Who wants to do something for Gaza???

The Palestinian propaganda machine is live and kicking in QL too.

ABU.ADIL is part of the team.

The Israely propaganda machine is live and kicking in QL too.

http://www.helpuswin.org/en/respond-to-these/

Red-pope leads the team.

Facts about Starbucks in the Middle East

January 16, 2009

Facts about Starbucks in the Middle East

It is disheartening that calls for boycotts of Starbucks stores and products, which are based on blatant untruths, have had direct impacts on local economies and residents, and have also led to violent situations involving our stores, partners (employees) and customers.

Our more than 160,000 partners and business associates around the globe have diverse views about a wide range of topics. Regardless of that spectrum of belief, Starbucks Coffee Company remains a non-political organization. We do not support any political or religious cause. Further, allegations that Starbucks provides financial support to the Israeli government and/or the Israeli Army in any way are unequivocally false. Unfortunately, these rumors persist despite our best efforts to refute them.

What we do believe in, and remain focused on, is staying true to our company’s long-standing heritage -- simply connecting with our partners and customers over a cup of high quality coffee and offering the best experience possible to them – regardless of geographical location. Though our roots are in the United States, we are a global company with stores in 49 countries, including more than 230 stores in nine Middle Eastern countries. In countries where we do business, we are proud to be a part of the fabric of the local community -- working directly with local partners who operate our stores, employing thousands of local citizens, serving millions of customers and positively impacting many others through our support of neighborhoods and cities.

Myths

Is it true that Starbucks provides financial support to Israel?

No. This is absolutely untrue. Rumors that Starbucks Coffee Company provides financial support to the Israeli government and/or the Israeli Army are unequivocally false. Starbucks is a publicly held company and as such, is required to disclose any corporate giving each year through a proxy statement. In addition, articles in the London Telegraph (U.K.), New Straits Times (Malaysia), and Spiked (online) provide an outside perspective on these false rumors.

Has Starbucks ever sent any of its profits to the Israeli government and/or Israeli army?

No. This is absolutely untrue.

Is it true that Starbucks is teaming with other American corporations to send their last several weeks of profits to the Israeli government and/or the Israeli Army?

No. This is absolutely untrue.

Is it true that Starbucks closed its stores in Israel for political reasons?

No. We do not make business decisions based on political issues. We decided to dissolve our partnership in Israel in 2003 due to the on-going operational challenges that we experienced in that market. After many months of discussion with our partner we came to this amicable decision. While this was a difficult decision for both companies, we believe it remains the right decision for our businesses.

Middle East Partnership and Operations

Do you work with a Middle East partner to operate Starbucks stores?

Through a licensing agreement with trading partner and licensee MH Alshaya WLL, a private Kuwait family business, Starbucks has operated in the Middle East since 1999. Today Alshaya Group, recognized as one of the leading and most influential retailing franchisees in the region, operates more than 274 Starbucks stores in the Middle East and Levant region. In addition to its Starbucks stores, the Alshaya Group operates more than 1,700 other retail stores in the region, providing jobs for more than 15,000 employees of more than 35 nationalities.

We are extremely fortunate and proud to have forged a successful partnership for the past ten years and look forward to building on this success.

In which Middle Eastern countries do you operate?

We partner with Alshaya Group to operate Starbucks stores in Egypt, Kuwait, KSA, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Jordan and Lebanon in the Middle East region. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with so many communities, and we are committed to providing the Starbucks Experience while respecting the local customs and cultures of each country we are a part of. We are also committed to hiring locally, providing jobs to thousands of local citizens in the countries where we operate.

Are you still operating Starbucks stores in Israel? If not, do you have plans to re-open should the opportunity arise?

We decided to dissolve our partnership in Israel in 2003 due to the on-going operational challenges that we experienced in that market.

