 | 2008 JULY
July 23, 2008
Obama Stands by Israel, Calls Iranian Nuclear Threat 'Grave'
As his Mideast tour continues, Sen. Barack Obama reiterated his support for Israel as an ally of the United States Wednesday and focused on his commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
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| July 22, 2008
Another Construction Vehicle Attack Injures at Least 16 in Jerusalem
A Palestinian man from east Jerusalem smashed a backhoe into traffic on a busy Jerusalem street, injuring at least 16 people before being shot dead.
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| July 21, 2008
Obama Meets with al-Maliki in Baghdad
Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Monday on the latest stop of his high-profile overseas tour as the presumptive Democratic nominee.
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| July 18, 2008
U.S. Marks Policy Shifts in Iraq, Iran Nuclear Talks
The Bush administration signaled policy shifts Friday by agreeing to set a "time horizon" for Iraq troop reductions and sending a top U.S. envoy to Iranian nuclear talks. Analyst Michael Rubin and columnist Trudy Rubin examine the moves.
     
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| July 18, 2008
U.S., Iraq to Set 'Time Horizon' on Troop Withdrawal
President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki have agreed to seek "a general time horizon" for reducing U.S. troops in Iraq as part of a broader security agreement, the White House said Friday.
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| July 18, 2008
Inside an Iraqi Detention Site
Camp Bucca in southern Iraq holds about 18,000 Iraqis considered an "imperative security threat". At the U.S.-run facility, the detainees take classes and get visits from their families as they await military reviews of their threat status. Col. David Glaser, who is in charge of detainee operations, describes the facility.
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| July 18, 2008
In Policy Shift, U.S. Envoy to Attend Iran Talks
In a break with past policy on Iran, the Bush administration is sending a delegate to weekend nuclear talks between Iran's chief nuclear negotiator and other world powers, including the European Union.
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| July 16, 2008
Prisoner Swap Renews Focus on Israeli-Hezbollah Tensions
In a deal brokered by the U.N., Hezbollah handed over two coffins containing the remains of Israeli soldiers abducted two years ago, in exchange for the release of five Lebanese prisoners. Analysts discuss the deal, and the debate surrounding it.
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| July 16, 2008
Hezbollah Returns Israeli Remains in Prisoner Swap
Coffins containing the bodies of two Israeli soldiers captured in 2006 by Hezbollah were turned over to Israel Wednesday as part of a trade for the release of five Lebanese prisoners.
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| July 15, 2008
Double Suicide Bombing Kills 28 at Iraqi Army Recruitment Center
Two suicide bombers blew themselves up in a crowd of Iraqi army recruits in the country's troubled Diyala province Tuesday, killing at least 28 people according to Iraqi police and military.
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| July 10, 2008
Iran Continues Missile Tests Despite U.S. Warning
Iran continued its testing of medium- and long-range missiles Thursday after a warning from U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that the U.S. will defend its allies in the region.
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| July 9, 2008
Iran's Missile Launch Provides Test for Obama, McCain
A day after Iran vowed to retaliate against Israel and U.S. interests if Tehran were attacked, the country test-fired nine missiles -- posing a policy test for the presidential hopefuls. Campaign advisers mull the issue.
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| July 9, 2008
Iran Tests Missiles amid Turmoil with U.S., Israel
A day after Tehran vowed to retaliate against Israel and U.S. interests if Iran were attacked, Revolutionary Guards test-fired nine missiles Wednesday, state-run media reported.
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| July 8, 2008
In Policy Switch, Iraqis Push for U.S. Withdrawal Timetable
For the first time this week, Iraqi President Nouri al-Maliki said that he expects a pending troop deal with the U.S. to include a timetable for withdrawal. Two Iraq analysts weigh the state of U.S.-Iraqi relations.
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| July 2, 2008
Bulldozer Attack Kills 3 on Jerusalem Street
A Palestinian driving a 20-ton construction vehicle attacked cars, buses and pedestrians on Jerusalem's main Jaffa Road on Wednesday, killing at least three, wounding 45 and causing panic on the busy downtown street.
