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Americans for Peace Now
Spokesman for Americans for Peace Now; former former Washington Bureau Chief for the Jewish paper the Forward and reporter for Ha'aretz, covering Palestinian affairs
PROFILE
Ori Nir
Guest
FROM Ori Nir
To the Point
Is "Bibi" on the Ropes in Israel? Israel's parliament, called the Knesset, has 120 seats. In Tuesday's election, neither of the two major political parties is expected to win more than 25. That means there won't be a new government until Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud or Isaac Herzog's Zionist Union assembles a coalition big enough to constitute a majority. Recent polls show Netanyahu's in trouble . If Republicans on Capitol Hill could decide Tuesday's election, Netanyahu would get a record fourth term as Prime Minister. Israeli voters may have other ideas. The latest polls show his conservative Likud Party lagging behind the center-left Zionist Union. But forming a government means assembling a coalition in Israel's parliament of many parties — so nothing is certain. Adding to this year's drama, Israeli Arabs may win enough seats to make a difference.
To the Point
A New Shot at Peace Talks: Will it be Different this Time? Despite Syria’s civil war, deadly upheaval in Egypt and Iran’s nuclear program, Secretary of State John Kerry’s top priority is a “two state solution” for Israel and the Palestinians. Against all odds, the parties have agreed to negotiate the “final status issues” all at the same time. We’ll hear why there’s skepticism and why there is still hope.
Which Way, L.A.?
Netanyahu Wows Them on Capitol Hill Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got more than two dozen standing ovations today in his 50-minute address to a joint session of Congress. Several times, he promised compromises with the Palestinians--but always with firm pre-conditions. We hear some conflicting assessments.
To the Point
Netanyahu Addresses a Joint Session of Congress Today's reception on Capitol Hill was a far cry from last week's tense encounter at the Obama White House. In his 50-minute address to a joint session of Congress, Israel's Prime Minister got more than two dozen standing ovations. Several times, he promised what he called "painful compromises" with the Palestinians, at the same time laying down a set of pre-conditions unlikely to restart negotiations. That seemed to be a reference to last week's apparent conflict with President Obama. We get varied reactions to how he framed some hot-button issues, including Hamas, the right of return, Jerusalem and the 1967 borders.
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.
Which Way, L.A.?
What's Next for the 'Two-State Solution?' Israel's newly elected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the White House on May 18. President Obama has advocated more progress toward a “two-state solution” with the Palestinians. But Netanyahu appears to have other ideas. His supporters insist that Iran's nuclear threat is more important than peace talks. The US, Europe and Arab states contend they are inextricably linked. With the diplomatic maneuvering is hot and heavy, we hear a variety of opinions.
To the Point
What's Next for the 'Two-State Solution?' Israel's elder statesman Shimon Perez went to the White House this morning to prepare the ground for a meeting of two newly elected leaders. President Obama is focused on a "two-state solution" with the Palestinians, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have other ideas. His supporters insist that Iran's nuclear threat is more important than peace talks. The US, Europe and Arab states contend they are inextricably linked. With Obama and Netanyahu scheduled to meet in just two weeks, the diplomatic maneuvering is hot and heavy. We hear a variety of opinions.
To the Point
Carter Meets Hamas Chief Despite Israeli, White House Objections The Bush Administration and Israeli government have been trying to isolate Hamas, despite its success in Palestinian elections and control of the Gaza Strip. Today, thirty years after brokering the peace between Israel and Egypt, former President Jimmy Carter met with exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshall in Damascus, Syria, in one of the highest-profile encounters between Hamas and a western leader. Reuters says Carter feels optimistic about the possible release of Yigal Shalit, the Israeli soldier being held by Hamas. Ori Nir is a spokesman for Americans for Peace Now.
To the Point
American Jews Staying Mum on Annapolis Peace Meeting Condoleezza Rice has said that "failure is not an option" at next week's Annapolis Conference on the Middle East. "At stake," contends the Secretary of State, "is nothing less than the future" of the entire region. The most hawkish of American Jews are opposed, but Israeli officials call it a "golden opportunity." So where are the mainstream Jewish groups whose missions call for support of the Israeli government? Ori Nir is a spokesman for Americans for Peace Now.
Recommended
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
Left, Right & Center
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
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
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?