U.S. 'Human Rights' NGO Supports Hamas War Crimes?
Aug 20th, 2014
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Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

IDF finds Hamas terror tunnel

Flash 90

Kenneth Roth, head of the US-based NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW), has been caught directly condoning Hamas war crimes on his Twitter account.

Blogger Elder of Ziyon on Tuesday revealed that early in the afternoon, roughly four hours before Hamas breached the ceasefire by firing rockets on Israel, Roth was busy trying to justify Hamas's attempts to abduct Israelis, either through a misunderstanding of international law or a wanton disregard for it.

"Can you tell if Hamas tunnel used to attack/capture combatant (IHL allows) or take hostage/attack civilian (illegal)?" tweeted Roth.

Noting on the tweet, Elder of Ziyon points out that the Geneva Conventions in Article 34 expressly clarify that "the taking of hostages is prohibited." The commentary on that article specifies that the term "hostages," in contradiction to Roth's assertion, "must be understood in the widest possible sense."

Those defined as a hostage include "persons...at a given moment and in any manner whatsoever, (who) find themselves, in case of a conflict or occupation, in the hands of a Party to the conflict or Occupying Power of which they are not nationals," as specified in Article 4.

In fact, the rules would apparently not apply to Gaza residents, given that Article 4 continues "nationals of a State which is not bound by the Convention are not protected by it." It goes without saying that the Hamas enclave of Gaza, aside from not being a state, is not a signatory to the Conventions.

The International Committee of the Red Cross further comments that in the Geneva Conventions "there is no indication that the offence is limited to taking civilians hostage. Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, the Statute of the International Criminal Court and the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages do not limit the offence to the taking of civilians, but apply it to the taking of any person."

"Ken Roth has proven, irrevocably, that he is unqualified for this position. He is actively campaigning against human rights. His stated position is simply immoral. His bias is clear to all," concludes Elder of Ziyon.

Hamas's terror tunnels into Israel were reportedly meant to be used in a plan to infiltrate the surrounding Jewish communities and massacre Israelis on Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.

They were used lethally against soldiers at various junctures in Operation Protective Edge, and used to abduct the bodies of two soldiers, Second Lt.Hadar Goldin and First Sgt. Oron Shaul hy''d, which Hamas apparently is holding in an attempt to release terrorists.

Tens of Thousands March on Pakistani Parliament
Aug 20th, 2014
Daily NewsYahoo News
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

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ISLAMABAD (AP) — Tens of thousands of protesters armed with wire cutters and backed by cranes broke through barriers protecting Pakistan's parliament and other government buildings Tuesday night, demanding the country's prime minister resign.

Government authorities had warned they would not allow protesters to enter Islamabad's "Red Zone," but the demonstrators met no immediate resistance from police or the hundreds of troops guarding the buildings.

Wearing masks and carrying makeshift shields, they hammered through barbed wire and locks connecting shipping containers that had been erected as a barrier around the zone, which also holds the president's and prime minister's ceremonial homes and many diplomatic posts.

Demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, they shouted, "Go, Nawaz, go!" Excited young men and women made V-for-victory signs.

A government minister, Saad Rafiq, said the prime minister allowed the protesters to enter the sensitive area to avoid bloodshed.

The Pakistani army warned the protesters against entering parliament or any other installation. It called on all sides to resolve the situation through discussion.

   

Supporters of Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan dance on the lyrics of a song in Khan …

Men, women and children took part in the protest by some 30,000 supporters of opposition candidate Imran Khan and anti-government cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri.

Both men have called on Sharif to step down over allegations of fraud in last year's election. Sharif has refused and ordered the soldiers out into the streets, the first such military deployment in the capital under any civilian government in Pakistani history.

Two Pakistani security officials said 700 troops had been deployed to guard the Red Zone. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak publicly about troop movements. An additional 30,000 members of the country's security forces were also deployed in the capital, authorities said.

The protesters "want blood. They want dead bodies. That's their politics," Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said. "If anything happen, the protesters will be held responsible."

The demonstrators have camped out in Islamabad in two rallies since last week. Khan and Qadri have vowed to keep up the sit-ins until Sharif resigns.

   

Supporters of Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan shout slogans against Prime Minister  …

Khan said Tuesday that his supporters would make a "Tahrir Square" outside parliament, referring to the square in Egypt where mass protests in 2011 brought down President Hosni Mubarak.

"Let us promise that we will remain peaceful," Qadri urged followers. Khan told supporters: "No one will trespass into any building."

Sharif has agreed to set up a judicial commission to investigate allegations that his Pakistan Muslim League-N rigged the elections.

The standoff has raised fears of political instability in this nuclear-armed country of 180 million, which has largely been ruled by dictators since independence in 1947. Both opposition leaders picked Pakistan's Independence Day to begin their marches.

Relations between Sharif and the military frayed when the government decided late last year to prosecute former army chief Pervez Musharraf on treason charges.

   

A young supporter of Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, his body decorated with stick …

The military has also bristled at accusations that its powerful spy chief was behind an assassination attempt against a powerful television anchor.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said: "We urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint and respect the rule of law."

The Islamabad rallies come as Pakistan's military wages a major operation against militants. The military said it carried out airstrikes Tuesday in the Khyber and North Wazristan tribal region that killed 48 militants.

