[Transcript]  Mosaic News - 05/12/08: World News From The Middle East

Presenter, FEMALE, #1
With a relentless iron fist, the government of Sudan seized control of the capital and its surrounding areas from the grip of the rebels of the Justice and Equality Movement. It also arrested the opposition leader of the Popular Congress Party, Hassan al Turabi, for having alleged links to the latest attacks. The government of Sudan plans to file an official complaint to the UN Security Council against its neighboring country Chad. Fayza ‘Allak reports.

Reporter, FEMALE, #2
The second day after armed rebels of the Justice and Equality movement attacked the city of Um Darman in Sudan, Khartoum confirmed its complete success in defeating the rebels by airing images of their leader and intelligence official. It also arrested the opposing Islamic leader, Hassan al Turabi and 4 of his top members, for having alleged links to the latest attack. This is due to the historic links between leaders of the Justice and Equality movement and Al Turabi, even though Al Turabi’s denied any backing of the rebel groups. The re-ignition of the historic armed struggle between the government and the opposition in the heart of the capital bodes of further escalation. The movement suffered major losses, which led the rebel’s leaders, Khalil Ibrahim, to threaten with more attacks in Khartoum, until the government ands its president, Umar al Bashir, is overthrown. The curfew was lifted off the capital, but it continued in Um Durman. Army tanks filled the city streets, and the citizens grieved for the damages to the sacred sites.

Guest, MALE, #1
We reckon that this group is unrelated to the people of Darfur. It is from the neighboring country of Chad, which is behind this dreadful act. It does not know the history of this nation or the important geographical areas in a historical city like Um Durman. It does not distinguish between mosques, minarets, or otherwise.

Reporter, FEMALE, #2
Based on the new developments, it seems that the Justice and Equality Movement has moved further away from any hope of a peace process in the distant future.

Presenter, FEMALE, #1
The political arena in Kuwait witnessed a strange phenomenon of obvious deterioration in the political rhetoric of the discharged house of parliament, which in turn has affected the mood of the current election campaign. Observers expect the general level of political rhetoric to depend on the contended issues between the government and the next Parliament.

Guest, MALE, #1
He’s dirtier than a soiled rag cloth. He’s dirty and low! He ruined Kuwait; he ruined the administration, and the Parliament. He was removed, but we will stay. He will lose, he will lose. I swear it!

Reporter, MALE, #2
This is one of the candidates in the previous elections. His sharp political tone reflected the mood of the previous elections, which also characterized the tone of the discharged parliament during its term in Abdallah el-Salem hall. According to many observers, the argument and squabbling caused a deterioration in dialogue and debate. The sharp and condemning tone has continued in the political speeches of the participants during the current electoral debates. Shouting, however, might be a reflection of the pain beneath it.

Guest, MALE, #3
You will make your history with the choice you make. You will determine your future based on your choice. Those candidates will fall silent on May 17th, and the only one speaking will be you. You will be the one speaking, and you will shape the future. We will not sit in the diwanyas afterwards and make demands of the government. You do not have the right to talk about the government, nor do I.

Reporter, MALE #2:
Based on the current political situation and the issues of contention awaiting the government and the next parliament, the level of rhetoric is expected to deteriorate even further in the upcoming council.

Guest, MALE #4:
Regretfully, the behavior of some of our brothers in the previous Parliament was irresponsible and should have been reprimanded.

Guest, FEMALE #2:
The style of dialogue in the parliament is tactless. We wish for polite dialogue that reflects a civilized face of the country.

Guest, MALE #5:
In the 60s, 70s, and even the 80s, speeches were very civilized and there was a high level of sophistication among the opposition.

Reporter, MALE #2:
The debates between some of the members in the previous parliament’s term moved several former PM’s to call for the formation of a parliamentary committee to maintain etiquette. Saad Al Ajmai. Al Arabiya. Al Kuwait.

Presenter, MALE #1:
Regarding the Palestinian issue, Israel has resumed supplying the electricity plant in the Gaza Strip with the necessary amounts of fuel in order for it to operate. The Gaza Strip is being supplied with limited amounts of diesel and gasoline. The main public facilities in the Strip had stopped after fuel was cut off for two consecutive days.

