Mosaic News - 6/25/09: World News From The Middle East
Diversity in Iranian Protestors
Al Arabiya TV, UAEPresenter, Male #1
The image of the Iranian street that we see today on the internet can be misleading to some. The crisis has created a new force that cannot be contained within borders. It can neither be compared to reformists opposing the election results nor is the situation today comparable to what happened thirty years ago.
Reporter, Female #1
Today, the Iranian street is not the way one may imagine it to be; divided between two struggling forces: the reformists and the conservatives. However, from within them a new power emerged; one made up of different forces who agree on the rejection of the regime. Those who are taking to the streets do not have a unified goal as was the case three decades ago. During the days of the Islamic Revolution, demonstrators came together under one slogan: the toppling of the Shah’s regime and one leader, Khomeini. The reformist camp initiated these demonstrations due to claims of election fraud until many social movements found this to be an appropriate time to express their repressed grievances, one of them being the toppling of the regime. Several forces are active in Iran today under the blanket of the reformers demands, the most important being the student movement which has been protesting since Ahmadinejad took office. In the past four years, many opposition leaders were subjected to arrests. There is also the highly organized women’s movement that materialized during Ahmadinejad’s government through meetings and protests that defend women’s rights and were thus pursued by the authorities. The Labor movement in Iran was very active during Ahmadinejad’s government and this was clear when sugar industry laborers protested in the city of Shush, north of Ahwaz, as well as those working in the transportation sector of Iran. In terms of the seven non-Iranian groups who constitute about 58% of the population, they protested Ahmadinejad after he ended the activities of their civic society organizations that were established in their territories during the reformist period. These forces have a major presence in the protests that are being seen in Iran today and observers doubt the ability of the reformists to maintain control over these forces. Zain Al Fayiz. Al Arabiya.
Senior Iranian Religious Leader Demands an Independent Investigation
Al Jazeera TV, QatarPresenter, Man # 1
Iran’s Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri warned that any government regardless of how strong it is will be shaken if it continues to oppress peaceful demonstrations. Montazeri called for the formation of an independent committee to look into the election results.
Presenter, Woman # 1
Meanwhile, reformist Presidantial candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, said that he is being pressured to withdraw the appeal he submitted pertaining to the election results.
Presenter, Man # 1
This comes at a time when the Iranian president Mahmud Ahmadinejad demanded that his American counterpart not interfere in Iran’s internal Affairs.
Reporter, Man # 2
His recorded voice can be heard throughout Iran, so just imagine what kind of an effect he has on people when he speaks out publicly. Iran’s Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri is the first senior religious leader to oppose the principle of “Wilat Al Faqeh,” which gives the supreme religious leader total authority. He is not only criticizing, but also warning the public. He said that oppressing peaceful demonstrations will shake any government regardless of how strong it is. Twenty years ago, Montazeri had the greatest opportunity among other Ayatollahs to succeed the Late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the father of the Islamic revolution. Montazeri even demanded the establishment of an investigation committee with the authority to deicide on the elections and resolve the division. He is not the first man to make this proposal, but the ones before him were politicians, not religious authorities. Montazeri’s demand is an attempt to take away the Guardian Council’s power, which is strongly influenced by the supreme leader, to decide the results of the investigation. Former President and presidential candidate Mahdi Karoubi supported this proposal, although he used a stronger language. Karoubi said that he will not recognize the new government because it lacks legitimacy. Amidst these verbal wars, Mir Hossein Mousavi is still being subjected to harassment. published on his official website that he has been pressured to withdraw his appeal against the election results. There are also news reports that seventy people were arrested because they participated in a special meeting with the reformist presidential candidate. Meanwhile, President Mahmud Ahmadinejad is managing his external wars, specifically with London and Washington. Today, he addressed the American president Barak Obama and called on him to not intervene in Iran’s internal affairs. Ahmadinejad said that he sensed a tone in Barak Obama’s speech that was similar to that of George Bush. Consequences of the elections continue to unfold. However, the way in which the election crisis will be resolved, will shape Iran’s internal and foreign policies.
