Thursday, November 08, 2007


Media Reports on the Simulation:

Please post your reports, commentary and interviews here. You can file multiple reports and the format is left to your creativity.

posted by Muqtedar Khan @ 9:21 PM   13 comments

13 Comments:

At 7:38 AM, Blogger brendan1386 said...

Virginia - On the first day of the peace talks, both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups as well as the US-led international community held a press conference to convey their preferences for a possible peace solution.

President George W. Bush spoke first on behalf of the international community and suggested raising $40 billion for those Palestinians who are not able to return. Mr. Bush also said the European Union and Russia would put troops in Jerusalem to make sure safety would not be a concern. The international community is interested in seeing a cease-fire, Bush said, and is looking forward to seeing a democratic government develop.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke next on behalf of the pro-Israeli group and conveyed that the group was committed to enforcing the peace no matter what. Olmert noted his position on the matter, suggesting a two-state solution as well as conveying the fact that they would only negociate with the leader of the Palestinian Authority and not leaders from other groups such as Hamas.

In response to Olmert's statement, the leader of Hamas spoke next before the pro-Palestinian faction. He called Olmert a hypocrite and called relations between Hamas and Olmert "not open to discussion." What followed was the pro-Palestinian's demands for a full right of return as well as compensation. These terms were deemed non-negociable by the group, however, they promised full cooperation and acknowledgement of Israel should all the demands be met.

Negociations will start and continue through this week.

Reporting for Al-Jazeera News, I'm Brendan Reed.

 
At 9:28 AM, Blogger nathan said...

BBC report to follow later this evening detailing the events of November 8th, 2007.

Technical difficulties have delayed the transmission of the news broadcast.

 
At 8:49 PM, Blogger sarah said...

MULTIPLE NATIONS STRIVE TO REACH PEACE AGREEMENT
By Sarah Niles- Fox News

Today, November 13, 2007, a conference was held between the United States, Pro-Israeli groups, European, and Middle Eastern nations in effort to reach a solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
First, a Palestinian refugee spoke for the Middle Eastern and European nations. Their resolution revolved mostly around distinguishing two separate states with the pre-1967 borders. In these states, citizens would have equal rights in both countries.
European and Middle Eastern nations agreed upon a $40 billion plan to aid in the Palestinians right of return to the land. Also discussed in regard to right of return was the building of a highway between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in order to ensure safe travel. This highway will be secured for at least five years by the U.N. and the U.S. At the end of the five years the plan will be re-evaluated.
Palestinians right of return is highly supported by European nations. There was also talk of Israel paying compensation to the refugees. No agreement has been reached at this time.
A possible permanent aggressor clause was also discussed. Within this clause, any side -- Israeli or Palestinian – attacked on the West Bank and Gaza highway would be protected and defended by the U.S. and European nations. While the decisions surrounding this clause have not yet been settled, there is a desire for more thought.
Overall, the main goal expressed was for two independent nation states to be able to defend themselves in five years.
After the Middle Eastern and European nations met today, a Palestinian refugee expressed optimism for the future.
“Negotiations went well today. Although the Arab allies cannot agree with Europe on every issue, we have made verbal agreements in vital areas,” he said. “We can only hope our negotiations with Israel go as well, for the fate of the Middle East rests on it.”
Next, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Conzoleezza Rice took the podium together and addressed their solution to the ongoing conflict. Olmert expressed his hope for a “practical, sustainable, solution.”
Because of the highly religious nature of the conflict, the control of Jerusalem was an important issue.
They proposed an equal division of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount with two separate places of worship for the Israeli Jews and the Palestinian Muslims. In addition to the separation of the Temple Mount, the newly developed Palestinian capital will be renamed al-Quds, the Arabic word for Jerusalem.
With this new division of the Temple Mount, an international peace keeping force would also be established in the area in hopes to deter any religious terrorism or unrest in the Holy land.
A decision has yet to be made regarding a Christian section of the Temple Mount.
While this change in Jerusalem is an important step towards peace between the Palestinians and Israelis, the focus on the religious aspect concerned a member of AIPAC involved in the conference.
“The Jewish and Christian Zionists are not giving enough weight to their opinions,” he said. “Safety and security of Israel don’t seem to be important—it’s all about Jerusalem. It seems they just want to get it over with.”
Whether or not their main concern was the status of Jerusalem is still to be debated, but other solutions were expressed by the Prime Minister of Israel and the US Secretary of State as well.
The land will be divided with proper sovereignty for both Israelis and Palestinians. Prime Minister Olmert openly expressed concern for large Jewish communities. He said there was no choice but to annex these communities. In addition, Israel plans to leave 91% of the West Bank and 100% of the Gaza Strip. The remainder of the West Bank will be left gradually.
“A phased withdrawal from the West Bank is a must.” Olmert assertively stated.
Israel and the U.S. also plan to give money in order to create and sustain high speed railways and highways built between the West Bank and Gaza.
Like European and Middle Eastern nations, Israel and the U.S. also plan to raise approximately $40 billion in order to support Palestinian’s right of return. They hope this money will be accumulated by many supporting nations, not just the U.S. and Israel.
The qualifications for the right of return have not yet been laid out. So far, those with family still in Israel will be eligible. Later discussions will determine the full law regarding Palestinian’s right of return.
Today’s conference between Pro-Israeli and Pro-Palestinian groups was fairly successful. Both sides agreed that peace in the land is a must and they reached agreements on multiple ways to address the problem.
Further discussion and final decisions will be made this Thursday, November, 15, 2007.

