NEWS ARTICLES & OPINION PIECES

• Los Angeles Times: Hezbollah presence in Venezuela feared, by Chris Kraul and Sebastian Rotella (27 August 2008).
  

• Washington Post: A Syrian-Israeli Breakthrough?, by David Ignatius (27 August 2008).
  This article describes the request by Syria, with French agreement, to ask USA to join the negotiations with Israel, so that it can move to the next level of direct talks between Syria and Israel. This makes sense - it would also help Syria shake off the influence of Iran and Russia, but this is a huge challenge to Bush's policy of isolating enemies of which Syria is one.

• Christian Science Monitor: Russia downplays prospect of Syria missile deal to calm Israel, by Arthur Bright (22 August 2008).
  Quote from article - "Moscow is downplaying the possibility of an arms deal to put Russian missiles on Syrian soil, in response to Israeli concerns over the destabilizing effect such a sale would have on the Middle East. The Los Angeles Times reports that the specter of Russian missile sales to Syria raised a "mini-storm of concern" in Israel, though Russian officials indicated a sale was far from imminent." This article thus reports that the potential deal has not affected either the Syria/Israeli talks or Russia/Israeli relations.

• Los Angeles Times: Israel fears Russia may sell arms to Syria, by Ashraf Khalil (22 August 2008).
  Russia and Syria work on a missile deal, and now Syria refuses IAEA inspections. But all countries recognize that the deal is far from complete.

• Washington Post: Lebanon's Blended Border Zone: Demarcation of Syrian Line Will Disrupt Lives, Villagers Say, by Alia Ibrahim (17 August 2008).
  The economy and social relations of a border town on an ill-defined border will suffer from new diplomatic ties between the two adjacent countries (Syria and Lebanon) if the new relations leads to a more defined and monitored border.

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Nation/World: Iranian official's kind words for Israel rebuked, by Nazila Fathi (14 August 2008).
  The Iranian Minister of Tourism tries to clarify that his country rejects Israel but not Jews, but Parliament does not seem to get the subtle distinction, condemns him, and then repeats its rejection of the State of Israel.

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Syria, Lebanon agree to launch diplomatic ties, by Liz Sly (14 August 2008).
  

• Washington Post: The Elections Are Coming. Is Al-Qaeda?, by Bruce Riedel (10 August 2008).
  This op-ed about global terrorism analyzes the tactics of terrorist groups without mentioning the motivating factors - for example the outrageous injustices that Israel heaps on the Palestinian people. If these injustices were treated properly as the crimes they are then this would take a lot of steam out of the terrorist network.

• Los Angeles Times: Israel’s unhappy exit strategy, by Daniel Jonah Goldhagen (8 August 2008).
  This op-ed reviews six options open to Israel for dealing with populist terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. The problem is that none of them really work very well, and many of them involve devastating human rights consequences which Israel and the world find unaceeptable. The author wishes to remind us that such a factor might be unavoidable because of what Israel is fighting (Islamic fundamentalism), which means that Israel is not just fighting for itself, but for all of us, as it seeks to restore a global balance between the non-secular civilized world and the extremist religious one. The author however can not imagine the idea that maybe the extremists are right about Israel although without knowing it - that Israel really is a criminal state that should not exist unless the true majority population votes it in - which itself is unimaginable.

• Wall Street Journal: There Won't Be 'Peace' Without Democracy, by Natan Sharansky and Bassem Eid (8 August 2008).
  This op-ed postulates that true peace won't occur until Palestinian civil society itself develops as well, which the lack of the article blames completely on the Palestinians, not mentioning at all the role Israel has played in destroyed Palestinian society since before 1948.

• Washington Post: LEBANON: Parliament to Vote On New Government (5 August 2008).
  A new Lebanese government forms with Hezbollah a strong participant having a veto vote in the new cabinet.

• Chicago Tribune: New view on Mideast needed, by Yousef Munayyer (1 August 2008).
  This article describes how the US and Israel remain the hated countries in the Middle East, while Iran is hated much less, and the Palestinian cause is of highest priority. This requires Obama and/or McCain to radically re-think their views of the Middle East from how it has been, especially under Bush which has included very visible hypocrisy concerning nuclear weapons (Israel vs. Iran) and negotiation with enemies (forcing Palestine to negotiate with Israel as Israel refuses to halt settlement expansion and other illegal and inhumane measures). The author is an official with the ADC.

• Christian Science Monitor: The contenders to be Israel's next prime minister, compiled by Corinne Chronopoulos (1 August 2008).
  This article gives brief biographies of Tzipi Livni, the front-runner, Shaul Mofaz (Iranian born with military background) and Benjamin Netanyahu(major Hawk and chairman of Likud party).

• Washington Post: Transition in Israel: The next U.S. president may find a less willing partner for Middle East peace negotiations (1 August 2008).
  This article describes how the new US President faces many obstacles to making Israel/Palestine peace negotiations a high priority including ongoing Israeli intransigence on the key issues.

• Christian Science Monitor: Olmert to resign as Israeli prime minister, by Joshua Mitnick (31 July 2008).
  

• Washington Post: Olmert Declares Intent to Step Down, by Linda Gradstein (31 July 2008).
  

• Christian Science Monitor: How the best and the brightest plan to fight terrorism, by Iason Athanasiadis (29 July 2008).
  This article describes the latest in academic training in fighting global terrorism. Included is an audience response to a student's suggestion to rethink our unconditional support for Israel (tense silence), as well as our interference with Hezbollah and Hamas leading to alienation of the Arab world.

• Washington Post: Arab Aid to Palestinians Often Doesn't Fulfill Pledges, by Glenn Kessler (27 July 2008).
  This article describes how Arab countries have failed to fulfill their pledges of financial support for the PA. The main reason is distrust of the PA and resentment of how Israel still controls everything. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the PA have put much pressure on these countries but have had little success.

• New York Times: Israel in the Season of Dread, by Ethan Bronner (22 July 2008).
  This article describes the general state of dread and pessimism in Israel where many see the Hamas truce as a victory for Hamas, and where many are obsessed with bringing home the kidnapped soldiers who are most likely dead.

• New York Times: Funerals in Israel for Two Soldiers, by Myra Noveck and Graham Bowley (18 July 2008).
  This article described the funerals and sadness in Israel that resulted from the prisoner swap with Hezbollah that returned two dead soldiers, and described Israel's tradition of surrendering much to get back its soldiers who are prisoners.

• Los Angeles Times: Israel grieves for Regev and Goldwasser, by Richard Boudreaux (17 July 2008).
  This very biased report describes the mourning of the Israeli public and families for the dead soldiers returned by Hezbollah in a prisoner swap while it portrays Hezbollah and Hamas as ruthless and devious as it seems to contradict itself about whether the soldiers were captured alive or killed in captivity or what.

• New York Times: Yielding Prisoners, Israel Receives 2 Dead Soldiers, by Isabel Kershner (17 July 2008).
  This article described the funerals and sadness in Israel that resulted from the prisoner swap with Hezbollah that returned two dead soldiers, and described Israel's tradition of surrendering much to get back its soldiers who are prisoners. The article also described the hardening of feelings against each other.

• Washington Post: Israel Mourns, Hezbollah Exults, by Griff Witte and Alia Ibrahim (17 July 2008).
  This article describes the divergent reactions to the swap in Lebanon and Israel, which amounted mostly to a trade of dead for living soldiers. Hezbollah considered the trade a victory, while many Israelis doubted the wisdom of the trade.

• Los Angeles Times: Hezbollah turns over two coffins to Israel, by Richard Boudreaux (16 July 2008).
  This article describes the prisoner swap as bringing to a close the 2006 Israeli attack on Lebanon in response to the kidnapping of two soldiers who now have been returned dead to Israel. The article describes the celebration on the Hezbollah side who consider the final result a victory vs. the mourning and discord in Israel in response to the swap. But most in Israel approve.

