- Egypt is ambivalent about committing troops to an international peacekeeping force in Afghanistan due to public opinion at home and not wanting to appear as though the US is dictating policy in Cairo. While many Egyptians support an all-Muslim peacekeeping force, some fear it would make Egypt appear subordinate to US interests. Egyptian President Mubarak has not committed troops.
- Public opinion in Egypt is mixed on involvement in Afghanistan. Some see it as a war between Muslims that Egypt should not join, while others believe only a strong Muslim peacekeeping force can prevent future civil war. Egypt is wary of committing troops until the US provides definitive proof that Osama bin Laden was behind 9/11.
The Battle For Jerusalem Has Begun! - Prophecy in the News Magazine - Nov 1996miscott57
The document discusses recent events in Jerusalem that appear to fulfill a prophecy by Zechariah. It summarizes:
1) Fighting has erupted in Jerusalem over the opening of an ancient tunnel, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy that Jerusalem would become a "cup of trembling" and "burdensome stone."
2) World leaders have criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for not appeasing Palestinian demands, while Palestinians vow to continue fighting until Israel withdraws from Jerusalem.
3) Zechariah predicted centuries ago that Jerusalem would be a source of instability and conflict for surrounding nations, a prophecy that accurately describes current tensions over control of the city.
The Folly of a Palestinian State - Prophecy In The News Magazine - November...miscott57
1) Establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital poses grave dangers according to the author. It would legitimize Arab claims to all of Israel and make Jerusalem a prime target for conquest.
2) Once Jerusalem is captured, the Arabs would likely destroy Jewish and Christian historical sites and rid the Middle East of all non-Muslims, following their previous conquests. The fall of Jerusalem could devastate Judaism and Christianity.
3) Dividing Jerusalem ignores the city's profound religious and historical significance to Judaism. Surrendering control of Jerusalem would undermine Israel's legitimacy and national identity.
ESCALATING TENSIONS IN THE GAZA STRIP SINCE MARCH 2018huldahministry
The document discusses the escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza since March 2018. It describes Hamas' use of incendiary kites and balloons to start fires in Israel, and Israel's failed efforts to stop this tactic through targeted strikes and a blockade. While Israel wants to avoid war, Hamas seems undeterred by warnings and continues provoking Israel. The document suggests a conflict may break out this summer as Israel runs out of patience. It also discusses Hamas' strategy of using civilians and deceiving Palestinians to portray Israel negatively and shield themselves from blame. Finally, it analyzes the biblical story of the Philistines and their modern representation by Palestinians to explain Israel's difficulty defeating them militarily despite overwhelming strength.
“Tension between Israel and her neighbors was caused by the failure to resolv...Megan Kedzlie
The document discusses the tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors. It argues that the primary cause of conflict was the failure to resolve the Palestinian question and establish a Palestinian state. This failure inflamed pan-Arab and pan-Islamic sentiments among Israel's neighbors and led them to support the Palestinian cause. The tensions were further exacerbated by the military strength Israel demonstrated in wars like the Six Day War and Yom Kippur War, as well as the proxy conflict between the US and USSR for influence in the region. While the Palestinian issue was a major source of conflict, resolving it may not be enough to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
- Palestinians react with anger as the US vetoes a draft UN Security Council Resolution calling for Israel to end its illegal settlement building. All 14 other Security Council members vote in favour.
- The veto reflects the US's bias towards Israel and undermines US credibility as a mediator in peace efforts. Palestinians see the explanations for the veto as "paltry excuses".
- The article also discusses Israel's attacks on Gaza that killed one Palestinian, protests against the Israeli separation wall in Bil'in village, discrimination against Palestinians in the West Bank, and Israel's new $1.6 million social media propaganda campaign.
Du bow digestgermany edition july 29, 2011dubowdigest
This document provides updates on news related to Israel, Germany, and the Jewish community. It discusses the ongoing debt ceiling debate in the US, the Palestinian situation, a failed Gaza flotilla attempt, economic conditions in Gaza including a new luxury hotel, and the severe economic crisis facing the Palestinian Authority. It also discusses small American Jewish communities struggling to maintain Jewish life as younger generations move away to larger cities.
1) The document discusses President Obama's strategic plans for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which include negotiating with Islamic fundamentalists and withdrawing troops from Iraq over 16 months.
2) Critics argue that negotiating with extremists who conducted 9/11 attacks will not work and that a premature withdrawal could lead to civil war and a power vacuum that destabilizes the region.
3) Supporters of continued military action believe it has helped make progress and prevented further terrorist attacks, and that withdrawing now could negate the efforts and lives lost to date.
The document discusses several terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians from 2001, including a suicide bombing at a Tel Aviv disco that killed 21 teens and a bombing at a Jerusalem pizza restaurant that killed 15 people, including 7 children. It provides context about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian terrorist groups. It also examines statements from Yasser Arafat and other Palestinian leaders to argue that they have not genuinely pursued peace and still aim to destroy Israel rather than accept its existence.
The Battle For Jerusalem Has Begun! - Prophecy in the News Magazine - Nov 1996miscott57
The document discusses recent events in Jerusalem that appear to fulfill a prophecy by Zechariah. It summarizes:
1) Fighting has erupted in Jerusalem over the opening of an ancient tunnel, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy that Jerusalem would become a "cup of trembling" and "burdensome stone."
2) World leaders have criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for not appeasing Palestinian demands, while Palestinians vow to continue fighting until Israel withdraws from Jerusalem.
3) Zechariah predicted centuries ago that Jerusalem would be a source of instability and conflict for surrounding nations, a prophecy that accurately describes current tensions over control of the city.
The Folly of a Palestinian State - Prophecy In The News Magazine - November...miscott57
1) Establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital poses grave dangers according to the author. It would legitimize Arab claims to all of Israel and make Jerusalem a prime target for conquest.
2) Once Jerusalem is captured, the Arabs would likely destroy Jewish and Christian historical sites and rid the Middle East of all non-Muslims, following their previous conquests. The fall of Jerusalem could devastate Judaism and Christianity.
3) Dividing Jerusalem ignores the city's profound religious and historical significance to Judaism. Surrendering control of Jerusalem would undermine Israel's legitimacy and national identity.
ESCALATING TENSIONS IN THE GAZA STRIP SINCE MARCH 2018huldahministry
The document discusses the escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza since March 2018. It describes Hamas' use of incendiary kites and balloons to start fires in Israel, and Israel's failed efforts to stop this tactic through targeted strikes and a blockade. While Israel wants to avoid war, Hamas seems undeterred by warnings and continues provoking Israel. The document suggests a conflict may break out this summer as Israel runs out of patience. It also discusses Hamas' strategy of using civilians and deceiving Palestinians to portray Israel negatively and shield themselves from blame. Finally, it analyzes the biblical story of the Philistines and their modern representation by Palestinians to explain Israel's difficulty defeating them militarily despite overwhelming strength.
“Tension between Israel and her neighbors was caused by the failure to resolv...Megan Kedzlie
The document discusses the tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors. It argues that the primary cause of conflict was the failure to resolve the Palestinian question and establish a Palestinian state. This failure inflamed pan-Arab and pan-Islamic sentiments among Israel's neighbors and led them to support the Palestinian cause. The tensions were further exacerbated by the military strength Israel demonstrated in wars like the Six Day War and Yom Kippur War, as well as the proxy conflict between the US and USSR for influence in the region. While the Palestinian issue was a major source of conflict, resolving it may not be enough to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
- Palestinians react with anger as the US vetoes a draft UN Security Council Resolution calling for Israel to end its illegal settlement building. All 14 other Security Council members vote in favour.
- The veto reflects the US's bias towards Israel and undermines US credibility as a mediator in peace efforts. Palestinians see the explanations for the veto as "paltry excuses".
- The article also discusses Israel's attacks on Gaza that killed one Palestinian, protests against the Israeli separation wall in Bil'in village, discrimination against Palestinians in the West Bank, and Israel's new $1.6 million social media propaganda campaign.
Du bow digestgermany edition july 29, 2011dubowdigest
This document provides updates on news related to Israel, Germany, and the Jewish community. It discusses the ongoing debt ceiling debate in the US, the Palestinian situation, a failed Gaza flotilla attempt, economic conditions in Gaza including a new luxury hotel, and the severe economic crisis facing the Palestinian Authority. It also discusses small American Jewish communities struggling to maintain Jewish life as younger generations move away to larger cities.
1) The document discusses President Obama's strategic plans for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which include negotiating with Islamic fundamentalists and withdrawing troops from Iraq over 16 months.
2) Critics argue that negotiating with extremists who conducted 9/11 attacks will not work and that a premature withdrawal could lead to civil war and a power vacuum that destabilizes the region.
3) Supporters of continued military action believe it has helped make progress and prevented further terrorist attacks, and that withdrawing now could negate the efforts and lives lost to date.
The document discusses several terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians from 2001, including a suicide bombing at a Tel Aviv disco that killed 21 teens and a bombing at a Jerusalem pizza restaurant that killed 15 people, including 7 children. It provides context about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian terrorist groups. It also examines statements from Yasser Arafat and other Palestinian leaders to argue that they have not genuinely pursued peace and still aim to destroy Israel rather than accept its existence.
The Lazarus Covenant is a thriller by John Fenzel that draws on his experiences serving in the Balkans and White House. The novel is set in Bosnia, where a former Special Forces officer must confront his violent past in order to prevent a renewed war and nuclear terrorism. Central to the mystery is the question "Who is Lazarus?". The author's expertise and insider knowledge of the region combine to produce an authentic and suspenseful story that will keep readers guessing until the final pages.
