Archive
Middle Eastern Leaders are Uneducated, with Honorary Degrees
“The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values.” —William S. Burroughs
Former Iraq Parilament member Sarkawt Shamsulddin (Shams) criticized Kurdish Iraq President Nechirvan Barzani for solely possessing a High School diploma once.
I checked. It’s true.
Nechirvan Barzani attended the University of Tehran, but did and could not graduate. He received an “honorary degree” from Washington & Jefferson College. No one knows why.
Kurdish Prime Minister of Erbil and Duhok cities, Masrour Barzani, obtained a Bachelors degree at American University, around the time his father, Masoud Barzani, donated money for a Kurdish Studies Program. Masrour attended a semester or two in graduate studies, but quickly withdrew.
His son, Areen, recently graduated Valedictorian with the highest GPA at The American University of Kurdistan. The university is operated, owned, by Masrour.
Kurdish Iraq Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, a former car mechanic, claims he possesses a degree from Kingston University. The university refused to authenticate his attendance.
- Kingston University, according to claims by Wikileaks and other blogs, has been cited for witness intimidation, fraud.
- Wikileaks -(https://wikileaks.org/wiki/Kingston_University_National_Student_Survey_fraud_recording)
- Blog – (https://kingstonuniversityscandal.wordpress.com/2017/12/06/martin-mcquillans-embezzlement-of-200000-of-research-money-hushed-up-by-the-kingston-university-smt/)
It is not just Kurdish Iraq though. It is also #Amman #Jordan.
Abdullah Hussein earned a high school diploma only. He dropped out of St. Edmunds School, Eaglebrook School, and finally graduated from Deerfield Academy. He then attended Royal Military Academy Sandhurst School in an academically non-traditional setting.
- Sandhurst was investigated in 1997 for instructors accepting bribes. (https://www.newarab.com/news/uae-students-expelled-sandhurst-over-bribery-claims)
- Then, another scandal entailing bribery with Sandhurst occurred in 2022. (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/bribes-inquiry-at-sandhurst-1296863.html)
- St. Edmunds School was involved in a bribery scandal in 2016 also. https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/9935
Abdullah Hussein has received “honorary degrees” for peace efforts in the Palestine/Israel conflict from Georgetown University and University of Oxford.
There is no peace in Palestine/Israel today.
- Georgetown University in 2019 was involved in a bribery scandal also. NPR (https://www.npr.org/2019/03/17/704313268/georgetown-students-react-to-admissions-fraud-scandal)
Perusing the above, it becomes clear, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was correct. Middle Eastern leaders, simply lack notable higher education accolades.
In my opinion, “honorary degrees” seem to compensate undeservedly. And, in my observations, Middle Eastern leaders are seeking the educational institutions which have a sketchy background for ease.
Furthering my opinion, from my observations deriving from a decade continuous employment within Middle East private education, and thorough research, I feel the above has had drastically negative repercussions upon the region.
I believe some salient lessons entailed within higher education are completely missed with “honorary degrees,” instead of earned, with dedicated time spent toward achieving “real” degrees:
1- The shame attached to corruption and cheating (the ends do not justify means).
- Amman, Jordan: Jordan News- “Jordan Regresses on Corruption”
- Kurdish Iraq: American Enterprise Institute- “When America Ignores Kurdish Corruption”
(https://www.aei.org/op-eds/when-america-ignores-kurdish-corruption-china-and-russia-benefit/)
2- The value of truth, integrity, and Due Process, over power and wealth and privilege.
- Amman, Jordan: Al-Monitor – “Jordan Parliamentary Elections Boycott”
(https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2016/07/jordan-parliamentary-elections-boycott.html)
- Kurdish Iraq: Voice of America- “Kurds Boycott Elections Parliament”
(https://www.voanews.com/a/iraq-s-kurds-hold-elections-for-regional-parliament/4593287.html)
3- Tolerance for free speech/assembly, with a focus on diversity and transparency.
- Amman, Jordan: IFEX – “Government Imposes More Severe Restrictions”
(https://ifex.org/jordan-government-imposes-more-severe-restrictions-on-freedom-of-expression/)
- Kurdish Iraq: Washington Institute- “Barzani’s Failures on Freedom of Expression”
4- And basic respect for teachers and principles of education, instead of emphasizing schools as solely businesses.
- Amman, Jordan: Human Rights Watch– “Jordan Arrests Teachers”(https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/07/30/jordan-teachers-syndicate-closed-leaders-arrested)
- Kurdish Iraq: Al Arabiya- “Kurd Police Arrest Teachers”
Based on the above observations, I, out of deep respect for the venerable principles behind higher education, humbly ask the aforementioned universities, to raise standards, the bar, prior administering honorary degrees, in the near future.
Don’t risk losing your institution’s credibility and reputation.
Don’t contribute to academic fraud, corruption, repression.
