Archive

For February, 2012

Feb 29

Fadi Quran Victimized by Israeli State Terror

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Fadi Quran Victimized by Israeli State Terror

 

by Stephen Lendman

 

On February 25, international and supportive Israelis joined 500 Palestinians protesting in Hebron’s Old City.

 

Youths Against Settlements organized it. They’re “a national Palestinian non-partisan group” against colonization, including settlements, “through nonviolent popular struggle and civil disobedience.” They demanded Shuhada Street be reopened. More on its closure below.

 

As they approached the street, soldiers attacked them violently with tear gas, sound bombs, and rubber bullets. Ten were arrested, including a Palestinian journalist and Quran. In the process, he was assaulted, beaten, and detained for allegedly pushing an Israeli soldier.

 

In fact, his offense was peacefully protesting Israeli policy with others. In response, soldiers attacked him with pepper spray, smashed his face against a jeep metal bar, and arrested him with other nonviolent participants.

 

They were protesting closure of Hebron’s Shuhada Street. It’s a main thoroughfare Palestinians have been forbidden to use for many years. It links north and south city areas. It also passes by major markets, the Old City, the Tomb of the Patriarchs, and Israeli settlements.

 

In 1994, restrictions began. Access was alternately allowed, then denied. Since October 2000, Palestinians were entirely prohibited from walking or driving on Shuhada and adjacent streets.

 

Doing so caused center city economic collapse. Over 300 shops and other commercial facilities closed. Israel turned Hebron’s central bus station into an army base. Area properties, including homes, were closed by army order. Many residents left. A ghost town remained.

 

Settlers can use the street freely. They also harass Palestinians with impunity. Closing Shuhada Street reflects longstanding Israeli policy to make life so unbearable residents will give up and leave Occupied Palestine.

 

Some do, but most resist courageously and won’t quit. It’s their country, their land, and they’re struggling to regain it and end decades of abusive occupation.

 

Quran and other activists support them. He’s a Palestinian American, a US citizen/Stanford University graduate, class of 2010. He’s now in Al-Maskubiyeh Prison. It’s notorious for conducting abusive interrogations. Torture’s freely used. US officials in Israel were told. Whether or not they’ll help isn’t known.

 

On February 27, his trial began. In military tribunals, guilt by accusation is policy. Secret evidence was presented unavailable to defense attorneys. It’s standard Israeli practice when none exists. Justice is systematically denied. Expect Quran to fare no better.

 

His family was denied contact. His lawyer barely saw him. Whether or not charged, he faces potential months or years in prison.

 

In March 2011, Time magazine profiled him in an article headlined, “A New Palestinian Movement: Young, Networked, Nonviolent,” saying:

 

Quran represents “the face of the new Middle East.” A Palestinian American, he returned home to begin an alternative energy company and “help create a Palestinian state.”

 

At Stanford, he was president of Stanford Students for Palestinian Equal Rights (SPER). He’s also part of Palestine’s March 15 movement. A new generation of Palestinian youths, they demand unity against occupation and repression. Social networks in Arabic and English are used. They call for liberating protests.

 

Without leaders or names, most activists prefer anonymity to prevent arrest and abuse. Its mission statement says:

 

“We call on all the Palestinian factions to unite under the banner of Palestine, in order to reform the political system….based on the interests and aspirations of the Palestinian people in the homeland and the diaspora.”

 

Thousands support them, even though one member says:

 

“We live in constant fear that we’re being followed, that they know who we are, that we are letting slip our identities.”

 

Another says:

 

“We’re doing this because we want to have a future here. And tell our (children) that we did something for the future of our country.”

 

Quran told Time magazine:

 

“I think about the dogs unleashed on Martin Luther King in Birmingham. I think about the beatings. That’s what it took for Americans to see the justice of his cause. We will be risking our lives, but that is what it takes.”

 

On February 27, Stanford students organized a campaign for his release. A petition drive’s included. It states:

 

“Fadi should not be detained for an indefinite period of time on false charges. It is imperative that the Israeli government release (him) so that he may continue to speak for his people and PEACEFULLY push for basic human rights.”

 

On its first day, over 1,000 supporters signed it. They urge others join them for justice.

 

On February 26, ASSU (Associated Students of Stanford University) undergraduate senators drafted a resolution calling for Provost/Acting President John Etchemendy to publicly support fair legal treatment and Quran’s immediate release.

 

His treatment directly affects Stanford students, they said. They cited “emotionally distressing” video footage of his arrest and close association with current students. They also stressed public support and outrage following his abusive treatment.

 

Palestinians stage regular nonviolent protests. Israeli security forces confront them violently.

 

Arrests, injuries, and at times deaths, result. Palestinians are denied justice. Longstanding Israeli policy enforces occupation ruthlessness.

 

A Final Comment

 

After hunger striking for 66 days, Khader Adnan struggles to survive and regain health. Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHR-I) said he’s “expected to go through a long and complicated recovery process.”

 

It included severe intestinal blockage pain. On February 28, he underwent abdominal surgery at Safed’s Ziv Hospital to relieve it. Reports called his condition stable, but given his weakened state, recovery’s far from certain.

 

On February 28, the Addameer Prisoner support group said the following:

 

“Last night, 27 February 2012, Khader Adnan went through surgery at Ziv Hospital, due to problems in his digestive system. PHR-Israel’s volunteer doctor reached the hospital immediately to speak to Khader and his doctors before the operation.”

 

They “reported to us today that the operation went well and that Khader’s condition is currently stable.” He’s now in the hospital’s surgical wing. During transfer to Ziv Hospital, both arms and legs were again painfully shackled despite no ability to walk.

 

Doing so contradicted Israel’s February 23 District Court ruling. It constitutes cruel and inhumane treatment, even toward a man close to death.

 

Adnan’s abuse reveals Israeli state terror. Palestinians endure it daily. Their liberating struggle continues. Activists like Quran and many others are committed to help.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Feb 28

Looting the Seas

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Looting the Seas

 

by Stephen Lendman

 

This article follows a previous one on the same topic. It covers work done by the Center for Public Integrity. It involves a multi-part series titled, “Looting the Seas.” The initial article discussed the overall problem globally.

 

On November 7, 2010, Part I covers the “black market in bluefin.” It’s so highly prized, it’s become an endangered species. Worth up to $100,000 each, no wonder overfishing depleted up to 90% of world stocks.

 

Among other uses, it’s a sushi delicacy featured in prominent restaurants from New York to Tokyo. In fact, Japan accounts for about 80% of global bluefin consumption.

 

Rules restrict catch amounts but no one follows them. Many share blame globally. Fattening tuna in coastal ranches revolutionized the trade. Dragging them live to these operations for fattening precedes shooting them in the head for shipping to Japan and other markets.

 

To catch offenders, nearly 50 countries (involved in trading Eastern Atlantic bluefin) agreed to create an electronic tracking database to make it harder to smuggle plundered amounts to market. Its value approximates $400 million annually.

 

With or without rules and electronic checking, governments across the Mediterranean colluded to profiteer. Fattening ranches make bluefin availability year-round. A multi-million dollar enterprise developed with 67 operations across the Mediterranean.

 

“At the same time, (they became) the epicenter of an off-the-books trade that” decimated world stocks. A flawed system facilitates plundering. Months of work by the International International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). uncovered “rampant (black market) rule-breaking.”

 

From 1998 – 2007, it accounted for one-third of bluefin caught. Cheaters involve fishermen, ranchers, divers, traders, politicians, inspectors and scientists.

Illegal practices include:

  • under-reporting catches, amounts towed, caged and sold;

 

  • ranching undersized fish;

 

  • fake releases when caught cheating;

 

  • under-declaring harvests and faking data; and

 

  • illegal cages.

 

Before ranches, Mediterranean tuna operations lasted three months. Now it’s year-round with over-catching. As a result, it’s up to the International  Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to save a dying species. It’s an intergovernmental body comprised of dozens of countries with vested interests.

 

So far, rules set aren’t followed. Catches way exceed quotas. Even Japan’s worried. Its senior ICCAT delegate Masanori Miyahara warned:

 

“If no set-up is in place for legally carrying out ranching, then it should be stopped for a while, and it should be cleaned up.”

 

At risk is fishing bluefin to extinction. As a result, the world’s largest consumer is worried enough perhaps to act. Japanese demand spawned the burgeoning industry. Large purse seine vessels catch 3,000 tuna at a time. Selling them to ranchers, not final buyers, increases profits.

