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By Ismail Salami

14 December, 2012

@ Countercurrents.org

It is very unfortunate to note that the United States has constantly sought to depict the Islamic Republic in the light of a tenacious nation resilient to any logic and dialogue whatsoever.

Iran ‘s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has emphasized the Islamic Republic’s readiness to hold negotiations on the country’s nuclear energy program in a win-win situation.

“We have repeatedly expressed our readiness and announced that we are ready for talks in a win-win situation.”

He added that Iran has never lost the “opportunity for diplomacy.”

Iranian officials are pessimistic about any upcoming dialogue with the US as they almost unanimously believe that Washington is not consistent in its policies and that it should first show some good will instead of resorting to an unacceptable bullying attitude. Spokesman for Iranian Majlis Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy Hossein Naqavi Hosseini slams the contradictions between what Washington says and what it does and urges the US to show some goodwill if it ever seeks to hold talks with the Islamic Republic.

“The Americans are not honest in their words….there is no consistency in their words and actions.”

A historical look at Tehran-Washington relations testifies to the antagonistic nature of Washington in dealing with Iran .

According to Tim Guldimann, former Swiss ambassador to Tehran , Iran issued a proposal to the United States in May 2003 and called for negotiations on a number of issues. Based on the proposal, the US should accept a dialogue “in mutual respect” and agree that Iran put the following aims on the agenda:

1) Halt US hostile behavior and rectifications of status of Iran in the US : (interference in internal or external relations, “axis of evil”, terrorism list.)

2) Abolishment of all sanctions: commercial sanctions, frozen assets, judgments (FSIA), impediments in international trade and financial institutions.

3) Iraq : democratic and fully representative government in Iraq , support of Iranian claims for Iraqi reparations, respect for Iranian national interests in Iraq and religious links to Najaf/Karbala.

4) Full access to peaceful nuclear technology, biotechnology and chemical technology.

5) Recognition of Iran ‘s legitimate security interests in the region with according defense capacity.

6) Terrorism: pursuit of anti-Iranian terrorists, above all the MKO and support for repatriation of their members in Iraq , decisive actions against anti-Iranian terrorists, above all MKO and affiliated organizations in the US .

However, the Bush administration rejected the proposal and exerted additional pressure on the Islamic Republic.

In August 2005, France , Germany , and the United Kingdom presented their proposal for a long-term agreement which was dismissed by Iran simply because it did not recognize Iran ‘s right to enrichment.

In 2010, Brazil and Turkey conducted a diplomatic initiative to broker the TRR (Tehran Research Reactor) fuel swap with Iran . It was agreed that the Islamic Republic of Iran deposit 1200 kg LEU in Turkey . In an April 20 letter to the leaders of the two countries, US President Obama said , “For us, Iran ‘s agreement to transfer 1,200 kilograms of Iran ‘s low enriched uranium (LEU) out of the country would build confidence and reduce regional tensions by substantially reducing Iran ‘s LEU stockpile. I want to underscore that this element is of fundamental importance for the United States .”

The fruit of the initiative was the May 17 Tehran Declaration agreed among Lula da Silva, Erdogan, and Ahmadinejad. While the trio recalled “the right of all State Parties, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy (as well as nuclear fuel cycle including enrichment activities) for peaceful purposes without discrimination”, they agreed :

1) the nuclear fuel exchange is instrumental in initiating cooperation in different areas, especially with regard to peaceful nuclear cooperation including nuclear power plant and research reactors construction.

2) Based on this point the nuclear fuel exchange is a starting point to begin cooperation and a positive constructive move forward among nations. Such a move should lead to positive interaction and cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear activities replacing and avoiding all kinds of confrontation through refraining from measures, actions and rhetorical statements that would jeopardize Iran ‘s rights and obligations under the NPT.

3) Based on the above, in order to facilitate the nuclear cooperation mentioned above, the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to deposit 1200 kg LEU in Turkey . While in Turkey this LEU will continue to be the property of Iran . Iran and the IAEA may station observers to monitor the safekeeping of the LEU in Turkey .

4) Iran will notify the IAEA in writing through official channels of its agreement with the above within seven days following the date of this declaration. Upon the positive response of the Vienna Group (US, Russia, France and the IAEA) further details of the exchange will be elaborated through a written agreement and proper arrangement between Iran and the Vienna Group that specifically committed themselves to deliver 120 kg of fuel needed for the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR).

However, France , Russia , and the United States rejected the Tehran Declaration for reasons only known to themselves and easily comprehensible to others.

In 2006, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made an unprecedented move and sent an 18-page letter to George W. Bush , then US president, an act which was interpreted by some as an invitation to dialogue with the United States .

While the letter – thought to be the first from an Iranian president to a US leader since Iran’s 1979 revolution- addressed the paradoxical nature of Washington’s policies all across the world and addressed crucial issues such as the fake claim that Iraq possessed WMDs as a pretext to launch an invasion of the country, and billions of dollars spent from the common purse to inflict pain and misery upon the people of Iraq and America, it could have been used by the United States as a first step towards resolving an old-time gaping problem between the two countries.

Instead, Washington officials made a strategic mistake, ponderously ignored the letter and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice dismissed the letter as “offering nothing new” and the White House said there would be no formal written reply.

The letter was favorably received by many media channels. The Peninsula , a Qatari news site, saw it as “a taboo-breaking initiative … an opening—even if only slim—for the longtime foes to engage in a dialogue.” Arab News of Saudi Arabia hailed it as “remarkable and encouraging … an unexpected diplomatic opening.” Germany ‘s Der Spiegel calls it “a deft move for Ahmadinejad’s image in the Middle East .”

After all, the letter was a good sign that Iran was interested in talks but on equal terms and in an ambience of mutual respect, a condition the US has spitefully declined.

In a sudden turn of events, however, things seem to be taking a new spin and the US has made some gestures to the effect that it wishes a direct talk with the Islamic Republic. A recent report indicates that US President Barack Obama is planning to propose to Iran that it negotiate directly with the Americans about its nuclear program. According to the report, Obama’s move was made without any coordination or consultation with Israel and that Washington will allow a period of four to five months for negotiations with Tehran . If the talks fail, the report says, they may then resort to the military option.

Be that as it may, so far, the Islamic Republic has taken constructive steps towards talks with Washington in order to allay international concerns and resolve any ambiguities surrounding its nuclear program and each time Washington has embarked on a crooked diplomatic detour and has demonstrated a strong penchant for political approach-avoidance.

Does it not mean that Iran ‘s nuclear issue is not an issue at all but part of Washington ‘s pretext to persevere in its path of political pungency?

Dr. Ismail Salami is an Iranian writer, Middle East expert, Iranologist and lexicographer. He writes extensively on the US and Middle East issues and his articles have been translated into a number of languages.

By Mairead Maguire

14 December, 2012

@Warisacrime.org

Nobel Laureate Mairead Maguire Goes to Afghanistan to Join Afghan Peace Volunteers’ Demand for Cease Fire and Negotiation

I have come here to give my support to the campaign for 2 million friends of the Afghan people. You have chosen to run this campaign because you remember that 2 million people from Afghanistan have died in violence under war, under killing.

We’re here today to remember every single one of those people who died needlessly and for this I am sorry, and I say, “Sorry to the Afghan people for what the governments of the US and NATO and other governments have done to the Afghan people, and I say, ‘Not in my name.’”

We’re here on behalf of the Afghan Peace Volunteers to give a petition to the UN and that petition is to ask the UN to broker a cease fire for Afghanistan amongst all the warring factions here in Afghanistan.

Peace is possible. You have to believe that when you’re working for peace.

The killing must stop in order for peace to develop and grow.

But a passion for peace can come from the people. And that passion, working for peace, marching for peace, demanding your politicians make these….

The people can do this when you believe that peace is possible. All the killing, all the war must stop.

I come from Northern Ireland and we had war and fighting among all the different ethnic groups, and it went on for a long time, a lot of people died.

My sister’s three little children were killed in our war.

People came out and said we want nonviolence, we want dialogue, we want negotiation from our politicians.

We want to solve the problems through forgiveness, through love, through dialogue.

And it happened! It took time, but it happened.

Today in Northern Ireland we have peace, and the people have security. They can go out and walk in freedom.

And I have hope in Afghanistan because I believe in the people of Afghanistan.

You’re good people. You don’t want war. You never asked for all these years of war and division and occupation of your country and that must cease. But you can that

You can do that through the methods of nonviolence

Your young people here, – I’m so inspired by them. They’re teaching Gandhi.

And they’re solving their problems without killing and this is a way that works

To all the armed groups, please put up your guns, stop the killing and start talking.

To the Taliban and the armed groups I say to you,

You love your people you want Afghanistan to be a better country

Do you want them to continue for a long time suffering, dying and living in poverty?

I know in your hearts, Taliban and armed groups, it’s not what you wanted. You started your struggle to have a better way for the Afghan people.

If you want a better Afghanistan, you must choose better means to bring about a good Afghanistan.

Bad means cannot bring about good results.

Your means must be consistent with your ends.

And if you really love the Afghan people and want a better future for them, put up your arms and enter into dialogue with the government.

I Appeal to the Afghan government that they enter into dialogue with the Taliban and the armed groups

There cannot be a solution without the groups that are part of the problem of a way forward

In Afghanistan

All inclusive unconditional talks around the table to solve this problem

In Northern Ireland it was the only way that we could get a solution

We acknowledged—and the Afghan government and the Taliban will surely acknowledge there will not be a military solution or a

Or a paramilitary armed solution to our deep ethnic political economic, human problems that can only be solved in a human, compassionate, loving way not by militarism and war.

Most especially to the US to the UK and to NATO forces:

Withdraw from Afghanistan.

You’re doing more damage by being here and using military force.

The use of drones on an innocent people is not acceptable in a civilized community. It is against international law and human rights to bomb innocent civilians. There’ve been over 400 drone bombs dropped by the allied forces on people in their villages. You’ve dropped them on weddings, you’ve dropped them on people working in the mountains collecting wood to warm their homes because they’re cold and hungry. This is against all international law and human rights and is indeed a crime against humanity to be using these methods against a civilian population.

So we appeal to them. The allied forces, NATO the US, they will say they are here to help the people.

How do you help a people? By giving them military aid worth billions, but then dividing it up. 60% of the military aid that comes in here from the west is used to maintain the infrastructure of the military forces, to provide them with all their needs.

A great percent of it then goes to contractors who are then not fulfilling their obligations to make roads, hospitals and schools for the Afghan people

What is left for the Afghan people? Nothing.

We have met women here who are living in absolute poverty, trying to rear their children, trying to feed them, hungry and cold. And they have received nothing in the way of aid coming into this country.

So that is not working.

I invite them to revisit….

When they send aid to the Afghan people that they monitor where it is going and how it is helping the people of Afghanistan Most certainly help them but help them build their schools, build their roads

Help them get a hope for life

One young Afghan woman described to me Afghanistan is like living in a hospital where people are being killed, people are dying, people are sick — they don’t have the basics of life

I invite the international community and the forces to turn their military towards helping people get the very basics of life in order that they may live free, human and dignified life in Afghanistan.

And to the women here,

I know you’re suffering tremendously and I feel for your pain and your suffering

But I encourage you to move beyond your suffering to work for peace and nonviolence

Because peace and nonviolence, – you have to work for it.

I know you pray, “Praise Allah” because you are a people of prayer.

The Muslim people are a people of faith, a people of prayer.

We also need to go out and work very hard for peace.

In Northern Ireland, when we had our war, women didn’t normally go out to work for peace, onto the streets and work and build a peace movement. But we knew for the sake of our children and our future, we had to act as well. So, I encourage you to act and work for your human rights, your dignity. The Afghan people have a right to rights and I encourage you to be more vocal in your demand to stop all killing, and to work for peace in Afghanistan.

To my friend President Obama.

President Obama, your foreign policies are killing many people in the world. You’re destroying our civil human rights. You’re destroying in the world people’s hope for a peaceful, united, fair world.

Your policies are not working, for us all, for the American people, for the Afghan people, for the Palestinian people, for the Israeli people, for the people of the world! Change your policies!

We want peace. We’re tired of war. We’re sick of militarism, war and killing. We don’t want stay on this road anymore. We want a new way. We want a way of friendship, reconciliation, working together, feeding the poor, taking care of each other as a human family.

President Obama, we need you. We need you and the American people to move on to a different foreign policy.

(To the children of Afghanistan and the world)

We adults pledge to work hard to make your world safer, more peaceful. And you can help us. You can help us by being happy, by singing for peace, by dancing for peace, by creating peace, by believing in peace because some of the older ones are not so sure peace can happen. But when we look at you, we know that peace is possible.

Salam ‘aleikum. God bless you all.

Mairead Maguire is a Northern Irish peace activist, and winner of 1976 Nobel Peace Prize. (www.peacepeople.com)

By Kourosh Ziabari

14 December, 2012

@Countercurrents.org

American philosopher and cultural critic Henry A. Giroux believes that under the influence of the government, the higher education system in the United States has moved toward silencing progressive and alternative voices which try to challenge the U.S. militarism and its expansionistic policies. He also believes that the American students are not trained to be critical thinkers.

“I think many students are weary of America ‘s expansionist policies but there is not enough dissent among college students over such policies at the present time to actually challenge them. Many American students are educated largely to be consumers not critical thinkers and those who do escape the strangulating grip of a poisonous market driven neo-liberalism are suffering under the burden of debt while facing a future in which they will be underemployed or unemployed,” said Prof. Giroux in an exclusive interview with Tehran Times conducted last week.

Prof. Henry A. Giroux is a cultural critic and one of the founding theorists of critical pedagogy who is best known for his contributions to cultural studies, youth studies, higher education and critical theory.

