http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: US-Israel relations) en-us Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:57:00 -0700 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/israel-pm-apologises-to-turkey-for-gaza-flotilla-raid?start=0 US President Barack Obama is rounding off his Middle East visit -- and there seems to have been one major development. Israel says it will restore full diplomatic relations with Turkey, after apologizing for a botched naval raid in 2010 that killed nine Turks. That seems to have followed behind the scenes pressure from Obama. Al Jazeera's Nicole Johnston reports from Jerusalem. Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:57:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/israel-pm-apologises-to-turkey-for-gaza-flotilla-raid Israel–Turkey relations, Gaza flotilla raid, MV Mavi Marmara, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Barack Obama, Israel Defense Forces, Gaza blockade US President Barack Obama is rounding off his Middle East visit -- and there seems to have been one major development. Israel says it will restore full diplomatic relations with Turkey, after apologizing for a botched naval raid in 2010 that killed nine Turks. That seems to have followed behind the scenes pressure from Obama. Al Jazeera's Nicole Johnston reports from Jerusalem. http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-march-23-2013?start=120 A shocking new report by The Guardian and BBC Arabic details how the United States armed and trained Iraqi death squads that ran torture centers. It is a story that stretches from the US-backed death squads in Central America during the 1980s to the imprisoned Army whistleblower Bradley Manning. We play extended excerpts of "James Steele: America's Mystery Man in Iraq," which exposes the role the retired US colonel James Steele, a veteran of American proxy wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua, played in training Iraqi police commando units. "We spent maybe six months trying to track down young American soldiers who served in Samarra," says the film's executive producer, Maggie O'Kane, who notes the investigation was sparked by memos found in the Iraq War Logs released by WikiLeaks. "But many were too frightened because of what happened to Bradley Manning." A Pentagon spokesman told The Guardian it had seen the reports and is looking into the situation. "As you know, the issue surrounding accusation of abuse and torture of Iraqi detainees is a complex one that is full of history and emotion," said Col. Jack Miller. "It will take time to work a thorough response." <br /> Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:43:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-march-23-2013 Maggie O'Kane, WikiLeaks, 2003 invasion of Iraq, Barack Obama, David Petraeus, Iraq War documents leak, Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Bradley Manning, Israeli settlement Obama Urges Palestinians to Drop Demand for Israeli Settlement Freeze President Obama more closely aligned himself with the Israeli government’s terms for resuming peace talks with the Palestinians Thursday as he continued his visit to the region. Speaking in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Obama urged Palestinians to drop their longstanding demand for Israel to halt settlement construction on Palestinian land as a precondition for talks. President Obama: "What I shared with President Abbas, and I will share with the Palestinian people, is that if the expectation is, is that we can only have direct negotiations when everything is settled ahead of time, then there’s no point for negotiations. So I think it’s important for us to work through this process, even if there are irritants on both sides." Obama had previously backed the Palestinian demand for a settlement freeze at the start of his first term. On Thursday, Obama said the Israeli settlements are not "constructive" or "appropriate," but he stopped short of calling them illegal, a point stressed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. President Mahmoud Abbas: "Regarding the issue of settlements, it is not only our perception that settlements are illegal, but it is a global perspective. Everybody considers settlements not only a hurdle, but even more than a hurdle, towards the two-state solution." Protester Heckles Obama over Israeli Killings, Rachel Corrie Death President Obama gave a key address to Israeli students in Jerusalem on Thursday, where he was interrupted by a heckler. The protester was an Arab-Israeli student named Rabiyah Aid. He told the Israeli newspaper Ynet he had called out to Obama: "Have you really come to promote the peace process or to provide Israel with more weapons to kill the Palestinian people? On your way here did you see the [West Bank] fence or the killer of Rachel Corrie?" Rachel Corrie was the U.S. student crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza on March 16, 2003, while attempting to block the demolition of a Palestinian home. Obama Acknowledges Plight of Palestinians in Jerusalem Speech During his speech to Israeli students, President Obama touted U.S. investment in Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system and reiterated his support for Israel to "defend itself." He also called for peace under a two-state solution and acknowledged the plight of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. President Obama: "Put yourself in their [Palestinians’] shoes. Look at the world through their eyes. It is not fair that a Palestinian child cannot grow up in a state of their own, living their entire lives with the presence of a foreign army that controls the movements not just of those young people but their parents, their grandparents, every single day." President Obama also invoked the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran during his speech, repeating his past statement that "all options are on the table." http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-obama-handles-heckler-in-speech-to-israeli-youth?start=0 A heckler interrupted President Obama in a keynote speech to Israeli youth in Jerusalem. Obama urged the audience to channel their energy into debating the current state of affairs between Israel and Palestine. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:17:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-obama-handles-heckler-in-speech-to-israeli-youth Barack Obama, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Jerusalem, Israel, Palestinian state, Palestine, Palestinians, Foreign relations of Israel, US-Israel relations, Keynote A heckler interrupted President Obama in a keynote speech to Israeli youth in Jerusalem. Obama urged the audience to channel their energy into debating the current state of affairs between Israel and Palestine. http://news.linktv.org/videos/iran-syria-top-agenda-on-obamas-first-day-in-israel?start=0 Iran's nuclear program and the chaos in Syria dominated President Obama's talks with Israeli leaders on the first day of his state visit. Obama -- who planted a tree at the home of Israeli president Shimon Peres -- travels to the West Bank today for talks with Palestinian leaders.<br /> Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:07:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/iran-syria-top-agenda-on-obamas-first-day-in-israel Israel, Barack Obama, Shimon Peres, US-Israel relations, Nuclear program of Iran, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign relations of Israel, Syrian Civil War, Prime Minister of Israel Iran's nuclear program and the chaos in Syria dominated President Obama's talks with Israeli leaders on the first day of his state visit. Obama -- who planted a tree at the home of Israeli president Shimon Peres -- travels to the West Bank today for talks with Palestinian leaders. http://news.linktv.org/videos/in-israel-obama-warns-syria-on-chemical-weapons?start=0 The first day of President Obama's Israel visit included a press conference with&nbsp; PM Benyamin Netanyahu where he issued a stern warning to the Syrian regime about chemical weapons. Obama said use of chemical weapons would be a "serious and tragic mistake" and Assad would be held accountable.<br /> Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:30:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/in-israel-obama-warns-syria-on-chemical-weapons Israel, Chemical weapon, Barack Obama, Benjamin Netanyahu, Chemical warfare, Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Prime Minister of Israel, Syrian Civil War, State visit President Obama issued a stern warning to the Syrian regime about chemical weapons on the first day of his visit to Israel. At a press conference with Israeli PM Benyamin Netanyahu, he said use of chemical weapons would be a "serious and tragic mistake" and Assad would be held accountable. http://news.linktv.org/videos/all-smiles-as-obama-arrives-in-israel-on-first-official-visit?start=0 US President Barack Obama has pledged unwavering support for Israel on his first visit there as US President. He also stressed the need for Middle East peace at the start of a three-day trip to the region, but didn't mention the Palestinian issue -- but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did. Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna has more from Jerusalem. Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:13:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/all-smiles-as-obama-arrives-in-israel-on-first-official-visit Barack Obama, Benjamin Netanyahu, US-Israel relations, Middle East Peace Process, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Palestinians, Israeli settlement, State visit, Israeli-occupied territories US President Barack Obama has pledged unwavering support for Israel on his first visit there as US President. He also stressed the need for Middle East peace at the start of a three-day trip to the region, but didn't mention the Palestinian issue -- but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did. Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna has more from Jerusalem. http://news.linktv.org/videos/can-obama-make-inroads-with-israels-new-hardline-coalition?start=0 As Israel prepares for a visit by US President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has named Moshe Yaalon, a right-wing former armed forces chief, as his defence minister. Yaalon shares Netanyahu's reluctance to give up the occupied West Bank and make way for a Palestinian state. Sun, 17 Mar 2013 15:13:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/can-obama-make-inroads-with-israels-new-hardline-coalition Benjamin Netanyahu, Barack Obama, US-Israel relations, Moshe Ya'alon, West Bank, Defence minister, Israeli-occupied territories, Palestinian territories, Politics of Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict As Israel prepares for a visit by US President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has named Moshe Yaalon, a right-wing former armed forces chief, as his defence minister. Yaalon shares Netanyahu's reluctance to give up the occupied West Bank and make way for a Palestinian state. http://news.linktv.org/videos/brooklyn-college-funding-threatened-for-hosting-israel-boycott-discussion?start=0 New York politicians are threatening to cut funding to Brooklyn College if the school hosts a forum Thursday night about the Palestinian-led campaign to boycott and divest from Israel. The Brooklyn College Political Science Department is among the event's co-sponsors. In response, a group of New York City Council members has raised the possibility of Brooklyn College losing taxpayer support. The council members' threat is just one of several efforts by local lawmakers, from Congress on down, to pressure Brooklyn College to remove its sponsorship or even cancel the event. As the school vows to proceed with the event, we're joined by one of its featured speakers, author and activist Omar Barghouti, a founding member of the BDS movement and author of "Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions: The Global Struggle for Palestinian Rights." On BDS, Barghouti says, "It follows in the steps of the civil rights movement in this country, in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa... It's just when we talk about Palestinian rights, that some people are trying to criminalize and make it completely unacceptable speech to address Palestinian rights under international law." We're also joined by Glenn Greenwald, columnist for The Guardian and author of "With Liberty and Justice for Some: How the Law Is Used to Destroy Equality and Protect the Powerful." <br /> Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:40:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/brooklyn-college-funding-threatened-for-hosting-israel-boycott-discussion Brooklyn College, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, US-Israel relations, Israel, New York City Council, Freedom of speech, Antisemitism, Glenn Greenwald, Omar Barghouti New York politicians are threatening to cut funding to Brooklyn College if the school hosts a forum Thursday night about the Palestinian-led campaign to boycott and divest from Israel. The Brooklyn College Political Science Department is among the event's co-sponsors. In response, a group of New York City Council members has raised the possibility of Brooklyn College losing taxpayer support. The council members' threat is just one of several efforts by local lawmakers, from Congress on down, to pressure Brooklyn College to remove its sponsorship or even cancel the event. As the school vows to proceed with the event, we're joined by one of its featured speakers, author and activist Omar Barghouti, a founding member of the BDS movement and author of "Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions: The Global Struggle for Palestinian Rights." On BDS, Barghouti says, "It follows in the steps of the civil rights movement in this country, in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa... It's just when we talk about Palestinian rights, that some people are trying to criminalize and make it completely unacceptable speech to address Palestinian rights under international law." We're also joined by Glenn Greenwald, columnist for The Guardian and author of "With Liberty and Justice for Some: How the Law Is Used to Destroy Equality and Protect the Powerful." http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-israeli-settlements-set-back-peace-clinton-says?start=0 Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on Israel to reverse its plans to build new housing settlements in the West Bank in a speech at the 2012 Saban Forum on US-Israel relations. Clinton said the UN vote to recognize Palestine is not the course towards peace, and that Israel should seek a morale high ground. Sat, 01 Dec 2012 16:24:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-israeli-settlements-set-back-peace-clinton-says Hillary Clinton, US-Israel relations, Palestine, Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israeli-occupied territories, Telegraph.co.uk, Middle East Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on Israel to reverse its plans to build new housing settlements in the West Bank in a speech at the 2012 Saban Forum on US-Israel relations. Clinton said the UN vote to recognize Palestine is not the course towards peace, and that Israel should seek a morale high ground. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111612?start=936 <p>Israel pounds Gaza as Arabs rally in solidarity with Palestinian people, Jordan caught between demands for king's ouster and pleas for reform, European leaders meet to finalize plan for military intervention in Mali, and more.</p> Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111612 Gaza–Israel conflict, Gaza, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Palestinians, Hamas, Israel Defense Forces, Mahmoud Abbas, Friday prayers, Jerusalem IBA reports that the US State Department has once again reiterated its support for Israel's right to defend itself, and placed blame for the ongoing conflict squarely on Hamas. US State Department Spokesman Mark Toner said that US President Obama spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Thursday, and pointed out that since the beginning of 2012, more than 768 rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel, and over 12,000 in the past 12 years. http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-israel-will-take-whatever-action-is-necessary?start=0 <p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he hopes Hamas "got the message" that Israel is prepared to do anything to defend its people. He also thanked various world leaders for their backing, including singling out what he described as US President Barack Obama's "unequivocal, clear-sighted support" for Israel's right to defend itself. "There is no moral equivalence between Israel and the terrorist organizations," Netanyahu said.</p> Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:53:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-israel-will-take-whatever-action-is-necessary Benjamin Netanyahu, Operation Pillar of Defense, Israel, Hamas, Gaza, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, US-Israel relations, Prime Minister of Israel, Moral equivalence Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he hopes Hamas "got the message" that Israel is prepared to do anything to defend its people. He also thanked various world leaders for their backing, including singling out what he described as US President Barack Obama's "unequivocal, clear-sighted support" for Israel's right to defend itself. "There is no moral equivalence between Israel and the terrorist organizations," Netanyahu said. http://news.linktv.org/videos/israeli-hamas-conflict-intensifies?start=0 The Israeli air strikes that killed Hamas military leader Ahmed al-Jabari has started an all-out war between Hamas and Israel. It's the worst escalation of violence since Israel launched its war on Gaza four years ago, and the international community is taking sides. Al Jazeera's Caroline Malone explains. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:54:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/israeli-hamas-conflict-intensifies Operation Pillar of Defense, Israel, Hamas, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Gaza, UN Security Council, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Mohamed Morsi, Air strike, Egypt–Israel relations The Israeli air strikes that killed Hamas military leader Ahmed al-Jabari has started an all-out war between Hamas and Israel. It's the worst escalation of violence since Israel launched its war on Gaza four years ago, and the international community is taking sides. Al Jazeera's Caroline Malone explains. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111412?start=515 <p>Israel assassinates Palestinian resistance leader in Gaza, anti-Abdullah protests erupt across Jordan over gas prices, series of deadly bombings rock Iraq ahead of the holy month of Muharram, and more.</p> Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111412 Gaza–Israel conflict, Gaza, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Ahmed al-Jaabari, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests, Gasoline and diesel usage and pricing, Hamas, Israel Defense Forces Press TV reports that the United States, Israel's closest ally, has defended Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip, saying it will stand by Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Egypt has strongly condemned the Israeli assaults, and has called on Tel Aviv to immediately stop the attacks. The Muslim Brotherhood and Egypt's health minister are calling on President Mohamed Morsi to reconsider all treaties and ties with Israel. The acting chief of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, has also condemned the attacks, and called for an emergency meeting of the Arab League to discuss the Israeli aggressions. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110812?start=849 <p>Bashar al-Assad defends Syria as the last stronghold of secularism in the region, world groups organize global day of action in support of Myanmar's Rohingyas, bombings kill several people in Iraq, and more.