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Category: Middle East

  • Protect Iraq’s Turkmen Cultural Heritage from Barbaric “Kurdish” Terrorists

    Protect Iraq’s Turkmen Cultural Heritage from Barbaric “Kurdish” Terrorists

    by Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis

    November 13, 2008

    In five previous articles, entitled “William Guthrie´s Turcomania: the Correct Name for Inexistent Kurdistan” ), “Jews and Turkmen Can Prosper Again in Tuz Khurmatu – With Turkey Annexing North Iraq” ), “Iraq´s Turkmenia to Merge with Turkey: Primary Concern of All Turks and Muslims” ), “Tombstone on Fake Kurdistan: Turkmen Political and Religious Movements in Iraq” ), and “Turkmen Culture and Literature in Northern Iraq – True Identity vs. Fake Kurdish Propaganda” ), I published the first five chapters of an insightful book published by Mofak Salman Kerkuklu, one of the Turkmen foremost intellectuals, on “The Turkmen City of Tuz Khormatu”.

    As the book bears witness to the Turkmen identity of the Northern Iraqi city, it consists in an excellent refutation of disastrous plans that provide for the formation of a fake state ´Kurdistan´ which will plunge into strife and disaster the subjugated non-Kurdish nations and ethno-religious groups, either those identified as unrelated (Turkmen, Aramaean, Jewish) or those labeled “Kurds” (Zaza, Sorani, Yazidi, Ahl-e Haq, Feyli, etc.).

    In the present article, I publish the book´s sixth and seventh chapters, which are dedicated to the historical places and the social life in Tuz Khormatu, in Northern Iraq. Through various testimonies, the unbreakable interconnection with Turkey and the Ottoman Empire, Azerbaijan and Central Asia is highlighted.

    This chapter´s subject is politically critical because the international community, and more particularly the US – for the time they plan or will be able to sustain US soldiers there – are responsible for the preservation of the Turkmen cultural identity and heritage in the US-occupied North Iraq.

    The paranoid US – EU decision to consider terrorist groups as possible interlocutors and to unwisely demonstrate predilection to unrepresentative political groups that have provenly terrorized other nations and ethno-religious groups risks leading to situations encountered in Taleban Afghanistan, involving destruction of culturally significant sites and archeological places within a project of elimination of the targeted nations´ and ethno-religious groups´ proofs of historicity and historical prevalence over the fabricated nation “Kurds”. In this regard, several Turkmen, Aramaean (mistakenly called ´Assyrian´), Yazidi and Mandaean sites should be immediately included into the World Heritage List of the UNESCO (see: .

    The Turkmen historicity of many lands falsely claimed as ´Kurdish´ will be one of the obstacles to the evil plans of the Apostate Freemasonic Lodge to set up a bogus-state called Kurdistan that will be the Hell-on-Earth.

    The Turkmen City of Tuz Khormatu

    By Mofak Salman Kerkuklu

    Historical places in Tuz Khormatu

    The history of Tuz Khormatu goes back to ancient times. There are several temples, shrines and historical places in Tuz Khormatu, which I would like to mention.

    6.1 Gawer Kalasi (Christian Castle)

    One of the most important historical places in Tuz Khormatu to visit is the Gawer Kalasi, which means ´Christian castle´ in the Turkmen language. The history of the castle goes back to the Assyrian era. The Gawer Kalasi is located at the top of the Murtada Riza Mountain, which overlooks the Ak Su River, opposite the Tuzlug.

    6.2 The Shrine of the Sepulcher of Imam Murtada

    The shrine of the sepulcher of Imam Murtada is located on the top of the Mursa Ali Dagi (´Mursa Ali Mountain´), overlooking the Ak Su River. The shrine was deliberately destroyed by the previous Ba´ath regime. After the toppling of Saddam Hussein´s regime, the shrine was rebuilt with donations from the people of Tuz Khormatu. The local Turkmen people restored the shrine with the consent of the Tuz Khormatu councilor, and the permission and knowledge of the Deputy Governor of Kirkuk; however, the Kurdish militia, who are attached to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, destroyed the sepulcher of Imam Murtada on the 23rd August, 2003. The destruction of the shrine led to a big protest by the Turkmen in the district, which resulted in the death of seven Turkmen, who were shot by the Kurdish militia when they opened fire on the civilian Turkmen protestors.

