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Kerry steps cautiously into Hamas territory
By Jenna Fisher and Christa Case Bryant | Staff writers
Date: 02.19.09
http://features.csmonitor.com/globalnews/2009/02/19/kerry-steps-cautionsly-into-hamas-territory/

As U.S. lawmakers visit, Mideast ponders what comes next
By DION NISSENBAUM
Posted on Thu, Feb. 19, 2009
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/912034.html

Hamas letter for Obama?
Associated Press
Saturday, February 21, 2009
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/printedition/2009/02/21/hamas0221.html?cxntlid=inform_sr

Kerry visits Gaza but shuns Hamas
Associated Press
February 20, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-t6-kerry-0220feb20,0,7251641.story

UN official in Gaza thinks Hamas authored letter to Obama, to be delivered by Kerry
By Associated Press
11:54 AM CST, February 20, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-ml-hamas-letter-obama,0,6935766.story

US Sen. Kerry goes to Gaza Strip, avoids Hamas
By IBRAHIM BARZAK, Associated Press Writer
February 19, 2009 - 2:53 p.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-gen/ap/Middle_East/ML_US_Gaza.html?cxntlid=inform_sr

US Sen. John Kerry visits Gaza Strip, but avoids any contact with Hamas members
By IBRAHIM BARZAK | Associated Press Writer
1:53 PM CST, February 19, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-ml-us-gaza,0,1770915.story

US Sen. Kerry goes to Gaza Strip, avoids Hamas
By IBRAHIM BARZAK, ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
Last updated February 19, 2009 11:53 a.m. PT
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107ap_ml_us_gaza.html

US Sen. Kerry goes to Gaza Strip, avoids Hamas
By IBRAHIM BARZAK, The Associated Press
Thursday, February 19, 2009; 2:53 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/19/AR2009021900356.html

In Praise of Diplomacy
By GERSHOM GORENBERG
Published: February 12, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/books/review/Gorenberg-t.html

OP-ED: Secretary Clinton's Far East Departure
By Al Kamen
Monday, February 9, 2009; Page A15
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/08/AR2009020802257.html

Democrats Reach Out to Syria
By JAY SOLOMON
FEBRUARY 12, 2009
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123440587372275735.html

In Israeli Vote Results, A Setback for Obama - Prospects for Peace Deal Appear to Dim
By Glenn Kessler and Griff Witte, Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, February 11, 2009; Page A16
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/10/AR2009021003473.html

Can Obama envoy George Mitchell kick-start Mideast peace?
By Mark Rice-Oxley | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor
from the February 9, 2009 edition
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0209/p04s01-wogn.html

Egypt says Clinton to attend Gaza aid conference in Cairo
By MATTHEW LEE | Associated Press Writer
3:17 PM CST, February 12, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-us-egypt-palestinians,0,2488645.story

Clinton to attend Gaza conference in Cairo: Egypt
By MATTHEW LEE, ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
Date: 2/12/2009
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1152ap_us_egypt_palestinians.html

Analysis: Obama faces double dilemmas in Mideast
By BARRY SCHWEID, AP Diplomatic Writer
February 12, 2009 - 6:29 a.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-gen/ap/US_President_And_White_House_Advisers/US_Isr ael_Analysis.html?cxntlid=inform_sr

Analysis: Israel's shift to right could complicate Obama policies as he reaches out to Iran
By BARRY SCHWEID | AP Diplomatic Writer
5:29 AM CST, February 12, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-us-israel-analysis,0,2853023.story

Analysis: Obama faces double dilemmas in Mideast
By BARRY SCHWEID, AP DIPLOMATIC WRITER
Last updated February 12, 2009 3:29 a.m. PT
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1151ap_us_israel_analysis.html

Analysis: Obama faces double dilemmas in Mideast
By BARRY SCHWEID, The Associated Press
Thursday, February 12, 2009; 6:29 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/12/AR2009021200166.html

In his new role as foreign relations chairman, Kerry to travel to Syria to meet with Assad
By ANNE FLAHERTY | Associated Press Writer
6:52 PM CST, February 11, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-kerry-syria,0,2345793.story

Obama calls leaders of Israel, Italy and Pakistan
Associated Press
February 11, 2009 - 5:28 p.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-gen/ap/US_President_And_White_House_Advisers/Obama_ Calls.html?cxntlid=inform_sr

Obama calls leaders of Israel, Italy and Pakistan
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Last updated February 11, 2009 2:28 p.m. PT
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1151ap_obama_calls.html

Obama calls leaders of Israel, Italy and Pakistan
The Associated Press
Wednesday, February 11, 2009; 5:28 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/11/AR2009021103184.html

State Department awaits new Israeli government
Associated Press
February 11, 2009 - 11:23 a.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-gen/ap/US_Presidential_Cabinet/US_Israel.html?cxntl id=inform_sr

State Department awaits new government in Israel and expects to pursue peace process
By Associated Press
10:23 AM CST, February 11, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-us-israel,0,7372415.story

State Department awaits new Israeli government
Associated Press
published February 11, 2009 at 9:07 AM
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008732523_apusisrael.html

State Department awaits new Israeli government
The Associated Press
Wednesday, February 11, 2009; 11:23 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/11/AR2009021101683.html

White House: Obama eager to work with Israel
Associated Press
February 11, 2009 - 5:19 p.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/US_President_And_White_House_Advisers/Obama_I srael_Politics.html

White House: Obama eager to work with Israel
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Last updated February 11, 2009 2:19 p.m. PT
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1151ap_obama_israel_politics.html

White House: Obama eager to work with Israel
The Associated Press
Wednesday, February 11, 2009; 5:19 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/11/AR2009021102748.html

White House spokesman says Obama eager to work with the winner of Israeli elections
By Associated Press
4:19 PM CST, February 11, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-obama-israel-politics,0,7492333.story

Obama looking for openings with Iran
By ANNE GEARAN, AP MILITARY
Last updated February 9, 2009 7:34 p.m. PT
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1151ap_obama_national_security.html

Obama looking for openings with Iran
By ANNE GEARAN, The Associated Press
Monday, February 9, 2009; 8:56 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/09/AR2009020902494.html

FOREIGN POLICY: Innocence Lost - An Intimate Account of American Peace Diplomacy in the Middle East
Reviewed by Cameron W. Barr
Sunday, February 1, 2009; Page BW05
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/29/AR2009012903647.html

FOREIGN POLICY: Shifting Sands - Is there any consistency in U.S. policy toward the Middle East?
Reviewed by Steven Simon
Sunday, February 1, 2009; Page BW04
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/29/AR2009012903577.html

Op-Ed: Obama’s Long Shot for Peace
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
Published: January 31, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/opinion/01kristof.html

EDITORIAL: Mr. Mitchell in the Mideast
Saturday, January 31, 2009; Page A14
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003412.html

The Negotiator - From “Innocent Abroad”
By DAVID C. UNGER
Published: January 30, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/books/review/Unger-t.html

Op-Ed: After the War on Terror
By ROGER COHEN
Published: January 29, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/opinion/29cohen.html?scp=15&sq=israel%20palestine&st=cse

Op-Ed: Torture? Prosecute Us, Too
By Richard Cohen
Tuesday, January 27, 2009; Page A17
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601851.html

EDITORIAL: The World Reacts - Can the global euphoria over Barack Obama be used to serve U.S. interests?
Monday, January 26, 2009; Page A10
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/25/AR2009012501811.html

A New Mideast Approach
By Yousef Munayyer
Saturday, January 24, 2009; Page A13
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012303459.html

Old Hand for an Old Mission
By Jackson Diehl
Friday, January 23, 2009; Page A15
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012203303.html

Calling a Time Out
By George McGovern
Thursday, January 22, 2009; Page
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012102489.html

Re-Posted from 2001: A Start Toward Peace
By George J. Mitchell and Warren B. Rudman
Thursday, January 22, 2009; 6:07 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012203187.html

Re-Posting from July, 2001: Time for an Accounting
By Dennis Ross
Thursday, January 22, 2009; 6:14 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012203193.html

OPINION: FEDERATION FEATURE: The Return of Carterism?
By ARTHUR HERMAN
JANUARY 21, 2009, 10:12 P.M. ET
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123257527543603751.html

• Washington Post: Bush's Crucial Handoffs, by David Ignatius (12 October 2008).
  This article discusses the opportunities for progress in foreign policy which the Bush administration has for passing onto the next president, including the renewed peace process for the Palestinian/Israeli conflict... the first point being a set of basic principles on which to base final status negotiations.

