Rivals In Middle East Fast-Track Talks -- Wall Street Journal
U.S. Brokers Deal for Twice-Monthly Israel-Palestinian Meetings, Raising Commitment Level, Stakes
WASHINGTON—The Obama administration moved to fast-track the Middle East peace process, gaining Arab and Israeli support for twice-monthly negotiations aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state within a year.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas agreed Thursday to convene a second round of direct talks in two weeks, culminating two days of meetings hosted by President Barack Obama in Washington that also included the leaders of Jordan and Egypt.
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MIDDLE EAST
Gaza militants vow new Israel attacks after peace talks.
After Iraq war, uncertainty and seemingly mixed messages.
Iran says to strike Israel nuclear site if attacked.
Crowds attack home of Iranian opposition leader.
ASIA
Gates says Pakistan havens still threaten Afghanistan.
Pakistan: Quetta rally bomb kills more than 20.
Japan says too early to resume Korea nuclear talks.
Philippine President takes responsibility for hostage operation.
AFRICA
Dozens dead in army offensive: Darfur rebels.
Militant al-Shabab fighters bear down on Somali capital Mogadishu.
Mainstream US media criticized for ignoring positive developments in Africa.
Egypt TV show stirs debate over Muslim Brotherhood.
Mozambique calm after 2 days of deadly food riots.
EUROPE
Liam Fox rejects sharing aircraft carriers with France.
Russia suffers new forest fire outbreak.
German banker's anti-immigration book riles the nation.
AMERICAS
Earl skirts across Outer Banks, flooding coastal areas.
Gangs vs. Chicago police: an open feud over blame for street violence.
In speech, Calderon acknowledges "central threat" of drug cartels to Mexico.
Mexico: Soldiers kill 25 in troubled border state.
Ecuador and Honduras in row over migrant massacre.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Suicide car bomber wounds 25 police in Tajikistan. Attack in Tajikistan highlights fears of militancy.
Libya frees ex-Gitmo detainee.
Al-Qaeda and counter-terrorism (a book review).
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Fears grow over global food supply.
BP oil spill costs hit $8 billion as ends rig probe.
HSBC threatens to move headquarters away from London.
Brazil oil firm Petrobras plans $65 billion stock sale.