To the Point

Arab Hostility Toward Israel

For centuries, Muslim Arabs and Jews lived side by side, but since the creation of Israel in 1948, hostility toward the Jewish state has been a dominant fact of life in the Middle East. We examine the roots of Arab hostility toward Israel, the roles of religion, the US, and the internal politics of Arab countries themselves. We also hear about Israel's defenders. We get four different Arab opinions, including those of former Egyptian diplomat Mohammed Wahby, now a political columnist for the Egyptian weekly magazine Al Mussawar, and Fawaz Gerges, author of America and Political Islam: Clash of Cultures or Clash of Interests?. Newsmaker: Blair's Tactical Goals in Afghanistan - In Germany, the UN-sponsored conference on Afghanistan's future has begun, while in Afghanistan, bitter fighting continues. Meantime, The Sunday Times reports on increased friction between the US and Great Britain. The Times' James Clark says a difference over tactical goals is what's rankling America's most important ally. Reporter's Notebook: Pro-War Sentiment Prevails on Campuses - Years ago, America's college campuses were synonymous with the anti-war movement. How does the 21st Century's first war look to college students today? Harvard University student Erin Ashwell instigated a nationwide survey that gauged college students' opinions about government, the war, politics and government service.