Archive for November, 2011
by James M. Wall In the words of Ha’aretz publisher Amos Schochken, Gush Emunim has seized control of power in Israel and driven the state into a “flagrantly undemocratic situation.” How was it possible for this much power to be seized by “a right-wing ultranationalist, religio-political revitalization movement”, as it is described in Israel: A Country Study? Gush Emunim was […]
Filed under: Media, Middle East, Religious Faith | 12 Comments
by James M. Wall In a rare public statement about a US political figure, AIPAC had this to say about the legacy of Dennis Ross: “In his tireless pursuit of Middle East peace, Ambassador Ross has maintained a deep understanding of the strategic value of the U.S.-Israel relationship and has worked vigorously to prevent Iran […]
Filed under: Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, Obama | 7 Comments
by James M. Wall After working for five US presidents, Dennis Ross has resigned his position as President Obama’s chief Middle East advisor. Presidents Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Bush II and Obama, all arrived at the White House determined to recast the nation’s role in finding a permanent peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Sometimes immediately, […]
Filed under: Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, Obama, Politics and Elections, The Human Condition | 18 Comments
by James M. Wall In 1963, temporarily banned from American television for his “radical” views, Pete Seeger toured Australia. On a stage in Melbourne, he introduced a new song by a then 23-year old Tom Paxton. The lyrics began: What did you learn in school today, dear little boy of mine? I learned that Washington […]
Filed under: Media, Middle East Politics, Politics and Elections, United Nations | 13 Comments
by James M. Wall To mounting excitement and wild applause, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), voted 107-14 with 52 abstentions, to approve full Palestinian membership in the international body. The vote came on Monday. Fully aware that the negotiations track pushed by the US and Israel does nothing but enhance Israel’s […]
Filed under: Middle East, Middle East Politics, United Nations | 19 Comments
