Juan Cole

Israel’s ‘Journey to the Right’ Is Set To Continue

Israel’s ‘Journey to the Right’ Is Set To Continue

KIRK BEATTIE, INFORMED COMMENT: The ultimate Middle East nightmare – a small group of religious extremists in charge of nuclear weapons could happen soon – in Israel.

 Jonathan Cook

‘No Christmas, New Year Parties. Jewish Symbols Only’

‘No Christmas, New Year Parties. Jewish Symbols Only’

JONATHAN COOK: A heavy hand is being applied to those hotels and hostelries in Nazareth that seek to make Christian residents and visitors welcome

 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.

 Common Ground News Service

‘Cooking For Peace’: Discovering Shared Values

DAVID AMITAI, CGNEWS: In the fevered environment that exists between Palestinians and Jews finding ways to encourage dialogue requires creativity.

 Jonathan Cook

Nazareth Machinations: The Long Game to “Jews Only”

Nazareth Machinations: The Long Game to “Jews Only”

JONATHAN COOK: … Expropriations would become a staple of life over the next three decades as more than 70 per cent of the land belonging to Palestinians was nationalized

 James M. Dorsey

Hooligans Are ‘Terrorists’, Player’s A ‘Traitor’

Hooligans Are ‘Terrorists’, Player’s A ‘Traitor’

JAMES M. DORSEY: The drama off the pitch surpasses anything on it at the moment in Israeli soccer.

 Juan Cole

Israel in Race With Time: ‘Give Peace a Chance?’

Israel in Race With Time: ‘Give Peace a Chance?’

JUAN COLE: The maths speaks for itself – a country of 7.5 million people is surrounded by 400 others with whom it seems to be at constant odds.

 Mondoweiss

Israel Continues Plans to Cut West Bank in Two With New National Park Land Grab

Israel Continues Plans to Cut West Bank in Two With New National Park Land Grab

MONDOWEISS, ALLISON DEGER: 35% of East Jerusalem is now set aside as a nature reserve. These areas were at one time under Palestinian control.

 Steve Royston

Is Levant ‘Human Rainforest’ To Become ‘Desert’?

Is Levant ‘Human Rainforest’ To Become ‘Desert’?

STEVE ROYSTON: The diversity of faiths, races and cultures in the Levant is one of its great strengths but this diversity is under threat.

 Steve Royston

Jerusalem Postcard: Tears, Trinkets, Traffic

Jerusalem Postcard: Tears, Trinkets, Traffic

STEVE ROYSTON: “When we enter Jerusalem, you will be surrounded by people who will try to take your money. I know these people…”

 Common Ground News Service

How a Singing Competition Changes Perceptions

How a Singing Competition Changes Perceptions

RUTH EGLASH, CGNEWS: It’s become an instant sensation across the Arab world so it was time, in spite of my concerns, to experience ‘New Star’ first hand.

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

The Top 100 – and Five – Arabic Novels

The Top 100 – and Five – Arabic Novels

M. LYNX-QUALEY: The Arab Writers Union has listed the Top 100 Arabic novels. Puzzling, annoying, lists such as this are nevertheless fun.

 James M. Dorsey

Palestinian Emerges as Israeli Soccer Star

Palestinian Emerges as Israeli Soccer Star

JAMES M. DORSEY: Soccer is the one of the few things that lets Palestinians and Israelis at times look beyond their daily confrontations.