Israel Hijacks Aid cargo, executes hostages - Pak journo, Talat Hussain taken hostage

[Jigs]

I hope we don't just stop with the FM's UN meeting we need more aggressive measures.

 

[gubbi]

Back in December 2008--when there was a fishbowl-shoot going on in Gaza--Obama 'had plenty to say' once he became the President.
Now he is the President. Will he be like Bus

Israel's Gaza Aid Ship Atrocity Offers Obama Golden but Risky Opportunity

Torture and terror, two terms peppered across the pages of newspapers, spouted from the mouths of news-anchors and stamped across countless websites throughout the first decade of the 21st century, but rarely used to describe the Israeli government's policies towards Palestinians over the last six decades.

But today, after Israeli forces attacked a flotilla of aid-carrying ships that aimed to break the country's blockade on Gaza, and killed at least 19 people in the process, an opportunity had materialized.

The six ships were floating in international waters and each flying the European flag when Israeli marines and commandos attacked them; making the act, from an international political perspective, an "act of piracy" and arguably an attack on "Europe".

Piracy & Scourge

In April 2009 Somali pirates hijacked the Maersk Alabama, a US-flagged container ship with 20 American crew on board and 400 containers of food aid (including 232 containers belonging to the UN's World Food Program) destined for Somalia and Uganda.

In response, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for world action to end the "scourge" of piracy.

But what about the "scourge" of Israel?

This is not an attempt to draw a parallel between the two incidents, Israel's attack was that of trained government officials willing to kill and injure innocent civilians in order to subject nearly two million others to vile persecution. Surely, that cannot be compared to pirates seizing a vessel for ransom.

While this latest display of Israel's use of disproportionate force to ensure the continued imprisonment and suffering of the 1.7 million Palestinians living inside Gaza has, as usual, sparked international condemnation, the scrutiny this time around is profound and palpable.

American Inaction

In any relationship, actions speak louder than words. In fact, action ensures consequence, which in turn ensures change. So it will be interesting to see who talks the talk, who walks the walk, and who is left on the sidelines for all to mock.

President Obama - who ran his entire presidential campaign on the prospect of change - has yet to evoke any change in Israel's repeated violations of international law, human rights and past promises, such as its pledge to its closest ally to halt settlement activity in the West Bank.

The metaphors are endless, but perhaps the simplest is best:

If your daughter hits your son and you simply scold her, chances are she will hit him again. Take away her allowance and cancel her slumber party on Saturday and its likely she will learn to control her rage.

For decades, the US has reprimanded without consequence, occasionally scolding Israel, but more often vetoing hundreds of UN Security Council resolutions condemning Israel for its human rights violations, violence and deportations.

Occasionally, the US abstains from voting or votes in favor of the resolutions, which happened most notably on six occasions during President George Bush Senior's term. But even still, the resolutions are seldom, if ever, enforced.

UN Resolutions are No Solutions

While the United Nations has passed hundreds of resolutions condemning the Jewish state since its establishment in 1948, passing more resolutions and decisions condemning Israel than all the other 191 UN member states combined, to put it blunly, it is all useless.

Last month The Guardian reported that the US had given private assurances to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that it would consider not using its veto power against UN Security Council condemnations of any significant new settlement activity on Israel's behalf.

But again, even these assurances, given verbally in a meeting between a senior US diplomat and the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas will accomplish nothing unless actions are taken. After all, they weren't put in writing for a reason.

The truth remains, Israel's blockade of Gaza continues to force the 1.7 million Palestinians living in Gaza to live in a perpetual state of "direct physical and mental suffering and anxiety" - fulfilling the most basic definition of "torture", and "terror," which is broadly defined as "the use of fear to intimidate people especially for political reasons".

Foreign Failures & Israeli Ingenuity

That this has gone on for 3 years without any effective or substantial international intervention points to the failures of the world powers to hold Israel accountable to its deplorable and peculiar policies, especially the US.

But it also points to Israel's seemingly spellbinding PR tactics. Israel may be the only country in the world that can wage a war without fear of political isolation or economic consequence.

Israel's most prominent spokesman, Mark Regev, Prime Minister Netanyahu's spokesman, immediately, went on the defensive.

"Our young navy servicemen were given clear instructions to do the interception as quietly as possible, almost as a police action," he said. "But when the interception started, our service men were attacked. We've got unfortunately 10 wounded on our side."

But the decision to storm the Freedom Flotilla and open fire, regardless of the excuse of having been provoked demonstrates a complete disrespect for international law and human rights, placing them in a particularly problematic political pickle - which the US will undoubtedly share the brunt of the predicament.

Still, the international community has voiced outrage at Israel's actions, with many world leaders condemning the attack.

Turkey, which sponsored the vessel and had many of its nationals aboard the ships said "This regrettable incident, which took place in the international waters and in serious violation of international law could have irreparable consequences for our relations", ruining a key regional relationship that was on the mend following the diplomatic backlash that came with Israel's assault on Gaza in December 2008.

