Another Israeli Roadblock

"Obama Calls Palestinian President"
A10, World Briefing / Middle East
By Isabel Kershner

There's nothing problematic about this news brief. It's worth noting which part of a comment is quoted and which isn't. Saeb Erekat stated that Obama and Abbas "reiterated their commitment to continue to work"…for a two-state solution. It's not unusual for the Palestinian Authority to reiterate this – when convenient – only to tell its people something else. So whether or not Erekat mentioned a two-state solution here, Kershner and the Times have no problem stating it on his behalf.

We run into trouble with a longer version of the news brief, published on the Times web site. Kershner mentions that Obama called Olmert last week, and they talked up the peace process. Kershner then tries to bring Times readers back to earth. "In reality, the yearlong Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, which have not resulted in a deal, are suspended pending the outcome of Israeli elections on Feb. 10."

It would be refreshing for the Times to offer a reality check on what has delayed a deal. However, while it's true negotiations are essentially going nowhere until Israeli elections, what's stalled negotiations to this point are the inflexible positions of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The PA continues to promote the right of return, armed struggle and steadfastness against Israel and recently publicly mocked the notion of a Jewish state. When the Times laments the recent lack of progress in talks, it's Israeli settlements, or an Israeli response to terrorism or in this case, Israeli democracy.

The idea that Palestinian disunity, covered by the paper, precludes an effective agreement right now, eludes the Times.

Of note, Kershner mentions that Netanyahu is doing well in the polls and that he "opposes statehood talks with the Palestinians at this stage." It's important that Kershner qualifies his opposition with "at this stage," as Netanyahu has stated he wants to see the PA fulfill more of its obligations -- such as end incitement and crack down on militants. She could've mentioned with an additional sentence Netanyahu's positions, and/or his plans for forging an economic peace with the Palestinians -- a story merely poked at by the Times -- as a prelude to statehood.

One shouldn't have to agree with a popular opposition leader to fully and accurately report his views.