December 2nd

News:

Palestine’s UN Amb. Mansour says the Security Council will review the Palestine resolution “soon.” (AFP/Times of Israel)

French lawmakers will vote today on a motion urging the government to recognize the State of Palestine. (AFP/Jerusalem Post)

Pres. Putin writes a letter to Pres. Abbas and says he will continue promoting the resumption of the Palestinian-Israeli negotiation process. (Ha’aretz)

Quartet Envoy Blair says the key to resolving the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is “cultural acceptance across the boundaries of faith.” (Jerusalem Post)

Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing after it was open for two days to allowPalestinians stranded in Egypt to return home. (Ma’an/PNN)

Israeli occupation forces detain seven Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem. (AFP)

The PA confirms its ban on purchasing used cars from Israel. (Ma’an)

Israel appears to be headed toward an early election after PM Netanyahu and and hismajor centrist coalition partners failed to patch up differences. (Reuters/AP/AFP/JTA/Times of Israel)

Jordan arrests 20 Muslim Brotherhood members accused of planning attacks on Israelis. (Times of Israel)

Israel’s Transportation Ministry is seeking to recruit women who are Palestinian citizens of Israel to drive the vehicles. (Ha’aretz)

Lebanese officials say they have detained the wife and son of the leader of ISIS al-Baghdadi. (AP/Reuters/New York Times/The National) 

The Iraqi government reaches a formal agreement with the KRG to end a protracteddispute over oil exports. (Reuters/AP/New York Times)

Yazidi girls are training to take on ISIS extremists from Sinjar Mountain. (The National)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Syria's civil war has killed more than 200,000 people. (AFP)

The UN says the Syrian regime must disclose documents about its chemical weapons program and grant full access to inspectors. (Reuters)

AP looks at the battle inside Kobani. (AP)

King Abdullah of Jordan will meet with Pres. Obama on Dec. 5 in Washington. (Jordan Times)

Egypt’s Public Prosecutor says he has appealed against a court decision to drop charges against former Pres. Mubarak. (Reuters)

Assistant Sec. of State for Human Rights Tom Malinowski is planning to return to Bahrain, five months after he was ordered to leave the country. (New York Times)

Putin says South Stream, a major project to deliver natural gas to Europe, will be redirected through Turkey. (New York Times)

Commentary:

The Jordan Times says the UN must help find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  (Jordan Times)

Gregg Carlstrom says Israel has revived its policy of demolishing Palestinian homes, even though there’s no evidence it deters future attacks. (Foreign Policy)

Ha’aretz says the educational model developed by the Jerusalem bilingual school needs greater support. (Ha’aretz)

Elhanan Miller says Abbas has effectively closed the door on negotiations with Israel. (Times of Israel)

Sara Hirschhorn says Israel’s left, center and right all have strong reasons to exploit the debate about whether a third intifada is already here. (Ha’aretz)

Efraim Halevy says Israel needs a new strategy for Jerusalem. (Ynet)

Shlomi Eldar looks at “Hamas’ bureau” in Turkey. (Al-Monitor)

Akiva Eldar says the proposed “Jewish nation-state” bill negates Palestinian self-determination. (Al-Monitor)

J.J. Goldberg looks what an early ballot means for Israel. (Jewish Daily Forward)

Linda Gradstein reviews the play “The Wave” which is sparking questions among Arabs and Jews in Israel. (The Media Line)

Faisal Al Yafai says the Syrian refugee crisis is having a huge impact on the Middle East. (The National)

The National says the international community must act on the Syrian refugee crisis. (The National)

The Daily Star says the revelation by PM al-Abadi that 50,000 “ghost soldiers” were on the payroll is a “bombshell announcement.” (Daily Star)

Diana Moukalled says Hezbollah’s secrecy over its role in the Syrian conflict poses further challenges and dangers for Lebanon. (Asharq al-Awsat)

Abdul Rahman Al Rashed says Mubarak was an “authoritarian, stubborn and deceitful man” but he wasn’t blood-thirsty. (Al Arabiya)

The New York Times says Mubarak’s acquittal may have closed the final chapter on the Arab Spring. (New York Times)

The UAE is a “shining example” for the Middle East and the world. (Al Arabiya)

December 1st

News:

Pres. Abbas says Egypt is right to create a buffer zone on the Gaza border. (Ha’aretz)

Jewish extremists torch an Arabic-Hebrew bilingual school in Jerusalem. (Washington Post/JTA/The National)

A Palestinian woman stabs an Israeli in the occupied West Bank. (Reuters/AP/Ma’an/PNN/JTA)

An Israeli court finds two Jewish settlers guilty of torching a Palestinian-owned car. (Ha’aretz)

