indymedia.org.il - Announcements http://indymedia.org.il/he/taxonomy/term/21/0 he Centrioles that are perpendicular to each other http://indymedia.org.il/he/node/23967 <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>An interesting condition in the world of biology is the fact that the Centrioles inside the cell is Perpendicular to Each Other.</p> <p></p><p><a href="http://indymedia.org.il/he/node/23967" target="_blank">להמשך קריאה</a></p> Announcements Education Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:58:59 +0000 23967 at http://indymedia.org.il Israeli Occupation, Colonialism and Apartheid: Crimes Against Humanity http://indymedia.org.il/he/article/2011/10/israeli-occupation-colonialism-and-apartheid-crimes-against-humanity <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Israeli Occupation, Colonialism and Apartheid: Crimes Against Humanity</b> - by Stephen Lendman</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Colonialism and apartheid are especially serious international law breaches because they fundamentally violate core legal principles and values.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirmed self-determination as an essential principle of international law. All states must respect and promote it. Colonial occupation is in clear violation.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (the Declaration on Colonialism), condems "colonialism in all its forms and manifestations," including illegal settlements.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>According to the 1973 International Convention for the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid (the Apartheid Convention), this practice is state-sanctioned discriminatory "inhuman" racism "committed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining domination by one racial group of persons over any other racial group of persons and systematically oppressing them."&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Apartheid is an international crime. The above definition builds on the 1965 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition, the 1998 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court calls apartheid a crime under the Court's jurisdiction. Israel is flagrantly guilty but yet to be held accountable.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>International laws prohibiting colonialism and apartheid are "peremptory." As a result, they're recognized by the world community as standards permitting no derogation. Every country is legally bound to respect and observe them. They must also:</p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;</li> <li>work cooperatively to end individual state violations;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>not extend recognition to lawless ones; nor</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>provide them aid in any form.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Moreover, international law recognizes:</p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;</li> <li>Palestinians' right to self-determination;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>that Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegally occupied;&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>that Israel has no sovereignty over these Territories, only an earlier temporary administrative right no longer applicable;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>that land seizures are illegal;&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>so is the Separation Wall as the ICJ affirmed in 2004;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>that the 2005 Gaza "disengagement" left Israel in control; that over four years of siege is illegal; and</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>that, as an Occupying Power, international law obligates Israel to "abide by the....rules of armed conflict (and relevant human rights laws) in its administration of the territories."</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For over 44 years, Israel willfully violated the law under a dual discriminatory regime. Its occupation and land seizures are illegal. Its settlers are protected under civil laws assuring them free movement and essential services.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In contrast, Palestinians are governed by military law. Its tribunals violate international judiciary standards. Israel's High Court affirmed a bifurcated system that discriminates lawlessly between these two groups, affording them different rights, protections, and life chances in the same territory.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As a result, this system violates armed conflict laws, as well as international legal colonialism and apartheid prohibitions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Under the Declaration on Colonialism, this practice exists when states annex or otherwise lawlessly retain territorial control and deny indigenous peoples their self-determination rights. Israel does it six ways by:</p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;</li> <li>violating the integrity of the Occupied Territories;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>prohibiting meaningful self-government;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>integrating the area's economy into its own;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>controlling its resources;&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>denying Palestinians economic enfranchisement, free movement, expression, their historical heritage as well as right to develop and practice it, and equal justice under the law; and</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>maintaining a 44-year state of war, including killings, targeted assassinations, mass arrests, incarcerations, torture and abuse, as well as other degrading and humiliating treatment.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Under ICERD's Article 3, apartheid is prohibited as a particularly egregious form of discrimination, without precisely defining the practice.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Apartheid Convention and Rome Statute went further by criminalizing certain apartheid-related acts. They specifically involve inhuman ones, letting one racial (or ethnic) group dominate and oppress another.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Israel takes full advantage by affording Palestinians virtually no rights as occupied people subjected to harsh discriminatory treatment.