• Washington Post: Palin Pushback, by Howard Kurtz (2 October 2008).
  Quote - "... and she very sincerely explained to Hewitt her emotional devotion to Israel. (One wishes Barack Obama would express the same sense of moral clarity on the topic)".

• Washington Post: FOREIGN POLICY:The Elder Statesmen Speak - Who knew that Brzezinski and Scowcroft would get along so well?, reviewed by Moisés Naím (28 September 2008).
  Their solution for Iraq: "Exit slowly -- and only after a more stable regional context has been nurtured, especially by engaging Iran and reinvigorating the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians."

• Washington Post: U.S. Has Achieved 'Victory' in Iraq, Palin Tells Couric, by Howard Kurtz (26 September 2008).
  This article describes Palin fumbling when she defended her stance to support Israel unconditionally - "At first Palin stuck by the comment, saying: "We cannot ever afford to send a message that we would allow a second Holocaust." Then she said that "we need to express our rights and our concerns." And then she returned to her no-second-guessing stance, adding: "It is obvious to me who the good guys are in this one and who the bad guys are. The bad guys are the ones who say Israel is a stinking corpse and should be wiped off the face of the Earth.".

• Washington Post: The Debate We Want to Hear, by David Makovsky (26 September 2008).
  Mr. Makovsky, of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, asks questions of the new administration - how to proceed to keep Annapolis alive and to inspire Palestinians and the Arab States to stay engaged.

• Chicago Tribune: Bush embraces 'multilateral' vision in UN swan song, by Mark Silva (24 September 2008).
  This article describes the changes in Bush's positions since "the first presidential debate in 2000, [wherein he] dismissively vowed to avoid 'nation-building,' suggesting that was a pursuit for liberals... and "in the run-up to the Iraq war, disregarded the will of the United Nations and asserted that America had a right to launch a pre-emptive military strike in the interest of preserving its security".

• Washington Post: Gates's Next Mission, by David Ignatius (7 August 2008).
  This article describes the efforts of Bush's new Defense Secretary Bob Gates to reform the military/civilian relationship and the intelligence services. The article should have discussed wh effort to revive the importance of the state department, Which hopefully would mean a revival of an emphasis on negotiations first above military strike preemptively.

• 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.

• San Francisco Chronicle: West Bank wall bigger than Berlin's, by Yousef Munayyer (31 July 2008).
  This author contends that for the new US President, "...the greatest obstacle in the way of peace today is an infrastructure of apartheid. American policymakers must make clear to the Israelis that this matrix of settlements, walls and checkpoints must change to make the territory for the Palestinians, and a two-state solution, viable... if committed to the two-state solution, the next administration must be willing to work specifically toward the dismantling of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the removal of roadblocks and checkpoints. It must also be ready to demand that human rights for Palestinians, including the freedom of movement and education, are as important as Israeli security."

• 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: A Change Election Abroad, Too, by Jim Hoagland (27 July 2008).
  This article describes the pro-Obama feelings sweeping Europe, largely due to happiness to see Bush go and looking forward to change, and also disappointment with their own politicians who are not anything new. But the article described how there is less enthusiasm for Obama in the Middle East, especially amongst the Arab states.

• Los Angeles Times: Obama commits to defend security of Israel, by Sasha Issenberg (24 July 2008).
  This article described Obama's visit to Israel and Ramallah, where he adapted a mostly hawkish stance toward the conflict. He has modified his stance on Jerusalem to fit the standard one - supporting what the peace negotiations adapt. The article does name Jerusalem as one of the most contentious issues in the conflict - the article does not mention settlements or the refugees. It seems that one of the main PR instrument the Israeli government uses is a helicopter ride with a government official during which they fly over strategic areas and the official makes the points he/she wants to make.

• 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.

• Miami Herald: Show aims to shatter stereotypes of Islam, by Andrew DeMillo (5 July 2008).
  This article describes an art exhibit by Arab and Muslim women from across the world. The aim of the exhibit is to break down stereotypes and to help non-Muslims connect to people in the Arab and Muslim worlds. The pieces include some pieces on the Arab-Israeli conflict from the Palestinian perspective.

• 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.

• New York Times: The Two Israels, by Nicholas D. Kristof (22 June 2008).
  This article documents the struggle in Hebron between the native Palestinians and the Israeli settlers. The article describes that the Israeli settlement is illegal, and yet is protected by a huge regiment of Israeli military power at tremendous cost, and thus makes Israel look bad to the world, and also antagonizes and radicalizes the Palestinians. The article then describes the worst and best of the Israelis. The worst being the settlers themselves stealing land from the Palestinians, and harrassing the Palestinians at checkpoints, and the best - Israelis who defend the Palestinians in action and word. Lastly, the author hopes the American presidential candidates will support these latter Israelis.

Francisco Chronicle: Obama's missteps, by George Bisharat (17 June 2008).
This op-ed by George Bisharat scorches Obama for his speech at AIPAC wherein he pledged support for numbers of Zionist positions, but most alarmingly for a united Israeli Jerusalem. He also pointed out that Obama's speech also supported discrimination in Israel by supporting the Jewish State idea which also is dependent on the 1948 ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from the area so that the Zionist Jews could be the majority. Professor Bisharat points out that these are ultimately an affront to basic American democratic ideals and violations of international law, and yet Obama seems to support them.
• Los Angeles Times: The fallacy of Islamic 'national suicide', by (9 June 2008).
  In the course of debunking the fear-mongering term, "national suicide" to paint numbers of Arab entities as wanting wars they cannot win or survive, George Bisharat exposes numbers of Zionist and neo-con myths and reminds the world of Israel's nuclear arsenal. This includes debunking the myth that Arafat started the Second Intifada when he rejected the Camp David negotiations, when he actually continued them at Taba, and the Intifada actually started in response to Sharon's provocative visit to the Al Aqsa Mosque compound.

• New York Times: The Good American and Monsieur Obama, by Roger Cohen (9 June 2008).
  This article speculates that Obama might remain the great liberal that Europe loves while still being practical, as reflected in his speech to AIPAC - "It may also mean more hawkish speeches like the one Obama made last week on Israel-Palestine to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. He declared that 'Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided.' He also said 'Israel’s identity as a Jewish state must be preserved' — a dismissal of the Palestinian 'right of return.'" Lets hope he will change once he gets in office.