This document provides a preface and foreword for the book "Jerusalem in the Qur'an" by Imran N. Hosein. The preface discusses recent geopolitical events that further validate the analysis and predictions in Hosein's book. It notes the illegal invasion of Iraq and continuing oppression of Muslims in Palestine, Bosnia, and elsewhere. The foreword praises the meticulous documentation and timely nature of the book, which fills an intellectual and religious gap by refuting Zionist claims from authenticated religious sources. It asserts the book will serve as an important academic reference for Muslims worldwide in addressing the question of Jerusalem.
Author: Imran Hosein | Pages: 142
Jerusalem in the Qur’an is a great book that thrilled and delighted me in a number of ways. I am surprised that such a meticulously documented book had to wait for such a long time before seeing the light. It is now more than half a century since the Zionists began their appalling oppression and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people whose only offense is that they happened to live in a country considered by the Jews to be their promised Holy Land.
May Allah Ta’ala reward Brother Imran Hosein for writing this scholarly document, which will indeed fill up this intellectual and religious gap and serve as an academic reference to Muslims in all parts of the world. As I write this introduction, this book that was published only this year is already being translated to Arabic and Bosnian. In a short time it will be rendered into other European languages and to all the other tongues of the Islamic world.
Senator jesse helms on world government mar-apr 2000miscott57
This document is an issue of the magazine "Endtime" from March/April 2000 that discusses world events from a biblical perspective. The cover story interviews Senator Jesse Helms about the United Nations and the potential for a new world order. Other articles discuss an interview with Dr. Hans Kung about a proposed "Global Ethic," increasing tensions between China and Taiwan, prospects for Middle East peace in 2000, and theories about the International Monetary Fund and global financial control. Brief news updates are also provided. The overall focus is on analyzing current events through the lens of biblical prophecy about the end times.
President Bush's July 2007 speech calling for a Palestinian state and dividing Jerusalem marked a turning point that negatively impacted US-Israel relations and the US economy. The economic turmoil that began with stock market declines the week after the speech can be traced back to Bush dividing God's covenant land. Some religious figures linked Hurricane Katrina, which hit the US a week after Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 due to US pressure, as divine punishment for the US role in the Gaza withdrawal and pressuring Israel.
Birth of the united religions jul-aug 2000miscott57
This document is an issue of a magazine called "Endtime" from July/August 2000. The main articles discuss the founding of a United Religions organization, the prophesied rebirth of the Holy Roman Empire in the European Union, an interview with Maurice Strong, Taiwan standing up to China, and the possibility of the Confirmation of the Covenant beginning that year. It also previews shorter articles and notes the omission of typical puzzles due to space constraints.
This document provides an overview of Judaism and key topics related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a Jewish perspective. It discusses Jewish beliefs about Israel, important historical figures and events, the religious and political justifications for war in Judaism, challenges to a two-state solution, and public opinion polls showing support among Israelis and Palestinians for a two-state agreement. It aims to concisely summarize the key people, places, events, challenges and potential resolutions related to the conflict from a Jewish and religious viewpoint.
The document criticizes Barack Obama for continuing the same imperialist foreign policies as George W. Bush, despite campaigning on a message of change. It argues Obama's troop surge in Afghanistan mirrors Bush's surge in Iraq and is aimed at preserving American corporate and military dominance abroad rather than helping ordinary Afghans or Pakistanis. The document claims Obama, like Bush, ignores public opinion polls showing most people in the region want an end to foreign occupation and intervention.
IRAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD - United Nations Walkout Led By United Sta...VogelDenise
IRAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD - United Nations Walkout Led By United States of America. BULLYING TACTICS USED to keep the TRUTH behind the United States 911 DOMESTIC Terrorist Attacks on its OWN Citizens.
Provides information as to the REASONS why the FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, JUDICIAL COMPLAINTS and CONGRESSIONAL COMPLAINTS Filed by Vogel Denise Newsome are being OBSTRUCTED from being PROSECUTED!
Garretson Resolution Group appears to be FRONTING Law Firm for United States President Barack Obama and Legal Counsel/Advisor (Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz) which has submitted a SLAPP Complaint to OneWebHosting.com in efforts of PREVENTING the PUBLIC/WORLD from knowing of its and President Barack Obama's ROLE in CONSPIRACIES leveled against Vogel Denise Newsome in EXPOSING the TRUTH behind the 911 DOMESTIC TERRORIST ATTACKS, COLLAPSE OF THE WORLD ECONOMY, EMPLOYMENT violations and other crimes of United States Government Officials. Information that United States President Barack Obama, The Garretson Resolution Group, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, and United States Congress, etc. do NOT want the PUBLIC/WORLD to see. Information of PUBLIC Interest!
Du bow digest germany edition july 11, 2013dubowdigest
This document summarizes recent news and events related to Germany, Israel, Egypt, and the American Jewish community. It discusses the tensions between Germany and the US over spying allegations, the unstable political situation in Egypt and its implications for Israel's security, the ordination of the first female "Maharats" in the Orthodox Jewish community in the US, and Pope Francis' condemnation of anti-Semitism during his first meeting with Jewish leaders at the Vatican.
This document contains a series of essays examining Israel's foreign policy and actions. The author argues that Israel has pursued a three stage master plan to realize a messianic destiny of ruling the world from the Holy Land. The first stage involved British colonial wars that liberated Palestine and established Israel. The second stage was American dominance and protection of Israel. The current stage involves Israel recklessly pursuing nuclear attacks on Iran and Pakistan to destroy any threats and ignite a new world order with Israel in control. The author believes Islam alone offers resistance to Israeli oppression and that a prophecy foretells Israel's eventual punishment at the hands of Muslims.
This preface introduces a book titled "Jerusalem in the Qur'an" by Sheikh Imran Hosein. It summarizes recent geopolitical events like the Iraq war and Israeli occupation, arguing they align with prophecies about the end times. It highlights how the book elucidates topics like the roles of Sephardic and European Jews, the identities of Gog and Magog, the false messiah, and usury. The preface praises the book for its scholarly analysis of these issues from the Qur'an and hadith to help readers understand current events in light of prophecy. It expresses hope the condensed Internet edition of the book can reach a wider audience.
My fifteen years_in_government-moise_tshombe-1967-103pgs-polRareBooksnRecords
Moise Tshombe returns to the Congo at the request of Prime Minister Adoula and General Mobutu to form an emergency government and stabilize the country amidst a growing rebellion. Over six days of negotiations with the major political parties, internal divisions prevent agreement on minister candidates. Tshombe reaches out to rebel groups in Brazzaville and Madrid but faces challenges reconciling their demands for nationalization with his goal of national unity. A letter is discovered implicating potential foreign minister Thomas Kanza in the rebellion, causing him to flee to Brazzaville instead of joining the government. By July 9th Tshombe has formed a government but disappointed many due to prioritizing unity over individual ambitions
Article in The Times of Israel by Andy Blumenthal: It’s Passover, and we celebrate our deliverance from Egyptian slavery, yet this is a slavery that was foretold by Hashem, and as you could say, like with many bad things that happen in this world (e.g. Coronavirus), we knew it was coming!
The document summarizes the significance of the Battle of Badr, which took place on the 17th day of Ramadan in the 2nd year of Hijrah. It was the most decisive battle ever fought, between truth and falsehood, Islam and disbelief. Though the Muslims were outnumbered, through divine help they emerged victorious. The battle buried the pride of the disbelievers and sent a message that truth will always triumph over falsehood. It was a miraculous event that strengthened the Muslims and inspired them for all times.
The document discusses the birth of Jesus Christ and the visit of the Wise Men, as described in Matthew 2. It then discusses Psalm 72, which envisions a king who rules with justice, defending the afflicted and needy. It notes how America was founded with the promise of justice and equality but only allowed landowning white men to vote initially. It calls for introspection on challenges around race, gender, and economics, and examining how Native Americans have been mistreated. It quotes the racist rhetoric used to justify imprisoning Japanese Americans during WWII. The document advocates studying, voting, praying, and acting to further King Jesus' vision of justice.
Tracking the Birth Pains Weekly Newsletter (10/24/15)Beth Frisby
Tracking the Birth Pains Weekly Newsletter categorizes current events within the framework of Matthew 24 & seeks to answer the question: Are We the Terminal Generation?
The document contains information about several YouTube videos advertising rhinoplasty services from a plastic surgery practice located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The videos promote nose job procedures and rhinoplasty services available from the practice. They provide details such as the practice location, phone number, and procedure costs for rhinoplasty in Jacksonville Beach. The videos have titles and descriptions related to nose jobs, rhinoplasty, and the city of Jacksonville Beach.
This document introduces the GIVE feedback model, which provides a structured approach to giving helpful feedback. It consists of four steps: Gather relevant information, Identify the behavior to provide feedback on, Verify your understanding through questions, and Engage in a discussion with the person. The model is demonstrated through an example where a woman realizes she incorrectly assumed her husband meant for her to take action when he said "we" need to do something. She learns to use the GIVE steps, particularly verifying her understanding, to improve their communication. Overall, the GIVE model structure is presented as a way to ensure feedback targets the right behaviors and is given constructively.
The Lazarus Covenant is a thriller by John Fenzel that draws on his experiences serving in the Balkans and White House. The novel is set in Bosnia, where a former Special Forces officer must confront his violent past in order to prevent a renewed war and nuclear terrorism. Central to the mystery is the question "Who is Lazarus?". The author's expertise and insider knowledge of the region combine to produce an authentic and suspenseful story that will keep readers guessing until the final pages.
This document provides a preface and foreword for the book "Jerusalem in the Qur'an" by Imran N. Hosein. The preface discusses recent geopolitical events that further validate the analysis and predictions in Hosein's book. It notes the illegal invasion of Iraq and continuing oppression of Muslims in Palestine, Bosnia, and elsewhere. The foreword praises the meticulous documentation and timely nature of the book, which fills an intellectual and religious gap by refuting Zionist claims from authenticated religious sources. It asserts the book will serve as an important academic reference for Muslims worldwide in addressing the question of Jerusalem.
