The Oslo Attacks: More False Flag Evidence - by Stephen Lendman

The memorable line from Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore explains what's so often true, saying:

"Things are seldom as they seem. Skim milk masquerades as cream."

With considerable mass media help, especially America's, misinformation diverts public attention from vital truths, playing their usual gatekeeper role, providing fiction and irrelevancies, not fact.

For example, initial reports cited Islamic militants, naming Ansar al-Jihad al-Alami (aka Helpers of the Global Jihad), though no one knows if the group actually exists.

On July 22, New York Times writers Elisa Mala and J. David Goodman headlined, "At Least 80 Dead in Norway Shooting," claiming with no corroborating evidence:

"There was ample reason for concern that (Islamic) terrorists might be responsible. In 2004 and again in 2008, the No. 2 leader of Al Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahri, who took over after the death of Osama bin Laden, threatened Norway because of its support of the American-led NATO military operation in Afghanistan."

In fact, no verifiable evidence confirms it. The claim is based on an alleged April 2003 Al Qaeda tape, urging Muslims to strike US, UK, Australian and Norwegian embassies and commercial interests because of their Afghanistan and/or Iraq involvement. 

However, past audio and video tapes were later proved fakes. Perhaps this one also. Nonetheless, America's media, including the New York Times, report them as fact, lying for the interests they represent.

The Times also avoided due diligence on why Norway was attacked, instead expressing surprise about an "assault on the ordinarily peaceful Scandinavian country."

Norway, of course, is a NATO member. It has token forces in Afghanistan, and agreed to be an anti-Gaddafi coalition partner for three months, saying in May it would scale down involvement and pull out entirely by August 1. 

As a result, the State Department criticized its government's "lack of commitment," concerned it would influence other NATO states to drop out. On June 10, in fact, the Netherlands announced it would continue enforcing Libya's no-fly zone, but no longer engage in air strikes.

Since July 22, Western media, especially America's, highlighted the lone bomber/gunman story, focusing on right-wing Christian fundamentalist Anders Breivik, claiming he alone managed to do the near impossible - plan and engineer a sophisticated, possible multiple car bomb attack, then head off undetected to Utoeya Island, 19 miles away and singlehandedly kill dozens children.

On July 25, Norway's police revised the death toll down to 68, plus another eight bombing victims.

Breivik's alleged motive reflected his neocon right-wing sympathies, anti-Islamization views, and hostility to multiculturalism. Regardless of how many Breivik types agree, they don't bomb government buildings or mass murder children. On July 22, something entirely different happened. Two previous articles discussed it, accessed through the following links:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/07/oslo-attacks-comment-and-analysis.html

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/07/possible-israeli-connection-to-oslo.html

The first one asked who gains and loses from every terror incident, certainly not suspects charged, convicted and imprisoned. Geopolitical interests always are key.

The second article suggested an Israeli connection because of Norway's Palestinian sympathies, including its support for independence and de jure UN membership, as well as criticism of Israeli settlements and belligerence.

Notably, Eileen Fleming observed that Friday's attack occurred on the 65th King David Hotel (1946) bombing anniversary, carried out by (pre-Israeli) Irgun terrorists led by future prime minister Menachem Begin. 

It massacred 92 Brits, Arabs and Jews, wounded 52 others, and Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion (then Jewish Agency head) approved it. 

Preceding the incident to the present, Israel carried out numerous terror attacks, and committed or attempted many thousands of targeted killings. Perhaps Oslo on July 22 was its latest, alone or jointly with its CIA and/or other Western intelligence counterparts.

Analyst Bob Chapman, a frequent Progressive Radio News Hour guest, believes Friday's attack was a false flag, citing two reasons:

-- pulling out of NATO's Libya coalition entirely by August 1; and

-- withholding its $42 million contribution to Greece's bailout, calling it a waste of money, sensibly saying the Papandreou government should default.

As a result, Chapman said affected banks "are very unhappy with Norway, and I think that (and pulling out of Libya) was the basis for the attack," adding:

Breivik "at the island was probably there to kill (Labour Party) prime minister (Jens Stoltenberg) who (wasn't at Utoeya island) for some reason. The message to Norway is do what we tell you to do or we'll put a bomb in the middle of your city (as) payback from the banks...."

On July 25, Paul Joseph Watson's Prison Planet.com article headlined, "Anders Behring Breivik: Manufacturing a Patsy?" noting two different Facebook profiles (before and after July 22) describing him, saying:

"The first one in Norwegian was deleted minutes after (his) identity became public." A doctored English version replaced it, changing his profile to fit the crime.

His stated "interest in Winston Churchill and (anti-Nazi resistance) leader Max Manus" was deleted. In addition, his Internet postings "characterize himself not as a populist Christian conservative, but as a neo-con" pro-Israeli supporter.

Moreover, the Council of Conservative Citizens said none of his postings "are extreme or hint at a desire to commit violence." He did say he supported "Hans Rustad, a former Jewish left-winger turned neo-conservative."

The doctored Facebook profile turned a "socially liberal, pro-Israeli neo-con (into) a Christian conservative, white supremacist." Friends also contradict the new Breivik characterization, Ulav Andersson telling Russia Today it's not at all the man he knows, saying his racial antipathies were expressed in "mundane" mild terms, adding:

He wasn't opinionated, and "never came across as some kind of religious fanatic or anything." In fact, he had no defined ideology.

As the old US "To Tell the Truth" TV show used to ask: "Will the real Anders Breivik please stand up?" In fact, he did, but the tape showing it was deleted, replaced by a doctored one, conforming to how Western powers wish to portray him. Perhaps his manifesto was then altered.

Webster Tarpley also claimed a false flag in his July 24 article, accessed through the following link:

http://tarpley.net/2011/07/24/norway-terror-attacks-a-false-flag/

He cites the following:

On Friday, a "special (anti-terrorist) police unit had conducted drills or exercises near" Oslo's opera house downtown when the bombing occurred. Advance information about it was concealed. 

In 2010, the same unit carried out live bomb detonation drills, similar to what happened on July 22. Notably, similar coincidental or earlier practice exercises often precede or coincide with real attacks, raising obvious false flag suspicions.

US intelligence agencies recruited Norwegian police, (including Oslo's former anti-terror head) for SIMAS Surveillance Detection Units (SDU), "operating outside of" Norwegian government control.

In fact, run out of US embassies, SIMAS surveillance and spying occurs worldwide. According to Norway's Justice Minister Knut Storberget and Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store, "We never knew about it." Secretary of State Clinton lied, saying they were told.

Washington wants to derail Palestinian independence and de jure UN membership, complicit with Israel, perhaps by any means, including intimidation and mass murder. 

Also as payback for Norway's planned ending its anti-Gaddafi coalition participation, a warning perhaps not to do it.

Notably, several eyewitnesses saw two shooters. As in similar past cases, "there is credible to overwhelming evidence that (alleged suspects) could not have acted alone."

The Norwegian newpaper Verdens Gang (VG) said:

"Several of the youths who were at (Utoeya) told VG that they are convinced that there must have been more than one perpetrator. Marius Helander Roset believes the same thing," saying:

"I am sure that there was shooting from two different places on the island at the same time."

"Young people interviewed by VG describe an additional perpetrator - who was not wearing a police uniform. (He) had thick dark hair and a Nordic appearance. He had a pistol in his right hand and a rifle on his back. I believe that there were two people who were shooting, says Alexander Stavdal."

On July 23, Oslo police said several shooters could have been involved. An investigation into both incidents is ongoing.

On July 25, The Views and News from Norway web site (newsinenglish.no) reported that "(s)urvivors of the massacre (said) the shooting went on for nearly two hours," police taking 90 minutes to arrive.

On July 25, the Pakistan News Service (Pak Tribune) headlined, "Analyzing the Oslo attacks: terrorist event or false flag distraction?" saying:

The timing may not be coincidental, occurring "(a)s the sociopolitical tensions in Europe rise, the euro falls, and the debt crisis looms. (It's) another reminder of the ever-present al Qaeda (or in this case neocon Christian fundamentalist) bogeymen (able) to unite the people against an outside enemy."

The Friday attack also occurred after Israeli spies were found operating covertly in New Zealand, stealing identities for "sensitive" missions "like assassinations." In fact, Mossad operates throughout the Middle East, as well as in much of Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, spying and engaging in other covert activities.

Pak Tribune speculated whether foreign intelligence was involved in Friday's attack "to draw attention away from the Israeli operations abroad, the looming financial crisis, the (planned and imposed) austerity measures, massive swindling of public funds, and the crumbling support for" America's multiple imperial wars.

Whatever final conclusions are drawn, Friday's attacks provide "an apt distraction and talking point for those seeking to continue the farcical war on terror."

A Final Comment

A previous article discussed Operation GLADIO (Latin for double-edged sword), NATO's Secret Armies, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2010/09/natos-secret-armies.html

Run by European secret services, collaborating with NATO, the CIA, as well as Britain's MI6 and Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), it targeted the political left to prevent it from gaining power. Its clandestine missions included bombings, assassinations, and other belligerent acts, believed still ongoing.

Targeting Oslo on Friday resembled GLADIO, this time perhaps a CIA, Mossad, MI6 or joint operation, using Breivik for plausible deniability as a previous article noted. 

It wasn't the first time stooges took a fall for others. Notable previous ones included Lee Harvey Oswald, Sirhan Sirhan, James Earl Ray, the alleged 9/11 perpetrators, and numerous other falsely charged victims - never the treacherous Machiavellian villains.

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/.

 UN Commission Flotilla Massacre Report - by Stephen Lendman

Despite irrefutable evidence, including the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) concluding last September that Israel committed serious "violations of international law, including international humanitarian law" by massacring nine Gaza Flotilla activists, injuring dozens more, in international waters, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appeased Israel by appointing his own commission.

On July 25, Haaretz writer Barak Ravid headlined, "UN delays flotilla report as Jerusalem and Ankara keep talking," saying:

It was another postponement to give Israel and Turkey more time to resolve differences. The expected July 27 release will be "delayed for three more weeks, to August 20, according to a senior Israeli official." 

It's the third time the release was postponed, Israel wanting more time to alter its current findings.

On July 24, YNet News writer Aviel Magnezi headlined what's widely known, "Report: UN Panel rules IDF boarded Marmara 'to kill,' " saying:

"The Turkish newspaper Hurriyet said Sunday that the (UN Palmer report) on last year's Gaza-bound flotilla (ruled) that IDF soldiers boarded the ship with an intention to kill."

As a result, Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan demands an apology. So far, Israel stubbornly refuses. Instead, it's willing to compensate victims' families and issue a statement regretting the loss of lives, a disingenuous gesture, mocking the activists they murdered in cold blood.

Hurriyet said Israel fears an apology may facilitate lawsuits against commando perpetrators and their commanders. Moreover, its authorities never say they're sorry or admit wrongdoing, even when caught red-handed. In fact, there's no disputing what they did in May 2010. Lies, coverup and denials change none of the facts.

Ravid's same day article headlined, "Turkey threatens diplomatic action pending Israel apology for Gaza flotilla raid," saying:

Turkey's backup plan if Israel won't apologize includes "further downgrading relations (already) on shaky ground."

On July 23, Hurriyet said it'll reduce its Tel Aviv presence further. In fact, there's been no ambassador there for over a year. After Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon insulted former ambassador Ahmet Oguz Celikkol, he left. Kerim Uras was appointed to replace him, but Israel's refusal to apologize delayed his posting.

Turkey had been represented by its deputy ambassador, but he also left after serving there for three years, maybe just as fed up with Israeli antics. According to Hurriyet, unless Israel apologizes, he won't be replaced, leaving only a second secretary in place.

Without an apology, Erdogan also plans visiting Gaza as part of his backup plan, entering through Rafah Crossing during an Egypt visit. Originally scheduled for July 21, he postponed it to give Israel more time.

Turkish envoy Ozdem Sanberk named a July 27 deadline. The Turkish newspaper Sabah said an agreement in principle was reached in which Israel would apologize for an operational failure, causing nine deaths. 

If issued, it will be an offensive, mealy mouthed gesture, so outrageous, in fact, it's hard imagining any government would accept it.

As the same time, Israeli hard-liners, including Foreign Minister/Deputy Prime Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon, and perhaps Netanyahu oppose an apology in any form to resolve the ongoing stalemate.

How it ends isn't known. What's clear is that both sides want resolution, though it's hard seeing how satisfying one party will please the other. At the same time, compromise in some form is how all diplomatic deadlocks are ended, especially when both sides are equally matched.

Whatever the outcome, however, grieving families won't ever again see lost loved ones, or ever forgive Israeli commandos for killing them.

A Final Comment

When agreed, the 1993 Oslo Accords were a take or leave it deal, Palestinians getting virtually nothing in return for surrendering its sovereignty to Israel. Thereafter, it was all downhill.

Nonetheless on July 4, Haaretz writer Akiva Eldar headlined, "The Oslo Accords are all but dead, " saying:

Israeli settlement construction on stolen Palestinian land continues unabated. Nonetheless, pro-Israeli hardliner/Clinton advisor Dennis Ross wants Palestinians to abandon independence. In return, he says, Netanyahu may negotiate a final-status agreement, in fact, as meaningless as Oslo because settlement expansions won't end, nor will Palestinians get rights so far denied.

In fact, Oslo stipulated that final status was to be resolved 13 years ago. "The time has come," said Eldar, "to put the Oslo Accords out of their misery," though doing so won't end Palestinian suffering.

At the same time, International Middle East Media Center writer Saed Bannoura headlined on July 24, "Israeli government officials: Palestinian statehood bid could void Oslo Accord," saying:

"(S)ome high-level officials in the Israeli cabinet (want) Israel (to) call off the (agreement) if the Palestinian Authority moves ahead with a bid for statehood (in) September.

Along with defense, finance, foreign and trade ministry officials, Israeli National Security Advisor Ya'akov Amidror "is reportedly preparing (Israel's) response" to Palestine's "upcoming bid....and one plan is to void" Oslo, as if doing so, in fact, mattered.

