Mahmoud Abbas

Democracy in Palestine

High hopes, low expectations

Palestinians who hoped municipal elections would eventually pave the way to overdue national ones voice criticism about decisions that led to their postponement. By Ylenia Gostoli
Israel and the settlements

Netanyahu′s forked tongue

The video posted by Benjamin Netanyahu on 9 September took everyone by surprise. Nobody could explain it – neither the timing, the essence, nor the Israeli prime minister′s hidden agenda. For years now, the so-called peace process has been in stasis. Then, out of the blue, Netanyahu decides to address the evacuation of Jewish settlers. Commentary by Gideon Levy
Palestine's Mohammed Dahlan

A finger in every pie

Formerly the Palestinian Authority′s head of security, Mohammed Dahlan is regarded not only as President Abbas′ arch-rival, but also as a political multi-talent with the best international connections. Many believe the ousted Fatah functionary is planning a return to the political stage. By Neville Teller
France and the Middle East

What chance ″la grande paix″?

Since the beginning of the year, the French government has been building support for an international conference to restart the Israel-Palestine peace process. France deserves applause for its brave effort to revive a process that has been going nowhere for the best part of a decade. But success will require more than courage. By Daoud Kuttab
PalFest 2016: Interview with Palestinian poet Jehan Bseiso

Breaking the cultural siege on Palestine

From 21 – 26 May, the Palestine Festival of Literature toured cities in the West Bank and Israel. In attendance was Jehan Bseiso, a young Palestinian poet. With two anthologies to her name and online publications with ″Electronic Intifada″ and ″The Palestine Chronicle″, Jehan is currently working on a poetry collection called ″Conversations Continued″ – a compilation of real, misheard and misremembered conversations. Interview by Ylenia Gostoli
Middle East conflict

What prospect peace?

2015 closed in a wave of violence. Israel has continued consolidating its control of the West Bank and forged ahead with settlement building. Radical Palestinians have reacted to the increased repression with knife attacks. Details from Tel Aviv by Daniella Cheslow
Israel in the media

Fighting the empty phrase

In Germany, public statements about Israel often lack quality. The quality of media discourse comes from knowledge and precise observation, but also from controversy and a diversity of voices. When it comes to Israel, something else sets the tone: the empty phrase
Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Third intifada looming

Violence between Israelis and Palestinians is once again on the rise. Without renewed efforts to establish a two-state solution, no lasting peace will be forthcoming. An analysis from Jerusalem by Ingrid Ross
Mahmoud Abbas and the PLO

Palestine′s office-weary regent

Dissatisfaction with Mahmoud Abbas – including within his own party – is growing. His political programme has remained for the most part unsuccessful. Many politicians have therefore begun to consider the possible aftermath of the president′s political departure. An analysis by Ingrid Ross
After the election in Israel

Palestine's hope in Netanyahu

While many in Israel were hoping for Netanyahu's electoral defeat, Palestinians were more reserved. They now expect the international community to exert more pressure on Israel. René Wildangel reports.
Hebron: a divided city

"Palestine is like a prison"

The war in Gaza this past summer triggered memories of life during and after the second intifada in the West Bank. In Hebron in particular, many Palestinians fear that restrictions on their freedom of movement, which is already limited, could be tightened even more. Impressions of a divided city by Susanne Kaiser
Attacks and unrest in Jerusalem

A third intifada in the making?

Jerusalem is once again a front-line city, haunted by the spectre of intifada. An update from Inge Günther in Jerusalem