Middle East 2002 Archive | PBS NewsHour

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MIDDLE EAST


	2002 DECEMBER Dec. 20, 2002 Political Wrap with Mark Shields and David Brooks Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss Sen. Trent Lott's decision to step aside as the Senate's GOP leader, the developments on the Iraq front and Al Gore's announcement he will not seek the presidency in 2004.

	Dec. 19, 2002 Hans Blix: Responding to Iraq U.N. lead weapons inspector Hans Blix says Iraq's weapons report contains inconsistencies and little new information.

	Dec. 19, 2002 Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright: What Next? Former secretaries of state Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright discuss the U.S. response to Iraq's weapons of mass destruction report.

	Dec. 19, 2002 Background: What Next? Secretary of State Colin Powell responded to the Iraq weapons declaration Thursday after chief U.N. weapons inspector Hans Blix's met with the U.N. Security Council. Kwame Holman reports.

	Dec. 18, 2002 Weapons Report British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw criticized Iraq's 12,000- page weapons declaration Wednesday saying the Iraqi government failed to deliver a "full and complete" report. Experts discuss the implications of the continuing international response to the Iraqi declaration and the potential impact on the U.N. inspection process.

	Dec. 18, 2002 Background: Weapons Report Gwen Ifill reports on the British criticism of Iraq's weapons dossier and possible American responses.

	Dec. 16, 2002 After Saddam? New York Times correspondents Lowell Bergman and Judith Miller report on attempts by Iraqi opposition groups to form a group that could act as a transitional government in a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq.

	Dec. 11, 2002 Dangerous Cargo The U.S. releases a North Korean ship carrying Scud missiles to the government of Yemen after it was briefly intercepted in the Arabian Sea.

	Dec. 10, 2002 Senators Richard Lugar and Carl Levin Discuss Next Moves in Iraq Two Senator discuss the developments in the Iraq weapons confrontation after the U.N. decision Tuesday to provide the U.S. with an unedited advance copy of the Iraq declaration.

	Dec. 9, 2002 Weapons Report: Debriefer Ray Suarez talks with New York Times Foreign Correspondent John Burns from Baghdad about Iraq's arms declaration.

	Dec. 9, 2002 Weapons Report Margaret Warner discusses the process of deciphering Iraq's arms declaration with a former nuclear inspector and the deputy director of the U.N. Oral History Project at Yale University.

	Dec. 6, 2002 Shields and Brooks Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the shake-up of President Bush's economic team and weapons inspections in Iraq.

	Dec. 6, 2002 Inspecting Iraq New York Times foreign correspondent John Burns talks with Terence Smith about the impending deadline for Iraq to report its weapons programs.

	Dec. 5, 2002 America's Image Assessing the results of a new poll on U.S. world policy with Andrew Kohut of the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, which conducted the survey, and two opinion writers.

	Dec. 5, 2002 War of Words As the deadline for Iraq to declare its weapons program nears, U.S. and Iraqi leaders have continued to trade accusations. Two opinion writers discuss the charged rhetoric between the Bush administration and the government of Saddam Hussein.

	Dec. 4, 2002 Iraqi Weapons Inspections Experts examine the differences between how President Bush and United Nations officials have assessed the progress of the Iraqi weapons inspections.

	Dec. 2, 2002 Inspecting Iraq A journalist in Baghdad reports on the state of weapons inspections in Iraq after U.N. arms experts reported that equipment was missing from a missile factory.



	NOVEMBER Nov. 26, 2002 Troubled Connection New tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia arise over allegations that Saudi officials help finance terrorist organizations.

	Nov. 26, 2002 Training for War Military forces from around the world have been sent to the Horn of Africa for training on how to fight terrorist operatives and to prepare for a possible war against Iraq. In the first of two reports, Michael Gordon looks at a contingent of U.S. Marines recently deployed to the tiny African country of Djibouti.

	Nov. 22, 2002 Inspecting Iraq Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, discusses his recent trip to Baghdad and the scope and mission of the U.N. inspection teams beginning their work in Iraq.

	Nov. 19, 2002 Political Victories Experts examine the forces behind recent election victories for Islamist political parties in Turkey and Pakistan and discuss the effects of U.S. foreign policy on voter sentiment in the Islamic world.

	Nov. 15, 2002 Weekly Analysis of Mark Shields and David Brooks Columnist Mark Shields and David Brooks of The Weekly Standard discuss leadership changes in Congress and developments in the war on terrorism.

	Nov. 13, 2002 Iraq Accepts U.N. Resolution Upon Iraq's acceptance of the United Nations resolution calling for renewed inspections, experts analyze the reasons for the agreement, and what could lie ahead for inspectors.

	Nov. 12, 2002 War Plans As Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein weighs his response to a new United Nations resolution, media reports continue to outline possible plans for a military strike. Experts discuss the U.S. military's preparations for a possible war with Iraq.

