Gesetzentwurf: Israel will Nazi-Vergleich unter Strafe stellen
WELT ONLINE: Jemanden als Nazi zu beschimpfen oder Holocaust-Symbole zu benutzen, soll in Israel bald strafbar sein. Der Gesetzentwurf gilt als Reaktion auf den Protest der Ultraorthodoxen.

Der Vergleich mit Nazis und die Benutzung von Holocaust-Symbolen soll in Israel künftig unter Strafe gestellt werden. Einen entsprechenden Gesetzentwurf wolle die Regierung am Mittwoch im Parlament vorlegen, berichtete die Zeitung “Haaretz".

Die Initiative kam gut eine Woche, nachdem sich in Jerusalem ultraorthodoxe Juden bei einer Demonstration als Insassen von Nazi-Konzentrationslagern verkleidet und einen gelben Judenstern an die Brust geheftet hatten. Polizisten wurden als Nazis beschimpft. Dies war als Missbrauch des Holocausts auf scharfe Kritik gestoßen. » | dpa/dapd/AFP/fas | Mittwoch 11. Januar 2012

Präsident unter Druck: Minuten, in denen Merkel in Bellevue Regie führte
WELT ONLINE: Erstmals haben CDU-Politiker wahlweise den Rücktritt oder Transparenz von Wulff verlangt. Das ist kein Zufall. Das Startsignal dafür gab ein enger Vertrauter Merkels.

Dies war vielleicht der seltsamste Tag in der an seltsamen Tagen so reichen, nicht enden wollenden Affäre des Bundespräsidenten.

Christian Wulff lud Vertreter der gesellschaftlichen Gruppen zum Neujahrsempfang ins Schloss Bellevue, wie es Bundespräsidenten seit Jahrzehnten tun. Erstmals aber hat ein Staatsoberhaupt Absagen bekommen.

Die eingeladene deutsche Vertreterin der Anti-Korruptionsorganisation Transparency International blieb dem Empfang demonstrativ fern, genau wie der Vorsitzende des Deutschen Journalisten-Verbandes.

Im Gegensatz zu Wulff finden sie nicht, er habe sich zu dubiosen Krediten, zu Gratisurlauben bei Industriellen, zur möglichen Irreführung des Parlamentes und zum Versuch, Berichterstattung zu unterdrücken, ausreichend geäußert. » | R. Alexander und M. Bewarder | Donnerstag 12. Januar 2012

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL: German President Blasted by Party Allies: German President Christian Wulff promised transparency in a television interview last week regarding questions about his personal finances. But since then, he hasn't delivered. Several members of Chancellor Merkel's Christian Democrats, the party which propelled Wulff into office, have turned on him. » | cgh -- with wire reports | Thursday, January 12, 2012

Clinton Condemns 'Behavior' in Video

Related »

Bradley Manning Moves Step Closer to Full Court Martial

THE GUARDIAN: Investigating officer in pre-trial hearing recommends that 22 charges against WikiLeaks suspect be referred to military trial

Bradley Manning, the US soldier accused of having been the source of the massive WikiLeaks dump of state secrets, is one step closer towards the possibility of spending the rest of his life in military confinement after the officer who presided over his pre-trial hearing recommended he be sent to a full court martial.

Colonel Paul Almanza, the investigating officer at last month's hearing in Fort Meade, Maryland, has written to his superiors recommending that all 22 charges against Manning be referred to a general court martial – the most serious military trial. An announcement from the military district of Washington said that Almanza had found that "reasonable grounds exist to believe that the accused committed the offenses alleged."

A final decision will be made by colonel Carl Coffman of the special court martial convening authority, though he has the option of passing it further up the chain of command to major general Michael Linnington.

The outcome of the pre-trial hearing means that a full military trial is almost certain to follow, and is likely to be held within the next three to four months. That will set the scene for what promises to be a dramatic clash of wills between the Obama administration and the military high command on the one hand, and Bradley Manning and his forceful defence lawyer David Coombs on the other. » | Ed Pilkington in New York | Thursday, January 12, 2012

Duchess of York Charged by Turkish Authorities over Orphanage Film

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Duchess of York is facing the possibility of more than 20 years in jail after she was charged for secretly filming children in Turkish orphanages.

Turkish authorities have asked the British government to help obtain evidence to prosecute the Duchess over allegations that she breached the privacy of children living in state-run institutions.

The Turkish government accused the Duchess of trying to smear the country’s image three years ago with an investigative television report about conditions in its orphanages.

