Israeli paralysis calls for Arab action
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
by James J. Zogby - February 24, 2009 - 1:00am

Some elections serve as clarifying moments in a nation’s history, others resolve little and serve only as a reflection of internal division. The former provide direction, the latter create paralysis. The recently completed Israeli elections and ongoing deliberations over to the shape of the next government serve to demonstrate the profound divisions that exist in Israel and the dysfunctional state of its political system.

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Egypt's strategy toward Gaza is incremental, long-term
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Common Ground News Service
by Gamal A. G. Soltan - February 19, 2009 - 1:00am

The Gaza war was seemingly an inevitable conflict. The pre-war reality was unacceptable to any of the concerned parties. Hamas was not satisfied with a ceasefire that kept the tiny Gaza Strip isolated from the world. Palestinian suffering in besieged Gaza challenged Hamas' claim of effectiveness as an elected government capable of providing for the wellbeing of its people. Nor did the terms of the ceasefire allow Hamas to pursue the program of resilient resistance that is so central to the movement's identity. The war was Hamas' way out of this entrapment.

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Shake Up in the PLO
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Asharq Alawsat
by Kifah Zaboun - February 18, 2009 - 1:00am

Ramallah, Asharq Al-Awsat- High-ranking Palestinian sources have revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas transferred the task of leading the Palestinian negotiating team from Ahmad Quray, alias Abu-Ala, to Saeb Erekat, head of the PLO's negotiations department.

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Israeli elections and the Palestinians
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
by Faisal Al Rfouh - February 18, 2009 - 1:00am

The swing to the right in the recently held elections in Israel is likely to have an impact on the Middle East peace process in general and Israel-Palestine relations in particular. The past four elections were won by candidates who promised to end Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians, but in the February 10, 2009, elections, some candidates promised to “wage war”. The gain of the right-wing parties is a cause of concern for the Arab world and the Palestinians.

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Why has Israel backtracked on Shalit deal?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Amos Harel - (Analysis) February 17, 2009 - 1:00am

Israel's behavior in the past few days in the discussions for the Shalit deal and the cease-fire agreement has put the Egyptian mediators off balance.

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Egypt's strategy toward Gaza is an incremental, long-term one
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Daily Star
by Gamal A. G. Soltan - (Opinion) February 17, 2009 - 1:00am

The Gaza war was seemingly an inevitable conflict. The pre-war reality was unacceptable to any of the concerned parties. Hamas was not satisfied with a ceasefire that kept the tiny Gaza Strip isolated from the world. Palestinian suffering in besieged Gaza challenged Hamas' claim of effectiveness as an elected government capable of providing for the wellbeing of its people. Nor did the terms of the ceasefire allow Hamas to pursue the program of resilient resistance that is so central to the movement's identity. The war was Hamas' way out of this entrapment.

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Calm file between between Palestinian factions, Israel to be reached in days
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)
February 12, 2009 - 1:00am

Member of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Democratic Front Saleh Zeidan on Thursday said that the issue of the truce between Palestinian factions and Israel will be done in few days based on halting the Israeli violations and the opening of all crossings. Zeidan said in a statement distributed by the front's central media department that "There is significant progress in terms of the Cairo talks on the issues of Palestinian dialogue and calm," pointing to the existence of some of the points and issues that need further clarification.

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Middle East peace process in need of serious Israeli partner - Abul-Gheit
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)
February 12, 2009 - 1:00am

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abul-Gheit said on Thursday that the peace process is in need of a serious Israeli partner. Abul-Gheit added in statements to the press, in his first comments on the Israeli elections' results, that the current situation in the region requires awareness that peace and stability will not be achieved unless all international resolutions are implemented and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

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Gaza mortar shells strike western Negev; no casualties
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Anshel Pfeffer - February 11, 2009 - 1:00am

Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired four mortar shells at the western Negev during the course of the day Wednesday, a day after Israel held general elections, the results of which are likely to influence any future peace deal in the region. A Qassam rocket fired by Gaza militants exploded late Tuesday evening in an open field near the western Negev city of Sderot, just half an hour before the polls were to close.

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Obama must resort to arm-twisting
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Gulf News
by George S. Hishmeh - (Opinion) February 11, 2009 - 1:00am

Barack Obama does not expect to be woken up at 3am over any imminent Middle East crisis. The Iranians were apparently pleased with his offer to start a dialogue during his very first live press conference, and the Israeli elections apparently have returned the ruling Kadima party to power although it is not yet certain whether Tzipi Livni will be able to form a new coalition government on the second try.

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