http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Arab Spring - duplicate) en-us Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112612?start=1361 <p>Russia slams support for Syrian opposition as power of jihadist groups grows, standoff between Baghdad and Kurdistan Region intensifies, top polluter hosts "critical" climate change summit, and more.</p> Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112612 Likud, Knesset, Doha, Qatar, Protest, Ministry of Defense (Israel), Syrian Civil War, Iraqi Kurdistan, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Mohamed Morsi Presenter, Male #1 The Doha Tribeca Film Festival is displaying Arab shorts from the countries of the revolutions, notably from Tunisia and Egypt. These films try to document the periods that immediately preceded the eruption of the revolutions. Once again, this year, the festival focused on movies produced in Qatar. Reporter, Female #1 The totalitarian regimes that were brought down by the people in the countries of the Arab revolutions are examined through a cinematic angle at the Tribeca Film Festival in Doha. These films attempt to document the periods that preceded the people's breaking of the barrier of fear. Guest, Female #2 (Maggie Morgan, Producer of 'Asham') It's very difficult because we are telling a story, as you said, that hasn't ended yet. The same things we suffered from before the revolution are still present. They are issues related to human, women, and children's rights and freedoms. All of these are needs we are still fighting for. Reporter, Female #1 The full picture of the revolutions is not yet clear. However, young producers wanted to attempt to safeguard the collective memory of historic phases in their countries. It is also probably an essential phase in their path as filmmakers. Reporter, Female #1 The Arab shorts participating this year were predominantly in tune with the sociopolitical context, especially in the countries of the Arab revolutions. But the festival also featured films considered to be experimental. Reporter, Female #1 These people are on the team of one of the movies entirely produced in Qatar, and participating in the Doha Film Festival. They say they started working on movies in workshops, and ended far beyond. Guest, Male #2 (Ahmed al-Baker, Producer of 'The Prison') The idea we had was to set up acting workshops. From there we would train young actors who would work on our movies. And, thank God, many Qatari youths accepted the idea from the very first workshop we organized. We started with 15 people, and ended the film with 50 people. They are all local Qataris. Guest, Male #3 (Mohammed al-Ibrahim, Producer of 'The Prison') In the last five years, we noticed a development and change in terms of the public's reception of such films, and that encouraged us to continue our work. Reporter, Female #1 Dozens of Arab shorts and movies are competing at the Doha Film Festival. This year, the festival attempted to highlight young talent from many Arab countries, while focusing on supporting local efforts to further develop film production here, according to the Tribeca organizers. Salam Khoder, Al Jazeera, Doha. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111612?start=582 <p>Israel pounds Gaza as Arabs rally in solidarity with Palestinian people, Jordan caught between demands for king's ouster and pleas for reform, European leaders meet to finalize plan for military intervention in Mali, and more.</p> Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111612 Gaza–Israel conflict, Gaza, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Palestinians, Hamas, Israel Defense Forces, Mahmoud Abbas, Friday prayers, Jerusalem Presenter, Male #1 Thousands of Jordanians called for the downfall of the regime. The United States views their mobilization as a thirst for change. Reporter, Female #1 On the third day of protests in the kingdom, thousands of protestors took to the street to condemn the fuel price hikes, repeating unprecedented chants calling for the ouster of King Abdullah II. In the capital Amman, peaceful protests were held after Friday prayers near al-Hassan Mosque. Protestors held signs that read, "Price manipulation is playing with fire," and "Freedom is from God, down, down with Abdullah," and "No reforms or amendments, we're telling you in plain Arabic: Leave!" Reporter, Female #1 Protestors tried to reach the presidential palace, but police forces prevented them and used tear gas to disperse the protestors. Coinciding with protests in the capital, periodic protests took place in several governorates in the south, such as Tafilah, Ma'an, al-Karak, in addition to Irbid, and Jarash in the north. The demand to topple to regime is considered unprecedented in the Jordanian kingdom since previous protests demanded King Abdullah II to expedite the democratic reforms he had promised. For long, damaging the image of the king or publically demanding his ouster was rare, because it is illegal and may lead to imprisonment on charges of "insulting the monarchy". Reporter, Female #1 On Thursday, the Muslim Brotherhood had called on the king to cancel the decision to raise the prices and to postpone the upcoming parliamentary elections that are scheduled for January 22. The elections are being boycotted by the opposition, especially the Islamist movement. Reporter, Female #1 On the other hand, the US State Department viewed the protests witnessed in Jordan over the past few days condemning the fuel price hikes, which were followed by sporadic acts of violence, as expressing a thirst for change as seen in other Arab countries during the Arab Spring. State department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said the Jordanian people have economic and political fears and aspirations. Saudi Arabia called on its citizens to avoid areas witnessing demonstrations and protests, especially al-Dakhliya Square in the center of the capital. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111512?start=517 <p>Syrian conflict claims 39,000 lives as violence rages with no end in sight, Palestinian resistance factions unite as Israeli escalations stoke fears of ground war, Jordanian police kill one man amid angry anti-government protests, and more.</p> Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111512 Gaza–Israel conflict, Gaza, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Palestinians, Hamas, Kiryat Malachi, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Laurent Fabius, BM-21 Grad Presenter, Male #1 Successive Arab and international reactions denounced the Zionist aggressions waged by the Israeli war machine on the Gaza Strip that led to the martyrdom of 13 people and injured 148 others over the past 24 hours. Reporter, Male #2 The Israeli military's attacks on the Gaza Strip generated Arab and Western reactions. Arab nations unanimously denounced Israel, and held it completely responsible for this escalation. Reporter, Male #2 The Gulf Cooperation Council's ministerial council demanded the international community and the Quartet to condemn the Israeli aggressions on the Gaza Strip that have killed and injured many, and led to the destruction of homes and properties. Reporter, Male #2 Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Libya, and Tunisia said Israel's aggressive policy will once again put the region in a spiral of violence and instability. As for Khaled Meshaal, the head of the Hamas political bureau, he said that the Israeli aggression on Gaza is as a test for the leaders of the Arab world. He called on Islamic and Arab leaders to change the rules of the game with Israel. Guest, Male #3 (Khaled Meshaal, Head of Hamas Political Bureau) This enemy didn't defeat Gaza, and didn't defeat the Jenin camp, and didn't defeat southern Lebanon. This enemy is weak, so weak. He was weak before the Arab Spring, but today he is trembling and confused. Today, the leaders of the nation, during their beautiful spring, must focus on their internal national issues, but they must not forget the region. They must not forget the causes of the nation: Palestine, Jerusalem, the right of return, the prisoners of Palestine and the prisoners of the nation in the jails of oppression, the holy land in Palestine, confronting the Zionist project that follows Arabs and Muslims in all their lands. Reporter, Male #2 In a series of Western reactions, London and Paris gave Israel the right to defend itself against Hamas. British Foreign Minister William Hague viewed the attacks of the Palestinian factions as the main motivator for Israel's aggression. He called on the Israeli government to try to avoid civilian casualties. Reporter, Male #2 As for French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, he described the actions of the Zionist occupation forces against the civilians in Gaza as self-defense. At the same time, he expressed concern over the increasing tension between the two sides. On the other hand, Moscow's stance was completely different, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip. He confirmed the Israeli attacks on Gaza are considered a disproportionate response to the firing of rockets by Palestinian factions. He indicated that the violence could destabilize the entire region. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111312?start=1334 <p>Mauritanian parliament convenes amid presidential power vacuum, Taliban resumes peace talks with US as attacks on NATO troops surge in Afghanistan, a look back at Yasser Arafat's legacy as investigation into his death continues, and more.</p> Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111312 Syrian Civil War, Taliban, United States, Palestinians, Israel, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Ra's al-'Ayn, Arab League Presenter, Male #1 In the city of Ramallah in the West Bank, work to open the tomb of the Palestinian Authority's late president, Yasser Arafat, has started ahead of completely opening it on November 26. Presenter, Male #1 The goal is to take samples of his remains in the presence of international experts who are investigating the cause of his death. Today, the work began to remove the layer of concrete and stones that surround Arafat's tomb, and the work will continue for almost 15 days. Presenter, Male #1 Arafat was buried in the city of Ramallah after he died in a French military hospital in 2004, but the cause of his death was not determined. Presenter, Male #1 Six years have passed since the death of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat; however, Abu Ammar remains an essential figure in Palestinian society. Through people who are proud to resemble him and drawings of him on walls and streets, Arafat remains alive in the hearts of the Palestinians. Reporter, Male #2 Among the lines of shoppers in the Ramallah fruits and vegetable market, there is a familiar face, but the real Yasser Arafat is in his grave. Salem Smirat is a look-alike of the late Palestinian president. He offers his services at weddings and birthday parties. Guest, Male #3 Everyone here, our entire people love Yasser Arafat. Reporter, Male #2 Since his early years in the armed resistance, the real Arafat rarely stayed away from headlines. For many Israelis he was a terrorist, and then he was an untrustworthy peace partner. As for the Palestinians, their memories are completely different. He was a person who tirelessly worked every day for their cause, and embodied their struggle against the Israeli occupation. Much of Abu Ammar's archives are available at the Yasser Arafat Foundation in Ramallah. The president of the foundation believes Arafat is the father of the Palestinians, and he does like to engage in the allegations of corruption during Arafat's era. Guest, Male #4 (Mansour Sahboub, Yasser Arafat Foundation) A person loves his father and respects him, but if you recall everything he did throughout his life, you'll find some mistakes here and there. Reporter, Male #2 There is no doubt that Yasser Arafat was a hero, a symbol, and a person who unified the Palestinian cause for the majority of Palestinians. People here speak about him with genuine warmth, and not many criticize him, publically at least, but there are a few who do. Some say Arafat was an old-school Arab leader, and they wonder how he would've reacted to the era of the Arab Spring. Guest, Male #5 (Hazem Abu Hilal, Political Activist) There was a lot of corruption in Yasser Arafat's era, and in some cases he was dictator-like in the way he managed the situation here in Palestine. Reporter, Male #2 Perhaps Arafat's greatest legacy is his very powerful and influential personality. No one has been able to fill his place. For example, there are not a lot of pictures that glorify the current president, Mahmoud Abbas. Palestinians may have a look-alike of Arafat, but for many of them, the real Abu Ammar is irreplaceable. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/world-breathes-sigh-of-relief-over-romneys-loss?start=0 Barack Obama's reelection was welcomed and met with an international wave of relief despite challenging international cases. The residents of the Kenyan town of Kogelo, Hussein Obama's hometown, hope that Obama's reelection will contribute to some sort of prosperity in their poor town. Al Jazeera takes a look at the most prominent issues of the next four years, namely the situation in Syria, the continuing withdrawal from Afghanistan, and relations with Russia and China. Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:29:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/world-breathes-sigh-of-relief-over-romneys-loss Barack Obama, Arab Spring - duplicate, Syrian Civil War, Foreign policy of the United States, Afghanistan War, US-Iran relations, US-China relations, US-Russia relations, George W. Bush, Afghanistan Presenter, Female #1 Obama's reelection was welcomed and met with an international wave of relief despite challenging international cases. The most prominent issues of the next four years are the situation in Syria, continuing the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the relations with Russia and China. Reporter, Female #2 The residents of the Kenyan town of Kogelo, Hussein Obama's hometown, are dancing with joy over the reelection of Barack Obama as the president of the United States. They are hoping this will contribute to some sort of prosperity in their poor town. Guest, Male #1 I am very happy that Obama won. I know that we will finally have some growth in our region. Reporter, Female #2 Will the American president fulfill this wish as he deals with an agenda packed with international issues and relations? In his first term, he started to tackle these issues and attempted to lessen the heavy burden left by his predecessor George Bush Jr. in Iraq and Afghanistan. The world is waiting to learn about his strategy for the next four years, but it is almost certain that many international community members are relieved. They are basing this sentiment on the positive image Obama portrayed in the past four years, and it is expected for him to continue this path in his second term. Reporter, Female #2 Obama changed the understanding of American military intervention abroad, and countered the policy of his predecessor Bush. He withdrew his forces from Iraq, and will continue the series of withdrawal from Afghanistan in accordance with the planned schedule that will completed by 2014. In 2008, Arabs were excited over Obama's election victory, an enthusiasm created by high expectations and campaign promises. Since the region is now facing what is called the "Arab Spring," Washington is expected to maintain its stance to observe the situation and deal with it by pushing for achieving the demands for democracy, and encouraging change while preserving its interests and ruling out direct interference. Reporter, Female #2 The most challenging issue is Syria. Obama adopted a pragmatic approach by pressuring the Syrian regime in order to sow division within it, and topple it from the inside while being cautious. Cautious that led the Syrian opposition to severely criticize the US administration that is not expected to change its stance. Reporter, Female #2 Obama resisted Israeli pressure to launch a military strike against Iran so he continues to bet on harsh sanctions, while waiting for some commotion from within the Iranian regime. The Iranian nuclear case is subject to a disruption at any moment since all options are on the table. Reporter, Female #2 To the east, it seems the strategic relationship between China and the United States is sensitive and complicated. China fears Obama's approach to Asia and his focus on establishing a foothold there, including a military component, but it is assured by the US' continued declining political influence in the world. Reporter, Female #2 Under Putin's rule, Russia aims to become a global power that competes with the West, and especially the United States. The collusion between the two countries over important issues such as the Syrian one further complicates their relationship. Moscow's residents didn't express much excitement for neither Obama, nor Romney but the idea prevails that "the one we know is better than a newcomer whose policy toward our country we're unfamiliar with." http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110712?start=35 <p>World breathes sigh of relief over Romney's loss, Bahraini regime strips 31 dissenters of their citizenship, Israel's annexation wall hindering Palestinian economic development a decade later, and more.