Jordan’s Media Fails in Times of Economic Difficulties
(this was published in June 23rd, 2010) By Daoud Kuttab Media and governments have always had a love-hate relationship. While they both need each other, the attempts by one to overwhelm the other (especially when governments try to control media) have often led to unpleasant results.If one agrees that both want what is best for […]
Difficult Search for Reform in Jordan
(This was published in June 16th, 2010) By Daoud Kuttab The visitor from Washington, who represented an independent democracy foundation, asked two questions to a group of Jordanian intellectuals: “Where do you see the potential for genuine reform in Jordan and the Arab region? If we were to fund any particular group which would it […]
Strategic Deterrence — a Failed Israeli Policy
(This was published in June 9th, 2010) By Daoud Kuttab One of the most repeated questions that was asked by many following the attack on the Gaza bound humanitarian flotilla was why did Israel do that? Why did a very powerful army and navy who can easily have controlled the situation in the high seas […]
U.S. Should Include Hamas in Peace Efforts
(This was published in June 7th, 2010) By Daoud Kuttab The Israeli attack on the Gaza-bound “Freedom Flotilla” has put the United States in a difficult position. But it has also given Washington an opening for a game-changing action. When ships on a humanitarian mission to the besieged Gaza Strip were violently confronted in international […]
Israel’s Attacks Reflect Lack of Respect for World Order
(This was published in May 31st, 2010) By Daoud Kuttab The Israeli violent attacks against the “Freedom Flotilla,” an international humanitarian mission to Gaza, reveals Israel’s attempts to solve their problems militarily irrespective of world opinion. Even without a comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, any effort in this direction can’t be done with only […]
Elections (Local) in Palestine Again
(This was published in May 27th, 2010) By Daoud Kuttab The Palestinian Authority is going ahead with plans to hold municipal elections on July 17. The elections are taking place despite the fact that the de facto government in Gaza has refused to accommodate them in areas under its control. Hamas has also said that […]
The Undeclared American Plan for an Israeli Government Change
(This was published in May 14th, 2010) By Daoud Kuttab As Israeli-Palestinian proximity or indirect negotiations are scheduled to begin soon, it will be a short time before we find out if this time around talks have any better chance of success than before. For sure the US is exerting strong pressure on both sides […]
Constructive Ambiguity Is Back in Middle East Peace Process
(This was published in May 10th, 2010) By Daoud Kuttab RAMALLAH – Something is happening with the Middle East conflict, but it is hard to say what. A breakthrough appears to be at hand, though all the parties still seem to be clinging to their traditional positions. The Arab League gave the go-ahead to indirect […]
Moment of Truth Has Arrived
(This was published in May 7th, 2010) By Daoud Kuttab If ever there was a statement that reflected the true position of Palestinian negotiators and Arab leaders, it was the one made by the Qatari prime minister, Hamad Ben Jasem Al Thani. The statement, made after the Arab follow-up committee gave the PLO the green […]
President Obama Is Insisting on Building Trust as a Precondition for Working With Israel Towards Peace
(This was published in May 5th, 2010) By Daoud Kuttab The US is the only world power that can help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace. Few dispute the unique American standing. For the US to be able to help shepherd a serious peace process, America’s trust towards the leaders of both parties in the conflict […]