A Failed Approach

But it is in fact, the US that should be most concerned as Obama, and potentially Obama alone has the opportunity to capitalize on an opportunity to give Israel a reality check, or continue down the path of convenience, oversight and a superficial pursuit of peace.

Netanyahu is now finding himself in the worst diplomatic crisis since taking office earlier this year, and it is likely that Obama will have to tread similar rough waters in the coming weeks.

The US can no longer bank on Turkey, as it had been doing, to potentially serve as a mediator between Iran following Israel's habitual indiscriminate aggressive attack.

The irony is, Israel - like Christina Aguilera once confessed in a slow ballad (Save Me From Myself) that never quite garnered the fame it should have - needs to be saved from itself.

Its policies have succeeded only in instilling more anger, desperation and rage in the Palestinians living in Gaza and millions of Muslims across the world, which to put it simply, is counterproductive to securing its borders and "Jewish identity".

The blockade has failed to oust Hamas from power, but instead eliminated over 100,000 jobs (as a result of banning raw goods and freezing trade), creating swaths of unemployed, destitute, and desperate people.

Despite being challenged by Human Rights groups, Israel has refused to list publicly what it bans from entering Gaza claiming it would harm their security.

Accordingly, 80 percent of Gaza's residents are dependent on international assistance, primarily UN-donated food aid.

Even under the assumption that the convoy's attempts to bring aid to Gaza, (the largest effort to try to reach Gaza since Israel and Egypt began restricting the flow of goods into the strip since 2007) was a provocation, in the words of French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner who said he was "deeply shocked by the tragic consequences of Israel's military operation" against "a humanitarian initiative", "nothing could justify the use of such violence, which we condemn."

Israel claims that food, medicine and medical equipment are allowed inside Gaza regularly. But today's events point to the contrary. So long as the UN and Western powers only rely on their voices to urge Israel to ease its restrictions, it is only a matter of time (and not much) until this news story recycles itself in yet another tragic manifestation.

Obama Holds the Key

There is only one world power with the ability to really bring about a change on the ground in Israel and Gaza - the US.

The first step for Obama is to slowly begin to admit, to itself, if not the American public, the reality that its domestic policies (due to the sheer power of the Jewish Lobby and other interest groups) are currently dependant on its foreign relations with Israel.

Until then, the US government will remain bound to its role of blindly guaranteeing any act of Israel's government, even when it is not in its immediate interest.

What is particularly encouraging is that Obama managed to win even more support from American Muslims, despite his political pandering to AIPAC during his campaign when he infamously announced that Jerusalem should remain Israel's undivided capital.

No one with any grasp on reality would suggest that Obama withdraw aid from Israel, or to turn his back on its key ally in the region.

In fact Obama should remain Israel's closest ally and friend. But sometimes the true test of friendship is being able to not only call out a friend for a lapse in judgment but to do something proactive to send a message to your friend indicating that they have crossed the line...again.

Obama actually has the power to meddle with Israel's domestic politics, just as Israel meddles with that of the US, through a sustained approach of influencing the Israeli electorate to take matter into their own hands.

He must begin to give them signs that the US will not longer offer "unwavering support" to Israel. It won't cost him the next election if it is done right.

He can take small steps, such as no longer isolating Palestinian leaders simply because they are labeled and made out by Israel to be terrorists, and nothing else.

Obama has always promoted and positioned himself as taking a nuanced approach to complex issues. This is yet another one.

In fact, he can start with one of those forgotten UN Security Council Resolutions that the US abstained from voting on, 1860, which calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a sustained delivery of humanitarian aid and an Israeli troop withdrawal.

If Obama leads, it is conceivable that the American public will follow.

In February 67 percent of Americans expressed a favorable opinion of Israel according to a Gallup poll.

The same survey found that 63 percent of the public stands with Israel when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, versus 15 percent that support the Palestinians.

But if you split the results down party lines, you find that 85 percent of Republicans support Israel but only 48 percent of Democrats (and 60 percent for independents).

These are numbers he can work with.

The time has come for Obama to truly lead and bring about the change he campaigned on.

Is it a risk? Sure. Is it possible that he might lose the upcoming election if he embarks on this course? Sure. But running for President as a first term senator with chocolate-colored skin was a risk to begin with, so he has no real excuse to play it safe.

 

[Kompromat]

 

[FreekiN]

To protect national security.

Yeah, because the activists were going invade Israel with chairs and poles and maybe throw some food at them.

 

[Kompromat]

 

[Vande Mataram]

Man you are insisting again and again on your baseless claims about zionists.

Watch this , the aid provided is forth of what is needed.

YouTube - Israel Attacks Humane Ship

Baseless??
You watched that video I gave you right?

Comeon, as those solders were entering the boat, the people there grabbed them, beat them, threw one off the boat.

That's the evidence I showed you.

You gave me this report of a video channel saying Israeli forces killed 10.

Anyone can talk. I am but talking purely based on the evidence I gave you. And till there is a video of proof contradicting that, I stand firm on my stance.

Not just Al-Jareeza but 100's of other channels say the same thing. But not one posted any other evidence other than what the Palestinians "claim".

Bed time now I gotta go to school tomorrow morning.

