The Electronic Intifada

Egypt's dubious claims spark row with Hizballah

Adam Morrow and Khaled Moussa al-Omrani 28 April 2009


CAIRO (IPS) - Egyptian authorities announced earlier this month the discovery of a Hizballah “cell” allegedly planning to carry out violent operations in Egypt. Although Hizballah General Secretary Hassan Nasrallah insists the group was only tasked to assist the Palestinian resistance in Gaza, the government has used the episode to launch a blistering media campaign against the Lebanese Shia resistance group. 

Racism, boycott and a big dose of hypocrisy

Isabelle Humphries 28 April 2009


The Durban Review Conference held last week was initially intended to be a forum to evaluate the progress towards goals set eight years ago. But bullying tactics by certain European/North American states ensured that the draft Durban Review Conference declaration excluded any criticism of Israel. In the planning process original “offensive” statements such as those referring to “unlawful collective punishment” and “torture” were removed. Isabelle Humphries comments for The Electronic Intifada. 

Dahlan comeback to Gaza fails

Adam Morrow and Khaled Moussa al-Omrani 27 April 2009


CAIRO (IPS) - The recent onslaught against the Gaza Strip — and Israel’s failure to achieve its military objectives there — left Palestinian resistance group Hamas politically stronger than ever. Concurrently, it dealt a possible death blow to the faction within Fatah led by strongman Mohammed Dahlan, long known for its closeness to Israel. 

Book review: Resurrecting "America's Defense Line"

Muhammad Idrees Ahmad 1 May 2009


In his new book, America’s Defense Line: the Justice Department’s Battle to Register the Israel Lobby as Agents of a Foreign Government, tenacious analyst Grant F. Smith focuses on an important aspect of the Israel lobby’s origins that has implications for how it operates today. Muhammad Idrees Ahmad reviews for The Electronic Intifada. 

The Zionist movement and sports in Palestine

Issam Khalidi 27 April 2009


Even today, there remains a great deal of misinformation on Palestinian websites regarding the participation of Palestine in the 1934 and 1938 World Cup tournaments. Such misinformation generally comes from individuals who are not familiar with the historical facts and must be corrected. Issam Khalidi looks at the history of the Zionist movement and sports in Palestine. 

UK campaigners score victory towards arms embargo

Yasmin Khan 23 April 2009


As the global movement for boycott, divestment and sanctions grows, an
arms embargo strategy is a key element of the wider sanctions call. Refusing to trade weapons with Israel sends a powerful message of disapproval for its actions, and the current review being undertaken by the British government demonstrates how grassroots campaigning can make a real difference in forcing governments to justify their actions. Yasmin Khan comments for The Electronic Intifada. 

Film review: Kindness as vengeance in "Heart of Jenin"

Maureen Clare Murphy 23 April 2009


After his young son Ahmad was shot and killed by Israeli forces in the Jenin refugee camp in 2005, Ismail Khatib was propositioned by the Israeli doctor treating his son: would Ismail wish that his son Ahmad’s organs be donated to children (in Israel) who needed them? The Electronic Intifada’s Maureen Clare Murphy reviews Heart of Jenin, a documentary about the Khatib family’s experience.