As Richard Silverstein wrote today about Bibi’s buffoonery at the UN…

Bibi as Wile E. Coyote

You didn’t think you were gonna get away without seeing Bibi Netanyahu’s Wile E. Coyote moment during his UN speech today, did you? Look at the picture, Bibi’s even glaring a bit like the coyote after he’s been outsmarted by his cartoon nemesis. Someone (Bibi himself?) in the day and age of Powerpoint presentations, thought of the great idea of sending their boss up to the lectern of the world’s most respected international body with a sharpie and a cartoon version of a nuclear bomb. I suppose they thought the simplicity of the gesture might impress. Instead it’s backfired as any simpleton could’ve told them it would.

Further, Bibi made a critical error in drawing his “red line” at the 90% enrichment level. He meant to draw it BELOW that line since presumably Israel would want to attack Iran BEFORE it achieved weapons grade uranium fuel. If Israel attacked Iran AFTER it secured enough fuel to make a bomb it would defeat the purpose, no?

Even the Huffpoo mocked Bibi… Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu Draws Cartoon Bomb At UN General Assembly To Illustrate Iran Nuclear Threat

Now, If it Quacks like a Duck…

Yesterday, Obama delivered his remarks to the UN…

You can read the text of his speech here or watch the full half hour speech here…!

Here’s the UN’s official Press Release about Oily Bomber’s appearance at the 67th General Assembly…

At UN debate, US President urges dealing honestly with tensions between Arabs and West

Warning that the world faces “a choice between the forces that would drive us apart and the hopes we hold in common,” United States President Barack Obama said today the deadly violence sparked by an anti-Islam video is an assault on the very ideals upon which the United Nations was founded.

“The events of the last two weeks speak to the need for all of us to address honestly the tensions between the West and an Arab World moving to democracy,” he told scores of heads of State and Government attending the 67th General Assembly’s General Debate on its opening day, calling on world leaders to espouse the peaceful settlement of disputes.

However, I do believe that it is the obligation of all leaders, in all countries, to speak out forcefully against violence and extremism.

Cities in North Africa and the Middle East recently experienced violent protests in response to an anti-Islamic video produced in the state of California by a US citizen. In the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, the US ambassador to the country, Christopher Stevens, and three other diplomats were killed, and others injured or killed, when suspected Libyan religious extremists stormed the US Consulate there.

The film has drawn widespread condemnation around the world, including from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

“On this we must agree: there is no speech that justifies mindless violence,” President Obama said, calling the video “crude and disgusting,” but explaining how such hateful comment is allowed by the freedom of speech clause in the US constitution.

“There are no words that excuse the killing of innocents. There is no video that justifies an attack on an Embassy. There is no slander that provides an excuse for people to burn a restaurant in Lebanon, or destroy a school in Tunis, or cause death and destruction in Pakistan,” he added, referring to the attacks that killed Ambassador Stevens and caused deaths elsewhere.

“Burning an American flag will do nothing to educate a child. Smashing apart a restaurant will not fill an empty stomach. Attacking an Embassy won’t create a single job,” he noted.

President Obama said the US has supported the forces of change that have toppled dictators in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, and he called for an end to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, where more than 18,000 people have been killed in an uprising against his rule over the past 18 months.

“However, I do believe that it is the obligation of all leaders, in all countries, to speak out forcefully against violence and extremism,” he declared, stressing that the recent violence or hateful speech by some individuals does not represent the views of the overwhelming majority of Muslims any more than the views of the video producers behind the anti-Islam film represent those of Americans.

“It is time to marginalize those who, even when not resorting to violence, use hatred of America, or the West, or Israel as a central principle of politics,” the US President said. “For that only gives cover, and sometimes makes excuses, for those who resort to violence.”

President Obama pledged that the US will never retreat from the world and will bring to justice those who harm its citizens and friends, while standing with its allies and partnering with countries to deepen ties of trade and investment, science and technology, energy and development.

“It is time to leave the call of violence and the politics of division behind. On so many issues, we face a choice between the promise of the future, or the prisons of the past,” he declared.

“The future must not belong to those who target Coptic Christians in Egypt – it must be claimed by those in Tahrir Square who chanted ‘Muslims, Christians, we are one.’ The future must not belong to those who bully women – it must be shaped by girls who go to school, and those who stand for a world where our daughters can live their dreams just like our sons…

“The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam. Yet to be credible, those who condemn that slander must also condemn the hate we see when the image of Jesus Christ is desecrated, churches are destroyed, or the Holocaust is denied. Let us condemn incitement against Sufi Muslims and Shiite pilgrims.”

Turning to specific crises, President Obama said the future for Israelis and Palestinians must not belong to those who turn their backs on the prospect of peace and thrive on conflict, and those who reject Israel’s right to exist, but to those who pursue the hard but clear goal of a secure, Jewish state of Israel and an independent, prosperous Palestine.

On Iran, he said the US wants to resolve nuclear issue through diplomacy and believes there is still time and space to do so.

“But that time is not unlimited,” he warned. “We respect the right of nations to access peaceful nuclear power, but one of the purposes of the United Nations is to see that we harness that power for peace. Make no mistake: a nuclear-armed Iran is not a challenge that can be contained.

“It would threaten the elimination of Israel, the security of Gulf nations, and the stability of the global economy. It risks triggering a nuclear-arms race in the region, and the unravelling of the non-proliferation treaty. That is why a coalition of countries is holding the Iranian government accountable. And that is why the United States will do what we must to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.”

Scores of the world’s heads of State and government and other high-level officials are expected to present their views and comment on issues of individual national and international relevance at the Assembly’s General Debate, which ends on 1 October.

The US President also met with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today. In their meeting, the two men discussed the importance of combating hate speech and incitement to violence while protecting free speech, and agreed on the importance of the UN’s work to promote tolerance.

Other topics they discussed included the situation in Syria and its impact on the region, the needs of the Palestinian people and the growing challenges in West Africa’s Sahel region, in addition to the global challenges on food and nutrition, women’s and children’s health, and education, and the need for UN reform.

I thought Steve Hynd best summed it with his quip; “do as I say, not as I do, or I’ll bomb you”…

…Much of it is an interesting exhortation to Muslims across the globe who are currently involved in protesting a certain movie trailer to put away violence as a tactic. The bulk of the rest is the usual copperplate about America loving democracy so much that it sends its citizens to impose freedom at gunpoint in other countries, and promising to always be there to bomb dictators (and any male of military age who happens to be nearby and can therefore be labelled a “militant” once he is too dead to protest that label). Obama reels of US aide for the Arab Spring in Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen and Libya but the word “Bahrain” does not pass his lips, nor does any indication that the regime being propped up in Yemen is just as oppressive as any Islamist current seeking to replace it. iraq and Afghanistan are places the US is leaving – not places the US invaded, nosir. You won’t find a reference to the chain of sub-Saharan nations where the US is currently offering “military assistance” (training, special forces, arms, drone strikes) to often corrupt regimes either.

And then there’s Iran. {…}

Obama and his speechwriters must know that his UN listeners are spotting all the things unsaid and writing their own subtexts in their heads. They know there’s a healthy helping of hypocrisy, of “do as I say, not as I do, or I’ll bomb you” going on. Yet this is the stageshow that must be gone through every time a US President speaks at the UN. While Obama’s talking about changes in the way people resolve their problems internationally, perhaps he’d do well to contemplate the beam in his own nation’s eye.

