The politics of Gilad Shalit

A cruel lesson in why the everyday morality of decent people often makes for foolish political strategy.




Via Michael Totten.


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"Five myths about Middle East peace," by Aaron D. Miller

"Five myths about Middle East peace," by Aaron D. Miller. Washington Post. October 3, 2010

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"Our Man in Palestine," Nathan Thrall

This is an extremely comprehensive investigation of Fayyadism and the PA-Israeli-American security cooperation in the West Bank. Thrall shows us the good, the bad, and the ugly, with an extra dose of the ugly.
Still digesting it, and wondering whether I agree with what seems to be his conclusion.

"Our Man in Palestine," Nathan Thrall. New York Review of Books. October 14, 2010.

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Hamas paranoia re, and crack-down on, Gazans suspected of collaborating with Israel proceeds apace.

"Hamas action to catch spies spreads panic Gaza," IBRAHIM BARZAK and DIAA HADID. Associated Press (Via Kansas City Star). September 22, 2010.


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Game theory and peace processing

Lee Smith interviews Robert Auman, and Israeli Nobel Laureate in Economics about how game theory helps to explain the Arab-Israeli peace negotiations. 

"Wrong Move," Lee Smith. Tablet Magazine. September 22, 2010.  

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Palestinian scholar of Maimonides struggles to publish his translations

"Lost in Translation," Danielle Cheslow. Tablet Magazine. Sept. 14, 2010.


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2 good pieces on NYC mosque

Leon Wieseltier, "Mosque Notes." The New Republic. Sept. 2, 2010.

Peter Skerry, "The Real Debate is Among Muslims." Boston Globe. Aug. 19, 2010.


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