Before Annapolis: A Palestinian Perspective
November 19, 2007
In just one week, Israeli and Palestinian leaders will likely gather in Annapolis, Md., for a meeting hosted by the U.S.
The meeting's purpose will be to help bridge the gap between the two sides; help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and "to realize President Bush's vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security." However, the differences remain so great; some believe the meeting might be no more than a photo opportunity.
Recently we aired an interview with Zalman Shoval, the former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and got an Israeli perspective on the meeting.
Today, Media Central hosted a tour of Jerusalem with Khaled Abu Toameh, the Palestinian affairs correspondent for the Jerusalem Post. We visited Arab neighborhoods like Abu Dis, Silwan, Beit Tsafafa, Ras Al Amud and the Mount of Olives. Toameh provided invaluable background and history on the tour and drew on his more than three decades of experience of living in and reporting on Jerusalem. Few understand and know the city and the Palestinian perspective like Toameh.
With the Shafat refugee camp in the background we asked Toameh about his views on the upcoming Annapolis meeting, the possible division of Jerusalem, and the current situation among the Palestinians. I think you will find his perspective both insightful and sobering.
JERUSALEM DATELINE Main Page >>
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
