Mosaic News - 9/8/10: World News From The Middle East [VIDEO]
Secretary Clinton joins condemnation of Qur'an burning plans
Al Jazeera, QatarPresenter, Male #1
The European Union has confirmed its opposition to American citizen Terry Jones’ plan to burn copies of the Noble Quran, in commemoration of the September 11 attacks.
Presenter, Female #1
For her part, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the plan. The pastor of the Florida-based Baptist church insists that he will not back down, even though criticism of the plan has increased.
Reporter, Male # 2
The name of Pastor Terry Jones suddenly emerged from anonymity, to preoccupy the world, politicians and the general public alike. From here, from this small church in Gainesville, in the state of Florida, which is probably only known by its few hundred followers, hatred for Islam and Muslims emerged. Pastor Jones, who announced his determination to burn hundreds of copies of the Noble Quran, in commemoration of the September 11th attacks, has no intention of backing down. In a multi-religious society, this issue has caused fear, among both Muslims and Christians. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the plan, and described it during an Iftar held for Muslim figures, as a “disrespectful, disgraceful act."
Guest, Female # 2 (Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State)
I am satisfied with the clear unequivocal condemnation of this disrespectful, disgraceful act. An act that has come from an American religious leader in a multi-religious society.
Reporter, Male # 2
Similar to the exhibition of anger that is feared by the US Secretary of State, David Petraeus, the head of the American forces in Afghanistan, warned that the plan to burn copies of the Quran, in commemoration of September 11th, will endanger the lives of the soldiers. That same concern was expressed by NATO Secretary General Anders Rasmussen, who said that “disrespecting other people's faith will put the lives of NATO troops in direct danger.” It seems that the plan not only caused anger and concern among military personnel and politicians, but its repercussions also extended across the world. The Indonesian capital, Jakarta, has witnessed demonstrations outside the US embassy for the past few days, in protest of the American church’s plan. In the Afghan capital, Kabul, hundreds of Afghans organized demonstrations against the church’s plan. Protestors held banners asking the American government to prevent the church from carrying out its plan. In Lebanon, the head of the Change and Reform bloc, General Michel Aoun, denounced the pastor’s plan and described him as “unbalanced.”
Guest, Male # 3 (Michel Aoun, Leader, Change and Reform bloc)
Obviously, this man has lost his balance and lost his mind. We are absolutely for freedom of religion. We respect other people’s faiths, especially what they hold sacred.
Reporter, Male # 2
The condemnation campaign was not limited to a few figures, but extended to the Vatican, where L'Osservatore Romano newspaper published an article headlined: "No one burns the Quran.” In it, it denounced the plan, saying that it’s its duty to prevent harm against Christian minorities who live in countries with a Muslim majority.
American Church will burn copies of Qur'an despite international outcry
Press TV, IranInternational condemnation continues over a US church's plan to burn copies of Islam's holy book on the eve of the 9th anniversary of the September 11t attacks. The Florida-based church insists that it will go ahead with the plan despite criticisms. Pastor Terry Jones has said that the constitution gives him the right to publicly set the book on fire.
Conversions performed by Israeli military called invalid
IBA, IsraelThe Knesset's Control Committee has scheduled a special hearing after the holidays regarding remarks by a state attorney that conversions to Judaism performed in the army are invalid under Jewish law because no conversion judges were present.
Israel seals off West Bank ahead of Jewish New Year
Dubai TV, UAEPresenter, Male #1
Last night, Palestinian security agencies in the West Bank carried out a major sweep, targeting members of two Hamas cells. A Palestinian security source said the cells, whose number was withheld, are responsible for the two West Bank attacks that killed 4 Israeli settlers and injured two others. According to Hamas, between 150 and 550 of its members were arrested in the West Bank by the Palestinian security agencies, following the two attacks. The Palestinian Authority said that Hamas’ figures are exaggerated. The West Bank has been living under partial siege since last night, as the Israeli military closure order went into effect.The closure will expire on Saturday at Midnight, marking the end of the so called Jewish New Year holiday. The closure, which affects the movement of Palestinians in the West Bank, especially as it coincides with the Eid el-Fitr holiday, also applies to the Gaza Strip border crossings. Joining us from Ramallah is our correspondent, Sheruk Asa’d. Sheruk, what are some of the ramifications surrounding the arrests of members of the two cells. Also, is Israel calling for their extradition, especially considering that the attacks were directed against it?
Guest, Female #1 (Dubai Correspondent in Ramallah, Sheruk Asa’d)
Yes, Ayman. Israel is demanding their extradition. However, the PA confirmed to us that they will not handover any of these men to Israeli security agencies. Ayman, as far as the ramifications are concerned, the arrests have brought back the war of words between Fatah and Hamas. Hamas is accusing the Palestinian Authority of “security collaboration” with Israel. On the other hand, the PA is accusing Hamas of trying to quell Palestinian resistance in Gaza, while trying to revive it in the West Bank for political reasons, and in order to embarrass the PA and derail the talks. The arrests also show that the security issue remains at the top priority of the direct talks between the Palestinians and Israelis.