A Palestinian cab driver is pepper-sprayed in a Jerusalem attack. (Times of Israel)

Hamas says the unity government with Fatah “has ended.” (Jerusalem Post)

Fatah official says there was never any agreement that the unity government would last only six months. (Ma’an/Times of Israel)

The French parliament will vote on a resolution urging the government to recognize the State of Palestine. (Ynet)

US lawmakers have reportedly released most of their holds on a $230.3 million aid package for the West Bank and Gaza. (Al-Monitor)

Egypt opens the Rafah crossing for a second consecutive day. (Ma’an)

Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in occupied East Jerusalem. (Ma’an) 

Islamic Jihad urges the PA to stop security coordination with Israel. (Ma’an)

Hamas cancels its 27th anniversary celebration in Gaza. (Ma’an)

Palestinian soccer chief Rajoub calls on FIFA to punish Israel. (Ha’aretz)

Hundreds of Israelis protest in Jerusalem against the “Jewish nation-state” bill. (JTA)

PM Netanyahu will reportedly decide in the next few days whether to call an early election. (Reuters/AP/New York Times/Jerusalem Post)

DM Ya’alon says Israel may need early elections. (Reuters)

Israel will stagger the purchase of its second batch of 31 US-made F-35 fighter jets over the next three years. (Reuters/Ha’aretz)

The US-led anti-ISIS coalition carried out at least 30 air strikes in Raqqa against ISIS extremists. (Reuters) 

Iraqi officials say ISIS extremists have attacked a checkpoint along the border with Syria, killing at least 15 Iraqi border policemen. (AP)

PM al-Abadi says the Iraqi army has been paying salaries to at least 50,000 soldiers who don’t exist. (Washington Post)

The UN World Food Program suspends its assistance program to Syrians. (AP)

Bahrain says Qatar has agreed to stop supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, aid the Egyptian government and establish a GCC joint command to counter ISIS and Iran. (Financial Times)

Protests erupt in Egypt against the acquittal of former Pres. Mubarak. (Reuters/New York Times/The National)

Pres. Sisi says he will not pursue further actions against Mubarak. (New York Times/AFP)

Pres. Putin is visiting Turkey amid Syria differences. (AP)

Pope Francis calls for the protection of Christians in the Middle East. (New York Times/AFP)

Commentary:

Alastair McPhail says the Palestinian character of occupied East Jerusalem must be preserved. (Al Arabiya)

Uri Savir says the Obama administration is considering an Israeli settlement freeze in exchange for Palestinian security cooperation and no unilateral moves at the UN. (Al-Monitor)

Amira Hass says Palestinians are being generous when they attribute Israel’s policies to stupidity. (Ha’aretz)

Elhanan Miller asks if Israeli civil society can heal the Arab-Jewish rift. (Times of Israel)

Yoni Ben Menachem says Hamas may be rethinking its policies. (JCPA)

Rasha Abu Jalal says pregnant women in Gaza are still suffering from this summer’s war.  (Al-Monitor)

Nahum Barnea says the proposed “Jewish nation-state” bill is the symptom, not the cause, of  the crisis in Israeli politics. (Ynet)

Hussein Ibish says the Mubarak acquittal illustrates how murky Egypt's political scene has become. (Now)

H.A. Hellyer looks at Mubarak’s impunity. (Al Arabiya)

The Jordan Times says the extension of the P5+1 talks should be seen as a positive development. (Jordan Times)

Hussein Ibish says its not surprising that no one wants Def. Sec. Hagel’s job. (The National)

November 28th

News:

France calls for an international Israeli-Palestinian peace conference and says it will recognize a Palestinian state if peace efforts fail. (Reuters/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)

Danish lawmakers say, too, will vote on recognizing the State of Palestine. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel) 

Pres. Abbas tells a group of South African Jews that he is committed to a two-state solution. (JTA/Jerusalem Post)

FM Lieberman says Palestinian citizens of Israel should be offered financial incentives toleave the country. (Reuters/AP/Ha’aretz/Jerusalem Post)

Former Pres. Peres says the “Jewish nation-state” bill risks generating a religious conflagration. (JTA)

Israeli occupation forces shoot an Italian man during protests near Nablus. (Ma’an)

Israel says a Hamas ring plotted attacks in the West Bank. (New York Times/JTA)
 

Turkey denies allowing Hamas to operate in its territory. (Times of Israel/Ynet)

Israeli police arrest a Palestinian teenager in Hebron for allegedly planning a stabbing attack. (Ha’aretz)

Egypt is reportedly considering re-opening the Rafah crossing next week. (Ma’an)

UNRWA declares a state of emergency in Gaza amid severe flooding. (Ma’an/JTA/Ynet)

