In dealing with the Arab-Israeli conflict, there seems to be a major problem in deciding what the time reference is. Listening to the US Secretary of state Colin Powel on Friday one gets the impression that for America, history begins and ends with the last suicide bombing against Israelis. Attacks against civilians anywhere is reprehensible and must be condemned. Continue Reading »

As the world entered the 21 century with the goal of ending occupation, colonization and military rule, it is important to give these goals a practical application and not just lip service.

Today these are the goals of the Palestinian people wishing to end the Israeli occupation of their land and to establish a free Palestinian state. And while US President George W. Bush and his administration publicly support this call, the time has come to implement these universal rights in Palestine. This is the only way to end the present tragedy that has affected so many innocent people. Continue Reading »

One of the more popular Palestinian songs asks travelers where they are going and the answer is Ramallah. This town, built on a hill north of Jerusalem, has always been known as a Palestinian resort. Married couples from various Arab countries used to spend their honeymoon in this city. As a child, I remember fondly our regular visits to this city. Riding the swings in the Ramallah municipal park, renting bikes and eating Rukab’s ice cream, with its distinctive taste, are among the happy memories I have of this town. Continue Reading »

Six-year old Nadeen Khayyat woke up in the middle of the night terrified. Clutching to her grandmother this Palestinian child was petrified that the Israelis will shell her home. I had been staying at the Khayyat home Tuesday night in the center of Ramallah. My house on the edge of Ramallah was deemed by all my friends too dangerous. Continue Reading »