A Note on Links

I wanted to write a quick post to help my readers sort out the links I have provided on the sidebar of the blog. Hopefully this will help everyone find exactly what they are looking for without helplessly clicking through the overwhelming number of sites dedicated to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Anything to help others to better understand and perhaps take action regarding this situation.

Here's a brief description of the links:

• ActiveStills - This site features user submitted photos of the conflict. There are some incredible shots on this site, and it is updated regularly with new content.
• Al-Jazeera News - No, it's not terrorist news, Al-Jazeera is a great source for mass media style news stories on the Middle East and elsewhere as well.
• Bitter Lemons - An opinion site full of articles written both by Palestinians and Israelis regarding different issues and stances on the conflict. Some are written as back and forth debates. Updated regularly as well.
• Days are Countries - Named after an Arabic proverb and written by a friend and roommate of mine, this blog currently provides the full "Iron Wall" movie - a wonderfully informative and eye-opening documentary on the Israeli separation barrier and settlement policy. The author is a photographer from Los Angeles, so expect some very interesting posts.
• End the Occupation - An informative website with tons of resources and articles for newcomers regarding the Israeli occupation. Also provides updates on actions for those ready to become involved in activism against the occupation.
  
• If America Knew - Very informative website full of startling figures comparing the cost of the conflict to both Israelis and Palestinians. Well-documented statistics. Interesting opinion articles as well.
• ISM - The official site of the International Solidarity Movement, a grassroots organization involved in humanitarian and direct action campaigns in the West Bank. The group's site features news stories, journal entries, startling videos, and more. Updated almost daily. ISM was also recently nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Whether you are interested in an unfiltered news source or activism against the occupation, this is a great starting point.
• Maan News Agency - The best Palestinian news source I have found thus far, and probably the best one there is. If it happened in the West Bank or Gaza Strip, you will surely find it on this site. Check it daily to stay informed on life under occupation.
• Prospects for Peace - A blog written by my personal hero and a man who is no stranger to the conflict, Daniel Levy. Mr. Levy was the lead drafter of the Geneva Initiative and an Israeli negotiator during the most recent Camp David talks. He keeps an incredibly informative blog and posts regularly. one day I hope to produce op-ed columns like this man. I also hope to one day be the lead drafter of any negotiations document. Inshallah...
• Right 2 Education - The official site of Birzeit University's Right 2 Education campaign. Extremely interesting articles about what life is like to be a student living under occupation.
• Shira's Blog - Certainly one of the most interesting and insightful blogs I have read since I became obsessed with Riverbend's Baghdad Burning blog. This blogger is an activist and American Jew living and studying in Ramallah. Her blog covers everything from the experience of being a Jew closely allied with the Palestinian side of the cause to her views on Birthright and Israel. Shira updates pretty regularly and the backlogged posts concerning the Birthright trip are humorous and incredibly insightful. I would strongly recommend this to anyone, no matter how knowledgeable he/she is on the conflict, as many of the posts tend to focus solely on the human side of the conflict.
• Stop the Wall - The official site of the organization with the same name. The site provides resources concerning Israel's illegal separation wall.
  
• Think Progress - The parent organization of Campus Progress, a group I am affiliated with back in the United States.
  
• United For Peace and Justice - An organization focusing primarily on ending the Iraq War through organizing protests and providing resources to help mobilize support against it.

That seems to be about all of the links for now. I hope this helps those of you looking for resources, information, opportunities to get involved, or news about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And yes, I promise to add more personal posts about my experiences and views regarding the situation here in Israel/Palestine in the very near future.