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Egypt’s New Pharaoh And The Useful Idiots
Posted on December 17, 2012 by Akashma Online News
By Chris Hedges
When Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to Iran after 14 years in exile on Feb. 1, 1979, he set out to destroy the secular opposition forces, including the Communist Party of Iran, which had been instrumental in bringing down the shah. Khomeini’s declaration of an Islamic government, supported by referendum, saw him rewrite the constitution, close opposition newspapers and ban opposition groups including the National Democratic Front and the Muslim People’s Republican Party. Dissidents who had spent years inside Iran’s notoriously brutal prison system under the shah were incarcerated once again by the new regime. Some returned to their cells to be greeted by their old jailers, who had offered their services to the new regime.
This is what is under way in Egypt. It is the story of most revolutions. The moderates, who are crucial to winning the support of the masses and many outside the country, become an impediment to the consolidation of autocratic power. Liberal democrats, intellectuals, the middle class, secularists and religious minorities including Coptic Christians were always seen by President Mohamed Morsi and his Freedom and Justice Party—Egypt’s de facto political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood—as “useful idiots.” These forces were essential to building a broad movement to topple the dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak. They permitted Western journalists to paint the opposition in their own image. But now they are a hindrance to single-party rule and are being crushed.
The first of two days of voting on a new constitution was held Saturday. According to reports Sunday, the document is being approved. The second round of voting, next Saturday, includes rural districts that provide much of the Brotherhood’s base of support, and it is expected to end in the constitution being ratified by the required 50 percent or more of Egypt’s 51 million voters. Opposition forces charge that the first round was marred by polling irregularities including bribery, intimidation, erratic polling hours and polling officials who instructed voters how to cast ballots. A large number of the 13,000 polling stations will have had no independent monitors; many judges, in protest over the drafting process, have refused to oversee the voting.
The referendum masks the real center of power, which is in the hands of the Muslim Brotherhood. The party has no intention of diluting or giving up that power. For example, when it appeared that the Supreme Constitutional Court would dissolve the panel—stacked with party members—that was drafting the new constitution, the Brotherhood locked the judges out of the court building. Three dozen members of the panel, including secularists, Coptic Christians, liberals and journalists, quit in protest. The remaining Islamists, in defiance of the judges, held an all-night session Nov. 29 and officially approved the 63-page document.
The draft constitution is filled with disturbingly vague language about democratic rights, civil liberties, the duties of women and the role of the press. It gives Islamic religious authorities control over the legislative process and many aspects of daily and personal life. One reason the constitution is expected to pass, apart from voting fraud, is because many liberals, secularists and Copts have walked away in disgust from electoral participation.
The Brotherhood, ironically, was not part of the vanguard that led the 18 days of protests in February 2011 that brought down Mubarak. It was reluctant, after decades of being severely repressed, to throw its weight behind the protesters clogging Tahrir Square. It said at first that it would not compete in the presidential election or run a full slate of parliamentary candidates. But once it saw the chaos, squabbling and disarray among its secular opponents, who ran three competing presidential candidates, it seized the opportunity.
Passages in the proposed constitution such as “The state is keen to preserve the genuine character of the Egyptian family” and the state guarantees freedom of the press except “in times of war or public mobilization” are vague enough to allow the Muslim Brotherhood to severely curtail women’s rights and ruthlessly silence press criticism. Morsi’s imperial presidential declaration of Nov. 22, until he rescinded it last week after street protests, effectively placed him above the law. Rescission of the decree will not, however, prevent the party from attaining dictatorial power.
The Brotherhood does not shrink from the use of deadly force. The violent street clashes between thousands of pro- and anti-government demonstrators outside the presidential palace last week left 10 dead and about 700 wounded. Some anti-government protesters said they were beaten in a makeshift detention and torture center that the Brotherhood set up close to the palace. Morsi showed no remorse. He announced in a nationally televised broadcast that anti-government demonstrators had confessed to being “paid thugs.” And the new government, to curb further street protests, including those that took place in Alexandria this weekend, has authorized the military to arrest civilians.
The Muslim Brotherhood, like all revolutionary parties that replace an ancien régime, has inhabited the traditional structures of power. Government ministers and cabinets have been appointed. Parliamentarians have been elected. Judges have been named. But actual power is held, as in most post-revolutionary societies, by parallel party organizations. There are two systems of authority. One is public and ceremonial. The other is secret and unassailable. It is this realization—that the formal positions of power no longer mean anything—that led to the withdrawal of 30 percent of the Constituent Assembly, including several presidential advisers. Public figures in official roles are window dressing.
Successful revolutionaries, as Crane Brinton wrote, “combine, in varying degrees, very high ideals and a complete contempt for the inhibitions and principles which serve other men as ideals. They present a strange variant of Plato’s pleasant scheme: they are not philosopher-kings but philosopher-killers. They have the realistic, the practical touch very few of the moderate leaders had, and yet they have also enough of the prophet’s fire to hold followers who expect the New Jerusalem around the corner. They are practical men unfettered by common sense, Machiavellians in the service of the Beautiful and the Good.”
Read more…
Sinai Peninsula conflict Zone-Israel Egypt Treaty at Stake
Posted on August 11, 2012 by Akashma Online News
Before you make your mind be sure to look the map of the Sinai Peninsula, which situated very strategically so Israel can not lose control of it, even thought officially gave it back to Egypt in the famous treaty of 1979, where there were conditions that Egypt has to comply with; like not to have military presence in the area, only Israel could patrol the Sinai peninsula. Also the commerce between Egypt and Israel has to stay active.
Masked Gunmen killed Egyptian soldiers
Sometimes our activism and our Passion for Palestine takes to take Palestine’s side. –I ‘m looking a different picture here.
At the beginning when the news got published, I immediately thought of Israel–We know that in conflicts of this nature Israel is the one country that gets the benefit most of the time, well that’s what we–Palestinian supporters think most of the time.
There are other elements into the Palestine resistance side of the conflict: the armed wings or militias that, on one instance we praise for their courage to stand up against Israel trying sometimes almost suicide missions, on other, we see them as an obstacle for peace.
There are many groups not aligned with Hamas nor with Fatah and they act independently, and diplomacy does not work for them. They see diplomacy as a waste of time.
One of those groups in 2007 carried the attack in the Israel base that captured the IDF soldier Gilda Shilat. Hamas was not in control of the situation but after many underground talks with the leaders of the group Hamas consolidated the famous exchange of prisoners for Shilat few months ago.
Also do not forget that the Israel-Egypt treaty was due to security, Israel nor Egypt could control the Bedouins and the constant attacks to Israel so Israel exchange peace and security and gave back the Sinai Peninsula. Those same tribes that now control and profit from the tunnels in the Egyptian Side.
So it is premature to say that Israel did it, or say that Palestinians factions did it crossing to Israel knowing that they will be killed, kind of suicide mission.
Every one have motives to create conflict between Israel-Palestine, Palestine-Egypt and Egypt-Israel, there are many in Egypt that oppose the peace treaty with Israel, so they could be the ones, to make believe that Israel did it, to take advantage of the animosity of the Egyptians against Israel, because after all Egyptian and Palestinians are like brothers united by ancestral ties and religion.
