Peace Prospects in the Middle East, and in the Democratic Party

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The political world is focused today on Ohio and Texas, which could decide the Democratic presidential nomination. Will voting processes delay the outcome? Has the press corps turned against Obama? What about subterranean issues?  Also, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is in the Middle East, attempting to re-open the Peace talks.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meets with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Ramallah, West Bank. Photo: Thaer Ganaim/PPO via Getty Images

Making News

War or Peace in the Middle East? ()

Condoleezza Rice is back in the Middle East, where continuing rocket fire has Israel threatening more attacks on Gaza. In Ramallah today, the Secretary of State asked Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to re-open peace talks he cancelled because of Israel's military incursion into Gaza. Although Israel has pulled out, Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, refused Rice's request, saying he first wants to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. But Israel and the US are opposed. Can Secretary Rice get the Annapolis peace process back on track?

Guests:

• Tim McGirk: Jerusalem Bureau Chief, Time Magazine
• Hazem Abu Shanab: Palestinian political analyst
• Jonathan Spyer: Senior Research Fellow, Global Research in International Affairs Center
• David Makovsky: Director of the Project on the Middle East Peace Process, Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Links:

• Ha'aretz polls on Israelis calling for direct talks with Hamas
• Israel asks United Nations about humanitarian aid corridors, Reuters on
• McGirk's article on Gaza as a 'quagmire' for Israel

Main Topic

Obama and Clinton Face Off in Ohio and Texas ()

Democrats and Republicans are voting today in Ohio and Texas, but the stakes are highest for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. With Obama now considered the front-runner, Clinton has been on the attack and press coverage has been more negative toward Obama.  One question that's troubling reporters is how to deal with blogs and emails about Obama's religion and how childhood years in a Muslim country might shape his views about Israel. Another big question in both states is how long will it take to find out the results?

Guests:

• Dan Tokaji: Professor of Law, Ohio State University
• James Henson: Professor of Political Science, University of Texas at Austin
• Dan Gilgoff: Politics Editor, Belief.net
• Greg Mitchell: Editor, Editor and Publisher

Links:

• Obama on allegations that he's a Muslim
• Project on Excellence in Journalism about Obama winning more (though mostly negative) media coverage, Editor and Publisher on

Host

Warren Olney

Considered the dean of Southern California broadcast journalists, Warren tackles the issues Southern Californians care about. Expanding that concept, To the Point deals with issues of national concern and is on air in most major metropolitan markets across the country. On any day, you’ll hear a fast-paced, news-based talk show featuring multiple perspectives on a single major issue, with Newsmaker and Reporters Notebook features, as well. 

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Katie Cooper, Gary Scott, Karen Radziner, Sonya Geis

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