Lebanese troops deploy near Syrian intelligence office :

The deployment near the symbol of Syrian power in the Lebanese capital came ahead of a speech by Syrian President Bashar Assad (bah-SHAHR' AH'-sahd). He's expected to announce a pullback of Syrian forces in the country.
http://tinyurl.com/6odck

Noam Chomskey: Promoting democracy in Middle East:

A genuine threat is that in recent years the US has dispatched more than 100 advanced jet bombers to Israel, with loud announcements that they are capable of bombing Iran — updated versions of the planes that Israel used to bomb the Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981.
http://tinyurl.com/66q8t

Why Israel Really Fears Iranian Nukes:

Tehran's acquisition of a nuclear device would have an enormous political fallout that dramatically change the political map of the Middle East to Israel's disadvantage.
http://www.antiwar.com/orig/howard.php?articleid=5076

Israel's Third Wall:

We’ve all heard that when they met at Sharm el-Sheikh on February 8, Mahmoud Abbas and Ariel Sharon agreed to “stop the violence in a historic agreement that signals the end of the Intifada.” During the following two-and-a-half weeks, the Israeli army observed the “cease fire” by killing seven more Palestinians, three of them children.
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Mar05/Brooks0303.htm

Jihad denies leadership involved in Tel Aviv bombing :

A senior Islamic Jihad leader denied on Saturday the group's leadership had any involvement in a Tel Aviv night club bombing which killed five Israelis and wounded 50 others.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-03/...ent_2654660.htm

62% of Israelis think Prime Minister Sharon is corrupt
http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=839172676e7059f7

Syria Says it Will Pull Troops from Lebanon

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C0594E:2F72C9D

Syria has been under intense pressure to get its troops and
intelligence services out of Lebanon since assassination of former
Lebanese PM Hariri

Bashar al-Assad

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he will begin withdrawing Syrian
troops from central Lebanon, first to an eastern region and later to
the countries' common border.

President Assad spoke to the parliament in Damascus, in a rare address
broadcast widely across the Middle East.

He said Syria has decided to comply with the long-standing Taif Accord
and U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559, which demands withdrawal of
Syria's 14,000 troops in Lebanon.

"We will withdraw our forces in Lebanon completely to al-Beka region,
and therefore [thereafter], to the Syrian-Lebanese border," said
Bashar al-Assad. "And when we do that, then Syria has fulfilled its
entire obligation under Taif Accord and Resolution 1559."

President Assad did not mention a timetable, and he did not clarify on
which side of the border the troops would remain after the pullback.
He said Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and his council are expected
to ratify the plan during the coming week.

Lebanese opposition leader Walid Jumblatt calls the announcement a
positive step, but he wants a timeline for withdrawal. Former Lebanese
President Amin Gemayel says it would not be acceptable for Syrian
troops to stay within Lebanon's border.

President Bush has demanded an immediate and total Syrian withdrawal
ahead of Lebanese parliamentary elections planned for May.

Among other nations calling for a Syrian pullout are Egypt, Saudi
Arabia, Russia, France and Britain.

Syria has been under intense pressure to get its troops and
intelligence services out of Lebanon since the February 14
assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The
killing has set off anti-Syrian demonstrations in Beirut. President
Assad denounced the assassination during Saturday's speech.

Israel and Jordan Reject Assad Speech

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C0594F:2F72C9D

Two neighboring countries say Syria has to do much more Israel and
Jordan have rejected the speech by Syrian President Bashar Assad, who
said he will move his country's troops in Lebanon to the country's
eastern region, to be followed by a withdrawal to the Syrian-Lebanese
border. The two neighboring countries say Syria has to do much more.

Israel is accusing Syrian President Assad of evading international
demands to pull out of Lebanon. Officials say Assad's redeployment of
forces in Lebanon is a tactic aimed at diverting criticism while
maintaining the Syrian occupation.

Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said Israel demands a complete
Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon in compliance with UN resolutions. He
added that a pullout could clear the way to a future peace between
Israel and Lebanon.

