Saturday, June 5, 2010

Israel's Latest War Crime

Israel's Latest War Crime (plus 99 more items)

Link to Rebel Newsflash

Israel's Latest War Crime

Posted: 01 Jun 2010 01:24 AM PDT

Gaza

Israel has done it again. (See news articles and videos compiled by Alison Weir at "If Americans Knew.") Creating outrage on a daily basis seems to be its speciality. It has now launched an attack on international peace activists carrying humanitarian aid to besieged Gaza — "the world's largest concentration camp" still recovering from war crimes committed by Israel almost 18 months ago. Here are some of the bare facts: The Mavi Marmara is a Turkish vessel. It was part of a 6-ship unarmed flotilla, including a U.S.-flagged vessel, carrying 700 passengers from 40 different countries and 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid on a mission of mercy to besieged Gaza.

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Well to leak oil until August, BP says

Posted: 01 Jun 2010 12:43 AM PDT

British Petroleum says its blown-up oil well in the Gulf of Mexico is going to leak until August, as the company's efforts to cap the spill have all failed.

"There's no doubt that the ultimate solution lies on the relief well, which is in August," said BP Chief Executive Tony Hayward on Sunday as he toured the Louisiana fishing hub of Venice, largely idled by the spill.

Pakistan slams Israel over flotilla raid

Posted: 01 Jun 2010 12:43 AM PDT

Pakistan's premier has strongly condemned a deadly Israeli raid on the Gaza-bound aid convoy that left twenty international peace activists dead.

Yousuf Raza Gilani's office in a statement on Monday described the killings of activists as "brutal and inhuman."

Judea Declares War on Mankind

Posted: 01 Jun 2010 12:38 AM PDT

BASTARDSGaza_aid_ship_attacked_by_Latuff2 The Al-Capone-style Zionist attack on the Gaza Aid flotilla is nothing short of a declaration of war on mankind. No, let me rephrase it: it is a declaration of war of Judea on non-Jewish mankind, i.e. all of us cattle people who according to the Babylonian Talmud were created by God to serve, enrich and amuse the Jews.

This callous attack on unarmed aid workers is so outrageously unethical, that even the 'no one sucks Jewish cock better than us' Americans cannot help but declare it an 'unfortunate' event. Very unfortunate indeed!

Confab to 'discuss' peace with Taliban

Posted: 01 Jun 2010 12:17 AM PDT

Hundreds of Delegates from across Afghanistan are coming together in the capital Kabul for a land-mark assembly called peace Jirga.

Around 1600 participants are expected to show up in Kabul for the three-day gathering of tribal assembly starting on Wednesday.

In Qatar, Israeli minister defends attack

Posted: 01 Jun 2010 12:09 AM PDT

An Israeli minister, who is in Qatar to participate in a World Economic Forum summit, says that Tel Aviv had warned the Freedom Flotilla of an attack beforehand.

Trade and Industry Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer is the first Israeli minister to visit Doha since the December 2008-January 2009 Gaza war, in which more than 1,400 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces.

Iran 'expanding enrichment work'

Posted: 31 May 2010 11:54 PM PDT

The International Atomic Energy Agency has praised Iran's cooperation with its inspectors but voiced concern about Tehran's enrichment activities.

Reuters, quoting a confidential IAEA report, said Iran has added a second set of centrifuges for higher-level uranium enrichment.

Iran: Muslims must unite against Israel

Posted: 31 May 2010 11:51 PM PDT

Iranian Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Ali Larijani has urged Muslim countries to adopt a united stance on condemning Israel's raid on Gaza-bound aid ships.

"It is necessary for all Muslim states to assume a unified and common stance on condemning the latest crime committed by the Zionist regime," Larijani was quoted as saying on Monday by IRNA.

Turkey vows response to Israeli attack

Posted: 31 May 2010 11:38 PM PDT

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed a proper response to Israeli attacks on an international convoy which killed dozens of Turkish nationals.

"It should be known that we will not stay silent and unresponsive in the face of this inhuman state terror," he was quoted as saying by AFP on Monday.

Ancient mayoral tomb found in Egypt

Posted: 31 May 2010 11:18 PM PDT

Archaeologists have unearthed the 3,300-year-old tomb of an ancient Egyptian mayor, a hundred years after it was lost under the Saqqara desert.

The tomb of Ptahmes has been buried under sand since foreign treasure hunters took away parts of its decorative wall panels in 1885.

UN official says Israeli leaders guilty

Posted: 31 May 2010 11:17 PM PDT

Israeli leaders who ordered the attacks on a humanitarian aid convoy en route to Gaza should be brought to justice, a United Nations expert says.

"It is essential that those Israelis responsible for this lawless and murderous behavior, including political leaders who issued the orders, be held criminally accountable for their wrongful acts," Richard Falk, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Gaza Strip, said in a statement, AFP reported.

Iran opens Mowlavi research center

Posted: 31 May 2010 11:16 PM PDT

Iran's Philosophy and Wisdom Research Center has opened its Mowlavi research center with the aim of increasing public awareness about the Persian Sufi poet.

