Oil reserves release shocks markets
By Sylvia Pfeifer and Javier Blas in London and Anna Fifield in Washington and Najmeh Bozorgmehr in Tehran

Oil prices dropped more than 7 per cent after western nations released the biggest amount of oil from their emergency strategic stocks since 1991, in a warning shot aimed at Opec, the oil producers’ cartel.

The International Energy Agency agreed to release 60m barrels of oil in the coming month to offset the daily production loss of 1.5m barrels of high quality oil from Libya, the north African country engulfed in a civil war.

The US led the release with its special petroleum reserve providing 50 per cent of the crude oil. Japan, Germany, France, Spain and Italy are providing most of the rest. The IEA said that it was in consultation with China, the world’s second-largest oil consumer, but declined to say whether Beijing would join the effort.

Brent crude prices tumbled 7.4 per cent to $105.72 a barrel after the news was released, before settling at $107.26 in late London trading. Investors sought the safety of US government debt, pushing yields on four-week Treasury bills into negative territory and yields on three-month bills to just above zero. The yield on 10-year Treasury notes fell 8 basis points to 2.91 per cent, the lowest close since December.

This is only the third time in the history of the IEA – set up in 1974 as a counterbalance to Opec after the Arab oil crisis – that there has been a release. The move has been triggered by western concerns about the impact of high crude prices on the economic recovery. …more

Analysis – Lebanon’s Hezbollah may fight Israel to relieve Syria
By Mariam Karouny

BEIRUT | Wed Jun 22, 2011 5:11pm BST

(Reuters) – Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group is preparing for a possible war with Israel to relieve perceived Western pressure to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, its guardian ally, sources close to the movement say.

The radical Shi’ite group, which has a powerful militia armed by Damascus and Iran, is watching the unrest in neighbouring Syria with alarm and is determined to prevent the West from exploiting popular protests to bring down Assad.

Hezbollah supported pro-democracy movements that toppled Western-backed leaders in Tunisia and Egypt, but officials say it will not stand idly by as international pressure mounts on Assad to yield to protesters.

It is committed to do whatever it takes politically to help deflect what it sees as a foreign campaign against Damascus, but it is also readying for a possible war with Israel if Assad is weakened.

“Hezbollah will never intervene in Syria. This is an internal issue for President Bashar to tackle. But when it sees the West gearing up to bring him down, it will not just watch,” a Lebanese official close to the group’s thinking told Reuters.

“This is a battle for existence for the group and it is time to return the favour (of Syria’s support). It will do that by fending off some of the international pressure,” he added.

The militant group, established nearly 30 years ago to confront Israel’s occupation of south Lebanon, fought an inconclusive 34-day war with Israel in 2006.

Hezbollah and Syria have both denied that the group has sent fighters to support a military crackdown on the wave of protests against Assad’s rule.

Hezbollah believes the West is working to reshape the Middle East by replacing Assad with a ruler friendly to Israel and hostile to itself.

“The region now is at war, a war between what is good and what is backed by Washington… Syria is the good,” said a Lebanon-based Arab official close to Syria.

He said the United States, which lost an ally when Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was overthrown in February, “wants to shift the crisis” by supporting protests against its adversary.

“For us this will be confronted in the best possible way,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

SYRIA NOT ALONE

Analysts rule out the possibility of a full-scale regional war involving Syria, Iran and Lebanon on one side against Israel backed by the United States. A war pitting Hezbollah against Israel was more likely, they said.

“There might be limited wars here or there but nobody has the interest (in a regional war),” said Lebanese analyst Oussama Safa. “The region is of course heading towards radical change… How it will be arranged and where it will leads is not clear.”

Hezbollah inflicted serious damage and casualties by firing missiles deep into Israel during the 2006 conflict, and was able to sustain weeks of rocket attacks despite a major Israeli military incursion into Lebanon.

Western intelligence sources say the movement’s arsenal has been more than replenished since the fighting ended, with European-led U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon powerless to prevent supplies entering mostly from Syria.

Syria, which borders Israel, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey and Jordan, has regional influence because of its alliance with Iran and its continued role in Lebanon, despite ending a 29-year military presence there in 2005. It also has an influence in Iraq.