Meanwhile, a lot of noteworthy speeches have been given from the UN Podium in the past several days…

From Egyptian President Morsi’s declaration… ‘Israel refusal to join NPT, inexcusable’…

Continuing with some newly minted Mossad/CIA Tools MENA leaders… Libya’s new leader apologizes at U.N. for Gaddafi crimes…

And, Speaking of tools, Abu Mazen… ‘Pares His Statehood Aspirations at UN’…

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for real humanitarian assistance and saner minds to prevail…

From General Assembly podium, Lebanon calls for international help for Syrian refugees

… “The security consequences of the Syrian crisis threaten peace and stability in the Middle East and specifically in Lebanon,” Prime Minister Mikati said. “The international community must exert more efforts in order to assure political consensus among Syrian parties to end violence that is claiming hundreds of innocent lives each day.”

The ongoing violence in neighbouring Syria has fuelled sectarian tensions across Lebanon and raised concerns that the country could plunge back into the internecine violence it endured during its 15 year civil war, which ended in 1990.

In his statement to the Assembly, the Lebanese leader urged the United Nations to further the right of the Palestinian people to return to their homeland and achieve an independent Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital. He also denounced Israel for violations of the accord that ended its month-long war with Hizbollah in 2006, calling on it to end its continued occupation of land in southern Lebanon.

“Our region is still striving to cope with the dramatic consequences that followed the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 and its on-going occupation of Arab territories and its continued violations of International Law and United Nations resolutions,” Prime Minister Mikati said.

He added, “Peace along with freedom and justice are the pillars for attaining both security and stability and will pave the way towards the eradication of oppression, extremism, and terrorism in our world. Stability cannot occur without a Palestinian spring through the full implementation of the Palestinians right to self-determination on their land.”

In summing up some of the other excellent debates at the UN, wendydavis, wrote a great post… Julian Assange to UN: “End Obama’s Regime of Secrecy”…

Along with Kevin’s excellent reporting… Assange Addresses UN Members, Lambasts Obama’s UN Address for Rewriting History…

I also totally agree with The CallUp’s… After The Iraq Debacle, It Would Be Negligent For Americans Not To Watch Ahmadinejad’s U.N. Speech, particularly since it was Ahmadinejad’s last appearance at the UN…!

Meanwhile, I do pity all those New Yorkers… Get Your Gridlock On: It’s UN General Assembly Time…

Stay tuned…

From my Ohana to yours, I’d like to extend a hale Happy Holiday…!

I’ve been absorbed in my local Occupy Hilo and haven’t posted much about the I/P and the Middle East, my humble apologies…!

As you’re cooking and basting your turkey (I’m cooking two birds) I’d like to provide you a veritable cornucopia of Middle East news and intel…

As my first dish, I’d like to serve up some Seymour Hersch (mp3)…! Antiwar’s Scott Horton talks with Sy about his recent blog post: Iran and the I.A.E.A… It is certainly refreshing to hear Sy attesting to much of what I’ve already reported earlier, such as my; Wag The Dog: Green Salt is The New Yellowcake…

Staying with Antiwar radio, this Philip Giraldi interview is a must-hear too…! To wit; Former CIA officer Philip Giraldi discusses the CIA agents “rolled up” in Iran and Lebanon because of sloppy tradecraft (like regularly meeting at a Beirut Pizza Hut). Now, remind me again of how many Billion$ we are spending on these utter buffoons…?

Now, I do have a lot of links to provide… So continuing with the Lebanon meme… The intrepid Richard Silverstein unleashed another veritable ‘bombshell’…

Exclusive: Israeli Military Intelligence Caused Massive Explosion in Hezbollah South Lebanon Arms Cache

…Now comes an exclusive report from an authoritative Israeli source with considerable military experience, that IDF military intelligence (Aman) has out foxed Hezbollah by deliberately crash-landing a booby-trapped Trojan Horse drone in southern Lebanon…

…The moral being, in this dirty game called asymmetrical warfare, you and your enemy circle each other warily seeking to exploit any weakness. And you will make mistakes because you are only human. The fatal assumption is that your opponent is the only dumb one who will make them, and you never will…

Moving on, it was surprising to see Lt. Pike make an appearance in Tel Aviv…

Tel Aviv police pepper-spray democracy protesters

…Earlier, I read a few Twitter messages about tear gas being used by the police. This sounded strange – Israeli security forces never use it in Jewish neighborhoods. On King George, the mystery was solved – it was pepper spray, the current world-wide celebrity of the crowd control department. An activist I knew was still red-eyed when I met him – he said the police had lost control for a minute, and sprayed the protesters for no reason at all.

You can see it happen clearly in the video (min 0:18), take by Eran Vered. Later, you can also spot the district police commander (min 1:46, not in uniform but in blue clothes) kicking protesters that are on sitting on the road…

The accompanying YouTubes were just as damning as Lt. Pike’s viral heroics…

Now, continuing along with Israeli news… I did find it rather ironic to hear Tzipi Livni, belatedly, bemoaning the real facts on the ground…

Israel turning into dictatorship

Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni accused the government during a Knesset hearing of compromising Israel’s democratic system.

“We have always prided ourselves on being the only democracy in the Middle East. We were a democracy, and the others were dictatorships,” she said. “While Egypt is trying to become a democracy like us, we’re passing laws that will turn Israel into a dictatorship.”

Haaretz featured two articles to that effect…

MKs to debate bill that would limit freedom to petition Israel’s High Court

Former chief justice Aharon Barak: Democracy is not just majority rule.

And…

Israel’s investigative journalists facing increasing obstacles

Investigative journalism is hard enough in a country as small as Israel, and an intensifying onslaught against freedom of the press is endangering it even further.

Btw, Bibi had totally lost all his senses in the Knesset, yesterday…

Netanyahu: Arab world moving backward, not forward

…”In February, when millions of Egyptians thronged to the streets in Cairo, commentators and quite a few Israeli members of the opposition said that we’re facing a new era of liberalism and progress…They said I was trying to scare the public and was on the wrong side of history and don’t see where things are heading,” he said.

But time has proved him right, Netanyahu said. His forecast that the Arab Spring would turn into an “Islamic, anti-Western, anti-liberal, anti-Israeli and anti-democratic wave” turned out to be true, he said.

Netanyahu also slammed Western leaders, and especially U.S. President Barak Obama, who had pushed Mubarak to resign from power. At the time this was happening Netanyahu said in closed talks that the American administration and many European leaders don’t understand reality. On Wednesday, he called them “naive.”

“I ask today, who here didn’t understand reality? Who here didn’t understand history?” he called from the Knesset podium. “Israel is facing a period of instability and uncertainty in the region. This is certainly not the time to listen to those who say follow your heart.”
Netanyahu used the upheaval in the Arab world to justify his government’s inaction vis-a-vis the peace process with the Palestinians.

“I remember many of you urged me to take the opportunity to make hasty concessions, to rush to an agreement,” he said.

“But I will not establish Israel’s policy on illusions. There’s a huge upheaval here…whoever doesn’t see it is burying his head in the sand,” he said.

“That didn’t stop people from coming to me and suggesting we make all kinds of concessions. I said we insist on foundations of stability and security…all the more so now,” he said.

And it wasn’t just Bibi raving like the lunatic he his, Avi Lieberman, just had to chime in too…

Israel won’t give Fatah-Hamas unity government even one dime

FM says Israel will not recognize or negotiate with a Palestinian unity government if it does not accept the principles outlined by the Mideast Quartet.

Bibi, doubled down and told everyone to f*ck off… Netanyahu Rejects U.S., International Calls To Release Palestinian Money…

It’s already been 5-6 months worth of Palestinian tax revenues that have been collected by Israel, and subsequently withheld from Abu Mazen’s already cash starved PA bureaucracy…! Contrary to the Grey Lady’s pathetic reporting…! Is it any coinky-doink that Abbas is finally teaming up with Hamas…?

Hamas delegation arrives in Cairo for unity talks

A delegation from Hamas arrived in the Egyptian capital Wednesday in preparation for meetings with President Abbas in a bid to implement the reconciliation deal signed in May.

