to the Security Council. They also told us that Congress would vote in favor of cutting off financial aid to the PA if it proceeds with its plan to go to the UN.”—Senior Palestinian envoy Saeb Erekat, following meetings in Washington with U.S. government officials, confirming that the U.S. will utilize its Security Council veto at the UN in order to quash the Palestinians’ attempt to seek unilateral declaration of a state at the General Assembly in September, and that, should the Palestinians proceed with plans, the U.S. Congress would slash financial aid to the Palestinian Authority. Despite the threats, Erakat told the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that “Political, legal and moral criteria demand that we [the Palestinians] continue with our efforts.” (Jerusalem Post, July 9.)
“Our government’s long-standing position has not changed. The only solution to this conflict is one negotiated between and agreed to by the two parties. One of the states must be a Jewish state and recognized as such, while the Palestinian state is to be a nonmilitarized one.… We will monitor developments at the UN and respond appropriately. As G8 leaders declared at Deauville, unilateral action is ultimately unhelpful.”—Chris Day, spokesman for Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, publicly confirming for the first time that Canada will reject any Palestinian effort to win recognition at the United Nations as an independent state. (Canadian Press, July 10.)
“More than 50 Iranian officials would be subject to these new U.S. visa restrictions, including government ministers, military and law enforcement officers, and judiciary and prison officials.”—Excerpts from a U.S. State Department statement, describing the U.S.’ decision to deny entry to Iranians “who have played a role in the ongoing repression of students, human rights defenders, lawyers, artists, civil society representatives, women’s rights leaders, and religious and ethnic minorities.” The statement did not name specific officials, but noted that Britain and Canada would shortly join in the action. (JTA, July 10.)
“Iran is very directly supporting extremist Shia groups which are killing our troops, and there’s no reason…for me to believe that they’re going to stop that as our numbers come down. There’s no question they want to influence, and particularly in the south. They are shipping high-tech weapons in there…which are killing our people and… the forensics prove that.”—U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, confirming that Iran is providing Iraqi Shi’ite groups with high-tech weapons, which are being used to kill U.S. troops in Iraq, and affirming that any agreement to keep US troops in Iraq beyond the end of the year “has to be done in conjunction with control of Iran in that regard.” All US troops are scheduled to be out of Iraq by Dec. 31 under a status of forces agreement between the two countries. (Reuters, July 8.)
“The most important economic connection between Israel and Egypt is eroding. Electricity disruptions are not expected since we have other energy reserves, however it will be more expensive.… Israel was ready to allow Egypt to deploy more forces in Sinai to secure the pipeline, even at the beginning of the Egyptian uprising, in opposition to the peace agreement.… Israel needs to rely on herself and the Tamar reserves can supply [gas] needs for the next 25 years.”—Israel’s National Infrastructures Minister, Uzi Landau, following the blowing up by saboteurs of an Egyptian gas pipeline distribution station in northern Sinai that supplies natural gas to Israel—the fourth such attack this year—suggesting that Israel’s economic ties to Egypt are deteriorating. (Jerusalem Post, July 12.)
Short Takes
CANADIANS TRANSFER KANDAHAR BATTLE COMMAND TO AMERICANS—(Toronto) Canada has formally completed its fighting mission in Afghanistan, a move that marks the end of a robust combat presence centered in the dangerous and violent southern province of Kandahar. The Canadian military last week formally transferred its last district in the province to the United States, where the U.S. 3rd Battalion 21st Regiment took over from the Canadian 1st Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment. Canadians have been working towards completion of the combat mission since Parliament voted in 2008 to end the mission by July 2011. The war in Afghanistan took the lives of 157 Canadian soldiers, one diplomat and one journalist. (CTV News & CNN, July 6.)
ANTI-SEMITISM GROWING THREAT ON CAMPUSES: INQUIRY—(Toronto) According to the findings of The Canadian Parliamentary Coalition to Combat Anti-Semitism, anti-Semitism on Canadian university campuses is a growing threat and the Canadian government needs to do more to tackle hate crimes against Jews. The report makes several recommendations to the government, including working with police services across Canada to clearly define what constitutes an anti-Semitic crime and looking at rising international anti-Semitism when designating source countries for immigration. Former Liberal MP Mario Silva, who chaired the hearings, said he was especially disturbed to hear how many Jewish university students felt intimidated or unsafe on campus in light of events such as Israeli Apartheid Week, which the coalition considers to be anti-Semitic. (National Post, July 7.)