Presenter, Male #1
Sheruk, how is this closure, which Israel normally imposes on the West Bank, affecting the lives of Palestinians, and is Israel committed to lifting it soon?
Guest, Female #1 (Dubai Correspondent in Ramallah, Sheruk Asa’d)
Ayman, Israeli closures have always been an issue in the Palestinian territories. There are between 600 and 700 Israeli checkpoints that are enforced on a daily basis in the West Bank and around Jerusalem. The only difference is that the security restrictions are normally enhanced in light of this military order. Practically, the West bank territory, which is cutoff by barriers, will endure additional security restrictions, impeding Palestinian mobility from one area to another in the West Bank. West Bank residents are also banned from entering Jerusalem, under any circumstances, whether to pray, work, see a doctor, attend school, or visit relatives. These Israeli measures come as Palestinians are preparing to celebrate the Eid el-Fitr holiday, whether by holding prayers, shopping, or visiting relatives. These measures don’t only inconvenience the lives of Palestinians, but also take away their joy of celebrating the Eid. Meanwhile, Israel is celebrating its holiday at the expense of Palestinian happiness.
Presenter, Male #1
Sheruk Asa’d, our correspondent in Ramallah, thank you very much.
Palestinian national reconciliation essential for success of direct talks
BBC Arabic, UKPresenter, Male #1
While preparations are ongoing for the second round of direct negotiations, set to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh with the participation of the US, Hamas saw the resumption of negotiations as a delay in the national reconciliation project, until further notice is provided. This comes as the Palestinian reconciliation committee confirmed that it is still exerting efforts to achieve national unity, as the inevitable demand of the Palestinian people. This report by Eman Eirakat.
Reporter, Female # 1
According to some, the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli direct negotiations, and the resulting collision of internal Palestinian positions, was reason for the stagnation and delay in the national reconciliation. According to Hamas, there is an American will that aims to stall Palestinian national reconciliation. And based on that will, the reconciliation committee was unable to achieve national unity.
Guest, Male # 2 (Mahmoud al-Ramahi, Hamas leader in the West Bank)
The resumption of the negotiations meant the closure of the reconciliation file. And sadly, this means that the reconciliation project has become a secondary issue. In truth, I am not optimistic about this reconciliation as no real efforts are being exerted, even from within the reconciliation committee.
Reporter, Female # 1
The national reconciliation committee, established under a presidential decree that was issued on June 5th, confirmed that contact with other Palestinian parties are ongoing, both internally and externally, even though the committee’s presidential decree has expired.
Guest, Male # 3 (Hani al-Masri, member of the Palestinian reconciliation committee)
In light of the new developments, we are now having a temporary period of reexamination. Without reconciliation, we are unable to accomplish anything, neither in the negotiations, nor in the resistance. Unity is one of the rules of all liberation movements; without unity, there is no victory; without unity, we cannot attain liberty, the right of return and independence.
Reporter, Female # 1
The attempt to link the resumption of direct negotiations and the delay in national reconciliation was met by the Palestinian negotiation team with confirmations that achieving national unity will be possible, regardless of the proposed political choices.
Guest, Male # 4 (Nabil Sha'ath, member of the Palestinian negotiation team)
If we want these negotiations to succeed, the unity of the Palestinian people is a very essential matter. All that we bring with us to the bargaining table will not be enough if our people don’t fully support President Abu Mazen, and the negotiation team, so they can accomplish the goals President Abu Mazen went to Washington.
Reporter, Female # 1
According to the national reconciliation committee, it will resume its rounds and meetings with Palestinian parties in the next few days. Fear over another failure of the direct negotiations and the national reconciliation files is met by a majority of the Palestinians who believe that the success of those two files requires political will, among all parties, to accomplish the desirable goals. From the city of Ramallah, Eman Eirakat, BBC.
Political deadlock damaging Iraq's security
BBC Arabic, UKPresenter, Female #1
In an interview with the BBC, Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani warned that Iraq’s political deadlock could negatively affect the security situation. He added that, 6 months after the general elections were held, there are fears of wide-spread return to violent acts.
Reporter, Male # 1
Inside and outside private spaces, there is no conversation to be had other than that of the political deadlock, still witnessed in the country 6 months after parliamentary elections were held. The political reality of the six-month stalemate might be painful for some here. However, there are other problems that seem even more painful, such as the electricity crisis, unemployment and daily violent attacks. Some don’t believe that the formation of the government will produce major changes; rather, it might make the situation even worse.
Guest, Male # 2 (Ali el-Khattib, Barber)
We will have more problems if a government is formed. Because the losers will not concede defeat, and the situation could go back to the sectarian violence we saw a few years ago.
Reporter, Male # 1
The stalemate, witnessed on the Iraqi political scene, has cast its shadow on all citizens, regardless of their sect and affiliation. However, the majority agrees that the only benefit to ending the political vacuum probably relates to the security situation.
Guest, Male # 3 (Hussein al-Shahristani, Iraqi Oil Minister)
“I think the security could have been handled more firmly.” "Now the terrorists are hoping that by having these political differences they can penetrate through the cracks in the political system."
Reporter, Male # 1
Here, on the stage of one of the Iraqi capital’s theatres, artists are getting ready to present a black comedy about the relationship between the politicians and the people.
