Netanyahu and Obama’s stand on Iran; release of an Israeli spy still ignored.

For the past 27 years, Israel has been trying to free Jonathan Pollard, a civilian American Naval intelligence Analyst.  Both US and Israel have kept him under a plea agreement. Years back, Jonathan found out about an undeclared intelligence embargo continuing in US under which Israel was not provided information regarding vital details about Syrian, Iraqi, Libyan and Iranian nuclear weapons/ capabilities. Under his ideological sense, Jonathan felt it was his prime duty to deliver these vital informations to Israel that granted him citizenship later in 1995. But he had to pay a huge price for it. He still suffers life sentence as has become another abstract and unheard demand for Israeli PM Netanyahu.

Benjamin Netanyahu, who still awaits a response from Obama administration, however understands that US can not be considered ‘ignorant’ or pressurized by Israel. For the past several months, both these political leaders have been going through a bind. The tension between them became clearer when US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta disclosed the nascent plans of Israel regarding an attack on Iran in April. In a quite intelligent manner, Netanyahu has shifted the entire focus of Israel’s concern from Palestine to Iran. He wants US to start the war as America leads in terms of weapons, ballistic missiles, grenades and of course, nuclear power. That is exactly why Netanyahu is more concerned of destroying Iran’s nuclear ‘capability’ rather than its ‘intentions‘. Israeli leaders want to operate a unilateral military action against Iran, which perhaps would not include alarming US before they do attack.

“Iran and IAEA’

Currently, Iran, like other countries, eg- Brazil, Japan, Argentina does have a right to enrich uranium as the NPT signatory. Under the IAEA scrutiny, Tehran needs to be transparent about its experiments and once it satisfies IAEA, it can enrich uranium and follow the peaceful fuel cycle nuclear energy programme. In spite of knowing all of this, Israel is threatened that Iran aims to wipe it out from the world’s map, as Iranian President had once confessed. President Ahmedanijad does not even accept that Holocaust under Hitler ever happened in world’s history and literally loathes the entire ‘Zionist identity’. Though, Ayatollah Khameini, the Supreme Leader continues to state that having nuclear power is a sin and non-Islamic, at the end of the day, he has the power to operate them.

‘Parliamentary elections in Iran’

In the meanwhile, 9th Majlis (Parliamentary elections) took place last Friday in Iran. US and Israel had believed that the ‘crippling sanctions’ would frustrate the Iranian citizens against thire government and the elections would not be able to preserve its sanctity. Interestingly, 65% of the 48 million people came to cast their vote. Hence, it definitely comes as a slap for the Zionist controlled governments (ZGOs) who are suspected to cause  protests against the President in 2009 Green Revolution. Iran also suffers from fractured political presentation. Firstly, it does not have political parties and secondly, the distance between President Ahmedanijad and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameini is increasing day by day, as they both see each other with mutual distrust and suspicion. But that does not pose a lot of threat because the values of kinship in Middle East are different. The famous saying , ‘ Me against my brother, me and my brother against my cousin, me and my brother and my cousin against the outsider.’

‘Obama’s dilemma’

In any case, when President Obama addressed the AIPAC annual convention yesterday, he said exactly what any diplomatic leader would utter. He talked about ‘loose talk of war’,  did not define the ‘red lines‘ and declared that US would not follow the policy of ‘containment.’ Before the entire political drama was unfolding, it was definitely expected that whatever Obama would say, might make a point, a difference. Unfortunately, it did not. Everything from praising Israeli President Simon Peres and his Jewish identity to claiming that ‘Israel’s security is sacrosanct and non-negotiable’, felt like a well mugged speech. In fact, President Obama called President Peres for receiving the ‘Presidential Medal of Freedom’ which is the highest Civilian honour by the White House.

