October 29th

Is the Dead Sea dying? Water loss continues at record rate
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Independent
by Gwen Ackerman - (Analysis) October 28, 2012 - 12:00am


  The Dead Sea is shrinking at a record rate, prompting calls for Israel and Jordan to stop fertilizer makers from siphoning so much of the water whose restorative powers have attracted visitors since biblical times.


Yesh Din: We will help UN mission on settlements
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Ilene Prusher - (Analysis) October 29, 2012 - 12:00am


  Yesh Din – Volunteers for Human Rights said Sunday it would present its research materials and reports to an UN fact-finding mission appointed to investigate the affect of the settlements on Palestinians in the West Bank.


Haniyeh says Hamas wants to end political division
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency
(Analysis) October 27, 2012 - 12:00am


 


UNRWA responds to Israel TV's Gaza war claims
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency
(Analysis) October 29, 2012 - 12:00am


The UN agency for Palestinian refugees issued a response this week to an Israeli TV channel's claim that Palestinian militants had used UNRWA facilities to fire rockets at Israel during its war on Gaza. During a recent interview, a reporter from Israel's Channel Two News claimed that during Operation Cast Lead in 2008-9, Hamas militants had been operating from inside UNRWA installations and attempting to fire rockets at Israel. The popular Israeli news channel did not provide any evidence to substantiate the claims made by its reporter.


More Jews praying on site also sacred to Muslims
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Los Angeles Times
by Edmund Sanders - (Analysis) October 28, 2012 - 12:00am


  A simple, ancient ritual is threatening the delicate security balance atop Jerusalem's most sacred plaza: Jews are praying.


Palestinians to seek UN recognition next month
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
by Mohammed Daraghmeh - (Analysis) October 29, 2012 - 12:00am


 


Rocket fire from Gaza draws Israeli airstrike
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
(Analysis) October 29, 2012 - 12:00am


 


Israel's Barak hopes to extend political career
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
by Aron Heller - (Analysis) October 29, 2012 - 12:00am


 


Iran has drone pictures of Israeli bases
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
by Ali Akbar Dareini - (Analysis) October 29, 2012 - 12:00am


 


October 26th

NEWS: Israeli officials are instructed to keep quiet about potential US-Iranian negotiations. PM Netanyahu and FM Lieberman announce their parties will be running a joint list in the upcoming Israeli election. The heads of Catholic churches in the "holy land" condemn the route of Israel's West Bank separation barrier. Israeli officials complain Egypt is not doing enough to curb militant activity in Sinai. A UN expert calls for a boycott of companies tied to Israeli settlement activity. Arab MKs in Israel are facing an uphill task in mobilizing their community for the upcoming election. Israeli officials worry about the consequences of Israel's reaction to, and diplomatic campaign against, a renewed Palestinian UN bid in November. The Guardian explains why Israel might have been responsible for an attack in Sudan. The EU is moving to strengthen pharmaceutical trade ties with Israel. COMMENTARY: Douglas Hamilton and Nidal al-Mughrabi say Hamas' brinksmanship betrays a quiet confidence. Alaa Tartir and Jeremy Wildeman say World Bank policies consistently fail the Palestinians. Yossi Verter says fear drove Netanyahu and Lieberman into each other's arms. Chemi Shalev says the partnership could backfire. Aluf Benn says the coalition is aimed at war with Iran. Gideon Levy says the present quiet in the occupied West Bank cannot last. Yonah Jeremy Bob says the Goldstone report may have actually strengthened Israel. Nathan Guttman says US Jewish-Christian dialogue in was in trouble long before the controversy over a letter to Congress. Sari Bashi says the next US administration must not allow Israel to deny Palestinian students American scholarships. Patrick Seale asks if the next US administration can change course in the Middle East, especially regarding Israel. Hassan Barari says Israel is a slogan in American politics. Adel Zaanoun says the visit of the Emir of Qatar may have been a coup for Hamas, but it doesn't set the stage for an independent state in Gaza. David Roberts says Qatari meddling in Gaza is mainly aimed at countering Iran. George Hale looks of the dynamics of the PA fiscal crisis.

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