Enemies of Lebanon facing deadend: Jalili

29 October 2008

Tehran-Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili said on Tuesday that the enemies of Lebanon who attempted to create crisis for the Lebanese nation are now facing a deadend.

He made the remark in a meeting with the visiting former president of Lebanon Emile Lahoud.

He arrived in Tehran on an invitation of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Jalili expressed pleasure with the current positive atmosphere created in Lebanon through establishment of national reconciliation.

Referring to Lebanon as an appropriate example for coexistence of various tribes and religions, he voiced Tehran's readiness to assist Lebanon in order to help the country further develop in all areas.

Jalili further referred to Lebanon as the manifestation of victorious resistance to the armed-to-teeth enemy.

He praised resistance movement of the Lebanese nation, stressing that such resistance made the US leaders confess to their past wrong policies.

Lahoud, for his part, termed the Islamic Republic of Iran as the real friend of the Lebanese nation and appreciated Iran's key role in helping resolve the crisis in his country.

He underlined the need for vigilance of the Lebanese people against the enemies' conspiracies.

Regional peace not possible in presence of foreign forces

14 October 2008

Tehran-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Monday evening that as long as foreign forces are in the region, the regional peace, stability, and security would not be materialized.

He made the remarks in a meeting with former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, former Italian prime minister Romano Prodi, and former Norwegian prime minister Bondevick, who are currently in Tehran to attend the International conference on 'Religion in the Modern World' kicked off in Tehran on Monday.

Former president of Ireland Mary Robinson wears an Islamic veil as she delivers a speech during the 'Conference on Religion in the Modern World' in Tehran, on 13 October 2008.

The Iranian president reiterated that presence of foreign states in the region is the root cause of all regional problems, stressing that war and bloodshed would not help settle the existing problems.

He added that any decision or agreement leading to continued presence of foreign forces in Iraq would further aggravate the situation in that country.

Referring to threats, occupation and terrorist operations as three regional problems, Ahmadinejad said the Islamic Republic has been the victim of all the three phenomena in the past three decades.

Condemning occupation of Palestinian territories, he added that the Palestinian nation should decide their own affairs.

Bondevick, who is also head of Oslo Peace Center, said for his part that military solution is never a durable solution to the problems.

The world should look for the root cause of problems, he added.

Meanwhile, Prodi called for establishment of lasting peace throughout the globe and underscored the need for eradication of extremism which wages war in the world.

Annan urged all world states to have dialogue on settlement of peace and stability.

He also expressed his satisfaction with establishment of stability in Lebanon.

Former French prime minister Lionel Jospin, ex-Swiss president Joseph Deiss, former Portuguese president Jorge Sampaio, former Irish president Mary Robinson, former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga, ex-Sudanese prime minister Sadeq al-Mahdi and former UNESCO director general Federico Mayor are among other dignitaries attending the two-day conference.

The two-day conference will address the issue of how religious and political leaders can cooperate to promote peace by protecting human rights, moral and religious values, diversity and peaceful coexistence in pluralistic, modern societies.

Further Reading:

US problems no to be solved by accusing Iran: Ambassador

President advises nations to save their economy from detriment of capitalism

Regional stability possible if certain power not repeat mistakes

Lebanon Receives 12 Martyrs

The remains of 8 Lebanese and 4 Palestinian Martyrs arrive from the Jewish sector during a ceremony to receive the bodies of 199 soldiers and exchange prisoners with the Jewish people, on 16 July 2008 in Naqoura, Lebanon.

Lebanese prisoners Exchange

This Photo is from Hadarim Prison, Lebanese prisoners, including Samir Kuntar (3rd L), are processed for release on 16 July 2008 at the Hadarim Prison in central part of the Jewish sector. Kuntar, who was jailed in Israel in 1979 at the age of 16 for murder and attempted murder, was swapped in the UN mediated handover with soldiers Eldad Regev, 27, and Ehud Goldwasser, 32.

Hezbollah members hand over the bodies of two Jewish soldiers, who were captured two years ago, to the Red Cross to be exchanged for Lebanese prisoners held within the Jewish sector, at the Naqoura border point and Palestine border.

The bodies where those of Jewish soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, who were regretfully to be returned to be given to their families, for burial.

It was further reported, that this swap included 190 former Hezbollah and Palestinian prisoners where taken too Lebanon as part of a prisoner swap.

A convoy of ICRC trucks, with exchanged prisoners.

Military police stand guard as a convoy of the ICRC arrive at the Amiad army base on 15 July 2008.in Amiad.
Army generals salute the coffins of Jewish soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev before they are transported on 16 July 2008 from an army base at Rosh Hanikra.

Commentary

Then U.S. President Bill Clinton and Yasser Arafat

Something my mother explained to me many years ago, while any death is a fact of life, especially during a time of war and while the first sting of the lost loved one hits us, we learn to get up on our feet and continue on.

Even at times, when one may not know the person that has died, the compassion of the heart for those who are still living; the heart still goes out for there loss.

While some people may wonder, I do know what it is like to loose a husband, my first husband was assassinated by poison and lingered most horribly for about three years, before his death. It was actually explained to me one day, the actual poison used to kill him.

I was married to this first husband, because of circumstances during the war, when it was thought I would never see the man that I was promised in the first place; because of the extended amount of years.

In the case of my first husband he became a martyr, because he loved me and tried to protect me; especially after an assassination attempt on my life in 2000; which I suffered extensive injury to my right leg.

This first marriage only lasted eight and half years, because of his death.

Furthermore, it was suggested to me to clear the air of the multiple reasons for the second Intifada, which there were actually only one reason, the upset over my attempted assassination in 2000; that not only injured my right leg, but did very closely come to ending my life.

To further simplify, not just because I was the Queen of Palestine at that time, but the fact even as a child, I was loved.

While I personally, had nothing to do with the starting of the second Intifada and what makes me sad about this, was everyone in Palestine was still being subjected to the lies from the outside source and this outside source, where the ones actually trying to murder me; with there collaborators outside and within Palestine, namely Yasser Arafat and his conspirators.

Nevertheless, these where also the real people that caused the assassination of my mother and the assassination of then Jewish Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, in 1995.-HRM Deborah

The Fate of Ron Arad

The following photographs’ provided by the Jewish Channel Ten news on 13 July 2008, Jewish air force navigator Ron Arad is seen while being held captive.

Arad has been missing since bailing out over Lebanon in 1986.

The picture was reportedly provided to the Jewish sector as part of a prisoner exchange deal with Hezbollah scheduled to take place, on 16 July 2008.It is regretful to inform, the Jewish people and the Arad family that there son Ron Arad, died in 1988 and the whereabouts’ of his remains is unknown, it was reported.

It is further reported, he died of injuries sustained after he bailed from his plane.

Medical treatment for this type of injury, was not available in 1986. Medical treatment for these types of injuries would not be perfected until about ten years later.

