Better-trained judges and prosecutors. Court cases that are adjudicated swiftly. Computerized files vs. reams of papers. USAID's five-year rule of law project closes with many accomplishments achieved.

Chief Justice Sourani elaborates on how a transformation of case administration, development of a code of ethics for prosecutors and the creation of new law libraries advanced judicial reform in the West Bank and Gaza

USAID Mission Director Larry Garber recently participated in a panel discussion on Palestinian Reform hosted by the Carnegie Endowment.

Palestinian efforts towards political reform are underway. For an overview of these changes, including the perspective of a young Palestinian Master's Degree Scholar, see...

For every 3,000 Palestinians requiring rehabilitation services in the Gaza Strip, there are two professionally trained rehabilitation specialists available to treat them. The need for rehabilitation services in Gaza and the West Bank is urgent.

The sharp rise in Palestinian unemployment, and increasing need for basic services, has prompted USAID to adapt its Community Services Program to focus on emergency job creation.

Concerned by high rates of malnutrition and anemia amongst Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, USAID responds.

By March 2002, the proportion of the Palestinian population living below the poverty line - less than $2 a day - reached 50%. Malnutrition among the most vulnerable Palestinian populations - children under five, lactating and pregnant women, and the elderly - is quickly spreading.

First in a four-part series, this "Focus On" describes USAID activities and programming from the start of the second Intifada in late 2000 through spring 2002.