Undoubtedly, President Obama is acting as a ‘duck President‘ right now. The reason is, he wants to secure his second term. In 2008, he won by 78% of Jewish votes. Thus, this year, he is trying his level best to secure votes from Jewish populations in Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Nevada. Though, as the US president and Commander in Chief of the army, he is the strongest man, in fact, a dictator in his own merit. But he cannot take a nasty stand with AIPAC, the pro Israel lobby in America. Well, not only would his presidency be threatened, he can even be assassinated.

Thus, as President Obama still states that any war on Iran would be a mere distraction and exploit the peace, Israel definitely has other plans. But it needs to remember that its not Syria or Iraq that are developing nuclear power and hence, it can easily destroy it. Its Iran and definitely, whatever might be the pattern of bombardment used, a huge price would have to be paid by both these three countries.

Colonel Gadaffi forces journalists to see a baby injured by NATO

The entire guild of foreign journalists were led to a hospital in Libya in a government organised tour, after the Sunday missile attack. In the first few frames, the journalists, all restless, pushing elbowing each other for better camera angles, were visible.

Slowly, the long shot reveals a small baby girl, unconscious on one of the ICU beds in Tripoli.  The journalists mushroom around her, clicking pictures. Few Libyans standing next to the bed shout ‘mother’, ‘mother’, as a lady covered in veil enters the room.

Suddenly, a man comes in, stating himself to be the uncle of the small girl Hanin. He says she had been injured by the NATO strike. He complains against the coalition forces and the bombing caused, in his native language.

As soon as this news is about to spread, a hospital employee writes a note to one of the journalists, secretly letting him know that the small girl Hanin was not injured by a missile attack but in a road accident.

‘What will journalists do?’

Caught in ‘parachute journalism’ and sea of manipulated evidences, its very difficult for journalists positioned in Libya, against all odds, to get to the crux of the reality which exists.

Its one of the most repulsive incidents executed by the Libyan government to delude the international audience. No doubt, the NATo air strikes are causing harm, indeed, they would. But the entire point of using an innocent child as a mere means to gain empathy/sympathy is completely shameful.

But my entire question is, what should journalists do in this case? They can be easily led to places/situations to provide information which might be entirely wrong.

This incident reminds me what my dissertation professor Anthony said ‘The more you will hear about Libya, the more you will feel you do not know about Libya.’

‘NATO’s limitations’

Meanwhile, NATO has started with the helicopter attacks in Libya from last Saturday. William Hague has clealy stated that the the mission in Libya might continue till December.

At the same time, media is literally filled up with incidents of ships trying to rescue the migrants but not being able to reach the destination. Indeed, its a matter of grave concern.

Credit: Photo from AP Photos

What rebels, NATO, Western countries and technology are doing in Libya?

Osama Fathy Ashour, the 29 year old rebel fighter in Libya is dead. Mourners are praying at his funeral. Its a ritual now. A sacred duty to offer condolence, lament, grieve in pain and yet continue the fight. How many more rebels will be sacrificed, we dont know. 

Moving towards the international and regional politics involved in the country, the past few weeks have witnessed a lot of globetrotters,speeches, funding hopes and yes, bombings.

‘NATO’s stand’

‘One piece of human intelligence is not enough,’ says one of the sources from the private security companies who are helping NATO to identify and target the movements of Colonel Gadaffi supporters in Misrata, Libya.

Currently, Libyan government has started accusing the NATO for killing the 718 civilians. Also, more than 4000 civilians have been injured due to the air strikes.

When I asked David Heathfiel, video journalist from NatoChannel. TV, he had stated that everything can not be bombed in Libya by the Nato. With the blame game starting in such a stupendous manner against the entire force, there needs to be this acceptance that at some point, even Nato, irrespective of how flawless it seems, does have its own limitations.

‘Libya: how we see it’

In February, it seemed like  a country which would imitate the Tunisian and Egyptian independence. Today, it has become just another story lost in the commercial pages of newspapers. People have stopped talking about it. Even if they do, the superficiality becomes evident. No one cares. Its becoming like Afghanistan where the war in itself became anonymous after some time.

Opinions are changing and so is the pursuit for it.

