Today's Story Line

There's movement again in the fitful Middle East peace process. Today, Israel hands more land over to Palestinian control, and talks between the two sides restart in Washington.

This week, the US House of Representatives is expected to vote on a $1.6 billion antidrug package for Colombia's intertwined fight against narcotics and rebels. In the meantime, youths dressed in shamrock-green jumpsuits are part of a more modest effort to bring civility to Bogot .

David Clark Scott World editor

Reporters on the job

*CABBIES CALL FOR CALVARY: If Bogot's cabbies had their druthers, it seems, US troops would be on their way to fight in Colombia's civil war. "I wasn't even asking taxi drivers what they thought of the conflict or the big dollars the Americans are talking about sending," says the Monitor's Howard LaFranchi. "But they asked where I was from and as soon as I responded, 'The US,' several immediately said what Colombia needs is a full US intervention. "I told them not to hold their breath."

*ON MOUNT NEBO: Pope John Paul II's first stop in the Holy Land yesterday was at Mount Nebo in Jordan. A hilltop church marks the spot where the Bible says Moses first saw the Promised Land. But it was also listed as a "private" visit, meaning press access would be tight. "How private?" wondered the Monitor's Scott Peterson, his competitive juices flowing. He called the Jordanian government press office."The Christian Science Monitor? Based in Jordan?" the official asked. "Of course, we must put you on the list." Inside the spartan stone church, Scott was among a handful of journalists allowed to watch the pontiff pray for Mideast peace, hands clasped together as the clutch of church officials fell silent. Moments later, the pope smiled when a group of schoolgirls inside clapped, sang, and chanted, "John Paul II, we love you."

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