Mel Frykberg

Stories written by Mel Frykberg
Mel Frykberg began her journalism career reporting on unrest in black townships, including Soweto, in South Africa during the apartheid era. She later worked as a journalist in Sydney, Australia. Mel has worked as a journalist in the Middle East for over a decade. She has reported for a number of major international publications from Gaza, Jerusalem, Beirut, Cairo, and Amman where she has lived. Mel also edited local magazines and newspapers in the region and is a frequent commentator on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict on National Public Radio in the United States. Frykberg studied journalism in the U.K.

MIDEAST: Corrupt Arab Regimes – Who is to Blame?

By Mel Frykberg

The Mideast continues to be plagued by autocratic Arab regimes where human rights, democracy and freedom of speech are a pipe dream for the average citizen. But who is to blame and what can be done to amend this situation?

Dr. Mahmoudi Ramahi, surgeon and secretary general of the Palestinian Legislative Council. Credit: Mel Frykberg/IPS

Q&A: ”Hamas Accepts Existence of Israel Within 1967 Borders”

By Mel Frykberg

Palestinian politics are at an impasse. The four-year term of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) ended on Jan. 25 with no new elections planned. Presidential elections, meant to be held last year, were also postponed indefinitely.

MIDEAST: Pray the PA Way or Face Arrest

By Mel Frykberg

The Palestinian Authority (PA) is using West Bank mosques as a new battleground in its political offensive against its opponents within Hamas as well as critics from its own Fatah party.

MIDEAST: Israel Crushes Local Dissent, Attacks Global Criticism

By Mel Frykberg

Israel is lashing out at international criticism and attempting to crush local dissent in what appears to be growing sensitivity to reproach of its policies.

MIDEAST: Harsher Gaza War Looming on Horizon?

By Mel Frykberg

According to several prominent Palestinians and Israelis another major Israeli military assault on Gaza, even harsher than last year’s Operation Cast Lead, is imminent. But will this change anything and have the underlying causes behind the previous bloody war been addressed?

MIDEAST: Israel Jails Palestinian Peace Activists

By Mel Frykberg

Israel has long argued that Palestinians should pursue their political objectives in a non-violent way. However, several prominent Palestinian peace activists have recently been arrested and jailed for doing just that.

MIDEAST: Gaza Extremists Drifting Towards al-Qaeda?

By Mel Frykberg

Two separate bomb attacks on Internet cafes in Gaza last week have served as an uncomfortable reminder that extremist groups within the coastal territory may be stronger than the comparatively moderate Hamas organisation which rules the strip.

MIDEAST: Sale of Land to Israel Threatens to Split Church

By Mel Frykberg

Israel’s bid to keep occupied East Jerusalem under its sovereignty and prevent its incorporation into a future Palestinian state has been boosted over the years with the acquiescence of the Greek Orthodox Church.

MIDEAST: Palestinians Say No to Crumbs

By Mel Frykberg

The Palestinian Authority (PA) appears to be successfully countering the Israeli government's refusal to work towards a two-state solution to end the decades- long conflict.

Children waiting for an Israeli military escort near At Tuwani. Credit: Mel Frykberg/IPS

MIDEAST: Palestinian Children Face Daily Settler Attacks Getting to School

By Mel Frykberg

Being able to travel to school in relative safety is something children all over the world take for granted. But, for Palestinian children living in the shadow of the ubiquitous and illegal Israeli settlements dotting the West Bank, simply walking to school can be a terrifying experience.

MIDEAST: Palestinians Threaten Unilateral Independent State

By Mel Frykberg

Following the political deadlock between the Israelis and Palestinians, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has decided to take the matter directly to the U.N. Security Council.

MIDEAST: Gazans Brace for Cold, Bleak and Miserable Winter

By Mel Frykberg

Tens of thousands of Gazans living in tents and damaged homes face a wet, cold and miserable winter as Israel’s blockade of the coastal territory continues to prevent the importation of building and reconstruction material.

MIDEAST: Abbas Produces a Dubious Twist

By Mel Frykberg

U.S. and Israeli failure to take either Palestinian rights or Israeli settlement expansion seriously has placed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his Palestinian Authority (PA) in an untenable situation, which could seriously damage peace prospects.