March 23rd, 2009

Suing Politicians for Political Malpractice
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Middle East Times
March 23, 2009 - 12:00am


Have you ever wondered what the real problem is with politics? Why is it that in politics everything takes years and decades to accomplish when in the private sector life moves at a faster pace? The answer is because, for the most part, politicians are only accountable to themselves. Oh, of course, in democracies those elected to office answer to the electorate at the end of the day. But in some cases that day can be a pretty long one.


Suing Politicians for Political Malpractice
Media Mention of Ziad Asali In The Middle East Times - March 23, 2009 - 12:00am

A QUESTION OF ACCOUNTABILITY: In the waning days of the George W. Bush administration, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finalized new guidelines making it easier to promote "off-label" drug uses that medical experts say could lead to deadly prescriptions for patients. Douglas Briggs, of Cornelius, NC, USA killed himself after taking Neurontin, a drug approved for epilepsy to help ease his back pain but is suspected of causing suicidal behavior. (Family/Charlotte Observer via Newscom)


Reality check: Tied in knots?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Jeff Barak - (Opinion) March 22, 2009 - 12:00am


Ehud Barak's shameless determination to stay on at the Defense Ministry, even at the expense of destroying the Labor Party and making a mockery of the election results, is diverting attention from a more problematic ministerial appointment: the choice of Avigdor Lieberman as foreign minister.


Israeli Soldiers Confirm Indiscriminate Killing, Destruction in Gaza
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Middle East Times
by Mel Frykberg - March 23, 2009 - 12:00am


Testimony coming to light, starting last week, from a growing number of Israeli soldiers who took part in Israel's three-week bloody offensive in Gaza in January, codenamed Operation Cast Lead, is confirming what the media and human rights organizations have been saying for several months. Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations, among others, accused Israel of committing extensive war crimes in Gaza and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.


Netanyahu signs coalition deal with hawkish Shas
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press
March 23, 2009 - 12:00am


Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brought a nationalist religious party into his emerging coalition today, taking a major step toward securing the parliamentary majority he needs to form a government. As Netanyahu wrapped up the deal with the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party, he also launched formal coalition talks with the centrist Labour Party in the hope of moderating what is shaping up to be a narrow, hawkish government. Adding Labour could provide stability and international credibility, but many Labour politicians oppose joining forces with Netanyahu.


Responsibility sought by injured American's parents
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Ronen Medzini - March 23, 2009 - 12:00am


The parents of American national Tristan Anderson, who was critically injured during a protest in Naalin against the security fence by a tear gas shell fired by anti-riot forces, held a press conference Monday in Jerusalem. Nancy and Mike Anderson said their son never presented a threat to anyone and demanded that the State of Israel take responsibility for their son.


The myth of the Israeli unity government
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The National
(Editorial) March 23, 2009 - 12:00am


Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for two more weeks to form a coalition, the maximum allotted time under Israeli law, is neither surprising nor particularly encouraging. While the prime minister designate has stated that he is taking the additional time to forge a broader coalition, there is more self-interest behind the decision than any real enthusiasm for the peace process. Nor is there real reason to believe that a coalition government that embraces more than just the Right would be any greater friend of peace.


A Religious War in Israel’s Army
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Ethan Bronner - (Analysis) March 21, 2009 - 12:00am


The publication late last week of eyewitness accounts by Israeli soldiers alleging acute mistreatment of Palestinian civilians in the recent Gaza fighting highlights a debate here about the rules of war. But it also exposes something else: the clash between secular liberals and religious nationalists for control over the army and society. Several of the testimonies, published by an institute that runs a premilitary course and is affiliated with the left-leaning secular kibbutz movement, showed a distinct impatience with religious soldiers, portraying them as self-appointed holy warriors.


Israeli Soldiers Confirm Indiscriminate Killing, Destruction in Gaza
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Middle East Times
by Mel Frykberg - March 23, 2009 - 12:00am


Testimony coming to light, starting last week, from a growing number of Israeli soldiers who took part in Israel's three-week bloody offensive in Gaza in January, codenamed Operation Cast Lead, is confirming what the media and human rights organizations have been saying for several months. Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations, among others, accused Israel of committing extensive war crimes in Gaza and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.


Netanyahu signs coalition deal with hawkish Shas
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press
March 23, 2009 - 12:00am


Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brought a nationalist religious party into his emerging coalition today, taking a major step toward securing the parliamentary majority he needs to form a government. As Netanyahu wrapped up the deal with the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party, he also launched formal coalition talks with the centrist Labour Party in the hope of moderating what is shaping up to be a narrow, hawkish government. Adding Labour could provide stability and international credibility, but many Labour politicians oppose joining forces with Netanyahu.



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