The PA attempted to use the UN to takeover land that Israel acquired in legitimate wars and is necessary as a buffer against the never-ending terrorist attacks against civilians in Israel. As a result, Israel imposes sanctions, which we learn have had a devastating impact on the PA. Israel asks the PA to go along with a peace-making initiative to continue talks without pre-conditions, but the PA says no. I think it is reasonable that when the PA is ready to talk peace, then Israel will lift the sanctions. Additionally, the more the PA teams up with Hamas, the less motivation there is for Israel and the US to work with the PA. It seems to me like the PA is moving in the wrong direction.
1. PA Admits Israeli Sanctions Are Cutting Deep
by Gavriel Queenann
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad admitted Sunday Israel's decision to freeze tax revenue transfers to the PA were cutting deep.
Fayyad told reporters Sunday that the sanctions have a "devastating impact" on the economy in PA-run enclaves.
Israel froze the transfer of tax revenues - amounting to roughly $100 million per month - after the PA launched a series of unilateral moves at the United Nations aimed at attaining recognition of a state based on pre-1967 lines at the world body.
Officials in Jerusalem said the moves, which began with a now-moribund application for statehood at the UN Security Council and culminated in UNESCO voting to induct the PA as a 'member state,' were a direct violation of the bilateral Oslo Accords.
All contacts and cooperation with the PA - including the transfer of tax revenues - occur under the auspices of bilateral agreements that proscribe unilateral moves like those the PA is pursuing, Israeli officials note.
PA officials were forced to suspend their unilateral track after UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon withdrew his support for their statehood bid at the world body in the face of promised funding cuts to UN agencies by the United States. The United States underwrites 22 percent of the UN operating budget and 27 percent of its peace keeping operations
Senior economic officials in Ramallah have long said Israel's transfers of tax revenues along with foreign aid are crucial to keeping Fayyad's the cash-strapped administration afloat. Israel's funds freeze to Ramallah coincides with a downturn in foreign donations to the PA – especially from Arab countries coping with the Arab spring.
Last week Fayyad told reporters if Israel did not resume the transfer of tax funds the PA would have to close its doors.
Israeli officials, however, say they are unmoved and that funds will not begin flowing to Ramallah again until PA officials accept a proposal by the Quartet for Middle East Peace for resumed talks without preconditions.
Israeli officials have accepted the Quartet proposal, which calls for a final status agreement by the end of 2012.
Previously, officials in the office of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said, while the PA shutting down would be "unfortunate" it "would not be the end of the world."
Tags: Salam Fayyad ,PA ,Israel ,Tax Revenues
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
1. Israel Slams UN Security Council on PA Rocket Attacks
by Chana Ya'ar
Israel's ambassador to the United Nations is asking that body's Security Council why it's not “shocked” by the constant barrage of rockets and mortars fired by Gaza terrorists at southern Israel.
Ambassador Ron Prosor declared Wednesday during a meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the unstable security situation in southern Israel should shock that body's members – which have often expressed deep dismay at similar situations elsewhere in the world.
Prosor criticized the Council at its session on Wednesday for not condemning the attacks by Palestinian Authority Arab terrorists, who earlier this month killed a 56-year-old Ashkelon man and physically wounded 16 other people in a barrage aimed at the southern region.
Another 14 people were also sent to the hospital with trauma reactions and severe anxiety attacks during the five-day period in which rockets and mortars were fired at Israeli civilian communities.
“The pain caused by these attacks is permanent,” Prosor pointed out. “The scars are both physical and psychological... One million Israelis were compelled to stay home from work last week to ensure their safety... 200,000 children were kept home from school.
“These stories should shock and appall the Security Council and all decent people. Yet, not a single world of condemnation has been uttered by this Council. Not one word.
“The silence speaks volumes,” he said.
by Chana Ya'ar
Israel's ambassador to the United Nations is asking that body's Security Council why it's not “shocked” by the constant barrage of rockets and mortars fired by Gaza terrorists at southern Israel.
