[Transcript]  Mosaic News - 04/21/08: World News From The Middle East

Presenter, MALE #1:
U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, arrived at the Green Zone in Baghdad during a surprise visit, which she said she noticed an improvement in the security situation and political closeness in Iraq, which wants to see a better diplomatic presence of its Arab neighbors. Meanwhile, an American general in Iraq threatened to respond militarily to the Shiite Leader Muqtada Sadr, if he carried out his threats and attacked the Iraqi and American forces.

Reporter, MALE #2:
The threats of war launched by the leader of the Sadr front, Muqtada Sadr are a sign of tough days ahead filled with the smell of gun powder, which will increase the number of the explosions, which have no limit on the Iraqi horizon. Friends and their allies of yesterday have, today, become the enemies of the Iraqi government and the US army. This compelled the Sadr wing to describe the government of Nour Al Maliki, who he had previously supported in 2006, as unappreciative. In a statement, Muqtada Sadr, the leader of the Mehdi army, threatened to declare an open war, which he tied to the cooling off period.

Guest, MALE #3:
I am making a final warning to the Iraqi government that it refrains itself and takes the path of peace and stop the violence against its people. If it does not stop the militias that have infiltrated the government, then we will declare open warfare until liberation.

Reporter, MALE #2:
The Sadr wing’s threats, which met support from Tehran, came after a statement made by the Iranian ambassador in Iraq, in which he criticized the military operations and the siege imposed on Sadr City. He saw the government’s step as a monopoly over weapons.

Guest, MALE #4:
The Americans insistence on monitoring military practices is wrong. It will have negative results and the government will have to take responsibility. The steps taken by the government to pursue outlaws is right, whether in Basra or anywhere within the Iraqi borders.

REPORTER, MALE #2
The disagreement between the Sadr Faction and Al-Maliki’s government began a year ago after Muqtada Al-Sadr demanded a timetable for the withdrawal of the US forces from Iraq; a request that Al-Maliki’s government has rejected. This led to an escalation between the Sadr faction and the Iraqi government, which threatened to keep the Sadr faction away from the political process. In the name of containing armed chaos and the pursuit of outlaws, the Iraqi government, backed by the U.S. forces launched attacks against the Mahdi Army militias. Meanwhile, Muqtada Al-Sadr threatened to declare an open war, which has stirred fear among some Iraqis. However, some Iraqis expressed hope for a cooling off period between the two sides.

GUEST, MALE #5
We wished that the remarks made by Mutada Al-Sadr were a call for peace not a threat of war.

GUEST, MALE #6
What we need is not MORE wars and confrontations but peaceful actions.

REPORTER, MALE #2
The forceful confrontations, which continue to leave behind dozens of causalities each day, are further fueling this bloody scene. Meanwhile, the Iraqi citizen, who is raising the flag of peace on both sides of the conflict, is wondering who to support: Is it Mutada Al-Sadr, who is backed by Tehran, and who is trying to maintain control in southern Iraq, which includes most of Iraq’s oil reserves? Or is it Nour al-Maliki, who is backed by Washington, and who is trying to achieve peace and stability in the country? Meanwhile, the Iraqi people are expressing mixed opinions about the real intentions of those promoting security in their country.

Presenter, FEMALE #1:
One day ahead of the meeting of Iraq’s neighbors in Kuwait, international and Arab figures continued to call for support of the political process in Iraq. Such a call was made by US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, who called on Arab nations to open its embassies in Baghdad. And by the Iraqi Foreign Minister, who renewed his request to neighboring countries to support the political process.

Reporter, MALE #1:
There will be another meeting of the neighboring states of Iraq. It appears that it will be the largest meeting, compared to previous ones, which were held to support the stability of this country. In addition to the neighboring countries, the G-8 industrial countries will be attending this meeting as well as delegations representing twenty-nine other countries and regional and international organizations. The meeting, which will be held in Kuwait for two days, will debate the most important issues facing Iraq, especially the security situation, which imposed itself after an escalation in violence and the danger posed by militias and armed fighters to the relative stability that was witnessed in the country after, for instance, wide scale campaigns had succeeded in reducing the intensity of attacks by Al Qaeda. It appears that the consensus that was achieved at the Iraqi political level with regards to disarming militias will be one of the most important issues on the agenda at the meeting. It is anticipated that this approach will gain the support of the participants at the meeting. In addition, the continued clashes between government forces on one side, and the Mehdi Army militia, on the other, will dominate the security situation in Iraq and reduce stability. The Iraqi government, for its part, will call on neighboring countries to take a permanent and supportive position on its efforts to achieve security, stability and the rebuilding of Iraq. Under this framework, there are usually wide scale debates about foreign intervention in internal Iraqi affairs. Baghdad will also likely ask its Arab neighbors to forgive its debt and reopen their embassies there. However, many Arab capitals approach this step with caution. Khaled Awais. Al Arabiya.