• New York Times: Blair Cancels Visit to Gaza After Israel Warns of Threat, by Isabel Kershner and Taghreed el-Khodary (16 July 2008).
  This article describes the controversy over Blair's cancelled visit to Gaza. Israel and Blair claim it was because of a specific security threat, but Hamas claims the cancellation was due to pressure from Israel and others, and that Israel manufactured the security threat to jeopardize the visit.

• New York Times: Hero’s Welcome Expected in Lebanon for Captive of Israel, by Craig S. Smith (16 July 2008).
  This article gives a brief biography f Samir Kuntar who has been released back to Hezbollah in a prisoner swap with Israel, and some of the trial details which convicted him of a terrorist slaying of a father and his 5 year old daughter, which he denied.

• Chicago Tribune: Date set for Hezbollah prisoner swap (14 July 2008).
  This short article describes the POW swap between Hezbollah and Israel which is scheduled to take place next Wednesday.

• Washington Post: Around the World: THE MIDDLE EAST: Police Shot in Jerusalem - Hezbollah Sends Report (13 July 2008).
  This article describes a shooting incident in Jerusalem where a Palestinian shot two Israeli policemen and then escaped, and then describes a rocket attack from Gaza, and then describes a report about a missing airman sent to Israel by Hezbollah.

• Christian Science Monitor: Palestinians: Let us tame wild Jenin, by Ilene R. Prusher (11 July 2008).
  This article describes how Israeli raids have undermined Abbas's PA asserting its authority in line with the demands on the PA from the peace process, thus undermining the peace process.

• Christian Science Monitor: Shebaa Farms: key to stability?, by Nicholas Blanford (8 July 2008).
  "Claimed by Lebanon and occupied by Israel, it will get new attention as the two countries' last remaining major dispute if a Hezbollah-Israeli prisoner swap is successful."

• Washington Post: An Unwelcome Hero: Hezbollah bargains for a child-killer's freedom (7 July 2008).
  This editorial acknowledges the importance of negotiations in developing a lasting peace in the Middle East, but also says that progress will also be made when all nations in the region agree that child killers of all groups (such as Samir Kuntar) should be punished forever (and not be a bargaining chip in peace negotiations).

• Washington Post: Innocents Abroad: The U.S. failed to recognize the significance of the radical Islamists, by Fredrik Logevall (6 July 2008).
  This book review covers a history book that examines the history of two "waves" of Islamic nationalism - first secular political "wave" typified by Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, and then the rise of the fundamentalist Islamic "wave" after. The problem is that the author of this review and the author of the book itself seem to see these movements only as a reaction to the West instead of the natural human expression of the desire for self-determination, and then when it comes to reaction to the West they trivialize the role of Zionism in offending Arab sense of right and wrong and fairness as that movement violates practically every basic principle of democracy and civility with almost unconditional support from the West.

• Los Angeles Times: Forget us versus them, by Timothy Garton Ash (3 July 2008).
  liberalism at home - helping immigrants become better citizens while they are here, and liberal internationalism - become stronger but also reach out to countries and support development of "freedom, toleration, reciprocity and accountable government" in a more cooperative way than the Bush administration has tried. But it doesn't realize how much our hypocrisy has hurt us as well - like supporting the non-democratic and colonialist and apartheid policies of Israel.

• Christian Science Monitor: Reality check on Middle East talks, by Rayyan Al-Shawaf (2 July 2008).
  This article describes the positions and leverage of Israel, Hamas, Syria and lebanon in the negotiations going on.

• Los Angeles Times: Talking isn't appeasement, by Wendy R. Sherman (2 July 2008).
  This op-ed describes the death of Bush's push to consider talking to enemies as a form of appeasement as negotiations between the USA and North Korea and between Israel and some of its enemies proceed and bear fruit. The author also discusses past negotiations giving many examples of where negotiations with an enemy bore fruit or were disastrous - the difference is not that the negotiation was with an enemy but the level of preparation, timing, leverage, etc.

• Los Angeles Times: Swapping live terrorists for dead soldiers, by Benny Morris (1 July 2008).
  This op-ed by the famous Israeli historian Benny Morris, voices his criticism of the prisoner exchange just arranged by Israeli PM Olmert which exchanges two dead Israeli soldiers for numbers of enemy soldiers and terrorists, because it sets a price on Israeli soldiers and encourages future kidnapping and more.

• Chicago Tribune: Israeli Cabinet approves Hezbollah prisoner swap, by Joel Greenberg (30 June 2008).
  This article describes the prisoner swap between Israel and Hezbollah, which sets some precedents - mainly the swapping of the living for the dead. It is seen by many as a victory for Hezbollah and has thus inflamed an intense public debate in Israel. The article also describes opening border to Gaza a bit to allow supplies through, and killing a Palestinian teenager in the West Bank

• Chicago Tribune: Israel Approves Hezbollah Hostage Swap,
  San Francisco Chronicle: Israel OKs Hezbollah swap pact,
  both articles by Ashraf Khalil (30 June 2008).
  Both articles describes the prisoner swap between Israel and Hezbollah, which sets some precedents - mainly the swapping of the living for the dead. It is seen by many as a victory for Hezbollah and has thus inflamed an intense public debate within Israel for both reasons.

• New York Times: Editorial: Israel’s Diplomatic Offensive (30 June 2008).
  This article congratulates Israel for its practicality in ignoring Bush's policy of not negotiating with its enemies, but the author misses the point that the problem is actually that Israel violates many basic laws - it is not just a matter of the two groups distrusting each other or having communications problems, and only when Israel is forced to stop such policies will there be true justice and peace in the region.

• New York Times: Israel Agrees to Exchange Prisoners for Dead Soldiers, by Ethan Bronner (30 June 2008).
  This article describes the debate over the POW swap, which actually included 2 dead soldiers for Israel. This negotiation with Hezbollah, which is an enemy of Israel, is simultaneous with negotiations with another enemy of Israel, Hamas, which covers both a truce and POW release.

• Washington Post: Israel to Free Prisoners - Swap With Hezbollah Involves Abducted Soldiers, by Griff Witte (30 June 2008).
  This article describes the struggle by Israel to negotiate the release of POWs/

• Chicago Tribune: Diplomacy, not threats, scores win for Bush, by Steven Lee Myers (27 June 2008).
  This article describes the shift in Bush administration philosophy to negotiating with enemies rather than ignoring and attempting to isolate them.

• Washington Post: Talking Into the Sunset, by David Ignatius (24 July 2008).
  This article briefly summarizes the negotiations between the Syrians and the Israelis, and the initial contact that has been planned between the US and Iran.

• Boston Globe: Realism must rule in engaging Syria, by Michael Bergman (23 July 2008).
  This article discusses the possibility of upcoming talks with Syria and USA. It discusses the new openness and cooperativeness of Syria's President al-Assad and some of the issues that might come up - especially the problems facing Israel giving back the Golan Heights and Syria's interference in Lebanon and relations with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

• New York Times: Israel in the Season of Dread, by Ethan Bronner (22 July 2008).
  This article describes the general state of dread and pessimism in Israel where many see the Hamas truce as a victory for Hamas, and where many are obsessed with bringing home the kidnapped soldiers who are most likely dead.

• Washington Post: A Conversation with King Abdullah of Jordan, by Lally Weywouth (22 June 2008). In this interview, King Abdullah sees the Israeli/Palestinian conflict as the main threat, and the fact that soon the possibility for a two-state solution will be dead, not Iran and its nuclear program, and he opposes military action against Iran which he says will only increase conflict. He sees the death of the two-state solution as a major problem because it will motivate the spread of extremism, but he also says that the other positive development is the willingness to negotiate between the moderates and the extremists (in contrast to Bush's isolationism). He also says that we should be giving a lot more support to Fatah instead of only trying to isolate Hamas.

