This is a living site documenting the first known gathering of libraries and journalists to discuss new forms of collaboration to enhance community engagement in civil, civic dialog. Excellent and provocative thought-starter for continuing discussion, drawing in those who aren't here--and those who want to take the results and try them out.

Profoundly personal observations by Israeli Arab journalist and writer Oudeh Basharat, framing the recent Knesset ban on commemorating the Nakba in the context of his family's deep connection to their home village, Ma'alul, which they were forced to flee after the 1948 partition.

Fascinating observation about language limiting vision. O'Connor conjectures that lack of appropriately terrifying terminology in "Nukespeak" has capped the limits of scientific imagination and limited precautionary engineering standards to levels below known prior events.

Entirely too civilized and restrained a conversation a the relative financial feasibility, sustainability, potential power generation, and inherent risks of nuclear vs renewable power. Both sides seem to be basing their views on the presumption of large-scale, revenue-generating power grids, which is not necessarily a 'given' in the future.

Clear, cogent and thoughtful analysis of one example of the daily injustices Palestinians face under the Israeli government's interpretation of "justice."

Interesting and provocative viewpoint that presents all actions in the Middle East as anti-Israel conspiracies. Laced with enough possibly-accurate information to have some credibility with audiences that don't look deeper for analysis, Cheney's former national security advisor's perspective is suspect. Unfortunately one-sided, this piece is a classic example of the myopic right-wing propaganda that continues to prevent just peace for Israel or Palestine.

Clear and cogent summary of a reprehensible recommendation by the abruptly-retired Indiana deputy prosecutor suggesting that Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker hire "an associate who pretends to be sympathetic to the union's cause to physically attack you...you could discredit the unions."

Massalha's review of Oudeh Basharat's first novel provides interesting insights into his development as a journalist and political activist on behalf of Arabs living in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Useful for putting his views on statehood for Palestine into a broader perspective.

Deliciously ironic jab at the potential for pitfalls when politicians mess with science for partisan goals.

Detailed and daunting list of anti-climate-change positions held by political beneficiaries of industrial largess.

Damning documentation of the ultra-rich brothers' efforts to undermine environmental protections, labor laws, and American government for their own private, personal gain.

Fascinating interview of Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority. Braw's questions, and Salam Fayyad's thoughtful answers present an unswerving optimism in his positive, nonviolent approach to creating a Palestinian state this August through recognition by the United Nations General Assembly...not coincidentally, the precise way Israel was created in 1948.

Interesting and informative, this article does a reasonable job of describing the US Justice Department position on the WikiLeaks posting of classified documents. It also includes two items that complicate the picture. First, a quote that questions the risk posed by these leaks, from former federal prosecutor Baruch Weiss, that the WikiLeaks case "is the widespread publication of information...that could be very important for people in assessing how well our government is doing its job." Second, there's very little information about WikiLeaks or Assange--only a reported Swedish police warrant on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.

Freeman's sharply-stated opinion is verifiable by studying the past 100 years of American history. His comments would benefit from links to sources.

Budowsky takes a step back from the partisan view of budget-cutting, and focuses on those who will bear the consequences: the people. This brief, clear-eyed analysis points to the looming consequences of budget politics that favor special interests, when the best solution to our economic woes is creating living-wage jobs for the majority of Americans.

This is a press release from "Christians for Fair Witness on the Middle East," a Christian Zionist organization promoting their own analysis of "Palestine Papers" concept of the Right of Return. It takes some doing, links from the organization's Website lead to a highly subjective, biased 'analysis' of Palestinian Authority documents related to negotiations for the "right of return" for Palestinians evicted from their homes under the Israeli Occupation. This isn't journalism, it is propaganda against Palestinian human rights. I recommend the piece as an example of "spin" trying to pass as "news."

In a brief comment bolstered by the relevant excerpt from the United Nations resolution condemning violence in Libya, Goldberg points out--and celebrates--the fact that both Palestine and Israel signed the resolution, along with Qatar and Tunisia.

Dispassionate inquiry into American unwillingness to accept the demonstrable effects of climate change. Lloyd's discussion focuses on back-and-forth between media and scientists faulting each other: Media for not conducting vigorous journalistic research, and scientists for doing a poor job explaining issues to the public.

In this opinion piece, Rosenberg presents his analysis of the political intricacies behind the Obama Administration's indecisive position on the Israeli government's continuing settlement-building in the occupied territories of the West Bank. Rosenberg provides links to source stories that support his position.

Neve Gordon is an Israeli Political Science professor and peace activist. In this article he analyzes Israeli media commentary and government responses to the change in Egyptian government. Gordon provides quotes from different media outlets and political figures, showing conflicting, misleading interpretations skewed to justify Israeli (and Western) interests.