EU warns Israel, Palestinians of the cost of peace failure

[AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine]   

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/22/us-israel-palestinians-eu-idUSBREA0L1PT20140122

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat (L-R), U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Israel's Justice Minister Tzipi Livni shake hands at a news conference at the end of talks at the State Department in Washington, July 30, 2013.

Credit: Reuters/Jonathan Ernst

(Reuters) - Both sides of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks risk paying a high price in losing European Union trade and aid if negotiations collapse, the EU ambassador to Israel said on Wednesday.

For long seen as a "payer not a player" in the region, the European Union has started making clear that its role as Israel's biggest trade partner and the Palestinians' largest donor should not be taken for granted.

"We have made it clear to the parties that there will be a price to pay if these negotiations falter," ambassador Lars Faaborg-Andersen told reporters.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is trying to draw up a broad framework deal that would open the way for a final round of detailed discussions to end the generations-old conflict covering all the core elements dividing the two sides.

However, despite more than five months of talks, there has been no sign of any imminent breakthrough.

The EU has grown especially frustrated by Israel's repeated announcement since the talks started of new Jewish settlement building on land the Palestinians want for their future state...READ MORE

My letter to CSM RE Few Israelis, Palestinians see two-state solution as feasible. What’s the alternative?

Ben Smith's BUZZFEED....THE FIGHT FOR PALESTINE: Ali Abunimah and Hussein Ibish were best friends and their generation’s brightest lights.

RE: Few Israelis, Palestinians see two-state solution as feasible. What’s the alternative? A new Zogby poll reveals widespread disillusionment with the Oslo Accords. Here’s a look at some other potential scenarios being discussed.
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/Olive-Press/2014/0122/Few-Israelis-Palestinians-see-two-state-solution-as-feasible.-What-s-the-alternative

Dear Editor,

"What is the alternative to a two state solution?" is a very good question.  One could toss out all the many UN Resolutions regarding Israel and Palestine and there would still be a sovereign Israel with an established infrastructure and many engaged loyal citizens with good jobs and security... and there would still be a huge ongoing Palestine refugee crisis with no security or peace for the native non-Jewish population of the Holy Land. 

Minus efforts to build a Palestinian state by insisting on FULL respect for international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with a negotiated end to the Israel-Palestine conflict, the conflict will continue to be whatever anybody wants it to be, with religious extremists and bigots on both sides gaining the most ground.  Ivy tower scholars and rabble rousing one state activists might be able to earn a relatively comfortable living for themselves, but they will not be able to provide jobs or passports and a brighter future for stateless Palestinians- and continued funding for UNWRA.  What is bad now, has the potential to become much much worse.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES

MIFTAH: Anti- corruption youth strategy; young Palestinians put a corruption-free society as their priority "...This is their future, they say, because in the end, it is the youth that seeks a society free of corruption that will offer them the opportunity to obtain the right job and the right social status based on their own merits, not on grounds of nepotism and favoritism."   

ATFP Briefing: Richard Wright, the Director of the UNRWA New York Representative Office will join Andrew Tabler from WINEP and ATFP's Hussein Ibish to discuss the dire situation of those Palestine Refugees trapped inside Yarmouk, including updates on recent interventions by UNRWA 1-22-2014

Retweeted by Miriam Awadallah

      Tala Haikal ‏@talamay 18h .@Ibishblog the US is fatigued with the Middle East so it's hard to transform outrage to political will.     #Yarmouk

Dr Zogby of AAIUSA: Myths That Are Impediments to Peace

The Elders’ vision: a world free from war and poverty

"According to your own ability and personality, do not be afraid to experiment with new and creative techniques for achieving reconciliation and social change"

Palestine for a New Beginning by Zahi Khouri

This Week in Palestine Artist of the Month: Storyteller Denise Asaad In Her Own Words

Murdering Palestinians by starvation in Syria... much crueler and more arbitrary than anything imposed on Gaza by either Israel or Egypt.

Aid Convoy Unable to Reach Yarmouk Refugee Camp in Syria ... 41 Palestinian refugees have died of food and medicine shortages in the camp.