Could be possible that Egyptian tribes could have done it, making sure to looks like Israel prints to keep the tunnels open, do not forget they control and profit from them. They do not want Rafah crossing to be officially and permanently to be open to commerce and transit, is not good for business.
Or could be any of the groups, the armed militia that act independently from the central government …all of them have motives to create conflict…But something for sure..if it was a Palestinian group, they usually take responsibility for their acts, or maybe they are learning deceit and treason as Israel do, and do it under the veil of the doubt …..
Before you make your mind, be sure to look the map of the Sinai Peninsula, situated very strategically so Israel can not lose control of it, even thought officially gave it back to Egypt in the famous treaty of 1979, where there are conditions that Egypt has to comply with; like not to have military presence in the area, only Israel could patrol the Sinai peninsula. Also the commerce between Egypt and Israel has to stay active.
Another important aspect if the Red Sea, the Suez Canal , the Gulf of Aden.
It’s quite simple: Israel needs an outlet to the Red Sea for its shipping. The only Israeli presence on the islands is military to ensure that the shipping lanes are kept clear for its imports and exports, including military hardware to fight against Arab states. By international agreement, a multinational UN force is also stationed on the islands which “monitors the compliance of all parties” with this agreement. In reality, this means that American and Egyptian troops help to protect Israel’s shipping lanes through the Straits of Tiran, Saudi Arabia’s occupied sovereign territory. What would the people of Saudi Arabia say if they knew?
You be the judge..
What ever the truth is will emerge eventually but off course not before thousands of lives and maybe millions of innocent lives are lost.
Prominent Egyptian activist and blogger released from prison
Prominent Egyptian activist and blogger released from prison…
Dr. Ashraf Ezzat Salem-News.com
Egyptian Blogger and activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah released from prison, pending further investigations into the Maspero clashes. Is it a cause for rejoicing, or is it too late to resuscitate a dying revolution?
 Alaa Abd El-Fattah
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(ALEXANDRIA, Egypt) – Prominent Egyptian blogger and activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah was released from custody Sunday. His detention on 30 October stemmed from charges that included inciting violence during the bloody attack by the military on Coptic rights protesters, in what is known as theMaspero rally, on 9 October, which sparked outcry and condemnation in Egypt and around the world.
Alaa also faces charges of alleged vandalism at the Maspero rally in downtown Cairo which morphed into clashes with security forces in which 27 people were killed, most of them Copts protesting over the burning of a church in the southern city of Aswan.
The young activist reportedly refused to undergo questioning by the military prosecution on the grounds that the military itself was implicated in the case.
Coptic witnesses said they were fired upon by soldiers during the protest march and that several people were killed when armored vehicles ran over and crushed them.
“Alaa will be released” his sister Mona Seif, who is also a political activist, said on Twitter.
Editor’s note:
 Egypt christians (Copts) rallying in front the downtownCairo state TV building. From the report: Cairo Clashes: The Chronicles of Egypt Copts by Dr. Ashraf Ezzat |
I was riding a taxi when I read the tweets of Alaa’s release from prison, and I was so thrilled I couldn’t hide the big smile that was suddenly drawn on my face. The taxi driver, who was peeking at my smiling face in his rear view mirror, asked me with sheer curiosity “Good news sir?”
“Excellent news actually” I assuredly replied “The military released Alaa Abdel Fattah this morning after nearly two months of detention. His release couldn’t have come at a better time; it will surely boost the morale of all political activists who have been enduring through rough times lately in Tahrir square” I enthusiastically added.
“The release of any prisoner is good news especially if he is innocent, but sir, who is this Alla abdel Fattah” the driver ingenuously asked.
“Never mind, and pull over please, I’ll get off here” I responded
 From the report: Call-Out for Solidarity withEgypt: Defend the Revolution by Dr. Ashraf Ezzat |
It is worth mentioning that the failure- up till now- of the Tahrir square revolution to produce strong and secular political leadership is one of the main reasons why the Egyptian revolution will remain to be seen as “unfinished business”.
In the lack of political cadres, proper funding and charismatic leadership the Tahrir revolution has been stabbed in the back and served cold to the Islamists and the military.
Meanwhile, the die-hard activists and revolutionaries can only find solace in rejoicing over the release of one of more than 12000 imprisoned activists and protesters detained and tried before military tribunals since last February.
Learn more, visit Dr. Ashraff’s Website: Pyramidion Politics & Faith – Egyptology & Art
Dr. Ashraf Ezzat is an Egyptian medical doctor whose passion has always been writing. He says of all the human-related studies, he finds himself attracted to history. Ashraf stresses that history helps us understand change and how the society we live in came to be.
He says Egyptology holds a special place in his heart, for Egypt is where the human conscience sprouted. In ancient Egypt all things civilized began to evolve.
“I write articles and share posts of interest to me and hopefully to a lot of people.” Dr. Ashraf Ezzat says you can drop him a line any time at: amenhotep.55@gmail.com “I like to exchange knowledge and experience, I think that`s what Blogging is all about.”
Egypt military court ‘toying with life’ of jailed blogger
Posted on October 17, 2011 by Akashma News
Egypt military court ‘toying with life’ of jailed blogger
Jailed blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad has been on hunger strike for 52 days
© Private
13 October 2011
Amnesty International today urged Egypt’s military leadership to immediately and unconditionally release a jailed blogger after the military appeals court in Cairo ordered a retrial of his case.
Maikel Nabil Sanad, a 26-year-old blogger, is in very poor health after spending 52 days on hunger strike to protest against his imprisonment.
Amnesty International considers him to be a prisoner of conscience following his arrest and sentencing earlier this year to three years in prison for his writings about protests in Egypt and criticizing the armed forces.
“Maikel Nabil Sanad’s trial has been rife with flaws and unnecessary delays, and the decision of the appeals court for a retrial brings him back to square one, cruelly toying with his life,” said Amnesty International.
“The charges against him must be dropped and he should be released immediately and unconditionally. He should never have been tried in the first place, let alone before a military court.”
“Forcing him to face the same unfair proceedings all over again is especially cruel given the frail state of his health.”
Maikel Nabil Sanad’s retrial is due to take place before a military court on 18 October. He will remain in detention until the new court date.
In the Egyptian military court system, appeals are limited to legal points and do not include a review of the facts of the case and the evidence.
Amnesty International opposes the trial of civilians by military courts and considers these courts as fundamentally unfair, as they deprive defendants of some of the basic guarantees of fair trial, including the right to appeal.
Since protests began in Egypt at the beginning of the year, some 12,000 people have been referred to military trials.
After the blogger’s arrest at his home in Cairo on 28 March, a military court sentenced him on 10 April to three years in prison over his criticism of the Egyptian military’s use of force against protesters in Tahrir Square and his objection to military service.
His hunger strike has caused his weight to plummet and prison authorities have denied him the medication he needs to treat a heart condition.
