[Transcript]  Mosaic News - 11/14/08: World News From The Middle East

Presenter, Male #1
Interreligious dialogue and cultural exchange are great necessities in our current world so as to avoid disagreement, clashes and miscommunication. International politics have switched focus from political and ideological conflicts between the great world powers to what is called ‘the clash of civilizations and religions,’ which could cause dangerous divisions between cultures. The Interfaith Conference on Dialogue of Civilizations in New York aimed at exchanging information, raising awareness about the common denominators that bring religions closer, and correcting all misconceptions and false views towards establishing peace, stability and security in the entire world.

Reporter, Female #1
Participants in the New York interfaith summit called for peaceful coexistence between religions and nations. During the summit, participants from eighty countries worked to draft a common declaration of peaceful religious coexistence. They discussed a variety of issues concerning the importance of instilling the concept of tolerance, raising awareness of the common denominators which bring all religions closer, and correcting misconceptions and false views towards establishing peace, security, and stability in the world.

Ban Ki Moon
Living together in peace is facing tragic difficulties. We have to work harder to revive our common principles.

Reporter, Female #1
The summit was held per an initiative by the custodian of the two holy Mosques, Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz. His initiative began last July by holding an international conference for interfaith dialogue in Madrid.

King Abdullah
Terrorism and criminality are the enemies of God, and the enemies of every tradition and civilization. They would not have appeared except for the absence of the principle of tolerance, and the emptiness that surrounded the lives of many young people. Drugs and crime did not spread until after the collapse of family ties, which God Almighty wanted to be firm and strong.

Reporter, Female #1
All the participants agreed on utilizing peaceful dialogue to bring the followers of different religions closer. Some of them said that dialogue should focus on respecting the global principles of human rights. There were also calls for educating the coming generations, and instilling the concept of dialogue among them to make interreligious dialogue succeed. Some participants warned that the clash of religions and civilization could lead to dangerous divisions between nations. There were also calls for declaring a global declaration respecting all religions, not harming their symbols, and punishing the people who dare to harm them. But, while the participants agreed on some issues, they differed on others. One disagreement surrounded the tension resulting from the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. There was also disagreement between European and Islamic countries about the true meaning of tolerance.

Presenter, Male #1
To get another view on this topic, joining us live from Jerusalem is Father Attalah Hannah, the spokesperson for the Orthodox Church. Father, talking about hatred and oppression: is every oppressive or hateful act necessarily based on differences in religion, culture, or ethnicity?

Guest, Male #4
We are not of those people who think that the struggle is a religious struggle. We are not of those who think that the struggle is between two religions. The real problem is that there is an Arab Palestinian people, including Muslims and Christians, who are suffering from the occupation and its woes. We differentiate between Judaism and Zionism. Judaism is a monotheistic religion that we acknowledge, it exists. We have no problem with peaceful Jews participating in the dialogue

Presenter, Woman #1
The Israeli Haaretz newspaper reported that Defense Minister Ehud Barak has approved the construction of hundreds of housing units in the Beitar Ilit and Efrat settlements near Bethlehem, the Aril settlement near Nablus, and dozens of other units near Hebron.

Presenter, Man #1
Protesting Israeli polices aimed at Judifiying Jerusalem, the residents of Sheik Jarah organized a solidarity tent in East Jerusalem around the Kurd family who were forcibly evicted.

Reporter, Woman #2
This tent was erected only meters from the Kurd family. The mother and her family were evicted from their home in Sheikh Jarah in Jerusalem. Parts of the house were taken over by settlers; a number of settlers’ families who also took over nearby Arab homes live close to there. Approximately 27 Palestinian families fear a similar fate. They feel threatened that they will be evicted from their homes.

Guest, Woman #3
We left our home and now we all have to sleep in the same room. My dear, the situation is very scary. My home is adjacent to the home of Um Kamel. The Hassidic Jews and other Jews are all around me. They do not fear God. During the night they come, yell disgusting words and leave. I can’t leave my daughters and sons here; I can only leave if two or more people are inside.

Reporter, Woman #1
Amidst warnings that Israel intends to Judify the entire neighborhood, Palestinians held Friday prayers near homes threatened with eviction.

Guest, Man #2
The Israeli occupation as an institution has sped up plans to Judify Jerusalem. What is happening now is a clear example, which shows that people are being evicted at a faster pace. This happens as settlers are being placed in these homes.

Reporter, Woman #2
The construction project includes dozens of Jewish settlements. The Israeli Haaretz newspaper reported that Defense Minister Ehud Barak has approved the construction of hundreds of housing units in the Beitar Ilit and Efrat settlements near Bethlehem, the Aril settlement near Nablus, and dozens of other units near Hebron. Construction projects include Jerusalem and the area east of the separation wall. Housing units, industrial projects, and a cemetery will be built near Jerusalem. The Palestinians believe that these plans have been accelerated before Israeli elections.