 

At sea, vessels transfer catches to cages. Tugboats tow them to coastal ranches. Once in circular pens, they’re fattened for months. At harvest, they’re shot in the head, hauled aboard vessels, and gutted with their heads cut off.

 

They’re then immersed in a -2 degree Celcius seawater slush. Within hours, most are frozen onboard refrigerated vessels for shipment to destination countries. Remaining quantities are packed, air freighted, and auctioned fresh in Japanese markets.

 

Overfishing wreaked havoc on ocean supplies. In 2002, the once rich Balearic area off Spain faced collapse. Today, the species faces extinction. Established controls don’t work. “Even the Japanese, after helping finance and set up the ranching industry, are having second thoughts.”

 

Moreover, warnings from environmentalists and scientists have impact. Top buyer Mitsubishi promised to support sustainable fishing. Japanese officials began refusing bluefin imports, citing dubious supplier paperwork. At yearend 2009, ICIJ learned Tokyo halted Tunisian imports. Ranches there harvested more than reported catches.

 

In March 2010, an international effort to halt bluefin trading under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) nearly succeeded. However, Japan now considers supporting a temporary moratorium on ranching operations. Whether policy follows rhetoric isn’t sure given its extraordinary growing demand.

 

For years, Europe and Japan were complicit in looting the seas of bluefin. Doing so created a lucrative black market. In 2006, Japan and Australia uncovered massive illegal catches, including southern bluefin, a sister Atlantic area species.

 

The findings were so damning they were suppressed for years. Massive quantities were unreported. Many methods were used to launder catches. Finally, Japanese officials noticed. In 2009, matters came to a head.

 

Millions of dollars of bluefin were rejected. Whether tough policies stay intact isn’t known. Mitsubishi controls 40% of the Japanese market so its agenda matters. So far, it hasn’t committed either way.

 

However, bluefin’s future depends on how it acts and whether Tokyo’s serious about protecting a valued species. If that doesn’t pressure policy to trump politics, what will?

 

Looting the Seas (Parts II and III)

 

Parts II and III were much more concise than Part I.

 

Part II discussed taxpayer funded subsidies.

 

An October 2, 2011 headline highlighted the problem, saying:

 

“Nearly $9 billion in subsidies (since 2000) fuel Spain’s ravenous fleet.”

 

Spain’s the industry’s biggest player. Billions of taxpayer dollars support its money-losing enterprise. They “account for almost a third of the value of the industry.” At the same time, industry players flout rules “while officials overlook fraud and continue to fund offenders,” according to work done by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

 

Other countries share culpability. However, with the EU’s largest fleet, Spain matters most. What it does unaccountably, so do others.

 

For example, Spanish/Namibian fishing magnate Jose Luis Bastos gets enormous political favors. He and other Spanish companies catch “an estimated seven of 10 Namibian hakes in what has been considered one of the world’s richest fishing grounds.”

 

Despite warnings that already depleted stocks could drop further, Namibia’s government increased hake catch quotas.

 

It’s Spain’s most popular fish. The average citizen eats over nine pounds annually in a nation consuming more fish than almost all other European ones. At the same time, people don’t always get what they pay for.

 

According to an ICIJ study, almost of 10% of fish in Spanish markets are mislabeled. In 2010, Spanish and Greek researchers at the University of Oviedo and Aristotle University of Thessalonika discovered high levels of mislabeling hake imports in both countries.

 

South African species were called European or South American ones. The latter two bring double the market price of South Africa’s.

 

Spain’s Europe’s most important fishing nation.  Researchers focused on it because regional economies and fish stocks are in shambles.

 

Part III explained as fisheries push their limits, giant trawlers move south toward Antarctica to catch what’s left. In addition, researchers documented how Asian, European and Latin American fleets devastated southern Pacific stocks.

 

Once one the world’s richest waters, they’re vastly depleted. As a result, experts say the only solution is banning fishing entirely for five years to provide time for generating new supplies.

 

In Peruvian and Chilean waters, jack mackerel are severely depleted. What used to take hours to catch now takes days. Chileans call them jurel. Once, plentiful in southern Pacific waters, they going fast toward entirely disappearing based on current trends.

 

Rich in protein, they’re also reduced to feed for aquaculture and pigs when there’s not enough for humans. It takes over 11 pounds of jack mackerel to raise two pounds of farmed salmon.

 

In two decades, stocks dropped from an estimated 30 million metric tons to less than three million. As a result, new fishing grounds are sought. Areas around Antarctica are being exploited to secure what’s left.

 

An ICIJ southern Pacific study showed why jack mackerel depletion foretells fishing stock fates globally. At issue is decades of unchecked plunder, government complicity, and public indifference. University of British Columbia’s Daniel Pauly calls mackerel a metaphor for overall decline.

 

Looting the seas unchecked assures eventual demise of a valued global food source for millions.

 

It’s one of many environmental crimes destroying planet earth for profit unless stopped.

 

Doing so requires holding corrupt politicians responsible and replacing them with honest ones. Only grassroots activism can achieve it.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Feb 27

Syrians Overwhelmingly Approve New Constitution

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Syrians Overwhelmingly Approve New Constitution

 

by Stephen Lendman

 

Major media scoundrels can’t bear reporting good news they’d rather suppress, so they downplay and disparage it best they can. More on that below.

 

On Sunday, Syria’s state TV showed huge pro-Assad crowds in Damascus’ Saba Bahrat Square. By national referendum, they were eager to support constitutional reforms. They also backed state security force efforts against Western-backed killer gangs.

 

Russian Eurasian Institution head Alexander Doglen also endorsed draft constitutional changes. Islamic scholar Abdul-Rahman Ali al-Dalaa said they boost human dignity and religious freedom.

 

On February 27, Syria’s Interior Ministry announced Sunday’s impressive results. From 7AM, 14,185 polling centers opened across Syria’s governorates, as well as at border crossings, airports, mobile desert areas, and other locations.

 

Syrians are enthusiastic for change. Despite opposition boycotts, threats, anti-Assad media campaigns, and turnout hampered in violence-torn areas, 89.4% of eligible voters approved it. Another 9% opposed, and 1.2% of ballots were invalid.

 

Overall, 57.4% of Syrians participated. The total was impressive, given the risks voters took to show up.

 

Raw numbers included 8,376,447 voting among 14,589,954 eligible. Those for totaled 7,490,319 compared to 753,208 against.

 

The Constitution includes 157 articles. From its initial draft, 14 are new, 37 were amended, and another 34 reformulated. Among other reforms, political pluralism was established for the first time, as well as presidential term limits, and press freedom.

 

Reporting it, The New York Times headlined, “Syrians Said to Approve New Charter as Battles Continue,” saying:

 

Fighting keeps raging. Critics called it “too little too late, and Western leaders labeled (it) a farce.”

 

“Even before the result was announced, after a morning of new shelling in the beleaguered city of Homs and elsewhere, some Western leaders had disparaged the vote as having no credibility.”

 

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said it “fooled nobody. To open polling stations but continue to open fire on the civilians of the country has no credibility in the eyes of the world.”

 

In fact, Western-backed insurgents bear most responsibility for violence and instability to impose regime change most Syrians oppose. Their impressive turnout showed it.

 

Huge crowds voted in Damascus and other less violent areas. Voting continued until 7PM, and in high turnout areas until 10PM. Only then were centers closed.

 

Downplaying an impressive day, The Times said “(s)ome polling places appeared deserted, and at others, the opinions were divided.”

 

Hillary Clinton called Sunday’s vote an empty gesture, saying:

 

“It’s a phony referendum that is going to be used by Assad to justify what he is doing to other Syrians. So it’s a cynical ploy to say the least.”

 

Anti-Assad Syrian National Council (SNC) member Bassma Kodmani said:

 

“It is not going to work because the repression is continuing. They are caught up in this cycle, and it is simply to late.”

 

AP buried referendum results paragraphs into an article headlined, “Red Cross delivers aid to Syrian city of Hama.” It stressed violence and opposition boycotts over impressive results downplayed dismissively.

 

At the same time, EU nations imposed new Syrian sanctions. They include freezing central bank assets and those of certain government officials. Importing precious metals, diamonds, and minerals were also banned. Moreover, cargo flights may no longer land in EU countries.

 

New measures build on last September’s oil embargo and other multiple rounds. They’re effective after publishing them in the EU’s Official Journal. It’s usually within 24 hours of imposition.

