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Palestinians are doubly cursed. Israel's military attacks them regularly. During the past week alone, Israeli air strikes killed four Gazans, wounding another 14.

Al-Nabi Saleh village residents participating in a peaceful demonstration were assaulted. Two injuries were reported, including a child. Israel's navy arrested three Palestinian fishermen, confiscating their boats.

Their security forces conducted 91 incursions (13 a day on average) into Palestinian communities, arresting 14 civilians. One injury was reported.

Israeli security forces raided homes of recently released Palestinian prisoners. They were ordered to appear for questioning to harass and perhaps re-incarcerate them.

In addition, Palestinian property was attacked, bulldozed, otherwise destroyed or damaged.

All the above incidents and similar daily ones violate international and Israeli law.

Lawless Israeli settlers also assault Palestinians with impunity. Investigations when held are whitewashed. Rarely is anyone prosecuted even for offenses too serious to ignore.

On November 11, B'Tselem reported on "Settler violence against Palestinian farmers and their property, Beitillu, Ramallah District," saying:

On October 24, 25 and 26, four attacks occurred. Three involved settlers damaging or uprooting olive trees on privately owned Palestinian land near Nahli'el and Talmon settlements. A Palestinian farmer was also assaulted on his land.

On October 24, Faiz Abu Ziyada, a Beitillu resident, saw signs posted on olive trees on his land. It's several hundred meters from the illegal Nahli'el settlement.

Abu Ziyada complained to police. The same day, Hassan Tabal, another Beitillu resident, found 30 of his olive trees burned. Twenty were totally destroyed. He also notified police.

On October 25, Abu Ziyada family members waited for Israeli soldiers to accompany them to their land to pick olives. Settlers assaulted them. Two soldiers present did nothing. Instead, they told Palestinians to leave.

Given no choice, they watched helplessly from a distance while settlers smashed windows in their car. Instead of stopping them, soldiers summoned police. They arrived to investigate. Palestinians know settlers commit violence with impunity. Inquiries of any sort go nowhere.

While family members were being questioned, Aa'il Abu Ziyada saw damage done to his olive trees. Branches were maliciously broken off. The previous day they were unharmed.

On October 26, Bazar family members saw branches torn off 10 of their olive trees. Later an Al Jazeera jeep arriving to document the damage was stoned. A B'Tselem volunteer with them was injured when a stone struck him in the neck.

Last year, B'Tselem documented six settler vandalism incidents. They happen regularly. Many aren't reported. Affected Palestinians may fear for their lives. Other times complaints lodged fall on deaf ears.

In 2010, B'Tselem discussed several incidents near Talmon, Dolev and Hanli'el settlements. They included assaults, threats, damage to trees, and crop theft. Farmers complained to police.

Four cases were closed, three on grounds of "offender unknown." It's polite language for whitewash. Another ended for reasons unknown, and a fifth one remains unresolved.

In 2006, Israel's High Court ruled that "protection of the safety and property of the local residents is one of the most fundamental obligations imposed on the military commander in the field."

The Court ordered four principles maintained:

assuring Palestinian farmers are safe during olive harvest;

that they have free access to their land;

that security forces protect their property; and

thoroughly investigate complaints filed.

Israeli government and military officials routinely ignore Supreme Court rulings, doing what they wish extralegally.

Instead of protecting Palestinians, Israeli soldiers prevent them from accessing their land, and require they coordinate harvesting olives to suit military commander demands.

They claim coordination is needed to prevent or minimize settler attacks. Of course, they'd be few or none if guilty parties were arrested and prosecuted, including being forced to make restitution for damaged property.

The above cases show how disdainfully authorities treat Palestinians. At the same time, settlers get free reign to assault farmers on their land and vandalize their property.

B'Tselem wanted answers from Israel's Binyamin brigade. Instead it got meaningless responses, signifying nothing would be done regarding the above incidents or to prevent future ones.

Soldiers present when Abu Ziyada family members were assaulted violated military orders to detain offenders until police arrived. It rarely happens. Settlers know they can do what they please with impunity.

OCHA Documents 2011 Settler Violence

A November Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for the Occupied Palestinian Territory discussed this year's settler violence to date. These facts were covered:

on average, weekly settler attacks causing Palestinian injuries and property damage increased 40% compared to 2010, 165% to 2009;

settlers killed three Palestinians, injuring another 167;

another Palestinian was killed and 101 injured by soldiers intervening in settler-farmer clashes; Palestinians were harmed instead of protected;

eight settlers were killed, another 30 injured, compared to five deaths and 43 injuries in 2010;

settlers damaged or destroyed nearly 10,000 Palestinian trees, mainly olive ones; the livelihoods of hundreds of families were significantly undermined;

in July 2011, repeated attacks entirely displaced a Palestinian community of 127;

Israeli police summarily dismissed over 90% of Palestinian complaints; and

OCHA identified over 80 Palestinian communities with a combined population of nearly 250,000 vulnerable to settler violence, including 76,000 at high risk.

OCHA concluded that:

(1) Settler violence undermines the security and livelihoods of West Bank Palestinians.

(2) Many attacks were committed by settlers living in unauthorized Israeli "outposts," many built on privately-owned Palestinian land.

(3) Settler violence stems from Israel's longstanding policy of stealing Palestinian land, displacing Arabs with Jews, and turning a blind eye to their lawlessness.

(4) International and Israeli laws are ignored. Most investigations are whitewashed. Settlers commit vandalism and assaults with impunity. As a result, they continue unchallenged.

(5) Settler violence increases the risk of Palestinian displacement. Stealing more land is facilitated.

(6) Israel is legally obligated to prevent settler attacks, protect Palestinian property, and prosecute settler offenders. It rarely happens.

A Final Comment

Across America, cops attack protesters with mace, pepper spray, tear gas, beatings, and other crowd dispersal methods.

In some parts of the world, demonstrators risk their lives protesting, in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Bahrain.

On November 19, an email arrived saying the following:

"We are very sad about the death of a child supporting the Occupy Wall St. movement. He was also one of the members of the Occupy Bahrain movement.

The 16 year old child was killed by (monarchal) Al Khalifa mercenaries. His name is Ali Yousif Badah. He is from Sitra City.

Yes it is in Bahrain - it happend after midnight on Friday night, i.e. early Saturday morning. After Ali was run over by a police car, mercenaries cleaned up blood and remains from the crime scene, and an ambulance later picked up his body.

His father said that it is difficult to look at Ali's body, as it has been run over in a terribly brutal way. May God help his family!"

Since February, dozens of other protesting Bahrainis were murdered in cold blood. So far, it hasn't gone this far in America.

Given Washington's appetite for violence, belligerence in all forms can't be ruled out if authorities decide on much harsher ways to crack down.

Some critics are silenced other ways. On November 18, Electronic Intifada co-founder Ali Abuninah said Washington's National Press Club suspended journalist Sam Husseini for asking former Saudi intelligence head Prince Turki al-Faisal this question:

"There's been a lot of talk about the legitimacy of the Syrian regime. I want to know what legitimacy your regime has, sir."

"You come before us, representative of one of the most autocratic, misogynistic regimes on the face of the earth."

"Human Rights Watch and others report of torture and detention of activists. You squelched the democratic uprising in Bahrain. You tried to overturn the democratic uprising in Egypt, and indeed you continue to oppress your own people."

"What legitimacy does your regime have - other than with billions of dollars and weapons" supporting you?

In response, National Press Club executive director William McCarren suspended Husseini for "boisterous and unseemly conduct and language."

America's major media, especially television, also suppress critics of state and corporate power, as well as Israel and foreign despots allied with Washington.

Recognition and acceptance depend on saying nothing offensive about entrenched power interests. Criticize and risk exclusion, banishment or worse.

Increasingly, America's First Amendment isn't worth the parchment it's reproduced on. Cross a forbidden line and get punished. Cross it on America's streets against Wall Street and corporate greed and get brutalized by rogue cops.

Cross it repeatedly and risk life and limb if your views resonate globally. America won't tolerate democratic values at home or abroad.

In contrast, despotic rogue allies and their supporters are welcome. Husseini and courageous journalists are punished for doing what mainstream ones won't dare - their job.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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/.

The Russell Tribunal on Palestine: South Africa Session

The Russell Tribunal on Palestine: South Africa Session - by Stephen Lendman

Launched on March 4, 2009, "The Russell Tribunal on Palestine (RToP) seeks to reaffirm the primacy of international law (to settle) the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (by focusing on) the enunciation of law by authoritative bodies (and) address(ing) the failure of application of law even though it has been so clearly identified."

It begins where the International Court of Justice "stopped: highlighting the responsibilities arising from the enunciation of law, including those of the international community, which cannot continue to shirk its obligations."

RToP follows in the BRussell Tribunal's tradition, named after famed philosopher, mathematician, and anti-war/anti-imperialism activist Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970). Over 50 years ago he warned:

"Shall we put an end to the human race, or shall mankind renounce war" and live in peace, because no other option is possible.

Established in 1967, the BRussell Tribunal investigated Vietnam war crimes. More recently, it addressed Iraq war ones and imperial America under Bush and Obama.

RToP exposes Israeli crimes against Palestinian civilians. It wants decades of colonialism, occupation and apartheid replaced by justice, equality, and peace.

RToP's Cape Town South Africa Session

On RToP's second day, its web site (russelltribunalonpalestine.com) was hacked and disabled. An Internet consultant called it "no amateur job."

Doing an important right thing has a price. Dark Israeli-connected forces attacked it in vain. RToP won't be silenced. Neither will others exposing decades of Israeli crimes.

On Facebook last week, RToP's coordinator Frank Barat said:

"Zionists in South Africa are going mad. Every newsroom in the country has received (a) gift box of anti-Russell material."

They also created "Russell the kangaroo" Facebook and Twitter accounts to attack RToP. So far, they've attracted scant attention.

On November 6, Maan News headlined, "Israeli army, intel sites down after 'Anonymous' threat," saying Palestine Internet service was disabled by "a serious act of sabotage."

Held on November 5 and 6, RToP proceeded successfully as planned. Its findings are discussed below. Distribute them for maximum exposure. Everyone should understand Israeli lawlessness against nonviolent civilians.

Apartheid

RToP accused Israel of "subject(ing) the Palestinian people to an institutionised regime amounting to apartheid as defined under international law."

Militarized colonial rule is especially repugnant. Ongoing for over 44 years, Israel's version is monstrous. Occupied Palestinians face daily oppression and indignities. Israeli Arabs have virtually no rights in a Jewish state, affording them solely to Jews.

Racist discrimination defines official Israeli policy. So does systematic state terror, committing gross civil and human rights violations.

The 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (the Declaration on Colonialism), condemned "colonialism in all its forms and manifestations," including illegal settlements.

According to the 1973 International Convention for the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid (the Apartheid Convention), this practice is state-sanctioned discriminatory "inhuman" racism "committed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining domination by one racial group of persons over any other racial group of persons and systematically oppressing them."

Apartheid is an international crime. The above definition builds on the 1965 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).

In addition, the 1998 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court calls apartheid a crime under the Court's jurisdiction. Though flagrantly guilty, Israel is yet to be held accountable.

Inhuman Acts of Apartheid

Clear evidence exposed Israel's apartheid rule, including ongoing "inhuman acts" committed against Palestinians and Israeli Arabs. They include:

targeted killings;

torture and ill-treatment;

arbitrary detentions and other deprivations of liberty;

excluding Palestinians "from participating in political, economic, social and cultural life;"

preventing diaspora Palestinians from returning as international law mandates;

denying or restricting Palestinian free movement, speech, assembly, residence, right of association, education, healthcare, housing, and other rights equal to Jews; and

stealing their land, bulldozing their homes, and forcefully displacing them.

As a result, Arabs and Jews are largely segregated lawlessly, a policy called "hafrada," meaning separation in Hebrew.

Abuses aren't random or isolated. They're willful systematic policies, rooted in law and practice. In all respects, Jews receive preferential treatment over Arabs deemed inferior, not wanted, and inside Israel called fifth column threats.

Occupied Palestinians face institutionalized separation and discrimination under militarized rule. They're "subject to military law enforced by military courts that fall far short of international fair trial standards."

In contrast, settlers are "subject to civil law and a civil court system" under Israeli law. As a result, two vastly different systems exist side by side. One affords justice, at least to some degree. The other affords none. The entire process is rigged to convict or force plea bargains for lesser sentences and fines. Rarely are accused Palestinians acquitted, no matter their innocence.

Persecution as a Crime against Humanity

It "involves the intentional and severe deprivation of fundamental rights of the members of an identifiable group in the context of a widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population." Clear evidence is as follows:

besieging Gaza; committing slow-motion genocide;

collectively punishing Palestinians;

willfully targeting civilians during large-scale conflicts, on and off attacks, and regular neighborhood incursions;

lawlessly destroying civilian homes;

lawlessly building a Separation Wall to steal Palestinian land; and

forcible dispossessions to seize all valued West Bank areas and East Jerusalem to entirely Judaize it.

Legal Consequences

Militarized occupation, colonialism and apartheid violate international law and norms. So do loss of life, property and equal opportunity. Holding Israel accountable is essential, including ending lawless practices, prosecuting culpable officials, and mandating restitution insofar as possible.

In fact, states and organizations are required "to cooperate (in ending) Israel's apartheid and policies of persecution...." They must also "end Israel's infringements of international criminal law...." No longer can they be allowed to continue.

Recommendations

"immediately dismantle" Israel's apartheid system;

rescind its discriminatory laws and practices and prohibit new ones;

impose sanctions and sever diplomatic ties until all illegal Israeli practices end;

mandate International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations and prosecutions of culpable Israeli officials;

enlist support from all groups and individuals comprising global civil society;

support boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) worldwide;

reconstitute a General Assembly anti-apartheid Special Committee to address "individuals, organizations, banks, companies, corporations, charities, and any other private or public bodies which assist Israel's apartheid regime with a view to taking appropriate measures;

request an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion with respect to Israel's longstanding occupation and apartheid;

have the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination address "apartheid in its forthcoming review of Israel in February 2012;" and

assure no Israeli reprisals against South Africa for hosting RToP's third session.

RToP is committed to ending Israel's occupation, colonialism, apartheid, persecution, injustice, and conflict over diplomatic resolutions, as well as enlisting world support toward those ends.

Nothing less is acceptable or tolerable, nor will it ever be.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Iran: WMDs Redux

Iran: WMDs Redux - by Stephen Lendman

Here we go again. Everything that goes around, comes around. We've seen it all before, each time fake. Nothing's different now.

Previous articles said US intelligence assessments through March 2011 found no evidence of Iranian nuclear weapons development.

During his December 1, 1997 - November 30, 2009 tenure as IAEA director general, Mohamed ElBaradei concurred. He carefully avoided anti-Iranian rhetoric and baseless charges.

After his departure, agency policy changed. IAEA was established as an intergovernmental scientific and technical cooperation forum. It was also to insure safe, peaceful nuclear technology applications. Initially independent, it now reports to the General Assembly and Security Council.

Current head, Yukiya Amano, politicized IAEA policy for Western interests, mainly Washington's. Doing so plays with fire, given nuclear technology stakes.

Lies launch all wars, including America's post-WW II. Israel's also.

Bogusly accusing Iran of developing nuclear weapons refutes known evidence claiming otherwise.

Washington enlisted Yamano to lie. He didn't disappoint. Ahead of his report's release, he visited Washington for instructions. Exposing his duplicity is vital.

War must be prevented at all costs. Hopefully world leaders won't tolerate it.

On November 8, former Pentagon official Michael Maloof told Press TV:

"There are some very serious questions (about Yamano's) study. It's obviously a basis for creating an atmosphere for launching an attack on Iran."

"My sources tell me here in Washington that they monitor Israeli activities, and they see (things happening) unabated. There are preparations for cancellation of civilian leave, not only these tests, but also fueling and arming missiles. It's building up to a crescendo!"

"I have not seen, and no one has convinced me, that Iran is going beyond just enriching uranium for the purpose of medical and other (nonmilitary) purposes."

"I'm really concerned that some accident is going to create another hostility."

He worries most about Israeli recklessness, regardless of whether Washington approves. Whether war winds target Iran isn't known. Only the fullness of time will tell.

Iraq - the Last Deception

Robert Abele discussed it in his book titled, "Anatomy of a Deception: A Reconstruction and Analysis of the Decision to Invade Iraq."

Reconstructing public dialogue, he explained events ahead of bombing, invading and occupying Iraq. No casus belli existed. Inventing one followed. Alleged evidence was fabricated. The cradle of civilization was destroyed.

Abele discussed manipulating public opinion four ways relating to:

Washington's imperial ambitions;

major media support, cheerleading US wars;

public ignorance, lack of critical thinking, and indifference; and

violations of international law and ethical principles.

