British embassy in Israel cancels move over Jewish settlement concerns ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Telegraph by Dina Kraft - March 5, 2009 - 1:00am Embassy officials had intended to move to Kirya Tower in Tel Aviv, partly owned by real-estate company Africa-Israel Investments Ltd but has reversed its decision while it seeks clarifications from the company. A subsidiary of Africa-Israel, Danya Cebus, has built homes in at least one West Bank settlement, Maale Adumim, but it is not clear what the scope of the company's activities are. » Read more

Gaza homes destruction 'wanton' ATFP World Press Roundup Article from BBC News March 6, 2009 - 1:00am Human rights investigators say Israeli forces engaged in "wanton destruction" of Palestinian homes during the recent conflict in Gaza. Amnesty International has told the BBC News website the methods used raised concerns about war crimes. Israel's military said buildings were destroyed because of military "operational needs". The Israeli Defense Forces said they operated in accordance with international law during the conflict. » Read more

Clinton visit: In a West Bank café, Palestinians ask how much will change ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Christian Science Monitor by Ilene Prusher - March 5, 2009 - 1:00am If there is any place in this de facto capital of the West Bank where all things American are welcomed, it's here at Stars and Bucks – an unabashed Starbucks knockoff complete with green-and-white logo, cozy couches, and myriad mochas and lattes. But even as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was visiting the Palestinian territories for the first time since her appointment, men and women here took little interest in the fact that their president, Mahmoud Abbas, was standing side by side with her, giving a joint press conference following their first meeting. » Read more

Fresh Start in the Middle East ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times (Editorial) March 5, 2009 - 1:00am Hillary Rodham Clinton put down the right markers on her first Middle East trip as secretary of state. Whatever the eventual composition of a new, and presumably more hawkish, government after Israel’s last election, Mrs. Clinton made clear that America’s compelling interest lies in a two-state solution anchored by a broad regional peace. She advanced that interest by announcing diplomatic re-engagement with Syria and strong American support for the Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas. » Read more

Israeli Spurns Criticism From Clinton ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Washington Post by Howard Schneider - March 6, 2009 - 1:00am After Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton this week criticized plans to extend a park across 88 buildings that house Palestinian families in East Jerusalem, newly elected Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said she was meddling in local control over zoning and the city's economic future. » Read more