The delegation includes Khalid Mashaal, the head of the Hamas political bureau, Mousa Abu Marzouq, Muhammad Naser, Izzat al-Rishq, Khalil al-Hayya, and Nizar Awad.

Hamas leader Ismail Radwan said “we hope the meeting will be fruitful,” and added that the Islamist movement expected to agree with Fatah on establishing a joint authority in the occupied territories.

He also expressed hopes they would adopt a single national strategy.

Abbas is already in Cairo for the unity talks and had even met with the soon-to-be supplanted Tantawi…!

In other ME news, Bahrain is slammed with a withering report… Probe says excessive force used in Bahrain crackdown… Much to the chagrin of the PNAC crew, No Iranian role found in Bahrain unrest… Sucks doesn’t it…?

God help us all…! We’re all the 99% trying to survive the games that are being played…!

As Ike had once famously said…

I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of the way and let them have it.

Amen…!

As Ma’an reported earlier…

ABOARD A US MILITARY AIRCRAFT (AFP) — US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the Arab Spring has left Israel “increasingly isolated” in the Middle East and that its military might could not make up for a weakened diplomatic position.

Speaking to reporters aboard his plane bound for Israel as part of a Middle East tour, Panetta said it was crucial for Israel to shore up its relations with Egypt and other countries in the region that had proved valuable partners in the past.

“There’s not much question in my mind that they maintain that (military) edge. But the question you have to ask is it enough to maintain a military edge, if you’re isolating yourself in the diplomatic arena?” Panetta said.

“At this dramatic time in the Middle East, when there have been so many changes, it’s not a good situation for Israel to become increasingly isolated. And that’s what’s happening,” he said…

Now, Leon wasn’t quite done delivering broadsides at the various parties…

US defense secretary urges return to negotiations

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Monday called for “bold action” from Israeli and Palestinian leaders to achieve peace, but said freezing of US funds to Palestinians was a mistake…

…“I want to emphasize that there is a need, and an opportunity, for bold action on both sides to move toward a negotiated two-state solution. There is no alternative to negotiations,” Panetta said at a news conference with Barak.

Panetta told reporters that the US Congress decision to block $200 million in aid did not come at the right time, the Israeli news site Ynet reported.

Both Israelis and Palestinians gain from US aid, Ynet quoted Panetta saying…

…Palestinian leaders say they cannot negotiate while Israel refuses to renew a partial moratorium on settlement building on Palestinian lands, which last expired in September 2010 bringing talks to a halt.

F*ck ya, It’s not just a ‘moratorium on settlement building’ that needs to be addressed…! Obama refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer…

… Israel on Sunday formally accepted an international proposal to return to peace negotiations with the Palestinians, but any immediate resumption of talks appeared unlikely as the Israelis and Palestinians differed sharply over the letter and spirit of the proposal

A senior Palestinian official said over the weekend that after three days of deliberations, the Palestinian leadership had decided not to return to talks unless Israel halted all settlement construction and agreed to clear terms of reference for the negotiations — requirements that were perhaps implied but not spelled out in the Sept. 23 statement of the so-called quartet of Middle East peacemakers, which is made up of the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia.

But facts never get in the way of the Obama administration. A State Department spokesman released a statement Sunday: “We welcome the Israeli government’s announcement today expressing readiness to resume negotiations with the Palestinians, as called for by the Quartet.The Palestinians expressed support for the Quartet approach on September 29. The U.S. once again calls on both parties to resume negotiations without preconditions, on the timetable proposed by the Quartet, as the best means to advance their interests, resolve their differences, and fulfill the President’s two-state vision.” Umm, but didn’t, you know, the Palestinians say just the opposite?

However, as the recently released UNOCHA report points out in plain english, it’s Israel clearly stepping up it’s ‘game’…

UN statistics show that Israel’s occupation is more aggressive

…The UNOCHA report said that the Israeli Occupation Authorities demolished 409 Palestinian structures in 2011 compared with 290 over the same period in 2010. Just over 800 Palestinians have been injured to-date in 2011; the figure for January to September 2010 was 374.

Attacks by illegal Jewish settlers accounted for 139 Palestinians being injured so far this year; in 2010 the figure was 74. Settler-related incidents resulting in Palestinian injuries or property damage, said UNOCHA, numbered 326 in 2011 compared with 202 in 2010.

The report also revealed that the number of Palestinians injured at the hands of Israeli forces has doubled in 2011 when compared to last year: 471 Palestinians were injured by the Occupation forces this year while there were 194 such cases in 2010. Israeli forces have killed 85 Palestinians this year; in 2010 the figure was 53…

Btw, some more classic Leon…

…Panetta, who met the country’s military ruler Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, strongly urged Egypt to provide better security in the Sinai Peninsula, after Israel said an attack on its south was mounted from there.

“I am concerned about the situation in the Sinai,” Panetta told reporters after the talks.

The Pentagon chief “strongly urged” Tantawi “to provide better security in the Sinai,” he said, adding that Egyptian leaders reassured him they were “confident” they could ensure security in the peninsula.

“Any friction in that area could create real problems for the region,” Panetta said…

I’m not very surprised at this little bit of news… Palestinians protest against US in Ramallah…

Meanwhile… Bracing for UN bid fallout in Gaza…

God Bless the Palestinians…!

Listen to what Jimmy has to say about the Camp David accords… The jist of it being that Sadat/Mubarak had consistently ignored the Israelis’ persistent violations of the Palestinians’ rights, in both Gaza and the West Bank…!

As Carter noted: ‘And the Palestinians have been deeply illusioned throughout’…

Sadly, Abbas in laying out his UN designs, is already downplaying his efforts…

…Abbas appeared to leave himself some wiggle room in his address to the Palestinian people before departing for the annual U.N. General Assembly session in New York next week, saying he did not rule out other, unspecified options. Those could include seeking a lesser, “nonmember state” observer status from the General Assembly, a more easily obtainable goal.

He also acknowledged that his U.N. move would not end the Israeli occupation and cautioned against outsize hopes.

“We don’t want to raise expectations by saying we are going to come back with full independence,” Abbas said in an address to Palestinian leaders. He said he was going to the United Nations to “ask the world to shoulder its responsibilities” by backing the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem.

Even today’s Wapoo reported…

In West Bank, modest expectations from Palestinian statehood bid

…They express hope that the move could bring them more leverage in international diplomacy and legal forums, but acknowledge that it will do nothing to change their daily lives.

“Will this give us free borders, an airport, a currency? I don’t think so. The next morning it will still be the same story,” said Khalil Abddullah, heading home from the local market. “There will still be occupation, still checkpoints at the border, still the wall,” he added, referring to Israel’s separation barrier in the West Bank.

Arranging produce at a nearby stand, Shaher Kanaan said that the U.N. bid is a “morale booster,” but no more than a symbolic step that could bring more “restrictions by the occupation,” a reference to possible Israeli retaliatory measures on the ground.

How very true…!

Btw, why is Bubba just as worthless as his significant other…? Bill Clinton: ‘Move Forward’ Past PA Statehood Bid…

Here’s a glimpse at all the nefarious gambits…

Frantic moves to avoid Palestinian UN showdown

The United States and European powers stepped up a diplomatic scramble Sunday to avoid a UN showdown on the Palestinian plan to seek full UN membership, which the US administration has vowed to veto.

US, European Union, Russian and United Nations officials were all involved in the bid to seek a face-saving way out of the looming confrontation at this week’s UN General Assembly in New York.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was to meet EU foreign affairs representative Catherine Ashton in New York, where the Middle East diplomatic Quartet’s envoy, Tony Blair, was to meet UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Blair expressed confidence that a deal could be reached. “I think there is a way of avoiding a confrontation,” the former British prime minister told US broadcaster ABC.

