The Stream - Al Jazeera English

Canadians spearheading "Gaza's Ark"

Fri, 18 May 2012 23:37:00 +0300

Fisherman resort to using rods as their trawlers are harbour bound due to the threat of Israeli missiles on August 19, 2011 in Gaza City, Gaza. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The activists behind the Canadian Boat to Gaza, also known as The Tahrir, a vessel that attempted to deliver aid to the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip last fall, are launching a new project to draw attention to their cause. The project is dubbed, "Gaza's Ark" and will set sail from Gaza.

Ehab Lotayef, a Montreal engineer and David Heap, a linguistics professor at the University of Western Ontario were both on The Tahrir when it was boarded by the Israeli navy in international waters on Nov 4, 2011. The boat contained clothing and medical supplies for the Palestinians living in Gaza.

View the story "Canadians spearheading \"Gaza's Ark\"" on StorifyCanadians spearheading "Gaza's Ark"New project aims to initiate trade with Palestinians in the Gaza strip.Storified by The Stream · Fri, May 18 2012 16:21:50The activists behind the Canadian Boat to Gaza, also known as The Tahrir, a vessel that attempted to deliver aid to the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip last fall, are launching a new project to draw attention to their cause. The project is dubbed, "Gaza's Ark" and will set sail from Gaza.
Ehab Lotayef, a Montreal engineer and David Heap, a linguistics professor at the University of Western Ontario were both on The Tahrir when it was boarded by the Israeli navy in international waters on Nov 4, 2011. The boat contained clothing and medical supplies for the Palestinians living in Gaza.
Activists set sail on The Tahrir from Cyprus on Nov 4, 2011.Before setting sail on The TahrirAJstreamThe two men were arrested and spent five days in an Israeli jail without charge. They were deported back to Canada after signing a court-ordered statement that indicated they entered Israel "voluntarily and illegally." They say they were threatened with two months behind bars - also without charge - if they didn't comply.
Ehab Lotayef and David Heap on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, upon their return to Canada.Ehab Lotayef and David HeapAJstreamLotayef and Heap embarked on a media and speaking tour as soon as they were home, and Heap continues to tour the country today to raise awareness of their cause and collect donations for the Ark planned for the summer.

The Stream spoke to Ehab Lotayef about the idea behind "Gaza's Ark":
Idea for an ArkajstreamLotayef says it's a peaceful mission intended to stimulate Gaza's economy:
Israel's securityajstreamIs this effort less risky than trying to sail to Gaza?
Taking risksajstreamIs building an ark in Gaza by Gazans really feasible?
Building an arkajstreamWhat level of international assistance is expected for the project?
International assistanceajstreamIf Gazans are to be paid wages, where is the money coming from?
FundingajstreamLotayef explains the difficulties that lie in a project of this scale:
Awarenessajstream

All eyes on Facebook

Fri, 18 May 2012 19:34:00 +0300

REUTERS/Valentin Flauraud

Facebook made its formal debut as a publicly traded company on Friday morning, opening at $42 a share after wide speculation online.

Though many of the company's 800 million users remained unaffected, the initial public offering (IPO) sparked conversation about the value of the company and the profits made from users’ personal information.

What do you think? Is the price worth the hype?

Here are some highlights from around the web:

View the story "All eyes on Facebook" on StorifyAll eyes on FacebookAs the company's stock goes public, netizens question its value.Storified by The Stream · Fri, May 18 2012 12:54:45Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg rang in the opening day of his company's public trading on the stock market earlier today from the US state of California, dressed in his traditional hooded sweatshirt. Facebook Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell May 18th 2012investaryHe added the company's NASDAQ listing to his Facebook status shortly afterward.undefinedStaticflickrOnline spectators watched as the company debuted as the third-largest IPO in history. Is #Facebook really worth $104 Billion? I'm going to wager a hefty no...but then again it's about what "they" think...right? #MarketMadnessUdit ThakurundefinedStaticflickrSpeculation online about the social media giant's worth reached a crescendo. Twitter user @jamespound created a website where users could play the pundit and predict the price of Facebook's stock. undefinedStaticflickrFacebook ultimately priced its offering at $38 a share late on May 17, 2012. undefinedStaticflickrThe company reached a value of over $100 billion, making it the largest IPO ever for an Internet stock. Certificate image from SEC.undefinedSearchenginejournalI need to get me some of this Facebook stock after the IPO release tomorrow regardless of how much It starts at. Its gone go up ⬆Khris DReactions to the IPO were mixed, with many critical of what they saw as preventing consumers without business connections from purchasing shares.All our likes, pokes, shares, status updates, albums and every minute that we spent on @Facebook are making people rich today #FacebookIPOFirdaus HaqueundefinedStaticflickrundefinedNewsdayOne site widely shared on Facebook estimated how much users' personal data had benefited the company.undefinedStaticflickrOthers were more critical of the idea that Facebook, a social network sometimes seen as primarily a "time-waster," could be worth such an amount of money.undefinedStaticflickrundefinedStaticflickrundefinedSomeecardsOfficial #Facebook IPO slogan: "You've already wasted your time on Facebook. Now waste your money."Andy BorowitzI keep hearing re: Facebook IPO: "they don't make anything" Yeah they do, they make a sophisticated web platform that a billion people use.Dr. Mark DrapeauFor Facebook's part, employees celebrated the IPO with an all-night 'hack-a-thon,' a 24-hour session of coding that has been a longtime part of the company, sparking the original ideas for the "Like" button as well as Facebook chat. Photo from Techcrunch.
undefinedWordpressi love that Facebook is doing an all night hackathon before the IPO. that's one way to keep the team focused on the product!Sarah LacyMany online reminisced about the earlier days of Facebook, posting screenshots of older versions of the site.undefinedGuestofaguestundefinedStaticflickrSome netizens, however, expressed concern that the massive value of Facebook's stock was an economic "bubble" of overinflated value that would crash, as did many Internet stocks in 2000.undefinedStaticflickrNot surprising social media stocks are selling off today. Most have spiked ahead of the Facebook IPO. Groupon is up 25% in last 5 days aloneJohn ShmuelThe problems people have grasping the IPO process on $FB is too reminiscent of 1999. Not a good omen...Jim CramerWhen $2B vanishes on Wall St it's a "trading loss." When $100B vanishes it's a "Facebook IPO."Andy BorowitzMuch of the conversation before the opening was critical of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, whose announcement that he would renounce his American citizenship prompted speculation that he was trying to avoid paying taxes.#Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin ‘defriended’ US to avoid taxes. @SenBobCasey & I announce plan to stop him http://ow.ly/aYo8IChuck SchumerThe vast majority of Facebook users, however, will remain unaffected by the stock going public.undefinedStaticflickrundefinedStaticflickrOld people take Facebook way too serious.Trappin & Slappin

Brazil's racial quotas

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:47:00 +0300

For generations Brazil has taken pride in its “racial democracy” - one that does not categorise people by race. But a recent court ruling to uphold university admissions based on race is challenging this narrative.

Supporters say the decision will correct discrimination. Opponents argue it creates racism. But does race really matter in Brazil?

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with Idelber Avelar (@iavelar), a professor at Tulane University; Demetrio Magnoli (@demetriomagnoli), author “A Drop of Blood” and Athayde Motto (@FundoBaoba), director of the Baoba Fund for Racial Equity.

What do you think? Do racial quotas help or hurt access to education? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "Brazil’s racial quotas" on StorifyBrazil’s racial quotasThe country’s Supreme Court approves university admissions based on race.Storified by The Stream · Thu, May 17 2012 12:57:41Brazilian rapper Emicida's song "Dedo na Ferida" comments on the situation for the country's poor and black communities. He was arrested over the weekend for performing the song.
Emicida - Dedo na FeridaemicidaEmicida's arrest comes after a major court decision. On April 26, Brazil's Supreme Court ruled that voluntary university admissions quotas were constitutional. This video describes the educational situation in Brazil and supports diversity based quotas. 70 percent of Brazil's black population lives below the poverty level and only has access to public schools which critics say do not adequately prepare them for college admissions. Affirmative action proponents argue quotas give the Afro Brazilian community more opportunity where the system has failed to do so.
Access to Quality Education in BrasilparrfeHere are some quotes from the Supreme Court justices in their ruling.Content from Brazil Supreme Court MinistersTaken from: educacao.uol.com.br/album/2012/04/27/veja-frases-dos-mini...Many continue to rally for an expansion of quotas, even after the ruling. This image is from a protest at the UFRGS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, one of the country's largest universities.
#OCUPAUFRGS #CotasSIM http://pic.twitter.com/Nusrw0WOIsrael mouraThis 2010 ad was put out by the AFIRME SE campaign in support of affirmative action, which says it is trying to counter what it sees as anti-affirmative action coverage from Brazil's media.
AFIRME SE - "Brasil mais justo"juniorlisboaTranslation:

-Being a student at public schools is being a student at a university.
- Having a physical disability or being gay is getting a job.
-Being black is having a (high school) diploma.
- Some things seem unlikely to happen, and wanting to end the quota system is one of these things.
-From March 3-5, defend this victory, mobilize yourself.
-Uphold affirmative action policies in the Supreme Federal Tribunal.

Those in favor of the quota system argue that they are necessary to make up for decades of inequality in the country.
A elite Branca brasileira tem uma divida à ser paga aos negros, aos pobres, aos índios e aos nordestinos desse país #cotassimSany PitbullTranslation: The White Brazilian elite has a debt to be paid to blacks, the poor, the Indians of this country and the northeastern #cotassim
This image was circulated on Twitter in support of quotas. The slave master in the image says "I am against quotas."undefinedTwimgSome Brazilians criticized the Supreme Court's decision.
#Cotassim é RACISMO. Contra o racismo disfarçado de politicamente correto. Oportunidades iguais para todos. #CotasnãoMaya FelixTranslation: #Cotassim is RACISM. Against racism in the guise of political correctness. Equal opportunities for all. #CotasnãoQuerer igualdade usufruindo de um sistema que te dê privilégios por ser de uma determinada etnia? Não faz sentido. #CotasNãoDanillo AlbertoTranslation: Wanting equal benefits from a system that gives you privileges for being a certain ethnicity? It makes no sense. #CotasNãoQuando políticas do governo instituem o critério racial para dividir os indivíduos, o racismo é alimentado! #CotasNãoMurilo MedeirosTranslation: When government policies establishing the racial criterion to divide the people, racism is fed! #CotasNãoThis video was posted by Brazil's Mestizo Nation and shows the debate over quotas in the Supreme Court. .
Movimento Pardo-Mestiço Brasileiro no STF contra cotas raciais e discriminação a mestiçosnacaomestica

Afghan women: priority or bargaining chip?