Seven books written by Giroux have been chosen as significant books of the year by the “American Educational Studies Association.” He has authored 33 books the latest of which is “Twilight of the Social: Resurgent Publics in the Age of Disposability” which was published in 2012.

He has served as the Director of the Waterbury Forum in Education and Cultural Studies. He moved to McMaster University in May 2004, where he currently holds the Global Television Network Chair in English and Cultural Studies and currently runs the Public Intellectual project. Giroux is also a member of Truthout’s Board of Directors.

What follows is the text of Tehran Times’ interview with Prof. Giroux.

Q: What the majority of people around the world have heard about the United States is that it is a beacon of freedom in which everybody, is free to express his viewpoints, even if that certain viewpoint is not much favorable according to the mainstream discourse. What’s the reality? Are the leftist professors in the universities, for example, really free to express their unconventional opinions, in such cases as the special Israeli-American relationship, or other similar matters?

A: Academic dissent has been under attack for a long time in the United States . Its more notable moments came in the 1920s, the 1950s, and more recently after 9/11. What is new is that right wing elite, religious fundamentalists, and corporate groups have changed their strategy in limiting dissent. Instead of simply attacking, firing, and shaming intellectuals who criticize mainstream policies such as the Israeli-American relations–though that still happens–the more sophisticated approach is to prevent such intellectuals from getting tenure, influencing who gets hired, and finding ways to actually shape what is taught in the classroom.

For instance, some major donors are now demanding that particular books be read in classes. In one case, a donor demanded that Ayn Rand’s right wing book, “ Atlas Shrugged ,” be required reading in the class. In other cases, billionaire and mega corporate donors are trying to shape curriculum and hiring procedures as part of their gifts to higher education. This is not simply reactionary but undermines every noble principle that education embodies.

The other strategy is to increase the number of non-tenured professors in the profession so as to not only make them powerless in setting policy but also to keep them suspended in a state of fear over what they say in order not to jeopardize their paltry paying jobs. Over 70 percent of academics in higher education is either on a non-tenured track or is hired part-time. This is a form of indentured labor that undercuts a culture of questioning, dissent, and makes a joke out of academic freedom. As higher education becomes more expensive, corporatized, and devalued as a social good, there is also less and less room to teach subjects or create and sustain academic fields not tied directly to occupational training. In this instance, training is substituted for any viable form of critical education and the formative culture necessary for an educated citizenry withers.

Q: What do the new generation of American students and the foreign students who come to the United States for pursuing their studies, think about the U.S. foreign policy? Has the academia begun to challenge the American militarism, its hegemony and expansionistic policies? Does debate on such subjects take place in the American universities smoothly?

A: I think many students are weary of America ‘s expansionist policies but there is not enough dissent among college students over such policies at the present time to actually challenge them. Many American students are educated largely to be consumers not critical thinkers and those who do escape the strangulating grip of a poisonous market driven neo-liberalism are suffering under the burden of debt while facing a future in which they will be underemployed or unemployed. The present bears down on many American students as a burden as inequality and social disparities grow day by day. America has become the land of downward mobility for an entire generation of young people and not simply for a few. Under such circumstances, time becomes a burden and dissent a luxury, though within the last few years dissent has been growing. This movement is promising, but it does not have the reach and scope to make a real difference in power and control by the rich, mega corporations and financial elite. But its success remains to be tested.

Q: One of your perennial concerns, as reflected in your writings, has been social injustice. The United States last year witnessed the most unprecedented nationwide protests at the growing rift between the rich and poor and the social inequality in the framework of the Occupy Wall Street movement. What do you think about this movement and its achievements? Has it realized the objectives it was pursuing from the outset?

A: I think many young people in the Occupy Movement are changing the nature of the public conversation about politics, power, pedagogy, and hope. Young people are rejecting a future of debt, a society dominated by market values, militarism, a survival of the fittest ethic, and finance capital.

What they have made clear is that in order for democracy to become meaningful, all citizens, old and young, should be equally entitled, if not equally empowered, to shape the society in which they live. This is a message we heard from the brave students fighting tuition hikes and the destruction of civil liberties and social provisions in the Occupy Wall Street movement. The Wall Street Movement has already won a decisive battle in producing a new language for how to talk about inequality, class and racial injustice, and the shape of a real democracy. For such a movement to succeed, progressives, educators, workers, middle-class professionals, and others need listen to the Wall Street Movement and young people all over the world who are insisting that the relationship between knowledge and power can be emancipatory, that their histories and experiences matter, and that what they say and do counts in their struggle to unlearn dominating privileges, productively reconstruct their relations with others, and transform, when necessary, the world around them. More importantly, they need to join students in engaging in a practice of freedom that points to new and radical forms of pedagogies that have a direct link to building social movements in and out of the colleges and universities.

Q: What’s your analysis of the popular uprisings in the Arab countries of the Middle East ? The whole scenario started with a Tunisian street vendor putting himself on fire in protest at the humiliation he had suffered, and the economic difficulties he and his family were subject to. Then the protests were extended to the rest of Arab world and engulfed the whole Middle East . Can we interpret these upheavals in the light of a set of revolutions aimed at realizing confiscated political, social and economic rights?

A: All of these protests emerge out of different religious, economic, political, and historical situations. What they have in common is the demand for an expansion of religious, social, political, and personal rights. They collectively signify a historical watershed in which the burning desire for democracy can no longer be contained. Young people, as a result of the new electronic and screen technologies, have immediate access to modes of knowledge, values, and social relations that point to the possibility of a future free of economic, political, and social injustice. Ideas can no longer be contained as they were under modernity. Borders are collapsing in the symbolic sense, knowledge flows, passions bleed into different bodies, public spheres, populations, and nations. Domination and domestic state terrorism can no longer isolate itself from the rest of the world. Democracy can no longer be contained, hidden behind walls, and contained by real and symbolic weapons of mass destruction. Democracy has become an aphrodisiac and tonic merging passion and a kind of wakefulness to the possibility of a new future, a new life, and new hopes.

Q: In your writings, you’ve spoken of the concept of economic Darwinism and called it one of the root causes of unbridled individualism which leads to the erosion of social responsibility, public values and community. Would you please share with us your insight on this concept and the impact it has had on the American lives?

A: Social Darwinism is the value system that drives the American economy. It is an ethic dominated by a war against all ethos which celebrates a radical individualism, extreme form of competitiveness, and separates actions from moral considerations. It is a poisonous worldview that views politics as an extension of war. In essence it is a form of domestic terrorism. It is a form of terrorism because it abstracts economics from ethics and social costs, makes a mockery of democracy, works to dismantle the welfare state, thrives on militarization, undermines any public sphere not governed by market values, and transforms people into commodities. Neo-liberalism’s rigid emphasis on unfettered individualism, competitiveness and flexibility displaces compassion, sharing and a concern for the welfare of others. In doing so, it dissolves crucial social bonds and undermines the profound nature of social responsibility and its ensuing concern for others. In removing individuals from broader social obligations, it not only tears up social solidarities, it also promotes a kind of individualism that is almost pathological in its disdain for public goods, community, social provisions, and public values. Given its tendency to instrumentalize knowledge, it exhibits mistrust for thoughtfulness, complexity, and critical dialogue and in doing so contributes to a culture of stupidity and cruelty in which the dominant ethic is organized around the discourse of war and a survival of the fittest mentality. Neo-liberalism is the antithesis of democracy.

The consequences of this worldview are everywhere in American society. Deregulation, privatization, atomization, and commodification now rule American institutions turning over the commanding heights of power to mega corporations, the defense industry, and ideological fundamentalists. America is a hugely rich country marked by massive poverty, inequality in wealth and income, and a political system controlled by big money. Its cultural apparatuses are controlled by mega corporations and its political system is now largely controlled by the apostles of finance and militarism. It is a country that is on the brink of a very dark historical period in which the winds of authoritarianism are posed to destroy all remnants of a claim to democracy.

Q: What do you think about the function of the multinational corporate media, their interests and their long-term objectives? Is it possible to have a sincere and ethical journalism while there are certain people in the power hierarchy who specify the direction and set the policies of the mainstream media?

A: A democracy cannot survive without a formative culture to support it. That culture is shaped in the commanding educational apparatuses in which knowledge is produced and subjects and identities are constructed. The mainstream media in the U.S. is largely controlled by 5 mega corporations that have abandoned their responsibility to act as a fourth estate, to make power accountable and offer critical analyses of American foreign and domestic policy. Instead, we have a mainstream media that trades in either an endless commercial bombardment of the American public, raises an insipid celebratory culture to the status of a state religion, and substitutes the obligations of real citizenship for the demands of consumerism and shopping. On the other hand, the new media is increasingly providing new public spaces for oppositional voices to be heard from a wide variety of sources, ranging from students and teachers to labor organizers and a range of new public intellectuals. There is no hope for the mainstream media. It has sold its soul to the market place and has largely become an inept source of legitimation for corporate and political sovereignty.

Q: What’s your viewpoint regarding the gradual decline of the U.S. imperial power and the weakening of its political, economic hegemony over the developing world? It seems that such countries as Brazil , China and Russia are emerging as serious contenders of the American economy and political power. Would you please share your viewpoint on that with us?

A: There are many other people who can speak to this issue more forcefully than I can. I am thinking particularly of Noam Chomsky, Andrew Bacevich, and Glenn Greenwald, among others. But what is clear is the U.S. is now facing a political and economic challenge unlike anything it has faced in the past. Politics is now local and power is global and that means that the U.S. has no way to challenge, within the usual rules, the power of multinational corporations that now write the rules for domestic and foreign policy. Moreover, this power is global and has no allegiance to the nation state except to use it to further its own financial interests. Hence, the full-fledged attack on the welfare state, women, minorities of class and color, public servants, and the institutions that do not buy completely into market driven values. As the power of the state crumbles, the state is reconfigured largely as a punishing state used increasingly to criminalize the behavior of those caught in dire social problems such as homelessness, debt servitude, unemployment, poverty, and various disabilities. Moreover, the model of the prison and its culture are seeping and spreading into schools where young people are now arrested for trivial behaviors such as dress code violations. How can a country that substitutes prisons for schools, revels in a culture of massive inequality and cruelty, and arrests huge numbers of its citizens make any claim on the future or for that matter even have one?

Q: And finally, what’s your prediction for President Obama’s upcoming second term? Will he yield to the pressures by Israeli lobby and comply with their demands in such cases as a possible military strike against Iran , the continued blockade of the Gaza Strip and settlement constructions, etc? Is there any way for Obama to evade being pushed by Israel ?

A: One would hope that Obama would show some courage in his second term and rule according to the precepts of justice rather than political pragmatism. I think that it is important to note that during his first time Obama moved the United States closer to the dictates of an authoritarian state. He initiated the National Defense Authorization Act, which allows him to kidnap and hold indefinitely without judicial rights anyone deemed a terrorist (a vague and abusive term); he has implanted targeted assassinations, which has included at least two American citizens living abroad; he has implemented what might be called an unaccountable surveillance state, and he has expanded the use of sinister drones to conduct a new and more ruthless type of warfare, which more often than not has resulted in the needless killing of innocent civilians. Obama has helped to create a Golden Age for executioners, revealing the grisly and gruesome side of state power committed to death through the use of cold, calculating machines run by automatons. Obama is not a liberal. He is not even progressive, but a conservative centrist who leans heavily towards the extremist elements in the Republican Party. He is inflexible around Israel ‘s repressive policies towards Palestinians and he has done nothing to address what it would mean to bring peace to the region.

But change is not made by people in power. It is often made by people in the streets. It is made by social movements who refuse to become the excess, disappeared, and disposable populations produced by authoritarian regimes. I am not optimistic but at the same time history is open and I would hope that as the Occupy Movement and other progressive social movements develop in the U.S. under the strain of severe political and economic conditions that Obama may find his footing and exhibit the kind of moral and political courage that is necessary to dismantle the allegiance to militarism that now characterizes its expansionist policies.

Kourosh Ziabari is an award-winning Iranian journalist and media correspondent. He writes for Global Research, CounterCurrents.org, Tehran Times, Iran Review and other publications across the world. His articles and interviews have been translated in 10 languages.

Five Martyred including People’s Assembly Member, 23 Injured in Three Terrorist Bombings Targeting Interior Ministry Building

Dec 12, 2012

PROVINCES, (SANA)- Three terrorist bombings took place on Wednesday evening, targeting the Interior Ministry building Kafarsouseh area in Damascus, martyring five and injuring 23.

A statement from the Interior Ministry said that at 5:20 PM of Wednesday 12/12/2012, three explosions took place in front the Interior Ministry building, two of them caused by explosive devices with a delay between the two, followed five minutes later by the explosion of car bomb carrying around 200 kilograms of explosives, martyring five and injuring 23, including civilians and Ministry personnel.

The statement said that the authorities at the Ministry began investigations and lifted evidence, remains of explosives, and body parts from the site and sent them to labs to uncover the details of this terrorists attack.

The Ministry affirmed that this criminal act will not dissuade it from combating terrorism along with the Army and Armed Forces, vowing to exert all its forces and sacrifice everything for the sake of the security of citizens and the country, stressing that it will show no leniency in pursuing murderous takfiri terrorists.

Earlier, the Interior Ministry announced that the Interior Minister and senior officers at the Ministry are safe and unharmed.

People’s Assembly Member Martyred in Terrorist Attack on Interior Ministry

Among that martyrs was member of the People’s Assembly for the Syrian Social Nationalist Party, Abdullah Kayrouz.

