BU Now » Middle East peace

Israel eases Gaza blockade

Dick Taffe — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:43:12 +0000

Israel announced a relaxation of the 3-year-old blockade of Gaza, promising to ease the importation of some goods by land but not offering to lift its navel embargo. The move came weeks after Israeli commandos killed nine people on an aid flotilla trying to breach the blockade. International relations Professor Augustus Richard Norton, author of “Hezbollah: A Short History” and authority on Middle East politics, says if Israel was serious about improving the living conditions in Gaza, it would stop preventing the exports of agricultural goods and allow the strip’s simple manufacturing sector to resume making and selling everyday essentials.

“This latest decision is an arrogant in-your-face to the U.S. and other concerned members of the international community. Watch the U.S. government spokespersons’ reaction. If they commend Israel, then you may heavily discount Obama’s commitment to Middle East peacemaking.”

Contact Agustus Richard Norton, 617-353-7808, arn@bu.edu

U.S., Jordan in nuke-power talks

Dick Taffe — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:55:57 +0000

The U.S. and Jordan, it’s closest Arab ally in the region, reportedly are negotiating a nuclear-cooperation agreement that would let American firms expert nuclear components and know-how to Jordan — but won’t allow Jordan to produce its own nuclear fuel. International relations Professor William Keylor, author of “A World of Nations: The International Order Since 1945,” says the deal must balance Jordan’s right under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to produce its own fuel and the U.S. interest in not angering Israel or risk a Mideast arms race.

“The controversy will have to be resolved through compromise if the NPT is to retain its credibility and the Middle East is to be spared a headlong rush to develop national civilian nuclear industries.”

Contact William Keylor, 617-358-0197, wrkeylor@bu.edu

Obama cool to Netanyahu

Dick Taffe — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:21:19 +0000

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu got a cool reception from the Obama White House, as a dispute over new housing settlements in East Jerusalem continues to roil U.S.-Israeli relations. International Relations Professor Augustus Richard Norton, a Middle-East authority, says in his blog that Netanyahu operates within an ideology that basically rejects a two-state solution with the Palestinians and more Israelis are getting uncomfortable with that attitude.

“Notwithstanding Netanyahu’s embrace by some congresspeople, one of the promising developments since the Biden slap has been evidence of growing unease in Israel about Netanyahu’s leadership. A wise U.S. President will not do anything to reduce the doubts.”

Contact Augustus Richard Norton, 617-353-7808, arn@bu.edu