Wed, 16 May 2012 19:20:00 +0300

In Afghanistan, are women's rights a priority or just another political bargaining chip? As Afghan officials seek reconciliation with the Taliban and social conservatives, some analysts argue that any gains the government has made in improving women’s rights are in danger of disappearing. With U.S. plans to withdraw all its troops by 2014, others add that the issue has faded from the President Obama’s top list of priorities for the country.

In this episode of The Stream, we talk to Mariam Atash Nawabi of the US-Afghan Women’s Council; Noorjahan Akbar, co-founder of Young Women for Change; and Fariba Nawa, journalist and author of “Opium Nation.”

What do you think? Has the Afghan government made enough progress in improving women’s rights? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "Afghan women: priority or bargaining chip? " on StorifyAfghan women: priority or bargaining chip? Some argue women’s rights are at risk as the US and Afghan governments negotiate with the Taliban.Storified by The Stream · Wed, May 16 2012 12:31:40Afghan activists from the women's advocacy group Young Women for Change protest the killing of five women in less than one month during an April 14 Kabul march. This photo reads, "Where is justice? Wake up your conscience!" (Photo via Young Women for Change)undefinedFbcdnMore than ten years after the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, activists there are warning of the threats to women's rights as the United States begins preparations to draw down its troops. Women's stories from AfghanistanactionaidukAdvocates for Afghan women's rights have charged that the attention the cause once received from the US government has fallen aside in favour of negotiating the end of the country's occupation.undefinedNytsynIn this clip from 2010, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks about the American commitment to Afghan women after meeting with female ministers from the country. Secretary Clinton Provides Remarks With Afghan Women MinistersstatevideoAl Jazeera's People & Power recently followed several young female activists in Afghanistan who are working to secure rights for women. Afghanistan: Girl PowerA film by Trevor Bormann, Wayne McAllister and ABC More than a decade after the Taliban were driven from power in Afghanistan, the plight...Young Women for Change has released films depicting the challenges women face from street harassment. Below, a clip from "My Voice."My Voice- Traileryoungwomen4changeIn this clip, director Anita Haidary, who is also a co-founder of Young Women for Change, speaks about the fight to improve women's lives in Afghanistan. Anita Haidary '14 on Improving Lives of Afghan Women - Mount Holyoke CollegemountholyokenewsAn advocate for women's rights, Afghan MP Fawzia Koofi is now candidate for the 2014 presidential election. She recently wrote an op-ed warning of the threats that may result from U.S. troops pulling out too soon. She also rejects negotiations with the Taliban. Below, Koofi speaks to a young girl about her work. Young 9 year old activist interviews Afghan MP Fawzia KoofimuslimfeministA recent survey from USAID showed that many indicators of development for women have improved in Afghanistan since 2002-2003. undefinedStaticflickrNetizens called for a renewed focus on the women of Afghanistan, particularly as this month's NATO summit nears."Women's issues are not on the formal agenda at the NATO summit...Afghanistan is poised to send an all-male delegation" http://news.yahoo.com/insight-afghan-women-fade-white-house-focus-exit-184126698.htmlJennifer L. PoznerI fear for what will happen to them when NATO pulls out | #UN: Don't Forget Afghan #Women http://bit.ly/J7b2yv @RFERL #afghanistanThe Power Of One.1 of the most important changes for Afghanistan women has been the new freedom to raise their voices against violence http://ow.ly/aGMehWomen Under SiegeOthers were more critical of the reasons for the rhetoric. They dont need USA to make the women safe, tho RT @amnesty: The US may be leaving #Afghanistan but we won't abandon Afghan women!#mothersdayNiken Budi Astuti100s of Afghan women jailed for 'moral crimes'. So much for 10 years of war "liberating" women: http://bbc.in/GYnT4S #AfghanistanStop the War#US talk abt rights of #Afghanistan women/children wd be more convincing if US weren't quite so busy killing them. #Khilafah#RobertBalesRestore Khilafahsick of journalists wanting to hear "sad" perspective of Afghan women. Is it so strange to hear Afghan men make smart intelligent remarks?Brishkay

Creatively resisting occupation

Tue, 15 May 2012 19:14:00 +0300

May 15th marks the 64th anniversary of the Nakba – what Palestinians refer to as the day of “catastrophe” – in which hundreds of thousands were displaced after the establishment of the state of Israel.

An emerging generation of Palestinian activists is using art, music and theatre as a form of nonviolent protest against the Israeli occupation. This artistic resistance not only challenges occupation, but also challenges their societies.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to Mark Levine (@culturejamming), professor of Middle East History at UC Irvine, and we engage our community in a Google Plus hangout.

What do you think? Will creative resistance be effective? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "Nakba Day observed" on StorifyNakba Day observedPalestinians around the world are observing the 64th Nakba Day, but the manners in which they are doing so have expanded in recent years.Storified by The Stream · Tue, May 15 2012 12:42:04Members of the Palestinian diaspora are gathering today to commemorate the Nakba — also known as the "catastrophe" — of 1948, when around 700,000 Palestinians fled or were forced from their homes.

Masked Palestinians hurl stones at Israeli troops near West Bank city of Ramallah, during the 64th anniversary of Nakba http://yfrog.com/nw2zavvajKhalid KhanHoy 15 de mayo de 1948 se conmemora el Nakba. ( catástrofe en árabe). Israel desplaza/invade al pueblo palestino, apoyado por USA.José Rodríguez Nakba Day has been observed across the world.أنا الأرض..والأرض أنت.. #النكبة #النكبة64 #Nakba #Nakba64 http://pic.twitter.com/mcQJhgPtAlaa AlfroukhThey are sounding a siren in Ramallah to mark the Nakba now http://pic.twitter.com/OXsEejAMjoseph danaIt was 64 years ago, on a day like today, that many like my grandmother, started the journey of refugees, for the rest of their lives #NakbaDima Khatib أنا ديمةRT @AhmedRaafat10: Protesters in front of the Arab league building in Cairo #Egypt #Nakba #Palestine #PalHunger http://pic.twitter.com/MeCTdq9WAbdul AfifThis interactive map, shows the Palestinian villages that were destroyed during the Nakba. The tweet below shows a cartoon — originally created by Carlos Latuff, a Brazilian cartoonist with Arab roots — which illustrates the Palestinian issue.#Cartoon 64 years of a catastrophe called #Israel - #Nakba #Palestine by : @CarlosLatuff http://pic.twitter.com/jfJ0UsUEAhmed AlkayalNakba Day has long been a source of tension between Palestinians and the state of Israel. During last year's commemorations, spurred by the events of the Arab Spring, Palestinian protestors in Syria and Lebanon crossed their respective border fences with Israel. After meeting Israeli security forces, ten were killed in Lebanon and four in Syria. The video below shows protestors crossing the Golan Heights border fence into Israel. Palestinians swarm & overrun occupied Golan Heights border fence w Israel on Nakba dayhongpongOn Monday, Tel Aviv University (TAU) in Israel was at the centre of controversy when a Nakba rally there was disrupted by right-wing Israelis. TAU's decision to approve the rally had been the topic of intense debate in Israel's parliament, the Knesset. Last year, the Knesset passed a bill which authorises the Finance Minister to withdraw funds from institutions which observe Nakba day.New on +972: Rightists disrupt Nakba Day ceremony at Tel Aviv University, chant "We'll show you a Nakba":http://972mag.com/rightists-disrupt-nakba-ceremony-at-tel-aviv-university/45646/+972 MagazinePIC: Right-wing anti #Nakba protest at tel aviv university, bigger than the actual protest #jpost #israel http://twitpic.com/9kyg96Ben Hartmanטקס יום הנכבה באונ' תל אביבsocialtvI attended the #Nakba memorial service @ Tel Aviv University 2day. We thought the Zionist thugs would kill us.I was shivering the whole timeNoa S A particularly tactful Israeli cop at #Nakba Day ceremony in Tel Aviv University. Photo by @Benhartman (cc @ya3cov) http://twitpic.com/9kz72nDimi ReiderConflict between Palestinians and the Israeli Army were arguably at their most violent during the second Intifada, which began in 2000.Second Intifada 2000nooran98Intifada CutsfilkalerIn recent years, however, an increased amount of Palestinians have taken to alternative and creative ways to resist Israeli Occupation. Theatre, music and graffiti have all been employed. The Freedom Theatre in the Occupied West Bank town of Jenin is one such example.Fragments of PalestinethefreedomtheatreDAM molded Arabic and Hebrew in their hip hop song "Born Here." DAM, "Born Here", Hebrew/Arabic with English subtitlesopiegonebadRamallah Underground is another Palestinian hip hop group that uses lyrics and music as a form of protest.Ramallah Underground (Stormtrap) - Nateejeh bala shugholramallahundergroundAt the Israeli separation wall, a group known as send.a.message allowed customers to write messages that would be graffitied upon the wall. Pictures below are courtesy of the Subzero Blue and Road to the Horizon blogs.MIDEAST ISRAEL PALESTINIANS BARRIER GRAFFITIAJstreamsendamessage1AJstreamOn Monday, netizens showed their solidarity with around 1,600 Palestinian prisoners who had been on hunger strike since mid-April to protest Israel's policy of "administrative detention." They began changing their Twitter and Facebook avatars to the images below, which portray the prison uniforms worn by Palestinians in Israeli detainment. change ur tweet con to support hunger strike . #FreePalestine http://pic.twitter.com/3AbX1TSAAmirulazri AzmiI'm in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. #Palestine http://pic.twitter.com/GSJS5uXzMaher ZainThe hunger strike was supported across the globe, from Spain to Ireland and Malaysia.A demonstration yesterday in Spain in support of the Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike #PalHunger @ThameenaHusary http://pic.twitter.com/7eeAzHZXNada Basha Celtic fans showing some love and support for the Palestinian hunger strike! Mashallah! #PalHunger #freepalestine http://pic.twitter.com/IxeD0ttLhaneen30,000 people in Spain protest in support of the Palestinian Hunger Strike! http://pic.twitter.com/UgRx82PsЯΛMI EL-ΛƧHYSolidarity with Palestinian Prisoners on Hunger Strike.. SUPPORT FROM MALAYSIA ! http://pic.twitter.com/KgIAVq4dღ aLyaa ღOthers however, remained skeptical. Today Israel won a big propaganda success by getting media to report "hunger strike ends." We don't know that at all. #PalHungerAli Abunimah

Sex selection by abortion?

Mon, 14 May 2012 19:29:00 +0300

A recent study is sparking debate on whether Indian immigrants in Canada are practicing sex selection by abortion. The study found that Canadian women born in India who have two births or more were more likely to have male infants than those born in Canada.

In this episode of The Stream, we talk to Prabhat Jha of the Centre for Global Health Research; Rajendra Kale, former Editor of the Canadian Medical Association Journal; and Deepa Mattoo, a lawyer for the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario.

