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Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog 10: SoCal, Arizona, Colorado

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 10: SoCal, Arizona & Colorado

Another report from tour manager Danny Owen:

Stockholm Syndrome

After a short trip down from L.A. the band found themselves near San Diego and ready to
go for the last show in the state of California. SS had decided to change up their stage plot to feature Danny, Dave, Jerry and Eric going from stage right to stage left. I reckon the reason being is so they can hear each other a little bit better and give
each other the room they need.

At the Belly Up, the band got things started with a great version of “Easter” and continued a strong set that included an “Emma’s Pissed” > “That Which Is Coming” before ending the set with a rockin’ “American Fork.”

Set 2 started with a mean “Lick The Tears.” This reggae-rocker is proving to be a true crowd pleaser. “LTT” was followed by a great “Empire One,” “Apollo” and “Milk.” All upbeat tunes that had the entire audience dancing as hard as they could. A rockin’ “Jacobs Ladder” came later in the set and the band encored with “Wisconsin Death Trip.” The run through Cali was delightful and the band thanks everyone who made it out!

03.09.10 | Belly Up | Solana Beach, CA

Set I: Easter, Couldn’t Get It Right, Emma’s Pissed > That Which Is Coming,
Miranda, White Dirt, American Fork

Set II: Lick The Tears, Empire One, Apollo, Milk, Spy, Jacob’s Ladder, Tight

E: Wisconsin Death Trip

Stockholm Syndrome

The band began their journey back eastward stopping in Flagstaff, Arizona for
a Wednesday night romp. The night kicked-off with a tune not yet played called “Pumpkin Time.” The well received song was followed by “Counter Clock World” and a very inspired
version of “Tarantula Hawk.” Next up was a song that also hadn’t seen the dark
of night yet called “Muscle.” The band executed a perfect “Purple Hearts” >
“Shining Path” with Danny Louis leading the charge through the segue. Danny has proven to be the X Factor on all of the shows. Never quite certain how he will mix into the songs beyond the written out parts, he always seems to bring new life and sounds to every piece. Nothing is played the same way twice and as touring artists playing night after night, it truly does help to keep things interesting and fresh.

Set 2 started with a great version of “Flirted With You All My Life” and
continued to bowl the crowd over with “Conscious Contact,” “Friendly Fire” and
“Red Lightning.” The encore escapes me at this moment so we’ll have to rely on
the tapes… So far every show but L.A. has been captured by the tapers so be
on the look out on archive.net and LMA for these shows as you’ll definitely
want to hear this band live. Thanks to Chris and Matty Z for taking care of
the band and crew.

03.10.10 | Orpheum Theater | Flagstaff, AZ

Set I: Pumpkin Time, Counter Clock World, Tarantula Hawk, Muscle, Sing Bird
Sing, Purple Hearts > Shining Path

Set II: Flirted With You All My Life, Emma’s Pissed, Conscious Contact,
Wisconsin Death Trip, Friendly Fire, Red Lightning, Light is Like Water
E: ?

Stockholm Syndrome


SS took a nice day off in the mountain town of Mountain Village, CO. Band needed some rest, albeit at 9,000 feet, but it was still well deserved rest. Getting ready for their KOTO sponsored show at the Convention Center in Mountain Village, the band took in the town of Telluride and all it had to offer.

They had a great turnout for this one as the town and slopes were abuzz. Jerry penned a rockin’ first set that included a great “These Grey Days,” “Crime & Punishment” and “Milk.” They ended the set with a rousing version of “Empire One.”

Back to the dressing room to suck on the oxygen tank and catch their
collective breath, the band was feeling really good about what they just
threw down even if they were all breathing a little slower.

Set 2 was even more rocking as they introduced a Jerry Joseph classic known
as “Drive.” Probably one of my favorite tunes penned by Jerry, he let it all
hang out on this one. Taking off his guitar at one point and just preaching
to the audience about the good ol’ days of getting crunk and doing things maybe one
shouldn’t, it was a very deep cut. Following this awe inspiring tune was a great “Bouncing Very Well” which saw Danny Louis and Dave Schools lock up into some soloing that teased some Gov’t Mule and saw Dave drop a nice “Chilly Water” tease that of course pleased the crowd. “Emma’s Pissed” was next, still holding her spot as one of the best tunes these guys have crafted which then melted into a very well
played version of “White Dirt.” A rockin’ “Lick The Tears” had the crowd going
batty and then the guys came back with a “Wisconsin Death Trip” for an encore.

Thanks to KOTO, Janice and Norman and the folks at the Convention Center for taking good
care of everyone. On to Aspen, sure to be another barn burner… Just two more shows!

03.12.10 | Telluride Convention Center | Mountain Village, CO

Set I: Couldn’t Get It Right, These Grey Days, Crime & Punishment, Miranda, In
Your Cups, Milk, Apollo, Empire One

Set II: Flirted With You All My Life, Drive, Bouncing Very Well, Emma’s Pissed >
White Dirt, Lick The Tears

E: Wisconsin Death Trip

Check back soon for the final installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 9 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Los Angeles…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 9: Los Angeles with Woody & These United States Video

A full review of SS’s two-night stand in San Francisco is available here.

Stockholm Syndrome :: 03.08 :: The Roxy Theatre :: West Hollywood, CA

Tour Manager Danny Owen checks in:

After releasing their hold on the Bay Area, the Syndrome traveled by day down the coast of California, through the Grape Vine and into the City of Angels. Even though it was a Monday, the hard-cores were out and the band did not disappoint.