All wars follow similar patterns based on lies, misinformation and deception, including World Wars I and II.

Sheldon Rampton and John Stauber's book, titled "Weapons of Mass Deception: The Uses of Propaganda in Bush's War on Iraq" covered similar ground, including how professional PR strategies, euphemisms, and jargon manipulate public thinking.

When evidence doesn't exist, it's invented. Later when discovered untrue, it's too late. People are persuaded to think wars make them safer. They never did and don't now. Wars beget more of them, benefitting profiteers and duplicitous politicians only.

James Bamford's book titled, "A Pretext for War: 9/11, Iraq, and the Abuse of America's Intelligence Agencies" discussed destruction, detection and deception in three parts.

Part three covered manipulative Washington and Israeli duplicity used to justify attacking Iraq, oust Saddam, install a pro-US puppet regime, benefit Israel by removing a rival, and change the Middle East map.

September 11, the war on terror, WMDs, mushroom shaped cloud hysteria, manipulated intelligence, the Al Qaeda connection, and more hyped nonexistent threats to generate fear and enlist public support.

Patterns repeat in all wars. Only aggressors, targets, and language change. Aims and tactics are consistent. Death, destruction and human misery follow.

Definition of WMDs

Weapons of mass destructions (WMDs) include chemical, biological and radiological devices capable of causing widespread death and destruction.

Wikipedia defines them as weapons able to "kill and bring significant harm to a large number of humans (and other life forms) and/or cause great damage to man-made structures (e.g. buildings), natural structures (e.g. mountains), or the biosphere in general."

"The scope and application of the term has evolved and been disputed, often signifying more politically than technically."

WMDs - Pretext for Attacking Iraq

Iraq had no nuclear weapons. After Operation Desert Storm, UNSCOM inspectors destroyed its chemical and biological ones. In June 1999, chief weapons inspector Scott Ritter told an interviewer:

"When you ask the question, 'Does Iraq possess militarily viable biological or chemical weapons?' the answer is no! It is a resounding NO."

"Can Iraq produce today chemical weapons on a meaningful scale? No! Can Iraq produce biological weapons on a meaningful scale? No! Ballistic missiles? No! It has 'no' access across the board."

"So from a qualitative standpoint, Iraq has been disarmed. Iraq today possesses no meaningful weapons of mass destruction capability."

Nonetheless, Bush administration officials, Ahmed Chalabi, other duplicitous Iraqis, fake intelligence sources, paid-to-lie experts, PR manipulators, and media scoundrels like New York Times writer Judith Miller falsely claimed Saddam maintained covert WMD stockpiles.

Britain's Dodgy Dossier cooked the books to fit Bush administration policy to attack, invade and occupy Iraq without cause, using fake intelligence.

Later evidence confirmed no WMD threat when it was too late to matter. Pre-war claims were false. Mushroom shaped cloud threats were bogus. Mobile biological weapons production was nonexistent.

Documents alleging Saddam bought Niger yellowcake uranium power were forged. He used aluminum tubes for artillery shells, not nuclear weapons. No evidence proved uranium centrifuge designs, development or production.

Nonetheless, lies justified lawless aggression against a nonbelligerent country posing no threat. Neither was Afghanistan, Libya, other post-WW II targets, and Iran.

Iran hasn't attacked another country in over 200 years. It's been targeted numerous times. America today covets its oil and gas resources. It wants its current regime replaced by another it controls. Bogusly calling Iran an existential threat, Israel wants a regional rival eliminated.

Whether or not war's planned isn't known. Discounting it ignores a threat too serious to ignore. Haaretz military affairs writer Amos Harel believes sanctions, not conflict, is likely, saying:

"The vast majority of the information in (IAEA's) report has been in the hands of Western intelligence agencies for a relatively long time."

America's National Intelligence Estimate refuted claims about an alleged nuclear weapons program and Iranian threat. Stiffer sanctions, not war, may follow Amano's report, Harel believes. Israel wants them to be "paralyzing, delivering a deadly blow to the Iranian banking system as well as to the country's oil industry."

Whether China, Russia and other nations will agree is doubtful. Washington pressure may impose them anyway.

National Journal writer Marc Ambinder headlined, "White House: IAEA Report Doesn't Change Assessment of Iran's Nuclear Ambitions," saying:

An unnamed senior administration official told reporters on a conference call that:

"The IAEA does not assert that Iran has resumed a full scale nuclear weapons program nor does it have a program about how advanced the programs really are."

IAEA, however, claims Iran carried "out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear device" with no evidence proving it.

The Washington Post headlined, "Obama administration readies new Iran sanctions in light of UN report on Tehran's nuclear aims," saying:

IAEA's report wasn't "a game-changer." Nonetheless, unilateral sanctions and others with international partners are planned. Efforts to isolate Iran and harm its economy will intensify. War perhaps will follow.

On and off threats persisted for years. Current rhetoric is more shrill than earlier. Whether or not replicating Libya is planned isn't known. Iran represents a much greater prize.

In 2010, it had the world's third largest proved oil reserves after Saudi Arabia and Canada. Libya has less than a third as much. After Russia, Iran has the second largest gas reserves. Washington covets control to deny enemies and rivals free access.

On Russia Today (RT.com), former CIA officer Philip Giraldi discounted IAEA's report, saying:

"I would be very skeptical about this report that is coming out of the International Atomic Energy because the IAEA doesn't really have any intelligence capabilities of its own. It is relying on reports that are coming from other people. I would rather suspect these reports are coming from the US and Israel."

"You may have a piece of evidence of some kind, but that piece of evidence is subject to your interpretation. When they saw aerial photographs in Iraq showing certain things, they interpreted those photographs to mean something which was not correct."

Iran Answers Critical Questions

Press TV said Iran's IAEA envoy Ali-Asghar Soltanieh offered Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) members "critical information about Iran's nuclear program" to cool current hysteria following Amano's report.

Attending an extraordinary NAM session, he answered "20 critical questions" and related issues.

Question 1: After 4,000 inspection days, has IAEA detected "even one gram of uranium being diverted for military purposes?"

No!

Question 2: Has IAEA found any nuclear activities and materials used for military activities?

No!

Question 3: "Was Iran ethically obliged to declare Natanz enrichment facility before 2003?"

No, given nothing introduced there until 2003!

Question 4: "Was Iran legally obliged to declare" Arak's (IR40) heavy water research reactor before 2003?

No!

Question 5: Under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement to report Arak's heavy water production before 2003, was Iran obliged to do so for the IAEA?

No!

Question 6: Was Iran legally obliged until 2003 "to declare uranium conversion Facilities (UDF)?"

No!

Question 7: Was Iran legally obliged "to declare uranium mines including Gachin and Saghand....?"

No!

Question 8: Did IAEA inspections detect any nuclear material or activity used as part of a nuclear weapons program?

No!

Question 9: Did IAEA's Action Plan announce "no other issue in addition to what was listed in 2007?"

Yes!

Question 10: Was IAEA obliged to submit "Alleged Studies" documents to Iran?

Yes!

Question 11: Did IAEA fulfill its obligations regarding submitting alleged evidence?

No!

Question 12: Did IAEA confirm its "Alleged Studies" authenticity?

No!

Question 13: What was Iran's INFOSIRC/711 obligation?

Per Paragraph III, it was to study the document and report its evaluation to IAEA.

Question 14: Was Iran obliged to hold meetings, interviews or allow sampling regarding the "Alleged Studies?"

No!

Question 15: Did Iran implement the Additional Protocol?

Yes!

Question 16: Did Iran implement the Subsidiary Arrangement of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement Modified Code 3.1?

Yes!

Question 17: When and why did Iran halt its voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol and Modified Code 3.1?

Voluntary implementation stopped after two and a half years because Iran's technical nuclear case was unfairly referred to the Security Council in 2006.

Question 18: Have all Iranian nuclear materials been measured and remain supervised to assure safe, peaceful operations?

Yes!

Question 19: Did Iran cooperate with unannounced inspections?

Yes, including on two hours notice!

Question 20: "Why does Iran deem" the Board of Governors and Security Council illegal?

Because its legal nuclear program was politicized. Hostile countries manipulated the IAEA, turning the agency into a US-dominated Security Council watchdog to deprive Iran and other developing countries "of their 'absolute right' to use peaceful nuclear energy as stipulated in the IAEA Statute."

Other relevant questions include why nuclear programs of other countries aren’t as closely scrutinized as Iran's?

Why aren't nuclear armed and dangerous nations like America and Israel inspected?

Why haven't nuclear armed Israel, India and Pakistan been sanctioned for not signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?

Why wasn't Iran given credit for signing and abiding by its provisions?

Why does IAEA let America, Israel and other Western allies bully Iran unfairly?

Why does IAEA under Amano do it?

Why isn't Iran's peaceful nuclear program accepted as fact when no evidence suggests otherwise?

Why are secret US and Israeli nuclear weapons development, production, and testing unmentioned and unmonitored?

Why doesn't IAEA fulfill its peaceful nuclear energy use mandate unpoliticized?

Under Amano, it's a Washington controlled tool. As a result, Iran's unfairly targeted while real nuclear outlaws freely terrorize other nations lawlessly!

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Fabricated IAEA Report on Iran Released

Fabricated IAEA Report on Iran Released - by Stephen Lendman

Previous articles said US intelligence assessments through March 2011 (the latest one) found no evidence of Iranian nuclear weapons development.

During his December 1, 1997 - November 30, 2009 tenure as IAEA director general, Mohamed ElBaradei concurred. He carefully avoided anti-Iranian rhetoric and baseless charges.

As a result, Washington and Western allies replaced him with Yukiya Amano, known to be more amenable to their interests. Six ballots and heavy pressure eliminated South Africa's Abdul Samad Minty.

Under his tenure since December 1, 2009, IAEA became a Western tool, providing conjecture, dubious intelligence, and fabricated allegations about an alleged Iranian nuclear weapons program. Despite no evidence proving one, Amano's report claims otherwise.

On November 8, New York Times writers David Sanger and William Broad headlined, "UN Finds Signs of Work by Iran Toward Nuclear Device," saying:

"United Nations weapons inspectors released a trove of new evidence Tuesday that they say makes a 'credible' case that 'Iran has carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear device,' and that the project may still be under way."

Based on forged, otherwise suspect, long ago discredited, discounted, or nonexistent documents, IAEA's report lacks credibility. Moreover, nothing new was revealed. Material from 2004 and earlier was manipulated to look current. It's not!

Based on identical information, US intelligence and ElBaradei produced completely opposite conclusions. Now they're politicized, fraudulently hyped, and regurgitated by major media liars, political Washington, Israeli hard-liners, and supportive Western leaders.

Obama so far said nothing.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said:

"We're going to study it. We are not prepared to speak about any next steps at this point."

Haaretz headlined, "IAEA report: Iran working to produce a nuclear bomb," saying:

Documents released show "a series of tests, acquisition of material, and technology that suggests Iran has continuously worked to produce a nuclear weapon since 2003."

IAEA said "The agency has serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear program."

Fact check

Israel is nuclear armed and dangerous. So is America. Both have first-strike priorities if allegedly threatened, including against non-nuclear states.

IAEA inspectors haven't investigated or discussed their programs, let alone cited their dangers or condemned them. Only Iran is targeted. Why is at issue?

Since Iran's 1979 revolution and US hostage crisis, Washington's been spoiling for a fight. The Carter administration considered invading and seizing its oil fields.

Tensions remained tense. Washington sought regime change for years. Various confrontational tactics include on and off saber rattling, sanctions, and direct meddling in Iran's internal affairs, perhaps including covert US Special Forces and CIA operatives there causing trouble.

Its leaders are accused of state sponsored terrorism, including baseless charges of anti-US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. Calling Iran a threat to world peace, Amano now accuses Tehran of concealing a nuclear weapons program.

Neither charge is credible. At issue is Iran's independence. Washington targets all nations it doesn't control. It was Saddam's undoing, Gaddafi's also, as well as others post-WW II, including democrats, despots and others in between.

Key also is Israel's quest for regional dominance. As its main rival, Iran is target one, not because of alleged threats, terrorism, or a supposed nuclear weapons program.

Amano claiming "credible" evidence is spurious. On November 8, Press TV said America gave him marching orders to produce it. Iranian and other experts discount it, calling its alleged evidence "indefensible."

Nothing new is revealed, just rehashed old information discounted as lacking credibility. Original documents haven't been released, just allegations of what they contain. ElBaradei repeatedly accused Washington of obstructing the agency's safeguards.

In 2007, Iran produced a 117-page assessment. IAEA has it. It proved documents from alleged studies and other sources were forged. Amano omitted mention of it from his report.

In other words, he skewed "facts" to fit Washington's policy. He also ignored Israel's Jericho-3 intercontinental ballistic missile test, capable of delivering a nuclear warhead up to 10,000 km away.

That's as good a scoundrel definition as any. Far better, in fact, when peace and regional stability hang in the balance. If Iran's attacked, he'll have blood on his hands for lying. Justifying war on Iraq followed the same pattern, claiming nonexistent WMDs.

Russia Today (RT.com) quoted Russian President Dmitry Medvedev saying:

"We understand how ramped up the passions in the Middle East are, the situations some countries face, and the fact that the peace process is stalled. If a militaristic tide is stirred in these circumstances, if threats are voiced, it may provoke very serious consequences."

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe also warned against attacking Iran. Restraint calls followed Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak demanding "crippling sanctions" on Iran. Otherwise a strike, not diplomacy, may follow.

Iranian President Ahmadinejad told IRNA news:

"If America wants to confront the Iranian nation, it will certainly regret (its) response."

Foreign affairs analyst Richard Heydarian said:

"The problem with the IAEA report is that it relies heavily on satellite images and data provided by Western intelligence agencies....The case of the Syrian Al-Hasakah Spinning Factory has proved that actually you cannot rely on satellite images. There is huge room for error."

He added that attacking Iran's nuclear facilities would be foolhardy, let alone lawless, saying:

"Its nuclear facilities are numerous. They are spread across the country. Some of them are highly protected and even bunker busters that the US has given to Israel might not take out many of them. Iran has learned from the example of Iraq and has a very sophisticated way of protecting its nuclear facilities."

At the same time, Iranian officials don't underestimate a possible US and/or Israeli attack, given Washington's permanent war policy and Israel's longstanding belligerence.

New lines in the sand were drawn, heightening the risk of war with potentially devastating consequences. Hopefully cooler heads on both sides will prevent it. The alternative is too dire to risk.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

War Winds Target Iran

War Winds Target Iran - by Stephen Lendman

Anti-Iranian rhetoric and saber rattling is one thing, baseless accusations another if serve as pretext for aggressive war.

Whether or not it's coming isn't known. Heated tensions are worrisome if boil over. Leaked information on an imminent IAEA report may or may not precipitate it even though what's coming lacks credibility.

During his tenure as IAEA director general (December 1, 1997 - November 30, 2009), Mohamed ElBaradei carefully avoided anti-Iranian rhetoric and baseless charges. Numerous times he discounted a potential threat with comments like:

People should stop claiming "Iran will be a threat from tomorrow and that we are faced right now with the issue of whether Iran should be bombed or allowed to have the bomb. We are not at all in that situation. Iran is a glaring example of how, in many cases, the use of force exacerbates the problem rather than (solves) it."

Referring to "extreme people (with) extreme views," he once said "you do not want to give additional argument to some of the 'new crazies' who want to say let us go and bomb Iran."

He said "Israel would be utterly crazy to attack Iran." The same holds for America, Britain, and/or France. Doing so would "turn the region into a ball of fire and put Iran on a crash course for nuclear weapons with the support of the whole Muslim world."

He believes nonproliferation "lost its legitimacy in the eyes of Arab public opinion because of the perceived double standard" on Israel, a known nuclear power.

He called claims about Iran developing nuclear weapons "overestimated. Some even play it up intentionally."

During and after his tenure, ElBaradei took lots of flack for his comments. Repeatedly he said no evidence suggests an Iranian nuclear weapons program.

As a result, Washington and Western allies replaced him with Yukiya Amano, known to be more amenable to their interests. Six ballots and heavy pressure eliminated South Africa's Abdul Samad Minty.

Amano hasn't disappointed, providing conjecture, dubious intelligence, and fabricated allegations about an alleged Iranian nuclear program. Suggesting one exists without evidence could "turn the region into a fireball" as ElBaradei warned.

Nonetheless, in February 2010, Amano issued dubious material suggesting "possible military dimensions" to Iran's nuclear program. No evidence proved it, just unsubstantiated conjecture and undocumented studies.

Many claims then and perhaps now were supposedly found on a laptop smuggled out of Iran. Whether it exists isn't known, or if "laptop" is code language for one or more unnamed sources. Alleged documents weren't made public. If they exist, their authenticity is very suspect.