"The center will focus on 'mystical literature', 'religious art' and 'Mowlaviology'," head of Iran's Philosophy and Wisdom Research Center Gholam-Reza Avani told ISNA.

Russia slams Israel 'crude violation'

Posted: 31 May 2010 11:15 PM PDT

Russia has condemned Israel for its "crude violation" of international law in the deadly attack on an aid flotilla to Gaza, calling for comprehensive clarification on the event.

"Moscow expresses condemnation and deep concern in this regard, first and foremost taking into consideration the deaths and injuries of participants of the humanitarian flotilla," said a Russian Foreign Ministry statement on Monday.

Israeli attack 'pulls Middle East into war'

Posted: 31 May 2010 11:11 PM PDT

The Syrian and Lebanese leaders have warned that the Israeli navy's attack on a Gaza-bound aid convoy might lead to war in the Middle East.

At least 20 people were killed and 50 others injured when the Israeli navy stormed the Gaza Freedom Flotilla early on Monday.

Mourinho confident of success at Real

Posted: 31 May 2010 11:03 PM PDT

Jose Mourinho has been unveiled as Real Madrid's new coach, voicing confidence that he will bring the Spanish giants new trophies.

The 47-year-old Portuguese replaced Manuel Pellegrini to become Real's 11th coach in the past seven years.

Tehran exhibits Shahnameh-inspired art

Posted: 31 May 2010 10:58 PM PDT

The Iranian capital has exhibited a collection of Qajar lithography and illustrations inspired by Persian epic poet Ferdowsi's magnum opus Shahnameh.

Tehran's Saba Arts and Culture Institute displays lithography and illustrations of the epic masterpiece belonging to Iranian art collectors Feryal Salahshour and her husband Jahangir Kazerouni.

'Israel deserves collective punishment'

Posted: 31 May 2010 10:46 PM PDT

Iran's Foreign Ministry has condemned Israel's deadly attack on an aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip as an act of "maritime terrorism."

"The regime's attack on the ships and its passengers is reminiscent of the acts of ancient pirates," a Foreign Ministry statement read Monday.

Thai PM challenged over crackdown

Posted: 31 May 2010 10:14 PM PDT

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is under fire over a deadly crackdown on opposition protesters that left dozens dead earlier in May.

The parliamentary opposition whip on Monday accused the premier of violating human rights by ordering the crackdown.

Turkey rejects Israeli weapons claim

Posted: 31 May 2010 10:12 PM PDT

Turkey's customs office has denied Israel's claim that the vessels carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip had weapons aboard.

"Allegations that there were weapons aboard the Turkish ship are baseless," Fevzi Gulcan, the head of customs at the Mediterranean port city of Antalya, said on Monday.

Vatican 'concerned' over Flotilla raid

Posted: 31 May 2010 10:02 PM PDT

In response to the Israeli attack on the Freedom Flotilla, the Vatican says the assault has provoked deep sadness in the Catholic capital.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said on Monday that Pope Benedict XVI has voiced "deep sadness and concern" over the Israeli attack on the Gaza-bound aid Flotilla.

Israeli PM backs attack on Gaza aid

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:41 PM PDT

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has supported the military action against the Freedom Flotilla, carrying humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip.

"The prime minister reiterated his full backing for the IDF and inquired about the well being of the wounded," Netanyahu's office told AFP on Monday.

UNSC to meet over Israeli raid on Flotilla

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:27 PM PDT

The United Nations Security Council will convene to discuss the Israeli attacks against an international aid convoy bound for Gaza.

Diplomats at Security Council announced that the meeting will take place on Monday afternoon but gave no further details.

Iran Gen. calls for isolation of Israel

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:23 PM PDT

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi says the international community must isolate Israel for attacking an aid convoy en route to the impoverished Gaza Strip.

"Israel triggered the countdown of its destruction by attacking the Freedom Flotilla," Brig. Gen. Vahidi said, condemning the attack on the Gaza-bound aid convoy, ILNA reported.

Hezbollah urges action against Israel

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:17 PM PDT

Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has urged the international community to take action against Israeli attacks on an aid convoy en route to Gaza.

"This is a premeditated crime against humanity by the Israelis," Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah was quoted by AFP on Monday.

International solidarity and the Freedom Flotilla massacre

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:17 PM PDT

Early this morning under the cover of darkness Israeli soldiers stormed the lead ship of the six-vessel Freedom Flotilla aid convoy in international waters and killed and injured dozens of civilians aboard. All the ships were violently seized by Israeli forces, but hours after the attack fate of the passengers aboard the other ships remained unknown.

US 'regrets' Israeli raid on Flotilla

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:04 PM PDT

The White House says it regrets the loss of life aboard the Freedom Flotilla but stops shot of condemning the Israeli attack that resulted in the casualties.

"The United States deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained and is currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy," White House spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement on Monday, according to AFP.