 
At 2:35 PM, Blogger Jonathan Urick said...

Press Release, Wednesday, November 14, 2007

As Prime Minister of Israel, I am proud to report that the United States and Israel have successfully bridged all gaps between their respective proposals for the creation of a Palestinian state and an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Bush and his administration including Vice President Cheney and Secretary of State Rice rightly deserve great praise for their hard work and devotion to peace. We hope that the United States will continue to remain a close partner of Israel in the pursuit of peace throughout any negotiations and beyond. Below is the blueprint that America and Israel have agreed upon as the basis for all further negotiations.

1)The creation of an effectively contiguous Palestinian state with secure and recognized borders based on the 1949 armistice line (the pre-1967 borders) in conformance with United Nations resolution 242.

a. While the pre-1967 borders are the proposed basis for the borders of the new Palestinian state, minor territorial adjustments are necessary in order to take into account residential realities on the ground.

b. Israel will annex large Jewish settlements (more appropriately deemed cities or towns) in the West Bank that contain tens of thousands of Jews including, but not limited to, Ariel, Ma’aleh Adumim, and Gush Etzion. These Jewish settlements are of crucial strategic importance to Israel (especially those surrounding Jerusalem such as Ma’aleh Adumim, and Gush Etzion) and are thus nonnegotiable . All Israeli settlements and military outposts remaining within the newly created Palestinian state will be dismantled over a period of 3-5 years.

c. After territorial adjustments, the new Palestinian state will be formed on 91% of the West Bank and 100% of the Gaza Strip, in addition to Israeli territory ceded to Palestine for land annexed by Israel in a ratio of 1:1. Israeli land ceded to Palestine as part of the “land swap” will come from land contiguous to the West Bank predominately inhabited by Israeli Arabs, such as sections of the Negev in the south and Galilee in the north.

d. Israel and the United States both understand that the lack of a contiguous Palestinian state is a potential barrier to mutual peace and prosperity. Both countries have agreed to help fund the construction of a high speed rail line and elevated highway linking the West Bank and Gaza Strip through the Negev desert. America and Israel seek the financial assistance of the international community in order to make the construction of the rail line and highway possible.

