Causes of Conflict

Jerusalem Still The Stumbling Block

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:02:56 -0400

Despite other reasons often given, Jerusalem remains central to resolution of Mid-East conflictAccording to Ahmad Qurei, the veteran Mid-East negotiator and former Palestinian prime minister, Jerusalem remains the issue that will not go away and without its resolution peace will not come. This has been a consistent theme in Vision's coverage of the more than one century-long conflict. In a Vision interview, Qurei (Abu Ala) made it clear that the Jerusalem Question is the sine qua non.

Palestinian Leader Opens Door To Talks with Hamas

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:12:33 -0400

Mahmoud Abbas proposes course that may cause Israel to break off peace discussionsThe New York Times carried a report today about Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas's suggestion that talks begin with nemesis Hamas. Clearly frustrated by Israel's continued construction activity in East Jerusalem, the PA president said that if talks succeeded with his rivals, he would call new Palestinian elections.

Tony Blair Reviews Mid-East Situation

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:47:34 -0400

Quartet envoy speaks to British MPs about his role and the current situation

Former prime minister Tony Blair returned to the Palace of Westminster today to answer questions before a select committee in his role as Mid-East envoy.

The salient points included his observation that "[the] humanitarian situation [in Gaza] is dreadful." He also commented on joint Israeli-Palestinian industrial projects, the distance between Hamas and the Israel government, and water rights as part of a settlement, especially in the Jordan valley. He noted that the Middle East is far more important than he realized as prime minister and that it must become a central focus for the next US president. Whoever that will be will need to consider the 60-year history of the Israeli state.

Causes of Conflict

Jerusalem Still The Stumbling Block

Palestinian Leader Opens Door To Talks with Hamas

Tony Blair Reviews Mid-East Situation

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