June 5th

Meshaal returns to take a firmer hold on Hamas ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The National (Editorial) June 5, 2012 - 12:00am Khaled Meshaal, the leader of Hamas's political bureau, has reversed his decision to step down. Whether this is a genuine change of heart or the springing of a slick political trap, it is best understood as good news for the Palestinians and the cause of peace. » Read more

Was Barak’s call for unilateral action with the Palestinians a trial balloon? ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) by Ben Sales - (Opinion) June 4, 2012 - 12:00am Was Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak's recent suggestion that Israel take “unilateral action” to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a hint at a policy under discussion or just an off-the-cuff remark?  And how will the response of others -- such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- shape the country’s fate in the coming months? » Read more

The future Jewish citizens of Palestine ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post by Gershon Baskin - (Opinion) June 4, 2012 - 12:00am There are three possible solutions for dealing with the issue of settlers in a genuine peace agreement with the Palestinians. Option 1: settlers wishing to do so can be repatriated to the State of Israel proper – within the “green line” borders. Option 2: settlers wishing to remain in Judea or Samaria rather than returning to the borders inside of the “green line” can remain or resettle in those areas that will be annexed to the State of Israel by agreement with the Palestinians. » Read more

The politics of land ownership in the Negev ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post by David Newman - (Opinion) June 4, 2012 - 12:00am The opening session of the annual workshop of the Department of Middle Eastern Studies at Ben-Gurion University taking place this week focused on the complex issue of the law and politics of land rights and property among the Beduin in Israel. » Read more

A Saturday of terror for Palestinians in the shadow of the settlers ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Amira Hass - (Opinion) June 5, 2012 - 12:00am It's a strange state of affairs when the Israeli army is the lesser evil.

Israeli leadership suffers from unilateral withdrawal syndrome ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Moshe Arens - (Opinion) June 5, 2012 - 12:00am It seems that some of our military-men-turned-politicians are suffering from the unilateral withdrawal syndrome. It may be typical of the military mindset: Get it over with! Finish the job! Do something! Do anything! Actually, on some occasions that may be the correct strategy. It usually comes under the heading of "Cutting your losses." But often it may be the wrong way to go.

Abbas Says Without Jerusalem, Palestinians Don’t Want State ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Bloomberg by Jonathan Ferziger, Alaa Shahine - June 5, 2012 - 12:00am Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said his people don’t want to establish their own state unless they’re assured that Jerusalem will be its capital. Abbas, speaking today at a meeting of the World Economic Forum in Istanbul, blamed Israel for the standstill in peace efforts and called on the U.S. to help break the deadlock. » Read more

Palestinians mark Naksa Day ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency June 5, 2012 - 12:00am Hundreds of Palestinians on Tuesday rallied in Gaza City to mark the anniversary of a 1967 Mideast war in which Israel defeated five Arab armies and seized the occupied territories. Palestinians mark the Naksa, or 1967 setback, each year on June 5 with large rallies across the occupied territories. Israel seized the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem in the war. » Read more

Obama extends Israel embassy waiver ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) June 5, 2012 - 12:00am President Obama extended a waiver for an additional six months that delays moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Obama's waiver, issued June 1, follows in the footsteps of predecessors Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, who also extended the waiver every six months since a law was passed in 1995 mandating moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Presidents are permitted to delay the move on national security grounds. » Read more

Fatah, Hamas to hold talks on new PM ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency June 5, 2012 - 12:00am Senior Hamas and Fatah leaders will meet Tuesday to discuss nominations for the prime minister of a unity government, a Fatah official said Monday. Fatah central committee member Jamal Muhesin told Ma'an that Azzam al-Ahmad, who leads Fatah's reconciliation delegation, would discuss possible candidates with Moussa Abu Marzouq, deputy-chief of Hamas' politiburo. Al-Ahmad and Abu Marzouq will hand their recommendations to Fatah leader and President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas chief Khalid Mashaal, Muhesin said. » Read more