JPost.com - Alon Ben-Meir Reporter

The perils of mutual delegitimization

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:05:23 GMT

Israel and the Palestinians continued delegitimization of the other provides justification for moral infractions.

Distrust and the reality of coexistence

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 21:33:29 GMT

One of the main impediments to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the complete lack of trust between the two sides.

Netanyahu’s brazen and perilous defiance

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:24:34 GMT

The PA’s UN success can provide the impetus to seek a solution, but not if Netanyahu continues to respond the way he is.

Biases drive conflict to the precipice

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:05:49 GMT

It's no wonder that the Gazan mindset has evolved into a siege mentality, leaving no room for mitigation and moderation.

Will PA’s UN bid stifle the peace process?

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 18:49:01 GMT

A credible third party must come forward with a framework for negotiations to persuade the Palestinians to drop their bid.

The dangers of misperception

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:34:47 GMT

To stop the violence, the Arab world and the West must take concrete steps to bridge cultural divides.

Iran’s intervention in Syria must be stopped

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 22:02:22 GMT

Syria has become a battleground between the Shi’ite and Sunni communities.

No reconciliation with the butcher of Damascus

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 23:07:33 GMT

Do they really think in their heart of hearts that a political solution is possible with Assad?

Iran: Staying in power trumps nuclear ambitions

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:02:59 GMT

The international community must capitalize on Iran’s regional isolation and vulnerability.

Why attacking Iran is becoming more likely

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:21:45 GMT

Israel must exercise grave caution while contemplating a potential attack on Iran.

Putin’s choice

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 21:17:49 GMT

The Cold War may have ended 20 years ago, but not much in the way of Russian policy has changed since then.

The prime minister's speech

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:54:02 GMT

Now is the time for Israel to strengthen relations with the Arab world.

Turkey and Israel: Now is the time to reconcile

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:33:00 GMT

The countries have maintained strong trade in wake of Gaza Flotilla incident.

Ingenious political coup or insidious political scheme?

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:53:00 GMT

Netanyahu could use increase clout to reach peace agreement, bridge social gap.

Welcome to Israel’s seasonal political charade

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:08:52 GMT

Mofaz is by no means a perfect candidate, but he at least came up with a peace plan and, regardless of its merits, presents a basic political platform to achieve peace.

The battleground between Sunnis and Shiites

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:17:52 GMT

Iran, Saudi Arabia and neighbors have tremendous interest in fate of Assad regime.

Syrian Kurds: Time to assert their rights

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:54:35 GMT

The Kurds are the world’s largest minority group that remains stateless.

Transcending false perceptions

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:19:07 GMT

Koran teaches Muslim peace, tolerance and self defense towards other religions.

Egypt must choose wisely

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:14:56 GMT

Neither the Egyptian people nor the international community should expect a velvet transition from dictatorship to democracy.

Historic window for Syrian Kurds

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:06:10 GMT

Long suffering minority group must band together should Assad's regime fall.

Historic window for Syrian Kurds

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:05:47 GMT

Long suffering group must band together should Assad's regime collapse.

End the slaughter in Syria while isolating Iran

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 22:05:57 GMT

Seldom has the dividing line between forces of moderation and forces of extremism been so clear in the Middle East.

Russia’s self-marginalization

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:22:43 GMT

Whereas it promotes itself as the bulwark against non-interference, Moscow itself now interferes in the domestic affairs of its neighbors, particularly those of the former Soviet Union.

How Syria’s ruling apparatus became its albatross

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:19:07 GMT

The Assad dynasty as we know it will be a thing of the past, regardless of how long it takes.

The settlers’ movement is a threat to Israel’s existence

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:31:10 GMT

Above the Fray: The settlements represent more than a security and political disagreement.

Arab Spring could turn into a cruel winter

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:56:41 GMT

There is no political panacea for Arab states to espouse, but certain measures could shorten the revolutionary process.

Israel and Hamas: Is it time for a new deal?

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:39:32 GMT

If conducted in good faith, this deal would create a new dynamic serving to induce both Israel and Hamas to accept the inescapable reality of each others’ existence as peoples and neighbor.

The Palestinian Refugees: The real victims of Arab politics

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:58:46 GMT

Above the fray: Palestinian and Arab policymakers admit that perpetuating the refugees’ predicament makes it politically risky to offer alternate solutions unless they are part of an overall peace agreement.

Above the Fray: Arab Spring, revival of the Islamic state

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:14:53 GMT

Arab Spring exposed hypocrisy of established religious authorities, who issued fatwas against pro-democracy protests, bankruptcy of radical militant ideology.

Supporting Netanyahu’s policies imperils Israel

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:10:29 GMT

To be sure, Israel has legitimate security concerns, perhaps now more than ever.

Above The Fray: Israeli and Palestinian self-entrapment

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:11:41 GMT

The US should preempt the Palestinian bid for UN membership by introducing its own resolution at the United Nations Security Council

Above the Fray: Elections in Libya should be deferred

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:08:05 GMT

The transitional government must first focus on internal security, reconciliation and economic development.