 

A joint EU foreign ministers statement said:

 

“The EU underlines that those responsible for the violence across Syria will be held responsible for their actions. The EU supports the Syrian opposition in its struggle for freedom, dignity, and democracy.”

 

In fact, rogue EU states, like America, won’t tolerate democracy at home or abroad. They wage wars to prevent it.

 

For his part, Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin warned about intervening against Syria and/or Iran “under cover of humanitarian slogans.” In fact, “tragic events (are) driven not by concern for human rights, but a desire by some (nations for regime change and) to redistribute markets.”

 

Russian news agencies quoted him saying nations need to “decide their own fate independently.” He added that Western nations backed Arab Spring revolts to advance their own regional interests.

 

They very much want Syria and Iran regime change to assure them there against majorities in both countries.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Feb 27

Hunger Striking for Justice

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Hunger Striking for Justice

 

by Stephen Lendman

 

Behind bars, prisoners have few ways to resist injustice. Refusing food’s a common tactic. Khader Adnan’s the latest detainee to attract attention. His heroism made it worldwide.

 

After 66 days, he began eating after a deal was agreed to release him in April. It’s not without strings, may unravel, or find him again unjustly detained.

 

Israel’s a rogue terror state. It can’t be trusted. Its word lacks credibility. It spurns rule of law principles. It imprisons innocent victims like Khader and many others unjustly. If freed, Adnan risks re-arrest. He was wrongfully detained nine times. Is number 10 next?

 

Monitoring his health, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHR-I) said he’s “expected to go through a complex recovery process and will have to undergo a variety of medical procedures, some of them risky.”

 

PHR-I’s committed to help him struggle to live. His condition remains precarious. He’s now slowly eating three meals daily in small amount portions.

 

Safed Hospital said:

 

Remaining cautious is important. “(E)ach day of recovery holds major risks due to the complexity of balancing all of his needs and the potential failure of his heart. He is still suffering from extremely weak muscles, preventing him from being able to walk.”

 

In an unprecedented decision, potentially affecting other Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli District Court ordered his shackles removed, effective February 23. Judge Avraham Tal’s opinion said:

 

“In light of the petitioner’s medical condition, shortly after a hunger strike, shackling him to the bed during all hours of the day and night, even only by one limb, is not proportional.”

 

Tal’s ruling permits shackling Adnan by one limb in the presence of visitors “not authorized by the IPS (Israel Prison Service) or the medical staff that treats him.”

 

He, PHR-I and the Addameer Prisoner support group fear he’ll be transfered back to prison too soon. Both groups expressed dismay that “no effective change has been made” for hundreds of other administrative detainees.

 

In fact, during Adnan’s strike, their numbers increased. Hana Ash-Shalabi’s among them. In October 2011, she was the first female detainee released in exchange for Gilad Shalit after being imprisoned without charge for two and half years.

 

On February 16, she was re-arrested and again administratively detained without charge. Numerous others released like her suffered the same fate. They’ve been hounded, persecuted, and again imprisoned.

 

She hunger struck in protest. In Ha-Sharon Prison, it’s now ongoing 11 days. Inspired by Adnan, she said she’ll refuse food until released.

 

Hamas Detainees Minister Atalla Abu As-Sabah said already her health’s deteriorating. Isolation in solitary confinement exacerbates her condition. Shalabi’s elderly parents said they’ll fast in protest against Israel’s abusive treatment.

 

Her father Yahya said soldiers assaulted Hana and ransacked their home. It’s standard Israeli arrest procedure. It happens virtually multiple times weekly, including for children young as 10, and at times younger.

 

Addameer highlighted two “currently longest-held administrative detainees.” For Ahmad Saqer, it’s since November 2008. In June 2011, after three and a half years, Ayed Dudeen was released. In August he was re-arrested. He’s still lawlessly held without charge.

 

So are 24 Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) members. As a result, the body can’t convene to conduct parliamentary functions. Israeli state terror prevents it.

 

A Brief History of Hunger Striking

 

They protest abusive treatment nonviolently. They’re most effective when publicized. Most take liquids but not solid food. The longer they continue, the greater the health risk. Bodies need sustenance to stay healthy. Too long without it risks death.

 

Previous strikers died after 52 to 74 days. Starvation deteriorates muscles and vital organs until they entirely break down.

 

Perhaps Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi was history’s most noted hunger striker. Against Britain’s Raj, he resisted nonviolently, including non-cooperation as a political weapon.

 

Imprisoned four times in 1922, 1930, 1933 and 1942, he hunger struck in protest. His world stature made Britain loathe to let him die. He used Satyagraha, a philosophy of nonviolent resistance. For Gandhi, it went beyond passivity. He said:

 

“Truth (satya) implies love, and firmness (agraha) engenders and therefore serves as a synonym for force. I began to call the Indian movement Satyagrapha, that is to say, the Force which is born of Truth and Love or nonviolence, and gave up the use of the phrase ‘passive resistance,’ in connection with it, so much so that even in English writing we often avoided it and used instead the word ‘satyagraha’ itself or some other equivalent English phase.”

 

He also stressed patience and said “vindication of truth (comes) not by infliction of suffering on the opponent, but on oneself.”

 

Numerous Palestinians also hunger struck in protest. Some didn’t survive. They include Abdel Qader Abu Elfahm (1970), Rasem Abu Elhalawak (1980), Rasem Ali Jaafari (1980), Mamoud Fritkh (1984), and Hussein Nemr Obaidat (1992).

 

Palestinian hunger strikes began in 1968 in Nablus Prison. Protesting against abusive and humiliating treatment, it lasted three days. Numerous others followed. Some include:

  • 1969 in Ramleh Prison for 11 days;

 

  • 1969 in Kfar Yona detention center for 8 days;

 

  • 1970 in Nevi Tirza Prison for 9 days, involving female prisoners;

 

  • 1970 in Asqalan Prison for 7 days;

 

  • 1973 in Asqalan Prison for 25 days;

 

  • 1976 in Asqalan Prison for 45 days, then renewed in 1977 for 20 days;

 

  • 1980 in Nafhah Prison for 32 days;

 

At the time, other incarcerated Palestinians participated supportively. Israeli authorities tried forcing liquids into strikers. Two deaths resulted – Ali Al-Ja’fari and Rasim Halawah.

  • 1984 in Jneid Prison for 13 days;

 

  • 1984 for several days, involving female prisoners;

 

  • 1985 in Nafhah Prison for 6 days;

 

  • 1987 in Jneid Prison for 20 days – supported by 3,000 Palestinian prisoners held elsewhere;

 

  • 1988 for several days in all Israeli prisons;

 

  • 1991 in Nafhah Prison for 17 days;

 

  • 1992 in all Israeli prisons for 15 days;

 

  • 1994 for several days in most prisons;

 

  • 1995 in many for 18 days;

 

  • 1996 in most for 18 days;

 

  • 1998 in Ramleh Prison for several days;

 

  • 2000 in Ramleh Prison for about a month;

 

  • 2001 in Neve Tirza Prison for 8 days, involving female prisoners;

 

  • 2004 in all Israeli prisons for 19 days;

 

  • 2006 in Shatta Prison for 6 days;

 

  • 2007 in all Israeli prisons briefly;

 

  • 2010 in over a dozen prisons;

 

  • 2011 in most prisons for one day; and

 

  • 2011, involving over 100 Palestinians staging an open-ended strike for justice.

 

At the time, the Palestinian prisoners ministry spokesman said:

 

“Palestinian prisoners in all Israeli jails were the target of an unprecedented terrorizing campaign of repression, isolation, and transfer from one prison to another over the past few weeks.”

 

“The campaign peaked with the beating of the oldest serving prisoner Nael al-Barghouthi, which prisoners condemned as a violation of all red lines, along with the isolation of many prisoners serving high sentences.”

 

Many dozens, perhaps hundreds, of individual hunger strikes also occurred. They always protest abusive, negligent, humiliating treatment, including torture, isolation, and denial of medical treatment.

 

Israeli authorities want them suffering out of sight, mind, and public consciousness. In 2004, former Israeli internal security minister, Tzahi Hanegbi, said:

 

“They can strike for a day, a month, until death. We will (act) as if it never happened. (F)or all I care, they can (all) starve to death.”

 

Throughout its history, that mindset’s been Israeli policy. Heroic freedom fighters resist. Many imprisoned hunger strike.

