Sharon and Israeli PoliticsIsrael and Palestine
Two leaders dominate this discussion -- Yasser Arafat and Ariel Sharon -- even while the US and Israel try to promote Abu mazen.
There is little need to document the shortcomings of Yasser Arafat -- they are covered every day in the American press.
... But what about the other partner in the peace? What kind of man is Ariel Sharon? What's his history? What's the mentality and political picture in Israel under his leadership?
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Shin Bet foiled attempt by Jewish extremists to attack Al Aqsa compound: Israel security chief ”concerned” over Jewish terrorists
albawaba.com middle east news information::New Israel security chief ”concerned” over Jewish terrorists: "Posted: 17-05-2005 , 12:04 GMT
Newly-appointed Israeli Security Chief (Shin-Bet) Yuval Diskin voiced his concern Tuesday over the danger of terror attacks initiated by Jews. Yuval Diskin head of Shabak
In response to claims made by right-wing parliament members that Monday's reports of plans to attack Al Aqsa were exaggerated, Diskin told the parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, "The Shin Bet has no sense of humor regarding anything related to the Temple Mount."
Diskin also addressed the possibility of attempts to assassinate Israeli politicians. "Israeli society strength would not withstand another attack on a prime minister," he made clear. " If, God forbid, a top political figure would be harmed by Jews, it would be an explosive wave that would possibly hurt Israel strategically."
The Shin Bet on Monday declared its agents foiled an attempt last month by Jewish extremists to carry out an attack on the Al Aqsa compound.
albawaba.com middle east news information::New Israel security chief ”concerned” over Jewish terrorists: "Posted: 17-05-2005 , 12:04 GMT
Newly-appointed Israeli Security Chief (Shin-Bet) Yuval Diskin voiced his concern Tuesday over the danger of terror attacks initiated by Jews. Yuval Diskin head of Shabak
In response to claims made by right-wing parliament members that Monday's reports of plans to attack Al Aqsa were exaggerated, Diskin told the parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, "The Shin Bet has no sense of humor regarding anything related to the Temple Mount."
Diskin also addressed the possibility of attempts to assassinate Israeli politicians. "Israeli society strength would not withstand another attack on a prime minister," he made clear. " If, God forbid, a top political figure would be harmed by Jews, it would be an explosive wave that would possibly hurt Israel strategically."
The Shin Bet on Monday declared its agents foiled an attempt last month by Jewish extremists to carry out an attack on the Al Aqsa compound.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Abbas: "What democracy do the Israelis believe in?" Israeli official suggested a victory for Hamas militants would stop Gaza pullout
Haaretz - Israel News: "11/05/2005 | Abbas questions Israel's belief in democracy | By Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent, Haaretz Service, and News Agencies
BRASILIA, Brazil - Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas questioned Israel's belief in democracy on Tuesday after an Israeli official suggested a victory for Hamas militants in Palestinian parliamentary elections could put Israel's pull-out from Gaza at risk.
Abbas criticized a decision by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to postpone the withdrawal from Gaza by three weeks under what he said was the 'pretext of religious celebrations in Israel.'
"Worse than that is that his (Sharon's) minister of foreign affairs said that there would be no withdrawal from Gaza nor any other city if the Hamas movement wins the elections," Abbas said in a speech at a summit of South American and Arab leaders in Brazil.
"Here I ask myself. What kind of democracy is this? What democracy do the Israelis believe in?" Abbas asked. Palestinians believed in a democracy which could create the results necessary for lasting peace in the Middle East, he said.
Haaretz - Israel News: "11/05/2005 | Abbas questions Israel's belief in democracy | By Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent, Haaretz Service, and News Agencies
BRASILIA, Brazil - Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas questioned Israel's belief in democracy on Tuesday after an Israeli official suggested a victory for Hamas militants in Palestinian parliamentary elections could put Israel's pull-out from Gaza at risk.
Abbas criticized a decision by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to postpone the withdrawal from Gaza by three weeks under what he said was the 'pretext of religious celebrations in Israel.'
"Worse than that is that his (Sharon's) minister of foreign affairs said that there would be no withdrawal from Gaza nor any other city if the Hamas movement wins the elections," Abbas said in a speech at a summit of South American and Arab leaders in Brazil.
"Here I ask myself. What kind of democracy is this? What democracy do the Israelis believe in?" Abbas asked. Palestinians believed in a democracy which could create the results necessary for lasting peace in the Middle East, he said.