</p> Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110812 Syrian Civil War, US-Israel relations, Benjamin Netanyahu, Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Syria, Israel, United States, US presidential election, 2012, Rohingya Presenter, Male #1 Israeli media outlets reported a wide gap in the future relations between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and American President Barack Obama. This comes a day after disappointment was expressed by Likud party government ministers. Reporter, Male #2 The future of the relationship between American President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the most prominent headline in Israeli media outlets. The consensus was that Netanyahu was hasty, and made a major mistake by what was described as a blatant intervention in favor of the Republican candidate Romney, that was done without assessing the possibility of Obama's return to the White House. Reporter, Male #2 Netanyahu tried to rectify the situation and issued strict orders to all his ministers, their advisors, and Likud members in the Knesset not to speak about Obama's victory without coordinating with his office. This came following Likud party members' negative reaction towards Obama who they described as "not good for Israel," and unreliable. Reporter, Male #2 However, others described the relationship between Washington and Tel Aviv as at its best. Columnist Akiva Eldar wrote an article published in the Israel Today newspaper saying that Obama will repay the Jewish community that voted for him. Reporter, Male #2 International media also commented on the issue, but that reaction mostly differed from the Israeli analysis. The Guardian newspaper said Obama's reelection makes him more able, less confined, and more free to deal with Israel, suggesting that Obama will pressure Netanyahu to stop settlement construction, especially in East Jerusalem. The British newspaper recalled Netanyahu's disappointment by saying that the person who regretted most Obama's victory after Romney was the Israeli prime minister, who not only opposed Obama, but also publicly mocked him in the corridors of the United Nations when he lectured him on Jewish history. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110812?start=980 <p>Bashar al-Assad defends Syria as the last stronghold of secularism in the region, world groups organize global day of action in support of Myanmar's Rohingyas, bombings kill several people in Iraq, and more.</p> Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110812 Syrian Civil War, US-Israel relations, Benjamin Netanyahu, Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Syria, Israel, United States, US presidential election, 2012, Rohingya In Israel, the meaning of US President Barack Obama's reelection victory has been a main topic of discussion, reports IBA. They wonder whether it will impact US-Israel relations, and whether it will affect Israel's own elections in January. Pundits in Israel are saying that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's implicit backing of Mitt Romney may have severely damaged Tel Aviv's relations with Washington. However, in a meeting yesterday with US Ambassador Dan Shapiro, Netanyahu seemed eager to offer congratulations to Obama. In a later panel discussing the election, Ambassador Shapiro insisted that there would be no change in the US-Israel relationship, while former Israeli ambassador to the US Salai Meridor suggested that Obama may indeed hold a grudge. As for the Jewish vote in the US election, exit polls released yesterday said that 70 percent of the Jewish electorate voted for Obama, while 30 percent said they voted for Romney. In 2008, Obama took 78 percent of the Jewish vote, while Senator John McCain, the Republican nominee, won 22 percent. Additionally, while Jews make up only two percent of the US population, it will now have 10 members in the Senate and 22 members in the House of Representatives, all but one of whom are Democrats. It's an overall decline from 2010, when 12 Jews were elected to the Senate and 27 to the House. http://news.linktv.org/videos/world-reacts-to-obama-victory-with-ecstasy-relief-caution?start=0 <p>CNN reporters around the world on reaction to Barack Obama's US presidential election win, including wild celebrations from Kenya, muted enthusiasm in China, and very mixed emotions in Israel.</p> <p>Caption: A Japanese high school student blows a kiss at a cutout figure of President Obama during an election event at the US Embassy in Tokyo. <br /><br /></p> Wed, 07 Nov 2012 08:49:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/world-reacts-to-obama-victory-with-ecstasy-relief-caution Barack Obama, US presidential election, 2012, Kenya, Pakistan, China, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Nyang’oma Kogelo, US-Pakistan relations CNN reporters around the world on reaction to Barack Obama's US presidential election win, including wild celebrations from Kenya, muted enthusiasm in China, and very mixed emotions in Israel. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110712?start=260 <p>World breathes sigh of relief over Romney's loss, Bahraini regime strips 31 dissenters of their citizenship, Israel's annexation wall hindering Palestinian economic development a decade later, and more.</p> Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110712 Israel, Syrian Civil War, Syria, United States, US presidential election, 2012, Barack Obama, Palestinians, Shia Islam, Politics of Iran, Human rights IBA reports that Barack Obama was reelected US president this morning in a race that was not nearly as close as pundits predicted after Obama won the pivotal swing state of Ohio. Israeli officials were quick to offer their congratulations and pledge continuing friendship in working together over the coming four years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has close ties with defeated Republican candidate Mitt Romney, issued a statement saying that the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States is stronger than ever, and that he will continue to work with President Obama to ensure the vital security interests of Israeli citizens. Similar words were heard from Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Labor Party leader Shelly Yachimovich, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Kadima Chairman Shaul Mofaz, and Housing Minister and Shas MK Ariel Atias. Meanwhile, Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid party issued a statement calling on Netanyahu to take immediate steps to correct Israel's sticky relationship with Washington, and the National Union party issued a statement saying that Obama's victory gives a boost to the Israeli left. The Prime Minister's office issued an order to Likud ministers not to make unauthorized comments on Obama's reelection for fear such remarks could further damage the ties between the two leaders. A key focus for Obama's campaign was Israel and the Jewish vote. According to preliminary exit poll numbers, American Jews once again overwhelmingly supported the Democratic candidate with 69 percent of their vote, a sharp drop from the 78 percent support they gave him in 2008. In the congressional races, the split between the Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate appeared to be about the same as the current Congress. Republicans retained their majority in the House, while Democrats have kept their control of the Senate. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-103012?start=1032 <p>Bahraini regime criminalizes all public gatherings and rallies, Myanmar rejects ASEAN's offer to launch national reconciliation talks, Afghan policeman kills two British soldiers as UK forces cover up civilian killings, and more.</p> Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-103012 Israel, Iran, Israeli settlement, Military exercise, Bahrain Uprising, Kermanshah, East Jerusalem, Politics of Israel, US-Israel relations, Syrian Civil War The chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, is in southern Israel, where he is visiting an Iron Dome anti-missile battery. He was accompanied by Israeli Chief of Staff Brigadier General Benny Gantz. Dempsey is in Israel for a close-up view of the three-week-long US-Israeli military exercise. Last night, Dempsey was visited by Israeli President Shimon Peres, who told guests that the US and Israel see eye-to-eye on the Iranian nuclear issue. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102912?start=1054 <p>Car bombings rock Damascus as failed Syrian ceasefire ends, Yemeni prisoners' family members mobilize to demand their release, Bahraini opposition stages anti-regime rallies, and more.</p> Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102912 Israel Defense Forces, United Nations, Israel, Gaza, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Tehran, Eid al-Adha, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinians, Syrian Civil War Efforts are underway to drill defenses against a major rocket strike in Israel's heartland with the help of the United States. Top American armed forces commanders, including the head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, are in Israel with IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz to observe the large-scale joint exercises between the two countries. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102412?start=502 <p>Israel pounds the Gaza Strip after Qatari leader's visit, Lebanon's March 14 Coalition obstructs president's national dialogue initiative, US assassination drone kills three in Pakistan's North Waziristan, and more.</p> Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102412 Israel, Syrian Civil War, Iron Dome, Palestinians, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Syria, Iraq, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza blockade US-Israel military exercises are still underway. The "Austere Challenge 2012" mission kicked off on Sunday, and is designed to examine Israel's air defense shield, including the operability of the Iron Dome anti-rocket system, the high-altitude Arrow missile, and the latest version of the Patriot. 3,500 US military personnel have joined 1,000 Israeli troops to participate in the nationwide drill, the largest ever to be conducted by the two allies. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102312?start=837 Libya struggles to rein in militias a year after Gaddafi's fall, Qatari emir breaks siege on Gaza in "historic" visit, US presidential candidates spar over who can inflict greatest suffering on Iranians, and more.