Obama’s Nobel: “A Call to Action”

London: http://sayitonline.net 11 October 2009

President Barack Obama attempted to colour the occasion, by detailing his daughters' reaction: "After I received the news, Malia walked in and said, 'Daddy, you won the Nobel Peace Prize… And then Sasha added, 'Plus we have a three-day weekend coming up,'

What is the big deal in starting my column in this way? Because Obama the individual, the human matters. Obama’s CV won him the prize. Obama the President of the US is yet to earn it by the fulfilment of his commitments. According to Agot Valle, a Norwegian politician who served on the award committee The Nobel peace prize was given "primarily for his work on and commitment to nuclear disarmament," Valle told the Wall Street Journal that the stewards of the prize wanted to "support" Obama's goal, as expressed recently at the United Nations, "of a world without nuclear weapons." Nuclear disarmament is a noble cause by all means. To use it selectively against Iran diminishes its nobility. It is ridiculous that nuclear armed Israel keeps expressing an itch to raid Iran without being told to disarm or shut up.

In his six-minute address in the Rose Garden accepting the prize, the President restrained his usual smile and avoided to be showy and said he's "surprised and deeply humbled". He said he hoped the prize would serve as a catalyst to grapple with the Middle East, violence, poverty, disease and racism.

It seems that Obama and his circles received the news about the award with mixed feelings. “His face seemed cloudy on a sunny fall day”, and “The last thing Barack Obama needed at this moment in his presidency and our politics is a prize for a promise” wrote TIME's Mark Thompson and Nancy Gibbs. Is it guilty conscience as many of the stated goals are already, but unnecessarily compromised.

To become the 44^th US president, Obama won a decisive victory. Some people voted for the first time; just to support him. He does not belong to a political dynasty yet managed to raise three-quarters of a billion dollars to finance his tough campaign. He is the first US President of African origin. He saved the reputation of his country. “The U.S. is now the world's most admired nation, up from seventh place last year, charting the highest jump among the 50 countries measured* wrote Mark Thompson. Obama does not owe any particular group or lobby for his win. So why compromise his and his heroes’ principles. Remember Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream?

The merits of Obama’s personality that make me appreciate him as a person and achiever, wouldn’t allow me endorse Gore Vidal’s statement that Obama is 'Dreadful' as President. But it is disrespectful to Dr. King and his dream to allow the likes of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu carry on in violating international law, keep expanding his settlements and follow a racist policy towards the Palestinians. It is still fresh news that compromising Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas had acted upon Obama’s Administration instructions on the scandalous issue of withholding support for a U.N (Judge Goldstone’s) report that charges Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza last year; which caused furore among the Palestinians and delayed signing of unity pact to end their bitter differences.

President Obama should do more to ascertain his authority in order to avoid the US another race war and transform the world to be a better and more peaceful place. As for the Afghan war, he may not be discredited for his lack of military experience. As a most intellectual US President, he should be able to rule over his generals. History suggests the Afghan involvement is a big loser. I would recall here that once a Lebanese President, Suleiman Frangieh, received a delegation of his army generals to congratulate him on his election. The head of the delegation told him that he undertakes on behalf of the army to cooperate with him. The President of Lebanon, a democracy in its own way and by Middle Eastern standard, got the hint and rejected the word cooperate and told him he should know who is commander and he should follow his orders. In giving advice to President Obama, Vidal cites President Lincoln, who wrote to one of his generals in the South after the Civil War 'I am President of the United States. I have full overall power and never forget it, because I will exercise it.'

That day 9 October originally set to be focused on a meeting on the Afghan war was stolen by the 5:03 a.m. news from Oslo that the President had become a Nobel laureate.

What a contrast.

What a coincidence.
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^Andthe Winner is: Israeli Apartheid

By: Toufic Barakeh

London http://sayitonline.net February 15, 2009:

Would Israel ever become a normal state?

David Rubinger, aged 83, is an Israeli photojournalist. His camera continuously focused on Israeli events and was put aside only briefly for a gun during 1948 war. Looking back after 60 years of theU.N unfortunate announcement to set up Israel as a state, he recalls a Hebrew poet writing that to be normal, a Jewish state needed “thieves and whores” like everywhere else. “Well, we have our thieves and whores,” says Rubinger, “but our politicians have made us fearful. They brought the ghetto mentality, the idea that every body is trying to kill us. Ben-Gurion and other founders wanted to get away from that. They wanted Israelis to be normal (Time May 5, 2008).

Israelis have voted another general election dominated, yet again, by security concerns after Israel's 22-day war on Gaza. They started the deadly war, seizing the opportunity of a transition period in the US and tolerated by an outgoing President Bush. The Palestinians, as usual on the eve of each Israeli election, paid a heavy toll of the destruction of their buildings, homes and infrastructure. But the cost in human life resulted in severe pain and immeasurable sense of loss: 1,330 dead and 5,450 wounded. Half the victims are civilians. “Among the dead were 437 children under 16, 110 women, 123 elderly men, 14 medics and four journalists, according to Muawiya Hassanein, the head of Gaza medical services”. This was happening while the world is watching the show on live TV!
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الجالية الاسلا مية وفشل كن لفنغستون Did British Moslems contribute to Ken Livingstone's ousting as mayor of London By Toufic Barakeh

London, http://sayitonline.net, 05 May 2008:· There is no doubt that most British Moslems support Ken Livingstone. Like many others, they believe that he had far better mayoral qualifications and traits than Boris Johnson; whose candidacy was primarily dismissed as a joke. Ken is a highly regarded statesman who always stood by justice and fairness including his stance towards Israeli aggressive policies. If not for his political correctness, he would have become Prime Minister; long time ago. By contrast, according to a Guardian commentator: “The UK's capital city is set to be run by a one-time opponent of the Kyoto treaty, apparently prone to racist outbursts…” and that “there have been at least muted whispers from high-up Tories about fears that Johnson may so screw up that he'll threaten the prospects of a Cameron government.”

