Peace Or Genocide?

There are only three outcomes of the Palestinian - Israeli conflict:1.) Two Separate States.2.) One State that incorporates everyone.3.) One State from the Jordan River to the sea that incorporates only Israelis and ethinc Jews.It appears that Israel has no intention to allow #1 or #2 to happen, and that means ethnic leansing and genocide.

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Life in Gaza Not "Back to Normal",but a Nightmare.

Only aerial photographs of the Gaza strip would make it possible to show and comprehend the extent of the destruction.Needless to say,Israel won't allow it, making it impossible for the West and even Israelis to grasp the scope of the damage,the destruction and the despair that the 1.5 million Palestinians are suffering.

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The New Media Index: Bloggers Versus Mainstream Media.

The New Media Index is an effort by the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism(PEJ) to monitor the content appearing in new media platforms.The index tracks more than 100 million blogs & social media web pages concerned with news and public affairs.The PEJ is currently tracking Technorati & Icerocket.

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Gay Marriage:Prop. 8 campaign can't hide donors' names.

"If there ever needs to be sunshine on a particular issue,it's a ballot measure", US judge Morrison England said after an hearing in Sacramento.

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Europe's Social Unrest May Be Contagious to US.

The global economic downturn is triggering strikes and protests in Europe, including a massive general strike in France and roadblocks by farmers in Greece. Economists say it could happen in the U.S., especially if unemployment worsens.

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New U.S. Strategy Needed in Afghanistan: Oxfam

By Jonathon Burch KABUL (Reuters) - The United States must change its strategy in Afghanistan if it is to avoid a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Afghans struggling to survive and violence at its worst levels since 2001, an aid group said on...

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Tax issues shadow Obama health nominee Daschle

By Jeff Mason and Andrea Shalal-Esa WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's choice to spearhead U.S. healthcare reform, Tom Daschle, paid more than $100,000 in back taxes for a three-year period, setting up a potential roadblock to his...

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World Social Forum message to Davos: "We Told You So".

The bankers and politicians gathered for the World Economic Forum are unlikely to admit publicly that they have created a gigantic mess, but in Brazil at the World Social Forum a gathering of anarchists, socialists, and anti-globalists.The South American left leaning leaders are saying:"We told you so".The theme this year:Another world is possible.

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Leaders of Turkey and Israel Clash Over Gaza at Davos Panel

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey walked off the stage after an angry exchange with Israel’s president, Shimon Peres, during a discussion on Gaza.

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Economy Crisis:GDP Sees Biggest Drop in 27 years

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The economy shrank at its fastest pace in nearly 27 years in the fourth quarter, government data showed on Friday, sinking deeper into a recession that the White House said demanded urgent action. In a...

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U.S. Envoy Warns of Setbacks Ahead in Mideast Talks

By Adam Entous JERUSALEM (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's Middle East envoy said Friday that the new administration's push for Israeli-Palestinian peace after the war in the Gaza Strip faced big hurdles and he warned of setbacks ahead. The...

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Reuters:Fidel Castro Demands Obama Return Guantanamo Base.

By Marc Frank HAVANA (Reuters) - Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro demanded on Thursday that President Barack Obama return the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo to Cuba without conditions, and he accused the new U.S. leader of supporting ''Israeli...

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France on Strike:Huge Turnout for ‘Black Thursday’ of Strike

Yesterday, France went on strike and workers took over the streets creating a complete freeze in all sectors of the economy.It was the biggest strike in more than 10 years and should send a clear signal to Sarkosy.French people do not want Sarkosy's economic reforms that they view as too closed to the American system.

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Fuck Neoconservatism and by the way, Fuck Patriarchy too

“The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house” This was the opening quote to my copy of Chinua Achebe’s classic, Things Fall Apart.What does it mean? It means turn off the TV, turn off the radio, and read a book if you want to beat the inhuman bastards who’ve been running the US into the ground for decades...

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Dodd Orders Treasury to Recover Billions in Wall St. Bonuses

Wall Street bonuses for 2008 reach an astonishing $18.4 billion. Obama called it "outrageous" in the current recession context and with the heavy losses posted by Wall Street.It would not be surprising if some money was coming from TARP funds already allocated by the Bush administration.

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The South Shall Not Rise Again

Yes, Obama is black. Thank God for that. Perhaps that has given him the perspective he will need to navigate the rocky shoals of our political and economic seas. We have a destination to reach: the promised land of Dr. King’s Beloved Community and it will take a sure and steady hand to guide us past the siren songs of hatred and division.

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Middle-East Peace Talks:U.S. Says Open Gaza Border.

By Andrew Hammond RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - U.S. envoy George Mitchell said on Thursday that opening the Gaza Strip to commercial goods would help to choke off the smuggling that Israel fears could replenish Hamas's weapons stocks. But he...

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Iraq: Blackwater to be ejected from Iraq.

The mercenaries of Blackwater will have to leave Iraq.The Iraqi government want them out and is not renewing their contract.

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AP/NPR-Officials: Army Suicides at 3-Decade High

At least 128 soldiers killed themselves in 2008, the number is likely to be even higher. More than 12 cases of suspicious deaths are still under investigation.

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Who Are the Candidates to Head the GOP on Friday?

(Reuters) - The Republican National Committee will select a leader on Friday to help reinvigorate the party after a string of electoral defeats. Following are brief profiles of each of the candidates, along with the number of endorsements each has...

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What Financial Crisis? Wall St. paid hefty bonuses in 2008.

Despite catastrophic losses the bonuses for Wall Street's executives for 2008 were still at $18.4 billion.One would wonder if any TARP money was used to pay for this outrageous amount.

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LA Jews Shut Down Israeli Consulate to Protest Siege on Gaza

8 American Jews chain themselves to Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles, demanding an immediate end to the siege and Israeli Apartheid.