 

For now, Khader Adnan’s courage aroused worldwide attention. Sustaining it for justice is vital until Palestine’s again free.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Feb 27

Debunking the Spurious Iranian Nuclear Threat

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Debunking the Spurious Iranian Nuclear Threat

 

by Stephen Lendman

 

Previous articles debunked claims of Iran’s alleged nuclear threat. For months, major media scoundrels regurgitated official lies.

 

Yet at least since 2007, America’s annual intelligence assessment found none. Media reports ignored it. Suddenly old news is new news.

 

Quelle surprise! It’s now headlined. More on that below, and a review of past intelligence assessments. Previous articles explained them.

 

Why the change? Iran faces frequent false accusations. In recent months alone, they include the fake US Saudi assassination plot, being the world’s leading sponsor of terror, targeting Israeli officials in India, Georgia and Thailand, and, of course, claims about a nonexistent nuclear weapons program. They all fail the smell test.

 

Defusing Iran’s nuclear issue relates directly to Washington designating Syria target one. The road to Tehran runs through Damascus. Both countries are targeted for regime change.

 

Confronting enemies works best one at a time. If a pro-Western regime replaces Assad, Iran loses its key regional ally. Isolated, it’s more vulnerable.

 

Attacking both countries simultaneously means war on two fronts against militaries far from pushovers. Though no match for Washington or Israel’s nuclear arsenal, both can hit back hard enough to raise concerns in high places.

 

As a result, downplaying Iran’s nuclear issue for now plays into likely planned war on Syria. Daily events suggest it. So-called Friends of Syria urge it. Heated rhetoric practically demands it. Calls grow for involving foreign troops.

 

Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal openly called killing Syrians a “great idea.” Riyadh’s been actively involved in doing it for months along with Qatar, Turkey, Israel, and other rogue regional states.

 

Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of the Russian Natsionalnaya Oborona (National Defense) magazine told Russia Today:

 

“The armed opposition which rejects dialogue is responsible for escalating violence in Syria,” falsely blamed on Assad. He added that UK and other foreign forces in Syria are directly aiding insurgents. Yet “despite all these developments,” he said, “Damascus is still open for dialogue with the opposition.”

 

He also explained that unrest is mainly in small parts of the country, contrary to Western media reports. In fact, most Syrians support Assad, but spurious accounts suggest otherwise.

 

America’s Media Discover No Iranian Nuclear Threat

 

On February 24, The New York Times headlined, “US Agencies See No Move by Iran to Build a Bomb,” saying:

 

America’s intelligence assessment finds “no hard evidence that Iran has decided to build a nuclear bomb.” The CIA and 15 other US intelligence agencies concur: Iran has no known military related program. All along, Tehran denied one.

 

Repeatedly, Iranian leaders and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denied Iran seeks nuclear weapons. Most recently Khamenei called them “useless, harmful and dangerous.”

 

Western powers know “we are not seeking nuclear weapons because the Islamic Republic of Iran considers possession of nuclear weapons a sin. (Iran) wants to prove to the world that possessing (them) does not bring power….”

 

US Intelligence Confirms It

 

On February 16, Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the US Intelligence Community’s Worldwide Threat Assessment.

 

He found no evidence of an Iranian terror threat. He called “a mass attack by foreign terrorist groups involving a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) weapon in the United State unlikely in the next year.”

 

He discussed potential Iranian WMD threats, saying:

 

“We assess Iran is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons,” but no evidence suggests an ongoing program. “We do not know if Iran will eventually decide to build nuclear weapons.” (It’s) technically feasible, but unlikely.”

 

At the same Senate meeting, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, CIA director General David Petraeus, and Joint Chiefs head General Martin Dempsey concurred with Clapper. The alleged Iranian threat is entirely bogus.

 

Other high US, European and Israeli officials also believe Iran poses no threat, has no ongoing military nuclear program, and has no likely intention to initiate one. Claiming otherwise is spurious and inflammatory.

 

Experts have known it for years. So have major media scoundrels, but until now said otherwise, while at the same time, trying to have it both ways.

 

Another February 24 Times article headlined, “Atomic Agency Says Iran Is Making Fuel at Protected Site,” saying:

 

IAEA “inspectors reported on Friday that Iran was moving more rapidly to produce nuclear fuel than many outsiders expected, at a deep underground (Fordo) site….The report is likely to inflame the debate over whether Iran is nearing what Israel’s defense minister, Ehud Barak, calls entering a ‘zone of immunity.’ ”

 

According to National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor:

 

“….Iran’s actions demonstrate why (it) has failed to convince the international community that its nuclear program is peaceful.”

 

Fordo’s enriching uranium to 20% purity. Previous reports called it crossing the line toward developing nuclear weapons.

 

In fact, Iran uses a small reactor to produce medical isotopes that require 20% enrichment. On site IAEA cameras monitor operations. So do agency inspections. No evidence suggests diverting uranium for military purposes. Yet the canard’s frequently raised.

 

In its February 24 report, The Times agreed, saying the “claim appears to be true, at least in part.” In other words, the alleged full truth remains elusive.

 

“The fact that Iran is increasing production further has heightened suspicions in the West that it wants to stockpile the fuel in case it decides, in the future, to produce bomb-grade material. It would take relatively little additional work to get that fuel to the 90 percent purity needed for weapon fuel.”

 

Nothing, in fact, suggests it. Reporting it keeps the nuclear threat alive, when it has no credibility whatever based on years of intensive intelligence.

 

At the same time, multiple rounds of stiff sanctions remain in place, including an attempted oil embargo effective July 1. It affects crude oil, petroleum and petrochemical products, oil related business, equipment and technology, selling Tehran refined products, new investments, and dealing with its central bank.

 

A previous article said Europe’s shooting itself in foot by going along with Washington. The Obama administration’s done the same thing, based on how major purchasers reacted.

 

Important ones, wholly or in part, dismissed the sanctions, including Russia, China, India, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, and others. For its part, Iran can play the same game, and did by demanding complicit EU nations sign long-term agreements and guarantee payments. If not, Tehran won’t wait for July 1. It may immediately cut them off entirely.

 

At the same time, it’s no longer shipping oil to Britain and France, Europe’s two main bullies. They’re partnered with Washington’s worst crimes, including likely war on Syria.

 

Given world tensions, oil prices and Iran’s revenue keep rising. On Friday, Brent crude topped $125 a barrel and and US WTI approaches $110. As long as current conditions are uncertain, the trend remains up. For Iran, it’s not only pure profit, but as Progressive Radio News Hour regular Bob Chapman explains:

 

Iranian oil sanctions haven’t worked. The embargo’s “ridiculous. This has to be one of the most ill thought through schemes ever….Talk about shooting oneself in the foot. This has been a case of the Illuminists’ shooting themselves in both feet.”

 

Iranian crude buyers won’t bow to Washington, including on how they make payments. They’ll circumvent Tehran’s central bank sanctions by using multiple currencies, barter and gold. As a result, “Iran is breaking the hold on the petrodollar,” and weakening America in the process.

 

“Keeping Iran out of Swift Code for bank transfers is dumb.” Alternatives are easily found via China, Russia or India. Dollar strength will weaken more. Whoever dreamed up this scheme should be fired. Iran’s beating Washington at its own game. The longer it practices rogue politics, the more friends it finds won’t go along.

 

Iran’s Nuclear Program

 

Accusing Iran of developing nuclear weapons is cover for planned regime change. February 24 major media headlines exposed the false charge, at least in part. A previous article explained the following:

 

In December 2007, America’s National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) said:

 

“We judge with high confidence that in fall 2003, Tehran halted its nuclear weapons program; (perhaps it never existed); we also assess with moderate-to-high confidence that Tehran at a minimum is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons…”

 

The NIE also said:

 

“We assess with moderate confidence Tehran had not restarted its nuclear program as of mid-2007, but we do not know whether it currently intends to develop (them).”

 

“Tehran’s decision to halt its nuclear weapons program suggests it is less determined to develop (them) than we have been judging since 2005.”

 

In February 2010, America’s Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence said:

 

“We do not know….if Iran will eventually decide to build nuclear weapons.” No evidence of an ongoing program exists.

 

In March 2011, the US Intelligence Community Worldwide Threat Assessment for the Senate Armed Services Committee said precisely the same thing. No evidence suggests an Iranian nuclear weapons program.

 

In other words, years of sophisticated satellite, covert, and other intelligence showed nothing.