	Nov. 11, 2002 Newsmaker: Rolf Ekeus Rolf Ekeus, the former head of the U.N.'s Iraq inspection team, discusses the prospects for a potential new round of inspections.

	Nov. 8, 2002 Resolving Iraq Experts examine the terms of the newly passed U.N. resolution on disarming Iraq and discuss the anticipation over Saddam Hussein's compliance.

	Nov. 8, 2002 Brooks and Oliphant David Brooks and Tom Oliphant tackle the U.N. Security Council resolution on Iraq, the 2002 elections and the shakeup in the Democratic party.

	Nov. 8, 2002 Preparing for War In the second of a series of reports from the Persian Gulf, New York Times military affairs correspondent Michael Gordon reports from the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, currently stationed in the Gulf, on how U.S. military forces are training in preparation for a possible intervention in Iraq.

	Nov. 5, 2002 Tom Friedman's Journal: Trip to the Persian Gulf and Berlin Ray Suarez talks with New York Times columnist Tom Friedman about his recent trip to the Persian Gulf and Berlin.

	Nov. 4, 2002 Election Upheaval in Turkey Gwen Ifill and guests discuss the Islamic-based AK party's overwhelming victory in the Turkish elections, and its likely impact on U.S. relations.

	Nov. 1, 2002 Enforcing Sanctions on Iraq New York Times military affairs correspondent Michael Gordon gives his first in a series of reports on U.S. military activity in the Persian Gulf. Gordon spent three days aboard the American cruiser Shiloh, the command ship of a coalition naval force in the Gulf in charge of enforcing U.N. sanctions against Iraq.



	OCTOBER Oct. 30, 2002 Inside Iraq New York Times reporter John Burns on the mood inside Iraq as tensions with the U.S. remain high.

	Oct. 28, 2002 Assassination in Jordan Terence Smith discusses the assassination of an American diplomat in Jordan with Youssef Ibrahim, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

	Oct. 23, 2002 Turkey and the Iraqi Kurds Elizabeth Farnsworth reports on the uneasy relationship between Turkey and the Kurds living in Northern Iraq.

	Oct. 22, 2002 Link to Jesus? Experts discuss the discovery of an ancient box that may be the earliest artifact ever found that can be linked to the life of Jesus.

	Oct. 22, 2002 Reluctant Ally Elizabeth Farnsworth reports on how Turkey has contended with its role in the tensions surrounding a potential U.S.-led war with neighboring Iraq and examines the struggles of the Kurdish community living there.

	Oct. 21, 2002 War & Diplomacy: North Korea and Iraq In the wake of North Korea's recent admission to developing a nuclear weapons program, experts discuss the parallels between the threats posed by North Korea and Iraq and examine the differences in U.S. policy on each country.

	Oct. 18, 2002 Shields and Brooks Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss how the economy and possible war with Iraq could effect this year's midterm elections.

	Oct. 15, 2002 Resolving Iraq Last week, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution authorizing President Bush to use military force, if necessary, to disarm Iraq. Two former U.S. ambassadors to the U.N. discuss how a similar debate among key members of the U.N. Security Council may affect a tough new U.S.- and British-backed U.N. resolution on Iraq.

	Oct. 11, 2002 Joint Resolution on Iraq Congress passes a bipartisan resolution authorizing President Bush to use military force, acting alone if necessary, in order to ensure that Iraq disarms any weapons of mass destruction

	Oct. 11, 2002 Brooks and Oliphant Analysts David Brooks and Tom Oliphant discuss former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's Nobel Peace Prize win and the congressional resolution authorizing military force in Iraq.

	Oct. 11, 2002 College Perspectives on the Iraq Debate Media correspondent Terence Smith speaks with four college newspaper writers for the campus perspective on the Iraq debate and the talk of war.

	Oct. 10, 2002 Talk of War Against Iraq Kwame Holman reports on the House's passage of an Iraq resolution and the continuing Iraq debate in the Senate.

	Oct. 9, 2002 U.N. Weapons Inspection: Hans Blix A newsmaker interview with the United Nation's top weapons inspector about the possibility of inspecting Iraq.

	Oct. 9, 2002 Talk of War Against Iraq Kwame Holman reports on the congressional debate over a potential resolution on Iraq.

	Oct. 8, 2002 On the Front Line: Incirlik Air Base in Turkey A look at America's military readiness at an air base in Turkey, which will be on the front line if there is a war with Iraq.

	Oct. 8, 2002 Call to Action After excerpts from President Bush's speech Monday night in Cincinnati, Spencer Michels speaks with a group of voters in Denver to discuss the public's view of taking action against Iraq.

	Oct. 8, 2002 Talk of War in Iraq Kwame Holman reports on the congressional debate over war in Iraq.

