Lauren Booth in Gaza - has she gone native?
UPDATE 11th September: Lauren with George Galloway on – wait for it – SHIA TV!!!
Foreign Office “working hard for her release”; Israeli spokesman – “she should have thought of this”; Tony Blair’s spokesman – “Mr Blair is not able to assist”
Comment at end
3rd September, 2008
COULD LAUREN BOOTH DERAIL THE ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS?
‘A HOSTAGE TO FORTUNE’? YOU’RE DAMNED RIGHT, MS BOOTH!
She says that SHE is a hostage to fortune. I’d like to make the point as gently as I can, that by her irresponsible actions in deciding to remain with three others in Gaza after her Free Gaza boating adventure, she may be holding the whole Middle East process to ransom. She should be thoroughly ashamed of that. Let’s hope she survives long enough to feel that shame.
So how come – you may be asking – how come SHE could exert such an influence? Simple. She only needs to be taken hostage, God forbid.
But even without that dreadful possible eventuality, the present conversations between Mr & Mrs Tony Blair might be worth overhearing:
Cherie: Come on Tony – she’s my SISTER – even if she is misguided! Talk to Israel … Egypt! Do SOMEthing!
Tony: What can I do? The Israelis warned me about going into Gaza. If I couldn’t be sure of getting in and out of there alive with MY level of security, what can Israel do to protect Lauren? They’d tell me in no uncertain terms – “Nothing”! She should have known better.
And she should have remembered this from 16th July this year:
“SLAUGHTER HIM“
‘EX-PM Tony Blair called off a visit to Gaza yesterday after fanatics linked to al-Qaeda plotted to “kidnap and slaughter” him.
Extremists boasted on the internet that “brothers were preparing through the night to destroy his convoy” in the troubled region.’
They branded Middle East envoy Mr Blair a “criminal”, a “dog” and “the enemy of God”.
And referring to his trip, one fanatic, Hamza al-Ghamdi, said on an Arabic website: “Oh God, the idea occurred to me of kidnapping him and slaughtering him.”
Mr Blair was due to meet traders and tour a water project.
His spokesman said the visit was cancelled because of a “specific security threat”.
He added it would be “irresponsible to proceed”.
A trip to southern Israel was also axed after local security services received “pinpoint information” of an attack in Gaza.
A group called the Army of Islam – believed to have been behind the four-month kidnap of BBC newsman Alan Johnston – were thought to be involved.
Terror expert Chris Dobson said Mr Blair was a “prize trophy”.
He added: “The prospect of the execution of someone like this on the internet beggars belief.”’
‘SUN’ SCUM & INFILTRATORS
Read some of the comments there if you are of the opinion that MOST Sun readers have a thought worth reading. Most of them would have been delighted were this to have happened. The ‘enemy within’ screams “kill Tony Blair”!
My God …
I wonder if this crowd of apologies for humanity are also looking forward to the same kind of demise for Lauren Booth? Taunted, tortured then beheaded – Camera – Action! All set For YouTube upload.
Or is she their hero?
GIVING IN TO TERROR
The previous prime minister had some chilling encounters with this in his premiership.
REMEMBER KEN BIGLEY?
Ken Bigley, who begged for his life to Mr Blair.
Mr Blair, on behalf of Britain and the free world, did not relent, though I am sure it broke his heart.
Mr Bigley was beheaded by his evil captors.
Blair’s reaction:
“I feel utter revulsion at the people who did this, not just at the barbaric nature of the killing but the way frankly they played with the situation over the past few weeks,” Blair told reporters on Friday. “I feel a strong sense, as I hope others do, that the actions of these people whether in Iraq or elsewhere should not prevail over people like Ken Bigley.”
REMEMBER MARGARET HASSAN?
And working and living amongst the innocent people who live amongst these terrorists guarantees nothing. Margaret Hassan was an the Irish aid worker who had lived amongst Iraqi people for 30 years. She was murdered four years ago in Iraq.
The terrorists have murdered Margaret Hassan, a woman who spent the majority of her life trying to help innocent Iraqis. You think you are outraged at the terrorists now, wait until you see the utter depravity of their actions. Watch one of these videos or see images from them and then try to equivocate between us and them.
Hassan’s Iraqi husband, Tahseen Ali Hassan (FoxNews report), said he had heard of the video but did not know whether it was authentic.
“I appeal to those who took my wife [to tell me] what they did with her. … I want my wife, dead or alive. If she is dead, please let me know of her whereabouts so I can bury her in peace,” he said, his voice choked with tears.
The video shows a hooded militant firing a pistol into the head of a blindfolded woman wearing an orange jumpsuit, said Al-Jazeera spokesman Jihad Ballout. The station received the tape a few days ago but had not been sure of its authenticity until recently, he said.
