by Asa Winstanley

This Israeli government propaganda broadcast (the Israeli Broadcasting Authority interviewing Miri Eisen, a government spokesperson), from July 17 is quite revealing for a couple of reasons.

Firstly regarding “moderate Arab countries”. This phrase is often used in the Western media, and by Western politicians, but what does it actually mean? This broadcast is a good example of how “moderate” is in fact a codeword for “subservient to our interests”. What is Eisen’s example of a “moderate Arab country”? Saudi Arabia! A country with an absolute monarchy, of fundamentalist religious character which tortures prisoners, forces couples to divorce, silences internal dissent and executes children and women is characterised as “moderate”. Why? One can only assume it has something to do with the fact that the regime is a loyal ally of to Western policy, propped-up by the British and US governments.

Secondly, and more subtly, the mention of “removing illegal outposts” as part of a political agreement with “the Palestinians”, presumably Abbas and his unelected PA cabinet. “Illegal outposts” refers to settlements established in the West Bank which have not been officially approved by the Israeli government (and hence illegal even under Israeli law). What Eisen fails to mention is that the vast majority of settlements are large, built-up, government-funded affairs. The population of the “outposts” consists of a small — but vocal — minority of Jewish religious fundamentalists. It is noteworthy that despite their illegal status under Israeli law, even these outposts are protected by the Israeli military (the settlers themselves are of course armed too). International law, on the other hand, makes no distinction between “outposts” and other settlements. The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the occupying power to transfer citizens from its own territory to the occupied territory (Article 49).

by Asa Winstanley

As a new contributer this site, I thought that a good way to start would be to go through interesting videos in the backlog of old clips. This one is from CNN back in December 2, 2006 of Jimmy Carter defending his book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. It’s still worth watching — a good one for sharing with friends who don’t know the basics of the situation maybe.

I’m not a fan of Jimmy Carter (or politicians in general for that matter), but these days he has, in some respects, began to tell it like it is regarding Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories. The furious reaction of the political elite the US to his book — in which it seems he simply tells some basic truths — was instructive.

In the clip he says that “there is zero debate in this country about this issue and that’s what I hope to change.” An admirable and much-needed goal, to be sure. And the good thing about Carter speaking about this issue is that he gets mainstream attention in the US.

I have not read his book, but aparently it is not without its flaws — and not the fake “errors” its Zionists critics allege. Likewise, Carter makes at least one questionable statement in the clip:

“Inside Israel it is a wonderful democracy with everyone treated the same, Arabs and Jews…”

I don’t think Palestinian citizens of Israel would tend to agree with that…

Condi denies linkage between Iraq and current initiative

The suggestion of the Iraq study group may actually have led to Condi’s current diplomatic initiative in the Middle East including an attempt to jumpstart the peace process in Palestine/Israel. In a press conference in Israel however, Ms. Rice said that Palestinians deserve a state on its own merit and not because of the US need for help in Iraq from other Arab states.

CNN International:

Ok, Condi, you haven’t done a thing for the Palestinians or for the peace process for the past six years except starve and punish the Palestinian people for exercising their choice at the ballot box. Now you’re desperate, you need Arab support in Iraq and suddenly you’re making an attempt to jumpstart the peace process. OK, we understand you’re desperate and any relief would be welcome in Palestine and Iraq, whatever your reasons. However denying the linkage just makes you look ridiculous.

Add to that the announcement by Israel (while you’re visiting) that it will expand more settlements in the occupied West Bank and it’s clear once again that you are there only to do Israel’s bidding.

Unfortunately, this was only reported in the San Diego Tribune and Democracy Now.