Pakistan's tribal regions are off-limits to journalists, making it difficult to verify such claims.

Tens of thousands march on Pakistani parliament

By ASIF SHAHZAD and ZARAR KHAN 14 hours ago

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Pakistan March To Breach Secure Zone

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ISLAMABAD (AP) — Tens of thousands of protesters armed with wire cutters and backed by cranes broke through barriers protecting Pakistan's parliament and other government buildings Tuesday night, demanding the country's prime minister resign.

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Government authorities had warned they would not allow protesters to enter Islamabad's "Red Zone," but the demonstrators met no immediate resistance from police or the hundreds of troops guarding the buildings.

Wearing masks and carrying makeshift shields, they hammered through barbed wire and locks connecting shipping containers that had been erected as a barrier around the zone, which also holds the president's and prime minister's ceremonial homes and many diplomatic posts.

Demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, they shouted, "Go, Nawaz, go!" Excited young men and women made V-for-victory signs.

A government minister, Saad Rafiq, said the prime minister allowed the protesters to enter the sensitive area to avoid bloodshed.

The Pakistani army warned the protesters against entering parliament or any other installation. It called on all sides to resolve the situation through discussion.

View gallery

Supporters of Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan dance on the lyrics of a song in Khan …

Men, women and children took part in the protest by some 30,000 supporters of opposition candidate Imran Khan and anti-government cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri.

Both men have called on Sharif to step down over allegations of fraud in last year's election. Sharif has refused and ordered the soldiers out into the streets, the first such military deployment in the capital under any civilian government in Pakistani history.

Two Pakistani security officials said 700 troops had been deployed to guard the Red Zone. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak publicly about troop movements. An additional 30,000 members of the country's security forces were also deployed in the capital, authorities said.

The protesters "want blood. They want dead bodies. That's their politics," Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said. "If anything happen, the protesters will be held responsible."

The demonstrators have camped out in Islamabad in two rallies since last week. Khan and Qadri have vowed to keep up the sit-ins until Sharif resigns.

View gallery

Supporters of Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan shout slogans against Prime Minister  …

Khan said Tuesday that his supporters would make a "Tahrir Square" outside parliament, referring to the square in Egypt where mass protests in 2011 brought down President Hosni Mubarak.

"Let us promise that we will remain peaceful," Qadri urged followers. Khan told supporters: "No one will trespass into any building."

Sharif has agreed to set up a judicial commission to investigate allegations that his Pakistan Muslim League-N rigged the elections.

The standoff has raised fears of political instability in this nuclear-armed country of 180 million, which has largely been ruled by dictators since independence in 1947. Both opposition leaders picked Pakistan's Independence Day to begin their marches.

Relations between Sharif and the military frayed when the government decided late last year to prosecute former army chief Pervez Musharraf on treason charges.

View gallery

A young supporter of Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, his body decorated with stick …

The military has also bristled at accusations that its powerful spy chief was behind an assassination attempt against a powerful television anchor.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said: "We urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint and respect the rule of law."

The Islamabad rallies come as Pakistan's military wages a major operation against militants. The military said it carried out airstrikes Tuesday in the Khyber and North Wazristan tribal region that killed 48 militants.

Pakistan's tribal regions are off-limits to journalists, making it difficult to verify such claims.

Switzerland: Muslim Protesters Attempt to Storm Synagogue
Aug 20th, 2014
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Young Muslims behind alarming spike in European anti-Semitism

Reuters

Muslim anti-Israel demonstrators attempted to force their way into a synagogue in Switzerland, the latest in a string of attacks on synagogues in Europe.

The protest took place on Saturday, during the Jewish Sabbath, in front of the Beth Yaakov, or Grande, Synagogue in Geneva, according to JTA.

The Intercommunity Coordination Against Anti-Semitism and Defamation watchdog organization (CICAD) reported that a Muslim woman wearing a niqab (veil) first attempted to enter the place of worship while waving a PLO flag and holding a placard saying "Every synagogue is an Israeli embassy" on Saturday morning but was prevented from doing so.

The woman then returned that night accompanied by three men, and a second Muslim woman also then attempted to enter the synagogue.

The group told police they were simply exercising their right to protest and promised to return the following Saturday.

CICAD said the incident was the first of its kind since the the start of Operation Protective Edge, and said it set a dangerous precedent.

"With this first public demonstration of hostility towards the Jewish community in Geneva since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, an unacceptable step was taken," the anti-hate group said.

"Synagogues should not become the new places of expression of hatred against Israel," it added, calling on politicians and supporters of the "Palestinian cause" to condemn such anti-Semitic attacks.

Europe has seen a shocking rise in anti-Semitism since the start of the escalation between Israel and Gazan terrorist groups, with anti-Semitic incidents being reported on a daily basis.

Most attacks have been carried out by Muslims, and a significant number have targeted synagogues specifically.

Several high-profile attacks occurred in France, including an attempt by a Muslim mob to storm a Paris synagogue (the first in a string of similar attacks), and an incident in which two Muslim youths threatened worshippers with an assault rifle.

In Germany, a man was arrested late last month for firebombing a synagogue.

In several other countries, synagogues have been targeted by anti-Semitic vandals who have shattered windows and daubed anti-Israel and anti-Semitic graffiti.

