Wake Me Up When September Ends Posted by David Shorr

Given the long-looming specter of "September" -- by now a clichéd codeword for the Palestinian push for UN recognition and its ramifications for Middle East peace -- I was grateful for an invitation to join an AIPAC-organized delegation of policy experts for a visit Israel this month. As it turned out, Palestinian issues and the upcoming UN meeting were hardly the only grist for discussion. Other open questions for Israel's future include (in order of prominence during our visit last week):

• Relations with Egypt - where a late-night phone call from President Obama prompted an Egyptian commando operation to rescue Israeli staff trapped in their embassy by a violent mob
• Relations with Turkey - where the Erdogan government threw Israel's ambassador out of the country
• The Iranian nuclear threat - naturally
• The popular uprising against Syrian dictator Bashar Assad
• Recent domestic protests over social and economic conditions within Israel itself

This is only my first post based on the trip, but with world leaders descending on New York for the global debate on Palestinian statehood UN General Assembly general debate, that's a fine place to start. Various motives and aims have been ascribed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, but the essential thrust of his initiative is to pursue an alternate venue to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. It's fair to say the Palestinian leader is forum shopping, but not in the usual sense that forum shoppers maneuver for advantage. From his perspective, he's been a captive customer at the company store, and it hasn't been a very good deal for him. Just to press the analogy as far as possible, it doesn't matter to Abu Mazen that he can't actually obtain statehood from another outlet; he's a thoroughly dissatisfied Peace Process customer. (For an outline of the underlying calculation, Bernard Avishai recommends this paper from the Palestine Strategy Group.)

Given that this raises pointed questions about a negotiated path to a two-state solution, take a look at the excellent ForeignPolicy.com "Think Again" piece on the two-state solution by our own Michael Cohen. It is interesting to compare the assessment from Michael's recent visit to the region with what our group heard. To begin with, the West Bank's current relatively stable conditions mean that the outcome at the UN shouldn't be viewed as a simple non-zero dynamic for Israel. As one Israeli expert told our group, decisive success by the Palestinian Authority at the UN would be bad for Israel's interests, and decisive PA failure in New York would be bad for Israel's interests. In other words, Israel would hardly benefit from Abu Mazen's loss of credibility or political strength. (For a clue to the political stakes for Abbas, see Hamas' vehement opposition to his UN initiative.) 

And then there's the danger of the total collapse of the Palestinian Authority. Many of our meetings discussed the possible fallout that could result from a cut-off of funds for the PA. If the Israeli government overreacts to the UN vote with too punitive a response, it could jeopardize the current excellent cooperation between the PA and the Israeli security services -- as a consequence only heightening the threats Israel faces.

Like Michael, our group also heard about the deepening skepticism among leading Israelis about reaching a two-state solution with the Palestinians. One Israeli tried to put expectations in perspective by describing two attitudes about seriousness: one that expresses seriousness by promising resolution within two years and another that pledges to get serious and take the necessary steps to resolve the conflict within 30 years. In other words, do short-term timelines really square with a realistic picture for how peace will be reached? Since the failure to achieve peace for 45 years since the 1967 War or 20 years since Madrid / Oslo is one of the core problems, I'm reluctant to suspend all near-term hopes. Still, the question doesn't have an easy answer.

The Israeli views I heard on our trip differed from Michael's account on at least one score, and the difference could offer a hopeful path. Michael reports that:

Israelis are either blissfully unaware of, or not bothered by, the humiliation that is the hallmark of Israeli occupation. Hours spent at checkpoints, searches by Israeli soldiers, and transit roads that restrict movement and turn what should be quick trips into daylong excursions are just a few examples of the minor degradations that are a daily part of Palestinian life. 

Actually, we heard several Israelis emphasize these very indignities. Indeed, we discussed the possibility of Israel easing some of these harsh conditions separate and apart from a (non-) two-state solution. Of course, harsh punitive measures after the UN vote would represent a move in the opposite direction. 

As I say, I plan to offer further reflections from the trip in later posts.