Lebanon Prisoner Exchanger Moves Ahead

A Jewish police vehicle carrying four Lebanese prisoners held in the Jewish sector arrives in the Ha Asharon prison after they were transferred from the Ashmoret prison two days before their release on 14 July 2008 in Hadarim, near the coastal city of Netanya.

The Jewish ministry said yesterday, it will release five Lebanese prisoners on 16 July, including Samir Kantar jailed for a triple murder, in exchange for two soldiers captured by Hezbollah two years ago.

As for any other prisoner exchange especially within Palestine, as far as it has been reported, that the Palestine people are not being forgotten and the Palestine Legal Government (PLG) is listening; as well as doing everything possible, in regards to everyone concerned.

France hosts Mediterranean Summit

13 July 2008

Paris-Leaders of EU and Mediterranean rim countries are gathering in Paris to launch a Union for the Mediterranean.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is hosting leaders from 42 nations, to discuss issues including regional unrest, immigration and pollution.

France says the new union could send a "wind of hope" through the region.

Progress has already been made. Sarkozy announced that Syria and Lebanon had agreed to resume diplomatic ties.

Lebanon and Syria broke off diplomatic ties after former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri was assassinated in 2005.

Sarkozy held talks with Lebanon's President Michel Suleiman and then Syria's leader Bashar Assad and announced opening of embassies of Syria and Lebanon in Beirut and Damascus and hailed the moment as an "historic step forward."

Further Reading:
Sarkozy welcomes Assad in Paris

Jewish Wife Wishes for Return of Husband

Karnit Goldwasser, wife of captured Jewish soldier Ehud (Udi) Goldwasser, who along with Eldan Regev is being held by Hezbollah in Lebanon, expresses her hope that her husband will soon be released during a demonstration outside of Jewish Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office on 29 June 2008 in Jerusalem.

The protestors were calling on the Jewish cabinet to approve a German-mediated deal to swap Regev and Goldwasser, who were captured by Hezbollah in a cross-border raid in July 2006, for five Lebanese being held in Jewish jails as well as the bodies of dead Hezbollah militia from the military campaign that Jewish people launched in a failed attempt to get the two reservists back.
While Jewish cabinet approved the German-mediated deal to swap Regev and Goldwasser, it was reported that Hezbollah had also agreed to the exchange.
Karnit Goldwasser, wife of captured Jewish soldier Ehud (Udi) Goldwasser, who along with Eldan Regev is being held by Hezbollah in Lebanon, enters a taxi outside of Jewish Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office in Jerusalem.

President Bush Participates in Joint Press Conference with President Sarkozy of France

U.S. President George W. Bush and French President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, shake hands following their joint press Conference, 14 June 2008, in Paris.

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 14, 2008

Video

PRESIDENT SARKOZY: (As translated.) Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming to work with us on this Saturday morning. I wanted to thank President Bush for his visit to Paris on his European tour. I see how much importance it has to Franco-American relations and the transatlantic relation. And I think everyone should firmly bear in mind the importance of this transatlantic relation between the United States and Europe, especially as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Marshall Plan. This is an opportunity for me to extend the same sort of hospitality, warm hospitality that was extended to me last November when I went to Washington and to Mount Vernon.

It's also an opportunity to continue to pursue this confident, trusting regular dialogue between France and the United States on all issues that we have in common -- and there are so many of them. We had an extended discussion on the international situation on the Middle East, but also on economic and trade matters. We checked that -- once again saw that there were many areas of convergence, although perhaps slight differences, and that's only right and normal. Friendship should not prevent France or the United States from expressing independent views. But if there are differences, we can discuss them calmly, in a level headed manner. And this is once again an opportunity for me to say to the American people the deep gratitude of the French people and our friendship.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Yesterday I reminded the world, really, Nicolas, that America's first friend was France. And frankly, we wouldn't be where we are today with the French support early in our revolution. You are not only our first friend, you've been a consistent friend, and the meetings here have reconfirmed and strengthened our friendship between our countries and our personal friendship.

I really enjoy being with President Sarkozy. He's an interesting guy. (Laughter.) He is full of energy. He's full of wisdom. He tells me what's on his mind. And we've had -- every time I've met with him we've had very meaningful discussions. We discussed Afghanistan -- and thank you very much for supporting the Paris support conference; it made a big difference for that young democracy. And I do thank the people of France for supporting the women and children and the young democrats in Afghanistan. And thank you, too, Nicolas.

We talked about Lebanon, of course. Talked to him about the Holy Land, about our deep desire for there to be two states living side by side in peace; two democracies, a Palestinian democracy and Israel; having a -- resolving this conflict which creates so much difficulty for not only the Palestinians and the Israelis, but for much of the Middle East.

We talked about Darfur, and I want to thank you very much for having your troops there in Chad. We talked about Iran -- spent a lot of time talking about Iran. And I will tell you that we both have a mutual desire to prevent the Iranians from gaining the knowledge so that they could build a weapon. And we do that for the sake of peace and security of the world.

We talked about Doha, the importance of the Doha Round. And frankly -- and then we spent some time on climate change. We had a meaningful, good discussion. And I thank you very much for the dinner last night. And it was a great pleasure to have been able to meet your wife. She's a really smart, capable woman, and I can see why you married her. (Laughter.) And I can see why she married you, too. (Laughter.)

Anyway, thanks. It's been a good visit. We'll be glad to take some questions.

The media's shadow drops across the courtyard of the Elysée Palace in Paris 14 June 2008, as the honor cordon and color guard prepare for the arrival of U.S. President George W. Bush, who spent the morning with France's President Nicolas Sarkozy.

PRESIDENT SARKOZY: Thank you, George. Perhaps a first question from the French press.

Q (As translated.) To both of you, what specific, concrete requests do you wish to make or send to the Syrian President, Bashar Assad, so that he normalize his relations with the West, and of course to achieve stability in Lebanon and in the rest of --

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, my message would be, stop fooling around with the Iranians and stop harboring terrorists; serve as a constructive force in the Middle East to help the advance of a Palestinian state; make it clear to Hamas that terror should stop for the sake of peace; and make it clear to their Iranian allies that the West is serious when we talk about stopping them from learning how to enrich, which would be the first -- a major step for developing a bomb; and to make it clear to their Iranian allies that Hezbollah is a destabilizing force for not only Lebanon but elsewhere.

That would be my message. I'd make it clear to him that there is a better way forward for Syria. And Nicolas and I talked about this subject today.

PRESIDENT SARKOZY: Well, George and I totally agree on the need to guarantee Lebanon's independence. Lebanon is entitled, like any other country anywhere in the world, to its independence and to remain independent. And this is one of the preconditions that I have laid down -- the election of a new President for Lebanon. That is exactly what happened. It was done with the election of General Suleiman.

