links for 2009-12-24

• Bill targets Arab satellite channels – IFEX
  The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) said that a bill, backed by the majority of the U.S. Congress, penalising Arab satellite channels considered "enemies of the United States" was a blow to freedom of expression and represented a betrayal of U.S. promises to improve its poor record on civil and political freedoms locally and internationally.

  On 8 December 2009, the majority of Congress – 395 of a total 495 members, with only 3 voting against – voted to impose sanctions on satellite channels that broadcast content that could be interpreted as "hostile to the United States" and to consider the owners of these channels as supervising "terrorist organizations."

  ANHRI said, "This bill severely conflicts with international standards and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ratified by the United States, and repeats many of the serious mistakes of the former U.S. administration . . . "

  (tags: united-states humanrights free law media arab terror)
• Water and Oil Key Climate Issues in the Arab World – Arab Environment Watch
  (tags: environment climatechange policy arab ArabLeague)