Presenter, Female #1
More than 2.5 million honorable guests of the Noble Sanctuary are not afraid to perform the rituals of Hajj, and Riyadh is not neglecting its duty of protecting them. The Saudi Arabian Minister of Interior, Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, affirmed that the kingdom will not tolerate any practices deemed offensive to Hajj and that it has taken all the measures to guarantee the security and peace of the pilgrims. Fahima Mazani has the report.

Reporter, Female #1
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims dressed in white have been coming to The Noble Sanctuary for days. More than two million of the guests of God, including women, seniors and youngsters, who vary in skin color and age, wearing the white garments of Ihram, headed to the Sacred House of God to request God’s forgiveness and blessing. The worshipers are determined to perform this important pillar of Islam. The processions of the Hajj begin on Wednesday at sunset, when the pilgrims travel to Mina and spend the night there. On the 9th of Zhul-Hijja, they will travel to Mt. Arafat and spend the night there. There, the pilgrims of the Noble Sanctuary will perform one of the grandest rites of Hajj. Then the pilgrims will begin heading in groups to Muzdalifah, where they will perform two prayers, Isha’e and Maghrib collectively and individually. They spend the night there, then gather and prepare to perform the ritual of “Ramy al-Jamarāt”, or stoning the devils including the “Jamrah of Aqaba” on Day of Sacrifice, which marks the first day of the blessed Eid al-Adha. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia exerted a lot of effort to make the trip smooth for the pilgrims and to provide them with the best service. Extremely high security and health measures have been taken this season.

Guest, Male #1
In the past Hajj season, the security forces have proved their efficiency. And God willing, this year it will be the best Hajj season, despite the unnatural conditions surrounding us.

Reporter, Female #1
Riyadh took measures to face the two challenges of health and security. Perhaps, the most important measure was recruiting the largest number possible of security guards, and making sure that all the pilgrims have taken the H1N1 flu vaccine before their arrival to the Holy Land. These measures were preceded by warnings but did not stop the pilgrims from arriving to perform the fifth pillar and dedicate their prayers to God.

Presenter, Male #1
The Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia, Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz reiterated that Houthi infiltrators in the southern part of the country may take advantage of the Hajj season to increase their activities at the border. BBC correspondent Mohammed Taha has more details on Saudi Arabia’s security measures during Hajj, that is going on right now.

Reporter, Male #1
Saudi Arabia is showcasing its military capabilities before Hajj season, an occasion during which the kingdom does not usually exhibit all of its forces. According to political observers, the political and security situation, especially the fighting in the south, call for the parade. BBC asked this question to the top Saudi security official.

Guest, Male #1
As for those who want to infiltrate and disturb the security, measures will be taken to confront them and forbid them from assaulting a single inch of the kingdom’s territory. We do not rule out the possibility that they have connections and coordinate their actions with each other.

Reporter, Male #1
The Hajj is the direct reason for holding this military parade at the entrance of Mt. Arafat and the press conference following it. This year, about 63,000 security personnel and soldiers will participate in enforcing security measures during Hajj season. More than 2,000 surveillance cameras will be installed and used in between the Holy Sanctuary and the streets surrounding it. Saudi security is prepared to confront various threats, both the usual challenges of infiltration, directing traffic and catching crimes; and the unconventional challenges of floods, rains and threats from some Iranians to organize demonstrations. The so-called demonstrations of innocence aim to have these Iranian groups vindicated from being called infidels or polytheists. This phenomenon causes security forces to cooperate with the kingdom. Incidents do not happen very often, but during the last several years, the Hajj has been through fire, flood, chaos and some demonstrations. Because of all that, the kingdom has gathered all of its strengths and forces.

Guest, Male #1
The security incidents and situations that we have witnessed in the kingdom in the last several years meant that we cannot wait to get new information or receive threats from anyone; I think the lesson is very clear to us. As a result, we truly do not want to miss the opportunity to be fully prepared, from all aspects, for the Hajj season.

Reporter, Male #1
The inclusion of the air force was one of the most prominent measures taken by Saudi Arabia to ensure its security. The security authority may also play a large role in case of health emergencies. Some military equipment that may have never been used in Hajj season before is being used this season, which may have led some to believe more firmly that Saudi Arabia is eager to send a message to some foreign elements. A few meters away from Mt. Arafat, these soldiers chant: “We are fully prepared!” These forces will be deployed in a few days to facilitate the journey of the more than 3 million pilgrims. Their readiness will then be put to the real test. From the Headquarters of Security near Mt. Arafat, Mohammed Taha, BBC.

Yemeni Houthi fighters are saying that the Saudis are using heavy weaponry, including tanks and jet fighters, and have accused Saudi Arabia of aiding the Yemeni Army in its war in the northern region of Sa’ada. A group of Iranian students held a rally outside the Foreign Ministry building in Tehran to protest the killing of Shiites in Yemen. The protesters demanded that the Foreign Ministry take action against the killing of innocent civilians in Yemen and demonstrated against Saudi Arabia’s interference in Yemen’s affairs.

