A unity agreement between the two major Palestinian political parties, Fatah and Hamas, has been greeted with scepticism from Palestinian youth activists, writes Nigel O’Connor, a freelance journalist in Ramallah.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli soldier’s release a win-win
As Israel celebrates, and the world welcomes, the release of soldier Gilad Shalit, Hamas, the Islamist party controlling the Gaza Strip, has emerged with a significant victory in its push for Palestinian political supremacy, writes freelancer Nigel O’Connor.
Israel’s leaders have more doubts about democracy
It’s reported today that, as expected, a range of Israeli civil rights organisation’s will file legal challenges against that country’s new law against boycotts.
Scramble to save Middle East peace talks
Despite the US proudly launching peace talks with Palestinian and Israeli leaders just a month ago, no resolution could be reached before the end of Israel’s freeze on West Bank settlement construction. What will Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas do now?
Israel’s PR war on ‘hate boat’
“This wasn’t a Love Boat,” Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says in the face of growing condemnation of the deadly commando raid on the flotilla of activists. This is a PR campaign being waged on Facebook and Twitter.
Japan PM resigns, Obama to blame?
Has Japan PM Yukio Hatoyama — who announced he’s stepping down as PM — crumbled under Barack Obama’s icy glare? Steve Clemons examines Obama’s very different relationships with the PMs of Japan, Israel and China.
Netanyahu: “This was no love boat”
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu has come out in defence [video]of the deadly flotilla attack, saying that Israel had to defend Gaza from weapons smuggling. The UN Security Council is now investigating.
rumour 
Obama’s next project: peace in the Middle East?
Washington Post columnist David Ignatius claims Obama is “seriously considering” proposing a peace plan for the Middle East. Ditto the NYT. As Politico says: it may be BS, but it’s clearly what the White House wants Netanyahu to think.
Settlers rally against Netanyahu, peace, whatever
Israeli policy seems to be stuck in a sphere of unreality where a two-state solution is officially proclaimed as the goal, but there is a taboo on any discussion of measures.
Letter from...: More reflections from Gaza: Keep off the grass
The American International School in Gaza was bombed on 3 January, completely destroying the institution . Today it is a twisted wreck of concrete, metal and burnt vans.
Netanyahu’s speech receives a mixed reception
Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech giving support for a Palestinian state has been praised by The White House, but has drawn fire from Palestinians.
Obama played Israel situation perfectly
Obama is right when he puts the settlement issue ahead of everything else, even ahead of the peace negotiations, argues Uri Avnery.
Cool Capitol reception for Netanyahu
Washington is no longer a welcoming the Israeli PM with open arms
When Barack met Benjamin
Obama has met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, agreeing to continue talks with Iran over their nuclear weapons program, but calling for an end to construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
Obama warns Netanyahu: Don’t surprise me with Iran strike
The message from the American envoy to the Prime Minister reveals US concern that Israel could lose patience and act against Iran.
Only Benjamin Netanyahu can go to Palestine
Israeli PM Netanyahu agreed to talk, but he gave no hint of the shape of a political settlement he might be willing to accept. Still he’s the best hope for peace.
The danger of an Israeli strike on Iran
Netanyahu recently appeared to give Obama a blunt ultimatum: Stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons — or we will. The world should hope it’s a hollow threat, writes Walt Rodgers.
Netanyahu chickens out on Hamas stance
Almost six weeks after the Israeli election, it has yet to result in the formation of a new government, writes Charles Richardson.
