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Wednesday
Jun162010

The Latest from Iran (16 June): Simmering

2045 GMT: And on the Nuclear Posture Threat. Yet another Iran Government announcement that it will be constructing a second plant with more capacity for uranium enrichment for its medical reactor. The head of Iran's nuclear energy programme, Ali Akbar Salehi, said, "Iran is designing a reactor to produce radio isotopes which will be more powerful than the Tehran reactor and this reactor will be commissioned soon in the country,"

Salehi, following the previous Iranian path of declaring multiple construction (20 last autumn, 10 earlier this year), added, "Our plan is to commission several reactors in the north, south, east and the west of the country so that we can produce radio isotopes for sale and export to the regional and Islamic countries that need them."


2040 GMT: Today's All is Well Update. Back from an extended conference break to find that, in a speech in Shahr Kord, President Ahmadinejad said Iran has $100 billion in foreign currency reserves and does not need to beg for loans. (http://www.twitter.com/sbelg)

1540 GMT: 22 Khordaad. More apparent confirmation that 12 June was far from a "quiet day": video of a claimed "human chain" demonstration at Sistan and Baluchestan University in southeastern Iran. (http://tinyurl.com/3yu27va)

1345 GMT: Political Prisoner Watch. Mohammad Yousefi, detained on 7 December, has been released. (http://www.irangreenvoice.com/article/2010/jun/16/4511)

1330 GMT: Kurdish Demonstrations. Students in Iranian Kurdistan went on hunger strike on Tuesday over the deaths of protesters and the secret burial of bodies. (http://www.irangreenvoice.com/article/2010/jun/16/4508)

There are also reports of a five-minute work stoppage in memory of the five Iranians, four of them Kurdish, on 9 May.

1315 GMT: The 4 June Fall-Out. Mr Verde can add another another name to his analysis today for EA on the problems for the Supreme Leader from the shout-down of Seyed Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini: Ayatollah Mohammad Javad Fazel-Lankarani has declared that only the Imam's enemies rejoiced over the incident.
(http://www.kaleme.com/1389/03/26/klm-22981)

1300 GMT: The Attacks on the Clerics. In Green Voice of Freedom, Majid Ansari asserts that a special group (kanoun) has been established in Qom to destroy marja (senior clerics), thus destroying the foundations of the Revolution and the Islamic Republic.

Ansari claims that the process started with attacks against former President Hashemi Rafsanjani. (http://www.irangreenvoice.com/article/2010/jun/16/4509)

1215 GMT: Sane'i Hospitalised. Grand Ayatollah Sane'i's website has now confirmed the information, which we heard yesterday, that the cleric has been in hospital with a heart condition.


Sane'i, whose home was surrounded and attacked on Sunday in Qom, is said to be improving, and it is hoped that he will be released soon.


1210 GMT: Political Prisoner Watch. Fatemeh Shams, the wife of student activist Mohammad Jalaleipour, has described his re-arrest this week.


Shams says that Jalaleipour was summoned to a mosque by authorities to "collect a passport" taken from him. Those "officials" returned with Jalaleipour to his home and then ambushed him, with five beating and detaining the activist. They rampaged through the house, not allowing his mother to wear her hijab and taking away many personal items, including those which belonged to three uncles killed in the Iran-Iraq War.


The family has no news of Jalaeipour's location and situation. There is no formal charge and no idea which Ministry, if any, supervised the men who detained Jalaleipour.


0810 GMT: Culture Corner. Maryam Zandee has reportedly refused a state prize for photography to protest the arrests of her colleagues.


0805 GMT: Economy Watch. Peyke Iran claims that 400 workers at a company opened by President Ahmadinejad last month have gone on strike and that only 40 were fully-employed.


0800 GMT: Watching Your Own. Rah-e-Sabz claims the Government has installed officials "for securing communications" amongst its own employees. (http://www.rahesabz.net/story/17357)


0755 GMT: Which Way Forward for the Greens? As Mir Hossein Mousavi publishes his "Green Charter", Rah-e-Sabz posts a debate amongst activists and analysts, "Project of the 4th Decade". (http://www.rahesabz.net/story/17541)


0740 GMT. However, A Compromise. The Government has reportedly asked the Parliament not to discuss a report on the missing statute of the National Iranian Oil Company, and the Majlis has agreed. (http://www.khabaronline.ir/news-69529.aspx)


0735 GMT: Talking Tough (Against the President). Khabar Online has declared that Ahmadinejad's recent criticism of "morality police" for targeting women with "bad hijab" has united protest from minority and pro-Government factions. (http://www.khabaronline.ir/news-69208.aspx)


Ayatollah Abbas Khabi, a member of the Guardian Council, has insisted that the Government "not fail" in promoting hijab. (http://www.khabaronline.ir/news-69241.aspx)


In contrast, the President gets double-edged support from a reformist, former Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar, who endorses controlling the behaviour of those pretending to be religious, rather than the clothing of youth. Why double-edged? Because Ebtekar's jibe at those "pretending to be religious" elevates the even more serious issue of the recent attacks on senior clerics. (http://www.rahesabz.net/story/16572)


0730 GMT: Talking Tough (Against Foreigners). Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani has waved his finger most aggressively against those who would challenge Iran over Palestine: "If you search our aid ships to Gaza, we will 'handle' your ships in the Persian Gulf." (http://www.khabaronline.ir/news-69257.aspx)


0715 GMT: The Movement Lives. Nobel Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi has told an audience in Vienna, "Violent incidents have increased and anyone that is on the street is arrested ... because of this the demonstrations have taken another form."