Conflicting policies on Syria and ISIS erode US standing in the Middle East. (New York Times)

ISIS extremists block all mobile phone networks in Mosul. (The National)

The Syrian regime denies targeting civilians. (Reuters)

In Syria, desperate residents see little hope in the UN Aleppo peace plan. (Reuters)

Moderate Syrian rebels push forward in Southern Syria. (AP)

The rise of young Sunni extremists pose a new threat to Lebanon. (Washington Post)

Egyptians are bracing for potential violence ahead of a planned major Islamist protest. (AP)

Pope Francis begins a visit to Turkey. (Reuters/AP/Ynet) 

Commentary:

Amir Tibon looks at the “secret negotiations” between Netanyahu Rep. Molcho and Abbas’ representative. (New Republic)

Former Mossad Chief Shabtai Shavit says, for the first time, he fears for the future of Zionism. (Ha’aretz)

Oudeh Basharat says Palestinians from occupied East Jerusalem are born into a reality of occupation. (Ha’aretz)

Avi Issacharoff looks at why residents of Balata refugee camp feel abandoned by both Abbas and the UN. (Times of Israel)

Ha’aretz says increasing Israel’s police power is a dangerous step. (Ha’aretz)

David Horovitz says PM Netanyahu knows that he’s the best leader Israel can call on. (Times of Israel)

Ben Sales looks at why Pres. Rivlin opposed Netanyahu’s “Jewish nation-state” bill. (Jewish Daily Forward)

George Hishmeh looks at Netanyahu’s “Jewish nation-state” bill. (Jordan Times)

Raphael Ahren says international criticism of the proposed “Jewish nation-state” bill is exacerbated by the lack of peace talks. (Times of Israel)

Michael Brenner says neither Theodor Herzl nor Ze’ev Jabotinsky would have approved of the proposed Israeli "Jewish State" law. (Times of Israel)

Atef Abu Saif looks at the “other Gaza.” (Ynet)

Robert Casey says the American plan to destroy ISIS extremists must also include taking down Pres. Assad. (Washington Post)

Noah Bonsey says current American policy against ISIS is doomed to failure if its not revised. (Foreign Policy)

The National says ISIS must be fought in youth forums. (The National)

Michael Herzog says Israel views the extension of Iran talks as the lesser of two evils. (Al-Monitor)

Michael Young says the US is “crippled” in the Middle East. (Daily Star)

Eyad Abu Shakra asks what Iran’s future regional role might be. (Asharq al-Awsat)

November 26th

News:

Pres. Abbas and Pres. Rivlin both say they oppose Israel’s pending “Jewish nation-state” bill. (AP/Ynet/Reuters)

The EU urges Israel to uphold democracy in any “Jewish nation-state” law. (Times of Israel)

Egypt opens the Rafah crossing to stranded Palestinians bound for Gaza. (Reuters/Ma’an/Ynet/The National)

An Israeli lawmaker submits an eight-point counterterrorism plan to PM Netanyahu. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel/Ynet)

Israeli Police Commissioner Danino says right-wing lawmakers who want to change the status quo on the Al Aqsa/Temple Mount should not be allowed to visit the site. (JTA)

UNGA passes five resolutions in favor of Palestinians. (PNN)

The Israeli Ministry of Interior will revoke the citizenship of Nadia Abu Jamal, wife of one of the Jerusalem Synagogue attackers. (Jerusalem Post/The Media Line)  

Israel moves to outlaw Muslim guards at the Al-Aqsa mosque. (Ha’aretz)

Israel’s shift to the right dims the prospects of the two-state solution. (Reuters)

group of Israelis assault a Palestinian worker in West Jerusalem. (Ma’an)

Israeli occupation forces detain 13 Palestinians in overnight raids across the West Bank. (Ma’an)

Hamas’ “Ministry of Agriculture” in Gaza says it will stop importing Israeli fruit. (Ma’an)

Some Palestinian citizens of Israel label their Facebook photos with the term “second-class citizens.” (Ha’aretz)

Former Pres. Sarkozy says he opposes French recognition of the State of Palestine. (Times of Israel/Ynet/Jerusalem Post)

NATO Gen. Nicholson says a “no-fly zone” in Syria is not being considered. (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/26/us-syria-crisis-nato-idUSKCN0JA10120141126

The Washington Post looks at the conditions inside Iraq’s hospitals run by ISIS extremists. (Washington Post)

The impoverished city of Tripoli in Lebanon is a target for ISIS extremists. (AP)

Ayatollah Khamenei approves further nuclear negotiations. (AP/New York Times)

The IMF says Egypt’s economy is starting to recover. (AP)

Commentary:

Yaron Friedman looks at Pres. Sisi’s peace plan. (Ynet)

