| Office of Research | Issue Focus | Foreign Media Reaction |
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Commentary from ... Europe Middle East East Asia South Asia Africa Western Hemisphere |
| October 5, 2000 |
Foreign observers took stock of the peace process in the wake of widespread clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli Defense Forces, which have scaled back the immediate focus from Jerusalem and other final status issues to merely securing a durable cease-fire. Most concluded gloomily that "there is little optimism about an early end to the crisis." Israeli and Arab editorialists looked with great trepidation toward two events on the horizon: the convening of Israel's Knesset later this month,and Yasser Arafat's decision to revisit the question in November of whether to declare Palestinian statehood. Some, noting that the violence had brought Arab-Israelis into tense street confrontations with Israeli authorities for the first time in many years, judged that Israeli Prime Minister Barak may now lose the support of the Arab-Israeli bloc in the Knesset, thus complicating his efforts to stave off a defeat in the parliament. Others, focusing on Yasser Arafat's prospects, wondered whether he had been strengthened or weakened by the violence and whether recent events would influence his decision on Palestinian statehood. Onlookers in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa noted Secretary Albright's daunting "rescue" effort in Paris and Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt and judged that President Clinton, with only a few months left in his presidency, "is not going to let what might have been a partial foreign policy success in the Middle East fall to pieces." But many of these writers also maintained that no matter how skilled and tenacious the mediators, "at the end of the day, the desire for peace has to come from within, it cannot be imposed by Washington or any other power." Highlights follow:
ARABS: TO SUMMIT OR NOT TO SUMMIT?: Opinion in the Arab world on the wisdom of convening a pan-Arab summit on the Jerusalem issue at this time split along the fault line of government-run papers in favor and independent papers and the public against. Government-sponsored papers highlighted the recent Assad-Mubarak summit, running editorials that praised the two leaders' call for an emergency Arab summit. But during a call-in program on the Arab world's premier Al-Jazeera satellite television, numerous callers emphasized that there is no need for an Arab summit because the leaders will not achieve anything beyond calling for self-restraint. Echoing this theme, some independent publications called on Arab leaders to reflect the depth of Arab anguish about the "Palestinian martyrs" by reversing the steps toward normalization of relations with Israel, supporting "the new intifada" and pressing for Israel's leaders to be tried as war criminals.
'CAMP DAVID A THING OF THE PAST'?: Throughout the commentary, observers, chagrined by the fact that the recent street violence appears to have eclipsed any gains made at the conference table, expounded on the difficulty in resolving "age-old conflicts." Some joined an Italian commentator in determining that perhaps the diplomacy of "Camp David and U.S.-style cordiality" are now passe. Maybe, the writer said, "a Nobel Prize-style peace will be replaced by realistic efforts towards a lasting peace."
EDITOR: Gail Hamer Burke
EDITOR'S NOTE: This survey is based on 53 reports from 31 countries October 1-5. Editorial excerpts are grouped by region; editorials from each country are listed from the most recent date.
ISRAEL: "Of Miracles And Other Means Of Pressure"
Op-ed writer Yael Paz Melamed editorialized in popular, populist Maariv (10/5): "How could (Yasser Arafat) possibly imagine that Israel would accept the establishment of an international commission of investigation into the events in the territories, let alone legal sanctions against IDF officers and (Israeli) police for what he calls 'the murder of the Palestinian people'?... As of now, Arafat is interested in maintaining a hot situation and Barak wants to achieve a cease-fire and the resumption of the talks.... Arafat is not interested in a summit because he has no answers. He knows that the ball is in his camp, yet he won't pick it up now.... A summit would return (Barak) to the status of a peace-seeker who is prepared to offer a great deal, and Arafat as (a leader) who rejects the extended hand. This is why Barak is requesting negotiations at a senior level, in order to reach an agreement within a few weeks. Only a miracle--or great U.S. pressure assorted with sanctions--can bring back the parties to serious negotiations."
"Sharon Saved Jerusalem"
Nationalist writer Uri Dan opined in popular, pluralist Maariv and independent Jerusalem Post (10/5): "Knesset member Ariel Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount last Thursday saved the Temple Mount and saved Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.... The Arab Knesset Members screamed 'provocation' against Sharon on the Temple Mount. Under Arafat's orders, and in coordination with him, they then rushed off to incite the Israeli Arabs and to turn the entire country into a battlefield.... (The Arab Knesset members') real face was thus once again revealed. In their hate-distorted view, the entire Jewish state (even within the Green Line) is the real provocation. The Israeli Arab violence on the Jewish New Year proved that their aim is identical to that of Arafat--to wipe out Israel. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher was quick off the mark on the eve of the Jewish New Year to connect the rioting with Sharon's visit. Not only was this gross interference by Clinton's administration in Israel's internal affairs and its holy place, the Temple Mount, but it also encouraged the Palestinians to continue the violence and terror, despite the fact that the CIA was aware that Arafat was personally supervising it."