In a statement, the Politburo of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party said that the martyrdom of Kayrouz and other Syrians in the bombings that took place on Wednesday constitute clear evidence of the heinous, undiscriminating crimes committed by the armed terrorist groups in Syria.

The statement said that the Syrian Social Nationalist Party condemns terrorism and extremism and holds the western, Arab and regional forces that support terrorists groups responsible for the shedding of Syrian blood.

The statement affirmed that the blood of martyrs only makes Syrians more determined to confront the conspiracy targeting their homeland, and that terrorism will not dissuade them from carrying out their national duties and defending Syria’s unity and stability.

Kayrouz was born in the town of Kafer Takharim in Idleb. He assumed several posts in the Syrian Social Nationalist Party before becoming a member of its Politburo and a member of the People’s Assembly for Aleppo province.

Terrorists Detonate Explosive Device in Microbus in al-Mazzeh 86 Neighborhood, Martyring Three Citizens including a Journalist and Injuring Eight

Terrorists on Wednesday evening detonated an explosive device planted in a public transport minibus while it was in front of Hafez Ibrahim School in al-Mazzeh 86 neighborhood in Damascus, martyring and injuring a number of civilians including women and children.

A source at Martyr Yousef al-Azmeh Hosptial told SANA that the bodies of two martyrs arrived at the hospital, one of the a child, along with three people suffering critical injures due to the bombing.

A source at al-Muwasat Hospital said that the body of one woman who was martyred in the blast arrived at the hospital, along with five injure people, some of them women and children.

SANA’s reporter who visited the site of the attack said that the explosion destroyed the minibus completely and caused severe material damages to nearby cars and shops.

Al-Mazeh 86 was targeted several times by terrorists, most recently by an explosive device planted in a car near al-Saadeh bakery on December 6th which led to the martyring of one citizen and the injuring of others.

Journalist Anmar Yassin Mohammad who works at the News Center was among those who were martyred in this terrorist attack.

Mohammad worked as a chief editor and a program producer at the General Establishment of Radio and Television’s News Center, working on programs such as the daily news program Headlines and Columns and The World This Morning, in addition to working on a variety of other programs and interviews and as a field reporter.

Mohammad was born in 1973. He left behind a wife and two children.

One Citizen Martyred, Four Injured by Two Explosive Devices Blasts in Jaramana

Terrorists on Wednesday detonated two roadside bombs at the entrance of al-Qurayat neighborhood in Jaramana in Damascus Countryside, killing a citizen and injuring 4 others in addition to causing material damage.

A source at Jaramana Surgical Hospital told SANA reporter that a body of a martyr was admitted to the hospital, in addition to 4 citizens with light injures who were given necessary treatment.

Another source at al-Radi Hospital said that a citizen injured in the explosion was admitted to the hospital.

Member of Damascus Countryside Governorate Council, Iyad Barakat, said that the detonation of the two explosive devices took place near the Second Elementary School of Jaramana.

Terrorists Detonate 2 Explosive Devices in al-Qanawat, Citizen Injured

Meanwhile, terrorists blew up two explosive devices behind the Justice Palace building in al-Qanawat area in Damascus, injuring one citizen.

A source at Damascus Police Command told SANA reporter that the terrorists had attached one explosive device to a car, adding that the second one was planted between two parked vehicles.

The source said that one citizen was wounded by the terrorist attack, adding that there was material damage to the surrounding cars and stores.

A Number of Citizens, including Children, Martyred by Terrorists’ Shellfire in Aleppo

Terrorist groups fired a number of shells on al-Neel Street near the Orphaned Girl School, al-Qalaaji Hospital crossroad and the local market in Aleppo.

The terrorist attack caused the martyrdom of nine citizens at least, including children, a number of casualties and material damage.

An official source told SANA reporter that the authorities pursued the terrorists and clashed with them, killing and injuring many.

Terrorists Killed in Several Provinces, Explosive Devices Workshop Discovered in Damascus Countryside

Dec 12, 2012

PROVINCES, (SANA) – A unit of the Armed Forces on Wednesday clashed with an armed terrorist group in Joret al-Shayyah neighborhood in Homs.

SANA reporter quoted a source in the province as saying that scores of terrorists, including snipers and machinegun shooters, were killed and others were wounded in the clashes.

In Homs countryside, an Armed Forces unit destroyed a gathering of terrorists north of al-Mustafa Mosque in the town of al-Rastan, inflicting heavy losses upon the terrorists.

In the village of al-Ghanto in Telbiseh countryside, an Armed forces unit destroyed 8 cars, some of which were equipped with heavy machineguns, which were used by terrorists to move around and transport weapons and munitions.

Another unit destroyed 4 cars equipped with machineguns along with the terrorists inside them in al-Nsasirye in Teldo area.

Terrorists’ Hideout Stormed in Damascus, Explosive Devices Workshop Discovered in Daraya, Damascus Countryside

The security authorities stormed an armed terrorist group’s hideout in a neighborhood in Damascus, killing all of its members.

The leader of the terrorist group, Iyad Ibrahim al-Dabbas, was identified among the dead.

An army unit  discovered a workshop for manufacturing explosive devices near al-Furn roundabout in Daraya city in Damascus Countryside.

An official source told SANA reporter that the army unit seized tens of explosive devices that were ready for remote detonation inside the workshop, in addition to materials and tools used by terrorists to make explosives.

The source added that another unit of the Armed Forces foiled terrorists’ attempt to detonate two explosive devices near al-Bashaer al-Arabiya Kindergarten in al-Kournish area in Daraya. It indicated that one of the explosive devices weighed 30 kg and it was planted at the entrance of the kindergarten while the second explosive device, weighing 50 kg, was planted on the street adjacent  to the kindergarten.

In Darayya, an Armed Forces units eliminated a number of terrorists including Abdelmajid Shamshan, Munir al-Muwadamani, Maamound Ghabash, and Nazih Ashour.

The Armed Forces also destroyed a number of terrorist hideouts along with the terrorists, weapons and munitions inside them in Douma and Harasta. The terrorists killed in these operations include Mahmoud al-Rayes and Mohammad Elewa, two leaders of terrorist groups, along with Anwar al-Boushi, Mohammad Abu Taqiya, and five snipers.

In an operation in Sheba’a, the Armed Forces killed or injured a number of terrorists and destroyed a van loaded with weapons, munitions and terrorist near Aqraba.

After investigations and surveillance, an Armed Forces unit dealt with an armed terrorist group in the eastern part of al-Ghouta, eliminating its members including the group’s leader Tahsin Barakat.

Armed Forces Units Eliminate Terrorists in Aleppo and Its Countryside

A source in Aleppo province said that Armed Forces units destroyed terrorist hideouts and gatherings in Aleppo countryside, specifically in the areas of Babnes, al-Huwaydi farm in al-Maslamiye, near Amrit company, al-Qarya Mosque in Handarat, and Ibn Hayyan School in Hreitan, eliminating large numbers of terrorists and injuring others.

Other units targeted gatherings of terrorists near Aalam al-Sehr complex, al-Rashidin in al-Zarbeh, Qabtan al-Jabal, the Great Mosque in Mare’a, the cemetery in Kafer Da’ael, and enar the finance department and the municipality building in al-Safira.

The Armed Forces also destroyed eight vehicles along with terrorist inside them in Tal Rahhal and carried out several operations in Daret Azza.

In Aleppo city, Armed Forces units killed Ala’a al-Za’im, a leader of a terrorist group, alogn with several members of his group in the Castello area, in addition to destroying a missile launcher in Busta al-Basha near Saad bin Muaz, and a gathering of terrorists in al-Lairamoun near the bus stations area and Marketna mall.

Other units also targeted gatherings of Terrorists in Bani Zeid, Hanano housings, the Old City near Aleppo Citadel, and the schools of Zhuhair bin Abi Sulma and Zakariya al-Qawwas.

Terrorists’ Hideouts Destroyed, Terrorists Killed in Idleb Countryside

Military units carried out last night and early morning today several qualitative operations, destroying terrorists’ hideouts and killing dozens of the terrorists inside of them in Idleb countryside.

An official source told SANA reporter that the bodies of the terrorists Mohammad Abdul Rahman Shuheim and Abi al-Nour al-Sibaei were identified among the killed as a result of the operations carried out in Sarja, Khan al-Subul and Saraqeb towns.

The source added that the military units destroyed several terrorists’ hideouts completely in Sarmin, Taranba, Ein al-Sooda, al-Janoudiyeh and al-Ghassaniyeg in Jisr al-Shugour countryside. The Armed Forces are continuing hunting the armed terrorist groups in al-Hamediyeh and Maaret al-Numaan in Idleb Province according to the source.

An Armed Forces unit clashed with an armed terrorist group that attempted to attack an army checkpoint at Kafer Najd bridge in Ariha area, with the clash resulting in the killing of four terrorists including Ahmad Rahhal and injuring others.

An Armed Forces unit targeted a terrorist gathering in al-Bara, killing a number of terrorists and destroying their machinegun-equipped vehicles.

Another unit targeted a gathering of terrorists in the town of al-Maghara, killing 28 terrorists and wounding many others, while yet another unit targeted a terrorist gathering in the town of Shannan, killing a number of terrorists including Sallouh Obeid, Mohammad al-Sayyed and Khaled al-Bek.

Five Explosive Devices Dismantled in Hama Province

Army engineering  units dismantled five explosive devices rigged for detonation that were planted on al-Twayna bridge in al-Sqailibiye area in Hama province.

A source in the province told SANA’s reporter that the devices ranged in weight from 25 to 30 kilograms.

Military Source in Central Region Dismisses News of Any Massacre in Aqrab, Hama Countryside

Dec 12, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- A military source in the Central Region on Wednesday denied news claiming that a massacre took place in Aqrab in Hama countryside.

Lavrov: US Recognition of Opposition Syrian Coalition Contradicts Geneva Statement

Dec 12, 2012

MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that the US recognition of the opposition Syrian coalition contradicts what was agreed on in Geneva Statement regarding launching a comprehensive Syrian dialogue between representatives of the government and the opposition.

In a press conference following his talks with his Slovakian counterpart, Miroslav Lajcak, in Moscow on Wednesday, Lavrov wondered about this recognition, saying that by recognizing the opposition Syrian coalition, the US decided to bet on the military victory of the opposition.

The Russian Minister added that “Moscow will ask for explanations from Washington regarding its vision on the situation and its subsequent steps in light of this recognition.”

“Naturally, we will go for our American partners and see how they will act according to this announcement as it constitutes an unexpected turning point to Russia,” he confirmed.

He stressed that the American side showed during the latest talks in Geneva understanding to the need to create a climate for the Syrian comprehensive dialogue with the participation of the government.

While including one faction of terrorist groups committing terrorist acts in Syria in its list of international terrorism, Washington has recognized the rest of factions representing the political council of these groups.

US President Barack Obama awarded the ‘Doha Coalition’ as “the legitimate representative of the Syrian people”, in a new step that stresses the U.S. hypocrisy and double standards policy towards terrorism in Syria.

The US recognition of the Doha Coalition followed that of the European Union, constituting an aggression on the right of the Syrian people to determine their future and elect their representatives by themselves through recognizing externally-formed organizations as guardians for the Syrians.

The U.S. and European moves are considered obstacles in the way of the international efforts seeking a solution to the crisis in Syria through dialogue since the Doha Coalition has taken terrorism as a means to achieve the goals of its founders and funders.

Damascus First Attorney-General Issues 3 Arrest Warrants in Absentia against al-Hariri, Saqr and al-Mikdad

Dec 12, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The First Attorney-General in Damascus Mohammed Marwan al-Loji issued three arrest warrants in absentia against the Lebanese MPs Saad Eddin al-Hariri and Oqab Saqr and the Syrian citizen Loai al-Mikdad.

In a statement to SANA, al-Loji said that the crimes committed by these people are terrorist crimes and those involved in them are terrorists which makes them liable to the international law on terrorism. He added that any state where those wanted men exist should hand them over to the Syrian authorities to be prosecuted, indicating that the failure to implement any of these warrants constitutes a breach of the international law.

The First Attorney-General said that the Public Prosecution was informed about the records which revealed the involvement of al-Hariri and Saqr in providing money and arms to the terrorists in Syria and the death of some terrorists sent by al-Hariri and Saqr on the Syrian-Lebanese borders.

He added that the Public Prosecution has filed a public interest litigation against the two Lebanese MPs and the Syrian citizen involved with them to take necessary procedures and start collecting evidence and investigation reports in this regard.

Al-Loji said that it was the duty of the Lebanese authorities to lift the parliamentary immunity of the involved MPs and refer them to the Lebanese justice or hand them over to the Syrian justice in terms of the agreements signed between the two sides.

He added that the Public Prosecution continues collecting evidence and follows up on what has been revealed regarding any statements or recorded phone calls, pointing out that a public interest litigation will be filed against anyone who proved to be involved in terrorist acts in Syria.

Lebanese National Media Agency announced Tuesday that the Interpol at the Lebanese Interior Security received via web arrest warrants form the Syrian Judicial authorities against Saad al-Hariri, MP Uqab Saqr and Spokesman of the “Free Army” Louai al-Mikdad on charges of arming this “Army”.

The Interpol will refer the arrest warrants to the Special General Prosecution.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister: Solution to Crisis in Syria through Disarming Disputed Parties, Launching Peaceful Dialogue

Dec 12, 2012

TEHRAN, (SANA) – The Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that the Zionist entity which occupied the Arab territories with a British-U.S. support is the main reason for what is taking place in Syria and the aggressive attacks against it.

 

In a statement to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), Mahathir Mohamad indicated that the crisis in Syria turned into a war between the East and the West, with the foreign powers exerting all efforts to overthrow the Syrian government. “In case the situation got more complicated in any state and the protests against its political system escalated, the army of that state should protect its people,” he added.

