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Tizipi Livini: Israel's Would-Be Woman PM, Ex-Terrorist Hunter

LibertySugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:00:12 -0700

Israel's Foreign Minister Tizipi Livini, 49, is on track to be the country's prime minster, according to polls that have her ahead by 20 points in the race to lead the Kadima party. Today, 70,000 party members will vote.

Current Prime Minster Ehud Olmert has promised to resign, after the election, thanks to accusations that he accepted American businessmen-bribes. When he does, the new Kadima leader (probably Livini) will then form a government and become Prime Minister. There are a few other options though for Israel's transfer of power. If the new party leader failed to form a coalition government, Olmert would stay as interim PM, and national elections would be held months later. If he ditched the position all together, Livini, already next in line as first deputy, would become premier regardless of whether she wins today.

So who is this would-be leader? To find out,

Israeli City Using DNA to Stop Doggie-Dropping Disasters

LibertySugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

In an effort to clean up the neighborhood, the city government of Petah Tikva, Israel has created a dog-DNA database. In exchange for registering their pooches' DNA with the city vet, residents will be eligible for pet-food coupons and dog toys if they place doggie doo-doo in marked bins. But — if a pooch's poop is found on the street, the registered owner will get a ticket.

Officials say not only will this reduce the number of "land mines" around the city, but it could allow vets to research genetic disease in dogs and help the pound ID strays. Should city governments go further and require pet owners to register doggie DNA, or would this be legislating good manners?

Source

Front Page: Russia Orders Halt to Fighting, More Women in Government, Israel Proposes Deal

CitizenSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:01:52 -0700

Russia Orders Halt to Fighting:
Russian President Dmitri Medvedev announced today that he's ordered a halt to the military action in Georgia. He did not say whether the troops are pulling out and was clear that Russian forces are still authorized to fire on enemies. Medvedev said that Russia had achieved its military goals during the five days of intense fighting. Georgia claims that raids are still ongoing despite the official halt.

More Women in Government:
A study has found that the number of women in state government leadership positions is on the rise. The number of women leaders almost matches their representation in the general population in six states. The study's author adds, ''the most important thing is the fact that in 36 of the states, women are doing better than they were in 1997, and by better I mean as a comparison of the percentage of women in leadership posts compared with the percentage of women in the state."
Israel Proposes Deal:
Israel has offered up a peace deal to the Palestinians which would annex 7.3 percent of the West Bank while keeping the largest settlements. The Palestinians would be given in return, 5.4 percent of the West Bank. The Palestinians have not formally received the offer but call it totally unacceptable. About 500,000 Israelis live among 2.5 million Palestinians in land that was occupied by Israel in the 1967 war. The two sides have been in US-sponsored peace talks since November.

Source

Sick? US Hospitals Deport Patients, Israelis Interrogate Them

LibertySugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:00:54 -0700

Security and financial concerns are preventing some patients' ability to receive medical care both in the US and Palestine.

American hospitals are independently deporting seriously ill or injured undocumented immigrants because of the financial burden, according to an extensive report in the New York Times. Without any intervention of federal or state officials, hospitals privately employ ambulances, air ambulances, or commercial plans to send home immigrants that can't find US nursing homes that will accept them without insurance. Often a death sentence, the only other option to deportation is keeping the immigrants indefinitely in high-cost acute-care treatment.

Across the world in Gaza, Israeli officials are allegedly denying urgent medical care to Palestinians because Gaza residents refuse to spy on their community. To see what those seeking care have to say,

French Jews and Muslims Vow to Stop Conflict by Baking

LibertySugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:00:40 -0700

In Paris a group of Jewish and Muslim French women get together to bake pastries and not talk about politics in the Middle East. They call themselves Les Bâtisseuses de Paix, or Peace Builders, and they hope to prevent the spread of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to France, where 5 million Muslims and 600,000 Jews live.

The International Herald Tribune profiled the group, whose members say they don't want the problems in the Middle East to ruin their relationships with their neighbors. The women will travel to New York to meet their transatlantic counterparts this fall.

French Jewish and Muslim community leaders alike praise their "courageous work" with one Islamic TV show host saying that their "tenderness and maternal sentiment" make them "the best agents for stopping conflict." But some aren't all that impressed. To see why,

Propaganda 2.0? Israel Condemns Released Killer on YouTube

LibertySugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:30:55 -0700

The Israeli government, no longer willing to wait to for an Arab television interview, is sending their message to the Arab world via YouTube. Israel's government uploaded a video in Arabic and English condemning Lebanese militant Samir Qantar as "the most despicable of murderers." Qantar, released Wednesday in a prisoner swap, received a hero's welcome back in Lebanon. He had been jailed since 1979 for killing a 4-year-old Israeli girl, along with her father and two policemen. The 2-year-old sister also died, because her mother accidentally smothered her while they hid.

Get Flash to see this player.

Israel is trying to smother the political support for Qantar with the details of his crime sent straight to the Arab world. But the message comes with a warning, too. The Arabic video ends promising a tougher Israeli response than in 2006, if Hezbollah tries a kidnapping similar to its capture of two Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah says that Israel is sending voicemails to Lebanese mobile phones with the same retaliation threat.

YouTube sounds like a promising channel for dialogue, but I couldn't imagine receiving a voicemail from a foreign government hinting at impending military violence. Do you think a message for peace can get out using technology?

Front Page: Nelson Mandela Turns 90, EU to Give Billion to Africa, Arrests in Plot Against Bush

CitizenSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:00:18 -0700

Nelson Mandela Turns 90:
Marking his 90th birthday today, Nelson Mandela celebrated by urging generosity:"there are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches with those not so fortunate who have not been able to conquer poverty." He said he was tickled people wanted to celebrate the birthday "of a retired old man who no longer has power or influence".