What do you think? How conclusive is this study? Should doctors be allowed to withhold gender information from parents? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "Sex selection by abortion?" on StorifySex selection by abortion?A Canadian study suggests female foeticide is occurring among Indian immigrants in the country.Storified by The Stream · Mon, May 14 2012 13:26:55The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) study found Canadian couples born in India may be more likely than Canadian-born couples to terminate a second pregnancy if the fetus is female. While some medical professionals are calling for a move to ban giving ultrasound gender information until after 30-weeks of pregnancy, others are saying this study does not present enough conclusive evidence to support the possibility of female feticide. hospital nurseryAJstreamThe study sampled a population-base of 766 688 live births between 2002 and 2007, using records provided by Ontario Vital Statistics.

The table below shows the breakdown of male to female ratios for live births, separated by the mother's country of origin.
Picture 6AJstreamHere's a depiction of the male to female ratio:Picture 2AJstreamIn an exclusive interview with The Stream, Dr. Joel Ray, who led the study describes the findings:Web Interview with Joel RayajstreamLast week, thousands of abortion opponents rallied in Ottawa calling for an end to legalized abortions.
That is one big March For Life rallydavidakinActivists gathered in front of the parliament building, calling for government officials to criminalize abortion. As of 1988, abortion practices are unrestricted in Canada and legal through all nine months of pregnancy up until the point of birth. rally2AJstreamIn this video, protestors march down the streets of Ottawa to protest abortion. Pro Life March Ottawa 2012videomanottawaA citizen captured footage of activists gathered on the steps of the parliament building. Pro Life March Ottawa 2012videomanottawaIn an editorial for the CMAJ, Dr. Rajendra Kale says there is a high abortion rate among Indian women who were pregnant with a female. He suggest that heath care providers postpone telling the mother the sex of the child until after 30-weeks of gestation in order to decrease the rate of female feticide. “It's a girl!” — could be a death sentence - Canadian Medical ...Jan 16, 2012 ... “It's a girl!” — could be a death sentence. Rajendra Kale, MD, Editor-in-Chief ( Interim). Correspondence to: CMAJ ...Professor Prabhat Jha is the founding director for the Centre for Global Health Research at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. He believes that it is important not to exaggerate the problem and that further research is need for more accurate conclusions.pjha_imageAJstreamThis is Jha's response to the Sex Ratio study published in the CMAJ:"For accurate public reporting, it is important not to overstate the problem. IF (and that remains a big IF) selective abortion is happening in Ontario, then the numbers from the Joel Ray study would suggest it's less than 35 a year or less than 1% of all births among Indian-born mothers. According to Canadian law, the practice of withholding this information to expectant mothers can be considered "professional misconduct." The Canadian Supreme Court says that all patients have a right to access all the information in their records.
pic1AJstreamPhoto Courtesy: Samantha ChiusoloultrasoundAJstreamThis map shows clinics (marked in red) that withhold gender information from high risk families until 30 weeks of pregnancy has passed and clinics (marked in green) that do share gender information with all patients. Prior to the CMAJ study, six Canadian hospitals already had decided to not disclose the sex of the child until after 30-weeks of pregnancy. Picture 2AJstreamThis study shows a Canadian opinion poll on gender-based abortions:Picture 3AJstreamAn Indian girl paints her face to raise awareness to the issue of female feticide.

Photo Courtesy: Reuters

Picture 4AJstreamThis is what the fetus looks like at 30-weeks gestation. It weighs about three pounds and its eyesight starts to develop.fetusAJstreamThe Indo-Canadian Voice, a British Columbia newspaper, ran this ad promiting the ability to choose the sex of a child through in vitro fertilization. The controversial ad was later pulled. genderselectionAJstreamThe worldwide campaign, 50 Million Missing, was launched this past year to raise awareness for the millions of Indian girls who have been aborted due to a preference for male children. Picture 5AJstreamThis photo of an Indian woman and a little girl is taken from the 50 Million Missing website. Picture 6AJstream

Bullets to beads

Fri, 11 May 2012 22:38:00 +0300

From harm to hope—that is the basis of Kirsten Dickerson and Sophia Hirokawa Lin’s jewelry and product line “Raven and Lily.”

The duo works with women suffering from HIV in Ethiopia and relies on local and reusable resources, such as war shells that are transformed into beads.

The Stream spoke with Kirsten Dickerson, one of the co-founders about the business and its impact:

View the story "Bullets to beads" on StorifyBullets to beadsWomen in conflict zones turn weapons into jewelry.Storified by The Stream · Fri, May 11 2012 15:40:06Raven and Lily CEO explains role of womenajstreamWhat is the source of the jewelry?Raven and Lily CEO on local materialsajstreamWho are the women behind Raven and Lily?The women behind Raven and LilyajstreamWhat has been the impact of this business?Raven and Lily CEO describes her business's impactajstreamWhat do you have planned for the future?On eco-friendly materials and goalsajstream

Questioning US-Israel relations

Thu, 10 May 2012 19:31:00 +0300

Israel has received more foreign aid from the United States than any other country in the world, and each year influential pro-Israeli government groups donate millions of dollars to US lawmakers and political campaigns.

But to what extent has America's relationship with Israel affected opportunities to influence positive change in the Middle East?

We speak with Harvard Professor Stephen Walt, a self-described “foreign policy realist” and co-author of “The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy.”

What do you think? How do US-Israel relations affect foreign policy in the Middle East? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "US-Israel relations and Middle East policy" on StorifyUS-Israel relations and Middle East policyThe Stream speaks with Stephen Walt, co-author of ‘The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy.’Storified by The Stream · Thu, May 10 2012 12:37:48114466095AW006_PRESIDENT_OBAJstreamSpeculation has been rife for months that Israel might launch a pre-emptive strike on Iran this year. At the centre of the rumblings have been questions over what role the special relationship between Israel, the United States and the US-Israel lobby might play in the decision-making process. The video below shows the general strategy used by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), one of the most powerful pro-Israeli government interest groups in the country, to influence politicians and their policies.AIPAC Pres. Lee Rosenberg implores financial support for pro-Israel politicianslamilazzoProfessor Stephen Walt of Harvard University has long been critical of the US-Israel lobby and the influence it has upon American foreign policy in the Middle East. Professor Stephen Walt speaks at Move Over AIPAC part 1codepink84
When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that the next election — previously slated for 2013 — would be moved up to September, many speculated that it meant that Israel was planning a strike on Iran for September or October. The logic behind these rumours was that US President Barack Obama would not risk alienating the lobby and pro-Israel voters before the US election by challenging Netanyahu with a fresh mandate on the issue.Netanyahu calls for early elections in Israel. Signal pre-emptive strike against Iran?? http://bit.ly/IPPgxDJay ClarkeA Netanyahu victory two months before the U.S. election could give him leverage over Barack Obama on the Iranian and Palestinian issues while the president is still engaged in his own campaign and wary of alienating pro-Israel U.S. voters. Floyd M OakesHowever, in a surprising turn of events, the decision was effectively reversed the following day when a new unity coalition was formed between Netanyahu's Likud Party and the Kadima Party. Many, however, still believe that a strike will take place because Netanyahu now has a broader mandate with which he can pursue his objectives.Why Netanyahu's coalition in #Israel? Consensus for striking Iran; consensus to remove settlements; or to delegitimise Mofaz, finish Kadima?Volker Perthes"It is better for Netanyahu to order an attack on Iran with a massive coalition standing behind him". - Caroline B. GlickPhillip N. LeggNOW WE ARE DOWN TO A FEW MONTHS BEFORE ATTACKING IRAN. Yeah, like September - October. Just in time to reelect Obama. The unity government which Binyamin Netanyahu formed Tuesday May 8, is not just the broadest coalition ever to govern Israel, but also the first with three former chiefs of staff who are fully capable of directing an attack on Iran. It was this feature which caught Washington’s attention as the first reports of Netanyahu’s stunning U-turn away from an early election filtered through. All the same, US sources expect the new government to give Obama a few months’ space before a decision on Iran. Joe GrossingerNew Coalition in Israel may mandate a strike on Israel...Bibi has gathered the Children of Israel as a mother hen gathers her chicks to rally against an external threat...not a savior? IMO, the Lord has chosen well... Jimmys JournalThe constant speculation, particularly in relation to how the US might react to Israel's actions, shows that many believe the Israel lobby has immense power over US policy. Dear Mr. President(@BarackObama), Why is it that the #Israel lobby has more power than you do,sir? I am utterly bewildered, sir. Sincerely..Michael JanhoFormer #CIA official Michael Scheuer: "Israeli lobby has tied American government down like Gulliver" http://bit.ly/ICGEqG #IsraelAmericanPakiCiF contributor suggests Obama administration’s sanctions against Iran are result of Israel lobby http://nblo.gs/xq81OChana LevickThe chart below, from of the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, shows the amount of aid provided to Israel by the United States since 1949.undefinedStaticflickrOn Wednesday, the US House of Representatives passed a bill (with a vote of 411-2), that expands US military support for Israel.Citizens concerned with power of the Israel lobby often stage protests across the country. A group of these protesters gathered outside an AIPAC meeting last December re-enact the Israeli soliders demolishing Palestinian homes. AIPAC in Sacramento: Protest bulldozer demolished homes outside Israel lobby 12/4/11wikiworldorderDespite these protests against US support for Israel, many within the Israel lobby itself feel that Obama has not been committed enough to Israel. Republican Jewish Coalition Bashes Obama On Israel In New Web AdbuzzfeedLately, US Republicans have been criticising Obama for not taking a strong enough stance against Iran. US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney gave voters a taste of what his policy would be.Romney on Iran and Israelmarathonpundit

US hospital live-tweets brain surgery

Wed, 09 May 2012 21:56:00 +0300

A hospital in the United States wanted to “demystify” brain surgery, and it chose to do so in the most public way—on social media.

On May 9, the Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas, live-tweeted the removal of a brain tumour, accompanied by video and a photo gallery of the operation.