On Thursday, the office of Turkey’s chief prosecutor announced that it was pressing charges against the Duchess for “violating the privacy” of five children.

If found guilty, the Duchess, 52, could face between seven and a half years and 22 and a half years in prison.

The charge was issued in the Duchess’s absence and accuses her of prying into the private lives of youngsters at the Saray orphanage near Ankara, where more than 700 disabled children are housed. » | Murray Wardrop | Thursday, January 12, 2012

Islamic Viewpoint: Did Jesus Really Teach the Trinity?

Motherhood vs. Career-building - Rasha al-Disuqi

Capital Punishment: Shari'ah vs. Secular Law

Shariah Finance

Brotherhood Dominates Egypt Polls
Egyptians are contining to vote in multi-stage elections to determine the make-up of the country's new parliament. But, the Muslim Brotherhood, a group banned from politics for decades, already looks like the biggest winner from the process. Its Freedom and Justice party has secured close to 50 per cent of the total vote so far. Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna reports from Cairo.

Austria Blizzard Causes Travel Chaos
Heavy snowfall has severely disrupted transportation across western Austria. The blizzard, named Storm Andrea by meterologists, has forced the closure of main roads and three railway lines, including a major route connecting the country to Switzerland, in the regions of Tyrol and Foralberg [sic]. The storm is also increasing the chances of avalanches in a region renowned for its ski slopes. Charlie Angela reports.

A Third of Mormons Say Mitt Romney's Religion Will Count Against Him

THE GUARDIAN: Almost half of Mormons believe they are more discriminated against than African Americans, poll reveals

One-third of Mormons in the US believe that American voters are not ready to elect Mitt Romney, or any other member of their church, as president.

A survey of adherents to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) released on Thursday found that almost half of Mormons in the US considered themselves more discriminated against than African Americans.

According to the research by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, suspicion spills over to political life with 32% of Mormons believing that Romney's religion will count against him in a presidential election. A little more than half say US voters will accept a Mormon in the White House.

While 97% of Mormons regard themselves as Christians, large numbers of other Americans do not because of the church's origins and some of its practices, including a belief that its present leader is a prophet from God.

Pew said it undertook the latest research because of heightened awareness of the LDS church in American life even though Mormons only make up 2% of the US population.

"With a Mormon candidate among the frontrunners for the 2012 [Republican] presidential nomination, a musical about Mormons playing on Broadway and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints running television ads about ordinary Mormons, America is in the midst of what some media accounts have dubbed a 'Mormon moment'," the report said.

"Many Mormons feel they are misunderstood, discriminated against and not accepted by other Americans as part of mainstream society. Yet, at the same time, a majority of Mormons think that acceptance of Mormonism is rising." » | Chris McGreal in Washington | Thursday, January 12, 2012

Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Says Capitalism 'In Decay' as He Meets the Castros in Cuba

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad slammed capitalism as bankrupt and called for a new world order on Wednesday on a visit to Cuba, steering clear of the controversy over his country's nuclear programme.

The Iranian leader arrived in Cuba for talks with his counterpart Raul Castro as the Islamic republic blamed Israel and the United States for the killing of a nuclear scientist in a Tehran car bombing.

The scientist's killing heightened already high tensions with the West over Iran's suspect nuclear programme, but a defiant Ahmadinejad flashed the victory sign several times after landing in Havana.

The Iranian leader was greeted by nine girls in traditional Iranian attire as he stepped off the plane that flew him in from Nicaragua on the third leg of his Latin American tour, aimed at shoring up ties in the region.

Ahmadinejad was taken to the University of Havana where he picked up an honorary doctorate and told students in the Americas' only Communist country that capitalism could soon be on its last legs.

"Our shared task, mission and challenge is to make a great effort for justice to be achieved, (otherwise) millions will suffer injustice," Ahmadinejad said.

"We are watching the capitalist system decay ... it is heading toward a dead end," he said, stressing that what is needed is "a new order, a fresh look, that respects all human beings, a way of thinking that is based on justice." » | Thursday, January 12, 2012

Obama: The US Can No Longer Fight the World's Battles

THE INDEPENDENT: President plans to cut half a million troops and says US can't afford to wage two wars at once

The mighty American military machine that has for so long secured the country's status as the world's only superpower will have to be drastically reduced, Barack Obama warned yesterday as he set out a radical but more modest new set of priorities for the Pentagon over the next decade.

After the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that defined the first decade of the 21st century, Mr Obama's blueprint for the military's future acknowledged that America will no longer have the resources to conduct two such major operations simultaneously.

