[14 Jan 2014] Washington reacted to israeli minister comments who...
Washington has reacted to comments by an israeli minister who insulted the US secretary of state a little earlier.
This, after the Israeli...
Washington has reacted to comments by an israeli minister who insulted the US secretary of state a little earlier.
This, after the Israeli minister of military affairs said that John Kerry\'s plan for the so-called peace talks between Tel Aviv and the Palestinians Authority was not worth the paper it was written on. Now the US State Department says that Moshe Yaalon\'s comments are offensive and inappropriate. According to Israeli media reports, Yaalon has also, during private conversations, implied that Kerry is a nuisance, by saying that he should take his Nobel prize and leave us alone. The remarks have drawn angry reactions from Israeli officials and the opposition, who say such tongue-lashing comments could destroy Tel-Aviv\'s relations with Washington. Israel\'s Environmental Protection minister has gone beyond that by calling on the prime minister to fire Yaalon and ministers who are in line with him. Kerry\'s proposal for the so-called peace process include a security plan for the Jordan Valley in the West Bank. Under the plan, Israeli forces must withdraw from the Valley - - a proposal Tel Aviv is opposed to.
0m:57s
7565
[14 Jan 2014] israeli minister Kerry Mideast plan not worth paper it was...
A hawkish Israeli minister insults US Secretary of State John Kerry, calling his ideas on the so-called peace plan unworthy and obsessive. Moshe...
A hawkish Israeli minister insults US Secretary of State John Kerry, calling his ideas on the so-called peace plan unworthy and obsessive. Moshe Yaalon later issued a statement in which he apologized to Kerry, saying that he had no intention to cause any offense to the United States\\\' top diplomat. The incident, which caused an uproar in Washington, serves as another reminder of the tension underlying U-S-Israel relations. This also has a historical angle. Now we\\\'ll take a closer look at the issue.
6m:32s
5535
[15 Jan 2014] Iran FM ends regional tour in Syria - English
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Iranian Foreign Minister Mohamad Jawad Zarif in Damascus and discussed preparations made for the upcoming...
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Iranian Foreign Minister Mohamad Jawad Zarif in Damascus and discussed preparations made for the upcoming Geneva 2 conference on Syria.
During the meeting, Assad warned against the dangers of the Wahabi extremist ideology, saying it threatens the entire world. Zarif, on his part, expressed his country\'s support to the Syrian leadership and people. He also stressed that only the Syrians have the right to shape their future. Zarif also held talks with Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halaqi. They discussed economic relations and means of developing them especially in the fields of oil, electricity, trade and health.
2m:12s
5774
[16 Jan 2014] israeli PM raps EU for summoning envoys over settlement...
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the European Union for summoning Israeli envoys over Tel Aviv\\\'s settlement plans....
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the European Union for summoning Israeli envoys over Tel Aviv\\\'s settlement plans.
Netanyahu has slammed the EU\\\'s latest move, saying the bloc should end its quote hypocrisy over condemning Israeli settlements. Earlier in the day, Israel\\\'s ambassadors in Britain, France, Italy and Spain were summoned over Tel Aviv\\\'s latest settlement plans. A senior European diplomat says EU officials have made clear the settlement announcements have negative impacts on the so-called peace talks. The bloc\\\'s urged Israel to refrain from such moves and use the unique opportunity of talks to end the conflict between the two sides. The EU\\\'s latest move follows Tel Aviv\\\'s recent unveiling of a plan for more than 18-thousand new settler units in east Jerusalem al-Quds and the West Bank.
0m:49s
7552
[20 Jan 2014] UN rescinds Iran invite to Geneva conference on Syria -...
UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon withdraws his invitation to Iran to join the upcoming Geneva two peace conferences on Syria. The UN was under...
UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon withdraws his invitation to Iran to join the upcoming Geneva two peace conferences on Syria. The UN was under intense pressure from the U-S to rescind the invite.
