Mosaic News - 11/2/09: World News From The Middle East
Suicide bomber kills 35 near Pakistan's capital
Dubai TV, UAEPresenter, Male #1
The Pakistani city of Rawalpindi was rocked by a second explosion in less than a month. A suicide bomber detonated a booby trapped motorcycle near the Shalimar Hotel in central Rawalpindi, killing more than 34 people and injuring 20 others. The attack took place in an area adjacent to the headquarters of the Pakistani Armed Forces, which was targeted by another blast last month, involving a hostage situation. Rawalpindi has been hit by a string of bomb attacks, mostly against the Pakistani army. More than 2,400 Pakistanis have been killed in the last two years in a wave of bomb attacks, mostly carried out by armed Taliban fighters. In response to the surge of bloody attacks, the Pakistani army launched last month an offensive in Waziristan, aimed at uprooting armed Taliban fighters in the region. The Pakistani military confirmed that its troops have advanced in the city of Kaniguram. The army said that hundreds of foreign fighters were seen fleeing the region. Nine armed Taliban fighters and 2 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in battles in the last few hours. More than 306 armed Taliban fighters and nearly 36 Pakistani soldiers have been killed since the Pakistani army launched its offensive. The Pakistan government has offered a reward of 5 million dollars for information leading to the capture of the Taliban-Pakistan Leader, Hakimullah Mehsud, and 18 others. Joining us form Rawalpindi is our correspondent, Mahyub Khuder. Mahyub, how do interpret this surge in attacks on Pakistani forces?
Correspondent, Male #2
Yes, Fiasal. It’s clear that every time the Pakistani army makes progress in its military offensive, dubbed “Operation Path to Salvation,” in southern Waziristan, the Taliban intensifies its attacks on the cities. This is the strategy of the Taliban, as confirmed by the movement’s leadership. It’s an attempt by the Taliban to mount public pressure on the Pakistani government in order to halt the Waziristan offensive. The Pakistani army has seized control of a key Taliban stronghold in the area of Kotkai. The Pakistani army also regained control of Sargura. The army is surrounding a third area, which is home to several key Taliban positions in southern Waziristan. The Taliban is responding by launching forceful attacks inside Pakistani cities in order to mount pressure on the government to halt “Operation Path to Salvation”.
Presenter, Male #1
Mahyub, do you think that these attacks, which are targeting civilians as well, will force Islamabad to halt its offensive in Waziristan.
Correspondent, Male #2
Fisal, it’s clear that the Pakistani government is still insisting on carrying out its offensive, dubbed “Operation Path to Salvation”, in southern Waziristan. These types of bomb attacks are pushing the government to take further military actions in order to end the threats of the Taliban, especially in southern Waziristan. Fisal, don’t forget that “Operation Path to Salvation” is enjoying the support of the various political blocs, including the opposition, and don’t forget the growing foreign pressure on Islamabad. US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, who was in Islamabad a few days ago, has praised the offensive and called on intensifying attacks on Taliban strongholds in southern Waziristan. The Pakistani government has no choice but to continue its offensive.
Karzai declared winner
Al Jazeera, QatarPresenter, Female #1
The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan announced the cancellation of the runoff election that was scheduled to take place on November 7th. President Hamid Karzai was declared the winner. Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met with Afghan president Hamid Karzai after he arrived to Kabul in an un-declared visit. Ban stated after the meeting that the UN does not intend to evacuate its employees from Afghanistan and Pakistan, despite the recent attacks. The political developments that Afghanistan had witnessed was the dominant topic of conversations between Karzai and Ban, especially since Abdullah Abdullah, the former Foreign Minister of Afghanistan and Karzai’s opponent, announced to pull out of the runoff election. Joining me from Kabul is Zakariya Barik Zei, the vice president of the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan. Mr. Zakariya, some people accuse you of unjust and illegitimate work, how do you respond to that?
