[Transcript]  Mosaic News - 10/15/08: World News From The Middle East

[Summary]

They are images that unsettled politicians and military chiefs from Kabul to Washington. Afghan forces have spent years fighting the Taliban are suddenly defecting, not only defecting, but taking specialist US military training and the latest weapons as well. Al Jazeera has uncovered evidence that an increasing number of Afghan forces are now changing sides. Remember that it is a little over a week since the departing commander of the British forces said the Taliban could not be beaten.

Presenter, FEMALE, #1
As soon as the winds of the North calm down, a new gust comes around. The cameras of New TV surveyed the atmosphere of arresting the terrorist cell. The following report by colleague Ogareet Dandash.

Reporter, FEMALE, #2
As soon as the North catches its breath, events occur once again, drawing attention towards it:
A cell consisting of Lebanese and Palestinians has been arrested; its leader was from Bebnine.
The town, which sacrificed 14 martyrs to the army, responded by pulling the cover off the culprit. His family made a public statement demanding that he turn himself in to the authorities. His town followed suite.

Guest, MALE, #1
So, if it happened that one of the people in our area made a mistake, then he needs to take responsibility for himself. There is a law, and we hope that his trial is transparent, so that every person gets his punishment. We will not cover up for a person who commits wrong.

Reporter, FEMALE, #2
In the Baddawi camp, the family of Muhammad Azzam, who was arrested on charges of belonging to the same cell, had a different position. His family, which was displaced from Nahr al-Bared to Baddawi, told the story about the arrest of Muhammad, his father, and his two brothers. They confirmed not being involved any organization.

Guest, MALE, #2
They came into our living room; soldiers.

Reporter, FEMALE, #2
What time?

Guest, MALE, #2
In the morning, at the dawn prayer time; they were carrying their riffles like this. We tried to talk to them, I asked them “what’s going on.” They said “don’t say one word, old man.” So we didn’t say a word; they blind folded us and took us outside to the cars. There were 5 or 6 cars right outside the mosque. They put us in the car and took us, we couldn’t see where, and then they took us to the security headquarters; they left us there for two to three hours without anyone asking us one question. After 3 hours, they released me.

Reporter, FEMALE, 2
He didn’t ask you any questions?

Guest, MALE, #2
Not one question- nothing at all, neither good nor bad. They put me in the car and took me back home.

Reporter, FEMALE, 2
As for Muhammad’s brothers, Ziad and nabeeh, who had come from Germany and Algeria to attend their sister’s wedding, they preferred not to appear before the camera.

Guest, MALE, #2
The questions were all simple and easy. They just asked us: where do you work, what do you do, when did you come back, and son on. Our situation was simple; we came one day before the eid fear for my sister’s wedding, and then the eid period. The questions were the same, nothing strange.

Reporter, FEMALE, 2
They didn’t give you the reason for arresting you?

Guest, MALE, #2
No, we didn’t know, they just asked me about myself and my brother Nabih and my brother Muhammad. They asked about where he was travelling from, what he did, where he graduated from. They asked the same questions about Muhammad; where did he graduate from, his work, and so on.

Reporter, FEMALE, 2
Were there any questions about your political view, thoughts, or participation?

Guest, MALE, #2
No no, nothing about politics, normal questions.

Reporter, FEMALE, 2
Did Muhammad have any activities that might make them suspect him, or something that they could consider as a basis for a particular accusation?

Guest, MALE, #2
I don’t think so. We mainly live abroad. We only come back for a couple of weeks a year, on vacation. When we come back, we’d be busy here and there, but there’s nothing…After he graduated from Sibliyeh, he stayed at home with my mother and father. He just goes to the mosque and prays.

Reporter, FEMALE, 2
Some of the accusation suggested that he might have some empathy with Fateh al-Islam, or that had connection to them when your family was in Naher al-Bared camp. Is there any basis for this?

Guest, MALE, #2
No basis what-so-ever. We didn’t get involved with these things; our whole family in general isn’t involved with any of this, we don’t have dealings with anyone politically- never ever. Our main thing is to just make a living for ourselves.

Reporter, FEMALE, 2
While in Naher al-Bared, did Muhammad have any connections-maybe even social relations with men who were present during the battle with the army in Naher al-Bared?

Guest, MALE, #2
During the period in Naher al-Bared? Muhammad was part of Abnaa al-Sumood; the Debkah dance and music troop. He danced debkah. He attended Sibliyeh school for 2 years, and just finished recently.

Reporter, FEMALE, 2
Do you think he had some kind of reaction after Naher al-Bared, or inclinations that might have affected his direction or relationships?

