Why the Middle East Needs America
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Allen Weiner - (Opinion) February 28, 2013 - 1:00am

Over the years, the contention that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict be solved only through “direct talks” has become almost a mantra, especially from the Israeli government and its allies. But direct talks between implacable foes, without active mediation, may be the worst possible way to try to settle the conflict. Facing one’s adversary directly across the table heightens psychological barriers even to a mutually beneficial deal.

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Abbas needs an heir apparent
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Los Angeles Times
by Jonathan Schanzer - (Opinion) February 28, 2013 - 1:00am

President Obama's visit to the Middle East next month is widely billed as an earnest attempt to double down on diplomacy and revive the moribund peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians. Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against the president.

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A Third Intifada?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The American Prospect
by Matthew Duss - (Opinion) February 28, 2013 - 1:00am

Over the past days, growing unrest in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in response to the death of a Palestinian in Israeli custody has threatened the relative calm that has prevailed recently, a result of the considerable amount of cooperation between the Palestinian security services and the Israeli army.

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Will Bibi and Obama make history?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Eitan Haber - February 28, 2013 - 1:00am

  During his next term as prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu will have to do what he avoided doing in his previous terms: Draw boundaries and begin establishing two states for two peoples. This painful process, certainly from Netanyahu's perspective, will commence soon.

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PA, Hamas not interested in escalation
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency
February 27, 2013 - 1:00am

A third intifada is not likely to erupt in the occupied West Bank, neither a military confrontation is expected between Israel and the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip, say Palestinian analysts. Two local analysts highlighted Tuesday that the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank is not interested in a third intifada, because the results would be disastrous. Similarly, Hamas is not interested in ending the ceasefire and resuming military confrontation with Israel forces.

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Abbas: No peace without freedom for prisoners
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency
February 27, 2013 - 1:00am

President Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday that the issue of prisoners and releasing them is the central issue of the Palestinian people and its leadership. He insisted there would not be peace with Israel side without releasing prisoners. Abbas’ remarks came at a reception with prisoners advocates at his residence in Ramallah, where he affirmed that the leadership was doing its best to save the lives of hunger strikers and end their suffering. He said talks were ongoing with all factions to resolve the issue.

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Abbas: E1 building is 'red line' for Palestinians
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Khaled Abu Toameh - February 27, 2013 - 1:00am

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his opposition on Wednesday to Israel’s plan to build in the area known as E1 between Jerusalem and Ma’aleh Adumim. Abbas said that the Palestinians considered the plan a “red line” that should not be crossed. Abbas’s remarks came during a meeting he held in his office in Ramallah with Nigel Kim Darroch, the National Security Adviser for the British government.

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Two Books Offer Dueling Peace Roadmaps as Obama Prepares for Trip to Middle East
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jewish Daily Forward
by Nathan Guttman - (Opinion) February 27, 2013 - 1:00am

As President Obama prepares for his first presidential visit to Israel and the West Bank, he can choose from two books, both just out, to read on the plane ride over. Each is produced by veteran presidential advisors on the Middle East. But each offers a starkly different perspective.

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Rubio Needs A Lesson In Peace Process History
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Daily Beast
by Brent Sasley - (Opinion) February 25, 2013 - 1:00am

In ritualistic fashion, Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel included a defense of Israeli policy toward the peace process. Explaining how things work, he proclaimed that “The greatest advancements in this process have always been made when Israel felt secure. There is a direct relationship between Israel’s security and the ability to make concessions and move forward.”

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Fatah official: No negotiations without settlement freeze
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency
February 22, 2013 - 1:00am

Senior Fatah official Mohammad Shtayyeh said Friday that the Palestinian leadership is ready to negotiate if Israel stops building illegal settlements and releases Palestinian prisoners. Shtayyeh told Ma'an an end to settlement activity and the release of prisoners were necessary for successful talks. The Fatah central committee member's comments came in response to a report on Israel's Channel 10 that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu planned to resume talks with the PLO within three months of forming a new government.



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