Mosaic News - 04/17/08: World News From The Middle East
Al Sadr City Under Seige
Press TV, Iran[Summary]
Residents in Baghdad’s Sadr City are facing another weak of imposed curfew. Resources inside the city are running out, leaving its 2.5 million residents desperate.
Tales of Displaced Iraqis
Baghdad TV, IraqPresenter, Man # 1
Many displaced Iraqi families live in the remains of the al Sa’d camp in the Diyalah province, in northeastern Baghdad. Of course the camp lacks basic life necessities.
Reporter, Man # 2
These days, Iraqis seldom agree on one thing, but ironically many Iraqis who were displaced by militias and criminal gangs from many different areas in Iraq meet in this miserable camp. This older woman came rushing towards us; she led us to one of the rooms in the former military camp. She lives here with her husband who lost his sight because he could not bear the shock of losing his home and garden which were burned to the ground by gangs. These gangs now control large areas of Iraq.
Guest, Man # 3
When they burned my home I lost my sight. They burned everything; even the clothes that I’m wearing were given to me by people. I even have to sleep in these clothes. May God be my witness! My home and property are still there for people to see. My 20 Dunum garden which was burned is also there to see. The burned garden is still there.
Reporter, Man # 2
750 families live in the Sa’d Camp in the Diyala province. The former military camp is now the home of homeless Iraqis, who are constantly searching for food and water. Some are drilling wells while others wait in long lines with the hope that someone will give them clean water to drink.
Guest, Man # 4
We were displaced from Khaniqen and we have been living in the Sa’d camp since Sunday. We suffer from a lack of water and employment. We have no water, no homes and no electricity.
Guest, Man # 5
We were displaced from Khaniqen. We are now living as you see in this camp. We have no water, no electricity or public services. They tell us that they will bring us aid, but we have received no aid.
Reporter, Man # 2
We were surprised when we saw a man dressed in different clothes from the people who live here and suffer a great deal. He urged Iraqi officials to reconsider the suffering of people in the al Sa’d camp and help them get water and food during this year which many people refer to as the year of development.
Guest, Man # 6
We urge our brothers who are in charge, such as the ministers and provisional officials and other institutions to pay attention to what is happening here because people are suffering from many problems. They need help and services.
Reporter, Man # 2
According to recent international estimates, 2.5 million Iraqis were displaced from one area to another within Iraq, fleeing from gangs and militias. Such estimates make Iraqi citizens skeptical even after 12 months since “enforcing the role of law security plan” was implemented. These estimates raise an important question, when will these refugees return to their original homes.
Iraqi Brain Drain
Al-Iraqiya TV, IraqPRESENTER, MALE #1
Iraq’s top professionals, who were forced to immigrate outside the country, are considered to be among the most educated living in the world. They have a tremendous amount of brain power, which put them in a leading position among their international counterparts. This is rather evident in the US, where a large number of Iraqi intellectuals are living.
REPORTER, MALE #2
This event was organized in honor of the Iraqi intellectuals living in the US. The objective of this gathering is to discuss the role that the Iraqi thinkers and intellectuals can play in the development of Iraq, a role that is being seriously considered by this professional class.
GUEST, FEMALE #1
I’m a university professor. I obtained my doctoral degree from the US, where I have been living for over 30 years. There are many Iraqi intellectuals living in the US, including some of my colleagues, who have graduate and postgraduate degrees. We expect the Iraqi government to be more involved and cooperative with us, especially considering the benefits it can reap from utilizing the brain power this professional class has.
REPORTER, MALE #2
Regardless of their field of expertise, whether architectural engineering, medical and human, or academic, all these intellectuals are looking forward to meeting their obligation and helping Iraq once the process of their incorporation begins.
GUEST, MALE #3
We hope that the security situation improves in Iraq. The Iraqi lobby in the US has large human, social, economic, financial, and political capital.
REPORTER, MALE #2
Many of the Iraqi intellectuals in exile are looking forward to returning to their motherland, where they can play an active role in the reconstruction and development efforts.
GUEST, MALE #4
The Iraqi government should organize 4 conferences, either simultaneously or consecutively, in different geographic areas in the world, perhaps one in Europe, one in North America, and one in Australia. The objective is to attract the Iraqi intellectuals. In addition, the Iraqi government should send ministers, deputy ministers, or representatives to meet with the Iraqi technocrats.
