VOLUME No: 78 Issue No:1
Washington, D.C. September 16, 2005
As Relief Efforts Continue for Hurricane Katrina...
As relief efforts continue in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, many areas are progressing in the clean-up efforts. With estimates of up to 80% of New Orleans under water at one point, pumps have drained much of the city. There are, however, still many areas where a boat is needed for travel. The recovery of bodies continues, with the death toll far less than initial predictions. President Bush visited the area once again yesterday and addressed the nation from New Orleans about overall the recovery effort in the wake of the August 29 category 4 hurricane. The U.S. government is providing much-needed relief, with some over 115 foreign governments and international organizations offering money and aid. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has come under heavy criticism for its slow response to Hurricane Katrina, and FEMA director Michael Brown resigned on Monday after being removed from the relief effort in the region. Finally, Congressional leaders announced this week the formation of a bipartisan body to investigate the local, state and federal response to the disaster.
Israel Withdraws Its Troops From Gaza
Palestinians rejoiced Monday as Israeli troops pulled out of Gaza after 38 years of military occupation. Palestinian Authority forces established control as Palestinians took to the streets in celebration, many waving Palestinian flags. Unfortunately, some youths attacked and set ablaze several of the synagogues left behind in 21 settlements evacuated last month under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s plan to ‘disengage’ from the conflict. Sharon has received international accolades for this move. While they welcome the withdrawal, Palestinians fear that Israel is trading Gaza for a more permanent hold on larger settlements in the West Bank, which has a population of almost twice that of Gaza.
The withdrawal has important economic and social implications, allowing for the possibility of business expansion and Palestinian reconstruction, as well as freedom of movement within Gaza unimpeded by Israeli troops. Israel will continue to control Gaza’s border crossings, air space and waters, but the Palestinian Authority may establish institutional order and security, with an opportunity for further control of the borders in the near future.
New Blast Rocks Baghdad as UN General Assembly opens in NYC
In a new wave of violence Wednesday, a coordinated surge of suicide bombings rocked Baghdad, killing almost 150 people and injuring hundreds more. The attacks were staged by insurgents, with Al Qaeda of Iraq taking responsibility for the assault which killed more people in Baghdad since the invasion of Iraq toppled Saddam Hussein more than two years ago. The largest of the attacks occurred in a Shiite neighborhood of Baghdad, the bomber using promise of work to draw day-laborers to his van before blowing it up.
The attacks coincided with the opening of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, attended by top Iraqi leaders and President Bush, who addressed the General Assembly and urged the UN to step up its battle against terrorism, to help in chasing down terrorists, and rooting out the causes of terrorism.
John Roberts Hearing Begins
Judge John G. Roberts Jr., President’s Bush’s nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, began public examination this week in what will be a long partisan game of questions and answers. Initially nominated to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, but then to replace Chief Justice William Rehnquist who passed away early this month, Roberts’ personal beliefs and court records have come under heavy scrutiny by liberal interest groups and Senate democrats. Despite several days of testimony, many Democratic leaders claimed concerns that his views are still largely unknown; particularly on issues such as abortion, the right to die, and affirmative action. The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to hold a confirmation vote for Roberts next Thursday, and Roberts is expected to receive bipartisan support of the a majority of the full Senate.
ISNA wraps-up the 42nd Annual Convention in Chicago
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) convention wrapped-up it 42nd annual convention this Labor Day weekend. While the program included well known scholars such as Dr. Ingrid Mattson, who also serves as ISNA Vice President, many of the usual main attractions such as favorites Siraj Wahaj and Sheikh Hamza Yusuf were unable to attend. Attendance was lower than usual with Hurricane Katrina’s destruction in the south, and her toll on the air systems and gas prices playing a factor in the lower turnout.