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Third International <a href="http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/"><span>Russell Tribunal on Palestine</span></a> Session</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>On <a href="http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/1399/south-africa-session-preparations"><span>November 5 and 6 in Cape Town, South Africa</span></a>, distinguished speakers will address the following topic:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>"Is the Crime of Apartheid Applicable to Israel? Consequences"</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The agenda includes:</p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;</li> <li>An introduction by Pierre Galand and Stephane Hessel</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Opening remarks by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu</li> </ul> <ul> <li>&nbsp;</li> <li>Speakers yet to be announced discussing: "Setting the Legal Context - The Palestinian Right to Self-Determination;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Max du Plessis addressing "Apartheid in South Africa, and the Prohibition of Apartheid in International Law;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>John Dugard discussing "The Law and Practice of Apartheid in South Africa and Palestine;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>David Keane addressing "Elements of the Definition of Apartheid - Racial Groups under International Law;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Ingrid Jaradat discussing "Palestinian Identity and Palestinians as a Distinct Racial Group for the Purposes of the Definition of Apartheid;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Steven Friedman addressing "Jewish Identity and Jews as a Distinct Racial Group for the Purposes of the Definition of Apartheid;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Joseph Schechla and Emily Schaeffer discussing "Elements of the Definition of Apartheid: An Institutionalized Regime of Systematic Domination;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>speakers to be announced addressing "Acts of Apartheid (Based on Article 2 of the Apartheid Convention as well as Article 5 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD);"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Mahmod Hassan presenting testimonies about extrajudicial killing, torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment, as well as arbitrary arrests and illegal imprisonment in the West Bank, Gaza and Israel;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Rafeef Ziadah and Zwelinzima Vavi addressing "Exploitation of Labour of Members of a Racial Group or Groups in Israel;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Luciana Coconi, Shawan Jabarin and Lea Lea Tsemel discussing "Preventing a Racial Group from Participating in the Country's Political, Social, Economic and Cultural Life and from Developing Fully, by Denying Basic Human Rights and Freedoms to it;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, Jeff Halper and Jamal Juma'a addressing "Measures Designed to Divide the Population Along Racial Lines;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Haneen Zoabi and Shawqi Ensan discussing "Persecution of Organizations and Persons, by Depriving Them of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms Because They Oppose Apartheid;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Rafaelle Maison addressing "Persecution as a Crime Against Humanity;"</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Raji Surani, Mohammed Khatib and Jazi Abu Kaf &nbsp;discussing the above issue with regard to Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Israeli Arabs;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>A speaker to be announced presenting Israel's position (if one shows up); and</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Francois Dubuisson addressing "Third Party Responsibility and Remedies;" followed by closing remarks, Russell Tribunal jury deliberations on issues pertaining to Israel and Palestine, and a press conference.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A follow-up article will discuss Russell Tribunal findings and conclusions.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Moreover, on October 27, the Progressive Radio News Hour will feature Frank Barat, a member of the Russell Tribunal's Organizing Committee. He's also a member of the UK-based Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, supporting peace and justice for Palestinians.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span><a href="http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/">http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/</a></span><span>.</span></p> <p></p><p><a href="http://indymedia.org.il/he/article/2011/10/israeli-occupation-colonialism-and-apartheid-crimes-against-humanity" target="_blank">להמשך קריאה</a></p> Announcements Civil & Human Rights Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:42:52 +0000 23966 at http://indymedia.org.il World Week for the Abolition of Meat: 23-30 Sept 2011 http://indymedia.org.il/he/node/23938 <p align="CENTER"><img alt="" src="http://ybon.poptrois.net/messages/Abolition-of-Meat-sept-2011.jpg" width="730" height="219" /></p> <p align="CENTER"><strong><br /></strong></p> <p align="CENTER"><strong>Call for the upcoming WWAM: </strong></p> <p align="CENTER"><strong>23 Sept-30 Sept 2011</strong></p> <p></p><p><a href="http://indymedia.org.il/he/node/23938" target="_blank">להמשך קריאה</a></p> Animal Rights Announcements Miscellaneous Sun, 18 Sep 2011 08:46:08 +0000 23938 at http://indymedia.org.il Solidarity Call For Gerze Community-Turkey http://indymedia.org.il/he/node/23927 <p><span class="normal"><b>Solidarity Call for Gerze Community in Turkey, who successfully defended its land against the power plant company and the state violence</b></span></p> <p><span class="normal">Sign the Solidarity Letter For Gerze Community, who has been fighting the power plant company and the state violence directed against them!