 

For the moment, baseless accusations yielded partially to grudging truths, but for how long. If Washington replaces Assad, Iran becomes target one. As a result, expect old baseless accusations revived along with new ones to heighten fear levels enough to justify intervention.

 

America wants total regional dominance. Achieving it requires replacing all independent regimes with client ones by any means, including war.

 

It’s happened enough previous times to imagine what’s coming, and with it potentially catastrophic consequences. Given America’s preemptive nuclear strike policy, the threat is terrifyingly real.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Feb 26

Brutal Bahraini State Terror

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Brutal Bahraini State Terror

 

by Stephen Lendman

 

For over a year, Saudi and Al-Khalifa monarchy security forces terrorized nonviolent protesters. Thousands braved tear gas, beatings, rubber bullets, live fire, arrests, torture and disappearances.

 

Washington’s very much involved. Bahrain’s the home of America’s Fifth Fleet. Millions of dollars in aid’s provided. So are weapons, including armored vehicles, bunker buster missiles, wire-guided ones, and more. A Pentagon statement said:

 

They’ll “improve Bahrain’s capability to meet current and future armored threats. Bahrain will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.”

 

In fact, Bahrain faces no external threats. Except for Western/Israeli-targeted Syria, Iran, and Lebanon, neither do other Middle East states. Yet Washington’s selling fighters, missiles, and other advanced weapons to regional allies.

 

In late December, a Saudi F-15 fighter deal was announced worth nearly $30 billion. Other plans include Iraq weapons sales worth around $11 billion. Israelis, of course, get billions of dollars in aid annually, including America’s most advanced weapons and technology. At the same time, Washington’s belligerently expanding its Middle East footprint.

 

Thousands of Iraqi troops remain. Others were repositioned. Kuwait contingents increased. Libyan bases are planned, and close ties continue with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and other regional states for future air, ground, and naval combat missions.

 

Notably, Bahraini activists published photos showing US troops training state security forces in crackdown tactics. In addition, former New York/Philadelphia/Miami Police chief John Timoney’s involved.

 

Occupy Miami organizer Mohammed Malik told Press TV he’s currently training Bahraini forces. His record includes repressive crackdowns against Miami global justice protesters, Philadelphia ones at the 2000 Republican National Convention, and other brutality in New York. For years, he terrorized city residents where he worked.

 

On February 16, London Guardian writer Ryan Devereaux headlined, “John Timoney: the notorious police chief sent to ‘reform’ forces in Bahrain,” saying:

 

For three decades, he was New York City police chief before heading up Philadelphia and Miami departments. He was hired along with former UK assistant top cop John Yates.

 

Timoney critics cite years of “police abuse, illegal infiltration tactics, fear-mongering, and a blatant disregard for freedom of expression.”

 

His methods include “pepper spray, rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, Tasers, electrified shields, batons,” beatings, and mass arrests. Florida ACLU executive director Howard Simon called his Bahrain presence “extremely unsettling. I’m concerned for the people of Bahrain with Timoney directing how police there are controlling crowds.”

 

On February 15, the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) said brutal crackdowns continue. Saudi and Bahraini security forces attack nonviolent protesters daily. Stun grenades, shotguns, water cannons, and tear gas are used. When fired in closed places, it’s asphyxiating.

 

On February 7, six US citizens were arrested. Held in police custody for days, they were deported in handcuffs for the duration of their Bahrain/London flight.

 

On February 17, Press TV reported “a fierce overnight crackdown on anti-regime protesters across several regions of the country.” Manama, Daih, Ma’ameer, Sitra, Sehla and other areas were attacked.

 

Earlier in the day, police used water cannons against thousands protesting a teenage boy’s death. In Jidd Hafs, he died of severe burns inflicted while demonstrating peacefully.

 

Women were also assaulted. Homes were raided. Since February 2011 protests erupted, mass arrests, deaths, torture, imprisonments, and other abuses followed.

 

On February 17, Amnesty International (AI) issued an “urgent action” for “scores” of activists arrested on February 14, saying:

 

Police attacked, beat and arrested them. Their faces and legs showed signs of abuse. In custody, families have no contact with loved ones. Authorities freely torture and inflict other forms of abuse.

 

On February 17, Human Rights First said Mahdi Abu Deeb and Jaleela Al Saman (Bahrain Teachers Association president and vice president) will appeal their lawless military court convictions for protesting peacefully.

 

In custody, they were “tortured and ultimately convicted of unfounded charges and sentenced to prison by the discredited Bahrain military court.” Hundreds of others faced the same abuse.

 

“Bahrain’s crackdown and these baseless prosecutions continue as the United States considers a new military transfer to Bahrain.” Obama’s moving swiftly to approve it instead of condemning state terror.

 

Bahrain’s a valued ally. While hypocritically vilifying Assad for confronting Western-backed insurgents, Washington facilitates Al-Khalifi brutality.

 

A Final Comment

 

In summer 2010, sporadic protests began. Since mid-February 2011, major ones erupted. Thousands of Bahrainis challenged repressive Al-Khalifa rule nonviolently. Anti-government demonstrations continue daily.

 

In mid-March, Saudi forces invaded guns blazing. With Bahraini police, they’ve terrorize protesters repressively, including women, children, doctors, journalists, human rights activists, and foreign observers.

 

On February 13, 2012, Bahrain chief of public security General Tariq Al-Hassan said police presence would continue to confront “unlawful or violent acts of sabotage” even though none whatever are committed.

 

Despite extreme security force brutality, Bahrainis remain scrupulously nonviolent. Nonetheless, they’re brutally attacked. Minority Sunnis violate majority Shia rights. Bahrainis demand change. The monarchy yields nothing. Washington extends support.

 

King Hamad blames Iran for fomenting protests. So do Saudis for growing unrest in the kingdom. Heightened tensions suggest likely belligerent intervention ahead. At issue is replacing Tehran’s government with a repressive pro-Western one like in Bahrain, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab League states.

 

Throughout the region, Washington backs state terror to achieve it. It’s official policy for unchallenged regional dominance, no matter the body count, vast destruction and human misery.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Feb 26

Koran Burning: Dehumanizing Muslims

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Koran Burning: Dehumanizing Muslims

 

by Stephen Lendman

 

Despite constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom, America consistently violates fundamental rights, including respecting all faiths equally.

 

More than other ethnic/religious groups, Western discourse portrays Muslim/Arabs stereotypically as culturally inferior, dirty, lecherous, untrustworthy, religiously fanatical, and violent.

 

In his book, “Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People,” Jack Shaheen explained how they’ve been defamed and vilified throughout decades of cinematic history. From silent films to recent ones, they encourage prejudicial attitudes, and reinforce notions of Western values, high-mindedness, and moral superiority.

 

Worse still are slanderous post-9/11 media commentaries about dangerous gun-toting terrorists, the need to closely monitor them, and rid society of those considered dangerous.

 

Never mind rule of law principles, right or wrong, or whether accused targets are guilty. Saying so’s all that matters to justify America’s war on terror. It needs enemies. When not around, they’re invented.

 

As a result, Muslim Arabs and others suffer hugely, including at home. Koran burning incidents provide more proof. It symbolizes America’s contempt for Islam.

 

Importance of the Koran

 

According to observing Muslims, the Koran’s an exact record of words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to Muhammad. He taught them to others. Scribes passed them on. Throughout centuries of Islamic history, its 114 chapters remained unchanged.

 

The Koran’s the primary source of Muslim faith and practice. It covers all human concerns, including wisdom, beliefs, worship and law. It also focuses on God’s relationship with humanity, and provides guidelines for a just society, proper relationships, and just divisions of power.

 

It teaches love, not hate; peace, not violence; charity, not selfishness; and tolerance, not terrorism. Its five pillars include profession of faith, prayer five times daily, fasting during Ramadan, charity, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for those able to afford it.

 

Clashes Over Latest Afghanistan Koran Burning Incident

 

It’s happened before and each time incites rage. The latest incident involves US Bagram Air Base forces dumping Koran copies and other Islamic holy materials in debris piles for burning.

 

Military officials lied saying they contained “extremist inscriptions” and were used to “facilitate extremist communications.” The latest incident followed previous ones and release of a January video showing Marines urinating on Afghan corpses.

 

Protests erupted each time. Hollow apologies heightened anger, especially after a decade of brutal war, occupation, daily killings, and extreme deprivation in ravaged Afghanistan.