"Enough Crimes And Bloodshed"
Far-left, Arabic-language Al-Ittihad editorialized (10/3): "'Black Monday'--this is how human history will record this day as a landmark of eternal shame to a government that treats its citizens with the language of terror and oppression, only because they chose to express their solidarity with their brothers and their right to protest against the massacres perpetrated against them. The recent events have exposed the incredible animosity and hatred against the Arab citizens that only waited for the right conditions to manifest themselves.... This newspaper holds Barak and his government entirely responsible for the recent deterioration of the situation...it asks the investigating commission to reveal the criminal violations and punish the transgressors...because...coexistence and understanding between the two peoples cannot be built with the language of bullets and demolition."
"Ducking Vital Choices"
Chief economic editor Sever Plotker wrote in mass-circulation, pluralist Yediot Aharonot (10/4): "The clashes (between the IDF and the Palestinian armed forces) are not spontaneous. As far as the Palestinians are concerned, the confrontation has no purpose, no human or national logic. It might degenerate into a big war in which there would be only one losing side: the Palestinians.... Barak challenged the Palestinian nation by requesting a clear-cut answer to his detailed 'end of conflict' and 'end of claims'... proposals. It appears that the Palestinians view an answer, which would involve making concessions on the dream of greater Palestine, as agonizingly difficult. The more crucial diplomatic and national decisions the Palestinians are demanded to make, the more they evade them. They find a known, fleeting and 'hot' shelter in established patterns of violence--a destructive diversion. The two nations are closer now to making up than 10, 20, 30 or 50 years ago. Closer, but also farther away from each other than ever."
"Clearing The Air"
The independent Jerusalem Post editorialized (10/4): "Suddenly cast, in world opinion, in the role of the villain for failing to match Israel's willingness to compromise, Arafat this week cynically sacrificed dozens of 'martyrs' in a transparent attempt to recapture the world's sympathy for the Palestinian cause. Unfortunately, this shameless tactic has worked, with even U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright rushing to accuse Likud chairman Ariel Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount last Thursday of igniting the Palestinian riots. Such an accusation is baseless, and it is to Barak's personal credit that he has come to his political rival's defense."
"An Unreliable Negotiating Partner"
Ombudsman Israel Rosenblatt wrote in an editorial in popular, pluralist Maariv (10/4): "After four days of fighting...efforts have been made to stop the escalation before the point of no-return is reached.... Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will be meeting in Paris today to try to stop the conflagration.... Talking is always better than shooting. The question is how much trust--if at all--Israel can have in promises given by a serial arsonist such as Arafat."
WEST BANK: "After The Massacre...What To Do?"
Ahmad Majdalani judged in independent, pro-Palestinian Authority Al-Ayyam (10/4): "Barak's behavior encourages the religious extremism which is just waiting for the right moment to come to the surface and destroy any chance for a political solution. The only loser in this battle will be Barak and his government, which has provoked this sensitive and dangerous issue. The behavior hurts not only the feelings of the Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims, but also Christians worldwide.... What encourages Barak to go on in his destructive policy and drag the region into a state of war and violence is the continuing political, diplomatic and media support of the Clinton administration, which still insists, even in its last days, on its clear bias towards Israel.... The time left will only suffice to enable the Clinton administration to calm the situation, whether through resuming security talks or by arranging summit meetings in Paris. But the Clinton administration will not be able to reopen negotiations no matter what efforts it exerts at this time and the Palestinian negotiators will not be able to return to the negotiating table under current circumstances.'"
EGYPT: "Washington Preventing UNSC From Playing Its Natural Role"
Galal Dowidar, editor-in-chief of pro-government daily Al Akhbar, held (10/5): "The AFP pictures of the Palestinian child and his father created overwhelming reaction worldwide. American media, despite their allegiance to Israel, were forced to publish something so that they would not appear backward. As a result of the broad range of reports, especially in American media, the bloody, uncivilized conduct of Israel was exposed. I believe that Barak's agreement to meet with Chirac and Albright in Paris came as a result of the unexpected outcome of the massacres of the Israeli army against Palestinians. His aim is not to help the peace process, but rather to contain the impact of the media commotion, which raised the international and American sympathy toward Palestinians.... The Paris meetings yesterday gave no positive results, and the UNSC failed to have consensus over dealing with Israel's new crime. Washington is exerting pressures, as usual, to prevent the UNSC from playing its natural role. Certainly the excuse is that they do not want the peace process to be affected. How many crimes have been committed in the name of peace?"
"International Investigation Into Al-Aqsa Incident Needed"
Pro-government daily Al Ahram argued (10/5): "The idea of an international investigative committee on the Aqsa intifada seems to have strong reasons. It will at least show how Israeli rulers think and act in the current period.... The matter also involves the circumstances surrounding his act of entering the mosque, whether the timing or security protection. More important is the Israeli decision to respond to stone throwers with bullets in the aim of murder. This is an unbalanced decision, which the current Israeli leaders have made repeatedly before. Terms of engagement are based on equal response. However, Israeli troops did not follow these rules. They were rather criminal, based on terms of engagement that aim, not at combating rioting, but at committing war crimes. There was no excuse, since it had been clear from the start that Palestinian demonstrations were not using weapons.... This act, that continues to occur, should not pass unnoticed. Something wrong is happening in Israel which should be revealed."