I also ask the respective educational authorities, within the above nations, to make it more challenging for foreign leadership, their children, to access higher education. Please avoid adhering to a Legacy Program type entry for heads of states’ children. And, increase the requirements for graduation. Don’t let foreign privilege, skip those pertinent lessons, principles, we all benefit from when meeting the ordinary equal challenges of higher education.
I strongly feel, it could contribute in reducing the disastrous circumstances for other innocent humans, foreign policy, and global education.
Note – Former Kurdish President Barham Salih’s education is legitimate. The universities he graduated from, confirmed by e-mail. I respect that.
Masrour Barzani: Don’t Run from Responsibility-Sherwan Sherwani
Shortly after Masrour Barzani, son of former Kurdish Iraq president Masoud Barzani, transitioned from Security Intelligence Chief to Prime Minister, none advised him to think, approach issues differently. Instead, he did what any spy chief would do.
He immediately imprisoned Sherwan Sherwani, several other journalists on charges of espionage, defamation/slander (defamation/slander in the Middle East mostly applies without consideration of truth or veracity of claims). And according to several sources, without evidence.
Irony hit back briefly though when Shnyar Anwar Hassan sued Masrour for defamation and slander, later in a Virginia court house. https://dockets.justia.com/docket/virginia/vaedce/1:2022cv01288/530826
Despite public condemnations by diplomats, as the US and German Consulates in Erbil, protests in the streets, journalists typing on keyboards furiously, Masrour remained obstinate and steadfast in his decision. His family runs “every aspect” of Duhok and Erbil. Who will stop him?
https://www.voanews.com/a/iraqi-kurdistan-protest-in-support-of-jailed-journalist-/7192870.html
Even when President Nechirvan Barzani granted amnesty to these prisoners, reducing their prison sentences 60%, Sherwan Sherwani’s sentence, only 50%. https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/02032022
Then, at the very moment Sherwan Sherwani was to be released, he was charged and imprisoned 4 extra years, with a new charge of forgery, after signing another prisoner’s name with permission, on a petition. https://cpj.org/2023/07/imprisoned-journalist-sherwan-sherwani-given-additional-4-year-sentence-in-iraqi-kurdistan/
And in a finale “weird” twist of impunity and autocracy, a journalist that publicly criticized the decision, was imprisoned the same day, released shortly afterwards.
After working a few years in the Kurdish region of #Iraq. After thorough research. After having my own life, my own family threatened over revealing the American International School of Kurdistan Erbil was a diploma mill. https://www.knnc.net/en/Details.aspx?jimare=685
I am inclined to believe, Sherwan Sherwani’s recent sentence was vindictive, and he is completely innocent.
Worse, according to the Metro Center for the Protection of Journalist’s Rights ( in Kurdish). The PDK partry is now responsible for more repression against free speech and journalism, than the PUK and PKK parties, and for the overall lack of safety, and the toxic repression within the Kurdish region, deteriorating over the years. Such repression entails attacking journalists’ homes and forcibly closing workplaces, coordinated cyber attacks, blacklisting at jobs and sports events and other functions, and even reportedly murders (Sardasht Osman/Wedad Hussein Ali).
When founder of NRT News, Shashwar Abdulwahid, called for mass protests, civilians, journalists, and parliamentary members were assaulted and imprisoned, prior attendance of protests.
Nearly all aforementioned arrests occurred with little concern for or no evidence, due process, rule of law, and impartiality of courts. More essentials of Democracy, Republicanism, than LGBT, climate, and women’s rights. The former can not be ignored, while demanding the latter.
- As a 15 year human rights enthusiast, I believe the Kurds are not animals. Their children are just as precious, as our own. Their rights, equally valuable.
- As a Muslim, I believe Islam and human rights are synonymous.
- As a researcher, I am aware instability, Islamophobia, diasporas and refugees, have a direct correlation with repression and corruption by dictatorships.
I feel it is the responsibility of every true and decent leader to treat their people, as humans. Masrour Barzani, as every leader, should not run away from this responsibility. It takes no money to meet that obligation.
Therefore, I humbly request that future blacklisting be incurred monetarily by the esteemed US Congress Democratic National Committee Republican National Committee The White House (withholding of aid and certain diplomatic privileges) and to consider implementing Articles 94 and 119 of the Iraqi Constitution, as Iraqi Parliament member Alia Nusaif Jasim demanded of the Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of Iraq, dissolving the Kurdistan Regional government. Permanently, without prejudice.
Thus, forming a PDK government for Duhok, Erbil, and a PUK government for Halabaja, Suleimania. Repeated attempts at coercing unity among both parties persistently have failed for 2 decades. The last Parliament meeting concluded in fist fights and a firearm pulled.