Sabrien Amrov and Alaa Tartir say Palestinian security forces have become a “tool of the occupation.” (New York Times)

Peter Beinart looks at what the conflicts in Ferguson and Israel have in common. (Ha’aretz)

Moshe Arens says the “Jewish nation-state” bill is “useless and harmful.” (Ha’aretz)

Yossi Mekelberg says demolishing homes is just one form of collective punishment inflicted on the Palestinians by Israel. (Al Arabiya)

Chemi Shalev says Israel is the sorriest to see Def. Sec. Hagel go. (Ha’aretz)

Hussein Ibish says Hagel was right that the US needs a clear position opposing Assad, and his dismissal won’t alter that. (Now)

Michael Young says the White House's lack of an intelligent policy on Pres. Assad and ISIS will not be solved by changing Hagel. (The National)

David Ignatius looks at the impasse in the P5+1 nuclear talks. (Washington Post)

Rami Khouri looks at the lessons learned from P5+1 nuclear talks. (Daily Star)

November 25th

News:

UNSG Ban urges Israelis and Palestinians to “step back from the brink” and return to peace talks. (AFP/AP)

The EU Parliament postpones a vote on recognition of the State of Palestine. (Ma’an)

The Obama administration expresses reservations about Israel’s proposed “Jewish state” law. (JTA/Times of Israel)

Economy Minister Bennett says the US should not interfere in Israel’s internal affairs. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

Three Palestinians are arrested for allegedly stabbing two Jewish Israelis inJerusalem. (New York Times/JTA/Times of Israel)

Extremist Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian in occupied East Jerusalem. (Ma’an)

A video shows a disabled Palestinian man beaten up by extremist Jewish settlers. (Ha’aretz)

An analysis of the video of the May shooting of a Palestinian teenager in the occupied West Bank suggests that the Israeli officer is to blame. (New York Times/JTA)

Israeli occupation forces detain 10 Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem. (Ma’an)

Israeli forces raid the headquarters of the Palestinian Football Association in Jerusalem. (Ma’an/AP)

Pres. Rivlin cancels the appearance of a local pop star at an event following the star's release of a new racist song against Arabs. (AP/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

The UN says ISIS received $35-45 million in ransom payments. (The National)

Saudi Arabia says ISIS extremists ordered the attacks on Shi’ites in al-Ahsa. (Reuters)

Turkey and the US ease strains on ISIS, but differences still remain. (Reuters)

The P5+1 nuclear talks are extended for seven months after failing to meet the deadline. (Reuters/AP/New York Times/Washington Post)

FM Fabius says P5+1 talks progressed on key issues including enrichment. (Reuters)

Ayatollah Khamenei says West will not defeat Iran. (AP/New York Times)

The collapse of a building in Cairo, kills at least 17 people. (AP/The National)

Pres. Sisi meets with Pope Francis and Italian PM Renzi. (AP)

Commentary:

The New York Times says PM Netanyahu’s “Jewish nation-state bill” should be defeated. (New York Times)

Ha’aretz says the “Jewish nation-state” bill only weakens Israel’s democratic foundations. (Ha’aretz)

Mohammed Wattad says Israel is already a “Jewish nation-state.” (Ha’aretz)

Brent Sasley identifies four problems with Israel’s “Jewish nation-state” bill. (Jewish Daily Forward)

The Jordan Times says giving the Palestinian struggle a religious dimension only complicates it more. (Jordan Times)

Khaled Almaeena asks when the oppression of Palestinians will end. (Al Arabiya)

Nahum Barnea looks at Israeli incitement. (Ynet)

Jonathan Cook looks at why Netanyahu’s efforts to undermine Abbas and the PA are “self-destructive.” (The National)

Ron Kampeas says the US wants to keep Abbas as President of the PA. (JTA)

Roger Cohen says the US should keep pushing for an Iran deal. (New York Times)

The National says an Iranian deal would also benefit the UAE. (The National)

Raphael Ahren asks if Netanyahu failed in calling for the full dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program. (Times of Israel)

November 24th

News:

FM al-Maliki says the PLO has postponed submitting a draft resolution to the UNSC demanding an end to Israel's occupation. (Ma’an/JTA/Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)
 
Palestinian Chief Negotiator Erekat says Palestinians have not yet delayed a UNSC bid. (Ha’aretz)
 
AP looks at Israel’s policy of demolishing Palestinian homes. (AP)
 
The Israeli Cabinet approves a bill to legally define the country as the “nation-state of the Jewish people.” (AP/New York Times/AFP/PNN/JTA)
 
Israel’s Justice Minister Livni says PM Netanyahu’s nationality law could break up thegovernment. (AP/PNN/Times of Israel)
 