Did the British Muslims, however, contribute to this loss?!

The Community may have been loud and excessive in their support and too critical of his opponent; something that may not appeal to the British quiet and unassertive nature. I would cite as an example the website Muslims 4 Ken which could have antagonised some voters. We did not see other websites following similar pattern like Jews4Boris; for example.

Inexperienced British Muslims are bound to learn; and should do better in future elections; and try to attract voters from all sectors who share their values and not just Muslims. They should know how to brief their members on how to vote following democratic and convincing strategies. Campaigning is an art that needs to be mastered.

Ken Livingstone accepted responsibility for the results, removing the blame from the labour party and others; but probably musing: 'God please protect me from my friends and I will take care of my enemies.'

Toufic Barakeh

· A gist of an Arabic article by the same writer.

Open MEMO To: President George W.Bush Subject: Your Middle Eastern tour
Tuesday Jan 15, 2008

From: Toufic Barakeh

London (http://sayitonline.net) – Considering your reputation that you get bored with details, do not like to read and that you would rather relax with friends in the luxury of the many amenities available to you , or going to the gym to maintain your personal image and fitness, I shall try to be as brief as I can. I opted for a memo form, because it is more precise than a letter format that requires salutation and closing; for instance. This introduction shouldn’t be considered as critical or cynical. If your style is to do politics that way let it be. It might become a case study and who knows? We may be reading about Bushism like we did on Thatcherism; for instance.

And now, Mr. President, you are about to conclude your tour. How you would assess the outcome of your historical visit? Many of us rightly suggested that the visit was very late; as it is taking place only towards the end of your term at the White House. Optimists, however, would still say “better late than never”. I suppose that you, despite all known stresses, have enjoyed it and would consider coming back.

Back to the question again, what you aimed for and what you wanted to achieve? Probably you wanted a better place in history? When asked how will you be judged when you leave office? Madeleine Albright, previous US secretary of State answered: “This presidency has done a great deal of damage, and I’m very glad that it will end” (TIME). Is it too late to prove her wrong? There is a master key to that. It is within your reach and ability to do it. Solve the Palestinian issue and you would have solved most of the World’s problems. If you did that, you will be perceived by historians as a hero not a villain as some of your critics would like to imply. How?

You once said that when you looked into the eyes of Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, and got a sense of his soul. You decided then that he is a person you could trust. Following the same sequence, please tell us your findings when you looked into the eyes of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert?! Act with authority Mr. President. You keep saying that Israel is the most important friend of the US. It had become boring, meaningless like chewing a chewed chewing gum! The Israeli officials are acting selfishly and in no way in the interest of peace or the Jews they claim to represent. They just race who kill more Palestinians. They did not even have the curtsy to stop their raids on the Palestinians during your visit. UN resolutions and signed agreements should be implemented, in urgency. Any delay would be disastrous and keep the whole world in turmoil and terror. Please stop treating Israel like a spoilt child. We all know how a spoilt child incurs damages unto himself, parents and many others!

We should admit here that you did say something right like “a Palestinian state is long overdue, the Palestinian people deserve it and that you called for an end to the Israeli occupation. We are postponing celebrating these statements till you follow your words by action. None of us, Mr. President, will accept empty promises any longer. I trust that all heads of states you met have told you the same thing.

You would be wasting your time trying to convince them that Iran rather than Israel is the enemy. Iran is a neighbour and another Moslem country. I trust your Saudi host, King Abdullah, whom if you looked into his eyes should have decided that he is prudent, would have told you what a neighbour means in Islam.

A piece of advice Mr. President, stop referring to Shiite dangers. Shiite or Sunni, they are all Moslems.The Shiites are as good citizens of the Arab and Moslem world as Sunnis. What do you suggest? Is it because they are a minority, they should be deposed or thrown out. How come a main republican candidate to replace you in the White House, Mitt Romney, is a Mormon, a minority group; and Arabs, be it Sunnis or Shiites are required to divide and fight? This unless you regard all Arabs as clans of zombies and fools? Forget it Mr. President and allow us to live in peace.

You repeatedly label terrorism as Islamic. Please stop it. Islam is a religion of peace. When interviewed by Time, Vladimir Putin, your Russian counterpart was wise enough to refuse to refer to terror as Islamic, saying that “radicals can be found in any environment”. Unfortunately, some Moslem and Arab leaders have fell in that trip and they too refer to Islamic terrorism!

There are other important issues to clear like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo bay detainees.

Before publishing this memo, Mr. President, and while you were enjoying the hospitality of your Saudi hosts, we received the shocking news that Israel massacred 18 in Gaza including the son of Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar. I have seriously considered refraining from publishing this memo. This is not the first time we are driven to a corner. Talking peace and having a quiet dialogue, under the circumstances, can be futile and pointless.