LEBANON: "'Al-Aqsa Intifada' Blasts Chances For Peace And Reshuffles The Cards"
An editorial by Shawki Ashkouti in loyalist Nida' Al-Watan observed (10/5): "Before the 'Al-Aqsa Intifada,' all indications were that negotiations on the Palestinian track would be resumed.... These clashes were a real surprise. It was also...a shock when these clashes nearly became a 'real war.' Israel is not innocent. Sharon's visit was provocative, and the military operation that was implemented by the Israeli army afterwards reflected that there was a plan waiting for the right moment to be enforced.... The 'Al-AqsaI Intifada' ousted the last chance for peace during Clinton's term.... On the Israeli level, Barak's government will be the first victim.... On the Palestinian level, this intifada will give Arafat the chance to strengthen his leadership, but at the same time, he will have to confront the growing Palestinian opposition forces.... Israel is also worried about its borders with Lebanon because...of the coordination and cooperation between Hamas and Hizballah under Iranian sponsorship. Hizballah is teaching Hamas its fighting expertise and providing it with information."
"Statements Beneath Description"
An editorial by Gebran Tueni in moderate An-Nahar noted (10/5): "Although we denounce the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian heroes in the occupied territories, I do not believe that anyone in Lebanon will accept having Lebanon used as a launching point for operations against Israel."
"A 'Central Room Of Operations' Monitors The Intifada'
An article by Qasem Qasir (Hizballah member) in opposition, Hariri-owned Al-Mustaqbal said (10/4): "Parallel to developments in the field in various Palestinian areas, Beirut, Damascus and Tehran witnessed a series of contacts between Hizballah's leadership, the Iranian leadership, and leaderships of the opposition Palestinian forces. Informed sources indicated that a series of meetings were held between Hizballah, Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, and the popular front. Furthermore, a high level delegation from Hamas led by Khalid Masha'al visited Iran.... Discussions centered on means of supporting the Palestinians, particularly on the political and media sides. Hizballah Secretary General Hasan Nasrallah asked the party's media tool to support this 'new intifada.' Hizballah's television and radio Al-Manar and An-Nour committed most of their programs to the intifada. Palestinian sources said that the Manar television became, through its satellite channel, the number one media tool inside Palestine.... Hizballah leaders and Palestinian organizations confirmed that they would deal with caution with developments in the field, particularly on the southern arena. However, they expect increasing upheavals in the south."
JORDAN: "The Future Of The Palestinian State"
Daily columnist Riham Farra wrote on the inside page of independent, mass-appeal Arabic daily Al-Arab Al-Yawm (10/5): "This may not be a good time to talk about Palestinian statehood, but the ongoing massacres force us to learn a few lessons for the future.. What if there had been a Palestinian state under these circumstances; a state with no army, no sovereignty and no borders. What kind of future and destiny would it have and what would its capability to protect its people be like?... Today, Israel is using planes and missiles because there are a bunch of Palestinian police firing their weapons to protect their citizens. Tomorrow, when there is a Palestinian state, who knows, Israel may use all its heavy weapons, including chemical and biological weapons, against the Palestinians. The important difference between today and tomorrow is that today the entire world knows that Israel is an occupying country exercising oppression against an unarmed people, but with the Palestinian State, the situation may be different. Israeli military plans to reoccupy territories of the Palestinian Authority are in place and the best locations to strike against Palestinians are identified and are under Israeli control. Do we have such plans? We do not want to expect the worst, but in order to prevent it, we should prepare for it. We should have plans and forces to deter Israel and to protect the Palestinians and the Arabs, just like Israel has."
"Why Does Not Sharm Al-Sheikh Summit Condemn Zionist Terrorism?"
Chief editor Taher Udwan wrote on the back page of independent, mass-appeal Arabic daily Al-Arab Al-Yawm (10/5): "What are the Palestinian people to do more than they are already doing: fighting tanks and missiles with stones. The Zionist crime, as always, is reviewed by the Security Council, the White House and the Arab countries and everyone fails to agree, not even to describe Israeli actions as a serious violation of the rights of an entire people or adopt a decisive stand to put an end to the suffering and sacrifice of a people. Why did the U.S. president and other leaders hurry to hold the famous anti-terrorism summit meeting in Sharm Al-Sheikh following Hamas bomb explosions in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and fail to hold a similar summit to condemn Israeli terrorism? Do the souls of the 67 Palestinian martyrs and the injuries of a thousand others not deserve that?"
"Arab Intifada"
Columnist Raja Issa declared in the front page of semi-official, influential Al-Ra'y (10/4): "All statements and remarks about what's going on in Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank are of no value.... The incidents in the West Bank, and the killing and injury of hundreds of citizens of that beloved country, deserve much more than a reaction on the pages of newspapers and the words of support of the various organizations.. Support must go beyond providing money and power for fighters. Arab countries must use their influence and their relations with the rest of the world to put an end to the Zionist tyranny that is aimed against the holiest of places for Arabs and Muslims, a place protected by the Palestinian people alone. 'Al-Aqsa Intifada' carries great meaning, most importantly the fact that we need an Arab and Islamic intifada that corresponds in practice with what's going on in our beloved country."
