[Transcript]  Mosaic News - 12/01/08: World News From The Middle East

Presenter, Man #1
Indian Interior Minister Shirvaj Patil has tendered his resignation, saying that he considers himself morally responsible for the Mumbai attacks. This comes as the Indian government reiterated that it has evidence linking Pakistan to these attacks. Most of the ten attackers were from Pakistan. They are suspected members of the Kashmir based organization, Laskar-e-Taiba. Meanwhile, Islamabad announced that it will deploy troops along its borders with India if the situation deteriorates due to the Mumbai Attacks. Pakistani officials said the next two days will be critical to the relationship between the two nuclear neighbors.

Reporter, Man #2
There are signs that the relationship between India and Pakistan is on the verge of a big crisis, following Indian accusations that Pakistan might be involved or might be indirectly related to the bloody events in Mumbai. The accusations compelled the Pakistani government to reiterate its position by rejecting these accusations and offering to help India find the perpetrators.

Guest, Man #3 (Pakistani Official)
So far, no evidence was presented by India to Pakistan. Pakistan is not on the defensive; all government institutions are united in their view that Pakistan is not involved in these criminal acts. Therefore, we do not have to defend ourselves and we will not do that.

Reporter, Man #2
However, continued Indian accusations against Pakistan raise the possibility that the relationship between the two countries may become tense once again. The Pakistani people were provoked by these accusations; although they refuse the option of war for solving problems, they express confidence that their country can withstand any risks that may arise in the future.

Guest, Man #4
The Mumbai events are not fair. I do not think that our country is involved. There are several separatist Indian movements that have problems with the Indian government. Perhaps they are the ones who are responsible for these events. War is not a solution for problem. We want to live in peace with India. However, India now gives an impression that is similar to that which the US had given before it invaded Iraq. Pakistan is not Iraq; India will not be able to defeat Pakistan.

Reporter, Man #2
With this kind of confidence, Pakistan said that it will deploy its troops along the Italian border if needed, as a way to pressure New Delhi allies, especially the US. Future deployment of Pakistani troops may affect Pakistan’s participation in the so-called the “war on terror.” This comes as Pakistani intellectuals attributed India’s accusations against Pakistan to the historical animosity between the two countries.

Guest, Man #5
India is a traditional enemy of Pakistan and it does not miss an opportunity to attack Pakistan. It tries to weaken Pakistan and its stability. Similar things have happened the past, and India made similar accusations against Pakistan.

Reporter, Man #2
This psychological warfare between India and Pakistan is affecting the economy and security of Southeast Asia. Many people in the region are concerned that this warfare may get out of control, causing a catastrophe between the two countries. The repeated Indian accusations against Pakistan, linking it to the acts of violence in Mumbai, have compelled Islamabad to declare a maximum state of alert. This comes as Pakistanis reported that Indian troops started to deploy along the Pakistani border. Pakistan said that it withdraw its troops from the Pakistani tribal areas and stop its cooperation with Washington in the so-called “war on terror.” Islamabad is sending this message so that Washington will pressure New Delhi to stop pressuring Pakistan. For Al Madar program, Jamal Ismae’el, Abu Dhabi Channel, Islamabad.

[Summary]

The bodies of the six Israelis murdered in Mumbai are expected to arrive in Israel at around 11:00 PM. The two-year old son of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg will also be in the jet with Sandra Samuel, the Indian nanny who saved the child’s life, and his grandparents. The couple’s funeral is scheduled for 10:30 AM tomorrow in Kfar Chabad.

Presenter, Man # 1
Israeli naval vessels intercepted a Libyan ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and forced it to go back to the Egyptian port of el-Arish. Israel claims that the ship may have been carrying weapons and Iranian military experts.

Presenter, Woman # 1
The crew of the Libyan ship said that they are studying other options so that the ship, which is carrying 3,000 tons of medicine and aid supplies, can reach Gaza. Meanwhile, our al-Jazeera reporter in Tripoli quoted a Libyan official saying that the ship will only unload the supplies in Gaza’s port.