Iran students protest Israeli attack

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:02 PM PDT

Iranian students have gathered in front of the UN headquarters in Tehran in protest to the Israeli navy's attack on a convoy of aid ships bound for Gaza.

The students held Palestinian flags, chanting "Death to Israel," "Death to America," and "Death to Britain," Fars News Agency reported.

South Korea stages military drills

Posted: 31 May 2010 08:49 PM PDT

Thousands of South Korean troops have staged a military exercise preparing for a simulated attack by North Korea amid growing tensions on the peninsula.

The drill is the biggest since tensions between the two neighbors flared over the sinking of a South Korean warship back in March.

'Activists refuse to leave Gaza aid ships'

Posted: 31 May 2010 08:47 PM PDT

International activists aboard ships load with humanitarian aid for Gaza which were attacked and rerouted by the Israeli navy have refused to leave the vessels.

All activists on board the vessels have refused to leave the ships at the port of Ashdod because they want to fulfill their mission and deliver supplies to the people of Gaza, a Press TV correspondent reported on Monday.

Israeli Butchery at Sea

Posted: 31 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT

As I write this piece the scale of the Israeli lethal slaughter at sea is yet to be clear. However we already know that at around 4am Gaza time, hundreds of IDF commandos stormed the Free Gaza international humanitarian fleet. We learn from the Arab press that at least 16 peace activists have been murdered and more than 50 were injured. Once again it is devastatingly obvious that Israel is not trying to hide its true nature: an inhuman murderous collective fuelled by a psychosis and driven by paranoia.

Brave Israeli Commandos Slaughter Aid Activists

Posted: 31 May 2010 07:01 PM PDT

Even America's major media can't duck a crime this grave - attacking and slaughtering up to 20 Gaza Freedom Flotilla activists and injuring dozens more.

New York Times writer Isabel Kershner headlined "At Least 10 Killed as Israel Intercepts Aid Flotilla.

Deadly Israeli raid on aid fleet

Posted: 31 May 2010 06:47 PM PDT

Israeli commandos have attacked a flotilla of aid-carrying ships off the coast of the Gaza Strip, killing up to 19 people on board.

Dozens of others were injured when troops raided the convoy of six ships, dubbed the Freedom Flotilla, early on Monday.

Mourning the Dead of the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza

Posted: 31 May 2010 06:44 PM PDT

I am outraged at Israel's latest criminal act. I mourn with my fellow Free Gaza travelers, the lives that have been lost by Israel's needless, senseless act against unarmed humanitarian activists. But I'm even more outraged that once again, Israel's actions have been aided and abetted by a U.S. political class that has become corrupted beyond belief due to its reliance on Zionist finance and penetration by Zionist zealots for whom no U.S. weapons system is too much for the Israeli war machine, and the silence of the world's onlookers whose hearts have grown cold with indifference.

German president quits over remarks

Posted: 31 May 2010 06:42 PM PDT

Horst Koehler, the German president, has unexpectedly resigned following criticism over comments he made about military action abroad.

He cited the fallout from a radio interview he gave following a visit to German troops in Afghanistan as the reason for the surprise move.

Liebovitch Post-massacre Performance

Posted: 31 May 2010 06:35 PM PDT

At a press briefing this morning following the massacre by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commandos of passengers on board the Mavi Marmara, one of the boats pertaining to the Freedom Flotilla attempting to break the siege of Gaza, IDF spokeswoman Avital Liebovitch claimed that the passengers had engaged in "severe violence against our soldiers."

Protests erupt against Gaza aid raid

Posted: 31 May 2010 06:24 PM PDT

Shock and outrage sweep through the world over a deadly Israeli strike on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla as protests erupt across the globe in condemnation of the attack.

On Monday, both foes and allies of Tel Aviv across the world closed ranks by condemning the early Monday raid on the six-ship Gaza Freedom Flotilla, which reportedly left some 20 people killed, mostly Turk nationals, and scores wounded.

New treasury chief faces tax escaping

Posted: 31 May 2010 05:45 PM PDT

It has been revealed the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, has avoided paying capital gains tax on his second property through a tax loophole.

Danny Alexander, who was appointed as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on Saturday after fellow Liberal Democrat David Laws was forced to resign over his expenses scandal, apparently avoided paying capital gains tax (CGT) from the profit he made on his second home in London.

US 'taken aback by Tehran declaration'

Posted: 31 May 2010 05:27 PM PDT

Iran's top diplomat says the US has been taken aback by Tehran's recently-issued nuclear declaration, adding that Washington did not expect Brazil and Turkey to achieve such a great breakthrough on the issue.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Sunday that officials in Washington estimated a mere 30 percent chance of success for talks on the nuclear fuel swap issue between Brasilia, Ankara and Tehran.

UN: Israel's aid convoy raid shocking

Posted: 31 May 2010 05:26 PM PDT

Amid global condemnations of the Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid convoy, UN human rights chief Navi Pillay has expressed shock at the Israeli attack on the fleet.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Monday that she was shocked that the aid flotilla for the besieged Gaza Strip was "met with violence."

