[Transcript]  Mosaic News - 02/04/08: World News From The Middle East

Presenter, FEMALE #1:
Three people were killed including an Israeli woman and two Palestinian activists, in a suicide attack that targeted a business center in the village of Dimona in southern Israel. The Al Aqsa Martyrs brigades and the Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades announced their responsibility for the explosion.

Reporter, MALE #1:
This suicide operation is the first of its kind in Israel since the Eilat operation in January of last year 2007. Two Palestinian attackers, one of them was able to detonate his explosive belt in a business center in the village, where Israel had constructed the Dimona nuclear facilities in the 1960s. The other attacker was shot by an Israeli police officer, who was at the scene of the incident. The Al Aqsa Brigades and the Abu Ali Mustapha brigades claimed responsibility, saying that the two perpatrators were residents of the Gaza Strip.

Guest, MALE #2:
We, the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and the Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades, and the Unified Resistance Brigades, claim full responsibility for the martyrdom operations inside Dimona, which were carried out by the heroic martyr, Louay Zaka Ahwana and the heroic martyr, Musa Arafat.

Reporter, MALE #1:
In their announcement they stated that the two suicide bombers entered Israel from Egypt after the separation border fence in Gaza was exploded, indicating that the operation was planned since last month. There were mixed Palestinian reactions about the attack. The Hamas movement considered it a natural response to the Israeli siege being imposed on the Gaza Strip.

Guest, MALE #3:
This is a resistance operation, a martyrdom operation amidst many Palestinian military resistance operations. It comes as a natural response to the collective punishment, mass killings, arrests and shellings, which are being carried out by the Occupation against Palestinians

It was the first such attack in more than a year. Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up in the commercial district of a southern Israeli town. The attack on Dimona killed a woman and left several others injured. A second bomber was shot and killed by Israeli security forces before he could detonate what is thought to be an explosive device. Soon we'll be hearing from the mother of one of the bombers who’s confirmed he came through Egypt. But first to David Chater who is at the scene of the blast. David.

Steven, this is what Israeli security officials have been worried about ever since, Hamas blasted those breaches in the border wall between Gaza and Egypt. They said this meant Palestinian resistance groups could infiltrate fighters into Egypt. And as we’ve heard one of those suicide bombers it has been confirmed did travel to Egypt and then got back into Israel across the vulnerable border with Sinai and caused the bloody events we've seen today. Let's take a closer look. The deadly attack in Dimona came in a street full of shops in the old commercial center of the town when it was crowded with people. One suicide bomber detonated his vest packed with explosives. But a second bomber was shot dead by police when his failed to explode. A lawyer on the scene within seconds who was giving first aid to the injured discovered the second bomber, lying unconscious and bleeding.

I put his coat out and then I noticed the explosive belt on him. So, I understood that it can explode any second. So, I told everybody go away. It’s another terrorist. It’s another explosion can be.

Within minutes ambulances and police were on the scene, and a security curtain was drawn around the town as terror alert levels were raised throughout southern Israel and Jerusalem. The Defense Minster, Ehud Barak, visited the scene of the bombing as bystanders vented their anger and shock at the attack. At the cabinet meeting on Sunday, he said there was an immediate need to reinforce the border fence between Egypt and Israel, along the Sinai. Defense and security officials had warned resistance groups had sent fighters across the breached border in Gaza and would attempt to launch attacks inside Israel.

The political situation brings about many attacks. I regret this is the first time in Dimona and I hope the last time. It proves that our whole country is vulnerable, especially after the events in Gaza.

A Cabinet Minister from the Shast party, a key part of Ehud Olmert's coalition government called for a halt in the negotiations, aimed at brokering a peace deal between the Israelis and the Palestinians by the end of this year.

Unfortunately, we have to stop the negotiations. There cannot be negotiations while there's terror. If they want real peace, they have to stop the terror.

Reacting to today's bombing, Likud MK, Yuval Steinitz, had this to say.

We see again and again that the people, not just from the Hamas, but also from the Fatah, are trying and unfortunately, sometimes succeed. In promoting terrorism, including the take of today. Fatah already took responsibility and there should be no doubt about any release of terrorists from jail, encourages other terrorists to do what they're doing.

