To the Point

Middle East Mayhem

Israel's attacks last night on Palestinian targets has deepened the sense of gloom in the Middle East after a series of recent bombings left Israelis scared and Ariel Sharon determined to act. With both sides frustrated and angry, there's an urgent need for a new framework to build mutual confidence and re-ignite the peace process. We examine the deteriorating situation in the Mid East, and ask if President Bush can facilitate progress with journalists and experts in Arab politics here and in Ramallah, and Dennis Ross, President Clinton's special Middle East coordinator. (Matt Miller guest hosts.) Newsmaker: Campaign Finance Reform Heads for A Showdown - After intense debate, the McCain-Feingold campaign finance bill is intact and heading for a final Senate vote. Terence Samuel, of US News & World Report, cautions that a patchwork of proposed changes may render the legislation vulnerable if its constitutionality is challenged before the Supreme Court. Reporter's Notebook: The Organization Kid - Writer David Brooks went to Princeton to take the pulse of the new ruling class. He came away impressed and horrified. His cover story in the April issue of Atlantic Monthly offers a fascinating and disturbing portrait of tomorrow's leaders, a generation of workaholics lacking in eccentricity.