Politics - U.S. Newswire Press Releases
American Middle East Academics: US Support of Proposed Israeli Annexations Could Increase Terrorism
Date: Fri Apr 2, 5:38 PM ET
To: National and International desks
Contact: Grant F. Smith of IRmep, 202-342-7325
WASHINGTON, April 2 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A poll of 100 US academics with advanced degrees in Middle East studies reveals concern over proposed Israeli plans to withdraw from Gaza. Negotiations underway between the White House and an Israeli delegation are discussing possible US recognition or approval of Israeli annexation of territories and settlements seized by Israel in the 1967 war. In exchange, Israel would unilaterally withdraw from Gaza.
Ninty-six percent of the Middle East experts polled believe the US has neither the authority nor the international credibility to approve such an arrangement. Eighty-one percent believe such a deal could increase terror attacks in the Middle East while 75 percent believe attacks on the US would increase if such an exchange is approved by the Bush administration.
Polled academics observe that any US decisions about territory would likely consider the security of Israelis and effect on the US led "war on terror". However 70 percent responded that lobby-driven American domestic politics would ultimately determine the outcome of such a swap. Sixty-six percent believe that calculations about the 2004 presidential elections are a major factor in the current negotiations.
Access the MEASURE survey and qualitative responses on the Internet at http://www.IRmep.org/measure.htm
MEASURE is conducted by the D.C. based Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy (IRmep). This poll should not be interpreted as a statistically significant reflection on the views of all US Middle East academics. Qualitative survey responses should be studied with as much care as quantitative results. About the Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy, Inc. -- http://www.IRmep.org
The Institute for Research Middle Eastern Policy (IRmep) is a non-partisan, non-ideological think tank dedicated to researching America's interests in the Middle East. Founded in 2002, the Institute became an independent non-profit tax-exempt organization in 2003.
The heart of the IRmep's work is academically driven research that is highly usable by the U.S. policy making and business community. Broadly funded by individuals, foundations and industry groups, IRmep research centers on U.S. interests and is accurate, relevant and actionable.
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/© 2004 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/
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