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| JUNE
June 30, 2008
Iraq Opens Oil Fields to Foreign Firms for Output Boost
The Iraqi government announced Monday it was accepting international bids for contracts to operate six of its oil fields. An economics expert discusses the prospect of Western oil companies working in Iraq.
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| June 30, 2008
U.S. Lacked Clear Plan for Postwar Iraq, Army Report Says
The U.S. Army released a report Monday outlining the problems that kept it from being able to stabilize Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. Military experts discuss the report's findings.
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| June 30, 2008
Iraqis Open Oil to Foreign Firms to Boost Output
The Iraqi government opened six of its oil fields to international bidders Monday as the nation attempts to increase daily production by 60 percent, leaving the door open for top Western companies to tap into the world's third largest oil reserves.
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| June 25, 2008
Prime Minister Olmert Avoids Early Elections
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert averted a split in Israel's coalition and staved off a key coalition partner's threat to bring down the government, giving him at least a few more months to pursue peace agreements with the Palestinians and Syria.
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| June 24, 2008
Bomb Kills 4 Americans, 4 Iraqis in Sadr City
A bomb struck a municipal council building Tuesday in Baghdad, killing two U.S. soldiers, two U.S. government civilian employees, four Iraqi civilians and an Italian of Iraqi origin working as an interpreter for the Americans, U.S. officials said.
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| June 23, 2008
European Union Imposes New Sanctions on Iran
European Union nations agreed on Monday to impose new sanctions against Iran, including an assets freeze of the country's biggest bank, which is suspected of providing services to Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
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| June 20, 2008
Detention Centers in Iraq Move from 'Chaos' to Reform
The abuse of detainees at the hands of U.S. soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq spurred worldwide protests, al-Qaida recruitment videos and system-wide changes at U.S.-run detention facilities in Iraq.
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| June 19, 2008
Fragile Cease-fire Between Israel and Hamas Takes Effect
The truce between Israel and Hamas took effect on Thursday, with both sides halting fighting in the Gaza Strip. But even as it begun, the truce between the two warring sides is said to already be in jeopardy.
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| June 18, 2008
Report Details Alleged Abuse of Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib Detainees
The alleged abuse of 11 men, captured by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and held at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib, is detailed in a report released Wednesday by the advocacy group Physicians for Human Rights.
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| June 18, 2008
Israel Reaches Out to Lebanon Amid Regional Peace Efforts
Following news of a truce with Hamas, peace talks with Syria and prisoner-swap negotiations with Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Israeli government announced Wednesday that it is interested in opening negotiations with Lebanon.
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| June 17, 2008
More Than 50 Killed in Iraq Car Bomb Attack
A car bomb exploded in a crowded market area in a Shiite neighborhood in Baghdad on Tuesday, killing more than 50 people and wounding 75 others, officials said. It was the deadliest such attack in the Iraqi capital in months.
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| June 17, 2008
Israel and Hamas Agree to Truce in Gaza Strip, Officials Say
Israel and the militant Palestinian group Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip starting Thursday, Egyptian officials reported Tuesday.
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| June 16, 2008
Britain, E.U. to Tighten Sanctions Against Iran
Britain will freeze assets of Iran's largest bank in a new move to discourage the country from developing nuclear weapons, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Monday as President Bush continued his farewell trip to Europe with a visit to London.
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| June 13, 2008
Iraq, U.S. Deadlocked Over Long-term Security Deal
Iraq and the United States are negotiating terms for a continued U.S. presence there once a U.N. mandate expires at the end of 2008, but quarrels over troop levels have led to an impasse. A reporter outlines the ongoing negotiations, which have become contentious.
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| June 2, 2008
Nuclear Inspectors Head to Syria to Look at Site Bombed by Israel
International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei announced Monday that an inspection team was heading to Syria June 22 to clear up the lingering mystery about a Syrian military site bombed in an Israeli raid in September.
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| MAY
May 29, 2008
Iraq Asks Leaders to Lift Sanctions, Forgive Debt
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki asked world leaders Thursday "to end the international sanctions that were imposed on Iraq because of the previous regime and to write off debts" that are an "impediment against reconstruction and development."
