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August 14, 2011 Best of TomDispatch: Noam Chomsky on Terrorizing Cuba
[Note for TomDispatch Readers: Just
a little reminder that if you are already an Amazon.com customer and
go to that site to purchase anything via a TomDispatch book link or
book cover image, we get a small percentage of whatever you spend at no
extra cost to you. It’s one way of contributing to this site and
provides a small but steady stream of revenue that’s most useful. So,
many thanks to those of you who remember. Tom]
Back in October 2003, when I posted this excerpt from Noam Chomsky’s book Hegemony or Survival (the first but hardly the last piece of his to appear at TomDispatch), I wrote: “Those of us of a certain age are unlikely to forget ‘the most dangerous moment in human history’ -- the Cuban missile crisis. I remember hearing John F. Kennedy's address that night -- I was 18 -- and wondering quite seriously if I wouldn't be toast by the next day. It was certainly the culmination of all those years when, as children, we ‘ducked and covered’ under our school desks like ‘Bert the turtle,’ while sirens screamed outside and everyone dreamed their own private dreams about how the world might end.” But when the crisis passed for us, it didn’t for the Cubans. They were by then embroiled in an early version of an American War (not on but) of Terror. No one has written more powerfully or consistently on the subject of state violence and state terror or reminded us more powerfully or consistently that "terror" isn't primarily what small stateless bands of fanatics deliver to large and powerful states than Chomsky. History is, in a sense, a history of state terror, and the United States was a practitioner of the form, in the case of Cuba, with unrelenting perseverance and relish for nearly half a century. In these dog days of summer 2011, a little reminder of the history of American-style terror might indeed be just what the doctor ordered, especially at a moment when the SEALs who went down in that helicopter in Afghanistan last week are being nationally eulogized as superhuman, the embodiment of everything good and right in this country, as well as (in the president’s words) part of “literally, the finest small-fighting force that has ever existed in the world." To the Afghans who have experienced thousands of U.S. special operations night raids in the last couple of years, to Pakistanis in the tribal borderlands who are regularly terrorized by the CIA’s drone war against al-Qaeda and the Taliban (including at least 164 children who have died in these strikes), to Iraqis who have had and continue to have similar experiences -- to those, that is, who can’t descend destructively from the heavens, the U.S. global war on terror remains terror itself, as it was to Cubans for decades after Fidel Castro took power in that country. (On this subject, Chomsky recommends a new book by Kelth Bolander in which he had a hand, Voices from the Other Side: An Oral History of Terrorism Against Cuba.) Noor Behram, a Pakistani from Waziristan who has been photographing the aftermath of drone strikes in his local area, offers this description of what it’s like to experience them on the ground: “There are just pieces of flesh lying around after a strike. You can't find bodies. So the locals pick up the flesh and curse America. They say that America is killing us inside our own country, inside our own homes, and only because we are Muslims. The youth in the area surrounding a strike get crazed. Hatred builds up inside those who have seen a drone attack. The Americans think it is working, but the damage they're doing is far greater." It’s a point recently made in another way by no less a figure than retired admiral and former Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair, who called for the CIA’s drone war to be grounded as counterproductive. So, on this summer Sunday, take a little plunge into the world of terror before “terror” became an American byword, and so, by definition, what they do to us. Tom Cuba in the Crosshairs |
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1. Report: Abbas and Peres Secretly Met Four Times
by Elad Benari
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmud Abbas held four secret meetings with Israeli President Shimon Peres in a bid to revive stalled peace talks, a PA official told AFP on Saturday.
The official quoted Abbas as saying at a meeting of his Fatah party on Friday, “I met Shimon Peres four times in Amman and London in an attempt to restart negotiations and the peace process on a correct foundation.
He did not state what Peres wished to promise Abbas that PM Netanyahu did not sanction. Peres is the architect of the disastrous Oslo Accords which were negotiated behind the backs of the Israeli public and the Knesset. Then-Prime Minister Rabin himself only heard of them a year after they had begun.
“Shimon Peres assured me that the negotiations between us could lead to results that could be adopted by the Netanyahu government,” the official quoted Abbas as saying, but noted that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu thwarted those efforts.
“After the first four meetings, a fifth was scheduled in Amman, but Shimon Peres apologized and said, ‘I’m sorry but the government does not accept that we negotiate and I cannot do anything,’” Abbas said at the Friday gathering, according to the official.
