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This article focuses on relationships between Internet service providers (ISP), governments, and providers of basic telecommunications services in Israel, Jordan and Palestine. As business develops multinational ties within the region, the Internet will play an important role. Israel connected to EARN, the European counterpart to Bitnet, in 1984, but the first Internet connection waited till 1990. Via a 9.6Kbps line to the U.S., the Inter-University Computer Center became the first provider of Internet services. Early efforts to establish the Internet reflected a pattern of contention today between the ISPs, Bezeq Israel Telecommunications Corp. Ltd. and the government Ministry of Communication. In Palestine initial steps establishing Internet connectivity took place while some areas were still administered by the Israeli Civil administration. The first ISP, PALNET, began operation in late 1994. Attempts to obtain connectivity were unsuccessful until PALNET set up radio links to Points of Presence within Israel.

Presents letters to the editor referencing articles and topics discussed in previous issues. "Canada Sly," which focused on the Canadian trade with Cuba; "Mariner, Renegade and Castaway," which reviewed a biography of author C. L. R. James; "Israel Bonds," which explored the views of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the U.S. foreign policy toward his country.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including one regarding Governor George W. Romney, in the September 1967 issue, one on the Battle of Golan Heights between Syria and Israel, in the September 1, 1967 issue, and another on statistics, in the September 8, 1967 issue.

The article considers the nuclear weapons that may or may not be owned by Iran and what information U.S. intelligence authorities have uncovered. It is noted that the U.S. and its allies have been unable to determine based on the evidence that Iran has nuclear arms. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his dislike of Israel are discussed, particularly the fear that he may use such weapons to attack the state. Other topics include the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the National Intelligence Estimates (NIEs) reports.

The article discusses diplomatic negotiations between the governments of the U.S., Israel, and Syria and the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle East. The author reflects on the Syrian president Bashar Assad's willingness to engage U.S. president Barack Obama in direct negotiations. Other topics include the war in Gaza, conflict over the Golan Heights, former president Jimmy Carter, and the assassination of Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri.

The article presents an exploration into the events surrounding the Israeli air-strike on Syrian territory on September 6, 2007. Details are given regarding the official documentation released of the event, citing minimal publicity from the Israeli government. Theories suggesting a military response to the development of a Syrian nuclear facility are discussed.

In this article the author describes and analyses the response of the administration of president George W. Bush to the crisis that erupted in Lebanon in July 2006. At that time a conflict between the Islamic movement Hezbollah and Israel erupted, leading to an armed struggle. The author states that the U.S. was heavily involved with Israel in planning the attacks. The attacks on Hezbollah were supposed to provide a dry run for a U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Focuses on the case against Jonathan Pollard, the United States Navy employee who spied for Israel in the mid-nineteen-eighties. Arguments in favor of his release; Personal background of Pollard; Information on the documents that Pollard turned over to Israel; Results of review of the Pollard case.

The article reports that the Arab League, an organization in the Middle East, has been largely ignored in the recent years. The League was formed in 1945, when many nations of the Middle East formed a coalition on the basis of culture to follow a common political path. The League was united for fighting against Israel, but the coalition became weak, and the operation failed. At a recent public debate in Doha, Qatar, people considered the League as unsuccessful, and voted to disband it.

Of many myriad problems that beset Israel, its economic situation rarely makes news headlines around the world. However, to millions of Israelis, it is the stark reality of recession, rather than the current Intifada, that dominates daily life. Record unemployment, rising rates of suicide, conscientious objectors refusing to join the army, and increasing numbers of people living below the poverty line now blight Israeli society as much as suicide bombers. The fall in tourism is not exclusive to Israel. Since the attacks of 11 September 2001, there has been a world-wide downturn in tourism. But Israel has been particularly badly affected, with numbers of overseas visitors down by 56% in 2000.

Presents letters to the editors referencing articles and topics about politics and administration discussed in previous issues of this periodical. "Sorel Shande," which focused on the cartoonists, Edward Sorel's caricature of New York City mayor, Ed Koch; "Aids Boo-Boos," which focused on the article by Mark Gevisser on HIV patients rights; "Israeli Refuseniks," which focused on Israeli-Palestine relationships.

Political activist Mordechai Vanunu rocked the Israeli establishment in 1986 when he was sentenced to 18 years in prison for treason. Recently released from his long incarceration, he announced he wasb proud and happy to have blown the whistle on Israel's nuclear programme. Over the last 18 years, Mordechai Vanunu, imprisoned by Israel for treason till his release this April, has become many things to many people. A traitor to some, a hero for others. Born in Marrakesh, Morocco in 1953, into a comfortably off Jewish-Zionist family, Vanunu emigrated to Israel with his family in 1963, who found their homeland to be anything but the' Land of Milk and Honey' they had been led to expect. While still at school, Vanunu experienced a crisis of his Jewish faith, for which he would later be vilified as much as he would for revealing state secrets. At a time when Iran and North Korea are under pressure to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) into their nuclear facilities, critics say that by raising the profile of Vanunu and not allowing the story to slip away, Israel will come under pressure to do the same.

Focuses on the military strategies of Israel. Description of the modifications made to military hardware by Israel; Foreign relations of Israel with Syria.

Focuses on the political and military conditions in Israel. Campaign of peace by Amram Mitzna, leader of labor party in Israel; Political strategies of Palestinian groups; Factors responsible for political and military problems in Israel.

The article reports on the departure of Howard Mischel as practice leader for the bond insurance ratings groups Standard & Poor's. It notes that with his departure, Mischel will oversee operations on his financial advising company, Makkor Consulting LLC, in Israel. Also presented is a brief profile of the career of Mischel.

This article reports on the competition between two beverage marketers, Central Bottlers and Tempo Industries, over beer and soft drink sales in Israel as of 1992. Central Bottlers, which sells Coca-Cola Co. products in the country, began importing and marketing Carlsberg beer in March. Carlsberg will go up against such brands as Goldstar and Maccabee, sold by Tempo Industries. Tempo says it will start distributing Pepsi-Cola and 7UP later this year. The article details the efforts of both companies to market their products.

This article reports on the consumer demand in Israel for fashionable bags that keep gas masks in the midst of the Persian Gulf War. Modan has produced waterproof nylon bags. A white plastic carton is being sold through a department store chain. A heavy canvas bag is available from the mail order department of the "Jerusalem Post" periodical.