The West Should Care about the Torture of Palestinians

According to a recent report by a Palestinian news agency, the Palestinian Authority (PA) regularly employs various forms of torture at its detention centers. But, writes Elliott Abrams, many normally so solicitous of Palestinian wellbeing, and abnormally so alert to alleged Israeli misbehavior, have kept silent:

This is not the first time such allegations have been made against both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. What’s worth noting is the reaction from Washington and among the donors to the PA: silence. And what’s even more noteworthy is the reaction from the innumerable groups attacking Israel for human-rights violations: more silence. Such abuses, which would arouse a global round of denunciations if Israel acted this way, arouse yawns when committed by the PA.

There are some lessons here. One, as noted, is that official Palestinian human-rights abuses get next to zero attention. Another lesson is that this immunity carries a price—and the price is paid by Palestinians. Instead of evolving steadily toward a more democratic political system that respects human rights, the Palestinian system has stalled. There are no elections, there are widespread human-rights abuses, there are few or no corrective mechanisms, and there is global indifference. Governments and organizations that say they want to help build peace in the Middle East should realize that withholding criticism of the PA . . . is not a way forward. It is a guarantee that . . . conditions in the West Bank will continue to deteriorate.

Read more at Pressure Points

More about: Human Rights, Israel & Zionism, Palestinian Authority, Torture, U.S. Foreign policy

Kuwait Should Be the Next Country to Make Peace with Israel

Feb. 13 2025

Like his predecessor, Donald Trump seeks to expand the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. But there are other Arab nations that might consider taking such a step. Ahmad Charai points to Kuwait—home to the Middle East’s largest U.S. army base and desperately in need of economic reform—as a good candidate. Kuwaitis haven’t forgiven Palestinians for supporting Saddam Hussein during his 1990 invasion, but their country has been more rhetorically hostile to Israel than its Gulf neighbors:

The Abraham Accords have reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy. . . . Kuwait, however, remains hesitant due to internal political resistance. While full normalization may not be immediately feasible, the United States should encourage Kuwait to take gradual steps toward engagement, emphasizing how participation in regional cooperation does not equate to abandoning its historical positions.

Kuwait could use its influence to push for peace in the Middle East through diplomatic channels opened by engagement rather than isolation. The economic benefits of joining the broader framework of the Abraham Accords are overwhelming. Israel’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and water management presents valuable opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its infrastructure. Trade and investment flows would diversify the economy, providing new markets and business partnerships.

Kuwaiti youth, who are increasingly looking for opportunities beyond the public sector, could benefit from collaboration with advanced industries, fostering job creation and entrepreneurial growth. The UAE and Bahrain have already demonstrated how normalization with Israel can drive economic expansion while maintaining their respective geopolitical identities.

Read more at Jerusalem Strategic Tribune

More about: Abraham Accords, Kuwait