Comments

[new jordan sneakers 2011]

new jordan sneakers 2011 new jordan sneakers 2011
Nike Air Max Lebron Nike Air Max Lebron
cheap air jordan shoes sale cheap air jordan shoes sale
cheap retro jordans sneakers sale cheap retro jordans sneakers sale
women jordan hight heels women jordan hight heels

[new jordan sneakers 2011]

Commonly, news content should contain the "Five Ws" (who, what, when, where, why, and also how) of an event. There should be no questions remaining. Newspapers normally write hard news stories, such as those pertaining to murders, fires, wars, etc. in inverted pyramid style so the most important information is at the beginning. Busy readers can read as little or as much as they desire. Local stations and networks with a set format must take news stories and break them down into the most important aspects due to time constraints. Cable news channels such as BBC News, Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN, are able to take advantage of a story, sacrificing other, decidedly less important stories, and giving as much detail about breaking news as possible.

[Supra Shoes 2011 for Sale]

Most large cities in the United States historically had morning and afternoon newspapers. As the media evolved and news outlets increased to the point of near over-saturation, afternoon newspapers were shut down except for relatively few. Morning newspapers have been gradually losing circulation, according to reports advanced by the papers themselves.

[Cheap nfl jerseys]

I agree you.

[parions web]

Like Michael, our group also heard about the deepening skepticism among leading Israelis about reaching a two-state solution with the Palestinians. One Israeli tried to put expectations in perspective by describing two attitudes about seriousness: one that expresses seriousness by promising resolution within two years and another that pledges to get serious and take the necessary steps to resolve the conflict within 30 years. In other words, do short-term timelines really square with a realistic picture for how peace will be reached? Since the failure to achieve peace for 45 years since the 1967 War or 20 years since Madrid / Oslo is one of the core problems, I'm reluctant to suspend all near-term hopes. Still, the question doesn't have an easy answer.

[msmii]

USFWS Impedes America Economy While Supporting OPEC
On December 6, 2010 Obama nominated Daniel M. Ashe to head and direct the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). What is the USFWS and who is Ashe? I feel that both questions are fairly simple to answer.
The USFWS has impeded job growth, slowed the economy, restricted freedoms, restricted access to American lands by American people, is being used as a proxy arm of the government to black mail and beat into submission organizations like Gibson that are not supporters of the regime, and is being used, in a manner of speaking, to promote American reliance on a terrorist supporter for oil.

http://msmignoresit.blogspot.com/2011/09/usfws-impedes-america-economy-while.html

[cheap ugg]

i like all beaytiful thinks ,like the nature ......you are beautiful ......

[idress]

イブニングドレスの落ち着いた色合いは、花嫁をシック＆モダンな雰囲気に演出してくれます。オールブラックのスタイリングが、スタイリッシュなタキシードに比べて、とても重くてくすんでいるように見える時、ホワイトアイテムを適切に入れる結婚式 服装だけでスタイリッシュになります。格調高きパープルは大人の花嫁に相応します。エレガントで華やかな印象をかもし出せる二次会 ドレスは大会場に映えるドラマティックな存在と言えます。

[best replica watches]

I was actually looking for this resource a few weeks back. Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.This will absolutely going to help me in my projects.

[Jeany Winters]

Today, I found interesting post that is being displayed here. Hopefully, they can make it for the end month. I would like to share this product horse colic that I found today as a treatment of my Horses having illness.

[via8650]

Thanks for the useful information. Definitely something I must
look into! I know I’ve been on the website before to do a quick
look, but this time I will take a proper read as it sounds very
useful. Keep it up!

[north face store]

http://www.innorthfaceoutlet.com
I have been through the whole content of this blog which is very informative and knowledgeable stuff, I would like to visit again.

[geothermal franklin]

I have read that the new U.S. ambassador to Egypt presented her credentials Wednesday to the country's ruling military council. In fact, there was very little fanfare. The state news agency acknowledged Patterson toward the lowest of an inventory of ten new envoys who additionally presented credentials at the ceremony.

[DCCTV]

With the people paying more attention to their safety, Sony effio is more applied in daily life such as in district，company and some public places. It divides into two types according to accessories. One is Sony Effio 700TVL and the other one is Sony Effio 650 TVL.

[fleece blanket wholesale]

uses the latest processing technique, viz., N-SOFT. By processing the fabric with N-SOFT technique, the final product acquires two important characteristics which were hitherto not available in normal blankets, viz., Moisture Wicking and Breathable properties. They are incredibly soft fabric. Get your and your loved ones be covered by these quilts wholesale.

