[Transcript]  Mosaic News - 01/11/08: World News From The Middle East

Presenter, FEMALE, #1
“Jerusalem is a tough issue; there should be an end to the occupation that began in 1967; and compensation to resolve the refugee issue.” With these words, George Bush concluded his visit to occupied Jerusalem, before heading to Kuwait. The Palestinians quickly responded to these statements, reading in them a semi complete adoption of the Israeli vision, and the absolute commitment to its security, regardless of the International treaties or the historic rights of the Palestinians. Amani Abu Ghantash reports from Ramallah.

Reporter, FEMALE, #2
Concerned with the security of Israel above all else, US president, George Bush outlined the solution to the Palestinian cause. He discussed the issues of borders, refugees, settlers, and Jerusalem; all in line with Israeli interests. Bush called on ending the occupation that started in 1967 and establishing a Palestinian State. But he also called for adjustments to the armistice lines of 1949, to reflect the current realities that Israel imposed on the ground by building settlements.
Bush was content in simply asking Israel to stop expanding the current settlements, and removing unauthorized outposts.

Guest, MALE, #1
Israel needs to withdraw from all of the Palestinian territory, without any exceptions.
Otherwise, redefining the borders will only be an excuse allowing Israel to maintain their settlements, confiscating about 40% of the West Bank, and preventing Jerusalem from going back to being the capital of Palestine.

Reporter, FEMALE, #2
On the issue of Palestinian refugees, Bush suggested a solution based on establishing a Contiguous Palestinian State, and finding new international mechanisms to compensate them, without mentioning “the right of return.”

Guest, MALE, #2
When he called on implementing the international treaties, Bush was not shy in saying, let’s forget the past and just discuss the present.

Reporter, FEMALE, #2
On the issue of Jerusalem, Bush’s vision was limited to simply describing it as “a tough issue” that requires concessions from both sides. He called on Arab countries to extend peace to Israel.
During his visit to the region, Bush planted ‘seeds’ for a solution. Concerned that the seeds’ harvest provide peace and security for Israel, he failed to notice that the water feeding the seeds is the blood of the Palestinians. Amani Abu Ghantash, Dubai TV, occupied Ramallah.

Presenter, FEMALE, #1
Today, Teary eyed and reverent, George Bush visited the Yad Vashem holocaust memorial in Jerusalem during his official visit of the region. The memorial is a sure stop for any foreign official visiting to Israel. Yesterday, George Bush paid a visit to the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem. He was welcomed by the Christian clergy, and prayed inside the church walls.
He concluded his church visit with expressing his hope for the removal of boarders and separating walls, and the establishment of a Democratic Palestinian State in the near future.

Meanwhile, the United States, heavily focused on the ongoing Presidential primaries, has downplayed the Bush visit to Israel. Here's a comment from former Senator George Mitchell, who served as a Middle East Peace Envoy for former US President Bill Clinton.

If you accept the premise that because you have failed before you shouldn’t try now, then of course you will never solve the problem. That's what they said when I went to Northern Ireland. They said we've tried this many times before and failed, why do you think you will get an agreement now? Well, really because it's so important. The cause of peace is a noble one and you have to make the effort. I think sooner or later peace will come between Palestinians and Israelis because the current course of action is not good for either one of them. Neither can attain its objective by denying to the other side its objective. Palestinians are not going to get a state until the people of Israel have some reasonable degree of security and I don't think the Israelis can have sustainable security over the long term until the Palestinians get a state so I think they need to realize that their best interests will be served when accommodating the best interest of the other society.

The city of Jerusalem made it through three days of traffic jams, no minor accomplishment. What else was accomplished in this visit?

I think there was some substance. Obviously, there were some photo opportunities. It was heavy on the pageantry. Bush put himself in the thick of the negotiations. He outlined the U.S. vision of a final settlement to some degree; reaffirming Israel will not necessarily have to go back to the 1967 borders. There was something new. He talked about this international mechanism for dealing with the refugee issue, presumably to raise money for Palestinians living outside the West Bank and Gaza, instead of letting them come back on the right of return. I would not say that he advanced the process that significantly.

Most Israelis really aren't holding out any much hope for a final settlement or peace anytime soon. But Bush says it's going to happen by the end of his term. Is there a disconnect from reality here?

I think so. Everybody from the beginning has been very skeptical about reaching an agreement by the end of 2008. Remember, he doesn't say they will implement it. Big, big problems still remain. He was asked about Jerusalem and Bush really had nothing to say on that issue. It is obvious from listening to the Prime Minister that there is a wide gap here.

Speaking of gaps, at yesterday's press conference Bush made an attempt at humor, saying well, that they let his motorcade through, meaning the check points. Did this not rub the Palestinians the wrong way?