Earlier this month it was reported that a meeting that was supposed to have been held between Peres and Abbas had been cancelled at Peres’ request.
Israel's president's role is defined as ceremonial and apolitical, but Peres, more than any other president in Israel's history, has ignored that. His views on concessions to the PA are different from those of Israel's elected government.
Fatah Central Committee member Nabil Shaath announced that the meeting had been cancelled because Peres claimed that he had received nothing from Netanyahu that he could present to Abbas.
Peres is the coiner of the term "New Middle East", his prediction that economic prosperity, helped and promoted by Israel, would bring peace, which has turned into a non-brainer as the "Arab Spring" brings violence and more virulent anti-Israel hatred to the Middle East.
A spokesman for Peres declined to comment about Saturday’s AFP report.
Earlier on Saturday, PA Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Malki told AFP that the Palestinian Authority statehood bid will be presented to the United Nations on September 20.
“Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas will personally present the request to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the opening of the sixty-sixth session (Sept 20),” Malki said.
In response, Netanyahu’s office described the announcement as “expected and unfortunate.”
“It seems that Abu Mazen [Abbas] has decided to avoid direct negotiations,” a PMO statement said.
Bypassing negotiatons means giving up on the idea of achieving peace with Israel.
Comment on this story
by Elad Benari
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmud Abbas held four secret meetings with Israeli President Shimon Peres in a bid to revive stalled peace talks, a PA official told AFP on Saturday.
The official quoted Abbas as saying at a meeting of his Fatah party on Friday, “I met Shimon Peres four times in Amman and London in an attempt to restart negotiations and the peace process on a correct foundation.
He did not state what Peres wished to promise Abbas that PM Netanyahu did not sanction. Peres is the architect of the disastrous Oslo Accords which were negotiated behind the backs of the Israeli public and the Knesset. Then-Prime Minister Rabin himself only heard of them a year after they had begun.
“Shimon Peres assured me that the negotiations between us could lead to results that could be adopted by the Netanyahu government,” the official quoted Abbas as saying, but noted that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu thwarted those efforts.
“After the first four meetings, a fifth was scheduled in Amman, but Shimon Peres apologized and said, ‘I’m sorry but the government does not accept that we negotiate and I cannot do anything,’” Abbas said at the Friday gathering, according to the official.
Earlier this month it was reported that a meeting that was supposed to have been held between Peres and Abbas had been cancelled at Peres’ request.
Israel's president's role is defined as ceremonial and apolitical, but Peres, more than any other president in Israel's history, has ignored that. His views on concessions to the PA are different from those of Israel's elected government.
Fatah Central Committee member Nabil Shaath announced that the meeting had been cancelled because Peres claimed that he had received nothing from Netanyahu that he could present to Abbas.
Peres is the coiner of the term "New Middle East", his prediction that economic prosperity, helped and promoted by Israel, would bring peace, which has turned into a non-brainer as the "Arab Spring" brings violence and more virulent anti-Israel hatred to the Middle East.
A spokesman for Peres declined to comment about Saturday’s AFP report.
Earlier on Saturday, PA Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Malki told AFP that the Palestinian Authority statehood bid will be presented to the United Nations on September 20.
“Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas will personally present the request to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the opening of the sixty-sixth session (Sept 20),” Malki said.
In response, Netanyahu’s office described the announcement as “expected and unfortunate.”
“It seems that Abu Mazen [Abbas] has decided to avoid direct negotiations,” a PMO statement said.
Bypassing negotiatons means giving up on the idea of achieving peace with Israel.
Comment on this story
2. Report: Ilan Grapel Threatened Suicide in Egyptian Jail
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
American-Israeli Ilan Grapel, arrested in Egypt on charges of spying and subversion in anti-government protests, threatened suicide if he is not allowed to meet with Israeli Ambassador Yitzchak Levanon, the Kuwaiti newspaper Al Jirida reported Sunday.
After being treated politely following his arrest three months ago, the Egyptian provisional military regime has become increasingly anti-American and anti-Israeli. The Kuwaiti newspaper stated that authorities have refused to allow Grapel to write his family, but New York’s Bayside Patch website said he spoke with his family early last week.
A hunger strike by Grapel at the beginning of the month failed to sway Egyptian authorities, who claim that he is an agent for the Mossad and encouraged Egyptians to encourage rebellion.