Instead, the US military will lose up to half a million troops and will focus on countering terrorism and meeting the new challenges of an emergent Asia dominated by China. America, the President said, was "turning the page on a decade of war" and now faced "a moment of transition". The country's armed forces would in future be leaner but, Mr Obama pointedly warned both friends and foes, sufficient to preserve US military superiority over any rival – "agile, flexible and ready for the full range of contingencies and threats". » | Rupert Cornwell | Washington | Friday, January 06, 2012

US Marines Accused of War Crimes

THE GUARDIAN: Video posted anonymously on YouTube claims to show American troops in Afghanistan urinating on dead bodies

US forces in Afghanistan are facing fresh accusations of war crimes after film emerged of American marines urinating on dead bodies and laughing.

The US military command in Kabul, which was severely embarrassed last year by revelations that Americans soldiers were running a "kill squad" murdering Afghan civilians, said it will investigate the undated video but that if proves to be authentic then desecration of corpses would be regarded as a serious crime.

In the graphic short video, four soldiers in combat gear and carrying weapons are seen acting in unison as they urinate on three bloodied corpses. One of the soldiers sighs with relief, another says "yeah" and a third laughs. One remarks: "Have a great day, buddy". Another says: "Golden, like a shower".

A fifth soldier films the incident.

The video was posted anonymously on Wednesday along with a caption that said: "scout sniper team 4 with 3rd battalion 2nd marines out of camp lejeune peeing on dead talibans".

Military officials confirmed that the soldiers appear to be carrying rifles of a kind issued to sniper teams in Afghanistan.

A US department of defence spokesman, Captain John Kirby, told CNN: "Regardless of the circumstances or who is in the video, this is egregious, disgusting behaviour. It's hideous. It turned my stomach." » | Chris McGreal in Washington | Washington, January 11, 2012

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Hamid Karzai condemns US Marines urinating video: Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his Taliban enemy have denounced a video which appears to show American Marines urinating on the blood-soaked bodies of dead insurgency fighters. » | Dean Nelson, South Asia Editor and Zubair Babakarkhail in Kabul | Thursday, January 12, 2012

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Leon Panetta says US Marines urinating video 'utterly deplorable': US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has said the behaviour of US Marines in a video which appears to show them urinating on the blood-soaked bodies of dead insurgency fighters is "utterly deplorable". » | Dean Nelson, South Asia Editor, Zubair Babakarkhail in Kabul | Thursday, January 12, 2012

Israel – Knesset: MP Throws Water Over Colleague

Spiegel TV: Die Jahreschronik des Dritten Reichs



















Entschuldigen Sie mich bitte: Einige Videos sind bei YouTube unauffindbar.

Marwan Bishara Speaks on Syria Situation
Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera's senior political analyst, talks about the situation in Syria after one Arab monitor quit the team saying "the mission was a farce". Bishara says: "The sort of individual declarations by [Arab League] team members is not exactly the most professional thing I have seen before." "If the observers' mission fails because the violence continues, then this is another reason why the Arabs and their allies could go to Security Council." "In the worst case scenario, if they fail in the coming weeks or days, it goes to the Security Council in a far stronger way," he said.

Nigerian Christians Told to Defend Themselves
Amid fears that a recent string of attacks targeting Christians could drive the nation towards civil war, Ayo Oritsejafor, the head of the Christian Association of Nigeria, has said Christians must defend themselves against violence. Boko Haram, the radical Islamist group responsible for killing Christians in the mainly Muslim north, has vowed further attacks and bloodshed. Oritsejafor said: "We have the legitimate right to defend ourselves and ... we will do whatever it takes." Al Jazeera's Caroline Malone reports.

Al Jazeera English News Update – 14:35 GMT

The New Hampshire Speeches in 60 Seconds, From Worst to First
A brief rundown of the night's post-primary speeches.

New York: Mayor’s Plan to Limit Booze Sales

NEW YORK POST: Campaign to limit booze sales

Party pooper!

First, Mayor Bloomberg went after smoking in public places. Then trans-fats, salt and sugary drinks.

Now Bloomberg — known for sipping fine wine and downing a cold beer from time to time — wants to crack down on alcohol sales to curb excessive drinking, according to a provocative planning document obtained by The Post.

The city Health Department’s far-reaching Partnership for a Healthier New York City initiatives proposes to slash the number of establishments in the city that sell booze.

Community “transformation” grants provided under President Obama’s health-care law would help bankroll the effort.