SS pulled off a solid set that included “Oil,” “In Your Cups,” “Emma’s Pissed”
and a set closing “Flirted With You All My Life.” At set break, Jerry’s good buddy Woody Harrelson came back stage to say hello and really gave the band kudos. Second set was off and running with “Apollo” and a great “Leaving Lopez” wit Mr.
Steve Lopez in the audience to hear it this time. We saw the second “Purple
Hearts” of the tour and a great “Bouncing Very Well” which saw very nice soloing from Dave
and Wally. Jerry called the last tune perfectly with “These Grey Days” and a “Wisconsin Death Trip” to say goodnight.

We hit the ground running and ran out of town to Solana Beach to soak in the
southern most point of our run down the West Coast.

On The Road Again with These United States Part II:

Stockholm Syndrome is on tour now. Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 8 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Eugene, OR…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 8: Eugene, OR

Stockholm Syndrome :: 03.04 :: Eugene by Brian Lupton

For the next installment we check back in with Tour Manager Danny Owen:


Stockholm Syndrome has begun their journey southward and landed in Eugene for a night. The Eugene show found the band loose and excited to play. The first set featured a great “Counter Clock World” which seems to be a go to song for the guys in the early part of the show. Fans were also treated to a first set “American Fork” which is proving to be a true all star song for this lineup.

Second set saw the first “Leaving Lopez.” A great song written for good friend
and longtime Widespread Panic/Stockholm Syndrome Tour Manager, Steve Lopez. And for an encore it was a Jerry gospel tune called “Supper’s Ready.”
All in all another great show.

Stockholm Syndrome is on tour now. Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 7 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Seattle…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 7: Seattle, WA

Stockholm Syndrome :: 03.03 :: Seattle by Owen

Back with more from Danny Owen:

The band rolled into a surprisingly sunny Seattle ready to capture another good one. Spirits are still high even as some band members battle colds and the rigors of the road. It’s not all fun and sunshine.

They decided to start the night with a Jerry tune he plays often called
“Easter,” getting their collective legs underneath them and doing it true justice
in a five-piece configuration. We saw another “Emma’s Pissed” > “That Which Is
Coming” which was perfect and another song that hadn’t been played yet called
“Purple Hearts.” The reggae-tinged “Purple Hearts” morphed into a great “Shining Path” to end the set.

Set break came and went. Some old familiar faces were in the crowd screaming all sorts of requests. The band stuck with what it had been crafting to near perfection with an “Apollo” opener and a very inspired version of “Tarantula Hawk.” A near silent crowd took in a great “Flirted With You All My Life” then exhaled as the band crushed with a set ending “Jacob’s Ladder.”

The encore saw the second rendition of Dylan’s “Where Are You Tonight” and it was flawless. Jerry nailed the four pages of lyrics and had some tambourine help from drummer Robby Cosenza of touring partners These United States.

Set I: Easter, Emma’s Pissed > That Which Is Coming, Red Lightning, Sing Bird
Sing, Purple Hearts > Shining Path

Set II: Apollo, Empire One, Tarantula Hawk, Flirted With You All My Life,
Wisconsin Death Trip, Jacob’s Ladder

E: Where Are You Tonight

Stockholm Syndrome is on tour now. Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 6 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Portland…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 6: Portland, OR

More thoughts from Tour Manager Danny Owen:

After catching some much needed rest in Boise, the band and crew set forth to the great Northwest. Rolling into Jerry’s old stomping grounds of Portland, OR and the sweet Crystal Ballroom felt good as friendly faces abound.


Before the show the band rehearsed some other tunes that we should see soon and I unearthed a great Jerry and Dave track from the duo romp through Europe. The song is called “Green Ice” and I had two copies form the shows there. Great tune that JJ and DAS penned together. Dave was excited I had it so hopefully this will translate into relearning and the rebirthing of the song with the five-piece configuration.


Jerry dialed in another winner for set one. A great “Couldn’t Get it Right” and very good “These Grey Days” kicked things off. The first set saw the first of what some Panic and jam fans like to call a segue or “>”. It was talked about and then executed almost to perfection as “Emma’s Pissed” slowed down and went into “That Which is Coming.” An enthusiastic “American Fork” ended a great set.

Set two was even better as the hard-cores were definitely in the building. Dancing hard to an upbeat “Apollo” opener and “Ray of Heaven,” the band soon brought it back down for Chesnutt’s “Flirted With You All My Life” before “Conscious Contact” ended the set. This song is simply magic in this configuration and really should be played on radio stations everywhere. If Nickelback was singing it, the Pope would probably be rocking out to it. Alas, we’re the lucky ones…

Stockholm Syndrome is on tour now. Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 5 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Utah…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 5: Utah & These United States Video

Fixing the flat :: Photo by Dave Schools

The fifth installment of our Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog finds tour manager Danny Owen checking in from Utah as well as a special video from touring partners These United States.


Stockholm Syndrome had a real adventurous morning as Dave Schools and the band’s bus
driver had to change a blown trailer tire at a rest area in Wyoming. Most of
the band was asleep as the two fought with the tire to get it off; Dave Schools
using a crow bar to help John out. Finally they got it off and changed.