Grapel spent most of his life in the United States but moved to Israel temporarily in order to enlist in the IDF. He spoke Arabic and was active in pro-Arab rallies, frequently traveling to Arab countries. He travelled to Egypt in May on a service trip organized by New York’s Emory University, according to Bayside Patch
His appearance in Cairo in a full-fledged IDF uniform made it seem very improbable that he was a Mossad agent, but the military regime in Cairo saw him as an instigator and arrested him.
He initially enjoyed phone calls and letters with his family and contact with American officials, but his continued stay in prison has left him more isolated as approaches his 18th birthday Wednesday.
Comment on this story
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
American-Israeli Ilan Grapel, arrested in Egypt on charges of spying and subversion in anti-government protests, threatened suicide if he is not allowed to meet with Israeli Ambassador Yitzchak Levanon, the Kuwaiti newspaper Al Jirida reported Sunday.
After being treated politely following his arrest three months ago, the Egyptian provisional military regime has become increasingly anti-American and anti-Israeli. The Kuwaiti newspaper stated that authorities have refused to allow Grapel to write his family, but New York’s Bayside Patch website said he spoke with his family early last week.
A hunger strike by Grapel at the beginning of the month failed to sway Egyptian authorities, who claim that he is an agent for the Mossad and encouraged Egyptians to encourage rebellion.
Grapel spent most of his life in the United States but moved to Israel temporarily in order to enlist in the IDF. He spoke Arabic and was active in pro-Arab rallies, frequently traveling to Arab countries. He travelled to Egypt in May on a service trip organized by New York’s Emory University, according to Bayside Patch
His appearance in Cairo in a full-fledged IDF uniform made it seem very improbable that he was a Mossad agent, but the military regime in Cairo saw him as an instigator and arrested him.
He initially enjoyed phone calls and letters with his family and contact with American officials, but his continued stay in prison has left him more isolated as approaches his 18th birthday Wednesday.
Comment on this story
3. Analysis: Syria and the 'Saudi Dawn'
by Gavriel Queenann
As the Obama administration appears reticent and issues tepid condemnations on world events, Saudi Arabia has become bolder in its strategy for dealing with the turmoil in the Mideast.
No longer willing to wait for Washington's cue, the Saudis are aggressively trying to influence the regional turmoil and boost its twin goals — protect fellow royal houses and isolate its rival, Iran.
The more decisive Saudi policies by King Abdullah were on full display last week as he took the lead among Arab nations by removing his ambassador from Syria and demanding an "end to the killing machine" of President Bashar Al Assad's regime in a startlingly strong condemnation of Damascus' bloody suppression of protesters.
It was the first time Saudi Arabia has weighed in publicly on Syria's upheaval — and demonstrated the Saudis' willingness to shift gears dramatically as needed if their interests, and those of their fellow Arab monarchies, require it.
To date Saudi Arabia has been the region's pro-status quo, anti-Arab Spring power.
The reason for the shift, of course, is Iran. For the Saudis, the revolt in Syria is a chance to strike at one of the key pillars of Iran's regional influence.
Golden Opportunity
"Saudi Arabia sees this as a golden opportunity to further chip away at Iran's influence in the Arab Middle East and also ... to change the strategic map," Theodore Karasik, a regional affairs expert at the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, said.
"This is going to make your foreign policy more robust and aggressive," he said of the Saudis.
But that doesn't come without some potential complications for Saudi Arabia. Stronger Saudi policies open the risks of friction with Washington, which is Saudi Arabia's main arms supplier and had counted on Saudi support to push US interests in the Arab world.
Analysts say there is virtually no chance of a serious rift, and US and Saudi officials are on the same page on other pivotal showdowns, such as efforts to get Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down after months of protest and bloodshed.
Saudi Dawn
But Saudi Arabia's short term reliance and alliance with the US may not be in King Abdullah's long-term plans, especially in light of the Obama administration's open desire for the United States to step back from being the global engine and leave "allies" to lead in their regions.
The Saudis, who play a pivotal and driving role in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, are at the heart of efforts to transform the GCC into a unified diplomatic and military confederation to counter Iran's influence and rise to being the region's primary power player.
The GCC, comprised of the Gulf's six Sunni Arab monarchies, has also moved to include the world's remaining two Arab monarchies -- Jordan and Morocco -- as King Abdullah has actively sought to solidify GCC alliances with his royal houses via royal marriages.
The Obama administration may find its own reluctance to take decisive action has given rise to the Saudi dawn.
