Iran slams nuclear agency report as 'fabrication' [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Male #1
Yemeni local and tribal resources told the BBC that 15 armed Houthi fighters were killed and several others were wounded in violent clashes that erupted yesterday and continued today in the Aahim region of Hajja Province in western Yemen. For weeks, dozens of Houthis have been besieging a house belonging to a Salafi group in the Dammaj region of Sa'ada Province in northern Yemen, after clashes between the two parties led to dozens of casualties on both sides. Politically, Yemeni Vice President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi returned to Sanaa after his visit to the United States. Meanwhile, media reports indicated the possibility of signing the Gulf initiative on Thursday in Riyadh with broad Arab and international attendance. The debate about the options to deal with the Iranian nuclear issue in light of the expected report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the IAEA, has become public among the major members of the international community. Iran responded to the report with an equally sharp tone. The Iranian president even accused the IAEA and its chief of being US puppets.

Reporter, Male #2
The International Atomic Energy Agency's report on the Iranian nuclear program provoked Tehran authorities before it was even released. The timing of the report's release coincided with an intensifying international campaign against Iran that has escalated to the level of threatening to wage a war against the country. This prompted the Iranian president to accuse the IAEA and its chief of being Washington's puppets.

Guest, Male #3 (Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, Iranian President)
The International Atomic Energy Agency publishes reports imposed by US officials. I feel sorry because the chief of the agency, Yukiya Amano, violates his organization's work principles, and because he is a puppet of the US. Why doesn't Mr. Amano release reports on the arsenals in the US and its allies?

Reporter, Male #2
The report led to an eruption of reactions and indicates that there is new evidence revealing Iran's research in building a nuclear bomb. Leaked information asserted that the report will largely elaborate on Iran's program to enrich uranium, conduct experiments with high explosive materials, and make adjustments to rockets to enable them to deliver a nuclear payload. Iran responded by saying that its nuclear program is completely peaceful and aims at generating electricity so that it can export more oil and gas. However, Iran's history of concealing information and failing to halt some of its activities has caused the UN to impose four rounds of sanctions against the country. All this will make it difficult for Iran to convince the international community of its innocence. Nassir Farghali, BBC.

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Sarkozy: Benjamin Netanyahu is 'a liar' [IBA, Israel]

Some harsh words from French President Nicolas Sarkozy about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At a press conference at last week's G20 summit, Sarkozy reportedly told US President Barack Obama, "I cannot stand him. He is a liar." Obama apparently responded, "You're fed up with him, but I have to deal with him every day." The two leaders did not realize that their microphones were still switched on, and reporters, well, got an earful. The conversation was sparked when Obama criticized Sarkozy for failing to inform him that France would vote in favor of Palestinian membership in UNESCO despite Washington's opposition.

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US releases hold on $200 million in PA security funds [IBA, Israel]

Israel is likely to renew its transfer of customs funds to the Palestinian Authority after the US Congress decided to unfreeze some 200 million dollars in Palestinian security assistance. Israel suspended financial cooperation when the PA sought full membership in UNESCO and Congress suspended its aid back in August ahead of the PA bid for full UN membership. Republican Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said she would no longer block the transfer of aid. Ros-Lehtinen confirmed that the Obama administration had convinced her that releasing the security funds to the PA was in the interest of both Israel and the United States.

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Peace Now activist's home vandalized with 'Price Tag' [IBA, Israel]

In the latest case of vandalism by far right extremists, the words "price tag" were spray-painted on the walls of the Jerusalem home of Peace Now activist Hagit Ofran. This is the second time in several months that Ofran's residence in the Talbieh neighborhood of Jerusalem has been defaced. Perpetrators also wrote "Rabin is waiting for you," a reference to the assassination of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

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Middle East expert discusses Israeli military threat against Iran [IBA, Israel]

Joining me now from our Tel Aviv studio to discuss the issue of Iran is Dr. Mordechai Kedar, researcher at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. There is increased speculation about the possible Israeli strike on Iran ahead of this IAEA report that's due out on Thursday. In your opinion, is the threat of the military strike enough to pressure China and Russia, which have both been reticent to tack onto sanctions, will it convince those parties to agree to those sanctions? And will those sanctions even be effective?

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Bahraini opposition party decries the Arab League's double standards [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female #1
The Bahraini regime used bullets and poisonous gas to quell demonstrations in a number of cities and villages after the Eid prayers. The demonstrators were insisting that the people's demands be met. While Bahraini religious scholar Sheikh Isa Qassim criticized the crackdown, activists condemned the Arab nations' double standards in dealing with the revolutions. They demanded the Arab League convene a meeting to discuss the Manama authorities' violations of the Bahraini people's rights.

