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Freedom Flotilla II, whose goal was to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza, has run into barrier after barrier. Expectedly from Israel, but also from Greece where the flotilla was planning to launch from. Even though Captain John Klusmire, the captain of the U.S. boat, dubbed Audacity of Hope, was released after being arrested, the boat still remains in Greek custody. Each of the 10 boats carrying international activists faced different challenges, ranging from sabotage to “administrative reasons.” This prompted the organizers to try a different route, via air. Hundreds of supporters were scheduled to fly into Tel Aviv airport in a mass-fly-in, from where they planned to head to Gaza and other Palestinian territories. However, the “flytilla” as it was called, resulted in Israel blacklisting 200 travelers, detaining 310 for questioning at Ben Gurion Airport, and deporting 69.

In neighboring Egypt, protesters congregated last week in Cairo’s Tahrir square in the greatest numbers since the fall of Hosni Mubarak. Even the Muslim Brotherhood, recently recognized by the United States, joined the protests. Reasons for the protest were varied, but include demands for faster implementation of reforms, stronger prosecution of Mubarak-allies– some of whom are finding themselves back in the halls of power – and details of the Egyptian election scheduled for September.

And, in Libya, even though media attention has waned, NATO forces are still conducting operations. The focus has shifted from protecting civilians to toppling the Gadaffi regime. However, rebels are disappointed with the lack of progress. Congress has been debating the U.S. role in Libya via the Defense spending bill on the floor of the House last week. Over 4 dozen amendments were considered while certain funding for the operations in Libya was banned. A broad proposal by Congressman Kucinich to tie Libya funding to a declaration of war was defeated by a vote of 169-251.

GUEST: Robert Naiman, Program Director at Just Foreign Policy.

Find out more at www.justforeignpoliy.org.