</p> Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110712 Israel, Syrian Civil War, Syria, United States, US presidential election, 2012, Barack Obama, Palestinians, Shia Islam, Politics of Iran, Human rights Presenter, Female #1 Obama's reelection was welcomed, and met with an international wave of relief despite challenging international cases. The most prominent issues of the next four years are the situation in Syria, continuing the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the relations with Russia and China. Reporter, Female #2 The residents of the Kenyan town of Kogelo, Hussein Obama's hometown, are dancing with joy over the reelection of Barack Obama as the president of the United States. They are hoping this will contribute to some sort of prosperity in their poor town. Guest, Male #1 I am very happy that Obama won. I know that we will finally have some growth in our region. Reporter, Female #2 Will the American president fulfill this wish as he deals with an agenda packed with international issues and relations? In his first term, he started to tackle these issues and attempted to lessen the heavy burden left by his predecessor George Bush Jr. in Iraq and Afghanistan. The world is waiting to learn about his strategy for the next four years, but it is almost certain that many international community members are relieved. They are basing this sentiment on the positive image Obama portrayed in the past four years, and it is expected for him to continue this path in his second term. Reporter, Female #2 Obama changed the understanding of American military intervention abroad, and countered the policy of his predecessor Bush. He withdrew his forces from Iraq, and will continue the series of withdrawals from Afghanistan in accordance with the planned schedule that will completed by 2014. In 2008, Arabs were excited over Obama's election victory, an enthusiasm created by high expectations and campaign promises. Reporter, Female #2 Since the region is now facing what is called the "Arab Spring," Washington is expected to maintain its stance to observe the situation, and deal with it by pushing for achieving the demands for democracy, and encouraging change while preserving its interests and ruling out direct interference. Reporter, Female #2 The most challenging issue is Syria. Obama adopted a pragmatic approach by pressuring the Syrian regime in order to sow division within it, and topple it from the inside while being cautious. Cautious that led the Syrian opposition to severely criticize the US administration that is not expected to change its stance. Reporter, Female #2 Obama resisted Israeli pressure to launch a military strike against Iran, so he continues to bet on harsh sanctions, while waiting for some commotion from within the Iranian regime. The Iranian nuclear case is subject to a disruption at any moment since all options are on the table. Reporter, Female #2 To the east, it seems the strategic relationship between China and the United States is sensitive and complicated. China fears Obama's approach to Asia and his focus on establishing a foothold there, including a military component, but it is assured by the US' continued declining political influence in the world. Reporter, Female #2 Under Putin's rule, Russia aims to become a global power that competes with the West, and especially the United States. The collusion between the two countries over important issues such as the Syrian one further complicates their relationship. Moscow's residents didn't express much excitement for either Obama or Romney, but the idea prevails that "the one we know is better than a newcomer whose policy toward our country we're unfamiliar with." http://news.linktv.org/videos/arabs-disillusioned-with-obama-indifferent-to-us-elections?start=0 The Arab community thinks that a victory by candidate Barack Obama or his Republican contender Mitt Romney won't change anything in Washington's policies toward the Middle East. Dubai TV's Mada Taha reports on the views of the Arab community that is disappointed that the hopes it has long wished for failed to materialize. Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:18:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/arabs-disillusioned-with-obama-indifferent-to-us-elections Obama administration foreign policy, US presidential election, 2012, Arab Spring - duplicate, Arab world, Barack Obama, United States, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Mitt Romney, Muammar Gaddafi , Washington, D.C. Presenter, Male #1 A victory by candidate Barack Obama or his Republican contender Mitt Romney won't change anything in Washington's policies toward the Middle East since the foundations of America's foreign policy are untouchable. Our colleague Mada Taha reports on the views of the Arab community that is disappointed that the hopes it has long wished for failed to materialize. Presenter, Female #1 Today we take you back to the American presidential election of 2008. If appropriate to do so, we would have called them the American global elections. The Democratic candidate at the time, and today's president, Barack Obama, was the first candidate to gain people's love and support internationally, before receiving it domestically. In the Arab world, people followed the American election and bet on Obama. Some were fed up of the Republican rule that lasted eight years under the leadership of George Bush the son, who waged bloody wars on Iraq and Afghanistan. Some were affected by the media's confusing promotion of the American presidential candidate as Barack Hussein Obama, the catch here being his name "Hussein". As for others, they rode the wheel of change and supported him believing the time had come for the first American president of African-Muslim origins, with the hope that this change would reflect positively on the Arab world. Obama won and carried on the rhetoric and promises for a new beginning in the US' relationship with the Arab world. He withdrew American forces from Iraq, and will withdraw them from Afghanistan by 2014. However, what was dubbed the Arab Spring represented the biggest challenge for Obama and was seen as a test for the extent that American policies had changed. Let's take a look together at how the United States dealt with the Arab Spring in this report by Hani Nasr. Reporter, Male #2 Conflicting and unclear, these are the attributes President Obama's administration was accused of in its dealing with what is know as the Arab Spring revolutions. In the view of many observers of American foreign policy, the White House didn't have a single position in the face of those revolutions. Washington's reluctance to support the Tunisian people's demand to change their government was clear from the beginning. But when the rule of its former ally, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, was toppled early by the cries of Tunisians, it was forced to change its position. A position Washington wanted to avoid repeating in the Egyptian case so it demanded Hosni Mubarak's government to listen to the people's voice. It then repeated its request loudly, asking Mubarak to step down without delay. The biggest change in Obama's stance was notable in the revolution against Muammar al-Gaddafi's regime. The leader Washington itself described as an important ally just a few weeks before the revolution. It then joined the NATO alliance in the military operations that overthrew his government. Obama's stance on the three previous revolutions was, in the eyes of many, spurred by two main factors. The first was that those events represented democratic uprisings, and Washington must adopt the general idea of the Arab Spring. Second, that its opposition to it could lead to the emergence of governments hostile to Washington and its interests. However, these two factors seemed justified to a certain extent in the face of the two situations, the Yemeni and Syrian, with growing fears of Islamists taking power in Arab Spring countries, such as Tunisia and Egypt, as the US took into consideration the impact that change would have on the interests of the West and its Israeli ally in the region. For that reason, the American position toward these two revolutions was delayed, especially in Syria, where the crisis has been raging for over 20 months. http://news.linktv.org/videos/cops-use-stun-grenades-on-kuwaiti-protesters?start=0 Riot police launched stun grenades and smoke bombs against thousands of Kuwaiti demonstrators who defied a ban on public gatherings to protest new voting rules for parliamentary elections next month. Check out Russia Today's take on why the US wouldn't be thrilled about an Arab Spring in Kuwait. Mon, 05 Nov 2012 01:39:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/cops-use-stun-grenades-on-kuwaiti-protesters Kuwait, Protest, Arab Spring - duplicate, Stun grenade, Election, Tear gas, Oil, Russia Today Riot police launched stun grenades and smoke bombs against thousands of Kuwaiti demonstrators who defied a ban on public gatherings to protest new voting rules for parliamentary elections next month. Check out Russia Today's take on why the US wouldn't be thrilled about an Arab Spring in Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110512?start=556 <p>Myanmar's Suu Kyi under fire for ignoring violence against the Rohingyas as thousands lack medical care, two foreign workers killed by bombings in Bahrain's capital, Arabs disillusioned with Obama express indifference to the US presidential election, and more.</p> Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110512 Muammar Gaddafi , Israel, Rohingya, Civilian casualties, Myanmar, Iran, Aung San Suu Kyi, Iranian rial, Bahrain Uprising, Barack Obama Presenter, Male #1 A victory by candidate Barack Obama or his Republican contender Mitt Romney won't change anything in Washington's policies toward the Middle East, since the foundations of America's foreign policy are untouchable. Our colleague Mada Taha reports on the views of the Arab community that is disappointed that the hopes it has long wished for failed to materialize. Presenter, Female #1 Today, we take you back to the American presidential election of 2008. If appropriate to do so, we would have called them the American global elections. The Democratic candidate at the time, and today's president, Barack Obama, was the first candidate to gain people's love and support internationally, before receiving it domestically. In the Arab world, people followed the American election and bet on Obama. Presenter, Female #1 Some were fed up of the Republican rule that lasted eight years under the leadership of George Bush the son, who waged bloody wars on Iraq and Afghanistan. Some were affected by the media's confusing promotion of the American presidential candidate as Barack Hussein Obama, the catch here being his name "Hussein". Presenter, Female #1 As for others, they rode the wheel of change and supported him believing the time had come for the first American president of African-Muslim origins, with the hope that this change would reflect positively on the Arab world. Obama won, and carried on the rhetoric and promises for a new beginning in the US' relationship with the Arab world. He withdrew American forces from Iraq, and will withdraw them from Afghanistan by 2014. However, what was dubbed the "Arab Spring" represented the biggest challenge for Obama and was seen as a test for the extent that American policies had changed. Reporter, Male #2 Conflicting and unclear: these are the attributes President Obama's administration was accused of in its dealing with what is known as the Arab Spring revolutions. In the view of many observers of American foreign policy, the White House didn't have a single position in the face of those revolutions. Reporter, Male #2 Washington's reluctance to support the Tunisian people's demand to change their government was clear from the beginning. But when the rule of its former ally, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, was toppled early by the cries of Tunisians, it was forced to change its position, a position Washington wanted to avoid repeating in the Egyptian case, so it demanded Hosni Mubarak's government to listen to the people's voice. It then repeated its request loudly, asking Mubarak to step down without delay. The biggest change in Obama's stance was notable in the revolution against Muammar al-Gaddafi's regime, the leader Washington itself described as an important ally just a few weeks before the revolution. It then joined the NATO alliance in the military operations that overthrew his government. Reporter, Male #2 Obama's stance on the three previous revolutions was, in the eyes of many, spurred by two main factors. The first was that those events represented democratic uprisings, and Washington must adopt the general idea of the Arab Spring. Second, that its opposition to it could lead to the emergence of governments hostile to Washington and its interests. However, these two factors seemed justified to a certain extent in the face of the two situations, the Yemeni and Syrian, with growing fears of Islamists taking power in Arab Spring countries, such as Tunisia and Egypt, as the US took into consideration the impact that change would have on the interests of the West and its Israeli ally in the region. For that reason, the American position toward these two revolutions was delayed, especially in Syria, where the crisis has been raging for over 20 months. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110112?start=255 <p>Kuwait grants bail to politician jailed for insulting emir, Human Rights Watch slams Qatar's new law on media censorship, US drone strikes spark outrage among Yemeni civilians, and more.</p> Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110112 Benjamin Netanyahu, Paris, Yemen, Musallam Al-Barrak, Qatar, Anti-Americanism, Tariq al-Hashemi, Riyadh, Douar Hicher, Politics of Libya Presenter, Female #1 Human Rights Watch, HRW, has condemned the draft of the new media law in Qatar for containing excessive penalties against those who criticize the state and neighboring countries. Presenter, Male #1 The organization urged the Qatari government not to approve the draft law, which it described as a firm commitment to censorship. Reporter, Male #2 It's a commitment to censorship, and does not support freedom of the press. This is how the organization Human Rights Watch described the new amendment to the media law in Qatar. According to media experts, the amendment, the first since 2008, came as a result of fear of the Arab Spring. Qatar fears that what it once exported to others will come back to harm it in the future. Guest, Male #3 (Abbas al-Basiri, Hana'a Board Member in the Iraqi Media Network) What pushed the Qatari government to issue these amendments is their fear of the Arab Spring. They fear that what they once exported to others will come back to harm them in the future. And they fear that there will be demands for a free press that doesn't shed light or criticize those outside their borders, but rather takes aim at those within Qatar. It shouldn't exclude the royal family and the ruling institution there from criticism. Therefore, as procedural measure, the government issued this decision. Reporter, Male #2 The amendment included Article 53 of the law, under which any information regarding the relationship between Qatar and Arab or friendly nations, or those interested in harming the system or the ruling family, will be prohibited from being published or broadcast. Guest, Male #4 (Najah al-Atiya, Researcher in Media and Political Affairs) The issuance of this law by the emirs once again reminds us that the Qatari regime hides behind its dictatorship, and behind its suppression of freedoms. It doesn't wish to see its country enjoying a free press and media that is compatible with the principles of freedom of speech in the free world. Guest, Male #5 (Hussein al-Ghaz'ali, Media Expert) The media is freedom, evolution, progress. Media is change in society. These countries fear any change that happens. Any change in society represents a danger for them, because they are rulers who are not supported by their populations. Reporter, Male #2 Under the new amendment, violators will be punished with incarceration, or a financial fine of up to USD 75,000. HRW described the law as "failing to meet international standards," which Qatar claims to support. In addition, HRW said that the wording of the amendment was vague. From Baghdad, Razzak al-Ighkili, Al-Iraqiya. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100212?start=958 <p>Jewish extremists storm Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque, Somalia's al-Shabab claims responsibility for blasts in "liberated" Kismayo, Iranian rial falls to all-time low as Western sanctions take hold, and more.</p> Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100212 Politics of Israel, Taliban, Afghanistan, Mahmoud Abbas, Israel Defense Forces, Israel, Muslim, United States, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Kismayo Presenter, Male #1 In Jordan, 77 political and popular fronts announced a drive for large demonstrations in Amman next Friday, dubbed "The Friday to Save the Homeland," to demand political and social reforms. Reporter, Female #1 This is how the situation appears in Jordan, which hasn't seen a lull since the launch of the Arab revolutions last year, as a result of the ongoing escalation of the popular movement. "The Friday to Save the Homeland" or "Friday's Worrisome March" is a Friday called for by the opposition Islamic movements. This comes at a time when tensions are increasing between the government and the opposition. Reporter, Female #1 Jordanian streets are erupting in anger due to the failure of the Tarawneh government to respond to protestors' demands. These demands are viewed by the Jordanian street as legitimate, with the absence of freedoms, deteriorating living conditions, and rising costs. As much as it disregards popular demands, the government is also deliberately applying a policy of incitement and intimidation against popular movements, specifically the Islamic ones, by filling the squares with its own supporters. Reporter, Female #1 In the framework of banning the "Savior Friday" march, which is planned for the coming Friday, a group calling itself "Youths of Allegiance" decided to protest in al-Nakhil Square. This is also where the Islamics plan to hold their demonstration, in an approach that aims to obstruct the expected protest movement, and deny the protestors their demands. The Jordanian street is treading in hot water, between the opposition, which demands change, and supporters backed by the government, who aim to cover up the crises that are battering Jordan. Reporter, Female #1 The most important of these crises is likely the scarcity of water. The shortage struck several parts of the country over the span of the last few months, as Jordan has witnessed the worst and most difficult summer months, according to the Secretary-General of the Water Authority. Most Jordanians suffer from a chronic lack of water, in a country where the government provides the Israeli entity with a large part of its water supply under the reconciliation agreement known as the Wadi Araba Treaty. What makes things worse is that rainfall has fallen in the past years to below average, which caused an estimated shortage of 500 million cubic meters a year. Reporter, Female #1 Observers are warning of a brewing popular revolt that could engulf Jordan at any moment, as a result of the deteriorating living conditions, as well as the government's stubbornness in disregarding the voices of the angry streets for over a year. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092112?start=1230 <p>Blasphemy anger spreads to Asia as Pakistan protests turn deadly, Egypt's Copts and Muslims come together to denounce anti-Islam film, over 300 officers charged in Turkey's "sledgehammer" coup plot, and more.</p> Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092112 Islam, Muhammad, Nuclear program of Iran, 2012 US diplomatic missions attacks, Kashmir, Israel, Muslim, Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Civil War, Innocence of Muslims Presenter, Male #1 The Islamic movement inside the Green Line, headed by Sheikh Raed Salah, is holding the 17th annual festival called "Al-Aqsa is in Danger" this evening. Presenter, Female #1 Thousands of Palestinians inside the Green Line are expected to participate in the festival. It is being held in support of the case of the holy al-Aqsa, in light of what al-Aqsa Mosque is being subjected to from Israeli violations. Calls are being made to turn its courtyards into public spaces, and as well as calls to divide it. Reporter, Male #2 Excavations in the surroundings of the holy al-Aqsa Mosque have not stopped. This is the latest excavation taking place at the Umayyad palaces, adjacent to the southern wall of the mosque. The occupation is looking for archeological evidence of the Temple of Solomon. The search is continuing underground as well. Out of sight, tunnels are being dug that may have extended underneath al-Aqsa. Muslims say that there are landslides, aged trees are falling in the courtyards, and cracks are spreading in its seating and prayer areas, which prove that excavations are taking place. Guest, Male #3 (Ikrimah Sabri, Chairman of the High Islamic Commission) There are two goals. The first goal is to look for their ruins, if there are any. Until now they haven't even found a stone to support their claims. The second goal is to demolish al-Aqsa through twisted and hidden ways. Reporter, Male #2 Al-Aqsa is surrounded by biblical gardens, and the occupation's hands are extending out to its southern enclave, Silwan, which is witnessing expedited settlement projects that will eradicate its Arab and Islamic roots. The occupation has prepared plots to expand the yard of the Buraq Wall, otherwise known to Jews as the Wailing Wall. From the Palestinians' perspective, all of this calls for forming a fact-finding committee of unbiased experts to discover what the occupation is destroying at the holy site. Guest, Male #2 (Hatem Abdel Qader, Fatah's Minister of Jerusalem Affairs) Al-Aqsa Mosque is sounding an alarm bell. It is calling on the Arab and Islamic world to urgently and immediately take action in order to save it, and to pressure for an investigation committee that can look into the violations, breaches, and dangers surrounding the holy al-Aqsa Mosque. Reporter, Male #1 This settlement siege is not the only thing worrying Palestinians. There are Israeli calls to turn al-Aqsa's courtyards into public areas for everyone to enter, and for imposing a time division between Jews and Muslims to perform their prayers at al-Aqsa. These calls accompany the daily indecent violations by foreign tourists and Jewish extremists, which do not take into account the holiness of the place, or the feelings of the family of the Prophet. Reporter, Male #1 This raises the level of danger looming around the first Muslim Qibla, and the third holiest site. Palestinians want Arabs and Muslims to point their compasses in this direction. They think that the Arab Spring distracts from Jerusalem and the Palestinians' case, which encourages the Israeli occupation to besiege al-Aqsa, and to tighten its grip on Jerusalem. Elias Karram, Al Jazeera, occupied Jerusalem. http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-americas-what-is-fueling-anti-american-protests?start=0 Anti-American protests are spreading across the Muslim world over a film trailer deemed highly insulting to Islam's Prophet Muhammad. But what is fueling the protests? Is the situation a continuity of the upheavals of the Arab Spring or something more? Sat, 15 Sep 2012 08:01:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-americas-what-is-fueling-anti-american-protests Innocence of Muslims, 2012 US diplomatic missions attacks, Muslim world, Muhammad, Islamophobia, Arab Spring - duplicate, Protest, Embassy, Tear gas, United States Anti-American protests are spreading across the Muslim world over a film trailer deemed highly insulting to Islam's Prophet Muhammad. The US has condemned the film and the filmmakers, and tightened security at its overseas missions. But what is fueling the protests? Is the situation a continuity of the upheavals of the Arab Spring? Guests Flynt Leverett, Michelle Dunn and Tariq Ramadan discuss. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082812?start=917 In Tehran, the foreign ministers of the nations of the Non-Aligned Movement discussed the summit's closing document draft, which includes demands to enable drastic changes to the United Nations and the structure of its Security Council, reports Al Jazeera. Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082812 Syria, Israeli-occupied territories, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Mohamed Morsi, Gaza, Israel Defense Forces, Syrian people, Russia-Syria relations, Syria-Turkey relations Presenter, Male #1 In Tehran, the foreign ministers of the nations of the Non-Aligned Movement discussed the draft closing document before presenting it to the summit's leadership meeting on Thursday. Presenter, Female #1 Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, said the draft document includes demands stressing the importance of enabling drastic changes to the United Nations, and reconsidering the structure of the Security Council. Presenter, Male #1 He added that the Syrian crisis was discussed during the ministerial consultations, and that the final document will include a section specifically tackling this crisis. Reporter, Male #2 This verse of the Iranian national anthem states that independence and freedom will inevitably be attained. This is exactly what Tehran is promoting as its hosts the meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement nations. Reporter, Male #2 Tehran took over the leadership of the movement from Egypt, and is calling for a final statement adopting drastic changes to the world organization, and a review of the structure of the UN Security Council. None of the members have voiced opposition; Egypt even has the same demand. Guest, Male #3 (Ramzi Izz Iddin, Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister) Reforming the Security Council and its mechanisms is needed to guarantee a more just representation, and a more efficient council that can fulfill global agreement that is needed to accomplish permanent peace. Reporter, Male #2 Most world issues were grouped in the closing draft document that exceeded 150 pages. Iran is saying that the foreign ministers discussed the Syrian crisis, and that the final document will include a clear section on the issue. Guest, Male #4 (Ramin Mehmanparast, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman) We believe in creating the right circumstances to move toward real changes in the world organization. The closing draft document tackled all crises, including the Syrian one. We are trying with influential member states to peacefully solve the crisis and to prevent the expansion of the cycle of violence. Reporter, Male #2 With the exception of the Syrian crisis, the problems and issues of the Arab Spring nations were timidly discussed. For this reason, it was said that non-alignment is suffering from a political ailment embodied in the need for complete agreement to implement the movement's decisions. Guest, Male #5 (Ibrahim al-Dabashi, Libyan Deputy Ambassador to the UN) Unfortunately, the Non-Alignment Movement works through consensus, and this consensus sometimes is becomes akin to a veto by every member of the movement. This is why the movement fails in many instances to take clear stances on certain sensitive issues. Reporter, Male #2 The day ended with a closed session for ministers away from the media. Disagreements between some members probably need political mediators that can narrow the differences in their points of view. Reporter, Male #2 No one doubts the ability of the Non-Aligned Movement to bring about tangible global change. But challenges remain in the permanent struggle between the common interests of the movement and the priorities of each member state. In short, what appears to be needed is serious political will so that the final declaration doesn't remain mere ink on paper. Abdel Kader Fayez, Al Jazeera, Tehran. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082412?start=1351 Syria TV reports that many Tunisians are expressing fear of Qatari and Saudi attempts to spread Wahhabi ideology in their country through preachers who are paid large sums of money to attract youth, and warns of the sectarian strife that could arise in the country. Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082412 Israel, Protest, Nuclear program of Iran, International Atomic Energy Agency, Cairo, Tahrir Square, Syrian Civil War, Demonstration (people), Iran, Tripoli Presenter, Female #1 Many Tunisians are expressing fear of Qatari and Saudi attempts to spread the Wahhabi Takfiri ideology in their country. Presenter, Male #1 Some are warnings of the sectarian strife that could arise in the country as a result of the crimes of the so-called Saudi preachers who are holding sessions to spread the extremist Wahhabi ideology in Tunisia, especially among the youth, in exchange for large sums of money. Reporter, Female #2 The Wahhabi Takfiri ideology that headed the tsunami they agreed to call the Arab Spring is intensifying its presence in Tunisia with coercion, violence and terrorism, with the aim of imposing a religious state led by Wahhabism. Observers believe the even greater danger is the activation of al-Qaeda and its sleeper cells that receive direct support from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and foreign intelligence agencies. Reporter, Female #2 Tunisia's ruling Ennahda Islamic movement, which unleashed these Salafi Wahhabi Takfiri groups, is now the one complaining about the head of the snake, the Saudi-Qatari alliance, that funds and supports these Wahhabi Takfiri gangs that are penetrating Tunisian society, and working on breaking the coexistence and civil peace it enjoys to divide it into religious and ideological entities. Guest, Male #2 We will put all our efforts towards resisting this interference in our internal affairs. Their unrestrained use of violence against others will lead to a complete reversal of the situation, and will deprive everyone from their right to freedom of expression. Reporter, Female #2 On the other hand, popular mobilizations confronting the hegemony of Ennahda movement over media outlets are growing in Tunisia. In response to the attempt to weaken the media, dozens of Tunisian journalists protested in front of the government's headquarters in the capital Tunis. Reporter, Female #2 They condemned the ruling Ennahda Islamist movement's attempt to control media outlets as elections near and its appointment of loyalists to implement its political agendas. Participants chanted slogans against the Ennahda movement and protested these appointments, that include the head of public television and the private Dar al-Sabah, which publishes the dailies al-Sabah in Arabia, and Le Temps in French. Reporter, Female #2 The Tunisian association for human rights denounced these appointments, describing them as unilateral, and saying they occurred without consulting with the responsible organizations and syndicates. The association viewed the goal of these appointments as an attempt to weak Tunisian media and seize control of it. Reporter, Female #2 The leftist al-Takatol party, Ennahda's partner in power, asked the movement to refer to organizations and syndicates before making any appointments, and prior to issuing any decisions related to the media sector. Observers agree the attempts of the Wahhabi ideology are in sync with the seizure of the state's institutions, most notably media outlets, especially after having uncovered the bloody media's role in misleading the people. The goal is to spread the Wahhabi Takfiri ideology and throw nations and people into devastating ideological battles. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/syrias-youth-revolutionaries?start=0 <div>From the first days of the uprising in Syria, the government has used brutal tactics to crush its opponents. We hear the grueling accounts of young Syrians facing bullets on the streets to fight for freedom. On March 15, 2011 the unthinkable happened: the Syrian people rose up. It was an unprecedented challenge to the Assad family's 41-year dictatorship and it was led by young people. "Activists in Syria doing their daily job is like Russian roulette. They can't sleep in the same bed twice", says Wissam Tarif, director of human rights organization, Insan. Three young activists, Diaa, Omar, and Michel, all in their twenties, reveal how they operate within the police state and explain the dire consequences of being detained in a country where torture is rampant. "We have to film everything for media because we are alone inside." Despite the Arab uprisings providing a spark, the desire to change Syria had been growing for a long time. "The feeling I get every time we chant and we are faced with bullets is that we are starting to gain victory."</div> Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:20:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/syrias-youth-revolutionaries Syria, Syrian Civil War, Bashar al-Assad, Revolutionary, Wissam Tarif, Torture, Youth, Syrian people, Activism, Human rights From the first days of the uprising in Syria, the government has used brutal tactics to crush its opponents. We hear the grueling accounts of young Syrians facing bullets on the streets to fight for freedom. On March 15, 2011 the unthinkable happened: the Syrian people rose up. It was an unprecedented challenge to the Assad family's 41-year dictatorship and it was led by young people. "Activists in Syria doing their daily job is like Russian roulette. They can't sleep in the same bed twice", says Wissam Tarif, director of human rights organization, Insan. Three young activists, Diaa, Omar, and Michel, all in their twenties, reveal how they operate within the police state and explain the dire consequences of being detained in a country where torture is rampant. "We have to film everything for media because we are alone inside." Despite the Arab uprisings providing a spark, the desire to change Syria had been growing for a long time. "The feeling I get every time we chant and we are faced with bullets is that we are starting to gain victory." http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072512?start=33 In Lebanon, hundreds of public sector workers responded to the Union Coordination Committee's call to participate in a demonstration that headed to the Government Palace to demand a new salary and wage scale, Future TV reports. Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072512 Benjamin Netanyahu, Politics of Israel, Israel, Lebanese people, Israelis, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain Uprising, Syrian Civil War, Hisham Kandil, Economy of Israel Presenter, Female #1 Hundreds of public sector workers responded to the Union Coordination Committee's call to participate in a demonstration that headed to the Government Palace. Reporter, Female #2 The public sector took to the street. Its employees protested against a government whose officials are seemingly deaf. The workers' demands are not new; these same demands united them. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder with unions in a centralized demonstration launched from Barbir Square to the Government Palace. Here, in Riad el-Solh Square, security forces received military reinforcement in an attempt to prevent the voices of the workers to reach the residents of the Government Palace. Reporter, Female #2 The main reason for this mobilization is to demand a new salary and wage scale. However, the mobilization mainly uncovered the government's policy of stalling and asking for concessions on any demand. Guest, Male #2 (Hanna Gharib, Secondary School Teachers' Association Head) The Union Coordination Committee will not back down on its boycott of correcting official exams, and we will not back down on taking further and stepped-up action until the pay scale has been approved by parliament as soon as possible. Guest, Male #3 (Nehme Mahfoud, Private Schools Teachers' Association Head) It seems they can't hear there's a thing called the Arab Spring. It seems they can't hear that after 50 years, the Arab people are rising up for their freedom. And now, some ministers want to silence us! No one can take away our sacred right to strike! Guest, Male #3 We tell the prime minister, you told us, Mr. Prime Minister that this will be done in June, and it wasn't. After the sub-committee's meeting, you promised us, but you did not keep your word. You promised us a third time and said, "Chairman, we will hold successive sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and this will be our priority." We cannot bear it anymore, Mr. Prime Minister. Within 10 days! Within 10 days! Either the government approves it, or let this government that rules in all of your names leave, while you tell it to leave. Reporter, Female #2 The protest was over, and its participants left, but it does not mean the mobilization is over. Tomorrow, another day of strike was announced to advance the demands that echoed across all regions. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070612?start=34 Sudanese activists organized new protests dubbed "Vagabonds Friday" after President Omar al-Bashir's description of protestors as a handful of rogue vagabonds, amid unprecedented popular anger due to deteriorating living conditions, reports BBC Arabic. Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070612 Libyan Public National Conference election, 2012, Knesset, Libya, Jerusalem, Elections in Libya, Israel, 2011 Libyan Uprising, 2011-2012 Sudanese protests, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests, 2011 NATO attack in Pakistan Presenter, Male #1 Sudanese activists organized new protests today dubbed "Vagabonds Friday" in response to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir's description of protestors as a handful of rogue vagabonds with no prospects. In a statement to the media in Cairo, Sudanese Tourism Minister Hassabo Abdel-Rahman said the protests witnessed in his country are normal, and expressed doubt that the Sudanese people will revolt the way they did in neighboring Egypt and Libya. Reporter, Male #2 This is the third week of protests in Sudan that is witnessing unprecedented popular anger due to deteriorating living conditions in the aftermath of the government's attempt to implement austerity measures in response to worsening economic conditions, especially after the secession of the South one year ago. Reporter, Male #2 The protests that were sparked by the students at the University of Khartoum quickly turned into a revolt against corruption, and soon afterward became a demand for the removal of President Omar al-Bashir, who has been ruling the country for 23 years. Reporter, Male #2 The opposition's political parties are insisting on repealing laws that restrict freedoms, and are calling for holding a national constitutional conference, and to get the country ready for free elections. As for the Khartoum government, it confirms that the protestors are implementing a foreign agenda, and are in the service of hostile parties. Reporter, Male #2 The government reiterated that conditions in the country are normal, as described by a Sudanese official who said the latest protests witnessed in his country cannot be compared to the uprisings of the "Arab Spring." Officials indicate that the latest government measures aim to address the inequality between the rich and poor, especially when it comes to state subsidies. Reporter, Male #2 Sudan witnessed demonstrations after the government removed the subsidies on some goods, the price of public transportation increased, and the price of oil and food doubled. Then, they started demanding an end to the rule of the Sudanese president. Some protestors also raised slogans calling for civil disobedience. Reporter, Male #2 Al-Bashir, who is known for his inflammatory statements, was quick to describe the demonstrators as a few deviants, and threatened to send those he called true warriors to deal with them. The first Friday protests were held on June 22, under the banner of "Sandstorm Friday" that security forces confronted with rubber bullets and tear gas. The second Friday protests were held on June 29, under the banner of "Elbow-Licking Friday" that security forces also responded to with force. As for the third Friday, activists called it "Vagabonds Friday," and it seems it is a response to al-Bashir's description of protestors as a handful of rogue vagabonds with no prospects. Sadi al-Dousali, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/can-turkish-tv-contribute-to-social-change-in-the-middle-east?start=0 The "Arab Spring" has changed several political regimes in the Middle East and is shaping modern culture in the region. Given Turkey's historical and political influence, how much sway does the country's television and movie exports hold in contributing to this social change? Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:33:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/can-turkish-tv-contribute-to-social-change-in-the-middle-east Arab Spring - duplicate, Media of Turkey, Turkey, Middle East, Arab culture, Social change, Arab world, Television, Film, Media The "Arab Spring" has changed several political regimes in the Middle East and is shaping modern culture in the region. Given Turkey's historical and political influence, how much sway does the country's television and movie exports hold in contributing to this social change? http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062912?start=366 BBC Arabic reports that the "My Right to Dignity" campaign, in which many Saudi women are active, promoted "The Friday of Women Driving," an attempt to urge the women in the kingdom and those in solidarity with them to drive in the streets. Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062912 Israel, Ivory Coast, Mohamed Morsi, Kashmir, Women's rights in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Uprising, Syrian Civil War, Ibrahim Hamed, Avigdor Lieberman, Illegal immigration from Africa to Israel Presenter, Male #1 The "My Right to Dignity" campaign, in which many Saudi women are active, continues to promote "The Friday of Women Driving." It is an attempt to urge the women in the kingdom, and those in solidarity with them, to drive in the streets of the kingdom today, in order to push for a lift of the driving ban imposed on them. It is a ban among many others, social and political, that are imposed on Saudi women. Reporter, Female #1 The information available in this video uploaded to YouTube may not be sufficient to teach women in Saudi Arabia how to drive. But it may suffice for the needs of those who want to drive and are not able to learn abroad. The kingdom doesn't allow women to drive cars, and even if the law supposedly allows it, tradition, which is built on social norms that revolve around what the Saudi man and the religious authorities allow, appears to be more powerful. Reporter, Female #1 This video, provided by the "My right to dignity" campaign on their Facebook page, calls for giving women more social rights, which in the end mostly funnels into their political rights. This group encouraged Saudi women to drive cars on a Friday titled "The Friday of Saudi Women Driving." Reporter, Female #1 The campaign was very active on Twitter as well, and tweets that motivate women to demand their political rights first, flooded the site. Some point out the contradiction between the talk of developing the role of women, as well as working to ease her integration into the Saudi job market, and limiting her freedom of transportation. Reporter, Female #1 As for those who oppose these calls, they believe that the goal of this campaign to ignite chaos. These claims were all too similar to the ones echoed in countries that have witnessed change under the framework of what is called the Arab Spring; statements such as the terms "conspiracy" and "foreign agenda." Reporter, Female #1 Marwa Saleh, a Saudi citizen from the Eastern Province, says that there are many cases of girls who were forced to leave work, or to not come in for a long time, because they were not able to drive after their driver quit. Guest, Female #2 (Marwa Saleh, Saudi Businesswoman) Here in Saudi, we do not have the infrastructure for public transportation, not even in big cities, so imagine what it's like in small cities. Cars are the only method of transportation available. Because the Saudi woman does not just stay home. She works, she has social activities to attend to, she is mobile, but her mobility depends on having a driver, a foreigner in most cases, so he can facilitate her transportation. And she doesn'tt have the choice to let him go. Reporter, Female #1 But who answered this heated call online? There was at least one woman who drove her car in Buraidah in al-Qaseem Province. Advocates for women's driving rights insist that the key to the car may be the key to change in the kingdom. Naglaa Abu Marei, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062612?start=378 The director-general of the British Security Service MI5, Jonathan Evans, has warned that al-Qaeda militants are using countries of the Arab Spring as bases to train Western youths with the aim of launching terrorist attacks on Britain, reports BBC Arabic. Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062612 Syrian Civil War, Egypt, Syria, Human rights in Egypt, Ahmed Shafiq, Syria-Turkey relations, Bahrain Uprising, Khaled al-Johani, 2011 Omani protests, Abuzed Omar Dorda Presenter, Female #1 The director-general of the British Security Service MI5, Jonathan Evans, has warned that al-Qaeda militants are using countries of the Arab Spring as bases to train Western youths with the aim of launching terrorist attacks on Britain. In a rare speech and his first public appearance since his appointment as head of the intelligence agency in 2007, Evans said that al-Qaeda is trying to return with full force to the Arab world by taking advantage of security and political unrest that followed the Arab revolutions. Reporter, Male #1 The revolutions of the Arab Spring could create opportunities to help promote long-term democratic change. In the meantime, the revolutions may help provide a breeding ground for the al-Qaeda organization. This is the message convoyed by Jonathan Evans, the director-general of the British Security Service, MI5. Reporter, Male #1 Evans confirmed that al-Qaeda militants are actively mobilizing in the countries of the Arab Spring to train radical Western youths. Al-Qaeda, which moved from Arab countries in the 1990s to Afghanistan then to Pakistan, is trying to gain new grounds in the Arab world. Reporter, Male #1 The organization is taking advantage of the political and security unrest in the Arab Spring countries and the Horn of Africa. According to the intelligence agency, nearly 200 British residents left the country to receive trainings by al-Qaeda in countries such as Yemen and Somalia, where they carried out attacks. The agency added that some will return to Britain to carry out similar operations. Reporter, Male #1 According to the intelligence chief, the Olympic Games slated for next month in London may be an attractive target for British jihadists returning from the Middle East. And, despite the fact that al-Qaeda has not launched any attacks on Britain since 2005, the threat of coming under attack has become imminent. Mohamed al-Sayyed, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062512?start=211 Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir warned that security forces will be deployed to confront protestors, saying that training bases will be set up to counter the conspiracy against the country, Dubai TV reports. Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062512 Syrian Civil War, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Mohamed Morsi, Israel, Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt, Yemen Uprising, 2011-2012 Sudanese protests, Sanctions against Iran, Israel-Russia relations Presenter, Male #1 Cautious calm is dominating the streets of the Sudanese capital only hours after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir warned that security forces will be deployed to confront the protestors. Al-Bashir dismissed the economic crisis as a reason for the anti-government protests, and accused agitators of being behind them. The opposition condemned al-Bashir's position, saying his rule has started to dwindle. Our correspondent Sami al-Shinawi reports from al-Khartoum. Reporter, Male #2 "Deviants!" This is how the Sudanese president described the demonstrators in al-Khartoum's squares, while ruling out that protests over the deteriorating living conditions are an "Arab Spring." And while there was no mention of mobilizing jihadist groups, the ruling party said it will use the security option to deal with the demonstrators by setting up training bases to counter the conspiracy against the country. Guest, Male #3 (Omar al-Bashir, Sudanese President) When the Sudanese people revolt, they really revolt. The people who are burning tires are a few agitators and deviants. Some people came out to the street, but we know who the real jihadists are. Reporter, Male #2 Despite the threats and warnings, the scene of protests continues to dominate the country's squares that are bracing for further escalations, especially considering that al-Bashir's reforms are not suitable to deal with the suffocating economic crisis looming in the country. Guest, Male #4 (Abu Bakr Abed al-Razeq, Change Now Movement Spokesman) We are not deviants. Those who took to the streets are not deviants. They are the sons and daughters of the Sudanese people. They have specific demands. The wave of demonstrations will escalate in the coming days. They will be peaceful. Reporter, Male #2 The opposition believes that al-Bashir's remarks indicate that the reign of his regime is dwindling, at the security, political, and economic levels. It seems that the ruling regime's options are limited, especially amid the suffocating economic situation, which is continuing to pull the opposition, the government, and the demonstrators further apart leaving the door open to all possibilities. Sami al-Shinawi, Dubai TV, al-Khartoum. http://news.linktv.org/videos/tunisias-former-leader-sentenced-to-life-in-prison?start=0 A Tunisian military court sentenced ex-president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to life in prison over his role in the killing of protesters in the towns where the Arab Spring began. But many other high-ranking officials escaped with light or no sentences. Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:43:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/tunisias-former-leader-sentenced-to-life-in-prison Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisian revolution, Tunisia, Kasserine, Life imprisonment, Salafi, Curfew, In absentia, Trial, Military justice A Tunisian military court sentenced ex-president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to life in prison Wednesday over his role in the killing of protesters in the towns where the Arab Spring began. Earlier he was given a 20-year sentence for inciting violence. Ben Ali is currently living in exile in Saudi Arabia, and many other high-ranking officials escaped with light or no sentences. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-060512?start=251 Three years after boycotting the World Economic Forum over an argument with Israeli President Shimon Peres in Davos, Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan is hosting the Forum in Istanbul, reports BBC Arabic. The talks will focus on Syria and the Arab Spring. Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-060512 Illegal immigration from Africa to Israel, Jerusalem, Israel, Migrant worker, Illegal Immigration, Hosni Mubarak, Naksa, Syrian Civil War, Nuclear program of Iran, Human rights in Bahrain Presenter, Female #1 The World Economic Forum on the Middle East, North Africa, and Eurasia opened in Istanbul, with the participation of nearly one thousand political and economic figures from over 70 countries. The forum will look into many economic and political issues, the impact of the Arab revolutions, and most notably the situation in Syria. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and presidents and prime ministers of many countries, including Tunisia and Jordan, are participating in the forum. Reporter, Male #1 Three years after boycotting the World Economic Forum after his famous argument over Gaza with Israeli President Shimon Peres in Davos, here is Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan achieving what he aspired to at the time. He is hosting the Economic Forum in his economic capital, Istanbul. In attendance are nearly one thousand prominent economic and political figures from over 70 countries. Guest, Male #2 (Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Prime Minister) There is no doubt that conflict, war, displacement, and terrorism in any country directly impacts neighboring countries. Turkey's initiatives on some regional issues, and speaking out about some other issues, never imply we wish to interfere in the affairs of others. Rather, it expresses our concerns over our neighbors' problems, and our desire to contribute in solving them. Reporter, Male #1 Over the course of two days, the forum is expected to look into many global economic and political issues, most notably energy and the world crisis that is still casting its shadow on many countries in Europe and the world. It will also look into the Arab Spring, and its economic impact on the countries of the region and the world, and discuss concerns over the regional and global implications of the political crisis and turmoil in the Middle East. Guest, Male #3 (Hamadi Jebali, Tunisian Prime Minister) It has had a great positive impact. Tourists visit countries that are democratic, more than they visit dictatorships. Maybe during the first phase some believe there is turmoil, but at the end of the day they encourage democracy, and I am certain of it. So its impact is positive on the economy, on investment and on tourism as well. Reporter, Male #1 The World Economic Forum, renowned for its annual summits convened in the mountain resort town of Davos in Switzerland, is convening in Istanbul to discuss the affairs of the Middle East, North Africa, and Eurasia. This comes as Turkey has positioned itself as an important location on the world's economic map. Reporter, Male #1 Turkey has managed to isolate itself from the political and economic malaise reverberating across its borders, as its economy grew by 8.5 percent, posting the second fastest growth of a world economy after China. Reporter, Male #1 While the head of the World Economic Forum is offering Tayyip Erdogan to return to Davos and forget about the past, leaders of the Turkish government believe the time has come for Turkey to leave its political and economic mark, not only in the region, but the world. From Istanbul, Abdul Nasser Singhi, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/aid-and-influence-senator-marco-rubio-on-us-foreign-policy?start=0 Possible Republican vice-presidential candidate Senator Marco Rubio discusses a number of foreign policy challenges facing the United States, highlighting the importance of US aid in influencing change abroad, especially in the Middle East. Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:23:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/aid-and-influence-senator-marco-rubio-on-us-foreign-policy Marco Rubio, Foreign relations of the United States, Aid, Arab Spring - duplicate, Republican Party (United States), Guantanamo Bay detention camp, Nuclear program of Iran, Iran-Israel relations, 2011 Libyan Uprising, Israeli–Palestinian conflict Possible Republican vice-presidential candidate Senator Marco Rubio discusses a number of foreign policy challenges facing the United States during a candid discussion at the Council on Foreign Relations, a foreign policy think-tank in New York City. He highlights the importance of US aid in influencing change abroad, especially in the context of the Middle East during the Arab Spring. http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-june-4-2012?start=1691 Author and scholar Norman Finkelstein argues that American-Jewish support for the Israeli government is undergoing a major shift, one that could spark a new opportunity for achieving a just Middle East peace. Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:46:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-june-4-2012 Hosni Mubarak, Egypt, Egyptian Revolution, Life imprisonment, Trial, Norman Finkelstein, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Habib Ibrahim El Adly, Middle East Peace Process Well over a year into the Arab Spring, the author and scholar Norman Finkelstein argues that there is a new, albeit quieter, awakening happening here in the United States that could provide a major boost to the winds of change in the Middle East. In his new book, "Knowing Too Much: Why the American Jewish Romance with Israel Is Coming to an End," Finkelstein contends that American Jewish support for the Israeli government is undergoing a major shift. After decades of staunch backing for Israel that began with the 1967 war through the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, to the repression of two Palestinian intifadas, Finkelstein says that a new generation of American Jews are no longer adopting reflexive support for the state that speaks in their name. With this shift in American Jewish opinion, Finkelstein sees a new opportunity for achieving a just Middle East peace. Well over a year after it began, the Arab Spring movement in the Middle East and North Africa has toppled three autocratic regimes while continuing to challenge those in Syria and Bahrain. It's also helped inspire the Occupy and labor movements here in the U.S., with demonstrators from Lower Manhattan to Wisconsin taking cues from the hundreds of thousands who flooded Cairo's Tahrir Square. Well, my next guest argues there's a new, albeit quieter, awakening happening here in the United States, one that could provide a major boost to the winds of change in the Middle East. In his new book, the author and scholar Norman Finkelstein argues that American Jewish support for the Israeli government is undergoing a major shift. After decades of staunch backing for Israel that began with the 1967 war through the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, to the repression of two Palestinian intifadas, Finkelstein argues a new generation of American Jews are no longer adopting reflexive support for the state that speaks in their name. With this shift in American Jewish opinion, Norman Finkelstein says a new opportunity for a just Middle East peace is in the making. His book is called Knowing Too Much: Why the American Jewish Romance with Israel Is Coming to an End. It's one of a number of books Norman Finkelstein has authored over the course of three decades' involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict, during which he's come to be known worldwide as one of the most prominent academic critics of Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Norman Finkelstein is also coming out with another new book this week called What Gandhi Says: About Nonviolence, Resistance and Courage. Both books are published by OR Books. Norman Finkelstein joins us in studio. Welcome, Norman, to Democracy Now! Thank you for having me, Amy. Let's start with the title, Knowing Too Much. Explain. Basically it means that if you go back, say 20 or 30 years, most of the scholarship on the Israel-Palestine conflict, I think, could be accurately described as the Leon Uris novel Exodus with footnotes. It was basically propaganda. And most American Jews felt at ease with their liberal beliefs, their liberal creed, their liberal tenets, and supporting—you might say blindly—all of Israel's conduct and actions. But over the past 20 or 30 years, in particular since the late—early 1990s, a lot more is now known about the conflict, not least because of the research of Israeli historians and Jewish historians. A lot more is now known about the human rights record, through the workings of Israeli human rights organizations like B'Tselem, but also Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. And a lot more is now known about the diplomatic record. Now, Jews tend to be highly literate. They're tapped into the circuits of liberal culture in the United States. And they now know a lot more. And so, it's much more difficult, if not impossible, for American Jews to reconcile their liberal beliefs, their liberal creed, with the way Israel carries on. Talk about your involvement in the whole conflict and your books that you've written on it, but starting back 30 years ago. Well, actually, it's an anniversary, if we can use that word, because I first got involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict on June 6, 1982. It's literally three decades, coming in the next two days. I first became involved when Israel invaded Lebanon in June 1982. And I used to go every day during my lunch hour—I used to jog over from the Upper West—not the Upper West Side, from the West Side, 10th Avenue and 26th Street, I would jog over to the Israeli consulate on Second Avenue and 42nd Street, and I was there demonstrating every day. And that's how I first got involved. I ended up involved with a Jewish group. It was—had a weird acronym. It was called JAIMIL, Jews Against the Israeli Massacre in Lebanon, mostly composed of meshuggah Jews—it's true, I mean, we have to be honest about that—because only crazy people were involved in the conflict back then, and it didn't reach anywhere near a mainstream. And as a result of being in that group, the arguments started to arise over the issue of Zionism: Are you or are you not a Zionist? And then I turned that into my doctoral dissertation, which I eventually completed. And so, now I had a kind of academic investment in the conflict. And I had a personal investment— This you did at Princeton University? Yeah. And then I had a personal investment, because my parents were survivors of the Nazi Holocaust, and Israel's actions were always being justified in the name of what happened during World War II. And so, there was a kind of a desire to dissociate the suffering of my late parents from the way Israel was carrying on. Both your parents were in camps. Yeah, both my mother and father were in the Warsaw Ghetto, and then my father was in Auschwitz, my mother, Majdanek. And their entire families on both sides were exterminated during the war. They were the only survivors on either side of the family. And so, you could say I had now a triple investment: there was the political investment, there was the academic investment, and then there was the familial—it was the personal investment. And the conflict didn't end. You know, sometimes people ask me, or claim that I have a obsession or fixation on Israel, whereas if anyone knows anything about my life, I actually came to it relatively late in life. I was already 29 years old. I had been active in the antiwar Vietnam War movement, active with Central America, active with many causes. If I've stuck to it for 30 years, it's because there was no resolution of the conflict. I'm not making excuses; I'm just trying to factually explain. And I think now the remarkable thing is it's 30 years later, and actually I do believe—and that's the subject matter of the book—I do believe there are grounds now to be optimistic. We have a real opportunity, I think, of reaching a mainstream, reaching the mainstream of American public opinion and the mainstream of Jewish public opinion. There are real possibilities of breakthroughs, because people know a lot more now, and people know there's something wrong in that part of the world, which of course they've known for a long time, but the big difference is now they know that Israel bears a large burden of culpability for what's going wrong there. Now that's completely new. You know, just to take one example, in the 19—if you read Israeli historians now, people like Tom Segev, who I know you've had on the program, and Benny Morris, whom you've had on the program, they both acknowledge freely that right from—right from the beginning of the Israeli occupation, they both write, Israel was practicing torture of Palestinian detainees. And they just pass by it as if this is common knowledge. But in the—at the time, during the 1970s and 1980s, it was impossible to make that claim without being accused of being an anti-Semite or, in the case of Jews, being a self-hating Jew or just being crazy. But what changed was, during the First Intifada, for the first time, Israeli human rights organizations, in particular B'Tselem, the Israeli human rights organization, and then Amnesty, Human Rights Watch, they began documenting these facts. So it was no longer marginal people making these claims. Very good people and courageous people and honorable people, mostly, incidentally, women. It was Lea Tsemel— The Israeli human rights lawyer. Right. Felicia Langer, the Israeli human rights lawyer. It's one of these odd things. She was—Felicia was—excuse me, Felicia was Communist Party, Lea was Trotskyist. But they were really good people. And then there was Israel Shahak, the organic chemistry professor from Hebrew University. But they could easily be dismissed—you know, communist, Trotskyist. Shahak was a brilliant fellow, but eccentric. I think we can all agree to that. So they were—these were easily dismissed as marginal people. But now, after the 1990s, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, B'Tselem, and they're all saying Israel is systematically practicing torture. They estimate about 85 percent of Israeli—excuse me, of Palestinian detainees were being tortured by Israel. Human Rights Watch estimated that during the First Intifada between 20,000 and 30,000 Palestinians had been tortured. And so, now it's a much different picture, and people are aware of a lot of the facts—not the details, but you don't really need the details. That's just for people who are—engage in footnote wars. But the general public has a picture that Israel bears a significant burden of culpability. And so, now you can reach them. Now there's a possibility. You can't reach them on any goal. You can't say Israel is doing this, and Israel is doing that, and therefore Israel has to be, you know, effaced from the world's map. No, you can't reach them on that goal, and I don't think you should reach them on that goal. What you can reach a broad public on is, we want to enforce the law. We want Israel to be held to the same standard as everyone else—enforce the law. And the law is pretty clear. You know, people say the law is nebulous, gray areas, ambiguous. No, the law is pretty straightforward. The settlements are illegal under international law. All 15 judges on the International Court of Justice said so. Israel has no title to any of the West Bank, Gaza or East Jerusalem. All 15 judges on the International Court of Justice said so. And the Palestinians have the right of return, or so says Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. So I think we have a real opportunity now, because American Jews are conflicted. On the one hand, they claim to be liberal, which they are. Eighty percent of American Jews voted for Barack Obama for president, which was a much higher percentage, incidentally, than Latinos who voted for Barack Obama. Latinos was about 63 percent. And if you consider that most people vote by virtue of their pocketbook, American Jews should have been voting Republican. But 80 percent voted for a Democratic candidate for president. They are liberal. Exactly why is a separate issue, which I discuss in the book, but for our purposes, we'll just take it as a given. They are liberal. And it's just very difficult— The most liberal group of voters, outside of African Americans. Oh, by far, African Americans—aside from African Americans, American Jews. And so, they have a very great difficulty reconciling their liberal beliefs with the way Israel carries on. Let's just take the example of the segment you just did. You know, Mubarak commits horrendous crimes, he gets overthrown. But 'til the last moment, and even afterwards, Netanyahu was attacking the American government for being too soft on the demonstrators. "Why did you let Mubarak go?" Young American Jews don't want to hear that. They identify with the Twitter revolutionaries in Tahrir Square, with the Facebook revolutionaries. And most of young American Jews, they're idealists. They're liberal. And now you have the head of state of Israel saying the U.S. should have been tougher to keep Mubarak in. American Jews don't want to defend that. http://news.linktv.org/videos/dalia-mogahed-the-attitudes-that-sparked-the-arab-spring?start=0 Gallup pollster Dalia Mogahed shares surprising data on Egyptian people's attitudes and hopes before the Arab Spring, with a special focus on the role of women in sparking change. Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:08:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/dalia-mogahed-the-attitudes-that-sparked-the-arab-spring Arab Spring - duplicate, Egyptians, Dalia Mogahed, Egyptian Revolution, Politics of Egypt, Culture of Egypt, TED (conference) Gallup pollster Dalia Mogahed shares surprising data on Egyptian people's attitudes and hopes before the Arab Spring, with a special focus on the role of women in sparking change. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-052412?start=226 Amnesty International warned in its new annual report that opportunities for change and democracy in Arab Spring countries may be wasted due to the continuing human rights violations in those countries, BBC Arabic reports. Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-052412 Syria, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Arab world, Free Syrian Army, Lebanon, Israel, Egyptians, Cairo, UN Security Council, Eli Yishai Presenter, Female #1 Amnesty International warned in its new annual report that opportunities for change and democracy in the Arab countries that witnessed popular uprisings against their rulers, may be wasted due to the continuing human rights violations in those countries. The human rights advocacy organization accused major powers of holding double standards, and upholding their economic and political interests, at the cost of human rights. Reporter, Male #1 The uprisings in the Arab world dominated Amnesty International's annual report. In the chapters pertaining to human rights in the Arab Spring countries, the report concluded that toppling a few leaders is not enough to achieve sought-after change. Human rights violations were the major cause for the eruption of those popular revolutions. However, these violations, in different forms, continue extensively in some countries of the region. Reporter, Male #1 In Tunisia, human rights violations have not ended, according to the report. Security forces repeatedly used excessive force against protestors who demonstrated in protest of the delay of change. In Egypt, the practice of torture did not end after Mubarak's downfall; according to the report, the army adopted this practice. Military police have arrested thousands of civilians and brought them to military tribunals, which the international organization described as unjust. Reporter, Male #1 In Libya, even though the National Transitional Council vowed to build a democratic country, unpunished human rights violations and continuous rights infringements by armed militias remain an endemic phenomenon. Guest, Male #2 (Philip Luther, Amnesty International's Middle East Acting Director) The new transitional governments in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia have failed to meet the demands of the protestors, those people who took to the streets during the uprisings. Reporter, Male #1 In addition, the report criticizes what it refers to as the double standard of major powers in terms of supporting the people of the region. These countries intervened decisively against Gaddafi in Libya to protect civilians. However, they have not intervened militarily in other countries, on account of their political and economic interests. Guest, Male #2 In dealing with the human rights situation in the Middle East and North Africa, the major powers practice a double standard. We saw that from Russia and from the West, such as the United States. Guest, Male #2 For instance, the UN Security Council referred the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court. But when it comes to Syria, it has not done that so far, even as the crimes against humanity continue. Reporter, Male #1 In its new report, Amnesty International also expressed its deep concern for the crimes against humanity committed by army and security forces in Syria in order to quell anti-regime protests. The organization requested a referral of the Syria case to the International Criminal Court in order to investigate into these crimes. Reporter, Male #1 Fifty years have passed since the establishment of Amnesty International, an organization independent from all governments. Therefore, its annual reports have special significance, and enjoy high credibility. Its latest report examines a critical phase in the history of the Arab world. The report is not only considered proof of the ordeal of those living under human rights violations, but also testimony that the path to change, especially in the Arab world, may be extremely long. But it has undoubtedly begun. From in front of the headquarters of Amnesty International in London, Ahmed Baha, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051812?start=1381 <p>Massive protests in Aleppo as UN chief blames al-Qaeda for Syria attacks, Iranians rally to denounce Bahrain-Saudi Arabia union, UN Security Council demands Sudan withdraw from disputed Abyei region, and more.