Author: Imran Hosein | Pages: 142
Jerusalem in the Qur’an is a great book that thrilled and delighted me in a number of ways. I am surprised that such a meticulously documented book had to wait for such a long time before seeing the light. It is now more than half a century since the Zionists began their appalling oppression and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people whose only offense is that they happened to live in a country considered by the Jews to be their promised Holy Land.
May Allah Ta’ala reward Brother Imran Hosein for writing this scholarly document, which will indeed fill up this intellectual and religious gap and serve as an academic reference to Muslims in all parts of the world. As I write this introduction, this book that was published only this year is already being translated to Arabic and Bosnian. In a short time it will be rendered into other European languages and to all the other tongues of the Islamic world.
Senator jesse helms on world government mar-apr 2000miscott57
This document is an issue of the magazine "Endtime" from March/April 2000 that discusses world events from a biblical perspective. The cover story interviews Senator Jesse Helms about the United Nations and the potential for a new world order. Other articles discuss an interview with Dr. Hans Kung about a proposed "Global Ethic," increasing tensions between China and Taiwan, prospects for Middle East peace in 2000, and theories about the International Monetary Fund and global financial control. Brief news updates are also provided. The overall focus is on analyzing current events through the lens of biblical prophecy about the end times.
President Bush's July 2007 speech calling for a Palestinian state and dividing Jerusalem marked a turning point that negatively impacted US-Israel relations and the US economy. The economic turmoil that began with stock market declines the week after the speech can be traced back to Bush dividing God's covenant land. Some religious figures linked Hurricane Katrina, which hit the US a week after Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 due to US pressure, as divine punishment for the US role in the Gaza withdrawal and pressuring Israel.
Birth of the united religions jul-aug 2000miscott57
This document is an issue of a magazine called "Endtime" from July/August 2000. The main articles discuss the founding of a United Religions organization, the prophesied rebirth of the Holy Roman Empire in the European Union, an interview with Maurice Strong, Taiwan standing up to China, and the possibility of the Confirmation of the Covenant beginning that year. It also previews shorter articles and notes the omission of typical puzzles due to space constraints.
This document provides an overview of Judaism and key topics related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a Jewish perspective. It discusses Jewish beliefs about Israel, important historical figures and events, the religious and political justifications for war in Judaism, challenges to a two-state solution, and public opinion polls showing support among Israelis and Palestinians for a two-state agreement. It aims to concisely summarize the key people, places, events, challenges and potential resolutions related to the conflict from a Jewish and religious viewpoint.
The document criticizes Barack Obama for continuing the same imperialist foreign policies as George W. Bush, despite campaigning on a message of change. It argues Obama's troop surge in Afghanistan mirrors Bush's surge in Iraq and is aimed at preserving American corporate and military dominance abroad rather than helping ordinary Afghans or Pakistanis. The document claims Obama, like Bush, ignores public opinion polls showing most people in the region want an end to foreign occupation and intervention.
IRAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD - United Nations Walkout Led By United Sta...VogelDenise
IRAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD - United Nations Walkout Led By United States of America. BULLYING TACTICS USED to keep the TRUTH behind the United States 911 DOMESTIC Terrorist Attacks on its OWN Citizens.
Provides information as to the REASONS why the FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, JUDICIAL COMPLAINTS and CONGRESSIONAL COMPLAINTS Filed by Vogel Denise Newsome are being OBSTRUCTED from being PROSECUTED!
Garretson Resolution Group appears to be FRONTING Law Firm for United States President Barack Obama and Legal Counsel/Advisor (Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz) which has submitted a SLAPP Complaint to OneWebHosting.com in efforts of PREVENTING the PUBLIC/WORLD from knowing of its and President Barack Obama's ROLE in CONSPIRACIES leveled against Vogel Denise Newsome in EXPOSING the TRUTH behind the 911 DOMESTIC TERRORIST ATTACKS, COLLAPSE OF THE WORLD ECONOMY, EMPLOYMENT violations and other crimes of United States Government Officials. Information that United States President Barack Obama, The Garretson Resolution Group, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, and United States Congress, etc. do NOT want the PUBLIC/WORLD to see. Information of PUBLIC Interest!
Du bow digest germany edition july 11, 2013dubowdigest
This document summarizes recent news and events related to Germany, Israel, Egypt, and the American Jewish community. It discusses the tensions between Germany and the US over spying allegations, the unstable political situation in Egypt and its implications for Israel's security, the ordination of the first female "Maharats" in the Orthodox Jewish community in the US, and Pope Francis' condemnation of anti-Semitism during his first meeting with Jewish leaders at the Vatican.
This document contains a series of essays examining Israel's foreign policy and actions. The author argues that Israel has pursued a three stage master plan to realize a messianic destiny of ruling the world from the Holy Land. The first stage involved British colonial wars that liberated Palestine and established Israel. The second stage was American dominance and protection of Israel. The current stage involves Israel recklessly pursuing nuclear attacks on Iran and Pakistan to destroy any threats and ignite a new world order with Israel in control. The author believes Islam alone offers resistance to Israeli oppression and that a prophecy foretells Israel's eventual punishment at the hands of Muslims.
This preface introduces a book titled "Jerusalem in the Qur'an" by Sheikh Imran Hosein. It summarizes recent geopolitical events like the Iraq war and Israeli occupation, arguing they align with prophecies about the end times. It highlights how the book elucidates topics like the roles of Sephardic and European Jews, the identities of Gog and Magog, the false messiah, and usury. The preface praises the book for its scholarly analysis of these issues from the Qur'an and hadith to help readers understand current events in light of prophecy. It expresses hope the condensed Internet edition of the book can reach a wider audience.
My fifteen years_in_government-moise_tshombe-1967-103pgs-polRareBooksnRecords
Moise Tshombe returns to the Congo at the request of Prime Minister Adoula and General Mobutu to form an emergency government and stabilize the country amidst a growing rebellion. Over six days of negotiations with the major political parties, internal divisions prevent agreement on minister candidates. Tshombe reaches out to rebel groups in Brazzaville and Madrid but faces challenges reconciling their demands for nationalization with his goal of national unity. A letter is discovered implicating potential foreign minister Thomas Kanza in the rebellion, causing him to flee to Brazzaville instead of joining the government. By July 9th Tshombe has formed a government but disappointed many due to prioritizing unity over individual ambitions
Article in The Times of Israel by Andy Blumenthal: It’s Passover, and we celebrate our deliverance from Egyptian slavery, yet this is a slavery that was foretold by Hashem, and as you could say, like with many bad things that happen in this world (e.g. Coronavirus), we knew it was coming!
The document summarizes the significance of the Battle of Badr, which took place on the 17th day of Ramadan in the 2nd year of Hijrah. It was the most decisive battle ever fought, between truth and falsehood, Islam and disbelief. Though the Muslims were outnumbered, through divine help they emerged victorious. The battle buried the pride of the disbelievers and sent a message that truth will always triumph over falsehood. It was a miraculous event that strengthened the Muslims and inspired them for all times.
The document discusses the birth of Jesus Christ and the visit of the Wise Men, as described in Matthew 2. It then discusses Psalm 72, which envisions a king who rules with justice, defending the afflicted and needy. It notes how America was founded with the promise of justice and equality but only allowed landowning white men to vote initially. It calls for introspection on challenges around race, gender, and economics, and examining how Native Americans have been mistreated. It quotes the racist rhetoric used to justify imprisoning Japanese Americans during WWII. The document advocates studying, voting, praying, and acting to further King Jesus' vision of justice.
Tracking the Birth Pains Weekly Newsletter (10/24/15)Beth Frisby
Tracking the Birth Pains Weekly Newsletter categorizes current events within the framework of Matthew 24 & seeks to answer the question: Are We the Terminal Generation?
The document contains information about several YouTube videos advertising rhinoplasty services from a plastic surgery practice located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The videos promote nose job procedures and rhinoplasty services available from the practice. They provide details such as the practice location, phone number, and procedure costs for rhinoplasty in Jacksonville Beach. The videos have titles and descriptions related to nose jobs, rhinoplasty, and the city of Jacksonville Beach.
This document introduces the GIVE feedback model, which provides a structured approach to giving helpful feedback. It consists of four steps: Gather relevant information, Identify the behavior to provide feedback on, Verify your understanding through questions, and Engage in a discussion with the person. The model is demonstrated through an example where a woman realizes she incorrectly assumed her husband meant for her to take action when he said "we" need to do something. She learns to use the GIVE steps, particularly verifying her understanding, to improve their communication. Overall, the GIVE model structure is presented as a way to ensure feedback targets the right behaviors and is given constructively.
TVPOST è una cassetta postale virtuale personale associata al proprio indirizzo fisico di casa (un domicilio digitale cassaforte dei documenti ricevuti ed inviati), consultabile con tutti i mezzi informatici quali smartphone, tablet e computer, inoltre la consultazione è possibile anche attraverso la televisione, mezzi sui quali sarà possibile ricevere la propria corrispondenza che attualmente viene recapitata dal postino.
Eduardo Javier Suarez Gutierrez is identified by his Venezuelan national identification card number 25.179.564. He holds a Venezuelan driver's license under the classification of "B" which allows him to drive vehicles up to a certain size or weight. His driver's license classification is listed as "B".
Rebecca Funderburk has a passion for helping youth and the arts. She believes teaching arts can make the world a better place, as the arts had a big impact on her own life. She graduated from an arts high school and is studying entertainment business. Rebecca feels qualified for arts positions thanks to her dream, determination, drive, work ethic, time management, and people skills. She aims to do her best and not disappoint.