Or an alternative. Remove the PKK from the U.S. Department of State FTO list, as Senators Robert Menendez and the late John McCain and former President Barack Obama performed with the PUK/PDK parties in 2014. Thus providing an effective third political party which has not been co-opted by the PUK/PDK. Due to the Turkey offensive over decades, the PKK are now stronger than prior, everywhere.
Ultimately.
In prudence, Historian Henry Commager made an exigent observation that we normally apply state terrorism toward foes, rather than allies, instead categorizing acts by the latter, as national defense or state and non-state actors. This must stop, as our own foreign policy objectives are often thwarted, American tax dollars wasted, innocent humans harmed. Integrity destroyed.
I am convinced Professor George Lopez’s heuristics are more accurate.
But, I believe Dr. Simon Taylor hit the bullseye with his definition of state terrorism of which I would like to one day see applied toward foes and allies in the future:
“State agents using threats or acts of violence against civilians, marked by a callous indifference to human life, to instill fear in a community beyond the initial victim for the purpose of preventing a change or challenge to the status quo.”
I aver to the honorable President Joe Biden, don’t let human rights be extorted on your watch. The pillars are corrupt, the house can not be fixed. The other Iraq died with Mr. Joseph Robinette Beau Biden III.
Let him and this horrible mess rest in peace, please. Worse than humiliation, is disgrace. The horse will not drink, because it is heading another path, on its own.
Pull the plug please.
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No Due Process in Kurdish Northern Iraq (Kurdistan)
Kurdistan24 Kurmanci highlights the release of journalist, Omed Baroshki, who was imprisoned the same day, shortly after criticizing the Kurdistan Regional Government decision to charge journalist, Sherwan Sherwani, another 4 years at time of his expected release from a previous charge of espionage (not mentioned within the article).
(https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/32014-PM-Barzani-orders-release-of-journalist)
Rudaw Media Network disturbingly indicates Omed Baroshki was “kidnapped” without a court order, when arrested. His possessions taken from home as well. (https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/21072023)
Despite the obvious contention any ordinary human would normally have with the above- the fact Omed Baroshki was arrested for simply criticizing the decision of the Kurdish courts- I myself, wish to take “strong point” at the lack of Due Process, in this specific event.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have for many years, criticized the KRG for lack of due process in arrests by security forces, within the Kurdish region of Iraq. Nothing has improved to my dismay. Due Process International
I would like to aver that “Due Process” is not solely an essential of Democracy Republicanism, Monarchy, or any good government. It also protects the law enforcement, and the security forces of a nation.International Institute of Humanitarian Law
It is “human nature” to defend one’s self. And without Due Process – law enforcement clothing and presenting an ID and warrant- I would aver it is human nature for anyone to respond “violently” to a potential kidnapping. And that is precisely what a lack of Due Process entails, means. Thus, in order to thwart an unnecessarily tragic event, I hope all nations, including the Kurdish region of Iraq, respect Due Process. Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law
And this would be especially true in this specific area, wherein militias and militants run abound in streets with weapons, easily able to judge and administer their own interpretations of justice, occasionally to the right price, without a warrant. International Commission of Jurists
Due Process, clearly identifiable uniforms, presenting an ID, showing a warrant by a judge, separates an arrest and detention by a legitimate government, and a kidnapping by terrorists, criminals, and mafia. International Institute of Humanitarian Law
The Kurdish region of Iraq has the PAK, PJAK, KDPI, recognized as terrorists by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iran. There are also the PKK, recognized as terrorists by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkey. And we shouldn’t forget, the PUK and PDK were recently removed from the U.S. Department of State FTO list of terrorists in 2014.
I feel Due Process is absolutely exigent given this environment! Due Process Institute
In my personal experience within the Middle East for 10 years, I was once deported from Amman, Jordan in March 2016. The Jordanian Intelligence , though it was wrongful, followed Due Process, mostly. Council of Europe Human Rights and the Rule of Law
8 armed men rushed into my apartment, not including 2 on the roof top, 3 in the streets in front of my apartment. I apologize to the GID, the lack of uniforms caused the following. Mandat International
One employee “fell on his back” on my tiled bathroom, another bounced off the far end corner of my bed, a third fell backwards (same location as the second) over my plastic clothes-hamper. Global Governance and the Rule of Law
They still could not handcuff, or remove me from the apartment, until I was shown an ID, and a warrant, the latter had Abdullah Hussein’s name. That was Due Process. Avocats Sans Frontières – ASF
Though Jordanian authorities refused to give me a phone call (not Due Process), I was able to get a hand on one phone, discreetly. After a single phone call, within an hour, I later was escorted to the airport by two officers, who were very oddly kind along the way. They apologized, and informed me I was welcome to return anytime in the future. Due Process. Council on Foreign Relations
An article on my experience: (https://www.globalresearch.ca/the-grim-conditions-of-jordans-immigration-detention-camps-blatant-human-rights-violations/5520571)
I hope that Kurdistan will exceed this. I hope they will comprehend the importance of Due Process and strive to meet Magna Carta’s Clause 39. It not only establishes a legitimate government, but it also protects the very men and women who courageously serve and protect.
