June 15th

Netanyahu Backs Palestinian State, With Caveats
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Isabel Kershner - June 14, 2009 - 12:00am

The prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday endorsed for the first time the principle of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, but on condition that the state was demilitarized and that the Palestinians recognized Israel as the state of the Jewish people. In a much-anticipated speech meant in part as an answer to President Obama’s address in Cairo on June 4, Mr. Netanyahu reversed his longstanding opposition to Palestinian statehood, a move seen as a concession to American pressure.

»

Palestinians dismiss Israel plan
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from BBC News
June 15, 2009 - 12:00am

Palestinians have rejected the Israeli prime minister's conditions for a two-state solution, saying he has "paralysed" the peace process. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a major policy speech, accepted the creation of a Palestinian state but only if it was demilitarised. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas's spokesman said his comments challenged Palestinian, Arab and US positions. But the US said Mr Netanyahu's stance was an "important step forward".

»

Will Israeli PM's reference to the 'S' word spell peace?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Independent
by Donald MacIntyre - (Opinion) June 15, 2009 - 12:00am

For the first time in his long political career Benjamin Netanyahu managed to say "Palestinian state". That much is a result for Barack Obama, despite the qualifications that came with it. As the US President most eager since Jimmy Carter to make progress in the Middle East from day one of entering office, he found himself, by a painful historical irony, faced with an Israeli Prime Minister who did not, unlike his three predecessors, even accept a theory the notion of a two-state solution. On this Mr Netanyahu has bowed to the inevitable.

»

Salam Fayyad: The two-state solution needs action as well as words
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Independent
by Salam Fayyad - June 14, 2009 - 12:00am

There is growing expectation that Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, may soon endorse the two-state solution. His speech tonight outlining his government's approach to Middle East peace affords him an opportunity he should not miss. No doubt some will laud any change in his opposition to the two-state solution as a "breakthrough". But what does a genuine endorsement of it entail?

»

Let's applaud the change in US policy
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Daily Star
by Rami Khouri - (Opinion) June 13, 2009 - 12:00am

One of the fascinating developments taking place before our eyes these days is the evolution of America's power and presence in the Middle East - though it remains to be seen if this is a truly constructive change in policy or merely a temporary cosmetic repackaging of failed old ways. Two important points should be noted: American power is a constant factor in the region, regardless of whether one likes or dislikes how it is applied; and public perceptions of the United States throughout the Middle East are not fixed in stone, but rather respond in tandem to evolving American policies.

»

A Change of Heart?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Economist
June 15, 2009 - 12:00am

WHAT to make of a speech on Sunday June 14th by the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, in which he reluctantly but explicitly articulated his acceptance of the idea of a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian territories? Local commentators have made much of the image of pulling teeth, suggesting that Mr Netanyahu spoke largely in response to pressure from the United States.

»

To alleviate suffering
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
by Daoud Kuttab - (Opinion) June 15, 2009 - 12:00am

Once again the hot summer months are upon us, without any solution in sight for the Palestinian tragedy and the continued suffering of Palestinians crossing the King Hussein Bridge, which is the only exit and entry point for the West Bank. While there is no doubt that the real solution to this tragedy is the end of the occupation, genuine efforts must be exerted to ease the sufferings of individuals and families crossing the bridge.

»

Call to shun Netanyahu over speech
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
June 15, 2009 - 12:00am

World powers should isolate the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he unveiled tough terms for a Middle East peace accord, an aide to the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said today. In a major policy speech yesterday, Mr Netanyahu responded to weeks of pressure from Washington by finally giving his endorsement, with conditions, to the establishment of a demilitarised Palestinian state.

»

June 12th

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to deliver a policy speech that may accept the need for a Palestinian state (1) (11) (12). In Time magazine, Aaron David Miller urges the Obama administration to keep up pressure on Israel (3). A Palestinian youth is hanged for allegedly collaborating with the Israeli army (4). Special Mideast Envoy George Mitchell calls on Arab states to make efforts towards normalizing relations with Israel (9). A recently released poll shows that 56% of Israelis support continued settlement construction, despite international pressure for a freeze (10). The UN is reportedly considering fining Israel for damage to its facilities during the Gaza war (13).

Palestinian civilians bear brunt of settler violence
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Agence France Presse (AFP)
by Djallal Malti - June 11, 2009 - 12:00am

Nestled amid rolling hills and with an eagle eye's view to the Mediterranean coast, Nahla Ahmed's house has all the elements of Eden... if it weren't for the Molotov cocktail-throwing neighbours. "We put bars on the windows after the first attack that came at 2:00 am three years ago," says the 36-year-old mother of four. "Now they come each week." Ahmed has the misfortune of living in a hilltop house on the edge of this Palestinian village, with the Jewish settlement of Yitzhar on a facing hill.

»


American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017