Sunday, May 08, 2011
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Bin Laden's Death, celebrating at the White House Video
"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy." - Martin Luther King, Jr
Link to Video: Dancing in the Streets
Link to Video: Dancing in the Streets
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Oman, Sohar and Muscat Revolution 2011 Summary
Susan Brannon
May 1, 2011
The protests started on the 17th of January and are ongoing.
They want salary increases, more jobs, against local corruption, to lower the costs of living, increasing the minimum wage, less media control, better living conditions, abolition of taxes, a trial for ministers against corruption, the limitation of cabinet members terms to four years and the reduction of foreign workers.
They are protesting in the forms of demonstrations, riots and sit-ins.
As of 28th of April there have been 2-6 deaths(see below) and 20 injured.
The demostrations started small with around 200 people and increased as the protests continued, by the 1st of March over 2,000 protesters were in the street and blocked the port in Sohar. There were riots, and vandalism. Because some of the citizens complained, the police were asked to crackdown on the protests and sit-ins.
The government denied that six protesters were killed, but Reuters visited the hospital and quoted the hospital saying that six people were killed after the police fired rubber bullets in Sohar north of Muscat.
Oman: Insurgency and development (Conflict studies)
Conflict and change in the Persian Gulf: The smaller GCC states : Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates
May 1, 2011
The protests started on the 17th of January and are ongoing.
They want salary increases, more jobs, against local corruption, to lower the costs of living, increasing the minimum wage, less media control, better living conditions, abolition of taxes, a trial for ministers against corruption, the limitation of cabinet members terms to four years and the reduction of foreign workers.
They are protesting in the forms of demonstrations, riots and sit-ins.
As of 28th of April there have been 2-6 deaths(see below) and 20 injured.
The demostrations started small with around 200 people and increased as the protests continued, by the 1st of March over 2,000 protesters were in the street and blocked the port in Sohar. There were riots, and vandalism. Because some of the citizens complained, the police were asked to crackdown on the protests and sit-ins.
The government denied that six protesters were killed, but Reuters visited the hospital and quoted the hospital saying that six people were killed after the police fired rubber bullets in Sohar north of Muscat.
Oman: Insurgency and development (Conflict studies)
Conflict and change in the Persian Gulf: The smaller GCC states : Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates
Jordan Revolution 2011 Summary
The first 2011 Jordanian revolution started on 28th of January and has been ongoing. There are two parties for the Jordanian conflict, pro King Abdullah and those asking for Samir Rifai to step down as prime minister, against low salaries, unemployment, regressive taxes, inflation. They want protection for human rights. The revolution has been through protests and counter protests, where the police need to stand in between the two parties. As of April 15th, there has been 71 injured civilians, 141 injured policeman and 1 death.
There have been some results, King Abdullay II has asked Marouf alBakhit to form a new cabinet. He feels that this reform will put Jordan on the "path to strengthen democracy" and provide the Jordanians with the "dignified life they deserve"
The university graduates are asking for reform in the government and more freedom giving more power to the people. They would also like to vote for the Prime minister.Economic and Political Impediments To Middle East Peace: Critical Questions and Alternative Scenarios (International Political Economy)
There have been some results, King Abdullay II has asked Marouf alBakhit to form a new cabinet. He feels that this reform will put Jordan on the "path to strengthen democracy" and provide the Jordanians with the "dignified life they deserve"
The university graduates are asking for reform in the government and more freedom giving more power to the people. They would also like to vote for the Prime minister.Economic and Political Impediments To Middle East Peace: Critical Questions and Alternative Scenarios (International Political Economy)
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Iran Revolution 2011 Summary
Susan Brannon
Italy- 1 May 2011 Iran's demonstrations started on 14th of February and continued on a daily basis until April 18th. (as of April 27th) The demands are to oust President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, against violations of human rights, and against the alleged electoral fraud during the 2009 elections.
The protesters used demonstrations, strikes, online activism, civil disobedience and civil resistance.