Guest, MALE, #2
Muhammad is a normal person, very quiet, there’s nothing true about what they’re claiming. Nothing about him has changed.

Reporter, FEMALE, 2
Pardon my question, but what are your political views at home?

Guest, MALE, #2
Nothing, from a long time ago untill today, we have no political allegiance or to anyone. Our religious views are also normal.

Reporter, FEMALE, 2
Worry is seen on the faces of Baddawi residents. Their fear about the future is not erased by the assurance of Palestinian leaders or their procedures to neutralize the camp from Lebanese struggles. Everyone is affirming that they will help the military in all its attempts to find the culprits. But the fear of a political investment is still on people’s minds.

Guest, MALE, #4
We’ve expressed complete readiness to cooperate with the Lebanese security forces to pursue any suspected individuals in the camp or near-by, by coordinating with the specialized security forces. Right now, the security forces and leaders from resistance blocs are carrying out sweeps of all renters and residents in al-Baddawi. If there is someone who is trying to put us in the position of suspects, then he is subjecting himself to facing the Palestinian presence in Lebanon.

Reporter, FEMALE, #2
Arrests, accusations, and interrogations, remind the Northern residents of similar events. The fear is that things will end as their predecessors, with detainees in prisons without any conclusion or trial. The escape might turn Abdel-Ghani Jawhar into a Rajeh Jadeed. Even if the arrests comfort many people, they have raised fears amongst the Palestinians in Al-Baddawi. They fear that these procedures will be used as the pretext to turn al-Baddawi camp into another Naher al-Bared. From al-Baddawi camp, this is Oghareet Dandash, New TV.

Presenter, Female #1
The relations between Syria and Lebanon are heading in the right direction. This news comes after the Syrian President, Bashar Al-Assad, issued a presidential decree calling for the establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of embassies in Damascus and Beirut. The Syrian decision comes to clarify Damascus position devoted to ending the period of alienation between Damascus and Beirut and changing the nature of the relationship between the two countries. The Syrian decision was announced on the eve of arrival of the Lebanese Foreign Minister, Fawzi Saloukh to Damascus where he is expected to issue a joint statement with his Syrian counterpart; in the statement, the two leaders will announce a date for the diplomatic swap between their countries.

Reporter, Female #2
Political positions in Lebanon came in succession, following a presidential decree tha was issued by the Syrian president, Bashar Al-Assad, who called for the establishment of diplomatic ties between his country and Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Head of the Lebanese Democratic Gathering and Member of Parliament, Waleed Junblat, described Al-Assad’s move as a positive development, which comes in the context of the practical measures undertaken by the Syrian President. This comes after Al-Assad met with his French counterpart, Nicholas Sarkozi, during the latter’s visit to Damascus last September. Junblat added that they are now waiting for Syria to complete its pledges regarding the redrawing of its borders with Lebanon, in preparation for the return of the Shiba’a Farms to Lebanon. Furthermore, Lebanese Member of Parliament, Faris Sa’aid, said the Syrian decree is a victory to the ruling party in Lebanon; he added that the Syrian decision will cause a major political shift in the history of relationship between Lebanon and Syria. Meanwhile, all opposition blocs in Lebanon welcomed this Syrian move, and called for the halting of what they described as bad propaganda against Syria; such bad rhetoric was refuted today in light of Al-Assad’s decree.

Guest, Male #1
The decision by the Syrian President to restore his country’s diplomatic relations with Lebanon can be looked at from two different angles. From one point of view, this decision is a victory for Syria and a comeback by Syria through the gate of diplomatic relationship to Lebanon. On the other hand, some believe the Syrian decision came in light of mounting pressure by Lebanon on Damascus, such as the case of the Cedar Uprising. In addition, the decree came as a result of mounting foreign pressure, including that of the US, on Syria to recognize Lebanese souvergnity and end its showdown with Beirut. There’s a new opportunity to establish a distinguished and well-balanced relationship between Syrian and Lebanon, but both regimes seize it.