‘Gadaffi will not go’

However, the Libyan TV has recently broadcasted pictures of Colonel Gadaffi while having conversation with South African President Jacob Zuma. Their talks have been summoned as ‘inconclusive’. Initially, what seemed like an agreement to ceasefire is now once again, just proving to be the same old rut.

On the other hand, President Barack Obama and British PM Cameron have stated their reluctance against ‘boots on the ground.’ With US calling the soldiers back from Afghanistan in the coming months, definitely another military pursuit in another Islamic country might demand a greater price to pay.

Though, Hillary Clinton plans to visit the UAE on 9th June to hold talks with countries backing Libyan rebels.

‘Technology and Libya’

In a discussion with Tim Weber, the business editor in BBC, one point became clear. If in today’s social networking sparked revolution, Libya and other countries like it, have the boon and bane of technology, side by side.

Everyone stated that technology can be harnessed for knowing more information about the middle eastern conflict. But then, Tim also made me realise that if we are talking about technology, then so are those dictators who are ruling over the masses.

Its no doubt, a double edged sword.

Credit: Photo from Reuters

‘I do not want our revolution to be stolen,’ says a Libyan rebel

Libya has reached to a certain form of distorted ambivalence that strategic reforms, military co-operations, embargo and the lives of rebels do not connect any more. It seems like actions are not saving anyone. And even if they are, we dont know about it.

Catherine Ashton, the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief, stated that ‘its time for Colonel Gadaffi to go’ during the establishment of an office in rebel held Benghazi.

The benefits of this office and suddenly opening it now after the conflict reaches the fourth month does not pacify my questions. Also, I do not see a necessity behind it.

Ashton during her current visit to Libya would be discussing several necessary aspects of the Middle Eastern conflict in the country, dealing with emergence of civil society, economy, border management and security reformation.

Currently, the endeavours to deter Colonel Gadaffi supporters have not suceeded, in spite of implementation of the ‘no fly zone’, arms embargo and target sanctions.

Meanwhile, President Obama has started with his European Tour to discuss about the Middle eastern conflict with the first destination being Ireland.

‘Misrata: the turning point’

In the entire conflict which now spuns three months, the fighting at Misrata has been one of the turning points in Libya. To start with, the rebels found out the stealthy and determined sealift for fleet of boats. This sea transport has been used to distrbution of food and medicines, along with the protecting the safety of the rebels.

Recently, the rebels have organised 12 fishing vessels and several tugboats which were previously organised by Colonel Gadaffi into an impromptu fleet that helps in providing lifeline to Misrata.

Though, after the fierce fighting on Sunday, rebel Abdelsalam told the Reuters that its  very difficult to see how the Gadaffi forces are being able to re-enter into the city inspite of the good defence lines and NATO assistance.

‘Rebel controlled regions’

The rebel controlled regions in Libya include Misrata, the parts of the Nafusa mountain region and the eastern coastal region of Cyrenaica.

Meanwhile, 27 countries of the European Union has frozen their diplomatic ties with the dictator. Also, the European Commission has confirmed to provide a grant of 20 million euros to the humanitarian actions in Libya.

Though, a soft spoken Haithem al-Mangoush simply states that ‘I do not want our revolution to be stolen.’

But as the ‘sea of assasinations’ continue, the most herculean task continues to be the procurement of weapons and ammunition by the Libyan rebels.

‘History of Iraq and Afghanistan repeats’

Questioning the role of NATO, Rear Admiral Chris Parry, the former Royal Navy admiral stated that the current situation in Libya is a repeated reflection of what happened in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that its time time when the entire ‘strategy’ of NATO should be re-worked in Libya .

In spite of all the developments and surrenders that are hauting the country, in some cities, the everyday life seems to get back on track. Though, the current jubilation might seem deceptive eventually.

‘Time is up for Libyan regime’ says NATO

‘Time is up for the Libyan regime’, says Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the secretary general of NATO.

