Vatican to EU: stop ignoring African human Rights

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Zenit News Service (American; Independent; Catholic): French Edition 11 / 02 / 2009; Zenit: here: quotes L'Osservatore Romano)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal "Tarcisio Bertone", on Tuesday (10th February), in an effort promoted by the "Czech Republic" Ambassador, met with ambassadors from the European Union (EU), to the Holy See (Vatican). He showed the Vatican's deep concerns for Africa, and the Middle east. He begged Europe to no longer ignore other continents, and asked that they see and focus on human rights, and crying issues, weeping out of Africa and the Middle East in particular.

His ultimate request: that Europe help the delicate situation in the Middle east comprehensively; and that it deal with Africa: not as though sucking the marrow from the bones: but in a manner which is also best for Africa.

Israel keeps her word: unilateral ceasefire, which Hamas has vowed to ignore

(Social Justice South Africa; Scripturelink Voters Guide; c.f. (thanks to a dear friend) CBSNEWS (Secular; Independent; American) 17 / Jan / 2009; c.f. BBC World News (Reliable; Secular; British; Government) 18 / Jan 2009; Archive 15 / Jan / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Israel said it was all about missiles, and considering the more cautious governance, of the ruling political forces, this seemed believable, and appears to be the case. Israel, has declared it would, and seems to have: unilaterally withdrawn offenses on the Gaza Strip, it plans to retain troops for ten more days, however, it will not launch fresh offenses, even as it has vowed that troops will defend themselves if and when Hamas believes it can attack. Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement), which the BBC suspects, could be funded by Iran, along with fellow terrorists: Hezbolla in their suspected funders: has itself, as Hamas, vowed to continue fighting, even as Israel has stopped offenses, resulting in a quite night, after about three weeks of fighting.

Israeli troops, remain, so that they and Egypt, can arrange security, to prevent Hamas from smuggling in weapons, to restart offenses. After the Unilateral Ceasefire, Hamas, which still has the destruction of Israel, which they do not recognize as a state: as their goal: still wanted bloodshed. At least one missile was launched against Israel after the truce went into effect, according to CBS, quoting a source called "Bergers".

1200 Palestinians have died in this conflict, as well as at least ten Israelis. What a child and woman is in this conflict is hard to determine. Being under the age of 18 makes one a child: but in Islamist conflicts, women have been suicide bombers, and perhaps could be militants, and children have become militants.

Facilities, and resources of many humanitarian, or relief groups, have been casualty to air-strikes in this conflict, and the UN is worried about the state of hospitals. Israel was accused of disproportionate force in protecting her borders, but countered that their civilians were being hit.

A probable reason for Israeli speed, and proportions; is that the Bush administration is set to leave soon: even with a proportionate response, it is much less likely, that Israel would get away with defending their borders under the Democrat Obama, who in this issue, said, via advisors: he would not cause two authorities, but who has spoken up on almost everything else. It seemed an odd statement to make. Barak Hussein Obama: voted to euthanise abortion survivors, and wants to get rid of parental consent for abortion. He has not, during the fighting: commented on the deathly situation in the Gaza Strip.

This entire conflict, could probably, have been done, and likely would have been done in a smaller, more civilized manner: if Israel knew it could rely on international support, as it protected its borders. Humanitarian casualties, and the entire situation, would probably have been low key in such a situation, whereby those currently in power in Israel, had previously been extremely soft, even to the point of endangering their political future: on the Gaza Strip situation. They only launched offenses: after a period of daily attacks on civilians.

This is not to justify the offensive; it is however to state what appears to be fact: Israel thought this proportion of force was utterly necessary. Considering stances of those in power in Israel, previous stances before this conflict: should they have believed there was an easier, less collateral spewed manner to protect Israel, they likely would have taken it. Before the counterstrike was launched, Israel, had already given up hope of international solutions. Also, efforts by the international community, as we, and any astute analyst would have predicted, and as we did predict: were not the ones to end this conflict: as we predicted, it was ended purely at the whims of Israel, as would be obvious.

As long as the world shows such blatant bias in judging conflicts, rather than realizing the root cause of these, and realizing who started what: civilian casualties will remain high in situations such as this one. If no-one else will look after Israel, Israel will: the problem is, the manner in which they now can: in that a smaller attack would have had as much backlash, and no attack, would mean allowing terrorism against their innocent civilians.

Blame for collateral damage: must be placed equally on Israel, and on Hamas: and on every biased voice which misrepresented this conflict. Refusal to reason by Hamas, and outright provocation, cannot be ignored. The Hague should be consulted on this issue. From all appearances, it appears as though the Israeli hand seemed almost forced: forced by fear of reprisals when Bush left, and by political pressure, by their own women and children, and rabbits, and dogs, and boys and men: and even an infant: by those facing daily terror attacks: in a war between hateful extremists, and civilians: in which a military chose to intervene.

