March 28 2005

Daniel Day-Lewis & Sunday Times, Thanks

Please take a minute to thank the Sunday Times and Daniel Day-Lewis for an excellent article in the March 20 edition entitled “Inside scarred minds”, in which the renowned actor, on his first visit to the Gaza Strip, meets Palestinian families living in conflict and the psychologists who are counseling them.
Our thanks and support are all the more important because the Zionist Federation has today urged its members to complain about the article, which it described as “very unpleasant”. We must not allow the newspaper or celebrity to be silenced, as this will discourage other high-profile figures from speaking out.
Write to letters[at]sunday-times.co.uk. To assess response rates, please Bcc your letters (which will remain confidential) to info[at]arabmediawatch.com

Via: The Black Iris, Source: Arab Media Watch

Category: General, Media, International, Palestine | LEAVE A COMMENT
March 24 2005

Jordan Wins FDR International Disability Award

null

The World Committee on Disability and the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute honored Jordan with the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award in a ceremony at United Nations Headquarters, to be the 1st Arab country to win this award.
The award recognizes outstanding action in support of the United Nations World Program of Action Concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the General Assembly in 1982.

A National Organization on Disability (NOD) statement said the award “acknowledges Jordan’s exemplary efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities in their country, as called for by the UN World Program of Action Concerning Disabled Persons.”

null
[The opening ceremony for the first Pan Arab Games for the Disabled, held in Amman.]

According to the statement, Jordan was one of the first Middle Eastern countries to enact disability-specific legislation and introduce building codes aimed at accessibility.

Source: Jordan Times

Category: Jordan, Media, International | LEAVE A COMMENT
March 23 2005

Palestine Wins Saddest Photo Prize

null
Palestine won the prize for the saddest photo in the BBC “Sadness and Joy” photography contest.
The photo captured by the Palestinian TV producer Abdul-Rahman Al-Humran, shows three young girls weeping in sorrow for their brother, who was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in the city of Rafah in Gaza, won the first place in the competition.
The winning photo was published in six different languages on the BBC websites.

[Via: PalestineBlogs, and Sabbah’s Blog]

Category: Art & Literature, General, Media, International, Palestine | LEAVE A COMMENT
March 22 2005

Lloyds TSB & Islamic Mortgage

As many already know, under Islamic law both payment and receipt of interest are forbidden. This has created sort of a problem for Muslims in countries that offer no Islamic banking systems.

Now Lloyds TSB, Britain’s 5th largest bank became the country’s first high street bank to offer mortgage services compatible with Islamic Sharia law.
Lloyds TSB said it would cater to the needs of Britain’s approximately 1.8 million Muslims, following in the footsteps of the Islamic Bank of Britain (IBB), which opened in London last September offering the same service. Under the new Lloyds TSB mortgage, the bank would fund the majority of a house purchase. The customer would then repay that sum over a fixed period, alongside a rent payment for use of the property.
The move follows Lloyds TSB’s recently-launched Islamic bank account, which also offers no interest or overdraft facilities to comply with Sharia law.
The mortgage and current account were being piloted in branches across Muslim populated areas of Britain, including Edgware Road in central London, Luton, north of the capital and the country’s second city Birmingham.
Source: Middle East Online

I believe this is simply great. As long as the system is optional, not forced on non-Muslim citizens, and as long as it does not contradict the country’s interest nor negatively affect society, why not have it and open the door for more investments!

Category: Media, International, Religion | LEAVE A COMMENT
March 16 2005

Remembr Rachel Corrie

null
Just like today, March 16th, 2003, the 23 year old American Pro-Palestinian Activist Rachel Corrie was brutally killed by two Israeli soldiers while trying to block an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bulldozer from demolishing a Palestinian house.

THIS IS HOW THEY KILLED HER!

I guess from a quick look at the pics, one can easily know that when IDF claim they didn’t see Rachel, it’s nothing but a big fat lie. She was there, in front of them, wearing a very bright orange jacket, SHOUTING OUT LOUD with a loudspeaker to identify herself as a peace activist, so even if none of the two heartless soldiers saw her, they could’ve at least heard her or at least saw the other 4 activists around her.

Now the family of Rachel is suing the State of Israel and the IDF for damages in the Haifa District Court.

