PROFILE
FROM Natan Sachs
The Pope, the Palestinians and Middle-East Peace Pope Francis has recognized a Palestinian State , but it's not clear if he means Hamas in Gaza, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank or both. And he may or may not have called PA President Mahmoud Abbas "an angel of peace." Vatican diplomacy is full of uncertainties. One hundred thirty-five members of the United Nations have recognized a Palestinian State, but the US and Europe say there can't be one until Israel and the Palestinians settle their differences. Israel is not happy about it — or the prospects that Europe may be following suit. Nevertheless, with the US-backed "peace process" dead in the water, some Palestinians call the Pope's action "a flicker of light in a sea of darkness."
Recommended
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.
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
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?