Israel envoys summoned across Europe

Posted: 31 May 2010 05:09 PM PDT

Greece, Spain and Sweden have summoned Israeli envoys to explain a deadly strike by Israeli navy commandos on a Turkish-sponsored humanitarian Gaza aid convoy.

The Greek foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday that it had summoned Israeli ambassador, demanding an "immediate" report on the safety of about 30 Greek citizens on board the boats targeted in international waters before reaching the Gaza Strip.

EU demands inquiry into Israeli raid

Posted: 31 May 2010 04:50 PM PDT

Hours after the Israeli military attacked a Gaza-bound aid convoy, the European Union Foreign Policy chief calls for a full inquiry into the deaths of those on board the flotilla.

A spokesperson for the EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton expressed her regret on the loss of lives and use of violence as the news of Israel's attack on the Freedom Flotilla shook the world on Monday.

Miliband criticises coalition pact

Posted: 31 May 2010 04:42 PM PDT

Ed Miliband, a contender for the leadership position of Labor, says the Lib Dems have "betrayed" voters by striking a deal with the Conservatives.

Miliband, the former climate change secretary, said, "It is very striking that the Lib Dems went into the election saying: 'We don't believe there should be cuts this year; we are with Labor on this.' And what do they do? In their first fortnight in power they cut important programmes like child trust funds."

Arab world slams Gaza aid fleet attack

Posted: 31 May 2010 04:37 PM PDT

The Arab world has united to condemn the Israeli forces' attack on a flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip.

Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa slammed the Monday's deadly raid against the humanitarian mission as a "crime."

Arab world condemns Gaza aid attack

Posted: 31 May 2010 04:37 PM PDT

The Arab world has united to condemn the Israeli forces' attack on a flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip.

Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa slammed the Monday's deadly raid against the humanitarian mission as a "crime."

NATO chopper crashes in Afghanistan

Posted: 31 May 2010 04:36 PM PDT

US-led forces in Afghanistan have confirmed that one of their helicopters has crashed in the southeastern province of Paktia.

A statement released Monday by NATO says the helicopter crashed in the Jaji Meydan district, but refrains from revealing the nationalities of the soldiers injured in the incident, a Press TV correspondent reported Monday.

Iran blasts Israeli raid on aid convoy

Posted: 31 May 2010 04:27 PM PDT

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council has vehemently condemned Israel's brutal attack on an aid convoy headed for Gaza, saying it shows the Israel's "sheer desperation."

"Under growing pressure from world public opinion, the criminal and terrorist Zionist regime has now resorted to maritime murder", said Saeed Jalili, dismissing the attack as "terrorist piracy."

Ahmadinejad slams Israel convoy attack

Posted: 31 May 2010 04:22 PM PDT

Iran has condemned Israel's deadly attack on a flotilla carrying thousands of tons of supplies for Gaza, calling the regime in Tel Aviv a threat to global peace and security.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad rejected the notion on Monday that the Israeli raid on the Freedom Flotilla was indicative of Tel Aviv's military muscle, explaining further that it was a mere symbol of its weakness.

Rand Paul Survives Smear Campaign To Maintain Healthy Lead Over Conway

Posted: 31 May 2010 04:10 PM PDT

A new poll shows that Kentucky primary winner Rand Paul still maintains a healthy lead over his Democratic opponent despite a savage corporate media attack campaign that attempted to smear him as a racist, proving that he has survived the contrived, coordinated and vicious demonization plot that was enacted immediately after he defeated his establishment neo-con adversary Trey Grayson.

Israel on alert after Gaza aid attack

Posted: 31 May 2010 04:09 PM PDT

Israeli security forces go on high alert to confront possible protests from Palestinians outraged by the Israeli navy's deadly raid on a Gaza aid convoy.

The decision came on Monday to handle any "possible disturbances" among the Israeli Arabs, AFP quoted an unnamed police spokesman.

PKK militants kill 6 Turkish soldiers

Posted: 31 May 2010 03:41 PM PDT

Six Turkish soldiers have been killed and several others injured as Kurdish militants launched a rocket attack near a navy base in southern Turkey.

The outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fired rockets at a vehicle carrying soldiers to the naval base in the Mediterranean port of Iskenderun on Monday, the Associated Press reported.

Thai PM faces no-confidence motion

Posted: 31 May 2010 03:41 PM PDT

Thailand's parliamentary opposition has accused Abhisit Vejjajiva, the prime minister, of human rights abuses in a no-confidence motion centred on the use of violence during a crackdown on anti-government protests.

The two-day debate that began on Monday aims to focus attention on tough measures used to break up the "red shirt" protests which ended on May 19.

Anti-Iran sanctions won't work: Powell

Posted: 31 May 2010 03:25 PM PDT

The former US secretary of state has acknowledged that sanctions against Iran are a nonstarter, adding 'clever' Iranians will find a way around them.

In an exclusive interview on ABC's 'This Week' program, Colin Powell said he doesn't think the newly-proposed UN sanctions regime against Iran will work.