</span></p> <p></p><p><a href="http://indymedia.org.il/he/node/23927" target="_blank">להמשך קריאה</a></p> Announcements Environment Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:11:14 +0000 23927 at http://indymedia.org.il Israel's Proposed Counterterrorism Law http://indymedia.org.il/he/article/2011/9/israels-proposed-counterterrorism-law <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span">Israel's Proposed Counterterrorism Law - by Stephen Lendman</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In recent years, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) increasingly warned about infringements of democratic freedoms in Israel.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Major concerns involve undermining free expression, human dignity, equality, pluralism, freedom of assembly and right to protest, and whether certain positions can be declared illegitimate, despite the democratic right of anyone to profess them.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Another major concern is Israel's proposed counterterrorism law. On August 3, it passed its first Knesset reading. It proposes to make current "state of emergency" measures against terrorism permanent law, including administrative detentions, control orders, and broad definitions of "terrorism" and "terror organizations."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The law smacks of police state justice that should worry dwindling numbers of less extreme MKs and all Israelis. Of course, Palestinians and Israeli Arabs already experience Israeli terror. Perhaps Jews will soon learn firsthand how unjustly repressive.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>According to ACRI attorney Lila Margalit:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>"(T)he bill includes elements that may lead law-abiding individuals and organizations to be deemed as 'terrorists.' (It) grants the State draconian and unchecked authority to take extreme measures against individuals and organizations without due process, on the basis of suspicion alone, without guaranteeing the minimal right of self-defense in court. The bill therefore provides a huge opening for the State to intervene in the public debate and to limit freedom of assembly and freedom of movement."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It also endangers free expression without which all other rights are at risk. If passed, the bill will legitimize police state justice, rendering anyone vulnerable to be judged guilty by accusation.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It's the same slippery slope America headed down post/9/11. In numerous ways, Israel replicated it. This law will add another nail in the coffin of a free society, leaving everyone unsafe - uncertain whether midnight justice will leave them isolated in detention, awaiting harsh rulings to keep them there for exercising rights they've now lost.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Israel's 2011 Counterterrorism Law (CL)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>ACRI explained its provisions, subject to debate and amendments, including:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>(1) Administrative Detentions and Control Orders</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>They let authorities arrest and detain individuals indefinitely without charge, based on secret withheld&nbsp; evidence. Obama made if official policy in America. Yet under US, Israeli and international law, it's illegal, deplorable, and an affront to democratic principles.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Under Israel's Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty, it's flagrantly illegal, violating the law's limitation clause - "namely, it is not consistent with the values of the State of Israel, and does not make use of the principle of proportionality."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Moreover, it's justified on alleged or concocted evidence, previous activities or motives. Yet due process is denied because no proof is needed. In other words, administrative detentions are police state measures used to imprison individuals without evidence or legal justification.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>(2) Secret Evidence</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>CL institutionalizes widespread, routine use against any designated individuals or groups, without minimal discovery requirements to assure due process, and without considering alternate ways to prevent civil and human rights violations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It's kangaroo court despotism at its worst, abolishing due process and ability of anyone to contest false charges. "There is no more serious injury to due process than to deny a suspect the opportunity to confront his accusers and to respond to the charges leveled against him."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Using likely fabricated charges based on secret evidence, justice is impossible. Abuse of power, gross discrimination, and political targeting assure innocent people will be unjustly punished.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>(3) Vague, Overly Broad Definitions of Terrorism, Terrorist Organizations, and Members of Such Groups</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>CL ill-defines the terms "terrorist act," "terrorist organization," and "member of a terrorist group," effectively declaring those charged guilty by accusation, no evidence needed. That's despotism.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For example, under Article 2, "a member of a terrorist group" includes anyone who allegedly intends to become a member, without evidence to prove it.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Moreover, suspects bear the burden of proof they can't contest without knowledge of alleged evidence against them. Criminalizing individuals indiscriminately is political persecution against which they have no defense.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition, charges based on alleged intentions to join a terrorist group may either be false or misjudged verbally stated views. For example, opposing state policies constitutes free thought, opinion or expression, not malice aforethought to commit crimes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>(4) Legalizing Draconian Practices</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Under temporary security order authority, suspects may be detained up to 96 hours for interrogations without judicial permission, based on the notion that interrupting questioning may compromise or undermine investigations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Under current law, security suspects may be denied access to counsel up to 21 days, an intolerable practice but it exists. Removing judicial oversight means they can undergo lengthy draconian interrogations with no protections whatever against torture and other forms of abuse.