Second point, we will go through with the process, the procedure of the international tribunal to track down those who assassinated Mr. Rafik Hariri. But once I have said to Bashar Assad, let the presidential process run its course, we would get back into contact with them, and that is exactly what we've done. We have to let Lebanon stand free.

I also share the view of the United States of America on the fact that the Iranian question, and the fact that they might get their hands on a nuclear weapon is of the essence; it is a major issue. Syria has to peal off, as much as possible, from Iran in its desire to lay its hands on a nuclear weapon. Once that has happened, then the process will continue.

Lastly, I told the President of the United States that we have taken the initiative of convening a summit for the Mediterranean, and to my knowledge, Syria is part of the Mediterranean region, is a Mediterranean country. Now if we should go around the Mediterranean region and start picking and choosing, and simply inviting those who correspond to exactly our criteria, then we'll probably have a meeting with very few people attending it.

PRESIDENT BUSH: I want to call on Bill Plante from CBS, but before I do, I want to say something about one of your colleagues.

America lost a really fine citizen yesterday when Tim Russert passed away. I've had the privilege of being interviewed by Tim Russert. I found him to be a hardworking, thorough, decent man. And Tim Russert loved his country, he loved his family, and he loved his job a lot. And we're going to miss him all, and we send our deepest sympathies to Maureen, his wife, and Luke, his son. I know they're hurting right now, and hopefully the prayers of a lot of Tim's friends and a lot of Americans will help them during this time of difficulty.

Plante.

Q Mr. President, Iran's government spokesman, shortly after the package had been presented by the Europeans, dismissed it out of hand, saying that if it does not -- if it includes suspension of enrichment, it absolutely will not fly. Can you convince the rest of your allies and partners to enforce the sanctions which are envisioned in that package? It seems that many of them are reluctant.

PRESIDENT BUSH: That's probably a question you ought to ask the President of France. Let me just give you my impressions of the situation. We have worked hard -- "we" being our allies -- have worked hard to say to the Iranian people: There is a better way forward for you; you've got a government that has isolated you; you've got a government that is creating the conditions so that you can't live a full and hopeful life, and the reason why that's happening is because your government has defied the demands, the just demands of the free world. In other words, they refuse to abandon their desires to develop the know-how which could lead to a nuclear weapon.

Now, they say, well, we want civilian nuclear power. And as I explained to Nicolas today, I agree, they should have the right to have civilian nuclear power. As a matter of fact, Vladimir Putin delivered that very message to the Iranian regime. He also delivered this message: that because you have been untrustworthy, because you haven't fully disclosed your programs to the IAEA in the past, that we can't trust you to enrich. And therefore Russia will provide the fuel necessary for the civilian nuclear reactor. And therefore you don't need to [en]rich.

So our demands are just and fair. And Bill, we have been implementing the sanctions through the United Nations. And we're working with our friends and allies. As a matter of fact, much of my discussions on this trip have been dominated by this subject because our allies understand that a nuclear-armed Iran is incredibly destabilizing, and they understand that it would be a major blow to world peace.

So I'm disappointed that the leaders rejected this generous offer out of hand. It's an indication to the Iranian people that their leadership is willing to isolate them further. And our view is we want the Iranian people to flourish and to benefit. We want their economy to be strong so people can grow up in peace and hope; and they've got a -- this Ahmadinejad is obviously -- takes a different position from that. So his policies are what's creating the depravation inside Iran.

PRESIDENT SARKOZY: Well, I think France's position is well known. If Iran gets a nuclear bomb, that is totally unacceptable. That's very clear. It is an unacceptable threat to world stability, especially when you think of the repeated statements made by the President of Iran right now. Anyone is entitled -- including Iran -- to access to civilian nuclear energy. We will help them to do so if they act in good faith. If the Iranian authorities are in good faith then they should let inspections run their course. If they nothing to hide, then they have nothing to hide -- let's show it.

And meanwhile the only solution in order to persuade the Iranians of this is a faultless, seamless sanction system, you see. The door is wide open to access to civilian nuclear technology -- straightaway, now. But as far as military nuclear access is concerned, this is "no" on the part of the international community. And as the President just said, Vladimir Putin has with us sung from the same hymn sheet and our position will not change. The Iranian people -- who are great people and a major civilization -- they need economic progress, they need growth, they deserve better than the impasse, the dead-end into which some of their leaders are leading them.

Q President, to you, Mr. Sarkozy. It would appear that the building and shaping of Europe has been seriously shaken yesterday by the Irish "no." In fact, some have called for the ratification procedure to be suspended. Can this not be the case? And secondly, do you want your presidency, the French presidency to be one which, as you called for, continues to push Europe forward? And do you not think that the Irish "no" is going to hinder this?

PRESIDENT SARKOZY: Well, it's going to make things more difficult, but when you're a head of state and when the bubble -- you take over the presidency of the union, if you like easy jobs then you should step down straightaway.

Now, the Irish "no" is a political reality. It's a fact. It's happened. But the issue is not whether we like or not; it's a fact, we have to live with it. The Irish people said what they had to say, and we have to accept that. Now, having said that, we, with Angela Merkel, believe that we have to continue with the ratification process, because at this stage 18 European states have ratified the treaty. We have to continue doing so and that is Gordon Brown's intention, as he explained to me yesterday over the telephone, so that this Irish hiccup not become a major crisis.

So despite that, let's continue to ratify. But at the same time, we have to put our heads together, all of us. It is no coincidence, it is no surprise to a certain extent -- in fact I spoke yesterday with the Irish Taoiseach, the Irish Prime Minister. A lot of Europeans do not understand how we are shaping Europe right now and building Europe, and we have to take account of that. And we have to do so very fast. We have to change our way of building Europe.

The idea of a European construct -- it was one of the most wonderful ideas that the founding fathers had some half a century ago. We cannot allow -- we shouldn't sabotage it. But perhaps we should do it differently. Europe was set up to protect, and yet it worries so many Europeans. We can't not take account of this. We have to do so, and we have to do so now. So I have every intention of taking initiatives. I'm thinking, for instance, of a European immigration policy. I'm thinking of a European response to this endless increase in oil prices. It seems to me that we have a duty to be more effective and look at what the daily lives of our fellow citizens look like. And I take the Irish "no" as a call for us to do things differently and do things better.

Now, of course it's not going to simplify the work and the task of the French President, Presidents of the European Union, but --

PRESIDENT BUSH: Olivier. Tossing a bone to somebody who has got a French name. (Laughter.) Might want to use the mic, Olivier.

Q Yes, I will. Thank you, Mr. President. Merci, Monsieur Président. First --

PRESIDENT BUSH: Speaks the language, too. (Laughter.)

Q Just wait. (Laughter.) I'd like to ask you each a question --

PRESIDENT BUSH: In the great tradition of David Gregory.

