July 19th

Israel’s anti-democratic impulses grow ATFP World Press Roundup Article from NOW Lebanon by Hussein Ibish - (Opinion) July 19, 2011 - 12:00am A recently-passed anti-boycott law in Israel allows anyone advocating a boycott of the country or “areas under its control”—in other words the settlements—to be sued by private citizens and denied government benefits and contracts. This egregious attack on freedom of speech and conscience is a symptom of several deep-seated problems that are having a profoundly negative effect on Israel’s international standing and on prospects for peace with the Palestinians. » Read more

Dr Musa A Keilani: Decision in the doldrums ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Gulf News by Musa Keilani - (Opinion) July 19, 2011 - 12:00am The international Quartet has proved itself to be ineffective in its mandate to broker Israeli-Palestinian peace. The Quartet, made up of the US, the UN, the European Union and Russia, could not get out of its own trap when the group met in Washington this month. » Read more

Ministry: Syria recognizes Palestinian state ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency by Agence France Press (AFP) - July 19, 2011 - 12:00am The Syrian foreign ministry said Monday that Damascus recognizes a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital within the borders in effect prior to the 1967 Six-Day War. "Syria recognizes a Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders and east Jerusalem as its capital, and on the basis of the preservation of Palestinian legitimate rights," a statement said. Syria "will treat the Damascus office of the PLO as an embassy upon the publication of this statement," the ministry added. » Read more

Asharq Al-Awsat talks to Just Journalism director Michael Weiss ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Asharq Alawsat by Mohammed Al Shafey - (Interview) July 19, 2011 - 12:00am London, Asharq al-Awsat- Michael Weiss is an American journalist, and contributing editor of Tablet magazine. Having received a BA in History from Dartmouth College in 2002, Weiss has gone on to write extensively on the Middle East, with particular expertise on the Israel-Palestine conflict and human rights issues. His work has been featured in many prestigious publications in both the United States and Britain, including The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Policy, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph, where he currently contributes a regular blog on Middle Eastern issues. » Read more

Israel plans hundreds more Jewish settler homes ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Alertnet July 18, 2011 - 12:00am Israel announced plans on Monday to build another 294 homes in two Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and the Palestinians said the move hardened their resolve to seek statehood recognition from the United Nations. Israel's Housing Ministry linked the new construction to a nationwide plan to lower housing prices, which have skyrocketed in recent years, and appease protesters demanding affordable living space. » Read more

Abbas to bypass US opposition to UN bid ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency July 19, 2011 - 12:00am OSLO, Norway (AFP) -- President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday said he was ready to circumvent opposition from the United States to a bid for statehood by taking the proposal to the United Nations' General Assembly. The plan to seek UN membership for a state on the lines that existed before the 1967 Six Day War is opposed by among others Israel and the United States. It risks being blocked by a US veto at the UN Security Council. » Read more

Encountering Peace: What gives me hope ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post by Gershon Baskin - (Opinion) July 19, 2011 - 12:00am As a peace activist for more than 30 years, I am frequently interviewed. After getting through the political analysis of the moment, the subject inevitably turns to the personal. One question that repeats itself constantly is “how do you keep doing it?” It is a very good question, since peace seems to be so constantly moving further towards the distant horizon. » Read more

American view(s) on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Natasha Mozgovaya - July 19, 2011 - 12:00am "I don't like to use this word 'settlers,'" says the speaker, who notes he's as Israeli as Israelis who don't live in the territories. No objections from the Jewish Community Center audience in Silver Spring, Maryland. The event, entitled 'Meet Israelis Living in the Heartland of Israel," took place last Sunday. » Read more

Israeli navy takes over Gaza-bound ship ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press by Amy Teibel - July 19, 2011 - 12:00am JERUSALEM — Israeli naval commandos on Tuesday seized control of a French ship attempting to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, reporting no resistance during the takeover in international waters. The navy boarded the ship after the pro-Palestinian activists on board ignored calls to change course. The military had warned it would stop any attempt to break the sea blockade of Gaza, which Israel imposed four years ago in what it says is a measure to prevent arms smuggling to Gaza's ruling Hamas militant group. » Read more

There is a Palestinian partner ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Reuven Pedatzur - (Opinion) July 19, 2011 - 12:00am At a time when politicos are attacking the leadership of the Palestinian Authority, and when over and over again the claim is heard that there is no partner on the other side, it is worthwhile presenting events in the West Bank which, for political reasons, are intentionally ignored. I am referring to the very fruitful and successful cooperation between the Palestinians and the Israeli defense establishment, which developed secretly, and which is one of the reasons why Israeli citizens enjoy such a calm security situation of late. » Read more