Technically, it would dissolve satrap PA authority and its limited role in providing Palestinians the meager services Israel allows. In fact, with or without Oslo, nothing meaningful will change. 

Military occupation will continue. So will Gaza's siege, and regular Israeli attacks and incursions will keep terrorizing residents lawlessly. As a result, Israel's threat is more bluff than ultimatum to withhold what's already systematically denied. 

It's why de jure UN membership and independence are vital first steps to breaking free, but the struggle to do so has miles to go to succeed. Backing off, however, assures continued bondage and persecution, a choice no legitimate government should accept. 

Palestine's, of course, doesn't, its real authority in Gaza, not the coup d'etat West Bank one, representing Israel, not its own people. Fully breaking free requires ending that intolerable status, letting democratically elected leaders govern, not selected Israeli ones.

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/.

 Possible Israeli Connection to Oslo Attacks - by Stephen Lendman

On July 24, investigative journalist Wayne Madsen suggested a Mossad link, saying "ample evidence" of its involvement exists. 

Anders Breivik, the alleged bomber/gunman, calls himself a Christian conservative interested in hunting, body building and freemasonry. He's also expressed strong pro-Israeli views, hostile to Palestinians and Muslims.

Government business records name him the Breivik Geofarm director. Norway's media call it a farming sole proprietorship, cultivating vegetables, melons, roots and tubers.

The Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang quoted a friend saying he became a wing-wing extremist in his late 20s. He's now age 32. The paper also said he participated in online forums expressing strong nationalistic, anti-multicultural views.

On July 24, the UK Daily Mail said:

"According to witness accounts from Norwegian media, people have described shooting incidents in two different areas on the island, one with a handgun and the other with a 'sniper rifle.' However, there is uncertainty whether the guns belonged to one gunman or there was a second involved."

In the confusion, no one was sure, but the possibility is real, given the implausibility that one person killed over 90 people singlehanded. Perhaps there were multiple undetected gunmen. Police said they don't exclude the possibility.

Madsen connected Breivik to Pam Geller and Richard Pipes, "ciphers for Israeli intelligence and propaganda elements....provid(ing) a clear link between Breivik and Mossad, which is under orders to stage false flag attacks to garner support for Israel against Palestine, Cyprus and Norway being the two most recent examples of Mossad-staged attacks."

On July 19, Voice of Russia broadcasting headlined, "Norway to support Palestinians - Norwegian FM," saying:

"Norway will support Palestinians who are set to press for recognition of the independence of their state by the United Nations, says the Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store."

In January, Store said:

"Norway will be among the first (European) states (to) recognize (an independent) Palestin(e) when there is an act as an international team" to do it. 

He also said:

"We are working to develop the economy of Palestine," and believe the political process toward peace can be successful." 

Heading a committee in charge of raising international aid for Palestine, he added that Norway is committed to rallying donor help to build Palestinian institutions.

His July comment followed talks with Palestinian National Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, adding he believes independence is no hindrance to Middle East peace.

Earlier in July, Norway's Dagbladet newspaper quoted Labour Party-affiliated Workers Youth League (AUF) leader Eskil Pedersen saying:

The "time has come for more drastic measures against Israel, and (he) wants the Foreign Minister to impose an economic boycott against the country," adding:

"The peace process goes nowhere, and though the whole world expects Israel to comply, they do not. We in the Labour Youth will have a unilateral economic embargo of Israel from the Norwegian side."

Dagbladet said:

"The AUF has long been a supporter of an international boycott of Israel, (and) the decision at the last congress demands that Norway impose a unilateral economic embargo....and it must be stricter than before."

Last August 24, Reuters and Haaretz writer Shuki Sadeh headlined, "Norway government-run pension fund drops Africa Israel group shares," saying:

"Norway's 450 billion euro oil-riches fund has excluded two Israeli firms involved in developing settlements, as well as a Malaysian forestry firm, on ethical grounds, Norway's finance ministry said on Monday."

Excluded are Africa Israel Investments and its engineering subsidiary Danya Cebus. Both are controlled by Lev Leviev, billionaire Israeli businessman, involved among other interests in constructing Israeli settlements.

Norway's central bank-managed fund follows ethical guidelines, excluding investments in companies producing nuclear weapons, cluster munitions, environmentally harmful products, building illegal settlements, or abusing their workers.

The fund specifically said Leviev's Danya Cebus subsidiary engages in settlement construction in East Jerusalem's Har Homa neighborhood, as well as West Bank Ma'ale Adumim and Modi'in Illit settlements.

The fund said its "Council of Ethics emphasizes that construction of settlements in occupied areas is a violation of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War."

Finance Minister Sigbjoern Johnsen added:

"Several United Nations Security Council resolutions and an International Court of Justice advisory opinion have concluded that the construction of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory is prohibited under this Convention."

Africa Israel replied, saying neither it or its subsidiaries engaged in West Bank settlement construction for some time, whether or not true. At the same time, it left unmentioned its East Jerusalem projects, where Israel steals Palestinian land for settlement development.

In 2009, Norway's pension fund divested in Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense electronics firm, because of its involvement in building Israel's illegal Separation Wall.

On March 29, 2011, EuropeNews headlined, "Norway: Socialist Left Party to Vote on Motion Calling for Bombing Israel if it Acts against Hamas in Gaza," saying:

Former Finance Minister, now Education Minister Kristin Halvorsen's Socialist Left Party (SV), (part of Norway's three party ruling coalition with the Centre Party and the Labour Party) supports a measure supporting military action against Israel if it attacks Hamas. Part of its statement said:

"The credibility of the world community in its confrontation with (Gaddafi) is undermined when there is no reaction against other states in the region (that) commit injustices against (their) civil population. The greater world community must therefore also react against Israeli air attacks on the Gaza strip."

The proposal didn't get majority support but shows Norwegian concern for Palestinian rights. It suggests why Breivik targeted Labour Party children on Utoeya island. The previous day, they held a pro-Palestinian rally. Foreign Minister Store met with them, and while there, children told him Norway must recognize Palestine. In response, he said:

"The Palestinians must have their own state. The occupation must end. The wall must be demolished, and it must happen now."

Breivik expressed strong hatred for Muslims and others with left of center views. His recently opened Twitter account posted a single July 17 comment, quoting John Stuart Mill saying:

"One person with a belief is equal to the force of 100,000 who have only interests."

However, at issue isn't him or his views. It's who planned the attack, perhaps used him (among likely others) to commit it, and why.

Derailing Palestinian independence and de jure UN membership, as well as retaliating against Norway's backing both, its divestment of Israeli assets, and its criticism of Israeli policies combines a trio of reasons perhaps behind the Oslo attacks. 

Increasingly, it looks like Mossad's fingerprints are all over them, perhaps cooperatively with CIA and/or MI6.  Massive car bombs are one of their specialties. They're experts at these type operations, using convenient stooges for plausible deniability, usually without their knowledge.

Spread the word, and keep the pressure on Israel and its Washington paymaster/partner, masters of mass murder crimes.

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/.

 Brutally Isolating Detainees in Israeli Prisons - by Stephen Lendman

The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, Adalah and Physicians for Human Rights/Israel (called Mezan et al below) June 2011 report headlined, "Solitary Confinement of Prisoners and Detainees in Israeli Prisons" explains harsh and abusive conditions they endure.

For so-called "security prisoners," treatment is especially brutal because of extreme restrictions, including when out of isolation. It affects everyone physically and emotionally, notably after long periods with no human contact.

The report focuses on one type of isolation called "separation," whether for punitive or administrative reasons. Mezan et al calls all forms of isolation "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment...."

As a result, it violates fundamental international laws, including:

-- Geneva's Common Article 3, prohibiting all forms of cruel, humiliating and degrading treatment;

-- the International Covenant Against Torture (CAT), prohibiting it at all times, under all conditions with no allowed exceptions; and 

-- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), stipulating that:

"All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person (Article 10.1)."

International laws unequivocally prohibit torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Depriving detainees of human contact violates minimal conditions under which they may be held.

In fact, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that state obligations include protecting the constitutional rights of prisoners, especially to humane treatment and dignity. According to Chief Justice Aharon Barak:

"The walls of the prison do not separate the prisoner from human dignity. Life in prison intrinsically involves a violation of many liberties that a free person enjoys. But life in prison does not require denial of the prisoner's right to bodily integrity or protection against violation of his dignity as a person."

In fact, Israel's Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty protects them for everyone, including prisoners.

Types of Solitary Confinement

(1) During interrogation:

It continues throughout the process, regardless of how long. Under Israeli law, it can last 30 days prior to an indictment or as long as authorities wish with the Attorney General's approval. For alleged security offenses, confinement includes harsh procedures, including torture and other forms of abuse.

(2) As a disciplinary measure:

Punitive isolation can be for whatever reasons authorities wish or none at all. Prisoners are held in small cells 24 hours a day with only a bed or mattress on the floor.

(3) Prolonged isolation:

Called "separation," it's for prisoners posing an alleged threat to others interned or threatened by them, or have mental problems severe enough to threaten other inmates.

Mezan et al's report focuses on this type of isolation. 

As of December 2010, Israel held about 150 prisoners in solitary confinement, 120 sentenced, the others awaiting it. About two-thirds were held alone, the others with another prisoner. Some have been isolated for years. About 40 are Palestinians.

According to Article 19B of Israel's Prison Ordinance, "separation" isolation is a last resort. However, Israel's Combating Criminal Organization's Law permits it for disciplinary reasons, to prevent violations to prison rules, or for a violent offense.

Keeping inmates isolated for over six months requires district court approval, renewed every six months indefinitely. As a result, prisoners may remain in solitary confinement for years.

However, the UN Committee Against Torture calls the practice cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment (CIDT), violating CAT's Article 11, requiring State parties to ensure incarceration conditions are systemically reviewed, and Article 16, obligating them to protect prisoners from CIDT procedures.

Moreover, in 1990, the General Assembly declared that isolation should be abolished or rarely used. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights also called prolonged solitary confinement a violation of Article 5(2) of the American Covenant on Human Rights, prohibiting torture, inhuman and cruel treatment of prisoners.

Numerous studies confirmed the effects, including sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, disorientation, confusion, cognitive disorders, and many other humanly destructive ones. For mentally ill prisoners, the effects are devastating. When prolonged for extended periods, mental and/or physical illnesses often result.

In fact, a joint 1996 Israel Prison Service (IPS)/Ministry for Public Security solitary confinement report concluded that:

"Research findings on the issue are unequivocal and show that imprisonment in isolation (for prolonged periods) causes deep psychotic reactions."

Since the 1990s, Physicians for Human Rights/Israel (PHR/I) has campaigned for the abolition of solitary confinement. Moreover, the Israel Psychiatric Association (IPA) agreed that prolonged isolation harms body and mind without stating an official position on the practice. 

It argued for the Israel Medical Association (IMA) to decide. Its Ethical Board published a 2009 paper seeking "to balance between the needs of the state to defend its security and the security of prisoners, and the obligation to protect the health and dignity of prisoners."

In other words, though IMA agreed on prolonged isolation's harm, it equivocated on its practice. As a result, it passed the buck unethically to prison authorities in violation of their sworn Hippocratic Oath to do no harm. Physicians are obligated solely to patients, not prison rules or practices.

According to Mezan et al:

"A physician who is complicit in solitary confinement acts in the same improper manner as a physician who is complicit in torture. Both cause great harm to the prisoner, and in both cases, a physician's role is to take every possible measure to prevent their occurrence."

Isolated Palestinian Prisoners

Those held in "separation" solitary confinement remain isolated at least 23 hour a day in cells ranging from 1.5 x 2 meters to 3 x 3.5 meters. They include a toilet and shower.

Prisoners have no eye contact with other prisoners or guards. Whether or not there's a window, almost no natural light or fresh air is gotten. Fluorescent bulbs provide lighting. Most often, television, DVD players and books are allowed, as well as the right to send and receive letters. 

Inmates not called "security prisoners" have telephone use for up to one hour a day. Spotty visitation rights are given for first-degree relatives. However, Palestinians rarely ever get permission to travel to Israel, and Gazan prisoners have no visitation rights.

Many inmates are held in detention centers and prisons inside Israel, a clear violation of Fourth Geneva's Article 76, stating:

"Protected persons accused of offenses shall be detained in the occupied territory, and if convicted they shall serve their sentences therein."

In December 2010, a scathing Israel Bar Association report concluded that isolation conditions "in most of the various Prisons Service facilities do not meet minimal standards and are not suitable for living and certainly not for an unlimited period of time."

Conditions for isolated Palestinians are far more severe than for Israelis. All are classified as "security prisoners" subject to cruel and unusual treatment. Many get no family visits for extended periods, even years, nor have telephone privileges. 

In addition, they're denied due process rights, including to compulsory legal representation before courts that rule on whether to extend isolation periods. They also have no access to "secret evidence" or ability to contest it. Overall, they've subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment for extended periods up to years.

As a result, Mezan et al concluded that isolation shouldn't be used for any prisoner "for any reason, as it undeniably causes harm to (their) physical and mental health....constitut(ing) illegal and disproportionate punishment and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment."

In fact, for Palestinian prisoners, including "security" ones, that's precisely Israel's intent, in violation of fundamental international law and its own.

A Final Comment

On July 21, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) "strongly condemn(ed)" the Israeli Prisons Administration July 20 decision to deny Palestinian prisoners higher education henceforth.

Moreover, PCHR "call(ed) on the international community to (compel) Israel....to respect international law and (cease) systematic and continued inhumane and degrading treatment of" thousands of Palestinian prisoners.

Denying education followed followed Netanyahu's June order to prison authorities to end what he called "advantages granted" Palestinian prisoners. Other measures taken against them include "intensifying searching (them) after forcing them to take off their clothes and placing (their) leaders....in solitary confinement."

In response, prisoners went on hunger strikes "for sporadic days over the past two months." Hardening already cruel and inhumane practices assures even greater barbaric treatment will be commonplace. It's another way Israel shows disdain for non-Jews, especially Palestinian Muslims.