Q Who?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Yes -- just trying to work him in the news here.

Q I'd like to ask you a question first, Mr. President. (As translated.) And then a question to the President of France. (Speaking English.) President Bush, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says that talks on a status of forces agreement are at an impasse, or a dead end -- not dead, but in trouble. How do you break this impasse, and are the conditions that the United States have set forward in support so far non-negotiable?

(As translated.) And to you, President, is the Franco-American relationship the privilege, the priority number one relationship in the transatlantic context?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Olivier, if I were a betting man, we'll reach an agreement with the Iraqis. You know, of course we're there at their invitation; this is a sovereign nation. And therefore, we're working hard with the elected government of Iraq about, you know, U.S. presence and coalition presence, in a way that the elected government is comfortable.

And it's interesting to be working with a democracy where, you know, people are trying to prepare the ground to get something passed in the parliament, for example, or the free press is vibrant. But we're going to work hard to accommodate their desires. It's their country.

And at the same time, we believe that a strategic relationship with Iraq is important. It's important for Iraq. It's important for the United States. It's important for the region. And I repeat to you that whatever we agreed to, it will not commit future Presidents to troop levels, nor will it establish permanent bases.

Anyway, we'll see how it goes. And thanks for the question -- in English. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT SARKOZY: Well, the Americans and the French have had a privileged relationship for two centuries now. I mean, when the United States of America was born, France made a choice. It was not a European choice, because we chose to side with the Americans of the United States of America, as opposed to Britain at the time. And in two world wars we've been together. We share the same values.

So yes, it is a privileged relationship, but it's not privileged since I came to be elected; it's been privileged for two centuries now. You can't neglect that. Now, through this -- throughout that, we have had ups and downs -- hiccups -- because two peoples -- I'm talking about the French and the American peoples -- that actually resemble one another. We express our feelings. The American people can be heard, and likewise for the French people. We have to be careful about this. We have to be mindful of this when we talk to one another in our relations.

I have always seen American leaders -- and thank you to President Bush -- for accepting European originality and independence; and of course French originality and independence. And I've always noted that we can talk very frankly when we had points of disagreement. But we have to do so as allies and as friends, and be mindful of not hurting one another. We can agree on an issue, on the substance of issue, but we don't have to say so in an unpleasant manner. It so happens that today we have a lot of areas of convergence. But yes, maybe on such and such an issue, we don't totally agree, but it doesn't in any way undermine the basis of what I have to say, which is that the Americans are our friends and our allies. They know they can count on us.

Might I add that it seems to me that the more you trust somebody, the more trust there is on both sides of the Atlantic, the more leeway we have. We don't ask the United States to apologize to us because they have their own vision of their strategic interests, and they don't ask us to apologize for the fact that we are defending our own strategic interests, precisely because the relationship is a strong one, it is a calm one, and when a relationship is that strong, you accept one's divergences or differences. And that is my whole point -- you've got to understand if you're in a strong relationship, then you have more room for freedom, more room for maneuver. That's what this is all about.

Perhaps one last question?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Oh. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT SARKOZY: (Speaking English.) One more, last.

Q You have set the target before leaving the White House that by the end of this year you will hopefully achieve an historical peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. However, in light of what's happening to the fragile position of Ehud Olmert, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and the continuous process of building illegal settlements in eastern Jerusalem and certain parts of the occupied territories, do you think that peace is far away right now in light of those obstacles?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you. First of all, I view the concept of a Palestinian state and the idea of a Palestinian state for Israeli security, as well as Palestinian security and hope, as bigger than the political process. And I fully recognize there's a lot of uncertainty in the Israeli political scene now.

On the other hand, what is not uncertain is that most people or many people in Israel understand that for their own security there has to be a Palestinian state, with clearly defined borders, a state that doesn't look like Swiss cheese, a resolution of the refugee issue and the security issue, and of course issues surrounding Jerusalem.

Most Palestinians want to coexist in peace with Israel. And that peace must be in a state that is clearly visible, well defined, and in actuality is a state. And so in other words, the concept -- and by the way, this is newly arrived; I'm actually the first President ever to have articulated a two-state solution, two democracies living side by side with peace -- in peace. And during my time as President I've seen a notable shift amongst folks in the Middle East that recognize the importance of having that state.

So my point to you is, is that, you know, it's been a -- there's always difficulties in democracies, but the notion of getting this work done is important. And therefore our diplomacy is to remind all the parties involved that they have now an opportunity to get a state negotiated. And I think it can be done by the end of the year. Condi is very much involved with it on a, you know, a nearly weekly, it seems like, basis. And of course I'm in touch with the leaders. The Palestinians are discouraged by the settlement activity -- all the more reason to get the borders clearly defined as quickly as possible.

I want to thank Nicolas and the EU, for example, for helping build civil society in the Palestinian Territory, as well as helping Prime Minister Fayyad with security measures.

I'll also remind you that it's essential that we get a state defined as quickly as possible so that leaders such as President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad can say to their people, here's an alternative vision to what's taking place in Gaza. You support us and you're going to get a state. You support Hamas, and you're going to get Gaza. Take your pick.

And therefore, it is imperative that we, you know, convince the parties to get this done. Now, I know some say, all America has got to do is say, do it. No -- the way it works is the parties have got to come to this agreement. Our job, along with the EU through the Quartet, is to keep the process moving.

And so I'm optimistic. I understand how difficult it is, but difficultly should not cause people to do the right thing. If you believe in your soul something is right, then you have an obligation to work. And in this case, I firmly believe that the establishment of a Palestinian state will bring hope and peace to the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Thank you.

END

Commentary:
It is being more found that Bush’s speeches and remarks are such repeaters, that they are predictable, before the yawn; which is common with an alcoholic.

As for answering media questions, he appears to be having increasing problems doing so, showing his mental degeneration.

Furthermore, it is becoming an increasing idea, if Bush may have had a minor alcoholic induced stroke; along with a more pronounced slurring speech.

As for a remark, towards working with the leaders in Palestine, Bush has numerous times refused to do so and would rather blanket the media with propaganda, which is contrary to the truth and his known associations with global terrorists; such as Mahmoud Abbas's terrorist organization who has no leadership capacity in Palestine.

Nasser Deported to Lebanon

1 June 2008

An Israeli citizen convicted of spying for Hezbollah in 2002, Nissim Nasser, has been deported to Lebanon.

And amid rumours the release might be part of a prisoner swap, Lebanese group Hezbollah returned remains of Israeli soldiers killed in the 2006 war.

Mr Nasser was born in Lebanon to a Jewish mother and a Shia Muslim father. He left the country in 1982 and became an Israeli citizen.

Israel revoked his citizenship when his six-year sentence ended a month ago.

A van containing convicted Hezbollah spy Nissim Nasser crossing the border from Israel into Lebanon on Sunday.