	Oct. 7, 2002 President Bush on Iraq The president outlines his case against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and calls on congressional and world leaders to pass resolutions setting up strong consequences if Iraq does not disarm.

	Oct. 7, 2002 Talk of War Against Iraq As the U.S. Senate continues its debate over a resolution on the use of force against Iraq, experts discuss what opinion polls reveal about public opinion on war against Saddam Hussein, the potential for unilateral U.S. action and the involvement of the United Nations.

	Oct. 7, 2002 Background: Talk of War Against Iraq Kwame Holman reports with excerpts from the continuing Senate debate over the use of force against Iraq.

	Oct. 4, 2002 War and Politics The Capitol Hill report with excerpts from an exchange between two of the Senate's most senior members, Republican John Warner and Democrat Robert Byrd, who stand on opposing sides of the Iraq debate.

	Oct. 4, 2002 Shields and Brooks Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the congressional debate on Iraq and Senator Bob Torricelli's exit from the New Jersey Senate Race.

	Oct. 4, 2002 Iraqis in America Elizabeth Brackett reports on how a community of Iraqi immigrants living in Chicago view the prospect of war with Saddam Hussein.

	Oct. 3, 2002 Debating Iraq The Senate began considering competing versions of a resolution authorizing military action against Iraq today. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.), a member of the committee, outline the debate.

	Oct. 3, 2002 Background: Debating Iraq Kwame Holman looks at the Senate debate over a resolution authorizing the U.S. to use military force in Iraq.

	Oct. 2, 2002 Background: War and Politics Kwame Holman reports on the House resolution authorizing military action against Iraq.

	Oct. 2, 2002 Congress Debates Iraq Three House members debate today's congressional resolution authorizing military action against Iraq.

	Oct. 2, 2002 House Iraq Resolution President Bush and House leaders agreed Wednesday on a resolution that seeks to deal with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein "diplomatically if we can, militarily if we must.'' The following is the full text of the resolution.

	Oct. 1, 2002 Weapons Inspectors Assess U.N., Iraq Deal U.N. and Iraqi officials reach a deal to return weapons inspectors in about two weeks. Secretary of State Powell rejected the return, saying a tougher resolution was needed ensure Iraqi compliance. Former inspectors debate the need for a new U.N. resolution.



	SEPTEMBER Sept. 30, 2002 Newsmaker: Colin Powell Secretary of State Colin Powell discusses the process of securing a United Nations resolution on Iraq and U.N. negotiations with the Iraqis to readmit weapons inspectors.

	Sept. 25, 2002 Rice on Iraq, War and Politics National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice talks with Margaret Warner about Iraq, the United Nations, the United States' new pre-emptive strike doctrine and recent criticism from Democratic leaders.

	Sept. 24, 2002 The Iraq Dossier British Prime Minister Tony Blair's 50-page dossier details evidence of a burgeoning weapons program in Iraq. Ray Suarez and intelligence experts discuss the contents and significance of the newly-released information.

	Sept. 24, 2002 Prime Minister Tony Blair The British prime minister tells his country's parliament that Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program is "active, detailed and growing," presenting a dossier that says Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein could ready his biological and chemical weapons for use within 45 minutes.

	Sept. 24, 2002 British Dossier Exec Summary The executive summary of a document released by the British government detailing Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction program.

	Sept. 23, 2002 Under Siege: Israeli Siege of Yasser Arafat's Headquarters Ray Suarez discusses the Israeli siege of Yasser Arafat's headquarters with New York Times correspondent Serge Schmemann in Jerusalem.

	Sept. 20, 2002 Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov The Russian defense minister discusses the U.S. stance on Iraq, and his country's concerns about alleged terrorist incursions from neighboring Georgia.

	Sept. 19, 2002 Editorial Views on Iraq Terence Smith discusses the Iraq debate with four editorial page editors.

	Sept. 19, 2002 Use of Force in Iraq? President Bush on Thursday sent a proposed resolution to Congress authorizing military force, if necessary, against Iraq. Four U.S. senators discuss the president's proposal and Secretary Powell's testimony on the Iraqi threat.

	Sept. 19, 2002 Text of President Bush's Draft Resolution The following is the entire text of President Bush's proposed congressional resolution.

	Sept. 18, 2002 Newsmaker: Donald Rumsfeld As the United Nations and the U.S. Congress evaluate the possibility of new weapons inspections in Iraq, the Secretary of Defense explains why Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein poses a threat to the U.S. and the world.

	Sept. 17, 2002 Newsmaker: Tom Daschle The Senate Majority Leader discusses his support for the president's Iraq policy and his concerns about the economy.

	Sept. 17, 2002 Background: Assessing the Iraqi Offer Ray Suarez reports on the world reaction to Iraq's offer to admit U.N. weapons inspectors without conditions.

