University of South Carolina
Adjunct Professor of Political Science at University of South Carolina; former peace negotiator and brother of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
PROFILE
Josef Olmert
Guest
FROM Josef Olmert
To the Point
John Kerry's Gamble on 'Middle East Peace' John Kerry has acknowledged that there is skepticism — even cynicism — about renewing the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks that broke off five years ago. But, during his first months as Secretary of State, that's what he's focused on, with repeated visits and at least ten long phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He says improving the West Bank's economy would be a good start, but neither side has shown any change on issues necessary to a two-state solution. Israeli settlements, Palestinian refugees, Jerusalem and national boundaries are as divisive as ever. Palestinians are politically and geographically divided. Polls show that neither side really believes that peace has a chance. Does the US have the power — and the commitment -- to make a difference?
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To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?