February 7th

Bloomberg’s friendly advice to pro-Israel, anti-BDS protesters: shut up! ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Chemi Shalev - February 6, 2013 - 1:00am New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has lambasted city politicians who threatened to cut off funding to Brooklyn College for sponsoring an event featuring the anti-Israeli Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, saying “If you want to go to a university where the government decides what kind of subjects are fit for discussion, I suggest you apply to a school in North Korea.” » Read more

News Analysis: Stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks to dominate Obama's visit ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua February 7, 2013 - 1:00am   » Read more

Doctor: Palestinian inmates sneak sperm to wives ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press by Mohammed Daraghmeh - February 6, 2013 - 1:00am A Palestinian fertility doctor claimed Wednesday that he has used prisoners' sperm smuggled out of Israeli jails to help their wives have babies, and that five women have become pregnant so far. Despite unlikely odds and difficult conditions, a fertility expert said the claims could be plausible. There are about 4,500 Palestinians in Israeli jails, serving sentences for offenses ranging from stone throwing to killing Israeli civilians. » Read more

Abbas calls for end to Gaza blockade ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency February 7, 2013 - 1:00am President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday urged Islamic leaders to end Israel's blockade of Gaza, but criticized official visits to the enclave. The ongoing siege of Gaza will prolong the conflict with Israel and lead the region to another round of violence, preventing a just and comprehensive peace agreement, Abbas said in a speech at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit in Cairo. » Read more

ANALYSIS-Under diplomatic fire, Israel faces settlement showdown ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters by Crispian Balmer - (Opinion) February 6, 2013 - 1:00am Israel risks sleepwalking into a crisis with its allies over relentless settlement-building in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem unless it realises that the international anger is genuine and adjusts its course. » Read more

Israel demolishes East Jerusalem home ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency February 6, 2013 - 1:00am Israeli forces demolished a two-story Palestinian home in East Jerusalem on Tuesday, making 30 people homeless, official news agency Wafa reported. Muhammad Castero, 52, a resident of the building, told Wafa that Israel issued a demolition order for the home 50 days ago on the pretext that it was built without a permit. "We are refugees now, we don't have any shelter. Where should we, our children and elderly people go after our house was demolished?" he said. » Read more

Earning The Nobel Peace Prize ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Huffington Post by Alon Ben-Meir - (Opinion) January 31, 2013 - 1:00am Awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama early on in his first term was largely based on the premise that he would pursue peace and end existing violent conflicts to make the world a better and safer place for all people. The president's efforts to end the war in Iraq and wind down the war in Afghanistan are admirable, regardless of what may befall these countries in years to come. The president, however, fell short in his effort during his first term to forge peace between Israel and the Palestinians, which remains extraordinarily pivotal to regional stability. » Read more

Palestinian Officials Urge Obama to Push for Peace ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press by Daniel Estrin - February 7, 2013 - 1:00am Palestinian officials said Thursday they hope President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to the region signals readiness to re-engage in Mideast peace efforts, but that negotiations can only resume if Washington is ready to get tough with Israel. » Read more

Why Obama is visiting Israel ATFP World Press Roundup Article from CNN by Aaron David Miller - (Opinion) February 6, 2013 - 1:00am   » Read more

Palestinian leaders welcome Obama's visit ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency February 6, 2013 - 1:00am The Palestinian leadership on Wednesday welcomed US President Barack Obama’s announced plans to visit the region in March. President Mahmoud Abbas' spokesman Nabil Abu Rdeina told Ma'an that "the visit reflects that the US is willing to achieve peace in the region." » Read more