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Ashahed is an advocacy and investigative journalist prepared to ask the difficult questions, create solutions & eradicate ossified minds.This is his blog. Here are some of his thoughts.
1.27.2010
Letter to Angela Merkel from Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi of Libya
Did you know this was the Libyan flag from 1951-1969?
On Jan. 27, Ma'an News Agency obtained a letter, dated 25 January 2010, to German Chancellor Angela Merkel from Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, the 38-year-old son of Libya's leader.
The letter is republished here in its original, unedited form.
*****
Letter to Angela Merkel from Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi
On Jan. 27, Ma'an News Agency obtained a letter, dated 25 January 2010, to German Chancellor Angela Merkel from Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, the 38-year-old son of Libya's leader.
The letter is republished here in its original, unedited form.
****
Her Excellency Dr. Angela Merkel,
The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany
Excellency,
We have read with great surprise news reports indicating that the German Government will support the State of Israel by offering gifts in the form of a sophisticated submarine and two Missile boats to be added to the five submarines which have already been provided to Israel, the price of which was paid by the German tax-payers.
Since I am not objecting or protesting against the German government decision for as it is an internal affair, but what I would like to underscore is that there are certain points and remarks to be clarified to the German government and people as well as the international public opinion.
I do not think that the German people who have suffered from dictatorship, suppression and terrorism either during the Nazis era or the communist reign, which are well known to Her Excellency Dr. Angela Merkel agree to the money of tax-payers being spent to purchase offensive non-defensive weapons and submarines on which long-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear war heads will be mounted as per reports.
I do not think that the German tax-payers seek the enhancement of the offensive capacity of the world’s greatest human rights violating State in the world.
Ironically, when German Parliament held a special session to investigate the topic of training Libyan police elements by the German police, there was a big uproar in protest to the German police undertaking the training of elements belong to a State in which human rights allegedly violated, although Libya’s record in the field of Human rights is the best in the Middle East after having achieved a great deal of reform, we have not yet seen this very parliament or even the German press protesting against these lethal gifts donated by the German government to Israel; the greatest violator of human rights in the world, which launched thirteen months ago a war on Gaza leading to the killing of more than (2500) Palestinian citizens (257) of whom are children and (56) women, furthermore wounding of (1080) children and (452) women. Prior to this war Israel launched an aggression on Lebanon in 2006 which killed (1100) civilians, (400) of whom were children. In which Israel targeted and struck hospitals and schools.
International organizations estimated that (50) schools were completely destroyed and (400) schools sustained different damages in a flagrant and blatant violation of international law.
Likewise, Israel throughout its history has launched three wars on Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon. It is worth noting that in Israel the prime Minister sings orders of assassinating of non-Israelis and it is the state which has been and still violating the sovereignty of other sovereign states by bombing their lands and assassinating their citizens and it is the entity which has overseen the massacre of Sabra and Shatila, Deir al-Balah and Yassin and others.
All of this has made Israel the biggest human rights violating state in the eyes of the world.
The money which financed the deal estimated at more than one billion Euros was disbursed to build and enhance Israeli offensive capabilities. It would be better ethically, humanly and politically if this amount had been spent on (1.5) Million people, namely the population of Gaza which has been transformed into “the biggest prison in the world”, where scores of people perish due to the siege, medical negligence, disease, hunger and poverty.
Peace and co-existence in the Middle-East can neither be achieved through supplying of missile submarines nor through the stealth destroyers but rather through prevailing justice, equity and fairness.
Finally, today you are thoughtful towards Israel to atone for the mistakes of the past, but I assure you that one day you will be thoughtful towards us to atone for today’s mistake.
I wish all the best,
Saif al-Islam Alqadhafi
1.21.2010
A Backgrounder on Haiti - Courtesy of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference, Inc.
Over the last few days in speaking with many individuals regarding Haiti, there are many facts regarding the origin, history and character of the Caribbean nation of a little over 9-million that are unknown to many. Perhaps this is the result of a White-Supremacist American educational system only interesting in peddling White-ethnocentric propaganda to the world which is not actually history, it is his-story.
The January 12 earthquake decimated the capital, Port-Au-Prince, and now, it is apparent that Israel, America and some villainous profiteers have made their initial moves towards neo-colonialism there. With that being said, it is important for us to provide the contextual framework so that you will no longer focus on simply the chess board, but instead, focus on the hands behind the chess pieces.
I have provided a link to an excellent backgrounder given to us courtesy of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc., a prominent interdenominational theological coalition led by their Secretary-General, Iva Carruthers.
Please READ IT! Some topics cannot be reduced to 30-second sound bytes in the controlled media.
A Backgrounder on Haiti
1.18.2010
Extensive coverage of the earthquake in Haiti at FinalCall.com
Extensive Coverage of the devastating earthquake in Haiti in this week's edition of The Final Call
WWW.FINALCALL.COM
1.14.2010
Horror in Haiti: Global aid pours in after devastating earthquake rocks Caribbean island
By Ashahed M. Muhammad
Thousands feared dead following devastating earthquake in Haiti
(FinalCall.com) - A devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook Haiti January 12 sparking fears of a humanitarian disaster in the tiny island nation of a little over nine-million.
The strongest earthquake to hit Haiti in over 200 years severely rocked the capital city Port-au-Prince and its two-million plus residents.
Initial news reports showed many injured, a hospital collapsed, small houses and rickety shacks tumbled into ravines. Parts of many buildings—including the Presidential Palace—crumbled. Seismologists estimate that a 7.0 magnitude earthquake releases the energy equivalent of 32-million tons of TNT.
