http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Kuwait) en-us Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:09:00 -0700 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/shifting-sands-did-kuwait-move-its-border-with-iraq?start=0 Iraqis in the city of Um Qasr sabotaged border markers along their country's border with Kuwait after claiming the frontier had been moved during UN-supervised repairs to the border demarcation. In response, Kuwait sent a memorandum to the United Nations expressing discontent over the attack. Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister, Khaled al-Jarallah, said that the sabotage is inconsistent with the "brotherly relations" that exist between the two countries. On TV reports. Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:09:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/shifting-sands-did-kuwait-move-its-border-with-iraq Iraq-Kuwait relations, Government of Kuwait, United Nations, Kuwait, Iraq, Umm Qasr, Mosaic: World News from the Middle East Iraqis in the city of Um Qasr sabotaged border markers along their country's border with Kuwait after claiming the frontier had been moved during UN-supervised repairs to the border demarcation. In response, Kuwait sent a memorandum to the United Nations expressing discontent over the attack. Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister, Khaled al-Jarallah, said that the sabotage is inconsistent with the "brotherly relations" that exist between the two countries. On TV reports. http://news.linktv.org/videos/gulf-war-general-stormin-norman-dead?start=0 Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, architect of the US-led victory over Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the 1991 Gulf War, has died at the age of 78. The ailing George HW Bush was among those paying tribute to "Stormin' Norman." Fri, 28 Dec 2012 01:50:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/gulf-war-general-stormin-norman-dead Gulf War, Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr., Iraq, Kuwait, US Armed Forces, Saddam Hussein, Associated Press Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, architect of the US-led victory over Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the 1991 Gulf War, has died at the age of 78. The ailing George HW Bush was among those paying tribute to "Stormin' Norman." http://news.linktv.org/videos/tweets-against-emir-land-kuwaitis-in-jail?start=0 BBC Arabic reports that the public prosecution in Kuwait arrested four individuals on charges of insulting the country's emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, in comments made on Twitter. The prosecution investigated seven opposition supporters and released three on bail. Two members of the ruling family said they were jailed for two days last week for the same reason. Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:36:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/tweets-against-emir-land-kuwaitis-in-jail Human rights in Kuwait, Twitter, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Government of Kuwait, Kuwait, Jassem Al-Kharafi, Politics of Kuwait, Opposition (politics), Mosaic: World News from the Middle East, BBC Arabic Presenter, Female #1 The public prosecution in Kuwait arrested four individuals on charges of insulting the country's emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, in comments made on Twitter. Meanwhile, the former speaker of the National Assembly, Jassem al-Kharafi, called on his citizens to head to the ballot boxes on December first to cast their votes in elections boycotted by the opposition. Reporter, Male #1 Less than two weeks before elections are scheduled in Kuwait, the National High Commission for Elections issued a decision rejecting the candidacy of 39 citizens, including former deputies and new candidates. These developments are unfolding as the country is witnessing a political crisis due to amendments to the election law, which the opposition opposes. Reporter, Male #1 On another front, and amid the political and security tension Kuwait is witnessing, the public prosecution arrested four people on charges of offending the country's emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, in comments made on Twitter. The prosecution investigated with seven opposition supporters, and released three on bail. Two members of the ruling family said they were arrested last week for two days for the same reason. Guest, Male #1 (Naser al-Abdali, Head of the Kuwait Society for the Advancement of Democracy) These are not new procedures. If we go look back, we see the issue is not confined to amending the election law. But this same issue and environment has been present for the past five years, and developed into where we are today. There are many violations on Twitter, especially since the Kuwaiti constitution holds specific people responsible, and that includes the head of the government, and the government. So the criticism must be directed at the head of the government and the ministers. But I believe a departure from this constitutional framework is a departure from the only political reference in Kuwait, which is the constitution. This would be an attempt to ignite useless battles. Reporter, Male #1 It is worth noting that Kuwaiti authorities decided last month to ban any gathering that exceeds 20 people unless a license is granted. The country's emir met with the royal family and tribal leaders to discuss the repercussions of the crisis. The Kuwaiti army had announced joint maneuvers will be held with the Peninsula Shield Forces, in which live ammunition will be used in the north of the country during January and February 2013. However, he said those exercises have no relation to the developing situation in that Gulf country. The political crisis in Kuwait coincides with the 50th anniversary of the ratification of the constitution. At the time, it was a significant development in the region. But many observers believe it is that constitution, despite its weaknesses, that aided the country overcome its many crises. Fadi Dosari, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111912?start=897 <p>Israeli strikes kill Palestinian children and civilians as resistance factions unite, armed Islamist groups in Aleppo reject Syrian National Coalition, Kuwait arrests four Twitter users over insulting comments, and more.</p> Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111912 Gaza–Israel conflict, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Gaza City, Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, Palestinians, Gaza, Al-Quds Brigades, Ramallah Presenter, Female #1 The public prosecution in Kuwait arrested four individuals on charges of insulting the country's emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, in comments made on Twitter. Meanwhile, the former speaker of the National Assembly, Jassem al-Kharafi, called on his citizens to head to the ballot boxes on December first to cast their votes in elections boycotted by the opposition. Reporter, Male #1 Less than two weeks before elections are scheduled in Kuwait, the National High Commission for Elections issued a decision rejecting the candidacy of 39 citizens, including former deputies and new candidates. These developments are unfolding as the country is witnessing a political crisis due to amendments to the election law, which the opposition opposes. Reporter, Male #1 On another front, and amid the political and security tension Kuwait is witnessing, the public prosecution arrested four people on charges of offending the country's emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, in comments made on Twitter. The prosecution investigated with seven opposition supporters, and released three on bail. Two members of the ruling family said they were arrested last week for two days for the same reason. Guest, Male #2 (Naser al-Abdali, Head of the Kuwait Society for the Advancement of Democracy) These are not new procedures. If we go look back, we see the issue is not confined to amending the election law. But this same issue and environment has been present for the past five years, and developed into where we are today. There are many violations on Twitter, especially since the Kuwaiti constitution holds specific people responsible, and that includes the head of the government, and the government. So the criticism must be directed at the head of the government and the ministers. But I believe a departure from this constitutional framework is a departure from the only political reference in Kuwait, which is the constitution. This would be an attempt to ignite useless battles. Reporter, Male #1 It is worth noting that Kuwaiti authorities decided last month to ban any gathering that exceeds 20 people unless a license is granted. The country's emir met with the royal family and tribal leaders to discuss the repercussions of the crisis. The Kuwaiti army had announced joint maneuvers will be held with the Peninsula Shield Forces, in which live ammunition will be used in the north of the country during January and February 2013. However, he said those exercises have no relation to the developing situation in that Gulf country. The political crisis in Kuwait coincides with the 50th anniversary of the ratification of the constitution. At the time, it was a significant development in the region. But many observers believe it is that constitution, despite its weaknesses, that aided the country to overcome its many crises. Fadi Dosari, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111212?start=134 <p>West Africa bloc commits to military intervention in Mali, Kuwaiti opposition holds massive rally against electoral changes, Israel threatens to escalate attacks on Gaza after series of air strikes, and more.</p> Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111212 Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Syria, Syrian Civil War, Israel-Syria relations, Golan Heights, Palestinians, Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah, Lebanon Presenter, Female #1 Licensed by the authorities this time around, opposition groups and some Kuwaiti youth forces organized a mass gathering Sunday night in Irada Square in front of parliament, where they renewed their calls to boycott the election on December 1st. This gathering is an escalation, among others, taken by the opposition to protest the new election law. This also comes after the country's emir gave Kuwaitis the choice between taking the path of the law and the constitution, or chaos. Ahmad al-Eneizi reports from Kuwait. Reporter, Male #1 This rally is described as the largest in comparison to the previous "Dignity of the Homeland" gatherings. Irada Square, in front of the Kuwaiti parliament, hosted a gathering under the supervision of security forces since organizers received an official authorization in contrast to previous unauthorized protests and sit-ins, which witnessed clashes and confrontations between the masses and security personnel. The protest by the opposition, and some political and youth forces, comes as Kuwait is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the constitution. It is also the day on which they are objecting to the new election law, and announcing they will boycott the elections. Reporter, Male #1 Those participating in this escalation expressed their desire to hold on to the popular gatherings and sit-ins to boycott the ballot boxes on December 1st. They also warned that the crisis is headed toward a dead end, and that it places the country at a crossroads. At the same time, they confirmed that the authorities are capable of diffusing the crisis, but that otherwise the confrontation will continue until the overthrow of the next parliament. Guest, Male #2 (Hussein Jamal, Political Analyst) The opposition insists on boycotting and resisting the elections. On the other side, government supporters are confirming that his royal highness assured that he will implement the law in its entirety. Reporter, Male #1 The political situation in Kuwait these days is going through a difficult and sensitive phase. The opposition wasn't satisfied with merely calling for a boycott of the elections, but insisted on implementing all means to change the current situation. In contrast, the authorities say they have been very lenient, but the time has come to firmly apply the law. Ahmed Eneizi, Dubai TV, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110912?start=34 <p>Kuwait's opposition renews calls for election boycott as candidate registration closes, US-approved Syrian opposition group forms governing body, Saudi-backed Bahraini forces kill teenage protester in Diraz, and more.</p> Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110912 Palestinians, Israel, Syrian National Council, Gaza, Syrian Civil War, Israel Defense Forces, Israeli-occupied territories, Politics of Israel, Damascus, Government of Kuwait Presenter, Female #1 In Kuwait, candidates' registration for the upcoming parliamentary elections has closed. The final day witnessed an impressive registration turnout that reached a total of 387 candidates. They will compete for parliamentary seats in elections scheduled for early next month. This comes as the opposition renewed its position calling for a boycott of these elections. It also accuses the government of using what it described as political money during the registration process, a claim denied by the Kuwaiti government. Reporter, Male #1 There was a large turnout of candidates in Kuwait registering on the final days of nominations for the upcoming parliamentary elections in the country. Some candidates viewed their participation in these elections, scheduled for early next month, as a gift. They believe the dispute over the amendment of the election system should not turn into hostility between Kuwaitis. Guest, Male #2 This decree is a gift; we will accept this gift and be proud of it. Guest, Male #3 We Kuwaitis are one people, brothers; we watch out for each other, and parents do not betray one another. We have different opinions, but we do not antagonize each other. Reporter, Male #1 The number of candidates stands at 387. Nearly 160 of them registered their names on the last day of the nomination process that began on the 31st of last month. The impressive turnout was viewed by some opposition parties as the result of what they described as the interference of political money, an accusation denied by the Minister of Information, assuring that there was no government interference in the course of the registration process. Guest, Male #4 (Mohammed Abdullah Mubarak, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs) I assure you that nobody in the government played any role in pressuring people. Reporter, Male #1 For its part, the Kuwaiti opposition is firm in its position to boycott these elections. It said the boycott is a message of protest, which the government should carefully look into. Guest, Male #5 (Bashar Sayegh, Secretary of the National Alliance Movement in Kuwait) The boycott is a message of protest. It's a peaceful message of protest and aims to send a message that this amendment is unacceptable to us and that we reject it. We believe that the amendment, any amendment, to the election law must come from parliament. Reporter, Male #1 The registration for the elections is now closed, and all that remains is election day to choose the members of the new parliament. Until then, no one can predict what the country's situation will lead to amid the struggle between the opposition and the government over the latest amendment to the election law. Reporter, Male #1 The opposition says the only choice it has is to resort to putting pressure on the government through a popular mobilization on the streets. This will lead to the return of a tense and obstructed political situation in the country once again, and that could be the destiny of the political stage in Kuwait. Saed al-Saidi, Al Jazeera, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/kuwaiti-emir-vows-tough-measures-against-illegal-protestors?start=0 Dubai TV reports that following a ban on public protests in the country, Kuwait's emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, vowed to take all necessary measures to guarantee security, and strongly denounced some of the activities and protests that led to what he called the intimidation and terrorization of innocent people. Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:08:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/kuwaiti-emir-vows-tough-measures-against-illegal-protestors Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Human rights in Kuwait, Freedom of assembly, Kuwait, Protest, Dubai TV, Mosaic: World News from the Middle East Presenter, Male #1 After losing hope of getting a response to the demands for which it took to the street, the Kuwaiti opposition vowed to organize new gatherings and marches until the latest electoral law decree is withdrawn. In a speech in front of his citizens yesterday, Kuwait's emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, settled the political controversy triggered by the announcement that the decree will be maintained. He called for dialogue to solve disagreements over the amendment of the election law. Ahmas al-Eneizi reports from Kuwait. Reporter, Male #2 The law will be applied. With this sentence, Kuwait's emir started the speech he gave before a crowd of citizens who came to Bayan Palace to announce their solidarity with him in regard to all his future and past measures and rules that deal with the election law, which recently sparked major controversy in the Kuwaiti street. Guest, Male #3 (Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait) What are the motives of those practicing the revolution's acts since, all praise to God, our country enjoys a democratic society, and a free parliament and a just and honest judiciary? Reporter, Male #2 The emir's speech included both clear and firm terms. He vowed to take all necessary measures to guarantee security, and to implement laws with the same standard for all Kuwaitis. He strongly denounced some of the activities and protests that led to what he called the intimidation and terrorizing of innocent people. He also settled the controversy over the disputed election law, confirming that it will never be withdrawn. For its part, the opposition announced through some of its members that it will not stop its marches and demonstrations until the latest law is withdrawn and things return to their previous state. Guest, Male #4 (Adel al-Damkhi, Former Member of Kuwait's Parliament) We will continue our mobilization and we will continue our boycott. We will use various peaceful means, since we focus on peaceful means. We will issue a statement that a coup against the constitution cannot be carried out in this manner. Reporter, Male #2 A clear and firm speech was given by the emir of Kuwait to his people during which he recalled decisions he had taken without backtracking. Decisions he said were welcomed and supported not only on a local level, but across the Gulf as well. Ahmad al-Eneizi, Dubai TV, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110612?start=580 <p>Russia and Qatar compete over ownership of Syrian people's voice, Britain's Cameron slammed for acting as weapons dealer to Arab despots, Kuwaiti emir vows tough measures against "illegal" protestors, and more.</p> Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110612 Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Politics of Israel, Palestinians, United Nations, Syrian Civil War, Mahmoud Abbas, Gaza, Bashar al-Assad, David Cameron Presenter, Male #1 After losing hope of getting a response to the demands for which it took to the street, the Kuwaiti opposition vowed to organize new gatherings and marches until the latest electoral law decree is withdrawn. In a speech in front of his citizens yesterday, Kuwait's emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, settled the political controversy triggered by the announcement that the decree will be maintained. He called for dialogue to solve disagreements over the amendment of the election law. Ahmas al-Eneizi reports from Kuwait. Reporter, Male #2 The law will be applied. With this sentence, Kuwait's emir started the speech he gave before a crowd of citizens who came to Bayan Palace to announce their solidarity with him in regard to all his future and past measures, and rules that deal with the election law, which recently sparked major controversy in the Kuwaiti street. Guest, Male #3 (Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait) What are the motives of those practicing the revolution's acts since, all praise to God, our country enjoys a democratic society, and a free parliament and a just and honest judiciary? Reporter, Male #2 The emir's speech included both clear and firm terms. He vowed to take all necessary measures to guarantee security, and to implement laws with the same standard for all Kuwaitis. He strongly denounced some of the activities and protests that led to what he called the intimidation and terrorizing of innocent people. He also settled the controversy over the disputed election law, confirming that it will never be withdrawn. For its part, the opposition announced through some of its members that it will not stop its marches and demonstrations until the latest law is withdrawn, and things return to their previous state. Guest, Male #4 (Adel al-Damkhi, Former Member of Kuwaiti Parliament) We will continue our mobilization and we will continue our boycott. We will use various peaceful means, since we focus on peaceful means. We will issue a statement that a coup against the constitution cannot be carried out in this manner. Reporter, Male #2 A clear and firm speech was given by the emir of Kuwait to his people, during which he recalled decisions he had taken without backtracking; decisions he said were welcomed and supported not only on a local level, but across the Gulf as well. Ahmad al-Eneizi, Dubai TV, Kuwait. 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-110112?start=32 <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, Male #1 Authorities in Kuwait released opposition deputy Musallam al-Barrak on a 10,000 dinar bail. This step came at the same time as a decision that banned the organization from all demonstrations in the future. The opposition calls for organizing demonstrations this coming Sunday under the banner, "The Demonstration for Dignity." Nightly demonstrations, which lasted until dawn today, erupted as a result of the authorities' extension of al-Barrak's detention for an additional 10 days. Al-Barrak is facing accusations related to insulting the emir of Kuwait. Guest, Male #2 (Musallam al-Barak, Kuwait Opposition Deputy) I never expected that one day such an accusation could be made. Reporter, Female #1 After a fiery night, with confrontations on the streets between protesters and security forces, Kuwaiti authorities decided to release prominent opposition member Musallam al-Barrak on a 10,000 dinar bail. The court's time frame to look into his case will be announced at a later time. The court warned that it will take rigorous measures against those who participate in demonstrations. Kuwait's opposition leaders called for an emergency meeting in the wake of violent confrontations that lasted through the night between protesters and security forces, according to activist statements. Reporter, Female #1 A former opposition deputy said that the meeting will be attended by all opposition groups and youth activists. It will look into the circumstances of the confrontations that occurred on Wednesday night until dawn on Thursday in several parts of Kuwait. Reporter, Female #1 Eyewitnesses said that Kuwaiti security forces used tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse a demonstration in which thousands of people participated. It headed to the central prison, carrying a sign with a picture of al-Barrak behind bars attached to it, and demands for his release written underneath. The protest took place hours after the decision by Kuwait's public prosecution to detain al-Barrak for 10 days to address the charges brought against him. Reporter, Female #1 Kuwait's Interior Ministry stated in a press release that a number of people it called rioters and instigators who organized a demonstration that reached several residential areas, were arrested and referred for investigation. It indicated that demonstrators closed roads and attacked police with rocks and bottles, which resulted in the injury of five policemen. Reporter, Female #1 Activists said that dozens of people, among them children, were transported to a hospital for tear gas inhalation. Three related accusations were brought against al-Barrak for criticizing the country's emir. During that gathering, al-Barrak had warned the emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, of the consequences of amending the election system. He also warned of turning Kuwait into an authoritarian state. Reporter, Female #1 These events occurred before parliamentary elections, which are expected to take place in December. But the opposition announced it would boycott the elections because of what it said was an approach that aims to bring in an obedient parliament that is supportive of the government. Reema Shinoun, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-103112?start=240 <p>UN calls for end to violence and discrimination against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, controversial electoral law divides Kuwait as registration process begins, Salafists clash with security forces in Tunisia, and more.</p> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-103112 Iran, Nuclear program of Iran, Benjamin Netanyahu, Sanctions against Iran, Paris, François Hollande, President of France, Israel, Prime Minister of Israel, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Female #1 The Kuwaiti government announced that registration is now open for the National Assembly elections, scheduled for December first. On the other hand, members of the opposition and most of the political forces in Kuwait announced they will boycott these elections, and called on the Kuwaiti people not to participate in them. Reporter, Male #1 The Kuwaiti election administration opened its doors to receive parliamentary hopefuls wishing to register their names for the next parliamentary elections, scheduled for December first. The government confirmed it is committed to the election system that was partially amended, allowing each voter to choose one candidate instead of four, as was the case before. Guest, Male #2 (Mohammad al-Abdallah al-Mubarak, Kuwaiti Minister of Information) Our government will not accept any act that would lead to a retreat, and this government is praised for the steps it has taken and pursued until the end. Reporter, Male #1 Some of those candidates running in these elections were quick to justify registering their names. Guest, Female #2 (Massouma al-Mubarak, Candidate and Former MP) Our system is a single electoral system, so adopting the single vote system is a return to the right path of the implementation of democracy. Reporter, Male #1 The process of registering the candidates occurred without obstacles in the early hours. However, the opponents of these elections were represented by some youths who came to express their boycott in their own way. Guest, Male #3 Today, we are protesting to clarify why we are boycotting these elections. Reporter, Male #1 Opposition representatives and most of the political forces, supported by youth forces in Kuwait, announced that they will go beyond simply boycotting the election. Guest, Male #4 (Osama Shahin, Member of the Kuwaiti Majority Opposition) We are committed to the opposition and the poplar movement that is mounting pressure against these elections, and against the government's practices that we view as unconstitutional. Reporter, Male #1 The level of tension is gradually rising in the country and observers expect it to reach its peak as election day nears. It seems that Kuwaitis have not forgotten 2012. At the beginning of the year, a parliament was annulled through a verdict by the constitutional court, and in the middle of the year, another parliament was dissolved. And now, 2012 insists on not completing its remaining days without new elections for the Kuwaitis. The candidates are registering here to produce a new parliament for the Kuwaitis, but no one knows what fate awaits this parliament. Saad al Saidi, Al Jazeera, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102212?start=33 <p>Thousands of Kuwaitis protest changes to electoral system, Lebanese army struggles to control Tripoli as gunmen roam streets, hundreds of Libyan families flee Bani Walid, and more.</p> Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102212 Syria, Islamophobia, Muslim, 2011 Kuwait protests, Tripoli, Lebanon, Bab al-Tabbaneh–Jabal Mohsen clashes, Bani Walid, Al-Qaeda, Rohingya, Freedom of speech Presenter, Female #1 Thousands of Kuwaitis demonstrated last night to protest against the new electoral law. Eyewitnesses said police used tear gas and sound bombs to disperse protestors from in front of the government headquarters. Presenter, Male #1 Our Al Jazeera correspondent reported that security authorities arrested former Member of Parliament Waleed Al-Tabatabaie, who participated in the demonstration. The public prosecution in Kuwait ordered the imprisonment of three former members of parliament from the opposition for 10 days pending an investigation on charges of insulting the emir. Reporter, Male #2 "The Dignity of a Nation" is the theme chosen by political and youth forces as a title for their demonstration. The massive and unprecedented Kuwaiti demonstration was attended by tens of thousands. Protestors were not able to reach the gathering point that was chosen by the organizers who planned to hold a sit-in in front of the ministerial council building. Protestors said they took to the street to preserve and protect the constitution. Guest, Male #3 We are here today to preserve al-Sabah, and preserve Kuwait, and to tell them that we are committed to the oath. We are present, and will continue to go forward despite all of their methods. Guest, Male #4 No housing, no education, no healthcare, what is left? The constitution? If the constitution is gone, we will all be gone. We must stand our ground to prevent any tampering with the constitution. Reporter, Male #2 Security forces were heavily deployed and surrounded all squares and gathering points, and cut off all roads leading to them, using sound and smoke bombs to disperse the gatherers. Reporter, Male #2 National guards did not wait long, and dozens of them were deployed to reinforce the special forces to disperse the protestors. Demonstrators standing against the voting mechanism of the electoral system chose this point in front of the Kuwait Towers after security forces were able to surround them in the three meeting spots set by youth and political forces. Reporter, Male #2 Before these protests, a search and seizure warrant was issued by the public prosecution against a number of opposition members of parliament, most notably MP Musallam al-Barrak, ordering the imprisonment of three MPs for 10 days to continue the investigation on charges of insulting the emir. The three are two Islamists, and a member of the Popular Action Bloc. According to some observers, this stalemate requires reasonable solutions. Guest, Male #5 We rely on the reasonable judgment of His Excellency, the emir, may God protect him. We hope this mobilization will seek to guarantee stability in the society amid the current political crisis. Reporter, Male #2 The stalemate, that came as a result of the government's approval of the draft amendment of the electoral law, which allows each voter to elect one candidate instead of four in their electoral district, further fueled the crisis and could take some time to overcome. Saad al-Saaidi, Al Jazeera, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101712?start=1250 <p>NATO's immunity at stake over bombing of civilians in Libya, Bahraini man dies after regime forces fire toxic tear gas into his home, Palestinians shut down Israeli-only road in the West Bank, and more.