Presenter, Man # 1
Joining us from Tehran is Bureau chief Muhammad Hassan Al Bahrani. Muhammad, the protests have somewhat calmed down, but it seems that Iranian leaders are still escalating their language against each other?
Correspondent, Man # 3
This is due to internal reasons. The announced results of the elections and the positions that were taken by the West and Britain in particular. Today, President Ahmadinejad wanted to tell Obama that if he wants to enter into negotiations with Tehran, like he has said in his White House speeches, then he should reconsider his statements pertaining to the election results. Ahmadinejad is saying that Obama’s statements will not help to begin the dialogue. Ahmadinejad said that Obama’s position is wrong and his intervention in Iran’s internal affairs is unacceptable. He wondered if Obama really wants to open a dialogue with Tehran since he is speaking in this manner.
Ahmadinejad Criticizes Obama For Meddling in Iranian Affairs
Al-Alam TV, IranPresenter, Female #1
During a meeting with members of the Iranian parliament, the head of the Iranian revolution Ayatollah Sayid Ali Khamenei confirmed that the Islamic system and the Iranian nation will not bow to pressure over the latest presidential elections, vowing to take even one step back. This news comes as calm returns to areas of the capital Tehran which witnessed violence.
Reporter, Male #1
The head of the Iranian revolution Ayatollah Sayid Ali Khamenei held a meeting with members of the parliament, which included the conservatives and the reformers. Political differences disappeared during the meeting. In his speech, the head of the revolution stressed the importance of remaining committed to the principles on which the Islamic Revolution was built. In addition, Khamenei said that violating the law will help open the door to dictatorship and will forfeit the rights of the Iranian nation.
Guest, Male #2
Everyone must obey the law. During these latest incidents I have continued to stress that everyone must respect the law. Our legal system is based on the principles of the Islamic Republic. Most certainly the Islamic system and the Iranian nation will not bow down to any pressure at any cost.
Reporter, Male #1
It is the law and its institution that will remain the high authority for those who are politically divided. It is the Iranian presidential elections that have prompted the Iranian public to ask the question: who is telling the truth? The opposition, which is contesting the election results, must corroborate its claim.
Guest, Male #3
The Ministry of Interior thoroughly reviewed all the complaints. One of the candidates raised several issues which we answered thoroughly and consistently. This response was published in newspapers and on the web.
Reporter, Male #1
This scene is usually captured during the absence of law; a memory that will remain in the minds of the Iranian people. Acts of destruction, though limited to certain areas, have political implications inside and outside the country.
Guest, Male #4
The U.S. and several other western countries including anti-revolutionary elements, are seeking to disturb the peace. Many of them, including members of election committees representing certain candidates, have been arrested.
Reporter, Male #1
Today, there is calm and life has returned to normal. The state of anxiety and caution in Iranian streets has ended amidst the return of security and the absence of illegal gatherings.
Guest, Male #5
Several opportunists were trying to exploit the incidents. However, our people are conscious and did not allow this exploitation to take place. Life is now back to normal.
Guest, Male #6
The players responsible for these incidents are the Western nations and several opportunists who were trying to topple the regime. However, they will not succeed.
Reporter, Male #1
Calm is dominating the political spectrum in Iran despite the voices of some opposition forces. Political calm has accompanied the calm in the streets. Thus putting Iran in a state that it needs to be in, now more than it ever. From Freedom Square. Nur Al-Deen Tair. Al Alam. Tehran.
Presenter, Female #1
In a related development, Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, accused the CIA of supporting the violence in Iran and reiterated his support for the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. On the sidelines of the South American Alba Summit which is underway in Maracay, in central Venezuela, Chavez said that the CIA and Europe are behind the post election protests in Iran.
The West Fueling Iran's Unrest
Press TV, Iran[Summary]
Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has criticized U.S. President, Barak Obama for “interfering” in Iranian affairs. Ahmadinejad states that Obama should not repeat the policies of former U.S. President George W. Bush, regarding Iran.
Mir Hossein Moussavi has accused the media of portraying post-election events “the other way around”. He insists the Presidential election was rigged.
