IMEU: Background Briefings

The Institute for Middle East Understanding offers journalists and editors quick access to information about Palestine and the Palestinians, as well as expert sources — both in the U.S. and in the Middle East. Read our Background Briefings. Contact us for story assistance. Sign up for e-briefings.

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Language that absolves Israel
Saree Makdisi, LA Times

FAQ on settlements
IMEU

Netanyahu obstructing
peace
Bitterlemons.org

Home > Background Briefings

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1.0 - The Place

1.1 - Where is Palestine?

1.2 - What are the Occupied Territories?

1.3 - Why is East Jerusalem part of the Occupied Territories?

1.4 - What is the significance of Jerusalem to Christians and Muslims?

2.0 - The People

2.1 - Who are the Palestinians?

2.2 - Who are the Palestinian refugees?

2.3 - How many Palestinian refugees are there?

2.4 - Do Palestinian refugees have a right to return to their homes?

2.5 - Where do the Palestinians live today?

2.6 - Are all Palestinians Muslim?

3.0 - Government & Politics

3.1 - Who represents the Palestinians officially before the world community?

3.2 - What is the "Palestinian Authority"?

3.3 - What is the military capability of the Palestinian Authority?

3.4 - What is the military capability of Israel?

3.5 - What is Fatah?

3.6 - What are some of the major secular political parties other than Fatah?

3.7 - What is Hamas?

3.8 - Are there major Islamic political organizations besides Hamas?

3.9 - What are the major political groups or parties among Palestinian citizens of Israel?

3.10 - How many countries recognize Palestine as a state?

3.11 - What role do NGO's and other civil society groups play?

4.0 - The Conflict

4.1 - When did the Palestinian-Israeli conflict begin?

4.2 - What is the Palestinian-Israeli conflict really about?

4.3 - Is there an accepted understanding about how to resolve the conflict?

4.4 - Are Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel treated equally?

4.5 - What were the Oslo Accords?

4.6 - Did the PLO reject a "generous offer" for peace at Camp David in 2000?

4.7 - What did, in fact, happen at Camp David in 2000?

4.8 - What happened after the negotiations at Camp David in 2000?

4.9 - How did the latest major round of Palestinian-Israeli violence begin?

4.10 - What is an "intifada?"

4.11 - What do Palestinians seek?

4.12 - What was the Gaza disengagement, and how has it affected Palestinians?

4.13 - What is Israel's separation wall or barrier?

5.0 - The U.S. Role

5.1 - How much and what kind of aid does the US provide to Israel?

5.2 - Do the Palestinians view the US as a neutral party?

5.3 - How do Palestinians view Americans?

6.0 - Business & Economics

6.1 - What are the foundations of the economy in the Palestinian territories?

6.2 - What is the rate of unemployment in the West Bank and Gaza Strip?

6.3 - In what occupations do most Palestinian women work?

7.0 - Life & Culture

7.1 - Who are some well-known Palestinian painters or other visual artists?

7.2 - Who are some internationally recognized Palestinian filmmakers?

7.3 - Who are some eminent Palestinian intellectuals and writers?

8.0 - Palestinian Society

8.1 - What is the nature of the legal system in the Palestinian territories?

8.2 - What kind of education do Palestinian children receive?

8.3 - What are the major Palestinian institutions of higher education?

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