Iraqis will never accept this sellout to the oil corporations

Today Iraq remains under occupation, and the gulf between those who profess to rule and those who are ruled is filled with blood. The government is beholden to the occupation forces that are responsible for a humanitarian catastrophe and a political impasse. While defenceless citizens are killed at will, the government carries on with its business of protecting itself, collecting oil revenues, dispensing favours, justifying the occupation, and presiding over collapsing security, economic wellbeing, essential services and public administration. Above all, the rule of law has all but disappeared, replaced by sectarian demarcations under a parliamentary facade. Sectarianism promoted by the occupation is tearing apart civil society, local communities and public institutions, and it is placing people at the mercy of self appointed communal leaders, without any legal protection.

Read more: Iraqis will never accept this sellout to the oil corporations

Suspected Citizens: Racial Profiling against Arab Passengers by Israeli Airports and Airlines

The following is the introduction to the report "Suspected Citizens: Racial Profiling against Arab Passengers by Israeli Airports and Airlines", issued in December 2006

Salah Ya'aqubi is an Arab citizen of Israel who lives in the village of Reineh, close to Nazareth. He is a cum laude student in the Department of Nursing in Tel Aviv University. In 2005, Tel Aviv University chose Ya'aqubi as one of its representatives at an international conference held in London. Three other students from the institution were also selected to participate in the conference. The four students served as representatives of the State of Israel at the event.
{josquote}This is the most offensive and humiliating experience I have ever had. I was immediately suspect just because I am Arab.{/josquote}
On the day of their flight, Ya'aqubi and the three Jewish students arrived together at Ben Gurion Airport. The four were due to fly with the Israeli air carrier Israir. During the routine security inspection, the security staff inspected the baggage of all four students using x-ray scanners. The Jewish students then moved on and their passports were stamped, while Ya'aqubi was obliged to undergo a special security inspection.

Read more: Suspected Citizens: Racial Profiling against Arab Passengers by Israeli Airports and Airlines

Friday's "One Land, Many Voices" interview with Phyllis Bennis is available

Friday's "One Land, Many Voices" interview with Phyllis Bennis is available at: www.pdxjustice.org Just scroll down to the KBOO programs and download or stream the mp3 file. - Will

Italian probe: Israel used new weapon prototype in Gaza Strip

 An investigative report to be aired on Italian television Wednesday raises the possibility that Israel has used an experimental weapon in the Gaza Strip in recent months, causing especially serious physical injuries, such as amputated limbs and severe burns.

The weapon is similar to one developed by the U.S. military, known as DIME, which causes a powerful and lethal blast, but only within a relatively small radius.

The Italian report is based on the eyewitness accounts of medical doctors in the Strip, as well as tests carried out in an Italian laboratory. The investigative team is the same one that exposed, several months ago, the use by U.S. forces in Iraq of phosphorous bombs, against Iraqi rebels in Faluja.

Read more: Italian probe: Israel used new weapon prototype in Gaza Strip

The Problem With Israel

Attached is a long piece I wrote which is really more of a background paper than an article. I believe we are making progress in getting the public worldwide to understand that the blame for perpetuating and worsening the conflict lies with Israel. Attempts to blame the Palestinians, etc. are starting to sound hollow. Still, people need for this to be said and, even more so, for a case to be made as to why Israel is the stumbling block for a just peace. It is my hope that if we can pinpoint the sources of Israeli opposition to a just a genuine peace with the Palestinians, if we can begin to hold Israel accountable for its policies and its actions, then we can move the struggle one step forward.

Read more: The Problem With Israel

Fair Use Notice
This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml . If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.