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Obama Says Tough Decisions Soon on Iraq, Afghan Wars

By Ross Colvin and David Alexander WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States must make tough decisions soon about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, President Barack Obama said on Wednesday after receiving his first briefing from the heads of the U.S....

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EU Says Will invite Iran to a Conference on Afghanistan.

PRAGUE (Reuters) - The European Union said on Wednesday it would invite Iran to a conference on Afghanistan. Calls have grown in the international community to engage Iran in both regional diplomacy and in direct talks on Tehran's nuclear.....

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Reuters:Russia Offers Obama Olive Branch on Missiles.

By Christian Lowe MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia has halted plans to deploy missiles near the Polish border, a Russian news agency quoted the military as saying on Wednesday, in what could be a sign Moscow is seeking better ties with the new U.S....

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Mideast:Jimmy Carter Offers A Peace Plan 'That Will Work'

In his new book, We Can Have Peace In The Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work, former President Jimmy Carter presents his strategy to end fighting between Israelis and Palestinians.

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Arab Allies Call For Dramatic Revision Of U.S. Policy

Middle East envoy George Mitchell is in the region trying to build a durable cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. His visit comes as Saudi Arabia, one of Washington's strongest Arab allies, warns that U.S. standing in the Mideast and prospects for peace are in critical condition.

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Obama Tells Al Arabiya that Mideast Peace Talks Must Resume

This is the first interview given by Obama to the Saudi-backed and Dubai based Al Arabiya. This interview and the quick nomination of George Mitchell as special Middle-East envoy signals to the region that the Obama administration wants to act aggressively and perhaps even think outside the box as far as dealing with the Middle-East peace imbroglio

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Reuters:Obama Says Ready to Talk to Iran

By Firouz Sedarat and Lin Noueihed DUBAI (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said that America was prepared to extend a hand of peace to Iran if it ''unclenched its fist'' and that the time was ripe for Israel and the Palestinians to resume peace...

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Halliburton, U.S. Reach Settlement In Bribery Probe

Halliburton Corp. has announced it will pay out more than $560 million to the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission to settle a probe into bribery and bid-rigging in contracts around the world. Investigative journalist Lowell Bergman talks about the settlement.

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Qaddafi’s Solution for Mideast:How About "Isratine"?

Qaddafi has a proposal for the elusive puzzle of the conflict between Israel & Palestinians.It is not a two states solutions but a one state solution.He even proposed the name " Isratine". This suggestion seems bizarre and out of left field, but Qaddafi could have a point.

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Senate Confirms Geithner As Treasury Secretary

The 60-34 vote puts Timothy Geithner at the helm of Obama's plan to rescue the economy from the worst financial crisis in three generations. It also dislodges one of Obama's most troubled nominations.

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Gaza Horror: Updated Large Photo Gallery of Gaza Massacre

Never forget! Hold the perpetrators of these crimes accountable, and do your part to help bring them to justice.

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Obama Takes Steps to Reverse Bush Climate Policies

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama told the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday to reconsider California's request to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from cars, reversing the climate policies of Bush.The new policies will be based on tougher regulations for emissions.

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Gaza Fighting Reverberates In France

The recent conflict in Gaza touched nerves in France, which is home to Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim communities. Despite the cease-fire in Gaza, many say the fighting there has done lasting damage to relations between Muslims and Jews in France.

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UK:Backlash Against the BBC Over Gaza Appeal.

The BBC is suffering a growing backlash from the UK's public opinion by still refusing to broadcast an appeal for humanitarian aid for the benefit of Gaza.The BBC is claiming that to do so, would be interpreted as taking side, and would prevent them to report objectively on the conflict.

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It’s Sunday: GET OUT.

Every day in my Blog Royale I make promises to my faithful readers (or unfaithful - believe me, I’m not paying attention. If you think I am, you underestimate my general self obsession) that I only occasionally keep.I’m just getting used to this writing business, and it’s odd...

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Obama's Mideast Policy Examined

Richard Holbrooke has been named special representative to Pakistan and Afghanistan, and George Mitchell has been picked to be special envoy for Middle East affairs. Rami Khouri, editor at large of the Daily Star newspaper in Beirut, Lebanon, and director for the Fares Institute of Public Policy and International Affairs, weighs in.

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Pentagon Seeks Record Level in 2009 Budget

The Pentagon’s proposed budget of $515.4 billion represents the highest annual military spending, when adjusted for inflation, since World War II.

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Israel Promises Troops Legal Backing over Gaza War Crimes.

By Jeffrey Heller JERUSALEM (Reuters) - International calls to investigate Israel over alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip prompted Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday to promise military personnel state protection from foreign prosecution. ''The...

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Afghan President Karzai: US Forces Killed 16 Civilians

Karzai expressed his outrage over the killing of 16 civilians.He added that such actions make the Taliban and terrorists stronger.Anti-American demonstrations took place in Afghanistan today.

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Robert Gates:"Reprogramming the Pentagon for a New-Age."

In this essay for Foreign Affairs,Secretary of Defense Robert Gates gives a detail analysis of reforms needed at the Pentagon.He thinks that the defining principles of the Pentagon new strategy should be balance and the ability to focus on unconventional conflicts.

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Gaza: Humanitarian Crisis.

The situation in Gaza is becoming unbearable in term of food,water,medical supplies and shelter.It is imperative to end the blockade.

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Middle-East Peace:Is it Mission Impossible for Mitchell?

Former Senator George Mitchell will go to the Middle-East next week as Special Envoy for the Obama administration.You will find his bio here.He recently said:"I formed the conviction that there is no such a thing as a conflict that can't be ended.Conflicts are created,conducted and sustained by human beings,they can be ended by human beings."

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New US envoy Mitchell due in Israel later this week

Former senator will hold talks with Israeli and Palestinian Authority leaders; is expected to help efforts to shore up the Gaza cease-fire.

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Obama Envoy Mitchell Expected in the Middle East Next Week.