An Excellent letter in the Guardian: Ariel Sharon's motto could have been 'there's no such thing as a Palestinian'

Analysis: Why Palestinian leadership is right to engage in peace talks

Ziad Asali of ATFP: Why Palestinians are puzzled by the 'Jewish state' demand... Netanyahu's demand for recognition of Israel as a Jewish state bizarrely inserts Palestinians into the 'Who is a Jew' debate

Jerusalem... the respective capitals of Israel and Palestine

Hussein Ibish: Time for honesty about dialogue with Israel

Palestine is abundant in energy, skills, passion, and determination. Only when our belief in citizen solutions is reignited and our respect for one another is re-established can we officially witness the transformation we want as a society." Muna Dajani & Sami Backleh:This Week in Palestine

Arts & Culture: Organizers Prepare Palestinian Museum For 2015 Opening... Biggest of Its Kind, Privately-Sponsored Institution Will Have Satellite Locations Around the Globe

The monster that won't die: Al-Qaeda is making yet another appalling comeback "There have always been differences within al-Qaeda, those who have either successfully seized or been granted permission to use the name as a kind of franchise, and other salafi-jihadi or "takfiri" groups. But while the parent organization based in Pakistan and Afghanistan seems to be increasingly irrelevant, the political ideology and program of mass murder that are now synonymous with al-Qaeda seem at least as robust as ever, if not more so. It is the monster that, for the past decade, simply will not die."

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 1

• All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

The Office of International Religious Freedom ( http://www.state.gov/j/drl/irf/ ) Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to:

Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

 Live by the Golden Rule

American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) supports Palestinian institution-building, good governance, anti-corruption measures, economic development, and improved living standards. ATFP categorically and unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, no matter the cause and who the victims or perpetrators may be. http://www.americantaskforce.org/

                                                                                                           The Arab Peace Initiative

MIFTAH: Anti- corruption youth strategy; young Palestinians put a corruption-free society as their priority

"...This is their future, they say, because in the end, it is the youth that seeks a society free of corruption that will offer them the opportunity to obtain the right job and the right social status based on their own merits, not on grounds of nepotism and favoritism."

 [AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine]   

http://www.miftah.org/Display.cfm?DocId=26188&CategoryId=36&utm_source=hootsuite&utm_campaign=hootsuite

MIFTAH Anti- corruption youth strategy; young Palestinians put a corruption-free society as their priority 

Ramallah – Now Mohammed Najjar, Najwan Abu Nijem and Zeina Ramadan from MIFTAH’s Palestinian Youth Network are confident that they can begin fighting corruption in all shapes and forms along with other youth groups. This is because these three, along with other youths from the entire political and social spectrum in Palestine, have been working diligently for the past few months in training, awareness and education on the subject of corruption and have finally formulated the first youth anti-corruption strategy, which was announced last week, on January 16.
 
MIFTAH played a strong supporting role for these young Palestinians as did the Anti-Corruption Commission, which signed a memo of understanding with MIFTAH to provide the necessary help and training to youth. The youths were also helped by MIFTAH project coordinator Shadi Zeidat who played a pivotal role in preparing, following up and supervising youth groups side by side with MIFTAH’s program director Lamis Shuaibi, who helped direct these groups over the months of training.

Shuaibi says the network is a developed model for Palestinian youth groups given its diversity at the social, intellectual and geographic levels; it also provided a participatory and safe space for youths with a mutual vision ...READ MORE

***

  

PROGRAMMES & PROJECTS

Democracy and Good Governance

1. Empowerment of Palestinian Women Leadership
   • Supporting Young Palestinian Women Leadership: Promoting Women’s Voices ...more
   • Supporting Young Palestinian Women Political Leaders:
     UNSCR 1325 in Action – Realizing UNDP’s 8 points Agenda ...more
   • The development of local communities in the districts of Jerusalem and Jordan Valley through small income –generating projects for women in rural areas (Phase Three) ...more
2. Empowerment of Palestinian Youth Leadership
   • Fostering Dialogue on Statehood among Palestinian Youth ...more
3. Community Development
   • Fostering Community Change in the Occupied Palestinian Territory ...more
4. Policy Formulation
   • Ensure the Legislative Environment Supporting the Reduction of gender-based violence through working on MDG3 ...more
5. Elections Support
   • Support of Local Municipal Elections 2011 ...more
6. Gender Responsive Budget ...more