ISIS/Daesh is gone. So should their tactics.
Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of Iraq
“We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men – not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate, and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular.”
IFEX PEN International Detained in Dubai We may need a clause 61 of the Magna Carta enacted for Kurdistan/Iraq soon. United Nations ARTICLE 19 The Japan Times The Guardian Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
My Ancestor: Dr. Shosai Fujita and Ryoma Sakamoto
My ancestor, Shosai Fujita, was a doctor who performed surgery on Sakamoto Ryoma, a Confucian scholar, and an advisor to Tokugawa Nariaki.
Shosai’s teacher was famous Confucian scholar Koga Douan/Touan of Saga, Japan. And one of his students was Confucian, Tokutaro Nakamura, friend of poet Hirosei Gyokuso.
His grave is in the Gekkyoin Buddhist temple created by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, directly below Emperor Suko’s family graves in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto. The property belongs to the Fushimi No Miya Royal Imperial family today.
My Ancestor: Dr. Shosai Fujita and Ryoma Sakamoto
My ancestor, Shosai Fujita, was a doctor who performed surgery on Sakamoto Ryoma, a Confucian scholar, and an advisor to Tokugawa Nariaki.
Shosai’s teacher was famous Confucian scholar Koga Douan/Touan of Saga, Japan. And one of his students was Confucian, Tokutaro Nakamura, friend of poet Hirosei Gyokuso.
His grave is in the Gekkyoin Buddhist temple created by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, directly below Emperor Suko’s family graves in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto. The property belongs to the Fushimi No Miya Royal Imperial family today.
According to the generational tale by Fujita family, and historian Akira Haruta, Shosai Fujita, first-born son of Tangaku Fujita (formerly Tangaku Kageyama), known by pen name as Ei or Hideshige, saved the life of one of Japan’s most famous samurai, and revolutionary Meiji hero, Sakamoto Ryoma.
After Sakamoto Ryoma united the Choshu and Satsuma clans, against #TokugawaYoshinobu, he was attacked at the Teradaya Hotel in Fushimi, Kyoto. The hotel is located next to the Fujita Family Health Clinic today.
Shosai Fujita, though risking breaking the law by aiding a wanted terrorist at the time, performed surgery upon Sakamoto Ryoma, saving his life. Sakamoto Ryoma gave a part of his sword, the tsuba, to my ancestor, as gratitude (pic below).
Afterwards, Sakamoto Ryoma wrote and introduced the 8 point reforms for the Meiji revolution, which would end the samurai class forever.
Admiral #ShibayamaYahachi, the Father of the Japanese Torpedo and former Governor of Taiwan, #KabeyamaSukenori, and Admiral #TogoKichitaro (nephew of the great Togo Heihachiro), investigated the brief story about my ancestor and Ryoma Sakamoto.
After being convinced of its authenticity, they obtained the sword tsuba, and later donated it to the Kyoto National Museum, the latter who authenticated the sword tsuba, as belonging to Sakamoto Ryoma. It is on display to the public today.
In the Japanese blogs below, excerpts from Shinzo Miyoshi’s diary, and testimonies gathered by historian Iwao Matsumura, describe the Teradaya Hotel assassination attempt in Fushimi, Kyoto. The Dr. Fujita mentioned is my ancestor.
https://saram.edition.jp/2021/01/09/post-1169/
More can be discovered about my ancestor, Dr. Shosai Fujita, by reading Kyushu International University professor and author Kazukuni Kameda’s book titled, “Research on Confucianism During the Bakamatsu Period: The Minister of Defense.” https://lnkd.in/e-Hb63F6
Dr. Shosai Fujita is also mentioned in Yamanashi Gakuin University professor Masao Kabe’s book. https://lnkd.in/e3hC9Y7Y
Before departing #Japan and returning to the #MiddleEast, I paid my respect to Sakamoto Ryoma’s grave at the Kyoto Ryozen Gokoku Shrine. His life story like a swift beautiful flying bird, and his legacy like stone underneath our feet, are my own ancestor’s and my family’s as well.
We are inseperable from him forever ♥️
Source: Historian Akira Haruta book on my ancestors “Tangaku Fujita and Sanyo Rai,” pages 3, 44-46. https://lnkd.in/dqusMsr3
Source: “Research on Confucianism during the Bakamatsu Period” by Kazukuni Kameda, page 256.
(VIDEO) Collective Consciousness: ‘We Will Return’
MAR 12, 2015 REPUBLISHED FROM IMEMC NEWS: HTTPS://IMEMC.ORG/ARTICLE/70874/
This Collective Consciousness music creation is dedicated to the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees worldwide and is simply titled, ‘We Will Return.’ The creation is a multi-lingual amalgam also aimed at raising awareness of Palestinian refugees’ plight in consequence to an absence of citizenship rights in their country of refuge.