US Returns Ambassador to Syria
Dubai TV, UAEPresenter, Female #1
“Damascus is an important factor in the political equation of the Middle East. With these words, the U.S. President, Barack Obama, decided to send his top diplomat back to Damascus, ending 4 years of diplomatic alienation. Syria’s ambassador to Washington was informed of the U.S.’ decision on Tuesday. The U.S. administration said it will need one week to appoint a new ambassador to Syria. This U.S. move is part of extensive diplomatic efforts aimed at breaking the ice between the two sides. Intisar Yunis reports from Damascus.
Reporter, Female #2
Syrians are living these days on the brink of political breakthroughs, with the return of the U.S. ambassador to Damascus topping the news. For more than three years, U.S. representation in Syria was limited to an embassy, with a flag but no ambassador filling the post. The embassy was often used to host meetings by U.S. officials visiting Damascus. These meetings helped broker talks aimed at restoring relations between the two nations.
Guest, Male #1
With the slogan of change adopted by the new U.S. administration, we found that the U.S. is serious about making changes in their policy toward the region. The reason is that the U.S. has interests in the region. This is why they decided to move forward with diplomatic efforts.
Reporter, Female #2
Damascus and Washington, which have been divided over the issue of Iraq and Lebanon, are coming back amidst the Obama policy of change. Was this the beginning of good relations between the U.S. and Syria, or was it a result of political changes in the region and the world?
Guest, Male #2
As a practical step but not politically speaking, filling the post of the ambassador is important. But what is more important is the meaning of this diplomatic step. What will U.S. policy look like, as Washington upgrades its diplomatic representation in Damascus? This issue is the focus of discussion between the two sides.
Reporter, Female #2
The return of the US ambassador to Damascus is considered to be a crucial political move. This move is bringing together a series of political variables that have often played a role in the policy of alienation and closeness between Damascus and Washington. Intisar Yunis, Dubai TV, Damascus.
Burqa Degrades Women
France 24, FrancePresenter, Man # 1
The implementation of a law banning women from wearing the Hijab in government buildings has created a wide controversy in France. Now, there is controversy over attempts to ban the Burqa, also known as the full body Hijab.
Reporter, Woman # 1
The controversy of whether wearing the Burqa violates the values of France or not has reached the French parliament.
Guest, Woman # 2
We are talking about wearing something that completely covers the face. I believe this is a violation of individual freedom.
Guest, Man # 2
One of the most important principles of the French Republic is equality between Men and Women. The Burqa completely undermines women.
Reporter, Woman # 1
Some have suggested a total ban on wearing the Burqa.
Guest, Man # 3
Wearing the Burqa poses a security problem because we do not know the identity of the person who is covering his or her face. Therefore, those who cover their faces must be subjected to fines and punished by law.
Reporter, Woman # 2
Others, however, believe that banning the Burqa violates the principles of the French republic, specifically the freedom of religion.
Guest, Man # 4
Our civil freedoms include the right to choose which religion we follow, and with that, how we want to practice our religion in terms of how we dress. Of course, we must respect the republic and civil rights.
Guest, Woman # 2
This suggestion to ban the Burqa is misleading because no effort has been exerted to consider the views of the Women who wear the Burqa.
Reporter, Woman # 2
The French government is divided. Secretary of State for Urban and Social Development, Ms. Fadela Amara, accepted the suggestion, but the Minister of Immigration preferred to use other methods rather than ban women from wearing the burqa.
Guest, Man # 5
We should deal with the issue through education and school, not by passing laws.
Reporter, Woman # 2
The law has not been passed yet, but the parliament members have demanded that this issue be looked into in a serious manner.
Will Gilad Shalit Return Home?
IBA TV, Israel[Summary]
Gilad Shalit has been in captivity for three years. The 22-year old IDF soldier has been held by Hamas, in Gaza since his capture on June 25, 2006. There will be a public rally held this evening in Tel Aviv to commemorate the three year anniversary of Shalit’s capture.
World Refugee Day in Palestine
Palestine TV, RamallahPresenter, Man #1
With the World Refugee Day approaching and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Palestinian Refugee’s Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA), the agency collaborated with the Palestinian Art Court Center of Jerusalem and organized an art exhibit displaying paintings that had participated in UNRWA’s 60th year competition.
