Palestine in Washington D.C.

Let's say you want to plug in to the 'inside the beltway' circle of Palestinian and overtly pro-Palestinian voices that speak the same language as those in power. Where would you go? Who would you listen to? Part of the problem, is that supporters and opponents of Palestinian rights often hold the idea that anything pro-Palestinian is inherently counter to the U.S. imperial interest, and vice versa. This would be, say, Noam Chomsky's view.

But some groups take a more nuanced, charitable and optimistic view. U.S. interests actually coincide with Palestinian statehood, some parts of the American power structure have made earnest efforts in this direction. Maybe with the right pressure and policy white papers, progress can be made.

American Task Force on Palestine. This is run by sincerely moderate folks who understand Washington and know how to play the game. You will find folks from this group talking to Republicans, Jewish groups that support Israel, and serious think tank folks.

The Palestine Center. A think tank on Palestine, with an emphasis on research that assists in the restoration of Palestinian rights. This is one of the few institutions that genuinely welcomes thinkers who reach different conclusions and come from diverse backgrounds.

Arab-American Institute. Run by Dr. Jim Zogby (brother of the pollster Zobgy), this is group focuses primarily on empowering the Arab American community with the American political process. However, Dr. Zogby is one of the view well known Arab American political insiders, and on that account this group deserves to be on the list.

American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA). This is the premier American non-political aid charity working with Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, Jordan, and Lebanon.

PLO Mission to the United States. Basically, the Palestinian embassy, representing the government of Mahmoud Abbas.

Council for the National Interest (CNI). This is a straight up lobbying group let by (of all things) former elected officials (mostly Republican) and former diplomats. They represent what opponents might have called 'Arabist' wing of the State Dept., and those who openly admit that Israel's influence on United States policy might rival U.S. influence on Israel.

Foundation for Middle East Peace (FMEP). This is a 501c3 organiazation that promotes a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but not through lobbying. It's flagship operation is monitoring Israeli settlements and providing small grants to organizations working for peace.

That's the list. I've left out the Institute for Policy Studies, MERIP and the U.S. Coalition to End the Israeli Occupation for being too closely identified with left wing protest movements, and hence inherently 'unbeltway-like.' I've left out grassroots groups, and centrist think tanks, and I've ignored the Jewish peace camp, as they are more concerned with Israel and peace, rather than Palestine and Palestinian rights. That's not a value judgement folks.

Do let me know who you think I should have included.