Throwing light on the ‘substantial progress’ made by NATO, Rasmussen stated that more than 6000 sorties have been fired by the organisation in the past months. These air strikes have played an important role in toppling the Gadaffi regime.

Over the past days, NATO has been questioned about their output, often culminating into ambigious attempts and disappointing results.

Also, stating the rules put down by the UN mandate, Rasmussen said that NATO is working in strict conformity with the no fly zone, the air campaign and the arms embargo.

‘Targets of NATO’s sorties’

The 123 sorties fired by NATO on Thursday in Tripoli targeted Gadaffi’s compound, ammunition storages, command control centres, rocket launchers, tanks and self propelled anti aircraft gun.

Rasmussen once again stressed on the fact that the aim of the air strikes was not to target colonel Gadaffi but to protect the lives of civilians.

Though, Colonel Gadaffi made his first public appearance after April end today, after the death of his son.

The broadcast was made by the state run Libyan television to ensure that Colonel Gadaffi is not dead.

‘Libyan base in London’

Meanwhile, British PM David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William Hague met with the Mustafa Abdul Jalil, the chairman of Interim National Transitional Council. They have decided to to invite libyan rebels to set up their base in London.

PM Cameron has also stated that the Libyan rebels are getting stronger while the Gadaffi forces are becoming weaker.

Abdul Jalil, on the other hand, praised the support by the British government for defending the stand of Libyan rebels.

UK has also pormised to provide body armour and uniform for the rebels.

‘Forced expulsion of rebels’

Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Refugee Chief has stated that the Libyan government might be expelling the migrants by force in a deliberate attempt to flood Europe.

Though,a recent boat carrying around 600 migrants sank causing terrible mayhem for the Libyan rebels.

Though, Colonel Gadaffi had initially warned the wave of migrants which would storm in Europe is the conflict continued.

‘Why not Syria?

Defending the stand of NATO while answering why it was not taking any action in Syria, Rasmussen stated clearly that the UN plays an important role in such operations. Irrespective of the fact that the situation in Syria is getting more complicated, the US and European forces can not intervene till directed by the UN.

Debate on air strikes worsens in Libya, International politics slaps

British Foreign Secretary William Hague has stated that the situation in Libya is further intensifying with probable establishment of a ‘long overhaul’

The questions regarding how long would Britain be able to support ‘the high tempo operations’ in Libya is a growing concern. The implementation of stupendous defence cuts has further aggravated the situation.

Britain has been sending body armors, telecom equipments and military officer in Libya as the coalition forces have entered the sixth week of air strikes in Libya.

The main countries forming a part of the coalition forces believe that it would take another 12 months to topple Gadaffi.

Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy has been questioning the future of British airstrike operations in Libya. And ofcourse, the concern is genuine as one day of air strikes costs millions of investment.

In the meanwhile, the Obama administration has granted 25 million US dollars to opposition in Libya. The aid would be used in the non lethal manner to support Libya’s Interim Transitional National Council.

The White House has stated that the aid would include supply of vehicles, body armour, radio, medical equipments and ambulance.

Meanwhile, the refugees in Misrata, have been complaining against NATO stating that it safeguards only the bigger population while the plight of the minority is not paid attention.

‘Target Gadaffi’

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has openly criticised the aim of killing Colonel Gadaffi without him undergoing a legal trial.

The International political divisions on what judgment should be bestowed to Gadaffi are becoming a matter of debate.

It has also led to further controversies on the supply of legal aid in Libya.

Robert Gates, the US Defence Secretary has once again stated that the aim of NATO or the coalition forces is not to target Gadaffi.

Though, Foreign Secretary William Hague has stated that there are no legal constraints under the UN resolution in supplying aids in Libya.

He also stated that this would lead to the building of diplomatic, political and military pressure on Gadaffi.

‘Stop air strikes’

The African Union, in a move to take control over the uprising has urged the coalition forces to suspend the air strikes.

This was followed after the bombing of two buildings in Gadaffi’s compound in Tripoli by the NATO forces.

