name: Alon Ben-Meir

THE CHILDREN OF OCCUPATION

25 December, 2005

Alon Ben-Meir, December 23, 2005

As I write my final article for the year, I thought it would be appropriate to devote it to the Palestinian children who have grown up under the occupation without ever experiencing the innocence and beauty of childhood. By the time they reach their teens, these children see the world through special glasses--from their perspective, the world is indifferent, harsh, and cruel; one that seems to have abandoned them, a confused world that offers no clarity, no resolution, and no escape. Robbed of their youth, they feel deprived, resentful, and filled with anxiety mixed with a constant nagging pain. But on the verge of 2006, the painful reality of their lives may be about to change, as the changing situation now offers hope that not only the souls of these young may be freed from the burden of occupation, but that Israelis too will free themselves from the shackles of occupiers, permitting Israel to regain the high moral ground.

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Palestinian Center For Public Opinion - Poll No. 146

15 December, 2005

Due to the fact that the Palestinian parliamentary elections will be held on January 25, 2006, I thought you might find the following poll rather interesting. Dr. Nabil Kukali is the Head of the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion. He has provided most relevant, credible and useful insight into the Palestinian sentiments. It is with pleasure that I share with you his most recent Palestinian poll. (More)

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BUT-FOR SELF-PRESERVATION

13 December, 2005

Alon Ben-Meir—December 12, 2005

I have just returned from a week-long trip to Israel and Palestine during which I met with many Israeli and Palestinian officials, intellectuals, and ordinary people. This article is the second in a series of articles written with the hope of shedding some new light on many conflicting issues at a time when revolutionary changes are sweeping the political landscape in both societies.

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Posted by abenmeir 18:13 | General | Comment(1) | Permalink

Dr. Nabil Kukali's Latest Palestinian Poll

10 December, 2005

This poll aims at probing the affinities, directions and inclinations of the Palestinian people for the continuation of the peace process with Israel, their attitude towards the conclusion of the accord for opening of Rafah border crossing in the presence of US Secretary of State, Mrs. Condoleezza Rice and the representatives of the European Community, the elections of the Palestinian Legislative Council scheduled January 2006, the leaderships of the Palestinian parties, the popularity of the political parties and factions and the opinion of the Palestinians about the fairness and impartiality of the Central Elections Committee. This poll has been fully financed by PCPO own resources.

Please feel quite free to contact us immediately if you have any questions or inquiry on any issue of this poll.

With our good wishes and best regards,

Dr. Nabil Kukali

Director of PCPO (More)

Posted by abenmeir 16:56 | General | Comment(0) | Permalink

Abbas's Fateful Hour

10 December, 2005

Alon Ben-Meir—December 5, 2005

I have just returned from a week-long trip to Israel and Palestine during which I met with many Israeli and Palestinian officials, intellectuals, and ordinary people. This article is the first in a series of articles written with the hope of shedding some new light on many conflicting issues at a time when revolutionary changes are sweeping the political landscape in both societies.

Perhaps more than at any other time in his decades-long struggle for the cause of his people, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas faces a fateful and historic hour. The question is whether he will rise to the occasion, seize the moment, and lift his people up or allow this – perhaps his last – chance for peace to slip away. To achieve his ultimate goal of a two-state solution, Mr. Abbas must develop his domestic socioeconomic agenda, earnestly tackling the multiple problems that have plagued the Palestinian society.

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Posted by abenmeir 16:49 | General | Comment(0) | Permalink