Day 340

Persistence of Memory

On a visit to Berlin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received the blueprints of the Auschwitz concentration camp from German officials.  This gesture was called a "gift of truth" by Netanyahu.  I think the Holocaust will always be a stain on the collective German psyche, but I'm glad to see an attempt at making amends with the past.  Please excuse me if my tone comes off as nonchalant, but I guess it's something for which the country will always be apologizing.  Such is life.  I think it is also important to remember and honor the other side of that dark period in history as well.  For that, I offer this link: The White Rose- an organization that gave their lives in resistance to the Nazi Regime..... 

Day 309

More Nuclear News

Yesterday India launches its first Nuclear Powered Submarine.  Today, Iran criticizes the United States' disapproval of Tehran's suspected nuclear program development. Hopefully this MADness is just a war of words.

From the Al Jazeera article:

The comments came after Hillary Clinton last week said the US would arm its allies in the Gulf region if Iran built a nuclear weapon.

"There is no need for the US to provide a defence umbrella for the neighbouring countries," Hassan Qashqavi, a foreign ministry spokesman, said on Monday.

"It is enough to tell its ally, the Zionist regime and convince it for the issue of disarmament and dismantle its own 200 nuclear warheads from the occupied territories.

"It automatically will bring security to the region and all countries of the region will feel secure. The solution for defence umbrella is removing nuclear warheads of the Zionist regime and has no other way."

Day 223

More Action in the Gaza Strip

Israel and Palestine are at it again.  Need I say more?

Day 134

Punxsutawney Phil vs Mahmoud Abbas

Happy Groundhog's Day! According to the sage rodent, there will be six more weeks of Winter- all this because the little guy saw his own shadow.  

On the heavier side of the news, Hamas and the Palestinian Liberation Organization are involved in a power struggle of sorts. PLO leader Mahmoud Abbas has called for the recognization of the primacy of his organization as a condition for dialogue with Israel. In turn, Hamas has accused Abbas of siding with Israel....and the struggle continues. 

Last Israeli Solider Out of Gaza

I thought I should make a post to mark the end of end of the violence in Gaza.  The troubles are far from over, but at least the attacks have stopped. Now it's time to rebuild what has been destroyed. My thoughts immediately go to the portion of in Obama's auguration speech where he directly addresses the Muslim world:

"... know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy."

Words applicable for ALL people, in my humble opinion.  

Wishful Thinking

I wish this handkerchief is the last one I stitch about the war in Gaza but I know it is wishful thinking.  

UN Relief Agency Bombed in Gaza

The UN Relief and Works Agency was struck today in Gaza.  The UNRWA distributes food to 750,000 of the 1.5 million Palestinians.  The compound was sheltering 700 people at the time of the bombing. 

The Egyptian Moment

Cairo takes center stage in negotiations for a Gaza cease fire as a senior Israeli defense official goes to hear Hama's response to an Egyptian-mediated plan to bring peace to the troubled region.  Hamas favors a non-amended proposal by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak calling for "immediate cease-fire and acceptance of withdrawal". The smuggling of arms to Gaza through the Egyptian border has been a constant concern and is central to Israeli conditions.  

Day 115