He attributed the difference between the situation in Syria and the similar cases to two main reasons, the first is related to the diversity in the Syrian society and the strength of the Syrian army while the second reason is that the foreign countries and their forces are doing their best to bring down the Syrian government.

The Malaysian Former Premier stressed that the solution to the crisis lies in disarming the disputed parties and starting a peaceful dialogue to settle tension in countries and then reducing the number of victims through preventing the escalation of attacks.

Higher Committee for Relief Discusses Humanitarian Aid Offered to Affected Families

Dec 12, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Participants in the Higher Committee for Relief meeting held on Wednesday focused on following up on what has been implemented in terms of providing humanitarian aid and solving problems which hinder the national efforts to help the affected families in the temporary makeshift shelters.

Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Jassim Zakarya, said that SYP 23 million were transferred to about 40 civil associations to help them in providing aid to the affected families.

He referred to the Higher Committee for Relief humanitarian activities in Aleppo city to meet the citizens’ basic needs through distributing food and health aid and opening new temporary makeshift shelters in the city.

The Minister stressed the need for specifying obstacles hindering the delivery of aid to all areas and facilitating the passage of humanitarian convoys.

He added that a committee was formed to follow up on and evaluate the civil organizations’ work and funds with the aim of activating their role.

Minister Zakarya indicated that the Ministry has recently formed a committee to deal with any phenomenon regarding children who lost their parents and provide care for them.

In turn, Minister of State for the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Affairs, Joseph Sweid said that a map to deliver humanitarian aid to the affected families in all provinces was set up in coordination with the sub-committees in order to meet all needs.

Director of International Organizations Department at the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry Hussam-Eddin Ala reviewed the UN proposed project within the framework of the response plan for the first half of 2013 to be adopted before the end of this year.

He added that the United Nations proposed USD 523 million to fund the projects in the 2013 plan.

Syrian Human Rights Network, Syrian Family Forum Denounce Terrorist Bombings in Damascus

Dec 12, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian Human Rights Network denounced the terrorist bombings which were committed by armed terrorist groups on Wednesday, resulting in the martyring and injuring of citizens.

In a statement, the Network said that these attacks are part of the efforts to undermine civil peace exerted by the opposition groups which are linked to foreign agendas, which constitutes a violation of the international human rights laws and resolutions that condemn terrorists and those who support and fund it.

The statement called for bringing the opposition groups that support terrorism to justice, stressing that those who support, finance and direct terrorism must be subject to articles 25 and 27 of the Rome Statute.

Syrian Family Forum Condemns Terrorist Bombings in Damascus

The Syrian Family Forum condemned the terrorist bombings that took place in Damascus on Wednesday, martyring and injuring innocent civilians.

In a statement, the Forum held the United States and its minions in the region – including Al Saud, Al Thani, the Doha coalition and its supporters – responsible for these crimes.

Austrian State Secretary Calls for Keeping Austrian Unit in UNDOF Forces

Dec 12, 2012

VIENNES, (SANA) – Austrian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Reinhold Lopatka stressed the need for maintaining  the deployment of the Austrian forces operating in the United Nations Disengagement Forces (UNDOF) deployed in the Golan, as the Austrian forces have a good reputation and considerable experience that allows them to take the necessary steps and precautions to protect themselves in light of the events in Syria.

In a statement issued by the Austrian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, Lopatka said that Austria asked the UN to take extra precautionary measures to protect the UNDOF forces, particularly after the recent attacks by terrorists on a convoy transporting Austrian soldiers on the road to Damascus International Airport.

The statement said that the Austrian Parliament approved extending the mission of Austrian international forces operating in 12 areas around the world, including the Golan and South Lebanon.

The aforementioned attack by terrorists injured two members of the Austrian unit operating with the UNDOF forces.

Mother of Ukrainian Journalists Abducted in Syria Issues Appeal for Her Release

Dec 12, 2012

KIEV, (SANA) – The mother of Ukrainian journalist Anhar Kochneva, who was abducted in early October by terrorists in Syria who threaten to kill her, issued on appeal on Wednesday to release her daughter, asking her government and Russia to assist in this.

 

In a video broadcast by the Ukrainian channel 1+1, Lyudmila Kochneva was shown crying and addressing those who kidnapped her daughter, reminding them that they too have mothers and children and begging them to release her daughter.

In turn, the Ukrainian Foreign Minsitry warned Kochneva’s abductors from harming her.

Media sources reported that the terrorist group currently holding Kochneva hostage threatened to kill her on Thursday unless they receive a ransom of USD 50 million.

Authorities Confiscate Car Loaded with 300 Gas Cylinders to Be Smuggled in Hasaka

Dec 12, 2012

HASAKA, (SANA) – Authorities seized on Wednesday a car loaded with 300 gas cylinders for domestic use that were prepared for smuggling near al-Baydar crossroad on al-Qamishli-Tal Tamer road in Hasaka countryside.

An official source in the Province told SANA reporter that the cylinders were distributed to the citizens of al-Derbasiyeh town immediately at the official price.

The authorities confiscated last week a car loaded with 600 gas cylinders , as they were prepared for smuggling in the same area.

Khamenei: Sides Stoking Violence and Igniting Civil War in Syria Responsible for Continuing Crisis

Dec 11, 2012

TEHRAN, (SANA) – Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, said that the parties which work on stoking violence and igniting a civil war in Syria are responsible for continuing the crisis in it.

Meeting the participants in the International Conference for Islamic Awakening in Tehran, Khamenei warned of the enemies’ attempts to create divisions among Muslims through exploiting their racial and sectarian disputes.

He called upon all Muslims to solve their disputes through dialogue and peaceful means and be aware of the western-U.S. moves.

Khamenei hailed the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, expressing appreciation of the Palestinian resistance’s victory over the Israeli enemy in its recent assault on the Gaza Strip.

MASSAR Carries out Several Activities Targeting Displaced Children and Youths in Lattakia

Dec 11, 2012

LATTAKIA, (SANA) – Lattakia’s Exploring Centre “Amwaj MASSAR” continued to hold several activities targeting children and youths with the aim of developing a generation able to shoulder responsibility towards the society.

Amwaj MASSAR is one of the projects of the Syria Trust for Development, which has expanded activities to include all children affected by the recent events, that forced large numbers of children and youths to leave their houses because of the acts of the armed terrorist groups.

The Trust, in cooperation with the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs and with the assistance of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, started a series of activities in the makeshift centers in the city, including distributing 300 baskets of children milk to families staying at the Sport City.

Activities, carried out in the framework of MASSAR, also included visits to elementary schools, in cooperation with the Education Directorate in Lattakia, where the Trust made medical tests to all the 6-year-old children in the school.

The Trust made several other health-related and artistic activities, including shaving for about 100 children, and taking hundreds others to watch films.

The Syria Trust for Development is a non-governmental and non-profit organization that works on empowering societies and persons through encouraging social initiatives and building partnerships with the civil society organizations

 

By Asjylyn Loder, Anthony Dipaola and Grant Smith

13 December, 2012

@ Bloomberg

Whether crude costs $60 a barrel or twice that amount, the U.S. is almost free of depending on imported energy and positioned to supplant Saudi Arabia as the world’s No. 1 producer of oil.

Even if U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate oil drops 30 percent from the current $86 a barrel, oil companies will boost production as new technologies allow them to extract crude from shale formations, said Ed Morse, the global head of commodities research at Citigroup Inc. The nation, which was last self- sufficient when Harry S. Truman was president in 1952, met 83 percent of its energy needs in the first eight months of this year, according to the Energy Department in Washington.

Saudi Arabia can’t afford a decline of that magnitude after the government pledged an unprecedented $630 billion on social welfare and building projects. The kingdom, which uses Brent crude to help set export rates, couldn’t meet those commitments if prices fell 25 percent from the current $108 a barrel, according to Samuel Ciszuk, an oil consultant at KBC Energy Economics in Walton-on-Thames, England.

“U.S. shale oil producers can’t lose,” Leo Drollas, the chief economist at the London-based Centre for Global Energy Studies, which was founded by Saudi Arabia’s former oil minister, said in a Dec. 10 telephone interview. “The Saudis really need to balance their budget at about $95. For the U.S. producers, that is more than ample.”

New Deposits

U.S. average daily output will climb 14 percent this year, the most in six decades, according to the Energy Department, as Anadarko Petroleum Corp. and Chesapeake Energy Corp. exploit new deposits from North Dakota to Texas. Even though America’s 6.8 million barrels a day in November was 30 percent less than Saudi Arabia’s 9.7 million, the International Energy Agency says the U.S. will be bigger by 2020.

West Texas Intermediate, or WTI, will rise about 15 percent through 2015, to $100 a barrel, according to the median of 13 analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Brent, the benchmark for Arab Light and Arab Medium grades, may gain less than 1 percent, to $110, the forecasts show.

WTI slipped 88 cents, or 1 percent, to settle at $85.89 a barrel today on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent for January settlement on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange fell $1.59, or 1.5 percent, to $107.91 a barrel. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries yesterday kept its official production ceiling at 30 million barrels a day.

Abdullah’s Pledge

While Morse says U.S. producers break even with prices of about $72 to $75 a barrel, and will keep drilling new shale wells at $60 because they’ve already hedged future output, Saudi Arabia faces different challenges.

Last year, as popular uprisings toppled leaders in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt and sparked a civil war in Syria, Saudi King Abdullah promised to spend $130 billion on extra subsidies for housing and benefits as well as $500 billion for previously announced infrastructure projects.

The kingdom’s population of 28.4 million is growing 2.9 percent a year, according to the Central Department of Statistics and Information. At current rates, it will need all its own oil by 2032, leaving nothing to export, Citigroup said in a Sept. 4 report. The country uses about 25 percent of its fuel production domestically, more per capita than any other industrialized nation, the report said.

Fuel Misuse

Waste and misuse of fossil fuels threaten to double consumption by 2030, Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said in a Nov. 24 speech in Riyadh. The kingdom consumes an average of 2.5 barrels of oil and oil equivalents to produce $1,000 of national income, twice the global average, he said.

“The Saudis are trying to do two things: they want to keep prices from going too high to hurt economic activity and at the same time not let oil go below $100 a barrel,” Ciszuk, the KBC Energy consultant said in a telephone interview Dec. 5. “I would struggle to see the Saudis willing or able to take oil prices low enough to cut off U.S. shale developments since even they need oil in the $80s to balance the government budget through 2013 and 2014.”

For all the growth in U.S. production, Al-Naimi told reporters at yesterday’s OPEC meeting he isn’t concerned by the burgeoning output from shale deposits, while United Arab Emirates Oil Minister Mohammed Al-Hamli said producers are “very concerned” and will protect their interests.

Global Sway

Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s biggest member, can still sway global markets more than other nations. It has spare capacity to pump as much as 12.5 million barrels a day, or 29 percent more than last month’s levels, which were the lowest in 13 months, according to an OPEC report this week. The country supplies more than 10 percent of the world’s oil.

“The U.S. will never be the new Saudi Arabia,” said Mike Wittner, Societe Generale’s New York-based head of oil market research for the Americas. “The Saudis are able to increase production when they want to and are willing to cut when they need to, and the U.S. will never do either of those things.”

 

U.S. stockpiles have grown 13 percent in 2012 as production climbed to nearly a 19-year high, according to the Energy Department. The rise in reserves is one reason why the average regular unleaded gasoline price has tumbled from this year’s high of $3.936 a gallon, according to data compiled by AAA. The current price of $3.315 is 1.1 percent higher than the start of the year.

Shrinking Spread

Analysts estimate WTI will rise more than Brent in coming years partly because of the way oil pipelines flow in the U.S., bringing crude to the nation’s storage hub and delivery point for Nymex futures contracts in Cushing, Oklahoma. The American grade has traded at an average discount of about $17 a barrel this year, compared with a premium of about 95 cents in the 10 years through 2010.

Brent has also been buoyed by U.S. and European sanctions on Iran, which choked off about 1 million barrels a day, or 1.1 percent of the global total, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The Buzzard field in the North Sea, which pumps 200,000 barrels a day, was shut for two months for maintenance.

The price gap will narrow to as little as $4.50 next year, as the glut in Cushing eases, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc. The Seaway pipeline, operated by Enbridge Inc. and Enterprise Products Partners LP, will be able to send 400,000 barrels a day from Cushing to the Houston area starting Jan. 1, compared with 150,000 a day now, Enterprise Chief Executive Officer Mike Creel said on Nov. 13.

Big Short

The last time the U.S. rivaled Saudi Arabia proved a disaster for America’s oil industry and for the kingdom. U.S. production expanded 10 percent from 1976 to 1985, reaching the highest level since the Arab embargo in 1973.

By late 1985, the Saudis were pumping more crude to defend their market dominance. WTI plunged to $10 a barrel in March 1986. U.S. output declined for 21 of the next 22 years and didn’t start growing again until 2009.

Now, the U.S. may be producing too much oil and WTI may drop as low as $50 a barrel within the next two years unless policy makers scrap a law limiting exports, Francisco Blanch, the head of commodities research for Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York, said in an interview.

“WTI is our big short for next year,” Blanch said. Should futures fall to between $50 and $65 a barrel, production gains will slow, he said.

If the U.S. natural gas market is any guide, declining prices don’t guarantee reduced supply. Gas dropped to a 10-year- low of $1.902 per million British thermal units in April. New production technology helped drive inventories to a record last month even though the number of gas rigs operating in the country fell to a 13-year low on Nov. 9, according to Houston- based Baker Hughes Inc.