Family members told Amnesty International that they fear for their son’s life, and had booked a space for him in the intensive care unit at Hayat Hospital, in hopes he would be set free after the latest court hearing.
But the military court has refused to release Maikel Nabil Sanad even temporarily to receive medical treatment.
Family members said he plans to maintain his hunger strike.
Read More
Life of Egyptian blogger hangs in the balance as appeal postponed (News, 4 October 2011)
Egypt blogger on hunger strike must be released as health fails (News, 26 September 2011)
Egyptian blogger in solitary confinement (Urgent action, 30 August 2011)
Demanding change in the Middle East and North Africa (Multimedia microsite)
Source: © 2011 Amnesty International
Alexandria University Corruption
Posted on October 11, 2011 in Akashma News
In Collaboration with a Student of the University of Alexandria Omar Shalaby
Alexandria University Students Takes to the Streets
(Alexandria Egypt) Students from the University of Alexandria, march in the streets of Alexandria to stop corruption in the University Campus.
Students are demanding the purge of the old guards of Mubarak, 8 months after the thrown out of the Dictator Mubarak the University was still running with the old rules of repression and oppression of the students.
“Hanafy announced that student union elections would be regulated by Guideline 79, which bans political activity on campus.”
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The youth of Egypt still demanding the institution of the liberties for the population, smooth transition to the new government,
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Clean elections where all the population get to decide in the election of their leaders, without coercion
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Without tumbling in the freedom of speech of the people,
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The release of the protesters, the bloggers, the journalist and any person that was arrested during the Egyptian Revolution.
- The elimination of the Military Courts for Civilian Matters
The students protesting in front of the Building of the University of Alexandria, have very specific demands: End of The Corruption at The University.
Omar Shalaby, Alexandria University, faculty of Engineering, Petrochemicals major, SSP
Omar Shalaby: “You should say that I am protesting for the corruption in the University here at Alexandria. Hend Hanafy takes 250 000 LE every month, we want to fire all the Managers of the University, the old Mubarak guards.
I do not know what it is happening in Egypt right now, I know what is happening here at the Alexandria University Building because I am protesting all days and nights in front of the University building that’s, that why I do not know what’s going on in Cairo.”
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Marivel Guzman: How is the situation in there? I heard many bad things
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14 hours ago
Omar Shalaby, we are receiving many threats to be killed, but we are here like one hand. yeah very bad things, just pray for us. - Omar Shalaby: Now I g2g and feel free to mention my name and put my pictures I am not afraid, google all info u want to know, I will be happy to see my name and pictures in your article, WOW I am too happy .. And that will increase my strength to keep fighting
🙂
“Demonstrators and continue to quarrel with police and military forces on the streets of Cairo and other Egyptian cities, demanding democratic elections and protesting against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power for nearly 30 years:. January 11, 2011
Nine months later the population is taking to the streets again, the situation have not changed in Egypt, the Dictator is gone, but the Tyrannical rule of the all Tyrant still in place. The Mubarak undercover Elite police paid and trained by the US, was to blame for the criminal and inhumane practices exerted in the population, the many cases of torture and the disappearing of opposition leaders, the economic oppression that was asphyxiating Egypt all thought to be gone with Mubarak but as the past and no real change is seeing, the people knowing the power they have, they will be taking to the streets again.
In an Attempt to curve the growing resistant to the new military regime, the interim forces in power instituted a curfew in Cairo, but the people do not care for old practices of repression, and they are taking to the streets again.
Omar Shalaby: We are not afraid, (my friend Omar tells me that they are not afraid of be shown in the News, he wants their message to be known by the whole world).
Omar Shalaby: We need better education, we don’t need any of Mubarak supporters
Marivel Guzman; Better Education, more budget?
From Cairo to Aswan, higher education institutions in Egypt have been hit by a series of sit-ins staged by students protesting against the presence of university leaders and administrators associated with the fallen government of Hosni Mubarak. March 27, 2011
Official numbers talk of close to 1000 deaths, but having known the practices of Mubarak Secret Elite Police, they talk of the Thousands Disappear right at the beginning of the Revolution. So the people want all the thugs of the old regime out. There is no other way they will continue, the protests will continue, there are talks of Tahir Square to be Occupied Again.
AU Statement
Egypt is now going through a crisis, the language of wisdom and reason prevail over the language of feelings to prevent disturbance and unrest.
Greetings to Egypt’s conscious, promising, intellectual, esteemed, and committed youth, which calls for the right to a dignified life in all measures, a legitimate right of the people of this beloved homeland for a secure and stable life, bearing in mind the security and safety of the country under the discipline that govern all individuals without distinction between race or religion, protected by our armed forces which proved their respect and appreciation to the legitimate demands of the people of the nation.
We call on our young people, conscious of the intellectual investment pros of this situation to maintain the security of this nation and the stability of the belief that this is their homeland and that they are the future and the main sponsor of the country.
God save this nation. God save Egypt.
President of Alexandria University office
Prof. Hind Mamdouh Hanafi
22, El Gueish Str., El Shatby, Alexandria, Egypt
Tel: 002 03 5910096 – 002 03 5911152
Fax: 002 03 5910720
E-mail: pres@admin.alex.edu.eg
“Alexandria University , جامعة الإسكندرية, is a university in Alexandria, Egypt. It was established in 1938, in 1942,It was known as Farouk University until the or ongoing research.Egyptian Revolution of 1952 when its name was changed to the University of Alexandria. Taha Hussein was the founding rector of Alexandria University. It is now the second largest university in Egypt and has many affiliations to various universities
Gaza is Under Attack Again; UN Vote has Israel in the Hot Seat
Posted on August 19, 2011 by Marivel Guzman in collaboration with Omar Karem
Once again Gaza Strip, that enclave in the Mediterranean Sea is being Shell by Israel Air Artillery, the excuses are lame as always, but the eyes of the world are in Israel impunity to kill without being call terrorist, without being stopped by the outcry of world leaders when she engage in murderous activities, where is the International Community and the UN publicly denouncing Israel for her killing of civilians and destruction of homes, and public structures? Where is the outcry of world, where is the Main Stream Media reporting the crimes? Fox, CNN, BBC, where are your photojournalists? why you are not in Gaza? Innocent population is once again being victim of aerial raids, home destruction, panic in the streets, fears in the children hearts, impotency from the parents which can not protect their children, the shelters are not available to help them. UNRWA was instructed by Israel not to use their vehicles at night; at night when most of the bombs are dropped. The ambulances will not be able to move at night to seek for injured as Israel will shoot to any moving “Target”.
The latest excuse for the attacks came from the south of the border of Israel with Egypt, more than 188 kilometer far from Gaza. According to first reports from a spokesman from Israel said that the attacks came from the Egyptian Side of the Sinai region, which is under Israel control but it is demilitarize after the Camp Davis agreement. But there are many conflicting versions that contradict the firsts reports, after Israeli soldier killed 3 Egyptian soldiers inside Egypt, making with this invalid the Camp David accords. The situation is very tense in Israel as her biggest border which is Egypt will be lost very soon out of her total control. As soon as Palestine be Official all the accords of the past are history for the books, even if Israel never respect them, they won’t be the excuse for her crimes, and the Leaders won’t have face to say any more; “Israel has the right to defend herself”.