It is showcased in Arabic/English with subtitle translations and also filmed on location in Gaza Camp, Jordan by Siraj Davis and Belal Omar. Ali Mousa Zubidi and Yaser Al Haddad at Trio Productions (https://www.facebook.com/TRIOProductionsJO Jordan) remade the music beat donated by Yazeed Abu Darwish of DZK Productions, recorded the vocals in the studio, and helped create the footage at the expense of Collective Consciousness.
(VIDEO) Collective Consciousness: ‘We Will Return’
MAR 12, 2015 REPUBLISHED FROM IMEMC NEWS: HTTPS://IMEMC.ORG/ARTICLE/70874/
This Collective Consciousness music creation is dedicated to the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees worldwide and is simply titled, ‘We Will Return.’ The creation is a multi-lingual amalgam also aimed at raising awareness of Palestinian refugees’ plight in consequence to an absence of citizenship rights in their country of refuge.
It is showcased in Arabic/English with subtitle translations and also filmed on location in Gaza Camp, Jordan by Siraj Davis and Belal Omar. Ali Mousa Zubidi and Yaser Al Haddad at Trio Productions (https://www.facebook.com/TRIOProductionsJO Jordan) remade the music beat donated by Yazeed Abu Darwish of DZK Productions, recorded the vocals in the studio, and helped create the footage at the expense of Collective Consciousness.
The Prafessa at Go Hard Entertainment of Anderson, South Carolina (https://myspace.com/prafessa2) aided in this brilliant creation’s development. Translations were done by Sara Abunamous of Nell Language Program http://nellprogram.com/ in Jordan and by author, HR activist, political lobbyist, teacher, and journalist Siraj Davis. This video represents the innocent victims of Israel, shouting in a personal message to the world to never forget them, ‘we will return to Palestine,’ Palestinians and all other humans. The Right of Return is the only possession they have left.
منضمه حقوق الانسان صنعت هذا الفيدو لاجل حق العوده هذا الفيدو الموسيقي بلعربيه والانكيزيه المجموعه المشاركه من مخيم غزه هم من اميركا وفلسطين والاردن وبولندا المهم في هذا الفيدو يوضح اهمية حق العوده للفلسطينين وكم هم منسيون في ابسط حققوق الانسانيه للعيش بكرامه ا لتي منحها الله وسلبها الانسان هولاء ضحايا اسرائيل مصورو هذا الفيدو سراج ديفس و بلال عمر كما قام سراج ديفس بتسجيل الفيدو وتنضيمه على حسابه الشخصي بدفع المستحقات الى كل من علي موسى الزبيدي وياسر الحداد العاملين في شركة تريو بودكشنز كما قام يزيد ابو درويش بلتبرع بلموسيقى الى مخيم غزه كما قامت شركة تريو برودكسنز بتعديل الموسيقى وتسجيل الاغنيه كما شارك في المساعده لضهور هذا الفيديو البرفسور من شركة كو هار انتر تيمنت في ساوث كارولاينا
Gaza Camp in Jordan is the worst Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan and has been in existence for over 6 decades. These refugees live in dilapidated windowless homes -some without doors- with zinc roofs. The trash infestation and dead animal carcasses inundates all of the streets and an antiquated sewage system occasionally over-flows into the streets where residents stroll and children play. The infrastructure consists of dirt roads, crumbling buildings, and a single community center for a population of 24,000. Medical services are extremely limited as a stroller may occasionally witness men staring at the ground while sitting on the streets, children with a hole in their face, elderly without wheel-chairs, and worse.
These refugees have fewer rights than naturalized Palestinians in the West Bank, nations of refuge like Jordan, and even Gazans. They can’t ascertain driver’s licenses, open bank accounts, and purchase property. They are not allowed to travel outside of Jordan or return to Gaza. They are excluded from most employment with exception of menial labor that Egyptian expats within Jordan obtain normally. They also experience difficulty with studying in higher education. They’re often stigmatized by the rest of Jordanian society with unfair negative stereotypes. They are also forgotten by the media, because they are not victims of Israeli violence, as in the occupied territories of Palestine (Gaza and the West Bank).