When and where the business case makes sense and we see a fit for the Starbucks brand in a market we will work closely with a local partner to assess the feasibility of offering our brand to that community. We will therefore continue to assess all opportunities on this basis. At present, we will continue to grow our business in the Middle East as we have been very gratified by the strong reception of the brand in the region. We continue to work closely with our business partner, the Alshaya Group, in developing our plans for the region.

http://www.starbucks...

Contact Information:

Starbucks Coffee Company

Customer Relations

(800) 235-2883

info/-a-t-/starbucks.com

Who is definitely 100% coming Wednesday?

and will try to show up tomorrow to learn more about the good work you doing.

Hope to contribute positvely into the campaign.

____________________________________________________

Have Courage To Live.

Anyone Can Die.

The UN took a strong stand against apartheid; and over the years, an international consensus was built, which helped to bring an end to this iniquitous system. But we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians. - Nelson Mandela

will try Emad....

anywayz THx ..!!

Dont get me wrong dude :(

You better show up.. You and Pajju!!

,

Emad =>

great dmightysolomon, then you are a perfect candidate :)

Emad.....

Did i posted anything in this thread ? Except for the above ??

anti "boycott" but anti "genocide".

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

Are you here to hijack ?:P

,

Emad =>

Emad

Glad ur noticin all this ...:)

this topic is nice

we all support her

me will try my best to be there :-)

and Amoud shush quiet you

Thanks Emad.

The time is at 7:00pm, Wednesday (TOMORROW) evening.

Those who are "anti-boycott", but still want to help the Anti-genocide cause, I encourage you to come, I believe there will be something for all of you...

Again sorry for the hijack, it was unintentional...

Da keeps getting me in trouble.

On a related note, does anyone know a shop that is selling the support scarves and donating the profits?

____________________________________________________

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

Well your misbehaving right now..

(just keep your comments related to the subject please) :)

Da its okey ;)

,

Emad =>

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

Guys remember to behave when you are posting on this thread because Facebook users can view your comments.. ;)

,

Emad =>

Sorry Mira, Da keeps doing that to me... following me to where I post and threatening me... then I end up hijacking telling him to shut up and sorts..... Sorry again.

If you need any help let me know Mira. Being critisized for doing "pointless" work is better than being critisized for doing nothing. Inshallah there will be a good group and something pro-active can come out of this.

____________________________________________________

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

Amoud is hijackin your thread kick her when you see her ok :D

Lolol.... you make me mean.... imposing your threatening ways on me....

____________________________________________________

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

Shut up Da.... ____________________________________________________

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

PM I think people who are concerned for humanity and the loss of life due to aggression have the right to express their anger in whatever form they think right. How far it will be effective only the time will tell. But, nevertheless, doing something is better than doing nothing. Who is making the people demanding justice fed up? Do the words alone make any difference? what happened so far? so whats wrong in giving a try?

Amoud and others carry on..lets hope inshaAllah better..

Dmighty don't worry there are always other jobs to do but no lifes to live once gone..

are you sure coming

plz dont forgot to bring your ambulance with you might send you back in that :D

Mira, I am in also. See you Wednesday.

____________________________________________________

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

PM, I never once insinuated you keep quite, and must thank you for making assumptions about me in my absence.

I do think my other post clearly defines that everyone has a right to their opinion and also the right to express it, but again thank you for that consideration.

I am unsure why your point of view always has to be THE point of view.

____________________________________________________

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

sorry, i'm not in FB.

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

I would be there. To support your initiative for change, not necessarily the method or way!

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

dmightsolomon, you should come learn about the boycott initiative I have proposed...in some cases we are simply asking certain business to change a supplier of one of their many products. I am not going to get into details on the forum, but I can say the term "boycott" is being used very loosely.

I would encourage everyone to come Wednesday evening and then pass their judgments afterwards.

and the different views will have a "good" bearing on the actual date of meeting. Looking at the views, prons- and cons- are there, and do hope the purpose will be served "honestly". Although I don't agree with the "boycott" thing, I would like to wish you success on your "difficult" endeavor. I just pity those who will lose their jobs and..... good for those who will "expand" their business and new jobs. Hope those who will be losing their jobs can land on these new jobs! Good day to all.