Ban invited Iran to the conference on Monday saying Iran needs to be part of the solution to the Syrian crisis. Tehran also said it was ready to play a constructive role at the talks. But the US, Britain, Saudi Arabia and the foreign backed opposition were strongly opposed to Iran\'s participation. The U-S State Department said the UN must take back its invitation unless Tehran publicly backs the 2012 agreement on a transition government in Syria. And the so-called Syrian National Coalition threatened to withdraw from the Geneva Two conference. However, Russia said it would be an unforgivable mistake to exclude Iran from the talks. Tehran repeated that it would take part without any preconditions.
6m:55s
7405
[24 Jan 2014] The Debate - Deep divide at Geneva II conference...
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW2fjJ...
On the day that was supposed to be the first time that the so called divided Syrian...
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW2fjJ...
On the day that was supposed to be the first time that the so called divided Syrian opposition, known as the SNC, was to sit across the table from the Syrian delegation of President Bashar al Assad, not only was the UNAL League envoy not able to bring them together in the same room, the SNC would not put their precondition of Assad\'s departure aside, which brought the reaction of Syrian delegation, saying if this was not solved, they would go back to Syria.
In this edition of the debate : we\'ll ask whether a golden opportunity has been smashed by the SNC, and ultimately, what the future lies in negotiations, if any, to resolve the war on Syria.
14m:13s
5096
[24 Jan 2014] The Debate - Deep divide at Geneva II conference...
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elis8y...
On the day that was supposed to be the first time that the so called divided Syrian...
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elis8y...
On the day that was supposed to be the first time that the so called divided Syrian opposition, known as the SNC, was to sit across the table from the Syrian delegation of President Bashar al Assad, not only was the UNAL League envoy not able to bring them together in the same room, the SNC would not put their precondition of Assad\'s departure aside, which brought the reaction of Syrian delegation, saying if this was not solved, they would go back to Syria.
In this edition of the debate : we\'ll ask whether a golden opportunity has been smashed by the SNC, and ultimately, what the future lies in negotiations, if any, to resolve the war on Syria.
9m:5s
5525
[26 Jan 2014] Mass funeral held for victims killed on 3rd anniv. of...
Egyptians have held a mass funeral for victims of the violence that broke out on the third anniversary of Egypt\'s 2011 revolution.
The...
Egyptians have held a mass funeral for victims of the violence that broke out on the third anniversary of Egypt\'s 2011 revolution.
The situation remains tense across the country, a day after deadly clashes pitting supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi against the security forces and rival demonstrators. The Health Ministry says nearly fifty people died in the clashes during demonstrations marking the anniversary of Egypt\'s 2011 revolution. Most of the victims are believed to be supporters of Morsi. Amnesty International has issued a report saying that Egypt has seen violence on an unprecedented scale since Morsi\'s ouster in a military coup in July. Meanwhile, Egypt\'s interim government announced on Sunday that it had decided to hold the presidential election before the parliamentary polls. The move is likely to intensify speculation over whether army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will be a candidate in the presidential election.
1m:26s
6124
[27 Jan 2014] israeli courts dismiss appeal against Jewish only road -...
Israeli courts have dismissed an appeal against building a Jewish-only settlement road in Jerusalem, al-Quds. Local residents are furious at the...
Israeli courts have dismissed an appeal against building a Jewish-only settlement road in Jerusalem, al-Quds. Local residents are furious at the decision saying that it is against international law.
2m:3s
5430
[29 Jan 2014] Netanyahu is a serial liar on Iran issues: S. Lendman -...
Press TV has conducted an interview with Stephen Lendman, an author and radio host from Chicago, about another move in a string of allegations made...
Press TV has conducted an interview with Stephen Lendman, an author and radio host from Chicago, about another move in a string of allegations made by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, saying Iran is 6 weeks away from building a nuclear bomb.
5m:13s
5741
[29 Jan 2014] NY mayor holds secret meeting with Israeli lobby - English
At a closed meeting at the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan, Bill Deblasio, the newly elected Mayor of New York City, met with the American...