Reporter, MALE #2:
The electricity plant in Gaza has again resumed operating. Amidst major concerns overshadowing the control room, three units required long hours of preparation to guarantee the resumption of operations. However, all this is nothing more than a temporary and partial solution.

Guest, MALE #3:
They always use the policy of surprises with us. They may allow fuel for one or two days. Then it will be cut off for two or three days. With regards to the electricity plant they use a “last breath” policy; or a policy of surprises and escalating tensions.

Reporter, MALE #2:
With this partial solution, the fuel crisis will remain so long as Israel’s rationing policies continue despite allowing limited amounts of diesel and gas to enter.

Guest, MALE #4:
All the fuel that was previously available has been distributed by the Ministry of Transportation in order to keep the public facilities alive. For example, it was given to taxis and public transportation, whether for the transportation of goods or students. It was also distributed to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Reporter, MALE #2:
This means that this solution to the fuel and electricity crisis has not allayed concerns and anger of those in humanitarian organizations or the bakeries, which has also become hostage to the siege. Neither has it allayed concerns of the public, which pays the greatest price.

Guest, FEMALE #1:
I have been standing and waiting for over an hour, maybe an hour and a half. I have not found any transportation.

Guest, MALE #5:
We are waiting for God to bring us relief. God will bring us relief. No one else but the God, the almighty can bring us relief.

Reporter, MALE #2:
Certainly, this crisis is both difficult and dark as it wages war on people’s most basic human rights. But what is even more difficult is that there is no sign of light at the end of the tunnel. With all this, people can do nothing else but remain patient. Wael Dahdouh. Al Jazeera. Gaza. Palestine.

PRESENTER, MALE #1
Amidst these developments, the Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, threatened to carry out wide scale Israeli measures in order to stop the launching of rockets and mortar shells from the Gaza Strip into Israel.

PRESENTER, FEMALE #1
This news comes after Barak held talks with the Head of Egypt’s Intelligence Service, Omar Suleiman, who arrived today in Israel to help broker a cooling off period in the Gaza Strip, which Suleiman is optimistic about.

REPORTER, FEMALE #2
Once again, the Head of Egypt’s Intelligence Service, Omar Suleiman, is back in Israel. However, what’s different about today’s visit is that Suleiman is expressing optimism that he will succeed of convincing the Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, and other Israeli politicians to accept the cooling-off period with the Palestinian factions. Suleiman’s high expectations come despite an earlier announcement by Israel, rejecting an Egyptian sponsored proposal that was prepared in conjunction with the Palestinian factions, which Hamas had announced on April 24, 2008. The proposal included the following articles: The Palestinian factions are committed to a cooling off period in Gaza for a period of 6 months; then, the ceasefire agreement will be extended to the West Bank. During the agreement, the Palestinians are to stop the launching of cross border rockets into Israel. In exchange, Israel must lift completely its blockade of the Gaza strip, and open the border crossings. According to Palestinian sources, Omar Suleiman is carrying today with him the same package deal, with minor adjustments that have not been disclosed yet. The amended proposal is presumably taking into consideration earlier Israeli political announcements, in which Israel rejected any initiative that doesn’t include the case of the Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped in Gaza in June 2006. In addition, the Israelis doubt that they will accept a cooling off period in the West Bank, and accused Hamas in particular of trying to buy time and further arm itself. Despite the stalled issues, the optimism by the Egyptian mediators seems to be justifiable. Today, Suleiman is holding talks with the Israelis after reaching a united position with the Palestinian factions, who said that they are ready for a cooling off period and a truce. Meanwhile, Israel must prove that it’s ready as well.

[Summary]

The city of Ashqelon was struck by two missiles after a period of relative calm. One rocket landed near a residential building, causing one woman to go into shock. The other rocket landed in Ashqelon national park; the rocket did not cause any property damage.

Omar Sulleiman, Egyptian Intelligence Chief, is in Israel and plans to present the draft cease-fire agreement he reached with Palestinian terror groups in Gaza to government leaders. Sulleiman says that there is no deal yet, but he has high hopes that a deal can be reached.