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

Did I tell you to keep silent and not to express your "valuable" views? Well, if you don't know the answer.. It's NO.

It's obvious that we have different views on different topics.. and thats fine because I don't expect to have the whole world agree with me on every single topic..

I am open and ready to read and think about anyone's idea/view including you.

What I feel is that you are trying to stop people from doing what they believe is right.. I understand that we have to be careful about the boycotting issue and we are trying to be so that we don't cause trouble but only for Israel.

I hope you get me right this time..

,

Emad =>

PM you know exactly the meaning of it.. For more details read Amoud's post because I think it was written for you!

,

Emad =>

I come accross this site who has some details of companies to boycott who are supporting Isreal

http://www.inminds.com/boycott-israel.html, some of the names i saw

Johnson & Johnson, Nestle, Nokia, Starbucks, McDonald's, Coca-Cola

more on the site

"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

Mira very good case so meeting is this coming wednesday? i will try to join if not look forard to final list of companies, not only will i better take care of my and my family health if these are Mcdonald or pepsi etc but will also serve to great cause, let's hit hard to Isreal

Actually, PM this point is being addressed at Wednesday's meeting. We are going to boycott companies who openly/publicly support Israel, invest in Israel, or run their operations in Israel.

By the end of this meeting people will know why they boycott the companies they do and not just simply reference the rumor mill.

I have all the facts PM, and no, I didn't put them together, another group already has. And their central belief was to boycott companies where they had clear concise evidence that they supported Israel in some capacity.

The founder of Starbucks has made so many offensive statements to those who are sensitive to the Palestinian cause that it's no surprise that he's caused Starbucks to be boycotted.

His work as a propagandist for Israel has been praised by the Israeli Foreign Ministry as being key to Israel's long-term PR success [2].

http://www.jrep.com/Israel/Article-0.html

...well at the cost of Starbucks PR success, I guess.

I am In

A person who does not speak out against the wrong is a mute devil.

Simply, a person who IS a huge Israel supporter who doesn't give a penny to Israel is a person I want to boycott! Which side a person is on DOES matter!

Just leave people alone! :\

,

Emad =>

just not a midnight because i am sleeping sorry

thanks Emad!

Location:

Address: Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex, Dafna, Doha, Qatar

Tel: 483 8400

You can call them for further directions, I am terrible at giving directions.

You are most welcome! :)

,

Emad =>

jazaka allaho kola khair

I have posted this thread on Facebook for people to read the full description :)

,

Emad =>

That's why it's important people attend on Wednesday because you may be boycotting the wrong companies. Clearly, I am not suggesting that I know everything, but it's always good to have public facts/proof on companies before we boycott them.

al catel

in company under service i mean jack service :D

where is 50 QR nokia?

???

for sure i am in .. i'll do what ever it takes to help Gaza , i've start it already ,

NO KFC

NO STARBUCKS

NO PEPSI

i will go in to a food strike if i had to but i will not eat or drink any thing that comes from the state or any other country who supported the juw ...

i would like to thank the writer and to whom share a great full comments

from this window , throw Qatarliving.com i want to anounce that i am glad and proud of two things in life .

1- i am Palastanian

2- i live in the State of Qatar which leaded with the only humman being among all the arabian goverments . I do Pray for his highness , Shk Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani for what he said and did for our case aginst the israly war aginst our nation as arabs and muslim ..

Shk. Hamad , i am proud of living here under you wisdom and ultimate feeling of us ..

No problem ;)

,

Emad =>

Wow, I am really impressed by the support and it seems people from every part of the globe have expressed interest.

Remember, get the word out and bring people with you this Wednesday!

Yes, DaRuDe?