By Adam Entous and Arshad Mohammed GAZA/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama plans to dispatch his Middle East envoy to the region next week, in a quick start to the new administration's efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking and...

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US & China: War of Words about Currency.

Economic tensions between America & China are rising at exactly the wrong time.Tim Geithner,Treasury Secretary to be, strongly accused China of "manipulating" its currency during his confirmation hearing.The comments were not well received on the world markets.In our global recession context the last thing needed is for the US to antagonize China.

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Venezuela's Chavez Warms to Obama After Insults

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Friday warmly greeted President Barack Obama only days after accusing him of ''throwing stones'' at Venezuela and suggesting he was much like ex-President George W. Bush. The firebrand socialist is taking his cues from his mentor Fidel Castro who praised Obama after the inauguration.

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US Envoy Holbrooke Should Tread Carefully in Afghanistan.

Richard Holbrooke will be the diplomatic spear head of the Obama administration in the region. Since Biden's trip some rumors have being circulating that the Obama administration wants Karzai gone, and are planning to use Holbrooke to do just that.However Karzai, a Pashtun, has a few tricks in his bag and the elections are coming up....

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AP/NPR:Suspected U.S. Missiles Kill 18 In Pakistan

Controversial attacks across Afghanistan border are the first since Barack Obama took office; at least five casualties are suspected foreign militants.

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The Evolution of a Republican

Editor's note: This essay is part one of series that answers the question, "what does the Election of Barack Obama mean to you?" from a variety of contributors and staff of Center Left; By Arnold Gasper.

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War Boosted Extremists in Gaza, Says U.N. Official

By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - Israel's invasion of Gaza has strengthened the hand of extremists and only a credible independent investigation into alleged wrongdoing can quieten growing Palestinian anger, a U.N. aid official said on...

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Fidel Castro Meditates on Death and Praises Obama.

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba's Fidel Castro, ailing and 82, signaled on Thursday that thoughts of mortality were on his mind as he wrote in an Internet column about death and failing health. In his second column in as many days, after a prolonged silence...

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Reuters:Good Bank, Bad Bank all Adds up to Nationalization.

By Patrick Rucker and Emily Kaiser - Analysis WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Whether it's called good bank/bad bank, troubled asset relief or some new acronym, the United States appears to be on a course that will lead to the effective nationalization of...

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Robots of War:Not in the Future but here Today.

Robot soldiers are no longer just the stuff of sci-fi fantasy. As technological warfare expert P.W. Singer explains in his new book, Wired For War, some military tasks previously assigned to humans are now being handled by machines.Dromes air-crafts & Predators currently flying in Iraq,Afghanistan and Pakistan are remotely controlled from Nevada.

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De-Branding or Re-Branding the GOP?

The GOP is looking for a new identity, in branding it starts by a new logo.....

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Got Talent?Condoleezza Rice signs with William Morris Agency

By Paul J. Gough NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has made a key step in her post-Bush administration career: The William Morris Agency announced Wednesday that it has signed her as a client. The former...

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Middle East views: Barack Obama

Amid all the excitement in the United States about Barack Obama's inauguration as the country's first black president, Israelis and Palestinians share hopes, fears and priorities for the new US administration.

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Full Page Ad Today in NYTimes: Open Letter to Obama on PEACE

This full page advertisement and open letter appeared in the NY Times today, endorsed by many organizations established in America.U.S. President Barack Obama pledged on Wednesday to pursue Middle East peace, telephoning the Israeli and Palestinian leaders. THIS letter is a guideline to peace -- if taken seriously by our new Administration.

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Middle-East:The US Will Have to Open Talks with Hamas.

R.Murphy(Middle-East Institute) says that just as the US could have accomplished more in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process by talking with the PLO, it is running the same risk in not dealing with Hamas.After all,Hamas is a legitimate representative of part of the Palestinian people.

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Pakistan Warily Watches Obama Policies

President Barack Obama's arrival in office is being closely watched in Pakistan. Although they were allies in the war on terrorism, the two countries had a difficult relationship during the Bush years. People on the streets of Pakistan respond to the Obama administration.

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Study Busts Antarctica's Chill On Global Warming

The world makes more sense today for some scientists: New data show Antarctica is warming up after all. Researchers had been at a loss to explain why the rest of the planet is heating up, but not the southern continent. The new study has filled in the holes.

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Middle-East:Obama Tells Olmert, Abbas he Will Pursue Peace

By Jeffrey Heller JERUSALEM (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama pledged on Wednesday to pursue Middle East peace, telephoning Israeli and Palestinian leaders after Israel completed a troop withdrawal from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. In a call...

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The Obama Administration Official Agenda for Foreign Policy.

This is the full agenda from the pull out of Iraq to Afghanistan and the Middle-East.The White House web site has being redone and has added a blog.They also encourage people to contact them for comments and suggestions.

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Obama Sobering Challenges.

By Caren Bohan and Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama, acting swiftly on his first full day in office, summoned his economic team and war council on Wednesday to press ahead on plans for rescuing the economy and...

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Photos:War in Gaza-Bombing, Suffering and Destruction.

18 photographs capturing the irrational madness of war.

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Gazans Skeptical Obama Will Bring Mideast Change

In the Gaza Strip, where a tenuous cease-fire is holding, many Palestinians voiced doubts that the new Obama administration would mean a real change in U.S. policy in the Middle East.

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Paris Prosecutor Launches Probe into Madoff Affair

By Thierry Leveque PARIS (Reuters) - The Paris prosecutor's office has launched a preliminary investigation into the ramifications in France of the alleged scam orchestrated by the U.S. financier Bernard Madoff. ''We have launched a preliminary...

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Wall Street: No Celebration on Inauguration Day.

By Chuck Mikolajczak NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wall Street ushered in the Barack Obama presidency with a record Inauguration Day drop on Tuesday amid fresh signs the global bank crisis was far from over. High expectations for details on how the new...

