[Transcript]  Mosaic News - 11/13/09: World News From The Middle East

Presenter, Woman # 1
Pakistan was awakened today to the sound of two suicide explosions. More than 15 people were killed and dozens were injured in two separate attacks. One of the attacks targeted an important security headquarter in the Pakistani city of Peshawar, while the other targeted a police station in the nearby city of Bannu. The increase in the number of attacks reflects the Taliban response to the continued military operations in Waziristan, which have been intensifying. The Pakistani army as well as the rebels have endured significant human losses. Mahub Khader reports from Islam Abad.

Reporter, Man # 1
Once again, Peshawar takes center stage. The suicide attack that was carried out by a bobby trapped vehicle shock the city before sunrise. The headquarters of the military intelligence in the city was the target. The strict security measures did not stop the attack from taking place. Dozens of people were killed and injured, raising questions about these well planed attacks.

Guest, Man # 2
The government and the army gave the Taliban enough time to plan such sophisticated attacks. They come in response to the military operation in Waziristan. It would have been better to launch the “Path to Salvation” military operation in Waziristan and the “Straight Path” military operation in Swat Valley at the same time.

Reporter, Man # 1
The attack caused fear among the population in the area, especially when taking into account that it coincided with yet another suicide attack against the police station in Bannu. The security situation is deteriorating quickly raising questions about the future of the war in Waziristan.

Guest, Man # 2
The Pakistani people are still divided on the “Path to Salvation” military operation in Waziristan. I do not think that the government can achieve a big victory and I think that the war will take a long time.

Reporter, Man # 1
The losses sustained by the army were not limited to those in Peshawar, 17 soldiers were killed in the past 24 hours in Waziristan, and 22 armed men were killed as well. This came after clashes took place between the army and the Taliban. According to the army, Taliban resistance was fierce and unpredictable. Pakistan has entered a security quagmire and the question now is; how will Islamabad get out of it? The government insists on using force against the Taliban and the Taliban insist on responding in kind. Pakistani people who are in the middle between the two are in a state of confusion and worry. Meanwhile, displaced people continue to suffer quietly. Maub Kahder, Dubai Television, Islam Abad.

Presenter, Female #1
Syrian president Bashar al-Assad is meeting with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy today in Paris. It is expected that the talks will focus on ways to resume the peace process in the Middle East.

Reporter, Male #1
The many meetings between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy reflect the restoration of bilateral relations between the two countries. Each side is pursuing its strategic interest. This gives Syria an open window towards the West and affirms its regional role, while France has an opportunity to play a bigger role in the Middle East and strengthen its presence in the diplomatic efforts aimed at pushing the peace process forward. The top priority on the agenda of the two presidents’ meeting in the Elysee Palace is the possibility to resume the peace negotiations between Syria and Israel. Especially since President Sarkozy met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu two days ago, after the latter came back from Washington. Even though France failed to pressure Israel into freezing the settlement construction, which impedes Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, French diplomatic efforts aim to revive the Syrian-Israeli peace process. Netanyahu’s announcement that his country is ready to negotiate with Syria without any preconditions, paves the way for dialogue between the two countries ever since indirect negotiations stopped between them. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak confirmed Israel’s position on this matter, when he stated that the signals from Damascus that show a desire for peace should not be ignored. The French-Syrian reconciliation took various forms since Sarkozy became president. It appears that the success of the Lebanese in forming a national government of unity several days ago strengthened this reconciliation. Kamil Suyad, BBC.

Presenter, Man # 1
The lawyer of the man who killed the Hijab martyr: Marwa Al Sherbini said that his client rejects the life sentence that was issued against him. The lawyer reiterated that he will appeal the court verdict within the next few days. However, Muslims feel that that sentence is not suitable for the hate crime, which they see as a violation to their right to practice their religion and freedom of expression. Muslims in Germany said that they fear that this crime might happen again as long as the media continues to incite against Muslims.

Reporter, Man # 2
A German court sentenced the man who killed the martyr Marwa Al Sherbini to life in prison, raising many questions. Will this be the end of a tragic story which has preoccupied the public during those past months or will there be more surprises? Muslims feel that life in prison is not enough due to the nature of the hate crime, which is also a grave violation of the freedom of religion and expression.

Guest, Woman # 1
It is horrible that he committed this crime inside a court; he has not yet apologized for what he has done. He truly disappointed the attendees. They were disgusted with him because he did not express regret in court.

