Recent Events:

2008

Menachem Klein: The Geneva Project

Mohammed Yahya: Sudanese Refugees and Israel

Raed Mualem: Why There is Hope for Peace

2007

ISIME Partners for Peace Dinner

Join us for the ISIME Partners for Peace Dinner honoring Mayor Shmulik Rifman

October 23, 2007
6:00PM, Seawell Ballroom DCPA

For information and reservations call Lea at 303.871.2882

Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Community Update - Hamas Control of Gaza

June 25, 2007
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Renaissance Room South
Mary Reed Building

Moderated by Professor Robert Kazan of Metro State University, the Community Update regarding recent events of Hamas’ presence in Gaza provided an enlightening evening event.

In concern to the Israeli perspective, ISIME executive director Professor Shaul Gabbay began the evening by detailing the social geography of the area: approximately 10 million people inhabit the land between the Mediterranean and Jordan River. To create peace, a possible two or three state solution exists which will aid with human security. In regards to Hamas, possibilities exist in that Hamas will not oppose or depose itself in government, so stability can occur. However, Hamas does not recognize the legitimacy of Israel, nor will Israel negotiate with terrorists (although the current promise of release of 250 prisoners is encouraging).

With a Palestinian viewpoint, Professor Amin Kazak began his talk by stating the situation is not good. Gaza and the West Bank cannot be seen as viable possible states due to blockades and the difficulty of life created by foreign embargoes. As Kazak emphasized, what is important to remember is that Hamas was democratically elected. As such, the decision should be respected and not rejected, as has been done by much of Europe, the United States, and Israel. Through rejection, hostilities remain and the quality of life in jeopardized with embargoes and instability. Thus, emphasis must be placed on maintaining a one-state solution, in which one nationality is created and upheld.

A spirited commentary and question and answer period followed, further discussing the possibilities of a single or multiple state solutions, state legitimacy, and cultural similarities and differences within the region.

By Katie Rusch

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Daniel Levy

May 24, 2007
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Renaissance Room South
Mary Reed Building

During a lunch lecture at the University of Denver, Daniel Levy highlighted the current situtation in Israel in regards to Palestine and discussed the consequences this has had in the rest of the world. In the first place, Mr. Levy explained the importance of an Arab-Israeli solution, in which Israel could interact more with its Arab neighbors. As a point of reference, Mr. Levy alluded to past failed measures, such as the militaristic attempt for a solution (2001-2004) and the unilateral attempt for a solution, which resulted on the civilian and military pull-out of Gaza. In either of these cases, attempts at a solution failed, so a new approach must be sought.

Furthermore, Mr. Levy discussed in detail the impact the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has had on the United States. According to Mr. Levy, the United States has sufferred due to failure of the Israeli-Arab peace process. In order to re-establish credibility in the region, the United States needs to re-engage the peace process and emphasize a two-state solution.

Mr. Levy indicated four suggestions for approval. First, American leadership needs to be predicated on American National Security interests in engaging Israeli peace talks. Second, interim relations must end so that Israelis and Palenstinians know where and when the current situation will end. Third, regional support must be looked into. Fourth, the approach to political Islam must be re-thought.Mr. Levy concluded his talk with questions from audience members.

By Katie Rusch

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Alon Ushpiz

May 14, 2007
7:00pm – 8:30pm

Renaissance Room South
Mary Reed Building

As Minister of Congressional Affairs at the Israeli in Washington DC, Alon Ushpiz serves as a special Israeli emissary, working to bring greater interaction between the United States Congress and Israel. Most recently, Mr. Ushpiz accompanied the Congressional delegation to Israel.

In regards to the current situation in the Middle East, Mr. Ushpiz noted a change of understanding within the region. Stressing current trends, Mr. Usphiz highlighted that the current understanding is no longer focused on the struggle between Arab and Israeli worlds, but instead a struggle between people that want peaceful solutions. However, harsh realities still lie ahead. In the first place, the Palestinian national unity government tends to undermine Israeli interests. Also, the emergence of Iran as a nuclear threat continues to destablize relations within the region.

By Katie Rusch

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East co-hosts Avner Cohen

"The Nuclear Danger in the Middle East"

May 8, 2007
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Room 301
Ben Cherrington Hall

In an event co-sponsored with the Institute on Globalization and Security (IGLOS), a large audience came to listen to guest speaker Avner Cohen. Author of the book Israel and the Bomb, Avner Cohen discussed the history and political thinking behind atomic weapons in Israel, emphasizing the years leading up to the 1967 war as essential to the nuclear program. Even today, Mr. Cohen emphasizes Israel's pursed debate in finding the right balance between resolve and caution in the nuclear discussion.

After a brief discussion about the current nuclear implications of Iran, Mr. Cohen concluded his lecture with questions from the audience.

By Katie Rusch

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Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Dr. Ziad Asali

“The Way Forward in the Middle East”

April 11, 2007
12:00pm – 2:00pm

Renaissance Room North
Mary Reed Building

Speaking on the topic of how to move forward in the Middle East, Dr. Ziad Asali, founder and President of the American Task Force on Palestine, highlighted the historical situation between Israel and Palestine and options for the two groups. As Dr. Asali stated, both Israelis and Palestinians have had a long history of suffering and victimization. Both Israelis and Palestinians have been forced from land and are both still searching for a ‘Homeland.’ It is out of such recognition of historical similarities that Israelis and Palestinians can begin to forge peace.

Moreover, the current situation in the Middle East, predicated by history and the current state of Iraq, has created a volatile situation. Iran, emboldened by the weakening of Iraq, is strengthening its ties in the Middle East by monetarily aiding factions within Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Hamas.

Dr. Asali stated that there are three options for creating peace between Israel and Palestine. First, a greater attempt can be made for Israelis and Palestinians to live side-by-side, but this is not realistic in the current state. Second, a bi-national state can be created, in which Israeli’s will still not have a state of their own, nor will Palestinians be first-class citizens; again, this in unachievable. Third (and the most viable option of all, according to Dr. Asali), is to create two states, in which Israel will remain a Jewish state and Palestine will be an Arab state. Through creating two states, a greater chance for mutual recognition and peace can be achieved.

During the question and answer session, Dr. Asali spoke of his hope that the United States will take a lead role in negotiating the creation of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. As he stated, the establishment of a Palestinian state should be a strategic interest for Israel and the United States as a viable means for forging peace within the region.

By Katie Rusch