To the Point
To the Point
Bookmark and Share

Iraq, Israel and the Change of Power on Capitol Hill

Host:
Produced by:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Podcast iTunes Podcast
Listen to/Watch entire show:
Listen Download Add to My Shows
Legacy Player: Listen

As Democrats advocate a phased withdrawal from Iraq, is it time for negotiations with Syria and Iran? As Prime Minister Olmert arrives at the White House, is there any chance of a weakened US commitment to Israel?  Plus, as the new Congress meets the old, what are the prospects on Capitol Hill? 

Main Topic

What Next for US Policy on the Middle East? ()

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arrived at the White House today as James Baker's so-called Iraq Study Group has been meeting with the foreign policy team. It's believed that Baker and new Defense Secretary-designate Robert Gates favor negotiations with Iran. British Prime Minister Tony Blair will address the Iraq Study Group tomorrow. Meantime, Democratic leaders want a phased withdrawal from Iraq, and there's pressure from several directions for talks with Syria. All this as the Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah, are putting together a unity government.  President Bush is embracing advisors who served his father. Will they push diplomacy rather than confrontation? Is there any chance of a weakened US commitment to Israel?

Guests:
  • Dennis Ross: Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy
  • Philip Wilcox: President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace
  • Shibley Telhami: Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland
  • Emile Sahliyeh: Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of North Texas

Making News

President Bush Meets with Iraq Panel, Israeli Prime Minister ()

On yesterday's Sunday talk shows, leaders of the Senate's new Democratic majority called for redeployment of US troops in Iraq--within months.  At the White House today, President Bush expressed enthusiasm in working with Democrats but tempered his comments by cautioning that "with victory comes responsibilities."

Guests:
Links:

Reporter's Notebook

Democratic Maneuvers in Lame Duck Session ()

Old business for the lame-duck Congress as Democratic leaders begin to clarify their alliances and objectives.  We hear what's happening on Capitol Hill.

Guests:
Links:

Engage & Discuss

Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.

For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.