Playing Park City is always an interesting situation but the band had a great time and did their best to capture the attention of this hipster high society ski town. Set one featured the first “Shining Path” of the tour as well as a song called “Miranda.” They ended the set with a great version of Jerry’s “The Kind of Place.”

Set two started a little slower then normal with a run through of the new Vic tune “Flirted With You All My Life.” Second set also saw a great “Jacob’s Ladder,” the reggae-ish “Friendly Fire” and a set ending “Road To Damascus” that literally shook the
walls. No joke. The show ended with an “Apollo” encore in honor of the end of the Olympics.

Band and everyone are on their first day off, well deserved and more importantly, really needed. See you in the Northwest this week, trust me, you’ll want to be there. Trial week is over!

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.28 :: Park City, UT

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.28 :: Park City, UT

On tour with Stockholm Syndrome is These United States. We’ll be including tour blogs from them as well. Here’s our first offering:

Stockholm Syndrome is on tour now. Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 4 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Denver, CO…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 4: Denver, CO

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.27 :: Denver, CO

Part 4 of our Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog features a report from Denver by tour manager Danny Owen:


Denver really came out in force on Saturday night. The sold out crowd at the Bluebird Theater got to see another great show from these guys. Sound check was spent learning a tune by Bob Dylan called “Where Are You Tonight?” This song made its debut in the first set along with an opening of the first version of “Tight.” Not being a big Dylan fan, I was very surprised at how great this song felt to a non-believer and how these guys made it sound so good. Jerry did a great job with the vocals but I expect it to get way better.

There was a great second set opening “Tarantula Hawk” followed by crowd faves “Bouncing Very Well” and the song “Conscious Contact.” This was my first time hearing Stockholm Syndrome perform this Jerry staple and I thought it was fantastic. While the lineup is full of Alpha Dogs it’s been remarkable to watch how well the band gels and works together. They mix upbeat rockers with sadder, heavier songs as well as any band I’ve seen. Everyone should get out to see this band; I’m biased yes, but wrong, not likely.

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.27 :: Denver, CO

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.27 :: Denver, CO

Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 3 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Boulder, CO…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 3: Boulder, CO

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.26 :: Boulder, CO by Owen

Part 3 of our Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog features another report from tour manager Danny Owen:

This band is one of those bands you have to see to believe. Friday night I became a full on believer in what five musicians with their own bands, projects, and histories can all come together and do. The whole show got the stamp of full approval from everyone. Big thumbs up!

Jerry Joseph put together a great first set with a rare “Couldn’t Get It Right” to start the show that kept the energy up and the bodies moving for its entirety. Other highlights included the new Vic Chesnutt cover being played again and what I have been told was the first time SS had done the song “Milk.” A packed Fox Theatre was getting a heavy dose of this band and even though it was the group’s third time at the venue in almost 53 weeks they took it head on and pretty much leveled it, again.


It was all the same level of playing and energy in the second set. Starting off with two great new tunes, “Apollo” and “Emma’s Pissed,” they just continued where they had left off. The set also had one of the coolest versions of “American Folk” I’ve ever heard and a great “Crime & Punishment.” Both strong tunes that Jerry sometimes visits in his other configurations. Most impressive was just how tight the band was and how comfortable they all seemed with each other, albeit in just the third show of the tour. I reckon this means it is officially, game on!


Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.26.10 :: Fox Theatre :: Boulder, CO

Set I: Couldn’t Get It Right, Empire One, In Your Cups, Flirt, Sing Bird Sing, Milk

Set II: Apollo, Emma’s Pissed, American Folk, Spy, Crime & Punishment, Ray of Heaven

E: Wisconsin Death Trip

Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 2 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog from Steamboat Springs, CO…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 2: Steamboat Springs, CO

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.25 :: Steamboat Springs, CO by Owen

Part 2 of our Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog continues with another submission from tour manager Danny Owen:


On Thursday night Stockholm Syndrome captured Steamboat Springs, CO, playing the Sheraton Hotel Grand Ballroom. As grand as it may or may not have been, it was the first rock show in this room since 2000 and Stockholm was ready to give it a work out. Thursday was also the first time Dave Schools had been back since the infamous Winter 1996 Widespread Panic Sit N Ski tour, which was actually held in this same room.

Sound engineer Chris Rabold did an excellent job turning a room that is used for Bar Mitzvahs and weddings into a place that deserved what it was getting. Just like with any good touring band that consistently changes things up, these guys are finding their way with each other and the newer material.

This show also saw them play the Vic Chesnutt song they learned the other day, “Flirted With You All My Life.” A very touching song that the guys have added to and made something very special to them.

The band was back to two sets and will continue with that tonight in Boulder, CO. Hope to see you there.

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.25.10 :: Sheraton Ballroom :: Steamboat Springs, CO

Set I: Counter Clock World, In Your Cups, Emma’s Pissed, That Which Is Coming, Flirted With You All My Life, Kind of Place, Red Lightning

Set II: Sing Bird Sing, These Grey Days, Apollo, Friendly Fire, Bouncing Very Well, Road To Damascus

E: White Dirt

Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews

Continue reading for Part 1 of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog…

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog Part 1: Rehearsals & Vail, CO

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.24 :: Vail, CO by Owen

Stockholm Syndrome is one of our favorite super groups. Featuring Widespread Panic‘s Dave Schools on bass, ringleader/guitarist/vocalist/Jackmormon Jerry Joseph, guitar hero Eric McFadden, drum genius Wally Ingram and Gov’t Mule‘s Danny Louis on keys, this is one “super” group that actually lives up to the billing. Trying to get the schedules of five very busy musicians to line up is no easy task and often makes it hard for this band to tour. But when they do, it’s worth keeping tabs on. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the band to bring you the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog. With words, photos, videos and more coming in from the band and crew, this Tour Blog offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the group.