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Re-Inaugurating the Enlightenment

Editor’s note: This essay is part one of series that answers the question, “what does the Election of Barack Obama mean to you?” from a variety of contributors and staff at Center Left.

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Gaza: Mitchell Considered as Envoy for Obama to Middle-East.

George J. Mitchell, the former senator from Maine, is said to be a leading candidate to be the Obama administration’s special envoy to the Middle East.

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Reuters:U.N. Chief Ban Sees ''Heartbreaking'' Gaza Damage.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Louis Charbonneau GAZA (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, voicing shock and anger at the ''heartbreaking'' devastation, visited the Gaza Strip on Tuesday to pledge aid for Palestinians after Israeli attacks killed...

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W Heads for Texas Leaving a Huge Mess Behind.

President Obama will find a note from George W.Bush in the desk of the oval office. The note should say: " Sorry, I created a huge mess, now you have to deal with it".

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Africa Celebrates Obama's Inauguration.

Especially in Kenya, the birth place of Obama's father.Two bulls were slaughtered in order to mark the celebration.

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Text of President Obama's Inauguration Speech.

The Speech.

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The 2009 Inauguration Photo Book.

You are invited to upload your pictures of the inauguration on this site.One of them could be published in the Inauguration Book project.

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Europe Opposes More Troops for Afghanistan: Poll

LONDON (Reuters) - Most voters in leading European countries believe their governments should resist any request by incoming U.S. President Barack Obama to send more troops to Afghanistan, according to an opinion poll published on Tuesday. The...

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CNN Proves Israel Started Gaza War, Broke Ceasefire In Nov

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The Massive Security Apparatus Behind the Inauguration.

The controversial security and surveillance web site Cryptome.org has obtained a "threat assessment " document for the inauguration week prepared jointly by the FBI, DHS and others.The Secret Service has the lead in the security operation.

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Gaza:Palestinians Reel at War's Toll

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinians took stock on Monday of the devastation from a three-week war in the Gaza Strip as a ceasefire took hold and Israeli forces pressed on with their gradual withdrawal from the Hamas-ruled...

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Israel Allows Journalists Back Into Gaza

Israeli officials kept foreign journalists out of Gaza during the past three weeks of fighting. But now that a cease-fire is in place, journalists have been allowed to return. Most of Gaza has been devastated. A lot of Palestinians say they have plans to rebuild.

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Israel Ties Gaza Pullout To Obama Inauguration

If a fragile cease-fire with Hamas holds, Israel says it will pull troops out of Gaza by the time President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in. But for peace to persist, Israel is demanding an end to arms smuggling — and Hamas is asking for the re-opening of crucial border crossings.

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Martin Luther King's Dream becomes Reality with Obama.

This is text, video and audio link of MLK's " I have a dream" speech.I don't think that when Dr. King spoke so eloquently in 1963 he could have imagined that an African-American would be elected to the highest officeof the land 46 years later. Without Dr.King, Rosa Park and all the one that fought for civil rights it would have been impossible.

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Obama Inaugural Celebration: Listen to it Live Right Here.

The enormous concert with an impressive line up, at the Lincoln Memorial,will start in 25 minutes.It will be aired on TV exclusively by HBO in the US, and on NPR for radio broadcast.For our overseas friends you can listen to the pod cast on this link.

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AP/NPR:Gaza truce takes hold, Israel troops begin leaving.

Israeli envoys sent to US and Egypt for truce talks.Hamas is requesting that Israeli troops withdraw within a week.Can the truce hold after the elections in Israel?

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Israel Rejects UN's Official Accusation of Gaza War Crimes.

By Luke Baker JERUSALEM (Reuters) - U.N. officials have said war crimes may have been committed during Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip -- a suggestion Israeli officials reject out of hand. ''These claims of war crimes are not supported by the...

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NPR:Israel Declares Cease-Fire

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Israel will unilaterally halt its 22-day offensive against Hamas but keep troops on the ground in Gaza for the time being.

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The Israel Lobby & US Politics.

For decades the combination of unwavering support for Israel and the related effort to spread "democracy" in the Middle-East has inflamed Arab & Islamic opinion and jeopardized US security.This situation has no equal in American political history.The Israel lobby has convinced Americans that US interests and those of Israel are identical.

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AIPAC: Inside America's Pro-Israel Lobby.

In this site, you will find AIPAC's fictional version of the tragedy in Gaza. Saying that they have a bias is an understatement, they are virtually the mouth piece of Israel war mongers. AIPAC has a considerable influence on US politics with both Republicans & Democrats.It is hard to get elected without their support.

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Gaza Ceasefire?Israel May Halt Gaza War.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli leaders were preparing to order a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, possibly as early as Saturday evening, political sources said. They may declare a halt to the three-week-old offensive without concluding...

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Gaza Tragedy:Israel is Losing the PR war and the Diaspora.

Jewish vehement opposition to Israel's nasty war in Gaza is growing and coming from all over the world. Yesterday, a Jewish British MP compared what Israel is doing to Palestinians to what Nazi did to Jews during the holocaust.Others, have compared the Gaza strip fate to the one of the Warsaw Ghetto.Israel is losing international Jewish support.

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Obama Needs to Re-Think the Strategy For Afghanistan.

When Barack Obama takes office next week, he'll inherit an increasingly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. A troop increase has already begun, but some question the signals that strategy sends. In addition, analysts urge Obama to take a regional approach.

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U.N. Chief Condemns Israeli Strike On Relief Agency

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in Gaza to push for a cease-fire, said he was outraged by the Israeli attack on a U.N. relief agency. At least three people were wounded, and hundreds of pounds of food were destroyed.

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U.S. Anti-Drug Information Leaked to Mexico Drug Cartels

By Mica Rosenberg MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Corrupt officials inside Mexico's security forces have leaked U.S. anti-drugs intelligence directly to drug traffickers to help them escape raids, a senior U.S. law enforcement agent said. A recent...