BAHRAIN: "Arabs Never Learn From Their Mistakes"
Sawsan Al-Sha'er wrote in semi-independent Arabic daily Al-Ayam (10/4): "Do you recall the scenes of bone-breaking during the Palestinian uprising a few years ago? What happened after that? Nothing. Instead of using the world's sympathy we helped (the Israelis) to procrastinate. We wasted the chance and the world forgot what happened. That was not the only opportunity we wasted and will not be the last. If we knew how to negotiate, how to preserve our rights and how to benefit from (Israeli) mistakes we would be better off."
"Break Relations With The Enemy"
Semi-independent Arabic daily Akhbar Al-Khalij published this view by Hafedh Al-Shaikh (10/4): "It is good to hear that Qatar has expressed its readiness to treat injured Palestinians. But what is more appropriate for Qatar, as well as Oman and all Arab countries which have been entangled in making relations with the enemy, is not to treat the injured or bury the dead but to break the relations they have with the enemy."
QATAR: "Al Jazeera Call-In Program: Israel, U.S., Arab Leaders Attacked"
Satellite television Al-Jazeera's weekly program "Opposite Direction" (10/3): hosted by Faisal Al-Qassem, focused on the tense situation in Palestine and the continuation of clashes leading to the "Al-Aqsa massacre." Al-Qassem changed the format of the program this week from a panel discussion to a call-in program. The callers attacked Israel, the United States, U.S. leaders, and Arab leaders--including Qatar's emir among others. Callers hailed the intifada, prayed for the spirit of the martyrs, and urged Arab leaders to open the borders for the mujahedeen to enter and liberate Jerusalem. Numerous calls and faxes from Islamic groups throughout the world renewed a call for a jihad and urged Arab leaders in border states with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to open their borders for the mujahedeen to enter the occupied territories and fight for Al-Aqsa. Many callers and faxes urged Muslims throughout the world to boycott American products and to expel American ambassadors from Islamic countries as well as the British (referred to as 'the head of the snakes'). Callers also emphasized that there is no need for a pan-Arab summit because the leaders will not achieve anything other than calling for self-restraint. A fax entitled "Shame, Shame, Shame" was read on the air and stated that Arab leaders should spare the nation their meeting and use the money that they would spend on their summit banquet to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians.
SAUDI ARABIA: "The War Should Be Waged With Destructive Measures"
Riyadh-based, conservative Al-Riyadh opined (10/4): "The reality of clashes between the Palestinian people and the Israeli army will go further. The diplomatic way has failed since Israel does not accept a just peace, and this will lead to another kind of opposition that might make some leaders leave their positions and America will have to face the truth and take on more responsibility. The return of the occupation will be a gain for the Palestinian opposition, because Israel did not withdraw from Lebanon by meeting officials but instead was humiliated into withdrawal by the power and pressure of the Lebanese opposition. If traditional methods do not succeed, it will lead to this behavior because Israel depends on a bloody diplomacy and will not recognize Arab rights except by similar style and actions."
"Summit Urgent, But Not Urgent!"
London-based, pan-Arab Al-Hayat, ran an this piece by managing editor Abdulwahab Baderkhan (10/4): "The Israelis will do nothing against the call for an Arab summit because they know the reaction to the Arab summits, and they consider these calls as directed toward the Arab streets in order to calm down the situation. When Barak ordered his army to kill Palestinians, he knew the official Arab reaction would not exceed condemnations, and as a war criminal he does not worry about Israel's image in the world as long as America gives him the green light to open fire on the Palestinians. During the recent crisis no one from the Arab world warned the war criminal Barak about any serious Arab reaction, nor did any Arab state that has relations with Israel call in the Israeli ambassador even for the sake of throwing ashes in the public's eyes. Nor did any state cut relations or suspend negotiations, or any businessman freeze his deals. So why should Barak worry since he knows that if the Arabs call for a summit, this means they do not give or take anything? With or without an Arab summit the Arabs can request international measures to prevent killing the Palestinians. They could also adopt serious steps to cut all relations with the Israeli war criminals until the end of international investigations (without American participation) which would identify those responsible for the killings, and punish them."
SYRIA: "The Cairo Summit Is A Quality Step"
Government-owned Al-Baath stated (10/4): "The unified positions emerging from the Assad-Mubarak summit has paved a way for facing challenges. Both leaders called for an emergency Arab summit to curb Israeli greed and foil Barak's policy and persistence in its terrorist choice.... The Cairo summit was a quality step which revived the hopes of millions of Arabs."
"Killers And War Criminals"
Mohamed Ali Buza, a commentator in government-owned Al-Thawra, wrote (10/4): "Arabs and the world community must move quickly and do everything possible to end the Israeli assaults and Zionist crimes, if international reaction, including America's call for self-restraint, cannot end the bloodshed in the Palestinian territories.... Tel Aviv leaders should be tried as war criminals and get their just punishment."
"The Cairo Summit And Challenges Of This Stage"
Government-owned Al-Baath maintained (10/3): "The Cairo summit sounded the trumpet of danger calling for a comprehensive Arab summit to defend the Al-Aqsa mosque and the holy shrines. Arab solidarity is the only means for Arabs to confront Israel and end its brutal aggression, forcing her to succumb to the requirements of peace. President Assad asserted Syria's position, seriousness and sincerity about the peace process. We are ready for a peace that will restore all of our land."
