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Reuters
Luke Baker is Jerusalem bureau chief, and former Brussels bureau chief, for Reuters.
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Luke Baker
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FROM Luke Baker
To the Point
President Trump in search of the 'ultimate deal' President Trump is talking "peace" between Israelis and Palestinians — without any detailed plan to confront the all-important "core issues" between them. Today, he met with Mahmoud Abbas -- but Palestinians are divided between his Fatah faction and Hamas, located in Gaza. Mr. Trump then followed up with a speech that failed to mention the "two-state solution" -- which divides Israelis. As he moves on to Rome, we update the President's first try at international diplomacy in one of the world's most complex and confusing regions.
To the Point
NATO Searches for Options in the Ukraine Since Russia first moved to seize Crimea from its neighbor, Ukraine, NATO has warned about threats to peace. Today, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced that military patrols will be established on the eastern borders of NATO countries, saying, “we are not discussing military options.” Luke Baker is Brussels Bureau Chief for the Reuters news service.
Which Way, L.A.?
Obama Ramps Up Sanctions against Russia while EU Waits As Russia today continued the process of annexing Crimea and built up forces nearby, President Obama announced expanded sanctions to include more senior officials of the Russian government. "In addition, we are today sanctioning a number of other individuals with substantial resources and influence who provide material support to Russian leadership, as well as a bank that provides material support to these individuals." In Brussels, foreign ministers of the European Union are also threatening further action. Luke Baker is Brussels Bureau Chief for the Reuters News Service .
To the Point
Obama Ramps Up Sanctions against Russia while EU Waits As Russia today continued the process of annexing Crimea and built up forces nearby, President Obama announced expanded sanctions to include more senior officials of the Russian government. "In addition, we are today sanctioning a number of other individuals with substantial resources and influence who provide material support to Russian leadership, as well as a bank that provides material support to these individuals." In Brussels, foreign ministers of the European Union are also threatening further action. Luke Baker is Brussels Bureau Chief for the Reuters News Service .
To the Point
Despite Misgivings, UN Prepares to Perpetuate War on Drugs Ten years ago, the United Nations launched a campaign to cut both the demand and the supply of illegal drugs. A report by the executive body of the European Union concludes it has made no difference at all. Nevertheless, it's expected that the program will be resumed for another ten years. The report was delivered as the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna prepares for a review. Luke Baker is senior correspondent for Reuters , based in London.
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To the Point
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
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
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.
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.