    6.3 Ottoman Mosque (Eski Osmanli Camesi)

    There are several historical mosques in the city of Tuz Khormatu and one of these is the Eski Osmanli Camesi ´Ottoman Mosque´. The mosque was built in the era of Sultan Abdulhamid the Second, in 1887. The Eski Osmanli Camesi is located next to the Baglar Tuker River and opposite the Umuma Ve Tufula Clinic (the ´general baby clinic´). The Eski Osmanli Mosque consists of several rooms, libraries and a visitors´ room and has a huge garden. Mullah Mohammed, a religious figure, was the first Imam to preach in the mosque; he was followed by Mullah Taha. After the death of Mulla Taha, his son, Mullah Cemal, was appointed as imam of the mosque on the 25th of April 1925.[1]

    Mullah Cemal Taha was born in 1906. He was very active, hospitable, kind and extremely generous. He believed in reformation in society. He was also very explicit and knowledgeable in explaining the Holy Koran and he was a well known poet in the area.

    6.4 Shrine of the Sepulcher of Imam Ahmet

    The shrine of the sepulcher of Imam Ahmet and his graveyard are located in east Tuz Khormatu. The shrine of the sepulcher of Imam Ahmet dates back to the family of Imam Moussa Al_Kazim. The shrine is visited by the people and has a tremendous religious value in Turkmen Shi’aa society.

    6.5 The Great Prophet Mosque and Husseiniya Tuz Al_Kabir

    The Great Prophet Mosque and Husseinieh Tuz Al kabir were both built with local donations and the mosque is located in the Husseinieh Bazaar. The Husseinieh was originally a house belonging to a religious figure, Kazim Khalow El Assaf, but he had no next of kin. After his death, in his will, he donated his house to the mosque. The house was then converted to a mosque in 1926. The conversion was carried out with the help of local donations and the religious figure Sheikh Mohammed Ali Al Kenchi was appointed as the first Imam of the mosque in 1960. He later moved and settled in Baghdad and his positioned was filled by Sheikh Ibrahim Al Mushkini. [2]

    The Husseinieh Tuz Al kabir was continuously refurbished by local donations and has been used continuously by the locals for religious festivals and especially during the fasting month of Ramadan and the months of Muharram Al haram and Seffer, which are very important months for the Muslim people.

    6.6 Shrine of the Sepulcher of Imam Hassan

    The shrine of the sepulcher of Imam Hassan is located in the north of the Tuz Khormatu district.

    6.7 Imam Ali Mosque (Cami Albaghdadi)

    Jewad Kazim Al Bahgdadi knows the Imam Ali Mosque as the Al Bahgdadi Mosque. It was built in 1966. The mosque consists of several rooms, including a library and a reception room and has a huge garden. Imam Sheikh Ghulam Ali Sekhendan was appointed as the first Imam of the mosque. The mosque was administered by Haj Mohammed Ahmed Beyrakdar.

    The mosque is located in the Safer neighborhood near the shrine of Shah Ma´asuma and a Husseinieh is attached to the mosque.

    In addition, there is another well known historical mosque, named the Al Cumhuriya Mosque, which is located in the Al Cumhuriya neighborhood on the main road of the district. The mosque was built in 1982. Moreover, there are other mosques in the district: dating back to 1250, such as the Bagi Mosque, Kinar Teppe Mosque and Imam Ahmet Mosque. [3]

    6.8 Diwan Khana Qanber Agha

    The Diwan Khana Qanber Agha is located on the Buyuk Arkh River opposite the house that was built by the well known builder Usta Said in 1923 for the Haj Qanber.

    The Diwan Khana Qanber Agha was used as a hospice for visitors from various places. In addition, it has been used by the local population as a gathering point, to discuss and solve problems that have occurred among the public. After the death of the Haj Qanber, his son Zaynal Abdin Agha took over. The ruins of the Diwan Khana are still present in the area. [4]

    6.9 Ulu Teppe and Pesh Permak

    One of the historical places in Tuz Khormatu is Ulu Teppa (Ulu Hill). Ulu Teppe is five metres high and the site has been registered as a historical place by the Iraqi archaeological office. Archaeological excavations in the Ulu Teppe area are still in process.

    Another historical site in the north east of Ulu Teppe is called Bes Permak, which means ´Five Fingers´ in the Turkmen language; the building looks like five fingers and the place is built from bricks. There is some suggestion by historians that the building was used for food preparation by the people living in the Gawer Kalasi (´the castle of the Christians´). This site dates back to the Khoriyeen Era. [5]

    In addition, on the main road towards the Turkmen sub‐district named Yenkija, substantial historical remains, such as pottery and broken bricks, have been found by Iraqi archaeologists in the area named Tasli Teppe, which means ´Rock Hill´ in the Turkmen language.

