A sign of confidence has been expressed by the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Mailiki that recent upsurges in violence are isolated events and do not threaten security improvements made. The Iraqi government has no intention of asking the US military to stay on past the June withdrawal date agreed upon either (BBC News 27 April 2009). Such attacks are hard to control because they are carried out by female suicide bombers. Not all women can be search for "cultural and social reasons," Maliki said. It's interesting he did not say religious reason, maybe for fear of contributing to Western stereotypes of harsh Muslim restrictions on women, like having to wear a burka. Maliki assured BBC in an exclusive interview that, although an extension of US military presence is available to them, Iraq has no intention of taking that offer. "This is intelligence work, and our people are stronger than the Americans at that, because we're dealing with our own people" (BBC News 27 April 2009). It is believed that al-Qaeda Islamist militants and elements of Saddam Hussein's former ruling Ba'ath party are responsible for the recent attacks/bombings. These two recent suicide bombings Maliki is referring to have killed at least 48 people (BBC News 27 April 2009). It seems like finally the US has run out of excuses to stay and will finally withdraw completely from Iraq. Whether or not our military numbers will simply move the campaign to Afghanistan to finish our "mission" is hard to say.

On May 28th, the US government plans to release over 2,000 photographs of tortured prisoners held in Iraq and Afghanistan (The Guardian 24 April 2009). The pictures reveal prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison "hooded, naked, posed in sexually embarrassing positions and being harassed by dogs" (The Guardian 24 April 2009). With the pictures' release, President Obama had to left several legal barriers put up by the Bush administration who argued that showing the pictures would "contravene the Geneva conventions obligation not to show pictures of prisoners" (The Guardian 24 April 2009). The pictures' release also opens up chances for military personnel to be charged...or pardoned.

Roxana Saberi, the dual American-Iranian citizen and journalist arrested in January for spying, has gone on a hunger strike until she is released (The Guardian 26 April 2009).

We're getting out of Iraq...I'm serious this time

I am ashamed to say that in addition to climate change, Social Security, and enormous debt, the Iraq War will be a legacy forever associated with my generation and a burden we will continue to bear. All the inhumane and illegal acts associate with the war in Iraq plague the United States' reputation and respect abroad as well as communities and family values at home. So many young people rallied around Obama's election mostly because he wanted to end the war once and for all. Originally, he promised to pull out "all" (most) troops in 12 months (said in November-December). Now that date has been pushed back to "the end of 2011" (BBC News 14 April 2009). The Iraqi government still wants US troops to stay for protection and training, and who could blame them? We're the strongest military in the world. There are currently 140,000 troops in Iraq (thanks to Obama's recent surge) who still have a job to be done because al-Qaeda still poses a threat. It has to make you wonder, who are we really there for? Obama even asked Congress for $83.4 billion more recently to support troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and further combat al-Qaeda and Taliban forces (Al Jazeera 10 April 2009). Obama claims it's necessary for the safety of our troops there and the growing threat spawning in Afghanistan. Why aren't we cutting our losses and leaving while we're still "ahead?" Well, the truth is we're not ahead and we never will be. It's a shame that globalization has sent our desires of prowess and control to even farther reaches of the planet, forgetting about our own families who suffer and fostering less understanding and acceptance than less.

An Iranian-American journalist with dual citizenship, Roxana Saberi, has been accused of espionage by the Iranian government. She was arrested in late January and her trial is currently in progress with a verdict expected in two or three weeks (The Guardian 14 April 2009).

Saberi was accused of passing classified information over to US intelligence. She has been detained in Envin prison, north of Tehran, (famous for holding political prisoners) where her parents have only been able to visit her for 30 minutes (The Guardian 14 April 2009)- BBC News reported only 20 minutes. After reading stories about Arabs detained amidst the 9/11 attacks and sent to the Middle East for interrogation, it disturbs me to think what Saberi must be going through. Even if she is a US citizen, her foreign-national-journalist identity puts her under extra scrutiny. Even if she is "in good health and good spirits," as the Guardian reports, I don't buy it.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has agreed to continue peace talks with Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of Palestinian territories (BBC News 12 April 2009). Netanyahu has not publicly announced that he decries the creation of a two-state solution, whereby Palestine would become an independent state, yet his political party's platform and is lack of cooperation in peace talks says otherwise. Palestinians demand their own state, but at this point, Netanyahu can only promise "economic peace." Tony Blair even backs him up, saying Netanyahu will build a new Palestine "from the bottom up" (The Guardian 14 April 2009). But Blair points out three major elements that are needed for peace between Israel and Palestine: "a credible political negotiation for a two-state solution, a programme of major change on the West Bank, and an easing of the blockage in Gaza" neither of which are in the cards for Netanyahu.