“Israel and any other (country) must understand that the day our sons get killed without a strong and an appropriate response, is gone and will not come back,” wrote Amr Moussa, former Arab League chief and now a presidential hopeful. He tweeted his statement along with, “the blood of our martyrs which was spilled while carrying out their duties, will not be shed in vain.”
All the factions inside Palestine and the Government of Gaza deny any involvement in the attacks that killed 8 Israelis. The world know well that when any attack is carry out by any Palestinian factions they will immediately will claim responsibility, the latest “attacks” are seen as a excuses for Israel to bring conflict to the zone of Sinai that is loosing Egyptian control after the fall of Mubarak, and also to created diversion on the world for the September UN acceptance of Palestine as a State and become the 193 Member of the UN.
The Independent Media, social forums and bloggers have been reporting in the social circles of facebook, youtube, twiter and other services to the world, but as usual the great majority of the leaders refused to condemn Israel, giving her the green light with their silence and excusing her last attacks in the innocent population of Gaza, Israel officials had reported to the press that the attacks came from the Egypt side of Sinai, the attacks to the buses going to The resort of Eilat, really too far of the reach of any Gaza groups.
Palestinian Mercenaries trained by EU with the blessing of Israel: “The new Palestinian unit will be tasked with securing European Union facilities in the eastern part of the capital and maintaining order in the area. The 80 Palestinians to be selected for the highly coveted job will be trained and guided by British company Saladin Security.”
If Israel gets away with shaking the Oslo accord only to her convenience and with security forces paid by the EU, who say that these security forces has not expanded and were “trained” to work against her own people, which is probably some how the case, even thought I really believe they never intended to be “Palestinians”.
When I first heard of the highly secretive security force working in Jerusalem acting as Palestinians,(Mukhabrat) taking part in protests against Israel, and leading the Palestinians to more violent type of protest, then turning around and taking their guns out and arresting the protesters, then we know that Israel have not change a bit since Biblical times, stories circulating of the deceitful behavior of Israelis since more than 2,000 years ago. Any way then was and now is the same tactics, terrorizing the neighbors and then blaming the other neighbors for her crimes.
I cropped these three faces from a video widely published during the Jerusalem Protests in 2010, these look like Palestinians were mixed with the crowd, some others right after they will try to make the arrest they will put on a mask on their faces before they will turn against the Palestinians and make the arrest, I tried to make as clear as possible these faces so they not be confused again with a Palestinian brother. (Mukhabrat)
This people not to be confused with the Ameel, which are real Palestinians that take money from Israel to serve as spies inside the territories.
These Look Like Palestinians are highly trained personal:
A security firm that employs the veterans of elite British units will provide instruction to 80 Palestinian security guards to be deployed in east Jerusalem.
The new Palestinian unit will be tasked with securing European Union facilities in the eastern part of the capital and maintaining order in the area. The 80 Palestinians to be selected for the highly coveted job will be trained and guided by British company Saladin Security.The project has been arranged by the EU, which intends to train the Palestinians to serve as a highly skilled police force to maintain the order in Arab areas in Jerusalem, and later on across the Palestinian Authority.
Saladin Security, which was established in 1978, provides training and security services in dozens of countries and was set up by veterans of the elite SAS unit.Saladin, or in its previous name, KMS, has already been entrusted with some controversial operations in the past. Among other things, its members trained the Islamic rebels fighting the Soviet occupation in Afghanistan. The Muslim fighters trained by the company eventually managed to take over the country.
They suppose to be Palestinians, but we well know that Israel will never grant permission to carry arms to a Palestinian inside Jerusalem, these look like Palestinians are kind of secret service elite, that behave like Palestinians, dress like Palestinians, live among Palestinians, they even get as far to marry Palestinians, but when the day come they turn their backs to Palestine and come to the counter bank for their check pay.
Not to be confused with Ameel, which are Palestinians that for financial reasons or others sometimes are forced by Israel using their families as bate, the ones incarcerated under threats to keep them in jail longer, or to torture them, they take money from Israel wanted or not, usually if these Palestinians are found, they are called collaborators and without a trial or without finding the real motive they are killed by Palestinians.
“Another Israeli False Flag? – by Stephen Lendman
Mossad and Shin Bet (Israel’s Security Agency) have long, odious histories of committing them.
At issue now is whether the August 18 bus and other attacks inside Israel were committed by external elements or Israel, and if so, why?
Also at issue always is cui bono? In fact, Hamas and various Palestinian resistance groups have nothing to gain. Clearly Israel benefits greatly at least two ways:
(1) The upcoming September UN General Assembly vote on Palestinian self-determination Israel very much wants to derail.
(2) Weeks of nationwide internal social justice protests Netanyahu also wants to diffuse and end.
Both are compelling reasons for employing tried and true tactics – change the subject by diverting public attention.
This article enlighten the minds regarding Israel long history of flag operations. There is no News that before Israel creation a series of event came to shape the panorama in the then Mandate of Palestine. The Zionist elite crafted every event that lead to the creation of Palestine…..MORE ON THIS ARTICLE …
Trainees take part in a shooting drill of the International Security Academy-Israel in a combat training center at Nir Am kibbutz near the Gaza strip, on May 26, 2011. (Xinhua/Yin Dongxun)
On May 26, 2011 an article was in the News.cn a News Outlet from China, with photos on a group of International “Trainees” in the Negev Desert very close to Gaza. These “Students” come from 17 countries and they are trained to deal in Arabs Affairs. The garments to wear logically are part of the training, they must be dress to blend in. The following pictures show a group of them dressing as Arabs, some of them using the Palestinians Scarf and others the traditional beduine head cover. You can see that these students are being trained to deceit.
There is no news that Israel during her 65 years of existence has been known for her Self Perpetrated Attacks; “False Flag Operations” to divert the attention and to win support thru the media where these operations are Propagated.
The versions on the August 18, attack lead many experts to believe that the death of the 8 tourists in the bus in South Israel is just another operation to escalate the attacks in Gaza and with this, send the message to Abbas the Palestinians President to withdraw his bid for Statehood, and at the same time to create chaos and confusion on the goals of Palestinians, portraying them as “terrorists”.
We must not fall in her campaign by now we know her tactics. Israel is in the Hot Seat.
Gaza Exclusive – Vox Pops On The Flotilla
Vox Pops From Gaza On The Flotilla
Wednesday, 29 June 2011, 11:24 am
Posted by:Omar Kream Gaza<
This evening on the Gaza beach (where everyone goes to cool down – rich and poor, men and women, singles and families) I asked several people what importance they attach to the upcoming flotilla. Here are their responses, some in English, some in Arabic with English translations. All are unanimous that the flotilla is both necessary, and very much appreciated, as much for its expression of solidarity with their struggle for justice and freedom, as for the goods they are bringing.
Unfortunately, the recordings of additional women were rendered inaudible by a horde of chidlren who swamped us, shouting and laughing and calling out comments, so although there were equal numbers of men and women interviewed, the men were better at keeping the kids at bay!