• Argus Leader: Controversy fails to deter ex-senator, by Peter Harriman (20 June 2008).
  This article describes the efforts of ex-Senator Jim Abourezk to reach out to Hamas, in addition to Syria and Lebanon, and in addition to his efforts to inform the American public about the truth of Israeli oppression against the Palestinian people.

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Truce takes effect; many still skeptical, by Isabel Kershner (20 June 2008).
  This article describes feelings about the truce amongst civilians and government officials. Many in Israel doubt it will last, or fear it will give militants an opportunity to rearm, many in Gaza welcome the break from the fighting and the possibility of the borders re-opening to allow goods to go back and forth. Many also see it as a victory for Hamas who has overcome Israel's efforts to squeeze Hamas out of Gaza.

• Boston Globe: GLOBE EDITORIAL: The cease-fire in Gaza (20 June 2008).
  This editorial postulates that the in order for the truce between Hamas and Israel to truly succeed it must lead to the next step - "a durable two-state peace agreement", and in order for that to happen, Israel must lift the economic blockade and Hamas must control the smaller more extreme militant groups. And this could then help Israel's efforts to reachout to Syria. This would benefit everyone. It is also significant that all this is taking place without the help of the US and Bush.

• New York Times: Truce Starts for Israel and Hamas in Gaza, by Isabel Kershner (20 June 2008).
  This article describes the political posturing and maneuvering behind and in response to the Israel-Hamas truce. Most important - (1) both sets of civilians express relief, (2) both sides are verbally provoking the other, (3) both sides are guessing it won't last, (4) many see the fact that Israel is willing to speak with Hamas as a victory for Hamas, (5) many t hink it is a prelude to an Israeli invasion, (6) now there are overtures from Fatah to talk about a unity government.

• San Francisco Chronicle: Tentative peace in the Middle East brings doubts, by Matthew Kalman (20 June 2008).
  This article describes the truce between Hamas and Israel, which has held for one full day. The article descrbies the truce as a victory for Hamas. But people on both sides have doubts while they welcome the effort and hope it lasts.

• Washington Post: In Gaza and Israel, a Wary Quiet, by Griff Witte (20 June 2008). This article documents the truce between Israel and Hamas, which both fear is only temporary, not trusting the other to maintain it.

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Israel proposes talks with Lebanon, by Ethan Bronner and Robert F. Worth (19 June 2008).
  This article describes the political dynamics around Israel's outreach to Lebanon. Much of it centers around the future of Shebaa Farms, which the Lebanese (including Hezbollah) claim for Lebanon, but which the Israelis control as part of their occupation and annexation of the Syrian Golan, and around how to deal with Hezbollah, which Israel and the West view as a terrorist group, and a client group of Syria. But then Israel is also working on a prisoner swap with Hezbollah.

• Boston Globe: Globe Editorial: Syria's winding road to peace (19 July 2008).
  Israel's negotiations with Syria are in opposition to the Bush doctrine to not talk to one's enemies in order to isolate them, and is frightening to Iran who is afraid of losing an ally. Thus Bush's blindness keeps him from seeing how talking to an enemy can mean the enemy might change.

• New York Times: Israel Offers Lebanon Talks on Peace, and Land, by Ethan Bronner and Robert F. Worth (19 June 2008).
  This article describes how Hezbollah and Lebanon are under the influence of Syria and Iran, and that when Israel reaches out to the former, it means reaching out to the latter. But Israel has been reaching out to Syria already. The article goes on to describe some particularly tough issues, such as the future of Shebaa Farms which is on the border between Israel, Lebanon and the Syrian Golan, which Israel occupies.
• Philadelphia Inquirer: Gaza truce just part of Israel's overtures - Its cease-fire with Hamas was to start today. Now, Israel has asked Lebanon to open peace talks., by Griff Witte (19 June 2008).
  This article describes Israeli negotiations with Hamas, Hezbollah, Syrians and its overtures to Lebanon, in contradition to Bush's policy of isolation of enemies, which Israel previously also followed. But Lebanon is not positive on the idea because of Israel continuing to hold the Shebaa Farm area.

• Washington Post: Israel Proposes Peace Talks With Lebanon, by Griff Witte (19 June 2008). This article describes the flurry of negotiations between Israel and its neighbors. However, Lebanon is refusing because of Israel's past actions toward it. Many in Israel believe that a major reason Olmert is pursuing all these negotiations is to distract from the scandal that is enveloping his administration, but also have hopes that maybe some quiet will come from it.

• Washington Post: Truce in Gaza - A Middle East conflict is postponed (19 June 2008). This article describes one motivation for Israel reaching out to Hamas is that the Gaza blockade has become a major motivator for extremism, but the effort to weaken Hamas has been hampered by failure to significantly strengthen and support Abbas in the West Bank, and the scandal enveloping the Olmert administration in Israel. And for both these reasons many theorize that Olmert has turned toward negotiations with others (Syria, Hezbollah, Lebanon) to distract from these problems.
• Boston Globe: Israel and Hamas agree to cease-fire, by Griff Witte and Ellen Knickmeyer (18 June 2008).
  This article describes the truce developing between Hamas and Israel, and its many terms (from Hamas - stopping the rockets and arms smuggling and return of kidnapped soldier; from Israel- open borders and stop military incursions). Many doubt it will last, and some see it as a victory for Hamas, and by extension Iran. Many welcome it though as a relief, but others are afraid it will only give the militants a chance to rearm. If this does not work, then some only see a full-scale military invasion as Israel's only remaining option, but they fear this will only lead to an ineffective occupation that really won't stop the rockets.

• Miami Herald: Israel, Hamas near six-month cease-fire, by Dion Nissenbaum (18 June 2008).
  This article discusses the Hamas/Israeli truce, saying both sides see it as fragile but holding potential. If this truce holds, then the borders could be opened by Israel, and the rocket attacks will stop from Gaza, but the return of the captured soldier in Gaza is not part of this deal according to Hamas. These talks parallel talks between Israel and Hezbollah who hold two soldiers captive.

• New York Times: Israel Agrees to Truce with Hamas on Gaza, by Isabel Kershner (18 June 2008).
  This article describes the details behind the Hamas/Israeli truce.

• Washington Post: Israel, Hamas Agree on Gaza Strip Truce, by Griff Witte and Ellen Knickmeyer (18 June 2008). This describes the cease-fire in Gaza - how it must hold because the only alternative for Israel is large-scale invasion to knock Hamas out of power, which most likely would lead to the Israeli military being stuck there. Israel would only agree to it applying to Gaza, and only releasing benefits slowly as the cease-fire survived. Both sides also feared it will not last.

• New York Times: Israel Seems to Make Progress in Talks, by Isabel Kershner (17 June 2008).
  This article describes the progress in talks between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel and Hamas, and Israel and Syria. But some think Olmert is pursuing these talks to distract from his scandal problems back in Israel.

• Chicago Tribune: U.S. a non-factor in peace efforts: Mideast talks counter White House strategy, by Robin Wright (22 May 2008).
  All around the Middle East enemies are talking and negotiating in direct conflict with the recommendations of US President George Bush..

• New York Times: Carter says Hamas and Syria are open to peace, by Ethan Bronner (22 May 2008).
  In defiance of President Bush and the Israelis, ex-President Jimmy Carter meets with Syrian and Hamas representatives and publicly speaks of their openness to peace talks with Israel including a willingness to compromise on some issues.