“If the situation in Syria collapses it will have repercussions that will go beyond Syria,” the Arab official said. “None of Syria’s allies would accept the fall of Syria even if it led to turning the table upside down — war (with Israel) could be one of the options.”

The Lebanese official said: “All options are open including opening the fronts in Golan (Heights) and in south Lebanon.” …more

UN chief urges Bahrain to allow appeals of harsh sentences of activists
By Associated Press, Updated: Thursday, June 23, 4:27 PM

UNITED NATIONS — Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging the government of Bahrain to allow political activists involved in the Arab Spring opposition movement to appeal their harsh sentences.

A Bahrain court on Wednesday handed down eight life sentences and other harsh penalties to 21 people in an attempt to cripple protests against the regime.

U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said Thursday that Ban also urged government authorities to act “in strict accordance with their international human rights obligations” and ensure the convicts rights to due process and a fair trial.

The U.N. chief stressed that a national dialogue announced by the king should fulfill the legitimate aspirations of all Bahrainis, Nesirky said. …more

Military, Protests, Reform, Rule of Law, US foreign policy
Toner 6-22 – State Dept. on Bahrain Trials

State Department Spokesperson Mark Toner opened his daily press briefing yesterday to express concern over the severity of the sentences handed down to Bahraini activists and opposition figures, and over the nature of the military court proceedings. He reiterated calls for a “meaningful, inclusive and credible dialogue.” When asked Toner said he was unaware of any considerations of sanctions against Bahrain. Toner added that the U.S. still does not have an official reaction to the extension of the GCC to Jordan and Morocco. …more

Bahrain player sentenced for protesting
Associated Press

MANAMA, Bahrain — Bahrain’s main opposition party says one of the detained national team players has been convicted of participating in anti-government protests and sentenced to two years in prison.

Al Wefaq party says in a statement that Mohammed Hubail was convicted and sentenced on Thursday during closed-door proceedings in Bahrain’s special security court. The court was set up under martial law imposed in March to quell Shiite-led demonstrations against a Sunni monarchy.

At least two of his teammates, including Hubail’s brother and Bahrain soccer star Alaa, have been in custody since the crackdown began.

More than 150 athletes, coaches and referees have also been suspended for their alleged involvement in protests. …source

Saudi Arabia: Group Condemns Increase in Beheadings
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: June 10, 2011

Amnesty International on Friday condemned what it said was a sharp rise in beheadings in Saudi Arabia and urged the authorities there to halt executions. The human rights group said the kingdom had executed at least 27 people this year, equal to the total number put to death in 2010. Amnesty said more than 100 others were on death row, many of them foreigners.
…source

Clinton Adds Her Voice in Support of Saudi Women
By STEVEN LEE MYERS
Published: June 21, 2011

WASHINGTON – Hillary Rodham Clinton’s advocacy for women’s rights – as First Lady, Senator and now Secretary of State – is well known. And yet she found herself facing criticism for not being outspoken enough on one issue: Saudi Arabia’s ban on women driving.

In a series of letters and statements this month, a coalition of Saudi activists has pressed Mrs. Clinton to use the State Department’s bully pulpit to support its campaign against the kingdom’s ban, expressing disappointment earlier Tuesday that she had not yet spoken out. Then she did.

“What these women are doing is brave and what they are seeking is right,” Mrs. Clinton said, when asked about the criticism at an appearance with Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and their Japanese counterparts at the State Department. Of the women’s campaign, she added, “I am moved by it, and I support them.” …more

Analysis: Bahrain reform dialogue faces a rocky start
By Erika Solomon
MANAMA | Thu Jun 23, 2011 9:24am EDT

MANAMA (Reuters) – Some Sunni groups taking part in Bahrain’s national dialogue say the Shi’ite-led opposition is serving Iran. Most participants have yet to announce their stance, and the largest opposition bloc may not even take part.

With only a week to go until the talks begin, deep-seated divisions and mutual suspicions mean consensus will be tough to reach and any reforms that are agreed are unlikely to satisfy everyone.

The Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom quashed weeks of Shi’ite-led pro-democracy protests in March and imposed martial law until June 1. King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa then called a national dialogue, insisting that all reforms were up for discussion.