TUNISIA: "A Crime Against Humanity"
Senior editor Noureddine Achour asked in independent Arabic-language daily As-Sabah (10/3): "Where are international legality...and the influence of Western governments now that is Israel is declaring war on an unarmed people? In the face of what is happening, it is amazing that the European Union has only condemned the 'irresponsible violence' and the American administration talks of a 'tragedy,' as if this were a natural disaster of some sort.... In reality, the Israeli soldiers have committed a criminal act.... The blame for what is happening must fall on the United States for allowing the Israeli government to 'solve' the Palestinian issue in this way. The Palestinian people have no choice but to fight for their existence and their rights. Israeli provocation and oppression leave them no other alternative."
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: "The Meal Is American, The Smell Is Bad"
Commenting on an alleged American plot, semi-official Arabic language Al-Ittihad held (10/4): "There is something going on and there is a smell of an American concoction, prepared hastily under pressure by the serious call from Cairo for an Arab summit, which seems to have strongly annoyed Washington. Therefore, Washington immediately began a feverish campaign to liquidate the Al-Aqsa Intifada and its consequences and bring the parties to the negotiation table.... All we fear is that the American plan may succeed...in erasing the blood of the martyrs and liquidating any Arab role, and therefore skip the chance for a unified stance on the Palestinian issue and the sinister negotiations sponsored only by Washington. The meal is American, the smell is bad, and we hope we will not be trapped."
"Kill The Intifada And Bury It"
Sharjah-based Arabic daily Al-Khaleej maintained (10/4): "The crime scene is being prepared again to kill the intifada and bury it, while the blood of the martyrs is not yet dry. Barak is striking Palestine with an iron fist and the Palestinian youth defend it with their naked chests, while arrangements are underway for meetings between the executioner and the victim.... We all know that Barak and Albright's objective is to stop the intifada, eliminate its magnitude, and put an end to any support it gains in Palestine, the Arab world, the Muslim world and the entire world.... It is the duty of the Arabs, mainly the Palestinian Authority, to back the people of Palestine, and only an urgent Arab summit can build such a strong base. Arabs need to meet with themselves before they look for meetings with Barak."
"Arab Countries Support An Arab Summit "
Sharjah-based Arabic daily Al-Khaleej editorialized (10/3): "If an Arab summit is needed at all times, today it is badly needed following the blessed uprising by the Palestinian people in defense of Al-Aqsa and other holy sites.... An Arab summit is required to lay the foundations of an integrated Arab strategy that will define the minimum acceptable Arab stance, the settlement as a whole and especially the Jerusalem file.... However, the importance of the summit does not eliminate other long-awaited roles. The UN has been absent...and its political and human establishments are required to protect the Palestinian people from Israeli hostilities. Europe is also invited to carry out a political and human role that will put an end to the absolute American unilateral role as well as the Israeli intransigence, that has gone too far."
BRITAIN: "Palestinians Are Tired Of Peace Talks"
In Paris, BBC radio reported (10/5): "The talks have collapsed. Even by the standards of Middle East brinkmanship, the breakdown of the talks during the night was extraordinary. As efforts by Madeleine Albright to cajole both sides into agreeing to end the past week's violence foundered, Ehud Barak stunned the Americans by heading home. During one of the most bizarre episodes of the night, Mr. Arafat tried to walk out of the talks. He was pursued by Mrs. Albright pleading with him to stay. She shouted to the Marine security guards to shut the gates. It looks as if President Clinton himself will now have to lead the efforts to prevent a further slide away from Middle East peace. There are signs that the Palestinian protesters are slipping beyond the control of their leaders. Many ordinary Palestinians, frustrated by the lack of progress towards peace, are willing, and even eager, to press on with their protests. While Yasser Arafat talks peace with the Israelis, there are many among his people who, although they fear the violence, in a strange way crave it and the change they hope it may bring. Many are tired of talk about peace talks."
"Clinton Keeps Low Profile Ahead Of Polls"
The independent Financial Times remarked (10/5): "They used to call themselves mediators. Then facilitators. Now they quietly describe themselves as conveners. Such is the shifting perception and language used by U.S. officials of President Clinton's ability to rescue the peace talks and call a truce between Ehud Barak and Yasser Arafat. Nor has the president said anything of substance as violence and bloodshed continues on the West Bank and Gaza."
"Arafat's Hand Strengthened By Violence"
The liberal Guardian had this piece by Middle East editor David Hirst (10/5): "Mr. Arafat needed new diplomatic clout. Mr. Sharon's gesture came in handy. This is a make-or-break time in his own career as well as the peace process. When calm is restored, Mr. Arafat will--or so he imagines--enter the last phase of negotiations from a position of greater strength. He will also, thanks to Mr. Sharon's blunder and Israel's subsequent military excesses, have won back U.S. favor."