REPORTER, MALE #2
Attracting the Iraqi intellectuals in exile and incorporating them back in Iraq, or even utilizing their skills from abroad, is an issue that must be placed on the desk of the Iraqi government.
Jaafer Musawi, Iraqiya, Detroit, the United States.
Obama and Clinton Vow to Defend Israel
Dubai TV, UAEPresenter, FEMALE, #1
Divided by the feverish race for the Presidency, they unite in a promise that is pleasing to the state of Israel. In a televised debate, the two democratic candidates competing for the White house, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, vowed to defend Israel against any attack by Iran.
Barack Obama warned Tehran that the US will use ‘appropriate action’ to prevent it from attacking whom he called, the strongest ally to Washington in the region. Meanwhile, his rival Clinton, suggested creating a ‘security umbrella’ around Israel. She affirmed that an attack on Israel will trigger massive retaliation by the United States. Tehran did not take long in responding to these statements, backing its response by a display of its military power in a Parade marking the Nation’s Army Day. In his address at the ceremony, the Iranian president Ahmadinejad, proclaimed that the army and the Revolutionary Guard manifest powerful resistance and coordination; and will respond severely to the slightest offensive. The Iranian army displayed its air power in a fly-over that includes dozens of planes, fighter jets, and “Qader one” long range rockets. Written on the trucks transporting the rockets was: Death to Israel and the United States.
Al Qaeda Moves to Northern Iraq
Al Jazeera TV, QatarPresenter, Woman # 1
Iraqi police said that 50 people were killed and 10 others were injured in a suicide explosion that targeted a funeral procession in the town of Bu Muhammad near al A’theim, an area in the northern Diyalah province.
Reporter, Man # 2
The attack took place as attacks targeting armed men from the al Sahwa Council and security forces have been increasing in Northern Iraq.
Reporter, Man # 2
Today is not much different from the day after the invasion of Iraq; dozens of people were killed and injured. A suicide bomber wearing an explosive belt exploded himself during a wake in the town of Bu Muhammad in the northern Diyalh province. He exploded himself in the middle of the crowd who came to give their condolences, killing and injuring one hundred of them.
Most of the injured are in critical condition. Tuz Khurmato hospital, which is 125 kilometers away from the location of the attack, was crowded with injured people. Some sources said that the wake was held for two killed members from the al Sahwa Council by armed men from al Qaeda. Al Qaeda threatened the relatives of the two men, to not hold the wake, or else suffer the consequences, which may explain what happened. The American forces said that al Qaeda has transferred their activities to cities in Northern Iraq after al Sahwa councils managed to expel them from the center of the country. Official reports indicate that the armed men do whatever they wish at night in some of these cities. The attack came only two days after another bloody attack in Baquba which killed and injured one hundred people in addition to other attacks in al Mosul and Ramadi. This concludes another week in Iraq in which more names will be added to list of people killed during the occupation. These images were taken from Baghdad today, a sand storm covered most of the country due to warm winds coming from the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps this further validates the common Iraqi saying that whatever comes from the West is evil.
The Killing of Reuters' Journalist Raises Questions
Al Jazeera English, Qatar[Summary]
The killing of a Palestinian Reuters’ Journalist raises questions about the Israeli military’s target of civilians, and the media in particular. The journalists reporting from Gaza are almost all local Palestinians, and they take big personal risks to let the world know what is going on in Gaza, now these journalists are finding themselves the target of attacks.
IDF Expresses Regret Over Journalist Death
IBA TV, Israel[Summary]
IDF sources express regret over a journalist’s death, also stating “Nevertheless it must be remembered that there are battles against terrorist cells in the area on a daily basis.”
Golan Heights Residents Celebrate National Day
Al Arabiya TV, UAEPresenter, MALE, #1
Hundred of residents from the Golan Heights’ two parts, the Syrian part and the occupied part, commemorated Independence Day by rallying to the Saiyhat hill. The celebration took on a special flavor as the people from the Golan Heights and the Syrian districts headed to a location by the town of Majdal Shamss. There, the two sides communicated through loud speakers and looked at each other through binoculars.
