ATFP Advocacy Director Lectures on “Domestic Dysfunction in the Israel-Palestine Conflict” at U. of Maryland
Press Release - Contact Information: Ghaith al-Omari - April 29, 2010 - 12:00am

On April 27th, ATFP Advocacy Director Ghaith Al-Omari took part at the University of Maryland Israel-Palestine Symposium organized by University of Maryland School of Public Policy, Saul Stern Professorship of Civic Engagement and Gildenhorn Center for Israel Studies.


The New York Times contrasts the Washington trips of DM Barak and Jerusalem Mayor Barakat. Nonviolent protests are spreading among Palestinians. Another leftist opposition group condemns Hamas tax policies. Hamas accuses Egypt of causing the deaths of tunnel workers. Israeli troops kill a Palestinian protester in a "no go area." The PA says Israel is helping settlers seize Palestinian land. Settlers are briefly arrested after violent attacks on Palestinians. The PA urges Palestinians to stop using Israeli cell phone providers. Interior Minister Yishai is invited to visit the White House. Residents of Silwan present a plan to prevent the demolition of their homes. D. Bloomfield says both Israel and the Palestinians want peace, but with the Obama administration and not each other. Larry Derfner says Israel won't budge on its own. Gideon Rachman says Israelis may hate and fear Pres. Obama, but his policies are in their interests. Jewish American leaders express satisfaction with administration outreach. A commentary from Middle East Progress urges flexibility and perseverance on peace. Elliott Abrams says US policy has undermined the Palestinian leadership. George Hishmeh says PM Netanyahu must choose between political expediency and Israel's national interests. Michael Jansen replies to Aaron David Miller.

‘The pursuit of Arab-Israeli peace must not be abandoned’
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
by Michael Jansen - (Opinion) April 29, 2010 - 12:00am

In an article titled "The false religion of Mideast peace", published this week in Foreign Policy, Aaron David Miller argued that it is not possible to achieve peace between Arabs/Palestinians and Israelis.

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Israel cannot keep stalling peace efforts
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Gulf News
by George S. Hishmeh - (Opinion) April 29, 2010 - 12:00am

Why has the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accepted an invitation to come to Washington next month to discuss ways to overcome the hurdle placed by Israel before Palestinian-Israeli negotiations can resume? The impression here is that the US and Palestinian positions are not far apart on the steps that ought to be adopted by the hawkish government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before serious peace negotiations can begin.

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Flexibility and Perseverance Required
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Middle East Progress
by Moran Banai, Brendan Melley, James Pickup - (Opinion) April 27, 2010 - 12:00am

Frustration regarding efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has generated much discussion lately about whether the Obama administration should present its own peace plan to the parties. Such a move is a tempting alternative to the lack of obvious progress toward direct negotiations, and it would certainly shake things up. As the idea of a U.S. plan gains currency, however, it is important to consider the implications of such an announcement.

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Who Speaks for the Palestinians?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Weekly Standard
by Elliott Abrams - (Opinion) April 28, 2010 - 12:00am

Will proximity talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority soon begin? While both Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Abbas have said they hope so, the matter is no longer in the hands of the Palestinians but in those of the Arab League foreign ministers--who meet May 1.

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Obama spreads the love, keeping Jewish leaders happy—for now
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)
by Ron Kampeas - April 27, 2010 - 12:00am

The Obama administration is projecting a new attitude when it comes to Israel, and is selling it hard: unbreakable, unshakeable bond going forward, whatever happens. Jewish leaders have kicked the tires and they're buying -- although anxious still at what happens when the rubber hits the road.

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Wanna buy a bridge, Mr. Mitchell?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Larry Derfner - (Opinion) April 29, 2010 - 12:00am

We make a point of judging everybody on their deeds, not their words – everybody but ourselves. When we say every Israeli wants peace, when two out of three Israelis consistently tell pollsters they’d give up settlements for peace, when our Likud prime minister tells the world he now accepts the two-state solution, we say: You hear that? Listen to our words. What further proof does anyone need of our peaceful intentions? But then there’s this little matter of deeds, of what Israel actually does. On the ground. And our deeds tell a somewhat different story than our words.

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Seeking peace, or just pretending?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Douglas Bloomfield - (Opinion) April 28, 2010 - 12:00am

Finally, there’s a Middle East peace process under way, and both sides appear anxious to make progress. No, not the one between Israel and the Palestinians. I’m talking about making peace between the Obama administration and the Netanyahu government. After months of acrimony, accusations and attack ads, both sides, feeling battered and bruised, say they’re ready.

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Arabs unveil new plan to thwart demolitions
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Ronen Medzini - April 28, 2010 - 12:00am

Residents of Silwan's al-Bustan neighborhood in east Jerusalem presented an alternative plan to regulate illegal construction, in an attempt to thwart the razing of their houses. The alternative plan, unveiled during a Wednesday press conference, has already passed all technical requirements and was issued a zoning file at the municipality three weeks ago.

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