In one video, she begged British Prime Minister Tony Blair to withdraw troops from Iraq and calling for the release of female Iraqi prisoners.
On Sunday, U.S. Marines found the mutilated body of what they believe was a Western woman on a street in a Fallujah during the U.S. assault on the insurgent stronghold. The U.S. command said the body had not been identified as of Tuesday night.
In response to the brother of Mr Bigley who said that Mr Blair had “blood on his hands” – Diggers Realm said:
‘In Britain, Bigley’s family said it had received “absolute proof” of his killing. His brother Paul urged Blair to end the war in Iraq, saying: “Mr Blair has blood on his hands.”
I’m thinking it’s Zarqawi that has blood on his hands, but that’s just me. If he had been plucked off the street in London and the same grisly act perpetrated would this also be Tony Blairs fault? Did Tony Blair force kenneth Bigley into Iraq? While you may disagree with the Iraq invasion, don’t confuse the two issues of Zarqawi’s beheadings and the Iraq conflict. Zarqawi is al-Qaeda and they will kill westerners wherever they find them.’
Today an increasingly confident and competent Iraqi government is planning to re-open Abu Ghraib prison. Terrorists had taken to dressing their prisoners in orange jumpsuits before their “executions”.
Would Abu Ghraib prison be re-opening had Mr Blair said, “OK, terrorists united. You win”?
He said ‘no’ to Bigley’s & to Hassan’s captors. Assuming he was in a position to say or do anything today, (and he is no longer in such a position), is he really going to say ‘yes’ to any group who captured the likes of Lauren Booth?
Stay safe, Ms Booth. You are no more amongst friends than was Margaret Hassan.
MESSAGE TO LAUREN – FANATICS WILL GO FOR YOU WITH JUST AS MUCH RELISH AND BLOODLUST AS FOR TONY
So if you want to make an impact, Ms Booth, get out there and wander the streets! If someone from some interested group doesn’t shoot you or blow you up, you might just be taken hostage, guaranteeing at least a hiccup or two to the peace negotiations! Just think – you might even go down in history as single handedly, if unintentionally, ending the whole peace process ’shooting match’! Being taken hostage is much more of a weapon in the hands of terrorists than just meeting your maker before your time, for reasons alluded to here.
Please don’t assume that everyone presently in Gaza is on YOUR side. Fanatics ‘linked to Al-Qaeda’ have no compunction as to the guilt or otherwise of their targets. Those utterances are no more than excuses for murder. It would be naive in the extreme for you to assume otherwise. Some of those whose side you profess to be on would not hesitate, imho, to use this opportunity, given half a chance. They are not ALL innocent bystanders.
BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S ADVICE ON TRAVEL TO GAZA – OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I’m about to travel I take a quick look at the government’s website for advice on travel safety, innoculations etc. You’d think the Forty odd (!) Boat People might have done the same. But no. They evidently haven’t understood that Gaza is NOT advised for British visitors right now.
And with their wails that everyone has the right to travel in and out of every country, they have not understood this simple fact - Gaza is NOT a country, so no rights under international law on freedom to travel between countries apply there. Israel is the legal jurisdiction; Gaza is part of the Israeli Occupied Territories.
Lauren Booth:“… under international law I’ve done nothing wrong, but for some reason I am effectively being imprisoned here by authorities who wish to punish human rights activists who have come to view the situation in Gaza”.
From the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office website – Travel Advice
- We advise against all travel to Gaza and to the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajar, along the border with Lebanon (the Blue Line). We also advise against all but essential travel to areas within 5kms of the Gaza perimeter (including Sderot) and the West Bank (except for Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho and the Jordan Valley). See the Terrorism/Security section of this advice for more details.
- It would be reckless to travel to Gaza at this time. We believe that terrorist groups continue to maintain the intent and capability to kidnap foreigners, as the kidnap of a British journalist in March 2007 demonstrated. If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to, or remain in, Gaza you do so at your own risk. You should also review your security arrangements and seek professional security advice on whether they are adequate. The level of consular assistance we can provide is very limited.
- If you wish to leave Gaza, you should contact the Consulate-General in Jerusalem for advice before attempting to do so. Entering Gaza can involve lengthy delays and searches. Leaving Gaza is even more difficult. Since the beginning of 2008 there have been several incidents of British nationals undergoing a strip-search and delays of several hours (or in one case three days) are common.
So, she should have taken note of the above: “reckless to travel to Gaza at this time … terrorist groups … kidnaps … at your own risk … seek professional security advice … level of consular assistance very limited … leaving Gaza is even more difficult.”
It could hardly be more plain.
This woman could, because of her high hostage value as sister-in-law to the Middle East Peace envoy Tony Blair, single handedly scupper the entire peace process.