Reporter, Man # 2
The court decided to sentence him to life in prison because the evidence was very strong.
Some people wanted the court to issue a more lenient sentence in a desperate attempt to mislead public opinion.

Guest, Man # 2
The evidence was clear, based on the testimonies. The court was convinced that the defendant is guilty. Any sane person who hears this crime would also find the defendant guilty.

Reporter, Man # 2
The family of the martyr insists on holding the German government responsible for the crime. The family feels that the crime is the result of Western polices that are biased against Islam and Muslims.

Guest, Man # 3
I would like to send a message to the German people. My sister is a German citizen and she was killed inside a German court. Why has no one from the court been questioned; why hasn’t the police officer been questioned? If he really does not feel guilty and thinks that he was doing his duty, then why didn’t he come and testify? Why didn’t he come and testify?

Reporter, Man # 2
Muslims in Germany think that the case Al Sherbibni has not ended. They feel that there is a racist campaign in Germany against anything Islamic. They are worried that the crime against Al Sherbini can be repeated if “certain terminologies” continue to be used.

Guest, Man # 4
Yes, if the incitement continues in Germany, I think that Marwa will not be the last veiled women to be killed; she may be the first one. Only God Knows.

Reporter, Man # 2
Marwa was martyred but her martyrdom will only glorify the Hijab. Hopefully her martyrdom will wake up the worlds conscious. It is a message to the West to stop its animosity towards Islam, now that the world has become a small village.

Presenter, Female #1
At the closing of its meeting in Cairo, the Arab Peace Initiative Committee called on the Arab League to appeal to the UN Security Council to draft a resolution to establish and recognize an independent Palestinian state. It also called for establishing the Palestinian state along the borders of June 4, 1967, and having Jerusalem be its capital.The meeting rejected any interim solution or proposals for establishing a country with temporary borders.

Presenter, Male #1
The Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Moussa said after the council’s meeting that the league will request a meeting with the UN Security Council to discuss the Arab initiative for peace with Israel.

Guest, Male #1 (Moussa)
We demand the establishment of a sovereign state that is internationally recognized, and is based on the borders delineated on June 4, 1967 including East Jerusalem, within a limited period of time and with membership in the United Nations. So first, establishing a state with sovereignty; second, establishing an internationally recognized state that includes East Jerusalem. The third element is within a limited time frame. The forth, full membership in the United Nations. After that, other issues can be discussed.

Presenter, Male #1
Palestinian medical sources said that a youth 20 years of age was martyred at noon today by a gunshot from Israeli forces who were raiding northeast of El Braij Camp, in the middle of the Gaza strip. These forces also wounded two people and detained three young people, while bulldozing and sweeping the area.

Presenter, Female #1
The ousted Palestinian president Ismail Haniyeh stressed the importance of continuing to send humanitarian forces to Gaza to help break the siege.

Presenter, Male #1
This came during his meeting with a delegation from “Miles of Smiles”, which began their visit to Gaza.

Presenter, Female #1
Our correspondent in Gaza Samir Abu Shamali has the report.

Reporter, Male #1
On the first and last day of their visit to Gaza, the delegation of “Miles of Smiles” began their humanitarian actions by an inspective tour of the areas that were destroyed by the latest war on Gaza. Right in front of them, they saw the owners of these destroyed houses still treating their injuries 10 months after the war ended, and reliving their memories of it in every corner of their homes. Another stop on their tour was the destroyed headquarters of the Legislation Council, where they were greeted by the first vice president of the council Ahmed Bahar, who valued the efforts of this delegation since it came to support the Palestinian cause and the people in Gaza under siege. With these cheers, the delegation marched in unity after it concluded its visit to the destroyed Palestinian parliament. They walked on foot, heading to the headquarters of the medical relief building complex to closely survey the medical situation of the victims and disabled from the war, and to offer their help. Side by side, the visiting delegation and the war victims reiterated their determination to advance in providing humanitarian support, and their insistence on confronting the obstacles with willpower and determination, despite the actions of the Israeli occupation.

Guest, Male #2
We will continue to provide this help to the people of Palestine because it is our duty, and the duty of humanity.

Guest, Female #1
The Israeli occupation is an obstacle. In spite of it, I won’t sit at home doing nothing. On the contrary, it will strengthen our will and patience.

