US-Israeli relations on shaky ground ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Gulf News by Linda Heard - (Opinion) April 13, 2009 - 12:00am The US administration and the new right-wing Israeli government may be on a collision course over Middle East peace as well as how to deal with Iran's nuclear programme, although any disputes are likely to be muted or behind firmly closed doors. It is the policy of Israeli and American governments to be viewed by the outside world as being joined at the hip with neither side wishing to air their dirty laundry in public. » Read more

So many words, but so little action ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Arab News by Linda Heard - (Opinion) April 14, 2009 - 12:00am President Barack Obama definitely talks a good talk but when it comes to implementing his stated foreign policy goals, he appears to be dragging his heels. He's certainly been decisive on the economy and has upset many in the process. But three months into his presidency, his Middle East policy is still vague and he has yet to officially approach Iran to hold what he terms mutually respectful talks. » Read more

What is Left of Egypt's Mediation between the Palestinians? ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Dar Al-Hayat by Elias Harfoush - (Opinion) April 13, 2009 - 12:00am If there was any hope for negotiations between Fatah and Hamas in Cairo to reach an agreement that would end the state of division between the Palestinians, such a hope has become less likely today as a result of the repercussions of the exchange of smear campaigns between the Egyptian government and Hezbollah, on the background of the cell arrested by the Egyptians, who claim that it had been planning activities that pose a threat to Egypt's security. » Read more