Guest, Man #3
It seems that we are being used in the competition of Israeli elections. Everyone attacks us with more settlement projects, by confiscating Palestinian cemeteries, holy places and real estate, especially in Jerusalem, not only in the West Bank. We would like to remind people that there is a plan to build 40,000 construction units and to settle one million Jews in Jerusalem alone. They want to change the demographic make up of Jerusalem by expelling 12% of its Palestinian residents.

Reporter, Woman #2
As Israeli elections near, the greater the price the Palestinians have to pay. The settlements expand, the Palestinian lands shrink, and the security situation deteriorates. Shereen Abu Aqlah, Al Jazeera, from Sheikh Jarah, Occupied Jerusalem.

Presenter, Man #1
Ousted President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallah was moved to the little village of Lemden in southern Mauritanian. The President who was deposed by the military did not go to the town voluntarily; rather, he was moved there by military convoy. Once again, he was placed under house arrest. But despite this, the President received a warm welcome as he returned to his hometown. Mahmud Muhammad reports from Lemden.

Reporter, Man #2
The return of Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallah to this calm village where was born, is the end of the story to the military regime and their allies that staged the coup. However, from the perspective of the National Front for the Defense of Democracy, it is only the beginning. The residents of the small village of Lemden, 250 kilometers southeast Nouakchott, were shocked by the early return of their son who was not supposed to return until the end of his term in office. Despite all that happened, they insist that he remains the legitimate President of the country.

Guest, Woman #1
We welcome him in the village where he was born. But we think that what is happening is very wrong.

Cheikh Abdallah
Mauritanian people are still under arrest and imprisoned.

Reporter, Man #2
The ousted President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallah met with leaders from the National Front for the Defense of Democracy who joined him in his home where he is under arrest. They announced their commitment to the results of the 2007 elections in support of him.

Cheikh Abdallah
I did not think that I would be President forever. There is no change to the situation I’m in, I do not have my freedom and authority.

Guest, Male #4
We demand his release and reinstatement to official duties.

Reporter, Male #2
The President goes out for group prayer, like he did before he became President. Joyful ululations fill up the village sky. This excited uproar will characterize Lemden for a time that can only be determined by the big players

Presenter, Male #1
The Sudanese government criticized the Justice and Equality Movement’s rejection of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir’s decision of unconditional ceasefire in the region.

Presenter, Female #1
President al-Bashir’s decision came at the conclusion of the ‘People of Sudan Initiative’ forum, which is the latest initiative in a series of Arab and African efforts to solve the conflict in the region, and prevent the problem from becoming internationalized.

Reporter, Male #2
The security conditions and tension paint a different picture about the area of Darfur in Western Sudan. The current reality completely contradicts the previous condition. Based on its history, Darfur was never an arsenal of weapons as it is today. The language of the weapon was not the mode of dialogue between tribal and ethnic constituents. Today, however, it is witnessing an armament race of heavy and light weapons, which sets the ground on fire beneath the feet of five million people. It robbed them of their physical health and the laughter of children. The primary reason for the crisis in the region was the proliferation of weapons, which were smuggled in in the 1970’s and 80’s, during the wars in Chad, the turmoil in central Africa and the fighting in Southern Sudan. Weapons were brought in by smugglers and drug trafficking gangs active in the region.

Guest, Male #3
The first factor was the armed uprising; it complicated the situation and took on a tribal flavor. Then tribal battles began as a complementing factor. This was followed by the spread of weapons; deterioration of education, development, and services; the rise in unemployment; and the open borders between Darfur and many countries.

Reporter, Male #2
Nature did not remain neutral either

Presenter, Man #1
Deputy Vice President Barham Saleh welcomed news that the US has accepted most of the amendments introduced to the security agreement by Baghdad. Saleh said that the American response is positive and that the negotiations are still ongoing. Meanwhile Parliament Member Mahmud Othman who represents the Kurdish Alliance Party spoke about the most important amendments accepted by the Americans. Othman said the name of the security agreement will be changed to the “Agreement of the withdrawal of American from Iraq.” The American side also agreed to specify the exact times for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq beginning in 2011.