At a closed meeting at the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan, Bill Deblasio, the newly elected Mayor of New York City, met with the American Israeli Political Action Committee. Despite the efforts to keep the meeting secret, the words Deblasio spoke to the Zionist gathering were leaked to the press. An audio recording captures the Mayor of New York City saying: \"Part of my job description is to be a defender of Israel.\"
Lamis Deek, a human rights attorney in New York City, says that it is interesting that Deblasio worked so hard to conceal his meeting with this powerful Zionist organization. While Deblasio proclaimed his loyalty to Israel, he did not speak for all New Yorkers. A growing number of people in New York City are highly critical of Israel and its crimes. The fact that the Mayor of New York City would openly proclaim his loyalty to Israel is seen by many as an indication of the power Zionists have over US foreign policy. The fact that it was done in secret also causes many to be suspicious.
1m:32s
7004
[29 Jan 2014] The Debate - Fuelling the Carnage (P.1) - English
As if the Syrian talks in Geneva did not face enough challenges, a new one came into the picture, when US Congress approved continued support for...
As if the Syrian talks in Geneva did not face enough challenges, a new one came into the picture, when US Congress approved continued support for what it called moderate Syrian rebels, raising the question again about a good and a bad terrorist. It also upped the bar on what type of aid: previously from non-lethal like night goggles, to small arms, as well as some more powerful weapons, such as anti-tank rockets. In this edition of the debate, we\'ll ask doesn\'t this contradict the United States\' role as a sponsor of the peace talks?
Guests:
- National Coordinator, A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition, Brian Becker (WASHINGTON).
- Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress, Lawrence Korb (WASHINGTON).
Subjects:
1. From non-lethal aid, like nigh vision goggles and army uniforms, to a variety of small arms, as well as some more powerful weapons, such as anti-tank rockets.
- Funded by the U-S Congress, in votes behind closed doors, through the end of government fiscal year 2014, which ends on September 30: THAT MEANS FOR THE NEXT 8 MONTHS.
- Also the issue that arms may fall into the hands of \"bad terrorists\", something US experienced in Afghanistan, Iraq and in Syria.
2. What about the good terrorist/bad terrorist scenario: this differentiation just can\'t apply, especially to the terrorists inside Syria, which the US calls the moderate Syrian rebels?
3. American military aid, now with explicit congressional approval: Doesn\'t it contradict the United States\' role as a sponsor of the peace talks? Whatever happened to US Sec. of State John Kerry saying repeatedly that there is no military solution?
- Russia is working with the US to find a political solution, and suddenly US arms supplies, which contradicts the initiative
4. On terrorists: John Kerry said during opening of Geneva talks: in reference to the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad: \"The Assad regime is a magnet for terrorists. The regime\'s brutality is the source of the violent extremism in Syria today: Is the US completely turning a blind eye to Saudi Arabia\'s support for terrorists?
5. Timeline: Beg. Dec.: the US and Britain announced that they had suspended non-lethal aid: Why? Reports that their aid supplies could end up in hostile hands. Then in late December, reversed that decision: Yet US Congress \"secretly\" approved sending small arms, as well as some more powerful weapons, such as anti-tank rockets, also in Dec.: the US was not telling the truth, or given that this was done in secret, did not want it to be made public?
6. On the Syrian talks in Geneva: According to the divided opposition: the Syrian delegation has accepted the establishment of a transitional government body for the first time: Were it true, how what are the chances for the divided opposition to accept the govt. red line: Assad\'s departure?
7. Syria\'s divided opposition criticized a document presented by the Syrian govt which presented a statement of principles, calling for Syria \'s sovereignty to be respected, rejecting \"foreign interference\" and \"terrorism.\"?
8. Are we looking at u-turn from Turkey on Syria: AS we speak, PM Erodogan is in Iran holding talks with Ian\'s leader, its pres. and FM?
9. What may have happened if Iran was present?
11m:0s
8330
[29 Jan 2014] The Debate - Fuelling the Carnage (P.2) - English
1. From non-lethal aid, like nigh vision goggles and army uniforms, to a variety of small arms, as well as some more powerful weapons, such as...
1. From non-lethal aid, like nigh vision goggles and army uniforms, to a variety of small arms, as well as some more powerful weapons, such as anti-tank rockets.
- Funded by the U-S Congress, in votes behind closed doors, through the end of government fiscal year 2014, which ends on September 30: THAT MEANS FOR THE NEXT 8 MONTHS.