Car Bomb in Lebanon

Kamal Medhat, a member of Fatah and representative of the PLO, was assassinated in Lebanon. There was a bomb inside a shed on the side of the road that was detonated as he drove by, killing the Palestinian official and three others. It is not certain who is behind the attacks, but Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas labeled it an act of terrorism (BBC News 23 March 2009). Medhat dedicated his life to easing tensions between Palestinian factions in Lebanon and his death was a direct attack on the efforts made by him to stabilize and unite the factions (BBC News 23 March 2009). This article shows to me how distorted the term "terrorism" has become in the United States. Terrorism is defined in the United States Law code as "politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents" (U.S. Code Title 22, Ch. 38, Para. 2656f(d)). Medhat's assassination seems to be committed by someone who has interest in Palestinian unrest which suggests political motives. The United States media has fostered a general tendency to pigeonhole terrorists as the "other," or Middle Eastern, or Islamic. We stereotype terrorists as having religious motives and reasons for their violence, but in studying the mission of Hizbollah, it's unclear whether religion is their motive or rather the mechanism by which their motives are played out.

On and Off

What seems to be the most buzz-worthy piece of news this week is the failed talks over Gilad Shalit's release. The Israeli soldier was taken hostage by Palestinian militia and his release is a key stipulation in order to begin any peace with Hamas (Al Jazeera 17 March 2009). In exchange for Shalit, Hamas wanted the release of 1400 Palestinian soldiers, many who were convicted of killing Israelis. It's feared that an exchange of so many prisoners for Shalit many encourage Hamas to acquire further hostages (Al Jazeera 17 March 2009). Haaretz reported that Hamas wanted 325 prisoners released, 144 of which Israel wanted to be exiled to the Gaza Strip. Olmert also wanted the reopening of Gaza borders for reconstruction aid as part of the agreement, but was unable to succeed. Olmert is serving the final days of his three-year term and it is uncertain whether or not Benjamin Netanyahu will continue Olmert's negotiations and conditions for peace. A "ministerial panel" is being created to put pressure on Hamas to agree to negotiations by making prisoner's sentence harder, like forbidding visitors (Haaretz 13 March 2009). Egyptian (Egypt being the moderator) sources say that both parties were to blame for the negotiations' failure, yet Israel agreed to the release of Palestinian prisoners, but not the ones Hamas listed by name or how they would be released. Israel also took a harder stance and backtracked according to Hamas (Haaretz 18 March 2009). It seems the pressure that Olmert is trying to push onto Hamas will not be forceful enough to complete negotiations. It seems Hamas will be taking its chances with Netanyahu, because some 100 military senior officers they refused to release could be crippling.

Lebanon opened its embassy in Damascus for the first time since their independence six years ago as part diplomatic relations between the Lebanon and Syria (New York Times 16 March 2009). The governing majority also publicly announced that it would end its conflict with Syria to build solid relations based on "brotherhood" and "common interests" (Daily Star 18 March 2009). A Lebanese editorial criticized Syria for not being reciprocal in Lebanese peace efforts. Syria is also accused of undermining its sovereignty through backhanded comments, and that's it's a shame because Syria benefits from a stable and safe Lebanon (Daily Star 18 March 2009). Lebanon could provide economic partnerships for foreign investment, tourism and jobs amidst Syria's unemployment, inflation and declining oil reserves, suggesting the success of both countries is "inextricably linked" (Daily Star 18 March 2009). It's expected that tensions would still be alive after the recent occupation of Lebanon by Syria until 2005. Syria's link to Hizbollah is questionable, as well as its past support of the United States in the first Gulf War. Whether or not Lebanon is pursuing negotiations for a possible ally or for genuine political and economic reasons is uncertain.

On Muhammed the Prophet's birthday, the leader, Hassan Nasrallah, of Hizbollah publicly refused the United States' suggestion that Hizbollah and Hamas could recognize Israel as a legitimate state before they engage (BBC News 14 March 2009). Nasrallah refused, saying "As long as Hezbollah exists, it will never recognise Israel."

The Iraqi journalist, Muntadar al-Zaidi (who is hailed as a hero), who threw his shoe at President George W. Bush has been sentenced for three years in prison (BBC News 12 March 2009).

Aid, Bombs and Uranium

Sunday night, 20 people were wounded and one killed from an explosion in Hussein Square, Cairo. The terrorists attack was in a popular tourist area of the city, the victim killed was a 17-year-old French girl apart of a group trip. Five suspects were detained- three men and two women. The attacks came at a point of growing escalation with the recent tensions in Gaza between Israelis and Palestinians (New York Times 22 February 2009). No one has claimed responsibility for the event, but it is likely that the attack was not by a purely Egyptian group- maybe affiliated with Al Queda or sympathizer with the global terror network. The tourism sector is a direct blow to the state because it is where most of its revenue and employment are from (Al Jazeera 23 February 2009).

BBC reported that Iran plans to test its Bushehr nuclear reactor on Wednesday. The Iranian government claims it has entirely peaceful intentions for testing and there will be no nuclear fuel added for the testing.

