An ATFP translation of Hassan Al-Batal’s opinion piece in al-Ayyam daily looks at how Palestinian refugees have helped to build the identity of their host countries (1). The Jewish Quarterly hosts a symposium on the future of Israel’s Arab citizens (2). Der Spiegel examines President Bush’s Middle East policy legacy (4). The U.S. role in brokering a peace is questioned in Ynet News (9) (10). Shmuel Rosner’s blog features an interview with Jeffry Goldberg regarding his most recent article, which was featured in yesterday’s roundup (11).
Karin Laub reports for the Associated Press on efforts to encourage investment in Palestine at the upcoming Bethlehem Conference (2). US President George W. Bush faces criticism for his latest trip to the Middle East (5). Thomas Friedman examines the question of Obama’s attitude toward Israel (6). As violence continues in Gaza (8) and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak warns of escalation (9). In Y-Net News, Yehuda Litani argues for freeing Marwan Barghouti(10).
U.S. President Bush¹s remarks to the Israeli Knesset draw wide reaction (1,
3, 10). Ashraf Khalil reports on Palestinian rememberance of the Nakba (2).
United Press International Editor at Large Arnaud de Borchgrave discusses
Iranian strategy in the Middle East (4). Diplomatic moves continue between
Israel and Hamas (6-7) and another rocket attack has occurred (8).
Rashid Khalidi reviews the Israeli-Palestinian conflict 60 years on (1). The AP provides an account of President Bush’s address to the Knesset (2). David Ignatius critiques Bush Administration policies in the Middle East (3). AFP reports that the Israeli army is prepared for military action in Gaza (4). David Makovsky evaluates the impact of allegations against the Israeli Prime Minister on peace talks (5). Ben White examines the effect of checkpoints in the occupied territories (6). HaimBaram examines Israeli fears (7), while AviShlaim recounts diplomatic relations between Israel and Jordan (8). Reuters demands information on the death of one of its cameramen (9).
Joshua Mitnick looks at the State of Israel on its 60th birthday in the first of a two part story (2) in the Washington Times. Bloodshed continues as a rocket attack wounds Israelis in an Ashkelon mall (3) and several Palestinians are killed during an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip (4). The Associated Press reports that Israel will soon approve more home construction in the West Bank (6). Hamas leader Mahmoud Al-Zahar questions Israeli military supremacy (9).