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Holder Says Bush Illegally Authorized Torture

Attorney General nominee Eric Holder today unequivocally declared that waterboarding is a form of torture, that “no one is above the law,” and that the president has no special authority to authorize torture. The president has no special authority to authorize torture.

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Bush's Farewell Speech: A Fictional Account of the 8 Years.

Following is the prepared text of President Bush’s address.

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World: Enough!

Today, the Israeli military bombed UN headquarters in Gaza, destroying stockpiled food and other humanitarian assistance to this population that has been under relentless attack since 27 December 2008. This has gone far enough. Here's what you can do to stop it.

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Bush's Crimes Against Humanity & the Planet.

Since Bush came to power 8 years ago,he has systematically flouted International laws and agreements that the US had previously endorsed. You will find here, the very long list and related links to the criminal activities in question. Bush will say farewell to America tonight and go to a cozy retirement,instead he should be put on trial.

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Gaza Crisis:Amnesty International Calls for Action.

20 days into the Gaza crisis,398 women & children are dead.Another 4,700 injured and 750,000 lack food,water & electricity.Amnesty International urges you to tell Congress to help humanitarian workers into Gaza and to suspend all transfers of weapons to Israel. Sign the petition and make you voice heard by calling your Congressman.

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Israeli Army Shells Gaza Including UN & Media Buildings.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Israel unleashed its heaviest shelling of Gaza's crowded neighborhoods Thursday, hitting a U.N. compound and a media building in what might be a final push against Hamas before a ceasefire deal. Hamas official...

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UK Foreign Minister Urges ''War on Terror'' Rethink

By Rina Chandran MUMBAI (Reuters) - British Foreign Secretary David Miliband called on Thursday for a rethink of the strategy against terrorism, saying the notion of a ''war on terror'' was misleading and mistaken in present times.....

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States of the Union Before and After Bush

This survey by the Pew Research paints the Bush era by the numbers. To the proverbial question: Were you better off 8 years ago? Americans are saying it loud and clear, it is a YES.

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Podcast: Noam Chomsky comments on the Gaza Massacre

50 min MP3 lecture, then Q & A. Sponsored by MIT Center for International Studies.Recorded by Chuck U. Rosina.

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Guantanamo Case Raises New Questions About Torture.

The Obama administration is likely to face new challenges in deciding what to do with terrorist suspects held at the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. That's especially true in light of the current chief prosecutor's statement that she refused to prosecute a key suspect in the 9/11 terrorist attacks because he had been tortured.

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Gaza War Complicates Upcoming Election In Israel

Israeli voters go to the polls Feb. 10 to elect a new parliament and a new prime minister. But the election has taken a back seat to the war in Gaza, the outcome of which could have a profound effect on the major contenders: Benjamin Netanyahu, Tzipi Livni and Ehud Barak.

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Battle Brewing Over Holder's Clinton-Era Decisions

The GOP is lining up witnesses for Thursday's confirmation hearing to question U.S. attorney general nominee Eric Holder on his role in pardons and clemencies when he was deputy attorney general under the Clinton administration.

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War of Choice: How Israel Manufactured the Gaza Escalation

Israel has repeatedly claimed that it had "no choice" but to wage war on Gaza on December 27 because Hamas had broken a ceasefire, was firing rockets at Israeli civilians, and had "tried everything in order to avoid this military operation," as Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni put it.

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Bin Laden Urges Jihad Against Israel

In an audiotape released today, Bin Laden urges for a global Jihad against Israel and Arab countries that he views as accomplice to the atrocities in Gaza. The attack on Gaza could be the best recruiting tool for Al-Qaida for years to come, just like after the US invasion of Iraq.

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Reuters:Rockets from Lebanon Hit Israel

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Three rockets fired from Lebanon hit northern Israel on Wednesday, causing no casualties, emergency services said, in the second such attack since Israeli forces launched their Gaza offensive. There was no immediate claim of...

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U.S. Official says Guantanamo Detainee Tortured: Report

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon official overseeing the tribunals for Guantanamo Bay detainees has concluded that the U.S. military tortured a Saudi national who allegedly planned to participate in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, The Washington Post...

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The War in Gaza: Worse Than a Crime, It's a Mistake.

Author Gwynne Dyer thinks the war in Gaza " Is mere window dressing for next month's Israeli elections". Adding further:" It is the usefulness, not its morality,that Israel should be questioning.Unless Israel re-occupies Gaza permanently, then once the army pulls back Hamas will be stronger than ever."Very good points.

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Gaza:The Blind War-Keeping the Press Out.

Veteran BBC's reporter Tom Fenton comments on the impossibility for foreign journalists to do their work and report on what he calls " A nasty little war".By their illegal (according to Israel's Supreme Court) ban,the Israeli government is showing a complete lack of respect for the freedom of the press.This startegy will backfire sooner than later.

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NPR:Quick End To Gaza Conflict Seen As Uncertain

As the conflict in Gaza drags into Day 18, no one, including the combatants themselves, knows whether the war is nearing an end or beginning a new, drawn-out and more deadly phase.So far 900 Palestinians have being killed and more then 4,000 seriously wounded.The UN Secretary General is in the region pressing for a ceasefire.

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Iraq US Troops Withdrawal:Biden Meets with PM.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President-elect Joe Biden met Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad on Tuesday to discuss withdrawing U.S. troops, seen as a major challenge for the incoming U.S. administration. ''Senator Joe Biden asserted...

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Israeli Forces Squeeze Gaza-Death Toll 900.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli forces tightened their hold around the city of Gaza on Tuesday and Israel's top general said ''there is still work ahead'' against Hamas in an 18-day-old offensive that has killed more than 900...

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Should Obama Prosecute Bush for Illegal Programs & Crimes?

Some people are calling for President-elect Obama to investigate programs associated with the torture of detainees and warrantless surveillance. But others caution to leave history to judge the Bush administration. What is to be gained in prosecuting the outgoing president?

