Palestine Wins First Step Toward U. N. Admission | Lez Get Real: " The principal block to the peace process, in this round, is the Israeli settlements in the West Bank. These pre-fab towns occupied mainly by the most ardent Zionists, have turned the West Bank into Swiss cheese. A half-million Israelis are now living in the West Bank and expect to stay there as part of Israel. The Israeli government has refused to halt the building of settlements while peace is negotiated. Israel insists that it will not negotiate with terrorists, meaning the members of the Palestinian government who are members of Hamas.
The Palestinian Authority ostensibly administers the West Bank, but Israel maintains fairly thorough control. President Abbas has threatened to dissolve the Authority and leave the more mundane aspects of Palestinian administration to the Israelis.
The UNESCO vote is more a measure of the world’s attitude toward the West Bank and Gaza than anything with substance. By a 7.4 to l ratio, the nations of the world believe that the West Bank and Gaza deserve independence and statehood. They have been occupied by Israel since 1967."
'via Blog this'
Sept 21, 2015 International Day of Peace Celebration at Lyceum University Cavite, Philippines
Ambassador Zara Bayla Juan, Sailing for Peace #PeaceDay
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Occupy Philadelphia protesting in peace | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/27/2011
Occupy Philadelphia protesting in peace | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/27/2011: "Occupy Philadelphia, entering its 23d day on Dilworth Plaza, remains one of the most peaceful demonstrations of its kind in the country.
In contrast to Oakland, Calif., where a protester was critically injured, and Baltimore, where police clashed with demonstrators this week, Philadelphia has been a model of restraint.
Police, city officials, and the movement's members are praising one another for their civility and respect.
"The city government is sympathetic," says Joshua Hupp, an Occupy activist. "They haven't tried to get rid of us like in other cities. That's saying something."
Farrell, who is working with the growing population of homeless people who are gravitating to the movement's tent city, says the police have been nothing but helpful. "Their presence alone is deterring some people from acting out.""
'via Blog this'
In contrast to Oakland, Calif., where a protester was critically injured, and Baltimore, where police clashed with demonstrators this week, Philadelphia has been a model of restraint.
Police, city officials, and the movement's members are praising one another for their civility and respect.
"The city government is sympathetic," says Joshua Hupp, an Occupy activist. "They haven't tried to get rid of us like in other cities. That's saying something."
Farrell, who is working with the growing population of homeless people who are gravitating to the movement's tent city, says the police have been nothing but helpful. "Their presence alone is deterring some people from acting out.""
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Pope invites Hindus, Jews, Buddhists for peace pilgrimage, but no common peace prayer - The Washington Post
Pope invites Hindus, Jews, Buddhists for peace pilgrimage, but no common peace prayer - The Washington Post: "Benedict will welcome the various delegations at the Vatican on Thursday morning and they will travel by papal train to Assisi, the town known for the peace-loving message of its native son St. Francis.
There will be remarks and a shared light lunch, followed by the time for individual reflection and prayer. The delegates will walk together in a pilgrimage for a bit before coming together for concluding remarks and the train ride back to Rome.
The guest list includes the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and representatives from Greek, Russian, Serbian and Belarusian Orthodox churches. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams is coming for the Anglican church, and representatives from Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist and other Christian denominations are on the list as well.
Several rabbis will be joined by some 60 Muslims, a similar number of Buddhists, three Taoists, a half-dozen Hindus, three Jains and a Zoroastrian. Also invited for the first time are four intellectuals who profess no faith at all — part of Benedict’s efforts to reach out to atheists."
'via Blog this'
There will be remarks and a shared light lunch, followed by the time for individual reflection and prayer. The delegates will walk together in a pilgrimage for a bit before coming together for concluding remarks and the train ride back to Rome.
The guest list includes the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and representatives from Greek, Russian, Serbian and Belarusian Orthodox churches. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams is coming for the Anglican church, and representatives from Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist and other Christian denominations are on the list as well.
Several rabbis will be joined by some 60 Muslims, a similar number of Buddhists, three Taoists, a half-dozen Hindus, three Jains and a Zoroastrian. Also invited for the first time are four intellectuals who profess no faith at all — part of Benedict’s efforts to reach out to atheists."