But, she continued, "Just because there are less people on the streets does not mean that the movement has weakened. The criticism has taken a different form."


Ebadi mentioned the protests of mothers of detainees who meet, dressed in black, and display photos of their children. She said that opposition supporters have used the Internet to post photos and videos to ensure their position was heard and seen.


Ebadi asserted, "The more violent acts against the people, the more angry they will become and the government will be weakened."

(http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-49333920100616)


0730 GMT: We begin today with two features based on recent --- and important --- events. We have posted the English translation of Mir Hossein Mousavi's "Green Charter", and Mr Verde analyses the growing, possibly self-inflicted political crisis for the Supreme Leader in recent attacks on Ayatollah Khomeini's grandson and senior clerics.

Wednesday
Jun162010

Iran Document: Mousavi's "Green Charter" (15 June)

Translated by Khordaad 88:

In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful,

We are still standing tall and proud on the first anniversary of the 10th Presidential elections despite our whipped body, which endures bruises and imprisonments. Our demands are the same: freedom, social justice, and the formation of [legitimate] national governance. We are confident of victory, hoping for the will and support of God, because we have not demanded anything other than restoration of our national rights. “All [foam on the surface of water] will move to the sidelines and perish. What remains on earth will be to the people’s benefit.”


The lies, irregularities, and fraud committed during the election prompted a question: “Where is my vote?” You great people shouted this question clearly and unambiguously in a non-violent manner during the historic and extraordinary rally of 15 June. Everyone, nationally and internationally, heard your voice and saw your message, except for those blinded by ignorance, superstition, self-interest, and lies. But what was the response? Stigmatization and accusations of treason, militarization, killing, imprisonments, the chaining of prisoners, and attacks on university campuses.

Doubtless, the people will never forget the atrocities [committed in] Kahrizak [Prison]. [Nor will they forget] the killing of June 15 and June 20. Nor will they forget the murders of Ashura. Indeed, they must never forget lest they betray the blood of the innocents and the martyrs. How can we ever forget something like live rounds aimed at the people and police cars running them over?

However, stains of blood and scars of torment tore apart the deceitful cover-ups of totalitarians. [The people] saw through institutionalized corruption and beyond the hypocritical "holy" veil. What happened [at that time], and the way that different classes of people were treated by the government, revealed where the problems are rooted as well as the people who are affected [by them]: labourers, teachers, students, journalists, professors, clergymen, entrepreneurs, women, men, the youth, the aged and all social activists including the oppressed, the poor, and the middle class.

Today our country experiences the greatest number of executions per population on the whole planet. This is not because our country has the greatest number of sinners. This is because justice, management and good governance have disappeared from our land. The fact that even the most urgent and daily necessities of governing a country have not obliged the totalitarian government to stop spreading lies, corruption, and superstition (as well as the fact that they have not stopped undermining the Constitution and other regulations) tells us of the abyss of corruption within the layers of the establishment. It is as if there is a strong structure that protects certain special interests funded by hundreds of billions of dollars of oil money and money from $70 billion worth of imports. [It is a structure that protects] unmonitored and unsupervised control over monetary and financial institutions.

Today, taxpayer’s money is prone to pillage by holy-looking thieves. The nation is still waiting to be introduced to and to put on trial those who committed various instances of financial fraud. Whatever happened to that great investigation that began in Parliament and was suddenly concluded with a deal?

Who dares to open investigations into the centers of power regarding the great "privatizations", based on Article 44, of the Constitution to expose this great monopolisation of our economy? Who has the courage to speak up against this crisis, characterized by the lack of financial supervision over the military, intelligence, and quasi-official institutions that have a tight hold across [our] economy? Yet, the question still lingers in the mind of our nation: Is this the promise of the just and Islamic establishment that we sought [all those years ago]? Are there problems that may arise from transparency? Are they so terrible that we must seek refuge by promoting secrecy? Have we forgotten the golden rule of that great old wise man of Jamaran, Ayatollah Khomeini, who said: “Do not do something that you cannot justify to the people?”

