Studies show that US coverage is Israeli-centric. The main bureaus for CNN, Associated Press, Time, etc. are located in Israel and often staffed by Israelis. The son of the NY Times bureau chief is in the Israeli army;"pundit" Jeffrey Goldberg served in the IDF; Wolf Blitzer worked for AIPAC. Because the U.S. gives Israel over $8 million/day - more than to any other nation - we feel it is essential that we be fully informed on this region. Below are news reports to augment mainstream coverage.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Israeli enforced blockade frustrates Gaza students

Maan News Agency - The next generation in the Gaza Strip may be less educated, less professional and perhaps more radical because an Israeli blockade has restricted educational and employment opportunities, say UN and other sources.

The four-year blockade has particularly affected youths aged 18-24, limiting access to higher education, academic exchanges and professional development, says Gaza's education ministry. About 65 percent of Gaza's 1.6 million people are under 25, according to UN estimates.

"Higher education in all its forms is absolutely critical to a functioning society and the creation of a future Palestinian state," UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory Max Gaylard told IRIN, and "to maintain a necessary level of skills in professional sectors, like medicine and engineering."

Gaza's unemployment rate - nearly 50 percent according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics - indicates dire prospects for the rapidly growing and youthful population...
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