The government used plain-clothed militia, live ammunition, tear gas, beatings, arrests, media and internet censorship.
So far there have been 18 deaths, 91 injuries and 1,534 protesters arrested.
The demonstrations started to spread throughout the Arab world after the success of the Tunisian successful revolution that ousted President Zine El Abjdine Ben Ali on 14th of January 2011. Thereafter Egypt started their revolution with success by removing the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the 11th of February 2011.
Iran was the next country to organize a revolution. On the 9th of February different opposition groups requested permission to protest and the request was refused. This was followed by crackdowns against the opposition activists and members of the parties.
The leaders set a date for 14 February, but the day before, two opposition leaders Mousavi and Karroubi were placed under house arrest and denied access to telephones and the internet. In spite of their arrest, the demonstration moved forward in Tehran's Azadi Square, the reported numbers of people vary from thousands and up.
Reports of tens of thousands throughout Iran and Tehran gathered to be heard. While the protests were taking place the local news channels were reporting that everything was quiet and peaceful. The foreign media office was sent a letter in Tehran warning that the bureaus would be shut down and their reporters deported if they wrote negative articles surrounding the protests.
The opposition parties decided to make every Tuesday demonstration day until their demands were met, which were followed by sit-ins, strikes, and boycotts.
On 11th of March, 11 foreign correspondents were deported from the country.
Capitalism and Revolution in Iran (Middle East series)
Italy- 1 May 2011 Iran's demonstrations started on 14th of February and continued on a daily basis until April 18th. (as of April 27th) The demands are to oust President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, against violations of human rights, and against the alleged electoral fraud during the 2009 elections.
The protesters used demonstrations, strikes, online activism, civil disobedience and civil resistance.
The government used plain-clothed militia, live ammunition, tear gas, beatings, arrests, media and internet censorship.
So far there have been 18 deaths, 91 injuries and 1,534 protesters arrested.
The demonstrations started to spread throughout the Arab world after the success of the Tunisian successful revolution that ousted President Zine El Abjdine Ben Ali on 14th of January 2011. Thereafter Egypt started their revolution with success by removing the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the 11th of February 2011.
Iran was the next country to organize a revolution. On the 9th of February different opposition groups requested permission to protest and the request was refused. This was followed by crackdowns against the opposition activists and members of the parties.
The leaders set a date for 14 February, but the day before, two opposition leaders Mousavi and Karroubi were placed under house arrest and denied access to telephones and the internet. In spite of their arrest, the demonstration moved forward in Tehran's Azadi Square, the reported numbers of people vary from thousands and up.
Reports of tens of thousands throughout Iran and Tehran gathered to be heard. While the protests were taking place the local news channels were reporting that everything was quiet and peaceful. The foreign media office was sent a letter in Tehran warning that the bureaus would be shut down and their reporters deported if they wrote negative articles surrounding the protests.
The opposition parties decided to make every Tuesday demonstration day until their demands were met, which were followed by sit-ins, strikes, and boycotts.
On 11th of March, 11 foreign correspondents were deported from the country.
Capitalism and Revolution in Iran (Middle East series)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Djibouti Revolution 2011 Summary
Susan Brannon
May 1, 2011 - Italy- The demonstrations started in Djibouti on the 3rd of February and have seemed to quiet down since 11th of March. The demonstrators objective was to remove president Ismail Omar Gulleh, political and social reform and freedom. There are at least two known deaths and it is not known the amount injured or missing.
At the beginning of the demonstrations around 300 people protested peacefully they vowed to remain on the site in Djibouti City until their demands were met. However, the demonstration grew to approximately 30,000 protesters by the 18th of February which escalated into clashes with police where at least two people were killed and many injured from the use of tear gas and live ammunition.
On the 19th of February the protest leaders were arrested and other protest was planned for the 11th of March. No other protests have occurred since.
