This week on Crossing The Line: The UN Committee Against Torture releases a scathing report on Israel's continued use of torture on Palestinian prisoners we'll speak to Louis Frankenthaler of The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel about the report and a follow-up report that PCATI issued.

Also this week, after nearly two years of isolation from the outside world - courtesy of the Israeli military - ongoing extrajudicial assasinations, acute malnutrition, and a host of other issues facing the Gaza Strip's 1.5 million residents activists from Brittan organized a massive convoy of goods and services to send to the occupants of the world's largest open-air prison. We'll speak to Fatima Mohammadi an activist and coordinator of Viva Palestina about the convoy and the challenges they face.

This week on Crossing The Line: Dori Smith of Talk Nation Radio speaks with Ron Yaron of Physicians For Human Rights about Israeli war crimes committed during the three week assault on Gaza. Later in the show, Smith plays clips from a documentary film by the Guardian's Clancy Chassay and Julian Borger. They investigated Israeli war crimes in Gaza and attacks on hospitals and medical workers.

And finally, May 15th 2009 marks 61 years since The Nakba or "Catastrophe," when more than 700,000 Palestinians were forcibly removed from they're homes by Jewish militia groups, today we'll hear the voice of one who remembers the events that changed the lives of herself, her family and all Palestinians in their homeland.

This week on Crossing The Line: Investigative journalist and Crossing The Line contributing producer Nora Barrows-Friedman will spend the hour speaking with Hazam Jamjoum of Badil; The Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugees' Rights about Israel's practice of apartheid.

This week on Crossing The Line: it is one of the great paradoxes of the modern Middle East, when peace with the Palestinians is in sight, Israel will turn violent.

This is quite understandable though, when one realizes that the entire raison d'etre of the Jewish State is based on the principle of establishing 'greater Israel." Today, we'll speak to Middle East commentator Rannie Amiri about the curious case of the Israeli state, then later in the podcast an extended commentary by Mumia Abu Jamal regarding the recent G-20 summit.

This week on Crossing The Line: Israel continues it's nearly two-year closure of the Gaza Strip as thousands of medical patients take to the streets to protest this past week.

With the continued sealing off of all Gaza's exits how can humanitarian relief be given to the strip's 1.5 million residents who are facing a grave crisis, and more importantly how can Gazans be allowed to sustain their own futures rather than be wards of the UN. Melinda Borne, program director of United Palestine Appeal will join us to talk about it.

This week on Crossing The Line: two US Congressmen visit Gaza and are stunned by the destruction they see, but neither utters a word of criticism about Israel's three-week assault on the region.

Meanwhile, President Barrack Obama calls for a reduction in nuclear weapons between the US and Russia, but why isn't Israel being challenged to do the same?

Investigative journalist and Crossing The Line correspondent, Nora Barrows-Friedman will spend the hour with us addressing these issues, plus settlement expansion.

This week on Crossing The Line: after 21 years of distinguished academic service, Joel Kovel the former Algir Hiss Chair of Social Studies at bard College is fired over his criticism of Zionism, we'll speak to Kovel about the firing and what lead to it.


Also this week,  an Internal Israeli army investigation finds no fault on the part of soldiers that many human rights groups say committed war crimes during the three week assault on Gaza, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas recalls the PLO Ambassador to Russia, Afif Safieh, after he attended a rally in support of the region. Businessman and journalist Sam Bahour will talk about the Israeli internal investigation, Abbas' latest move regarding Safieh, and the current political climate in Palestine.

This week on Crossing The Line: on December 28th, 2008 the second day of the three-week Israeli offensive, the science building at the Islamic University of Gaza was bombed. Israel claims the building was where Palestinians were manufacturing weapons, but no evidence has been put forth to prove this. We'll speak to Dr. Akram Habeeb, a professor of English at the university about the bombing and what lies ahead for the students and faculty.

Also this week, the university's science department is now nothing more than ruble. How will it be rebuilt and why is there not more outrage at this suppression of academic freedom? Dr. Marcy Newman an associate professor of English at Najah University in Nablus will join us to talk about it.

This week on Crossing The Line: Notable members of congress as well as the Israeli lobbies forced Charles Freeman, a highly respected foreign policy and intelligence expert to withdraw his name for consideration as the head of the National Intelligence Council.

While many in Washington spoke out in favor of Freeman, the Obama administration's voice was noticeably absent. Today we'll spend the show speaking to two former CIA analysts, Kathleen and Bill Christison about these issues.

This week on Crossing The Line: There has been a constant refrain that what is currently happening with Israeli policy towards Palestinians mirrors that of the White South African government towards Blacks. But what are the similarities and is this a fair comparison? South African activist and former member of the Mandela government Ronnie Kasrils speaks to Mordecai Briemberg of the Red-Eye Collective about the comparisons and the need for boycotts and divestment.

Also this week, the former deputy director of the Mossad's daughter refused to serve in the Israeli military because of her opposition to Israel occupying Palestinian land and was sent to prison for 35 days. We'll speak to Omer Goldman about her decision, the reaction of her father, and the consequences she faces as a result of her actions.

This week on Crossing The Line: We'll speak with Seweryn Sztalkoper of Gaza Surf Relief, whose mission is to bring surfing equipment to the small but dedicated group of surfers who ride the waves off the Gaza Strip's coast in spite of the closure and while being shot at by the Israeli navy.

Also this week, the number one rule in sports is that politics and sports don't mix. But while the massacre of Gaza raged on, athletes and coaches from around the world expressed their anger at the slaughter of the innocents. Award-winning sportswriter Dave Zirin will join us to talk about the massacre, sports and resistance, and the need for a strong boycott, divestment and sanctions on Israel pertaining to athletics.

This week on Crossing The Line: we'll hear the conclusion  of a two-part talk given by author, lecturer and noted scholar Dr. Norman Finkelstein about the Israeli massacre on Gaza and the explanation and real reason for the attacks.

Then later in the podcast a poem by award-winning Palestinian American poet Suheir Hammad.

This week on Crossing The Line: we’ll hear part one of a two-part talk given by author, lecturer and noted scholar Dr. Norman Finkelstein about the Israeli massacre on Gaza and the explanation and real reason for the attacks.

Then later in the podcast a commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal regarding the siege on Gaza.

This week on Crossing The Line: Israeli elections were held on February 10^th and the “so-called” center right party of Kadima, headed by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, holds a narrow lead over the far-right Likud Party and its head Benyamin Netanyahu to determine the next Prime Minister of Israel. But although both leaders come from different parties there are vast similarities between the two when it comes to dealing with the Palestinians, Phyllis Bennis a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies will join us to talk about the elections and what might lie ahead.

Also this week, Israel has been accused of war crimes against the Palestinians during its 22 day assault on Gaza by a number of human rights groups. Dori Smith of Talk Nation Radio speaks with Zahir Jan Mohammed -- Amnesty International Advocacy Director of Middle East and North Africa -- about Israel's violations of international law.

This week on Crossing The Line, as President Barrack Obama stood before a crowd of 2 million giving his inaugural address, he pledged to work with those in the Arab and Muslim world towards peace. But absent in the message was any condemnation of Israeli atrocities committed on the Palestinians, the Electronic Intifada Ali Abunimah will join us to talk about the new administration, the recent massacre in Gaza and the prospects of peace in the region.

Also this week, we'll speak to Crossing The Line special correspondent Rami Almeghari about the current situation on the ground in Gaza after the 22 day siege.

This week on a special Crossing The Line: we'll present a documentary feature by filmmaker and British journalist John Pillger entitled, "Palestine is Still The Issue" which documents the effects of  40 years of ocupation and over 60 years of dispossesion.