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 Oslo Attacks: Comment and Analysis - by Stephen Lendman

What to make of them is at issue. Many questions are unanswered. Are they similar to previous European and US post-9/11 attacks? Was a single individual responsible or were others unnamed or not known involved? Was it homegrown and/or outside inspired, despite what's been reported? 

And why Norway, an unlikely target despite its NATO membership, token participation in Afghanistan, and Libya operations it scaled back and will end entirely by August 1. Last May, in fact, Defense Minister Grete Faremo told Norway's Parliament that despite taking part in NATO air attacks (dropping 289 bombs):

"There is no military solution to the situation in Libya. It must be solved politically."

She added that Norway would scale back operations after its three-month commitment ended on June 24, ahead of ending them entirely weeks later.

At the same time, Norway supports Palestinian independence, de jure UN membership, and Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store heads an international aid committee for Palestine. Moreover, its parliament earlier passed initiatives critical of Israel, and Finance Minister Kristin Halvorsen (from 2005 - 2009, now Education Minister) proposed boycotting Israeli products in 2006 though Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg disapproved.

However, in August 2010, Norway declined to purchase Israeli military products because of tensions between Israel and Palestine as well as its neighbors.

It's not known, but Friday's attack may relate to Norway's support for Palestinian sovereignty. Perhaps it was planned and initiated to influence its policy on granting full Palestinian UN membership in September, and may also be part of Washington's Global War on Terror. 

Moreover, the notion of a lone bomber/gunman is very suspect, especially one able to kill 91 people, an unprecedented nearly impossible feat singlehanded. Were there others involved? 

These and other questions demand answers, as well as specific bombing details, including whether what happened demanded expertise beyond the capability of untrained people.

Who gains and loses from every terror incident must also be asked, certainly not suspects charged, convicted and imprisoned. Geopolitical interests are central. This time Western and Israeli ones are key.

On July 22, New York Times writers Elisha Mala and J. David Goodman were in battle mode headlining, "At Least 80 Dead in Norway Shooting," saying:

"A lone political extremist bombed the government center here on Friday, killing 7 people....before heading to an island summer camp for young members of the governing Labor Party and killing at least 80 people."

A July 23 follow-up headlined, "Death Toll Rises to 91 in Norway Attacks," saying:

"The Norwegian police charged a 32-year-old man (Anders Behring Breivik, identified as) a Christian fundamentalist with right-wing connections, over the bombing of a government center here and a shooting attack on a nearby island that together left at least 91 people dead."

Police didn't know if he was part of a greater conspiracy. "What we do know," said police official Roger Andresen, "is that he is right-wing and a Christian fundamentalist." Oslo police chief of staff Johan Fredriksen said he wasn't surprised that a blond, blue-eyed man was involved. He likely would have made a harsher statement if a Muslim was charged, homegrown or otherwise.

Police also said very likely the two incidents were connected. No evidence proves it despite claims of explosives found on Utoya island where the shootings occurred. 

An anonymous police official said that "it seems that this is not linked to any international terrorist organizations," adding it's "probably more Norway's Oklahoma City than (its) World Trade Center."

Reuters said Breivik belonged to Norway's Progress Party, the second largest in Parliament, was a member from 2004 - 2006, and in its youth party from 1997 - 2007. Progress leader Siv Jensen indicated he left the party, wanting to disassociate it from anyone charged with terror attacks.

Obama's initial reaction stoked war on terror fears, saying:

"It's a reminder that the entire international community has a stake in preventing this kind of terror from occurring, and that we have to work cooperatively together both on intelligence and in terms of prevention of these kinds of horrible attacks," implying Islamic involvement to justify America's imperial aggression.

It's much too early to know or draw conclusions about Oslo. Yesterday on Russia Today television, this writer told viewers to be wary of official accounts, especially early ones later proved false. Red flags were also mentioned, notably when accusations are made quickly, naming names, followed by arrests. 

Police work takes time. Often weeks or months are needed to solve crimes. In fact, many end up unsolved in closed case files. Quick conclusions should make everyone wary.

Oklahoma City's Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Bombing

Oklahoma City bombing.org's Kevin Caruso described it as follows:

"On April 19, 1995, at 9:02 am local time, a massive truck bomb exploded in front of the (building), killing 168 people (including 19 children) and injuring over 800."

The building was heavily damaged. So were more than 300 others within a sixteen-block radius, as well as dozens of cars. The blast was heard up to 30 miles away.

Officials said a rented Ryder truck with around 5,000 pounds of explosives caused it. Within 90 minutes of the incident, Timothy McVeigh was arrested on a firearms charge, spent two days in jail, then was charged with the bombing. 

On May 10, Terry Nichols, his alleged accomplice, was apprehended in Kansas. On June 11, 2001, McVeigh was executed. Nichols received life in prison. 

Prosecutors claimed they timed the attack to coincide with the second anniversary of the Waco Mount Carmel Center siege (beginning February 28, 1993), ending in immolation on April 19. It killed 76 Branch Davidians inside - a state terrorist attack for which no one was held accountable, including Attorney General Janet Reno who approved the lethal assault.

What, in fact, happened in Oklahoma City? Studies conducted by accredited explosives experts and professional demolition contractors concluded that only high-grade military explosives, detonators, and proper multiple internal placements could have caused such extensive destruction.

Elgin Air Force Base's Armament Wright Laboratory studied the incident, concluding that no single truck bomb was involved. Led by (Ret.) Brig. General Benton K. Partin (its former director and noted explosives and ordnance expert), it said the ANFO truck bomb couldn't cause steel-reinforced concrete columns to collapse. According to Partin:

"The total incompatibility with a single truck bomb lies in the fact that either some of the columns collapsed that should not have collapsed or some of (them) are still standing that should have collapsed and did not. This is a classic cover-up of immense proportions."

"To cause the damage pattern that occurred to the Murrah building, there would have to have been demolition charges at several supporting column bases, at locations not accessible from the street, to supplement the truck bomb damage. Indeed, a careful examination of photographs showing the collapsed column bases reveal a failure mode produced by demolition charges and not by a blast from the truck bomb."

Additional forensic evidence showed other devices were involved, what America's media suppressed from early reports to the present. They supported official falsified accounts, raising suspicions about whether McVeigh and Nichols were, in fact, innocent.

Partin's detailed July 30, 1995 analysis can be accessed through the following link:

http://www.okcbombing.net/News%20Articles/gen.partins_analysis.htm

Notable Post-9/11 False Flag Attacks

David Ray Griffin has done extraordinary work, separating 9/11 myths from reality in numerous books, articles and lectures. He and others revealed vital truths about what really happened, completely discrediting official lies and coverup.

In an April 5, 2006 lecture titled, "9/11: The Myth and the Reality," Griffin concluded saying:

"It would seem, for many reasons, that the official story of 9/11, which has served as a religious Myth in the intervening years (and still does), is a myth in the pejorative sense of a story that does not correspond to reality."

In fact, irrefutable facts completely discredit the official mythology, but dare claim that on corporate TV or radio and be pilloried and forever banished.

Others also produced important facts, including James Fetzer, founder of Scholars for 9/11 Truth, a non-partisan association of faculty, students, and scholars, dedicated to exposing official lies, removing the shroud of deceit, and revealing truths behind 9/11.

In addition, Richard Gage, founder of Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth, remains "dedicated to exposing the falsehoods and to revealing truths about the 'collapses' of the 3 World Trade Center high-rises on September 11, 2001."

Sadly, 9/11, a clear false flag launched a decade of imperial wars against Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, likely others to come, as well as numerous proxy wars in Bahrain, Central Africa, Haiti, Honduras, Colombia, and at home against Muslims, Latino immigrants, and working Americas under Republican and Democrat leaders, as well as bipartisan congressional complicity.

It also launched a Global War on Terror (GWOT), producing other notable false flags, including:

The March 2004 Madrid train bombings occurred three days before Spain's general elections. With no supportive evidence, Al Qaeda was blamed to stoke fear about potential similar attacks in other Western cities, including American ones. 

The July 7, 2005 London underground bombings (called 7/7) were a series of attacks on the city's public transport system during the morning rush hour for maximum disruption and casualties. At precisely the same time, an anti-terror drill occurred, simulating real attacks. It was no coincidence, others in America and Britain came on the same day.

AP reported that Israel's London embassy warned Scotland Yard in advance, and Israeli Army Radio said:

"Scotland Yard had intelligence warnings of the attacks a short time before they occurred," but didn't act or issue alerts. Moreover, Israel's then finance minister Netanyahu (now prime minister) was told to skip a London economic conference where he was scheduled to speak. Other officials were also warned, but not the public. As a result, 52 people died. Over 700 were injured.

It's no exaggeration calling 7/7 a false flag operation to heighten fear and keep Britain allied with America's imperial wars.

On 9/11 morning, the CIA ran a "pre-planned simulation to explore the emergency response issues that would be created if a plane were to strike a building." Held at the Agency's Chantilly, Virginia Reconnaissance Office, AP reported (on August 22, 2002) that it simulated "a small corporate jet (hitting) one of the four towers....after experiencing a mechanical failure."

Unreported at the time was a planned Homeland Security conference a year later, commemorating 9/11. Held under the auspices of the National Law Enforcement and Security Institute, one of its speakers was John Fulton, CIA Chief of the Strategic War Gaming Division of the National Reconnaissance office in charge of the operation. Another coincidence, or was something more sinister afoot? 

In October 2000, the Pentagon simulated a commercial plane striking the Pentagon, coordinated by its Command Emergency Response Team and the Defense Protective Services Police. This and the 9/11 exercises are more than coincidental, given what's now known and the fallout.

On June 30, 2007, a Jeep Cherokee with propane canisters crashed into Glasgow International Airport's glass doors, the BBC reporting that it "was in the middle of the doorway burning....The car didn't actually explode. There were a few pops and bangs which presumably was the petrol."

The usual suspects were falsely blamed, Al Qaeda and Islamic terrorists. Then Prime Minister Gordon Brown said:

"We are dealing, in general term, with people who are associated with Al Qaeda."

The UK Telegraph reported:

An "unknown Al Qaeda terrorist cell (was) thought to be preparing to launch a series of Baghdad-style car bombings."

ABC News said:

"All of this comes just three weeks after what was described as an Al Qaeda graduation ceremony for suicide bombers at a training camp in Pakistan."

Neither Brown, other officials, or media reports cited evidence, just fear mongering accusations. The incident was another likely false flag to maintain public support for global terror wars, including against Islam in America, continental Europe and Britain. 

It still rages out-of-control, harming millions in war theaters and Muslims in Western countries, falsely charged with alleged attacks they never conceived, planned or committed. 

In Miami, on January 11, 2010 (one day before Haiti's earthquake), the Pentagon's US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) simulated a hurricane striking the island in preparation for subsequent measures to be implemented. A carefully prepared military operation, they included occupying, controlling, and plundering the island.

Moreover, Deputy SOUTHCOM head, General PK Keen, was in Haiti when the quake struck, ready to assume command when it did and use a communication tool called the Transnational Information Sharing Cooperation project (TISC), linking other nations and NGOs with the Pentagon and US government to facilitate measures to be implemented. 

None were to help Haitians. They've endured scandalous depravation before, in the immediate aftermath, and 18 months after the quake. Today, in fact, hundreds of thousands are still homeless, a Washington-rigged election installed anti-populist Duvalierist Michel ("Sweet Micky") president, and cholera still ravages the country unchecked, months after it first emerged, claiming thousands of lives.

Nonetheless, Obama officials focus only on colonizing Haiti for profit. Perhaps they're also planning new false flags or other official lies to justify future imperial wars, ready to launch when ordered. 

Expect them because the business of America is war, besides grand theft transferring of maximum private and public wealth to corporate giants and super-rich elites, leaving working households on their own and out of luck. 

That's today's reality, what future generations can expect unless enough public anger no longer tolerates it.

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/.

 Social and Economic Inequality in Israel - by Stephen Lendman

Notably since the early 1980s, neoliberalism began replacing New Deal/Great Society values to the detriment of millions harmed. It means markets know best so let them, liberating enterprise to move capital, goods and services freely, benefitting the few at the expense of the many.

Britain's Thatcher and America's Reagan were pivotal figures, endorsing elitism, class power, and private enterprise unconstrained by rules, regulations or taxes, producing inequality and social injustice. 

It plagues Israel like the West, notably since the mid-1980s when power shifted from various government agencies to the Finance Ministry and central bank (the Bank of Israel), similar to American financialization that empowered Wall Street, the Fed, and US FIRE sector overall (finance, insurance, and real estate). 

A race to the bottom followed, especially since the 1990s by mass privatizations, welfare and social benefit cuts, and, like America, shifting wealth to the rich. Predictable results produced social injustice and inequality, harming Jews as well as Arab citizens.

Various studies show it, including annual Latet ones, its latest saying 1.77 million Israelis are poor. About 850,000 children live in poverty. As a result, 75% of those affected miss meals, a 21% increase from 2009. Moreover, 83% of poor children lack proper dental care, most getting none. Some beg for money. Others steal to eat.

On May 31, Israel's Taub Center for Social Policy Studies explained "a marked increase in the share of poor families headed by an employed person," defining poverty as:

Households with "income of less than half the national median household income, adjusted for family size."

In terms of net income (after taxes and diminishing welfare payments), Israeli poverty is high, "among the highest in the developed world." In fact, rates have risen sharply in the last decade, including in working households. 

According to Central Bureau of Statistics data, the percent of poor households headed by a wage earner rose from 43% in 1997 to nearly 58% in December 2009. The trend reflects government policy to encourage work by reducing public assistance, the objective being to elevate people from poverty.

In fact, however, many families moved from "the idle poor to the working poor," little better off than before. Though mainly an Arab problem, increasing numbers of Jews are also affected.

Moreover, employed Israelis work more weekly hours than counterparts in most other OECD countries, while "the country's average standard of living is lower" by comparison, a testimony to a failed system like America's after decades of shifting wealth upward to the top few percent.