<br /> Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:12:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102312 Syria, Syrian Civil War, US presidential election debates, 2012, Nuclear program of Iran, Israel, Iran, Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, United States, US presidential election debates The US presidential candidates faced off against one another for a final round in Boca Raton, Florida, heading into the verbal match in a dead heat just two weeks before Election Day. Public opinion polls reveal that 48 percent of undecided voters believe that US President Barack Obama won the third debate over his Republican rival Mitt Romney, who registered just 40 percent. Last night's debate concentrated on foreign policy issues, highlighting both candidates' claims of support for Israel and opposition to a nuclear Iran. Joining IBA in the studio is their special political analyst and CEO of the KEEVOON Research Group, Mitchell Barak, to discuss the upcoming elections in both the United States and Israel. http://news.linktv.org/videos/foreign-policy-fast-forward-third-us-presidential-debate-in-60-seconds?start=0 President Barack Obama accused Republican candidate Mitt Romney of being consistently wrong on foreign affairs as the two presidential rivals squared off in their third and final debate on Monday with the race in a dead heat two weeks before Election Day. Obama criticized Romney's support for beginning the war in Iraq, for opposing his plans to withdraw troops from Iraq, for inconsistent stances on Afghanistan and for opposing nuclear treaties with Russia. "Every time you've offered an opinion you've been wrong," Obama said. In their third and final debate just two weeks before the November election, Obama and Romney wrangled over foreign policy and national security issues, occasionally finding areas of agreement. Following a lackluster performance in the first debate earlier this month, Obama came ready for a fighting finish, sharply challenging Romney as reckless in world affairs. Instead, he found a more subdued Romney who was eager to agree with Obama's more popular positions. The two men found accord on more than one occasion. Each stressed unequivocal support for Israel when asked about a US response if the state were attacked by Iran. Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:05:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/foreign-policy-fast-forward-third-us-presidential-debate-in-60-seconds Mitt Romney, Barack Obama, US presidential election debates, 2012, Foreign policy of the United States, US presidential election, 2012, Politics of the United States, National security, Iraq War, Afghanistan War, Nuclear program of Iran President Barack Obama accused Republican candidate Mitt Romney of being consistently wrong on foreign affairs as the two presidential rivals squared off in their third and final debate on Monday with the race in a dead heat two weeks before Election Day. Obama criticized Romney's support for beginning the war in Iraq, for opposing his plans to withdraw troops from Iraq, for inconsistent stances on Afghanistan and for opposing nuclear treaties with Russia. "Every time you've offered an opinion you've been wrong," Obama said. In their third and final debate just two weeks before the November election, Obama and Romney wrangled over foreign policy and national security issues, occasionally finding areas of agreement. Following a lackluster performance in the first debate earlier this month, Obama came ready for a fighting finish, sharply challenging Romney as reckless in world affairs. Instead, he found a more subdued Romney who was eager to agree with Obama's more popular positions. The two men found accord on more than one occasion. Each stressed unequivocal support for Israel when asked about a US response if the state were attacked by Iran. http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-americas-us-candidates-try-to-define-foreign-policy-differences?start=0 In the last of the US presidential debates, have Barack Obama and Mitt Romney convinced voters of their policies on foreign affairs and national security? Shihab Rattansi discusses with Hillary Mann Leverett and Carne Ross. Tue, 23 Oct 2012 08:48:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-americas-us-candidates-try-to-define-foreign-policy-differences Mitt Romney, Barack Obama, US presidential election debates, 2012, Foreign policy of the United States, US presidential election, 2012, National security, Politics of the United States, Obama administration foreign policy, Foreign relations of the United States, US-China relations In the last of the US presidential debates, have Barack Obama and Mitt Romney convinced voters of their policies on foreign affairs and national security? Shihab Rattansi discusses with Hillary Mann Leverett and Carne Ross. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100912?start=625 <p>Deadly twin blasts rock Damascus as Salafi group targets security buildings, Emirati foreign minister slams Muslim Brotherhood amid crackdown on Islamists, humanitarian crisis mounts as 100,000 Sudanese flee internal violence, and more.</p> Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100912 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Aleppo, Antisemitism, Muslim Brotherhood, Israel, France, Egypt, Cairo, United States The United States and Israel are close to making a decision to mount a surgical strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, according to international relations expert David Rothkopf in an article published in Foreign Policy magazine. Rothkopf is considered close to the Obama administration, and cites sources in Washington, saying that a joint US-Israeli strike would target Iran's uranium enrichment facilities and would only take a few hours in the best case scenario, and a few days at most. Meanwhile, Haaretz reports that Iran has diverted much of its enriched uranium to scientific research. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100112?start=940 <p>Taliban claims responsibility for deadly attack on joint Afghan-NATO convoy, Jordan extends voter registration deadline amid Islamist-led election boycott, tens of thousands of Saudis mourn protestors killed in crackdown on opposition, and more.</p> Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100112 Mitt Romney, AKP, Palestinians, Ankara, Jerusalem, Middle East, Iran, Republican Party (United States), United Nations, Human rights With the first US presidential debate coming up on Wednesday, Republican candidate Mitt Romney has accused President Barack Obama of deliberately creating a rift between Jerusalem and Washington. In an opinion piece published in the Wall Street Journal, Romney wrote that the Obama administration has failed to advance American interests in the Middle East, and cited Israel as an ally that has been ignored, especially with regards to their concerns over Iran. http://news.linktv.org/videos/are-israels-threats-to-attack-iran-also-a-threat-to-obama?start=0 As Israel warns Iran is moving close to the "red line" of obtaining a nuclear weapon, and makes thinly veiled threats to launch an attack before this happens, the ever-louder drumbeats of war may yet impact the US presidential election. Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:28:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/are-israels-threats-to-attack-iran-also-a-threat-to-obama Iran-Israel relations, US presidential election, 2012, US-Israel relations, Nuclear program of Iran, Iran, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Danny Ayalon, Politics of the United States, Mitt Romney As Israel warns Iran is moving close to the "red line" of obtaining a nuclear weapon, and makes thinly veiled threats to launch an attack before this happens, Jonathan Rugman reports on the ever-louder drumbeats of war -- and how they may yet impact the US presidential election. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091712?start=909 <p>UN investigators urge Security Council to refer Syria to the ICC, Hamas court charges four in slaying of Italian activist, Hezbollah leader makes rare appearance at massive rally in Lebanon, and more.</p> Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091712 Nuclear program of Iran, Israel, Iran, Innocence of Muslims, International Atomic Energy Agency, US-Israel relations, Palestinians, Islam, Barack Obama, Syrian Civil War Regarding a negotiated solution over the Iranian nuclear program, there will likely be a military confrontation in 2013 with Iran-- this was the warning sounded by former US Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk in an interview with CBS. He explained that Israel sees the turmoil around them from a much closer perspective than the US, making them "very nervous." Despite the lack of progress so far, the IAEA will hold further talks with Iran aimed at clarifying concerns about its nuclear energy program. IAEA chief Yukiya Amano made the announcement at the member state gathering, stressing that the agency is committed to further dialogue with Iran. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton is scheduled to meet with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator as well. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also said that a political solution is still possible to the Iranian nuclear issue. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091712?start=1059 <p>UN investigators urge Security Council to refer Syria to the ICC, Hamas court charges four in slaying of Italian activist, Hezbollah leader makes rare appearance at massive rally in Lebanon, and more.</p> Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091712 Nuclear program of Iran, Israel, Iran, Innocence of Muslims, International Atomic Energy Agency, US-Israel relations, Palestinians, Islam, Barack Obama, Syrian Civil War It is "inconceivable" that US President Barack Obama cannot find the time to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu face-to-face over the Iranian issue, says David Horovitz, Editor-in-Chief of the Times of Israel, in an interview with IBA. He calls the lack of talks a "failure in leadership" for the US and Israel. