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.

Friday, November 13, 2009

USAID funds Israeli military checkpoint upgrade

Ma'an
Vehicles will soon be permitted to traverse Israel's northernmost military checkpoint separating the Jenin area from Palestinian communities in Nazareth and the agricultural zone to the north, an Israeli government press release said Wednesday.

The change in status of the military checkpoint, according to the release, was due to an upgrade in the military facility funded by USAID.

Israel spends three billion shekels per year on upgrading and maintaining its military infrastructure in the West Bank, including an expansive renovation of the Huwwara military checkpoint inside the West Bank, which was dismantled only months after it was installed. More permanent infrastructure was also installed at the Container checkpoint between Bethlehem and Ramallah, while renovations and adjustments were recorded at Israeli roadblocks across the West Bank.

The opening of the upgraded crossing was attended by Israeli Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Regional DevelopmentSilvan Shalom, Israeli Minister of Minority Affairs Avishay Braverman, Special Envoy to the Middle East Quartet Tony Blair and several other Israeli officials and USAID representatives. At least two Palestinian officials, head of the Gilboa village council and Jenin governor, were present at the opening.

Israel is not on the list of countries supported by USAID funding. Full story
at 11/13/2009 06:01:00 AM