</p> Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051812 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Israel, United Nations, Iran, UN Security Council, Bashar al-Assad, Ban Ki-moon, Gaza blockade, Bahrain Uprising Reporter, Female #1 The unemployment rate in the Arab world remains an important issue. Al Jazeera explores methods to provide citizens with jobs. Instead of holding grudges against the regimes, the following report will make an effort to know how unemployed people feel as they wait for the promises they received to be delivered. We ask a basic question: How can the unemployed be assisted, in order for them to not lose confidence, lose their potential, and do harm to themselves? Reporter, Female #2 These college graduates chanted "Unemployment is not fate" while protesting in Morocco. It was the only way for them to deliver their messages to government officials. Prior to that, graduates were forced to burn their diplomas. The reason was the same: unemployment and a lack of opportunities after years of diligent study. The issue of unemployment appears to be a common obsession in many countries, though their unemployment rates vary due to their differing economies, policies, and government provisions. Reporter, Female #2 In the Arab world, which is described as Third World, the unemployment crisis is worsening. Every year, thousands of new college graduates join their alumni in the world of unemployment. Unemployment is not simply an economic situation that can be isolated from its social and political environment in the relevant countries. The same can also be applied for unemployed people's psychological readiness to cope with it, and bear its consequences. And the psychological burden imposed on the unemployed is heavy. These burdens determine how they react in many situations, not only as individuals, but also as a group. The best evidence for this is the reaction of the unemployed to psychological and social pressures. In some cases, they resort to self-immolation, and in other cases, they organize protests and sit-ins. In addition to the psychological challenges are the challenges that the state and society face. These demands have gained momentum after the Arab Spring. Reporter, Female #2 Revolutions erupted to remedy many issues, most urgently unemployment. Here in Tunisia, these people have sewn their lips shut. They say they have strained their voices demanding compensation for the wounded, the treatment they were promised, and the jobs that they were told were possible. Much evidence proves that the crisis is still ongoing in all aspects, especially in its psychological impact. Political and economic solutions require time that may exceed the limits of the unemployed. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051112?start=198 Algeria's ruling National Liberation Front won 220 of 462 seats in the Algeria parliament, maintaining the status quo in the country, reports Al Jazeera. However, members of other parties, such as the Green Alliance, claim that the elections were fraudulent. Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051112 Israel, Muslim Brotherhood, Jordan, Islamism, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests, Kunar Province, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Iran-Israel relations, Syrian Civil War, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict Presenter, Female #1 Algeria's interior minister, Dahu Ould Kablia, announced the results of the parliamentary elections, saying the ruling National Liberation Front won 220 of the 462 seats. The National Democratic Rally received 68 seats, and the Islamists received almost 60 seats, including 48 for the Green Algeria alliance, which came in third place. Guest, Male #1 (Dahu Ould Kablia, Algerian Interior Minister) The National Liberation Front obtained 220 seats, of which 68 were won by women. The National Democratic Rally received 68 seats; 23 were won by women. The Green Algeria alliance obtained 48 seats, including 15 by women. The Front of Socialist Forces received 21 seats, of which 7 were won by women. The Workers' Party received 20 seats, of which 10 were won by women. Reporter, Female #1 Joining us from Algeria is Dr. Fateh Rebiai, the secretary general of en-Nahda movement and a leader with the Green Algeria alliance. What is your reaction to these results, Dr. Fateh? Guest, Male #2 (Fateh Rebiai, En-Nahda movement Secretary General and Green Alliance Leader) In the name of God, the most gracious and the most merciful. I think the results announced by the interior minister will be challenged politically, and also by the Algerian people since the Algerians were expecting changes, and an "Arab Spring" through the ballot boxes, but the results were disappointing. Algeria returned to the one-party rule era. Reporter, Female #1 And particularly disappointing for you, since your coalition was expecting to win the first place. Guest, Male #2 Yes, but it wasn't merely expectations. Until last night, the results were favorable to the Green Algeria alliance. Even the official results that were announced indicated we were leading, and we were in the first place in 17 districts. But then we found ourselves missing from 31 provinces or districts. This led us to confirm that breaches and violations that were limited to certain areas had spread. So this is why we're questioning the results. Reporter, Female #1 So you consider the performance of your alliance to be must worse than anticipated because of breaches and violations. Why haven't we heard any complaints from your side during the voting, or even before the elections? Guest, Male #2 Before the voting started, and before we engaged in the electoral process, we warned of this issue. And we also did during the elections, and we held press conferences to speak out about the issue during the voting. So today, we hold the administration that oversaw the elections fully responsible. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051012?start=855 <p><strong>WARNING: Graphic Content. </strong>Thousands of Mauritanians declare readiness to kick out President Aziz, devastating bombings hit the Syrian capital as the blame game continues, Algeria holds parliamentary elections amid voter apathy, and more.</p> Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051012 Israel, Bahrain Uprising, Bahrain, Hosni Mubarak, Egypt, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Damascus, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Arab Spring - duplicate Press TV reports that despite blatant human rights violations and condemnation by rights groups, the international community remains largely indifferent to the situation in Bahrain, and adds that the United States in particular seems to keep its interests in mind with regards to the Arab Spring uprisings. Press TV points out that Bahrain is home to the United States Fifth Fleet, and that Egypt had close ties to Israel under Mubarak's 30-year dictatorship. It also notes that the US has not acknowledged any uprising in Saudi Arabia in spite of the Kingdom's crackdown on anti-regime protests, especially in the oil-rich Eastern Province. http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-april-30-2012?start=740 Bahrain has granted appeals for 21 people accused of trying to overthrow the US-backed monarchy after the Arab Spring protests began last last year, including human rights leader Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, who is on the 82nd day of his hunger strike. We interview the producers of "Booker's Place," a new documentary that tells the story of a black Mississippi waiter who lost of life by speaking out. And ahead of the Occupy Movement's May Day protests, leading social theorist David Harvey details urban uprisings from Occupy Wall Street to the Paris Commune. Plus headlines, and more. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:12:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-april-30-2012 Occupy movement, Bahrain Uprising, Occupy Wall Street, May Day, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, Bahrain, Protest, General strike, International Workers' Day, Booker Wright Bahrain has granted appeals for 21 people accused of trying to overthrow the U.S.-backed monarchy after the Arab Spring protests began last last year. The prisoners include human rights leader Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, who is on the 82nd day of his hunger strike. "We've seen this before, where if there's enough international pressure, they'll send the case back to court and then try to buy as much time as possible ... until the international community, to some extent, loses interest in following up with the case," says Alkhawaja's daugher, Maryam Alkhawaja. "These are people that should have never been arrested or imprisoned, to begin with, and they should have been released." She notes much of the evidence used in the military courts was gained from confessions extracted under torture. We also speak with Human Rights Watch's Joe Stork, editor of a new report that finds Bahrain's police continue to beat and torture detainees, including minors. Bahrain has announced a retrial for 21 people accused of trying to overthrow the U.S.-backed monarchy after the Arab Spring protests last year, including human rights leader Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, who's in the 82nd day of his hunger strike. The news comes as a new report from Human Rights Watch finds Bahrain's police continue to beat and torture detainees, including minors. An independent inquiry six months ago forced the Bahraini government to promise reforms. But according to pro-democracy activists interviewed for the report, police beat them while taking them to a police station. A government spokesperson denied the findings, saying, quote, "The allegations are absurd, and unfortunately, we ask for human rights organizations not to rely on unreliable sources." Human rights leader Abdulhadi Alkhawaja was arrested last April during a government crackdown on protests by the country's Shia majority that has been demanding greater rights from its Sunni rulers. He has been refusing food since February 8th to protest the life sentence he received in June for allegedly plotting against the state. Bahrain said today Alkhawaja is one of the political activists who will be given a retrial, this time in a civilian court rather than a military court as before. Alkhawaja's daughter, Zainab Alkhawaja, also a pro-democracy activist, was arrested last week for protesting her father's imprisonment and is reportedly still detained. In the past year, Bahraini security forces have killed dozens of demonstrators. Hundreds more have been arrested or fired from their jobs. The island nation is a key strategic ally of the United States in the Middle East, home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. For more, we're joined by Alkhawaja's daughter, Maryam, via Democracy Now! audio stream from Beirut, Lebanon, where she's attending a conference organized by the Gulf Center for Human Rights. And in Washington, D.C., we're joined by Joe Stork, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Middle East division, who was last in Bahrain in March 2011, now banned by the government from returning. We welcome you both to Democracy Now! Let's go directly to Beirut. Maryam, can you tell us your reaction to the latest news? The Bahraini government has announced it will retry 21 protesters, including your father, who was sentenced to life last year and is in the 82nd day of his hunger strike. Thank you. Well, I think the first several issues at hand—first of all, it's not a retrial, but an appeal. It's going back to the appeals court, and so not a retrial. The second question has to be: what evidence are they relying on? I mean, if they're taking someone back to court, it must mean that they have some kind of evidence. And as far as we know, the only evidence they had in the trial that they did in the military court was confessions that were taken under torture. I think that this is just buying time from the Bahraini government. We've seen this before, where if there's enough international pressure, they'll, you know, send the case back to court and then try to buy as much time as possible, as they did with the medics, until the international community, to some extent, loses—you know, loses interest in following up with the case. And I think that's what we're seeing here. These are people that should have never been arrested or imprisoned, to begin with, and they should have been released, not being taken to an appeals court. Maryam, what has happened to your sister Zainab, who we have frequently spoken to on Democracy Now!, who is protesting your father's imprisonment? She is now in jail? Yes, she was—she has been arrested at least three or four times in just this month. She was arrested three times when she went to the hospital where my father was being kept, trying to see him when his health deteriorated. And she was arrested at those times. And then she was arrested again in front of the Financial Harbour, where she sat in the middle of the highway, you know, in protest of his continued arrest and his deteriorating health. And she was—according to my family, who were able to see her yesterday for the first time in a week, she told them that she was continuously kicked and beaten, and one of the female officers held a baton against her neck trying to choke her. And now she's being charged with assaulting an officer. She was also protesting the Grand Prix being held in Bahrain at this time? Well, yes, of course. I mean, everyone was out on the streets protesting the Grand Prix. And, of course, another thing that really is making people very angry in Bahrain, my father's case is one of them, but we have to remember that at a time when my father may have a few days left, Salah Abbas, who was killed, doesn't have any days left. He left behind him five children, and he was also supporting his dead brother's children, as well. And he was killed by the security forces after he was beaten severely and then shot with a pellet shotgun. Explain when that happened. That happened on the first day of racing for the Formula One. He was found on the roof of one of the houses in a farm. And the people who were with him had been found the night before. Many of them had fractures in either their legs or their arms. When he was found, then doctors were able to look at his body. They informed me that he had fractures in his neck. He had hits, blows to the head, to the skull, which they think was caused by a gun. And he had, of course, many, many injuries from pellets. Back to your father, Maryam, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, who is in the 82nd day of his hunger strike, we're getting conflicting reports of him being force-fed, the government denying this. Can you tell us about his health, his physical condition now? Well, I mean, he stopped drinking water. That was last week on Thursday, so a week—not this Thursday, but the one before it. And we knew that he was going to go into critical condition very, very soon, if not a coma. And so, when he went missing for several days, we were very worried about what that meant. When my family was finally able to see him yesterday, he informed my mother that he had been drugged, tied to the bed, and then force-fed by—they had put a tube down his nose into his stomach. Now, of course, this is dangerous on many levels. First of all, my father told my mother that he considered this torture, given that he was force-fed and made—or put in solitary confinement. But then also the fact that they're force-feeding him, this could cause health complications as infections and other things, which could further deteriorate his health. So this is very, very problematic. And, of course, my father said that he holds the doctor, the hospital and the minister of the interior responsible for this force-feeding. We're also joined by a close friend of Abdulhadi Alkhawaja. That is Joe Stork. He is deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Middle East division. Joe, Human Rights Watch has just put out yet another report on Bahrain. Talk about what you have found. Well, one of the big issues in Bahrain for many years now has been torture. We've documented torture over the last several years on several occasions, including torture that people complained about during the crackdown last year. The Bassiouni commission report that you referred to documented torture specifically in the case of Abdulhadi Khawaja. The government has made a big show of saying, "OK, this has been a problem. We're going to turn the page on this. It's not going to happen anymore." One of the commission's recommendations was to put TV cameras, for instance, in police stations. OK, no one would say that's a bad idea. But what they're doing is simply