But with 300 people invited to join the talks and hundreds of opposition activists languishing in jail, critics hold out little hope that any meaningful reconciliation can be achieved.

“The possibility of it ending positively are nearly zero,” said Shadi Hamid, from the Brookings Center in Doha.

Complicating matters on the tiny island is the presence of troops from fellow Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia, which is wary of unrest among its own Shi’ites, clustered in the oil-producing Eastern Province that is linked to Bahrain by a bridge.

Hundreds of mostly Shi’ite Bahrainis have been arrested for taking part in the protests, which the government says serve the political agenda of Shi’ite power Iran, just across Gulf waters.

With dozens facing military trial and the dismissal of up to 2,000 mostly Shi’ite workers and students, the leading Shi’ite opposition party, Wefaq, has warned that it might not be able to hold back protesters if the dialogue proves fruitless.

“The situation is boiling,” Wefaq spokesman Khalil al-Marzouq said. “If people lose hope that this dialogue will achieve anything serious to solve their problems, I don’t know how we will be able to keep things in check.” …more

URGENT ACTION:After Being Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Mr.Alkhawaja gets Beaten after He Speaks in Court
June 23rd, 2011 – BYSHR

URGENT ACTION:

After Being Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Mr.Alkhawaja gets Beaten after He Speaks in Court
Reports that other Activist Sentenced were beaten as well after Speaking

The Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights (BYSHR) expresses its deep concern after receiving confirmed reports from a reliable source that Mr. Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, Former MENA Coordinator of Frontline Defenders and Former President of the Bahrain Centre for Human rights (BCHR), was beaten severely after court yesterday (22 June 2011). Mr. Alkhawaja’s daughter who had attended the trial had previously tweeted:

“After the sentence was read, my father raised his fist & shouted “WE SHALL CONTINUE ON THE PATH OF PEACEFUL RESISTANCE!” they started violently shoving my father out of the court room.”

The BYSHR has learned that Mr. Alkhawaja was beaten severely, mostly to his face that is still healing from 4 fractures sustained from the brutal beating he received during his arrest as well as in the incident when he had banged it against the floor to avoid being sexually assaulted in detention. …more

BAHRAIN – FREE IMPRISONED HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER ABDULHADI AL KHAWAJA SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT AFTER UNFAIR TRIAL

On 22 June Former President of the Bahrain Centre for Human rights and Front Line Protection Coordinator for the Middle East, Abdulhadi Al Khawaja was sentenced to life imprisonment after an unfair trial which which completely failed to meet international fair trial standards.

Front Line is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Abdulhadi Al Khawaja and all other human rights defenders currently in detention in Bahrain and condemns in the strongest possible terms the lack of due process and the serious and credible allegations of torture which the court has consistently refused to investigate.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

SEND THIS URGENT APPEAL to the King of Bahrain demanding the immediate release of Abdulhadi Al Khawaja

Front Line believes that Abdulhadi Al Khawaja has been targeted because of exercising his legitimate right to freedom of expression and association in Bahrain. His trial to which international observers have been denied access, is ongoing.

Abdulhadi Al Khawaja is pictured here with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Margaret Sekaggya. …more

To whom it may concern,

I, the undersigned, Abdulhadi Abdulla Alkhawaja, detained since 9/4/2011 in the crackdown following events of February 14th, send this letter regarding my health situation.

Due to the severe beating I received upon my arrest by security forces on the 9th of April I had to undergo surgeries in the Military Hospital (BDF). In which I had to have stitches for two wounds above my left eye and I had to have surgery for four
fractures in my cheek bone and jaw on the left side of my face. And now, 2 months and 10 days after the surgeries:

1- The wounds above my eye that were stitched have not healed yet, they are swollen and painful.

2- I still cannot use my jaw and mouth in a normal manner.

3- The numbness in my face continues and the pain that resulted from my operation remains the same in the left side of my face (specifically in the cheek, mouth, lips & chin). As a result, since the operation I have not been able to chew my food, or clean my teeth and I am constantly on painkillers.

The consultant doctor (who preformed the surgery) visited me (thankful to him for that) more than once in prison, the last visit was about a month ago. About three weeks ago an x-ray machine was brought to prison, and an x-ray was taken of the location of the surgery. But since then I have not been told of the result of those x-rays.