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Gaza-Joe the Plumber: ‘I think media should be abolished.’

From reporting wars". Meanwhile, the mascot of the McCain/Palin's campaign is stretching is 15 minutes of fame to 45 by "reporting" on the Gaza conflict from Israel.With such a pro-Israeli bias that it would make even Wolf Blitzer sound " Fair & Balance".

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News or Propaganda?Israel, Hamas Take Gaza War into the Web.

Israel media concentrate on the rockets fired by Hamas.On the other side, the Palestinians speak of massacre of civilians.Meanwhile, Israel is still not allowing international journalists in Gaza in order to "control the message".The information/propaganda war is ragging on the internet, including on political social network sites such as Digg.

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Reuters:Palestinian Death Toll Tops 900-1/2 Civilians.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli troops fought gun battles with Hamas fighters on Monday, keeping military pressure on the Islamist group while avoiding all-out urban warfare that would complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the...

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Bush's Legacy Ratio:0.5%"Bull Horn Moment",99.5% BS Moments.

The White House went on war footing after Sept. 11, expanding executive authority and establishing a rationale for pre-emptive war. Framing every policy in terms of the attacks became the theme of the Bush era.

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Israel Sends Army Reservists into Gaza Battle.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli leaders trying to find a knockout blow for Hamas militants defying a 17-day-old assault on the Gaza Strip have thrown army reservists into battle. With the Palestinian death toll nearing 900 and world pressure building for an immediate ceasefire.

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Rights group: Israel Uses Incendiary Bombs in Gaza.

Human Rights Watch said Sunday that Israel used incendiary bombs in Gaza.The bombs and shells contains the chemical white phosphorous. White phosphorous causes very serious skin burns.

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Can America & the World Recover from Hurricane George?

We have 9 days left of the horrendous George W.Bush era.However, his "legacy" of wars, misery and global economy crash will be a lasting one.It is likely to take decades to overcome and clean up this incredible mess.Obama is getting a job that very few of us would like to have.

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Gaza:Israeli Forces Edge into Gaza City-900 Killed.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli forces edged into the Gaza Strip's most populous area on Sunday, killing at least 27 Palestinians in an offensive stepped up in defiance of international calls for a ceasefire. Medical officials said...

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A Modern Day Request for “Common Sense”

Today being the 232nd anniversary of Thomas Paine’s inspirational pamphlet “Common Sense” I feel it’s time this philosophy be applied to the current world with equal fervor and commitment as the original document. I make no claim...

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Biden in Afghanistan:Can We Have 2 VPs at a Time?

KABUL (Reuters) - Vice President-elect Joe Biden met Afghan President Hamid Karzai and military leaders on Saturday in Afghanistan, which will become a top foreign policy priority of the new administration. The Obama administration is justifying their silence on Gaza saying it "can be only 1 President at a time",how come this doesn't apply here?

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CODEPINK delivers White Roses to Obama, demands Gaza action

Photos and audio from the excellent protest action at the Hay-Adams hotel where Obama stays temporararily. The assault on Gaza must stop and Hamas's firing of rockets into Israel must stop. The blockade of Gaza must be lifted so that medicine, food, fuel and other necessities can flow freely into the territory.

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World Wide Public Opinion Turning Against Israel.

In London ten of thousands demonstrated against Israel's attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.Huge demonstrations also took place all over the Middle-East.The UN's Chief for Human rights is now pushing for investigations of war crimes.Meanwhile, 800 Palestinians have being killed, 1/2 of them civilians.Israel is making a lot of new enemies.

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Gaza: The Nightmare Continues for Palestinians-800 Killed.

Israel's attack on Hamas in the Gaza Strip entered its 3rd week as air and ground forces attacked more than 50 targets overnight and Saturday.Fierce fighting continues as both sides ignore a UN resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. Palestinian doctors in Gaza say more than 800 people have been killed so far, nearly half of them civilians.

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IDF officers admitt there was no gunfire from Gaza school

In briefings senior [Israel Defense Forces] officers conducted for foreign diplomats, they admitted the shelling to which IDF forces in Jabalya were responding did not originate from the school. UNRWA is demanding an objective investigation into whether the school shelling constituted a violation of international humanitarian law

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End The War:Protests Against Gaza War Held Around the World

Friday has seen both peaceful and violent protests throughout the Middle East and elsewhere in the world, as ordinary people express their opposition to Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza.

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Reuters:U.N. Rights Chief Calls for Gaza War Crimes Probe.

By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - The top U.N. human rights official called on Friday for independent investigations into possible war crimes committed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for...

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Anyone who justifies this war also justifies all its crimes

All those who support the war also support the horror.

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Calls on UN to Investigate War Crimes in Gaza.

Today,Amnesty International sent an open letter to the UN:"As fighting continues in violation of the UN Security Council's near unanimous adoption(on Jan. 8) of resolution 1860 calling for an immediate & durable ceasefire in Gaza.We call on the UN to take firm action to ensure full accountability for war crimes & serious abuses of human rights."

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Gaza: Peace in the Middle East

Last week, the United Nations, United States, European Union, and Russian called for a cease fire between Israel and Hamas . Considering what has been happening since 2005 , , , , one has to assume this is either a face saving exercise or political maneuvering....

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Reuters:Israel Rebuffs U.N. Resolution and Pursues Gaza War.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Israel rejected a U.N. resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza on Friday and, as jets and tanks again pounded the Palestinian enclave, announced no decision on whether to step up its two-week-old war on Hamas...

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The UN Pressure on Israel is Growing.

Troubled by escalating Gaza violence, a UN committee calls the situation unacceptable and untenable and urges the Security Council to take immediate actions and fulfill its Charter mandate.

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Gaza:UN Accuse Israel of Deliberate Attacks on Workers.