2) A just, practical, and sustainable division of Jerusalem based on the guiding principle of Israeli sovereignty over Jewish communities and Palestinian sovereignty over Arab communities, as well as respect for the holy sites of all faiths.

a. Jerusalem will be divided into two cities— a Jewish city to be known as Jerusalem which will serve as Israel’s capital (as it does now), and an Arab city to be known as Al-Quds (the Arabic name for Jerusalem) which will serve as the capital of the new Palestinian state.

b. Jewish areas outside Jerusalem’s current municipal boundaries will be annexed by Israel and officially become part of Jerusalem. Arab areas both inside and outside Jerusalem’s municipal boundaries will be granted full sovereignty and become the new Arab city of Al-Quds, the Palestinian capital.

c. Jerusalem’s ancient, walled Old City will be divided, with the Muslim quarter offered full sovereignty under the Palestinian state, while the Jewish, Christian, and Armenian quarters will remain fully under Israeli rule.

d. The new Palestinian state will also be granted full sovereignty over the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and Al Aqsa Mosque, provided that both Jews and Christians are guaranteed access to an area on the Temple Mount for religious observance and prayer. Israel will retain full sovereignty over the Western Wall.

e. Israel and Palestine will completely cede security control over all the holy sites on or near the Temple Mount to an international force whose mission is to ensure access and the safety of religious observers of all faiths. The Temple Mount area will essentially become a demilitarized zone for the forces of Israel and Palestine.

3)The creation and deployment of a Multinational Transitional Antiterrorism Force (MTAF) with a strong mandate to aid the Palestinian security forces in their fight against extremist groups bent on destroying peace.

a. Established by the United Nations, the MTAF will have a 3-5 year mandate to aid the new Palestinian state in maintaining a monopoly on the use of force and fighting extreme groups determine to continue violence against Israel. The MTAF must also be given the authority to pursue terrorists and their leaders directly with deadly force in the event that Palestinian security forces are unable to suppress terrorist violence against Israel on their own.

b. The United States agreed to make a significant contribution of troops to the MTAF but requests that the international community make a similarly strong commitment. European and especially Arab states must contribute troops to the multinational force in order for it to be both effective and legitimate.

c. Israel and the United States wish to make clear that the multinational force is designed to end the so-called “cycle of violence” while continuing the fight against terrorism. By ceding counterterrorism to Palestinian security forces and the MTAF, Israel seeks to avoid counterterrorist measures being perceived as Israeli aggression. It should be noted that the MTAF is in no way designed to replace the Israeli occupation and will be phased out over a period of 3-5 years, as Israeli withdrawal is completed.

4) An unlimited right of return of Palestinians to the newly constituted Palestinian state with a very limited right of return to Israel proper for the reunification of families only. Just compensation for refugees will also be provided.

a. The creation of an international fund to compensate Palestinians who lost property during the decades of war and conflict. The fund will have a target value of $40 billion.

b. Both Israel and the United States have agreed to make a significant financial contribution to the compensation fund, but international cooperation is crucial for the fund’s success. America and Israel call upon European and Arab nations to make a similarly significant financial contribution to the compensation fund.

Israel and the United States believe very strongly that the above blueprint represents the most practical and realistic hope for a just and sustainable peace. Both President Bush and I are optimistic that through this plan, the hopes of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples for peace can finally be realized.

 
At 7:48 AM, Blogger nathan said...

BBC News Intern Nathan Barillo here. Due to more technical difficulties with a website Youtube.com and posting newscasts I have been delayed in uploading these feeds. I think I have figured it out though and will upload November 8th today and hopefully November 13th as well. Thank you for your time and God Save the Queen.

 
At 6:23 AM, Blogger nathan said...

Here is the first BBC broadcast from Nathan Barillo. It is two parts.

part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LpUN8HBmHw&feature=user

part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bth2be44zmE

I hope this works and more will follow.

 
At 9:40 AM, Blogger sarah said...

A Final Peace Conference was held last Thursday, November 15, 2007 between Israel, Palestine, U.S., European nations, and various Middle Eastern countries. The conference was an extension of last week’s effort to reach a final agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians.

President George W. Bush opened the forum by stating the previously discussed terms of the agreement.

A creation of a new Palestinian state would result in returning to the pre-1967 borders. Additionally, Bush reiterated the need for refugee funds. He was confident when setting his goal at $40 billion to be raised by both the U.S. and other nations.

While addressing the room, he made it clear that terrorist organizations will not be tolerated, and that these groups “hate freedom, hate peace, and hate all that is good.” Concluding his thoughts announced a new friendship with Hamas and remained optimistic about the potential for peace.