• Miami Herald: Israel, Syria launch new peace talks: Turkish mediators oversaw the start of peace talks between Israel and Syria. The central issue is disputed land., by Dion Nissenbaum (22 May 2008).
  New York Times: Israel holds peace talks with Syria, by Ethan Bronner (22 May 2008).
  Washington Post: Israel, Syria disclose indirect peace talks: Turkish officials mediating; Golan at issue, by Samuel Sockol and Ellen Knickmeyer (22 May 2008).
  These three articles describe the Israeli-Syrian talks over the future of the Golan Heights occupation and Syria's support for Hezbollah, in defiance of Bush's push for allies not to talk to enemies.

• Chicago Tribune: Israel sets out on 'new path': Acknowledges talks with Syria, snubs U.S. stand, by Samuel Sockol and Ellen Knickmeyer (21 May 2008).
  This article suggests that Israel is pursuing a new path which defies the US and pursues peace with its enemy-neighbors on its own.

• New York Times: France admits contacts with Hamas, by Steven Erlanger (20 May 2008)
  San Francisco Chronicle: France confirms Hamas contacts: Disclosure follows Bush comment on Nazi appeasement,
  Washington Post: France discloses 'contacts' with Hamas,
  later two articles by Molly Moore (20 May 2008).
  These 3 articles described the controversy caused when France recently admitted shortly after Bush made a major speech condemning talking with enemies that it had been holding talks with Hamas.

• Boston Globe: EDITORIAL: The Mote in Bush's Eye (20 May 2008).
  This is another Editorial criticizing President Bush's hypocrisy when he promotes democracy in the Middle East in his speeches while undermining the elections that have taken place in the Middle East which yielded results he did not like.

• New York Times: Mr. Bush's Travels (20 May 2008).
  Another editorial criticizing Bush's failed policies in the Middle East and how they have made things worse for the next President by undermining the moderates in the region. And once again Bush is criticized for refusing to talk to Hezbollah and Hamas as this has actually helped make them stronger.

• New York Times: Defying Israel, Carter meets Hamas leader, by Robert F. Worth (19 May 2008).
  This article gives a very objective account of President Jimmy Carter's meeting with Hamas leadership, and what he asked for. However, as with most reports on this meeting, it did not describe what the leaders of Hamas asked for. The article finished mentioning Israeli plans to continue expanding settlements in the West Bank.

• Washington Post: Iran remains key concern as Bush returns, by Michael Abramowitz (19 May 2008).
  This article describes mixed feelings amongst Arab leaders about Bush's peace efforts and efforts to isolate Iran and Syria whom he says support terrorism, and of course their nuclear ambitions as well. One of the obstacles described is that Bush is seen as not worth supporting because he only has a few months left in office.

• Miami Herald: Salute to Israel on its 60th anniversary: Our Opinion: Despite menaces on all sides, nation continues to prosper (14 May 2008).
  This Editorial in the Miami Herald repeats Israeli claims that it wants only peace. It then names Hamas and Hezbollah as examples of obstacles to peace.

• New York Times: "Pariah Diplomacy", by President Jimmy Carter (28 April 2008)
  Email supportive emails of President Jimmy Carter's NY Times response to his critics wherein he describes the importance of not being isolationist in contrast to Bush's policies which actually seems to make heroes of those he labels with terms like "axis of evil". You can email the New York Times at [email protected].

• Wall Street Journal: "The Sad End of Jimmy Carter" (25 April 2008)
  Please send letters protesting this commentary by Bernard-Henri Lavy in the Wall Street Journal which is full of strange assertions, and out-right misconceptions, some of which are inflamatory and exploit fears and thus only increase or reinforce misunderstandings and prejudice. Especially important is that this author (and most critics of Carter) fails to mention or acknowledge that Carter is not in the Middle East on a personal whim, but is representing the highly regarded group, "The Elders", whose members include other Peace Nobel laureates and world re-known emissaries of peace and human rights such as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, and others, who are getting involved across the world in the most difficult and violent of conflicts, such as the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people, which seem both intractable and serious. Carter, and the group he represents are worth listening to and taking seriously. Please also remind the WSJ that printing inaccuracies and exaggerations, reinforcing misunderstandings and inciting hatred and prejudice only hurts our democracy. You can write the Wall Street Journal at [email protected].

• Washington Post: "No Peace Without Hamas" (17 April 2008)
  We should write and thank the Washington Post for publishing this Commentary by Mahmoud al-Zahar. Even if we don't agree with Hamas violent tactics, we should still ask the Post to take his words seriously because they relate straight-forward truths which Israel would like for the world to simply ignore and deny - for example Israel's apartheid legal structure of internal discrimination and oppression and exploitation in the occupied territories, and use of illegal collective punishment which kills and maims scores of innocent people, and the meaninglessness of removing a few checkpoints when there are hundreds. These are facts, and it is important to ask the world to examine them and their implications seriously. Please send your emails to Post at [email protected].

• Boston Globe: Israeli Cabinet votes to seek truce with militants in Gaza, by Isabel Kershner (12 June 2008),
  New York Times: Israeli Cabinet Votes to Seek Truce in Gaza, by Isabel Kershner (12 June 2008).
  This article describes the internal Israeli government debate about the truce with Hamas. Most recognize the need for an end to the violence, while being concerned that such a break will give the militants an opportunity to rearm and regroup. Others think it is important to cooperate to appease the Egyptians who are moderating the talks, and to show that Israel is doing everything it can before finally resorting to a full-scale invasion, which many think would end up being inconclusive.

• Boston Globe: Abbas's misbegotten peace bid, by Sara Bjerg Moller (11 June 2008).
  This op-ed condemns Abbas reaching out to Hamas after giving up on negotiations with Israel because the author theorizes that Hamas and by extension a national-unity government are both bad for the Palestinian people because Hamas's terrorist stance leads to isolation from the international community. The author says Israel should compromise in order to keep this from happening. The suggested compromises are lessening checkpoints and halting settlement expansion, both of which Israel has refused to do.

• Chicago Tribune: A whiff of peace? (4 June 2008).
  This editorial supports the US supporting talks between Israel and Syria, and not avoiding them as has been the policy up to now, largely because if they succeed they might actually help undermine the Iranian web of influence over such groups as Hamas and Hezbollah.

• Chicago Tribune: Cutting off Hamas is just not the answer, by Mohamad Bazzi (4 June 2008).
  This Op-Ed describes how the Bush/Israeli policy of refusing to speak with enemies is counter-productive because it radicalizes the public and increases sympathy for the extremists they are trying to isolate. The author gives the example of how our efforts to isolate the PLO led to support for Hamas whom are even more extreme.

• Chicago tribune: The damage done by talking to Hamas, by Michael C. Kotzin (4 June 2008).
  This op-ed condemns President Carter for speaking to Hamas which the author only sees in the most extremist ways as a violent militant Islamic fundamentalist group, and then repeats the policy of George Bush that talking to Hamas only gives it legitimacy and status.

• New York Times: Peace Fills a Vacuum, by Hussein Agha and Robert Malley (3 June 2008).
  This article describes the irony of 3 different diplomatic efforts that seemed to have evolved out of the Annapolis peace effort, but which are developing in opposing directions without Bush's help, and away from what Bush, the founder of the Annapolis effort, anticipated or recommends. The 3 discussions are (1) between Israel and Hamas, (2) between Israel and Syria, and (3) between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah. The article discusses the loss of respect for Bush in the region as a major reason for this contrarian development, which is yet still aimed toward increasing the peace in the region. These authors theorize that the loss of respect can be attributed largely to Bush's policies of not talking with enemies, but also this growing disrespect is due to Bush's refusal to do anything about Israel's refusal to halt settlement expansion in violation of Annapolis agreements, which exposed Bush's true bias toward Israel.