EU to Give Billion to Africa:
The EU has a plan to give $1 billion euros of unspent EU farm subsidies in aid to African farmers. The money was allocated to EU agriculture, but hasn't been spent — sending the cash to Africa could help fix food shortages and soaring prices. Some question the move's legality, but EC President Barroso says: "The impact of high food prices is particularly severe for the world's poorest populations."
Arrests in Plot Against Bush:
Israel arrested six Arabs today for attempting to set up an al Qaeda cell in Israel and claiming that one of the men had planned to attack helicopters used during a visit by President George W. Bush. One of the suspects had allegedly used his cell phone to film the landing site of the president, and then used al Qaeda websites to ask advice in how to shoot down the helicopter. Bush's last visit to Israel was in May.

Source

Front Page: Israel/Hezbollah Prisoner Swap, Consumer Prices Balloon, US Troops Abandon Afghan Outpost

CitizenSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:00:01 -0700

Israel/Hezbollah Prisoner Swap:
Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah have completed their prisoner swap: Israel handed over five Lebanese prisoners and the bodies of 200 Lebanese and Palestinian fighters in exchange for the bodies of two soldiers, captured in 2006. Lebanon declared a national holiday to observe the swap, as now Israel holds no more Hezbollah militants.

Consumer Prices Balloon:
A telling measure of inflation rose last month at its fastest rate in 16 years. The Consumer Price Index, which tracks prices of a batch of common household products, rose 1.1 percent in June; inflation accelerated last month at nearly twice the rate in May, when the index grew 0.6 percent. It was the largest monthly gain in the inflation indicator since June 1982.
US Troops Abandon Afghan Outpost:
US troops have withdrawn from a remote outpost in northeastern Afghanistan, three days after Taliban militants tried to take over the base and left nine US soldiers dead. Though NATO has downplayed the withdrawal, Taliban militants and likely to claim victory in the move. On Sunday, the Taliban militants briefly broke through the incomplete defenses of the new post sparking hours of fierce fighting that killed nine US soldiers and many more insurgents.

Source

Will the US Military Confront Iran Before Bush Leaves Office?

LibertySugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 06:00:37 -0700

The drumbeat to war with Iran continues to fade and then get loud. Yesterday Iran launched another set of test missiles, demonstrating its capacity to reach Israel. Less than a month ago Israel performed a rehearsal for an attack on Iran. Forty-three percent of Americans think that the US will go to war with Iran within a year. Perhaps more relevant, considering the recent weapon dance, 46 percent of Americans support a US military response if Iran attacks Israel.Despite the country's mood, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran that the US would defend its allies. Plus public opinion regarding Israel might change in the situation of an attack. Meanwhile, OPEC warned that conflict in Iran would lead to "unlimited" increases in oil prices. Source

Will the US Military Confront Iran Before Bush Leaves Office?

Yes. All this posturing will back us into a corner, and a war.

No. The US does not have the resources or will to engage in a third Middle East conflict.

Maybe. Depends on whether Iran fires first.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Double Trouble? Israel Might Punish Terrorists' Families

LibertySugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:51 -0700

Recent and shocking attacks by East Jerusalem Palestinians has inspired Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to call for tough action against the families of terrorists.

Hoping to tie the victims' fates to the fate of a terrorist's family, some Israeli officials want to strip the families of their state benefits, or even demolish their homes. One proposal would revoke identity permits or citizenship of those actively affiliated with terrorist organizations, thus cutting off family benefits as well.

Prime Minister thinks these consequences will deter future terrorists, but I think it sounds like a way to create more animosity and thus more violent attacks, especially the call for house demolition. Will this make terrorists think about their families before they act, or compound the problem making reconciliation more elusive?

Source

Front Page: Iran Fires Missiles, Polygamy Leader Hospitalized, Darfur Peacekeepers Attacked

CitizenSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:59:24 -0700

Iran Fires Missiles:
Iran has test-fired nine missiles today, including one capable of reaching Israel. The tests coincide with escalating negotiations over Iran's nuclear program as well as US and UK warships conducting naval maneuvers in the Persian Gulf. The tests make this quote from yesterday stand out. A senior Iranian official said yesterday that Iran would respond to any military attack by striking Israel and America’s vital interests around the globe. He said, “In case that they commit such foolishness, Tel Aviv and the US fleet in the Persian Gulf would be the first targets to burst into flames receiving Iran’s crushing response.”

Polygamy Leader Hospitalized:
Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs has been taken from jail to a Las Vegas hospital for an unknown medical problem. President of the now well-know FLDS sect, Jeffs was sent to prison after a conviction by a Utah jury last year on two counts of first-degree felony rape as an accomplice. His health has been in jeopardy while in prison because of a self-imposed fast as well as attempted suicide combined with throwing himself against the walls and banging his head.
Darfur Peacekeepers Attacked:
Six members of the joint peace mission between the United Nations and African Union in Sudan's Darfur region have been killed in an attack. A convoy of 40 armoured vehicles ambushed the peace force while on patrol in North Darfur. Reports say that about 17 peacekeepers are still missing. The UN-AU mission struggles against the violence with only 9,000 of the planned 26,000 troops. It's unclear at this point who was behind this attack. Since the conflict began in Darfur five years ago, the UN estimates that 300,000 people have died and another two million have fled their homes.

