Middle East

"The administration has dug itself so deeply into the Iraqi hole that no perfect solution exists to avoid the impending civil war."

"While stories of injustice will continue to be told, words will never convey the true effect that this monstrous wall has inflicted upon Bethlehem. I often wonder what more can be done for the world to realize that walls will in no way bring peace but rather destroy it."

"The fragmentation within Fateh may have a negative affect on its performance in the upcoming election. With polls revealing that Palestinian want an end to anarchy and chaos, Fateh’s internal deterioration could sway the undecided votes away from Fateh."

"...the view which Israel used to rely on – that the road to Washington passes via Israel. What any Arab or Muslim country can do now to win American support is to back the American anti-terrorism policy. This is the very thing the USA needs now. If Sharon achieved some progress in the Islamic world by withdrawing from Gaza, many doubts still surround his measures taken after the withdrawal."

"From San Quentin to Iraq, death is a goal of policy."

"Represented by the Center for Constitutional Rights, the plaintiffs seek to hold Dichter responsible under customary international law and the Torture Victim Protection Act. They are confident that the US court would have jurisdiction for human rights violations and war crimes under the US Alien Torture Claims Act."

"All of this has reinforced my original skepticism that most of these security measures are make-believe—merely governmental efforts to show the public that “something” is being done about terrorism. Airline hijackings and bombings have always been very rare and, even after 9/11, the average air traveler has a miniscule chance of ever being involved in such an incident. But unfortunately, this holiday season, the governmental Grinch gives us the gift that keeps on giving: airport pseudo-security."

"...the United States professes to favor a negotiated two-state solution under the roadmap, but has done precious little to facilitate such a solution. Indeed, by taking a lenient attitude toward Sharon's actions around Jerusalem on the one hand, and encouraging the enfranchisement of Hamas without insisting that it disarm on the other, it is hurting the chances for a solution. So in order for even another non-negotiated step, i.e., more disengagement, to play a constructive role after elections, we shall have to see a change in the American position."