My current situation has not improved whatsoever. I have followed up on the issue with the prison administration, the emergency state court and the military prosecution with no result until this day.

I request that my family are given access to my medical files related to the surgery and the x-rays, so that my case is presented to another surgeon for a second opinion, because of lack of healing and to get medical advice on how to proceed.

Please take all the necessary action, and respond as soon as possible.

With all my appreciation and gratitude,
Abdulhadi Alkhawaja

…source
19/06/2011
Gurain Prison
(This letter is a translation, original and signed version is in Arabic)

Bahrain: Systematic Attacks on Activists’ Relatives to Pressure Them to Stop Their Activity
BCHR

Some relatives who have been arrested, from right to left: Hassan AlMahfoodh, Wafi AlMajid, Hussein Ahmed, Ghazi Farhan

June 15, 2011
The Bahrain Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the escalation of the fierce campaign against the political activists and the human rights defenders, which has reached a dangerous level. Family members and relatives have been assaulted, arrested and harassed in a desperate attempt from the regime to put pressure on the activists to stop their activities.

On June 8, 2011, airport authorities prevented the wife of human rights activist Abbas Al-Omran (member of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights who is residing abroad) from travelling with her children for summer vacation. The authorities did not give any justification for the ban and refused to inform her of the authority responsible. Mrs. Omran is a mother of three children and has no political activities, but the pace of harassment against her increased after her husband appeared in the media to talk about abuses occurring in Bahrain. She was dismissed from her position at Bapco in April, her house was raided at dawn on May 19, 2011 by the security forces, then she was summoned for interrogation for several hours at the criminal investigations department on May 20, 2011.

The family of detained human rights activist Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja, (former president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights and former Director of the Middle East in the Front Line) was subjected to various types of harassment, which affected a number of family members. On June 2, 2011, his daughter Zainab Khawaja (27 years old, mother of a one year-old child) was summoned for interrogation for several hours at a police station in Hoora. AlKhawaja’s Family has already learned that the authorities have exercised strong pressure on Mr. Abdul Hadi, to force him to apologize to the king in front of the camera, threatening the arrest of his daughter Zainab and the rape of his other daughter, Maryam Al Khawaja, both human rights activists. In addition, his two sons-in-law, Wafi Al Majid and Hussein Ahmed, are detained in prison after being arrested with him on April 9, although they are not involved in any political or human rights activities. In addition, on May 2, 2011, his wife Khadija al-Musawi was dismissed from her work as director at the School of Kanoo at the request of the Ministry of Interior. …more

Bahrain: Human rights defenders from across the Middle East speak out on behalf of Abdulhadi Al Khawaja
Posted on 2011/06/22

In reaction to the trial and sentencing of human rights defenders and former Front Line Protection Coordinator for the Middle East, Abdulhadi al Khawaja, human rights defenders from across the Middle East have spoken out on his behalf.
Further Information

1. Waleed Sulais – Saudi Arabia

At an early age, Abdulhadi Al Khawaja became a human rights defender. His sole concern was that people live in freedom, justice and equality, within a legal framework that would protect them from unfairness and arbitrariness.

Al Khawaja worked with many rights defenders for over fifteen years. Until moments prior to his arrest, he still held that ultimate sacrifices are necessary for the welfare of millions of people.

Abdulhadi taught that human rights defenders ought to do good to those who do evil to them, and that rule of law should prevail.

Freedom for the human rights defender, Abdulhadi Al Khawaja.

2. Suad Al Gedsi – Yemen

I know Abdulhadi in person very well. He is an exceptional rights activist, working independent from any sect or political party. For many years, he was subjected to numerous violations, as result of his work defending the rights of others, whether that be in Bahrain or elsewhere in the Arab region or the entire world.

We are concerned for his health and the baseless charges against him. We urge the Bahraini monarch and government to ensure his immediate release, and to bring to justice those who tortured and ill-treated him.

3. Moataz Elfegiery – Egypt

Bahraini authorities have apparently not learned the lesson from other states as far as handling demands for reform and improving the human rights situation are concerned. This is particularly true given that this is not the first incident when Mr. Abdulhadi Al Khawaja faces persecution and trumped up trial.