Finance Minister Lapid says he will not support the “Jewish nation-state bill.” (Ha’aretz/Ynet)
 
Pres. Sisi says Egypt is willing to send forces to secure a Palestinian state. (AFP)
 
Europe is reportedly taking stronger measures to condemn Israeli policies. (New York Times/Ynet)
 
A former Israeli attorney general Michael Ben Yair urges the EU Parliament to recognize the State of Palestine. (Times of Israel)
 
Tensions at holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem threaten Jordanian-Israeli ties. (Washington Post)
 
An Israeli policeman is charged with manslaughter for killing a Palestinian teenager in May. (AFP/Ha’aretz)
 
Three Jewish Israelis attack a Palestinian teengaer in Jerusalem. (Ma’an/Ha’aretz/AP)
 
Ashkelon mayor reversed his ban on Palestinian workers. (JTA/Ynet)
 
Palestinian workers fear for their jobs in Israel. (The Media Line)
 
Israeli occupation forces detain 11 Palestinians in the West Bank. (Ma’an)
 
The Middle East Studies Association will vote on a proposal to support an academic boycott and end cooperation with Israeli academic institutions. (Ha’aretz)
 
Iran and the P5+1 will meet again next month after missing a deadline to clinch a final deal. (Reuters/AP/New York Times)
 
British Foreign Sec. Hammond says negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 will be extended until June 30, 2015. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)
 
Chinese FM Yi says Iran and the P5+6 will "eventually reach" a deal, even if talks may have to be postponed. (Reuters) 
 
Pres. Rouhani will address the Iranian people later today. (Reuters)
 
Reuters looks at Iran’s “plan B” if nuclear talks fail. (Reuters)
 
Iran grants bail to a woman from Britain held for five months. (New York Times/The National)
 
Iraqi government forces retake two towns north of Baghdad from ISIS extremists. (Reuters/AP)
 
The New York Times looks at the corruption plaguing Iraq’s army. (New York Times)
 
ISIS extremists recruit and exploit children. (AP)
 
Sen. Rand Paul calls for a formal declaration of war against ISIS. (New York Times)
 
VP Biden announces new aid for Syrian refugees. (AP)
 
Egypt will host a major economic conference in March. (AP)
 
Commentary:
 
Hussein Ibish says some Israeli leaders are trying to turn Pres. Abbas into the new “Arafat.” (The National)
 
Ori Nir says “violence, incitement and racist hatred” plague Israeli and Palestinian societies. (Ha’aretz)
 
Faisal Al Yafai says Israel’s “nation-state” bill will end Israel’s already “flawed democracy.” (The National)
 
Aeyal Gross says Netanyahu's “nation-state” bill undermines the notion that Palestinian citizens of Israel are entitled to collective rights. (Ha’aretz)
 
Lara Friedman says the crisis in Jerusalem, like the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is not grounded in religion. (Jewish Daily Forward)
 
Rami Khouri says violence will not achieve anything in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Daily Star)
 
Dalia Hatuqa says sadness, mistrust, and house demolitions in occupied East Jerusalem  gave birth to two terrorists. (Foreign Policy)
 
Eetta Prince Gibson says Jerusalem needs a common urban infrastructure that allows people and goods to flow freely. (New York Times)
 
Amira Hass says access to the Al-Aqsa mosque is only one reason for unrest in occupied East Jerusalem. (Ha’aretz)
 
The Jordan Times says Israel’s collective punishment measures against Palestinians must be stopped. (Jordan Times)
 
The New York Times says ISIS continues to exercise an almost surreal appeal to fighters with non-Muslim backgrounds. (New York Times)
 
Jackson Diehl says the Kurds have been abandoned in their fight against ISIS. (Washington Post)
 
The Daily Star says an extension of the P5+1 negotiations will not be an encouraging sign for the future. (Daily Star)
 
Tariq Alhomayed says the GCC should invite Sisi to their next summit in Doha. (Asharq al-Awsat) 
 
H.A. Hellyer says Tunisia stands at a very good chance of proving that Islamists and non-Islamists can work together. (Al Arabiya)

November 21st

News:

 

JTA profiles ATFP’s “downsizing” and reorganization. (JTA)

 

Israeli occupation forces disperse a Palestinian demonstration in Hebron. (AP/Ma’an/Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)

 

Hamas calls for a “Day of Rage” in the occupied West Bank. (Ma’an)

 

Pres. Sisi says he urged PM Netanyahu to restart the peace process with the Palestinians. (AFP)

 

Israel rejects an appeal by the EU not to raze the homes of Palestinians  suspected of attacks in Jerusalem. (Reuters/Ha’aretz)

 