Reporter, Man #1
Differences remain between Baghdad and Washington pertaining to the security agreement, although Iraqi officials stressed that negotiations have reached their end and that the Iraqi government must decide whether to accept or reject the agreement. Knowledgeable sources confirmed that Baghdad is ready to enter new negotiations with U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama if he decides not honor the security agreement or if the ongoing negotiations fail. Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh said that the American response to the Iraqi amendments is positive. He also said that the Americans refused an Iraqi demand to lift immunity from U.S. soldiers in Iraq. The US also refused to allow the Iraqi government to inspect U.S. military mail. Iraqi officials told the US that negotiations on the security agreement are over and that the Iraqi government will make a decision. Spokesman of the Iraqi Accordance Front Salem Al Juburi, said that the Prime Minister wants to sign the security agreement with the US. He added that the government must be more transparent by making all amendments, including the ones that were agreed on by both sides, public. He stressed the importance of sharing the final draft of the security agreement with the public and political parties so they can contribute with their views. Parliament Member Mahmud Othman from the Kurdish Alliance Party revealed the most important amendments that have been accepted by the US. He said that the security agreement will be called the “Agreement of the Withdrawal of American Forces from Iraq.” The US also agreed to specify exact dates for the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq in the beginning of 2011. The US also agreed to unify the English documents and explain some of the articles. President of the Iraqi Alliance Party, Ali Al Adeab, said that negotiations are still ongoing with Washington and that they are waiting for the American response. He said that President-Elect Obama was informed about the details of the negotiations. A source closely associated with the Iraqi government said that The American side agreed to change the name of the security agreement to the “Agreement of the Withdrawal of the American Forces from Iraq.” The US also agreed to change the language so that it is acceptable to the Iraqi government. The US, however refused to lift immunity from U.S. soldiers in Iraq. He said that the US agreed to let the Iraqi government supervise the mail, but would not give it authority to search all mail. They also agreed to change the language of the agreement from English to Arabic. Iraqi government observations consisting of 100 words were agreed upon by the American administration. He said that the negotiations between the Iraqis and the Americans are still ongoing and have not been concluded.

There is nothing more exciting to watch on Iranian state-run television than another spectacular missile launch followed by a fiery speech by Ahmadinejad. Yet, the scenario is predictable. On Wednesday, the Iranian armed forces successfully test fired a new generation of surface-to-surface missiles.

'The launch of the Sejil missile signifies Iran's determination to promote its conventional defense capability,' announced Iran's Defense Ministry spokesman.

Addressing a large crowd in the northern city of Sari in Mazandaran Province, President Ahmadinejad cautioned Iran's enemies to avoid using the language of force against the Islamic Republic. He also warned possible invaders of a crushing response should they commit an act of aggression against Iran.

'The Iranian nation defends its honor and whichever power that wants to stand against the movement of the Iranian nation, the Iranian nation will crush it under its foot and slap it on the mouth,' Ahmadinejad said.

His tone has quickly changed from the tone in the congratulatory letter he'd sent to President-elect Barack Obama just a week earlier.

What happened? Is this because Barack Obama has not responded yet?

The truth of the matter is: it is neither. Ahmadinejad has been standing on shaky ground for some time. He is being attacked openly in the Iranian media, something that could not have happened without the knowledge and approval of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Just recently, the Majlis (Iranian Parliament) fired Interior Minister Ali Kordan, a friend and supporter of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for faking an honorary doctorate degree he had supposedly received from Oxford University. This, along with other allies being forced out from key government positions, has been weakening Ahmadinejad's chances for re-election next June. But this is not all; Iran's financial crisis and falling oil prices are becoming subjects of discontent amongst many in the Iranian elite. I recently watched a financial expert on Iranian Al Alam TV criticizing the Iranian president for his inability to deal with the country's financial crisis.

Now, much has also been said about the congratulatory letter Ahmadinejad sent to Obama.

Many analysts have warned that Obama 'risked a trap with Ahmadinejad's letter,' and recommended that it be ignored. Others suggested that the President-elect reply to it, but that he ought to take his time, in order to prevent Ahmadinejad from taking credit for beginning a dialogue with the United States without conditions, thereby rehabilitating his political standing. The problem with these two arguments is that Barack Obama, once sworn in as president next January, will find himself in no position to ignore Ahmadinejad or wait until the summer for a regime change in Iran.

Throughout his campaign, President-elect Barack Obama has promised to withdraw combat troops from Iraq within 16 months and to bolster forces battling Taliban and al Qaeda militants in Afghanistan. Iran has the key for achieving these objectives.

The Islamic Republic maintains close ties with one of Iraq's Prime Minister, Nouri el-Maliki's coalition partners, the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, or ISCI, which was formed in Iran by Iraqi Shiite exiles. Without the support of ISCI, Maliki cannot maintain power. Iran has also been arming several Shiite factions in Iraq including Muqtada al Sadr's Mahdi Army. Barack Obama will need the cooperation of the Iranians not to turn life in Iraq into hell once he decides to reduce U.S. combat troops there.

Also on the Afghanistan front, Barack Obama might need to cozy up to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. According to a senior U.S. military official who was quoted in the Washington Post on condition of anonymity, 'The Bush administration has kept Tehran at arm's length, but as we look to the future, it would be helpful to have an interlocutor to explore shared objectives.'

What are these shared objectives?

There is no love lost between the Iranians and the Taliban. In 1998, a war between the Islamic Republic and the Taliban regime almost erupted after Taliban forces killed nine Iranian diplomats in the central Afghan city of Mazar el Sharif. Just this week an Iranian diplomat was abducted in Pakistan after his driver was shot dead. All leads point towards Taliban insurgents. Once a deal is struck between the United States and Iran on Iraq and Afghanistan, discussions over Iran's nuclear file will follow.

Obama has stated that he was prepared to hold tough presidential negotiations without preconditions with Iran; it seems that he may just have to do so earlier than he might have expected.