Source

Front Page: Election Riot in Mongolia, Bulldozer Attack, India's Truck Drivers Strike

CitizenSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:56:28 -0700

Election Riot in Mongolia:
In Mongolia's capital, protesters rioted over alleged election fraud destroying the ruling party's headquarters, dampening hopes for a stable government, and resulting in five deaths. President Nambariin Enkhbayar declared a four-day state of emergency late last night after the fire was set at the headquarters. The emergency announcement is the first in Mongolia's history, and allows security forces to use tear gas and rubber bullets to break up demonstrations. About 220 civilians and 108 servicemen have been injured in the clashes, with another 700 protesters detained.

Bulldozer Attack:
A Palestinian smashed a bulldozer into a bus and several cars this morning in Jerusalem, killing three people before being killed himself. The rampage left dozens injured in the city center before a police officer engaged the driver, struggling with him in the cab of the vehicle, and shooting him dead. One witness said of the attack, "I saw [the bulldozer driver] crashing cars and going into the bus... He wanted to kill as many as he could."
India's Truck Drivers Strike:
India's truck drivers are striking, keeping nearly four million trucks off the roads to protest against rising fuel costs. The Indian government has cut subsidies due to rising global prices of crude oil and passed the increase on to drivers. Oil prices have risen by 40 percent since the beginning of the year. The strike is likely to push up the prices of food and other necessities. One trucker said, "we are already running under huge losses. The cost of diesel is so high that we have nothing left to live on."

Source

Fancy First Lady Steals Sarkozy's Mideast Peace Talk Thunder?

LibertySugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:15 -0700

Though his visit ended amid panic, France's Nicolas Sarkozy's first presidential visit to Israel this week made quite an impression. Sarkozy called on the country to stop settlement in the occupied West Bank, saying Mideast peace depends on Israel dropping its refusal to surrender sovereignty over parts of Jerusalem claimed by the Palestinians. As compensation, he assured Israel that it could count on France's support in halting Iran's nuclear program.

Sarkozy praised Israel's democracy and quoted the biblical passage in which God promises the Holy Land to the children of Israel, drawing a mixed review of applause and scowls (from the handful of Arab members). Speaking to parliament he said:

"There cannot be peace without an immediate and complete halt to settlement," he said. "There cannot be peace without recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of two states and the guarantee of free access to the holy places for all religions."

Sarkozy's address follows fluffy weekend coverage of his arrival by the country's newspapers that seemed more preoccupied with his Italian singer First Lady Carla Bruni than his agenda. According to the AP, the front pages of Monday's newspapers were filled with pictures of a smiling Carla "overshadowing her husband." For a preview of their coverage,

Israeli Police Officer Kills Himself at Airport

CitizenSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:55:38 -0700

Israeli Police Officer Kills Himself at Airport
An Israeli police officer fatally shot himself Tuesday at an airport departure ceremony for French President Nicolas Sarkozy, sparking fear of an assassination attempt and prompting bodyguards to whisk away Sarkozy and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, officials said.

Dark-suited men quickly ushered Sarkozy and his wife up the stairs of their plane. At the same time, security guards with guns drawn rushed Olmert and Israeli President Shimon Peres toward their cars.

Front Page: Attack Threatens Cease-fire, Clinton Back to Work, Germany Sending More Troops

CitizenSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:56:44 -0700

Attack Threatens Cease-fire: Two Palestinian rockets struck southern Israel moments ago, prompting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office says the week-old cease-fire has been broken. The first rockets fired since the truce hit an open area leaving no injuries. As of yet, there has been no word as to how Israel will react, nor any claims of responsibility. The attack occurred hours after Israeli troops killed two Palestinians in a West Bank raid. Though the West Bank is not formally included in the Gaza truce, the Israeli raid could be perceived as violating the spirit of the cease-fire.

Clinton Back to Work: US Senator Hillary Clinton is heading back to work today, a return to congressional politics for the first time since conceding to Obama nearly three weeks ago. Her return to the chamber today comes before her first joint appearances with White House contender Barack Obama, expected later this week. On Sunday, Clinton told a high-school graduating class in New York that meeting thousands of people across the nation during her primary campaign had been an "extraordinary experience."
Germany Sending More Troops: Germany is preparing to send 1,000 more soldiers to serve with the NATO-led peace-keeping force in Afghanistan. The US urged Germany to send more troops in February, and NATO allies have pushed for a boost in deployment to southern Afghanistan, the heart of the Taliban insurgency. Most of Germany's 3,500 troops are already based in northern Afghanistan and around the capital, Kabul. The UN has just announced that the Taliban made an about $100 million in 2007 from Afghan farmers growing poppy for the opium trade, producing about 8,000 tons of opium.

Does Syria Have the Bomb? UN Experts Begin Investigation

CitizenSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:00:16 -0700

Syria is getting a secret probing from UN experts in search of a hidden nuclear program. After the discreet aerial bombing of an alleged Syrian nuclear site by Israeli jets in 2007, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is sending a four person team to inspect. Although Damascus has repeatedly denied such claims, Israel and the US claim that the installation was a nascent nuclear reactor.

In April, Washington released photographs showing what they believed to be North Korean experts inside a reactor closely resembling one in Yongbyon, North Korea. Syrian officials claim that the site bombed by Israel was an unused military facility but deny it had anything to do with a reactor.

The IAEA has criticized both Israel and the US for delaying sensitive information and engaging in an act of war before inspectors had a chance to inspect any evidence. They have also asked Syria for complete transparency when they make their inspection. The IAEA visit is promoted as a fact-finding mission, though if inspectors uncover evidence of a nascent nuclear program, it could mark the start of a massive investigation similar to the agency's five-year probe into Iran's activities.

Do you think the US and Israel acted appropriately, especially if Israel is involved in secret nuclear programs of its own? Is Syria developing nuclear weapons?

