The Third Way: Finding Balance In Mideast Analysis

The subject of the Middle East and its conflicts has always been a heated one and has also always been of greater interest to more people than many conflicts around the globe. But in recent years, and especially since September 11, 2001, the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians as well as the larger, turbulent world of the Middle East has assumed an even more central position in people’s minds and hearts.

Since it involves 9/11, and because of the great passions stirred on all sides by the question of Israel/Palestine, the great majority of material in the media, in governments, in blogs, in short, everywhere is highly partisan. Most material is written from the point of view that one side or another comprises “the good guys.”

In this space, I hope to provide something different. Through my job as Director of Education and Policy for Jewish Voice for Peace, I am exposed to news and views from a very wide variety of sources. From corporate, mainstream news to reports from regular people on the ground in the Middle East; from alternative press to the New York Times; and from governmental and media sources from the US, Israel, the Arab press, Europe and around the world, I endeavor to piece together a reasoned and fair analysis.

I don’t claim to have some superior ability to be balanced that others lack. Like anyone else, I bring my own views to my analysis. Having for years been privileged to have my views published on the web, in journals, newspapers, on the radio and on television and through my regular column in Tikkun Magazine, I can only say that I’ve received both praise and angry messages from supporters of all views and sides. I take that as doing something right.

I will point out here that the analyses that will appear in this space are all my own and do not necessarily reflect the stances of Jewish Voice for Peace. I hope that people who comment in response do so in a civil tone. The articles that will follow are meant to stimulate thought and, I hope, build support for a reasoned, realistic political push for more productive and just policies in the Middle East. I thank you for reading and welcome you to this forum.