May 7, 2008

Middle East News: World Press Roundup

ATFP President Dr. Ziad Asali argues for empowering moderates over extremists in the Arab News (1). Israel¹s 60th anniversary is marked with reflection (2, 4, 6, 10). Israelis and Palestinians mull the effect of corruption allegations against Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (7,9). In the New York Times, Ethan Bronner examines the Palestinian citizens of Israel. (2).

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Palestinian Police Clash With Militants In West Bank

Palestinian policemen dispatched last week to an unruly West Bank district clashed Tuesday with Islamic militants there, wounding two of them during a crackdown that could influence peace talks with Israel.

It was the first such confrontation since 480 police reinforcements clad in black and khaki uniforms marched into the city of Jenin before thousands of cheering residents Saturday to launch "Operation Smile and Hope."

As It Turns 60, The Fear Is Israel Has Decided It Can Get By Without Peace

n the wee small hours on Israeli television, they show reruns of what was once a staple form of mass entertainment: kibbutz choirs - the men in pressed work shirts, the women in peasant skirts - singing Hebrew folk melodies exalting the Land of Israel, while a smiling audience joins in. The pictures were black and white, the sets cardboard, and the programmes interminable - a socialist-realist tableau of a simple farming nation engaged in wholesome, patriotic amusement.

The Near Impossibility Of A Mideast Peace

With Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visiting Israel this week and President George W. Bush expected next week, talks about peace between Israel and the Palestinians are on the agenda yet again.

This elusive peace is widely proclaimed as both essential and achievable. But while the former is true and desirable, the latter is a widespread misperception. The solution to the conflict exists and is well known, but it cannot be implemented in the foreseeable future.

Israel Throws Birthday Bash As Jets Strike Gaza Targets

Israel last night kicked off week-long unprecedented celebrations to commemorate its creation 60 years ago on the land of Palestine.

The celebrations started hours after Israeli tanks and bulldozers rumbled into the southern Gaza Strip, while military jets struck a series of Palestinian targets. One Palestinian was killed and at least 14 were wounded in the fighting, according to witnesses.

Palestinians See Peace Deal Delay If Olmert Quits

A Palestinian negotiator said on Wednesday any peace deal with Israel would be delayed if a police investigation of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert forced his resignation and a new election was held.

Saeb Erekat described the case as an internal Israeli matter but said Palestinians were following developments closely.

"If they decide to hold a new election then we will be late another year. If (Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi) Livni takes over, we will remain the same," Erekat said, referring to Olmert's designated deputy.

Villagers Fight For Promised Land

The Israeli High Court of Justice ordered the government Sep. 4 to re-route the controversial separation barrier built by Israel in the West Bank that divides Bi'lin from 60 percent of its agricultural land. The judges ruled that the current wall placement is "highly prejudicial" to the village residents, and not necessary for "security-military reasons."

Israel Braces For Political Shake-up If Olmert Goes

Israel was bracing on Tuesday for a possible eruption in the political landscape if Prime Minister Ehud Olmert resigns or is suspended over the latest corruption probe into his affairs.

The atmosphere of uncertainty has been heightened by a whirl of rumours and speculation due largely to a media blackout imposed on details of the case against the 62-year-old premier.

The anti-fraud investigation is the fifth such probe of Olmert's dealings before he became prime minister in 2006, although one case against him has been dismissed. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Israel - 60 And Beyond

As Israelis finalize preparations for their momentous 60th anniversary – a date marking 10 years of consistent economic growth and industrious expansion – there remains the underlying question that will go unanswered yet another decade: What will be done with the West Bank and the Golan Heights? Despite all of its considerable achievements, cross-border violence persists and Israel's existence remains fundamentally insecure.

Barak: Nothing Can Destroy Israel

 

Good news first – Israel is under no existential threat. Not yet anyway. According to Labor Chief Defense Minister Ehud Barak. Israel is the strongest nation in the Middle East and will remain so in the foreseeable future; but that doesn\'t mean there are no challenges ahead.

Israel Is Stronger Than Its Ills

In the weeks preceding the publication of the new suspicions against the prime minister, it seemed as though Israel was progressing toward a peace agreement with the Palestinians and perhaps even with Syria. Now it is very hard to believe that a government in the process of being dismantled can carry this load on its shoulders. The country's intensive and welcome preoccupation with government corruption is determining the national mood on this Independence Day more than any ceremony and celebration.

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