SURGICALLY IMPLANTED BOMBS NEW TERROR THREAT—(London) The U.S. government has issued a warning that terrorists could use surgically implanted explosives to carry out attacks on aircraft. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has called for airports to be more vigilant in their checks to detect home-made explosives such as PETN hidden under the skin, which Richard Reid, the shoe bomber, tried to use in 2001. There have been several attempts to blow up U.S.-bound airlines, including on Christmas Day 2009, when a Nigerian man was arrested for allegedly carrying plastic explosives stitched into his underwear, which he planned to ignite on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. Britain and the United States have been on high alert for revenge attacks since U.S. special forces killed Osama bin Laden in his Pakistani hideout in May. (National Post, July 7.)
ISRAEL’S INCLUSION ON TERRORIST WATCH LIST WAS A ‘MISTAKE’—(Washington) According to Gillian Christiansen, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, Israel’s inclusion last week on a terrorist watch list was a mistake. “The addition of Israel in the OIG’s list of ICE’s ‘Third-Agency Checks’ (TAC) was based on inaccurate information provided to the OIG during the course of its audit,” Christiansen said. “The U.S. does not and never has considered Israel to have links to terrorism, but rather they are a partner in our efforts to combat global terrorism.” The list of 36 nations includes countries such as Sudan and Somalia. (JTA, July 6.)
FLOTILLA REPORT DELAYED AT TURKEY’S BEHEST—(Jerusalem) According to Israeli officials, though an inquiry committee investigating the 2010 flotilla has already drawn conclusions, the UN has acceded to Turkish requests to postpone its release until Turkey and Israel come to an agreement on its content. The report’s findings, some of which have already been published, indicate that Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip is legal as well as its raid of the Mavi Marmara. The report also heaps criticism on Turkey, finding ties between the state and the IHH as well as direct official involvement in the flotilla. Sources say Israel will not take advantage of the findings to blame Turkey for the incident, but rather continue its efforts at improving relations with the state. (Ynet News, July 8.)
SYRIAN LOYALISTS STORM U.S. AND FRENCH EMBASSIES IN DAMASCUS—(Jerusalem) Syrians loyal to President Bashar Assad have stormed the U.S. and French embassies in Damascus. The crowds managed to break into and enter the American compound, but French guards repelled the attack against their facility, reportedly with live fire. The attacks at the US and French embassies come amidst increasing tension between the three countries, spurred by a visit by American and French ambassadors to the Syrian city of Hama last week. The visit by US Ambassador Robert Ford and French Ambassador Eric Chevallier was condemned by Syria as incitement and proof that Washington and Paris were playing a role in 15 weeks of unrest which have challenged Assad’s grip on power. (Jerusalem Post, July 11.)
GADHAFI THREATENS ATTACKS ON EUROPE IF NATO STRIKES CONTINUE—(Tripoli) Embattled Libyan leader Moammar Gaddhafi has threatened to carry out attacks in Europe unless NATO halts its campaign of airstrikes against his regime. Gaddhafi, who delivered the warning in an audio message played to thousands of supporters gathered in the main square of the capital Tripoli, said that that unless strikes stop, “we can decide to treat you in a similar way. If we decide, we can also move it (the fight) to Europe.” The threat comes days after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Gaddhafi for crushing an uprising that has morphed into a civil war. NATO has been bombing government targets since March. (Associated Press, July 1.)
BROTHER OF AFGHAN PRESIDENT KARZAI SHOT DEAD—(Kandahar) Ahmad Wali Karzai, a brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai and one of the most powerful men in southern Afghanistan, has been shot dead by one of his bodyguards. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying they had persuaded one of Karzai’s bodyguards to turn on him. Although a controversial figure, Karzai’s assassination will leave a dangerous power vacuum in Kandahar, the Taliban’s birthplace and a focus of recent efforts by a “surge” of US troops to turn the tide against the insurgency. (Reuters, July 12.)