Above The Fray: AIPAC’s misguided advocacy

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:57:32 GMT

The future of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state is at stake. As its democracy and the prospects for peace unravel, so will the US-Israel relationship.

Above the Fray: The inevitability of coexistence

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:35:34 GMT

Being passionate about one cause, as both sides rightfully are, does not preclude respecting the other's cause. It is mutuality of respect, not necessarily an overall agreement, that bridges the gap.

The Palestinians’ treacherous path to the UN

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:18:32 GMT

Obama must be creative in order to prevent Middle East chaos prior to unilateral Palestinian statehood UN bid.

Above the Fray: Escaping the Israel ghetto

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:43:51 GMT

The lack of visionary leadership in Israel today has served to entrench the notion that the future of the state is at risk.

Above the Fray: The untenable status quo

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:51:29 GMT

Accepting the Arab Peace Initiative could be a major step toward breaking the deadlock.

The Israeli-Palestinian impasse

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:22:02 GMT

Above the Fray: Only with a broader and deeper dialogue, and shared pursuit of understanding the conflict, can its roots be addressed.

Is Turkish-Israeli reconciliation imminent?

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:46:32 GMT

Above the Fray: Both regional democracies have much to gain from mutual rapprochement.

Above the Fray: It is too late for Assad

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:10:37 GMT

The instability that will follow the fall of Assad is likely to mirror Iraq- or Lebanon-style warfare.

Is the Arab Initiative still viable?

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:38:43 GMT

Above the Fray: Amid the turmoil in the region, the Arab Peace Initiative should be advanced as a valuable asset for Israel and her neighbors.

Defying the rules of conflict resolution

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:00:27 GMT

Above the Fray: Israelis, Palestinians are defying essential principles of conflict resolution, serving to prolong rather than conclude the conflict.

Above the Fray: Killing peace in the name of peace

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:43:20 GMT

Netanyahu chose to leave Washington with his country more isolated and scorned than when he arrived.

Above the Fray: PM's stance jeopardized Israel's security

Fri, 27 May 2011 16:44:25 GMT

Obama has backed Israel's core demands, but the prime minister is choosing not to listen.

Egypt's newfound foreign policy assertiveness

Fri, 20 May 2011 16:14:51 GMT

Officials and academics who have expressed concerns over Cairo's new foreign policy are misreading its intentions.

Above the Fray: Only defeat awaits violence and extremism

Fri, 13 May 2011 16:13:51 GMT

The death of bin Laden offers a symbolic moment of opportunity for regional key players to adjust their regional postures and relationships.

Above the Fray: A tentative step forward

Fri, 06 May 2011 16:16:58 GMT

The Fatah-Hamas agreement could prove to be a critical step toward securing Palestinian independence based on a two-state solution with Israel.

Above the Fray: Realpolitik versus political ideals

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:19:31 GMT

Genuine leadership from the United States must be applied if the broader Middle East is to navigate through the Arab awakening to establish a more secure and stable region.

Above the Fray: The great Mideast chess game

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:22:49 GMT

With the September UN General Assembly just five months away, the time for Israel’s move is now.

Above the fray: A wild, far-fetched idea

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:11:07 GMT

Will Bashar Assad have the courage and the vision to rise to the historic occasion and change the geopolitical dynamic in the Middle East?

Above the Fray: A rotten investment

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:54:26 GMT

Nothing harms the Palestinians’ cause more than their continuing incitement and the spread of hatred against Israel, especially among the youth.

Above the Fray: For Turkey and Israel, the time is now

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:09:57 GMT

In the context of regional unrest, the current moment could be exploited to begin to lay the foundation for improved relations.

Above the Fray: Survival is not an option

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:08:00 GMT

The US should be neither apologetic nor abashed in clearly stating its interests: a removal of Gaddafi.

The blind leading the blind

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:45:46 GMT

Much of the American Jewish community today is merely echoing Netanyahu’s talking points.

There's no going back

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:01:13 GMT

Regardless of how firm its grip on power may be, no Arab government will be immune to some degree of meaningful change.

Above the Fray: Israel, where are you?

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:15:31 GMT

The Arab world is determined to lead their countries to a more positive future, but Israel appears leaderless, with no vision and apathetic.

Above the Fray: Peace will prevail

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:22:07 GMT

Israel’s and Egypt’s shared regional concerns and strategic interests will preserve the treaty and shield their bilateral relations.

Above the Fray: Lessons for Israel from Egypt

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:28:13 GMT

Missing opportunities to establish a status quo that offers peace and security will lead to a status quo of regional instability.

Above the Fray: Down with the regime, up with the country

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:20:05 GMT

Arab leaders across the region should now address their people’s aspirations and enable a stable transition to greater economic opportunity, better education, more human rights and an end to rampant corruption.

The Arab Peace Initiative is our best shot at peace

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:31:39 GMT

Israel cannot dismiss the critical importance of normalizing relations with 340 million Arabs and over a billion non-Arab Muslims.

Ehud Barak betrayed his party and the nation

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:24:50 GMT

Instead of choosing what is best for the country, the defense minister, true to form, chose what is best for himself.

