A guide to the issues behind the Palestinian parliamentary elections with background analysis and expert interviews from cfr.org.

Palestinians turn out in large numbers for critical legislative elections, amid signs the militant organization Hamas will poll strongly against the ruling Fatah party.

Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas says Israel, with U.S. prodding, will allow East Jerusalem's Palestinians to vote in a January 25 parliamentary poll. The PA had warned the election would be postponed if Israel followed through on its threat to ban the vote in East Jerusalem because of the participation of Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Elliott Abrams says that while former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert claims he had very nearly clinched a peace deal with the Palestinians before leaving office, an agreement was in fact not at hand.

Elliott Abrams discusses a recent letter from a group of American leaders urging President Obama to adopt a Middle East policy far more critical of Israel.

Leslie H. Gelb warns against overreaction by Israel to the protests at its borders.

Leslie H. Gelb challenges misperceptions about Israel's efforts toward peace in the Middle East.

Leslie H. Gelb says that while Israel will likely take Obama and Clinton's $3 billion offer in exchange for a settlement freeze, a peace deal would depend on a dramatic step not by the Israelis, but by the Palestinians.

Leslie H. Gelb says failure of the Middle East peace talks will be worse than not negotiating.

Elliott Abrams argues, "President Obama makes the Middle East an even more dangerous place."

Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Walter Russell Mead says, "...neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians are really responsible for the mess that they are both in--and neither party can solve the problem on its own."

Elliott Abrams says that amidst the international frenzy over the Gaza flotilla disaster, the Obama administration has abandoned Israel at the United Nations.

Leslie H. Gelb says that while Israeli commandos mishandled the situation on the aid flotilla, Israel was right to storm a ship bound for Gaza.

Walter Russell Mead examines "a new round of great power rivalry" involving the Palestinian Authority.

Walter Russell Mead discusses the "proximity talks" in Jerusalem.

Elliott Abrams argues that fifteen months of President Obama's diplomacy have undermined Palestinian autonomy and the willingness of Palestinian leaders to allow Arab states to determine their fate.