Palestine and the Middle East in a Global Context
The 2005 Annual Conference Proceedings

On 18 November 2005, the Palestine Center brought together a broad spectrum of scholars, experts and activists to analyze salient developments in Palestine and the Middle East and how the policies of the rising powers in Africa, Asia and Latin America have affected the political and economic development of the region. The proceedings of this conference reflect the day’s discussion of developments in Lebanon and Syria, U.S. efforts to "spread democracy" in the Middle East, and the extent to which Abbas' administration has influenced prospects for a political settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also provides a prescription for future pathways for those involved in the Middle East.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Opening Remarks by Dr. Subhi D. Ali and Dr. Naseer Aruri – p. iii

INTRODUCTION

Palestine and the Middle East in a Global Context – p. 1
Dr. Azmi Bishara, Keynote Speaker

PANEL I

The Bush Administration and Palestine after Arafat – p. 10
Omar Dajani, Esq.

Regional Factors and Internal & External Pressures: Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia – p. 17
Dr. As’ad AbuKhalil

Israel in a Global Context – p. 26
Dr. Ilan Pappe

A Panel Discussion on the Middle East – p. 32
Moderated by Dr. Naseer Aruri

PANEL II

The New Rising Powers: Asia, South America & Africa – p. 38
Ms. Phyllis Bennis

Challenges Confronting the Grassroots Movement – p. 44
Dr. Mark Lance

Can a Global Consensus on Resolving the Conflict Be Achieved? – p. 49
Dr. Norman Finkelstein

A Panel Discussion on the New Global Environment – p. 57
Moderated by Mr. George Hishmeh

PANEL III

War Crimes and Litigation: The Caterpillar Case – p. 65
Gwynne L. Skinner, Esq.

The ICJ Ruling, Third-party Intervention, and Multilateral Operations in Palestine – p. 74
Stephanie Koury, Esq.

Churches & Divestment: A Third-party Intervention – p. 81
Mr. David Wildman

A Panel Discussion on Litigation, Intervention and Multinational Involvement – p. 89
Moderated by Noura Erakat, Esq.

Concluding Remarks – p. 98
Samar Assad, Executive Director

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