Stopover At Djibouti
May 1, 2011 - Italy- The demonstrations started in Djibouti on the 3rd of February and have seemed to quiet down since 11th of March. The demonstrators objective was to remove president Ismail Omar Gulleh, political and social reform and freedom. There are at least two known deaths and it is not known the amount injured or missing.
At the beginning of the demonstrations around 300 people protested peacefully they vowed to remain on the site in Djibouti City until their demands were met. However, the demonstration grew to approximately 30,000 protesters by the 18th of February which escalated into clashes with police where at least two people were killed and many injured from the use of tear gas and live ammunition.
On the 19th of February the protest leaders were arrested and other protest was planned for the 11th of March. No other protests have occurred since.
Stopover At Djibouti
Bahrain Revolution Summary 2011
Susan Brannon
1 May 2011
The Bahrain Conspiracy
The demonstrations started in Bahrain on 14-17th of February. They are protesting against, corruption, unemployment, slow pace of democratization, and discrimination against the Shias.
They are asking for the Resignation of King Hamad, to rewrite the Constitution, stop the economic and human rights violations, deportation of the foreign mercenaries, for liberalism and democracy, fair elections and freedom.
They are using the tactics of civil resistance and demonstrations. There are so far (April 26th) 36 deaths, 100 persons mission, 1000 or more wounded, 828 arrested and 835 job layoffs.
The protests have been ongoing, on a weekly and daily basis throughout the country.
The government has been blocking the internet and media as a tool to stop the protests in response. They blocked a Facbook group that was set up to organize protests and several bloggers were arrested prior to th 6th of February. When the Gulf Cooperation Council forces left the country, the government increased the arrests of Shia Muslims, cyber activists, with more than 300 detained or missing.
Google Earth has been blocked for showing locations of the ruling family's estates which the government feels to have stirred up the situation. The Bahraini authorities stopped the publication of the Alwasat, the main opposition newspaper, and blocked the website until April 4th. However, on April 6th more than 1,000 workers were laid off, and most of them where Shia.
The police response has been violent, against the protesters, including beatings, denial of medical attention, and intimidation.
The Bahrain Conspiracy
1 May 2011
The Bahrain Conspiracy
The demonstrations started in Bahrain on 14-17th of February. They are protesting against, corruption, unemployment, slow pace of democratization, and discrimination against the Shias.They are asking for the Resignation of King Hamad, to rewrite the Constitution, stop the economic and human rights violations, deportation of the foreign mercenaries, for liberalism and democracy, fair elections and freedom.
They are using the tactics of civil resistance and demonstrations. There are so far (April 26th) 36 deaths, 100 persons mission, 1000 or more wounded, 828 arrested and 835 job layoffs.
The protests have been ongoing, on a weekly and daily basis throughout the country.
The government has been blocking the internet and media as a tool to stop the protests in response. They blocked a Facbook group that was set up to organize protests and several bloggers were arrested prior to th 6th of February. When the Gulf Cooperation Council forces left the country, the government increased the arrests of Shia Muslims, cyber activists, with more than 300 detained or missing.
Google Earth has been blocked for showing locations of the ruling family's estates which the government feels to have stirred up the situation. The Bahraini authorities stopped the publication of the Alwasat, the main opposition newspaper, and blocked the website until April 4th. However, on April 6th more than 1,000 workers were laid off, and most of them where Shia.
The police response has been violent, against the protesters, including beatings, denial of medical attention, and intimidation.
The Bahrain Conspiracy
Azerbaijani Revolution 2011 Summary
Susan Brannon
Italy- 1 May 2011-The Protests started in Azerbaijani on the 11th of March, 2011. They are protesting against corruption, unemployment, low wages, political differences, and political repression. Their demands are for democratic reforms, release of political prisoners, and the resignation of President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Artur Rasizade.
Italy- 1 May 2011-The Protests started in Azerbaijani on the 11th of March, 2011. They are protesting against corruption, unemployment, low wages, political differences, and political repression. Their demands are for democratic reforms, release of political prisoners, and the resignation of President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Artur Rasizade.