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann
As the Obama administration appears reticent and issues tepid condemnations on world events, Saudi Arabia has become bolder in its strategy for dealing with the turmoil in the Mideast.
No longer willing to wait for Washington's cue, the Saudis are aggressively trying to influence the regional turmoil and boost its twin goals — protect fellow royal houses and isolate its rival, Iran.
The more decisive Saudi policies by King Abdullah were on full display last week as he took the lead among Arab nations by removing his ambassador from Syria and demanding an "end to the killing machine" of President Bashar Al Assad's regime in a startlingly strong condemnation of Damascus' bloody suppression of protesters.
It was the first time Saudi Arabia has weighed in publicly on Syria's upheaval — and demonstrated the Saudis' willingness to shift gears dramatically as needed if their interests, and those of their fellow Arab monarchies, require it.
To date Saudi Arabia has been the region's pro-status quo, anti-Arab Spring power.
The reason for the shift, of course, is Iran. For the Saudis, the revolt in Syria is a chance to strike at one of the key pillars of Iran's regional influence.
Golden Opportunity
"Saudi Arabia sees this as a golden opportunity to further chip away at Iran's influence in the Arab Middle East and also ... to change the strategic map," Theodore Karasik, a regional affairs expert at the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, said.
"This is going to make your foreign policy more robust and aggressive," he said of the Saudis.
But that doesn't come without some potential complications for Saudi Arabia. Stronger Saudi policies open the risks of friction with Washington, which is Saudi Arabia's main arms supplier and had counted on Saudi support to push US interests in the Arab world.
Analysts say there is virtually no chance of a serious rift, and US and Saudi officials are on the same page on other pivotal showdowns, such as efforts to get Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down after months of protest and bloodshed.
Saudi Dawn
But Saudi Arabia's short term reliance and alliance with the US may not be in King Abdullah's long-term plans, especially in light of the Obama administration's open desire for the United States to step back from being the global engine and leave "allies" to lead in their regions.
The Saudis, who play a pivotal and driving role in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, are at the heart of efforts to transform the GCC into a unified diplomatic and military confederation to counter Iran's influence and rise to being the region's primary power player.
The GCC, comprised of the Gulf's six Sunni Arab monarchies, has also moved to include the world's remaining two Arab monarchies -- Jordan and Morocco -- as King Abdullah has actively sought to solidify GCC alliances with his royal houses via royal marriages.
The Obama administration may find its own reluctance to take decisive action has given rise to the Saudi dawn.
Comment on this story
4. Report: Galloway's Interpal Still Backing Hamas
by Gavriel Queenann
A notoriously anti-Israel charity banned in Australia, Israel, and the US for directly supporting the Hamas terror ogranization will be bringing its fifth "aid convoy" to Gaza via Sinai, the Information Center for Intelligence and Terrorism reports.
Interpal, a London-based aid network set up in the early 1990s to ostensibly provide aid Palestinian Authority administered areas, has weathered three investigations into its activities in Britain, but was banned in the US in 2003 for using its global humanitarian missions as a cover for generating money on behalf of Hamas.
It was also outlawed in Australia in 2003 for allegedly being linked to terrorist activities. A bid to have its proscription revoked in Australia by Interpal was rejected in 2005 by Alexander Downer, the Australian Foreign Minister at the time.
The Center reports its investigation revealed Interpal, backed by prominent Scottish MP George Galloway, continues to play a key role in transferring funds and and aid to Hamas. Interpal most frequently does so through the "The Union of Good," an umbrella organization that includes dozens of Islamic funds worldwide who pass funds to Hamas institutions.
Of particular note, however, is Interpal's involvement in mounting aid convoys from Sinai to Gaza under the "Miles of Smiles" initiative. The convoys, which enter Gaza via Sinai with the consent of Egypt's government, continue to arrive, with the next one expected in August and two more expected before November.
The August convoy has departed from South Africa and will pass through Sudan before arriving in Gaza raising concerns it will pick up terrorist fighters and munitions for Hamas along the way.
"Although we do not have concrete and current information about this convoy," a spokesman for the center said, "we know in the past (2009) a convoy was accompanied by Interpal officials. During the 'Viva Palestina' convoy, MP George Galloway gave a package of bank notes to the Minister of National Economy Hamas government. A year later he stated that he transferred £ 1.4 million to Ismail Haniyeh."
