Tag: Palestinian people

Links

September 5-10, 2012 Links

Michael Sharnoff

I wanted to focus specifically on the recent events in Israel and the West Bank. For economic reasons, most Palestinian protestors are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad although some have called for President Mahmoud Abbas to step down. Some analysts surmise that the “Arab Spring” has now reached the West Bank. The immediate anger is directed against Palestinian leaders. However it remains to be seen if they can satisfy protestor demands through economic incentives like the Gulf regimes or if they will divert attention toward Israel and incite a third intifada.

“Palestinians Seek to Amend Economic Accord with Israel” Reuters
“We Are Not Scared: Mahmoud Abbas Tries To Quell A Palestinian Arab Spring” IBT
“Fayyad: Protests Prove PA Committed To Freedom of Expression” Ma’an News
“Mofaz: Bi-National State More Threatening Than Iran” The Jerusalem Post
“Palestinian Price Protest Turns Violent in West Bank” Reuters
“Palestinians Blame Israel for Dire Economic Situation in West Bank” Israel Hayom
“Ramallah Protestors Call on Abbas to Resign” Ma’an News

Weekend Thinking

Weekend Thinking: The DNC and West Bank

Michael Sharnoff

The third and final day of the Democratic National Convention concluded yesterday evening with a speech by incumbent President Barack Obama. The economy and job creation were the themes of Obama’s speech along with Vice President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton. More than 20 million Americans are unemployed and more than 40 million rely on Food Stamps. It comes as no surprise that this is the leading  issue for voters. Foreign policy, the war in Afghanistan and the global threat of Al-Qaeda was barely mentioned. Continue reading “Weekend Thinking: The DNC and West Bank” →

Arab League

Arab League Foreign Minister Conference

Michael Sharnoff

Yesterday, the Arab League foreign minister conference in Cairo discussed Palestinian affairs, the Syrian Civil War and Iran.

Al-Quds reports Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas acknowledging that a “Palestinian Spring” is underway. Recently, Palestinians in the West Bank have protested against the Palestinian Authority’s inability to make food and living costs more affordable. Prime Minister Salam Fayyad also weighed in on this issue, asserting that the PA has improved the standard of living in spite of overall Israeli control of the West Bank. Continue reading “Arab League Foreign Minister Conference” →

Uncategorized

New Issue From The Palestine-Israel Journal

Michael Sharnoff

The Palestine-Israel Journal, an independent quarterly publication run by Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem, has a new issue which examines the dramatic challenges facing Israeli and Palestinian civil society in 2012.

I am thrilled that my article which explores the role of nonviolent Palestinian third parties as an alternative to Fatah and Hamas is featured in the journal. I will post the full text when it becomes available.

Israel

Weekend Thinking: Mideast Public Service Announcement

Michael Sharnoff

For those interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Corey Gil-Shuster, a Canadian-born peace activist, has done the public a great service. Through his YouTube page, he accepts provocative and inquisitive questions about the conflict, and then goes and interviews random Israelis and Palestinians on their thoughts. Continue reading “Weekend Thinking: Mideast Public Service Announcement” →

Peace

A Significant Defeat for Moderation and Tolerance

Michael Sharnoff

It was announced yesterday that Bitterlemons, an online newsletter which has run for eleven years and has provided unique commentary from Palestinians and Israelis, will cease to operate. Continue reading “A Significant Defeat for Moderation and Tolerance” →

Links

August 22-27, 2012 Links

Michael Sharnoff

“Attacks Raise Specter of Radical Islam In Russia” NPR
“Settler Violence Against Palestinians Raises Alarm In Israel” Washington Post
“Hamas Declines Invite To Iran Summit, Citing Palestinian Unity” Reuters
“This Week In History: The Arab League’s Three No’s” Jerusalem Post
“Palestinians From Syria Twice Displaced” Voice of America
“Syrian Spillover Violence In Lebanon Rattles Residents” PBS
“France Says It Would Recognize Provisional Syrian Government” New York Times
“Visit By Egypt’s Morsi To Iran Reflects Foreign Policy Shift” Washington Post

Gaza

Will Gaza Declare Independence?

Michael Sharnoff

There is growing evidence that Hamas in Gaza will unilaterally declare its independence, and disengage from Israel and the West Bank (at least for the time being). Continue reading “Will Gaza Declare Independence?” →