[Summary]

Four rockets qassam were fired from Gaza, one of which landed in the Israeli city of Ashqelon. There were no injuries or damages reported.

According to security sources, the IDF is preparing for an escalation of violence along the Gaza border crossings.

[Summary]

Former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter, ended his tour of the Middle East. Carter left the message “No peace without Hamas.” Carter stated that Hamas is willing to acknowldge Israel’s existence within 1967 borders. Carter also calls on Washington to end its ‘diplomatic isolation’ of Damascus.

Presenter, MALE, #1
Talks about calm did not spare Gaza from Israel’s revenge. At dawn, an Israeli aircraft carried out an operation on the town of Bait Hanoon, in northern Gaza. Ekrima Abu Ouda was martyred; he was 22 years old and a member of al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of Hamass. Death in Gaza does not come by Israeli machinery alone. After Israel, the primary culprit in killing people is the siege, which has been ongoing for several months. Seventy one percent of Gaza’s children suffer from malnutrition and anemia. Often this leads to diseases that cannot be treated locally due to the lack of drugs and medical supplies. The persistence of this condition forebodes inevitable disaster for the people of Gaza. Zuheir Saqalla reports from Gaza.

Reporter, MALE, #2
Gaza is in poor health because of the siege that speeds-up death. Fighting disease has become difficult for adults, but it is harder on the children. The worsening health conditions and the poor environment in Gaza has raised the percentage of children suffering from malnutrition to 71%, according to reports by Health Care Commissions.

Guest, MALE, #3
More than 50% of children under five years old suffer from anemia. Seventy-two percent of children under one year of age are anemic. They exhibit dangerous symptoms, including low weight, and stunted growth-in relation to their age. These are serious indications of a disastrous deterioration of the health and life of Palestinian children in Gaza.

Reporter, MALE, #2
The causes of the children’s suffering are many, but they all fall under the title of “The Occupation’s siege.” The occupation has blocked the entry of necessary vaccines, food, and medication, and it has stopped purifying water. All this leads to diseases that eat away at the children and devour them whole. The piling of trash defacing the environment might warn of yet another disaster, which is beyond the visible signs.

Guest, MALE, #3
All these things cause serious harm; they clearly warn of deterioration in the near future in regards to children suffering from malnutrition, especially those under the age of five.

Reporter, MALE, #2
The children of Gaza are starving, their childhoods have been pirated and their futures executed. Their bodies have become fertile soil for breeding diseases stemming from malnutrition. The parents eat sour grapes, while their children are teething: In a society where the majority of people are below the poverty line, malnutrition becomes a given. The reasons are many, but the harm is one of the same. Zuheir Saqalla, Dubai TV, Gaza.

PRESENTER, MALE #1
Syrian President, Bashar Al-Assad, said that some, whom he referred to as friendly mediators, are exerting diligent efforts to restart the negotiations between Syria and Israel. This news came during a meeting that was held yesterday with the command center of the ruling Baath Party.

PRESENTER, FEMALE #1
While Al-Assad didn’t reveal the identity of the mediators, diplomats in Syria said that Turkey is likely to be the one leading the diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, Israel has not commented on the Al-Assad’s statement.

REPORTER, MALE #2
“Syria will continue to be a country of resistance and opposition.” These words are not foreign to Syrian President, Bashar Al-Assad’s speeches, but what is strange are his recent remarks about certain diplomatic efforts being made to resume talks with Israel. Al-Assad’s comments came during a meeting with the command center of his ruling Baath Party. He further said that some friends are working towards achieving this objective; and added that Israel knows very well what Damascus will or will not accept. Al-Assad stressed that Syria’s acceptance of any negotiations with Israel is preconditioned by the latter’s commitment to the UN resolutions. Al-Assad’s speech comes a day after his country hosted an unprecedented meeting between the Head of Hamas’ Political Office, Khalid Meshaal, and former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter. Turkey is believed to be behind the diplomatic exploration between Syria and Israel. An Israeli negotiator confirmed that an advisor for the Turkish President is relaying the messages between the two sides. This news also comes days after the Israeli Prime Minister confirmed that the two sides have indeed been exchanging messages. It has been noted that Syria, and since the Madrid Peace Conference was held, has demanded Israel’s full withdrawal from the Golan Heights in exchange for peace. This Syrian demand was also reiterated before and during the Annapolis Conference. Parallel to that, secret talks between Israel and Syria have taken place at unofficial levels during 2004 and 2006. According to analysts, by keeping the path of negotiations open between Syria and Israel, the latter, along with Washington, are intending to isolate Damascus from Iran and Hezbollah. This is rather important to Israel, especially considering that all the scenarios during Bush’s remaining months in office don’t rule out an Israeli or American or a joint military strike against Tehran, and perhaps against Hezbollah. By isolating Syria from Iran and Hezbollah, the US and Israel will be able to rally larger Arab support, which is appropriate for this type of military action.

