The latest issue of the Journal of Palestine Studies focuses on Operation Cast Lead the devastating December 2008-January 2009 Israeli assault on Gaza. In addition to reports and essays on the war by Hisham Naffa`, Robert Blecher, and Peter Laqerquist, the issue includes the history of Israeli operations against Gaza since 2001, detailed descriptions of the military dimension of OCL, and a collection of press commentary on the assault. Also: Frida Berrigan provides a detailed overview of U.S. military aid to Israel, including restrictions on and uses of this aid; Azmi Bishara is interviewed on OCL's significance; Oren Yiftachel examines Israeli voter attitudes with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the 2009 elections; and Ilana Feldmanexplores the dangers of identifying the current situation in Gaza as a humanitarian problem.

The Congressional Monitor Database is a powerful new research tool that contains every legislative initiative introduced in the U.S. Congress during the George W. Bush Administration (2001 through 2008) that mentions Palestine or Israel or has bearing on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The database is web-based and completely open access.

Users can quickly search legislation dealing with key issues such as refugees and Jerusalem, and by the names of the Senators and Representatives who initiate and support the legislation. An extensive set of Frequently Asked Questions provides a detailed guide to the database, how to use it, and the legislative process.