Guest, Male #1
I should answer that question in this way: the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan supervised the first round of elections in accordance to the Afghan law and constitution. It is apparent that in this current situation
Clinton in Morocco to meet with Arab leaders
BBC Arabic, UKPresenter, Male #1
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in Morocco meeting with a number of Arab Foreign Ministers. On the sidelines of Clinton’s visit, she said today that Israel’s offer to limit settlement expansion is an unprecedented and positive step, but it is still less than what Washington wants. Controversy was aroused after Clinton stated in a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that stopping the settlements in the West Bank should not be a pre-condition for resuming the peace process, as the Palestinians demand. This prompted some US officials to confirm that Washington has not changed its stance in regards to the Israeli settlement policy. But Clinton believes that the most important thing is to resume the interrupted negotiations. Meanwhile, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas is to meet in the Jordanian capital of Amman with US special envoy for peace in the Middle East George Mitchell to discuss resuming the negotiations with Israel. In this meeting that will be held in the Palestinian ambassador’s home in Amman, the two parties are expected to address the issue of freezing settlements that the Palestinian authority demands as a pre-condition for any negotiations with Israel.
Jewish settler arrested over terrorism
IBA, IsraelAn American Jewish immigrant was arrested in connection with a series of terror attacks and hate crimes targeting Palestinians and Jewish leftists and missionaries. He confessed to killing two Palestinians, and to being responsible for a pair of bombings that left a professor and a 15-year-old boy wounded
UN nuclear chief urges Iran to engage
Press TV, IranThe head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed El Baradei, has called for dialogue and direct talks without preconditions as the only solution to the conflict over Iran’s nuclear program. Iran has indicated its willingness to proceed to the next round of technical discussions regarding a deal over the supply of nuclear fuel.
Lebanese militia delegation in DC
New TV, LebanonPresenter, Male #1
The Lebanese Phalange delegation continues its visit to the US capital with a series of meetings held in the US congress.
Reporter, Male #1
The Phalange delegation continued its visit to Washington and met with officials from the US administration and the US House Committee on Foreign Relations.The delegation showcased the situation in Lebanon after the parliamentary elections and the current state of government. During a wide-range meeting for the March 14 Alliance forces, the delegation reiterated that there was no alternative for strengthening the government, and stressed the importance of supporting the army and reaching a comprehensive strategic agreement pertaining to the Hezbollah weapons. The delegation also reiterated the importance of implementing democracy in a way that reflects the results of the parliamentary elections. According to the results of the elections, there should be a ruling majority and an opposition minority, which will make forming the government easier. The participants in the meetings stressed that it was important for the president of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt to stay within the majority, even if his political approach was different due to his different considerations, especially regarding the threat of illegitimate weapons.
Presenter, Male #1
Mr. Muhammad Hussein Fadl-Allāh strongly criticized the Lebanese officials, who deal with the US-Israel drills and threats made by “War Minister” Ehud Barak by behaving like ostriches burying their heads in the sand, instead of weighing in these dangers. He also pointed out that, after all this time; the Lebanese officials are still waiting for the government to be formed. Mr. Fadl-Allah made this statement in a Friday speech in Hasanah Mosque. He warned about big dangers that are overlooking Lebanon from its southern gate.
Guest, Male #1
Lebanon will remain the center of political instability, and will remain an open field for Israeli espionage without being held accountable by the UN. Larsen, the author of the UN resolution 1701, works through his reports, which are biased for the benefit of the enemy. This helps the Zionists to further violate the resolution and to continue to entrench on Lebanon’s sovereignty. The international community continues to look at the country from the standpoint of Israel’s security. As for the Lebanese people
Morocco takes broad measures to contain Swine Flu
Al Maghribiyah, MoroccoPresenter, Woman # 1
The Ministry of health announced that 51 new of H1NI cases were registered in Casablanca, Asela, Wajda, Meknas and Skhirat raising the number of total of confirmed infections in Morocco to 397. This number includes 145 cases in schools. The health ministry said that all infected people are being treated in their homes and that they are being monitored by health institutions. So far the disease has not caused any death and there have been no registered complicated cases of H1N1 virus.The Ministry of Health Yasmina Badu reiterated today that the H1N1 virus is under control in Morocco and that the number of infections that have been recorded so far is still small in comparison to other countries.
