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.