Month: June 2009

Down and Out in Shah Mansoor

In Pakistan’s Swabi district, a bumpy road leads to Shah Mansoor, a small village surrounded by farmland. Just outside the village, uniform-size tents are set up in hundreds of rows. The sun bares down on the Shah Mansoor camp which has become a temporary home to thousands of displaced Pakistanis from the Swat area. In … Continue reading “Down and Out in Shah Mansoor”

Lebanon’s Election: An International Affair

It was touted as an historic election, a vote to determine the future direction of Lebanon. But even with the winners declared, analysts say the Jun. 7 ballot was far from decisive, and did little to alter the fundamental balance of power in the country. In the U.S., Lebanon’s poll has been characterized as another … Continue reading “Lebanon’s Election: An International Affair”

Thursday: 11 Iraqis Killed, 29 Wounded

Updated at 5:31 p.m. EDT, June 11, 2009 Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki warned that attacks could increase as a US pullout date approaches. In today’s violence at least 11 Iraqis were killed and 29 more were wounded. An American soldier was wounded alongside a number of the Iraqis.

Syrian Foreign Minister Eager to Work with Obama

Former U.S. senator George Mitchell is due to arrive in Syria’s capital, Damascus, Friday on his first visit there since being named Pres. Barack Obama’s special envoy for Arab-Israeli peace. In an exclusive interview with IPS in Damascus on Jun. 4, Syria’s foreign minister, Walid Moualem, made clear that Mitchell will receive a warm welcome. … Continue reading “Syrian Foreign Minister Eager to Work with Obama”

Long Way From ‘Settlerland’ to ‘Palestine’

JERUSALEM — Has Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got the Obama message? To judge by his minimalist response to President Barack Obama’s landmark Cairo University address and his continuing reluctance to meet Obama’s demand for a total freeze on Israeli settlements, the answer would seem to be, "No." It’s a mighty challenge for Netanyahu to … Continue reading “Long Way From ‘Settlerland’ to ‘Palestine’”

For West Bank Palestinians, Some Unclean Drops to Drink

FAQUA, Northern West Bank — Faqua village has found itself unfortunately named. Faqua in Arabic means spring water bubbles; the village was named after the abundant natural underground springs that were once found all around it. Today the people are on their own; the water springs have been taken over by Israel. Faqua’s problems started … Continue reading “For West Bank Palestinians, Some Unclean Drops to Drink”