On and Off

What seems to be the most buzz-worthy piece of news this week is the failed talks over Gilad Shalit's release. The Israeli soldier was taken hostage by Palestinian militia and his release is a key stipulation in order to begin any peace with Hamas (Al Jazeera 17 March 2009). In exchange for Shalit, Hamas wanted the release of 1400 Palestinian soldiers, many who were convicted of killing Israelis. It's feared that an exchange of so many prisoners for Shalit many encourage Hamas to acquire further hostages (Al Jazeera 17 March 2009). Haaretz reported that Hamas wanted 325 prisoners released, 144 of which Israel wanted to be exiled to the Gaza Strip. Olmert also wanted the reopening of Gaza borders for reconstruction aid as part of the agreement, but was unable to succeed. Olmert is serving the final days of his three-year term and it is uncertain whether or not Benjamin Netanyahu will continue Olmert's negotiations and conditions for peace. A "ministerial panel" is being created to put pressure on Hamas to agree to negotiations by making prisoner's sentence harder, like forbidding visitors (Haaretz 13 March 2009). Egyptian (Egypt being the moderator) sources say that both parties were to blame for the negotiations' failure, yet Israel agreed to the release of Palestinian prisoners, but not the ones Hamas listed by name or how they would be released. Israel also took a harder stance and backtracked according to Hamas (Haaretz 18 March 2009). It seems the pressure that Olmert is trying to push onto Hamas will not be forceful enough to complete negotiations. It seems Hamas will be taking its chances with Netanyahu, because some 100 military senior officers they refused to release could be crippling.

Lebanon opened its embassy in Damascus for the first time since their independence six years ago as part diplomatic relations between the Lebanon and Syria (New York Times 16 March 2009). The governing majority also publicly announced that it would end its conflict with Syria to build solid relations based on "brotherhood" and "common interests" (Daily Star 18 March 2009). A Lebanese editorial criticized Syria for not being reciprocal in Lebanese peace efforts. Syria is also accused of undermining its sovereignty through backhanded comments, and that's it's a shame because Syria benefits from a stable and safe Lebanon (Daily Star 18 March 2009). Lebanon could provide economic partnerships for foreign investment, tourism and jobs amidst Syria's unemployment, inflation and declining oil reserves, suggesting the success of both countries is "inextricably linked" (Daily Star 18 March 2009). It's expected that tensions would still be alive after the recent occupation of Lebanon by Syria until 2005. Syria's link to Hizbollah is questionable, as well as its past support of the United States in the first Gulf War. Whether or not Lebanon is pursuing negotiations for a possible ally or for genuine political and economic reasons is uncertain.

On Muhammed the Prophet's birthday, the leader, Hassan Nasrallah, of Hizbollah publicly refused the United States' suggestion that Hizbollah and Hamas could recognize Israel as a legitimate state before they engage (BBC News 14 March 2009). Nasrallah refused, saying "As long as Hezbollah exists, it will never recognise Israel."

The Iraqi journalist, Muntadar al-Zaidi (who is hailed as a hero), who threw his shoe at President George W. Bush has been sentenced for three years in prison (BBC News 12 March 2009).