For our first entry we hear from tour manager Danny Owen with a report from the first night in Vail, CO at the Bud Light Street Beat free concert series:

The 2010 Stockholm Syndrome Winter Tour started off with a bang! The band practiced a bunch of the new songs yesterday in rehearsal; they even learned a great Vic Chesnutt tune and we could see some Dylan at some point. The band kicked it off at a free outdoor show in Vail last night (02/24). Ripping through one set of mostly newer tunes the band was doing all they could to keep themselves and the crowd warm in the sub freezing temps. Took a few songs to get them warmed up but once they were going, the heat was flowing full steam ahead. Spirits are currently high as they march onward; don’t miss the band’s upcoming Colorado shows in Steamboat Springs (2/25), Boulder (2/26) and Saturday night in Denver (2/27). Hope to see you along the way…

Stockholm Syndrome :: 02.24.10 :: Bud Light Street Beat :: Vail, CO

Apollo, Empire One, Emma’s Pissed, Flirted With, In Your Cups, Sing Bird Sing, Red Lighting, Lick The Tears, Oil, Couldn’t Get It Right

E: Wisconsin Death Trip

Check back soon for the next installment of the Stockholm Syndrome Tour Blog. Tonight The band teams up with These United States for the rest of the tour and we’ll be hearing from them as well.

In 2004 JamBase’s Editor-in-Chief Aaron Kayce was invited to document the birth of Stockholm Syndrome as they performed their first shows across Europe. You can read about it here.

Stockholm Syndrome Tour Dates :: Stockholm Syndrome News :: Stockholm Syndrome Concert Reviews


Obama names first US ambassador to Syria in five years

President Barack Obama Tuesday nominated career diplomat Robert Ford as the first US ambassador to Syria in five years, seeking to engage a US foe and energize his thwarted Middle East peace push. Ford will be the first US ambassador to Damascus since Washington recalled its envoy after

Iraqi reporter who hurled shoes at Bush “unclear” about his future

The Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at former US President George Bush is uncertain about his future plans, it was revealed during his psychological checkups at a Syrian hospital.
Muntader al-Zaidi, who was released from an Iraqi prison on Tuesday, has claimed that he was brutally tortured with electric shocks and repeatedly injected with “unknown [...]

US urges Iran reply by September

George Mitchell in Tel Aviv, July 26

The US Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, is due to meet Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to discuss the stalled Middle East peace process.

He arrived in Cairo a day early at Mr Mubarak’s request, following talks in Syria and Israel.

In Tel Aviv, Mr Mitchell reassured Israeli officials of Washington’s unshakeable commitment to its security.

Relations had soured after US President Barack Obama demanded a halt to all Israeli settlement on Palestinian land.

In Damascus, Mr Mitchell met Syrian President Bashar Assad for what he called "very candid and positive" discussions on restarting peace talks between Syria and Israel, which have been stalled since 2000.

Following talks with the Egyptian president, Mr Mitchell is due to meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Monday and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.

Diplomatic push

The visits are part of a week-long high-level diplomatic push by Washington to re-start peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians which have been frozen for six months.

US MID-EAST PEACE TEAM

  • Special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell
  • Defence Secretary Robert Gates
  • National Security Advisor James Jones
  • Envoy to the Gulf states Dennis Ross

Palestinian leaders have refused to meet their Israeli counterparts until illegal settlement activity has stopped.

Other senior US officials are also due to visit the region this week.

US defence secretary Robert Gates, National Security Advisor James Jones and US envoy to the Gulf states, Dennis Ross, are due in the region for talks.

Mr Gates will first meet his Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem before travelling to Jordan for discussions with King Abdullah.

Iran and its nuclear programme are expected to be on the agenda in talks with Israel.


Are you in the region Can the push for Middle East peace work You can send us your views using the form below:

A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.

<p


This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

US moves to reassure Israel over Iran

Defence secretary among four senior officials in the Middle East advocating a diplomatic solution to festering crisis with Tehran

The United States today sought to reassure Israel that it was worth attempting to persuade Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions — but made clear that Washington expected Tehran to reply to its diplomatic overtures by September.

Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, is one of four senior Obama administration officials visiting Israel this week, underlining the president’s determination to secure a comprehensive Middle East peace agreement.

Gates said he did not believe that Barack Obama’s timetable would “increase the risks to anybody” — a reference to Israeli concerns that its nuclear monopoly may soon be challenged by the Islamic republic.

Israel has hinted at a pre-emptive attack on Iran should it deem diplomacy to be at a dead end. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said today that he reaffirmed to Gates “the need to use all means to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear military capability”.

George Mitchell, the president’s special envoy, flew to Cairo today and was due back later for more meetings in Israel. On Saturday he was in Damascus meeting President Bashar al-Assad, who is being wooed by Obama after being shunned by the Bush administration.

The US envoy said restarting talks between Israel and Syria was a “near-term goal” for Washington. “I told President Assad that President Obama is determined to facilitate a truly comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace,” he told reporters.

