Mosaic News - 12/14/09: World News From The Middle East
Air strike 'kills 70 civilians' in Yemen
Al Arabiya TV, UAEPresenter, Female #1
In Yemen, six Houthi leaders were killed in the provinces of Jawf and Saada. Meanwhile, the brother of Abdul Malak al-Houthi, leader of the Houthi insurgency, has miraculously escaped death following an attack on Houthi positions, in the area of Matra in the province of Saada.
Reporter, Male #1
It appears that Yemeni tribes in the province of Jawf have enthusiastically joined the war against the Houthi rebels. The tribal forces have cut off the road to prevent Houthi fighters from infiltrating Saudi territory. In the past few days, tribal forces have countered the Houthi attacks in the Jawf province. Several Houthi fighters have been killed and several others have been captured in the battles. Also in the province of Jawf, the Dahab Tribal forces have killed three Houthi fighters, including a military leader by the name of Ahmad Himud al-Gadwani, and wounded another, during an infiltration attempt into Saudi territories. Meanwhile, five Houthi leaders were killed in the old town of Saada, in Mahather, and in Malaheeth. The slain Houthi leaders are: Hussein Bisher, Hussein Najam, Abdullah Gaaed al-Badi’, Abu Hadi Faraj, and Ahmad Salim Faraj. A Yemeni military source has confirmed that Mohammad Badar Deen Houthi, the brother of the Houthis’ military commander, Abdul Malak al-Houthi, has miraculously escaped death in an attack on a Houthi position in the area of Matra. The source added that Yemeni armed forces have destroyed several Houthi positions near Mt. Ahmar, Sharq Kharab, Khiam, Malaheeth, and Sufian. The Yemeni army also destroyed several vehicles carrying Houthi fighters and weapons, along the road leading to Mt. Ahmar and Malaheeth. Meanwhile, Yemeni forces continue to tighten the noose on the rebels in the old town of Saada, where they seized control of more Houthi positions. In the province of Sufian, a Yemeni military source confirmed that the armed forces have destroyed several Houthi positions east of Tibat al-Nasr, east of Beit Shitam, and in Mt. Ashar. The source added that several rebels were killed in the fighting. The source further said that the Yemeni army has foiled an infiltration attempt by the Houthis in the area of Zailan, and inflicted heavy causality among the rebels.
Iran makes arrests over torn Khomeini picture
Dubai TV, UAEPresenter, Female #1
The Iranian streets are witnessing more escalation and security breaches. A short while ago, local sources confirmed that the Iranian authorities arrested several pro-reform supporters over allegations of tearing photos of the Founder of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini. The arrests come in response to a warning by the Supreme leader of the Iranian Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, who called on the authorities not to show leniency toward supporters and leaders of the opposition. Our correspondent, Reza al-Basha, reports from Tehran.
Reporter, Male #1
The opposition and the Iranian government engaged in a heated war of accusations because of photos of Imam Khomeini. This news comes after a videotape, showing supporters of the opposition tearing photos of the founder of the Islamic revolution, was released. The news has ignited a war of accusations between the opposition and the government. The opposition accused the government of staging the incident in order to detain and punish key opposition leaders. On the other hand, Iranian authorities said that the videotape is part of a bigger campaign targeting members of the Iranian regime and its supreme leader. The accusations were followed by a wave of protests in the streets of Iran, with both sides trying to rally public support. Meanwhile, the Iranian Supreme Leader issued a strong warning, calling on the opposition to be cautious of outside conspirators.
Guest, Male #2
To our former brothers, who pledged loyalty to the revolution: Why don’t you pay attention to your words and actions, which bring joy to the enemies of Imam Khomeini and to the enemies of the Islamic Revolution…the enemies, which you are applauding and holding their photos.
Reporter, Male #1
Khamenei’s words have echoed in the Iranian parliament. This comes after the speaker of the Iranian parliament issued a plea to the opposition and urged it to follow the advice of the head of the Iranian pyramid and its supreme authority.