Mr Nasser was driven to the border crossing near Lebanon's southern town of Naqoura in an unmarked white jeep and handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Hezbollah party

Lebanese women hold a poster of prisoner Samir Kantar as they wave Palestinian flags during celebrations for the release of Nissim Nasser in the southern Lebanese town of Naqura on 1 June 2008.

Hezbollah officials had prepared a celebratory party for his return, with a stage erected near the border and loudspeakers blaring patriotic music across a main square.

Video

A more extensive prisoner swap between the two sides could involve two Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah in 2006 - an act which prompted the 33-day war between Israel and the Shia militant group - and a number of Lebanese citizens held by Israel.

There has been no comment from Hezbollah on those rumours, and Israel has denied that this deportation is part of any wider deal.

But as Mr Nasser was released, Hezbollah said it had handed over the remains of two Israeli soldiers killed during the 2006 war to the ICRC, in order that they could be returned to Israel.

The ICRC confirmed it had received a box of human remains from Hezbollah which it had turned it over to Israel.
A Lebanese woman waves a Palestinian flag as she attends celebrations for the release of Lebanese-born prisoner Nissim Nasser in the southern Lebanese town of Naqura on 1 June 2008.

The exchange was a clear signal that negotiations had been going on behind the scenes, possibly facilitated by German mediators, says the BBC's Mike Sergeant in Beirut.

Born in 1968, Mr Nasser left Lebanon during the Israeli invasion of 1982 and joined his mother's family in Israel, where he settled near Tel Aviv.

US, Israel unable to prevent positive developments

27 May 2008

Tehran-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Washington and Tel Aviv are unable to prevent positive developments in the region.

He made the remarks in a meeting with the visiting Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani.

The president reiterated that the regional states can settle the existing problems through unity and solidarity.

Underlining the need for safeguarding the agreement brokered by the Qatari leadership and Secretary-general of the Arab League Amr Mousa between the Lebanese political parties, he said the enemies are trying to make more mischiefs in the region.

"The Lebanese developments and the Doha agreement created new conditions and good opportunities for the regional nations," Ahmadinejad noted.

Stressing that Qatar can play a more constructive role in the region, he said, "The Doha meeting was a good experience for settlement of regional issues through regional countries." Ahmadinejad further underscored the need for support of all Islamic states for the oppressed nation of Palestine.

On Tehran-Doha friendly relations, he expressed his satisfaction with the "growing trend of bilateral cooperation".

The Qatari premier appreciated Iran's constructive role in helping create consensus among Lebanese political parties and the success of the Doha meeting.

The success of the Doha meeting dissatisfied Washington, he said, adding, "Today, this is evident that the US is not in favor of the nations, therefore, the regional states should, through cooperation, settle the problems in their own region."

Expressing his concern over the critical situation in the occupied Palestinian lands, al-Thani called for dispatch of food supplies and medicine to the Palestinian people.

He then called for further expansion of Tehran-Doha cooperation in all areas.

Relaxing in Beirut

Norway Helping Iraqi Children

Norwegian Secretary of State Raymond Johansen, (L) leaves an educational resource center for Iraqi refugee children, on April 7, 2008 on the outskirts of Beirut, near the Burj el-Barajneh Palestinian refugee camp.

The center which has been operating since September of last year is funded by the Norwegian Refugee Council and aims to provide Iraqi refugee children in the country with educational and psycho-social support.

Nasrallah Delivers a Live Speech

Nasrallah delivers a live speech through a screen in the southern suburb of Beirut. (Photo: AP)

24 March 2008

"The one who killed our commander must be punished. The killers must be punished and they will be punished, God willing," Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah said Monday.

In a televised address in Beirut to mark 40 days since the slaying of Hezbollah Chief Imad Mughniyeh, Nasrallah drew cheers from the crowd saying, "We will choose the time, place and manner of punishment."

Mughniyeh was killed in a car bombing in Damascus, in February.

"We feel Mughniyeh's presence more than ever. Our brothers have found nothing but courage and our enemies have found nothing but fear of revenge," added the Hezbollah leader.

Many view, the actual source of the assassination on Chief Imad Mughniyeh was an operation, from outside of the Middle East.

Fatah the Outcasts of Lebanon

A Fatah fighter is seen in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp outside the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon on March 22, 2008 following clashes the night before between Jund al-Sham (Soldiers of Damascus) and Fatah fighters.

Quiet returned to Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp today after a ceasefire between Jund al-Sham (Soldiers of Damascus) and fighters of the mainstream Fatah faction ended with heavy casualties.

A Fatah fighter is seen in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp outside the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon.

Palestinian children collect empty bullet cartridges following clashes the night before in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp outside the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon.

Palestinian refugees look outside their home's windows as damage appear on the wall of the building following clashes the night in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp outside the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon.

A Palestinian man inspects the damage caused to his shop following clashes the night before in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp outside the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon.

Palestinian women walk past damaged shops following clashes the night before during the fire fight between Jund al-Sham (Soldiers of Damascus) and Fatah fighters in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp outside the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon .

It should be known that wherever Fatah members are living, they have become the outcasts, from my understanding.

For those who do not know what it means to be an outcast in the Middle East, you are treated as though you are dead and no one will help them.

For in Fatah’s case for far to long, they ran ramped with their ever streaming global and domestic terrorism, along with flaunting anger from Allah and in a manner of speaking they just got the bill for payment.

Muslims as a whole do not believe in terrorism in any manner nor is it tolerated as apart of Islamic society.

OIC Summit has focused on decisive efforts

13 March 2008

Dakar-The 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference, the world's second largest body after the United Nations, is holding its 11th Summit in the Senegalese capital Dakar today and tomorrow.

At least 33 heads of state, and nearly 5,500 delegates representing member countries and international organizations have attended the summit.

Saudi Arabia, which has the OIC's headquarters, has highlighted the summit's significance and hopes it will strengthen Muslim unity.

"The summit is being held at a time when Muslims in the world are suffering from challenges and hardship that demand collective efforts," President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said upon departure to Dakar, Senegal.

The conference has discussed ways and means to combat poverty in the Muslim world and a proposal for a special program for the development of Africa.

The Arab-Israeli conflict, the worsening security situation in Iraq and the political crisis in Lebanon also figured high on the agenda.

The United States has decided to send an envoy to the OIC summit for the first time.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki protested presence of the US representative owing to the US propaganda campaign against Muslims and the US blessings for Israeli crimes against civilians living in Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, however, welcomed Washington's decision and hoped that it would contribute to improving US relations with the Islamic world.

"There are plenty of problems and misunderstandings. But still there is plenty of potential for cooperation," he said.

The US government said it had appointed Texas entrepreneur Sada Cumber to the OIC "to promote mutual understanding and dialogue between the US and Muslim communities." Ihsanoglu said, the OIC's position on issues like the Palestine-Israel conflict is often misrepresented in the United States.

