To the Point
Does Diplomacy Have a Chance in the Middle East?
Secretary of State Kerry is shuttling around the Middle East in the hope of negotiating a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. We’ll hear about the challenges for international leaders as the war goes on.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenSecretary of State Kerry is shuttling around the Middle East in the hope of negotiating a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. But both sides seem to be hunkering down, with Israel vowing to “dismantle” Hamas, while Hamas rockets pose an unexpected threat to Ben Gurion airport. Will Hamas increase its demands, at the cost increasing the suffering of its own people? Can Israel pull back now before scoring some kind of “victory?” We’ll hear about the challenges for international leaders as the war goes on.
Also, two Ukrainian warplanes are shot down near the crash site of MH 17, and proposed new rules for train cars carrying oil from the Mid West to coastal refineries.
Banner Image: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry talks with U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Bill Grant as he arrives in Tel Aviv, July 23, 2014. Kerry arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday to seek ways of ending the deadliest violence in years between Israel and Gaza's Islamist Hamas. REUTERS/Charles Dharapak/Pool
In this episode
3 storiesTwo Ukrainian Warplanes Shot Down Near Jetliner Crash Site
Two Ukrainian warplanes were shot down today, and pro-Russian separatist leaders claim they did it with shoulder-mounted surface-to-air missiles. But Ukraine says the anti-aircraft fire came from across the border—in Russia. Paul Sonne is in Donetsk in Eastern Ukraine for the Wall Street Journal.
Read the story8 minMid-East Crisis and Prospects for a Cease-Fire
Before the latest conflict in Gaza, Hamas was struggling. It had lost support from Syria and Egypt and seemed powerless to end Israel’s border blockade. It couldn’t pay government workers, and unemployment was at 50%.
Read the story35 minDOT Releases Stricter Guidelines for Oil Trains
After tragic accidents from Quebec to Virginia, the US Transportation Department announced new rules today for the thousands of rail cars carrying volatile fuel from the Mid West to coastal refineries. But oil production is increasing fast, and implementing the regulations will take time.
Read the story8 min
