May 14th

Palestinian prisoners portraits underscore absence
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
by Dusan Vranic - May 13, 2012 - 12:00am


KUFR RAI, West Bank — For the thousands of Palestinian families who have a relative in Israeli detention, a photograph is the only real contact with their loved ones. In homes, the images are usually decked in elaborate frames alongside the portraits of dead ancestors, marking the conspicuous absence of the prisoners.


Deal looks near to end Palestianian hunger strike
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
by Ian Deitch - May 13, 2012 - 12:00am


JERUSALEM — Egyptian and Palestinian officials said Sunday they were close to reaching a deal with Israel that would end a mass hunger strike by Palestinians in Israeli jails. Some 1,600 Palestinian prisoners are on strike, most for a month, but three have refused food for more than 70 days. They launched the strike to press their demands for better conditions and an end to detention without trial.


Tony Blair urges Israel to keep hunger strikers alive
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Independent
by Donald MacIntyre - May 14, 2012 - 12:00am


Tony Blair has stepped into the crisis triggered by a mass hunger strike of Palestinian prisoners, pressing Israel to take steps to prevent the "tragic" outcome of any of them dying.


West Bank Leader Says Security Forces Can’t Get Guns
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Jodi Rudoren - May 12, 2012 - 12:00am


RAMALLAH, West Bank — President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority said Saturday that his security forces were struggling because


May 12th

The Lessons of the Nakba
In Print by Ziad Asali - The Daily Beast (Opinion) - May 11, 2012 - 12:00am

I do not need anyone to teach me about the Palestinian Nakba. It is the defining moment of my existence. I do not need anyone to lecture me about it either.


May 11th

NEWS: PM Netanyahu is reportedly considering legislation to bypass the Supreme Court-ordered demolition of an “unauthorized” settlement outpost built on privately owned Palestinian land. The future of a Jewish settlement in occupied East Jerusalem appears to hinge on documents possessed by a Palestinian taxi driver. Pres. Abbas again warns Israel about the consequences of the death of any hunger striking prisoner, as one is reportedly near death. The PA says it has arrested suspects in the murder of the late Governor of Jenin. Hamas apologizes for shutting down a literary festival in Gaza. An Israeli city has reportedly banned girls from singing at an upcoming conference. In a telephone conversation, Sec. Clinton urges Netanyahu to use his new huge coalition to advance peace. Palestinians show no enthusiasm for Israel's new coalition. Ramallah’s Ashtar Theater is performing Richard II at an international Shakespeare Festival in London. COMMENTARY: Reuters interviews Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Charles Krauthammer says the new coalition means Israel is ready for war with Iran, but Nadav Eyal says Israel is probably bluffing. Natan Sachs says the revolt against Netanyahu over Iran from within Israel's security establishment should be a source of deep concern, not reassurance. Ahmed Rashid says any Israeli attack will deliver Iran massive support in the Muslim world it otherwise cannot attract. Niv Elis says his new coalition shows Netanyahu's centrist orientation, but Nir Eisikovits wonders if he will use his increased power to continue to pursue conflict with Iran or to help Israel, including by seeking peace with the Palestinians. Uri Savir says that for Israel, 2012 might be the year of cynical political decisions but 2013 must be the year of momentous national decisions. Lara Friedman says Israeli Amb. Oren correctly defined what it means to be “pro-Israel” in a recent speech. Dov Waxman says Palestinian citizens of Israel should not be forced to prove their loyalty through “National Service.”

Uncle Herzl Wants You
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Daily Beast
by Dov Waxman - (Opinion) May 10, 2012 - 12:00am


Among the justifications (or excuses) offered by Netanyahu and Mofaz for the creation of Israel’s new national unity government is that they will soon try to institute mandatory national service for all Israeli citizens. Intended to replace the much-maligned Tal Law, which allowed ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students to avoid military service and was declared unconstitutional by Israel’s Supreme Court, the promised law will ensure that all Israelis share the national burden, as Netanyahu put it.


Ambassador Oren Gets it Right on "Pro-Israel"
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Daily Beast
by Lara Friedman - (Opinion) May 10, 2012 - 12:00am


Thank you, Ambassador Oren.  On Sunday you told an audience in Detroit what “pro-Israel” means. 


National unity, but not national decisions
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Uri Savir - (Opinion) May 10, 2012 - 12:00am


At the beginning of the week, I intended to write an article about the decision processes that would have been necessary in Israel and United States following the 2012 national elections in each country. The elections in the United States are still taking place; the elections in Israel have been postponed and may take place on time in 2013 or earlier.


Will Netanyahu stay obsessed with Iran or use his new coalition to help Israel?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Christian Science Monitor
by Nir Eisikovits - (Opinion) May 10, 2012 - 12:00am


Love him or hate him, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a stargazer, a strategic thinker.



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