Media and Information

1. Information and Informatics
   • A web site in English and Arabic that offers analytical examination of the Palestinian - Israeli conflict as well as issues of Palestinian concern, in addition to fact sheets, reports and special studies.
   • Intensive media activity on particularly pressing issues through interviews, commentary, and targeted press releases and briefings.
   • Networking and coordination with media institutions at the local and international levels.
   • Timely statements and petitions.
2. Media Monitoring Unit
   • Monitoring Palestinian Media.
   • Research and advocacy activities aiming to reduce incitement, dehumanization and delegitimization of "the other"
   • Educating the public to become more critical media consumers
   • Fostering professionalism in the Palestinian media

ATFP Briefing: Richard Wright, the Director of the UNRWA New York Representative Office will join Andrew Tabler from WINEP and ATFP's Hussein Ibish to discuss the dire situation of those Palestine Refugees trapped inside Yarmouk, including updates on recent interventions by UNRWA

UNRWA photo and film archive for Palestine refugees

email from our good friend HUSSEIN IBISH

Dear colleagues,

 

Please join us tomorrow from 1-3 PM for an ATFP event at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, to discuss the plight of Palestine Refugees in Syria, with a particular focus on the ongoing siege of the Yarmouk refugee camp. Richard Wright, the Director of the UNRWA New York Representative Office will join Andrew Tabler from WINEP and me to discuss the dire situation of those Palestine Refugees trapped inside Yarmouk, including updates on recent interventions by UNRWA.

You can RSVP for the event here: http://www.americantaskforce.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=17

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Yours, Hussein

ATFP Briefing: Yarmouk Camp Crisis

The American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) will be hosting a briefing on Palestinian Refugees in Syria and the crisis at Yarmouk on Wednesday, January 22 from 1-3 PM. The event will be held in the Zenger Room at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, 529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor, Washington, DC 20045.

Panelists will include Richard Wright, the Director of the UNRWA New York Representative Office; Andrew J. Tabler, Senior Fellow at the The Washington Institute for Near East Policy; and ATFP Senior Fellow Hussein Ibish. 

January 22, 2014 
 1:00-3:00 PM

 

The National Press Club
Zenger Room
529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor
Washington, DC 20045

 

Palestinian refugees in Syria, especially at the Yarmouk refugee camp outside of Damascus, are facing a dire humanitarian crisis. 18,000 refugees are trapped in Yarmouk and there have been many reported deaths due to attacks, starvation, and lack of medicines and fuel.

On December 20, UNRWA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi warned that "It is my responsibility to inform the international community that humanitarian conditions in the besieged refugee camp of Yarmouk are worsening dramatically and that we are currently unable to help those trapped inside. If this situation is not addressed urgently, it may be too late to save the lives of thousands of people including children."

On January 15, Secretary of State John Kerry said, "[in] Ghouta and other parts of the country, such as Yarmouk refugee camp, civilians are dying of malnutrition. That is absolutely unacceptable. If the regime can allow access to United Nations and international weapons inspectors, surely it can do the same for neutral, international humanitarian assistance.” 

This ATFP panel will examine the crisis from numerous angles, including its humanitarian and regional components, and place it in the context of international responsibilities towards the victims.

Hussein Ibish, PhD
Senior Fellow
American Task Force on Palestine
http://www.americantaskforce.org/

Mobile: +1 (202) 438-7297
Twitter: @ibishblog
Skype: hussein.ibish
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/hussein-ibish/48/206/725
Blog: http://www.ibishblog.com/

 

Dr Zogby of AAIUSA: Myths That Are Impediments to Peace

[AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine]  

http://www.aaiusa.org/dr-zogby/entry/myths-that-are-impediments-to-peace/

 Tuesday January 21, 2014

In a meeting I had this week with a congressional candidate, I was reminded of the power of the myths that define conventional wisdom about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenge they pose for rational discourse. In rapid succession my visitor rattled off a number of statements revealing how much he didn't know about the conflict and how steep the climb for those who seek a just peace.

My guest's views of the conflict were both distorted and unshakable. They also reflected the attitudes of too many lawmakers in Washington. He was convinced, for example, that "Arafat turned down the best offer ever and turned to violence;" that "Palestinians would never accept to live at peace with Israel;" and that "President Abbas was incapable of selling any peace agreement to his people."