Israel says Hamas planned to assassinate FM Lieberman. (Reuters/AFP/JTA/Ha’aretz)

 

Hamas says Israeli leaders are legitimate targets for assassination. (Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)

 

The partial ban on Arab workers by an Israeli mayor is widely criticized. (AP/Washington Post)

 

Israeli police say they do not plan to bar young Muslim worshippers from Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque. (AFP)

 

Pres. Erdogan says an Israeli attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque is an attack on Turkey.  (Today’s Zaman)

 

Members of Congress warn Pres. Abbas on incitement. (JTA/Jerusalem Post)

 

An increase in anti-Palestinian attacks have been reported in northern Israel and Jerusalem. (Ma’an/Ha’aretz)

 

Jewish extremists vandalize the car of an imam in Acre. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)

 

Israel confiscates weapons allegedly bound for Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem. (New York Times)

 

An American court gives the go-ahead for a $1 billion lawsuit against the PLO/PA for terror attacks during the second intifada. (Ha’aretz/Ynet)

 

Egypt closes schools in two border towns in Sinai. (Reuters)

 

Jordan arrests the deputy head of the country’s Muslim Brotherhood for criticizing the UAE. (Reuters)

 

VP Biden will visit Turkey. (AP)

 

ISIS extremists shoot at an Iraqi government building in Ramadi. (Reuters)

 

Tunisia is increasingly alarmed at the wave of its nationals joining ISIS and other violent extremist groups. (Reuters/New York Times)

 

Tunisia prepares for its first post-dictatorship presidential election. (The National)

 

Lebanese Gen. Kahwaji says Islamist militants have drawn the country into a civil war. (Reuters)

 

Sec. Kerry and FM Zarif leave the Iran-P5+1 nuclear talks. (AP/Reuters/New York Times/JTA)

 

Arab states are voicing their concerns over the Houthi takeover of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a. (Wall Street Journal)

 

Commentary:

 

Avi Issacharoff says an “intifada” has already started in Jerusalem, and its only going to get worse. (Times of Israel)

 

Ben Caspit says the Israeli security establishment keeps on defending Abbas. (Al-Monitor)

 

Nehemia Shtrasler says the Israeli policy of demolishing Palestinian homes in occupied East Jerusalem actually proves that Netanyahu has succeeded in dividing the city. (Ha’aretz)

 

Ha’aretz says Israelis must counter right-wing racism. (Ha’aretz)

 

Jeffrey Goldberg looks at Hamas’ support for terrorism and “genocidal intentions.” (The Atlantic)

 

David Ignatius says ISIS’s campaign of intimidating Sunni tribes in Iraq is thwarting Pres. Obama’s “Awakening” strategy. (Washington Post)

 

Alan Philps says youthful recklessness can explain jihad’s allure. (The National)

 

H.A. Hellyer says the recent video posted by ISIS is a sign of desperation. (The National)

 

Simon Cottee says ISIS has transmuted the shock of intimate killing into a “mythical aura.” (The Atlantic)

 

Keith Johnson says the Iraqi government and the Kurds are finally making progress on an agreement on oil revenues. (Foreign Policy)

 

The Jordan Times says Jordan is “shouldering a big responsibility” because of the number of Syrian refugees. (Jordan Times)

 

Majid Rafizadeh asks what will happen if Iranian nuclear talks fail. (Al Arabiya)

November 18th

News:

Two Palestinians storm a synagogue in West Jerusalemkilling four people. (New York Times/AP/Washington Post/Ma’an/Ha’aretz/JTA)

Israeli police says the victims of the synagogue attack are American and British citizens. (JTA/Ha’aretz/Ynet/Jerusalem Post)

Pres. Abbas condemns the Jerusalem synagogue attack. (Ma’an/JTA)

Sec. Kerry condemns the Jerusalem synagogue attack. (AP/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

PM Netanyahu blames Abbas for the attack and calls for an emergency meeting. (Times of Israel/Ynet)

Economy Minister Bennett says Abbas is one the “biggest” Palestinian terrorists. (Ha’aretz)

Shin Bet Chief Cohen says Abbas is not encouraging terrorism. (Jerusalem Post)

Hamas praises the attack. (Ma’an/PNN)

Israeli forces detain 12 relatives of two Palestinian men who had earlier attacked a synagogue in Jerusalem. (Ma’an)

Reuters looks at the chronology of major incidents in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the occupied West Bank since June. (Reuters)

The EU deplores Israeli plans to build new settlements on occupied Palestinian territory. (AFP/Ha’aretz/Ynet)

Jewish extremist settlers attack a Palestinian school in the occupied West Bank. (Ma’an)

Hamas leader Radwan calls to dismantle the Palestinian unity government. (Times of Israel)