With the aid of these properties, you get the comfortable, soft and light weight blankets. These offer the Comfort for your body. While providing comfort, they don’t compromise on the style and color. Hence, they add beauty to your bedroom. These very well make the Fashion Bedding.

[Jordan Air]

The situtation of the international economy is so bad now .
And there are so many reason we can not control it .
Hope will be better of OCT.

[Retro Jordans]

I really appreciate the effort you have given to this post. I am looking forward for your next post. I found this informative and interesting blog. I just hope you could make another post related to this. This is definitely worth reading.

[Dallas Cowboys Jerseys]

Yes!! I'm agree with you!! Thanks for your sharing and i will drop here if i have time!!

That's right!! Great opinion!! Thanks for your sharing!!

lhCRC4CK7N17Llh

[Moncler Jackets]

Yes!! I'm agree with you!! Thanks for your sharing and i will drop here if i have time!!

That's right!! Great opinion!! Thanks for your sharing!!

lhCRC4CK7N17Llh

I really appreciate the effort you have given to this post. I am looking forward for your next post. I found this informative and interesting blog. I just hope you could make another post related to this. This is definitely worth reading.

[Hermes Handbags]

Yes!! I'm agree with you!! Thanks for your sharing and i will drop here if i have time!!

That's right!! Great opinion!! Thanks for your sharing!!

lhCRC4CK7N17Llh

I have read that the new U.S. ambassador to Egypt presented her credentials Wednesday to the country's ruling military council. In fact, there was very little fanfare.

[swarovski schmuck]

Ich mag diesen Stil, und wollen mehr Informationen auf dieser Website zu lernen, aktualisieren Sie bitte, ich werde weiterhin auf dieser Website Fokus

[.denmarknikeshox]

I have read that the new U.S. ambassador to Egypt presented her credentials Wednesday to the country's ruling military council. In fact, there was very little fanfare.

[cheap soccer jerseys]

This tragic event is clearly a huge setback to the peace process, if for no other reason than it will further strain relations between regional and ethnic groups. Anand Gopal argues on the AfPak channel that Rabbani’s death is just the latest in a campaign to kill off players that aren’t amenable to a pro-Taliban deal.

[belstaff online]

A woman having an affair, her husband suddenly to go home, the men did not care to wear clothes on jumping through the window to escape, walking in the street on the road crowd, the men filled the sky if nothing had happened: ah, this is the earth Yeah. Passers-MM said: "The original alien planet with the same shape as the reproductive system ah ~ is a small point sizes ..."

[North face outlet]

Thank you to tell us more useful information

[xixihaha]

It is time to buy a homecoming dress for youself.Do you want to be the homecoming queen?If your answer is 'YES'.You'd better search for your homecoming dress as soon as possible.Bright colors are so in this year.Remember, this isn't a prom or graduation ceremony. Homecoming is about fun! Dresses can still look formal, but this year you should be jazzing up your look with bright or even neon colors. Hot pink, electric blue; show your wild side and don't forget to color-match your makeup and accessories.Short skirts are a must. . If you're going to be dancing away the night then you don't want a long skirt tripping you up at every turn! Homecoming is a great chance to be a bit less formal, so ditch the long gown and go short!A-Line or ball gown style is ideal. Every year girls are wondering what the best style is for some serious partying at homecoming! Well in 2011 we're saying that you need to choose A-Line or ball gown style gowns as these are going to be really comfortable for dancing as well as being flattering for almost ANY body shape!Choose iridescent taffeta. 2011 is the year of iridescent taffeta. Here comes the best part though, following 2011's trends and still getting the dresses cheaply!

And now let me tell you where can buy these dressses:

Dress store/This is one site which belong to our company..we are provide a lot of new style homecoming dresses. And we will update the products every month.

Gsdresses/It is belong to our company,too.we will update the products every month and send you conpon non-periodical.

Mldress/We not only provide customize homcoming dresses but also send the new product list to you. If you are lucky,you may get the conpon non-periodical.

Don't be shillyshally,To get your new homecoming dresses as soon as possible.

[Transformers 3 ayın karanlık yüzü türkçe dublaj izle]

Don't be shillyshally,To get your new homecoming dresses as soon as possible.