Hamas emerged in 1987 as the 'Palestinian' branch of the Muslim Brotherhood and has political, social and military wings. Its military wing, Izz al-Din al-Qassem Brigades, has been responsible for numerous suicide attacks in Israel, as well as the near daily rocket and mortar attacks on Israel's Gaza belt communities since 2001.
According to the US Treasury Department list of specially designated blocked persons and organizations, Interpal operates under 13 other known aliases. Interpal is heavily vested in anti-Israel propaganda and BDS activities.
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann
A notoriously anti-Israel charity banned in Australia, Israel, and the US for directly supporting the Hamas terror ogranization will be bringing its fifth "aid convoy" to Gaza via Sinai, the Information Center for Intelligence and Terrorism reports.
Interpal, a London-based aid network set up in the early 1990s to ostensibly provide aid Palestinian Authority administered areas, has weathered three investigations into its activities in Britain, but was banned in the US in 2003 for using its global humanitarian missions as a cover for generating money on behalf of Hamas.
It was also outlawed in Australia in 2003 for allegedly being linked to terrorist activities. A bid to have its proscription revoked in Australia by Interpal was rejected in 2005 by Alexander Downer, the Australian Foreign Minister at the time.
The Center reports its investigation revealed Interpal, backed by prominent Scottish MP George Galloway, continues to play a key role in transferring funds and and aid to Hamas. Interpal most frequently does so through the "The Union of Good," an umbrella organization that includes dozens of Islamic funds worldwide who pass funds to Hamas institutions.
Of particular note, however, is Interpal's involvement in mounting aid convoys from Sinai to Gaza under the "Miles of Smiles" initiative. The convoys, which enter Gaza via Sinai with the consent of Egypt's government, continue to arrive, with the next one expected in August and two more expected before November.
The August convoy has departed from South Africa and will pass through Sudan before arriving in Gaza raising concerns it will pick up terrorist fighters and munitions for Hamas along the way.
"Although we do not have concrete and current information about this convoy," a spokesman for the center said, "we know in the past (2009) a convoy was accompanied by Interpal officials. During the 'Viva Palestina' convoy, MP George Galloway gave a package of bank notes to the Minister of National Economy Hamas government. A year later he stated that he transferred £ 1.4 million to Ismail Haniyeh."
Hamas emerged in 1987 as the 'Palestinian' branch of the Muslim Brotherhood and has political, social and military wings. Its military wing, Izz al-Din al-Qassem Brigades, has been responsible for numerous suicide attacks in Israel, as well as the near daily rocket and mortar attacks on Israel's Gaza belt communities since 2001.
According to the US Treasury Department list of specially designated blocked persons and organizations, Interpal operates under 13 other known aliases. Interpal is heavily vested in anti-Israel propaganda and BDS activities.
Comment on this story
5. Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza Exporting Aid!
by Gavriel Queenann
In another sign that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza isn't all it is said to be, Gazans are sending aid to Somalia.
Imams in mosques in the Gaza strip mentioned Somalia during Friday prayers last week and asked Gazans to donate to their brothers there.
Moreover, the Arab Doctors Union Gaza branch ran a campaign asking the people of Gaza to donate to people of Somalia.
The campaign, called "From Gaza hand in hand to save the children of Somalia", will last throughout Ramadan.
The Union took out advertisements supporting the campaign in local radios and websites to encourage people to contribute to the campaign. It is planning advertisements on local television also.
Various people responded to the campaign, but most donations came from the local non-governmental organisations and some wealthy businessmen, according to the organizers of the campaign.
One of the donors, Mohammed Abd Al Latif said, "I saw the pictures of our brothers in Somalia and felt so sorry for them; I wanted to do anything to help."
"The campaign aimed at demonstrating the extent of physical cohesion between the besieged Gaza and Somalia, showing that the Palestinian people are capable of supporting and standing by the Somali people," said Ahmad Hathat, the public relations officer of the Union.
The charity campaign underscores the fact that Gaza is swimming in surplus aid from an international community willing to underwrite the national aspirations of Fatah and Hamas to the extent that their enclaves have become transit points, rather than a destination, for aid.
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann
In another sign that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza isn't all it is said to be, Gazans are sending aid to Somalia.
Imams in mosques in the Gaza strip mentioned Somalia during Friday prayers last week and asked Gazans to donate to their brothers there.