Presenter, Male #1
According to our Aljazeera correspondent, Israeli prison authorities have gathered some Palestinian prisoners in three prisons, an indication that the prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel may be entering its final stage.


Presenter, Female #1
Our correspondent added that Israel will discuss, during its weekly session next Sunday, the approval of the prisoner swap deal with Hamas.

Presenter, Male #1
Meanwhile, Hamas sources have said that progress has been made in the talks for the release of the captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Reporter, Male #2
There have been growing indications that the final stage of the Gilad Shalit swap deal has started. Gilad Shalit is an Israeli soldier who was captured by armed Palestinian factions on June 25, 2006. Several Hamas sources confirmed that progress has been made to reach a deal with Israel. Senior Hamas official, Salah al-Bardawil, said that a delegation from the movement is currently discussing the latest devolvement in the prisoner swap deal with Egyptian mediators in Cairo. Al-Bardawil expressed hope that they will reach an agreement soon. Israeli President, Shimon Peres, issued a statement on Sunday after wrapping up a visit to Cairo, confirming that progress has been made in the negotiations to free the captured Israeli soldier. Incoming reports have confirmed that the Israeli authorities have started to gather and move dozens of Palestinian prisoners to three prisons, an indication that the parties are close to reaching a deal. Germany, which has recently joined the mediation efforts, proposed a formula for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The delegations are still trying to reach a consensus over the classification of the prisoners and the fate of those serving life sentences. Cairo, along with Germany, is leading the mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel. The mediation efforts have frequently encountered obstacles on both sides. Hamas was able to finalize a prisoner swap with Israel at the beginning of last October. In the deal, 20 Palestinian female prisoners were released from Israeli prisons in exchange for the release of a videotape by Hamas, showing that Shalit is alive and well. In the video, the Israeli soldier was seen reading a Palestinian newspaper that was published on September 14, 2009. After the release of the videotape, speculation about reaching a deal to free Shalit started to gain momentum.

Hamas sources confirmed that delegates from Damascus and the Gaza Strip headed to Cairo in order to debate a new list of prisoners presented by Israel in exchange for the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Shalit. Israeli sources have not confirmed the reports. The Arab press indicated that the agreement hinges on just one prisoner but Hamas and Israeli leaders are keeping mum.

Presenter, Female #1
Israel announced that it has intensified its security measures aimed at protecting Palestinian school children in the city of Hebron from attacks by Jewish settlers. However, the Israeli B'Tselem Foundation for Human Rights released a video showing masked Jewish settlers stoning Palestinian school children in the city of Hebron. The video shows that the children came under attack while walking to school, and did not get any protection from the Israeli army.

Reporter, Female #2
This long and rocky road is not the only challenge facing Palestinian school children in the West Back city of Hebron. The children are facing a more serious threat. Every morning while walking to school, Palestinian children come under attack by Israeli settlers, who hurdle rocks at them.These images showing the stoning of Palestinian children in Hebron, south of the West Bank, were captured by the Israeli B'Tselem Foundation for Human Rights. The video shows images of masked Israeli settlers hurdling rocks at innocent Palestinian children, who had nothing in their possession but school books and supplies. The stoning takes place from a nearby settlement overlooking the road leading to the school.

Guest, Female #3
The settlers sometimes intercept us along the way to school and prevent us from crossing.

Reporter, Female #2
The Israeli army sometimes intervenes and prevents the settlers from hurdling rocks at the children. However, the army doesn’t escort the children all the way to school. The suffering of these children is part of the daily suffering facing Palestinian residents in Hebron and across the West Bank. Palestinians are facing travel restrictions on a daily basis.

Guest, Male #1
They are imposing travel restrictions on all Palestinian roads. They don’t allow us to travel from one area to another. We have been suffering since 2000, and it seems that the suffering will continue to intensify.

Reporter, Female #2
The city of Hebron is considered to be one of the most tense areas in the West Bank. The city is home to nearly 170,000 Palestinians, most of them are living under harsh conditions, with no peace or security. Mai al-Muhandes, Alarabiya.

Presenter, Man # 1
The overwhelming majority of UN members demand the Israeli occupation to implement international resolutions pertaining to the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

Presenter, Woman # 1
The occupation rejects this demand. The US along with few other countries abstained from voting to protect Israel.