“What’s going on with U.S. oil is the biggest development over the last 40 years,” Eugen Weinberg, head of commodities research at Commerzbank AG in Frankfurt, said in a telephone interview. “U.S. shale, rather than anything, is the game changer. OPEC nations are concerned, all of them.”

To contact the reporters on this story: Asjylyn Loder in New York at aloder@bloomberg.net; Anthony DiPaola in Dubai at adipaola@bloomberg.net; Grant Smith in London at gsmith52@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Dan Stets at dstets@bloomberg.net; Stephen Voss at sev@bloomberg.net

®2012 BLOOMBERG L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

President al-Assad Receives Islamic Education Preachers, Stresses Need for Emphasizing True Islamic Values

Dec 11, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday received Islamic education preachers working in the mosques and Islamic institutes of Damascus and its countryside.

During the meeting, President al-Assad stressed the need for emphasizing the true Islamic values which are based on the great moral values embodied by the Prophet Mohammad.

The President also pointed out to the strong correlation between Arabism and Islam, both of which constitute pillars of the Syrian society.

For their part, the preachers underlined Syria’s capabilities for holding Islamic activities, thanking President al-Assad for his support to the pioneering experience of Islamic preaching by women which had a significant positive impact on woman in Syrian society.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) Dr. Mohammad Abdelsattar al-Sayed.

Military Operations against al-Qaeda-linked Terrorist Groups Continue in Several Areas, Scores of Terrorists Eliminated

Dec 11, 2012

PROVINCES, (SANA)_ Units of the Armed Forces on Tuesday continued pursuing terrorists belonging to Jabhat al-Nusra in Aqraba town in Damascus Countryside, killing a number of them and injuring others.

An official source in the province told SANA reporter that a unit of the Armed Forces clashed with an armed terrorist group near the International School in Aqraba, killing 4 snipers.

The source said that all members of an armed terrorist group, who were looting and killing citizens, were killed near Abu-Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque in Aqraba.

The sources added that the terrorist group has wreaked havoc and devastation in the mosque.

In al-Ziyabiye, an Armed Forcfes unit eliminated a number of terrorists from Jabhet al-Nusra, including a Libyan called Omar Ghabathi, Ibrahim Kharfoush, and Ghassab al-Abdullah.

In Darayya, an Armed Forces unit clashed with terrorist groups and eliminated a number of snipers in al-Zaytoun roundabout, including Ala’a Ziyade, Mohammad al-Nakkash, Mohammad Nour al-Shemali, and Marwan Kharibeh.

In the town of Sheba’a, another unit carried out an operation which resulted in the destruction of a terrorist hideout al0ong with the weapons, munitions and terrorists inside it, including terrorists Mohammad Mousa and Zakariya al-Bekaei.

Terrorists Killed or Injured While Rigging Car Bomb in al-Qadam in Damascus

A car bomb exploded while terrorists were rigging it with large amounts of explosives in al-Qadam neighborhood in Damascus, resulting in killing or injuring all the members of the terrorist group.

An official source told SANA’s reporter that the explosion took place near al-Dabe’a roundabout in al-Dahabiye street in the neighborhood while the terrorists were rigging the car before transporting it and detonating it elsewhere.

The Syrian Army continues its national Duty in Aleppo

The armed forces today targeted gatherings in Aleppo and its countryside, killing scores of the terrorists and destroying  their cars and munitions.

At al-Mislemiya, Babnes, al-Bab in Aleppo countryside, the army destroyed 12 cars loaded with weapon and munitions, in addition to destroying 8 cars on Tadef- Sharbaa road and 14 cars on Tal Rifaat-Fafin road.

In the city of Aleppo, units of the army targeted gatherings of terrorists in Tal al-Zarazeer, Baaedin, al-Shaar, al-Lermon, killing tens of them and injuring others , particularly near the Pullman station where a number of vehicles, equipped with machineguns were destroyed.

Al-Kindi Hospital and External Road of Aleppo Airport Cleared from Terrorists

Units of the Armed Forces restored in a series of precise and quick operations regular traffic movement to the external road of Aleppo International Airport after having eliminated the groups of mercenary terrorists which hindered the citizens’ movement towards the Airport from al-Ramouseh.

An official source told SANA reporter that the operations resulted in killing scores of terrorists and destroying their gatherings and criminal equipment.

The source added that another military unit cleared al-Kindi Hospital in the city of Aleppo from the armed terrorist groups which had used it as a den to store ammunition and weapons and attack the residents in the area.

Turkish and Foreign Terrorists Killed in Bustan al-Basha

SANA reporter quoted the source as saying that the army continued to tighten the noose the mercenary terrorists in Bustan al-Basha area and cleared Wajih Abdul-Daem School from the terrorists.

An armed terrorist group was killed in the area, with most of its members are from Turkish and other foreign nationalities, according to the source.

In the old city of Aleppo, the army units killed scores of mercenary terrorists and injured others in al-Zahrawi, al-Khabiyeh and al-Bandareh markets and the prison street.

The Army eliminates Terrorists in Homs Countryside

The Army units today destroyed 4 cars equipped with heavy machineguns and mortars in addition to a factory for preparing explosives and an advanced communications center in al-Hilmouz, Talbeisa.

An official source in Homs told SANA reporter that the army operation led to the killing of tens of the most dangerous terrorists, among them Awad al-Sidiq, Satam Dilleh, A’ed al-Hamwi, shahin al-Hifiyan known as al-Satour and Yazid Marwan known as “the scorpion”.

The source added that another army unit destroyed a den for terrorists near al-Maasara in Talbeisa, killing all terrorists hidden inside it, among them were Ali Hourani, Mahmoud al-Daher and Mustafa al-Khateeb.

At al-Warsha neighborhood in Homs, a unit of the army clashed with terrorists who were terrifying citizens and families, killing a sniper called Mohammad Abbarah.

Armed Forces Eliminate Scores of Terrorists in Deir Ezzor

The Armed Forces continued clearing areas in Deir Ezzor and its countryside from the armed terrorist groups.

An official source told SANA that the army clashed with terrorists near Fuad Cinema in Deir Ezzor city nd killed 4 terrorists.

The source added that the army killed and injured the members of the so-called “al-Mustafa Battalion” in al-Takaya Street.

In al-Jbeila neighborhood, an army unit clashed with armed terrorist groups, eliminating scores of terrorists and injuring others.

The Armed Forces also killed and injured members of a terrorist group in al-Sheikh Yaseen area in the city.

Another army unit eliminated members of the so-called “al-Qadeysseh Battalion” in the area of Hatlah in Deir Ezzor countryside.

Popular March in al-Maadi in Aleppo Demands Expulsion of Terrorist Groups

Dec 11, 2012

ALEPPO, (SANA)- A popular march went out in al-Maadi Area in the city of Aleppo on Tuesday, demanding the expulsion of the armed terrorist groups from the area.

Hundreds of residents participated in the march expressing their condemnation of the terrorist groups that are targeting citizens and services institutions, including bakeries, telephone and electricity networks and infrastructure in the area.

SANA reporter said the protesters marched the main streets in al-Maadi area chanting slogans demanding the expulsion of the terrorists and putting an end to their attacks and violations.

They voiced their denunciation of the Western and regional countries that are supporting and funding the terrorism targeting the Syrian people.

Workshop by People’s Assembly and UNFPA on Population Development

Dec 11, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Speaker of the People’s Assembly, Mohammad Jihad al-Laham, stressed continuing efforts to restore security and stability to all areas and rehabilitate infrastructure destroyed by the armed terrorist groups, which are funded and armed by regional and western countries, particularly Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the US.

Al-Laham was Speaking at the opening of a workshop on monitoring and evaluating population and development issues, organized in cooperation with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

He stressed that security and stability are essential to provide the appropriate foundation and environment to achieve development, therefore “Syria will not tolerate the takfiri terrorism which targets its people from all spectrums and political affiliations and it will root out its tools.”

The Speaker indicated to the People’s Assembly role in setting up necessary programs and plans to enhance the population development in Syria and contribute to improving society, particularly under the current circumstances which negatively affected all development sectors and hindered the implementation of several programs.

Al-Laham stressed the need for preparing regular reports on population development to ensure effective results that help deal with the damage caused to all society classes and rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure and achieve economic stability in order to create a social safety network that meets the people’s aspirations.

He said that population development constitutes part of the comprehensive development adopted by Syria with the aim of improving the citizens’ livelihood and provide better chances for the youth.

This goal will not be achieved, Al-Lahham highlighted, unless the efforts of the executive and legislative institutions in Syria are united with those of civil and international organizations, particularly the UNFPA, to raise awareness of issues related to population and reproductive health in order to draw outappropriate plans to achieve development.

Al-Laham affirmed that the government will spare no efforts to contribute to rehabilitating destroyed residences and to provide subsidies and financial compensations to those whose properties were damaged in the current circumstances.

He stressed that Syria will achieve victory over the conspirators thanks to its people, leadership and the sacrifices of its army, stressing determination to build a better future that guarantees the citizens’ rights and meet their aspirations.

The UNFPA Assistant Representative in Syria, Omar Ballan, emphasized the importance of the workshop in shedding light on the objective, economic, educational and social circumstances which affect the women’s health.

He highlighted the important role of People’s Assembly in monitoring, evaluating and contributing to provide data on issues related to population.

Ballan stressed the UNFPA’s commitment to support the efforts exerted by the People’s Assembly to enhance awareness of population and development through setting up response plans and participating in all training, capability building and educational activities.

He pointed out to the Fund’s efforts to collect data in order to set up the 2013 response plan, adding that the current data should be further developed to better specify the needs.

Representatives from the Ministries of Health and the Social Affairs and Labor, the Planning and International Cooperation Commission and the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs participated in the workshop.

Participants in the workshop stressed the need to spread the culture of small families using mass media, and making population issues a priority in meetings of the Cabinet and relevant authorities.

They also stressed the need to hold seminars and meetings to tackle the facts of the effects of population growth, encourage family planning, stressing the need for mass media in spreading awareness about population growth and the need to include the concepts of populations issues, family planning and reproductive health in school curricula.

The participants called for implementing plans to combat all forms of discrimination against women, in addition to focusing on balancing between economic growth and population growth.

The first session dealt with criteria of evaluation and monitoring in population issues, with participants saying that an integrated monitoring and evaluation system was designed and will be used in the public sector as a preliminary step.

They also called for increasing the participation of the People’s Assembly in dealing with population issues, in addition to implementing a national population strategy, and issuing laws for protecting women from violence and harassment and protecting children and people with special needs from violence, abuse and neglect.

Al-Zoubi: Terrorists’ Victories Imaginary, US-Western Statements on Chemical Weapons Caused by Inability to Achieve Gains on Ground

Dec 11, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Minister of Information Omran al-Zoubi said that the victories claimed by some media outlets of the armed terrorist groups are “baseless and imaginary victories,”

In an interview on the Lebanese al-Manar TV on Monday, Minister al-Zoubi said that there are clashes in specific areas in Damascus Countryside and attempts by the terrorist organizations to achieve any kind of progress, adding that the life is normal in Damascus.

Al-Zoubi added that these terrorist groups are extremist Takfiri organizations, stressing that “When the US places Jabhat al-Nusra on the international terrorist organizations’ list, that is because it realizes the nature of these groups which are fighting the Syrian Armed Forces,”

He highlighted that Syria realizes the nature of the confront with the enemy plot and is working on protecting the state institutions and infrastructure.

He pointed out that the suffering of the Syrians in securing some materials is caused by the acts of the terrorist groups which are attacking the vehicles transporting wheat, petroleum and other goods.

He noted that the terrorist bombings in residential areas aim at terrorizing people, embarrassing the security and military system and alluding the public opinion to the idea that they can do whatever they want whenever they want, adding that these acts are part of media and military policy for those sides.

Al-Zoubi said that the US-western repeated talks on the chemical weapons in Syria are caused by their inability to achieve any progress on the ground, “Syria doesn’t own any internationally-banned weapons, whether chemical, nuclear or biological”, he stressed, adding that “Even if Syria possessed such weapons, it will not use them for moral reasons,”

“Statements on this topic resemble those issued against Iraq and other countries. We don’t ignore any possibility, including the Iraqi scenario. The world can’t bear the consequences of such risk. The western countries should realize that Syria isn’t a simple or easy country. Damascus has friends and there are regional and international balances,”

Minister al-Zoubi added that there are intelligence agencies operating on the Syrian soil since the beginning of the crisis, embodied in the existence of advanced equipment and technologies among the terrorist groups and in high-tech sabotage acts committed by the terrorists.

He considered the Turkish talks on Syrian threats against Turkey as naive, adding that Syria never threatened, attacked or interfered in any neighboring countries’ affairs.

“Deployment of the Patriot missiles doesn’t target Syria only, it is part of radars and early warning systems established by the US with cooperation with the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. These systems target Iran, Syria, Cyprus, Greece, Egypt and other countries,” he noted.

Minister al-Zoubi stressed that the USA sat at the table with Russia when it felt that its project is falling, adding that “Yet, the dialogue between the two sides is positive if the talks are based on respecting the Syrian independency and as long as the talks will lead to a political process based on supporting the national dialogue,”

Al-Zoubi stressed the need to adhering to Geneva statement and the initiative of the former UN envoy Kofi Annan, that are based on respecting national independence and not meddling in the countries’ internal affairs.

Al-Zoubi added that the Syrians, who brought President Bashar al-Assad to power through ballots, are the only side to determine how and who to rule.

He said that the political leadership has been saying, right from the beginning of the crisis, that the destiny of the leadership is determined only by the people.

Minister al-Zoubi said Russia’s stance towards Syria is “firm, not contradicted, rather clear and frank” as it shows keenness on the interest of Syrian state and people.