Above the Fray: The end of land for peace

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:15:23 GMT

It seems the framework of peace with Egypt and Jordan no longer holds true. This represents fundamental change in Israel's peace posturing.

Above The Fray: When Turkey felt betrayed by Israel

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:19:02 GMT

Due to the continuing Turkish-Israeli rift that was deepened by the flotilla incident, the time may not be auspicious for Turkey to resume its mediating role.

Above The Fray: A dismal failure of leadership all round

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:24:26 GMT

With the collapse of recent peace efforts, it’s only fair to place the blame at the feet of all parties involved.

At the core of the Turkish-Israeli rift is Iran

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:38:42 GMT

Turkey might think it has been gaining influence on the Arab street, its embrace of Teheran has diminished its credibility in Arab capitals.

Above the Fray: Why Turkey and Israel need each other

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:48:24 GMT

Both countries have made mistakes, assuming a zero-sum posture that will serve neither’s national interests.

Above the Fray: Time for Barak to Depart

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:17:31 GMT

If talks fail, a political reconfiguration could reverse the trend of isolation, placing the peace process on track.

Why Robert Wexler?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:54:31 GMT

The ex-congressman enjoys the confidence of Obama and would work well with Clinton as Middle East envoy if Mitchell is leaving.

Above the Fray: The US and Iran at a pivotal crossroad

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:24:40 GMT

The Obama administration must choose a new strategy from a set of imperfect options.

Above the Fray: Syria’s dilemma

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:22:10 GMT

Assad is being forced to choose: Does he want his country to be an ally of Iran and Hizbullah or a leader in the Arab world?

Above The Fray: The real problem behind Israel’s dismal PR

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:29:42 GMT

Contrary to the public’s indifference to global opinion, Israel’s terrible image abroad is dangerous to the prospect of peace and security.

Above the Fray: It’s time for a presidential visit

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:21:13 GMT

Obama needs a new strategy on peace talks and it must begin with a trip to Israel after the midterm election.

Above the Fray: Syria reasserts its centrality to peace

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:59:06 GMT

The country’s renewed influence in Lebanon makes peace talks even more critical.

Above the Fray: A false sense of invincibility

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:19:05 GMT

Ten years ago, the West Bank was calm, Israel was enjoying a sense of confidence. The breakdown of talks and the second intifada revealed that this was an illusion. It would be tragic if history were to repeat itself.

Above the Fray: J'lem must exemplify coexistence

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:18:55 GMT

All parties must realize that the city can never be physically divided. Rather, what we should be talking about is shared sovereignty.

Reconciling Israel’s security with Palestinian statehood

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:07:05 GMT

Whereas the Palestinians must understand that unless Israel feels secure, there will be no Palestinian state, Israel must recognize that a two-state solution means an end to the occupation.

The objectives behind settlements have mostly been achieved

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:48:52 GMT

Today, its continuation in areas which will inevitably be part of a Palestinian state would place Israel’s security, and the nascent peace process, in jeopardy.

Above the Fray: Hamas’s centrality to a two-state solution

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:22:15 GMT

The renewed peace talks offer a new chance to press Hamas to forsake violence and become part of the political process, with the help of Arab states.

An EU solution to the Palestinian refugee issue

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:03:58 GMT

The European Union is uniquely suited to utilize its formidable economic resources and political clout to take the lead in initiating and facilitating a resolution to this matter.

Time for some sleeve-rolling

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:28:45 GMT

Direct talks will not produce substantive results unless the US takes a number of pivotal steps to ensure that the progress made is irreversible and will eventually lead to a final agreement.

Guest Columnist: ‘Arab and peace’

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:45:09 GMT

This statement is not an oxymoron.

An opportunity for Syrian-Israeli peace

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:26:52 GMT

The recent Saudi-Syrian move in Lebanon offers Israel a chance to resume negotiations with Syria, thereby improving the political atmosphere throughout the region in a dramatic way.

Israel needs a Palestinian state

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:16:37 GMT

Without direct talks, the Palestinians will declare statehood unilaterally.

Guest Columnist: The Fayyad difference

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:19:37 GMT

The Palestinian prime minister needs all the help he can get, particularly from the US and Israel.

A defining moment for US-Israel relations

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:40:36 GMT

Israel must work closely with the US to change the current equation in the region for the better.

A self-defeating fixation

Fri, 28 May 2010 16:14:15 GMT

Israel’s rejection of Qatar’s offer to reopen diplomatic relations in exchange for letting the emirate carry out reconstruction projects in Gaza shows not only intransigence, but a lack of a coherent policy on how to end the Arab-Israeli conflict

Guest Column: Taking responsibility for Palestinian refugees

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:11:45 GMT

The EU must take the lead and use its formidable economic and political clout to help bring the tragedy of the refugees to an end.

Time to change the status quo

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:19:31 GMT

Through all the ups and downs of the past few weeks, one thing is clear: The dynamics of the US-Israeli-Palestinian axis have shifted.

Syria must be a top priority

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 21:08:01 GMT

An Israeli-Syrian peace will fundamentally change the geopolitical condition in the Middle East.