Palestinians return to Cairo for ‘difficult’ unity talks ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Agence France Presse (AFP) April 27, 2009 - 12:00am Rival delegations from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fateh Party and the Islamist Hamas movement were in Cairo on Sunday for a new round of reconciliation talks already deemed “difficult”. The two delegations were expected to meet separately with Egyptian security officials ahead of three-way talks on Monday with intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, the state-owned Al Akhbar daily said. The Fateh team was headed by former prime minister Ahmed Qureia, while the Hamas delegation was led by politburo member Musa Abu Marzouk. » Read more

Obama move alarms Israel supporters ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Los Angeles Times by Paul Richter - April 27, 2009 - 12:00am The Obama administration, already on treacherous political ground because of its outreach to traditional adversaries such as Iran and Cuba, has opened the door a crack to engagement with the militant group Hamas. The Palestinian group is designated by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization and under law may not receive federal aid. But the administration has asked Congress for minor changes in U.S. law that would permit aid to continue flowing to Palestinians in the event Hamas-backed officials become part of a unified Palestinian government. » Read more

Jordan sees new war if US does not act quickly ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press April 26, 2009 - 12:00am Jordan's king urged President Barack Obama Sunday to take a more forceful role in the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, warning of a new Mideast war if there is no significant progress in the next 18 months. Speaking to NBC's "Meet the Press," King Abdullah described the Israeli-Palestinian dispute as the core problem of the region and solving it would help the U.S. in dealing with Iran and combatting the appeal of radical Islamic groups like Al-Qaida. » Read more

Demolitions build Jerusalem tension ATFP World Press Roundup Article from BBC News by Katya Adler - April 25, 2009 - 12:00am Five young children cling to their mother. All of them are crying. This morning, without warning, Israeli bulldozers came to destroy their home in Jabal Mukabar area of East Jerusalem. Speaking amongst the mangled remains of her house, Samia Ihdaidoon says she was still sleeping when Israel's police arrived. "They came pounding on the doors and climbed in through the bedroom window as if it was a raid. They said I had five minutes to put on my scarf and collect our valuables, then I had to get out. It's a shock for the children. Look at their faces. I'm in despair." » Read more

ATFP Senior Fellow Debates ADL’s Dallas Director on Middle East Peace Press Release - Contact Information: Hussein Ibish - April 27, 2009 - 12:00am On April 21, ATFP Senior Fellow Hussein Ibish debated the Dallas regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, Mark L. Briskman, on the future of peace and conflict between Israel and the Palestinians at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Ibish emphasized the strong need both parties have for a peace agreement and the important role the Obama administration should play in helping them move forward. Ibish said the conflict was driven by the occupation and that ending it was the key to any viable peace agreement. Mr. Read more

Obama move alarms Israel supporters Media Mention of Ziad Asali In The Los Angeles Times - April 27, 2009 - 12:00am The administration seeks changes that would permit aid to Palestinians even if officials backed by Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist group, become part of a unified Palestinian government. By Paul Richter Reporting from Washington — The Obama administration, already on treacherous political ground because of its outreach to traditional adversaries such as Iran and Cuba, has opened the door a crack to engagement with the militant group Hamas. The Palestinian group is designated by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization and under law may not receive federal aid. » Read more

Different Agendas Of Netanyahu, Obama Media Mention of Ghaith al-Omari In The Bulletin - April 27, 2009 - 12:00am President Barack Obama and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the new leaders of their respective democratic nations, are like two horses bound to a carriage, each pulling in a different direction as it relates to Middle East policy. For Mr. Netanyahu however, the Middle East is home turf, and any wrong move might have critical if not existential consequences. For Mr. » Read more

Numerous Odds against a Lebanese Model for Palestinian Unity Government Media Mention of Ghaith al-Omari In Dar Al-Hayat - April 26, 2009 - 12:00am The Lebanese Model that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton referred to last week as a possible mechanism to work with a Palestinian unity government is becoming less likely due to the numerous odds against Hamas and Fatah in reaching an agreement. » Read more