To the Point
Barack Obama, the Middle East and Iran
As the fighting continues in Gaza, Barack Obama is choosing a team to deal with the Middle East, including Iran. Today he repeated his campaign pledge to rely on diplomacy. Also, unemployment jumps over the moon, and what's next for Rod Blagojevich, who's been impeached for abusing his powers as Governor of Illinois.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenAs the fighting continues in Gaza, Barack Obama is choosing a team to deal with the Middle East, including Iran. Today he repeated his campaign pledge to rely on diplomacy. Will that mean a new approach to Arabs and Muslims or are his likely advisors committed to Israeli interests above all? Also, 2008 saw historic job losses, and Governor Rod Blagojevich may stand trial before the Illinois State Senate on charges of abusing his powers.
Banner image: Palestinian reporters rush for safety following an Israeli air strike on a building housing several media offices in Gaza City on January 9, 2009. Photo: Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesUnemployment Jumps over the Moon
The government reported today that 2.6 million Americans lost their jobs during 2008, more than in any single year since World War II. President-elect Obama says that's further evidence of how much the nation needs his stimulus program .
Read the story6 minBarack Obama, the Middle East and Iran
Israel and Hamas have rebuffed peace overtures, and the fighting in Gaza goes on, with President-elect Obama in the midst of choosing his foreign policy team .
Read the story37 minBlagojevich Is Impeached
Rod Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell the appointment to Barack Obama's US Senate seat, but he hasn't been formally charged, let alone convicted. Nonetheless, the state's House of Representatives impeached him today by a vote of 114 to one.
Read the story6 min