Before the world says "Never Again", and then forgets they have: one must look at the core of the issue: the reason this tragedy has occurred: lies squarely on the arms of the international community: on the international hatred and bias: so evident (Archive 15 / Jan / 2009) in France recently: which had, when this situation was minor: completely ignored the plight of Israel: so that Israel did, as they always had: and put on a display, which cost, in this case, in a way: 1200 or more or less lives.

Gaza Strip, palestine: Update: UN withdraws from Gaza Strip aid: Obama still silent, but speaks on US economy: a look at Iran

(Social Justice South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The BBC (Secular; British; Government): is reporting that the United Nations (UN), is halting aid into the Gaza Strip, due to an incident, of Israeli troops: allegedly shooting at UN workers.

Condemnations have began to triple in from throughout the world: for Israel; including from Caritas Wales. As they find themselves: in an increasingly difficult political situation, and losing the propaganda war even more badly than before: and in more countries. Israel: also now faces the threat of Hezbolla. Those, who have always desired a genocide against the Jewish people, are looking more and more to have a natural publicity advantage. Somehow: in this region, for the longest time: world media: has always viewed Israel and their surroundings; as though with a different standard.

With this move by the UN in the area, the humanitarian situation can only get worse: but the region, has become a tinderbox: for conflict. The world continues to, and will: it seems: continue to tolerate hate speech, and calls for genocide against a valid people, who have seen this realized, and could in the near future, see this happen again.

Meanwhile: Barak Obama, who has insisted: that he does not want to divide authority in America: between two "Presidents": through advisors: has spoken on the economic crisis in America: hinting that he has politically chosen to ignore the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip; and like the Euthanasia incident: he seems to bear politics, extremely well: but not focus on those on the ground, nor can one absolve him from his vote on allowing infanticide for failed abortions. He bears politics well, but this does not seem good for human rights. In fact, his promises to extend the textbook American Genocide of article 2 section d definition: abortion: and his other historically extreme stances against human rights issues are worrying. His desire to further fund Abortion firm Planned Parenthood, and his choices of appointments: are scary. He seems more focused on Abortion, and promoting such: than on economics: this is only proven in background checks done on his candidates.

At least 40 targets: according to E News (South African; Secular) have been hit in air-strikes today. Protesters, in South Africa marched on Parliament today: calling for a blockade of Israeli goods. Again: largely missing: is notation: that Hamas: is not only the original protagonist , but just as guilty, and insanely callas, as Israel is on this issue.

While a French-Egyptian peace deal continues to be brokered for the area. Any real future peace: needs justice: those on both sides committing, or ordering human rights abuses need to be brought to book. Biased perspectives: offered by many of this situation: need to be ridden away from the scene.


The following is a BBC definition of Hamas: or
"Islamic Resistance Movement":

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1654510.stm

We would like to emphasize: that many media sources on this: are relying on external facts. The BBC; is probably still the best source on this issue. They are also the fastest, in our perspective: at present at getting accurate, or semi-accurate news out of the region.

An article of theirs: also links funding of Hezbolla, and Hamas: to Iran: who they say: do not make any real effort at denying this. They said this: when analyzing the recent possibly "Hezbolla" missile strikes on Israel, in an article.

We still believe there is more to this situation than meets the eye. The strategy of Hamas: is either suicide: or insanity, or else: the moving of a larger body, in a bigger war-plan. The seeming co-ordination apparent: in Lebanon, and Palestine, and the cautiousness of Iran at this stage: seems odd.

We (Social Justice South Africa) still maintain; that both sides need to be pushed towards peace: and any condemnation: must be aimed at both sides, and that a proper investigation, and accountable punishment: of human rights abusers on both sides: must occur: to move forward. Also: the possibility of Iranian funding of this needs to be looked into: if Israel must be condemned, and perhaps others: then accusations of Iranian arms and funding being used: need to be looked into: and Iran should not be allowed to get away with anything like this: if accurate.

Toronto becomes Gridlocked from Protesters

Palestinian and pro-Israeli marchers face off yesterday while cops on horses and bikes try and control the emotions of the crowds and keep some type of peace at Dundas Square. Protesters emotions were on high alert as Israel battled Hamas.

Palestinians were screaming and condemning Israel's attacks. There were approximately 200 protesters at Yonge and Dundas Square.

Across Yonge were approximately 200 pro-Palestinian protesters shouting insults right back at the pro-Israel's.