• Los Angeles Times: Who Gets the Golan?, by Yossi Klein Halevi (28 May 2008).
  The author of this op-ed describes the tangled web of possible responses to Israel negotiating with Syria over who gets the Golan, but the main recommendation is distrust.

• Los Angeles Times: Israeli attacks kill 5 Palestinian militants in Gaza (24 May 2008).
  This report describes the killing of 5 Palestinian militants by the Israeli military. But it also describes how Israel and Hamas continue to try to negotiate a truce.

• New York Times: Israel and Syria hint at progress on Golan Heights deal, by Isabel Kershner (24 May 2008).
  

• Boston Globe: Editorial: At Peace Talks, No Sign of US (23 May 2008).
  This Editorial describes a situation where going aqainst Bush's doctrine against talking to your enemies is actually good for America - Israel's negotiations with Syria trading the Golan Heights for Syria no longer allying itself with Iran and Hezbollah. There are many other examples as well of where it was beneficial to go against Bush's arrogant isolationist ideas - for example his own discussions with North Korea and with Libya.

• New York Times: Talking with the Enemy (23 May 2008).
  Here is another op-ed criticizing Bush's speech advocating not negotiating with enemies until pre-conditions are met, largely by describing how his own administration and its closest allies don't follow the policy. This especially makes sense with Hamas since it was elected to its government position by the people of Palestine.

• New York Times: Blair unveils proposals to improve life on the West Bank, by Isabel Kershner (14 May 2008).
  This article describes the efforts of Tony Blair, envoy of the Quartet, to make changes in the occupation which would make it easier in the daily lives of Palestinian people living in the West Bank. This included mostly economic development projects as well as measures to ease restrictions on movement through the West Bank. This is seen as a way to support to efforts of PA President Mahmoud Abbas to work toward the two-state solution. But once again the only problem is Israeli restrictions on all of their plans.

• Washington Post: "Mr. Zahar and Mr. Carter: The former president, on what he says is a road to peace, embraces Hamas terrorists" (17 April 2008)
  This Post Editorial criticizes President Carter for reaching out to Hamas in a very overt way, and yet acknowledges that Israel is now reaching out to Hamas in a covert way through Egypt. Covert and overt are on a continuum, and represent a range of tactics, but sometimes one can go too far, like Bush, and alienate and offend and polarize the opponent, and the discussion.
  Please send your emails to Post at [email protected].

• USA Today: "Carter Angers Israel During Visit" (15 April 2008)
  This astounding article describes the heroic efforts of President Carter to bridge the gaps between Hamas and the West - he visited the grave of Yasser Arafat, and he met with, and even hugged Nasser Shaier, one of the leaders of Hamas. We should write letters in support of these steps, instead of the approach of President Bush which only alienates and polarizes.
  Please send your emails to [email protected].

• New York Times: The Day After Peace: Designing Palestine, by James Bennet (15 May 2008).
  This article describes a plan for a Palestinian State put together by American professional city planners that includes a transportation-communications-utility arc stretching from Jenin in the north through to Jerusalem in the center and onto Nablus in the south and then across to Gaza, reactions to it from an array of Palestinians, Israelis and others both technically and politically.

• New York Times: Jews, Arabs and Jimmy Carter, by Ethan Bronner (7 January 2007).
  This book review is an excellent example of the POV that is very prevalent in America that cannot imagine a Middle East without Israel - that regards such ideas as only the utter delusions of the most radical Muslim followers, and unimaginable to sane and reasonable minds. Some other examples of this POV found in the review are the ideas that the main motivation behind the separation barrier is more land acquisition, and that Israel's transgressions are of minor consequence on the international stage. What he doesn't realize is that what is significant on the international stage is the totality of crimes Israel has committed which together total a major affront to international law, which range in number and severity far beyond the minor transgressions the author mentions in his review. He also mentions how some pro-Israel supporters wonder why Carter has such a problem with the Jewish people, but Carter and those who agree with him don't have a problem with the Jewish people but with the Zionists, whom they see as a sub-group of Jews who have no regard for the rights of the Palestinian people.

NON-US NEWS MEDIA PIECES

• Ma'an News Service: Obama: Jerusalem will not be capital of Palestinian state (24 July 2008).
  This article claims that during his visit to Sderot, Obama stated that he now believes that Jerusalem should only be the capital of Israel, but that he would make the peace negotiations a very high priority of his administration.

• Ynet News Service: Time for crisis management, by Ron Ben-Yishai (21 July 2008).
  This article describes the different Palestinian groups involved and their various issues at stake in the negotiations for the release of the kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilat Shalit, who is held in Gaza by Hamas, whom has much to gain from dragging out the negotiations. Then the article describes the various issues at stake for Israel, and the options Israel has for putting pressure on Hamas to move ahead with the negotiations, which Israel needs to have happen as quickly as possible.

• BBC News: Mid East deal possible, says PM (20 July 2008).
  This article describes British PM Gordon Brown's views of the Middle East conflict. He is optimistic about peace, but opposes the settlements and seems to oppose the occupation including the wall. He is also giving the Palestinians an additional 30million pound grant to help with economic development and security training.

• BBC News: Timeline: Lebanon - A chronology of key events, by (20 July 2008).
  This timeline describes the role of Lebanon in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict leading up to current negotiations with Hezbollah for a unity government, and for a prisoner exchange.

• BBC News: Funerals for Hezbollah militants (18 July 2008).
  

• BBC News: Israel pays high price for bodies, by Wyre Davies (17 July 2008).
  This article describes the general policy of Israel to bring back its soldiers no matter what, and specifically the funeral for one of the soldiers the government just got back (with a comrade, both dead) in an incredibly lopsided trade.

• BBC News: Joy and grief greet prisoner swap, by Crispin Thorold (17 July 2008).
  This article describes the funerals in both Israel and Lebanon, and the celebrations in Lebanon following the exchange of bodies and 5 live Lebanese soldiers. The article also describes how the negotiations are seen mostly as a victory for Hezbollah, and will probably not lead to any further talks.

• BBC News: Israel buries returned soldiers (17 July 2008).
  This article describes the funerals in both Israel and Lebanon, and the celebrations in Lebanon for the return of 5 live soldiers, following the trading of POWs and bodies as per the agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. The article focuses on the crimes of one of the Hezbollah soldiers that involved killing an Israeli child. The article emphasized the Israeli point-of-view.

• BBC News: Germany's success as Mid-East broker, by Kathryn Westcott (16 July 2008).
  This article describes how Germany is seen in the Middle East as an "honest broker", having ties to all the main players, and repeatedly exercising fair negotiations which have achieved results. A chronology of successful negotiations is included in the article.

• BBC News: (a collection of short articles from other media outlets, published 16 July 2008).
  This selection of quotes from regional newspapers described the recent prisoner swap as a clear victory for Hezbollah and a day of mourning and doubt in Israel.

• BBC News: Beirut welcomes freed prisoners (16 July 2008).
  This article focused mainly on celebrations in Lebanon upon the return of 5 soldiers, and how this seen mostly as a victory for Hezbollah. The soldiers vowed to rejoin the fight against Israel.

• BBC News: Bush's Mid-East legacy, by Jonathan Marcus (15 July 2008).
  Even though conventional wisdom is that Bush's Middle East policies have backfired as they have empowered many US enemies (ex. Iran and Hezbollah), many in Israel see benefits because (1) they have led to the elimination of Saddam Hussein who caused a lot of problems in the region by attacking many neighbors, and (2) has resulted in many different groups talking to each other which had not been before, and thus have resulted in increased stability across the region with the possible exception of Iran. Finally numbers of analysts argue that a resolution of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict is just not possible right now which threatens the realization of the two state solution.

