Israel and Palestine special
A series of shows from the Middle East as the conflict enters its seventh decade.
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In a week of special programmes from within Israel and the Palestinain territories Riz explores the difficulties facing Israelis and Palestinians, and the reasons why hopes for a lasting peace are fading.
| Wednesday 14 May – Israel’s future |
| Question of the week |
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As Israel celebrates its hard-fought achievements on its 60th birthday, a cloud of uncertainty hovers over the country.
A political scandal casts a shadow over the occasion, with a range of corruption allegations facing Ehud Olmert, the country’s prime minister.
Many Israelis want to expel the country’s Arab citizens (numbering one million people) as part of a peace agreement with the Palestinians – an agreement that becomes more elusive with each year that passes.
Where is Israel on its 60th birthday? Riz hosts a debate in Tel Aviv between right-wing politician Uzi Landau and left-wing politician Yossi Beilin.
Watch part one of Riz’s debate on Israel’s future
Watch part two of Riz’s debate on Israel’s future
You can call in with your questions and comments at 1900GMT, with repeats at 0030GMT, 0500GMT, and 1000GMT
| Tuesday 13 May – Palestinian refugees’ right to return |
One of the major stumbling blocks preventing a Palestinian-Israeli peace deal is the right of return. Half of the Palestine’s Arab population fled or were forced to leave their homes upon Israel’s creation in 1948.
At the time there were about 800,000 refugees. Now their descendants number close to five million people, many of whom still live in camps scattered in the countries around Israel. What is their fate?
On Tuesday Riz hosts a debate between Dr Arnon Soffer, an Israeli geostrategist, and Dr Johnny Mansour, a Palestinian-Israeli historian.
Watch part one of Riz’s debate on the Right to Return
Watch part two of Riz’s debate on the Right to Return
| Monday 12 May – Palestinian, Israeli youth debate |
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Riz hosts a debate between young Palestinians and Israelis by satellite from Ramallah, in the West Bank, and Tel Aviv.
Do they see any chance for peace in their lifetimes? Do they believe the other side is interested in making peace? Do Palestinians understand Israelis’ need for security? Do Israelis understand what Palestinians are going through in the West Bank and Gaza Strip?
The young men and women have a candid discussion about their past, present and future.
Watch part one of this episode of the Palestinian – Israeli debate
Watch part two of this episode of the Palestinian – Israeli debate
Watch part three of this episode of the Palestinian – Israeli debate
Watch part four of this episode of the Palestinian – Israeli debate
You can watch Riz’s series of special programmes from Monday, May 12, to Thursday, May 15, 2008 live at 1900GMT, with repeats at 0030GMT, 0500GMT, and 1000GMT.
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