former Deputy Advisor for Middle East Affairs, National Security Council
Former Deputy Advisor for Middle East affairs at the National Security Council (2002-2005); senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations
PROFILE
Elliott Abrams
Guest
FROM Elliott Abrams
Which Way, L.A.?
Settlements Strain Relations between the US and Israel Barack Obama campaigned as a friend of Israel but, as President, he reportedly told American Jewish leaders that close relations during the Bush years didn't produce much. American Jews appear to support his call for a "freeze" on settlements on the West Bank, but a former Bush Administration diplomat says that's created big problems for Israel's new Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
To the Point
Settlements Strain Relations between the US and Israel During the Bush Administration, the US and Israel worked hand in glove, but President Obama has outraged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Obama demands a "freeze" on settlements in the West Bank and that a Jewish housing development in East Jerusalem not be permitted. Former diplomats say Obama's reneging on promises made by President Bush. Most American Jews still support the President, but even left-wing Israelis want reassurances that the US is still a friend. As the US tries to restart the peace process, we try to sort this all out.
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To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.
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.
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
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.