'via Blog this'
Sunday, October 23, 2011
"you either get out of the way & align w/ the people to engage in a process of change or if you try to hold onto power,in the end you will be removed"
Arab Spring may endanger Mideast peace: Tony Blair | Reuters: " Arab pro-democracy uprisings spell more regional instability that could complicate peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians but also make it necessary to get the process back on track, envoy Tony Blair said on Sunday.
Blair will sit down separately with Israeli and Palestinian officials this week in Jerusalem to try to revive a peace process that broke down more than a year ago because of a dispute over Jewish settlement expansion.
"It is a great thing that people are wanting democracy, but in the short term there is reduced stability in the region so that can pose problems for Israel and the peace process," said Blair.
"Because of the instability and uncertainty in the region, it's right that we grip the peace process and put it back on track again."
"We need strong, clear commitments that both parties will produce comprehensive proposals on borders and security within 90 days," he said." (click link above to read full article)
'via Blog this'
Blair will sit down separately with Israeli and Palestinian officials this week in Jerusalem to try to revive a peace process that broke down more than a year ago because of a dispute over Jewish settlement expansion.
"It is a great thing that people are wanting democracy, but in the short term there is reduced stability in the region so that can pose problems for Israel and the peace process," said Blair.
"Because of the instability and uncertainty in the region, it's right that we grip the peace process and put it back on track again."
"We need strong, clear commitments that both parties will produce comprehensive proposals on borders and security within 90 days," he said." (click link above to read full article)
'via Blog this'
Friday, October 21, 2011
UN General Assembly scheduled to elect five countries to serve in the UN Security Council beginning 2012
The council, which makes decisions on issues of peace and security worldwide, has five veto-wielding permanent members - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - and 10 members elected for two years, five of which exit the council each year.
The five elected members that will remain until December, 2012, are Colombia, Germany, India, Portugal and South Africa. - Sapa-dpa"
'via Blog this'UN to elect five new Security Council members - World News | IOL News | IOL.co.za: "The newly elected members will replace five countries that will leave the 15-nation council after completing two-year terms at the end of December. The outgoing countries are Bosnia, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria, which represent the world's five regions.
The five elected members that will remain until December, 2012, are Colombia, Germany, India, Portugal and South Africa. - Sapa-dpa"
'via Blog this'UN to elect five new Security Council members - World News | IOL News | IOL.co.za: "The newly elected members will replace five countries that will leave the 15-nation council after completing two-year terms at the end of December. The outgoing countries are Bosnia, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria, which represent the world's five regions.
Guatemala is the only candidate from Latin America and the Caribbean, seeking to replace Brazil.
Mauritania, Morocco and Togo are competing for the two seats for Africa on the council, now occupied by Gabon and Nigeria.
Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan are competing for the Asian seat now occupied by Lebanon.
Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovenia of Eastern Europe are competing for the seat now occupied by Bosnia.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou has said that he will not engage in peace talks with China unless voters give their approval in a referendum
Mr Ma made the comments after being criticised for proposing earlier this week that the two former enemies try to reach a peace deal in 10 years.Taiwan and China stopped fighting in the 1960s, but never signed a formal peace treaty. Ties have improved to their best level in decades since Mr Ma was elected. But so far, the two sides have discussed mostly trade and economic co-operation, not politics.
Permanent peace
On Monday, Mr Ma surprised many by suggesting a peace deal should be signed within 10 years. It was the first time a timetable had been given. Mr Ma's remarks raised fears in Taiwan that he may be trying to lead the island toward eventual unification with China. Beijing still considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces, and has not renounced the use of force to bring it back under Chinese rule. But analysts close to the president say he wants to use the current good relations to build a permanent peace between the two sides."
BBC News - Taiwan's Ma: No China peace talks without referendum: "
'via Blog this'
Permanent peace
On Monday, Mr Ma surprised many by suggesting a peace deal should be signed within 10 years. It was the first time a timetable had been given. Mr Ma's remarks raised fears in Taiwan that he may be trying to lead the island toward eventual unification with China. Beijing still considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces, and has not renounced the use of force to bring it back under Chinese rule. But analysts close to the president say he wants to use the current good relations to build a permanent peace between the two sides."
BBC News - Taiwan's Ma: No China peace talks without referendum: "
'via Blog this'
"Former Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi has been killed, Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril says
His death was announced after transitional forces claimed control of Sirte, Col Gaddafi's birthplace, following weeks of fierce fighting. There are unconfirmed reports that Col Gaddafi's son Saif is in a convoy fleeing Sirte and is under attack; his brother Mutassim is reportedly dead"
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will discuss possible peace talks and the handover of security to Afghan forces
"Clinton will meet Karzai and Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul on Thursday, U.S. officials said, and hold a round-table meeting with non-government leaders and civil society activists.
