A Voice for Arab-Israelis?

Arab-Israelis rarely figure in any discussions about Israel - although they represent some 20% of the population. Sadly, as a group they are, in practical terms, discriminated against.

Needless to say what Arab-Israelis see as important in the current elections cannot be ignored. Yet, they are a voice almost forgotten or at least overlooked.

"Abdel-Hakim Muffed, a spokesman for the Islamic Movement, one of the Arab parties contesting the elections, says: "It doesn't matter for us who wins the elections.

"The main problem is that Israel is classified as a Jewish state and that we are not even recognised as a minority with that state."

Israel often declares that it is an island of democracy in a region controlled by autocrats and kings."

Read this piece from Al Jareeza on how Arab-Israelis view the election. The article contains some surprises......including the thought by some that an Olmert election-victory could conceivably prove a positive for Palestinians.

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Robert Fisk's predictions for the Middle East in 2013

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No comment called for in this piece from CommonDreams: Another young black man: The strange sad case of 21-year-old Chavis Carter. Police in Jonesboro, Arkansas stopped him and two friends, found some marijuana, searched put Carter, then put him handcuffed behind his back into their patrol car, where they say he shot himself in the head with a gun they failed to find. The FBI is investigating. Police Chief Michael Yates, who stands behind his officers' story, says in an interview that the death is "definitely bizarre and defies logic at first glance." You think?

Mahler's Prodigal Son

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