Imagine what would happen were she taken captive by some group in Gaza intent on this course of action:
On her knees, surrounded by armed individuals, she’d plead,
“Please Tony, use your influence to allow these poor innocent people to receive medical treatment.” (forgetting that they already DO have regular trips over the border for such).
“And let them have supplies of food and power”. (omitting the fact that that is constant and ongoing.)
“Etcetera etcetera …”
And it Tony could do nothing – guess what!? HE would be blamed for ALL of this by the Boat People Terrorist Sympathisers and their allies. So nothing new there, then.
This BBC reports says:
‘In the past, Ms Booth has publicly criticised some of Mr Blair’s government’s foreign policy decisions.
Mr Blair now acts as the International Quartet’s special envoy to the region. There is no word yet from his office about any official efforts to get Ms Booth out of Gaza.
She said she did not want to appeal to him “on such a small matter as my own liberty” and instead wanted him to focus on the Palestinians themselves and the “terrible poverty entirely created by the siege” in Gaza.
In July, Mr Blair cancelled a planned visit to Gaza after being informed by Israeli authorities of a specific security threat.
But Ms Booth said she had been treated “marvellously” by the authorities in Gaza, and added about her brother-in-law: “It is his duty as Middle East envoy to make sure he makes the effort to come here.”
The British Consulate in Jerusalem said it was in close contact with British nationals in Gaza.’
And even the present British government, under Gordon Brown, is not yet involved, according to this report.
Excerpt:
‘Booth says she is working with British diplomats at “the highest levels.”
She says she has not spoken to Mr Blair.
The former PM now serves as an international Mideast peace envoy.
Israel says it has not been formally approached by Britain.’
‘She arrived in Gaza on a “peace boat” ten days ago carrying human rights activists who wanted to draw attention to the tight blockade imposed in Gaza by Israel. But when the boat left last Thursday she decided to stay.
Tony Blair currently serves as a Palestinian development envoy but it is not known if he has sought to intervene on behalf of his wife’s half-sister. The spokesman for Mr Blair’s office in Jerusalem was unavailable for comment.’
Lauren says she was “threatened four times”
“When I went to the Israeli checkpoint I was threatened with being shot four times,” she said from a house in Gaza City.
“And when I went to the Rafah crossing (into Egypt) I had all the permission lined up at the top level but a lowly official stopped me from leaving.”
But she accused Israel of breaking the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrines the right of an individual “to leave any country and to return to his country”.
Israel tightened an economic blockade on Gaza after Hamas forces violently seized control from Fatah in June, 2007, and has been accused by the UN of imposing collective punishment on the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.
Article 13.
- (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
Ah, but, Ms Booth … and isn’t there often an “ah but” – are you superstitious?
Article 13 refers to ‘any country‘. Gaza, let me repeat, is NOT recognised internationally as a country, but a place whose legitimacy is at present in a state of dispute. No VIP passport, handed over in a political flourish from one half of those in dispute is going to give you a free trip into the other half’s territory. See Israel National News for more on Gaza’s legal position as a “country”.
Surely you understood this, Ms Booth?
And what of this article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Sounds like a proviso.
Article 29.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
Complicated, isn’t it?
Other articles on the tale of Lauren Booth
Tundra Tabloids is having a laugh
The Jerusalem Post on Free Gaza’s initial arrival (and possible route out)
“I’m a celebrity; get me out of here!” This refers to another episode in Ms Booth’s life when she was almost scared to death and blacked out as a result. If she thought THAT was frightening!
She’s fine now though. She has the support of Islam Online.
Excerpt:
“I am effectively being imprisoned here by authorities who wish to punish human rights activists who have come to view the situation in Gaza,” said Booth.
She will not request help from her brother-in-law Blair, who the Quartet’s special envoy to the Middle East.
Booth, rather, urged Blair, currently visiting Israel, to focus on the Palestinians and “the terrible poverty entirely created by the siege.”
“It is his duty as Middle East envoy to make sure he makes the effort to come here.”
Wouldn’t they just love it if he turned up on his white charger, since he is involved in peace negotiations in the region as we speak?
Don’t fall for it, Tony!
In a Times report today, Ms Booth says:
“It could be days, weeks or years before I can leave, depending on the mood of the Israeli authorities.”
Well, we can but hope …
And today’s Telegraph, with this picture of Lauren, the late Yasser Arafat and some other pinups, has this:
‘A spokesman for Mr Blair, who works part-time as a Palestinian development envoy, said the consulate staff were taking responsibility for the case.
“My understanding is that the British Consulate is working hard to provide assistance to Ms Booth,” the spokesman said.’
And from the latest on this it seems “Mr Blair is not able to assist”. Interesting choice of words by his spokesman.
‘Time’ on this – with my comment
Meanwhile Mr Blair has sent this message to Muslims worldwide.