Here are some highlights from the procedure:

View the story "US hospital live-tweets brain surgery" on StorifyUS hospital live-tweets brain surgeryTexan medical centre aims to shed light on the procedure.Storified by The Stream · Wed, May 09 2012 14:57:43Before the procedure, Dr. Scott Shepard tweeted information about the surgeons and the surgery. Welcome! First LIVE #Twittercast of a brain surgery by Memorial Hermann #hospital in #houston #MHbrain #btsmMemorial Hermann Today’s surgery is by Dr. Dong Kim, director of Mischer Neuroscience Inst. chair of dept of #neurosurgery @UTMedSchool http://bit.ly/JNlmVvMemorial Hermann Neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Shepard will answer your questions during the surgery. Tweet us @houstonhospital #MHbrainMemorial Hermann This is the patient’s MRI #MHbrain http://twitpic.com/9j3el0Memorial Hermann The position looks like this http://twitpic.com/9j48fzMemorial Hermann Scrub nurse applies sterile gown to Dr. Dong Kim while another nurse ties the non-sterile portion #MHBrain http://twitpic.com/9j4n72Memorial Hermann Dr. Kim marks surgical site with a sterile marker #MHBrain http://twitpic.com/9j4pbxMemorial Hermann Below are a selection of live tweets and images, in chronological order, from the procedure:WARNING: The following video, images and descriptions may be #graphic. Viewer discretion is strongly advised from this point forward.Memorial Hermann the patient has already been draped...STAND BY #MHBrainMemorial Hermann Raney clips are used to compress the scalp between the galea and the skin surface to stop bleeding. http://twitpic.com/9j4urzMemorial Hermann The scalp flap will be held by the Greenberg Retractor #MHbrain http://twitpic.com/9j4xf2Memorial Hermann Greenberg Retractor http://twitpic.com/9j50nuMemorial Hermann Dr. Kim beginning the incision #MHBrain http://twitpic.com/9j51jdMemorial Hermann Dr. Kim begins drilling into the #skull with a perforator, making several small holes. #MHbrain STAND BY for VIDEO....Memorial Hermann standing by for drill...in the meantime, this is Dr. Kim at work. http://twitpic.com/9j57ieMemorial Hermann A side drill is then used to connect the circles. This process is called a #craniotomyMemorial Hermann Nurse wraps the bone in a moist sterile sponge and secures it on the surgical table #MHbrainMemorial Hermann Dr. Kim is now cutting through the dura using Metzenbaum scissorsMemorial Hermann Warning: Image below is graphic:The dura is opened, this is the first glimpse of the brain #MHBrain http://twitpic.com/9j5ishMemorial Hermann Dr. Kim can see where he is on computer screen in relation to the MRI, this shows he is directly over the tumor http://twitpic.com/9j5o2uMemorial Hermann The skin is closed using a nylon suture. The sutures will be removed in 2 weeks post-surgery. This happed at 12:08pm CSTMemorial Hermann The hospital recorded each part of the surgery, as show in this video below. For more content, check out the hospital's YouTube channel. Brain surgery prepmemorialhermannSeveral netizens asked questions about the operation:@houstonhospital Having had brain surgery 4 benign tumor 4 yrs ago, is it odd that still have the burr holes and scalp is uneven? #MHbrainKyle Oldham#MHbrain What kind of sterilization procedures does the surgeon have to take. How do you make sure you dont contiminate. Thanks!Justin Capalbo@houstonhospital what would the post-surgery symptoms or problems that the patient would have? #MHbrainJunaid Samodien While the procedure was happening, the person managing the account, Dr. Shepard, responded to questions:Reminder...Dr. Shepard is on site to take your questions live. Tweet us @houstonhospital or #MHbrain http://twitpic.com/9j4lyjMemorial Hermann @stevenm061579 Our goal is to educate the public about brain tumors and brain surgery. we hope you enjoy & learn.Memorial Hermann @dwalshcaitlin Yes, the patient and family has consented & is fully aware that their surgery is being featured on Twitter.Memorial Hermann @doriskim No, this surgery will not affect blood delivery to the brain. - Dr. ShepardMemorial Hermann @maren_seidl Possible complications include infection, bleeding, stroke and seizures. - Dr. SMemorial Hermann @e_gleich The surgery will take approximately 3 hours.Memorial Hermann @jaycerod In today's surgery, there are no physician assistants (PAs) involved. In many brain surgeries, PAs assist the surgeon. - Dr. SMemorial Hermann The doctor also provided context to different sections of the procedures. Unlike other bones in the human body, the skull does not need pressure for bones to join during the healing process.Memorial Hermann Craniotomy is the oldest known surgery. Evidence dates back to the Neolithic period (8000-5000 BC) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2640049/Memorial Hermann What is a bone flap? The bone flap is a piece of skull temporarily removed during brain surgery #MHbrainMemorial Hermann To get a full report of the brain surgery, check out the hospital's Storify and Pinterest.

On the Syrian frontline

Wed, 09 May 2012 18:28:00 +0300

As one of the few international journalists who reported undercover from the frontline, James Bays talks to The Stream about what he recently witnessed on the ground in Syria. His reporting provides an exclusive look into the makeup of the Free Syrian Army and the humanitarian situation on the ground.

Join the discussion at 19:30GMT for your chance to speak with James Bays (@BaysOnTheRoad).

What do you think? Is the situation in Syria improving? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "On the Syrian frontline" on StorifyOn the Syrian frontlineAl Jazeera English correspondent looks inside the uprising.Storified by The Stream · Wed, May 09 2012 12:46:22Exclusive: Free Syrian Army 'regrouping'aljazeeraenglishBays posted the following photos of FSA fighters to his Twitter account. undefinedYfrogundefinedYfrogundefinedYfrogundefinedYfrogOn May 7, Syria held its first multiparty parliamentary elections which the goverment lauded as an important step toward democratic reform. Countering state media claims of a large voter turnout, news reports claim residents outside of Damascus and Aleppo boycotted the elections.
Pictured below, a protest in al-Qusayr, a city near Homs which is divided between government and FSA forces.undefinedYfrogIn the video below, explosions and heavy gunfire can be heard as fighting renewed on May 8 in al-Qusayr. Bambuser | homslivehomsliveI believe my house was just hit by 2-3 new bullets. I can't check because the shooting didn't completely stop yet. #Homs #SyriaBig AlBays receives citizen accounts in al-Qusayr of the humanitarian impact of the conflict in the video below.Exclusive: Syrians strive to survive in 'frontline' townaljazeeraenglishThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as well as Human Rights Watch have agreed that fighting in parts of Syria can be considered "armed conflict." Some say this is an important distinction since it allows violations of international humanitarian law to count as war crimes. A Syrian man shot while smuggling medicine over the Lebanese border near #Qusayr - #Homs , #Syria http://pic.twitter.com/mkRkelBBAhmad Talaat

In the video below, UN observers try to explain their mission and collect information on a recent village attack in Homs.

شام؛؛ حمص تلبيسة 9 5 2012 لجنة المراقبين الدوليين تقوم بالتحدث مع ضباط الجيش الحر والأهاليshamsnnTwitter users have posted a range of images detailing the devastation of cities like Homs that have been shelled by government forces. 7- Taken in #Homs 2 days ago. Price paid for wanting Assad out. #Syria http://pic.twitter.com/P29lDBWxRose AlhomsiThe other side of the destroyed building #Homs #Syria http://pic.twitter.com/dpoi4oAgSamsom homsThe activist group Syrian Days of Rage posted the following video of freedom protests in Deir Ezzour.(05.05.2012) Deir Ezzour | Freedom protests continue across the countrysyriandaysofrageIn the video below, citizens protest in Damascus while chanting "He who kills his people is a traitor."مسائية لأحرار وحرائر حي الميدان الدمشقي نصرة لشهداء الثورة 6 5 2012X6rYICcgU10_CeQhPeWWaABelow, Syrian army soldiers can be seen patrolling the streets of Damascus.(05-04-12) Saqba | Damascus | Assad Forces Comb Through Streets to Detain Peoplesyriandaysofrage

In Israel, African migrants under attack

Tue, 08 May 2012 19:35:00 +0300

Recent attacks against African asylum seekers in Tel Aviv are raising important questions for the state of Israel.

Advocates say the migrants are victims of racism, discrimination and decades of poor policy.

But some citizens and politicians argue the rising number of "infiltrators" – as they call them – is leading to crime and a fall in living standards.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to journalist Mya Guarnieri; Sanjeev Bery, Middle East Director at Amnesty International; Yohannes Bayu, Founder and Executive Director for the African Refugee Development Center; and David Sheen, Israeli filmmaker.

What do you think? What’s at the root of the attacks? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story " In Israel, African migrants under attack" on Storify In Israel, African migrants under attack We look at the rising tensions between citizens and asylum seekers. Storified by The Stream · Tue, May 08 2012 12:51:49Two molotov attacks within two weeks have raised tensions between Israeli residents and African migrants in south Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv Mayor, Ron Huldai has called on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to take action "before it is too late"

On May 6, two firebombs hit a residence in south Tel Aviv that is home to African asylum seekers. Less than two weeks earlier, a number of molotov cocktails were launched into four homes and one kindergarten in Israel's refugee community of Shapira. Tensions have grown in recent months between Israelis and African asylum seekers from countries such as Eritrea and Sudan.shapira1AJstreamA woman stares at the debris after the dwelling suffered damages from the attacks on April 27 at 2:30 a.m. On Tuesday, two firebombs hit another African asylum seekers' residence in south Tel Aviv. This was the second incident that occurred within the past two weeks.shapira2AJstreamA forensic investigator snaps a photo of three molotov cocktails lined up against the wall after the attacks occurred. Police arrested a 20-year-old from south Tel Aviv in connection with the first set of attacks.attack2AJstreamThe following table shows the numbers and percentages of where the majority of migrants into Israel come from. Eritrea leads, followed closely by Sudan. Other asylum-seeking groups come from: Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Picture 6AJstreamIn January, the Knesset passed the Anti-Infiltration bill under Netanyahu that cracks down on asylum seekers. The new law allows Israel to detain these refugees for longer periods of time without a trial. Amnesty Israel argues asylum seekers should not be treated as criminals.Picture 9AJstreamHere, the Ktzi'ot Prison in the Negev desert will serve as the world's largest holding facility for asylum seekers and migrants coming into the country under the new Anti-Infiltration bill. It will be able to hold up to 11,000 people. Since 1949, Israel recognised only 170 people seeking asylum. Around 7,000 refugees have crossed Israel's southern border since the beginning of 2012.Ktzi'ot prisonAJstreamThis 2012 graph shows the number of African immigrants into Israel in relation to the year. In south Tel Aviv, there are nearly 50,000 African migrants are seeking asylum.Picture 4AJstreamMany are asking whether this is an issue of racism. This video shows an experiment where Israelis are asked to sign a faux petition to stop the deportation of refugees. The video shows that European refugees gain more Israeli sympathy than the subject of stopping the deportation of African migrants. Picture 7AJstreamIn this video Ben Ari, a Knesset member, calls for the exile of Sudanese people out of Israel. Other activists shown in the video demand justice for the African refugees seeking asylum in the country. Tel Aviv Mayor, Ron Huldai, warned Netanyahu that residents will turn to crime if government is unwilling to tackle the issue of African migrants.Anti-African Rally in Tel AvivbluepilgrimageViolence has increased as tensions rise between the Israeli citizens and African immigrants. Some Israelis who fear the backlash of violence from the African migrants, including state-employed Rabbis, are fighting to prohibit realtors to rent to them. Israeli mercenary firm proposes "violent action" against African refugeesThe Israeli daily Maariv recently reported [in Hebrew] that BTS, a mercenary firm run by a former Israeli army colonel and veteran bodygu...South Tel Aviv realtors: We won't rent to 'infiltrators'Racial tensions continue to rise in south Tel Aviv. On Monday, a coalition of real estate agents and landlords who deal in apartments in ...This is the 1948 Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel on the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The highlighted segment states the intention for equality in Israel. Picture 3AJstreamThis documentary by filmmaker David Sheen looks at how racism in Israel against African migrants is rooted in the fear of demographic threats.Racism Report: Africans in IsraelbluepilgrimageSheen tweeted live from Israel as the recent attacks occurred:Amazed by complete silence from Jewish Americans & African Americans on firebombing of African kindergarten in TelAviv http://storify.com/davidsheen/proto-pogrom-against-africans-in-israelDavid SheenYouth yells: we don't want Sudanese in the country!David SheenYouths rush up on African-operated shop, start threatening people inside. When we start to film them, they threaten me & @liatarachanskyDavid SheenTo be clear not every1 at the Shapira neighborhood meeting was racist but there was precious little holding back those youths from attackingDavid SheenAsylum seekers stare at the scene of where the attacks happened. attack5AJstreamAn asylum seeker stands by what was once a couch before the attack. attack1AJstreamIn this video, an African refugee speaks about the hardships she has had to face:Veronique, political refugee in IsraelBlue PilgrimageIn this video, right-wing demonstrators call for the immediate deportation of foreigners, while left-wing activists protest against the government's stance on deporting the immigrants:Feelings for ForeignersBlue Pilgrimage Refugees stare at what was once a kindergarten after the attacks left it in ruins. Reports state nobody was injured in the attacks.attack4AJstreamThis infographic shows the requirements in order to be considered a refugee. Refugee-Infographic.015AJstreamThis video looks at the lifestyle of Eritrean refugees living in Israel:Eritrean refugees in israeledrft1254The Israeli non-profit organisation, Hotline for Migrant Workers, handed out food to refugees in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. migrantworkersAJstream