Egyptian sources close to the negotiations with Hamas, told the Mareev newspaper that the family of kidnapped IDF soldier, Guilad Sholit, received another letter from their son. After the authenticity of the letter was confirmed, it was handed over to the Sholit family. Guilad’s father, Noam Sholit, today, neither denied or confirmed the reports. Sources involved in the negotiation, said the transfer of the letter shows Israel's urgency to advance negotiations over the deal. News of the letter comes amid Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's decision last night to elect the criteria for releasing Palestinian prisoners as part of an exchange deal for Sholit. Among the prisoners considered for release are some with blood on their hands. Olmert decided to ease conditions, despite harsh objections by Shinbed Security Services head, Yuval Diskin, who was strongly against the move. Diskin warned that easing the criteria could lead to a rise in terrorism and also harm Mahmoud Abbas, while boosting support for Hamas. Olmert's support means he accepted the recommendation of Ofer Dekel, who is in charge of negotiations over the missing soldiers. Until now, Israel's position has been that it will not release prisoners with blood on their hands, a broad definition that excludes most of the prisoners Hamas wants to see released. Meanwhile, Palestinians today, fired four Qassam rockets from the northern Gaza strip toward Sderot this morning. One of the rockets landed in the city, the rest landed in open fields in the Shara-Negev region. No injuries or damage was caused. Israeli aircraft this afternoon struck a car carrying terrorists from the popular resistance committee in the northern Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources report that Abu Saiiad, the spokesperson of the committee's military wing was killed in the strike. Two others were seriously wounded. The car was hit in Beit Lahiya, a town frequently used by Palestinian terrorists to fire rockets into Israel. Two Islamic Jihad terrorists were killed by IDF special forces in a predawn raid in the West Bank. Troops spotted three armed terrorists in Kabatia, south of Jenin, and opened fire. Two of the men were shot dead, one was seriously wounded. The army confirmed that the terrorists, both members of Islamic Jihad’s Al Quds Branch, had several weapons in their possession, including an M16 and a Kalashnikov rifle. Two weeks ago, the commander of Al Quds in Kabatiya, Walid Obaiid, was killed in an exchange of fire with IDF forces during an operation to arrest wanted terrorists. Returning now to the suicide bombing in Dimona, we asked Former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff, Uzi Dayan, if today's attack was only a matter of time and if it was the result of breaching of the border between Gaza and Egypt.

Of course it is only a matter of time. The fundamental Islamic organizations, are going to continue to fight. We left Lebanon and they continue to attack it. We left Gaza in the last stage, and Hamas continues, this fight, and we have to get ready for it because it is, it is just the beginning of it. And, especially if Annapolis forces, the other forces will continue there will be more and more reasons for these organizations to go towards it.

When you say this is just the beginning of the process, what do you see here in the medium-term and long-term? What is going to happen?

We have to fight back. The way to fight terrorism is to combine offense and defense. And what we have to do first of all, is to finish the security fence in Juda and Samaria and everybody says from Egypt, but we don't know, because Juda and Samaria are wide open-the southern part. Two, is to construct parts and segments of fences along the Israeli-Egyptian border and to return to the Israeli-Egyptian border, near Rafah. At the same time, continue the offense, in order to fight the Hamas leadership. Not only the terrorists who are launching the Qassam rockets and to prevent Hamas from becoming Hezbollah number two.

PRESENTER, MALE #1
Today, Iran opened the first Aerospace Research Center in the country. According to the Iranian News Agency, the center will soon launch a second suborbital rocket into space. The agency added that President Mahmud Ahmadinajad attended the grand opening of the center, which was built by Iranian experts. The center includes a suborbital rocket dubbed “Umeed,” an underground monitoring station, and a rocket-launcher. Iranian television showed footage of the rocket being launched. We are joined from Tehran with our correspondent, Milhim Rayan.
Milhim, Iran opened an aerospace center and launched a rocket into space. Can you give us the details?

REPORTER, MALE #2
Yes, Iran opened an aerospace center and launched a rocket into space. This rocket will pave the way for launching more rockets during upcoming stages. The purpose is to study and test the atmosphere, a test that moves it closer toward putting its own satellites into space. The rocket, which was dubbed Umeed, a Persian word that means “hope” in Arabic, was launched for scientific and research purposes. According to Iranian officials, the aerospace center was developed by local experts. The source didn’t disclosed information about the technical capabilities of the rocket or the altitude it reached. However, what we know is that the rocket may settle in a low altitude orbit, below the geographic altitude of Earth, which measures nearly 36,000 Kilometers. Some Iranian officials said the rocket will be used to conduct a geographic survey of Iran’s territories. Meanwhile, some doubt that Iran may be able to launch highly sophisticated suborbital rockets into space due to their technical complexity. Having said that, we can’t downplay this scientific achievement, which is one of a kind in the Islamic world.
In addition, this achievement, which took place today, doesn’t only show the success of Iran’s aerospace center but also gives Iran an opportunity to flex its scientific capabilities. This shows that Iran is indeed moving in the right direction of achieving scientific developments. Perhaps, in the future, Iran may be able to launch a suborbital rocket for spying or for military purposes; this is what is important about this issue. However, it remains to be seen whether Iran will benefit from these scientific achievements on certain levels, including on the outer space, nuclear, medical, military, and foreign policy levels. Some believe that Iran will not forfeit the opportunity to enhance its political position on the various sensitive issues, including the Iraqi, Lebanese, and Palestinian files. By the same token, this may spread fear in some neighboring countries over the increase in Iran’s military capabilities in the region.