Toon van de Sande has worked in maritime ministry for 12 years, providing pastoral care to seafarers. He was also a founder of MPHRP, which responds to piracy incidents. This document discusses improving security through a humanitarian lens. It proposes a risk assessment tool to evaluate awareness, attitude, responsibility and more across 5 levels, and identify objectives and improvements. The assessment aims to incorporate "soft skills" like values and motivate change through a holistic, cooperative approach focusing on both security and care of people.
Este documento resume los diferentes tipos de labiales, sus ventajas y desventajas. Explica que los labiales son productos cosméticos que contienen pigmentos, aceites y ceras para dar color y textura a los labios. Luego enumera diferentes tipos de labiales como mate, cremosos, líquidos y brillantes. Entre las ventajas menciona la autoconfianza, protección solar y facilidad, mientras que entre las desventajas destaca la resequedad, falta de duración permanente y transferencia de color.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help alleviate symptoms of mental illness and boost overall mental well-being.
This technical whitepaper compares Aspera FASP, a high-speed transport protocol, to alternative TCP-based and UDP-based file transfer technologies. It finds that while TCP and high-speed TCP variants can improve throughput over standard TCP in low-loss networks, their performance degrades significantly in wide-area networks with higher latency and packet loss. UDP-based solutions also struggle to achieve high throughput and efficiency across different network conditions due to poor congestion control. In contrast, Aspera FASP is able to achieve maximum throughput that is independent of network characteristics like latency and packet loss, making it optimal for reliable, high-speed transfer of large files over IP networks.
This document advertises a collection of 10 ready-made minimal presentations on CD for Rs. 300 each. The CDs contain presentations, presenter notes, examples, and exercises. They can be purchased individually or in packs of 10 and delivered anywhere in India by SMSing or emailing the provided contact information.
The document discusses the September 11th terrorist attacks and the international response. It describes celebrations of the attacks in Palestinian territories and condemnation from other countries. It examines the roots of terrorism in radical Islamic teachings and the failure of Western nations to confront terrorist groups and state sponsors of terrorism in the past. It argues the free world must now take decisive action to stop terrorist organizations and the countries supporting them to prevent future attacks.
The document discusses the September 11th terrorist attacks and the international response. It describes celebrations of the attacks in Palestinian territories and condemnation from other countries. It examines the roots of terrorism in radical Islamic teachings and the failure of Western nations to confront terrorist groups and state sponsors of terrorism in the past. It argues the free world must now take decisive action to stop terrorist organizations and the countries supporting them to prevent future attacks.
A Cold Peace: The Future of the Israeli-Egyptian RelationshipRawda Aljawhary
This article represents a section of my capstone paper entitled: At Least Mubarak Kept Us Safe. Both of these writings are a culmination of three months of research in Egypt studying politicized Islam and life after the Arab Spring.
Who promised Palestine to contemporary Jews God or Britain.docxphilipnelson29183
Who promised Palestine to contemporary Jews? God or Britain?
In 1917 Britain issued the Balfour Declaration (promising Arab Palestine to world Jewry) and began a 30-year military occupation of Palestine to fulfill the promise through what British Colonel Charles Churchill envisioned in 1841 as a simultaneous and Europe-wide Jewish “agitation”
Speaking at a hastily convened meeting of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas demands UN takes charge of peace process after Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel [on 12/6/2017]. Abbas formally declared that “Jerusalem is and will forever be the capital of the Palestinian state” and “We do not accept any role of the United States in the political process from now on. Because it is completely biased towards Israel.” The Guardian, 12/13/2017, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/13/recep-tayyip-erdogan-unite-muslim-world-trump-east-jerusalem
Watch George Galloway
(long-time British Member of Parliament) discuss how “the Balfour Declaration, made by Arthur Balfour, the British Foreign Secretary, promised on behalf of one people [the British] to a second people [the Jews] the land that belongs to a third people [the Palestinians]”, 6/4/2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZvmOQhcObw
Watch Alison Weir discuss “The Hidden history of how the U.S. was used to create Israel,” If Americans Knew, 5/5/2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4cNrbo15ME
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10/30/2015,
http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ForeignPolicy/Peace/Guide/Pages/The%20Balfour%20Declaration.aspx
Prince Charles, heir to British Throne, wrote in 1986: "Surely some U.S. president has to have the courage to stand up and take on the Jewish lobby in U.S.? I must be naive, I suppose!" Israel Hayom, 11/12/2017, http://www.israelhayom.com/2017/11/12/1986-prince-charles-letter-reveals-shocking-thoughts-on-jews/
Read the Balfour
Declaration to see who promised Palestine to contemporary Jews
Arthur James Balfour
In 1943, President Roosevelt’s special envoy to the Middle East US Army Lt. Col. Harold Hoskins warned: “Only by force can a Jewish state in Palestine be established or maintained” See PPT 9
In 1946, Albert Einstein warned that
a Jewish state in Palestine where a majority of the population is Arab would be “unjust and impractical.” Forward, 11/22/2015, http://forward.com/news/325189/what-was-einsteins-relationship-to-judaism-and-zionism/
http://www.valentinosghost.com/#anchorSummery
With the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration approaching,
“the Palestinian Authority said it plans to sue Britain for issuing the edict”
JTA,
7/25/2016
http://www.jta.org/2016/07/25/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/palestinian-authority-to-sue-uk-over-balfour-declaration
The Balfour Declaration – A Century of Jewish Power, VT, 5/17/2017, http://www.veteranstoday.com/2017/05/17/the-balfour-declaration-a-century-of-jewish-power/
We’re American Jewish .
This document is a newsletter providing information on upcoming Jewish holidays and discussing the latest Israel-Palestinian peace talks scheduled to take place in Washington D.C. It expresses skepticism that the talks will result in any agreement, as the two sides remain far apart on key issues. While the talks moving to a direct format is presented as positive in theory, the document cites analysts who believe indirect talks may be more promising. It provides analysis from multiple sources on the challenges facing the talks and doubts any comprehensive deal can be reached within a year as hoped by the Obama administration.
- The US Liberty was a US Navy ship conducting signals intelligence for the NSA off the coast of Gaza during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. It was monitoring communications from both sides and transmitting information to the US.
- On June 8th, Israeli military aircraft and torpedo boats deliberately attacked the Liberty in international waters, killing 34 crew members and injuring 171. The Israelis wanted to sink the ship to prevent it from transmitting information showing that Israel started the war and was interfering with Arab communications.
- The US government covered up the facts of the deliberate attack to protect its covert operations with Israeli intelligence and strategic partnership with Israel. The questions of how the war started and the attack on the Liberty were dropped at Israel's request.
After the fall of the USSR, Western countries dominated the global narrative and perspective. Al-Jazeera was launched in 1996 as the first independent Arabic news channel to offer an alternative perspective and give voice to Arab opinions. It gained prominence covering the US war in Afghanistan when other networks were expelled. While popular in Europe and the Middle East, Al-Jazeera has faced accusations of bias from the US and was banned briefly in India for its coverage of Kashmir. The network argues it provides a needed alternative to Western-dominated media perspectives.
Media Coverage of Israel-Palestine ConflictHadiaNaeem3
The document discusses media coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict from different perspectives. US and British media coverage favors Israel by giving more voice to Israeli narratives and portraying Palestinians negatively. Arab media highlights the Palestinian perspective and frames Palestinians as victims. Pakistani media supports the Palestinian cause but also a two-state solution. The analysis finds that each country's media narrates the perspective of its allied side more strongly and understates the other due to political ideology and alliances influencing reporting. The document suggests media needs to be fair and unbiased for the conflict to be resolved.
Du bow digest germany edition april 11, 2013dubowdigest
This document provides an overview of recent changes in the role of American rabbis. It notes that fewer full-time rabbi positions are available as the number of congregations declines. Additionally, new rabbinical schools have increased the number of rabbis. The article argues that rabbis now need to take a more entrepreneurial approach, cobbling together multiple part-time roles or founding their own prayer communities. It presents examples of rabbis working in diverse settings like schools, JCCs, camps, and organizations. The role of rabbi is being reinvented for the 21st century.
DuBow Digest american edition feb. 8, 2011 (2)dubowdigest
The document summarizes Chancellor Merkel's recent visit to Israel, where she and other German cabinet members met with Israeli leaders including Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Peres. Key topics of discussion included the ongoing unrest in Egypt, Iran's nuclear program, and restarting peace talks between Israel and Palestine. The document also briefly describes a Holocaust memorial project funded by Germany to identify and preserve mass grave sites from World War II in Eastern Europe.
The document discusses the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict from religious, historical, and political perspectives. It provides background on Zionism and the establishment of Israel in 1948, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. More recent events discussed include the wars in Gaza, Israel's construction of settlements and separation barrier in the West Bank, and the suffering of Palestinians under Israeli military occupation, such as restrictions on movement, home demolitions, and torture of prisoners. The document advocates for exposing the plight of Palestinians and their right to return to their homeland.
1. Peggy Peattie / Union-Tribune
A foggy morning along the Nile reveals soldiers patrolling outside one of the many embassies in Cairo.
Egypt ambivalent on peacekeeping rule
By Dean Calbreath
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
November 16, 2001
CAIRO, Egypt -- With Northern Alliance forces and Pashtun tribesmen closing in
around the Taliban's last remaining strongholds, a growing chorus of voices in the
Muslim world are supporting the idea of establishing an Islamic peacekeeping force
in the war-torn country.
Turkey and Jordan have committed troops to the peacekeeping project, and even Iran
has praised the idea. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak recently said it would be a
good idea for the United States to press for a force specifically made up of soldiers
from Muslim nations in the Middle East.