</p> Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101712 Israel, Palestinians, Jerusalem, Israel Defense Forces, Khaled K. El-Hamedi, Bahrain Uprising, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Levy Report, Egypt–Israel relations, Israeli-occupied territories Presenter, Female #1 In Kuwait, the Asian Cooperation Dialogue conference was launched with the participation of 32 countries. Presenter, Male #1 During the opening session, the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, called for dialogue and peaceful means to resolve political problems. Reporter, Male #2 Today, Asian countries are exploring ways to place their joint interests first, and resolve their political differences, which are impeding the wheel of development and prosperity in the world's largest and most populated continent. During the conference, speakers called for taking advantage of the resources available in the region, including energy, food, and human resources, in order to keep up with the wheel of development witnessed in Europe and America. They also called for dialogue as a means to resolve their differences, and for mutual respect, democracy, and freedom. Guest, Male #2 (Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait) From this podium, we call for the language of reason and dialogue to prevail, as well as to spare our countries damage and destruction, by respecting our charters, agreements, and conventions, and by resolving our differences in peaceful means, without interfering in the internal affairs of one another. Reporter, Male #2 The Kingdom of Thailand, which coordinated the conference, exerted efforts to ensure the success of this conference, hoping to turn it into an international organization capable of achieving economic integration among the countries of the continent, by finding the appropriate solutions to political conflicts, and by empowering mankind, as well as combating the spread of poverty and underdevelopment in some countries. Guest, Female #2 (Dr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Thai Foreign Minister) Thailand is offering to establish a permanent secretariat for this gathering in order to assist in drawing recommendations. My country is willing to host the upcoming meeting in Bangkok. Reporter, Male #2 The modest participation of China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and India, which are leading countries in the continent, cast doubt on the success of the efforts toward establishing a joint entity, especially considering the political differences that continue to dominate their decisions despite the growing economic challenges facing the region. Reporter, Male #2 An ideal opportunity awaits Asian countries to take a leadership position, especially amid the economic hardship facing America and Europe. This requires politicians to unify their positions, resolve their problems through peaceful means, refrain from denying or canceling each other out, as well as seek to assure their people and stabilize their homelands. Ahmed al-Huti, Al-Jazeera, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100312?start=985 <p>Iranian riot police clash with demonstrators during currency crisis protests in Tehran, Bahrain launches crackdown on funeral for activist who died in custody, Tunisian woman accused of indecency after being raped by security forces, and more.</p> Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100312 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Israel, Human rights, Aleppo, Free Syrian Army, Palestinians, Iran, Damascus, Activism Presenter, Male #1 After a special session, the Kuwaiti government brought a decree to the emir of the country, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, calling for the dissolution of the National Assembly. The decision comes after the Kuwaiti parliament failed to hold sessions for several months, and after the Constitutional Court ruled to dissolve the National Assembly, which was controlled by the opposition after it won the elections last February. Reporter, Male #1 The latest episode of the political crisis in Kuwait reached the country's emir. Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah seems delighted here, during his opening of the National Assembly last February. The assembly was controlled by the opposition, and was elected after the previous assembly of 2009 was dissolved. The 2012 assembly did not last long. The Constitutional Court ruled in June that it was unconstitutional, and reinstated the 2009 assembly. Reporter, Male #1 Members of the opposition boycotted it, which paralyzed the assembly due to the incomplete quorum. This also paralyzed many of the state's interests, among them, the country's 2012 budget, which has not yet been approved by parliament. Moreover, development projects estimated at more than USD 100 billion have been delayed. This crisis is not new to Kuwait's history, which is filled with confrontations between parliament members and the government. Guest, Male #3 (Dr. Mohamed al-Ajami, Political Sociology Researcher) It is the sixth time that the National Assembly has been dissolved since 2006. However, it is the ninth in the overall history of the Kuwaiti parliament. The Kuwaiti voter really feels disappointed with what the situation has led to. The country is in a suspended, unstable, and turbulent state. Reporter, Male #2 If the emir were to dissolve the National Assembly, the law requires the election of another assembly within 60 days. But this may not solve the crisis. Reporter, Male #2 The new assembly will be elected based on the same election districts that led to the 2012 assembly, which was dominated by the opposition. This is a system that the government sought to change, but the Constitutional Court invalidated the move at the end of last month. Reporter, Male #2 The verdict came after the opposition escalated its protests against the government, which saw the opposition as making a political maneuver to guarantee the election of a parliament that was loyal to it. However, the decision remains in the hands of the Kuwaiti street, who will decide whom to elect. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092512?start=267 Dubai TV reports that the Kuwaiti Constitutional Court rejected the appeal presented by the government that would have divided the country into five voting districts, which the opposition saw as an attempt to limit their voting power. Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092512 Israel, United States, UN General Assembly, Borders of Israel, Syrian Civil War, Illegal immigration from Africa to Israel, Hamas, Islam, Middle East Peace Process, Algeria Presenter, Male #1 Kuwaitis have had their eyes on the deliberations by the Kuwaiti Constitutional Court. In the Court's conclusion today, it rejected the appeal presented by the government with regard to the five voting districts. Presenter, Male #1 The Kuwaiti government had asked the Constitutional Court last August to issue a ruling regarding a law that would have divided the country into five voting districts. The opposition saw this as an attempt to organize the voting districts in a manner that would suit the desires of the government, where the voting power held by the opposition is concentrated in the smallest number of areas possible, and would once again deny the opposition a majority in the next parliament. Presenter, Male #1 We remain in Kuwait, and are joined there by our correspondent, Ahmad al-Enzi. Ahmad, how did Kuwaitis receive the Constitutional Court's rejection of the government's appeal? Guest, Male #2 Yes, Faisal, Kuwaitis received this long-awaited ruling today with great impatience. The ruling preceded much of the political mobilization, sit-ins, and protests in Irada Square, and other areas. Guest, Male #2 The opposition today is in the best shape after this ruling. They sighed in relief, because the ruling was, perhaps, very much in tune with their demands. It was not what they had feared, which was a ruling in tune with the government's desires. Guest, Male #2 But I believe, and observers believe, that the ruling today dispelled any rumors that were spread, in which the judiciary would align itself in one form or another to the government, and what it desires in this regard. Guest, Male #2 Perhaps even those who were not awaiting the ruling with the opposition, came out welcoming it, as it represented a strong shift for the Constitutional Court, which one of the sides here in Kuwait wanted to spread doubt about, in one form or another. Presenter, Male #1 Ahmad, what steps will follow the Court's decision? Guest, Male #2 The next step, whatever its shape, will be in the hands of the prince. The Kuwaiti prince here is the one in charge of dismissing the 2009 assembly, which was also formed by a Constitutional Court ruling. Guest, Male #2 What is expected-- what observers expect-- is the dissolution of the 2009 assembly, and a call for new parliamentary elections, in which the public is called upon to choose their representatives from members of the National Assembly for a new Assembly, which perhaps will be different, or perhaps similar, in one form or another, to the current Assembly, which includes several opposition political parties. Presenter, Male #1 Our correspondent, Ahmad al-Anzi, from Kuwait, thank you very much. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091312?start=431 <p>US embassy protests spread across the Middle East as anger over anti-Islam film grows, shelling of Aleppo continues as UN special envoy arrives in Damascus, Palestinian protestors call for end to Oslo peace accords, and more.</p> Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091312 United States, Israel, Iran, 2012 US diplomatic missions attacks, Nuclear program of Iran, Islam, Tehran, International Atomic Energy Agency, Bahrain, Palestinians Muslims worldwide have been venting their anger over the production of an anti-Islam film in the US. Protests have also reached the Iranian capital Tehran, where students have held a rally outside the Swiss embassy. Switzerland protects American interests in Iran. Iranian protestors have expressed support for similar demonstrations in Libya and Egypt, saying the US government shares the blame for the production of the blasphemous film, and have urged Muslim nations to cut ties with Washington. Protests over the film have also spilled over into Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. They gathered in front of the US embassy in Riyadh and the US consulate in the port city of Jeddah. US embassy staff in Kuwait have been evacuated amid reports of protests against the film. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091112?start=161 <p>Yemeni defense minister survives devastating car bombing, thousands of Kuwaitis rally against government and electoral law, Somalia elects a new president as Islamists slam vote as "enemy project," and more.</p> Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091112 Free Syrian Army, Palestinian National Authority, West Bank, Israel, Palestinians, United States, Nuclear program of Iran, Syrian people, Iran, Syria Presenter, Male #1 Representatives at the Kuwaiti National Assembly strongly criticized the government, protesting its referral of the election law to the judiciary. Presenter, Female #1 Thousands of opposition supporters gathered in al-Erada Square, facing Parliament, to express their rejection of the government's procedures. Reporter, Male #2 "We won't let it get lost" was the slogan chosen by the opposition for its gathering in the square facing Parliament, al-Erada Square. The square has hosted the opposition's activities, and witnessed the toppling of the government and parliament in December of last year. The protestors' voices resounded, ringing louder; and with these voices, they raised the ceiling of their demands. Guest, Male #3 (Waleed al-Tabtabai, Kuwaiti National Assembly Member) We the people decided that Jaber al-Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah is the last prime minister from the descendants of Mubarak al-Sabah. The Al-Sabah family can be the emirs, but the ministers will be from among us. Reporter, Male #2 The demonstrators, who were estimated at around 5000, announced their intent to remain in the square to protest what they claim is reluctance by the Kuwaiti government to ask the Kuwaiti emir to dissolve Parliament, which was restored by a judicial verdict. The protestors also expressed their dissatisfaction at the government's failure to call for new parliamentary elections on the basis of the current electoral system, under which the country is divided into five voting districts. Reporter, Male #2 The opposition says that through this gathering, it wanted to deliver the message to the authorities that the constitution is a red line, and no one will be permitted to violate its articles. For this reason, protestors raised the banner, "We won't let it get lost." Reporter, Male #2 The government considers that the referral of the election law to the Constitutional Court was intended to make parliament immune to future appeals, and to fulfill the promise of justice to the voters. This is rejected by the opposition, which says that it fears that the authority will meddle with the future parliament's formation. However, some observers see that the opposition's escalation conflicts with the constitutional principles. Guest, Male #4 (Abdel al-Wahed Khalfan, Political Analyst) The escalation that we are witnessing by the opposition is based on predictions that the court's ruling will not be in favor of the five districts. Therefore, the opposition is preempting its escalation, which some Kuwaitis view as the right approach, while others see that they are escalating a matter that goes against constitutional principles. Reporter, Male #2 The political scene here is surrounded with ambiguity, making it difficult for observers and spectators to define the features of the upcoming phase, amid a political stalemate never before seen in the country. Saad al-Saeedi, Al Jazeera, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-083012?start=865 <p>Iran, Syria come under attack at non-aligned conference as Tehran lashes out at West, Yemen's national dialogue threatened by Southern Movement's demand for secession, riot-hit Kenyan city accuses US of killing Muslim cleric, and more.