DaRuDe

For anyone who has friends that are located in Doha on facebook, please pm me your e-mail addresses so we can invite them to the event.

but i think u should be more seriously

lol, am too late :(

om Maui the event was only for one day yesterday.

All the taking from these restaurants were donated to Gaza. It was also in the Gulf Times yesterday..

-----------------

HE WHO DARES WINS

UKEng, thanks for that info. i will check it out. hi mira, i will check facebook tonight. good luck!

Thanks PM.

Majority of individuals who argue against boycott put the same defeated arguments as those who are anti-free trade.

Yes, now, for instance, if those who begin boycotting are actually successful, then Israeli sponsored establishments would suffer in their profits and may reduce their operations...thus, job loss.

BUT! There is now a gap and a need in the market, so competitors either expand their operations (thus creating jobs) or new firms, which may even be local firms, stand up to fill in the gap...thus again creating jobs.

This is the basic of economics, not something I made up. And only Israeli sponsoring firms will feel the "long-term" negative impacts.

I also know loads of Palestinians who are Americans and own businesses in America, that does not mean by default they support Israel. They actually use substantial portions of their profits to support Palestine.

People need to differentiate the American foreign policy and the American population...the population that came out in record numbers to kick-out the Republicans.

If people want to boycott America, China, or even Mexico, that is their business.

But, Wednesday's meeting is to focus on reducing Israeli influence in the media AND boycotting companies that openly and directly sponsor Israel.

We have to see another picture as well that now those Israeli brands became international and many people depend upon those brands. If everyone boycott those brands blindly, many people could become jobless. We don't want to hurt any innocent as Israel did. We do not want to wear their shoes.

We have to teach people especially Muslims that they should educate their children and help them in becoming Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Paul Samuelson and entrepreneurs who can own companies like Coke, Levi's, Google, Oracle, Baskin Robins, Dunkin Donuts, CNN, ABC NEws, Washington Post, TIME mag, New York Time, etc. etc.; remember these are all related to Jews. So this is the difference between them and us. Boycotting things are temporary activities, I bet you that this will last for 2 or 3 months only, thats it.

Moreover, remember US is also equally part of this massacre. So did you boycott it's product as well? NO, u can't, no body can't!

We have to bring education and information revolution. In different Muslim countries, conditions are different. In Middle East people can afford education but their children do not study, research as much as they should so here is a different need. In Pakistan, India, and many more countries where there is potential in Muslim children but they cant afford education. We have to think like that.

By the way, thanks a lot for your support. I appreciate!

PM we are not boycotting American brands, it was already pointed out above.

Is there no other ways this could be done other than this boycotting of a thing? And all these companies u are talking abt, do they send their daily proceedings to Israel?

Do u think this wld av any effect if its just gonna be for a day or two? (and its not the entire residents of Qatar that wld be part of dis). If u want to help, help and stop creating hatred in the minds of people.

What we need now is prayers for PEACE to reign Globally.

This is totally different onemakikomoto, there are loads of organizations who are presently doing that and I strongly encourage such efforts, but those interested in a boycott have a different objective in mind.

Like what is stopping Israel from going in and doing this to Gaza three months after all of these NGO's rebuild Gaza? Israel has been doing this for 60years, they need to know that they will now face consequences to their actions.

btw. everybody remember to go to a Wataniya restaurant tonight if you can :)

mira... i think itll be more helpful if we just find ways on how to help on the rehabilitation of gaza., :)

_________________

call me ONE.

Don't worry SPEED we are selecting only those companies who openly sponsor or have affiliations with Israel.

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

inboxes plz.

I have read is thread this morning, but could not respond to you because today was my 1st day at work after short leave. I was really very busy.

Fist of all, I appreciate your efforts for taking such a bold step. I liked your idea but we really have to be very careful in selecting 'Brand Names' because some company may not be supporting Israel and it's supporters.

Also we should not forget that 'Egypt and Jordan' were to be blamed equally for the genocide in Gaza for supporting Israel. We must NAME and SHAME their Governments.