Next, Palestinian and Israeli leaders individually took the podium to make their opening statements.

President Abbas spoke first. He began by thanking the countries involved in the efforts, singling out the American people for their help in recreating the infrastructure of Palestine.

Abbas then began addressing the terms of the agreement. While he agreed to many of the terms proposed by Israel and Prime Minister Olmert, it was clear that there were some alterations that he felt needed to be made.

The primary changes necessary concerned the annexation of Jewish settlements, presence of troops surrounding Temple Mount, and the long withdrawal of the Israelis located in the West Bank.

Abbas stated that it is unacceptable to annex large settlements such as Ariel right in the center of the new territory. The people living in this area instead should be made Palestinian citizens with “equal rights and civil liberties.” Abbas expressed concern with unification in the event that such a significant annexation occurs. In addition, it would be extremely difficult to create the new infrastructure if forced to work around existing Israeli settlements.

President Abbas urged Prime Minister Olmert to rethink his proposal of troops surrounding the newly divided Temple Mount. He fears that a military presence could offend his deeply religious Muslim people. While Abbas is against any type of military force in the area, he is excited to open the shrine to all those who wish to worship there.

A long withdrawal of Israelis in the West Bank is unacceptable for the Palestinian people. Abbas expressed that the road to peace is indeed a long one, one that need not be dragged out by a graduated removal.

Abbas also reminded Olmert that terrorist groups such as Hamas will not be supported. He feels as though the creation of a Palestinian state will help to eliminate terrorist activity and stop Hamas and their radical behavior. By giving the people a place to live, it will significantly decrease their hostility. The elimination of terror is essential in the effort to keep the peace.

Overall, President Abbas was optimistic and pleasant in his speech. He feels as though peace can truly be accomplished as long as Israel and Palestine work together to meet a common goal.

Next Prime Minister Olmert took the podium. He acknowledged that neither Israel nor Palestine will receive all that they want in the treaty, but that this should be no reason to forfeit peace. He also reminded the group that no ideology or prejudice should blind them in efforts to make peace.

Olmert stated that both parties have a common goal, which means half the battle for peace has already been won. Achieving the remaining goals requires commitment from the entire international community, and Olmert wasted no time in encouraging support especially from Israel’s “Arab brothers.” Like Abbas, he reminded the people that he’s vigorously committed to enforcing peace and ending extremist violence and that terrorist groups will not be tolerated.

In his closing, Olmert stated that “history and the Almighty will judge us if we don’t make effort for peace.” He then exited by saying “Shalom—peace be with you.”

Once the leaders of the two conflicting nations had their opportunity to address the crowd, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the European Union expressed their joint dedication to peace. They then repeated the two state solution with all land being ceded at a 1:1 ratio. In addition, they promised that U.N. troops would be supplied and supported in the region for at least five years.

Palestinians will also be offered the right of return to the land as long as they are reuniting with family already located in the area. Rice also made it clear that an international fund to support these returning refugees would be created.

Rice closed her address by saying that “there is no greater legacy for the U.S. than to create peace in the Middle East.”

After all groups were given the opportunity to speak to the crowd, Prime Minister Olmert began negotiating with President Abbas regarding the annexation of large Jewish settlements such as Ariel. It was obvious that this issue is of great importance to the Prime Minister as he kept increasing the amount of land he would trade if granted the annexation. By the end of the discussion he had increased the offer to a ratio of 2:1.

Multiple people then began debating the issue. Neither side was willing to settle. It seemed as though the security of the people living in and around these settlements was a main concern. Although Olmert offered to incorporate a defensive military force surrounding the community, many remained apprehensive.

While the groups were negotiating, the conference took an interesting turn. In the middle of the deliberations, two members from Hamas took the podium, announcing that they had been approached by a member of the Israeli government asking that they assassinate Prime Minister Olmert. They explained that they were contacted by an extreme Zionist, and that their reason for making the announcement was to reiterate their new dedication to peace.