Source

Front Page: Pregnancy Pact Investigated, Israel Shows Iran Attack, 22,000 Protest in Thailand

CitizenSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 07:00:04 -0700

Pregnancy Pact Investigated: Officials in Massachusetts are investigating why 17 teenage girls from the same high school have become pregnant, a number four times higher than the year before. Reports claim the girls, all under the age of 16, entered into a pact to have their babies together. No comment has been forthcoming from the girls or their families. Officials are investigating the ages of the fathers, as some are believed to be in their twenties — facing the possibility of being charged with having sex with minors. Birth rates for girls aged 15 to 17 rose by 3 percent in 2006, the first increase in the rate since 1991.

Israel Shows Iran Attack: Israel has performed what appears to be a rehearsal for an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. More than 100 Israeli fighter jets conducted manuvers over the Mediterranean and Greece this month. Though Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, Israel sees Iran's development of the technology a threatening problem. The UN has demanded that Iran stop the enrichment of uranium, and approved a third round of sanctions against Iran over the issue in March 2008. A Pentagon official says of Israel's show of force, "they wanted us to know, they wanted the Europeans to know, and they wanted the Iranians to know."
22,000 Protest in Thailand: Several thousand protesters broke through a tight police seal around Thailand's seat of government today, planning to occupy the compound until the prime minister resigns. The protesters claim that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's government is just a proxy for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup. Though he's facing criminal charges for corruption, Thaksin remains a powerful figure in Thailand. Despite the huge protest, there were no immediate plans to declare a state of national emergency or martial law. Police estimated that about 22,000 people were present for the protest.

Front Page: House Agrees on War Funding, Tibetans Missing, Israel and Hamas Start Ceasefire

CitizenSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:00:25 -0700

House Agrees on War Funding: Last night, House leaders arrived at a bipartisan solution on a major spending measure set to provide funding to the war in Iraq through the end of the current administration. Included in the agreement are significant new education benefits for veterans, and a concession to Democratic demands for added unemployment benefits. The bill could be voted on as early as today and would solve the two-year battle between President Bush and Congressional Democrats over war funding by allocating $163 billion for combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan without imposing conditions like a withdrawal timetable.

Tibetans Missing: According to Amnesty International, more than 1,000 Tibetans detained during protests against the Chinese government in March still remain missing. The human rights group reports that detainees had been beaten and deprived of food and are asking China to "shine some light" on the missing Tibetans. The March anti-China protests led by Buddhist monks were the worst in the region in 20 years. China says protesters killed at least 19 people, and Tibetan exiles say security forces killed dozens of people. The Olympic torch is set to reach Tibet on Saturday.
Israel and Hamas Start Ceasefire: A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza began this morning despite up to the wire outbreaks of cross-border attacks. The truce is supposed to both stop Israeli incursions into the Gaza Strip, and to quell missiles being fired from Gaza into southern Israel. The ceasefire is the first step, further talks about a prisoner exchange may follow, though the truce is fragile. The last ceasefire collapsed in April 2007. There were no reports of fire from either side on Thursday morning.

Israel-Hamas Truce Confirmed By Israel

CitizenSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:55:07 -0700

Israel-Hamas Truce Confirmed By Israel
Israel and Hamas pledged to start a cease-fire Thursday in a bid to end a year of fighting that has killed more than 400 Palestinians and seven Israelis. The deal comes as Israel also urged Lebanon to open peace talks. The cease-fire is expected to be followed next week by an Israeli easing of its blockade of Gaza. Egypt, which brokered the talks, announced a six-month agreement on Tuesday, saying it would begin Thursday at 6 a.m. Hamas confirmed the deal shortly afterward.

Front Page: Gore Endorses Obama, Japan Hangs Murderers, Israel Makes Progress

CitizenSugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:58:20 -0700

Gore Endorses Obama: Last night at an event in Michigan, Al Gore officially endorsed Barack Obama, drawing from his own experience to drive his point saying, “Looking back over the last eight years, I can tell you that we have already learned one important fact since the year 2000. Take it from me, elections matter. If you think the next appointments to the Supreme Court are important, you know that elections matter.” In front of nearly 20,000 people Gore outlined the challenges facing the US and said Obama is “clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.”

Japan Hangs Murderers: In Japan today, a serial killer who whose rash of grisly killings in the late 1980s triggered calls for tighter restrictions on violent pornographic videos, was hanged at a detention center in Tokyo. His unspeakably heinous crimes were ultimately punished alongside two other convicted murderers. The justice minister said, "I ordered their executions because the cases were of indescribable cruelty. We are pursuing executions in order to achieve justice and firmly protect the rule of law." Japan is one of the few industrialized countries to use capital punishment, and the use has risen dramatically amid rising concerns about violent crime. In the past six months, 13 have been hanged, compared to one in all of 2005.
Israel Makes Progress: Israel appeared to be making diplomatic progress yesterday on three issues: a prisoner exchange in the works with Hezbollah; a call back for brokered talks with Syrian representatives in Turkey; and gearing up for a possible truce with Hamas in Gaza. Israeli officials however say it would be premature to draw any conclusions about understandings with Syria or Hamas. The positivity comes with skepticism as some Israelis suspect that the current burst of diplomatic activity is intended to distract attention from the political and legal troubles of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Under Gaza: Tunneling Through Sand for Food, Weapons, Oil

LibertySugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:00:46 -0700

Gaza residents are tunneling through sand, in their latest attempt to withstand the Israeli blockade of the region. Israel has shut off access to the Gaza strip, in response to attacks and in an attempt to put pressure on Hamas.

