Month: December 2009

Israel Declares War on Peace NGOs

JERUSALEM – One year after the devastating attack on Hamas in Gaza a new wave of reports castigating Israel for war crimes has emerged. Now, Israel is fighting back with a report on the reports, picking on international NGOs such as Amnesty, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Trocaire , Finn Church Aid, Diakonia, and Cordaid. The immediate … Continue reading “Israel Declares War on Peace NGOs”

Thursday: 46 Iraqis Killed; 194 Iraqis, 1 Iranian Wounded

Updated at 12:25 p.m. EST, Dec. 25, 2009 Although the Christmas holiday will be celebrated in Iraq tomorrow, gunmen chose to target Shi’ite Ashura pilgrims instead of Christians today. At least 46 Iraqis were killed and 194 more were wounded in mostly Ashura-related violence. One Iranian pilgrim was injured, though more victims could be foreign … Continue reading “Thursday: 46 Iraqis Killed; 194 Iraqis, 1 Iranian Wounded”

Hard Line on Hezbollah Clashes with Political Reality

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman visited Washington last week, for his first visit with President Barack Obama. The meeting was a quick one, tucked in amongst the myriad of domestic issues that are demanding Obama’s attention. Yet despite its brevity, the meeting touched upon issues that strike at the heart of the U.S.-Lebanon relationship — U.S. … Continue reading “Hard Line on Hezbollah Clashes with Political Reality”

Gaza March Puts Spotlight on Civilian Suffering

More than 50,000 people are expected to take to the streets of Gaza on Dec. 31 for a mass march designed to send a message to the United States, a key supporter of Israel’s army, that the situation in Gaza violates international human rights laws. The idea behind the "Gaza Freedom March" comes from CODEPINK, … Continue reading “Gaza March Puts Spotlight on Civilian Suffering”

Wednesday: 23 Iraqis Killed, 67 Wounded

Updated at 11:53 p.m. EST, Dec. 23, 2009 Attacks targeting Christians and Shi’ites left dozens dead or wounded in the days leading to important holidays for both groups. Christmas occurs on Friday, while Ashura begins at sunset on Saturday. At least 23 Iraqis were killed and 67 more were wounded across the country in these … Continue reading “Wednesday: 23 Iraqis Killed, 67 Wounded”

Sartre Meets Afghanistan: Obama’s ‘No Exit’ Strategy

To take some of the sting out of his decision to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, President Obama laid out an exit strategy by setting a date – July 2011 – on which troops will begin withdrawing. The president, through Robert Gibbs, described the date as "locked in," "etched in stone," and having … Continue reading “Sartre Meets Afghanistan: Obama’s ‘No Exit’ Strategy”