Reporter, FEMALE, #1
The Golan Heights’ citizens chanted slogans representing their feelings of loyalty to their mother land. Hundreds of people took to the streets to celebrate Independence Day. Reflecting the strange reality, the ceremonial speeches were delivered across the armistice line, as the people of the Golan talked to their families from either side. Abu Rami searched for his relatives with binoculars-which is the only way of communicating with them, even though they were only a few meters away.
Guest, MALE, #2
It’s painful; they’re right in front of us but we can’t reach them. God willing, there will be peace and we will see them soon.
Guest, FEMALE, #2
I particpated in a protest very much like this one, on a day like this one, April 17th. I saw the military taking away my son; I went to unshackle him and they struck me. They hit me on my head twice with a stick, and then hit me on my shoulder.
Reporter, FEMALE, #1
In light of talk about peace negotiations between Israel and Syria, and the unprecedented Israeli maneuvers in their Northern Borders, the Golan Heights’ residents protested to confirm their stance.
Guest, MALE, #3
Talking about peace negotiations is just superficial talk. We don’t feel any real difference in Israel’s position. The conditions for peace are very clear, including a complete withdrawal from the Syrian Golan Heights; talking about anything else is just stalling tactics. In my opinion, the significant thing about this period is not the talk about peace, but the Israeli maneuvers for their upcoming war.
Reporter, FEMALE, #1
More than 40 years has passed since the occupation, with its many years of imposing the Israeli identity. But the people of the Golan Heights have remained loyal to their homeland, Syria. Reema Mustafa, Al Arabiya, from the occupied Golan Heights.
UN Calls for Implementing Resolution 1701
NBN TV, LebanonPRESENTER, FEMALE #1
Without making any references to the issue of the Lebanese presidential elections, the UN Security Council reiterated its commitment to the full implementation of Resolution 1701. Meanwhile, the UN Secretary General said he has not yet set a date for sending a technician team to help redraw the Lebanese-Syrian borders; which will help stop arms smuggling across the borders.
REPORTER, FEMALE #2
In a briefing that was read by the South African Envoy to the UN and the current President of the Security Council, Dumisani Kumalo, the council reiterated its commitment for the full implementation of Resolution 1701, which was issued at the end of the Israeli aggression on Lebanon in the Summer of 2006. In a statement, the Security Council announced it has taken into consideration the difficulties and drawbacks associated with the implementation process; an issue that was also raised by the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, during his progress report on the implementation of Resolution 1701. In addition, the Security Council stressed the need to make progress on the core issues, which will help end the hostility and bring a permanent solution to the region. However, the UN declaration, which required a unanimous approval of the 15 members of the Security Council, didn’t make any references to any of the core issues. According to a diplomatic source at the UN, Libya, South Africa, Panama, and Indonesia were in favor of editing the report to shorten it, which took it out of context, as certain phrases in reference to the Lebanese elections were removed. At the end of the Security Council session, the US envoy to the UN, Zelmay Khalilzad, described the Presidential declaration as “good and acceptable.” Meanwhile, the French envoy to the UN, Jean-Marc de la Sabliere, welcomed the council’s statement and described it as “a very clear message to all concerned parties inside and outside Lebanon.” In addition, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, expressed hope that both the Syrian and the Lebanese governments will be able to resolve all border issues; he further said the redrawing of the borders must be clear and free of arms smuggling. Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon said he has not yet set a date for sending a UN technician team to help redraw the Lebanese-Syrian borders; but added he will continue to seek the opinions of those countries interested in the case. Furthermore, Ki-moon said preparations are underway for the launch of the special international tribunal on Lebanon; in addition, he described the constitutional vacuum in Lebanon as “Very dangerous and not acceptable.”
PRESENTER, FEMALE #1
A media source affiliated with Hezbollah confirmed that the ongoing Israeli violations in the areas of Mais Al-Jabal, Ghajar, and Wazzani are a blatant breach of UN Resolution 1701; a breach that is being committed before the world and the international forces. In a statement, the source added that many are questioning the role of the UN Security Council and its Secretary General and the position adopted by the Lebanese ruling party toward this Israeli hostility. This news comes as many Lebanese, especially in the south, expressed concern over an Israeli project, in which Israel intends to make some geographic changes along the borders with Palestine, with the collaboration and silence of certain groups. This calls for adopting a strong and serious position to counter this Israeli danger, which is threatening the sovereignty of Lebanon.
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