But Mubarak has not said whether Egypt would be interested in committing troops to
the region. His public ambivalence points to the tightrope that Arab leaders must
walk as they weigh whether they should become involved in a war that has largely
been seen as a U.S. initiative.
Public opinion is not united on the issue. While many Egyptians praise the idea of
having an all-Muslim task force, which would pay heed to the cultural sensitivities of
the Afghans, some fear that committing troops could make it appear that the United
States is dictating policy in Cairo.
2. "Egypt is not really needed in furnishing troops -- even troops to keep the armies
from fighting each other," said Mohammed Sayed Ahmed, a political analyst with the
state-run newspaper Al-Ahram. "The U.S. and other nations have enough troops. The
Americans want our participation as a symbol of support. But that may be a kind of
signal that Mr. Mubarak does not want to give."
Ahmed said it would be very difficult to send troops onto the ground until the United
States provides definitive proof that Osama bin Laden was the mastermind behind
the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that prompted the U.S. campaign in Afghanistan.
Although most Egyptians believe bin Laden was at least indirectly behind the attack,
some – especially in the amorphous mass of poor and lower middle-class collectively
referred to as "the street" – continue to have doubts, floating a series of conspiracy
theories pinning the blame on such sources as the CIA, and Israel's spy agency, the
Mossad. The list of evidence submitted this week to the British Parliament by Prime
Minister Tony Blair has not swayed the street.
"To Mr. Mubarak, what's important is how this action will be perceived in the street,"
Ahmed said. "The state is very keen to keep the street in order. Mr. Mubarak wants to
keep the field clean from people who could provoke violence."
On the other hand, other Egyptians feel there may never be permanent peace in
Afghanistan unless soldiers from Egypt and other Muslim nations act as a wedge
between the varying factions.
Without a strong peacekeeping force, Afghanistan could face the same situation that
it did in the early 1990s, after Soviet troops were forced to withdraw. At that time,
civil war broke out among the various factions of the Northern Alliance, paving the
way for the fundamentalist Taliban to take control of the country.
Gia Rashwan, a political consultant with the Al-Ahram Centre for Strategic Studies,
said he is convinced that Egyptians will eventually support the idea – but only after
the United States and British bombing campaign ends.
"The situation on the street has changed in the past four or five days," Rashwan said.
"People used to see this as a war of U.S. bombers against poor Muslims in villagers.
Now, it is perceived more as a war of brother against brother, so people are not
feeling so bad about the American presence."
Salah Bassiouny, Egypt's former ambassador to the Soviet Union, said having an all-
Muslim peacekeeping force could further resolve Egypt's qualms about the war. "In a
country that's 99.9 percent Muslim, it doesn't make sense to send in Europeans as
peacekeepers. You should send people from the Muslim countries of Asia, Africa and
the Middle East."
Bassiouny blamed the United States for the Egyptian ambivalence toward
Afghanistan. "The image of the United States in this war on terror has been horrible,"
he said. "But that's largely because the Bush administration has not done well at
presenting its case. In World War II, the Korean War, the Gulf War and even the early
stages of Vietnam, the United States always did a good job at explaining why it was
entering those conflicts. But in this war on Afghanistan, there was no PR or coalition-
building. Nothing. What do you expect public opinion to be?"
3. PEGGY PEATTIE / Union-Tribune
Mahmoud Kaled, smoking in Cairo tobacco shop, condemned the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but also expressed anger at
the U.S. military strikes in Afghanistan.
Egyptians wary as Bush prepares
to unveil plan for Mideast peace
By Dean Calbreath
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
November 18, 2001
CAIRO, EGYPT -- As the Bush administration was preparing to offer its first comprehensive proposal
for peace in the Middle East, Mahmoud Kaled and his friends were sitting in a narrow alleyway in
Cairo's Khan El-Khalili bazaar, puffing on hookahs and sipping strong Egyptian coffee.
"I was sick to my stomach when I heard about Sept. 11. Everybody around me felt the same way,"
said Kaled, who works for the Aramco oil company in Saudi Arabia. "But hopefully, America can use
it as a starting point for a new life, so they can stop and review their strategy and not support the
Israelis against the Arabs."
When a newcomer to the group pointed out that the Bush administration was drawing up plans for a
Palestinian state, the 20-something Kaled simply shrugged and said, "For years, we've heard a lot of
words. But words are nothing without action."
Kaled's skepticism is shared by many Arabs. As Israelis nervously anticipate the implications of
President Bush's peace proposal -- which is slated to be unveiled tomorrow by Secretary of State
Colin Powell -- many Arabs question whether the current administration has the skill, commitment
or desire to hammer out any major change.
4. "If George Bush really wanted a Palestinian state, why didn't he say anything about it before Sept.
11?" asked Ibrahim Saher Hariddy, who sells Egyptian artwork to tourists at a shop near the
pyramids.
Most Egyptians say they care more about the Palestinian conflict than does Osama bin Laden, whom
they describe as an interloper who cared little about the conflict until he decided he could use it as an
excuse to carry out his attack on the United States.
"If he is so angry with the U.S. for supporting Israel, why didn't bin Laden launch his attack on Tel
Aviv? If I had a grudge against someone, I would confront him head-on rather than take it out on his
friend,"Egyptian Gazette writer M. Ali Ibrahim opined last week in a column.
Nevertheless, the Egyptians feel that if the conflict is resolved it will pull the rug out from under bin
Laden and other terrorists throughout the region, depriving them of a cause they use to mobilize the
masses.
Egyptians' hopes rose last month when Bush announced he would support the creation of an
independent Palestinian state. That hope soured after Bush refused to shake the hand of Palestinian
leader Yasser Arafat during a more recent United Nations meeting, instead reaching out to Israeli
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
"Over the past two decades, Egyptians have always been hoping for the United States to be an honest
broker, even if they are allied to Israel," said Selah Bassiouyni, a lawyer who leads Egypt's peace
movement. "But people were furious when he refused to shake hands with someone who was only a
few meters away."
After the handshake incident, Egyptian newspapers had a field day attacking the United States as
kowtowing to the will of the Israeli government. Columns in the state-run newspaper Al-Akhbar said
Bush's "high-sounding words (about a Palestinian state) were merely a ruse to win over Arab public
opinion."
Government officials also offered scathing contrasts between President Bush and previous presidents
-- particularly Bill Clinton, who devoted much of his time trying to cobble together a comprehensive
settlement.
The Egyptians may have had their feelings assuaged somewhat by a delegation from the European
Union that traveled to Cairo yesterday to assure President Hosni Mubarak that a new wave of
negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians might be the best chance the region has ever had for
achieving lasting peace.
"The United States, as the leading power on Earth, has the power to push the peace process forward,"
said Mustafa Al-Fiqqi, who heads a parliamentary committee on foreign relations. "We hope there
can be a new chapter in the history of the region."
5. Cairo turns inward in
season of good will
For Egyptians, Ramadan holy month
pushes war far into the background
By Dean Calbreath
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
November 17, 2001
CAIRO, Egypt -- As the holy month of Ramadan began
yesterday, small cadres of uniformed officers stood
guard at the Al-Azhar Mosque as plain-clothes police
mingled with the crowds looking for troublemakers.
For weeks, Egyptian officials had worried aloud that
the public might erupt into protest if the U.S.-led war
effort in Afghanistan continued into Ramadan, the
holiest period of the Muslim year.
Just a month ago, at the onset of the Afghan bombing
campaign, a crowd of Koran-waving demonstrators at
Al-Azhar unfurled banners proclaiming, "Jihad is the
answer!"
But with the Taliban on the run, Afghanistan seemed
to be the last thing on the minds of the silent
worshippers who gathered at the mosque, squatting in
long rows in front of Sheikh Sayed Tarawi, one of
Egypt's leading clerics.
Tarawi said nothing about current events during his
sermon on the need for charity and self-reflection
during the month, which celebrates the day the Angel
Gabriel delivered the Koran to the Prophet Muhammad.
Tarawi's only reference to the war came in a prayer at the end of the sermon, when he asked Allah to
grant wisdom to President Hosni Mubarak and other leaders in the Arab world in dealing with the
troubles in Afghanistan -- a prayer that could easily be seconded by Christians, Jews and others
throughout the world.
"The crisis in Afghanistan seems to be ending. Now we can concentrate on Ramadan," said middle-
aged taxi driver Wagih El-Akkad -- perhaps a bit too optimistically -- as he left the crowded mosque.
A 30-something Internet specialist who declined to give his name said he, too, felt the problems in
Afghanistan were fading from the public consciousness -- although there is still much anxiety about
the Middle East.
"College students still like to protest a lot," he said, referring to the anti-war demonstrations a month
earlier. "Nearly everybody in Egypt wants peace. But when you get out of college, you realize there
are more things to worry about -- like finding a good job and a place to live."
Peggy Peattie / Union-Tribune
The narrow street behind the Al-Ahzar Mosque is
bustling with shoppers and students who use this
street to reach the Al-Ahzar Islamic School. The
banner overhead welcomes the coming of Ramadan.
6. The entire city seemed to be enveloped by the feeling of good will that typically marks the holiday
season, a monthlong period of fasting. Although no eating, drinking, smoking or sex is permitted
from dawn to dusk, the evenings are marked by festive banquets.
"Come eat with us. Ramadan is a time of peace," said Ahmed Suleiman, a volunteer at the Saiyda
Zeinab Mosque, as he invited a pair of Americans to join the holiday feast.
On a swath of green carpets on the pavement in front of the mosque, several dozen squatting
congregants were feasting on sweetened date juice, lentil stew, fresh fruits and vegetables. The
banqueters smile and shake hands and practice their English with the newcomers, bidding them a
hearty welcome. "Hello! Welcome!" they say, repeating the two words most commonly heard by
foreigners in the city -- American or not.