• Washington Post: It's a Mitzvah, by Dana Milbank, columnist (5 June 2008).
  This op-ed raves about Obama's pro-Israel speech before AIPAC shortly following his informal acceptance of the Democratic nomination. In the speech he had re-configured some of his positions to create a more hard-lined position more compatible with the AIPAC audience, with examples such as supporting a united Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel. This position is especially extremist because of its violation of international law and repeated UN resolutions. But Milbank also reported how Obama stated support for a contiguous territory for a Palestinian State and halt to settlement expansion before the AIPAC crowd, which did take courage.

• 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.

• Washington Post: Going Their Own Way in The Mideast, by David Ignatius (1 June 2008).
  This op-ed by columnist David Ignatius puts a positive spin on the lagging Middle East influence of the USA as it continues to be bogged down in Iraq.
• New York Times: The Freedom Nonagenda, by James Traub (25 May 2008).
  This op-ed describes how the Republican Candidate-to-be, John McCain, has taken up George Bush's mission to convert the nations of the world over to democracy, but this op-ed describes how that policy has led to so much disaster and hatred for the USA under Bush and Rice's leadership. The article suggests that maybe our next President might try listening better to the people of the world instead of telling them what to think as Bush and Rice seemed to do. Then if he applied this to Israel he might then hear how the majority of the people in the world think of Israel as one of the worst violators of democratic principles and human rights. And then hopefully he would take this seriously, and do something about it, which would then go a long way to aligning the US once again with the struggling peoples of the world who then might associate the US once again with the ideals of democracy.

• Washington Times: Defund UNRWA, by Asaf Romirowsky (19 May 2008).
  This column published by the Washington Times takes the list of services that UNRWA supplies to the Palestinian refugees and condemns them for doing so because the recipients might be members of Hamas - for not differentiating whether the recipient is a member of a terrorist group or not, and thus presents this as the main reason for defunding UNRWA.

• Miami Herald: A nation celebrates its struggle to exist and to prosper, by Elinor J. Brecher (8 May 2008).
  Philadelphia Inquirer: Making a dream come true, by Michael Matza (8 May 2008).
  Both of these very touching articles describe the visits to Israel of different groups of American Jews. The shocking thing about it is that these peoples' dreams are at the expense of another peoples' rights, which in turn includes the dreams and hopes of this other group of people. And it is further shocking that in modern America this is completely acceptable. The rights and dreams and hopes of the Palestinian people are completely disregarded and ignored and denied in two countries which claim to be democracies and opposed to racism and discrimination - how has this happened?

• The Economist: "America and Israel: Let there be justice for all - America's Israel lobby scores another questionable victory" (10 April 2008)
  The Economist Magazine, an authoritative news magazine originating in England but widely read in the United States has published an interesting article which is critical of the pro-Israel lobby and the US Congress for its passage of a bill demanding compensation from Arab countries for the losses of Jews who moved from those countries to Israel, to balance out demands that Israel recompense Palestinian Arabs who lost everything when they were chased out of their villages in 1948. The article criticizes the pro-Israel lobby for its excessive influence over US politicians, and for only representing the right wing of Israeli politics, and mentions that this might not be so good for Israel.

• New York Times: Talking About Israel, by Nicholas D. Kristof (18 July 2008).
  This incredible op-ed by Nicholas Kristof describes how our blind support of Israel harms our relations with the 3rd world, and motivates terrorism, especially against Israel itself, which is especially ridicules in light of the much more freer criticism of government policy within Israel itself.

• Washington Post: A Struggle for the President's Heart and Mind: Powell Journeyed From Isolation to Winning the Argument on Iraq, by Bob Woodward (17 November 2002).
  In this excerpt from Woodward's latest book covering Collin Powell's experience as Secretary of State, he describes how Powell was ready to work seriously on a solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict but that Bush and Rice were not interested in making such a commitment, and that their real focus was on going to war with Iraq.

Mitchell gets earful from Mideast
By Caryle Murphy | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor
from the February 2, 2009 edition
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0202/p06s01-wogn.html

Jimmy Carter on the Middle East
By Storer H. Rowley
February 1, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-perspec0201carterfeb01,0,291259.story

Mideast envoy: Gaza cease-fire must hold
By Joel Greenberg, Tribune correspondent
January 29, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-mideast-mitchell_joeljan29,0,6462114.story

U.S. peace envoy rolls up his sleeves in Israel
By Richard Boudreaux
January 29, 2009
http://www.latimes.com/news/la-fg-mitchell29-2009jan29,0,3142086.story

Israeli Elections and Gaza Violence Complicate New U.S. Envoy’s Peace Mission
By ISABEL KERSHNER
Published: January 29, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/world/middleeast/30mideast.html?scp=47&sq=Israel&st=cse

Mideast Envoy Vows Push for Peace as Gaza Violence Flares
CHARLES LEVINSON
JANUARY 29, 2009, 2:15 A.M. ET
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123312439825923565.html

Mideast Envoy Seeks Fatah Involvement Over Gaza
A WALL STREET JOURNAL ONLINE NEWS ROUNDUP
JANUARY 29, 2009, 5:56 P.M. ET
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123325330027229541.html

Middle East Envoy Urges 'Lasting Peace' - Arms Smuggling Must Halt, Mitchell Says
By Griff Witte, Washington Post Foreign Service
Thursday, January 29, 2009; Page A14
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/28/AR2009012803900.html

Violence, unrest in Mideast as George Mitchell arrives for listening tour
By Joel Greenberg, Tribune correspondent
January 28, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-mitchell-mideastjan28,0,3687754.story

Obama launches effort to ‘communicate’ in Mideast
By Jeffrey Fleishman
January 28, 2009
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/01/28/news/fg-obama-mitchell28

U.S. Envoy Urges 2 Sides to Fortify Gaza Truce
By ISABEL KERSHNER
Published: January 28, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/world/middleeast/29mideast.html?scp=10&sq=Israel&st=cse

Obama Extends Hand To Arabs and Muslims
By Karen DeYoung, Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 28, 2009; Page A06
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/27/AR2009012703130.html

On Arab TV Network, Obama Urges Dialogue
By ALAN COWELL
Published: January 27, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/world/middleeast/28arabiya.html?scp=23&sq=israel%20palestine&st=cse< p> Obama Voices Hope for Mideast Peace in Talk With Al-Arabiya TV
By Michael D. Shear and Glenn Kessler, Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, January 27, 2009; Page A03
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012602035.html

Middle East envoy George Mitchell no stranger to conflicts
By Paul Richter and Henry Chu | Tribune Newspapers
2:01 AM CST, January 25, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-mitchell_dcjan25,0,4851197.story

Middle East envoy George Mitchell no stranger to conflicts
By Paul Richter and Henry Chu
January 24, 2009
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-fg-mitchell24-2009jan24,0,1982403,full.story

Analysis: Obama's Signals on Middle East Scrutinized by All Sides
By Glenn Kessler, Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, January 24, 2009; Page A09
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012303840.html

2 Democratic heavyweights tapped for high-profile envoy positions
By Paul Richter | Washington Bureau
January 23, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-state_23jan23,0,3081546.story

As Obama Visits State Dept., Clinton Announces Two Special Envoys
By Karen DeYoung and Glenn Kessler, Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, January 23, 2009; A05
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012203886.html

President Obama swiftly sets course on Day One
By Peter Nicholas and Christi Parsons
January 22, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/la-na-obama22-2009jan22,0,7478005.story

With Obama, what change for Mideast?
By Howard LaFranchi | Staff writer
January 22, 2009 edition
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/01/22/with-obama-what-change-for-mideast/

Obama to start tackling economic, military issues
By Michael Muskal and Frank James
January 22, 2009
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/01/22/news/na-obama22