Reporter, Male #1
At the end of their day, the delegation’s last stop was to meet with the ousted Palestinian president Ismail Haniyeh in his headquarters in Gaza. Haniyeh welcomed the delegation, encouraging them to continue the pressure in order to break the siege.

Guest, Male #3
We say, despite the hardships and pains, despite the difficulties of the path, and despite the provocations, that these delegations must continue. We must break this siege on Gaza.

Reporter, Male #1
Even though the delegation’s solidarity visit to Gaza was short, it affirmed that its goal has been achieved through the smiles on the faces of the war victims. And by attracting attention to the plight of the residents of Gaza, while the international community has failed to make Israel lift its siege and halt its military operations that violate the rights of Gaza’s citizens. Samir Abu Shamali, Aljazeera, Gaza, Palestine.

Presenter, Female #1
A promising event comes with the victory of the Algerian National Soccer Team, and in its preparation for the World Cup and the Cup of African Nations qualifying match against Egypt next Saturday. Trainer Rabah Saadane went to, Cairo, Egypt, fully prepared after the team’s trip to the training centre of Coverciano in Florence, Italy concluded yesterday.

Guest, Male # 1
In general, the atmosphere is good and we have received a warm welcome. We were at the hotel where the Algerian National Soccer Team is staying and saw that things are good, and we’re going now to meet with the players. God willing, things will go well, and we wish the Algerian National Team luck and success. And hopefully next time we meet with the media, it will be a joyful occasion. Thank you!

Guest, Male # 2
We arrived to Egypt, a friendly and dear country. We have a good relationship on all levels, and this is, of course, is our first moment of joy. We are with the Algerian National Team in its final round against Egypt for the World Cup qualification. But it remains a soccer game after all. So may the best team win, and represent all the Arabs positively.

Presenter, Female #1
The national team was attacked by some young people while riding their bus from Cairo International Airport to the hotel and some players were injured. Immediately after the incident took place, Algeria's Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci strongly condemned the serious attack that the National Team sustained after it arrived to Cairo’s airport. In a statement released by the Algerian News Agency, Medeci clarified that following the warm welcome, the bus that was transporting the soccer team came under attack, which resulted in the injury of some. He hopes that none of the players are seriously injured. He added that he has demanded that his Egyptian counterpart, Ahmed Abul Gheith, take all necessary measures to guarantee the security of the players in Cairo and stated that he will be closely following the matter.

Presenter, Male
The bus carrying the Algerian national soccer team was stoned by Egyptian fans. The situation was normal when the Algerian team arrived, but later as the bus was on its way to the hotel, it was stoned. Three players were injured: they are Lamushiya, Al Sayfi, and Halish as well as the trainer.

Presenter, Man # 1
The Egyptian Union for soccer announced the date in which citizens can buy tickets for the anticipated match between Egypt and Algeria. However, Egyptians who patiently waited for the arrival of this day and stood in lines to buy tickets were told that none were available. As usual these tickets can only be found in the black market for 10 times more than the actual price. Hamad Lethi reports from Cairo.

Reporter, Man # 2
This scene is not surprising, it happens every time a major match takes place in Egypt. The Egyptian Union for soccer announced that citizens can buy tickets for the anticipated match between Egypt and Algeria at specific locations. People showed up at these locations on time hoping to get a ticket for the match, but they were no tickets at all. Nobody seems to know what happened to them. You can only find these tickets on the black market and you have to pay 10 times more than the actual price. This is not an exaggeration. People knew that this was going to happen. However, this means that ordinary Egyptians will not be able to go the match; only the wealthy and those who can afford the ticket can attend.

Guest, Man # 3
How do you want us to encourage the Egyptian national team? Egypt does not like us. I swear to God, I paid 300 pound to get these two tickets. The actual price of the ticket is 15 pound, but it is being sold for 150. Why?

Guest, Man # 4
The tickets are sold on the black market before we even have a chance to buy them. Secondly, I want to ask if the security forces are going to fight the Egyptian people who came here to support the Egyptian national team.

Guest, Man # 5
This is taking place in our country. I can afford to pay 150 pounds, but what about the poor people who want to support their national team and enjoy the match. Some people came from the Sa’ed and other remote regions. This is a joke. Where are the tickets? We want tickets!

Reporter, Man # 2
We went to the headquarters of the Egyptian Union for soccer, hoping to talk with an official to figure out why ordinary Egyptians are being deprived from attending the match. However, no officials were there. Only God knows why.