On November 6, Washington Post writer Joby Warrick headlined, "IAEA says foreign expertise has brought Iran to the threshold of nuclear capability," saying:

Alleged intelligence "shows that Iran's government has mastered the critical steps needed to build a nuclear weapon, receiving assistance from foreign scientists to overcome key technical hurdles, according to (unnamed) Western diplomats and nuclear experts briefed on the findings."

Former Soviet nuclear expert Vyacheslav Danilenko "allegedly tutored Iranians over several years on building high-precision detonators of the kind used to trigger a nuclear chain reaction, the officials said." Pakistani and North Korean involvement was also claimed.

Danilenko acknowledged assisting in civilian engineering projects unrelated to weapons development. Unsubstantiated allegations suggest otherwise.

Other "secret" sources were also cited, disputing evidence a previous article provided as follows:

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 had one); we also assess with moderate-to-high confidence that Tehran at a minimum is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons..."

True or not, dozens of nations may consider them, for defense, not offense, in a hostile world. American and Israeli nuclear arsenals and other destructive weapons pose enormous threats - less because they exist; mostly because of stated intentions to use them.

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 was presented.

In March 2011, the US Intelligence Community Worldwide Threat Assessment for the Senate Armed Services Committee said precisely the same thing. Nothing new suggested an Iranian nuclear weapons program.

Nonetheless, baseless IAEA allegations claim "secret intelligence....reinforce(s) concerns" about Iranian nuclear weapons development. Views pro and con are circulating. Some US arms control groups cautioned about exaggerating an unknown risk.

Ali Akbar Salehi, Iran's Foreign Minister and former top nuclear official, said IAEA's agenda is "100 percent political." It's "under pressure from foreign powers" to target Iran.

Its alleged intelligence and other sources aren't named. That alone makes them suspect.

On November 6, New York Times writers David Sanger and William Broad headlined, "US Hangs Back as Inspectors Prepare Report on Iran's Nuclear Program, " saying:

Making "the case is hardly conclusive....And however suggestive the evidence about what (IAEA) calls 'possible military dimensions' of Iran's program turns out to be, the only sure bet is that the mix of sleuthing, logic and intuition by nuclear investigators will be endlessly compared with American intelligence agencies' huge mistake" about Iraq's WMDs.

Unmentioned was Times writer Judith Miller's lead role, hyping them daily in front page features. She functioned duplicitously as a Pentagon press agent, and never apologized for lying.

On November 7, Press TV said senior Iranian cleric Ayatollah Seyyed Ahmad Khatami called IAEA head Amano a spineless US tool. Publishing fabricated documents about an alleged Iranian nuclear threat undermines the agency's credibility. Under Amano, it has none.

Appearing Sunday on ABC's "This Week," former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Washington should consider tougher penalties against Iran's government and do "everything we can to bring it down."

Russia Today (RT.com) reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned against attacking Iran, saying:

Military solutions won't solve international conflicts. "We get evidence to that every day when we see how problems around Iran are being solved: whether it's in Iraq or Afghanistan or what is happening in other countries of that region."

University of Tehran Professor Seyed Mohammad Marandi told RT that Israel's hostile rhetoric "is to put pressure on Iran and also (on) other countries - independent (ones) like China, Russia and others - to agree with new sanctions by sort of portraying (Iran) as a mad dog, attack dog that needs to be somehow controlled, so that if they agree to new sanctions, something bad will be prevented from happening."

There's a "general trend to corner Iran." IAEA's report lacks credibility. It's "based on forged documents. There is absolutely nothing new in (them). All the documents (are) from 2004 and before. And (former IAEA head) ElBaradei's assessment was completely" opposite what Yamano says based on the same information. "All these documents have been refuted in the past."

Yet political Washington, Israeli hard-liners, and complicit media scoundrels hype them. They also bogusly claim Iranian President Armadinejad wants Israel "wiped off the map."

He, in fact, believes Israel's belligerence is self-destructive. Others share that view, including about America. Countries living by sword sooner or later die by it.

At issue now is cooling tensions to prevent what no one but crazed militarists want - destabilizing the entire region and risking general war by attacking Iran and/or Syria. Preventing it is crucial.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Israel Assaults Freedom Waves to Gaza Activists

Israel Assaults Freedom Waves to Gaza Activists - by Stephen Lendman

A previous article explained the following:

On November 2, two vessels blocked last summer from reaching Gaza sailed again from Fethiye, Turkey.

Canada's Tahrir and Ireland's Soairse (Freedom) comprise the Freedom Waves to Gaza mission. On board were 27 international activists, journalists, and crew.

According to a participating Press TV correspondent, "Israeli warplanes and naval vessels" shadowed them in international waters. "Eight Israeli warships made radio contact," demanding they change course.

They refused. They didn't sail to turn back. They dedicated their mission "to challenge Israel's ongoing criminal blockade."

Israeli ships interdicted them. General Gaby Ahkenazi ordered them seized and impounded. Both vessels were severely damaged, taken to Ashdod, and remain held.

On November 5, Canadian Boat to Gaza headlined, "Freedom Wave riders beaten, denied access to family; organizers demand accountability," saying:

Israel arrested 27 activists on board. Communication with them was lost. They're illegally detained. Contact with family members was denied. Roughed up participants got no medical treatment.

"We have heard indirectly from our governments' ministries of foreign affairs (in Canada and Ireland), but that is simply not good enough. We want to speak with our people directly," said Wendy Goldsmith, Canada Boat to Gaza organizer.

"Why will our governments not demand the delegates be able to speak to their families? We do not trust the Canadian government on this - as they have shown time and again that they are complicit in Israel's violations of international law and gross human rights abuses."

The last communication gotten was a 10:08PM Irish boat text message, saying:

"Kidnapped, being held against our will by Israeli Army in international waters. Boat nearly destroyed. Need government to press for immediate release."

The phone then went dead. Israeli Arab participant, Majd Kayal, aboard the Canadian boat confirmed that Israeli commandos boarded both vessels violently. Video evidence showed water cannons fired at them in rough waters, endangering those on board.

Activists offered no resistance. Professor David Heap aboard the Canadian boat "was particularly badly beaten. Israeli prison authorities are continuing to prevent (his) family from contacting him by phone."

Participants are held at Givon Prison. Providing legal aid, international Solidarity Movement (ISM) co-founder Huwaida Arraf said 20 of the 27 remain in custody.

Through his lawyer, David Heap sent a message saying:

"Although I was tasered during the assault on the Tahrir, and bruised during forcible removal dockside, I am basically OK." He's "slightly limping," he added, explaining that he and fellow activist Michael Coleman, an Australian national, were taken to Givon Prison in handcuffs and leg shackles.

"We are neither criminals nor illegal immigrants, but rather political prisoners of the apartheid state of Israel."

"All political incarceration is unjust, but let me stress that in duration and conditions, our situation pales in comparison to the plight of thousands of Palestinian political prisoners and to the open air prison of Gaza. We must get Tahrir back and hope Freedom Waves continue."

Others on board were also treated violently. Prison guards assaulted John Mallon. Women and men both are at Givon in separate cells.

Israel demanded participants sign voluntary deportation waivers. Most refused. Doing so would lie. They were kidnapped in international waters. Document language claimed they lawlessly entered Israel and won't again try to breach Gaza's siege.

The whereabouts of Press TV's Hassan Ghani is unknown. Most others remain incarcerated.

They'll face judicial proceedings and forcible deportations. Majd Kayyal said Israel stole his money and phone. Personal possessions of others were taken. Activists on previous interdicted missions had their property stolen and not returned.

Gaza-based journalist Omar Ghraeib said:

"The whole of Gaza went to the port to receive the Freedom Waves boats. But we were expecting the outcome and were very concerned. We appreciate every move to break the siege, and we appreciate how these activist endangered themselves for us."

YNet News said Israeli authorities found no weapons or humanitarian aid on board. Participants were unarmed and nonviolent. Cargo aboard both ships included $30,000 of vitally needed medicines. Israeli authorities lied about no humanitarian aid found. They stole it to prevent Gazans from getting it.

On November 5, the State Department said US participants may face consequences for challenging Israel's blockade.

On November 7, the International Middle East Media Center (IMEMC) said 21 activists remain imprisoned. Passengers were "unlawfully arrested, and the ships confiscated, along with all the humanitarian aid."

Participants were "hit, pushed, choked and hosed down...." Israeli commandos "stormed" both vessels. They also forced them "to crash into each other by pressuring (them) towards one another in a collision course." As a result, they were severely damaged and nearly sank.

On November 6, Fintan Lane, Ireland's detained MV Saoirse national coordinator communicated the following to the Irish Ship to Gaza team in Dublin:

Israel's interdiction was violent, and "dangerous to human life." Both vessels nearly sank. Participants were abducted and forcibly taken to Israel. IDF commandos wanted both boats abandoned at sea. Activists refused, fearing they'd be sunk.

"All belongings of the passengers and crew were taken from them and they still do not know if and what they will get back."

Fourteen Irish prisoners are at Givon. Irish Ship to Gaza spokesperson Claudia Saba said:

Finton's account "flatly contradicts the Israeli narrative," claiming "every precaution necessary (was taken) to ensure the safety" of those on board. "It is a small miracle that no one was seriously injured during this obviously very violent boarding of the Freedom Waves boats."

Tahrir's captain confirmed Israeli violence, including harsh interrogation procedures he endured. Canadian boat lawyers were denied proper access to their clients. Canada's "land team" said:

"They kicked the lawyers out" after three hours, "and today they have not been responding to any calls (either on the main line or the cell number of one of the prison officials) to coordinate a visit or arrange phone contact with the detainees."

Fact Check on Besieged Gaza and Israeli Interdictions

Under international law, Gaza's blockade is illegal. It's also an act of war, defined as:

surrounding a nation or objective with hostile forces;

measures to isolate an enemy;

encirclement and besieging;

preventing the passage in or out of supplies, military forces or aid in time of or as an act of war; and

an act of naval warfare to block access to an enemy's coastline and deny entry to all vessels and aircraft.

Israeli interdictions in international waters also constitute piracy. It violates the 1958 Geneva Convention on the High Seas and 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Under UNCLOS' Article 101, maritime piracy includes "any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation....against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any State (and) any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating (such) an act."

Under customary maritime law, ships have "innocent passage" rights through all international and coastal area waters, subject to certain restrictions.

UNCLOS defines "innocent passage" as expeditious, continuous passage through waters in ways not "prejudicial to the peace, good order or the security" of a coastal state.

America's Defense Department defines it as:

"The right of all ships to engage in continuous and expeditious surface passage through the territorial sea and archipelagic water of foreign coastal states in a manner not prejudicial to its peace, good order, or security."

In September 2010, an independent UN Human Rights Council (HRC) fact-finding mission held Israel culpable for massacring Mavi Marmara activists in May. It called assaulting them brutal and disproportionate. Based on eye witness testimonies, forensic evidence, video footage, and other photographic material, it:

"concluded that a series of violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, were committed by the Israeli forces during the interception of the flotilla and during the detention of passengers in Israel prior to deportation....The preponderance of evidence from impeccable sources is far too overwhelming to come to a contrary opinion."

A Final Comment

For decades, Israel repeatedly and willfully violated international law with impunity. Interdicting Freedom Waves to Gaza adds more shame to its record. Except in self-defense, belligerence is lawless, from high-seas piracy to war. Getting away with murder has shelf life limits. Hopefully, Israel's expiration date approaches.

Activists are committed to help. Further flotillas won't stop coming until Gaza's siege ends.

The whole world's watching. Word now spreads fast. Every Israeli move is monitored and reported. Independent web sites, publications, and broadcasters feature it. Everyone soon will know. Pariah states end the same way. Israel's turn is coming. It's just a matter of time.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Spoiling for Another Fight?

Spoiling for Another Fight? - by Stephen Lendman

American foreign policy is defined by rage to ravage. Lunatics run the asylum. Washington's criminal class is bipartisan.

People have no say. Wealth and power alone matter. It's always been that way, today more than ever. Post-WW II, America lurched from one war to another.

Today they're waged in multiples. A queue perhaps includes Syria and Iran topping the list. Ongoing for months, Western intervention incited Syrian violence.

At issue is regime change, eliminating an Israeli rival, and advancing America's imperium. Libya's insurgency began the same way before NATO attacked last March. Will Syria follow the same pattern, then Iran?

So far, heated rhetoric alone is heard. On and off before it echoed. Media scoundrels regurgitate it. Is something different this time? Time alone will tell. Israel often makes baseless accusations. President Shimon Peres warned there's "not much time left" to act.

Israel, of course, is the sole regional threat, nuclear armed and dangerous. A serial aggressor, it endangers Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran with potential attacks.

In contrast, Syria and Iran threaten no one. Rhetoric, of course, belies it. Warrior leaders like France's Sarkozy whetted his killing appetite in Ivory Coast and Libya.

Despite overwhelming homeland opposition ahead of next year's presidential election, he accused Iran of an "obsessional desire to acquire nuclear (weapons) in violation of all international rules....If Israel's existence were threatened, France would not stand idly by."

No evidence whatever suggests Iran's developing nuclear weapons. Plenty shows Israel and France are nuclear armed and dangerous. So are axis of evil partners America and Britain. Whether or not attacking Iran is planned isn't known.

The Islamic Republic's taking no chances. On November 5, Press TV reported on "Iranophobia in what observers see as a political red herring to engage in a catastrophic war in the Middle East."

Washington, Israel, Britain and France are up to their old tricks, inventing new threats to intervene. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi expressed concern, saying:

"The US has unfortunately lost wisdom and prudence in dealing with international issues. It depends only on power. They have lost rationality; we are prepared for the worst but we hope they will think twice before they put themselves on a collision course with Iran."

Allegations, of course, are baseless. Iran's prepared to defend itself and respond if attacked. In August, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) General Ali Shadmani discussed counter measures. Press TV reported them as follows:

"1. As Israel is the USA's backyard, Iran will disturb peace there. (The absence of peace in Israel will certainly deny repose to the USA as well).

2. It would take full control of the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway where over 40 percent of all traded oil passes (thereby spiraling up oil prices to a confounding level and dealing a heavy blow to the already deteriorating global economy).

3. It would keep a close watch on all American military bases in Afghanistan and Iraq. In case of an attack, Iran will cripple the troops stationed in those bases and incapacitate them of any possible move."

Iran can't cripple America or Israel. However, its formidable military can inflict considerable damage if attacked.

Iran threatens no one. However, it'll respond forcefully in self-defense. International law permits it. All nations may legitimately retaliate if attacked. It's their right.

AIPAC's War Agenda

AIPAC's itching for a fight. Its web site drips with anti-Iranian diatribes. Spurious material includes memos citing:

Iran's grave overall threat;

its nuclear threat;

its "leading state sponsor of terrorism" role;

its "provocations demand(ing a) tough response;" and

stopping its "nuclear smuggling."

Two congressional bills were also discussed:

HR 1905: Iran Threat Reduction Act of 2011 "(t)o strengthen Iran sanctions law for the purpose of compelling Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons and other threatening activities, and for other purposes."

Introduced on May 13, it was reported to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. So far, no further action was taken.

S. 1048: Iran, North Korea, and Syria Sanctions Consolidate Act of 2011 "to expand sanctions with respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran, North Korea, and Syria, and for other purposes."

Introduced on May 23, it was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on October 13. So far, no further action was taken.

Sanctions alone don't start wars. However, these bills edge closer. Provisions prohibit official and unofficial contact unless doing so harms US interests. Of course, laws don't deter actions, and these haven't yet passed.

America's 1917 Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA) is still law. One of its provisions states that in times of war or national emergency, presidents may:

"investigate, regulate, direct and compel, nullify, void, prevent or prohibit, any acquisition, holding, withholding, use, transfer, withdrawal, transportation, importation or exportation of, or dealing in, or exercising any right, power, or privilege with respect to, or transactions involving, any property in which any foreign country or a national thereof has any interest by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States."

In other words, TWEA authorizes sanctions to prohibit commerce and other relations with enemies. Nonetheless, during WW II, major US corporations traded freely with Nazi Germany. Roosevelt officials knew it. Charles Higham documented it in his book titled, "Trading with the Enemy."

Among others, IBM, General Motors, Ford, DuPont, Standard Oil, Alcoa, Kodak, Coca-Cola, and Chase Bank (now JPMorgan Chase) traded with Nazi Germany during WW II - a real enemy, not a fabricated one like Iran.

Nonetheless, AIPAC's web site headlines, "Back Tougher Iran Sanctions.” Three spurious "key points" were listed:

Iran's alleged low-enriched uranium stockpile to produce three nuclear bombs, and advanced centrifuge testing "to triple its production of higher enriched uranium;"

sanctioning Iranian ports, airline, and energy sector applies extreme pressure and economic disruption; and

despite unprecedented sanctions in place, Iran's nuclear program continues.