Appointing Emissaries, Obama and Clinton Stress Diplomacy
By MARK LANDLER
Published: January 22, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/washington/23diplo.html

Obama Appoints Envoys to Address Foreign Conflicts
By JAY SOLOMON
JANUARY 22, 2009, 5:30 P.M. ET
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123266177622107557.html

Obama Starts Reversing Bush Policies
By Michael D. Shear, Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 22, 2009; A01
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012102009.html

World reaction to Barack Obama's inauguration
By Paul Richter | Washington Bureau
January 21, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-obama-worldjan21,0,19898.story

Obama Oval Office
Tribune staff report
2:04 PM CST, January 21, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-obama-oval-office-210109-story,0,3771352.story

On Palestinian Question, Tough Choices for Obama
By STEVEN ERLANGER
Published: January 21, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/world/middleeast/22gaza.html?scp=7&sq=israel%20and%20palestine&st=cse

Seasoned Negotiator to Serve as a Mideast Envoy
By MARK LANDLER
Published: January 21, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/us/politics/22diplo.html?scp=8&sq=obama%20israel&st=cse

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Americans living in Israel could have impact on presidential vote, by Robert W. Gee (10 October 2008).
  This article describes the block of voting Americans living in Israel, who are leaning toward McCain in this election.

• Chicago Tribune: Israeli voices for Obama - Ex-generals in video, but some cry foul, by Joel Greenberg (8 October 2008).
  This article describes how some Israeli generals complained when their interviews were used in pro-Obama commercials without their permission by a non-campaign pro-Obama group.

• Los Angeles Times: Israel seeks to purchase F-35 fighter jets, by Ashraf Khalil (2 October 2008).
  

• Washington Post: Senate Backs Far-Reaching Nuclear Trade Deal With India, by Glenn Kessler (2 October 2008).
  Second example of Bush aiding a country to violate non-proliferation treaty the two countries - Israel and India have refused to sign the treaty). And, in addition, the US had to ok this in violation of numbers of US efforts to control nuclear supplies and proliferation.

• Washington Post: CONTRACTS: Israel Seeks 75 F-35s, U.S. Says, compiled from reports by Washington Post staff writers, the Associated Press and Bloomberg News (1 October 2008).
  

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Where the candidates stand on the Israeli-Palestinian question, by Bob Deans (29 September 2008).
  Their positions are mostly the same on supporting Israel and isolating Hamas, while Obama does put more stress on achieving an independent and viable Palestinian State.
• Atlanta Journal Constitution: Where the candidates stand on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, by Bob Deans (30 September 2008).
  Position for both mostly the same in terms of supporting a two-state solution and isolating Hamas, but with Obama putting more emphasis on making the Palestinian State more viable and McCain putting more emphasis on neutralizing Hezbollah in Lebanon.

• New York Times: U.S. Army Deploys Radar System in Israel, by Isabel Kershner (28 September 2008).
  System is designed to defend against Iranian missiles. Will be run by American soldiers on Israeli soil until Israeli personnel are trained.

• Chicago Tribune: U.S. talks with Muslims urged, New York Times News Service (24 September 2008).
  Quote from article - "After 18 months spent examining the deteriorating relations between the U.S. and the Muslim world during the Bush administration, a diverse group of American leaders will release a report on Wednesday calling for an overhaul of American strategy to reverse the spread of terrorism and extremism" and thus recommending more diplomacy with Muslims, even with Iran.

• Chicago Tribune: Libya deal may be model for others, by Bay Fong (6 September 2008).
  This article describes the latest news concerning the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act which allows victims of terrorism to sue the country that sponsored the terrorism. A deal has been worked out with Libya which has led to increasing diplomatic exchange with that country. Many hope this might serve as a model for outreaching to others such as Iran and the PA.

• Chicago Tribune: How religion guides Palin, by Manya A. Brachear (6 September 2008).
  Quote from article - "Many of Palin's beliefs mirror those of evangelical Christians. But Pentecostals occupy a distinct subset of evangelical Christianity. They believe they can be 'baptized in the Holy Spirit' just as Jesus Christ's apostles were in the New Testament's Book of Acts. Gifts of the spirit include speaking in tongues, prophesy and faith healing. The churches she has attended also embrace dispensation, a theological system that emphasizes man's dominion over the earth and the end times—theology that could potentially shape a believer's environmental and foreign policies. 'When she talks about using up our non-renewable resources, drilling on the North Slope and building the pipeline, it's almost with glee because in a sense it doesn't matter,' said Nancy Hardesty, a professor of religion at Clemson University in South Carolina. 'All her brand of Christians may be gone before those things run out. It tends to lessen a long-term view.' Rev. Tim McGraw, Palin's pastor when she became mayor of Wasilla, said believers look to Israel for signs of the coming end times and where they are in God's plan. That would undoubtedly influence Palin's approach to foreign policy, McGraw said. 'I believe Sarah would not live in a fragmented world,' he said. 'The idea that Sarah would take this huge influence of the worldview that really only the Bible and the relationship with Jesus opens up ... and suddenly marginalize it and put it over on the shelf somewhere and live apart from it—that would be entirely inconsistent.'".

• Washington Post: Experts Helping Palin Brush Up on Foreign Policy, by Michael Abramowitz and Juliet Eilperin (5 September 2008).
  The Republican VP nominee, Sarah Palin is getting briefed extensively on foreign affairs. Here is what she is being told in reference to the Middle East - "Lieberman, who was the 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee but is now an independent, has helped introduce Palin to officials of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the leading pro-Israel lobby. In a meeting Tuesday, the day before she delivered her prime-time address at the Republican National Convention here, Palin assured the group of her strong support for Israel, of her desire to see the United States move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and of her opposition to Iran's aspirations to become a nuclear power, according to sources familiar with the meeting.".

• Chicago Tribune: NEW JERSEY - Judge: Muslim leader can stay (5 September 2008).
  Quote from article "A New Jersey Muslim leader won his fight to gain permanent U.S. residency Thursday. Authorities had sought to deport Mohammad Qatanani on grounds that he failed to disclose a conviction in Israel for being a member of Hamas."

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wexler: Obama a friend of Israel, by Bob Dart (29 August 2008).
  South Florida Rep. Robert Wexler makes it his point to assure Jewish voters that Obama is supportive of Israel's security needs.

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Program offers U.S. Jews glimpse of life in Israel, by Robert W. Gee (29 August 2008 & 3 September 2008).
  

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Tours give young Jews taste of ‘home’: Israel, by Robert W. Gee (23 August 2008).
  This articles describes two different tour programs for Jewish-American youth - one gives the Zionist view of Israel, and the other shows the realities of the conflict with Palestine.

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: High profile experts guide McCain, Obama on foreign policy, by Bob Deans (10 August 2008).
  This article describes the teams of foreign policy experts advising the different candidates for President. Unfortunately, Obama is using Dennis Ross to adivse him on the Middle East - someone who has demonstrated very poor understanding of the Palestinian perspective.

• 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.

• Chicago Tribune: For Israel, U.S. donors generous, by Griff Witte (27 July 2008).
  This article documents significant US donations to Israeli political parties and candidates.

• Los Angeles Times: Obama assures Israel of support, by Michael Finnegan and Richard Boudreaux (24 July 2008).
  This article describes the overall acceptance of Barak Obama in Israel and Palestine by all parties left and right despite McCain's attempts to make him look dangerously naive and inexperienced.

• Washington Post: Obama Ends Mideast Swing With Vow to Back Israel, Peace Talks, by Dan Balz and Griff Witte (24 July 2008).
  This article describes Obama's trip to the Middle East, where he expressed support for Israel to appeace Jewish voters, and his vow to make the Palestine/Israel peace process a top priority.

