Talks Signal Mideast Shift
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from International Herald Tribune
by Michael Slackman - (Analysis) July 21, 2008 - 3:37pm

BEIRUT: After years of escalating tensions and bloodshed, the talk in the Middle East is suddenly about talking. The shift is still relatively subtle, but hints of a new approach in the waning months of President George W. Bush's administration are fueling hopes of at least short-term stability for the first time since the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

»

Israeli Soldier Arrested For Shooting Prisoner
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Times
by Anne Barrowclough - July 21, 2008 - 3:32pm

An Israeli soldier has been arrested after being caught on camera shooting a bound and blindfolded Palestinian prisoner in the foot. In the video, the Palestinian, Ashraf Abu Rahma, 27, is seen being led, handcuffed and blindfolded, to a Jeep by a high ranking officer of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). While the officer, a lieutenant-colonel, grips his arm, a second soldier aims his gun at Abu Rahma’s legs and fires a rubber bullet at him from about 1.5 metres away.

»

An IDF soldier is arrested following the release of video of the shooting of a Palestinian prisoner (1) (4). British Prime Minister Gordon Brown demands an end to Israeli settlement construction and promises more aid for the Palestinian economy (5). Israel continues its actions against allegedly Hamas-affiliated institutions in the West Bank (7). There is speculation that Israel might be willing to release Marwan Barghouti in exchange for IDF soldier Gilad Shalit (9) (11). Barack Obama is set to visit Israel and Palestine later this week (10) (12).

American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017