Indirect negotiations between Syria and Israel, mediated by Turkey and centred on the occupied Golan Heights, were suspended during Israel’s offensive against the Gaza Strip in December. Turkey said this month it was ready to resume mediation efforts.

But there has been no public sign from Syria that Assad has agreed to influence Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that controls Gaza, and the bitter opponent of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority. Hamas, listed as a terrorist organisation by the US and Britain, is based in Damascus.

The US is sending an ambassador back to Syria after withdrawing the previous incumbent in 2005 in protest at the Beirut assassination of Rafiq al-Hariri, the former Lebanese prime minister, which was widely blamed on Damascus, despite repeated denials.

Syria’s foreign minister, Walid al-Muallem, said in London on Friday that Damascus – Tehran’s only Arab ally – could help find a way out of the impasse over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, complicated by domestic turmoil since last month’s disputed presidential elections.

As well as Iran, Gates’s talks in Israel centre on missile defence and bilateral security issues. General Jim Jones, Obama’s national security adviser, and Dennis Ross, a senior Middle East and Iran expert, are also due in Israel.

The flurry of high-level activity follows Obama’s long-heralded speech to the Arab and Muslim worlds in Cairo in June, when the president made clear his strategic commitment to working to achieve Middle East peace. These latest moves are intended to achieve concrete results.

Mitchell and the Israeli defence minister, Ehud Barak, have been trying to agree a delicate compromise on freezing Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank – a hot potato in Israeli domestic politics but vital if Arab countries are to take any steps, at the urging of the US, to “normalise” their relations with Israel.

Netanyahu has pledged not to build new outposts or expropriate territory in the West Bank. But he insists construction must continue to accommodate “natural” Jewish population growth. The precise definition of a moratorium has yet to be agreed, though Israeli officials speak of exempting 2,500 housing units that are still being built. Palestinians and Arabs say a total freeze is the minimum required and accuse Netanyahu of bad faith. Mitchell is also due to see Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, at his Ramallah headquarters.

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds


US envoy in Mid-East peace push

The US has launched a new drive to kick-start Middle East peace talks, with visits to Israel, Syria and Egypt by special envoy George Mitchell.

In Damascus, Mr Mitchell met Syria’s President Bashar Assad for what the envoy called candid and positive talks.

Mr Mitchell later flew to Tel Aviv for talks with Israeli defence minister Ehud Barack and then made an unscheduled trip to Egypt.

More senior US officials are due to visit the region this week.

The heightened activity comes at a time of strained relations between the US and Israel.

The BBC’s Middle East correspondent Katya Adler says the visits are part of a week-long high level diplomatic push by Washington to re-start peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians which have been frozen for six months.

Talks in Syria

Mr Mitchell’s visit to Damascus was his second since June.

Speaking after meeting President Assad, the envoy said restarting peace talks between Syria and Israel – stalled since 2000 – was a "near-term goal".

George Mitchell and President Assad of Syria (26.7.09)

He said he had told the Syrian leader that US President Barack Obama was "determined to facilitate a truly comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace".

"If we are to succeed, we will need Arabs and Israelis alike to work with us to bring about comprehensive peace. We will welcome the full co-operation of the government of the Syrian Arab Republic in this historic endeavour," he said.

The BBC’s Lina Sinjab, in Damascus, says President Obama’s commitment to talks with all parties is welcomed in Syria but not with much enthusiasm.

Getting back the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights is a priority in Damascus, our correspondent says.

The Heights are a strategic mountainous area seized by Israel in 1967.

Syria’s official news agency quoted President Assad as stressing to Mr Mitchell "the Arab right to recover occupied lands through achieving a just and comprehensive peace."

Direct talks between Israel and Syria broke down nine years ago over the scale of a potential Israeli pull-back on the Golan Heights.

‘Vital interests’

Mr Mitchell later arrived in Tel Aviv where he held talks with Israel’s defence minister.

Afterwards he described the differences with Israel as "discussions among friends… not disputes among adversaries".

"We are ready to take whatever reasonable effort to make it [the peace process] happen"

Ehud Barak
Israeli defence minister

Ehud Barak promised the full co-operation of his government in the search for peace.

"We are ready to take whatever reasonable effort to make it [the peace process] happen," he said.

"Of course we bear in mind our vital interests but we understand the needs of the other partners as well and we clearly need the leadership of the United States – as well as your experience and wisdom – in the attempt to achieve it.".

Relations between the US and Israel have been strained, largely due to differences over the future of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem.

Washington says continued Israeli construction in the Palestinian territories threatens to undermine future peace talks.

Palestinians say there will be no new talks until the construction stops.

Israel says some expansion must be allowed to accommodate the "natural growth" of settler families.

Mr Mitchell also made an unscheduled trip to Egypt late on Sunday.

A spokesman for the US embassy in Tel Aviv said the trip to Cairo came at the request of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

It was not immediately clear why Mr Mubarak asked the envoy to bring forward his visit, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday.

Mr Mitchell is also due to meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Monday and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.

As well as Mr Mitchell, US defence secretary Robert Gates and National Security Advisor James Jones are due in the region for talks.

Mr Gates will first meet his Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem before travelling to Jordan for discussions with King Abdullah.