    Archaeological excavations in this area are still in process and the site has been registered as a historical place at the Iraqi archaeological office. [6]

    6.10 The Jewish Synagogue (Torah)

    The Jewish Synagogue in Tuz Khormatu is located next to the Buyuk Arkh – which means ´the Big Stream´ in the Turkmen language – on the east of the Tuz Khormatu district. The history of Jewish Synagogue in Tuz Khormatu goes back to the 1307H. The Jews who were living in area built the Synagogue.

    The Synagogue consists of several rooms and a large hall and is 12 × 8 square metres. The shape of the Star of David is built in the ceiling of the hall. A swimming pool was built next to the Jewish Synagogue, which was used on Saturdays by the Jewish community as a part of their religious worship.[7]

    There is also a Jewish graveyard, bearing names such as ´Makberat Alyahud´, which is loca ted at the site of the Shuala School. The graveyard was converted to government buildings and agricultural offices after the emigration of the Jews from Tuz Khormatu in 1951. [8]

    6.11 Dokuz Daglik

    One of the historical places in Tuz Khormatu is Dukuz Daglik, which means ´nine mountains´ in the Turkmen language and is located at the east of the Murtada Ali Dagi (Murtada Ali Mountain). There is a series of caves embedded inside of the mountain: these caves were used as a hiding place during World War One. [9]

    6.12 Buyuk Kayseri and Buyuk Kan

    The Khan and the Marquee at the Kayseri Bazaar is known as Khan Canet Casim. Sheikler Hassan built it; he originally came from the Tisin neighborhood in the city of Kirkuk. The Khan is linked to several shops inside the Kayseri Bazaar. There are over 30 highly decorative shops within the closed market. These shops were built in 1863; they have also been used as resting and exchange point for storing commodities. [10]

    Social life in Tuz Khormatu

    Turkmen society in Tuz Khormatu is very family oriented; people living in the district are almost related to each other, and the old family lines are preserved to date.

    The population of the district before the 1960s could be considered as one big family, in that everyone helps each other and provides aid for the welfare of the needy, even nowadays.

    In fact, the overwhelming population in Tuz Khormatu are related to each other; intermarriages among families and relatives are common. The society in the district is based on helping and providing aid to each other, visiting the sick and providing help for those in need. Religious buildings, such as Al hussieniya, have been used regularly for celebration and for family gatherings.

    Notes

    1. Salahaddin Najioglu, Tuz Khormatu Kadiman and Hadithin, published in Tuz Khormatu, Iraq, 16/3/1972, page 86

    2. Salahaddin Najioglu, Tuz Khormatu Kadiman and Hadithin, published in Tuz Khormatu, Iraq, 16/3/1972, page 52

    3. Ibid, page 53

    4. Salahaddin Najioglu, Tuz Khormatu Kadiman and Hadithin, published in Tuz Khormatu, Iraq, 16/3/1972, page 66

    5. Salahaddin Najioglu, Tuz Khormatu Kadiman and Hadithin, published in Tuz Khormatu, Iraq, 16/3/1972, page 65

    6. Ibid, page 65

    7. Ibid, page 65

    8. Ibid, page 65

    9. Ibid, page 66

    10. Salahaddin Najioglu, Tuz Khormatu Kadiman and Hadithin, published in Tuz Khormatu, Iraq, 16/3/1972, page 66

    Note

    Picture: Tuz Khurmatu socializing: Ilangoz Akber, Nuri Fatah Pasha, Qanber Effendi, Rashid Sadik Cayir and Mahdi Ali Effendi, 1960

  • No restriction for expansion of Iran-Turkey ties: president

    No restriction for expansion of Iran-Turkey ties: president

    Tehran, Nov 17, IRNA

    President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Sunday evening that there is no obstacle in the way of further expansion of Tehran-Ankara all-out cooperation.

    In a meeting with the visiting Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi Guler, he expressed hope that bilateral relations would further boost in all areas.

    Terming his August visit to Turkey as a crucial and determining visit, the president said the visit was in line with the two countries mutual interest.

    During Ahmadinejad’s visit to Turkey, a joint statement was issued by the two sides stressing the importance of energy in economic development of the two states.

    The two sides agreed to promote the level of cooperation in the fields of energy, gas and oil to the highest level and try to finalize agreements signed between the two capitals in 2007 and 2008 to this end.

    Guler expressed his satisfaction with the current level of cooperation between the two neighboring states.

    He reiterated that Ankara attaches great importance to expansion of ties with Tehran.

    The Turkish energy minister further called for materialization of the agreements reached between the two sides.

    Guler, heading a delegation, arrived in Tehran Saturday evening to finalize a gas accord with Iranian officials.