I don't mind meeting in Bennigan's unless it is not supporting Israel or US war on so called "Terror".

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

Reservations are at 7:00pm, Bennigans, reserved under QL.

onemakikomoto - I just sent you a pm

Here are the general details for everyone:

Comprehensive list of companies to boycott - excellent website that states how the companies are actually affiliated with Israel.

Blitz suggestions- not very common here, but it's worth a try

Letters to Managers of various stores who carry boycotted products

Press releases to send to local papers on what products to boycott in Doha, maybe expand to other GCC countries

Potential interviews with news broadcasters.

How to counter Jewish propaganda in the Media

My obvious hope is that this will start small and we can expand with all the right people. I am going to have all the base letters written and then I'm going to email everyone a soft-copy so they can make any changes to personalize it. For those who are a little lazy.. they have the hard copy letter in their hand and just have to sign and hand it in next time they go to one of the shops.

And of course a few tools on how to expand this into our personal groups back in our home countries, etc.

Take ideas and suggestions

Btw. above itinerary still expanding.

Hopefully, this will just be the beginning!

mira, can you send the details for wed., straight to my email ad., ? that aint my facebook email account., ill try to drop by as soon as im free.,:)

_________________

call me ONE.

So Mira what is the deal other then boycott? as for myself i will think about other ideas but wont consider not buying from the local grocery or throwing out my laptop because there is an intel chip.

Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!

- Jalaluddin al-Rumi

Emad-where did you go?

list of the top 13 companies who support Israel policies

http://www.wakeupfromyourslumber.com/node/298

im sure it'll rain ideas on wednesday., i think everyone will be open for any way we could help gaza, i mean helping in the real sense.,

_________________

call me ONE.

realsomeone, I didn't really plan on starving local grocery stores.

But why don't you brain storm some of your ideas and bring them on Wednesday.

Onemakikmotto - you can forward me your e-mail and I can forward you the details of Wednesday's meeting if you can't attend.

Instead of starving the local groceries why cant we think of innovative ways to fight back.

Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!

- Jalaluddin al-Rumi

Is this a boycott Israel or also American products? Bennigans??

Thanks Alexa, actually Bennigan's is an American franchise, but to the best of my knowledge and research it does not support Israel, although if anyone has information that contrasts with this, please do share.

The gathering is to facilitate boycotting goods and services that directly sponsor or have affiliations with Israel.

Check your PM inbox now :)

,

Emad =>

wednesday??? final? any other date?

_________________

call me ONE.

Emad, it's posted. Now, I need your email to add you? I am such a peasant when it comes to facebook.

Did you post it already ?

,

Emad =>

I've not yet seen a good example of an Israeli company/product to boycott (with the exception of Teva and Niot shoes.) And the looting of an Arab-owned Starbucks franchise in London because the CEO of Starbucks is a Zionist horrified me. I prefer to give money to the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. That way I can be sure that what I am doing has a positive effect.

Mandi

Alright Emaad, sounds good.

it will create a positive effect. Boycott is somewhat "negative" and all effects is also "negative". IMHO.

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

Om Maui..

Balderick2dogs posted a thread on Thursday with all the outlets that will be donating their takings today to GAZA.please check Baldericks thread.

I think there are like Mongolian barbeque and few more outlets in Villagio..like I said it is best you check that thread..

-----------------

HE WHO DARES WINS

Are you nutz

or knuckle head dunce nutz

what are you saying

Oh My dear

Wake up!

Please Don't pay your money for Killing Oppressed Palestinians.

If just half of this population doesn't buy Israeli's goods,

ISRAEL WILL BE DESTROYED WITHIN MONTHS

We can......

BOYCOTT ISRAEL PRODUCTS........

Oh umma,is it blood or water flowing in your vains

for our beloved brothers&sisters.............. OF Palestinians

arrange meeting

i suggrst u to arrange meeting

with the motto (boycott darude)

Hi Mira, i am all in support of your project! count me in!

how would you like the boycotting be felt? The ultimate goal is to paralyze the companies "perceived" to be giving fund to Israel so ultimately, to close these shop. Because if your goal is short-termed, Israel knew it will not affect them.