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As a result, false confessions may be obtained to convict innocent people, what Palestinians commonly face, they, too, judged guilty by accusation, even children for alleged stone-throwing. They're imprisoned for it unjustly even if entirely innocent. And if guilty, they deserve no more than reprimands.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>(5) Violating Free Expression</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For example, Article 27 imposes three year prison terms for anyone "whose actions express solidarity or identification with (an alleged) terrorist group, including through publication of praise, support or sympathy for a terrorist group, waving its flag, display or publication of one of its symbols, or displaying, playing, or publicizing one of its slogans or anthems, if such an expression is made in public."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In other words, freely expressed views become crimes, even alleged support for wrongly designated terrorist groups.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>(6) Re-Writing Criminal Law</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>CL establishes new rules contradicting fundamental criminal law principles. For example, Article 47 permits&nbsp; hearsay exceptions, letting a suspect's alleged statement(s) be submitted as evidence, even if he or she isn't present in court because they reside outside Israel or aren't available for other reasons.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Although CL prohibits convictions this way, it permits hearsay used as corroborating evidence. Note also that most Israeli security cases rely largely on confessions extracted under torture, making them illegitimate in due process proceedings. But not in Israel where it's common practice against Palestinians. CL will allow it against Jews.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition, it equates alleged intent with actually committing a crime, imposing the same liability on both in violation of accepted criminal law tenets.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>CL's provisions thus "turn law-abiding citizens and organizations (with no connections whatsoever to violent acts) into 'terrorists' " because Israel says so. It also authorizes unchecked, draconian executive powers, based on alleged suspicions, not hard evidence, leaving suspects unable to defend themselves.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As a result, CL effectively annuls due process/judicial fairness protections, leaving everyone potentially vulnerable to police state justice, that, of course, means none whatsoever.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Israel's extremist right-wing Knesset very likely will pass what no legitimate democracy would tolerate. In Israel and America, it's common practice, filling prison cells with innocent victims unjustly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Against Muslims, Blacks and Latinos in America, as well as Palestinians in Israel, it goes unnoticed. When everyone in both countries is vulnerable, perhaps public awareness will take note and act. The alternative is too dire to imagine, but it's coming unless public outrage prevents it.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span><a href="http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/">http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/</a></span><span>.</span></p> <p></p><p><a href="http://indymedia.org.il/he/article/2011/9/israels-proposed-counterterrorism-law" target="_blank">להמשך קריאה</a></p> Announcements Civil & Human Rights Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:43:19 +0000 23899 at http://indymedia.org.il ISRAEL AUVERGNAT COLA A LONG SUCCESS STORY WITH ISRAEL JEWISH PEOPLE AND AUVERGNE IN THE SECOND WHOLE WORLD ;o) http://indymedia.org.il/he/article/2011/8/israel-auvergnat-cola-a-long-success-story-with-israel-jewish-people-and-auvergne-in- <p>ALL ISRAEL AND JEWISH PEOPLE DRINK AUVERGNAT COLA BECAUSE AUVERGNE LOVES US ;o) JEWISH PEOPLE :o) <a href="http://www.annonces.com/fr/vie-locale/coup-de-coeur/annonces_photo_0_0_2761747xx8375b4e8b94fee4154b2f029bf8a8e13.jpg" title="http://www.annonces.com/fr/vie-locale/coup-de-coeur/annonces_photo_0_0_2761747xx8375b4e8b94fee4154b2f029bf8a8e13.jpg">http://www.annonces.com/fr/vie-locale/coup-de-coeur/annonces_photo_0_0_2...</a> FAI TOUT PETAI MILLADIOU YEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS TO MUCH AUVERGNAT COLA ALL AROUND THE WORLD</p> Announcements Civil & Human Rights Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:49:02 +0000 23890 at http://indymedia.org.il ISRAEL NEWS - THE FRANCE IS A NAZI CRATIE THAT ATTACKS US :( THE JEWISH INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY :) MUST REACT NOW :) http://indymedia.org.il/he/article/2011/8/israel-news-the-france-is-a-nazi-cratie-that-attacks-us-the-jewish-international-comm <p>&nbsp;</p> <p></p><p><a href="http://indymedia.org.il/he/article/2011/8/israel-news-the-france-is-a-nazi-cratie-that-attacks-us-the-jewish-international-comm" target="_blank">להמשך קריאה</a></p> Announcements Civil & Human Rights Sat, 06 Aug 2011 01:27:45 +0000 23849 at http://indymedia.org.il Rote Flora: "Access all areas" - International day of action http://indymedia.org.il/he/node/23841 <div id="cke_pastebin">This is a proposal for a International day of action at the end of the year against capitalist urban development and gentrification. We are different activists around the squatted Rote Flora and the Right to the City Network in Hamburg, organized in the campaign “Flora remains disagreeable”, to defend this project against a potential eviction. As regards content, we don’t want to focus Rote Flora itself, but on political issues being symbolised by it and on issues connecting it with your local struggles. It would be great, if you distribute this call and give us feedback up to August 22 if you would like to take an active part or contribute criticism or suggestions. </div><p><a href="http://indymedia.org.il/he/node/23841" target="_blank">להמשך