PRESENTER, FEMALE #1
The following report examines the most important news of the week from the standpoint of the viewers: Who were asked to express their reaction on some of the issues dominating the region. After the viewers express their views on these issues, no harm of asking an expert to analyze them; then, a parallel can be drawn to see whether the reactions of the viewers intersect or contradict with those reactions expressed by the analysts.

REPORTER, MALE #1
The Palestinians have expressed reactions on a number of national and regional developments. Meanwhile, several areas in the Palestinian territories, especially in the Gaza Strip, are witnessing new developments. This news comes as the number of falling martyrs in Gaza continues to climb due to the ongoing Israeli aggression. However, such developments in the Gaza Strip haven’t distracted the Palestinians from the tragic events and internal fighting between their brothers in Lebanon. The Lebanese conflict reminded the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip of their painful ordeal that started nearly a year ago.

GUEST, FEMALE #2
We consider Lebanon part of us. We hope that no bad news come out of Lebanon.

GUEST, MALE #2
The most important news is the one that came out of Lebanon. The Lebanese problems are including those have to do with strife and corruption. God forbid; I hope a civil war will not break out in Lebanon. This is the worst that could happen to Lebanon. The situation in Gaza has been bad; we and the Lebanese are now on the same boat.

REPORTER, MALE #1
To those Palestinians following the developments in the region, the recent events in Lebanon have not distracted them from the breaking events on the Israeli front, where the Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olemert, has drowned in a pool of bribery charges and legal implications.

GUEST, MALE #3
Public polls are showing that the Israeli right wing has a great opportunity to win in the upcoming elections. For that reason, the party called for earlier elections, and they started to investigate the personal files of the current ministers; or perhaps, they launched the investigation for other political objectives, especially considering the ongoing US sponsored political process that the right wing wants to manipulate.

REPORTER, MALE #1
Regardless of the outcome of Olmert’s case or what may transpire in the process, fear is dominating the hearts of the Palestinians that Israel may export its internal crisis into the Palestinian territories. This news comes after Israel vowed to escalate its military campaign on the ground, which may abort the proposed cooling off period before it’s actually began.

GUEST, MALE #4
The Egyptian mediators are exerting efforts to broker a cooling off period between the Palestinian factions and the Israelis. We hope that the situation will continue moving into that direction.

REPORTER, MALE #1
Lebanon, Israel, and the Gaza Strip, are three different fronts with three separate files. While these files may differ in their structure and the method of application, they all have similar objectives, which include a protection of one’s interest and his political chair. For Madar Program, Majid Saaid, Abu Dhabi Channel, Ramallah.

[Summary]

There has been more fighting in northern Lebanon, and opposition groups continue to put pressure on the government. There has been an increase in fighting, leaving fifty people dead over the past six days. The Lebanese army has been deployed across the capital city of Beirut, leaving things a bit calmer in the past few days.

[Summary]

Lebanese Christian leader, Michele Aoun, calls on Lebanese PM, Fouad Siniora to step down. Aoun criticized the government’s decision on Hezbollah, stating that the group has a right to possess its own telecommunications network.

Syria criticizes Saudi Arabia’s “biased support” for the government of Fouad Siniora in the Arab League summit.

Presenter, Woman # 1
There is a great deal of political activities in Iraq which is evident by the recent meeting between the different political parties. Political observers believe that this is a positive development that can only be credited to the government which encouraged different parties to participate in the political process. The Iraqi parliament took the initiative to form the national unity government with the participation of most political parties.

Reporter, Man # 1
There is a great deal of Political activities in the Iraqi parliament. Political agreements and guarantees have been reached to end the political stalemate, and calls were made to parties to participate in the government and step up to their national responsibility. The Iraqi Accordance Front has announced that it has returned to the government and provided the Iraqi Prime minister Nour Al Maliki with candidates for the ministerial positions that were allocated to the party. The Fadila party in the parliament announced that it will only join the government if all parties are allowed to participate in the government based on their electoral representation and not on ethnic or religious basis.

Guest, Man # 3
We are exerting all efforts so our brothers who withdrew from the political process would come back, and bring about a national unity government and revive the agenda of the national unity government. Talks were held before the events in Basra, but after these events, the situation has become very suitable to bring about national consensus in support of the national unity government.

Guest, Man # 4
All political parties must be allowed to participate. The political process must be based on political and party representation not on ethnic or religious basis, such as dividing Iraqis into Kurds, Shiites, and Sunnis.

