Commentary on the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti and the militarization of the country by the U.S. A magnitude 5.9 aftershock, since the 12 ­January cataclysm, caused no serious reported damage or casualties. Basem Khader Gaza Blockade http://www.electronicintifada.net Continues to Suffocate Daily Life more than 1.4 million Palestinians cut off from the outside world and struggling with desperate poverty. The blockade does not target armed groups but rather punishes Gaza’s entire population by restricting the entry of food, medical supplies, educational equipment and building materials. An estimated 280 of the 641 schools in Gaza were damaged and 18 were destroyed. More than half of Gaza’s population is under the age of 18 and the disruption to their education is having a devastating impact. Hospitals have also been badly affected by the military offensive and the blockade. Trucks of medical aid provided by the World Health Organization have been repeatedly refused entry to Gaza without explanation by Israeli officials. Soli “Papakihei” Niheu, a Kanaka Maoli Elder from the Kingdom of Hawai'i, has been at the forefront of Hawai'ian struggles for over 45 years. Soli talks about how he has to protect land rights and stop military test bombing, and in the ongoing sovereignty movement. http://alstonbannerman.org

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