- Also the issue that arms may fall into the hands of \"bad terrorists\", something US experienced in Afghanistan, Iraq and in Syria.
2. What about the good terrorist/bad terrorist scenario: this differentiation just can\'t apply, especially to the terrorists inside Syria, which the US calls the moderate Syrian rebels?
3. American military aid, now with explicit congressional approval: Doesn\'t it contradict the United States\' role as a sponsor of the peace talks? Whatever happened to US Sec. of State John Kerry saying repeatedly that there is no military solution?
- Russia is working with the US to find a political solution, and suddenly US arms supplies, which contradicts the initiative
4. On terrorists: John Kerry said during opening of Geneva talks: in reference to the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad: \"The Assad regime is a magnet for terrorists. The regime\'s brutality is the source of the violent extremism in Syria today: Is the US completely turning a blind eye to Saudi Arabia\'s support for terrorists?
5. Timeline: Beg. Dec.: the US and Britain announced that they had suspended non-lethal aid: Why? Reports that their aid supplies could end up in hostile hands. Then in late December, reversed that decision: Yet US Congress \"secretly\" approved sending small arms, as well as some more powerful weapons, such as anti-tank rockets, also in Dec.: the US was not telling the truth, or given that this was done in secret, did not want it to be made public?
6. On the Syrian talks in Geneva: According to the divided opposition: the Syrian delegation has accepted the establishment of a transitional government body for the first time: Were it true, how what are the chances for the divided opposition to accept the govt. red line: Assad\'s departure?
7. Syria\'s divided opposition criticized a document presented by the Syrian govt which presented a statement of principles, calling for Syria \'s sovereignty to be respected, rejecting \"foreign interference\" and \"terrorism.\"?
8. Are we looking at u-turn from Turkey on Syria: AS we speak, PM Erodogan is in Iran holding talks with Ian\'s leader, its pres. and FM?
9. What may have happened if Iran was present?
11m:26s
8016
[30 Jan 2014] Beirut conference denounces dissolution of Shia group by...
While Bahrainis have taken to the streets to protest the al-Khalifa regime\'s dissolution of a prominent Shia clerical group, Bahrain Forum for...
While Bahrainis have taken to the streets to protest the al-Khalifa regime\'s dissolution of a prominent Shia clerical group, Bahrain Forum for Human Rights in Beirut held a conference to denounce the regime\'s decision and call for reversing the regime\'s decision.
Activists have called the move a sectarian crackdown on Shias in the tiny Kingdom, stressing its unconstitutionality. Islamic scholars have condemned the dissolution, calling the regime\'s crackdown on peaceful demonstrators crime against all Muslims in the region. Other religious figures have urged Bahraini authorities to reverse their decision, warning of an eruption of violence in Manama. Since mid-February 2011, Bahrain has been witnessing peaceful demonstrations calling for the al-Khalifa royal family to relinquish power. On Wednesday, a court in the tiny Persian Gulf country ordered the dissolution of the clerical group. Following the move, the al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, the main opposition bloc in the country, censured the move, saying that \"the regime has declared war on Shias.\" Bahrain\'s Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry dissolved the prominent Shia clerical group after calling for confiscating all the Council\'s assets. Activists and religious leaders have gathered here in Beirut to denounce dissolving the Shia body in Bahrain, amid a widespread crackdown on Shias in the Persian Gulf State. Fateme
2m:5s
7169
[30 Jan 2014] Afghan refugee receives payout from UK Paper after Taliban...
An Afghan refugee who was granted asylum in the UK has accepted substantial libel compensation at the high court in London after the daily express...
An Afghan refugee who was granted asylum in the UK has accepted substantial libel compensation at the high court in London after the daily express newspaper falsely accused him of being a member of the Taliban.
Abdol Shazad who is 20 was recognized as a refugee by the Home Office last February after a four-year battle in which it was found that he was at fear of being persecuted by the Taliban. But a month later The express published a story saying that he was a member of the Taliban and posted an online version of the story under which hateful and abusive comments were posted causing great distress to Mr Shazad Journalists say this type of behavior is indicative of the lack of ethics of large segments of the right wing media.The Legal Counsel for the Express, Chloe Strong Said: \"The allegation in the articles was false and the defendant wishes to offer its sincerest apologies to the claimant for the damage, distress and embarrassment which the publication of the articles has caused him.\" The Daily Express has apologized and agreed to pay him substantial damages. The exact figure is undisclosed. But this type of behavior from elements of the right wing press is unlikely to stop as a result For Mr Shazid at least, there has been some kind of accountability for this unethical journalism.