President Assad, in his speech to parliament, did not mention a
timetable for withdrawal, and he did not clarify on which side of the
border the troops would remain after the pullback.

Mr. Shalom spoke at a news conference in Jerusalem with Jordanian
Foreign Minister Hani Mulki, who also demanded a complete Syrian
withdrawal from Lebanon. Mr. Mulki said the world's demands are not a
condition that Syria can bargain with.

Arab world warms ties with Israel
This weekend's diplomatic visit was Jordan's highest-level mission to
Israel in more than four years. By Ben Lynfield
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0307/p06s01-wome.html?s=hns

Timeline: A century of dominance in Lebanon
Key events in the history of Lebanon's struggle against foreign control.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0307/p07s01-wome.html?s=hns

Q&A: What is Syria's role in Lebanon?
The Monitor looks at the historical roots of the tension between the
two countries.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0307/p07s02-wome.html?s=hns

Stark choice for militant Hizbullah
Despite Syria's announced troop pullback in Lebanon, the anti-Israel
militant group vows to stay armed. By Nicholas Blanford
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0307/p01s03-wome.html?s=hns

Hezbollah Backs Syria, Challenging Lebanese Opposition
By HASSAN M. FATTAH
The move presents a direct challenge to opposition groups
after Syria promised to gradually withdraw troops from
Lebanon.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/07/internat...07syria.html?th

--------------------
Jews in Gaza Settle In for a Fight
--------------------

Nearly half the residents decline offer of money to leave. How many will refuse to go is uncertain.

By Henry Chu
Times Staff Writer

March 7 2005

NEVE DEKALIM, Gaza Strip; It was the Israeli government that encouraged Rachel Saperstein to move to this settlement, a small Jewish enclave across from a Palestinian refugee camp. Now, 7 1/2 years later, it's the Israeli government that is ordering her to get out.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

--------------------
Developments in Mideast Soften Criticism in Congress
--------------------

By Tyler Marshall
Times Staff Writer

March 7 2005

WASHINGTON A dramatic string of positive developments in the Middle East in recent weeks appears to have deflated, at least for now, fierce congressional criticism of the Bush administration's conduct of the war in Iraq.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

--------------------
Syrian Ally Urges Protests
--------------------

Hezbollah drops its tone of caution in Lebanon and calls for a massive demonstration to counter what it calls 'foreign interference.'

By Megan K. Stack
Times Staff Writer

March 7 2005

BEIRUT; The powerful Syria-backed group Hezbollah on Sunday urged its followers to take to the streets in a massive protest against "foreign interference," abandoning its conciliatory tone during recent weeks of political unrest.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,5875603.story

Syria to Redeploy Troops in Lebanon by End of March

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C0C1BD:2F72C9D

Announcement came after talks in Damascus between Syrian President
Bashar al-Assad and his Lebanese counterpart, Emile Lahoud

Syrian President Bashar Assad, left, and his Lebanese counterpart
Emile Lahoud, third left, inspect the honor guard in DamascusSyria and
Lebanon have agreed the Syrian troops in Lebanon will redeploy to
Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley by the end of March. The pullback falls
short of international demands for a total and immediate withdrawal of
Syrian troops.

The announcement came after talks in Damascus between Syrian President
Bashar al-Assad and his Lebanese counterpart, Emile Lahoud.

A statement said Syria's 14,000 troops in Lebanon would redeploy to
the eastern Bekaa Valley by the end of March.

There was no mention of when Syria might withdraw completely from
Lebanon, where Syrian troops have operated since 1976.

A United Nations Security Council resolution demands a complete and
total pullout.

As the presidents met in Damascus, tens of thousands of Lebanese
demonstrated in Beirut against the Syrian presence. The rally comes on
the third week anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese
prime minister Rafik Hariri, whose killing has increased the pressure
on Syria to leave.