 

PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO JANUARY 30TH EPISODE OF CROSSING THE LINE. WE WILL RETURN WITH NEW EPISODES BEGINNING FEBRUARY 6TH FOCUSING ON THE ISRAELI ASSAULT ON GAZA AND CONTINUING ON THIS ISSUE THROUGHOUT THE MONTH.

This week on Crossing The Line: when a fighter dies who is lost? When a young man ends his life strapped to a bomb who is left behind? And where do the new generations find a placefrom which to start?

 

In this week's journalist Seth Porcello looks at the relationship between children and the situations of conflict they inhabit. Here the line between external and internal violence is blurred as children in Jenin refugee camp struggle to reconcile the death and loss they are surrounded by on a daily basis with the simple reality of childhood.

This week on Crossing The Line: we'll listen to a documentary by journalist Seth Porcello that features audio of the people in the village of Majdal Shams shouting across the minfield (1967 cease-fire line) that seperates them from their relatives in Syria.

 

This very tangible sound of a border, and occupation, serves as a point from which to tell this story. As you hear the Safhia family, who very graciously allowed Porcello to record their conversation, you hear, without interpertation, what it is to go on living and coping with the reality of never being able to reunite with your family. Through their bullhorns they give voice to the border, through the silence of the minefield.

 

Also this week, Saed Bannoura of the International Middle East Medai Center presents a lecture of life as a journalist and Palestinian under Israeli occupation; please stay wih us for this powerful episode of Crossing The Line.

This week on Crossing The Line: South African Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu was banned from appearing at an April, 2008 conference at the University of St. Thomas, due to allegations that he had previously compared Israel to Hitler.

 

This Allegation was made by mumerous 'pro-Israel" entitiels, such as The Zionist Organization of America, The David Project, David Horowitz, and The Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

 

Today we will air an inspiring spech that Tutu gave that was critical of Israel's occupation but was expressed with love for Palestinians and Israelis, as well as a call for peace with justice, all of this coming up stay tuned.

THis week on Crossing The Line: Mark Helpsmeet host of Spirit in Action presents a program of three women; an Israeli Jew, a Palestinian Chrisitian, and a Palestinian Muslim  from The Jerusalem Women Speaking Tour; who present their lives to an American audience and their advocacy to try and do active peacemaking in a troubled land, all of this straight ahead stay with us.

This week on Crossing The Line: Ramzy Baroud editor and publisher of The Palestine Chronicle talks with Stephen Lendman of the Global Research News Hour about the latest developments in Gaza, the West Bank and the Israeli Empire, all of that and more coming up on this week's show.

This week on a special Crossing The Line: multi-award winning Palestinian American Poet Suheir Hammad will join us to talk about her latest volume of poetry entitled Breaking Poems, the cultural boycott of Israel, her first feature film role and the historic US presidential elections, all this and more straight ahead stay with us.

This week on Crossing The Line: John Reynolds a legal researcher and lawyer with Al-Haq, a human rights organization based in Palestine, talks with journalist, David Parker of Resistance Radio about a landmark court case of a Palestinian village taking two Canadian companies to Canadian court for their construction of Jewish Israeli settlements on Palestinian occupied territory. Also this week Flashpoints Radio Senior Producer and Crossing The Line correspondent Nora Barrows-Friedman talks with an eyewitness to settler and military violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

This week on Crossing The Line: Naomi Kline investigative journalist and author of The Shock Doctrine speaks with economist Shir Hever of the Alternative Information Center about Israel’s role in the disaster capitalism phenomenon, the contradictions in Israeli society, which both profits and suffers from the burdens of being a fortress state in constant conflict, and on the discourse among Israeli economists about the role of peace vs. war in the Israeli economy, then later in the podcast a commentary by The Black Agenda Report's Glenn Ford on the fall of American Imperialism.

This week on Crossing The Line: no food, gas shortages, targeted killings, and border closures have once again created havoc on the 1.5 million residents of the Gaza Strip. A UN official recently said that, "This has become a blockade against the United Nations itself." We’ll speak with Palestinian journalist Rami Almeghari about the latest episode in this long-running humanitarian crisis.

This week on Crossing The Line: With a resounding victory President elect Barrack Hussein Obama made history on the evening of November 4^th, 2008. Running on the slogan "Change You Can Believe In," many are hoping that after eight long years of the Bush administration, change has arrived. But what about change for the Palestinians and they're untenable situation; what change can he bring for the world’s oldest refugee population? We’ll speak to Kathleen and Bill Christison both formerly with the CIA about this issue.

Also this week, almost immediately after securing the presidency Obama picked Rahm Emmanuel, a staunch supporter of Israel, as his White House Chief of Staff; how will this appointment affect the so-called "change" that Obama campaigned on and in particular how will it affect the Palestinians? Electronic Intifada co-founder and author Ali Abunimah will join us to talk about it, all that’s coming up but first the news from Palestine.

This week on Crossing The Line: before 9/11 most people – and in particular most Americans – had never heard of Richard Perle, Douglas Feith, or Paul Wolfowitz much less the conservative movement know as Neo-Conservatism. But over the last thirty years they're rise in the ranks of the Republican party has had a devastating impact on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. In his new book; The Transparent Cabel: The Neo-Conservative Agenda, War in the Middle East, and the National Interest of Israel, Dr. Stephen J. Sniegoski will join us to talk about the origins, rise and control that Neo-Con foreign policy has had on Palestinians and Israelis.

This week on Crossing The Line: as Israeli settlers increase their attacks on Palestinian farmers in the West Bank; Susan Nathan, author of The Other Side of Israel talks with Flashpoints Senior producer and Crossing The Line correspondent Nora Barrows-Friedman about recent violence against Palestinian citizens of Israel in the context of expanded and state-sanctioned racism.

Also this week, in her award-winning piece -- “33 Days” -- documentary filmmaker Mai Masri spoke with journalist Malihe Razazan about the 2006 Israeli war against Lebanon and the impact that the conflict had on four individual's lives.

This week on Crossing The Line: more than 28 million copies of an anti-Muslim DVD entitled Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against The West, were sent out on September 11^th of this year as ad insert in 70 newspapers including The New York Times.

The slick advert has been distributed in 14 battleground states that could determine the winner of the US Presidential election. Journalist and political cartoonist Khalil Bendib speaks to associate professor Omid Safi of the Islamic studies department at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, about Israel's active participation in the making of this so called documentary.

This week on Crossing The Line: The media has left, the crowds have dispersed but the dire economic and humanitarian situation still remains in Gaza. Crossing The Line speaks with Huwaida Araff a Palestinian American activist and co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement about the group's return to Gaza and how the siege of Gaza will be broken again.

Also this week, Eleven thousand Palestinian prisoners are being held in Israeli jails at any one time, including as many as 350 children under the age of 18. Author Adam Hanieh talks with Jane Williams of the Red-Eye Collective about why there are so many Palestinian prisoners and the consequences for families and society in general in the West Bank and Gaza.

This week on Crossing The Line: more than 130 million dollars has been donated to the rebuilding of the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr al Bared, but many residents wonder why there is such a delay in improving already deplorable conditions; Dana Simpson an activist and graduate student from American University in Beirut will join us to talk about it.

Also this week, the Lebanese army moves forces to the North of the country. Many residents of Bidawwi -- a Palestinian refugee camp, located 10 minutes away from Nahr al Bared – feel that the move is being done to deal with “so called” Salaafi militants that the government claims is living in the camp; activist Bassem Chit, will join us to explain.