Sanctions include travel restrictions, bans on selling electronic devices and related products, prohibiting or restricting trade with Iranian companies, embargoing its medical sector, and obstructing financial transactions. Some imposed hardships, others less so.

Energy starved nations value Iran's oil and gas reserves. China, Russia and other nations maintain relations, mindful of why sanctions were imposed, by whom, and who supports them.

AIPAC is an unregistered foreign agent operating lawlessly. Representing Israel gives it virtual veto power over war and peace, trade and investment, multi-billion dollar arms sales, enormous Israeli handouts, and all Middle East policies affecting the Jewish state under Democrat and Republican administrations alike.

Political Washington to the highest levels, media scoundrels, and others bow deferentially to its demands, even those harming America. Imagine if AIPAC convinces Obama to attack Iran. Whether or not it's coming isn't known.

With no reliable evidence, spurious allegations say Iran carried out final critical stage nuclear weaponization experiments. Alleged explosions and computer simulations thereof were included.

US intelligence reports through early 2011 cite no evidence whatever of an Iranian nuclear weapons program. IAEA's imminent one may spuriously claim one based on suppositions, not facts.

Along with previous and baseless charges, whether or not it provokes conflict later isn't known. However, tensions will heighten further. Media scoundrels will regurgitate them. War drums will beat.

Attacking Iran is insane. Doing so will engulf the entire region. General war could follow with potentially grave consequences for all parties.

Anything's possible, however, given Washington's permanent war agenda and Israel's penchant for it. Together with Britain and France, their belligerence threatens humanity.

Hopefully cooler heads will keep current actions from spinning out of control toward the abyss under conditions of all out war. The prospect should make all sides want it avoided at all costs. The alternative is too grim to allow.

Israeli Journalist Critical of His Government

Haaretz writer Gideon Levy discussed how "Insanity, not logic, guides Israel's leadership," saying:

Lunacy in Israel prevails. "(I)t is already as plain as day. Israel does not have rational leadership." Its policies defy logic, including settlement construction on stolen Palestinian land, on and off wars, imprisoning Palestinians lawlessly, and continuing its occupation that decades ago lost all legitimacy.

Threatening war on Iran defies rationality. Nonetheless, "(t)he risks of an Israeli attack are clear, and they are horrific. The danger of Iran using a nuclear weapon is nil" even with one. "Israel is playing with the fires of hell."

Israeli "megalomania" wants sole Middle East authority to "call the shots in the region as it sees fit. The mens' men who are threatening Iran now are the real cowards' cowards. The brave ones....are trying to thwart the insanity from former Mossad chief(s) Meir Dagan" and Ephraim Halevy, as well as "Interior Minister Eli Yishai."

They may need lots of allies, other US, UK and French ones, and public support to prevent what no one knowing the risks wants. Further updates will follow future prospects.

A Final Comment

Late Sunday, AP headlined, "IAEA: Iran Had Model of Nuclear Warhead," saying:

The IAEA "plans to reveal intelligence this week suggesting Iran made computer models of a nuclear warhead and other previously undisclosed details on alleged secret work by Tehran on nuclear arms."

As explained above and in detail earlier, US intelligence reports through early 2011 confirm no evidence of Iranian nuclear weapons development.

Responding on Middle East Online, Farhad Pouladi headlined, "Iran to IAEA: Go Ahead and Publish 'Counterfeit' Report,' " saying:

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Sahehi called IAEA claims "counterfeit," adding its alleged "documents lack authenticity. We have said repeatedly that their documents are baseless. Iran's nuclear issue (for IAEA) is not a technical or a legal issue but entirely a political one."

Its allegations smack of earlier Iraqi WMD ones. In fact, they were baseless lies. IAEA's Yukiya Amano serves Israeli and Western interests. Accept nothing he says at face value. Without evidence, what's coming exposes duplicitous suspicions, not facts. Discount them entirely.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

America's Imperial Arrogance

America's Imperial Arrogance - by Stephen Lendman

Already waging multiple direct and proxy wars, will Obama dare launch more? Views differ. Some believe budget constraints contain him. Others say imperial aims matter most.

Heading into an election year adds further complications for and against more war. Will presidential aspirants anger voters advocating it? Republican hawks aren't worried. Will Obama launch it when public sentiment wants current ones ended? Don't bet against it, whatever he says.

With growing rage against the system, changing the subject may work best distracting it. At issue is hoping fear resonates more than human need and grievances.

Fake threats provide pretexts for militarism, wars, occupations, higher defense budgets, domestic repression, and elevating national security state priorities above others.

America is a rogue terror state, an imperial predator. Unchallenged global dominance is planned. All nations it doesn't control are targeted. It was Saddam's undoing, Gaddafi's also as well as others post-WW II, including democrats, despots and others in between.

Since last winter, Syria was targeted. Externally generated violence rages. Regime change is planned. Whether or not successful, is Iran next? The fullness of time will tell.

One View from Britain

Commenting on UK reports about Britain preparing for war, London Guardian writer Simon Jenkins headlined, "America's itch to brawl has a new target - but bombs can't conquer Iran," saying:

What's suggested is "appalling." At risk is "armageddon engulfing the region." Iran poses no threat whatever. It's no "two-bit dictatorship" like Iraq, but neither was Libya and other past US targets.

Iran's "a nation of 70 million people, an ancient and proud civilization with a developed civil society (and) pluralist democracy.” Claiming belligerent nuclear ambitions is "massively overhyped." Absent evidence, it's entirely bogus.

Waging "war on Iran would be a catastrophe," aside from issues of international law and legitimacy to attack another nonbelligerent country.

Moreover, America's post-9/11 wars "have been a gigantic historic tragedy. They have not advanced western security one jot."

Of course, doing so wasn't intended. At issue is imperial dominance. Creating enemies further advances it. Ravaging the world one country at a time is planned. Iran's turn may come sooner or later. Conquering it is another matter, besides engulfing the entire region and threatening general war.

"A virus seems to be running through the upper echelons of Washington and London." Add Israel to the mix, a longstanding regional menace. Together they comprise a rogue axis. With France, they revel in war, mass destruction, human slaughter, and for what?

Britain's been there before, building, then losing its empire. America's turn is next. Imperial arrogance is self-defeating. The same dynamic doomed past empires. None survived. What can't go on forever, won't.

Britain knows its history but didn't learn. Now it plays Bonnie to America's Clyde, or maybe it's the other way around. Either way they're junior partners. Arrogant hegemons play back seat to no one.

Perishing by the sword follows living by it unless planet earth goes first. Don't discount it given America's preemptive nuclear first strike policy. Be scared. Be very scared, regardless of whether attacking Iran is planned.

Hostile State Department Rhetoric

Either way, inflammatory rhetoric on Iran is real. The State Department publishes annual Country Reports on Terrorism.

In August, its 2010 report omitted obvious choices never included: namely, America, Britain, France and Israel. Other rogue states also qualify, but these top the list.

Instead, four countries were named - Cuba, Sudan (now its North after balkanization divided the country), Syria and Iran, called "the most active state sponsor of terrorism in 2010" with no evidence whatever proving it and clear proof pointing fingers at top unnamed choices.

Nonetheless, the State Department bogusly claimed:

"Iran's financial, material, and logistic support for terrorist and militant groups throughout the Middle East and Central Asia had a direct impact on international efforts to promote peace, threatened economic stability in the Gulf, and undermined the growth of democracy."

Fact check

Rogue regimes beset Middle East countries. Iran's not one of them. Washington supports the worst of the bunch, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, other monarchies, and Israel the most threatening of all.

Most menacing is America's presence, its imperial policy, and decades of destructive direct and proxy wars killing millions. In contrast, nonbelligerent Iran threatens no one.

"In 2010, Iran remained the principal supporter of groups implacably opposed to the Middle East Peace Process. (Its) Oods Force....branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)....cultivate(s) and support(s) terrorists abroad."

Fact check

Iran supports peace and regional stability. America won't tolerate either. Permanent war defines its agenda. As a result, humanity is threatened.

"Iran provides weapons, training, and funding to Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups. (Iran) assisted Hizballah" rearm after Israel's 2006 Lebanon war. Its "Oods Force provided training (and weapons) to the Taliban in Afghanistan."

"Despite its pledge to support the stabilization of Iraq, (Iran) provide(d) lethal support, including weapons, training, funding, and guidance to Iraqi Shia militant groups that target US and Iraqi forces."

Fact check

For years, Washington spread the same canards with no evidence whatever proving them. Hamas is Palestine's legitimate government, not the US/Israeli-installed Fatah coup d'etat regime.

Misnamed Palestinian "terror" groups are heroic freedom fighters, struggling to liberate their homeland from Israel's lawless occupation.

In contrast, Washington's an imperial aggressor. Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan were ravaged, illegally occupied, and colonized. So were earlier targets.

America's the world's leading sponsor of state terrorism. Regional millions and others worldwide revile it. Heroic struggles challenge its imperial footprint everywhere. Rage against it grows internally.

Hopefully committed global resistance will continue until its scourge on humanity ends. Free people everywhere support it. The world can't wait and shouldn't have to.

Iran's Alleged Nuclear Weapons Program

No evidence suggests any. In contrast, America and Russia have 97% of the world's arsenal and sophisticated delivery systems. Russia threatens no one with theirs. America's post-9/11 policy is preemptive first strike, including against non-nuclear states.

Israel is nuclear armed and dangerous. It, too, threatens first strikes if endangered. No one challenges its menace.

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

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 was presented.

Yet unsubstantiated accusations claim one. On November 5, Haaretz headlined, "UN report to reveal evidence of Iran's nuclear weapons program," saying:

The Western-controlled International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) "plans to share with its 35 board members satellite imagery of what (it) believes is a large steel container used for nuclear arms-related high explosives tests...."

In other words, with no idea what's inside an alleged structure, IAEA head Yukiya Amano may make unsubstantiated inflammatory claims, alleging a secret nuclear weapons program.

Unnamed "diplomats" cited "say they will reveal suspicions," not facts, at a time saber rattling intensifies dangerously.

Amano will also allege "experiments took place after 2003," despite the above US intelligence assessments presenting no evidence of an Iranian nuclear weapons program.

"The upcoming report is meant to ratchet up pressure on (Iran) to stop four years of stonewalling IAEA experts seeking to follow up intelligence of such secret weapons-related experiments."

In fact, Iran's been more than cooperative in contrast to Israel and America. Both countries prohibit IAEA or other inspections of their longstanding nuclear programs and arsenals. World leaders, IAEA heads, and their officials don't object or comment.

Clearly, their new Iranian assessment lacks credibility. Reports suggest releasing it is imminent, perhaps early next week. What follows isn't known. Expect continued hostile rhetoric.

A November 4 Haaretz editorial noted IAEA's assessment will contain:

"partial information (and) disputed statements, reliance on anonymous sources - meaning there's no way to know what interests motivate them....But none of this obviates the (clear) need for (open, truthful) discussion" of an important issue.

Conjecture, baseless allegations, and hostile rhetoric have no place in it. Nor do threats of war or targeted strikes begging retaliation.

On November 4, Ynet News headlined "Iran far from posing existential threat," saying:

"Former Mossad Chief Ephraim Halevy warned against an Israeli strike on iran, saying....confrontation could be devastating for the Middle East."

Israel can't be destroyed, he said. However, attacking Iran "could affect not only Israel, but the entire region for 100 years."

Worry more about internal Haredi radicals, he added, citing "ultra-Orthodox extremism (that) darkened our lives."

MK Dan Meridor calls public discussion on Iran "scandalous....(a) devil's dance" because of what may follow.

Haaretz added that "bombing Iran's nuclear facilities is effectively equivalent to starting a war. The implications of (doing so will have) dramatic and painful (repercussions) for the entire Israeli public" and others throughout the region.

The possibility should frighten everyone. So far, only hostile rhetoric and saber rattling continue. Similar episodes occurred earlier, then subsided, hopefully, again this time. Stay tuned. Nothing's so far resolved.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Washington and Israel: Rogue State Partners

Washington and Israel: Rogue State Partners - by Stephen Lendman

This articles follows another about both countries' state terror partnership. Their agenda includes waging belligerent, political, economic, social, and repressive wars on humanity at home and abroad.

Money and power alone matter. Human welfare is sacrificed for more of both. Equity, justice, freedom, and other democratic values are non-starters. Humanity's survival is threatened.

In recent weeks, Western and Israeli anti-Iranian rhetoric intensified.

Attending the Cannes, France G-20 summit, Obama stressed "the need to maintain unprecedented international pressure on Iran to meet its obligations."

If only America and Israel met theirs. No evidence suggests Iran threatens anyone. Bogus accusations claim otherwise, including calling Iran "the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism."

In fact, Washington, Israel, Britain and France hold that distinction, ravaging the world one country at a time. Iran hasn't attacked another nation in over 200 years.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen expressed "no intention whatsoever" of intervening in Iran. Like Obama, Netanyahu, Britain's Cameron and France's Sarkozy, he's notorious for serial lying, notably on Libya.

On November 2, London Guardian writer Nick Hopkins headlined, "UK military steps up plans for Iran attack amid fresh nuclear fears," saying:

Defense Ministry officials believe Washington "may decide to fast-forward plans for targeted missile strikes at some key Iranian facilities."

If so, Britain wants involvement. Perhaps Israel as well. Comments suggest all options being considered. In preparation, UK military planners may deploy "Royal Navy ships and submarines equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles over the coming months as part of what would be an air and sea campaign."

Acting before Iran shifts key uranium technology underground near Qom was mentioned, as well as avoiding more conflict close to America's 2012 elections.

Israel claims little time remains to act, despite no threatening evidence whatever. At issue is controlling Iran's vast oil and gas reserves, replacing its government with a subservient Western one, and elevating Israel closer to regional hegemony.

In other words, imperial interests are clear, not bogus pretexts claimed. Lies precede all conflicts. Truth is the first casualty. Major media scoundrels partner in state crimes. Disinformation and agitprop is their stock-in-trade. Managed news substitutes for the real thing.

America plans unchalleged Mediterranean Basin dominance to Russia's borders. Multiple wars rage for it. Others against Syria and Iran may follow. Still more later on. Britain, France, and Israel may participate.

As a result, potential general war may engulf the entire region disastrously. Concern for their own interests may encourage Russian and Chinese involvement to protect them. Anything ahead is possible. Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail. Given past history, don't bet on it.

Evidence of US State Terror

On November 3, Press TV said Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Saeed Jalili "will release a number of documents detailing US involvement in acts of terror against the Islamic Republic."

Longstanding covert operations include cyberterrorism, commercial and other sabotage, targeted assassinations, kidnappings, subversion, and other regime change destabilization schemes.

Iran's Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said:

"We have undeniable documents which show America was behind the curtain of terror in Iran and the region. By presenting....100 documents, we will disgrace America in the world."

In fact, Washington does it well on its own, exposing itself as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. Its lawlessness is unrivaled. Permanent war defines its agenda.

So does imperial arrogance, police state oppression, class war, political corruption, grand theft, corporate favoritism, rigged elections, internal spying, racism, suppressing truth, targeting dissent, and other crimes against humanity.

November 4 marked the 32nd anniversary of America's Tehran embassy storming. At the time, seized documents confirmed Iranian regime change schemes. Others showed US officials were spies. It's standard US practice virtually everywhere.

Israel partners in America's crimes. Netanyahu's government exceeds the worst of Ariel Sharon. Both are world class war criminals. So are hardline cabinet ministers and complicit Knesset members.

Three Assessments of Israel's Extremist Government

Haaretz's November 3 editorial headlined "Israel led by a right-wing, myopic government," saying:

Shortly after Israel's prisoner release and Gilad Shalit's freedom, "eight senior ministers....embark(ed) on a campaign to punish the PA leadership."

Efforts to "undermine Abbas' position" include accelerating settlement construction, suspending tax revenue transfers pending whether to stop them altogether, and revoking VIP privileges for Palestinian officials to pass freely through military checkpoints.

Other measures include maintaining an oppressive occupation, stealing more land, opposing UN membership, and punishing UNESCO for admitting Palestine by banning future Israeli missions and cutting off funding.

UN regional envoy, Robert Serry, said "perpetuation of the status quo will lead to the dismantling of the PA and to 'throwing the keys back to Israel.' "

IDF commanders expressed concern. Cabinet minister extremists are dismissive. "Netanyahu is following the path of (Foreign Minister Avigdor) Lieberman, who is calling for the severing of ties with the PA."

Eliminating PA authority may let Netanyahu aggressively expand settlements, seize all valued Judea and Summaria land, entirely Judaize East Jerusalem, and ignore negotiating peace based on 1967 borders.

Palestinians will respond. Conflict will intensify. The West Bank may replicate Gaza. Netanyahu will oppressively crack down. Israel will be further isolated, its security jeopardized.

