Kerry’s Last-Ditch Effort As Quixotic As Ever

by Mitchell Plitnick On the eve of US Secretary of State John Kerry’s fifth trip of the year to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, little has changed. Despite Kerry’s entreaties not only to both parties but also to Jewish-Americans to… Continue Reading

Europe Urged to Step into Breach of Failed Mideast Peace

by Mitchell Plitnick via IPS News The Oslo peace process has failed and Europe must take stronger leadership in the Middle East, according to a distinguished group of former European leaders that is pushing for a stronger and more independent… Continue Reading

AIPAC Bill Runs Into Unusual Resistance In Congress

by Mitchell Plitnick In an article published in The Hill, Mike Coogan reports that some of the key legislation that emerged from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) 2013 annual policy conference is running into significant difficulties in Congress.… Continue Reading

Israel’s New Cabinet

by Mitchell Plitnick The new Israeli government features a security braintrust that might be a bit more reasonable on Iran, but is likely to be even more hawkish both in the immediate region and within the country itself. Gone are… Continue Reading

After the Holy Land: What Obama Should do Now

by Robert E. Hunter President Barack Obama spent three days in the Near East, a whirlwind visit like a genie from the Arabian Nights, kicking up dust and making his presence felt. But what did he achieve? Two substantive matters… Continue Reading