Richard Silverstein

Ex-Shin Bet Directors ‘Stick It’ To Netanyahu in Movie

Ex-Shin Bet Directors ‘Stick It’ To Netanyahu in Movie

RICHARD SILVERSTEIN: When in office they’re ramrod straight security hawks but once they leave they suddenly become ‘seers’. But the criticism is unusual in its vehemence

 Tabsir

For ‘Tribal Areas’ Read ‘Wild West’: Myth and Reality

For ‘Tribal Areas’ Read ‘Wild West’: Myth and Reality

KHALED FATTAH, TABSIR: There is a lazy shorthand in much Western reporting on the Middle East, particularly when it comes to describing the influence of tribes

 Mondoweiss

Omar’s Treasured Bike: A Story of Gaza’s Children

Omar’s Treasured Bike: A Story of Gaza’s Children

MONDOWEISS: The human cost of Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza strip is amply demonstrated by the story of how one family endured it.

 Juan Cole

The Ten ‘To Dos’ That Will Guarantee Gaza Ceasefire

The Ten ‘To Dos’ That Will Guarantee Gaza Ceasefire

JUAN COLE: Achieving a ceasefire is significant but if it’s to remain in place all parties must use the gap in hostilities to secure real progress.

 Jonathan Cook

The Interview That Spoke Volumes About Gaza Attack

The Interview That Spoke Volumes About Gaza Attack

JONATHAN COOK: CNN was determined to follow the script of ‘equivelance’ when broadcasting an interview with a Gazan and an Israeli. Events took over, though.

 mai abdul rahman

‘Ethical Code of the Hunter’: Not Applicable To Gaza

‘Ethical Code of the Hunter’: Not Applicable To Gaza

MAI ABDUL RAHMAN: There are so many agendas at play in Gaza today but one of them undeniably is the opportunity to showcase – and sell – weapons.

 Mondoweiss

‘Reprehensible’ Media Coverage of Gaza Attack

‘Reprehensible’ Media Coverage of Gaza Attack

MONDOWEISS: The coverage of the Gaza attack by mainstream media has invoked the outrage of leading academics and commentators on Middle East affairs

 Mich Cafe

The ‘Immortal Olive Tree’: Part of Every Palestinian

The ‘Immortal Olive Tree’: Part of Every Palestinian

MICH CAFE: More than 7,500 olive trees belonging to Palestinians were damaged or destroyed last year by Israeli settlers. A well-thought through assault

 Juan Cole

Every Day is ‘Sandy Day’ For Gaza’s Citizens

Every Day is ‘Sandy Day’ For Gaza’s Citizens

JUAN COLE: The evacuation of a hospital in the face of ‘Superstorm Sandy’ drew understandably heartfelt headlines. But this is a daily reality for Gaza hospital patients.

 James M. Dorsey

Arab World Puts Palestine on Backburner: Not for Long

Arab World Puts Palestine on Backburner: Not for Long

JAMES M. DORSEY: Many Arab countries are now preoccupied with their own internal issues which has seen Palestine slip down the agenda.

 Jonathan Cook

How Israel Starves Gaza: The Facts Revealed

How Israel Starves Gaza: The Facts Revealed

JONATHAN COOK: Evidence has recently emerged of the programme that Israel initiated to manufacture further Palestinian despair.

 Mondoweiss

The Demographic Timebomb of Palestinians in Israel

The Demographic Timebomb of Palestinians in Israel

SAM BAHOUR, MONDOWEISS: While the world’s attention is focused on Gaza and the West Bank Palestinian citizens of Israel present unique issues.

 James M. Dorsey

Palestinian Footballer Relives Horror of Detention

Palestinian Footballer Relives Horror of Detention

ANDREA LUCHETTA: Mahmoud Al Sarsak’s detention became an international cause celebre. He has recounted his experience in Israeli jail

 James M. Dorsey

Defensive Blunder: Hamas’ Football Boycott Call

Defensive Blunder: Hamas’ Football Boycott Call

JAMES M. DORSEY: Palestinians of all ages are huge fans of the Spanish football giants Barcelona FC. When Hamas called for a boycott of their match this week it fell on deaf ears.

 Juan Cole

A Brief Middle East History Lesson for Mitt Romney

A Brief Middle East History Lesson for Mitt Romney

JUAN COLE: The Presidential candidate appears to be entirely clueless about the recent history of US involvement in the region. Heres’ some help.

 Mondoweiss

‘A Bit Dangerous?’: My Plan to Meet Drone Victims

‘A Bit Dangerous?’: My Plan to Meet Drone Victims

PAM BAILEY, MONDOWEISS: When I inform my friends that I’m heading to Waziristan to find out about the reality of drone attacks they’re rather concerned

 Mondoweiss

Is Rachel Corrie the ‘Anne Frank’ Of Our Time?

Is Rachel Corrie the ‘Anne Frank’ Of Our Time?

JENNIFER LOEWENSTEIN, MONDOWEISS: Both individuals wrote diaries about their experience of oppression. Only one, however, is globally celebrated.

 Juan Cole

‘Diplomatic Ruin’, ‘International Isolation’: Peres Has Enough

‘Diplomatic Ruin’, ‘International Isolation’: Peres Has Enough

JUAN COLE: Netanyahu and Barak were intent on boxing Obama into a corner. But the wily octogenarian, Shimon Peres, has stepped in.

 Common Ground News Service

Hunger Strike Success: Victory for Non-Violence

Hunger Strike Success: Victory for Non-Violence

DAWOUD ABU LEDDEH, CGNEWS: The recent hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners marked a sea-change in opposition to occupation.

 Common Ground News Service

Three Steps to a ‘New Israel’: It Can Be Done

Three Steps to a ‘New Israel’: It Can Be Done

BEN LYNFIELD, CGNEWS: Gershom Gorenberg, an Israeli historian, spells out how Israel can re-invent itself as a liberal democracy