She is expected to discuss U.S. strategic relations with Afghanistan and ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as preview plans for conferences on the future of Afghanistan due to be held in Istanbul in November and Bonn in December.
Ties between Kabul and Islamabad have been particularly strained since the assassination of Rabbani, who was killed by a suicide bomber posing as a Taliban reconciliation envoy.
Many Afghans, including senior officials, have accused the Pakistan government of having links to the killing, and accused their neighbor of fomenting instability to further its own political interests. Pakistan denies this."
Clinton arrives in Kabul, show of commitment | Reuters:
'via Blog this'
She is expected to discuss U.S. strategic relations with Afghanistan and ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as preview plans for conferences on the future of Afghanistan due to be held in Istanbul in November and Bonn in December.
Ties between Kabul and Islamabad have been particularly strained since the assassination of Rabbani, who was killed by a suicide bomber posing as a Taliban reconciliation envoy.
Many Afghans, including senior officials, have accused the Pakistan government of having links to the killing, and accused their neighbor of fomenting instability to further its own political interests. Pakistan denies this."
Clinton arrives in Kabul, show of commitment | Reuters:
'via Blog this'
"One" China Peace Accord faces opposing views in Taiwan
"President Ma proposed on Tuesday that Taiwan could negotiate a peace accord with China within 10 years on the preconditions of strong domestic support, the needs of the country and legislative supervision.
A DPP Central Standing Committee resolution yesterday said the proposal exposed Taiwanese to four serious risks — the sacrifice of Taiwan’s sovereignty, a change in the “status quo” across the Taiwan Strait, the jeopardizing of Taiwan’s democratic values and damage to the nation’s strategic depth in bilateral negotiations — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai said.
The initiative could make the cross-strait situation a “domestic” issue by agreeing to the “one China” principle, she said, as well as going to the negotiating table without a public mandate and a national consensus. She cited the 1951 peace deal between Tibet and China as an example of Beijing’s lack of credibility as a signatory. “China is not a democratic country to this day. We cannot afford to overlook the potential risks and instability [when signing a peace accord with China],” she said."
A DPP Central Standing Committee resolution yesterday said the proposal exposed Taiwanese to four serious risks — the sacrifice of Taiwan’s sovereignty, a change in the “status quo” across the Taiwan Strait, the jeopardizing of Taiwan’s democratic values and damage to the nation’s strategic depth in bilateral negotiations — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai said.
The initiative could make the cross-strait situation a “domestic” issue by agreeing to the “one China” principle, she said, as well as going to the negotiating table without a public mandate and a national consensus. She cited the 1951 peace deal between Tibet and China as an example of Beijing’s lack of credibility as a signatory. “China is not a democratic country to this day. We cannot afford to overlook the potential risks and instability [when signing a peace accord with China],” she said."
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Committee considering the Palestinian request for full UN membership
The Security Council president, Nigeria’s Ambassador Joy Ogwu, “will give an update on the progress done so far,” said another diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The discussions within the 15-member Security Council could last until the end of the October or beyond before the Palestinian request goes to a vote, diplomats say.
It takes nine votes in favor and no vetoes to approve a recommendation to the General Assembly for the admission of a new state.
The United States has said it would veto a vote in favor of admitting Palestine to the United Nations, arguing that a real two-state solution can only come from a deal reached with Israel through direct talks.
Washington has deployed intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent the Palestinians from getting nine favorable votes, so as to avoid having to cast a veto that would be damaging to US interests in the Muslim world.
If the Security Council bid fails, the Palestinians are expected to go to the UN General Assembly to seek observer state membership of the UN. They would almost certainly get a majority in favor."
Security Council meets on Palestinian membership: "
'via Blog this'
The discussions within the 15-member Security Council could last until the end of the October or beyond before the Palestinian request goes to a vote, diplomats say.
It takes nine votes in favor and no vetoes to approve a recommendation to the General Assembly for the admission of a new state.
The United States has said it would veto a vote in favor of admitting Palestine to the United Nations, arguing that a real two-state solution can only come from a deal reached with Israel through direct talks.
Washington has deployed intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent the Palestinians from getting nine favorable votes, so as to avoid having to cast a veto that would be damaging to US interests in the Muslim world.
