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So Many Crises American Educational Trust Publishers’ Page Publishers’ Page

In many ways, this was a summer fraught with crises across the broader Middle East. In Iraq, citizens had to deal with devastating heat, alongside a worsening political crisis that led to bloodshed in the streets of Baghdad (see p. 22). Further east, “apocalyptic” floods, the worst in Pakistan’s history, caused a monumental crisis that merged with the nation’s deep economic and political woes (see p. 32). In Tunisia, a small percentage of citizens went to the polls to ratify a controversial new constitution that significantly enhances the power of the country’s increasingly authoritarian leader (see p. 40). Sadly, But Unsurprisingly.... Another bout of deadly violence shook Gaza in August, as Israel once again unleashed its military on the besieged territory (see p. 10). Israel also feverishly tried to interfere as Europe, the U.S. and Iran finally grew near to a new nuclear deal (see p. 18). We hope that by the time this issue reaches your doorstep a new accord will be finalized, but we know those opposed to the deal will not stop fighting until (and even after) the ink is dry on a new agreement. Your Three Wishes Granted! A recent survey sent to Washington Report subscribers showed that you would like to see more diversified coverage of the issues facing the Middle East. We believe this issue delivers on that wish, and we hope you enjoy our reports spanning from Tunisia to Pakistan! Good News, Too Readers also told us they don’t want to read only negative and depressing news. While there’s admittedly much to be horrified about in the pages of this issue, there are also uplifting stories to inspire you. We have an article about a soccer tournament in Maryland held in July to raise support for the West Bank village of Wadi Foquin, which is under constant threat of Israeli demolition (see p. 52). A young man from the village told participants their solidarity, “means the world to us and it gives us hope that one day the world will hear our voice, one day we will gain our dreams.” There’s also a story on a giant music festival held among the ancient ruins of Jerash in Jordan, where performers from across the region showcased their talents (see p. 50). We additionally highlight some of the best podcasts on Palestine you can enjoy during your free time or commute (see p. 48). Voting Records While this issue typically contains the voting records of each member of Congress on pertinent Middle East issues, this year we decided to make the records available online to provide more space in the magazine for the abundance of news. You can still see Julia Pitner’s summary of this Congress’ records on p. 14. The full report is available on our website, <www.wrmea.org.> We can also send paper copies via the mail to anyone who is unable to access the report online. (Call 202-939-6050, ext. 1105 to leave your address or send an email to info@wrmea.org.) While there are many

important issues on the ballot this November, we hope these voting records help you push your local candidates to adopt a TWITTER/QUDS NEWS NETWORK human rights-first foreign policy. Third Wish Depends On You. OK. We didn’t forget about your third wish. Many of Palestinian Khalil Awawdeh, 41, father of four daughters (above) called off his you wrote that you’ve 172‐day hunger strike on Aug. 31, after Israel agreed to his release on Oct. 2. been subscribing for Awawdeh was protesting being held in administrative detention in Israeli jail decades and hoped the without charge or trial since his Dec. 27, 2021 arrest. There are currently 670 Washington Report would Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons under administrative detention. be around for 40 more years. Thanks to your support, including donations, advice and ideas for articles, we will hang in there. But we really want to do much more....Help us find interns to train who will one day staff news desks and forever change the stories we’re told on the nightly news or in legacy press. You can also help us train future teachers, librarians, talk show hosts, podcasters, think tank employees‚—and yes, even members of Congress. We really need to support local newspapers, libraries, bookstores and schools—all of which are under siege— and call for more inclusive narratives. We’ve got the books and magazines they need to read. One former Google employee is modeling how we can each make a difference wherever we work (see p. 46). Please help us continue to tell these stories. And that requires even a greater commitment from you. We Need More Talented Staff We can’t fulfill all our wishes without hiring more doers and shakers—people who will help us reach out beyond our own choir to find new readers, writers, advertisers and grants. Just as we have for the past 40 years, we ask Washington Report supporters to dig deep, donate online or send a check so we can all... Make a Difference Today!