Despite holding firm with these mind-numbing negative views, my visitor insisted that he was a "peacenik" and expressed hope that US Secretary of State John Kerry's efforts would bear fruit, helping to bring about an end of the conflict. As disconcerting and irrational as this disconnect might be, it represents for many candidates an easy way out. It puts them in a position where they don't have to challenge the most hardline elements among pro-Israel voters, while at the same time still feigning support for peace.

I argued, for a time, with my visitor knowing full well that I wouldn't make a dent. After deciding I'd had enough, we parted and I resolved to write about this frustrating encounter.

My first observation is that the myths that defined my visitor's views of the conflict are ahistorical. A prime example is the fervently held notion that "Arafat turned down the best offer ever and turned to violence." This was first put forward by then President Clinton in 2000. It was a great applause line, but it just wasn't true. Rob Malley (a Clinton NSC official who was at the Camp David negotiations) debunked this "best offer ever" myth in his brilliant debate with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak in the New York Review of Books (August, 9, 2001). The Mitchell Report (commissioned by Clinton and presented to President Bush in 2001) put to rest the "turned to violence" portion of this myth.

Reality is far more complex than the myth would allow. Barak's offer at Camp David was never clear -- he wouldn't commit it to writing. Nevertheless, despite the impasse at Camp David, Israeli and Palestinian teams continued to engage in prolonged negotiations at Taba that came quite close to an agreement. But with elections looming, Barak suspended the Taba talks. He lost the election and that was the end of the negotiations. Arafat didn't reject a "deal;" negotiations were aborted before they could conclude with a "deal."

Arafat did not start the violence in response to Camp David. The spark that ignited the second Intifada was Sharon's provocative demonstration at Jerusalem's Haram ash-Sharif. After Palestinian demonstrators were killed by Israeli guards, the Palestinian street erupted, quite spontaneously, owing largely to pent up frustrations with the hardships of the occupation and failure of the peace process to deliver much hoped-for change.

The myths are also disturbingly racist since they imply that Palestinians are, by their nature, angry, violent and not to be trusted. The pervasiveness of this myth is, by itself, one of the major impediments to peace. The reality is that Palestinians are real people who have endured dislocation, dispossession and decades of a cruel occupation. Of course they are bitter and angry -- not by their nature, but by the reality of their circumstance. By suggesting that it is the Palestinian nature, the myth absolves the Israelis of any responsibility and implies that no matter what changes might occur, Palestinians will always be a threat.

My visitor's myths are also apolitical, implying that the conflict is existential and not a political matter that can be resolved. The problem, in the way the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been framed in the West, is that Israelis are seen as the full human beings with hopes, rights and the need for security, while the Palestinians are seen only as a problem to be managed and dealt with so that the Israelis can live in peace.

If Palestinian rights are acknowledged, then just solutions can be found to issues like property rights, sovereignty and self-determination. To the extent that these rights are trumped by Israeli concerns, then Palestinian concerns are ignored or given short shrift. To the extent that proposed solutions only address the needs of Israelis, Palestinians will reject them and no self-respecting Palestinian leader will be able to "sell crumbs" to his constituency.

In the end, these myths are also self-justifying and self-defeating. If we say we want peace, but treat Palestinians as less deserving of rights than other people and, therefore, offer them "take it or leave it" proposals that are humiliating, then, of course, they will be rejected. The believers of the myths can then feel justified in their conviction that Palestinians really don't want peace and the conflict will continue. That is why holding these views about Palestinians while still claiming to support peace and a "two state solution" is also self-defeating.

The real challenge for peacemakers is to reflect on the vision projected by President Obama in his Cairo and Jerusalem speeches -- to recognize the equal humanity and rights of both peoples and to forge solutions based on that reality and not on myths.

The Elders’ vision: a world free from war and poverty.

The Elders: Our vision is of a world where people live in peace, conscious of their common humanity and their shared responsibilities for each other, for the planet and for future generations. We see a world in which there is universal respect for human rights; in which poverty has been eliminated; in which people are free from fear and oppression and are able to fulfil their true potential. 