Men’s translation by:Omar Karem
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julie-webb-pullman-gaza-exclusive-vox-pops-on-the-flotilla.htm
Flotilla Turned Covoy
Posted on June 22, 2011 by Marivel Guzman
On Jun 19, 2011 the Convoy arrived in Gaza Strip through the land crossing of Rafah Border. The Boat was docket on Al-Arich Port of Egypt and some of the cargo allowed into Gaza.
On June 6, Dr. Issam Mustafa Cordinator of the Mission spoke to- Humanitarian voice
The humanitarian convoy “Miles of Smiles 3” Schedule to arrive Gaza after a week
The humanitarian convoy “ Miles of Smiles 3” left Italy today in its way to the Egyptian seaport of Alexandria, and is expected to reach it by next Sunday 12/6/2011.
Dr.Issam Mustafa, the coordinator general of the campaign, in a statement to “humanitarian voice” ,has reaffirmed that the convoy, laden with medical equipment ,and 4000 packet of milk for children missing in Gaza.
Dr. Mustafa added that the convoy’s organizers will purchase the needed medicines for Gaza from the Egyptian markets, noting that $ 500,000 were allocated for this humanitarian purpose.
He explained that the organizers of the campaign are slated to arrive in Cairo on Wednesday 15/6/2011 and will leave on Friday 17/6/2011, in their way to the coastal enclave.
He went on saying that the participants in the campaign will enter Gaza on Sunday 19/6/2011 and leave on Saturday 25/6/2011,according to the decided program, noting that 72 solidarity activists, from many Arab, Muslim, and foreign countries ,are participating in this convoy.
From his part, Muhammad Sawalha, the chairman deputy of the International Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza and of Advocacy with Palestine , has hailed the organizational efforts of “Miles of Smiles 3” convoy , especially their integrated working and team spirit.
He emphasized that those concerted efforts are progressing in parallel with efforts to launch the big event “Freedom Flotilla 2” slated to set sail by the end of this month.
It’s worth to mention that the participants in “ Miles of Smiles 3” are representing a number of charities from many countries : Britain, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, South Africa , and others…..
Small convoys are easier to manage and if they arrive every month easing the blockade, Gazans will benefit a great deal, specially if the convoys bring medicine and medical supplies that are a scarce products in the strip. And off course will be better that all the cargo will be entering directly to Gaza, so all the product could be bought in the countries of origin of the peace activists.
And still will be better if Gaza Illegal Blockade from part of Israel will be lifted once and for all and allow Gazans to import and export their own product.
Gaza Strip is a beautiful enclave in the Mediterranean Sea and should be a touristic attraction and capture revenues from that industry.
Gaza being one of the oldest regions in the world is worth it to visit, and will be better as a tourist and for pleasure trip. Not that the activists don’t enjoy their stay but the experience will be more rewarding for them and for Gaza.
Their 3 miles nautical fishing enclave is a joke, there is no fish enough to serve this growing population of close of 2 millions. We make a call to all the leaders of the world to pressure Israel to stop this inhumane political punishment.
Palestinians had already mend their differences now is time for Israel to mend hers..There is no need for blockade, the excuse is childish and non sense, because the tunnels are open borders for arms if they wanted to import them, but they are more in need to import basic items.
Do your share and help to raise awareness of this inhumane siege.
Cairo Airport Building 3: Fairy Tale, The Never Ending Palestinians Story, Nothing Have Changed
Article by Marivel Guzman in Collaboration with Omar Karem From Egypt, Cairo International Airport
Palestinians supported the Egyptian Revolution, they tweeted as much as the Egyptians did, they went to the streets to show support for their Egyptian brothers, they suffered with them the first days of the backslash of the revolution when they were being strangled by the same revolution when the Rafah crossing was closed for security measures, said Egypt.
Palestinians celebrated the triumph of the revolution because ending up the dictatorship of Mubarack servile to the Zionist occupier, Palestinians were hoping to end the 3 years embargo that Israel had imposed on them. With the deposing of Mubarak who was puppet of Israel and the US, so, the Palestinians thought.
Back in February right after the Revolution in Egypt succeeded in sending Mubarak out of the country, hundreds of Palestinians were stranded in the borders of Egypt and in Cairo Airport because the Generals in charged could not make their mind on opening the borders of Egypt to travelers.
Palestinians sent a MESSAGE OF PALESTINIANS STRANDED AT CAIRO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to MR.BR / Marshal Tantawi, the situation was critic because they have started a hunger strike to call the attention of the world. After many negotiations they were allowed to pass thru Egypt and to enter Gaza. The new Egyptian government was not ready to face the world with scheme of this type and they let then pass throught.
Two months later Egypt hosted the paramount meeting between the two Palestinians factions where they signed the reconciliation agreement and Egypt promised to the world that they will alleviated Gaza’s suffocation opening the borders once and for all, well not that easy, they indeed open the borders and the Italian Convoy made their joyful visit to Gaza, some were allowed to visit their doctors in Egypt and some were allowed even to fly out of Egypt with student visas and they even promised to purge their Black List of more than 400 Palestinian men that were not allowed to enter Egypt.
But there is something that the world ignores, Palestinians before the Egyptian Revolution and after opening the borders, Palestinians are still treated as a second class humans in Egypt.
Around these days every year the pilgrims to Mecca flood the airports of the world to fulfill their Muslim duty and visit Mecca at least one in their life, taking the opportunity and being Gaza Strip mostly Muslim they started to apply to leave Gaza to visit Mecca.
Needless to say that the procedures to leave Gaza have not changed, they all need to paid the fee to get their permit from the local government, pay the fees to get their permission to use Egypt as a gate-away to Saudi Arabia, Egypt does not extend visas to these travelers coming from Gaza, after all the paper work was arranged close to 3 buses left Gaza City at 7 am Monday morning to their destination to the airport, they were with the idea that they will be taken to Arish Airport in Egypt which is only one hour from Gaza and closer to Saudi Arabia but instead they were taken to Cairo airport, they traveled since 7 am from Gaza, they spend 7 hours in the border of Egypt checking their passports, and finally they left again in the buses to Cairo, first their passports were not returned to them, once in Cairo airport they were hundreds of other travelers that were directed to a different lines to take their fly, all the Palestinians were taken to a different line and taken to Building 3 of the Cairo Airport where they have been under security, they can not go out.
When they arrived to Cairo airport some of they call they families to come to meet them but were turn back by the police, they were not allowed to contact the Palestinians which without passport and under security guards are like in a prison.
This beautiful Project is only in the mind of the Authorities, as stand now, empty halls, dirty, with not enough bathroom for 200 people, is used to hold Palestinians in their way to Saudi Arabia. Omar Karem journalist and writer of Akashma News will share with more detail when he is is back to Gaza in 2 weeks.
“Once operational, the impressive EGP 3.1 billion new TB3(Terminal Building 3) will be one of the largest terminals in North Africa doubling our current airport’s passenger capacity.” Said H.E. Ahmad Shafik, Minister of Civil Aviation .
