Palestinian Funding Turns to Iran

"With the political rise of Hamas, the dominant role of teh European Union has been usurped by the fundamentalists in Tehran. Just as in Lebanon, Iran is now buying its way into the Palestinian territories. The question is whether this money is used strictly for welfare,...

Western Taxpayers Fund Palestinian Violence

"All this internal jockeying is not particularly relevant. The question is whether this funding improves the lot of the average Palestinian and whether such moves might lead to peace? Who will be the real victims - as opposed to beneficiaries - of this largesse of Western...

When Europe Invests in Israel - A Comparison

"The European Investment Bank (EIB), the financing arm of EU policies, announced that it intends to fund hundreds of environmental projects in Israel. This is the first such series of projects since 1995...The Europeans have previously announced their willingness to support...

The EU Finally Acts Against Cash Smuggling

"Unfortunately, the immediate effect of these incidents impacts on the average Palestinian. Border closures as a result of these capricious acts mean uncertainty, frustration, long queues and a disruption to trade. The pride of the ruling Palestinian elite has yet again...

Giving Taxpayers' Money to Train Fatah

"December 2006 has seen several reports of plans by the Quartet to train the Presidential Guard of Mahmoud Abbas. What the schemes clearly ignore are the conclusions of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Specifically, the Palestinian Security Services are...

President Abbas: Some Rare Home Truths

"Thank God, we liberated one important part of our lands. We received dozens of investment projects from Arab countries and Western countries and Japan and economic projects and tourism projects, but they never happened. Why? Because we are determined to fire rockets. "

Palestinian University Education

In a region where education has become a tool to wage war and where unemployment is threateningly high, a large engineering conglomerate, in conjunction with the University of Maryland, has sponsored a new "mini MBA".

EU plans restarting PA aid: Risk of funding terrorism unresolved

"The question is can the PA - whether led by Fatah under President Abbas, or led through a Hamas controlled government - assure donors that their funds will be disbursed with accountability and transparency? A look at the history of the past few years is not encouraging. "

EU hints to PA: Accountability no longer required

Europe is hinting to the Palestinian Authority:  A unity government with Hamas and Fatah will get European support - and money.  Controls to prevent international aid being diverted to terror and violence will no longer be required.  This is exactly the way the...

International Aid for Lebanon - Ignoring Lessons from the Past

International aid to Lebanon is flowing uncontrolled.  There is a high risk of it falling into terrorist hands. ...

Hamas, Smuggling and Transparency

"Throughout the month of June 2006, illicit smuggling has continued. The reports have been confirmed by leading Hamas officials to several members of the international media."

Balancing the Palestinian budget

"Six months ago, before the election of Hamas, the World Bank urged donors to temporarily cease funding the Palestinian Authority (PA). The cause? Continuous and flagrant breaches of Palestinian promises to reform the PA's bankrupt budget. Wage increases had amounted to...