Reporter, Man # 2
Six days after leaving the Libyan port of Zawara, Israeli naval vessels intercepted the Libyan ship ‘Al Marwa.’ It is the first Arab ship that has tried to break the Israeli-imposed siege on Gaza. Israeli naval vessels intercepted the Libyan ship and turned it away from the port of Gaza to Egyptian regional water across from the city of el-Arish. The crew of the ship said that that it was intercepted because Israel wanted to foil its humanitarian mission.

Guest, Man # 3
This morning we were surprised because contacts with the ship were cut for one hour and a half. We later learned that communications were cut by Israeli “electronic piracy.” Israeli naval vessels also prevented the ship from reaching Palestinian regional waters. The ship was forced to return to El Arish port in Egypt.

Reporter, Man # 2
Palestinian preparations in Gaza were ongoing to receive this ship, which was carrying more than 2,000 tons of food, medicine and medical equipments. The ousted government in Gaza said that the Israeli actions were crimes against the 1.5 million Palestinians who live under siege in Gaza.

Guest, Man # 4
This is a new crime to be added to the long record of the Zionist enemy. Our Palestinian people have been put under siege and killed as a way to achieve a Zionist plan to uproot our people from Gaza.

Reporter, Man # 2
The Israeli side claimed that its naval vessels intercepted the ship because it did not have permission to enter what it called Israel’s regional water. Israeli actions in the middle of the sea coincided with additional actions aimed at strengthening the siege imposed against the Palestinians in Gaza. Due to power outages and the lack of fuel, Gaza’s power plant was forced to shut down for the fourth time in one month. This increases the tragedy of the Palestinians, who have been suffering due to the siege. The decision of Israel to prevent the first Arab ship to reach the coast of Gaza is viewed by the Palestinians as an attempt to strengthen the Israeli imposed siege in Gaza. This is happening while an international community fails to stop the humanitarian catastrophes that have been inflicted upon the Palestinians. Samir Abbu Shamalah, Al Jazeera, Gaza, Palestine.

Presenter, Woman # 1
Iran announced that it has uncovered an Israeli spy cell with direct relations to the Israeli intelligence agency, the Mossad. Iranian Attorney General, Saeed Mortazavi said the cell was targeting sensitive centers in the country. This comes days after Iran had executed an Iranian spy who was working for the Mossad.

Guest, Man # 1
An intelligence report indicated that an individual was working for the Israeli Mossad, so he was arrested. Then, the rest of the cell which has direct relations with the Israeli intelligence was arrested.

Reporter, Man # 1
With this, it seems that Tehran has entered information warfare with Israel. This war is fought electronically and so far, it seems that Iran has the upper hand. The new cell that was uncovered included three individuals who were trained inside the Israeli entity, in Tel Aviv, Herzlia, and Cresilia. Members of the cell received more than 17 training sessions in four other countries, and they were recruited by the Israeli Embassy in one of Iran’s neighbors.

Guest, Man # 3
The objective of this cell was to collect intelligence information about the military division of the revolutionary guards, nuclear facilities, and other information about security officials in the country. The intelligence unit of the Revolutionary Guards managed to uncover the cell and acquired important information.

Reporter, Man # 1
The cell was uncovered shortly after Iranian spy Ali Ashdari was executed. Spy cells may have different members, but they all have the same objective in a country that Tell Aviv and its allies consider a source of irritation. Different cells have different missions based on the institutions that the Mossad is trying to penetrate. The spying may have been triggered by Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program is considered a threat to Israel’s prestige and as something that may change the balance of power in the region. Many countries in the region have been emulating Iran’s attempts to exercise the right that has been excluded from those that call themselves leading countries. The unanticipated change in the region made Iran’s nuclear facilities possible targets for Israeli attacks. Information warfare has been triggered, but so far such, attacks are unlikely to materialize. The occupation entity still lacks information about Iran’s defense system, which makes them afraid of possible Iranian reactions. Iran’s reaction is enhanced by the 2,500 kilometers range missile system, which can reach inside the occupation entity. The escalation of tension and the inability of Israel to acquire information about the Islamic Republic of Iran explain the information warfare. The one that ultimately will win the struggle is the one that can prove its force on the ground. Nor Deen Ter, Al Aalam, Tehran.