Diplomats said that with so few details available of the demand to be made by Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Friday, frantic talks were likely to continue right up to the last minute.

Now, +972mag’s Dahlia Scheindlin, offered up the best analysis of Abbas’ speech on Friday…

Palestinian president outlines political identity of new Palestinian state

By presenting strategically calculated messages for all relevant audiences, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas used yesterday’s speech to outline the identity of the new Palestinian state he is to seek at the UN.

Bibi is as bombastic as always, and, it really does look grim for the Palestinians…

Netanyahu’s bold initiative: Another “historic” speech

Just like in his Washington visit last spring, the Prime Minister will not bring new political ideas to the UN, only rhetoric directed at the anxious public at home

The Israeli morning papers are reporting today (Sunday) that the United States has all but secured the 7 Security Council votes necessary to block the Palestinian request to become a member state of the UN, and therefore a veto won’t be necessary.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth Daily, Germany, Britain and France are likely to vote against the Palestinian bid, and so is Columbia. The paper quotes sources in Washington saying that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is “drunk from power,” and can’t be persuaded to abandon his initiative even though it is bound to fail.

That’s some serious Kabuki…!

Take ‘em straight to The Hague, Abu Mazen…! Carpe Diem…!

Stay tuned…!

God Bless the Palestinians…!

On Facebook: 10 Million signatures for a Palestinian State on September…

Avaaz’s Palestinian Petition…

Palestine: the world’s next nation

To the leaders of France, Spain, Germany, the UK and the High Representative of the EU and all UN member states:

“We urge you to endorse the legitimate bid for recognition of the state of Palestine and the reaffirmation of the rights of the Palestinian people. It is time to turn the tide on decades of failed peace talks, end the occupation and move towards peace based on two states.”

Please take two minutes to sign them…!

On Tuesday, the UN Security Council heard testimony from the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, in which he warned the Security Council of “Dramatic” Deadlock in Peace Process, and called for a “Credible Political Path Forward” and Bold Actions on the Ground…

UN: Palestinians ready for statehood

The Palestinian Authority is ready to govern a nation but deadlock with Israel has made a two-state solution far from certain, the UN special envoy for the Middle East peace process said Tuesday. [...]

“The Palestinian Authority is ready to assume the responsibilities of statehood at any point in the near future,” Robert Serry said in a briefing to the UN Security Council.

But he warned that without a “credible political path forward,” the “viability of the Palestinian Authority and its statebuilding agenda — and, I fear, of the two-state solution itself — cannot be taken for granted.”

He called the deadlock between the two sides “profound and persistent.” [...]

Serry noted that settlements were illegal under international law and insisted “settlement activity must cease.”

He urged Israel “to do more to empower its moderate, committed and peaceful Palestinian partner.”

The Israeli Ambassador to the UN was quick to respond…

…Israeli officials on Wednesday said they were pleased with the outcome of the Mideast debate at the Security Council the day before, an event considered to be a dress rehearsal for the expected vote at the UN over recognition of Palestinian statehood slated for September.

“The foreign ministry and the Israeli mission to the UN is working tirelessly and preparing for all the possible outcomes [at the expected vote in September],” an official at the Israeli mission to the UN said. “We delivered the unilateral message that the only way to peace is through negotiations. There are no shortcuts.” [...]

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor, speaking after Mansour, told the Security Council that security and recognition of Israel as a Jewish State are the two linchpin issues that must be acknowledged by Palestinians in order to reach a final agreement and two-state solution.

Prosor said that he supported a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state residing “alongside and not instead of the Jewish state.” That Palestinian state, the ambassador added, must be demilitarized and supported by a strong education system, halting teachings of hatred and anti- Israeli sentiment.

Here’s some great analysis on the actions being taken by all parties…

Interestingly, it seems Abbas is finally developing a spine…

Abbas tells Palestinians: Step up Arab Spring-style protests against Israel

For first time, Palestinian president openly urges popular activism in support of his initiative to seek UN recognition of a Palestinian state.

That is an astonishing breakthrough, folks…! Abu Mazen has been extremely complicit in having his Fatah henchmen breaking up, and even arresting the leaders behind, the protests…! Often at the behest of the Shin Bet…!

Listen to our Elders…! The Unity deal should be embraced and celebrated as a significant step forward towards peace!

As Obama told AIPAC yesterday…

“No country can be expected to negotiate with a terrorist organization sworn to its destruction,” he told America’s powerful pro-Israel lobby as pointed to the recent Palestinian Fatah-Hamas unity agreement as “an enormous obstacle to peace.”

“We will continue to demand that Hamas accept the basic responsibilities of peace: recognizing Israel’s right to exist, rejecting violence and adhering to all existing agreements,” Obama said, to loud applause at the AIPAC Policy Conference.

First of all, as Abbas points out…

Abbas: No Hamas or Fatah figures in new govt

President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that Israel and the US had misinterpreted the unity deal as ushering in a government of Hamas and Fatah figures, as the new body would solely include non-partisan technocrats. [...]

…But the president also reacted to recent comments by the US premier focusing on Hamas’ position towards Israel, saying the May deal between the movement and its rival Fatah had been misunderstood by Israel and the US as paving the way for both movements to dominate a new government.

“The government will be built of nonpartisan figures, and will not include affiliates of any Palestinian faction,” Abbas said. [...]

Israeli officials had slammed the unity agreement, with Netanyahu warning that Abbas must choose between “peace with Israel or peace with Hamas.”

But Abbas said Monday, “this is neither Hamas, nor Fatah government. It is my government and will follow my strategies,” he added.

Palestinian unity arose from ruins of peace talks…

…Yasser Abed Rabbo, a top official with the Palestine Liberation Organization, on Monday insisted the new alliance would help rather than harm attempts to revive peace talks with Israel.

“We have repeatedly said that this agreement is completely the opposite of this. It represents a significant step that could push the political process forward,” he told Voice of Palestine radio.

Under terms of the deal, the two parties would work together to set up a caretaker government of independents not allied to either faction to work towards holding elections within the next year.

The interim government would have nothing to do with peace negotiations, which would remain the mandate of the PLO, the official representative of the Palestinian people and which is headed by President Mahmoud Abbas.

“The United States and Israel do not need to deal with every Palestinian faction separately,” Abed Rabbo said.

“If we had to deal with each Israeli party that composes the current government coalition, we would not find any of them ready to talk with us.”

“The USA should deal with the PLO, which has not changed its stances and commitments,” he added. [...]

“To be honest, Hamas came over to our program,” said senior Fatah official Nabil Sha’ath, pointing to remarks by Mash’al after the deal was signed on May 3, in which he spoke of “a common national goal” of a state along the 1967 borders comprising the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem. [...]

“I don’t think we need anything more from Hamas,” Sha’ath said, arguing it would be “ridiculous” to ask Hamas to recognise the state of Israel at this stage.

“What for? Will that be reciprocated by Israel recognizing Hamas or recognising the Palestinian state? It won’t.” he said.

Imagine if the Palestinians had to negotiate with the individual factions in the Knesset…

Take a gander at Bibi’s own Likud platform…

Self-Rule

The Government of Israel flatly rejects the establishment of a Palestinian Arab state west of the Jordan river.

The Palestinians can run their lives freely in the framework of self-rule, but not as an independent and sovereign state. Thus, for example, in matters of foreign affairs, security, immigration and ecology, their activity shall be limited in accordance with imperatives of Israel’s existence, security and national needs. [...]

The Jordan River as a Permanent Border

The Jordan Valley and the territories that dominate it shall be under Israeli sovereignty. The Jordan river will be the permanent eastern border of the State of Israel. The Kingdom of Jordan is a desirable partner in the permanent status arrangement between Israel and the Palestinians in matters that will be agreed upon.