Ivory Coast skips French-hosted summit

Posted: 31 May 2010 02:55 PM PDT

Ahead of a French-hosted summit for the renewal of Franco-African ties, the Ivory Coast president says he will skip the meet as a dispute over a failed coup against his government has not been resolved.

"There is no reason for me to go to France so far as we have not discussed (our) fundamental disagreement," the French radio station RFI quoted Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo as saying.

Turks rally against Israeli attack

Posted: 31 May 2010 02:33 PM PDT

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in the Turkish city of Istanbul to denounce Israel over its attack on the convoy of Gaza-bound aid ships that left at least 15 people dead.

Around 10,000 people marched from the Israeli consulate in Istanbul towards the city's main square on Monday, shouting slogans and waving banners saying "Killer Israel".

Hamas condemns Gaza aid attack

Posted: 31 May 2010 02:24 PM PDT

Hamas calls those on the Gaza aid convoy as heroes of the Palestinian nation, urging Arab leaders to take practical steps to end the Gaza siege.

Gaza Freedom Flotilla came under fire early on Monday by Israeli navy forces in international waters more than 150km (90 miles) off the coast of Gaza.

Iran opens Agro-Food expo 2010

Posted: 31 May 2010 02:23 PM PDT

Iran has launched its 17th International Agricultural Trade Fair to provide a platform for domestic and foreign businesses to put their products on display.

Participants in the fair said the four-day agricultural show would provide a great opportunity for cooperation and exchange of views among businesspeople around the world.

Rocket attack kills Turkish troops

Posted: 31 May 2010 02:15 PM PDT

Six Turkish soldiers have been killed in a rocket attack on a navy base in the southern city of Iskenderun, local media has reported.

It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack, but state media put the blame on Kurdish rebels fighting for autonomy in the region.

Reactions to the Israeli Attack on Freedom Flotilla

Posted: 31 May 2010 02:05 PM PDT

Israel today stormed a flotilla of ships carrying aid to Gaza, killing up to 20 activists and injuring dozens. The ships, several of them Turkish, were carrying medical equipment and other aid on a mission to highlight the three-year-old Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory. The attack took place 40 miles out to sea, in international waters.

Al-Shabab slams UK-based TV

Posted: 31 May 2010 01:50 PM PDT

The Somali armed group al-Shabab has suspended all relations with the London-based Universal TV for showing sacrilegious cartoons disrespecting Islam's Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Spokesman for the group Sheikh Ali Mohamoud Raghe criticized Universal TV on Monday for deliberately showing insulting material targeting Islam's prophet, a Press TV correspondent reported.

The Israeli Sons of Bitches Have Gone Too Far – Yet Again

Posted: 31 May 2010 01:46 PM PDT

Here's the "live" feed which at the moment is feature al-Jazeerah English commentary on the Israeli soldiers storming one of the boats, the Turkish passenger ship MAVI MARMARA, and killing ten people according to the latest reports. Israel engaged in an act of piracy but storming the ship and an act of murder by killing people on board. No doubt the Israelis will come up with all sorts of lies claiming the passengers are terrorists and fired weapons at them (which they would have every right to do to stop Israel from storming their ships, but which they probably did not do – we'll see as more info becomes available), they'll probably claim that the flotilla used "weapons of mass destruction." Any claim the Israelis make, no matter how ridiculous will be repeated as fact by the zionist-controlled US media. You'll need to go to international sites to find what the hell is going on.

Storm 'Agatha' death toll reaches 90

Posted: 31 May 2010 01:45 PM PDT

The death toll from a powerful tropical storm in Central America has risen to at least 90, with more than a dozen still missing, officials say.

The worst-hit country was Guatemala, where authorities confirmed at least 73 deaths.

Israel Says Activists Had Pre-Planned Violence

Posted: 31 May 2010 01:43 PM PDT

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is claiming that Israeli navy forces were met with "pre-planned violence" during an early morning raid on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

The accusations come after up to 16 activists were killed and 30 injured during the raid.

Polls: Support for Japan PM falls

Posted: 31 May 2010 01:42 PM PDT

Public support for Japan's Prime Minister has fallen to its lowest level amid calls for his resignation over his broken campaign promise to move a US military base off a southern island.

According to the Asahi Shimbun poll conducted on Saturday and Sunday, support for the Japanese cabinet plunged to 17 percent, down four percentage points from two weeks ago, Reuters reported.

Turkey Strongly Condemn The Israeli Attack On The Gaza Flotilla

Posted: 31 May 2010 01:28 PM PDT

The Turkish Consulate General in Jerusalem strongly condemned the attack by the Israeli navy on the free Gaza boats that killed 16 people and left 30 injured.

"We protest in the strongest terms the use of force by the Israeli Defense Forces against the civilians from many countries who want to transport humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza, and among whom there are women and children." The Turkish Consulate stated.