Dear companions of the green path of hope,

A year has passed since the creation of this unseen movement. During that time, the greens have walked a long way on this path of hope. Thanks to losing hope of receiving government assistance. They have come together in their homes, organised their goals, and expanded their social networks. They have formed lasting and stable bonds among a large portion of the nation. Strong and stable social networks have been miraculous for spreading information and raising awareness. To see this, it is enough merely to look at the production of art and the democratic spread of analysis, news, and information among different social streams. The Green Movement has been responsible for a wave of dialogue about important questions regarding our future. This event is incomparable to any other in our modern history.

Today, people know those who have trampled on the basic rights of the nation. People are aware of repeated violations of human rights and the lack of human dignity within the Judiciary and intelligence division. People are aware of how far the totalitarians have advanced in desecrating common national legacies, especially with regards to fundamental human rights. It is because of this very public consensus and dialogue that wisdom and rationality among our people always overcomes emotion, despite all the bitter and bloody events [of the recent past]. As a result, the trouble-makers have failed to move people to violence, although they tried hard to provoke those who had bled, those lost their loved ones, and those who had been imprisoned. Non-violent resistance is our strongest weapon against the bullets and electric batons of the uncivilised thugs.

Millions of our people now see which groups have drawn their knives, running wildly behind young and old men and women. They see which groups of inferior culture and civility walk the public rallies shouting the ugliest words and slogans. [Our] people have created symbolic artwork instead of using such words. [Our] people have presented one another with gifts of colourful posters and have distributed countless films and placards based on each other’s lives and struggles. This is how [our] people have made memories of the pain and suffering they had to endure:

A child by the name of joy
Eyes bright and glistening
Hair long as the heights of hope
Is lost of late.
Whoever has news of her
Let us know
Here between the Persian Gulf
And the Caspian Sea. [2]

Supporters of the [Green] Path of Hope,

Based on recommendations made by friends during the year of patience and perseverance, a new program has been prepared. for better cooperation and communication [between members of the Green Movement], and to fortify the common identity of the movement itself.

Clearly, the proposed document cannot meet everyone’s expectations and demands. As an unimportant supporter [3] who was trying to find a solution to this quandary, I was inspired by voters who participated in the human chain that extended from Rah Ahan to Tajrish during the previous election campaign. Faced with a choice between bad and worse, they said that they will choose bad. It was only this selection that made the continuity and formation of that memorable chain possible. Real reform begins with this understanding of choice and the assumption of responsibility for choosing one option over another.

This document is only the first step and, during its evolution, the Green Movement will create a better and more complete set of guidelines.

That Home of the Hereafter, We shall give to those who do not intend high- handedness or mischief on earth --- the end is (best) for the righteous. [4]

Roots and Goals

1. Numerous factors have contributed to the formation of dissident perspectives among the majority of the Iranian people and those who care [for our country]. The strongest manifestation of these views is within the Iranian Green Movement, formed after the 10th presidential election. These factors are as follows: numerous deviations from and planned obstacles to the realization of ideals such as justice, independence, freedom, and the institution of the Islamic Republic itself, for which was carried out the magnificent Islamic Revolution.

2. Based on its commitment to [these] principles and fundamental human, religious, moral and national values, the Green Movement considers itself to be a purifier and reformer of the course taken in the Islamic Republic after the Revolution. Therefore, it will focus its efforts on the framework of the Constitution and [ensure] respect for the people’s votes and opinions.

3. The Green Movement is an extension of the Iranian people’s quest for freedom, social justice, and national sovereignty, which had been previously manifested in the Constitutional Revolution, the (1951) Oil Nationalization Movement, and the Islamic Revolution.

4. Revisiting the recent history of [our nation’s efforts] to achieve enlightened social ideals demonstrates that the goals of the Green Movement can only be realized by: strengthening civil society, expanding the space available for social dialogue, increasing awareness, [facilitating] the free circulation of information, [encouraging] the active participation of parties and associations, and generating a [liberal environment] for intellectuals as well as social and political activists who are loyal to national interests. The achievement of these goals requires an emphasis on common demands, which will facilitate collaboration and coordination among various members of the Green Movement who, despite their own unique identities, have accepted the inherent pluralism of the movement and have gathered side by side under its umbrella.

Fundamental Strategies

1. The Green Movement is a broad social movement that does not consider itself infallible. It rejects blasphemous absolutism and stresses [the importance of] criticism and dialogue both inside and outside the movement. Overseeing the course and evolution of the movement is essential for activists as well as intellectuals and thinkers in particular. This will prevent a slide toward totalitarianism and corruption.

2. According to Green activists, the people of Iran want [to be part of] a proud, honorable and developed country. The Green Movement supports pluralism and opposes all attempts to monopolize it. Therefore, we do not tolerate animosity or maliciousness [directed] at any social group. All individuals who consider themselves part of the Green Movement have a responsibility to try to engage in dialogue (within a healthy atmosphere) with those who are against the movement, in order to make them aware of its goals and principles. We are all Iranian and Iran belongs to all of us.

