Former Hamas Spokesman Decries Group's Extremism ATFP World Press Roundup Article from McClatchy News by Dion Nissenbaum - October 31, 2007 - 5:12pm For roughly two decades, Ghazi Hamad has been a reliable champion for Hamas and its hard-line Islamist ideology, first as a leader of Palestinian street protests, then as an editor of a pro-Hamas newspaper and most recently as the chief spokesman for deposed Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh. Now, however, Hamad has emerged as one of Hamas' most caustic critics. In an open letter to Hamas leaders, he criticizes the group as an uncompromising movement that's lost its way. » Read more

Aid Request Emphasizes U.s. Support Of Palestinian Authority Leadership ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Washington Post by Glenn Kessler - October 31, 2007 - 5:09pm President Bush has proposed a sixfold increase in aid to the Palestinians, including $150 million in direct cash transfers to the Palestinian Authority, in an effort to bolster the government in advance of a Middle East peace conference planned for later this month in Annapolis. » Read more

Condoleezza Rice: From Bethlehem To Annapolis ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Christianity Today by David Neff - (Blog) October 31, 2007 - 5:06pm Last Friday, I joined five other evangelical Protestant leaders for an intense and rewarding half-hour conversation with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Our goal was to assure her of our support as she navigates the treacherous waters of Middle East politics—particularly as she arm-wrestles the various parties toward the summit planned for the beginning of December in Annapolis. The Bush Administration is hoping that foundations can be laid for an enduring, peaceful two-state solution in Israel-Palestine conflict. » Read more