Iran and its nuclear programme are expected to be on the agenda in talks with Israel.</p


This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

George Mitchell In Syria: Obama Determined To See “Truly Comprehensive” Mideast Peace

JERUSALEM — President Barack Obama’s Mideast envoy on Sunday called on the Arab world to take steps toward normalizing relations with Israel, and Israel’s prime minister said he hoped his country’s disputes with the U.S. over West Bank s…

Obama envoy in Syria for peace talks

US special envoy George Mitchell tells Syrian president that US wants ‘truly comprehensive’ Arab-Israeli deal

The White House will step up efforts to revive the near-moribund Middle East peace process this week, with senior Obama administration officials deployed to seek progress between Israel, Syria and the Palestinians.

George Mitchell, the president’s special envoy, flew to Tel Aviv today after “candid and positive” talks in Damascus with President Bashar al-Assad, who is being wooed by Obama after being shunned by the Bush administration. Mitchell went straight into a meeting with Ehud Barak, Israel’s defence minister.

The US envoy said restarting talks between Israel and Syria was a “near-term goal” for Washington. “I told President Assad that President Obama is determined to facilitate a truly comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace,” he told reporters.

Indirect negotiations between Syria and Israel, mediated by Turkey and centred on the occupied Golan Heights, were suspended during Israel’s offensive against the Gaza Strip in December. Turkey said earlier this month it was ready to resume mediation efforts.

But there has been no public sign from Syria that Assad has agreed to influence Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that controls Gaza, and the bitter opponent of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority. Hamas, listed as a terrorist organisation by the US and Britain, is based in Damascus.

The US is sending an ambassador back to Syria after withdrawing the previous incumbent in 2005 in protest at the Beirut assassination of Rafiq al-Hariri, the former Lebanese prime minister, which was widely blamed on Damascus, despite repeated denials.

Syria’s foreign minister, Walid al-Muallem, said in London on Friday that Damascus – Tehran’s only Arab ally – could help find a way out of the impasse over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, complicated by domestic turmoil since last month’s disputed presidential elections.

Underlining intensifying US diplomacy in the region, the defence secretary, Robert Gates, is also due in Israel tomorrow for talks with Barak and Binyamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, on missile defence, Iran and bilateral security issues.

General Jim Jones, Obama’s national security adviser, and Dennis Ross, a senior Middle East and Iran expert, are also due to in Israel.

The flurry of high-level activity follows Obama’s long-heralded speech to the Arab and Muslim worlds in Cairo in June, when the president made clear his strategic commitment to working to achieve Middle East peace. These latest moves are intended to achieve concrete results.

Mitchell and Barak have been trying to agree a delicate compromise on freezing Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank – a hot potato in Israeli domestic politics but vital if Arab countries are to take any steps, at the urging of the US, to “normalise” relations with Israel.

Netanyahu has pledged not to build new outposts or expropriate territory in the West Bank. But he insists construction must continue to accommodate “natural” Jewish population growth. The precise definition of a moratorium has yet to be agreed, though Israeli officials speak of exempting 2,500 housing units that are still being built. Palestinians and Arabs say a total freeze is the minimum required and accuse Netanyahu of bad faith.

Mitchell is also due to see Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, at his Ramallah headquarters.

In London, meanwhile, the all-party Commons foreign affairs committee urged the British government to talk to moderates within Hamas. Russia is the only member of the Quartet of Middle East peace brokers – which also comprises the US, UN and EU – which talks to Hamas. “We conclude that there continue to be few signs that the current policy of non-engagement is achieving the Quartet’s stated objectives,” the committee said. “The credible peace process for which the Quartet hopes, as part of its strategy for undercutting Hamas, is likely to be difficult to achieve without greater co-operation from Hamas itself.”

Israel remains implacably opposed to any dealings with Hamas, but pressure has been growing elsewhere for change. In March, Britain changed tack by announcing that it would end its boycott of the political wing of Lebanon’s Iranian-backed Hezbollah – which is represented in the Lebanese parliament – but it remains opposed to talking to the Palestinian group.

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Obama envoy in Syria for peace talks

US special envoy George Mitchell tells Syrian president that US wants ‘truly comprehensive’ Arab-Israeli deal

The White House will step up efforts to revive the near-moribund Middle East peace process this week, with senior Obama administration officials deployed to seek progress between Israel, Syria and the Palestinians.

George Mitchell, the president’s special envoy, flew to Tel Aviv today after “candid and positive” talks in Damascus with President Bashar al-Assad, who is being wooed by Obama after being shunned by the Bush administration. Mitchell went straight into a meeting with Ehud Barak, Israel’s defence minister.

The US envoy said restarting talks between Israel and Syria was a “near-term goal” for Washington. “I told President Assad that President Obama is determined to facilitate a truly comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace,” he told reporters.

Indirect negotiations between Syria and Israel, mediated by Turkey and centred on the occupied Golan Heights, were suspended during Israel’s offensive against the Gaza Strip in December. Turkey said earlier this month it was ready to resume mediation efforts.

But there has been no public sign from Syria that Assad has agreed to influence Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that controls Gaza, and the bitter opponent of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority. Hamas, listed as a terrorist organisation by the US and Britain, is based in Damascus.

The US is sending an ambassador back to Syria after withdrawing the previous incumbent in 2005 in protest at the Beirut assassination of Rafiq al-Hariri, the former Lebanese prime minister, which was widely blamed on Damascus, despite repeated denials.

