The Wrap Up

Its that time of the day, its a little after 5 O'Clock lets see whats going on.

• United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan reports that Iraq is on the verge of Civil War. This news comes at a time when the Bush Administration has begun working harder on its diplomatic efforts to resolve and stabilize the situation in Iraq.

• Vice President Dick Cheney met with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah over the weekend. Meeting notes included; the developments in Iraq, Irans influence in the region, the status of Hamas in Gaza, Syrias diplomatic status, and Syrias role in Lebanon's government.
  

• President Bush will be meeting with NATO later this week. The White House says that he will be asking for more NATO forces to fight in Afghanistan. As well he wants less restriction what these forces can and cannot do.
  

• Iraq's President Jalal Talbini arrived in Iran earlier today to meet with his Iranian counterpart. Their conversation included finding a way to calm the escalating violence in Iraq. These talks also show Iran's growing diplomatic strength in the region.
  

• The draft proposal of the Iraqi Study group came out. It sets forth a Middle East diplomatic initiative including face to face talks with Syria and Iran. However it sets no time table for troop withdrawal. Little debate is expected over the diplomatic initiative however the lack of time table will see much debate. Congressional leaders will continue their screams for a troop reduction in Iraq. Members of Congress feel that until the U.S. sets forth a time table for troop withdrawal, the Iraqi government will continue to be slow in creating an effective military force.
  

• Israel and Palestinian leaders have committed to a ceasefire in Gaza.

In Informed Students news we are working on 2 new features for the blog--a podcast version of the Wrap Up and a weekly wrap up live Radio show on the WCDB Albany. They are both in the very early planning stages however we hope to have these features up by the New Year.