Topic: Mahmoud Abbas

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War with Iran? 5 ways events overseas could shape Obama's second term.

The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is the most urgent example of the foreign-policy challenges that face President Obama in his second term. Here are four others.
Why the Palestinian president shocked his people over 'right of return'

President Mahmoud Abbas appeared to give up on a longtime Palestinian demand that refugees be allowed back into homes from before the 1948 founding of the Jewish state.
Palestinian elections: Despite Hamas boycott, Fatah fares poorly

The results announced today add to mounting concerns that Fatah – and the broader Palestinian leadership – is losing its legitimacy.
Hamas election boycott leaves West Bank Palestinians with only one choice

Campaigning begins today for West Bank local elections this month. Hamas might have done well in some cities, like Nablus, but its boycott means rival Fatah is already the de facto winner.
Activists: Now, yes now, is the time for US to push for MidEast peace

Israeli-Palestinian group OneVoice is bucking conventional wisdom and trying to drum up support in America for another presidential push toward a final agreement.
Netanyahu's simple bomb graphic confuses the nuclear experts

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu sought to simplify the Iranian nuclear issue with the diagram he brought out on the UN podium, but experts say he actually made it more confusing.
At UN, Mahmoud Abbas puts Israeli-Palestinian conflict center stage again

The UN session this week has largely focused on Iran's nuclear program and Syria’s civil war. But Thursday, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas reminded others of the challenges for Palestinians.
In UN speech, Netanyahu expected to repeat call for 'red lines' on Iran (+video)

Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to make a case against Iran, calling for 'red lines' that will trigger a US attack on the Islamic State.
Six reasons this UN General Assembly is must-see TV

World leaders descend on New York for the annual United Nations gathering, starting Sept. 25. If the recent past is any guide, it can be a memorable, even explosive, occasion. Here are six moments to watch for, to brace for, this time.
As leaders gather at UN, 'a time of turmoil and transition' (+video)

More than 120 prime ministers and heads of state gathered for the United Nations General Assembly, as violent uprisings continue to break out across the Middle East and Asia.
Not just Romney: Many in Middle East are losing faith in a two-state solution, too

But Palestinian reasons differ dramatically from US presidential nominee Mitt Romney's secretly videotaped comments.
Briefing Obama vs. Romney 101: 4 differences on Israel

President Obama's positions on Israeli-Palestinian peace have rankled Israel’s conservative coalition government, while Mitt Romney insists he would be a better friend to Israel. Here are some of the issues on which the candidates differ.
Israel's foreign minister wants new elections to replace Palestinian leader Abbas

Avigdor Lieberman wrote to Middle East mediators, calling for new elections to replace Palestinian President Abbas. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu disassociated himself from the letter.
Palestinian comments on Holocaust underscore internal divides

A Palestinian official prompted a heated debate when he visited Auschwitz last month. Many Palestinians believe that recognition of the Holocaust detracts from their own suffering.
Mitt Romney angers Palestinians with 'racist' speech in Israel (+video)

Mitt Romney praised the cultures of economic success in Israel, and criticized the Palestinian economy. Palestinian leaders called Romney's comments 'racist.'
Israel to Clinton: Tell us what Egypt is thinking

US Secretary of State Clinton is in Israel after meeting with new Egyptian leader Mohamed Morsi. Israel is hoping Clinton will shed some light on how to repair frayed Israel-Egypt ties.
Opinion Ehud Olmert could be Israel's comeback kid – and make peace with Palestinians

After his acquittal from key corruption charges former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is well positioned as a comeback kid in Israeli politics. If Olmert does return, the political discussion in Israel is going to change, with renewed focus on the Palestinian question.
Backchannels Yasser Arafat killed by radiation poisoning?

An Al Jazeera report argues that's likely, sparking a renewed flurry of speculation about how the Palestinian leader died.
UNESCO designates Church of the Nativity as endangered site

Palestinian leaders consider the designation a political victory.
Putin to Israel: Beware 'not that smart' wars, like ones in Iraq, Afghanistan

'To do something without knowing the final consequence isn't that smart,' Russian President Vladimir Putin said this week, citing US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was in Israel, warning leaders there of risks of a military strike against Iran.
Hillary Clinton meets with Palestinian and Israeli. Is something cooking?

The Israeli-Palestinian peace process seems to be stirring, and the US is calling it 'very much alive.' But analysts doubt anything significant can be achieved before the US elections in November.
Terrorism & Security Palestinian militant sneaks into Israel, kills one soldier

The attack ends a period of calm that has prevailed since March and comes on the heels of Israel's return of the remains of 91 Palestinian militants.
Trying to restart peace talks, Israel returns Palestinian militants remains

The Israeli government turned over the remains of over 90 Palestinian militants on Thursday. The militants had been killed trying to carry out attacks on Israeli targets, some dating back over 30 years.
Opinion Palestinian hunger strikes: the power of peaceful protest

Hunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention ended with a deal this week for better treatment. That showed the power of peaceful protest. If Palestinians adopt nonviolence as a strategic tool, that could bridge the Israeli-Palestinian divide.
Israel's unity government: How big was the shift to the center?

A new coalition government in Israel was expected to give Prime Minister Netanyahu more flexibility on Palestinian peace talks. But moves on Jewish settlements suggest otherwise.