Swedish Jewish Woman Savagely Beaten for Wearing Star of David
Aug 20th, 2014
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Anna Sjogren following the attack

World Zionist Organization

A Swedish Jewish woman was brutally beaten by a Muslim gang after she was spotted wearing a Star of David necklace.

Anna Sjogren was attacked last Thursday as she walked through a predominantly-Muslim suburb of the city of Uppsala in central Sweden. 

“A Muslim girl saw that I was wearing the Star of David on my neck and she started swearing at me and spat in my face. I got very upset and pushed her off,” Sjogren told the NRG news website.

At that point, she said, someone through a sharp object at her face, and before she knew it she was surrounded by at least ten Muslim extremists, who proceeded to savagely beat her.

“I’m not sure who it was. Everything happened so fast.” Sogren said of the initial blow.

“There were at least ten witnesses to the attack. All ten of them were wearing hijabs or scarfs in the colors of the PLO.  Some surrounding witnesses claim that I ‘tripped’ and fell and that no one hurt me. It’s just unbelievable.”

The Center reported that the mother of four suffered multiple injuries, including to her head and face.

But even after the beating stopped her ordeal wasn't over.

“Before we got to the hospital, one of the attackers gave me threatened me saying, ‘shut up or we’ll kill you.’” Sjogren recalled.

Sjogren said she was afraid to go to the police, because she feared that if she registered an official complaint, her attackers could find out where she lives.

“I cannot go to the police. The worst thing is that they will get my name and address. They’ll know where to find me and know and know I am the Jew who reported it.” she said.

She did, however, speak to the Security Organization of the Jewish Community.

But despite the brutal attack, Sjogren said on Facebook that she would not stop wearing the necklace - and still be helping to organize a pro-Israel rally set for September 7.

“The Star of David is extremely meaningful and significant. I will never take it down no matter what happens. When other Facebook users show support I will stand up proudly for Israel, I will never let any one silence me. Am Yisrael Chai. We will never forget and never forgive.”  

Scandinavia, like most other European countries, has been hit by a wave of anti-Semitic attacks in the weeks since Israel launched Operation Protective Edge against Gaza-based terrorists. Most attacks have been committed by young Muslims.

In response, late last week Norwegian activists staged a "yarmulka march" through a predominantly-Muslim neighborhood of Copenhagen, which saw Jews and non-Jews donning Jewish symbols to take a stand against anti-Semitism.

Senior Sources: Mashaal Acted to Thwart Ceasefire
Aug 20th, 2014
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Senior Israeli sources said on Wednesday morning that they have come across information according to which Hamas leader, Khaled Mashaal, actively worked towards thwarting the ceasefire, in order to ruin the chances of the Egyptian ceasefire initiative passing, and leading to a different Arab initiative, Kol Israel radio reports.

According to the sources, rocket fire at Israel and Israeli attacks in Gaza are to be expected during he next few days.

Senior Hamas Official Says Israel Left Them No Choice
Aug 20th, 2014
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Senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishq, claimed on Wednesday that “Israel renewed battle against us. We had no choice other than to respond, and to win.”

Senior Fatah Source: Qatar Pushed Hamas Back to War
Aug 20th, 2014
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Khaled Mashaal

Flash 90

A senior member of Palestnian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction said Wednesday Hamas's choice to forego the Egyptian truce proposal and return to its rocket war on Israel was due to Qatari pressure.

The Fatah source, quoted in the Arabic Al-Hayat as cited by Yedioth Aharonoth, said that during the Cairo truce talks Hamas had been pressing for Qatar to play an active role in the negotiations, and asked that a senior Qatar source be invited to the talks.

Egypt reportedly refused the proposal, stipulating that Qatar apologize for its policies towards the Nile State since Muslim Brotherhood member and former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi was deposed last July 3, indicating the tension between Eygpt and Qatar. Qatar is the leading sponsor of the Muslim Brotherhood, of which Hamas is the Palestinian branch.

The Fatah source added that Qatar threatened to expel Qatar-based Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal, saying it would "force him to leave," if Hamas agreed to the Egyptian truce proposal in its current structure.

Indeed Hamas rejected the proposal last week, with Mashaal saying "we want serious negotiations that lead to an end of the aggression on Gaza and granting the Palestinian demands."

The new revelation would appear to lend credence to reports Tuesday that the breach of the ceasefire was in fact orchestrated by none other than Mashaal.

An unnamed security source told Walla! the initial rocket salvo on Be'er Sheva was ordered directly by Mashaal, who reportedly bypassed Hamas's "military wing", the Al-Qassam Brigades, and ordered a specially-assigned unit of Hamas operatives answerable directly to him to launch the attack.

The source claimed Mashaal was aiming to sabotage negotiations for a long-term truce in Cairo, which were not going his way.

A senior Hamas source last week urged a different nation to replace Egypt as intermediary in the talks, labeling Egypt "the basic delaying source preventing an agreement."

Hamas may have envisioned Qatar as the replacement, given that the source called for a new third-party that would help achieve the terror group's demands, including terrorists releases and a Gaza sea and airport.

