Bush Optimistic On Mideast Peace Despite Discord ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times by Steven Lee Myers - October 18, 2007 - 5:16pm President Bush expressed optimism on Wednesday that the Israelis and Palestinians could negotiate a peace agreement as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice ended four days of talks here with a spasm of discord between the sides. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, ducked to enter the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem during a visit Wednesday. » Read more

Rice 'encouraged' By Mideast Trip ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press by Matthew Lee - October 18, 2007 - 5:15pm Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday she was encouraged by a round of furious Mideast diplomacy to prepare a U.S.-hosted peace conference in the fall despite divisions between Israel and the Palestinians that could derail it. With tensions running high and time running out to plan the meeting, a senior U.S. official said Rice would return to the region at the end of October or early November after National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley goes there next week to press the two sides to launch formal peace talks. » Read more

Rice Hears Palestinians' Grievances ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Washington Post by Michael Abramowitz - October 18, 2007 - 5:13pm Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice paid an emotional visit Wednesday to the church revered as marking the birthplace of Jesus, before hearing from prominent Palestinians that failure of her new peace initiative could worsen their conflict with Israel. » Read more