Security Areas

The government succeeded in significantly reducing the extent of territory that the Palestinians expected to receive in the interim arrangement. The government will insist that security areas essential to Israel’s defense, including the western security area and the Jewish settlements, shall remain under Israeli rule.

Where’s the ‘recognition’ for the Palestinians’ right to even ‘exist’…?

Look at FM Lieberman’s recent remarks and even the Rightwingers in the Israeli Cabinet…

Lieberman praises PM’s statements in U.S.

…Lieberman’s warm message, delivered in a statement to the press at the start of a meeting of his Yisrael Beiteinu faction, also contained an implied warning to Netanyahu not to move left in his speech to Congress today.

With regard to negotiations with the Palestinians, an issue Netanyahu is expected to address when he speaks to Congress, Lieberman said, “Israel is prepared to negotiate at any moment, but without preconditions.

“Whoever wants to negotiate with us, ahlan wasahlan,” he added, using the Arabic phrase for “welcome.”

However, the foreign minister stressed, Israel would remain adamant in its rejection of the Palestinians’ demand that the refugees be resettled in Israel. “Not even one refugee,” he said.

Netanyahu and his inner circle are reportedly pleased with the support the premier has garnered from his right flank following his response to U.S. President Barack Obama’s speech last Thursday. Yet the cabinet’s left flank, Defense Minister Ehud Barak (Atzmaut ), also sounded pleased yesterday, saying that Obama’s subsequent speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on Sunday “gave us a way out of the main disagreements, a way to solve those that remain and move forward.”

Oh wait, that is whom the Palestinians have to ‘negotiate’ with…!

Here’s another great example of the Israeli obsession with ‘Security’ at the expense of the Palestinians…

…Israeli forces began to install a barbed-wire fence on Monday around a Palestinian village in the northern West Bank, saying it was meant to prevent stone throwing.

Residents of Izbat At-Tabib, located east of Qalqiliya, awoke to the sounds of construction, and were told that lands made inaccessible by the construction were being confiscated for the construction of a buffer area between the village and the settler road that passes to its north.

An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed the construction and said it was to deter stone throwers.

*gah*

It is nice to see a shout-out to FDL and David Dayen in that Newsy clip above…(~1:20)

Before I start in earnest, in another déjà vu moment… …”An Israeli committee approved 625 housing units in the illegal settlement of Pesgat Ze’ev north of Jerusalem, Israeli media reported during US President Barack Obama’s speech Thursday.”

Now, to put some proper perspective on Obama’s empty rhetoric, Israel’s foremost Apologist, Jeffrey Goldberg wrote…

…I’m amazed at the amount of insta-commentary out there suggesting that the President has proposed something radical and new by declaring that Israel’s 1967 borders should define — with land-swaps — the borders of a Palestinian state. I’m feeling a certain Groundhog Day effect here. This has been the basic idea for at least 12 years. This is what Bill Clinton, Ehud Barak and Yasser Arafat were talking about at Camp David, and later, at Taba. This is what George W. Bush was talking about with Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert. So what’s the huge deal here? Is there any non-delusional Israeli who doesn’t think that the 1967 border won’t serve as the rough outline of the new Palestinian state?

Exactly…! It’s the same old, same old…! As Philip Weiss quipped Obama won’t have to write another speech for AIPAC on Monday…

However, did the fact, that even Shrub had sought the same damn parameters, faze the Repugs…? Nope…

Mitt Romney: Obama threw Israel ‘under the bus’ in speech

…”He has disrespected Israel and undermined its ability to negotiate peace,” Romney said. “He has also violated a first principle of American foreign policy, which is to stand firm by our friends.”

I suppose the Mittster was merely following Bibi’s cue…

Netanyahu Rejects Obama Call for Palestinian State Based on 1967 Borders

…In a statement released late Thursday, Netanyahu said such a withdrawal would jeopardize Israel’s security and leave major West Bank settlements outside Israeli borders.

“Israel appreciates President Obama’s commitment to peace,” the statement said. “Israel believes that for peace to endure between Israelis and Palestinians, the viability of a Palestinian state cannot come at the expense of the viability of the one and only Jewish state. That is why Prime Minister Netanyahu expects to hear a reaffirmation from President Obama of U.S. commitments made to Israel in 2004. … Among other things, those commitments relate to Israel not having to withdraw to the 1967 lines.”

Israel’s Opposition Leader Tzipi Livni…

…Opposition leader Tzipi Livni, meanwhile, said that “ending the conflict by adopting the principle of two states for two people, while maintaining the security of Israel, is in Israel’s utmost interest.”

“The political stagnation endorsed by Netanyahu’s government does not serve the interests of Israel,” she said. “Netanyahu must demonstrate leadership and create the required conditions to resume negotiations.”

*ouch* A stinging rebuke… However, it was a mixed bag of reactions from the various Jewish groups…

On the Palestinian side…

Abbas calls meeting to discuss Obama speech

President Mahmoud Abbas has called an urgent meeting following US President Barrack Obama’s speech on the Middle East on Thursday, a PLO official said.

Saeb Erekat said Abbas affirmed his appreciation for Obama’s efforts to reach a comprehensive solution to the conflict and his remarks on the right to self-determination and dignity.

Erekat said the Palestinians remained committed to all previous agreements with Israel, “hoping that the Israeli government will do the same, to give the peace process the chance it deserves.”

But his tentative partners in the Islamist Hamas movement immediately called on Obama to take “concrete steps” not merely issue “slogans” in support of Palestinian independence and an end to Israeli occupation.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, however, said Obama’s speech amounted to “throwing dust in the eyes.” Hamas, he said, calls on the Palestinian leadership not to hang its hopes on the speech and to coordinate with Palestinian factions to confront “US-Israeli arrogance.”

To sum it up, here’s an excellent analysis from the Palestinian solidarity community… Rosa Parks’s bus doesn’t stop in this country…

And, finally… “I can’t hear you”

*gah*

From Arutz Sheva…

War Declared on Arab Lies and Incitement

The Knesset’s Committee on Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs discussed on Tuesday the influence of the Palestinian Authority’s propaganda on the safety and security of Jews living in the Diaspora.

“The most important thing to learn about Palestinian ideology is that there are two different messages,” said PMW Director Itamar Marcus. “There’s an English language message that they want the English language world to hear and there’s the Arabic language message. When we talk about recognition of the State of Israel, when you look at the internal Arabic world, the Palestinian Authority Fatah under Mahmoud Abbas, does not recognize Israel’s right to exist.”

During the meeting, committee chairman MK Danny Danon (Likud) said that Jews in the United States and France are afraid to walk around university campuses because of Arab propaganda. Danon called on the Foreign and Public Relations Ministries to move to the defensive and launch an Israeli satellite channel which would broadcast in Arabic and in English. [...]

…“We saw today in the committee that the Palestinian incitement crosses all borders. They’re using aggressive lies in order to fight Israel. We have to fight back and we’ve called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to start fighting.”

…“[I]t is sometimes more important to invest in Israeli PR than to invest in the Israeli army. We have to be very clear with the messages, and we’ve decided that we will start to fight back and the issues of Nakba and all the other lies should be answered immediately.”

Ummm, what exactly is AIPAC then…? Chopped liver…?

More Israeli paranoia…

Netanyahu is preparing for battle

Netanyahu’s remarks are good for fans of nuance and iteration, but are meaningless on the ground.

