Author: Bill Weinberg

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bilbao

The UN Human Rights Council released the Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, finding potential crimes against humanity committed by Israel. The report focuses on the seven-month period last year when the Gaza protest campaign known as the "Great March of Return and the Breaking of the Siege" was taking place. During this period, 6,106 unarmed protesters were shot by military snipers, resulting in 189 Palestinian deaths.  (Photo: Ma'an News Agency)

Europe

Srebrenica: 16 years later, justice at last?

As thousands commemorated the 16th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre in eastern Bosnia, Ratko Mladic faces genocide charges in The Hague—yet is still hailed as a hero by Serbia’s ultra-nationalists.

Greater Middle East

Syria: US involvement muddies political waters

The US and French ambassadors visited the army-besieged city of Hama during Friday protests to express their “solidarity” with the demonstrators—allowing the Assad regime to portray the protesters as pawns of Western imperialism.

North Africa

Qaddafi facing endgame —and what comes next?

As a desperate Qaddafi threatens suicide attacks on European capitals, signs of a split emerge in the rebel National Transitional Council—raising fears of a widening of the civil war even after the dictator falls.

Palestine

Gaza flotilla faces defeat; propaganda wars continue

As participants in the Gaza flotilla return to the US, their ships impounded by the Greek coast guard, Israel and the blockade-busters are waging a propaganda war to spin the affair before world opinion.

New York City

WHY WE FIGHT

A driver’s license is a license to kill. James Bond has nothing on NYC auxiliary cops. From MyFoxNY, July 3: Officer Identified In Police Van Incident The driver of the auxiliary police van who accidentally hit a [sic] killed a… Read moreWHY WE FIGHT

Afghanistan

Afghanistan draw-down modeled on “Sons of Iraq” program

White House plans to draw down the 30,000 “surge” troops in Afghanistan come with a Pentagon program to expand an anti-Taliban self-defense militia force by 30,000—including former insurgents who share the Taliban ideology.

Planet Watch

Fukushima on the Missouri?

We sure hope not, but this isn’t looking too good. From AP, June 26: BROWNVILLE, Neb. — A berm holding the flooded Missouri River back from a Nebraska nuclear power station collapsed early Sunday, but federal regulators said they were… Read moreFukushima on the Missouri?