No, I think that in making that joke he was trying to make a statement sympathizing with the Palestinians. Bush has a sense of humor that sometimes people don't get or it rubs them the wrong way. He went out of his way to stress the U.S. understanding of the Palestinian cause in a way that maybe rubbed the Israelis the wrong way. He stressed the point of occupation. He was very firm on the issue of no settlement growth in the West Bank. He spoke out very strongly on the settlement outposts, saying they got to go. I think he did make an effort to try to hear out the Palestinian cause here.

Well he may have offered these veiled criticisms of sort but do you think his visit lent credibility or any stability to the Olmert government?

Well, he did speak with officials. I think he went a little too far in his comments. It's not the place of the President or any foreign leader to interject himself in the domestic politics of another country. Did he help Olmert? Keep in mind what Henny Kissinger once said. He said all politics in Israel is domestic politics. There is no foreign politics. No, I don’t think so. I think we're going to see the Vinograd report coming out at the end of the month, see the follow-up to that.
I think people are not going to bank on keeping him in office. Even though he will provide some ammunition, for those in the Labor Party, maybe Barak will say there is some momentum, so we have to keep the government stable right now.
Well with that, thank you very much for coming in.
My pleasure.

Presenter, Woman # 1
The US President left Israel to Arab Gulf countries. With a strict policy towards Iran and the aim of containing it, he seeks to unite the countries in the region against it.

Reporter, MAN
Bush’s visit to the Gulf comes after tension caused by Iranian boats provoking American warships in the Strait of Hormuz. Gorge Bush enters the Gulf from the Kuwaiti gate, the same gate that his father used to pave the way for US control over the oil in the region. Kuwait is one of Washington’s important allies in the New Middle East that Bush envisioned in previous years.
Bush no longer talks about the importance of reform and democracy in the Middle East. The topics of human rights, changing schools curriculum, and sharing power, are now behind him. His is now focused on the new enemy across the Gulf. Today, Bush has a busy schedule because his days in office are numbered. His primary objective is uniting US allies to contain the country that the US believes is a threat. Bush said clearly Iran must be contained. Tehran’s threats are represented in its Islamic revolution and nuclear program. In sum it is one of the remaining axis of evil foils the American vision for the region. Of course, Washington and Tel Aviv believe that Iran’s nuclear program crosses the red line. Therefore it seems that the moderate sates have no other alternative than normalizing relations with Tell Aviv, and boycotting Tehran. Bush is trying to convince the countries in the Gulf that Iran is a threat to their security by telling them about their neighbor nuclear ambitions, despite the contradictory reports that were released by US intelligences agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency. The American president who is in his last year in office, is not satisfied because his policies in the region did not go as planned. He is concerned about the security of Israel and oil from Iran’s nuclear Ghost. He is wondering about the future, especially as some countries in the region are slipping out of US control. He is looking for new solutions with his conservative administration, which could lead to a variety of outcomes.

Presenter, Woman # 1
Joining us from Kuwait is Al Jazeera Chief Bureau, Sa’d Al A’nidi. Sa’d, what is the reason behind Bush’s visit to Kuwait, is it Iran, Iraq, Palestinian, security or all of the above?

Guest, Man # 1
All of the above, there are many major issues that Bush will discuss in Kuwait; the most import being Iran. The US is trying to increase the fear of Iran in the region, but these countries do not want to enter a new military conflict under any circumstance. Of course countries in the region and Kuwait in particular want to make sure that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful. At the same time, they do not want to engage in a new military escalations because Kuwait and countries in the region will be the ones to pay the price.

Presenter, Man # 1
Palestinians in Gaza are outraged every time the resistance has been attacked and every time someone has been assassinated. This explains why many Palestinians have been demanding that “the phenomenon of collaborators” be addressed; something that hasn’t hasn’t been done up until the latest elections due to the agreements that were signed between the occupation and the Palestinian Authority.

Reporter, Man # 2
“The phenomenon of the collaborators” existed since the beginning of the occupation. For many years the Zionist occupation worked to recruit collaborators using all means including identifying and using the weaknesses of the Palestinians. In the conservative Arab society the consequences of exposing scandalous acts are severe which explains why the occupation forces have used the threat of exposing scandals in recruiting collaborators. First the recruiters lure potential collaborators into committing immoral acts that violate the norms and traditions of the Arab society, then the victims are threatened to be exposed with images and video recordings. Some of the victims agree to collaborate with the occupation because they fear being exposed. This is one of the methods used by the Zionist agencies. Other methods include negotiating with sick and needy Palestinians who can’t access medicine due to the Zionist imposed closures.