The only thing keeping the peace were a set of barriers down the middle of Yonge causing total gridlock for anyone trying to navigate there way through the city at this time.

Both groups of protesters were headed straight to the Israeli consulate on Bloor St., but using different routes for fear of the crowds getting out of control and attacking each other while lots of innocent people from all backgrounds were out supporting both sides. Almost everyone agreeing children on both sides were innocent and being killed.

Canada's foreign affairs minister, Lawrence Cannon, has been noted as saying he is concerned about the attacks but our the federal government has at this moment is Israel needs to defend itself.

When news of ground invasion of Gaza hit the protesters they inturn became angrier and marched once again throughout downtown Toronto burning Israeli and American flags before the U.S. consulate.

On the pro-Palestinian side several Jewish Canadians voiced their concerns against Israel's policies.

http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/561475

http://www.thestar.com/article/561412

http://www.thestar.com/news/GTA/article/561323

http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/561185

Canadian Soldier in dock over Taliban "Murder"

Posted: link: on behalf of a friend of a Saint: Posted by the editor

http://www.680news.com/news/national/more.jsp?content=n010221A

680 News seems to be secular.

He is accused of shooting an unarmed man: who was suspected of being Taliban: at the time at least. While the Canadian military police have him in custody: he has yet to be tried. He has been charged with murder.

Britain, Australia: to stay in Iraq: new agreement allows troops to remain

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters (British; Secular)30/12/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

According to an agreement between Iraq, and other parties: Australian, and British Troops: may remain in the country until about mid next year.

Israel gathers tanks at the border of Palestine: offensive nears: could this be the end of Hamas? A look at the situation: as politically motivated!

(Scripturelink Voters guide ; c.f. See What We See News Archive)

Article by Marc Aupiais

In an attack involving hundreds of tons of aerial bombs, and lasting more than what seems one day; as though the closing word for the year: dropped on Hamas fortifications across Gaza: Israel has struck back: hitting military targets, and a police station, and Arabic university: in response to rocket strikes against Israeli civilians: launched by the same sort of organization: which holds Lebanon at gunpoint: Hamas. The Arabic group has vowed to send suicide bombers into Israel now: and launched many more rockets in response: killing at least one Israeli civilian.

Israel, according to EuroNews: has amassed an army of tanks outside of Palestine's: border. The Israeli leader seems to hint that they will definitely invade the area: it is not a question of if they will but when they will, if hintings are to be taken at face value.

Hamas was not part of a comprehensive peace process, and have been the first to attack: breaking a 6 month ceasefire between these two groups. While Israel has allowed aid through the border into Palestine: it is mostly seen as a political move. Israel has large support throughout the west in a move seen largely as aimed at combating terrorist attacks launched on Israel.

Hamas has not withdrawn, launching threats, missiles, and defiance into the air, as the Arab nations have called an emergency meeting to deal with what they will do, and unlike western Nations, such as America: which saw the attack as justified, and blames Hamas for the response they had been blamed for gaining: and only asked that Israel focus on Hamas, and not civilians: the Arab world has condemned the attacks.

This could see a war between Israel and certain other nations, or the end of Hamas in Gaza, or else continuing of the bloodshed already seen. In any case: it could be followed by some real peace: contrasted to the failed process already in action.

The hundreds of casualties taken against Palestine, in recent air-strikes: is very large as compared with one man dying in many retaliations, and perhaps small even compared with those dying in many terrorist attacks recently launched on Israel. The stance of Hamas in the situation: seems unwise, unless their's is some conspiracy to attack Israel from this: when a nation should be scrambling to the negotiating table, and offering up deals: Hamas is only inflating an already bad situation, caused by their own violation of a peace treaty.

Israel, has the media high ground: their attacks were against military targets, and their enemy has attacked civilians purposely, and also has vowed suicide bombing: clear terrorism.

With each statement by the Palestinian authority: outright invasion of Palestine by Israel edges closer.

Israel's attacks come before elections: and are by a government which needs support for re-election. Hamas itself faces opposition within Palestine, and Egypt, an Arab Nation: has closed their border to the nation: forcing tunnels to be dug to Egypt, for many supplies, and making Israel the main route for aid into the nation. Hamas supporters are protesting against Israel, and Egypt, where peace processes are hoped to be etched out.

Cosatu, has now called for a South African boycott of "Apartheid Israel", following their reprisal attacks. Below, we will explain, this is not wise in such a situation, and by a group which repeatedly makes controversial and dangerous statements.

COSATU is somewhat associated with the deposing of South Africa's previous President: Thabo Mbeki.