Reporter, Female #2
The Syrian decree for the establishment of diplomatic ties between Syria and Lebanon comes 24 hours ahead of the visit scheduled by the Lebanese Foreign Minister, Fawzi Saloukh, on top of an official delegation, to Damascus. Salouk is expected to hold talks with his Syrian counterpart, Waleed Al-Mualem; the two leaders will discuss the diplomatic swap between their countries and the mechanism of carrying it out. Salouhk said a joint statement will be issued by both countries’ foreign ministries, and will be announced simultaneously in Beirut and Damascus. Then, the two countries will appoint their ambassadors and choose the headquarters of their embassies. Through this diplomatic swap, one can say that the brotherly relationship between Syria and Lebanon has reached its peak. The joint statement will specify the date in which this diplomatic swap will go into effect. During last August Summit that was held in Damascus between the Syrian President, Bashar Al-Assad and his Lebanese counterpart, Michel Suleiman, both leaders agreed to establish diplomatic ties with one another. The Syrian decree also comes hours after the US President, George W, Bush, warned Syria saying that Damascus must respect Lebanese souvergnity; Bush also called for the establishment of tight diplomatic relations between Damascus and Beirut. Meanwhile, some Lebanese politicians expressed fear over the opening of embassies between Damascus and Beirut because it may provide a political cover for Syria, which may try to reclaim control over certain affairs through its embassy in Beirut.
For Madar Program, Ula Al-Malah, Abu Dhabi Channel, Beirut.

Presenter, Woman # 1
After months of negotiations, an announcement was made today that an agreement was reached with the US, calling for the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq by 2011, unless they are asked to stay. The draft agreement which was presented to Iraqi officials for approval gives Iraq the right to try American soldiers for crimes they commit while they are not on duty. Ali Aldabagh, a spokesman for the Iraqi government said that Baghdad will try to get the UN to extend the presence of the American forces in Iraq if a final agreement is not reached by the end of 2008.
Meanwhile, the Bill Rammell, the Foreign Office minister in Baghdad and the governor of Basra, Mohammed al-Waeli held negotiations pertaining to the future of the British forces in Iraq. Yesterday, the British Foreign Office minister who is in a visit to Iraq praised the role of the British forces in establishing stability in Basra. The Basra province, Muhammad Musbeh al- Waeli is joining us from Basra. We welcome you Mr al-Waeli. The British Foreign Office minister praised his country’s role in Iraq, but he also said there is no big role that his country can play now. Therefore, it seems that the British forces may withdraw very soon. What do you think?

Guest, Man # 1
In the name of God the most merciful and companionate. Many officials have came to Basra these days, including the British Foreign Office minister Bill Rammell. He was accompanied by the envoy the UK Mr. Christopher. We held an extended meeting to discuss many issues, most importantly the economic, security and political aspects. A few days a go, the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that the British forces will be excluded to Basra, only a few forces will stay anf they will primarily be in charge of training Iraqi forces and for coordination.
I think that decreasing the British forces is to a great extent an indication that the duties of the British forces have been transformed from combated to coordination on economic issues.
I think that by the beginning of next year. The Basra will witness a greet deal of security and economic progress because many countries want to have relations with this city.

Presenter, Woman # 1
Did you ask for something specific from the British forces or government?

Guest, Man # 1
We discussed this issue. Mr. Rammell also held a meeting with the Iraqi federal government.
He talked about the coordination between the British forces with local government in the economic sector as well as training and supporting Iraqi forces. The duties of the British forces with be transformed from combat into supporting the Iraqi forces. That is it, nothing more.

Presenter, Woman # 1
Thank you, Mr. Muhammad al-Waeli, Al Basra governor who joined us from there.

Presenter, Woman # 1
The occupation soldiers continue their massacres against the Palestinian people under several pretexts. A 17 year old Palestinian was martyred yesterday night when he was shot by the Israeli soldiers near Al Jalzun refugee camp in the West Bank. Palestinian security forces said that the young man was visiting a friend of his who lives near Eil settlement. The Israeli soldiers however said that the intended target of their attack were a group of yon men who allegedly were trying to through a Molotov cocktail towards the settlements. Meanwhile, a Jewish synagogue has been built only a few meters away from the holly Aqsa Mosque. This Synagogue has transformed the lives of Jerusalemites into Hell. This was the case with the child Hamuda, who now has to jump over walls to get to his home which now is surrounded with cement walls designed to Jewdifay the city. Muhammad Al Said reports from Jerusalem.

Reporter, Man # 1
The Muslims of occupied Jerusalem ended their prayers in Al Aqsa Mosque amidst fears that one day they will be prevented from parrying in this mosque which is the third holly mosque for Muslims. It seems that The Israeli authorities have adopted Jewdefication as an official policy.

Guest, Man # 1
They want to Jewdifay Jerusalem. They want it to be Jewish. They do not want to see any Arab person in Jerusalem.

Presenter, FEMALE #1:
Palestinians living in cemeteries. Their dreams are nightmares. Their memories are ghosts. This special report from Gaza by our colleague, Nehal Saeed.