It is worth noting that three Arab-nationalist Balad MKs recently traveled to Qatar, where they reportedly met the traitor ex-MK Azmi Bishara, who founded their party before fleeing Israel after passing information to direct Hezbollah rockets on Israeli citizens.

Qatar just a week ago reportedly increased its emergency aid to the Hamas enclave of Gaza by $13 million, bringing it to a total of $23 million.

Sderot Mayor: We're not Going Anywhere
Aug 20th, 2014
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Rocket damage in Sderot (file)

Flash 90

Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi issued harsh words for Hamas Wednesday, after spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri reportedly said that "only [terror leader Mohammed] Deif will decide whether Gaza Belt residents return home." 

"Hamas does not determine the lifestyle of Israeli citizens," Davidi fired. "It cannot be that Hamas still thinks it's making decisions here." 

"Hamas's words have ignored the fact that Sderot's residents have refused to leave their homes - and will not, no matter what," he added. 

"We must defeat terrorism once and for all and stop the rocket fire completely," he continued. "We must hit Hamas hard. Only when Hamas leaders understand that they and their families are being targeted will they stop the rocket fire at us."

Davidi's words follow confusion over the status of Deif, who is the head of Hamas's "military wing," the Al-Qassam Brigades. 

Deif is responsible for multiple suicide attacks on Israelis during the nineties, for kidnapping several IDF soldiers - including Nachshon Wachsman, hy"d - and for upgrading Hamas's rocket arsenal for attacks on Israeli civilians. 

He was rumored killed in an IAF airstrike on his home early Wednesday, although Hamas continues to deny his death. The same strike killed Deif's wife and son. 

The Gaza Belt has been the target of much of Hamas's rocket fire from Gaza.  

Earlier in the conflict, Hof Ashkelon Regional Council Yair Farjun noted that 60% of residents in communities close to Gaza have fled their homes.

In addition, polls in several Israeli media outlets estimated that up to 80% of Gaza Belt residents have expressed reluctance to return home following the rocket fire, and following diminished trust in the IDF after it withdrew guards from the communities earlier this year.

Scanning Babies Fingerprints Could Save Lives
Aug 20th, 2014
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Saudi Paper 'Understands' Global Call to Kill Jews
Aug 20th, 2014
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Anti-Israel rally (illustration)

Reuters

An op-ed last Tuesday in a prominent Saudi Arabian newspaper justified statements from international anti-Israel rallies calling for Jews to be killed as an "understandable reaction" to the "barbaric war" Israel is conducting in Gaza.

The piece in the Saudi Gazette, written by UK-based Pakistani journalist Ali Ashraf Khan, was translated and revealed by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).

According to Khan, the statement "all Jews should be gassed," a call for a continuation of the Nazi genocidal machine which was heard at recent pro-Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) rallies in the Netherlands, was "understandable."

"How come they (the Jews) don’t realize or nobody has explained to them that this is an understandable reaction of people who feel helpless in the face of the barbarity that Israel is committing against helpless civilians in Gaza," penned Khan.

The UK-based journalist also voiced his support for the international boycott campaign targeting the Jewish state, saying "Twitter and social media are running a boycott campaign telling people not to buy any Jewish items or services related to or tainted with Jewish money. The fallout of such a campaign could outlast the Gaza war for years or even decades."

Writing on Tuesday, a day before Hamas breached the last ceasefire which it did against this Tuesday in a repeat performance, Khan claimed "the ceasefire in Gaza has ended and Israel is attacking Gaza once again. No lessons were learnt."

Khan concludes with the weighty words "it is the fall of the Western civilization."

Some have indeed noted that the horrific anti-Semitic backlash over the Israeli defensive operation in Gaza has "returned to Europe in the 19th, 18th and 17th centuries, dozens and hundreds of years," as stated by Nobel laureate Professor Yisrael (Robert) Aumann.

Aumann added that the current UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) committee to investigate "war crimes" allegations against Israel is a simply manifestation of anti-Semitism.

That anti-Semitism has been rampantly revealed as of late amid the biased coverage of Operation Protective Edge; a recent study found anti-Semitic incidents worldwide in July had risen 383% compared to the same month in the previous year.

Russia Tests Surface - To-air Missiles in Military Exercises: Ria
Aug 20th, 2014
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(Reuters) - Russia on Tuesday tested surface-to-air missiles during army exercises in the southern Russian province of Astrakhan, a defense ministry spokesman was quoted as saying, in a move to show its military might as fighting rages in neighboring Ukraine.

"Three armed regiments carried out test fires of S-400 'Triumph' and S-300 'Favorit' surface-to-air missiles," defense ministry spokesman Igor Klimov told the RIA state news agency.

About 800 people and more than 200 pieces of hardware were involved in the exercises, he said.

Report: Deif Killed in IAF Airstrike
Aug 20th, 2014
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Hamas leader Mohammed Deif circa 1990s

Reuters

Senior Hamas leader Mohammed Deif may have been killed in airstrikes, according to Fox News, despite Israel's silence and Hamas's denial of Deif's death.

Israeli intelligence officials told the news outlet that Deif - who is the head of Hamas's "military wing," the Al-Qassam Brigades - was killed during IAF airstrikes Wednesday, during the same attack that killed the terror leader's wife and son. 

Hamas continues to deny this, however, and spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri has said that Deif is still "alive and well" and threatened retaliation for the assassination attempt. 