</p> Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-083012 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Tehran, Non-Aligned Movement, Israeli settlement, Palestinians, West Bank, Iran, South Yemen Movement, Mombasa Presenter, Male #1 The future of the Kuwaiti parliament and the democratic process is somewhat ambiguous. The parliament that was reinstated by a court order in June was unable to hold a session that enables to government to take its required oath. Presenter, Female #1 Some observers view this as not only pushing Kuwait into a constitutional vacuum, but also consider it a constitutional coup. Reporter, Male #2 The government was unable to take the constitutional oath in parliament after its formation under the leadership of Jaber al-Mubarak. And while parliament was reinstated by a court ruling in June, its members refused to meet in its halls after it failed to hold a session on a number of occasions due to its inability to meet a quorum. Reporter, Male #2 According to some observers, the confusion and imbalance in the relationship between the legislative and executive authorities created an unclear political scene in the country, and impacted the relationship between the government and the people. Guest, Male #3 (Al-Humaidi al-Sebeiy, Lawyer and Activist) The legislative and executive authorities are witnessing a state of imbalance and confusion. They are unable to identify their next steps and their future priorities. So this has impacted the Kuwaiti street, and in turn we do not have a real democracy. We call this a coup against the Kuwaiti constitution, and this is annuls the Kuwaiti constitutional contract between the ruler and the ruled. Reporter, Male #2 So it is a deep crisis, and a dilemma that is viewed by the opposition and most political forces as solvable by dissolving the reinstated parliament, or what it is called here, the 2009 assembly, and calling for new parliamentary elections. Guest, Male #4 (Abdulrahman Al-Anjari, Member of Reinstated Parliament) I think we are now living in a constitutional and legislative vacuum. We are really suffering from a suffocating political crisis. I advocate for a clear and dignified solution, which is a call for general elections. Reporter, Male #2 Since 2006, there have been 10 governments and four parliaments, one of which was invalidated by a court ruling. And according to some analysts, this proves that stability in the country is still unattainable. What has further entangled the situation is the combination of political and legal issues, which led to losing the right path. Reporter, Male #2 No one here is able to speculate what the current issue will lead to in light of the government's silence and a suspended parliament. But what is certain is that the paths to the solution, whether they branch out or split up, will meet on the same road at the end, and that is new parliamentary elections. As for when this will happen, that is the question making the rounds in Kuwaiti councils. Saad al-Saeidi, Al Jazeera, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072612?start=34 In the Emirates, three activists have been detained for reasons that are believed to be political after a widespread arrest campaign, reports Al-Alam. Human Rights Watch demanded that the Emirati authorities reveal the reason behind the arrests. Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:20:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072612 Israel, Iran-Israel relations, Ehud Barak, Human rights, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Iran, Afghanistan, Human Rights Watch, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates Presenter, Male #1 In the Emirates, the number of detained activists for reasons that are believed to be political has increased by three individuals over the past three days. This comes in the framework of an arrest campaign targeting a group of rights activists. And while Kuwaiti parliamentarian Mohammad al-Dallal condemned the arrest campaign in the Emirates, Human Rights Watch demanded the Emirati authorities reveal the reason behind the activists' arrests. Reporter, Male #2 The case of Emirati authorities' arrests of activists and bloggers on political charges has once again highlighted the human rights violations in the United Arab Emirates. In the latest such development, Emirati security forces waged a wide-scale arrest campaign that targeted a number of rights activists among a series of prosecutions that included activists and member of al-Islah, or "reform" group, that is tied to the Muslim Brotherhood. Reporter, Male #2 The Kuwaiti online newspaper al-Shahed said that Emirati authorities accused 40 Kuwaitis, among them two parliamentarians, political activists, and academics, of involvement in what it called an organization that threatens the country's security. Reporter, Male #2 Emirati activist Mohamed al-Mansouri confirmed that three additional activists have been detained for political reasons in the past 3 days. He said the arrests included blogger Ahmed Mansour and Fahad Salem al-Shehhi, in addition to writer Nasser Bin Gaith. He added that Emirati authorities had confiscated al-Shehhi's passport for seven years to prevent him from traveling. And from Kuwait, Mohammad al-Dallal, a parliamentarian at in the inactive Kuwaiti assembly, condemned the last arrest campaign by the Emirati authorities that targeted 40 Kuwaitis and accused them of working to threaten the security of the country. Reporter, Male #2 Al-Dallal believed the arrest campaign does not have any legal or lawful justification, demanding from Emirati authorities to immediately release the imprisoned reform advocates and rights activists. On the other hand, parliamentarian Jamaan al-Harbash said the arrests of Emiratis strains the relationship between the ruler and the subject, and cannot continue. Reporter, Male #2 The arrest campaign in the Emirates pushed international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, to call on the Emirati authorities to reveal where the detained are held, and the reason behind the arrest of rights activist and blogger Ahmed Mansour. Mansour is among a number of activists who presented a petition to the government last month, calling on it to implement reforms. The director of the Middle East and North Africa division of Human Rights Watch, Sarah Leah Whitson, said the arrest of Ahmed Mansour is aimed at intimidating and terrorizing others in the Emirates who may publically call for democratic reforms. She added that while some countries in the region are discussing democratic reforms, the Emirati government is holding on to what she referred to as "outdated repressive methods." http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072512?start=416 <p>Lebanese workers threaten to escalate protests over new wage scale, radical Israeli social justice activists question Zionism, Bahraini demonstrators vow loyalty to movement's prisoners of conscience, and more.</p> 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, Male #1 The Emirati security agencies launched an arrest campaign this morning targeting a number of rights activists. These arrests are part of the security agencies' persecution of members of the Reform and Social Guidance Association, which has links to the Muslim Brotherhood, and a number of reform and human rights activists. Presenter, Male #1 For its part, the Kuwaiti online al-Shaheed newspaper said the Emirates accused 40 Kuwaitis, including 2 parliament members, politicians and academics, of involvement in what was said to be a cell that threatens the security of the country. In turn, Reporters Without Borders demanded the Emirati authorities release all activists held on charges of "opposing the constitution." The organization called for an end to recurring arrests, considering them to be a blatant violation of basic freedoms. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071212?start=573 In addition to Saudi Arabia's female athletes, the London Olympic Games has also set another precedent with the participation of 17-year-old Kuwaiti female swimmer Faye Sultan, who will compete in the 100-meter freestyle race, BBC Arabic reports. Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071212 Iron Dome, Eilat, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinians, Israel, Israel Defense Forces, 2012 insurgency in the Azawad, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Rivers State, Ehud Olmert Presenter, Female #1 The International Olympic Committee announced that Saudi women athletes will be participating for the first time ever in the London Olympic Games. The committee said the Saudi delegation to the London 2012 Olympics will include female judo athlete Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim and runner Sarah Attar, who will be competing in the 800-meter race. The two athletes are participating following an invitation by the International Committee that conducted extensive negotiations with the Saudi Olympic Committee. And with that, the London Olympic Games will make history by being the first European game to include the participation of female athletes from all countries. Presenter, Female #1 These Olympic Games also set another precedent with the participation of a Kuwaiti female swimmer. And despite swimmer Faye Sultan's modest aspirations of wining an Olympic medal, she hopes that her pioneering participation will add another contribution to women's achievements in the conservative Kuwaiti society. Reporter, Male #1 Kuwaiti women scored another accomplishment, as swimmer Faye Sultan will be the first Kuwaiti woman to participate in the Olympic Games. Faye is training here in Calella, Spain, before traveling to London to participate in the games. The 17-year-old girl, who will compete in the 100-meter freestyle race, is aware of her achievement's impact and is proud of it, despite her careful evaluation of her abilities and opportunities in the championship. Guest, Female #2 (Faye Sultan, Kuwaiti Swimmer) Hopefully I can improve my time, my own personal record, and not come last. Reporter, Male #1 Faye started her swimming training relatively late when she was a 9 year-old child. She stopped swimming for some time to learn to dance, and then started seriously training again two years ago. The Kuwaiti training team believes in the swimmer's abilities. Guest, Male #2 (Jose Baltar Leite, Kuwaiti Swimmers' Coach) She was in the World Junior Championship in Lima, Peru, last year. She did well, and she has a promising future. Reporter, Male #1 Faye says she will enroll in a university soon, and hopes to be able to participate in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before she retires. And while she bears the Kuwaiti flag, Faye and the other members of the Kuwaiti team are not competing under their country's banner; rather, they are participating under the Olympic flag. The International Olympic Committee suspended the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee after accusing it of making politically-motivated decisions. Resolving the dispute between the two committees will undoubtedly enhance the symbolism of Faye's participation. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070312?start=829 <p>Iran tests long-range ballistic missiles in response to growing Western threats, Palestinian Authority faces risk of collapse due to financial crisis, Libyan expats vote in first post-Gaddafi election, and more.</p> Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070312 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Israel, Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Palestinian National Authority, Palestinians, Cairo, US-Iran relations, Elections in Libya, Middle East Peace Process Meanwhile, Syrian opposition groups failed to bridge the gap on how to resolve the ongoing unrest in the country. Syrian opposition groups have been meeting in the Egyptian capital Cairo to discuss unity plans. The talks, organized by the Arab League, were also attended by representatives from Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar. Opposition groups from inside Syria have denounced the Cairo meetings, believing that the talks did not include all opposition parties and are therefore incapable of discussing the crisis. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062612?start=710 <p>Egyptian court suspends military's power to arrest civilians, Oman cracks down on dissent by prosecuting political activists, British intelligence chief says "Arab Spring" providing breeding ground for terrorists, and more.</p> 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, Male #1 In Kuwait tonight, the opposition's supporters will gather at al-Iradah Square facing the headquarters of the National Assembly to protest the constitutional court's decision to dissolve parliament, and restore the previous parliament. Presenter, Female #1 The Kuwaiti government, headed by Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah, had submitted its resignation to the emir of the country, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad, less than five months after it was formed. The majority in parliament had issued a statement denouncing the verdict, considering it legally void. Reporter, Male #2 Suddenly, the Kuwaiti government submitted its resignation to the emir of the country, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah. The speaker of parliament rushed to hold a press conference to clarify the reasons that led the government to quickly resign, especially after the constitutional court's latest verdict. That government was formed by Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak. The verdict caused legal and political debates in the country. Guest Male #3 (Mohammad Abdallah Mubarak Sabah, Kuwaiti Government Spokesman) The government is very keen not to have any repercussions on any side that could appeal in the future. Implementing the verdict requires lifting decrees; these decrees must be lifted by a government that is formed in the right manner. Reporter, Male #2 The constitutional court's ruling that the current National Assembly is invalid, restoring the former assembly, seems to observers as in need of legal procedures before being implemented. But these procedures led Kuwait's legislative and executive authorities to face a major crisis. The current assembly's ministers of the majority rejected the ruling, viewing it as legally void, further complicating a crisis that some observers believe is more significant than the relationship between the two powers, and even more important than the judicial ruling. Guest Male #4 (Turki Azmy, Political Analyst) The mindset must change; young blood is needed; strategic thought is required. The leadership style must take the country in the right direction, away from this ongoing decline. We are not talking about specific individuals, we are talking about an approach; we are talking about a path. Reporter, Male #2 The government that resigned is the ninth since 2006, and the second formed by Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak after mass popular mobilization, a mobilization that led Kuwait's emir at the time to dissolve the two powers and call for new elections. Reporter, Male #2 It seems the political crisis in Kuwait is the most difficult in its political history since it deepened the conflict between the executive and legislative powers, notably after the constitutional court's ruling. And the crisis worsened, the rift between the two powers also grew. Said al-Saidi, Al Jazeera, al-Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062012?start=1015 Opposition representatives resigned from the former National Assembly that was reinstated today by the Constitutional Court, after the court issued a ruling voiding the parliamentary elections that were conducted earlier this year, Al Jazeera reports. Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062012 Palestinians, Israel, Gaza–Israel conflict, Israeli settlement, Gaza, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Jab'a, Syrian Civil War, Hosni Mubarak, National Assembly of Kuwait Presenter, Male #1 Our Al Jazeera correspondent in Kuwait reported that opposition representatives resigned from the former National Assembly that was reinstated today by the Constitutional Court. Presenter, Female #1 This comes after the Constitutional Court issued a ruling voiding the parliamentary elections that were conducted earlier this year. Presenter, Male #1 According to the court, since the parliamentary elections are invalid, the current assembly must be dissolved, and the former assembly, whose majority supports the government, is to be restored. Reporter, Male #2 The Kuwaiti National Assembly that was elected a few months ago no longer exists. Kuwait's Constitutional Court decided to dissolve it. This court's verdicts are not subject to criticism, and its rulings are final. Reporter, Male #2 The dissolution comes after repeated crises between the government and the National Assembly. The situation had escalated to the extent that the Emir of Kuwait issued a decision suspending the assembly for a month, one day before government ministers were set to be questioned. Reporter, Male #2 However, dissolving the assembly did not have any connection to the chaotic relationship it has with the government. The issue started with calls that the 2012 elections were unconstitutional, after members of the former National Assembly filed a lawsuit at the Constitutional Court. And with the ruling that voids the 2012 elections, the previous assembly will be reinstated. Reporter, Male #2 The difference between the two assemblies is obvious in terms of their political composition. The dissolved assembly holds a majority of opposition figures; most of them are Islamists, while the former assembly is described as close to the government and its policies. In addition, a number of representatives of the former assembly are accused of corruption. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-061912?start=944 <p>Sudanese students "rise up" against Bashir's austerity plan, Egyptians rally against military rule as both presidential candidates claim victory, Bahrain's opposition escalates protests demanding the release of political prisoners, and more.</p> Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-061912 Israel, Palestinians, Egypt, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Bahrain Uprising, Hamas, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Human rights in Bahrain, Sinai Peninsula, Ashkelon Presenter, Male #1 Kuwait embarked on a legislative shutdown after Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah issued a decree suspending the National Assembly's sessions for one month. This is the first such constitutional decree in the history of Kuwait. Rising tension between the parliament and the government has led to the resignation of two cabinet ministers. The suspension comes on the eve of the planned questioning of the interior minister by opposition legislators. Ahmed al-Einaizi reports from Kuwait. Reporter, Male #2 This is the first time since the foundation of the constitution that Article 106 is activated by the Emir of Kuwait, who called for the suspension of the National Assembly for one month. The decision was immediately approved by the council of ministers. The article states that an adjournment may not be repeated in the same session, and may not be counted in computing the duration of parliament. Guest, Male #3 (Dr. Obeid al-Wasmi, MP) The suspension will only affect parliamentary privileges with regard to the endorsement of laws. However, the work of parliamentary committees and legislators, or any type of work that doesn't require holding a parliamentary session, will not be affected by the suspension. Reporter, Male #2 It was a surprise constitutional measure that the opposition described as a "genuine right exercised by the Emir." The opposition said the decision will give the government an opportunity to reshuffle the cabinet after several of its members were questioned. The relationship between the government and the legislative authority has recently witnessed a major setback. Guest, Male #4 (Juma'an al-Hursh, MP) The committees will continue drafting laws, God willing. And in a month, all these laws will be presented to parliament. Reporter, Male #2 Anti-corruption, financial disclosures, and constitutional codes are among the laws that were slated for discussion in the upcoming sessions. But in light of this latest decree, these laws are now facing uncertainty. Reporter, Male #2 Kuwait has entered parliamentary silence until further notice. This may either help restore the relationship between the executive authority or the government on one side and the legislative authority represented by the parliament on the other, or it may lead to the dissolution of either one, according to knowledgeable sources on political affairs. Ahmed al-Einaizi, Dubai TV, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050112?start=1368 <p>Iran condemns US for deploying F-22 fighter jets to the gulf, Israeli army attacks Palestinians near Ofer prison, Sudan rejects deployment of additional UN troops to the border, and more.</p> Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050112 Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, United Nations, US-Iran relations, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Bahrain Uprising, Drone, Syrian Civil War, Politics of Israel Presenter, Female #1 After 13 hours of negotiations, Iraq and Kuwait signed the minutes of a meeting held by the higher Iraqi-Kuwaiti joint commission in its second session. Presenter, Male #1 Both parties also signed two accords, one stipulating the formation of a bilateral cooperation committee, and the other regulating maritime navigation, through the Khor Abdullah waterway. This comes as the Kuwaiti foreign ministry announced that the Kuwaiti prime minister will visit Iraq at the end of this year. Reporter, Male #2 Two rounds of friendly negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait ended with the signing of a number of protocols and agreements. They include an agreement on the joint cooperation in finance, border, and political issues, and other protocols focusing on the marine movement in Khor Abdullah waterway, which will bring invaluable benefits to both countries. Guest, Male #3 (Salah Khader, Advisor in Ministry of Transportation) The agreement covers marine movement inside Kuwaiti territorial waters, as stipulated in Resolution 833, on the demarcation of the border. Iraqi ports are surrounded by shipwrecks in territorial waters, which is impeding the movement of ships and boats. Ships passing through these waterways must raise the Kuwaiti flag. Again, it's hard to reach certain areas because of the sunken ships. So we agreed to form a joint committee to address these issues. Reporter, Male #2 The agreements on bilateral cooperation were also the fruit of the high Iraqi-Kuwaiti joint ministerial meeting. It was a source of optimism after it focused on many of the outstanding issues and announced its commitment to solve them in the framework of bilateral efforts based on the immense desire to achieve this goal. Guest, Male #4 (Fahdi al-Shilmi, Strategy Expert) There was a Kuwaiti delegation headed by the deputy prime minister and foreign minister in addition to the presence of economic and political delegations, as well as a delegation from the UN, including a team led by our brother Mohamed Abu al-Hassan, who was our ambassador and the former minister of information. He has experience working at the United Nations on agreements and border demarcation. Both sides have good intentions to resolve this issue. Guest, Male #5 (Karim al-Nouri, Advisor in Ministry of Transportation) God willing, we are anticipating the discussion of many unresolved issues. In addition, we will able to solve or settle the crisis of Iraqi airlines, God willing. It will be a key to improving the relationship between the two countries. Reporter, Male #2 It is worth mentioning this committee was formed on January 12, 2011. Its first meeting was convened on March 27, 2011. The people of Iraq and Kuwait expressed frustration with the status quo. As a result, both countries are now standing on the verge of a new phase, in which a new roadmap is being drawn, as stipulated in the joint agreements signed by both sides. The future of the two brotherly nations is beaming with optimism. From Baghdad, Haidar al-Aboudi, Al-Iraqiya. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-032812?start=1005 <p>Syria to reject any Arab League initiative made in its absence, Sudanese forces recapture oil-rich border regions, Israeli extremist recruiting former soldiers to evict Palestinians from their homes, and more.</p> 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 Kuwait's National Assembly held a session today to question Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak for the first time, nearly one month after his government was formed. Parliamentary sources ruled out the possibility that the questioning will lead to dissolving the National Assembly and demanding the resignation of the government. This is one of the few times that a prime minister accepts a public questioning covered by the media. The inquiry relates to the case of illegal financial transfers that a number of parliament members were accused of, and led to the dissolution of parliament and resignation of the former government. Reporter, Male #1 The Kuwaii National Assembly held a widely-attended special session to question the prime minister. The session was headed by parliamentarian Saleh Ashour, with the support of a limited number of parliament members. The questioning tackled many issues, most notably an attempt to uncover the facts behind allegations directed at some council members, including the prime minster. In addition, it addressed the government's failure to present its work program to the Assembly, and discussed the issue of the bidoon, or stateless people, which has been unresolved for over 50 years. The prime minister has defended himself by saying the questioning violates constitutional principles since it raises issues that occurred in former cabinets that have no connection to him. He said he is responsible for the state's general policies, while the ministers and specialists are tasked with handling and solving other issues. Guest, Male #2 (Al-Saifi al-Saifi, Kuwaiti National Assembly Member) There is a clear constitutional article that stipulates a representative's right to hold a questioning without specifying a time, or the focal issues of the questioning. This is any parliamentarian's inherent right, and can even be held on the same day a government is sworn in; one can propose a questioning, and no one can block it. Reporter, Male #1 A number of representatives and citizens commended the prime minister's courage for accepting the questioning. They demanded the government accelerate the pace of reform and solve the issues that concern the Kuwaiti street. Guest, Male #3 (Mohammed al-Ajmi, Journalist) Today, the prime minister strived, spoke about all aspects, and refuted the questioning that everyone believes he does not deserve. Guest, Male #4 (Faisal al-Yahya, Kuwaiti National Assembly Member) Those who enjoy this right are the people who recently pushed for an end to the questioning of the former prime minister, by postponing the session, or resorting to a legislative or constitutional solution, or by cancelling the questioning, or by changing it to a secret session. That is the paradox of this situation. Reporter, Male #1 The questioning did not serve those who proposed it, but strengthened the head of the government, who was further reassured that the Kuwaiti people stand by his side. However, the unresolved issues are sufficient enough for a return to parliament to request a no-confidence vote once again. Ahmed al-Houti, Al Jazeera, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/the-cartoonist-who-risked-his-life-to-caricature-assad?start=0 Syrian satirical cartoonist Ali Ferzat knew he was going to get into trouble when he decided to create caricatures of President Bashar al-Assad -- but he didn't expect to be beaten by thugs as he left his studio in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:29:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/the-cartoonist-who-risked-his-life-to-caricature-assad Ali Ferzat, Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Political satire, Protest, Damascus, Assault, Cartoon, Censorship Syrian satirical cartoonist Ali Ferzat knew the extent of trouble he was going to get into when he decided to create caricatures of President Bashar al-Assad and his "inner circle." The 60-year-old had usually steered clear of depicting individuals in his cartoons, but just a few months before the Syrian uprising, Ferzat realized Assad had pushed the limits in suppressing freedom of expression. "My drawings are known to deal more with practices than individuals, but over time I started to portray individuals and make it personal, which is something generally not accepted. However, the positive response I got from the streets got me excited so I made that shift from using symbols to depicting actual figures, and little by little I began to see my cartoons being carried by protesters on the streets. For them, it was empowering and the cartoons became iconic." After the uprising against Assad began, so did the threatening phone calls and messages. Little did Ferzat know that in the wee hours of August 25 last year, he would be viciously attacked by thugs as he left his studio in the Syrian capital of Damascus. "They were beating me on the head and I could hear them saying 'break his hands so they never dare challenge his masters again,' referring to President Assad. They said 'Bashar's shoes are better than your head.' They kept hitting me on my head and also on my hands. They broke this hand here and this one they broke in this part -- this hand is now limited in its movement. I can only grasp this far. My body was full of bruises and I had a concussion." The incident sparked outraged in Syria as it depicted the measures Assad and his loyalists were taking in crushing dissidents. Ferzat remembered a time how he and Assad were once on the same page when the then future president had shown interest in the talents of Ferzat and his peers. A satire magazine launched by Ferzat in the early 2000 would be a short-lived endeavor, signaling impending the country's descent into censorship. Ferzat says it is not a matter of time, but overcoming fear that will stimulate change. "People are not going to go back to the way they used to live. There is no way you can go back to the way things were before this revolution started. I have a friend who takes part in the protests and I asked him: 'Aren't you scared someone will shoot you?' He told me, 'After 40 years, I have heard my own voice, if I get killed, I won't care anymore because I have for the first time in my life heard my own voice -- I used to have a silent voice.' There is no going back since people are moving forward." Although Ferzat is currently living a self-imposed exile in Kuwait, he is determined to return to his homeland one day. The cartoonist has resumed work and is currently exhibiting in London until March 29. By Noora Faraj. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031512?start=826 The Taliban movement in Afghanistan announced its suspension of negotiations with Washington. On the other hand, Afghan President Hamid Karzai met with US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta today, reports Al Jazeera. Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:31:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031512 United States, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Israel, Riyadh, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Bahrain Uprising, Libya, Ali Abdullah Saleh Presenter, Female #1 The Taliban movement in Afghanistan announced its suspension of negotiations with Washington. On the other hand, Afghan President Hamid Karzai met with US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta today. The meeting coincides with the growing popular anger in Afghanistan after the American soldier who shot and killed 16 Afghan civilians was flown to Kuwait. Presenter, Male #1 An American military leader defended the soldier's transfer, saying it would help conduct an appropriate investigation and prosecution. Presenter, Female #1 However, the victims' relatives, parliament representatives, and angry civilians are demanding the prosecution of the offender in Afghanistan in accordance with Afghan law. Reporter, Male #2 The Afghan public's attention is still focused on the ramifications of the massacre committed by an American soldier on Sunday in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar. He shot and killed 16 Afghan civilians, including nine children. The anger of the Afghan street is growing after the US forces moved the culprit from Afghanistan to guarantee an appropriate investigation and trial. Afghans say the crime was committed in their homeland and its perpetrator should be prosecuted in Afghanistan. They also doubt the intention of moving the culprit from the country. Guest, Male #3 The American soldier should be prosecuted in the city of Kandahar. Why was he extradited from Afghanistan after he killed innocent people in this country? He was moved so that he can eventually be released. Guest, Male #4 The American who killed 16 innocent people for no reason should be prosecuted in our country. We have a government, a court, and a judicial system that should seriously look into this case and announce his punishment to the public. Reporter, Male #2 Washington is attempting to appease the escalating popular anger of the Afghan people. The massacre has also raised questions over the war strategy adopted by the West. US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta flew to Kabul and met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Panetta is the first US official to visit Afghanistan since the massacre took place. Before the meeting, Panetta met with members of the US forces in Afghanistan and told them that nothing will change their mission, reiterating the purpose of their presence in the country is to defeat al-Qaeda and the Taliban. He considered the Kandahar massacre to be an individual incident, asserting that Washington will not allow the massacre to restrict US plans in the region. Panetta admitted that his forces will face more ordeals and challenges in the upcoming phase. It seems these challenges may be difficult to contain with a mere visit in light of the rising official and popular anger. http://news.linktv.org/videos/accused-us-soldier-flown-out-of-afghanistan-to-kuwait?start=0 Afghan lawmakers have expressed anger over the US decision to fly an American soldier accused of killing 16 civilians out of the country. The US Army sergeant is now in Kuwait, but US officials say they have not ruled out a trial in Afghanistan. Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:21:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/accused-us-soldier-flown-out-of-afghanistan-to-kuwait Afghanistan, Panjwai shooting spree, Afghanistan War, Robert Bales, Panjwai district, US Army, Leon Panetta, Hamid Karzai, Kandahar Province, US-Afghanistan relations Afghan lawmakers have expressed anger over the US decision to fly an American soldier accused of killing 16 civilians out of the country. US Defense Secretary Leon Pannetta has discussed the situation with Hamid Karzai, and the Afghan President has also said he wants all foreign troops out of villages and rural areas next year. Meanwhile, the Taliban has cut off talks with the US. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030212?start=1344 <p>Iran election pins conservatives against Ahmadinejad loyalists, departure of indicted NGO employees angers Egyptians, Saudis take to the street on the Friday of 'challenging the oppressors', and more.</p> Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030212 United States, Syrian Civil War, Anti-Americanism, Iran, Syria, Washington, D.C., Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syrian people, Iranian legislative election, 2012 Presenter, Male #1 The Shaaban Intifada, which was the people's uprising against tyrants, is still alive in the memory of those who lived it in Misan province. Presenter, Female #1 Today, eyewitnesses reflect on the bravery of the Iraqi people who challenged the dictatorship, which responded with an iron fist, and resorted to gunfire, executions, and a siege. Reporter, Male #2 On a day like this one in 1991, the Iraqi people rebelled against Saddam's now-dead regime because of its injustice, and oppressive and suppressive practices. The regime launched reckless wars that brought destruction to Iraq and took it backward, not to mention the regime's weak foreign policy and the near collapse of the economy. So the people had no choice but to rise up against the regime. An uprising called "the Shaaban Intifada" swept most Iraqi regions. Guest, Male#3 (Mushtaq Abed-Wahab, Eyewitness) It was almost expected because the status quo at that time indicated that some type of action would be taken against the former government. Then, the army had just returned from Kuwait after it was defeated. There was also pressure by Saddam on the people and the consecutive wars; all these factors led to this great event, now known as the Shaaban Intifada. We believe this event was one of the reasons for the current change, if not the main reason. Reporter, Male #2 In Misan, the revolutionaries launched the uprising from the Hussein neighborhood's mosque and the area of al-Majidia and headed to other areas. This is what Hajj Abed-Wahab had to say. Guest, Male #4 (Hajj Abed-Wahab, Participant in Intifada) We helped start the intifada. My children, nephews, other family members, relatives and loved ones, and our tribe, all of us helped launch the intifada. We expelled the Baathists, then we headed to Kut. They deployed war planes and ordered us to surrender, saying they would unleash chemical weapons on us. Two hours later, they hit us with the chemicals. Reporter, Male #2 In 14 days, thousands of south Iraq's residents died as a result of Saddam's crackdown at the time. He used the most violent means of oppression and different types of heavy weapons to suppress that intifada. In 1991, not only did history stop, but time also stopped to witness and document the spread of a revolution that shook the thrones of all tyrants. It is the most memorable "no" even uttered by the Iraqi people to the dictatorship of the time. From Misan, Haidar al-Jizani, al-Iraqiya. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020312?start=363 Dubai TV reports that the Islamist-led opposition in Kuwait secured a majority of 34 seats in the 50-member parliament. The liberals sustained a major defeat by losing three of their five previously held seats, while women lost all four of their seats. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020312 Iran-Israel relations, Iran, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Herzliya Conference, Nuclear program of Iran, Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Protest, United States Presenter, Male #1 Amid an absence of women and few liberals, Kuwait held its parliamentary elections. The Islamist-led opposition won by a landslide by securing a majority of 34 seats in the 50-member parliament, compared to only nine seats in the previous, dissolved National Assembly. The liberals sustained a major defeat by losing three of their five previously held seats, while women lost all four of their seats. Our correspondent Ahmad al-Einaizi reports from Kuwait. Reporter, Male #2 With more than 60 percent participation, the end of elections in Kuwait marked the beginning of the vote count. There were many surprises, most notably the arrival of new lawmakers in parliament, accounting for more than 50 percent of the vote, which makes it the highest percent of change in the history of Kuwaiti Parliament. Guest, Male #3 Opposition blocs and activists who supported the opposition at the squares by holding demonstrations and forums, which eventually led to the dissolution of parliament, have been increasingly gaining momentum. Reporter, Male #2 In another surprise twist, the Islamist-led opposition won by a landslide, which grants them full authority over parliamentary resolutions. In addition, Kuwaiti women lost all of their parliamentary seats, after their historic 2009 victory at the National Assembly. Meanwhile, the liberals, who decided to run on a separate ticket from the opposition, only won two seats. Tribal candidates sustained a major defeat despite their good performance in the primaries. This has provoked concern by some. Guest, Male #4 The opposition will likely control the council and its presidency. Reporter, Male #2 A period of conflict has ended, marking the beginning of a new phase filled with many challenges. Most notably, the competition for the council's presidency and the formation of new alliances in parliament, especially with the emergence of new blocs and the disappearance of others that previously played a major role in the political scene. The election results stirred mixed reactions that fluctuated between approval and disapproval. While some describe the new parliament as "strong," and have high hopes for it, others believe it includes troubling figures that may further fuel the situation. Ahmad al-Einaizi, Dubai TV, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020212?start=635 <p>Anger flares at Egypt's military rulers after soccer carnage, Tunisian Jews shun call to migrate to Israel, an in-depth look at the Free Syrian Army, and more.</p> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020212 Protest, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Civilian casualties, Bashar al-Assad, Port Said, Kuwait, Ali Abdullah Saleh Presenter, Male # 1 Kuwaiti voters continue to cast their votes in the fourth parliamentary election in six years and the fourteenth since the establishment of Kuwait. The emir of the state, Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, called for elections after dissolving parliament in December, 2011. The opposition is expected to win by a large margin after a tense electoral campaign. Reporter, Male # 2 Kuwait is at a crossroads amid a crucial election in which religious and tribal political parties are competing in a race that has frequently been characterized by illegal and unacceptable behavior. There are signs of an intensifying conflict between the competing parties, as seen during their promotional campaign that sparked a religious http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020112?start=467 On the eve of Kuwait's elections, police clashed with tribesmen who stormed a TV station over an interview with a sectarian candidate, Al-Alam reports. Legislative candidates are calling for drastic reforms and a constitutional monarchy. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020112 Benjamin Netanyahu, Hunger strike, Ban Ki-moon, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinians, Muslim Brotherhood, Egyptian Parliamentary Election 2011-2012, Football in Egypt, Bahrain Uprising, Iranian Revolution Presenter, Female # 1 Kuwaiti voters will head to the ballot boxes tomorrow to participate in legislative elections that the opposition is expected to win. Candidates are calling for drastic reforms, a new constitution, and a constitutional monarchy. On the eve of the elections, police clashed with tribesmen who stormed a TV station over an interview with a pro-government candidate. Reporter, Male # 1 285 candidates are competing for the 50-seat assembly in an unprecedented election. Observers describe the current electoral scene as a process for change that could determine the future of Kuwait. On one hand, this change depends on the fresh blood entering the assembly and on the other, it relates to the extent of cooperation between the new parliament and government, expected to continue to be headed by Sheikh Jaber Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah, Sheikh Nasser's successor. The anger, sharp political speeches, counter accusations, and electoral financing have created an increasingly tense electoral scene. Ten members of parliament will be elected from five districts by 400,000 voters. Two essential factors dominate the alliances and vote: sectarianism and tribalism. As tribal sentiment rises in Kuwait, police clashed with young tribesmen who stormed the local TV station al-Watan that was hosting a pro-government candidate. The candidate accused some tribesmen of not being real Kuwaitis. This comes one day after another candidate's headquarters was set ablaze over accusations that he insulted the Mutair tribe. A number of the attackers and police officers were injured in the confrontations that erupted after hundreds of tribesmen gathered in front of al-Watan TV station. Guest, Male # 2 (Ayed Manaa, Kuwait Journalists Association Consultant) Unfortunately, it is the result of the behavior of some candidates who underestimate this community, and the tribes reacted. The youth were also incited by certain candidates. Reporter, Male # 1 The demands accompanying the electoral campaigns are for drastic reforms, including a new constitution and a multi-party system. There are calls for the parliamentary majority to select the head of the government and establish a constitutional monarchy. This country's residents are accustomed to participating in great numbers in elections as parliament is key to enacting reforms in a region that has long lacked a reformist political movement that recognizes the democratic process. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-013112?start=1171 <p>Violence in Syria surges as showdown looms at UN Security Council, US drones patrolling Iraqi skies provoke outrage, Bahrainis plan "Great Return" to Manama's Pearl Roundabout, and more.</p> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-013112 Protest, Syria, Syrian Civil War, Bashar al-Assad, Mahmoud Abbas, Middle East Peace Process, Israel, Syrian army, Free Syrian Army, Amman Presenter, Female #1 The headquarters of the Kuwaiti National Assembly's Third Constituency's candidate, Mohammad al-Juwaihal, was burned down and its contents vandalized after al-Juwaihal made insulting remarks to certain al-Mutair's candidates and tribesmen. Thousands of people stormed the electoral headquarters and set it ablaze. The emir of Kuwait met with several opposition candidates and former Members of Parliament and promised that the law would be enforces after a request was made to revoke al-Juwaihal's candidacy bid and hold him accountable. Reporter, Male #1 The first spark was ignited from these headquarters. Mohamed al-Juwaihal, a candidate running in the Third Constituency, criticized the tribesmen of al-Mutair Tribe and insulted several candidates of the Fourth Constituency, as cited by his opponents. Law professor Abaid al-Wasmi, a candidate running in the Fourth Constituency, warned the government against failing to enforce the law. Guest, Male #2 I would like to tell them and all the traitors, mercenaries, sore losers, and corrupt who seek to harm the country, not to get carried away. I swear to God the law will be applied, because if it's not applied, we will apply it as we wish. Reporter, Male #1 The emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad, met with twelve candidates, former Members of Parliament, and several al-Mutair tribal Sheikhs, who demanded he revoke al-Juwaihal's candidacy bid and hold him accountable for his comments. The incident and its expected effects on the social fabric of Kuwaiti society have raised concerns among the public. Guest, Male #3 What happened yesterday caused concern among many people and the general Kuwaiti public, regardless of their affiliation or whether they are a civil or tribal community. No one is condoning what happened because neither torching the headquarters nor attacking the candidates or their tribes is the solution. We must resort to reason and join efforts to diffuse the tension. Reporter, Male #1 All Kuwaiti sects and political blocs condemned the incident, as everyone is urged to use reasonable judgment to prevent fire from spreading to other areas. After several tribesmen were insulted, a fire engulfed these election headquarters, turning them into ashes. Kuwaitis are now asking: "is the democracy they are proud of at stake?" Sami al-Saidi, al-Jazeera, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011712?start=34 In Kuwait, the agency in charge of illegal residents, who are locally known as bidoons or stateless, issued a decision to take "deterrent measures" against stateless protestors who participated in demonstrations in the past several weeks, Al Jazeera reports. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011712 Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, 2011 Kuwait protests, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War, Middle East Peace Process, Hosni Mubarak, Cyber warfare, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, House of Saud Presenter, Male #1 In Kuwait, the agency in charge of illegal residents, who are locally known as bidoons or stateless, issued a decision to take "deterrent measures" against those it described as law-violators, in reference to stateless protestors who participated in demonstrations in the past several weeks. The number of the so-called bidoons in Kuwait is estimated at 100,000. Reporter, Male #2 "The deportation of stateless protestors" is one of the headlines in Kuwaiti newspapers today: the outcome of a meeting convened by the Central Agency for Illegal Residents in Kuwait. Illegal residents in Kuwait are known as bidoons, and their number is estimated at over 100,000. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Sheikh Ahmad al-Humud al-Sabah, concluded with a decision to take "deterrent" measures. These measures will be enforced against stateless law-violators who took part in protests in the past several weeks, and against those who plan on participating in future protests. These measures include: first, laying off military members of the defense and interior ministries if they were involved in the protests; second, evicting them from government housing; third, canceling their security IDs; fourth, canceling their naturalization cases; fifth, deporting all those involved in the protests, who are known to hold citizenship, back to their own countries; sixth, deporting those unregistered at the Central Agency who previously signed their notifications to leave the country but did not do so. This decision comes after days of protests by the bidoons, the latest of which were held on Friday and Saturday. Security forces detained dozens of protestors on charges of taking part in an unlawful assembly, assaulting security forces, wounding military members, damaging vehicles, and violating the Interior Ministry's orders that banned organizing protests. In light of this decision, many questions have been raised about the future of this thorny issue in Kuwait, which the bidoons say has been unresolved for nearly four decades. Perhaps the answer to this question can be answered by the authorities' statements. The most recent was issued by Prime Minister Jaber al-Mubarak during his meeting with Yemeni Nobel Peace Price laureate Tawakkul Karman, indicating that a roadmap was drawn to solve the issue of the bidoons and that eligible applicants who were included in the 1965 government census will be naturalized. Or, perhaps the answer will come on Friday, as the secretary-general of the Kuwaiti Bidoons Congregation, Musaed al-Shammari, announced that the bidoons will take to the streets every Friday until their demands are met. Presenter, Male #1 The European Court for Human Rights said extraditing Jordanian Omar Othman, also known as Abu Qatada, from Britain to Jordan would violate his rights to receive a fair trial. According to the court's ruling, there is real danger that evidence extracted from him under torture could be used against him. Abu Qatada is accused of being the right-hand man of al-Qaeda's late leader Osama bin Laden in Europe. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011312?start=859 <p>Yemen's military committee sets demilitarization deadline, Tunisia marks first revolt anniversary, Saudi security forces kill one protestor in Qatif province, and more.</p> Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011312 Protest, Iran, Israel, Citizenship, Nuclear program of Iran, Civilian casualties, Amman, Political reform, Jordan, Tunisia In Kuwait, government forces have attacked stateless protesters demanding citizenship in the city of Jahra, northwest of the capital. Several people were injured after hundreds of riot police attacked demonstrators. Many others, including a 13-year-old boy, have been arrested. Rights groups have slammed the government for clamping down on demonstrators since they began taking to the streets early last year. More than 105,000 stateless people in Kuwait known as bidoon have been denied citizenship for decades. The central government has refused to give them essential documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates. It says that only 34,000 of them qualify for citizenship. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121911?start=854 <p>Egypt's military continues crackdown on protesters, blames them for violence, Syria signs Arab League protocol allowing observers into the country, a look at the ongoing peaceful Yemeni revolution, and more.</p> Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121911 Protest, Israel, West Bank, Israeli settlement, Cairo, Palestinians, Police, Tear gas, Yemen Uprising, Ali Abdullah Saleh In Kuwait, police have attacked stateless protestors in the city of Jahara, northwest of the capital Kuwait City. Several were arrested in the protest. That is the second in just four days. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protestors demanding citizenship and other basic rights. Some reports say police have also used rubber bullets to break up the protests. A number of activists have now joined the protests who joined the protests back in February. The fresh demonstrations come after Kuwaiti courts began the trial of around 50 stateless people known as Bedouins on charges or attending the rallies. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120611?start=698 Twin bombings kill scores of Afghans on Shiite holy day, Kuwait's emir dissolves parliament amid corruption allegations, thousands in Saudi Arabia's Qatif condemn killing of protestors, and more.<br /> Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120611 Syrian Civil War, Arab–Israeli conflict, Syria, Israel, Day of Ashura, Palestine, Muharram, Homs, Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah State media said that His Highness Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah dissolved parliament today after the government was forced to resign last month in one of the deepest political crises in the oil exporting state. A decree read out on state television cited difficulties in achieving progress and defining the national interest of the country, which required going back to the nation to choose its representative in order to overcome present difficulties. The decree said there would be elections but gave no date. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120111?start=919 <p>UN views situation in Syria as civil war, Amnesty International accuses Saudi Arabia of 'wave of repression', Yemeni forces continue to shell Taiz, and more.</p> Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120111 Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Syria, NATO, Protest, Bashar al-Assad, Civil war, Turkey, Ali Abdullah Saleh Presenter, Male #1 In Kuwait, the public prosecution released the detainees accused of storming the National Assembly, which then led to a crisis that forced the cabinet to resign. This comes a day after Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah appointed the defense minister of the ousted government, Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah, as the new prime minister succeeding Sheikh Nasser Mohammed al-Ahmed. Meanwhile, the parliament's fate is not yet clear. Many believe this move may help ease political tension. Ahmed La'anazi reports from Kuwait. Reporter, Male #2 After Sheikh Nasser Mohammed al-Sabah's seventh government submitted its resignation two days ago, his deputy and defense minister, Sheikh Jaber al-Muabark, was appointed by a royal decree as the new prime minister. The new premier is to choose the members of his government in the next few days and have them approved by the emir of Kuwait. Guest, Male #3 (Mohammed al-Dousari, Writer and Journalist) There is no doubt that replacing the prime minister was one of the demands of the political and popular parties, whether it is Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak or someone else. But we should not forget other demands of the political and popular parties, which is the reason why a number of demonstrations broke out at Irada Square recently. Reporter, Male #2 For its part, the opposition appeared to be relaxed and enjoying a delayed victory after one of its most important demands was met: the replacement of the prime minister. Meanwhile, the National Assembly's fate remains undecided as another royal decree is expected to end the long-term controversy. Guest, Male #3 (Mohammed al-Dousari, Writer and Journalist) I believe that part of the solution is to dissolve parliament. All signs indicate that it will be dissolved soon. I don't believe that maintaining the incumbent parliament will be a good thing for solving the problems; instead it will create more imbalances in Kuwait's political equation. Reporter, Male #2 At the moment, Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak's appointment as head of the cabinet is gaining partial consensus on the street and in parliament because of his good relationship with a majority of political parties, which represent all social stratums in Kuwait. Kuwaitis have long awaited the emir's latest decision which was made in order to put an end to a difficult political phase. Many believe that the move will take Kuwait out of the crises that swept the country all at once, which exhausted the public and paralyzed many political issues. Ahmed La'anizi, Dubai TV, Kuwait. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112811?start=948 <p>Egypt holds landmark elections amid fears for the revolution, Syria considers Arab League sanctions a declaration of economic war, and Pakistanis protest deadly US-led NATO airstrike.</p> Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112811 Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, NATO, Egypt, Arab League, Egyptian Revolution, Syrian Civil War, Chemical Weapons Convention, Yemen Uprising, 2011 Kuwait protests Presenter, Female #1 The emir of Kuwait, Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, accepted the cabinet's resignation amid an escalating political crisis in the country. The cabinet's resignation came after the Council of Ministers convened a meeting this morning attended by the emir. Reliable sources suggested that the emir is likely to dissolve parliament and call for early elections, which will be the fourth in five years. These developments come ahead of a protest called for by Saudi-affiliated parties this evening to demand the ouster of the cabinet. Protests called for by youth movements broke out in two eastern Saudi cities, Safwa and al-Awamia, demanding reprisal for the dead, the release of prisoners, and the resignation of the emir of the eastern region. Thousands took part in the protests amid heightened security measures. The military forces deployed their vehicles at intersections and major streets and set up checkpoints to inspect the IDs of passers-by. The protestors demanded a neutral investigation into the parties and individuals responsible for opening fire on peaceful protests in al-Awamia and al-Qatif last week, which killed four people and wounded several others. The protestors also demanded the emir of the eastern region step down. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112311?start=1128 Egyptian protestors demand the military council step down, Bahrain rights probe confirms authorities used systematic torture, Yemen's Saleh finally signs power handover deal, and more.<br /> Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112311 Egypt, Egyptian Revolution, Bahrain Uprising, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War, 2011 Kuwait protests, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Iraqi Army, Saif al-Islam, Egyptian Army Presenter, Male #1 Kuwaitis rushed to Irada Square demanding that the government resign. Representative Faisal al-Muslim called for supporting the campaign called "Arrest Us All." Reporter, Female #1 In Kuwait, thousands gathered in Irada Square for a demonstration called for by the opposition, demanding the resignation of the government and the dismissal of parliament after the country's emir refused to fire the head of government despite pressure from the street. Protestors gathered yesterday evening in the rain in front of parliament headquarters in the capital demanding that parliament question the prime minister over corruption cases. Guest, Female #2 The position of the prime minister is a very sensitive one. He should be held accountable. This is what the government is trying to avoid. Guest, Male #2 We are not against the regime, we are against the government. We have been living equally in Kuwait for over 400 years, we are not against the regime like the other Arab nations; we are not Libyans, or Egyptians, or Syrians. Our goal is to send a message to the government that we don't want corruption in Kuwait. Reporter, Female #2 Representative Dr. Faisal al-Muslim called on the citizens to take part in the events of a campaign called "Do Not Criticize the Charter," which was organized in response to the government's violations of the constitution and deprivation of people's rights. In addition, al-Muslim called for supporting the campaign "Arrest Us All" in solidarity with the youth who stormed the National Assembly building. Meanwhile, Representative Sha'ab al-Muaizari called on Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah to meet the people's aspirations and submit his resignation. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111811?start=230 <p>Egyptian protestors return to Tahrir Square on "Friday of one demand," anti-regime Bahrainis assert "revolutionary determination," Yemeni demonstrators honor revolution's female martyrs, and more.</p> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111811 Syria, Israel, Damascus, Kuwait, Iran, Cairo, Bahrain Uprising, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests Presenter, Male # 1 Across a number of Bahraini cities, marches were held on the "Friday of the steps of revolutionary determination," which was called for by the February 14 Coalition. Yesterday, many Bahraini cities witnessed marches confirming the popular demand to change the regime. Reporter, Male # 2 Nine months have passed since the revolution in Bahrain was ignited. And not only does the popular mobilization continue to be peaceful, its creativity and ability to send its message despite the authorities' crackdown is notable. In addition to the ongoing peaceful marches in different areas held to confirm the people's entitlement to their demands, protestors devised new means to raise the pressure on the Manama regime. The march for self-determination continued from one town to the next amid mass popular celebrations ahead of "the day of the crawl toward the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre" on Tuesday. Bahrain's protestors also resorted to shutting down main roads and streets in a number of regions to force the Khalifa regime to meet their demand to release female detainees and their remaining prisoners. Guest, Male # 3 (Nabil Rajab, Bahrain Human Rights Center President) We will get our rights if we continue this way, with this number of people and on a daily basis, if we continue to pressure the government to release all prisoners and political detainees. We must persevere until the release of the detainees and until the demands that made us come out on February 14 are met. Reporter, Male # 2 For its part, the February 14 Coalition renewed its call for a mass rally in the village of al-Dee' on Friday, under the slogan: "Friday of the steps of revolutionary determination." The coalition confirmed in a statement that the goal of this action is to send a clear message that the revolution is moving forward and that the power of the youth on the ground is now organized. The regime had its own interpretation of that message. So as customary, it responded with more repression, tyranny and the use of different types of weapons and poisonous gas, and continued the arbitrary arrests of civilians. Presenter, Male # 1 The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry referred a number of the protestors who stormed the National Assembly building to the military police, including an officer who works at the Ministry of Defense. For its part, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information alluded it will be taking severe legal action against local media outlets. They are accused of violating the publications and audiovisual laws and will be referred to the prosecution that will review the cases. The decision is based on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers that held an emergency meeting. In addition, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah ordered security institutions to work on maintaining the country's public order. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111811?start=395 <p>Egyptian protestors return to Tahrir Square on "Friday of one demand," anti-regime Bahrainis assert "revolutionary determination," Yemeni demonstrators honor revolution's female martyrs, and more.</p> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111811 Syria, Israel, Damascus, Kuwait, Iran, Cairo, Bahrain Uprising, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry referred a number of the protestors who stormed the National Assembly building to the military police, including an officer who works at the Ministry of Defense. For its part, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information alluded it will be taking severe legal action against local media outlets. They are accused of violating the publications and audiovisual laws and will be referred to the prosecution that will review the cases. The decision is based on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers that held an emergency meeting. In addition, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah ordered security institutions to work on maintaining the country's public order. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111711?start=37 Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad described yesterday's attack on the National Assembly as an unprecedented step toward chaos and anarchy and ordered the Interior Ministry to ensure security and enforce the law, reports Al Jazeera. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111711 Protest, Iran, Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, International Atomic Energy Agency, Civilian casualties, Industrial action, Kuwait, Syrian Civil War, West Bank Presenter, Male #1 Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad ordered the Interior Ministry and the National Guard to take sufficient measures to confront everything affecting the country's security and to firmly and seriously enforce the law. Presenter, Female #1 The emir of Kuwait described yesterday's attack on the National Assembly as irresponsible, violating the law, presenting an unprecedented step toward chaos and anarchy, and creating a threat for security and public order. Presenter, Male #1 This came at the conclusion of an emergency cabinet meeting headed by the emir to discuss the political crisis after Kuwaiti protestors, including members of parliament, stormed the National Assembly headquarters for a brief period of time. The storming took place after they protested against what they referred to as the security forces' assault on a number of protestors in the form of beatings. Presenter, Female #1 Prior to this, Kuwaiti security forces prevented protestors from reaching the home of Prime Minister Nasser Mohammed Al-Sabah to demand that he step down and conduct early parliamentary elections. Reporter, Male #2 This is an unprecedented incident in Kuwaiti history. Protestors did not stop at protesting in front of the National Assembly but stormed it while chanting "bring down the government" and "conduct early parliamentary elections." They said that their motivation for doing so was an important issue: corruption and its subsequent concealment, as certain members of parliament ally with influential individuals in the executive branch to escape punishment and questioning at the National Assembly. The opposition referred to a case called "million-dollar allegations," in which government officials transferred tens of millions of dollars to the accounts of MPs in order to guarantee their loyalty, in addition to conducting money transactions through overseas Kuwaiti embassies. As a result of this, more than ten MPs were subject to public prosecution and opposition parliament members sought to question Prime Minister Nasser Al Mohammad Al Sabah on allegations of bribing these MPs. However, the prime minister was no questioned at the last parliament session, and the case was removed from the session's agenda. Opposition parliament members considered the move a violation of the constitution and rallied in Irada Square, and later clashed with the security forces deployed near the prime minister's house. Opposition figures say they were subject to beatings by the Special Forces there. They added that women were also beaten, which prompted them to head to the National Assembly building and storm it. According to the participants, their request to question the prime minister is a constitutional right that no one has the right to cast aside or ignore. They say Prime Minister Nasser al-Mohammed should go to the podium and face questioning, instead of having it taken off the table. They make reference to the country's constitution, which they say is legitimate for the whole nation. This prompted them to demand the government's resignation, early parliamentary elections that preserve the legitimacy of government institutions, and protection from what they described as "the executive branch's intrusion" and "corruption of certain influential individuals." It is worth mentioning that the incumbent prime minister has a history of being questioned. He is the first prime minister to be questioned in Kuwait's history, and would often reshuffle cabinets to avoid questioning. Since his inauguration as prime minister in 2006, he has formed seven governments. But his latest government has witnessed something exceptional and striking: the people want it dismantled, just as the protestors have chanted and affirmed. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111611?start=558 Yemenis urge the Arab League to suspend their country's membership, Syrian army defectors attack a military base as Assad faces growing isolation, thousands storm Kuwait's parliament demanding PM's resignation, and more.<br /> Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111611 Protest, Arab League, Hamas, Israel, Civilian casualties, Syrian Civil War, Yemen Uprising, Kuwait, National Assembly of Kuwait, Bahrain Uprising In Kuwait, thousands of people have stormed parliament after police and security forces beat up protestors outside the prime minister's home. An opposition lawmaker says protestors had staged a march outside Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad Al-Sabah' home, demanding his resignation. Police used batons to disperse the demonstrators. Witnesses say at least five people were injured. Protestors have called for the dissolution of parliament over alleged corruption. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110911?start=1344 <p>Saudi Hajj pilgrims urge Peninsula Shield Force to leave Bahrain, Iran vows not to retreat "one iota" from the nation's path, anger erupts at Syria's divided opposition in Cairo, and more.</p> Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110911 Saudi Arabia, Nuclear program of Iran, Palestinians, International Atomic Energy Agency, Hajj, West Bank, Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israeli-occupied territories, Ali Air Base Presenter, Female #1 US military vehicles continue to head to Kuwait in preparation for the full withdrawal from Iraq by the end of this year. Presenter, Male #1 US leaders pledged to comply with the security agreement by completing all work related to the withdrawal, and commended the Iraqi forces for maintaining security and stability. Reporter, Male #2 The US military forces continued their gradual withdrawal from southern Iraq and other provinces via the main base at Basra airport. The base will be one of the most important and final bases to be handed over by the Americans after providing protection and logistical support to the forces withdrawing to Kuwait. Guest, Male #3 We are complying with the security agreement, our work here has been completed and we're proceeding in accordance with the timetable of the scheduled withdrawal. The Iraqi forces are ready to take over the security task. Guest, Male #4 (Colonel Jawad Kazim, Commander of Border Guards, Area 4) The Iraqi Border Troops of Area 4 will take over Camp Minden from the US forces. This camp will be one of the training centers for the Border Troops of Area 4. Reporter, Male #2 The appropriate authorities in the province indicated that the security institutions are ready to fully take over the security responsibility in cooperation with the intelligence agency to ensure that public order and stability are maintained in the province. In the upcoming phase, various government and civil organizations are expected to support the security institutions' effort to maintain their progress and achieve their desired goals. Mohamed Hassan, al-Iraqiya, Basra. Presenter, Male #1 The road connecting Nasiriyah and Basra is also seeing military vehicles leave Iraq, as they head to Basra to begin their journey of withdrawal to neighboring Kuwait. Presenter, Female #1 From Nasiriyah, al-Iraqiya's camera crew accompanied the progress of the withdrawal from the military bases in the province. The only remaining base in the province is Imam Ali Air Base, which will be handed over to the Iraqi forces by the end of the week. Reporter, Male #2 Many people bet that the US forces would not pull out of the Iraqi territories. But if you are on the highway connecting the provinces to Dhi Qar and Basra, you will find US military convoys leaving Iraq in accordance with the security agreement between Iraq and the US. Four out of the five bases in Dhi Qar Province where US forces have been operating have been handed over to the Iraqi forces. They are as follows: Camp Ameriyah base in Orr was handed over in 2007; Matiqa base, handed over in 2007; Camp Adar base, handed over in 2009; Camp Cedar base, which was limited to logistical and preparatory work, handed over in 2010; the Provincial Reconstruction Team left in 2011; twenty percent of the Tulail base, also known as Imam Ali air base, has been handed over along with an airplane runway. The rest of the base will be handed over next month. Imam Ali will be the last base from which the American forces will withdraw. The head of the Security and Defense Council in parliament visited the 38th Brigade of the 10th Division in Nasiriyah and met with the officers there, affirming that the US withdrawal will take place on schedule. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110811?start=1147 Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak al-Sabah denied the existence of any plan for the US troops to stay in Kuwait after they withdraw from Iraq, adding that Kuwait will only be a passageway for US troops on their way to the United States. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110811 Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, Iran, Arab League, Palestinian National Authority, Peace Now, Mordechai Kedar, Bahrain Uprising, Syrian Civil War, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq Presenter, Female #1 Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak al-Sabah denied the assertion that the US troops will stay in his country after their withdrawal from Iraq. Presenter, Male #1 According to reports by the Kuwaiti state news agency, the minister denied the existence of any plan for the US troops to stay in Kuwait or on Bubiyan Island after they withdraw from Iraq. He indicated that his country will only be a passageway for the US troops to pull out of Iraq on their way to the United States. Acting Minister of Defense Saadoun al-Dulaimi visited Diyala Province to discuss with security leaders the issue of the Iraqi forces and their readiness to take over the security mission after the US troop withdrawal. Presenter, Female #1 The minister briefed the security and military plan laid out by the leadership to confront the security challenges that threaten the stability of the region. Reporter, Male #2 These days, security in Diyala Province has been strong, as the acting defense minister accompanied by security commanders is visiting the province to inspect the security situation. Guest, Male #3 (Saadoun al-Dulaimi, Iraqi Defense Minister) With the help of the good citizens of Diyala Province, as well as the care taken by the security forces in Diyala, we and the security forces managed to make Diyala a truly safe and stable region. God willing, it will also become a prosperous region. Reporter, Male #2 The minister's visit also brought reassurance to the province that the general commander of the armed forces is giving instructions to the local security leaders. He also said that the central government cares a great deal for the province. He expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices made by members of the security forces in order to make Diyala a safe and secure city. Guest, Male #3 We were reassured by the brothers we have here, most notably in the command center, that they are receiving instructions from the general commander of the armed forces. He pays a great deal of attention to this province and he is grateful for the work done by Diyala's leadership. Reporter, Male #2 During his exceptional visit to the province, the defense minister looked closely at the reality of the security situation and the performance and readiness of the security forces as the US troop withdrawal from Iraq approaches. Iraqiya TV, Duraid al-Baghdadi, Diyala. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101111?start=355 Israeli troops attack Palestinians supporting prison hunger strike, UN Security Council finally takes up Yemen issue as the crisis worsens, and Egypt Copts blame 'infiltrators' for deadly Maspero clashes.<br /> Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101111 Israel, Human rights, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Strike, Labor dispute, Homs, West Bank, Bashar al-Assad, Palestinians Now to Kuwait, which has threatened to replace striking workers if they press ahead with their work stoppages. The minister of state for cabinet affairs said the only solution to the ongoing strikes is to bring in replacement workers from inside or outside Kuwait. The warning comes amid a wave of strikes and labor unrest in the wealthy Persian Gulf state. The strikes initially began last month by civil servants seeking greater pay and better working conditions. On Monday, thousands of customs officers walked out of their jobs to escalate pressure on the government to meet their demands. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100611?start=1116 Afghans denounce US occupation on eve of invasion's anniversary, Iraq decides to keep US trainers but withholds immunity, Palestinians rally in support of Israeli prison hunger strike, and more.<br /> Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100611 Protest, Civilian casualties, US Armed Forces, Palestinians, Sniper, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, 2011 Libyan Uprising, Sirte, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Female # 1 Thousands protested in the center of the Kuwaiti capital to condemn corruption scandals. They demanded the resignation of the government and warned of escalating their protests if the authorities don't put an end to the corruption cases involving a number of ministers loyal to the government. Newspapers unveiled bribes of tens of millions of dollars. Meanwhile, an opposition minister said an organized gang led by the government is involved in the bribes in the country.