The African Union is all set to hold an extraordinary meeting in May to work under the AU Peace and Security Council.

Though, Zubedi, a Libyan ambassador has stated that everyone does agree that’s its high time when Colonel Gadaffi should surrender.

In the meanwhile, chiefs of 61 tribes in Libya have issued a letter stated by the French writer Bernard Henri Levy that the ‘divide and rule’ policy will not work in Libya and nothing will divide them.

Credits: Photo from Reuters

Humanity and military, a new fight for Libya

The lines between humanitarian aid and military operations has often been blurred by treacherous attacks of wars, conflicts and violence, culminating into odious proceedings.

The same, might or might not, happen in Libya, if given a chance.

Valerie Amos, the UN Under-secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, has stated that there is no immediate need to accept EU offer providing military escorts in Libya.

She stated that aid shipments of water, food and medicines are getting to the needy Libyans without the necessity of the military escorts.

Civilian assets are currently being used to evacuate the people and to provide the aid to the victims. Military help, she said would be needed only if the situation worsens.

She also stressed on being vigilant and respecting the boundaries between aid and military, without blurring them.

The NATO and EU need to take the permission of the UN before sending military escorts to Libya, she further announced.

Though, she did mention that security situation for the aid workers itself is very dangerous due to the continuous bombing in Libya. But she also revealed that the Colonel Gadaffi forces have agreed to allow the required access to the aid workers.

Amos went on a trip to Libya to meticulously observe the current status of the conflict. Unfortunately, the humanitarian deal does not provide security to the aid workers who are entering the city.

‘Libya Military mission’

In a major development yesterday, France and Italy have agreed to send senior military officials in Libya to give needed advice to the opposition forces.

In a report issued by Reuters, 27 countries in the EU have agreed to launch the military mission to support the humanitarian work in Libya.

This mission would involve the task of security the aid workers, guarding the transport channels and also guarding the Tunisian Egypt borders where several refugee camps are set up.

The French and Italian officials had stated that around ten military advisors would be sent to Libya under this decision.

This move was influenced by President Obama’s announcement of providing $25 million to non lethal force decision in Libya.

Meanwhile, Oxfam, the British aid group has also warned EU against sending military officials in Libya.

Jamie Balfour-Paul, Oxfam’s spokesperson in the Middle East also said referring from the past experiences, blurring the lines between humanitarian aid and military operations has only bought more controversies.

‘Two Award winning journalists dead’

Meanwhile, two award winning photo journalists Briton Tim Hetherington and US Chris Hondros were killed in a motor attack in Misrata.

According to few other journalists, these two were trying to pull back from the front line when they came under fire.

The Libyan government has expressed ‘sadness’ over the sudden death of these two photographers.

Credit: Photo from Getty Images

A letter to Gadaffi from US, UK and France, Gadaffi’s daughter answers back

Last week, Colonel Gaddafi had written a letter to President Obama, calling him his ‘son’ and asking him to stop bombing in Libya.

Well, I wonder why the letter was written to Obama and not Sarkozy, who has been playing a far more responsible role in the coalition air strikes.

In response, President Obama, David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy have written this opinion piece, politely asking Colonel Gadaffi to step down.

Few say, that this opinion piece is a propaganda to answer the international world that ‘these three countries’ still have unity. While, others believe, that its high time, when these three countries should speak, in unison.

Its unfortunate, how on one hand, out of the 28 countries that are present in NATO, only UK, Canada, Denmark, Belgium and Norway have been supporting the air strikes.

And suddenly, everyone is criticising NATO. As if, its the easiest task to do. The same happened when NATO targetted a rebel tank recently, by mistake.

No one is sitting down, trying to contemplate that the NATO pilots are exhausted, there is a need of precision fighters and ground attack aircrafts.

And as usual, the blame game continues.

But unfortunately, the political debate does not end within known territories.

