Jul
23
2003
East Jerusalem- The road map for peace in the Middle East is off to a good start now that the Palestinian militant groups have adhered to their self-declared hudna. More than a month of quite from the Palestinian side has been registered since that truce declaration. But for this hudna or truce to take root and become the basis for successful peace talks, much more work is still needed. While commitment to carry the various clauses of the road map are essential, what is also needed is a strong measure of goodwill in order to win over public support. Continue Reading »
Jul
16
2003
Much has been said of late as to the reason for the internal Palestinian conflict, especially the struggle between Arafat and Abu Mazen. While personality issues should not be discounted from any political struggle, one has to look much deeper in order to understand what lies behind it. Continue Reading »
Jul
07
2003
The recent positive changes on the Palestinian-Israeli front promise the beginnings of a political process that will lead, if President Bush means his words, to a viable Palestinian state in 2005. Clearly the region has lately made an important shift, which requires a review of the past two-and-a-half years. We must learn the lessons of the past and make appropriate adjustments. Continue Reading »