Archives for February, 2013

Lebanon Prepares for Gulf Tourists Amid Unstable Security

Despite the unstable security situation prevailing in Lebanon, many Kuwaiti tourists plan to spend an official holiday in the country, writes Jean Aziz.

Lebanon

Abu Mazen Plays Neutral On West Bank Protests

The Palestinian Authority has publicly supported the West Bank protests, but is keen to avoid spoiling US President Barack Obama's visit in March, writes Daoud Kuttab.

Palestine

Anger Reaches Tipping Point In West Bank

Jillian Kestler-D'Amours reports from the West Bank that clashes have continued daily between Palestinian youths and Israeli soldiers in Hebron following the death of a Palestinian prisoner in Israeli custody and hunger strikes by others.

Palestine

A Third Intifada Can Be Avoided

Nadav Eyal writes that if a third intiada breaks out, it will have been the result of a lack of foresight and diplomacy.  

Palestine

Arens: Netanyahu Made A "Mistake" With Livni

Former Defense Minister Moshe Arens, in an interview with Mazal Mualem, criticizes Prime Minister Benjamin Netantahu's decision to ask Tzipi Livni to join his government, while praising Netnayahu's handling of Iran.

Palestine

Abu Mazen: The Strongest of Weak Leaders

Abu Mazen is not a weak leader as so many tend to claim, Ben Caspit writes; it's Israel that's been suffering from weak leadership ever since the days of the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.  

Palestine

Israel Looks Inward

The results of the Israeli election were all about nation building, and not peacemaking, writes Einat Wilf.

Israel

Turkey Can Improve Democratic Record for EU Bid

Turkey has shown progress since it officially applied to become a full member of the European Union in April 1987, but it's still lagging in many basic aspects of democracy, writes Tulin Daloglu.

Turkey

The Coming Unknown For NATO’s Policy on Syria

Jean-Loup Samaan writes that NATO’s role in Syria is likely to remain limited, and that preserving the infrastructure of the country is essential to prevent a collapse of state authority.

Syria

Lebanon at Crossroads Between Tradition and Progress

Downtown Beirut recently witnessed two opposing events: a gathering of Salafists calling for a return to religious values, and a civil marriage aimed at achieving social progress, both of which illustrate Lebanon at a crossroad, writes Nasser Chararah.

Lebanon

Palestinian Youth Group Rejects Western Aid

The Palestinian youth group Tajwal Safar, which runs trips for Palestinian youths so that they can provide help for those in need, is an innovative way to combat the myriad problems in Palestinian society, writes Naela Khalil.

Palestine

Hamas and Israel Seek To Maintain Gaza Peace

Months after the Egypt-brokered cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, both sides seek to maintain peace in Gaza for political and other motives, writes Hazem Balousha.

Palestine

Demand Grows for Third Party In Palestinian Elections

Demand is growing among Palestinians for a third party as an alternative to both Hamas and Fatah, writes Asmaa al-Ghoul.

Palestine

Lebanese Electoral Law Redresses Christian Rights

The proposed electoral law should allow Christian parties to have a greater say in Lebanese politics, writes Scarlett Haddad.

Saudi Arabia

Iraqis Must Value Justice, Not Power

In light of the escalating Iraqi crisis, the need for a legitimate judicial system and a culture of social justice is becoming ever more apparent, writes Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

Iraq

Will Kerry Convince Ankara on Syria?

Semih Idiz writes that Ankara’s resistance to a negotiated outcome in Syria could lead to differences with Washington and perhaps to Turkey’s marginalization in efforts to end the war.

Turkey