I was seriously worried about your safety and wish you a safe journey home. No it wouldn’t have been Al Qaeda; but Israeli intelligence. You were right in having your own security including having your own cooks to prepare your food. Didn’t Ariel Sharon seek your permission to kill Yasser Arafat? By the way did you go to visit him at the hospital and did he recognise you?! Didn’t they take pride of murdering and poisoning many persons including a UN secretary general? Didn’t they spy on your own pentagon?

In an article entitled Return to Reason, Mr. President, Khaled Almaeena of the Saudi daily Arab News, started using an Arab saying: “Your friend is he who tells you the truth,” On the matter of friends, I am reminded of what Vladimir Putin told TIME delegation when interviewed as Person of the Year: “We want to be a friend of America,” “sometimes we get the impression that America does not need friends” but “only auxiliary subjects to command”.

And finally, some of the Gulf States have showered you with gifts. We assume that you were not that pleased to accept them. You will not be able to keep them as they may have to be passed to the treasury. You have been given them as the President of the U.S. Besides they are a peanut compared to the multimillion dollar advisory contracts your predecessor Bill Clinton got. If Hilary makes it to the White House, Bill will be busy in his new role as a First Laddie. Hence, a job for an advisor would open. Only previous U S presents should apply.

You would have been better off handing over your C.V!

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Keep the momentum of Alan Johnston’s happy day going

By Toufic Barakeh, http://sayitonline.net

Published: 05 July 2007

London: As a Palestinian British, like most Moslem community in general and Palestinians in particular, I was immensely rejoiced and relieved at the release of the BBC’s correspondent, Alan Johnston. This had about coincided with another source of cheer. The terrorist attacks that have failed; thanks to efficient handling by the police and other circumstances that mitigated a series of disastrous acts of terror. The measured reaction of the government; avoiding to antagonise a whole community, by holding its peaceful and law abiding majority responsible for the mad activities of a small number of crazy and brainwashed individuals, was also a source of relief.

Yet, Hamas, the Palestinian party who won the legislative election, is to be accredited for the happy ending of Mr. Johnson’s ordeal. They are a major political party that aims for freedom and independence of their country. The media here is subsiding the truth by constantly referring to them as Islamic militant group. Islamic, indeed they are. Militant could translate to aggressive and offensive. They are not. Resistance movement, they are. They deserve to be encouraged and their gestures of goodwill be reciprocated. They won a peaceful election. But the Fatah barons in Ram Allah (not the whole Fatah movement), supported by the US, Europe and the international powers at large, wont allow them rule. This had led to chaos and mafia style rule in the streets of Gaza. Hamas’s patience eventually ran out and decided to forcefully demonstrate their authority.

We are not suggesting that that the international community should support Hamas against Fatah. They should encourage reconciliation instead. We wish to see two main political parties, Fatah and Hamas alternating power and authority, in Palestine. This would contribute more to bring peace to the region. Democracy should prevail.

We conclude by referring to Alan Johnston words on his release: 'You have to have been a prisoner to know how good freedom is'. In this context one would naturally remember more than ten thousand Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Some have lost their freedom for the last 25 years!

Alan Johnston and all contributors that ended his ordeal, come forward. Your fellow good freedom lovers need you! mailto: mailto:latakhaf@sayitonline.net

On Condemning Olmert savage war and hailing Judge Eliyahu Winograd

By Toufic Barakeh

http://sayitonline.net London: 03 May 2007

Et tu, Brute? “Even you, Brutus?” Ehud Olmert would have recalled Caesar words as Brutus stabbed him, when Tzipi Livni, Foreign Minister and a senior member of his own party told him face to face that he should quit in response to the official report highlighting his failures in last year’s Lebanon war. I would highlight that I have written in this newspaper http://sayitonline.net during the peak of this savage war an article entitled: "This is mad and sad, but won’t win you a war, Mr. Olmert!" Concluding that he could have never won that war, regardless of its embarrassing long term and extensions given by the US administration.

Eliyahu Winograd, an 81-year-old retired judge should be highly commended by the whole world by demonstrating how to carry out a courageous inquiry into a government failure. Such practice, admittedly and regretfully, is lacking in all Arab countries. Imagine for a moment a panel of wise Arab men or elders delivering a similar message to their president. “They could expect to receive not plaudits, as Winograd has, but at best a lengthy spell in prison”, mused a Guardian leading article writer. By contrast Turkish constitutional court judgment invalidating Abdullah Gul election was conducted with fear. Justice and democracy may not be served under military threat to intervene!

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, commented on the indictment conducted by judge Winograd: "It's worth respecting when the enemy's premier forms a commission to investigate the second [Lebanon] war, and it's even more worth respecting when the commission assigned by Olmert convicts Olmert and uses harsh terms in describing his performance and behaviour during the war,"

If Olmert is pressed to quit, Arab governments, along with their peace initiative may have a temporary chance to rejoice. Shimon Peres, Kadima's acting leader, could be returning to the prime minister's office. As he is approaching his 84th birthday, Arab leaders might as well get themselves fit and groomed to deal with blond Miss Tzipi Livni as Prime Minister!

Palestinians formed unity government: Lift sanctions against them, now

Toufic H Barakeh

http://sayitonline.net

London Thursday, 15 March 2007: Announcing the formation of the Palestinian unity government, its prime minister, Ismail Haniya said: “today is an occasion to celebrate. We have done everything.” This could be a reason to mark the occasion as another opportunity to settle this long outstanding disaster that, unless reasonably and justly resolved, will continue to be the seed of international troubles. The frozen aid to the Palestinians, since the electoral victory of Hamas about a year ago, should immediately defrost.

