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US Navy Intercepts 'Iranian Weapons'
TWITTER SPORTS @newsofbahrain BUSINESS 5 Amazon wins suspension of $10 bn ‘JEDI’ contract to Microsoft INSTAGRAM Balestra triumphs in /nobmedia 15 main race at REHC LINKEDIN SATURDAY newsofbahrain FEBRUARY 2020 Balestra lifted the Irish 210 FILS WHATSAPP Thoroughbred Marketing 38444692 ISSUE NO. 8388 Cup yesterday after winning the day’s main FACEBOOK /nobmedia race at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club MAIL [email protected] (REHC) in Riffa. WEBSITE P12 newsofbahrain.com Katy Perry not inviting ‘American Idol’ co-judges to wedding 10 CELEBS WORLD 9 Mother ‘reunites’ with dead daughter in VR show Defence spending rise Washington, DC lobal spending on de- Gfence rose by four per cent in 2019, the largest Marking a growth in 10 years, a study said yesterday. The International Insti- tute for Strategic Studies (IISS) released figures from its survey of military capabil- ities at the Munich Security Conference. The big drivers were the United States and milestone China with both increasing ‘Glorious historic day, an opportunity to recall spending by 6.6 per cent. Beijing’s military modern- patriotic stances of Bahraini citizens’ His Majesty along HRH the Crown Prince offers prayers at Al Sakhir Palace’s mosque. isation programme - which includes developing new hard-to-detect hypersonic missiles - is alarming Wash- ington and helping drive US defence spending, the Inter- national Institute for Strate- gic Studies (IISS) said. First case of Corona in Egypt Cairo gypt’s Health Ministry Ehas confirmed the first case of the new virus in the North African country. In a statement issued yesterday, Health Ministry His Majesty, HRH the Crown Prince and other Royal Family members at the event. -
The Structure of Tyranny in Bahrain a Study of the Balance of Power Within the Ruling Family 16 DEC 2012
www.bcsl.org.uk The Structure of Tyranny in Bahrain A study of the Balance of power within the ruling family 16 DEC 2012 Abbas Busafwan (Bahraini Journalist and Writer) www.bcsl.org.uk The Structure of Tyranny in Bahrain A study of the Balance of power within the ruling family 16 DEC 2012 Index Introducon 4 Chapter 1: HYPOTHESIS: the king is the core of the crisis 9 1- A study of the moves calling for the fall of the monarchy 10 Chapter 2: The Prime Minister, the cortex of dictatorship 29 2- The king sfles the Prime Minister in his “constuonal” den 30 3- The King and the Prime Minister: the public clash 49 4- Sunni groups are not loyal to the Prime Minister 58 5- Consensus on removing the Prime Minister 64 Chapter 3: The Crown Prince, the advocate of his father’s approach 71 6- What is said about the exclusion of the Crown Prince 72 7- The king’s fears about the crown prince 77 Chapter 4: The Rule of militancy… A review of King’s speeches 84 8- Power parity produces inera 85 9- It is not the me yet for democracy 90 10- King Hamad and the people ‘face to face’ 97 Chapter 5: Bassiouni’s Report and the Dismantling of the infrastructure of tyranny 101 11- Bassiouni ‘s recommendaons: the recipe to bring down the regime 102 Conclusion 115 Appendix 119 16 DEC 2012 The Structure of Tyranny in Bahrain Introducon The internaonal media usually holds the Prime Minister Khalifa bin Sal- man Al Khalifa (1935, ...) accountable for the corrupon and dictatorship dominang Bahrain. -
Meeting with US Congressional Leaders
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE Claim No. HQ17M02177 QUEEN’S BENCH DIVISION MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS LIST BETWEEN: MOHAMMED DAHLAN Claimant and (1) M.E.E LIMITED (2) DAVID HEARST Defendants ________________________________ AMENDED DEFENCE OF BOTH DEFENDANTS CPR 16 PD 1.4 SHORT SUMMARY ________________________________ 1. It is denied that the words complained of are actionable, for the following reasons: 1.1. The issues raised by the claim, specifically the lawfulness and propriety of the alleged activities of the Claimant on behalf of the UAE in the conduct of its foreign affairs, are beyond the subject matter jurisdiction of this Court. 1.2. The words complained of are not defamatory of the Claimant as there are no common standards of society generally (either within England and Wales or across the Additional Jurisdictions specified in the Amended Particulars of Claim) by which the alleged activities of the Claimant on behalf of the UAE in the conduct of its foreign affairs can be judged by this Court. 1.3. The words complained of are not defamatory of the Claimant, alternatively have caused no serious harm to his reputation, in light of his pre-existing reputation within the jurisdiction and within the Additional Jurisdictions specified in the Amended Particulars of Claim, which associates him with corruption, torture and human rights abuses, the use of force for political ends and opposing, undermining and supporting the overthrow by force of democratic governments in the Middle East and North Africa on behalf of the UAE. 1.4. The words complained of do not bear the meanings relied on by the Claimant. -
Reviving the Stalled Reconstruction of Gaza
