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November 26, 2012

Middle East News: World Press Roundup

NEWS: DM Barak says he may retire from public life, and that the Netanyahu government should have done more to advance peace with the Palestinians. The New York Times profiles a cactus grower in Gaza. Parties differ over the status of talks on the details of the Hamas-Israel cease-fire. Both sides seem to have hardened their positions as a result of the conflict. The head of Palestinian Islamic Jihad praises Iran. The Gaza cease-fire raises hopes for more reconstruction efforts, as recent Israeli airstrikes are estimated to have cost at least $300 million in damage. Hezbollah claims to have rockets that can strike anywhere in Israel in the event of a future conflict, as Israel says it has successfully tested a new missile defense system. In yet another reversal on the question, Hamas leader Meshaal says he supports Pres. Abbas' UN bid, and says he is finally going to visit Gaza next week. Palestinians are being increasingly drawn into both sides of the Syrian conflict. The UK urges the US to refocus on the peace process. Fatah leaders say they will hold a conference in 2013 to "reboot" the party. Abbas heads to New York as the PLO insists that opposition to its upcoming UN initiative will only signal armed struggle is more effective than diplomacy. Members of Congress reiterate they may punish the Palestinians for the UN initiative. The BBC looks at the death of a child in the Gaza conflict. COMMENTARY: Jackson Diehl says a long-term truce between Israel and Hamas is better than periodic conflicts. Natan Sachs offers Pres. Obama advice on how to win the trust of Israelis. Barry Rubin criticizes Egypt's performance as a mediator. Jonathan Freedland says Israel and Palestine's leaders and friends have both failed them. Nathan Jeffay says Israel learned important lessons from the last Gaza war. The Forward says the Gaza conflict proves the status quo between Israel and the Palestinians is untenable. The National argues it's important for the PA to fully investigate the death of the late Pres. Arafat. Asharq Al-Awsat interviews Hamas leader al-Zahar. Raghida Dergham says Palestinians have to choose between the Hamas and PLO approaches, and the West and Israel hold the keys to that decision. Abdullah Al Shayji says the conflict shows that Israel needs to stop relying on constant wars and become a normal country. Gareth Evans says Israel should treat the new PLO UN initiative as an opportunity, not a challenge. Danny Rubinstein says Egypt is understandably reluctant to open the crossings with Gaza. Mohammed Yaghi says Hamas' confrontation with Israel was half-victory, half-defeat. Meir Javedanfar says Iran was not a central feature of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Daniel Levy says there are seven important lessons to be learned from the Gaza conflict. Peter Beinart looks at the risks attached to the PLO's new UN initiative.


[5]



Israeli Defense Minister to Quit Politics

Article Author(s): 
Jodi Rudoren
Media Outlet: 
The New York Times
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/27/world/middleeast/ehud-barak-israeli-defense-mi... [6]

JERUSALEM – The Israeli defense minister, Ehud Barak, announced Monday that he would soon “leave political life,” after a half-century career in the military and government that included two years as prime minister.



Barak to Haaretz: Netanyahu government should have done more to advance peace

Article Author(s): 
Barak Ravid
Media Outlet: 
Haaretz
Date: 
November 4, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/barak-to-haaretz-netanyahu-governm... [7]

Defense Minister Ehud Barak this weekend criticized the way Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman have handled relations with the Palestinian Authority over the last four years, telling Haaretz in an interview: "The last government should have done much more to advance the peace process vis-a-vis [Palestinian President Mahmoud] Abbas."



As Bombs Fell in Gaza, a Rich Cactus Lover Could Cultivate Only Patience

Article Author(s): 
Jodi Rudoren
Media Outlet: 
The New York Times
Date: 
November 25, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/26/world/middleeast/in-gaza-even-a-wealthy-man-ca... [8]

GAZA — Jawdat N. Khoudary is one of Gaza’s wealthiest men, and one of its boldest dreamers.



Hamas Claim Complicates Talk of Truce With Israel

Article Author(s): 
Jodi Rudoren
Media Outlet: 
The New York Times
Date: 
November 24, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/world/middleeast/hamas-announcement-further-cl... [9]

GAZA — Confusion continued Saturday over the status of cease-fire talks Egypt is conducting between Hamas and Israel, as the Hamas prime minister announced progress regarding restrictions on the movements of fishermen and farmers in the border area, which the Israeli prime minister’s office denied.



On This, 2 Sides Agree: Fighting Hardened Positions

Article Author(s): 
Isabel Kershner
Article Author(s): 
Jodi Rudoren
Media Outlet: 
The New York Times
Date: 
November 24, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/world/middleeast/israel-and-hamas-are-united-i... [10]

GAZA — The eight days of fighting between Hamas and Israel left more than 160 Palestinians and six Israelis dead, but there may be another casualty from the sudden burst of violence: whatever small chance there was for reviving a long-moribund peace process.