"The occupation will pay for its crimes against the Palestinian people," declared Abu-Zuhri, who added a chilling warning to the people of southern Israel.

"The residents of the Gaza periphery will return to their homes only by the decision of the commander Mohammed Deif and one Israeli commitment to stop the aggression and lift the siege," he threatened.

Later, an unnamed spokesman confirmed this again on the organization's Al-Aqsa TV channel.

"The Zionist enemy failed to assassinate general commander Abu Khaled [Deif]," the spokesman claimed, dressed in fatigues with
his face wrapped in a red and white headscarf.

Deif, 49, has eluded hits four times before now.

However, during the last attempt, he suffered serious injuries and now is severely handicapped - leading some to suspect that he may have not escaped an airstrike in time in the event the terrorist was home.

He is responsible for suicide bombings during the nineties and several abductions of IDF soldiers, including Nachshon Wachsman, hy"d. More recently, Deif was heavily involved in upgrading Hamas's rocket arsenal. 

Israeli officials have remained silent on Deif's status, but have admitted that he was the target of Wednesday morning's strike.

PM Netanyahu: a Terror Organization's Leaders are Legitimate Targets
Aug 20th, 2014
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Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was asked today (Wednesday) at Kiriyat Tel Aviv (a building complex housing the majority of military and governmental offices) whether or not Israel had intentionally targeted Senior Hamas leader Mohammed Deif.

Netanyahu Says Hamas Has Taken 'Worst Hit Since Its Inception'
Aug 20th, 2014
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Binyamin Netanyahu

Flash90

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon spoke to the press Wednesday, providing direction and developments on the renewed fighting with Hamas. 

"We are taking all measures to complete the campaign and the achievement of the prime goal - deterrence," he said. "We will operate with discretion, responsibility and determination."

Netanyahu said that the campaign did not end with Operation Protective Edge in Israel, and that the battle against Hamas is merely an extension of the fight against Hezbollah, Al Qaeda, and Islamic State (formerly ISIS). 

"One consideration alone is before me - what is good for the State of Israel," Netanyahu said, stressing that this principle "is the only one that guides me in making decisions."

"Nothing else [guides me] - nor the left or the right or other interests," he emphasized. "My sole responsibility [now] is for the safety and peace of the citizens of Israel, and accordingly we will continue to act with a sense of responsibility and judgement."

Netanyahu said that there were significant victories against Hamas, in a reference both to the airstrikes on the home of terror leader Mohammed Deif and, perhaps, to the foiling of a Hamas coup in the Palestinian Authority (PA) earlier this week.  

"This is the worst hit Hamas has suffered since its inception," Netanyahu said. "We are determined to continue the campaign by all means, and it may be necessary."

"Hamas thinks it has exhausted us but the people of Israel are stronger," he added. "We must continue to maintain unity within us the courage and resilience of the people all of this is essential to our national strength and building blocks in achieving the task that we have set before us."

Regarding Deif - whose status remains unknown - the Prime Minister cryptically said, "terrorist commanders are a legitimate target, no one is immune."

Liberman Fires: 'Even Far - Leftists Would Topple Hamas'
Aug 20th, 2014
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Avigdor Liberman

Flash 90

Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu) on Wednesday weighed in on the resumption of Hamas's rocket war against Israel, finding Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's policy at fault ahead of a 2 p.m. Security Cabinet discussion of the situation.

"I hope that now it's clear to everyone that the policy of 'quiet will be met by quiet' means that Hamas is the initiator and the one deciding when, where and how it will fire on Israeli residents," wrote Liberman on his Facebook page.

In the current state of affairs, Liberman noted that in Israel "we content ourselves with responses, which even if they are strong are still just responses."

Continuing in his illustration of the current situation, Liberman added: "Hamas controls the height of the flames and the timing that is convenient for it to interrupt the daily routine of Israeli residents in general, and residents of the south in specific."

"It happened yesterday, it's happening today, and it could happen on September 1 and also Rosh Hashana evening," stated the foreign minister, referring to the Jewish New Year which falls on September 24 this year.

Liberman's criticism of Netanyahu's policy follows in the wake of MK Danny Danon's (Likud) similar statements Wednesday morning, in which he said "the policy of 'quiet will be met by quiet' brought about the humiliation of Israel."

No unilateral gestures

Criticism of the prime minister's handling of the Gaza crisis has come from both sides of the spectrum, with left-wing Labor MK Erel Margalit accusing Netanyahu of "paralyzing Israel" through indecisive leadership.

Referring to the recent Egyptian truce proposal, and the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas delegation amendments to it, Liberman pointed out the proposal "has no unequivocal agreement or obligation by the Palestinians to quiet now and going forward, meaning this is a war of attrition, something Israel must not be dragged into."

The foreign minister went on to state that recent proposals for unilateral steps that include concessions to Gaza are made by "politicians suffering from amnesia."

"I will remind everyone of a unilateral process called 'the Disengagement' already taken in Gaza, whose results we are paying for to this day," said Liberman, referring to the expulsion of all Jews from Gaza in 2005.

Israel on Sunday unilaterally lifted the ban on fishing in Gaza, despite the security threat of infiltration by sea and naval arms smuggling, just two days before Hamas breached the ceasefire.