Policy Briefing August 2017 Still in ruins: Reviving the stalled reconstruction of Gaza Sultan Barakat and Firas Masri Still in ruins: Reviving the stalled reconstruction of Gaza Sultan Barakat and Firas Masri The Brookings Institution is a private non-profit organization. Its mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations for policymakers and the public. The conclusions and recommendations of any Brookings publication are solely those of its author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institution, its management, or its other scholars. Brookings recognizes that the value it provides to any supporter is in its absolute commitment to quality, independence and impact. Activities supported by its donors reflect this commitment and the analysis and recommendations are not determined by any donation. Copyright © 2017 Brookings Institution BROOKINGS INSTITUTION 1775 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 U.S.A. www.brookings.edu BROOKINGS DOHA CENTER Saha 43, Building 63, West Bay, Doha, Qatar www.brookings.edu/doha Still in ruins: Reviving the stalled reconstruction of Gaza Sultan Barakat and Firas Masri1 INTRODUCTION Israelis and Palestinians seems out of reach, the humanitarian problems posed by the Three years have passed since the conclusion substandard living conditions in Gaza require of the latest military assault on the Gaza Strip. the attention of international actors associated Most of the Palestinian enclave still lies in ruin. with the peace process. If the living conditions Many Gazans continue to lack permanent in Gaza do not improve in the near future, the housing, living in shelters and other forms of region will inevitably experience another round temporary accommodation. -
Fatah and Hamas: the New Palestinian Factional Reality
Order Code RS22395 March 3, 2006 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Fatah and Hamas: the New Palestinian Factional Reality Aaron D. Pina Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Summary For the first time in its history, the Palestinian parliament is set to be led by Hamas, which the United States and European Union have designated a foreign terrorist organization. Although some lauded the generally free and fair election in January 2006, others criticized the outcome and accused Hamas of “hijacking” democracy. This report provides an overview of the new political realities in the West Bank and Gaza after the election, the challenges Fatah and Hamas face, and possible implications for U.S. policy. This report will be updated as warranted. For more information on the Palestinians, see CRS Report RL33269, Palestinian Elections, by Aaron D. Pina, CRS Issue Brief IB91137 The Middle East Peace Talks, by Carol Migdalovitz, and CRS Report RS22370, U.S. Assistance to the Palestinians, by Jeremy M. Sharp. Background On January 25, 2006, Palestinians voted in parliamentary elections and Hamas emerged as the clear winner, with 74 out of 132 parliamentary seats. Fatah, the dominant party in the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), won 45 seats, and 13 seats went to other minor parties. Since then, several governments, including the United States, have cautioned that unless Hamas disavows terrorism, recognizes Israel, and accepts all previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements, diplomatic and economic relations with the Palestinian Authority may be circumscribed or ended altogether. Hamas1 During the 1970s and 1980s, Palestinians experienced a rise in political Islam, embodied in Hamas, founded in 1987 by the late Sheik Ahmad Yasin. -
The Palestinians: Overview, 2021 Aid, and U.S. Policy Issues
Updated September 9, 2021 The Palestinians: Overview, Aid, and U.S. Policy Issues The Palestinians and their ongoing disputes and interactions million (roughly 44%) are refugees (registered in the West with Israel raise significant issues for U.S. policy (see “U.S. Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria) whose claims to Policy Issues and Aid” below). After a serious rupture in land in present-day Israel constitute a major issue of Israeli- U.S.-Palestinian relations during the Trump Administration, Palestinian dispute. The U.N. Relief and Works Agency for the Biden Administration has started reengaging with the Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is mandated Palestinian people and their leaders, and resuming some by the U.N. General Assembly to provide protection and economic development and humanitarian aid—with hopes essential services to these registered Palestinian refugees, of preserving the viability of a negotiated two-state including health care, education, and housing assistance. solution. In the aftermath of the May 2021 conflict International attention to the Palestinians’ situation involving Israel and Gaza, U.S. officials have announced additional aid (also see below) and other efforts to help with increased after Israel’s military gained control over the West Bank and Gaza in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Direct recovery and engage with the West Bank-based Palestinian U.S. engagement with Palestinians in the West Bank and Authority (PA), but near-term prospects for diplomatic progress toward Israeli-Palestinian peace reportedly remain Gaza dates from the establishment of the PA in 1994. For the past several years, other regional political and security dim. -
Bahrain Country Report | Freedom on the Net 2018