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| May 28, 2008
Israel Defense Minister Demands Olmert Resign
Israel's defense minister issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Wednesday, demanding that he step down over corruption allegations or face early elections.
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| May 27, 2008
IAEA Voices 'Serious Concern' on Iran's Nuclear Ability
The International Atomic Energy Agency released a report Monday stating that Iran's suspected research into nuclear weapons remained "a matter of serious concern." Analysts examine what actions the international community should take.
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| May 22, 2008
Iraqi Forces Assert Security Control With Mixed Success
Iraqi forces entered Sadr City in Baghdad this week to help curb ongoing fighting in the Shiite stronghold. The incursion is part of a wave of offensives that Gen. David Petraeus said Thursday were helping to improve overall security. Analysts examine the state of the Iraq conflict.
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| May 21, 2008
Iraq Vets Recount Concerns Over Rules of Engagement
A panel of Democrats in the House of Representatives heard presentations last week from a group of veterans who say they witnessed and participated in widespread misconduct during their time in Iraq.
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| May 21, 2008
Rival Lebanese Leaders Sign Political Pact
Feuding Lebanese leaders signed a breakthrough deal Wednesday to end 18 months of political conflict, abating fears of a fresh civil war and opening the door for the election of a new president.
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| May 20, 2008
Iraqi Army Moves Into Sadr Militia Stronghold
About 10,000 Iraqi police and soldiers on Tuesday entered Sadr City in Baghdad -- formerly the scene of weeks of fighting between militants loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and Iraqi and U.S. forces -- meeting little resistance.
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| May 16, 2008
Oil Tops $127 but Saudi Arabia Declines to Increase Production
As oil soared to a record-high $127 a barrel on Friday, Saudi Arabia's leader rebuffed appeals by President Bush to increase oil production, saying they did not see enough demand to warrant increased output.
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| May 15, 2008
Deal Reached to End Fighting in Lebanon Standoff
Arab mediators brokered a deal on Thursday to end days of fighting between the government and Hezbollah after the government's ruling coalition backed down on two measures that infuriated the opposition.
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| May 9, 2008
Hezbollah Gunmen Seize Control of Beirut Neighborhoods
In some of the worst sectarian clashes in years, Shiite Hezbollah gunmen seized control of nearly all of Beirut's Muslim sector Friday and fresh tensions emerged between the group and the U.S.-backed Lebanese government.
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| May 8, 2008
Words in Conflict: Israeli, Palestinian Poetry
Poets in the Middle East are often held in high regard, and many achieve a level of celebrity and authority not common in the West. Tonight, in recognition of Israel's 60th anniversary, Jeffrey Brown has an encore report on the lives of Israeli and Palestinian poets.
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| May 8, 2008
Clashes Erupt as Hezbollah Chief Claims 'War'
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said Thursday that the Lebanese government had declared war on his Shiite militant group by declaring its private telecommunications network an illegal threat to state security.
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| APRIL
April 30, 2008
U.S. Deaths Hit Seven-Month High in Iraq
The killings of three American soldiers in separate attacks in Baghdad on Tuesday brought the monthly death toll for U.S. troops in Iraq to 47, the highest since September, the military reported.
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| April 29, 2008
Iraqis Seek Refuge in U.S. After Working With American Forces
Facing the threat of kidnapping, torture, and beheadings, Iraqi interpreters who have worked for U.S. forces are seeking refuge for themselves and their families in the United States. Lee Hochberg of Oregon Public Broadcasting reports on their search for safety.
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| April 28, 2008
Three U.S. Soldiers Killed in Baghdad Rocket Attack
Three U.S. soldiers were killed in a Baghdad rocket attack Monday, following a weekend in which U.S. forces killed 45 Shiite militia fighters during fierce battles in the Iraqi capital. New York Times reporter Michael Gordon updates the story from Baghdad.