Building peace and tackling the root causes of conflict

The Elders will use their influence and experience to help resolve and prevent conflicts, and to build enduring peace. 

Our world is changing rapidly – in many ways it is already very different to the world into which The Elders was launched in 2007. Now, six years on, it is time to take stock, to revitalise our vision, refocus our activities, and to set clear goals for the next four years.

GOAL 1:
 A just and inclusive global community

GOAL 2:
 Freedom from fear

GOAL 3:
 Freedom from want

The Elders have therefore adopted three key goals with supporting strategies that will form a framework for the organisation’s activities through to 2017. 

Goal One is aimed at inspiring ethical leadership and sound global governance through broader participation, equality for girls and women, and more effective international institutions. 

Goal Two details The Elders’ continuing role as peace-builders, working through private diplomacy and public advocacy to promote dialogue and reconciliation in the Middle East and other chronic conflict situations. 

Goal Three focuses on eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development, through campaigns that highlight inequality, injustice and the impact of climate change. 

Together, these goals provide a concrete expression of the values that inspire us. They will serve as our roadmap as we continue our journey towards the achievement of The Elders’ vision: a world free from war and poverty.

My letter to the NYTimes RE The Man Who Made Peace Impossible By Ali Jarbawi

UNRWA: How much longer must children suffer...

RE The Man Who Made Peace Impossible By Ali Jarbawi
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/22/opinion/jarbawi-the-man-who-made-peace-impossible.html?ref=international

Dear Editor,

It is quite true that Sharon was unable to give Israel security, calm or peace. But he certainly did not succeed in turning Palestinians or the two-state solution into a cloud of dust.

There is however, in some spheres, most definitely a very big cloud of dust obscuring the crucial importance of a two state solution to once and for all end the Israel-Palestine conflict and the very real plight of the Palestinians. 

Some people on all sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict, for whatever reason, want to talk the world away from shaping a just and lasting peace based on full respect for international law and universal human rights. 

Thankfully there are also other wiser folks who understand the process and the patience and hard work and careful wording necessary to stimulate real justice, security, stability, statehood, diplomacy and a future for Palestinians.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
"According to your own ability and personality, do not be afraid to experiment with new and creative techniques for achieving reconciliation and social change"

ATFP Briefing on Palestinian Refugees in Syria and the Crisis at Yarmouk: The National Press Club Washington DC- January 22nd, 2014

Palestine for a New Beginning by Zahi Khouri

This Week in Palestine Artist of the Month: Storyteller Denise Asaad In Her Own Words

Murdering Palestinians by starvation in Syria... much crueler and more arbitrary than anything imposed on Gaza by either Israel or Egypt.

Aid Convoy Unable to Reach Yarmouk Refugee Camp in Syria ... 41 Palestinian refugees have died of food and medicine shortages in the camp.

An Excellent letter in the Guardian: Ariel Sharon's motto could have been 'there's no such thing as a Palestinian'

Analysis: Why Palestinian leadership is right to engage in peace talks

Ziad Asali of ATFP: Why Palestinians are puzzled by the 'Jewish state' demand... Netanyahu's demand for recognition of Israel as a Jewish state bizarrely inserts Palestinians into the 'Who is a Jew' debate

Jerusalem... the respective capitals of Israel and Palestine

Hussein Ibish: Time for honesty about dialogue with Israel

Palestine is abundant in energy, skills, passion, and determination. Only when our belief in citizen solutions is reignited and our respect for one another is re-established can we officially witness the transformation we want as a society." Muna Dajani & Sami Backleh:This Week in Palestine

Arts & Culture: Organizers Prepare Palestinian Museum For 2015 Opening... Biggest of Its Kind, Privately-Sponsored Institution Will Have Satellite Locations Around the Globe

The monster that won't die: Al-Qaeda is making yet another appalling comeback "There have always been differences within al-Qaeda, those who have either successfully seized or been granted permission to use the name as a kind of franchise, and other salafi-jihadi or "takfiri" groups. But while the parent organization based in Pakistan and Afghanistan seems to be increasingly irrelevant, the political ideology and program of mass murder that are now synonymous with al-Qaeda seem at least as robust as ever, if not more so. It is the monster that, for the past decade, simply will not die."