Can a social network fight 'extremism'?

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:42:00 +0300

Self-identified former "extremists" and survivors have formed a social network aimed at helping young people avoid political violence and gang culture. The Against Violent Extremism network believes that radicalization is less of a religious and ideological issue and more about the challenges faced by youth around the world. The site highlights individuals who once participated in violence and have subsequently renounced it, with the goal of preventing ‘at risk’ youths from embracing violence and helping others leave violent groups.

In this episode of The Stream, we talk to Arno Michaelis, Executive Director of Life After Hate, and Tahir Malik, Director of Pakistan Terrorism Survivors Network, about the project.

What do you think of the network? Are there situations where the use of violence is legitimate? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "Can a social network fight 'extremism'?" on StorifyCan a social network fight 'extremism'?A new project aims to counter 'violent extremism' by connecting former self-identified extremists with 'at risk' youths.Storified by The Stream · Mon, May 07 2012 13:41:03undefinedStaticflickrLast month saw the web launch of "Against Violent Extremism," a new social network for those who identify as former perpetrators and survivors of "violent extremism."Against Violent Extremism: The Story of AVEgoogleFrom the site's description:AVE uses technology to connect, exchange, disseminate and influence all forms of violent extremism (from far right and far left to al-Qaeda-linked and inspired and gangs). It leverages the lessons, experiences and networks of individuals who have dealt first-hand with extremism. Through the website and YouTube channel, members can stay in touch, share ideas, collaborate, find investment and partners, and project their messages to wider audiences.

The network already includes former members of the white power movement and street gangs from the US, former members of Islamic groups from Indonesia, and Muslim former members of a London gang. AVE aims to have 500 members in its first year and over one thousand by the end of its second year. Portraits of other participants are available here.

undefinedStaticflickr

The premise of the network is that those who have participated in violence in the past and renounced it (known in AVE as "formers") have the ability to inspire others to do the same, either by preventing young people from participating in violent groups or by supporting individuals leaving them.

The Formers - An Introductiongooglevideos

AVE includes resources for many different users, including maps for survivors and "formers" to locate one another (shown below), personal profiles, forums for dialogue, and a Kickstarter-type programme to match funders or experts with projects in need of support.

undefinedStaticflickr"The Formers" responded to the mass killings in Norway with this press release condemning the violence.undefinedStaticflickr

The "Against Violent Extremism" YouTube channel will also allow activists to upload clips to start discussions.

undefinedStaticflickrThe network was seeded at the 2011 Summit Against Violent Extremism, a conference for "formers," survivors, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists.SAVE - Closing FilmgooglevideosundefinedAgainstviolentextremismThe summit was a brainchild of Google Ideas director Jared Cohen (shown below), a former US State Department adviser who was reportedly one of the primary advocates of using technology to promote democracy, which became known as "21st century statecraft." A press release for AVE stated that its "private sector and non-profit foundation support avoids some of the potential perceived conflicts of interest faced by initiatives funded by governments."undefinedStaticflickrBelow, the story of one survivor.Tahir's StoryglobalsurvivorsThe network, however, is not without its critics. Jonathan Githens-Mazer, a professor of politics at the University of Exeter, attended the Summit Against Violent Extremism and had this to say about the event:Google Ideas, Google's think-and-do-tank, wants to combat violent extremism by having extremists and policy makers learn from those who have renounced violence. All fine until you get to the detail: the program is to understand violence as a result of psychological need rather than taking seriously the claims of injustice made.Google’s SAVE event represented a deliberate attempt to conflate gang violence and neo-Nazi skinhead violence with Islamically inspired violence – as though because they all included the word violence, they were the same phenomenon.The Stream spoke with Amanda Lindhout, a Canadian journalist-turned-activist who was kidnapped by Somali fighters while reporting in 2008.Amanda Lindhout 1ajstreamWhen asked about criticism of the network, Lindhout said she thinks that there is a value in finding the commonalities between different forms of "extremism":Amanda Lindhout 2ajstream

Outrage over #PersepolisTrial verdict

Fri, 04 May 2012 01:09:00 +0300

Nabil Karoui, the head of Tunisian station Nessma TV, leaves court in Tunis April 19, 2012. REUTERS/Anis Mili

On Thursday, a Tunisian court found Nabil Karoui, head of a private TV station, guilty of "disturbing public order and attacking moral values" by airing the animated film "Persepolis" on October 7, 2011. Set during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the film contains a scene depicting God, which angered many in the country and drew thousands to the streets of Tunis in protest.

Karoui received a fine of 2,400 dinars ($1550) as punishment, a sentence much lighter than the prison term sought by religiously conservative politicians. Some Salafists in Tunisia even called for Karoui to receive the death penalty.

View the story "Outrage over #PersepolisTrial verdict" on StorifyOutrage over #PersepolisTrial verdictNetizens express concern after Tunisian TV station head is fined for airing an animated film depicting God.Storified by The Stream · Thu, May 03 2012 18:05:55On Thursday, a Tunisian court found Nabil Karoui, head of a private TV station, guilty of "disturbing public order and attacking moral values" by airing the animated film "Persepolis" on October 7, 2011. Set during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the film contains a scene depicting God, which angered many in the country and drew thousands to the streets of Tunis in protest.

Karoui received a fine of 2,400 dinars ($1550) as punishment, a sentence much lighter than the prison term sought by religiously conservative politicians. Some Salafits in Tunisia even called for Karoui to receive the death penalty.
Here's a trailer for the film:Persepolis US trailer 2buffalobobbyAfter news of the verdict broke, netizens expressed their outrage with the decision using the hashtag #PersepolisTrial.
#Tunisia crowd waits for verdict (disastrous) in #PersepolisTrial this morning. http://twitpic.com/9gt6zlMs. EntropyThe #Revolution will not be islamatized!!#FreeSpeech #democracy #PersepolisTrial #Blasphemy #Islamism #Tunisian #ArabBin M. KhulayfI cry for my #Tunisia , where we can burn ourselves and it's not enuf to bring us a little #FreeSpeech #PersepolisTrialMassoud Hayoun#PersepolisTrial #Tunisian #Arab #Democracy http://bit.ly/IEukHp this is a shameful day for the #FreeSpeech & #RevolutionBin M. KhulayfNabil Karoui is another victim of organized religion #CensorshipSuckshttp://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/03/4462249/tunisian-court-orders-fine-on.htmlRasha HamdanThe Stream spoke with writer Massoud Hayoun, who thinks the verdict is a setback for the country's democratic transition.
Massoud Hayoun on #PersepolisTrialajstreamBlogger @kefteji wrote that the ruling had echoes of Tunisia's former dictatorship.
Human rights groups have pointed out that the prosecutions have been based on Ben Ali era criminal codes which essentially allow the government to prosecute anyone who might be deemed to have done something offensive. These laws were used liberally by the former dictatorship and it is disturbing to see them still being used to silence speech.Demonstrators outside the courthouse in Tunis wore masks to protest censorship in the country:
No to violence, no to distinction, no to hatred. Masked women await #PersepolisTrial verdict. #Tunisia http://twitpic.com/9gt075Ms. EntropyInternational & local journalists are massing at National Theater in protest; handing out masks. #Tunisia #PersepolisTrialMs. EntropyHijabi & non-hijabi call side-by-side for civil society participation to reform media." #PersepolisTrial #Tunisia http://twitpic.com/9gr78wMs. EntropyI don't see a bright future for freedom in #Tunisia after #Persepolis trial.Can't they C what happened to Iran after the Islamic revolution?MarmarSince it's revolution in January 2011, Tunisia has seen a growing divide between secularists and religious conservatives over the country's future. See our recent show for more on this:
Tunisia debates religion's role in new constitutionaljazeeraenglish

Sarkozy reminisces about cream puffs

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:39:00 +0300

France's President and UMP party candidate for his re-election in the 2012 French presidential election, Nicolas Sarkozy, delivers a speech at a political campaign rally in Toulon, May 3, 2012. REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier

Shortly after the first French presidential debate between candidates Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, incumbent president Sarkozy gave a 10-minute interview revealing personal details.

In contrast to the debate, the interview offered an intimate portrait of Sarkozy replete with childhood anecdotes and movie preferences.

Sarkozy tweeted several quotes from the interview, and one tweet in which he reminisces about buying cream puffs as a child prompted thousands of responses and retweets.

Below are some highlights from the conversation online:

View the story "Sarkozy reminisces about cream puffs" on StorifySarkozy reminisces about cream puffsNetizens poke fun at French president's interview ahead of elections. Storified by The Stream · Thu, May 03 2012 17:39:44

The tweet below of an interview quote was retweeted almost 1,000 times within 24 hours.

