March 3rd

Rather Than Defend Obama, J Street Is Now Pushing Him
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jewish Daily Forward
by Nathan Guttman - March 2, 2011 - 1:00am


Shifting sands in the Middle East and new political realities in Washington are forcing J Street to recalibrate its strategy. The dovish Israel lobby, whose supporters gathered recently in Washington for its second national conference, had previously tried to provide political cover for President Obama as he pushed for a speedy resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But now J Street finds itself prodding a reluctant administration to take a more assertive approach.


Palestinian Farmers Hawk Wares, Eye Innovation at Israeli Ag Fair
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Media Line
by Arieh O'Sullivan - March 2, 2011 - 1:00am


Hawking olive oil, cherry tomatoes, beer and other traditional products, Palestinian farmers and agri-business people participated for the first time at the Agro Mashov international agriculture exhibition held in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Taking their place among the glitzy Israeli stalls pushing everything from high tech fruit sorters, genetically modified fruit flies and sophisticated milking sensors, the Palestinians came seeking not only business deals, but in search of Israeli innovations.


Swedish FM: We won’t unilaterally recognize PA state
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Herb Keinon - March 3, 2011 - 1:00am


Sweden is not considering going the way of a number of South American countries and unilaterally recognizing a Palestinians state within the 1967 lines, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday. Bildt’s words come amid consistent reports of concern in Jerusalem that a number of European nations might follow the lead of Brazil, Argentina, Chile and other South American states and recognize a Palestinian state.


Swedish FM: We won’t unilaterally recognize PA state
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Herb Keinon - March 3, 2011 - 1:00am


Sweden is not considering going the way of a number of South American countries and unilaterally recognizing a Palestinians state within the 1967 lines, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday. Bildt’s words come amid consistent reports of concern in Jerusalem that a number of European nations might follow the lead of Brazil, Argentina, Chile and other South American states and recognize a Palestinian state.


Rattling the Cage: Tips for information warriors
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Larry Derfner - March 2, 2011 - 1:00am


As you well know, Israel has never been in such peril as it is today. Anti-Semitism has risen to historic levels. Israel’s enemies are arming themselves with weapons that endanger not only its existence, but its very existence. And now, added to these grave existential threats comes the upheaval we’ve seen spreading throughout the Middle East. In these days of uncertainty, a volunteer army of steady, sure, confident voices in Israel’s defense is more critical than ever. Here is a set of talking points for you to use when fighting the information war for Israel’s survival.


Is the administration in retreat on the peace front?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by D. Bloomfield - (Editorial) March 2, 2011 - 1:00am


It wasn’t a white flag of surrender, but it sure seems like the Obama administration is beating a retreat from the Middle East peace process it once embraced with great enthusiasm. Administration officials still talk about working to bring the parties together, but the truth is that neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians seem much interested, and officials here have finally gotten the memo.


Aharonovitch: Settlers threatened security forces
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Roni Sofer - March 2, 2011 - 1:00am


Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch offered his full support on Wednesday to security forces who shot plastic bullets at settlers during the razing of structures in the illegal outpost of Havat Gilad. Responding to MK Yariv Levin's (Likud) question as to the reason plastic bullets were used against protesters – which created an uproar among settlers and led to a series of "price tag" operations – Aharonovitch stated that "during the operation the forces were met with violent resistance that included curses, threats and stone hurling.


PA: 150 states to recognize Palestine by Sept.
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Elior Levy - March 3, 2011 - 1:00am


Palestinians expect broad global support: Some 150 countries will recognize a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders by September of this year, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said Wednesday. Maliki claimed that 10 more states in the Caribbean region will be declaring their recognition of Palestine this month. In an interview with The Media Line last week, the PA foreign minister said the Palestinians were on track to declaring an independent state by September.


Obama: Israelis must show seriousness on peace
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Yitzhak Benhorin - March 3, 2011 - 1:00am


US President Obama this week called on Jewish leaders to speak to their colleagues in Israel and to “search your souls” over Israel's seriousness about making peace, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported Wednesday. According to participants, Obama told the Jewish leaders that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is eager to secure his legacy by establishing a Palestinian state and would accept a decent offer if one were on the table. “The Palestinians don't feel confident that the Netanyahu government is serious about territorial concessions,” the president reportedly said.


Norway may recognize Palestinian state if peace process remains stalled
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Barak Ravid - March 3, 2011 - 1:00am


Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store told Haaretz Wednesday that his country would reevaluate its position on recognizing a Palestinian state if no progress is made in the peace process by September 2011. Speaking from Jerusalem, where he is on a state visit, Gahr said Israel runs the risk of being seen internationally as a "permanent occupier" if the stalemate in the peace process continues. He said he was worried such a view would lead to a further delegitimization of Israel and would harm its security.



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