Washington Watch Articles From 2019
Trump Is Dismantling the International Order
The Trump Administration’s declaration that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian lands are not illegal was, in fact, a consequential act – though not for the reasons cited by Israelis or Palestinians.
Netanyahu's Real Crimes
After years of investigation and months of delay, Israel's Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit formally indicted Benjamin Netanyahu for crimes ranging from his violation of public trust to bribery and fraud.
The Cycle of Death Continues
One evening, almost two decades ago, I was on CNN's "Crossfire" sitting opposite a Democratic Congressman (who is no longer in office, having repeatedly disgraced himself in "sexting" scandals).
Democratic Voters Have Known for Some Time What Some Liberals Are Just Now Coming to Terms With: Israel is an Occupier
There has been a chorus of liberal lamentations over the flap created by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to deny two US Congresswomen, Rashida Tlaib (MI-D) and Ilhan Omar (MN-D), the right to visit occupied Palestinian lands.
Two Congressional Resolutions That Won’t Advance Israeli-Palestinian Peace
In the coming week, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs will move on four bills – all of which, I believe, drive more nails in the coffin of Israeli-Palestinian peace.
What If Palestinians “Take the Money and Run?”
I wasn't at the "Peace to Prosperity" Summit, but I listened to some of the speeches and read the documents the White House produced, and nothing I saw changed my belief that the entire affair was long on fantasy, short on reality.
Most Democratic Candidates Still Afraid to Criticize Israel's Violations of Palestinian Rights
The attitudes of Democratic voters toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have become decidedly more balanced in the past two decades. Favorable attitudes toward Palestinians are up while attitudes toward Israel appear to be in decline.
The Continuing Struggle for Palestinian Rights Among California Democrats
It was back in the mid-1980's that Jack O'Dell, a long-time advisor first to Martin Luther King Jr. and then to Jesse Jackson, taught me a lesson I never forgot.
Why the US “Workshop” For Palestinians Will Fail
Twenty-five years ago, I moderated the panel discussion on the Palestinian economy at the international economic summit in Casablanca, Morocco.
Irish Affinity for Palestinians Runs Deep
It is always gratifying to see the strength of Irish solidarity with the people of Palestine. This was brought home again last week during a visit to Ireland.
US Complicity in Israel’s Violations of International Law
Last week I addressed a United Nations Security Council meeting on "Israeli Settlements.
Justice Prevailed
On May 9th, 2019, a jury in US District Court for Washington, DC found a former US diplomat guilty on 14 counts of threatening me and other employees of the Arab American Institute "because of [our] race and ethnicity" and "because of [our] efforts to encourage Arab Americans to participate in the political life in the United States.
Playing 20 Questions to Figure Out the "Deal of the Century"
I believe that it was Henry Kissinger who described his approach to running Arab-Israeli negotiations as creating the illusion of momentum to compensate for the lack of momentum.
Why I’m Glad Netanyahu Won
I'm glad Benjamin Netanyahu won reelection. Since I realize that saying this won't sit well with many folks, let me explain:
Protecting Americans’ Right to Hear from the Leader of BDS, the Palestinian Non-Violent Campaign for Human Rights
I awakened early Wednesday to listen to a voicemail message from Omar Barghouti, a leading member of the Palestinian movement to Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) Israel.
Bringing Back Memories of the Nightmarish Israeli Invasion of Lebanon
The New York Times headline on April 4th was simple enough, "After 37-Year Search, Israel Recovers Body of a Fallen Soldier," but the memories it dredged up were both painful and complicated.
Irish Senator Frances Black Makes the Case Against Israeli Settlements
This past week, we hosted Irish Senator Frances Black in Washington. Black is the Chair of the Irish Seanad's (Senate) Palestine Working Group and the lead sponsor of the legislation to ban the import of products from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian lands into Ireland.
The Shameful Attack that Backfired
What happened to Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was troubling. On the one hand, because she dared to challenge the way supporters of Israel have worked to silence debate on US policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, she became a victim of incitement, and the target of legislation meant to shame her.
Game Over!
Hardline supporters of Israel are in panic mode. It was in evidence earlier this week with the all-out assault on the first Somali, African-born immigrant, refugee, Muslim woman elected to serve in the US Congress.
Michelle Alexander Has Opened a Door, We Must Work to Keep It Open
This past Sunday, the New York Times featured on the front page of its "Week in Review" section a major column by Michelle Alexander - "Time to Break the Silence on Palestine.