Topic: Arab Peace Initiative

Kerry makes headway with Middle East peace, but violence flares

Secretary of State John Kerry got an important boost yesterday when the Arab League agreed to soften the terms of their Middle East peace proposal. 

Why Kerry could succeed at securing Israeli-Palestinian peace

Despite deep-seated cynicism about prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace, Secretary of State John Kerry has kicked off his term with the biggest American push for an agreement since 2000.

Europeans bolster Palestinian bid at the UN (+video)

Support from the Europeans for Palestinian non-member 'state' status may derive partly from concern that Palestinians would view missiles, not diplomacy, as the way to sway Israel.

Meir Dagan, gadfly

The outspoken former Israeli spy chief is a lens on internal Israeli debates that are often overlooked in the US.

Obama and his audacity of hope for Middle East peace talks

At the UN, Obama put his presidency on the line with his hopeful statements about the fragile Middle East peace talks. But now is exactly the time for risk taking. Above all, by Abbas and Netanyahu.

Obama, at UN, urges nations to support Middle East peace drive

In his second address as president to the annual opening of the UN General Assembly, Obama urges supporters of Palestinians to back their pledges with deeds, and asks Arab states to normalize ties with Israel.

Why Egypt seeks prominent role in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks

Egypt is seeking to burnish its role as an American ally as it hosts Israeli-Palestinian peace talks today – a calculation some says plays into Mubarak's succession strategy.

Rocket attacks on Israel: Why Hamas has an interest in keeping Gaza quiet

Rocket attacks near the Israeli towns of Sderot and Eilat have raised concerns of escalating Israel-Hamas tensions. But while Hamas could be a potential spoiler in peace talks, it also has an interest in avoiding a fresh clash.

Middle East conflict: US tries new approach for peace

The US relaunches peace efforts in the Middle East conflict, this time apparently focusing right away on ‘final status’ issues.

Middle East peace: Is two-state solution kaput?

If a two-state deal isn't reached by 2011, then Palestinians should push for a one-state solution.

Palestinian PM criticizes Clinton for letting Israel set peace agenda

This weekend, Clinton appeared to back off from US demands for an Israeli settlement freeze, raising the ire of Arabs. In Morocco today, she tried to mollify them.

Palestinians say full settlement freeze is precondition to new peace talks

A lead Palestinian peace negotiator says the demand for a full settlement freeze – not a partial one – is a precondition to resuming peace talks. But a meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Abbas is still possible in September.

Arabs losing hope in Obama's ability to broker Mideast peace

In a push for progress, three heavy hitters from the administration – Mitchell, Gates, and Jones – visited the region this week.

Netanyahu's speech prompts anger from Palestinians, praise from the White House

Palestinian negotiator Erekat calls it a 'slap in the face,' while the White House calls the speech 'an important step forward.'

Obama's speech in Cairo: full text

The president, speaking at Cairo University, called for a 'new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world.'

Ahead of Obama's Cairo speech, Arab leaders see window of opportunity for peace

King Abdullah II of Jordan, embraced by the West and his Arab allies, is emerging as a facilitator for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel abuzz with Obama Plan rumors

US solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reportedly include UN administration of Jerusalem's holy sites and no right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Syria moves from pariah to power broker

Region sees it as a bulwark against Iran; US sees it as key to any peace deal.

Russia plays up its international role – especially in Mideast peace

It chaired a special meeting Monday of the Security Council that endorsed the idea of holding a Middle East peace conference in Moscow this year.

Obama welcomes his first Arab leader to White House

After meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, he emphasized his commitment to Palestinian statehood – a top concern among Arabs.

Arab Summit: New Syrian-Jordan unity

Mitchell gets earful from Mideast

The din of Gaza followed Obama's Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, as he conducted a listening tour. Arab leaders wonder why their peace plan remains untouched.

With Obama, what change for Mideast?

On Thursday he named George Mitchell as a special envoy, and he has already signaled that the US will reengage the region.

Mideast awaits new leaders, direction in 2009

Former President Jimmy Carter urged new focus on Israeli-Palestinian peace last week. But other accords may be more feasible.

Chances for peace emerge in Mideast clashes

On Thursday in Egypt, Israeli President Shimon Peres backed the 'spirit' of a Saudi proposal that offers Arab recognition of Israel.