As the ANC has increasingly dismissed members thought to not be happy with party leadership, and members have repeatedly called for genocide against "Counter-revolutionaries", and as members of the Communist affiliated ANC party: in high positions in the ANC: have made remarks: including one involving a desire to "Annihilate" South Africa's most effective (Voting wise) opposition party: the Democratic Alliance.

The ANC, has also allowed members to call for a genocide if certain desires of the party are not met. The ANC, has for years: voted against what South Africans, including their support bases: have considered moral.

COSATU, the biggest suporter of the new section of the ANC, now in power: have repeatedly been involved in threats: including threatening a judge, and it is they, also, who have made statements: about a desire to "Kill for Zuma" in support of a controversial party leader: as rape (he was found innocent: ANC members in high office have said that they can guarantee the accuser's safety in South Africa: if she withdraws her testimony: another woman looking like her was stoned by ANC supporters, and the party has not collectively condemned violent acts by supporters), corruption, and other charges against the ANC leader have been increasingly caused anxiety about his possible leadership of the country. Many legal efforts against Zuma, have been kept out of court, by efforts, including legal procedure. Other attempts, sometimes seen as caused by COSATU, and seen by many as attempts open meddling in South Africa's justice system, via threats and protests, have aimed at forcing certain things to not be tried in court.

While the Islamic world, has condemned Israeli action, the European Union, has called for peace on both sides, and the "United States", has taken Israel's side. Important figures of COSATU: itself, have previously attacked, or kept silent during attacks by representation from an important part of the union: on the Ten commandments, and is universally controversial in South Africa. Following an attack on the Ten commandments: to justify what was seen as adultery, by Jacob Zuma, who already has many wives: many esteemed members of Cosatu: left. Others have been disheartened, after a man was proven as using union funds for his own purposes, and the whistle-blower, was dealt with, while the person guilty of such got to repay what was owed.

As to international Law, while Israel has reportedly broken it at many an event in past times: attacks aimed purposely at non-combatants by Hamas: probably mean dwindling western support. While the Catholic church generally defends the rights of Palestinians: we have not come into any commentary on this situation.

Those condemning the attacks in South Africa: are Islamic groups, and Cosatu. Most other voices seem neutral: or private on their views of the legitimacy of these reprisals by Israel.

Our own view: is that the issue in Israel and Palestine: should be brought in front of the International Criminal Court, and mediated once and for all: with perpetrators of crimes against humanity: being prosecuted. We firmly believe that as long as the peace process is focussed on negotiation, without a focus on justice: these continued attacks on both sides will proceed, or eventually: Israel, will further enforce their desires to occupy, and control Gaza: to protect their own citizens: which, due to the illogical leadership in Palestine: may result in definite harm to Palestinian people. International efforts, by those apposed to Israeli policy, have also yet to see any real impact on this policy.

The fact that terror attacks, are purposely perpetrated against Israeli civilians, rather than military targets: and from civilian areas: so that Israeli reprisals will hit civilians, seems manipulative. While we do not support either side: at least as far as journalism goes (I do have personal views): we do believe that Hamas is handling this situation: in such a way: as to only further hurt their people. Every response they give: is responded to by Israeli officials who need political support: except Israel can attack precisely, and professionally: and in a way which is pleasing to the west, and western media, while no-one with respect for the Geneva Convention, or Just War principles, can justify the aiming of attacks at known non-combatants. What Palestine needs is peace, not military leadership, which promises terrorist attacks on a more powerful nation, and breaks a peace agreement, which has been securing the lives of their people for six months. Such seems like political maneuvering: and while to the benefit of Israeli politicians, and of those wanting war: this is not in the interests of the Palestinian people.

Hamas, which often keeps their power by military, has caused problems in every nation where they have gained power. Possibly, the best solution to the situation: is for another Palestinian group to take to, or be placed into power: however, we are unsure of when the next Palestinian election will be, or if that would happen, whether an impeachment could occur, or even be possible in such a country, with such social dynamics: and propaganda, or how their state works. Certainly, they are strategically, only harming the dignity of their people: by bad, and foolish decisions: which will gain no long term, nor any short term victories for the group.

Either, these next weeks may show a new situation in the Mid-east, or else: worse of the same. Whatever occurs, the entire circumstance has to alter radically, and will continue to alter as the situation changes.

An Israeli invasion, has just become all the more real a possibility. With such crippling blows to Hamas: a real assault on the small Palestinian territory, could aim at a legacy of long lasting impacts. The lasting effects on the region, and on Palestine of the events following the breaking of a peace agreement by Hamas, and the response by Israel: could be catastrophic.