One of the goals listed in the “request for proposal” document to community groups is “reducing alcohol retail outlet (e.g. bar, corner store) density and illegal alcohol,” the document states.

“Talk about a nanny state. Why don’t they just close all the liquor establishments?” quipped Mike Long, a former liquor-store owner in Bay Ridge and head of the state Conservative Party.

“This is absolutely insane. They want to run the retail establishments in New York,” said Long, who likened the effort to the temperance movement of more than a century ago.

Health officials and advocates have also discussed banning liquor advertising seen by millions of straphangers in the transit system. Read on and comment » | Carl Campanile | Wednesday, January 11, 2012


NEW YORK MAGAZINE: Bloomberg’s Health Initiatives Target Alcohol, Too: Booze can now be added to the list of fun things Mayor Bloomberg wants less of in New York City, with public campaigns against smoking, salt, sugar, and trans-fat already underway. The New York Post reports that Bloomberg, although he's "known for sipping fine wine and downing a cold beer from time to time," has plans to limit the sale of alcohol, in addition to advertising and promotion for bars and liquor. Thanks to the Health Department's Healthier New York City initiatives, the so-called nanny state could be drying up some soon. » | Joe Cascarelli | Wednesday, January 11, 2012

MAIL ONLINE: He's outlawed smoking, now Nanny Bloomberg wants to close New York liquor stores to clamp down on drinking » | Hugo Gye | Wednesday, January 11, 2012

My comment:

This little man has a tyrannical nature. Little men often do. He's turning the 'Big Apple' into a city nobody will ever want to go to for a break. – © Mark

This comment also appears here

New Dark Age Alert! Message to All Non-Muslims: Convert to Islam Now!

HT: Robert of Jihad Watch »

US Election 2012: Mitt Romney Aims to Wrap Up Republican Nomination by End of Month

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Mitt Romney is aiming to wrap up the Republican presidential nomination by the end of the month, after clinching an overwhelming and historic victory in the party's New Hampshire primary.

The former Massachusetts governor trained his sights on President Barack Obama, as party strategists said the contest for a candidate to face him in November’s general election was all but over.

Mr Romney arrived in South Carolina, the next state to vote, 10 points ahead in opinion polls. At the same time he unleashed a barrage of advertising in Florida, site of the fourth contest on Jan 31.

The show of strength came after he became the first Republican presidential challenger since the modern primary system began 35 years ago to win both the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire poll.

“Tonight, we made history,” he told supporters at a rally in Manchester. He promised to oust Mr Obama from the White House and “restore America to the founding principles that made this country great”.

Denouncing Mr Obama as a “failed president”, he added: “Tonight we are asking the good people of South Carolina to join the citizens of New Hampshire and make 2012 the year he runs out of time”. » | Jon Swaine, Manchester | Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Braveheart Speech (HD)

Scottish independence: a history of Anglo-Scottish rivalry: The stand-off between David Cameron and Alex Salmond over the future of the Union is the latest confrontation in a 2000-year history of rivalry between Scotland and England. » | Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Related »

Scotland Warned It Could Lose the Pound and Be Forced to Join Euro as Price of Independence
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Scotland may be forced to join the Euro as the price of independence from the United Kingdom, Downing Street warned today.


A spokesman for David Cameron said there were no guarantees that the Scots could keep sterling if they voted against remaining affiliated with the rest of the union.

Mr Cameron’s spokesman said: “Once you start asking the question about independence, one part of that is what currency to have. Would Scotland retain the pound, and if so, how does that work? Or does it join the euro? That’s one part of the independence question.”

Other issues which Downing Street said would need ironing out are shared defence capabilities, the national debt and border security.

A carve up of assets between England and Scotland could leave both countries facing years of legal wrangling. » | James Kirkup, and Simon Johnson | Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Related audio »

Salmond: Cameron Should ‘Butt Out’ of the Independence Referendum
BBC: The Scottish Secretary Michael Moore has said he hopes the row over the independence referendum can be worked out amicably and would not end up in the courts.

The Scottish government has said it has a mandate to hold the vote in the autumn of 2014 but ministers at Westminster say that would be unlawful under current devolved powers.

They are prepared to give Holyrood the authority to hold a binding vote provided its a single question, is overseen by the Electoral Commission and the minimum voting age is 18.

