Shorts: Mideast

Mecca Cola hits stores in Israel

jerusalem (jta) | An anti-Zionist cola is going on sale in Israel.

Mecca Cola, whose French makers donate some 20 percent of the product's profits to Palestinian causes, is to be marketed in the Lower Galilee region where the majority of Israel's 1.2 million Arab citizens live, French media reported Tuesday.

The company, which is based in the Paris region, is owned by French Muslim entrepreneur Tawfiq Mathlouthi, who runs the anti-Zionist radio station, Radio Mediterranean.

The cola is already sold in a number of Arab and European countries and is adorned with a design showing mosques on Jerusalem's Temple Mount. Drinkers are instructed not to mix the product with alcohol.




Smiling in Zion

jerusalem (jta) | Most Israelis are optimistic and happy with their lives, a government poll found.

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics survey released this week, 81 percent of Israeli adults are generally happy, a slight dip from last year's finding of 83 percent.

In addition, 52 percent of the 7,200 people polled said they expected their lives to improve. Asked to give reasons for their satisfaction, 95 percent of respondents cited family life; 48 percent cited their income.




Settlement expansion in the works?

jerusalem (jta) | Ariel Sharon reportedly approved a West Bank settlement's expansion in violation of understandings between Israel and the United States.

The Israeli prime minister and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz ordered 600 new housing units for Ma'aleh Adumim, according to the newspaper Ma'ariv. That would almost certainly necessitate expanding the settlement's jurisdiction and violating an understanding with U.S. Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer whereby Washington has to clear any such move first.

The Defense Ministry and U.S. Embassy did not immediately comment on the order, which was reportedly given two months ago.




Dahlan criticizes Arafat's leadership

jerusalem (jta) | A Palestinian leader issued a rare public criticism of Yasser Arafat.

The Palestinian Authority president "now sits on the bodies and ruins of Palestinians at a time when they most need support," Mohammed Dahlan, the former chief of security in Gaza, was quoted as saying in a Sunday, Aug. 1, Kuwaiti newspaper.

Dahlan's comments come amid increasing chaos in the Palestinian Authority.

In the interview, Dahlan was quoted as saying he didn't want to destroy Arafat's image, but to "correct it so that it will stay beautiful."

But if there was no movement toward security reform by Tuesday, Aug. 10, Dahlan said, a "30,000-strong protest movement would demonstrate in Gaza and demand" reforms, The Associated Press reported.

The international community has been pushing for Arafat to consolidate security forces in Gaza and then turn over security control to someone else.