3. The key issues for activists belonging to the Green Movement include the expansion of social networks, virtual or real, and the initiation of in-depth discussions of the movement’s goals as well as its identity.

4. The Green Movement strongly insists on [the importance of] protecting [our country’s] independence and draws a line at [extensive] involvement with foreign forces. However, it does not seek isolation from or animosity towards [other countries] and it is not captive to prejudicial tendencies [regarding foreign policy]. Justice, freedom, independence, human dignity, and spirituality are all universal values. Among the tasks of the Green Movement is to learn from the experience of nations that have tried to obtain those values and to welcome the views and criticisms of all freedom-seeking and peace-loving individuals –-- individuals who seek human freedom and dignity.

Green Identity

Iranian-Islamic Treasure

1. The Green Movement insists on the continued presence of a compassionate religion characterized by forgiveness, spirituality, morality, and the appreciation of human dignity. Furthermore, it points out that emphasizing the ethical and compassionate aspects of Islam and the Islamic Republic is the only way to strengthen religious values. The fundamental principles of the Green Movement should take into account [our] national-religious legacy and desire for development and progress; they should steer clear of coercing people into an ideology, sect or clique; they should oppose the use of religion as an instrument and protect the independence of religious institutions and clergymen from the state to preserve the prominent position of religion; and, finally, they should maintain the continuous and important role of religion in our society.

2. The secret to preserving the Islamic Iranian culture is the coexistence of our long-lived religious and national values. In this regard, the Green Movement is insistent on preserving the right to promote the highly-held values and lessons contained in the customs of the Iranian culture, and breaking taboos that lead to fanatic behaviour, and publicizing our true national and religious identity.

3. The Iranian nation has exhibited self-confidence and solidarity in its history of fighting for freedom. By relying on this rich background, collective reasoning, and avoiding self-centred behaviour, the Green Movement marches on to achieve its goals and form a collective understanding about common issues at the national level.
The movement solely relies on collective reasoning and monistic rationale.

4. The Green Movement is an Iranian-Islamic movement that seeks a truly free and advanced Iran. Thus any Iranian who acts in pursuit of a better tomorrow for her/his nation counts as a Green Movement activist. In our eyes, Iran belongs to all Iranians.

People’s right of self-governance

1. The right of self-governance is an unequivocal principle of the Green Movement. Holding elections is the best available method to live by this principle. The Green Movement will continue its quest to guard the people’s vote until a free and fair election regime without interference is established in the country. People’s approval is the source of the political powers’ legitimacy. The Green Movement considers any attempt to vet election candidates based on personal or group preference under the banner of candidate eligibility examination as unconstitutional and an obstruction to the right to self-governance.

2. Freedom and Fairness are not possible if we undermine our independence and national interests. Protecting our national interests is one Green Movement’s principles.

Green Movement’s Values

Respect for human dignity and opposing violence

1. Respect for human dignity and human rights independent of ideology, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social status is one of Green Movement’s primary demands. The
Green Movement fully endorses protection of human rights, which is one of humanity’s most important achievements.

Human Rights are given by God and hence no ruler, government, parliament, or other power can take them away or interfere with protecting them. Realizing protection of these rights requires respect for fundamental principles such as equality, tolerance, dialogue, peace, and peaceful problem solving. These fundamental principles can be upheld if we start to free the independent press, stop censorship, get access to information, strengthen the civil society, respect citizens’ privacy, enable NGOs to act freely, and reform laws and regulations to eliminate any type of discrimination in society.

2. The Green Movement is a social movement that is committed to non-violence. It is committed to working within the constitutional framework. It believes that people are the primary victim of any type of violence and so depends on dialogue and peaceful resistance to advance its agenda. Non-violent resistance is an uncompromisable value of this movement. The Green Movement will use all the capacities of non-violent resistance to achieve its goals.

Equality and Freedom

3. Equality is a highly-held value in the Green Movement. Fair distribution of resources, be they economic, political, or social, is an undeniable goal of the Green Movement for which the movement will do all that is necessary.

Spreading justice in society is only possible if the governing body --- internally and internationally --- acts with complete independence from self-serving organizations, political powers, or groups of people. In these conditions, the government can develop the economy, guarantee people’s welfare and comfort, and uphold social justice.

4. The Green Movement while understanding the necessity of addressing demands from all social sects and groups, stresses the importance of uniting with the middle class and those with lower incomes who are more susceptible to harm under social and political pressure. By referring to Section nine of the Constitution, the Green Movement firmly rejects infringing on civil rights in the name of protecting independence or territorial integrity. The Green Movement fully recognizes the value of political, cultural, economic, and military independence, and names “protection of people’s right to self-governance in all dimensions” as the only way of protecting our borders and national interests.