Terminal 3 will revolutionalize duty-free shopping in Egypt. With close to 4,000 m2 of retail space, the shops offer passengers both popular international brands and introduce exclusive brands new to the Egyptian. The new Terminal will also include food and beverage areas with local and international brands.
They were told that their fly won’t leave until tomorrow May 25 at 7 PM..that is almost 2 days waiting all crowed in that hall of the airport, dirty, sleeping in the floor, women, men and children are in the same hall, they have restroom inside.
All the talking that the borders are open is only a fairly tale for the Paid Media to distribute to the world and make Gaza Residents look less victims. The reality is that nothing have changed, They still treated as second class human.When the guards notice that they were taking pictures, immediately the cameras were taken away, the pictures deleted and given back with the warning that they are not allowed to take pictures. The Egyptian Police do not want the world the see the reality..
US is distracting the world with Osama story and the planing of a new war in Pakistan. Obama is busy making sure that the world get deceived with his speech and nothing changing for Palestinians..
The Hypocritical position of Egypt regarding the borders, they announced with press conference that the borders will be open, but nothing have change, still Palestinians are mistreated, and humiliated.
Back from Saudi Arabia the situation have not change for us, even thought in two weeks there were rumors of opening the Rafah borders permanently, but Egyptian do not want to wake up, the story is the same for us Palestinians
Home is home wherever it is. After a year of being in the US, I decided to go spend a month with family and friends in the Gaza Strip. I knew traveling would be a hard time at some point because I have a Palestinian passport. I thought of how hard it was for me when I left Gaza in June 2010, but hoped it would be a better experience after hearing in the news that the Egyptian government decided to open the Rafah borders permanently
STAY HUMAN CONVOY ENTER GAZA VIK 2 GAZA -STAY HUMAN
POSTED BY : Omar Karem
May 12, 2011 by
Stay Human convoy: “Let’s go to Gaza!” enters Gaza Vik2Gaza
Sammack Restaurant Hosted The Italian Solidarity Convoy
– The convoy will last six/seven days in order to give the possibility to participate for as many people as possible.
– It will take place between the 11th and 19th May.The exact dates will be agreed in few days with the people in Gaza that will host us.
So, lets start to get ready!
After leaving Cairo this morning at dawn, the 80 activists of the VIK2GAZA convoy have entered Gaza at 4pm after crossing five Egyptian check-points.
The convoy will be Staying in the Gaza strip to meet the Palestinian people who day by day are trying to resist the Israeli military occupation. The convoy will also join Gaza in the mourning of the Nakba, the day of the Palestinian catastrophe, which will take place between the 14 and the 15 of May.
A Second convoy, with over 100 buses, will leave from Tahir square in Cairo, the square that has become the symbol of recent popular revolutions in the Middle East , and will try to cross the Rafah pass on the 15 of May. This is a collective movement that wants to show full support to the fight of the Palestinian people for self-determination, to their everyday resistance against military occupation and to the right of all Palestinian refugees to come back to their land.
On the 21st April, a meeting regarding the discussions and reflections on the murder of Vittorio Arrigoni was held in Rome amongst different activists. From the gathering, the need to organize a convoy to Gaza through Egypt was decided.
Let’s start this process by sharing those points:
80 Peace Activists from Italian Solidarity Convoy Entered Gaza Today
– We want to be in Gaza on the 15th May which is the 1 month anniversary of Vittorio’s death. It will be also Nakba day, when thousands of young Palestinians, as already announced, will go back to the street all over the world to ask for the end of the occupation and also, a new unity and the end of the internal division within the Palestinian authorities.
We want to go to Gaza for different reasons:
– Although Vittorio was killed, it has to be clear that they can not stop the international support for the Palestinian people. Also thanks to him now the international support is much stronger and united against the occupation both of Gaza and of the West Bank.
– We want to give voice and continuity to the work that Vittorio, together with Palestinian men and women was bringing forward. Particularly the independent information that he managed to pass to the world from the besieged Gaza strip. For this reason, we will bring materials, tools and all we need to give life to a Media Center dedicated to Vittorio.
– The Freedom Flotilla will soon sail towards Gaza. Even though the two initiatives are organized separately, the two journeys, both via land and via sea, could reinforce each other to break the siege of Gaza.
Welcome To Gaza
Press release: in the name of Vittorio Arrigoni, the ‘Stay Human’ convoy has entered GazaVik2Gaza
The sun had not yet risen in Cairo, as the Stay Human convoy began to prepare the departure for Gaza. The journey about to be embarked upon was one filled with expectations and hope. The importance of the crossing the border at Rafah following the protests that brought down the Mubarak regime was on the minds of everyone, as well as the desire to remember Vittorio Arrigoni in the same place where he dedicated his life. The convoy will carry a message to the people of Palestine addressed to the entire world: Palestine is not alone, Vik’s dreams are also ours, solidarity towards those who struggle against oppression and exploitation knows no borders.
Ten checkpoints slow the journey, one in particular, blocks it for 2.5 hours in the Sinai desert, with the usual issues, the same from the previous days, about not being able to cross Rafah. The Italian embassy “concerned and ernest” had announced that the convoy would never enter Gaza, but obviously the facts have proved him wrong: we are here!
The Stay Human Convoy now follows in the footsteps of Vittorio, imprinted in the land of Gaza and underscored by the spontaneous affection shown by the Palestinians who welcome our arrival. The Stay Human Convoy breathes in the determination, courage and extreme humility of Vittorio, characteristics that we recognize in the unrelenting resistance of the Palestinian people. For many of us this is the first time crossing the border of the Gaza Strip, a victory for those who never surrendered, whether by land or by sea, to the categorical “Denied Entry”: nothing to see here, no one to meet.
Omar Karem journalist from Gaza Joins the Stay Human Convoy in a day of Jubilee
Once there we retrace Vittorio’s footsteps, in the places he frequented during his long stay in Gaza, where he met the friends that we now meet. To the tunes of Bella Ciao, Unadikom and Gazawi rap, images of Vittorio greet our arrival.
Ciao Vik, Free Palestine.
The Activists take a major role in the future of Gaza, the convoys that have managed to brake the siege will leave their footprints in the live of Gazan, the unknown soldiers as Vittorio Arrigoni and Rachel Corrie can be known, as they without planing their future they marked a different type of soldier for the liberation of Palestine.