Presenter, Man # 1
The suffering of Palestinian citizens in Jenin continues for the eighth consecutive year, due to the siege imposed by the occupation soldiers. All checkpoints especially the ones near the green line are closed.

Reporter, Man # 2
Jenin, home to 300,000 Palestinians, is located in the northern part of the West Bank, across the green line. Its economy was truly devastated. More than 1,000 businesses were closed, and more than 1,000 others were destroyed. Sales decreased by 90%, and unemployment reached more than 50%, and more than 65% of Jenin’s residents live below the poverty line. This has been the situation in Jenin since 2000. Jenin has had strong economic and social ties with Israel since 1967, due to its location and proximity to the green line. However, these ties have been completely paralyzed since 2000 when the al Aqsa Intifada began. The Israeli occupation army closed military checkpoints near the green line and built the Aprathied wall. These Israeli measures have caused economic deterioration in Jenin’s markets and has increased the unemployment rates.

Guest, Man # 3
The economic situation completely collapsed in Jenin after the second Intifada for several reasons. First, we used to heavily depend on our Arab-Israeli brothers who used to come and shop in Jenin. Second, the Apartheid wall which was built by Israel has isolated Palestinian areas from one another and has caused economic deterioration.

Reporter, Man # 2
Some commercial stores in Jenin were forced to close their doors due to the catastrophic conditions. Other stores continued to conduct business but they are going through tough times. All kinds of products are available in these stores, but there is no one to buy them.

Guest, Man # 4
People are not buying things for several reasons. First, the economic conditions are difficult. Also, our Arab-Israeli brothers can no longer come to Jenin at all. The afflicted city of Jenin has been suffering from very difficult economic conditions.

Guest, Man # 5
Economic activities are very slow because citizens here do not have an income, which is a big problem. Our economy is completely dependant on Israel. Citizens do not have a purchasing power. This is a huge obstacle here in the West Bank, especially in Jenin. We do not have services; we lack everything in Jenin. The people of Jenin are urging everyone to help improve their devastated economy. From Jenin, Nizar Samudi, Palestine Television.

Presenter, FEMALE, #1
To change the face of the world, you have to begin with the children. Gandhi said this, but it does not apply to the children of Afghanistan. From the early hours of the morning until night fall, you come across faces of children no more than twelve years old, imposing their existence on the streets. One boy shines shoes while another cleans cars; and another-too young to work-settles for begging. Some of them live off the garbage, searching for something to satisfy their hunger, year after year. This has been the reality imposed on the children for three decades as a result of continuous warfare. From the time of the Taliban until the Coalition forces, the situation keeps deteriorating. Nothing has changed, in spite of promises made by the Afghani government to attend to these miserable conditions. Exasperating the problem is that these children are oftentimes the sole providers for their families, who lost their primary provider in the war. But how long can the children wait? More in the following report.

Reporter, MALE, #1
They live on food from the garbage, and they work by shining shoes or cleaning cars. This is the reality for thousands of street children in Afghanistan who work on the harsh street to provide food for themselves and their families. Many families lost their main provider in the war that has persisted for three decades.

Guest, MALE, #2
I come out every morning trying to find someone to help me; my father died in one of the battles and I am the sole provider for my family. In the evening I go to school, I’m in fifth grade.

Reporter, MALE, #1
Walking around the streets and narrow alleyways of the capital, Kabul, you will inevitably bump into dozens of children no more than 12 years old. Although they should be in school during the daytime, they follow you with street-dirt covering their faces and their hands are out stretched. They beg for the amount to buy a loaf of bread, which usually costs less than a quarter of a US dollar.

Guest, MALE, #3
I work on this street; there is no honorable work around here. The government doesn’t provide us with anything, and unemployment is rampant. The government should protect the children and establish work projects.

Reporter, MALE, #1
Afghanistan’s street children are exposed to many dangers because of the absence of security and law enforcement; and the escalation of violence and armed attacks. This is especially the case in the tension-ridden Southern region. In its most recent reports, UNICEF warned of the dangers that face the children of Afghanistan who are exposed to violence and destitution while begging. They are easy prey for armed groups, used in what has become known as ‘terrorism acts.’ UNICEF called on the international community and donor countries to establish projects that serve street children.

Guest, MALE, #4
The Afghan Society and international community failed to fulfill their promises to provide job opportunities, especially for the children who have lost their fathers. Local and international communities should create special programs for Afghanistan’s children to contain their problem, and make them healthy members of society.

Reporter, MALE, #1
The dozens of local and international relief organizations, whose banners crowd the streets of Kabul, are incapable of containing the problem of street children. They have not succeeded thus far in producing smiles on the faces of children who have been deprived of joy since infancy. The children of Afghanistan are exposed to many dangers. Beginning with severe poverty, a breakdown of their family, ending with destitution, and falling into the traps of exploitation. Reporting for Al Alam’s “From Reality,” this is Mahmood Al Watheq, Kabul.