All I can say is, may God be with her family, and the families of all who lose their bright innocent children who wanted nothing but justice…

  • Related: For Rachel, Calling to vote for Rachel Corrie Rebuilding Campaign in Gaza.
    • Category: General, Media, International, Palestine | LEAVE A COMMENT
    March 15 2005

    Illegal Settlements Continue

    Construction on Settlements outposts in some locations in the West Bank continues despite the latest report by attorney Talia Sasson on government involvement in building and funding “unauthorized” outposts. The report basically demands the government to dismantle all outposts, those prior to and after March 2001 and cease any other channeling of funds for further outposts.
    Sasson presented the ministers with her report’s main conclusions showing contradiction between words and actions, saying, “the government spoke in two voices on the issue of the outposts. The government must take into its hands responsibility for what is happening in the outposts in the territories and not sit on the sidelines watching as the settlers do whatever they want, without anyone stopping them.”
    Sasson said there is no legal difference between the outposts erected before and after March 2001, totaling 95, with 71 before and 24 after that date.
    “They are all illegal,” she said. “It is important to emphasize that it’s not merely to evacuate the outposts but to cease the entire procedure of budgeting and transferring state funds to the outposts.”

    According to the Israeli Administration in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, 65 files on “unauthorized” construction adjacent to settlements have been opened in recent months. Five buildings have been demolished in illegal outposts, three of them by settlers.
    Source: imemc news

    On this subject, yesterday I was one of many who got the following message, and I thought I’d share it here:

    “SEND OUR PREWRITTEN LETTER NOW OR, WRITE YOUR OWN:
    http://www.cflweb.org/ congress_m…ress_merge_.htm
    *********************************
    Citizens for Fair Legislation
    For Immediate Release
    March 14, 2005
    ********************************
    CFL ALERT: ASK YOUR REPRESENTATIVES FOR GUARANTEES THAT U.S. WELFARE TO ISRAEL WILL NOT BE SPENT ON FUNDING ILLEGAL SETTLEMENT ACTIVITY.
    Israeli attorney, Talia Sasson has written a damning report about the financing of illegal settlements in the West Bank and Gaza. The report recommends that criminal investigations take place against several members of the government who acted as agents of the settlers, not the Israeli government. Accused members of the Israeli government are claiming that knowledge of illegal settlement activity went all the way to the top and that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon approved and initiated many of the projects to build and sustain illegal settlements. Please take a moment to send our letter or write your own to your representatives and ask that they demand accountability from the Israeli government. Tell them that American tax payer money not be spent on criminal settlement activity in the West Bank and Gaza.”

    Category: General, Media, International, Palestine | LEAVE A COMMENT
    March 8 2005

    International Women’s Day

    Today marks the International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme is: “Gender equality beyond 2005: Building a more secure future.”

    Many Arab countries celebrate the International Women’s Day, and many have their own national woman day.
    In my personal opinion that is limited to personal experience and some readings and media news here and there, two countries are on the right track as far as women’s rights are concerned: Tunisia and Jordan.
    Tunisia is one of the Arab countries that have given women rights in almost everything. The Tunisian law guarantees the benefits and secures the destiny of women unlike many other countries where women are still struggling to get the basic rights of survival and participation in society.
    And I know, Tunisian women wont settle for what they’ve achieved, they’ll always ask for more… my hearts with you Tunisian men 😉 But really, I think Tunisia deserves being admired for the achievements in this regard.

    As for Jordan, I must also say that women are getting more rights and are entering more fields that were once considered taboo!
    The country’s progress is witnessed by the increased women’s empowerment in many ways, such as women’s quota in the Lower House, the appointment of seven senators in the 40-seat Upper House, the naming of four female ministers in the most recent Cabinet, and the recent appointments in the judiciary, which now has 26 female judges.
    But my favorite achievement is the ongoing project of opening shelters for abused and mistreated women. Something Arab countries lack in general. And I really am very impressed by this great step that will allow women to reject abuse and look for a better life without the fear of ending on the streets. I think all Arab countries should follow Jordan in this.

    The only principle disadvantages Jordanian women have according to the Jordan Times are:
    – The country’s Labor Law does not guarantee women equal pay for equal work.
    – Women are underrepresented in higher management positions in the public sector.
    – Citizenship Law, which allows men to pass on Jordanian citizenship to their foreign wives and children but denies women the same right.
    And I think in no time, Jordan will achieve success in these 3 points as well.

    In Jordan and in observance of International Women’s Day, media institutions have appointed female co-workers to run the institutions for one day.
    As for Tunisia The President Zein El Abidine Ben Ali, congratulated the President of the National Union For the Tunisian Woman with the following speech: (AR), (FR).

    Related:

  • Progress Of Arab Women
  • Woman’s Day In Tunisia
  • Kuwait Women Rights Now
  • March 8th(AR)
    • Category: Arab Societies, Jordan, Media, International, Tunisia, Women | LEAVE A COMMENT
    March 4 2005

    As Long As Respectful…

    Just came across our friend Natasha’s post concerning the reactions to the Muslim girl who won the school dress case.
    In her post she drew our attention to a post written by The Big Pharaoh on this subject and noted that what he wrote was really appealing, and more convincing than what Subzero Blue wrote.

