To the Point
Administration at Odds on How to Boost Middle East Peace
President Obama's hope that direct talks would bring Middle East peace in a year seems less likely than ever. The US failed to persuade Israel to freeze settlements in East Jerusalem, and no talks are occurring at all. We ask what might happen next. Also, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange makes bail, and a remembrance of Richard Holbrooke.
President Obama's hope that direct talks would bring Middle East peace in a year seems less likely than ever. The US failed to persuade Israel to freeze settlements in East Jerusalem, and no talks are occurring at all. We ask what might happen next. Also, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange makes bail. On Reporter's Notebook, President Obama's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan died suddenly of a ruptured aorta. We talk about Richard Holbrooke with his friend, the New Yorker writer George Packer.
Banner image: Palestinian laborers work on a new housing project at the Israeli settlement of Har Homa on the outskirts of mostly Arab east Jerusalem, on December 02, 2010. Photo: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesWikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Makes Bail
A judge in London has approved the release of J ulian Assange on several conditions, including bail set at $310,000. The founder of WikiLeaks is fighting extradition to Sweden for alleged sexual crimes, and might face charges in the US. Afua Hirsch is legal affairs correspondent for the Guardian .
Read the story8 minDo the Middle East Peace Talks Have a Future?
Just three months after President Obama took credit for renewing direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians, they're not talking at all. Palestinians demanded a freeze on Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, but even America's offer of billions in fighter jets could not get Israel to agree.
Read the story36 minRemembering Richard Holbrooke
Results of the ongoing White House review of strategy in Afghanistan will be announced Thursday, but today's meeting took place without an important advisor. Richard Holbrooke , special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, died yesterday of complications from a ruptured aorta.
Read the story8 min