The demonstrators use Civil resistance, demonstrations, hunger strikes, and online activism.
The Azerbaijani government has been responding with a security crackdown, by dispersing the protests and arresting many of the demonstrators. The youth organized many of the demonstrations on Facebook for the March protests. Protests have been occurring in Baku, Gambar and other towns.
The protests continue but not as many people show up as in neighboring Armenia possibly because only 80% of the population use the internet compared to the internet usage in Armenia.
Algeria Revolution 2011
Susan Brannon
1 May 2011, Italy - The Algerian revolution started on the 20th of January 2011 and continued until the 15th of April.
The demonstrations were in various cities in Algeria with concerns over the infrastructure, unemployment, poor education, poor health care and to demand more freedom and democracy. The marches were not given approval by the government, but the demonstrations continued almost on a daily baisis throughout the country.
The demands were different in each city, demand for more airtime for political parties, better educations for the university students, 1000 people demanded housing, others wanted water, public lighting, bumps to slow down drivers and gas connections to their towns.
They protested by marching, blocking roads, burning tires, self-immolation, and demonstrations.
On the 22nd of January, 20,000 police officers stopped the protests killing 5 people and injuring 800 others. On the 23rd of January two opposition groups demanded for the release of the arrested protesters.
On the 12th of February, the blocked all entry points into Algiers but a few thousand forced their way through but clashed in May First square with 30,000 police.
The marches continue but the Algerians have not been able to control the square. As a result, the government lowered the price of food and removed the 19 year state of emergency while promising to alleviate unemployment.
A Savage War of Peace: Algeria 1954-1962 (New York Review Books Classics)
1 May 2011, Italy - The Algerian revolution started on the 20th of January 2011 and continued until the 15th of April.
The demonstrations were in various cities in Algeria with concerns over the infrastructure, unemployment, poor education, poor health care and to demand more freedom and democracy. The marches were not given approval by the government, but the demonstrations continued almost on a daily baisis throughout the country.
The demands were different in each city, demand for more airtime for political parties, better educations for the university students, 1000 people demanded housing, others wanted water, public lighting, bumps to slow down drivers and gas connections to their towns.
They protested by marching, blocking roads, burning tires, self-immolation, and demonstrations.
On the 22nd of January, 20,000 police officers stopped the protests killing 5 people and injuring 800 others. On the 23rd of January two opposition groups demanded for the release of the arrested protesters.
On the 12th of February, the blocked all entry points into Algiers but a few thousand forced their way through but clashed in May First square with 30,000 police.
The marches continue but the Algerians have not been able to control the square. As a result, the government lowered the price of food and removed the 19 year state of emergency while promising to alleviate unemployment.
A Savage War of Peace: Algeria 1954-1962 (New York Review Books Classics)
Armenia Revolution
Susan Brannon
26 April 2011 -The Armenian revolution started on 18 of February and continued until 8th of April. The protesters were wanting freedom from political repression, corruption, unemployment, low wages, legitimacy of the 2008 presidential election, and were against the street trading ban.
They asked for democratic reforms, release of political prisoners, resignation of the government, early general elections, legalize street trading, and investigation into crimes against opposition members. (Those where were protesting)
They protested by means of, civil resistance, demonstrations, hunger strikes, online activism and sit-ins.
They were granted the relaxation of free assembly restrictions, investigation into crimes against the opposition members, and were promised judicial reforms.
On 8th April, the police actually stood aside and allowed the political rally and 12,000 Armenians attended to listen to a speech given by Ter-Petrossian in Freedom square in violation of an official ban. The government promised an "objective inquiry" into the post election violence in 2008 by the 28th of April and gave permanent legal right to demonstrate in Freedom square.
A common theme with the Middle East revolutions is the use of Facebook and Twitter, to set up the dates, times and places of the demonstrations. In Armenia, they started a website called the "Revolutionary Forum" as a discussion board .
