Opinion and analysis

The myth of American pressure


The conventional wisdom is that when Washington has exerted pressure on Israeli governments they have eventually succumbed to American demands. However, a closer reading of the historical record and declassified American archival documents reveals a more complex dynamic between the two allies. 

Why Palestinians may one day thank Netanyahu


Asad Ghanem, a professor of political science at Haifa University, predicts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet will eventually come to rue their obduracy. The intransigence and the unabashed espousal of “an ideology of Jewish supremacy” by Netanyahu and his supporters will lead to the gradual “reunification” of the Palestinian people, Dr. Ghanem said in an interview. 

Speaking out on Kashmir and Palestine in the US


The United States has become a battleground for both the struggles of the peoples of Palestine and Kashmir, for freedom from military occupation and for justice. Awareness amongst the US public is broadened as the repression of both struggles grows ever more violent, and meanwhile those wishing to stifle debate on these issues in the US resort to harassment and intimidation. 

UN will be judged on whether it upholds Palestinian rights


“It is time, after 43 years, to acknowledge the intolerable burdens of prolonged occupation on a civilian population.” In his last report to the United Nations General Assembly in his term as Special Rapporteur on the Situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Richard Falk describes the lack of cooperation of the Israeli government and the deteriorating human rights situation on the ground. 

Progressive Canadians must challenge JNF's charitable status


Last month, Greg Selinger, the New Democratic Party (NDP) Premier of the Province of Manitoba, and two of his ministers visited Israel. Among other things, the official delegation strengthened the longtime “progressive” government’s ties to the Jewish National Fund (JNF). The trip was a sad spectacle that should embarrass every Canadian who opposes racism. 

US Palestinians converging to help shape homeland's future


This weekend in Chicago, the second Popular Conference for Arabs and Palestinians in the US promises to continue to push our movement forward. After more than six decades of colonization, forced dispossession, home demolitions, occupation and apartheid, Palestinians remain steadfast in their refutation of the Israeli assertion that “The old will die, and the young will soon forget.”