Presenter, Male #1
The district of Habania in Anbar Province is witnessing major reconstruction efforts aimed at rehabilitating the area’s infrastructure. This news comes after the security situation in the province has been stabilized.

Reporter, Male #2
In a small neighborhood in Iraq’s Anbar Province, the rehabilitation of a local mosque and a church has been completed. This move aims to promote national unity and coexistence among the various sects of the Iraqi people.

Guest, Male #3
This mosque is about 60 years old. It underwent rehabilitation in 2008.

Guest, Male #4
The residents of Habania are united, thank God. They all come together when something bad happens in the province. This is the truth. We are standing here in the house of worship, and God is my witness. The residents have a strong relationship with one another.

Reporter, Male #2
“There’s no difference between a Sunni and Shiite, or a Muslim and a Christian.” This is not a political slogan but rather, a real sentiment shared by those we met in the holy sites of Habania.

Guest, Male #5
There are currently three churches in Anbar Province. In addition, we have a fourth house of worship similar to a cathedral, where a pastor leads prayers.

Reporter, Male #2
Through misleading Fatwas and aggressive acts, the monsters of terror tried to cut the main artery of the Iraqi nation. However, they collided head-on with a state of affairs that is based on brotherhood, love, and coexistence. From the district of Habania in Anbar Province, Majid Abed-Hamid, Iraqiya.

Presenter, Female #1
Today, several Iraqi artists organized a fine art show in Baghdad. Through their paintings and drawings, the artists are trying to promote unity and peace among the various sects of the Iraqi people.

Reporter, Male #6
To the sound of a Baghdadi melody and with the participation of Iraq’s intellectuals and members of the joint U.S. and Iraqi security forces, a fine art display was opened today in the area of Dora.

Guest, Male #7
Today is a great day in the history of Dora, especially when compared to previous days. This is a happy moment for the residents of Dora. We always like to compare our situation before and after. Many Iraqi artists took part in the show. Also, many visitors came out to view the many paintings and artifacts.

Guest, Male #8
This is a great day for the districts of Dora and Rashid. It’s a bright and sunny day that will help the economic and security viability of the region. We are heading toward a bright future, God willing.

Reporter, Male #6
Through their paintings, the artists tried to highlight the spirit of love, peace, and harmony shared by the Iraqi people. The art gallery was opened at the Technical College in Dora.

Guest, Female #2
The showroom is very good, and the paintings are meaningful.

Guest, Male #9
The country is continuing to make steady progress, and this exhibit is the best example of that. The area of Dora is celebrating this progress.

Guest, Female #3
Through their paintings, the artists tried to improve Iraq’s image. This gathering is the symbol of peace, which will help Iraq prosper.

Reporter, Male #6
These activities are sending a message to the world saying: The Iraqi people are still alive and determined to burry the painful past. Mohammad Khafaji, Iraqiya, Baghdad.

[Summary]

Causalities among NATO and US troops are now at a higher level in Afghanistan than they are in Iraq. The coalition is accusing Iran of supplying the Taliban with sophisticated weapons. Afghan President Hamid Karzai still claims that Iran is a valuable ally.

Presenter, Female #1
Muslim pilgrims heading to the Sanctuary House of God continue to arrive at the sacred sites in the holy city of Mecca, where they will perform the duty of Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam. The number of pilgrims who arrived at the House of God by air, sea or land has reached 1.5 million. Meanwhile, Saudi authorities have taken all necessary measures to guarantee that all pilgrims perform the duty of hajj under the best of conditions. Saudi Minister of Health, Dr. Hamad Bin Abdallah al-Maani, confirmed that the general health condition of the pilgrims this year is promising. Meanwhile, the France based Hajj Institute, has promoted awareness and prepared French pilgrims for Hajj. The institute also issued warnings to the pilgrims against those being described as “Hajj Traders.” Hussein Fayad Quenaber reports from Paris.