• Boston Globe: In Jerusalem, Obama faces divisive issues, united foes, by Sasha Issenberg (23 July 2008).
  This article describes the intensity and chaos of Israeli politics which Obama is flying into the midst of when he visits Israel in a day or so - including the bulldozer attack in Jerusalem and the protest by right-wing groups accusing him of flip-flopping on Jerusalem, and the scandals engulfing two top officials of the present government.

• New York Times: A Candidate’s Brief Taste of a Region’s Complexities, by Jeff Zeleny (23 July 2008).
  This article describes the Middle East challenge facing Obama Barak in his efforts to win the US Presidency, and decision to express strong support for Israel and the two state solution to the peace process. He has also said that both sides are going to have to make huge sacrifices.

• Christian Science Monitor: Obama and McCain diverge on Israeli-Palestinian conflict, by Howard LaFranchi (21 July 2008).
  "Obama likely to return US to role of 'honest broker.' McCain sees fighting Islamic extremists as paramount."

• New York Times: Obama’s Itinerary in the Middle East, by Isabel Kershner (14 July 2008).
  This article discusses Obama schedule to meet with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders when he visits the region next week. The article also reviews the storm of controversy that exploded when Obama told AIPAC he supported a united Jerusalem for Israel's capital, and then the efforts of his campaign to correct the diplomatic mistake.

• Chicago Tribune: Birthright program sends young Jews to Israel on group trips, free of charge, by David Haldane (12 July 2008).
  This article describes the booming business of tours of Israel set up for American Jews (mostly students) to turn them onto Israel as the center of their heritage and religion with no mention of the conflict that has developed with the native Palestinian population that has lived in that land probably for about 5000 years.

• Washington Post: Ex-Diplomat Sentenced for Anti-Arab Threats, by Carrie Johnson (12 July 2008).
  This article describes the criminal prosecution of a retired US State Dept. official who has repeatedly sent threats to AAI and James Zogby.

• Chicago Tribune: Group helps Hispanics who want to explore roots of Jewish ancestry, by Jeannette Rivera-lyles (9 July 2008).
  This article discusses the law of return and the belief that areas of Palestine are awarded to Jews by God, without any mention of the relativism of such a belief or why this might require the creation of a Jewish State, or whether this has to conflict with the rights of the Palestinian people, who have never left the area in the first place.

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Israel sees tourism boom from Christian visitors, by Robert W. Gee (20 June 2008).
  This article describes the increase in Christian tourism to Israel from the US, who have no idea about the Palestinian point-of-view. The tourists are only really concerned with their Church's teachings about Jewish return to Palestine, and then become very impressed by Israel during the tour when they get no interaction with Palestinians or their POV.

• Washington Post: Seeking Common Ground in Faith - Area Jews and Muslims Are Pioneers in Nationwide Effort, by Michelle Boorstein (14 June 2008).
  This article describes the efforts across the country to start a Muslim-Jewish dialogue, and how controversy is avoided at their events.

• New York Times: Lawyer-Turned-Nun Rises to Israel’s Defense, by Samuel G. Freedman (14 June 2008).
  This article describes a nun that mixes opposition to some of Israel's policies with defense of other Israeli policies that involve Israel's right to protect itself. Thus for example, she protests the occupation but defends the wall.

• New York Times: REGRETS; Hagee Apologizes to Jews, by Laurie Goodstein (14 June 2008).
  Rev. Hagee and Abraham Foxman reach out to each other after some disagreements, as Hagee also attempts to reconcile with the Roman Catholic Church, both of which he has offended in the past with his extremist views of the Christian Bible apocalyptic teachings. Pro-Israel Jews like Hagee because of his support for Israel, but he only likes Israel for its role in his end-times prophesies.

• Washington Post: Tough Words From This Cheney on U.S. Mideast Policy, by Michael Abramowitz (9 June 2008).
  V.P. daughter Elizabeth Cheney, an ex-State Dept. official, spoke at the recent AIPAC Conference about not supporting the Bush administration Middle East policy. Amongst her opinions were some strange ones about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. For example, she said "The United States was fundamentally mistaken to push for those Palestinian elections in Gaza ... I think that at the time there wasn't anybody that I spoke to in the Palestinian government . . . or the Israeli government who thought those elections were a good idea". Readiness in her mind probably means garuanteed results which the Bush administration and Israel would approve of. Cheney also disapproves of the Bush administration "misguided attempt right now to come to an agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, when I don't believe the Palestinians are ready for such an agreement." The question here is that the Annapolis Summit has exposed to the world Israel's insistance on continuing settlement expansion which makes a viable Palestinian State virtually impossible - so the problem is not the Palestinians but the Israelis.

• Washington Post: McCain's Evangelical Problem, by Robert D. Novak (9 June 2008).
  Republican Presidential candidate John McCain negotiating support between extremist Christian ministers such as James Dodson and John Hagee shows what his stance toward the struggle of the Palestinian people will probably be - with a total lack of respect for international law (for example making the annexations and settlements and separation barrier illegal for example).

• New York Times: Obama’s Comments on Israel Stir Criticism in U.S., by Larry Rohter (7 June 2008).
  This article describes the controversy swirling around Obama's statement to AIPAC in support of an undivided Israeli Jerusalem. Obama supporters rush to clarify that he believes that Jerusalem should remain Israel's capitol but that its final status must be decided by both parties in final status negotiations, which is the long-standing position of most US administrations. But hard-line pro-Israel groups are beginning to express doubt in Obama's sincerity. It is too bad that international law does not enter the debate because Israel's actions toward Jerusalem are illegal - it is illegal to annex occupied territory into your own country.

• Washington Post: Obama Backs Away From Comment on Divided Jerusalem, by Glenn Kessler (6 June 2008).
  This article describes Barack Obama backtracking on his promise he made to AIPAC to support a unified Israeli Jerusalem. We should remind the Post and the Obama campaign that this actually violates international law since half of Jerusalem is occupied Palestinian territory, and cannot be annexed into Israel as Israel has actually done except with the consent of the people who have lived there for millenia. We should also write to the Obama campaign that they have someone on their staff giving very bad advice to Obama - very insensitive, apolitic advice.

• Los Angeles Times: Barack Obama has captivated the world, by Borzou Daraghi (5 June 2008).
  Obama is hugely popular throughout the world largely because he is an African-American who came from nothing to win his party's nomination. But his stance on a united Jerusalem for the Israelis exposes his inexperience because it is such an extreme move out of touch with international law and UN resolution, and the history of the dispute over Jerusalem.

• New York Times: Obama Offers Assurances at Pro-Israel Meeting , by John M. Broder and Michael Powell (5 June 2008).
  This article describes Barack Obama's speech before AIPAC, and contrasts it with statements by Hillary Clinton and John McCain. Sometimes it seems like a contest to see who can talk tougher about Iran. On the other hand, Obama made a huge diplomatic mistake supporting a united Jerusalem under Israel. This is in violation of international law and numerous UN resolutions, and undermines the perspective that the US is a law-abiding nation and an honest broker in the Middle East. We need to remind the US media and the candidates of this fact.

• New York Times: For Parade Celebrating Israel, an Effort to Include Those Closest to It, by Paul Vitello (1 June 2008).
  This article explores the reason why Israelis in America tend not to attend parades in the US honoring Israel. It comes down to a cultural and experiential gap between Israeli Jews and American Jews that is hard to overcome, because the American Jews just do not have the threatened existential experience which the Israeli Jews have gone through.