” Russia also rejects any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, mainly in a sovereign issue and calls for the necessity of unifying efforts to support a political process based on dialogue, the participation of all Syrian sides without exception and halting violence, ” he added.

Minister al-Zoubi said “Doha coalition is a political gathering that has been already existed and reproduced and its members are the same who had formed Istanbul Council.

He added that the Syrian opposition abroad, including Doha coalition don’t behave in Syria’s interest because pursuing the path of violence, rejecting dialogue and adopting foreign agendas mean that the opposition has no political project.

The Minister underlined that the formation of the so-called military councils for the armed groups will only lead to more violence, killing and destruction.

He pointed out that Syria has well-documented information that confirm that Jabhat al-Nusra (al-Nusra Front) encompasses several armed groups with different names, asserting that the US inclusion of the Front in its international list of terrorist organizations is not enough and doesn’t reflect the US commitment to the UN Security Council’s resolutions on combating terrorism.

“Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government directly, openly and flagrantly violates its international obligations regarding cooperation in combating terrorism,” Minister al-Zoubi said, calling on the international community and the UN to put pressure on all countries to commit to combating terrorism.

The information minister said it is regrettable to talk about the self-dissociation policy and at the same time dividing this policy with respect to options of all states and governments.” self-dissociation policy is not an option of the Lebanese government in terms of its ministers only, but is supposed to be the option of Lebanon as a whole because the government is the side who leads the Lebanese state,”

Minister al-Zoubi asserted that some leaders and figures in the Lebanese Future party are responsible for smuggling weapons to the armed terrorist groups in Syria, recruiting fighters and financing these groups which violate the agreements signed between Syria and Lebanon on all levels and breach the rules of the international law.

Churkin: Opposition Fighters in Syria Use Anti-aircraft Missiles Smuggled from Libya

Dec 11, 2012

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, stressed that there is information which indicates that the anti-aircraft missiles smuggled from Libya are being used by the armed groups in Syria.

Russia Today website quoted Churkin as saying in a speech in front of the UN Security Council on Monday that the infiltration of weapons from Libya will influence not only the neighboring countries.

He stressed the necessity of considering a decision on preventing the smuggling of weapons from Libya, including portable anti-aircraft missiles, in line with a UN Security Council resolution in this regard, adding that the presence of chemical weapons in this country further complicates the problem.

Khamenei: Sides Stoking Violence and Igniting Civil War in Syria Responsible for Continuing Crisis

Dec 11, 2012

TEHRAN, (SANA) – Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, said that the parties which work on stoking violence and igniting a civil war in Syria are responsible for continuing the crisis in it.

Meeting the participants in the International Conference for Islamic Awakening in Tehran, Khamenei warned of the enemies’ attempts to create divisions among Muslims through exploiting their racial and sectarian disputes.

He called upon all Muslims to solve their disputes through dialogue and peaceful means and be aware of the western-U.S. moves.

Khamenei hailed the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, expressing appreciation of the Palestinian resistance’s victory over the Israeli enemy in its recent assault on the Gaza Strip

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Discusses with Syrian and Chinese Ambassadors in Russia the Situation in Syria

Dec 11, 2012

MOSCOW, (SANA) – The Russian President’s Envoy to the Middle East, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, on Tuesday discussed with Syria’s Ambassador in Russia Riyad Haddad the situation in Syria.

A statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the meeting underlined the effective efforts exerted by Russia to expedite the cessation of violence in Syria and moving to a political track.

The statement said that the two sides affirmed conviction that the closing statement of the Geneva meeting of the work group on Syria issued on June 30th still forms the irreplaceable and consensual basis of finding a peaceful solution for the crisis in Syria.

Earlier, Bogdanov discussed with China’s Ambassador in Russia Li Hui the situation in Syria.

A statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry after the meeting said the two side discussed the situation in Syria and work in the framework of unifying international efforts to achieve a diplomatic and political resolution for the crisis in Syria and to support the mission of UN Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Ibrahimi.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that claims that Russia and China are responsible for the continuation of the crisis are shameful and unjust claims.

Regarding the use of veto in the Security Council to prevent issuing unilateral decisions that threaten only the government and disregard the acts of armed opposition groups, Lavrov noted that the right to veto isn’t a whim, rather it’s part of international law and the UN charter and was based on a US initiative during the formation of the UN.

Syrian Human Rights Network Calls on UNICEF to Condemn Armed Groups’ Crimes against Children in Syria

Dec 11, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian Human Rights Network called upon the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to condemn the crimes, acts of violence and violations committed by the armed terrorist groups against children in Syria.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the network called on the UNICEF representative to carry out her duty towards children inside Syria and abroad in terms of what they are exposed to by the mercenary gangs, backed by countries that are known for their support of terrorism in the region and the world.

The statement condemned the fact that the armed terrorist groups are using and exploiting the children in their crimes against humanity and childhood, stressing that the network has documented the armed groups’ violations and crimes against children.

The network highlighted the necessity for the UNICEF to pay attention to these crimes and condemn them as its mission is to care for children’s rights and protect them.

“It is better to protect children than teaching them how to commit a crime which arouses fears over bringing up a generation that is used to the culture of murdering and terrorism in which the UNICEF took part through overlooking the crimes of the terrorist groups,” the statement said.

It added that the UNICEF policy of double standards towards these violations is a flagrant breach of the children rights care and protection which the organization claimsto be one of its main priorities and principles.

The network cited the conduct of the UNICEF goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie in terms of visiting al-Zaatari camp in Jordan while ignoring the displaced families inside Syria as an evidence on the organization’s double standards policy.

The network called on the UNICEF ambassador to visit displaced families and children and inspect their situation in Syria so that her work and donation will not be in the framework of instigating on sedition and conspiring against Syria, the thing which violates the goals of the organization.

The network highlighted the violations and crimes being committed against children at schools, particularly regarding the terrorists’ mortar attacks on schools.

“Not condemning these crimes by international and human rights organizations stresses that these organizations are biased to violence and instigate it, said the statement.

Opposition Coordination Body Head Warns of Western Policy against Syria

Dec 11, 2012

BEIRUT, (SANA) – Haytham Manna, Head of the Syrian opposition Coordination Body abroad, described the meetings of the opposition abroad in Doha as a kitchen for conspiring against the homeland and dividing roles and goods.

In an article published by the Lebanese As-Safir newspaper, Manna said that the Body considered the Western and Gulf keenness to make those parties meeting abroad look as “representatives of the homeland, the opposition and the people” a serious attempt to cancel all possibilities for a civil democratic transition in Syria.

Manna warned against the dangers of the western policy towards Syria which is mainly based on providing unlimited support to an opposition group that announced itself in Doha.

He said that all indications refer that “a hearty diplomatic, financial and even military injection” will be provided to Doha Coalition in Marrakech where a meeting of the so-called “Friends of Syria” will be held on Wednesday.

Manna revealed that the Coordination Body has received veiled threats and warnings directed by several western officials regarding its stance towards Doha coalition, adding that the Body was threatened with marginalization if it did not join the coalition.

He reminded those who claim to do service to Syria that the number of innocent victims has doubled due to their silence towards the Turkish involvement in facilitating the movement of extremists into Syria through the Turkish borders.

Political Crisis in Egypt Turns to a Military Crisis with Economic Repercussions

Dec 10, 2012

CAIRO, (SANA) – Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi asked the army to help the police forces in cracking down on demonstrators until the declaration of the results of the referendum on the new constitution, giving the military the authority to apprehend civilians.

AFP said that a presidential decree stipulating for the armed forces to support police in ‘preserving security and protecting vital institutions’ was put into effect until the declaration of the constitution’s referendum, scheduled on Saturday.

Earlier, the National Salvation Front rejected the referendum on the new constitution draft, describing it as a prevarication policy and a challenge for the will of the Egyptian people, calling for mass demonstrations on Tuesday in all Egyptian provinces.

Meanwhile, the sit-in held in front of the Presidential Palace (Kasr al-Ittihadia) continued for the fourth consecutive day.

The Presidential Guard finished the building of barriers in all roads leading into the palace, while security forces enhanced presence and tightened security in the area. 6 tanks, 6 armored vehicles and a number of soldiers were deployed in it.

The Egyptian Stock Market lost EGP 2.29 billion as it was affected by the turmoil in the country and by the decision made by the government to increase taxes by 50% . President Morsi had to cancel the decision on the same day.

Dear Friends and Comrades,

A delegation of South African Christian Church leaders has just returned from a one-week solidarity visit to the holy cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem in Palestine-Israel. On their return, they released this joint statement [extracts]:

“Being South African, it felt like walking into another apartheid ambush.  We witnessed violations of international law on so many levels – the multiple Israeli house demolitions, the discriminatory Israeli legal system, the daily intimidation of Palestinians by the Israeli Defence Forces, the Israeli Apartheid Wall and its associated regime of restrictions on movement and access for Palestinians, the imprisonment of a large percentage of Palestinians (including children), the ongoing confiscation of Palestinian water and land, the closure of previously bustling Palestinian streets and businesses, separate pavements for Israelis and Palestinians…”

“We did not expect the extent to which Israel violates international law to oppress the Palestinian people.  Our exposure to the Palestinian East Jerusalem and the Israeli-Occupied West Bank was overwhelming, one which traumatised us….”

The South African Christian delegation included the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church in Southern Africa, Bishop Zipho Siwa; the General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa and President of the World Communion of Reformed Churches Southern Africa, Reverend Jerry Pillay; the Secretary General of the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa, Reverend Moss Nthla; and the Deputy Moderator of the Dutch Reformed Church, Dominee Braam Haanekom.

The delegation ended their statement supporting, amongst other things, “responsible” tourism to the Holy Land as well as the Palestinian people’s 2005 call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel:

“We realize though that the biblical call issued by Jesus is not only to “come and see” but to “go and tell” what you have seen and heard. However, it does not end just with the latter. Further, Jesus calls us to “go and do” (act)…”

“The Palestinians [Christians as well] are asking the world for economic, cultural and other forms of boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) – a strategy that helped us to end apartheid in South Africa.  We believe that maximum pressure must be put on Israel to abide by international law.” Click here for the full statement, photos and further info.

MEANWHILE THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OTHER WORLDWIDE BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL SUCCESSES :

1. NORWEGIAN UNIVERSITY ENDS CONTRACT WITH ISRAELI-COMPLICIT COMPANY, G4S: In a major success for the campaign against Israeli prison contractor, Group 4 Securicor (G4S), the University of Oslo has announced that it will terminate its contract with the company in July 2013. The University Director, Ole Ottersen, said: “The university wishes by no means to support companies that operate in an ethical grey zone”. G4S is a security company (operating in South Africa as well) that has an Israeli contract to provide equipment and services to Israeli prisons in which Palestinian political prisoners, including several child prisoners, are detained. G4S also provides equipment and services to Israeli checkpoints and Israel’s illegal settlements. The Israeli government has recently confirmed that G4S also provides equipment to Israel’s illegal Apartheid Wall.

2. LARGEST EVER TRADE UNION TO BOYCOTT ISRAEL: Last month, one of the largest international trade unions, the Public Services International (PSI), at its World Congress voted to fully support and advance the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel campaign. The PSI World Congress also adopted a resolution to promote and partake-in an annual awareness-raising initiative, the Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) campaign. The PSI represents 20 million workers globally who deliver public services in 150 countries. Two South African trade unions, the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) and the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) belong to the PSI.

3. AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, 52 NOBEL LAUREATES AND OTHER NOTABLES CALL FOR ARMS EMBARGO ON ISRAEL: On the 19th of November Amnesty International called on the UN to impose an arms embargo on Israel (see: http://tinyurl.com/cykjvvr). Subsequently 52 international figures issued a statement supporting such an Israeli arms embargo. Signatories include the 1976 Irish Nobel Peace Laureate, Mairead Maguire and Argentina’s 1980 Laureate, Adolfo Perez Esquível. Academics and Professors include Slavoj Zizek (Slovenia), Etienne Balibar (France), Noam Chomsky (USA) and Judith Butler (USA). Authors and artists include Roger Waters of Pink Floyd (USA), John Berger (France), John Pilger (Australia) and Naomi Klein, (USA). Government officials include, Senator Walden Bello (Philippines), Member of Parliament Christian Juhl (Denmark), Senator Vincenzo Vita (Italy), former President of the European Parliament, Luisa Morgantini, and the former UN Assistant General Secretary, Denis Halliday (Ireland). Other notable signatories were: Alice Walker (USA), Angela Davis (USA), South Africa’s international law expert, John Dugard, and Stéphane Hessel, the 95-year-old Holocaust survivor and co-author of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

4. TOP EUROPEAN FOOTBALLERS CALL ON UEFA TO DROP ISRAEL: More than 50 English Premier League and 1st division European footballers have issued an open letter in solidarity with the Palestinians and condemning the soccer body UEFA’s upcoming hosting of its 2013 Under 21 tournament in Israel. Signatories to the open letter include Chelsea’s Eden Hazard; Newcastle United’s Papiss Cissé; former Seville striker, Frédéric Kanouté; Abou Diaby of Arsenal and Pape Diop of West Ham United.

Finally, as is often the case, almost any solidarity with the Palestinians is vehemently opposed by the Israeli lobby who claim to want “neutrality” and “inaction”, but as Archbishop Desmond Tutu has put it: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

BOYCOTT, DIVESTMENT AND SANCTIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA (BDS SOUTH AFRICA)

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By Mehrnaz Shahabi

11 December, 2012

@ Fairobserver.com

Economic sanctions are not only shattering the lives of the Iranian people but also strangling Iran’s social and cultural development. Iran is headed for a humanitarian catastrophe unless steps are taken to avert it.