Reporter, Male #1
Danny, or Hajj Yunis, as he renamed himself, doesn’t get tired of checking the pages of his passport. Yunis paid extra attention to the page carrying the stamp of his visa, allowing him to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the duty of Hajj. Yunis, a recentFrench covert to Islam, is preparing his luggage and travel documents amidst happiness shared by his Moroccan wife, Sama’a, who will join him on this journey. The couples are browsing a book on the rituals of hajj. Danny said that during hajj, he will not forget about the nation of Islam and the vulnerable, as he will include them in his prayers.

Guest, Male #2
Hajj, like other religious services, is a way to come closer to God, praise the lord. God willing, our prayers will be answered by God. We are very happy to perform the duty of Hajj this year. By the same token, we will not forget the vulnerable around the world. God willing, we will pray for the nation. Thank God.

Reporter, Male #1
Here, preparations are underway to equip those planning to perform the duty of Hajj. In this Hajj center, the pilgrims learned the steps of Hajj and warned against health issues, as well as against “Hajj traders.”

Guest, Male #3
8,000 of a total of 36,500 pilgrims who left France to Mecca, arrived last year with forged visas. In addition, two-thirds of the remaining pilgrims said they were not satisfied with the travel conditions. Our institute is trying to warn against these practices, which are similar to that of the mafia.

Reporter, Male #1
The recently founded Hajj Institute is playing an important role in the promotion of awareness among the pilgrims. The center tries to provide safety to the pilgrims and protect them against health issues, as well as introduce them to the rituals of Hajj. In addition, the center tries to warn the pilgrims against falling victim to swindling operations carried out by bogus companies, which are trying to take make Hajj a profitable business. The pilgrims are being prepared in this building, which used to be a train station. The building has been transformed into a Hajj institute, where French pilgrims receive lessons on awareness before embarking on this journey. The lessons have already ended, and the pilgrims left to the holy city of Mecca. Tens of thousands of French pilgrims have obtained travel visas this year from the Saudi Embassy in Paris. The Embassy adopted new measures to expedite the processing of required documents. Each year, nearly a quarter of a million Euros are spent in France on the Hajj. In addition, about 40,000 French pilgrims perform Hajj each year. Hussein Fayad Quenaiber, Alarbiya, Paris.

Presenter, Female #1
The union of the United Arab Emirates, for which the nation marks its anniversary tomorrow, is part of a dream shared by “God’s Forgiven,” the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Sa’id al-Maktoum. During the decades that have followed, the union has become a legendary model and a shining point in the history of the entire Arab world. The following report sheds light on the various transitional hubs on the road to building the union.

Reporter, female #2
It’s a story telling the time and place of Arab unity. It’s the story of a man who went out one day, searching for a dream after realizing that the time had come to build a union that would unite the Arab emirates under one umbrella. On February 18, 1968, “God’s Forgiven” the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan, who was then governor of the Abu Dhabi Emirate, held a meeting with the governor of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Sa’aid al-Maktoum. The two governors discussed the possibility of forming a unilateral union, which would serve as a nucleus for a larger union that would later include all the emirates of the Arab Gulf. Nine days later, their call was answered. This news came after the seven rulers of the Emirates of the Coast of Oman: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Om al-Quwain, Raas al-Khaimah, al-Fujaira, al-Sharjah, and Ajman, held a meeting with the governors of Qatar and Bahrain to discuss the idea of forming a general union. At the end of their meeting, the governors formed follow-up committees, as well as high and executive councils and a general assembly. On June 18, 1971, the governors of the seven Arab Emirates met to discuss ways to improve their cooperation, which would lead to development, security, and stability in the region. The meeting led to the birth of the UAE Union, which was announced on December 2, 1971. With the announcement of the union, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan fulfilled his most precious dream. With the help of members of the High Council, and the governors of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed began to build the new country. The UAE emerged as a nation with great wealth, winning the pride of both the Muslim and Arab worlds. The birth of the union was a turning point in major developments that have followed in the Arab Gulf region. The union has become one of the most successful Arab models in present history, making major achievements at both the internal and external levels. The union has become a Gulf slogan, calling for unity among the countries and the peoples of the region, where they all share a history of heritage and tradition that have grown from the same roots.