"Barak To The Wall"
The conservative Daily Telegraph editorialized (10/4): "Madeleine Albright will attempt to rescue matters today, but any momentum towards peace appears to have been rammed into reverse by the violence on the streets.... Mr. Barak's ambitions were bold and his willingness to take risks ever more surprising. Yet he has tended to keep close counsel and in so doing has failed to carry enough members of his coalition with him. He now finds himself deserted by former allies and facing not only Palestinian violence but, more ominously, that of Arab Israelis. For a man who promised so much so quickly, the past six days of rioting have been a bitter lesson in the hazards of peacemaking.... On the Arab side, Mr. Arafat has once again demonstrated a signal lack of leadership. Vain, corrupt and oppressive, he has once again proved a dismal embodiment of Palestinian aspirations."
FRANCE: "Israel, Palestine, Yugoslavia: America Wants And Can"
Dominique Bromberger commented on government-owned Radio France Inter (10/5): "Madeleine Albright is a brave little American soldier.... Above all, Madeleine wants to save face. She fought and tried to reestablish a new peace agreement. Madeleine never gave up when the image of her adopted country was challenged.... What is Washington's true view of the world scene?... The hyper-powerful America is predictable and much less reliable now. Arranging power around the planet and bestowing responsibilities takes difficult measures, which can even be frightening.... Brave Madeleine!..but when the Israelis and Palestinian move to fight for their God and their survival, maybe then you will need to know what your country of adoption truly thinks."
ITALY: "A Real Peace After The Nobel Price Peace"
Fiamma Nirenstein commented in centrist, influential La Stampa (10/5): "It is not clear yet whether the Paris meetings between Arafat, Barak and Albright will ever succeed in resuming peace talks among Middle East leaders and peoples.... Unable to stop the war on the battlefield, the two disappointed and angry Middle East leaders were nonetheless capable of a gesture that points in the right direction: They have taken the road to Paris, Europe, and, together, they met with Secretary Albright, USA. In order to make peace, they desperately need mediation and international presence.... Only the sense of fair and impartial pressure, and international legality can convince the two sides to resume negotiations eventually. There will be additional clashes and skirmishes. There won't be dinners by the fireplace for a long time. Camp David and U.S.-style cordiality are behind us, and reality is not a happy-ending movie. But perhaps a Nobel Prize-style peace will be replaced by realistic efforts towards a lasting peace.... Israel and the Palestinians need the world, since this peace is too big for them. And the world must obtain it with a lot of work, creativity, and equilibrium."
GERMANY: "The World Tour Of The Peace Seekers"
Peter Muench judged in an editorial in centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (10/5): "The whole world is being involved in the search for peace among Palestinians and Israelis. In this manner, a crisis like the current one becomes a hot global topic, and the respective roles played by Americans and Europeans in the Middle East peace process become matters of prestige.... This process lets the responsible parties--Barak and Arafat--be overshadowed by the mediators. It is time to remind Barak and Arafat of their responsibility. They have to find an agreement, they have to accept compromises. Nobody else can do it for them."
"Peace As An Affront"
Christoph von Marschall wrote in a front-page editorial in centrist Der Tagesspiegel of Berlin (10/5): "What makes the current situation so tragic is the fact that the entire coalition of peace supporters is hopelessly on the defensive. Not even pressure from the outside is going to help. And what kind of pressure should that be anyway? Four weeks before the U.S. presidential elections, the Clinton administration has no influence left, and Europe does not yet enjoy authority in the Middle East. Too many obstacles at once. It will take time before the right combination of domestic and foreign policy conditions arises again, and without it the next big step in the peace process cannot be taken. It is uncertain whether Israeli voters will once again support Barak or turn toward the stubborn Likud Party. No hope at all then? Only the hope that, despite everything, peace can be maintained over the next few months--not much in light of the fact that 60 people had to die."
BELGIUM: "These Riots Are Not Spontaneous At All"
In its prime time evening newscast (10/5), special correspondent Jean-Pierre Martin reported on commercial broadcaster RTL-TVI that, while they were filming in the West Bank, they saw a van arrive with Fatah militants who gave their orders and handed out Molotov cocktails. Martin reported that the Palestinian youngsters, seeing that they were being filmed, surrounded the RTL crew, threatened them, and took them to the Palestinian police station where they were forced to erase the images they just shot. Martin concluded: "We now have evidence that these riots are not spontaneous at all and that all the orders are coming from the Palestinian hierarchy. This, of course, does not exonerate Israel of its responsibility."
"Diplomacy Must Succeed"
Foreign affairs writer Frank Schloemer said in independent De Morgen (10/5): "Both Barak and Arafat are prisoners of the situation. Arafat--whose prestige has been dealt a serious blow--can barely make any concessions over Jerusalem after these recent events. Barak has probably definitively lost the support of the Israeli Arabs who could help him get out of the domestic political deadlock. Barak, who no longer has a government and a parliamentary majority, will not survive thanks to the support of that group. These Arabs are Israeli citizens with Israeli identity cards; they are represented in the Knesset and have the democratic right to demonstrate. The army, however, treated them as ordinary Arab terrorists. It stormed their cities and, in fact, shot at its own people. One has more and more the impression that a few symbolic square meters on the Temple Mount are more important to the Palestinians and the Israelis than a solution for their actual state problems. If international diplomacy does not succeed in defusing that eternal powder keg, a new ice age will be in the offing for Israel and Palestine--which may lead to a general war in the Middle East."
