DECODING NETANYAHU

On Sunday, under pressure from the US, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Palestinians to resume peace talks and evoked the idea of a Palestinian state for the first time. The speech was welcomed by Barack Obama but raised doubt in the blogosphere.

This US blogger feels that the speech only aimed to please the American president. He mocks Netanyahu’s declaration and even decided to re-write it. The result is a satirical text in which the Hebrew state suddenly becomes the best friend of the Palestinian people.

http://www.dangerouscreation.com/2009/06/of-course-we-want-a-palestinian-state/

For many net users like this member of a humanitarian organisation based in the Palestinian territories, Netanyahu’s comments are merely rhetorical. According to her, claiming to want peace and, in the same breath, refusing to dismantle Jewish colonies, makes no sense.

http://alkhalil-adividedcity.blogspot.com/2009/06/mr-netanyahus-speech.html

Many feel that it is indispensable to deal with the question of the colonies before envisaging the coexistence of the two states. The thorny question is illustrated by this video, broadcast by a net user, which shows us Israelis and Palestinians fighting over the right to grow crops in a field.

http://palestinevideo.blogspot.com/2009/06/setllers-israeli-army-attack-farmers.html

Netanyahu’s declarations angered some Israelis, who protested in the street. This video blogger, dissatisfied with the speech, recalls here that Israel, as an independent state, must not give in to pressure from the US.

Nevertheless, many net users continue to hope that a viable solution will be found quickly. Dozens of Facebook groups like these are campaigning for the creation of a coexisting Palestinian state, at peace with Israel.

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?ref=search&sid=9e095ca2277fed8b6b60c9b5f31c2076&init=q&q=palestinian%20state#/group.php?sid=9e095ca2277fed8b6b60c9b5f31c2076&gid=2200728988&ref=search

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?ref=search&sid=9e095ca2277fed8b6b60c9b5f31c2076&init=q&q=palestinian%20state#/group.php?sid=9e095ca2277fed8b6b60c9b5f31c2076&gid=5557067453&ref=search

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?ref=search&sid=9e095ca2277fed8b6b60c9b5f31c2076&init=q&q=palestinian%20state#/group.php?sid=9e095ca2277fed8b6b60c9b5f31c2076&gid=2557286210&ref=search

These Nepalese people live close to the border with India. They have been residing in makeshift camps, erected in the forest since they were chased from their land by Indian border guards. Some 6,000 of the region’s inhabitants are thought to have been displaced in the last few months.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCbOnB45Gjs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hMGMd2QOqw

And as shown in the video below, available online, this encroachment on their territory has caused anger amongst Nepalese people. This protest was organised last week by Maoists. The aim was to denounce the atrocities committed by Indian border guards, who are accused of rape and looting in Nepalese villages.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfa3xXUOiBk

The mobilisation is echoed by net users. This Facebook group, which boasts over 15,000 members, considers this dispute a question of national pride.

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/48582?m=de0957a2

Bloggers are broadcasting these banners to display their commitment and call upon the governments of the two countries to find a fair and peaceful solution to the problem.

http://www.mysansar.com/

One net user deplores however that this campaign has, at times, degenerated. She blames a handful of bloggers, who, via images like these, provoke violence and hatred.

http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/06/15/nepal-india-border-dispute-nepalese-reactions-online/

This blogger claims the aggression can literally be explained by bridge building, set in motion by the Maoists with China - something India, who has its eye on Nepal’s hydraulic resources, takes a very dim view on.

http://bivas.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/a-historical-background-of-indian-aggression-in-nepal/

US film director Michael Moore has posted this video online aimed at creating a buzz around his new documentary about the economic downturn. With a very ironic tone, the film maker calls on Americans to be generous and give money to banks to allow their managers to be paid. The film will be released in cinemas on October 2.

GOOGLE PHOTO CONTEST

Here are the most prized works in a photography competition, whose winner will decorate the Google homepage. The photos are currently being voted for by net users, in order to narrow it down to six finalists. Their works will then be exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery in London, where a jury will name the winner on June 23.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

After the ‘free hugs’ campaign, which consisted of hugging strangers in the street, here is ‘free beats’. The concept is to take a microphone, head out into the street, like this young man in New York, and ask passers-by to join in with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7ZzHF6-MZU