Bahrain Country Report | Freedom on the Net 2018 https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-net/2018/bahrain Bahrain Country Report | Freedom on the Net 2018 Internet Freedom Score 13/25 Most Free (0) Least Free (100) Obstacles to access 10/25 Limits on content 27/35 Violations of users rights 34/40 Key Developments: June 1, 2017 - May 31, 2018 In July 2017, the partial internet shutdown in Diraz came to halt after over one year, without any acknowledgment from the regulatory authority to consumers (see Restrictions on Connectivity). The license of one ISP was revoked for failing to implement the unified filtering solution (see Regulatory Bodies). Forced self-censorship remained a problem, with authorities interrogating and threatening local journalists, bloggers, and activists (see Content Removal and Media, Diversity, and Content Manipulation). At least 27 people were arrested, detained, or prosecuted for their online activities, seven of whom received prison sentences totalling 207 months (see Prosecutions and Detentions for Online Activities). For the first time, some users received prison sentences of five to six years for retweets. In August 2017, a man was sentenced to six years in prison for retweeting an alleged insult to the king, the harshest sentence ever for the crime (see Prosecutions and Detentions for Online Activities). Online anonymity was compromised when authorities set a deadline for the annual re-registration of all SIM cards before mid-2018 to avoid disconnection (see Surveillance, Privacy, and Anonymity). Introduction: Internet freedom in Bahrain improved slightly in 2018 due to the lifting of the partial internet shutdown in Diraz. However, the continued censorship of human rights defenders, online journalists, and opposition websites, as well as the jailing and torture of activists for social media posts, posed serious restrictions to online freedom and human rights. -
The Palestinian Quest for Reconciliation Can It Be Achieved?
Policy Focus 2017-4 THE PALESTINIAN QUEST FOR RECONCILIATION CAN IT BE ACHIEVED? SUMMARY KEY POINTS After a new round of talks in Cairo, Palestinian Internal political divisions and overdue elections factions Fatah and Hamas have announced an have undermined the legitimacy of Palestinian initial, partial reconciliation agreement. Despite leaders, hampered internal Palestinian dialogue continuing obstacles, this latest attempt to reunify regarding the future of their national movement, the long-divided Palestinian political system shows and contributed to the cycle of Israel-Gaza signs of potential progress. Egypt is demonstrating wars. a new proactive willingness to mediate between President Sisi, who sees Palestinian unity as the Palestinian factions and work with Hamas, fundamental to resolving the wider conflict, is having forged a constructive relationship with showing renewed commitment to reconciliation. Yahia Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza. Nevertheless, obstacles to a deal remain, with The Palestinian factions must reach agreement both Israel and Palestinian President Mahmoud on the status of Hamas’s controversial armed Abbas bluntly demanding the total disarmament group, the Qassam Brigades, as a key step of Hamas’s Qassam Brigades. It remains to be seen toward sharing political power. whether Egypt will be able to impose a settlement that leads to elections and the emergence of Hamas appears ready for partial compromise Palestinian leadership with a renewed democratic with Egypt and Fatah, and is willing to give up a mandate. modicum of control in Gaza.If President Abbas is perceived to be obstructing this Egyptian- backed effort, it could damage his relations with Cairo and open the door for exiled Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan to play a wider role in Gaza. -
SWP Comments 14/2007)
Introduction Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik German Institute for International and Security Affairs »Hamastan vs. Fatahland« A Chance for Progress in the Middle East? Muriel Asseburg SWP Comments In mid-June 2007, the »Islamic Resistance Movement« Hamas gained the upper hand in the Gaza Strip after a series of bloody conflicts. After seizing control of security facil- ities, Hamas announced the beginning of »Islamic rule« in the Strip. Palestinian President and Fatah leader, Mahmoud Abbas, responded by dissolving the government of national unity and declaring a state of emergency. He appointed an emergency government headed by Salam Fayyad, the previous minister of finance, declared the military wing of Hamas and its security forces to be illegal and ordered their disarma- ment. He has since rejected any cooperation with Hamas in unusually strong terms. Israel and the international community have regarded this split as an opportunity to resume support for the Palestinian Authority (PA) and return to the diplomatic process. As of mid-June 2007, there have been two In particular, Hamas calls for all security governments in the Palestinian territories. forces to be placed under the control of the While Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, the Interior Ministry and for effective power West Bank is ruled by the emergency (since sharing in the institutions of the Palestinian mid-July 2007 the care taker or transition) Authority (PA) and the PLO. Hamas claims government under Salam Fayyad in coope- that its actions in the Gaza Strip were not ration with President Mahmoud Abbas. The directed against Fatah as such, but rather Hamas leadership rejects the Fayyad govern- against those people in Fatah and the Fatah- ment as illegal, arguing that the Palestinian dominated security forces who were harass- basic law requires any government to be ing the local population, engaging in crimi- ratified by the Palestinian Legislative Coun- nal activities, and preventing the unity gov- cil (PLC). -