	Sept. 17, 2002 Assessing the Iraqi Offer The U.S. government has expressed skepticism at Iraq's latest offer to allow U.N. weapons inspectors to return. Will this proposal undercut U.S. calls for regime change? Two experts assess. <a href="bkgdiraq_9-17.html">Background Report</a>

	Sept. 13, 2002 Shields and Brooks Mark Shields and David Brooks assess the Sept. 11 anniversary events, President Bush's speech on Iraq and the new elections snafu in Florida.

	Sept. 13, 2002 Britain's U.N. Ambassador Sir Jeremy Greenstock, Britain's ambassador to the United Nations, discusses the push to create a U.N. resolution solving the Iraq matter after President Bush warned Thursday the U.S. may act on Iraq if the U.N. does not.

	Sept. 12, 2002 U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan The full text of the United Nations secretary-general's speech, during which he urged world leaders to work out international problems through the U.N.

	Sept. 12, 2002 President George W. Bush Before the United Nations General Assembly The full text of President Bush's speech before the United Nations General Assembly during which the president warned "action will follow" if world leaders do not force Iraq's Saddam Hussein to disarm.

	Sept. 12, 2002 Background: The Iraq Debate United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and President George Bush address the U.N. General Assembly on what action should be take against Iraq.

	Sept. 12, 2002 The Iraq Debate President Bush tells the United Nations "action will be unavoidable" if world leaders do not force Iraq's Saddam Hussein to disarm. Four experts react to the president's speech.

	Sept. 9, 2002 Vice President Dick Cheney Vice President Dick Cheney discusses the effects of Sept. 11 on America, the threat of al-Qaida, and the status of the war on terrorism. Part II: Mr. Cheney on Iraq and his personal memories of Sept. 11.

	Sept. 9, 2002 Vice President Dick Cheney In the second part of his conversation with Jim Lehrer, Vice President Dick Cheney discusses the threat posed by Iraq and the possibility of military action against Saddam Hussein. He also adds his personal reflections on the events of Sept. 11. Part I: Mr. Cheney on the effects of Sept. 11.

	Sept. 6, 2002 Shields & Brooks Our weekly analysts assess the American campaign against Saddam Hussein and the anniversary of Sept. 11.

	Sept. 6, 2002 Arab Views During the Arab League meeting in Egypt, member nations pledged support for Iraq, but urged the country to allow the return of United Nations weapons inspectors. Two regional experts assess public opinion in the Arab world.

	Sept. 4, 2002 Background: Iraq Consent Kwame Holman reports on President Bush's meeting with key congressional leaders on Iraq.

	Sept. 4, 2002 Bush to Seek Approval on Iraq Lawmakers react to President Bush's pledge to seek congressional consent before taking military action against Iraq.

	Sept. 3, 2002 Congress and Iraq: Having Their Say Members of Congress discuss whether the U.S. should oust Iraq's Saddam Hussein, and the importance of assessing American sentiment before taking action.



	AUGUST Aug. 30, 2002 Oliphant and Malkin Columnists Tom Oliphant and Michelle Malkin discuss the public debate over intervention in Iraq and the state of the U.S. economy.

	Aug. 28, 2002 Background: Weapons Inspections Kwame Holman outlines the question of resuming weapons inspections in Iraq.

	Aug. 28, 2002 Weighing Inspections In a recent address, Vice President Cheney argued that sending inspectors back into Iraq would not eliminate the weapons threat posed by the Saddam Hussein regime. Two former weapons inspectors who worked in Iraq discuss the pros and cons of further U.N. monitoring.

	Aug. 27, 2002 The War of Words William Hyland, former deputy national security adviser under President Ford, and Ellen Laipson, a former National Security Council staffer, discuss the debate over intervention in Iraq.

	Aug. 22, 2002 Iraq Next Move: Madeleine Albright and Henry Kissinger Former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Henry Kissinger debate their views of a potential invasion of Iraq.

	Aug. 16, 2002 Clashing With Cairo The U.S. threatens to cut new aid to Egypt in protest of last month's conviction of the democracy rights activist, Saad Eddin Ibrahim.

	Aug. 14, 2002 Saudi Arabia: Friend Or Foe? Following a background report, two regional experts assess whether the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia is a trustworthy alliance, or a marriage of convenience.

	Aug. 13, 2002 Newsmaker: Iraq's U.N. Ambassador In a newsmaker interview, Ambassador Mohammed Aldouri gives Iraq's perspective on arms inspections and tensions with the U.S.

	Aug. 9, 2002 Shields and Lowry Mark Shields and Richard Lowry of The National Review discuss U.S. policy on Iraq, Vice President Cheney and the start of the election season.

	Aug. 9, 2002 Newsmaker: Maher Al-Masri Maher Al-Masri, the Palestinian Minister of Economy, Industry and Trade, discusses his meetings with officials from the Bush administration and efforts to restart regional peace talks.