As a result, Taub sees trouble ahead for Israel's economy based on three measures:

-- its standard of living;

-- poverty rate; and

-- extent of social inequality.

When "a major problem" exists in one or more of these variables, "the society is in danger of a potential crisis." Moreover, when their root causes aren't addressed, it's "on an unsustainable long run trajectory." Compared with other Western countries, Israeli income inequality and poverty "are among the highest...." A growing crisis exists from failure to deal with them.

In May 2011, the Adva Center discussed Israel's society and economy from 1948 to the present, saying:

"Israel is a classic case of a country whose macro-economic indicators are good but most of whose households are not invited to the end-of-year celebration," citing:

-- high poverty compared to other OECD countries;

-- high inequality;

-- low achievement performance in international school tests;

-- 75% of workers earning one-third or less than high-tech salaries (on average, about $20,400 annually);

-- eroding social benefits and safety net protections; and

-- a minority business, political and professional class benefitting at the expense of Israeli workers.

For example, through the 1950s and 1960s, union membership was 70%. It's now from 25 - 30% and declining. Women fare worst, earning about 60% of their male counterparts.

To achieve economic improvement overall, Adva believes "three major transformations" are necessary:

-- ending the Israeli/Palestinian conflict;

-- allocating more for education for all Israelis, not just those well-off enough to afford better schools; and

-- investing in all sectors of society to create more opportunities for more people, as well as new labor policies "based on workers' rights and strict, universal implementation of labor laws."

On May 14, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) discussed "social and economic rights in Israel in 2011," saying:

Since 1985, race-to-the-bottom neoliberalism significantly reduced social service spending. "The result has been a marked decline both in the quality and quantity of the range of services offered to the Israeli public," accompanied by sharply rising poverty and inequality.

Social gaps fall mainly along religious, ethnic and national lines, exacerbating tensions among those left out. Arabs and ultra-Orthodox Jews comprise the weakest fifth of the population. Others most affected are elderly people, single-parent families, and children. Gaps also exist between Jews of European and African/Asian descent, as well as among immigrants since the 1990s.

As a result, one-fourth of Israelis are impoverished, double the average OECD rate. Israel, in fact, has the second highest poverty rate among OECD countries.

"Israel's level of economic inequality is one of the highest among developed countries." Among 34 OECD states, it ranks fifth. America is fourth and Chile first, testimonies to failed policies.

Israeli education is way under-funded. Per student expenditures are 36% lower on average than in OECD countries. As a result, teacher salaries are low. The profession is declining, and student performance suffers. As in America, education is being privatized, putting bottom line priorities ahead of teaching and learning, producing mediocre results.

In 1994, Israel enacted its National Health Insurance Law. Since then, services steadily deteriorated for lack of enough funding. As a result, Israelis are paying more out-of-pocket costs and getting less, and for many, expensive services and medications are unaffordable. For example, about one-third of Israelis forgo dental care. As a result, an estimated 50% of elderly citizens are toothless.

Budget cuts also impact housing, making it unaffordable for growing numbers. Large expensive apartments are emphasized. Nearly half of construction starts are for private investors, buyer groups and organizations, not working Israelis.

Moreover, with no in place controls, 20% of Israelis spend over half their disposable income on rent. At the same time, public housing is in short supply, less than one-third the amount available in 2002.

While official unemployment is 6.7%, average salaries are low, especially for women, earning around 60% of their male counterparts. Moreover, social benefits are eroding. As a result, 39% of Israelis say they can't subsist on what they're earning, and conditions are worsening, not improving.

In addition, social safety net protections are weak. Unemployment insurance is one of the poorest among Western countries in terms of eligibility and what's provided. In 2010, only about 25% of unemployed Israel's qualified for benefits. Budget cuts also nearly eliminated professional training programs that once existed.

Moreover, in the past two decades, social services declined. Many, in fact, have been privatized to the detriment of recipients. As a result, complaints are common, especially for vital services no longer provided or only available privately at high cost, unaffordable for growing numbers, Jews as well as Arabs. 

ACRI explained that "social, economic, and cultural rights are not recognized in (Israel's) constitution nor (its) Basic Laws, (unlike) some civil and political rights." Moreover, some "anchored in law" rights are only partly provided, including health care and education.

Like America, Israel prioritizes military and business spending. As a result, wealth and power interests are served at the expense of vital social services eroded or denied. 

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/.

 Israeli/Washington Peace Process Rejectionism - by Stephen Lendman

Pretending to restart Israeli/Palestinian peace talks, Quartet representatives met in Washington on July 11. Attending were Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and former UK Prime Minister/reinvented war criminal/current Middle East envoy Tony Blair.

Ahead of talks, Clinton and Ashton expressed determination to overcome previously unresolved issues.

On July 12, an unidentified senior US official called the meeting an "excellent and serious discussion on the next steps. (Representatives) expressed support for (Obama's) May Middle East speech and called to start preparatory phases of talks without any preconditions."

However, "(t)here are still gaps, and they need to be closed before the Quartet can go forward with public statements." 

In fact, chasms define still unresolved issues. More on that below. 

On July 12, Haaretz writer Barak Ravid headlined, "Israel and Palestinian sources to Haaretz: US peace efforts have failed," saying:

Intensive US strong-arming failed. America "was unable to find a formula that (all) parties could accept." Manipulative Washington demands were unacceptable. Netanyahu blamed Palestinians for the impasse.

Last January's Palestine Papers revealed that Obama rejected unacceptable Bush era two state solution "Road Map" terms, effectively accepting settlements as Israeli territory. Or did he?

On September 23, 2009, he told the UN General Assembly he supported "(t)wo states living side by side in peace and security - a Jewish state of Israel, with true security for all Israelis; and a viable, independent Palestinian state with contiguous territory that ends the occupation that began in 1967, and realizes the potential of the Palestinian people."

However, on October 21, 2009, Obama's Special Middle East Envoy George Mitchell said:

"The US believes that through good faith negotiations, the parties can mutually agree on an outcome that achieves both the Palestinian goal of an independent and viable state encompassing all the territory occupied in 1967 or its equivalent in value, and the Israeli goal of secure and recognized borders that reflect subsequent developments and meets Israeli security requirements."

He meant an independent Palestine would include 6,258 square km, the equivalent of Gaza and the West Bank. However, he suggested land swaps as part of the deal, replacing a two state solution with an ethnically pure Jewish state (excluding Israeli Arabs) and an unacceptable rump Palestine.

In November 2007, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said:

"Israel (is) the state of the Jewish people - and I would like to emphasize the meaning of 'its people' is the Jewish people - with Jerusalem the united and undivided capital of Israel and of the Jewish people for 3,007 years."

In other words, Israeli Arabs aren't wanted. Either leave or be expelled. Only Jews may be citizens. UN Resolution 194 granting Palestinian refugees the right of return is rejected.

In September 2009, Israeli Foreign Minister/Deputy Prime Minister Avigdor Lieberman endorsed ethnic cleansing, saying:

"A final agreement between Israel and the Palestinians has to be based on a program of exchange of territory and populations."

On July 17, the Jerusalem Media & Communication Centre headlined, "Report: US sought Quartet approval for Bush-era settlement assurances." However, EU and Russia representatives rejected the scheme, saying:

"Senior European diplomats said that the failure of the Quartet meeting pushed the Palestinians even more toward turning to the UN" for independent sovereign state recognition and full status de jure recognition.

American intransigence is responsible, proposing "one-sided wording for an announcement that favored Israel and which had no chance of being accepted by the Palestinians."

Senior European sources said:

"The Israelis pressured the US very heavily and the American wording was too blatant and unbalanced."

It called for land swaps, settlements annexed by Israel, and disapproval of Palestinian General Assembly efforts for full status de jure recognition in September. Ashton and Lavrov rejected US language stating:

"Permanent peace means two states for two people (not a two state solution): Israel as a Jewish state and a homeland for the Jewish people and the state of Palestine as homeland for the Palestinian people and each state enjoys self determination and mutual recognition and peace."

Washington rejected General Assembly sovereign state recognition, saying it must be resolved through Israeli/Palestinian negotiations, "tak(ing) into consideration the changes that occurred in the past 44 years, including the new demographic facts on the ground and the needs of both sides."

In other words, settlements (exceeding 40% of the West Bank and East Jerusalem) belong to Israel. Unstated but also perhaps expelling Israeli Arabs to make Israel ethnically pure, and demanding Palestinians recognize it as a Jewish state. In return, Palestinians get virtually nothing, except nominal recognition on land unfit for statehood. 

That's how America and Israel negotiate. It's why peace negotiations were stillborn from inception, a worthless exercise because both countries reject it. As a result, how can Palestinians negotiate without a willing partner.

In fact, former Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir (1983 - 1984 and 1986 - 1992) admitted it, saying he wanted talks to drag on for years so Israel could expropriate Palestinian land to expand settlements, a policy still in place. Moreover, Prime Minister Netanyahu once called the peace process "a waste of time," laying down take it or leave it demands like Yitzhak Rabin's Oslo Accords.

Since the mid-1970s, talks proved more pretense than peace, especially since 2006 with Palestine's legitimate government excluded from negotiations, spuriously called a terrorist organization and held hostage under siege. 

That's where things now stand, why Palestinians must get de jure General Assembly recognition, then seek international condemnation of Israel's illegal occupation of a sovereign state, demanding it end.

A Final Comment

Sailing for Gaza, Israeli naval vessels surrounded Freedom Flotilla II boat Dignite al Karama in international waters. 

Blocking the small yacht were "three battle ships and seven commando boats of different sizes (with) at least 150 soldiers", according to Haaretz journalist Amira Hass on board. 

Carrying 13 activists, including herself, and three crew members, it pressed on. Israel threatened to attack.

Around mid-morning on July 19, Israeli Radio (Reshet Bet) said naval forces controlled the boat with no clashes, and that it would be towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Aharonoth said IDF chief Benny Gantz ordered naval forces to take over the vessel, "after the activists refused to alter the route of the ship to Ashdod." Prior to intercepting it, it was heading toward "an area that is under a maritime siege."

Activists were told to choose between (interrogations and) deportation or imprisonment. Earlier, Flotilla spokesperson Thomas Sommer-Houdeville said the boat carried a message of peace, hope and solidarity with besieged Gazans.

Hass said its "participants regard themselves as representatives of the entire (blocked Flotilla), and are determined to exhaust all possibilities (to) reach (Gaza), or at least carry out the symbolic act of protesting the blockade." 

They understand the risks but took them anyway, challenging Israeli viciousness unarmed in peace.

Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon accused passengers of "a provocative act." Haaretz said Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Secretary Ehud Barak congratulated naval forces for successfully intercepting the boat. 

Elite Shayetet 13 commandos boarded it, Hamas spokesman Ismail Rudwan calling it "piracy, a war crime and a violation of the principles of human rights."

Israel's lawlessness, in fact, gave humanitarian activists another victory. By winning battles, Israel lost the war, exposing itself as a rogue terror state, shooting itself in the foot with each criminal act.

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/.

 Denying Palestinian Children Education - by Stephen Lendman

In July 2011, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) issued a new report titled, "Education Denied: Israel's Systematic Violation of Palestinian Children's Right to Education," even though it's a fundamental human right.

It involves progressively developing children as individuals and responsible citizens. It's key in helping them "raise their standard of living, and (be able to further their) economic, social and cultural development and growth of society."

PCHR's report addresses Israeli policies that affect primary education achievement for all Palestinians by 2015.

International law recognizes the right to education for everyone, including Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) stating:

"The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to education....(It) shall enable all persons to participate effectively in a free society, promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations and all racial, ethnic or religious groups," as well as advance activities for peace.

Fourth Geneva's Article 50 states:

"The Occupying Power shall, with the cooperation of the national and local authorities, facilitate the proper working of all institutions devoted to the education of children."

The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) calls it an indispensable human right, essential to include the following features:

-- Availability in proper, well-functioning, educational institutions;

-- Accessibility to everyone without discrimination or unaffordability;

-- Acceptability in terms of substance and quality; and

-- Adaptability to reflect the needs of changing societies.

"The best interests of (students) must always be the primary consideration."

Various other core international law provisions affirm that "basic learning needs of all children....be satisfied." Primary responsibility falls on State Parties, obligated to respect, protect, and fulfill "positive measures to enable and assist individuals and communities to enjoy the right to education."

As an occupying power, Israel is obligated by law to provide and encourage proper education for everyone. Nonetheless, it systematically denies Palestinian children the right to primary (and secondary) education. Its quality and accessibility are hampered by:

-- military operations; 

-- physical safety issues;

-- home demolitions and forced displacements;

-- school overcrowding;

-- too few facilities;

-- many in disrepair;

-- lack of teaching materials; and 

-- deteriorating children's mental health, living in a violent environment.

In addition, basic rights for all besieged Gazans are denied or severely restricted, including for school children to be properly educated. Earlier from 2000 - 2004, Israeli attacks destroyed 73 educational institutions. During Cast Lead, public and private schools were deliberately targeted, damaged or destroyed. 

Afterwards, Israel banned construction materials to prevent rebuilding, a policy still largely in force. As a result, "82 per cent of (damaged) Gaza schools (haven't) been repaired due to the lack of reconstruction materials." As a result, quality and accessibility of education to all students have been severely compromised. 

Frequent Israeli incursions also jeopardize children's safety. Moreover, they and schools are "consistently targeted by Israeli forces....Instances of killing and wounding of children at school have been recorded," as well as educational facilities closed following military attacks.

In fact, schools in Gaza's "buffer zone" near Israel face frequent sniper and other attacks, targeting Palestinians (including children) in so-called restricted areas. In 2010, five children were killed, another 44 wounded. As of April 2011, three children were killed, another 10 injured.

As a result, trauma, anxiety, and lack of concentration affect student performance, worried more about safety than learning. Isolation, an electricity crisis, unsafe water, and lack of basic necessities exacerbate conditions further.

East Jerusalem also faces a chronic classroom shortage at all levels. As a result, a February 8, 2010 memo from Deputy Attorney General Yehudit Karp to Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein said Israel's failure to fulfill its legal obligations causes "disastrous consequences for the education system in East Jerusalem."