[hd film izle]

It is time to buy a homecoming dress for youself.Do you want to be the homecoming queen?Uzaylıların Şafağı Türkçe Dublaj izle
If your answer is 'YES'.You'd better search for your homecoming dress as soon as possible.Set up 2011 türkçe dublaj izleBright colors are so in this year.Remember, this isn't a prom or graduation ceremony.İlk Yenilmez Kaptan Amerika Türkçe Dublaj izle Homecoming is about fun! Dresses can still look formal, but this year you should be jazzing up your look with bright or even neon colors.Şirinler 3D Türkçe Dublaj izle Hot pink, electric blue; show your wild side and don't forget to color-match your makeup and accessories.Short skirts are a must. . If you're going to be dancing away the

[watches forum]

West Indies captain Darren Sammy hailed his side's 25-run victory in the second and final match of their Twenty20 International Series against England, saying it was a big morale booster ahead of the series in India and Bangladesh.

[Ugg boots outlet]

I have read the whole story of this blog,after i read it i think its one of the best story on this site.Thanks for sharing this.

[film izle]

asdd I love this site

[hd film izle]

asssssssssssssd

[horoscope]

A big thank you, good luck and because it is the time, Merry Christmas and Happy Année2011!

[Falcons Jerseys]

Your post is an excellent example,I keep on reading this attractive blog.

[sesli]

Actually, we heard several Israelis emphasize these very indignities. Indeed, we discussed the possibility of Israel easing some of these harsh conditions separate and apart from a (non-) two-state solution. Of course, harsh punitive measures after the UN vote would represent a move in the opposite direction
seslichat seslisohbet güncel haberler fragman izle

[ed hardy clothes]

Two more spaces will become available in about three months as the older tenants vacate the building.

[Detroit Tigers Jersey]

The article is very good, I like it very much.Here I learned a lot, then I will pay more attention to you.

[Soccer Jerseys]

very happy to read your blog.Thank you for sharing this article.It is great!
Thanks for sharing this nice post.I will keep your article in my idea.

[rolex daytona]

In this excerpt, although watch out of ten is one of many watches only the tip of the iceberg, is different ........ Make sure you buy your watch from a well-known dealer to ensure that you are not being ripped off. It helps if they have an address or a store that you can visit, should you have any issues with your purchase. You can often easily check their address using Google Maps street view to see if their shop is where they say it is.

[louis vuitton handbags on sale]

your opinion is right! I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[hermes handbags on sale]

I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[replica wallets]

replica handbags .Relations with Turkey - where the Erdogan government threw Israel's ambassador out of the country.

[nikeheelsdunk]

This website is very nice and using the information is also very great. That is very nice information for the great Nike Dunk SB. I am searching for something information to my kids. Searching is continue anyone one website I cannot satisfy.

[knockoff handbags]

Thank you very much for you perfect and useful post .it's really valuable

[ann]

cheap cigarettes online in view, the supersonic prestigious aircrafts, the BAC Concorde aircraft was designed as a turbojet powered supersonic passenger airliner

[cheap air jordan shoes]

and i slowly go insane
i hear your voice on the line
but it doesn't stop the pain
if i see you next to never

[Cheap True Religion]

i will be right here waiting for you
whatever it takes
or how my heart breaks
i will be right here waiting for you
i took for granted, all the times
that i thought would last somehow
i hear the laughter, i taste the tears
but i can't get near you now
oh, can't you see it baby
you've got me going crazy
oh, can't you see it baby

[knock off handbags]

Thank you very much for you perfect and useful post .it's really valuable

[dr dre beats headphones]

Obama, since his first day in office - has been actively trying to restore US engagement and influence in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia

[mike]

appreciate it

[Linda]

it's influence so many places

[Beanie Hats]

we heard several Israelis emphasize these very indignities.

[Ugg Boots Sale]

Recent domestic protests over social and economic conditions within Israel itself

[cheap snapbacks]

Wonderful journey and experience!

[duvet covers]

nice and great article.

[Outlets Belstaff]

So fun article is! I know more from it.

[AIR MAX 2012]

ut of ten is one of many watches only the tip of the iceberg, is different ........ Make sure you buy your watch from a well-known dealesfdsafds