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The article profiles Rashid Khalidi, a scholar of modern Arab studies at Columbia University. The author notes criticism regarding Khalidi's views of Israel and the U.S. but notes that many academics support Khalidi's views. He discusses the development of the field of Middle Eastern studies and divisions in the discipline. Khalidi wrote the book "Palestinian Identity: The Construction of Modern National Consciousness" in which he argued for the existence of Palestinian national identity. He supports a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and was a colleague of Middle East scholar Edward Said. Khalidi discusses resistance to his appointment to Columbia University and accusations of academic bias.

The article discusses the threats arising for the future, identity and security of Israel as a result of ultranationalist government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and mentions the governance as irrational and bordering on messianic.

The article discusses debate within Israel over the relationship between the country's democracy and its identity as Jewish state, highlighting legislation proposed by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli nationalist politicians that would elevate the significance of Israel's Jewish identity. Topics addressed include the dissolution of the Israeli Parliament over the legislation, as well as considerations of Israel's relationship with Palestinian Arabs.

The article discusses the arrest of 6 Israelis in connection with the murder of Palestinian teenager Muhammad Abu Khdeir. Topics addressed include possible nationalistic and revenge-based motivations for the murder, which occurred following the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers; Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reaction to the murder; and escalations of violence amongst Palestinians and Israelis within Israel and the West Bank.

The article reports on the debate over the national identity among the Arab minority and its representatives in Israel's Parliament after three Arab lawmakers Jamal Zahalka, Hanin Zoabi and Basel Ghattas met with the families of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces when they attacked Israeli Jews.

The author discusses how the Israeli society has been unwilling and unable to overcome an exclusivist ethno-religious nationalism which gives privileges to its Jewish citizens and is politically represented by the conservative secular right and settler movement.

Mentions how Palestinian officials have asked the permission of the Israeli government for permission to bury Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat at his headquarters in Ramallah. Refusal by Israel to allow Arafat's preference for a burial in Jerusalem; Decision for Arafat to be buried in his battered headquarters of the Muquta, a place which is symbolic of Palestinian nationalism and steadfastness; Response from the U.S. government to support the Palestinian request to bury Arafat in Ramallah; Efforts of Israelis to avoid unrest in the Palestinian territories despite their wish for Arafat to be buried in Gaza where his brother and sister are buried; Consideration of how doctors are unable to discover the underlying cause as to why Arafat's condition has worsened so suddenly.

Discusses the conflict between Israel and Palestine. How both are fighting to maintain a national home for their country; Details of the Oslo peace process; Desire of Palestinians for the return of refugees held by Israelis; Assertion that if refugees are returned it will threaten to destroy the Jewish state; Priority each country places on national unity.

Deals with the implication of the rising sense of nationalism for the peace efforts between Israel and Arab countries. Influence of Egyptian Gamel Abdel Nasser on Arab nationalism; Factors which contributed to the despair over peace efforts; State of the peace effort between Israel and Arab countries as of October 2000.

Profiles Uri Elitzur, founder of Gush Emunim, a religious nationalist movement in Israel which advocated Jewish settlements in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Why Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu chose Elitzur to run his office; The role that Elitzur played in the land for security deal between Israel and Palestine in 1998; How conservatives in Gush Emunim feel about Elitzur's actions; Why Elitzur feels the peace agreement is in the best interests of Israel; Biographical information.

Opinion. Comments on the nationalist territorial aspirations in the era after World War II. Citing the experience of Korea, Iraq, Cyprus, and Serbia; Information on the agreement on Hebron, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in effect gave up hope for a greater Israel; Significance of the Hebron agreement.