Israel, militants begin talks on truce details

Article Author(s): 
Josef Federman
Media Outlet: 
Associated Press
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.statesman.com/ap/ap/top-news/ap-interview-gaza-militant-group-wins-ir... [11]

JERUSALEM —

Israel and Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip began indirect talks Monday in Egypt aimed at forging a new era of relations between the bitter enemies following a cease-fire that ended the heaviest fighting in nearly four years.



Gaza cease-fire raises hopes for reconstruction

Article Author(s): 
Sarah El Deeb
Media Outlet: 
Associated Press
Date: 
November 25, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.statesman.com/ap/ap/transportation/gaza-cease-fire-raises-hopes-for-r... [12]

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip —

Mohammed Falah Azzam has been through this before.



Gaza losses total 300 mln USD after Israeli airstrikes: report

Media Outlet: 
Xinhua
Date: 
November 24, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-11/24/c_123997974.htm [13]

GAZA, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Gaza Strip must be declared an economically-disastrous area, Palestinian Chamber of Commerce said Saturday.

In a report assessing the damage following an eight-day Israeli air raids, the study said that the economic losses in Gaza reached 300 million U.S. dollars.



Hezbollah says could hit all of Israel in future war

Article Author(s): 
Dominic Evans
Media Outlet: 
Reuters
Date: 
November 25, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/hezbollah-says-could-hit-all-of-israel-in-fut... [14]

BEIRUT, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah warned Israel on Sunday that thousands of rockets would rain down on Tel Aviv and cities across the Jewish state if it attacked Lebanon.



Israel says successfully tested new missile defense system

Media Outlet: 
Xinhua
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-11/26/c_131998154.htm [15]

JERUSALEM, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Israel has successfully tested a new missilbe defense system, which can intercept targets with a longer range than those downed by Iron Dome in the recent Israel- Gaza conflict, the Defense Ministry said Sunday.



Hamas chief voices support for Palestinian UN bid

Media Outlet: 
Xinhua
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-11/26/c_132000035.htm [16]

RAMALLAH, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal said Monday that he supports Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in his upcoming bid for an upgraded Palestinian status in the United Nations.



Hamas leader sets date for debut visit to Gaza

Article Author(s): 
Avi Issacharoff
Media Outlet: 
Haaretz
Date: 
November 25, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-leader-sets-date-for-debut-v... [17]

Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Meshal will visit the Gaza Strip for the first time on December 5, Palestinian officials said Sunday.

Meshal's planned visit was announced a month ago, before a final date had been set. Meshal lives in exile in Damascus.



Palestinians in Syria forced to pick sides

Article Author(s): 
Babak Dehghanpisheh
Media Outlet: 
The Washington Post
Date: 
November 25, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/palestinians-in-syria-forced-to-... [18]

BEIRUT — For decades, the Palestinians who fled to Syria after the Arab-Israeli wars were seen as loyal supporters of the ruling Assad family, which provided a safe and stable haven to them and their representatives.



UK calls for US focus on two-state solution

Media Outlet: 
Ma'an News Agency
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=541898 [19]
LONDON (Reuters) -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Sunday urged the United States to take a more active role in seeking a lasting settlement between Israelis and Palestinians, warning of a "final chance" for a two-state solution.



Official: Party conference in 2013 to reboot Fatah

Media Outlet: 
Ma'an News Agency
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=541690 [20]
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party will hold a general conference in the first half of 2013 in order to revitalize the movement, a senior official said Sunday.

Fatah is reeling from Israel's eight-day war on Gaza, which was seen locally as victory for Hamas and other factions using armed resistance in Gaza.



Abbas heads to NY ahead of UN statehood bid

Article Author(s): 
Khaled Abu Toameh
Media Outlet: 
The Jerusalem Post
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=293438 [21]

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is set to head to New York on Monday to seek the UN’s approval for upgrading the PA’s status to non-member observer.



PLO: Vote against Palestine at UN will signal that only armed struggle works

Article Author(s): 
Amira Hass
Media Outlet: 
Haaretz
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/plo-vote-against-palestine-at-un-w... [22]

Four days before the United Nations vote on recognition of Palestine as a non-member state, the Palestine Liberation Organization says it is expecting a "pleasant surprise" in the UN General Assembly in New York. According to PLO sources, representatives of seven more European countries have indicated they will vote to admit Palestine as a non-member state.



Senators Cardin and Collins warn Abbas about U.N. bid

Media Outlet: 
Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)
Date: 
November 22, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.jta.org/news/article/2012/11/22/3112621/sens-cardin-collins-warn-abba... [23]

(JTA) -- U.S. Sens Ben Cardin and Susan Collins sent a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas opposing any unilateral attempts to pursue non-member state status at the United Nations General Assembly.