First Minister Alex Salmond told BBC Good Morning Scotland he thinks Mr Moore is wrong about the voting age. Listen to the audio » | Tuesday, January 11, 2012

Michelle Obama: No Tension with Husband's Aides

Read the article here | Wednesday, January 11, 2012

US Appeals Court Blocks Oklahoma Sharia Law Ban
THE GUARDIAN: Denver court upholds judge's order that claimed Oklahoma's attempt to ban sharia law was unconstitutional

A proposed constitutional amendment that would ban Oklahoma courts from considering international or Islamic law discriminates against religions, a federal appeals court said on Tuesday, as it gave the right to a Muslim community leader to challenge its constitutionality.

The court in Denver upheld US district judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange's order blocking implementation of the amendment shortly after it was approved by 70% of Oklahoma voters in November 2010.

Muneer Awad, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma, sued to block the law from taking effect, arguing that the Save Our State Amendment violated his First Amendment rights.

"This is an important reminder that the constitution is the last line of defense against a rising tide of anti-Muslim bigotry in our society, and we are pleased that the appeals court recognised that fact," Awad said. "We are also hopeful that this decision serves as a reminder to politicians wishing to score political points through fear-mongering and bigotry." » | Associated Press | Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Boko Haram Kill Eight as Nigerian Beer Parlour Is Targeted
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Gunmen from the radical Islamist sect Boko Haram killed eight people, including four police officers, after opening fire at a beer parlour in northeast Nigeria.

The shootings come as the sect has promised to target Christians in Nigeria's Muslim north, expanding its campaign of assassinations and bombings.

Tuesday night's attack occurred in the town of Potiskum in Yobe state. Local police commissioner Tanko Lawan said the six gunmen began shooting as patrons drank beer, which the local Shariah law technically opposes, though bars remain open for those living there. » | Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Mitt Romney Wins New Hampshire GOP Primary

THE BALTIMORE SUN: Mitt Romney rolled to an easy victory Tuesday in the New Hampshire primary, taking a broad stride toward capturing the GOP presidential nomination as the contest heads south for a pair of potentially make-or-break contests.

The win, forecast by the television networks from exit polls almost immediately after voting ended, would give Romney a one-two sweep in the early balloting of the 2012 campaign, a first for any Republican apart from a sitting president.

The conservative candidates who stand the best chance to stop him as the race heads to South Carolina – former Pennsylvania Sen.Rick Santorum, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Gov. Rick Perry -- were trailing far back and appeared unlikely to get a significant lift from their performance here.

In polling before Tuesday’s election, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. were vying for second place. Santorum, the Iowa runner-up by a handful of votes, and Gingrich were scrambling to create some sense of momentum for their campaigns. Perry abandoned New Hampshire, staking his future on South Carolina.

Romney starts out leading there, too, but that challenge promises to be much more formidable than New Hampshire which, from the start, was a fight to finish second behind the former Massachusetts governor. Unlike Iowa, where leaders came and went atop the polls, no survey ever showed Romney with less than a sizable, double-digit New Hampshire lead.

In South Carolina, however, Romney won't have what amounted to a home-field advantage -- five Massachusetts presidential hopefuls have won the neighboring Granite State in past elections -- and he will face a much different electorate in the first Southern primary next week.

South Carolina has a large and politically important bloc of evangelical voters. Romney will face resistance among some of those Christian conservatives who are suspicious if not downright hostile toward his Mormon faith. In New Hampshire, just 14% of those who voted Tuesday said being a “true conservative” was the most important thing to them, trailing far behind the economic concerns cited by 6 in 10 voters, according to election day interviews by the TV networks.

Romney is also facing a more assertive pack of runners-up. » | Los Angeles Times Staff Writer | Tuesday, January 10, 2012

THE GUARDIAN: Romney raises $24 million » | AP foreign | Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Wales Pays to Replace French-made Breast Implants – But England Won't
THE GUARDIAN: Welsh health minister says not removing defective implants could endanger women's health

The Welsh government says it will pay to replace French-made PIP breast implants for women who were treated privately.

Welsh health minister Lesley Griffiths said not replacing the implants could endanger women's health, given some have already ruptured.

The health secretary, Andrew Lansley, will rule out following suit in England when he updates MPs on the scandal today. » | Denis Campbell | Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Mitt Romney Set for Victory as New Hampshire Votes in Primary
The former Massachusetts governor is set to coast to victory in New Hampshire, but the race is expected to run on for months. Polls opened at 8am ET and will remain open until 8pm ET in some parts of the state. Crowds came out to support the candidates as they visited voters at polling stations

Syria's Bashar al-Assad Chooses the Qaddafi Model
THE ATLANTIC: Syria's dictator is following the same path that led Libya's leader to his death

This morning, in his first public speech in two months, Assad made an angry, rambling, nearly two-hour long speech vowing to crush with "an iron first" the "conspiracy" against his regime. He made delusional claims that nobody believes: there have been no orders to fire on civilians, the protesters are all terrorists, foreigners are to blame. He sounded, in other words, like the "mad dog of the Middle East" himself, Muammar Qaddafi, whose defiant and wild-eyed speeches nearly a year ago presaged the Libyan civil war.