Death toll from Gaza aid attack hits 20

Posted: 31 May 2010 01:27 PM PDT

The death toll from the Israeli navy's takeover of a Gaza aid convoy has risen to 20 while Israel carefully censors reports on the casualties from the attack.

Gaza Freedom Flotilla came under fire early on Monday by Israeli navy forces in international waters more than 150km (90 miles) off the coast of Gaza.

Eroding Free Expression in Israel

Posted: 31 May 2010 01:13 PM PDT

steve lendman

This writer's earlier article exposed how Israel restricted free expression protests to suppress opposition to its Gaza war. It covered efforts by the police, State Prosecutor's Office, General Security Services (GSS), the courts, and academic institutions to support arrests and imprisonments of Israeli Arabs and Jewish protestors, to keep nonviolent resistance from spreading.

Obama gives Israel all-out support

Posted: 31 May 2010 01:08 PM PDT

After the United Nations ratified a resolution calling for a nuclear weapons-free Middle East, the US president gives Israel "concrete guarantees" to prevent the decision from harming Israeli interests.

Israeli daily The Jerusalem Post quoted senior political sources in Jerusalem as saying that President Barack Obama's assurances to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came with the promise of a significant upgrade to Israel's military capabilities.

Turkey summons Israeli envoy

Posted: 31 May 2010 12:58 PM PDT

Turkey has summoned the Israeli ambassador to the country over a deadly strike by Israeli navy on a Turkish-sponsored humanitarian Gaza aid convoy.

Israeli envoy to Ankara Gabby Levy was summoned to the Turkish foreign ministry on Monday after Israeli forces stormed a Turkish aid ship. "We will convey our reaction in the strongest terms," AFP quoted a Turkish diplomat as saying on condition of anonymity.

Serbs and Albanians clash in Kosovo

Posted: 31 May 2010 12:41 PM PDT

Ethnic Albanians have clashed with Serbs in the ethnically divided town of Mitrovica as NATO and European Union forces fired tear gas to defuse the protest.

The veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army led some 2,000 ethnic Albanians in a rally due to be held in protest against what they considered a breach of Kosovo's sovereignty after Serb-sponsored municipal elections in the northern parts of Kosovo.

Oil spill 'biggest US eco disaster'

Posted: 31 May 2010 12:37 PM PDT

The oil leakage in the Gulf of Mexico has come under harsher criticism after White House energy advisor described it as the worst environmental disaster in US history.

Over 20 million gallons of oil have now gushed out into the Gulf of Mexico after unsuccessful attempts by the oil giant BP to stem the leakage, forcing top US officials to deliver a grim assessment of the crisis unfolding in the country.

'Tehran Declaration key move'

Posted: 31 May 2010 12:25 PM PDT

Iran and Brazil have described the Tehran Declaration as a great and significant move, highlighting consultations should continue until a final result is achieved.

In a phone conversation with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmdenejad said the declaration has turned into a yardstick in international relations to promote peace, friendship and brotherhood, reported IRNA.

Palestinian Woman Killed by Settler's Car

Posted: 31 May 2010 12:07 PM PDT

File - Maan Images

A Palestinian woman died of wounds suffered when a settler hit her with his car Sunday, Palestinian medical sources in Hebron reported. Hey husband was also wounded in the attack.

The woman, Fatima Sabarna, 55, was seriously injured after the car hit her. The settler fled the scene.

Gaza aid flotilla attacked, 10 killed

Posted: 31 May 2010 11:06 AM PDT

Israeli forces have attacked the international aid convoy Freedom Flotilla en route to the besieged Gaza Strip, killing at least 10 people and leaving more than 50 injured.

The attack came on Monday morning after one of the six ships in the convoy was hit by Israeli navy forces before being stormed by commandos descending from helicopters.

At Least 16 Killed as Navy Attacks Gaza Flotilla

Posted: 31 May 2010 10:59 AM PDT

At least 16 civilians were killed as the Israeli navy attacked the Free Gaza Flotilla while on its way to the Gaza Strip.

Israel says that its navy took control of the ships and escorted them to the Israeli seaport of Ashdod near Gaza. Around 1000 soldiers took part in the operation

Pakistan lifts Facebook ban

Posted: 31 May 2010 10:51 AM PDT

A Pakistani court has ordered for the ban on the social-networking website Facebook to be lifted, nearly two weeks after it was blocked over "blasphemous" caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad.

Justice Ejaz Chahudhry of the Lahore High Court said on Monday that the country did not want to block access to information, but he warned that the ban would be reimposed if any blasphemous material reappeared on the website.

Bodies found in Mexico mine

Posted: 31 May 2010 10:51 AM PDT

More than 20 bodies have been recovered from an abandoned silver mine in southern Mexico.

The bodies are believed to be of victims of drug gang violence, federal police commissioner Facundo Rosas has said.

UN chief tries to score for justice

Posted: 31 May 2010 10:28 AM PDT

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon played in a charity football match in remembrance of northern Uganda war victims in Kampala on Sunday.

