July 18, 2008

Middle East News: World Press Roundup

The Israeli government faces criticism for their recent raids on institutions in the West Bank (1) (6). The prisoner exchange between Hezbollah and Israel is received with a host of different reactions (2) (8) (9) (10). The Nation features an article detailing the ongoing struggle against the Israeli separation barrier in the West Bank town of Ni’lin (5). The U.S. government has reportedly invited Palestinian and Israeli negotiators to Washington for peace talks at the end of the month (7).

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In Israel, A Nation Mourns With The Families Of Slain Soldiers

For Israelis, their Second Lebanon War, fought in summer 2006, came to a close only on Thursday, when the two soldiers whose capture became the cause for launching the conflict were laid to rest before their families and the eyes of a solemn nation.

Shebaa Farms Can Create Momentum For Peace

Shebaa Farms is a sliver of land located in the border area between Israel, Lebanon and Syria. It can play an important role, much larger than its size. An agreement on that area – located some 16 square miles on the western slopes of the Hermon Mountain range – can help create a much-needed momentum for peace in the region.

Ruling Palestine Ii: The West Bank Model?

In June 2007, as Hamas took control of Gaza and a new government was formed in the West Bank, observers ventured two scenarios. The West Bank might become a model, whose economic revival and improved relations with Israel and the wider world contrasted with Gaza’s sorry fate; or, given continued occupation and the structural dysfunctionality of the Palestinian Authority (PA), it would see little progress. Both were wrong. Under Salam Fayyad’s competent leadership, it has made gains, particularly in law and order.

A West Bank Town’s Fight To Survive

"Jerusalem bulldozer 'terrorist' kills 3 in rampage," read the headline of a CNN article describing the recent attack of a Palestinian construction worker that left three Israelis dead and scores wounded. A Google news search indicates that the brutal assault was mentioned in 3,525 news articles. USA Today, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, BBC, Fox News and Al Jazeera as well as all the other major media outlets covered the incident.

Israel Cancels Decision To Close West Bank Shopping Centre

The Israeli military cancelled Thursday an earlier decision to shut down the West Bank's largest shopping centre, located in the northern city of Nablus, its owners said.

The cancellation, however, did not affect the assets of one company, which owns several of the shops and businesses in what is known as Nablus Mall.

The Nablus Mall was built four years ago through the cooperation of several Palestinian companies and entrepreneurs and most of its 80 shops and business offices were either sold or leased.

U.s. Plans Peace Talks With Israelis, Palestinians

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice plans to host peace talks in Washington with Israeli and Palestinian negotiators on July 30, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said on Thursday.

Rice met a Palestinian delegation in Washington on Wednesday and offered to host the three-way meeting between herself, chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qurie and his Israeli partner, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Erekat said.

Freed Prisoners Vow To Fight Israel

Five militants who were freed as part of a prisoner swap with Israel prayed Thursday at a slain Hizbollah military commander's grave, pledging to follow in his footsteps and continue fighting Israel.

Wearing military fatigues, the five men walked down a red carpet laid out for them outside Imad Mughniyeh's burial spot at a cemetery south of Beirut.

They laid wreaths and gave a military salute as supporters showered them with rice.

Madrid Dialogue Shows Unity: Ban

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has described the World Conference on Dialogue in Madrid as a symbol of unity among different faiths, adding that he hopes it will contribute to healing divisions and building a more secure and stable world.

In a message to the three-day conference, the UN chief thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah “for this welcome and timely initiative.”

King Abdullah arrived in Casablanca yesterday from Madrid, where he opened the conference on Wednesday.

Hamas Says Learned From Hizbullah Deal

With Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser laid to rest, all eyes are now focused on the ongoing efforts to secure the release of Gilad Shalit – who was taken captive before them and is still being held in the Gaza Strip.

This coming Tuesday he was meant to be discharged after having completed his three years of mandatory service. Shalit's friends, who will be discharged without him, have announced they intend to stage a protest march beginning at the army's recruitment center in Gilad's name.

Arab Media Reacts To Swap

Who is the winner and who is the loser in the prisoner exchange deal? And what will the implications be for the future? But alongside these inevitable questions there are also far tougher questions being asked, ones to do with the heavy toll exacted on Lebanon.

Even The Arab Envoys Came To Bid Farewell To Israel's Un Ambassador

Ambassadors from Arab countries and the Gulf states were among the guests at a reception yesterday for outgoing United Nations Ambassador Dan Gillerman, who is completing a six-year tour of duty. One veteran UN reporter for an American television network told viewers he could not recall such an impressive Arab turnout for a diplomatic event for a senior Israeli official.

The envoys from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and Oman were seen at the reception, which took place in the official apartment of the Israeli ambassador in Manhattan.

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