This week on Crossing The Line: as Israel's draconian polices towards Palestinians continue, a world-wide boycott and divestment campaign is gathering more steam. But how best do we approach confrontation with the State? In the first of a multiple part series, noted scholar, lecturer and author Dr. Norman Finkelstein speaks on the practical issues concerning the Palestinian/Israeli conflict in order to bring about a “place for everyone at the rendezvous of victory” all that and more coming up, but first the news from Palestine.

This week on Crossing The Line: while boycott and divestment campaigns in the West become more sophisticated and widespread, the Arab world's longstanding boycott of Israel is being undermined by Arab governments, companies and businessmen. We’ll speak to Wassim Al Adel a London based Syrian blogger about this disturbing trend; then later in the podcast a commentary by Glen Ford of The Black Agenda Report.

This week on Crossing The Line: Palestinian political prisoner Dr. Sami Al Arian is released on bond after five years in prison, after a Florida jury could not find Al Arian guilty on any of the charges brought against him; but why was he held for so long, why did a rogue prosecutor in Virginia continue to keep him locked up, and what does the Oslo Peace process, Zionist journalists in the US, and former US attorney Alberto Gonzales have to do with his incarceration?

Journalist John Sugg will join us to explain, all that's coming up plus a commentary by Mumia Abu Jamal about the foreign policy of fools.

This week on Crossing The Line: After 2,020 days Palestinian Political prisoner Dr. Sam Al Arian was released from prison this week in the custody of his daughter Laila we’ll speak to her about his release and what lies ahead.

Also this week, the third annual Washington-Israel summit sponsored by Christians United for Israel was held in the nation’s capital; politicians, pundits, and preachers all joined in condemning Iran, the Palestinian resistance and of course Muslims, we’ll speak to two journalists Farrah Hassen and Dedrick Muhammad who attended the conference on what they saw and heard.

This week on Crossing The Line: a scathing report issued by The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel or PICATI, “reveals the widespread phenomenon of violence against bound Palestinian detainees by IDF soldiers and the almost absolute indifference of the IDF, the Ministry of Defense and the Knesset towards the existence of this phenomenon and the need to take action in order to eradicate it completely.” We’ll speak to Orah Maggen the information and communication coordinator of PICATI about this troubling document.

Also this week, independent journalist and political cartoonist Khalil Bendib interviews Israeli filmmaker Shai Carmelli Pollack about his documentary film titled Bil’in Habibti,

This week on Crossing The Line: An Israeli court found no evidence that soldiers acted improperly in the killing of a Reuters cameraman, we’ll hear from Palestinian journalist Rami Almeghari about the ruling, reactions too it, and doing journalism while under siege.

Also this week, Palestinian, Israeli and International peace activists have set sail on two boats for the Gaza coast. Israel has stated that it is within its right to use force if necessary against the activists, we’ll speak with one of the participants – Paul Larudee -- as the boats steam towards Gaza.

And finally a commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal regarding the conflict between Russia and Georgia, all that’s coming up stay tuned, but first the news from Palestine.

This week on Crossing The Line: The games of the 29^th Olympiad kicked off on 8-8-08 in Beijing China, amongst the participating countries is Israel who --- although they claim to be the only democracy in the Middle East – have no Arab or Palestinian representation, sportswriter, activist and author Dave Zirin will join us to speak about the Beijing games, sports and politics and whether or not Israel should be banned from international competition.

Also this week, last summer a group called, The Palestine Media Collective produced a parody of the Vancouver Sun. Six months later, Mordecai Briemberg was charged with producing the parody and committing a commercial violation of trademark; we’ll hear an interview conducted by Jane Williams of the Red-Eye collective with Brian Campbell of The Seriously Free Speech Committee about the case.

And finally, 3 Fulbright scholars from Gaza have been told by the US consulate in Jerusalem that they will not be allowed to enter the United States after the consulate was informed of new information regarding the students. Former Fulbright Scholar, activist and author Anna Baltzer will join us to talk about the decision.

This week on Crossing The Line: during the years 2000 thru 2007 of the nearly 1,300 investigations by the Israeli military police into suspected crimes against Palestinians, only 76 ended in indictments. In our first segment, Lior Yavne, research director of the Israeli human rights group Yesh Din, will join us to discuss these disturbing statistics.

Also this week, he once proclaimed to be a staunch Christian Zionist and a true friend to Israel. He exhorted his congregation to pray God’s blessings upon the state, but in 1990 the Rev. Thomas Are had a reawakening and became an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights and a fierce critic of Israeli occupation, he’ll join us today to talk about his profound conversion and his new mission in life.

This week on Crossing The Line: Sen. Barrack Obama wraps up a tour of the Middle East assuring Israelis that the United States will always be their friend, but as Obama makes rosy speeches in Jerusalem a few miles down the road in the West Bank, it’s business as usual, investigative journalist Bruce A. Dixon will speak about Obama’s tour and his blindness towards Israeli apartheid.

Also this week, as Obama stood before a cheering crowd in Berlin recalling speeches of past presidents and the need to tear down walls, he made no mention of the wall that Israel has erected on Palestinian land and the siege on Gaza; author, activist, lecturer and Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein will join us to talk about the Senator’s Israel policy and breaking the siege on Gaza.

This week on Crossing The Line: with the rise of alternative media and the extensive use of the Internet to get information out concerning the daily human rights abuses of Palestinians at the hands of the IOF and radical settlers; a group of documentary photographers acting for social change are convinced in the power of photography as a vehicle of change through awareness. We’ll speak to a member of the anarchist collective Active stills about their mission to educate the Israeli public about the horrors of Zionist apartheid.

Also this week, a 27-year-old man is seen on tape being shot by an IOF soldier in the village of Ni’lin this past week. But that’s not the story; the real story concerns the village of Ni’lin and its ongoing non-violent resistance to the wall and settlement expansion, Crossing The Line’s good friend Jonathan Pollock – of Anarchists Against The Wall -- will join us to explain, all that and more coming up, but first the news from Palestine.

This week on Crossing The Line, after five years, three hunger strikes, torture, threats of deportation and an overzealous prosecutor, Palestinian political prisoner, Dr. Sami Al Arian was granted bond, but will he actually be freed: today we'll speak to his son, Abdullah, about what might happen next in this ongoing drama.

Also this week, the Israeli army steps up incursions, arrests, and house demolitions in the West Bank while a tense calm continues in the Gaza. Many in the west, many fear the only response by Palestinians to these atrocities is armed struggle, but what about the active and growing non-violent movement to resist the occupation? Sami Awad, director of Holy Land Trust and a Palestinian non-violent activist will join us to talk about the movement.

And finally, they are the voices of pain, joy, idealism, longing, suffering, heartbreak and jubilation, but most importantly, they are the voices of Arab women talking. In our final segment, we'll speak to playwright and actress Lana Nasser about her one-woman show that brings together the female voices of the Arab world.

This week on Crossing The Line: a human rights group accuses Israeli doctors of actively participating in torture sessions of Palestinian political detainees, we'll speak to attorney Sahar Francis, director of Addameer a Palestinian political rights group, about the issue.

Also this week, American televangelists are courted by the Republican Party for they're anti-governmental ideology and authoritarian leadership styles. Working in concert, these televangelists preachers strive to maximize profits, protect themselves legally; influence elections, judicial nominations, and legislation; and promote they're pro-war, apocalyptic ideas about the Middle East and its crucial role in the "End Times", most notably with regards to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Investigative journalist and author, Sarah Posner will join us to explain.