	Aug. 8, 2002 Opposing Saddam Iraqi opposition leaders, in Washington this week to meet with U.S. officials, discuss alternatives to the regime of Saddam Hussein.

	Aug. 7, 2002 Background: Threat and Response Terence Smith looks at the Bush administration's efforts to weigh its options on Iraq.

	Aug. 7, 2002 Threat and Response Newspaper writers discuss reaction to President Bush's promise to exercise caution in taking military action against Saddam Hussein.

	Aug. 6, 2002 Background: Inspecting Iraq Kwame Holman provides an updated look at the Iraq weapons inspections give-and-take.

	Aug. 6, 2002 Inspecting Iraq As the United Nations considers Iraq's invitation to begin technical talks on restarting weapons inspections, two experts discuss the political and diplomatic ramifications of the overture.

	Aug. 1, 2002 Threat and Response: The Senate Iraq Hearings Kwame Holman reports on the second day of the Senate Iraq hearings.

	Aug. 1, 2002 Threat and Response The two leading members of the Senate Foreign Relations committee discuss the possible outcomes of an attack on Iraq.

	Aug. 1, 2002 Newsmaker Foreign Minister of Israel Shimon Peres Foreign Minister Shimon Peres on Wednesday's Jerusalem bombing and the current status of the peace process.



	JULY July 31, 2002 America's History of Intervention in Foreign Nations Historians discuss America's history of military and political intervention in foreign nations.

	July 31, 2002 Background: The Threat Kwame Holman reports on today's Senate hearings on possible military action against Iraq.

	July 31, 2002 The Threat from Iraq Jim Lehrer hosts a debate on possible U.S. military action against Iraq to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein.

	July 23, 2002 Background: Targeting Hamas An update from Spencer Michels on the latest violence in the Middle East.

	July 23, 2002 Targeting Hamas Experts discuss the situation in the Middle East as Palestinian militants vow to avenge the death of the Hamas military leader and 14 others killed in an Israeli missiles attack in Gaza.

	July 18, 2002 Jordan's Foreign Minister Jordan's Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher describes an Arab initiative for peace.

	July 3, 2002 Background: Pressure Points Terence Smith reports on the outside pressures in reporting on the Middle East.

	July 3, 2002 Pressure Points The media struggles to present an unbiased view of the Middle East conflict.



	JUNE June 25, 2002 Background: Push for Peace in the Middle East A report from Independent Television News on reaction in the Middle East to President Bush's new peace plan.

	June 25, 2002 Reaction to the U.S. Middle East Plan Arabs and Israelis react to President Bush's proposal, calling for a Palestinian state under new leadership.

	June 24, 2002 President Bush's Speech: Middle East Initiative President Bush outlined his Middle East initiative Monday, in which he called for "new and different Palestinian leadership" to head a provisional Palestinian state. The following is the full transcript of his speech.

	June 24, 2002 U.S. Mideast Peace Plan President Bush calls for a Palestinian state under new leadership and an Israeli withdrawal from occupied terrirtories.

	June 21, 2002 Continuing Violence in the Middle East A report from Independent Television News on the latest developments in the Middle East.

	June 21, 2002 Weekly Analysis of Shields and Brooks Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the death of the Crusader artillery system, campaign finance reform, the U.S. response to the Middle East crisis, and the departure of Gov. Jesse "the Mind" Ventura.

	June 20, 2002 Supreme Court Watch The Supreme Court decides in a 6-3 vote that executing mentally retarded killers is unconstitutional.

	June 20, 2002 Tom's Journal New York Times columnist Tom Friedman on his recent journey to Iran.

	June 19, 2002 Israeli Knesset Legislator Moshe Arens Discusses the Israeli Perspective For the Israeli perspective on the latest violence in the Middle East, Margaret Warner talks with Moshe Arens, a legislator in the Israeli Knesset.

	June 19, 2002 Yasser Arafat's Senior Adviser Nabil Sha'ath Nabil Sha'ath, the Palestinian minister of planning and cooperation, and senior adviser to President Yasser Arafat, reacts to the latest violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

	June 18, 2002 Suicide Bomber After an update from Independent Television News, Ray Saurez looks at the latest deadly bombing in Israel with Matt Rees, Jerusalem bureau chief for Time magazine.

	June 18, 2002 Mideast Maelstrom After Tuesday's deadly bus bombing in Israel, experts discuss the recent violence and prospects for peace.

	June 6, 2002 Cycle of Violence in Israel Israeli tanks and troops waged a six-hour retaliation against Yasser Arafat's compound in response to a Palestinian suicide bombing that killed 17 Israelis.

	June 5, 2002 Background: Cycle of Violence A report from Gaby Rado of Independent Television News on the latest bombing in Israel.

	June 5, 2002 Cycle of Violence Newsweek correspondent Dan Ephron discusses Wednesday's deadly suicide bombing in Israel.



