Israel Should Applaud Fatah-Hamas Deal

In one word: Bravo! The news about the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas is good for peace. If the final difficulties are ironed out and a full agreement is signed by the two leaders, it will be a huge step forward for the Palestinians—and for us. There...

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UN Recognition of Palestinians Still Far Off

UNITED NATIONS - Despite massive support from the international community, the Palestinian quest for recognition as an independent and sovereign nation is unlikely to materialize soon, say political observers and diplomats here. "That is not going to happen," an...

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Israel Becomes the Settler State

The other day, the almighty General Security Service (Shabak, formerly Shin Bet) needed a new boss. It is a hugely important job, because no minister ever dares to contradict the advice of the Shabak chief in cabinet meetings. There was an obvious candidate, known...

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The Great Israeli Security Scam

Recent uprisings and rumblings across North Africa and the Middle East from Tunisia and Egypt to Saudi Arabia and Yemen have shone a bright, unflattering light on long-time U.S. allies in the region—despotic kleptocrats whom we supported sometimes to the tune of...

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War Clouds Back Over Gaza

RAMALLAH - After several days of intense violence, during which 19 Palestinians were killed and one Israeli wounded, a fragile calm has returned to Gaza. But political commentators argue that this could well be a precursor to Israel’s next war on the coastal...

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