This week on Crossing The Line: supporters are outraged at US prosecutors over a new indictment of Palestinian political prisoner Dr. Sami Al Arian after he refused to appear before a grand jury probing an Islamic charity in Northern Virginia. We'll get an update from Dr. Al Arian's daughter, Laila, regarding this latest indictment.

Also this week, after enduring four months in captivity in Iraq at the hands of Islamic extremists, a Canadian human rights worker is detained for four days, refused access to a lawyer, physically assaulted, and denied entry into Israel. We'll speak with non-violent activist Harmeet Sooden about his ordeal.

And finally, Crossing The Line presents an audio documentary feature on the architecture of the occupation then and now, produced by David Parker of CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

This week on Crossing The Line, the drumbeats of war against Iran sound louder only this time it’s not the United States beating them.

Last week Israel conducted a long-range exercise over the Mediterranean Sea, a move that US intelligence officials say might be a prelude to striking Iran. The Bush administration has said that all options are on the table concerning Teheran's nuclear capabilities, but is Israel now one of the options? Bill Christison a former CIA intelligence officer will joins us to talk about it.

Also this week, the IOF assassinate two Palestinians in the West Bank while a tense cease-fire holds in Gaza. The Israelis have promised to ease restrictions on gas, and other goods and services coming into the region but has even a modicum of change happened in this coastal area? Palestinian journalist Rami Almeghari based in Gaza will update us on the latest events.

This week on Crossing The Line, 184 critical care patients have died waiting for travel permits from the Israeli occupation Forces to exit the Gaza Strip to receive urgent medical treatment.


Hospitals in the region are facing not only acute shortages of stretchers, bandages and gauze, but also important medicines such as cancer drugs, insulin and anesthesia. Crossing The Line correspondent and investigative journalist Nora Barrows-Friedman, on assignment in Palestine, will update us on the crisis facing hospitals in the region.


Also this week, the continued denial of rights of Palestinians goes on. The Israeli army imposed a ban on West Bank residents from traveling to the Dead Sea after Israeli's who manage the popular vacation site complained that mixed groups would be bad for business; Melanie Takefam, International Media Coordinator of The Association for Civil Rights in Israel, will join us to talk about the decision.

This week on Crossing The Line, lawmakers made their annual pilgrimage to the the annual AIPAC policy conference to show their unyielding support towards Israel. Presidential candidates John McCain and Barrack Obama claim to want change in Washington, but will this change apply to foreign policy as well? Naseer Aruri, noted author, Chancellor Professor Emeritus of political science at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth will join us to talk about it.

Also this week, Gaza's humanitarian crisis rages on as residents of the world's most densely populated area are suffering fuel, food, water, and medical supplies, as Israel begins preparations for a full-scale invasion. Crossing The Line contributing producer and investigative journalist Nora Barrows-Friedman will update us on this ongoing plight.

And finally, a commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal about the Fall of American empire.

This week on Crossing The Line, an Israeli MP introduces a draft bill to eliminate Arabic as an official language of the Zionist state in another attempt by the Israeli government to ethnically cleanse Palestine, former PLO spokesperson Diana Buttu joins us to speak on this latest development.

Also this week, it has been more than a year since the re-displacement of Palestinian refugees from Nahr al-Bared. Many news outlets broadcast battles between militants from Fatah al-Islam and the Lebanese army in the camp, but what they didn't show was the aftermath of the nearly 90-day siege due to a media blackout imposed by the Lebanese government. But a group of filmmakers managed to get in and document a number of human rights violations by the army, we'll speak to one of them on this week's show.

And finally, the US State Department denied them, then granted them, we're speaking about seven Fulbright scholarships that were awarded, taken away and then re-awarded. Dr. Marcy Newman will join us to talk about the Fulbright controversy as well as the plight of other university students in Gaza who also wish to travel abroad in order to further their studies.

This week on Crossing The Line, President Bush wraps up a five day visit to the Middle East by chastising Arab leaders at the World Economic Forum and pledging a two-state solution with respect to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, but with the lowest approval rating of any active US President what are the odds of this happening? Joel Beinin, Director of Middle East Studies at American University in Cairo will join us to talk more on the subject.

Also this week, more than 100 countries descend upon Dublin, Ireland for a two-week conference that will lead to banning cluster bombs, but the United States and Israel are not amongst the attendees, activist Daniel Allen will speak about their absence and the significance of this historic event.

And finally, Sen. John McCain has rejected the endorsement of the controversial right-wing minister John Hagee. But just who exactly is John Hagee; why haven't the mainstream media given his comments regarding Hitler being sent by God to drive the Jews to Israel as much scrutiny as the Rev. Jeremiah Wright issue, and what is the impact of Hagee's Christian lobby CUFI regarding the Palestinian/Israeli conflict? We'll talk with journalist Sarah Posner about these issues.

This week on Crossing The Line, they claim to be the political arm of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement in the United States, seeking a more just and equitable situation for both Israelis and Palestinians, but is the new pro-Israeli lobby group J-Street any different from AIPAC? Crossing The Line speaks to Nadia Hijab about this new face on Capital Hill.

Also this week, Israel recently concluded its week-long celebrations marking 60 years of Independence. Dignitaries from around the world, including George W. Bush, traveled to the region to partake in the festivities and offered words of encouragement for peace. But in our second segment guest, Alice Rothchild, wonders if peace might be accelerated if Israelis looked at things from the perspective of the occupied rather than the occupiers. All that’s coming up, but first the news from Palestine.

Thursday, May 15th, 2008, commemorates 60 years of the Palestinian Nakba. In 1948 eighty-five percent of the Palestinians living in the areas that became the state of Israel became refugees. More than 500 Palestinian villages were depopulated and later destroyed to prevent the residents return. Today there are a total of 7 million Palestinian refugees, dispersed throughout the world - the largest and longest running refugee problem yet unresolved.

60-years later, Israel continues to occupy and colonize Palestinian land through the construction of Jewish only settlements and the Wall in the West Bank. The Gaza Strip has been turned into the world's largest open-air prison. Israel violates international law and commits ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity. And Palestinians abroad are the world's oldest refugee population, making-up more than one fourth of all refugees.

Today on a special edition of Crossing The Line we'll hear testimony from survivors looking back and Palestinian youth of today looking forward.

This week on Crossing The Line, on April 24th, the Israeli army and extremists settlers opened fire on non-violent peace activists trying to reclaim an abandoned army outpost; several people were injured and two were arrested, we'll speak with one of them on this week's show.

Also this week, Israel marks 60 years since the state was founded with numerous parties, foreign dignitaries, speeches and plays; but not far from this festive celebration, another commemoration is taking place, its called the Nakba, 60 years of Palestinian dispossession we'll speak to Motassem Daoul a Palestinian freelance journalist about the commemoration demonstrations, the peace process and the ongoing reality on the ground.

Then later in the podcast The War's Toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of the Stand Independent News Review.

This week on Crossing The Line, former US President Jimmy Carter meets with the head of Hamas in Syria, insisting that the movement must be included in peace negotiations. The visit has drawn criticism from both the US and Israeli governments; but in the long run what if anything will this historic visit achieve? Phyllis Bennis – a noted speaker and author on Middle East issues - joins us in our fist segment to talk about it.

Also this week, The United Nations Relief Works Agency suspends food shipments to Gaza as a result of fuel shortages. The question now is; what will happen to an already disastrous humanitarian situation for the 1.4 million residents of this coastal region? UNRWA spokesperson Adna Abu-Hasna will speak about the suspension of food and its impact on the lives of Palestinians living in Gaza.

Plus, after a 57 days, Palestinian Political Prisoner Dr. Sami Al-Arian, ends his hunger strike. We'll talk with his daughter Laila about his health and his family's ongoing quest to be reunited.