The tunnels bring electricity, phone lines, cigarettes, food, petrol, and weapons. The more secretly located Hamas-controlled tunnels carry weapons of unknown caliber. The tunnelers, or "snake heads," give the local authorities a cut of their contraband profits, to help them look the other way.

The intricate tunnel networks are no secret to Israeli officials, who have implored Egypt to do more to end their existence. But according to reports, Egypt does pump water or worse, poisonous gas, through discovered tunnels, with deadly results. Just last week one tunnel did collapse, perhaps due to Egyptians pumping in water to weaken it. A man died during the collapse and had to be dragged out of the tunnels by his feet, 24 hours later.

One of the "snake heads" says, "constructing them is the worst job in the world," but the money keeps many going until they perish. Do tunnelers dig and transport at their own risk, or does Israel's policy bear some responsibility for the deaths that result from trying to secure essentials like food and electricity?

Source

Sick of Politics? Israelis Feel Nauseous Just Hearing the Word

CitizenSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:00:16 -0700

Think you're tired of politics? A survey by the Israel Democracy Institute, an independent research group, found that a third of Israelis felt nausea, revulsion, or depression when they even thought about the word "politics."

In the survey conducted earlier this year, 1,201 adults were questioned in Hebrew, Arabic or Russian, and researchers found that only 60 percent expressed any interest in politics, a drop of 15 percentage points from their 2006 survey. When asked to make a list of trustworthy institutions, the army topped the list with political parties lurking on the very bottom.

One possible cause of the scorn? Israel's political scene has been rocked by scandal after scandal. From Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s troubles involving cash stuffed envelopes, a former justice minister convicted of forcibly kissing a female soldier, to 15 of the 120-seat parliament having been indicted, convicted, or are under investigation, the public’s trust is eroding quickly. The survey Institute’s president supported this, “The rise of antipolitical sentiment reaches the point of deligitimizing the political system and decision-making processes. It is not only about this person or that – it is the entire system. The Israeli public is turning its back on politics.”

Do you feel their pain? To see the affect of the government scorn,

Front Page: Hillary To Drop Out, 9/11 Tribunal, Abbas to Meet With Hamas

CitizenSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:00:36 -0700

Hillary To Drop Out: Hillary Clinton will endorse Barack Obama on Saturday, ending her 17-month campaign for the White House, according to aides. Her decision was influenced by Democrats' urges to leave the race and allow the party to come together around Obama. She is going to express support for Obama and party unity at an event in Washington, June 7. One adviser hinted that Clinton would concede defeat, congratulate Obama, and proclaim him the party’s nominee— looking forward to do what was needed to assure his victory in November. Obama told reporters of his plans for Clinton, “we’re going to have a conversation in the coming weeks.”

9/11 Tribunal: Five top alleged al Qaeda prisoners, including September 11 mastermind suspect Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, began appearances before a military commission this morning after extended time in CIA prisons and battles over the court itself. All the defendants were just arraigned before a military court at Guantanamo — all five are accused roles in the 9/11 attacks, responsible for the death of nearly 3,000 people. They all face potential death sentences if convicted. Mohammed has been forthright with his involvement — in a written statement read at a March 2007 hearing, at which he was present, he said he was responsible for the attacks "from A to Z."
Abbas to Meet With Hamas: Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president called late yesterday for a resumption of dialogue with the Islamic militant group Hamas. In a short address, Abbas, expressed the plan as part of his desire to restore national unity. Hamas took control of Gaza in June 2007. The move could halt peace talks with Israel, who only met with Abbas after he broke away from Hamas. Israel has refused to have direct contact with the group, considering it a terrorist organization, and has threatened to cut off talks with Mr. Abbas if he rejoins forces with Hamas.

US Revokes Fulbrights Because of Israel's Blockade of Gaza

LibertySugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:15:51 -0700

Israel's isolation of the Gaza strip has prompted the US State Department to withdraw all Fulbright grants to Palestinian students. Because only those with the most urgent medical needs can leave the Hamas-run region, American officials are worried that their educational funding will be wasted on those that will not be able to leave to attend American institutions.

Fulbrights, educational grants awarded by the US government, fund international educational exchange, in order to foster mutual understanding between Americans and citizens of other countries.

One shocked Palestinian scholar views the decision as counterproductive to American and Israeli goals, as well as ultimate peace. To see what he told the New York Times and to find out if there is any possibility that visas will be granted,

Front Page: South Africa Sets Up Camps, Olmert Called to Step Down, Nepal To Become Republic

CitizenSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 07:00:06 -0700

South Africa Sets Up Camps: South Africa is about to create seven refugee camps around the country for foreign migrant workers who have fled a recent wave of anti-immigrant violence. Taking the pressure off of the increasingly unsanitary conditions currently housing the workers at temporary shelters put up around state buildings, the new camps will take up to 70,000 people. Respected international aid agencies have advised the government not to set up camps as they say South Africa does not have the expertise necessary to run them. Fifty-six people have been killed and more than 650 injured in the attacks.

Olmert Called to Step Down: Israel’s defense minister Ehud Barak called today for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to step down pending the outcome of a high-profile corruption investigation in which Olmert is tied. Barak said, “The prime minister must disconnect himself from the daily running of the government.” Yesterday a Long Island businessman at the center of the corruption case testified that he gave about envelopes of cash totaling about $150,000, to Olmert over the course of 13 years. He said the money was for campaign funding and personal expenses. Olmert has denied any wrongdoing and has promised to step down if found guilty.
Nepal To Become Republic: The newly-elected Nepalese assembly is to meet in Kathmandu to abolish the monarchy but its key vote has been postponed by a boming in the capital that injured two people while the new cabinet was being sworn in. Thousands of people have gathered on the streets near the assembly in support of "republic day". Ending 240 years of royal rule, supporters are ecstatic. One said, "This is the people's victory. With today's declaration of a republic we have achieved what we fought for."