Reporter, Man # 2
In contrast to the 165 countries, Washington has abstained from voting, as it usually does. The overwhelming majority of the UN members called on the occupation to abide by international resolutions pertaining to the occupied Golan Heights, especially UN Security Council resolution 497 which considers the Israeli decision to impose its laws and procedures on the Golan null, according to international law. This demand was made when the UN Fourth committee of the UN General Assembly voted on a draft resolution titled the “Occupied Syrian Golan Heights”. The resolution demands that the occupation cancels its decision to annex the Golan Heights immediately, considering the Israeli administrative and legislative procedures to change the Syrian Golan’s identity, including the occupation’s attempt to impose its national identity on the people of the Golan Heights. The fourth committee of the UN General Assembly also demanded its members not to recognize any of the measures that have been taken in the occupied Syrian Golan heights, because they represent grave violation to international law. Most of the world demands that Israel stop its oppressive policies against the people of the Golan Heights, condemning its violations to international agreements specialty the Forth Geneva convention which calls for the protection of civilians at times of war. The occupation burns farms in the Golan Heights, steals its artifacts, land and water and oppresses its people.

Guest, Man # 2
We will always remain Arab, Syrian, and we will continue to live on this land forever.

The head of the Iraq war inquiry has promised a full and frank investigation and has confirmed that his team has complete access to government records. The panel will hold hearings with senior officials and military personnel who helped shaped policy, and possibly with former Prime Minister Tony Blair who has been accused by some relatives of British soldiers killed in the war of deceiving the public and taking Britain into an illegal war.

Presenter, Female #1
Iraqi Vice President, Tarik al-Hashemi, said that his meeting with the Head of the Iranian Shura Council, Ali Larijani, was tense and uncomfortable. Al-Hashemi informed Larijani that Iran’s illegitimate and unreasonable meddling in Iraq’s internal affairs, particularly at the security and political levels, has led many Iraqis to lose faith in the prospect of normalization of relations between the two countries. The Iraqi Vice President further said that his country has official documents and evidence to support its claim against Tehran. However, Larijani has dismissed the Iraqi allegations. Larijani also called on al-Hashemi to issue a general pardon for the release of Iranian prisoners held in Iraq, and in return, Iran will free Iraqi prisoners held by Tehran.

Guest, Male #1
I asked Mr. Larijani to explain Iran’s policy towards many of the issues relating to Iraq. Among the issues are: The shutdown of water for 42 Iraqi rivers, violations of common oil wells and regional water sources, reduction of the Shatt al-Arab waterway, exportation of expired food products and the smuggling of drugs to Iraq, in addition to a number of other complex issues. Larijani asked me to issue a general pardon for the release of Iranian detainees, including those who crossed illegally into Iraq or overstayed their visas. I told him that I will not approve the Prime Minister’s pardon unless Iran agrees to release Iraqi prisoners held in Iranian jails.

Presenter, Female #1
“Kalb al-Hadath” or the “center stage” is the title of a dramatic play portraying the changes witnessed in the Iraqi state of affairs after 2003. The play premiered at the Iraqi National Theater. Aysar jabbar has the details.

Reporter, Male #2
The theater is a place to portray the daily life of Iraqis and highlight the sequence of events unfolding in the Iraqi political spectrum. “Kalb al-Hadath” is a dramatic play premiering at the Iraqi National Theater. The play depicts the daily life of Iraqis in the aftermath of the 2003 incidents, and the tragic events that have followed. Iraq has faced a systematic campaign of death, forceful migration, and mayhem. Many of these incidents are still fresh in Iraqi’s collective memory.

Guest, Male #3
I hope the Iraqi people will get the message. I want to add one more thing: It’s time to stop the killing, enough death. We, as Iraqi people, had more than our share of death. We hope that this comes to an end. We want to live in peace.

Guest, Male #4
It’s a superb performance. It’s an unprecedented performance with a special twist. Everything about the play is innovative: This includes the scenes, the characters, and the delivery. It’s more than setting up a screen and showing events. The show is different from all angles. It’s a beautiful real life drama.

Reporter, Male #2
The play also exemplified the role of the Iraqi woman and highlighted her ordeal in life. In contrast, the play blamed Iraqi officials for failing to bring the Iraqi security situation under control. The story was told by actors, who tried to deliver a real life message in a creative and brilliant way.

Guest, Female #2
We are sending this message to the entire Iraqi society. The message is: Enough death and enough explosions. We tell the suicide bombers, who are roaming free in Iraq: Enough killing! It’s taboo to kill people, many of whom are women and children.
We want to live a happy and peaceful life.

Guest, Male #5
Based on the congratulatory comments we have received, I think the message was well received. I hope that every Iraqi citizen shares this opinion. The Iraqi people have suffered tremendously due to the consecutive wars. I’m very happy because the play was a success.

Reporter, Male #2
The “Kalb al-Hadath” is the second play to be directed by filmmaker Muhanad Hadi. His first play was “Hathr Tijwal” or “The Curfew.” The director helped bring the “dark comedy” genre back to the Iraqi theater, relying improvisation and actual footage from the streets of Iraq. Aysar Jabbar al-Sumariya.