	MAY May 14, 2002 Images in Conflict Pictures of the destruction caused by the recent violence in the Middle East have galvanized public opinion worldwide, but are presented in vastly different ways by broadcasters in Israel and the Arab world. Terence Smith reports.

	May 14, 2002 Sanctions Overhaul The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to overhaul sanctions on Iraq. William Orme, the United Nations correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, discusses the changes.

	May 10, 2002 King Abdullah of Jordan The king of Jordan, in Washington to meet with President Bush and other U.S. officials, reflects on the continuing conflict in the Middle East.

	May 8, 2002 British Foreign Minister Jack Straw Jim Lehrer talks with British Foreign Minister Jack Straw about the Middle East conflict and efforts to forge a peace plan.

	May 7, 2002 Background: Mideast Agendas Spencer Michels reports on Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's meeting with President Bush in Washington and a deadly suicide bombing attack.

	May 7, 2002 Mideast Agendas How will the deadly suicide bombing near Tel Aviv affect Israel's stance toward the Palestinians and the U.S. role in the Mideast conflict? Three experts discuss the situation.

	May 6, 2002 Tom's Journal Jim Lehrer talks to New York Times foreign affairs columnist Tom Friedman about his recent travels in the Middle East and Indonesia.

	May 3, 2002 Weekly Political Analysis of Shields and Brooks Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and David Brooks of The Weekly Standard discuss the situation in the Middle East, the farm bill and Democratic politics.

	May 2, 2002 Background: Moving On Following a report from Independent Television News, Terence Smith talks with New York Times Jerusalem bureau chief James Bennet about the latest developments in the Middle East.

	May 2, 2002 Prospects for Peace: The Conflict in the Middle East With the release of the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, experts assess where the conflict in the Middle East stands.



	APRIL April 30, 2002 Newsmaker: Joschka Fischer The German foreign minister is visiting the United States to discuss moving the Middle East toward a peace settlement.

	April 30, 2002 Staying in Power In a controversial referendum, Pakistani voters deliver a vote of confidence to President Pervez Musharraf.

	April 29, 2002 Background: Stalemate Broken Independent Television News reports on the Middle East agreement that would allow Yasser Arafat to leave his besieged compound.

	April 29, 2002 Stalemate Broken? Gwen Ifill talks with Hisham Melhem, Washington correspondent for the Beirut newspaper As-Safir, and David Makovsky, a senior fellow for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy about the Middle East agreement that would allow Yasser Arafat to leave his besieged compound.

	April 26, 2002 Shields and Brooks Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the passage of the energy bill as well as the president's handling of the crisis in the Middle East and his meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah.

	April 25, 2002 Exchanging Views: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah and President Bush Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah meets with President Bush and renews demands that the U.S. force Israel to withdraw from Palestinian territories. Three Middle East experts discuss the summit meeting.

	April 23, 2002 Christian Perspectives on the Middle East Crisis Ray Suarez gets two Christian perspectives on the Middle East crisis. First, Right Reverend Riah Abu El-Assal, the Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem, outlines the pro-Palestinian point of view. Then, Suarez discusses the pro-Israeli side with Dr. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

	April 19, 2002 General Richard Myers The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff describes the military command that will protect domestic U.S. interests and the tragedies and future of the Afghanistan mission.

	April 19, 2002 Echoes of Conflict: Views of College Students Correspondent Jeffrey Kaye of KCET reports from UCLA with a debate among college students over the Middle East crisis.

	April 18, 2002 Background: Afghan King Ray Suarez reports on King Mohammad Zahir Shah's return to Afghanistan after 29 years of exile.

	April 17, 2002 Presidents and Crises NewsHour historians discuss the American president's challenging role in the Middle East conflict.

	April 17, 2002 Assessing Powell's Mission Three experts assess Secretary Powell's mission, and the Bush Administration's efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.

	April 16, 2002 Aftermath Independent Television News reports from Nablus and Jenin. Then, Elizabeth Farnsworth discusses the aftermath of the Israeli incursion into the West Bank with Jessica Barry of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

	April 16, 2002 Newsmaker: Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri discusses the prospects for regional peace in the Middle East on the eve of his meeting with President Bush.

	April 15, 2002 Split Sentiments: American Jewish Reaction Spencer Michels reports from San Francisco on split American Jewish reaction to the events in the Middle East.

	April 15, 2002 Diplomatic Challenge Two experts examine regional reaction to Secretary Powell's Mideast mission now that he has met with both Israeli Prime Minister Sharon and Palestinian leader Arafat -- and announced he'll meet with both leaders again.

	April 15, 2002 Diplomatic Mission: Colin Powell's Trip Terence Smith reports on Secretary of State Colin Powell's diplomatic mission in the Middle East. Then, Smith talks with Todd Purdum, chief diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times, who has been traveling with Secretary Powell.

