08. 2013 EDITORIAL Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, As the political division between Fatah and Hamas, West Bank and Gaza enters its seventh year, the 24th edition of Seyasat Magazine, a quarterly product of the part­nership between FES Palestine and the In­stitute of Public Policies(IPP) is analyzing the political, social and economic reality in light of the six years of political division. Contributors to the latest edition attempt to search for a way to restore Palestini­an unity. Regional dynamics, however, have had repercussions on the Palestini­an scene and deepened the split between both parties. Therefore, developments in Egypt and the fate of the Muslim Brother­hood are closely observed by Palestinian analysts. While Hamas finds itself more isolated than ever, President Mahmoud Abbas has committed himself to a renewal of negot­iations with his Israeli counterparts about a final settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The engagement of the Obama Admini­stration has been instrumental in bringing both sides back to the table. Still, Palesti­nians debate whether it is not too late for the Two-State-Solution and explore alter­natives to this model. But neither the shi­ning idea of a bi-national state from river to sea for all its citizens nor the subjugati­on to a state of“colonial apartheid” seem to be realistic and desirable options. To find out more, read below the summary of Seyasat’s 24th Edition, offering insight and analysis to the latest political develop­ments, particularly in the Palestinian and Arab contexts. For the full access of Seyasat Magazine in Arabic and its summaries in English is available on www.ipp-pal.org. Wishing you an enjoyable read! Design: ery foto Seite 1