Today, the UN made the decision to suspend its humanitarian operation in Gaza. The first major problem was the bombing of a school being used as a UN shelter facility, the second the intentional attack of a UN ambulance who had an approved clearance from the IDF.The Red Cross is also voicing great concerns about the treatment of wounded civilians.

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News from Inside Gaza:The Untold Story.

Sameh A. Habeeb is a Palestinian journalist and blogger based in Gaza.The blogger is literally working under bomb attacks and facing constant power shortage, not to forget 3 anonymous calls to stop blogging or else be killed.Sameh reports that 770 Palestinians are dead with 3,500 wounded.

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J. Street:The pro-Peace Jewish Lobby.

J Street has being established to advocate a new direction in American policy in the Middle-East through diplomatic solutions rather than military ones.J Street is urging for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.The new organization was created to counter balance the tremendous influence on US policies of the pro-Israeli(and war mongering) AIPAC.

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Riots erupt in Oakland after slain father laid to rest

Protests erupted shortly after a young man killed by a subway police officer was laid to rest in Oakland on Wednesday night.

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U.N. Halts Gaza Aid As Lebanon Rockets Hit Israel

Rockets rained down on Israel from southern Lebanon on Thursday, sparking fears of a possible second front in the ongoing conflict with Palestinian militants in Gaza. The Israeli military has been battling Hamas there for nearly two weeks.More then 700 Palestinians have being killed, and more than 2,500 are seriously wounded.

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Afghans Say U.S.-led Raid Kills 17 Civilians

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned on Thursday a U.S.-led coalition military operation that his office said killed 17 civilians, including women and children. The U.S. military said only militants had been killed in the...

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Red Cross Accuses Israel of Neglecting Gaza Wounded.

Today,the Red Cross said it has discovered shocking scenes in Gaza -including small children next to their mothers' corpses- when they gained access to part of Gaza.The Red Cross accused Israel of failing to meet obligation to care for the wounded.

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Reuters:Rockets Fired from Lebanon Hit Israel

By Allyn Fisher-Ilan JERUSALEM (Reuters) - At least four rockets fired from Lebanon exploded in northern Israel on Thursday, wounding two people, police and medics said, in an attack likely linked to Israel's offensive against Hamas Islamists in the...

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"The Wrestler": Mickey Rourke's Tour De Force.

In this film, Mickey Rourke is doing a brilliant come back. His performance is beautifully simple & incredibly touching.He is likely to get an Oscar nomination for it, and he will be a tough contender to beat.

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US Taxpayers Dollars at Work Bombing Gaza.

Most Americans are not aware how much of their tax revenue the US government sends to Israel.For 1997 alone,Israel was given 6.72 billion.Since 1949,the US has given Israel a total amount of $133.132 billion.One US administration after the other has claimed that the "Special Relationship" with Israel was also a strategic one.

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Israel's Supreme Court Rules Gaza Open to Press.

After a filling by the Foreign Press Association, the Israeli Supreme Court has ruled that foreign journalists should be allowed into Gaza. However, The Israeli government and the IDF is still preventing any international journalist to get into Gaza in a blatant violation of Israel's own legal system and Supreme Court.

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Gates Says Afghan Surge May Cost $5.5 Billion in Fiscal 09

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates has told Congress that a planned buildup of U.S. forces in Afghanistan could add $5.5 billion to U.S. war costs in the current federal fiscal year, officials said on Wednesday.

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Gaza:Obama's Silence Frustrates Middle-East Leaders.

President-elect Obama is getting sharp critics from Arab leaders.Iraq Prime Minister Al-Maliki expresses his concerns.

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Obama Still Deflects Gaza Questions:Diplomatic Blunder?

Obama maintains he cannot comment until he Is President, arguing that it would constitute a "legal & constitutional problem". It could damage the standing of the upcoming Obama administration as far as being perceived as a fair peace broker in the Middle-East.His silence is interpreted in the Arab world as a tacit agreement with George W.Bush.

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W. Worst President Ever? Debating Bush's Legacy.

President Bush leaves office as one of the least popular presidents ever, but he says it's up to history to judge him. Bush likes to recall that Harry Truman was widely reviled when he left the White House 56 years ago but decades later became an icon of strength in adversity.What do you think of the "Decider"'s legacy, Truman or Hoover?

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Gaza Crisis:Egypt & France Floats Truce Plan

The killing of 42 yesterday at a UN school resulted in an increase of pressure on Israel from the international community to reach a ceasefire.Today,Israel granted access to emergency vehicles for 3 hours.The fighting has now resumed.Obama in his press conference today did not break his silence on the matter quoting "constitutional constrains".

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The US & Israel:Debating the "Special Relationship"

The U.S. has consistently supported Israel in its conflict with Hamas, while other countries decry Israel's response as disproportionate. Israel also gets financial, diplomatic and military support from Washington. How and when might the U.S. government leverage influence on Israel, despite the powerful pro-Israel lobby in Washington?

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Nightmare Scenario: China Liquidating its US Assets.

China owns 3 Trillion of the US economy in various assets, mainly in Treasury Bonds.If they would cash out, it would be an economic apocalypse.Journalist James Fallows explores China's recent rise to power and what it means for the US in his new book of essays, Postcards Tomorrow Square.

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Obama's Silence over the Gaza Crisis Could be Damaging.

Obama didn't have any problem making comments on foreign issues such as the Russia/Georgia conflict and again after the Mumbai's attacks.However, he hasn't said a word on the serious situation in Gaza, using the tired argument of " One President at a time".This decision could seriously undermine his ability to act as a serious peace broker.

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Gaza:Israeli Tank fire kills 40 Civilians at U.N. School.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli tank shells killed at least 40 Palestinians on Tuesday at a U.N. school where civilians had taken shelter, medical officials said, in carnage likely to boost international calls for a halt to Israel's...

