With Land Day, The Nakba, and Israeli 'Independence' being celebrated around this time of year, it is important to recognize the intertwined nature of the various events; how one cannot be properly understood without the others. How, for example, can one comprehend the 'Independence' of the American colonies from the British Empire, or example, without also recognizing the original acts of genocide towards native peoples in America, or the slave trade, which eventually split the nation morally, socially, and politically.

The Apartheid Wall snaking its way through the village of Bil'in, spring 2006

For years now that I have been working for justice and liberation for Palestinians in whatever capacity was available, I have tried to avoid comparisons between Nazis and Israelis. for the most part, despite the fact that Zionism as a movement is intimately tied to the 20th century ethno-nationalist movements of central Europe, of which Nazism was just one, as well as many other salient comparisons, the act of doing so usually has the effect of making a subject which is already shrouded in hysteria and foul displays of bad conscience even more difficult.

But there have been a few exceptions, of course;

Its been some time since my last post here are Dkos, mainly due to changes in my work schedule/job/I'm nowhere near able to blog most of the day and way to beat to do so at home in the evening. But that doesn't mean I've got nothing to say these days...

Woman in Nablus, Fall 2005, after her home was ransacked and family terrorized by the IOF the previous evening

I'd like to comment on a few articles/op-ed's that have appeared in the last week, two in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, one in Occupation Magazine, and the last appearing in Znet, all having to do with recent events in Israel/Palestine, ranging from the arrest of a Neo-Nazi Russian gang to the continuing non-violent struggle of the village of Bil'in against the Occupation and Apartheid Wall.

but first, a photo from the archives,

The burnt destroyed possessions of Palestinians in Balata Refugee Camp after an Israeli invasion/assasination, 2/23/06

There are two things I'd like to comment on, the first being the recent press that developed when a fascist/nazi group was uncovered in Israel, as well as a recent movie that I watched... and you know, if I think of something else along the way, I'll probably just throw that in too.

but before I start, the hills of the Nablus Region, as they probably look right around now

I took this picture in Bil'in, in one of the many demonstrations that I attended there in 2005-2006, part of a campaign of Palestinian-led non-violent protest and direct action that has lasted the last 3 years, and has finally shown some fruits of success, however imperfect.

There have been many discussion as to what the purpose of this site is as well as what discussions, topics and issues are relevant to that purpose. I would put forward that the following exchange pretty much summed up the parameters of such debates;

REP. FORD: But, but, Markos, in all fairness, your site has posted awful things about Jewish-Americans. Your site...You--now you have a site up about...something about Cindy Sheehan, she uses it as a--she has a heavy presence there in talking about her run against...

And the response, of course...

Ok, a quick rundown of a few things, mainly some interviews with Avram Burg in the recent news, as well as some fun & instructive pictures to share.

Here's the first, by popular demand;

olive harvest in Rujeeb Village, Nablus Region

Among the many things to catch my eye in recent days has been the spate of reports on the ISM web site concerning the city of Nablus and its surrounding villages and refugee camps, where the Israeli military has been quite active in recent days. But with solidarity and determination, unarmed Palestinians, internationals and Israelis have been able to make a difference.

friends and heroes; Neta Golan of the ISM and Cindy Corrie meeting for the first time in Ramallah

So, let's run through what's caught my eye recently on Israel/Palestine, some news clips & commentary, a great radio show this morning here in the bay, and a few article from EI that are not to be missed.

First, an old picture of mine;

The last few days... ok, work has been slow! So, I've posted diaries mainly to highlight information concerning the ongoing political upheaval in Israel/Palestine and what it means for the future of the Palestinian struggle. Yesterday I posted articles by three excellent and well-informed Jewish Israelis, Ilan Pappe, Uri Avnery, and Micheal Warschawski, but today, I want to follow a more particular issue, that of Palestinian refugees & the coverage of the current crisis (which is fitting as today is WorldRefugee Day).

Balata Refugee Camp in the Occupied West Bank, home to over 30,000 Palestinian Refugees, mainly from the Nakba of 1948

So, the great articles on the current situation in Israel/Palestine just keep coming, so I'll run through a few. Having permission from Gush Shalom to post Uri Avnery's articles, I'll post his latest one, and I'm still waiting for the go ahead to post the entirety of Ilan Pappe's latest on EI. Then, a snippet of Micheal Warschawski from ICHAD, with all of these preceded by a smattering of other observations from elsewhere...

and of course, another picture!

So today, I'm going to jump around to a few items of interest. There's a few articles & snippets regarding the current state of Palestine (most of which I got from by way of the Angry Arab), some thoughts on a quote from a book that I am currently reading, the books I read while I was in DC, and finally, a few more pictures from the March on DC that I took part in last week. Here's one of them,

With the headlines for the last few days covering the bloodshed andfighting in Gaza, which is both a horrible waste as well as being part and parcel of the occupation, I've finally returned rom DC and the march, so here's  some pictures I took as well as links to video of the event, which of course the MSM ignored.

Yes, June 5th is here, and with it ensuing marches, actions, articles, boycotts, speeches and much much more, regarding the ongoing struggle for freedom and liberation of the Palestinian people. Soon, I will be heading for Washington DC, for the march which ill hopefully call some attention to this issue in which all Americans are deeply involved, whether they know it or not.

Well, today I'd like to run through the bunch of headlines and trends that have caught my eye this morning, with news from Lebanon, Palestine/Israel, to our very own tower of academic achievement, Harvard University. Why Harvard, do you ask? Well, it's where the renowned war-criminal Dan Halutz is hanging out, haven't you heard?

With the posting of this diary concerning a recent spate of banning & the issues that it brings up, I finally feel that I can resume posting here in good conscience again. So, since I've slacked off lately, there is much to catch up on, so I'll have to pick and choose from much material.

So, let's discuss and read about a few issues, the continuing siege of Gaza and two excellent commentaries on the continuing exile and persecution of Azmi Bishara.

Non-violent demonstration at the Village of Bil'in, on the site of the Apartheid Wall

I've been meaning to write this diary for some time, but procastination has been the name of the game so far. But a developement today has goaded me into action, so here it is;

Historic return for NI Assembly

Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern saw devolution return

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Northern Ireland has a new power-sharing government in an historic day at Stormont.

DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness took office as first and deputy first ministers as five years of direct rule ended.

Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern witnessed the creation of the new executive.

Mr Blair said that the day's events offered the chance for Northern Ireland to "escape the heavy chains of history" and "make history anew".