On 28-30/5/2013, Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations held a fourth training course on Futures Studies at its headquarters in Beirut. About 20 members attended the three-day course which was facilitated by Prof. Dr. Walid ‘Abd al-Hay. The world-known specialist in futures studies introduced the trainees to the fundamentals of Futures Studies, their methodologies and techniques. The course explored some...

SummaryIsraeli discoveries of energy reserves in the eastern Mediterranean represent a major strategic development, given these reserves’ size and characteristics, and their long-term impact on politics, the economy, security, and even social dynamics in Israel. Israel’s vision is based on the notion that energy reserves are more important than the energy resources themselves. Israel wants to avoid at all costs...

Book reviewed by Dr. Maria Holt*  for Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations. The so-called ‘Separation Wall’ being constructed by Israel to shield its citizens from Palestinians living in the West Bank has been described as ‘Israel’s latest, most brutal, most outrageous and most audacious form of exclusion and control’ (Usher 2006). While Israelis cite ‘security concerns’ and the threat...