…In the pivotal portion of his speech, Netanyahu referred to the Palestinian girl at the Nakba Day demonstration in Bil’in who held a large key. “Every Palestinian understands what key this is. It is not the key to their homes in Bil’in or Nablus or Ramallah, it is the key to our homes in Jaffa, Acre, Haifa and Ramle.” The message is clear: We are fighting for our homes. “They” want to get rid of us and establish Palestine on the ruins of Israel. Now is the time to dig in and and fight them…

Talking about an immediate Israeli response… Monday, the Grey Lady published an op-ed from Mahmoud Abbas, an opening salvo, if you will…

The Long Overdue Palestinian State

…Palestine’s admission to the United Nations would pave the way for the internationalization of the conflict as a legal matter, not only a political one. It would also pave the way for us to pursue claims against Israel at the United Nations, human rights treaty bodies and the International Court of Justice.

Our quest for recognition as a state should not be seen as a stunt; too many of our men and women have been lost for us to engage in such political theater. We go to the United Nations now to secure the right to live free in the remaining 22 percent of our historic homeland because we have been negotiating with the State of Israel for 20 years without coming any closer to realizing a state of our own. We cannot wait indefinitely while Israel continues to send more settlers to the occupied West Bank and denies Palestinians access to most of our land and holy places, particularly in Jerusalem. Neither political pressure nor promises of rewards by the United States have stopped Israel’s settlement program.

Negotiations remain our first option, but due to their failure we are now compelled to turn to the international community to assist us in preserving the opportunity for a peaceful and just end to the conflict. Palestinian national unity is a key step in this regard. Contrary to what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel asserts, and can be expected to repeat this week during his visit to Washington, the choice is not between Palestinian unity or peace with Israel; it is between a two-state solution or settlement-colonies.

Bibi quickly thundered back, Abbas is “blatantly distorting known historical facts”…

But, I digress…

Now, two very interesting pieces on Mitchell’s resignation caught my eye today…

The first from The Japan Times, gives some great background…

U.S. envoy gives up

…It is a dispiriting end to a remarkable political career, and a signal of just how intractable the problems of the Middle East. The violence that erupted Sunday at Israel’s borders is the counterpoint to Mr. Mitchell’s resignation: a reminder that failure to make progress means that more lives will be forfeit.

Mr. Mitchell was appointed by U.S. President Barack Obama in January 2009 on the second day of his administration, a signal of the priority afforded resolution of the Israel-Palestine problem, an assignment that Mr. Obama called “the toughest job imaginable.” Few negotiators were better suited to the task. [...]

Yet even that skill set and list of accomplishments were not enough to break the impasse between Israelis and Palestinians. There was hope that Mr. Obama’s election would transform Middle East dynamics and that his administration would commit more resources to that intractable conflict. Neither proved true. Israelis looked at the new president with suspicion, and the promised diplomatic push never materialized.

Instead, whatever promise might have existed foundered on the intransigence that has blocked progress. By all accounts, the breaking point occurred last year when the United States could not persuade the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to freeze the construction of settlements on territories claimed by Palestine. Negotiations broke down and Mr. Mitchell lost patience. He has not visited the region since December.

Ma’an named names…

Arafat adviser: Mitchell resigned over deputy’s ‘bias’

…US Mideast peace envoy George Mitchell resigned because of the “extreme bias” of his deputy Dennis Ross.

Bassam Abu Shareef said Ross obstructed all US initiatives aiming to achieve progress in the peace process, and blamed the deputy’s bias for Mitchell’s resignation Saturday.

Abu Shareef said senior American officials informed him that Mitchell viewed the appointment of Ross a step to obstruct the peace process. He added that Mitchell believed Ross was working against US interests.

The official paraphrased comments he said were made by Mitchell during a meeting, where he asked: “How can Dennis Ross assist in the peace process when he refuses to meet with the Palestinians, when he despises their leadership and hates their president?”

Abu Shareef also said Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “rejects peace,” and would have no part of a Palestinian state with Hamas in its leadership.

Now, moving on to tomorrow’s Cairo 2 speech…

From Xinhua…

Israeli media reveals U.S. president’s forthcoming Mideast speech

…According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Obama will call on Israel to withdraw to the 1967 cease-fire lines with territorial adjustments that will be agreed on in the negotiations with the Palestinian National Authority. The president will label the West Bank settlements as “illegal” and emphasize that Israel must halt their construction.

Obama’s position on the settlement blocs, which Israel slates to remain under its sovereignty in any peace deal, is yet unclear.

The president is also expected to announce his solution regarding the status of Jerusalem and call for its division. The U. S. envisions the city as the shared capital of the two states, Israel and Palestine, side by side in peace.

Such a stand would essentially echo the so-called “Clinton Parameters” offered by then-president Bill Clinton in 2000, which called predominantly Arab neighborhoods to come under the Palestinian sovereignty while Jewish neighborhoods remaining within the Israeli territories.

Yediot

…The issue of Jerusalem is also expected to be addressed in the speech, where Obama will declare that the US considers the city to be the capital of both states — Israel and Palestine — which live side by side in peace. It appears that Obama will endorse in his speech President Clinton’s statement that the division of Jerusalem will be according to the following criterion: the neighborhoods that are populated by Palestinians will be included in the Palestinian state, and those with a majority of Jews will be under Israeli sovereignty.

According to one source exposed to talks among Netanyahu’s advisors ahead of the premier’s Friday meeting with the US president, Obama will define as illegal the settlements built in the territories after 1967. It is as yet unknown what will be Obama’s policy on the settlement blocs; in his speech on Monday Netanyahu noted he would demand that they remain under Israeli sovereignty.

Amidror and Arad tried to convince their interlocutors, headed by National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, to change some of the planned formulations in the speech. The Israeli side claimed that Obama’s outline will not enable true negotiations, and is in essence an endorsement of the Arab approach. A senior US administration official told the Israelis that they have no reason to act like a “surprised virgin.” “You know the US administration’s position; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton already elaborated on the details of the Israeli-Palestinian agreement last October,” the senior official said. In addition, Obama’s advisors believe that no dramatic change will befall the special relations between Israel and the US, following the speech…

I’d be a ‘surprised virgin’ if Obama dared to tell the AIPAC attendees that those Settlements were ‘illegal’…! I’ll guarantee ya that they’ll ignore the memo then… AIPAC: Don’t boo Obama

I thought Col. Lang best summed it up…

Victory for the Ross/Natanyahu team.

…Mitchell never had a chance. Israeli tribalism condemned him from the start on the basis of his alien Lebanese blood. Obama’s political debts decided the rest of the story.

Dennis Ross negotiating with Bibi Natanyahu! LOL “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all.” pl

US hails Bahrain as model of reform!

*gah*

Well, it’s about time that some of the prominent Proponents for the Palestinians made their voices heard…

Carter hails Hamas-Fatah reconciliation

The Carter Center, founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn, issues a statement commending the Palestinian organizations for its ‘vision’ of reunification of the Palestinian people.

This is also very encouraging on the part of the UN…

UN chief welcomes Palestinian unity deal

Ban Ki-moon says the unity agreement should not undermine peace with Israel and wants Abbas’ more moderate Fatah movement to lead any unity government.

Naturally, Israel is ‘very concerned’ over the plans to open the Gaza border with Egypt…

…Speaking on condition of anonymity, the Israeli official said Gaza’s Hamas rulers had already build up a “dangerous military machine” in northern Sinai which could be further strengthened by opening the border.

“We are very concerned about the situation in northern Sinai where Hamas has succeeded in building a dangerous military machine, despite Egyptian efforts to prevent that,” he told AFP, without giving further details.

“What power could they amass if Egypt was no longer acting to prevent that build up?”

FM Lieberman wasn’t so hesitant in displaying his Xenophobia…

Lieberman to Ashton: Hamas-Fatah reconciliation gives Hamas opening for West Bank takeover

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman cautions EU’s Catherine Ashton that reconciliation may mean takeover in West Bank similar to that in Gaza in 2007, may use West Bank to perpetrate terror against Israel.

