Middle East

Arab revolts show domestic affairs, rather than Israel, top their concerns

By Barry Rubin LOS ANGELES–As we consider the lessons of the dramatic upheavals in Arabic-speaking countries one of the main ones is this: the overriding obsession with the Arab-Israeli conflict, Israel-Palestinian conflict, and Israel as the supposed cause of all regional problems has repeatedly blinded people to the realities of the region. The “normal” issues […]

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Middle East, USA

Clinton denounces murders of West Bank Israeli family

  WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)–U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issues the following statement on Saturday:  “I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the brutal murder of an Israeli family early Saturday morning in the West Bank. The United States condemns this appalling attack in the strongest possible terms. To kill three innocent

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Middle East

Slaughter of settler family makes achievement of Mideast peace more unlikely

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — A short while ago I posted a column about the lack of media attention to Israel. A few hours later five members of a family in a Jewish settlement, including a two month old infant, were slaughtered on the Sabbath.  The earthquake in Japan and the possibility of radioactive clouds

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Ira Sharkansky, Middle East

What’s that old saw about ‘no news’ being … ?

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–You’ve heard that Jews control the media. An exaggeration. Influence, maybe. Jews are out of proportion in positions of management and as media personalities. But there are different kinds of Jews. International conspiracy linked to Zionism? Not with J-Street, Peace Now, AIPAC, the settlers, and who knows how many other organizations competing

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Ira Sharkansky, Middle East

Some reasons for Arab dissatisfaction in Israel

By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM– Critics of Israel say sometimes that it’s a democratic state for just over 80% of the population. The country’s 1.3 million Arab citizens don’t feel that they’re treated equally and their Jewish supporters agree. Here are three of the many reasons. Resources: Arab municipalities in Israel get substantially less of public

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Middle East

Jewish Federations hail Shapiro’s nomination as ambassador to Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)— The Jewish Federations of North America – the largest Jewish philanthropy collective in the world – released the following statements Thursday to congratulate Daniel Shapiro on his recommendation for appointment as the next Ambassador to Israel. Kathy E. Manning, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Jewish Federations of North America:

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Middle East

News Watch on the Middle East

(March 9, 2011) By Barry Rubin HERZLIYA, Israel — Not everyone in the opposition movements in Arab countries are Islamists, of course, but at least outside of Tunisia, where they are also present, they are the most powerful organized force. Here’s an excerpt from the Friday, March 4 sermon of Sheik Isa Qassim, considered the

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Middle East

Congressional Research Service issues new report on Israel

  WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — A new report by the Congressional Research Service on Israel reviews major issues in Israel’s foreign policy, including its existential fear of Iran’s nuclear buildup, relations with neighborhing Arab countries, and issues in U.S.-Israel bilateral relations.   Although there are few surprises, the report by analyst Casey L. Addis is

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Middle East

Netanyahu may hope Arabs will provide him a face-saver on settlements

By Rabbi Dow Marmur  JERUSALEM–“Build, Bibi, build!” That’s the heading of an advertisement that has appeared here. It’s issued by Likud and sponsored by its strong settlement lobby. The ad shows pictures of eight party members in the current government who have spoken in favour of settlements expansion in the West Bank. In addition, there’s also

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Middle East

Another day at the peace office

By Ron Pundak TEL AVIV (Press Release)–Last Wednesday I returned home and thought to myself, we’ve had an interesting day today at the Peres Center. Yes, it wasn’t necessarily the most representative of days, but it wasn’t really that different from other days. And yes, it doesn’t necessarily reflect the situation in which we live, but

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Middle East