PRESENTER, MALE #1
Thank you, Milhim Rayan, Aljazeera’s correspondent in Tehran.

Presenter, FEMALE #1:
In Fallujah, efforts to end the violence and resume reconstruction are ongoing. The city has witnessed a flourishing media with the establishment of radio and television stations, which cover the news and broadcast programs related to the city like other Iraqi cities and provinces.
Like other towns, Falluja has suffered a lot from several terrorist operations. This report by Abdul Qadir Saadi.

Reporter, MALE #1:
The radio and television media appear to have become active recently in the city of Fallujah, where “The Voice of Free Fallujah” and “Radio FM” were opened in addition to a local television station, which broadcasts during limited hours and covers daily reports and programs, which are announced in the city despite lacking modern equipment and specialized capabilities. In addition, it provides live coverage. Those who are managing it, hope to expand the hours of broadcast, especially since activities in the city have increased.

Guest, MALE #2:
The radio broadcasts outside the city of Fallujah. It broadcasts all the way to the city of Baghdad.
It covers the city of Ramadi, Al Saghwaliya, and Al Garma. As for the television broadcast, it covers the city of Fallujah and its suburbs.

Reporter, MALE #1:
Meanwhile, a number of journalists have become active by taking the liberty to establish an association called the “National Iraqi Media Professionals Association,” which was welcomed by the local authorities and residents. This association works to be the voice of the city, particularly after the tragedies of the latest war. Also, the members of the group work in agencies and at satellite channels.

Guest, MALE #3:
Due to the incidents and the number of incidents that occurred in the city of Fallujah, there are many media professionals here in the city. We wanted to become a united voice for the media professionals in the city of Fallujah. We wanted this association to be in this particular city.

Reporter, MALE #1:
Thus, efforts are ongoing to end the violence and to send a message from the journalists. This message says that certain groups want this city one day to be portrayed as a sectarian city. However, journalists are trying to prove that the residents of the city are cooperating to stand united and away from sectarian division. From Fallujah. Abdul Qadir Saadi. Al Arabiya.

Presenter, MALE, #1
On Friday, Iran began its festivities commemorating the 29th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution’s victory led by the departed Imam al Khumeini. The first day of what is known as “The ten day Dawn” celebrates the return of the Imam from his exile in Paris, to the Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, after 14 years spent between Turkey, Iraq, and France.

Reporter, FEMALE, #2
Iran moves to the beat of “The 10 day Dawn,” remembering a divine spirit that brought life into the heart of millions. Ruhullah al Mussawi al Khomeini was born in 1902. Early in this childhood, he knew the meaning of orphan hood and martyrdom, after his father, Ayatallah Mustafa al Musawi, was killed by the rulers of that time. Exceptional talent allowed him to pass his studies at Khumeini Warak with noticeable speed. From there, he went to the blessed Qum, where he was distinguished in the fields of Knowledge and philosophy, and the foundations of Islamic Jurisprudence. The spirit of resistance permeated his religious and educational visions.
He had a remarkable influence on hearts, and his personality characteristics made him worthy of leading a nation. This was exemplified to the highest degree when his historic speech ignited an uprising in June 1936.
By the end of 1964, the Imam was arrested, and immediately sent to the Mehrabad Airport.
From there, he was taken to Ankara, and after about a year, he was taken to his second exile location in Iraq. In 1978, Ba’th security surrounded his home in the Najaf al Ashraf; sending him to Paris, where he remained for 14 years away from his homeland. Throughout all that time, hope remained alive with the victory of the Islamic revolution. With every minute, the clock was ticking, leading to the destined moment. The Imam set foot again on the homeland, on the 1st of February 1979; people flocked from every corner in an unprecedented public welcome. Eyes filled with tears of longing, and the road between the airport and the Shahada, or the martyr’s cemetery, was covered by a canopy of flowers. The Imam returned to pump new blood in the veins of the revolution.
Today, 29 years after the revolution, the ten days of Dawn return. And even though the Imam’s heart stopped beating in 1989, he is still sitting throned in the hearts of millions of people all around the world. The remembrance returns annually; it does not miss a year, because the principles of the deceased Imam al Khomeini are present in the minds of the people, and they continue in his footsteps. The Republic born from the Revolution continues on the path of social, economic, scientific, and military developments. The most recent and complicated of these confident strides has been joining the nuclear club, in spite of difficulties. But like the Imam said, Life is a long and arduous path.

