Mahmoud Abbas
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A rocky start for “the deal of the century”

The unveiling of the $50 billion U.S. investment plan to secure peace in the Middle East by improving conditions in the West Bank and Gaza met international skepticism, and virulent opposition from the Palestinian authorities. But for President Donald Trump, solving the conflict none of his predecessors could would gain him the international recognition he craves – and praise from his evangelical Christian base.

Gaza and the Hamas problem
Cut off by their neighbors, the people of the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip suffer from high unemployment, low investment and only sporadic electricity. With Hamas having proven itself dangerous to Egypt, Israel and the Ramallah-based Palestinian government, it is not difficult to see why the sanctions continue. Qatari aid may give ...


Uncertainty ahead for Israeli security in 2016
On the cusp of the new year, looking into 2016 is a daunting task for any Israel analyst trying to gauge what it may bring for the country’s security and foreign relations. From security, to internal politics, to relations with its neighbours and allies, the country faces tremendous uncertainty in ...


Sea-change in Israel’s domestic politics offers Benjamin Netanyahu new options on Iran and Palestine
Domestic politics in Israel was the catalyst for much of the rhetoric over the nuclear threat from Iran. It averted domestic social tensions and downplayed the Palestinian issue. Ongoing negotiations on Iran have taken off much of the pressure for a military operation. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now ...