According to an article by Megan Rowling in Reuters RSS’d to this online newspaper http://sayitonline.net , "Young Palestinians despair as social fabric unravels” things have become very bad. “Over the past 12 months, living conditions and personal dignity declined considerably” Karen Koning AbuZayd the Commissioner General of the UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East was quoted as saying in a speech in London last week. She cited as examples: kids going without shoes, shut school canteens, postponed weddings, Donkey carts used for transport and jewellers buying Jewellery from their needy customers!

As a usual spoiler, Israel has vowed to boycott the unity government setting a set of surreal conditions. Washington stood by Israel, undertaking not to lift the embargo that punished the whole Palestinian people. So, manoeuvres to squeeze the victim to recognise its aggressor continue. It is hoped that effective powers like the European Union would be more realistic and disagreeable of such arrogance.

Israelis and their US supporters should realise now that they are dealing with a Palestinian unity government, which position should matter and not that of Hamas. The Israeli cabinet itself does have members belonging to parties who do not recognise the very existence of the Palestinians. In accepting to be a part of a unity government, Hamas signalled a positive response to the preconditions set by the Quartet. Hamas leaders seem determined not to miss any historic opportunity that would bring a peaceful coexistence for their people and the Israelis. Khalid Mishal, Hamas politburo chief, according to an article by Dina Ezzat in Al-Ahram Weekly, is quoted as saying: “It is the Palestinian people who need the right to exist and to have their state on the borders of 1967." Accordingly, "Israel must first end its occupation of Palestinian territories and put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people." Meshal concludes: "When Israel does this, the Palestinian people will clearly define its position."

This positive language warrants a positive response. Lift the sanctions against the Palestinians now. It is politically and humanly correct to do so. Insisting that the Palestinians should surrender is hollow and counterproductive. Such an attitude may well convince Hamas and many others to abandon the political process altogether!

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A Summit Marked with Failure

By Toufic Barakeh

Published: London, 20 February 2007

How did the trio meeting between Condoleezza Rice, Mahmoud Abbas and Ehud Olmert go? Did she use her same tactics with the Palestinian president, as once reported in TIME, acting like “a school headmistress, telling her student in a commanding tone to do this or don’t do that”? She probably had hammered him this time, following her technique as reported in the same source, and told him: “Mahmoud, you need to do better than that, you can’t sit there and tell me that is the best you can do.” This simply means that nice Mahmoud could do better in keeping Fatah Hamas fighting going till the last Palestinian; and that he should have found a way to opt out of the Mecca agreement sponsored by Saudi King Abdullah.

That meeting was preceded by announcements by US and Israeli’s virtually rejecting the upcoming Palestinian Unity Government. The summit ended by Rice solo 90-second statement which avoided media questions. Like her boss, the US President, she always attributes terror to Palestinians against harmless and innocent Israel!

We are repeatedly told that Secretary Rice is thorough, artistic and genius (she learned Beethoven at 5, finished college at 19, earned tenure at Stanford at 26) and a hard worker starting her day at 4 in the morning. I once read an article by her commending her compatriot Oprah Winfrey and was touched by the distinctive style and human attitude expressed.

How could that she is so biased on approaching the Arab – Israeli conflict? Have you or haven’t you got your facts right Ms. Rice? This reminds me of an Arabic poem: “If you did not know, that is a problem. If you do know that is a disaster”. Or I would rather believe what a US business associate once told me: “Politics are down and dirty”!

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Editorial Comment:

London: Friday, 9 February 2007 (21 Muharram 1428)

Fat-hawy[1] or Hamsawy[2]? You are all Palestinians!

Make Mecca Unity Deal a Model and a Success!

By Toufic Barakeh

It was immediate and spontaneous. The Palestinians took to the streets in a unique good mood for celebration on hearing that their two main parties, Fatah and Hamas, have signed signifying their agreement to the Mecca Unity Deal! It will be a historical and unforgivable crime to let them down.

The Palestinians have proven again that they capable of being pioneers even in being ability to agree on their common goals. They were first to allow democracy bring changes of government when Hamas amassed a winning of free and democratic elections.

This is good news for the whole region and would improve peace prospects for the whole world.

We wish to bless and congratulate. Please, Fatah and Hamas, do remember, that your belonging, first and foremost, is to Palestine. Parties are allowed to have different political views and opinions. They are allowed to follow legal measures to gain voters. They are not allowed to allow foreign powers separate them. They are not allowed to fight and direct their guns to one another!

The deal flew in the face of all sceptics who felt nothing tangible would come out of the Mecca Summit. It is the responsibility of the Palestinian two main parties not to let millions of their well wishers down or allow their enemies who follow the classic evil doctrine “divide and rule” rejoice.

Most of credit to the success of the Mecca summit should go to its host and sponsor, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. This newspaper does not usually endorse Saudi politics. This one is a great move and should be commended. We repeat here a Hamas leader statement as printed in the Arab News, a Saudi daily: A Hamas leader yesterday took exception to suggestions in a section of the foreign media that the Mecca summit was “nothing but a PR exercise” for Saudi Arabia. “Saudi Arabia is a sovereign nation. As a leader of the Muslim world it has played its historic role in stabilizing the region. It has conveyed in unambiguous terms to Washington and other Western nations that unless and until the festering issue of Palestine is solved nothing is going to lead to an enduring peace in the region,” he said. “This accord reinforces Saudi Arabia’s historic role in the region and in the affairs of the Ummah (nation).”