Although the primary countries involved in the conflict feel that peace and a creation of two independent states are the main goals, other Middle Eastern countries are more concerned with compensation for harboring refugees for so long.

“My main concern is our own refugee situation and compensation for providing for these refugees,” a representative from Jordan said. “We’re concerned with their rights and citizenship.”

Lebanon is “deeply optimistic about the peace process,” but also is concerned with recognition and compensation.

“We hope the world will not forget the burden the Arab countries have shouldered during this conflict, especially in respect to the harboring of refugees,” stated Lebanon’s representative. “We hope that compensation by the Israeli state or the international community will be forthcoming. Until this has been done, the Arab-Israeli conflict will not truly be over.”

By the end of this conference, all voices had been heard. Still, no final peace agreement has been reached, and while many seemed optimistic, nothing was really accomplished. Until both sides are willing to make equal compromises, the future of the Israeli and Palestinian people will remain bleak.

 
At 9:41 AM, Blogger sarah said...

This post has been removed by the author.

 
At 7:07 PM, Blogger nathan said...

BBC Correspondent Nathan Barillo here.

Sorry for such a delayed response to the events of a few weeks earlier. There have been many technical issues arising at the station and we will have them hammered out by Wednesday when I will be able to broadcast the other two stories. Hang tight!

 
At 1:58 PM, Blogger Allison said...

Day 1 Talks: Lots of Words, Little Action

MCDOWELL HALL, NEWARK, DELAWARE - The first day of the Arab-Israeli Final Status simulation saw three different meetings between three diverse groups. The three general meeting included a meeting between the international community (including many representatives from the United States), a meeting between the Israeli government, officials, and its people, and a third meeting between Palestinian Authority officials, Hamas representatives, and various Palestinian refugees.
The discussions were quite interesting in the issues that were important to the various groups. In the Arab interests and the US interests meetings, there was heavy discussion over the fate of Jerusalem – the United States and cohorts seemed favorable towards the creation of an international zone, monitored under auspices of the United Nations, shared equally between Israeli and Palestinian authorities. While this discussion circulated in the Israeli talks, there seemed to be little agreement – and a general consensus by most that Jerusalem would stay strictly an Israeli territory.
The United States made an opening statement after initial talks had concluded, and were quite firm in their point that there would be no United States presence in Jerusalem, particularly if it became an international zone, or an area monitored by both Palestinian and Israeli authority. President Bush also introduced the idea of a $40 billion fund for the people of Palestine, to help those who are unable to return to the to-be created area of the new Palestinian state. However, it seems that this money will not be available to those who wish to return to their homes in Israel – and judging by remarks made by Olmert in his subsequent speech, whether these Palestinians will have any right to return to their own homes at all.
As Prime Minister Ehud Olmert took to the podium, he was quick to point out the “rap sheet of terror” that the Palestinians had accrued over the years. Olmert spoke of “just solutions” wanting to find a “practical solution” to the issue of Jerusalem and supported the idea of a right of return to the new to-be-created Palestinian state. However, Olmert was quick to point out that he did not support the right of return to Israel proper, except in a “very limiting exception to reunite families.” What exactly Olmert plans to entail within a just solution for the Palestinian people, as well as the ravaged economy of Lebanon and Jordan, remains to be seen. Perhaps Olmert will reveal more on what exactly he means by just solutions in the following days.
As Olmert’s speech concluded, Hamas representatives were quick to point out – correctly – that they were democratically elected. Hamas representatives called Olmert a hypocrite – citing that he won’t even enter the same room to discuss anything with Hamas. An interesting, emotionally-charged day, it will be fascinating to watch as Israel and Palestine attempt to reach peace once and for all.

Allison Schwier
Haaretz

 
At 3:09 PM, Blogger Allison said...

This post has been removed by the author.

 
At 3:10 PM, Blogger Allison said...

Danger of Extremism: Attempts to Turn Peace Talks into Train Wreck. An Op-Ed.