"We love Americans. But sometimes your government . . . ," Suleiman says, his voice trailing off so as
not to offer offense on the holiday.
The banquets are replicated throughout the city -- sometimes on sidewalk carpets but more often in
multicolored pavilions. Tens of thousands of meals are offered free to the poor as well as to any
parishioners who don't have time to rush home and cook. "On the first night of Ramadan, not
everybody stays to eat," said Suleiman, who heads a computer business by day and volunteers at the
mosque in his spare time. "But by the middle of the month, there are hundreds. It feels like a
carnival."
Not everyone, however, is as welcoming to outsiders. Some places of worship, such as the Mustafa
Mahmoud Mosque, frown on receiving foreigners, fearful that they may portray Islam in a negative
light -- a fear that is not uncommon in Egypt these days. Not that the Ramadan sermon at the
mosque was anything threatening.
"The sermon just encourages people to behave properly," said Ahmed Adel Nor El-Din, a plastic
surgeon whose volunteer work includes coordinating the mosque's 5,000 or so free meals.
"Unfortunately, many people make a separation between what they hear in the mosque and what
they do on the outside, although I suppose that's true throughout the globe."
Ramadan could not have come sooner for Cairo's merchants, who have been hit hard by the
worldwide economic slowdown as well as the events of Sept. 11, which slashed tourism throughout
the region, a major source of income. Despite the downturn, as Ramadan approached, shoppers
crowded into Cairo's ancient, narrow streets, seeking sweets and produce for their banquets and
buying multicolored lanterns and other holiday decorations.
"Business has been very slow for many months, but Ramadan means big, big business," said Abdel
Hashi, a farmer who had traveled from southern Egypt to peddle his goods at a farmer's market
along the Nile. His burlap sacks of dates and figs were crammed between stacked crates of apricots,
lemons and oranges -- all intended for Ramadan banquets.
Ekbal Baraka, editor of the women's magazine Hawaa, sees a bit of irony in the commercialization of
Ramadan. "It's very funny what people have made out of this month," she said. "We're supposed to
spend the entire month in prayer and contemplation and thinking about God. Instead, it's a month of
banquets. It's so tiring because you haven't eaten anything all day and suddenly you're surprised by a
huge banquet."
But Iman Muhamed Hamad, who delivered the sermon at the Saiyda Zeinab Mosque, hopes it is still
a time when people focus on the positive messages in Islam. Like Sheikh Tarawi's, Hamad's message
did not mention Afghanistan. His homily instead stressed that the Islam requires many duties of its
followers, but the most important is to love.
7. Peggy Peattie / Union-Tribune
Fouzia Abul, an Iraqi woman, starts to cry as she talks about her grandson back home. She
sends them the little money she earns selling cheap items on the sidewalk of a marketplace
in the Palestinian camp Al-Baka.
Jordan now key player
By Dean Calbreath
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
December 12, 2001
AMMAN, Jordan -- Once a month, Fouzia Abul catches a bus or a taxi in downtown Baghdad and
takes a thousand-mile ride through the desert to Amman.
In a Palestinian refugee camp on the outskirts of the Jordanian capital, Abul and other Iraqi peddlers
squat down at the local bazaar and hawk a variety of Iraqi wares: honey, date juice, "Sumer"
cigarettes, olive oil.
"It's hard to come here," Abul says, adding that she goes weeks without seeing her family. She cries
when she mentions the hardships her grandson is enduring in Baghdad.
But with the bus trip to Amman costing just $4.50 -- gas is cheaper than water in Iraq -- the chance
of making money in Jordan is too lucrative to pass up. Abul makes enough to send a weekly
allowance to her grandson, making up for the fact that the boy's father can't find a job in poverty-
stricken Iraq.
Iraq's business ties to Jordan go well beyond the presence of peddlers in the local bazaar.
Amman is the closest place where Iraqi businessmen can safely invest their money. The largest
construction project in the city -- a massive office, retail and apartment tower -- is being built by
8. Iraqi businessmen with ties to Saddam Hussein. Iraq is also building a $325 million pipeline capable
of bringing 250,000 barrels of oil a day into Jordan.
At a time when Jordan is reeling under 13 percent unemployment, such strong business ties are
crucial. Iraq's investments are one reason why Jordan -- one of the United States' key allies in the
region -- gets a little uneasy when the White House hints it might go after Saddam Hussein. When
the United States attacked Iraq during the Gulf War, it threw Jordan into an economic tailspin from
which it is just beginning to recover.
In the past couple of years, the United States has been trying to boost its own trade with Jordan,
which would make it less dependent on Iraq. Trade between Jordan and the U.S. should get a major
boost on Monday, when a free-trade deal between the two countries takes effect. Only three other
nations -- Mexico, Canada and Israel -- enjoy such status, although such nations as Chile, Egypt,
Turkey and Morocco are vying to join the list.
Access to U.S.
"This deal is going to give us easy access to the U.S.," exudes Reem Badran, who heads the Jordan
Investment Board in Amman. "Hopefully, we'll be seeing a lot more investment coming through
Jordan to get to Arab markets."
But Badran warns that it could be a while before the United States replaces Iraq as the country's
No. 1 trading partner.
"Jordanians are very close to both Syria and Iraq," he says. Syria has also been mentioned as a
potential target of the U.S. war on terrorism. "The message that President Bush gives is that we're
either against your enemies or we're against you. That's not a beneficial message, either for us or for
the United States."
The trade talks show how important trade relationships can be in power politics. In Jordan, trade is
not only being used to boost relations with the United States, but also with Israel.
To a large extent, Jordan's relationship with Iraq is determined more by geography than political
affinities. Jordan has long served as Iraq's western gateway. The constant stream of goods passing
across Jordan to Iraq helped create a large number of service firms in Amman.
More importantly, Iraq sells oil to Jordan at greatly subsidized prices. Iraqi oil helps Jordan save
$700 million in a year on fuel, representing 10 percent of gross domestic product.
"This is a vital need for Jordan," says Samer Tawil, secretary general of the Ministry of Industry and
Trade.
Jordan's trade with Iraq fell sharply during the Gulf War. And Jordan was hurt even harder when
Iraq started trading oil for food in 1996. That barter system made Iraq a more lucrative market for
other nations than Jordan. And it allowed Iraq to cut its dependence on Jordanian suppliers.
By 1997, Jordan was building entries into other markets: signing free-trade agreements with the
European Union and several Arab nations, sending trade missions to China and Southeast Asia, and
creating a free-trade zone in Aqaba.
But the market with the greatest potential was the United States. As recently as 1998, the United
States was buying only $16 million of Jordanian goods a year, compared with $96 million purchased
by Iraq.
9. The first U.S. initiative, begun by the Clinton administration, was designed to cement political ties
between Jordan, the United States and Israel. The idea was to reward Jordan for being a reliable
partner in the peace process -- and to encourage it to take more risks.
More trade important
Clinton's trade representative, Charlene Barchefsky, warned that without more trade, there would be
"lost opportunities for governments to find common interest and, ultimately, the persistence of
political tensions and suspicions."
In April 1998, Jordan began setting up a half dozen industrial zones that can export goods tariff-free
to the United States -- as long as at least 8 percent of the components used in the products come
from Israel.
"It was felt that if we could have good business relations between the two countries, we could develop
better political relations," Badran says. "So far it's worked."
Since the Jordan-Israeli industrial zones were inaugurated, Jordan's exports to the United States
have quadrupled, hitting $69 million in 2000. The United States is projected to buy $211 million in
goods from Jordan this year -- doubling the projected purchases from Iraq. But because of Iraq's
half-billion dollar yearly sale of oil to Jordan, Iraq continues to dominate in terms of total trade.
Trade should rise even faster when the free-trade agreement kicks in, although fears about Sept. 11
have made some U.S. businessmen jittery about investing anywhere in the Middle East.
At the request of the Jordanian government, U.S. Ambassador Edward Gnehm wrote a letter to the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce to allay such worries.
"I hope that you and your members will take a good look at the exciting possibilities" in Jordan,
Gnehm wrote in October. He added that Jordan was "providing invaluable support to rid the war on
terrorism."
Despite Jordan's growing economic ties with the United States, it's doubtful that Jordan's reliance on
Baghdad will disappear any time soon.
"The relationship between Jordan and Iraq is still very strategic," says trade official Tawil. "Iraq is
the largest market neighboring us. And there are a large number of Iraqi businessmen in Jordan,
who employ a large number of Jordanians."
10. PEGGY PEATTIE / Union-Tribune
Fourth grade teacher Don'a Matar laughs at an answer from a student in Amman.
Noted Arab women work to foster respect
By Dean Calbreath
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
November 21, 2001
AMMAN, Jordan -- In a small elementary school in the hills of Amman, Don'a Matar is doing
something that women in Afghanistan have been prevented from doing for years: teaching.
Matar teaches a class of fourth-graders the four R's: reading, writing, arithmetic and religion.
As in many schools in Amman, all of the teachers in Matar's school are women.
"Teaching is much more popular for women than men," she said.
At Matar's school, each of the teachers keeps her head covered. That is a personal choice rather than
a matter of government policy in a country where devout Muslim women often go uncovered. Even
though women and men are separated when they go to the mosque, nobody sees anything wrong
with women teaching the Koran to youngsters in classrooms.
"Here, a woman can do whatever she wants to, as long as she's got the right qualifications," said
Matar, who originally wanted to be a doctor but turned to teaching after failing the qualifying tests.
"There was nothing about being a woman that kept me from being a doctor. It was just the tests."
Jordan is an example of the broad spectrum of the treatment of women in the Muslim world. At a
time when burqa-enshrouded women were prohibited from making noise on the streets of
Afghanistan, Jordanian women were holding such high ranks as minister of industry and trade and
minister of social development. Three women sit in the 80-member parliament.
