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PROFILE

Dennis Ross Guest
Dennis Ross

Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Counselor and William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy; author of The Missing Peace: The Inside Story of the Fight for Middle East Peace, Statecraft: And How to Restore America's Standing in the World, Myths, Illusions, and Peace: Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East and Doomed to Succeed: The US-Israeli Relationship from Truman to Obama; former member of President Obama's National Security Council and as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's special adviser on Iran; Special Middle East Envoy for the Clinton Administration, he played a leading role pursuing the same issues under President George Bush, Sr.

FROM Dennis Ross

US-Israeli Relations and Political Damage Control
To the Point

US-Israeli Relations and Political Damage Control Benjamin Netanyahu's latest visit to Washington may or may not lead to better relations during and after the presidency of Barack Obama. After yesterday's closed-door White House meeting, the Prime Minister got an award from a neoconservative group critical of the President. Today, he'll take questions at a liberal think-tank with ties to the White House and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. It's a delicate moment, with the US considering increased aid to the Jewish state while a "two-state solution" with the Palestinians appears less likely than ever.

33 MIN, 22 SEC Nov 10, 2015

In Talks with Iran, It's Another Day, Another Delay
To the Point

In Talks with Iran, It's Another Day, Another Delay In Vienna today, negotiators in the Iran nuclear talks have extended their deadline until next Tuesday as they struggle toward a permanent solution. At the same time, the European Union has extended its suspension of economic sanctions for another week. The pressure is growing and, although the Ayatollah Khamenei insists he doesn’t need a deal , Iranians are tired of painful economic sanctions. President Obama sees a "historic opportunity" to limit proliferation, at the same time saying, "No deal is better than a bad deal." Each side has accused the other of backing down on prior agreements . We hear about the potential benefits of success and the consequences of failure.

34 MIN, 23 SEC Jun 30, 2015

The President, the Pope and the Saudis
To the Point

The President, the Pope and the Saudis Today, President Obama went to the Vatican for the first time since Francis was elected Pope a year ago. The President presented Pope Francis a gift of seeds today, perhaps suggesting his Administration wants a re-boot in relations with the Vatican. Can their shared emphasis on the plight of the poor overcome Obama's differences with American Bishops and give him a political boost at home? Tomorrow, the President will visit a more uncertain ally: Saudi Arabia, which fears that a nuclear deal might lead to detente with its regional adversary, Iran. With the US less dependent on Saudi oil, will this week's visit reaffirm a traditional tie or provide fresh insight into the new world order?

35 MIN, 38 SEC Mar 27, 2014

Obama Gives Netanyahu a Countdown to the Peace Process
To the Point

Obama Gives Netanyahu a Countdown to the Peace Process Benjamin Netanyahu seemed to be selling peace with the Palestinians today in a speech to AIPAC, the powerful pro-Israel lobby. This, after President Obama publicly questioned Netanyahu's commitment to the peace process and despite opposition from within Netanyahu's political party. At the same time, the Israeli Prime Minister continues to insist that peace depends on the Palestinians recognizing Israel as "the Jewish State." And, as promised, Netanyahu left no room for compromise when it came to Iran's nuclear program. We get a progress report on the peace process, US-Israeli relations and the complicating factor of Iran's nuclear program.

35 MIN, 39 SEC Mar 04, 2014

New Diplomatic Opportunities for Syria and Iran
To the Point

New Diplomatic Opportunities for Syria and Iran President Obama's threat to bomb Syria for its use of chemical weapons was, in part, a warning to Iran about its nuclear program. It also helped reassure Israel about US willingness to use force in the Middle East. Now, just two weeks later and with the UN about to open a new session tomorrow, it's all about diplomacy. We hear about possible benefits and potential risks involving Syria, Iran and the alliance with Israel — with President Obama's foreign policy legacy on the line.

27 MIN, 31 SEC Sep 23, 2013

The US and Iran: Diplomacy or Confrontation?
Which Way, L.A.?

The US and Iran: Diplomacy or Confrontation? The US has categorically denied any role in yesterday's assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist or the recent deadly attack on an Iranian missile facility. But two American aircraft carrier battle groups are near Iranian shores with a third on the way, and the US is imposing new sanctions that could do real damage to Iran's oil economy. Is regime change of the current leaders of Iran's Islamic Republic America's real goal? Could that policy backfire, making Iran more determined than ever to build nuclear weapons?  Will tough talk in the presidential campaign convince them there's no other choice?

27 MIN, 1 SEC Jan 12, 2012

The US and Iran: Diplomacy or Confrontation?
To the Point

The US and Iran: Diplomacy or Confrontation? The US has categorically denied any role in yesterday's assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist or the recent deadly attack on an Iranian missile facility, and says an attack on Iran is not inevitable. But two American aircraft carrier battle groups are near Iranian shores with a third on the way, and the Pentagon is making contingency plans in case Iran learns to make nuclear weapons. Diplomacy is the official policy, but the US is imposing new sanctions that could do real damage to Iran's oil economy, and State Department officials say they're "tightening the noose." If Iran's rulers think America's goal is regime change, will they be more likely to develop atomic bombs for their own protection? Is anti-Iranian rhetoric by Republican candidates pushing the President to take a harder line that will make confrontation more likely than diplomacy?