Syria’s foreign minister, Walid al-Muallem, said in London on Friday that Damascus – Tehran’s only Arab ally – could help find a way out of the impasse over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, complicated by domestic turmoil since last month’s disputed presidential elections.

Underlining intensifying US diplomacy in the region, the defence secretary, Robert Gates, is also due in Israel tomorrow for talks with Barak and Binyamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, on missile defence, Iran and bilateral security issues.

General Jim Jones, Obama’s national security adviser, and Dennis Ross, a senior Middle East and Iran expert, are also due to in Israel.

The flurry of high-level activity follows Obama’s long-heralded speech to the Arab and Muslim worlds in Cairo in June, when the president made clear his strategic commitment to working to achieve Middle East peace. These latest moves are intended to achieve concrete results.

Mitchell and Barak have been trying to agree a delicate compromise on freezing Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank – a hot potato in Israeli domestic politics but vital if Arab countries are to take any steps, at the urging of the US, to “normalise” relations with Israel.

Netanyahu has pledged not to build new outposts or expropriate territory in the West Bank. But he insists construction must continue to accommodate “natural” Jewish population growth. The precise definition of a moratorium has yet to be agreed, though Israeli officials speak of exempting 2,500 housing units that are still being built. Palestinians and Arabs say a total freeze is the minimum required and accuse Netanyahu of bad faith.

Mitchell is also due to see Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, at his Ramallah headquarters.

In London, meanwhile, the all-party Commons foreign affairs committee urged the British government to talk to moderates within Hamas. Russia is the only member of the Quartet of Middle East peace brokers – which also comprises the US, UN and EU – which talks to Hamas. “We conclude that there continue to be few signs that the current policy of non-engagement is achieving the Quartet’s stated objectives,” the committee said. “The credible peace process for which the Quartet hopes, as part of its strategy for undercutting Hamas, is likely to be difficult to achieve without greater co-operation from Hamas itself.”

Israel remains implacably opposed to any dealings with Hamas, but pressure has been growing elsewhere for change. In March, Britain changed tack by announcing that it would end its boycott of the political wing of Lebanon’s Iranian-backed Hezbollah – which is represented in the Lebanese parliament – but it remains opposed to talking to the Palestinian group.

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US urges Syria on Mid-East peace

US Mid-East envoy George Mitchell in Beirut, June 2009

US President Barack Obama’s Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, has arrived in Damascus and is due to hold talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Mr Mitchell has said Syria plays a key role in bringing peace to the region.

The US State Department says he will be looking at ways to promote peace talks between Syria and Israel.

Correspondents say the visit is not expected to bring a breakthrough, but Syrian officials are encouraged by Washington’s new willingness to listen.

Several other high-ranking US officials will also be in the Middle East in the next few days.

Fresh start

Last month, Mr Mitchell became the highest-level US official to visit Damascus since 2005.

After meeting the Syrian president, he will travel to Israel as part of efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.

Damascus is a major player in the region, because of its support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, its backing for Hezbollah in Lebanon, and its close links with Iran.

In the past, this made Syria a pariah in the eyes of the Bush administration, which cut virtually all ties with Syria, the BBC’s Natalia Antelava reports from Beirut.

But on the eve of Mr Mitchell’s arrival in Damascus, Syria’s Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said he was looking forward to the visit as "the first step of dialogue", in what is rare public praise for Washington from a Syrian official.

Washington is a long way away from getting Damascus on its side, but for now at least, the atmosphere of hostility which dominated during the Bush administration seems to be a thing of the past, our correspondent says.</p


This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Christopher Herbert and Victoria Kataoka Rebuffet: Weekly Foreign Affairs Roundup

The Week’s Top Stories in Foreign Affairs :The Geopolitical Importance of Syria SI Analysis: Engagement with Syria seems to be a priority for many…

Fears of Burma-N Korea nuclear link

• Hillary Clinton warns of military co-operation between regimes
• Proliferation experts track purchases of suspicious equipment

Hillary Clinton today expressed concern over military links between North Korea and Burma, after evidence emerged that the Burmese junta may be trying to acquire nuclear technology from Pyongyang.

Experts said there is no proof of a Burmese nuclear programme but pointed to worrying signs. The Burmese military has been doing business with a North Korean company that specialises in nuclear technology. The junta has also made suspicious purchases of sophisticated dual-use equipment. A North Korean ship suspected of heading to Burma with an unknown cargo turned back after being shadowed by American warships earlier this month. Finally, reports have emerged of a secret visit by senior Burmese officials to North Korea late last year.

“We know that there are also growing concerns about military co-operation between North Korea and Burma, which we take very seriously,” Clinton, the US secretary of state, told journalists in Bangkok. “It would be destabilising for the region. It would pose a direct threat to Burma’s neighbours.”

David Albright, the head of the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security, which specialises in monitoring nuclear proliferation, said: “There’s no hard evidence, just suspicions right now. We’re watching it.”

Albright said one of the principal causes of suspicion was the link between the Burmese military and a North Korean firm, Namchongang Trading Corp (NCG), which is under UN and US sanctions for its role in trading in nuclear technology. NCG set up an office in Damascus, and western officials have alleged the company channelled equipment and materials towards the construction of a nuclear reactor in Syria which was destroyed by an Israeli air raid in September 2007. NCG’s chief executive is Yun Ho-jin, a nuclear expert who was once North Korea’s delegate to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Albright said Burma had also attempted to acquire suspicious technology. “This is hi-tech equipment, capable of making very high precision components. It has other end uses, but it’s hard to see why else Burma would be buying it,” he said.