Guest, Woman # 2 (Yasmina Badu)
We want to assure the public that so far there is no reason to worry especially when considering that the number of infections is small. In addition, the infection cases are not serious. So far all the people who were infected with this disease did not even need to be hospitalized. Immediately after people are diagnosed with the disease they are given an anti-viral shot. Thank God, people are cured without any side effects or problems. Two institutions were closed in coordination with the Ministry of Education. The virus has caused fear and there were rumors that many schools were closed, but these rumors are not true. Only two schools were closed in Casablanca. Only three schools and some university departments were closed nationwide. I want to tell Moroccan citizens that they should not be afraid and they should know that we have sufficient quantities of anti-viral drugs. They are available for free in the hospitals. The anti-viral medication can also be bought from pharmacies.
Presenter, Woman # 1
Omar Al Mazeet is joining us this evening, to give us more details and to inform the public about this disease. Today, 397 cases of infections have been registered, how can you describe the status of the disease in Morocco.
Guest, Man # 1
As the minister of health said before me, the recent developments pertaining to the disease are not worrying. Recent developments include the increase of registered infection cases. Local infections now exceed the number of foreign infections. One can say that the spread of the virus has taken a different course. It is now spreading among Moroccan citizens. Also some registered infections are now in educational institutions in Casabalanca, Fas, Rebat, Aghadeer, and Meknas. But as I said before these developments pertaining to the disease, it should not be a source of concern.
Presenter, Woman # 1
Despite the fast spread of the disease?
Guest, Man # 1
Yes, despite the fast spread of the disease because if we were to compare our number of reregistered cases of infections with that of some European and Arab countries, the number of infections in Morocco should not be a source of concern. Also all the cases that have been documented nationwide are minor. Thank God, there has not been a single case of death from this disease. All of these things should be reassuring to us pertaining to the status of the disease in Morocco.
Omani women given land rights
Al Arabiya TV, UAEPresenter, Female #1
A few months after they were given equal rights as men to own land, the Sultanate of Oman started to assign residential plots to Omani women.
Reporter, Male #1
It was the dream of many Omani women to be able to acquire a plot of land from the government, just like men. Today, this dream has become a reality. Samia al-Gharibiya came happily from the Province of Braimi to the area of Sahbi, where the government held an auction for residential plots. Samia is hoping to get a plot of land in a good area.
Guest, Female #2
I don’t know what to do with the land. God willing, I will make an investment that will generate income to help make ends meet.
Reporter, Male #1
During the first week of drawing, more than 1,000 participating women have won plots of land. The drawing is similar to that usually held for men. More the 400,000 Omani women, including 100,000 in the capital of Muscat, have submitted applications to the department of land entitlement.
Guest, Female #3
The new land law will help open a new horizon for Omani women. This will help empower women at various levels, including social, cultural, and economic as well as at the investment level.
Reporter, Male #1
Samia seemed happy as she stood on the plot of land that she won in the drawing.
Guest, Female #2
The plot of land that I won is located in the area of Ghraifa. Thank God, the area is known for its good public services. This makes me very happy. God willing, I will be able to make an investment on this land.
Reporter, Male #1
The Ministry of Housing is diligently seeking to meet the needs of all qualified applicants. The law applies to both men and women, who are over the age of 23 or those who are over 21 year old and married, and don’t own residential plots, as mandated by the law.
Guest, Male #2
The number of registered female applicants is nearly 80% of the total applicants, who submitted applications after the issuance of this land decree. In the past, the land was given mostly to men. This doesn’t mean that women were entirely banned from owning land. The law had allowed women who support themselves or others to own land.
Reporter, Male #1
The right of women to own land from the government was not possible before November of last year. Last year, his majesty, Sultan Qabus, amended the government land entitlement law, giving women an equal footing to men. This is to confirm the woman’s role as “half of the society.” Yusif, al-Yusifi, from the province of Braimi, north of Oman.
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