Guest, Male #3
What was seen in the videotape has nothing to do with the students. The intellectual class of the Iranian society will never behave this way. However, the political deterioration leads to actions demeaning the principles and foundations of the Islamic revolution.
Reporter, Male #1
Meanwhile, many Iranians, from the various sects, visited the burial site of the late leader of the Islamic revolution, in protest against the defamation incidents of the Imam. Amidst the exchanges of blames and the harsh warnings of the Iranian supreme leader and in absence of security improvement, the Iranian public is bracing for major developments, which may lead judicial intervention. Reza al-Basha, Dubai TV, Tehran.
Violence surging in southern Sudan, agency says
Al Jazeera, QatarPresenter, Female #1
The Sudanese police used force to disperse a rally that was organized by the alliance of opposition groups. The protestors were on their way to the headquarters of the Sudanese parliament to demand an amendment to several laws on democratic reforms.
Presenter, Male #1
Police has surrounded the rally and closed off all roads leading to the parliament building, as well as blocked off all entrances to the city. More than 30 leaders from the alliance groups have been arrested by the police.
Reporter, Male #2
Despite the heightened security measures imposed by the Sudanese security forces, supporters of the Sudanese opposition took to the streets to demand democratic reforms. The peaceful rally was scheduled to head to the parliament building in order to submit a document demanding civil rights as mandated by the country’s interim constitution. In addition, the opposition is calling for the amendment of several laws restricting freedom, as well as for a settlement to the Darfur plight. The security forces have prevented, for the second time, the opposition rally from reaching the parliament building. They have closed off all the roads leading to the parliament building, and used batons and tear gas to disperse the protestors. Last Monday also witnessed heightened security measures, as Sudanese authorities declared a holiday on that day in an attempt to prevent protests by the opposition. Today’s rally comes a day after the Sudanese government agreed to some of the demands listed in the opposition’s document, pertaining to the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Sudan. The liberation movement and the ruling party announced they had reached an agreement over laws related to a referendum on independence for the south. The two sides also reached an agreement over the issue of the oil rich region of Abey, and whether to annex it to the south or keep it under northern sovereignty in the event of secession by the south. In addition, the two sides agreed on the special measures proposed for the regions of Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan. The People’s Movement for the Liberation of Sudan has accepted the deal with the government. However, the other opposition parties in the north have left the option of escalation with the government open, in order to force Khartoum to accept their demands ahead of the upcoming general and presidential elections.
Iraq security chiefs grilled in parliament over bombings
BBC Arabic, UKPresenter, Male #1
The Iraqi Parliament started its hearing with security ministers for the third day in a row over the latest bombings that took place in Baghdad last week. The Minister of Interior Jawad al-Bulani requested a secret session to reveal the results of the investigation into the August bombings.
Reporter, Male #1
The hearing for Iraqi security ministers took place openly, contrary to the former ones held by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. The atmosphere of the session became heated when the lawmakers started directing questions at the Ministers of Defense, Interior and National Security, as well as to the Head of the Intelligence Services and to the former leader of Baghdad’s operation center. The ministers did not skip any details in regards the security situation when it came to asking questions. One of the most important discussions was the number of violations by the security institutions.
Guest, Male #1
I will show you all the information about the Ba’ath Party at the Ministries of Defense and Interior. This is the complete document about the Ba’ath Party and the head of special security. The Ministry of Defense has all the names of Ba’ath Party members, beginning respectfully with Lieutenant General Abboud Gambar.
Reporter, Male #1
As the session continued, the security situation issue was like a ball being kicked back and forth between the questioning officials and those held accountable for it. Both sides held each other responsible for the security failures. While the Ministry of Defense complained about the lack of monetary appropriation to establish intelligence institutions, the Council of Security and Defense responded that they did not receive any requests for monetary appropriations from the relevant ministries.