Back in April, an NPR producer wrote up the 11 steps that Middle Eastern dictators take on the path to losing power. Her list, like the many similar lists floating around Arabic-language blogs and social media, drew from the examples of Tunisia's Zine el Abidine ben Ali (fled in January), Egypt's Hosni Mubarak (forced out in February), and Yemen Ali Abdullah Saleh (pressured by the U.S. to resign in early April, a still-ongoing process). The pattern looked indelible, and still does. Here's the list:

1. Shut down the internet
1. Send thugs (on foot or horseback)
2. Attack and arrest journalists
3. Shoot people
4. Promise to investigate who shot people
5. Do a meaningless political reshuffle
6. Blame Al Jazeera
7. Organise paid demonstrations in favor of your regime
8. Make a condescending speech about how much you love the youth
9. Warn that the country will fall into chaos without you
10. Blame foreign agitators

» | Max Fisher | Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Related »

BBC: Syria: US condemns Bashar al-Assad 'conspiracy' speech – The US and France have condemned a speech by Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad which blamed an "external conspiracy" for the mass uprising against his rule. ¶ The US state department said President Assad had thrown "responsibility on everybody but back on himself". ¶ France's foreign minister said the speech amounted to "denial of reality". » | Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Unlikely Rise of Al Jazeera

THE ATLANTIC: The now-influential network began in the 1970s as a pet project of a tiny nation's unconventional monarchy

In his 1998 work Dream Palace of the Arabs, Fouad Ajami wrote, "As the world batters the modern Arab inheritance, the rhetorical need for anti-Zionism grows. But there rises, too, the recognition that it is time for the imagination to steal away from Israel and to look at the Arab reality, to behold its own view of the kind of world the Arabs want for themselves." Whether Ajami realized it or not, these words offer an eerily prescient view--thirteen years ahead of time--of the dynamic behind the Arab Spring and its autumn and winter sequels. In country after country, Arab crowds have taken to the street for a cause more positive and all-embracing than anti-Zionism: the demand for an end to corrupt authoritarian regimes and for a greater say in their own future. What shape that future will take remains to be seen, and many basic questions have yet to be answered. Can democracy blossom overnight in societies that have always been dominated by oppressive force? If democracy does take root, can respect for minority rights survive the tyranny of a poor, ill-schooled and often intolerant majority? Would democratically elected demagogues pose even more of a threat to peace and stability in the Muslim-Arab world than old-line authoritarian regimes and monarchies with a selfish stake in maintaining the status quo and "keeping the lid on"?

Meanwhile, where can one turn for detailed, reliable coverage of what some now call the "Arab Awakening"? For millions of people around the world, including actual participants on the ground and in the streets of the Middle East, the single most important news source for the events still unfolding in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Syria and Bahrain is the English-language channel of the Qatar-based Al Jazeera television-news network. Like it or not, it is no exaggeration to say that Al Jazeera has been the eyes and ears of this crucial news story. More often than not, Al Jazeera correspondents are the first on the scene, and Al Jazeera anchors and interviewers provide the most detailed follow-up, discussion and analysis of breaking events in the Arab world. » | Aram Bakshian Jr. | Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Sexism and the State of Israel
THE INDEPENDENT: Driven by a theology that refuses to grant women equal rights, ultraorthodox Jews have begun to flex their misogynist muscles. But, says Catrina Stewart, a fightback has begun

As dusk falls in Mea Shearim, Jerusalem's most pious neighbourhood, black-clad and hatted Jewish men hurry home along the narrow streets lined by medieval-style houses where lights burn dimly in darkened windows.

Less than half a mile away, young Israelis mix in bustling bars in central Jerusalem, anathema to this religious ultraorthodox community that has tried its hardest to hide itself away from the temptations of secular life, and ensure a rigorous separation between men and women.

Ironically, though, it is the ultraorthodox community's efforts to impose its religious values on ordinary Israelis, particularly women, that many fear is undermining Israel's democracy, and which now poses the greatest threat to this community's survival.

