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.

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As Kerry coaxes Israel toward peace, EU gives hard shove

As Secretary of State Kerry shuttled between the Israelis and Palestinians this week, the EU issued sanctions on Israeli activity in the Palestinian territories.
Abbas accepts new Palestinian prime minister's resignation

President Mahmoud Abbas accepted on Sunday the resignation of Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. His quick exit highlights internal divisions in the Palestinian Authority that could upset foreign donors.
Backchannels So long Fayyadism, So long Palestinian Authority?

With a democratic mandate that expired six years ago and an aging old guard around President Mahmoud Abbas, new Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah's attempted resignation is just the latest trouble.
Can a low-key professor fill the shoes of Washington's West Bank darling?

Salam Fayyad, who resigned as prime minister in April, was renowned internationally for winning donor trust. Rami Hamdallah, head of a West Bank university, is comparatively unknown.
Briefing: Palestinian factions agree to reconcile

Fatah and Hamas, the two main Palestinian factions, have put a three-month deadline on efforts to mend their long-standing differences.
Opinion Syria – another sign that US needs to recalibrate Middle East policy

As the US backs into Syria and other Mideast crises, China is proactively and strategically engaging in the region. Its actions point out what America has to lose if it continues to hesitate in the Middle East.
Why China is welcoming both Israel's Netanyahu and Palestinians' Abbas

The coinciding visits to Beijing of the Israeli prime minister and the Palestinian Authority president this week speak to China's growing interests in the Middle East.
In Middle East Kerry pushes for Turkey-Israel rapprochement

Secretary of State John Kerry is in the Middle East exploring options for renewed peace efforts. On Sunday, he urged Turkey and Israel to normalize relations, which broke down after Turks were killed in an Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla in 2010.
Briefing Palestinian Prisoners' Day: Breaking down the controversy

This year's commemoration is particularly noteworthy because of two recent high-profile deaths in prison that drew tremendous outcry from Palestinians. The Monitor explains.
US loses a West Bank darling with resignation of Palestinian prime minister

Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, who resigned this weekend, was liked by the US, but he had less approval at home, where many saw him as a lackey of the West.
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.
Secretary Kerry returning to Mideast: How much nudging will he do?

Seeking to build on Obama's recent visit, John Kerry will be in Turkey and Israel – already his third trip there as secretary – to signal the Mideast parties 'he's serious' about making peace.
Palestinian prisoner deaths cause a spark, but unlikely to start a blaze

Israel and Gaza both have an interest in keeping the calm that has prevailed since a November cease-fire.
Terrorism & Security Palestinian prisoners go on hunger strike en masse to protest inmate's death

The hunger strikers charge Israel with failing to provide adequate care for the man, who was diagnosed with cancer. Israel's Prison Service says it took him to a hospital and was arranging an early release.
Palestinian anger builds as another prisoner dies on Israel's watch

The death today of a Palestinian in Israeli custody sparked protests, rockets, and prisoner riots only weeks after a similar situation prompted murmurs about a third intifada.
Backchannels Is a third Palestinian intifada coming?

Someday, something is going to have to give in the cold peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. But that's been true for years.
Terrorism & Security Amid Palestinian protests, Gaza militants fire rocket into Israel

The rocket launch ended a cease-fire with Israel. Palestinian Authority President Abbas faces powerful voices who say another uprising may be the only way forward after days of large protests.
What does the world expect from newly confirmed Secretary of State John Kerry?

From France to Pakistan to China, many have voiced expectations that John Kerry's vast experience and diplomatic skill will be a boon to dealing with international crises and issues.
Critics of Likud's new vanguard say party has abandoned founder's ideals

Former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin was an ardent nationalist – and a staunch defender of civil rights. Likud critics say today's party is discarding the liberal aspects of Begin's legacy.
Poll: Spike in Palestinian support for military operations against Israel

Spurred by the recent Gaza conflict, continued settlement expansion, and a stalled peace process, Palestinian support for a military operation against Israel has jumped 20 percentage points in a year.
Readers Write: Obamacare should keep religious exemption narrow. What has Obama done for Palestinians?

Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of Dec. 31, 2012: The religious exemption to Obamacare's contraceptive mandate should remain narrow, so few groups have the right to deny employees insurance coverage for contraception. President Obama should stop support for Israel's West Bank takeover and bring US foreign policy in line with American democratic principles.
Focus Obama's pivot to Asia? Middle East will still demand attention in 2013.

The popular unrest of the last two years has left the Middle East volatile as 2013 kicks off.
Terrorism & Security Palestinians begin returning to Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria (+video)

Palestinians are returning to their refugee camp after fighting sent them fleeing, but the number fleeing Syria or facing internal displacement continues to rise.
West Bank welcomes Hamas back with excitement - and apprehension

Still riding a wave of popularity after the Gaza war, Hamas held celebratory rallies throughout the West Bank. But worries about a return to the chaos and violence of the intifada are bubbling up.
Israeli minister charged with breach of trust, but evades more serious charges

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman will likely come under heavy pressure to resign after today's charges from the Israeli attorney general.