JTA reports that Israel is being considered for membership in the British Commonwealth:
Commonwealth officials said this week they had set up a special committee to consider membership applications by several Middle Eastern and African nations.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, diplomats said those interested in applying include Israel and the Palestinian Authority, both of which exist on land ruled by a British Mandate from 1918 to 1948.
An Israeli official did not deny the report, but said, “This issue is not on our agenda right now.â€?…
The Commonwealth offers trade and other benefits for member countries.
Very interesting to see where this goes and – if Israel will be one of the countries that’ll join the Commonwealth – how and/or whether it will influence the region.
H/t my good friend and personal editor Holly.
UPDATE
I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. Seem to be even more chaotic than normally. Anyway, commenter BYG posted a handy link to a wikipedia article on the Commonwealth. Should have included that myself… obviously.
PAST CONTRIBUTOR.