Presenter, MALE, #1
Pakistan’s security is still in turmoil with the approaching parliamentary elections on the 12th of this month. At least six people were killed in a suicide attack that targeted a military vehicle in Rawalpindi, near Islamabad. Paramedic rushed to the scene to attend to the wounded and remove the dead corpses. The Pakistani military surrounded the area and began an investigation. Also in Pakistan, poverty and several other factors has given rise to the phenomenon of street doctors. According to a census, more than 60% of Pakistanis receive their medications on the streets, from people who claim to be doctors, because they cannot afford the cost of legitimate clinics. Mahyoob Khudur reports from Islamabad.

Reporter, MALE, #2
In the crowded cities of greater Pakistan, street doctors use flashy signs to catch their patients. The signs make it seem that through unfortunate events and a turn of luck, these brilliant doctors settled for the street to exercise their profession.

Guest, MALE, #3
I have been practicing dentistry for 30 years; I learned it from my teacher in the city of Rawalpandi. I get 7 to 10 patients every day, and I get adequately paid, not exceeding 100 rupees a day.

Reporter, MALE, #2
A lack of awareness or finances leads many people to quickly turn themselves over to street doctors. The doctors are either illiterate or semi-educated, they see patients without appointments, and they operate with filthy and worn out instruments. People are drawn to these doctors because of their low fees. Pakistanis can find all kinds of specialized clinics on the road sides, in addition to innovative ways of extracting and preparing medications from reptiles and other animals to cure many illnesses.

Guest, MALE, #4
This oil is useful in healing back pain, joints, muscles, and bones. I extract it from the stomach of reptiles.

Reporter, MALE, #2
Sixty million Pakistanis live below the poverty line, the only medical attention they can afford is on the sides of streets. Between the medications they give and the illnesses they cause, street doctors continue their work in complete freedom. The money in the pockets of the masses make their daily wages. Mahyoub Khader, Dubai TV, Rawalpindi.

Presenter, FEMALE #1:
In America, there are experts on our constitution and strangers in their own country.

Reporter, FEMALE #2:
We know them but they don’t know themselves. The United States of America enters every Arab home almost every day. But its people don’t even think about or contemplate their own country’s domestic or foreign policies. More important on their list of priorities are not news websites but blogging sites and YOUTUBE, where 30% of all Americans go to every day. If Americans listen to this song, they would not immediately know that it is sung by Beyonce, a famous pop star.
If Americans saw Barack Obama, the US Senator who is running for president, they would be confused, thinking he might be a rising star in the music world. Americans are not ignorant of all their country’s politicians. Sometimes they pay attention, very close attention. 93% of Americans recognize the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger not just for being a governor but for his past as a Hollywood star. Meanwhile, only 36% of Americans recognize the President of Russia, Vladamir Putin. One third of Americans do not recognize, Dick Cheney, the second in command and most influential person in the United States. However, Geoffrey Feldman, the first man in Lebanon is daily news on our television sets. But he is barely covered at the end of an American newscast. He is not someone, who appears regularly in the media. Perhaps no one even knows of his presence besides his family, relatives and close friends. With all this, Geoff, David Welsh and Elliot Abrams occupy the front page of our newspapers and are the lead stories in our newscasts, if they decide to attend our political forums. That’s not all. American ambassadors have been transformed into constitutional experts. Welsh lectures about the Taif agreement decreeing that a 2/3rd majority is not needed to hold the presidential election.
Perhaps this encourages President Bush to speak about things he does not understand. The US President, who did not know the location of Pakistan and was confused between Austria and Australia, now proposes that the Lebanese president should be elected based on a simple majority.

Guest, MALE #1: Bush
If the Lebanese parliament is unable to resolve the presidential crisis, I support electing the president based on a simple majority or half plus one. The world should recognize the new president.

Reporter, FEMALE #2:
Constitutional testimony from a self proclaimed American expert, who was elected by voters, most of whom do not know where Lebanon is located.