Is George Bush Engaged in Lame Duck Diplomacy?

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In Ramallah today, President Bush laid out more of his vision for a Palestinian state next to Israel. Will the parties agree, or is it too little, too late? Also, are the Arab states still hoping to isolate Iran? Are they looking ahead to next president of the US? Also, American attacks against al Qaeda are up as political expectations are down in Iraq, and the presidential campaigns may going on for a long while. Kerry endorses Obama, Romney concentrates on Michigan. What about a third party?

White House photo: Chris Greenberg

Making News

Violence Surges in Iraq ()

US military forces dropped 40,000 pounds of bombs today south of Baghdad. The Pentagon says the target is al Qaeda in Iraq. At the same time, expectations of political success are being lowered. Karen DeYoung, senior diplomatic correspondent for the Washington Post, has an update.

Guests:

Karen DeYoung: Senior Diplomatic Correspondent, Washington Post

Main Topic

Is George Bush Engaged in Lame Duck Diplomacy? ()

The President predicts peace in the Middle East before he leaves office in January of next year. He says it's time for Israel to end 41 years of occupation and allow contiguous boundaries for a Palestinian state. We hear about today's visits to Ramallah and Bethlehem, and look at the prospects for the second part of his Middle East mission, continuing the effort to isolate Iran. The Arab states seem to be losing interest and focusing now on who America's next president might be.

Guests:

Joel Greenberg: Reporter, Chicago Tribune
Ali Waked: Correspondent, YNetNews.com
Sam Bahour: Palestinian-American political activist and businessman
Fawaz Gerges: Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, Sarah Lawrence College
Trita Parsi: former Middle East Specialist, Johns Hopkins University

Reporter's Notebook

Endorsements, Debates and Money on the Campaign Trail ()

John Kerry reported for duty again today, this time to endorse Barack Obama against Hillary Clinton and his own former running mate, John Edwards. In Charleston, South Carolina, today the Democratic nominee of four years ago said Obama has the best chance of uniting America. Ron Brownstein is Political Director for Atlantic Media and syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times.

Guests:

Ron Brownstein: Political Director, Atlantic Media

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