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Sharon's banana republics

Afif Safieh 19 April 2004


After the horror of 9/11, when the predictable retaliation was being discussed, the pro-Israel lobby emerged as the “maximalist school”, which wanted to expand the theatre of operations beyond Afghanistan to engulf Iraq, Syria and Libya. That lobby has grown accustomed to using one muscle too many and one pressure too far. The collusion between the US and Israeli agendas has put America on a collision course with the Arab World, which now perceives the US as Israel’s belligerent Sparta and the aim of American foreign policy to be docility, not democracy. 

Amnesty: No restrictions with Vanunu's release

Amnesty International 19 April 2004


Amnesty International urges the Israeli authorities not to impose any restrictions or conditions on former nuclear technician Mordechai Vanunu upon his release on Wednesday after 18 years in jail. “Mordechai Vanunu should be allowed to exercise his rights to freedom of movement, association and expression in Israel and should be allowed to leave the country if he wishes,” said Amnesty International. “His release is long overdue and Israel must not continue to violate his fundamental human rights once he is released from prison.” Vanunu was sent to jail 18 years ago for exposing secrets relating to Israel’s nuclear capabilities. 

Annan condemns Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Abdelaziz Rantissi

United Nations News Service 18 April 2004


United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has condemned Israel’s assassination of Hamas leader Abdelaziz Rantissi and called on the country to end the practice of extrajudicial killngs, which violate international law. “He is apprehensive that such an action would lead to further deterioration of an already distressing and fragile situation,” a spokesman for the Secretary-General said in a statement issued on Saturday evening in New York. The statement emphasized that the only way to halt an escalation in the violence is for Israelis and Palestinians to work towards a viable negotiating process. 

NYC D.A. calls political protest "a crime," urges jail for organizers

19 April 2004


New York, 16 April 2004 - In a move widely regarded as an anti-dissent crackdown on behalf of the imminent Republican National Convention, the NYC District Attorney has defined protest speech as “criminal”, urging jail time for activists who have a history of dissent. The DA’s office made the statement in a letter outlining sentencing recommendations for 16 activists recently convicted for non-violent civil disobedience. The activists are to be sentenced on Monday. 

UN meeting criticizes impact of Israel's construction of wall in the West Bank

United Nations News Service 16 April 2004


The United Nations International Meeting on the Impact of the Construction of the Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Including In and Around East Jerusalem, concluded its two-day session this afternoon with participants expressing deep concern about the dangerous current and potential humanitarian consequences of the construction of the wall and urging active involvement of the international community to resolve this crisis. A final document said participants expressed deep concern over the dangerous current and potential humanitarian consequences of the construction of the wall. 

Israel assassinates Dr. Abdul 'Aziz al-Rantissi, leader of Hamas

18 April 2004


On Saturday evening, 17 April 2004, Israeli occupying forces assassinated Dr. ‘Abdul ‘Aziz al-Rantissi, 57, leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip. The attack also killed two of Dr. al-Rantissi’s bodyguards, and wounded four civilian bystanders. This illegal and belligerent act is implemented within the context of Israeli authorities’ threats to assassinate Hamas leaders, which have been articulated by Israeli political and military officials for the past two years. 

Arabs, Muslims are not behind European anti-Semitism

Ali Abunimah 16 April 2004


Pro-Israel groups in the US and Europe have campaigned to suggest the European Union is aflame with a “new anti-Semitism,” and to thereby stifle criticism of Israel. But recently they’ve suffered several setbacks. Contrary to the findings in a EUMC report produced in late 2003, the new EUMC report concluded there was no evidence that the increase could be attributed mainly to Muslims and pro-Palestinian groups. Ei’s Ali Abunimah investigates new and disturbing trends in Israeli lobbyists’ efforts to silence criticism of Israel.