Abbas appeals to US over Silwan construction plan ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Agence France Presse (AFP) June 22, 2010 - 12:00am While Washington has already stated that the construction plan that entails the demolition of 22 Arab homes in Silwan damages trust between Israel and the Palestinians, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is not making do with statements, and is looking for action. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told AFP on Tuesday that Abbas asked the United States to take action to cancel the King's Garden project in east Jerusalem, part of which includes the demolition of Arab homes. » Read more

Israel's feeling of isolation is becoming more pronounced ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Washington Post by Janine Zacharia - June 22, 2010 - 12:00am An Elton John concert ordinarily isn't front-page news. But in Israel, where many feel more shunned than they have in decades, the legendary pop icon's decision to perform in Tel Aviv last Thursday was cause for celebration. After weeks of dreary reports about artists caving to calls to boycott Israel, Israeli diplomats being expelled by friendly allies, and even pressure from the United States to change course in Gaza, John allowed Israel an opportunity "for three hours," as one music reviewer put it, "to be a normal country." » Read more

The way forward ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post by Gershon Baskin - (Opinion) June 22, 2010 - 12:00am Under the public radar and due to extreme amounts of skepticism, George Mitchell’s mediation efforts continue without public debate or concern. The silence is because almost no one believes they will be constructive, and the media blackout imposed by Mitchell. Four rounds of talks have taken place. The parameters have been set, the process has begun, and now it is time to get serious. The proximity talks can produce agreements; this is how I think they should proceed: » Read more

East Jerusalem Building Plan Advances ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times by Isabel Kershner - June 21, 2010 - 12:00am Jerusalem’s city hall advanced rezoning and development plans on Monday for a hotly contested area of East Jerusalem, another example of an awkwardly timed, seemingly bureaucratic Israeli maneuver that could upset fragile peace efforts. » Read more

Creative ideas threatened by continued settlement building ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Bitterlemons by Ghassan Khatib - (Opinion) June 22, 2010 - 12:00am The Israeli settlement project in occupied Palestinian territory, which started from the beginning of the Israeli occupation in 1967, has always been one of the most contentious aspects of the conflict. From the beginning, these illegal settlements, including in East Jerusalem, were responsible for provoking fierce confrontations. And when the peace process started, this same Israeli policy proved the major obstacle to reaching a solution. » Read more

Asali addresses The Israel Project ATFP World Press Roundup Article from by Jihan Abdalla - June 22, 2010 - 12:00am On June 22, 2010, Asali addressed The Israel Project and called for a broad national alliance in support of a two-state solution. Full transcript of his speech follows. Dear Jennifer, Thank you and the board and staff of The Israel Project for inviting me to address this distinguished audience. » Read more