Gaza baby 'only knew how to smile'

Media Outlet: 
BBC World News
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20466027 [24]

The death of civilians on either side in the Israel-Gaza conflict is tragic - especially when children are among the casualties. The BBC correspondent in Gaza, Jon Donnison, witnessed just such a tragedy at close quarters.



Lessons from Gaza

Article Author(s): 
Tania Hary
Media Outlet: 
Ma'an News Agency
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
June 29, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=499625 [25]

This month, I mark two important events which took place five years ago and changed the course of my life. It has been five years since I moved to Israel from New York and five years since Hamas took over the Gaza Strip and the closure of the enclave tightened.



What Bill Clinton can teach Obama about the Israelis

Article Author(s): 
Natan Sachs
Media Outlet: 
The Washington Post
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 23, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/what-bill-clinton-can-teach-obama-about-i... [26]

 



Who won in Gaza?

Article Author(s): 
Barry Rubin
Media Outlet: 
The Jerusalem Post
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 25, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/Article.aspx?id=293405 [27]

Naturally the question of who won any given war preoccupies people’s minds.



Israel and Palestine's leaders – and cheerleaders – have failed them

Article Author(s): 
Jonathan Freedland
Media Outlet: 
The Guardian
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 23, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/nov/23/gaza-wearying-conflict-end-t... [28]

 

There used to be one for each decade, an Arab-Israeli war in 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973 and 1982. Now the eruptions into full-scale confrontation are coming more often, at four- or even three-year intervals: 2006, 2008-2009 and the eight days of November 2012.



Israel Learned the Lessons of Last Gaza War

Article Author(s): 
Nathan Jeffay
Media Outlet: 
The Jewish Daily Forward
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://forward.com/articles/166622/israel-learned-the-lessons-of-last-gaza-war/ [29]

 

Operation Pillar of Defense was the military offensive fought in the shadow of the Goldstone Report. As a cease-fire was announced November 21 by Israel, Hamas, Egypt and the United States, there was broad agreement, spanning from former army chiefs to the biggest critics of Israel’s conduct during the Gaza War of 2008–9, that Israel showed it had learned some important lessons from this previous conflict.



Gaza's Hard Truths

Media Outlet: 
The Jewish Daily Forward
Article Type: 
Editorial
Date: 
November 25, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://forward.com/articles/166584/gazas-hard-truths/ [30]

 

Whatever happens in Gaza — and the news changes by the minute as this editorial is being written — all sides have to accept some very hard truths. If not, the bloodshed will resume, the anger and frustration will spread and the region, Israel’s neighborhood, will squander the hope and potential of the fragile cease-fire.



Arafat exhumation is just a beginning

Media Outlet: 
The National
Article Type: 
Editorial
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/editorial/arafat-exhumation-is... [31]

 

Tomorrow, a team of French, Russian and Swiss scientists will unearth the remains of Yasser Arafat, interred in Ramallah since 2004. That project may begin to answer one of the intractable mysteries of the past decade: what (or who) killed the former Palestinian leader?



Long-range rockets change balance of power with Israel – Hamas strongman

Article Author(s): 
Salah Jumaa
Media Outlet: 
Asharq Alawsat
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 23, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.asharq-e.com/news.asp?section=1&id=31914 [32]

 



The Gaza War Reinforces Palestinian Division and Threatens Abbas’s Palestinian Authority

Article Author(s): 
Raghida Dergham
Media Outlet: 
Al-Hayat
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 24, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://alhayat.com/Details/455717 [33]

 

The most recent war in Gaza has provided an opportunity on the field for Israel to test its new anti-missile system, the Iron Dome, and for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prove to Israeli voters his ability to protect his country’s civilians from rockets fired by Hamas or Hezbollah.

 



Wrong war in new regional order

Media Outlet: 
Gulf News
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://gulfnews.com/opinions/columnists/wrong-war-in-new-regional-order-1.110981... [34]

 



The latest conflict in Gaza is over, so what happens next?

Article Author(s): 
Gareth Evans
Media Outlet: 
The Daily Star
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 24, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Opinion/Commentary/2012/Nov-24/196032-the-latest-con... [35]

 



Egypt Hesitates to Reopen Crossing at Rafah

Article Author(s): 
Danny Rubenstein
Media Outlet: 
Al-Monitor
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 25, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/business/2012/11/the-qatari-oxygen-keeps-gaza-al... [36]

 



Hamas Won Partial Victory In Gaza Cease-Fire Deal

Article Author(s): 
Mohammed Yaghi
Media Outlet: 
Al-Monitor
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/politics/2012/11/palestine-achieved-half-victory... [37]

 

The courageous Gazan resistance was not expected to liberate Jerusalem, force the Israeli occupation to withdraw to the lines of June 4 [38], down an F-16 aircraft or destroy Israeli warships in the middle of the sea. It was not expected to creep from Gaza into Israel's international borders.



