July 26th

World Bank says Palestinian economy unsustainable
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
July 25, 2012 - 12:00am

The Palestinian economy's recent growth is unsustainable because of its heavy reliance on foreign aid, a World Bank report said Wednesday.

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Gaza: Fears of Economic Isolation
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Rick Gladstone - July 25, 2012 - 12:00am

The United Nations' top Middle East diplomat expressed growing concern on Wednesday about the precarious finances of the Palestinian Authority and the economic isolation of Gaza. The diplomat, Robert H.

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Mitt's Trip to Israel
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jewish Daily Forward
(Editorial) July 26, 2012 - 12:00am

President Obama’s critics like to acknowledge that official visits to foreign countries are more about style than substance, but when it comes to Israel, that’s a disingenuous feint. As Mitt Romney, presidential candidate, takes his campaign to Israel, conservative pundits see an opportunity to point out that Barack Obama hasn’t been there since moving into the White House.

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A 12-step plan to sober up for peace
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Douglas Bloomfield - (Opinion) July 26, 2012 - 12:00am

With the Arab world in turmoil from the Maghreb to the Gulf, few are paying much attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict these days. Libya, Tunisia and Egypt are experimenting with democracy and have new governments just feeling their way, and no one can be sure which way they will go. Syria is exploding in civil war, and while the Assad regime appears to be steadily weakening, it still has the most guns, tanks and planes. And Russia is running interference for the Assad regime at the United Nations to block international intervention.

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Ehud Barak is the only leader who can take on Netanyahu
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Aluf Benn - (Opinion) July 26, 2012 - 12:00am

Benjamin Netanyahu is in trouble. He missed the opportunity to push forward the election at the high point of his popularity and now his leadership is flagging. The ruse to split Kadima failed and exposed the prime minister's predicament. The Likud is returning to its extreme-right roots, as the party of the settlers and their sycophants. The recession is here and the cabinet is forced to raise taxes and cut back services. The controversy over the draft law has shown Netanyahu as a collaborator with the ultra-Orthodox draft-dodgers.

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Israel’s Settlers Are Here to Stay
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Dani Dayan - (Opinion) July 25, 2012 - 12:00am

Whatever word you use to describe Israel’s 1967 acquisition of Judea and Samaria — commonly referred to as the West Bank in these pages — will not change the historical facts. Arabs called for Israel’s annihilation in 1967, and Israel legitimately seized the disputed territories of Judea and Samaria in self-defense. Israel’s moral claim to these territories, and the right of Israelis to call them home today, is therefore unassailable.

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Mapping Judaism
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Economist
July 25, 2012 - 12:00am

Mapping the world's Jewish population and migration patterns

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Salam Fayyad: 'We have never been more marginalised'
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Independent
by Donald MacIntyre - (Opinion) July 26, 2012 - 12:00am

The cause of the Palestinians has never been more "marginalised" than it is today, according to a warning by their internationally respected Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.

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July 25th

NEWS: Hundreds of Palestinians are facing eviction to make way for an Israeli firing range in the occupied West Bank, and PM Fayyad urges EU leaders to intervene. PLO officials say upgrading Palestine's status at the UN to that of nonmember observer state doesn't contradict a two-state solution, but Pres. Abbas may have agreed to delay any such effort until after the US presidential elections. Hamas leaders are asking Egypt to open the crossing with Gaza. Because of Israel's blockade, books have become a rare commodity in Gaza. A bomb is detonated near Israeli soldiers on the Gaza border without any reported injuries. Palestinian families are fleeing Syria to escape the fighting. A Palestinian-American woman was among the shooting victims in Colorado. A PA investigation concludes that violence against protesters last month was unjustified. GOP candidate Romney condemns Pres. Obama for “lecturing” Israeli leaders. A Jerusalem family is keeping up the tradition of firing a cannon to signal the end of fasting during Ramadan. COMMENTARY: Ruth Marcus says Israel's approach to African migrants is a moral failure. Brandon Davis looks at a new documentary about the life of the late Pres. Arafat. Carlo Strenger says Israel's right is likely to stay in power. Michael Sfard says Israel's crackdown on OCHA is part of a larger assault on democracy. Ben Caspit asks what if PM Rabin had lived. Eli Avidar says Israel stands to gain from the downfall of Pres. Assad. Tom Phillips lists 10 reasons why there hasn't been Israeli-Palestinian peace. The Jewish Week interviews Alan Baker, a member of the Levy Committee.

Upgrading Palestine to non-member state in UN does not contradict with peace plan – Erekat
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)
July 25, 2012 - 12:00am

RAMALLAH, Juky 25 (KUNA) – A member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Dr. Saeb Erekat, said that approaching the General Assembly of the United Nations to seek a non-member state status for Palestine does not contradict with the peace process of the principle of two-state solution. During interviews conducted in the city of Areeha (Jericho) with the residing consuls, Eekat said that the Palestinian approach is a real focal point for the protection of two-state option.

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