News Archive

Below is a chronological list of news items posted on our homepage.
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October 2, 2006:

Rice returns to Middle East

With the backdrop of the fragile ceasefire in Southern Lebanon as Israeli troops finished their withdrawal, Secretary Rice is returning to the region to try and kick start peace efforts. (Reuters UK)

Hamas' most recent rejection of Israel's right to exist continues to block most Western financial help to the Palestinian Authority.  Government workers, who have worked without a paycheck, are demonstrating their displeasure in the street and putting pressure on Palestinian officials to reach a compromise. Adding to their anger are charges of perennial Palestinian corruption that have prevented the "stop-gap" assistance from Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations to "trickle down" to the unpaid workers.  This is one occasion where the so-called "Arab street" may actually work to Dr. Rice's favor.

Palestinian hardliners are concerned about any "voices of moderation."  This week various Palestinian extremist groups have made threats about how those "selling out" and supporting recognition of Israel will be viewed as "collaborators" and subject to their street justice "executions."

Following President Bush's mandate to Condi when he spoke at the UN:

"I've directed Secretary of State Rice to lead a diplomatic effort to engage moderate leaders across the region, to help the Palestinians reform their security services, and support Israeli and Palestinian leaders in their efforts to come together to resolve their differences."

The itinerary for this trip includes Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.  Of course, rumors are flying about "side trips" to Lebanon, and possibly Syria!

Officially, the purpose of a trip to Damascus would be to thank the Syrians for the defense of our diplomats during a recent attack and offer our condolences to the family of the Syrian soldier that died.  Of course, the "real" reason for Syria, who  made a few well-timed "noises" about Middle East peace last week, to extend the invitation would be to begin a "charm offensive" aimed at recovering the Golan Heights.

We hope that Secretary Rice's trip is successful and that she returns safely.

October 5, 2006:

Condi lands in Iraq.

Reuters of Canada is reporting that Secretary Rice has landed in Baghdad to pay a "surprise" visit on Iraqi government officials and US troops.  (Reuters)