Guest, Man # 3
Our people are armed with religion. They are aware of their plight and the importance of unity and standing for their own people, but the occupation always uses people’s weakness. There is a lot of weakness in the Palestinian society due to the closure that has been imposed on the people. Many people are going through difficult situation because they can’t travel or obtain medical treatment, others are very poor. Unemployment is also wide spread.

Reporter, Man # 2
The Palestinian factions fought the phenomenon of collaborators. If there was a proof that a person had collaborated with the occupation, he was killed or beaten. This deterred a segment of the population. However when the Palestinian Authority was established, the collaborators found more breathing room to operate.

Guest, Man # 4
We criticized the former Palestinian Authority because it signed political agreements that made it into an institution that provides security services for the occupation.. It was as if the authority’s job was to provide security for the occupation. The agreements it made with the occupation obligated it to pursue the resistance and protect those who cooperate with the occupation.
Thus the entire security apparatus was transformed into an agency that coordinates with the occupation. According to revolutionary laws, collaboration with the occupation should be punished.

Reporter, Man # 2
The collaborators played a big role in assassinating and detaining Palestinian fighters during incursions. They also informed the occupation about the places where explosive devices wre hidden. This led Palestinian factions to criticize the Palestinian authority for not doing enough to stop this phenomenon.

Guest, Man # 5
Of course Hamas insisted on dealing with this phenomenon and we still insist on it, even during this period. Hamas and the Palestinian factions are demanding that the collaborators who were involved in the assassinations and incursions and those who coordinated and collaborated with the Israeli occupation be punished.

Guest, Man # 6 Haniya
Our brothers have managed to arrest.

Reporter, Man # 2
Some people were pleased when the Prime minister announced that the internal security arrested some of the collaborators who were involved in the killings and assassinations. However, others believe that this was not enough. The security agencies must identify the perpetrators before they have a chance to commit their crimes. Collaborators have existed since the occupation started.
This phenomenon has political, social and security ramifications. To avoid these ramifications one needs a strategic method and hard work. The Palestinian resistance factions have always criticized the Palestinian authority for not dealing with this issue. Now, the Palestinian authority is going through a unique situation, but will it be able to stop this phenomenon? The answer to this question is still unknown. Sad Al dean Asfur, Al Aqsa channel, Palestine.

Presenter, Woman # 1
Many political observers point to the notable change in Syrias relations with the international community after the US had showed flexibility in separating the charges against Damascus pertaining to the Lebanese presidential elections from other issues.

Reporter, Woman # 2
The tense Syrian relations with the international community have recently changed starting with the visit of the Jordanian King to Syria. This was followed with Damascus’ participation in the Annapolis Conference and acceptance to the resolutions that were reached by the Arab foreign ministers in Cairo. The US and its European allies used to combine the accusations that were made against Damascus pertaining to the presidential elections with other issues, but this has recently changed.

Guest, Man # 1
We will try to show the others that we are working together. We are telling the Syrians that the Lebanese want General Michael Suleiman to become the next president. This is one of the topics that I will address in my trip to the region. I will discuss it with US allies and friends. I think that this message will reach the Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.

Reporter, Woman # 2
Political observers believe that the Americans have finally realized the importance of separating the accusations against Syria pertaining to the Lebanese presidential elections from other issues. In the past Washington had exerted pressure to change the Syrian regime, but now the US is asking Syria not to take a biased position in Lebanon. They no longer talk about other issues.
This shows that the US is trying to help Syria end its international isolation in the hope that it will sever its alliance with Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas, which the US has always considered as hostile. This will certainly weaken the bond between these three Middles Eastern allies. In addition, there are many indications that Syria is positively reacting to resolve the political crisis in Lebanon in exchange for public and implied compromises that may lead to changing the political statues quo in the region. Nevean Afuny, Al Arabiya.

Video has been released of the latest U.S. air raids in Iraq. The Pentagon says a haven for Al Qaeda fighters was said to be targeted in a Sunni district in the outskirts of Baghdad. So far there is no official word on casualties, but a local sheikh said thousands of homes were flattened with many feared to be trapped under the rubble.

They hit the district just south of Baghdad and they hit it hard. More than 18 tons of bombs from six war planes in just 10 minutes. The U.S. describes the targeted area as a haven for Al Qaeda fighters. Operation Phantom Phoenix is designed to clear the district of all enemies.

The key is to do in these provinces and where this offensive is under way what he has accomplished elsewhere, and that is to clear, and then hold. I think they have moved several battalions up there. After these places, I think there's frankly not many places left they can go.

U.S. ground forces along with Iraqi army troops then moved into Arab Jabour. The clearing mission a difficult one. Several soldiers have been killed in 48 hours of intense fighting. But the U.S. warns it's not over.

