Barack Obama, the Middle East and Iran

Making News

Unemployment Jumps over the Moon ()

The government reported today that 2.6 million Americans lost their jobs during 2008, more than in any single year since World War II. President-elect Obama says that's further evidence of how much the nation needs his stimulus program. He was asked about concerns from some economists and some Democrats in Washington that his plan is not big enough. David Goldman is a staff writer for CNNMoney.com.

Guests:

• David Goldman: Staff Writer, CNNMoney.com

Main Topic

Barack Obama, the Middle East and Iran ()

Israel and Hamas have rebuffed peace overtures, and the fighting in Gaza goes on, with President-elect Obama in the midst of choosing his foreign policy team. Israel says Iran is behind Hamas' rocket fire, and Obama today called Iran a "genuine threat" to America's national security.  But he also repeated his campaign pledge to rely on diplomacy in the region, adding that "my national security team is a reflection of that practical, pragmatic approach to foreign policy." We hear about his most likely advisors.  Will they open up to Arab and Muslim interests or continue the hard-line, pro-Israel line of the Bush Administration? 

Guests:

• Ceci Connolly: National Reporter, Washington Post
• Trita Parsi: President, National Iranian American Council, @tparsi
• Daniel Levy: Director of the Middle East Initiative, New America Foundation, @ecfr
• Robert Malley: Director of the Middle East Program, International Crisis Group, @CrisisGroup
• David Makovsky: Director, Washington Institute for Near East Policy's Project on the Middle East Peace Process

Links:

• Guardian on report that Obama will talk directly with Hamas
• Connolly's article on Obama's cabinet, advisors
• Parsi's 'Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran and the United States on Iranian-Israeli Relations'
• Makovsky and Ross' 'Myths, Illusions and Peace: Finding a New Direction in the Middle East'

Reporter's Notebook

Blagojevich Is Impeached ()

Rod Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell the appointment to Barack Obama's US Senate seat, but he hasn't been formally charged, let alone convicted.  Nonetheless, the state's House of Representatives impeached him today by a vote of 114 to one. The Illinois Governor says he won't step down, and that means he's likely to be tried by the State Senate.  John Chase reports for the Chicago Tribune.

Guests:

• John Chase: Reporter, Chicago Tribune

Links:

• Illinois Supreme Court on Burris appointment