NEWS: Two Palestinians drown during flash floods in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian factions are trying to arrange a cease-fire at the main Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus. Israelis do not seem to share the concern some pro-Israel Americans are expressing about the nomination of Chuck Hagel. A new poll suggests Palestinian popular support for armed struggle has increased in recent months. Ha'aretz profiles controversial MK Hanin Zuabi. Two Palestinian citizens of Israel are convicted on charges of plotting terrorism. Pres. Abbas and Hamas leader Mishaal may meet in Cairo. Danny Dayan quits as leader of the Israeli settler council. A new poll suggests Israeli voters aren't enthusiastic about PM Netanyahu, but prefer him to everybody else. The first Palestinian envoy to Kuwait in 22 years has been appointed. COMMENTARY: The Media Line interviews PM Fayyad about the PA's fiscal crisis and political woes. The New York Times interviews Pres. Peres, who says Israelis don't want to be seen as an occupying state. Reuters interviews former Shin Bet chief Yaakov Peri, who says Israel faces the prospect of another Palestinian uprising driven by despair. Jerome Slater says as long as Israel is blockading Gaza, it cannot claim self-defense in combating Hamas. Abraham Foxman says Hagel would not have been his choice, but he's not opposed to the nomination. Osama Al Sharif says Palestinians only stand to gain by national reconciliation. John Whitbeck says that, from a legal point of view, the State of Palestine already exists, albeit under occupation. Grant Rumley says Israelis are avoiding a major foreign policy debate during their current election season. Michael Singh says American patience and persistence are required in pursuing Middle East peace.

Patience, not panic, on Israeli-Palestinian peace
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Foreign Policy
by Michael Singh - (Opinion) January 8, 2013 - 1:00am


 


Why Won't Israel's Politicians Talk Seriously About Foreign Policy?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Atlantic
(Opinion) January 8, 2013 - 1:00am


 


‘The state of Palestine exists’
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
by John V. Whitbeck - (Opinion) January 8, 2013 - 1:00am


 


Boosting Palestinian reconciliation
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
by Osama Al-Sharif - (Opinion) January 8, 2013 - 1:00am


  It was supposed to be a symbolic gesture by Hamas, the uncontested ruler of the Gaza Strip since 2007. But last Friday’s rally, celebrating the 48th anniversary of the Fateh movement, took everyone by surprise.


Hagel would not have been our choice, but he's not as bad as some fear
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Abraham H. Foxman - (Opinion) January 9, 2013 - 1:00am


 


Israel's 'self-defense' argument against Hamas holds no water
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Christian Science Monitor
(Opinion) January 7, 2013 - 1:00am


 


Israeli ex-security chief sees risk of Palestinian uprising
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
by Crispian Balmer - (Interview) January 8, 2013 - 1:00am


  Israel faces the prospect of a new Palestinian uprising because of despair over the gridlock in peacemaking, a former head of the Israeli internal intelligence agency who is standing in the Jan. 22 election said on Tuesday.


Shimon Peres on Obama, Iran and the Path to Peace
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Ronen Bergman - (Interview) January 9, 2013 - 1:00am


 


Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad Searches for his Safety Net
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Media Line
by Felice Friedson - (Interview) January 8, 2013 - 1:00am


  Interview with Felice Friedson, The Media Line      TML:  President Abbas has issued a presidential decree that “state of Palestine” should be used wherever “Palestinian Authority” has been used until now. Has the Palestinian state been created?  



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