5. Guaranteeing freedom and equality were undeniable goals of the Islamic Revolution that the Green Movement firmly holds as its own. Promoting diversity, opposing monopolisation of the media and elimination of opposition and minorities are central themes in the Green Movement. It is essential to free people from political (totalitarianism), social (discrimination and social inequality), and cultural (ideological dependence) domination. The Green Movement fully supports the Women’s Movement and denounces any discrimination based on gender and fully supports ethnic minorities’ rights.

6. The Green Movement believes that security does not only consist of the government's security; it is the security of each and every Iranian citizens. Security should be provided for all citizens for them to be able to live under the protection of the law, free from any fear and dependence. Intervention of armed and security forces in politics, intervention of irresponsible forces in military [and security] issues, and dominance of armed and security forces over judiciary officials are all obstacles in the security of the government and people. Independence of the judiciary, no intervention of armed forces in political and economical activities, and punishing the organizers and members of the so-called plain-clothes forces are among the very pressing [serious] demands of the Green movement.

7. The Green Movement calls for the implementation of all articles of the Constitution, particularly those that refer to the rights of the people (third chapter). This is a definite and unchangeable demand and goal of the Green movement.

8. Freedom of all political prisoners, abolition of the legal restrictions on and security-based [security-oriented] approach to the activities of political parties and social groups and movements such as the women's movement, the students' movement, labour unions, and the like.

Towards this end, the following strategies should clearly be followed. Fair trials for those who authorised as well as those who actually carried out the election fraud and killing and torture of protesters. Exposing and trying those who have theorised about and defended violence in various levels of the power hierarchy and government.

Moral conduct and respect for personal and social creativity

1. Unfortunately we have to acknowledge that incorrect political, social, and economic policies of the government has resulted in a decline in morals and a decrease of social capital in our society. The Green Movement emphasizes the need for reviving our social morals as the common ground and unifying element of the Iranian social life, while pledging to completely abide by moral principles in its struggle towards enforcing civil rights of the [Iranian] people.

2. The Green Movement is neither a centralized party, nor a collection of unorganised, aimless individuals. An overview of the historical experiences of the Iranian nation reveals that they have always shown their awareness, ability, and deep understanding in dire historical circumstances, and have relied on their creativity to pave the way towards achieving their goals.

The Green Movement, according to its foundational principles and origins and utilizing social networks, relies on thought, understanding, and civil innovations of the Iranian people. It believes that goals such as justice and freedom can only be achieved once these creative forces have flourished. Our campaign slogan "every Iranian as one campaign” can now be changed to "every Iranian as a movement"

Abiding by the law and negotiating
1. The Green Movement wants a glowing future for the Iranian people based on their common covenant, the Constitution, while pursuing the lasting goals and ideals of the Islamic Revolution and taking a critical approach to the developments that have taken place ever since [the Revolution], particularly with regards to the relationship between State and nation.

2. In this regard, "implementing the constitution with no negligence" is the main fundamental strategy of the Green Movement. This movement believes that overcoming the crises that we are facing today and pursuing the development and progress of our nation can only be possible through returning to the law and enforcing its implementation on all institutions, and punishing those who do not abide by it in whatever position they may hold.

The Green movement is also completely aware that abiding by the law is different from instrumentalising it by those who are in power. We should strive to reach a point where the law is not used a tool to enforce unjust and derogatory violence and is not a means for violating the most fundamental rights, and where violence, injustice, and discrimination is not [deemed] legal.

3. The national laws, including the Constitution, are not eternal and unchangeable documents. Every nation has the right to reform its current laws, in the quest for correcting its general direction. However, note that changing the Constitution is only valid when it is put forth through a process of negotiation and dialogue in the society, with the participation of all groups and factions among the people, avoiding any dogmatism, exclusiveness, and bullying.

4. Expanding the civil society and strengthening the public sphere are the main principles of the Green movement. This movement believes that in order to safeguard our national interests, achieve the goals of the Islamic Revolution, and subside the unpleasant effects of the recent crisis, representatives of various schools of thought and political groups should engage in negotiations and dialogue. In this regard, we welcome any invitation to transparent negotiations and discourse aiming at defending the rights of the people and solving social conflicts.

5. This movement calls for strengthening the Iranian economy in international platforms and investment and increasing the purchasing power of the Iranians. The Green Movement wants rational and respectful foreign policy based on transparent and constructive interaction with the world, rejecting adventurous and populist diplomacy, so that it may lead to higher esteem for the great historical nation of Iran in the world.

A humble companion of the Green movement

Mir Hossein Mousavi
Wednesday
Jun162010

Video and Transcript: Obama on the Gulf of Mexico Oil Crisis (15 June)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gIbVk14DM0[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esk3sNxGGf8[/youtube]


THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. As we speak, our nation faces a multitude of challenges. At home, our top priority is to recover and rebuild from a recession that has touched the lives of nearly every American. Abroad, our brave men and women in uniform are taking the fight to al Qaeda wherever it exists. And tonight, I’ve returned from a trip to the Gulf Coast to speak with you about the battle we’re waging against an oil spill that is assaulting our shores and our citizens.