Reporter, Man # 1
Parliament members said that negotiations are ongoing with the Iraqi List to have it join the government, in an attempt to reform ministries and in preparation for forming the new government. In addition technocrats will be selecting the ministers to enhance their performance.

Guest, Man # 5
There are ongoing negotiations with the Iraqi List and other parties such as the Fadila party. Mediators and others have volunteered to end the stalemate between the government and Iraqi List. We are also waiting for the Iraqi List to improve its internal situation. I think that progress has been achieved in these negotiations.

Guest, Man # 6
Independent candidates should be appointed as ministers; the candidates should be technocrats with experience and high qualifications. They also should believe in the Iraqi national identity and believe in the new political process.

Reporter, Man # 1
Al Maliki’s government which has made achievements in Iraq called on political parties to return to the government after overcoming many challenges and threats of withdrawing confidence from it.

Guest, Man # 7
There is political progress; parties are trying to get closer to the government so their interests are served. In the past, some of these parties had different political views from the government.

Reporter, Man # 1
The gap between the political views held by leaders from different political parties and the president of the republic were narrowed as they made sure that all parties participate in the national unity government. There has been a good period of political process here which may lead to a national unity government with political parties that were not necessarily in agreement with the government. For “This Week News Program’, Jafar Abdel Hamed Al Alam, Baghdad.

Presenter, FEMALE, #1
Fighting terrorism and the food crisis are the two main challenges facing the new Mauritanian Prime Minister, Yehiya Weld Ahmad el-Waqef. The country imports more than 75% of its food needs, and the newly appointed Prim Minister, will have to tackle this difficult situation, in addition to the public’s fear of terrorism. There have been three attacks by armed individuals close to Al Qaeda between December and February, in which seven people were killed, including four French tourists and three Mauritanian soldiers.

Reporter, MALE, #1
Mauritanian Prime Minister, Zeine Weld Zeidan, who received 15% of thw government votes, and is the primary supporter of the current President Sidi Muhammad el-Sheikh Abdallahi, left the political arena. His government was discharged only one year after its formation. Taking his place is the Minister of Presidential affairs and head of the ruling party, Yehiya el Waqf, now joining Sheikh Abullahi in the political spotlight. The Mauritanians, however, question the motivations behind this sudden discharge of Weld Zaydan.

Guest, FEMALE, #2
It is due to the appalling economic conditions in the country, which the government was unable to control. There might also be executive figures who are secretly at odds with the former Prime Minister, and the many different characters in the new governmental bloc.

Reporter, MALE, #1
The political partyof Zeidan, which is one of the largest allies, is discontent about what happened, but is restraining itself from pre mature political escalation.

Guest, MALE, #2
The government was working on a program aimed at making many improvements. These improvements would have certainly been reflected on the ground, maybe negatively at first but only temporarily, as they were strategically important.

Reporter, MALE, #1
According to observers, the government of Weld Zeidan both succeeded and failed within the merciless political and national conditions.

Guest, MALE, #3
The discharged government had some successes and some failures. It succeeded in the technical processing of issues, which is usually followed by implantation. But the government was not spared by the country’s conditions and the continuous rise in prices. It was not spared by the politicians who were marginalized in its formation.

Reporter, MALE, #1
The Mauritanians vary in their evaluation of the discharged government.

Guest, MALE, #4
It failed in all fields. The government was not truly political, nor a technocrat government. It was a mixture of components of unknown origin.

Guest, MALE, #5
It came in a time when the administration had made many mistakes; it worked on fixing those mistakes, which involved a slow process of bureaucratic routine.

Guest, MALE, #6
The government had a problem in defining priorities.

Reporter, MALE, #1
The Mauritanians’ anticipation of their new government is only matched by their desire to know the reasons that led Weld Sheikh Abdullahi to politically divorce himself from Weld Zaydan. The opinions of the Mauritanians about the performance of their discharged government are mixed, some praise it and others scorn it. They hope that the new government will differ in performance and practice, not just in names and allegiances. From the government building in Nouakchott, this is Muhammad al Darhan Muhammad Fouad, reporting for al Madar-Abu Dhabi.