RUSSIA: "Paris Rendezvous Is No Help"
Yuri Yershov remarked in reformist Vremya MN (10/5): "By logic, foiling the talks practically at their final stage will benefit neither Barak nor Arafat. But the Paris dialogue can't do much to jump start the peace process."
"Palestinians Win World's Sympathy"
Leonid Gankin noted in reformist business-oriented Kommersant (10/5): "The Palestinians have had the world feel for them, so Arafat, never losing control of the situation, seems ready to order the protesters back home."
SWEDEN: "Mideast Peace Possibilities"
Stockholm's morning daily Dagens Nyheter held (10/4): "There still is a chance for peace in the Middle East...both Ehud Barak and Yassir Arafat should realize that the events in the last few days, at worst, are just a foretaste of what might happen should the peace process collapse.... The United States is actively involved, and President Bill Clinton is personally engaged in the process, eager to crown his eight years in the White House with a major foreign policy success.... The parties in the region have never been as close as they are now. To miss this opportunity, to allow violence to become a decisive factor, would be to let down people tired of conflict and who hope for a peaceful future."
TURKEY: "World Is Watching Again"
Zafer Atay averred in economics/politics Dunya (10/4): "Ariel Sharon deliberately acted to undermine the peace efforts and he succeeded very well. At least under the current situation, it is impossible to bring the two sides together for a constructive dialogue and produce something reasonable.... It is noteworthy that the UN--which did not hesitate to implement sanctions on Iraq and Libya--is doing nothing. Not even a message of condemnation.... The only solution is the just and lasting peace which should respect both sides' sacred values.... Two states, Israel and Palestine; one capital, West and East Jerusalem: This is the only remedy to end the pain which still continues after 50 years."
BANGLADESH: "Clashes In The Middle East"
Conservative Bangla-language Ittefaq editorially commented (10/5): "During the Camp David talks, Israel proposed a dual administration in Jerusalem. The Palestinian capital would be known as Al Quds, not Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel. Such a patchwork would have been fruitful, if the issue of the Temple Mount had been solved. But the Temple Mount was not included in the Camp David formula. It is not possible for Yasser Arafat to accept the Camp David formula, excluding the Temple Mount, due to public opinion. Palestine and the Muslims of the Arab world will not accept such a peace deal. Palestinian extremists and many of the Arab Muslims have not accepted the PLO's flexible attitude toward establishing the Israeli capital in Jerusalem. They think that Arafat has made an unjust compromise with Israel.... In this situation, Arafat and his mini-parliament will be unable to approve such a deal.... Hopefully, the international community is not indifferent. President Clinton has already made contact with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities. It is expected that both sides will face the situation with patience and will proceed to the path of peace through their negotiations. "
INDIA: "Conflict Zone"
An editorial in the centrist Times of India said (10/4): "For...Yasser Arafat and...Ehud Barak, the latest round of clashes signify an almost personal defeat.... The scars of these clashes will not easily heal and it will be months before a level of trust is built up again.... The only hope of getting a move on is President Clinton's intense involvement in the process. With barely a few months left in his presidency, he is not going to let what might have been a partial foreign policy success in the Middle East fall to pieces.... But at the end of the day, the desire for peace has to come from within, it cannot be imposed by Washington or any other power."
PAKISTAN: "Massacre By Israeli Troops In Palestine"
Pro-Muslim League, Urdu-language Pakistan told its readers (10/4): "They [the nations of the world] should ask Israel, as envisaged in the UN resolutions, to return to pre-1967 positions.... Jerusalem's real heirs are the sons of Palestine. Any attempt to change the situation will create bad blood among Muslims against the West. The United States should rethink its line and see that Israel has gone astray due to U.S. pampering."
CHINA: "Peace Talks Is The Only Win-Win Way Out For Both Palestine And Israel"
Jiang Shengyuan commented in the Beijing Morning Post (10/5): "The recent bloodshed has reflected the difficulty as well as complexity of the Middle East peace process. That the United States has failed to play a fair role as mediator has added more difficulties to the Middle East peace talks. America's biased stance in favor of Israel has become even more obvious, which is evinced by the United States and Britain's not allowing the UN Security Council to openly criticize Israel for the recent shooting deaths."
JAPAN: "Gun Battles: No Solution To Middle East Peace"
Liberal Asahi opined (10/4): "Palestinians and Israeli troops must immediately stop gun battles and other acts of violence.... Through the mediation of the U.S. government, Israeli Prime Minister Barak and Palestinian leader Arafat will be meeting in Paris. The two leaders need to end the violence and rebuild mutual confidence in order to resume peace talks. Considering the November U.S. presidential election and the brevity of Mr. Clinton's remaining term in office, the Paris meeting will be the last chance to get the stalemated peace talks back on track."