Sex and the City Billboards: Too Racy for Israel?

LibertySugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:00:58 -0700

You won't find Carrie and Mr. Big making out on the street of Jerusalem. Sex and the City advertisers have decided to forgo marketing in Jerusalem and Petah Tikva, Israel, in order to avoid offending devoutly religious residents.

The ad company is worried that the word "Sex," as well as racy pictures of the films' stars could, provoke widespread objection. This isn't the first time SATC has employed a different marketing campaign in these locations. During the shows television heyday, a poster was modified to make Sarah Jessica Parker's outfit into a more modest ensemble.

Not wanting to be labeled prude, the city of Petah Tikva went out of its way to clarify that it had nothing to do with the decision. And, an official from Jerusalem called reports that the city had censored the billboards slanderous.

Are sexy posters offensive to even the non-religious? Is the company taking a paternalistic attitude toward these residents? Or are they just sensibly avoiding a confrontation and negative backlash?

Photo courtesy of New Line

Israel, Syria Peace Talks Confirmed

CitizenSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:55:15 -0700

Israel, Syria Peace Talks Confirmed Israel and Syria on Wednesday said they were holding indirect peace talks through Turkish mediators — the first official confirmation of contacts between the longtime enemies. In statements issued minutes apart, the two governments said they "have declared their intent to conduct these talks in good faith and with an open mind," with a goal of reaching "a comprehensive peace."

US To Deport 88-Year-Old Nazi Death Camp Guard

LibertySugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:00:49 -0700

An 88-year-old ex-Nazi may have nowhere to go. The US Supreme Court just rejected the deportation appeal of John Demjanjuk, who worked as a guard at a Nazi death camp during the Holocaust. Demjanjuk came to the US in the 1950s, only to be extradited to Israel and sentenced to death for war crimes. After his conviction was overturned, he came back to the US, lying about his Nazi past.

In 1993, Demjanjuk successfully proved he was not the notorious Nazi "Ivan the Terrible" after almost three decades of accusations. But, in 2002, an immigration judge ruled that there was enough evidence of a Nazi past to strip the guard-turned-Ohio car worker of his American citizenship. Yesterday, the Supreme Court upheld that decisions without comment.

Now that the highest court says he has to leave, it's not clear where he will be welcomed. He claims that he will be tortured in his native Ukraine. It is also uncertain whether Germany will accept him.

Should America make this senior citizen leave his family in America? Are some crimes so atrocious that more than six decades do not let us forget? Does America have an interest in stripping a former Nazi death camp worker, responsible for thousands of deaths, of his citizenship lest it offer his actions even the most passive approval?

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Front Page: Osama bin Laden Tape, Indictment in MySpace Case, Zimbabwe Names Date,

CitizenSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:02:08 -0700

Osama bin Laden Tape: Osama bin Laden just released another audio tape to mark Israel's 60th anniversary. Bin Laden has placed growing emphasis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, putting it at the heart of the Muslim battle and calling it an inspiration to the bombers who attacked US cities on September 11, 2001. In the tape bin Laden says, "we will continue, God permitting, the fight against the Israelis and their allies ... and will not give up a single inch of Palestine as long as there is one true Muslim on earth." The Israeli anniversary celebrations were his inspiration to say, "this is evidence that Palestine is our land, and the Israelis are invaders and occupiers who should be fought."
Indictment in MySpace Case: A federal grand jury indicted the Missouri woman accused of creating a fake MySpace identity to manipulate a 13-year-old girl, who then committed suicide as a result. The woman, Lori Drew, was charged with one count of conspiracy and three counts of accessing a computer without authorization and via interstate commerce to obtain information to inflict emotional distress. Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Zimbabwe Names Date: The run-off in Zimbabwe's disputed presidential election will be held on June 27. Though opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai won the first round, the margin was not big enough to avoid a run-off. President Robert Mugabe called the poll "disastrous". Tsvangirai will compete in the second round, after originally threatening to boycott it.

Front Page: Curfew After India Blasts, China Quake Toll 15,000, Attack in Spain Blamed on ETA, Bush in Israel

CitizenSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:58:35 -0700

Curfew After India Blasts: After a series of bomb blasts killed 63 and left 200 wounded yesterday authorities have imposed a curfew in the old city in Jaipur in western India. The blasts happened near historic monuments and the head of state police is calling it a terrorist attack. Police have detained a number of people for questioning, though no suspects or motives have yet been determined.

China Quake Toll 15,000: Nearly 15,000 people have died in the devastating earthquake that hit China according to media. Estimates say more than 25,000 are still trapped in the rubble two days after the 7.9 quake struck. Sichuan's Vice-Governor said preliminary figures suggested 14,463 people were dead, another 14,051 were missing, 25,788 were buried in the debris and 64,746 had been injured. One town, Yingxiu, was hit harder than expected — out of the town's population of 10,000, only 2,300 have been found alive.
Attack in Spain Blamed on ETA: A bomb exploded in Spain early today outside a police barracks killing one policeman and wounding four others. Local authorities have blamed the incident on the violent Basque separatist group ETA. A spokesman for the Socialist Party in the Basque region, said, "ETA has hurt us terribly this morning with this horrible attack. But the group is weaker than ever and we will win in the end."
Bush in Israel: President Bush arrived in Israel this morning. It's the first stop on a five-day, three-country Middle East tour marking the 60th anniversary of Israel’s founding as well as encouraging progress in peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians. Referring to Israel's democratic government Bush said, “what’s happened here is possible everywhere.”