Then later in the podcast, The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line. The one-state vs two-state debate continues. Previously on this program, we featured Professor Michael Neumann arguing that a one-state option was more illusion rather than reality. This week, we'll feature former CIA analyst and Middle East expert Kathleen Christison speaking on how a two-state solution would not be possible given the structure of the region.

Then later in the podcast The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of the Stand Independent News Service, all that and more coming up, but first the news from Palestine.

This week on Crossing The Line, in the past year seven have been killed and in Iraq alone 177 since March 2003; of course I'm speaking about journalists. Today on a special Crossing The Line, we'll talk with Mohammed Omer, a Palestinian journalist based in Rafah refugee camp of the Gaza Strip about the dangers of reporting the truth while under occupation.

In addition we'll talk with Joel Campagna a journalist and human rights activist whose organization The Committee to protect Journalists defends the rights of reporters to work freely without fear of reprisal from governments and armed combatants alike, all of this and more straight ahead, but first the news from Palestine.

This week on Crossing The Line, the government of Ehud Olmert continues settlement expansion even while peace talks with Palestinians slowly move forward, and US officials state that Israel must cease with any new construction. Crossing The Line contributing producer Nora Barrows-Friedman takes an investigative look into this illegal practice, all of this and more straight ahead, stay with us.

This week on Crossing The Line, Egypt will be tasked with supplying electricity to the Gaza Strip's 1.4 million residents in the near future, but will Israel allow this service to continue if rocket attacks do not cease?; Dr. Eyad al-Sarraj founder and director of the Gaza Community Mental Health Program joins us to talk about it.

Also this week, more activists are mobilizing in the United States to stop the Israeli occupation of Palestine, but our guest today says that Palestinian Americans need to become more involved to ending the 40-year old occupation. Nadeen Elshorafa a Palestinian American activists joins to discuss her efforts to mobilize the Palestinian, Arab American and Muslim youth. All of this coming up stay tuned, but first a news feature prepared by the team of IMEMC commemorating Land Day.

This week on Crossing The Line, many in the progressive circle for Palestinian self-determination have advocated that one state solution is the best for both Israelis and Palestinians, but in our first segment, Professor Michael Neumann talks about how those who adhere to this view might be living in a world of illusion rather than reality.

Also this week, the IOF has been given new orders, which allow troops to use live rounds against Palestinians demonstrating against the apartheid wall in Jerusalem; author and activist Anna Baltzer joins us to talk about these latest tactics and the broader implications they have on resistance to occupation, then later in the podcast, The War's Toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service, all this and more coming up, but first the news from Palestinian.

This week on Crossing The Line, the Deputy Defense Minister of Israel was supposedly misunderstood about his remarks concerning a Shoah or Holocaust being visited upon the residents of Gaza, but was he really misunderstood? British journalist Jonathan Cook joins us to talk about it.

Then later in the podcast The War's Toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, as the death toll mounts in Gaza, and the World continues to turn a deaf ear on the ongoing humanitarian crisis, some are beginning to voice concern at what 40 years of military occupation has done to the past three generations of Palestinians who only known of kidnappings, targeted assassinations, hunger and fear. Dr. Laila Al Marayti joins us to talk about the physical and emotional effects of occupation.

Then, acquitted of terrorism charges brought by the US Government, Dr. Sami Al Arian a tenured professor of computer science – embarks on another hunger strike to protest the government's attempt to coerce him into testifying to a grand jury for a third time, we'll speak to Laila Al Arian, his daughter about his condition and the move to free him.

All that's coming up, then later in the podcast, The Occupation's Impact compiled by members of the Podcast Collective.

This week on Crossing The Line, Gaza erupts in a pool of violence, as scores are killed and injured, and Palestinians gather to form a human chain to protest the ongoing violence in the coastal region.

Also this week, the Jewish Defense League is accused of arson at the offices of a university student organization, meanwhile at another campus a provost bans the use of the term “Israeli Apartheid,” we'll talk with Laith Marouf a chapter coordinator for Solidarity For Palestinian Human Rights about both incidents, thats coming up then later in the podcast a poem by award-winning Palestinian American poet Suheir Hammad and, The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, it is one of the most charged words used to describe senseless death and destruction. It has been used to explain the tragic events of the Holocaust, The Killing Fields of Cambodia and more recently Rwanda. Of course, we're talking about Genocide.

But our guest today has now begun using the phrase “genocidal polices” to explain the ongoing siege in the Gaza Strip of the Palestinians by the Israeli military, noted Israeli historian and author Ilan Pappe join us to explain.

Then later in the podcast, The War's Toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service, all of this and more straight ahead, but first the news from Palestine.

This week on Crossing The Line, presidential hopefuls are criss-crossing the nation talking about the economy, abortion, taxes, Iraq, and of course change.

But will there be any change with regards to the Israeli Palestinian conflict once the new residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue move in?...media critic, activist and author Ali Abunimah joins us to talk about the race for the White House and what it all means in light of the 40 year old occupation, that's straight ahead, stay with us.

Then later in the podcast, A commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal; and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of the Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, the ethnic cleansing of Palestine continues. As Olmert  cautiously defines certain areas greater Jerusalem and asserts that painful concessions are being made, what is really going on behind the scenes, activist and co-founder of ISM Neta Golan joins us to talk about it.

Then later in the podcast, a commentary by Mumia Abu Jamal, and - as always - the War’s Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service, all of this and more coming up but first the news from Palestine.

This week on Crossing The Line, we take an investigative look at the Palestinian refugee issue in the south of  Lebanon.

For 60 years, UNRWA has been responsible for the well-being of the Palestinian refugees; providing food, water building materials, and medical care, but are these services being given on a consistent basis? And what of other needs that are to be handled by the Lebanese government?

We'll hear from a Palestinian who shares his frustration with the organization and government. Then later in the podcast, the War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent news Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, after the extraordinary events in the Gaza Strip, what lies ahead for the regions 1.4 million residents. We'll speak to Ramzy Baroud about the fall of the wall.

Also this week, Caoimhe Butterly ujpdaes us on the ongoing crisis in Nahr al-Bared. Then later in the podcast the war's toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of THe Stand Independent News Service.


NOTE: The etching on the right is by Eric  Drooker and is used with permission.

This week on Crossing The Line, as residents of the besieged Palestinian town of Nahr al-Bared try to piece together their lives, we'll examine the intolerable conditions that the 10,000 - or so - inhabitants who have been allowed to return to the city live under.

Also this week, it is by now a commonplace that President Bush's handling of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict has been a disaster from the start. But who helped shape the foreign policy of the Bush administration into one that is based on fundamentalist ideology rather than solid diplomatic efforts? Noted author and investigative reporter Craig Unger joins us to talk about Bush, the Neo-Cons, and the Christian Right.

Then later in the podcast, The War's Toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, our bureau chief in Palestine, Rami Almeghari, speaks on the murder and chaos that continues in the Gaza Strip in spite of President George Bush's pledge to see a "so called" peace agreement between the Israeli's and Palestinians after his first official visit to the holy land.

Also this week, we begin our countdown to the 60th anniversary of the Nakba, with the first of several Palestinians eyewitnesses' who fled Palestine when the Zionists invaded the land and expelled more than 700,000 residents from their homes.

Then later in the podcast, The War's Toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent New's Service.

This week on a special Crossing The Line, we will air the final portion of a speech by Palestinian activist Michel Shehadeh given on Nov 27^th, 2007 the 60^th anniversary of the U.N.’s 1947 Partition Plan of Palestine. Also this week, the Podcast Collective presents an investigative feature on the Israeli army attack of USS Liberty that occurred over 40 yeas ago, all of this and more coming up stay tuned.

