Topic: Mahmoud Abbas

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War with Iran? 5 ways events overseas could shape Obama's second term.

The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is the most urgent example of the foreign-policy challenges that face President Obama in his second term. Here are four others.
Six reasons this UN General Assembly is must-see TV

World leaders descend on New York for the annual United Nations gathering, starting Sept. 25. If the recent past is any guide, it can be a memorable, even explosive, occasion. Here are six moments to watch for, to brace for, this time.
Briefing
Obama vs. Romney 101: 4 differences on Israel

President Obama's positions on Israeli-Palestinian peace have rankled Israel’s conservative coalition government, while Mitt Romney insists he would be a better friend to Israel. Here are some of the issues on which the candidates differ.
Who is Hamas? 5 questions about the Palestinian militant group.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has agreed to form a unity government led by Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority and head of rival Palestinian faction Fatah. But who is Hamas? What is their relationship with Fatah, and what might Hamas gain from reconciling with them? Here are five key questions about Hamas.
North Korea not the only offender: 6 official photo fudgings

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Obama calls Middle Eastern leaders and engages on Gaza
The Monitor's View: Embers of Mideast peace in Gaza

Obama might find small opportunities to build up trust. He can't afford not to.
Cease-fire efforts under way as Gaza conflict simmers

Israel seeks US help on Gaza weapons smuggling, while Arab nations remain divided over a truce.
Fatah, Hamas split widens amid Gaza war

Members of the secular Fatah movement, which controls the Palestinian Authority, are divided over how the group should respond to the ongoing Israeli offensive against Hamas.
Stop shooting, says UN chief, then get a Gaza cease-fire deal

Palestinian disunity could be a sticking point in cease-fire negotiations.
Hamas signals Gaza truce; Israel debates goals
Opinion: An inside story of how the US magnified Palestinian suffering

The covert push to empower Fatah failed. And isolating Hamas just made things worse. But it's not too late to change course.
Opinion: In defense of Israel's 'disproportionate' response in Gaza

It's war. Victory requires a superior military advantage.
Israel agrees to brief bombing break in Gaza

The daily three-hour pause comes amid indications that cease-fire talks may be near.
France's tireless Sarkozy strides into Middle East

The French president starts a Mideast tour Monday. Can he broker an end to another major crisis?
Hamas calls for 'day of wrath' after senior official killed by Israel

The group says suicide attacks may begin again in response to Thursday's Israeli airstrike on the home of Hamas leader Nizar Rayan.
Opinion: Gaza crisis: a crossroads for Obama

It could bring renewal – if Obama is bold enough to stand up to Israel.
Israeli strikes in Gaza risk political win for Hamas

The Islamist militants in Gaza may emerge as a symbol of defiance, much as Hezbollah did in its 2006 war with Israel.
The Monitor's View: Beyond bombs and rockets in Gaza

Israel and Hamas need help looking beyond their immediate concerns.
Calm brings record tourism to Bethlehem

An estimated 1.3 million people visited the West Bank this year, boosting the troubled economy.
Report: Israel set to launch ‘limited operation’ in Gaza

But Israel also reopens border to allow humanitarian supplies into Palestinian territory.
Domestic politics fuels Gaza conflict

Israelis and Palestinians both face heated political contests that are adding to the volatility between Israel and Hamas after a six-month cease-fire broke down last week.
In new ads, Palestinians try to sway Israeli public on peace plan

On Hebrew language billboards and newspaper ads, the Palestinian Authority promotes an Arab peace initiative to skeptical Israelis.
World
Opinion: Israel's plan to free Palestinian prisoners is foolish – and illegal

No nation has the authority to pardon violations of international law.
Palestinian security gets a feminine touch

By adding females to the police force, Palestinian officials hope to improve the image of their security forces.
Secretary Rice fights peace-process inertia

Sunday's meeting in Egypt was probably the Bush administration's last effort to get a Israeli-Palestinian peace deal.
Will Obama change course in the Middle East?

Some Arabs see him as more of an 'honest broker' in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. But that conflict may not be a priority.
Mideast peace: one more push

Condoleezza Rice heads to the area for a summit of powers promoting peace.
Chances for peace emerge in Mideast clashes

On Thursday in Egypt, Israeli President Shimon Peres backed the 'spirit' of a Saudi proposal that offers Arab recognition of Israel.