"Je n'aime que la glace café. Et le matin, je prends des chouquettes. Quand j'étais petit, j'achetais 100g de chouquettes à la boulangerie"Nicolas SarkozyTranslation: I only like coffee ice cream. And in the mornings, I have cream puffs. When I was little, I would buy 100g of cream puffs at the bakery.Twitter users began to post pictures as well as tweets of Sarkozy's pastry of choice using the hashtag #chouquettes, which stands for cream puffs in French.Cerise OnTheCake's Photo | LockerzLockerzNyssa Da Killer's Photo | LockerzLockerzUne 'tiote chouquette Nico? #Toulon http://pic.twitter.com/sLSGT7jVMôme FannySeveral other quotes from the interview were tweeted from Sarkozy's official Twitter account, sparking a combination of disbelief and humor from netizens.Le tweet de Sarkozy sur le petit-déjeuner et les chouquettes restera à jamais comme l'une des plus grandes blagues de la politique.RyozhukaiTranslation: Sarkozy's tweet on his breakfast and cream puffs will remain one of the biggest jokes in politics.Les tweets de Sarkozy sont tellement WTF que le journal belge Le Soir a cru à un piratage http://lelab.europe1.fr/t/apres-le-debat-nicolas-sarkozy-parle-chouquettes-et-telecommande-2277JulienTranslation: Sarkozy's tweets are so WTF that Belgian newspaper Le Soir thought [his account] was hacked.

Twitter user @FrenchKiff posted the photo below criticizing Sarkozy's comments by linking #chouquettes to Sarkozy's 2007 electoral victory party at upscale restaurant Fouquet. The celebration was a high-profile event attended by celebrities and politicians alike that earned President Sarkozy the title of "bling-bling president" among critics.

#voteHollande PSA Aulnay ya des chouquettes http://pic.twitter.com/0SghmctHFRENCH KIFFSome skeptics saw the interview as a ploy to humanise his public persona and gain more votes for the upcoming round of elections on Sunday May 6. Several Twitter users offered a sarcastic take on how Sarkozy's latest comments will impact voting behavior.Un homme qui aime les chouquettes ne peut pas etre foncierement mauvaisYANIS.Translation: A man who likes cream puffs can't be that bad.A moins d'un tsunami à Fessenheim les #chouquettes vont prendre une vague Fukushimienne dimanche prochain #RadioLondresSquirelitoTranslation: Unless there's a tsunami at Fessenheim [nuclear plant site in France], cream puffs will take on a Fukushima-like wave next Sunday.Comment capter honteusement le vote des marchands de chouquettes, ah, ce type ne recule devant rien !Juliette NoureddineTranslation: Shamefully capturing the votes of cream puffs sellers, ah, this guy will stop at nothing!J'ai l'impression que #chouquette va faire une entrée remarquée dans le #radiolondres de dimanche #predictionPeiffer FlorentTranslation: I have a feeling cream puffs will make a noteworthy entrance in #radiolondres this Sunday. #prediction (Radio Londres is a popular hashtag that comments on the presidential elections using code.)"J'aime les chouquettes". Le cri du désespoir ? Confessions intimes ? À la recherche des pour cent perdus ? http://bit.ly/KeZngVMonique NeubourgTranslation: "I like cream puffs." A cry of desperation? Intimate confessions? In search of lost percentages?Several used metaphors in their critiques.La chouquette, c'est vide à l'intérieur. Le flan, c'est dense. Fais ton choix.justice pandineTranslation: Cream puffs [Nicolas Sarkozy] are empty on the inside. Caramel custard [metaphor for Francois Hollande] is dense. Take your pick.Je le savais bien que la chouquette c'était de droite. La chocolatine ça c'est de gauche ! Le croissant plutôt de centre droit.pierrealbanTranslation: I knew that cream puffs were right wing. Chocolate croissant is of the left! The croissant is more centre-right.J'aime les chouquettes, savez-vous comment? Quand elles sont bien faites, avec du beur dedans! #sarkopenHippoetjeTranslation: I love cream puffs, you know how? When they are well-made with beur [slang for Arab] inside! (Beurre and beur are pronounced the same however the former refers to butter while the latter is slang for Arab.) Some netizens were direct in their criticisms of Sarkozy's latest interview. @NicolasSarkozy MrSarkozy, il y a des centaine de milliers de français qui vont aux restos du coeur et vous nous parlez de chouquettes ?!Milo VoxTranslation: Mr. Sarkozy, there are millions of French eating at soup kitchens and you want to talk to us about cream puffs?!@NicolasSarkozy Question pratique : 50 millions d'euros, ça fait combien en paquets de 100 g de chouquettes ?CalveroTranslation: Practical question- 50 millions euros is how much in 100g packets of cream puffs? (50 million euros was the amount Col. Qaddafi allegedly gave Sarkozy during his 2006 election campaign)C'est donc pour cela qu'il voulait 3 débats: il n'a pas eu le temps de parler de ciné et de chouquettes #Sarkozy #RTL http://pic.twitter.com/Ljeq0SYgaude_bbTranslation: So that's why he wanted three [presidential] debates: he didn't have enough time to talk about cinema and cream puffs.

Greece's right wing: a new dawn?

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:14:00 +0300

Harsh austerity measures, high youth unemployment and a lack of economic progress has many Greeks looking for political change as they prepare for the May 6th national elections. With polls showing a rise in nationalist and anti-immigration sentiment, will extreme right wing politics play a larger role in Greece?

In this episode of The Stream, we talk to Neni Panourgia, Professor of Anthropology and Columbia University; Stathis Kalyvas, Professor of Political Science at Yale University; and Eva Cossa of Human Rights Watch about the upcoming Greek elections.

What do you think? What’s behind the rise of far right parties in Greece? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "Greece's right wing: a new dawn?" on StorifyGreece's right wing: a new dawn?Amid economic woes, the extreme right makes political gains. Storified by The Stream · Thu, May 03 2012 13:21:19Greek voters are going to the polls on Sunday for what many are dubbing the most important election the country has seen in decades. Greece is currently reeling economically. Private sector wages shrunk by a quarter last year and unemployment stood at 21.8% in January. This chart, provided by The Economist, shows that unemployment in Greece is currently the second worst in Europe.

undefinedEconomist
Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party, addressed the situation in Greece below, while berating his colleagues in a European Council meeting for turning a blind eye to it.
Eurocrats Carry On Up The Khyber, Determined and Delusional, says FarageeuroparlWithin Greece, the nation's severe economic problems have led to mass discontentment with the two ruling parties — the conservative New Democracy and the Panhellic Socialist Movement (PASOK). In February, after the government approved 3.3 billion euros worth of austerity measures, angry protestors took the streets. See below.
Athens Riots - Panepistimiou Street (12/02/2012)ag250612Athens Riots 12-02-2012 In first persondaxter8589Protestors again took to the streets on May 1, as part of May Day rallies across the world.

#Greece MT @Duke_zappa: Riots in the area outside "vox" in Exarcheia #Athens http://yfrog.com/h4ghzrej #rbnews #1mgr #mayday #maydaygrTheodora OikonomidesΦωτο εξαρχεια Πριν λίγο - Μολοτοφ , δακρυγόνα και κρότου λαμψης #1mgr #rbnews http://pic.twitter.com/fgTbpE6cMakis SinodinosThe discontent among the populace with the political elite has led to increased support for non-mainstream parties. In particular, the far right party Golden Dawn has won significant support through intense campaigning and providing needy Greeks with basic services they would otherwise be lacking. The video below shows a Golden Dawn member at a communist workers rally in February.Η Χρυσή Αυγή στο πλευρό των Χαλυβουργώνierax14At neo nazi rally in Athens right now. Golden dawn party predicted to win 5% of vote in Sunday's election!Matthew ChanceBut many are concerned with the implications of Golden Dawn's rise. Party members have openly praised policies of Adolf Hitler and partake in the act of fascist salutes, as seen in this photo, courtesy of blogger Manos Moschopoulos.undefinedImageshackGolden Dawn's party symbol is also similar to that of Hitler's Nazi party. Twitpic - Share photos and videos on TwitterTheStalwartThe rise of the right has polarised discourse in Greece. A Greek newscaster was attacked with eggs and yoghurt last month by viewers who were incensed that he had interviewed a far-right politician on his show.eisvoli studio ipiros tv1palmosipirouHow is a party like Golden Dawn even legal in modern Europe?Megan GreeneGood question. Should have been banned by the Constitution TR @economistmeg How is a party like Golden Dawn even legal in modern Europe?spyros gkelisImmigration is a hot topic in the election as Golden Dawn wishes to deport all immigrants from the country. About 130,000 immigrants cross Greece's borders each year. With Golden Dawn expected to gain significant ground in the elections, the ruling parties have been forced to toughen their stance on immigration. Immigrant groups have been complaining about recent spikes in violence and the map below, provided by Rights Equality & Diversity European Network, supports their claims.

undefinedStaticflickr
The government has pledged to build detention centres for 30,000 immigrants over the next few years, the first of which opened on Sunday in Amgydaleza.
Σήμερα το american dream του @chrisochoidis πήρε σάρκα και οστά. Eπιτέλους η Ελλάς απέκτησε το δικό της Γκουαντάναμο. http://pic.twitter.com/UBmSR0UKAllu Fun Marx ☭#concentration #camps are back! #EU funded #Amygdaleza is designed for 1200 ppl, who are not allowed to leave http://bit.ly/KzdzQRConur Erit

Women's rights in the Middle East

Wed, 02 May 2012 20:19:00 +0300

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Why do they hate us? That's the central question Egyptian American writer Mona Eltahawy asks in her latest article, which addresses the roots of misogyny in the Arab world.

Since its publication last week in Foreign Policy magazine, Eltahawy's bold opinions against patriarchy have created a storm of responses online, both for and against her arguments.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with journalist Mona Eltahawy and writer Nesrine Malik.

What do you think? What is the way forward in advancing women's rights in the region, and what is stopping its progress? Is it really hate?

Pakistan's Hazara under attack

Tue, 01 May 2012 20:48:00 +0300

Increased attacks on the Hazara community in Pakistan have raised questions about the nature of these crimes. Some label them as a wave of sectarian violence between Shias and Sunnis while others warn of a systematic targeting of this ethnic minority. Why are the Hazara targeted? And what is the Pakistani government doing to protect minority groups?

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to Ahmad Shuja, a writer for UN Dispatch; Major Nadir Ali, Senior Leader of the Hazara tribe in Quetta; and Abdul Khaliq Hazara, Chairman of the Hazara Democratic Party.