Reporter, FEMALE #2:
This is where the martyrs and their ancestors can walk in peace. They do not carry with them the burdens of the living, so they do not hate. However, the dead of Gaza are not like those who were killed in other places. The children of Gaza play on their martyrs tombs. People, who were forced to flee their land by the occupation, live among their graves. On this land, the people see only sadness in the faces of those who visit it. They do not carry with them gifts, but the memories of those who left this world.

Guest, FEMALE #3:
I live in between the graves. I eat and sleep among the graves. We and the graves are one.
God is Greatest. God is Greatest. What can we do? The Jews pushed us out of our land. We were living there safe and we had everything. But now we live in the cemetery.

Reporter, FEMALE #2:
The words of Hajja Umm Yasser emerge from her heart. She was forced to flee her land, which Israel occupied in 1948. She took refuge here to live among the dead. She and her family do not only live in between the graves, but a room of her home is actually built on top of tomb as well.

Guest, FEMALE #4:
Even after 1 million years, we must return. In the end we must return, God willing.

Guest, MALE #1:
Israel took all the land in Majdal. We ask God to stand with us so we can return to our land.
Because Gaza is not our homeland, our homeland is Majdal, which is Eskelon, where the Jews are right now.

Reporter, FEMALE #2:
Even the men, who came here, they are determined to fight. Their feelings have been transformed into a feeling of helplessness and now they feel oppressed.

Guest, MALE #2:
For 45 years I have suffered living in the cemetery among snakes and pythons. I swear, I can take out a snake from within the grave and I will bring it to you and hold it in my hand, normally. It is normal to risk my life. I swear to God, it’s normal. Our homes are with them and we live above them. They sleep under my head. It’s scary. Sure God created apes, but I should not be forced to live with them.

Reporter, FEMALE #2:
The siege is eating away at Gaza every day and the people stand powerless. They can not find shelter or a breadcrumb to feed their children. Their dreams are nightmares. Their memories are ghosts. Their stories are frightening. Their hopes run in between the tombstones. These hopes are revived for the sake of the children, including Haitham, a six year old boy.

Guest, MALE #3:
I was born here. I want to be like other children and play. But I play among the graves of the dead. At first we were scared by this place. When they came to bury someone, we used to be scared. But now we have gotten used to it. But we want to go back to our homeland.

Reporter, FEMALE #2:
This scene from the perspective of the children. They do not see anything except death. After all these years, the Palestinian refugee families are strangers in their own land. The living among the dead. The dead among the living. But, for how much longer? No one knows. It is as if the late poet Mahmoud Darwish had witnessed this scene, when he said, “On this land we do not to deserve live.” From one of the cemeteries in the Gaza Strip. Nehal Saeed. New TV.

Presenter, Female #1
In cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund and along with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Awqaf, the Algerian Ministry of Health and Population held today an educational forum on the health benefits of breastfeeding. The meeting took place in the area of Dar Al-Imam in the Algerian province of Mahmudiya. The forum, which was attended by Imams and social workers, discussed the health benefits of breastfeeding for the children and their mothers.
The meeting comes ahead of the 2008 World Breastfeeding Week scheduled for the week of November 5 to 12. Parallel to that, health experts announced that 87% of world’s breastfed infants are enjoying a healthy life; which is made possible by the vitamins and health benefits provided by breastfeeding. Breastfeeding also helps protect the infants against many diseases.
Siham Mousa Zouk reports.

Reporter, Female #2
Breastfeeding is the most effective way to safeguard the likelihood of a child’ health. According to recent studies, exclusive breastfeeding of infants during the first 6 months of life will help save the lives of more than 1 million children in the world. In addition, breast milk has agents that help protect infants from many diseases; babies who are not exclusively breastfed for 6 months are more likely to develop a wide range of infectious diseases; also, breast milk helps lower infant’s mortality rate by 87%. According to World Health Organization, only 40% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. The international watchdog called for the support of families and mothers through awareness programs that promote the health benefits of breastfeeding, especially in the world’s poorest araes.

Guest, Female #3
In the past, 75% of mothers around the world used to breastfeed their children; now, the figure stands at 64%. Nearly 400,000 women around the world are not able to nurse their children for unknown reasons.

Reporter, Female #2
Breastfeeding doesn’t only protect the child’s health but also protects his mother’s as well.

Guest, Female #3
Breastfeeding helps lower the risks of breast and ovarian cancers. It also helps get the uterus back to its original size before pregnancy.

Reporter, Female #2
Breastfeeding brings health benefits to both the children and their mothers. These women are seeking to renew commitment to the traditional way of nourishing their children through breastfeeding; by the same token, they are advocating against the use of a baby formula, which may seem an ideal way to save time and efforts; however, its exclusive use is posing a threat to the natural and healthy way of nourishing a child.