Barack Obama caught between Israel and his Palestinian 'promise' Media Mention of Ghaith al-Omari In The Guardian - September 19, 2011 - 12:00am Barack Obama has good reason to ask what the present Israeli government has ever done for him. When the White House asked it to halt construction of Jewish settlements in the occupied territories to give peace talks a chance, the building went on. After Washington pressed Binyamin Netanyahu to embrace the promise of Palestinian independence within months, the Israeli prime minister did his best to scupper any prospect of new talks. » Read more

A Palestine State: A Discussion with Ghaith al-Omari Media Mention of Ghaith al-Omari In - September 19, 2011 - 12:00am The Oberlin College Dialoge Center will facilitate a discussion led by Ghaith al-Omari, former senior research fellow with New America's American Strategy Program in 2008 and early 2009. Before joining the New America Foundation, al-Omari served in various senior positions within the Palestinian Authority, including foreign policy advisor to the Palestinian president, director of the International Relations Department in the Office of the Palestinian President, and senior advisor to former Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas. » Read more

Palestinian leader's path to statehood is a dangerous road to nowhere Media Mention of Ziad Asali In The Augusta Chronicle - September 19, 2011 - 12:00am This week, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas intends to propose a resolution requesting admission for a Palestinian state to the United Nations. Refusing to return to direct negotiations with Israel, Abbas has chosen instead to pursue a unilateral declaration of independence, ceasing all efforts to reach an agreement through negotiations. Unfortunately, if Abbas goes ahead with his plan at the United Nations, no one will suffer more than the Palestinian people themselves. » Read more