11. Four Muslim countries -- Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia -- have had female prime
ministers, outpacing many Western nations. Such nations as Egypt, Lebanon and Syria offer women
broad political and employment rights.
Egypt guarantees working women three months of paid maternity leave, up to six years of unpaid
child-care leave and the right to shift to part-time employment "to enable them to reconcile conjugal
obligations with work responsibilities."
Some Muslim nations -- particularly those surrounding the Persian Gulf -- continue to severely limit
women's rights.
In Kuwait, a recent promise by the
prince to grant full political rights by
2002 was shot down by the National
Council, one of the first times in
history that the advisory body said no
to the ruling prince. Saudi Arabia's
veiled women still are barred from
driving automobiles or entering most
professions.
"Saudi Arabia for us is like the
Vatican," said Ekbal Baraka, an
Egyptian feminist who edits the
women's magazine Hawaa, which
translates as Eve. "It's a sacred place
and the women are like nuns. The
Saudis cannot change since they fear
they'll risk losing their position as the
leaders of the Muslim world."
In a cluttered office in a musty
building far from the heart of Cairo,
Baraka uses her magazine to push for greater rights. Her magazine mixes articles on cooking and
fashion with criticism of Islamic militancy and the oppression of the Taliban.
"I hate the Taliban," Baraka said. "I could kill them for what they did to women."
Baraka has a personal grudge against fundamentalists. In college, her daughter repeatedly was
confronted by fundamentalists who told her that unless she put on a veil she never would be a good
Muslim and never would go to paradise.
"It was ridiculous, of course," she said. "She's a very good Muslim and prays regularly. Nowhere in
the Koran does it say women need to wear the veil. But every day she was approached by students
who gave her pamphlets saying, 'Oh, my sister, be true to Islam and put on the veil.' She finally
stopped it by ripping up the pamphlets."
Although women in Egypt and other nearby nations have made advances in business and politics,
that does not always translate into respect in social settings.
Jordanian homes are reminiscent of the United States in the 1950s. After cooking dinner, women
typically retreat to the kitchen as the men smoke cigarettes and talk politics in the living room.
Peggy Peattie / Union-Tribune
Ekbal Baraka, editor-in-chief of the feminist magazine "Hawaa" or
"Eve," said that the same Allah that Muslim extremists believe
imposes restrictions on lifestyle, is the one that gave women equality
in many aspects of life -- including the right to divorce. She said she
thinks life for women is getting better for women in Egypt.
12. "I'm not used to expressing my views among men," a female college student said, explaining why she
declines to join the men's conversation.
In Egyptian bazaars, storekeepers often treat women as if they were not there, preferring to deal with
their husbands instead. "Don't even talk," a storekeeper might snap angrily. "This is just between us
men!"
Some Muslim women -- particularly in the well-educated upper reaches of society -- are trying to
improve the status of women.
Several days before U.S. first lady Laura Bush and her British counterpart, Cherie Blair, began
pressing for greater women's rights in Afghanistan, women from throughout the Arab world, led by
nearly a dozen first ladies, gathered in Cairo to launch an Arab Women's Organization to push for
women's rights.
Suzanne Mubarak, wife of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, said Arab nations should do more to
enforce existing laws on women's rights. Queen Rania of Jordan touted her government's programs
to help single mothers and other women establish businesses, ranging from dress-making to dairy
operations.
Suha Arafat, whose husband, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, often criticizes the West, suggested
that women should study the achievements that women have made in developed nations.
"Wherever they are, women should be given the same chance as their fathers or brothers so they can
succeed," Suha Arafat said. "We have to reshape the public opinion on women's issues, to reflect the
role of women not only as mother and wife, but also as a partner in production and political activity."
The Arab women's conference itself was an example of why it has been so hard to have region-wide
progress on women's rights. The more progressive countries in the region are reluctant to criticize
their neighbors for fear of provoking a backlash. The traditionalist nations do their best to ward off
any change.
At the onset of the three-day summit, Sheikha Latifa Al-Fahd Al-Sabah, the first lady of Kuwait, set
the tone by urging the group to be "respectful of the laws of each country" and refrain from
interfering in internal affairs.
While Al-Sabah said that women should be "protected from backwardness and attempts to keep
them at home," her own initiative on women's rights was to have women become more effective
mothers and keep their children away from drugs.
Sheikha Sabika bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, the wife of the emir of Bahrain, said that women should
prevent their children from being attracted to terrorism, and instead concentrate on the more
positive messages of the Koran.
Despite the division between the two camps, Hawaa editor Baraka described the summit as "one of
the most important steps taken by women in this region of the world. It used to be that these women
were just beautiful ladies who dressed very nobly before going to some charity group to cut ribbons.
Now they're more active than ever before in at least discussing women's rights."
13. PEGGY PEATTIE / Union-Tribune
At a social service office run by the Palestinian National Authority, manager Kaher Awwed
(left) explains to several needy men and women that he has run out of assistance money.
Bethlehem now a land of martyrs and poverty
Spirit of peace hard to find as tourism shrivels, death toll rises
By Dean Calbreath
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
November 24, 2001
BETHLEHEM, West Bank -- In this little town associated with the words "Peace
on earth, good will to men" there was little peace or good will as U.S. negotiators
prepared for the latest drive to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Last month, Israeli tanks supported by Apache helicopters rumbled through the
city to quell protests after the killing of three Palestinian leaders linked to terrorist
acts -- including Atef Abayat, who was on Israel's most wanted list.
By local counts, more than 20 Palestinians were killed during the 10-day incursion.
For the residents of Gilo in Jerusalem, a Jewish neighborhood built on contested
land that overlooks Bethlehem, the clampdown came just in time. Palestinians in
Bethlehem had been firing mortar shells at homes and apartment buildings, and
they were getting uncomfortably close.
"One mortar shell destroyed a car, another landed in our schoolyard," said one
young mother. "Fortunately, no one was hurt. But it gets scary when something
like that lands in a schoolyard."
But for Palestinians, who believe neighborhoods like Gilo and settlements in the
West Bank and Gaza are encroaching on their land, the battle added a couple
dozen martyrs in the 14-month intifada, an insurrection that has taken at least 720
14. Palestinian and 188 Israeli lives.
The walls along Bethlehem's narrow
alleyways radiating from Manger Square,
revered as the birthplace of Jesus, were
plastered with tattered posters showing the
images of the dead, brandishing such
weapons as assault rifles, pistols and hand
grenades. One young man on a poster holds
a Koran with one hand and an M-16 with the
other. A thickly bearded man holds a rifle in
each hand.
The posters were surrounded by long
scrawls of blood-red graffiti.
"We swear that for every Palestinian killed,
we will kill two Israelis," reads a typical
message, punctuated with the image of a
gun.
At a falafel shop half a block away from the
square, three friends swapped stories of the
incursion. Assam Barakat, who owns a
clothing shop a few doors down the
cobblestone street, complained of how he
was trapped in his parents' house for more than a week -- separated from his
pregnant wife -- for fear that the Israelis might shoot at him if he walked down the
street.
Barakat's brother Munir, who runs an office-supply shop, complained about how
much time it takes to get to his company's outpost in Ramallah. Before
the intifada, he said, the drive took 25 minutes. Now it takes at least an hour and a
half because of a series of Israeli checkpoints aimed at intercepting suicide
bombers.
In his most recent trip, he left Bethlehem at 6 a.m. and got to Ramallah at 1 p.m.
He spent the night in Ramallah, since it would have taken too long to drive back.
"Listen, I don't need the Al Aqsa mosque," he said, referring to the Islamic holy site
in Jerusalem, a longtime flash point between Palestinians and Israelis. "If they
divide that up between all the Palestinians, I would happily give my tiny share to
the Israelis, as long as I get the right to live free. All I want is to be able to live free.
I want to be the kind of guy who doesn't have to hear his son say, 'Daddy, please
take me someplace safe to stay.' "
The wall of his shop was adorned with a 2002 calendar of Abayat, whose death
touched off the incursion. Abayat, who made Israel's most wanted list after being
accused of killing an Israeli mother of three, is shown armed to the hilt, with a
grenade peering out above his rifle.
"But look at that face," said one brother. "It is too young and innocent to do any
PEGGY PEATTIE / Union-Tribune
A young boy sits on a Bethlehem
sidewalk near Nativity Square , next to
posters of suicide attackers.
15. harm."
The intifada has sharply cut into business in Bethlehem. In the past, Manger Square
was crowded with Christian pilgrims and other tourists, as well as hordes of
souvenir peddlers selling postcards and camels made of olive wood.
This week, Manger Square was largely empty, save for a tour group from Japan
and a few travelers from Scandinavia. The streets were virtually deserted not long
after sunset, partly because of the lack of tourists and partly because the locals
have grown afraid of walking around after dark.
Jamal Nashash, who runs a souvenir shop, said he's losing $500 a day, forcing him
to dip into savings, lay off employees and seek bank financing to stay in business.
"Last year, the year of the millennium, we were planning for there to be about
three times as many tourists as usual," Nashash said. "I bought lots of souvenirs
for the flood of tourists. But now, with Israeli roadblocks making it harder for
tourist buses to get here, I'm getting only about 1 percent of what I used to. This
hasn't been good for anybody, Muslims or Jews."
The unemployment rate in Bethlehem -- estimated at 13 percent and rising -- has
sharply increased the level of poverty, making it a potential breeding ground for
terrorists.
At a social service office run by the Palestinian National Authority, scores of
residents, mostly women, jostled each other as they crowded into a narrow
hallway, hoping to get welfare checks that will allow their families to eat for
another week.
"I've been waiting here since 6 a.m. Please give us some help. We want to go
home!" one woman shouted, three hours into her wait. Another woman, spotting a
pair of foreigners in the area, said in English, "Please help me."