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Klein, on Israel visit, finds nation's optimism 'amazing', by Robert W. Gee (21 May 2008).
  This article describes the visit to Israel of US Rep. Ron Klein along with 12 other members of a bi-partisan Congressional delegation. Unfortunately these American politicians made no effort to hear the opposing point of view of the Palestinian people.

• Philadelphia Inquirer: The Elephant in the Room: In addressing Israel policy, Obama displays duality, He told a pro-Israeli group the right things in a recent speech. But his acts tell another story., by Rick Santorum ( June 2008).
  This op-ed uses past quotes and associations of Barak Obama to create doubt in the sincerity of his speech before AIPAC earlier this month.

• Philadelphia Inquirer: Worldview: Only Arab moderates can counter Islamists - But events have made them an endangered species in the Middle East., by Trudy Rubin (18 June 2008).
  This op-ed is actually a review of the book, "The Arab Center: The Promise of Moderation", by former Jordanian Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher, which examines the role and fate of the Arab moderates in the various conflicts ranging across the Middle East. Their role is dwindling because of (1) neglect from the West of their "Arab Initiative" for peace in the Palestine/Israel conflict, (2) because they neglected to give equal attention to social problems within the Arab countries which the average Arab is also concerned about, and (3) because of lack of support for moderate leaders from Washington, especially the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas. And because of inability to succeed on any of these fronts, they thus lost prestige and legitimacy in Arab society across the Middle East.

  In addition, the Bush administration further undermined the Arab middle with the Iraq war and when it rejected the results of democratic elections which yielded results the Bush administration did not like. Because of the connection to the Bush administration, this also undermined the Arab middle. These factors also gave many of the non-democratic Arab governments license to then resist democratic reforms within their own countries.

  Mr. Muasher suggests the solution might be for the Arab moderates to focus on internal reforms while the new US President should focus on the Israeli/Palestinian peace process, and thus work together on parallel and complementary processes. He is afraid though that it may be close to too late where Islamic extremism as irreversibly taken over the Middle East.

• San
• Los Angeles Times: L.A. mayor to lead delegation to Israel, by Duke Helfand (28 May 2008).
  This article describes the pending trip to Israel of a delegation of Los Angeles City leaders lead by Mayor Villaraigosa. The goal of the trip is to set up the exchange of ideas and technologies dealing with security and environment. The question that comes to mind - does success in these areas make what Israel is doing to the Palestinian people acceptable?.

• New York Times: U.S. Jews create new lobby to temper Israel policy, by Neil A. Lewis (25 April 2008).
  This article describes the formation of a new pro-Israel lobby which would support more tempered policies such as halting or limitations on settlement building in the West Bank. The article contrasts the size of this venture vs. the massive resources of AIPAC, but notes this group is just starting up. It would be interesting to see if this group supports equal rights within Israel itself.

• Washington Post: "Israelis Claim Secret Agreement With U.S.: Americans Insist No Deal Made on Settlement Growth" (24 April 2008)
  Please send letters to the Washington Post protesting Israeli insistence on continuing to expand their settlements on Palestinian-owned lands. You might also express satisfaction that the Bush administration might finally be seeing what we have been saying all along about Israeli policies - it is nothing but stalling through insincere participation in peace negotiations so that they can continue with their land grabbing for the sake of expanding Israeli-controlled territories. Also note Collin Powell's denial of his part in this agreement as per claims by the Israelis.

• WTOP Radio News: "Morning Podcast" (23 April 2008)
  WTOP Radio News is the most listened to news radio station in the Washington DC region. Thus it is listened to by government officials as they drive to work in the morning. During its early morning rush hour program today, it broadcast a segment about Ben-Ami Kadish, an engineer working with military who was recently arrested for spying on the US military for the State of Israel. The program quoted a US government official as saying that due to repeated cases of Israeli spies being caught and arrested, that maybe the relationship with Israel needs to be reconsidered - that maybe it is not in the best interest of the United States to maintain such a close relationship with a State which continues to disrespect and violate US state secrets.

• New York Times: "Professor in Deadlocked Terrorism Case Could Face a New Indictment" (18 April 2008)
  This article documents further government harassment of Professor Sami al-Arian, who was convicted of one count of supporting terrorism in 2006 in a plea agreement - an agreement which the Bush government is now trying to break..

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Christian Zionists stand firm as friends to Israel, by Christopher Quinn (23 February 2008).
  This article describes the support for Israel of American fundamentalist Christians led by such preachers as John Hagee who follow a theology called "Dispensationalism". The Zionists they support enjoy the support while they ignore the theology which prophesizes an end where the Jews either convert to Christianity or perish.

• 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.

AP Analysis: Iran, US ties still tense, but Obama offer of talks sparks interest
By GEORGE JAHN | Associated Press Writer
8:30 AM CST, February 8, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-eu-us-iran-shaky-start-analysis,0,1407757.story

Analysis: Biden promises foreign policy shifts
By STEVEN R. HURST, The Associated Press
Sunday, February 8, 2009; 5:00 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/08/AR2009020801392.html

US Mideast envoy wants regional office
By MATTHEW LEE, The Associated Press
Tuesday, February 3, 2009; 11:40 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/03/AR2009020300910.html

U.S. promises sustained Middle East peace bid
By Sue Pleming, Reuters
Tuesday, February 3, 2009; 2:03 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/04/AR2009020400774.html

Around the World: MIDDLE EAST - Mitchell Visits U.N. Site
From News Services
Saturday, January 31, 2009; Page A09
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003823.html

US puts up $20 million for Gaza relief
By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer
January 30, 2009 - 10:32 a.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/US_Presidential_Cabinet/US_Palestinians.html?cxntlid=inform_ sr

US makes emergency $20 million contribution for Gaza relief after UN appeal
By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer
9:32 AM CST, January 30, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-us-palestinians,0,4861598.story

U.S. envoy warns of setbacks ahead in Mideast talks
By Adam Entous, Reuters
Friday, January 30, 2009; 3:20 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013000958.html

US puts up $20 million for Gaza relief
By MATTHEW LEE, The Associated Press
Friday, January 30, 2009; 10:32 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013001275.html

U.S. renews Mideast push
By Lee Keath, Associated Press
Thursday, January 29, 2009
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/printedition/2009/01/29/mideast0129.html?cxntlid=inform_sr

Turkey urges Obama to redefine Mideast terrorism
By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer
January 29, 2009 - 7:09 a.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/Middle_East/Davos_Forum_Turkey.html?cxntlid=inform_sr

Turkish PM urges Obama to redefine terrorism in Middle East to move peace talks forward
By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer
6:09 AM CST, January 29, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-davos-forum-turkey,0,5269909.story

Obama envoy meets Palestinian leaders in West Bank
By MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH, The Associated Press
Thursday, January 29, 2009; 2:45 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/29/AR2009012900672.html

U.S. says open Gaza border to choke arms smuggling
By Andrew Hammond, Reuters
Thursday, January 29, 2009; 10:12 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/29/AR2009012900613.html

Turkey urges Obama to redefine Mideast terrorism
By EDITH M. LEDERER, The Associated Press
Thursday, January 29, 2009; 7:09 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/29/AR2009012901084.html

U.S. Mideast envoy says Gaza ceasefire critical
Reporting by Aziz El-Kaissouni; Writing by Cynthia Johnston, Reuters
Wednesday, January 28, 2009; 5:39 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/28/AR2009012800614.html

