Israel's occupation fills an ancient Mideast need for evil ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Salman Masalha - (Opinion) March 28, 2012 - 12:00am First of all, when it comes to Iran, it should be acknowledged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is right. Since the ayatollahs took power Iranian leaders haven't stopped talking about Israel, referring to it as "the Little Satan" at every opportunity. And when these leaders, whose spiritual world is constrained by such messianic shackles, use such a loaded expression it's clear they must take active steps to deal with such a Satan, even a little one. But in saying that Netanyahu is correct, that's as far as it goes. » Read more

Total change ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Bitterlemons (Interview) March 26, 2012 - 12:00am An interview with Samir Abdullah bitterlemons: What would trigger the collapse of the Palestinian Authority? Abdullah: The Palestinian Authority takes its legitimacy from two sources. The first is how far it can advance the political project and the search for independence. The second is to what extent it can provide good-quality services, manage a good economy, provide jobs for the unemployed, provide social security to the elderly and the handicapped, and provide a good climate for investment and so on. » Read more

2 Israeli Leaders Make Iran Issue of Their Own ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times by Ethan Bronner - March 27, 2012 - 12:00am JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak have turned into the odd couple of Israeli politics in whose hands sits the prospect of an attack on Iran. From opposite political traditions with distinct experiences and worldviews, the two have forged a tight bond, often excluding the rest of the Israeli leadership. » Read more

World Must Act Urgently to Avert “Crisis” in Palestine, Experts Warn ATFP World Press Roundup Article from American Task Force on Palestine March 27, 2012 - 12:00am Washington, DC, March 27 -- The international community must act urgently support the Palestinian Authority and its institutions or face a looming “crisis” a panel of experts today warned at a Washington event today co-hosted by American Task Force for Palestine and The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. » Read more

Israel’s Top Court vs. Outposts ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times (Editorial) March 27, 2012 - 12:00am Israel’s Supreme Court made an important contribution to justice and kept alive hope for a two-state solution with the Palestinians, when it ruled this week that Migron, an illegal outpost built by Israeli settlers, must be dismantled by Aug. 1. Now it is up to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to comply promptly, while making clear to the settlers that violent resistance will not be tolerated. » Read more