In the Christian Science Monitor, Joshua Mitnick discusses the removal of barriers in the West Bank (1). An opinion by Matthew Levitt in the Weekly Standard examines the message that former US President Jimmy Carter sent by meeting with Hamas (2). The relationship between the Israel-Palestine conflict and other regional conflicts is the subject of analysis in an opinion by Ghassan Khatib in BitterLemons(5). In the Daily Star, Rami Khouri argues that there are growing disparities in the Arab world (8). Shmuel Rosner looks at a new Jewish American alternative to AIPAC in Haaretz (11).

This Editorial discusses the ease with which parties declare war in the conflict rather than peace (1). Mel Frykberg covers the effect the deteriorating economic situation in the Palestinian territories has had on children (2). A poll by Angus Reid suggests that most Israelis are disappointed over the performance of Olmert (3). Joshua Mitnick discusses the results of the recent dismantling of a checkpoint near Ramallah (4). Gazans, increasingly discouraged by fuel shortages, turn to the black market (5). Ghassan Khatib suggests that half-hearted efforts ultimately destroy the credibility of the various sides of the peace process (6). According to BBC, Egypt has declared that there shall be no more violations of the border it shares with the Gaza Strip (7). Barak Ravid and Yoav Stern report on the U.S.’s desire to hold a summit at the Sinai resort of Sharm during President Bush’s visit to the region in order to aid the peace process (8). Yossi Alpher insists in this opinion peace that the settlements themselves are the biggest impediment to security and the success of the economy of the West Bank (9).