US envoy urges stronger Gaza truce amid airstrikes
By LEE KEATH, The Associated Press
Wednesday, January 28, 2009; 6:32 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/28/AR2009012801326.html

Clinton says it is up to the Iranians to decide whether to take a less confrontational stance
By ROBERT BURNS, Associated Press Writer
11:45 AM CST, January 27, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-clinton,0,7263285.story

Obama Reaches Out to Muslims in Interview
Associated Press
JANUARY 27, 2009, 12:03 P.M. ET
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123306547275719485.html

Clinton: Iranians Must Choose Whether to Cooperate
By ROBERT BURNS, The Associated Press
Tuesday, January 27, 2009; 12:45 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/27/AR2009012701341.html

Outreach to Muslims starts new path in Mideast
By ROBERT BURNS, The Associated Press
Tuesday, January 27, 2009; 3:55 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/27/AR2009012702115.html

Mullen: Iranian arms probably were bound for Gaza
By ANNE GEARAN, The Associated Press
Tuesday, January 27, 2009; 8:14 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/27/AR2009012702712.html

Obama tells Arabic network US is 'not your enemy'
By PAUL SCHEMM, The Associated Press
Tuesday, January 27, 2009; 2:19 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/27/AR2009012700700.html

Obama says ready to talk to Iran
By Firouz Sedarat and Lin Noueihed, Reuters
Tuesday, January 27, 2009; 2:15 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/27/AR2009012700602.html

U.S. Envoy Predicts 'Direct Diplomacy' With Iran
Associated Press
JANUARY 26, 2009, 7:19 P.M. ET
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123299953235016653.html

Mideast envoy leaving Monday on visit to region
By ROBERT BURNS, The Associated Press
Monday, January 26, 2009; 1:04 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601208.html

U.S. wants direct talks with Iran on atom work: envoy
By Louis Charbonneau, Reuters
Monday, January 26, 2009; 3:17 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601395.html

US envoy predicts 'direct diplomacy' with Iran
By JOHN HEILPRIN, The Associated Press
Monday, January 26, 2009; 2:43 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601396.html

Middle East peace envoy heads to region Monday
By Arshad Mohammed, Reuters
Monday, January 26, 2009; 3:26 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601270.html

Obama gives first TV interview to Arabic network
The Associated Press
Monday, January 26, 2009; 11:58 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012602578.html

Obama says Mideast peace talks should resume
Reuters
Monday, January 26, 2009; 10:24 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012602197.html

Israeli official: Obama envoy going to Middle East
By STEVE WEIZMAN, Associated Press Writer
January 25, 2009 - 4:28 a.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-gen/ap/Middle_East/ML_Israel_US.html?cxntlid=inform_sr

Israeli official says Obama envoy Mitchell to visit Middle East next week
By STEVE WEIZMAN | Associated Press Writer
3:29 AM CST, January 25, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-ml-israel-us,0,784504.story

Israeli official: Obama envoy coming to Mideast
By STEVE WEIZMAN, The Associated Press
Sunday, January 25, 2009; 1:48 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/24/AR2009012400967.html

Obama names Mitchell as Mideast envoy
By Caren Bohan, Reuters
Friday, January 23, 2009; 9:19 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012301311.html

Obama tackles Afghanistan and Mideast conflict
By ROBERT BURNS, The Associated Press
Friday, January 23, 2009; 7:22 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012300541.html

Obama acts fast on Mideast, but substance familiar
By Jonathan Wright - Analysis, Reuters
Friday, January 23, 2009; 8:06 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012301125.html

Analysis: US, Israel could coax Hamas to moderate
By STEVEN GUTKIN, Associated Press Writer
January 22, 2009 - 8:04 a.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/Middle_East/ML_Gaza_Enticing_Hamas_Analysis.html%3Fcxntlid%3 Dinform_artr

Mitchell introduced as Mideast envoy
Associated Press
January 22, 2009 - 3:14 p.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/US_Presidential_Cabinet/Clinton_Mitchell.html?cxntlid=inform _sr

Obama urges Israel, Hamas to keep peace in Gaza
Associated Press
January 22, 2009 - 4:05 p.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/US_President_And_White_House_Advisers/Obama_Gaza.html?cxntli d=inform_sr

Mitchell promises full effort to bring peace, stability to Middle East
By Associated Press
2:14 PM CST, January 22, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-clinton-mitchell,0,2720766.story

Obama urges Israel and Hamas to take steps to ensure Gaza cease-fire will endure
By Associated Press
3:05 PM CST, January 22, 2009
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-obama-gaza,0,741779.story" target="_blank">http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-obama-gaza,0,741779.story

Obama names Mitchell as Mideast envoy
By Caren Bohan, Reuters
Thursday, January 22, 2009; 6:09 PM http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012202318.html" target="_blank">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012202318.html

Obama's whirlwind first day: economy, war and more
By DAVID ESPO, The Associated Press
Thursday, January 22, 2009; 12:27 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012100257.html

Analysis: US, Israel could coax Hamas to moderate
By STEVEN GUTKIN, The Associated Press
Thursday, January 22, 2009; 8:04 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012200337.html

Obama tells Olmert, Abbas he will pursue peace
By Jeffrey Heller, Reuters
Thursday, January 22, 2009; 3:27 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012200326.html

Obama spy choice sees opportunity on Iran, Muslims
By Randall Mikkelsen, Reuters
Thursday, January 22, 2009; 1:14 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012201532.html

Mitchell introduced as Mideast envoy
The Associated Press
Thursday, January 22, 2009; 3:14 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012202326.html

Obama urges Israel, Hamas to keep peace in Gaza
The Associated Press
Thursday, January 22, 2009; 4:05 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012202338.html

Israelis, Palestinians hand Obama first challenge
By MATTI FRIEDMAN, Associated Press Writer
January 21, 2009 - 6:21 a.m. EST
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/Middle_East/ML_Israel_Palestinians_Obama.html?cxntlid=inform _sr

Obama calls Middle East leaders
By BEN FELLER, The Associated Press
Wednesday, January 21, 2009; 1:08 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012101822.html

Israelis, Palestinians hand Obama first challenge
By MATTI FRIEDMAN, The Associated Press
Wednesday, January 21, 2009; 6:21 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012100240.html

Obama tells Olmert, Abbas he will pursue peace
By Jeffrey Heller, Reuters
Wednesday, January 21, 2009; 9:16 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012100307.html

Mitchell eyed for top post in Mideast diplomacy
By BARRY SCHWEID, The Associated Press
Wednesday, January 21, 2009; 6:52 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012102160.html

Arabs and Muslims give Obama benefit of doubt on new way
By Jonathan Wright, Reuters
Wednesday, January 21, 2009; 6:58 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012100848.html

Obama calls Mideast leaders, pledges engagement
Reuters
Wednesday, January 21, 2009; 12:35 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012101820.html

