(This was published in May 31st, 2010)

By Daoud Kuttab

The Israeli violent attacks against the “Freedom Flotilla,” an international humanitarian mission to Gaza, reveals Israel’s attempts to solve their problems militarily irrespective of world opinion.

Even without a comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, any effort in this direction can’t be done with only the military option in mind. By attempting to solve all its problems using military might, the Israelis are sending a number of highly troublesome signals. Continue Reading »

(This was published in May 27th, 2010)

By Daoud Kuttab

The Palestinian Authority is going ahead with plans to hold municipal elections on July 17. The elections are taking place despite the fact that the de facto government in Gaza has refused to accommodate them in areas under its control. Hamas has also said that it is calling on its West Bank supporters not to participate in the coming elections. The movement, which has yet to agree to the Egypt-sponsored reconciliation plan, says that elections of any kind (municipal, parliamentary or presidential) should only take place after Palestinians are unified. Continue Reading »

(This was published in May 20th, 2010)

By Daoud Kuttab

My eldest daughter, Tamara, who studied and worked in the US, finally got her own Israeli-issued residency ID for Jerusalem. It took her seven years to accomplish this feat despite the fact that she was born and raised in Jerusalem to parents holding Jerusalem residency. What would normally be a routine act is a major hurdle for Palestinians, especially those who reside in Jerusalem. Continue Reading »

(This was published in May 14th, 2010)

By Daoud Kuttab

As Israeli-Palestinian proximity or indirect negotiations are scheduled to begin soon, it will be a short time before we find out if this time around talks have any better chance of success than before. For sure the US is exerting strong pressure on both sides to come up with serious positions. There is no need to talk for the sake of talking, what is needed is political will. This seems to be almost totally absent. More importantly, what is the Obama Administration’s plan B in case the present phase, with a ceiling of four months, fails to produce any breakthroughs? Continue Reading »

(This was published in May 10th, 2010)

By Daoud Kuttab

RAMALLAH – Something is happening with the Middle East conflict, but it is hard to say what. A breakthrough appears to be at hand, though all the parties still seem to be clinging to their traditional positions. The Arab League gave the go-ahead to indirect Palestinian-Israeli talks, and the various Palestinian leadership forums have approved the resumption of talks. Even the usually boisterous Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat has toned down his rhetoric, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas gave an optimistic interview to Israel TV. Continue Reading »

(This was published in May 7th, 2010)

By Daoud Kuttab

If ever there was a statement that reflected the true position of Palestinian negotiators and Arab leaders, it was the one made by the Qatari prime minister, Hamad Ben Jasem Al Thani. The statement, made after the Arab follow-up committee gave the PLO the green light to resume indirect negotiations, reflects a pessimistic outlook of peace.
“We don’t trust Israel, but we find positive indications on the part of the US mediator,” said the Qatari premier, who is also his country’s foreign minister. Continue Reading »

(This was published in May 5th, 2010)

By Daoud Kuttab

The US is the only world power that can help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace. Few dispute the unique American standing. For the US to be able to help shepherd a serious peace process, America’s trust towards the leaders of both parties in the conflict is critical. Continue Reading »