If the Security Council bid fails, the Palestinians are expected to go to the UN General Assembly to seek observer state membership of the UN. They would almost certainly get a majority in favor."
Security Council meets on Palestinian membership: "
'via Blog this'
On October 26th, Middle East "Quartet" (Russia, the U.S., the U.N. and the E.U.) will meet with the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority
The negotiations will be held in Jerusalem during which the mediators will try, yet again, to build a direct dialogue between the conflicting parties. The representatives of the Quartet will also hold separate meetings with the Israelis and the Palestinians. Peace talks between the two were suspended for over a year ago due to the resumption by Israeli of settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank."
Quartet to update talks: Voice of Russia: "'via Blog this'
Oct 18, 2011 01:03 Moscow Time |
Middle East Quartet. Photo: RIA Novosti |
World faiths, "a common path" to peace...
Two hundred non-Christian religious leaders will join the pope for a ceremony on October 27 that is being boycotted however by the influential Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo, the Vatican said.
Pope Benedict XVI is hosting the event in favour of world peace, which was started by his predecessor John Paul II in Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, and a variety of faiths will be represented including Islam. Among the spiritual leaders attending will be Baha'i, Buddhists, Confucianists, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Sikhs, Taoists and Zoroastrians, joining 100 Christian leaders, Vatican officials said at a news conference on Tuesday. A total of 69 Muslim leaders will also be present from 19 countries including Iran and Saudi Arabia, said Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, head of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace."
AFP: World faiths to attend Vatican ceremony: "
'via Blog this'
Pope Benedict XVI is hosting the event in favour of world peace, which was started by his predecessor John Paul II in Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, and a variety of faiths will be represented including Islam. Among the spiritual leaders attending will be Baha'i, Buddhists, Confucianists, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Sikhs, Taoists and Zoroastrians, joining 100 Christian leaders, Vatican officials said at a news conference on Tuesday. A total of 69 Muslim leaders will also be present from 19 countries including Iran and Saudi Arabia, said Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, head of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace."
AFP: World faiths to attend Vatican ceremony: "
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
“In many instances where there is an ongoing conflict, you are fighting and looking to talk,” Hillary Clinton
South Asian News Agency | US open to Afghan peace deal including Haqqani: "US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday signaled the United States remains open to exploring a peace deal including the Haqqani network, the group that US officials blame for a campaign of high-profile violence that could jeopardize Washington’s plans for withdrawing smoothly from Afghanistan.
“Where we are right now is that we view the Haqqanis and other of their ilk as, you know, being adversaries and being very dangerous to Americans, Afghans and coalition members inside Afghanistan, but we are not shutting the door on trying to determine whether there is some path forward,” Clinton said when asked whether she believed members of the Haqqani network might reconcile with the Afghan government.
“It’s too soon to tell whether any of these groups or any individuals within them are serious,” she said in an interview .
Inclusion of the Haqqani network in a hoped-for peace deal — now a chief objective in the Obama administration’s Afghanistan policy after a decade of war — is a controversial idea in Washington."
'via Blog this'
“Where we are right now is that we view the Haqqanis and other of their ilk as, you know, being adversaries and being very dangerous to Americans, Afghans and coalition members inside Afghanistan, but we are not shutting the door on trying to determine whether there is some path forward,” Clinton said when asked whether she believed members of the Haqqani network might reconcile with the Afghan government.
“It’s too soon to tell whether any of these groups or any individuals within them are serious,” she said in an interview .
Inclusion of the Haqqani network in a hoped-for peace deal — now a chief objective in the Obama administration’s Afghanistan policy after a decade of war — is a controversial idea in Washington."
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
"War Redefined," includes interviews with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her predecessors Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice
The brutally powerful PBS documentary "Women, War & Peace" is not easy to watch, but it is an important testament to unthinkable events in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Colombia and Liberia. And to positive steps being taken in the name of humanity, justice and peace.
A recurring theme of the series is that modern wars are not fought by trained national armies so much as by gangs, undisciplined insurgent groups, armed with improvised weapons and reduced to barbaric behavior. Women have become primary targets, being systematically raped, and ultimately "emerging as critical partners in brokering peace and as leaders in forging new international laws governing conflict.""
