Settler Cartoonist Shay Charka Skewers All Sectors of Israeli Society

The World’s Middle East correspondent, Matthew Bell, profiles Israeli cartoonist Shay Charka who lives in the West Bank. He hopes for peace with his Palestinian neighbors but doesn’t believe that a two-state solution is possible. Charka’s cartoons skewer all sectors of Israeli social and political society.

UNESCO Admits ‘Palestine’ As Full Member

The Palestinian Authority is calling the decision a symbolic victory because what they really want is full membership in the United Nations.

Palestinian Filmmaker Takes Political Responsibility

If you’re Palestinian and you’re a filmmaker, must every film you make have a political message? For Elia Suleiman, who grew up as an Arab citizen of Israel, the answer is both yes and no.

Yossi Fine, Palestinian metallica, and John Lennon

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30 years after the death of John Lennon, Jewish Israeli musician and producer Yossi Fine shows how the Beatle’s legacy lives on. Fine is producing an Arab heavy metal band called Khalas that he wants the world to hear. Download MP3

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Global Political Cartoons: August 28 – September 3, 2010

This week, a melange of Middle East messes. Perhaps a little harsh but we get a lot of visual comments on President Obama bellying up to the Mideast peace bar; the attempt to tie a bow on Iraq; and the uncertainty of a US success in Afghanistan.

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Israel under fire for aid ship attack

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There was increased international criticism today of Israel for its raid on a flotilla of aid ships trying to get relief to Gaza. The raid left nine pro-Palestinian activists dead. Former US diplomat Edward Peck was on one of the ships. He tells anchor Marco Werman about the experience.

Israeli road reopens to Palestinians

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Israel reopened access to a key highway in the West Bank today. It had been off-limits to Palestinian drivers for nine years. Correspondent Linda Gradstein reports from the West Bank.

World Books Podcast: Eshkol Nevo’s novel “Homesick”

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When it was published in Israel in 2004, Eshkol Nevo’s novel “Homesick” tackled a taboo topic in his homeland. The story, which is set in a small neighborhood outside of Jerusalem, includes a sympathetic look at a Palestinian construction worker who becomes obsessed with entering the home his family was evicted from in 1948. To Nevo’s surprise, “Homesick” became a best-seller and is now assigned reading in high schools and universities around Israel. An English translation of the book (by Sondra Silverston) is now available from Dalkey Archive Press. World Books editor Bill Marx spoke to Nevo about his novel’s surprising reception in Israel and elsewhere in the Middle East. Download MP3

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Circus school

For our Geo Quiz today — there’s no circus big top, no elephants, not even any high flying trapeze artists. But there is a circus show…

Street names, Bible translators and locavore language

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When it comes to naming a street, you can go with the bland: Bella Vista Ave. Or not: Mugabe St. In the Palestinian city of Ramallah, some recently named streets celebrate “fallen matyrs”. Israel too, memorializes its “freedom fighters” from the early 20th century. Also, a conversation with the head of the world’s largest Bible translation organization. The group wants to translate the Bible into every language by 2025. Finally, language journalist Michael Erard declares why henceforth he will use only words that are locally grown and sustainably packaged. Download MP3

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Mistaken identity

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Freelance journalist Alon Tuval has the misfortune of looking a lot like one of the suspects in the Dubai case. He says even friends are mistaking him for one of those involved. He’s in Jerusalem now. Katy Clark checks in with him. Download MP3

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• Murder mystery in the Middle East

The first Palestinian planned city

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Developers have broken ground for what could be the first Palestinian planned community in the West Bank. Daniel Estrin reports from the site of the future city of Rawabi.

Palestinians questioning their security forces

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US Army General Keith Dayton has been assisting with training Palestinian security forces since 2005. The ongoing effort has been credited with helping to restore law and order in the West Bank. But the US role is a politically precarious one. Some Palestinians are questioning who their security forces are working for. The World’s Matthew Bell reports from the West Bank. Download MP3

• Video: Interview with Brigadier General Adnan Damiri, spokesman for the Palestinian Security and Police Forces
• NY Times: U.S. Helps Palestinians Build Force for Security

Bereaved parents seek peace in the Middle East

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Israeli Rami Elhanan and Palestinian Bassam Aramin have both lost daughters in the conflict between their peoples. But instead of demanding revenge, they are working together for peace and reconciliation. Rami and Bassam are part of a 500 strong group called The Circle of Bereaved Parents. Their stories are told in a book called “Nine Lives.” On the BBC’s Outlook program, Matthew Bannister talks to both men about their inspiring journey.Download MP3

Deepening focus on Islamic values in Gaza

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Since the Hamas takeover of Gaza in June 2007, Israel has severely limited the entry of goods into Gaza. As the blockade of Gaza continues, Palestinians in Gaza are deepening their religious identity. Some female students have been told to change their dress, although Hamas officials say the orders aren’t coming from them. Palestinians in Gaza say they see little hope for the future and many are turning to religion as an answer. Linda Gradstein reports from Gaza City. Download MP3