It's time for Israel to separate religion and state ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Uri Misgav - (Opinion) January 31, 2012 - 1:00am According to John Lennon, "God is a concept by which we measure our pain." That means that Israel is apparently a nation in great pain. According to a sensational survey by the Guttman Center, 80 percent of Israeli Jews believe in God. Ostensibly this is a harsh statistic. Gideon Levy's heartfelt moan, as expressed in his opinion piece "God have mercy on us," which appeared in this newspaper earlier this week, is understandable. » Read more

January 30th

Hard Times in Hebron ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Foreign Policy by Jackie Spinner - (Opinion) January 27, 2012 - 1:00am HEBRON, West Bank – This flashpoint city, nestled in the West Bank's Judean Mountains, is rarely noted for its bustling economy, neatly paved roads, or sparkling performance center. It is far better known for the nets shopkeepers have stretched above the market streets to keep Jewish settlers from throwing rocks on Palestinian pedestrians, its "apartheid sidewalks," the disputed Ibrahimi Mosque (both a Muslim and Jewish holy site), and the recurring street clashes between Jewish and Arab residents. » Read more

The Middle East Quartet: A Post-Mortem ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Brookings by Khaled Elgindy - (Analysis) February 1, 2012 - 1:00am It has been ten years since the four most powerful players in the Middle East peace process— the United States, the European Union, Russia, and the United Nations—came together under the diplomatic umbrella known as the Quartet. Formed in response to outbreak of the Second Intifada in late 2000 and the collapse of peace negotiations a few months later, the Quartet appeared ideally suited for dealing with the seemingly intractable conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. » Read more

Israel needs a few more lessons in apartheid ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Salman Masalha - (Opinion) January 30, 2012 - 1:00am Scholars of the social sciences know how to defend a public opinion survey. In their way of thinking, this is a scientific tool with which it is possible to assess feelings and understand positions and trends at any given time. Together with these "quiz shows" that supply the masses with a glimpse of the mood of the public, we are also able to familiarize ourselves with the personal feelings, points of view and tendencies of those who conduct the polls. » Read more

Robert Fisk: The present stands no chance against the past ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Independent by Robert Fisk - (Opinion) January 28, 2012 - 1:00am The Palestinians are not only, it seems, an "invented people" – courtesy of Newt Gingrich – but the only Arabs on the Mediterranean not to enjoy a Spring or an Awakening or even a Winter. » Read more

Secrets of the billionaire backing Gingrich's shot at the White House ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Guardian by Paul Harris - (Opinion) January 28, 2012 - 1:00am Abraham Foxman, the amiably chatty director of the Jewish civil rights group, the Anti-Defamation League, has a story to tell about his friend, the 78-year-old multi-billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson. » Read more

Khaled Mashaal’s Next Career Move ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Media Line by Mohammed Najib - (Opinion) January 29, 2012 - 1:00am RAMALLAH -- The announcement by Khaled Mashaal, that he plans to quit his job as the powerful chief of Hamas’ political bureau has led to a flurry of speculation about why he acting? Whether the promise to step down if for real? If so, who will replace him? » Read more

The Region: Israel isn't about to hit Iran: Get used to it! ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post by Barry Rubin - (Opinion) January 29, 2012 - 1:00am The radio superhero The Shadow had the power to “cloud men’s minds.” But nothing clouds men’s minds like anything that has to do with Jews or Israel. For many centuries, bizarre notions have taken over when the thoughts of others turn toward the Jews. Rationality goes out the window. This process is often associated with anti-Semitism but, more broadly, it is a form of total mystification. » Read more

Students must be exposed to the Israeli occupation ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz (Editorial) January 30, 2012 - 1:00am The eighth-graders of the Hebrew University Secondary School (also known as "Leyada" ) were supposed to tour Hebron yesterday, to meet with local settlers and also with members of Breaking the Silence, a group that collects testimony about the abuse of Palestinians from soldiers who serve in the West Bank. The Education Ministry and the Israel Police approved the initiative to take the students to the occupied territories and to present them a balanced view of what's going on there. » Read more

The Man Behind Gingrich’s Money ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times by Michael Luo, Mike McIntire - January 28, 2012 - 1:00am The trip to Jordan by a group of United States congressmen was supposed to be a chance for them to meet the newly crowned King Abdullah II. But their tour guide had a more complicated agenda. The guide was Sheldon Adelson, a Las Vegas casino magnate who helped underwrite trips to the Middle East to win support for Israel in Congress. On this occasion in 1999, as the lawmakers enjoyed a reception at the Royal Palace in Amman, Mr. Adelson and an aide retreated to a private room with the king. » Read more