2m:3s
6118
[31 Jan 2014] Pentagon chief warns Kabul against - English
The Pentagon chief has warned Afghanistan against what he termed as foot-dragging on the Bilateral Security Agreement with the US.
Chuck Hagel...
The Pentagon chief has warned Afghanistan against what he termed as foot-dragging on the Bilateral Security Agreement with the US.
Chuck Hagel says the Afghan president\'s deferring risks leaving Washington no time to plan its post-combat mission there. The US defense secretary admitted however that Hamid Karzai was the elected president of a sovereign nation, and Washington\'s ability to influence the decisions he makes, is limited. US-led forces are due to withdraw from Afghanistan by December 2014. But the security agreement under negotiation would allow for a contingent of American troops to remain on the ground. Washington wants its soldiers to enjoy immunity from Afghan law under the deal. However, Karzai has adamantly refused that condition, saying his successor should make the final decision after the presidential election on April 5.
3m:56s
5423
[10 Feb 2014] Russia China skip UN Security Council meeting on Syria...
Russia and China have skipped a UN Security Council meeting called to discuss a draft resolution that would impose more sanctions on Syria unless...
Russia and China have skipped a UN Security Council meeting called to discuss a draft resolution that would impose more sanctions on Syria unless the government gives unrestricted access to deliver aid.
The resolution was drafted by Australia, Jordan, and Luxembourg. Russia\'s UN envoy, Vitaly Churkin, vowed to veto the proposed measure if necessary, saying that the resolution would increase tension in Syria and disrupt the current humanitarian efforts. The Russian ambassador added that the measure would endanger the Geneva-two negotiations being held in Switzerland.
0m:32s
6266
[11 Feb 2014] The Debate - Iran Anniversary (P.1) - English
Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Demonstrators chanted slogans against...
Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Demonstrators chanted slogans against Israel and the hostile policies of the US. President Hassan Rouhani said threats against Iran are worthless and childish. On this edition of the Debate we will discuss the level of public support for the Islamic Republic and the amount of pressure exerted on the country from the west.
Guests:
- Professor, University of Tehran, Mohammad Marandi (Tehran).
- Center for American Progress & former US Assistant Secretary of Defense, Lawrence J. Korb (Washington).
Subjects:
1) What do you think about the level of public support for the Islamic Republic?
2) How has the western approach encompassing threats and pressure affected Iranian public opinion?
3) Why is the US saying all options are still on the table?
4) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the rhetoric of threat against the Iranian nation is "worthless and childish." Do you agree?
5) What is the aim of the sanctions? Has the US been trying to fuel dissent in Iran? Is the US after regime change in Iran?
6) Do you think that if Iran ends its nuclear activities the US enmity will also end?
7) What is the position of the west versus Iran? Will it consider engaging in a win-win situation if not giving concessions?
8) Iran argues if the west was truly concerned about nuclear weapons in the region it would have confronted Israel...what is it about Iran that the west is attempting to confront?
11m:0s
5799
[11 Feb 2014] The Debate - Iran Anniversary (P.2) - English
Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Demonstrators chanted slogans against...
Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Demonstrators chanted slogans against Israel and the hostile policies of the US. President Hassan Rouhani said threats against Iran are worthless and childish. On this edition of the Debate we will discuss the level of public support for the Islamic Republic and the amount of pressure exerted on the country from the west.
Guests:
- Professor, University of Tehran, Mohammad Marandi (Tehran).
- Center for American Progress & former US Assistant Secretary of Defense, Lawrence J. Korb (Washington).
Subjects:
1) What do you think about the level of public support for the Islamic Republic?
2) How has the western approach encompassing threats and pressure affected Iranian public opinion?
3) Why is the US saying all options are still on the table?
4) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the rhetoric of threat against the Iranian nation is \"worthless and childish.\" Do you agree?