Last month, Japan arrested one North Korean and two Japanese businessmen for attempting to export a magnetometer (a device for measuring magnetic fields) to Burma. Magnetometers can be used in archaeology and geophysics, but they are also a critical component in missile guidance systems.

Two years ago, the Burmese junta made an overt attempt to begin a nuclear programme. It signed an agreement with Russian atomic agency Rosatom for the construction of a 10-megawatt research reactor, but the deal stalled, possibly as a result of diplomatic pressure on Moscow. US officials fear Burma may have decided to pursue a covert route through Pyongyang.

Earlier this month, a North Korean freighter, the Kang Nam I, which had made previous trips to Burma, was shadowed at sea by the US navy until it reversed course. It remains unclear what its freight was, and US officials were reluctant to board it, fearing it might be an empty decoy designed to embarrass Washington.

The Associated Press today quoted a South Korean intelligence expert as saying satellite images suggested the Kang Nam I was carrying equipment for a nuclear programme and Scud-type missiles.

Recent reports in Burmese exile media have spoken of a military pact late last year between the two countries, including the construction of underground installations, but the existence of such a pact has yet to be publicly confirmed.

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Christina Patterson: Why I love self-help books (even though they don’t work)

When I was 14, my mother bought me a book called A Year of Beauty and Health. Boy, did she regret it. That year, no…

Asma Al Assad: Syria’s First Lady And All-Natural Beauty (SLIDESHOW)

A couple weeks ago headlines were made when Syrian First Lady, Asma Al Assad invited the Obamas to Damascus. HuffPost readers ended up commenting more on Asma’s beauty and less on what an Obama/Assad meeting would mean for the Middle East. And…

Muted opposition

By Lina Sinjab
BBC News, Damascus

In a quiet neighbourhood in the centre of Damascus Michel Kilo sits in his small flat sipping coffee as his wife shells beans for lunch.

Syrian sits in a cafe as US President Barack Obama speaks in cairo 04.06.09

His TV is tuned to an Arabic news channel, his reading glasses sitting on his nose as he catches the latest developments from Tehran.

Weeks after finishing a three-year prison sentence, Mr Kilo dedicates his time to family life, while the enthusiasm that characterised his writing before his arrest is now directed solely at articles focusing on pan-Arab and regional issues, rather than local ones.

In 2006, Mr Kilo and 10 other activists were arrested after signing the Damascus-Beirut declaration.

The statement, backed by Lebanese and Syrian intellectuals, called for normalising bilateral relations after decades of Syrian domination of its smaller neighbour Lebanon.

International thaw

At the time, with Syria under severe international pressure, the authorities’ tolerance of the move was very limited.

Damascus faced accusations of supporting insurgency in Iraq, and involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Dissident Syrian writer Michel Kilo

But today, the situation has changed. The country is no longer isolated by the West and key Western leaders have approached Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to help stabilise the region.

The country has attracted both foreign investment as well as tourism – signs it is beginning to come in from the cold.

But the authorities show no sign of relinquishing the tight control which the Baath Party has exerted since it took power in a 1963 coup and banned all opposition.

"The priority is not to have any opposition or independent voices and it is successful in oppressing this scene," says Yassin Haj Saleh, a writer and human rights activist.

Clampdown

A campaign of arrests has left an estimated 6,000 people in jail as political prisoners.

Meanwhile, about 400-450 people are subject to official travel bans, although the real number could be in the thousands, human rights groups say.

The measures are extended to young bloggers and some internet users, as well as civil society activists and some artists.

"Civil society needs to be revived and reactivated and this is only in the hands of the authorities""

Mohannad al-Hassani
Lawyer and human rights activist

"There is a continuous deterioration in the human rights situation in Syria," says lawyer and head of Syrian Human Rights Organization Mohannad al-Hassani.

But the worst situation is suffered by the Islamists, according to Yassin Haj Saleh.

"There are many young people who are arrested for their Islamic affiliation, but they are not organised. They are mostly villagers and their families are being harassed and pressured," he says.

The crackdown has attracted little media attention, especially in suburbs and rural areas.

Last year, riots erupted in Sadnaya prison. A number of prisoners were reported killed. The government said then the prisoners were Islamists.

Human Rights Watch recently called on the Syrian government to provide information on the incident.

"The Syrian government should end the anguish of the prisoners’ families, disclose the names of those injured or killed, and immediately grant them access to their loved ones," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

‘Lack of vision’

There is no organised opposition in Syria, just individuals who oppose government policies.

And even these figures are fragmented and lack vision says Omar Amirallai, an intellectual and filmmaker.

Syrians pass under poster of President Bashar al-Assad

"The opposition in Syria is in need of self-criticism, reform and reconciliation," he says.

But others believe that even with more vision and organisation, their efforts will come to nothing under current government restrictions.

The streets of Damascus have the feel of a relaxed and bustling city.

Around cafe and restaurant tables, discussions are heated about global and regional politics – but no one talks about the political situation in Syria.

Mohannad al-Hassani believes the country should embrace international and regional changes with its own progress on the level of civil and human rights.

"Civil society needs to be revived and reactivated and this is only in the hands of the authorities.

"They should look into these needs seriously as it is difficult for Syria to continue in isolation from what the whole world is moving towards."</p


This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.