It's the thought that counts. I am not suggesting for the employees to resign or be absent, it was a hypothetical idea as to what maybe the outcome of the boycott thing. Get it?

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

boycotting the products won't necessarily lead to shut down, dmigty. it will make a point. same when we boycotted Danish products when a Danish newspaper blasphemed the Muslim prophet. It made a point.

your suggestion to be absent for a day will have a more adverse effect on the employees -- they will get sacked or worse - jailed!

boycotting a product won't kill Israel but if the company closed due to boycotting of its products, it will affect the employees!

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

dmigty, in this country, to go on strike or boycott at work is unlawful. these employees can be imprisoned for it.

UkEng, what are the wataniya restaurants for example?

Mira sorry for the hijack..but it is same cause different name..

-----------------

HE WHO DARES WINS

So whos joining me to wataniya restaurants tonight?

-----------------

HE WHO DARES WINS

of the companies that produces these products to resign or be absent for one day. It's the same effect if you boycott these products!

"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"

We need more Mira in Qatar! Good Luck!

that Watinya restaurants are donating all their takings to GAZA today..So please visit one of their outlets today and take your friends and family there too..

Every dollar helps..

-----------------

HE WHO DARES WINS

Mira, PM us if you need help on Facebook. good luck.

I will end-up having lots and lots of PM's from friends and other users on facebook asking me quetions i might not be able to answer.. Can you post it on facebook and we will manage the invitations by sending them to friends and others.. ? This way, you will be asked the questions and you will be able to answer them :)

,

Emad =>

Probably after 6 pm .. Because I don't have access to the facebook from my office :(

,

Emad =>

mira and journalistgirl, thanks for that information! would love to know other people's thoughts on this.

emad, let us know once it is posted on facebook! thanks

Om Maui, if u happen to go into Marks and Spencers, they have affiliations with Israel. They donate to the Israeli state.

Journalist girl thanks for the offer, first thing is to please attend and bring people with you. I've got everything else so far..for now:)

Om Maui, Nestle is an example, but I just don't want people to blindly boycott brands there will be literature on each brand and it's relationship to Israel.

hi mira, can u give me an example of a product/brand you propose to boycott?

don't get me wrong.. am just curious :)

Cool idea Mira. Am in.....Need extra hands in organising this?

I totally agree with you brit expat. We also need to try a preemptive effort to prevent this from happening again. Organize and mobilize, so that Israel has consequences to face from consumers who don't agree with their actions.

Especially now, during this financial crisis, boycotts would prove to be a very powerful tool and we all have it.

I do hope to see you there on Wednesday.

Thanks Gypsy, but none of those events are similar to what I am trying to do here.

Well done Mira.. Every little helps.. The most important at present is donating money to help the citizens of Gaza..

come where

and high energy?? me?? who told you ??

no i run on life support system :P

Ah will try my best.

There's lots of ways to help, you can donate or attend some of the events and protests. Check here for a complete list: http://www.qatarhappening.com/recommendation.aspx

That'd be great! Thanks Emad.

I'm sorry i didn't know that..

Well, maybe I can post it for you on facebook ;)

,

Emad =>

Make sure you come DaRuDe, I need high-energy people to pull this off.

This is kind of a like a grass-roots effort, we have to give it a try.

Wish you Best of luck Mira :)

Emad, I'm so not computer savvy, how would I post this on facebook. Everyone on my personal facebook lives a billion miles away from Qatar.

Mira try the facebook.. it's way better than QL ;).. also talk to SPEED as he is the QLVG leader ( Qatar Living Volunteer Group ) I'm sure he would help.

,

Emad =>

Excellent! Get the word out and try to bring people if you can, we can do this, we just have to believe we can.

i am in