Obama goes big in the Middle East

The US-Russia agreement on Syria’s chemical weapons, a possible nuclear deal with Iran, and Israeli-Palestinian peace talks are all signs that the Obama administration may be charting a new course in the region.

Palestine

Palestine-Israel talks are a road without a map

A freeze on settlements and recognition that the West Bank is occupied territory is necessary to turn the talks into true negotiations.

Palestine

Hamas' new spokeswoman to break misperceptions

Hamas has appointed its first female English-language spokesperson partly to end the stereotype of the organization as an oppressor of women.

Palestine

Expectations low for Gaza Tamarod protest

Hamas and political analysts do not expect significant demonstrations on Nov. 11 as Tamarod tones down its rhetoric ahead of the protest.

Palestine

Levant Christians consider threats to their communities

During a gathering of Christian representatives from various Near East countries in Beirut, participants were divided when it came to determining their main enemy and strategies for the future.

Yemen

Hamas reconciles with Gaza Salafists

After years of tension, Hamas has reached an understanding with local Salafists that will allow them limited activity if they cease conducting operations independent of Gaza's armed factions.

Palestine

The tragedy of Palestinian revisionism

The author responds to Linah Alsaafin, who called Acre a “city in northern Palestine.”

Palestine

Kerry's Palestinian economic plan another dead end?

The details and process for US Secretary of State John Kerry's $4 billion economic plan to date are discouraging.

Palestine

Playing Umm Kulthoum for Israelis

Sami Khsheibun, creator of the “Queen of the Nile” — a tribute concert to Egyptian singer Umm Kulthoum — is building musical bridges between the worlds of oriental classical music and Western classical.

Palestine

Prisoner-settlement exchange means no free lunch

Negotiations are slated to last nine months, but if by the end of the year no progress is made, the Obama administration will present an American final status agreement draft.

Palestine

How Netanyahu pushed Erekat into a corner

The resignation of Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat reflects the disappointment within Palestinian public opinion following Israel's decision to continue settlement construction.

Palestine

Black Palestinians shrug off racism

Racist taunts toward Gaza’s African minority are not uncommon, despite centurieslong African migration to Palestine.

Palestine