"If Israel had a sober and responsible, peace-seeking leadership, it would welcome the PA's membership in UNESCO" and full de jure UN membership. "Unfortunately, and distressingly, (it's) being led by a right-wing, myopic government," pursuing hugely destructive policies.

Gideon Levy's November 3 article headlined, "Israeli leaders' price tag against the Palestinians," saying:

What's wrong with UNESCO admitting Palestine or granting it UN membership? Responsible Israeli leaders would support it. "We're talking about nothing less than a friendly step, the best way to ensure Israel's future...."

Instead, Israel and Washington inflict punishment. So do complicit European states.

"This might be (a rare example of an) occupied country punished (for) its justified and nonviolent struggle" for freedom, "while the violent occupier....continues its settlement enterprise and control by force (and) wins" Western support for it. Who said crime doesn't pay?

"What's left for Mahmoud Abbas to do?" What can occupied Palestinians believe? They've tried negotiations, Intifadas, and other ways to be free. Nothing worked. They've got no one to talk to "and nothing to talk about."

They've tried it, but no one listens. They seek world support, but for what in return. Promises turn out empty. Gaza's still besieged. Brutal occupation continues. So does daily oppression. Palestinians suffer out of sight and mind.

Their land is stolen, their residents dispossessed. On October 31, the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions headlined, "No Home, No Homeland: East Jerusalem Ethnic Displacement," saying:

Israel's East Jerusalem policy "violates international law and may constitute a war crime." Israel willfully denies Palestinians "adequate housing, development, and self-determination, as well as violating the prohibition on residency revocation."

Destroying Palestinian homes, limiting or preventing legal building, revoking legitimate residency status, and forced migration constitute crimes of war and against humanity. International law forbids them. Israel's High Court ignores it. It disregards Palestinian rights. So do Israeli leaders, especially current hardline ones.

Levy calls them a "gang of thugs," referring to eight senior ministers. Their "price tag" replicates extremist settlers, terrorizing Palestinians with impunity.

They're "violent, uncontrolled and (seek) vengeance. So settlers, you can continue with your price tag because your country is doing the same thing, and in broad daylight."

Do influential world leaders care? Do any offer help? Alone for over six decades, Palestinians struggle for freedom not so far won.

They're committed no matter how long it takes. Don't ever count them out or others wanting out from under America's imperial boot.

A Final Comment

On November 2, two vessels from last summer's Freedom Flotilla II prevented from reaching Gaza again sailed from Fethiye, Turkey.

Called Freedom Waves to Gaza, they include the Canadian Tahir and Irish Soairse (Freedom). On board were 27 international activists and journalists.

They refused. They didn't sail to turn back. They dedicated their mission "to challenge Israel's ongoing criminal blockade."

Israeli ships intercepted them. Their vessels will be impounded, their cargo stolen, and likely their personal possessions.

Passengers will be detained, interrogated and deported. Israeli ruthlessness prevented vital medicines from reaching Gaza. Millions worldwide know it.

Activists plan many future missions until Gaza's siege ends. They're coming, regardless of Israel's intention to block them.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Target Iran

Target Iran - by Stephen Lendman

In the past five years, Iran faced four harsh rounds of sanctions. At issue is its alleged nuclear threat. No evidence proves it.

Last May, its Bushehr nuclear plant began operating. In September, it began supplying the national grid with 60 megawatts of electricity, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) spokesman Khadem Qaemi said operations were at 40% of capacity.

Earlier in 2011, the IAEA said no information suggests "possible military dimensions" to its plans.

For years, Tehran's insisted its intentions are entirely commercial and peaceful. It's emphatic claiming no interest in producing nuclear weapons. It hopes Bushehr will become one of a network of commercial reactors supplying electricity. If so, it will reduce Iran's fossil fuel reliance. Other nations do it for the same reason despite the hazards of nuclear power in all forms.

It also says only low level uranium enrichment suitable for power plant fuel or medical and agricultural uses are pursued.

Iran joined dozens of other nuclear club nations. Only ITS program is questioned with no evidence to suggest it's other than what Iran claims.

For years, however, Washington's fabricated numerous Iranian threats. Last July, newly confirmed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta denounced claimed Iranian support for Shia militia groups in Iraq, saying:

"We are very concerned about Iran and the weapons they are providing to extremists in Iraq. We're seeing more of those weapons going in from Iran, and they've really hurt us. We cannot sit back and simply allow this to continue to happen. This is not something we're going to walk away from. It's something we're going to take on head-on."

Days earlier, Joint Chiefs chairman Admiral Mike Mullen accused Iran of "directly supporting extremist Shiite groups, which are killing our troops. There is no question they are shipping high-tech weapons in there that are killing our people. And the forensics prove that."

One of many State Department Iranian reports alleges:

"Iran's Quds Force provided training to the Taliban in Afghanistan on small unit tactics, small arms, explosives and indirect fire weapons."

"Since at least 2006, Iran has arranged arms shipments to select Taliban members, including small arms and associated ammunition, rocket propelled grenades, mortar rounds, 107 mm rockets and plastic explosives."

Other claims accuse Iran of using front companies to pay Taliban fighters $1,000 for each American killed and $6,000 for each US vehicle destroyed.

For years, we've heard these and similar accusations. All are suspect or clear lies. Alleged "forensics" are bogus. Slapping "made in Iran" labels on munitions proves nothing except America's duplicity in all dealings and allegations. Nothing from official Washington is credible. It's common knowledge and should be rejected out of hand.

America is a rogue terror state, an imperial predator. All nations outside its sphere of influence are targeted. It was Saddam's undoing, Gaddafi's also as well as others post-WW II, including democrats, despots and others in between.

On October 11, Washington bogusly accused Iran of plotting to murder Saudi Arabia's US ambassador (Adel al-Jubeir) in a bizarre scheme sounding more like a B film script.

Also allegedly involved were plans to bomb Israel's Washington embassy and Saudi and Israeli embassies in Argentina.

Nothing progressed was explained. In fact, accusations were entirely baseless to further heighten US/Iranian tensions and get hawkish congressional members to call for direct confrontation.

It takes little urging to do it, given the intellect and morality of many in political Washington from both parties. Hillary Clinton, in fact, said "a very concerted diplomatic outreach to many capitals" was initiated, adding that the issue has "potential for international reaction that will further isolate Iran."

She stopped short of calling for direct confrontation. Perhaps later belligerence is planned. Washington's always spoiling for a fight. So far, only sanctions, saber rattling, and hostile rhetoric have been used.

October 25 added another element. A Justice Department press release headlined, "Five Individuals Indicted in a Fraud Conspiracy Involving Exports to Iran of US Components Later Found in Bombs in Iraq," saying:

Five individuals and four companies were charged with "a conspiracy to defraud the United States that allegedly caused thousands of radio frequency modules to be illegally exported from the United States to Iran, at least 16 of which were later found in unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq."

Another conspiracy was also charged, involving military antenna exports to Singapore and Hong Kong.

As a result, Singapore authorities arrested Wong Yuh Lan (Wong), Lim Yong Nam (Nam), Lim Kow Seng (Seng), and Hai Soo Gan Benson (Hai), all Singaporean citizens.

Washington wants them extradited for District of Columbia trials. Hossein Larijani is also charged, an Iranian citizen still at large.

Accusations include defrauding America, smuggling, illegally exporting US goods to Iran, illegally exporting defense products, making false statements and obstructing justice. Other charges may be added later to assure enough stick to convict.

Like many dozens of past bogus cases related to America's war on Islam and Iran, charges likely lack credibility. As a result, innocent victims may be hung out to dry to beat up on Iran fraudulently. It's how America does business. Even some in Congress understand.

On April 5, 2006, Congressman Ron Paul addressed fellow House members saying:

Iran may be America's "next neocon target....It's been three years since the US launched its war against Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction."

"Of course, now almost everybody knows" there were none, "and Saddam Hussein posed no threat to the United States."

"The significant question we must ask ourselves is: What have we learned from three years in Iraq? With plans now being laid for regime change in Iran, it appears we have learned absolutely nothing."

Over five years later, Paul's comments still apply and then some as Obama continues Bush's imperial wars, added multiple ones of his own, and threatens more.

At the February 2007 43rd annual Munich Conference on Security Policy, then Russian President Vladimir Putin sharply criticized US foreign policy, calling it:

"very dangerous (in its) uncontained hyper-use of force - military force - in international relations, force that is plunging the world into an abyss of permanent conflicts." US imperialism, he stressed, "overstepped its national borders in every way."

"(U)nilateral illegal actions have not resolved any single problem. They have become a hotbed of further conflicts....We are seeing increasing disregard for the fundamental principles of international law....No one feels safe! Because no one can feel that international law is like a stone wall that will protect them."

"Of course, such a policy stimulates an arms race. The dominance of force inevitably encourages a number of countries to acquire weapons of mass destruction."

Putin also addressed a "unipolar world," calling it one "in which there is one master, one sovereign. And at the end of the day, this is pernicious not only for all those within this system, but also for the sovereign itself because it destroys itself from within."

He added that "We are constantly being taught about democracy. But for some reason those who teach us do not want to learn themselves."

America never practiced democratic principles at home or abroad and doesn't now.

Whether or not attacking Iran is planned remains unknown. Western intervention targeted Syria for months. At issue is regime change. Perhaps Iran's next. Covert operations have been ongoing for years, including cyber attacks, political assassinations, sabotage, false accusations, and other destabilizing tactics.

A Bush administration Finding authorized $400 million for covert mischief and intelligence collection. CIA operatives were given carte blanche authority to commit sabotage, recruit anti-regime insurgents, coordinate propaganda, spread malicious lies about Iran, manipulate its currency, and conduct other lawless acts.

Iran's nuclear program was specifically targeted. Regime change plans were prepared long ago. Washington favors a "Greater Baluchistan," integrating Pakistani and Iranian Baluch areas under puppet officials subservient to America. In other words, balkanizing both countries for easier control.

With America tied down waging multiple lost wars, will one or more others be launched?

Given powerful extremists in Washington, Obama's propensity for conflict, and America's permanent war agenda, no nation anywhere is safe. Iran, Syria, and others take note.

A Final Comment

Israel's longstanding Iranian hostility is palpable. At issue is regional rivalry. Israel wants unchallenged Middle East dominance.

On October 31, Haaretz headlined, "Netanyahu: a nuclear Iran poses a serious, direct threat to Israel," saying:

Netanyahu racketed up tensions with bogus claims about Iranian plans to develop nuclear weapons. Never mentioned is Israel's longstanding preemptive policy to use nuclear weapons if threatened. It's well known that it's nuclear armed and dangerous.

At the same time, cooler heads argue against attacking Iran. Perhaps Defense Minister Ehud Barak is one. He recently told Israeli Radio that diplomatic pressure and sanctions are top options, adding that Israelis shouldn't be concerned about an Iranian threat. Other Israelis agree.

Why does Washington beat up on Iran? Perhaps it's to divert attention from OWS protests and America's mainstream Depression. Electoral politics always matter. Cold War tactics dictated not looking soft on communism.

War on terror rhetoric today is key. Iran's falsely called a regional menace to incite fear, gain votes, and prevent opposition candidates from making "too soft" accusations.

Nonetheless, will Obama pursue confrontation with Iran to look tough? Voters want current wars ended. Will starting another assuage them? Perhaps, some believe, if fear's effectively generated. Voters are notoriously gullible and mindless about earlier deceptions.

Repeat big lies often enough and most people believe them. At the same time, burgeoning deficits constrain spending even though defense budgets rise annually.

In addition, attacking Iran entails huge risks. Policy experts know doing so will enflame the entire region. General war may follow involving Russia and China defending their interests.

Moreover, nonbelligerent nations won't always put up with Washington and Israel. Both lost considerable influence but not enough to deter them.

However, ravaging the world one country at a time is no way to win friends and allies. Hopefully more world leaders will choose better ones than rogue states. Hopefully humanity will survive long enough to see them do it.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Israel Called Biggest Threat to World Peace

Israel Called Biggest Threat to World Peace - by Stephen Lendman

America easily takes top honors, followed by Israel, Britain, and France, the real axis of evil.

In Israel's case, it's easy to see why. It's been top regional rogue state for decades. No other Middle East nation matches it.

Johnny 2012 or Bust

Johnny for President 2012, because we
really don't have any other choices.
Forward this concern to anyone as
your own, please. Thanks.

911 - Ten Years Later - What Have We Learned
http://www.multiupload.com/KYLBD6K6UR

US chief prosecutor calls for prosecution of Bush
http://weeklyintercept.blogspot.com

YES YES YES YES. Now, what honorable
cop is going to stand in our ways?
Only the bushite nazi grunter, who
wills to rape, rob, and mass murder
as the enemy al-Qeada in 'hiding'.

http://rt.com/usa/news/homeless-gaydos-swat-palm-441/

Florida SWAT back from Iraq shoots
homeless man on church grounds in
the face multiple times to murder,
then sells they magically do not
warrant immediate death sentences
in this land of the 'lawless'
bushite nazi grunter.

Washington and Israel: Partners in State Terror

Washington and Israel: Partners in State Terror - by Stephen Lendman

State terror embraces many forms of lawlessness, duplicity and depravity. They include violence; war; conquest; colonization; plunder; targeted killings; torture; financial, political and social terrorism, and more.

Washington and Israel fine-tuned it. Both nations redefined the degeneracy of Western societies. They and others benefit from death, destruction, exploitation, and human misery.

Their policies spurn core democratic values, including life, liberty, equity, justice, truth, and government of, for and by the people. All are non-starters.

Ordinary people are exploited, not served. Only wealth and power matter, regardless of the body count to accumulate maximum amounts and secure more of both.

Wickedness has no bounds. Practitioners seek new ways to do malevolent things to more people. Nothing is off limits. Rhetoric masks sinister destructive agendas.

Gandhi was asked what he thought of Western civilization. "I think it would be a good idea," he responded. Maybe he had Washington and Israel in mind. Both give new meaning to rogue state depravity.

An October 16 Haaretz editorial headlined, "Free press in Israel is in danger," saying:

Extremist MKs allied with Netanhayu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman want "to destroy the democratic component of Israel's definition as a 'Jewish and democratic state....' "

Their "new target: Silencing the free press through the threat of libel suits that would jeopardize the economic foundations of the media outlets."

The Knesset Law and Justice Committee approved a first reading for legislation to raise libel compensation six-fold "with no need to prove actual damage."

It could increase another five-fold if complainant responses aren't published in full. Opponents of free expression call for protecting people from "the great power of the media."

At issue is suppressing dissent, truth, and controlling the message. America faces similar threats with congressional extremists wanting Internet freedom curtailed.

If reactionary elements in both countries succeed, press freedom's last frontier may disappear, and with it fragile free societies in America, Israel and elsewhere.

Israel's latest injustice involves journalist Anat Kamm. At issue is prosecuting whistleblowers. She like Bradley Manning exposed criminal wrongdoing. He awaits trial. Kamm was just sentenced.

Originally accused of espionage, Tel Aviv's District Court gave her 54 months imprisonment plus another 18 months suspended sentence on charges of collecting, holding and passing on classified material without authorization.

Prior to being convicted, she spent two years under house arrest. Like Manning, she obtained documents while on active military duty. Some were marked "top secret." They involved approved targeted Palestinian assassinations. Ordering them violated international law and Israel's High Court.

Kamm's information gave Haaretz writer Uri Blau material to expose Israel's "license to kill." Two Palestinians were targeted. Israel's then Central Command head, General Yair Naveh, and IDF Chief of Staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, were involved.

On December 14, 2006, High Court President, Justice Aharon Barak, ruled no one should be assassinated or harmed in lieu of nonviolent workable alternatives. "In other words," he said, "a person should not be assassinated if it is possible to arrest him, interrogate and indict him."

Israeli General Yair Naveh was quoted saying, "Don't bother me with High Court orders." In other words, rule of law inviolability and Supreme Court rulings don't matter.

America is much the same. Preemptive war against nonbelligerent countries is official policy. So is torture and targeted killings. Everyone, including US citizens, is at risk. In Israel, exposing classified material means up to 15 years in prison. Holding it alone can bring seven.

Imprisoned awaiting trial, Manning's been brutalized in solitary confinement. If convicted on all or most serious charges, possible life in prison may follow for exposing state crimes.

He and Kamm are heros. America and Israel call them criminals. The malevolence of both nations knows no bounds.

UNESCO Punished for Doing the Right Thing

Another issue involves UNESCO members voting overwhelmingly for full Palestinian membership despite intense US and Israeli opposition.

Israel called it a "tragedy." Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said it was "a big diplomatic car crash." Israeli ambassador Nimrod Barkan claimed UNESCO performed "a great disservice."

