Russia, a long time ally of the regime in Syria, is against the resolution, and might block a vote on in the UN Security Council.

The draft resolution from some Arab countries and the European Union, will, hopefully, block Russia from selling arms and ammunition to the regime in Syria, and might be one of the reasons why Russia is against the resolution.

Gilles Jacquier, 43, killed on the job in Homs, Syria, was a correspondent for France’s state owned TV channel France 2. His death is confirmed by his employer, France 2.

According to a reporter at the scene on Wednesday , a shell exploded in a group of 15 journalists covering demonstrations in the city on a visit organised by the authorities. Several other people were wounded.

Mash’al’s Gambit

by URI AVNERY

IF ISLAMIST movements come to power all over the region, they should express their debt of gratitude to their bete noire, Israel.

Without the active or passive help of successive Israeli governments, they may not have been able to realize their dreams.

The Icelandic parliament, Alltinget, has passed a motion with 38 of 63 votes in favour of a resolution to recognose Palestine as an independent and sovereign state, based on the borders before the six-day war of 1967.

“Iceland is the first country in western europe to take this step,” said Ossur Skarphedinsson, the minister for foreign affairs, to the Icelandic national broadcasting. He said will discuss the resolution with the other Nordic countries, before he makes a formal declaration on behalf of the government.

IN THE middle of the ’80s, a German diplomat conveyed to me a surprising message. A member of the Jordanian Royal family would like to speak with me in Amman. At the time, Jordan was still officially at war with us.

Somehow I obtained official permission from the Israeli government. The Germans generously provided me with a passport that was not strictly accurate, and so, with much turning of blind eyes, I arrived in Amman and was lodged in the best hotel.

THIS TUESDAY will be the 64th anniversary of a fateful day for our lives.

A day in November. A day to remember.

Weimar Revisited

“YOU AND your Weimar!” a friend of mine once exclaimed in exasperation, ”just because you experienced the collapse of the Weimar Republic as a child, you see Weimar behind every corner.”