This week on Crossing The Line, Jonathan Pollock of Anarchists Against The Wall, talks about the ongoing protests against the apartheid wall and the overall occupation and its impact. Also this week, Dr. Mona el-Fara reports on the affects that the occupation is having on Palestinian children in Gaza and - as always - The War's Toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, Michel Shehadeh a long-time Palestinian activist and one of the vindicated LA 8 speaks about empire and the Zionist project. Today we'll hear a portion of a speech he gave on Nov 29th, 2007 - the 60th anniversary of the UN's 1947 partition plan.

Also this week a commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal regarding Iran's nuclear threat, and - as always - The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line; gas has been reduced, the electricity has been cut-off, and assassinations continue, its just another week in the life of residents of the Gaza Strip after Annapolis. With speak with Crossing The Line correspondent, Rami Almeghari about the latest in the coastal region.

Also this week,  Flashpoints Radio's Palestine Bureau Chief Kristin Ess, presents a news feature on funerals and work permits in the West Bank. Then later in the podcast, The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line; the cameras have stopped rolling, the mainstream press has hailed it a step in the right direction, but did the Annapolis peace conference achieve anything at all for either Israelis or Palestinians?

Former CIA Middle East analyst Kathleen Christison and Former CIA National Intelligence Officer Bill Christison join us to talk about the summit that many are euphemistically referring to as - Arabolis - that's coming up.

Then later in the podcast a poem by noted award-winning Palestinian American poet, Suheir Hammad, and - as always - The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent news Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, the Mid-East Peace Conference held in Annapolis, MD is being heralded by the Bush administration as the right time for peace in the region. But could anything substantial come out of the talks? On today's show, we'll hear an analysis from Dr. Norman G. Finkelstein.

Also this week, nearly 3000 university students are denied travel documents by the Israeli occupation Forces to travel abroad for studies. We'll speak with Dr. Sonia Nimr about the continued denial of educational rights for Palestinians.

Then later in the podcast a commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, Israel continues its policy of ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and barring internationals from documenting Israeli human rights violations, Sam Bahour will join us to talk more about this ongoing policy.

Then, a Palestinian mother of seven dies at the border as yet another casualty of Israel's border closure of the Gaza Strip, where more than a dozen critically ill patients have died as a result of collective punishment. Electronic Intifada frequent contributor and Crossing The Line correspondent, Rami Almeghari will speak more on this story.

Plus, masked Palestinian resistance fighters take over a classroom in Gaza, but they haven't  come to violate international laws, they've come to learn about them, Iyad Nasr - spokesperson for the International Committee of The Red Cross will join us to explain.

Then later in the podcast The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of the Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, it is called "Shiva" a traditional seven-day period of mourning which follows a Jewish funeral, but have supporters of the state of Israel been sitting Shiva in order to continue violations of basic Palestinian human rights? Our first guest, peace activist and psychotherapist, Rita Corriel will help answer this question.

Also this week, gasoline supplies have been cut - as well as baby formula, and flour withheld - to the Gaza Strip by the Israeli Occupation Forces, we'll speak to journalist Mohammed Omer about this latest form of collective punishment and its impact on the population.

Then we get an update from our special correspondent - Caoimhe Butterly - about the current situation in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr al-Bared and finally The Occupation's Impact compiled by members of the podcast collective.

This week on Crossing The Line, there are 10,000 Palestinians that live inside Israel, but those I speak of are not Palestinian Israelis residing in '48, these Palestinians live inside Israeli prisons; men, women, and children, many held without charge, denied access to lawyers or family, and some reporting being tortured at the hands of their jailers. Today we'll speak to Lisa Hajjar an advocate and law professor about Israel's dubious record of torture and the Israeli prison system towards Palestinians.

Also this week, we'll speak to a Palestinian human rights activist living in Gaza who spent 15 years of his life inside an Israeli jail. On this week's show, he'll share his own experiences of incarceration.

Then later in the podcast, The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, they reside in North America, Europe, Australia, Africa, The Far East and Israel. They are doctors, lawyers, teachers, artists and politicians; Arab, Black and of Armenian descent and they are all Palestinian refugees - seven million strong and longing to go home.

Today our guests, Adam Shapiro of The International Solidarity Movement and Diana Buttu, spokesperson for the Palestinian Liberation Organization talk about the plight of Palestinian refugees and the right of return, then later in the podcast The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, after three months of fighting, scores injured and killed, and an infrastructure in tatters, residents of the Palestinian camp of Nahr al-Bared are beginning to return home, but what are they returning home to?

We'll speak to Caoimhe Butterly concerning the return of the displaced home owners.

Also this week, more residents from the Gaza Strip are left stranded at the Egyptian/Rafah crossing trying to get home, while others are refused entry into the West Bank, Israel, Egypt, and Jordan for urgent medical treatment; with the continued siege imposed by the quartet, tensions between supporters of Hamas and Fatah, and the ongoing killings by the Israeli Occupation Forces, how is life for the residents on the ground? We'll talk with Mohammed Omer a Palestinian journalist and resident of Rafah refugee camp about the situation.

Then later in the podcast, The War's Toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, we continue with part two of Jerome McDonald's interview with professors John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt concerning their controversial paper on the pro-Zionist lobby, AIPAC.

Also this week, Mumia abu-Jamal shares a commentary on Iran; wars and rumors of wars. And - as always - The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent news Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, since 1967 all US presidential administrations have let Israel do as it wishes, but has there ever been a time when the US government has taken a stand against the Jewish State? Nadia Hijab, senior fellow at the Institute for Palestine Studies joins us to discuss the topic.

Also this week, they have written one of the most controversial paper's on the powerful pro-Israeli lobby group AIPAC, and with it's publication in The London Review of Books, the backlash from Zionist circles has been unrelenting. Today in part one of a two-part interview we'll listen to an interview with John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt.

Then later in the podcast, The Stand Independent News Service's own, Scott Burgwin presents The War's Toll.

This week on Crossing The Line, the Israeli Occupation Forces carried out more extra-judicial assassinations in the Gaza Strip killing at least 11 Palestinians in a 24 hour period last week, and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is threatening to re-invade Gaza after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert labeled Gaza a "hostile entity." We'll speak with Palestinian journalist Rami Almeghari about the current situation on the ground.

Also this week, with this new label attached to the Strip what does this mean for the more than 200,000 school children who just began school in the past month, as well as the fate of university students? We'll hear from Dr. George Bisharat, professor of law at Hastings College about educational realities for not only children and young adults in Gaza, but also in the West Bank.

Then later in the podcast a commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal, and - as always - The War's Toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of the Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, we continue with part two of our conversation with Joel Kovel, author, scholar, and lecturer, about Zionism and it\'s tragic legacy. Also this week, he is considered one of the best young sportswriters of his time. Today award-winning journalist Dave Zirin talks about his latest book and the issue of sport in the Israel/Palestine debate.

Then later in the podcast Mumia abu-Jamal speaks about Blackwater USA and - as always - The War\'s Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, author, scholar and lecturer Joel Kovel speaks about his newest book that addresses the issue of Zionism, it's foundation, it's dangers, and the need to overcome it in order to bring about a one-state solution in Israel/Palestine. Today we'll bring you part one of a two-part interview.

Also this week, Frank Lamb, Director of Americans for Middle East Peace and senior fellow at The Institute for Middle East Policy Dialogue, speaks about the current situation of Sabra/Shatila 25 years after the horrible massacre that left at least 1,700 Palestinians dead.

Then later in the podcast a commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal.