This job is not finished. There is more to do. But I think that there is the sense that this is an important offensive and because we are on the offensive again in areas where we have not been active for some time, it's not a surprise that we will see some higher casualties until that area is cleared.

Iraq’s Defense Minister determined to explain that Iraqi troops are also at the forefront of Operation Phantom Phoenix.

In the past we were behind the multinational forces. Then we fought side by side and shoulder to shoulder. Now we're in front of the American forces.

Coalition forces commanders insist operation Phoenix is a success. They've destroyed most of their targets. But with an operation of this magnitude, Iraqis are bracing themselves for yet another high number of civilian casualties.

Presenter, MALE, #12
In Iraq, the Historic Anbar Museum is being reconstructed and restored as part of a new campaign to rebuild the Anbar district. Most of the Museum’s amenities incurred damage and destruction because of the military operations witnessed by the district since the US invasion of the country in 2003.

Reporter, MALE, #2
The Historic Anbar Museum was one of the most important sites in the reconstruction campaign diligently underway in the Anbar district. The campaign aims to preserve the wealth of culture and heritage that tells the story of centuries of achievement in science and knowledge. The museum had suffered major damage as a result of the military operations in the district, but today, it is being reconstructed.The Museum is to re-open its doors to visitors who want to learn about the area’s noble history.

Guest, MALE, #3
Work is underway, and God willing, the Anbar district will be rebuilt, with the help of the citizens in the district and the many workers. The Museum was completely destroyed when we first started working on it, but now, it’s coming back to life. As you can see behind me, the builders are working on the Museum, and they will hopefully complete the work and the Museum will reopen, in an official opening ceremony. God wiling, the Museum will go back to how it used to be, containing the history and heritage of our beloved district.

Reporter, MALE, #2
The reconstruction of the Museum came as a result of the efforts of the citizens to preserve their rich history and heritage which gave them a special place in history.

Guest, MALE, #4
It was damaged because of the problems…(pasue) and the terrorism. But thank god, we are reconstructing it, and things are going well.

Reporter, MALE, #2
Many ancient sites and historic Museums in Iraq still await reconstruction; they also await the return of the artifacts t hat were stolen and smuggled outside the country after the occupation.

US President George W Bush has used some of his strongest language so far to describe his vision for a Palestinian state living in peace side by side with Israel. At a news conference Mr. Bush uttered the taboo “O” word, the occupation. He said there should be "an end to the occupation that began in 1967".

"The agreement must establish Palestine as a homeland for the Palestinian people, just as Israel is a homeland for the Jewish people," he added.

Tough words from President Bush, however Palestinians worry about what he did not say. He avoided answering the question on the future of Jerusalem and the implementation of past UN resolutions.

"The UN deal didn't work in the past... this is an opportunity to move forward and negotiate a new deal," he said.

The U.S. president has said a Middle East peace treaty is possible within a year and claimed it will bring about the creation of a Palestinian state. But President Bush faced a deeply skeptical, and occasionally hostile, Palestinian audience. Away from the red carpet welcome, Palestinian policemen were beating demonstrators outside the Muqata’a where Abbas and his entourage offered praise to Bush. One demonstrator carrying a sign, “Bush is a War Criminal” was rustled to the ground.

Meanwhile, a remark he made about whizzing through Israeli checkpoints on his way to Ramallah from Jerusalem attracted laughter and chuckles from reporters and diplomats alike,

"You'll be happy to know, my whole motorcade of a mere 45 cars was able to make it through without being stopped….I'm not so exactly sure that's what happens to the average person,” he said.

But this was not funny to Palestinians many of whom experience long delays and humiliation on a daily basis while passing through the very same checkpoints.

Next on his agenda? Bush will make stops in Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Though many Arabs are concerned that rather than focusing on the core Israeli Palestinian issue during his regional tour, President Bush will concentrate on forging a regional front against Iran. A columnist in one Saudi paper worried that "Bush's blood lust" meant he could choose to leave office with a "bang".

In Kuwait, Bush will be welcomed as a friend; however, Kuwaiti officials have repeatedly said that the emirate will not allow the United States to use its territory as a launchpad for any strike against Iran.

"Mr. President, the region needs smart initiatives not smart bombs," the Kuwaiti newspaper Al Rai said in a front page editorial.

So far the Arab media is split between describing Bush’s visit to Palestine and Israel as a “pilgrimage” for peace and a “rallying the support” for a strike on Iran. The president’s last spiritual stop in the Holy Land was the Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus is said to have given his Sermon on the Mount and spoke about “turning the other cheek.”

Is Bush ready to turn the other cheek and become a peacemaker? Or is he still a war president?

I’m Jamal Dajani for the Mosaic Intelligence Report. To learn more about this program or to share your thoughts visit us at Linktv.org/mosaic.