To Abu Mazen’s credit, he’s also talking to the EU…

Now, looking at some hard-nosed analysis, Col. Pat Lang, no shrinking violet, calls it like he sees it…

…Israel does not want to make peace with the Palestinians except on the basis of the creation of a ‘bantustan’ that is neither a competitor economically nor a conceivable threat of any kind. In pursuit of that “end state” they want a Palestinian leadership that is compliant and “biddable” and that will not control the borders of its possible “state.” Neither may such a “state” have any armed forces.

Hamas refuses to recognise Israel as a permanent feature of the Middle East. Hamas has indicated its willingness to conclude a religiously binding truce with Israel for ten years. Such truces are indefinitely renewable, but that is not good enough for Israel. They want Palesinian acknowledgement of the permanent loss of part of their national homeland.

Bottom Line: These will be no peace in the Holy Land.

Interestingly, the Egyptian military junta brokered this deal. They did it in the certain knowledge that Israel would not accept a relationship with the resulting Palestinian union. If the Egyptian Army did this, what will the elected government do about the peace treaty with Israel and the gas pipeline to Israel?

Guess. pl

Btw, about that gas pipeline…

I’d also like to feature one of the comments on that particular thread of Pat’s…

I just returned from 2 weeks in Israel celebrating the Holidays as I always do. During my time there I listened to talks by Danny Ayalon, Benny Begin and Danny Danon, all members of Netanyahu’s inner cabinet.

It’s still clear from their statements about Netanyahu’s position on peace compromises that Israel is still pursuing the Allon Plan from the late 1960′s. This would break the West Bank into cantons without any direct contact to the outside world, as Pat mentioned.

The Jordan Valley would go to Israel, for supposed security reasons. Israel would expand Ma’ale Adumim all the way to Jericho cutting the West Bank in half. A new wrinkle has been added to the Allon Plan because the corridor encompassing Ariel is being expanded to include Eli and Shilo thus cutting the northern west bank half into two non-continguous cantons.

Just to add insult to injury I was in Kiryat Arba when municipal authorities were told not to worry since the Gush Etzion block would be expanded all the way out to Hebron to encompass the 10,000 Jews living in Kiryat Arba.

I have been going back and forth to Israel twice a year for more than 5 decades. Over that time I have watched my people and a country I love, slowly but surely losing it’s soul. It is stunning how much the people and country have changed since my bar mitzvah in Haifa in 1956.

Netanyahu’s coalition merely reflects the emotions and thoughts of the general public. That is why I am pessimistic about the future of peace. If Bibi is replaced, the next coalition will be just as insensitive to the needs of Palestinians or, for that matter, any gentiles. Only a SEVERE shock to the nation will alter its course and ensure its future.

Ironically, I’d argue that The Allon Plan is almost entirely completed…

Interestingly, maybe, Bibi is finally grasping the full scope of Mubarak’s demise, literal even: Egypt justice minister: Mubarak could face death penalty… But, I digress…

Netanyahu mulls sending envoy to Egypt for talks with interim leaders

PM’s possible Egypt outreach seen as a response to a comment by the Egyptian army chief who advised Israel not to interfere in Cairo’s decision to open the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza.

Oh snap…!

Incidently, I’m sure Bibi just adored this juicy tidbit:Muslim Brotherhood will run for half of Egypt’s parliament…

Here’s the latest overview of what is being agreed upon by Hamas and Fatah…

1. Elections: Both sides agreed to name members of the Central Elections Committee in accordance with the Palestinian factions. Both sides also agreed to present the candidacy of 12 judges as members of the Elections Court. The presidential and parliamentary elections would be held simultaneously one year after the signing of the accord.

2. PLO: Both sides agreed that the missions and decisions of the interim leadership could not be obstructed – and would not stand in contradiction with the authorities of the PLO Executive Committee.

3. Security: Both sides agreed on the formation of a higher security council, that would consist of professional officers.

4. Government: Both sides agreed on the formation of a Palestinian government and the appointment of a prime minister and cabinet ministers.

The government’s tasks would be to prepare for presidential and parliamentary elections; overseeing issues related to the internal reconciliation; rebuilding the Gaza Strip and ending the siege; implementing the unity agreement; tackling civilian and administrative matters resulting from the division and reuniting PA institutions.

5. Palestinian Legislative Council: Both sides agreed to revive the Palestinian Legislative Council (parliament) according to the Palestinian Basic Law.

I’d also add that both, Hamas and Fatah, have agreed to release the ‘political’ prisoners, non-criminal, each side has locked up…! Too bad Israel will probably only immediately arrest any Hamas member that Fatah does release…! But still, to me, that will be the most fundamental determinant in the subsequent success, or failure, of this push for Unity…!

All my fingers and toes are crossed…!

Stay tuned…

Here is the full transcript of Amb. Rice’s prepared remarks for the Security Council Debate on the Middle East yesterday…

Oo-wee, There is so much hot air, and, packed to the brim with so many hasbara talking points, that it needs to be fully unpacked, and, exposed as the blatant half-truths, and, even outright lies, that they’re based upon!

Now, where shall I begin…?

I do suppose the opening would be the best place…

We continue to consult with the Israelis and the Palestinians, as well as to work with the Quartet and our partners in the region, toward our shared goal of a two-state solution.

That would be a half-truth, I’m sure we’re talking to the Israelis daily, probably even with Abbas, but, about the Quartet…

Quartet meeting on Mideast delayed following pressure from US

US blocks Britain, France, Germany initiative to restart stalled Israeli-Palestinian talks. ‘It wasn’t right time,‘ says US official

Huh…?

Interestingly, even the U.N. urges bold new steps to relaunch the Mideast peace process…

But, moving along…

We will continue to work with the Palestinian people as they lay the foundations for a future Palestinian state. At the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting in Brussels on April 13, the United States welcomed the progress the Palestinian Authority has made on the crucial task of building public institutions, capacities, and improving conditions for economic growth. We also underscored the importance of moving forward on the other track: political negotiations that will result in a future Palestinian state. Palestinians deserve the dignity and justice of a state of their own and the freedom to chart their own destiny

Their own destiny, eh…? Isn’t it sad that Israel felt the need to seal off the West Bank for the duration of Passover…? All ten days…! However, it’s all kosher good: “Closure is in keeping with the Israeli practice of securing West Bank ahead of Jewish festivals.”

However, I will call even more Bull shit…! Obama Aide: US ‘Consistent’ in Opposing Palestinian Statehood…

…Says Palestinian Statehood Only Possible If Israel Agrees

…President Obama’s top Mideast aide Dennis Ross insisted that the Obama Administration has been “consistent” in its opposition to recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Ross insisted that a Palestinian state could never be created by a UN resolution, but only through agreement by the Israeli forces to tolerate its creation. The Palestinian Authority has been pushing for international recognition.

But this effort is coming not as a way of undercutting direct talks with Israel, but as a consequence of those talks breaking down in September when Israel restarted the settlement construction. Israeli officials have repeatedly insisted since them that peace is entirely impossible, and many in the government have ruled out ever allowing Palestinian statehood.

Next up on the chopping block…

Mr. President, we condemn, in the strongest possible terms, recent attacks on innocent civilians. We are deeply concerned by the escalation of rocket and mortar fire from Gaza into southern Israel. We are particularly disturbed by reports indicating the increased use of advanced weaponry, including rockets, in attacks against Israeli civilians. After enduring dozens of rocket attacks on civilian targets in southern Israel—including the deeply disturbing use of an advanced anti-tank missile in a fatal attack on a yellow school bus—Israel responded by exercising its inalienable right to self-defense.