When Tanya Rosenblit, a 28-year-old woman from Ashdod, boarded a Jerusalem-bound bus late last year, she caused a stir by refusing to heed the demands of a religious male passenger to move to the back of the bus. Many of the ultraorthodox – known as Haredim – believe that modesty forbids women to sit at the front of the bus with the men, and it is common to see segregated buses with women seated to the rear, often crowded in while seats remain free at the front.

Ms Rosenblit became a minor celebrity in Israel, but her stance was not without consequences, earning her death threats for daring to challenge the religious community.

"The Haredim has always received special treatment in this country and people thought it was okay," she says. "But something has changed... in the sense that they feel they are going to control this country. That's disturbing." » | Catrina Stewart | Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Interview: Author Patrick Seale Discusses Assad Speech
Patrick Seale, author of several books on Syria, spoke to Al Jazeera about President Bashar al-Assad's speech from Damascus University. Seale said that there was still a slice of the population who seemed to favour Assad. "It is not as if the whole country is against him," he said. "The opposition, as brave as it is, hasn't come up with a clear project or a clear leader."

Related »

Inside Story: Is Bahrain on the Path to Reform?
Bahrain's ruler agrees to implement reforms so we ask what the challenges will be for the process of change. Inside Story, discusses with guests: Said Bomaduha, Saeed Al Shehabi and Mansoor Arayedh.

Syrian Leader Blames 'Foreign Interference'
The Syrian president has made a defiant speech blaming foreign interference for the violence in his country.

In a televised speech on Tuesday, he accused the Arab League of hypocrisy for lecturing Syria on democracy and reform.

Assad claimed he never ordered anyone to open fire on anti-government protesters. However, opposition activists said at least 28 people were killed across the country on Tuesday alone as part of the government's security crackdown.

Assad asked what right other Arab governments, including the absolute monarchies of the Gulf, had to lecture Syria about democracy or reform.

Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra reports from Antakya, Turkey.


Verwandt »

Why British People Convert to Islam Debate | BBC

Kristiane Backer »

Kristiane Backer’s story »

Syrien: Assad nennt Aufstand „internationale Verschwörung“

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: In seiner ersten öffentlichen Rede seit sieben Monaten hat Syriens Präsident Assad den Aufstand gegen sein Regime als Verschwörung ausländischer Kräfte bezeichnet. Er kündigte eine Volksabstimmung über eine neue Verfassung an.

Staatspräsident Baschar al Assad hat den Syrern abermals Reformen in Aussicht gestellt, deren Verwirklichung aber von einem Ende des „Terrorismus“ im Land abhängig gemacht. In seiner dritten Rede seit dem Beginn der Erhebung gegen sein Regime vor zehn Monaten machte Assad wie zuvor deutlich, die Proteste gegen seine Regierung gingen auf eine „internationale Verschwörung“ und auf ausländische Einmischung zurück. In der Universität Damaskus griff er die Arabische Liga und die Golfmonarchien scharf an. Die Beobachtermission der Liga gehe auf seine Idee zurück, behauptete Assad. Er warf den arabischen Staaten aber vor, sie ließen sich nach dem gescheiterten Versuch, Syrien vor den Sicherheitsrat der Vereinten Nationen zu bringen, als „arabischen Deckmantel“ für die Verschwörung missbrauchen. » | Von RAINER HERMANN, ABU DHABI | Dienstag 10. Januar 2012

Michelle Obama, First Lady «frustrée» à la Maison-Blanche

LE FIGARO: Un livre révèle les faux pas initiaux de la Première Dame et sa difficile adaptation aux contraintes du 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Frustration, tensions, frictions entre Michelle Obama et les premiers conseillers de son mari: l'image d'Épinal d'une Maison-Blanche unie derrière le président est mise à mal dans un nouveau livre, qui décrypte l'évolution de la Première Dame depuis son arrivée à Washington en 2009.

The Obamas, écrit par la journaliste du New York Times Jodi Kantor, s'intéresse en particulier aux deux premières années passées par la famille Obama dans ses quartiers présidentiels. C'est le premier livre à révéler le réel degré d'influence de Michelle Obama sur le président et son rôle de «gardienne» des idéaux de la campagne de 2008.

L'auteur décrit un couple solide et très complémentaire, mais «virtuellement prisonnier» de la Maison-Blanche, refusant de se faire des amis au delà du cercle restreint qu'il fréquentait Chicago. Kantor raconte aussi, avec force détails et un goût prononcé pour les potins, l'inimitié profonde entre Michelle Obama et le premier chef de cabinet du président, Rahm Emanuel, ainsi que les tensions avec l'ancien porte-parole, Robert Gibbs. » | Par Adèle Smith | mardi 10 janvier 2012

Australian MP Says Immigrants Should Be Taught to Use Deodorant
THE GUARDIAN: Teresa Gambaro apologises after suggesting immigrants should learn about personal hygiene and queueing

The Australian opposition's spokeswoman on citizenship has apologised after saying immigrants should be taught to wear deodorant.

