Blecher says Washington has much confidence-building to do.

VOA: standard.2010.05.03

A senior Middle East analyst with the International Crisis Group in Jerusalem,Rob Blecher, says frustration over continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the general lack of progress toward achieving a Palestinian state,has prompted the Palestinian leadership to look for new strategies.

VOA: standard.2010.05.03

"Our students, from squatter camps and townships, were learning from people who had done three billion rand business deals, " said Dr Blecher.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Education | Branson backs African students

Dr Blecher approached the problem from a business perspective - and his university is designed to promote the idea of wealth creation and the sharing of that success.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Education | Branson backs African students

The university, which began when Dr Blecher started sending out faxes from his own workplace inviting applications from school students, wants to tackle the lack of opportunity facing millions of black youngsters.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Education | Branson backs African students