Foreign Policy Blogs

Israel

More Gaza Stories Emerge; Protests in Arab-Israeli Village

Even though one Israel’s most powerful criticisms of Hamas during the latest Gaza Strip operation condemned the terror group for using human shields during the operation, thereby increasing the civilian death toll, it appears the Israeli military may have done the exact same. to add to the recent stir of alleged human rights violations, a […]

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A Fan of Obama's Hamas Approach

While claim that President Barack Obama’s efforts to include both Hamas and Iran in dialogue only legitimizes their extreme positions, this approach has at least one fan in the region. Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal praised the approach as a “new lexicon” for U.S. dealings in the region. In an interview with La Repubblica, Meshaal stated that the “big powers” […]

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Shas Officially Joins Likud, Yisrael Beiteinu in Coalition

The coalition for a Likud-led government nears completion with Shas officially joining Yisrael Beiteinu in signing onto the government. The coalition now needs only a handful of additional signatories to top the 60-seats needed to form a government that President Shimon Peres would validate. In a striking turn of events, Labor may join the coalition, […]

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Shalit Talks May Resume; Terror Attack Thwarted

Even though the Israeli government effectively ended talks for the return of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, Hamas declared its desire to re-initiate the negotiations. The talks may resume by the end of the week in Cairo as the next Israeli government prepares to take over. It seems that also Palestinians are exerting the same […]

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The Cost of One

Israelis face a far greater price negotiation than merely arguing over the cost of a bushel of tomatoes at the shuk (market) on Friday morning. The end of this week marked the 1000th day since the abduction of Israeli Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit by Hamas in a cross-border raid into Israel. With Hamas demanding […]

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T-Shirt Slogans Cause Stir

The biggest story rocking Israel over the last few days focuses on the treatment of Palestinians by some IDF soldiers in the recent Gaza operation. The latest brouhaha resulted from the publication of t-shirt slogans worn by some IDF soldiers. The slogans exemplify blatant disregard for Palestinian lives with pictures of a sniper shooting a […]

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Shalit, maybe?

Even though the possibility of the return of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit lost significant momentum this week, some Egyptian sources indicate that a deal may still be possible before PM Ehud Olmert leaves office. His term may last longer than expected, seeing that Likud Chairman Binyamin Netanyahu intends to request additional time to form […]

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IDF Accounts of Gaza Op Cause Stir

A recent Haaretz expose describes abuse of Palestinians by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip in December and January. The article bases the claims on the accounts of soldiers regarding their experiences in the territories. A New York Times story outlines the potential isolation of Israel due to the recent Gaza offensive and the accession […]

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Shalit Talks Fail; New Pal. Security Center

The Israeli government declared an uncompromising stance yesterday regarding negotiations to free abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shilat in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. PM Ehud Olmert stated that certain Hamas demands would “cross a red line,” effectively ending the most recent efforts to ensure Shalit’s release. Hamas finger-pointed blame for failure in the […]

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Shalit Leak Viewed as Premature

The possible agreement between Israel and Hamas for the release of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit may have derailed negotiations. Hamas may toughen its stance due to confirmation of the immense domestic pressure in Israel to ensure Shalit’s return, thereby weakening the government’s hand. Moreover, with PM Ehud Olmert nearing the culmination of his term, many […]

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Shalit Deal; Coaltion; Pal. Elections

With Prime Minister Ehud Olmert reaching his final moments in office, he set a deadline for the release of abducted IDF  soldier Gilad Shalit for yesterday while his envoys to negotiations with Hamas in Cairo attempt to hammer out the final prisoner swap deal. Hamas originally requested over 1000 soldiers for Shalit and Syrian President […]

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New NATO Anti-Smuggling Program

Nine NATO countries intend on attempting to thwart weapons shipments into the Gaza Strip through interceptions at sea, political pressure, and information sharing. While one diplomat stated that force would not be used, the program calls for possible boarding, searching, and seizing of naval vessels.

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Barghouti's Latest Piece

Democracy activist Mustafa Barghouti released his latest op-ed delineating multiple ways that the United States can advocate peace between Israel and the Palestinians. I agree with some of his points and staunchly disagree with others. You be the judge.

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Shalit Deal Still A Possibility

Israel’s lead negotiatior with Hamas over the prisoner swap deal, Ofer Dekel, returned to Israel and may have secured the basis for a deal for the release of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in exchange for 450 Hamas prisoners currently held in Israel. The sticking-point on the negotiations reamins whether to deport some of the […]

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The Distortion of a Public Servant's Record Trumps National Security

Some unabashedly pro-Israel proponents in Washington successfully orchestrated a multi-pronged defense of their own interests through a 21st century witch hunt while, with the same strike, potentially weakening the security of the United States. Since the publication of President Barack Obama’s intention of appointing Ambassador Charles ‘Chas’ Freeman to head the National Intelligence Council, pro-Israel […]

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