An aid worker, trying to quell the crowd, shouted, "You all must stop this noise. If
you don't stop you won't get any money." The volume diminished, but the
murmuring continued.
Sitting at a desk beneath the beaming image of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat,
Kaher Awwed distributed monthly checks of 96 shekels -- roughly $24 -- per
person in each family, which is barely enough to cover their basic needs.
"These people don't even have any flour to make bread to eat," he said. "When
there are no jobs, there is no money. Everybody's very hungry."
Awwed blamed Israel for the rising poverty.
"Many people here have jobs in Israel, but they have not been able to get to them
because of all the troubles," he said. Others, of course, might have a differing
viewpoint, since the Israeli incursion would not have occurred were it not for the
repeated mortar attacks on Israeli civilians.
16. Nevertheless, as life gets harder for the residents of Bethlehem, the groundwork is
being laid for a new generation of violence. In the Catholic-sponsored Bethlehem
University, most students have close friends or family members who have been
arrested, wounded or killed during the intifada.
"The Israelis shot at our house last month and the tanks kept going back and forth
on our street," said Rania Shomali, clutching a Shakespearean play that she is
studying in her English class.
"I have a little brother, 14 years old, who told me, 'If they kill me, tell my girlfriend
I loved her.' I cried when he told me that."
But while many mourn the loss of their fellow Palestinians, few show any empathy
to the Israeli civilians who have died during the intifada.
"When I hear that a bomb has gone off in Tel Aviv, I am glad," said Sarab Dana.
17. PEGGY PEATTIE / Union-Tribune
Iman Mahmoud Jawarish said she would be proud if her daughter, Sara, 10 (left), became a suicide bomber to
kill Israelis. Last year, Jawarish’s 14-year-old son was killed by the Israelis during a stone-throwing incident.
'I'd like to die. I want to die.'
Amid landscape of grief, despair, Palestinians
as young as 10 ready to join suicide bombers
By Dean Calbreath
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
November 28, 2001
BETHLEHEM, West Bank -- At the age of 10, Sara Jawarish is ready to die. Or, rather, she is ready to blow
herself up and bring down some Israelis with her.
Little more than a year ago, Sara's 14-year-old brother, Moayed, was killed by the Israeli army during a
stone-throwing incident. Now, she'd like to avenge his death, even if it means her death.
"I'd like to die. I want to die," she says, sitting in her living room with several family members and a
neighborhood friend. "I want to go to Israel and search for (Israeli Prime Minister Ariel) Sharon and make
a bomb and make an explosion so we would both die."
A 15-year-old neighbor, who gives her name as Amani, nods enthusiastically as Sara talks. Amani says she,
too, is ready to die in a suicide bombing.
What's more amazing than how the girls feel -- which could be written off as childhood fantasy -- is the way
18. Sara's mother reacts. Instead of scolding the girls and telling them how precious their young lives are,
Iman Mahmoud Jawarish smiles and nods approvingly.
"I'd be very happy if my daughter killed Sharon," she says. "Of course, that would be hard since he has so
much security around him."
But what if her daughter decided not to kill Sharon, but
instead to follow the route of many suicide bombers and
blow herself up in the midst of a crowd of Israeli civilians?
"Even if she killed two or three Israelis, I would be happy.
If I catch any Israeli, I'll kill him."
Even if they were innocent of any wrongdoing? Even if
they were children?
"Our children are also innocent. They also don't deserve
to die. But they do." But how would she feel about her
daughter killing herself?
"I've already lost one child. I've already had my grief.
Losing another child would not be so much different."
Whether Sara and Amani fulfill their death wishes, their
eagerness to die is an example of the extreme hatred that
most Palestinian Muslims harbor against the Israelis --
and an example of the large hurdles that U.S. negotiators
will face as they try to bring Israel and the Palestinian
Authority back to the peace table.
Since the Palestinian intifada, or insurrection, began 14
months ago, there have been more than 100 suicide bomb
attempts -- or about one every four days.
Not all bombers have reached their targets, with many
being arrested or exploding themselves prematurely. But
the bombs that have hit the mark have been devastating.
In June, a Palestinian walked into the Dolphinarium disco in Tel Aviv, sidled up to a group of young
women -- reportedly picking them out because he wanted to prevent them from giving birth to Jewish
babies -- and touched off a bomb that killed 21 bystanders. In August, a bomber hit Sbarro's pizzeria in
Jerusalem, killing 15. This week, a bomber blew himself up in the Gaza Strip, injuring two Israeli
policemen.
As he sits in the Jawarish family's living room, Kaher Awwed, a social worker with the Palestinian
Authority in Bethlehem, suggests that one reason Palestinians are willing to commit suicide is they feel
they have nothing else to live for.
"There's no good housing here, little food, no work," he says. "The kind of person who does this is very
angry. Every morning and evening is the same for him. In the past, nobody could strap explosives to their
body. But now they don't have a life. And some of them have wives, brothers or sisters who have been killed
by the Israelis."
PEGGY PEATTIE / Union-Tribune
Iman Mahmoud Jawarish talked about her son
Moayed, 14, whose picture dominates the wall.
Moayed was killed a year ago when Israeli soldiers
opened fire on a group of stone-throwing boys.
19. The Jawarish family, for instance, lives in a refugee settlement that is among the poorest sections of
Bethlehem. Their home was so damaged in firefights between Palestinian gunmen and the Israelis that
they had to move into a neighbor's house.
Sara's father, Osama Ali Jawarish, is a plumber whose business has declined steadily since the intifada. Now
the family relies on several Muslim organizations, including the extremist group Hamas, for financial aid.
But Awwed's explanation for the bombings -- offered as he uncritically listens to Sara unveil her suicide
plans -- does not always hold true.
The hijackers on Sept. 11, for instance, were well-educated, well-paid and presumably had never been
harmed by Israel, since they resided in such lands as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. A recent poll conducted by
the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion showed that 76 percent of Palestinians -- not just the poor and
destitute -- support the idea of suicide bombings.
In a poll taken last year, an overwhelming majority supported suicide attacks against the United States.
"It is interesting that the support for American targets among intellectuals reached 77 percent, compared
to 70 percent among illiterates," said a story last November in Al Hayat Al Jadida, the official news organ of
the Palestinian Authority.
Many Israelis fear that the Palestinians' willingness to sacrifice children hints at cultural differences that
could make a lasting peace agreement hard to achieve.
"It's not just a few loony tunes who believe in this," says Eve Harow, who lives in an Israeli settlement
overlooking Bethlehem. "It's the entire nation. What makes anybody think they're going to stop and be
somehow different if Israel goes back to its 1967 borders?"
The idea of suicide bombing increasingly is finding resonance with the young people of the educated
Palestinian middle class.
In the crowded corridors and quiet gardens of Bethlehem University, where many of the upper crust are
educated, students say they are sympathetic toward the bombers, even though they stop short of saying
they will take that final step themselves.
"The Israelis are an occupying force," says Emerbat Mervat Al-Amairel, a student of English who keeps her
hair covered in traditional Muslim fashion. "You can't say they're an innocent people. They deserve any
kind of resistance we can give."
Al-Amairel nods approvingly as a friend, Sarab Dana, says she rejoices when she hears of a suicide
bombing. Dana was one of many students who demonstrated in favor of Osama bin Laden after Sept. 11.
"People say that Palestinian mothers don't love their children because they let them go into the streets and
expose themselves to violence. But our mothers raise us to love us and to love our land. When we go into
the streets, we're expressing our love for our land and honoring what our mothers have taught us. We don't
call it terrorism. We call it fighting for our land," Dana said.
But the willingness of Palestinian mothers to let their children die mystifies Israelis.
"The notion that you could hate somebody more than you love your own life -- or your child's life -- is
totally foreign to any of us," says Laura Kam Issacharoff, public information director with the Anti-
Defamation League in Jerusalem. "You can possibly understand it from the perspective of a young girl who
20. wants to avenge her brother. But how can a mother sit by and approve of that?"
Issacharoff says "there's no question that there's a major feeling of despair among the Palestinians. But
what also makes a difference is the incitement that they get everywhere -- in the newspapers, in schools, on
television."
Palestinian textbooks challenge students to battle Israel at as young an age as possible. A history book for
sixth-graders, for instance, requires an essay on "What role can I play to support the national resistance
movement against the occupiers and colonialists?"
A sixth-grade grammar book, titled "Our Beautiful Language," contains a poem that promotes dying as a
martyr: "I will take my soul in my hand and toss it into the abyss of death. . . . The honorable soul has two
objectives: Achieving death and honor."
But Sara does not need such incitement to contemplate suicide. The death of her brother has had a
devastating effect on her family. And her brother has been turned into a hero worthy of emulation.
Last November, Moayed was leaving his school with several friends when some of them -- it's not clear
whether Moayed participated -- began throwing stones at Israeli troops. When the Israelis opened fire,
most of the boys scattered, but Moayed fell to the ground.
Iman Jawarish was watching Bethlehem TV, which was broadcasting the event live, when she saw her son
being carried lifeless down the street on a stretcher. Later, she went to the morgue to see her son.
A huge portrait of Moayed hangs above the couch. Smaller photos are strategically placed throughout the
room. Over a shelf of knickknacks hangs a childlike painting showing Moayed's face superimposed on a
map of Israel and the West Bank. Above the face is a single word scrawled in blood-red Arabic: "Why?"
While Iman Jawarish's grief is understandable, her encouragement of her children's violent dreams is not.
She recounts how her youngest son, Mohamed, 8, used to cry and run away when he saw Israeli soldiers
after Moayed's death.
Nowadays, she says with pride, Mohamed asks for a gun so he can kill Israelis.