	April 12, 2002 Update: On the Ground in the Middle East Two reports on the current crisis in the Middle East by Tim Ewart of Independent Television News. Then, Terence Smith talks with Todd Purdum, chief diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times, who has been traveling with Secretary of State Colin Powell during his diplomatic mission to the Middle East.

	April 12, 2002 Shields and Brooks Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and David Brooks of The Weekly Standard debate the challenges of Sec. of State Colin Powell's diplomatic mission in the Middle East.

	April 11, 2002 Update on the Ground: The West Bank and Gaza For further reaction on the Middle East, Ray Suarez talks with correspondent Serge Schmemann of The New York Times.

	April 11, 2002 Diplomatic Challenge: Colin Powell's Trip Margaret Warner examines Secretary of State Colin Powell's diplomatic mission with two former Israeli cabinet members now serving in Israel's parliament.

	April 11, 2002 Update on the Ground Two updates on developments in the Middle East by Independent Television News.

	April 10, 2002 Diplomatic Challenge: Colin Powell's Trip Margaret Warner has an update on Secretary of State Colin Powell's diplomatic mission to the Middle East.

	April 10, 2002 Secretary of State Powell's Peace Mission Four journalists discuss the growing divide between the United States and Europe over Middle East policy.

	April 10, 2002 Dipolomatic Challenge: Colin Powell's Trip For further analysis of Secretary of State Colin Powell's diplomatic mission to the Middle East, Margaret Warner is joined by Todd Purdum, chief diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times.

	April 9, 2002 Diplomatic Challenge: Colin Powell's Trip After a report on the second day of Colin Powell's diplomatic trip, three experts assess the challenges the secretary of state faces in enlisting help from the Arab world to solve the Mideast crisis.

	April 9, 2002 Living in Fear: Suicide Bombings in Israel Special correspondent Martin Himel reports from Jerusalem on how Israelis are living with daily fears of suicide bombings

	April 8, 2002 Background: On the Ground Lindsay Hilsum of Independent Television News reports from the Middle East on the latest developments there.

	April 8, 2002 Update: On the Ground Elizabeth Farnsworth discusses Secretary Powell's diplomatic mission to the Middle East with Todd Purdum of The New York Times, who is traveling with the Secretary.

	April 8, 2002 Allies at Odds: Israel and the United States Two columnists discuss the political divide between Israel and the United States.

	April 5, 2002 At the Scene Elizabeth Farnsworth gets an on-the-scene perspective of the Middle East violence from James Bennet, Jerusalem bureau chief for The New York Times.

	April 5, 2002 War or Peace Analysts discuss the issues Secretary of State Colin Powell will face next week in the Middle East.

	April 5, 2002 Update: On the Ground in Israel Tristana Moore of Independent Television News reports on the day's events in the Middle East.

	April 4, 2002 Senator Perspectives on President Bush's Speech Four U.S. senators reflect on President Bush's speech announcing that Sec.of State Colin Powell will visit the Mideast to work out details of an Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire.

	April 4, 2002 Egyptian Diplomatic Reaction Egypt's ambassador to the United States reflects on the Middle East peace process after a speech given by President Bush highlighting new U.S. involvement.

	April 4, 2002 On the Ground in the West Bank Tristana Moore of Independent Television News reports on the continuing violence in the West Bank.

	April 4, 2002 Israeli Diplomatic Reaction Israel's ambassador to the United States reflects on the Middle East peace process after President Bush announced Secretary of State Powell will visit the region.

	April 3, 2002 Former Senator George Mitchell Former Senator George Mitchell, architect of the Mitchell peace plan, evaluates the danger for greater regional violence, and the prospects for bringing peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

	April 2, 2002 Arafat and Sharon: Old Enemies Jim Lehrer discusses the personal animosity between Yasser Arafat and Ariel Sharon with journalists who have written extensively on the two men.

	April 1, 2002 Mideast Update Kwame Holman begins tonight's coverage of the escalating violence in the Middle East. Henry Kissinger and Zbignew Brzezinski on the Mideast Crisis New York Times correspondents Neil MacFarquhar and James Bennet on the Mideast Crisis.

	April 1, 2002 The Next Step in Israel Henry Kissinger and Zbigniew Brzezinski discuss the continuing violence in Israel and the occupied territories, and the U.S. role in ending the crisis.

	April 1, 2002 Days of Rage in the Middle East Firsthand reports on the violence and political uncertainty in the Middle East from New York Times correspondents Neil MacFarquhar and James Bennet.



	MARCH March 29, 2002 Background: War or Peace? Ray Suarez reports on the Israeli military offensive.

	March 29, 2002 War or Peace: The Israeli View Alon Pinkas, Israel's consul general in New York, discusses his country's military moves against the Palestinian Authority.

	March 29, 2002 War or Peace: The Palestinian View Hasan Rahman, chief Washington representative for the Palestinian Authority, discusses the Israeli takeover of his organization's headquarters.