Liberman added tongue-in-cheek "even if G-d forbid (Meretz Chairperson MK) Zehava Galon was the prime minister, and (communist Hadash party MK) Dov Hanin served as defense minister, they too in the end would order a wide military campaign to bring down the Hamas regime."

"Therefore, when speaking seriously about the security of Israeli citizens, we must understand that there is no possibility other than a decisive Israeli move for one purpose - to subdue Hamas," concluded Liberman.

Let the Headlines Speak
Aug 20th, 2014
Daily NewsFrom the internet
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Gen. Hayden: Journalist's Beheading Shows 'Absolute Evil'
The beheading of an American journalist by the Islamic State enables Americans to see the "absolute evil" of the terrorist organization, Gen. Michael Hayden told Newsmax TV's "America's Forum."

Saudi Paper 'Understands' Global Call to Kill Jews
a prominent Saudi Arabian newspaper justified statements from international anti-Israel rallies calling for Jews to be killed as an "understandable reaction" to the "barbaric war" Israel is conducting in Gaza.

Common Core Support in Free Fall
After months of political debates, lawsuits and protests, support is waning for the academic benchmarks as some of the groups that once most strongly backed the standards are turning away, two national surveys released this week show.  

Another Species Has Gone Extinct
last night in Virginia an endangered species went extinct due to a special election. That would be the coal country Democrats. Last night brought to an end the tenure of all coal country Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly.  

Erupting volcano off Japan could cause tsunami
An erupting volcanic island that is expanding off Japan could trigger a tsunami if its freshly-formed lava slopes collapse into the sea, scientists say. The small, but growing, island appeared last year and quickly engulfed the already-existing island of Nishinoshima, around 1000 kilometres south of Tokyo.  

Return of Blackhawk copters surprises and alarms residents
All across St. Paul and Minneapolis on Monday night, curious and sometimes frightened residents asked the same question: What the heck was that? media and even some local leaders were not told about the training until shortly before the choppers lifted off and the exercises began around 9 p.m.  

'It's time to abandon truce talks, reach decisive victory over Hamas'
Many government ministers demanded Israel delivered a fatal blow to Hamas in Gaza, and abandon ceasefire talks altogether. "The government policy of 'calm will be met with calm' is fundamentally wrong. We need to talk and negotiate with Hamas only when it has surrendered.  

Are Terrorists Targeting Police in Ferguson?
Governor Jay Nixon (D) on Monday called “a violent criminal element intent upon terrorizing the community.” He referred to “the firing upon law enforcement officers, the shooting of a civilian, the throwing of Molotov cocktails, looting and a coordinated attempt to overrun the unified Command Center.”  

Ebola crisis: Air France crews call for flight cancellations
The union behind Air France has launched a petition to immediately stop flights to Ebola-hit countries until the virus is under control, as fears flare up over the largest epidemic the world has ever seen.  

ISIS beheading: Militants ‘represent a direct threat’ to UK security says Foreign Sec.
Islamic State militants, who released a video allegedly showing the beheading of a US journalist, ‘represent a direct threat’ to UK security said Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.  

Ebola virus reaches Germany as woman is tested in Berlin and 600 are quarantined
THE Ebola virus came a little bit closer to home today after a woman was tested for the deadly disease in the German capital of Berlin.  

Thousands of intense earthquakes rock Iceland
Thousands of small intense earthquakes are rocking Iceland amid concerns that one of the country's volcanoes may be close to erupting.  

News anchors flip out on live TV during Okla. earthquake
A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Guthrie, Oklahoma, Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey says. Emily Sutton and Lacey Lett were on the air on KAUT when the quake hit.  

Ukraine conflict: Fierce battle for town of Ilovaisk
Ukrainian government and rebel forces are both claiming control of the small town of Ilovaisk in the Donetsk region after fierce fighting. Security forces said the town was under government control but the rebels said they had repulsed an attack. Eight Ukrainian soldiers died overnight, an official said, including an American with Ukrainian citizenship.  

Shares in South Africa's banks fall after Moody's downgrade
Shares in South Africa's largest banks fell on Wednesday, following downgrades from the ratings agency Moody's. Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank and ABSA, which is owned by Barclays, were all downgraded on Tuesday and Moody's warned of more possible ratings cuts. The move comes a week after South Africa's central bank bailed out the smaller lender African Bank.  

Ebola crisis: Liberia orders curfew and quarantine
Liberia has imposed a night-time curfew and has quarantined an area of the capital Monrovia in a bid to halt the deadly Ebola outbreak. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said the curfew would be from 21:00 local time to 06:00 (21:00-06:00 GMT). She said all movement would be blocked in and out of the West Point area.  

Report: Qatar threatened to expel Mashaal if Hamas okayed Egypt-proposed truce
..A senior Fatah official is quoted... saying that the Qatari government threatened to expel the Hamas political bureau chief, Khaled Mashaal, if the Palestinian Islamist group agreed to the Egyptian cease-fire proposal. Mashaal, who is based in Qatar, has been blamed by Israeli officials in recent days for sabotaging a long-term truce along the Gaza front by repeatedly making new demands that Jerusalem is unwilling to meet.  