Reporter, Man #1
More than sixty years have passed since the Palestinian refugee problem appeared, resulting from a series of disasters that befell them because of the Israeli occupation, specifically the catastrophe of 1948. It’s also been sixty years since the UN Relief and Work Agency for Refugees was established. To mark this occasion today the agency cooperated with Palestinian Art Court Center in organizing a series of competitions with the theme of “We”. The idea of the exhibition is to display paintings and artwork that express humanity, and the uniqueness of the Palestinian refugees and their personal experiences. In this exhibition, the paintings hanging on the walls are made by Palestinians that live in different parts of the world. This event coincides with the World Refugee Day that falls on June 20th.
Guest, Man #1
The first message of this exhibition is that the agency has lasted and will last as long as the Palestinian issue remains unresolved. Its objective will be met when the refugee’s problems are solved. This exhibition is trying to reiterate that Palestinian people are not only characterized as being refugees, but they also have unique personalities and experiences, as a whole or as individuals. These traits are what characterize Palestinians regardless of their status as refugees.
Reporter, Man #1
The Palestinian Art Court Center contributed to the competition by preparing and organizing the event with the agency.
Guest, Woman #1
We have organized the event because we are a cultural center that specializes in modern art. Also, we have the space for the exhibit, in addition to artistic expertise in the area.
Reporter, Man #1
Three paintings were announced to have won the competition. The painting that won the first prize was painted by Lutfi Zaid from Aman. The second prize went to Majd Abdu Al-hamid from Ramallah. In this painting a dictionary is depictedthat includes the definition of “refugee”, with an emphasis on the first words in the definiton: “human being”. The third prize was won by Sarah Majid from Aman.
Guest, Man #2
We can’t assume that these paintings will solve the refugee problem but I think they showed us something very important -- that behind the refugee problem, behind the politics and sixty years of programs for refugees, there are still people living with their tragedies, with their loss, their inspiration, their hopes and their achievements.
Reporter, Man #1
Of course these paintings will not solve the problem of the Palestinian refugees, which has lasted 60 years. But they will remind us, even if just a little, that these refugees are human beings, and they deserve a life of freedom and dignity just like the rest of the citizens of the world.
The Ancient City of Ur
Al-Iraqiya TV, IraqPresenter, Male #1
Whenever we hear the word Ur, the historic Iraqi city, we immediately think about a city that has lasted for thousands of years; telling the story of human civilization.
Presenter, Female #1
Today, those in charge of artifacts must protect the city of Ur from environmental factors and stop structural deterioration.
Reporter, Male #2
In any spot in Iraq, one can find historic sites reflecting a long history of religion, education, and civilization. The province of Zi-Fiqar, is known for its old and rich history, all of which is encapsulated in the artifacts that are being exhibited in one museum. Most of the artifacts that were lost during the past era were returned to this museum.
Guest, Female #2
The Al Naseria Museum has received more than 8,000 artifacts from citizens. These artifacts are now stored in the Iraqi museum’s warehouses.
Guest, Male #3
In compliance with the directions of the prime minister to protect these artifacts, and his initiative to revive Iraqi museums, God willing, we will reopen this museum and we will work on retrieving the artifacts that were sent to Baghdad, while our province was going through a difficult time.
Reporter, Male #2
The historic city of Ur, which was built in the 5th century BC, embodies an important period of Iraq’s rich history. The city, however, needs a project to renovate its sites so that it will remain an important site reflecting Iraq’s various historical periods.
Guest, Male #4
The city is now in desperate need of renovation to stop structural deterioration caused by environmental factors. Buildings and prominent structures such as temples and graves should be protected. We know that the last time this city was renovated was in the past century. During the past five centuries, this city was neglected and lacked maintenance which negatively affected its prominent structures.
Reporter, Male #2
Calls were made by the Iraqi government to take care of important historical sites in Iraq. Everybody has to protect its historical legacy for the sake of Iraqi history and civilization. From the historic city of Ur. Al Naseria. Abbas Naim. Al Iraqiya.