• BBC News: Israel backs Hezbollah swap deal (15 July 2008).
  

• Ynet News Service: Fayyad calls on Palestinians to defy Israeli army, Reuters (11 July 2008).
  In advance of a Mediterranean regional meeting, Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad calls for Palestinians to resist Israel's efforts to rein in Hamas in the West Bank, especially concerning Israel's attempt to close down a Hamas owned mall in the West Bank.

• Ynet News Service: Punitive Action: Israel shuts down Hamas-linked facilities, Associated Press (11 July 2008).
  Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad is critical of Israel's refusal to ease movement restrictions, inhumane suppression of protests against the wall, continued settlement expansion and efforts to clamp down on Hamas in the West Bank, claiming that these practices have hurt PA efforts to help economy in line with the Annapolis peace negotiations which see Palestinian economic development as one way to help bring about peace.

• Ynet News Service: Israel orders Hamas-linked shopping mall closed, by Ali Waked (8 July 2008).
  The IDF has moved against charities and a shopping mall and a City office associated with Hamas, claiming they helped support terrorism. Many people including shopkeepers protested.

NEWS WIRE SERVICE ARTICLES

• Chicago Tribune, Palestinians remain squeezed in Iraqi 'homeland' between fear and uncertain future, Washington Post Iraq's Palestinians still live in fear,
  both article-versions by Karin Laub and Sameer N. Yacoub, Associated Press (29 August 2008).
• Chicago Tribune 30 years after vanishing, a pioneering Lebanese cleric still inspires Shiites' rise to power,
  Boston Globe,
  Washington Post: Missing cleric roils Lebanon's Shiites years later,
  both article-versions by Bassem Mroue, Associated Press (29 August 2008) - those bothered by this includes Hezbollah.
• Chicago Tribune,
  Hezbollah surrenders member suspected of shooting Lebanese army chopper, reportedly by mistake,
  Boston Globe,
  Washington Post: Media says Hezbollah hit helicopter by mistake,
  both article-versions by Bassem Mroue, Associated Press (29 August 2008).
• Boston Globe,
  Washington Post:
  Hezbollah gunman shot Lebanon army aircraft: sources, by Tom Perry, Reuters (29 August 2008) - Hezbollah turned in the gunman to make amends.
• Boston Globe
  Livni widens lead in race to replace Olmert, Reuters (28 August 2008).
• Chicago Tribune
  UN Security Council votes unanimously to keep peacekeepers in Lebanon for another year, by Michael Weissenstein, Associated Press (27 August 2008).
• Chicago Tribune Jordan speaks with Hamas to prevent refugee influx if Mideast peacemaking flops,
  Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post Jordan reaches out to militant Hamas,
  Associated Press (27 August 2008).
• Chicago Tribune Egypt seeks to ease tension between Lebanon and Israel over exchange of threats,
  Washington Post Egypt seeks to ease Lebanon-Israel tension,
  both article-versions from Associated Press (27 August 2008).
• Chicago Tribune Syria takes advantage of Russia-U.S. tensions; Iran may be next,
  Washington Post Syria, Iran warm to Russia as US tensions grow,
  both article-versions by Sam F. Ghattas, Associated Press (26 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  U.N. troops calm Lebanon, but tensions remain, by Alistair Lyon, Reuters (25 August 2008) - this article describes the mission of UNIFIL.
• Washington Post
  Syria-Israel talks focused on border: Moualem, by Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Reuters (25 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  Iran's supreme leader defends Ahmadinejad, by Ali Akbar Dareini, Associated Press (24 August 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Syria shift on Lebanon suggests hard-liner softens , by Sam F. Ghattas, Associated Press (24 August 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Lebanese Cabinet endorses ties with Syria, Associated Press (22 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel to free long-serving Palestinian prisoners, by Diaa Hadid, Associated Press (18 August 2008).
• Christian Science Monitor
  WORLD, compiled from wire service reports by Robert Kilborn (15 August 2008) - quote from article "Visiting Lebanese government leaders agreed with Syria's government Thursday to "define and draw" their common border. But Syria said the effort, long demanded by the international community, would not cover the disputed Shebaa Farms. That "cannot happen under occupation," Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem told a news briefing. Lebanon considers the farms its territory. But Israel regards them as part of the Golan Heights, which it took over in 1967.".
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Syria, Lebanon to negotiate demarcation of border, by Albert Aji, Associated Press (14 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  Syria, Lebanon to work towards drawing border, by Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Reuters (14 August 2008).
• Christian Science Monitor
  WORLD, compiled from wire service reports by Robert Kilborn (13 August 2008) - quote from article "By a 100-to-5 margin, members of Lebanon's parliament voted their confidence in Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's new unity government. But Tuesday's action also endorsed the right of Hezbollah to use all means at its disposal to recover land claimed by Lebanon but controlled by Israel. Hezbollah, which has 11 cabinet positions in the unity government, will have veto power over Siniora's initiatives."
• Washington Post
  Ahmadinejad in new Israel tirade before Turkey trip, Reuters (13 August 2008) - this article describes the awkward situation of Turkey who role mediating Israeli-Syrian negotiations and as a potential NATO member must be balanced with its positive relationship with Iran - its neighor and major source of energy.
• Washington Post
  Iran VP says Iranians are `friends' of Israelis, Associated Press (11 August 2008) - manybe calling to mind the differentiation between civilians and government, or that it is only the government that should be eliminated..
• Christian Science Monitor
  Olmert pushes ahead on Palestinian, Syrian peace tracks, by Adam Entous, Reuters (7 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel releases 5 prisoners in Hezbollah swap, by Ali Daragmeh, Associated Press (6 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel frees five Palestinians in Hezbollah deal, Reuters (6 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israeli minister joins race to replace Olmert, by Allyn Fisher-Ilan, Reuters (5 August 2008) - "Shaul Mofaz, Israel's Iranian-born deputy premier, launched a campaign on Tuesday to succeed scandal-struck Ehud Olmert as prime minister with a vow to put the country's security at the top of his agenda. Mofaz, 59, who, if elected, would become the country's first prime minister not born in Europe or in territory now Israel... Opinion polls show Mofaz trailing closely behind Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Israel's top peace negotiator with the Palestinians, though some party loyalists feel Mofaz's military past could tip the contest in his favor."
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Lebanese Cabinet OKs goals, parliament now to vote,
  Chicago Tribune
  Lebanon's new Cabinet OKs goals statement, setting stage for confidence vote in parliament,
  both articles by Bassem Mroue, Associated Press (4 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  Peace push with Syria should go on: Israel's Mofaz, Reuters (4 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel to free Palestinians in Hezbollah deal, Reuters (3 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  Olmert's vying successors seek to avoid elections, Reuters (3 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  For Jerusalem Palestinians, home not always home, by Karin Laub, Associated Press (2 August 2008) - This article describes the inhumane methods Israel is using to win demographic race to control Jerusalem including settlements and discrimination in building permits. Politician admits demographics is the main concern.
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Lebanese reach draft on Hezbollah arms, by Bassem Mrque, Associated Press (1 August 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Israeli opposition wants election with Olmert exit,
  Chicago Tribune
  Netanyahu, ahead in polls, wants election,
  both articles by Mark Lavie, Associated Press (1 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  Reuters Top News Summary: Netanyahu demands election to replace Olmert, Reuters (1 August 2008).
• Chicago Tribune
  Olmert's decision to step down deals setback to delicate talks with Palestinians and Syria, by Steven Gutkin, Associated Press (31 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Olmert's impending exit deals blow to peace effort, by Steven Gutkin, Associated Press (31 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israeli PM to resign, won't run in party primary, by Mark Lavie, Associated Press (31 July 2008).
• Chicago Tribune
  Netanyahu calls for early Israeli elections after prime minister announces resignation, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (31 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Netanyahu demands election to replace Olmert, by Allyn Fisher-Ilan and Adam Entous, Reuters (31 July 2008).
• Chicago Tribune
  Turkish official: Syria, Israel to hold more indirect peace talks in Turkey,
  Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Syria, Israel to hold more indirect talks,
