ABSTRACT
Saleem Zougbi
A serious and long study of the impact of in- formation exchange through Internetworking has been going on for sometime in the occupied Pales- tinian Territories. This paper is a discussion of the issue based on field study. interviews, obser- rations and opinionated discourse modelled after Palestinian individuals who are keen about net- working
Considering the recent political developments in the Middle East, and the significance of in- formation exchange in development and planning. the role of Internet in this region faces a unique end a very sensitive challenge. The Internet could be a major resource for developmental planning through mission oriented networks, empowering new users, and providing for sociological and cul- tural development.
Such role requires national and regional ini- tiatives. The actual impact of Internet would be greatly felt if certain factors and considera- tions are addressed properly. These include many socio-economic. political. and of course. technical factors.
In this paper, these factors are discussed from both ends: the Internet point of view, and the Mid-eastern user point of view. In particular, the following are exposed:
1. A review of the status and initiatives in net- working in the Occupied Palestinian Terri-
tories.
2. Presentation of an intellectual and opinion- ated exposure of potential networking devel opments, and impact of Internet on Pales- tinian life in all domains (educational, de- velopmental, health, academic, cultural, so- ciological, economic. etc.)
3. Identify constraints. problems, and re- sources that would affect the development pragmatically. and present two scenarios which describes the worst and the best cases.
4. Present a possible framework or suggestion by which technical assistance could be ap- plied to marimum advantage in providing progress on the Palestinian level, and on the regional level.
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