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 1

• All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

The Office of International Religious Freedom ( http://www.state.gov/j/drl/irf/ ) Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to:

Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

 Live by the Golden Rule

American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) supports Palestinian institution-building, good governance, anti-corruption measures, economic development, and improved living standards. ATFP categorically and unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, no matter the cause and who the victims or perpetrators may be. http://www.americantaskforce.org/

                                                                                                           The Arab Peace Initiative

"According to your own ability and personality, do not be afraid to experiment with new and creative techniques for achieving reconciliation and social change"

Slate.com

This is an absolutely incredible historical document: http://slate.me/KnNnux

My letter to the Guardian RE There's reason for optimism on Arab-Israeli peace

US secretary of state John Kerry (centre-L) hosts dinner for the Middle East peace process talks with Israeli justice minister Tzipi Livni (right 2nd from end) and Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat (3rd), in the US department of state on 29 July 2013. Photograph: Paul J Richards/AFP/Getty Images

RE There's reason for optimism on Arab-Israeli peace: Never before have the historical forces been so well-aligned for the achievement of a final deal. But, of course, we're not there yet By Michael Cohen

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/19/israel-palestine-peace-john-kerry-optimism

Dear Editor,

I agree with Michael Cohen's conclusion that there's reason for optimism on Arab-Israeli peace, although I think the major current pushing that likelihood forward is primarily the maturing of the global information age, and the hard work as well as the creativity of countless compassionate and intelligent and talented men, women and children who believe in nurturing a just and lasting peace for both Israel and for Palestine.

Wading through information & misinformation overload online, one can wallow endlessly in relentless rage and scorn for negotiations or one can seek out reasonable liberating avenues of thought where diplomacy, honor, dignity, decency, golden rule thinking- and full respect for international law and universal basic human rights shape a constructive global conversation.

A fully secular two state solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict once and for all (for everyone's sake) with a fully sovereign and free Palestine living in peace and security alongside Israel will allow the rule of fair and just laws as well as citizenship rights and responsibilities to emerge as victors.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES 

"People in neighbouring states have shown incredible compassion and opened their homes to hundreds of thousands of people but we all have a shared responsibility. It would be catastrophic if the neighbouring countries closed their borders to the thousands of people who flee the conflict every day. Yet how can we call on Syria’s neighbours to keep their borders open to refugees if we keep our own under lock and key?"

 

ATFP Briefing on Palestinian Refugees in Syria and the Crisis at Yarmouk: The National Press Club Washington DC- January 22nd, 2014

Palestine for a New Beginning by Zahi Khouri

This Week in Palestine Artist of the Month: Storyteller Denise Asaad In Her Own Words

Murdering Palestinians by starvation in Syria... much crueler and more arbitrary than anything imposed on Gaza by either Israel or Egypt.

Aid Convoy Unable to Reach Yarmouk Refugee Camp in Syria ... 41 Palestinian refugees have died of food and medicine shortages in the camp.

An Excellent letter in the Guardian: Ariel Sharon's motto could have been 'there's no such thing as a Palestinian'

Analysis: Why Palestinian leadership is right to engage in peace talks

Ziad Asali of ATFP: Why Palestinians are puzzled by the 'Jewish state' demand... Netanyahu's demand for recognition of Israel as a Jewish state bizarrely inserts Palestinians into the 'Who is a Jew' debate

Jerusalem... the respective capitals of Israel and Palestine

Hussein Ibish: Time for honesty about dialogue with Israel

Palestine is abundant in energy, skills, passion, and determination. Only when our belief in citizen solutions is reignited and our respect for one another is re-established can we officially witness the transformation we want as a society." Muna Dajani & Sami Backleh: This Week in Palestine

Arts & Culture: Organizers Prepare Palestinian Museum For 2015 Opening... Biggest of Its Kind, Privately-Sponsored Institution Will Have Satellite Locations Around the Globe

The monster that won't die: Al-Qaeda is making yet another appalling comeback "There have always been differences within al-Qaeda, those who have either successfully seized or been granted permission to use the name as a kind of franchise, and other salafi-jihadi or "takfiri" groups. But while the parent organization based in Pakistan and Afghanistan seems to be increasingly irrelevant, the political ideology and program of mass murder that are now synonymous with al-Qaeda seem at least as robust as ever, if not more so. It is the monster that, for the past decade, simply will not die."

