Washington Watch Articles From 2002
GORE IGNITES IRAQ DEBATE
The Administration’s pressure on Congress to rush headlong into passing a “war resolution” authorizing the use of force against Iraq was dealt a blow last week.
An Israeli Campaign That Can’t Work
I got in trouble this week. Some American Jewish leaders became upset with me because I have been widely quoted referring to their pro-Israel advertising campaign as “racist.
ONE YEAR LATER, THE DAMAGE DONE
Last week I traveled to Cairo to address the Arab League’s Foreign Ministers meeting.
A LESSON IN POLITICS
Within a matter of a few weeks two of the United States’ top congressional leaders appeared separately on the same television program to let the country know how little they knew or cared about the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
THE EVER-EXPANDING WAR
In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in a war. It’s bigger than Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda. And much bigger than Afghanistan and the Taliban.
ARAB AMERICAN ATTITUDES TODAY
Arab Americans, across the spectrum, retain strong pride in their ethnicity but have become increasingly concerned about the policies of the Bush presidency.
UNDERSTANDING AMERICA’S RIGHT WING, PART II
While a small band of influential neo-conservatives have played a significant role in shaping the foreign policy outlook of today’s Republican Party, it is the religious right that has come to set that party’s domestic agenda.
A CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION TO WATCH: THE MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT IN ALABAMA’S SEVENTH
The Democratic primary in Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District, is being closely watched by Israel’s supporters, who view it as a chance to unseat an incumbent with ties to Arab countries and a spotty record of support for the Jewish state.
THE STEPS WE MUST NOW TAKE
Even the most diehard pessimist couldn’t have helped but notice some recent positive developments in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The U.S. apparently pulled its weight and pressed Israel not to re-invade or bombard Gaza last week.
THE PEACE OF THE ARABS OR THE VIOLENCE OF SHARON?
It has been an achingly frustrating week of highs and lows in the search for Middle East peace. The high point, of course, was the Arab League Summit’s endorsement of Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah’s simple but eloquent peace initiative.
A COMMENTARY ON UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1397
Last week, I read two diametrically opposed editorials in the Arab press, both commenting on the U.N. Security Council’s passage of the U.S.-supported Resolution 1397.
TOWARD A NEW PALESTINIAN STRATEGY
There is a desperate need for a new Palestinian strategy. What is now being done is clearly not working. More of the same will only produce more suffering, more tension and ever deepening disaster.
THE STAKES ARE HIGH IN THE 2002 CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS
This year’s 2002 congressional elections will be important for several reasons. With Republicans holding only a six-seat advantage in the House of Representatives and Democrats a one-seat advantage in the Senate, a handful of victories either way and the entire direction of governance could change.