	March 28, 2002 Background: What's Next in the Mideast An update on the latest violence in the Middle East.

	March 28, 2002 What's Next in the Mideast As Arab leaders endorse a Mideast peace plan, Palestinian leader Arafat says he is ready to implement an unconditional cease fire.

	March 27, 2002 Mideast Summit Prospects As Arab leaders debate a proposed peace plan, a suicide bombing in Israel threatens to derail talks.

	March 27, 2002 Gaza Views Ian Williams of Independent Television News reports from Israeli and Palestinian territories in the disputed Gaza Strip.

	March 26, 2002 Restricting Yasser Arafat Margaret Warner talks to Serge Schmemann, a New York Times correspondent in Jerusalem, about Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's announcement that he would not attend this week's Arab summit in Beirut.

	March 21, 2002 Under the Gun After an update on Thursday's developments in the Middle East, Margaret Warner talks to The New York Times Jerusalem Bureau Chief James Bennet about the many implications of Israel's decision to withdraw from U.S.-sponsored cease-fire talks after a suicide bomber killed three Israelis Thursday.

	March 19, 2002 Making Martyrs: A Palestinian Suicide Bomber Special Correspondent Martin Himmel reports on some of the forces that help create a Palestinian suicide bomber.

	March 14, 2002 Maelstrom: Discussion Four regional U.S. newspaper columnists discuss the Bush administration's position in the Middle East.

	March 14, 2002 Mideast Maelstrom Spencer Michels reports on the escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

	March 14, 2002 Reports from the Middle East An Israeli writer and Palestinian pollster discuss on the ongoing violence and public opinion within the two communities.

	March 12, 2002 New Allies Following a background report, Margaret Warner and guests weigh the risks and benefits of the U.S.'s strategic alliance with former Soviet states.

	March 7, 2002 Iraq Under Pressure For the first time in three years, Iraqis consider letting United Nations nuclear weapons inspectors back into their country.

	March 5, 2002 Background: Proposing Mideast Peace Despite continued attacks and counterattacks between Israelis and Palestinians, a Saudi plan to bring peace to the region appears to be gaining support.

	March 5, 2002 Proposing Mideast Peace Despite continued attacks and counterattacks between Israelis and Palestinians, a Saudi plan to bring peace to the region appears to be gaining support. Margaret Warner discusses the proposal with three guests.



	FEBRUARY Feb. 21, 2002 Background: Mideast Maelstrom Spencer Michels reports on the escalating cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

	Feb. 21, 2002 Middle East Maelstrom Regional experts offer some perspective on the escalating violence between Israel and Palestinians.

	Feb. 20, 2002 Tom's Journal Margaret Warner launches a new feature called "Tom's Journal," a series of conversations with New York Times foreign affairs columnist Tom Friedman. Tonight, he discusses his recent trip to Saudi Arabia.

	Feb. 19, 2002 Inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Part III Elizabeth Farnsworth interviews architect Sami Angawi in the final portion of her three-part series of reports from Saudi Arabia, a nation that has remained largely inaccessible to foreign reporters.

	Feb. 15, 2002 Inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Part II In the second of three reports, Elizabeth Farnsworth explores the debate over Islam, education and culture in Saudi Arabia.

	Feb. 14, 2002 Inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Part I In this first of three reports from Saudi Arabia, Elizabeth Farnsworth explores a country and culture that has remained inaccessible to most foreign journalists until just recently.



	JANUARY Jan. 30, 2002 "Axis of Evil" Experts analyze the president's warning to nations harboring terrorists and its potential impact on the U.S. war on terrorism.

	Jan. 25, 2002 Secretary of State Colin Powell The Secretary of State calls on Yasser Arafat to crack down on Palestinian violence in the Middle East and assesses the impact of a missile test in India.

	Jan. 23, 2002 Coping with Conflict: Israeli Author Amos Oz Israeli author Amos Oz examines politics, love and humor amid the chaos of his country's conflict with the Palestinians.

	Jan. 21, 2002 Building Walls Elizabeth Farnsworth reports on Palestinian views of the conflict with Israel.

	Jan. 18, 2002 Building Walls Elizabeth Farnsworth reports on why Israelis are supporting their government's tough line with Palestinians.

	Jan. 17, 2002 Turkey's Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit The prime minister of Turkey, a longtime ally of the United States, discusses peacekeeping in Afghanistan and concerns about Iraq.

	Jan. 10, 2002 Arms Shipment Terence Smith begins with a background report on the Israeli interception of a ship loaded with weapons in the Red Sea.

	Jan. 10, 2002 Incident at Sea Terrence Smith discusses the situation with Robert Pelletreau, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs during the Clinton administration; Kahlil Jahshan, vice president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee; and David Makovsky, former executive editor of The Jerusalem Post.