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 1

• All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

The Office of International Religious Freedom ( http://www.state.gov/j/drl/irf/ ) Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to:

Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

 Live by the Golden Rule

American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) supports Palestinian institution-building, good governance, anti-corruption measures, economic development, and improved living standards. ATFP categorically and unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, no matter the cause and who the victims or perpetrators may be. http://www.americantaskforce.org/

The Arab Peace Initiative

My letter to the New York Post RE their editorial "UN ignores starvation of Palestinians by Syrian regime"

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

Syria Crisis

Palestine Refugees from Syria Need Help

Palestine refugees have been severely affected by the ongoing armed conflict, with virtually all of their residential areas experiencing armed engagements or the use of heavy weapons. Of the total 540,000 Palestine refugees in Syria, almost all require assistance. http://www.unrwa.org/syria-crisis

***

RE: "UN ignores starvation of Palestinians by Syrian regime" by the New York Post Editorial Board
nypost.com/2014/01/18/un-ignores-starvation-of-palestinians-by-syrian-regime/

Dear Editor,

Daily I have seen world wide online news coverage of the UN being very much aware of the starvation of Palestinians... and on January 17th, American Task Force on Palestine announced a press conference on the topic ATFP Briefing on Palestinian Refugees in Syria and the Crisis at Yarmouk.

Panelists will include Richard Wright, the Director of the UNRWA New York Representative Office; Andrew J. Tabler, Senior Fellow at the The Washington Institute for Near East Policy; and ATFP Senior Fellow Hussein Ibish.

   http://www.americantaskforce.org/civicrm/event/info?id=17&reset=1 

Perhaps your editorial board needs to find some better sources of news and information in order to help formulate more accurate and helpful editorials.  

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab 

NOTES

"People in neighbouring states have shown incredible compassion and opened their homes to hundreds of thousands of people but we all have a shared responsibility. It would be catastrophic if the neighbouring countries closed their borders to the thousands of people who flee the conflict every day. Yet how can we call on Syria’s neighbours to keep their borders open to refugees if we keep our own under lock and key?"
 

ATFP Briefing on Palestinian Refugees in Syria and the Crisis at Yarmouk: The National Press Club Washington DC- January 22nd, 2014

Palestine for a New Beginning by Zahi Khouri 
 

This Week in Palestine Artist of the Month: Storyteller Denise Asaad In Her Own Words


Murdering Palestinians by starvation in Syria... much crueler and more arbitrary than anything imposed on Gaza by either Israel or Egypt.

Aid Convoy Unable to Reach Yarmouk Refugee Camp in Syria ... 41 Palestinian refugees have died of food and medicine shortages in the camp.

An Excellent letter in the Guardian: Ariel Sharon's motto could have been 'there's no such thing as a Palestinian'

Analysis: Why Palestinian leadership is right to engage in peace talks

Ziad Asali of ATFP: Why Palestinians are puzzled by the 'Jewish state' demand... Netanyahu's demand for recognition of Israel as a Jewish state bizarrely inserts Palestinians into the 'Who is a Jew' debate

Jerusalem... the respective capitals of Israel and Palestine

Hussein Ibish: Time for honesty about dialogue with Israel

Palestine is abundant in energy, skills, passion, and determination. Only when our belief in citizen solutions is reignited and our respect for one another is re-established can we officially witness the transformation we want as a society." Muna Dajani & Sami Backleh: This Week in Palestine

Arts & Culture: Organizers Prepare Palestinian Museum For 2015 Opening... Biggest of Its Kind, Privately-Sponsored Institution Will Have Satellite Locations Around the Globe

The monster that won't die: Al-Qaeda is making yet another appalling comeback "There have always been differences within al-Qaeda, those who have either successfully seized or been granted permission to use the name as a kind of franchise, and other salafi-jihadi or "takfiri" groups. But while the parent organization based in Pakistan and Afghanistan seems to be increasingly irrelevant, the political ideology and program of mass murder that are now synonymous with al-Qaeda seem at least as robust as ever, if not more so. It is the monster that, for the past decade, simply will not die."