Reporter, Male #1
On the morning of Eid al-Adha, thousands of Bahrainis came out in peaceful demonstrations and marches in various cities and villages. They announced they would continue the struggle until their rightful demands are met. During the demonstrations, participants affirmed their solidarity with the martyrs and detainees and condemned the brutal repression of yesterday's memorial for the martyr al-Dihi, during which dozens were wounded. In his Eid speech, Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim denounced the authorities' repression of the peaceful protestors and criticized the continued detention of women in the regime's prisons.

Guest, Male #3 (Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim, Bahraini Religious Scholar)
Is it a source of pride for the government, that Eid after Eid, Muslim women are still held hostage in prisons? Is it a source of pride to give the gift of poisonous gas to citizens in their sleep during the days of Eid in their homes and rooms, in the hopes that they suffocate?

Reporter, Male #2
While the religious scholars' criticisms are limited to Bahrain's internal affairs, other voices crossed the border to condemn Arab officials' double standards in dealing with the events in Arab countries. They demanded the Arab League convene a meeting to discuss the Bahraini authorities' violation of the unarmed people's rights.

Guest, Male #4 (Fadil Abbas, Head of Bahraini Democratic Youth Society)
Where are the Arabs? Where is the foreign minister of Qatar, who showed great enthusiasm after the US state department's statement, and called for an emergency meeting on the Syrian issue? We hope that those in the Gulf regimes who are now profiting from the bloodshed of the Syrian people will stop doing so. We say to them, we say to the foreign minister of Qatar: Bahrain is closer to them than Syria. If the Arab League is serious, then we call on it to convene a meeting with the Bahraini opposition here, through al-Alam channel.

Reporter, Male #2
For their part, the supporters of the February 14 Revolution condemned in a statement the repressive campaign the authorities are carrying out against the protests. The statement renewed its rejection to dialogue and Western pressure on the opposition and religious figures, affirming that the demands of the youth of the revolution will not be achieved through negotiations and dialogue but only through jihad and resistance. The statement indicated that the people will not refrain from resorting to civil disobedience in order to achieve their legitimate demands. Meanwhile, the youth of the revolution coalition warned the regime and its protectors of targeting its symbols, and threatened that the coming days will be difficult for the regime. The coalition warned that operation "volcano of anger" is coming to liberate the people of freedom.

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Mock trial in Tunisia sentences Ben Ali to death [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Male # 1
For the first time in 24 years, Tunisians woke up on November 7 without seeing pictures of deposed President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali. Pictures that used to adorn buildings, balconies, and intersections to commemorate the day he came to power.

Presenter, Female # 1
So instead of being forced to listen to the glorification of Ben Ali by the media, as was customary, today they confirmed their joy over his downfall. Some youth prosecuted and executed an effigy of Ben Ali.

Presenter, Male # 1
Our al-Jazeera correspondent Lutfi el-Hajji reports from Tunis.

Guest, Male #2
The accused Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.
Reporter, Male # 3
And this how the Tunisian people chose to commemorate the first November 7 without Ben Ali. The youth of December 5 organized a popular mock trial in al-Kram, a suburb of the capital Tunis, without interference by any political side, as stressed by the youth. Ben Ali was brought in handcuffed; a shot aimed at converting popular wishes into reality. The organizers tried to provide a fair trial with a defense and prosecution and the people issued a verdict at the end.

Guest, Male #2
Sentenced to death by hanging.

Reporter, Male # 3
The execution of the sentence reflects the popular desire for the punishment of a man who afflicted woes on his people for 23 years and killed their children up until hours before his downfall. This infant was born seven months after the martyrdom of his father on January 13.

Guest, Female # 2
Give us justice. Give us our rights. We don't have to impose it by ourselves, give it to him. Give it to him. We don't want money, we want justice. We're not after money, we're after justice. He needs to be held accountable in front of me.

Reporter, Male # 2
The Tunisian street, which is now devoid of giants photos of Ben Ali and propaganda posters, holds the same views on Ben Ali as the residents of al-Kram.

Guest, Male # 3
On the first November 7 of the revolution, it is unacceptable not to represent freedom and the future of this generation.

Guest, Female # 3
We are relieved that Ben Ali left. We were not happy, nor did we enjoy life in his presence.

Guest, Female # 4
A lot of emotions; I'm feeling happiness, feeling freedom. No more jails, no more anguish. We just need freedom.

Reporter, Male # 2
On the street, we searched for someone to defend Ben Ali after his words filled newspapers and his photos filled television screens, but we didn't find anyone. The makers of the revolution say those who praised Ben Ali vanished because times have changed. Who would have dared carry out such actions? Even more so, who could have imagined this scene only a year ago when a choir of supporters were appealing to Ben Ali to run in the 2014 presidential elections. No one probably. But the people wanted otherwise and when the people want something fate has no choice but to respond. Lutfi Hajji, al-Jazeera, Tunisia.