  • ERDOGAN VISITS THE UNITED STATES: ECONOMY AND RELATIONS WITH OBAMA ON THE AGENDA

    ERDOGAN VISITS THE UNITED STATES: ECONOMY AND RELATIONS WITH OBAMA ON THE AGENDA

    By Saban Kardas

    Monday, November 17, 2008

    Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the United States to attend the G-20 Summit, where he joined the leaders of developed and industrializing nations to discuss the global financial crisis. In addition to his participation in the summit activities, Erdogan held bilateral meetings with several world leaders.  

    In his public statements throughout the trip, Erdogan underlined the importance of international cooperation in fighting the global crisis. Having emphasized the experience that Turkey had gathered from its own economic recovery programs as a result of the devastating crises of the 1990s and early-2000s, Erdogan maintained that his country represented a hope and a model for those countries seeking a way out of the current crisis (www.akparti.org.tr, November 13; Yeni Safak, November 16).

    These inflated statements aside, how the AKP government will cope with the global financial crisis and whether it will seek help from the IMF had been matters of debate (EDM, October 31). Since the AKP came to power in 2002, reducing Turkey’s dependence on the IMF has been one of the government’s primary economic goals. The AKP has been arguing that Turkey could overcome the current crisis without significant support from the international community. Since the previous stand-by agreement with the IMF expired in May, Turkey has been resisting another arrangement with the IMF because of the strict fiscal conditions it would impose (New York Times, November 7).

    During the G-20 Summit Erdogan met with Managing Director of the IMF Dominique Strauss-Kahn on November 14, and their teams had additional talks on November 15. Erdogan also met the President of the World Bank Robert Zoellick. The World Bank is expected to increase credits to Turkey to support various projects dealing with small and medium-sized enterprises and renewable energy (www.cnnturk.com; Anatolian Agency, November 15).

    The statements coming from both sides following the meeting between Erdogan and Strauss-Kahn indicate that Turkey might be reversing its stubborn position on IMF aid. Both parties stressed that Turkey would maintain cooperation with the IMF in the future. Economic sources speculated that a new stand-by agreement worth $15 to $20 billion might be signed soon, although differences of opinion remain about the extent and kind of IMF aid to Turkey (www.tgrthaber.com.tr, November 16; Today’s Zaman, November 17). Experts believe that the decision, albeit late, to start negotiations with the IMF is a step in the right direction (Referans, November 17).

    Erdogan also gave two public talks, in which he outlined the parameters of the new activism in Turkish foreign policy and Turkey’s strategic partnership with the United States, as well as developments in domestic politics. On November 13 Erdogan spoke at a conference at Columbia University, entitled “Turkey’s Role in Shaping the Future” (www.ntvmsnbc.com, November 14). On November 14 Erdogan discussedTurkish foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. During these addresses, he congratulated U.S. President-elect Barack Obama and emphasized that Turkey was ready to work with the new administration, provided that it was sensitive to Turkey’s priorities.

    On relations with Armenia, Erdogan repeated Turkey’s position that the issue must be dealt with by the parties concerned through channels of dialogue already established. He warned the incoming administration not to let ethnic lobbies dictate American policy and spoil bilateral relations between Turkey and the United States (Hurriyet Daily News, November 17).

    On the issue of nuclear proliferation and Iran, Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s new-found role as peace broker and criticized U.S.-led efforts against Tehran. Earlier in the week, the New York Times reported that Erdogan had offered to mediate between Iran and the incoming Obama administration (New York Times, November 11). During his talk at the Brookings Institution, Erdogan said that given the trust Turkey had built up with Iran, it was better positioned than the EU’s troika to facilitate talks with Tehran. Some of his remarks on this issue were, however, more controversial. Erdogan maintained that trying to force Iran to drop its nuclear program while other countries maintained nuclear arsenals was no ground for reducing tension. He instead urged the countries pressuring Iran to eliminate such weapons themselves, which would be a better basis for a comprehensive solution (www.cnnturk.com, November 15). Erdogan’s call for “total nuclear disarmament” has been criticized as a fundamental deviation from Turkey’s official position (Milliyet, November 15).

    On the issue of Iraq, Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s positive contributions to the reconstruction efforts there. He criticized Obama for setting a clear exit date, however. He expressed concerns about a premature American withdrawal, arguing that Iraq’s infrastructure had not matured enough. (Cihan Haber Ajansi, November 14). U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesman Robert Wood criticized Erdogan’s assessment as overly pessimistic (Washington Times, November 15).