Israel Celebrates Its 60th Birthday

LibertySugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:00:29 -0700

Israelis are enjoying their country's 60th birthday this week, with fireworks, flyovers, and flourishing pride. Established after the Holocaust, the thriving Jewish nation still confronts threats to its existence.

As for Israel's Arab minority, which makes up one-fifth of its population — they remain a disadvantaged group. Since Arabs and Jews have been living in separate communities for the past 60 years, the Arab minority does not share the same enthusiasm for Independence Day.

The emergence of a pro-two-state solution Jewish lobby, as well as the presidential elections, are bringing the US's tight relationship with Israel back into the spotlight. Check out Slate's take on what it means today for Americans to be "Pro-Israel." What do you think it means to be Pro-Israel?

And while you're at it, take this quiz to see how much you know about Israel's 60 year history.

Front Page: Cyclone Kills 4,000, Mideast Peace This Year, Yahoo Stock Tumbles

CitizenSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 06:56:11 -0700

Cyclone Kills 4,000: The death toll from the weekend cyclone in Myanmar has reached nearly 4,000 people this morning. Thousands of others are still unaccounted for, and at least one entire village has been obliterated. The reports have grown from 350 yesterday to the many thousands, and if accurate, this death toll would be the biggest from a natural disaster in Asia since the tsunami of December 2004. Focus now shifts to survival, and food and water are scarce. One resident says, "fuel is becoming scarce. People are likely to die of starvation. If international help doesn’t come within a week, it will be impossible to survive. There will be nothing left to eat." Witnesses have claimed the government has been slow to address the devastation.

Mideast Peace This Year: According to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the US still believes a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians is possible by the end of this year. However, she still describes Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank as "problematic," and after speaking with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, she said the US regarded the issue of the settlements as "particularly problematic to the atmosphere of trust that is needed" for peace. In other news, the UN is to again suspend distribution of food aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip because of fuel shortages. The announcement came several hours after Israel closed two major crossing points into the territory after they came under mortar fire. President Bush is seeking a peace deal in the area before the end of his term in January.
Yahoo Stock Tumbles: Yahoo's share price fell 22 percent in trading on Monday following Microsoft withdrawing its $47.5 billion takeover offer for the Internet search and media company. Yahoo rejected Microsoft's $33-per-share bid as too low and asked for $37 per share instead.

Front Page: Jeremiah Wright Speaks, Train Collision in China, Children Dead in Gaza

CitizenSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:58:18 -0700

Jeremiah Wright Speaks: Rev. Jeremiah Wright is speaking at the National Press Club this morning. Over the weekend, Wright spoke in Detroit making it clear that he was "running for Jesus," not public office. His message this weekend and this morning is that Americans should know by now that "different does not mean deficient" when it comes to the African-American church and that the controversy over his "God damn America" remarks stems from misunderstanding. He said yesterday, "I come from a religious tradition that does not divorce the world we are living in with the world we are headed to. The black religious tradition is different. We do it a different way."

Train Collision in China: A collision early this morning between two passenger trains traveling through rural Eastern China killed 66 people and injured 247, and 51 of the injured are in critical condition. The incident is one of the deadliest rail accidents in China in a decade. Officials said that at the moment of impact the trains were traveling at full speed and most of the passengers were asleep.
Children Dead in Gaza: In Northern Gaza, a mother and her four young children are among at least seven Palestinians killed during an Israeli raid. The children were between one and six years old. The family members were killed in their home from a missile strike aimed at an area often used by Palestinian militants to launch rockets at Israel. Last Friday, the Palestinian Islamist movement, Hamas, advocated for a six-month "period of quiet" in Gaza, offering to extend it to the West Bank. Israel dismissed the proposal as a ruse to allow Hamas to "re-arm and re-group".

Israeli Solider Jailed For Posting Photos on Facebook

CitizenSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:30:07 -0700

An Israeli soldier just received a 19-day jail sentence for posting photos on his Facebook page without permission from his superiors.

The soldier is serving in an elite air force unit, and this case and punishment appears to be the first of its kind. The Israeli army has recently cracked down on sharing photos after finding pics posted to Internet sites, which were taken in clear violation of the photography ban on bases. They're ordering servicemen in sensitive units to remove any photos that they had uploaded onto the Facebook site.

With Google Maps being kicked off military bases, and tons of soldiers blogging and posting photos on networking sites like Facebook, is it a potential security risk? Should there be strict rules for sharing personal information if you're in the military? Was the prison sentence too much?

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Spies Among Us Prove Israel Has the Bomb?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:02:15 -0700

Yesterday, an American mechanical engineer for a US Army weapons center was arrested for disclosing classified defense information to none other than our own allies, the Israelis.

Ben-Ami Kadish is being accused of acting as an illegal agent (read: spy) for the Israelis from 1979 to 2008 without notifying anyone in the US Attorney General’s office. Between 1979 and 1985, it is alleged that Kadish took classified documents to his home in New Jersey where his contact (code named CC-1) would photograph the sensitive material. One of the documents contained restricted information concerning nuclear weaponry.

Even more interesting, are rumors that are circulating concerning Israel’s current nuclear capabilities. Mordechai Vanunu, who has been imprisoned in Israel for eighteen years for treason, was convicted for telling a British newspaper in 1986 about his work as a technician at Israel’s main atomic reactor. This was the first time anyone was willing to come forward with physical proof of Israel’s nuclear assets. It gets trickier, just

Front Page: Indonesia Sentences Militant, PA Votes, Carter and Hamas

CitizenSugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:57:21 -0700

Indonesia Sentences Militant: An Indonesian court has sentenced Abu Dujana, a suspected military commander of an al Qaeda-linked terror network, to 15 years in prison. He is thought to be leader of the military wing of Jemaah Islamiyah, a group with ties to al Qaeda with an aim to turn Southeast Asia into a Muslim "superstate." The court found Dujana guilty today of illegally possessing firearms and explosives, and of harboring suspected terrorists. He's also thought to have had direct involvement in the Bali nightclub bombings of 2002 that killed more than 200, mostly Western, tourists. Dujana described Jemaah Islamiyah as "an underground organization," saying "it will continue to exist and continue to move on with its plans" to create an Islamic state under Sharia law despite his capture.