What do you think? Why is the Hazara community being targeted in Pakistan? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "Pakistan’s Hazara under attack" on StorifyPakistan’s Hazara under attackWe look at escalating violence towards the minority group.Storified by The Stream · Tue, May 01 2012 14:39:17Following recent attacks on the Hazara community, citizens from around the world have taken to the streets to protest targeted killings of the Hazara people. Over the years, the Hazara have faced hardship and brutal displacement. Below is a video of a protest by Hazari women.MWM balochistan protest at alamdar road By Shia hazara WomenthebasitaliThis map shows the timeline of the alleged crimes committed against the Hazara near the Balochistan region in Pakistan.
Picture 4AJstreamThis video compiles a timeline of attacks against the Hazara people since 2011.Timeline of attacks on Shia Hazara community 2011theexpresstribuneActs of Religious Extremism in Pakistan:

Country-wide data collected between 2010-2011 showed 181 incidents of religious extremism, resulting in the loss of 524 lives and 1,391 injured.

Picture 12AJstreamThis chart shows the number of people in Pakistan who had died based on province.
Picture 14AJstreamThe following link includes the PDF file of the Extremism Watch Report by the Jinnah Institute. The report examines religious extremism in Pakistan.
Extremism Watch Report Launch - Jinnah InstituteISLAMABAD February 16, 2012: Pakistan's problem of extremism is a greater ... the February 16th launch of Jinnah Institute's re...This map below shows protests all over the world calling for an end to the Hazara killings.
Picture 11AJstreamBelow is a link showing various different acts of religious extremism so far in 2012:Extremism Watch - Jinnah InstituteApril 16: Hazara Shias attacked in Quetta. quetta-map. A shopkeeper belonging to the Hazara community, was killed and three others woun...Who Are the Hazara?

They are an ethno-religious minority. Ethnically they are Turko-Mongol people. Religiously they are Shia Muslims. They speak the Persian language and originally come from the high mountains of Central Afghanistan.

The following website is for the Hazara Democratic Party in Quetta, Pakistan:Hazara Democratic PartyCountry: Pakistan City: Quetta Place: Main Alamdar Road Date and time: Thursday 19 Aprile,time 16:00-19:30 Contact information: Hazara ...This timeline claims that the Hazara people have faced persecution dating back to the 1800s.
Picture 6AJstreamThis short documentary by filmmaker Asef Ali Mohammad details the history of violence against the Hazara people.
The plight of the Hazara peoplepyghamin Quetta, the chief minister of Balochistan, Nawab Aslam Raisani, responds to questions from journalists about the government's efforts to provide justice to the families of those killed: (Note:click on the 'closed captioning' option for English subtitles)Baluchistan Aslam RaisaniajstreamWorld wide Protests:

Protestors in Brussels, Belgium unite in an effort to raise awareness for the Hazara target killings.

Protest ( Shia Killng In Pkistan ) Held In Brussels Belgium 2 23/04/2012jafariatrustbrusselsProtestors have also been marching in Sweden.Protest against target killning of hazaras in Pakistan- Malmö sweden. march 2104201 P3omagh2012Stockholm Protest Against Target killing of hazaras in quett Pakistan 27-04-2012merecalAt one protest in Stockholm, an embassy official came out and spoke to the gathering.
Pakistan official addresses protester in Stockholm 27-4-12ajstreamIn 2011, a protestor in Germany tries to raise awareness to attacks against the Hazara.
Protest against Hazaras target killing in Quetta PAK(Meunich Germany)Part 1myjigariThe Hazara community in Sydney marched in 2011.Hazara Sydney Protest Against Target Killing in Quetta (1)hazarabondThe Hazara People International Network is a human rights organization who launched a campaign for the worldwide protest. The resolution can be viewed here.Hazara People International Network | RESOLUTION FOR WORLDWIDE PROTEST 2012Download the resolution into word (.doc) format.Related links: Hazara Protesters' letter to Ministers of Foreign Affairs Hazara Timeline ...Protestors rally in Toronto, Canada:hazara9AJstreamA protestor in Liberty Chowk Lahore holds a sign that reads "Stop Hazara Shia genocide." hazara10AJstreamThis photo shows people who have been marching in the streets to put an end to Hazara target killings. hazara7AJstreamThis is a photo of protestors holding signs that call for an end to Hazara target killings.hazara8AJstreamProtestors liine the streets in Quetta to stop violence against the Hazara.hazara6AJstreamThe following video titled "ADAL" or "Justice" is about migration issues facing the Hazara minority:عدل ADALrehanalatifThis is an advertisement activist groups made to raise awareness for the issue. hazara1AJstreamActivists also released this drawing claiming that extremism has caused Hazara bloodshed.hazara2AJstreamTwitter users speak out against the targeted killings using the hashtag #Hazara.Being a Hazara or a Shia is enough to earn death. People passing in a bus, sitting in their shops...farahnaz ispahani#Hazara people should keep the peaceful demonstration. JaffariHDP (Official)#Hazara people In #Quetta, a Sunni Scholar Killed By God Knows Who Means You People Have To Pay With Your Lives. Be Safe In Coming Days!Hazheer HazaraHolocaust denial, Nakba denial, Armenian genocide denial (and #Hazara massacre denial) are equally wrong.DianaValerie@AJStream #Hazara killing a streamlined whitewash of Systematic murder. Barbaric.Koelie BoetieNovel-turned-film The Kite Runner tells the struggles of Hassan, son of a Hazara servant, who befriends a young Pashtun boy.The Kite Runner (official movie trailer)pachelbelscanon81

Criticism turns to the US as Chen Guangcheng leaves embassy

Tue, 01 May 2012 01:28:00 +0300

Blind legal activist Chen Guangcheng after fleeing from house arrest (Photo taken April 2012 and released to Reuters April 28, 2012.)

Blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng said on Wednesday that Chinese authorities threatened to beat his wife to death if he did not leave the US embassy. This announcement apparently varies from earlier claims by US officials that Chen had left the embassy "of his own volition" with clear assurances of his safety from Beijing.

Chen spent six days at the American embassy after he escaped from house arrest in Shandong Province. He has since been taken to a nearby hospital and says he wants to leave China due to fears for his family's safety.

Victoria Nuland, a State Department spokeswoman, said, "At no time did any US official speak to Chen about physical or legal threats to his wife and children."

Chen's dramatic announcement has sparked huge criticism among Chinese social media users against the Obama administration.

View the story "Despite censors, Chen Guangcheng's story goes viral" on StorifyDespite censors, Chen Guangcheng's story goes viralSocial media users in China and aboard rally in support of blind dissident who fled house arrest.Storified by The Stream · Mon, Apr 30 2012 18:18:08Last November, as Chen Guangcheng lived under house arrest, Chinese cartoonist @hexiefarm launched the "Dark Glasses" project for people to show their support for the detained activist.

After news broke of Chen's escape on April 21, netizens flooded the site with pictures of themselves in sunglasses, a reference to his blindness.
http://ichenguangcheng.blogspot.com/AJstream@hexiefarm says: My focus on Chen Guangcheng drove me to launch this campaign to support him. Chen's case is not an individual case; it taunts China's absurd legal system. Paying attention to his rights is paying attention yours. China-files采访 (3) ：对陈光诚的关注促使我发起了墨镜肖像声援活动。陈光诚事件不是一个个别的事件，这个事件是对中国法制的荒诞嘲讽。关注他的权利就是关注我自己的权利。蟹农场Shortly after his escape, Chen reportedly released a YouTube video on Friday, in which he detailed the abuses he and his family had suffered during more than 18 months of guarded detention. Chen appeals to China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao in the video.
Chen Guangcheng: "Dear Premier Wen, I Finally Escaped"leaksource2012“Dear Premier Wen Jiabao, with great difficulty, I’ve escaped,” Chen said at the beginning of the video, wearing a black Nike jacket and sunglasses. As this video went viral in Chinese online communities, many netizens combined Chen's escape story with Nike's iconic slogan "Just do it."Escaped Chinese dissident chen guangcheng rocking nike in video that's gone viral. Earned marketing?!darejob@hexiefarm designed this cartoon in a salute to Chen.
undefinedTwimgColleague: If #ChenGuangcheng story is true does that mean a blind man is more resourceful than Batman? #ChinaJeffrey D. BeanChen Guangcheng is one of the human rights activists I admire most worldwide, for his guts, intelligence and tenacity.Nicholas Kristof"You know he's blind, so the night to him is nothing." -- Ai Weiwei #ChenGuangcheng_@view0201 says: Today when I sat down with my daughter in the balcony and we watched the falling rain together, I told her the story of a blind but brave man whose name is Chen Guangcheng.今天和女儿坐在阳台上看落雨，告诉了她一个叫陈光诚的盲人勇士！东��港罗@Idiot_ZHOU says: Chen Guangcheng, who is blind, escaped from heavily guarded detention in Dongshigu village. I believe that every physically capable Chinese is able to pursue their own freedom! I pray for Guangcheng!一个盲人陈光诚，能在层层布防的情况下，只身逃脱黑监狱，从东师古村逃出来，我相信，每一个健全的中国人也有能力，追求属于自己的自由！祝福光诚！IdiotZHOUPlease everybody keep tweeting about #ChenGuangcheng. His family is in danger. What keeps them safe: the eyes of the international communityRed MariaI pray for you and your family. You are beyond brave. @chenguangchengJay_McDonald

Chinese censors have blocked any web search related to Chen, including his name and the terms "blind man," "embassy," Chen's home village of "Dongshigu" and "Shawshank Redemption", a prison-break film which many have compared to Chen's case.

