Monday, August 11, 2008

• Campaign to End Rafah Crossing Blockade
• A Look at the West's Response to the Russia-Georgia Conflict
• New Fund Aimed at Helping Workers Caught in ICE Raids Post Bond
• West Coast Climate Convergence Kicks Off
• Remembering Mahmoud Darwish

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Campaign to End Rafah Crossing Blockade

Gaza's ruling Hamas party held a rally Sunday at the Rafah crossing
terminal in the region's south, demanding the terminal be reopened.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway in Gaza to welcome the Free Gaza
boat, a ship filled with aids workers and human rights observers who
say they're challenging Israel's occupation of Gaza. FSRN's Rami
Almeghari has more. 

A Look at the West's Response to the Russia-Georgia Conflict

Russia has expanded its military attacks in Georgia – and is ignoring
Georgia's call for a ceasefire. The conflict, which began in South
Ossetia last Friday, has now spread to another separatist region.  As
the war expands, western countries are cautiously criticizing Russia
for what they call 'disproportionate force'.  FSRN's Leigh Ann Caldwell
reports.

New Fund Aimed at Helping Workers Caught in ICE Raids Post Bond

A new fund is being established to help workers caught up in ICE raids
post bond. Posting bond greatly increases the chance for a fair trial,
by giving the detained the chance to see a lawyer and seek out legal
options. The National Immigrant Bond Fund has raised $200,000 to assist
with bonds, but some say as the raids increase so will the amount of
money needed to provide legal protection for those caught up by ICE.
FSRN's Karen Miller reports.

West Coast Climate Convergence Kicks Off

Environmental activists from all over the world are coming together at
Convergences for Climate Action this summer. These direct action
events, taking place in Europe, Australia and North America, feature
workshops and trainings on energy policy and social justice issues. The
West Coast Climate Convergence opened the summer series last week on an
organic farm outside the small town of Coburg, Oregon. As FSRN's Jes
Burns reports, one of most prominent issues at the Convergence was
three Liquefied Natural Gas terminals proposed in the state.

Remembering Mahmoud Darwish

Internationally acclaimed Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish died Sunday
after complications from heart surgery. Considered one of the greatest
contemporary Arab poets, Darwish's work was regarded as the
quintessential voice of Palestinian exile – and his death has come as a
shock to Palestinians in the occupied territories and abroad. Today, we
hear from Darwish himself, reading "In Jerusalem", voiceover by Saed
Bannoura, music by Marcel Khalife.