In the recent Israeli elections, the Kadima party narrowly beat out the Likud party led by Tzipi Livni. Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the Kadima party has six weeks to form a coalition government. The Labor party disagreed to Netanyahu's invitation to join the coalition. It's leader, Ehud Barak and Livni both said they would rather "head into opposition before legitimizing a government that includes elements of the far right" (New York Times 24 February 2009).

Talks led by Egypt to broker a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel have been put on hold after the current prime minister, Ehud Olmert, suspended a senior official in the Defense Ministry (New York Times 23 February 2009). Amnesty International accused Israel and Hamas of misusing foreign-supplied (mostly from the US) weapons to kill civilians in the recent 22-day war over Gaza. The statement was ignored by both Hamas and Israel, and obviously the US, who was asked to suspend military aid to Israel (New York Times 23 February 2009).

Haaretz reported that the US relationship with Israel is "special" and will "remain strong." The State Department pledged $900 million in humanitarian aid relief that will not be funneled directly to the Hamas administration because it is suspected to be a terrorist-sympathizing government. The US recognizes the Abbas- led government in the West Bank who often receives aid from the Us, who led directly deposits aid into Gazans' accounts. US Middle East envoy George Mitchell is planned to have a permanent office in Jerusalem.

Middle East News: My First Impressions

I am writing this post on the day it was announced President Barack Obama approved the deployment of an additional 17,000 troops to Afghanistan. He said it was "necessary to stabilise a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, which has not received the strategic attention, direction and resources it urgently needs" (Al Jazeera 18 February 2009). Obama believes that we can win the war, but it cannot be won by military force alone- we must also use diplomacy. I can't help but wonder when deployments will end, especially since this is one of further installments expected in the near future. This war has been compared to the Vietnam War on several occasions because there seems to be no end in sight and is a potential waste of American and Afghan life as terrorism seethes in the Middle East and South Asia. Even if the troops are to perform "diplomatic" actions, how will the increased presence of a foreign military be perceived by the people? On the whole, there has been an increase in insurgencies and casualties each year. It's clear that Afghan civilians need protection, revitalization and humanitarian aid, but can we really be the Red Cross symbolically and physically, while simultaneously acting as the invading foreign military? It seems the more we do there, in terms of both warfare and stabilization, the more we are resented. Resentment fosters anger and dissatisfaction. How will the Afghan people and the terrorists choose to express those emotions? I hardly doubt through diplomatic means, especially with a corruption government in power.

It's hard to see military force as a mediator anywhere else in the Middle East. Israel refused a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza until prisoner Sergeant Gilad Shalit (who was captured in June 2006) is released. Hamas seized the Gaza Strip, home to 1.5 million Palestinians, from their Fatah rivals in June 2007. Israel put an economic blockade on Gaza in response (Al Jazeera 18 February 2009). Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, has previously refused a ceasefire until the release Shalit, which may involve the release of 1700 Palestinian prisoners. Olmert's term is ending soon. The two rivals for the prime minister position are Benjamin Netanyahu (leader of the right-wing Likud party) and the foreign minister Tzipi Livni. Livni believes that Isreal needs to give up parts of Israeli land, including the West Bank and Gaza, to bring about peace. She believes that eventually the land will need to be divided for the fighting to stop. Livni said that Israel can fight terrorism and continue the Annapolis peace process. She may not have enough support to beat out Netanyahu who contests Livni's view on the war (Al Jazeera 18 February 2009).

Bombings in Baghdad and Afghanistan have ceased to flood the headlines, only mentioned briefly at the bottom of newspaper pages or in small fonts, hidden among other headlines on web pages. It's about the politics, elections and those displaced by them. Thousands more die each year in conflicts and bombings, but it seems now, at least the news, is trying to move beyond the fighting, reflecting a general mood of the people saying enough is enough. Diplomatic attempts are trying to be made, even in Iran where a US envoy to Afghanistan said Iran should play a vital role in helping stabilize the country (New York Times 15 February 2009). This clear move away from Bush administration policies of avoidance signals an engagement with Tehran, despite criticism of its pursuit of nuclear weapons and support for terrorist groups. Iran is seen as a also a way to establish a broader dialogue with Afghanistan. To me this shows an attempt to understand the "other" to foster mutual respect and agreements.

Even the pope is trying to rebuild fractured relationships. Pope Benedict XVI will visit Israel in May, including Bethlehem in the West Bank (New York Times 15 February 2009). Diplomatic talks between the Vatican and officials in the area, despite tensions over the beatification of Pope Pius XII (led 1939-58) who is accused of "not doing enough" to save Jews during the Holocaust (New York Times 15 February 2009). Recently, Benedict revoked the excommunication of Bishop Richard Williamson who claims historic evidence argues against Nazi gas chambers the amount of Jews who were said to be killed during World War II.