Chen Guangcheng shawshank redemptionBarabas Spoonmagnet"UA898", a United Airlines flight from Beijing to Washington, was also blocked on Sina Weibo shortly after many netizens speculated that Chen would board this flight to gain asylum in the US. This picture shows an app that some used to trace the plane. 透過app查到的UA898的起訖時間，抵達的日期是當地時間。 http://pic.twitter.com/lpGwHAVq胡同台妹@lianhuaxiaofo says: ...Reuters, Washington Post, New York Times and Times have been covering the stories of a guy who wears sunglasses. But Chinese state-run media remains silent. This is f*cking ridiculous! We learned English before for understanding the world; but now we learn English for understanding China. 墨镜哥，上了电视，还将视频放在youtube上... 路透、邮报、纽约时报、Times等主要的媒体，都在报道一个墨镜哥的故事。但这一家子在中国媒体上全无声息。不懂英文，憋死吧。以前学英语，是为了了解世界，现在学英语，是为了了解中国。这TMD也太扯淡了！转发！拈花时评-lianhuaxiaofoThe two big cases in news in #China - #BoXilai and #ChenGuangcheng - are emblems of system's soft underbelly: #corruption and repressionChristopher Walker@QIAOFU88 says: This is the most brilliant post I have seen in these three days. If there is no room for Chen's freedom in China, there will be no room for anyone's freedom in this country. @ziyou911 @GeneraIElection @sky0001 你最后的一句话是我三天来看到的最精彩的一句话！没有陈光诚在中国的自由，就没有我们在中国的自由！樵夫-中国访民推特大同盟临时召集人#ChenGuangcheng is touchstone for West's response to CCP's systematic abuses: extralegal detention,civil society repression, #censorship,etcChristopher WalkerGO GO Chen Guangcheng! Some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright #China #ChenGuangchengMatt McRaeBelow is a picture spreading widely online. In this picture, Mao Zedong's photo in Tiananmen Square has been replaced with Chen's with a message that says: "If Chen Guangcheng is in your heart, there will be no fear in Tiananmen Square."
RT @sfchoi8964: 人人心中有了的光誠，天安門廣場就能消除恐懼，中國就能擺脫黑暗再現希望。RT @beijingcream：陈光诚现在到底在哪？http://freecgc.blogspot.com/2012/04/beijing-cream-beijingcream.html http://pic.twitter.com/50q00bMxFight4FutureInspired by Maya Angelou's poem "Caged Bird", Front Line Defenders made this video as part of a campaign calling for Chen's safe release.
Chen Guangcheng - Caged Bird (lighthonestyhrd version w/subtitles)frontlinehrdMany netizens say Chen's future remains uncertain despite speculation that he has sought sanctuary in the US embassy. Others have raised concern for his family and friends.
We should do the right thing and get him out of China. Bring Chen Guangcheng and his family to America.Riley O'DellHow Chen & family are treated next will reflect the true extent of the "Rule of Law" People's Daily has been parading lately.Eric FishIf #China Premier Wen Jiabao's rhetoric on rule-of-law has even an iota of substance, safety of Chen Guangcheng & his family is litmus testPhelim Kine 林海Chen Guangcheng's escape from house arrest & his family's persecution highlights the plight of many Chinese activists, writers & bloggers.Ben AddyRumors are circulating that Chinese activist Her Pei Rong (@pearlher) helped Chen to escape and is now missing.
在脸书上看到珍珠（何培蓉） @Pearlher的美丽照片，为她祈祷： http://pic.twitter.com/yzQuadKK唯色Tsering WoeserThe US should also do what it can to help Chen's family (esp Kegui) and activists like @pearlher who aided in Chen's escape.Charlie CusterSina Weibo Continues to Erase "Pearlher" - Censors "He Peirong" and "Pearl." Details: https://plus.google.com/u/1/106378980111121757454/posts/Qu6gq7ogRrQ | http://pic.twitter.com/0MTafmXOWilliam FarrisWonder if @pearlher knows Chen is safe. Was fearful he was caught just before getting arrested herself Friday. also does family know?Rachel Beitarie

Challenging the US drone programme

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:18:00 +0300

Pakistan has called for an end to drone attacks inside the country but says the US is not listening.

President Barack Obama maintains the programme is targeted and doesn't cause ‘a huge number of civilian casualties.’

In this episode, we speak with Shahzad Akbar, an attorney representing drone victims in a criminal case against US officials, and Christine Fair, assistant professor at Georgetown University’s Center for Peace and Security Studies, who argues that drones are the best option currently available.

What do you think? Will Akbar’s efforts help end drone attacks? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "Challenging the US drone programme" on StorifyChallenging the US drone programmeThe Stream speaks with Shahzad Akbar, attorney representing Pakistani drone victims.Storified by The Stream · Mon, Apr 30 2012 13:57:47

Since 9/11, the United States has been carrying out drone strikes that have killed suspected al Qaeda members as well as civilians, in a number of countries without congressional authorisation. While slowing its drone programme in Pakistan, the United States recently broadened its criteria for strikes in Yemen.

undefinedStaticflickrIn this clip from People and Power, survivors of a December 2009 strike discuss the attack, which killed 41 civilians. What was thought to be an Al Qaeda training camp turned out to be a Bedouin encampment. Al Majala AttackbignoisetacticalU.S. President Barack Obama offered the first public acknowledgement of the existence of a drone programme in a January Google+ hangout, below.Your Interview with the President - 2012 excerptajstreamCounterterrorism advisor John Brennan offered a rare public defense of the US drone programme on Sunday.Excerpt John Brennan on War on Terrorajstream

The new "signature strike" policy in Yemen allows attacks on unknown targets, based on intelligence gathered from patterns of behaviour observed from drones, electronic surveillance, and on-the-ground intelligence sources. "Signature strike" has been long at use in Pakistan.

undefinedPowerfulinfographicThis infographic by Lena Groeger shows how drone flight hours have steadily increased in the decade after Sept 11. In Yemen, there have been about as many strikes so far in 2012 as there were in all of 2011.

In contrast, in Pakistan, there were 11 drone strikes in the first three months of 2012, 21 in the first three months of 2011, and 28 in the first three months of 2010.

undefinedLenagroegerThis video shows the ground control station operations of the two-person remote team controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle. UAV Predator / Reaper target destruction GCS (Ground Control Station) OperationsadlspThis video shows Predator and Reaper drones at a training base in the United States. MQ-1 Predator MQ-9 Reaper UAV Operations (2011)airboydThis cartoon by Khalid Bendib criticises the American drone programme for a perceived lack of oversight. undefinedOtherwordsThis map from the New America Foundation shows all known drone strikes in Pakistan, color-coded by year, since 2004. undefinedStaticflickrThis graph from the Long War Journal shows the total number of US airstrikes in Yemen since 2002. undefinedStaticflickrThis graph compares civilian versus Al Qaeda casualties in Yemen.undefinedStaticflickr

A Bureau of Investigative Journalism report published in February found that between 282 and 535 civilians (including 60 minors) in Pakistan have been "credibly reported as killed as a result of drone strikes" since Obama took office. An additional 50 civilians attempting to help victims were found to have been killed in follow-up strikes. Below, a graph from Long War Journal showing the numbers of US airstrikes and casualties in Pakistan.

undefinedStaticflickrAn Associated Press investigation of villagers at sites of the attacks in North Waziristan found that in 10 attacks during 2011 and 2012, about 70 per cent were militants, with the remaining 30 per cent either civilians or tribal police. Excluding a March 2011 strike, which killed nearly 40 civilians, the AP report says 90 per cent of the people killed were militants. US officials rejected the AP's reports of any civilian casualties.undefinedStaticflickr

Mirza Shahzad Akbar, a Pakistani lawyer, is suing the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for the wrongful deaths of innocent civilians in drone attacks. Below is the story of one of the cases from the lawsuit.

Tariq Aziz's storyTBIJ

Update: Malaysian protesters met with violence

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 19:04:00 +0300

A protester sits in front of riot police during a rally in Kuala Lumpur April 28, 2012. REUTERS/Samsul Said

Note: see our earlier coverage of the Bersih rally here.

The much anticipated Bersih (or "clean" in Malay) 3.0 rally took place in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, with organisers claiming that 250,000 attended. People gathered in various parts of central Kuala Lumpur throughout the morning before marching towards the Dataran Merdeka ("Independence Square").

View the story "Malaysian protestors met with violence" on StorifyMalaysian protestors met with violenceRiot police in Malaysia fired water cannons and tear gas against protestors calling for electoral reform.Storified by The Stream · Sat, Apr 28 2012 10:53:12The much anticipated Bersih (or "clean" in Malay) 3.0 rally took place in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, with organisers claiming that 250,000 attended. People gathered in various parts of central Kuala Lumpur throughout the morning before marching towards the Dataran Merdeka ("Independence Square").
#occupydataran protester holding a sign saying 'Take back the square, re-occupy dataran merdeka'. #bersih http://pic.twitter.com/rKs5VdL4#occupydataranWe are walking. This is it.Tricia YeohundefinedRackcdnundefinedTwimgundefinedTwimgThe rally was peaceful until a group of protestors reportedly broke the barricade and police fired teargas and water cannons at them around 3pm (7am GMT). Alternative news source Malaysiakini claims the water was laced with chemicals.

Crowd broke through barriers near Bar Council 2 get 2 dtr Merdeka & FRU fired water canons and tear gasshahanaaz habibRight in the middle of tear gas attack, Bersih 3.0 - Dataran MerdekaspacecadetblingThis video shows what seems to be the beginning of the tear gas around the 0.49 mark. Dataran Merdeka - Police Started Fire Tear Gas & Water Cannons #BERSIH3.0obitoputraundefinedTwimgundefinedTwimgBersih 3.0 - The Attack! 28-4-12.3gpoctopuz1Protestors here are seen covering their mouths to avoid inhaling tear gas.undefinedTwimg#bersihpic Teargas canister http://pic.twitter.com/VvqLTNk4JRundefinedTwimgundefinedTwimg
Police say they were forced to crackdown because protestors had breached the entrance to the Dataran. Police obtained a permit on Friday which barred the rally from taking place within the iconic square. Many online however, are sceptical that the use of force was necessary. There were more than enough cops and firepower to arrest any of those fellas that breached the barrier. No need for gas and cannons. #bersihLord Bobo's MinionSpins tomo. Car overturn. Pistol stolen. Barricade broken. Hence massive amount of gas&water. Nonsense. #BersihEdmund BonRT"@vangeyzel : I wonder why police are arresting journos for taking photos. Even smashing their video cameras. Don't you? #Bersih3"Yaw Ern NianDo people feel a sense of fiendish joy when they inflict harm to others? #bersihBedlam FuryThis photo, taken by photographer Danny Lim, shows an activist peacefully placing a sign in front of the police barricade that reads "Occupy Dataran", a popular slogan that was used before and during the rally.undefinedStaticflickrReports indicate that the protestors maintained unity despite the police response. RT @bedlamfury: #BERSIH A protester throws a tear gas canister back at police in #KualaLumpur http://asiancorrespondent.com/81404/tear-gas-used-as-25000-rally-for-malaysia-reforms/ http://yfrog.com/h6gr6biyjyerry niko#Bersihreport To all brothers who aided me when being tear-gassed, may God bless you guys always. Will never forget ur support & kindness..Nurul HusnaundefinedInstagramRT @AmandaKhoo: Keep Calm & Rally On #bersih #malaysia #bersih3.0 #democracy #clean&fairelections http://twitpic.com/9ekqgfJoanna FaithRT @vangeyzel: #Bersih was a success. Many thousands in KL despite fear of govt. Historic day. I condemn those who misbehaved.Pei Ling GanRallies in other Malaysian cities such as Penang, remained peaceful. See below.

RT @5xmom: My thoughts r w those in KL. Why Penang #Bersih so peaceful http://twitpic.com/9enl7p Why KL so kejam teargas n water canon?DAP Rocket
Solidarity rallies also took place around the world. Below are some fliers of Bersih protests in Nottingham and Auckland.
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For more background on Bersih 3.0, see yesterday's coverage by The Stream.