 

America’s History of Dehumanizing Enemies

 

“You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught” is one of many memorable Rogers and Hammerstein “South Pacific” songs. Its lyrics went as follows:

 

“You’ve got to be taught

To hate and fear,

You’ve got to be taught

From year to year,

It’s got to be drummed

In your dear little ear

You’ve got to be carefully taught.

 

You’ve got to be taught to be afraid

Of people whose eyes are oddly made,

And people whose skin is a diff’rent shade,

You’ve got to be carefully taught.

 

You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late,

Before you are six or seven or eight,

To hate all the people your relatives hate,

You’ve got to be carefully taught!”

 

Early or later, it works the same way by drumming it repeatedly into impressionable minds, including US military recruits in training.

 

It begins by creating Groupthink. Individuality and free thought are expunged. Recruits are intimidated to go along.

 

For example, Marines begin days chanting:

 

“This barrack contains 45 highly motivated, truly dedicated romping stomping blood thirsty kill crazy United States Marine Corps recruits, sir.”

 

Unlike football crowds chanting “defense,” Marines shout “kill.” Their combat mandate demands it. By combining weapons training with brainwashing, robotized human killing machines are created.

 

Major media and Hollywood scoundrels help. They’re enlisted to demonize enemies. Racial epithets vilified Japanese soldiers. They were dehumanized as brutal animals. So were North Koreans, Vietnamese, and other non-whites. Asians and Arabs are called sneaky, deviant, and other degrading terms. Training manipulates impressionable minds to believe it.

 

In fall 2006, former Marine Sgt. Martin Smith’s article headlined, “Learning to be a Killer: Remembering Marine Corps boot camp,” saying:

 

Indoctrination involves “dehumanizing the enemy in order to train (recruits) how to overcome any fear or prejudice against killing.”

 

“The process of dehumanization is central to military training. During the Vietnam War, the enemy in Vietnam was simply a ‘gook,’ ‘dink,’ or ‘slope. Today, ‘raghead’ and ‘sand nigger’ are the current racist epithets lodged against Arabs and Muslims.”

 

“After every command, we would scream, ‘Kill!’ But our call for blood took on particular importance during our physical training, when we learned how to fight with pugil sticks-wooden sticks with padded ends-how to run an obstacle course with fixed bayonets, or how to box and engage in hand-to-hand combat.”

 

“We were told to imagine the ‘enemy’ in all of our combat training, and it was always implied that the enemy was of Middle Eastern descent. When some raghead comes lurking up from behind, you’re gonna give ‘em ONE,’ barked the training DI. We all howled in unison, “Kill!”

 

“We were being indoctrinated with schemes for war in the Middle East. Our hatred of the ‘Arab other’ was crafted from the very beginning of our training through fear and hate. In these ‘dirty wars,’ troops cannot tell friend from foe, leading to war crimes against a civilian population.”

 

Other US service branches also manipulate young minds to kill. They reinforce training mandates in war zones. They violate lawful rules of engagement (ROE). In Iraq, some commanders ordered killing all military-aged Iraqi men on sight.

 

Yet US Army Field Manual 27-10 incorporates Nuremberg Principles, Judgment and the Charter and Law of Land Warfare (1956). They prohibit crimes of war and against humanity and require disobeying lawless orders.

 

But US service members risk Court Martial and prison terms by putting rule of law principles above chain of command orders. Either go along or be penalized if charged.

 

Manipulating Public Opinion

 

Vilifying enemies isn’t new. Nor do boot camps alone create Groupthink. Political, academic, religious and other leaders euphemize killing and dehumanizing to justify lawless acts.

 

For example, calling Soviet Russia the “evil empire” or communism a “cancer” manipulates public opinion to accept aggressive state policy as justified.

 

In Nazi Germany, Jews were called “parasites,” “Jewish bacilli,” and other dehumanizing terms to facilitate Hitler’s “final solution.” Raul Hilberg’s “The Destruction of the European Jews” is its definite history.

 

He called their annihilation no accident, saying:

 

“When in the early days of 1933, the first civil servant wrote the first definition of ‘non-Aryan’ into a civil service ordinance, the fate of European Jewry was sealed.”

 

He also said “moral obstacles must be removed” and internal conflicts resolved to facilitate the horrors of war and planned atrocities.

 

Throughout America’s history, racist/hateful dehumanization targeted Native Americans, Blacks, Latinos, other marginalized groups, and now Muslims. For example, Native people were called plundering, murdering savages, and much more. Doing so facilitated ritual slaughter.

 

America’s holocaust inspired Hitler’s. How could Washington complain when it committed its own. Each time, mass slaughter’s justified, sanitized, and/or suppressed. Pain, suffering, and death aren’t images policy makers want publicized.

 

Rhetoric softens horrific acts. Civilian deaths become “collateral damage.” In Vietnam, “pacification” meant forced displacement. “Incursion” was code language for invasion. Creating a “sanitized belt” meant removing everyone, bulldozing areas, and erecting “defensive positions” with heavy weapons.

 

“Sincere regrets” conceal deliberate killing. Free fire zones become “humanitarian bombing.” Propaganda softens and conceals crimes of war and against humanity. Language hides ugly truths.

 

Ronald Reagan’s national security advisor, Robert McFarlane, euphemized war horrors. He said America must remain prepared for “low-intensity conflict. The use of force can never be our preference or our only choice. It cannot yet be discarded, however, as an instrument of policy.”

 

In fact, it’s often preferred policy. It’s disguised as humanitarian, democratic liberation, when, in fact, it’s imperial aggression for unchallenged dominance.

 

Orwellian language facilitates warmaking. When used effectively, mass slaughter and destruction become normal, though for the most part ugly facts are suppressed.

 

Entire war zones become destroyed villages to save them. Brainwashed troops make it possible with ease.

 

Groupthink removes ravaged countries, mass slaughter, and human suffering from their mindsets.

 

Training indoctrination makes them effective killing machines in combat. Burning Korans alone show they’re well taught.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Feb 25

Spoiling for War on Syria

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Spoiling for War on Syria

 

by Stephen Lendman

 

Nearly a year ago, Western-backed insurgent violence erupted. Heavily armed foreign fighters supplemented internal ones. Al Qaeda’s very much involved.

 

Russian and Chinese peace initiatives are spurned. Washington, rogue NATO partners, and pro-Western regional allies want conflict.

 

Reports suggest Jordan’s hosting 40,000 heavily armed insurgents along Syria’s southern border ready to intervene. Former Libyan Al Qaeda commander Abdelhakim Belhadj commands nearly half of them.

 

Iraqi fighters are massed to Syria’s east, ready to join them. So are so-called Free Syrian Army insurgents north in Turkey. Perhaps escalated violence is planned for Sunday, February 26, when Syrians vote up or down on Assad’s new draft constitution.

 

A mass supportive turnout would embarrass Washington, its allies, and insurgent leaders. Preventing it violently may be planned.

 

Syrian National Council and Free Syrian Army dissidents reject it out of hand. So does Washington. White House spokesman Jay Carney called it “laughable. It makes a mockery of the Syrian revolution. Promises of reforms have usually been followed by an increase in brutality and have never been delivered by the regime” since protests began.

 

Other US officials made similar disparaging remarks. Washington want protracted conflict to replace Assad with a pro-Western regime.

 

They ignore his repeated good faith reform announcements and thousands of released prisoners. At the same time, insurgent violence continues. He’s blamed for confronting it responsibly. So would other leaders to restore order.

 

Fundamental International Law

 

International law backs them. The UN Charter’s Article 51 states:

 

“Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Measures taken by Members in the exercise of this right of self-defense shall be immediately reported to the Security Council and shall not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the Security Council under the present Charter to take at any time such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.”

 

In addition, individual states may use defensive force against armed attacks until the Security Council acts. Other exceptions don’t apply, including armed reprisals. Calling them unlawful, the General Assembly said all states must refrain from using them.

 

The right of self-defense is limited solely to deterring armed attacks, preventing future ones after initial assaults, or reversing the consequences of enemy aggression, such as heavily armed Western-backed Syrian insurgents.

 

Not only does international law support Assad, he’s obligated to defend his people under armed attack.

 

However, force must conform to the principles of necessity, distinction, and proportionality.

 

Necessity permits only attacking military targets.

 

Distinction pertains to distinguishing between civilian and military ones.

 

Proportionality prohibits disproportionate force likely to damage nonmilitary sites and/or harm civilian lives.