Tremors were felt west in Cuba and in the Dominican Republic, Haiti's neighbors to the east. There has been around-the-clock new coverage and numerous pleas by government officials, humanitarian agencies and aid workers for immediate action to deliver aid.
“We've been praying, waiting and trying to strategize to find out what they need and getting them what they need expeditiously,” said an emotional Darnide Cayo, founder of Artists Village, a humanitarian outreach organization with a specific focus on the people of Haiti.
Ms. Cayo, who has traveled to Haiti several times, told The Final Call her organization has been unable to contact anyone there since the earthquake hit. Outside of an early conversation with the U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Ms. Cayo says she has been “on pins and needles” waiting on information regarding the status of many children, educators, political officials and organizational leaders with whom her organization has developed ties.
“Words can't describe how serious this situation is. Just imagine being hurt with no hospital to go to,” said Ms. Cayo. “They already don't have enough medical equipment or facilities. They're not prepared nor equipped for something like this,” she added.
“Haiti today faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced,” said Haitian Wyclef Jean in a statement on Jan. 12. “I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over two-million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now,” he said.
U.S. President Barack Obama pledged the full support of the American government to ensure a “swift, coordinated and aggressive effort to save lives.”
“The reports and images from Haiti of collapsed hospitals, crumbled homes, and men and women carrying their injured neighbors through the streets are truly heart-wrenching. As we learn more about the extent of the devastation, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and Haitian Americans around our country who do not yet know the fate of their families and loved ones back home,” said Pres. Obama.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon issued an urgent call to the international community to assist Haiti and those in the capital of Port-au-Prince. According to reports, buildings, homes, and the entire infrastructure of the city suffered catastrophic damage and basic services such as water and electricity are unavailable in most places.
The earthquake toppled The United Nations headquarters and some UN workers are still missing. The full extent of casualties could rise into the thousands, Mr. Ban told reporters in New York Jan.13. “There is no doubt that we are facing a major humanitarian emergency and that a major relief effort will be required,” he said.
Sympathetic words and prayers poured in from all over the internet. Numerous groups popped up on Facebook and MySpace imploring others to donate to a relief agency to help the Haitian people.
In a message to those following his Twitter account, investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill wrote “U.S. supported dictators & death squads in Haiti, overthrew dem(ocratic) gov't and targeted it w/neoliberal econ policies. We owe Haiti.”
South Africa's President Jacob G. Zuma said in a statement: “The Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa wish to convey to His Excellency Mr. Rene Garcia Prèval, President of the Republic of Haiti, the Government and the people of the Republic of Haiti our deepest sympathy and condolences following the disastrous earthquake that struck Southern Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince.”
Former President of the Republic of Haiti Dr. Jean-Betrand Aristide said in a statement: “My wife and I stand with the people of our country and mourn the death and destruction that has befallen Haiti. It is a tragedy that defies expression; a tragedy that compels all people to the highest levels of human compassion and solidarity. From Africa, the ancestral home of Haiti, we send our profoundest condolences and love to the thousands of children, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters worst affected. To the entire nation, our love and wishes for strength and courage in this most difficult of times,” said Mr. Ariside.
Pledges for food assistance, monetary aid and medical supplies have come from all across the globe.
According to news reports, The British Red Cross has launched an appeal in the UK and has released £200,000 ($325,000 USD) from its disaster fund.
The UN announced that $10m would be released immediately from their central emergency response fund. In addition, the UN World Food Programme (UNWFP) has begun distributing high-energy biscuits and other food that requires no preparation prior to eating to those affected by the earthquake. UNWFP also announced that they would be airlifting 86 metric tons of food from its emergency hub located in El Salvador, which would feed 30,000 people for up to seven days.
According to French authorities over 100 doctors and nurses and trained rescue dogs to assist in locating bodies buried under the rubble were due to arrive in Haiti along with medical supplies.
Xinhua News Agency reported that China has pledged $1m in financial aid. BBC has reported Spain has pledged $3m euros, Germany has released $1.5m euros, The Netherlands has donated $2m euros and Belgium, Sweden and Luxembourg have offered water purification equipment, tents, medical help and search-and-rescue experts.
The European Union's European Commission has released 3m euros to assist in the relief effort. Venezuela has sent food, medicine, water and a team of rescue workers and Cuba has sent 30 doctors to assist in relief efforts.
1.13.2010
Devastating Earthquake hits Haitian capital Port-au-Prince
Everyone stopped and took notice when it was reported that Haiti was hit with a devastating 7.0 earthquake on Jan.12. Since then, there has been around the clock coverage. While working on the cover article dealing with this event for the FCN UK/International edition, I thought I would post a couple of notable statements by leaders interested in the condition of the Haitian people.
Seismologists estimate that a 7.0 magnitude earthquake releases the energy equivalent of 32-million tons of TNT.
South Africa’s President Jacob G. Zuma said in a statement:
“The Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa wish to convey to His Excellency Mr. Rene Garcia Préval, President of the Republic of Haiti, the Government and the people of the Republic of Haiti our deepest sympathy and condolences following the disastrous earthquake that struck Southern Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, 12 January 2010.
Former President of the Republic of Haiti Dr Jean-Betrand Aristide said in a statement:
“My wife and I stand with the people of our country and mourn the death and destruction that has befallen Haiti Haiti
U.S. President Barack H. Obama pledged the full support of the American government in a "swift, coordinated and aggressive effort to save lives."
"The reports and images from Haiti Haiti
1.01.2010
Sins of the Fathers Part 2: The Silent Screams of the Victims
Sins of the Fathers Part 2
The Silent Screams of the Victims
by
Ashahed M. Muhammad
This is the second part in a four part series on the subject. To read Part One, click on the following link: http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/National_News_2/article_6632.shtml
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