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Israeli Attacks in Gaza Strip Continue

CitizenSugar — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 09:50:05 -0800

Israeli Attacks in Gaza Strip Continue Israeli airstrikes against Hamas facilities in Gaza continued for a second day on Sunday. The death toll is up to more than 280. It's Israel's most severe campaign against Palestinian militants in decades.

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.

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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,

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?

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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,

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.

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?

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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: 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: 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".

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.

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.

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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Front Page: More From bin Laden, Obama's Passport, Pelosi

CitizenSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:00:36 -0700

Another new audio message allegedly delivered by Osama bin Laden urges Muslims to join the insurgency in Iraq, calling it the best way to support the Palestinians. He makes the tie between the two saying, "The nearest jihad battlefield to support our people in Palestine is the battlefield of Iraq." The statement was released on al-Jazeera TV, and comes just a day after he threatened Europe in a similar audio recording. The newest statement says of attempts at peace talks, "Palestine cannot be retaken by negotiations and dialogue, but with fire and iron."

Two employees have been fired from the State Department and another reprimanded for improperly opening electronic information from the passport file of Senator Barack Obama. The announcement came yesterday detailing three separate occasions of unauthorized access, in January, February, and March. The events are being called "imprudent curiosity," and there are no details yet as to reasons for the breach, or why the announcement only reached top officials and Senator Obama after the third occasion.
US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi arrived in northern India this morning for talks with the Dalai Lama and his Tibetan government-in-exile. Pelosi sharply criticized China saying, "If freedom-loving people throughout the world do not speak out against China's oppression in China and Tibet, we have lost all moral authority to speak on behalf of human rights anywhere in the world. The situation in Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world." The comments came during a meeting with the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader. Pelosi noted that she was voicing her personal opinion and not US policy. The meeting comes amid violence surrounding Tibetan protests against China.

Front Page: Peace Talks to Resume, China Upholds One Child

CitizenSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 07:06:37 -0800

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, said today that he intends to resume negotiations on a plan for peace with Israel. The agreement came after a visit from US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and heavy pressure from the United States. He did not set a date to resume talks and faces great political pressure at home to stay away from the table if the Palestinian death toll continues to rise from Israeli attacks on Gaza. Recent reports show that conditions in Gaza are the worst they've been in 40 years.
China is now denying suggestions that it is about to change its controversial one-child policy. The Family Planning Chief said that the rule limiting families to one child, or two in rural areas, will remain in place, though the rules have been blamed for a gender imbalance as families are eager for sons rather than daughters. The Director of the State Population and Family Planning Commission said, "Changes to the family planning policy now could lead to population rises, posing higher pressure on China's future development."

Front Page: US Bombs Somalia, Abbas Stops Peace Talks

CitizenSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:53:17 -0800

The US fired missiles on an Islamist-held town in southern Somalia this morning. A US military official said the attack was "a deliberate, precise strike against a known terrorist and his associates." Three missiles hit Dhoble town, reportedly killing six people and wounding 20. Islamist insurgents took the area last week and reports indicated a leader, Hassan Turki, had been present in the area. The US is accusing the Somali Islamists of giving a safe haven to those responsible for the 1998 attacks on its embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas suspended peace talks with Israel yesterday following renewed violence in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 100 Palestinians since last Wednesday. Hamas has continued its campaign of rocket strikes against Israel, prompting reciprocal attacks on the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said "with all due respect, nothing will prevent us from continuing operations to protect our citizens." US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is set to visit the region this week, and the latest reports say Israel has begun to withdraw from the five-day offensive, while warning their response is not over.

Headline: Israeli and Palestinian Leader Meet For Peace

LibertySugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:00:08 -0800

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Palestinan President Mahmoud Abbas "you can stand under my umbrella, ella, ella, eh" yesterday, when the two leaders met for another round of peace negotiations.

Comments made by the Israeli prime minister — that the issue of Jerusalem would be last on the peace process agenda — threatened to deter the talks. Olmert insisted that Abbas had agreed to the schedule. Palestinian officials, who insist that Jerusalem should be the capital of an independent Palestine, denied agreeing to avoiding the Jerusalem issue.

The two leaders plan to meet again in two weeks time. They have met twice a month since last November's American-sponsored peace conference in Annapolis, Md. Despite the struggle to agree on the agenda, I think it's hopeful that the two are meeting and posing for Rihanna-inspired photo ops.

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Headline: Egypt Hosts Palestinian Rivals

LibertySugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:25:44 -0800

Egypt is hosting Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas and a delegation from Hamas for separate talks regarding the latest border crisis. During talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Abbas demanded that rival group Hamas give up control of Gaza.

These groundbreaking talks mark the first time ever that Egypt will receive a Hamas delegation, as neither Egypt nor Israel recognizes Hamas as Gaza's legitimate authority. Hamas representatives, who will only be meeting with lower-lever Egyptian officials, will certainly push for a role in a border agreement.

Currently, the Palestinian Authority and the militant group Hamas are sparring over control of the Rafah border crossing. To see the connection between the conflict and the map

Need to Know: Palestinian Women Join the Police Force

LibertySugar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 09:05:06 -0800

Hamas has been recruiting women to join the Gaza police force ever since the group gained power. Policewomen are not combating Israeli forces; instead they will address gender-sensitive cases such as prostitution.

Trying to merge a changing role for women with religious tradition has been tricky. According to the New York Times:

"One recruit, Fatma, 27, wears only a head scarf, which leaves her face exposed. But she complained that it was hard to run in her long Islamic robe, known as a jilbab. She said that her bosses were thinking of designing a new uniform for easier movement. 'They are talking about pants, and a jilbab that is open on both sides.'"

Participation in the police force is much more positive than the increase in female suicide bombers seen in Iraq. Still, the New York Times article goes on to offer examples of how the Gaza criminal justice system fails women. To find out how,

Headline: 18 Dead in Violence in the Gaza Strip

LibertySugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:02:23 -0800

At least 18 Palestinians, almost all Hamas militants, were killed today in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. About 50 others were injured during the Israeli raid, which came one day after Palestinians and Israelis began peace talks.

The confrontation ensued when an undercover Israeli army unit targeted a house used to launch rockets at Israel. A Palestinian gunman opened fire after spotting the Israelis.

Israeli President Shimon Peres said that if Gaza militants continue to fire rockets at Israel, his country is "left without a choice but to answer and stop it."

Mahmoud al-Zahar, a member of Hamas's leadership in the Gaza Strip, lost his son in the violence. He has called for the suspension of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, which were initiated by Bush during his visit to the region last week. Blaming Bush's visit and "the cover supplied by Bush to the Israeli occupation authorities," he said the Palestinians would retaliate in the way Israel understands.

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