STUDENT PROTEST IN EYGPT TO END THE SPLIT OF PALESTINE
Posted on February 28, 2011 by Omar Karem
Students protest in Egypt to end the split PALESTINE
Stand and saw several interventions for the children of Palestine, particularly of students of different social strata
And groups to calls for emphasizing the importance of the unity of Palestinian ranks; has asked Mohammed Amarna (Doctor of Law – Cairo University) wondered: “How we live each day and the … occupation Jassim to our hearts, if not split ends Fsndao to change in favor of?? How to fall asleep our eyes and we We still say I’m from the West Bank and Gaza!! Palestine is One .. enough of the names scattered .. so it came to stress the importance of the Palestinian legitimacy and the transfer of all of our leadership Palestinian Let the people stand up by himself to end the division .. how long will insist on wearing the dress division? ”
He said student David David (spokesman for the students of Arab Media Research Institute) on the importance of the fooled BC rallies in Gaza and the West Bank and abroad and at home for one goal: to bridge the divide Filstiniy behind the legitimacy of President Abu Mazen, and Mohammed Al-Baghdadi (official Palestine Students in the academy naval branch of the Sheraton) In the appeal, saying: “For all the youth of Palestine and they are voice of the nation working to end division to guide the effort against the real enemy of Israel and to establish our Palestinian state and Jerusalem as its capital. ”
And crossed the press Salsabil Bseiso hoped that culminated in the revolutions of the Palestinian Popular, which was launched both on Facebook-style revolutions in the Arab region to the inevitable outcome in the near future, she said: “We have noticed in recent times in various countries how the collapsed every official of adherence to chair his reign in order to the protection of personal interests and narrow in front of the voice and will of the people reject him; and therefore everyone must learn a lesson and takes care of the national interests of the public to back Palestine as it was and return the brothers loved ones as they were .. Gaza is known flesh sons together enough of the accounting both for differences in our policy only; and we promise to Palestine just do not and to come back the Palestinian social fabric is known for its history as it was to live Palestine .. again ”
The Fady Madhoun (human medicine – University of Alexandria), saying: “came in this student delegation to emphasize the principles established in our dictionary Palestinian We are all talking and his eyes on Palestine, which in the most difficult their situations over the past five years, if we revisit the years of the five that have elapsed in the history of our Snagdna harvested Segmentation is not is that brought us back This could spur us to terminate as soon as .. the Palestinian cause is stronger humanitarian issue passed in human history; and here the aspects of a letter of thanks to the Ambassador of Palestine to assimilate to our demands in order to uphold our voice, hence the call for a protest in all embassies world, because the national unity is the main Mnfzna, Fadi and the message to the brothers to end the division in order not to reach the abyss and said: “We have a lot to go back Palestine as it was before 2005, why not start now ..”.
The sound Talouli embassy official student activities at the end of paragraph hair stand calling for national unity, and concluded by the Palestinian stance on the Palestinian Ohtav revolutionary songs which merged the votes of those present, saying: Hamas and Fatah unity is the foundation.
STATEMENT FROM HOSTAGES ON BOARD STROPHADES IV…URGENT
Posted by Marivel Guzman
HOSTAGES ON BOARD STROPHADES IV…GREEK SHIP..
We have been kidnapped at the Libyan port of Derna, by the Captain and crew of the Straphades IV. The Captain and crew have since left and the Greek authorities are now holding us hostage on board the Strophades IV.Ten of us are being held …at gunpoint by a… Greek SWAT team, in a small room 8x8ft. We have been told if we move we will be shot. We have requested sleeping facilities, showering facilities, access to telephones/internet and consular assistance – all have been denied. In the last 48 hours we have had one tin of coke and one sandwich to eat. We have had no access to water other than that in the toilets. We have to ask permission to do anything, including using toilets. We have no status. We do not know the nature of the charges we are being held under and feel extremely vulnerable. We ask that everyone please put pressure on the Greek government and demand that they end this nightmare. We want the Greek authorities to release us and allow us safe passage to Libya, where we can join the remaining members of the Road to hope convoy and proceed with humanitarian aid to Palestine.
Message ends…..
ARE THE MASTERS of deceit playing with our intelligence? this is atrocious .ridiculous and non sense act of piracy.theatery and blatant abuse of power.What the people is waiting to yell your outrage.
Yesterday when finally few outlets News picked up the SOS from the hostages and the attention was in the hijacked ship, Israel f16 were bombarding Gaza and terrorizin the children with sonar bombs. Off course Zio-terrorist Israel and her puppets are behind this distracting tactical event.
The situation created by this twist of events with the Internationals peace activists was clearly planned and calculated by Israel Egypt Uk to disrupt the land convoys and knowing that all the activists are exhausted.
We only can do so much from our stand as International peace activists. Sharing the News raising awareness to the world, we must brake this block of indifference and impunity that keep us lethargic and divided, and showing to our governments that we are united and not be deterred by gimmicks.
Do not let them distract you, keep the pressure. Write to the diverse embassies of the governments involved in this outrageous incident, demonstrate in front of the embassies.
The activists Stranded in the Libyan/Egyptian border need our help.
Raise money to send them to finish the mission to deliver the humanitarian aid to Gaza…Thanks.
Road to Hope convoy stalled at Egyptian border
Posted by Marivel Guzman Via Ken O’keefe Blog
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Road to Hope convoy stalled at Egyptian border
Nov 3, 2010 5:41 PST
Ken O’Keefe
“Egypt has said that they will let us through by sea, the problem with that is the exorbitant expense. What the people of Gaza need is open borders and unhindered delivery of aid and ultimately trade. The R2H Convoy did not budget for an approx. £100,000 ship journey from Libya to Egypt, and why should we when a tourist can travel freely but aid cannot. This extra cost is reducing aid for the people in Gaza”.
Nov 2, 2010
Ken O’Keefe: “We are getting close to confrontation time. When tourists can travel by car freely through Egypt and a humanitarian aid convoy is blocked, it pretty much says it all. The blockade of Gaza is in a word, unacceptable”
The Road to Hope humanitarian aid convoy continues its role in the international community’s collective mission to break the illegal siege of Gaza and deliver desperately needed aid to the people of Palestine in Gaza. The convoy comprises 30 vehicles and 101 humanitarian aid workers. Among them are 8 survivors of the Israeli attack on the Freedom Flotilla, 7 of them were aboard the Mavi Marmara, including Ken O’Keefe who was involved in disarming two Israeli commandos. The convoy has traveled four and a half thousand miles and is currently located at the Libyan / Egyptian border. As it stands the convoy finds itself at a standstill, with direct communication with the outside world being limited, and access to the internet very difficult.
It has always been a central aspect of the Road to Hope convoy that it acts in a non-political, non-confrontational manner. To work with and cooperate with every government in every country through which it traveled. Thus far this approach has rewarded it with exceptional receptions in every nation. All of the North African governments have been extremely accommodating and the people of each nation even more so. We must give special praise to the Libyan government for its constant support; when the convoy have had challenges, including breakdowns of vehicles, the authorities here have provided the means to repair those vehicles and continue our mission.
Ken O’Keefe: “Now we find ourselves in our third day at the Libyan / Egyptian border and we remain hopeful that the land route will be opened to us in the coming days”. The convoy departed from London with the understanding that the land crossing through Egypt had not been closed to it. Convoy leader, Kieran Turner: “One reason for our optimism that we will travel the land route is the fact that the Al Quds convoy, a Libyan convoy also delivering aid to Gaza, is set to travel the land route in the coming days. For several weeks we have hoped to join our convoys and travel together.” However, the convoy is awaiting permission from the Egyptian authorities to pass through Egypt in this way.
Mr. Turner understands that there is a possibility the Egyptian government will deny the convoy the land route, in which case they will have only two acceptable options —
1) To press on via the land border without permission, at which time our only chance of success will be by way of significant international pressure and a reversal of a policy which tacitly supports the illegal siege of Gaza.