Guest, Male #2
One tank alone might solve the problem of the intelligence services within the Ministry of Defense. We need to specify the priorities, what are they? I believe that the priority should be the intelligence service, and everyone confirms it. Why have we not pointed the budget towards this direction?
Reporter, Male #1
In between the questions and answers the level of interference of the security situation in Iraqi affairs became clear. Security officials tried to clear themselves from the accusations against them, by redirecting the attention to other institutions with direct connections to Prime Minister Nur al-Maliki
Guest, Male #3
Following an official order, General Abboud Gambar has been delegated as the head of all military and security agencies in the Ministries of Defense and Interior. Lt. General Abboud and his team are now in charge of the sections of these two ministries in Baghdad.
Reporter, Male #1
The session has ended but the discussion hasn’t. It was announced that the session would be resumed on Monday, in order to complete the hearing of the security officials. Even in this coming session, there are no expectations for a final decision into the security breaches. This is the governance of the parliament’s internal system, which has no legal follow-up when officials are invited to testify. This is contrary to the questioning sessions that often end with a lack of confidence, as no representatives are convinced by the answers given. From Baghdad, Yusif al-Housaini, BBC.
Bombings blamed on Iraqi government
Abu Dhabi TV, UAEPresenter, Male #1
We begin with the security situation in Iraq after a series of bombings shook Baghdad last Tuesday. Bloody Wednesday was followed by Black Sunday, then Bloody Tuesday. Iraq’s days seem to be filled with darkness, blood and the screams of victims. Our country, between two rivers, is no longer the same after a river of blood has formed. This river is fed by the blood of children, women and innocent people every day. But no one asks the question: what fault did they commit for them to be killed? Baghdad that has known wars, killings and deaths for a long time, has not witnessed anything like the last several years. The strange thing is that the method of killing repeats itself in the same scenario over and over again, with only one claimed enemy. However, the Iraqi security institutions have not even once managed to foil the plans of this enemy, even though they claim to know it well. Since this coincides with the preparation for the coming parliamentary elections, who benefits from the country’s regression to backwardness? And why do the Iraqi security institutions fail every time to confront the terrorist groups? How do the political groups vying for power in the elections benefit from the Iraqi people’s blood when they need for votes? Do they want Iraq to revert back to a sectarian struggle before the elections? These questions will be the center of our today’s program, God bless you. A number of Iraqi officials and leaders are joining us in today’s discussion. On the phone with us directly from Baghdad is Dr. Salih al-Mutliq, Secretary General of the Iraqi National Movement, Iraqi parliament member, holder of an Agricultural Engineering Doctorate from the United Kingdom, and former Secretary General of the Scientific Research Institute. We begin with Dr. Salih al-Mutliq, Secretary General of the Iraqi National Movement, directly from the Iraqi capital Baghdad. Dr. Salih, welcome.
Guest, Male #1
God bless you, Dr. Ali, greetings.
Presenter, Male #1
Doctor, today we’re actually talking about an important issue: the serial bombings in Iraq, the tumultuous security situation, and meanwhile, the government is unable to do anything. But there is also another question: what else can the parliament do besides hosting hearing sessions with the Prime Minister and questioning security ministers? I mean, this process is repeated over and over again.
Guest, Male #1
The parliament’s duty, beside legislation, is monitoring. I think that the parliament is now inviting the Ministers of Interior and Defense and the Prime Minister to testify. In fact, it’s impossible for these hearings to accomplish much. We shouldn’t put our hopes up and expect them to resolve all the problems. The Iraqi issue is complicated, and the security situation is also complicated because of the many interferences. The security institutions that have been established since the collapse of the former regime till now are built by factions, militias, and religious sects. They cannot be completely relied on. We cannot rely on them to prevent or expect to prevent all these attacks from happening, as we have not built these institutions the right way. These security violations will continue to happen here and there because the goals of these institutions differ, and because the security of Iraq is the least of their concerns. They have their factional, sectarian, and militia goals.