PBS airs "Women, War & Peace" - The Denver Post: "
'via Blog this'
A recurring theme of the series is that modern wars are not fought by trained national armies so much as by gangs, undisciplined insurgent groups, armed with improvised weapons and reduced to barbaric behavior. Women have become primary targets, being systematically raped, and ultimately "emerging as critical partners in brokering peace and as leaders in forging new international laws governing conflict.""
PBS airs "Women, War & Peace" - The Denver Post: "
'via Blog this'
Monday, October 10, 2011
Pakistan Taliban considers peace talks: report | Reuters
Pakistan Taliban considers peace talks: report | Reuters: "Pakistani leaders said after an all-party meeting attended by top military and intelligence officials last month they would seek reconciliation with militants to end an insurgency.
And Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani was quoted by newspapers as saying the government was ready to talk peace.
"Our shura (council) will decide whether and when can we enter into talks with the government, with the military," the Express Tribune quoted Maulvi Wali-ur-Rehman Mehsud, deputy leader of the Pakistani Taliban, as saying.
"But I think we would like to involve countries we trust ... they are in the Arab world. Let's say Saudi Arabia."
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or Taliban Movement of Pakistan (TTP), which is close to al Qaeda, was formed in December 2007 as an alliance of Pakistani militant groups to attack the Pakistani state.
It has been blamed for many of the suicide bombings across Pakistan.
Several army offensives against the group's strongholds on the Afghan border have failed to weaken its campaign. Thousands of Pakistani soldiers, policemen and civilians have been killed in the conflict."
'via Blog this'
And Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani was quoted by newspapers as saying the government was ready to talk peace.
"Our shura (council) will decide whether and when can we enter into talks with the government, with the military," the Express Tribune quoted Maulvi Wali-ur-Rehman Mehsud, deputy leader of the Pakistani Taliban, as saying.
"But I think we would like to involve countries we trust ... they are in the Arab world. Let's say Saudi Arabia."
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or Taliban Movement of Pakistan (TTP), which is close to al Qaeda, was formed in December 2007 as an alliance of Pakistani militant groups to attack the Pakistani state.
It has been blamed for many of the suicide bombings across Pakistan.
Several army offensives against the group's strongholds on the Afghan border have failed to weaken its campaign. Thousands of Pakistani soldiers, policemen and civilians have been killed in the conflict."
'via Blog this'
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Re: Israelis & Palestinians...- there is a strong belief from int'l community that now is the time to get back to negotiations without pre-conditions
The Brussels talks among members of the Middle East Quartet - the United States, Russia, the United Nations and the European Union - follow its call in September for stalled peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians to resume within 30 days. The Quartet wants the two sides to reach a deal next year.
The Middle East peace process was top news at the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York last month, when Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas formally applied to the Security Council for full U.N. membership. The United States has threatened to veto the bid, arguing that Palestinian statehood can only be achieved through direct peace talks with Israel. But in a September interview with the BBC, the Quartet's special representative Tony Blair sounded an optimistic note. "
Mideast Quartet Discusses Way Forward on Peace Process | Middle East | English: "Blair said the Quartet members are close to agreeing on details of peace negotiations. He said that would make it easier to bridge differences between Palestinians and Israelis once they actually sit down for talks.
'via Blog this'
The Middle East peace process was top news at the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York last month, when Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas formally applied to the Security Council for full U.N. membership. The United States has threatened to veto the bid, arguing that Palestinian statehood can only be achieved through direct peace talks with Israel. But in a September interview with the BBC, the Quartet's special representative Tony Blair sounded an optimistic note. "
Mideast Quartet Discusses Way Forward on Peace Process | Middle East | English: "Blair said the Quartet members are close to agreeing on details of peace negotiations. He said that would make it easier to bridge differences between Palestinians and Israelis once they actually sit down for talks.
'via Blog this'
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Ms. Zara Jane Juan, UN Ambassador for the International Day o... on Twitpic
Ms. Zara Jane Juan, UN Ambassador for the International Day o... on Twitpic:
Ms. Zara Jane Juan, UN Ambassador for the International Day of Peace 2011, speaks on "Wellness, Climate Change and Peace.""