PHILIPPINES: "That Elusive Peace"
Zeneida Amador's column in the largest-circulation Manila Bulletin said (10/5): "Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders have called on the other side to stop the fighting. It really is well nigh impossible to talk peace when burst of gunfire, the shrieks of the wounded, and funerals for the dead are all taking place in the streets.... Ironically enough, most of the conflicts all over the world trade the trouble and the disagreements on religion. And now when many spiritual leaders are turning ecumenical, age-old conflicts are erupting anew. The thing about peace is that when individuals are interviewed--individuals in the middle of aging conflicts that is--they all say that all they want is to be able to live peacefully, do their work, and live happily with their families. That must be then what people really want, and yet the conflicts continue. Humanity must find its solution soon. How many more innocent victims will there be before that elusive dove of peace is finally found in areas where the gods of war still reign?"
CAMEROON: "Middle East: The Inevitable Dialogue"
Editor-in-chief Waffo Mongo wrote in the government-owned, bilingual French/English daily Cameroon Tribune (10/5): "The week-long bloody clashes between Israelis and Palestinians have disrupted that stressful state of no-peace, no-war, which in reality does not reflect the deepest aspirations of each people.... The renewed violence in the occupied territories is evidence that the spoilers of peace in both camps are eager to exploit any argument to torpedo a dynamic of peace which has been in motion for years."
"Cease-Fire Calms Mideast Violence"
Columnist Ekinneh Agbaw-Ebai stated in government-owned, bilingual French/English daily Cameroon Tribune (10/4): "Leaders from across the Arab world have backed calls by Egypt and Syria for an emergency Arab summit about the Israeli-Palestinian clashes. They have been joined by Muslim countries in condemning what is seen as 'Israeli atrocities' and attempts to impose sovereignty over the Muslim holy sites."
CANADA: "Mideast Carnage"
The liberal Toronto Star editorialized (10/3): "Sharon is a red flag to Palestinians. He helped lead Israel's invasion of Lebanon. He allowed Palestinians to be massacred there. He helped define Israel's settlement policy. He is a poster boy for skeptics of peace.... That Prime Minister Ehud Barak chose to pander to Sharon by deploying 1,000 police and troops to protect him, speaks to the depth of Israeli incomprehension at the frustration Palestinians feel with the go-nowhere peace process. Palestinians are routinely barred from the Old City, precisely to prevent riots. Sharon, a riot-in-the-making, was squired around on Thursday like some honored guest. Israeli officials now profess surprise at the rage that erupted.... Barak was unwise, weak or indifferent enough to allow a provocateur's dark shadow to fall across his bright dream. That shadow has eclipsed lives, and the prospects for peace."
ARGENTINA: "Fear Of Total War Amid Hatred And Craziness"
Elisabetta Pique, on special assignment in Ramallah for daily-of-record La Nacion, asserted (10/4): "The truce agreed by Palestinian and Israeli authorities has been more than ephemeral in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.... No one believes in peace here. Hatred is too strong. And that explains UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's dramatic phrase of yesterday: 'We are close to total war.'... Israeli intelligence services state that Palestinians have taken the very much criticized visit of Sharon to start a real insurrection aimed at taking advantage of the negotiations about Jerusalem's final status."
BRAZIL: "Bloody New Year"
Center-right O Estado de S. Paulo commented (10/4): "The situation in Israel and in the West Bank is as much as or even more explosive than it was seven years ago, when the Oslo peace process began. After today's meeting between Barak, Arafat and Secretary of State Albright in Paris, we will know whether the conflict of the recent days was just another among the many bloody episodes in the Middle East's history, or if the peace process has arrived at a sad end."
CUBA: "Palestinian Rights Versus Zionist Usurpation"
An article in the Communist Party Youth Wing organ Juventud Rebelde said (10/4): "Luis Mesa Delmonte, researcher from the Center for African and Middle Eastern Studies, made clear that in this conflict the United States is seeking to appear as a mediator, when the truth is that Israel is its main strategic ally in the region, where the United States has had enormous economic and military interests for years. Delmonte said that U.S. empire cannot be the impartial mediator that it has wanted the world to see, because the United States provides Israel with $1,800 million military aid annually, which it plans to increase to $2,400 million between 2002 and 2010, a sum that buttresses the $9,000 million of the Israeli military budget. Israel has become a dangerous producer of war materials, from bullets to nuclear warheads, with the economic and technological support of the United States, lining all of it up against Arab world, and in particular against the beleaguered Palestinian people, who have already spent many years expelled from their own land. Besides U.S. oil interests in the Middle East, the empire continues reinforcing Israel's status as the gendarme of the region, for which the Israeli project to build an anti-missile missile and join the United States in its Star Wars plan, is well appreciated."
MEXICO: "The New Intifada"
An editorial in left-of-center La Jornada said (10/4): "The atrocious violence in the Middle East jeopardizes the peace process that began after the Gulf War.... Current developments amount to an uprising of the Palestinians against Israel and perhaps even against Yasser Arafat's authority.... Arafat's role as a moderating element has been eroded by the stubbornness of Israel. This has undermined the Palestinians' patience and any provocation--such as Ariel Sharon's visit to the mosque location in East Jerusalem--can generate an unprecedented wave of violence.. Israeli politicians should realize that the barbaric repression of the Palestinians can only increase violence. There should be no delay in the establishment of a Palestinian state. The erosion of the National Palestine Authority yields no benefit for Israel, as a matter of fact, the most serious danger for Israel's security is not the existence of a Palestinian state but the lack of it."
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