I will look for more online, tomorrow and if you guys find anything please do post =)

@Black Ice, for the last time, I don't want these people to die!

 

[Jigs]

Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Levy meets with foreign ministry officials

Summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry in the wake of Israel’s Monday attack on a aid convoy headed to Gaza, Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Gabby Levy held a 20-minute meeting with an unnamed senior foreign ministry official before leaving the ministry without making a statement.

An unidentified Turkish diplomat told AFP that Ankara is “considering the actions that we may take under international law.”

Turkey asked Levy for a detailed report on the fate of all people who were aboard the vessels, he added. Levy was also told that the Turkish passengers as well as the wounded should be repatriated to Ankara in the shortest possible time and should have the vessels released, said the diplomat.

 

[Vande Mataram]

Yeah, because the activists were going invade Israel with chairs and poles and maybe throw some food at them.

No, that's an isolated perspective.

The reason is those boats coulda contained more rockets, weapons =)

I don't need to explain more.

 

[Kompromat]

Pakistan Mourns those killed in Israeli Attack




Tuesday, June 01, 2010
By By our correspondents
Karachi

Protest demonstrations were staged outside the US Consulate and the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Monday to condemn Israelís deadly assault on the Gaza flotilla that was carrying relief goods for Palestinians.

Religious parties including Jamat-e-Islami (JI), Sunni Tehreek, Pasban, Islami Jamiat Talaba, Palestinian Foundation (PLF), Pakistan Jafferia Alliance and Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Pakistan along with people all walks of life took out protest rallies condemning the Israeli assault.

PLF under the leadership of Allama Abbas Kumaili protested near the US Consulate. The protester chanted slogans against the Zionist states for their anti-Islamic policies and tried to storm the US Consulate. However, this attempt was blocked by the police. The protestors then staged a sit in that led to a massive traffic jam in the area.

They demanded of the UN, OIC, Arab League, European Union and other human rights organisations to issue policies against Israel’s illegal act and take a resolute stance against the recurring criminal acts by the Zionist nation against Muslims.

Meanwhile, the JI staged protest outside the KPC to condemn the Israeli attack. The protestors held the US responsible for patronising Israel and dubbed the attack as an open violation of international law. Expressing solidarity with the people on board fthe freedom flotilla, they demanded of the International Court of Justice to register a case against Israel and its supporters.

The JI also demanded an emergency session of the UN Security Council over Israel’s aggression and asked the international community to realise their responsibility towards the abandoned Palestinians.

The journalist fraternity has severely condemned Israel’s brutal attack on the international aid flotilla aimed at providing humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of Gaza facing years-long atrocities and blockade by the Zionist state, Israel.

Israeli forces attacked the Freedom Flotilla bound for Gaza earlier Monday, killing at least 20 activists and injuring scores of others. All the eight ships loaded with humanitarian aid and basic relief goods were seized and 750 journalists and civil society activists were detained.

“The interception on the convoy is unacceptable. It is open violation of basic human rights and freedom of speech,” Afzaal Mohsin, President Karachi Union of Journalists (Dastoor), told the protesters belonging to various media organisations outside the Karachi Press Club.

“Israel will have to bear the consequences of its actions. The journalist fraternity of Pakistan strongly condemns the act. We are concerned about the state of Pakistani journalists, Talat Hussain and Raza Mahmood Agha on board the ships,” Mohsin said.

“By targeting innocent civilians and media persons, Israel has once again clearly displayed its utter scorn for human lives, peaceful initiatives, and freedom of speech.”

He demanded of the government to take emergency measures to record its protest against Israel and ensure immediate return of Pakistanis accompanying the flotilla.

The protestors walked to the Governor’s House and presented their protest to the Governor and proceeded towards the US Consulate-General but were persuaded by the KUJ leaders to turn back to keep the protest peaceful.

 

[Kompromat]

No, that's an isolated perspective.

The reason is those boats coulda contained more rockets, weapons =)

I don't need to explain more.

Are you on drugs ??

The boat was cleared by Turkish authorities .

Man STOP spreading your BUllls!t claims , there were no weapons on that boat.

 

[TOPGUN]

Turkey threatens action; Israel on alert


New Delhi: Turkey has threatened Israel with unprecedented action after Israeli forces attacked an aid vessel, killing 10 peace activists headed to Gaza.

Israel said 10 people died while those on the ship said at least 15 were killed.

Turkey threatens action; Israel on alert - World - ibnlive

The bulling days are over for eveyone & anyone time to fight fire with fire.. GOD bless Turkey we support you all they way

 

[Kompromat]

 

[gubbi]

International reactions to the Gaza flotilla clash

Read the comments. Its an international condemnation of Israeli actions!

A totally unjustified use of excessive force.

 

[sparklingway]

Don't post Zaid Hamid. A bigot is profiting from this sad event to spread his message of hate.

I would like to read, and am reading coverage from neutral, sensible, objective and sane people.

 

[FreekiN]

Lavon Affair - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Israel caught faking terrorist attacks.

How much longer till the "We feel bad for you because you were apart of the Holocaust" effect runs out?