Guest, Male # 4 (Odai Abdul Satar, Comedian)
The fact that the government has not yet been formed is pure comedy. We can make fun of the government but we’d rather not, because of lack of security.
Reporter, Male # 1
Odai is being asked by the government to tone down his satire and criticism a bit. However, those overseeing this artistic work say that their only aim is to highlight the concerns of the citizens, who live off of the promises of officials, seeing that there is no solution to their problems and daily struggles.
Bahrain cracks down on human rights activists
Al Arabiya TV, UAEPresenter, Female #1
In Bahrain, the trials of terror suspects accused of plotting to overthrow the ruling regime of Manama has opened. At the end of its periodic meeting held in the Saudi city of Jeddah, the Arab Gulf Ministerial Council called on countries around the world to seriously deal with terrorist groups and anyone sponsoring them.
Reporter, Male #1
The Bahrain authorities have launched efforts aimed at dismantling a terrorist group that is accused by Manama of plotting to overthrow the ruling regime through unlawful means. The Bahrain General Prosecutor’s Office ordered a full investigation into the case of terror suspects. The suspects, who remain in police custody pending the conclusion of the investigation, were ordered to appear before the state medical examiner. The state prosecutor said that while some of the suspects have confessed, others denied the allegations. Among the charges facing the suspects are: founding and running an illegitimate network, seeking to disrupt and undermine the state constitution and legal system, as well as plotting to overthrow the ruling regime of Manama. Other charges include: plotting to carry out acts of terrorism and raising funds to support a network that sponsors terrorism. Bahrain’s Attorney General said that all legal rights of the suspects have been taken into account during the investigation process. The suspects are standing trial on charges of terrorism, incitement, and use of force through unlawful means. In response, the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers called on all countries, including Britain, to refrain from granting asylum to Bahrain’s opposition activists who are accused of taking part in the plot. The Gulf Ministerial Council has voiced solidarity and support with Bahrain’s authorities. Manama has launched efforts to counter terrorist activities and all forms of incitements and acts aimed at destabilizing the regime. The Bahrain government has decided to fully monitor religious sermons and houses of worship, after the suspects were detained on charges of incitement and collecting funds pledged by local and foreign sources, under fictitious business names. Khalid al-Kashef, Arabiya.
Lebanese groundwater severely contaminated
New TV, LebanonPresenter, Male #1
Groundwater wells have turned into sewage wells. The rivers are polluted by the waste of factories and home construction material. To complete this cycle, this polluted water goes back into people’s homes, either through their tap or in enclosed transportation devices. For those who think that the problem can be solved by chlorine, we bring you the following report by my colleague Basil al-Aridi.
Reporter, Male #1
It is said that Lebanon’s groundwater is currently being drained. But with the low levels of precipitation and the scarcity of water, in addition to the lack of water regulation, people don’t have an alternative to drinking groundwater. This has led to the presence of water-wells all over the country. These cargo trucks transport water to homes directly from the artesian wells, some of it will be used as drinking water, and the rest for other household usages. An official source from the Water Ministry, who refused to reveal their name, said that the groundwater in Lebanon is contaminated because of the sewage infrastructure. He added that the laboratories of relevant ministries sterilize the water with chlorine, and then distribute it to the homes. But some researchers believe that the matter is not so simple. Trihalomethanes, or THMs, puts people’s health in danger. THMs are chemical compounds used in a number of industries, and are considered to be contaminants that could lead to cancer. They are produced in the water sterilization process, which uses chlorine, especially in sewage water or water containing organic material. THMs have major effects on health, which has prompted many governments around the world to ban its usage in water disinfection. But, what about the laboratories? Do the special institutions routinely inspect water samples before it is bottled and ready for home consumption? And is all groundwater tested in laboratories?
Reporter, Male #1
Doctor, do the laboratories test for THM?
Guest, Female #1 (Dr. Kulud Dau, head of water analysis department of scientific and agricultural research institute)
So far, we are still preparing for this test. It is important to test for the element so that people aren’t afraid to drink water that has chlorine, or fear that they will get cancer immediately. If this material accumulates through time, then it could cause cancer.
Reporter, Male #1
An amateur photographer took these pictures. He says that the water came directly from the river. These water bottles are being sent to another city, where they will be used by some companies in their advertisements. Another obvious problem is the exposure of these water transporting devices to the sun, which kills many vital and basic elements for human health. Moreover, local companies conduct routine inspections to guarantee that the water exported to other countries meets foreign standards. As for the water that cannot pass the test, its only option is to be sold on the local market. This is the bank of the Ibrahim River, which is witnessing a high percentage of contamination because factories and construction sites dump their poisonous waste in it. This water pipe runs to several villages in the district of Jbeil. However, seeing that it’s not covered, some people take advantage of it for their own convenience. “At the spring of water, you feel thirsty.” But as long as the water under and above the ground is contaminated, no one in Lebanon can quench their thirst. While waiting for a solution, people would rather be fasting throughout the whole year. Basil al-Aridi, New TV.
** Mosaic News is produced by Jamal Dajani. Contact: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org
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