You might want to watch a video which I found on Radar Site here. I am not sure if I’d go so far as to call ALL of these peace-makers “lairs”. Many, probably including Ms Booth, are just naive or ignorant of the facts. But it often concerns me that such as these call for the hanging of western politicians for political decisions. Are these people really unable to see the hypocrisy in this? Or are they stupid as well as ignorant?
Doc’s Talk tries to chase away their ignorance.
Tags: boat people, british government, declaration of human rights, Egypt, Free Gaza, George Galloway, Israel, lauren booth, Palestinian Authorities, Shia TV, stuck in Gaza, Tony Blair's sister in law
September 3, 2008 at 4:14 pm |
[...] Rick Moran wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptCOULD LAUREN BOOTH DERAIL THE ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS? ‘A HOSTAGE TO FORTUNE’? YOU’RE DAMNED RIGHT, MS BOOTH! She says that SHE is a hostage to fortune. I’d like to make the point as gently as I can, that by her irresponsible … [...]
September 3, 2008 at 4:18 pm |
let’s hope she isn’t taken hostage for tony blair’s sake. that’s all he needs – more pressure and more to blame him with. doesn’t the poor guy have enough? as for lauren – let’s hope she’s learnt a lesson but i doubt it.
September 3, 2008 at 4:24 pm |
according to cherie’s book last year she doesn’t think lauren has much sense so i don’t think she’d be on lauren’s side. after all she doesn’t want her husband in danger. and as his office said he will be going to gaza. let’s hope this adventurous twit of a sister in law doesn’t make it more dangerous for tony something cherie won’t forgive her half sister for.
September 3, 2008 at 4:38 pm |
Yes, agreed. If it happens he might find his hands are tied as much as hers.
He is presently in the region, by the way, margaret. Probably not a million miles away from her. Ramallah, just north of Jerusalem, From my understanding, that is, I think 50 miles away! Will check and confirm this. Just checked. Yes it’s 48 miles!
I expect that Lauren will come back even mouthier. But I wonder if it will do her “cause” any good in the end.
September 4, 2008 at 1:59 pm |
i ve read the bbc report and i don’t think tony wants to help his sister in law rather than can’t. i think he could if he wanted to but he doesn’t want to. after all she hasn’t been much help and support to him in his times of difficulty. on the contrary she’s tried to make it worse. tony’s not doing that after all he’s sitting on the fence. she got herself in this mess she can get herself out. that seems to be his attitude.
September 7, 2008 at 12:53 am |
A slight correction to the interpretation of Article 13. Whether Gaza is a country or not isn’t really the issue. The intent is that nobody should be held somewhere against his or her will; it does not mean that another country is compelled to accept that person. In other words, it says Hamas can’t force Blair’s idiotic sister-in-law to stay in Gaza, but it doesn’t compel Israel, Egypt or any other country to let her on its soil.
September 7, 2008 at 1:25 am |
Hello Mr Stein,
Thanks for your comment.
It may not be the issue, but it’s the kind of technicality that in law permits real criminals to get away with murder in various part of the world at various times.
THIS time, even if it goes against natural law, perhaps I’m of the opinion that there is some kind of natural justice.
If your interpretation is correct, the end result is the same anyway. She can stay in Gaza, but she can’t choose to go without the agreement of at least one bordering state.
And I think some would still argue that Gaza’s disputed territorial position means that its jurisdiction falls short, right now, of that of an internationally recognised independent country. So if it’s NOT a country …
Well, I think I’ll let the legal beavers argue this one.
September 7, 2008 at 5:31 pm |
Why does Israel control Rafah?
Israel does not own any land between Gaza and Egypt at Rafah and she accepts that Gaza would be part of a Palestinian state.
Egypt is a client state of the US which has a habit of banning elections. So much for spreading Democracy in the ME if you’re a client of the US.
Sickening hypocrisy.
September 7, 2008 at 7:19 pm |
As I understand it, Mark, the Palestinian Authority under Mahmoud Abbas has controlled the Rafah Border crossing between Gaza & Egypt since the end of 2005. It used to be operated by Israeli military forces, but control was passed to the PA in the spring of 2006 a few months after Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip.
Perhaps the fact that Egypt, the Palestinian Authority AND Israel agree on the need to contain the terrorist elements which have been coming from the Hamas side tells us something.
Hamas, like some others in the Middle East, have declared intentions to wipe Israel off the map. Israel has never said the same about Palestinian claims.
Of course if you want to believe that the good guys who DON’T actually commit terror attacks are the BAD guys, well, there’s nothing I can say that will persuade you otherwise.
September 7, 2009 at 8:45 pm |
[...] Mr Blair was advised after a lengthy wait at the border crossing NOT to proceed into Gaza. For preferring to survive he was called “cowardly” amongst other choice descriptions by those who blame the west for terror activities. For instance, such sweethearts as his own sister-in-law, Lauren Booth (also here.) [...]