Martyred Armenia
26 April 2011 -The Armenian revolution started on 18 of February and continued until 8th of April. The protesters were wanting freedom from political repression, corruption, unemployment, low wages, legitimacy of the 2008 presidential election, and were against the street trading ban.
They asked for democratic reforms, release of political prisoners, resignation of the government, early general elections, legalize street trading, and investigation into crimes against opposition members. (Those where were protesting)
They protested by means of, civil resistance, demonstrations, hunger strikes, online activism and sit-ins.
They were granted the relaxation of free assembly restrictions, investigation into crimes against the opposition members, and were promised judicial reforms.
On 8th April, the police actually stood aside and allowed the political rally and 12,000 Armenians attended to listen to a speech given by Ter-Petrossian in Freedom square in violation of an official ban. The government promised an "objective inquiry" into the post election violence in 2008 by the 28th of April and gave permanent legal right to demonstrate in Freedom square.
A common theme with the Middle East revolutions is the use of Facebook and Twitter, to set up the dates, times and places of the demonstrations. In Armenia, they started a website called the "Revolutionary Forum" as a discussion board .
Martyred Armenia
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Lampedusa and Immigrants
Within weeks 7 thousand immigrants from Tunisa arrived on the small island and Lampedusa has become a refugee camp in the open. Many of the Tunisians speak Italian very well. They hoped to use the island as a bridge to enter into other EU countries. A lot of the immigrants have not eaten for days, and Amnesty International reports that there are lots of children without their parents.
Italy has since, divided the immigrants into different regions of Italy and shipped some of them back to Tunisia.
Italy has since, divided the immigrants into different regions of Italy and shipped some of them back to Tunisia.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Syria's Revolt: How Graffiti Stirred an Uprising
Syria's Revolt: How Graffiti Stirred an Uprising
Great link and story of the history of the uprising in Syria.
Great link and story of the history of the uprising in Syria.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The War You Don't See 2010
John Pilger tells it just like it is. This video reflects the reasons that I refused to be "Embedded" at the risk of my professional journalism ability to be "hired on" with mainstream media. My consciousness would not allow me to report falsely to the public, those things which I knew were not true. Even though during the height of the Intifada and the invasion of Iraq, it was taboo for me to talk about the realities even to my family and friends. The social pressure in America was astounding and disappointing to me and still is. Even after the release of the truth of the lies for the invasion into Iraq, the American people did not stand up strong enough to put pressure on the American government to withdraw. It is about time that the journalist that were a part of this "show" admit their crime in true journalism to the world and apologize that they also misled the global community the propaganda that destroyed an entire country and so many lives.
This is this reason, that I started the "Crossing Borders Project" to distribute camera's to those who have no voice in the mainstream media in order to provide a tool of truth from the inside of a story told by those who are affected.
What I do not understand, is why don't the American people want to know the truth? Why do they sit and believe the propaganda and continues to this day? Our banking system, our wars, our poverty, the reason for so many new homeless? Is it not more intelligent to want to know what is really going on than to believe something that will not solve our problems?
This is why I chose to remain an independent journalist, starving for the truth that no one wants to hear and only the free press will publish without paying.
It is time that we change our systems and ways of doing things as journalists. Those who reported falsely in the mainstream media should be ashamed of themselves.
This is this reason, that I started the "Crossing Borders Project" to distribute camera's to those who have no voice in the mainstream media in order to provide a tool of truth from the inside of a story told by those who are affected.
What I do not understand, is why don't the American people want to know the truth? Why do they sit and believe the propaganda and continues to this day? Our banking system, our wars, our poverty, the reason for so many new homeless? Is it not more intelligent to want to know what is really going on than to believe something that will not solve our problems?
This is why I chose to remain an independent journalist, starving for the truth that no one wants to hear and only the free press will publish without paying.
It is time that we change our systems and ways of doing things as journalists. Those who reported falsely in the mainstream media should be ashamed of themselves.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
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