The Gaza War Was Not Iran's War

Article Author(s): 
Meir Javendanfar
Media Outlet: 
Al-Monitor
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 22, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2012/al-monitor/gaza-war-iran-influenc... [39]

 

After eight days of fighting, on the 21st of November, Israel and Hamas declared a ceasefire.



Seven Takeaways From The Gaza Ceasefire

Article Author(s): 
Daniel Levy
Media Outlet: 
The Daily Beast
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 22, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/11/22/seven-takeaways-from-the-gaza-c... [40]

 

1) And the winner… is President Morsi



Mahmoud Abbas Bid for U.N. Sanction of Palestine State Could Explode West Bank

Article Author(s): 
Peter Beinart
Media Outlet: 
The Daily Beast
Article Type: 
Opinion
Date: 
November 26, 2012
Source Link(s): 
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/11/26/mahmoud-abbas-bid-for-u-n-sanct... [41]

 

Source URL (retrieved on Dec 31 2024 - 6:08am): http://www.americantaskforce.org/world_press_roundup/20121126t000000

Links:
[1] http://www.americantaskforce.org/print/29011
[2] http://www.americantaskforce.org/printmail/29011
[3] http://www.americantaskforce.org/printpdf/29011
[4] http://www.americantaskforce.org/rss/wpr
[5] https://www.americantaskforce.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1
[6] http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/27/world/middleeast/ehud-barak-israeli-defense-minister-to-quit-politics.html?ref=middleeast
[7] http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/barak-to-haaretz-netanyahu-government-should-have-done-more-to-advance-peace.premium-1.474112/barak-to-haaretz-netanyahu-government-should-have-done-more-to-advance-peace.premium-1.474112
[8] http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/26/world/middleeast/in-gaza-even-a-wealthy-man-cannot-silence-the-bombs.html?ref=middleeast&_r=0
[9] http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/world/middleeast/hamas-announcement-further-clouds-truce-talks.html?ref=middleeast
[10] http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/world/middleeast/israel-and-hamas-are-united-in-seeing-scant-value-in-compromise.html?ref=middleeast
[11] http://www.statesman.com/ap/ap/top-news/ap-interview-gaza-militant-group-wins-iran-praise/nTFjC/
[12] http://www.statesman.com/ap/ap/transportation/gaza-cease-fire-raises-hopes-for-reconstruction/nTFQ6/
[13] http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-11/24/c_123997974.htm
[14] http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/hezbollah-says-could-hit-all-of-israel-in-future-war/
[15] http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-11/26/c_131998154.htm
[16] http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-11/26/c_132000035.htm
[17] http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-leader-sets-date-for-debut-visit-to-gaza-1.480488
[18] http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/palestinians-in-syria-forced-to-pick-sides/2012/11/25/c38d57c6-3577-11e2-bfd5-e202b6d7b501_story.html
[19] http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=541898
[20] http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=541690
[21] http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=293438
[22] http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/plo-vote-against-palestine-at-un-will-signal-that-only-armed-struggle-works.premium-1.480495
[23] http://www.jta.org/news/article/2012/11/22/3112621/sens-cardin-collins-warn-abbas-about-un-bid
[24] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20466027
[25] http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=499625
[26] http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/what-bill-clinton-can-teach-obama-about-israelis/2012/11/23/e654ef34-334d-11e2-9cfa-e41bac906cc9_story.html
[27] http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/Article.aspx?id=293405
[28] http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/nov/23/gaza-wearying-conflict-end-time
[29] http://forward.com/articles/166622/israel-learned-the-lessons-of-last-gaza-war/
[30] http://forward.com/articles/166584/gazas-hard-truths/
[31] http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/editorial/arafat-exhumation-is-just-a-beginning
[32] http://www.asharq-e.com/news.asp?section=1&id=31914
[33] http://alhayat.com/Details/455717
[34] http://gulfnews.com/opinions/columnists/wrong-war-in-new-regional-order-1.1109810
[35] http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Opinion/Commentary/2012/Nov-24/196032-the-latest-conflict-in-gaza-is-over-so-what-happens-next.ashx#axzz2DKh8YQso
[36] http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/business/2012/11/the-qatari-oxygen-keeps-gaza-ali.html
[37] http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/politics/2012/11/palestine-achieved-half-victory-in-gaza-ceasefire.html
[38] http://unimaps.com/historic-israel-palestine2/index.html
[39] http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2012/al-monitor/gaza-war-iran-influence-israel.html
[40] http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/11/22/seven-takeaways-from-the-gaza-ceasefire.html
[41] http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/11/26/mahmoud-abbas-bid-for-u-n-sanction-of-palestine-state-could-explode-west-bank.html