5) What is the aim of the sanctions? Has the US been trying to fuel dissent in Iran? Is the US after regime change in Iran?
6) Do you think that if Iran ends its nuclear activities the US enmity will also end?
7) What is the position of the west versus Iran? Will it consider engaging in a win-win situation if not giving concessions?
8) Iran argues if the west was truly concerned about nuclear weapons in the region it would have confronted Israel...what is it about Iran that the west is attempting to confront?
12m:13s
5971
[11 Feb 2014] Egypt Marks Mubarak Removal - English
Several anti-government rallies took place on Tuesday as Egyptians from all walks marked the third anniversary of the ouster of long-time dictator...
Several anti-government rallies took place on Tuesday as Egyptians from all walks marked the third anniversary of the ouster of long-time dictator Hosni Mubarak.Rallies took place in the costal city of Alexandria, Sharqiya as well as in the capital Cairo.The aim of the demonstrations is to protest against the army which ousted the country\'s first democratically elected leader back in July.
The protesters also denounced what they describe as a return of the Mubarak era repressive practices which Egyptians revolted against three years ago.3 years on, protesters are saying that Mubarak and Sisi are two faces of the same coin, and that the defense minster Sisi is an enemy to the 25th of Jan revolution.
2m:4s
5311
[16 Feb 2014] Nasrallah: Saudi-backed Takfiri groups want to spark...
The leader of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah says Israel and the United States have infiltrated terrorist Takfiri groups operating in...
The leader of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah says Israel and the United States have infiltrated terrorist Takfiri groups operating in the Middle East region and are using them to promote their own interests.
Nasrallah, speaking at a ceremony held to commemorate the martyrdom of resistance commanders, noted that the Saudi-backed Takfiri groups are seeking to sow sectarian discord throughout the entire region. He described the al-Nusrah Front and the militants associated with the group called the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria -- or ISIL -- as the best examples of the Saudi-backed Takfiri mindset. Nasrallah defended the fact that Hezbollah members are fighting against Takfiri groups in Syria, saying that the Lebanese resistance movement has not changed its policy in this regard.
5m:21s
13235
[16 Feb 2014] US accuses Russia of supporting President Assad to stay in...
The US Secretary of State criticizes Russia for what he calls support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
John Kerry has said that with...
The US Secretary of State criticizes Russia for what he calls support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
John Kerry has said that with support from Moscow, Damascus stonewalled the second round of peace talks in Geneva. He added that such support would let the Syrian president continue destroying his own country. Kerry also blamed the Syrian government for the failure of the Geneva talks-- saying the government delegation refused to open up one moment of discussion during the meetings. Kerry made the remarks hours after Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem accused Washington of trying to create a very negative climate for dialog in Geneva.
0m:41s
5080
[16 Feb 2014] Hamas rules out presence of intl. force in future...
The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it will not allow the presence of an international force in a future Palestinian state.
Hamas...
The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it will not allow the presence of an international force in a future Palestinian state.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri has said in a statement that the presence of an international force under a peace deal with Israel would be no different from the Israeli occupation. He urged the United States to revise its position since Hamas won\'t allow anyone to undermine its rights. Abu Zuhri also called for a united front of factions to reject the so-called peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and their outcome. He further said that the Kerry plan was put together by Americans and the Zionist entity to eradicate the Palestinian cause. Earlier, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh slammed the talks, saying the resistance movement would not be bound by any deal with Israel.
4m:40s
5955
[24 Feb 2014] The Debate - U.S. Policy Shift in Syria (P.1) -...
On the war on Syria: is there a policy shift from the US? Take for example, what US national security advisor, Susan Rice has said: The White House...
On the war on Syria: is there a policy shift from the US? Take for example, what US national security advisor, Susan Rice has said: The White House is currently revisiting both old and new options on how best to approach the Syrian crisis, saying it could become a breeding ground for terrorists, fearing its fragmentation, with the ouster of Bashar al-Assad no longer the number one priority. In this edition of the debate, we\'ll discuss why this policy shift, whether it has any connection to Saudi Arabia\'s new appointment of the Syrian file, Prince Nayef, and how reverting to fighting terrorism as a priority sounds a lot like what the Syrian govt. delegation said at the failed Geneva 2 talks. Or is this a possible sign of US military intervention?
