2005

Issue 94, November/December 2005
Imposing Democracy, Reaping Chaos

Having played his Disengagement Card, says our editorial, Ariel Sharon has been trying to make a Card of the upcoming Palestinian Elections, indicating that Israel will prevent them if the PA doesn’t disarm Hamas and it is allowed to take part. In other words, “You want elections? First, have a civil war.” Elsewhere in the region, too (Iraq, Syria, Lebanon), those who Impose Democracy will wind up Reaping Chaos.

Issue 93, September/October 2005
Forecast: Hurricane

A taboo has been broken. Israel has pulled its settlers out of Gaza. Many, on the right and left, did not believe it would happen. But does this signify an end to occupation there? And does it mean that the situation of the Palestinians will improve? Our editorial answers in the negative. With 1.3 million people mewed up in the world’s biggest prison, cut off from the West Bank – cut off too from jobs and markets in Israel – we forecast Hurricane Gaza.

Issue 92, July/August 2005
Den of Despair: What Awaits the Palestinians after Disengagement?

ARIEL SHARON and the settlers have never had to wink to understand one another. A month before disengagement from Gaza, they are cultivating a Phony Trauma that will make any further withdrawal inconceivable. The aim? To consolidate their hold on the West Bank.

Issue 91, May/June 2005
Catch 67: In the 38th Year of Occupation

THERE WAS BRIEF euphoria after the Knesset OK’d Disengagement, but Israeli military circles are predicting a new burst of violence, which they call Round Three. Our editorial analyzes the reasons.

Issue 90, March/April 2005
Unilateral Give, Unilateral Take

The Labor Party has joined the government of Ariel Sharon, giving him the votes to disengage unilaterally from Gaza. When he Gives Unilaterally, our editorial notes, Sharon Takes Unilaterally. Within minutes of deciding to pull the settlers from Gaza, the government pulled 7% of West Bank land from the Palestinians for the sake of the infamous wall.

Issue 89, January/February 2005
On the Narrow Shoulders of Abu Mazen

PM Ariel Sharon has dubbed 2005 "the year of opportunities." Much of this optimism rests, says our editorial, On the Narrow Shoulders of Abu Mazen. The Elections for the Palestinian Presidency, it is hoped, will give Abu Mazen a Second Try, providing Sharon with a docile partner for negotiations.