Almost one year after Ariel Sharon’s controversial visit to Al Aqsa Mosque, the Al Aqsa Intifada and the Israeli military campaign against the Palestinian people seems to be over. Neither side can claim victory, as the tragedy in America and the consequent US pressures seems to have relieved either side from saying uncle first. As the Gulf War put an end to the first initfada, the terrorist attack in New York and Washington, and the expected US retaliation within an international coalition, seems to be the key trigger for the end of the Second Intifada. Continue Reading »

Jerusalem-AMIN– There was little time wasted between the announcement of the bombings in America and the focus of world attention on Palestinians and Israelis. The speedy and unambiguous denouncement by top Palestinian leaders including President Arafat to the terrorism in America did little to shift attention and blame away from the Middle East. The Israelis lined up their officials and experts ready to provide a hungry American TV audience with clear conclusions, immediately linking the bombings to this region and giving advice to Americans how they should deal with this problem. The Israelis tried to solicit as much sympathy for their plight, prejudging the motives and linking themselves with the Americans as partners in the fight against “Islamic terror.” Continue Reading »

My personal assistant Jumana was in tears. Her husband Nadim has been pressing her to quit her job and try with us in Ramallah and apply for another job in Jerusalem. The reason is simple. Her daily trip from Jerusalem’s Beit Hanina neighborhood to Ramallah and back has become a nightmare. She was upset because she didn’t want to leave a job she liked with colleagues and friends just because of the Israeli check post. But she knew deep inside that her husband was right. The difficulty of movement for Palestinians has become unbearable and there are no signs that it will get better. Continue Reading »