Sweden says it is not considering opening an embassy in Ramallah. (AFP)

Egypt will expand its buffer zone to a town bordering Gaza. (New York Times)

A Syrian military airstrike kills 13 people in Aleppo. (AP)

FM Cavusoglu says Turkey could face an influx of 2-3 million additional Syrian refugees. (Reuters)

Iraqi security forces reportedly enter the Baiji refinery for the first time since ISIS captured it. (Reuters)

The Iraqi government says ISIS extremists have stolen more than one million tonnes of grain and taken it to Syria. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia fears ISIS wants a sectarian war in the Kingdom. (Reuters)

ISIS extremists delay deadline for executing seven Lebanese soldiers. (The National)

Britain urges Iran to show more “flexibility” in nuclear talks. (Reuters)

Commentary:

Avi Issacharoff looks at the Hamas connection to the Jerusalem synagogue terror attack. (Times of Israel)

Anshel Pfeffer says that what is happening in Jerusalem is not a third intifada. (Ha’aretz)

Elhanan Miller says Hamas and Fatah are using the Legislative Council to settle political scores with Abbas. (Times of Israel)

Nahum Barnea says Netanyahu is preparing for an election. (Ynet)

Salman Masalha says Palestinian citizens of Israel have rights and responsibilities. (Ha’aretz)

Hassan Barari says the Obama administration has finally understood that its Syria strategy is not working. (Jordan Times)

Faisal Al Yafai says Iran has steadily expanded its influence across the Arab world - a deal on its nuclear programme will not change that. (The National)

Abdallah Schleifer looks at the current situation in Libya. (Al Arabiya)

November 17th

News:

Palestinian bus driver is found hanged inside his vehicle in Jerusalem. (Reuters/Ma’an/PNN/JTA)

A Palestinian man is shot by Israeli troops at the Gaza border. (New York Times)

Israeli police says a man was stabbed in Jerusalem by a Palestinian assailant. (AP/Ma’an/JTA/Times of Israel)

PM Netanyahu accuses Pres. Abbas of incitement in Jerusalem. (JTA)

Palestinian youth are driving the “Children’s Intifada” in occupied East Jerusalem. (Washington Post)

The EU will reportedly recall its envoys if Israeli settlements threaten the two-state solution. (PNN/Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

EU Foreign Policy Chief Mogherini says recognizing the State of Palestine is not enough. (Jerusalem Post)

FM Lieberman says Israel will never agree to limit settlement activity. (AFP/Ha’aretz)

German FM Steinmeier says the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must not become a religious conflict. (Ha’aretz)

Israel will step up the demolition of Palestinian homes implicated in attacks against Israelis in the occupied West Bank. (AP/JTA)

A UN Gaza inquiry team is in Jordan to listen to the testimonies of families and civil society organizations. (Ha’aretz)

Netanyahu reportedly told King Abdullah of Jordan to exercise his authority to prevent disturbances at holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem. (Times of Israel/The National)

Israeli occupation forces detain six Palestinians protesting at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. (Ma’an)

Israel’s Foreign Ministry says Norwegian doctor Gilbert is banned from Israel, not from Gaza. (Ha’aretz)

Israel will reportedly only order half of the F-35 fighter jets previously considered. (Ynet) 

The White House confirms the murder by ISIS of American aid worker Peter Kassig. (AP/The National) 

Pres. Obama calls ISIS beheading “pure evil.” (AP/Reuters/New York Times)

UK and French citizens are believed to have participated in the Kassig beheading video. (Reuters/AP)

Def. Sec. Hagel says the US military is accelerating its efforts to train and advise Iraqi forces fighting ISIS extremists. (AP/Reuters))

Gen. Dempsey says the tide is turning against ISIS in Iraq. (New York Times/The National)

A car bombing in Baghdad kill 14 people. (AP)

Sec. Kerry heads to Vienna for another round of nuclear talks with Iran. (AP)

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain resolve their dispute with Qatar and agree to return their ambassadors. (Reuters/The National)

The International Union of Muslim Scholars rejects its designation by the UAE as a terrorist group. (Reuters)

Commentary:

David Horovitz looks at the challenges Netanyahu must face. (Times of Israel)

Tony Karon says Netanyahu is steering Israel towards becoming an apartheid state. (The National)

Oudeh Basharat says Israel’s right wing is winning. (Ha’aretz)

Moshe Arens says Palestinian citizens of Israel must prove they are “law-abiding” citizens. (Ha’aretz)

Yaron Friedman says by supporting popular struggle, Abbas risks losing control over the West Bank. (Ynet)

Uri Savir says Fatah might stop objecting to an intifada and even take the lead in one. (Al-Monitor)

Helena Gröndahl Rietz explains why Sweden recognized the State of Palestine. (Jordan Times)