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UN raises Syrian death toll to 3,500 [Future TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Male #1
In Syria, the popular mobilization has not stopped during the Eid al-Adha holiday as the killing machine continues to claim more lives every day. Under this framework, the UN announced that 3,500 victims have fallen in Syria since the beginning of the revolution.

Presenter, Female #1
Politically, Arab League Secretary-General Nabil al-Arabi will meet with a delegation from the Syrian National Council on Thursday, which comes on the eve of the Arab Ministerial Committee meeting scheduled for Friday. The Arab League council is expected to hold an emergency session on Saturday to discuss the Syrian regime's failure to implement the Arab initiative.

Presenter, Male #1
On the ground, Syrians took to the street in massive demonstrations across the country's various regions in solidarity with Hama. This morning, Assad's brigades stormed several neighborhoods of Hama, which coincided with the launch of a wide-scale military operation in Homs amid heavy artillery shelling.

Reporter, Female #2
International and Arab pressure and condemnation have failed so far to put an end to the bloodbath, which Syria has been witnessing for eight months. Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights estimated the Syrian death toll to be at 3,500. This morning, the residents of Hama's neighborhoods woke up to the sound of heavy gunfire and explosions. Assad's brigades and shabeha stormed the city at dawn, as confirmed by the Local Coordination Committees of the Syrian Revolution. This new escalation on the ground did not prevent the residents from taking to the streets in solidarity with the besieged cities, most notably Homs, which has been witnessing a wide-scale military operation and a tight siege for seven days. Opposition websites reported that the city of Talibisa in Homs has come under artillery shelling, adding that the Baba Amro neighborhood has also been witnessing a fierce and barbaric operation since the launch of the revolution in mid-March. On Monday morning and Tuesday, Assad's brigades launched a series of raids and sweeps across various Syrian cities and towns. Syrian residents staged nighttime protests condemning the Arab League's position and demanding the downfall of the Syrian regime. Meanwhile, the Syrian Revolution General Commission declared a general strike on Thursday in solidarity with Homs, urging the Arab League to withdraw its initiative. After the dawn prayer, Syrian youths in Kifar Sousa in Damascus set a giant picture of President Bashar al-Assad ablaze. The incident took place in the area of Tishrin Stadium near the headquarters of the state security and military branch and the national leadership of the Syrian Baath Party. The Syrian National Council launched a wide-scale mobilization to mount pressure on the Arab League and urge it to take a strong and effective position commensurate with the dangerous development in Syria, most notably in Homs. In its latest statement, the national council said they are planning urgent visits to Algeria, Sudan, the Sultanate of Oman, and Qatar. The council further said they will initiate contact with various Arab foreign ministers in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Libya, and Kuwait in order to inform them of the heinous crimes being committed by the regime in Homs and other Syrian regions. In addition, the statement said that a delegation from the Syrian National Council Executive Committee will visit the Arab League before its ministerial meeting next Saturday. The council will submit five demands from the Syrian people, namely, freezing the Syrian regime's membership at the Arab League; imposing economic and diplomatic sanctions by member states on the Syrian regime; referring allegations of genocide and other human rights abuses by the regime to the International Criminal Court; supporting international efforts aimed at securing protection for Syrian civilians and at allowing international observers, news agencies, and international organizations to enter Syria freely; and lastly, recognizing the Syrian National Council as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people and their revolution.

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Kuwait denies US troops will stay in Kuwait after withdrawal [Al-Iraqiya TV, 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.

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Israeli planes violate Lebanese airspace [Press TV, Iran]

Israeli reconnaissance planes have once again violated Lebanese air space. The Lebanese national news agency says two Israeli reconnaissance planes flew over most parts of the country for several hours on Monday. Israel has repeatedly violated Lebanon's air space since the 2006 war against the country. Beirut has condemned the over flights on several occasions, saying they constitute a blatant infringement of UN Resolution 1701 and the country's sovereignty.

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Australian flotilla activist remains in Israeli custody [Press TV, Iran]

The family of an Australian man demands his release from an Israeli jail. Michael Coleman was onboard the Gaza freedom flotilla that attempted to deliver medical supplies to the Gaza strip. Michael Coleman, an Australian man, aged 35, was one of 27 passengers onboard two boats bound for Gaza in an attempt to deliver much-needed aid and medical supplies to the besieged coastal strip. The Israeli army intercepted the boats in international waters on Friday, November 4, and the passengers have been detained since.