West Bank Shooting Threatens Fragile Israeli-Palestinian Cease-Fire

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C0C1C2:2F72C9D

Israeli army says the gunmen opened fire at troops guarding the Tomb
of the Patriarchs, a shrine revered by both Muslims and Jews
Palestinian gunmen opened fire on an Israeli military post, near a
religious shrine in the West Bank city, Hebron, Monday, wounding two
border policemen and threatening a fragile Israeli-Palestinian
ceasefire.  

The army says the gunmen opened fire at troops guarding the Tomb of
the Patriarchs, a shrine revered by both Muslims and Jews.

Witnesses say gunmen fired dozens of shots in Monday's attack. Three
weeks ago in the city, Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian
who the army said tried to stab a soldier.

Hebron is often a flash point for violence.  Some 400 to 500
Jewish settlers, protected by Israeli soldiers, live among a
Palestinian population in the city of some 120,000.

The attack threatens a fragile ceasefire agreed to last month between
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President Mahmoud
Abbas, at a meeting in the Egyptian Red Sea resort, Sharm el Sheikh.

Israel has been calling on Mr. Abbas to crackdown on those militant
groups who do not abide by the ceasefire.

For his part, Mr. Abbas has said a promised Israeli pullback from
Palestinian cities in the West Bank will be vital in his efforts to
restore calm. Israel had planned to turn over several West Bank towns
to Palestinian security forces, but froze the handover after a suicide
bombing in Tel Aviv on February 25, that killed five Israelis and
wounded dozens more.

Mr. Abbas is expected to meet Tuesday with Israeli Defense Minister
Shaul Mofaz to discuss the possible handover of West Bank towns. 
Some Palestinian officials also say Israel will hand over Tulkarem,
Tuesday, removing most, if not all the checkpoints around the town.

http://www.antiwar.com/justin/?articleid=5093

Who Killed Rafik Hariri? And why it matters.
Justin Raimondo

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GC08Ak04.html

Making Iraq out of Lebanon
B Ramon

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GC08Ak02.html

Iran Pulls Syria's strings over Lebanon
Safa Haeri

Push for Nuclear-Free Middle East Resurfaces

By Walter Pincus

Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and several Arab countries have said they plan to push discussion of creating a nuclear-free Middle East at the May conference of nations that have signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/artic...er=emailarticle

Is Lebanon walking into another nightmare?

By Robert Fisk in Beirut

Have we forgotten 150,000 dead? Have we forgotten the Western hostages? Have we forgotten the 241 Americans who died in the suicide bombing of 23 October 1983? This democracy, if it comes, will be drenched with blood - but the blood will be that of the Lebanese who live here, not that of the foreigners who wish to bestow freedom upon them.
http://207.44.245.159/article8208.htm

Syria Orders Hamas, Jihad Leaders Out:

“Syria closed the offices of (Islamic) Jihad and Hamas, cut off their phone lines and ordered (Ramadan) Shallah and (Khaled) Meshaal to leave its territory,” ex-head of the Palestinian National Council, Khaled Al-Fahoum, told IOL
http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2...article03.shtml

Reporters say there are signs that's Syria moving troops in Lebanon
http://tinyurl.com/6dudd

Hizbollah Warns Against Withdrawal of Syrian Troops From Lebanon:

Lebanon's most powerful and only armed party - Hizbollah - called for peaceful protests on Tuesday in support of Syria and warned of mayhem if Syrian troops were to leave.
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=05/03/07/1449238

The Syrian Hoax:

Once again the Bush propaganda machine has swung into action, inciting America to believe there’s a terrible threat to the world’s future — a threat that must be destroyed, by force if necessary. And that threat is Syria.
http://harrybrowne.org/articles/SyrianHoax.htm

What's Happening in Lebanon:

The sad part is that Israel produces "evidences" that are always "bought" in Washington.
http://www.counterpunch.com/leupp03052005.html

Israel: Partial Syrian pullout not enough :