From the beginning, extremists on both sides of the have been a vocal and prominent voice within all talks, conferences, and meetings. The first day, the Israeli settler made a strong statement – referring to Olmert as a “hypocrite” – ironically enough, something this young settler and Hamas seem to agree with, as Hamas loudly opined on Olmert being a hypocrite as his speech concluded.
Particularly the Zionists and Israeli settler have constantly been a roadblock in this “road map to peace” – trying vehemently to whatever they can to stall the peace process and maintain the status quo – the status quo being Israel keeping all its land and continuing its building of settlements in the West Bank. Watch this next video clip as the Israeli settler voices his extreme displeasure with the current negiotations, saying near the end that “if the IDF comes to kick us, we’ll shell them with our mortars. This will never happen again.”( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c44tbK_l7oU)
I personally witnessed a meeting between the Israeli settlers and the Zionists in which they spoke about the “need to stall – eventually the whole thing will collapse again.” This sort of attitude and complete disregard for the suffering and plight of Palestinians is exactly the attitude that is completely contrary to peace – would these Zionists and settlers rather Palestinians live in the desperate conditions they do now, and continue to let Hamas gain supporters as they make empty promises, preying on the very desperation created and manifested by Israel? The Palestinian people need a homeland, they need an economy, a government, and rights in order for Hamas to lose its legitimacy – without suffering, without anger and resentment, there is no Hamas to create furor and hatred.
Not withstanding, this would be simply opinion if not for the actions of a few radical Israelites on the third day of the conference. In a statement made by Hamas representatives, they claim they were approached by a high level government official, Christian Zionists, and Israeli settlers about an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Hamas declared themselves “peace-loving” and felt it was their moral obligation to reveal the treachery committed with the Israeli government and its people. Although it is questionable whether a group responsible for daily rocket shooting into Israel can truly call themselves “peace-loving,” the true terror here is levels that these Zionists and settlers are willing to go to achieve their Kingdom of Israel – when will Israel realize that the Old Testament is not the single authority in the world?

Allison Schwier
Haaretz Media

 
At 3:11 PM, Blogger Allison said...

Day 2: Olmert Should Be Commended for Strong Statement Against Extremism

Coming into the Arab-Israeli Final Status talks, President Ehud Olmert has suffered some of the lowest favorability ratings of his entire presidency – even reaching an incredible approval rating of 3% in May 2007. However, despite harsh criticisms and loud dissent from ideologues, Olmert appears to be on the side of practicality – speaking of his desire to create a “practical and sustainable” plan for peace. Olmert has repeatedly stated and asked of his fellow Israelites not to be “blinded by ideology” – calming words that ring true in a very tense time. Many Israelites fear Olmert may give in and concede too much to the Palestinians – however it is time for Israel to step up to the plate, so to speak, and truly demonstrate to the Middle East and the rest of the world exactly what it is made of. Too long have words been thrown around – as Olmert points out himself “Peace is a must” and indeed it is. Olmert should be commended for coming out hard against ideologues and extremists, asking his audience if “are we ready for peace?” and warned his audience not to be “blinded by ideology” any longer.
The Arab lobby was harshly critical of the European delegates, referring to them as “mindless” and “going along with the United States on everything, and the United States is going along with Israel.” Arab lobbyists were critical of Bush for refusing to put any pressure on the Israelis to make more concessions. The Arab lobby appeared to be deeply pessimistic about the chances for peace. In a question posed to Palestinian refugee about Olmert’s “Peace for Piece” plan, these refugees were highly dubious of such a plan – almost to the point of complete disagreement.
Zionists and Israel settlers were quick to voice their disappointment with Bush, claiming that “Israel is giving up too much.” They felt themselves marginalized and “out of the group” – claiming that no one was listening to them. However, it must be said that the Zionists and the Israeli settlers were surely making their displeasure known quite loudly – in a meeting with US Congress representatives; they asked if they would be willing to issue a resolution “condemning the peace plan.” Apparently, the Zionists and Israeli settlers weren’t comfortable with a peace plan that at least gave minimal satisfaction to everybody, giving the West Bank to the Palestinians as they rightfully should have had years ago with the establishment of Resolution 242. The Zionists and Israeli settlers also voiced their discontent with Israel giving up Temple Mount in Jerusalem

Allison Schwier
Haaretz Media

 

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