10m:19s
5847
[24 Feb 2014] The Debate - U.S. Policy Shift in Syria (P.2) -...
On the war on Syria: is there a policy shift from the US? Take for example, what US national security advisor, Susan Rice has said: The White House...
On the war on Syria: is there a policy shift from the US? Take for example, what US national security advisor, Susan Rice has said: The White House is currently revisiting both old and new options on how best to approach the Syrian crisis, saying it could become a breeding ground for terrorists, fearing its fragmentation, with the ouster of Bashar al-Assad no longer the number one priority. In this edition of the debate, we\'ll discuss why this policy shift, whether it has any connection to Saudi Arabia\'s new appointment of the Syrian file, Prince Nayef, and how reverting to fighting terrorism as a priority sounds a lot like what the Syrian govt. delegation said at the failed Geneva 2 talks. Or is this a possible sign of US military intervention?
10m:11s
5950
[11 Nov 13] Speech to Members of the Soldiers of Islam Mourning...
A small portion of the Farsi is included, but the
The following is the full text of the speech delivered on November 11, 2013 by Ayatollah...
A small portion of the Farsi is included, but the
The following is the full text of the speech delivered on November 11, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with the members of the Soldiers of Islam Mourning Committee.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
The Soldiers of Islam Mourning Committee is an auspicious phenomenon. The idea that our soldiers form mourning committees is a very auspicious and important idea. The pivot of this committee is mourning for Ashura. The other tasks that you referred to are good and necessary subsets, but the pivot is reviving and understanding the depth of Ashura.
One point in this regard is that the connection between the words \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"committee\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" and \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"soldiers\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" has an important meaning. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Soldiers\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" means those people who engage in jihad in the face of the enemy. Jihad includes \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"moqatele\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\". \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Moqatele\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" means a military war. Jihad is a combination of different wars such as military wars, intellectual wars, psychological wars and social wars. A combination of these things is jihad and jihad includes all of these wars. One of the characteristics of jihad is the existence of an enemy. Not any effort is called jihad. It is possible that someone engages in scientific work, but this may not be jihadi work. Jihad is a movement which is launched in the face of a hostile act and a hostile enemy. Those people who engage in jihad in the way of God and who enjoy a jihadi characteristic and spirit will realize that this is a real blessing for their hearts and souls.
Jihad is necessary because human societies are not devoid of enemies. They may have few or many enemies. Sometimes, like our society, they have many enemies and sometimes they do not. But in any case, they have an enemy. Therefore, if a society has an internal force for confronting the enemy - this force is comprised of soldiers and mujahids - then it can have a feeling of security. But if it does not enjoy this force, then it will be like a body that suffers from lack of white blood-cells which are in charge of fighting against infection. In such circumstances, all kinds of diseases may afflict this society.
The effort of this group of people to revive and commemorate Ashura and to mourn for Hussein ibn Ali (a.s.) is very appropriate and necessary. Therefore, the essence of this connection - that is to say, the connection between mourning committees and soldiers - is very blessed and good. You should not abandon this and you should preserve it as much as you can.
Another point is that the word \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"heyat\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [committee] means lack of order in the conventional sense of the word. They say that such and such a person acts in a heyati way. This means that he acts in a disorganized way. Perhaps we can say that you are the first people to impose order on an organization which is disorderly by nature. This is a very good thing.
Well, why does the word \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"heyati\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" mean disorderly in the conventional sense of the word? This is because when someone enters an Imam Hussein (a.s.) heyat, no one tells them where to sit and where not to sit and when to come and when to go. All the movements and comings and goings are based on the will of the people and this originates in faith. This is a very good thing and you should preserve it. You should preserve the committee\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s relationship with what people love and believe in. You should preserve the interest that the hearts of people have in this committee. That is to say, it should not be the case that the committee acts in a formal way.
