Israelis don’t plan to end roadblocks

Wed., Jan. 2, 2008

The Spokesman-Review

Israel’s network of roadblocks will remain in place across the West Bank, the defense minister said Tuesday, sparking an outcry from Palestinians who say they cannot rebuild their economy until people and goods move freely.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s comments soured an already tense atmosphere between Israel and the Palestinians just days before President Bush’s first visit to the region. Israeli construction in east Jerusalem and the West Bank and violence between Israelis and Palestinians – and among Palestinians themselves – threaten to overwhelm Bush’s peace efforts.

Removing roadblocks is a constant Palestinian demand, and Israel has pledged several times to take down some of the dozens of checkpoints that have choked economic and social life in the West Bank. Israel erected the roadblocks after the Palestinian uprising erupted in 2000, when attackers crossed into Israel.

On Tuesday, however, Barak said the roadblocks have proven effective against attacks.

“There is no chance of effectively fighting terror without practical daily control in the field, and the roadblocks will stay,” Barak said.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Barak’s comments were “very unfortunate.”

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Authorities detain popular blogger

Saudi authorities have detained a popular blogger for violating the kingdom’s laws, a senior Interior Ministry official said Tuesday. It was the first known arrest of a Saudi online critic.

The blogger, Fouad al-Farhan, was being questioned by security authorities, said Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Monsour al-Turki. He added the blogger might be released today but did not elaborate.

The Saudi English daily, Arab News, said al-Farhan had “violated non-security regulations.” The paper said the 32-year-old Jeddah resident was arrested at his office Dec. 10 and taken to his home where police conducted a search. There were no other details.

Al-Farhan’s family has contacted the governmental Human Rights Commission, asking for help in the case, the paper said.

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Israelis don’t plan to end roadblocks

Authorities detain popular blogger

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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