Will this be a model to Iraq and Lebanon? King Abdullah, please issue a couple of invitations and make history!

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[1] Fat-hawi: A member of Fatah

[2] Hamsawi: A member of Hamas

The Sayyed[i] and the Shaikh[ii] who could save Lebanon

By: Toufic Barakeh

Published: Thursday, 25 January 2007

A curfew has been declared today in Beirut after four students were reported killed as rival groups of pro- and anti-government students fought a pitched battle at a university, leaving at least 35 others wounded. Leaders of main conflicting parties Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Shaikh Saad al-Hariri issued calming statements. It is time they both met and sorted out their differences. They should do that before the country goes into a bloodshed leading to incalculable tragic events. They both enjoy personal traits, credibility and have the mandate to vouch for their allies and supporters. They should not hesitate to act independently.

The foreign powers that support them are becoming a liability. The same thing can be said about their allies and friends!

The government is supported mainly by the US administration. Hezbollah and its allies are supported by Iran and Syria. In both cases it can be easily said: “With friends like that who want enemies?!”

We do not need to restate here the failure of this US administration and its policies. The invasion of Iraq and its disastrous aftermath is an every day reminder! The other camp led by Iran, have been continually undermining Hezbollah’s victory in its latest round with Israel. This is mainly due to Iran’s unwise intervention in Iraq.

Both, the Future bloc leader and the Secretary General of Hezbollah are, balanced and, calm and mannered. They do not go too far in offending one another. Both suffer from some of their allies and friends irresponsible statements. On both camps there are some who always try to fish in dirty waters. For instance, Mr. Waleed Jumblat, an importer supporter of Hariri, could not wait to blame Syria after each and every, including today’s, event. One could not reason, how Syria could be responsible for two university students argument that ignited violence. Equally over enthusiasm of some of Hezbollah members can become a burden for balanced and mannered Nasrallah.

This newsletter does not want to take sides. It wants wisdom to prevail and a country and a region saved. We do understand and appreciate that Saad el-Hariri is deeply hurt by his father’s tragic martyrdom. We say that a US friendship is not a remedy. The same thing can be said about the UN and the so called international court. After all, did they bring any justice in Palestine; just to mention a ready example? He could pursue his political career by investing in his parliamentary majority following the footsteps of his father in being charitable and rebuilding the country. Mixing his personal tragedy with the hypocrisy of international politics does not help or serve any sensible purpose. Backers and superpowers have their own agenda. With the imminent departures of the French and US presidents, Chirac and Bush, we are likely to witness some new alliances. Enemies of today could well become friends tomorrow. And is the US more capable of finding the truth about Hariri’s crime more than that relating to the murder of President John F. Kennedy and the series of murders that followed?

Al-Hariri is a family of billionaires. They could pursue this personal issue by employing some of their resources by conducting their own investigation. We, too, believe that justice should prevail and murderers should not get away with their crime.

In Jahiliyya (pre-Islamic) history, there was an Arabic poet called Umru Al Qais. When his father was murdered he went to Cesar to help him fight other Arabs to regain his rein and revenge. Cesar poisoned him and he died on his way back. Some refer to this poet as the first Arabic traitor. Morale of the story: You are in trouble, if you get a foreign ally to fight your battle. Iraq is a contemporary example!

Sayyed Hassan and Shaikh Saad, come on, put your act together and you will bring Lebanon back on track!

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[i] Sayyed: A title used by Shia Muslims referring to descendants of Al-Hussein, grandson of the prophet Mohammad.

[ii] Shaikh: Used by Sunni Muslims to refer to a Mufti or a religious scholar. It may also refer to a tribal head

It is noted here that neither of the two leaders is a religious figure as such. Saad el-Hariri’s title as a Shaikh was inherited from his father who was not a shaikh either. His father mentioned in a documentary that a banker, recognising his then emerging wealthy status, addressed him, to his surprise, this way. The title was then commonly used.

Hassan Nasrallah, according to some sources, keeps saying he will some day pursue his interrupted religious studies!

Condemn Terror: Here, there and everywhere

By Toufic Barakeh

Published 18 August 2006

Terrorism has started long before 9 September or 7 July or the terrifying thwarted plot to blow up aircraft between London and the US. This writer condemned all these appalling events and believes that they do not serve any of the causes claimed by alleged plotters!

The thwarted plot was uncovered at the peak of Israeli aggression against Lebanese civilians and the Palestinian territories. Your memory is still fresh. A most sophisticated military machine bombarding civilians committing a series of massacres. Qana has more publicity but in fact was one in a series. President Bush administration did not tire from repeating its boring statement that Israel has the right to defend itself. We shall not waste any time here to prove that this is a programmed statement that lacks any root of truth whatsoever. What had been happening since the creation of Israel in 1948 is an ugly and most unethical form of terror committed by Israel supported by western governments in general and the U.S in particular.

We have published here, the photograph of a dead Palestinian child covered by his blood murdered by Israeli bombardments in Gaza. The picture is so terrifying that this editor decided to delete it.