In my opinion, the centers that you should work in are Hussainiyahs. You do not need bureaucratic organizations. Hussainiyahs, heyats and mosques are the centers that you should engage in. If we affiliate this committee to an organization and if we specify a multi-storey building for that with bureaucratic equipment, this is not a committee anymore. I fear that it may face certain problems. I am not saying that it will not be a committee, but in my opinion, the nature of such committees requires the enthusiastic participation of the people in mourning ceremonies for Imam Hussein (a.s.). This is what exerts a powerful effect on them. This is what the Revolution originated from. At least, it can be good ground for growing revolutionary virtues and teachings.
The next point which is very important is the issue of nurturing panegyrists and protecting them against errors and mistakes. This is very important. One of our serious problems is really this. Panegyrists have acquired a bad name in this regard, but it is not particular to panegyrists. This issue is not particular to panegyrists and other people in charge of such affairs. It has been witnessed that those people who take the minbar and those who recite eulogies for Ashura - including panegyrists, those who have minbar and other such people - have said inappropriate things. Sometimes you and I have meeting and talk and I may say an inappropriate thing. This is not a problem because it is between you and me. This is not important. But sometimes, we have an audience of one thousand, 10 thousand or 50 thousand people and sometimes, this audience turns into millions of people. In such circumstances, we should see what effect an inappropriate and wrong statement may exert on our audience. A number of people may accept this wrong statement and they may learn a wrong concept. A number of people may reject this statement and they may take an instant dislike towards the essence of religion. Besides, there may be an angry argument between certain groups of people.
Notice that certain deviations may emerge as a result of this wrong statement. Since long ago, we have seen that sometimes panegyrists perform rowzas that are obviously wrong, but they continue to perform because in order to make a few people shed tears. This is not particular to the present time. Since I was a child, I have participated in mourning ceremonies and I have listened to people who took the minbar. Should we make people shed tears at any price?
You can narrate the event and you can do it in an artistic way in order to produce strong effects on people, but you should not say things which are false. I have heard that, addressing the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) a panegyrist said, \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Whatever you have is because of Imam Hussein (a.s.)\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\". Notice how wrong this is. How can someone talk such nonsense about the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.)? Whatever Imam Hussein (a.s.) has is because of the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.). Whatever he has is because of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.). Why do they not understand such concepts? Besides, they claim that they are good panegyrists and they say whatever crosses their mind. In my opinion, we should attach great significance to such issues.
The next point is concerning the issue which was raised by Mr. Nejat as well. He is right. Such committees cannot be secular. We do not have secular Imam Hussein (a.s.) committees. Anyone who is interested in Imam Hussein (a.s.) is also interested in political and jihadi Islam and the kind of Islam which engages in fighting, offering blood and laying down one\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s life. This is the meaning of faith in Imam Hussein (a.s.). If a panegyrist takes care not to enter into political discussions, this is wrong. Of course, this does not mean that whatever political event takes place in the country, we should bring it up in rowzas and we should adopt specific orientations - whether revolutionary or anti-revolutionary - towards it. This is not what I mean, but revolutionary and Islamic thoughts and the auspicious guidelines which Imam (may God bestow paradise on him) formulated in our country should be brought up in such ceremonies.
This task is a great and important task. The best people who can perform rowzas for Imam Hussein (a.s.) are mujahids in the way of God and these young soldiers. You should appreciate the value of this and you should provide guidance. This can be a bright and shining spring for enlightening the minds of the people and the audience and it can improve them in terms of Islamic and religious teachings.
How good it is to pay attention to the issue of reading the Holy Quran in mourning ceremonies. How good it is to employ Islamic, revolutionary and Quranic concepts in mourning ceremonies. Sometimes, when they mourn, people say certain clichés such as \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Hussein vay\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\". Well, this has no value and one learns nothing from repeating \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Hussein vay\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\". When the audience says such clichés, you can raise revolutionary, Islamic and Quranic issues and issues which are related to the present time. When the audience repeats it, this becomes internalized in their minds. This is very valuable. This is a task that cannot be carried out by anyone except you. No media network can inculcate religious teachings into the minds and the hearts and souls of people. Therefore, this is an important and great task. I hope that Allah the Exalted rewards and bestows success on you so that you can carry out this task in the best way possible.
Greetings be upon you and Allah\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s mercy and blessings
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