Moreover, the Arab Doctors Union Gaza branch ran a campaign asking the people of Gaza to donate to people of Somalia.
The campaign, called "From Gaza hand in hand to save the children of Somalia", will last throughout Ramadan.
The Union took out advertisements supporting the campaign in local radios and websites to encourage people to contribute to the campaign. It is planning advertisements on local television also.
Various people responded to the campaign, but most donations came from the local non-governmental organisations and some wealthy businessmen, according to the organizers of the campaign.
One of the donors, Mohammed Abd Al Latif said, "I saw the pictures of our brothers in Somalia and felt so sorry for them; I wanted to do anything to help."
"The campaign aimed at demonstrating the extent of physical cohesion between the besieged Gaza and Somalia, showing that the Palestinian people are capable of supporting and standing by the Somali people," said Ahmad Hathat, the public relations officer of the Union.
The charity campaign underscores the fact that Gaza is swimming in surplus aid from an international community willing to underwrite the national aspirations of Fatah and Hamas to the extent that their enclaves have become transit points, rather than a destination, for aid.
Comment on this story
6. Report: IDF Drones Over Kurdistan?
by Gavriel Queenanns
An unfonfirmed report by Iran's Press-TV claims the IDF recently stepped up its operations in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region and is planning to deploy six unmanned aerial vehicles, intelligence agents and military consultants in the region.
According to the report, Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani has agreed to the concession in return for the admission of a number of Iraqi Kurd students to Israeli universities. Barzani reportedly approved the deployment without the permission of the central government in Baghdad.
Four of the aircraft will be stationed at the Khalidiyah airbase in the northern oil city of Kirkuk and two others will go to the airport in the city of Mosul, the report claimed.
The report further claimed that Israeli intelligence agents and military advisers, equipped with special transmission devices, are also being sent to train security forces in Mosul.
Defense experts say the drones are more likely Israeli-made Heron drones operated by Turkey -- who makes extensive use of Israeli technology despite the current diplomatic spat between the two nations -- and not the IDF.
Turkey purchased 10 Heron drones from Israel for $183 Million in 2008.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has warned Israel and the US against launching a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenanns
An unfonfirmed report by Iran's Press-TV claims the IDF recently stepped up its operations in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region and is planning to deploy six unmanned aerial vehicles, intelligence agents and military consultants in the region.
According to the report, Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani has agreed to the concession in return for the admission of a number of Iraqi Kurd students to Israeli universities. Barzani reportedly approved the deployment without the permission of the central government in Baghdad.
Four of the aircraft will be stationed at the Khalidiyah airbase in the northern oil city of Kirkuk and two others will go to the airport in the city of Mosul, the report claimed.
The report further claimed that Israeli intelligence agents and military advisers, equipped with special transmission devices, are also being sent to train security forces in Mosul.
Defense experts say the drones are more likely Israeli-made Heron drones operated by Turkey -- who makes extensive use of Israeli technology despite the current diplomatic spat between the two nations -- and not the IDF.
Turkey purchased 10 Heron drones from Israel for $183 Million in 2008.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has warned Israel and the US against launching a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Comment on this story
7. IDF Welcomes 62,000 PA Arabs to Jerusalem for Ramadan
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Easing of IDF restrictions has allowed 62,000 Palestinian Authority Arabs to visit Jerusalem since the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan two weeks ago, the military reported.
"This is a large amount that continues to increase from week to week” and allows Arabs to pray at sites that also are holy to Jews and to visit families, said head of Civilian Affairs Department, Col. Alex Rosenzweig.
IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved the easing of restrictions, in coordination with the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Brig. Gen. Eitan Dangot.
The relaxation of security measures during Ramadan also has allowed more Palestinian Authority businessmen to travel in all of Israel. Extended hours have been implemented at checkpoints and for Muslim prayers at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hevron.
"In spite of IDF operations against the Hamas terror organization in Gaza, it's important to us to help the uninvolved Palestinian residents," said Col. Rosenzweig.
In contrast, in Jerusalem, Arabs carried out acts of violence and vandalism against Jews on the fast day of Tisha B’Av, which marks the end of the three-week period of mourning over the destruction of the First and Second Temples. Muslim clerics and Palestinian Authority leaders increasingly have denied any Jewish connection with the Temple Mount.
Due to the sensitivity of the Palestinian population during this month, the District Coordination Offices representatives instructed all the forces operating in these areas on how to interact with the residents.