[This article is based on a talk presented by independent researcher Mehrnaz Shahabi on November 17 at the Nour Festival of Arts in London, which seeks to celebrate, explore and promote culture and arts in the Middle East and North Africa.]

For 33 years now, since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran has been the target of US economic sanctions, which have increased in scope and severity over time. The impact of sanctions on populations is not always quantifiable and can be contradictory. Despite their negative impact in isolating and hindering Iran’s economic progress, and the tragic loss of life due to the boycott of spare parts for the aging Iranian airline, in so far as necessity is the mother of invention, sanctions in many instances have acted as an impetus for technological progress; and the experience of success and survival through adversity has infused a collective sense of empowerment and self-confidence.

When I was asked in July to talk about the impact of sanctions on Iranian society, the idea was to place some emphasis on the arts and artists. Since then, the reality of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding as a result of the economic warfare on Iran has shifted the emphasis, by necessity, from the artists to their audience, since it is inconceivable to think of arts separately from the audience at which it is directed.

The current sanctions by the US and the EU, under the pretext of a manufactured dispute over Iran’s civilian nuclear programme, are comprehensive sanctions against Iran’s economy for inflicting intentional collective punishment. The damage to the economy and the injury inflicted on the lives of the population in all respects is unambiguous and lethal.

Impact on Healthcare

These sanctions, which went into effect at the end of July 2012, target, amongst other things, Iran’s banking and export of oil. Export of oil comprises 80 percent of Iran’s foreign revenue which finances infrastructural work, social and welfare services, hospitals, schools, universities, state employees’ salaries and pensions. The value of Iranian currency has declined by 80 percent in the past year. The prices of imported machinery, medicine, and many types of foodstuff have risen beyond the reach of ordinary people. Many factories and businesses have folded, and unemployment is mounting.

However, the most critical impact of sanctions is on the availability of drugs and the health of the population. Iran is making 97 percent of its needed drugs domestically, and pharmaceuticals are heavily subsidised. The devalued currency means that raw materials imported for drug production are now a lot more expensive. In many cases, the raw material cannot even be paid for because of the banking sanctions, particularly as the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), in compliance with the EU sanctions has stopped its electronic communication services for Iranian financial institutions and transactions from Iran. As a result, even domestically-produced drugs are becoming unavailable. Two drug manufacturing companies closed this October, and pharmacies are experiencing widespread closures and bankruptcies.

The most advanced life saving drugs cannot be made in generic form.These include drugs for heart disease, lung problems, kidney disease and dialysis, multiple sclerosis, thalassemia, haemophilia and many forms of cancer.

All of the surgeries for thousands of haemophilic patients have been cancelled because a shortage of coagulant drugs. A 15-year-old child died at the end of October due to the absence of coagulant medication. The head of Iran’s Haemophilia Society has said, “This is a blatant hostage-taking of the most vulnerable people by countries which claim they care about human rights. Even a few days of delay can have serious consequences like haemorrhage and disability.”

The drugs for many forms of cancer, particularly leukaemia, which is rife in Iran, cannot be imported, and this absence of drugs is happening in a context where the number of cancer patients in Iran has risen dramatically. It is predicted that by 2015 there will be a “cancer tsunami” in Iran.

In Iraq, a UNICEF survey estimated that 500,000 children under five had died, as a result of sanctions on the country, between 1991 and 1998. One can presume that by the time of the 2003 invasion, and under deteriorating conditions of poor water sanitation, malnutrition, disease, and the near absence of medication, many more would have died in the entire population. With millions of lives currently at risk in Iran, it is predicted that the death rate there could dwarf the casualties in Iraq.

I was in Iran recently and returned last Tuesday. Whilst there, this dire humanitarian situation was confirmed by medics and chemists with whom I spoke. Also, some students in medical chemistry told me that they can no longer afford the ingredients to make the drugs required for their doctorate work.

The Effect on Culture and Arts

There is no doubt about the direct or indirect detrimental effects of these sanctions on Iranian society at economic, political, social, cultural and artistic levels. I attended the re-launch of the magazine Danesh va Mardom (Science and People). The writers, poets, translators, and scientists present there were unanimously concerned about the impact of sanctions. I was told how the price of paper had multiplied more than fivefold. In fact, the publishers syndicate has recently warned that publishing is no longer viable.

The double impact of the devalued currency and financial sanctions have made it very difficult to access scientific and other academic papers to keep abreast with the most recent developments and to have effective scientific and cultural exchanges with those outside of Iran. I heard repeatedly from very bright graduates that there was no prospect for jobs and no budget for research, and that there is an unprecedented flood of “brain drain” out of the country.

An example of a visible impact on the arts is the virtual winding up of the National Symphony Orchestra, which according to its young conductor, Barda Kiaros, has not practiced and whose musicians have not been paid for over two months. He says that the Tehran Symphony Orchestra too does not receive the recognition it deserves and has not performed the work of great composers in concert for two years.

Abdolhossein Mokhtabaad, a famous composer and traditional singer, commented on the effects of sanctions and expressed the belief that the economic situation is not conducive to arts. He said that artists are not supported and likened artistic work in Iran to the work of a tightrope artist — always walking on a thin line.

For an insecure, debilitated, and hand-to-mouth population, artistic appreciation and artistic expression become a rare luxury, even irrelevant on the hierarchy of their people’s priorities. Not only do sanctions destroy the infrastructure for cultural and artistic development, they also create a state of economic and political siege directed at forced regime change, which is intensifying the securitization of Iranian society with dire consequences for civil and political rights, including artistic expression.

The strangulation of Iran’s rights and silencing of its voice on the international scene then finds its parallel in the strangulation and silencing of Iranians’ rights and voice, including artistic expression, at the domestic level. As in Iraq, sanctions are not only destroying the most vulnerable sections of the population but are devastating and weakening the middle class in Iran as the historical engine for creativity and scientific and cultural progress.

No one amongst the leaders or the grassroots of Iran’s legitimate domestic opposition has called for sanctions on Iran. In fact, they have warned that sanctions and war will be the biggest blow to the civil society and democratic aspirations in Iran.

Artistic expressions may defy political repression and economic poverty and find channels and forms of expression, as exemplified by the proud achievements of Iranian cinema. However, there is a tipping point when hardship does not strengthen but destroys the cultural and artistic development, in the long-term and at a societal level.

The economic sanctions on Iran are illegal under the international law and meet the UN definition of genocide. Nonetheless, US Congressman Brad Sherman has said “Critics [of the sanctions] argued that these measures will hurt the Iranian people. Quite frankly, we need to do just that.” Similarly, Congressman Gary Ackerman said, “The goal…is to inflict crippling, unendurable economic pain over there.” These sentiments to target the population to feel the pain of the sanctions are echoed by other Western statesmen.

The UN Convention on Genocide defines genocide as “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such…[including] causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; [and] deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.” How else are we to interpret the sanctions affecting the import of baby milk and tetanus vaccine, and the announcement by Iran’s Ministry of Health that Iran’s medical drug reserves will run out within two months?

Denis Halliday, who resigned as the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq after 34 years of service for the UN in protest against the impact of economic sanctions on the people of Iraq, described the sanctions as genocidal. Another humanitarian catastrophe and another genocide is now unfolding in Iran. Iranian society and Iranian artists are being strangulated into silence and a collective silent death, unless we intervene boldly in true artistic spirit.

Update: Iran’s Ministry of Health announced on November 30 that with the Central Bank’s release of $130 million of its foreign currency reserves at a relatively cheap emergency exchange rate, the import of urgently-needed pharmaceutical drugs had begun. The Central Bank also agreed to allocate $1.5 to 2 billion from its foreign currency reserves to cover the pharmaceutical needs of the population for the next year.

The emergency health crisis, however, will only be temporarily abated. On the same day as the announcement of Iran’s Ministry of Health on November 30, the US Senate approved another round of draconian sanctions against Iran’s economy. These sanctions, which came as an amendment to the US National Defense Authorization Act, further target Iran’s ports, shipbuilding, shipping, and energy sectors. In violation of the international trade law, the sanctions also attempt to deplete Iran’s foreign currency reserve by penalizing countries who make payments of gold or other precious metals in exchange for Iran’s gas and oil, as Turkey did this year when it reportedly paid $6.4 billion in gold for Iranian natural gas.

By Robert Reich, Robert Reich’s Blog

11 December 12

@ readersupportednews.org

Washington has a way of focusing the nation’s attention on tactical games over partisan maneuvers that are symptoms of a few really big problems. But we almost never get to debate or even discuss the big problems because the tactical games overwhelm everything else.

The debate over the fiscal cliff, for example, is really about tactical maneuvers preceding a negotiation about how best to reduce the federal budget deficit. This, in turn, is a fragment of a bigger debate over whether we should be embracing austerity economics and reducing the budget deficit in the next few years or, alternatively, using public spending and investing to grow the economy and increase the number of jobs.

Even this larger debate is just one part of what should be the central debate of our time – why median wages continue to drop and poverty to increase at the same time income and wealth are becoming ever more concentrated at the top, and what should be done to counter the trend.

With a shrinking share of total income and wealth, the middle class and poor simply don’t have the purchasing power to get the economy back on solid footing. (The wealthy don’t spend enough of their income or assets to make up for this shortfall, and they invest their savings wherever around the world they can get the highest return).

As a result, consumer spending – fully 70 percent of economic activity – isn’t up to the task of keeping the economy going. This puts greater pressure on government to be purchaser of last resort.

The dilemma isn’t just economic. It’s also political. As money concentrates at the top, so does power. That concentrated power generates even more entrenched wealth at the top, and less for the middle class and the poor.

A case in point is what’s now happening in Michigan. In the state where the American labor movement was born – and where, because of labor unions, the American middle class once had the bargaining power to gain a significant portion of the nation’s total income – Republicans and big money are striking back.

Legislators in the Michigan state House, followed almost immediately by Republicans who dominate the state Senate, voted Thursday afternoon to eliminate basic union organizing and workplace protections for both public and private-sector workers. Michigan Republican Governor Rick Snyder says he’ll sign the measure.

This anti-labor blitzkreig was launched and coordinated by “Americans for Prosperity” – a group developed and funded by the right-wing industrialists and billionaire campaign donors Charles and David Koch, to “pave the way for right to work in states across our nation.”

The Koch brothers are the same ones, not incidentally, who several years ago backed a group called “Citizen’s United,” on its way to the Supreme Court for an opinion by the Court’s Republican majority that opened the floodgates to big money corrupting our federal and state governments. (The brothers Koch have also entertained Justices Scalia and Thomas at strategy meetings they’ve organized of Republican donors.)

Connect the dots: As unions have withered, the middle class’s share of total income and wealth has dropped. The decline of the median wage in America over the last three decades correlates exactly with the declining percentage of American workers who are unionized.

And as the super-rich have grown even wealthier, they’ve been able to extend their power through the Supreme Court and the Republican Party – advancing a war on the middle class.

These moneyed interests may lose a skirmish or two, particularly at the federal level when the public’s attention is focused there (Michigan voters went overwhelmingly for President Obama and Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow on November 6). But the moneyed interests are patient and relentless and, as is evident in Michigan, able to strike suddenly with extraordinary organization and precision.

They’ve taken on our tax system, successfully raising taxes on the middle class and the poor (Social Security payroll taxes, sales taxes, and user fees) while reducing their own top marginal tax rates. They’ve taken on public spending – cutting government workers and programs the poor and middle class depend on (teachers and school budgets, social workers and family support services, job training and unemployment insurance, to name only a few.)

And they’ve taken on the unions that once negotiated good wages on behalf of the middle class and of those who aspired to join it.

The result has been a degree of inequality this nation hasn’t witnessed since the days of the robber barons of the late nineteenth century – an inequality that’s harming our economy as much as it’s undermining our democracy.

As Washington fiddles over the fiscal cliff, a larger battle over inequality is being waged all over America.

By Hassan N. Gardezi

10 December, 2012

@ Countercurrents.org

Introduction

There is a war raging in our times between a coalition of states led by the United States of America and al-Qaeda which has entered its second decade. One of the parties in this war, the United States, needs no introduction. After the collapse of the Soviet Union it became the sole superpower and is known in all corners of the world as the most powerful nation on all accounts, political, military, economic and socio-cultural. However, al-Qaeda as a global force is not understood so well and needs some introduction and defining.

Al-Qaeda came out of the 1980s jihad (Islamic holy war) against the Soviet backed government of Peoples Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) in Kabul. This jihad was mobilized by the United States, [1] in collaboration with the Saudi royalty and Pakistan’s military dictator Gen. Zia. The Saudis lavishly financed the jihad with their oil wealth, but what turned out to be their more fateful contribution was Osama bin Laden whose arrival in Afghanistan was arranged through the chief of the Saudi Secret Service, Prince Faisal al Turki, and the CIA. After the former Soviet Union withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in 1989 Osama, the accomplished holly warrior and some of his Arab comrades founded the organisation named al-Qaeda with a view to continue their jihad against the American “infidel,” who they thought was defiling the holy land of Islam by deploying its troops in Saudi Arabia in the wake of the first Gulf War.

Since its inception, however, the organisation has undergone changes in its composition, following, and geographical sphere of activity.  Today’s al-Qaeda, both as a political construct originating with the US establishment and as an existential reality stands for a loosely affiliated plurality of groups and individuals operating on a trans-national level with a shared mission and common tactics used to attain that mission. The plurality of groups linked to al-Qaeda range from the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban to Ansar al Sharia of Libya and Al Nusra Front of Syria.