    There were questions about whether Erdogan would meet Obama during the trip; but because Obama has decided not to meet foreign leaders before his inauguration, Erdogan searched out people who were likely to shape Obama’s policies. In a separate meeting during his visit, Erdogan met with Obama’s advisers Madeline Albright, Jim Leach, and Philip Gordon (Yeni Safak, November 15). Some Turkish observers believe that the choice of the Brookings Institute as the venue of Erdogan’s speech in Washington, D.C., was also part of Turkey’s attempts to influence the incoming administration. Veteran journalist Cengiz Candar noted that despite its non-partisan position, Brookings was regarded as a pro-Democrat organization and many Brookings specialists, such as Philip Gordon, who were familiar with Turkey may end up working in the new administration (Referans, November 15; Today’s Zaman, November 17). Another senior analyst, Semih Idiz, however, argued that Erdogan’s controversial statements on Iran might ironically rock the boat, just as Erdogan was seeking to build bridges (Milliyet, November 17).

    Only time will tell whether “think-tank diplomacy” will put Turkish-American relations on the right track. In any case, given Erdogan’s critical position on Obama’s declared policies, it will be interesting to see how the new administration will manage relations with Turkey.

     

  • Obama’s Foreign Policy Adviser Brzezinski about Obama

    Obama’s Foreign Policy Adviser Brzezinski about Obama

    “Very different from most American politicians”

    © Mandel Ngan/AFP Zbigniew Brzezinski: "I cannot imagine another country which could have elected someone as uniquely different as Barack Obama is."

    He was Jimmy Carter’s National Security Advisor, a hawk in terms of foreign policy. In an interview with Stern magazine Zbigniew Brzezinski explains why President-elect Obama reminds him of John F. Kennedy, what he expects from the new administration’s foreign policy – and why the US will demand a greater European military commitment in Afghanistan

    Dr. Brzezinksi, as one of Washington’s ultimate insiders you have witnessed many presidential elections. How did you experience Obama’s victory last Tuesday?

    I was with friends, watching television. I had predicted his win. But when it actually really happened, it was exactly 11.01 p.m., I was very moved.

    You? During your time as National Security Advisor, you were regarded to be one of the toughest politicians ever.

    I saw the faces of so many citizens, black and white, reacting to their choice. And it just dramatized to me, that this was really a historically significant election. We might witness the birth of a 21st century America. In fact, this election could define America as the prototype of an eventual global society.

    And why should this be America?

    I cannot imagine another country, neither in Europe, neither in Asia, which could have elected someone as uniquely different as Barack Obama is. Barack Hussein Obama is accepted and cherished, really cherished, because he epitomizes the unique diversity of American society and shares the dominant values of that society.

    Which are?

    Racial equality, a basic commitment to democracy, a notion of elementary social justice. The notion that some people should not be allowed to be as poor as they are – and that some are not entitled be quite as rich as they think they can be.

    Don’t you expect a little too much from a relatively inexperienced Senator from Illinois?

    I met him last year, and he made the best impression on me of anyone since John F. Kennedy. He is better equipped in intellect and temperament for the highest office than anyone I can think of in recent memory. He is very different from most American politicians.

    What makes him so unique?

    A kind of intellectual self-confidence, which reflects real intelligence, not arrogance. A friendliness – but with a distance and a dignity. A little patrician, almost. And a calculating rationality. He does not wave the do-gooders flag. He is an idealist, but not an ideologue. He knows, that compromises will be needed.

    Will Obama be the President of a superpower in decline?

    No. That’s nonsense and often said with a lot of schadenfreude. The matter of fact is, that the era of American superpower stupidity is over, the time of self-isolation. Under President Bush, we acted arrogant, unilateralist and – worst of all – driven by fear. A culture of fear was cultivated by this administration, which replaced the Statue of Liberty as a symbol for America with Guantanamo. America has lost its confidence. This is one of the worst legacies of the Bush era. But that will come to an end now, very quickly.

    Obama already claims the dawn of a new American leadership. How could he achieve this while the country faces the worst economical crisis since 70 years?

    He will inherit a grim reality. But the painful financial crisis also teaches us an important lesson: without America the world is in trouble. If America is declining, the rest of the world is falling apart. And have no illusions: the German economy will not recover without an American recovery. America can recover without Germany. At the same time, we understand: we have to cooperate with the world in order to do well.

    What will be the biggest foreign policy challenges for the new President?

    Afghanistan is certainly one of them. There, for he time being, we would need to deploy more troops. But more soldiers are not the solution. The solution is a demilitarization of our engagement.

    By negotiating with the Taliban, as Obama already indicated?

    By negotiating wit the various groups of Taliban. We should be able to reach local and regional arrangements with them. If they would stop al-Qaeda activities, for example, we would locally disengage.

    You are promoting a de facto withdrawal of Nato troops?

