Tag: israel

Biggest Losers in Palestine Veto? The American People

If the Palestinian application for United Nations full membership actually takes place Friday and the United States uses its Security Council veto to stop the process, it will be the final step in a predictable and preventable tragedy playing out. Some are arguing that Washington might actually abstain, thereby gaining considerable favorable sentiment from much … Continue reading “Biggest Losers in Palestine Veto? The American People”

Unconditional Support for Israel Encourages Bad Behavior

Surprisingly, as the U.S. threatens to veto in the U.N. Security Council a resolution for Palestinian statehood, President Barack Obama faces plunging poll numbers with Jewish Americans. Obama’s sinking poll numbers in the Jewish community (dropping from 80 percent in 2008 to 60 percent in July 2011), usually an extremely loyal bedrock of support for … Continue reading “Unconditional Support for Israel Encourages Bad Behavior”

Perry’s Faith-Based Foreign Policy Directive

If Rick Perry makes it to the White House, what will American foreign policy in the Middle East look like? We got a clear indication of that, recently, when he stated: “As a Christian I have a clear directive to support Israel, from my perspective its pretty easy both as an American and a Christian. … Continue reading “Perry’s Faith-Based Foreign Policy Directive”

A Palestinian State?

The decision by the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to claim a seat in the United Nations is a last ditch effort by one side of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to resolve the region’s eternal crisis peacefully. The statement largely drafted by Tony Blair on behalf of the “Quartet,” which essentially gave the Israelis everything they … Continue reading “A Palestinian State?”

Sad and Happy About Palestinian Statehood Bid

“Will this be the happiest day of your life?” a local interviewer asked me, referring to the approaching recognition of the State of Palestine by the U.N. I was taken by surprise. “Why would that be?” I asked. “Well, for 62 years you have advocated the establishment of a Palestinian state next to Israel, and … Continue reading “Sad and Happy About Palestinian Statehood Bid”

Europe Divided Over Palestinian State

BERLIN — Divisions that have surfaced within the European Union over recognition of the Palestinian Authority as an independent and sovereign state are unlikely to be resolved ahead of a crucial vote in the United Nations next week. A two-state settlement is part of the long-term official EU line on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. But while … Continue reading “Europe Divided Over Palestinian State”

Congress Sees Middle East Through AIPAC-Colored Glasses

During August recess this year, 81 members of Congress went on a junket to Israel funded by the Israel lobby group AIPAC (well, funded by the American Israel Education Fund, but they are really one and the same) to " learn first-hand about one of our closest friends and allies." While the representatives insist they got a … Continue reading “Congress Sees Middle East Through AIPAC-Colored Glasses”