Overall, around 5,300 students aren't enrolled in any educational institution. Israel has done nothing to alleviate the problem or reduce the high dropout rate, "notably in the post-elementary educational cycle."

West Bank performance also is unsatisfactory. In 2009, PA Ministry of Education and Higher Education standardized tests showed:

-- only 43% of fourth-graders passed math;

-- 66.7% passed Arabic; and

-- 45.8% passed science.

PCHR noted that today's tragic situation is easily reversed and preventable. Only the international community's failure to hold Israel accountable prevents it. "This is not acceptable....Palestinian children's fundamental right to education (must be) ensured, and their future(s) protected."

A Final Comment

A new B'Tselem report titled, "No Minor Matter: Violation of the Rights of Palestinian Minors by Israel on Suspicion of Stone-Throwing" discusses another issue affecting hundreds of persecuted children.

From 2005 through 2010, "at least 835 Palestinian minors were arrested and tried in military courts - not for vandalism, arson, robbery, rape or murder, for alleged stone-throwing. Thirty-four were aged 12 - 13, 255 aged 14 - 15, and 546 aged 16 -17. 

All except one were convicted. Due process and judicial fairness are nonstarters. Children are illegally treated like adults in violation of international law, including:

Article 37(b) of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) stating:

"The arrest, detention or imprisonment of a child...shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time."

However, Israeli military orders systematically violate international law provisions, norms and standards, operating extrajudicially with regard to arrests, interrogations, detentions, treatment, family member visitation rights, and legal representation, even for minors aged 10 or younger.

Even though Israel established a West Bank Military Youth Court in November 2009, serious violations of children's rights continue.

B'Tselem interviewed 50 minors for its report, obtaining information from their arrest to release. Numerous rights violations were revealed, including:

-- soldiers arrested 30 minors at home in the middle of the night;

-- parents weren't allowed to accompany them or know details of their detention;

-- three were interrogated the same night; 19 the next morning; three that afternoon; and two five days later;

-- only three got enough sleep prior to questioning; five said soldiers woke them if they dozed off;

-- 19 said they were threatened and treated violently;

-- 23 were denied basic functions, including going to the bathroom, eating and drinking;

-- most children arrested were detained without bail until proceedings against them concluded; as a result, most (like adults) accept a plea bargain, pleading guilty to lesser charges (whether or not culpable for any) for shorter sentences; otherwise, they could be kept in jails or prison for long periods pre-trial, exacting a terrible toll;

-- military courts impose incarceration in lieu of alternative punishments, in violation of international law.

In fact, 93% of minors convicted of stone-throwing were imprisoned for a few days to 20 months. Nineteen were 13 or younger even though Israeli law prohibits incarceration of children under age 14. Their only relief was shorter sentences when, in fact, stone-throwing, at most, is a misdemeanor, warranting nothing more than a reprimand, regardless of age.

Israel, however, convicted them lawlessly for being Muslims in a Jewish state. Most were denied family visitations, telephone privileges, and availability of educational services other than a few subjects inadequately, denying their ability to learn and be promoted.

Few Israeli officials involved in security and judicial procedures called for reforming brazen practices, infringing the rights of minors, even though Israel is obligated under international law to do so.

In fact, Principle 1 of the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child states:

"Every child, without exception whatsoever, shall be entitled to (fundamental human and civil) rights, without distinction or discrimination on account of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, whether of himself or of his (or her) family."

Israel, however, spurns all international laws, norms and standards, doing what it damn pleases extrajudicially because world leaders don't hold it accountable. As a result, Palestinians chafe grievously under the yoke of its repression.

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/.

 Israel Terrorizing Palestinians Lawlessly - by Stephen Lendman

Palestinians bear witness daily to Israeli state terror. Complicit Western and regional nations, in fact, condone it through silence or failure to condemn what never is tolerable and must end. 

For nearly a week, Israeli aircraft struck Gaza preemptively. As a result, fear of a new war grows.

Israel claims strikes follow rocket attacks. In fact, when launched, they're few in number and respond to Israeli aggression in self-defense.

On July 12, IDF jets struck alleged northern Gaza "weapons manufacturing sites," injuring one woman.

On July 13, three tunnels were bombed. Israel falsely blamed them for "terrorist activity." Two Palestinians were missing after one of the tunnels collapsed. Later one body was recovered. Five or more other Palestinians were wounded.

On July 14, other targets were struck, wounding four Palestinian civilians.

On July 15, overnight attacks wounded four Palestinians, including two children. Over the weekend, other preemptive raids followed. Blaming the victims, a July 14 IDF statement said:

"The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli civilians, and will respond with determination to any attempt to use terror against the State of Israel. The IDF holds the Hamas terrorist organization solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip."

In fact, Hamas is Palestine's legitimate government. Israel lawlessly terrorizes West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza residents preemptively, falsely claiming self-defense. 

On July 17, four new raids struck Khoza village in Khan Yunis, critically injuring two Palestinians and traumatizing dozens of children. 

Other same day attacks targeted Beit Hanoun, injuring seven Al Za'aneen family members, including four children - innocent civilians Israel calls "terrorists." In addition, Israeli armored vehicles and bulldozers raided Gaza's Al Bureij refugee camp, firing randomly and uprooting lands.

The previous day, Israeli planes dropped thousands of leaflets, asking Gazans to spy on neighbors for Israel. They also warned of continued strikes, especially in northern areas.

Gaza Emergency and Medical Services spokesperson Adham Abu Salmiyya said since early July, Israeli soldiers killed three Palestinian civilians, injuring at least 20 others, including six children.

On July 14, Israeli naval forces attacked the Oliva, an international human rights monitoring Civil Peace Service Gaza (CPSGaza) boat offshore, nearly sinking it.

On July 15, a second attack occurred, crew members saying an Israeli gunboat indiscriminately used water cannons and live fire, including on 11 fishing boats in the area. As a result, nine vessels were badly damaged. In addition, the Oliva was too badly flooded to continue. Fishermen rescued its crew, then towed the boat to shore, pursued by Israel's navy to within one nautical mile of port.

On July 11, after passing an anti-free speech bill, Israel's Knesset targeted Balad MK Hanin Zuabi, lawlessly stripping her of parliamentary privileges. 

On July 18, the Ethics Committee prevented her from addressing the Knesset or vote in committees through the end of the parliamentary season because she participated in Freedom Flotilla I.

Last July, other rights were lawlessly stripped, including her diplomatic passport, financial help, legal assistance, and right (Knesset members have) to travel freely to countries with no official ties to Israel.

At issue, is Zuabi's vocal criticism of Israeli policies. Last week, security officers forcefully removed her from the Knesset after interrupting Netanyahu's speech, defending the new anti-boycott bill. In fact, Knesset practice lets members interrupt, raising issues or voicing criticism. An Israeli Arab, Zuabi was denied her right to do so.

A Final Comment

Complicit with Washington and Greece, Israel blocked "Freedom Flotilla II - Stay Human (FF II)" boats from sailing to Gaza, or so it thought. On July 17, an FF II press release headlined, "French boat Dignite (al Karama) of Freedom Flotilla II leaves Greece," saying:

Departing on July 16, its 10 passengers "view themselves as (representing) the whole (FF II mission). The rest of the Flotilla's ships have been detained in different Greek ports, through bureaucratic obstruction, sabotage, sudden restrictions and withdrawals of flags."

Dignite, in fact, represents past and future missions. Saying "Gaza, we are coming," its message to Israel, Washington, and the international community is that initiatives won't stop until Gaza's illegal siege ends.

The Swedish/Norwegian/Greek MV Juliano also hopes to sail. So far, however, it's still blocked in the Greek island of Crete, per orders from Israel and Washington, determined to keep collectively punishing Gazan civilians illegally.

No wonder growing numbers of Israelis are voting with their feet and leaving. On July 15, hundreds of others joined with Palestinians (about 2,000 in total), marching in occupied East Jerusalem, calling for an independent Palestinian state. Among them were Hadash Party MK Dov Hanin and Meretz MK Zehava Galon.

Starting from East Jerusalem's Jaffa Gate, they followed the Green Line dividing East and West Jerusalem, ending at Sheikh Jarrah, a Palestinian neighborhood often attacked by Israeli settlers. In response, extremist Israelis tried to disrupt the march with an ineffective counter demonstration.

On July 15, Reuters writer Tom Perry headlined, "Settler violence against Palestinians up 57 percent in the West Bank," according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) saying:

Palestinian officials call it "a worrying sign of deepening hostility which they fear could trigger wider violence as hard-line settlers increasingly appear to be a law unto themselves...."

Coming from hilltop enclaves, they vandalize Palestinian property and commit assaults with impunity. PA minister Maher Ghoneim, monitoring settlement activities, says Netanyahu's government represents settlements. Extremist Foreign Minister/Deputy Prime Minister Avigdor Lieberman lives in one. "This naturally encourages" violent attacks.

So far this year, settlers have stoned, run down, or shot at 178 Palestinians (killing three civilians), compared to 176 all last year. In response to Reuters' request, Israeli police and army officials provided no information regarding the scale of violence. 

As a result, "(t)he role of Israeli security forces in dealing with settler violence is the focus of controversy." B'Tselem says they do little or nothing to protect Palestinians and their property. Even when arrested, settlers get lenient slaps on the wrist, freeing them to commit more violence with impunity.

At the same time, when Palestinians respond in self-defense, including by throwing stones, Israeli soldiers (if nearby) attack them with tear gas, rubber bullets, and at times live fire. 

In Israel and Occupied Palestine, only Jews have rights. Arabs are denied them for being Muslims in a Jewish state, even on their own land.

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/.

 Washington's Ongoing Libya Terror Bombing - by Stephen Lendman

On July 14, Mossad-connected DEBKAfile headlined, "The Libyan War ends. Obama makes Moscow peace broker. NATO halts strikes," saying:

"Bar the shouting, the war in Libya ended Thursday morning, July 14, when (Obama) called Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to hand Moscow the lead role in negotiations with (Gaddafi to end) the conflict - provided only that the Libyan ruler steps down in favor of a transitional administration."

More about Obama's demand below. For now, America's Libya terror bombing continues unabated, despite a White House July 13 Office of the Press Secretary release, saying:

Obama thanked "Russia's efforts to mediate a political solution in Libya, emphasizing that (Washington) is prepared to support negotiations that lead to a democratic transition....as long as (Gaddafi) steps aside."

In fact, Obama spurns democratic values abroad and at home, intolerable notions he won't accept, nor peace, waging multiple imperial wars with no letup. In Libya, moreover, at issue isn't Gaddafi, it's colonizing another country, controlling its resources, plundering its wealth, and exploiting its people, the same US aim always.

On July 15, Washington and about 30 European and Middle East countries illegally recognized insurgent leaders as Libya's legitimate government - the so-called Transitional National Council (TNC). Meeting in Istanbul (without China and Russia), the Libya Contact Group issued a statement, saying:

"Henceforth, and until an interim authority is in place, participants agreed to deal with the (TNC) as the legitimate government authority in Libya."

It added that Gaddafi no longer had legitimacy and must leave Libya with his family.

Explaining what's clearly illegitimate, Secretary of State Clinton said:

"We still have to work through various legal issues (in order words, avoid them entirely), but we expect this step on recognition will enable the TNC to access additional sources of funding," including $30 billion of up to $150 billion of Libya's stolen wealth, besides its rich oil, gas, and water resources worth many multiples more.

At the same time, frustration grows after four months of stalemated ground and air operations. As a result, despite saying Gaddafi must go, some NATO partners seem willing to let him stay, though not in his present capacity.

Gaddafi, in fact, vows never to leave or surrender to insurgents or NATO. In a July 16 audio address, he told supporters:

"They are asking me to leave. That's a laugh. I will never leave the land of my ancestors or the people who have sacrificed themselves for me. After we gave our children as martyrs, we can't backtrack or surrender or give up or move an inch."

Libyans overwhelmingly back him, rallying in images (and reports) major media suppress, accessed through the following links:

http://globalresearch.ca/?context=va&aid=25630

http://tv.globalresearch.ca/2011/07/libya-ground-scenes-tripoli-july-2011

No one called them out. No one demanded support for Gaddafi. They came on their own, what usually happens when nations are lawlessly attacked. People rally overwhelmingly behind leaders against foreign aggressors. Libyans know Washington and NATO, not Gaddafi, is their enemy. 

Moreover, they're armed, ready to defend their country against invaders because Gaddafi gave about two million civilians weapons, more than enough to oust him if they wished. They don't!

DEBKA also said that:

"From July 9, (its) military sources (said) NATO discontinued its air strikes against Libyan pro-government targets in Tripoli and other places. (Though unannounced, it signaled) that 15,000 flight missions (actually 15,308 through July 15) and 6,000 (actually 5,767 through July 15) bombardments of Qaddafi targets had failed to achieve their object."

In fact, NATO's web site (http://www.aco.nato.int/page424201235.aspx) states the following:

For July 9: 112 sorties conducted, including 48 strike missions;

For July 10: 139 sorties conducted, including 54 strike missions;

For July 11: 132 sorties conducted, including 49 strike missions;

For July 12: 127 sorties conducted, including 35 strike missions;

For July 13: No data posted. The above pattern likely continued.

For July 14: 132 sorties conducted, including 48 strike missions.

For July 15: 115 sorties conducted, including 46 strike missions.

Reporting from Tripoli on July 17, Middle East/Central Asian analyst Mahdi Nazemroaya emailed that "(l)ast night was very bad here. They bombed like crazy and everything was shaking."

He elaborated in a Global Research.ca article, accessed through the following link:

http://www.globalresearch.ca/?context=va&aid=25658

Calling it an overnight "Blitzkrieg," he cited "large explosions....heard in the distance. Multiple urban areas were bombed simultaneously this morning."

According to eyewitnesses, about 60 - 75 bombs hit Tajura (14 km east of Tripoli) and the city's Seraj area. Continuing a regular pattern, civilian targets were struck, including residential areas. On July 16, Libyan state television reported mostly civilian casualties without specific numbers. 