Ambassador Ron Prosor declared Wednesday during a meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the unstable security situation in southern Israel should shock that body's members – which have often expressed deep dismay at similar situations elsewhere in the world.
Prosor criticized the Council at its session on Wednesday for not condemning the attacks by Palestinian Authority Arab terrorists, who earlier this month killed a 56-year-old Ashkelon man and physically wounded 16 other people in a barrage aimed at the southern region.
Another 14 people were also sent to the hospital with trauma reactions and severe anxiety attacks during the five-day period in which rockets and mortars were fired at Israeli civilian communities.
“The pain caused by these attacks is permanent,” Prosor pointed out. “The scars are both physical and psychological... One million Israelis were compelled to stay home from work last week to ensure their safety... 200,000 children were kept home from school.
“These stories should shock and appall the Security Council and all decent people. Yet, not a single world of condemnation has been uttered by this Council. Not one word.
“The silence speaks volumes,” he said.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Holiday Season 2011 - Birth of a New Tradition
This was sent to me from a friend...I like it!
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Here are some alternatives to buying goods "Made in China" --
You see, Christmas and the Holidays are no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. The holidays are now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Holiday tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
BUY AMERICAN - BE AMERICAN The job you save might be your own!
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Here are some alternatives to buying goods "Made in China" --
- Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
- Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
- Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
- Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
- There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
- How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
- Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
- My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
- OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
- Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.
- And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
- Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
- Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house?
- When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas and the Holidays are no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. The holidays are now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Holiday tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
BUY AMERICAN - BE AMERICAN The job you save might be your own!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Abbas: Shalit Kidnapping 'A Good Thing'
by Gavriel Queenann
Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas went on record in Arabic saying he will never recognize a “Jewish state.” He also said the kidnapping and five year ordeal of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit was "a good thing."
The report came from Middle East Media Research Institute, who translated and posted an interview Abbas gave on Egyptian state TV last month.
“First of all, let me make something clear about the story of the Jewish state,” Abbas told Dream2TV on Oct. 23. “They started talking to me about the Jewish state only two years ago.”
“I’ve said it before and I will say it again: I will never recognize the Jewishness of the state or a Jewish state.”
In the same interview Abbas said the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was held captive for five years by Hamas militants, was a "good thing."
“They were able to keep him and hide him,” he said admiringly.
Shalit was ultimately freed in exchange for 1,027 security prisoners, including some 450 terrorists, last month.
Abbas, packaged as a moderate by media handlers and pro-Arab politicians in the West, has long said one thing in English and another in Arabic. Despite this, he signed a unity agreement with the Hamas terror organization – which maintains a genocidal posture towards Israel – earlier this year.
He has also repeatedly accused Israel of being responsible for stalled peace-talks while openly putting maximalist preconditions on his participation in negotiations that he knows will be wholly unacceptable to officials in Jerusalem.
In September Abbas violated the bilateral framework of the Olso Accords when he sought unilateral recognition of a PA state based on pre-1967 lines without consulting Israel or the US, both of whom are Oslo signatories.
Israel has called for negotiations to resume without preconditions from either side.
MEMRI is a Washington-based research group that monitors and translates Middle Eastern media.
by Gavriel Queenann
Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas went on record in Arabic saying he will never recognize a “Jewish state.” He also said the kidnapping and five year ordeal of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit was "a good thing."
The report came from Middle East Media Research Institute, who translated and posted an interview Abbas gave on Egyptian state TV last month.
“First of all, let me make something clear about the story of the Jewish state,” Abbas told Dream2TV on Oct. 23. “They started talking to me about the Jewish state only two years ago.”
“I’ve said it before and I will say it again: I will never recognize the Jewishness of the state or a Jewish state.”
In the same interview Abbas said the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was held captive for five years by Hamas militants, was a "good thing."