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091312?start=1186 <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 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that he had a "good" phone conversation with US President Barack Obama on Tuesday on their common goal of stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and their desire to closely coordinate efforts. Netanyahu told the Jerusalem Post that Israel is currently facing the greatest security challenge of any country in the world, and that they must speak out. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091212?start=1366 <p>US ambassador to Libya killed in consulate attack, anger sweeps the Muslim world over American film insulting Islam, newly-elected Somali president escapes assassination attempt, and more.</p> Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091212 Christopher Stevens, Benghazi, Libya, Innocence of Muslims, United States, Barack Obama, Lakhdar Brahimi, Aleppo, Cairo, Syria Hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leveled harsh criticism at the White House regarding US policy on the Iranian nuclear threat, he received a phone call from US President Barack Obama. Netanyahu declared that "those who don't place red lines on Iran have no right to place red lights in front of Israel." The White House said that the two leaders reaffirmed that they are united in their determination to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and agreed to continue close consultations. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091012?start=1105 <p>Somalia MPs vote for new president in 'historic' poll, Palestinians strike to protest rising prices in the West Bank, Taliban expresses willingness to work with US on security in Afghanistan, and more.</p> Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091012 Israel, Palestinians, Nuclear program of Iran, US-Afghanistan relations, Ehud Barak, Israeli-occupied territories, Benjamin Netanyahu, West Bank, United States, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel and the US are discussing what kind of red lines need to be drawn in order to prevent Iran from pursuing its nuclear development at a time when sanctions are proving to be ineffective. Speaking to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Netanyahu said Tehran will not cease its nuclear development unless it sees clear determination from Western countries. However, in an interview with Bloomberg News, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the Obama administration is not setting deadlines for Iran, and still considers negotiations as the best approach to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons. http://news.linktv.org/videos/what-does-the-rest-of-the-world-think-about-obamas-presidency?start=0 Barack Obama's victory in 2008 was celebrated around the world by those who saw it as a break with the unpopular Bush legacy of foreign intervention. But his failure to close Guantanamo and the widespread use of drone strikes have tarnished his global image. Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:12:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/what-does-the-rest-of-the-world-think-about-obamas-presidency Obama administration foreign policy, Barack Obama, Guantanamo Bay detention camp, Extrajudicial killing, Presidency of Barack Obama, Death of Osama bin Laden, US-Israel relations, Muslim world, Drone attacks in Pakistan, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq Barack Obama's victory in 2008 was celebrated around the world by those who saw it as a definitive break with the unpopular Bush legacy of foreign intervention. Obama the candidate promised to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, improve relations with the Muslim world, and never degrade civil liberties at the expense of national security expediency. Obama the president, however, has earned low marks from activists and watchdogs, who point out that he has failed to close Guantanamo and launched foreign military actions in the shadows, in the process crafting a doctrine that allows for the extrajudicial killing of American citizens. Patty Culhane reports from Washington DC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-090512?start=922 <p>Violence rages across Syria as battered Aleppo loses 115 lives, mass anger erupts on Bahrain's streets after uprising leaders lose appeal, Israel's expansion policies separate Palestinian children from schools across the West Bank, and more.</p> Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-090512 Israel, West Bank, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Human rights, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Syrian Civil War, Human rights in Bahrain, Logar Province, Avigdor Lieberman, Palestinians Israel was one of the hot topics at the US Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina last night. A change in the Democratic Party platform dropping language declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was slammed by Republicans, and former US representative Robert Wexler answered with a primetime speech defending Obama's record on Israel, saying that Obama has increased assistance to Israel's security to record levels, more than any other US president. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-090412?start=1440 <p>Bahrain condemned after court upholds life sentences for opposition activists, Assad holds talks with the head of the Red Cross as violence claims 74 lives across Syria, the two Sudans resume negotiations over border conflict, and more.</p> Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-090412 Israel, Syrian Civil War, Benjamin Netanyahu, Syria, Barack Obama, Human rights in Bahrain, Islam in the United States, African Union, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Amarnath Temple The US has denied a report in Yedioth Aharonoth that Washington is secretly negotiating with Tehran to keep the United States out of a future Israel-Iran war. This, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still pushing the West to show Iran that it is serious in its stated intentions to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and is still seeking support from US President Barack Obama. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082312?start=572 <p>Activists lash out at Morocco's loyalty ceremony as "backward," Bahraini police attack protestors mourning slain teenager, Egypt's revolutionary socialists speak out against IMF loan, and more.</p> Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082312 Israel, Syrian Civil War, Iran-Israel relations, US Armed Forces, Aleppo, Protest, Syria, Politics of Syria, Leon Panetta, Iran Presenter, Female #1 Israel conveyed an implicit warning to Iran that it will face the might of the Israeli army if it takes any action. As for the United States, it rushed to send an aircraft carrier to the region ahead of schedule in light of the threats facing the Middle East, of which Iran constitutes an essential part. Reporter, Female #2 In between the military threats on one hand and diplomatic calls for calm on the other, various statements on the existence of Israel and the Iranian nuclear case are being expressed by Israeli and American officials. Reporter, Female #2 The Israeli army's Chief of Staff Benny Gantz sent a warning to those who believe they can eliminate Israel, implying Iran, whose officials reiterated that Israel is a cancerous tumor that will soon disappear. Reporter, Female #2 Gantz clarified that threats to eliminate Israel demonstrate an underestimation of Israel's might and capabilities. He said the Israeli army has the world's best and bravest soldiers and commanders, and they are standing steadfast along the country's borders. Reporter, Female #2 As for the United States, it was quick to send an aircraft carrier to the region four months ahead of schedule due to the threats facing the Middle East, of which Iran constitutes an essential part, according to US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. Reporter, Female #2 Panetta confirmed that his country is maintaining a force in the region due to the risk of Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz, and amid the Arab Spring revolutions, which present challenges. And despite this mobilization, the US continues to try to calm the situation, as the State Department's spokeswoman confirmed that it conveyed a message to Israel saying there is still time for diplomacy to solve the crisis with Iran over its nuclear program. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082012?start=945 <p>Renewed "insider attacks" on foreign troops in Afghanistan alarm NATO, Gaddafi loyalists blamed for bombing in Libyan capital, US asked to hand over drone footage or face UN inquiry, and more.</p> Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082012 Israel, Martin Dempsey, Israel Defense Forces, Eid ul-Fitr, Yemen, Somalia, Israelis, United States, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US-Afghanistan relations The United States and Israel have the same intelligence reports on Iran's nuclear program, but view the threat differently, says Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey, who added that Israel views the threat with more urgency, since a nuclear Iran could endanger Israel's existence, while the US "does not live with that existential threat." Meanwhile, opposition chairman Shaul Mofaz has called for a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the "general deployment leading the State of Israel into war," and the readiness of the reserves, state of equipment, training, and understanding with Washington regarding the situation. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-081512?start=1111 <p>Syrian rebels detonate bomb near UN site as Russia warns West against "sabotaging" accord, Yemeni security situation deteriorates as fractured army clashes, Bahraini security forces attack anti-government protesters in Sitra, and more.