 

A fourth consideration requires preventing unnecessary suffering, especially affecting noncombatant civilians.

 

If these objective aren’t possible, attacks are prohibited, but not when civilian lives are threatened by hostile elements doing most of the killing.

 

In addition, to a limited degree, anticipatory self-defense is permitted when compelling evidence shows likely imminent threats or further attacks after initial ones.

 

However, attackers bear burden of proof. For nearly a year, Syria faced Western-backed violence. Confronting it’s essential to restore order.

 

In contrast, under no circumstances, with no exceptions may one nation, NATO, or other combination of nations intervene against another without Security Council authorization. Doing so is illegal aggression, a lawless act of war.

 

The UN Charter’s Article 2(7) states:

 

“Nothing contained in the present charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the Members to submit matters to settlement under the present Charter; but this principle shall not prejudice the application of enforcement measures under Chapter VII,” pertaining to threats to peace, its breaches, or acts of aggression.

 

Western-backed aggression rages in Syria. Likely escalation’s planned. Under UN Charter provisions, the Security Council’s obligated to confront it, not Assad. He and nonviolent Syrians are victims, not villains.

 

In Libya, responsibility to protect (R2P) humanitarian intervention was cover for aggressive war. Tens of thousands died. The country was ravaged. Out-of-control violence still rages. Perhaps similar strategy is planned for Syria.

 

Doing so violates the UN Charter’s Chapter VI. It calls for resolving disputes peacefully. Humanitarian intervention authority never permits military force or other hostile acts.

 

Doing so ignores Chapter VII authorization to impose boycotts, embargoes, blockades, and severed diplomatic ties when justified – never war, except in self-defense and only until the Security Council acts.

 

The General Assembly’s 2005 World Summit Outcome Document adopted R2P authority. Paragraph 138 said each nation must “protect (its) population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.”

 

Paragraph 139 delegates UN responsibility “to use appropriate diplomatic, humanitarian and other peaceful means, in accordance with Chapters VI and VIII of the Charter, to help protect populations from” these crimes.

 

Military force isn’t authorized. The UN Charter prohibits it for humanitarian interventions. As a result, justifying it under R2P is illegal. Doing so is lawless aggression. Western-backed insurgents violate fundamental international law. Assad’s wrongfully blamed.

 

Syria’s now up for grabs. Will it remain independent or be ravaged like Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya and become another exploited Western colony?

 

Heading for Western Intervention

 

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suggested it, saying Syrian opposition forces will become “increasingly capable” of confronting Assad aggressively.

 

“They will, from somewhere, somehow, find the means to defend themselves, as well as begin offensive measures.”

 

Directly or indirectly, America’s arming insurgent forces. Former US diplomat Walid Maalouf said Washington’s “secretly providing aid to (Syria’s) opposition.” For years, US weapons and munitions flooded the region and still do. America’s directly involved in cross-border smuggling, including from Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey near Syria’s border.

 

In addition, UK/CIA/MI6 operatives train insurgents and provide active support. UK and Qatari troops are involved. Heavy weapons and munitions are supplied. US Special Forces and foreign troops are positioned along Syria’s border. Perhaps they’ve already entered covertly.

 

Fifty Turkish officers were arrested in Syria. They were secretly organizing opposition forces. They admitted being trained by Israeli Special Forces to help destabilize Assad’s government. Others may also be caught in the act. Reports suggest Saudi Arabia and Qatar are paying anti-Gaddafi insurgents $1,000 monthly to fight Assad.

 

On February 23, the Mossad-connected DEBKAfile headlined, “US, France, UK, Turkey, Italy prepare for military intervention in Syria,” saying:

 

“Despite public denials, military preparations for intervention (against Syria) are quietly afoot….”

 

Obama’s poised to act, according to DEBKA’s Washington sources. Allied countries await “a White House decision before going forward.” Defying Security Council authority, perhaps acting on behalf of “Friends of Syria” is planned. With these type “friends,” who needs enemies. They replicate “Friend of Libya” responsible for NATO intervention.

 

London’s Telegraph reported on US/EU/Arab League/allied nations “Friends of Syria” meeting in Tunis. According to an “updated draft declaration,” they demand all civilian area violence immediately stop, and that humanitarian supplies be allowed to enter.

 

Blame insurgents for violence and preventing humanitarian aid access. Assad’s wrongfully condemned for confronting them.

 

In addition, the draft praised Syrian National Council (SNC) regime opponents. Short of full recognition, it called them “legitimate representative(s) of Syrians seeking peaceful democratic change.”

 

In fact, along with Free Syrian Army insurgents, they’re slaughtering civilians and state security forces. They reject peaceful resolution in contrast to internal Assad opponents who demand it. As a result, they’re entirely shut out for opposing Western plans.

 

The draft also pledged to “increase its engagement with and practical support for the Syrian opposition” without elaborating further.

 

The current draft’s a work in progress. Its final text may change, but not its message. It demands regime change, so far barely stopping short of declaring war.

 

According to UK Foreign Secretary William Hague:

 

“Governments around the world have the responsibility to act….and to redouble our efforts to stop the Assad regime’s despicable campaign of terror.”

 

He also barely stopped short of declaring war. Increasingly, it looks likely, and if so, expect a bloodbath like Libya.

 

On Thursday, a UN panel of three investigators led by Brazilian Professor Paulo Pinheiro said Assad’s government ordered “gross human rights violations, amounting to crimes against humanity.”

 

It also claimed “credible and consistent evidence” of Syrian forces shooting “unarmed protesters,” killing soldiers refusing to obey orders, and “arrest(ing) persons without cause,” mistreating them, and “attack(ing) civilian neighborhoods with indiscriminate tanks and machine-gun fire.”

 

Evidence it claimed came from people with “inside knowledge.” It’s similar to falsified Gaddafi crimes, including using rape as a weapon of war and massacring civilians to justify intervention.

 

Insurgents were also accused of similar abuses, but not “comparable in scale and organization to those carried out by the state.”

 

On February 23, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was appointed joint UN-Arab League envoy on the Syrian crisis. A reliable imperial tool, his entire tenure reflected shameless, dismal failure to fulfill the mandate he was sworn to uphold; namely:

 

“to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights; to establish conditions (promoting) justice….equal rights of men and women (in all nations)….(respect for) international law….promote social progress….to ensure….armed force shall not be used” and much more.

 

His successor, Ban Ki-moon, keeps replicating his dismal record. He brazenly accused Assad of crimes against humanity, saying he “indiscriminately” shells neighborhoods, uses hospitals “as torture centers,” and “jails” and “abuses” children young as 10.

 

Western leaders and major media scoundrels also use two foreign journalist deaths to further heighten tensions. France’s Nicolas Sarkozy said “enough is enough. This regime must go.” Other leaders called it the “breaking point.”

 

Both entered illegally. Media reports praise them. Assad’s unjustifiably blamed for their death.

 

A Final Comment

 

With Western aggression likely, the wild card is will Russia and China intervene. Both countries reject foreign interference. They call for peaceful conflict resolution. Instead, it’s escalating toward all-out war.

 

Each nation has vital regional interests. Will they remain spectators if diplomacy fails? Much hinges on their plans.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Feb 25

ACTA 2.0

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ACTA 2.0

 

by Stephen Lendman

 

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) calls the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) “a secretive, multi-nation agreement that threatens to extend restrictive intellectual property laws across the globe.”

 

It replicates its worst features. Nine nations are negotiating it secretly plus Japan without formal status. They include America, Australia, Malaysia, Peru, Vietnam, New Zealand, Chile, Singapore, and Brunei.

 

Though provisions aren’t known, Article 1.1.3 states:

 

“The Parties seek to support the wider liberalisation process (read corporate control) in APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) consistent with its goals of free and open (not fair) investment.”

 

APEC includes 21 members. Major Asian ones include China, Japan, Russia, and South Korea among others. Non-Asian ones include America, Canada, Mexico, Peru and Chile.

 

Four countries (Singapore, New Zealand, Brunei and Chile) negotiated an initial agreement. On June 3, 2005, it was signed and took effect on May 28, 2006. Six other countries joined negotiations.

 

Ten previous negotiating rounds occurred beginning from March 15 – 19, 2010. An 11th is scheduled for March 1 – 9, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.

 

At issue is agreeing on unrestricted trade in goods, services, rules of origin, trade remedies, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers, government procurement and competition policies, and intellectual property (IP).