Ahead of the vote, Washington called admitting Palestine "counterproductive (and) premature." Retaliatory measures followed, America's usual response.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said America's $60 million contribution (22% of UNESCO's budget) won't be paid this month.

Members supported Palestine anyway. US 1990 and 1994 laws mandate defunding UN agencies granting Palestine full membership.

Legislation passed in 1990 prohibits funds "for the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof which accords the Palestinian Liberation Organization the same standing as a member state."

The 1994 law bars funding "any affiliated organization of the United Nations which grants full membership as a state to any organization or group that does not have the internationally recognized attributes of statehood."

Palestine's had them for over six decades. Nonetheless, full recognition's been denied. Israel (through its Lobby) pressured Congress for both laws.

Washington's subservience to Israel is longstanding and pernicious, especially since the 1960s. Whatever Israel wants, it gets, even when US interests are harmed. Both dance together destructively, living by the sword. One day perhaps they'll perish by it.

From 1984 to 2003, Washington boycotted UNESCO, claiming the organization was corrupt, anti-Israel, anti-Western, and critical of major media sources.

A previous article said lawless extremists infest Congress like crabgrass besets lawns. Rep. Eleana Ros-Lehtinen (R. FL) is one of the worst. She called UNESCO's vote "reckless," "anti-Israel", and "anti-peace."

She and other bipartisan extremists defiantly support wrong over right. Discussions now include new legislation to restrict overall UN funding, cut off Palestinian aid entirely, and punish nations voting for Palestinian membership.

Nonetheless, cheers erupted at UNESCO's General Assembly after the vote. One delegated shouted "Long live Palestine!" in French. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki called membership:

"the beginning of a road that is difficult, but will lead to the freedom of our land and people from occupation," adding it "help(s) erase a tiny part of the injustice done to the Palestinian people."

A significant symbolic victory was achieved. Others perhaps will follow.

On November 2, Haaretz said Palestine seeks membership in 16 more UN agencies, including the World Health Organization, International Labor Organization, World Intellectual Property Organization, International Telecommunication Union, and 12 others.

Hopefully full de jure UN membership will follow. It's decades overdue.

A Final Comment

On November 1, the International Middle East Media Center said Israel may impose sanctions on Palestine following admittance to UNESCO, saying:

"....Netanyahu decided to convene with his 'cabinet of eight' on Tuesday to discuss a series of sanctions against the Palestinian Authority (PA)...."

An unnamed Israeli official said punishments may include canceling VIP privileges for senior PA officials, additional settlement construction, and halting tax revenue transfers due Palestine.

Also under consideration is suspending future cooperation with UNESCO.

Israeli and US governance is so out-of control perhaps declaring war is next. Why not. Both countries thrive on it. America's agenda embraces permanent war. Israel is a modern-day Sparta.

Together with like-minded partners they plan world conquest and dominance. Why worry about UNESCO with those goals in mind.

Neither tolerates embarrassment. Anything ahead is possible. None of it will be humanitarian or socially beneficial. Expect new broadsides any time when least expected. That's how rogue states operate.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Out-of-Control Israeli State Terror

Out-of-Control Israeli State Terror - by Stephen Lendman

Having friends in high places in Washington lets Israel get away with murder.

On October 31, Ma'an News said continued Israeli air strikes so far killed 12 Gazans. Others were wounded, some severely.

Overnight Sunday, the IDF confirmed additional air strikes. Another ceasefire took effect at 10:00PM. Nonetheless, early Monday attacks continued, targeting Khan Yunis in southern Gaza. Israel overflights continue.

Given its propensity for violence, expect more attacks any time for any reason or none at all. On Sunday, Netanyahu relished having them, saying:

"There is no ceasefire." Israeli forces will "protect the residents of the south and wipe out the rocket launchers. I promise that the other side will pay an even heavier price than it has up to now until it stops firing."

No matter that Gazans respond defensively to premeditated Israeli attacks. Netanyahu inverted truth, blaming victims of IDF crimes. Since Cast Lead ended in January 2009, Hamas rigorously observed ceasefire terms. So do other resistance forces except when attacked.

Israel violated Egypt's brokered truce. Islamic Jihad (IJ) and other resistance groups said ending violence depends on stopping Israeli attacks. IJ's Sunday statement said:

"Islamic Jihad is committed to the truce as long as the occupation commits to it."

However, if Israeli attacks continue, further comments said resistance will respond defensively.

Premeditated Israeli attacks initiated conflict. Militants were falsely blamed. Gazan resistance responds defensively. Israel calls it terrorism. International law clearly legitimizes defensive responses to external attacks.

On October 31, the International Middle East Media Center said Sunday Israel air and ground attacks killed Islamic Jihad and National Resistance Brigades members.

On October 30, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) said Israel escalated attacks on Gaza. Nine deaths were reported. As of midday Monday Gaza time, it's at least 12, including civilians.

”Resistance training sites and a police station were destroyed. Other buildings also sustained damage. PCHR "warn(ed) of further escalation of such attacks, and expresse(d) concern for the lives of Palestinian civilians, especially because the Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated areas in the world."

Gazans killed included:

Ahmed Khalil al-Sheikh Khalil in Rafah;

Mohammed Ahmed 'Aashour in Khan Yunis;

Abdul Karim Mousa Shatat in Khan Yunis;

Bassem Mohammed Abu al-'Ata in Gaza City;

Hassan Mohammed al-Khudari in Gaza City;

Suleiman Mahrous Abu Fatma in Rafah;

Sami Hamad Abu Sabt in Rafah;

Mardi Nahidh Mohammed Hajjaj in Gaza City; and

Suhail Ibrahim Jundiya in Gaza City.

Three others were killed after PCHR's report. Palestinians near attack sites are terrified, especially children.

All Israeli attacks violate Israeli and international law. Besieged Gazans live in the world's largest open air prison. Israel maliciously makes it a war zone. Human lives and welfare are non-starters. State terror defines Israeli policy.

On Sunday, MK Shaul Mofaz, Knesset chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said Israel must commit itself to targeted assassinations. Press TV reported that he stressed targeting Gaza-based "high-ranking figures within the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement and Hamas."

Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, and other MKs share his view. Targeted assassinations is longstanding Israeli policy. Others call it cold-blooded murder. Under international law, it's a war crime. More on that below.

Israel remains unaccountable. Washington and other Quartet members stay silent. Fundamental international law principles are ignored, including obligations under Fourth Geneva's Article 146 stating:

"The High Contracting Parties undertake to enact any legislation to provide effective penal sanctions for persons committing, or ordering to be committed, any of the grave breaches of the present Convention."

Fourth Geneva guarantees protection of civilians in time of war. Israel, Washington, Britain, France, and other Western belligerents systematically spurn all international law. Rogue violence defines their agenda. Mass deaths, injuries and destruction are military objectives. They all get away with murder.

Targeted Killing

Geneva's Common Article 3 prohibits:

"(a) violence to life and person, in particular to murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture;" and

"(d) the passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions with previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court, affording all the judicial guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples."

Under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):

"Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life."

Other international laws are also relevant, including provisions of the 1907 Hague Convention.

Nils Melzer's book, titled "Targeted Killing in International Law" discussed the practice. His definition includes lethal force against anyone not in custody with premeditated intent to kill.

He used two normative paradigms:

the "hostilities paradigm" against combatants, including civilians directly participating in hostilities; and

the "law enforcement paradigm" against noncombatant civilians, including during armed conflict.

He believes "law enforcement paradigm" targeted killings must conform to domestic law, be preventative, not punitive, and have protecting human life from lawless attacks its sole purpose.

Under the "hostilities paradigm," combatants are legitimate targets to achieve specific military objectives, provided civilian lives and property are protected from harm.

Distinction and proportionality principles apply to distinguish between combatants and military targets v. civilians and non-military ones. Attacking latter ones are war crimes except when civilians take direct part in hostilities.

Proportionality prohibits disproportionate, indiscriminate force likely to cause damage to or loss of lives and objects.

Fourth Geneva also requires giving "effective advance warning" and "neutralized zones" so noncombatants can be as protected as possible.

Washington, its NATO partners, and Israel violate these and other international law principles with impunity.

International laws protect human life. Killing is always a last resort, never against noncombatants. Premeditated killing is lawless. Meltzer says it's impermissible when non-lethal alternatives exist.

In "The Public Committee against Torture in Israel v. Gov't of Israel et al (2005)," Israel's High Court ruled that "a civilian taking a direct part in hostilities cannot be attacked....if a less harmful means can be employed."

In paragraph 40 it added:

"(I)f a belligerent were allowed to fire at enemy civilians simply suspected of somehow planning or conspiring to plan military attacks, or of having planned or directed hostile actions, the basic foundations of international humanitarian law would be seriously undermined."

"The basic distinction between civilians and combatants would be called into question and the whole body of law relating to armed conflict would eventually be eroded."

It entirely eroded in all Israeli conflicts since 1948. Its own standard holds human life inconsequential to achieve military objectives.

Moreover, its "Dahiya Doctrine" targets civilians as official policy. Named after a Beirut suburb attacked in 2006, Israel's then Northern Commander Gabi Eisenkot said:

"What happened in Dahiya....will happen in every village from which Israel is fired on. We will apply disproportionate force at the heart of the enemy's weak spot (civilians) and cause great damage and destruction."

"From our standpoint, these are not civilian villages (towns or cities). They are military bases. This is not a recommendation. This is a plan. And it has been approved."

It prioritizes damaging or destroying assets, economic interests, and centers of civilian power. Israel wages all wars and armed interventions this way, no matter how in violation of fundamental international law.

Israel's High Court called it illegal. Israel notoriously ignores its own highest legal authority with impunity. As a result, Palestinians most of all suffer, largely out of sight and mind from Western media.

A Final Comment

On October 31, UNESCO admitted Palestine as a full member, despite intense Washington and Israeli opposition.

UNESCO member states voted 107 in favor, 14 against, and 52 abstaining.

Israel called it a "tragedy." Ahead of the vote, Washington called admitting Palestine "counterproductive (and) premature." Retaliatory measures followed, America's usual response.

Its UNESCO funding was suspended. The organization will get along fine without its blood money. The UN would greatly improve without its membership.

Palestinians hope theirs in UNESCO will boost their full UN recognition chances. At best, call it a baby step forward.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Netanyahu Threatens Gazans with Death

Netanyahu Threatens Gazans with Death - by Stephen Lendman

Throughout its history, Israel had belligerent, racist prime ministers, none worse than Netanyahu. He talks peace but mocks and spurns it.

His extremism heads Israel toward the brink. His worst ever government enrages global millions. Eventually, Israel may end up isolated and universally vilified as a pariah state.

Already, it's a regional menace. Lawlessly occupied for 44 years, Palestinians know it best. Gaza remains suffocating under siege. Militantly, Netanyahu wants harsher conditions.

On October 30, Haaretz headlined, "Netanyahu to Gaza militants: Israel's policy is kill or be killed," saying:

Netanyahu threatened attacks against "every attempt to fire against Israel and anyone who fires anyway."

He told ministers at a special cabinet session that Israel's defense policy stresses two principles: "Kill or be killed," and "He who harms you should bear the blood on his head."

So-called "militants" are freedom fighters. Hamas and other resistance groups respond only in self-defense. International law affirms it.

In December 2008, Israel waged preemptive war on Gaza. Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other groups observed months of unilateral ceasefire, despite repeated Israeli violations. On November 4, it ended after the IDF invaded without cause, killing six Hamas members, allegedly to close tunnels.

Hamas wanted peace. Israel spurned it. Cast Lead followed, destroying and killing everything but the will to resist. To this day, Gazans suffer horrifically, including from repeated Israeli air, land and sea attacks.

Gaza is one of history's terror bombing victims. Netanyahu inverts truth, blaming Palestinians for Israeli crimes.

"I suggest Hamas, Jihad, and other organizations not test our determination to actualize the two principles I have described here," he said.

"We will harm every attempt to fire against Israel and anyone who fires anyway. We are not tempestuous, and we do not want things to deteriorate, but we will defend Israel's citizens determinedly, aggressively and effectively."

Netanyahu is a lawless bully, a rogue leader unfit to rule, a menace to Palestinians and Israelis alike, enduring destructive imperial authority.

Shortly after Islamic Jihad and other resistance groups accepted Egyptian-mediated ceasefire terms, Israeli aircraft bombed southern Gaza. One Palestinian was killed, another wounded.

The National Resistance Brigades (NRB) for the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine issued a statement, holding Israel responsible. It also called on NRB fighters to respond in kind as international law allows.

In addition, it asked world leaders to protect Palestinian civilians and denounce Israeli lawlessness.

On Saturday, Israeli air attacks killed five Al-Quds Brigade fighters, injuring others. After numerous attacks and Palestinian responses, 10 Gazans and one Israeli are dead. Israel is directly responsible for preemptive aggression.

Adham Abu Salmiyya, Gaza's Higher Committee of the Medical and Emergency Services said at least 10 strikes occurred in two hours. Destruction as well as deaths and injuries followed. Dozens of residents, especially children, were traumatized.

Moreover, Palestinian Information Center officials said army forces attacked the Al Qassam Brigades' Al Qadisiyya and Ahrar Movement Centers, as well as a third southern Gaza area.

Early Sunday morning, the IDF fired missiles at alleged Gaza City fighters. No casualties were reported. Later, Ash-Shejaeyya neighborhood east of Gaza City was attacked, as well as Al Qassam Brigades' Tunis Base and a third area east of Rafah.

Extensive damage was reported. Drones and manned aircraft remained present overhead. Gazans fired shells and rockets in response. Israel calls self-defense terrorism.

After it spurned ceasefire offers, Islamic Jihad's Al Quds Brigade officials withdrew its offer, claiming its right to respond defensively. Spokesman Abu Ahmad said "a swift and painful retaliation" is planned, adding that:

"We informed all parties that we will not be part of any truce based on criteria used in previous truce deals. Every time there is a truce, the occupation strikes again and kills our leaders and our people. Today, everybody, all Arab and European mediators must realize that only the resistance can declare or void truce. The occupation will be begging for a truce."

Angry about premeditated Israeli attacks, he further said "(T)his issue must be dealt with. Resistance will fire missiles, and will continue targeting the occupation."

Egyptian officials confirmed failed truce offers. Reportedly, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are negotiating ceasefire arrangements with them.

At the same time, IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz held meetings with senior army officers to weigh Israel's response.

Israel can have peace if it wants it. Palestinians repeatedly committed to nonviolence in vain.

It's not clear if Israel will cease attacks or launch Cast Lead II. IDF commanders may, in fact, have had that in mind all along. Events on the ground bear watching.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Living Under Israel's Boot

Living Under Israel's Boot - by Stephen Lendman

Like occupied people everywhere, Palestinians understand oppression better than experts. Ask them. They'll explain.

In Gaza, it means living under siege and Israeli air, land and sea attacks. West Bank communities face day and night incursions.

In the week ending October 27, 58 were conducted, nearly 10 a day. Israel arrests Palestinians while releasing others. Every Palestinian wonders when their loved ones may be taken in middle of the night raids, including children young as ten.

International law doesn't restrain Israeli persecution. Peaceful protestors taste tear gas, rubber bullets, stun grenades, beatings and other abusive tactics to disperse them.

On October 27, Israel bombed three Khan Younis locations in southern Gaza. No deaths or injuries were reported. Central Gaza's Deir al-Balah was also struck, again with no casualties.

Israel claims provocations each time. Gazans mostly respond in self-defense as international law allows. Israel calls it terrorism. It intercepted two Gazan fishermen, opened fire, detained them and impounded their boats.

Attacks against other fishermen escalated. Boats were confiscated. Fishermen were detained. Tools and equipment were damaged or destroyed.

Gazans are prevented from fishing in their own waters. Violent assaults can come any time. On October 27, Israeli warplanes destroyed a container used for fishing equipment and tools. Nets and a water tank were burnt.

In 2011, 67 similar incidents occurred, involving live fire 40 times. Eight fishermen were wounded. Hospitalization was required to treat them.

Other incidents involved threats and harassment, causing damage and confiscation of boats. Since 2000, Israel denied Gazans the right to fish freely in their own waters. In 2008, their territory was reduced from 20 to six nautical miles, but none of it is safe.

Gazans fishing beyond three miles are attacked. Even close to shore risks interceptions, property damage and confiscation, and detentions. As a result, fishermen have lost 85% of their subsistence.

In early October, West Bank Qusra village farmers discovered about 200 of their fruit trees vandalized. Extremist settlers were responsible. Israel doesn't nothing to stop them. Similar incidents happen regularly.

Despite repeated complaints by Qusra, Duma, Qaryut, Jalud, and other village residents, security forces violate their responsibility to protect them from settler attacks.

In recent weeks, multiple incidents occurred. Property was vandalized. Confrontations between residents and settlers occurred. In one incident, soldiers killed Issam Badran for defending his rights.