קריאה</a></p> Announcements Housing Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:54:18 +0000 23841 at http://indymedia.org.il NATO and Rebel Atrocities in Libya http://indymedia.org.il/he/article/2011/7/nato-and-rebel-atrocities-in-libya <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span">Nato and Rebel Atrocities in Libya - by Stephen Lendman</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Previous articles discussed:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-- NATO's illegal Libya aggression;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-- American and Western media in the lead cheerleading it; some reporters, in fact, complicit with NATO forces by supplying target coordinates;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-- planning it many months (perhaps years) before fighting began last winter;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-- waging it to conquer, colonize, loot, and balkanize Libya, masquerading as humanitarian intervention;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-- covertly funding, arming and training mercenary insurgents, including Al Qaeda linked Libya Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) paramilitaries;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-- establishing an illegitimate Transitional National Council (TNC) government with CIA/British Intelligence (SIS/MI6) links;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-- terror bombing Libya daily since March 19, using depleted uranium weapons, cluster bombs and perhaps other illegal weapons;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-- 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;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-- collectively punishing Libyans; in government-controlled areas, the ratio of civilian to military deaths is about 10 to one;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-- blocking shipments of food, fuel and medicine; and</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-- 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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>War Rages Unabated</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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."&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In fact, America remains very much involved, despite diminishing chances of prevailing given Libyans resolve to defend their sovereignty by resisting.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Early in the campaign, Germany recalled two frigates and AWACS surveillance Mediterranean flights, but recently agreed to supply munitions.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.' "</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Reporting from Libya, Franklin Lamb reported regular NATO atrocities he witnessed afterwards firsthand, including:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Paramilitary Insurgent Cutthroats</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Previous articles discussed rebel paramilitary atrocities, accessed through the following links:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/03/plaanned-regime-change-in-libya_28.html</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2011/05/libyan-rebels-killing-civilians-in.html</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>On July 12, New York Times writer CJ Chivers headlined, "Libyan Rebels Accused of Pillage and Beatings," saying:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>"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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>On July 13, HRW headlined, "Libya: Opposition Forces Should Protect Civilians and Hospitals," saying:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Instead they're "responsible for looting, arson, and abuse of civilians in recently captured towns....in the Nufusa Mountains."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>They've "damaged property, burned some homes, looted from hospitals, homes, shops, and beaten some (alleged pro-Gaddafi) supporte(rs)."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>According to HRW's Sarah Leah Whitson:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>"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?"</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span><a href="http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/">http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/</a></span><span>.</span></p> <p></p><p><a href="http://indymedia.org.il/he/article/2011/7/nato-and-rebel-atrocities-in-libya" target="_blank">להמשך קריאה</a></p> Announcements Civil & Human Rights Thu, 14 Jul 2011 07:53:09 +0000 23826 at http://indymedia.org.il חדש: המהדורה הרביעית של המדריך לאנרכיסט http://indymedia.org.il/he/article/2011/6/he/%D7%97%D7%93%D7%A9-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%94%D7%93%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%94-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%A9%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%93%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9A-%D7%9C%D7%90%D7%A0%D7%A8%D7%9B%D7%99%D7%A1%D7%98 <p><a href="http://www.freemanontheholyland.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://eyallior.no-ip.org/.vaada/images/four.jpg" /></a>המהדורה הרביעית של המדריך לאנרכיסט יצאה לאור וניתנת לקריאה והורדה חינם באתר הבית של המדריך: איש חופשי על האדמה הקדושה. המהדורה הרביעית מכילה כתבות חדשות ובלעדיות לספר, אינסוף תיקוני עריכה ותוספות, נספח שאלות לשוטר, מהלכים חדשים בבית המשפט, טכנולוגיה משופרת, פרק גדול על הגשת בקשות בבית משפט ועוד. אם אתה רוצה לחוות צדק, אמת, חירות ושיווין בחייך, ספר זה הוא בדיוק הספר בשבילך. יש רק בעיה‬ ‫אחת! ביורוקרטים בכל מקום עושים את ההשגה של חזון זה לקשה או בלתי ניתן להשגה, אך ורק על‬ ‫סמך מקום הולדתך (“אזרחות”) והמקום בו אתה נמצא (“תושבות”).‬</p> <p></p><p><a href="http://indymedia.org.il/he/article/2011/6/he/%D7%97%D7%93%D7%A9-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%94%D7%93%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%94-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%A9%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%93%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9A-%D7%9C%D7%90%D7%A0%D7%A8%D7%9B%D7%99%D7%A1%D7%98" target="_blank">להמשך קריאה</a></p> Announcements Civil & Human Rights Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:06:24 +0000 startxxx 23764 at http://indymedia.org.il