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Judge Urged To Jail Madoff Without Bail

Prosecutors in New York are asking a judge to put Bernard Madoff behind bars without bail. They told the judge Monday that the disgraced financier had violated bail conditions by mailing about $1 million worth of jewelry and other assets to relatives. At the same time in Washington, a House hearing got under way on how regulators missed the...

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No Shortage of Teh Stupid

A rant about various (connected?) events, from the burning of a supposedly cheating husband to the ex-Bushwa's hopes for a presidency for another son (deity forbid!), interspersed with pictures of Suburban Assault Vehicles and La Casa de Los Gatos' trademarked Bat o' Clue. As a compilation, it doesn't really belong in Pol News, but ...

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Leon Panetta:CIA Director.

Find out more about the former Chief of Staff in the Clinton administration from his own web site at the Panetta Institute.

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Window Into Palestine: Israel's war of terror against Gaza

Israel is still refusing to grant access to international journalists in Gaza. Just like the US did in Iraq, they want to control the message and make sure the world wide public opinion is not turning against them over the massacre taking place in Gaza.This site is pro-Palestinian.In my opinion, we should hear their side of the story.

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Jewish Voices Against the Massacre in Gaza.

Warren Goldstein writes:"There are far too many reasons to feel distress,sadness and anger about Israel's massive air bombardment & invasion of Gaza.Its shortsightedness;Its counterproductive lethality;The self-righteousness of the so called friends of Israel".American Jews are not all lining up to support Israeli bombs & tanks ravaging Gaza.

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Obama Seeks Major Tax Cuts($310 Billion) in Stimulus Plan

By Thomas Ferraro WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama, seeking to drum up support from both political parties, plans to propose up to $310 billion in tax cuts for businesses and the middle class as part of his massive economic...

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Israelis Press Gaza Offensive; Truce Efforts Begin

As Israeli forces pound Hamas fighters, civilian casualties mount. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is in the region to spearhead efforts for a cease-fire. Israeli troops have surrounded Gaza City and are in the third day of a ground offensive.

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Foreign Journalists Are Still Not Allowed into Gaza.

Earlier this week, the Israeli army agreed to allow 8 international journalists into Gaza proper, but the army is still not coming through on its promises despite mounting pressure.A reporter from CNN even protested while on the air.If the state of Israel doesn't have anything to hide they should let journalists do their jobs in Gaza.

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Nightmare in Gaza:Fear and Dire Shortages for Civilians.

Gaza civilians are left exposed in Israel's ground invasion.The number of casualties on the Palestinian side is now more than 500 with more than 1,800 wounded. Basic food & water shortages have now reach a critical stage, affecting all of the 1.5 million Palestinians.The medical facilities are overwhelmed and short of even basic medical supplies.

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AP/NPR:Richardson withdraws bid to be commerce secretary

Richardson withdraws bid to be commerce secretary.

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Suicide bomber kills 35 at Baghdad shrine

By Waleed Ibrahim and Aseel Kami BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A suicide bomber infiltrated a crowd of Shi'ite pilgrims and blew himself up, killing at least 35 people and wounding at least 79 at a Shi'ite shrine in Baghdad on Sunday, Iraqi officials...

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Cheney:" U.S. Close to Achieving its Goals in Iraq"

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Vice President Dick Cheney said on Sunday the United States was close to achieving its aims in Iraq. Interviewed on CBS's ''Face the Nation,'' Cheney offered another spirited defense of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, of which...

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BANNED VIDEO.....pulled from Youtube.....WARNING!!

Real war with real women, children, maimed, bleeding and dead. This is the video that was just posted on Youtube...and pulled down. It shows what is going on in the Gaza Strip after Israel dropped some bombs.

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Jews Against Israel Massacre of Palestinians in Gaza.

Rabbi Meir Hirsch is an Orthodox Jew,he belongs to Neturei Karta ( Jews United against Zionism).He just wrote to the UN:"The state of Israel is using its military power and is demanding that the world watch silently as they continue to hammer Palestinians.The state sponsored terrorism practiced by Israel must be condemned and stopped."

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Unemployment Benefits:A Broken Safety Net.

The benefits for America's unemployed are outdated and skimpy compared with the system in other industrialized countries.It pays lower benefits for less time and to a smaller share of the unemployed. This issue should be on the top of President-elect Obama's domestic priorities.

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It’s Saturday, Let’s go for a Backpedal

I’m starting to realize both here and on Center Left that people don’t know me quite like I know me, so rather than show you yet another picture of my dead cat, I’m going to take a Saturday out and clarify a couple of things.

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Israeli air strike kills top Hamas military leader

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - An Israeli air strike killed a senior commander of Hamas's armed wing on Saturday while the Islamist group's leader warned the Israeli army, currently massing on the border, would be defeated if it invaded...

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Human Rights Group says U.S. Response to Gaza Lopsided.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Human rights group Amnesty International on Friday accused the United States of having a ''lopsided'' response to the crisis in Gaza and told the top U.S. diplomat to press all sides to reach an immediate ceasefire. In a letter...

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Pew Research: What is Your News IQ?

The Pew Research Center has put together a news IQ quiz.Please, take the quiz and see how well you did in comparison with 1,000 randomly sampled adults in a recent national survey.

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Barack Obama: The Poet.

This is one the two poems written by Obama and made available to us by the Library of Congress. The title is " Underground" it is from 1982."The apes howl,bare their fangs. Dance,Tumble in the rushing water"

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Recalling Castro's Ascension — And CIA Reaction

Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba 50 years ago today, as dictator Fulgencio Batista fled the island and people poured into the streets to celebrate. U.S. reaction to Castro was mixed, but Castro had supporters inside the U.S. government. Many were in the CIA — the agency that would soon try to overthrow him.

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Gaza:Israeli Strike Kills Hamas Political Leader

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Israel killed a senior Hamas leader in an air attack on his home on Thursday, striking its first deadly blow against the top ranks of the Islamist group in a Gaza offensive that has claimed more than 400...

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