  all 3 articles by Suzan Fraser, Associated Press (30 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Syria, Israel to hold new talks next month: source, Reuters (30 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Olmert: Syria must choose between peace, isolation, by Ian Deitch, Associated Press (29 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Olmert sends envoys to Turkey for more Syria talks, Reuters (29 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israeli PM's Kadima faction sets September 17 primary, Reuters (29 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israelis, Palestinians: Mixed feelings about Obama, by Mark Lavie, Associated Press (25 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  US turns down Syrian request, by Barry Schweid, Associated Press (23 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  U.S. abruptly cancels planned meeting with Syrians, Reuters (23 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  U.N.'s Ban details Hezbollah letter on prisoner swap, by Louis Charbonneau, Reuters (22 July 2008). Ban is the name of the UN Secretary-General.
• Boston Globe
  Brown demands end to Israel settlement-building, by Mohammed Daraghmeh, Associated Press (21 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  British premier vows to thwart Iranian atomic arms, by Steve Weizman, Associated Press (21 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israelis, Palestinians skeptical about Obama, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (21 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Britain's Brown demands end to Israel settlements, by Mohammed Daraghmeh, Associated Press (20 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  British leader in Israel for first official visit, by Matti Friedman, Associated Press (20 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Blair: Cease-fire should pave way to Mideast peace, Associated Press (18 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Hezbollah holds funeral for Lebanese guerrillas, Associated Press (18 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Saudis praised for calling interfaith conference, by Ciaran Giles, Associated Press (18 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Freed Lebanese prisoners vow to fight Israel, by Zeina Karam, Associated Press (17 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  A somber Israel buries 2 returned Israeli soldiers, by Tara Todras-Whitehill, Associated Press (17 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Hezbollah chief welcomes prisoners, Israel mourns, by Alistair Lyon, Reuters (17 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel buries soldiers after swap with Hezbollah, by Yoni Haviv, Reuters (17 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  WORLD IN BRIEF: Risk of violence prevents Blair visit, from News Services (16 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Blair: Mideast peace deal unlikely this year, Associated Press (16 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Olmert's woes raise questions of ties to US Jews, by Matti Friedman, Associated Press (16 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Killer part of Mideast swap, by Aron Heller, Associated Press (16 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Lebanese gunman at center of Israel prisoner swap, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (16 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Lebanese militant released in Israel prisoner swap, by Zeina Karam, Associated Press (16 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Coffins believed to hold Israeli soldiers' bodies, Associated Press (16 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Hezbollah delivers remains of two Israeli soldiers, by Ayat Basma and Avida Landau, Reuters (16 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Hezbollah confirms two Israeli soldiers dead, Reuters (16 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Freed Lebanese prisoners at a glance, Associated Press (16 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  A look at previous Israeli-Lebanese prisoner swaps, Associated Press (16 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Saudi-backed interfaith meeting starts,
  Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post: - Saudi king calls for religious reconciliation,
  both articles by Paul Haven, Associated Press (16 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  WORLD IN BRIEF: Prisoners moved in set-up for swap, from News Services (15 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Reuters International Summary: Israel moves Hezbollah prisoners ahead of swap, Reuters (15 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Skepticism precedes Saudi-led interfaith meeting, by Paul Haven, Associated Press (15 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Blair postpones Gaza visit, cites specific threat, by Ibrahim Barzak, Associated Press (15 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Middle East envoy Blair cancels Gaza visit, by Adam Entous and Nidal al-Mughrabi, Reuters (15 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Britain bans military wing of Hezbollah, Associated Press (15 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Washington Post:
  Israel fears Hezbollah attacks on northern border, by Laurie Copans, Associated Press (14 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Israelis gripped by new photos of missing airman, Associated Press (14 July 2008).
  Chicago Tribune:
  Israel views photos of its most famous missing soldier sent by Hezbollah for prisoner swap,
  all 3 articles by Laurie Copans, Associated Press (14 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Lebanon to celebrate prisoners' return from Israel,
  Chicago Tribune
  Mother of Lebanese jailed in Israel for notorious attack awaits his return in prisoner swap,
  all 3 articles by Bassem Mroue, Associated Press (14 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Washington Post:
  Assad sits out Olmert speech at Paris summit, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (14 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel readies to free Lebanese prisoners in swap, by Steve Weizman, Associated Press (14 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Former PM Blair to visit Gaza this week: Hamas, by Ibrahim Barzak, Associated Press (14 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Middle East envoy Blair plans Gaza visit-sources, by Nidal al-Mughrabi and Adam Entous, Reuters (14 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Blair postpones Gaza visit, cites specific threat, by Ibrahim Barzak, Associated Press (14 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel moves Hezbollah prisoners ahead of swap, by Rami Amichai, Reuters (14 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Mediterranean union wants to rid Mideast of WMD,
  Chicago Tribune:
  New Mediterranean union seeks to rid Middle East of weapons of mass destruction,
  all 3 articles by Angela Charlton, Associated Press (14 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune:
  Israeli leader Olmert hopes for direct Syria talks, Associated Press (13 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel to swap prisoners with Hezbollah Wednesday, by Josef Federman, Associated Press (13 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel-Hezbollah prisoner swap set for Wednesday, Reuters (13 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Suspicions mount in Israel against Olmert, by Jeffrey Heller, Reuters (13 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  43 nations creating Mediterranean union, by Angela Charlton, Associated Press (13 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Washington Post:
  France: Syria, Lebanon to upgrade ties, by Angela Charlton, Associated Press (12 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Hezbollah to Israel: Missing airman believed dead, by Laurie Copans, Associated Press (12 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Washington Post:
  Hezbollah gains clout in Lebanon - but at a cost, by Hamza Hendawi, Associated Press (12 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Sarkozy starts meetings with Mideast leaders, by Crispian Balmer, Reuters (12 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Palestinian PM complains to US on West Bank raids, by Mohammed Daraghmeh, Associated Press (11 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Lebanon forms unity government with Hezbollah, by Laila Bassam, Reuters (11 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Washington Post:
  France launching watered-down Mediterranean union, by Elaine Ganley, Associated Press (10 July 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer,
  Washington Post:
  Palestinian premier criticizes Israeli raids, Associated Press (9 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  World in Brief: Bodies disinterred in exchange deal, from News Services (8 July 2008).
• Boston Globe
  Daily Briefing: Assad looks past US for talks with Israel, Reuters (8 July 2008).
• Chicago Tribune Israel moves ahead on prisoner swap,
  Philadelphia Inquirer Israel, Hezbollah to swap prisoners
  San Francisco Chronicle - Israel says it has prisoner swap deal with Hezbollah,
  these articles by Mark Lavie, Associated Press (8 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Around The World: Prisoner-Exchange Deal With Hezbollah Is Signed, from News Services (8 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Hamas and Egypt to discuss truce, prisoner swap deal, by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Reuters (8 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel hindering Palestinian aid effort: officials, by Francois Murphy, Reuters (8 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Philadelphia Inquirer,
  San Francisco Chronicle,
  Washington Post:
  Palestinian leader meets Islamic Jihad, not Hamas, by Bassem Mroue, Associated Press (7 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Denver Post,
  Philadelphia Inquirer,
  San Francisco Chronicle,
  Washington Post:
  Syria says talks with Israel require US support, Associated Press (7 July 2008).
