In The News

ENS: Solar Power in Gaza

March 19, 2018
Power outages are common in Gaza, and a solar rooftop will provide energy for the largest business park in the Palestinian territory of Gaza by 2019. Environment News Services reports Gaza’s population of 2 million people has about a quarter of the power it needs to function. “Gaza’s sole power plant is hampered by fuel shortages, outdated transmission lines, and damage from three wars in the...

NPR: Syrian War Enters 8th Year

Colin Dwyer March 16, 2018
With Russia’s help, the Assad regime slowly crushes multiple opposition groups. Seven years of war have been hard on civilians, leaving up to 500,000 people dead, more than half the population displaced, and government and militia forces accused of war crimes by the Human Rights Council. “For weeks the Syrian government has been bombarding the suburbs with shelling and airstrikes, aiming to...

The Atlantic: “CNN Effect” Dies in Syria

Uri Friedman March 1, 2018
Broadcasts of atrocities can prompt government action. While research has not confirmed a positive link, analysts suggest that 1990s reporting from Iraq, Somalia and Bosnia contributed to public expectations for US intervention. Despite an abundance of real-time reporting, the CNN effect may be a mirage for Syria: “the Syrian government’s relentless bombardment of the besieged rebel enclave of...

The Economist: Netanyahu Fights for Political Survival

February 27, 2018
Police officers informed Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu in February that impending charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust would come his way. Netanyahu addressed the nation the same day, recounting his 50 years of service, including experience with the Special Forces and as ambassador to the United Nations. Israel’s police chief, Robi Alsheikh had been selected by Netanyahu out...

The Guardian: Gazans Rush as Egypt Opens Crossing

Hazem Balousha and Oliver Holmes February 26, 2018
Egypt opened its Rafah border, a rare occurrence since 2013. Gazans in need of medical treatment or refuge from Israeli military incursions hope to leave. Hazem Balousha and Oliver Holmes report for the Guardian: “Some 30,000 Gazans including medical patients, students and businesspeople are on a waiting list to travel through Rafah. But not all are guaranteed.” Under the joint control of the...

BBC: UN Tussles Over Syria Ceasefire

February 23, 2018
Russian-backed Syrian forces are pounding the rebel-held city of Ghouta with airstrikes that have left hundreds of people dead. About 400,000 people are reported to be trapped. The UN Security Council is considering a 30-day truce to allow aid and evacuations, but Russia called for changes in the draft proposal that will be voted on today. The Syrian government claims to be targeting terrorists....

Al Jazeera: Regional Powers Brace for a Showdown in Syria

Farah Najjar February 13, 2018
Multiple nations intevene in the Syrian civil war and this could expand the fighting. “A surge in Israeli-Syrian cross-border incidents has turned into the ‘biggest’ confrontation between the two countries in decades and confronted Russia with a new dilemma: how to preserve its ties with both sides,” reports Farah Najjar for Al Jazeera. “Israel and Syria have been at the brink of war ever since...