</p> Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-081512 Syria, Syrian Civil War, Iran-Israel relations, Israel, Free Syrian Army, Ministry of Defense (Israel), Benjamin Netanyahu, Politics of Israel, Iran, Afghanistan-Pakistan border According to US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, the United States does not believe that Israel has made a decision on whether to attack Iran over its nuclear program. He spoke at a press conference with the US Joint Chief of Staff General Martin Dempsey. Panetta reiterated Washington's view that military action should be a last resort, and stressed that there is still time for sanctions and diplomatic pressure to be effective. General Dempsey cautioned that an Israeli military strike would only serve to delay Iranian atomic development. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080912?start=1132 <p>Sectarian violence displaces thousands of Rohingyas in Myanmar, cradle of Tunisian uprising demands Sidi Bouzid's liberation, Libya celebrates transfer of power to elected assembly, and more.</p> Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080912 Rohingya, Islamism, Myanmar, Muslim, Foreign relations of Burma, İzmir Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sidi Bou Zid, Politics of Libya, Battle of Aleppo Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak says the latest US intelligence assessment regarding Iran's nuclear program is closer to Israel's appraisal than ever before. In addition, given the possibility of an Israeli military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, Saudi Arabia has reportedly warned that it would shoot down any Israeli warplanes that penetrate its airspace. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080212?start=282 <p>Khamenei says Iran's path is undeterred by new US sanctions, Baghdad strikes back at Total by blacklisting the oil company, Yemen faces a devastating water crisis, and more.</p> Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080212 Nuclear program of Iran, Israel, Iran, Barack Obama, Sanctions against Iran, Al-Qaeda, Iran-Israel relations, Haredi Judaism, Total S.A., Sanaa US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta wrapped up his two-day visit to Israel with an earful from Israeli leaders about the need for more action against Iran. He leaves for Jordan under intense speculation that Israel is poised to strike Iran's nuclear program. Israeli leaders all stressed that economic sanctions would not change the minds of Iran's ayatollahs, and that all options were on the table. Senior officials in the Obama administration are reportedly saying that behind closed doors, Israeli leaders are not as confrontational. However, Efraim Halevy, former head of Mossad, implied in a statement to The New York Times that the window of opportunity to hit Iran would end by the US presidential elections in the winter. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080112?start=863 <p>Free Syrian Army claims advances in Aleppo as Turkey conducts military drills at border, HRW condemns Myanmar over ethnic cleansing of Muslims as UN envoy visits site of clashes, Somali assembly endorses new constitution, and more.</p> Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080112 United Nations, Syrian Civil War, Rohingya, Politics of Somalia, Bahrain Uprising, Nuclear program of Iran, Haredi Judaism, Mujahedin Khalq, Foreign relations of Egypt, Leon Panetta Visiting US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says Iran must either negotiate acceptable limits to its nuclear program, or face the possibility of US military action to stop it from getting the bomb. His remarks came during a day of meetings with Israeli officials such as Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and included a visit to Israel's Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system outside of Ashkelon. Last night, President Barack Obama approved new sanctions against foreign banks that help Iran sell it oil, and Congress approved new legislation which could be passed later this week that include further sanctions. http://news.linktv.org/videos/why-is-mitt-romney-visiting-israel?start=0 Mitt Romney is visiting Israel, but it is unclear what the exact motives of the presumptive US Republican presidential candidate are. Sun, 29 Jul 2012 14:25:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/why-is-mitt-romney-visiting-israel Mitt Romney, Mitt Romney presidential campaign, 2012, Israel, US-Israel relations, American Jews, US presidential election, 2012, Republican Party (United States), Jerusalem, Benjamin Netanyahu, United States Mitt Romney is visiting Israel, but it is unclear what the exact motives of the presumptive US Republican presidential candidate are. The media is speculating whether Romney is trying to impress evangelical voters, Jewish Americans or both. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072712?start=766 The Pentagon reportedly reached an agreement with the Lockheed-Martin Corporation on a USD 450 million program to enhance weapons systems on F-35 fighter jets by integrating Israeli technology, IBA reports. Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072712 West Bank, Ramadan, Palestinians, Israel, Muslim, Qatif, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Srinagar, Syrian Civil War, Al-Khader The Pentagon reportedly reached an agreement with the Lockheed-Martin Corporation on a USD 450 million program to enhance weapons systems on F-35 fighter jets by integrating Israeli technology. The deal, which is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks and to begin in 2016, is considered a major step for Israel's USD 2.7 billion agreement to purchase 19 F-35 jets that was signed two years ago. The announcement comes ahead of US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta's visit to Israel. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612?start=231 <p>Israel starts "pilot" prison visits from Gaza relatives for first time in seven years, Lavrov accuses West of blackmailing Russia over Syria, anti-NATO sentiment continues to grow in Pakistan, and more.</p> Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612 Syrian Civil War, International Red Cross, Israel, Hillary Clinton, Syria, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, US-Israel relations, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain Uprising, US-Pakistan relations After nearly two years since her last visit to Israel, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in the country for a series of high-level talks with a number of Israeli leaders. She spoke with President Shimon Peres on a range of issues, including Iran's nuclear program, Egypt, Syria, and peace negotiations with the Palestinians. They also discussed the matter of releasing spy Jonathan Pollard. Clinton was also greeted at the Foreign Ministry by Minister Avigdor Lieberman on her way to a visit to Egypt, where she met newly-elected Islamist President Mohamed Morsi for the first time. She is slated to meet with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-060712?start=474 <p><strong>WARNING: Graphic Content. </strong>Syrian activists report new massacre in Hama Province, Israel violates hunger strike agreement with continued punitive measures against Palestinian prisoners, Benghazi residents protest unequal distribution of Libya's nation council seats, and more.</p> Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-060712 South Sudan, Taliban, Palestinians, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Illegal immigration from Africa to Israel, Israeli settlement, National Transitional Council, Quetta Shortly after using threats to block the settlement regulation bill, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to deflect his right-wing critics by giving the green light to the construction of 851 new housing units in the territories, expanding the West Bank settlement of Beit El and causing anger in Washington. US State Department Spokesman Mark Toner said the move was "not constructive" to efforts to restart peace talks with the Palestinians. http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-june-4-2012?start=2438 Protests have erupted across Egypt following the sentencing of Hosni Mubarak and other former regime official after the ousted Egyptian President's sons and aides avoided convictions. Norman Finkelstein discusses how waning Jewish-American support for Israel Boosts chances for Middle East peace, and argues that Obama's hawkish support for Israel is belied by the US President's liberal background. Plus headlines, and more. Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:46:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-june-4-2012 Hosni Mubarak, Egypt, Egyptian Revolution, Life imprisonment, Trial, Norman Finkelstein, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, Habib Ibrahim El Adly, Middle East Peace Process Norman Finkelstein, author of the new book, "Knowing Too much: Why the American Jewish Romance with Israel Is Coming to an End," argues that President Obama's hawkish support for Israel is belied by his liberal background as a law professor and community organizer. Responding to Obama's speech this year before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Finkelstein says, "President Obama clearly doesn't believe a word he's saying [on Israel-Palestine]. And that's probably the most troubling or the most disconcerting thing about listening to him. ... He says we have Israel's back. Well, what he actually means is, rich American Jews have me, meaning Obama, in their pocket, and I have my hands in their pocket." Known as one of Israel's most prominent critics, Finkelstein says the goal of the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions campaign and the broader movement for Middle East peace should be to mobilize public opinion on what most already support: a two-state solution rooted in international law. "Politics is not about personal opinions," Finkelsten says. "It's about trying to reach a public and getting them to act on their own sense of right and wrong." Well, let's go to President Obama for a minute. This is when he was speaking before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's annual convention in March, touting his military and diplomatic support for the Israeli government. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: The fact is, my administration's commitment to Israel's security has been unprecedented. Our military and intelligence cooperation has never been closer. Our joint exercises and training have never been more robust. Despite a tough budget environment, our security assistance has increased every single year. And just as we've been there with our security assistance, we've been there through our diplomacy. When the Goldstone Report unfairly singled out Israel for criticism, we challenged it. When Israel was isolated in the aftermath of the flotilla incident, we supported them. When the Durban Conference was commemorated, we boycotted it, and we will always reject the notion that Zionism is racism. When one-sided resolutions are brought up at the Human Rights Council, we oppose them. When Israeli diplomats feared for their lives in Cairo, we intervened to save them. When there are efforts to boycott or divest from Israel, we will stand against them. And whenever an effort is made to delegitimize the state of Israel, my administration has opposed them. So there should not be a shred of doubt by now. When the chips are down, I have Israel's back. President Obama addressing AIPAC. Your response? Well, I think the obvious response is that President Obama clearly doesn't believe a word he's saying. And that's probably the most troubling or the most disconcerting thing about listening to him. President Obama, he grew up or he got his political start in a liberal Jewish area of Chicago in Hyde Park. And his company, his crowd, his constituency was basically, in significant part, liberal American Jews. And he knows what he's saying is false. He's probably the most—least—he's the least political president in the—at least in modern American history. He doesn't really believe a word he's saying. If you read, for example, the memoirs of Cheney and Rumsfeld—I did read through them. They're hefty volumes, but I went through them, curiosity. Like them or not, there is deep conviction there. You know, with Cheney, when he first meets Bush, when Bush is going to nominate him for president, he says to Bush—and I believe it—I know a lot of memoirs is, you know, not to be taken literally. But he says to Bush, "I'm very conservative. I'm warning you." And Bush says, "That's OK. You know, we can deal with that." Obama is nothing. One day he makes death lists of people to kill, the next day he gives Bob Dylan a medal. Then he talks about how he supports Israel blindly. And you could easily imagine, if there were money and votes, that the next day he would be supporting Palestinian rights. There is absolutely no conviction there. And I think there, Peter Beinart, in his book, his recent book, The Crisis of Zionism, he gets it exactly right. He says Obama is actually a liberal Jew in his mental outlook, and so he knows everything he's saying is not true. He says he has—we have Israel's back. Well, what he actually means is, rich American Jews have me, meaning Obama, in their pocket, and I have my hands in their pocket. He wants liberal Jewish contributions. And that's really what it's about. And yet, you're saying that liberal Jews in America are changing their views on Israel and Palestinians? Yeah, you know, the—there's no question, if you look at two kinds of information. You can look at, for example, the poll data, and the poll data shows that there's a serious decline, not yet—we can't call it a precipitous decline, but there is a significant decline in American Jewish support for Israel. And then there's what you might call the anecdotal data, the—what you might call the high-profile defections. So there's a Peter Beinart, who's a former senior editor at The New Republic; then there's David Remnick in The New Yorker — and both of them influential positions. And you know they have one finger in the air checking which way the wind is blowing, and they have very sensitive antennae. And they realize the Jewish community is moving in a new direction, and we better, as it were, you know, get with the program. I know I'm mixing metaphors there, but get with the program. The Jewish community is changing. It used to be, even—interestingly enough, even as early as about, say, six or seven years ago, the chief correspondent for The New Yorker on the Israel-Palestine conflict was Jeffrey Goldberg. And Jeffrey Goldberg now, he's become a kind of caricature even of himself as he tries to defend Israel blindly, and he's also no longer at The New Yorker, because the kind of coverage, the kind of apologetics, the kind of just hackneyed propaganda simply won't fly any longer with the American Jewish community. They don't want to hear it. They don't believe it, you know, because at least in the case of Netanyahu, you could say, there is—and Avigdor Lieberman, there's a certain amount of truth in advertising. And it's very difficult to, from a liberal point of view, justify the way they carry on. Just to take one other example, you are in the—I speak a lot on college campuses. And liberal American Jews, especially young American Jews, they're very idealistic, as I'm sure you know from your own experience and your own family. They tend to be liberal and idealistic. So it's 2006. Israel invades Lebanon. It's the last 72 hours. The war is over. It's over. Israel—the U.N. has passed a resolution finally. Condoleezza Rice is blocking it. The war is now over. And then in the last 72 hours, Israel drops four million—four million cluster submunitions on South Lebanon. Human Rights Watch did a very good report; it's called "Flooding South Lebanon." "Flooding South Lebanon." Now, you're young, you're Jewish, you're in a college campus—you don't want to defend that in public. Or it's 2008, 2009, Israel invades Gaza, and it drops white phosphorus, a substance that reaches 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. It drops it on two hospitals: al-Quds Hospital, al-Wafa Hospital. You're young, you're Jewish, you're idealistic—you don't want to defend those sorts of things. It's just impossible for you, especially if you're a younger person. You haven't yet become too cynical about the ways of the world. It's impossible for you to reconcile your idealistic liberal credo, beliefs. And young people, as I hope you still remember, they tend to really believe what they say. There's a certain depth of passion and commitment, conviction, honest conviction. They can't reconcile that with the way Israel carries on. It' not possible. And where do you see that point of view being expressed in this country? Do you see it in the media? Do you see it in elite politics? It's expressed in several places. First of all, and most importantly, it's expressed on the Internet. It's not yet to the point of the Washington Post or the New York Times, but it's definitely liberal bloggers, liberal Jewish bloggers. You know, during the attack on Gaza, and then during the assault on the Mavi Marmara, the liberal Jewish bloggers were very tough on Israel. And frankly, there were few areas of disagreement between myself and them. Let me just take one other example, which I think is kind of illustrative. If you go back a generation, when Professor Chomsky was doing battle intellectually with the liberal Jewish community, so his main adversaries were people like Michael Walzer, Alan Dershowitz, Irving Howe and—Dershowitz, Howe, Walzer—those types of persons—the area of agreement, if you were to take a Venn diagram of the two, you couldn't even—they didn't even touch. There was no agreement on anything. Now, when I sat down and read Peter Beinart's book—and he's sort of representative of the same left-liberal tradition, but now—I would say I agreed with about 80 percent. I was quite—I was very positively surprised by that. The amount—the area separating me from what you would call left-liberal—I mean, they may not like to hear this, but the amount of space separating me from them is—OK, it's still there. There is a significant 20 percent. But 80 percent, yeah, there's a large overlap. And that, I think, is not because I've gone soft, you know, I'm becoming—you know, moving towards the center. No, I'm not. Same principles as always. I think because the spectrum has shifted. It's shifted significantly. We're talking to author, scholar, activist Norman Finkelstein. He has just written the book, out this week, Knowing Too Much: Why the American Jewish Romance with Israel Is Coming to an End. When we come back, we'll talk about his other book, What Gandhi Says: About Nonviolence, Resistance and Courage. What Norman Finkelstein found might surprise you. Stay with us. Our guest, Norman Finkelstein, he has published two books this week: one, Knowing Too Much: Why the American Jewish Romance with Israel Is Coming to an End; his other is What Gandhi Says: About Nonviolence, Resistance and Courage. Before we go to Gandhi, your views on a two-state solution and the whole Boycott, Divestment, Sanction movement? Well, I think one of the problems is the question is often incorrectly posed. The question is not what my personal views are. Here, and I am going to—we're going to return to it in a moment—I agree with Gandhi. You don't start with what your opinion is. You start with where public opinion is at. And the purpose of politics is to try to get people to act on the beliefs they already hold. So I think it's often mistaken when people asked, "Do you support one state or two states?" as if politics were a question about what I support. Politics, to me, is about the maximum you can hope for, in order—you know, trying to reach justice, the maximum you can hope for in a given context. And our given historical context now, you'd say the limit of the spectrum, the very end of the spectrum, would be, say, human rights organizations. So, you consider yourself a left-of-center program, Democracy Now!, and who do you have on from Egypt? A representative from Human Rights Watch, because you recognize that's the limit of the spectrum of progressive thought in the world we live. Maybe we wish it went further than Human Rights Watch, but it doesn't. And that's why you have HRW as your—the person to be interviewed. And so, taking that— And I would say, for Democracy Now!, we consider ourselves a grassroots global news hour, bringing out a big spectrum of opinion. Right, but you're trying to reach the limits of progressive opinion. And that's how I want—that's who I want to reach. I don't want to go beyond