    Of course everyone is free to believe what they want to believe, and everyone is free to like or dislike whatever they choose, but after reading Big Pharaoh’s post, and the comments left there, I found myself starting out this post to clear out a main and very important point for the sake of all those who are easily mislead by sarcasm and who fall in the trap of “this is real freedom” strategy.

    No offence, but I actually believe this whole Nudadism example fails to fit the comparison, because of one very important and basic concept Subzero Blue mentioned on his post: “I think everyone should be free to wear whatever they want to wear as long as it’s respectful“. Respectful being that what doesn’t offend social values in general, not that of an individual.
    Going out nude is far away from being compared to the lady’s case, because personally I believe that the act that offends the dignity and the freedom of society as a whole is no longer a personal privacy.
    Having said all that, I’d like to point out that people wear coats that cover the whole body whenever they feel like it, just because what the lady asked to wear was defined as “islamic jilbab” doesn’t mean it will harm society in any way! so it’s not really worth all that fuss and destructive criticizing!!!

    Britain did a very brave and fair step that I find very civilized, and would like to congratulate them for the courage of fulfilling real democracy and being fair to their own citizens. I really respect them for that and I just hate it when people make civilized steps look so wrong, and uncivilized ones look really impressive!

  • Another interesting post on the subject: Drubbed By The Jilbab
    • Category: General, Media, International, Religion, Women | LEAVE A COMMENT
    February 28 2005

    On Sharon’s Visit To Tunisia

    As many of you already know, the Tunisian President invited Sharon to attend the World Summit on the Information Society. Sharon accepted the invitation and he will be in Tunis in November 2005.

    The invitation was announced last week, I didn’t post anything about it because I was waiting for the confirmation through media. Now that it’s confirmed, let’s take a look at the very few reactions I could find as covered by media and the blogosphere:
    Arabic, French & English.

    That’s all I was able to find, the whole thing seems to be not very well covered, neither by press, nor TV, not even the net. Anyway, if there are any updates I could get my hands on, I will make sure to post them here.

    Category: Arab Societies, Media, International, Palestine, Tunisia | LEAVE A COMMENT
    February 28 2005

    Nothing New: Palestinians Are Responsible!

    As usual, Israel goes on and on with its violations with no one condemning its acts, instead, all international committees prefer watching, and asking Palestinians, the “terrorists”, the “occupiers”, to stick to ceasefire, and to “cooperate” with “peace-seeking” Israel!
    Everybody watches while more innocent people, and harmless children are being killed for no reason. They watch, give warning speeches addressed to Palestinians, while Israel is getting away with its crimes against humanity, land, and religion.
    Yes, when it comes to Israel, all choose to be passive watchers, they have no reasonable excuse to justify Israeli acts against Palestinians, so they wait till a Palestinian does something to defend his 10 year old boy, to protect his home, to save his little daughter and… the list goes on.

    They all know, no human soul accepts to be humiliated, tortured, lied to, killed and raped over and over without doing anything. They know the time will come when Palestinians will ask the world to be fair, to see their misery, the misery caused by Israelis despite the ceasefire agreement, which seems to be maid for only Palestinians to stick to.

    And then they call Palestinians: The Terrorists!
    Following the suicide bombing outside a Tel Aviv beachfront nightclub on Friday Sharon said in his regular Cabinet meeting on Sunday: “While the state of Israel is interested in advancing toward a settlement with the Palestinians, there will be no diplomatic progress, no progress, until the Palestinians take strong action to eliminate the terrorist organizations and their infrastructures in the Palestinian Authority areas”… CNN
    Interested in advancing toward a settlement with the Palestinians? Am I missing something here? And WHAT DIPLOMATIC PROGRESS was he talking about?! I’m afraid my English dictionary became old and useless?! Yes, maybe shooting kids and killing innocent people is what a “settlement with the Palestinians” means! Maybe Israelis killing as much Palestinians as they desire while Palestinians keep their mouths shut and their eyes “wide open” welcoming every bullet in their heads and their children’s, is what “diplomatic Progress” is all about!
    What the hell is wrong with the world! So now Palestinians are the ones who violated the ceasefire that was stupid and fake –from the side of Israel- from the very start! HELLO! The ceasefire was Israel’s biggest lie!!! You don’t have the right to condemn Palestinians after the shameless acts and obvious violations Israel started!!

    What goes around comes around people, please stop making fools out of yourselves, and stop condemning Palestinians.
    No one ever wants military operations or suicide bombing to be the way to get rights and protect land and property, so please don’t push people who are willing to cooperate into choosing that way!
    Palestinians have been always the ones willing to cooperate, they tolerated and are tolerating all the shit they’re getting just to have peace… either grant them their wish, or at least be fair to them if you’re too weak to condemn Israel, but never put the blame on them, just because it’s easier that way!

    Related: Tel Aviv Explosion:A Cat-scratch

    Category: Media, International, Palestine | LEAVE A COMMENT