Guest, Man # 6
The Egyptian people have no choice but to pay 150 pounds for the ticket which makes us very angry. They are forcing people like us to pay 150 pound because they know we want to go the match and support our national team. I will pay the 150 pound even it I have to borrow the money.

Presenter, Man # 1
The match between Algeria and Egypt has also had a strong impact on the two communities in France. Our correspondent Smer Sha’bneh reports from Marseilles.

Reporter, Man # 7
Only a few hours before the soccer match between Algeria and Egypt, the camera of Al Arabiya went to the streets of Marseilles. We talked to people from the Algerian and Egyptian communities.

Guest, Man # 8
We are all brothers. We should not have problems because of a soccer match. There are no problems happen when matches take place in Europe, they do not have problems. For example, when Italy defeated France, there were no problems. We are Arabs and brothers. It does not matter who wins. As an Egyptian I would like Egypt to win, but Algerians would like their team to win as well.

Guest, Man # 9
God bless the Algerian players. I’m very impressed by them.

Guest, Man # 10
I’m Egyptian and my wife is Algeria. Most of our relationships here are with Algerians. We are all brothers. We will encourage the team that plays better. We will encourage the Algerian team if they play well, and we will encourage the Egyptian team if they play well. We are very saddened that some are saying inappropriate things on the internet and in the media. However these people are a small minority.

It's been four months since I described Yemen as a powder keg ready to explode. At the time the entire world was riveted to the television, watching the unfolding events of the "Velvet Revolution" in Iran. The Yemeni keg has since exploded. It is currently on the verge of causing regional conflict.
For more than a week now, Saudi Arabia has been carrying out military operations on its remote southern border to punish Houthi rebels from neighboring Yemen who crossed over and attacked one of its patrols. Both Yemen and Saudi Arabia have accused Iran of arming the rebels.

Accusations and counter accusations have been flying between the two rival regional powers. On Tuesday, Iran's foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki warned that, "those who pour oil on the fire must know that they will not be spared from the smoke that billows."

This is not the first time Saudis and Iranians have faced off in the region. The rivalry between the two countries has been out playing its course for years, extending from the Persian Gulf (where the name alone is a point of contention, Saudis refer to it as the Arabian Gulf) into Iraq, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories. Like the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, Saudi Arabia and Iran have been supporting their factions in all these countries, either militarily, financially, or both.

Both Tehran and Riyadh used Lebanon as their own battlefront to settle scores to the point of almost tipping the country into another civil war less than two years ago. Iran has been accused of pumping millions of dollars into Gaza and supplying Hamas with arms, while Saudi Arabia has been supporting the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. Many Iraqi Shiites have accused Saudi Arabia of aiding the Sunni insurgency in the country.

Nowadays, even Hajj (Islamic pilgrimage) is not spared from being a subject of contention between the two rivals. The Saudi government has recently issued a warning against pilgrims staging demonstrations during this year's Hajj, which runs from November 25-29. Although Iran was not specifically mentioned in the Saudi statement, Tehran replied that it would take "appropriate measures" if Iranian pilgrims were interfered with in any way. The Islamic Republic of Iran has long complained about the mistreatment and harassment of its pilgrims to Mecca by Saudi authorities during the Hajj season.

Like the original Cold War, both countries have launched sophisticated misinformation campaigns against one another. A propaganda war has raged between Iranian and Saudi government controlled media. During the Iranian election, Saudi media and its proxies viciously attacked the Iranian regime, highlighting poll irregularities, and the brutality of the Iranian Basij security forces. The Iranian media has constantly questioned, and on many instances mocked, the House of Saud's role as the custodian of the Holy Islamic sites in the Kingdom.

Last week without warning, two satellite companies, the Egyptian-owned Nilesat and the Saudi-managed Arabsat pulled the plug on Iran's Arabic-speaking news channel, al-Alam, or the World. Nilesat's executive director, Ahmed Anis, announced that the broadcasting was cut due to contract violations; however, media sources throughout the Middle East suggest that al-Alam's support for the Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen angered Saudi officials, who in turn used their influence to take it of the air.

So far, both countries have shied away from direct military contact. Iran and Saudi Arabia, like the US and the USSR of old, have been competing in a series of peripheral surrogate conflicts. Could their relations be strained enough to lead to direct confrontation? Everything seems to be possible these days in the Middle East.