    No. Nato has to continue our military activities in the meantime. And if we are serious about our alliance and about consultations, we have to be also serious about sharing burdens. You cannot have arrangements, where some soldiers risk their lives day and night and some soldiers cannot even go on patrols at night. That is not an alliance.

    Will Obama expect more engagement from Europe, Germany?

    The American people expect this. If the Europeans want to give us only nice advise, but expect us to do the heavy lifting – then don’t expect America necessarily to listen to these advises. Europeans will no longer have the alibi of Bush’s bad policy. But let’s be clear: there are no alibis for us any more, either. We will have to consult, share decisions and cooperate.

    Russia’s President greeted Obama by announcing he would deploy short range missiles along the Baltic Sea.

    Yes, but I think we can relax.

    Relax?

    Russia is a country with enormous problems. Its leaders should know, that Russia cannot isolate itself from the world or base its foreign policy on the assertion that it is entitled to an imperialist sphere of influence. It is baffling to me, how unintelligent its leaders are. Self-isolation will be destructive for Russia, not for us.

    Would you suggest relaxing also in regard to Iran and its nuclear ambitions?

    We need a more realistic, a more flexible and sensible approach. We should negotiate; we might negotiate even without preconditions. A successful approach to Iran has to accommodate its security interests and ours. This new diplomatic approach could help bring Iran back into its traditional role of strategic cooperation with the United States in stabilizing the Gulf region. This would be a sensible path.

    Interview: Katja Gloger

    Source: www.stern.de, 14. November 2008

  • Bethlehem News Updates: Number 4, 11-16-08

    Bethlehem News Updates: Number 4, 11-16-08

    Karahan Mete [Karahan.mete@gmail.com]

    Benim iki Amerikali arkadasim Filistine gonullu olarak gittiler. Amaclari onlara yadimci olmak. 6 ya veya bir sene orada kalmayi planliyorlar. Onlarin gonderdigi emalleri okudukca icim burkuluyor. Onceki emailleri gondermedim; fakat bundan soraki emailleri sizinle paylasmanin uygun olacagini dusundum. Cunki bu emaller bize oradaki olaylarin ve yasamin gercek yuzunu yansitiyor. Bu emiller bize emperyalizmin acimsiz, inaslikla alaksi olmayan vahis yuzunu gosteriyor. Bu guce tellaligini yapan  dunya basininin nekadar tarafli oldugu ve basinin hangi guclerin elinde oldugu birkez daha gosteriyor. Nerde domokrasi ve insan haklari telallari?
    Israelin Filistinlilere yatigini Turkiye yapmis olsaydi neler olacagini siz dusunun. Bu konuda soylenecek cok sey var. Geirsisni sizin gorulerinze birakiyorum.
    KM

    Forwarded message
    From: Patricia Daugherty <pdmc1234@gmail.com>
    Date: Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 3:38 PM
    Subject: Bethlehem News Updates: Number 4, 11-16-08
    To: Maggie Coulter <mcpd1234@gmail.com>

    Bethlehem News, Volume 4, Sunday, November 16, 2008

    As we sit down to write this week’s update it seems hard to believe we have already been in Palestine for one month!  Our days are always full – with both planned and spontaneous happenings.  (Note: If you have not received our 3 previous updates, please let us know.  Also, please pass these on to others who would be interested. And if you don’t want to receive our updates, just let us know.)

    This week we will limit our update to describing our visit on Friday to Wadi Fukeen.  It encapsulates the bittersweet experience of Palestine: the persistent hope, tenacity and grace in the jaws of a virulent Israeli occupation of land theft, settlement building, environmental damage and ethnic cleansing.

    Visiting Wadi Fukeen

    Wadi (Arabic for valley) Fukeen is located in the Bethlehem district. As the crow flies, it is almost as close to the old city of Jerusalem as it is to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.  Distances are not far here – but for Palestinians this does not equate with ease of movement. For nearly all Palestinians in the West Bank, Jerusalem might as well be in California as they are not allowed to travel there without a difficult-to-get Israeli-issued permit (*more info below).

    We had received two invitations to visit Wadi Fukeen, one from the young woman studying about the environment, mentioned in last week’s update and one from a young man who was working the hotel where a conference we attended was held. As we made plans to visit, we realized that we also had another contact (from Sacramento), an Israeli peace activist working with the people of Wadi Fukeen.

    We took a Bethlehem taxi, which, because it had Palestinian license plates, could only travel a few miles of the well-maintained settlement bypass road, before being diverted off to a poorly maintained road to the village. The bypass road, which continued on to the illegal Israeli only settlement, Beitar Illit, was built on land stolen from Bethlehem district towns and villages. And the Jewish-only settlement itself was built on stolen land from the villages of Wadi Fukeen and Nahhalin.