This week on Crossing The Line, after two long years the village of Bil'in received a small victory from the Israeli High Court, the apartheid wall that was scheduled to run through most of the town's land will be rerouted.

This change came as a result of the constant protest of the village's residents, Israeli and international activists using non-violent means. But can non-violence work on the whole of the occupation? We'll speak to Huwaida Arraf a Palestinian American attorney and activist about non-violence it's history and effectiveness in Palestine.

Also this week, the siege that raged on for over 90 days in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr al-Bared has come to and end, but what's next for the residents; can they return home; will the camp be rebuilt? We'll speak to Caoimhe Butterly a journalist and activist who has been at the forefront of assisting the residents since the beginning of the conflict.

Then later in the podcast, The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, Bill and Kathy Christinson, formally of the CIA, talk about the recent leaking of a document that makes mention of final boundaries for a Palestinian State and Israel's withdrawal to pre-1967 borders. But can this really be achieved in light of recent developments.

Then later in the podcast, Mumia abu-Jamal presents a commentary on Kenneth Foster, a man whose death sentence was commuted by the Governor of Texas; and, as always, The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, Professor Don Wagner speaks about Christian Zionism and the effect Christians United For Israel or CUFI is having on the Pro-Israeli lobby.

Also this week, student activists at the University of California talk about life at the checkpoints in occupied Palestine and describe how their unique guerrilla theatre brings that reality to life for US taxpayers who fund the occupation.

Then later in the podcast Mumia abu-Jamal talks about the resignation of US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. And, as always, The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent news Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, we'll spend the hour talking about water. As the battle to end the occupation continues, many in the West have heard nothing regarding the need to address crucial environmental issues that Palestinians have to face. We'll hear from two voices first from Jad Ishaq a Palestinian environmental researcher and Nachy Kanfer a Canadian/American environmental activist.

Then later in the podcast The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, our special correspondent Nora Barrows-Friedman speaks about the lack of fairness in the media concerning the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, as well as her own attempts to make media with Palestinian youth.

Then we'll hear an interview Barrows-Friedman conducted with noted Palestinian negotiator and attorney Diana Buttu about the life and times of Elliot Abrams and his impact on the conflict.

Then later in the podcast, The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, independent journalist Ben White talks about the revisionist writing of Israeli textbooks to acknowledge the Palestinian Nakba, but has anything really substantial been done with regards to the displacement of more than 700,000 Palestinians?

Then we'll hear from Ramzy Baroud, a Palestinian American, author and activist about Israeli/Palestinian peace talks, the divide and conquer strategy of the Israeli government and the Bush administration in the occupied territories, as well as what this might mean in a possible run-up to war with Iran.

Then later in the podcast a commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal on the war against Ward Churchill, and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, the Congressional Black Caucus was once the conscience of the Congress, but what happened to it and other African American lawmakers in particular regarding the Israel/Palestine issue? We'll speak to noted journalist Glen Ford about the absence of Black lawmakers in the debate for Palestinian self-determination. Also this week, she is one of the best young comediennes' out there. She's brilliant, uncompromising and Palestinian and Maysoon Zayid joins us on this week's show.
Then later The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, as the crisis rages on in Nahr al-Bared refugee camp, we'll hear from a nurse who was one of the last to leave, describe the conditions and events that have plagued Palestinian residents for almost three months.

Also this week we'll hear from Sousan Hammad a Palestinian American independent journalist living in Ramallah, about accompanying 20 children from Jenin refugee camp to Israel for the very first time and the emotional impact this trip had on them.

And Mumia abu-Jamal shares a commentary on faith based foreign policy.

This week on Crossing The Line, Ali Abunimah, co-founder of electronicintifada.net breaks down the hegemony of Israel and The United States in regards to supporting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah in the aftermath of Hamas' takeover of Gaza.

Plus, Dr. Marcy Newman updates us on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr al-Bared.

Then later our weekly commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal

This week on Crossing The Line, no time in the recent history of the Palestinian people have things been so devoid of hope. The Palestinian national movement is arguably at its lowest point. Osamah Kahlil will speak about the need for a revamped PLO and a radical change in course to save Palestinian unity.

Also this week I'll speak to Sami Abdelshafi a Gaza resident and businessman about life after the Hamas takeover and what might lie ahead for the strip's 1.5 million residents.

Plus, Rania Masri joins me to discuss the latest news from the troubled Palestinian camp of Nahr el-Bared in Tripoli Lebanon.

And, from Cottage Grove, OR The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent news Service.

This week on Crossing the Line, Lebanese soldiers shoot into a crowd of unarmed protesters outside the Palestinian camp of Bidawi in the north of the country, killing two and injuring scores of others we'll hear from an eyewitness, Caoimhe Butterly, in our first segment who witnessed the assault.

Plus, we'll hear a feature from our correspondent in Bethlehem, Ghassan Bannoura regarding the border crossings in Gaza.

And, as always, our weekly commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, June 2007 marked 40 years of Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, this much is known. What has gone widely unreported is another 40 year anniversary. one in which American soldiers were killed. No we're not talking about the war in Vietnam. This attack was carried out by one of America's closest allies, Israel.

Today we'll talk to a survivor of the USS Liberty, a ship that was nearly dystroyed by the Israeli army in an unprovoked attack that left 34 US navy personal dead.

Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, as the crisis in the Nahr El-Bared refugee camp enters its fifth week, we'll get two reports about the ongoing conflict. Also this week we'll speak to a student leader at De Paul University who is part of an ongoing protest to rescind the tenure denial of Professor Norman G. Finkelstein, and this; what do a Palestinian professor, a Holocaust survivor and a U.S. piano tuner have in common? You'll find out on this week's show.

Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service

This week on Crossing The Line, we'll examine the disparity in media coverage of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict with journalist Alison Weir. Also, this week we'll speak to photographer and activist Andrew Courtney about the little known community of African Palestinians and their long history within the country and conflict.

Then later in the podcast, our weekly commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent news Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, June 8th marks 40 years of Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. Today we'll speak to two women, Samira Khoury whose family was displaced on this day in the West Bank and Nadia Hijab a senior fellow at the Institute for Palestine Studies. Also, we'll hear from noted author and activist Phyllis Bennis about the continuing human rights violations of the Israeli occupation army onto Palestinian land.

Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, the historic relationship that has existed between the African American and Jewish communities has been well documented. But what about the relationship between Blacks and Arabs? Today we'll examine this alliance and speak with author and lecturer Alex Lubin and Dr. Charles Mock

Also this week, we'll get an update on the ongoing crisis in the Nahr El-Bared Palestinian refugee camp.

Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service, all of this straight ahead.

This week on Crossing The Line, conservative estimates put the number of dead and injured at well over 100 in the Nahr al-bared Palestinian refugee camp in Tripoli; thousands are fleeing their homes, and a humanitarian crisis that already is unbearable grows worse. Today we'll get two reports on the current crisis in Lebanon.

Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, I continue with Pt.2 of my conversation with Israeli academic and activist Ilan Pappe.

Also this week, Professor Norman G. Finkelstein of DePaul University a noted academic scholar on Israel/Palestine, is being attacked by his old nemesis Alan Dershowitz of Harvard Law School regarding his attempts at tenure at DePaul. I'll speak to attorney Frank Menetrez who published an article regarding the long simmering fued between the two men and the danger of academic freedom on university campuses.

Then later, we'll hear from Aljazeera correspondent Laila el-Haddad about the current situation in the Gaza Strip in light of the 59th anniversary of al-Nakba "The Catastrophe"

And, as always, our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal.

