‘Preparing to put pressure on’ ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The National by Vita Bekker - June 4, 2009 - 12:00am While Palestinians expressed cautious optimism yesterday towards the reaffirmed commitment of Barack Obama to Palestinian statehood and his rejection of Jewish settlement expansion, Israel’s new Right-wing government reacted coolly to the US president’s pledge. » Read more

Obama must match his words with actions ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Gulf News (Editorial) June 4, 2009 - 12:00am The United States is aiming to take a "new way forward" in its relationship with the Muslim world. Of this there is no question. Its President Barack Obama succeeded in delivering a message of respect to Muslims across the world through his historic speech in Cairo yesterday. His familiarity with Islam and his ability to quote comfortably from the Quran (he did it four times) is bound to resonate in this part of the world. » Read more

Eliminating the US “Scapegoat” ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Dar Al-Hayat by Hassan Haidar - (Analysis) June 5, 2009 - 12:00am Obama’s historical visit to the Middle East that he started in Saudi Arabia yesterday is of concern to all extremists, even those who are supposed to be staunch enemies – in theory at least. Israeli Minister of Transportation, Katz, who is close to Netanyahu, hastened to criticize the US endeavor to “win the hearts” of Iran and Al Qaeda and publicly criticize the Israeli settlement policy. » Read more