“They were able to keep him and hide him,” he said admiringly.
Shalit was ultimately freed in exchange for 1,027 security prisoners, including some 450 terrorists, last month.
Abbas, packaged as a moderate by media handlers and pro-Arab politicians in the West, has long said one thing in English and another in Arabic. Despite this, he signed a unity agreement with the Hamas terror organization – which maintains a genocidal posture towards Israel – earlier this year.
He has also repeatedly accused Israel of being responsible for stalled peace-talks while openly putting maximalist preconditions on his participation in negotiations that he knows will be wholly unacceptable to officials in Jerusalem.
In September Abbas violated the bilateral framework of the Olso Accords when he sought unilateral recognition of a PA state based on pre-1967 lines without consulting Israel or the US, both of whom are Oslo signatories.
Israel has called for negotiations to resume without preconditions from either side.
MEMRI is a Washington-based research group that monitors and translates Middle Eastern media.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
3. Egyptian Muslims Burn Coptic Church in Aswan Province
by Chana Ya'ar
Egypt is back to “business as usual” with the Islamic majority harassing and attacking its Christian minority.
A group of Muslims burnt down part of a church Friday – the Islamic Sabbath – in the village of Marinab, according to a report published in the daily Al Masry Al Youm. The village, situated close to the town of Edfu in the Aswan Governorate, is located some 800 kilometers south of Cairo.
Security sources said Muslims rampaged through the village in what appeared to be a pogrom, clashing with the Christian residents and destroying their shops. Central Security Forces cordoned off the village “to control the clashes,” according to the newspaper report.
Christian websites reported in September that a group of Salafi Islamists had threatened the Christians, warning them not to leave their homes in the village unless they first removed the church dome. Saint George's Church had been restored earlier in the month, according to the report.
A gang of Salafi Muslims boasted to a victim they were torturing in March, “We won't leave any Christians in this country,” according to a report published several months ago in the Wall Street Journal. The attackers were never arrested.
The phenomenon of Muslims attacking Coptic Christians in Egypt is not new. But during the Tahrir Square Revolution that unseated former President Hosni Mubarak in February, protesters claimed the “new order” would bring peace and equality between the country's majority and minority populations.
But although intentions may have been positive among the organizers, the rank and file have since returned to their roots.
Since the revolution, there have been numerous murders by Muslims visited upon the Coptic Christian community, which comprises about 10 percent of the 83 million-strong Egyptian population.
Comment on this story
by Chana Ya'ar
Egypt is back to “business as usual” with the Islamic majority harassing and attacking its Christian minority.
A group of Muslims burnt down part of a church Friday – the Islamic Sabbath – in the village of Marinab, according to a report published in the daily Al Masry Al Youm. The village, situated close to the town of Edfu in the Aswan Governorate, is located some 800 kilometers south of Cairo.
Security sources said Muslims rampaged through the village in what appeared to be a pogrom, clashing with the Christian residents and destroying their shops. Central Security Forces cordoned off the village “to control the clashes,” according to the newspaper report.
Christian websites reported in September that a group of Salafi Islamists had threatened the Christians, warning them not to leave their homes in the village unless they first removed the church dome. Saint George's Church had been restored earlier in the month, according to the report.
A gang of Salafi Muslims boasted to a victim they were torturing in March, “We won't leave any Christians in this country,” according to a report published several months ago in the Wall Street Journal. The attackers were never arrested.
The phenomenon of Muslims attacking Coptic Christians in Egypt is not new. But during the Tahrir Square Revolution that unseated former President Hosni Mubarak in February, protesters claimed the “new order” would bring peace and equality between the country's majority and minority populations.
But although intentions may have been positive among the organizers, the rank and file have since returned to their roots.
Since the revolution, there have been numerous murders by Muslims visited upon the Coptic Christian community, which comprises about 10 percent of the 83 million-strong Egyptian population.
Comment on this story
Friday, September 23, 2011
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