Articles

Interpreting the Middle East for North Americans—
Interpreting North America for the Middle East

The U.S., Iraq, and the Israeli Occupation of Palestine

7 Why President Obama Will Have a Hard Time Changing U.S. Middle East Policy—Rachelle Marshall

10 Leaping Into the Crocodile Cage—James G. Abourezk

12 Analysts Question Timing of Syria Raid—Ali Gharib

13 The Myth of the Border and the Reality of the Massacre—Ahmed Salkini

14 Gaza's Blackening Beaches—Mohammed Omer

15 Acre, a "Model City of Harmony," Overcome by Hatred—Jonathan Cook

16 A Fragile Existence: Continuing Insecurity for Palestinians in Lebanon—Isabelle Humphries

18 From Baghdad to Washington, DC: An Asylum Seeker's Story—Dr. Salam Al-Iraqi

19 Enough Joe the Plumber; Here's to Kareem the Soldier—Nancy A. Youssef

20 Taliban Encroach on Kabul as Talks Begin—Zach Warren

22 One Last Effort to Undermine Faith, Hope and Charity in the Middle East—Delinda C. Hanley

24 "Bab Al Harra," Gaza's Ramadan Addiction—Mohammed Omer

26 In Search of the Elusive Israeli Peace Partner—Samah Jabr

28 Neocons, Ex-Israeli Diplomats Push Islamophobic "Obsession" Video—Ali Gharib and Eli Clifton

30 Congress Fails to Pass New Iran Sanctions Bill, But May Try Again—Shirl McArthur

32 Ahmadinejad and the U.S. Media—Two Views—Nina Hamedani, Peter Tatchell

42 Letter From Shebaa—Habib Battah

57 Project Hope: Supporting—and Learning From—Community-Based Initiatives—Jane Adas

Special Reports

36 Winners and Losers in the Biennial Contest for Security Council's Rotating Seats—Ian Williams

38 Fair Israeli-Palestinian Peace Deal Seen as More Likely With Tzipi Livni—Lucy Jones

40 Gradual Steps Forward for Migrant Workers in the Middle East—John Gee

46 Economic Woes, Security and Political Concerns Continue to Plague Pakistan—M.M. Ali

55 In Memoriam: Alfred M. Lilienthal (1913-2008): A Prophetic Jewish Voice Is Stilled—Allan C. Brownfeld

77 'Tis the Season for Charitable Giving: A Washington Report Compendium—Compiled by Matt Horton

Departments

5 Letters to the Editor

48 New York City and Tri-State News: Danny Rubenstein Discusses "Keeping the Two-State Solution Alive"—Jane Adas

50 Southern California Chronicle: Robert Fisk on Reporting "From the Viewpoint Of the Victim"—Pat and Samir Twair

52 Northern California Chronicle: Axis of Friendship Festival Calls for Peace, Not a War Against Iran—Elaine Pasquini

54 Israel and Judaism: The Long—and Largely Untold—History of Jewish Opposition to Zionism—Allan C. Brownfeld

58 Arab-American Activism:

Bringing Arab-American Culture To the Nation's Capital
"The Courage to Persist, the Will to Build" Is Theme for ATFP Gala
Obama Favored by Arab Americans
Obama's Lead With Arab Americans Almost Doubled

60 Human Rights:

ANERA Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Interfaith Prayer Service
Next Wave for Free Gaza Movement
Aloha Palestine Launched
Noah Merrill Speaks in Des Moines On the Plight of Iraqi Refugees

63 Music & Arts:

Yo-Yo Ma Rumi Concert at Hollywood Bowl
Palestinian Evangelical Pastor Discusses Family History

64 Muslim-American Activism:

Iran's Interests Section Hosts Interfaith Iftar
Empire State Building Lit for Eid-ul-Fitr
Shura Council Hosts Iftar
Dearborn Screens Obsession

66 Waging Peace:

Paul Findley Feted at Gala CNIF Dinner
Ray McGovern on the USS Liberty
Rev. Stephen Sizer Speaking on Christian Zionism in Florida
One State or Two?
Dr. Muasher Calls For Diverse, Pluralistic Arab Society
Digging It: Archeology in Egypt
Frida Berrigan Speaks in Des Moines
Author Tariq Ali Warns Against U.S. Actions in Pakistan
Third Annual Des Moines Peace Fair Features Diversity