Both sides: could be well pressed to find other non-violent solutions to this issue. Especially, as it is widely realized: that the Israeli response is seen as a political necessity on the part of Israel's more peace-prone government: after missile strikes from Palestine actually hit civilians populations in Israel. An inadequate defensive network: has lead to a political solution: which involved attacking Palestine. Hamas has for some reason thought it prudent to cause a government which has been the most friendly to their people in a long time: to launch the greatest attack ever launched by Israel: since the Jewish nation was first established, causing an inevitable response from Israel.

On both sides: continuing of conflict, and opposition to a comprehensive peace process, seems largely to be for political give and take. While their people suffer reprisals: political groupings gain prestige, power, and funding from the continued threat of a conflict situation in Palestine.

Eurasia, Middle East, Iraq: Al Qaeda threatens to slit the throats of all Christians remaining in Iraq, as situation for Christians worsens despite claims of improvement in security

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. EWTN Global News 19/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

A group affiliated with Al Qaeda in Iraq threaten to commit genocide against Christians in Iraq: already suffering sporadic murders, rape, theft, pillaging, burning of houses, and violence and threats. A mass exodus of Christians from Mosul was sited in the threats: as all Christians were called to join Catholics who have already been leaving Iraq.

Violence against Christians has not been wiped out: but still is and will probably remain systematically, successfully, and viably continued, as American occupiers continue to claim improvements: generally among non-Christians. The situation among Iraqi followers of Christian beliefs: has only increased since the overthrowing of what was seen as dictatorship: under Saddam Hussein. What Barak Hussein Obama will do about this is crucial when he assumes his responsibilities: an unwarranted, politically motivated withdrawal of troops, will only further destroy an already persecuted Christian population.

Gulf of Aden, Somalia, Africa: Theft of ships causing diversion of shipping from Suez to Cape of Good hope, by some big shipping groups

(Social Justice South Africa ; c.f. Reuters (Secular) 18/11/08; Reuters (Secular) 17/11/08; Associated Press 18/11/08; Sky News Channel (Secular) 19/11/08; Other Sources (Largely Secular) ??/??/??)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Reuters( 17/11/08; 18/11/08;) , the London based news Firm, is reporting the effect of the consistent hijacking of ships by pirates in Somalia- currently in a civil war. Unlike other News Services- they have said that there is no major move to the cape route (18/11/08). Ships, however, many carrying "dry cargo" or electronic equipment are being diverted from the quicker route of the Suez Canal, via the Gulf of Aden, having had, or noted of issues with Somalian Pirates: taking rather: the long route from before the Canal was created- around the Cape of Good Hope.

The Cape of Good Hope is located in Cape Town, in the Western Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa. Insurance costs of taking Suez are estimated by a source in shipping: quoted by above mentioned Reuters:  to be one probable reason, however major Middle Eastern Oil producing nations have not yet hinted at any diversion, despite the recent hijacking of a Middle Eastern oil carrier. A reason sited by a shipping company withdrawing: is the risk faced, not by companies, but by crews of ships. There is also disappointment in the lack of support from the authorities and governments: in combating the piracy: whether or not this disappointment is warranted will be seen in coming weeks.

The civil war in Somalia between their Warlord president and Islamic rebels, has resulted in the government controlling less than half of Somalia's territory, with Rebels now controlling what seems an ever-growing amount of ground. When two Catholic religious were captured as hostages in a raid, by terrorists in nearby northern Kenya, and brought back to Kenya's Neighboring Somalia, the Somalian Government, appears to have had to ask Kenyan help to try resolve the issue.

Reuters, which reported firstly on the diverting of shipping, appears to have done a more extensive analysis: via an interview of a shipping company not quoted as pulling out: one day later, which saw the issue as not a major factor. All sources noted some ships being redirected to avoid the Gulf of Aden.

The extend of the diversion: will be determined by how effective promised efforts by the European Union: to stifle the hijacking of ships in the Gulf of Aden will be.

EU must take in Iraqi refugees- UN High Commissioner on Refugees- tells EU Meeting on Assylum

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Agenzia Fides 26/09/2008)

Article By Marc Aupiais

The United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees, António Guterres, recently addessed the EU (European Union) Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs as a guest at a meeting, organized by the French EU President. He asked for a resettlement program to be created to sort out the needs of refugees from Iraq- who cannot safely live in their own country due to conflict.

Many have moved to Jordan or Syria for the time being (about 2 million). These refugees include minority Christians suffering harsh persecution.

The UNHCR has joined the World Food Program and Caritas- in asking for some form of immediate action on trying to aid the dire situation in the country.

The EU has at times been controversial in its strict asylum procedures.