Archive - Jan 7, 2009

• Little Humanitarian Aid to Gazans Despite Brief Ceasefire
• Kucinich Raises Questions about Military Aid to Israel
• Professor Ira Chernus: How to Help Palestine
• Poor Evicted in Buenos Aires
• Congressional Budget Office Projects 1.2 Trillion Dollar Deficit for 2009
• Obama's Economic Recovery Plans Take Shape
• Green Revolution: Farm to Food Bank Project in Washington State

• European Countries Feel the Chill after Russia Cuts Natural Gas Supplies
• Pakistan Concedes Mumbai Attacker is a Pakistani National
• Zimbabwe Opposition Members Charged in Bomb Plot
• Obama Picks CNN Doctor for Surgeon General Post
• Blue Cross Reinstates Insurance to 700 Customers Cut after Becoming Ill

French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced an agreement between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority, but released no details and didn't mention Hamas. But an Israeli official who commented on the proposal, indicated that the military's attacks on Gaza won't come to an end until rocket fire into Israel stops, and the international community supports an arms embargo on Hamas.

Meanwhile, a three hour long ceasefire observed today by the Israeli military and Hamas did little to get desperately needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. After the ceasefire expired, both sides began their attacks again. Israeli warplanes also dropped leaflets today on the border lines between Gaza and Egypt, ahead of demolishing dozens of homes. FSRN's Rami Almeghari reports from Rafah city.

Despite a rising death and injury toll, U-S government reaction to the conflict in Gaza has been slow, with few lawmakers making public statements about the crisis, including President Elect Barack Obama. But a former presidential contender - Ohio Congressmember Dennis Kucinich - took his time on the House floor today to raise questions about the U-S relationship with Israel - whether or not continued military aid to the county is a violation of the Arms Export Control Act.

In his latest commentary, religious studies professor, Ira Chernus advocates a new viewpoint toward the war on gaza. The University of Colorado Professor says people should adopt a position that is pro-PEACE, pro-Palestine and pro-Israel, in order to help the civilians in Gaza.  Ira Chernus, glad to have you with us - In gaza today, the Palestinian people are under attack for the twelfth day.  Whether someone is pro-Israel or not, many agree that there is no safe place - even for children in Gaza.  How is it possible NOT to take sides?

Now we go to Buenos Aires, where attractions like tango, quaint cafes and soccer matches bring millions of tourists to the South American city each year.  But the boom in tourism and real estate values in Argentina's capitol and largest city, has also brought a housing crisis in which thousands have been evicted. FSRN's Marie Trigona reports.

Today the Congressional Budget Office projected a 1.2 trillion dollar deficit for 2009, the biggest deficit on record since War World 2.  FSRN's  Karen Miller has more