"We want (Cumber) to listen and learn," Ihsanoglu said.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the appointment of Cumber signals the deep respect for the values and ideals of Islam held by the US government and the American people.

"This appointment is one part of a much larger effort that our government has undertaken to increase our engagement with Muslim communities worldwide," she said.

Ihsanoglu said the Summit of leaders would also review the progress of the 10-Year Program of Action approved by the extraordinary Islamic summit in holy Mecca in December 2005.

The program includes restructure of the OIC, revising of the organization's charter and reactivation of its institutions.

A high-level panel has already revised the organization's charter which have been presented to the Summit of leaders for approval.

Under the program, serious efforts will be made to enhance the scope of political participation, ensure equality, civil liberties and social justice, and promote transparency and accountability, and eliminate corruption in member countries.

Ihsanoglu, who took charge as OIC secretary-general in January 2005, has played a significant role in strengthening the organization, the largest in the Muslim World.

The OIC, which was founded in 1969, aims to promote Islamic unity and serves as a voice for the Muslim world.

The OIC chief said a detailed report on Islamophobia, including the publication of cartoons blaspheming Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), would be presented to summit of leaders.

The report is an attempt to comprehensively record anti-Islamic speech and action around the world.

"The Islamophobes remain free to carry on their assault due to absence of necessary legal measures against the misuse or abuse of the right to freedom of expression," charges the report.

Israel begins overhaul of EU relations

24 February 2008

By Amir Mizroch

The Foreign Ministry has begun a strategic overhaul of relations with the EU and its member nations, increasingly "plugging into" EU institutions and, in turn, allowing Europe to play a greater role in Israeli diplomatic and economic processes, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

So central has Europe become to Israel's well-being, diplomatic officials have told the Post, that the Foreign Ministry believes it is time to reassess the Jewish state's traditional reliance on "two pillars" for Israeli survival: a strong IDF and an unbreakable alliance with America. Given the growing importance of the European Union in world events, and in the Middle East particularly, the officials said, a third pillar has become necessary: deepening ties to Europe.

"Increasingly, Europe is involved in everything that touches us: trade, the Palestinians, Iran, UNIFIL in Lebanon," said a senior Israeli diplomatic source. "They are in the [Middle East] Quartet, and central in many other areas. Developing a strong relationship with Europe is becoming the third pillar safeguarding Israel's survival."

Jerusalem's new strategy is to enhance cooperation with Europe in a variety of fields and to demonstrate that Israel can help with some of the EU's many interests in the region. To that end, Israel has in the past few weeks sent a detailed proposal to the European Union for negotiations on "significant" Israeli involvement with Europe in nine fields, including finance, education, environment, youth development, law enforcement, security cooperation and scientific research collaboration.

The plan comes on top of existing Israel-EU cooperation forums such as the Barcelona Process (established in 1995 to foster dialogue among EU member-states and countries on the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean), the European Neighborhood Policy (which aims to offer deeper political relationships and economic integration between EU members and their immediate neighbors), the Galileo space program, and bilateral ties.

The EU is studying the new Israeli proposal and has promised to give Israel a preliminary answer by mid-March. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is expected to meet with her European counterparts in June to try to finalize an agreement on the enhanced partnerships, the Post has learned.

Jerusalem is also seeking to deepen contact with Europe's growing Muslim communities - a source of hostility to Israel, but also, the Foreign Ministry believes, a potential bridge to better Jewish-Islamic relations and understanding. "Europe is becoming more and more Muslim, and we have identified a need to reach out to these populations," the diplomatic official said.

Israeli officials cite a change in relations with Europe following the 9/11 attacks, which "opened European eyes to the threats emanating from this region. They realized they had vital interests in this region, which is essentially their backyard."

Traditionally, Israel has relied overwhelmingly on its alliance with the US on questions of security and diplomacy, and officials stressed that the centrality of this relationship had not changed. Traditionally, too, Israel had been wary of over-involving Europe in fundamental survival issues. The relative marginalization of the EU, for instance, is emblemized by the fact that no serving Israeli prime minister has ever visited EU headquarters in Brussels on a formal diplomatic mission. "It's just never worked out," the diplomatic source said.

The reliance on Washington, indeed, has always been a strategic imperative, and has only grown more manifest as Israel and the Palestinians try to advance on the Annapolis-road map path to a permanent accord. Currently, as first reported by the Post, America, Israel and the Palestinians are working to formulate a plan under which NATO peacekeepers could be deployed in the West Bank if an agreement is reached and an Israeli withdrawal cannot otherwise be facilitated because of the inadequacy of the Palestinian Authority's security apparatus.

But Europe's role would be vital here, too: With NATO forces already deployed in areas such as Kosovo and Afghanistan, and with the bulk of US armed forces concentrated in Iraq, Europe would likely be asked to fill the ranks should a NATO-West Bank deployment materialize.

European troops are already deployed in the post-Second Lebanon War beefed-up UNIFIL force in southern Lebanon and have no immediate plans to end their mission. Last week, Spain dismissed a report in the Post in which Israeli defense officials expressed concern over Spain's commitment to UNIFIL ahead of the Spanish elections, pointing to the precedent of the withdrawal of Spanish forces from Iraq following the Madrid train bombings in 2004 and the subsequent change of government there. Nevertheless, there remains a widespread sense within the Israeli diplomatic establishment that UNIFIL's strength and commitment would not withstand a serious challenge from Hizbullah.

Europe is also playing a role in efforts to bolster the PA's security capabilities. Alongside US Lt.-Gen. Keith Dayton's military advisers, who are playing the primary training role, 33 Canadian and European police advisers have recently started training their Palestinian counterparts in the West Bank.

This new batch of advisers follows the European border monitors who were deployed at the Rafah crossing between Sinai and Gaza, but who retired to an Ashkelon hotel after Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in June. The monitors' mandate has not officially been repealed and they could be recalled to duty should Hamas allow their deployment in a deal between the PA and the Quartet. Their withdrawal when the situation deteriorated, however, underlined Israel's concerns about placing its security in the hands of international forces.

Jerusalem also believes stronger ties with Europe are important in mobilizing economic and diplomatic pressure on Teheran to thwart its nuclear drive. European politicians, especially those in Germany, Austria and Italy, were having a hard time convincing their businessmen and industrialists to sever or downgrade their economic ties with Teheran, the diplomatic source said, and Israel was consistently monitoring these efforts and pushing for their intensification.

"Many in those countries are still doing business with Iran, as evidenced by the latest OMV deal. Despite this, we are seeing some successes," the source said, adding that lobbying European politicians to pressure their industrialists to sanction Iran was "Israel's daily work." France and Britain were leading the diplomatic campaign against Iran, the official added. OMV is a large Austrian oil company, partially state-owned, which has entered into a $32 billion oil-rights deal with Iran.

