The demographic balance in Israel and the Palestinian territories is examined in the Washington Times (1.) Madeleine Albright urges the next American president to accept certain realities and to approach the Middle East in Partnership on the path to a new world. (4.) A survey suggests that the vast majority of Muslims worldwide want Western democracy and freedoms, but do not want them to be imposed (5.) An IPS piece examines the Gaza border and the current political realities in Gaza (7.) The Sydney Morning Herald writes about the reaction of human rights group, B’Tselem, to the dismissal of the disciplinary investigation into the killing of 21 Palestinian civilians (9.)

The Baltimore Sun reports that Israel may be faced with the threat of war in gaza (2). In the DPA the UN calls for Israel, PA and Egypt to find a new strategy to alleviate the gaza crisis (3). Akram Baker examines which US Presidential candidate can offer ‘fresh eyes’ towards the middle in a Daily Star opinion (6). Barak Ravid reports in Haaretz that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is unsure that a peace deal with the PA is possible in 2008 (10)..

A New York Times article reports on Israel’s deflection of criticism from the Arab League (1.) The Associated Press quotes Mahmoud Abbas saying 2008 may be the last chance for peace (3.) A Financial Times article examines Israel’s strategy options in Gaza (4.) In Bitterlemons, Ghassan Khatib says that without the cessation of settlement activity, the negotiation process will be compromised (7.) According to a Jerusalem Post editorial, there can be no dialogue with Hamas until they recognize Israel and disavow terrorism (8.)

Michael Slackman reports in the New York Times that Arab leaders are concerned about the prospects of a two-state proposal (1). An MJ Rosenberg opinion in IPF cautions against ignoring Syria (5) while a Gulf News editorial stresses the need for international action on Palestine now (6). Ron Kampeas of the JTA details Obama’s new Israel-related criticisms (8). An Haaretz article wonders where the pressure is in Gaza (10).

Reuters reports on the European Union’s resolution regarding Israel’s treatment of Gaza (3.) An opinion piece by Egyptian Ambassador Nabil Fahmy, explains how Israel’s tactics in Gaza have only strengthened Hamas’s hold in the territory (5.) A Jordan Times article discusses a recent UN conference that stressed economic reform as the key for stability in the occupied territories (7.) The Arab News reports on settlement expansion in the West Bank (8.) The recent talk of unilateral independence is explored in Ha’aretz (10.)

The New York Times report on the struggle between Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to move talks forward (1) while the Jerusalem Post reports on a conversation with Prime Minister Fayyad detailing his concerns that a peace deal in 2008 may be in peril (3). In a National Interest opinion Ted Galen Carpenter discusses what the thinks about sending NATO peacekeepers into the West Bank (5). A Yehudit Barsky opinion in the JTA examines Hezbollah’s next move (8). In Haaretz, Barak Ravid reports on a possible declaration of independence in the even peace talks with Israel fail (11).

Reuters reports on comments from a senior PA adviser that the issue of Jerusalem is still a high priority in talks with Olmert (2.) An Angus Reid poll shows that most Israelis would back a motion to launch a large scale military operation in Gaza (3.) A report by Americans for Peace Now looks at settlement expansion in the West Bank (5.) The Kuwait News Agency covers French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner’s visit to the Palestinian Territories (9.) Ran HaCohen makes the case for Israel to talk with Hamas (11.) Gideon Levy compares the current situation in Azoun Village to the days of the Intifada(12.)

An article in the Agence France-Press uses the plight of the flower industry in Gaza to highlight the effects of Israel’s economic lockdown (5). The Boston Globe discuses Imad Mughniyeh’s life and sudden death (2.) The Foreword’s Nathan Guttman covers’ Salam Fayyad’s speech to ATFP (3) and George Hishmeh argues that a lack of action from the Bush administration has led to dwindling hope in the peace process (4.) Steven Erlanger analyzes Israel’s Gaza predicament in the International Herald Times (8).

In an Hareetz opinon, Uzi Benziman petitions Shas to leave the coalition (1). The Middle East Times reports on Arab League chief Amr Moussa’s dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in Isareli-Palestinian negotiations (3). Osama Al Sharif wonders when Hamas will decide whether it is a militant group or a functional government in an Arab News opinion (5). Israeli writer Amos Oz warns against an invasion of Gaza in a Ynetnews opinion (7). Reuters reports that Israel is seeking international backing for a Gaza campaign (11).

An opinion by Samir Abdullah in the Daily Star contends that salvaging the two state solution could be President Bush’s greatest legacy, (1) while Steve Erlanger reports in the New York Times that Israeli vice prime minister Ramon sees no peace deal by year end (2). The Associated Press reports on Prime Minister Fayyad’s remarks to ATFP at the National Press Club (4). A New Republic opinion by Dennis Ross discusses the role the US can play in the current Gaza situation (5). Gershon Baskin wonders why we are not hearing about updates to the peace negotiations in a Jerusalem Post opinion (6).