So far, in fact, for every combatant death, 10 civilians have been killed as a result of non-military sites struck, including residential neighborhoods.

Over night near bombing areas, "it was like an earthquake. Large buildings as far away as Al-Fatah Street....were shaking."

July 16 strikes, however, differed from previous ones. Burning smells and "a strange smoldering filled the air" and lingered. "It even remained on the skin (after) the bombings....The sounds (and smoke plumes) were different."

After previous bombings, smoke rose vertically "like a fire, but tonight (it was white and) horizontal....hovering above Tripoli." 

One explosion caused "a huge mushroom cloud, pointing to the possible use of (nuclear) bunker buster bombs." Within a 15 km radius of targets, people "experienced burning eyes, lower back pain, (and) headaches," unexplained symptoms not previously felt.

Last week, in fact, Libya's prosecutor general Mohammed Zikri al-Mahjoubi accused NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen of war crimes, saying he'll be criminally charged with: 

"deliberate aggression against innocent civilians, the murder of children, as well as trying to overthrow the Libyan regime....(He's) responsible (for) attack(ing) unarmed people, killing 1,108 and wounding 4,537 others in bombardment of Tripoli and other cities and villages."

He also charged him with trying to murder Gaddafi.

On July 14, Rasmussen tried having it both ways, "encouraging all allies that have aircraft at their disposal to take part in operation," while calling for a pro-Western political solution Libyans won't accept, nor should they.

A Final Comment

Securing imperial control is the issue, an objective putting America at odds with millions of Libyans determined to resist and prevail. 

In fact, Washington's strategy may have backfired. Most Libyans united behind Gaddafi, together with regional and other allies, including China and Russia (for their own strategic interests), against exploitive Western "liberation." 

Though no end of conflict is imminent, perhaps this time people power may triumph. If so, the message to other imperial victims is don't quit. Struggling long enough to prevail at times succeeds. Maybe this time for Libyans.

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/.

 Aftermath of Israeli Anti-Free Speech Law Passage - by Stephen Lendman

Buoyed by passage of their anti-boycott bill, Knesset Yisrael Beitenu and Likud party extremists taste blood and want more. Most worrisome is a proposed measure to investigate leftist group activities, heading for a final vote next week.

YNet News writer Moran Azulay quoted Meretz party chairwoman, Sahava Gal-On, calling it "a political inquisition," adding:

"The Boycott Law has whetted the appetite of the settler Coalition. This is an attempt at perpetuating the persecution of left-wing and civil organizations. What will be the next step? Sham trials? Throwing people into gulags?"

Weighing in, Labor party MK Eitan Cabel said:

"The prime minister has lost control over his partners, who are running wild in the Knesset and taking advantage of the (tyranny) of the majority in order to trample the minority. We are in the midst of legislative anarchy."

United Arab List-Ta'al party MK Ahmad Tibi wondered which ruling coalition partner was most racist, Yisrael Beiteinu or Likud, saying:

"In the beginning they were against Arabs. Now they're against leftists, and maybe tomorrow they will go up against the feinschmeckers of the Likud" or anyone challenging them.

According to Kadima party MK Ruhama Avraham:

"This government does not pursue peace or social justice, but rather its own citizens."

Another measure proposes giving Knesset members veto power over High Court nominations. Likud's Education Minister Gideon Sa'ar called it "dangerous, problematic, and creates a clear hazard of politicizing" justice nominations.

YNet News writer Azulay said the draft measure proposes subjecting candidates to a public hearing to inquire "about (their) legal and constitutional views, (their) personal contribution to legal thought, (their) views about law, justice and the necessary balance between various values and the separation of authorities."

The Knesset Justice Committee would first rule on each candidate's eligibility, then let the Judicial Selection Committee consider approved ones. 

Responding to this and other measures, Hadash party MK Dov Hanin said:

"A wave of anti-democratic legislation is threatening to drown us. This proposal was intended to send the Supreme Court a threatening and powerful message ahead of the hearing on the legality of the Boycott Law. I call on the democratic camp to stage a massive protest. If we don't all come together to defend democracy, there will be (nothing) left to defend."

Kadima's Avraham called the proposal another public humiliation, saying:

"Netanyahu has succeeded in leading Israel to a new and unprecedented democratic, moral, and ethical low."

Labor's Eitan Cabel said:

"The Knesset, fortress of Israeli democracy, is turning into democratic Israel's graveyard with the help of Netanyahu's coalition of horrors," adding:

Governing as "democracy's undertaker," he'll be called "the leader in whose time Israel retreated to its lowest point in" history.

On July 14, B'Tselem said Netanyahu's Civil Administration (CA) retroactively approved stealing privately owned Palestinian land. On June 26, it expropriated 189 Qaryut village dunams for Yovel outpost.

Established in 1998, 12 permanent dwellings were built there with no permission on partly private Palestinian land. Declaring it state property now means retroactively approving unauthorized construction. In 2005 and 2009, Peace Now and Yesh Din respectively petitioned Israel's High Court to rule it illegal. It declined, despite authorities admitting its illegality. 

On May 1, 2011, the Court told authorities to present a "practical time schedule" for resolving construction illegalities. In response, CA said it planned to declare disputed outpost areas state land. In other words, steal it, including privately owned Palestinian property.

B'Tselem called doing so "a flagrant violation of international commitments made by Israel's government," including prior settlement construction freezes and promises not to illegally expropriate Palestinian land. Moreover, in June 2009, Netanyahu committed not to expand settlements, a pledge immediately violated.

Thereafter, thousands of Palestinian dunams were stolen. However, declaring expropriated Yovel outpost state land "is the first time that Israel" did it retroactively, exceeding the worst of Ariel Sharon, a man called "the Bulldozer" when he served as Construction and Housing minister.

More Israeli Lawlessness

On January 15, Haaretz said Israeli air strikes wounded at least five Gazans, including two children. Two others remain missing. Medical teams are searching for them. 

In April, an unofficial ceasefire was declared. Numerous Israeli violations followed. International Middle East Media writer Saed Bannoura called the latest incident "part of an ongoing, escalating offensive against (Gaza) in the last ten days." In fact, Israeli provocations repeat regularly, even with ceasefires in place.

On July 15, Ma'an News said Israeli naval forces attacked an international boat in Gazan waters - the Oliva belonging to Civil Peace Service Gaza (CPSGaza).

On July 14, Hama Waqum, a CPS member, said the Oliva and Gaza fishermen were attacked, explaining:

At midday July 13, "(w)e approached a cluster of hasaka fishing boats that were being attacked with water cannons....As we got closer, all I could focus on was the officer manning the machine gun," dressed in black.

The vessels were two miles offshore in Gazan waters. Israeli marines fired water cannons at close range (10 meters away) "with stinging force....(T)hey repeatedly aimed at my face and each time my nose, eyes and mouth filled with seawater."

"Imagine someone boxing your face. Imagine that their fist is larger than a bowling ball. Now imagine that punch lasting for ten minutes. That is what it felt like."

As Oliva and fishing boats headed home, the warship followed "with relentless attack after attack." Eventually it stopped. "We were completely drenched through. Our captain (positioned) us to corners of the boat, worried" it was so full of water it might sink.

Although CPS boats aren't often attacked, "this is an everyday occurrence for Gazan fishermen." Israelis used live fire against another vessel the same day. "There were too many bullet holes in the bow....for me to count."

Moreover, international Gaza observers are being attacked more often to assure collective punishment continues out of sight and mind, and that humanitarian aid and activists don't arrive. Waqum preserved video footage of the entire incident so many others will see how lawlessly Israel operates.

A Final Comment

On July 8, Palestine Telegraph writer Ronan MacField headlined, "Exclusive: A flotilla of Palestinian Refugees to return to Palestine, 'Israel,' " saying:

Nine European groups, two American and one Canadian plan "to send Passenger boats (with) huge number(s) of Palestinian Refugees to their" homes in Israel. A fund was set up to do it. Names and details so far aren't released.

Activists call their Flotilla: "Ship your luggage, Return to Palestine." A private jet may also be used. Refugees with dual citizenships will participate, as well as "European activists, MPs, journalists and (other) activists."

Instead of Gaza, Haifa and Ashkelon destinations are planned. Maybe others. Participants will exercise their legal Right to Return. Up to 20,000 may come. Sailing will be from two unnamed countries agreeing not to block it.

More details to follow.

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/.

 Denunciation of Israel's Anti-Boycott Law - by Stephen Lendman

A previous article discussed it in detail, accessed through the following link:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/07/israels-knesset-passes-boycott.html

Before and after its July 11 passage, critics called it outrageous, shameful, lawless, and anti-democratic. More on that below.

In contrast, Netanyahu praised the measure, saying he "authorized the bill. If I hadn't authorized it, it wouldn't have gotten here. I am opposed to boycotts against Israel and boycotts against groups within Israel."

The pro-Israeli NGO Monitor (NGOM) tried having it both ways, saying:

It doesn't "see this legislation as the appropriate means to combat the BDS movement. However, numerous NGOs have released misleading and false statements about the new law, (including saying it) criminalizes freedom of speech."

In fact, that's precisely what it does, infringing on the right of Israelis to speak freely on any issue without fear of recrimination.

NGOM, however, called public debate about it "indicative of the strength and vibrancy of Israeli democracy," when it exists solely for Jews, increasingly only well-off ones, benefitting at the expense of lower income Israelis like in America and other Western states.

On June 19, the Global BDS Movement and Coalition for Women for Peace called the bill: 

"one of the most dangerous anti-democratic laws promoted in this current Knesset. Boycott is a nonviolent, legal and legitimate means to promote social and political aims that is protected in civil rights of freedom of expression, opinion and assembly. The bill constitutes a fatal blow to all these civil rights."

Even the racist, Islamophobic Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a July 12 press release headlined, "Knesset Anti-Boycott Law May Infringe On Basic Democratic Rights," ADL's national director Abraham Foxman (no democracy defender) saying:

It "unduly impinge(s) on the basic democratic rights of Israelis to freedom of speech and freedom of expression."

At the same time, ADL viciously assails Israeli critics, calling Palestinian supporters anti-Semites, extremists, and radicals, seeking to abolish the state of Israel.

Along with AIPAC, the Zionist Organization of America, and other prominent CPMAJO-listed groups, ADL has a sordid history of links to Mossad, the FBI, CIA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), fronting for Israel against democratic values and equal justice for Palestinians.

EU spokeswoman Catherine Ashton also tried having it both ways, saying:

"The EU recognizes Israel's sovereignty in the legislative process. Furthermore, the EU does not advocate boycotts. However, as part of such fundamental values as free expression and speech, (we) are concerned about the effect that this legislation may have on the freedom of Israeli citizens and organizations to express nonviolent political opinions."

Perhaps Ashton also respects sovereign Nazi Germany's repressive Nuremberg laws, solidifying its fascist chokehold. Moreover, her anti-boycott position ignores Israel's illegal occupation and Gaza blockade. EU states and America support them by failing to act against them.

On July 12, Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) writer Ron Kampeas headlined, "From left to right, American Jews are criticizing Israeli anti-boycott law," saying:

"....American Jewish organizations seem remarkably united in deeming the measure an affront to freedom of expression."

Jewish Council for Public Affairs' director, Rabbi Steve Gutow (also going both ways) said:

"We don't support boycotts." However, "(t)he law does challenge democracy in a way, and hopefully (Israel's) Supreme Court will respond."

Liberal Israeli NGOs and civil rights groups plan legal action against the measure.

Zionist Organization of America's (ZOA) president Morton Klein also went both ways, saying:

"Nobody was more appalled by the boycott of Ariel (Performing Arts Center) theater than me, but to make it illegal? I don't think so."

Many US Jewish groups sharply criticized the new law, including:

-- Americans for Peace Now calling it a "flagrant attack on freedom of speech;"

-- J Street saying it's a "clear and unabashed violation of the fundamental democratic precept of freedom of speech;" and

-- the New Israel Fund saying: 

"Don't Boycott Democracy. The 'boycott bill' criminalizing free speech is only one of many anti-democratic measures that have been introduced in the Knesset," the most extremist body in Israel's history.

Israeli peace bloc Gush Shalom founder Uri Avnery called the bill "an assault on the freedom of expression and political association, an attempt to gag the opposition."

Its web site said it was "the first Israeli body (in the 1990s) to lead a boycott of settlement products...." Calling the measure "unconstitutional and anti-democratic," it petitioned Israel's High Court to strike it down. Moreover, Avnery (a former Knesset member) called it "a black stain on the statutes of the State of Israel. It is my sincere hope that the court will overturn it, and save what is left of Israeli democracy."

Calling the measure "borderline illegal," Knesset legal advisor Eyal Yinon said the law's "broad definition of a boycott on the State of Israel is a violation of the core tenet of freedom of political expression."

Meretz Party MK called the bill "nauseating," saying "Right wing MKs are bringing garbage to the Knesset under the guise of wanting o protect our national honor. I wonder if there is even democracy in this country."

In fact, Israeli "democracy" resembles Michael Parenti's description of America, calling it the "shadier sides of....political life (in which) proponents of the existing order have tried to transform practically every deficiency into a strength."

In fact, Israel occupies Palestine illegally. Arab citizens are persecuted and denied rights. No constitution exists, just Basic Laws, and Israel is the only country with no fixed borders because expansionism is state policy. 

So is war, a history of violence, and defiance of human and civil right, democratic values, as well as fundamental international laws and dozens of critical UN resolutions.

No matter. Washington affords full support, the US State Department issuing muted anti-boycott bill criticism, saying passage was an "Israeli internal matter," at the same time affirming "freedom of expression, including freedom to peacefully organize protest (as) a basic right under democracy."

A Final Comment

Defying the new law, Peace Now responded with a selective boycott for the first time in its 33-year history. In addition, it set up a Facebook group called, "So Sue Me, I'm Boycotting the Settlements."