Rather than responding in such a manner, Bahraini authorities should initiate without further delay a dialogue with democracy and rights activists, instead of carrying on with this security-based approach, which contravenes with the king’s rhetoric, and does not indicate his willingness to reform.

4. Khanim Rahim Latif – Iraq
Our brother, Mr. Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, is entirely dedicated for the cause of promoting human rights. His fault as I see it is that he fights for human dignity. He undoubtedly does not deserve this treatment by the Bahraini government. I appeal to all relevant parties to act on behalf of this noble person, and to make everything possible to ensure his release. I am willing, from Iraqi Kurdistan, to do anything that would enable him to regain his liberty. …more

WikiLeaks: Saudi crackdown on Shiites has echoes in Bahrain
By Daniel Lippman | McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON — This year’s harsh crackdown on Shiite Muslims in Bahrain follows the playbook that Sunni Muslim-ruled Saudi Arabia used against Shiites in its own Eastern Province as recently as two years ago, secret State Department cables show.

Some of the officials named in the cables as responsible for the 2009 Eastern Province crackdown now are advising Bahrain’s leaders.

Among the topics the cables discuss are the arbitrary arrests of Shiite clerics and residents, the closing of Shiite mosques and the blocking of Shiites from an important religious site in the Muslim holy city of Medina.

The cables provide rare documentation of what human rights officials have long thought is a persistent campaign waged against Shiites in Saudi Arabia by their own government. Saudi Arabia strictly controls access by foreign journalists, and, the cables note, Saudi officials often take steps to discourage coverage of incidents by local news organizations.

The cables, most of them sent from the U.S. consulate in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, express concern that the Saudi actions are likely to fuel a sense of disaffection among Shiites, especially young people, and may make them feel less Saudi, a development that experts warn could fuel sympathy for Shiite-ruled Iran.

“Discriminatory measures such as the mosque closings . . . continue to be the modus operandi of elements of the (Saudi Arabian government) in their interactions with the Shia minority sect,” said one cable, dated Aug. 15, 2009.

Another cable, sent Sept. 16, 2009, said that “contacts” in the region were concerned that “the discrimination . . . is alienating the Shia community, particularly the youth, and is compromising their sense of Saudi ‘national identity.’ ”

The Saudi Embassy in Washington declined to comment. U.S. officials don’t respond to requests for comment about WikiLeaks cables.

In annual human rights reports, the State Department has expressed concern about anti-Shiite actions in Saudi Arabia but it’s unclear whether U.S. officials protest the actions in their private meetings with Saudi officials. ….more

Bahrain protests flare after activists sentenced
Published – Jun 22 2011 02:53PM EST
By BRIAN MURPHY – Associated Press

AP – DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Bahraini protesters poured back to the streets Wednesday after a security court sentenced eight Shiite activists to life in prison in the latest blow by the Western-backed kingdom to cripple the biggest Arab Spring opposition movement in the Gulf.

The fast and angry reaction to the verdicts _ the most significant display of unrest in weeks _ underscored the volatility in the island nation after four months of unrest and raised questions about whether any credible pro-reform leaders will heed calls by the Sunni monarchy to open talks next week.

In size, Bahrain is little more than a speck off the coast of Saudi Arabia. But it draws in some of the region’s major players: hosting the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet and serving as a growing point of friction between Gulf powers Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Security forces used tear gas to drive back hundreds of Shiite marchers trying to reach a central square in the capital Manama, which was once the hub of their protests for greater rights. In other Shiite areas, protesters gathered in the streets but were held back by riot police. No injuries were reported. …more

Obama Limits Criticism of Ongoing Arab Spring Violent Crackdowns in Syria, Bahrain

The Obama administration has issued minor criticism of human rights abuses against peaceful protests by President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and the monarchy in Bahrain. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton just recently said the conflict in Yemen would end only if President Ali Abdullah Saleh “steps down.” We speak with University of Michigan Professor Juan Cole about why the United States has not been more vocal in supporting these pro-democracy movements in a region of strategic importance. [includes rush transcript]
…source