To the Point
The US and Israel: How Deep Are the Differences?
The Obama Administration is making nice with Israel today -- at least in public, but tensions are still high over housing plans in East Jerusalem and American credibility in the Middle East. We hear from Jerusalem and Washington. Also, the Senate passes the jobs bill, and the number of inmates in state prisons is down for the first time in almost 40 years.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenThe Obama Administration is making nice with Israel today -- at least in public, but tensions are still high over housing plans in East Jerusalem and American credibility in the Middle East. We hear from Jerusalem and Washington. Also, the Senate passes the jobs bill, and America's prison population has slightly declined for the first time since 1972. We hear about the effects of the economy and new ideas about public safety.
Banner image: (L-R) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah greets US Vice President Joe Biden on March 9, 2010 in Jerusalem, Israel. Photo: Avi Ohayon/GPO via Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesThe US and Israel: How Deep Are the Differences?
When Vice President Biden was in Israel last week, the Netanyahu government announced new plans for Jewish housing in East Jerusalem. The city was quiet today after yesterday's "Day of Rage," by Palestinians protesting the announced Israeli construction plans.
Read the story1 minSenate Passes a Jobs Bill, Will New Jobs Ensue?
With 11 votes from Republicans today, the Senate passed and sent to the President what’s billed as the first in a series of measures designed to create jobs . The cost will be $17.6 billion. Derek Thompson covers business for TheAtlantic.com .
Read the story8 minState Prison Populations Dip for First Time in 38 Years
In 1972, there were 174,000 inmates in state prisons around the country. The number today is one 1,400,000. But now, for the first time, the total has dropped , if only slightly. The Pew Center on the States reports that the combined prison population is down by about 5,700 inmates.
Read the story7 min