Take this as another most degrading form of terror. Israel is holding as prisoners Palestinian ministers and elected officials including Aziz Dweik, the parliamentary speaker, who is constitutionally the second most important official in the Palestinian Authority. Dweik's remand was extended yesterday, Thursday 17 August and pictures of him appearing in an Israeli military court with his feet in shackles were beamed all day on Arab television networks. This deepens anger, bitter feeling of injustice and a whole nation is feeling victimised. These practises cite examples of the lack of observing of any rules of war. This amounts to punishing all the Palestinians. This even lacks any mannerism. We know that Saladin and Richard days are long bygone. Yet we wish to believe such meanness, the least to say, should be condemned. These forms of terror are far worse than the three events mentioned in the first paragraph of this article.

In an article (the FT August 13 2006), Martin Wolf (martin.wolf@ft.com) argued that British Moslem groups request in a letter to prime minister to ask for changes in UK foreign policy as undemocratic, false and dangerous. He based his unreasonable reasoning that the country has an elected government with the right to carry out a foreign policy. I would refer here to marshes of million British people against the invasion of Iraq. And does a writer in the capacity of Mr. Wolf using a solid platform like the Financial Times believe that democracy means that minority groups should be voiceless as they are outnumbered by the majority?! I did, however, find some thing right in Martin Wolf’s article when he stated: “I believe that expansionist policies of successive Israeli governments were a catastrophic error”. This is it. Israel has been treated by the U S as a spoilt child who is allowed to do any thing. We all know how much trouble a spoilt child could bring unto himself and to his parents.

Do not put your heads in the sand ignoring terrorism so long it is happening to some body else.

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This is mad and sad, but won’t win you a war, Mr. Olmert!

By Toufic Barakeh

Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister said that Israel needed at least another 10 days to complete the offensive against Hizbollah. These extensions are not going to be any good for Israel and its supporters: The U.S administration and its followers. Both will now recalculate and reassess.

We all know that a bully, once defeated, loses face and image for ever. Israel’s reputation as a super power that can never be conquered is finished. By contrast, The Arab morale is restored after a sense of lowness brought mainly by regimes that no longer can claim mandate or any form of representation to their people.

The Israeli’s would sooner realise that this is not their war. They are fighting by proxy and as agents to the US and its alliances. Both the US and Israel would realise that this is neither in the interest of their strategies or their goals. The supporting Arab states are only seeking survival of their own regimes. They do not have mandate and any agreements or treaties with them is worthless. Whiles agreements with the likes of Hamas and Hizbollah, for instance, would be honoured and supported. These two groups are reasonable as they are seeking to end invasion and free their prisoners held by Israel. To say that they are terrorists does not have any credence. Hamas government is democratically elected and Hezbollah is represented in the Lebanese parliament.

Both groups are willing to exchange 3 Israel soldiers with prisoners held by Israel totalling around ten thousand, some of which are behind bars for more than 25 years. Stop this bias. Human freedom and life is the same: be it Arab or Jewish.

Another ten or hundred days are not going to help you Mr. Olmert. This is unless you think that wars can be won by remote control. Aerial bombardments may result in the murder of the innocence of children amidst their sleep.

This is mad, this is sad; but won’t win a war.