 

EFF urges:

 

“Don’t Let TPP Become the New ACTA: Contact Your Lawmakers and Demand Transparency,” saying:

 

Like ACTA, TPP negotiations are secret “and on a fast timetable. We don’t know what’s in the TPP IP chapter, and that’s what worries us.” Entertainment industry executives are involved. It’s one of corporate America’s most corrupt.

 

Intellectual property (IP) includes copyrights, trademarks, patents, and related considerations. One-sided structuring for business harms ordinary citizens’ rights. In addition, at stake is “the future of the Internet’s global infrastructure and innovation across the world.”

 

A leaked February TPP version showed US negotiators pressuring for far more restrictive IP provisions than ACTA and other international treaties. It stated:

 

“This document must be protected from unauthorized disclosure….It must be stored in a locked or secured building, room, or container.”

 

Declassification would be authorized “four years from entry into force….or, if no agreement enters into force, four years from the close of the negotiations.”

 

In other words, power brokers want secretive provisions established with no public knowledge of their destructive harm.

 

TPP aims to rewrite global IP enforcement rules. All signatory countries will have to change domestic laws, regulations, and other policies to comply.

 

In America, controversial copyright laws will be further hardened. For example, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act’s “broad ban on circumventing digital locks and frequently disproportionate statutory damages for copyright infringement.”

 

Moreover, Congress will be prevented from reforming domestic law to assure Internet freedom and innovative technology protections.

 

Leaked TPP provisions subvert US laws. As a result, significant issues are raised, including free expression, privacy, and due process. From what’s known, TPP will require signatories to:

 

(1) “Treat temporary reproductions of copyrighted works without copyright holders’ authorization as copyright infringement.” Earlier this was discussed and rejected.

 

(2) “Ban parallel importation of genuine goods acquired from other countries without the authorization of copyright owners.”

 

(3) Establish copyright provisions well beyond current norms. For example, the US – Oman Free Trade Agreement enforces rights 95 years after publication or 120 years after creating corporate owned works.

 

(4) “Adopt laws banning circumvention of digital locks (technological protection measures – TMPs) that mirror the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), and treat violation of the TMP provisions as a separate offense, even when no copyright infringement is involved.”

 

As a result, signatories would have to rewrite or reverse existing laws to comply. Enormous public interest harm would result. Business would benefit at the expense of the greater good.

 

(5) Impose copyright infringement criminal sanctions.

 

(6) “Adopt the US DMCA Internet Intermediaries copyright safe harbor regime in its entirety.” Again, fundamental protections would end.

 

Overall, signatories would be forced to adopt harmful provisions. Sovereignty issues and consumer protections are at stake, as well as the ability of governments to prioritize domestic needs.

 

Like ACTA, negotiations are secret behind closed doors. Transparency demands by prominent civil society organizations were ignored. They include Public Citizen, Global Exchange, Friends of the Earth, Earthjustice and others.

 

If adopted, non-signatory countries will be affected, including all 21 APEC members. Pressure will be applied globally to comply with anti-populist provisions.

 

TPP Watch

 

It’s “a network of concerned unions, groups and individuals formed to organize and support initiatives to oppose” TPP. “Beware the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement,” it highlights.

 

At issue is “almost every area of policy you can think of,” including labor laws, subsidy protections, and regulations covering GMO and other foods, drugs, tobacco, mining, the ability to reverse privatizations, foreign investments, hot money, and IP protection.

 

Investor rights are prioritized at the expense popular ones. For example, foreign investors would be able to sue governments for hundreds of millions of dollars for breaching their TPP rights.

 

Corporations now rule the world. Imagine doing it more than ever with an unchallengeable iron fist. Incrementally, free societies are at risk.

 

Unless ACTA, TPP and similar measures are stopped, they’re heading for the dustbin of history practically everywhere. If that’s not worth fighting to stop, what is?

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

Feb 23

Lynne Stewart Appeal for Justice

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Lynne Stewart Appeal for Justice

 

by Stephen Lendman

 

Lynne was wrongfully indicted, convicted, sentenced, and given a far harsher one unjustifiably on appeal.

 

On February 29, US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit arguments will be presented. She won’t be there, but hopes massive support will turn out for her at the:

 

US Courthouse

500 Pearl Street

Manhattan, New York

 

She can be reached as follows:

 

Lynne Stewart #53504-054

Federal Medical Center, Carswell

PO Box 27137

Ft. Worth, TX 76127

 

Her full appeal brief discusses all relevant facts about her and her case. It includes her character, commitment, honor, and dedication to justice as the law demands but didn’t afford her.

 

She discusses her appeal as follows:

 

“After the disaster in July 2010, when Judge Koeltl, following the directives of the Second Circuit increased my sentence from 28 months to 10 years, our righteous indignation fueled this appeal. The government’s argument will center on my testimony at trial and the alleged perjury. All of those facts were before the Court at the time of the 28 month sentence and were not the basis then of a double digit sentence.”

 

“Our Brief attacks the increased sentence on two different fronts –one on a doctrine of “substantive unreasonableness” meaning it’s just too much of an increase, five fold — given the circumstances. Secondly, we argued that the only “new” information before the Judge were my statements after my first sentence in October of 2008 and remarks I made on the Courthouse steps before I surrendered to prison. We contend strongly that this is protected speech under the First Amendment of the Constitution, and cannot be used to increase or as a  basis for sentencing.  (even if they hate it !!!)”

 

“The same group of 3 Judges that heard and decided the original appeal will also hear the arguments on the 29th. The government is not asking for more time; they are satisfied with their pound of flesh but it is not likely that this Court will take any action that will help me. The times are askew for prisoners and their lawsuits.”

 

The lawyers that argued in July of 2010 will be on board with the addition of Herald Price Fahringer, an eminent attorney in the First Amendment field (the win in the Larry Flynt Hustler case in the US Supreme Court was his. He was also in the line of fire (no injuries) when the shooting took place.) He will enthusiastically present our case. I will not be present –not unusual once imprisoned. But my spirit will be there to inspire !!!”

 

“Of course, my case has always been government firing  warning shots to Lawyers, that a vigorous defense, of certain clients, if not conforming to government specifications, will be punished severely. This chill effect in these days that we are confronted with Grand Jury investigations and dismantling of Occupations is not something we should contemplate with anything less than alarm.”

 

“I have just finished David Gilbert’s book (Love Struggle) and the intercession of lawyers when there are arrests of designated enemies of the “state” are the only  meaningful protection available.”

 

“A Large Outpouring of Support in Foley Square and Tom Paine Park and in the Courtroom will signal to these arbiters of “Justice” that attention must be paid, the 99% are watching them with suspicion and tallying up the roads not taken.”

 

A Final Comment

 

For 30 years, Stewart worked tirelessly defending America’s poor, underprivileged, and unwanted. They’re never afforded due process and judicial fairness without an advocate like her.

 

Where others wouldn’t go, she did courageously, defending controversial figures like Weather Underground’s David Gilbert, United Freedom Front’s Richard Williams, Black Liberation Army members Sekou Odinga and Nasser Ahmed, and many more like them. She knew the risks, but took them fearlessly and courageously until wrongfully indicted for doing her job.

 

Her case sent a chilling message to other lawyers that it’s dangerous defending unpopular clients ruthless prosecutors want to convict.

 

Throughout her career, she scrupulously observed the American Bar Association’s Model Rules. They obligate lawyers to:

 

“devote professional time and resources and use civic influence to ensure equal access to our system of justice for all those who because of economic or social barriers cannot afford or secure adequate legal counsel.”

 

She did that and much more. She’s a model attorney and human being. Now she’s wrongfully imprisoned for 10 years. On February 29, her skilled legal team will argue persuasively for justice. For Lynne, it’s long overdue.

 

Her original sentence was unjust. Increasing it fourfold constituted cruel and unusual punishment. The Eighth Amendment prohibits it.

 

A single prison day ignores her lifetime commitment to community, the rule of law, society’s poor, underprivileged and unwanted, and the profession she chose to represent them honorably and courageously.

 

Many worldwide support Lynne. This writer’s proud to call her a friend. On February 29, join others in Manhattan’s federal court on her behalf.

 

Lynne says her case is “bigger than just (her) personally.” She’ll always struggle for justice and urges others to as well in her signature comment, saying:

 

“Organize – Agitate, Agitate, Agitate.”

 

“Love Struggle”

 

And be sure to write her and show up on February 29.

 

Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

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