• Chicago Tribune,
  Denver Post,
  Philadelphia Inquirer,
  San Francisco Chronicle,
  Washington Post:
  Israel: Prisoner swap deal signed with Hezbollah, by Mark Lavie, Associated Press (7 July 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer,
  Washington Post:
  Israel to receive report on long-missing airman, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (7 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel and Hezbollah sign prisoner swap deal: source, Reuters (7 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel to exhume Hezbollah bodies for prisoner swap, Reuters (7 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Syria sees no Israel peace before Bush quits, Reuters (7 July 2008).
• Denver Post,
  Miami Herald,
  Washington Post:
  Israel TV shows work at cemetery for prisoner swap, by Mark Lavie, Associated Press (6 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Philadelphia Inquirer,
  San Francisco Examiner,
  Washington Post:
  Israeli rabbi invited to Saudi interfaith meeting, by Mark Lavie, Associated Press (3 July 2008).
• Chicago Tribune
  Hamas boss confirms swap, Associated Press (3 July 2008).
  Mistake - article title should say "Hezbollah boss...", not Hamas.
• Los Angeles Times
  World Briefing - Lebanon: Hezbollah confirms prisoner swap plan, from Times Wire Reports (3 July 2008).
• Miami Herald,
  New York Times:
  Hezbollah confirms prisoner exchange with Israel, Associated Press (2 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Philadelphia Inquirer,
  San Francisco Examiner,
  Washington Post:
  Hezbollah head confirms prisoner swap with Israel, by Hussein Dakroub, Associated Press (2 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  San Francisco Examiner:
  Palestinian leader, Israeli defense minister meet, Associated Press (1 July 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer
  Israel swaps killer for bodies of two soldiers, by Aron Heller, Associated Press (30 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Syrian minister laments Israel's nuclear edge, by Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Reuters, Reuters (30 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer
  Hamas emboldened by Israel-Hezbollah swap, by Ibrahim Barzak, Associated Press (30 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer
  Israeli govt to decide soldiers-prisoner swap deal, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (29 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer,
  San Francisco Chronicle,
  Washington Post:
  Israeli Cabinet approves Hezbollah prisoner deal, by Aron Heller, Associated Press (29 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer,
  San Francisco Chronicle,
  Washington Post:
  A look at Israeli-Lebanese prisoner swaps, Associated Press (29 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israeli cabinet approves Hezbollah prisoner swap, by Dan Williams, Reuters (29 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer
  Olmert: Captive Israeli soldiers in Lebanon dead, by Aron Heller, Associated Press (29 June 2008).
• San Francisco Chronicle
  Olmert: Cabinet voting Sunday on prisoners, Associated Press (25 June 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Boston Globe,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Philadelphia Inquirer,
  San Francisco Chronicle,
  Washington Post:
  Countries commit $242M to strengthen Palestinians, by Geir Moulson, Associated Press (24 June 2008).
• Boston Globe
  Israel must share Jerusalem with Palestinians, Sarkozy says,
  Philadelphia Inquirer
  French leader urges Israel to share Jerusalem:
  both articles by Steve Weizman, Associated Press (24 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer,
  San Francisco Chronicle,
  Washington Post:
  French president says Israel must share Jerusalem,
  by Steve Weizman, Associated Press (23 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  France's Sarkozy offers in Israel to broker peace, by Francois Murphy, Reuters (23 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  France's Sarkozy seeks to pass test of Israel trip, by Francois Murphy and Emmanuel Jarry, Reuters (21 June 2008).
• Boston Globe
  As Gaza truce takes hold, a wary calm prevails - Both sides greet cease-fire despite closed border, by Laurie Copans, Associated Press (20 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer
  A tantalizing return to normality in Gaza, by Laurie Copans and Ibrahim Barzak, Associated Press (20 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer,
  San Francisco Chronicle:
  Israelis, Palestinians welcome 2nd day of truce, by Aron Heller, Associated Press (20 June 2008).
• Boston Globe
  Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza Strip begins,
  San Francisco Chronicle
  Cease-fire takes hold around Gaza Strip - Hamas and Israel hopeful, but unsure of each other, both by Matti Friedman, Associated Press (19 June 2008).
• Miami Herald,
  Philadelphia Inquirer:
  Quiet reigns in Israel, Gaza as truce takes hold, by Laurie Copans and Ibrahim Barzak, Associated Press (19 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer
  Gaza truce takes hold, skepticism abounds, by Ibrahim Barzak, Associated Press (19 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer,
  Washington Post:
  Israel-Hamas Gaza truce goes into effect, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (19 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel-Hamas truce begins but duration in doubt, by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Reuters (19 June 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Miami Herald,
  Philadelphia Inquirer,
  Washington Post:
  Olmert, Assad could meet in Paris, Associated Press (18 June 2008).
• Miami Herald,
  Philadelphia Inquirer,
  Washington Post:
  Israel urges Lebanon to talk peace, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (18 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer
  Israel says it's ready for Lebanon talks, Associated Press (18 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel and Hezbollah close to prisoner swap: source, by Nadim Ladki, Reuters (18 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer
  Israel confirms cease-fire to begin Thursday,
  Washington Post
  Israel confirms cease-fire with Hamas, both by Laurie Copans, Associated Press (18 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel agrees to Hamas truce-defense official, by Dan Williams, Reuters (18 June 2008).
• Miami Herald,
  Philadelphia Inquirer:
  Israelis, Palestinians praise Gaza truce, by Matti Friedman, Associated Press (18 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer
  Israelis, Palestinians battle a day before truce Philadelphia Inquirer
  Rockets, airstrikes come hours before Gaza truce, both by Matti Friedman, Associated Press (18 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Details of Israel-Hamas truce, Associated Press (17 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza truce: officials, by Nigal al-Mughrabi, Reuters (17 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Hope and doubt over truce across Israel-Gaza border, by Rebecca Harrison and Nidal al-Mughrabi, Reuters (17 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer
  Rice praises Lebanon pact despite Hezbollah's gains,
  San Francisco Chronicle
  Rice backs power-sharing in Lebanon - She also revives resolution of land dispute with Israel, both articles by Anne Gearan, Associated Press (17 June 2008).
• Boston Globe
  Israel, Syria end talks, plan further discussions, by Zerin Elci, Reuters (17 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  More indirect Israel, Syria talks in July: Turkey, Reuters (17 June 2008).
• Philadelphia Inquirer
  Israel may exchange guerrilla for 2 soldiers, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (16 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Hamas leader says truce talks near successful end, by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Reuters (16 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel-Syria talks in Turkey end, by Mark Lavie, Associated Press (16 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israeli envoys propose Olmert meet Syria's Assad, by Dan Williams, Reuters (16 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel to propose Olmert-Assad talks: sources, Reuters (16 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Officials: Talks between Israel, Syria resume, by Mark Lavie, Associated Press (15 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel to decide on prisoner swap with Lebanon, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (15 June 2008).
• Boston Globe
  Bush urges West to work together, by Deb Riechmann, Associated Press (14 June 2008).
  To compliment his isolationist policy toward enemies, Bush works toward uniting allies to support struggling democracies.
• Washington Post
  Hamas officials to Egypt for truce talks, Associated Press (14 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Result of Gaza truce talks to be known soon: Israel, by Ori Lewis, Reuters (14 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  EU backs Israel upgrade, but differs on peace link, Reuters (13 June 2008).
• Boston Globe
  Envoy back in Israel without Gaza deal, by , Associated Press ( June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel rules out Gaza invasion now to seek truce, by Mark Lavie, Associated Press (11 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israeli leadership to debate course on Hamas, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (10 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Syria plays down chances of direct talks with Israel, by Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Reuters (10 June 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
  "Hamas leader offers truce if Israel withdraws from 1967 lands" (21 April 2008)