The 60-minute match was organized by the African Youth Initiative Network and the Uganda War Victims Foundation to honor the victims of wars in Uganda, Darfur, southern Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic, the Kampala newspaper The Daily Monitor reported on Sunday.

Inspirational Voice from the Land of Gaza

Posted: 31 May 2010 10:15 AM PDT

Beginning in a Gaza Strip refugee camp with the author taking tearful leave of his home to travel to the United States of America, this "untold story" is a double memoir/biography charting the lives of Ramzy Baroud's father and relatives and the history of the Palestinian people and Gaza.

Chinese premier visits Tokyo

Posted: 31 May 2010 10:14 AM PDT

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao says China and Japan should deepen their friendship and play down conflicts between the two countries and peoples.

"Although there are still some problems and conflicts between the two countries, and some misunderstanding between the two peoples, I am confident the China-Japan friendship is rooted among the two peoples and we must inherit and push forward the friendship," Wen said in Tokyo on Sunday in an address to representatives of China-Japan friendship organizations and Chinese societies based in Japan.

Saakashvili party claims victory

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:55 AM PDT

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has claimed victory in the country's first nationwide municipal elections as exit polls show his ruling party ahead by a large margin.

According to the exit polls in Tbilisi, Saakashvili's United National Movement party has staked out a solid lead in the elections, which were seen as the first litmus test for the party and its leader since Georgia's war with Russia in 2008.

Santos leads in Colombian election

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:32 AM PDT

Early results have put Manuel Santos of the Social Party of National Unity ahead in the Colombian presidential election, although the possibility of a run-off looms large.

With nearly all of the ballots counted, Manuel Santos, who was endorsed by current Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, has garnered 47 percent of the vote, well ahead of his chief contender from the Green Party, Antanas Mockus, who received 21 percent, according to a statement issued by the country's electoral commission.

Netanyahu in Canada - the New Republican Stronghold

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:17 AM PDT

Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper was elected to a minority government in 2006. Since then he has done his best to set up what could be considered a Republican government for the state of Canada. Except that Canada is not a state of the United States (just a weak willed wimpy ally) nor are there any Republican parties in Canada. Stephen Harper however is as close as it gets.

2000 investors heading to Palestine

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:05 AM PDT

Palestinians are preparing for the second Palestine Investment Conference (PIC) 2010, which kicks off in Beth Lahm (Bethlehem) on Wednesday.

The organizers say 125 projects will be presented to investors.

A Lullaby of Lies

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:00 AM PDT

While most Americans were sitting out on their decks barbecuing over the Memorial Day weekend, our leaders were planning to barbecue a few Pakistanis, as the Washington Post reported:

"The U.S. military is reviewing options for a unilateral strike in Pakistan in the event that a successful attack on American soil is traced to the country's tribal areas, according to senior military officials."

Why All the Secrecy?

Posted: 31 May 2010 09:00 AM PDT

Kandahar's central slammer got slammed while Canada slept.

Recently, two Canadian soldiers have been killed: Col. Geoff Parker of the Royal Canadian Regiment in Kabul and Trooper Larry Rudd of the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Panjwaii, the former by a suicide bomber and the latter by a road mine. An indeterminate number of Canadians have been wounded in those attacks and the subsequent assault on Kandahar airfield, including Tim Horton's, but the number of wounded is a state secret, apparently because any numbers would supposedly aid the Taliban in figuring out the effectiveness of its operations.

Turkish protesters try to storm Israeli consulate in Istanbul after Israel attacks Turkish ship

Posted: 31 May 2010 08:38 AM PDT

Turkish protesters

Protesters gathered outside the Israeli consulate to demand the expulsion of the Israeli embassador in response to this morning's news that the humanitarian Freedom Flotilla bound for Gaza had been attacked by the Israeli military. Many of the ships and passengers aboard the aid convoy, including those wounded in the attack, are Turkish.

The Israeli Navy's assault on the Turkish aids ships, unprovoked and over international waters, could be considered an act of war. Turkey's Foreign Ministry has condemned the raid, but so far the Israeli Government has made no public statement about the operation.

Thai PM defends deadly crackdown

Posted: 31 May 2010 08:33 AM PDT

Facing parliamentary censure over his handling of so-called red shirt anti-government protests, Thailand's prime minister has defended the army crackdown that left many dead and injured scores.

"The government and army had no intention to attack people," Abhisit Vejjajiva said ahead of the two-day no confidence debate.

Americas tropical storm kills dozen

Posted: 31 May 2010 08:16 AM PDT

A tropical storm that lashed across three central American nations over the weekend has left close to 100 people dead and tens of thousands of others homeless.

Agatha, which was downgraded to a tropical depression on Sunday, also sparked fears of further mudslides in three countries.

Iran b-ballers win Asia Champions Cup

Posted: 31 May 2010 08:15 AM PDT

The Iranian basketball club Mahram has beaten Qatar's Al-Rayyan 93-73 in the final of the 21st FIBA Asia Champions Cup.