Part of Israel's strategy to strengthen relations with Europe involves de-linking those ties from the vicissitudes of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Israeli-European ties have tended to fluctuate parallel to progress, or the lack thereof, in negotiations with the Palestinians.

"The Europeans are, in general, not pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli; they are pro-peace process. Progress with the Palestinians has meant better relations with Europe," the Israeli diplomatic source said.

Finally, Israeli officials are upbeat about the prospects for economic and environmental reforms here should the country reach agreement on deepened cooperation with European agencies. "Important reform programs tied to increased global access are easier to sell than homegrown reforms, which are always mired in local political considerations," the source said.

US Unilateral Intervention Policy Under Fire

17 February,2008
By Barbara Bibbo'

Doha: Qatar's prime minister called on the US to abandon unilateral intervention policies in the Middle East and make democracy prevail in international affairs if it wants to improve relations with the Islamic world.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the fifth US-Islamic World Forum here on Saturday evening in the presence of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Shaikh Hamad Bin Jasem Bin Jabr Al Thani said unless the US and the Islamic world work together to solve all major conflicts afflicting the region with a "will to realise justice", despair and frustration will continue to fuel terrorism and instability and undermine relations between the two sides.

Most serious challenge

"The most serious challenge of our relations is the settlement of the Palestinian issue...what is needed is a collective will to realise justice and this applies also to other violent conflicts in the region, Iraq, Lebanon and the Iranian nuclear issue."

Shaikh Hamad said these conflicts must be addressed along with the problems of poverty and underdevelopment and with the promotion of dialogue and understanding.

Organised by Washington-based Saban Centre at Brookings Institution the conference is seeking to address the challenges posed to US-Islamic relations. Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai said the misunderstandings between the two sides spur from unjustified misconceptions predominant on both sides.

On Sunday, on the sidelines of the event, Brookings inaugurated its Doha branch.

Hammad: despite the meetings, nothing has been agreed

25 October 2007

by Rasheed Hilal

Nimir Hammad, President Abbas' advisor, said on Thursday that over the past two weeks only three meetings have been held between the Palestinian and the Israeli sides, during which not even one word was written down. He indicated that the Americans had called for these meetings to be intensive, daily and away from spotlights.

Hammad added that " Until this moment, the first phase of the beginning of the negotiations has been obstructed, that is why different dates had been mentioned for the November meeting. It has been moved from the fifth, to the twenty sixth, then to the first of December".

He demanded that the Israeli government be held responsible, as it wants a document that would reflect agreement among all Israeli parties within the government and a meeting that will achieve a new form of normalization between Arab and Islamic countries and Israel. Hammad said that this cannot be accepted either by the Palestinians nor by Arab and Islamic countries, and not even internationally.

He demanded that the US administration and the international community ,who are keen on a peace agreement, use their position to convince Israel and to put pressure on it to respond to the need for a settlement based on international legitimacy.

He pointed to President Bush's and Condoleezza Rice's statements which say that the establishment of a Palestinian State is in America's interest. and that " The statements mean that we should attend a conference which is based on the Road Map, the Arab Peace Initiative and President Bush's vision."

He clarified that until now the US Adminstration had not sent invitations to the conference and had not set a date. He indicated that Steven Hadley, advisor for US national security, accompanied by a high level delegation, will arrive in Ramallah on Thursday before Condoleezza Rice, to discuss ways of making a success of the conference.

Hammad said that while the US continues with its efforts, Israel continues with its attacks on Palestinians on different levels, which make the Palestinians wonder about the validity of the conference. This could weaken the Palestinian peace camp and the moderates, led by President Mahmoud Abbas. He added that the Palestinians and the Israelis need a document that is beyond that of just a declaration of principles and which looks at all the final status issues, with a timetable for proper negotiations over the following six months and further meetings relating to Syria and Lebanon

What's Up With Olmert?

19 October 2007

By Yossi Verter

Ehud Olmert's aides were at great pains this week to get the message across: The prime minister did not change his schedule by one iota. He held meetings, oversaw the deal with Hezbollah, visited the army, dealt with the budget, met (twice) with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for talks about the agenda of the Annapolis conference, spent hours in the Knesset, wrapped up the problem of the allocations to Holocaust survivors - and then flew off urgently to Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. Precisely during a week like this, any reasonable person who found himself burdened by yet more police investigations, which involve weighty issues of a different kind, would have wanted only to hide under the blanket, but Olmert showed up for work as though nothing had happened.

The results are also visible: This week he was again photographed at a press conference looking exhausted, his head seemingly about to slump, his eyes exuding weariness. Maybe the abnormal workload he creates for himself helps him forget his private troubles. "A great deal of work is done in Olmert's bureau," a person close to the prime minister said this week. "There is a lot of doing, but no joy in doing. The joy has been taken from us."

Who took away that joy, the confidant was asked. "The circumstances," he replied, cautiously.

Still, the confidant was asked, there are four police investigations under way - that has to affect a person's job performance. "Olmert is a character," the man said. "He is not daydreaming emotionally. He does not bemoan his bitter fate to those around him. He listens to the reports and keeps going. From our point of view, from his point of view, it was another week in the office."

Many people - politicians, journalists, foreign diplomats - asked themselves this week what it will take to bring Olmert down. The Jerusalem issue at the Annapolis conference? The criminal investigations? The report of the Winograd Committee on the Second Lebanon War?

The answers are as varied and as numerous as the questions. In fact, there are more answers than questions and more scenarios than actual facts. In the meantime, no one knows what the outcome of the investigations will be. The fate of the Bank Leumi case is the closest to being decided upon by the police: a matter of weeks. In any event, the final decision rests with the state prosecutor, either the present one or his successor - it depends. Media and political confidants of the accountant general, Yaron Zelekha, who get their information mainly from him, are convinced beyond any doubt - and tell anyone willing to listen - that the Bank Leumi case will produce a serious indictment against Olmert.

On Monday morning the media dealt with the Olmert investigations. By the evening, no one was interested any longer. The deal with Hezbollah topped the agenda for two days, until the visit to Russia cropped up - and, in conjunction, U.S. President George W. Bush's comment about the need to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power if World War III is to be prevented. Bush's remark was of interest not only to the Israeli defense establishment, but also to local politicians. If Bush has determined that 2008, his last year in office, will be the year of decision, that will have a direct impact on the state of the coalition. Israel will not go to the polls on the eve of an American strike on Iran, which could develop into a regional conflict, here in our neighborhood. In that case, something totally different might happen: In extreme circumstances, the Likud might join the government for a limited time, or at least support the government externally.

A hint in this vein was voiced by Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who told Olmert shortly before the prime minister departed for Moscow: "Tell President Putin that when it comes to the Iranian nuclear project, there is no opposition or coalition in Israel."