مخيم غزه في الاردن في جرش هو اسوء مخيم في الاردن للاجئين الفلسطين ومن ماسي مخيم غزه هم لايسطيعون الحصول على شهادات عليا كما لايستطيعون ان بستخرجوا رخصة قياده كما لايمكنهم السفر خارج الاردن والفلسطينون الذين لديهم الجنسيه الاردنية هم يتمتعون بكل هذه المميزات الني حرموا منها الفلسطينيون الذين لم يحصلو على الجنسيه الاردنيه كا ان اللاجئين في مخيم غزه يعيشون في بيوت خاليه من الشبابيك واسقف بيوتهم من مادة الزينكو وكما هو واضح في الفيدو فان الشوارع طافحه بماء المجاري الاسن والاطفال يلعبونفي الشوارع لان الصحافه والاعلام في العالم نسو ان يوجهو الضوءعلى هذا المخيم وحيات اللاجئين الماساويه لابد من تغير فهولاء هم ضحايا اسرائيل
Two guest speakers lead the intro at the beginning of the music video in their messages to Gaza Camp, Jordan. Moe Diab, a Palestinian human rights activist, Middle East political news analyst, and author/actor provides a powerful mentor as he emphasizes the hope of education in his message to Gaza Camp and reassures its residents that they are not forgotten despite many others ignoring their penury.
Co-founder of 50 Cent’s G-unit, affiliate of Rick Ross’ Maybach Records, and CEO of Feed the Wolves Entertainment, Bang Em Smurf (Daniel Calliste), demonstrates an exceptionally interesting trait as a celebrity that possesses humility. He encourages the Gaza Camp inhabitants to never give up hope, champions of the under-privileged youth as Bang Em Smurf care for humans in places as Gaza Camp. Bang Em Smurf proclaims in a palpable tone, despite the impossible tribulations the Gaza Camp youth face, they still can accomplish their dreams.
في بدايه الاغنيه يضهر شخصين من مشاهير العالم وهم الاصدقاء المفربون لسراج ديفس الاول اسمه محمد ذياب وهو ناشط في حقوق الانسان ومحلل سياسي ومؤلف وممثل سينمائي وهو ينصح ويركز على التعليم للاجئين في مخيم غزه بقوله بلعلم تستطيع ان تعود الى فلسطين والشخص الثاني هو اسمه بنغم سمرف اسمه الحقيقي دانيال كالستي هو احد المؤسسين لفرقة جي يونت مع ففتي سنت وهول يعمل مع رك روس من شركة مي باك ركردز وهو يقول لمخيم غزه لا تيأسون من الامل وسوف تصبحون كما تريدون ان تكونوا
Throughout the video’s progress, many different Gaza Camp refugees participate in a show of support for the Right of Return underneath the palpable melodious words of gifted background vocalist, Kamila Dudkiewicz, as she sings we will return to Palestine. Other singers include student Ahmed Ribhi who highlights the despair of an unknown future in his lyrics. Mc Hosam addresses the suffering of the largest refugee population in the world, created by the 1948 and 1867 ethnic cleansing Israel commenced upon these innocent humans. He raises the crescendo at the end of his lyrics, to declare Palestinians will never submit their last sole possession, the Right of Return. Abdullah AbuShabob exposes the cricketing silence, shameful marginalization, and malignant false stereotypes that the media and Arab world imposes upon Gaza Camp. Siraj Davis shares a personal tragedy which aligns him on the destiny for the Right of Return and even refers to Mahmoud Darwish’s poem the Earth is Closing in on Us when he announces there are ‘no more last skies’ for Palestinian refugees. There’s only one place to return, Palestine.
The video concludes with a personal message by the main organizer of the music video from Gaza Camp, Basheer Abu Serdanah, head of the Gaza Camp Community Development Office of UNRWA. Collective Consciousness originated the idea for this project, gathered the volunteers, funded the entire music and footage development throughout all stages, meticulously directed filming, and generously funded all other associated costs attached to this project. All copyrights belong to Collective Consciousness.
في هذا الفيدو الفلسطينيون يبعثون برساله الى كل العالم انهم لن يستسلموا في حق العوده الى فلسطين في هذا الفيديو كل المغنين هم يدعون الى دعم حق العوده المغنين هم احمد ربحي و هو طالب واسماعيل حسام وهو يعمل في كفي وعبدالله شباب وسراج دسفس مدرس ومؤلف وصحفي ومحلل سياسي وناشط في حقوق الانسان والمرددون في هذا الفيديو هم كميله دود كيا وقز وفي نهاية الفلم يضهر كل من بشير ابو سردانه يعمل في منظمة اونروا في مخيم غزهوهو من سهل ايجاد المغنين من مخيم غزه
Twitter Bang Em Smurf: https://twitter.com/BangemSmurf_FDW
Twitter Siraj Davis: https://twitter.com/sirajdavis
Twitter Moe Diab: https://twitter.com/Moe_Diab
Gaza Camp: https://www.facebook.com/Gazarefugees
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Gaza Camp: The Untold Story
(A throwback from 2013) . While volunteer teaching for years in one of the most neglected UNRWA#Palestinian refugee camps, #Jerash#GazaCamp#Jordan, a riot broke out between Gaza Camp residents, and a neighboring town (mostly Jordanian residents).
Though advised to depart for security and safety reasons, I and two other American expat volunteer teachers (Miles Shelly from California and Max Marin of Pennsylvania), chose to remain at risk, and document everything. Our students lived here.