"We handed out information packets on Ramadan traditions and events to all combat soldiers and bodies operating in the area to prevent any potential conflict with the population," said Col. Rosentzweig. "The combat soldiers are instructed to be tolerant and refrain from eating and drinking in front of the fasting Palestinians."
The month of Ramadan comes out at a different time and season each year, due to the lack of compensating leap years in the Arab lunar calendar, whose year is shorter by 11 days than the solar year. The Jewish lunar calendar adds a second month to the month of Adar seven times every 19 years, an astronomical calculation that keeps the Jewish holidays in the same seasons each year and in tandem with the solar calendar.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast all day and break their fast each night, with feasts and festivities.
Comment on this story
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Easing of IDF restrictions has allowed 62,000 Palestinian Authority Arabs to visit Jerusalem since the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan two weeks ago, the military reported.
"This is a large amount that continues to increase from week to week” and allows Arabs to pray at sites that also are holy to Jews and to visit families, said head of Civilian Affairs Department, Col. Alex Rosenzweig.
IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved the easing of restrictions, in coordination with the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Brig. Gen. Eitan Dangot.
The relaxation of security measures during Ramadan also has allowed more Palestinian Authority businessmen to travel in all of Israel. Extended hours have been implemented at checkpoints and for Muslim prayers at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hevron.
"In spite of IDF operations against the Hamas terror organization in Gaza, it's important to us to help the uninvolved Palestinian residents," said Col. Rosenzweig.
In contrast, in Jerusalem, Arabs carried out acts of violence and vandalism against Jews on the fast day of Tisha B’Av, which marks the end of the three-week period of mourning over the destruction of the First and Second Temples. Muslim clerics and Palestinian Authority leaders increasingly have denied any Jewish connection with the Temple Mount.
Due to the sensitivity of the Palestinian population during this month, the District Coordination Offices representatives instructed all the forces operating in these areas on how to interact with the residents.
"We handed out information packets on Ramadan traditions and events to all combat soldiers and bodies operating in the area to prevent any potential conflict with the population," said Col. Rosentzweig. "The combat soldiers are instructed to be tolerant and refrain from eating and drinking in front of the fasting Palestinians."
The month of Ramadan comes out at a different time and season each year, due to the lack of compensating leap years in the Arab lunar calendar, whose year is shorter by 11 days than the solar year. The Jewish lunar calendar adds a second month to the month of Adar seven times every 19 years, an astronomical calculation that keeps the Jewish holidays in the same seasons each year and in tandem with the solar calendar.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast all day and break their fast each night, with feasts and festivities.
Comment on this story
8. US Shortage of Kosher Meat Looms for Rosh Hashanah
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah is six weeks away, but some U.S. distributors of kosher meat already are stocking up supplies for the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah because of fears there will not be enough meat in the face of a soaring demand, Kosher Today reported.
Kosher stores have said that non-kosher customers account for up to one-quarter of their sales. Soaring demand in the multi-billion Kosher food industry is partly due to the fact that kosher food is considered by many to be healthier and of better quality than non-kosher products due to stringent laws of preparation. Salmonella scares in non-kosher brands have drawn non-kosher customers to seek kosher food.
In addition, Kosher Today pointed out, the natural growth in many orthodox communities is nearly 10 percent.
“Some distributors are taking steps to assure that the meat shortages are dealt with by already now stocking the meat in large freezer,” the website states.
Shortages during the Passover holidays have become routine in recent years, partly because of bad crops but also due to increased demand for kosher foods.
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by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
The Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah is six weeks away, but some U.S. distributors of kosher meat already are stocking up supplies for the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah because of fears there will not be enough meat in the face of a soaring demand, Kosher Today reported.
Kosher stores have said that non-kosher customers account for up to one-quarter of their sales. Soaring demand in the multi-billion Kosher food industry is partly due to the fact that kosher food is considered by many to be healthier and of better quality than non-kosher products due to stringent laws of preparation. Salmonella scares in non-kosher brands have drawn non-kosher customers to seek kosher food.
In addition, Kosher Today pointed out, the natural growth in many orthodox communities is nearly 10 percent.
“Some distributors are taking steps to assure that the meat shortages are dealt with by already now stocking the meat in large freezer,” the website states.
Shortages during the Passover holidays have become routine in recent years, partly because of bad crops but also due to increased demand for kosher foods.
Comment on this story
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