displacing the venue of—changing the venue of where the torture is taking place. I mean, we documented numerous cases, where people, young people, some of them children, were severely beaten, were badly beaten, threatened with rape, threatened with death, in order to confess to one thing or another, before they were ever taken into a police station. So, clearly, the sort of instinctual response of Bahraini police—and, it seems, officials—is to torture, as just a mode of policing. Could I make just one point about the trial of Abdulhadi and the other protest leaders, too? I mean, it's not just a fair trial issue, although it's that. It's not just the fact that they relied on confessions that were coerced—it's that, too. But if you look at the trial record, which we did in a report that we published just six weeks ago, where we analyzed Abdulhadi's trial in particular—if you read the trial verdict, for instance, it's simply breathtaking. All the crimes, so-called crimes, that are alluded to are things they said, meetings they attended, documents that were found on their computers, their call for peaceful protest. They even quote the leaders as calling for peaceful protest. And it's for these crimes of speech, essentially, crimes of participating in peaceful assembly. That's the basis for that conviction. So I agree with Maryam completely: the issue shouldn't be an appeal; the issue should be freedom for all these people, for all 21. You, Joe Stork, yourself, have been banned from returning to Bahrain? Yes, that's right. Why? The government says that I am not impartial, that I only report on one side of the problem. I mean, it's complete, complete nonsense. And I should point out that it's not—I've been banned, but my organization—in fact, all human rights organizations have been highly restricted in terms of getting into Bahrain, as has international media, in fact. I mean, it's a very, very unfriendly place these days for human rights groups. Joe Stork, you're an American citizen. What about the role of the United States? I mean, this is clearly an extremely important place for the United States, works very closely with the Bahraini monarchy, the home of the Navy's Fifth Fleet. Right, right. And I think the United States government, the Obama administration, is actually quite spooked about what's going on in Bahrain. They're quite nervous. They see that none of the—none of the things that they've pushed for so far, such as the Bassiouni commission report and so forth—I mean, it's a good report, it has good recommendations and so forth, but the government simply hasn't used it as a platform to turn things around. And that's clearly—you know, the United States is interested in a stable partner there, and stability is certainly not on the horizon. But at the same time, the United States has, I'd say, found it very difficult to raise its voice on these issues, unlike in some other countries. And I think the main reason for that is, yes, it's the basing—it's the basing for the Fifth Fleet, but it's also Saudi Arabia. The U.S. is very deferential when it comes to talking about human rights in Saudi Arabia or in a country that Saudi Arabia—as one Saudi diplomat here in Washington put it, he said, "It's our Cuba. Don't even think about meddling." Final comment from Maryam in Beirut. You're at a major human rights conference taking place in Beirut, Lebanon. When do you return to Bahrain? What are you calling for, for your father and for your sister Zainab? Well, of course, I mean, I haven't been back to Bahrain in over a year now, and I don't think—I don't see myself going back anytime soon, either, because of the situation there, and because of the kind of work that I'm doing, which could be very limited if I was inside Bahrain. As for what are we calling for, I mean, I don't think that the spotlight should be only on my father's case, on my sister's case, as there are currently, according to our estimations, around 700 political prisoners. And so, what we're calling for is just the same response that the West gives to other countries. We want the same in Bahrain. When it comes to human rights violations, one person's life is not more important than the other. And so, just like there have been special sessions on the other countries in the Human Rights Council, we should be able to see the same, as well. And, I mean, it's very unfortunate that the U.S. and the U.K. and France and other countries are selling arms to Bahrain today, and they've become to Bahrain what Russia is to Syria. And so, what we would like to see is a discussion of economic sanctions, since the human rights violations are still continuing on a daily basis. I want to thank you both for being with us. Maryam Alkhawaja, joining us from Beirut, speaking up for her father, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, who's on the 82nd day of his hunger strike, and her sister, Zainab, who is currently in prison in Bahrain, as well. And thank you to Joe Stork, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Middle East division, speaking to us from Washington, D.C. We'll link to Human Rights Watch's report on Beirut—on Bahrain that has just come out. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040212?start=1340 <p>Israel moves Palestinian hunger striker from detention to large open air prison, Syria agrees to April 10 peace deadline as protests continue, Iraq asks Qatar to hand over fugitive vice-president, and more.</p> Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040212 Israel, Israelis, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, West Bank, Israeli-occupied territories, Hana Shalabi, Marwan Barghouti, Migron, Mateh Binyamin, Haredi Judaism, Israeli–Palestinian conflict Presenter, Male #1 Amid the Arab Spring, Saudi women are also experiencing their own spring. Reporter, Female #1 Saudi women's participation in social and political life remains controversial among the kingdom's hardliners. And every time a sign of hope appears for women, its opponents kill it with Islamic jurisprudence debates and doubts. But more recently, a multi-layered mobilization around women's issues started. Guest, Female #2 Today is June 17 in Janna. I'm going to the grocery store. In the name of God. Reporter, Female #1 A number of Saudi women, headed by Manal al-Sharif, violated the driving ban and organized campaigns with the aim of defying that ban, the most prominent of which was called "Women 2 Drive". Saudi women are also moving towards taking part in the Olympic Games for the first time in their history, rendering the London 2012 Olympic Games a witness to female participation from all countries. Additionally, a Saudi woman is getting ready to place her name in the Guinness World Records book. Reema Abdullah, founder of the first women football team in Saudi Arabia, became the first Saudi Arabian female athlete to carry the Olympic torch on its way to London. Meanwhile, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Fahd wondered on his personal Twitter account about the benefit of a Saudi woman carrying the Olympic torch: Is either to provoke monotheists, or is indicative of Western hypocrisy? He called on scholars to condemn the action, saying he would exert efforts to stop it. Media reports mentioned that Saudi Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz approved of the participation of Saudi female athletes in the Olympics, as long as the sport is appropriate for women's nature and decency, and does not contradict Sharia teachings. Reporter, Female #1 It is worth mentioning that physical education in Saudi Arabia is limited to state-run all-boy schools, and women are forbidden to participate in any sport inside the kingdom. Just as sports, women are barred from working in the judiciary. So while Saudi women were unable to study law due to a lack of women's law schools, today, women are graduating from faculties of human rights and political science. However, they can only work as legal consultants. But the ambitions of Saudi women do not stop, so they demanded their right to practice law. And after many rounds of appeals and trips to the ministries to ask that women lawyers be granted licenses to defend women in specific personal cases, the Saudi justice minister stated there is no Islamic law or state law that forbids Saudi women from being lawyers. Perhaps the most prominent movement was witnessed in the universities of Riyadh, when Saudi female students helped organize the "Awakening of the Universities" campaign to support Saudi female prisoners in the kingdom's jails. So to summarize, this is only the tip of the iceberg the women's movement is witnessing in Saudi Arabia. Perhaps this is the women's chapter of the Arab Spring. And Saudi women imposed themselves, and are still attempting to do so despite male dominance. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-032812?start=34 A spokesman for the Syrian foreign ministry, Dr. Jihad Makdissi, confirmed that Syria will not deal with any Arab League initiative at any level, as reported in a statement to BBC Arabic. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-032812 Syrian Civil War, Palestinians, Yemen Uprising, Yemen, Syria, Libya, Hillary Clinton, Israel, Arab Spring - duplicate, Heglig Presenter, Female #1 Following a closed-door session of Arab foreign ministers in Baghdad, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said in a press conference that participants have reached an updated and specific draft resolution on the crisis in Syria, which will be presented to Arab leaders during their meeting tomorrow. The draft resolution by Arab foreign ministers convening ahead of the Arab Summit in Baghdad tomorrow stipulated rejection to foreign intervention in Syria. In addition, it demanded that officials in the Syrian security and military institutions be held accountable for human rights violations. Reporter, Female #2 After decades of absence, the Arab summit is returning to Baghdad. Ahead of the summit, a meeting was held for the foreign ministers of the participating countries to set the agenda of the summit. Speakers tackled issues that have been and remain the focus of the Arabs' attention: Palestine's cause, Sudan's division, the end of Iraq's ordeal after the US invasion, and what has become known as the "Arab Spring." Here, the countries that have been affected by the "Arab Spring" are gaining more attention than others. Syria is absent from the meeting since its membership in the Arab League was suspended. But the Syrian crisis is present on the discussion table of the foreign ministers and the leaders of Arab countries attending the summit. Guest, Male #1 (Nabil al-Arabi, Arab League Secretary-General) Second, the occupied Arab Syrian Golan Heights. The third item is related to the developments of the situation in Syria. Reporter, Female #2 The issues Nabil al-Arabi included in the agenda were also mentioned in the speeches of some participating ministers. Iraq chose then middle ground when it came to the Syrian issue by supporting the Syrian people's demands while committing to rejecting foreign involvement in resolving the Syrian crisis. Guest, Male #2 (Hoshyar Zebari, Iraqi Foreign Minister) We confirm our full support for the Syrian people's aspirations and legitimate demands for freedom, democracy, and their right to determine their future and choose their rulers, as well as a peaceful rotation of power. We condemn the violence and killing, and call for an end to the bloodshed and adherence to a political solution and national dialogue, and we reject foreign intervention in the Syrian crisis to protect Syria's unity and the Syrian people's safety. Reporter, Female #2 However, Libya's point of view was different from Iraq's. The Libyan foreign minister requested additional international pressure on Syria to halt what he called the regime's bloodbath and violence. Guest, Male #3 (Ashour Ben Khayil, Libyan Foreign Minister) Despite our appreciation for what the Arab countries have accomplished through the Arab League, the situation requires additional collective and individual work. International pressure should be exerted on the regime to end the bloodshed and enable the Syrian people to achieve their aspirations for a free and dignified life. Reporter, Female #2 The Arab foreign ministers' draft resolution rejects foreign interference in the Syrian issue, and demands that officials in the Syrian security and military institutions be held accountable for human rights violations. The plan intends to protect Syria's unity, stability, and regional safety, while avoiding any military intervention. Guest, Male #1 To halt the violence and killing, and end the bloodshed. Presenter, Female #1 Meanwhile, spokesman for the Syrian foreign ministry, Dr. Jihad Makdissi, denied in an interview with the BBC the presence of any Syrian representatives at the Arab summit to be convened in Baghdad. He indicated in a statement to the BBC that Syria's membership at the Arab League was suspended, and for this reason, suggestions that Syria is participating in the summit at any level is incorrect. On the other hand, al-Makdissi said there are ongoing talks that delegations attending the Baghdad summit are discussing the new Arab initiative on Syria. He confirmed that Syria will not deal with any Arab League initiative at any level. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031212?start=1069 <p>Israeli air strikes on Gaza claimed 23 lives since Friday, the Taliban vows revenge after US soldier massacres 16 Afghans, US drone attacks kill 60 people in Yemen over the weekend, and more.</p> Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031212 Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinians, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Gaza, United States, Yemen, Arab Spring - duplicate, Gaza City, Migron, Mateh Binyamin Presenter, Female #1 The Syrian Revolution's General Commission said 88 people were killed across the country today by the Syrian security's gunfire. Most of them died in the neighborhoods of Karm al-Zaytoun and al-Ashira. The Syrian government denied the allegation, and held armed opposition groups responsible for killing a family in al-Ashira neighborhood. Government forces are carrying out a campaign of raids and arrests, and attacks in Dara'a, the countryside of Damascus, and various parts of Idlib, Hama and Aleppo. Reporter, Male #1 Reports of atrocities committed in the city of Homs provoked the anger of the Syrian opposition, while the government accused armed dissidents of committing these crimes. The army and security's military operations are not limited to this disaster-stricken city; other areas are facing similar campaigns. The Syrian army, which has been launching widescale attacks for weeks, says it is targeting armed extremists. However, civilians are paying the price. Reporter, Male #1 In al-Qamishili, which holds a Kurdish majority, thousands of citizens demonstrated, and were confronted by gunfire, according to activists. Activists uploaded these images online. They were taken in the northern part of the country, and activists are seen confronting Syrian state media over accusations they are faking their videos. In Aleppo, the university campus and other neighborhoods witnessed demonstrations. The opposition said cities in the countryside of Damascus were stormed, dozens were arrested, and victims were either shot by snipers or killed. Protests also erupted in the villages and cities of Huran. In Idlib, the escalation of the government forces' military operation indicates the city may be among the next targets by the regime. Reporter, Male #1 The main goal is to eliminate the Free Syrian Army. However, the popular movement that takes to the street on a daily basis has announced its solidarity with the defected military members. Meanwhile, the bloody violence continues to escalate. The Syrian government is racing against time, and trying to take advantage of the international and regional community's stagnating position on the situation in Syria. The regime's loyalists view this position as a victory, while the opposition considers it a failure. Many protestors here call it a conspiracy. Wael al-Hajjar, BBC. Presenter, Female #1 British Foreign Minister William Hague called for supporting the countries of what is known as the "Arab Spring," and providing them with the necessary monetary funds at the Security Council. At a Security Council headed by the UK, Hague said a resolution must be reached on the events in Syria. Guest, Male #2 (William Hague, British Foreign Minister) The United Kingdom has convened this meeting for two important reasons: First, to call for intensified international efforts to support political and economic freedom in the Middle East, while respecting the sovereignty of Arab nations. This includes meaningful assistance to Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, and Libya as they strive to make a success of their transitions. And second, to call once again for urgent, essential Security Council action to stem the bloodshed in Syria. The Arab Spring, as it has become known, is already the most significant event of the early 21st century. Presenter, Female #1 Meanwhile, US State Secretary Hillary Clinton called on the nations of the Security Council, specifically Russia and China, not to impede any international resolution that calls for ending the killing and beginning a political transitional in Syria. Guest, Female #2 (Hillary Clinton, US State Secretary) We believe that now is the time for all nations, even those who have previously blocked our efforts, to stand behind the humanitarian and political approach spelled out by the Arab League. The international community should say with one voice, without hesitation or caveat, that the killing of innocent Syrians must stop, and a political transition must begin. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031212?start=1332 Al-Alam reports that student protests in Saudi Arabia expanded to a number of universities in the kingdom after a female student was killed and 54 others were injured in protests at Abha University last week. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031212 Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinians, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Gaza, United States, Yemen, Arab Spring - duplicate, Gaza City, Migron, Mateh Binyamin Presenter, Female #1 Student protests in Saudi Arabia expanded to a number of universities in the kingdom. Students demonstrated at the Faculty of Technology and Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh, the Faculty of Science and Society in Abha, and the Faculty of Education in al-Namas. This comes after a female student was killed and 54 others were injured in protests at Abha University. Reporter, Female #2 In what was described as a rare form of dissent by women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, thousands of female and male students at King Khalid University in the southwestern Saudi city of Abha expanded their student strike in response to a call by university female students. The call came in response to the repression they were subjected to last Wednesday, when one female student was killed, and 54 others were injured. Regime forces arrested student Mujahid al-Ghanim from the university campus for supporting students in their demonstrations. The protests expanded from King Khalid University to the Faculty of Science and Society in Abha, and the Faculty of Education in al-Namas. Reporter, Female #2 In the holy city of al-Medina, Taibah University expelled a student for criticizing the university's deteriorating conditions during a meeting with the school's principal. The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information condemned the use of violence to disperse a sit-in by students demanding their rights. The organization asked that students be granted their freedoms, and demanded the release of the detainees. Reporter, Female #2 These incidents, along with the arbitrary arrests of lawyers and bloggers, and the detainment of prisoners of conscience several years ago, were depicted by Arabic newspapers as signs that the arrival of the Arab Spring to the kingdom is a mere question of time. Newspapers are saying the fundamental factors the kingdom relies on to enhance internal stability include "defensive bribes," historical alliances with religious institutions, suppressing the opposition, and receiving support from the West, but that the foundation of those factors have started to shake under the pressure of the growing challenges. Reporter, Female #2 According to the Carnegie Institution, 16 men received long sentences after attempting to establish a human rights organization. The founder of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association was also arrested in May of last year, as well as dozens of members of the Umma Islamic Party that demanded larger representation and an end to absolute monarchy. These developments come as the first anniversary of what is known as the "Day of Anger" is looming over Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, reports point to discussions of enacting a new law to fight terrorism in the kingdom that would allow detaining individuals without any charges in accordance with a broad definition of terrorism, which includes smearing the reputation of the state, and undermining its position in the world. Unemployment has become a main issue in the kingdom. According to official figures, 10 percent of the population is unemployed. However, unofficial figures say 20 percent is unemployed, and 22 percent lives under the poverty line. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/senegal-faces-run-off-election-after-first-presidential-ballot?start=0 Senegal appears headed to a run-off election after a heated first round of voting and a year of protests against President Abdoulaye Wade's decision to seek third term, despite a constitutional two-term limit. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:29:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/senegal-faces-run-off-election-after-first-presidential-ballot Senegalese presidential election, 2012, Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, Politics of Senegal, Macky Sall, 2010–2011 Senegalese protests, Term limit, Protest, Two-round system, Arab Spring - duplicate Senegal appears headed to a run-off election after a heated first round of voting and a year of protests against President Abdoulaye Wade's decision to seek third term, despite a constitutional two-term limit. The protests are "the most bloody and blood-filled campaign that the country has ever known," says Arame Tall, a Senegalese analyst. Over the past year, a movement led by a number of Senegalese rappers has helped mobilize the country's youth against Wade, joining the main opposition and civil society group, the June 23 Movement, or M23. "The reference is not really the Arab Spring here, but rather, the history of renaissance in Africa and the history of political change, which we've started, but now we really need to substantiate," Tall says. We also speak with Ken Silverstein, a contributing editor at Harper's magazine, a fellow at the Open Society Institute and investigative journalist with the group Global Witness. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022812?start=655 The Saudi Interior Ministry announced organizing protests is a violation of Sharia, or Islamic law, while an opposition leader who is in exile in Britain said the kingdom is "staggeringly corrupt and repressed," making it ripe for revolution, reports Al-Alam. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022812 Israel, Iran, Nuclear program of Iran, Gaza, Palestinians, Tehran, Saudi Arabia, Iranian legislative election, 2012, Yemen Uprising, Palestinian prisoners in Israel Presenter, Female # 1 The Saudi Interior Ministry announced organizing protests is prohibited in the kingdom, considering them to be a violation of Sharia, or Islamic law. It said security forces have the right to take the appropriate measures in response to demonstrations. Meanwhile, an economic report indicated Saudi authorities will be changing the kingdom's economic strategy to meet the demands of the "Arab Spring," and maintain calm among the citizens. Reporter, Male # 1 The Saudi Interior Ministry renewed the use of organized state-terror by declaring that protesting is prohibited in the kingdom, considering it a violation of Islamic law. The ministry confirmed its forces are authorized to take all measures to prevent protests. The ministry's security spokesman said the authorities strictly prohibit demonstrations, marches and sit-ins, saying that even calls to organize protests contradict Sharia, and the values and norms of Saudi society. The spokesman stated this stance is based on regulations, instructions and measures to counter illegitimate goals, in reference to peaceful protests demanding reforms. In the latest such protests, Saudi security forces killed many protesters. Reporter, Male # 1 In an article titled "Arabia awaits its spring," head of the Movement for Islamic Reform, Saad al-Faqih, who is in exile in Britain, said the kingdom is staggeringly corrupt and repressed, making it ripe for revolution. He referred to the large number of political prisoners and mounting corruption, confirming that one hundred billion dollars are missing from last year's state budget. Al-Faqih blamed western media outlets for focusing only on protests in the Eastern Province, and the situation of women, while disregarding the general anger on the Saudi street. The Saudi government is working on adopting new policies. An economic report released by Manar institute, consulting and managing energy projects, revealed the Saudi regime is preparing to change its economic strategy to face the demands of the "Arab Spring," and to calm Saudi citizens. The report also assured that Saudi authorities are seeking to raise the price of its oil exports because of protests over the budget, especially the 130 billion dollars allocated by King Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz to contain the Saudi people's anger. And while an increase in spending is meant to contain the anger of the Saudi street, the crisis is being aggravated between the ruling class and the religious authority, which consists of Salafists on one hand and Wahhabis on the other. That challenge poses as a great a burden on the authorities. The latest manifestation of that conflict was the ruling family's criticism of religious scholars who condemned the king's insistence on holding al-Janadriyah festival, saying the religious scholars' statement undermines national security, and is a deviation from reason and law. Observers believe the crisis will aggravate the current struggle within the ruling family. http://news.linktv.org/videos/post-saleh-yemen-looks-to-rebuild?start=0 Yemen is riding a wave of optimism following the end of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh's decades-long rule. But rebuilding the country could cost billions of dollars -- and this is money the country does not have. Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:47:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/post-saleh-yemen-looks-to-rebuild Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen, Yemen Uprising, Yemeni presidential election, 2012, Abd Rabbu Mansur Hadi, Jamal bin Omar, Politics of Yemen, Sanaa, Mohammed Basindwa, Protest Yemen is riding a wave of optimism following the end of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh's decades-long rule. Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, Saleh's former deputy, has taken over as the country's leader following elections on Tuesday that formally marked the transition of power after months of unrest. Saleh, 69, had been a longtime US ally, but Washington eventually backed a deal brokered by the Gulf Co-operation Council to speed his exit, making him the fourth veteran Arab leader unseated by "Arab Spring" uprisings. But, as Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra reports from the capital Sanaa, rebuilding the country could cost billions - and it is money the country does not have. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021512?start=605 As Libyans celebrate the one-year anniversary of the start of the uprising that turned into a revolution, a new survey aims to find out what they think about both the past and the future, reports BBC Arabic. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021512 Israel, Iran, Strike, Tehran, Iran-Israel relations, Nuclear facilities in Iran, Politics of Israel, Amman, Demographics of Libya, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Male # 1 Libyans are getting ready to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the start of the uprising that turned into a revolution, and ended with the killing of Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi and the downfall of his regime. Bloody fighting, and tens of thousands of people were killed and injured in 2011. At the same time, Libya was marked that year by a new regime, government, and rulers. So how do Libyans look at the past and the future? The British University of Oxford attempted to answer this essential question by conducting field research in Libya. Reporter, Male # 2 This demonstration in Benghazi on February 15, 2011, sparked a Libyan journey that ended with a complete change of the face of the country. Bloody fighting, with the participation of international powers and the blessing of the Security Council, continued until October 20, 2011, with the killing of Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi in an unforgettable bloody scene. And now, after all these events, how do Libyans perceive the past year, and how do they view the future? The British University of Oxford, with the cooperation of the University of Benghazi, conducted the first field research, aimed at looking into the opinion of Libyans since the eruption of the uprising and following its victory. Reporter, Male # 2 These are part of the survey's results. Libyans are most likely happy; the survey placed Libya in position 13 of 57 on its level of optimism, ranking ahead of France, the US and Germany. As for the Libyans' position on the revolution, 82 percent are certain it was entirely good, and 15 percent believe it was good, but with less certainty. On spending priorities in the upcoming phase, 34 percent of Libyans believe health care should be the priority, while 27 percent prefer education. 17 percent chose infrastructure, and only 8 percent chose environmental improvements. Reporter, Male # 2 And with political Islam highlighted in all "Arab Spring" movements, 49 percent of Libyans believe religion and politics are one. Only 21 percent view the two as completely separate. 30 percent of Libyans believe there is some link between the two. How do Libyans evaluate the role of the international community in toppling al-Gaddafi? 42 percent of Libyans acknowledge Qatar's role, 39 percent recognize France's role, 7 percent give credit to the US, and only 5 percent to Britain. And the same way some helped the Libyans in their uprising, there are forces that cooperated with al-Gaddafi. 60 percent of Libyans view Algeria as the top player among these forces. 14 percent believe Russia was the Gaddafi regime's main ally, and 6 percent point to China. The Libyans' optimism, as reflected in the survey, doubles the new regime's responsibility. The optimism that is not attributed to the reality often turns to frustration, and frustration turns to anger. Nasser Farghali, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/algerian-murder-riot-symptom-of-growing-unrest?start=0 Angry residents of Cheraga, a suburb of the capital Algiers, hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at the paramilitary police, demanding increased efforts in a local murder investigation. Police responded with water cannon and tear gas. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:01:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/algerian-murder-riot-symptom-of-growing-unrest Algeria, Chéraga, Algiers, Protest, Tear gas, Throwing stones, Molotov cocktail, Water cannon, Murder, Riot Algerian security forces dispersed a riot on Tuesday by throwing water cannons and tear gas at protesters in Cheraga, a suburb of the capital Algiers. The angry residents hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at the paramilitary police demanding increased efforts in the investigation of a local man who they alleged was fatally stabbed by a gang. The father of the victim, Nouredine Ait Ouareth, says the priority is for justice to be served and for the government to give importance to the case, as some locals believed the release of a few of the apprehended suspects was due to their prominent status in society. Redouane, a neighbor of the victim, said they will continue to protest until those responsible are arrested and pay for their crime, and to call for the expulsion of the prosecutor dealing with the case. Riots have become common in Algeria and shares the problems of its neighbors in terms of unemployment and suspicion of governmental corruption. While the recent unrest has been contained and sporadic, such friction between residents and authorities could manifest into a national movement akin to the countries involved in last year's Arab Spring. Report by Noora Faraj. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-012512?start=1385 <p>Egypt's revolutionaries vow second uprising against military council, Bahraini police violently disperse anti-regime protesters, Iran dismisses Obama's war threats as election propaganda, and more.</p> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-012512 Protest, Sanctions against Iran, Egyptian Revolution, Tahrir Square, Iran, Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, Civilian casualties, European Union, Syria Presenter, Male # 1 The inauguration of an international conference on the role of reformist thought in countering violence was held in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott. Presenter, Female # 1 According to the organizers, the conference aims to promote a culture of moderation among the youth and a rejection of violence and religious extremism. Presenter, Male # 1 Intellectuals and scholars from different Arab and Muslim countries will be participating in the three-day conference. Reporter, Male # 2 The proceedings of the official inauguration of the international conference on reformist thought and the rejection of violence is being organized by the Mauritanian government in cooperation with the international centrism forum. The organizers' vision was clear during the inauguration; they aim to resist what is called takfiri thought and extremist speech. The conference reflected the concerns of officials. Guest, Male # 3 (Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Mauritanian President) Addressing this phenomenon is everyone's responsibility but the largest burden falls on the umma's intellectuals and scholars, who must be presented with opportunities to formulate and influence the right kind of speech, which is a moderate one. Reporter, Male # 2 The participation of intellectuals and prominent figures could allow a multiplicity of approaches on the themes to be addressed at the conference, most notably the implication of what is now known now as the "Arab Spring." Guest, Male # 4 (Al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, Head of Sudanese Umma Party) The "Arab Spring" movements achieved victories for the people without violent conflict. And wherever the people regained their freedom, they freely expressed their Islamic aspirations. The tyrants should have known that the era of individual rule had ended. Reporter, Male # 2 The international conference to combat what is known as violent speech was viewed by some observers as part of the Mauritanian authorities' attempt to combat the phenomenon. In early 2010, the Mauritanian authorities organized a dialogue between Salafist prisoners and a group of scholars, who issued recommendations rejecting violence and extremism. Ten prisoners were later released. Mohammad al-Souvi, al-Jazeera, Nouakchott.