Later a rep from Human Rights Watch and Al-Monitor arrived for their own investigations.
I experienced and witnessed the following:
1) Injuries to non-participants of the rioting, from rubber bullets.
2) Brazilian tear gas canisters fired directly at adolescents, and one 10 year-old child.
3) Reports of live ammunition fired as an intimidation tactic. No one was shot though, thankfully.
4) Jordanian security participating in throwing rocks with the neighboring town residents inside the camp, at Gaza Camp refugees.
5) Residents were arrested without evidence and assaulted in sweeps. One resident had his teeth knocked out, which Al Monitor covered (https://lnkd.in/dykuXF5K)
It was an experience I will never forget, and is vividly etched within my upcoming and overdue book publication.
Human rights is not as people think.
It’s not monetarily beneficial, comes with little recognition, and many risks.
Many times, the changes we would like to see, that should occur, never do. But, occasionally, something simple as documenting and writing, can make a difference.
And that difference sometimes may never occur till much later, when much less people even notice.
I hope the above can lead to some changes in how refugees are respected and treated in the future.
I’m grateful for those who did the right thing, and stood by these refugees. And I’m glad no one was seriously hurt.
Gaza Camp: The Untold Story
Republished from Ammon News: https://en.ammonnews.net/article/23374
[23-10-2013 11:02 AM]
Ammon News -By Siraj Davis
Gaza Camp near the tourist district of Jerash’s Roman ruins in the country of Jordan, is a refugee camp teeming with Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, who began fleeing to this safe location in 1967.
It is the worst Palestinian refugee UNRWA camp in Jordan with an antiquated sewage which occasionally overflows into the cramped alleys and streets near children, dilapidated houses without roofs and doors, a plethora of old solar heated trash accompanied by decaying animal carcasses in the streets, a dearth of public transportation and recreational facilities, and polluted water.
The rates of disease, birth rate, school out rate, and unemployment rates are very high. The inhabitants are underprivileged as some do not possess the ability to travel abroad, can not own vehicles or property,require a financial sponsor for education past the tenth grade, are excluded from many jobs necessitating the minimum amount of security clearance in the government sector and not permitted types of employment with higher incomes, etc. They are second class citizens by nearly every criterion.
On Thursday, October 3rd, at approximately 7:00 p.m, the Gaza Camp was host to a conflagration which was initially sparked between the youth of its refugee camp and Jordanian residents of a neighboring village, Al Haddada.
The nascent conundrum escalated to brawls between multiple parties wherein Jordanian police reportedly participated in looting shops and aiding Al Haddada antagonists in Gaza Camp.
One resident stated, “the fight started at Haneen shop between just little kids.The Jordanians from Al Haddada attacked the father of one [Gaza Camp] kid who complain in police station.
Then burn cars, library or bookstore, telephone shops, kitchen shops, and pharmacy…the police help them!” According to all of those interviewed, after witnessing some of the Jordanian police siding with the assailants of Al Haddada village, Gaza Camp youth turned their hostilities toward both Al Haddada assailants and the Jordanian police by throwing stones and rocks in defense of their neighborhoods.
Though certain representatives of the Jordanian authorities have denied this narrative, one video has arisen to support such claims, and others are reported to be circulating still.
Gaza Camp residents still persist in their claims that a high ranking officer of the Jordanian Gandarmie is a relative of one of the Al Haddada antagonists and therein lay some of the bias against Gaza Camp by the Jordanian police.
(Here, two Jordanian police officers including what is suspected to either be a non-uniformed officer or resident from Al Haddada village, are fighting with with others from Al Haddada village against Gaza Camp youth.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaDcRcWUGoY&t=5s
Reserve law enforcement forces were called into the area in the form of an estimated thirty to fifty officers and more than five armored personnel carriers. An occupation followed wherein the main streets were cordoned off allowing different individual high ranking officers to use discretion as to who may or may not pass. Shops for businesses, schools, and recreational facilities were shut down.
Jordanian police engaged a group of approximately twenty Gaza Camp youth from ages of ten to twenty years of age, up and down residential streets while firing tear gas and rubber bullets directly at protestors. Injuries include deep red abrasions, lacerations, and heavy bruises with victims’ ages ranging from the youth to the elderly. The tear gas saturated the neighborhoods of Gaza Camp making it impossible for inhabitants to deter the seeping gas from entering their homes. In one incident, tear gas shot into the vicinity of a Abu Bakr mosque interrupted Friday prayers as worshipers immediately vacated the mosque because the gas was unbearable.
It is interesting to note that tear gas canisters have on them a warning message, “Dangerous if used after the validity date” yet there is no validity date on the canisters. There were also unconfirmed reports of rubber bullets being shot from rooftops at protestors, beatings of protestors backed into corners by several law enforcement officers, and the discharging of live firearms into the air by both Jordanian law enforcement and Al Haddada participants.
