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Esther Solomon  
Esther Solomon
 
 
In the UAE and Bahrain, we’ve seen how normalization with Israel works for autocratic Arab states with a state-controlled media: a largely homogenous narrative of celebration. Perhaps a more interesting test of normalization would be Pakistan, subject of rolling rumors about a potential opening of relations, a state with a far freer media and a raucous democracy, and a deeply embedded ideology of pro-Palestinian solidarity.
 
Imran Jan explores how the clash of pragmatism and ideology on Israel is playing out both within Pakistan and inside the highly influential, and often hyper-nationalist, Pakistani diaspora.
 
Victor Kattan explains how the Palestinians lost the support of Gulf elites, once considered natural allies, to an Israeli strategic and propaganda ‘coup,’ and what we know about grassroots Arab opinion.
 
Reem Abdellatif writes about the dissonance between the rebranded ‘new’ Saudi Arabia, and her own experienced of the ‘kingdom that terrorizes women.’
 
Jonathan Tobin suggests that Trump’s much-derided quid pro quo approach to U.S. foreign policy, including normalization, has actually proven a triumph.
 
Muhammad Shehada profiles the three candidates for next Hamas chief, and why Israel may end up boosting the pro-Iran hardliners.
 
And Noah Berlatsky says enough of calling Donald Trump a bad Christian, or not a Christian at all – and why.
 
 
 
 
 
An Emirati man looks walks past a sign welcoming guests to a signing ceremony between the UAE and Israeli football associations. Dubai, December 14, 2020.

Israel’s Gulf Coup: How Palestinians Lost Their Arab Allies

Victor Kattan | 23.12.2020
 
 
 
Supporters of religious and political party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) protest the UAE – Israel normalization deal. Karachi, Pakistan, August 16, 2020

Pakistan Recognizing Israel Is Dirty Politics. But It's Legitimate

Imran Jan | 27.12.2020
 
 
 
Surrounded by Army cadets, President Donald Trump watches the 121st Army-Navy Football Game in Michie Stadium, West Point Military Academy. Dec. 12, 2020

How Trump Transformed ‘Quid Pro Quo’ From Democratic Slur to Diplomatic Triumph

Jonathan S. Tobin | 23.12.2020
 
 
 
Imprisoned in Mohammed bin Salman's 'new' Saudi Arabia for standing up for women's empowerment: Nassima al-Sadah, Loujain Al-Hathloul and Samar Badawi

How I Escaped Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom That Terrorizes Women

Reem Abdellatif | 20.12.2020
 
 
 
Moroccans celebrate in front of the Rabat parliament building after the U.S. recognized Moroccan control over the disputed territory of Western Sahara and Morocco recognized Israel. Dec 13, 2020

Assassination, Bribes and Smuggling Jews: Inside the Israeli Mossad's Long Secret Alliance With Morocco

Yossi Melman | 17.12.2020
 
 
 
Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal visits Gaza from exile in a homecoming parade together with Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniyeh (C-R). Gaza City, December 7, 2012

Will Israel Help a pro-Iran Hardliner Win Control of Hamas?

Muhammad Shehada | 16.12.2020
 
 
 
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech after cabinet meeting at Presidential Complex in Ankara. November 3, 2020.

Thanks to Erdogan, Turkey Hasn’t Been This Isolated for 50 Years

Simon A. Waldman | 21.12.2020
 
 
 
From left to right: Meretz lawmakers Tamar Zandberg and Nitzan Horowitz, Labor head Amir Peretz and lawmakers Itzik Shmuli and Merav Michaeli.

The Israeli Left Should Take a Time Out in the Upcoming Election

Anshel Pfeffer | 25.12.2020
 
 
 
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara at the Likud party Hanukkah candle-lighting in Kfar Maccabiah, December 2, 2018.

Israel’s Understanding of American Jews Is a Sad Joke

Eric H. Yoffie | 20.12.2020
 
 
 
A protester from the Uighur community living in Turkey at a protest in Istanbul against China’s repression of its Uighur Muslim minority. Oct. 1, 2020

Once Jews, Now Uighurs: Why Would Volkswagen Want to Be Complicit in Another Genocide?

Rahima Mahmut, Mia Hasenson-Gross, Blair McDougall, Michael Polak, Benedict Rogers, Sheldon Stone | 27.12.2020
 
 
 
President Donald Trump holds a Bible outside St. John's Church across from the White House after peaceful protestors were forcibly cleared from the area. June 1, 2020

Stop Calling Donald Trump a Bad Christian

Noah Berlatsky | 26.12.2020
 
 
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