Historical Experiences and Perception
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Huffington Post
by Alon Ben-Meir - (Opinion) February 11, 2013 - 1:00am


Brief synopsis: The most puzzling aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may be that after 65 years of violence, enmity and suffering, it remains unresolved when coexistence is inevitable and a two-state solution remains the only viable option. Although there are many contentious issues that must be specifically addressed, directly impacting every conflicting issue is the broader psychological dimension of the conflict, which makes it increasingly intractable.


Hard Questions, Tough Answers with
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Americans For Peace Now
by Yossi Alpher - (Opinion) February 11, 2013 - 1:00am


Alpher discusses the interaction of the dynamics of President Obama coming to Israel shortly after PM Netanyahu is expected to present his new coalition, where does Netanyahu's coalition-forming project currently stand, the positions Netanyahu and Obama will present to one another on the key issues at stake, and what should the administration consider proposing when Obama comes to Jerusalem, in order to ensure a degree of harmony and the prospect of progress on the Palestinian issue. 


On My Mind: Peace expectations
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Kenneth Bandler - (Opinion) February 11, 2013 - 1:00am


With the Israeli-Palestinian peace process stuck in neutral for so long, any ostensibly positive development is assumed to signal a possible opportunity to advance. Some observers contend that Israel’s recent elections provide such a turning point. The New York Times, for instance, argued in an editorial that the results set the stage for a breakthrough in moribund peace negotiations.


Liberal Zionists Should Support BDS
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Daily Beast
by Jerry Haber - (Opinion) February 11, 2013 - 1:00am


Liberal Zionists want to end Israeli control of the West Bank and Gaza, abolish institutional discrimination between the Jewish and non-Jewish citizens of Israel, and witness the establishment of a Palestinian state that will allow Palestinians to live as a free and secure people in their own homeland. As liberals, they insist on preserving the civil and human rights of both Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs.


PLO officials say expectations low for Obama visit
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency
February 12, 2013 - 1:00am


Palestinian officials said Tuesday that the upcoming visit by US President Barack Obama is unlikely to aid the peace process. Obama plans to visit the region in spring, a White House official said last week, in his first trip to the region since taking office. Secretary-General of Palestinian People's Party Bassam al-Salhi told Ma'an that the visit may create the "illusion" of returning to negotiations, but would have no impact on the peace process as Israel has consistently violated its principles, with US complicity.


Obama's Israel visit itinerary released
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Itamar Eichner - February 12, 2013 - 1:00am


Jerusalem and Washington have set the itinerary for President Barack Obama visit to Israel. Obama is scheduled to land in Ben Gurion International Airport around noon on Wednesday, March 20.  


U.S. Assistance to the Palestinians
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from United States State Department
(Press Release) February 12, 2013 - 1:00am


Question: What is the status of the funding Congresswoman Granger approved for the Palestinian Authority?


Only by fear of international sanctions
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Yitzhak Laor - (Opinion) February 11, 2013 - 1:00am


It's doubtful if there was such foolishness in global politics since World War II as the settlement enterprise. The fact that the Israeli political leadership has engaged in it since 1967 makes the pill all the more bitter.


Kerry seeks to unblock $700 million in aid for Palestinians
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Agence France Presse (AFP)
February 11, 2013 - 1:00am


Secretary of State John Kerry is working to try to free up almost $700 million in aid for the Palestinians which has been held up in Congress, a top US official said Monday. “The secretary feels extremely strongly that it is time now to get this support to the Palestinian Authority,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.


Arabs Look for Decisive Obama in Palestinian-Israeli Negotiations
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Asharq Alawsat
by Michel Abu Najm - February 11, 2013 - 1:00am


Following the announcement that US President Barack Obama will visit Israel and Palestine for the first time next spring, Arab ministerial sources warned Asharq Al-Awsat that the US president has only a short window to advance peace. They said: "Obama has 18 months to achieve something on the question of peace between the Palestinians and Israelis. Afterward, there will be the midterm elections and the presidential campaign, which will lead to a decline in interest in this issue."



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