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| April 24, 2008
CIA Presents New Evidence of Syria-N. Korea Nuclear Link
CIA officials briefed House and Senate members Thursday on classified evidence, including a video, linking North Korea to a Syrian nuclear facility that Israel bombed in September 2007. A reporter discusses the details of the emerging story.
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| April 24, 2008
Leaders Struggle to Revive Israeli-Palestinian Talks
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with President Bush Thursday in a bid to provide a needed boost to U.S.-backed peace negotiations with Israel. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat and Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Dan Gillerman discuss the state of the talks.
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| April 24, 2008
U.S. to Illustrate N. Korea-Syria Nuclear Ties
CIA Director Michael Hayden and other intelligence officials are briefing House and Senate members Thursday on classified evidence linking North Korea to a Syrian nuclear facility that Israel bombed in September 2007.
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| April 23, 2008
Petraeus Tapped to Head Mideast Central Command
Defense Secretary Robert Gates nominated Wednesday Gen. David Petraeus to head the U.S. Central Command, which oversees operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military experts analyze the change in role and what it means for U.S. military efforts in the region.
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| April 23, 2008
Mid-East Experts Answer Questions
Last Friday, former President Jimmy Carter met with Khaled Meshaal, the exiled political leader of the Palestinian organization Hamas -- the group that currently controls much of the Gaza Strip. Two experts on the Middle East answered your questions.
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| April 22, 2008
Iraq War Remains Clearly Divisive Issue for Pa. Democrats
For a state that ranks third in the number of its soldiers killed in Iraq, the issue of what American policy should be in the war-torn nation remains a top concern and has divided Pennsylvania Democrats -- even though Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have almost identical voting records and proposals on the matter.
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| April 21, 2008
Iraq PM Seeks Neighbors' Diplomatic, Fiscal Help
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday urged other Arab countries to reopen their embassies in the capital and to cancel his country's debts as a show of support for his government as it cracks down on militias in Iraq.
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| April 18, 2008
Iraqi Refugees Try to Adjust to New Life
Because of continued fighting and instability, more than 4 million Iraqis have fled to other parts of Iraq or to other countries where they feel safer. Some are living in dilapidated refugee camps or trying to get by in other countries.
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| April 18, 2008
Carter Meeting Sparks New Debate Over Engaging Hamas
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter met Friday with leaders from Hamas, a militant group labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S. and Israel. The meeting sparked renewed debate over whether any negotiations should include the Palestinian group.
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| April 17, 2008
Bombing at Sunni Funeral Kills Dozens in Iraq
A funeral for two anti-al-Qaida Sunni tribesman in a town north of Baghdad was the target of a suicide bombing Thursday that killed at least 50 people and wounded many more, according to local police.
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| April 16, 2008
Iran's Role in Iraq, Nuclear Ambitions Cloud U.S. Policy
Six-nation talks over Iran's nuclear ambitions ended Wednesday in stalemate, though President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he was open to continued talks. Amid allegations of an Iranian role in Iraqi violence, analysts consider the state of U.S.-Iranian relations.
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| April 16, 2008
Israeli Gaza Strikes Kill as Many as 19 Palestinians
Israeli forces killed at least 19 Palestinians, mostly civilians and a journalist, in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip on Wednesday, medical officials and witnesses told news organizations.
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| April 15, 2008
Deadly Car Bombs Kill Dozens in Baqouba, Ramadi
Car bombs and a suicide attacker struck Baghdad and cities to the north and west of the capital on Tuesday, killing nearly 60 people and shattering a recent lull in violence in predominantly Sunni areas while fighting rages in the country's south.
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| April 11, 2008
Assassination of Al-Sadr Aide Threatens Cease-fire
A relative and senior aide of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr was killed Friday in the holy city of Najaf. The assassination threatens to raise tensions amid a violent standoff between al-Sadr's Mahdi Army and the U.S.-backed Iraqi government.
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| April 9, 2008
House Members Discuss Petraeus, Crocker Iraq Hearing
Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker briefed Congress for a second day Wednesday, discussing the situation in Iraq with lawmakers in the House. Two House members reflect on the hearings and the road ahead for Iraq policy.
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