On July 14, Haaretz writers Tomer Zarchin and Jonathan Lis headlined, "Dozens of Israeli law professors protest 'unconstitutional' boycott law," saying:

Those against it include:

-- University of Haifa Law School Dean Niva Elkin-Koren;

-- Ramat Gan Academic Center Law School Dean Moshe Cohen-Eliya; 

-- former Tel Aviv University Law School Deans Hanoch Dagan, Ariel Porat, and Menachem Mautner;

-- former Hebrew University Law School Dean Uriel Procaccia; and

-- former University of Haifa Law School Dean Eli Salzberger.

Hebrew University's Professor Alon Harel called the new law the "tyranny of the majority....aimed at promoting one viewpoint and subjugating another...."

Opposing the law, many doctoral candidates wanted their names listed publicly. However, they were withheld to prevent harming their chances for university appointments.

In today's Israel, activists supporting Palestinian equity, justice, sovereignty, ending the occupation, diaspora Palestinians' right to return home, East Jerusalem as Palestine's capital, and boycotts of Israeli products, services and activities until lawless practices end, do so at considerable risk.

No wonder many Israelis are voting with their feet and leaving!

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/.

From the July 8th Demonstration against the Seperation wall. We marched from the village, past where the old wall was recently removed to the wall of the settlement of Modi'in. Member of the Popular Committee in Bi'lin addresses international activists. This is the second week in which the wall had been removed (http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=398774) based on a 2007 court decision on the wall.

 Nato and Rebel Atrocities in Libya - by Stephen Lendman

Previous articles discussed:

-- NATO's illegal Libya aggression;

-- American and Western media in the lead cheerleading it; some reporters, in fact, complicit with NATO forces by supplying target coordinates; 

-- planning it many months (perhaps years) before fighting began last winter; 

-- waging it to conquer, colonize, loot, and balkanize Libya, masquerading as humanitarian intervention;

-- covertly funding, arming and training mercenary insurgents, including Al Qaeda linked Libya Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) paramilitaries; 

-- establishing an illegitimate Transitional National Council (TNC) government with CIA/British Intelligence (SIS/MI6) links;

-- terror bombing Libya daily since March 19, using depleted uranium weapons, cluster bombs and perhaps other illegal weapons;

-- bombing nonmilitary civilian infrastructure, hospitals, schools, heritage sites, a bus with civilians, a hotel, a restaurant, a food storage facility, commercial sites, a university, civilian neighborhoods, fishermen at sea, Gaddafi's personal compound to kill him and his family, as well as other nonmilitary targets;

-- collectively punishing Libyans; in government-controlled areas, the ratio of civilian to military deaths is about 10 to one;

-- blocking shipments of food, fuel and medicine; and

-- overall laying waste to large areas, what Pentagon-led wars always do, destroying countries to save them, never waging wars for humanitarian reasons or even contemplating the idea.

War Rages Unabated

Meanwhile, duplicitous congressional posturing assures pro-war support despite rhetorical opposition against it. In France, despite strong anti-war sentiment, lawmakers just reauthorized French participation, while officials claim a negotiated solution is possible. 

According to Prime Minister Francois Fillon, "A political solution in Libya is more indispensable than ever and it is beginning to take shape." Defense Minister Gerard Longuet suggested insurgents negotiate with Gaddafi, drawing Washington's ire for saying it. 

Some analysts believe France is looking for a face-saving way out. Parliamentarians, however, just overwhelming endorsed war, voting 482 - 27 in France's lower house and 311 - 24 in its upper one. 

Like Obama and Britain's David Cameron, Sarkozy remains committed to press on despite low approval ratings ahead of next May's presidential election. The three main co-belligerents began hostilities to incite rebellion against Gaddafi or kill him. Instead, Libyans strongly support him the way populations usually respond when attacked by foreign powers, rallying behind leaders against them. 

As a result, NATO so far is losing, despite last March claiming victory would be swift, Obama notably saying Washington's involvement would be "days, not weeks." 

In fact, America remains very much involved, despite diminishing chances of prevailing given Libyans resolve to defend their sovereignty by resisting. 

Daily it's evident, especially Fridays after prayer followed by huge pro-Gaddafi rallies, at least twice in Tripoli a million or more turning out in Green Square, raging as well against NATO. 

Moreover, Libyans are well armed. Gaddafi made sure everyone has weapons to defend against Western belligerents. Seventy years ago they united and routed Italy. They'll do it again if NATO invades, even at the cost of many lives to live free of foreign occupation.

At the same time, divisions in NATO are evident. Italy called for a halt in bombing. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said waging war was a mistake, ending his country's participation and halting air strikes from Italian bases. Norway also pulled out. Perhaps other participants will follow.

Early in the campaign, Germany recalled two frigates and AWACS surveillance Mediterranean flights, but recently agreed to supply munitions. 

Cracks in TNC unity are also apparent, noticeably after chairman Mustapha Abdul-Jalil backtracked after saying Gaddafi could stay in Libya if he stepped down. Other TNC members disagreed, spokesman Abdel Hafiz Ghoga claiming that option was never considered.

Despite main co-belligerents pressing on, months of bombing produced stalemate, suggesting new ways of resolving conflict may follow. On July 10, the Algerian newspaper El Khabar quoted Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam saying, "The truth is that we are negotiating with France and not with the rebels....France said, '(w)hen we reach an agreement with you, we will force (TNC members) to cease fire.' "

On July 11, Le Monde said Sarkozy met with Gaddafi's chief of staff, Bachir Saleh, in June. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe confirmed that contacts were made, saying "(t)here is a consensus on how to end the crisis, which is that Gaddafi has to leave power. That was absolutely not a given two or three months ago."

In fact, ousting or killing him was intended all along, replacing him with new pro-Western puppet leadership like governments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Anything short of that is defeat, including Washington's grand strategy for Libya as a base for greater North and sub-Saharan African control, using counterproductive tactics not working.

Reporting from Libya, Franklin Lamb reported regular NATO atrocities he witnessed afterwards firsthand, including:

On June 20, NATO attacked Khaled Al-Hamedi's home, killing 15 people in total, including his pregnant wife, three children, and sister. NATO lied calling it a military strike, saying civilians are never attacked. In fact, they're prime targets.

Later in June, a TOW missile hit a public bus, killing all 12 passengers, NATO saying military personnel were being transported. Foreign observers, however, confirmed no military presence. Police secure Libyan cities, neighborhood watch teams suburban areas.

On June 6, central Tripoli's Higher Committee for Children administrative complex was struck with 12 bombs and rockets. Of no military significance, it housed the National Downs Syndrome center, the Crippled Women's Foundation, the Crippled Children Center, and the National Diabetic Research Center. NATO called it a legitimate military target.

On June 16, NATO bombed a central Tripoli hotel and restaurant, killing three civilians. Sirte Central Hospital and the Libyan Lawyers Group representing war victims said attacks caused sharp increases in strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure, miscarriages, and stress-related illnesses, besides bomb-related injuries.

Paramilitary Insurgent Cutthroats

Previous articles discussed rebel paramilitary atrocities, accessed through the following links:

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/03/plaanned-regime-change-in-libya_28.html

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/05/libyan-rebels-killing-civilians-in.html

On July 12, New York Times writer CJ Chivers headlined, "Libyan Rebels Accused of Pillage and Beatings," saying:

"Rebels in the mountains in Libya's west have looted and damaged four towns seized since last month," according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). They also "beat people suspected of being loyalists and burned their homes" after ravaging Benghazi and other areas earlier.

On July 13, HRW headlined, "Libya: Opposition Forces Should Protect Civilians and Hospitals," saying:

Instead they're "responsible for looting, arson, and abuse of civilians in recently captured towns....in the Nufusa Mountains."

They've "damaged property, burned some homes, looted from hospitals, homes, shops, and beaten some (alleged pro-Gaddafi) supporte(rs)."

HRW representatives witnessed some of these events firsthand, interviewed others about them, and spoke to a rebel commander, asking for accountability. Nonetheless, they continue "indiscriminate attacks on civilian-inhabited areas."

According to HRW's Sarah Leah Whitson:

"Grad rocket attacks are launched almost every day into residential areas with no discernible military target. Why would (they) think there is a purpose to spraying shrapnel into people's homes or mosques and hospitals?"

Rebel military commander Col. El-Moktar Firnana admitted abuses occurred, saying doing so violated orders, whether or not true. Since conflict began last winter, insurgents terrorized Benghazi and other controlled areas - pillaging, raping, brutalizing, and killing suspected anti-NATO residents, especially dark-skinned ones.

On July 7, HRW saw rebels loading looted items on trucks. "Five houses....seen intact the (previous) day (were) on fire." Three more and a shop were burned a few days later, and another six appeared newly burned.

As a result, Al-Awaniya and Zawiyat al-Bagul "appeared empty of residents." Houses on streets HRW visited were ransacked, stores on main streets broken into and looted. One resident said rebels stole medical equipment from a polyclinic. Visiting the facility, HRW saw vandalized rooms, broken windows and doors, as well as "evidence of missing....equipment, including an x-ray machine and possibly an electrocardiogram machine."

Al-Awaniya's hospital was damaged and looted the same way. Well-equipped, a staffer said everything was taken. In Rayaninah, 300 to 400 people stayed behind when rebels arrived. HRW saw evidence of beatings and people shot. Others had wrists tied with dusty wire, then beaten.

Rebel commander Firnana claimed people in the town worked for Gaddafi. "Houses that were robbed and broken into were ones that the army used," he said. "Those people who were beaten were working for Gaddafi's brigades," whether or not true.

HRW quoted "opposition forces say(ing) they are committed to human rights, but the looting, arson, and abuse (raise) concerns about how civilians will be treated if rebels (enter) other towns where the government has support."

Co-belligerents Obama, Cameron and Sarkozy reside far from NATO war zones, including other theaters to satisfy their imperial appetites, no matter how much death and destruction it takes to achieve it.

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/.

 Freedom Flotilla II: Final Thoughts - by Stephen Lendman

Palestinian analyst/advocate/author and former journalist Nadia Hijab is right, saying "(i)t was never about aid." 

In her article titled, "Freedom Flotilla II: No to a Kinder, Gentler Siege," she said like earlier and new initiatives to come, it's "a political act" against Israel's illegal occupation/Gaza blockade - forced isolation, in fact, since 1988 "permit system" terrorism was instituted. 

In 1991, closures began, "institutionalized" in 1993, then a 1994 electronic wall, and continued repression by lawless incursions, air attacks, home demolitions, targeted assassinations, mass arrests, daily intimidation, Cast Lead, and virtually anything Israel can dream up to collectively punish 1.6 million people, guilty of being Arabs, not Jews.

Flotillas and other humanitarian efforts aren't about delivering "goods," said Hijab. They're about freedom, self-determination, and ending Israel's lawless chokehold, violating international laws, norms and principles grievously for decades, complicit with rogue partners against justice, shamelessly supporting crimes of war and against humanity. 

Blocked but not defeated, Freedom Flotilla II endorsers sent a July 10 open letter to European Commission President Joseo Manuel Barroso, saying in part:

"Squeezed between Scylla and Charybdid (twin evils), the zionist state of Israel and the 'democratic' Greece, our nutshell JULIANO with" European citizens from Sweden, Greece and Austria "on board still tries to (fulfill) its mission of peace and solidarity with the Palestinian people."

Is isolating them behind "prison-walls" your choice, or is "freedom of the seas....freedom of expression, and the mandate of peace the (EU) constitutional treaty prescribed you to fulfill?"

It's shameful that EU nations and other Quartet members bow subserviently to Israel, complicit with "its constant violations of Human Rights against the population of Palestine."

"Don't forget that history....always....punish(es) those who have allied themselves with the oppressors. In the name of the same (EU) democratic order," global peace, and justice you and others endorse, "we therefore demand:

OUR RIGHT TO SAIL FREE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA WHEREVER WE WANT!"

On behalf of JULIANO participants, signed:

Dr. Leo Gabriel

International Council of the World Social Forum

Maria Pia Boethius

Swedish writer

Jabar Amin

Member of Sweden's Parliament

Stellan Vinthagen

Swedish Professor of Sociology/Ship to Gaza participant

Takis Politis

Greek Professor/member of the Hellenic Federation of University Teachers Associations Executive Committee

Orestes Kolokouris

Greek Parliament member

America's Media Pro-Israeli Bias

Typical distorted Flotilla reports came from Ethan Bronner, New York Times Jerusalem bureau chief, exposing his pro-Israeli bias like on July 2 headlining, "Setting Sail on Gaza's Sea of Spin," saying:

Some saw "a parallel with the Exodus, (when) Jewish refugees (tried) to break" Britain's 1947 blockade. Others wondered why participants bring aid "when it is no longer needed." Bronner obviously knows nothing about Gaza, perhaps never visited, and for sure doesn't care.

"Still others," he said "note the way the Israeli authorities portray the organizers as violent Islamists when most are middle-aged European pacifists." 

Correct, but not that "challenging Israel's blockade (reflects) something else, part of an unstated effort to recast the Israeli-Palestinian narrative in extreme terms, (bringing) out the public relations demons on all sides."

Bronner downplayed Israel's May 2010 massacre, claimed enough goods now enter Gaza, ignored the deplorable humanitarian crisis, and said if activists want to deliver aid, they "should take it to either Israel or Egypt and it will be delivered by truck. Sea access must remain blocked to prevent weapons smuggling."

In fact, Gaza is sovereign Palestine. So are its offshore waters. Israel's blockade is illegal. Every state may defend itself, especially against rogue aggressors like Israel, committing regular atrocities by land, sea and air. 

Moreover, Flotilla activism isn't about aid. It's about liberation, what Bronner, and others like him, don't understand or support. Instead, he claims it's about "delegitimizing Israel and killing its soldiers."

Allegations like that and quoting Israel's public diplomacy minister, Yuli Edelstein, saying "representatives of different terror groups" joined the Flotilla make yellow journalism look good. 