Palestinian Reconciliation and the Potential of Transitional Justice
Brookings Doha Center Analysis Paper Number 25, March 2019 Palestinian Reconciliation and the Potential of Transitional Justice Mia Swart PALESTINIAN RECONCILIATION AND THE POTENTIAL OF TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE Mia Swart The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit organization devoted to independent research and policy solutions. Its mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations for policymakers and the public. The conclusions and recommendations of any Brookings publication are solely those of its author(s), and do not reflect the views of the Institution, its management, or its other scholars. Brookings recognizes that the value it provides to any supporter is in its absolute commitment to quality, independence and impact. Activities supported by its donors reflect this commitment and the analysis and recommendations are not determined by any donation. Copyright © 2019 Brookings Institution THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTION 1775 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 U.S.A. www.brookings.edu BROOKINGS DOHA CENTER Saha 43, Building 63, West Bay, Doha, Qatar www.brookings.edu/doha Table of Contents I. Executive Summary .................................................................................................1 II. Introduction ..........................................................................................................3 III. Background on the Rift Between Fatah and Hamas ...............................................7 IV. The Concept -
Jmcc Press Summary
JMCC DAILY PRESS SUMMARY POBOX 25047 * EAST JERUSALEM * TEL (02) 5838266 * FAX (02) 5836837 Monday, 12 January 2009 Vol. 16 Number 4575 18 Pages January 12, 2009 (First Part) FRONT PAGE_____________________________________________ PRESIDENT ABBAS DISCUSSES WITH THE JORDANIAN KING THE EFFORTS EXERTED TOWARDS A CEASEFIRE Palestinian President Abbas discussed with the Jordanian King yesterday the efforts exerted at the Arab and international fronts to reach a ceasefire. King Abdullah II was quoted saying that Israel has to abide by the UN Security Council resolution 1860, stop its aggression on Gaza, lift the siege imposed on the Palestinian people, and allow the entry of humanitarian and medical assistance. (al-Quds) ABED RABBO: HAMAS HAS BEEN GIVEN 24 HOURS TO AGREE TO THE EGYPTIAN INITIATIVE PLO Executive Committee Secretary Yasser Abed Rabbo revealed that the Egyptian leadership gave Hamas 24 hours to respond to the Egyptian initiative; the 24-hour ultimatum came after Hamas expressed reservations on the initiative. He affirmed that the PA believes that implementing the Egyptian initiative is a victory over the Israeli aggression against Gaza Strip and that any stalling will give the occupation justification to continue with the aggression and bloodshed. (www.alquds.com) HAMAS DELEGATION ENDS ITS TALKS IN CAIRO WITHOUT REACHING AN AGREEMENT MANY DETAILS IMPEDE AGREEMENT ON EGYPTIAN INITIATIVE Hamas delegation left Cairo yesterday to hold consultations with regards to the Egyptian initiative and to give the Egyptian side time to give its response to Hamas reservations before the movement gives its final response. A Hamas leading figure revealed that Hamas rejected an Egyptian offer for a long-term truce with Israel; he affirmed that there are many details that need to be discussed before we can say that we reached an agreement in principle. -
To View the Full Report As
Palestinian Media Discourse: Diagnosis and Evaluation The Unilateral Disengagement Plan Media Monitoring Unit November 2005 Funded by the European Union 1 Media Monitoring Unit Team Media Analyst: Mohammed Yaghi Information Coordinator: Ruham Nimri Administrative Assistant: Nahed Abu Sneineh Monitoring Unit: Yassin Abbas, ‘Ala Farid, Abeer Ismail Steering Committee for this report: Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Dr. Lily Feidy, Ayman Bardawil, Maha Awwad, Mansour Tahboub, Basem Barhoum, Khalil Shahin, Daoud Kuttab ©Copyright reserved Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy - MIFTAH P.O. Box 69647 Jerusalem, 95908 Phone number (Jerusalem) – 972 2 585 1842; (Ramallah): 972 2 298 9490 Fax number (Jerusalem) – 972 2 583 5184; (Ramallah) fax: 972 2 298 9492 Email: [email protected] Website: www.MIFTAH.org 2 Media Coverage of the Unilateral Disengagement Process This is the third report issued by the Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy – MIFTAH, on the media coverage of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in coordination with Keshev-Center for the Protection of Democracy in Israel. MIFTAH announced its initiative to monitor the Palestinian media in June 2004 and hence formed its own media unit in cooperation with a steering committee comprised of Palestinian media experts. The unit's goal is to develop the Palestinian media discourse to better serve Palestinian goals and rights by pointing out and changing the weak points in the Palestinian media through media reports, press releases, workshops and meetings with journalists and political and media decision makers. It also sought to achieve a higher level of professionalism in the Palestinian media because this is the only means of reaching an understandable, credible and truthful media discourse.