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 1

• All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

The Office of International Religious Freedom ( http://www.state.gov/j/drl/irf/ )   Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to:

Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

 Live by the Golden Rule

American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) supports Palestinian institution-building, good governance, anti-corruption measures, economic development, and improved living standards. ATFP categorically and unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, no matter the cause and who the victims or perpetrators may be. http://www.americantaskforce.org/

The Arab Peace Initiative

"People in neighbouring states have shown incredible compassion and opened their homes to hundreds of thousands of people but we all have a shared responsibility. It would be catastrophic if the neighbouring countries closed their borders to the thousands of people who flee the conflict every day. Yet how can we call on Syria’s neighbours to keep their borders open to refugees if we keep our own under lock and key?"

A call of duty - 25 leading charities urge PM to open Britain’s door to its share of Syria's most vulnerable refugees 

 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/exclusive-a-call-of-duty--25-leading-charities-urge-pm-to-open-britains-door-to-its-share-of-syrias-most-vulnerable-refugees-9068475.html

As the plight of its displaced civilians grows more desperate still, the organisations call on David Cameron to 'transform the lives' of those most affected by the civil war

The letter
Dear Prime Minister,

We are writing to you on behalf of the most vulnerable refugees from Syria who are struggling to survive in crowded refugee camps and makeshift shelters. They have witnessed and survived unimaginable horrors. Meanwhile Syrians living in the UK are desperately worried about their families.

The UK deserves credit for its leadership in providing assistance to refugees in the region, including £600m in aid, helping millions of families survive. However, given the scale and the gravity of the humanitarian crisis unfolding across the region, we would urge the UK to join the 18 other states participating in UNHCR’s global resettlement programme. Those with family already in the UK should be allowed to reunite with their loved ones.

UNHCR has appealed for Western governments to accept 30,000 of the most vulnerable refugees from the region. This would include women at risk, children who are in need of special assistance, vulnerable older adults and torture survivors who will simply struggle to survive in the harsh conditions in the region. We must play our part in offering them a place of safety.

This number may seem like a drop in the ocean, but it would transform the lives of each person resettled and help countries like Lebanon and Jordan who are already feeling the strain. In Lebanon, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, a fifth of the population are now Syrian refugees.

People in neighbouring states have shown incredible compassion and opened their homes to hundreds of thousands of people but we all have a shared responsibility. It would be catastrophic if the neighbouring countries closed their borders to the thousands of people who flee the conflict every day. Yet how can we call on Syria’s neighbours to keep their borders open to refugees if we keep our own under lock and key?

Yours sincerely,

Maurice Wren, CEO, Refugee Council
Kate Allen, director, Amnesty International
Richard Miller, executive director, ActionAid
Wayne Myslik, CEO, Asylum Aid
Chris Bain, director, Cafod
Paul Valentin, international director, Christian Aid
Tiffy Allen, national coordinator, City of Sanctuary
Chris Doyle, director, Council for Arab-British Understanding
Keith Best, CEO, Freedom from Torture
Faddy Sahloul, chairman, Hand in Hand for Syria
Dr Mohamed Ashmawey, CEO, Islamic Relief Worldwide
Peter Balleis SJ, international director, Jesuit Refugee Service
Dr Edie Friedman, executive director, Jewish Council for Racial Equality
Syed Sharfuddin, CEO, Muslim Aid
Jim Steinke, CEO, Northern Refugee Centre
Mohamed Nasreldin, CEO, North of England Refugee Service
Mark Goldring, CEO, Oxfam
Dave Garrett, CEO, Refugee Action
Michel Gabaudan, president, Refugees International
Amy Lythgoe, chair of trustees, Refugee  Welcome Trust
Justin Forsyth, CEO, Save the Children
John Wilkes, CEO, Scottish Refugee Council
Emma Williams, CEO, Student Action for Refugees
Rob Williams, CEO, War Child
Salah Mohamed, CEO, Welsh Refugee Council

18 January 2014 More than two million refugees have been registered by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Syria’s four neighbouring countries, in what has been labelled the “defining humanitarian crisis of our time”...  The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said numerous attempts by the UN and other organisations over the past four months to deliver aid to the 18,000 people in the camp have been thwarted...READ MORE