What seems like an obvious show of power and rule, Colonel Gadaffi took a complete tour of Tripoli, in his open top car, wearing a black outfit. It seemed as if, he was openly showing the population that he is not afraid. And, he will never be.

Gadaffi’s daughter, Ayesha al-Gadaffi has reacted, quite ferociously, against this plea.

Standing infront a crowd cheering Colonel Gadaffi, in her home compound at Bal Al-Aziziyah, Ayesha demanded the western forces to ‘leave our skies’.

She narrated how in 1911, Italy had killed her grand father.

Now, in 2011, the Western Countries want to kill her father. She spoke for the children who are being targeted, the innocent civilains who are being butchered.

Interestingly, I have never read Ayesha, speaking anything for the death of rebels or the hundreds of innocent civilians who are hospitalised in Misrata and Tripoli.

To add further challenge, the rebels are now afraid of assembling in the protests. Mainly because, there are several pro-Gadaffi supporters, in the disguise of rebels, waiting to arrest the real ones.

What happens in Libya continues to be a matter of debate, uneasy wait and yes, a lot of manslaughter, for the time being.

Credits: AP Photos

The Libyan revolt in London

‘The cowards of our revolution, you are overdue on your grave. You have spread fortune to Chad and Mali. Dirtied our reputation. You have the face of a shoe’

These words signify the English translation of an Arabic revolutionary song being sung in unison by few Libyan protesters outside the Libyan Embassy at Hyde Park.

Right from 17th February, when the protest broke out in Libya, its effect has influenced London too.

‘Our protests have influenced 5 Libyan diplomats to leave the embassy and join us,’ said a source who did not want to be named.

Few of these protesters have not returned home for 30 years. But it does not dampen their spirit, their fight.

One can see the protesters grouped into clusters and having discussions, young girls singing revolutionary songs, young guys conversing in their peer, old women scattered in some other corner.

But one thing is common in all of them. They all have chosen to do something. To revolt. To protest. Rather than to sit in the four walls of their luxurious homes and watch the news on TV.

One of them is Jalal Shamman, an artist by profession. Standing in the crowd but minutely observing everything around him, he knows what ‘hope’ means for the Libyan people.

‘These protesters include everyone, be it students, house-wives, teachers.’ he said.

I asked him, if he had painted something about the revolution. He smiled and declined. Perhaps, he would, now.

‘The number of protesters range from 500 to 4000. On 17th April, which marks two months of the revolution, we are going to have a massive protest in front of the embassy.’ informed Muftah, a retired activist.

Talking about the defection of Moussa Koussa, one of the protesters, Albashir, a Phd student in linguistics, took a very honest stand and said, ‘Moussa Koussa was the right hand of Gadaffi. How can he suddenly have a conscience?”

In the meantime, I was also interested to question if any pro-Gadaffi supporters have ever criticised these protests in London.

And interestingly, my question was answered by a young half-British-half-Libyan lady Hannah, who works in finance, ‘Once or twice, there were a couple of them. But I believe,  pro-Gadaffi supporters do not have a conscience.’

As the day approached the dusk, the voices, songs and enthusiasm did not decrease.

Towards the other end of the road, infront of the embassy, stood policemen. All serious. As usual.

Interestingly, the police and the protesters have a mutual agreement.

‘We have the permission to use this place for revolt. Till now, the police has never behaved in an inappropriate manner with us,’ informed Nureddin Waheishi.

But my ultimate encounter came with  Aziza, a 58 year old Libyan lady, who has lost her husband in this Gadaffi regime, years back. She has not visited her country for the past 33 years.

‘For 11 years, I was in Egypt. For 22 years, I have been in London.’ she says.

She carried a very subtle aura around her. Standing away in one corner, trying very hard to decipher my English accent and answer in her Arabic accent, our communication grew from the boundaries of journalism to the reality of torture and pain.

I asked her how she feels about the revolt going on, right now.

Maybe, I had bought an array of memories for her. And she did get lost in them, in the power of the nostalgia that made me feel my question was best answered in silence.