Gaza terrorists continue to pound southern Israel with rockets, drawing IDF response
A rocket struck a home in the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council on Wednesday afternoon, causing some damage, but no injuries. The family was not home at the time of the attack. Since the collapse of the cease-fire, Palestinians in Gaza have launched dozens of rockets and mortars at Israel, pounding the western Negev.  

Pakistan crisis puts army back in the driving seat
Besieged Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has been assured by the country's military there will be no coup, but in return he must "share space with the army", according to a government source who was privy to recent talks between the two sides. Last week, as tens of thousands of protesters advanced on the Pakistani capital to demand his resignation, Sharif dispatched two emissaries to consult with the army chief.  

Japan landslides: 'Eighteen dead' in Hiroshima
At least 18 people have been killed in landslides that struck Japan's Hiroshima prefecture, officials say. The landslides happened in a residential area on the outskirts of Hiroshima city.  

Iraq crisis: UN launches new aid effort in north Iraq
The United Nations agency for refugees is launching a major aid operation to reach more than half-a-million people displaced by fighting in northern Iraq. Tents and other goods will be sent to the Kurdish city of Irbil via air, road and sea, the UNHCR said.  

US officials: Video shows American's beheading
A grisly video released Tuesday shows Islamic State militants beheading American journalist James Foley, U.S. officials said, in what the extremists called retribution for recent U.S. airstrikes in Iraq. The militants threatened to kill another captive they also identified as an American journalist.  

Mongolia Seeks Economic Lifeline With Pivot to China, Russia
After two decades courting Western investors and political allies, Mongolia is refocusing on foreign ties closer to home seeking to revive its economy.  

Jihadist Islamic State has 50,000 members in Syria: NGO
The jihadist Islamic State has more than 50,000 fighters in Syria and recruited 6,000 last month alone, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Tuesday.  

Hamas Threatens Ben - Gurion Airport, Warns Airlines to Stay Away
Aug 20th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Ben Gurion Airport

Flash 90

Hamas's "military wing" warned foreign airlines on Wednesday against flying into Tel Aviv, threatening to step up its six-week conflict with Israel after firing more than 100 rockets on Israeli civilians and pulling out of peace talks. 

"We are warning international airlines and press them to stop flying into Ben Gurion airport from 6 am (0300 GMT) Thursday," Al Qassam 
Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida stated Wednesday, in a televised speech.

The move marks yet another Hamas 'scare attempt' aimed at harming Israel's economy and security reputation, after a rocket hit near Ben-Gurion airport last month scared international airlines into canceling flights for several days. 

The cancelations followed a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ban on American carriers flying to Israel; several European companies followed suit, as had those from Turkey and Jordan. Israeli national carriers maintained their usual flight schedules. 

Overall, however, the move was hailed as a "great victory" for the terror group.

"The success of Hamas in closing Israeli airspace is a great victory for the resistance, and is the crown of Israel's failure," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said last month.

German Minister Accuses Qatar of Funding 'Islamic State'
Aug 20th, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Fighters from the Islamic State (file)

Reuters

A German government minister has accused Qatar of funding the Islamic State terrorist group currently tearing through Iraq and Syria.

"A story like this always has a history," Development Aid Minister Gerd Mueller told public broadcaster ZDF. "Who is financing these troops? Hint: Qatar."

He did not elaborate on what evidence there was to support the claim, but Qatar is already under considerable scrutiny due to its support of Islamist terrorists in the Middle East. Most notably, the gulf state is the primary sponsor of Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, and has also provided funding to Islamist rebels in Syria, who are currently fighting both the Assad regime and the Islamic State.

There have been several high-profile calls to stop Qatar hosting the World Cup in 2022 until it ceased funding terrorism, including by Israeli Economics Minister Naftali Bennett.

Meanwhile, Germany's Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel has urged a "debate" over who has been funding IS, though he did not suggest who those sources of funding were.

Germany will soon be deciding whether to join the US, Britain and other western states in providing aid to Kurdish forces fighting IS in Iraq.

Erupting Volcano Off Japan Could Cause Tsunami
Aug 20th, 2014
Daily NewsThreeNews
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Earthquake Rattles News Studios, Central Oklahoma, Anchor
Aug 20th, 2014
Daily NewsKFOR
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

OKLAHOMA CITY — The 4.3 earthquake which struck at 7:41 a.m. Tuesday could be felt from Stillwater to Norman.

Neighbors in the Scissortail Landing neighborhood near Covell and Pennsylvania noticed a crack in the road grew.

Cathy Minson has been measuring the crack for five years and believes quakes and flooding cause it to grow.

County Commission maintenance workers confirm Minson’s suspicions.

It’s now four inches deep in some spots.

“Not only had it grown more in depth, but there was an area that is now sinking.” Minson said.

South Oklahoma City resident Debbie Hanes lives 30 miles away from the epicenter, and noticed many of her knick knacks fell over during the earthquake.

“They were all laying down. It shook it hard.” Hanes said. “It felt like a Mack truck going under my feet.”

Near the epicenter folks like Mark Uselton were reaching for the breakables.

“It was just like a boom, then 7,000 bottles going ch ch ch ch chhhh.” said Uselton. “My heart just stopped.”

Uselton is the owner of Liquor Station on the corner of Waterloo and Broadway in far north Oklahoma County.