37 MIN, 51 SEC Jan 12, 2012

Israeli and Palestinian Leaders Agree to Negotiating Plan
To the Point

Israeli and Palestinian Leaders Agree to Negotiating Plan There's been growing skepticism that Israel and the Palestinians could even agree on a framework for resuming Middle East peace negotiations. But today, after a lapse of seven years, President Bush said the time is right. With Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas at his side today in Annapolis, he read a joint statement , promising to address all the "core issues" and setting a deadline for a "two-state solution" by the end of next year. With negotiations scheduled to resume next month, today's agreement calls for implementation of the Roadmap established in 2003. At today's conference , attended by no less than 49 countries and international organizations--including Saudi Arabia, Syria and other members of the Arab League, President Bush set forth a formula that included obligations for Israelis, Palestinians and their Arab  neighbors. What about Hamas, Benjamin Netanyahu and Iran? Do weak leaders reflect what's really happening on the ground? Can the US play a decisive role, presuming it wants to?

42 MIN, 49 SEC Nov 27, 2007

General David Petraeus on Capitol Hill
To the Point

General David Petraeus on Capitol Hill Before General David Patraeus or Ambassador Ryan Crocker said a word to a joint committee of Congress , Democrats and Republicans were exchanging partisan charges. Democrat Tom Lantos said he respected the witnesses personally, but felt they were sent to convince Americans that victory is at hand. Republican Duncan Hunter —a presidential candidate—said he was outraged that some of his colleagues had attacked the witnesses' credibility. When Petraeus finally got underway , he emphasized that he had neither been scripted nor told what to say by the White House or Pentagon. He said that improved security means US forces can be reduced sometime in the future. But the essence of the message has been telegraphed, and polls show public skepticism that either man is independent of the Bush White House. As the debate on Iraq continues, will the Bush Administration define its objectives?

42 MIN, 44 SEC Sep 10, 2007

In the Middle East, New Strategies or More of the Same?
To the Point

In the Middle East, New Strategies or More of the Same? Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced today that the US today will lift the embargo placed on the Palestinian Authority when Hamas won parliamentary elections 18 months ago.  Also today, the European Union said it will resume direct aid to the Palestinian Authority now that Hamas is out of the government.  Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who will meet tomorrow in Washington with President Bush, has indicated that Israel might turn over tax money it's been withholding.  It's all about bolstering the secular Fatah faction in the West Bank and isolating Islamic Hamas after last week's military takeover of Gaza. Since Hamas took control of Gaza, Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has formed a new government, excluding the radical Islamic group.  What are the benefits and risks of further dividing the Palestinian people? What are the strengths and weaknesses of Hamas and Fatah, and what's at stake for the region as a whole?

Jun 18, 2007

What Next for US Policy on the Middle East?
To the Point

What Next for US Policy on the Middle East? Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arrived at the White House today as James Baker's so-called Iraq Study Group has been meeting with the foreign policy team. It's believed that Baker and new Defense Secretary-designate Robert Gates favor negotiations with Iran. British Prime Minister Tony Blair will address the Iraq Study Group tomorrow. Meantime, Democratic leaders want a phased withdrawal from Iraq, and there's pressure from several directions for talks with Syria. All this as the Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah, are putting together a unity government.  President Bush is embracing advisors who served his father. Will they push diplomacy rather than confrontation? Is there any chance of a weakened US commitment to Israel?

Nov 13, 2006

Is It Time to Change Course in Iraq after All?
To the Point

Is It Time to Change Course in Iraq after All? It's been another bloody day in Iraq with at least 24 civilians killed in a suicide bombing in Mosul; 73 Americans have been killed already this month, which is on the way to becoming the worst month for US casualties in more than two years. US commanders said today that violence in Baghdad has increased since 12,000 joint US-Iraqi troops were deployed in August and that Operation Together Forward will have to be revised. Increasing numbers of Republicans say it's time for a change.  We get an update from Baghdad on increased violence and US impatience with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and hear from Iraq's Ambassador to the UN about his government's plans to disarm sectarian militias and stop the death squads. Should Syria and Iran be asked to help restore order? Is it time for a phased withdrawal?

35 MIN, 44 SEC Oct 19, 2006

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To the Point

Trump's 'America First' goes missing abroad In the Middle East, President Trump is changing some policies of the Obama Administration—and reversing his own campaign attacks on Islam as a religion that "hates us." We hear about his visit to Saudi Arabia and what's at stake for the rest of his foreign excursion.

51 MIN, 17 SEC May 22, 2017

Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming
To the Point

Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.

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Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe?
To the Point

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51 MIN, 22 SEC Jun 13, 2017

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28 MIN, 31 SEC May 26, 2017

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