Memo to President Obama: Bypass Netanyahu - reach Israelis’ hearts
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Carlo Strenger - (Opinion) February 6, 2013 - 1:00am


Dear President Obama, Like many millions around the globe, I celebrated your election as a triumph for the ideals of freedom and dignity four years ago, and, like many others, I called upon you to visit Israel. To this day I think you made a mistake in not doing so in your first term, but I still profoundly rejoiced in your reelection last month.


Will Obama’s planned Israel visit revive Israel-Palestinian peacemaking?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)
by Ron Kampeas - (Analysis) February 5, 2013 - 1:00am


  Is President Obama's plan to visit Israel a sign that he’s ready to take another shot at Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking?


On Whose Side Is Israel In Syria?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Al-Hayat
by Hazem Saghiyeh - (Opinion) February 5, 2013 - 1:00am


The recent Israeli airstrike, whose target remains somewhat vague, has renewed the “dispute” between the supporters of the government and the opposition in Syria. The first camp has concluded that the strike was irrefutable evidence that Israel stands against the regime of Bashar al-Assad, and is doing everything in its power to complement what has been initiated by the armed opposition and its allies, from Doha to Washington D.C.


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.


For Obama, Difficult Timing of an Israeli Plan Is Nothing New
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Mark Landler - December 30, 2012 - 1:00am


WASHINGTON — For President Obama, the news on Friday that Israel is planning to construct Jewish settlements in a geographically sensitive area east of Jerusalem came as a rude shock.


We're losing America's Jews
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Yitzhak Benhorin - (Opinion) December 12, 2012 - 1:00am


WASHINGTON - As we deal with our daily existential war in Israel and find it difficult to focus on processes that are more long term, America's Jews are gradually abandoning us. They are not doing it by shouting and threatening, so it is hard to measure the leak in the dam. They simply move aside and go about their business. It's not a PR issue.


Senate amendment penalizing Palestinians for U.N. status does not pass
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)
December 5, 2012 - 1:00am


WASHINGTON (JTA) -- A U.S. Senate amendment that would have penalized Palestinians for seeking non-member state status at the United Nations was not attached to its intended law.


How Obama Can Get Tough With Bibi
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Daily Beast
by Lara Friedman - (Opinion) December 5, 2012 - 1:00am


Recently, the European Union adopted harsh new Iran sanctions, strongly supported by Israel. Shortly thereafter, Israel announced new East Jerusalem settlement construction. The EU’s top official Catherine Ashton, who was about to visit Israel, condemned the announcement in measured terms; Israel’s Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, publicly told her, in effect, to shove it.


ATFP Asks US to Ensure No Israeli Building in E1
Press Release - Contact Information: Ghaith al-Omari - December 3, 2012 - 1:00am

 


GOP senators introduce proposed penalties for enhanced Palestinian status
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)
November 29, 2012 - 1:00am


WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Republican U.S. senators introduced the first efforts to penalize the Palestinians and the United Nations should the body affirm enhanced Palestinian status. Language proposed this week as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act would cut assistance to the Palestinians by 50 percent and U.S. fees to the United Nations by the same amount should the effort by the Palestinians to gain recognition as a non-member observer state succeed in the General Assembly. It would also cut by 20 percent U.S. aid to any country voting to approve.



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