On April 20th, an explosion ripped through BP Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, about 40 miles off the coast of Louisiana. Eleven workers lost their lives. Seventeen others were injured. And soon, nearly a mile beneath the surface of the ocean, oil began spewing into the water.

Because there has never been a leak this size at this depth, stopping it has tested the limits of human technology. That’s why just after the rig sank, I assembled a team of our nation’s best scientists and engineers to tackle this challenge -- a team led by Dr. Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and our nation’s Secretary of Energy. Scientists at our national labs and experts from academia and other oil companies have also provided ideas and advice.

As a result of these efforts, we’ve directed BP to mobilize additional equipment and technology. And in the coming weeks and days, these efforts should capture up to 90 percent of the oil leaking out of the well. This is until the company finishes drilling a relief well later in the summer that’s expected to stop the leak completely.

Already, this oil spill is the worst environmental disaster America has ever faced. And unlike an earthquake or a hurricane, it’s not a single event that does its damage in a matter of minutes or days. The millions of gallons of oil that have spilled into the Gulf of Mexico are more like an epidemic, one that we will be fighting for months and even years.

But make no mistake: We will fight this spill with everything we’ve got for as long as it takes. We will make BP pay for the damage their company has caused. And we will do whatever’s necessary to help the Gulf Coast and its people recover from this tragedy.

Tonight I’d like to lay out for you what our battle plan is going forward: what we’re doing to clean up the oil, what we’re doing to help our neighbors in the Gulf, and what we’re doing to make sure that a catastrophe like this never happens again.

First, the cleanup. From the very beginning of this crisis, the federal government has been in charge of the largest environmental cleanup effort in our nation’s history -- an effort led by Admiral Thad Allen, who has almost 40 years of experience responding to disasters. We now have nearly 30,000 personnel who are working across four states to contain and clean up the oil. Thousands of ships and other vessels are responding in the Gulf. And I’ve authorized the deployment of over 17,000 National Guard members along the coast. These servicemen and women are ready to help stop the oil from coming ashore, they’re ready to help clean the beaches, train response workers, or even help with processing claims -- and I urge the governors in the affected states to activate these troops as soon as possible.

Because of our efforts, millions of gallons of oil have already been removed from the water through burning, skimming and other collection methods. Over five and a half million feet of boom has been laid across the water to block and absorb the approaching oil. We’ve approved the construction of new barrier islands in Louisiana to try to stop the oil before it reaches the shore, and we’re working with Alabama, Mississippi and Florida to implement creative approaches to their unique coastlines.

As the cleanup continues, we will offer whatever additional resources and assistance our coastal states may need. Now, a mobilization of this speed and magnitude will never be perfect, and new challenges will always arise. I saw and heard evidence of that during this trip. So if something isn’t working, we want to hear about it. If there are problems in the operation, we will fix them.

But we have to recognize that despite our best efforts, oil has already caused damage to our coastline and its wildlife. And sadly, no matter how effective our response is, there will be more oil and more damage before this siege is done. That’s why the second thing we’re focused on is the recovery and restoration of the Gulf Coast.

You know, for generations, men and women who call this region home have made their living from the water. That living is now in jeopardy. I’ve talked to shrimpers and fishermen who don’t know how they’re going to support their families this year. I’ve seen empty docks and restaurants with fewer customers -– even in areas where the beaches are not yet affected. I’ve talked to owners of shops and hotels who wonder when the tourists might start coming back. The sadness and the anger they feel is not just about the money they’ve lost. It’s about a wrenching anxiety that their way of life may be lost.

I refuse to let that happen. Tomorrow, I will meet with the chairman of BP and inform him that he is to set aside whatever resources are required to compensate the workers and business owners who have been harmed as a result of his company’s recklessness. And this fund will not be controlled by BP. In order to ensure that all legitimate claims are paid out in a fair and timely manner, the account must and will be administered by an independent third party.

Beyond compensating the people of the Gulf in the short term, it’s also clear we need a long-term plan to restore the unique beauty and bounty of this region. The oil spill represents just the latest blow to a place that’s already suffered multiple economic disasters and decades of environmental degradation that has led to disappearing wetlands and habitats. And the region still hasn’t recovered from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. That’s why we must make a commitment to the Gulf Coast that goes beyond responding to the crisis of the moment.

I make that commitment tonight. Earlier, I asked Ray Mabus, the Secretary of the Navy, who is also a former governor of Mississippi and a son of the Gulf Coast, to develop a long-term Gulf Coast Restoration Plan as soon as possible. The plan will be designed by states, local communities, tribes, fishermen, businesses, conservationists and other Gulf residents. And BP will pay for the impact this spill has had on the region.

