The Palestinian Implosion ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Foreign Policy by Ghaith Al-Omari, Ziad Asali - (Opinion) January 4, 2013 - 1:00am   Three years ago, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad launched an ambitious plan to build effective, responsive, and clean government institutions. The results were impressive, and Fayyad was hailed as a figure who was making true progress toward a two-state solution even as formal negotiations faltered. » Read more

Palestinian refugees from Syria hit with visa fees ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Daily Star by Annie Slemrod - January 4, 2013 - 1:00am   Palestinians fleeing the violence in Syria must pay LL25,000 to enter Lebanon, a fee that is preventing some refugees from making it across the border. » Read more

Netanyahu delays E1 construction plans ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews by Akiva Novick - January 4, 2013 - 1:00am After declaring his support for the controversial E1 area construction plans in December, it appears that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hesitating to realize the plans. » Read more

Official documents to begin using 'State of Palestine' ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency January 3, 2013 - 1:00am President Mahmoud Abbas signed agreement on Thursday to start using "State of Palestine" on all official documents, according to PA news agency Wafa.  » Read more

Abbas: Palestine faces hardship without Arab 'safety net' ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency January 4, 2013 - 1:00am President Mahmoud Abbas warned on Thursday that without the pledged Arab "safety net" for the Palestinian coffers, Palestine will be in a difficult situation. » Read more

PA financial crisis could be obstacle to joining int'l bodies ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency January 4, 2013 - 1:00am The Palestinian Authority's financial crisis may prevent it from joining several international and United Nations institutions following Palestine's recognition as a non-member state in November, a legal official said Friday. » Read more

2 Israeli documentaries shortlisted for Oscar ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press by Daniel Estrin - January 3, 2013 - 1:00am   The Mideast conflict has done little to help Israel's image in the world, but the way local filmmakers deal critically with the Israel-Palestinian issue has won wide international praise — and this year, recognition from the top of the movie industry. » Read more

Israel ex-spy chief blasts PM ahead of election ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press by Daniel Estrin - January 4, 2013 - 1:00am   » Read more

Chefs offer their take on Jerusalem ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press by Danica Kirka - January 4, 2013 - 1:00am   Two London-based chefs with roots in Jerusalem one day. The next, poster boys for peace. » Read more

Palestinians Move Toward Reconciliation ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Media Line by Diana Atallah - January 3, 2013 - 1:00am   When the Fatah faction holds what is expected to be a huge demonstration marking its 48th anniversary in Gaza, it will mark another step towards reconciliation with its rival Hamas faction in a dispute that continues despite occasional let-ups.   » Read more