After many vehicles and buildings were set ablaze and damaged, hostilities ceased when Jordanian police retreated to the eastern portion of Gaza Camp after two continuous days of violence.
(In the following videos, it can be clearly seen that those fighting with the police are young children and adolescents. It also can be seen that the tears gas canisters have no dates on them.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPRk0TGvKeE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLlIzCK3lqY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4X0orgvTtU
(Adam Coogle of Human Rights Watch)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaN51oUxdek
A total of sixteen Gaza Camp residents were arrested by Jordanian law enforcement and detained by the Internal Security Apparatus of Jordan. None of them residents of Al Haddada village who entered Gaza Camp to begin the original altercation which led to this malaise.
Reports from residents indicate no warrants, verbal reasons, or evidence were presented at time of arrest as some were dragged from their families’ homes or picked up individually on the streets. There are also complaints that bystanders inquiring into these arrests were either arrested or beaten. Consternation arises from strong vocal grievances that though adolescents were solely involved in the malaise, the Jordanian law enforcement arrested adults as well. Such complaints appear legitimate as many testimonies and video evidence augments this claim, which brings into question as to whether the arrests were in fact indiscriminate or not.
On October 9, Wednesday, non-violent protests were held for the release of the detained. One protestor whose son was incarcerated announced that she discovered during a visit to her son that there were signs of torture which seemed as its aim was to provoke confessions.
A second protestor in close proximity to this mother immediately concurred with the former’s statement. Ahmad Amrah, a human rights activist, organized the event in a non-provocative and orderly manner.
He has also been leading the efforts to release the remaining five residents and dispelling the truth of what occurred at Gaza Camp. After the protest, parliamentary member Mohammed Hadeeb castigated another parliamentary constituent Taher Al Masri, over the incident.
Before EID, ten of the sixteen prisoners were released on bail, six remained incarcerated. Interviews with five of the ten released indicated torture in the form of hour long beatings, two continuous days of food and water deprivation with denial of bathroom privileges, and the administering of electrical shock.
One fourteen year old prisoner complained the police discharged a firearm near his feet to induce fear and anxiety. Another sixteen year old prisoner complained an officer took a shoe off his sole and began to slap him in the face many times, ending the malignant crescendo by shoving it into his mouth to near suffocation. This same teenager also stated he was beaten while seated with handcuffs on him. All of the formerly imprisoned maintain their innocence, that they were not asked any questions during the ordeal, and have also indicated that the remaining five in prison have worse injuries including broken teeth and bones.
On Monday, October 21, all but one of the prisoners were released. Allegations of broken teeth and bones were confirmed. All of the recently freed still face a court date in the future. In consideration of the aforementioned circumstances, the prisoners and others of Gaza Camp, are demanding financial compensation for damages, for current charges to be dropped, and a return of their dignity by the Jordanian government delineating the truth to the public behind the recent catastrophe in Gaza Camp.
Robert Satloff, Executive Director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and David Schenker, Director for Program on Arab Politics at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, have both suggested that part of Jordan’s pathway for deterring the maelstrom of the Arab Spring is to control the corruption and to check the excessive force applied by security forces.
Such tactics’ intent is to avoid the policital vacuum which injustice creates wherein outside influences can replace the legitimacy of an acting presence. More specifically, Satloff’s and Schenker’s fears are directed at the Muslim Brotherhood who may take advantage of such unfair anomalies to justice in order to rise to power.
The unfortunate and embarrassing situation of Gaza Camp above, questions whether Jordan is heeding the advice of the US’s affluent in foreign policy and exacerbating the activities of those on the ground in Jordan concerned about such policies. Or if the event above in addition to the continuous protests in Jordan which go ignored, are auguries of what is already inevitable.
* Siraj Davis has a Master of Arts in History and is currently a teacher with a command of six languages, and a freelance journalist for human rights issues. He has spent eight years researching examples of violent and non-violent insurgencies and counterinsurgencies or Low Intensity Conflicts across the world, in various contexts and backgrounds. His first book was “Religious Fanaticism and Abolition: Early 19th Century Marginalization of David Walker and Nat Turner” and he is currently working on his second book “The Pursuit of Love Against the War on Terrorism.” He has also published various academic journal and newspaper articles.
He has organized and lobbied for human rights and immigration reform with organizations such as Amnesty International, American Families United, SOA Watch, US Campaign for Burma, the American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights, and more. Davis is president of the Collective Consciousness human rights organization and a constituent of the Truth Justice and Peace Movement. He is currently focused on the Free Ziyad Yaghi Campaign, Peace in Palestine/Israel Conflict, and all refugees.
Davis is also a former pugilist and 1991 AAU/JKA National Shotokan Karate Champion.
A Collective Consciousness and TJP Production 