The third part of our response plan is the steps we’re taking to ensure that a disaster like this does not happen again. A few months ago, I approved a proposal to consider new, limited offshore drilling under the assurance that it would be absolutely safe –- that the proper technology would be in place and the necessary precautions would be taken.

That obviously was not the case in the Deepwater Horizon rig, and I want to know why. The American people deserve to know why. The families I met with last week who lost their loved ones in the explosion -- these families deserve to know why. And so I’ve established a National Commission to understand the causes of this disaster and offer recommendations on what additional safety and environmental standards we need to put in place. Already, I’ve issued a six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling. I know this creates difficulty for the people who work on these rigs, but for the sake of their safety, and for the sake of the entire region, we need to know the facts before we allow deepwater drilling to continue. And while I urge the Commission to complete its work as quickly as possible, I expect them to do that work thoroughly and impartially.

One place we’ve already begun to take action is at the agency in charge of regulating drilling and issuing permits, known as the Minerals Management Service. Over the last decade, this agency has become emblematic of a failed philosophy that views all regulation with hostility -- a philosophy that says corporations should be allowed to play by their own rules and police themselves. At this agency, industry insiders were put in charge of industry oversight. Oil companies showered regulators with gifts and favors, and were essentially allowed to conduct their own safety inspections and write their own regulations.

When Ken Salazar became my Secretary of the Interior, one of his very first acts was to clean up the worst of the corruption at this agency. But it’s now clear that the problem there ran much deeper, and the pace of reform was just too slow. And so Secretary Salazar and I are bringing in new leadership at the agency -- Michael Bromwich, who was a tough federal prosecutor and Inspector General. And his charge over the next few months is to build an organization that acts as the oil industry’s watchdog -- not its partner.

So one of the lessons we’ve learned from this spill is that we need better regulations, better safety standards, and better enforcement when it comes to offshore drilling. But a larger lesson is that no matter how much we improve our regulation of the industry, drilling for oil these days entails greater risk. After all, oil is a finite resource. We consume more than 20 percent of the world’s oil, but have less than 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves. And that’s part of the reason oil companies are drilling a mile beneath the surface of the ocean -- because we’re running out of places to drill on land and in shallow water.

For decades, we have known the days of cheap and easily accessible oil were numbered. For decades, we’ve talked and talked about the need to end America’s century-long addiction to fossil fuels. And for decades, we have failed to act with the sense of urgency that this challenge requires. Time and again, the path forward has been blocked -- not only by oil industry lobbyists, but also by a lack of political courage and candor.

The consequences of our inaction are now in plain sight. Countries like China are investing in clean energy jobs and industries that should be right here in America. Each day, we send nearly $1 billion of our wealth to foreign countries for their oil. And today, as we look to the Gulf, we see an entire way of life being threatened by a menacing cloud of black crude.

We cannot consign our children to this future. The tragedy unfolding on our coast is the most painful and powerful reminder yet that the time to embrace a clean energy future is now. Now is the moment for this generation to embark on a national mission to unleash America’s innovation and seize control of our own destiny.

This is not some distant vision for America. The transition away from fossil fuels is going to take some time, but over the last year and a half, we’ve already taken unprecedented action to jumpstart the clean energy industry. As we speak, old factories are reopening to produce wind turbines, people are going back to work installing energy-efficient windows, and small businesses are making solar panels. Consumers are buying more efficient cars and trucks, and families are making their homes more energy-efficient. Scientists and researchers are discovering clean energy technologies that someday will lead to entire new industries.

Each of us has a part to play in a new future that will benefit all of us. As we recover from this recession, the transition to clean energy has the potential to grow our economy and create millions of jobs -– but only if we accelerate that transition. Only if we seize the moment. And only if we rally together and act as one nation –- workers and entrepreneurs; scientists and citizens; the public and private sectors.
When I was a candidate for this office, I laid out a set of principles that would move our country towards energy independence. Last year, the House of Representatives acted on these principles by passing a strong and comprehensive energy and climate bill –- a bill that finally makes clean energy the profitable kind of energy for America’s businesses.

Now, there are costs associated with this transition. And there are some who believe that we can’t afford those costs right now. I say we can’t afford not to change how we produce and use energy -– because the long-term costs to our economy, our national security, and our environment are far greater.

So I’m happy to look at other ideas and approaches from either party -– as long they seriously tackle our addiction to fossil fuels. Some have suggested raising efficiency standards in our buildings like we did in our cars and trucks. Some believe we should set standards to ensure that more of our electricity comes from wind and solar power. Others wonder why the energy industry only spends a fraction of what the high-tech industry does on research and development -– and want to rapidly boost our investments in such research and development.