• Chicago Tribune: America's opponents in the Mideast see divine retribution in US's financial meltdown,
  Washington Post: US enemies in Mideast gloat over financial crisis,
  both article-versions by Paul Schemm, Associated Press (11 October 2008).
• Chicago Tribune: Lebanon, US set up joint military commission amid efforts to bolster Lebanese army,
  Washington Post: Lebanon, US set up joint military commission,
  both article-versions by Zeina Karam, Associated Press (6 October 2008).
• Washington Post
  Leading Israelis say they were duped into Obama ad, by Aron Heller, Associated Press (6 October 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel releases 5 prisoners in Hezbollah swap, by Ali Daragmeh, Associated Press (6 August 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Houston Chronicle,
  Miami Herald,
  Philadelphia Inquirer,
  Washington Post:
  Some facts adrift in veep debate, by Calvin Woodward, Associated Press (3 October 2008) - this article describes the inappropriateness of Palin's interest in moving US embassy to Jerusalem, but mentions that many candidates mention this during their campaign but then change viewpoint once in office.
• Chicago Tribune: Immigration officials appeal decision to allow NJ Muslim leader to stay in US,
  Washington Post: US appeals NJ Muslim cleric immigration case,
  both article-versions from the Associated Press (3 October 2008) - government fights to deport radical cleric that US judge had already said was wrong.
• Chicago Tribune
  U.S.-Israel jet deal sought, by Stephen Manning, Associated Press (2 October 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post: NY judge: PLO can't disguise terror as war,
  Chicago Tribune NY judge OKs lawsuit seeking damages from PLO for terror acts in Israel against US citizens,
  both article-versions by Larry Neumeister, Associated Press (30 September 2008) - US judge rules that these PLO attacks cannot qualify as legitimate military operations because they were purposefully aimed at civilians and not at opposing military.
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Israel equips against Iran missiles: U.S. provides advanced radar system, help, by Matti Friedman, Associated Press (29 September 2008).
• Chicago Tribune
  U.S. delivered radar system, Israelis say, Associated Press (29 September 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Israeli officials say US provides advanced radar, by Matti Friedman, Associated Press (28 September 2008).
• Chicago Tribune
  Israeli officials say US provides advanced radar to improve defense against Iranian missiles,
  Both article-versions by Matti Friedman, Associated Press (28 September 2008).
• Washington Post
  U.S. supplies long-range radar to Israel: officials, by Ari Rabinovitch, Reuters (28 September 2008).
• Washington Post
  Rice urges U.N. to address Iran threat to Israel, by Claudia Parsons, Reuters (26 September 2008).
• Chicago Tribune Bush hails reconciliation efforts in Lebanon, expresses hope for deal on Palestinian state,
  Washington Post Bush meets with Middle Eastern leaders,
  both article-versions by Robert Burns, Associated Press (25 September 2008).
• Chicago Tribune
  Muslim group asks for probe of whether 'radical Islam' DVD is a front to help elect McCain, by Eric Gorski, Associated Press (23 September 2008).
• Chicago Tribune
  U.S. pledges $1 billion to Georgia, by Jennifer Loven, Associated Press (4 September 2008).
• Chicago Tribune NJ Muslim leader praised by some feds, accused of terror ties by others wins immigration fight,
  Washington Post Terror claims against NJ Muslim leader rejected,
  both article-versions by Samantha Henry, Associated Press (4 September 2008).
• Washington Post
  Biden's Florida pitch: deeply personal, by Brendan Farrington, Associated Press (3 September 2008) - this article describes Biden's focus on appealing to Jewish voters, including protection for Israel.
• Washington Post
  US poised to announce $1B in aid for Georgia, by Matthew Lee, Associated Press (2 September 2008) - quote from article - "The package, some of which will require congressional approval, will be a substantial U.S. investment in Georgia but is only half the $2 billion a year in assistance Washington provides its closest Mideast ally, Israel."
• Washington Post
  Some charges tossed in case against Muslim charity, by Jeff Carlton, Associated Press (2 September 2008) - defendants accused of funding Hamas when they claimed their monies only went to humanitarian projects in Gaza.
• Chicago Tribune, Palestinians remain squeezed in Iraqi 'homeland' between fear and uncertain future,
  Boston Globe,
  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 Bank of China denies accusations in US lawsuit of aiding terrorists, says it will fight case,
  Washington Post Bank of China denies aiding terrorists,
  both article-versions from Associated Press (27 August 2008) - Israel accuses Chinese Bank of sending money to Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Wiesenthal Center calls for action by Venezuela, Associated Press (14 August 2008) - this article describes efforts by Jewish leaders to sensitize the Venezuelan leader to issues of anti-Semitism. The government recognizes this issue and differentiates it from its criticism of Israeli policies and practices.
• Washington Post
  Religion today, by Greg Bluestein, Associated Press (14 August 2008) - this article describes a controversial program that pays students to learn about Judaism and visit Israel. It is contrasted to other programs that simply provide free trips to Israel.
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Jewish leaders seek improved ties with Chavez, by Rachel Jones, Associated Press (13 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  U.S. revokes Palestinian scholarship students' visas, by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Reuters (5 August 2008).
• Chicago Tribune
  US revokes visas for Palestinian Fulbright scholars from Gaza
  Washington Post:
  US nixes visas for Gaza Fulbrighters
  both articles by Matthew Lee, Associated Press (4 August 2008).
• Washington Post
  Religion today, by Christina Hoag, Associated Press (31 July 2008) - this articles describes the Zionist outreach effort to Latino Catholics and Pentecostals to build support for Israel and fight anti-Semitism amongst those congregations.
• Washington Post: Religious Briefing: Most U.S. Jews Are Wary of Hagee Religion News Service reports (26 July 2008).
  This article describes how most Jews oppose Rev. Hagee, and that those seeking his favor for the money and support he lavishes on Israel, should be wary - such as AIPAC, Senator Lieberman, and other Jewish organizations.
• Washington Post
  Israelis, Palestinians: Mixed feelings about Obama, by Mark Lavie, Associated Press (25 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Obama's pro-Israel stance no surprise to Arabs, by Alistair Lyon, Reuters (24 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Obama visits Jerusalem's Western Wall, Reuters (24 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Obama's West Bank trip raises hope, skepticism, by Karin Laub, Associated Press (23 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Obama assures Israel he's a friend, by Caren Bohan, Reuters (23 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Obama's West Bank trip raises hope, skepticism, by Karin Laub, Associated Press (23 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  The Trail: Evangelical Christians - Lieberman forges ahead, by Michelle Boorstein and Reuters (23 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Obama vows to work for Mideast breakthrough, by David Espo, Associated Press (22 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Analysis: Obama pledges engagement in Mideast, by Barry Schweid, Associated Press (22 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Obama pledges to push Israel-Palestinian peace talks, Reuters (22 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Lieberman Praises Pastor Repudiated by McCain, by Andy Sullivan, Reuters (22 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israelis, Palestinians skeptical about Obama, by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (21 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  Obama to meet with leaders in Mideast, Europe, by David Espo, Associated Press (18 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Olmert's woes raise questions of ties to US Jews, by Matti Friedman, Associated Press (16 July 2008).
• Boston Globe - Campaign Notebook: Obama clarifies view on Jerusalem, Reuters (14 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Washington Post:
  Palestinians: Obama to visit West Bank,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Palestinian official: Obama to visit West Bank during Middle East trip,
  all 3 articles by Amy Teibel, Associated Press (14 July 2008).
• Washington Post
  Obama to visit Israel, West Bank next week, Reuters (14 July 2008).
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune:
  Presbyterians seek balance on Middle East peace, by Eric Gorski, Associated Press (27 June 2008).
  The "balance" now includes support for Palestinian right-of-return.
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
  Chicago Tribune,
  Philadelphia Inquirer,
  San Francisco Chronicle:
  Mich. man: Judge can't be fair because he's Jewish, Associated Press (24 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Adviser denies Obama showed naivete on Jerusalem, by Claudia Parsons, Reuters (17 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Israel lobby critics face campus queries in Israel, by Aron Heller, Associated Press (12 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Fact Check: Obama and the status of Jerusalem, Associated Press (6 June 2008).
• Washington Post
  Facing criticism, Obama modifies Jerusalem stance, Reuters (6 June 2008).