Teresa Gambaro's comments, in an interview with the [sic] Australian, provoked a firestorm of criticism. Gambaro said that new arrivals needed to be taught about "what are norms in Australia", which also included how to queue properly.

"Without trying to be offensive, we are talking about hygiene and what is an acceptable norm in this country when you are working closely with other co-workers," the [sic] Australian reported her as saying. "You hear reports of people using public transport (without deodorant) and I think Australian residents are guilty of this too. I think we all need to be mindful of our fellow traveller."

However, after her comments attracted a mixture of anger and ridicule, Gambaro, the daughter of Italian immigrants, backtracked. "I regret any offence that may have been taken and unreservedly apologise," she said. » | Haroon Siddique | Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Sir Salman Rushdie Facing Threats of Muslim Reprisals over Jaipur Literature Festival Appearance

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sir Salman Rushdie faces the threat of reprisals from Indian Muslims after a leading Islamic institute demanded the government ban his scheduled appearance at the Jaipur Literature Festival.

The demand from the Islamic body revived divisions over 'The Satanic Verses,' his 1988 novel that Muslim groups have condemned as blasphemous.

The Rajasthan festival later this month is due to host leading writers and playwrights, including Annie Proulx, Ben Okri, David Hare and Richard Dawkins.

Fatwas from the Darul Uloom seminary in Deoband are observed throughout the world. Its vice chancellor said tens of millions of muslims [sic] remain 'hurt' the novel.

The Statanic [sic] Verses provoked outrage throughout the Muslim world over the narrator's claim that disputed verses in the Koran had been revealed by the Archangel Gabriel.

Sir Salman was forced into hiding after Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa for his execution. India was one of the many countries which banned the book.

"I call upon the Muslim organisations of the country to mount pressure on the centre to withdraw the visa and prevent him visiting India where [tens of millions] community members still feel hurt owing to the anti-Islamic remarks in his writings The [sic] Muslims cannot pardon him at any cost," said Maulana Abul Qasim Nomani, the institute head. » | Dean Nelson, New Delhi | Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Muslim Gangs Drug & Rape Children All Over The UK - Britain Finally Starts To Wake Up

HT: Underdog News by Klein Verzet »

Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Venezuela's Hugo Chavez Taunt US over 'Big Atomic Bomb'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Venezuela's Hugo Chavez joked about having "a big atomic bomb" and mocked US disapproval during a meeting between the two allies in Caracas.

Despite their geographical distance, the two countries have forged increasingly close ties, a lot of which is down to their shared anti-Americanism, although concrete projects have often lagged behind the rhetoric.

"One of the targets that Yankee imperialism has in its sights is Iran, which is why we are showing our solidarity," Chavez said during a joint press conference. "That hill will open up and a big atomic bomb will come out," he said of a hill next to his Miraflores Palace.

"When we meet, the devils go crazy," he said, mocking US warnings that Latin American nations should not help the Islamic Republic.

Ahmadinejad concurred: "Despite those arrogant people who do not wish us to be together, we will unite forever," he said.

The two men hugged, beamed, held hands and showered each other with praise. "President Chavez is the champion in the war on imperialism," Ahmadinejad said. » | Barney Henderson | Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Coptic Christian Billionaire Taken to Court Accused of 'Insulting Islam'

LOS ANGELES TIMES: REPORTING FROM CAIRO -- Christian billionaire Naguib Sawiris is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 14 after he was charged Monday with "blasphemy and insulting Islam" by Cairo prosecutors, state newspaper Al Ahram quoted judiciary sources as saying on its website.

The telecommunications mogul, who also heads the secular Free Egyptians political party, is charged with posting a photograph on his Twitter account last June that depicted a bearded Mickey Mouse and a veiled MInnie [sic] Mouse. A group of Islamist lawyers, including ultraconservative Mamdouh Ismail, filed a lawsuit immediately after the cartoon was circulated.

Despite his formal apology, Sawiris' stunt was seen as mockery of Islam by this overwhelmingly Muslim country. Various religious groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood and ultraconservative Salafis, led a nationwide campaign to boycott products and services offered by Sawiris' companies. » | Monday, January 09, 2012