Aiming To Translate Politics Into Hope For Palestinians ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times by Steven Erlanger - December 13, 2007 - 12:55pm Tony Blair had that practiced politician’s half grin, his eyes in semi-focus, as the Palestinian minister of tourism, Khouloud Daibes, showed him around a display of Palestinian products at the Chamber of Commerce here Tuesday night. Mr. Blair, the former British prime minister and now the Western envoy for Palestinian development, posed for photos with businessmen and praised the quality of the local marble tiles. » Read more

Democrats Show Beltway "strength," Avoid Being Depicted As Weak ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Salon.com by Glenn Greenwald - December 13, 2007 - 12:54pm Democrats show Beltway "strength," avoid being depicted as weak (updated below - Update II) In the world of the Beltway pundit, Bush Dog Representative, and Democratic strategist, this is how Democrats prove how "strong" and tough they are and avoid being demonized as "weak" and "soft"; this is all just from today: From The Hill: From The Washington Post: From CNN: From The Hill: » Read more

Icrc Says Israeli Clamps Worsen Gaza And W.bank Crisis ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters by Stephanie Nebehay - December 13, 2007 - 12:50pm Israeli restrictions have caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank that is growing worse, leaving hospitals unable to treat the sick and keeping farmers off their land, the International Committee of the Red Cross said. In a statement issued on Thursday, the neutral humanitarian agency called on Israel to "lift the retaliatory measures which are paralyzing life in Gaza" and urged Palestinian factions to stop targeting civilian areas and putting lives at risk. » Read more

First Palestinian Policewomen Begin Work ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press by Dalia Nammari - December 13, 2007 - 12:48pm Palestinian pedestrians gawked at the unusual sight of female police officers directing traffic in Ramallah on Wednesday, the first batch of women to venture into a job traditionally reserved for men in the West Bank. The women wore uniforms of navy blue pants and light blue shirts and many donned navy blue headscarves, a sign of Muslim modesty. Some male police officers sneered at the women as they directed traffic and kept pedestrians from jaywalking on their first day on the job. » Read more