Symbolic but Significant: Why the Decision to Investigate Abu Akleh’s Murder Is Unprecedented

 The recent decision by the United States Department of Justice to open an investigation into the killing, last May, of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is not a game-changer, but important and worthy of reflection, nonetheless.  Based on the long trajectory of US military and political support of Israel, and Washington’s constant shielding of Tel … Continue reading “Symbolic but Significant: Why the Decision to Investigate Abu Akleh’s Murder Is Unprecedented”

End of the Deal: By Revoking Stance on Jerusalem, Australia Isolates Israel, Not Palestinians

US President Donald Trump’s so-called ‘Deal of the Century’ was meant to represent a finality of sorts, an event reminiscent of Francis Fukuyama’s premature declaration of the "End of History" and the uncontested supremacy of western capitalism. In effect, it was a declaration that "we" – the US, Israel and a few allies – have … Continue reading “End of the Deal: By Revoking Stance on Jerusalem, Australia Isolates Israel, Not Palestinians”

The Other Russia-West War: Why Some African Countries Are Abandoning Paris, Joining Moscow

The moment that Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was ousted by his own former military colleague, Captain Ibrahim Traore, pro-coup crowds filled the streets. Some burned French flags, others carried Russian flags. This scene alone represents the current tussle underway throughout the African continent. A few years ago, the discussion regarding the geopolitical shifts in Africa … Continue reading “The Other Russia-West War: Why Some African Countries Are Abandoning Paris, Joining Moscow”

Strangers Behind the Trees: On the Death of Rayan Suliman and His Fear of Monsters

Children of my Gaza refugee camp were rarely afraid of monsters but of Israeli soldiers. This is all that we talked about before going to bed. Unlike imaginary monsters in the closet or under the bed, Israeli soldiers are real, and they could show up any minute – at the door, on the roof or, … Continue reading “Strangers Behind the Trees: On the Death of Rayan Suliman and His Fear of Monsters”

Hidden Motives: Why Lapid Is Not Serious About a Palestinian State

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid threw a wrench into the works when he declared from the United Nations General Assembly podium: "An agreement with the Palestinians, based on two states for two peoples, is the right thing for Israel’s security, for Israel’s economy and for the future of our children." The statement took many by … Continue reading “Hidden Motives: Why Lapid Is Not Serious About a Palestinian State”

From Nabulsi to Shtayyeh: Which Side Is the PA On?

The arrest of a prominent Palestinian activist, Musab Shtayyeh, and another Palestinian activist, by Palestinian Authority police on September 20 was not the first time that the notorious PA’s Preventive Security Service (PSS) has arrested a Palestinian who is wanted by Israel. PSS is largely linked to the routine arrests and torture of anti-Israeli occupation … Continue reading “From Nabulsi to Shtayyeh: Which Side Is the PA On?”

‘Leading from Behind’: Is Washington at War With Moscow?

Though Washington insists that it is not interested in a direct military conflict with Moscow, the latter claims that the US is, in fact, directly involved. But who is telling the truth? On September 8, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, appeared in Kyiv on an unannounced visit. He carried with him pledges of yet … Continue reading “‘Leading from Behind’: Is Washington at War With Moscow?”

‘Painful March for Freedom’: The Triumphant Legacy of Palestinian Prisoners

"As soon as I left prison, I went to Nael’s grave. It is adorned with the colors of the Palestinian flag and verses from the Holy Quran. I told my little brother how much I loved and appreciated him, and that, one day, we would meet again in paradise." The above is part of a … Continue reading “‘Painful March for Freedom’: The Triumphant Legacy of Palestinian Prisoners”

Investigating the Victim: On Abbas’ ‘Holocaust’ and the Depravity of Israeli Hasbara

"There was no Massacre in Jenin" was the title of a Haaretz editorial on April 19, 2002, one week after Israel ended its deadly onslaught on the besieged Palestinian refugee camp in the northern West Bank. The unwarranted conclusion by Haaretz, other Israeli media and, ultimately, numerous western outlets was not the outcome of a … Continue reading “Investigating the Victim: On Abbas’ ‘Holocaust’ and the Depravity of Israeli Hasbara”

Deliberate Misrepresentation: Western Media Bias Makes Israeli War on Palestinians Possible

While US and western mainstream and corporate media remain biased in favor of Israel, they often behave as if they are a third, neutral party. This is simply not the case. Take the New York Times coverage of the latest Israeli war on Gaza as an example. Its article on August 6, “Israel-Gaza Fighting Flares … Continue reading “Deliberate Misrepresentation: Western Media Bias Makes Israeli War on Palestinians Possible”