Nonetheless, he continued, regurgitating other spurious claims, exposing his intellectual dishonesty the way Times writers always do. As a result, they present one-sided pro-Israeli, pro-war, pro-imperial, pro-corporate, anti-justice reports, opinions and commentaries, mocking equity, justice, democratic values, and real journalism - siding with villains, not victims.

Israel v. Flytilla Activists

An Israeli no-fly list prevented 200 or more from arriving. Others came and were targeted repressively. On July 10, International Middle East Media Center writer Saed Bannoura headlined, "Israel Deports 36 Activists, 82 Still Detained," saying:

"Israeli Immigration spokeswoman Sabine Haddad" said 22 deported were Belgian, 13 German, and one Spanish, 82 others imprisoned in Beer Sheva, Al Ramla and Tel Aviv. Most are French. Others are American, Belgian, Spanish and Dutch.

They represent hundreds of "Welcome to Palestine" Campaign (WPC) activists, challenging Israel's illegal blockade and occupation. On July 10, WPC said:

"Israeli authorities set stringent conditions for release of (WPC) prisoners. (Most) are still incarcerated under brutal conditions," in Al Ramla and Beer Sheva detention centers. 

"These friends of Palestine, among which there are minors and elderly persons with medical conditions, have been and are being mistreated and subjected to unnecessary brutality." As a result, they began a hunger strike, protesting their illegal arrest, detention and mistreatment.

On July 12, WPC said members illegally imprisoned may rightfully refuse deportation for the following reasons:

-- they'll illegally detained;

-- denying them entry to Israel is unjustified;

-- deportation will normalize it and "create a precedent by which the Israeli authorities are 'permitted' to decide on who has the right or not to come visit Palestine;"

-- WPC activists came to challenge Israeli lawlessness;

-- doing so keeps the issue alive; and

-- foreign governments and airlines should be pressured to explain and justify their complicity with Israeli crimes.

Arriving members were mistreated as follows:

"held together in one room and then attacked, forcefully handcuffed and dragged into separate transfer vehicles. They were then forcefully transferred to the (Al Ramla) detention facility....Lawyers have been trying to reach the Ministry of Interior to gain access to (them) to assure they receive their right to legal representation, to visits from their country consular staff, and to call their families."

Moreover, supportive Israelis were denied entrance to Ben-Gurion Airport. Each visitor was asked to confirm travel plans or name arriving passengers they wished to meet - checked against inbound passenger lists.

Those who circumvented security procedures "were immediately attacked even as they peacefully" awaited WPC arrivals.  Six, in fact, were arrested.

"We urge (everyone) to write to the media, to their governments, and to all fellow human beings," saying: "enough is enough. Israel must be forced to respect basic human rights, allow free travel, (and) end apartheid and colonization." 

Urgently, "Western governments must insist that Israeli authorities release those they kidnapped, afford them all protections due them, and punish officials who mistreated our guests."

The Free Gaza Movement and Palestinian Boycott National Committee (BNC) called for an "immediate embargo on Israel," saying:

"Freedom Flotilla II, and Israel's attempts to thwart it through outrageous acts of intimidation, lies, political pressure, threats of violence, and sabotage, has reminded the world (about) the criminal blockade on the Gaza Strip," violating fundamental international law.

Israel is a lawless rogue state. "In the name of freedom, equality, justice and peace," it must be held fully accountable, starting with a full embargo, followed perhaps by UN expulsion for violating its charter principles and dozens of resolutions.

A Final Comment

On July 12, US Boat to Gaza/Audacity of Hope participants Ann Wright and Regina Carey emailed that Greek authorities cut off electricity at 10AM Athens time, "leaving us with no power" in over 100 degree heat "inside the boat, and a Russian ship loading grain is spewing (it) and dust over the entire area."

Since blocked from sailing, remaining passengers have effectively been imprisoned. Six stayed on board to protect the boat from sabotage. Four are over 60.

The Papandreou government sold out to Israel and Washington, partnering with lawless criminal acts.

Wright, Carey and others demand the right to sail, asking supporters to call Greek embassies, consulates and Washington embassy at 202-939-1300. Flood their switchboards with righteous outrage. Let them know millions care.

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/.

 Israel's Knesset Passes Boycott Prohibition Bill - by Stephen Lendman

Israeli outrages never quit. Besides lawlessly stealing Palestine, slaughtering and dispossessing its people, occupying its remaining 22% for over 44 years, blockading Gaza, committing high-seas piracy and murder to keep out humanitarian aid, and arresting European and other human rights advocates showing up to protest, another example highlights Israel's rogue state status.

On July 11, Haaretz writer Jonathan Lis headlined, "Israel set to vote on controversial law penalizing boycotters," saying:

Israel's "controversial 'Boycott Bill' is expected to come up for its second and third (Knesset) votes" today, despite Netanyahu earlier wanting it delayed, expected criticism from Knesset Legal Advisor Eyal Yinon, and opponents holding a protest press conference.

A same day Lis update headlined, "Israel passes law banning calls for boycott," saying:

Despite vocal opposition, the bill passed 47 - 38, criminalizing boycott supporters. Provisions include letting boycott targets sue "without having to prove they sustained damage. The court will then decide how much compensation" they're due. Another provision prohibits boycott supporters (people and companies) from "bid(ding) in government tenders."

Opponents call the bill outrageous, shameful and lawless. Kadima's spokesman said:

"Netanyahu has crossed a red line of political foolishness today and national irresponsibility, knowing the meaning of the law and its severity, while giving in to the extreme right that is taking over the Likkud."

In fact, Israel increasingly resembles a fascist police state, endangering anyone challenging state policies.

In response, Peace Now opened a Facebook page, calling for settlement products, services and activities to be boycotted. A national campaign will follow.

On February 15, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) called the measure "one of the most concerning (ever) anti-democratic propositions....advanced in the Israeli parliament."

Despite strong opposition from MKs, ministry legal advisers, NGO's, and others, the Knesset's Constitution Committee discussed it on February 23.

"The Prohibition on Instituting a Boycott" bill passed a preliminary July 2010 vote. It then went to a Knesset plenary first vote, on to committee, and finally to another two up or down votes, begun July 11.

At issue is prohibiting boycotting Israeli products, persons and activities connected to Israel and Israeli settlements. Moreover, the bill is politically motivated and broad, including Section 2 stipulating:

"It is prohibited to initiate a boycott of the state of Israel, to encourage participation in a boycott, or to provide assistance or information with the purpose of promoting a boycott."

The measure aims mainly at Israeli citizens (including Arabs) and residents involved in advocating boycotts of Israeli or settlement-related goods, services and/or activities, including cultural ones.

Henceforth, persons accused of advocating or participating in boycotts will be subject to civil and criminal prosecutions. ACRI and other human rights groups warned about a broad range of affected activities, including publishing Israeli and settlement-related human rights violations, refusing to travel to settlements or do business with them, and publicly supporting consumer boycotts of their products and services.

Last winter, over 40 Israeli organizations petitioned against the bill, calling it "a dangerous piece of legislation, which tramples on basic rights, first and foremost among them the rights to freedom of expression, protest and assembly."

More recently, 53 Israeli human and civil rights organizations wrote Knesset Speaker MK Reuven Rivlin, expressing opposition to the bill. Included were ACRI, B'Tselem, Gisha, Amnesty Israel, Physicians for Human Rights/Israel, Rabbis for Human Rights, Adalah, Yesh Din, Hotline for Migrant Workers, and the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel.

Even anti-boycott groups signed it, united in believing this type activity is "a civilian, nonviolent and legitimate tool to express opinion and advance social and political change."

The bill's original version included foreign citizens, prohibited from entering and conducting business in Israel for up to 10 years if found guilty. Now removed also was a provision permitting Israel to withhold debts owed other states supporting boycotts, and banning them from doing business in Israel.

ACRI calls boycotts a legitimate tool, commonplace in Israel for many reasons. Criminalizing it "would be unprecedented in any democratic regime. People may find a specific call for boycott irritating and even offensive, yet this is the real test of" free expression, protecting opposition opinions.

Israel's bill also broadens the notion of boycotts to silence and persecute anti-occupation supporters. As a result, "(w)e are once again witnessing the trampling of rights at the hands of the current political majority."

Last February, ACRI's Executive Director, Hagai El-Ad said:

"Those sponsoring this anti-democratic bill claim its goal is to protect Israel from delegitimization. The truth is that this law will only generate more delegitimization because it will truly turn Israel into a far weaker democracy, where supporting any anti-occupation act will be considered unlawful."

"No other democracy has ever advanced an anti-boycott law that intentionally provides a loose definition for what supporting a boycott means and turns a legal, nonviolent tool of protest into a felony, so as to achieve a greater chilling effect on society." It also underscores Israel's pariah status, advancing it one repressive bill and policy at a time.

On June 27, ACRI's El Ad commented on a "more extended and harmful version of the" bill, approved for final reading, saying:

"Why should Israeli citizens be allowed to boycott Israeli cottage cheese, as we have heard and seen in recent weeks, but be barred from boycotting the occupation?"

The updated bill includes sanctions against NGOs and public companies, including stripping their tax exemptions and eligibility for benefits other laws afford. Even funds or property owed Palestinians from other "laws, agreements or governmental decisions" will be lost.

The bill allegedly distinguishes between "legitimate" Israeli criticism and delegitimizing other forms, Israel deciding which is which, some examples including:

-- endorsing the global BDS movement;

-- supporting universal jurisdiction to prosecute Israeli war criminals and human rights violators abroad; and

-- refusing to recognize Israel's status as a democratic Jewish state.

It also expects Palestinians and Israeli Arabs to accept their lost land, other property, and resources, while buying settlement products and services from Israelis who robbed them.

Moreover, EU 1995 and 1997 Israeli and PLO agreements respectively make member states Prohibition Bill violators for defining Israel as its own territory, and Palestine as the West Bank and Gaza.

EU Advocate General Pedro Cruz Villalon, in fact, believes the UN's 1947 petition plan defined Israel's borders, giving Jews 56% of the land, Palestinians 42%, the other 2% (including Jerusalem) under internationalized trusteeship. 

Israel's Boycott Bill criminalizes support for these definitions and advocacy if enforcement follows. As a result, European Parliament members expressed support for others opposed to this measure.

Nonetheless, Haaretz writer Lis first said "(t)he governing coalition is expected to" back it. Indeed they have.

At the same time, Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin decided Sunday to consider postponing a Knesset vote if Legal Advisor Yinon's Monday criticism includes disturbing reasons to do so. 

Now out, he said parts of the measure edge toward "illegality and perhaps beyond," warning also that the bill "damages the core of freedom of expression in Israel."

Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz advised changing it in committee, but supports the law in principle, saying it doesn't obstruct free expression when, in fact, it does grievously.

Nonetheless, Knesset debate considered and passed it. Bill sponsor MK Ze'ev Elkin expected passage because Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein approved the current version and agreed to defend it in Israel's High Court of Justice.

On July 11, extremist Knesset members compounded opposition outrage by letting demagogic hate-monger Glenn Beck address the Aliyah and Absorption Committee, saying he showed up "to speak the truth" about efforts to delegitimize Israel. 

He also claimed PA demands exacerbate anti-Semitism that's "going through the roof," when American and European studies show it in steep decline. Notably, he once told his Fox News viewers:

"I say on the air all the time. If you take what I say as gospel, you're an idiot."

So are extremist MKs who invited him, making themselves resemble Beck clones.

The Bill's English Translation Text

Proposed Bill to Prevent Harm to the State of Israel by Means of Boycott

27 June 2011

 Definition:

 1. In this bill, "a boycott against the State of Israel" – deliberately avoiding economic, cultural or academic ties with another person or another factor only because of his ties with the State of Israel, one of its institutions or an area under its control, in such a way that may cause economic, cultural or academic damage.

 Boycott – a civil wrong:

 A. Knowingly publishing a public call for a boycott against the State of Israel will be considered a civil wrong to which the civil tort law [new version] applies, if according to the content and circumstances of the publication there is reasonable probability that the call will bring about a boycott and he who published the call was aware of this possibility.

B. In regards to clause 62 [A] of the civil tort law [new version], he who causes a binding legal agreement to be breached by calling for a boycott against the State of Israel will not be viewed as someone who operated with sufficient justification. 

C. If the court will find that an wrong according to this law was deliberately carried out, it will be authorized to compel the person who did the wrongdoing to pay damages that are not dependent on the damage (in this clause – damages, for example); in calculating the sum of the damages for example, the court will take into consideration, among other things, the circumstances under which the wrong was carried out, its severity and its extent.

 Regulations pertaining to limitation on participation in tenders:

 3. The Finance Minister is authorized, with the agreement of the Justice Minister and the approval of the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, to set the regulations of this matter [special cases where it will be limited] and to limit the participation of he who knowingly published a public call for a boycott against the State of Israel, or who committed to take part in a boycott, in a tender that must to be carried out according to legislation.

 Regulations pertaining to the suspension of benefits

A. The Finance Minister, with the approval of the Justice Minister, may decide in the case of someone who knowingly published a public call for a boycott against the State of Israel or committed to take part in a boycott [in special cases] that –

1. He will not be considered a public institution as to clause 9 (2) of the income tax ordinance;

2. He will not be eligible for receiving money from the council of sports gambling according to clause 9 of the law regulating sports gambling, 1967;

3. He will not be considered a public institution as far as receiving support according to clause 3(A) of the budget foundations law, 1985;

4. He will not be subject to the orders of the guaranteeing law on behalf of the state, 1958

5. He will not be eligible to enjoy benefits given according to the law to encourage capital investment, 1959, and according to the law to encourage research and development in industry, 1984.

 B. Putting into practice the authority of the Finance Minister according to small clause (A)(2) will be carried out with the approval of the Sports Minister. Putting into practice the authority of the Finance Minister according to small clause (A)(3) will be carried out with the approval of the minister that the government had decided is responsible for the budget as is stated in paragraph (2) of the definition of who is "responsible for the budget clause" within the budget foundations law, 1985. Putting into practice the authority of the Finance Minister according to small clause (5) will be carried out with the approval of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor.

 Implementation

 The Minister of Justice is appointed to implement this law.

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/.