    As we traveled down the potholed, single lane road, we passed through ancient terraced hills of olive trees into a small beautiful fertile valley; stone farm houses formed the central village.  Further on were fields planted with lush vegetables tucked in on the valley floor.  Since this is a dry place, seeing these beautiful green vegetables was quite a sight!

    But the other sight from which one can not escape is the massive and looming settlement snaking along the length of the ridge and spilling down towards the village homes. Everyone in the village has lost land to this illegal settlement and the land theft continues.  As your eye follows the settlement along the ridge you see more housing units being constructed.  Beyond that, one sees where the hill has been leveled flat for more construction.  Rocks and dirt scraped from the hill were pushed into the next valley, covering olive groves belonging to the village of Nahhalin. While building of the illegal Israeli settlements continues unabated, construction in the Palestinian villages is completely restricted by Israel. Our Israeli contact told us that recently, when villagers asked the Israeli authorities what land they might be able to build on in the future, they were told that all the remaining available land would be taken for the settlement.

    It is difficult to comprehend how Palestinians cope with this ever-present threat to their future and that of their children. Looking at the scar left from bulldozing the ridge top, we were reminded of Har Homa, the huge illegal settlement we see everyday from Bethlehem.  Har Homa used to be covered with a forest; it had been designated by Israeli as a “nature preserve”, a euphemism for land they would eventually steal.  Just 10 years ago the Israelis mowed down the trees, flatted the hill top and replaced the forest with what looks like a concrete jungle.  It must have been sickening for the families of Bethlehem to watch, unable to change the outcome. This all took place in plain view from the Church of the Nativity as did the construction of the huge cement apartheid wall that presumably provides security to the settlement.

    After sage tea and delicious baked flat bread of zataar (like oregano) and cheese, we went off to see the vegetable fields, meeting and talking with people along the way. Wadi Fukeen is blessed by 11 natural springs.  These flow into a series of rectangular collection pools from which water is let out as needed to irrigate the fields. This is traditional farming method.

    Settlers have come into the village, taken off their clothes and gone swimming in the pools, contaminating the water. Villagers have posted signs in Hebrew asking them not to do this. We have heard stories of deliberate contamination of the water by settlers in other areas of the West Bank   In the past, Wadi Fukeen’s spring water was potable – but we were told that it is no longer safe to drink, in part due to the settler contamination.  Now villagers must buy their drinking water from Mekorot, the Israeli water company that basically steals the water from the deep aquifer that is under the Palestinian West Bank. (Palestinians are not allowed to drill wells without Israel’s permission.)

    Our village friends pointed out a large open pipe below the settlements. The pipe is an overflow for the settlement sewage (which is set up to be piped to Jerusalem for treatment). When the system overflows, raw sewage comes out of the pipe, down the hillside, contaminating the vegetable fields below.  The farmers have tried to ameliorate the problem by building large raised beds and diverting the source of contamination away from the beds.  However, as we write this we just received an email saying that the sewage is flowing again

    The trip home

    After more tea and gifts of vegetables we prepared to return to Bethlehem.  In the center of the village we met up with school kids from the Aida Refugee Camp (in Bethlehem) on an afternoon field trip. A wonderful outing for kids living in very cramped conditions next to the Apartheid Wall, which cut off the last remaining near-by open space for them – an olive grove. (see ** below for more on Aida Camp) The kids and adults were waiting for their bus which had a flat tire, so we tagged along to wait, chatting more with our young village friends and playing with the kids.  It was nearly dark when the bus finally came.

    As the bus bumped down the road and we watched a harvest moon rise, suddenly the bus came to a halt with a repeated whisper of “Jaysh” (Arabic for army – the Israeli soldiers).  All the men were ordered off the bus, both Palestinians and internationals. An armed Israeli soldier got on the bus walking down the aisle; at one point some of his gear got caught the hair of a little girl. The children were quiet. The young men got back on and we proceeded.  Then suddenly there was crying and screaming!  The bus lurched to a stop again. Children were running in the aisle.  Patricia (who was in the back of the bus) heard several yell, “grenade!”  The children were helped to file off the bus. Several had to be held tightly and consoled as they were screaming in pure terror.  Thankfully, it soon it became clear that it was just a bus malfunction. A hole had blown in the heating system and steam had gushed out.  But these are children who have witnessed Israeli military incursions into their camp – into their homes.  A grenade on the bus after the soldier walked down the aisle was a real possibility in their minds.

