Topic: Fatah Organization

Abbas emerges stronger from Fatah conference

The mainline Palestinian party elected a new guard in its first leadership vote in 20 years, revamping a council whose youngest member was 70.

Arafat death probe may appease Fatah's divided delegates

The Palestinian party also extended its historic summit to try to ease disputes that have marred the gathering.

Abbas's big move to revamp Fatah

On Tuesday, the Palestinian president convened his party's first congress since 1989 to strengthen its position in negotiations with Israel, Hamas.

Egypt's peace role – and its influence – under fire

As one of the few parties to speak to both Israel and Hamas, Cairo sees itself as a natural mediator. But now Turkey has called into question its effectiveness.

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.

In Jerusalem, battle of Palestinian day camps

A summer program to teach kids Islamic values battles ‘terrorist’ label. Meanwhile, the city has tripled funding for ‘alternative’ camps this year.

Why Palestinian leaders have banned Al Jazeera

Ahead of a major Fatah leadership conference, the Arab TV network reported Tuesday that President Mahmoud Abbas had been involved in an assassination plot against his predecessor, Yasser Arafat.

Opinion: What Palestinians really think about Obama

The lack of US contact with Gaza has created a gulf that thwarts progress in the region.

Hamas bends to pressure in Gaza and abroad

Its support base dropped to 19 percent after the war; many blame the Hamas-Fatah standoff for their plight. Egypt hosts the rivals for a final round of reconciliation talks July 25.

In Palestinian town, business booms after Israel relaxes checkpoints

Nablus residents wonder whether the change means Israel is serious about peace or is simply an effort to placate the Obama administration.

How Israel's naval blockade denies Gazans food, aid

A boat carrying foreign activists and three tons of medical supplies was rerouted Tuesday. Meanwhile, the fishing industry – a key source of jobs and protein – has been crippled.

Opinion: My talk with Hamas about peace with Israel

The US should follow the Northern Ireland and South African models – which had principles, not preconditions.

US envoy's visit could ease Gaza blockade

Forced to rebuild using mud and animal-drawn carts, Gazans are increasingly frustrated with Hamas's hard-line policies.

Israelis react to Obama's speech

US President softens language on Hamas, calls for halt to Israeli West Bank settlements.

Obama visits Saudi Arabia, Cairo – why not Israel?

Many Israelis see the president's decision to bypass Jerusalem as part of a broader shift in US priorities in the region.

Palestinian clashes cast gloom on reconciliation efforts

Hamas has vowed revenge on Fatah after a shootout between the two factions in the West Bank that left six dead.

Obama visit: Abbas brings Palestinian cause, but not support, to Washington

Not only are Fatah and Hamas deadlocked in a power struggle. Abbas’s own Fatah bloc has rejected his new government.

Today's agenda: North Korea's capacity, Palestinian summit, rights in China

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.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about what's wrong with journalism, why Israel must make concessions to the Palestinians, and why US media don't cover foreign news.

Pressed on Palestinian state, Netanyahu changes the subject – to Iran

Ahead of his Monday meeting with Obama, who supports a two-state solution, the Israeli prime minister wants to make Iran's nuclear ambitions the focus of regional diplomacy.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about whether Obama is putting Israel at risk, how Pakistanis view the world, electric vehicles, and why the death penalty must end.

Briefing: The motives and aims of Hamas

Western nations call it a terrorist organization. To Palestinians, it's a legitimate elected government, a resistance movement, or an oppressive usurper. So just what is Hamas?

Opinion: Obama puts Israel at risk

As he and Netanyahu prepare to meet, US-Israeli relations are sinking toward an all-time low.

Biden firm on two-state solution despite Netanyahu's mixed signals

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that he's ready for immediate talks with the Palestinians, but he won't endorse a Palestinian state.