PA Votes: Pennsylvanians head to the polls tomorrow voting in their primary, and deciding who gets the bigger slice of the 158 delegate pie. Polls show Clinton with a small but not devastating lead, indicating that the race will continue on to Indiana and North Carolina.

Carter and Hamas: Former US President Jimmy Carter reports after meeting Hamas leaders in Syria, that Hamas is prepared to accept the right of Israel to "live as a neighbour next door in peace." Carter was troubled that the US and Israel would not meet the group. His visit with the group has caused controversy, which he defends by saying, "the problem is not that I met with Hamas in Syria. The problem is that Israel and the United States refuse to meet with someone who must be involved." Carter said Hamas had said that it would accept an Israeli state within its pre-1967 borders if such an agreement was approved by Palestinians.

New Jewish Lobby Group Wants Two State Solution

LibertySugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:00:48 -0700

J Street, a new Jewish lobbying organization, plans to campaign for a two state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Frustrated because, in their opinion, the term "pro-Israel" has been seized by a conservative minority of Jews and Americans alike, J Street hopes to be a voice for left-leaning Jewish Americans.

Currently, the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is "the most important organization affecting America's relationship with Israel," enjoying a $100 million endowment. Some academics have criticized AIPAC for pressuring the US to set aside its own security to advance the interests of Israel. Others counter that such a characterization serves anti-Semitic causes.

J Street's founders are somewhere in the middle. They want to counter right wingers, whose positions they believe go against Israeli and American interests. The group will raise money and donate it to politicians who will help bring about a two state solution and comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.

Are you happy to see views that don't fit the typical dichotomy infusing the discussion? Is it essential that both sides come to the center, or should Jewish Americans not be expected to give up loyalty to a single Jewish state?

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Guess Who?

LibertySugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:00:19 -0700

Who told ABC News last night, that the US needs to talk to Hamas, a Palestinian group officially considered a terrorist organization? I think there's no doubt in anyone's mind that, if Israel is ever going to find peace with justice concerning the relationship with their next-door neighbors, the Palestinians, that Hamas will have to be included in the process.

Israel and Hamas — A Wealth of News Out of Middle East

CitizenSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:15:46 -0700

The situation is admittedly complicated, and there's so much going on — here's a quick recap of the biggest and newest stories out of the region.

This morning, Israeli tanks and bulldozers with helicopters behind, crossed into Gaza after the Jewish state vowed retribution against Hamas for the dramatic ramp up of violence earlier this week.

Yesterday saw a Palestinian raid on the only fuel transfer point into Gaza that caused Israel to cut off fuel supplies for the 1.4-million Gaza citizens. What led Palestinians to attack the only source of fuel they have? A spokesman for Islamic Jihad said, “This fuel (from Israel) is dipped in humiliation. If their fuel means humiliation for us, we don’t want it.” The humiliation he is referring to is the result an Israeli-enforced blockade of Gaza in which Gazans must wait for hours for supplies controlled by Israel.

But this might just be a taste of tense events to come. To see why,

US Reputation Around the World Is on the Up

LibertySugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:01:36 -0700

America is turning a popularity corner. In a BBC World Service poll, 35 percent of people from all over the world said the US has a positive influence, up from 31 percent last year. The view that the US has a negative influence declined from 52 percent to 47 percent.

The pollsters credit various factors including: extra attention to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process; a firmer stance on global warming; the election of pro-US Nicolas Sarkozy in France; decreased violence in Iraq; and the upcoming presidential election. World citizens hope that the next president will pursue a more collaborative foreign policy.

Comparatively, Iran and Israel received the most negative ratings. Doing a 180 from about 60 years ago, Japan and Germany have the highest positive ratings. Russia gets a 37 percent approval rating, higher than the US.

Surprised by these results? Do you think approval will increase with the next US president, or is a superpower destined to be judge critically?

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Hidden Stories: Israeli Arab Land Day Protests

CitizenSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:30:16 -0700

Chants of "we are here to stay," rang out as more than 1,000 Israeli Arabs marched through Jaffa today to commemorate the killing of six people during a 1976 protest against land confiscations.
The photo shows a Palestinian demonstrator in a heated argument with an Israeli soldier during the protest against Israel's controversial separation barrier near the West Bank city of Ramallah. To find out more about this hidden story,

Cheney Tells Palestine and Israel, "Love Hurts"

LibertySugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:00:01 -0700

Yesterday, US Vice President Dick Cheney attempted to resurrect Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Cheney met Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, as well as Israeli leaders Sunday, and maintained that an independent Palestine is long overdue.

Of course, achieving that vision won't be easy. Cheney warned that a peace deal will mean "painful concessions" by both sides. Abbas was quick to demand Israeli concessions. He asked Cheney to call on Israel to stop building settlements and stop firing on Palestinian militants.

The Bush Administration is working hard to help Israel and Palestine reach an agreement before Bush leaves office. Bush traveled to the region in January, and will return in May. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice is making monthly visits. Do you think President Bush can bring the two sides together, adding a tangible and commendable accomplishment in the Middle East to his legacy?

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