    We finished the day by attending a sister city event in the Bethlehem Peace Center.  (Czestochowa, Poland to Bethlehem, Palestine)  The Representative of the Republic of Poland to the Palestinian National Authority talked about Poland’s connection to Palestine, as two peoples who have been occupied, had their people killed and their land stolen. He offered his hope that Palestine, like Poland would also one day have its freedom from occupation and its lands restored.

    * Israelis are can visit Wadi Fukeen in the Palestinian West Bank.  However, Israel forbids the people of Wadi Fukeen to travel in Israel without a permit.  In reality, these are rarely given except in extenuating circumstances like an illness requiring hospital treatment.

    **  Aida camp is one of three refugee camps in the Bethlehem district.  We have mentioned Dheisheh camp (the largest) in past updates.  These refugee camps have been in existence since 1948 when upwards of 800,000 Palestinians (3/4 of the population) were either forcibly expelled or forced out in fear for their lives in the months before and after Israel declared itself a state.<–>

  • Russia Supports Kurdish Future

    Russia Supports Kurdish Future

    by Martin Zehr

    November 11, 2008

    In the latest Presidential election the U.S. has chosen to withdraw from Iraq. There will be an inevitable vacuum in the region. Many expect Turkey and Iran to become dominate in the region. Clearly, in a region that has depended on the U.S. to define the balance of powers for so many years, this is a possibility. Turkey has been pumped up over the years with U.S. military aid and supplies and looks to aggressively define its role. Syria as a Ba´athist power would be most likely to align with the militaristic Turkish regime.

    Iran has social forces in the region but no real military power. Iran´s effort to acquire a nuclear weapon is clearly an attempt to address this. Should some power demonstrate a willingness to act decisively the influences of Hezbollah and Hamas on the ground could be eliminated in a week´s time. Iranian influence is based on its programs for dispossessed populations and military supplies to its sponsored militias. Iran´s performance in the Iran-Iraq war demonstrated that its military capabilities are limited. Iran may be able to influence the political landscape of Lebanon and Gaza, but it is unable to consolidate these gains territorially or economically. Militarily, Hamas and Hezbollah are engaged in a war for the Safavid Empire and its restoration. The Palestinian national question has been subordinated and redefined as an Islamic trust.

    At issue is land power versus military power. Russia presents itself in this context as the dominating Asian power in the region. Economically, Turkey is dependent on Russia depends on Russia for 29 percent of its oil and 63 percent of its natural gas. Turkey´s bubble as a regional power is dependent on its alliance with the United States. Otherwise, it pops and becomes just one of several Islamist powers trying to configure a new caliphate capable of governing. Turkey´s secular status is based on its military rule and is decreasing as the Turkish military accommodates the Islamism of Justice and Development (AK). Russia has obviously faced a contentious Turkey in agricultural trade disputes, energy issues and in Turkey´s supplying Georgia with military equipment.

    Last year Russia opened a consulate within the Kurdish Autonomous Region. The statement by Nechirvan Barzani Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government declared: “We in the Kurdistan Region believe in friendship and good relations with the international community, and have been trying hard to achieve this, especially with countries like Russia with whom we share a common history.” Russia´s economic and political role in the region is growing. Its recognition of the KRG and its work with the KRG on economic and political issues are significant.

    Moving forward means learning to address old problems with new solutions. Turkey remains a threat poised on the border of the Kurdistan Autonomous Region. Russia is a power that has recognized the Kurdish nation. IntelliBriefs website reports: “Russia has made significant strategic forays in the Middle East especially in countries which were known to be strong military allies of the United States. Today it has both a political and strategic foothold in the Middle East.”

    Russia has not been oblivious to Turkish actions on the border of northern Iraq in its plans against the Kurdish peoples and nation. In 2007, Leonid Ivashov, president of the Academy of Geopolitical Sciences in Moscow, elaborated that such an invasion would create a “hotspot” for Russia close to its borders. He predicted that such a Turkish invasion would create “instability, risks and challenges that would be very hard to deal with.” The Russian parliament passed an appeal in 2007 to the Turkish government calling on it to show “wisdom and restraint,” and warning about possible negative consequences of a cross-border military campaign.

    In the meantime, in October the Turkish Parliament passed 511-18 an extension authorizing Turkish troops to invade Iraq. As indicated in my article “Turkish Troops Enforce Baghdad´s Violation of the Kirkuk Referendum” such an action is simply a means of enforcing what Baghdad is not capable of enforcing itself, the refusal to implement Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution. It is clear that Russia is a more significant power in the region and has a much longer historical role in the region than the United States. As the United States relinquishes its influence in the region there will be new decisions to be made. One thing is assured: Turkish antipathy towards the Kurdish nation and peoples has shown no indications of changing.