Sneh speaks

The automatic, knee-jerk reaction to the harsh comments Labor MK Ephraim Sneh makes here about the defense minister and chairman of his party, will be: "Well, of course. Sneh is embittered and frustrated because of the way Ehud Barak removed him from the position of deputy defense minister." No one knows what goes on in the heart of someone who feels hurt, or what induces him to say what he does. But it is easy to believe Sneh. He projects integrity, and in any case similar remarks can be heard from other Labor MKs, though not for the record.

Sneh thus breaks, openly and for the first time, the thunderous silence in Labor regarding Barak's political behavior on the eve of the Annapolis conference. There is no doubt that his is the fiercest attack on Labor's chairman "from inside the armored personnel carrier" (as Barak put it before the 1999 elections) since he was elected to the post. Not even the former party chair, Amir Peretz, dared to go so far, so bluntly.

"Barak is captive to an old paradigm," Sneh says. "He thinks that in order to be elected Israel's next prime minister, he, as chairman of Labor, has to be right-wing. That is no longer the case. He cannot be more right-wing than Olmert. The leader of the Labor Party cannot be an outside observer of the peace process. The defense minister has all the tools to ensure that this move will succeed, but he is not making use of them. Historically, the leader of Labor is the leader of the peace camp. If one behaves like Barak, one loses the moral validity to lead the peace camp."

According to Sneh, the Annapolis conference will succeed or fail over the small issues: Israel's behavior at West Bank checkpoints, the assistance granted to the soldiers of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), aid allocated to Palestinian businesses and factories, and to the mayors - all issues that are within the exclusive purview of the defense minister. And that minister is acting with a heavy hand, says Sneh: "For Abu Mazen to be able to concede to us on the big issues, he has to bring his people sweets. There is only one person who is responsible for the sweets: the minister of defense. And instead of things being eased, land is being expropriated next to Abu Dis," adjacent to East Jerusalem.

The Labor Party "cannot stand aside when it comes to the Palestinian question," Sneh adds. "The problem is not that Barak is blocking things, the problem is that he is not helping. The Labor Party has not led any move since the Taba talks [winter 2001]. This is a party that is not taking the lead. We have lost our self-confidence. Since 2001, we have been dragged in the wake of others. We were dragged in [Ariel] Sharon's wake to the disengagement. Now, even though it is Olmert who is leading the move, we have to give him our full support, on the one hand, and on the other, be a crucial element in pushing the move ahead. We have a marvelous tool for that: the Defense Ministry."

Sneh does not understand Barak's political tactics. Let's say the conference fails, he says. Who stands to gain then? "[Iranian President] Ahmadinejad, [Hamas leader Khaled] Meshal, Netanyahu. They will rejoice. I will not allow the Labor Party to defect from the peace camp."

The MK dismisses the allegation that he is driven by personal bitterness. "I am not looking for quarrels, I am looking for results," he says. "True, I do not forget anything, but in matters of security I am on the level. If I have reason to be angry at Barak over the dismissal, I have even more reason to be angry with Olmert for preventing my appointment as deputy defense minister for eight months. But now I say wholeheartedly: The Labor Party must give Olmert all its support and backing."

On Monday, the Labor Party will hold a political debate for the first time since Barak's election. In the meantime, Sneh is collecting the required number of signatures to force Barak and party secretary-general Eitan Cabel to convene the central committee for a similar debate. The feeling is that the tectonic plates under Barak are beginning to shift. He is likely to come under criticism from his Knesset faction over his policy-related performance. Amir Peretz does not miss an opportunity to savage Barak over the budget. Ami Ayalon, the recently appointed minister without portfolio, is upset at the appointment of Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, the national infrastructures minister, as acting defense minister during Barak's absence from the country; Ayalon thought he would get that honor. And even in Barak's court itself, winds of dissatisfaction and anger are blowing.

Ben-Eliezer's supporters are threatening to demand that the central committee, which will convene in November, appoint him chair of the party's municipal election headquarters, as well as to anchor him in the No. 2 slot in the next Knesset elections. Barak does not want that; it will cause problems with Peretz and Ayalon. But Barak is caught in a trap: If the demand is raised, and a secret vote is held, he will have to take a stand. If he supports the move, he will get into trouble with Peretz and Ayalon; if he opposes it, he will cause a major rift with Ben-Eliezer, who helped him get elected.

It's a lose-lose situation for Barak. Both options signal the end of the period of quiet in the party, and the return of the Labor we all know and love.

Pooh-poohing pollsters

Ehud Olmert has chalked up no few precedents since becoming prime minister. Here's another one: He is the first prime minister in 15 years not to be assisted by a "house pollster." Actually, there seems to be one: Kalman Geier, the pollster of Olmert's Kadima party, who also worked with Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres and Ariel Sharon. Olmert inherited Geier from Sharon, but stopped using his services about five months ago. There is a complete professional divorce between them. And it's not that Olmert replaced Geier with another expert. Geier continues getting his salary from Kadima, and he is still carrying out surveys for the party's director general, MK Yohanan Plesner, and its cabinet ministers - Tzipi Livni, Roni Bar-On, Haim Ramon - just not for Olmert, the one who in effect pays him.

Geier is the last remnant of the "ranch forum," Sharon's group of advisers and spin doctors. The others - Reuven Adler, Eyal Arad, Lior Horev and Dov Weissglas - were shown the door by Olmert shortly after his election. Geier stayed around for another year or so. Now he, too, is gone. The common denominator of all the dropouts is the good relations each of them has with Foreign Minister Livni. Geier is particularly close to her. She often consults him and meets with him privately, both in her office and in her home in Tel Aviv.

Olmert's aides cite the Geier-Livni relationship as the main reason for the prime minister's decision to get rid of the polling services. Probably the last straw in the cooperation between Olmert and Geier came on May 1, when Livni called a press conference in the wake of the interim Winograd Committee report and advised Olmert to resign. Olmert's people found out that Geier had taken part in a meeting of Livni's closest confidants just minutes before the press conference. Worse: Before that, he had taken part in a similar meeting at the Prime Minister's Bureau. No sooner had the meeting with the prime minister ended than Geier left the building, crossed the road, climbed the hill and went to Livni. For Olmert - and, indeed, the same would have been the case with all of his predecessors - that was an unforgivable act.

An Olmert confidant cites another reason: Geier used to come to Olmert with advice, but no data. That irked the prime minister. Sources in Kadima say the tension between the two increased when Olmert declined to take Geier's advice on several issues, such as on the eve of his appointment of Peretz as defense minister. After the war, Geier thought that Peretz should be fired immediately. Olmert wanted to do that, but held back. And there were other problems, too.

In any event, these days the prime minister is making do with polls that are published in the newspapers. From them he learns what the public thinks of him. Contrary to his predecessors, he does not treat the polls as helpful working tools, but as something that rains on his parade. As far as he is concerned, the fewer the better.