We must work together to stop Hamas and other violent extremists from launching terrorist attacks and bringing increased misery to the people of Gaza. Let there be no doubt: there is no justification for targeting innocent civilians, and those responsible for these terrorist acts must be held accountable…

The Israelis always had an ‘inalienable right of self-defense’, however, the Palestinians aren’t afforded that very same ‘inalienable right’…? I’m an ardent advocate of Nonviolence, but, the concept of a ‘Disproportionate Response’ needs to be addressed fully…! But, I do digress…

The United States remains concerned about conditions in Gaza. We note that the humanitarian situation has improved over the last year, including increases in the range and scope of goods and materials moving in, an increase in international reconstruction activity, and a gradual expansion of exports. We will continue to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and others to do more to ensure that the people of Gaza’s needs are being met…

Bull Shit, again…! Even her own State Dept. just recently reported that said conditions in Gaza have only gotten worse, over the past year alone… (They’d even went so far as to state that the HR condition: “Israel’s “Principal Human Rights Problems Were Institutional, Legal, And Societal Discrimination”… i.e. ‘Apartheid’)

Principal human rights problems related to Israeli authorities in the West Bank were reports of excessive use of force against civilians, including killings, torture of Palestinian detainees, improper use of security detention procedures, austere and overcrowded detention facilities, demolition and confiscation of Palestinian properties, limits on freedom of expression and assembly, and severe restrictions on Palestinians’ internal and external freedom of movement. Additionally the IDF, in some cases, failed to pursue investigations and disciplinary actions related to violations. Violence by Israeli settlers was also reported. The IDF imposed serious restrictions on the importation of goods into the Gaza Strip and general prohibition on external travel for Gazans.

Moving along with Ms. Rice’s bullshit remarks…

Mr. President, we strongly condemn Iran’s recent attempts to export advanced weapons and munitions in violation of several Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 1747. The interception of Iranian weapons in Turkey, along the Egyptian-Sudanese border, and aboard the M/V Victoria, which was carrying sophisticated anti-ship cruise missiles and other munitions, all clearly demonstrate that Iran is trying to flout this Council’s will—dramatically increasing the risks of conflict and instability in the region. We urge all member states to make clear to Iran the consequences for regional security of its reckless behavior. All countries have obligations under Security Council resolutions to prevent illicit trafficking in arms and ammunition.

Funny how Iran gets all that overheated rhetoric about ‘illegal’ arms trafficking, yet, not realizing the fact the US is No. 1, and, Israel is No. 4, legal or otherwise, in the World…!

Now, moving along… This utter BS has me ‘up-in-arms’…

We are also deeply concerned about reports that groups are organizing another flotilla that will attempt to sail to Gaza, ostensibly to deliver humanitarian assistance. The recent seizures of advanced weaponry underscore that Israel has clear security interests regarding cargo bound for Gaza. There are existing mechanisms to deliver goods to Gaza, and there is no justification for attempts to sail directly to Gaza. We therefore urge strongly all those who wish to deliver goods and assistance to Gaza to do so through existing mechanisms and avoid any provocative actions.

Notwithstanding the fact that the last ‘flotilla’ had had it’s cargo thoroughly inspected at every port they’d docked at, or had set sail from, and, even their own ‘investigation’ of the Mavi Marmarra incident, had concluded no real weapons, nor, illicit material was found anywhere on board…! Who are we to denounce such efforts…?

Anyways, isn’t it fascinating to see that even Fatah is endorsing the latest Gaza Flotilla…?

Sha’ath: Fatah to Take Part in Next Gaza Flottila

Nabil Sha’ath, a member of the Fatah central committee, announced on Thursday that the movement headed by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas will take part in the next flotilla aimed at breaking Israel’s naval blockade on Hamas-controlled Gaza. Interviewed by Nazareth-based Al-Shams radio, Sha’ath said Fatah supports every grass-roots or international activity whose goal is to break the blockade.

Sha’ath said that Abbas has granted Palestinian Authority citizenship to everyone who has taken part in a flotilla. Asked if he would participate himself, Sha’ath said he would be honored to, although it was not on the agenda right now.

This has Bibi’s knickers all in a knot…

Israel: New Gaza flotilla has ties to Hamas, terrorist organizations

Israel’s ambassador to UN warns the organization not to allow new flotilla, planned for May, to launch; U.S., Germany also call on flotilla organizers to find other ways to deliver aid to Gaza.

Now, moving along to the last of Amb. Rice’s specific remarks on the I/P…

Mr. President, as colleagues know, the Goldstone Report is back in the news. We have long said the issues it raised should be resolved through credible domestic investigations and follow-up. Israel has the democratic institutions and ability to carry out serious investigations—and is doing so. Justice Goldstone recently concluded that Israel has undertaken an appropriate review process and made changes in its combat doctrine. As we made clear when the Goldstone Report was first presented, we did not see evidence that the Israeli government intentionally targeted civilians. Justice Goldstone has now reached the same conclusion. He also concluded that Hamas has “done nothing” to investigate the “allegations of its war crimes and possible crimes against humanity.” The United States urges the United Nations to end, once and for all, its actions in relation to the Goldstone Report…

Again, that is utter BS on the Goldstone Report… As I’d noted in my last diary…

Wikileaks: Exposed The United States’ Heavy-Handed Efforts to Help Israel at The UN And The UN’s Complicity…

…The new documents, though consistent with public U.S. statements at the time opposing a U.N. investigation into Israeli military operations, reveal in extraordinary detail how America wields its power behind closed doors at the United Nations. They also demonstrate how the United States and Israel were granted privileged access to highly sensitive internal U.N. deliberations on an “independent” U.N. board of inquiry into the Gaza war, raising questions about the independence of the process… [...]

…We also continue to fight for fair and normal treatment everyday for Israel throughout the United Nations system. The tough issues between Israelis and Palestinians can be resolved only by direct negotiations between the parties, not in New York. That’s why the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution in February that risked hardening both sides’ positions. We consistently oppose anti-Israel resolutions in the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly, and wherever they may arise.

But, this is also the very country that there’s “no daylight” between it and the U.S., according to our very own Vice-President Joe Biden…

‘US support for Israel must continue forever,’ says Biden…

US Vice President Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech in support of Israel at the Jewish Federations of North American’s General Assembly in New Orleans on Sunday, saying whatever differences have recently existed between the White House and Jerusalem these were tactical rather than fundamental.

He reiterated what he said was the Obama administration’s deep commitment to Israel’s security and to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons… …“When it comes to Israel’s security there can be no daylight – no daylight – between Israel and the US,” he said…

Ironically, I’m truly perplexed as to what ‘points’ Bibi is truly set to score by his appearance before a joint session of Congress… Netanyahu address a bid to ‘score points’… What’s the difference between our AIPAC-bought and paid for-Congress, and the Knesset…?

I seriously think Abbas should ‘hand back the keys’… Which way – Palestinian statehood, or “returning the keys?”

After all, Obama is now refusing to honor one of the fundamental issues of the Peace Process…

Obama peace plan ‘rules out right of return’

…If US President Barack Obama puts forward an American plan in the coming days, it will likely include four principles, or terms of reference, built around the final status issues, The New York Times reported.

According to the report, the terms of reference could call for Israel to accept a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. For their part, the Palestinians would have to accept that they would not get the right of return, to land in Israel from which they fled or were forced to flee. Jerusalem would be the capital of both states, and Israeli security would have to be protected, according to officials who spoke to the daily.

Also Thursday, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume peace talks immediately, Israel Radio reported. Washington believes the only way to reach a two-state solution is by means of negotiations, and a return to the negotiating table is in both sides’ interest, she said…

So, what exactly should Bibi and Abbas talk about at the ‘table’, Madame Hillary…? The weather…?

*gah*