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wants Syria to withdraw completely from Lebanon, and will not be satisfied with only a partial pullout.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/548222.html

Uri Avnery: US policy risking civil war in Lebanon and chaos in Syria:

When the banners of "freedom" and "democracy" are hoisted over a crusade by an avaricious and irresponsible superpower, the results can be catastrophic.
http://www.redress.btinternet.co.uk/uavnery116.htm

What Mideast ferment means for US
Moves toward more openness in several countries could put a check on
extremists, but also may engender instability. By Howard LaFranchi
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0308/p01s02-wome.html?s=hns

Syrian troops move east, not out
Syrian soldiers began moving Monday to an area near Lebanon's border.
Will Syrian spies be leaving? By Nicholas Blanford
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0308/p06s01-wome.html?s=hns

Source: Agence France-Presse
Date: 20 April, 2005
Family fights for justice after bride killed in Gaza
By Hanadi Charab


GAZA CITY — Yusra Azzami and her fiance had been out planning their wedding during a drive along the Gaza seafront when a car carrying a group of Hamas supporters pulled up alongside them. Minutes later Yusra was lying dead.
Although the Islamist movement has denounced the killing of the young bride-to-be, officials in the Gaza Strip believe that she fell victim to a new “religious police” which has also attacked Internet cafes.

Twenty-year-old Yusra, her sister Majduline, 17, and their fiances Ziad and his brother Rami had been heading back towards their homes in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza on the night of April 8 when their vehicle was attacked.

“A car rolled up at high speed, drawing level with our vehicle, and then the occupants opened fire,” Majduline recalled in an interview with AFP.

“My sister's fiance stopped. I tried to flee but one of the armed men followed me and then gave me a beating while the others attacked my fiance as well as my sister,” she said.

“Yusra, having been shot in the head, was lying bleeding on the ground,” Majduline added. She died shortly afterwards.

Two of the attackers were later arrested by the Palestinian police after the car was involved in a road accident while three other suspects fled, interior ministry spokesman Tawfiq Abu Khussa told AFP.

“The two suspects are known members of the Izzeddine Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) and they were acting under the instructions of their superiors over fears that the two couples were involved in illicit liaisons,” he said.

According to Abu Khussa, official inquiries “have revealed that Hamas has established a special morality unit and the two suspects who have been arrested were part of this unit.”

Hamas has long enjoyed high levels of support in the deeply conservative Gaza Strip where extramarital liaisons are simply not tolerated.

However, Yusra and Ziad, were already officially husband and wife as they had a marriage contract which was to have been made public in a ceremony planned for April 15.

According to Palestinian security sources, suspected members of Hamas' religious police recently set fire to three Internet cafes which they also consider a source of vice in an echo of Afghanistan's ultra-conservative Taleban militia.

In a statement published after Yusra's killing, Hamas denied any involvement.

“This reprehensible crime which has cost the life of the innocent martyr Yusra was committed by individuals associated with Hamas but not on the orders of the movement,” the statement said.

Hamas spokesman Mushir Masri meanwhile condemned what he called “an irresponsible act committed by individuals associated with Hamas.”

According to Masri, Yusra herself was a supporter of Hamas at Gaza's Islamic University where she studied.

Refusing to confirm or deny that the two suspects who have been arrested were members of Hamas' military wing, Masri denied the existence of any branch of his movement dedicated to enforcing morality.

“If we had such a service as is being made out, the two accused would have acted in public and not in secret,” he said.

For its part, the victim's family has appealed to both the Palestinian leadership and Hamas to bring the killers to justice.

“The family wants Hamas to publish a statement on the circumstances of this incident and punish the assassins firmly in line with (Islamic) Sharia law,” Mahmoud Azzamik, a cousin of Yusra, told AFP.

According to human rights organisations, there have been at least 33 murders in the Palestinian territories since the start of the year, including 16 in Gaza.

The figures are a stark illustration of the security chaos which wracks both the West Bank and Gaza and which the new Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has made it one of his top priorities to tackle.