Websites like Facebook are allowing women a forum to speak on issues pertaining to their rights and daily lives. "Puzzled young women" is a such a page, allowing Palestinian women to engage in conversations that are slowly changing their culture.
In spite of the measures adopted by Israel during the UN bid to grant Palestine 'non member observer state' status, Palestine won the bid with overwhelming support from the international community. However, a peaceful solution to the two-state solution still remains distant.
Rivals Iran and Egypt have become the two most important powers in today’s West Asia. Yet, Iran is looking for neither a smooth victory nor a quick failure for Egypt’s rise. Tehran will remain the key regional player, while it’s too early to tell if Cairo is capable of overcoming Iran’s influence.
The series of Israeli offensives against Gaza, which began on November 4, ended when Egypt's new President Mohamed Morsi brokered a ceasefire between Hamas and the Israeli government on November 13. The possibility of this ceasefire holding up, however, seems remote.
The recent attack on Gaza by Israel can be regarded as a momentary victory for the Israeli government. Although the attack aimed to overpower the Hamas, and win over Egypt and the U.S., it may work to Israel’s disadvantage in the global political arena.
For the first time in 40 years, Israel, on August 14, allowed West Bankers to cross over into Jerusalem and celebrate Laylat al-Qadr at the Al Aqsa mosque. Does this move indicate a thaw in the stand-off between Israel and Palestine? What significance does it hold for the future of either nations?
The series of protests that occurred across North Africa brought winds of democracy in the Arab world. However this recent development is perceived with apprehension by Israel. But what if Israel could benefit from these new democratic changes?
Repeated applause greeted Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' speech to the UN General Assembly, asking for support for the “establishment of Palestine.” But with the U.S. backing Israel, under almost all circumstances, will Abbas' proposal be able to bring about any change?
European votes will play a pivotal role in Palestine's bid for statehood presented before the United Nations. With both Israel and hopeful Palestinian territories pushing to sway opinions, Europe has the power to keep the two-state solution alive - at the potential benefit of all parties.
Mahdi Abdul Hadi delivers an insightful view into the inner politics of the Palestinian statehood bid, international relations and perspectives on Israel's policies.