'via Blog this'
@casupm
CAS UP Manila September 21, 2011
'via Blog this'
Friday, October 7, 2011
Nobel Peace Prize laureates Tawakkul Karman of Yemen, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Liberian "peace warrior" Leymah Gbowee
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
Left to right: Nobel Peace Prize laureates Tawakkul Karman of Yemen, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Liberian "peace warrior" Leymah Gbowee.Nobel Peace Prize Goes To Women Striving For Peace In Liberia And Yemen : The Two-Way : NPR: ""I believe we both accept this on behalf of the Liberian people and the credit goes to them, because we're now going into our ninth year of peace," Johnson Sirleaf continued. "And every Liberian has contributed to it. We particularly give this credit to Liberian women, who have consistently led the struggle for peace, even under conditions of neglect. It sends a message to the Liberian people that peace must prevail as Liberia goes through this critical event; that we must demonstrate to the world that we can be peaceful, that we can be politically mature and that we can all work together for a better Liberia.""'via Blog this'Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian peace activist Leymah Roberta Gbowee and Yemeni protest leader Tawakkul Karman are being honored.
This year's Nobels come with about $1.5 million. That amount will be divided between the three laureates.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
"The concept of peace in Oslo is that elastic."
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg up for the Nobel Peace Prize? - latimes.com: "There are thousands of people who are eligible to nominate contenders, and it's entirely possible that Zuckerberg was nominated.
Also, keep in mind that this was the year of the Arab uprisings, a revolution that some observers say was possible only because of the way online platforms like Facebook and Twitter allowed protesters to connect.
Zuckerberg himself has downplayed Facebook's role in the Arab Spring.
"It would be extremely arrogant for any specific technology company to claim any meaningful role," he said at the e-G8 summit in Paris earlier this year. "The thing that was both necessary and sufficient was a population of people who felt very strongly that change needed to happen."
But perhaps that humility makes him all the more ... Nobel?
National Review writer Jay Nordlinger, who has a book on the history of the Nobel Peace Prize coming out this March, said it's possible that Zuckerberg could win this year.
"I wouldn't bet on him, but I wouldn't bet against him," he said. He said Zuckerberg would be an "out there" choice, even for the famously eccentric Nobel prize committee."
'via Blog this'
Also, keep in mind that this was the year of the Arab uprisings, a revolution that some observers say was possible only because of the way online platforms like Facebook and Twitter allowed protesters to connect.
Zuckerberg himself has downplayed Facebook's role in the Arab Spring.
"It would be extremely arrogant for any specific technology company to claim any meaningful role," he said at the e-G8 summit in Paris earlier this year. "The thing that was both necessary and sufficient was a population of people who felt very strongly that change needed to happen."
But perhaps that humility makes him all the more ... Nobel?
National Review writer Jay Nordlinger, who has a book on the history of the Nobel Peace Prize coming out this March, said it's possible that Zuckerberg could win this year.
"I wouldn't bet on him, but I wouldn't bet against him," he said. He said Zuckerberg would be an "out there" choice, even for the famously eccentric Nobel prize committee."
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
This year's Nobel Peace prize winner is "obvious,"..."What are the major forces pushing the world in the right direction?",Thorbjoern Jagland
Nobel Peace Prize "A record 241 nominations — 188 individuals and 53 organizations — were submitted for this year's peace prize. Russian human rights activist Svetlana Gannushkina, the secret-spilling group WikiLeaks, and Cuban dissidents are among candidates who have been publicly announced by those who nominated them.
Jagland said the independent, five-member committee decided upon the laureate at its final meeting Friday. But keeping one of the world's biggest annual secrets appeared tough.
Asked if the Arab Spring might be a source of the honoree, he said: "That is one, but there are others too."
Some speculation has centered on the 27-nation European Union, which many consider a peace-building institution. Although Norway is not an EU member, Jagland is a strong supporter of the bloc.
Some speculation has centered on the 27-nation European Union, which many consider a peace-building institution. Although Norway is not an EU member, Jagland is a strong supporter of the bloc.
"Yes, of course, but today it's ..." he said, his voice trailing off for 10 seconds of silence before a press handler intervened.
Would it be a big name?
Would it be a big name?
"Not necessarily a big name, but a big mission — something important for the world.""
The Associated Press: AP Interview: Nobel Peace Prize winner 'obvious':
The Associated Press: AP Interview: Nobel Peace Prize winner 'obvious':
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
"I'm not so interested in politics & I don't have much hope of changing society but when u live w/such...even if u don't care..politics will care.."