Elsewhere, a mosque was set ablaze after Hebrew graffiti was sprayed on it. In late September, multiple incidents destroyed over 900 trees. In 2011, 7,500 trees were vandalized. Perpetrators weren't held accountable. Investigations result in whitewashes. Israel affords Arabs no rights, including its own citizens.

On October 27, Aseel Ara'ra, age four, suffered quadriplegia after soldiers shot her in the neck. Surgery didn't help. She remains in intensive care. She'll never be the same again. Restitution never comes. Aggressors never say they're sorry. They commit other crimes as bad.

On October 26, Israeli police closed two NGO offices, claiming links to Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Jerusalem for Development head Khaled Zabarqa called his organization a "development institution" which closes social gaps in Arab East Jerusalem.

Closures accompany rising tensions. Since 2006, they've increased since Israel began implementing the Jerusalem E1 plan to replace East Jerusalem Palestinians with Jewish settlers. As a result, political activity was prohibited. Legitimate protests are called crimes.

On October 29, responding to Israeli air strikes, Gazans fired seven rockets at Ashdod, Gan Yavne, and west of Be'er Sheva in Israel.

One or more Israelis were wounded, several others traumatized. Later a mortar struck near the Eshkol Regional Council. No casualties were reported.

Israel always responds the same way. More air and ground attacks followed. Bogus reasons justified them. Nine Palestinians were killed. Nearly always, Gazans fire rockets only after Israel attacks. International law legitimizes self-defense.

On October 28, hundreds of Palestinians clashed with Israeli security forces in multiple West Bank locations. Around Beit Omar, about 250 demonstrated and threw stones. Soldiers and police responded violently with tear gas, rubber bullets, stun grenades and other crowd dispersal measures.

About 80 Palestinians protested near Nabi Saleh. Some threw stones. Similar incidents occurred around Bil'in, Kedum, Beitunia, and Lita. Israel responded violently.

Throughout October, Israeli security forces disrupted villages and uprooted dozens of al-Walaja fruit trees to prepare land for Separation Wall construction. Palestinian land is stolen in the process.

In July 2004, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled Wall construction illegal, ordered its removal, and compensation paid victims for damaged or destroyed property.

On October 3, soldiers began uprooting trees in Ein al-Hadfa, Khallet al-Samak, Ein Jweiza, and al-Walaja area land. About 90 dunums were affected, as well as 230 olive, almond, cypress and oak trees. Grapevines were also destroyed.

Other large sections were isolated, including an area cemetery. More Wall construction occurred around al-Ntouf and Ras Krimzan, east of al-Walaja village. When completed, it will be 2,000 meters long.

Villagers petitioned Israel's High Court to stop it. On August 23, they were rejected. The ruling stated:

"(T)he route of the wall is necessary for the security of Israel and its citizens."

When begun, land theft, not security, was planned. When completed, about 12% of Palestinian land will be gone. Israel uses other ways to steal more land to secure all valued parts of Judea and Samaria it wants colonized and annexed.

Since 2009, about 4,500 meters were built east, west, and northeast of al-Walaja. About 2,100 olive, grape, almond and other trees were destroyed. About 500 dunums of agricultural lands and forests were uprooted. Another 2,000 dunums in al-Walaja village were isolated behind the wall. It surrounds its north, east and western sides.

From the south, an IDF security street encloses it. When sections under construction are completed, over half of village land will be isolated. Eventually, the Wall will completely isolate al-Walaja from other Palestinian villages and towns, service providing institutions, and vital Bethlehem governorate areas.

Life under occupation is oppressive and cruel. Palestinians want it ended. They also want recognized sovereignty, full UN membership and peace. Israel denied them for 44 years.

Nothing under consideration offers change. Palestinians are on their own like always, determined to overcome and live free. Their liberating struggle continues.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Libya: War Without End

Libya: War Without End - by Stephen Lendman

Libya will long be remembered as one of history's great crimes. For over eight months, NATO's killing machine ravaged the country, killing tens of thousands.

Years of protracted conflict lie ahead. Libyans will keep struggling until they're free from NATO's scourge.

UN Resolution 1973 authorized a no-fly zone. In fact, it lawlessly declared war. A prosperous, peaceful, nonbelligerent country and its way of life was destroyed.

Civilians and non-military sites were deliberately targeted. Cold-blooded murder and mass destruction were planned.

Sirte, a city once home to 100,000, symbolizes NATO's depravity. Terror bombing destroyed it. Thousands were massacred.

Under international law, it's a war crime.

Under the 1907 Hague Regulations, Fourth Geneva, Geneva's Common Article III, and various other international laws, civilians are protected persons. So is civilian property. Attacking them is prohibited. War crimes are clearly defined. The principles of distinction and proportionality also apply:

distinction between combatants and military targets v. civilians and non-military ones; attacking latter ones are war crimes except when civilians take direct part in hostilities; and

proportionality prohibits disproportionate, indiscriminate force likely to cause damage to or loss of lives and objects.

In addition, precautions must be taken to avoid and minimize incidental loss of civilian lives, injuries to them, and damage to non-military sites. Under Fourth Geneva, they must be given "effective advance warning" and "neutralized zones" where they can be as protected as possible.

Fourth Geneva also prohibits collective punishment; the use of human shields; private property destruction; torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment; denying the population adequate amounts of food and medical supplies; and assuring free passage of all "consignments" intended for civilian purposes.

Nonetheless, in all US/NATO wars, including Libya (besides earlier American ones), these provisions are systematically and willfully violated.

Civilians and nonmilitary sites are considered legitimate targets. Western powers spuriously claim every effort to spare them. Media scoundrels ignore their crimes.

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.

NATO's humanitarian responsibility to protect duplicity terrorized and slaughtered civilians lawlessly. Millions of Libyans won't forgive or forget, including Sirte survivors.

Under siege for weeks, food, medical supplies and other essentials were cut off. Basic infrastructure was destroyed, including power, water and sanitation systems.

Homes, schools, mosques, hospitals and other civilian sites were bombed. Terror weapons were used including thermobaric fuel-air bombs and white phosphorous able to burn flesh to the bone.

Virtually every structure was destroyed or damaged. Rebel rats looted what they found. Even news reports described a scorched earth campaign, including grim scenes reminiscent of Grozny in Russia's Chechen war, Guernica, the Warsaw Ghetto, and other historical terror bombing targets.

On October 27, Human Rights Investigations (HRI) headlined, "Responsibility to protect: the liberation of Sirte," saying:

Over 400 air strikes targeted Sirte for weeks. Each delivered powerful munitions. In addition, rebel rats "indiscriminately shell(ed) the town with tank fire, heavy mortar fire and artillery."

NATO declined comment "on why it did nothing to protect (civilians) and why it has been complicit in these war crimes."

"....(U)ndisciplined and in some cases genocidal mobs" committed horrific atrocities. NATO authorized their "murderous rampage," as well as elsewhere across Libya.

"....Red Cross officials have said they have found (267) dead in Sirte, most of whom they believe were killed" the day Sirte fell.

International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo hasn't "pursued action against pro-NATO forces. In fact, he has been involved (complicity) in spreading propaganda and inciting racial hatred during the conflict."

On October 11, Transitional National Council (TNC) chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil told rebel rat fighters, "You have the support of all the members of the transitional council." He also authorized other war crimes.

"Currently what is left of Sirte is being thoroughly looted." BBC said reconstruction is unlikely. Crumbled remains will stay "a memorial to Colonel Gaddafi's victims," shifting blame for horrific NATO crimes onto him instead of reporting responsibly.

Clearly, said HRI, "responsibility to protest (R2P) has been hi-jacked by NATO and its supporters as a justification for its military campaign and has lost its humanitarian content, becoming little more than a weapon in the propaganda war to draw ill-informed citizens into consent for military action."

In fact, too many people who know better took the bait and believed it. They still do, thinking NATO intervened for humanitarian reasons.

Bosnians, Serbs, Iraqis, Afghans, Libyans and other NATO victims know better. Ask them. They'll explain.

On October 25 on Russia Today, nuclear expert Christopher Busby discussed a new report about "uranium-enhanced weapons" used against Fallujah, Iraq in 2004. Horrific birth defects and congenital diseases resulted.

Washington and NATO use depleted uranium (DU) weapons in all wars. Busby exposed evidence of enriched uranium, "the kind used in nuclear reactors and bombs," he said, adding:

His "results prove the existence of a new secret uranium weapon. We have found some US patents for thermobaric and directed charge warheads which employ uranium powder to increase their effect."

Calling it "quite scary," he explained bomb crater evidence "in Lebanon in 2006 after the Israeli attacks and found one which was radioactive and which contained enriched uranium. We found enriched uranium in car air filters from Lebanon and also from Gaza. Others have found evidence of its use in Afghanistan and possibly also in the Balkans."

Busby called the discovery "astonishing with many global implications."

It suggests NATO used these weapons in Libya, including against Sirte. As a result, epidemic levels of cancer, other diseases, and congenital birth defects will follow.

Libya not only was ravaged, likely permanent contamination makes wide areas hazardous. No amount of radiation is safe. It's harmful, cumulative, permanent, unforgiving, and deadly.

Science never found a safe threshold. Radiation poisoning causes cancer, leukemia, other diseases, birth defects, stillbirths, miscarriages, sterility, malformations, open lesions, and more, including permanent genetic damage passed on to offspring.

Busby said it "poison(s) the gene pool of whole populations. This is a war crime and must be properly investigated....It has probably been used in Libya, so we must wait and see what levels of cancer and congenital diseases appear there."

After heroically holding out for weeks, NATO and rebel rats now control Sirte. NSNBC called their operation "one of the most outrageous war crimes of the century," including hundreds of summary executions.

On October 24, Human Rights Watch reported 53 Gaddafi supporters murdered at a Sirte hotel.

On October 26, Russia Today (RT.com) said:

"Three hundred bodies of alleged Gaddafi allies have been found in Sirte, shot in the head with hands tied behind their backs. Are (NATO forces) guilty of ordering political executions....?"

RT called NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's comments at a recent Brussels news conference "a grimly prophetic joke," saying:

"Our military forces prevented a massacre and saved countless lives."

In fact, mass destruction, slaughter and atrocities defined its campaign from inception. Knowledgeable observers are horrified by the depravity of NATO's campaign without end.

Whether or not bombing ends October 31, NATO came to Libya to stay. Blue Helmet paramilitary enforcers will join them.

On October 29, RIA/Novosti headlined, "NATO will stop bombing Libya but won't leave," saying:

"The Security Council did not end the war." It's not over, and NATO's not leaving. "They will simply change the name of the operation" to one called "the Friends of Libya coalition."

A dozen or more countries will be involved, including America, Britain, France, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and other regional states.

"To sum up, the war will continue for some time, and NATO will remain in NATO for a long time to come...."

In fact, NATO comes to stay. Like Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, permanent bases will be built. Occupation, colonization and plunder will follow.

Humanitarian considerations, free elections, and other democratic values are non-starters.

Iron-fisted rule is coming. Libyans know their liberating struggle won't end easily or quickly, but they're committed never to quit.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Anti-Defamation League National Pledge for Unity on Israel

Anti-Defamation League National Pledge for Unity on Israel - by Stephen Lendman

ADL's audacity gives chutzpah new meaning. Whether it's latest scheme works isn't known. However, early indications express displeasure. More on that below.

Along with the American Jewish Committee (AJC), ADL's web site calls for a "National Pledge for Unity on Israel," saying:

America supported Israel since its 1948 founding. Its friendship transcends politics. It's never been just a party platform plank. It's "a core American policy that serves our nation's most fundamental national interests."

For the past six decades, American presidents and congressional leaders "championed the shared values and outlook that bind the two nations."

"This broad bipartisan backing has been vital to America's interests and to Israel's security throughout decades of war and a constant struggle for survival."

Fact check

For decades, Washington's been Israel's paymaster/partner. Together they waged aggressive wars and state terror against nonbelligerent countries, organizations and individuals.

Both are unrivaled global menaces. They're scourges on humanity. Annually, Washington grants Israel billions of taxpayer dollars, low or no-interest loans (some never repaid), the latest weapons and technologies, and other benefits afforded no other nation.

Israel, in fact, gets more US aid than all other countries combined. In return, they partner in crimes of war and against humanity. Neither respects democratic values, human and civil rights, or rule of law principles. Both are unprincipled rogue states.

ADL and other Israel Lobby members pressure administrations and congressional members to provide uncompromising support. Few decline. Now ADL wants more, saying:

"Now is the time to reaffirm that Israel's well-being is best served, as it has always been, by American voices raised together in unshakeable support for our friend and ally."

ADL's October 19 press release headlined, "ADL and AJC Co-Sponsor National Pledge Calling for Bipartisan Consensus on Israel, saying:

Both organizations want "elected officials, religious leaders, community groups and individuals to join them in signing the ‘National Pledge for Unity on Israel.’ “

According to AJC executive director David Harris:

"If there is one thing candidates for high office and people of all political stripes can agree on, it is the importance of the long tradition of bipartisan support for our friend and ally, Israel."

ADL national director Foxman said:

"The last thing America and Israel need right now is the distractions of having Israel bandied about as a tool for waging political attacks."

Foxman sounds worried about what rarely happens. He underscored his appeal by saying individual and organizational signatories will be published. The implication, of course, indicates names omitted fall short of total support.

He added:

"(W)e want the discourse on US support for Israel to avoid the sometimes polarizing debates and political attacks that have emerged in recent weeks, as candidates have challenged their opponents' pro-Israel bona fides or questioned the current administration's foreign policy approach vis-a-vis Israel."

Imagine one nation asking others to pledge loyalty as an expression of support. The notion's foreign, unheard of, and arrogant. Few at best would go along, doing so only under heavy pressure or threats.

On October 25, Haaretz writer Natasha Mozgovaya addressed the issue in an article headlined, "ADL bid for US bipartisan support for Israel faces staunch resistance," saying:

In times of political granstanding ahead of America's 2012 elections, demanding "bipartisan support seems to be a naive pledge," stopping short of calling it unheard of, arrogant, abusive and outrageous.

"But it didn't prevent (ADL and AJC) from (wanting) Jewish organizations and individuals to join them in" pledging loyalty to Israel while "preventing the Jewish state from becoming a wedge issue in the upcoming campaign season."

In fact, it never did before so why now? Few congressional members do less. Critics are targeted for removal. Israeli Lobby power is ruthless. Few officeholders and aspirants oppose it. What Israel wants, it gets.

Political support for Israel isn't overwhelming. It's nearly unanimous. The tradition goes back decades, especially since the 1960s.

In days, Jewish activists, organizations, and congressional members will receive ADL's pledge by mail. Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) executive director Matt Brooks expressed ire, saying:

"This effort to stifle debate on US policy toward Israel runs counter to this American tradition. Accordingly, the RJC will not be silenced on this or any issue."

He stopped short of admitting strong Republican support for Israel, no matter his strong rhetoric.

At the same time, he added:

"An open and vigorous debate on the questions confronting our country is the cornerstone of the American electoral process....For this reason, the RJC will not be a signer to this pledge."

The Emergency Committee for Israel also was blunt, saying:

"You must be kidding." It promised that "this attempt to silence those of us who have questioned the current administration's foreign policy approach vis-a-vis Israel will reenergize us."

"Directors Harris and Foxman need a refresher course on the virtues of free speech and robust debate in a democracy. Their effort to stifle discussion and debate is unworthy of the best traditions of America, and of Israel."

At issue, of course, is proving who's Israel's staunchest ally, even though both parties have little disagreement on matters concerning Israel. But they want voters to think one side is more loyal than the other, using rhetoric only to convince them.

Nonetheless, Foxman responded, saying:

The pledge wants to encourage "measured and thoughtful expressions of different points of view regarding US policy toward Israel. What prompted ADL and AJC to launch this initiative was a desire to ask participants in the political discourse to avoid harsh and personal rhetoric or tactics in the form of attacks on political opponents' positions on Israel."

In fact, what ADL, AJL, AIPAC, and other Israel Lobby members demand is assurance that whatever Israel wants it gets. Hasn't it nearly always been that way?

Haven't targets of both countries suffered enough from it? Isn't it high political Washington acted responsibly?

One day perhaps if America's corrupted duopoly is replaced by officials representing popular, not imperial and corporate, interests. It can't happen a moment too soon.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

Why Libya Was Attacked

Why Libya Was Attacked - by Stephen Lendman

Obama's March 28, 2011 address at the National Defense University was true to form. It reeked of duplicity, hypocrisy, and ball-faced lies, saying:

"For generations, the United States of America has played a unique role as an anchor of global security and as an advocate for human freedom."

"....(W)e are reluctant to use force to solve the world's many challenges."

"But when our interests and values are at stake, we have a responsibility to act. That's what happened in Libya...."