it, because then I become a cult: I'm no longer reaching people. And the limit in the world today is what human rights organizations are saying, what the International Court of Justice is saying, what the U.N. General Assembly is saying. And there you have a complete consensus, apart from the United States and Israel and some South Sea islands. Apart from them, the consensus is clear. It's a two-state settlement on the June 1967 border and a just resolution of the refugee question based on the right of return and compensation. That's the limit of opinion. Do my personal views go beyond that limit? Yes, they do. But politics is not about personal opinions. It's about trying to reach a public and getting them to act on their own sense of right and wrong. And that, to me, is the only place we can go. The problem as I see it with the BDS movement is not the tactic. Who could not support Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions? Of course you should. And most of the human rights organizations, church organizations have moved in that direction. The problem is the goal. The human—the official BDS movement, they claim to be agnostic, neutral—whatever term you want to use—on the question of Israel. You can't reach a broad public if you are agnostic on the question of Israel. The broad public wants to know, where do you stand? And if you claim not to have a stand, you lose them. The BDS movement, it always says, and I'm using their language, "We are a rights-based organization. We are based in international law." I agree with that. That's where you have to go: rights-based international law. But the international law is clear. You read the last sentence of the 2004 International Court of Justice opinion on the wall that Israel has been building in the West Bank, and the last sentence says, "We look forward to two states: a Palestinian state alongside Israel and at peace with its neighbors." That's the law. And if you want to go past that law or ignore the Israel part, you'll never reach a broad public. And then it's a cult. Then it's pointless, in my opinion. We're wasting time. And it's only a wasting of time. It becomes—and I know it's a strong word, and I hope I won't be faulted for it, but it becomes historically criminal, because there was a time where whatever we said, it made no difference. Nobody was listening. You could shout whatever you want—who cares? But now, actually, we can reach people. There is a possibility. I'm not saying a certainty. I'm not even saying a probability. But there is a possibility that we can reach a broad public. And so, we have to be very careful about the words we use, and we have to be very careful about the political strategy we map out. Otherwise, we're going to squander a real opportunity. And I don't want to squander it. You know, I've been at this for 30 years, and I would like to reach that rendezvous of victory. I know it's a little selfish. I know, a little— And that victory would look like? A victory is what the law says: when Israel packs up its bag and leaves from where it doesn't belong. You know, last night I watched— And that is determined by? We just have 20 seconds. Mm-hmm. That is, what would those lines be? The lines are clear. It's the June 1967 border. Just let me say, because I know you have to—I watched last night—I went to see The Five Broken Cameras. And I was very struck. A new film out. A new film on the Palestinian struggle of Bil'in. And at one point they said, "We want the West Bank and Gaza." And afterwards I turned to a friend of mine who I went to see the film with—you know him, Phil Weiss—I said to him, "Phil, what do you think the appeal of the film would be if they said they wanted the West Bank, Gaza and Israel?" And he turned to me, and he said, "Well, of course, the filmmakers would take it out." We're going to have to leave it there, and we will do a discussion about Gandhi after the show and post it online. Norm Finkelstein has written the book, Knowing Too Much: Why the American Jewish Romance with Israel Is Coming to an End. His other book, What Gandhi Says http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051712?start=702 <p>Renewed clashes erupt in Lebanon's Tripoli as Hezbollah is blamed, Israel and Iran beat the drums of war ahead of nuclear talks in Baghdad, the White House threatens to target anyone 'obstructing' transition in Yemen, and more.</p> Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051712 Israel, Syrian Civil War, Tel Aviv, Tripoli, Lebanon, Iran-Israel relations, US-Yemen relations, US-Israel relations, Al Wefaq, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Eli Yishai The Pentagon says that it plans to give Israel an extra USD 70 million for its Iron Dome missile system. US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta made the announcement after talks with Israel's Minister of Military Affairs Ehud Barak in Washington. Israel says the Iron Dome is meant to protect it from missile bombardment. Washington has already provided USD 205 million to help fund the project. It gives an additional USD 3 billion to Tel Aviv every year in the name of security assistance, while the US government has made major cuts in its own military budget because of financial problems. Press TV speaks with Mr. Ralph Schoenman, author of The Hidden History of Zionism, on this development. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051612?start=722 <p>Hamas condemns Palestinian government reshuffle, Bahrainis rally against union with Saudi Arabia, Sudan and South Sudan agree to resume talks as UN deadline expires, and more.</p> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051612 Nuclear program of Iran, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Iran, Israel, United States, International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear weapon, Palestinian National Authority, Bahrain Uprising US liberal advocacy group J Street's founder Jeremy Ben-Ami says many American senators and congressmen keep quiet and refrain from criticizing Israeli policies because they live in fear and are intimidated by pro-Israeli groups, deterred by the ramifications of being branded as "anti-Israel." His remarks came during a debate with Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol, a director of the Emergency Committee for Israel. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051112?start=1300 <p>Jordanian demonstrators demand resignation of the government, Algerian elections maintain status quo as Green Alliance claims widespread fraud, Egypt holds its first ever televised presidential debate, and more.</p> Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051112 Israel, Muslim Brotherhood, Jordan, Islamism, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests, Kunar Province, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Iran-Israel relations, Syrian Civil War, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict The US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation that approves nearly USD 1 billion for Israeli defense programs. The vote was 411 in favor, with only two opposed. The Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 was introduced by Republican congressman Eric Cantor of Virginia and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee welcomed the legislation, which will explore ways to enhanced Israel's military edge, and stresses the need for strategic cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem in the areas of missile defense, intelligence, energy, and homeland and cyber security. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042712?start=1245 <p><strong>WARNING: Graphic Content. </strong>Jordanian protestors demand change in policies instead of governments, Yemen faces growing child malnutrition crisis, Egyptian Islamists rally against attempt to revive Mubarak era, and more.</p> Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042712 Syrian Civil War, Cairo, Politics of Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain Uprising, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Politics of Iraq, Greater and Lesser Tunbs, US-Israel relations, Islamic Unification Movement Leaders from around the world wished Israel a happy 64th birthday. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a statement on behalf of US President Barack Obama, reiterating that the cornerstone of the Obama administration's foreign policy in the Middle East is its steadfast commitment to Israel's security, and said that the US will continue to work with Israel and its neighbors to achieve the shared goal of peace in the region. IBA asked the Times of Israel Editor-in-Chief David Horovitz what the most pressing issues are that should be addressed to make Israel a better place, and he discusses the problem of being unable to evaporate decades of anti-Israel sentiment in the region while suggesting a revised consensual electoral system. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030712?start=1074 <p>Libya's leader threatens to use force against eastern federalists, Palestinian hunger strikers reignite prisoners' rights movement, Saudi security forces beat female students protesting inequality, and more.</p> Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030712 Hunger strike, Palestinians, Israel, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Car bomb, Prisoners' rights, Jordan, National Transitional Council, International Women's Day, Women's rights in Saudi Arabia Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has wrapped up his three-day trip to Washington, and has just landed back in Israel. Before leaving the US, Netanyahu followed up on his summit with President Obama by holding talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Netanyahu's top security aide gave a strong indication of the Israeli position coming out of the summit, telling Israel Radio that Jerusalem must be ready to act against Iran should talks between the international community and Tehran fail. In his first public comments since his summit with Netanyahu, Barack Obama stood by his declaration that Iran will not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. However, Obama appears to be at odds with the prime minister over just how immediate the Iranian threat is.