NIMEP INSIGHTS: Volume V, Fall 2010

Welcome to the fifth edition of NIMEP Insights. Now in its sixth year, the New Initiative for Middle East Peace continues on its mission to adapt to the changing nature of world events, as well as the needs of its members and the broader community, in order to face the challenges presented by the 21st century. Every year, NIMEP publishes this journal of student-written academic articles in order to add to the constantly evolving dialogue that seeks to promote peace in the most tumultuous region on Earth. This edition contains articles written by a diverse student group; authors come from all four years of undergraduate education at Tufts University and from different majors as well. 

Camping Out: Zionism's Occupation and the Obstacles to Peace Amit Paz '11, Political Science and International Relations

The obstacles to peace between Israel and the Palestinian states are multi-dimensional. There is not a single, cure-all factor which is precluding a real advance in peace negotiations. The Israeli settlement project, however, is a boulder which effectively blocks any chance that negotiations can get moving again in earnest. This paper will elaborate on this thesis...more

Calling Up Yossi: The differing roles played by the Israeli and foreign media in the Israeli political process Benjamin Gittleson '11, International Relations

The media landscape in Israel is one of the more dynamic in the world, with the country’s free press playing an active role in the democratic process. The domestic media is very independent and lively in nature, and the nation’s high concentration of journalists is burgeoned by hundreds of members of the foreign press that routinely give the tiny Israeli state and its Arab neighbors a large amount of coverage... more

"Face to Face": Working Toward Peace Through Arab-Jewish Encounters in Israel  Hannah Shefsky '11, Music and Religion

As I sat and talked with Ala Khatib, the co-principal of a Jerusalem elementary school, two young girls, one Jewish and one Arab, ran into his office. The Jewish girl, her bright red hair and freckles a great contrast to the olive coloring of her friend, went right up to Ala and began pleading with him... more 

Hamas and the Palestinian Political System James Kennedy '10, Political Science

Though it may counter the conventional wisdom and practice of diplomacy and politics, there is no sin greater than viewing any organized entity as an unchangeable monolith in ignoring its inherent complexities. When engaged in heated, protracted conflicts, it is often far easier, and far more politically rewarding, to paint your opponent as an inflexible, evil force unreceptive to any diplomatic... more 

Beyond the Hummus Battles: Impediments to an Israeli-Lebanese Peace Patricia Letayf '11, Middle Eastern Studies

Since its first invasion of Lebanon in 1978 during Operation Litani, Israel has felt threatened by its northern Arab neighbor. With its unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000 and its lackluster performance in the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War, Israel has little reason to believe that its people and borders are more secure than before the collapse of the Security Zone, a 328-square-mile Israeli buffer... more