Hussein Ibish says the anti-ISIS mission will expand after difficult choices. (The National)

Roger Cohen says the nightmare of ISIS lies less in the barbaric images of beheadings than in the sense of powerlessness they provoke. (New York Times)

The Daily Star says Obama’s casual indifference to Pres. Assad’s future translates into indifference to millions of Syrians. (Daily Star)

H.A. Hellyer says history will stand in judgment over the international community for how it let Iraq go through an intervention and how it let Syria go without one. (Al Arabiya)

Amer Al Sabaileh asks if its time for a Geneva III peace conference for Syria. (Jordan Times)

Abdul Rahman Al Rashed says UAE’s terror list is an important step in combating extremist groups. (Al Arabiya)

The National says a united GCC is an asset to the region. (The National)

Caleb Lauer asks if Pres. Erdogan is channeling the late Pres. Ataturk. (The National)

Tariq Alhomayed looks at Hezbollah’s recent attempt to recruit Lebanese youth. (Asharq al-Awsat)

Sara Khorshid says suppression of freedom of expression under Pres. Sisi is regressing to 1960’s levels. (New York Times)

Mona Eltahawy looks at the phenomenon of female genital mutilation in Egypt. (New York Times)

November 14th

News:
 
Israel lifts all age restrictions for Muslim men who want to pray at the Al-AqsaMosque. (AP/AFP/JTA/Ha’aretz)
 
Sec. Kerry says Israel and the Palestinians have pledged to take concrete steps to calm tensions around Jerusalem's holiest sites. (Reuters/AP/New York Times/AFP/Ha’aretz)
 
Palestinian despair is fueling clashes in occupied East Jerusalem. (AFP)
 
Palestinian boy is critically wounded during a protest in occupied East Jerusalem. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)
 
Ten Palestinians are injured during clashes with Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank. (Ma’an/Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)
 
FM Steinmeier will meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. (AFP)
 
Hamas warns of renewed violence unless Israel allows the reconstruction of Gaza. (AFP)
 
Israel denies a request by Colombian FM Maria Angela Holguin to visit Ramallah. (Ha’aretz)
 
Israel has reportedly imposed a life ban on Norwegian doctor and activist Mads Gilbert from entering Gaza. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)
 
The Knesset approves a bill that would shut down a free Israeli daily owned by American billionaire Sheldon Adelson. (JTA)
 
Spain’s Parliament will hold a vote next week on a resolution to recognize the State of Palestine. (Ha’aretz/Ynet/Jerusalem Post)
 
France’s Federation of Jewish Organizations says recognizing the State of Palestine risks worsening anti-semitism in France. (JTA)
 
Jordan has not yet returned its Ambassador Walid Obeidat to Israel. (Jerusalem Post)
 
ISIS leader al-Baghdadi allegedly called for attacks against the rulers of Saudi Arabia. (Reuters/AP/New York Times)
 
Gen. Dempsey says US troops' role in Iraq could expand. (Reuters/AP/New York Times)
 
The UN says ISIS commanders are liable for war crimes on a "massive scale.” (Reuters/AP)
 
Airstrikes by the US-led coalition against ISIS are angering Syrian civilians. (New York Times)
 
An Iraqi army officer says government forces are within a kilometer from the Baiji refinery.  (Reuters)
 
Iraq’s central government and Kurdistan reach an interim agreement over oil exports and budget payments. (New York Times)
 
The UK will introduce new tough laws to deal with jihadists fighting in Iraq and Syria. (Reuters)
 
Commentary:
 
Avi Issacharoff says the PA is currently working with Israel not Hamas. (Times of Israel)
 
Ben Caspit says Israeli security officials still see Pres. Abbas as key to stability. (Al-Monitor)
 
Asher Schechter says the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a “powder keg.” (Ha’aretz)
 
Ha’aretz says Israel’s failures in the Gaza war require an investigation. (Ha’aretz)
 
Adnan Abu Amer says Hamas is worried about Ennahda’s election loss in Tunisia. (Al-Monitor)
 
Gopal Ratnam interviews former Iraqi DM Abdul Qader Obeidi. (Foreign Policy)
 
Osman Mirghani says there is a lost generation of youth disillusioned by their circumstances and societies. (Asharq al-Awsat)
 
Abdul Rahman Al Rashed says Syrian refugees should be given the opportunity to live with “temporary identities” and have jobs. (Al Arabiya)
 
Lauren Wolfe says millions of Syrians are struck without enough food and medical supplies. (Foreign Policy)
 
Khaled Almaeena says the Arab world cannot absolve itself of blame for the current impasse, nor can it deny its responsibility for the social ills. (Al Arabiya)

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