2) If the land route is denied the only remaining option is to deliver our aid by sea. This option inherently requires significant increases in the cost of our mission, and importantly, to all subsequent aid missions. The end result of this policy is a reduction in the already limited resources that can be brought to bear for the people of Palestine.
The convoy leadership urge the Egyptian authorities to allow us safe passage to Gaza by land in the coming days, allow the convoy to join the Al Quds convoy, and ultimately increase the “easing” of the blockade which continues to collectively punish the people of Gaza.
Mr. Ken O’Keefe calls on all the supporters of Palestine “to support Road to Hope and the Al Quds convoys by spreading awareness of our missions and encouraging Egyptian cooperation”.
Contacts:
Primary contact: London – Eleanor Merton +44 777 037 6701
Libya / Egypt – Kieran Turner +44 779 22 66 111 (interviews in Libya available if the roaming costs are covered.)
Egypt’s Facebook front: Power to the People
Posted on October 23 by Marivel Guzman
from Original Post on Haaretz by Zvi Bar’el
Blog it–Share it — Tweet it– Youtube it– Digg it Mubarak human rights abuses must to stop, the assault in free speech of every individual is sacred and should be respected, Mubarak! is over, your reign of oppression is over..POWER TO THE PEOPLE.
Could Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who this month began his 30th year in office, have imagined he would have to conduct his political battles via computer? Via the “curse of the Internet”? Against bloggers and Facebook? Could he have conceived that one day he would have to relinquish his monopoly over public discourse to young people aged 18 to 25, who send messages to millions of potential voters in Egypt with the tap of a finger?
The Kafia (Enough ) movement, which was formally established in 2004, became active online during the 2005 election campaign. In its wake a dozen movements have arisen demanding regime change. Around the time when the Kafia website was established, the Muslim Brotherhood was also working on its own site. Each of these movements was immediately joined by long lists of bloggers, who helped foment demonstrations, strikes and an entire, new national discourse in which the regime has hardly any presence.
ccording to statistics published at internetworldstats.com, which tracks the distribution of Internet usage around the world, in 2000 there were only 450,000 internet users in Egypt. Now there are 18 million – approximately 22 percent of the population. This is also about the same proportion of the population that is between the ages of 18 and 27 – the segment likely to determine the outcome of the next election.
Mohamed ElBaradei, former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency and a Nobel Prize laureate, is now devoting most of his energies to this public. Although he has not yet declared himself a presidential candidate for next fall’s election, his slogan is “Change will come via the young.” His supporters have launched a Facebook group listing his demands for changing the constitution, and have more than 129,000 followers.
Supporters of the president’s son Gamal Mubarak, considered the front-runner at present, set up their own Facebook group attacking ElBaradei, and published photos of his daughter Laila wearing a bathing suit.
The presidential election campaign, which has started early, is closely linked to the parliamentary elections scheduled for next month, under the assumption that the latter will be an early test of the presidential race. However, it appears the regime has not yet appreciated the essence of the demographic change: It believes the main threat is not young people, but rather the Muslim Brotherhood, which until recently was torn over whether to participate in the elections or to boycott them along with other opposition movements.
As the group wavered, debates flared online between bloggers and on Facebook. “For whom should I vote when it is the government that determines who gets elected?” wrote one reader in response to the coverage in the Al-Masri Al-Youm newspaper. “Don’t make a laughingstock of yourselves – after all, you know that whether or not we vote, it’s the government that decides,” wrote another reader.
In the end the Brotherhood decided to run, and put together a list of about 160 candidates. Though it is an illegal movement and is prohibited from forming a political party, its candidates’ identities are known and they will run as independents. In the previous elections they got 88 representatives (out of 454 ) into Parliament, and are now expecting to win nearly double that number of seats and become a powerful faction.
However, the number of candidates the Brotherhood hopes to get into parliament indicates it is not aspiring to “conquer the legislature” per se. It wants to demonstrate power but not be a threat. Otherwise, it would have put together a list of at least 300 candidates.
The regime is not impressed by the Muslim Brotherhood’s “modest” approach, and considers it to be the main political threat. The regime is working against the movement both on the “traditional” level – nearly 200 activists have been arrested – and on the “electronic” level. First, the regime shut down four satellite stations that broadcast religious programming and informed them they would no longer be able to use Nilesat satellite services unless they upheld the terms of their licenses. These terms prohibit broadcasting content harmful to Christians and Shiites, limit religious content to 50 percent of all broadcasts, ban the broadcast of items “liable to disturb order and arouse civil war,” and mandate allocating specific amounts of airtime to films and music.
Now, media and official bodies are also required to apply for a permit to disseminate messages via SMS. Movements that do not enjoy official status, like the Muslim Brotherhood, the Kafia movement, the National Association for Change headed by ElBaradei and the Nasserist Al-Karama party, cannot receive permits.
However, these restrictions – which have made Egypt a focus of international criticism – cannot prevent activity on Facebook or stop bloggers from disseminating messages via their own personal sites.
When both the demography of Egypt is working against the regime and the “arsenal” is changing, perhaps Mubarak himself – like his colleague President Shimon Peres – will also have to open a Facebook group.
Zvi Bar’el is the Middle Eastern affairs analyst for Haaretz Newspaper. He is a columnist and a member of the editorial board. Previously he has been the managing editor of the newspaper, the correspondent in Washington and has also covered the Occupied Territories.
Bar’el has been with Haaretz since 1982, and has written extensively on the Arab and Islamic world. In 2009, he was awarded the Sokolov prize for lifetime achievement in print journalism.
Bar’el has a Ph.D in the History of the Middle East. He teaches at Sapir Academic College and is a research fellow at the Truman Institute at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, as well as at the Center for Iranian Studies.
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Power to the people.
By Marivel Guzman
Blog it–Tweeter–Digg it– Stumpt it–Youtube it—Myspace it—Share it–
Human rights abuses must stop in Egypt and every where in the world
Free Speech is a right every citizen of the world must enjoy
No President, Prime Minister, King, or anyone can suppress our rights, support Egyptian in their struggle
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
The era of instant communications is here, regardless of the propaganda still expensive and paid by the high hierarchy, we the people have in our hands powerful tools than can change the balance to our favor.
We are not talking of war or violence, not at all, the dissemination of the truth is sufficient to educate people and make them part of the social change that is inevitable.
Mubarak,Natajahu, to Obama..I mean any “smart” leader have to take notice of the reach of the social networks.
We are not talking of something sporadic and out of place, we are talking of facebook as a social phenomenon that can not be stopped.
Facebook even if it was put in place by the spy agencies and with the idea to gather information or control us, has got out of their control. Now we control it, we move the information, we are making the News from our keyboards, we decide what to believe, because we all are thinkers, in one level or other, we all are in the process of evolving to the next level.
It is not by chance of accident that we are in this point of history, society is continuously changing, and we being in the informatics age should not be surprise that we are making history, we are writing the history of our time.
Facebook is one tool, but without YOU is of no use.
Akashma Online News 