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I have been through there a couple of times, and that’s enough. It’s disgusting and degrading, even having an Australian passport doesn’t stop the dirty looks and ritualized humiliation.But let a Palestinian speak for her frequent experience.
Qalandiya’s Horrors By Joharah Baker for MIFTAH
December 23, 2009
Anyone who knows me knows how much I hate to cross Qalandiya checkpoint.

In October 2009, Geneva Initiative commissioned a public opinion poll on a representative sample of the Israeli public regarding the peace process and the current government’s performance.
With respect to the Geneva Initiative, the majority of the Israeli public (56%) supports an endgame agreement along the Geneva Accord principles; however, as in the past the majority of Israelis (55%) does not believe that such an agreement is possible.
It is important to remember that the Geneva Initiative is the result of work by both Palestinians and Israelis committed to a middle way–no ifs, no buts, but coming to an agreement.
The summary of the accords includes:
Accord principles:
* End of conflict. End of all claims.
* Mutual recognition of Israeli and Palestinian right to two separate states.
* A final, agreed upon border.
* A comprehensive solution to the refugee problem.
* Large settlement blocks and most of the settlers are annexed to Israel, as part of a 1:1 land swap.
* Recognition of the Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and recognition of the Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
* A demilitarized Palestinian state.
* A comprehensive and complete Palestinian commitment to fighting terrorism and incitement.
* An international verification group to oversee implementation.
Description
The Geneva Accord is a model permanent status agreement between the State of Israel and the State of Palestine.
The accord presents a comprehensive and unequivocal solution to all issues vital to ensuring the end of the conflict. Adopting the agreement and implementing it would bring about a solution to the historical conflict, a new chapter in Israeli-Palestinian relations, and, most importantly, the realization of the national visions of both parties. The extensive documentation that has been developed is necessary reading. The ideas in the documents allow us to rise beyond the day to day fray and avoidance tactics, to look to a solution.

Vanessa Redgrave, no shrinking violent in her opposition to Israeli policies, has made clear her opposition to cultural boycotts. She must have realised that this step would set loose the cat amongst the pigeons.
[and a point of historical correction to the letter–Tel Aviv was builton sand dunes purchased from local beduin].
The text: see http://www.nybooks.com/articles/23192

Over the past year, a new organisation called J Street has stormed Washington with the help of a number of young enthusiasts, some liberal-minded philanthropists, and contemporary web 2.0 connecting and lobbying. J Street has shocked the Jewish establishment (AIPAC, the ADL) by being invited to meet Obama, and being heard by Cabinet secretaries and officials. Traub’s article agitated AIPAC so much that the Times had to issue a ‘clarification’, stating AIPAC’s views were not sought for the article.

It’s a question that often comes up in comparison to a country like Israel, where, at least for its Jewish citizens, and to different degrees, its Arab citizens. democractic processes are vigorous, if often challenged.
But other than newspaper reports, it is hard to find extensive material in English about the state of affairs in the diverse Arabic-speaking world.

I saw a program about Yehudi Menuhin on TV, and in the course of looking up some bio facts about him, I cam across this wonderful quote from 18 years ago when he gave a speech to the Knesset after being awarded an Israeli Prize. Speaking of the occuption, he said–

I saw a program about Yehudi Menuhin on TV, and in the course of looking up some bio facts about him, I cam across this wonderful quote from 18 years ago when he gave a speech to the Knesset after being awarded an Israeli Prize. Speaking of the occuption, he said–

Today’s Sydney Morning Herald (23 Sept 2009) has an interesting op-ed piece by Middle East correspondent Jason Koutsoukis. But it doesn’t appear in the Melbourne Age, which is a great pity.
He notes:
” Last Friday, according to Jewish New Year’s tradition, Barak gave an interview to Israel’s biggest selling newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
Instead of the usual palaver about the threats facing Israel, Barak surprised his questioners with this frank admission.
“Iran does not pose an existential threat to Israel,” said Barak.”