Contrary to the world's assertion that Israel is responsible for failure of the two-state solution, Khaled Abu Toameh reports that the reality inside the Palestinian territories is a no-state solution. Abbas's own party is split in half, defecting to Hamas, and most Palestinians want him to go. As a result, there is no functional government to lead an independent Palestinian state.
Over the next week, and for the first time since the Second World War, no US Navy aircraft carriers will be carrying out missions - anyplace, including the Middle East. According to the US, thousands of Marines on board different American ships are prepared to respond to any threat that might surface.
Recognizing the new superpower in the Middle East, Israel continues close coordination of its unstated affairs in the Middle East. Meanwhile, as the Obama administration lashes out at Netanyahu in its final days, Donald Trump may be inviting Netanyahu to to his inauguration as the 45th President of the United States.
Calling Israel an occupier or "the occupation" rolls off tongues throughout the world. For many, even among those who stand with Israel, it has become a given - an unexamined assumption or presupposition. In fact, it is not true.
In addition to being way too long, John Kerry's speech was like a casserole of old ideas smothered in anecdotes and seasoned with patronizing smugness. The Swiss cheese toping was original, however. After surviving an hour and seventeen minutes of sermonizing tedium, Seth Frantzman and Brian Schrauger offer these ten takeaways.
While the US and the West have focused recent attention on condemning Israel, Russia's President Putin has been a busy boy. He has announced a peace process that might stop, if not resolve, the civil war in Syria. Elevating Russia's standing in the Middle East, it is a process in which the US and the West are excluded.
How has Israel replied to eight years of US arguments under the Obama administration? Now we know. Responding to John Kerry's shower of words explaining those arguments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they are "almost as unbalanced as the anti-Israel resolution passed at the UN last week." This is the complete transcript and video record of Netanyahu's 13 minute reply to yesterday's 73 minute speech by the US Secretary of State.
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Mostly behind closed doors and for eight years, the US Obama administration has relentlessly argued its solution to peace between Israel and the Palestinians. What are those arguments? Now we know. In almost 10,000 words, US Secretary of State John Kerry, revealed everything on 28 December 2016. This is a complete copy, and video record, of his words. Its official title, notably, is "Remarks on Middle East Peace."
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In reaction to UN Security Council Resolution 2334, Benjamin Netanyahu has decided it is time to implement a different kind of response. Call it his Genesis Policy. In essence, he has announced that those who stand with Israel will share in the blessings of Israel. Those who don't, won't.
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After the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2334 last Friday, 23 December 2016, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon addressed the entire Council. Speaking plainly and with remarkable clarity, this is a video record and transcipt of what he said.