IRAN DELIVERS THREATENING LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA—(Los Angeles)
According to the Arab-language newspaper Al-Ahram, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has sent a letter filled with threats to U.S. president Barack Obama. The letter, which is said to have been delivered by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, accuses the U.S. of meddling in Syrian affairs. According to reports, Khamenei has ordered the U.S. to cease and desist pressuring the Syrian regime leadership, cautioning that Iran will retaliate against American troops stationed in Iraq should Obama refuse to take the warning seriously. The Iranian leadership, concerned about the situation in Syria, recently exacerbated their threats by conducting missile war games. The head of the Revolutionary Guards’ aerospace division, Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, stated that all U.S. military bases in the region and Israel are fully within range of Iranian missiles. (Pajamas Media, July 3.)
OFFICIAL FROM LEADING SECULAR EGYPTIAN PARTY CALLS HOLOCAUST ‘A LIE’—(New York) A top official with one of Egypt’s leading secular political parties has called the Holocaust “a lie” and Anne Frank’s diary “a fake.” In an interview with the Washington Times, Ahmed Ezz El-Arab, a vice chairman of Egypt’s “liberal” Wafd party, also said that the September 11 terrorist attacks were “made in the USA.” “The Holocaust is a lie,” El-Arab affirmed, “The Jews under German occupation were 2.4 million. So if they were all exterminated, where does the remaining 3.6 million come from?” El-Arab conceded that “hundreds of thousands” of Jews had been murdered, but referred to the gas chambers as “fanciful stories.” He similarly dismissed The Diary of Anne Frank, explaining that he had studied it as a doctoral student in Sweden: “I could swear to God it’s fake,” he said. “The girl was there, but the memoirs are a fake.” (JTA, July 6.)
U.S. SET TO SELL FIGHTERS TO IRAQ—(Baghdad) Iraq has started negotiations to buy U.S. fighter jets and air-defense systems, a purchase Washington hopes will help counter Iranian influences and cement long-term ties with Baghdad after American troops pull out. Baghdad froze plans to buy 18 advanced U.S. F-16 fighters earlier this year after the Arab Spring protests in the region turned its attention to internal stability. Now, senior U.S. and Iraqi officials said Iraq is considering raising its purchase to as many as 36 of the jets. The original deal between the U.S. and Iraq for 18 F-16s had a potential price of up to $4.2 billion. If Iraq decides to buy a total of 36 planes, the equivalent of two squadrons, the deal could cost billions of dollars more than the original amount. (Wall Street Journal, July 12.)
PROTESTS IN GAZA AGAINST UNRWA NAME CHANGE—(Gaza) The Popular Committee for Palestinian Refugees has organized a sit-in protest in front of Gaza UNRWA offices after reports surfaced that the organization is changing its name—the United Nations Relief and Works Agency—to the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees. “We demanded from the UNRWA to explain the idea behind the change but we received no response and they keep telling us that the matter is still under consideration,” said Mueen Okal, head of the popular committee. A statement from the popular committee added talks have begun with UNRWA officials, but they have not offered convincing arguments to why the words “relief” and “works” will be omitted from the title. The committee insists that changing UNRWA’s name would pave the way for relinquishing part of its commitment towards the refugees. (Independent Media Review and Analysis, July 7.)
CHINA GRANTS ISRAEL ENVOY HONORARY CITIZENSHIP—(Jerusalem) Israeli ambassador to China Amos Nadai has received honorary citizenship to the city of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, in southwest China. The local mayor presented Nadai with his citizenship certificate during a modest ceremony, thanking him for his contribution to the development of the city and his efforts to tighten relations between Chengdu, China and Israel. The ties between both countries have grown stronger in the wake of the devastating earthquake that took place in China in 2008, when Israel greatly contributed to the rehabilitation efforts. Last November the relations between Israel and the city of Chengdu peaked when the Chinese celebrated “Israel Week.” Nadai is the first ever foreign ambassador to be awarded with such an honor. (Ynet News, July 6.)
BEST-PRESERVED HOUSE FROM THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL UNCOVERED—(Jerusalem) Archaeological work at Tel Shikmona, on the southern edge of Israel’s city of Haifa, has uncovered the remains of a house dating back to the period of the Kingdom of Israel. The site was excavated about 40 years ago, but the historical remains became hidden due to neglect and layers of earth and garbage that piled up over the decades. The structure’s design is known as a “Four-Room House”, which was the most common design for residences in that era. It is characterized by the functional division of the structure into four living spaces: three positioned vertically and the fourth horizontally. The other four-room houses exposed to date have been found in relatively bad condition. The house dates back to the 8th-9th centuries BCE. (Independent Media Review and Analysis, July 3.)