mailto:touficbarfakeh@sayitonline.net

Comic Book Pros - Original Comic Art For Sale <meta name="netinsert" content="0.0.1.3.8.1.1"> <body> <div align="center"><img src="images/title_cbp.gif" width="723" height="25" border="0" alt="[COMIC BOOK PROS]"></div> <div align="center"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td align="center"><a href="index.asp"><img src="images/logo_cbp.jpg" width="207" height="105" border="0" alt="[CBP]"></a></td> <td align="center"><a href="index.asp"><img src="images/logo_characters.jpg" width="520" height="105" border="0"></a></td> </tr> </table>  <table width="727" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <form> <tr> <td align="center"><a href="index.asp"><img src="images/nav_home.gif" width="62" height="12" border="0" alt="[Home]"></a> <a href="news.asp"><img src="images/nav_news.gif" width="63" height="12" border="0" alt="[News]"></a> <img src="images/nav_sites.gif" width="125" height="12" border="0" alt="[CBP Sites:]"> <select name="sites" style="font: 9; background: 27A100;" onchange="makeLinkTo(this);"> <option value=" "> </option> <option value="http://www.adamhughesart.com">Adam Hughes</option> <option value="http://www.alexrossart.com/">Alex Ross</option> <option value="http://www.comicbookpros.com/tortosa">Wilson Tortosa</option> </select><img src="images/spacer.gif" HEIGHT="10" WIDTH="20" BORDER="0"> <A HREF="http://www.ruppsworld.com/events-sales/comicbookpros.asp "><img src="images/nav_cbpstore.gif" width="126" height="12" border="0" alt="[CBP Store]"></A> </td> </tr> </form> </table> </div>   <div align="center"> <table width="727" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tr> <td valign="top"> <table width="411" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td rowspan="3" valign="top" background="images/fsrib_mid1.gif" bgcolor="#D3D780"> <img src="images/fs_beck.jpg" width="134" height="250" border="0" alt="David Michael Beck"> </td> <td colspan="2" align="center"><img src="images/featuredartist.gif" width="277" height="29" border="0" alt="[Featured Artist]"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_top2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="1" height="14"></td> <td background="images/siterib_top3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="1" height="14"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td valign="top"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"> <tr>  <td><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="5"> <b><a href="http://www.comicbookpros.com/beck/index.php">David Michael Beck</a></b></font> <br><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2"> His career has spanned 30 years and he's worked on comic properties such as G.I. 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Let's face it, comic's 'good girls' never looked so good! </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="images/siterib_mid3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_bot1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="135" height="1"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> </table> <p> <table width="164" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr>  <td colspan="3"><a href="http://www.alexrossart.com/"><img src="images/sites_ross3.jpg" width="164" height="74" border="0" alt="Alex Ross"></a></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_mid1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"> <tr>  <td><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="1">CBP is the official home of Alex Ross. Get updates on all of his upcoming projects, original art for sale and much, much more. Be sure to check out Alex's paintings from Spider-Man 2 as well as some of his original sketches for these beautiful new pieces.</td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="images/siterib_mid3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_bot1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="135" height="1"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> </table> <p> <table width="164" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr>  <td colspan="3"><a href="http://www.simonebianchi.com/"><img src="images/sites_bianchi.jpg" width="164" height="74" border="0" alt="Simone Bianchi"></a></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_mid1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"> <tr>  <td><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="1">Check out what's coming to the U.S. before it even gets here! 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You can see him here first.</td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="images/siterib_mid3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_bot1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="135" height="1"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> </table> <p> <table width="164" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr>  <td colspan="3"><a href="http://www.comicbookpros.com/braithwaite/"><img src="images/sites_braithwaite2.jpg" width="164" height="74" border="0" alt="Doug Braithwaite"></a></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_mid1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"> <tr>  <td><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="1">The talented man from the U.K! 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Joe, Star Wars, Lady Death, Spider-Man, Thor, Vampirella and many many others. Now, through arrangement with Comic Book Pros, you can own David's outstanding originals! </font> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="images/siterib_mid3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="1" height="203"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/fsrib_bot1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="134" height="15"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="262" height="1"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> </table> <table width="411" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tr> <td width="215" align="center" valign="top"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td height="50" colspan="3" align="center"><img src="images/imageoftheday.gif" width="192" height="48" border="0" alt="[Image of the Day]"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_top1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15" border="0" alt=""></td> <td background="images/siterib_top2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt=""></td> <td background="images/siterib_top3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15" border="0" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_mid1.gif" width='1%'><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15" border="0" alt=""></td> <td>  <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1" width=100%> <tr> <td align="center"><font size="1" face="verdana, arial, helvetica"> <A HREF="javascript:popWindow()"><img src="http://www.jillthompsonart.com/img/sga1_thumb.jpg" alt="JILL THOMPSON - From the Scary Godmother animated special" border=1></a> <P><b><a href="http://www.comicbookpros.com/thompson">JILL THOMPSON - From the Scary Godmother animated special</a></b><P> </td> </tr> </table> <font size="1" face="verdana, arial, helvetica">Click above for a larger image.</font>  </td> <td background="images/siterib_mid3.gif" width=1%><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15" border="0" alt=""></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td height="15" background="images/siterib_bot1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="1" border="0" alt=""></td> <td height="15" background="images/siterib_bot2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt=""></td> <td height="15" background="images/siterib_bot3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="1" border="0" alt=""></td> </tr> </table>  <td align="center" valign="top">  <img src="images/auction.gif" width="121" height="29" border="0" alt="[Auction]"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">  </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td>  <td valign="top"> <div align="center"><img src="images/cbpsites.gif" width="157" height="29" border="0" alt="[CBP Sites]"></div>  <table width="164" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr>  <td colspan="3"><a href="http://www.adamhughesart.com"><img src="images/sites_hughes2.jpg" width="164" height="74" border="0" alt="Adam Hughes"></a></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_mid1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"> <tr>  <td><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="1">Check out the site everyone is talking about - Things That Make You Go AH! - the official Adam Hughes web site. Let's face it, comic's 'good girls' never looked so good! </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="images/siterib_mid3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_bot1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="135" height="1"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> </table> <p> <table width="164" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr>  <td colspan="3"><a href="http://www.alexrossart.com/"><img src="images/sites_ross3.jpg" width="164" height="74" border="0" alt="Alex Ross"></a></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_mid1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"> <tr>  <td><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="1">CBP is the official home of Alex Ross. Get updates on all of his upcoming projects, original art for sale and much, much more. Be sure to check out Alex's paintings from Spider-Man 2 as well as some of his original sketches for these beautiful new pieces.