This week on Crossing The Line, the ongoing debate of two states vs. one state in Israel/Palestine is nothing new. However, the debate looms larger when we talk about the issue solely in the peace movement. Today I�ll present part one of a two-part conversation with noted Israeli historian Ilan Pappe.

Also this week, as Israeli incursions onto occupied lands begin to increase, we�ll find out what the true facts are on the ground from our good friend and colleague Sam Bahour in el-Bireh.

Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal and The War�s Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of the Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, they are considered part of the U.S.'s total force in Iraq. They have a 7,300-acre training facility and were founded by an ultra-Christian Conservative ex-Navy seal. But until March 2004, not many people knew Blackwater USA existed. In his new book, investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill talks about the world's most powerful private mercenary army. I'll speak to him about the book and the trend that private contractors are having around the world.

Also this week, it has been four years since Rachel Corrie was murdered. Since her passing a play based on her journal writings has faced controversy from abrupt cancellation in New York City and now in South Florida. I'll speak with Lauren Enzaldo an activist with the Florida Palestine Solidarity Network about the cancellation of the play in Florida.

Then later in the podcast an update on the conditions for Palestinians and Lebanese in the South of Lebanon almost one year after Israel bombarded the southern landscape with cluster munitions and, as always, our weekly commentary by Mumia abu_Jamal.

This week on a special Crossing The Line, since 1997 the United States has sent hundreds of people away to places unknown, innocent, yet accused of having terrorist ties; they have been drugged, imprisoned and tortured. I'll speak with award-winning investigative journalist Stephen Grey about this new book that exposed the CIA's torture program.

Also this week, our special correspondent Dahr Jamail reports from Lebanon about not only the country's current political crisis and stalled recovery after the war with Israel, but also the influx of refugees from the Iraq war.

Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service, all this coming up.

This week on Crossing The Line, professor Sami al-Arian has been incarcerated for over four years in federal custody. Although he was acquitted of all charges to ties with a Palestinian "terrorist" organization, a Federal judge remanded him indefinitely. I'll speak to Sami's wife about his current situation, and the affect that a recent 60-day hunger strike had on him and his family.

Also this week, our special correspondent Dahr Jamail reporting from Damascus will update us on the Iraqi refugee crisis and the ongoing war in Iraq.

The later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service. But first a look back at the week's press in Palestine reported by Kristin Ess.

This week on Crossing The Line, it describes itself as the most important organization affecting the US relationship with Israel. But who is AIPAC? I'll speak with award-winning investigative journalist Dave Lindorff about the lobby group whose annual budget is more than 65 million dollars and claims a membership of over 100,000. Also this week, we'll hear from our special correspondent Nora Barrows-Friedman who is currently in occupied Palestine, about the violence that raged over the most holiest weekend in the Christian calendar.

Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, the catastrophe of the sewage spill in the north of Gaza is yet another part of an ongoing crisis in the occupied territories. As rescue workers and aid agencies scurry to help the victims, we'll hear from Dr. Mona al-Fara about the current situation, that's coming up. Also this week, we'll hear from our special correspondent Nora Barrows-Friedman who is attending the 3rd annual International Media Forum in Doha, Qatar.

Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and the War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, it is not often one receives the opportunity to hear how life is really like in a refugee camp. I�ll speak with a young Palestinian woman about growing up in an environment where one is an alien within an alien environment. That�s coming up, then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and The War�s Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line; the long winter in Palestine heats up as Israeli occupation forces stormed into Nablus injuring and killing civilians, targeting resistance fighters, and using residents as human shields. I�ll speak to Anna Baltzer an activist with IWPS who witnessed and investigated the event, that�s coming up. Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and The War�s Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

This week on Crossing The Line with numerous revelations of The White House�s failed policies concerning the Near East, and in particular Palestine and Congress� complicity in appeasing Israel; why won�t journalists stand up and ask the tough questions of lawmakers? I�ll speak with Sam Husseini founder of Washingtonstakeout.com, about the lack of hard-hitting journalism concerning Israel. That�s coming up, then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and The War�s Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand independent news Service.

This week on Crossing The Line, I'll speak to Hannah Mermelstein, co-founder of Birthright Unplugged about their alternative tours to Palestine for young Jewish men and women, thats coming up. Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand independent News Service.

The ongoing war between Israelis and Palestinians has been called the world's most intractable conflict. It is by now a commonplace that the only way to end the violence is to divide the territory and seperate the two peoples. But how can this be achieved? I'll speak to Ali Abunimah, co-founder of Electronic Intifada about his bold proposal for a one state solution, then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service, all this and more coming up.

On this special addition of Crossing The Line, we remember El Hajj Malik El Shabaaz, Malcolm X; whom was gunned down by assailants in The Audubon Ballroom foty-two years ago this past week;  his tireless work to free all oppressed peoples. In one of his most famous speeches, Message To The Grassroots, Malcolm extols the virtues and obligations of all people of color to rise up against global empire. His word ring true today as they did more than forty years ago.

This week on Crossing The Line, with the recent singing of a unit government deal between rival groups Hamas and Fatah, what does this mean for Palestinians and Israelis on the ground. I’ll speak to Professor Ilan Pappe a noted historian and author. Then later in the podcast, our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and The WAR’S TOLL compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service, all of this and more coming up.

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This week on a special
Crossing The Line, I�ll speak to Dahr Jamail an
independent, award-winning journalist
about the ongoing war in Iraq and the
broader implications the conflict has on
Palestine and the region in general.
Then later in the podcast our weekly
commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and
The War�s Toll compiled and
read by Scott Burgwin, all this and more coming up

This week on Crossing The Line, I������¢���¯���¿���½���¯���¿���½ll speak to Jonathan Pollock of Anarchists Against The Wall about their continued opposition against the Wall on Palestinian land. Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal, plus The War������¢���¯���¿���½���¯���¿���½s Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service; all of this coming up.

This week on Crossing The line, we hear an interview conducted by Peter Royce of The Red-Eye Collective with Phyllis Bennis who gives her assessment on Former President Jimmy Carter's controversial book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal plus The War�s Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service, all of this coming up.

This week on Crossing The Line, I'll speak to Nora Barrows-Friedman reporting live from The West Bank for Flashpoints Radio about the ongoing situation in occupied Hebron, Bethlehem and her work with young Palestinian journalists in Dheishe refugee camp. Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal, plust The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service.

Today on Crossing The Line, I'll speak to Sam Bahour an Ohio born Palestinian businessman living in El-Bireh in The West Bank, about his recent visa problems with the Israeli government and the ongoing crisis of Palestinians from abroad being denied entry to the occupied territories.

Then later in the podcast our weekly commentary from Mumia Abu-jamal and The War's Toll compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent news Service, all this coming up.

This week on Crossing The Line, I'll speak to Jennifer Loewenstein visiting research fellow at the Refugee Studies Center at Oxford University about the tenuous ceasefire in The Gaza Strip and the broader issues facing Palestinians. Then later in the podcast, a commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and The War's Toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service, all this coming up.

This week on Crossing The Line, I'll speak to Suheir Hammad a noted spoken-word poet, activist and humanitarian. The author of three volumes of poetry, Hammad will speak about her recent trip to South Africa and the correlation between that country and Israel/Palestine. Then later in the podcast a commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal and The War's Toll, compiled and read by Scott Burgwin of The Stand Independent News Service, all of this straight ahead.

Today on Crossing The line we spend the program talking to Nadia Hijab senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Palestine Studies and the author of "CITIZENS APART: A PORTRAIT OF PALESTINIANS IN ISRAEL." Also, a brief wrap on news from The West Bank and Gaza Strip, plus; By The Numbers, stay tuned.