The Iranian team defeated the Astana Tigers, Dohuk, Al-Jalaa, and Smart Gilas in the group stage and then got by Al-Riyadi 71-64 in the semi-final before the final against Al-Rayyan, which was played on May 30 at the Al-Gharafa Indoor Stadium in Doha.

Iraq busts 6 men in $8.2 billion scam

Posted: 31 May 2010 07:39 AM PDT

Three bank managers and three low-level bank employees have been arrested as suspects in a multi-billion-dollar scam in Iraq.

Iraq's corruption watchdog says about $360 million of the $8.2 billion siphoned off in the massive scam is still missing.

Canada dismisses Afghan war general

Posted: 31 May 2010 07:23 AM PDT

The most senior Canadian general in Afghanistan has been relieved of his command after being charged with inappropriate personal conduct.

Brigadier General Daniel Menard was dismissed as commander of the Joint-Task Force Afghanistan following allegations concerning "inappropriate conduct related to the Canadian Forces Personal Relationships and Fraternization directives" and Brigadier General Jon Vance will replace him as the acting commander, a statement issued by the Canadian military on Saturday said.

Here's To You, Veterans, From America

Posted: 31 May 2010 07:02 AM PDT

All through-out America's history, our fighting men and women have given their best for the folks at home. I know I've raised holy hell on my blog about the reasons for the latest, but this I do know: You people are in it for us real American citizens and not some elite toad wearing a Brook Brothers suit in DC, or some New Yorker holding dual citizenship with Israel — sorry SOBs who never served a day in uniform for America.

BP scrambles after 'top kill' fails

Posted: 31 May 2010 07:01 AM PDT

Oil giant BP has announced yet another plan to contain the oil gushing out of its well in the Gulf of Mexico, a day after its "top kill" manoeuvre to plug the leak failed.

Bob Dudley, BP's managing director, told NBC news on Sunday that the plan was designed to capture most of the oil on the sea floor and channel it to the surface for collection.

Report: "Two killed, 30 wounded, After Army Attacks Freedom Flotilla"

Posted: 31 May 2010 06:46 AM PDT

Turkish sources reported that the Israeli Navy boarded Freedom Flotilla Ships and opened fire at the peace activists killing two and wounding at least thirty others.The navy and the Israeli Air Force violently attacked the ships and opened fire at the peace activists.

Senior Turkish officials held an urgent meeting to decide on the country's stance on the Israeli attack, especially since it seems like the killed and some of the wounded are Turkish.

Communication Lost With Freedom Flotilla

Posted: 31 May 2010 06:28 AM PDT

Still from Al Jezeera

All communications with the Freedom Flotilla, carrying hundreds of peace activists and hundreds of tons of humanities supplies to the Gaza Strip, were lost as Israel scrambled all communications and warned the activists to turn back. Injuries were reported after the Navy violently attacked the ships.

Al Jazeera reporter said that the captain of one of the ships was seriously wounded after the navy violently attacked the ship, and even refused to allow him to receive medical treatment.

Lawyers visit US man jailed in Rwanda

Posted: 31 May 2010 05:57 AM PDT

Rwanda has allowed a US lawyer charged with genocide denial to see his attorneys, says an official from an international lawyers' group.

Two lawyers representing Peter Erlinder were allowed to see him late on Saturday, the Associated Press quoted Alison Turner, a member of the International Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, as saying.

Scores killed in Americas storm

Posted: 31 May 2010 05:51 AM PDT

The death toll from tropical storm Agatha, which dumped huge amounts of rain across central America over the weekend, has risen to more than 70.

Agatha, which was downgraded to a tropical depression on Sunday, also sparked fears of further mudslides in three countries.

Iran Academy of Arts honors Ferdowsi

Posted: 31 May 2010 04:49 AM PDT

The Iranian Academy of Arts held a one-day ceremony on May 29 to commemorate the internationally renowned Persian epic poet Ferdowsi.

The event, entitled Shahnameh Recitation by Iranian Nomads and Heroic Rituals, was one of the programs scheduled for 2010 to mark the millennial anniversary of the creation of the Shahnameh, the magnum opus by Ferdowsi.

Ex-defence chief wins Colombia vote

Posted: 31 May 2010 04:16 AM PDT

Colombia's former defence minister, Juan Manuel Santos, has easily won the first round of the country's presidential election, but without the majority needed to avoid a June run-off with rival Antanas Mockus.

Santos, the anointed successor of Alvaro Uribe, the outgoing president, led with 46 per cent of the votes, while Mockus, a former Bogota mayor, had 21 per cent with almost all polling stations reporting, electoral authorities said on Sunday.

Israel flanks Gaza aid fleet

Posted: 31 May 2010 03:37 AM PDT

Israeli navy vessels have flanked a flotilla of aid-carrying ships aiming to break the country's siege on Gaza.

Al Jazeera's Mohamed Vall, reporting from the flotilla's lead vessel, the Mavi Marmara, said the Israeli navy contacted the ship's captain around 11pm (20:00 GMT) on Sunday, asking him to identify himself and say where the ship was headed.

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