</td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="images/siterib_mid3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_bot1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="135" height="1"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> </table> <p> <table width="164" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr>  <td colspan="3"><a href="http://www.simonebianchi.com/"><img src="images/sites_bianchi.jpg" width="164" height="74" border="0" alt="Simone Bianchi"></a></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_mid1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"> <tr>  <td><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="1">Check out what's coming to the U.S. before it even gets here! Accliamed and lauded Italian artist, Simone Bianchi has been doing comics and entertainment work in Italy for quite some time and now, he's headed to America. You can see him here first.</td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="images/siterib_mid3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_bot1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="135" height="1"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> </table> <p> <table width="164" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr>  <td colspan="3"><a href="http://www.comicbookpros.com/braithwaite/"><img src="images/sites_braithwaite2.jpg" width="164" height="74" border="0" alt="Doug Braithwaite"></a></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_mid1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"> <tr>  <td><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="1">The talented man from the U.K! Doug's work on Earth X has taken the comics industry by storm! See and purchase some of these beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces on his official web site. </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="images/siterib_mid3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_bot1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="135" height="1"></td> <td background="images/siterib_bot3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> </table> <p> </td> <td valign="top">  <div align="center"><a href="news.asp"><img src="images/news.gif" width="83" height="29" border="0" alt="[CBP Sites]"></a></div> <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_top1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td background="images/siterib_top2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="1" height="1"></td> <td background="images/siterib_top3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td background="images/siterib_mid1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="15"></td> <td><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"> <tr> <td><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="1"> <a href="news_display.asp?id=30">Justice #1 Original Art Now Available</a><p> <a href="news_display.asp?id=29">Justice #4 Original Art Now Available</a><p> <a href="news_display.asp?id=28">Atomika #7 In Stores This Week</a><p> <a href="news_display.asp?id=27">Bianchi Signs 2 Year Marvel Exclusive</a><p> <a href="news_display.asp?id=26">Simone Bianchi's Green Lantern Pages for Sale</a><p> <a href="news_display.asp?id=25">Atomika T-Shirt Solicited by Graphitti</a><p> <a href="news_display.asp?id=24">Ross Reveals New Cover Image for Mythology Paperback</a><p> <a href="news_display.asp?id=23">Alex Ross' Justice 3 Preview!</a><p> <a href="news_display.asp?id=22">Scary Godmother 2: the Revenge of Jimmy Air Dates on Cartoon Network</a><p> <a href="news_display.asp?id=16">Sal Abbinanti Set for Summer Tour</a><p> </font></td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="images/siterib_mid3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="15" height="15"></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#D3D780"> <td height="15" background="images/siterib_bot1.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="1"></td> <td height="15" background="images/siterib_bot2.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="1" height="1"></td> <td height="15" background="images/siterib_bot3.gif"><img src="images/dot.gif" width="14" height="1"></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table>  <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4"> <tr> <td align="center"><img src="images/50_octopus.gif" width="93" height="50" border="0" alt="[Octopus]"></td> <td align="center"><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="1" color="#FFFFFF">© 2000-2006 Comic Book Pros. All Rights Reserved. | <a href="mailto:atomika@comcast.net">Contact Us</a> <br>All images are © their respective copyright holders.  <BR>Maintained and Hosted by <A HREF="http://www.iwsgroupinc.com" TARGET="_blank">Integrated Web Solutions</A></font></td> <td align="center"><a href="index.asp"><img src="images/50_cbp.gif" width="139" height="50" border="0" alt="[CBP]"></a></td> </tr> </table> </head><center>InstantDownloadAfterYouPaid<br>Strictly FullRetailVersion<br><a href=http://costlesssoft.org>http://costlesssoft.org </html>  </p>  </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#e6d67a" align="left" width="646"> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td width="637">  <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sayitonlinene-20&o=1&p=20&l=ur1&category=home&banner=046QZN7HP2KFGC3R1E82&f=ifr&f=ifr" width="120" height="90" scrolling="no" border="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe>  </p> <p><iframe src="http://affil.aplus.net/Affiliates/benar.jsp?a=1002713&s=2" width="120" height="60" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> </p> <p><font face="Helvetica, Verdana, Arial" size="2" color="#127"> Enter content here </font> </p>  </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="bottom" align="left" width="646"> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td bgcolor="#e6d67a" align="left" width="637">   </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="646"> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td width="637">   </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="middle" align="left" width="646"> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td width="637">   </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" valign="top" bgcolor="#000000" height="16" width="112"><img src="/imagelib/sitebuilder/layout/ps_conservative_box.gif" width="16" border="0" height="16"></td> <td bgcolor="#e6d67a" width="648" align="left" valign="top"><img alt="" border="0" height="16" src="/imagelib/sitebuilder/layout/ps_conservative_bottom.gif"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top" width="112" height="6" bgcolor="#000000"><img border="0" height="6" src="/imagelib/sitebuilder/layout/personal_conservative_topl.gif" width="112"></td> <td colspan="2" align="left" valign="center" bgcolor="#e6d67a" width="648"> <table cellpadding="4"> <tr> <td width="637">  <p><font face="Heletica, Verdana, Arial" size="1" color="#000000"> Enter supporting content here </font> </p>    </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#000000" align="right" valign="top"><img border="0" height="20" src="/imagelib/sitebuilder/layout/spacer.gif" width="1"></td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>

Obama’s Nobel: “A Call to Action”

Peace versus Greed

Open MEMO To: President George W.Bush Subject: Your Middle Eastern tour
Tuesday Jan 15, 2008

From: Toufic Barakeh

Olmert, Abbas try to limit Hamas control over border Click to go to Blog

Olmert, Abbas try to limit Hamas control over border Click to go to Blog

Olmert, Abbas try to limit Hamas control over border Click to go to Blog

Olmert, Abbas try to limit Hamas control over border Click to go to Blog

Olmert, Abbas try to limit Hamas control over border Click to go to Blog

Olmert, Abbas try to limit Hamas control over border Click to go to Blog

Keep the momentum of Alan Johnston’s happy day going

A Summit Marked with Failure

Open MEMO To: President George W.Bush Subject: Your Middle Eastern tour Tuesday Jan 15, 2008 From: Toufic Barakeh

Open MEMO To: President George W.Bush Subject: Your Middle Eastern tour
Tuesday Jan 15, 2008

From: Toufic Barakeh