EU rejects military action against Iran
ANB, UKHost, Man # 1
Professor Ahmad Al Asfahani, the US and Europe differ on issues pertaining to the Middle East and Iraq, but they are united when it comes to Iran’s nuclear program. Do you think that they have different points of views?
Guest, Man # 2
The US and Europe agree on the importance of reaching a diplomatic solution. This is clear. However they differ when it comes to imposing sanctions on Iran; some European countries that have good economic relations with Iran are hesitant to impose new sanctions. I can not say that they are opposed to impose more sanctions on Iran, but they are hesitant. I’m not talking about China and Russia which are opposed to sanctions, rather I’m talking about countries within the European Union such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and even France because the oil company Total has investments in Iran. These countries are hesitant to impose more sanctions on Iran. The difference over Iran between Europe and the US is that European countries as well as Britain are concerned that the situation will escalate as a result of actions taken by the US and of the increased likelihood of military action as a result. Europe can’t handle another military front in the region due to the possible negative consequences. What happened in Iraq and Afghanistan is a good Lesson for the Europeans. This is why European countries are worried about escalating the situation with Iran. They are trying to find a diplomatic solution to avoid more sanctions and military operations. The US can still give the diplomatic process more time. It is true that Russia recently indicated that it may support additional sanctions, but Russia is only willing to consider the diplomatic option. This is a very important point when talking about the Russian and Chinese positions. I do not speak for Iran, but Iranian officials say that under to the anti proliferation agreement, Iran is entitled to its nuclear program. Iran, however, is being punished because the West thinks that it intends to produce nuclear weapons. In my opinion, this is debatable.
High ranking Mahdi Army leader arrested
Baghdad TV, IraqPresenter, Male #1
US forces announced the arrest of a Mahdi Army military leader and his three assistants in Baghdad for transporting weapons from Iran to Iraq. This comes at a time when the Iraqi security forces, backed by the US military, have started a wide-scale campaign against the weapon traders in Baghdad; involved in selling large quantities of weapons in Iraq.
Reporter, Male #1
US forces in Iraq announced the arrest of a Mahdi Army leader and three of his assistants in Baghdad for transporting weapons from Iran to Iraq. US forces said that they arrested militia members while executing a joint security operation in Sadar city, southeast of Baghdad. This comes as the Iraqi forces, backed by the US forces, have begun a wide-scale campaign against the weapon traders in Baghdad who are involved in selling large quantities of weapons inside Iraq. Many believe that the trade of weapons is supported by some influential and prominent security leaders. An Iraqi police unit, supported by US forces. raided the house of a major weapon trader in the Baya’a area of Baghdad. The force encircled the neighborhood where the trader lived and managed to arrest him and confiscate a large number of weapons, electronic devices and documents. According to the record of arrest, the wanted trader is responsible for selling weapons to various militias in numerous areas of the capital during the past several years, and he is one of the major importers of weapons for these groups. A security source acknowledged that the weapon trade is supported by some influential and prominent leaders and officials in the security ministries. This acknowledgement has drawn attention to a number of weapons traders, who have admitted to receiving support from high-ranking leaders in the army and police. These traders who sell weapons to militia members and armed groups are believed to have good connections with the security officials and leaders, who ignore the activities and share the profits at times. The security source indicated that this operation will be followed by other similar operations. Some security leaders acknowledged the importance of the campaign launched against the weapon traders in Baghdad, in the framework of establishing security for the capital before the elections. However, security source said that eliminating the weapon trading phenomenon in the capital and the rest of the country will be difficult. Iraq has the largest number of weapon traders in the Middle East. While the security ministries do not have detailed statistics on the number of weapon traders, they admit that these traders are wide-spread in various areas of Iraq.
UK court issued arrest warrant for Livni
Press TV, IranFormer Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni canceled her participation in a Jewish conference in London after a warrant for her arrest was issued there. The warrant was issued for her role in Israel's deadly offensive on the Gaza Strip last year. Lizni's office said that her appearance at the event was canceled two weeks ago because of a scheduling conflict.
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