For decades, Libya was "ruled by a tyrant....He has denied his people freedom, exploited their wealth, murdered opponents at home and abroad, and terrorized people around the world - including Americans who were killed by Libyan agents."

Substitute Washington for Libya and he got it right. America is a rogue terror state, a menacing plague on humanity.

Democratic values, human and civil rights, and rule of law principles are non-starters.

Only corporate and imperial interests matter, not equity, justice, peace on earth, and government of, by and for the people while respecting the sovereign rights of other nations.

NATO's war on Libya was planned many months in advance like all wars. Why is most important, or put another way - cui bono?

Official accounts and media scoundrels never explain. Dozens of previous articles discussed relevant issues and answers, including one summarizing what's most important. More on that below.

Historical Facts About Libya

Like most parts of Africa for centuries, European colonial powers ravaged Libya. During the 1911 Turko/Italian war, Libya was invaded and attacked. Twenty years of resistance challenged Italian colonizers.

From 1911 - 1943, Italy's occupation was brutal. Libyans never forgot. After WW II, America, Britain and France dominated the region. In 1951, they combined three distinct regions into Libya - Cyrenaica in the east, Tripolitania in the west, and Fezzan in the south.

Britain enthroned King Idriss. He let America, Britain and France retain military bases and pursue corporate interests. America's Wheelus Air Base near Tripoli dominated the Mediterranean Basin. Washington wants one or more super-bases built on Libyan land as launching pads against the region.

In 1955, Libyan oil was discovered. Three colonial powers controlled it until Gaddafi's bloodless September 1, 1969 coup, ousting King Idris. It was an anti-imperial socialist revolution. Foreign domination ended.

Gaddafi supported pan-Africanism - a United States of Africa, free from imperial domination. It was a vision shared by Marcus Garvey, Kwame Kkrumah, Sekou Toure, Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta, William Tubman, Gamal Abd Nasser, and others. More on that below.

He also wanted Libyans to share in the country's oil wealth, a notion foreign to America and other Western societies.

Under his 1999 Decision No. 111, all Libyans got free healthcare, education, electricity, water, training, rehabilitation, housing assistance, disability and old-age benefits, interest-free state loans, as well as generous subsidies to study abroad, buy a new car, help couples when they marry, practically free gasoline, and more.

Literacy under Gaddafi rose from 20 - 80%. Libya's hospitals and private clinics were some of the region's best. Now they're in shambles. Some, in fact, were bombed or damaged in other fighting. NATO lied saying only military targets were attacked.

NATO's imperial strategy involves targeting civilians and vital infrastructure, including power, communications, medical care facilities, and other essential to life sites.

Before war began, Libyans had Africa's highest standard of living. According to David Blundy and Andrew Lycett's book titled, "Qaddafi and the Libyan Revolution.http://www.amazon.com/Qaddafi-Libyan-Revolution-David-Blundy/dp/0316100420"

"The young people are well dressed, well fed and well educated....Every Libyan gets free, and often excellent, education, medical and health services. New colleges and hospitals are impressive by any international standard."

"All Libyans have a house or a flat, a car, and most have televisions" and other conveniences. "Compared with most citizens of Third World countries, and with many (others), Libyans have it very good indeed," including decent housing or a rent-free apartment.

Gaddafi's Green Book, in fact, states, "The house is a basic need of both the individual and the family, therefore it should not be owned by others." It also covers other beneficial social policies, saying:

"Women, like men, are human beings.

....(A)ll individuals have a natural right to self-expression by any means....;

In a socialist society no person may own a private means of transportation for the purpose of renting to others, because this represents controlling the needs of others.

The democratic system is a cohesive structure whose foundation stones are firmly laid above the other (through People's Conferences and Committees). There is absolutely no conception of democratic society other than this.

No representation of the people - representation is a falsehood. The existence of parliaments underlies the absence of the people, for democracy can only exist with the presence of the people and not in the presence of representatives of the people."

Green Book ideology rejects Western-style democracy and predatory capitalism, especially neoliberal exploitation. It's one of many reasons why Gaddafi was ousted.

He provided impressive social benefits, including free land, equipment, livestock and seeds for agriculture to foster self-sufficient food production. Moreover, all basic food items were subsidized and sold through a network of "people's shops."

Moreover, since the 1960s, women had the right to vote and participate politically. They can also own and sell property independently of their husbands. Under the December 1969 Constitutional Proclamation Clause 5, they have equal status with men, including for education and employment, even though men play leading roles in society.

Until Washington and NATO blocked its approval, the UN Human Rights Council Libyan praised Gaddafi in its January 2011 "Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review: Libya Arab Jamahiriya."

It said his government protected "not only political rights, but also economic, educational, social and cultural rights." It also lauded his treatment of religious minorities, and "human rights training" of its security forces.

In eight months, NATO's killing machine destroyed 42 years of achievements, benefitting all Libyans. Why else would overwhelming numbers support him?

After NATO attacked, hundreds of thousands rallied openly for him. On July 1, 95% of Tripoli's population (over a million strong) expressed support in Green Square.

Before the war, he felt safe enough to drive unprotected through Tripoli streets. Residents lined up to cheer him. Some despot!

America and other Western societies should have ones like him. Imperial wars would end. So would homelessness, hunger and human depravation. Instead, "new world order" imperialists want super-wealth and power shared only by their privileged few.

Libya is one of many targets. Others will follow to extinguish freedom everywhere if they succeed. Universal opposition needs to stop them. Failure can't be tolerated. The alternative is too grim to imagine.

Why Gaddafi Was Targeted

Information below was discussed earlier. It bears repeating now. Gaddafi's vision marked him for removal. It was just a matter of when, even though he cooperated with Western powers post-9/11 on matters of intelligence and terrorism.

Until vilified and targeted, he was welcomed in Western capitals. In 2003, he came in from the cold, became a valued Western ally, and had meetings and discussions with top officials like UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, France's Nicolas Sarkozy, Italy's Silvio Berlusconi, US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, and others.

He also participated in the 2009 G-8 Summit in L-Aquila, Italy as Chairman of the African Union. At the time, he met and shook hands with Obama.

Moreover, ABC News interviewed him live, and on January 21, 2009, The New York Times published his op-ed headlined, "The One-State Solution" to resolve the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. He called "living under one roof....the only option for a lasting peace."

On May 16, 2006, Washington restored full diplomatic relations, removing Libya from its state sponsors of terrorism list. At the time, Rice called the move:

"tangible results that flow from the historic decisions taken by Libya's leadership in 2003 to renounce terrorism and to abandon its weapons of mass destruction programs....Libya is an important model as nations around the world press for changes in behavior by the Iranian and North Korean regimes."

She also praised Gaddafi's "excellent cooperation" in fighting terrorism. Moreover, he opened Libya's markets to Western interests by arranging deals with Big Oil giants BP, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Occidental, France's Total, Italy's Eni Gas and others. By all appearances, he joined the club, so why turn on him?

Though on board in some ways, he very much wasn't on others. He supported Palestinian rights, opposed Israel's occupation and Gaza's siege.

Earlier he backed anti-apartheid struggles in South Africa, as well as others in Northern Ireland, Spain, and elsewhere.

He had nothing to do with downing Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988. Neither did Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi. Scottish judges knew he was innocent but were pressured to convict.

Gaddafi never admitted fault. He took responsibility solely to have international sanctions removed. To this day, he and al-Megrahi stand falsely accused. Likely CIA /MI6/and/or Mossad involvement is never mentioned.

America tried and failed numerous times to assassinate him, including Ronald Reagan's 1986 attempt. CIA covert efforts financed opposition groups. In 1981, they helped establish the National Front for the Salvation of Libya (NFSL) and its militant wing called the Libyan National Army based in Egypt near Libya's border.

Along with US and UK Special Forces, it was directly involved in instigating insurrection last February. It wasn't homegrown. As in Syria, it was externally generated.

Gaddafi opted out of AFRICOM. It's one of nine global Pentagon commands to control Africa and the Mediterranean Basin, including its strategic energy transit routes and choke points, crucial to keep open for world economies.

All African countries participate except Sudan, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Eritrea, and Libya until now. He also backed an initiative to create a United States of Africa, whereas Washington wants easily exploitable divisions. More on that below.

Besides ranked ninth in the world with 42 billion proved barrels of oil reserves (and large amounts of gas), its untapped potential is believed much greater. Moreover, being nearly sulfur-free, it's even more valued for its extremely high quality. At issue isn't access, it's control over who develops, produces and receives it in what amounts.

In January 2009, Gaddafi wanted to nationalize Libyan oil, but his timetable faced internal resistance. According to Pravda.ru's March 25, 2011 article titled, "Reason for war? Gaddafi wanted to nationalise oil," he considered the option because of low oil prices at the time, saying:

"The oil-exporting countries should opt for nationalisation because of the rapid fall in oil prices. We must put the issue on the table and discuss it seriously. Oil should be owned by the State at this time, so we could better control prices by the increase or decrease in production."

In February 2009, he asked for public support to distribute Libya's oil wealth directly to the people. However, senior officials feared losing their jobs "due to a parallel plan by Gaddafi to rid the state of corruption." Possible capital flight was also an issue.

As a result, Libya's Popular Committee voted 468 - 64 to delay nationalization plans, even though a 251 majority viewed doing so as positive.

Note: Gaddafi didn't consider how powerful insiders manipulate all markets up or down for profit, including oil, irrespective of demand. It's brazen fraud but goes on all the time, especially on Wall Street in collusion with Washington.

Libya's Great Man-Made River (GMMR) was developing an ocean-sized aquifer beneath the desert for irrigation, human consumption, and other uses. At 2007 consumption rates, it could last 1,000 years. No wonder Gaddafi calls his Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS) the "Eighth Wonder of the World."

At issue, of course, is privatizing it, making water unaffordable for many, including most Libyans. In other words, Western predators want it exploited for maximum profits, not equitable use as a public resource.

Ellen Brown's April 13 article titled, "Libya: All About Oil, or All About Banking?" raised another, easily overlooked, issue. Who controls Libya's money, the lifeblood of every economy? In 1970, Henry Kissinger said, "Control oil and you control nations. Control food and you control people." He left out money, the supreme power to control everything because without it economies collapse.

At issue is public or private control like most nations, including America under Wall Street's owned and operated Federal Reserve.

Under Gaddafi, the Central Bank of Libya was state owned. In other words, it created its own money, the Libyan Dinar, interest free to be used productively for economic growth, not speculation, profits and bonuses for predatory bankers.

However, after Washington's led NATO intervention, the privately controlled Central Bank of Benghazi was established to let Western bankers, not Libyans, run things. Money control indeed appears an important reason for intervening, perhaps most important of all.

On April 24, Manlio Dinucci's Global Research article headlined, "Financial Heist of the Century: Confiscating Libya's Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF)," saying:

Besides money, oil, gas, water, and other reasons, the "Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) manages" an estimated $70 billion, "rising to more than $150 billion (including) foreign investments of the Central Bank and other bodies. But it might be more."

Confiscation gives US/NATO interests easy money for their own purposes. In fact, besides war, the business of America is grand theft in league with Western partners, Wall Street and other corporate interests.

Gaddafi promoted pan-African unity, a United States of Africa he hoped to lead against Western powers wanting balkanized easily-controlled states.

Libya was central to Africa's independence, including freedom from predatory central banks and international lending agencies, acting as loan sharks of last resort.

He also funded Africa's only communications satellite. In doing so, he saved hundreds of millions of dollars for low-cost incoming and outgoing calls.

In addition, he allocated two-thirds of the $42 billion needed to launch a public African Central Bank (HQ'd in Nigeria), an African Monetary Fund based in Cameroon, and an African Investment Bank HQ'd in Libya.

The Obama administration stole the money and prevented it. If established, it would have provided low-cost (or perhaps interest-free) loans for health, education, and other social projects, as well as vital infrastructure development in participating African states.

Washington and NATO partners destroyed his vision to rape Libya for profit and exploit its people. That imperialism's core element. Gaddafi wanted none of it. As a result, he had to go.

He advocated a new "Gold Standard," replacing dollars with gold dinars. African and Muslim states supported it to provide real monetary wealth and value, free from predatory lending agencies and depreciating fiat currencies.

Washington determined to prevent it to maintain petrodollar recycling and dollar hegemony as the world's reserve currency.

In 1977, Gaddafi transformed the Libyan Republic into the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya - a "state of the masses." In 1979, he established direct participatory democracy, devolving power to tribal leaders. In 1986, Libya became the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

A revolutionary leader, Gaddafi was a visionary. He wanted Libya's society based on equity, justice and fair distribution of wealth. Nasser said he represented Arab nationalism and unity.

His faults aside, Libyans supported him overwhelmingly. They still do. His spirit drives their revolutionary struggle for freedom. They won't quit until it's achieved.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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

What Next for Libya?

What Next for Libya? - by Stephen Lendman

Jamahiriya loyalists hope he's alive, not dead. Either way, his bigger than life spirit inspires Libyans and others wanting freedom - not terror bombing, occupation, colonization, pillaging, exploitation, and misery.

NATO's war on Libya is one of history's great crimes. Democratic values and truth never had a chance. Responsibility to protect duplicity terrorized and massacred civilians like crazed assassins.

Terror bombing continues daily. So do unspeakable rebel rat atrocities and ravaging Libya's landscape.

NATO is a rogue killing machine. Coalition partners are complicit in mass murder. Obama, Clinton and those around them are war criminals multiple times over.

Gratuitous slaughter, mass destruction, barbarism, lawlessness, and pillaging define their agenda. Libya was raped for profit and regional dominance. No one anywhere should tolerate imperial lawlessness on a scale beyond measure.

Jamahiriya freedom fighters won't quit until their mother of all struggles is won. With or without Gaddafi, they'll go on or die trying. Libya belongs to them, not NATO. Exorcising NATO's killing machine is job one.

On October 23, NSNBC called Gaddafi "larger than life," believing sadly he's gone, adding:

"Today is one of the days where I am desperately looking for words." They can't explain the depravity of murdering Gaddafi and his son Mutassim. It's another "outrage of the inhumanity of a war based on the betrayal of all who believe in humanitarian principles and humanity."

Taking him, however, fuels greater than ever resistance. Libyans want freedom. Gaddafi's spirit emboldens revolutionary passion.

Bigger than life, he's with Lumumba, Marti, Fidel, Gandhi, Mao, Trotsky, Lenin, Che, Allende, Marulanda, Aristide, MLK, Malcolm, Mandela, Attaturk, Zapata, Bolivar, Frederick Douglas, and history's many other prominent and lesser known figures.

Unless somehow he survived, he remains only in spirit. He wasn't found hiding underground. Nor did he beg rebel rats not to shoot him. In Sirte, he fought openly and valiantly on the front lines with fellow Jamahiriya loyalists.

Official reports of his capture were lies, first one account, then another. None were believable. Nor were alleged liberation day celebrations. Loyalists call it occupation day, a day of shame and mourning.

Video footage showed fake images of thousands assembled euphorically. Last summer's sham Tripoli liberation was produced weeks earlier in Doha, Qatar. Perhaps this one as well.

On Sunday, hundreds of rebel rats rallied. Libyan loyalists wouldn't come out with no reason to celebrate a scourge they won't tolerate.

Counterpsyops cited an unnamed reporter saying he "didn't see a SINGLE local out on the streets celebrating the 'new Libya.' "

NSNBC believes tribal leaders elected Saif Islam Gaddafi their new leader. If he's killed, another will replace him. Loyalists have many heros, including two or three remaining sons - Mohammed Saidi, Hannibal, and perhaps military commander Khamis.

Reported captured or killed several times, he turned up alive and well. If in custody or dead now, rebel rats would display him. No images suggests he leads his Khamis Brigade in battle.

"Fighting in Sabah, Bani Walid, Sirte, Benghazi, Tripoli," and other cities throughout Libya show loyalists won't quit until free. Gaddafi's spirit in their hearts and minds won't tolerate less. Tribal leaders want revenge. So do millions of Libyans.

A Final Comment

October 20 events didn't liberate Libya. It's the beginning, not end, of protracted struggle perhaps for years.

On October 23, Obama duplicitously "congratulated the people of Libya on today's declaration of liberation. After four decades of brutal dictatorship and eight months of deadly conflict, the Libyan people can now celebrate their freedom and the beginning of a new era of promise."

Obama's the embodiment of evil, an inveterate liar, a serial killer, and war criminal multiple times over. He matched the worst of Bush and exceeded him. Libyans and free people everywhere revile him. One day they'll have the last word.

Liberation never comes easily or quickly. For sure, it's worth protracted struggle to achieve, no matter the cost.

Gaddafi was no coward or quitter. Neither are Libyans and others throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

Their liberating struggle continues. It won't end until America's imperial scourge is vanquished, and NATO's consigned to the dustbin of history. It's just a matter of time.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected].

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