Country Reports
The political economy of the West Bank
An attempt to explain the economic protests in September 2012
Since 2011, West Bank-wide demonstrations have markedly increased. Apart from the protest in November 2012 against the latest military escalation in Gaza, demonstrations across the West Bank also took place in March 2011, July and September 2012. Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, stated at a meeting with Arab League ministers in Cairo in September 2012 that “The Palestinian Spring has begun, and we are in line with what the people say and what they want”. more…
The continuous erosion of democratic structures in the West Bank
More than 70 percent of the Palestinians in the West Bank believe that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is undemocratic and illiberal. A question arises: Is the West Bank still governed by democratic procedures or is the PA an authoritarian regime? The truth lies in the middle – and the causes for concern increase. more…
Hamas and the “Arab Spring”
For five years the Gaza Strip has been controlled by Hamas. Despite constant efforts, a reunification with the West Bank, governed by Fatah, is not in sight. To the contrary: The Islamists established a small but efficient authoritarian entity. But the changes related to the “Arab Spring” present a latent danger for Hamas. more…
The Evacuation Of Migron
Israeli Settlement Policies In The West Bank And East Jerusalem
“The Court concludes that the Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (including East Jerusalem) have been established in breach of international law.” more…
New Dynamics in the Middle East
2011 – An eventful year for the Palestinian Territories
For the Palestinian Territories the year 2011 was first and foremost marked by the events of the so-called “Arab Spring”. Although there has been no overthrow of the political regime or even mass demonstrations in either the West Bank or the Gaza Strip for that matter, the “Arab Spring” had a significant impact. Neither would there have been the (so far unsuccessful) attempts of reuniting both territories nor would the release of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was held hostage by the Islamist Hamas, have taken place, if it were not for the upheavals in Egypt. more…
About this Serial
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is represented with its own office in around 70 countries on five continents. The foreign employees can give first-hand reports on current happenings and long-term developments in their respective countries. Their "country reports" offer visitors to the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung exclusive evaluations, background information and forecasts.