All of these approaches have merit, and deserve a fair hearing in the months ahead. But the one approach I will not accept is inaction. The one answer I will not settle for is the idea that this challenge is somehow too big and too difficult to meet. You know, the same thing was said about our ability to produce enough planes and tanks in World War II. The same thing was said about our ability to harness the science and technology to land a man safely on the surface of the moon. And yet, time and again, we have refused to settle for the paltry limits of conventional wisdom. Instead, what has defined us as a nation since our founding is the capacity to shape our destiny -– our determination to fight for the America we want for our children. Even if we’re unsure exactly what that looks like. Even if we don’t yet know precisely how we’re going to get there. We know we’ll get there.

It’s a faith in the future that sustains us as a people. It is that same faith that sustains our neighbors in the Gulf right now.

Each year, at the beginning of shrimping season, the region’s fishermen take part in a tradition that was brought to America long ago by fishing immigrants from Europe. It’s called “The Blessing of the Fleet,” and today it’s a celebration where clergy from different religions gather to say a prayer for the safety and success of the men and women who will soon head out to sea -– some for weeks at a time.
The ceremony goes on in good times and in bad. It took place after Katrina, and it took place a few weeks ago –- at the beginning of the most difficult season these fishermen have ever faced.

And still, they came and they prayed. For as a priest and former fisherman once said of the tradition, “The blessing is not that God has promised to remove all obstacles and dangers. The blessing is that He is with us always,” a blessing that’s granted “even in the midst of the storm.”

The oil spill is not the last crisis America will face. This nation has known hard times before and we will surely know them again. What sees us through -– what has always seen us through –- is our strength, our resilience, and our unyielding faith that something better awaits us if we summon the courage to reach for it.

Tonight, we pray for that courage. We pray for the people of the Gulf. And we pray that a hand may guide us through the storm towards a brighter day. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.


Wednesday
Jun162010

EA on the Road: The Media and Iran Conference in London

Mike Dunn and I will be attending the conference, "Covering Iran: The Role of Conventional and Non-Conventional Media" at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, today. It's quite exciting to be meeting and to speak on a panel with those who have ensured that the post-election crisis in Iran is covered fully and fairly.

Sharp-eyed EA readers will see the paradox that we'll be trying to bring you the latest from Iran while sitting in a room discussing how to bring people the latest from Iran. So updates may be limited today. As usual, however, we'll be counting on you to bring us your latest news and ideas.
Wednesday
Jun162010

Gaza Latest (16 June): The Blockade and the Proximity Talks

On Tuesday, Tony Blair, the envoy to the Middle East of the Quartet (US-UN-European Union-Russia), hailed the Israeli cabinet’s expected approval of a plan to ease the blockade of the Gaza Strip and allow more aid into the territory as “a very important step”. He said: "It will allow us to keep weapons and weapon materials out of Gaza, but on the other hand to help the Palestinian population there."

According to the plan, there are three elements: the formulation of a blacklist of goods and supplies that will not be allowed into Gaza, particularly items that could be put to use in manufacturing weapons; Israel’s acquiescence to the entry of building materials for UN-sponsored construction projects; and Israel’s agreement to consider stationing EU  as well as Palestinian Authority monitors at border crossings to inspect incoming goods.

For the time being, it is still not certain whether construction materials for houses damaged or ruined following Israel's Operation Cast Lead in December 2008/January 2009 will be allowed.

In contrast, speaking at the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Shin Bet security service director Yuval Diskin took a tough line. First, he said that Hamas was buying up land in East Jerusalem. Then he warned Knesset that lifting the naval blockade on Gaza would be a "dangerous development for Israel". He continued:
It would be a huge security breach, even if ships are inspected along the way in international ports en route to Gaza.

Diskin is not the only person warning against concession. On the same day, a Palestinian Authority official in Ramallah said that the flotilla incident two weeks ago had played into the hands of Hamas. He said:
The [Israeli] assault on the aid ships on May 31 has boosted Hamas... It came as gift from heaven to Hamas...

We want to see the blockade on the Gaza Strip lifted. But at the same time we must be careful not to allow Hamas to reap the fruits and consolidate its control over the Gaza Strip.

This is not the end of the story.... PA President Mahmoud Abbas, who met separately in Sharm e-Sheikh on Tuesday with Amr Moussa and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, reportedly relayed to them his deep concern over attempts to recognize Hamas’s authority in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, late Tuesday evening, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement saying that the Terkel Committee, which is looking into the raid, would convene on Wednesday for what was called an “introductory meeting”.

All of this occurs amidst the next move for the now-overshadowed "proximity talks". U.S. Mideast special envoy George Mitchell is arriving Israel on Wednesday night to start discussions with Israeli officials on Thursday. He is expected to meet Palestinians on Friday and to fly to Cairo on the weekend.

On Tuesday, in advacne of September's end of the 10-month freeze on settlement construction, Cabinet Minister Dan Meridor said that Israel should refrain from building in areas that will be annexed to the Palestinian Authority in the future. He added:
The freeze will be over in three months, and from then on we will not be committed to it: it's a matter of where it is wise and logical for us to build.