China urged to release wife of jailed Nobel peace prize laureate | World news | The Guardian: In an interview with the Observer last year, Liu Xia said of her husband: "I'm not so interested in politics and I don't have much hope of changing society… But when you live with such a person, even if you don't care about politics, politics will care about you."......."The fate of his wife has caused particular concern. Liu Xia has been out of contact since a few days after the Nobel committee announced they were awarding her husband the peace prize..... Some thought it might be a temporary measure to prevent her collecting the prize, but she has remained incommunicado and is believed to be under house arrest, although it is thought she has been allowed to see a handful of relatives. Her only known contact with the outside world came in February, when she managed to get online briefly and told a friend that she was miserable, that no one could help her, and that "my whole family are hostages".
"The Chinese government denies there are any restraints on Liu Xia. "
"The Chinese government denies there are any restraints on Liu Xia. "
Monday, October 3, 2011
Karzai to Focus on Governments in Peace Talks, as he said, "The real power to make peace lies with "governments, not their proxies"
Karzai to Focus on Governments in Peace Talks - WSJ.com: "The evolving policy shift emerged after last month's assassination of Burhanuddin Rabbani, the former Afghan president who was chosen by Mr. Karzai* to lead peace talks with the Taliban.
Mr. Rabbani was killed in his Kabul home by a purported Taliban emissary who claimed to be carrying a message from top Taliban leaders in Quetta, Pakistan, about their willingness to launch substantive negotiations.
The Afghan government has accused the Taliban of organizing the killing with the aid of Pakistan's spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate. The Pakistani government has rejected the allegations, while the Taliban have declined to confirm or deny their involvement in the assassination.
Since then, the Karzai administration said it will drop its efforts to engage the Pakistan-based Taliban and would instead focus on speaking directly to Pakistan
Mr. Rabbani was killed in his Kabul home by a purported Taliban emissary who claimed to be carrying a message from top Taliban leaders in Quetta, Pakistan, about their willingness to launch substantive negotiations.
The Afghan government has accused the Taliban of organizing the killing with the aid of Pakistan's spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate. The Pakistani government has rejected the allegations, while the Taliban have declined to confirm or deny their involvement in the assassination.
Since then, the Karzai administration said it will drop its efforts to engage the Pakistan-based Taliban and would instead focus on speaking directly to Pakistan
Sunday, October 2, 2011
"It's important that Afghanistan doesn't burn bridges with Pakistan & the Quetta Shura Taliban, the peace process is important, & needs to be pursued"
Afghanistan Halts Taliban Peace Initiative - WSJ.com: "The U.S. has been actively aiding Mr. Karzai in his efforts to secure a peace deal that could make it easier for America and its allies to withdraw their troops from Afghanistan and end major combat operations within two years. Civilian casualties have risen to record levels this year—2,120 in the first eight months—according to the United Nations, with the Taliban-led insurgency responsible for three-quarters of the deaths and injuries.
The Karzai administration's attempts to pressure Pakistan follow weeks of increased criticism from Washington, where top U.S. officials have accused the ISI of supporting recent attacks on American targets in Afghanistan.
Kabul's new strategy has created concern among some Western officials working in the region who don't want to see the peace process derailed entirely.
"It's important that Afghanistan doesn't burn bridges with Pakistan and the Quetta Shura Taliban," said one Western diplomat in Kabul. "The peace process is important, and needs to be pursued.It is clear that, first and foremost, Pakistan must to do its own share in addressing the sanctuaries and helping Afghanistan and the international community to deal with the insurgency.""
Note:
The Karzai administration's attempts to pressure Pakistan follow weeks of increased criticism from Washington, where top U.S. officials have accused the ISI of supporting recent attacks on American targets in Afghanistan.
Kabul's new strategy has created concern among some Western officials working in the region who don't want to see the peace process derailed entirely.
"It's important that Afghanistan doesn't burn bridges with Pakistan and the Quetta Shura Taliban," said one Western diplomat in Kabul. "The peace process is important, and needs to be pursued.It is clear that, first and foremost, Pakistan must to do its own share in addressing the sanctuaries and helping Afghanistan and the international community to deal with the insurgency.""
Note:
KABUL—Afghan President Hamid Karzai has decided to suspend efforts to begin direct talks with the Taliban, turning his attention to cutting a deal with Pakistan, officials said, as Kabul alleged on Sunday that the killer of its top peace envoy was a Pakistani. Mr. Karzai, who had made negotiations with the Taliban leadership a top priority, is expected to outline his revised strategy this week in a nationally televised address, as he looks for new ways to bring a decade of war to an end. (pls click link above for complete article)
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