Uselton’s 16 surveillance cameras recorded the moment of impact.

Three bottles of tequila wobbled off the shelf. Thankfully, they were among the cheapest sold at the liquor store.

“This was a 4.2, 4.3 if we get anything like a 5.0 just get out a mop and a rag. Clean it up and go back to work.” said Uselton.

Experts recommend calling your insurance agent if you think you might have quake damage.

Destroying Churches Part of 'Islamic Doctrine'
Aug 20th, 2014
Daily NewsWND
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

China Chides U.S. Over Ferguson Violence, American Racism
Aug 20th, 2014
Daily NewsThe Age
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

A citizen peacekeeper tries to keep protesters back as police advance. Photo: AP

Beijing: China, a country with its own ethnic tensions and record of excessive police action, remained quiet during the first week of clashes between protesters and law enforcement in Ferguson, Missouri.

That has changed in the last two days. On Monday and Tuesday, the state media of the world's largest country has stepped up coverage of the Ferguson violence and protests. It has published commentaries accusing the United States of hypocrisy in seeking to be a global guardian of human rights.

"This is probably the largest protest launched by African Americans in recent years," the Global Times, an English-language offshoot of the People's Daily, wrote in an editorial on Tuesday. "It tells us that racism still overshadows minorities in the US even while they have got a black president."

A day earlier, a commentary in China's Xinhua news service struck a similar theme.

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"The Ferguson incident once again demonstrates that even if in a country that has for years tried to play the role of an international human rights judge and defender, there is still much room for improvement at home," wrote Xinhua writer Li Li.

While state media doesn't always reflect the views of China's leaders, strong commentary is rarely published here unless the Communist Party approves.

In its editorial Tuesday, Global Times said that the United States "owes African Americans historical debts, which has resulted in many racial problems." In response to those problems, said the editorial, US leaders have employed "a fairly tough approach ... pushing African Americans to integrate into mainstream society at the cost of destroying their original cultures."

The editorial made no mention of China's own ethnic tensions, including recent clashes between Muslim Uighurs and Han Chinese in China's far-west Xinjiang province. Western human rights groups say China is partly to blame for such clashes by attempting to assimilate ethnic groups such as Uighurs, Tibetans and Mongolians.

More than a week after a small-town police officer shot and killed an unarmed 18-year-old black man in suburban St Louis, the Ferguson story has gone viral globally. Middle East protesters have offered Twitter advice to American protesters on how to cope with tear gas. Media in Russia and Iran have criticised treatment of protesters in Ferguson.

While not a top topic on Weibo, China's version of Twitter, Ferguson is attracting comment from many Chinese netizens.

"How can the 'heaven of freedom' institute curfew?" wrote one commentator, Meimei from Beijing. "This is an absolute violation of human rights of the American people! We can't help but to ask, what right does the police have to shoot a walking man without a reason?"

Another Chinese commentator, Yahai from Dalian, in Liaoning province, said the riot reflected "America's racial discrimination of yet another time, the stubborn disease of America ... When America talks about human rights, it should first settle its own human rights problems."

Yet some Chinese commentators took a different view, including one that reflected Beijing's priorities when dealing with unrest.

"America has its own method in dealing with such riots, and has been very decisive and resolute in carrying out the curfew," wrote Zhang Yiwu, a professor from Peking University. "This means that America's social regulation is fairly effective. It cannot let itself fall into a mess of anarchy."

3D - Printed Face Implant Gets FDA Approval
Aug 20th, 2014
Daily NewsCNet
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

The OsteoFab implant next to a render of how the implant can be used. Oxford Performance Materials

The world of 3D printing continues its inevitable march into the land of mainstream medical treatments. Oxford Performance Materials made news last year when it created a 3D-printed implant to replace 75 percent of a patient's skull. The success of that operation laid the groundwork to move on to other bones, culminating in the recent FDA approval of Oxford's OsteoFab Patient-Specific Facial Device, a customizable implant for facial reconstruction.

The biocompatible implants behave mechanically like real bone. The true revolution here is the ability to create pieces to match an individual patient's specific anatomy in a way that reduces the overall cost of the complex procedures required to surgically reconstruct a face after injury. The implants can be created very quickly, allowing a patient to get into surgery sooner rather than later.

"With the clearance of our 3D printed facial device, we now have the ability to treat these extremely complex cases in a highly effective and economical way, printing patient-specific maxillofacial implants from individualized MRI or CT digital image files from the surgeon," said Scott DeFelice, CEO of Oxford Performance Materials, in a statement. "This is a classic example of a paradigm shift in which technology advances to meet both the patient's needs and the cost realities of the overall healthcare system."

Oxford's 3D-printed cranial implants also have FDA approval and could potentially be combined with the facial implants into a single device for treating severe cases. The facial implants have not yet been used in the US, but Oxford said the implants are now available to doctors and hospitals.

From DIY fingertips to airway splints that help babies breathe, 3D printing has provided some significant advances for dealing with tricky medical problems. Craniums and facial bones are just the beginning for what can be done with materials and methods like Oxford uses for its OsteoFab devices. We may soon see FDA approval for other bones, like knee caps, hips, and even small bones in the fingers and hands.

It's all a part of a growing wave that could make 3D printers just as common as MRI machines in doctors' tool chests.