The al-Qaeda Mission and the War on Terror

The overriding mission of al-Qaeda is to dominate the world, the Muslim world in particular, by imposing its own brand of socio-political order based on the Sunni-Salafi sharia laws of Saudi Arabia. This places al-Qaeda in conflict with the United States which also wants to dominate the world, but for different reasons that have to do with imperialist possession and control. While al-Qaeda has no interest in the imperial phenomena, it is convinced that it cannot achieve its goal of dominating the world without overpowering the “enemies of Islam,” defined primarily as infidels (unbelievers). The United States of America being the leading global power is at the top of al-Qaeda’s of infidel enemies. It was in retaliation to al-Qaeda’s alleged targeting of this “enemy of Islam” that led to the formal declaration of war on terror by President George W. Bush in 2001.

The “war on terror” despite the ambiguity of the phrase, is essentially a war of domination like the previous two world wars, albeit with some uniquely anomalous features. The first and foremost anomaly of this war lies in the fact that one of the combatants is a non-state, trans-national entity called al-Qaeda. As President Obama likes to reiterate, the goal of the war on terror is to “disrupt, dismantle and defeat al-Qaeda.” Although under his “AfPak” policy Obama has extended the theatre of the war to include Pakistan with Afghanistan, the operations of al-Qaeda are not confined to these two countries. No continent or country seems to be free from actual or potential deadly attacks by the floating holy warriors of al-Qaeda. The problem is further complicated enormously when the United States itself finds it necessary to collude with the so called  al-Qaeda enemy when it suits its purpose, as being witnessed in the case of Libya and Syria.

The Libyan Nightmare

On 15 February 2011 a peaceful anti-government demonstration was staged in Libya’s eastern city of Benghazi, long associated with opposition to the Gaddafi regime. As the regime moved to quell the demonstration, the Security Council of the United Nations went into action with amazing haste and on February 26 and passed first of its resolutions calling for a freeze of the assets of Gaddafi and a number of his regime’s designated officials and a ban on their travel abroad, charging that the government had used excessive force against the demonstrators of Benghazi.. This was soon followed by a second resolution passed on March 17 declaring a No Fly Zone over Libya which gave the US-led NATO powers the pretext to intervene with air attacks on the country.  The global news channels including the Qatar based Al Jazeera, once the emerging face of an alternative to imperialist propaganda, kept telling the listeners that all this was being done out of “humanitarian concern”  for the safety of Libyan people.

On March 28 President Obama addressed the nation to say, in part, that:

“Confronted by brutal repression and looming crisis I have ordered warships into the Mediterranean. European allies declared their willingness to commit recourses to stop killing. The Libyan opposition and Arab League appealed the world to save lives in Libya. At my direction America led the effort with our allies at the United Nations Security Council to pass the historic resolution that authorized the no fly zone to stop the regime’s attacks from the air and further authorized all the necessary measures to protect the Libyan people.” [2]

This is a remarkably revealing quote from the address of the president of United States. It makes quite clear that it was the United States that had the Security Council meetings convened, and resolutions passed to intervene militarily in Libya soon after the first peaceful demonstration took place in Benghazi. Furthermore Obama’s story of Gaddafi’s “killing” of his people and the “necessary measures to protect Libyan people” sounds more like a replay of Bush’s story of Iraq’s “weapons of mass destruction.” And, while Obama could very well be correct regarding the messages he says he was getting from the European allies and the Arab League, his reference to “Libyan opposition” does need some scrutiny.

From the beginning of armed confrontations Libya’s state media continued to insist that the Gaddafi opposition was being led by ruthless al-Qaeda operatives. The US and NATO sources, however, either denied these claims or simply remained silent. Their warplanes continued the air attacks to cripple the Libyan defence forces and pin Gaddafi down to his hideouts as heavily armed opposition militias marched on to Tripoli, leaving blood and destruction in their trail. Finally on October 20, 2011 grisly images of a bloodied Muammar Gaddafi being lynched to death amidst shouts of allah-o-akbar (God is great) were flashed on the global television networks. Reportedly he was trying to escape to safety from his hometown of Sirte when his convoy was attacked by NATO war planes providing the ground militias the opportunity to grab and kill him.

The reaction of the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, caught on a widely circulated video, perhaps correctly reflected the mood of the entire US establishment at the news of Gaddafi’s murder. The good lady was about to sit down for an American TV interview in Kabul when she was told about the killing. After a moment’s pause she burst into a cackle of laughter uttering the words, “We came, we saw, he is dead,” waving her arms in the air.

Gaddafi’s horrible death may have served as a warning to dictators, especially those prone to get on the wrong side of the only superpower on earth, but it has certainly not brought Libya any closer to peace and democracy. After the fall of the regime some renegade ministers of Gaddafi’s erstwhile cabinets who had earlier joined together to form the National Transition Council (NTC) in Benghazi took over the rule of Libya, but not for long. On August 9, 2012 the governance of Libya, now fragmented into many tribal and regional factions and overrun by killing and torturing militias, was transferred to yet another interim  body, the 200 member General National Congress (GNC). This Congress chose the pro-Muslim Brotherhood politician Mohammed Magarief as its president who had been a long time opponent of the Gaddafi regime and had been living in the United States for many years. Magarief is the current titular president of Libya rendered lawless.

The al-Qaeda connection

It is no longer a secret that the main militia on the ground in Libya leading the opposition to bring about a violent regime change was the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, LIFG. This group has been well-known to the US establishment since its formation by the Libyan mujahideen, holy warriors, who had gone to Afghanistan in order to fight in the CIA sponsored jihad of the 1980s. Having returned from that holy war they decided to overthrow the secular regime of Muammar Gaddafi and replace it with an Islamic state. At the same time LIFG alienated its US facilitators by linking up with al-Qaeda. In 2004 the United States formally designated LIFG a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), and after 9/11 had it banned by the Security Council of the United Nations. The CIA also began to keep a closer watch on the activists of the group. Those detained for suspected links to al-Qaeda’s terrorist activities were handed over to Libya under the notorious “rendition” policy.

One of them arrested in Malaysia and rendered to Libya, after being kept in a CIA secret prison for some time, was Abdel Hakim Belhaj. He too had fought in the 1980s CIA sponsored Afghanistan Jihad and later joined al-Qaeda. After his rendition Libya kept him jailed, but released him under some kind of a reconciliation deal in late 2010. He resumed his political activities when the February15 anti-Gaddafi demonstration took place in Benghazi followed by the US-led NATO intervention. Commanding a heavily armed LIFG militia band Belhadj marched on to Tripoli under cover of NATO air attacks and occupied the city on 23 August, 2011. That for all practical purposes was the end Gaddafi’s long rule over Libya. Belhadj installed himself the military commander of Tripoli. With the regime change completed over the next two months by the murder of Gaddafi, Belhadj was off to Syria planning the overthrow of Bashar al Assad government with the Free Syrian Army.

But al-Qaeda’s business in Libya was not over yet. On the 2012 anniversary of 9/11 another al-Qaeda linked militia calling itself Ansar al Sharia along with some prominent LIFG members attacked the Benghazi consulate of the United States and killed US ambassador, Chris Stevens along with three of his staff present there. The Obama administration first tried to portray the killing of the ambassador as the spontaneous act of a Muslim mob enraged over the recent showing of an anti-Islam film made in the United States, but under the election year scrutiny, had to admit at least this much that the killing of the ambassador was a planed act of a terrorist group.

The Syrian Nightmare

Rallies in opposition to the Syrian regime of Bashar al Asaad began to appear in mid-March 2011. Several reasons can be cited to account for these protests, including the contagion effect of the so-called Arab Spring and the long rule of the Bath Party led by the Assad family belonging to the minority Alawi sect. But an important factor that cannot be ignored is that of neo-liberal economic reforms that created much hardship for the lower income working class population. In this context it must be remembered that before the reforms were undertaken in the mid 1990s and pursued at an accelerated pace by Bashar al Assad when he took over in 2000, the Syrian state had a sizable public sector and supported a significant range of basic social programmes. The neo-liberal reforms led to rapid privatisation of the state sector enterprises and the dismantling of social programmes such as food and fuel subsidies, creating serious economic difficulties for the people.

While economic problems were clearly a major underlying factor in precipitating the protests, external powers and vested interests moved in quickly to transform the public unrest into a deadly melee for geopolitical domination. The same combinations of NATO Europeans and Arab league petro-monarchies led by the United States that were at work to bring down the Gaddafi regime began to sabotage the Bashar rule Syria. They heavily financed and armed al-Qaeda inspired Syrian and external Islamists to kill and destroy presumably to save the country for democracy or Islamic caliphate depending on who was interpreting the bloodshed in progress.

The Obama administration once again “led the effort,” this time behind the scenes, to summon the United Nations Security Council meetings to get a suitable resolution passed against the Bashar al Assad regime so that the Libyan ambush could be repeated in Syria. Starting in June 2011 a string of resolutions were moved in the Security Council meetings to condemn the Syrian regime or subject the country to international sanctions but all failed, not only because Russia and China cast their vetoes, but also because important states with long records of democratic rule such as India, Brazil and South Africa were also invariably opposed the moves. Those opposed to anti- regime resolutions were all very concerned about something the US and Western mainstream media have tried to push under the rug – the manipulation of the Security Council’s No Fly Zone Resolution by the United States and its allies to bring about violent regime change in Libya leading to Gaddafi murder. As one member of a UN mission said, “The ghost of Libya is haunting the debates on Syria.” [3]

However, the repeated rebuffs by the Security Council have not deterred the United States and its allies from clinging on to the objective of removing Bashar al Assad from power, no matter how much more the people of Syria have to suffer. Through its Arab allies, the Saudi Arabia and Qatar in particular, the United States has managed to supply enough petro-dollars and heavy arms, including shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles to the Syrian militias to keep the proxy war going and people dying. [4]

As a matter of fact the centre of the anti-Syrian activity led by the United States has been shifted out of the chambers of United Nations in New York to Doha in the oil-rich sheikhdom of Qatar. Here in the comfort of Luxury hotels a conference was held in early November 2012 to plan strategy to achieve a violent regime change and to cover up the al-Qaeda face of hard core Islamist militias in Syria. At the end of the conference, publicised extensively by the mainstream global media, the formation of a unified body to drive Assad out of power was announced under the rather pretentious name of “National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary Opposition Forces. In the meantime, ordinary Syrians keep dying and driven out of their homes by the explosions of suicide and car bombs of

Al-Nusra Front with al-Qaeda fingerprints.

Since the Doha conference global media has been awash with news of the success of militia fighters in having reached the suburbs of the Syrian capital, Damascus. BBC has also been reporting bomb explosions in the suburbs of Damascus with heavy loss of life, blamed invariably on Bashar for not quitting his job.  And in case none of these acts of war and terrorism work to bring about regime change in Syria, a new pretext is already being manufactures for US-NATAO intervention Libya style…  On December 3, 2012 giants of the corporate media, The New York Times, CNN and others broke the new of “intelligence” reports alleging that Bashar al Assad is planning to use chemical weapons to kill his opponents, complete with threats of retaliation issued by President Obama and his secretary of state, Hilary Clinton. The BBC News (America) in its December 3 television broadcast even spiced up its story by telling its audience that Hafiz al Assad had in fact used deadly chemicals on his opposition, only to apologize for telling a lie the next day.

Analysis

The United States is the leading power engaged in a very costly and prolonged war with al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. In the context of this ongoing war it does appear inconsistent for it to be in collusion with al-Qaeda in Libya and Syria. However, Afghanistan war has to be seen in the perspective of the overall foreign policy of United States, especially as it has been evolving since mid 1940s. At the end of the Second World War the United States emerged as a superpower that found it expedient to launch a more ambitious imperial project of dominating the world politically and economically, a policy which immediately brought it into intense rivalry with the other superpower, the Soviet Union. That rivalry produced the Cold War and its far-reaching global repercussions that are well known today. What is perhaps not so well known is that in the interstices of the Gold War had also emerged another regional, but nonetheless a major, obstacle to the forces of imperialism. This was the movement, known as pan-Arab nationalism or simply Arab nationalism that flourished in 1950s and 60s.

The movement was politically dominated by the personality of Jamal Adel Nasser and was aimed at unifying the vast region of Arabic speaking Middle East and North Africa stretching from the Arabian Sea to Atlantic Ocean on the basis of common language, history and ancestry, rather than religion. Ideologically this movement was secular and anti-imperialist, emphasising modernity, progress, socialist equality and ownership of the Arab natural assets for the benefit of the Arab people. Other than Nasser of Egypt the heads of state that more or less identified with the movement and its ideology included Ben Bella of Algeria, Houari Boumediene of Tunisia, Gaafar Nimeiry of Sudan, Hafiz al-Assad and Basher al-Assad of Syria Saddam Hussein of Iraq, and Muammar Gaddafi of Libya.

For all practical purposes the Arab Nationalist movement of the 1950s and 60s collapsed under the relentless opposition of Islamist groups of the time such as the Muslim Brotherhood, and the devastating impact of the 1967 Israel-Arab War. But the vestigial memories of the movement and fears of its resurrection in one form or the other through the initiative and leadership of a younger more educated and cosmopolitan Arab generation continue to haunt both the Islamists under the umbrella of al-Qaeda and the United States’ establishment. That is precisely the reason why the US and al-Qaeda while at war in Afghanistan have found it expedient to gang up in a last ditch battle to eliminate their common enemies in Libya and Syria.

[1] Zbigniew Brzezinski, Interview in Le Noviel Observateur, January, 15-21,1998

[2] Quoted in The Atlantic, September 28, 2012

[3] The Huffington Post, February 2, 2012.

[4] The New York Times, October 14, 2012.